All right. Good evening everybody. Welcome to part two of the Collingswood Board of Education's reorganization meeting. Um, call this meeting to order. Want to take a roll call. Mrs. Brown >> here. >> Mr. Craig
>> here. >> Mrs. Mr. DeMarco >> here. Mrs. Divine >> here. >> Mrs. Maya here. Mrs. Mcowsky >> here. >> Mrs. Sherman >> here. >> Mrs. Z >> here. >> Mr. McMillan >> here. >> Mr. Dilkus >> here. >> Mr. Chu
>> here. >> Thank you. All right. Can we have a pledge of allegiance? >> Yep. Here. Yep. [clears throat] United States of America and to the standice
for all. >> Okay. So, Monday night um section two, I did read the results of the election into the record and I administered the oath of office. Um, we also, uh, went over the code of ethics. So, we we left off on item four. So, just a summary, we
had two candidates, uh, Mr. Roger Chu, Miss Kelly Maya. Um, both candidates did accept their nominations. So, we're picking off where we left off with regards to voting for the president of the board. But before we do that, I'm just going to leave the
floor open if anybody would like to make any statements or there want to be any discussions before we we start taking the first vote. So, I'm going to just kind of put some uncomfortable silence out here uh for everybody and kind of see if we can make some headway before we take first vote.
>> So, can I speak like since I support Kelly? Okay. I don't know how it works. I'm just trying to keep up with you guys. Um so, I want to speak. I wrote this down. Forgive me. I'm usually good better at this speaking all my out loud, but this is written down. So, I want to speak in support of Kelly because this
isn't about titles for her and it never has been. I've known her for a very long time, many years since our kids started kindergarten together. Now they're 18 and off to college. Um, and I know she's always stood with consistency and kindness. And kindness, as you know, means a lot to me. um to
read somebody and to know where they come from and to know that and now I'm going off script to know that she's there for the community and um and this doesn't mean I don't support Roger. I think everything that has happened throughout this year, it's been a lot. But um I do and I do I I appreciate
everything that that Roger has done also. I do. Thank you so much. Um, but I I specifically I know Kelly and I know she's volunteered her time throughout all these years, these decades that I've known her. Um, she's always stepped up when when things have been needed to be
done like at Mark Newbie, at the middle school, at the high school, in the community, at the fall festivals, at the book fair. Like Kelly has always been there chairing committees and um and being the one to say, "I'll do it." Even when people didn't want to take over the president position at Mark Newbie and
I'm like, "Kelly, you're doing it forever." and she's still like, I I'm going to have to continue to do it. Um, but she was she's always been there and she's always been that one who, you know, brings people into her house and makes everybody feel like a family. Even when you're her stranger, she brings you
in and and she's here. I know she stands for Collinswood community and that means a lot to me, especially when I came here and I didn't have any friends and, you know, and just meeting people. Kelly was the one who, you know, brought me in and made friends with me also and, you know, brought my family in. Um [clears throat]
what I value most um is that she also leads with her thoughtfulness and balance. She listens and prepares and she brings um another perspective to the table. Um and I think that's rooted in her experience being in this community being a Collinswood uh graduate also.
And um uh I also I also think that um boards need to grow and we need to evolve and getting that different perspective is important. Um, it's new leadership. It brings new energy and reflection and most of all, like I said, growth for for our community, for our
kids, for our district. Um, and I think our community has trusted her with our support for all for everything that she's done and how we've put her in these positions. And I think that's important that we listen to our community also and that we trust her.
Um, and I truly think that Kelly would be a steady, committed, and effective president for for this next coming year for our board. That's >> Hi everybody. I hope you missed me. Um, I just I actually and I listened to our
last meeting and I actually been this is my second reorg and I always wonder why we never hear from those nominated as to why they want to do it and what they want to do in the seat. So, I um as the person who everybody's been waiting for
um would love um just a perspective like I I want to make sure we all understand and what we're are your vision is and goals are for this board because I sit really clear that we've laid a pathway and where do each of you who are nominated
land with that and feel about it. So, if we can I think I've asked if we can I think we can. So, if you don't mind, >> welcome aboard. >> Yes. So, I'm glad Zakir, that you brought that up because after the
meeting on Monday, I kind of thought the same thing, right? We all kind of sat there. We we made our books and then we we didn't talk. And so, I'm glad that we actually have a chance today to to chat a bit more. Um, and so I'm glad you brought up because I I did some thinking about this and
all my time on the board and in the role of president, my focus has always been to try to keep the needs of the students first and foremost. when you know for this coming year,
one of the reasons why I would like to be board president is because I want to work with the board and the community to figure out how we address the coming inevitable changes to our district
because of school funding shortfalls, aging buildings, changing demographics, changing student needs. And one of those things is that is always difficult but right now if we look across New Jersey we can see that uh change is coming right we have a new
governor we have uh last year we in the years before we've heard about the school funding shortfalls it is hitting us and one of the things that I I heard from a an expert in education finance was this idea that we have to be willing to adapt
to the change right because if we try to keep on doing the same old same old things. While our funding is changing, while the landscape is changing, we're not going to be able to serve our students. And in fact, there are many ways in which we might be able to
pivot or adapt or embrace that change that actually makes our district better for students even amidst um the budget challenges. And so that's one of my my big reasons to be able to help lead that discussion and that push to say, okay,
how can we do even better for our students despite the fact that we're going to be facing some real serious challenges. Um, you know, some goals for me are, you know, we have to understand the realities of our budget, um, and the different ways that the different
decisions around our budgets may impact our our students, right? And we have to look at both the short-term solutions and the long-term solutions. And that's part of what I'm interested in in working with the board is is discussing those uh thing th those actual long-term
solutions which will inevitably include change. Um and I want to continue to push for the communication that we started last year to the community. I think, you know, at least on my time at the board last year, uh to toot my horn a little bit, I think we were the most
communicative board, uh in at least the five, six years that I've been involved in the board. Um you know, I want to continue working towards our board goals that we set in August 2025. Uh those were, you know, uh we actually set them here, right there, actually, uh early
August. Um one of them we've already seen come to fruition, which goal to develop, implement, and standardized periodic student, staff, and family culture climate benchmarks. Right? And so we have other goals around rigorous academic pathways and also developing a consolidated practive and responsive communication protocol. So I'd like to
continue pushing the board to to work on that. Um, and I want to also make sure that our board is able to bring forth the first real infrastructure investment in our schools in in 20 years um by completing the rec plan partnerships. are, you know, we we just came here and
I think there's no parking outside, right? Because of athletics, right? We need to bring uh our facilities up to um the next level and we haven't invested in infrastructure in 20 years and and we have now a partnership with the burough
and I want to help this this board complete that partnership so our students can get um the facilities they deserve. But then all that right those are all specific goals of mine. I think the bigger overarching goal I have is both about the board and about our community
which is that I think as Monday has shown and I think honestly if you read around the news around Kingswood um there's a good bit of contention in this town in this board right I I don't think that's a surprise to anyone
and I think that is because uh we have very passionate people with different uh similar but different ideas of of how this town should step forward. And I want to help our board and community navigate that contention, which is why I I I spent a good amount
of time thinking about uh back in the the fall, what's the role of the board? What's the role of the board president in this, right? And I remember specifically uh uh Kelly when um last winter we had a discussion and um at a board meeting and one of the
