We good? >> Yes, we are. >> Everybody good? >> All right. Good evening. I'd like to call this meeting to order. Would the secretary please call the role? >> Anna Braun >> here. >> Timothy Cummings >> here. >> Jamie Falco >> here. >> Lewis Figureroa >> here. >> Lorie Herrick >> here. >> Lee Wu Hong
>> here. >> Wilbur Pan >> here. >> Maryann Tangos >> here. Heather Gloss >> here. We have a quorum. Please rise to salute the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Good evening and welcome tonight. We are happy to be here. All right. The New Jersey Open Public Meeting Law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advanced notice of and to attend the meetings of public bodies at
which any business affecting their interest is discussed and acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of this of this act, the East Brunswick Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting to be published and posted at the Board of Education offices. Written notice was also provided to the
Sentinel, the Newark Star Ledger, the Home News Tribune, the Alternative Press of East Brunswick, and the Municipal Clerk of East Brunswick. All board of education meetings, with the exception of executive session discussions, are videotaped for later broadcast. It's the policy of the board
of education that videotaped meetings are not edited for any purpose. Individuals who speak at the board's public meetings should be aware of these videotaping rules. All right. So, tonight we have Do you want me to combine the items?
>> No, they should be done individually. >> Oh, that's true. All right. We have uh board of education item one only. >> We do number one. >> We're gonna do item one only. >> Can I have a motion? So move.
>> Lori and Anna >> discussion. >> Uh can I ask if we could read the motion aloud just so people that are not here know the first uh what the recommendation is that is being made. >> Absolutely. Yes. >> Any problem with that? >> No.
>> Okay. Uh the first item is the resignation due to retirement revised of Dr. Victor Veleski, superintendent of schools. The board of education accepts with regret the revised resignation due to retirement of Dr. Victor Veleski,
superintendent of schools effective December 1st, 2025. Matt, did you want to explain that or should we do that later? >> Um I I can explain later. Okay, that's fine. Yeah. >> All right. This is Oh, sorry. Any discussion? Okay.
>> All right. This is a roll call vote. >> Anna Braun, >> yes. >> Timothy Cummings, >> yes. >> Yes. Excuse me. >> That was only one vote, by the way. >> Jamie Falco, >> yes. >> Lewis Figueroa, >> yes. >> Lorie Herrick, >> yes. >> Lee Wu Hong, >> yes.
>> Wilbur Pan, >> yes. >> Marian Tangos, >> yes. >> Heather Guas, >> yes. Motion carries. Congratulations, Dr. Velesi, on your retirement. All right. Our second item is the appointment of superintendent of schools.
>> Do you want me to read the whole thing? >> Um, no. >> I can. So moved. But maybe no. >> So the one thing that we would add >> is the name >> to this since the agenda has a blank. The one thing that we would add is the
superintendent nominees name Dr. Evelyn Meon. >> Okay. Can I have a motion please? >> Move and second Jamie discussion.
>> Sir Heather, can um Mr. Jacobe just explain? >> Do you want to do that now? Okay. Um, so just so the the public understands, um, there's a lot of laws that go, uh, that have to be filed when you're appointing a new superintendent. Um, some of them
you will say the the contract you'll see before you is three years and seven months. And people say three years and seven months. How did that happen? Contracts for superintendents are required under the law to be a minimum of three, maximum of five. You can't have a fiveyear, seven-month contract.
You can't have a two-year seven-month contract. So, the shortest that you can have is a three-year, seven-month contract, or you could have a four-year seven-month contract. This is a three-year, seven-month contract that would run from December 1st of this year uh through the rest of this school year and then three more school years
thereafter. Um all contracts that that are that are being voted on this evening, this contract, the superintendent's contract, it's not just between the board. before it's voted on, it has to go to the executive county superintendent of schools who's appointed by the governor, works for the commissioner of education. They have to
review and approve it. And uh it was reviewed and approved by the executive county superintendent of schools. Um boards of education um they they can only bind themselves. So this board is in effect until
December 31st and then the first week of January after the election the board reorganizes. So this board can enter a contract and have that person start. You cannot have this board enter a contract now and have the person start next year. This board can't buy in a future board.
