This meeting is called to order. Will the secretary please take the role? >> Anna Braun >> here. >> Timothy Cummings >> here. >> Antonet Evola >> here. >> Jamie Falco >> here. >> Lewis Figueroa >> here. >> Lorie Herrick >> here. >> Lee Wuhong >> here. Wilbur Pan
>> here. Marian Tang >> here. Seeing that we have a quorum, please rise to salute the flag. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 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
interests 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. Before we begin, I'm going to ask
everyone to please rise. We would like to observe a moment of silence in memory of one of our students who passed away last week. Our deepest condolences go out to his their family, friends, and the entire EBHS community during this difficult time.
Okay. Um, we actually have a need for a closed session. So whereas the board of education must discuss matters which are not appropriate for discussion in a public meeting and whereas these subjects are within the exceptions to the open public
meetings act and are permitted to be discussed in closed session pursuant to NJSA 104-12B and whereas the board of ed intends to discuss matters listed 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 four said subjects. And be it further resolved that the East Brunswick Board of Education hereby declares that its
discussion 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. And this is a
>> voice. You need a motion. >> Can I have a motion? >> Second >> discussion. >> Um who was that? Uh Wilbur was the second >> and the and the first Jamie. >> Jamie. Okay. Thank you. >> Discussion. Motion carries. >> All in favor.
>> All in favor? I opposed. Abstensions. Motion. >> We are in recess. >> Good evening everyone. We are back from closed session and we are jumping right into our superintendence report.
Switching it up today. >> Hi my friends. >> Good to see you here. >> Are you excited to be out this late? [laughter] Yeah, >> party monster out there. >> Before I do my superintendence report, I
will um recogn I want to recognize the board. That's why I'm standing here. I didn't want to sit over there and you know um so it's uh I'm going to read a resolution
of appreciation for um because it's school board recognition month in New Jersey. January is so our opportunity to thank our board members for working free of charge. [laughter]
Whereas the New Jersey School Boards Association has declared January 2026 to be schoolboard recognition month, a time that all residents might acknowledge the contributions made by our local school board members. And whereas the East Brunswick Board of Education is one of
more than 590 local school boards in New Jersey that sets policies and oversees operations for public school districts. And whereas the East Brunswick Board of Education embraces for all students the goals reflected in the district model of
excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts. And whereas the East Brunswick Board of Education helps determine community goals for the education of approximately 8,200 children in preschool through 12th grade. And
whereas the East Brunswick Board of Education members receive no compensation for their services, yet are committed and active advocates for public school students and as board members collectively work with administrators, teachers, and parents
for the good of the East Brunswick public school district and public education in general. And whereas the East Brunswick Board of Education provides accountability to the public, communicates the needs of the school district to the public, and conveys to school administrators the
public's expectations for the schools. And whereas the East Brunswick Board of Education can take pride in its schools, which rank among the best in New Jersey and nationally in indicators such as high school graduation rates, class size, college entrance exam
participation, and advanced placement offerings and test scores. Now, therefore, be it resolved that we join communities statewide in observing January 26 as school board recognition month and express our gratitude and
appreciation to Mary Antius, Wilbur Pan, Anna Braun, Timothy Cummings, Antonet Iola, Jamie Falco, Lou Figar, Lori Heric, and Lee Wuhong. collectively the East Brunswick Board of Education for
their unwavering service to the students, staff, and greater East Brunswick community. Thank you for all that you do on behalf of our students. [applause] >> So, we have certificates of appreciation for each one of you. >> That's really nice.
>> And I signed them, too. [laughter] >> But it's not a check. Um, I wish >> I have no money. [clears throat] >> It is our pleasure to serve all of you. >> I've been selling cookies. [laughter] It's not adding up to quote a famous
philosopher. Thanks for noticing me. >> Thank you. >> I do have a check for zero dollars. [laughter] >> Yay. >> Thank you all very much. >> Thank you, Dr. Thank you. Personally for
me, I'm enjoying the strong working relationship we have. It's been a good six weeks. That's all people. Six weeks. [laughter] >> Feels like a lot longer. [applause] >> We're happy that you're here.
>> I'm happy to be here. >> I mean, look at my friends. [laughter] So, good evening. Thank you for being here. It's so nice to see my friends here out in the evening joining us. This is why we do what we do. Let's not forget that,
right? So, over the past two weeks, I have had the wonderful opportunity to begin my meet and greet tour, we're calling it, across the district. It has been a true pleasure connecting with so many dedicated parents and staff
members. Your insights and warm welcomes have made these visits incredibly rewarding. And thank you to all the board members um who come over and over again [laughter]
to support me. I really appreciate it. I am eager to continue these conversations at my upcoming meet and greets. If you haven't had the chance to attend one yet, I invite you to join me at one of the future sessions to share your thoughts. Thank you very much for those.
On Friday, January 9th, four members of the New Jersey Symphony visited East Brunswick High School to perform Something for Everyone for an audience of 250 music students, which I had the pleasure of attending. I get to do all
the cool stuff. >> It was awesome. The presentation offered students a deep dive into diverse musical styles followed by an interactive Q&A session with the professionals. Afterward, the musicians led instrument specific master classes providing students with tailored
technical guidance in smaller group settings. This event came to fruition through a partnership between the East Brunswick Public Schools Arts Department, East Brunswick Township, State Assembly Man Stanley's Office, the
East Brunswick Symphony Orchestra, and the New Jersey Symphony. So, it was a lot of collaboration coming together to do this. On Saturday, January 10th, members of the high school drama club participated in the speech and and theater arts of
New Jersey competition. The students competed against 48 schools from around the state. Adriana Perez placed in the musical soloist category. There were at least 200 students entered in this category. Jude Napoleitano,
um Elliot Liowitz and Lyric Dilla were awarded third place in the scenes category and Jude was awarded second place in the best actor category. This was a very strong showing for our high school in this statewide competition.
Sources of Strength is a preventive preventative best practice evidence and strength-based suicide prevention mentorship program. It relies upon our students and adult mentors to spread messaging of hope, help, and strength in
order to strengthen protective factors while promoting well-being, help seeking, resilience, healthy coping, and a sense of belonging in our school communities. Sources of strength strengthens multiple protective factors, ensuring individuals have resources to
rely on during difficult times. By moving upstream in the prevention cycle, sources of strength fosters health and wellness, empowering both students and adults to build communities of belonging and connection. Church Hills sources of
strength peer mentors and staff advisers ran a launch campaign to encourage students to connect with the sources will of strengths. This was an interactive station for students to spin those sources wheel and reflect on one
of the eight strengths for a prize. Students wrote their reflections on a color-coded paint swatch which will be used to create a colorful sources will display in the building. This display will serve as a reminder for students of the strength and support they possess
and the unity of our students and staff in supporting each other. In Mia Rosenl's and Isabella Ricardi second grade classrooms at Lawren Brook Elementary School, history has truly come alive come to life. Our young
historians have been traveling back in time to explore the ancient Middle East by diving into the civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt. Students are discovering how foundations of our world such as writing, law, art, and agriculture first began along the banks
of great rivers. So cute. In sports, Olivia Mitchell captured the GMC wrestling championship in 107B weight class and was also honored as a tournament's most
outstanding wrestler. [applause] The athletic department recently hosted its annual boys and girls wrestling night, welcoming the East Brunswick Recreation Wrestling Club for an evening of community and competition. For the fourth consecutive year, this event has
served as a bridge between our current high school athletes and the next generation of the EBR wrestlers, offering young athletes and their families a front row seat to the program's future. Congratulations to our December high
school athletes of the month. Students, thank you. [applause] Students were selected for this honor by the coaching staff based on performance, demonstration of leadership, effort in practice, and for modeling exceptional
character. The community programs department schools out trips continue to be highly successful and well received by students and families. These programs are offered to students in grades K to six on days
when school is not in session and are designed to provide affordable care, quality enrichment, and fun. Upcoming trips include Humdingers on February 16th, featuring bowling, uh, laser maze, and additional activities,
and I play America on February 17th, offering unlimited rides and arcade time. Both trips include lunch. All information can be found on our website. Registration is now open for the spring
2026 dual enrollment partnership between East Brunswick High School and Middle Sex College. This program offers our students the opportunity to earn college credits while completing high school coursework, expanding both access and
pathways to postsecary success at a discounted price of $135 per course. That's a deal. For the 2425 school year, our students earned $3,592 college credits through the dual
enrollment program. >> Nice. It saves parents a lot of money as a college mom. You know, [clears throat] >> students and families can find registration information and video resources on our website um ebnet.org/mcpathways.