things that came about was that I had sent an email at 3 p.m. And that was frankly on my fault too like too close to the board meeting. Um and board members didn't have enough time to review that. Right. And so to me I was thinking well how do we make sure that
all that information that all of that discussion can happen so that we can actually navigate that contention because the only way to navigate that contention is through discussion and it doesn't mean that we always have to agree. In fact, I'm sure there are several things in which we won't agree
on, but the fact is that we have to have that discussion. Um, and so that's why I put forth and proposed the the working session uh uh strategy because as we face these challenges as a as a district, I think the way that we help our community and our board navigate the
contention is to show to the community that we are all here, even if we don't agree, able to discuss, challenge, work through differing ideas and viewpoints on how we should move forward. And so
that in the end when a decision is made or voted upon, the community can have a record and understand that yes, there was intense there was uh serious time, effort and thought put forward before a solution was voted on. And that is one
of the one of the big pieces for me is to put that forth to build that um trust with the community through having us actually discuss openly uh in public these challenges and and trying to find
the best solutions we possibly can there. So, so I' I've spoken for a long time, but but those are basically my goals. And and when I thought about many of the reasons why I want to work um as board president, uh th those are really I think the the several. So,
thank you. >> Um I don't have a speech prepared u but I do appreciate Zakiya for the question and Roger. I um I think you made a lot of excellent points and I think that you have um tried to do the best that you can do with all that you've got going
right all of us and all the things and all the challenges and and all of that. Um and I respect the fact that you've had um the time to do it and all the efforts of communication that you've put forth and how that's um I think improved us along the way. I my I think you know
when we talk about division I actually think that we all align so much more than we realize and we're all part of the same team. Um all I can tell you is that I will do my best to make sure that every one of you sitting at this table has a voice. Um I will do my best to
make sure that we all are having as many conversations as we can. Even though we don't always get to have those conversations in groups, my door is always open, my phone is always on and I promise to engage you as much as possible. Um, I also think that we have
an opportunity to um, listen to the community and I think that they spoke very loudly about what they want to happen and I think that they really want change and I am willing to be that person who does that. Um, you know, relationship building is definitely a
key piece of this and there are a lot of issues that we have across the district that we have to worry about, but like I said, we are more aligned than we realize and it doesn't have to feel so divisive and my experience in this board has not always been a great one. Um, you know, I feel like there's been a lack of
trust to some extent um with me and um possibly Megan of course included in that too. We've had a rough time I think at times, but at the end of the day, we've really tried to make amends and do everything we can to make sure that people know that we are definitely willing to listen and we want to work
together and I promise to do that for you. So, if you allow me the opportunity, you know, I think that we can proceed forward. And again, you know, Roger, if you happen to not be president, that doesn't mean that your voice is discounted in any way, shape, or form. I really appreciate all that
you have to offer and I appreciate all that everyone has to offer. And I think that, you know, we need to listen to each other a lot more and um, you know, just try to keep moving in the best direction that we can because of all the challenges we face. So, I'm going to
leave it there. Also, Danielle, thank you very much for all those kind words. Um, I just had a question. Um, and it's it's kind of a concern of mine knowing what you know the kind of work that we did this fall. Um, I'm a little
concerned about uh the criticism of the Collinswood uh school district and burough plan to play partnership the burrow. Um I'm concerned that you know you voted no on the lease extension which is an integral part of the plan if um but it was passed by the board and if
president are you committed to continuing this work with the bureau. >> Sarah, excellent question. Thank you very much for that. Um, I did vote no on the lease extension because I just felt at the time that we are facing such scary um, you know, scenarios
budget-wise and it was very concerning to me to to be thinking about us spending more money. You know what I mean? Um, but that being said, I am open to any and all conversations that are going to benefit the district, whatever that means. And I welcome the opportunity for people if I'm not in
favor of something, I welcome the opportunity for people to come and make sure that they have the opportunity to let me know what they think so that maybe they can get me on their side or maybe I can get them on my side and we can have those kinds of conversations. But I'm open to all conversations that's going to improve the district, whatever that is.
Uh appreciate you both taking the time to answer questions and both for stepping up to run this. It's not an easy role as as you both you both know. Um the thing that I I think I am most concerned about is with what is facing
us. The the amount of I think the discussion piece is going to be very critical but also can be very unproductive at times. So I am curious about with moving to working sessions and having more opportunities for us as
a board to come together to talk about topics if there are any thoughts or anything you guys either of you could speak to about how you will how you're at least initially thinking about using that time so that we can be productive for kids and not turn those sessions into things where we are spinning our
wheels and we we blink it's November and we haven't done anything. in my um how I see that going is you know I think that um the more the more that we engage and the more that we start to go through that process the more comfortable that we'll become as
time goes on with that it might be um difficult initially but again like I said before I think that we align much more than we differ um and you know how we get there I think is up to us and I think it's just important that everybody has an opportunity to feel heard and I think when people feel like they're
being heard and respected a way that is meaningful to them that they sometimes start to sort of come around the bend. Do you know what I mean? They they they they see they are able to see other people's perspectives especially when they feel themselves that they're being heard and their their opinion is respected as well.
>> Yeah. Oh, thanks for that question. You know, I think this is one of the reasons why I actually this moment right now is one of the reasons why uh I I pushed for this board to change to working sessions, right? so that we can have uh these type of discussions and they're
not always easy or comfortable especially because they have to be public right um but I what I as a president uh would do in those situations what I think I've said previously is that I would push us during working sessions to be honest
right I think one of the uh nervousnesses about working sessions that board members might clam up right we might not actually discuss or engage in stuff because we're being recorded, right, for the record. But I don't think that does our town any
good and our communities any good. And so I would push us to be truthful about what are our goals. How do we believe we can achieve them? Where do we differ in that? And what are the possible solutions we can find? And that's going to be uncomfortable. It's uncomfortable for me. I'm sure it's uncomfortable for
all of us. Uh but it's only in that um push right to have those discussions to allow the community to see those discussions um that I think the the community and uh can feel that all of the different viewpoints
are being represented right are being discussed are being heard. And so that would be my goal is to hey, if if there's clearly a contentious piece of uh discussion, but we're all crammed up, right? Or
we're not um really having that discussion to to push us to have that discussion. Um both by leading by example, by being clear and being truthful in what I say, and also by by making sure there's space for everyone to then discuss. So that that's really
my focus there. Okay, everybody knows the drill, right? Got slips of paper in front of you. Please put your name on the top and then um your selection for president underneath and pass along to me.
Okay. Matt Craig for Roger Chu. Stacy Demarco for Kelly Ma. Daniel Brown for Kelly. Maggie for Kelly. Jimmy for Roger. Zakiya abstain.
Megan for Kelly. Chris Dilkus for Roger. Sarah for Roger. Kelly for Kelly. And Roger for Roger. Okay, we are tied again. So, we're going to sit in this uncomfortable silence. If anybody would like to talk a little bit more.