So um Dr. Man will be starting December 1st under this contract which is reviewed and approved. So, the board is is before them is to take action this evening to hire Dr. Raman for a three-year, seven-month contract. Um, and that will commence December 1st,
2025. So, it'll be the seven months remaining in this school year. And it's a little strange. School years, as we know, they run July 1 to June 30th. They don't run calendar year. So, all superintendent contracts must end on
June 30th. Another law in New Jersey. So, this is a contract that will run July December 1st, 2025 through June 30th, 2029 because it has to end on a June 30th date. Um, and so what's before um the
board this evening is a is to to do this. I can tell you that the if the board didn't do this um if the board decides not had not decided to go forward this evening with this appointment um this board and Dr.
Vleski's retirement had remained February 1st. This board could not hire a future superintendent. They couldn't even hire an interim superintendent. the new board that reorganizes would have to hire an interim superintendent just to explain the the process and then you'd have to go through the entire
superintendent search process. So, the new board would have to go through a a superintendent search process all over. Um, this board back in April retained a professional consultant um I forget the name of it. Hazard Young Hazard Young
>> who did handled the whole search and I think one of the >> the the goals of of them was there's a lot of vacancies right now in all over the state but there's a plethora of vacancies right here in Middle Sex County. So I think Hazard Young was we
want to get out of the gate as quickly as we can for this board to get the uh best candidate. Um and and that's what Hazard Young guided the board on. Um, so I just wanted to tell the public that that's what it is. So the board is going to be voting tonight on Dr. Evan
Lamman's contract. I hope I'm pronouncing it correctly. Uh, which will be three years, 7 months. >> All right. >> Was there any other >> Okay. And you just um add the the what the cost of an interim.
>> An interim superintendent, they're they basically an interim superintendent gets paid uh generally a PDM rate. Um the going rate right now, and I've done a couple of them up in North Jersey last year. They're about $1,000 a day. The maximum that you can pay somebody is 260
days. So the maximum would be about $260,000 for an interim. Um they're retired superintendent. You can't be an active employee. Interims have to under the law be retired as a superendent. They can only serve for up to a maximum
of two years. Um during COVID, they they could get people like two years and three months because they couldn't find people, but it's a two-year maximum and it costs about you know if on an annualized basis about $260,000. You don't pay benefits. Uh but it's it's not
a cheap undertaking. Um that's so hope that answers your question on the intro. >> Any other requests for clarification or discussion? >> Discussion. >> Um we're still at the discussion part on the motion if we want.
>> Oh, we have are we going to have a moment to speak after the vote too or no? >> Or is now now is the Can we do that? >> No, you you can absolutely. I mean, so the you this is a discussion if you want to discuss the item, but afterwards you can vote on it and I think the board given that you're uh embarking on hiring
a new superintendent, I think the board the chair of the the committee can give the board liberty to address the new superintendent and welcome her. Absolutely. >> Sounds good. All right. If there's no other discussion, this is a roll call vote. >> Yes. Anna Braun,
>> abstain. >> Timothy Cummings. >> Yes. Jamie Falco, >> yes. >> Lewis Figureroa, >> yes. >> Lorie Herrick, >> yes. >> Lee Wu Hong, >> yes. >> Wilbur Pan, >> yes. >> Maryanne Tangos, >> yes. >> Heather Goss, >> yes. The motion carries.
Congratulations. [Applause] All right. This is the largest undertaking a board can can do as far as our responsibilities go. This is the largest one. Um I would like to thank the members of the board. There were how many other schools looking when we
started? Six other districts that were behind us. >> And um we definitely got the strongest pool of candidates for East Brunswick. We got an amazing superintendent for East Brunswick. I could not be more excited or energized for the opportunity
to work with Dr. Man and what she will do for us, for our children, for our teachers. Just really looking forward to this and welcome. >> Anyone else? >> Tim, you want to just go around? >> No.
