Good evening everyone. Today is June 18, 2026. We will the secretary please call the role. >> Anna Braun >> here. >> Timothy Cummings. >> Antinetola >> here. >> Jamie Falco >> here. >> Lewis Figaro >> here. >> Lorie Herrick
>> here. >> Lee Wuhong >> here. >> Wilbur Pan >> here. >> Maryanos >> here. We have a quorum. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. >> 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. The New Jersey Open Public Meetings 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 act, the East Brunswick Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting to be published by having the date, time, and place thereof posted at the Board of Education offices located at 760 Route 18, East Brunswick, New
Jersey. 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 is 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. Okay. We have resolutions of appreciation and
recognition. Do we have a motion? Move. >> Second. >> Wilbur and Jamie. Discussion. Okay. All in favor? >> I opposed. Abstensions. Motion carries. Okay. We will go to the first
resolution. Should I go to the podium or Yeah, we'll go to podium. Okay. Whereas Jane Godwin has served as the student representative on the board of education for the 2025 2026 school year.
And whereas Jane has faithfully attended meetings, offered insight as a student of East Brunswick, and effectively communicated the board of education's actions to her fellow students. Now therefore, be it resolved that the East Brunswick Board of Education recognizes and commends Jane Godwin for her time
and service to the East Brunswick Board of Education. Congratulations. Congratulations. You're not gonna Okay. Whereas Kayn D. Rose has served with distinction as the student representative on the New Jersey Board
of Education for the 2025 2026 school year, acting as a vital liaison between the state student body and education policymakers. And whereas throughout her 12-month term, Kayn has faithfully attended monthly public meetings, offered
invaluable insights as a student from East Brunswick, and effectively communicated the board's actions to her peers. And now, therefore, be it resolved that the East Brunswick Board of Education recognizes and commends Kalin D. Rose for her time and service
to the New Jersey Board of Education. Congratulations. Thank you. resolution of uh commendations. New Jersey where the people 2026 the citizen and the constitution high school competition
move the board of education approved the following resolution will ask at the New Jersey we the people 2026 the citizen and the constitution competition 25 is Bron High School student in the
advanced placement institute for political and legal education class showcased Impressive acknowledge of constitution, critical thinking ability and a clear articulation of ideas by testifying at
the constitutional issues and in simulated congressional hearing. And whereas their rigorous preparation and their dedication student achieved first place make it 37 times in 38 years. 37th
time in 38 years that East Brunswick High School has earned this distinguished representing New Jersey at the national way, the people, the citizen and the constitution competition finals and well this
remarkable accomplishment a testament to the student hardworking dedication and commitment has brought significant local, state and national recommendation to their school with the district east
and our community. Now therefore be resolved that east branch board of education proudly recognize and commend those student and their dedicated advisor Mark and Ireland for their
outstanding accomplishment. Okay. Helen Aub Sakeet Bleed, Alexis Cherion, Darina Ganesha, Alexander Kuchek, Shaun Lee, Jason Leu,
Olivia Malcowski. Congratulations Eva Naik Pisha Narin Aditia Pandandy Dasha Patel Muhammad Rayan a wise Rasa, Abani, Sahasar, Bud,
Ka Sheth, Adita Up, George Yousef. Congratulations. April U and Joy Zecki. >> You guys got to squeeze in >> two rows.
I'll go on the other side, right? Yeah. Good evening everyone. It's my pleasure to uh announce New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival Showcase Silver Award. I move that the board of education approve the following resolution.
Whereas New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival Showcase provides prestigious recognition for the creative achievements of student artists across the state. And whereas East Brunswick student Zo Quan has demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and
artistic ability through her visual artwork. And whereas her painting titled Stranger Danger was selected from hundreds of statewide submissions as one of only three pieces to receive the Silver Showcase Award for Outstanding
Achievement in 2D visual art. And whereas this significant honor brings esteemed local and state recognition to the East Brunswick public schools, the district, and the entire East Brunswick community. Now therefore, be it resolved that the
East Brunswick Board of Education hereby proudly recognizes and commends Zouan for her outstanding accomplishment and further extends its sincere appreciation to her teacher Darren Ame for his invaluable guidance and support.
Ready, set, congratulations. Good evening everybody. Um I move that the board of education approve the following resolution. Uh resolution of accommodation for scholastic art and
writing awards. Whereas the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards provide national recognition for the creative achievements of students. And whereas Zoe Quan, a student at East Brunswick High School, has demonstrated exceptional artistic talent and
creativity through her oil painting titled Nature Versus Nurture. And whereas this remarkable artwork earned Zoe the prestigious regional gold key award culminating in a magnificent gold medal victory at the national level. And
yes, thank you guys. And whereas the significant honor celebrates the students dedication and artistic ability while also bringing esteemed local and state recognition to our schools, the district, and the East Brunswick community. And now therefore,
be it resolved that the East Brunswick Board of Education hereby proudly recognizes and commends Zoe Quan for her outstanding accomplishments in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and further recognizes her teacher, Lisa Gombas, for her invaluable guidance and
support. Got to bring that down. Resolution commendation. Commendation. Young Masters Awards National Art Contest. Move that the board of education approved the following resolution. Whereas the Young Masters Awards is a national art competition
designed for K through2 students of all skill levels and abilities across the United States. providing a professional platform for young artists to gain exposure, exhibit their artwork, and build their portfolios. And whereas East Brunswick student Katherine Wang has demonstrated exceptional talent,
dedication, and artistic ability with her photograph being selected from over 600 national submissions to place in the top 100. And whereas Katherine's outstanding artwork was featured in a prestigious gallery exhibition and celebrated in an
official arts award ceremony. And whereas the significant honor brings esteemed local and state recognition to the East Brunswick public schools, the district, and the entire East Brunswick community. Now therefore, be it resolved that the East Brunswick Board of Education hereby proudly recognizes and
commends Katherine Wang for her outstanding accomplishment and further extends its sincere appreciation to her teacher, Megan Buckley, for her invaluable guidance and support. Is Miss Buckley here? >> Okay.
Resolution of commendation 2026 NJMEA Allstate Symphonic Band. I move that the board of education approve the following resolution. Whereas through a rigorous audition process, two talented East
Brunswick public school students distinguished themselves among New Jerseyy's top student musicians and were selected for the prestigious 2026 NJMEA Allstate Symphonic Band. And whereas
this selection reflects a significant commitment of intensive practice and culminates in their successful audition into the state's premier ensemble as evidenced by their performance with the Allstate Symphonic Band at the New
Jersey Performing Arts Center. And whereas this significant honor, a testament to the students exceptional talent, diligent hard work, and unwavering dedication, has brought welldeserved local and state recognition
to our schools, the district, and the entire community. And now therefore, be it resolved that the East Brunswick Board of Education proudly recognizes and commends Kenny Sha and Charlotte Wells along with their dedicated teacher
Brian Toe. Resolution of commendation 2026 NJMEA Allstate Wind Ensemble. I move that the board of education approved the following resolution. Whereas after a rigorous adop sorry audition process won
talented East Forensic High School student Gavin Salgado ranked among New Jerseys top student musicians and was selected for the prestigious 2026 NJMEA Allstate Wind Ensemble. And whereas for
the third consecutive year, Gavin earned his place in the wind ensemble, the highest scoring group in the state, through his exceptional performance in the 2026 NJMEA all-state band auditions. Gavin performed with the wind ensemble
in February and will also perform with the Allstate Orchestra. And whereas this significant honor, a testament to the students talent, hard work, and dedication, has brought welldeserved local and state recognition to our schools, the district, and the entire
community. And now, therefore, be it resolved that the East Brunswick Board of Education proudly recognizes and commends Gavin Salgado as well as his dedicated teacher, Brian Tooth. Good evening. Didn't mean to break that.
I move that the uh board of education approve the following resolution. Whereas after a rigorous statewide audition process, seven talented Churchill Junior High students earned selection to the prestigious 2026 New Jersey Music Educators Association
Allstate Intermediate Orchestra. And whereas this achievement reflects their significant dedication and countless hours of intensive practice alongside accomplished young musicians from across New Jersey. hand. Whereas this honor not only celebrates these students
exceptional talent and hard work, but also brings well-deserved local and state recognition to our schools, the district, and the East Brunswick community. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the East Brunswick Board of Education proudly recognizes and commends these students and their
dedicated teachers, Zachary Carson, Susan Muse, and Mary Momera, for their outstanding accomplishment. Just read Penelopey Bishop, Shaniah Fernando, Joshua Kang,
and Joseph Manukian. That's orchestra. Yeah, we're okay. Resolution of commendation 2026 NJMEA Allstate Orchestra. I move that the board of education approve the following resolution. Whereas after a rigorous
statewide audition process, six East Brunswick High School students earned selection to the prestigious 2026 New Jersey Music Educators Association Allstate Orchestra. And whereas this achievement reflects their significant dedication and countless hours of
intensive practice alongside top student musicians from across New Jersey, culminating in a collaborative ensemble performance. And whereas this honor not only celebrates the students exceptional talent and hard work, but also brings
well-deserved local and state recognition to our schools, the district, and the East Brunswick community. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the East Brunswick Board of Education proudly recognizes and commends these students and their dedicated teacher, Dr. Arvin Gopal, for
this outstanding accomplishment. Allison Chen, Alan Lei, and Steven Shen. Hi again. I move that the board of education approve the following resolution. Whereas 20 dedicated East
Brunswick High School students participated in the prestigious Rutgers Waxman Scholars program focusing on DNA sequence analysis. And whereas their significant research has been published on the n on the national center for biotechnology information database, a
global resource for biomedical information crucial to understanding human health and disease. And whereas this publication will allow scientists worldwide to access and utilize the students findings in their own research. And whereas this remarkable achievement,
a testament to the students hard work and commitment, has garnered local, state, and national recognition for East Brunswick High School, the school district, and the community. And now therefore, be it resolved that the East Brunswick Board of Education hereby recognizes and commends the following
2026 Rutgers Waxman Scholars and their adviser Kristen Dresser for this outstanding accomplishment. Congratulations to take their gonna read out the names. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Kaylee Choy,
Renee Chowo, Abnav Daga, Gordon, Heath, Drist, Nashant, and Chica Pradan. Abdullah Had Raza, Ume, Rubab, Alexander Ruska, Honor, Chhattis,
Kahan Sha and Paul Yousef. >> Sure. I think the parents are trying to get a picture with you. Okay. Okay. All right. We are moving on to our presentations and special reports and
our our last student representative report from Jane >> or is good evening everyone. >> Wow. Okay, this is my last one. I think I have to make this one really special. So,
The opportunity I've had to be the student representative for the board has been such a privilege. I want to say thank you to the board members and Dr. Man who have taken me under their wing and welcomed me to their world. Each and every one of you have taught me so many things that I can't wait to take with me
after high school. This has been a rewarding experience and a great way to end my senior year. Senior year was full of so many new friends, events, and challenges, but overall has been a great time. I also want to say thank you to Miss Leforge and Miss Bankard for pushing me to the greatest I can be in
the position I had for student council. I would know half the things I know now. And today is my birthday and >> thank you. >> Thank you. >> And I'm finally 18, graduating exactly
in a week and talking at my last board meeting. I would say it's pretty bittersweet. And enough about me. Now we have a recap of the final events of this school year. Relay for Life was May 22nd where we raised over $35,000
for the American Cancer Society with the use of multiple events, team fundraisers, and dedication from our students and faculty followed by prom on June 5th, which was a great time. Thanks to our class council and adviserss, I did win prom queen. So yeah.
