next finance meeting. >> It's in the next >> committee meeting. >> In this next meeting, correct, >> Dr. Robert? >> Yes, the we're going to bring them to the board meeting. Mr. Brook, >> thank you. >> And it's going to be in public. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Uh, any other questions for our
ledge committee? >> Okay. Thank you, Vice President Santiago. Uh, finance uh, committee minutes. Mh. Commissioner Bronziac. >> Thank you, President Basford. The finance committee met on June 30th, 2026 at 5:00 p. p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Present at the meeting from the board
were myself, Vice President Santiago, Commissioner Kenova, and Commissioner Ragsdale. Present from administration were Dr. Roberty, Mr. Jingger, Miss Kusvich, Mr. Doctor, and Mr. Uchi. The committee discussed potential opportunities to
join consortiums to save on health insurance costs. The insurance broker will attend the upcoming finance committee meeting in August to discuss their findings and present available options. Mr. reported on a potential
surplus heavily dependent on extraordinary aid figures scheduled to be released in July. In accordance with the audit and resolution, any surplus will be deposited into the maximum fund balance first
with the remainder deposited into the maintenance reserve. The committee then discussed lease agreements. The annual lease with the Church of Christ is up for renewal. The organization currently utilizes Clifton High School on Sundays. The renewal will include a 3% rent increase and utilities
increase. The committee also discussed transportation and security requirements at Clifton High School for Brighton Asylum's operations in the fall. The committee also discussed the potential for in-house counsel as a cost savings tool. Administration is currently
resolving they are currently reviewing legal bills and itemized invoices for potential cost savings. The meeting concluded at 5:30 p.m. Does anyone have any questions? Seeing no questions. Thank you, Commissioner Brunak. I'm going to move
on to public portion. I we I just got a notification that they're working on YouTube's uh sound and the graphic is up on the um the video saying that we have no sound. I It's I believe it's on 44 and 70, right? >> 77,
>> not on YouTube. >> It's working. Thank you. Okay. So, I'm going to move on to public comment. This portion of the meeting is open to residents and non-residents of Clifton for the purpose of addressing any subject matter pertinent to and or directly related to the operations of
the Clifton Public School District. Residents and non-residents are requested to sign the register provided for this purpose and to state their name, address, and subject matter. Comments are limited to five minutes per person. Issues raised by members of the
public may or may not be responded by the board. All comments will be considered and a response will be forthcoming if and when appropriate. The board asks that members of the public be courteous and mindful of the rights of others individuals when speaking.
Specifically, comments regarding students and employees of the board are discouraged and will not be responded to by the board. Students and employees have specific legal rights afforded by the laws of New Jersey. The board bears no responsibility, nor will it be liable
for any comment made by members of the public. Members of the public should consider their comments in light of the legal rights of those affected or identified in their comments and be aware that they are legally responsible or liable for their comments. Um, Mr.
Mountain, do we have anybody online to address the board? Okay. >> Motion to close remote. >> Motion by uh Mr. Bruniac, second by Commissioner um Paris to close public online. Would anyone in the audience
like to address the board that is here now? >> Here's your time. You have five minutes. >> Okay. >> Second. >> Motion by Commissioner Ragsdale. second by Commissioner Brunak. Let's move on. We're getting we got a lot work to do tonight. So, here you go. Um adoption of
the June 17 minutes uh both uh in regular I'm going to do it in one motion and executive. Do I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion by Commissioner Paris, second by Commissioners Suarez. Any comments, questions, concerns before we adopt
them? Commissioner Suarez. >> Thank you, President Bassford. Uh just to make a correction for the executive session. Um there I did not need to excuse myself for where it says I was excused. Um I was present for that conversation. >> Uh with that amendment, uh Commissioner
Paris and Commissioner Suarez, can we amend? Can we adopt the minutes? >> Okay. Any other discussion? >> Roll call. >> Do I have to second the the motion to amend? >> Um >> second. >> Okay. >> The second to amend >> Okay. >> the minutes. So it was first by
Commissioner Paris, second by Commissioner um Bronc to amend with Miss Suarez's correction. Commissioner Suarez correction. Any other comments, questions? Roll call, please. >> Mr. Broniac, >> yes.
>> Mr. Kenova, Miss Esri Barnes, Mr. Paris, >> yes. >> Mr. Ragsdale, >> I wasn't present. Can I vote on approving minutes if I wasn't there? >> You should. Okay. So, Epstein, >> Mr. Ciano,
>> yes. >> Miss Suarez, >> yes. >> Vice President Santiago, >> yes. >> President Basford, >> yes. >> That leads us to uh superintendent report. Dr. Robot. >> Thank you, uh, Madame President. Good evening, board commissioners,
members of the public, and the One Clifton community. It is a pleasure to be here tonight. Happy summer. I hope you're all enjoying yourselves. Hopefully, you've had some time to uh rest and recharge. I'm looking forward to doing so uh myself with my kids soon.
A little vacation coming up. Um looking forward to it. Just want to go over a couple dates with the board and remind you uh of some things you might want to attend if you have the time. Uh next Thursday, July 30th at 9:30 a.m. is the
IC showcase at Woodro Wilson Middle School. Uh that's the culmination of the IC program. Uh it's a a play J, right? It's a musical. Do we know what they're doing this year? >> I do not. >> I do not either. Uh but it's they spend
uh you know a lot of time preparing for uh for the show and it's going to be a wonderful time if you have the time to come. Also, a really great event is our summer graduation, which will be held on August 10th at 10:00 a.m. at Clifton
High School in the auditorium. Uh, that's usually a really, really nice event. And I think we expect about 22 students to uh graduate uh that day. On August 5th, um for the first time,
I'm going on a walkthrough of the parish center at Maple Valley, formerly uh Pope Paul um the 6th school. Um we take control of that building soon. um November at the latest.