>> No, because then you go last every >> I am so sorry, Marian. He's been vocal. >> You want to go first? >> All right. Yeah. I I'd also like to thank Dr. from a man. Um, you know, um, just speaking for myself, um, and just
so that the public has some sort of understanding as as to the process, we got a ton of applications from all over the country, which was terrific because me actually not being a native New Jersey person, growing up in the Midwest, I actually had a bit of a bias
that I wouldn't mind finding someone from outside, not just New Jersey, but the whole East Coast area, just because I think that, you know, diversity of experience is really important. Uh, be that as it may, Dr. Man's just over the border in Oldbridge, so I didn't get that. But, um, after we reviewed the
applications, I remember thinking this one, this this particular application stands out to me. And then we had our first and then we had two rounds of interviews and about a minute and a half into our interview with Dr. M, I was like, I'm done. You know, we we Yeah. Um
and because uh we have listened to the public and I did and and and and I did keep in mind the priorities that the public gave us in terms of searching for a new superintendent and it was like you know ticking off all the check boxes one by one by one in about 90 seconds. So
welcome. Really looking forward to uh working with you. Really looking forward to having our uh our our families and our students get to know you as well. I think we're in for a great ride. Welcome aboard. I'm so happy for you.
And um just so you guys know, I had to abstain because my daughter's an employee, blah blah blah. Um but I did put a task here to um Dr. Moman. I said by the ne next time that we see her, I expect her to be able to recite the alma
mater. Thank you. [Laughter] Um I'd like to yeah >> to uh thank the board and uh for their time right we we worked very hard
together um to come to this point. Uh I was also very impressed by the pool of candidates that we received um diverse backgrounds educationally, professionally. It was a great experience just to be able to review the
people who wanted to come here to East Brunswick and holds East Brunswick to such a a high esteem as we do. Um, but early in in the interview process after we had the first round and again it was a great pool of candidates that we had
here in front of us. Um, I just loved her enthusiasm. Um, her h happiness to be here. um she just has this feeling of an exchange of I want to sit at the table with her and
so like we can um have our views and we can agree or disagree on topics but um you know one of the things she kept saying repeatedly is you know she just likes to break bread with people and let's have our discussion and and you know I I think that's important um you know it's important to bring people to
the table and have people at your tables those you agree with and those who maybe you don't um and So, uh, I also felt like she would could just come in and give like our community and our schools like a big hug. And so, um, again with
just her enthusiasm, but she, you know, she she just kind of laid it all out there that, um, like this is where she wants to be and this is what she wants to do. them. Uh her educational, you know, her educational background, curriculum backgrounds. I think leadership skills were all things that
people in our community had said that they were looking for through the leadership profile. And as Dr. Pan said, it was we had the list in front of us and it was just like you could check the boxes off very easily. And so, welcome. We we're excited to have you.
>> Welcome. Um yeah, I I'm going to kind of reiterate what some of my colleagues have shared. Uh you know, it it was a very competitive process. Uh there were a lot of really really strong candidates who brought a diverse array of skills and expertise to the table and and that's the way it should be obviously.
Um clearly you were the top candidate. you the the the expertise that you bring uh the the skills, the insight, the willingness to to confront obstacles, um to think uh with innovation, uh and to
build community. This is a this is a an and this is an amazing moment and milestone moment for any community, of course. Uh this is huge for our district and huge for East Brunswick at large. So, I'm so excited to have you here. Um, I'm, you know, as a father with three
kids here, I'm I'm so grateful that you'll be taking the helm and helping to continue to guide us forward. You have some great challenges ahead as well. You do, and we're going to hold you to those, of course. Um, but but we're very confident that, you know, working with your team and and, you know, embracing
the tremendous amount of expertise that exists here and the tremendous amount of goodwill that exists here that you will do amazing things for this district. and uh I'm just really elated that that you know you're going to be you know the next person serving in this role. Um
wish you the best of luck and uh grateful that that to have you. So congratulations. >> I do want to say briefly that um I was fairly positive that Dr. Aman was going to want to go to a different district.