Yeah, I would like to at least take two votes before I move just to be consistent. Any would like to ask any more questions or make additional statements or we can just sit here. Thank you for the paperwork. Um,
>> and I'm just be clear, I'm happy to answer questions or or you know discuss more if there are other questions or so forth. >> I was just wondering if each of you could also talk about some of the specific initiatives or actions you have done on behalf of the district. Not I
think that the PTA work that you've done is absolutely wonderful, but like I'm talking about for the district as a whole. You know, both of you talk about the importance of uh communication and transparency, you know, roundt discussions. I've seen Roger at many of them. Or state level advocacy or county
level advocacy, things that are actually going to benefit the students of this district. Um I know both of you have been on negotiations committees, for example. Can you speak a little bit more about just kind of your record of some of the leadership and things you have done beyond committee meetings and monthly meetings which is what all you
know board members are expected to um do. Um I have not had a whole lot of opportunity to do some of those things. Um I was not on the negotiations committee for um you know the union but I was on the negotiations committee for the CPSA and uh my role there was very
limited um in saying anything. I was just sort of there with the process, but I didn't take any leads. You know, that was Matt and Roger that took the leads. So, um, you know, aside aside from my PTA work and just this this year being offered a committee position, you know what I mean, which I think I've tried to
do well on and tried to organize and and send out, you know, very detailed notes about conversations and things like that and keep everybody updated. Um, and in terms of um, you know, um, I've been part of the county um, meetings, you know, and I try to stay involved in
that. I had a lot of PTA training. I've done all my board trainings. Um, and you know, I'm again, I'm I'm committed to whatever I can do to help this district move forward. >> I'll just start by first thanking Kelly for for your work on the um buildings
and grounds negotiations committee and also um I was really uh appreciative when you agreed to be posi committee chair this past year. Um, I think you you've you always came to those meetings prepared and and um I think you always
really worked hard to to send out thorough notes to the rest of the board uh members uh after that committee meeting. So I I just I want to thank you for for that work. Um, you know, I I think that as board president, one of the the
biggest things that that I guess I'm proud of of of pushing forth is uh solutions to um our funding challenges last year. Uh, and this is not a solution that
uh was easy to come by. Um, but it's one of those things where uh we were able to um as a board, right, we were all able to uh ask the bureau for additional funding to help kind of close our gap. And that
that's something I'm really proud that we as a board came together unanimously to vote for. And then when the state actually intervened uh and asked and said, "Hey, we as a district because we're so underfunded locally can uh uh
raise taxes, raise revenue to help close our budget gap so that we don't have to lay off a ton of teachers, right?" Again, as a as a when we came together um and got that uh tax race uh passed. And so those are kind of those are I think two of the I'm not sure if I
answer your question correctly, but those are two of the pieces that I'm really proud of to be able to um kind of hang my hat on in terms of work that I did as as a president kind of looking forward. I think that um there are a lot
of ways in which we have to continue engaging. Uh you know, I know I talk about budget a lot, but that's really because that's like the big thing here, right? Because if we can have all these ideas all these ideals, um, all these wants, but if we don't have the money,
it doesn't matter, right? And so, uh, uh, things like continuing to, uh, work with the local fair, uh, funding initiative, uh, things like, um, uh, going out and pushing and and reaching out to other boards about, uh, let's
actually go out for this grant that came out recently for studying the feasibility and and the cost effectiveness of potential um, regionalization, right, with say Oakland and and Woodland, like those type of things to say where Can we find ways in which we
can um uh find cost savings or advocate to the state for changes in the funding formula so that we can preserve the Collinswood culture of schools that we all here want
to preserve, right? And that's again I think one of my my big focuses is around that that budget piece making sure that we as a board all of us understand uh um what our challenges are uh so that we can um go forth and advocate right collectively um at all the different
levels because I think honestly in many ways we're uh it's going it's getting to a tipping point and I think the state is going to want to hear from us sooner ahead than later. I also just want to point out, so you both deserve credit for this because I think this was maybe three years ago,
Kelly, when you joined me in the Georgetown conversations when we took the trainings with she was represented the district with with um people over the country when the fiscal cliff was just coming into the vernacular and we were seeing just how bad this was and uh
Roger for recently taking trainings with them to to expand your own knowledge about how we can combat this fiscal reality that school districts are having. And I think it's a commitment to continuing to learning that I think I hope whichever direction we go um we continue to push all the board members
to continue to get better at this. Um and I think the better we are at governance the better it is for kids. >> Uh you know we all have the best intentions here right um and everybody's got to do what they feel comfortable doing. I really genuinely feel that you
know um with the right team of people that we can do amazing things and we can all come together and I think that all of your um you know points about the budget and all of that is amazing and we have two uh highly qualified people sitting right here that run the district
effective you know that try to run this as effectively as they possibly can and our job I think is to is to listen to them and to try to make sense of what they're telling us but at the same time we need to be you know just or three people sorry and Dana
and Dana's Dr. Walker's over there also. [laughter] I see her face. Um but I I think that um you know again with the right team of people I don't discount your thought process and I don't discount your ideas. Um I would if
I had the opportunity to become president I would very much make use of you know all that you have to offer and try to merge that with what I have to offer and hopefully together we can do great things. Um I just wanted to uh Kelly remarked upon this earlier. I don't have a
question. It's more of a statement about the election results in November. Um the community of Collingswood, the voters of Collingswood voted out the sitting vice president, which to me sort of flags that they are looking for a change in leadership and they voted Kelly back in.
So I think that that is the town twice now with the referendum and with this last election I think has given a very loud we don't like what's happening and we don't like the leadership and the way
it's being done and how it's being communicated out and I really as a recently [clears throat] elected you know drinking by the fire hose all that sort of stuff learning all this getting my feet wet. I really just want to be a
voice for the people that voted and all of Collingswood, right? The majority of Collingswood voters voted for a change in leadership. >> I just would like to hear from both of you if you guys can um just expand on
how you will build the trust within the board. um we hear how we will try to build the trust with the community which is obviously extremely important but the decision makers need to have trust and um I'd love to hear your thoughts on how to build that
>> and and I think also I would love to ask uh uh Stacy about um because I think you had some feedback there about about communication right about how uh things have been communicated and so I don't know if that's something that we should I should ask first or do you want me to
address Maggie's question first? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, so I think you had mentioned there um because I'm always interested in in trying to I guess understand and and learn as well. You know, you had mentioned there that uh you believe that uh the kinds of
community is uh uh does not like how things have been communicated out. Uh can you explain like how things have been communicated out and and [clears throat] >> where improvements can be made? So the tax raise, right? Everybody voted for the tax raise. I think there might have
been one extension maybe. >> Yes. Okay. So everybody voted for the tax raise and that is good for the board. And I think if you had a student in the schools, you were aware that your taxes were going to go up if you were checking communications coming from the school district. But the whole of Collingswood was actually unaware of
that until the letter got sent out that their taxes were going up. Right? If you were outside the school ecosystem, people in Collinswood were not aware that this was happening, right? That they were aware of the burrow and the discussions and all of that other stuff.
But if you are not tuned in 100% of the time, those communications become white noise. And people were not aware that their taxes were going up until they got the letter from both the bureau and the school district saying that their taxes were going up. So that I think
while you guys there was a time crunch, all of this other stuff. I understand all of those things happening. I still think that that was not communicated to the whole of Collingswood and that people definitely when they got that letter in their mail and their taxes were going up on top of the the
reassessment, people it was like a sticker shock moment for a lot of people. So I think that that number that is a a big thing is that we get so in our own heads that we forget that not everyone else is uh hearing here.