Sometime after I pay a visit to the building, I'm going to schedule a time for any board members who wish to tour the building and see um and see, you know, what it looks like. It's it's office space right now. Uh and it has been for many years. It's been the arch
dascese uh offices for um what's this this area? It's the um the Patterson Dasis the P for the Patterson Dascese. So a lot of offices uh a lot of office space there but want to see it for myself. I was there once
five years ago for a quick meeting and I just don't remember. So we have some ideas of what we want to do with that space but I think it'll be great if we all uh get a chance to look at it and have that discussion. Um our next uh board meeting will be on
August 20th and we were initially Mr. Bronziac, as you stated, we were going to have our insurance brokers come to finance committee u but uh in conversations with the board president, vice president, we thought it would be better for everybody to hear from our insurance brokers, especially considering the fact that many of you
might have just read uh in the news uh they're projecting a 34% increase in the state health benefits plan for next year, which is not the plan that we're in, but it really gives an indication of where we're where we're kind of that um
with health benefit increases and it's just a it's a problem that really needs a legislative solution. Uh it's it's something that we can't keep u you know digging a hole and trying to fill it with what we currently have. There really needs to be something done at the legislative level. So, I'm happy to hear
that we are lobbying our legislators to do something. Um, and hopefully that will help. Uh, our administrators uh return um while most of our administrators are 12 months, our elementary principles and APS are 10-month and all administrators return
on August 24th for our admin retreat. New teacher orientation is August 26th. All staff return on September 1st and our students return on September 2nd, which is prior to Labor Day this year. It's one of those rare years where um we
really had to start before Labor Day because of the way the calendar fell. And just an observation, I think we're going on 18 months with nobody on the virtual
on the virtual public comment. just to and I think the last person might have been Mr. Ragsdale now. Um when when I think you you called in one time, right? I think you I think I think you did. It was the only one I remember. Um just an
observation, food for thought. Not sure if that's something that the board wants to continue. Just an observation. Uh Madam President, that's all I have for tonight. I know we got a lot of business to take care of. So, uh thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Um, I don't have a president's report other than I have to
ask you a couple questions because uh some things came up. >> Are we going to do a fireside chat? >> If you like to do, you would like me to turn to look at you? No. Um, I just I want to address some things about the uh the fireworks. Um, was there a rain date submitted with the original application
>> when uh No. When the original application was submitted, it was just the original date. So, has the city reached out to anyone um in the administration to to actually uh schedule a rain date? >> Actually, just today, Mr. Doctor spoke
with the with the city manager, Mr. Demarzo, um about rescheduling a date. He's going to bring it up uh later tonight. I think they're looking at uh one of the days over Labor Day weekend. >> Okay. And I just want because you know I I watched the meetings on the other side
of the street and it was said that we said that absolutely no fireworks after our field is is taken care of. But that was never communicated to the council, was it? >> No. I I I think there might have been a miscommunication with
I think what they were told was where the fireworks could take place, not that they couldn't take place. Meaning we're putting in a brand new field. I think there was some concern about, you know, lighting off the fireworks directly on the field, right? So maybe that I want to give them the benefit of the doubt that that was a miscommunication either
from us or what they heard, but under no circumstances did we ever say that we would not, you know, allow the fireworks. First of all, that wouldn't be our decision. That that would be a board decision on a use of facilities permit. So um and we wouldn't do that anyway. >> Okay. Um the other thing is that uh when
we have our next facility meeting, I [clears throat] want to talk about um some things that I uh witnessed and and experienced with this whole thing that was going on with different chats from people in the community. So I think we need to address
it in facilities and um about the usage the facility usage form and who actually can sign for them and things like that. And then I think we have to be more um detailed with our staff them know who the proper authorized representative is
when it comes to things like that because I think there was a lot of communication miscommunication from the the organizer and and uh I was a little disappointed that the fingers were getting pointed at us. So and then there was also a whole big thing about a beer garden being constructed on our property
and we have a policy against that. So, I want I want to like we're gonna work on it in in uh in our actually committee meetings and clean it up. So, it's not fair to our staff to get burdened with worrying about security and worried about all these, you know, these risks
that we have to pay for because we have to put more people on staff and it's not included in the usage form. So, one of the ideas that I was messing around with, anybody any groups over 300, they have an automatic security personnel of
four people and I I want to bring it up to the committee and then they'll go to finance and we'll we'll talk about it because it's not fair to our staff because they have to go on the weekends and and at night when it's not even our event and we're we're being generous to give these nonprofits our spaces, but
when you have a massive amount of people that certain events that we don't know like the one event we didn't even know who the organizer was and it was a big event. I think that we have to change some things and and it's also to your discretion on who you feel you you need personnel there for. So, but like with a
crowd like for fireworks, >> my worry was like all of a sudden we're having that we're having a beer party and we're having fireworks to me. I was like I was really worried we were going to have a lot of injuries. So, >> yeah, I support that idea, Mrs. Ambassador. I think the policy committee did address that at some point right of
requiring security for certain events. I'm not sure if it was ever finalized though, Mr. Doctor. Do you remember? >> It was actually done through the security uh residency. Okay. Technology and security committee and uh we do have a procedure in place. >> Okay. Well, next for the upcoming
sessions of committees, could you like explain that to every committee so this way they're up to date with it? Absolutely. And this way uh maybe if we have to clean up a little bit of policy or we have to change something with the usage one. But I think the one problem was that one of the people told me that
the restriction about alcoholic beverages is on the third page that maybe it has to be moved up to the first page so people like you know you hit them with a a a brick or a board that they could see it. But they they moved the beer garden from the front over. Um,
you know, I have no problem with anybody celebrating and doing what they want to, but um, it was in front of school one and to me, I don't know, the backdrop was not right, but it is what it is. And I I know they they got a donation from the vendor, which is which is great, but
it's also, you know, it wasn't communicated to us and there was a lot of miscommunication. So, one of the other ideas I came up with was when we have a big event to that extent, the organizer has to meet with you guys when they actually conceive it and they're going to present it the month before and
then the week of they have to meet with our staff just to um get everything cleared and and have everything working because there was no communication. It just there was a lot of misfires and I don't think it was fair to Mr. Doctor and um Mrs. Nola with the with the the
constant communication that was going on all that holiday weekend. So I I didn't think it was fair. So that that's all I have. Anybody have any comments about that they would like to share? All right. So let's move on. Any unfinished business?