>> And we came in for the interviews and I wrote across the top of the paper, damn it, I didn't want to want her because I did not think we could get her. Um, but it didn't matter. I could write that as much as I wanted. Um, I was energized by everything you had to
say. I I loved everything you said about students first. Students first, students first, what's best for students. and I think that you are just right for this community and I'm very happy to have you and I'm glad you wanted us.
>> So, uh, welcome Dr. Mama. Until today, your arrival released me a lot. Before today, people asking me who will be the next new superintendent. I my answer is he or she will be on board
very quick. I got to be very very careful to because I have the obligation to keep everything confidential. I'm proud of this board and everyone's dedication. We will give him 47 application package. I believe most
board member went through the entire package and I believe most board member reviewed the board meetings for all those 47 candidates. Huge amount of effort. I'm so glad you accept our offer
and you know I you will be proud of yourself. We entrust this huge school district on you. We have more than 80 8,400 students. We have thousands of
employees. They are in your hand. Additionally, school district is just part of East Bronson. Our previous board president, current mayor, smart guy sitting there.
I really, we really need to work together. school district need work with the uh township because we are one east bron. I'm sure you will be successful. I'm sure you will make bring us to next
level. Thank you. Welcome. >> So, um I want to start off by thanking our community. uh as we were in this interview process and search process and gathering information while it may have felt expedited it was concise and effective. We had more survey responses
than average for the firm. We had people come to meetings. We had tremendous responses from students which was the voice I wanted to hear in this process. and you aligned with our vision of this district and I know that you will
execute with fidelity and with all the excellence that East Brunswick embodies. You are excellent and we're so glad to have you. Thank you. >> Welcome Dr. Man. We uh are very excited
to have you here. As uh Dr. Falco said, we had a lot of input from the community and we have a lot of work to do. So, uh, the support is there for you and we're looking forward to working with you and seeing what wonderful things we can do here in this terrific district. So, welcome aboard and, um, you know, I love
the color. Yeah. If you can't see from the back, she's got our our green colors in front. So, love it. Thank you. >> And she did previously, which won my heart. >> Uhhuh. That's right. We love that. Thank you. >> The details.
>> So, welcome, Dr. Man. Um, I echo what everyone said, but um, you know, I know I I agree with Dr. Pan in the first two minutes, your energy was just vibrant and what we needed and you repeatedly said that you were all about relationship building. Um, but for me, it the the thing that really drove it
home for me was you made a statement and you said, "Show me your budget. I'll I'll tell you what you value." And that really like uh resonated. Um, and it's because I I also I don't know who said it, but we we did watch your board meetings. Uh, South Brunswick has been
on our radar. Actually, I can't I can't tell you how many times someone has come to the podium and said, "South Brunswick's doing this. Why don't we do it?" And so, um, that that really hit home for me and uh drove this entire process forward. Um, I do agree that we
have challenges and um things to work through, but I'm confident that you're you're the right person for this. So, thank you. and welcome and we're here to support and lead as well. >> Thank you. >> We'd like to invite you up if there's anything you would like to say.