subtle brag. Today's day, >> today's my day. Um, senior awards were June 8th and 114 seniors were awarded scholarships. Athletic awards were June 9th and students were recognized for their athletic achievements. Final exams
started 17th through the 23rd and gradu graduation practice on the 24th during school for seniors and then of course graduation day. Seniors should arrive to EBHS by 7:30 on the 25th. Lastly, I'm honored to introduce Kayn D. Rose as a
2026 2027 student rep. I have no doubt Kayn could continue my legacy and do amazing things at the board of ed for this and for the school. She's a talented and driven woman and I can't wait to see what she accomplishes. Thank you and bye for now.
>> A happy birthday. Thank you, Jane. We will miss you. And Kayn, welcome. We're excited to have you. And um you're I'm sure you're going to do just as great as Jane did.
>> Oh, cry. Can't cry. >> Did you want to say something? >> I'm like, >> I would just like to preface with the fact that um Jane has been a mentor for me for now, like maybe four, >> three, four years. Um, I still always
see her as the cool student council president back at Churchill when I was like, how can I be exactly like her? And I'm just so honored to finally be filling in your footsteps, I guess. And I think it's going to be such an
interesting and rewarding experience to continue that journey, continue that legacy um, even without Jane. Now, I'm incredibly grateful for to be the student representative at the East Brunswick Board of Education following my term at the state board of education
and just as honored to be serving as the East Brunswick High School student council president. Um, yet again, thanks to our adviserss, Mrs. Bangard and Mrs. Leforge. Um, I'll start off with there's a lot to know about me. I think for me I
like like to think of education as a superpower in a way as something that no one can take away from you. Um I was always raised to be grateful for my education and because of that I want this to be an opportunity for my term to not only give back as a student and to
be able to help provide context to this board but to of course be a representative and a voice for the many many students who of course we serve at East Brunswick. So, thank you so much and I really hope to do at least half a job as Jane.
>> A >> I am so proud of you both. You're giving me like warm fuzzies like such a good feeling. And I am sure um Jane, you're going to do great things. We're going to read about you. You're going to come back and visit and tell us everything you've accomplished and we'll be rooting
for you. And I, you know, and Kelly, we were welcome. You'll be fantastic. I mean, you handle the state board as a pro. This is nothing. You got this. So, welcome to both of you and good
luck, Jane. I'll see you next week at graduation. We all will. Yeah. >> Okay. All right. um we have a need for a closed session whereas the board of education must discuss matters which are not
appropriate for discussion in public meeting and whereas these subjects are within the exceptions to the open public meetings act and are permitted to be discussed in close session pursuant to NJSA 104-12B and whereas the board of education intends to discuss matters as outlined
in the agenda whereas the length of The closed session is estimated to be 1 hour after which the public meeting of the board shall reconvene and action will be taken. Now therefore be it resolved that the East Brunswick Board of Education will recess into close session for only the A4 said
subjects. And be it further resolved that the East Brunswick Board of Education hereby declares that its discussions of the A4 said subjects will be made public at a time when the public's interest in disclosure is greater than any privacy or governmental interest being protected from disclosure
in accordance with the open public meetings act. Do we have a motion? >> Move. >> Second. >> Jeannie and Wilbur. Discussion. All in favor? Okay. >> Opposed abstensions. We are enclosed. See you in one hour.
Okay, you're good. >> Sorry, we are back from closed and jumping right into our superintendence report. >> Okay. Uh, our district has been bustling with incredible energy and remarkable achievements. It is my absolute pleasure
to share some of these recent highlights and success stories with our community. On Thursday, May 21st, I had the pleasure of attending the Waxman Student Scholars Program. Um Jane talked about it in her um speech uh presentation
earlier on. This event served as the exciting culmination of the students year-long research which was proudly showcased during the poster um the poster forum. It was inspiring to watch these young scientists present their findings and sh and share their experiences with peers, families,
administrators, and members of the community. On Friday, May 22nd, the high school held its annual Relay for Life. You heard earlier um from Jane. It was organized by the National Honor Society.
This event brought the entire building together with clubs and student organizations running a variety of activities for students throughout the day. Through the hard work of the students, staff, advisers, and school community, the high school raised more
than $35,000 for American Cancer Society. And if you remember, I had the bucket at the board meeting and you all contributed and um so thank you for that. On Friday, May 29th, I had the
opportunity to be the keynote speaker for the high school's future business leaders of America FBA chapter career night. That was the highlight of my day. The night brought together nearly two dozen professionals from a wide range of industries to share their experiences
with um students. Participants included local business owners, IT professionals, we had CEOs, college representatives, and other community leaders. The night provided students with a unique opportunity to explore a variety of professions, make connections with local
professionals, and gain firsthand knowledge about potential career paths. Was really an interesting night, a fun one, too. And then on Monday, June 8th, along with board members, I attended the high school senior awards
ceremony. You heard earlier that the the committee proudly recognized 115 award recipients during the annual event. Monetary awards were presented to these deserving seniors in recognition of their outstanding achievements and dedication. The evening served as a
meaningful celebration of their hard work and accomplishments. It was electrifying. And then the next day, June 9th, I joined board members again at the high school's annual athletic awards ceremony. It's a lot of fun. The evening
celebrated all of our athletic teams and their respective team awards. We also had the privilege of honoring our special award winners whose achievements continue to celebrate and uphold the rich history of East Brunswick athletics.
On Wednesday, because we were so busy, June 10th, along with board president Dr. We had the privilege of honoring a group of future educators during our third annual educators tining day. Graduating seniors planning to pursue degrees in
education gathered with their families, peers, and teachers to celebrate this exciting milestone and received a promise of first consideration for future employment with East Brunswick public schools. I think I said I would hire them. I just said they should come back that I would hire them.
As part of the celebration, each student wrote a letter to a teacher who inspired them to pursue a career in education. That was so good. It was a heartfelt reminder of the lasting impact educators have on their students and the important role they play in shaping um future
generations. Educator signing day was a collaborative effort between East Brunswick Public Schools and the East Brunswick Education Association with additional support from colleges and universities that contributed materials and swag to celebrate and encourage our future
educators. A special thank you to Nicole Tibbitz and Jocelyn Quisinski for all the hard work and dedication they put into coordinating this wonderful event. Later that evening, I had the honor of attending the New
Jersey Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendent NJ Alice event alongside two of our outstanding high school seniors who both who were both selected as recipients of the NJ Alice student scholarship award. I believe they got a couple thousand
dollars each. It was very nice. Um it was a good evening. And then on Monday, June 15, Dr. Tanya and I had the wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements of our community programs, um, adult school students. It was a privilege to recognize those
completing our ESL, high school equivalency preparation and citizenship preparation programs. The event highlighted the life-changing impact of our fully grant-f funded adult education program, which provides students with the language, academic, and citizenship
skills needed to thrive in our community. Most importantly, the celebration showcased the dedication and resilience of our students and the strong sense of community that has developed within the program with which many participants described as a second
family. Um there wasn't a dry eye in the room when you heard stories and they talked about their journeys. Um it was just so rewarding. It was a beautiful night. A huge huge massive thank you to Anmarie Gilbert. She's such a true
magician behind the scenes of this amazing program. Over the past month, I'd had the privilege of attending the student of the men's month celebrations at both Hammershield and Churchill Junior high schools. It was inspiring to witness firsthand the remarkable achievements of
our students. Their commitment to excellence and leadership makes them outstanding role models within our school community. A special note of appreciation to the administration teams at both schools for their hard work in organized such a spectacular and memorable celebration. While at
Hammershield, I had a chance to see the fifth grade science classes bring their forces and motion unit to life by launching rockets. Is it going to go? >> Yay. There was so much energy in the air as students counted down and cheered each
other on. It was a fantastic safe. It was safe Joe and fun way to see scientific theory put into practice. And then I went to the um this week actually I dropped by the mindfulness
movement and stress management class at Churchill cuz I needed to manage my own stress which culminated in an impressive mindfulness fair held in the media center. Students um eagerly shared their knowledge and hosted interactive games centered around grounding, creativity,
strength, compassion, communication, awareness, and insight. The essential building blocks of a healthy, happy life. And I got to check in with myself and my crown. It means something. Some energy grounding it. I felt relaxed for
all of one minute. This morning while I was visiting Lawrenbrook. I could not resist. I got to see our ELA students get ready for their moving up ceremony. We had that today. I know there was one at memorial because I couldn't find parking
and I had to turn around and go back to um central office yet. I wanted to see them. They're just adorable. All 10 Early Learning Academy preschool classes proudly participated there in their moving up ceremonies over the past two weeks. Students delighted families and
guests with performances of futureing songs and dances and classroom celebrations that showcase their growth and accomplishment throughout the year. As part of the festivities, each student received a graduation East Brunswick teddy bear, as you can see over there on
the right, it's so cute. Especially dressed up, I don't know if you can see it, in a cap and gown, providing a memorable keepsake to commemorate their preschool experience and transition to the next stage of their educational um of their educational journey.
At Memorial Elementary School, staff organized and hosted Memorial's third annual book swap event. I really like the I really like this event. It um students donated over 2,000 gently used or new books for this event, ranging from young children's board books,
chapter books, graphic novels, and picture books. All four 177 students were able to choose three books to keep and read over the summer. The day was so exciting as students recognized their favorite titles, characters, and
authors. Thank you to the PTA for donating beautiful bookmarks to the students. The celebration ended with all students designing their own summer reading bingo board for different ways they would enjoy these new books.