Uh Commissioner Suarez? >> Um not specifically. I just wanted to go back to the um facilities minutes just for a change. It says finance on the minutes if it can be changed to facilities. >> Everybody okay with that? All right.
Good. >> Can you read the resolution on disability pride month? >> Yes, President Basford. Disability Pride Month where whereas July is recognized as disability pride month, a time to honor the history, achievements, and contributions of individuals with disabilities while promoting a culture
of inclusion, acceptance, and the understanding that disability is a natural and valuable aspect of human diversity. And whereas individuals with disabilities represent a vibrant and essential part of our community whose perspectives, talents, and resilience enrich every facet of our so society
from education and the arts to science, public service, business, and beyond. And whereas disability pride month serves serves as a powerful opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of people with disabilities and to affirm our shared responsibility to remove barriers that impede access,
opportunity, and full participation in public life. And whereas the Clifton Board of Education recognized the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, including abbleism, physical and digital inaccessibility and systemic inequities that limit opportunities and representation. And
whereas we are committed to fostering a school district and community where every individual is treated with dignity and respect, where differences are embraced, and where all people, regardless of ability, are empowered to live full, independent, and self-determined lives. And whereas we commend the tireless advocacy of
disability rights leaders, organizations, and local champions such as the members of the Clifton Advisory Committee for Individuals with Disability with Disabilities whose dedication continues to advance equity, awareness, and accessibility throughout our community. And whereas the Clifton
Board of Education affirms the critical importance of upholding and protecting disability rights under the New Jersey law against discrimination, the Americans with Disabilities Act and other civil rights laws, ensuring that these protections endure for future generations. And whereas Disability
Pride Month is observed every July to celebrate disability identity and community, mark the anniversary of the M Americans with Disabilities Act, and push for full inclusion in everyday life. The 2026 theme is the world works better with us. Whereas we recognize
this that disability pride is not confined to a single month but must be woven into our policies, practices, and collective mindset throughout the year. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Clifton Board of Education hereby proclaims July 2026 as disability pride month and urges all members of our
school community to join us in celebrating the contributions of individuals with disabilities and reaffirming our commitment to equity, access, and inclusion for all. Thank you, Vice President Santiago. I'm looking to speak uh see a motion for B1
through 16. >> Motion. >> Second. Motion by Commissioner Brunziac, second by Commissioner Suarez. Any discussion? >> Seeing none, Mr. Dr. Roll call. >> Mr. Bronziac. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kenova, Miss Barnes. Mr. Paris,
>> yes. >> Mr. Ragsdale, >> yes. >> Mr. Ciano, >> yes. Miss Suarez, >> yes. >> Vice President Santiago, >> yes. >> President Basser, >> yes. Uh, let's move on to personnel. Uh, P1 through
28. Can I have a motion? >> Second. >> Motion by uh, Commissioner Brunac, second by uh, Vice President Santiago. Discussion on personnel matters. Seeing none, roll call. >> Mr. Bronzak. Yes,
>> Mr. Kenova. Mr. Estri Barnes. Mr. Paris. >> Yes, >> Mr. Ragsdale. >> Yes, >> Mr. Ciano. >> Yes, >> Miss Suarez. >> Yes, >> Vice President Santiago. >> Yes, >> President Bassford. >> Yes. Thank you everyone for that. Um,
finance and facilities uh 1 through 14. >> Motion. >> Second. Motion by Commissioner Brun. I should just get a recording. A second by >> Commissioner Suarez any uh discussion or
question or concern >> seeing L roll call >> Mr. Brunak >> yes >> Mr. Kenova miss Barnes Mr. Paris >> yes >> Mr. Ragdale >> yes >> Mr. Iano. >> Yes. >> Miss Suarez.
>> Yes. Abstain from check number 228132. >> Vice President Santiago. >> Yes. >> President Bassford. >> Yes. I'm going to ask for a motion to um accept the addended item uh the H the
added addendum items. >> One through >> H1 through three. Motion. >> Second. Motion to accept uh h the agenda items by Commissioner Brunak. Second by Commissioner Suarez. Now motion to move them. We have to accept them into the
because they're late. >> Motion to move. >> Second. Motion by Commissioner uh Brunak. Second by Commissioner Suarez to move them. Any comments, question or concern on the agenda? >> I have a discussion for this. >> M Comm Commissioner Ragdale.