The registration deadline is Thursday, January 29th, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. and no late registrations can be accepted. So, make sure you check that out. Thank you. Now for the stars of the show. Are we
ready for the bond kids? [applause] So, we have learning across the district this week and we are joined with our friends from Bound Monroe Elementary School who are going to highlight how they integrate the Choose Love Movement's pillars,
courage, gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion into daily instruction and schoolwide culture. They're going to share with us how morning meetings and our crossgrade family circles provide students with meaningful opportunities to practice these essential social
emotional skills. By teaching students that they have the power to choose love in every interaction, they are building a safer, more connected, and more compassionate school community. Stole my intro. I'll make it quick.
>> Good evening everybody. I'm Kristen Christina and I am the proud principal at Bow Monroe Elementary School and we are so very excited to be here tonight to share some of the most meaningful work that we do in our school each day. At Bow Monroe, we believe in the importance of teaching the whole child,
nurturing not only academic growth, but also the social and emotional skills that help students thrive. We believe that is our responsibility to help children better understand their feelings, build positive relationships, and learn to make good thoughtful choices. As a result, this learning
leads to a happier, healthier, and safer school community. A big part of this work includes encouraging students to set academic and social emotional goals, helping them see the strengths they already have and the magic they have within themselves. The mission of our school is to foster a
diverse community of responsible, respectful, and resilient learners. To support this work, we draw on elements of the choose love movement. The pillars of the choose love movement: courage, gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion and action are essential life
skills that our staff works hard to model and to teach explicitly each day. At Bow Monroe, we use this framework to enrich the social emotional learning initiatives that are already in place in the East Brunswick public schools. The choose love movement offers simple
practices and activities at each grade level that help students recognize their emotions, respond with kindness, strengthen the caring culture that we value so deeply. Our students bring this work to life each and every day. So, we'd like for you to see it and
hear it through their own eyes. >> [snorts] >> Hi, my name is Haley. Each family circle is made up of a teacher and kids from every grade. We stay with our same family circle from kindergarten through 4th grade. We love
to meet with our family circle. We do lots of fun activities together like play games and make things to give away. This helps everyone to feel welcome at our school and have friends in every grade. Each time we meet with our family
circle, we do an activity that helps us practice one of the big ideas and choose love. Lots of times the big kids help the little ones so they can participate too. We love helping and the younger kids love it too. The first year we had
family circles. I was in kindergarten and now I'm one of the big kids that helps the kindergarteners. [laughter] >> Here are a few pictures to help you see how we work together as a family. >> Oh, good job, Haley.
>> Courage though. Courage is the first pillar of the choose love movement. Courage is the willingness and ability to work through obstacles despite feeling embarrassment, fear, reluctance, or uncertainty. I can use courage in
school. For example, in orchestra. Sometimes holding the bow and learning a new position, it hurts my fingers. I use courage to push through, to push through and keep going. [snorts] >> During our first family circle this
year, we talked about respect and having the courage to be ourselves. We celebrate our differences and we learned that we all have many similarities too. We each made a square to represent important things about us and shared them with our family circle. Then the
squares were all put together to create the word respect. In our lessons about courage, we learned that when we need to have more courage and let go of our fear, we could take a brave breath. Let's do a brave breath together. Put one hand on your heart and
the other on your belly. Take a big breath through your nose like you are smelling a fresh cookie. Let that air fill your belly. Breathe out through your mouth like you are cooling off a cup of cocoa. Take a
few breaths like this and say positive things like, "I can do it." Try it with us. And when we want to support our friends and give them some courage, we can use sign luggage. Try it with us. [snorts] Our
[snorts and clears throat] second pillar in the choose love movement is gratitude. When you practice gratitude, you feel thankful and want to share that feeling with others. We can show gratitude toward ourselves as well as to others throughout our day. A simple way I show gratitude is is by
saying thank you for when someone someone does something for me. Saying thank you shows the person you are grateful for them and for what they did to help you. We have show gratitude as a school to our custodian. In family circles, we created hands for wreath with all the
reasons we are grateful. There are so many reasons we are grateful to our custodian. He is always doing things like cleaning up after our messes and sometimes shoveling and sometimes fixing things in our classroom. This year we have showed our gratitudes
for many things and created a schoolwide chain. We have showed gratitude towards ourselves, school, family, and the community. One way we show gratitude in our school is that students write shoutouts to each other to recognize acts of kindness. You
might write a shout out, also called a charm deed. a class to a classmate who helped you during the day or someone who played with you at recess when you had no one to play with. These shout outs are shared at our
schoolwide assemblies to recognize the good deeds done by so many. We have also showed gratitude to others in our schools like the security guards. We wrote letters to say thank you for all they do. It's important to show
gratitude to those in our building. >> The third pillar in our choose love learning is forgiveness. Forgiveness means choosing to let go of anger and resentment toward yourself or someone else. To surrender thoughts of revenge
and to move forward with your personal power intact. To me, this means being able to apologize to others or yourself when you make a mistake or don't meet a goal. We need to use
forgiveness so that we can learn from our mistakes and keep growing. We can say, "It's okay. I keep trying. I can do this. I can't. [clears throat] >> We have goals that we set in school.
Sometimes we meet our goal, but other times we don't. If we don't meet our goal, we forgive ourselves because sometimes we need a little more time or another strategy. And that's okay. As long as we keep trying and use our
strategies, we are growing. Here's a way we can show why it's important to use forgiveness. When you hold negative feelings inside, it makes your heart heavy, so it's harder to learn and grow. Some negative thoughts we might have
are, I didn't reach my mouth. I must not be smart enough. I accidentally [clears throat] broke my mom's favorite mug. I'm so clumsy. [laughter] When when we forgive ourselves using
self-t talk and star breaths, we can make the load we carry lighter so we are ready to keep trying. Let's practice the star breath and replace those negative thoughts using forgiveness. I just need some extra practice. I can do it.
>> Mistakes help me grow. I'll be more careful next time. [laughter] >> Good job. >> Our fourth pillar of the choose love movement is compassion and action. Compassion is when one understands h how
another person feels and takes action to alleviate or lessen that person's suffering. >> When we show compassion or empathy towards others, we can follow these three steps. Number one, ask yourself, how does this person feel? Number two,
ask yourself, how would I feel if the same thing happened to me? And number three, take action by doing something kind. Compassion and action reminds us of the work we have done during the great kindness challenge. Through the work of our student council, we remember and
discuss the importance of giving back to our community. We have done this work through our two lunch Tuesdays where we donate lunches to Elijah's Promise Soup Kitchen. We supported the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with her pajama day
fundraisers. Our student council has led a fundraiser for the group Live Like a Unicorn. We've donated money for surprise care packages for kids who are fighting cancer to help make their day a little better and let them know that we are thinking of them.
>> Yeah, that's nice. Next week, we will work in our family circles to create fleece blankets that will be donated to a local NICU hospital. We will show our compassion towards others through action by doing something kind.
>> Careful. >> At Bowman Atman Row, we say the choose love pledge at all of our whole school assemblies. We'd like to share it with you. Okay. I pledge to choose love every day. I
pledge to always try to practice courage, gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion. I will choose to replace an angry thought with a loving thought. [snorts] I know that I can't always choose what happens to me, but I can
always choose how I respond. Our response is what shapes us and molds us into the person we become. I choose to always respond with love. Thank you and have a good night. >> Yay. [applause] [applause] >> Because they get to [applause] listen to
the scene. They might want to introduce [applause] it. a picture. >> Go and take a picture. >> Oh, I do. >> Yeah. >> Why don't we all go? Let's all go. Let's all go. >> Oh, you
know how I feel. >> [laughter] [laughter] >> Too sweet for you. >> Too much. Too much sugar. >> I don't want to check my lunch. >> You guys did such an amazing job. [laughter] >> So, you're not going to do the pledge of
love? I don't want to be in the picture. [applause and laughter] >> It's like I'm photobombing. Well, I think I think it's gotten away. >> Yeah. >> So, your choice whether you want to do the recess now or not.