At Irwin and Frost elementary schools, each grade level gets to visit the grade they will be entering in September 2026 to learn about expectations and academics. As a special highlight, the fourth grade students returned to their former kindergarten classrooms, creating
a full circle moment filled with excitement and reflection. The students truly enjoyed the experience and had a fantastic time. In sports, I mentioned this June 4th, but I think it bears saying again, we are NJIAA
group 4 state championship for boys tennis. We defeated Levenston 4-1. Congratulations to all our students and their coaches. And then
I want to take a moment to recognize two outstanding staff members at Hammershold Upper Elementary School. Assistant Principal Thomas Huser and School Security Officer Eric Garner. On two separate occasions over the past few
weeks, both individuals responded instantly to assist a choking student with a Heimlick maneuver. Thanks to their Yes. Thanks to their swift and decisive actions, both emergencies were safely resolved.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. Huser and Officer Gartner for the exceptional vigilance and dedication to our student safety. I just happen to be in one of the places where there when one happened, but these are little acts
that just go unnoticed. If I wasn't there, I wouldn't even have known. But our our staff do go above and beyond every single day. They do little acts of kindness and
they're courageous and they step up and they're often at the forefront of people who are upset at them and it gets just clouded. Um it just clouds all the magnificent things that they do without being recognized and not even asking for it. You can tell how uncomfortable they
are. They don't want to be here. But I thought it was absolutely important. So if you can come up here, Mr. Husar and Eric Gardner. >> Thank you. Just a few reme reminders. Tomorrow,
Friday, June 19th, is a non-school day for students and 10-mon staff. Administrative offices will be open. Monday, June 22nd, and Tuesday, June 23rd, the high school in Churchill will have a single session day for all
students. Wednesday, June 24th and Thursday, June 25th will be single session days for all students. Thursday, June 25th is the last day of school for all students and graduation for the class of 2026.
I would like to wish our entire community a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer. We look forward to welcoming everyone back when school resumes on Wednesday, September 2nd. Thank you very much.
>> Thank you, Dr. May. Um, I just want to add to that that uh Eric is always greeting everybody with a smile when we walk through that building. So, thank you no matter how chaotic things are. And Mr. Husar, I don't know if you know this. Yes. But Jamie, he he was both
mine and Jaime's 11th grade US history teacher and spoke to us extensively about um civic duty. And here we are. Jamie, you did a >> full circle. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. We took that a little too seriously, right?
>> Okay. Um All right. So, we are moving on to the for the good of the cause for the public. 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 student and staff members should generally be addressed by first meeting with the appropriate administrative staff. Public participation shall be permitted only as indicated on the order of business in board bylaw number 0164 and shall be
governed by the rules outlined in the agenda. Uh, anyone wishing to address the board, please announce your name, place of residence, and your group affiliation. You will have three minutes. If there's anyone wishing to address the board at this time, please
go to the podium. Hi. Are you a student? >> Yeah. >> So, just your name in school. >> Good evening. Um, my name is Rohan and I go here to East High School. >> Good evening, Dr. Man, administrators, members of the board of educ education,
and community members. My name is Rodetti, a junior at Eastbun High School. On behalf of the each month's sustainability task force, I'm happy to return tonight to share the incredible success of our recent district earth month challenge. From April 13th to April 22nd, Miss Hollesman and I turned
environmental education into an interactive competition for kids in an all elementary schools in the district and Hammershold. We designate we designed and distributed Earth Month Challenge bingo boards to each elementary school classroom and Hammershield classroom across the district. an idea that actually inspired
me from the East Valley Public Library reading a summer challenge. Our goal was simply to help future generations understand how important it is to take care of the environment while also having fun. Students brought the challenge home involving their parents and family and in sustainable and nature
appreciating activities like how the class had to come up with at least 10 activities that they can continue to do even after Earth Day and picking up at least five pieces of trash locally and 22 more similar challenges. We were flooded with photo submissions of students completing these challenges and having tons of fun. Here are some final
statistics and shout outs. 32 different classes completed competed and completed a total of 434 environmental challenges. Bound Monroe was our top participating school with nine classes competing and completing over 105 challenges. A few
classes all at other schools even went above and beyond completing all 24 squares on the bingo board. Collectively, our students and teachers saved over 120 markers and pens from ending up in a landfill, cleaned up their neighborhoods by picking up over
60 pieces of trash, donated more than 15 toys to the local free event, keeping them in circulation and out of the garbage, and last but not least, packed over 100 school lunches completely free of single-use packaging. This challenge proved that our students
don't just care about the future of our planet, they're ready to do the work to protect it. A week and a half of bingo didn't just change habits for a few days, but it sparked vital conversations between classmates, friends, teachers, parents, and I am confident that will leave a lasting impression on our community
where they can continue to practice sustainability. Thank you to all the principles, teachers, parents, and most importantly, the students who brought this challenge to life. Also, a special thanks to Mr. Gulata for facilitating the communication between us and the elementary schools. Thank you for your
time tonight and your continued support of green initiatives in our schools. >> Thank you. >> Come back. I have a question for you. You don't get to go. I'm >> sorry. >> Thank you for doing that. Based on your
experience, what more can we be doing? What kind of goal can we set for ourselves next year to maybe do better? not just in terms of a challenge but to challenge ourselves as a whole district that we can support.
>> I think specifically regarding this challenge I think um across the district although this is our first time only 34 classes participated but I think a lot more classes are actually in the district and it would be nice to um make sure a lot more people participate and
it would be nice to um further this expansion into Churchill and East High School if possible. >> Okay. because I think it's important that like I know it's uh important for the like younger generation but it's also important for the current generations to understand the importance of caring for the environment. >> That's good. So will you be leading this
initi initiative next year? >> Yeah. >> If you let me know when this is I promise we can double those numbers of classrooms. Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there anybody else wishing to address
the board this evening? Going once. Going twice. >> Okay. Public comment is now closed. All right. Uh I need a motion for board of education items one through five.
>> Wilbur and Jamie. >> Jamie and Wilbur. >> Jamie and Wilbur. Yes. >> Okay. Discussion. Um just really fast, um for item number four, the resolution urging relief from rising public school employee health care costs. Um
>> you mean five? >> Oh, am I on the wrong agenda here? >> She might be looking at the updated one. >> No, no, you're you're you're probably right, but we have the old one. >> Oh, it's number four. Did I say five? >> Yeah. >> Oh, sorry. It just to me
>> the old one. Number four is not that. >> Oh, okay. The new one. Am I on? You're right. >> You're right, Jamie. You are right. It's four. It's four. It's four. >> Sorry, guys. Um >> I, you know, I I really appreciate that we are calling attention to this. Um you
know, a 30% increase in something that's a basic human dignity in my opinion is is just ridiculous. So, um having solidarity with other public schools, other districts, um speaking to Trenton and creating, um you know, advocacy
groups. Um also making this statement are important steps. I also urge anyone who sees this meeting to contact their local legislators and let them know that the rising health care costs and education are unacceptable. Trenton needs to do better. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Antwanette, did you want to say something? >> I was gonna reiterate what she said, so I'll just say ditto. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Yeah. And and just so the public is aware, uh, at the Middle Sex School Board's meeting on May 20th, uh, we were actually the first county to pass this
resolution, and we were told that we were the first, this was the first resolution of any kind like this to be approved. So, um, it's it's historical in the making, which speaks to what Jamie just said. Okay. Any other discussion on items one
through four? >> Okay. So, this is a roll call vote. >> Anna Braun, >> yes. >> Oh, >> Antonet Bola, >> yes. >> Jamie Falco, >> yes. >> Lewis Figureroa, >> yes. >> Lorie Herrick, >> yes. >> Lee Wuhan, >> yes.
>> Wilmer Pan, >> yes. >> Mary Tananiels, >> yes. Motion carries. >> All right. Uh business and support motion for business and support operations items one through 48. >> Move. >> Second. >> Wilbur and Jamie discussion.
>> Joe. Joe. >> You guys don't know. >> You can't. Yeah. Now you have to look for me. >> Usually I have you face to face. Are we going to discuss them item uh line by line or do you want me to just tell you all of my questions right now for >> So if if there's going to be discussion, let's go. So we'll do we'll do it like
this. Any discussion on item one? >> Yes. >> So, Antonet, go ahead. >> Um, can you please explain what are fatal deficits? >> So, we have to follow public law when certain items are over the bid
threshold. Um, some items don't you don't have to do a bid like instructional supplies, but in this case, the demolition of uh the building at Cranberry Road um the old maintenance facility. So, uh, there's certain requirements that the bidder must
submit, insurance, uh, shorty bonds, um, their sub, uh, contractors. So, if there's something missing, sometimes it's fatal, sometimes it can be resolved. So, there was a a something that was required that couldn't be
resolved that was missing and then it's deemed fatal. So, we cannot award to them. >> Thank you. Yep. Anyone else on item one, two, three, Antonet? Sorry. Sorry, Joe. Um,
so I'm I really appreciate that there's such a low markup for this specific agenda item and it really allows our students to be to have access to such really high quality food. My kids actually never started eating school lunch until they got to Hammershel and they still to this day do not bring
school a lunch from home anymore because it's really good. they like the var the variety. A question that I keep getting asked from the community is, is it now? If you have a food allergy, you can um reach reach out to the nutritional department and have that food allergy as
a red flag on your students um ID card. They want to know there might be some items that they're not allergic to, but they just don't want their elementary and upper elementary students to have access to. Specifically, food dye. I know Hammershield has the red slushies available there and there's other items
that might have red dye in it like Doritos or something. Um, so is that possible? Because I didn't know that answer. So, I would like to be able to share that with them. >> So, you are correct. The food service works with our nurses to make sure all allergies are put in. When you get to the POS system, when the student gets there, you know, it's warned, you know,
what whatever the allergy is. Um, we do have the ability to restrict certain things. Uh I will follow up and and see if we can go with a dye type deal. It's usually just a food dye maybe. >> Yeah. Um it's usually all snacks or you
know um but I'll ask and I'll find out see you know what the capabilities are how far we can go. >> Okay. Four fiveette I should just keep this mic on. Um I looked through this entire um the
pamphlet that you gave us and I was wondering why does Hakiva have the highest cost for the contract amounts for but for uh transportation compared to all the other um charter schools >> and our schools. >> Right. So some of the factors could be um the length of the route um
and I don't know off the top of my head but these are factors that contribute to the cost of routes. um if there's 52 kids on the bus and we're starting at one end of town and it you know you're going numerous miles to pick everybody
up. So that's going to lead to cost. You also have to remember that most of our schools except for the upper schools are neighborhood schools. So if they're you know the the boundaries are relatively close to the school where Hatikva is more townwide.