>> Yes. So, um I'm hoping that the board could I don't know if the solution to this would be tableabling it and reconsidering it the position of assistant superintendent of business/coboard secretary. Um I'll begin by saying this is not at all personal to you know the possible people
involved whatsoever but I think that this is an opportunity for real cost savings especially as it relates to administration. Um, it's my understanding that this position was that this title was created in 2023 and
at that time the district had a BA, a business administrator and a deputy BA due to an issue where the BA had to go on leave. The district changed the title, I suppose, of the deputy BA to the assistant
superintendent of business. While I know it's maintained that there's no additional position added, I'd argue that there is a significant difference between a deputy BA and a salary maybe that goes with that and an assistant superintendent of business.
Um, to me, you know, even after that situation where the BA had to go on leave, when the VA came back, there was no going back to our old system. So in other words, we created that very high paid administration role to remedy an
issue and when the issue naturally uh became remedied, we didn't kind of put everything back into place. So to me that there is a cost savings here. Prior to that, and this was I mean barely three years ago, we worked off of a BA and a deputy BA. So I'm curious as to why we can't continue with how we used
to make it work. um you know with all these budget issues, everyone's making a sacrifice from our teachers, whether it be the sub issue to our students and even us having to make these tough budget decisions. Um so again, I think this is something worth considering maybe tableabling just for, you know, further justification or something along
those lines. >> Thank you, Commissioner Ragsdale. Superintendent Rozi, would you like to address that? >> While I respect Mr. Ragsdale very very much. I think that his opinion
um is clearly uh based on incorrect evidence and therefore factually wrong tonight. By making this recommendation to appoint an assistant superintendent of business, I've eliminated a central administrative
position. I took two jobs and created one. So you want to talk about cost savings tonight. We're saving the district $183,000. If it's the title you're concerned about, what would it matter whether what we
called the person if the salary is the same? If we're worried that the title is assistant superintendent, that doesn't make any sense to me. Let me repeat. We took two central administrative jobs and put them into
one, therefore saving the district $183,000. If that's not cost savings, I'm not sure what is. I stand by my recommendation and I would I would respectfully ask for a board for a board vote on it.
>> May I? So I I understand that, right? But so you're comparing this to the salary of $183,000. But I guess my point is that that salary shouldn't be there in the first place because barely 3 years ago we didn't even have that position and the only reason why it was
created was because someone went on leave. That person has come back. So I guess that that's my that's my maybe point of confusion. So, if I may hopefully try to um explain, there was always two positions.
Regardless of the title, there were two positions. There was a business administrator, there was an assistant business administrator. Now, upon my recommendation, there will be an assistant superintendent and a business administrator. Two positions, two positions. Is there a salary
difference? Yes. To your point, we're talking about a difference of between 35 and $40,000 um in a dis in a district uh with a $300 million budget in a position that we
just combined two positions into one. Fiscal sense is what it it makes fiscal sense to me. It makes organizational sense to me. In fact, it doesn't make sense that I'm giving the guy two recommending that he gets two jobs. He should be he should be getting paid a
lot more. Giving him two jobs. >> But was the assistant superintendent of business is that position higher on the organizational chart than a than a assistant NBA? >> The the title itself. >> Yeah. >> In the organizational chart, is that higher?
>> Is it higher? Sure. So, it's hard to call it the same position with a salary increase of that type. And even it goes it goes above, you know, the person. >> I didn't say it was the same position to be clear. What I said was there was always two positions, >> whatever you want to call them.
>> If we called this position the director of operations and we combined the two positions, would you still have an issue with it? That's what that's what's not making sense to me. We've taken two jobs. We've created one. If I flipped the titles, would it make a difference?
>> The job already existed, right? >> The assistant superintendent of business job already existed >> and the director of operations. >> How could that be true? >> Because the person just resigned >> two months ago. >> Okay. So, right, again, I'm talking about the the positions themselves,
right? Like the assistant. Why did we create that title? At least to my understanding, it's because the BA went on leave and >> we am I wrong? We and we made the assistant. >> We promoted the assistant at the time because at the time he was doing very
good work and the board upon my recommendation voted on giving that person a promotion. >> To to your point, there were two there were two jobs. There was always two people. >> Yeah. We we had >> we've always had two people but to me at
least a BA and an assistant BA is not equal to a BA and an assistant superintendent of business. >> But but you what you're not seeing Lois let me just say this to you is that the I we have I have to be very careful about not violating anybody rights. The
job responsibilities for this new position that we are offering this person is more they're doing more than just a BA is doing. They're handling facility things. They're handling oper am I wrong? Operational matters. They're handling all these other things besides
>> all those things were handled before under the other system. >> The same person but by the same person. So I'm saying we we took I don't know I maybe I'm not explaining myself well enough. >> Forgive me if I'm not. Please forgive me if I'm not. We took two positions and
made one. Where we were spending 400,000 we are now spending 200,000 give or take. I mean listen it is what it is but but to me you know at three years ago we had a it's just not the same I think I guess
my issue is that we are you know we keep maintaining that it's it's the same as it was nothing changed but to have a deput assistant BA spot and say it's the same as a superintendent of business spot >> what I said I didn't say that one time >> right so I I guess my point is why can't
we go back to the BA and assistant BA system >> because the responsibilities of this position are far vaster than an assistant BA far exceed that of an assistant BA. >> Dr. Robosi, may I? So, my recollection uh of the change was that the job duties
um when it was the BA and the assistant BA um were elevated uh extended and and made much more broad for the assistant superintendent of business at the time uh due to the frankly the the
volume of of work necessary to efficiently and effectively run this district. the assistant superintendent of business had a much broader uh scope of work than the assistant business administrator ever did. So, what really is going on here is if you go back, you
had an assistant BA, a BA, and you had a director of operations. Um, now you're going to have a business administrator and a assistant superintendent of a combined title where you took to the director of operations and consolidated
the duties of two positions into a single position. So it was never the assistance the assistant business administrator position hierarchially was always lower than um the BA or an assistant superintendent. It was it was an
ineffective it was it was deemed by this board of education to be an ineffective way of of operating and managing your business operations because of frankly the size and scope of this district.