>> Thank you so much. I am equal parts excited and um nervous. Such faith in me. Uh, it's I know I won't let you down. I come here ready to
listen, to learn, to lead. I I've had nothing but warmth from you. I couldn't tell that I was your top candidate, though. You guys came at me really hard. I'm shocked to hear they I I was like, they don't like me. Uh,
but um, no, really really here, same thing. You know, I'm about relationships and I want you to know that I'm here because so many people poured into me. My daughter is here. My husband, my mini me, you could tell she's mine. Uh, she's
here. My husband couldn't be here cuz I was supposed to be in Houston tonight. >> But I said, I'm going to have to cancel. I don't know what to tell you. But my daughter is here. I have principles from South Brunswick. >> Wow. >> That are here to support me. I I if that
doesn't say I I don't I don't know what to say. Thank you for being here. You guys It got me all choked up. Um even though they were mad at me for leaving, I have to tell everybody. Um but I am so excited. I'm about relationship building and you'll
find that out. I'm also a nononsense. You've heard that. >> I equal parts, right? I think I equal parts. I'm very clear about what it is that we need to do. And the team here in East Brunswick, like everybody says, the way you've watched South Brunswick is
the way we've watched East Brunswick. We just What is East Brunswick do? What is Victor doing? And how can we make fun of Victor? >> No, but no, but really though, we share. We want to know what we're all doing and just as a collective wanting to do
what's best for kids. So, you'll find that I'm student centered. I know the work is hard. It is so hard. What is facing East Brunswick is what's facing almost every other district. But what I do know about East Brunswick is the
staff here is amazing. Uh because we do have crossovers, right? So I know some of the staff here. I know your music program is amazing and I'm excited to be a part of that. But most importantly, it's about the students. I'm student
centered. We're going to do what we need to do on behalf of students and if that means we're going to get together. We may not agree but we will understand and as long as we do what's in the interest of the child and the children are well then it's it's fine. And so I know the
work is hard but I I am up to the task and I know that you're here to support me and I'm going to hold you to it. So once the honeymoon period is over, I'm going to remind you how much you liked me before you knew what I was going to say.
But I thank you so much for this opportunity. Thank you to the East Brunswick opportunity. I'm looking forward to getting to know each and everyone of of you, our schools, our community, and you'll see me. And um most importantly, I also want to thank Victor, Dr.
Thank you for leaving this for me. Thank you. I appreciate you. [Music] [Applause] >> Can I um can I just make one more quick comment? That's okay. Um uh I know we
mentioned them before, but I I cannot um overstate how important uh HYA, our search firm, was in making this a successful uh process. I've been involved in leadership searches before. I And it's unbelievable how smoothly this one ran.
Um there were like no no hiccups. Um they laid out a plan, we executed on it. It it was terrific and just wanted to acknowledge their efforts as well. And I want to say to the principles from South Brunswick that are back there,
>> I I am I am sorry for your loss, >> but I'm so excited for us, so I'm not sorry. Sorry. All right. And I also want to thank the board. The board did two full Saturdays. >> Yes. >> Two full Saturdays. People changed
vacations. people changed plans um to move on a timeline that would get us the best of the best and I believe we were very successful. So, welcome and thank you. We're going to skip a little out. Oh, no, we're not yet.
>> Oh, we're just going to >> we're going to skip over to the last item, curriculum and instruction. Uh this is the field trip. Can I have a motion for curriculum and instruction one? Wilbur >> and Lori
>> discussion. This is a good one. >> This is another uh another thanks to Mike Cybo and uh the EBF for helping facilitate um this trip for the uh AP government and politics students to DC. So, thanks.
>> This looks very exciting. Is there a chance they'd like to invite me? >> Uh no, absolutely not. Uh, again, as previously stated, it's about the kids. >> So much so.
>> All right. This is Oh, I'm sorry. Was it okay? >> All right. This is a voice vote. >> Voice vote. >> All right. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Abstensions. Motion carries. Thank you. >> All right. Now, I backtrack to the good of the cause for the public.
>> Yes, ma'am. >> All right. Thank you. Sorry, we got there fast. The board of education recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of allowing members of the public to express themselves on school matters of community interest. To protect the
privacy of all students and staff, concerns regarding individual students and staff members should generally be addressed by first meeting with the appropriate administrative staff. In order to permit the fair and orderly expression of such comment, the board shall provide a period for public
comment at every meeting of the board. Each person who steps up to speak will be given three minutes. The board secretary will keep the time. When you step up, if you could give your name and address, unless you are a student, and then just your name and your school, we would appreciate it. Is there anyone
wishing to address the board this evening? >> All right, I'm going to close the public portion. Right. We do not have the need for the close session. Cross that out. Okay. And therefore,
we are going to the last item adjournment. >> Can I have a motion to Oh, that was fast. I will give that one to Jamie and then Wilbur. Let's be different. >> All in favor? >> I opposed. Abstensions.
We are closed. Thank you so much for being here this evening. This was We are journed. Sorry. It's all good news tonight. [Applause]