>> Okay. 6 7 8 9 10. >> Okay. So, we'll burn the answer in the next. >> So, um I think I remember this from uh last year, but the contract that we have
the with the architect is for the um sort of usual um design things that we have to do in terms of running the school district. And this is separate from whatever uh architects are doing work for in terms of uh say a new high school. Correct.
>> So yes, we use uh Prett Somjin architects as our main architect. Um if we go down the route of building a new high school, we could change architects for that uh specific project. >> Um but they're the default architect.
>> Yeah. And and if I um just want to make sure I did remember this correctly. So, if we wanted to embark on a project, say, you know, replace the curtain in this room with an with an actual wall that these are the folks that we would use for something like that. >> But if we were to like, you know, again,
throw up a new building, then we would look for Okay. >> Yeah. And just so um complete disclo disclosure, there has been work done by Peret, >> uh on the new high school, um you know, preliminary plans, design, uh not the full plans because there's a lot of
decisions to be made. So uh that would be something that the board would have to take into consideration what could be transferred to a new architect if you went that route. Uh but you are not married per say to this architect to do a specific project. >> Okay, great. Thanks
>> Antonette. >> So that was my question. So thank you Wilbur. Um my the question regarding to contracts I know that you don't have to put these out to bid, right? These are different circumstances. you get to compare them to other districts and see if they within the the cost range. How
many companies do you guys consider for each category or do like what are your qualifications? And if it doesn't have to require like a low the does it have to be the lowest bid also? No. Right. So what's your qualifications for choosing? >> Professionals that uh must have a license issued by the state are not
subject to a bid. Right. So if we go out to bid, you have to take the low as long as they meet the qualifications. For a professional, uh, we have different options. We can go out for an RFP pay request for a proposal. Um, it requires 21 days of advertising before
we opening. And there's a predetermined criteria that's comprised of professional experience, uh, capacity, uh, the size of the firm, the history, a number of things. And then cost is also built in. Um, under the law, we could
just issue um, a contract to a professional. Um, but the accountability regulations state that we have to do go through a due diligent project, uh, process to make sure that the costs are reasonable. So, we do a request for
quote, uh, which is more informal. We send it directly. It doesn't have to be advertised. Um, we pick professionals that are in that world. Um there's not that there's firms out there that deal with school districts. So the auditor,
you're not going to go to a tax accountant for a school district audit, right? So there's only so many of those firms. So we we send that out. Not everybody replies. Um and then we see what the the cost proposals are and then we compare it to the county. Um all the
uh school districts in the county, the school business administrators, uh we do a survey every year. We put our information in. So we determine reasonleness based off of size like our audit is going to be more expensive than spots
would you know because we're larger. Um and we evaluate the criteria like the qualifications and also you know our our current professionals are they performing uh is there a need is there a request uh to go out so uh it's a
detailed process that we go through. >> Okay. Okay. >> All right. Uh 11. >> Um I have something for 11. >> Sure. >> I just want to affirm um I know there's been questions about the auditor, why we
use the same group each year. It's my understanding they are the best. >> And um when districts are in trouble, this is the group that usually um is contacted because they're very good at what they do. >> Yes. Um and then my last
uh question just to affirm again we do not have the same individual each year within this firm audit. They cycle individuals so that we get fresh perspectives. >> Correct. The partner assigned might be the same partner but the people the the
senior auditor on site it they change. Um it's usually every three years or so. Uh you don't want somebody new every year because then they don't know the district not know like oh that's okay. No it's understand the district in the
you know what we are the demographics of the district what what we do. Um but then you also don't want the same person doing it for 10 years right because they you know you got oh oh I know this they do a great job here. So it's finding that balance of changing it every so
many years. Um and and they have done that over their tenure. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. Anybody else on that? Okay. 12. >> Yes. Hannah. >> Okay. I just wanted to confirm for number 12, board attorney. This was a
two-year contract. Is that correct that it was approved last year? >> Yeah. So, the um the RFP uh we did an RFP last year and the board approved it and then we have the ability to renew um
>> for annually for up to three years I believe um off of that RFP. So, because we did a formal like full RFP, you know, we we base it off of that. if the AR if we're past that time period of renewing, we can go back to, you know, the process
I just talked about and we we did we also, you know, not that we don't trust our our board attorney, uh, but we do our due diligence to make sure that the rates are still reasonable based off the county uh in in industry standard, >> right? Because I remember last year we
were presented with a different choices, you know, different prices and everything else. Um, so that's why I just wanted to confirm. Yes. >> Okay. Very good. Thank you, >> Jean. >> I just had one quick thing. Um, you guys know I like to read case law and weird
things. Um, what I always appreciate um when I see that there's um a legal document and I see um this firm's name because the work um you know, when you read through um what they're citing, it's it's really good work. Um, so I'm
pleased to work with um strong professionals who are very active um in educational law. >> Thanks, Jamie. Anybody else on this item? Okay. 13. Okay. I actually have a question on 13.
Joe, can you explain why this goes to different council from our council? >> So, and Matt, feel free to jump in. >> I could. >> Yeah. I mean, bond council, you want somebody who deals with bonds, um, who is in the market and understands the
timing of issuance and the limitations. So, which is very >> there's only two or three firms in the state that do bonding work. Um, well, Lens has got the biggest practice for uh, educational bonds. Um, you also have a couple other ones that do municipal
and education. Um the re it's a very specialized kind of niche area and the reason that they there's very few people that do it is the malpractice people that you have to have to do bonding because if you get it wrong it could be literally hundreds of millions of
dollars. So um it and and general counsel cannot be your bond counsel because the general counsel has to write a legal opinion for every bond that you issue or know that there is no uh material challenge to the bond going out and that everything has been done appropriately. So you always need to
have separate counsel for issuing bonds. >> Thank you. >> But they are they they they are probably the they are the top bond firm. >> Yes. So I I actually asked Matt if I had to abstain. I knew the answer, but I wanted the public to know. But I asked Matt if I had to abstain because I actually did my law internship there.
Um, and my professor was one of the partners in the firm, so I know that they >> right >> specialize in this. Anybody else on 13? Okay, 14. Antinet. Shocker. Um, I actually had reached out
to Joe to get several uh several questions answered so there would be data provided for us tonight so he wouldn't have to get back to me. Um, so he was able to provide that. But my question um do should I should I ask you them so that you can Yeah. Okay. Um, so
for this agenda item, we're purchasing 300 laser tops to replace aging teacher devices and we're purchasing 700 laptops for our um, >> seventh graders. >> Yeah, thank you. Seventh, I'm sorry
because I'm I highlighted things so I wouldn't skip it, but I'm still skipping it. For the seventh grade students. So my question to you Joe was since this um you said that this falls under the hold on
>> the enterprise fund right >> so the device coverage which is a later agenda okay so my let me go back to my question the purchase of the computers >> so these are my questions about this so I'll save that for question 40 um what
criteria is being used to determine replace uh to determine replacing 300 teacher devices. Are they all not working or I know that you said to me in the email that you're doing it by a cycle, >> but if are we determining that there is they can get like one year more one more
year squeeze out of it, two more years. The ones we are our teachers right now um for the devices that we want to replace are the ones that actually has a direct impact into the ability to do work in the classroom because they are
old six years I believe um and and they've updated sometimes it takes forever to update and come on and be able to um to project what it is that they want to teach. So that's what we're doing. We're doing the oldest ones first
and and the oldest ones even there. We're doing the ones who that we've logged have problems, right? To your point about if it can go extra, can we do that? We are. The 300, we probably need more than 300, but that's what we can do now and put it in a cycle. So the
ones who that have the biggest um issues are the ones we're going to replace and then next year we'll kind of cycle it out that way. What do you do with the ones that you're swapping out? >> Um, I think I can answer. So, we we don't dispose of them. We keep them and
we take parts off of them to repair other devices. >> Um, I'm kind of sad that uh the student left because I think that's a great use of recycling and reusing. Um, so we take as much off of those um old devices and,
you know, do repairs um and try to limit what goes into the landfill um with those. >> Wilbur and then we will >> just a quick question to follow up. Those six years that you quote, is that typical for our life cycle for?
>> Right. I I think we would prefer more four years. >> Yeah. Um so we're we're extending. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean my my brother actually, you know, works in the tech field and my understanding from him is that the typical lifespan for this type
of device is actually on the order of three. Um because they want people to upgrade, of course. >> So So it looks like we're going above that. routinely. Thanks >> Leo. >> Yes. So my question is for the old uh
laptops for those uh CPU or the memory chips are you going to centralize to destroy for the data security or you just >> they're destroyed destroyed right >> for the old >> we will turn on your mic. >> Oh sorry
>> it's okay. So for those old laptops for this s uh uh CPU or memory chips are you are we going to centralize to destroy it or how can we handle it because it contains sensitive students data.
>> So when laptops are recollected and if they're reissued or whatever the the IT department >> cleans >> cleans them uh clear like they reset them to factory standards. um and wipes out everything. Um and we do that for our copers and you know everything. Um
so that sensitive data will not go to the next user. Um and it is if it's a small amount coming in, you know, at the school, the technician at the school handles it. If it's a large amount, you know, they they might have multiple people over the summer uh working on that project uh at a more
centralized location. >> Thank you, >> Antonet. I just have a follow-up question. I wasn't finished, but it's okay. Um, >> I'm I one of the questions I asked was the cost of the laptops last year for
this year because you had stated that the increase was there. Now, the laptops that these seventh graders are going to receive are touchscreen, correct? And they have the the stylus. So, ne what you state? No, >> no stylus. >> They have the touchcreen but no stylus. >> Right. So, can you explain what the st
why the the laptop needs to have a touchcreen in a for seventh grade? >> It really doesn't cuz we're moving towards more paper and pencil and we will. Okay. >> Um, this just happened that because we were late, if we had ordered
um what we thought we needed to, it wouldn't come in until what, November or something. But we just happened to find out that some company had stuck and was ready to have it be here for September.