And so what was three positions became two positions. Well, it was really three positions became two positions. and then the director of operations and the assistant superintendent of business becomes one title with a combin or what however
you're titling it. It doesn't matter to me. Um Dr. Rob, I agree with you. It doesn't matter what you call somebody. It's what they're doing that matters. And the scope um of the combined position um eliminates one of those other two remaining positions that you
had two months ago. Literally two months ago. Yes, sir. And thank you, Mr. Tavigan, for that explanation. I I hope that helps, too. Um, but I also want to point out while we're saving the $183,000 in
salary, I have pointed out to this board's many times during budget season that our administrative costs are far lower than the vast majority of districts our size. Like, not even bottom third. >> Bottom third, >> bottom third.
>> Our per pupil costs ranked 32 out of 96 districts. So to to say that this position is not warranted or to want to go back to a structure that I I deemed is not
working well. Um I think doesn't make doesn't make much sense. So I hope that the explanation helps you in some way. Mr. Rexdale, obviously I do have a lot of respect for you and you have to vote how you see fit. Um, but I just I want to make sure you're
voting on the for the right reasons based on the right facts. That's all I want to make sure. So if you say you understand everything we said tonight and you still say no, that's I respect that. >> I have a question because we don't have an org chart in front of us. >> Let's start at the top. Who's first?
>> Me. >> The board. >> Board. I report to the board. >> Okay. Then under how break it down for us. >> Assistant superend. >> We can get a visual in our head. >> Y assistant superintendent >> which is you have >> Janita. >> Okay. Then >> Mark,
>> right? >> And hopefully the recommendation tonight. >> Okay. >> And then after that would be the >> BA. Okay. >> See, I I need to see >> technically speaking, you still have the assistant superintendent of business job position existing.
>> It's still there, right? So it's really the super the board the superintendent then you have three >> right >> assistant superintendent and under them are a number of directors. >> We are 11,000 >> like seven other directors.
>> Who do you compare us to? >> Um I compare us to what the DOE compares us to and that's a cohort of 96 districts. And then how many how many assistant superintendent like do they have like >> it depends on the size but I mean you
could look at a district like Payic and there's double the amount >> there's there's double um not even go to Patterson because that's an anomaly but I think the the bigger issue is when you look at administrative cost as a whole we're in the bottom third per people
cost we're in the bottom third so I think I think we try to be as responsible as we can And I think eliminating a a significant position in this district and aloc reallocating those duties for a little bit more money
is a very reasonable thing to do. Um so I don't know. >> Do you have many more? >> I mean again it it is what it is. To me, we went from a BA and an assistant to a BA and an assistant superintendent,
which to me is taking, you know, the head of a department and assistant, and now we have two heads of departments. >> I love you so much. >> Was that wrong? >> I love you. >> I don't feel like I don't feel like you've heard anything we've said. I love you so much. Maybe I feel like you're
listening, but I don't feel like you're Maybe I got it wrong. I feel like you're hearing, but you're not listening. But I love you. I love you. No matter what. No. As you know, we've talked multiple times today. I've been looking at this all day for hours and I seem to not understand. I guess >> let me let me try to explain. >> No, you don't have to. You don't have to
vote. No, no, no. Vote. Vote. It's okay. Vote. Just >> when we when we did approve this members on this board, we approved it due to the recommendation of the superintendent because of the needs of the district. That's and because of the workload. That's why we did approve that position originally.
That's what that was about. All right. Any other questions? comments or concerns. >> Very thoroughly. >> Roll call. Mr. Doctor, >> uh, we need a we need to move it first. >> I thought it was >> we moved the whole agenda. We moved the
mo we moved the motion, but we didn't >> discussion. We're voting on it now. >> Mr. Brunette, >> yes. >> Mr. Kenova, Mr. Estri Barnes, Mr. Paris, >> yes. I need to abstain at two and three. >> Mr. Ragsdale.
>> Yes to all but no to I'm sorry. Yes to one three and I'm sorry. No to two and three. Yes to the rest. >> Mr. Ciano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Suarez. >> Yes.
>> Vice President Santiago. >> Yes. Abstain on two and three. >> President Bassford. >> Yes. >> One carries. two and three do not. >> So, just to be clear, um uh Mr. Doctor
did not that appointment did not go through because there needs to be five affirmative votes. >> Um not a majority of the board. Uh it has to be five affirmative votes. Um, I would strongly recommend if if it's possible and if the board permits it
that we try to um instead of waiting a month because I'll be recommending this every month until I die. This recommendation will be on the agenda every month and so we don't have to wait another month. Could we have another vote and try to get another board member? >> I'm okay with doing a special meeting on this vote. I'm okay with that. It should
take 10 minutes to me. I I'm okay with doing that. Thank you. >> Somebody needs to make a motion. >> Okay. Can I can I can I change my vote because since I'm since I'm apparently if I'm really wrong then you know what I will I I'll vote yes.