>> Um, so I think do any of would would any of our board members like to I don't know if anyone wants to >> comment >> comment anything. >> You want to bring the together? Yes. you want. >> Sorry, >> everyone.
>> Everyone, can we have your attention, please? >> Thank you. >> I know. I know. I'm trying to be >> So, I I will give everyone an opportunity to add anything, but I just want to say that was incredible. Um, this actually is a reminder to all of us
of why we do what we do. Um, I actually want to make the Bound Monroe School pledge, the board of education pledge. [laughter] Um, and you know, I've heard so many wonderful things about bound. My my children did not attend Bound, but tonight I saw what makes your school so
special >> and um you you you really are a reminder of why we're all here. So, thank you. Um, you have wonderful teachers and staff and you're such a great community and we are so proud of everything that
you are doing. So, thank you. >> [applause] >> Oh, Dr. Falco. Yes, Dr. Wark as a bound alum, I am so proud. >> So proud of you guys. You guys are amazing. Everything you're
learning is is helping you grow into incredible people and neighbors. And keep up all the good work, everybody. >> With the girls. >> Yes. I'd just like to uh say real quick uh everything you heard about bound uh
President Tanyas is correct. >> It is a remarkable community. Um my both of my children were fortunate enough to go there. Uh I want to thank uh your principal, your fantastic teachers for just a fantastic not only tonight but
always and you know with what happens in the world when you turn on the news at night and you see what's going on and then you come to something like this and you say this is what really counts and this this is the generation that will be leading us in the future. Continue your good work. We're very proud of all of
you. Thank you for what you do and thank you your teachers and and principles. [applause] Yeah. >> Um, sorry. [clears throat] Uh, just a a quick uh word of thanks to all the kids for doing such a great job with the uh
with with the presentation. You should be very proud of yourself. And I also just wanted to note the last line in the bound Monroe School pledge. I choose to always respond to love. That really rings true with me and uh something I should probably remember more of myself. But uh thanks for the message and and
everything. It was great. [applause] >> Hi guys. Did you guys have a good time tonight? >> Yeah. >> You you did a really good job. I was really impressed and I think before I start my board meetings, I'm going to do a little a little breathing. So, thank you for sharing that with me. I'm sure
you guys are excited for the snow. Thank you for coming tonight. You just made me smile so much and it was really it was really my pleasure to watch it. Thank you to the principal and the teachers for obviously creating such an amazing community in your school. It's really important and these are the friendships that are going to grow take them all the way through high school. Thanks for
coming. >> Okay. All right. So, we will take a brief recess to let our friends uh go home for the evening. And um I'm sure you're excited to return to Bound in the morning. So, thank you so much. All right, welcome back everyone from
our brief recess. So, we're moving right along to our uh student report. Hi Jane. Hello. Um bear with me. I lost my voice this week. [laughter] Good evening everyone. We have a lot of exciting things happening in our school
community to end the start of the new year. Uh first, let's talk about school spirit and celebrations. We want to give a huge congratulations to Cameron Vic who reached an incredible milestone by scoring his 1000th career port. That achievement makes him only the eighth player in school history to reach this
level. An outstanding accomplishment. A winter athletics have been outstanding defending the den with so many wins. Tonight was a highly anticipated St. Joe's game where the Bears did not come out on top. But it's okay. We have next year. We have [laughter]
Last Friday, our bubble tea night was hosted by the Asian club. A fun night with performances, competition, and an import opportunity to hang out with friends and enjoy something sweet at the end of the week. Our choir program has been especially busy and successful. The choir held their karaoke night and on
January 15th performed our winter concert. There are so many exciting pieces of music. It was definitely a memorable concert for me. And upcoming performances is the district chorus festival and the family orchestra performance. For our families, we have several important events coming [clears throat] up. The sophomore parrot
night took place on the 14th, followed by the junior par night on the 21st. Music lovers, you won't miss the battle of the bands on the 22nd. It's a new and refreshing event and great showcase of student talent where multiple bands perform and compete for the top spot. To
get a jump on to the next school year, scheduling is officially open. Students can use the virtual electives fair to help fill up their schedule. I personally do not have to deal with getting my last choice elective this year. So, congratulations to our student council
who recently attended NJASC and earned awards for top 10 projects based on our holiday market and honor school award. This is tremendous achievement and reflects the leadership and commitment of our students. If had their first Bronin bowl named after the former EBHS
teacher, internal competition preparing for the we the people team for states, how they present and their speech. Midterms begin next week while I'm prepping for exams and a snowstorm. I'm not sure which one will win. [laughter] Finally, February Chinese Honor Society
is hosting their Lunar New Year celebration February 6th. And our senior class has had some ups and downs. All the college acceptances are coming in. Everyone's committing. Thank you all for your attention and thank you for continuing to make our school such a vibrant and supportive place. Have a
great rest of your night. [applause] >> Thank you, Jean. So, we have the 2025 annual comprehensive financial report and auditors report presentation from >> Mr. Juliana and Mr. Crutch. >> So, uh thank you Dr. Tangos. Um this is
uh the annual presentation of the results of operations uh for the last fiscal year that ended June 30th uh 2025. So we have um Mr. Crotchfeld who will uh present the first portion of the report
uh on the financial report and then uh he'll be followed by Mr. Scott Cleland. uh he is the uh partner in charge of the engagement from PKF Okconor Davies our independent auditor Joe. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you board.
Uh Dr. Mammon Bernie last time you get to do this. Um but feel free to come back in the future to be entertained. Um so I will go through the audit report, the audit of
financial information. Um, and we'll start maybe >> this happened last year. >> I would like to say also every time like the presentations by our
students get better and better. Like I'm like, "Okay, Bowman Road. They'll be cute." But like I'm sitting here like, "Oh my god, I wish like I learned something tonight from an unexpected area and I am going to like you, Dr.
Pan, try to apply it more often." So the general fund I know transition right like >> But Joe, you say you say that with love. [laughter] >> I do like which kind of >> use your love to fill it up. I do like
you know the general fund is is my favorite fund. Uh [laughter] so the general fund um captures the day-to-day operations. That's where uh most of our instructional salary goes, special ed, transportation, maintenance, uh it
Karen, how how do you want me to do this? Like >> Okay. All right. So the general fund has revenue. Uh the vast majority of that revenue comes in via the tax levy. Um this past year it was $145 million uh
which was up from the previous year. Uh tuition we do have um a small number of kids that we take in from other districts. Uh state placement um some general kindergarten uh preschool uh
kids that come in. Uh that accounted for $600,000 or I'm sorry $836,000. uh other that is your interest on investments um refund the prior year which is typically like our e- rate we pay uh
certain fees and then uh through various programs we get money back um so that that goes there that was 2.2 2 million uh state sources. That's our state aid. Uh not including any TPF uh pension contributions made by the state or uh
FICA contributions made by the state. That total 42 million. That was down from the previous year um by over $800,000 overall. Federal sources $63,000. That is our uh SEMI program. That's the
special ed Medicaid initiative. Um, based off of different services we are required, it's not optional. We're required to submit uh and then the the federal government uh refunds. I will make a note that
we only retain about three out of $10. So, we do all the work, we pay, the state retains most of that money. So, uh we're not bitter about it, but it's an issue. and then transfers in. Uh that's very
important. We've talked about it a number of times. That's the money that's coming in from our community programs uh enterprise and also our um facilities rental and we'll talk about that later when we get there. So overall u the
revenue from the general fund was 191 million. Um, next slide. Expenditures. We had 197 million. So, the first question you might ask is, well, how do we spend $6 million more than what we brought in? Um, without
getting into the accounting, you know, um, we we have a budget. If there is budget items from the previous year, open purchase orders that carry over, that carries over to the next year. it doesn't impact that budget. Um various
reserves uh if we had uh capital projects that were funded by the capital reserve account which I'll get into the next slide. So it it the accounting of it that we're required to adhere to doesn't always line up if you just look
at the numbers. Um but we do it right. I don't want anybody to think and and Scott will confirm that. Um so if we go over the major expenditures uh up at the top uh employee benefits that's health and ben health benefits uh
our pers uniforms tuition reimbursements that all goes there that's 35.8 million uh which was up over $4.7 million from the previous year. Uh this is an area that we are watching closely.