So we jumped on it. >> Okay. >> And so um it just happened to be the touchcreen but it doesn't mean in fact um we're not using touchscreen. That's why we didn't >> So you're getting them but they're not going to utilize a touchcreen option. >> No that we didn't buy the stylus because that's typically additional and um
>> and they lose them a lot >> and they use them a lot. I know >> they lose lose they lose them. They're expensive for parents to buy. >> Yes, they lose them. But also this summer, um I already met with the academics department and it is to um
work on our curriculum to make that move to more paper pencil. Um and the teachers actually excited about it. >> Me too. >> Paper pencil. So it's touchscreen because that's what was available, not because we wanted to. No, the only
reason why is because I see here that uh Joe mentioned that the cost is going to increase that the that the distributor told you it will increase next year. I just didn't want the incoming seventh graders for next year to say, "Well, you know, why didn't I get a touchscreen laptop when they're $500 and we can't afford that?"
>> Thank you. >> And that's actually part of a whole national movement, right? The pixels to pencils. >> Yes, it is part of a national movement. Um but we see it here. there is a need to just kind of slow some things down
and slow their thinking. Not slow their thinking, but really get them to understand basics and really um not be distracted by that. Um and just the motion. I'm sure all you doctors here
know what that the the moto skills and what that does in terms of um understanding and the brain and the learning. That's part of what we're doing. We recognize that and seventh grade is a good place to start. So that seventh they get used to eighth and we just kind
of move along that way. >> Many of our teachers are already >> implementing it >> in the classroom. >> No, no, I think it's important and I'll speak as a mom for a minute. My daughter and my son when they heard that this was on this agenda and I was going to have these comments like, "No, don't take away the laptops. Then we have to write.
My hand hurts when I write." that means they haven't been writing so much that that that those muscles that muscle memory is gone for them already. That's that's unfortunate. So I really I really want us to steer away from device time. So I hope the policy committee will address that at some point. But u that
anyway that's why I have so many questions about these specific items and I'm glad that you guys are already addressing it because I think that they they do not need to be on the screens that often. >> Jamie. >> Yeah. Just to uh follow up with that, I
agree. I think um and I appreciate this administration's commitment to a hybrid learning environment, recognizing what the future holds for students, what technology um is going to be required to be successful in um different types of
industries, but also understanding the fundamentals of learning, how children learn, what it means to the different areas of the brain when you write versus type. So, thank you. Thank you so much for that. >> Okay, anybody else on 14?
All right, 15, 16, 17, and only because I have no idea. But can you give examples of what this company actually does? >> I don't know what they do. >> Um,
Environmental Design, Inc. is our environmental consultant. So, if we get a report of a moldy smell um or something that might, you know, we don't know what it is, we call them and they do the testing. Um, perfect example at
the Cranberry location where we're doing the demolition, there was a underground storage tank that was found uh that we didn't know about. So, they had to come in and test the soil and make sure nothing was contaminated. So we call them on an as need needed basis and they
also prepare uh some of the environmental reports and in training that we have to do annually. >> Anyone else? Okay. >> 18 19
>> guys why is it only me? Okay. Um is this the first year year that we use this company and how are they providing financial advice? So, um, no, we've used them, uh, a number of years. Um, they will be used more if we do issue
bonds. They will help us invest it correctly. Um, because when you issue bonds, uh, we're going to receive that money once we issue, but then not start paying down on the the contract for a while because based off of the last
board meeting, you saw the timelines. So we want to maximize the interest that we receive but there's limitations on what we can invest in. So they will help us through that. Uh there's also certain um financial reporting that we are required to submit. So they assist us uh annually
in filing um the report with uh the governmental agencies. Um so and it's on a as needed basis. So there's no fee unless we use them. All right. So, um, just because we're appointing them doesn't mean we're obligated to pay them
anything. It's based off of, uh, actual usage. >> Okay. All right. 20 21 22
Wilbur. Um, so for the uh school physician, I see that the uh uh the the cost schedule here is for being chief medical officer, athletic physical reviews, um physical exams for students without a medical home, and uh being on call for football games. Are there any
other things that um this position does that are not in this cost list? >> I would like to say no, but I do every once in a while something will come up. Um have lunch >> for a student that needs special
attention whether they're displaced and they need something. So because they're our school physician, we will refer them there. >> Okay. >> A second opinion every >> it's actually mandated to have a school physician and it becomes it it becomes
>> very very helpful especially when you're engaging with employees in the interactive process to see if they can perform the essential functions. they have a a medical note from their doctor. None of us are doc well Wilbur's a doctor but you need somebody who understands and can and decipher what
what it is and is it reasonable is it not reasonable and it helps you avoid a lot of liability when you're engaging in that process also w with children as well. >> Yeah. Um so that actually leads to my other question about um about this. Uh
so our school physician is in emergency medicine. Um, would it be better to have someone with pediatrics experience in this position? >> Are you trying to apply, Wilbur? >> To do >> the history is
>> nobody wants to do it. >> It's very difficult to find. Um, we had a doctor that was a local resident, East Brunswick grad, and he charged like nothing, and he was great. Um, and he was more of a pediatric doctor.
He aged out. I think he retired the new practice. Didn't want anything to do with it. We found another person and after a couple years it was like, you know, it's just not you see the amount that we pay. It's not very lucrative to them for the amount of time. So, uh I
think it's important having somebody local so we can have our students that might need to go there. Um so the options are limited. So, uh, we did try to find somebody more in the pediatric
area, but with no luck. >> Okay. All right. Thanks. >> Anybody else? Okay. Uh 23 24 25 26 I feel like we're at an auction. 27
28 29 30 31 32 33 >> Antonet 33 >> sold. Okay. Um >> Joe, this one's for you. Um so can you
explain the 19.8 million in the deferred revenue in fund 20 and how much is expected to be recognized before the end of the year? And of the 30 million budgeted in special revenue, how much represents grants that have not been spent versus grants that have not been used? And do we expect any lapse or have
to return them? One at a time. I don't think he got all that. One at a time. >> All right. So >> he got it. He knows >> this is his language. >> Fund 20 special revenue. The accounting is very much different. So we are awarded grants whether it's federal,
state and our shared service comp uh funding through the township that we have where we do our projects is also accounted in there. >> So uh the accounting of it is you know we have to >> we can only recognize what we spend.
>> Okay. So, uh, whatever the the difference is, what we receive or the the federal government committed to give us, we put that as the budget, but we, you know, can't recognize it, >> right? >> So, um, >> each grant is different. I can't tell
you like if you said, okay, this line, you know, you for >> kick >> the title, title one, you know, we were awarded $700,000. Um, we spent 500. What's the plan for the the last 200? We could talk about that, but overall >> overall, okay,
>> that's a lot to >> We can have a different, you know, we'll do >> oneonone, but we'll be here until like 2 a.m. And I will have to ask Tara to come up and assist me because >> we all know she's the brain. >> He understood my language. He understood. >> Thank you.
>> Yep. Any else? Anyone else? On 33. Okay. 34 35 36 37 38
Antonet. This one I feel very passionately about. And for those who are listening and don't know what 38 is, this is the technology device coverage plan. And it plans to increase the device coverage from $50 to $75 for the new school year.
My problem here is that we've already put a 6 point what 16% tax increase on them. We've increased sports. We've increased clubs. Food is expensive. Mortgages are getting interest rates are high. There are so
many expenses our families are having to place the burden on their shoulders. this additional I know it might only seem like $25 because you know I'm sure you're going to tell me the the parts are more expensive now and you you got older ones that you're not replacing. I
get it. But at the same time, I look I one of the questions I asked you was and let me go to your the I asked you what the revenue was from the last from for device coverage for 2025 and 2026
and you provided that with me for me for 2025 the device coverage repairs and uh coverage and repairs was $163,492. The expenses were 124,598. So the the the surplus there was only
38,894. And that's a low number because like I discussed with Marian earlier, that doesn't really cover a lot of devices. If you really need to start if if all of a sudden these kids start throwing these laptops everywhere, you have a problem, right? So I understand it if it was that year, but then I look at the following
year, the 2026 numbers, and the device coverage and repairs was 163,544. And then the expenses were only $69,641 which left a surplus of $93,93. Now you had you had stated to me that this comes out of the enterprise fund
and not so you need to make sure that there's money in there because it has to self it needs to be self sustainable. I want to know what other things did enterprise fund cover and how much is in the fund right now. >> Do you have those numbers? >> Right. >> So couple things if I could address first.
The device coverage is a self-insured insurance plan, right? So, uh we end it the FY25 year uh with a $100,000 in there. Uh and that might seem like a
lot, but we have to ensure that you know if the revenue is down, repairs are up that it can self- sustain, right? So, one of the factors and you know how we determined the recommendation of a 50%
increase was based off of the device coverages in the parts and um for the current year a Chromebook was $217. Next year it's $334.
The laptop with a stylus um $331 for the current year, $530 next year. >> Right. Right. But you're not buying that next year, right? >> But we still have to do replacements for, you know, if a 11th grader has that computer. Um, and the curriculum is
still based off of using the stylus as we transition, they're going to need that, right? The new laptops that we talked about, it's the first year um that we're buying them. So, our understanding is once that supply goes up, you know, or is gone, those prices
will reflect a higher amount. So that was, you know, when we look at all the increases, those costs are increasing by 53%. So we went to 50%, because we want a round number. We don't want to charge $7562.
So that was the basis and the rationale. Um the thing to note about this current year uh that you referenced, you know, $163,000 taken in, the insurance is purchased at the beginning of the year. uh unless you're a new student then you have two
weeks. So the revenue is brought in in the beginning expenses are throughout the year. We we tend to see more expenses at the end of the year as students turn in their devices, you know, and they're going from a Chromebook to a laptop or whatever the case may be. >> Uh we see more repairs that we have to
take care of. So the year's not over yet. Um so I don't know where we're going to shake out on that. Um, so currently in the uh April financials are in the packet. So it's about
I would say $80,000 rough roughly in there if I don't if you don't mind me giving you approximate so I don't have to pull the paper. Um, but I do expect that to to decrease >> um >> as a damage fund comes in. And just as a
point of reference, you know, before COVID, we didn't have this, but we had community programs um in facilities rental and we made sure community programs we had $1.5 million in retained earnings, right? And that that's a lot of money. We we make a
significant amount of money off that. If we didn't have that, we would not have been able to come out of COVID because we the law required us to continue to pay our employees and we had no re revenue coming in. So, a as the
school business administrator and an accountant at heart, I guess being conservative, I'm always going to, you know, be on the conservative piece to be like, okay, we don't want to short ourselves in those types of funds because once they're gone, they're gone.