>> Okay. Make a motion to recall the vote. >> No no no recall. >> Okay. So um >> well we need to people that voted no. The winning side need the person who cast the one that winning votes need to motion to resend. >> Okay.
>> Not not you. You didn't win. So Um, and so it's either the no vote >> or the abstension >> or the abstension >> needs to resend. We need to resend the vote. >> So I can change my move to resend. >> Okay. I'm going to trust my colleagues
and the superintendent who I do trust very much and you know maybe this is a lapse on me. So I will I will motion to resend my vote. >> No, anyone can second. >> Second. >> Okay. Motion to resend the uh approval of addendum items H was by Commissioner
Ragdale. Second by Commissioner Brunak. >> Only on items two and three. >> Only on items two and three. Do we have any more discussion on this before I call roll call? Roll call, please. Mr. Doctor, on two and three. >> On two and three. Mr. Brunette, >> yes. >> Mr. Kenova, Miss Estri Barnes. Mr.
Paris, >> abstain. >> Mr. Ragdale, >> yes. >> Mr. Siano, >> yes. >> Miss Suarez, >> yes. >> President Santiago, >> I also have to abstain. President Bassford. >> Yes. >> Okay. So now that just rescended the
vote. Now you need to move items two and three, please. >> Okay. I need I need a >> motion to move items two and three. >> Motion by Commissioner Brunak, second by Commissioner [clears throat] Ciano to move items H, addendum items two and
three. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bronzaki. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kenova. Miss Barnes. Mr. Paris. Mr. Ragsdale. >> Yes. >> M uh Mr. Siano. >> Yes. >> Miss Suarez. >> Yes.
>> Vice President Santiago. >> President Bassford. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. [applause] >> I trust my colleagues and the superintendent. Thank you. >> Mr. Doctor, congratulations. >> Would you like to speak, Mr. Doctor?
>> Would you like to come up to the podium and speak? >> If you don't mind, I can >> Well, you can do whatever you want, but usually it's tradition that a newly positioned employee gets >> got to go give your kids a hug, >> right? That was all set up by the way.
>> Good evening everyone. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the board of education, Dr. Roberto, Mr. Jingaro, Miss Cosvich for your trust and support. Having served in this district for 26 years, stepping into the role of assistant superintendent of business is
an honor. I'm thrilled to join this extraordinary leadership team in a new capacity and look forward to continuing to maximize our resources in a fiscally responsible manner to support our students, staff, and community. Of course, I wouldn't be here without the
incredible support system behind me. Specifically, my two sons, Nick and Matt, who are a constant motivation for me to show you how to succeed, whatever you do. And to my fiance, Megan. Thank you for your endless encouragement, patience, and love through every step of
my career. I'm excited to take on this new challenge and continue serving our amazing district. Thank you. All right, moving on. We're going to move on to board member comments. Starting with Commissioner Brunak. >> Thank you, President Bassford. Good
evening, everyone. Want to start off by giving a shout out to our admin, staff, and students. On the last day of school, June 26th, these two students, they came home from Woodro Wilson Middle School, and they didn't just lamp at home. They
went to school 14 to wish the fifth graders best of luck coming to Woodro and to say hi to Mr. Patricia, Miss Fitzpatrick, and their teachers. [snorts] So, I want to give a shout out to these two girls, Bella and her
friend. And um I and shout out to their parents too, Paty Webster and Melissa uh CHS graduates as well. So ju just everybody how they get an idea of how profound impact some of these uh administration and staff and
fellow students are on these on these other students. They could have went home. They could have lamp by the pool doing anything they want. They ended up coming to school 14 for the walk out uh outside waiting for all them for the fifth graders and to say hi. Absolutely
fantastic to see. So uh shout out big time. Um next I want to wish Santa good luck tonight in his rematch against the Grinch. Couple of weeks ago in his rematch in Wildwood tonight. Couple of weeks ago, I saw an
out ofshaped Santa get his butt kicked by an insanely talented Grinch's and Santa was laid out in the ring. The Grinch was dancing all over Santa and had this awesome jig. Santa, I hope you get your revenge tonight.