We are concerned about it. Um, if you've read various articles from the state, their state health benefit program, which we are not a part of, went up 31% this this uh past January 1st. So, uh, we're seeing that across the board with
other districts, we're all experiencing an increase um a significant increase in those expenditures. Capital outlay, um, those are projects that have a a longer life. They're they're not funded by bonds. They're funded uh by capital
reserve as I spoke about. Uh that's in the general fund that was $800,000. Uh charter school, we've talked about this over the years. Uh 5.8 almost $5.9 million. Uh it's important to note Tikva is our largest charter school, but I
believe we're up to five charter schools now. Uh the other ones have one or two kids going to various places. The state determines how much we pay. We don't have a choice. It's based off of enrollment. I think the thing to remember as we get into the budget season when we get our state aid, if we
re receive a reduction in state aid, the district hits that reduction, charter schools are kind of insulated. Not necessarily fair in my opinion, but you know, you know, we deal with it. The next one, 12.1 million. It's a big
category. It's all the administration district and schoolwide, human resources, finance, IT, legal, auditor, insurance, communication, uh, graduation services, short-term debt, those are shared
service in uh, ESIP payments, that's two $12.8 million. Student transportation, 14.2 million. Uh, plant operation and maintenance, um, that's 20.1. The thing to note there, it's not just,
you know, HVAC, custodial grounds, it's also security, uh, in certain school aids, lunch aids get into that category as well. Um, and then the biggest chunk, uh, 95 almost 96 million is for
instruction. So that's general instruction, special ed, um, your out of district placements, and all the related services. All right. Next slide. All right.
This slide is the last one for the general fund. Um the fund balance [snorts] we're required to have certain fund balances. Um unemployment which is now accounted for in the general fund uh is
there. So we'll start with that. Um If you work for Johnson and Johnson, they will participate in the state unemployment fund. We are uh school districts are allowed to be almost like self-insured for unemployment. So, we
have to keep a reserve to ensure that we we can cover our unemployment. If people are are terminated, they leave. Um we get bills from the state and [clears throat] we have to pay that internally. We don't pay as we go. So, that's 1.1 million. Uh that's been the
same for a while. We have a good balance. We're in a good spot there. Legally restricted, the state requires us to have a 2% minimum. So that's the 3.9 that you're seeing. Uh legally reserved for capital improvements.
That's the capital reserve. We're down to $600,000 in that reserve. That is significantly less than prior years. um as we've done a tremendous amount of work in being able to fund it through
that reserve, but it is low uh reserve for incumbrances. I talked that that's those open purchase orders that have not been filled at the end of the year. That's a reserve. That money carries over to the next budget cycle. So that's 1.2 million. That's roughly
about what it is every year. Um reserved for the 2526 the current year tax relief 4.6 million. What will be applied? What we have for the 2627
is only $110,000. As we get into budget development, this will be something that will impact us. Uh not in a good way. and and we'll talk more. Um, but it will be an item that
that we'll have to go over and and review. All right. So, our total fund balance is 11 million 11.7 just for reference. We that is we're we're fine with our fund balance, but it is lower than the past year. All right.
Last year was 18.1. We're down to 11.3. [clears throat] All right. Special revenue So special revenue is where we account for our grants, IDA, the title grants. Um some special revenue, the the
projects related to the shared service agreements are accounted there are EBF money that they, you know, do a great job of of giving us. uh the PTA donations um the non-publiclix for those that don't know the state will
flow the money for all the non-public schools through the local district and then we are responsible to ensure that they spend it correctly. Um our adult school grant which is very successful is also accounted for here.
Next slide. So just some some major grant awards. Um comparison, the really ugly green is uh 2024 and then
pretty much the ugly orange is uh 2025. So >> not East Brunswick colors. No, >> not everything uh translates to that screen the way it shows, but hey, we'll we'll deal with it. So EBF you see this
past year uh gifted with 75 point 75,000 almost 76,000 uh I shouldn't say gifted we I don't want to get into the weeds on this the accounting for the special revenue fund we recognize revenue based off of what we spend all right so they
could have gifted us a h 100,000 and if we only spent 75 then the revenue 75 the rest is put in a reserve I'm going to end there because I will put everybody including Scott to sleep if I go on. >> Um so that that was an increase over the
prior year. Uh the PTAs and other um 53,000 um IDA 2.2 million that is down from the 2.3 from the prior year. We're always around that 2.1 to 2.3. All right. And
we don't know that until the federal government gives it to us, right? Uh the title grants uh 1.3 million compared to 600. So again, that's based off of expenditures. The thing to know
here, two years ago, we had a a really big dip in title one. So myself, Joyce, Tara, we got on the phone with the federal government like what what happened? our numbers are not going down. They said, "No, no, everything's right." And then the next year,
magically, they adjusted it. So, it was worth the phone call. We didn't get answers, but we got the money. Um, so, as a result, we didn't get that money until late in the the programming of how we're going to use it. So, we have some carryover, and you're seeing that in
2025 uh and going forward. In fact, there's a resolution uh an agenda item for the carryover money. It all relates um with the title and IDA money. You have a year to spend it. You don't whatever you don't spend, you can carry
over and the state has to approve it. You know, we're using those funds appropriately. And then like I said, the adult basic education grant um 396,000 last year. I will note we're up we got a significant increase
this year uh because we have a really good program. um and one of the schools in our group dropped out, so they gave us more. So, we're we're doing our best to reach out to as many uh students in the adult program um the civics, the GED
as we can. Next slide. And then the expenditures again, EBF, we spent 74,000 and change. PTA 51,000. Um the federal you'll see it
was 6.6 and we we dropped drastically. That was the end of in 2024 of all the COVID money, you know, the the various programs. We were finishing up spending that money uh on various HVAC
improvements um and things like that. The state again that that's your going to be your non-public items is [snorts] 435,000 and then other is 890,000. That other is going to be expenditures for shared
services uh and items like that. Next slide. Okay. Capital projects. This is my favorite slide because there's nothing in capital projects because we had no bonded debt. So, you can go on.
I'm sure everybody else is happy about that, too. Debt service fund. Um, it's it's our mortgage. That's how we refer to it. When we go out the bond, um, we pay it down over typically 30 years. We have a couple bonds still outstanding.
Um, Memorial, I think Lawrence Brook, Hammershold, and we've refinanced those to bring down our interest rates over the years. Next slide. And you you can just Yeah, there you go.
Perfect. Thank you, Karen. So, as of June 30th, 2025, we had bond payable of almost $49 million comprised of three specific items. The refunding from 2012,
we have 34.2 million left. the refunding that we did in 2010, we have 8.3. And then the unique thing is the EIP, which we account for in the general fund, but we have to report it in the debt service. Makes total sense, right? Uh we
have $6 million there. The ESIP program was a state program that allowed us to bond as long as we could have energy savings to offset and we had major renovations with solar redoing lights to
more energy efficient uh items. So we're we're down to $6 million on that. Next slide. One more. There you go. That service fund. Again, the debt limit. The law says we can only bond out 4% of the
average equalized value. All right. So the current bond debt limit is 388 million. We have that 48 million almost 49 million outstanding. So that means if we were go to go out to bid or bond
tomorrow, we could go up to $339 million. This will become important as we go down the line and if we have to do major capital improvements. U there's other programs to supplement this amount. So
it's there's options. It's not just a that's it. We're stuck at 339 million. Not not not that it's just 339 million. That's a lot of money. But there are other options. Okay. Next slide.
Enterprise. Our enterprise funds. These are funds that act like a business. We're a school district. We don't make profits unless it's an enterprise fund. Okay? We we want to run it like a business uh and balance what we're providing to the community. Um so next
slide, food service. So food service enterprise is comprised of two different revenue components. Operating revenues, that's your paid meals, breakfast, lunch, and alle cart. 2.7 million nonoperating, that's all
your the money we receive for free lunches, reduced lunches, uh from the federal and state. Um that was 2 million total operating expenses, 4.1 million, and then a change in that position of 611. So that was a good thing. We
brought in that revenue. It is down from the prior year. for two reasons. [snorts] Coming out of COVID, there were supply chain issues. We received additional funding in the form of a grant. That
money is now gone. And there was a significant accounting change with regards to compensated absences. That's your vacation, acrewed vacation, and sick time.