They're not watching. They're not coming to these meetings. Um these meetings are intimidating. If you're coming in and you're saying something and you have something to say and it's the onus is on the school board and the school district
to communicate to taxpayers the worth there. And I I think that that is something that has been lacking is communicating to taxpayers the justification for the tax hike and also the referendum. I know we don't
really want to talk about the referendum and it's like a very big sticking point but the communication around that we have to as a board make people understand that their investment is worth it. Their taxes are worth our
decisions. our votes are these things and that I feel has been a little lacking right from the point of view of somebody who I didn't really know Kelly and I didn't really know anybody on the board six months ago right and I know
because I was paying attention but not everybody has that ability right to be as locked in and we really need to spend a lot of you know time and communication reaching the people that are not clocked in because they have two jobs and
they're trying to pay their taxes and all of those other things. And I know I'm rambling and I apologize. Um, but I think that that we are not on a hill. We're not a king on a hill. We're not all all alone. we are
elected representatives and we have to have a open communication with and which is a committee of the whole I think is a great idea and a good move um because then they'll see the discussions that we're having. Um [clears throat] but
>> I I'm going to stop talking. I feel like I'm rambling, but yeah, but that's I I those are my two like between the referendum and the the raising of taxes, I feel like a lot of the community was like what is happening? Right. >> And yeah, Stacey, I really appreciate
your theat because I think it provides a the um truth which is that uh communication can always get better. Uh one of the things that again I I will say is that I am really proud of of our communication during the budget challenges we had last
year. We sent multiple messages about the reasons why that we were uh we had a budget deficit, what the budget deficit would mean in terms of of uh cuts and why the tax race had uh had to happen.
Um and and also uh I'm happy to share email folks can Oprah it. I'm uh you know having heard that thing that uh challenge of we need to make sure that everyone uh in town even if you don't have kids right I don't have kids can can hear hear about that tax raise um I
specifically asked the mayor at that time if uh he would be willing to share our district communications uh with the uh wider community around the pending upcoming tax raise and the issues that were uh that were arise uh coming from
that and I I'm grateful that he agreed to and and helped use uh his um the burough the bureau's uh text messaging systems and also uh mailing systems to help uh amplify our messages. Um, and so but what I'm hearing here is that we can
always continue to do better to push more and more in terms of the communication and that's definitely one of my goals is to continue that clear communication because a lot of these issues are very uh dense and uh it's a challenge and and something that
we should step up to to communicate those pieces very very clearly. Um and so again I think that's thank you for that for giving me that feedback and and uh I think you know We will continue to work on communication regardless.
>> Oh, yeah. So, which I think moves specifically to uh Maggie's question. Um, so I don't know, Kelly, did you did you want to go first? Uh, I've been speaking for a little bit here, so I want to give you a chance. >> So, my question was basically around trust and how we are starting to build
the trust with the community with um committee. But um I'd love to hear ideas on how building trust within this small group because although we are just um an inkling of the you know community, we are you know we need to be aligned, we
need to be trustworthy and I'd love to just hear everybody's ideas. >> Um so Maggie, uh thank you for that question. Um I I mentioned earlier when I was talking about my goals, but I'll mention it again here. You know, I think
the trust piece amongst the board. Uh that's something that has come up a good bit last year. And that's where I thought about hey, what is the role of of the board president and how can uh I as a board president help affect this idea that and help build trust amongst
board members, right? Because like I said during uh we had a meeting where again my fault. I sent out uh email at like 3 p.m. right before a board meeting. Not all board members uh got to see that that email. Um and uh I think there's a feeling that uh people were
being left out or that and and you know I understand I sent it late that was on me that was my role in that right. So how can we remove those um times in which uh uh information is going at at different times in which people some
people are part of the conversation some people aren't right and that's you know necessarily kind of an issue of uh committees right and so uh for me I actually intimately believe that um the working sessions the committee whole
process is part of building trust uh amongst board members because we're all going to be together discussing all of the agenda items, right? We're not going to have a committee here, a committee there sharing notes, which can be hard to understand. Um, and we're going to be
here and we're all going to have uh uh experience the exact same information, right? The the exact same discussion. Um and and this idea came up after I had a chance to talk to other uh um boards and commissions uh and people from different
boards and commissions around the area who uh have worked in in a committee of a whole structure a working session structure because and they said specifically it it's difficult right it's challenging again because we're being recorded so it might feel like it's hard for us to have these discussions but the payoff over
time in terms of trust because everyone's in at the table the same time is is huge. And so, uh, for me, that is one of the the the biggest pieces, uh, there, um, that that I think can help us, uh, simply by making sure we're all
here discussing the issues, right, and discussing our ideas. >> So, um, I I do agree that, um, we will all be together and we'll all be able to have a lot of these discussions, which is key because I know that there are frustrations with people that are not on any committees or some frustrations with
people that are only on one committee. Um or some people that are on three committees. Some people feel overburdened or overworked or whatever. So, I'm I'm glad that we'll all be together and be able to engage in those conversations um that we couldn't before. Um you know, when it comes to
trust, I can tell you that um I think that I'm here as a guide. You know what I mean? I'm not I'm not here to tell you how to do things. I'm not here to tell you what your opinion should be or what that I know best about everything. I'm here to be your guide. I'm here to develop the relationships with with all
of us and make sure that everybody has a chance to be heard. And again, I think with the right team, we can really make a difference. And I think that, you know, we can't be on one side or the other. It can't be this division. We It all happens in the middle, you know, as as Dr. McMillan McMullen so frequently
says. Um, you know, we have to we have to be able to come together and work together. And I'm I you know all these things are great and you know Roger if I'm elected you will be part of those conversations as much as everybody. Um you know I welcome your advice, your
expertise and your opinions and I think that we could all do great things together. Um you know I'm I'm not going to go on and on. I'm just simply telling you that I'm here as a guide for you and I want to be the person who's building relationships and allows everybody the chance to have an opportunity to be heard. And um you know I hope that that
I hope that that can sway your votes. >> I would just like to add I think a lot of great things have been said and I don't want to belabor any points but um you know what I what I think my interpretation of what I'm hearing is that effective leadership for this board considering everything that's coming
down the path. Um and again it hasn't been easy and I know that and I know you've worked very hard Roger. Absolutely. Um, I think it's a balance. I think it's a balance between navigating the complexities of what is co of what what the district has been
through and what the complexities that are coming and also developing those relationships. And um I also didn't know Kelly before um I got more involved with the school boards. But if there's one thing that I have learned not just from Kelly but also from everybody in the universe who
knows Kelly is that she is good at building relationships. Yes. within the community. Um, but also with the staff members, whether uh a staff member has interacted with her children or not, they know her. Um, they advocate for her, they feel comfortable with her, and
they feel like that she listens to them. And I think we've all seen how, um, a staff that feels heard is not only going to benefit the um, district, but also benefit the students who we really need to keep uh, front and center. So, that
is another reason. Um, you know, Kelly's somebody who will forge those relationships and um, as she has said many times, offer a seat at the table. Um, I've seen in situations where if someone um, broaches her with um, you know, some
some controversy or some hostility, she she invites them out for coffee and she says, "Cool, let's get to know each other a little bit more." And that's the kind of person she is. And um, I think that takes integrity and I think that takes maturity. And um, I really believe that she will forge those relationships which will all collaborate to navigate
some of the the challenges ahead. >> I I want to reiterate that, you know, um having relationships and and being that as a focus doesn't mean that we can't make hard decisions and that we shouldn't have to that that that's off the table. You know, hard decisions are going to have to be made all the time
with all of us. And I think that, you know, we need to be open-minded and um be open to any and all possibilities of what it looks like for our kids and our in our community. Um, and again,
if I'm elected as president, um, I hope that I have the opportunity to show you that I I will work diligently to make sure that that happens. And when we need to make hard decisions, I at least understand and know that we're doing that all as a group and together. And when we stand side by side with one
another, we feel stronger. You know, we feel like we can do this. Even though we we may not always be liked, we may not be, you know, in a positive light with the town, but when we're standing side by side and we're walking through this together because we all have really a
really, really, really important job to do here, right? This isn't about us. This isn't about me. This isn't about Roger. This is about them. This is about the kids. This is about the staff. Let's do it together.