And if we run out of money, we get in trouble if the general fund has to supplement it. And then to bring it back is going to be even more of a cost impact to families. So I understand that, you know, costs are going up. Uh
we I think we all feel that. Um and this is another fee that we're passing on. >> The costs are going up for the first time this September for a lot of people in this community. >> That's what I'm I'm excited. >> And we already did that to them. We did it to them last time, >> right? >> So, it's
>> taking and I I this is probably not a popular statement, but taking in the position I sit in, I cannot take the personal and how I feel, but the the financial the professional recommendation. So, you know, it the
board will have to decide, but my professional recommendation is to increase the cost to, you know, deal with the increased cost that the district is going to incur on these devices and parts. >> I don't know, Joe.
>> I I'm thinking about, you know, we did the family cap with the sports. I don't see a family cap here. I know a lot of people have four or five kids in this district getting hit on the first two weeks with a with a $300 bill on top of the sports, on top of the clubs. That's
a lot of money that we're asking people to put out in the first couple of weeks. You have a deadline when you're signing up for the device coverage. If you don't get that device coverage before the deadline and your kid decides to throw the laptop down the stairs the next day, you got a problem. You you have a I mean, don't do that because you actually
won't be covered for that. If your child happens to slip in the hallway and the laptop breaks and you need a whole new laptop and you don't have coverage, you have to replace the whole laptop. >> And if people can't afford that, I know that in the in this there is stated that the free and reduced will get a
discounted rate. Is that correct? >> Yes. It'll follow the same uh right amounts that we're >> but we have families who don't fall in those categories who cannot handle an additional financial burden. I understand you're the finan you're the business administrator and you're looking at the numbers and you need to make sure that if 700 laptops decide to
break that you can you can repair them. But based on the history of the repairs that you've had to have, I don't see it even breaking the 180. So for me, this is going to be I I don't know if there could be more discussion on it. I don't know if you could >> a good recommendation.
>> I'm I'm not going to be able to support this one. I don't know if any how everybody else feels about it. I feel like I'm the only one talking anyway, but that's how I feel about Can we possibly get some more information, Joe, and just some more numbers? Maybe make a motion >> motion to table >> to table this at this point.
>> This will hold my operations back. So, >> I don't know what what happens if we leave it at the $50 that it is right now. The risk is, and you know, I don't have a crystal ball on what the repairs are, but the risk is not having enough in
that self-insured fund for device coverage to cover the actual costs. So if we need the if we need that increase to cover the ones that are for stylists for the high school children, why are we charging the elementary school parents and the hammersh parents and
not the seventh grade and and including the new seventh graders for coverage that their laptops aren't going to cost that much to repair. >> Isn't this optional? >> It is optional. So >> no, I know it's optional, but >> you know the the model >> it's not really optional when you're
looking at the numbers of the repair costs. I don't know if the history of this will will help. When we first did it the first year, we actually used a company >> and you could buy the insurance through a company. It was $35. >> Um, >> and we found that, okay, that they're
getting and based off of the repairs because the repairs were still flowing through it. So, we were tracking it and it was like, okay, that that's not the most cost-effective way. We'll do it inhouse. Um, it is an insurance program. It's just
like, you know, if you buy a new car, your insurance premium is going to go up. I don't know if that's a good analogy or not, but that's kind of how I look. It's insurance. It is optional. You're really happy when you buy it. If something goes wrong, if nothing goes wrong, you're
kind of kicking yourself saying, "I wish I didn't buy that premium insurance." and not saying this is premium insurance. Yeah. >> Well, Joe, and just and again, I understand why you would use that. That's a good example. However, even
with insurance such as that, there's sometimes family insurance for the the bulk of your car. So, I think what Antoine is saying does, you know, hold value in terms of the number of kids or the number of insurance policies maybe. Um, and that's what I I think I'm
looking at is how many of those uh if I have five kids, you know, that's a lot of money. Or if I have four kids even, that is a lot of money to be putting out at the beginning of the year. I wonder if there could be a cap on that insurance piece. I'm not sure. >> I'm just thinking you have five kids, that's $400 in the first two weeks of
school. >> Well, you you know how at least for sports, how many families have multiple kids? Can you use that as an analogy? >> No, because this is including elementary school. We didn't run elementary school. >> No, but just to give us an idea of what it is at least at the secondary level.
And and this is only sports. Not everybody plays sports, but >> Well, that's the other thing. The sports fees went up. If you don't if you can't afford it, you don't play the sport. This is a different situation because we're not giving the option for them to not learn on the laptop. >> No, but the the insurance is optional, >> right? But most families are going to be
forced to pay regardless. They're going to have to figure they're going to have to budget an additional $25 now on top of their first quarter. That's going to be the first quarter that we pay th those taxes, right? Am I right? September. >> September. Yeah. >> September would be the first. >> So, you're getting hit with that all at
one time. I I'm just saying I just find that I know it's only $25, but that's another $25 per kid. That's >> right. And I think that's the point. You mentioned before four kids that's an additional, you know, hundred bucks. >> $300. No.
>> Well, just for the on top of that numbers like I I don't 25 per extra kids. When do you need to know by? When do you need When do you need to >> She's probably like tonight. >> Yeah. Well, >> next meeting is what? July 23rd.
>> July 23rd. >> What happens if you leave it at 50? Like that's that's >> like if you leave it at 50, you run it. But what kind how much of a risk? What's the risk? >> Can you create two tier? Can you This is actually a good question that I'm I'm going to ask you. Can you create two
tiers? $50 gets you this stuff. $75 gets you this stuff. And then you get to choose because if I'm going if you're comparing it to car insurance, I can go all over. I can go to to I don't know. >> Well, we're not an insurance company, though. >> Well, he's he compared it to car insurance. >> But I don't have I don't I do not have
the staff. >> I just want to just so you know, we're we are working on a very thin um you know, personnel. I am not putting more for for this. So if the board
decides whatever the board decides, we'll have to either live with the consequences and you know whatever that is. But I am not putting in more work for for my people on this. That is optional. I just I can't do that.
Um tell me again right now you have 183,000 in >> right >> approximately 188 >> with with the balance of the year um two months and we do see a little bit of an up not a little bit an uptick of repairs
and replacements at the end of the year as students turn in devices. Mhm. >> So my recommendation to the board if you're not comfortable voting is to table it, allow us to go back and get additional data because I think decisions should be
based off of data. Right. Correct. >> Um and I don't >> and I appreciate >> over the last several months there's a lot of numbers that have been so I don't want to like just start talking off the top of my head. Um, >> what else does the enterprise fund cover? You I asked that, but I don't think I heard your answer.
>> So any if you don't buy the insurance and there's a repair, it goes through the enterprise. Okay. >> Okay. So that that's it. Um, >> so this is specifically for devices. This >> this enterprise is specific to device coverage, whether you buy the coverage,
the insurance, or it's a repair due to damage and you do not have the insurance. Um, and those fees are also in the device coverage fees. you know, it's split out for the common things. >> So, let us gather some more information um and provide it to you so we can have
the conversation. But I would say by July, it has to be I mean, we're we're pushing the envelope and it has to be done. >> What information are you gathering, Joe? >> So, as far as is there a multi-ter option um or a family cap, we can run that those numbers based off of, you
know, the our system has it by family member. So we can look at >> So you'll be able to see just like we did sports, but we need we just need a little bit of time to gather the data. >> I mean your sports is only 2,000 kids. You're talking about 8,000 kids, >> but not every, you know, >> because not all not all of the Church Hill and high school students play
sports. You just looked at the sports kids for those families. >> Right. >> Thank you. I mean, I don't know what's going to happen, but that's I appreciate you answering my questions. >> I'm going to ask a question, but it's just to for my own thoughts. What what happens if a student we don't
have insurance on textbooks and the textbooks come home in the beginning of the year. What happens if a student doesn't turn in that textbook or it comes back like botched? >> Yeah. They're they're charged. >> They're charged for it. >> Yeah. A book fine. Uh whether it's a
full replacement or a rebinding or whatever the the damage is. >> Okay. Because we're mandating laptops in order laptops are the new textbooks, right? essentially. >> So, we're mandating them. We're offering an insurance option. If we did have
textbooks, this would happen without insurance. >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. >> Okay. Anybody else on this item? >> Okay. I'm um sorry, Joe, could you just reiterate what happens if the enterprise
fund is not self-sufficient because of, you know, decisions that we make on how much we're taking in, how much we have to spend, >> right? So, if the enterprise fund goes into a deficit, um the general fund would have to cover that, right?
>> And then, uh during the county review that happens annually, uh they would say, "Okay, you have a deficit. what are you doing to correct it? >> Uh and if the answer is nothing, they say okay, you can't have that anymore or here's your corrective action. You have
to raise prices or reduce whatever the scenario is. Um and then you know we we would have to take appropriate action, >> right? And and in terms of the qu questions that would be asked in this uh scenario, uh would a reasonable question be why didn't you anticipate this and
raise prices at the at your June meeting? >> Yeah, that that could be a question. Yeah. I mean, we've never gone through that where, you know, we've been fortunate. I know these are plastic tables. I'll knock on my >> wood on my head. Um that we have not
gone into a deficit with our enterprises. Um, so >> yeah. So, so I'm u I'm just looking at this from a slightly different uh perspective because um it from what you've described, it sounds to me like if if um the enterprise fund for the
device coverage is no longer self-sufficient, then an audit happens, right? >> Well, it triggers I mean >> a review. It's not necessarily an audit, but it's more, you know, when we get QAC, >> um, >> when the county does their mid-year budget review, when we submit our
financial statements at the end of the year, those are all things that they they look for and that we have to answer, >> right? But e either way, it's some sort of review that happens from outside folks and then we would have to be able to answer the questions that we can't anticipate
>> because I know that uh when you um you know just in my work life um if I'm preparing for something that could be inspected, I think of questions that can be asked and figure out how I'm going to answer those if those questions are asked to me. Um so I think if you know
whatever decision that we make here that has to be taken into account as well and again just you know speaking from experience and kind of projecting onto this uh scenario I think a very valid question is why didn't you anticipate this knowing that the price of uh
technology is going up >> would is it safe to say that for this type of a fund you should have 10% % of the money in your in your savings 10% of what the cost would be to repair >> in this case because the considering the
cost of the devices how many devices we issue >> right >> I don't think 10% >> is is a valid >> so then what would the percentage be that you think >> 15 20 35 >> I mean you're going to say 100% but I'm be realistic
>> right I don't know a percentage I I mean, honestly, I I don't know off the top of my head what that, you know, dollar amount is, especially when the market is volatile. You know, to see 53%
increases on devices is is really, you know, something I haven't experienced. So, I, you know, we're going into the unknown. And that also triggers my conservative conservative nature on what the reserve should be. So
>> no, I understand your position there, but my position here is to represent the community. So we both have our roles, >> right? >> Yeah. And I I hope anything I said doesn't come off where I'm just saying. >> I appreciate you answering my questions because you could have just said I'll
get back to you like has used used to be done. But um I just uh I don't know, Joe. I don't have anything else to say if that's what you're waiting for. >> Okay.