Gazsby 101. 101. joke. What is Gatsby >> the generally >> governmental? I was saying thank you. >> Um, >> you know, I know you know the answer. Why are you like you? >> Well, because because we're speak we're
talking accountant talk here, but the rest of the community in board doesn't know that. >> A government organization that regulates our principles and we have to follow. >> Thank you. I my point was you could have just said that. [laughter] >> Um, my mind wasn't there. So, um, As a
result, >> they changed how we have to account for that. >> It's a paper entry that had a a really negative impact on our enterprise funds. >> Um, in this fund, it was almost $70,000. So,
that that's more than 10% of what our profit would have been. So, it's not that that money left. It's almost like we're accounting for uh an expenditure that might happen in the future but in the current year doesn't make sense. None of us are happy about it on the in
the accounting world and but it's one of those rules we follow >> standard. >> Yeah. So um how do you equate those numbers to meals? Right. And I think that's what how many meals are we serving? So for alle cart equivalent this past year we
served over 300,000 meals for lunch 651,000 breakfast 119,000 that's 1 million72,000 meals which is astounding. All right I thought
last year we got over just over the million and it's like every year we're trying to be better to do more. Um I think we have a really great program. Um the the partnership with Aramark, our uh advocate, our consultant, I think works
out really well. It's a testament to the child nutrition department uh in the commitment that that they all have, all the workers have to providing meals to our students. Next slide. Community programs.
Joe, can we just pause for one moment because I think it's important to also note when you talk about the um child nutrition program and what the results of operations were and that there was a profit that those funds
can't be used to um offset anything in the general fund. That money must re be retained to support child nutrition operations. It can't be used for anything else. Correct.
>> 32 years and you got it right. No, just kidding. >> Thanks, Joe. [laughter] >> Okay. >> Community [snorts] programs. >> See, this is what happens. Like, [laughter] >> you never get to see this. >> I want to make sure you guys understand I do have a personality. It's not all
the heart attack behind closed doors. Okay. So, uh, community programs again a very like a really successful enterprise program that we have in the district. Um, it's the early morning after school
early learning academy. The other uh Dr. Mammon spoke about the schools out uh programming that all goes through community programs. So, um we brought in 3.6 million almost $3.7 million in that enterprise. uh early morning program
547,000 the afterchool program uh 1.2 2 million Early Learning Academy, which is our preschool program, um 1.5 million, and then other that's the enrichment programs, the the oneoffs that don't
fall into the other three categories, 314,000. We had total expenses of 311 uh 3,1,000. And then our income before uh the transfer to the general fund was uh 684,000.
and we transferred over to the general fund $833,000. How can we transfer more than we took in? We have retained earnings over the years. Um, go to the next slide and I think that will help.
So, this shows what community programs has contributed to the general fund. Precoid um, our numbers were really good. You know, we we transferred $800,000. Uh, that's great. COVID hit, we you
know, nobody was in school, so we didn't bring in any money. So, we held on to that money and retained earnings. We still had to pay staff during that time, so we didn't make any contributions. 2023 kind of back to normal. Uh program
ramped back up, transferred almost 400,000. 2024 was 1.2 and now 800,000. I will say overall our numbers are not where they were precoid. They're still healthy. I
think that's a combination of, you know, not everybody's gone back to the office. There's still people working from home. So, um the impact of the Gazsby 101 uh also impacted how much profit we we took in
there. Um so, it's still a very healthy program. A lot of kids attend. Um, and we're looking always to expand what we offer. Next, one more. There you go. Facilities
rental. This is mainly JMPAC. All right. So, we we rent out JMPAC. There are not many days available between school events and outside use. Total revenue 1.1 million that we
brought in from rental. Total expenses 612,000 income before the transfer uh 543 we transferred over 555. We have uh a good retained earnings uh we try to set
a mark and that's you know we had a little bit left over in retained earnings. We move that over. Next slide. This is similar what the facilities rental has contributed over the years. again during COVID, we totally shut it
down. We we were not renting it out. Um came back, we started back up um in 2023 from nothing because everybody had left, all our staff, they moved on. Um at that
time, uh Cetna um took over uh as the facility use coordinator. She's done an outstanding job. Uh, and we've built that back up. You know, we're contributed 555,000 uh to the general fund like I stated.
Um, and our revenue has increased year-over-year. So, um, we and we don't advertise for the JMP pack. It's all word of mouth. Um, the dance competitions um just come back every year. Um there
are competing facilities but time and time again it's about the customer service that we provide and that in the facility is beautiful. So that keeps them coming back. Next slide. Technology coverage. I'm almost done.
Hang in. Um this is relatively new uh last couple years. This is where we uh parents, students can buy insurance on their devices. Uh and then if they they have damage and there's a charge, it runs through this enterprise. So we
brought in a revenue last year of 163,000 total expenses of 124 income of 38,000 and we transferred that over to the general fund. So, you know, we're in this fund, we're we're not trying to
overcharge, you know, we're we're trying to be reasonable the insurance to make sure, you know, parents have an option. You know, you you pay the insurance coverage, the computer breaks, as long as it wasn't with intent, you're covered. You know, it's just like car
insurance, but a lot more reasonable. Um, so that that's how that fund works. Next, financial facts. Financial services every year. Uh, one back, Karen, please.
Or multiple. There you go. You're right. I'm wrong again today. [laughter] I skipped the slide. Okay. So, we manage over 25 bank accounts in the district, maintain compliance with all quarterly
filings. We issue over 4,000 tax forms, all in-house. We don't use any h uh added district contracted services for our payroll or um tax filings, uh 650 journal entries. Uh note that they're
not because of mistakes, right? We we don't make that many mistakes. Uh, you know, there's no accountants in the room and even Scott didn't laugh. Process 7,300 uh club and activity
registrations, 1,500 athletic uh and band registrations, over a,000 before and after school registrations, over 800 uh enrichment registrations. Uh, next slide. Well over 6,900 purchase orders, 18,500
invoices a year, 5,500 checks, um 37,000 paychecks, that includes direct deposits, 12,000 time sheets processed, 10,000 attendance slips, even though they're electronic now, uh they still count.
bids and renewals, requests for proposals, and uh requests for formal quotes, and then all the student service providers uh approvals. Next slide. So, I'm proud to announce that for 2024,
we did submit for 2025. It will take a little bit of time, but for the 12th consecutive year, uh, we've received the certificate of excellence in financial reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International. And
then for the 10th out of 11 year for the uh, certificate of achievement for from the Governmental Finance Officers Association. The only year we missed was because of CO. It wasn't our fault. It was theirs.
So, that is the last slide. Before I turn it over to Bernie, just a couple words. There are members from my staff. I'm not going to make you stand up because you won't like that. Um, >> yeah. Um, Bernie will probably Um, >> they should stand up.
>> They should stand up. Yeah. No. [applause] [applause] >> So extremely proud to be part of the team because it is a team. Um
but it's more than the team. It's it's not just finance. It it's the whole district. There's secretaries that do student activity funds and part of the principles. There's it as I talked about. Wouldn't forget you, Cliff. Um, so [clears throat] special ed is a huge
piece. Um, it takes everything to do it right. It only takes a little bit to do it wrong. >> We do it right. So, like I'm emotional about it because I am
so proud of that. [applause] >> And I would be remiss if I didn't take this minute >> to just say thank you. [applause] >> And before before Scott comes on
because I was going to wait. till later, but I'm going to say this now. This has been more than a team. This has been a family working together. We've had I mean, Joe's been with me for 23 years. 23 and
a2 years. >> Depends on who you are. >> Short change. >> 23 years. >> 2 23 and a half years. Tara's been with us for 20 22 no 20 years. 20 years now. Kathy Row
longer than Joe. 26 I think. Right. Lori 17, 18, 19, 19. I mean, we have >> Yeah. >> And we have longevity.
>> There's a lot of history. A If we didn't work well together, people wouldn't be here. But this is and and over this time this team has become a family. I cannot say enough about each and every
one of them. And I know there are people that I haven't even mentioned. I cannot say enough about each and every one of them. I am just so proud. I have been blessed, absolutely blessed to have
these colleagues to work with. I appreciate you all more than I can ever say. More than I can ever say. And I will miss you. [applause] I didn't ask if there was any questions.