If >> I can just jump in real quick. Um, so this is our third vote that was tied right down the middle. Um, at the end of the day, Kelly, like you said, this is about the the students and the teachers, right, and the faculty.
Um, it's not about us. It's not about divisive sides. Um, you know, you you ran on transparency. Um, but my concern personally is that you voted twice against the committee of the whole, right? So moving forward uh
and you're you had valid concerns about it, but moving forward um come if you get elected, are you going to roll that back? Are you thinking about rolling that back? Are you going to keep going forward with it? Um and uh and then finally, not for either of you, but for
all of us as a whole, what can we do to split this split, right? we somebody has to give um and otherwise the county uh the county superintendent has to take over and that's going to be >> yes >> uh who knows what that's going to turn into right >> yeah I uh reached out to the county
after Monday so we continue to be deadlocked um on president um I'm instructed to give them um the names and contact information of the two candidates and the county superintendent then interviews and makes the selection
I've never been through It's very unchartered ter I actually had to call and find out how this works. Um but that's what would happen. So it it would be out of the hands of Collingswood at that point. The state would be um getting involved in our business which
you know comment but yeah basically >> Jimmy thank you so much for your questions. Um I did vote no twice on that. I was really uncomfortable with the suddenness of it and how it came about, but I always said from the beginning that, you know, I wasn't opposed to the idea of it, I have
absolutely no intention of rolling it back or even trying to. Um, unless, you know, the majority of the board wants to, you know, or want want to talk about it, then we can talk about it. And even if the majority wanted to talk about it, that doesn't mean that that would be a thing, right? We would all have to have that conversation. And I would reach out to every single person to get their
thoughts on it. um you know um so no I have no intention of rolling that back at all and I I'm excited for the prospects and possibilities that we have together. Yeah, >> I think it's important also just to make a statement as well. Um, you know, I've
known Roger for like 12 years. Um, and you know, we started teaching in this area together, but more specifically, you know, I think it's really important to put on public record some of the important things that he's done in his tenure as presidency as president, uh, for this board over the last year.
Settled a very contentious teachers contract with a massive pay raise, larger than they've gotten over the last decade. Um, which I know was very difficult and Wood was not the only district that was suffering through
contract negotiations and the fact that he was able to do so in the face of very disruptive um and chaotic board meetings I think is really testament to his commitment here. Um he's advocated at the state and
county level. I testified alongside him at um a reform uh state funding reform hearing back in January. He testified on behalf of Collinswood students, on behalf of Collinswood teachers. Um, and he's attended every round table. He has
sought out solutions, actual solutions beyond just, you know, what is happening here at this table. Um and you know in terms of trust he has been available and public facing for the last year at
roundt meetings and at special meetings like for the plantoplay partnership he sat at everyone um you know I think a lot of that and he faced a lot of criticism for that distrust as some people were coming up and making accusations that were completely baseless. Mr. Marco, you came
up in September and said that the plan to play um uh partnership was quote a back door way to close sharp with zero evidence. That is just not true. And in the face of that, you know, Roger has really powered through and we followed
the exact uh criticisms from the referendum. Instead of pushing through this partnership, he partnered with burough leaders in order to hear feedback before anything was set in stone. You know, I really I value I don't agree with him in everything that he says.
There's times where he's pontificating on the board and we're all tired. But I do firmly believe that he is here first and foremost for the students beyond loud PTA members or taxpayers or
anybody else. Um I don't think anybody on the board can say that they're as deeply committed to doing what's right for the students here. um and answering questions and defending the decisions that he makes with tangible outcomes.
Test scores have continued to rise. Student academic um achievement has continued to improve. There's more benchmarks. There's more data. Um I don't I I know that there was a leadership change, but this leadership
has also proven to be very effective. And so I think that it's worth noting the hours beyond just coming to board meetings that Roger has put in. And I feel 1,000% confident that he would
continue this level of work. I think that Kelly has also put in a lot of time and effort. But we have some massive looming issues, funding issues, which I know no one likes to talk about, but that is a reality that every school in
this state is facing and we need proactive and dedicated leaders and that's why I feel most comfortable, you know, voting for Roger. Um, if there was another member of this board who had the same kind of record, then I would
consider it. But from where I sit, um, he is, I think, the most eligible and most appropriate to continue to lead us in such chaotic, uncharted territory. >> Sarah, thank you for the kind words. I want to jump just jump in and mention
that um the the the increase in academics uh and the the um the testing like the benchmarking all that stuff. It's it's that is all due to the really hard work of of our our leader district leaders, our staff administrators. Um and so I I I don't want to take credit
for any of that. Um but I want to thank our our staff for for their work there. I was gonna ask a question because we're still here. Um, uh, what is the procedure? Right. Like has gotten to know that I'm particularly intrigued by
what are the procedures exactly? Because I'm going to offer Monday the slots were blank. Today they are prepopulated. Are we building on what started on Monday? Are we doing as though they are blank? That is my question. What is the actual
procedure? Are we in terms of this process? >> We're starting with the two candidates because at the meeting on Monday um both were nominated, both accepted nominations and we started the voting process. I adjourned I journed the meeting right in the middle of all the
the uh what I'm talking about the the deadlock. So we pick up where we left off. That is the procedure. >> Is it possible for us to to regroup and and redo nominations? I honestly don't know the answer to that question because this has like literally
never happened before. Um, >> no, it's got to be done by Saturday, folks. So, so I think what I'm I'm asking um >> my understanding and I said this at the meeting on Monday and I again this is uncharted territory so everybody bear
with me because I'm not an attorney but I did make some phone calls because it does hasn't even happened very often at this at the state level. Um it is the job of every board member sitted at this seated at this table today. It's their
job to make a decision on behalf of Colleingswood. If we fail to make this decision, not we because I'm not a board member, but um then the county superintendent does it. So, you will be relinquishing your your right to pick your president. So, the
state will do it for you. Um you know how I feel about that state representation. Um I really haven't held back on my opinions on that. Um, so my opinion is we I'm going to make you sit here until we get it done. Or if we
cannot move on president, um, if we take another vote and we're still uh, deadlocked, we move to vice president so we can continue with at least the rest of the agenda. all the other annual things I needed like setting our board meeting dates and stuff so we can like get busy in the
board office and then um it would go to the county office because by we should have been done by last night at 8:00 right today yeah Wednesday at 8:00 the way the code is written the first week of January between January 1st and
January 7th the latest January 7th and 8:00 p.m. each board of ed shall reorganize. Then there's another law that says like due to inclement weather or whatever um you can extend by three days. So I
extended by uh our days. We are here on Thursday. Um so um that is the procedure as I know it. Um again we started in a public meeting. Two nominations were presented. They were accepted. We started the voting. It
is my opinion that those are the people we're voting for. Um because agendas were published. They're public. They've been public. We're working off the same agenda. Um so I'm going to call for another vote. And
if we're still deadlocked, I am going to call for us to move on to vice president. If we can make some leeway on vice president, we'll finish the agenda. Come back to president because everybody's you're going to be sitting with yourselves for a little while. Um, and then um I don't know, maybe I'll
make you sit here all night or at some point I'm going to get frustrated and then it's just going to be the state. But that that's that's the procedure as I know it because it really doesn't happen very often. Um, so with that everybody, you've got your slips of paper. Megan, I'm sorry if you have
question. >> I'm not disagreeing with you. I'm just asking a follow-up question. >> No, that's fine. >> So So >> this is new to me, too. So >> Sure. Absolutely. Um, so this isn't So, so Monday did not work out. We were at a deadlock, so we had to adjourn, come back.