All right. So are we tableabling this item just so I note it or >> I think if I could make a recommendation if we go through all the questions and then once the comment section is is done then or discussion then somebody could
make a motion if they want to table it this way we don't you know it kind of just allows us to go through. Okay. 39 Wilbur. >> I just wanted to uh extend a note of of appreciation to the New Jersey
Association of School Board School Business Officials for the uh for for this gift and also just jumping ahead also, you know, for the Warren store for elementary school PTA for the next item. >> Thanks. 40 we will.
>> Yes. Uh so I want to thank awards do for PTA additional to that I want to thank all PTAs. So last week's uh high school award PTAs give dozens of award to our high school graduates. So they are doing
everything uh to provide additional financial resource additional to their job to be be the bridge between the school and the community. So they deserved a special thank I want to thank every PTA for the fabulous job you did
you are doing and you will do anybody else okay 41 42 43 44 45
46 6, 47, and 48. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I'm like, we're >> all right. So,
Antonet, are you going to motion or >> There is a motion in a second on it, right? >> Yeah. No, not yet. >> No, for the whole thing. >> Not to not to table anything. So the agenda item as listed would be a no for
me. So you can decide what you want to do amongst there's you don't need nine, you need five. So I don't know how everybody else feels because I feel like I'm the only one speaking. >> You make the motion to table and someone it will take a vote then to either table it or if it's not table then we will
vote on it and you can vote now. >> Okay. >> So do you want to >> Yeah, I'd like I'd like to table it. I'd like to make a motion to table it. >> I'll professional here. Um just >> number 30 >> because I think we we could have a little more information on that. >> So motion
to table >> and it was Anthony and then Lou. >> Yeah. And just to be clear, the motion to table is not that we're getting rid of the fee. It's that it will remain at 50 unless you present enough data that the board votes on making it 75 instead.
>> So if the motion to table goes through, it will will come back the next meeting. it'll be on the agenda with any additional data that we can present uh or any alternative recommendation that um you know we can come up with. >> Okay. So, we're voting on this motion as
a roll call or a voice. >> A motion to table can be a voice call, right, Matt? >> Yep. >> Okay. So, so we had Antwanette and Lou second. Uh all in favor >> to table >> tableabling.
No. Okay. Opposed opposed to the tableabling >> opposed to the tableabling abstensions. >> Okay. So, we're not tableabling. We're voting >> zero. >> Okay. So, then we go back to the
original motion of all the finance and >> so um so this is a roll call vote for items one through 48. And >> uh Matt, just to be clear, you said I don't have to abstain on item 13. Okay.
And for full transparency, I wasn't even aware that they were on this agenda until the agenda was presented to me. So >> Okay. >> All right. So, this is a roll call vote. >> Anna Brund, >> yes. >> Antineta, >> yes, except no for 38.
>> No for number 38. Thank you. Jamie Falco, >> yes. >> Lewis Figurero, >> uh, yes to all except number 38. No to 38. >> Lori Herrick, >> yes. >> Lee Wuhung, >> yes. >> Wilbur Pan, >> yes. >> Maryanos,
>> yes. >> All right, we are on to curriculum and instruction items one to two. >> Move. Wilbur and Jamie discussion >> answer that
>> I have a quick question because I wasn't here last year. Is does this need to be voted in every year? Is this new or is this just like a standard like the contract >> annually? >> Annually you have to vote I mean annually we have to um look at the mentoring plan. Is that what that is
>> and then we upload it to >> do you want to explain to everyone what the item is? >> Okay. Sorry for those of you who are watching and don't have the agenda in front of you. This is uh curriculum and instruction and its evaluation rubrics in accordance with NJAC6A
semicolon 10-22 as part of the process described in NJAC6A 10.21C. The board of education will annually adopt practice rubrics as presented in the attachment which is researchbased include indicators for levels of performance and effective
partial partially effective effective and highly effective and approved by the commissioner of education. The reason why I asked if this was done before is I never saw this before. So >> oh it by law every year. Okay. Okay.
All right. Um any other discussion on any of these items? No. Uh I just want to point out that these were provided by Christine >> Sheay. >> So this is her last uh
>> presentation for the board. As uh you may know from the last meeting, Christine is retiring and we voted in um Jamie Richardson to replace that position at director of secondary education. And so thank you Christine for your service to this district. You
will be greatly missed. >> Okay. This if no other discussion this is a voice vote. All in favor? >> I opposed abstensions. Motion carries. Um okay. And then motion for human
resources item one. >> Move. Second. >> Jamie Wilber discussion. Okay. Okay. This is a roll call vote. >> Anna Brown, >> yes. >> Antonetto, >> yes. >> Jamie Falco, >> yes. >> Lewis Figurero, >> yes. >> Lorie Harris,
>> yes. >> Lee Wuhong, >> yes. >> Wilbur Pan, >> yes. >> Marian, >> yes. Motion carries. And okay, motion for student services items 1 through five. Move. >> Second.
>> Jamie Wilbur. Um, discussion. internet. I guess it's the internet show today. All right. Um, what would just because there were so many different explanations in this uh descriptions
here? I'm assuming what is a false public alarm? That's my question. Meaning that a student pulled a public alarm and that's what they got in trouble for >> the fire alarm. What number? >> Number five, the monthly reports, >> right?
>> Yeah. Sorry, I didn't put the number here. for um this doesn't have page number for Churchill on April 20th. It says the infraction was false public alarm.
>> So I don't know what that means. and that's why I didn't have it numbered because there's no numbers here. >> Churchill especially since it was a seventh grader. So, >> oh, it's right here. Right here. Yep. I'm getting there.
See God. >> This is high school. This is Churchill. >> I know that this should be how I have like a specific explanation of the incident. >> Yeah, that's what I >> Are you asking for an explanation of the incident or what false
>> I just want to know what false public alarm would mean? Did they pull the fire alarm? Did they scream fire and everybody had to run out of the building? Like what what they're only in seventh, so I don't know. >> Can I get back to you? I don't have >> Yeah. No, that's fine. Was
that the day that had the alarms go off? Hold on. I >> maybe was the alarm. I'm thinking, but I don't have the >> It's okay. You could just let me know. >> I'm sorry. I'll let you know. >> Yeah. I don't know my text message.
>> Yeah. Okay. >> You want to get back or? >> Yeah, I will get back. >> Okay. All right. So, this is a roll call vote. >> Anna Brown, >> yes. >> Antineta, >> yes. >> Jamie Falco,
>> yes. >> Lewis Figuroa, >> yes. Lori Herrick, >> yes. >> Lee Wuhan, >> yes. W Pan, >> yes. Mary Antaniels, >> yes. Motion carries. Okay, we are on to committee reports, information items, and for the good of the cause for the board.
Uh, we will start on Antonet, you want to start on your side? Yeah. >> Wow, it's been so long. Um, I'm I'm having trouble with the internet here. I wanted to discuss um a bill that just left the education committee on Monday, which is Assemblyman Sirly Stanley is
one of the sponsors as well as speaker Coughlin. I don't know the bill number offhand, but this bill has been moved to a budget and appropriations and Coughlin is the speaker of the assembly, so you can assume that this is actually going to move quicker than it usually would.
Um, so this bill is to advocate for districts to find out what their budget shortfalls will be much sooner than they were finding out of for the past years. Now, while this might seem like a solution, telling me what I
don't have two months sooner is not really fixing the budget. So all you're doing is just telling us how much we're not going to have earlier than before, which I'm sure Joe won't be touching his head like that and if this passes because he'll have a heads up, but that
does not that is not a solution. So the community is asking for Trenton to come up with a solution for the funding formula for special education, for transportation, for health care that we need that. So, um, I will update you if
that in our next meeting if that has moved, which I'm anticipating it will. >> How much does it cost for a bill? About $10,000. >> It's not cheap. I mean, they spent $10,000 on the h the hazelnut one. So, >> if you watched the last one, you know
what that's about. And again, Coughlin is the sponsor of this bill and he's the he's the assemblyman, speaker, a speaker of the assembly. So, it's pretty much a go in that aspect.
>> It looks like it might be A3881. The bill >> you had service. >> Yeah. >> How' you do that? >> Here I give you guys. Yeah, that that say that. Say it again. >> Um A3881, right? And if I'm reading this right, the Senate number is S26501,
>> right? And if you click on the Senate, you'll see what the co-sponsors are. And if it h most of the time if you see bills that have co-sponsors and sponsors and the Senate bill has co-sponsors and sponsors depending on the names of those sponsors will tell you if it's going somewhere or not. And based on the names
of these sponsors, it seems um this is going to be their solution and it's just going to be telling Joe much sooner how much less or >> break even that we're going to be. >> On the Senate side, the sponsors are Vin Kapal, Troy Singleton, and Patrick Denon.
Gopal is the chair of the education committee. >> So that tells you all you need to know. >> Thank you. Oh yes. Uh Dr. Mayman found >> I just wanted to tell you that it was a a student who dialed 911 from a classroom phone as a prank
>> causing false public alarm. >> It just got caught. >> What is wrong? What is happen? I think it's just May is like they need a break. These kids need summer break, but that was in April, so I don't know. >> We all need a break.
>> Thank you, Lou. >> Okay, just uh on a lighter note, um I had the good fortune of going to the high school athletic sports awards. Once again, congratulations to all our students and you know, it's so wonderful to see that so many such a large percentage of those kids are also
fantastic students and are involved in other activities as well. So, congratulations to all of our uh athletes and their families because their family support is so important. Um, also had the good fortune of going to the uh Churchill uh pops concert uh
just the other night and I saw some of our uh other board members there and we were all uh clapping and dancing and singing and it was just uh I it's hard to believe that those kids are, you know, Churchill students to be honest with you. I mean, I would pay to go see
them professionally. Uh just amazing. So once again, congratulations to all of those families, those students as well. Um, and my last congratulations is to all of our students who are moving up and to our upcoming 2026 high school graduates.