So >> yeah. [clears throat] >> So Joe, uh thank you very much for the presentation and I do have a few questions for you. So for the general fund fund balance and the is 11
million737. So this legally reserved for capital improvement uh is $6 and $2,000 something and [snorts] you mentioned that this is significantly less than last year. Something about the our
facility and the uh capital improvement is in demand. >> So how can you manage it? We we only have $600,000 left. So what's the legal amount we should put the reserve? You
you label it as legally reserved for capital improvement. What's the legal amount or the legal limit we should do? Right. >> So there is no minimum legally set amount. Um the maximum that we could put
is the total of the long range facility plan which totals like a billion dollars. Um, so it would be great if we had that, but >> we don't. Um, so how do we manage our our capital improvements through shar
shared service agreements? Uh, we've been very successful with that. Um, you know, there there's certain things that, you know, and a shared service agreement for those that are not familiar, we do an agreement with the township. They go out for financing. We
pay for it. Um but they're allowed under the law to do short-term financing uh bond anticipation notes things that ex you know they can renew on an annual basis that we are not permitted to do. So we take that funding uh and earmark
certain projects uh and do that. The yes we're low but that also says that we've spent that money. If we had $10 million in that account, I think the question would be, okay, what's the plan? Like, it's just sitting there. There's things that we need to do,
right? So, yes, it's lower. Um, you know, things have been difficult the last two years. You know, $16 million in reductions over the last two years kind of impacts the ability to put money in that that that reserve. So hopefully as things
get better uh be positive and we're going to get better we can we can fund it a little bit better. >> Okay. My next question is about that surface fund. So you said the limit is 4% of average equalized value AEV.
Who is how this AEV defined? Who set the standard for this the number for AEV? >> Right. So, it's the average of the last three years of your equalized value that's determined by the uh >> Department of Treasury. >> Department of Treasury. They determined
the value of all the properties in East Brunswick. Um they said, "Okay, that it was four fourund million, 500 million." So, the average is 500 million. You take 4%. I made up those numbers. Don't don't don't try to
do the math. It won't work. >> I just do. So then it's okay based off of that average. It's almost the state put in a mechanism to protect districts and municipalities all all governmental entities so they don't overbond so they
default. They're saying based off of this calculation that's a reasonable amount or that's the maximum amount so you're not in putting yourself in a bad financial situation. >> Okay. Thank you to my last
So my last question end up with the the finance facts. So you listed the great job you guys did issues thousands of uh tax form uh reduce thousands but close
7,000 300 club registration it's 1,000 plus before after school and 6900 purchase orders are all all big numbers. So are you using any technology to
improve your efficiency to reduce your uh your staff's workload? >> So we are we use technology when it's available. Uh a lot of our purchasing is done through the um ed data consortium that a lot of school districts use. Uh
we take advantage of uh teachers going on their website, ordering it, the principles approve it, then it gets imported. So we're not data entering all those and those are big orders uh in the beginning of the year. Uh and then we have the manual ones. Um
we are not to the point of because it's all about compliance. The state law says in order to pay a bill you need a signed voucher from a vendor. You need an invoice. You need receiving. Um and PS it needs to have separation of duties,
right? You don't want the same person doing all of it because that's where you get into fraud and in some difficult spots. Um that is all a human element. So yes, we try to take advantage. I think we're one of the few districts
that will pay all of our accounts payable, all of reimbursements to employees. We do a we offer vendors to do VCard. That VCard program pays us. So, we've eliminated paper checks, postage, plus
we get paid. So, I I don't there there's not many and it takes a little bit work. You need the auditor sign off. You need to make sure that it's a change, but you have that separation of duties. So, no one person is setting up a dummy account and getting paid. Um,
read the newspaper on a couple districts that are having some issues. Um so not saying they use that program but you know they have poor financial controls. So it's always balancing that technology
and how do we ensure every penny is accounted for efficiently used. One of the things that annoys me about the audit everything's rounded and I I'm a like a pennies guy. Like
it's got to tie out. Uh, in fact, I just had a conversation with a parent and they're like, "Oh, it's only a couple." I'm like, "No, a penny is not okay." Right? So, um, we take that very serious in in the finance department, uh, because we know the expectation. You
know, we're entrusted with a lot of money from the taxpayers and we that means something to us. I I I I feel comfortable saying to everybody that works in that department. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. >> I if if I can just jump in for a moment
too because you were talking about, you know, Mr. Hong, you asked about um you know um technology. One aspect that you didn't touch on and that is all the registrations. They're not paper registrations that we're
receiving. It's all done online. So that entire process is electronic. That was instituted a number of years ago. So the only aspects that are me are are paper processes are those that are mandated to
be otherwise we've turned everything over into uh electronic processes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Uh Joe, thank you very much for your presentation uh this evening. Very well done. Just had a quick question on the special revenue fund major grant awards
page. uh you [snorts] mentioned under ESSER uh we had received in 2024 uh just over 619,000 and this 2025 we had 1.3 and change and you mentioned that there
was some federal government making things right. >> Yes. >> So if you could just talk a little bit about that because I guess what we should be hearing there is we won't be getting 1.3 >> this coming year. >> Right. Yeah. And in fact for 2026 we saw
it go back to more normal levels uh which approximately 900,000 seven. Okay. So um the way the funding works is not just based off of our low-income students
based off of lunch applications. It's based off of demographics that they have uh the census. Thank you. but also the the lines of the town as drawn by the federal government, right? Um
and it's multiple factors, right? It's not just one thing. They're looking at multiple and we might say, "Oh, our our population, we know our lowincome population has skyrocketed." But then how does that compare to every other school district in the United
States, not just here? So if we went up 10% but you know everybody every district in Texas went up 30%. Okay our 10% doesn't compare to their 30. So that it's there's so many
variables. So we just can't point to well this is what we see in our demographics and then it takes into account the demographics of households that don't even have children attending. So it it it was interesting we when we
did call. Um but it was also one of those things that reinforces when something doesn't seem right like call like just don't accept it. And you know that that's another thing that we have never been bashful of being like no no that's wrong we want more or you know
that's not right. Uh you know we're not always successful but we try. I hope that answer your question. >> Thank you. Thank you Joe and thank you to your finance team. Great job. Well done. Thank you. >> Hi, Joe. Very good presentation. I would
love for you to do that in my house when I go shopping. So, you make it look fun when you're spending a lot of money. [laughter] >> Um, >> yeah, I got you. Um, so I just want to know, am I able to ask you a question from here? Because this is a these are the slideshows, but this one went more
in depth. So what you what you all received the small report is the the summary. It it tells you if we had any findings and recommendations and and Scott will deal with that. And then these are the
detailed financials without getting too much in the weeds. There's an a schedule which is convert it doesn't mean anything to us. Okay. schedule they it's so anybody picking up all our
audit report can compare it to another school district in another state right doesn't always make sense right then you have the B schedules um that are more what we're accustomed to using um have a
similar feel to what you receive on a monthly basis combined with the C schedules which will show your budget and what we spent and what's left. So, just to give you an overview and then you have another 150 pages of
amazing information. >> Yes, you're more than welcome to ask question. >> Thank you, sir. >> Scott's like, I want to go home. >> Right. >> So, I was looking at the numbers and I noticed in 2016 we had 109 million. I'll just average. I know you like a penny guy, but we'll just do averages for that.
>> The J stats. >> Um, >> yeah. What where are you looking so I can >> Okay. Um, statistical section. Oh yeah. >> Page 115, >> right? Is that 116 or 115? I can't see anything. 116. >> Okay.
>> Are you with me? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, based on the number from 2016 to 2025, it looks like there's been like a 31% increase over the nine years, right? >> Okay. But when you look at inflation, inflation's at 34%.
>> So now you have a 3% deficit. So my question to you is, would you be able to help me understand what factors are contributing to that gap and also what are we planning to do to
tackle that this year? Right. >> So I think the second part of your question is more budget. >> Okay. >> Right. And those are going to be I know we're going to have some small group meetings. We're going to getting into
budget season. So at this time I don't think it it's appropriate to address that because that's not just a me decision or any person. It's a collective that you know the board is going to have to make some decisions on based off of
recommendations. All right. So, >> but again, you're looking at the J1, the J2, that's based off on the A1 and the A2, which >> is a required schedule, but it's not what you make your decisions off of. >> Okay? >> So, if you're going to look at anything, I would look at the J3 and the J4. >> Okay?