>> So, Zikier, were you asking if the nomination process could occur again? All right. Because I mean, I would I would think theoretically if this is a new meeting, could there be another >> It's a continuation of Monday's meeting is what this is. >> Is that?
>> Yes. And it was advertised that way. >> Okay. Okay. >> And actually is on the front of the agendas as well. It's it's a continuation of our re reorganization meeting that started on Monday night. >> Okay, everybody, you've got slips of paper in front of you. >> Should I throw one more thing out?
>> Just one of the people nominated bows out. Okay, >> but they already accepted. I'm gonna have to call an attorney because I I'm I'm can't make stuff up. >> Go ahead. >> Can I throw one more >> one more comment? Um, I appreciate you.
I appreciate Roger. Um, I appreciate all of you, all the hard work that we do. Um, again, we're here for the teachers and we're here for the uh, uh, students. Um, we are in a dividing line, like I said. Um, I just want to throw out that
I know there was, I guess, transparency concerns. Um, that's why the committee of the whole has been happening or that's why we voted on that so we can kind of eliminate some of that transparency concerns and then everything's on the table for not only the community but mostly the board for us to know what we're talking about. Um,
Rogers put a lot of effort into working with the bureau um working on these budget crisises that we have that's going to snowball out of control um coming this this year. Um, so the way I look at it is the wheel is spinning. the
wheel is turning. Maybe let we'll see if if Roger can continue to drive the ship while this, you know, during the budget crisis of this year and then uh and then we see how the whole budget I mean how the committee of the whole works and then regroup in 2027. That's just my my
throwing that out there. Uh thank you, Jimmy. I guess I'll jump in about the the rules question. So the the the bylaw for uh the board officer's election is that uh nominations happen and then we write on the piece of paper what our
vote is. However, it does not specify that the nom that the you can only uh vote for those people who are nominated. Um and so when there's no specific rule uh in our policy about that or uh then we uh revert to Robert's rules.
according to Robert's rules um this beautiful thing here um we can uh in fact nominations are really kind of like eh you can actually vote for any eligible person regardless of whether or not the nomination happens right and so
my point being that I I don't like my argument would be that uh uh to to answer Zakia uh if there essentially is another nomination or whatever However, I don't see why that that can't happen either formally or merely through
discussion and then uh uh votes by um people, but also it does say in Robert's rules that that there is that you know whether or not the person accepts uh in the end, right? >> Yes. >> And I asked because Robert's rules I
also actually own that book. Um so yes, I'm a nerd. So that's why I was asking you actually can put on this piece of paper names that aren't on this agenda. So that's why I'm asking the question, right? I deeply appreciate we all thought that we'd be really clear, but I
will sit in a space of just giving you something to think about. Perhaps there's a demographic that no perspective is meeting or hearing them. there's perhaps a group getting lost in the middle
that can't break the tie and so you have to sit with that um because they don't carry the baggage or water of the history of they don't right so I want us to hear that because I already can feel
the warriors of keyboards. I can already feel the looks and stairs. So, I want to be really clear. It is not for the faint of heart to say these two may not be what fits for where we need to go. I
will just say it so you don't have to make your own narrative up. or contacting the attorney like at the same time. Thank you, Fred. This is all new to me, too, folks. Since we're in a a holding pattern, I
will say one more thing. Gotcha. Um um one more thing that I just wanted to to also point out that while obviously experience is extremely beneficial and extremely important and everyone definitely acknowledges all the
hard work Roger has done. Absolutely. Um every president has their novice year. Um and I remember I wasn't here for Reagan's novice year, but I was here for Roger's novice year. And um you know, look at everything he accomplished in that time through a lot of hard work and a lot of tenacity. So, I would also
suggest that with um somebody else who has a lot of energy and tenacity and who has been on the board for three years um could also accomplish a lot of things that really only a president has the ability to accomplish in terms of rules that apply to that person and doors that
are open to them as well. just lost with the attorney. Um we can take another vote or if somebody wants to make a motion Zakiya to um to table or not table but to open the floor up for other nominations
to see if we could add a third party to see what shakes out. Um, that's an option, but it somebody's gonna have to make the motion to change that agenda item to add like I to to add a nominee. Do you know what I mean? So that I can record it for the record. So if that
makes any sense. >> So is that the question? So basically, I guess if anyone wants to make another nomination, they would make a motion to add a nominee. >> Yes. And then they would they would say who they're nominating and kind of like we did on Monday, you know, like and
then the person would have to accept the nomination and then we start all over again. Yay. Okay. I'll wait. I would like to make a motion that we move to the vice president vote and come
back to the president vote. I'm okay with that. Is that a second? All in favor? How about show of hands? >> Yeah, it passes. Yeah, it passes. Okay. But section five similar like we like
similar to like we what we just did. Um Monday night we did table because we were split right down the middle for vice president as well. We have nominees Sarah Sherman and Megan Mcowsky. Um both candidates accepted nomination. So sim similarly
um if anybody would like to ask any of the candidates any questions or if you guys want to make any comments uh before we take a vote for vice president I will I'll be quiet >> and maybe I guess are there any more nominees or nominations
>> we need a motion to add it to the agenda >> I guess if we're doing questions first if that's okay. Um, you know, I I think one of the questions that I would like to ask is what do um what do board members see the the vice president role as being?