Uh, shout out to Tommy Fiero and the rest of the crew at ISPW for hosting such a wonderful event as usual. Uh finally, shout out to everybody who was a part of Clifton Day. It was absolutely fantastic. Uh
July 11th, I believe it was. Uh wonderful vendors over there, including some of my colleagues. I saw a bunch of my colleagues there. So, I want to give a shout out to everybody was there who was there as well. It was great to see everybody. And we we skipped the it was raining a little bit, but it ended up
working out well. Thank you for your time and God bless America. Have a good night, everybody. Thank you, Commissioner Brunia. Commissioner Paris. >> Thank you, President Bassford. Uh, just a congratulations to all our graduates. And Dr. Robert Toy, just want to make
sure it gets out there. What's our graduation rate this year? >> It has increased to um almost 92%. >> 92%. So, that's phenomenal. Congratulations to the staff and our
students um for that. I hope everybody's having a wonderful, safe, and happy summer. Look forward to seeing everyone back in September. That's all I have for this evening. >> Thank you, Commissioner Paris. Uh Commissioner Ragsel, >> thank you. I will begin by congratulating Mr. Doctor on his
position. And like I said, you know, maybe I guess if everyone else said said yes and I like I said, I trust my superintendent, then I will take that and and I'll study it later and we'll talk about it. >> Um, congratulations to the graduates um that did graduate and moved on all over
the district. I apologize to the public for my absences recently. It was due to an urgent family matter that caused me to miss the meetings, but I have been diligent in attending committee meetings and everything else. Um, let's see. Just a question. So, I know
we're actively changing things with communications. Um, we don't post the board of ed announcements, I noticed anymore. I think that's something worth doing just when the meetings are kind of thing. And then I know we also didn't post like graduation, which to me is like one of the major ones. So,
>> the just for clarity, was the was this the first month that we didn't do the board or was it the last couple months? Do you remember? >> I think it might have been the last couple. >> Okay. I'll make sure that we do that. Um, as far as graduation, I think I don't know if the live stream I mean the live
stream went out, right? So maybe that was it. Um, but >> there should have been a social media post. >> Yeah, I just I know like I said, I know we're reorganizing things, so just making sure all bases are covered. Um, and other than that, that's all I have. Have a great night. Be safe. Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Ragsdale.
Commissioner Ciano, >> thank you so much. Good evening, everyone. Um, so yeah, Clifton Day. I want to thank the commissioners, um, Brunziaak, Commissioner Ragsdale, Commissioner Paris, President Bassford, you all came out. Was it was a good day,
I think, with everybody. A big shout out to Commissioner Kenova because he called up, donated his time, um, being the DJ, which was amazing. And it was a really great day. We had all the nonprofits there, which, you know, so many people didn't know what was available to them. And to see that, I was very happy. Uh,
congrats to all the graduates. It is such an honor to go to the moving up ceremonies and the high school graduation. I wish the best of luck to everyone and I know you're all going to make the district proud. Mr. Doctor, congratulations to you. You know, I call you doc, but remember
doctors are on a whole another level. That's what I think you are. And I think it's a, you know, it's a nickname, but it's, you know, I got nothing but faith in you, and I know you're going to do really well. August 3rd, just to let everybody know, is National Night Out. I'm looking forward to that. going to main memorial, seeing everybody over
there. I hope everybody's enjoying the summer and that is all I have for tonight. So, be good to yourselves, your fur babies, and each other. >> Uh, thank you, Commissioner Ciano, Commissioner Suarez. >> Thank you, President Bassford. Good evening, everyone. I truly hope that you
are enjoying your summer. Uh, I wanted to share some words in light of disability pride month. I will share a quote from Judy Humeman who was instrumental in the fight for section 504 regulations and the passage of the American Disabilities Act. Disability
only becomes a tragedy when society fails to prevent to provide the things we need to lead our lives. She reminds us that disability itself is not a problem but the barriers to inclusion and accessibility are. To learn more
about the disability civil rights movement, I strongly recommend that everyone sees the documentary Camp, a disability revolution. You can find it on Netflix. Uh when I first saw it, I was very um intrigued and enlightened
because I didn't realize that the Disabilities Act was a part of the Civil Rights Movement. So, it's uh really informative, extremely interesting, and uh just keep if you have little ones watching, there's some things that need kind of adult uh conversation. So, just
be mindful of that. Another recommendation I have for a family movie regarding disabilities. It's called Out of My Mind on Disney Plus. It's a full family movie and it showcases a young girl uh with cerebal palsy who um is non-verbal and Jennifer Aniston plays
her voice and it's a really an enlightening movie to see. um what disabilities looks like in schools, the obstacles that parents and students have and how it kind of manifests. It's an excellent movie. Um and if you are a reader, um a book recommendation I have
to and that I learned a lot about from is called Undoing Abbleism, Teaching About Disability in K- through2 classrooms by Susan Beglieri and Pria Albani. um really informative, more academic, but really informative and and helpful to understand um about ableism.
Also, next week is a showcase for Clifton's IC program, and I cannot wait for it. The show will be Shrek Jr. I know you asked earlier. [laughter] Uh my son is in it for the first time, and he is so excited every day when I pick him up to talk about what he
learned. Um it it's fun, it's engaging, and um he's really excited about the projects that he's working on. And so I'm really looking forward to being there to seeing the museum and seeing the show. I've been there before and it's an outstanding program. So I'm excited for next week. Uh lastly or or
next congratulations Mr. Doctor. I really fully trust that you will excel in your new role. The amount of work you will be doing and are already doing is tremendous and far exceeds the work of one role. I look forward to your leadership in the years ahead. And lastly, for students who are on track to
graduate this coming August, keep going, work hard, and I look forward to celebrating with you all on the 10th. Everyone, have a great summer, have a great night, and be well. Take care. >> Thank you, uh, Commissioner Suarez, Vice President Santiago.