[snorts] Um, the other thing I wanted to ask you is, uh, Bernie, you explained to us that you can't really use any, well, you can't, not really, you just can't use any of the food service fund for anything else, but can you explain to everybody in the audience and to us also
what can you use the money for so that we understand what it's there to be used towards >> to support the child nutrition program. So, uh, couple of examples. Um, one of the things that uh we're doing is that um the custodial services
associated with lunches can be charged to the child nutrition program >> rather than the general fund. So, that's a piece that we've shifted over.
Um we have uh some renovations that are scheduled for um Frost and Bourne Stofer. Uh the multi-purpose rooms and the kitchens. The kitchen equipment can be paid for through the child
nutrition program. >> Okay. >> So, and we've done that. We've done uh equipment replacements in kitchens that have come out of the child nutrition program. Okay. >> So, as long as it's focused on that program, it's okay. But we can't utilize
that money outside of that program, >> right? >> Well, no, that's good to know because at least we know that there's a good amount of money there for the for all the schools. Okay. Thank you. And then my final question, and this is probably because I'm a mom who pays these fees.
um for the hold on for the technology coverage the surplus money that you guys have at the end what do you use that money towards can is that only able to be used for the IT team or can you just put in the general fund to be used anyways >> so it's treated like community programs
if there's a balance left over we can transfer that to the general fund to offset the operations um we always leave a balance because this board was very supportive of the vision of keeping money in
community programs, right? And then we had COVID. We had a $ 1.5 million retained earnings. If we didn't have that, community programs would have shut down during that period and we would have never came back because if we weren't paying those staff to be like, "Okay, commit, stay
here." >> And then we opened up, no, we would have had nobody. So, you know, we're always balancing that. So, it's not every single penny just gets transferred over. Um, and and that's something, you know, it has to be planned out over
years. You have to think it it's it might be easy and, you know, not to get into the budget discussion, but it might be, oh, there there's a little bit of money right there. Let's grab it to to fix the short term and not realize what the long-term impact, >> right? Because >> y
>> if we didn't have community programs, we're still the best game in town as far as money for the buck. How many community members would not have daycare? So, it is, you know, it's not all about the money, right? >> Right. It's not all about the profit,
but it's about the impact that we have. Um, when we first started community programs, we put a lot of people out of business. I know the town might not be happy about that. We took over the early morning program. That's how we started because
they were not in compliance. We could be right. So it's the same premise with every enterprise fund. You just can't grab the quick. You got to think. Okay. And we have to be mindful of that. >> Right. >> Congratulations to you and your team on
another award. I again have seen those articles about other districts and I was very happy that we were not one of those articles I had to read about. Nobody goes to jail. It's a success, right? [laughter] >> Wait, don't go anywhere. I still have a Do you have a question, too? >> Oh, yeah. >> Okay. Go ahead. Go ahead. No, no.
>> All right. Um, yeah. Thanks. And thanks, Joe, and to your team for doing such a great job. I know that I've never won an award for every year for over a decade. So, and I probably never will. Um, so that's that's really uh an amazing accomplishment. Um, two quick questions.
Uh picking backing off of Antonet's uh question because you almost stole mine. Um why can't the the food service um proceeds be used in the general fund? Because it seem like you know intuitively it seems like it's weird
that that particular thing is >> on your slide. You have the operating revenue and then the nonoperating. [clears throat] >> And without looking at it was like $2 million of nonoperating. That's from subsidies from the federal and state
grant programs. So they put in place like that money we're giving to you. If you have surplus, okay, don't give it back. Reinvest it. >> So that's why there's a restriction why we just can't take that money and give it to the general fund or use it for
another purpose. And piggybacking on what Bernie said, not only is it restricted on uh you have to keep it in uh child nutrition, but then there's only certain things. If we want to move a wall in a kitchen, we can't fund it there. That that's part of the building.
>> So, and Scott's team audits that and the state comes in about every three years and they do a compliance not just on what we're serving, but a fiscal um compliance audit. and you know we've
been very successful with that as well. >> Okay, thanks. U my uh uh other question is uh regarding the legally required unreserved um uh portion of the fund balance which is at two% is that exactly 2%.
>> So um can we go above or below that? >> It will never reflect in the calculation above that 2%. I would love to say yeah it's just 2%. But it's 2% and then certain things are in it, certain things aren't. It's not, oh, you budgeted 100
million, you took in 120 million, so you have 20 million that goes to it's a calculation that is a pain. And every time we go and do it internally, we have to like take off our one hat of thinking and and think uh how the state thinks,
>> which is sometimes difficult for us, >> but we we manage. Um so it's it's not a straightforward calculation uh in the documents in the software that we have to submit our financials the audit report in it it calculates it automatically. So it doesn't allow you
to do two more than 2%. >> Um >> so so if I can just jump in. So um Dr. Pan um >> Wilbur >> Wilbur >> you got yelled out last time remember? Um
>> so to get to the the root of what your question is um we cannot maintain more than 2%. Um what the program that Joe was referring to what it will do and what will be reflected in the audit
report that's that $110,000 I think that you mentioned >> that's the excess >> is the excess. So the excess gets reported and then we have to use that excess but we we are not to use that 2%
that's kind of the um the emergency fund if you need to you know break that glass on the wall to you know get the uh fire hose out that's when you use the 2% and you can only use it with permission from the >> you start dipping below 2% you have to go to the county for approval to go
below 2%. And to put in perspective, that number that the state had probably 20 years ago was 6%. >> Then they reduced it to 3% and it's been 2% for quite a while now. They bumped it up to 4% during COVID, but in fact, it's back down to 2% now. And the state
really will frown upon a district using anything that takes you below that number. Um, and if I could just add one more thing, the fact that it's 2% affects what our bond rating is because when the every year when I have the
conversations with Moody's and you know they're asking me questions about the financials, um, that 2% is an issue that comes up and if that percentage was able to be a higher percentage, it would reflect itself positively on our Moody's
rating. Not that we have a bad rating. We have a great rating, >> but given the circumstances. >> So, we have a great rating despite the fact that we're stuck at 2% here. >> Yes. Yes. Okay. >> Great. Thanks. >> Great job, >> Tim. >> Thank you, Joe. Thank you. And thank you
to to the team. Um, I always enjoy your presentations. >> You you offered a little bit of humor today and and some emotion, too. That was that was pretty cool. So, >> I had it. >> I didn't think you had it. Thank you. So Joe, I know you were also uh touched by having the bound students here today and
I have a question for you. I want you to kind of if you don't mind um if if those students >> if those students were still sitting in this room and you had to deliver your presentation again in a way that resonated with them that that they were able to absorb,
>> what would you say? What are three to five maybe points that you would say uh >> if you can help me out here um so that they understood sort of what this report entailed. >> Of course I wouldn't just read the numbers.
>> Yeah. So I would try to instill in them that what we do has an impact on their daily instruction because of you know the resources we provide right not we
like the board the direction you guys have the vision that's by the superintendent by the business office I I know you know don't just listen to all the chaos during tough budget times. Um,
hard decisions are made, but there's it always goes back to the kids and there is a true commitment. I I truly believe this by everybody. We don't always agree. Um,
but it comes back to that. And whether I deliver that in three points, five points, or one point, I think that's the only point that matters. >> It's gojo. [applause]
>> Wow. [laughter] >> So, Tim, [laughter] >> you're not getting any other points. >> I guess I'm done. >> Thank you. >> You want to see something? Yeah, you >> sorry. >> Oh, it's okay. I I thank you.
>> Yeah, that that was that was very solid. Um, [laughter] >> but Joe, from a from a you know, from if you were to say just real quickly, if you don't mind, uh, from like [laughter] a I'm not going to let it go. I'm pushing back. >> Can I pull up my assistant to >> Exactly. So, from a financial perspective, Joe, if you had to say, you
know, that from where we stand at this point in time, right, and you wanted to say that things are looking good, things are looking grim, how would you define that? I would say in my 23 and a half years of doing this,
we're not in the best of financial situations based off of those 23 and a half years. I wouldn't expect us to be after eight, you know, $16 million in cuts the last two years. Um I think based off of the limitations of
the funding formula, how much we can raise taxes, the impact of inflation, increase in health benefits, we are in good position. Not great. Um
Bernie will sleep well after [laughter] you know I have already started not sleeping. Okay. So, you know, there are things that of course we h we have our general fund is $200 million. Our
overall operations >> over 250 million, you know, so >> there's a lot of things that worry me. Um, sometimes it's not the big numbers, it sometimes it's the small numbers, you know, like student activity funds, they're handled by the schools. you
know, we we're entrusting our our teachers to collect money, follow procedure. They're teachers. They don't always understand that they do a great job. The principles do a great job. But that's always the worry because if you do a Google search of where issues come up, yeah, I know there's some big
numbers out there for currently, but like people go to jail for stealing a couple hundred bucks and and throw their career. That's what worries me from a financial standpoint. But globally, we're we're okay. Not
panic. And I hope I can say that in a couple months after, >> you know, state aid comes out and we figure things out. Um, but we'll figure it out, you know, so we're okay.