>> Is that a question for everybody or the >> um I I think that's a question for everybody for um for me, but specifically um you know for for Sarah and Megan um and anybody else that's possibly interested. What do you see the role of vice president as being? Um, I I I think that the vice president
is someone who uh supports the president, but at the same time um definitely bounces ideas off of the president. Um continues to well helps facilitate what the goal of the presidency is. You know, I think the presidency should be one that forges
relationships, um, gets input from all elected officials, develops relationships with, uh, those who are running the district um, at all levels and, um, you know, and and support board policy, but at the
same time should also have a voice and, uh, really collaborate with the president. So, I think that that's, uh, that that's my vision of of the president of the vice presidency. Yeah, I'm um I echo a lot of those ideas that Megan presented. Um I think first
and foremost to step in, you know, should the president be unavailable to support them, but also to be an important sounding board, not necessarily um always in agreement. Um, traditionally the vice president of the boards often handles communication. Um,
and so doing things like responding to emails, communicating with community members, running the roundts, right? Those are something that were really important. Um, I was really lucky to be able to attend um almost all of them this past fall. Um, and I think that
most specifically, while relationships are important, um, kind of echoing what Megan said, you know, the vice president also needs to have their own vision and their own, um, ideas that are in line with board policy, not necessarily
always with the president. Um, and communication, I think, is really a key aspect here. Maintaining transparency, um, and being able to, um, support the larger goals of the board, whether or not those are always, you
know, in lock step with the president. >> Not to answer the question directly, but more of a pick up from last time since this is a continuation. I'm the one who nominated Sarah, so I I think it would only be appropriate for me to talk about some of the things that she's done that
led me to nominate her. Um, and and I think there was a comment earlier that is is telling in this that sometimes there are there aren't always the same opportunities to have an impact on the board or to do things for the
board if you're not the president of the board. Um Sarah has not been the president or the vice president of this board. The closest thing to an executive position that she's held is the chair of the curriculum committee. But just to run down some of the things that she she
has done as I not sure how to phrase this. I'm just another as as a a board member at large or a regular board member. Um Sarah has been a consistent fixure fixture at BOE roundtables. So
again, getting in front of the community, facing the community, getting feedback from the community, and bringing that feedback back to the board. Um, in terms of advoc advocacy for the school district, uh, and aside from just being a member of the New Jersey Fair Funding Collective, uh,
Sarah attended and testified at the New Jersey State Funding Reform Act hearing, um, alongside Roger to again push an agenda of fixing this this broken financial system that we are all stuck with. Um
more recently uh as a part of the ad hoc committee uh facilities committee um Sarah was really instrumental in in bringing the plan to play plan for sorry for the repetition uh
to the community and again was a fixture at the community sessions and roundts to hear feedback to listen and to bring that feedback back to us. And aside from just her her advocacy and what she has done for this school district, she walks
the walk in her professional life. You know, we're talking about a Burlington County Educator of the Year and someone who is instrumental in starting for the first time ever the Ray Cooks Valley a black student union and was their loan
adviser and is now their co-advisor still. So I think if you want to talk about somebody who has taken the initiative to do things that are are quoteunquote outside their role on the board and who
puts students first and who puts equity and social justice first, I think that defines Sarah. On a personal level, I also appreciate the fact that she comes in a little hot sometimes and doesn't
try to uh couch things [snorts] in too much language. Um or maybe pontificate might be a better word on that, but uh and and says what she feels. I appreciate that about Sarah. Thanks.
Um I'd like to actually kind of break up this uh flow a little bit. I'd like to make a a motion to recess for about 10 minutes. Um, this would be a privileged motion to recess given that it's in the
middle of another motion. Um, so yeah, that would be I think need to be seconded. >> Second. >> Um, and it's not debatable. So then, uh, it is amendable to length. So I propose
10 minutes. >> I was going to say give me a time frame. So it's 7:44. So everybody come back at 7:54. Got it. >> Or we could or we could do 15. Come back at 8. >> Okay. So So we'll So for 18 >> So 15 minutes
>> So 8:00 p.m. >> It requires a majority vote. So I would say I would say a motion to recess until 8. >> Second. And then at that point, it requires a majority vote. I'm going to
do a roll call then so I can count. >> Ms. Brown. >> Yes. >> Mr. Craig. >> Yes. >> Mrs. DeMarco. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Divine. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Maya. >> Yes. Mrs. Mcowsky. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sherman. [snorts] >> Yes. >> Mrs. Z. >> Yes. >> Mr. McMillan.
>> Yes. >> Mr. Dilkus. >> Yes. >> Mr. Chu. >> Yes. Two minute warning. Never mind. One minute. One minute. I don't I don't think it's a bad idea. All right, it's 8 o'clock and I have all
board members back. Please >> stay right where you are. Do I have everybody? All right. So, everybody, you know the drill. You have slips of paper in front of you. We're going to do the vote for vice president. >> Can I open up a motion to add a nomination, please?
>> Sure. Hold on. Could have read it all by hand now. Sorry. No, it's fine. >> You know what? I don't have it. >> The last time Listen, there's a story. Okay. The last time we had a board meeting and it was like two hours of public comment. My poor assistant. It it
it transcribes everything but doesn't have like who said what. So, I was trying so hard to like match up names with people and I figured tonight was going to be like that. So, I just hand >> Thank you for knowing in advance. >> Listen, I just had a feeling. Uh motion by Maggie. Can I have a to open the
floor? >> Second. >> I'm sorry. For vice president nominations are present. >> Seconded by I'm sorry >> Stacy Demarco. >> Thank you. >> I'm gonna do a roll call. Hold on.
>> Mrs. Brown. >> Mr. Craig. Yes, >> Mr. Mrs. DeMarco. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Divine. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Maya. >> Yes, Mrs. McCowsky. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Sherman. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Z. >> Yes, >> Mr. McMillan.
>> Yes, >> Mr. Dilkus. >> Yes, >> Mr. Chu. Okay, the floor is now open for nominations. Can I just make a clarifying comment question which is um that um I guess it's a mostly a question um
with the third or fourth or fifth candidate we would still need someone to receive six votes or is it simply a majority or simply the most vote getter wins? I think in my mind I need >> it's a simple majority. >> The simple majority
Well, I guess let me actually say it a different way. >> If you get four, if two people abstain, is it the majority
of the votes? >> So, it isn't six, it's the majority of the votes. So, >> and if you abstain, it's basically you're refusing to vote. >> So, it's the actual yeses or nos, a
majority of the yes's. Does that sound better? Did I say that? Did I say that? More better. Okay. Okay. More. It's kind of where my brain is right now. Um, okay. So, the floor is open. >> I would like to nominate Zakiya for vice
president. >> Is there a second? Stacy >> Zaki, do you accept nomination? >> Yes. >> May I ask a question? >> Yes, you may. May I take my name off of the vice presidential ballot? >> Yes, you may.
>> Believe you can withdraw. >> What are you doing to me? >> I'd also like to take my name off. Thanks. This is for the record, folks. Okay. So,
so we're casting Yeah, we have to still vote. Yes, it's a we're So, yeah, we have to vote. We're actually casting a roll call vote. Roll call unanimous vote for Zakiya for vice president. >> Am I saying >> no? It's a It's a It has to be ballot
ballot vote according to the bylaw. So we would all do the vote. Yeah. >> We have no other nominees though. But >> understood. But >> there's no more candidates. But that's okay. Everybody in.
Chris Dilkus for Zakiya. Matt for Zakiya. Megan for Zakiya. Danielle for Zakiya. Stacy for Zakiya. Maggie Zakia.
Roger for Zakiya. Sarah for Zakia. Kelly for Zakiya. Zakia for Zakiya. And uh Jimmy for Zakia. All right. Well, we have a vice president. [applause]
[applause] >> Can I Can I say something? >> Uh, yes. >> Okay. I just want to thank Sarah and Megan for willingly taking the nominations on Monday because just Thank you both. [applause]
So I guess the point of order at this point I think at this point Zaki is the presiding officer. >> Yes, she takes over the meeting starting at section six. >> Yeah. Yes. I tell you [applause] >> I'm here if you need a little help. Or we start at uh the first public comment.