>> Thank you. >> Yes. Thanks, Lou Jamie. As always, go Bears. So I'm very fortunate to go to uh attend the same concert at the church hill is
so amazing the course orchestra student at different leveler they coordinate so well it's really very special is compare is for me I feel it's much better than the professional performance I had
before >> and uh I attend the high school award night. So more than 110 student maybe 115 right about they got all kind of award. This shows the community support. So those award
are provided by different community groups. So they contribute their resource to to to reward our outstanding student for their uh great job and it's encouragement for
their future and is uh you know I want those organization make our east very special. >> Thanks Leo. I was also going to mention the um wide variety of community groups that were uh
involved in presenting the senior awards at the high school. Um but uh Leu already did that for me. So thanks. >> Thanks Lori. >> Um I also just want to commend all the students who received awards at um the academic awards and the sports awards
last week. It's very nice um to attend and see the success of all of our students. Um, congratulations to the graduating class. Wherever life may take you after this, um, it's just an important journey and graduation day or the last day of school is always one of
my most ex like even as an adult, I just feel like it's one of my uh, happiest days. Um, I think it's just full of so much celebration and ending um, a year where you just look back at the possibilities of what you accomplished
and you know what you look at going forward. So, congratulations to everybody. Um, and thank you to our staff who work so hard during the year to support our students. Um, you're very appreciated. So, thank you. >> Thanks, Lori. Anna,
>> just a quick shout out to the fourth grade beginning uh band and beginning orchestra. To see 266 little violin kids all up together watching a conductor performing together
beautifully. It's it's a sight to see, especially when you think of what they're like on the playground, you know. And so uh I just just a big shout out to the to the teachers and um if if I could take a moment to talk about Junth. Is that okay?
>> All right. Um now tomorrow we commemorate Junth which is a day to recognize the events that occurred on June the 19th 1965 when the Union Army arrived in Galveastston, Texas bringing the news that the Civil War was over and that the
enslaved people in the former Confederate states were free. Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued two and a half years earlier, was finally put into effect in Texas. What many might not
realize is that the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1963, only provided freedom to the enslaved people in the southern rebellious states, the Confederate States. It did
not apply to the states in the Union. When the enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom, there were still 16 souls legally enslaved in New Jersey, which was the last northern
state to officially abolish slavery. It would take another six months after Junth for New Jerseyy's grip on slavery to end when New Jersey Governor Marcus L. Ward signed a state constitutional amendment on January 23, 1866.
And I bring this up because sadly East Brunswick, East Brunswick did not exist until we weren't incorporated until 1860. But this area has a very, very evil um history. And this is something that
occurred I'm going to talk about if I could. This is something that occurred across the street from Bound Monroe School where Bound is now. There was at in um 1804, New Jersey passed the Gradual Emancipation Act which said that
babies born to enslaved mothers after July 4, 1804 would be born free. But the baby would still need to serve the mother's master for 21 years if they were female and 25 years for a male.
1812, New Jersey passes a law prohibiting the selling of slaves over the state line unless the enslaved person gave their consent and it was written by witnessed by two impartial partial government officials. So 1818 we
have Judge Jacob Van Wickl who owned the property across the street from where Bound Monroe School is right now. He was a Middle Sex County judge and he and his brother-in-law hatched a scheme to sell
illegally obviously enslaved people to Louisiana where three of his sons owned plantations. Now what they did was because of Judge Van Wickl was a um a county middle sex
county judge. He was le he legally could sign papers for human trafficking. The only catch of course was that the people who were being shipped south had to agree to be shipped south. So what they did is they gathered up 137 people over
the course of a year, mostly women with young children. And what they would do is they would bring these women's and their babies, one of whom was as young as two days old, before Judge Van Wickl, and he would say to the baby, which he would
remove from the mother's arms, and say, "Do you agree to go into a life of servitude in Louisiana?" And when the baby cried, he said that was the consent that he needed. And he would sign the paper.
Then he would say to the mother, "What are you going to do about it? your kids going to Louisiana. And this um involved um people uh two congressmen, three Middle Sex County judges, a trustee of
Rutgers University, and the governor of New Jersey who sold two of his slaves into this slave ring. The location of this property where where these people were um entrapped is across the street from bound near the
highway 18 overpass. Uh Van Wiggles house was where the electrical substation is next to the bridge. And for more information about the what happened to these people and sadly of course because highlevel people were involved in this slavering nobody was
brought to justice. Um you can go to the lost souls memorial project on Facebook uh for more information and all the documentation about this is uh available on the scarlet uh ruter scarlet and black
website. In closing, let me just share a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people, but the silence over that by the
good people. Thank you, Anna. Um, thank you for reminding us of that. I think, uh, you know, everybody's looking forward to just having off tomorrow and I think we >> I'm working. >> Yeah. Well, you're you're all working like the the 12 month staffer. Yeah. But
um everybody I I mean even like the kids and um I think it's important like this just reminded me. I'm going to talk to my kids about why they're off tomorrow. So, thank you for doing our schools do that today. >> Yes, >> they did. Okay, good. Um yeah, thank you. I I really appreciate you bringing
that to us and uh educating even from the deis. And I don't know if everybody knows, but Anna is a historian actually and she does things for this. She could tell you where the Revolutionary War happened and where exactly in East Brunswick. So, um, yeah, East Forensic
Museum and East Forensic Historical Society. And doing research for the East Forensic Museum, I came across in their files a document that was signed by Judge Jacob Van Wickl. and knowing this story, just holding this in my hands, it
was um it was disturbing to say the least. >> Thank you. All right. Um in closing, uh I just want to reiterate the senior awards. Um all of those scholarships that were received were phenomenal. It's
wonderful that we have so many students receiving them, but I think it also spoke volumes because yes, there were different organizations from the community giving those scholarships and a lot of them came as memorial funds. Um, and I think it's so remarkable if if you've had a loved one who passed, you
know that you want their leg legacy to carry on. And when you decide that that legacy is East Brunswick public school students, that speaks volumes to who we are and the responsibility we're called to uphold and how wonderful the things that we do here actually are.
And I hope we don't lose sight of that. I know there are challenges and I know that there's uh so much not good that happens, but there's also so much good. and for someone to want to remember their loved one by giving back to our students um speaks a lot about what
we're able to do here. So, I hope we'll be able to move that forward and and I know we will under Dr. Mammon's leadership and this board. Um I was obviously joined that night by board members as they've already stated. Same for the athletic awards. I just want to point one thing out about the athletic
rewards. I found it remarkable that they were saying that all of these students who were receiving multiple athletic rewards were also high achievers uh academically. Um that that is no easy feat. So I think that also speaks to the support systems that are in place. Um,
again, I know that's not the case for everybody, but um, it's remarkable that we have a community, including parents and teachers and counselors and coaches and everybody who's just willing to support these students to help them achieve academically like this. Um,
educators day, it speaks to what we do here. Those students saw something in in a classroom and decided to say, I want to give that to somebody else. Um, and I think that really speaks to who we have as teachers here. um to instill in a child the desire to
want to give back like that is remarkable. Um so thank you to our staff who inspired all of those students. I think it was 17 students. So that's 2% of our graduating class. Hopefully we'll up that a little more. >> Um yeah, that was a great event and uh
thank you to Nicole Tibbitz. I really was in awe of how she laid that out. Um, and that evening we had the retirement celebration uh hosted by the EVEA. So, um, thank you to all of our staff who've served this district for many, many
years. So many of them. Uh, our schools wouldn't be what they are if it weren't for you. Um, and I think Nicole even said at one point, this really is a testament to how the district has been carried even through those difficult times. our our teachers and staff here
have put it on their backs and been the backbone of the district. So, thank you and I hope you enjoy retirement and perhaps you'll join us up here like Anna. Uh and then um on Monday evening, we had the adult community programs um moving
up as as Dr. Mammon showed earlier. Um I just want to share it's remarkable to see the diversity of this community. people who came from all walks of life, all different kinds of countries and backgrounds and what they had to go through to come here and uh just the
level of gratitude that they demonstrated. I even turned to Dr. Mammon at one point and I said I I wish we were as grateful as they are because there's so much here that we take for granted. Um even that type of a program we you know I didn't even understand the value of it until I heard them speak
some of them in tears because they were just so grateful to be on American soil. so grateful to have the opportunity to assimilate here and start a family here. And it's um this is why we do what we do as Americans, as a school board, and you
know, as a community. Uh my last thing for tonight is I just want to give a shout out to one of our SSOs, uh Mr. Michael Lucky. Um Antoanette and I were at um Lou, I know you know him too because he said he coached your kids. Yeah. But Antoine and I were at
Hammershold for the last time uh today. Um and expiring. >> Yes. The conflict expiring. Yes. And uh >> just a little. No. Um but the kids were all over Mr. Michael Lucky. And I've
never seen students gravitate towards an SSO like this. And they wanted his autograph. And how amazing. And it just, you know, it really warms your heart because you you see things in the media and you see things about how um those roles are perceived a certain way, but
not with him. And he just had so much I'm telling you, there were like 50 kids all over him and they're like, "Can we get your autograph? Can you sign my ID?" And it was really sweet and endearing. And the fact that they even knew that he uh coached professional players shows that he had a conversation with them
like they know who he is. And um I think those are the things that we might not see. You know how you were talking about the little details? Those are the little details that make our district what it is. So shout out to him. >> Go ahead. Go ahead. I I can't hear you.
>> So at one point he called one of the athletes that he trained who was a professional NBA player on speaker phone. It went to the guy's voicemail, but all the kids left them left this professional player a voicemail. It was the most amazing thing I ever saw. >> Yeah. So, um, again, just as we wrap up
this school year, thank you, uh, everybody for everything that you've done to our teachers and staff. Again, uh, we can't do it without you, obviously. And we know that there's so much that happens behind the scenes that we may never even know about and we're grateful for. Um, our administration,
thank you. Um, our community, our parents, and, uh, obviously all of our students who you are why we do what we do. And um thank you for bearing with us as we get this all
figured out for you. Um >> yeah. Yeah, that's all. All right. Motion to adjurnn. >> Move. >> No. >> Motion to go to session. >> Oh, sorry. Motion to go to closed. I forgot we have another closed session. Uh oh. >> Motion to go to close session. >> Move.
>> Wilbur. >> Oh, I move. You can put me second. >> Jamie. All right. So, all in favor, >> opposed abstensions. Okay. We are enclosed. We'll be back if you want to wait for us, but I don't I don't know.
>> No action will be taken. >> Yeah, no action will be taken. But we will see you July 23rd at our next board meeting. Thank you everyone. Have a good evening.