>> Thank you, President Basard. Um, just a couple quick things. Um, first, I thought it was going to be a slow summer meeting, but, you know, thank you guys. turned it into like a nail-biting mustsea TV. Congratulations, Mr. Doctor. Um, uh, the I've been a member of the
Clifton Advisory Committee for Disability for, um, individuals with disabilities for like five years. So, Sunday is the disability pride flag raising at 3:00. Um, and then August
10th is the graduation, uh, our summer graduation, which is always a great event at the, uh, Clifton High School auditorium. Um, that's it for me. I hope everybody's having a great summer. And to the administrators and the 12-month employees who are not off this summer
and doing their job, thank you for everything you do, but hope everybody's having a great summer tonight. >> Thank you, Vice President Santiago. Uh congratulations to Mr. Doctor on a well-deserved appointment as assistant superintendent of business and co-board secretary. Uh wishing you success as you
begin this. I worked with you a long time. I I understand your ability and I I'm confident that you'll make sure that um you will handle your job with ease and most importantly dignity. But there's also something that I like about you. Very frugal. So
>> he's cheap. He's cheap. Is that >> No, no, no. Frugal. I like to say frugal because he he finds a way to do it cheaper. Okay, there you go. Um, National Night Out is Tuesday. No, uh, August 4th at Main Memorial. It's always
the first Tuesday of every month. Um, I want to recognize uh, one of the most uh, memorable uh, moments of graduation and also that week. I saw 14 online of the walk out and I also saw school five's video of the walkout. So I know there was other schools that did it,
right? So whoever came up with the concept, just think about those young lives, right? And them seeing the seniors walk through that have gotten to that level. What a what a role model idea. So whoever did that uh fantastic work, you gave them something uh to look
at and a glimpse of what their future can be. So I I'm grateful for that. I'm sure everybody else is. Whoever came up with it, spot on. Uh what a beautiful evening we were all had celebrating the graduation of 2026. The weather held
out, right? We were lucky because it was little nail-biting there. Um it was beautiful looking out at see your faces, the proud parents, the dedicated teachers and the supportive sta uh staff members was truly unforgettable. Uh thank you to the administration who
organized graduation and also thank you to administration who um organized project graduation. It was a success. Uh we saved a little money this year by bringing it back to funplex. So I thank you. Um we had a lot of volunteers. It really it it went very well and we were
very um happy to whoever attended and um volunteered. I'd like to thank the board members and the council members who were all gowned up on graduation night. Um it made the event more formal um and the feedback that I was been getting from people in the community has been very
positive. So thank you for administration for making that happen. To the class of 2026, never stop believing in yourself. Lead with kindness, hard work, and always remember that your character will take you further than you have ever imagined. So
congratulations graduates. Your future is filled with endless possibilities and I cannot wait to see what you accomplish and when you come back and as I ended with that speech, I'm going to say this in the great words of Tony Orlando, today is a great day to be a Mustang.
So, thank you. Um, I need to do the public uh notice about going into executive session. It is 8:05. Dr. Roatuzi has told me that we need an hour, which you all know would never happen. So I'm going to say 9:35 coming
out an hour and a half because we have several items that we do have to um discuss and there of many many important things. So as the Clipton Board of Education will move into executive session um in accordance to a confidential na matter uh but not limited to personnel
matters, contractual contractual negotiations, attorney client privilege, communication and matters involving litigation or anticipated litigations. These discussions are not appropriate for public disclosure at this time as they may compromise the confidentially
confidentiality of the individuals. The board's legal position or ongoing negotiation. No formal action will be taken in executive section session or action may be taken afterward. Uh could I have a motion to go into an executive
session to return at 9:35 p.m.? >> Motion. >> Motion by Commissioner Brunac. Second by Commissioner um uh Suarez. Roll call to go on exec. >> Mr. Bruniac. >> Yes. >> Mr. Paris? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ragdale?
>> Yes. >> Mr. Ciano? >> Yes. >> Miss Suarez? >> Yes. >> Vice President Santiago? >> Yes. >> President Bassford? >> Yes. A fivem minute recess. >> Uh we will convene at uh 8:12. Thank you. In executive session. Anybody have
to use the ladies room, please? Test. One, two, three. Just checking audio. The ex Clifton Board of Education is still in executive session. Check. One, two, three. One, two, one, two. Thank you. Uh observes observers of the Clipton Board of Education meeting. We
are extending our executive session privileges until 9:50. Uh action I action may be taken upon return. Thank you. Welcome back from executive session. We have some items at G executive session
from two to uh nine. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Motion by Commissioner Paris. Second by Commissioner. >> Open up for roll call. >> Return. >> You want to return? Okay. We're returning from executive session. Roll
call, please. >> Mr. Mr. Bronziac >> here. >> Mr. Paris >> here. >> Mr. Ragsdale. >> Mr. Siana >> here. >> Miss Suarez >> here. >> Vice President Santiago >> here. >> President Bassford >> here. Um we we do have um we have some
items. I I think I want to uh take off the six because we didn't discuss that one. The donation. >> Yeah, let's take it off because it's not a immediate thing. >> Okay. All right. So, um it's we're going
to be making a motion on two to uh two three four five seven eight and nine. Motion >> I received my previous motion and motion to approve >> and I'll second it once again. >> So, motion to amend the items on agenda
number G by Commissioner uh Paris and seconded by Commissioner Ciano. Any discussion? So, we're going to do a roll call on two, three, four, five, seven, eight, and nine.
>> Roll call. >> Mr. Brun, >> Mr. Brunac, >> yes. >> Mr. Paris, >> yes. >> Mr. Ragsdale, >> yes. >> Mr. Siana, >> yes. >> Miss Suarez, >> yes. >> Vice President Santiago, >> yes. >> President Ambassador, >> yes. And we're going to put that other
number six on next next meeting. Okay. Uh, any other business? Mo motion. Motion to adjurnn. >> All right, bring it up now. >> Second. >> I don't want to talk about it. >> I motioned. He second. >> Motion. All in favor of adjournment.
>> Anybody opposed? >> We'll bring it to committee. >> Good night. See you at next meeting, >> guys. Thank you so much. Have a great