>> There's a public comment. >> We have to. It's a public meeting. So, sorry. So, we're going to the county for president. Is that what we do in round two? >> Well, let's get through the agenda. Now that I actually have a presiding officer, we can actually do our annual appointments and then
um we'll circle back and kind of take everybody's temperature if they want to go to the state or try one more time and but let's let's make some motions today. Oh, no. Yeah, that's fine. So, okay. on with it.
Just call for public comment. >> Uh this is our time for public comment. Um please stand to make sure you state your name and address and keep your comments to three minutes. Bean will take time. Uh the purpose of public comment section is to discuss items on the agenda. Additional more general
comments may be made later in the meeting. We think uh the meeting is the public is reminded that attempts to resolve all concerns and complaints should first go through appropriate staff members and administrators. >> Cara Boiler
9 Summerfield Avenue in Collingswood. Um I'll keep it really brief. So, I just wanted to thank everybody who's sitting here for taking the time to serve the um community of Collingswood. Thank you very much, Zakiya, for stepping in. That we really appreciate it >> and congratulations.
All right. Seems there's no one else, we'll move on to section seven, resolutions. I read all this >> all the meeting. >> You have to read them all. >> Okay, good. Uh so all of our official meeting dates are listed and everyone at
the table has their schedule for um our committee the whole as well as our board of ed meetings. And then we will move to approval of roll call for approve uh section 7.02.
Approval of item for 7.01. 01. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Oh, we're going to take roll call. >> Mrs. Brown, >> yes. >> Mr. Craig, >> yes. >> Mrs. Demarco, >> yes. >> Mrs. Divine, >> yes.
>> Mrs. Maya, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mcowsky, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sherman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Z, >> yes. Mr. McMillan. >> Yes. >> Mr. Dulkus. >> Yes. >> Mr. Chu. >> Yes. >> So, how are we appointing making
committee appointments anymore? >> These are I'm sorry. These are state and local. Yep. Um so uh section 8 is committee appointments made by the vice president. Should we update this um language here
or are we good? It says made by the president who is not me. >> I will change it. >> Okay. >> President prom. >> Well, you know, just making sure. Um all right. Uh so there are two uh the New Jersey board, New Jersey School Board
Association uh representatives of the board of education at the state level quarterly meetings in on three Saturdays per year. >> So I'm I would >> Yeah, we normally take volunteers for I was wondering who volunteer for either legislatively and alternative.
>> I would volunteer for the legislative representative. I volunteer tribute as the alternate rep. Roger, don't miss any. >> Thank you. And then number two, the Camden County School Board Association to represent the board of education at
the local level. Monthly dinner meetings. Uh representative and alternative volunteers, please. >> I'm happy to take that one as a rep if nobody else wants it. Oh, okay. I'll take it.
and I I would like to be the alternative. >> Thank you all. Um and then uh section nine uh special board appointments. >> Oh yes. I hereby uh be hereby resolve that the Collinswood Board of Education has approved the continuation of
services provided by the Camden County Educational Services Commission for the 20 2026 school year and the members of the board have elected um who would like to do this >> for special services commission. >> They only meet quarterly
so it's not like a massive time. >> We need to I'll do it. >> Yeah. >> I'll be the secondary. >> Thank you. >> Section 10 um 10.01 1 adoption of policies and procedures. Um move on the
recommendation of the superintendent that the policies and bylaws of the district presently in existence be adopted and continue to review the policies as proposed. And then 10.02 adoption of job descriptions
move to move on the mo the recommendation of the superintendent that the job descriptions presently in existence be adopted. And then 10.03 is voting on temp items 10.01 1 to 10.02. >> So moved to second.
>> Then roll call or any questions or comments? >> Roll call. >> Mrs. Brown. >> Yes. >> Mr. Craig. >> Yes. >> Mrs. DeMarco. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Divine. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Maya. >> Yes. >> Mrs. McCowsky. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sherman.
>> Yes. >> Mrs. Z. >> Yes. >> Mr. McMillan. >> Yes. >> Mr. Dulkus. Yes. Mr. Ch. >> Yes. Right. Section 11, miscellaneous. Um 11.01, public agency compliance officer. U move on the recommendation of the
superintendent to appoint Bethang Coleman as our public um agency compliance officer uh for the 2025 2026 school year. Um motion need a motion and a second. >> So moved.
>> Second. Any questions or comments? All right, roll call. >> Mrs. Brown, >> yes. >> Mr. Craig, >> yes. >> Mrs. DeMarco, >> yes. >> Mrs. Divine, >> yes. >> Mrs. Maya, >> yes. >> Mrs. McCowsky, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sherman,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Z, >> yes. >> Mr. McMillan, >> yes. >> Mr. Dulkus, >> yes. >> Mr. Cho, >> yes. >> All right, we're at our second public opportunity for public comment. Uh, aren't any new faces in the room. So,
please come up. Um, you state your name and your address. Um, and we will have a three minute time limit. Um, and please remember to resolve any issues with the appropriate staff. So, please come down. Seeing none, we will move on to
>> There was somebody moving. Come on down. Yes, please come down. Thank you. Thank you, Matt. >> Hello, I'm Julia Mullen, 221 East Madison Avenue. I have a um a senior who
just graduated who's now finished her first semester and a ninth grader this year. So, I'm very involved in the schools and you know, my son's at band and want to um just say thank you to everybody and for their dedication. schools in the district. Um I do want
to, you know, thank Stacy for a comment earlier about um that the community voted and I feel like that vote, you know, it was kind of a massive like it was a pretty big delta and I think that um the you know the board leadership
should really consider that I think other voices want to be heard and I think that you know I agree I do like the the committee as a whole because it is more transparent. I think over the past year there looking at the committees at the board
meetings it didn't seem like there was a a fair represented representation of all of the voices on the board and so I think that will be different but I don't know that that was decided soon enough I think other people should have been
involved sooner and I think that you know it to me it feels like because of the vote that you decided to change and make it more apparent because you know there I don't know that there was the transparency that the community really
wanted. So I think that the community is a good idea. Um but I think that other voices need to be heard and I'm so glad you took the nomination. So thank you for your service. Thank you. All right, seeing no one else, we will
move to back. Well, we're gonna >> the item five. I'm flipping pages. Item four, sorry. Election of the of a president. Um item
4.01, nominations for president. Um on January 5th, 2026, the board secretary requested Okay, thank you. board policy is that the board secretary reads Chris Dilkus for Roger.
Megan for Kelly. Sarah for Roger. Kelly for Kelly. Matt for Roger. Zakia for Kelly. Stacy for Kelly. Danielle for Kelly. Very scientific actually.
Maggie for Kelly. Jimmy for Roger. Roger for Roger. We have a president. >> [applause] >> And I thank you for your hard work tonight and not making me have to go to the state. You don't know how much I
don't want to do that. Anybody who knows me know I don't you know don't do that. Okay. >> All right. Item 1301 German motion >> second
has to be Kelly. >> Does everybody have mercy on me when these minutes come out? That's all I'm asking. >> I'd like and make a motion to adjourn the meeting. Oh, I I'm asking for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
>> Second. >> All in favor? >> All in favor? >> Meeting adjourned. [applause and cheering]