>> No roundabout way, Joe. >> Lori, >> I just wanted to commend you and Bernie and your team. you all did a fantastic job and to consider uh continue to receive um the recognition that you do through these awards of excellence is just telling to how hard you all work
and how important um our fis being fiscally responsible and our reporting and I know we'll hear more when we have our auto report but I think um I don't even know if like we're thank you could be enough when you handle um the fiscal
responsibility of our school and our students and I feel to follow up with Tim's question. I feel like the first part of your answer before the followup, he delivered with love and I felt that. Yeah, I felt that [laughter] because I've in the past like hour and a half, I
think we've seen Joe's emotions go from here to here to to here. And so I love that you, you know, um I I love that you um feel that love and I maybe recommend some square and sea shell breathing that
they were talking about and I think we'll be I'm optimistic that it'll all come together. >> Okay. I I do have one question. Um sorry guys. [laughter] Um because you mentioned that we don't advertise the JM Pack. Are we permitted
to? And do you think that there would be an added benefit to doing that? >> Right now, I don't think there is because we're >> like capacity. >> We don't need to. >> The only weekends that we don't rent out is when we have a holiday associated with it.
>> Um because we found, you know, staff need a break. like when the when our staff, whether it's custodial or event staff are working those weekends, it it could be, you know, an eight hour shift Friday night to a 10-hour shift after a
regular workday, a 14-hour day on Saturday, a 14-hour day on Sunday, and then a lot of people go back to their full-time job on Monday. So, you know, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Easter, whatever, Memorial Day, you know, maybe
maybe the staff deserve a little break. So, those are the only weekends that we don't run out. And then you combine all the school events that happen. Um, so it's it's a lot that runs through there. Um, and I still think 15 years old now, Hammershole, give or take,
>> and it's still a great facility. So that's a testament to everybody in the district. >> Thank you. That's I think that's all. But great job. Great job Bernie and team. Really? Um [applause] Joe, you really you really surprised me
with that mic drop. Like the emotion I knew you had in you, but that mic drop at the end I was like, "Wow, such a profound speaker." [laughter] >> Okay, >> Bernie, I bet you're glad you don't have to listen to this anymore years. >> What's that? >> I bet you you're happy you don't have to listen to this any more years. [laughter]
Do I get to go? >> Yes. [laughter] >> I'm just kidding. Good evening everyone and um thank you for the opportunity to be here to piggyback off of what Joe went over for the financial overlook overview. Um, I do want to say that I do
15 school districts that I'm the partner on myself and my firm does 50 or so and this is the only district where the assistant BAA can get up in front of the audience and get up in front of a board and give that kind of a presentation. That's usually me. >> This is the way it should be because
they're your numbers. You know those numbers better than I do. I'm design I'm here to look at those numbers and independently make a decision. are those numbers materially accurate and they're presenting the right numbers in your in your audit report. I will also say that of all the districts that I work with
and I know from talking to some of my other partners, they feel the same way that this is by far the best team to work with on an order process. They take it seriously. They're very responsive to whatever we ask for and they do a fantastic job. I never have a I never
walk into here and I say, "Oh, we're going to have problems." I also know that this is Bernie's last meeting and uh you're going to be left in good hands. I can promise you that. I've worked with Joe for many, many years. I know his capabilities and he'll be very, very good in that position.
I work with again I mentioned I worked in quite a few districts and there's been a tremendous amount of BA retirements or departures and probably 50% of the ones that I've been involved with this year I cringed when I heard who was coming in to take that position over because the the group
of BAS that's out there right now have diminished crew it quite a bit. They're they're not as [clears throat] technically expertise and have the experience. They're coming out of business starting a career over again. So, the good news here is you're not going to have that. You're not going to
miss a beat. I also know that there's a lot of information out there regarding districts that are not doing well at all. And I can also be comfortable saying that you will not be in that position because your controls are in place to prevent that from happening. Um, we just picked up one of those
districts. This is the first year we're doing one of those districts as an audit. some of the stuff that I know went on there is so far outside the statutory requirements and some of the things that that was done out there would never even be thought of being done here and that you don't have to
worry about and I've been asked six or seven times at board meetings are we going down the same path as Montlair I'm sure you've all read about Montlair right you're talking about your fund balance being at 2% they're at negative 50 15% %
because they've overspent their budget and they've dipped into years worth of of cumulative fund balance. Again, I will assure you that with Joe and the team that he has here that you have established here, um you will not go down that path because they won't let
you. So, when you ask the question about how are we going to deal with this going forward, you'll have a budget. You won't overspend your budget. you'll abide by whatever your budget has. But from talking to this is the first year probably in 20 years where every single
audit I've had to sit down with the BA and the superintendent saying, "I'm scared. I'm nervous about where we're going." And why is that? State aid has not nearly kept up with the increases in in salaries, the increases in health benefits. 30 30 something% for state b
health benefits. Others I've heard 29. Transportation was out of control during CO. So the CO days of having the money here is gone and the state is not coming up with what they should be and they're keeping caps at 2% on on your taxes. So it's making it very very tough and there
are quite a few districts that I audit that are below 2%. They don't even have the 2%. Because they had to dip into that. So you asked about your financial position. you're in better than most, but we hope things from the state perspective get better so that we get
more money to provide to the students that you so care about here. Um, your bond rating is because of not only your financial but the reputation of your school district for sure. So, you have a lot going here. Things have gotten tough financially across the state. Um there
was a report put out probably a month or two ago where the um a bunch of BAS and others throughout the state constituents and so on got together and they summarized what's what's happening. There's a cliff coming and how are we going to address that cliff and it was
all the things that Joe mentioned transportation cost um health benefit costs taxes still still stuck at 2% etc. So you're not alone with what you're feeling, but you're better than most that are out there. And again, the key
thing for me is you can rely on the people running the show every day and managing your funds. And you won't you will not be in a situation that some districts are in right now, which is not good at all. Anyway, I did put a presentation together, but Joe did most of what I
would do during a presentation. So mine is going to be focused on what we do as an audit. So your order reports that you have hard copy of and I believe you received um copies weeks ago regarding um paper format or I'm sorry it uh
online format. Um it was filed on time. The deadline was January 15th and you were you were filed on time. Again um I also do want to recognize Tara. You know, Jackie Joe gets up here and and, you know, gives a great speech and and and talks about the numbers, but the
person we really deal with most of the time is Tara. Tara is always with us. She's always answering questions. She's always providing information to us. And she probably says sometimes, "When are these guys getting out of here?" So, it's a lot of hours we're here. Um, we do ask for a lot of purchasing and so
forth. And they do a very, very, very good job. Never have to worry about getting an answer to a tough situation or a tough question. and we always get those answers. Next slide, please. So, it's a governmentwide audit. We look at expenses that involve your general and school administration, your instruction,
student services, transportation costs, as well as your DRTS or your district report of transported students. We look at how many students you reported to the state versus what you really really serve. Um, enterprise operations,
capital improvements, debt service. Next page please. So what's our objective? They give you give us the numbers. We take a look at it and we have to put an opinion on that. And the opinion is on a modified opinion which is a clean opinion. Highest level it can be placed
on your financial statements and I wouldn't expect anything else uh in the East Brunswick Board of Education. We also as part of our procedures in accordance with state of New Jersey requirements as well as government auditing standards, we have to take a look at your internal controls and your
compliance. So what do we do? We look at transactions revolving around your revenues and receipts, your purchasing accounts payable and expenditures, your payroll, your um how you spend your money for computers and so forth. We we do some IT work to make sure that you
have general controls in place all requirements and that's where we've identified whether we have any findings or not. And as Joe mentioned earlier, there are no findings this year in terms of um a corrective action requirement. A third level to our audit is the
federal and state state grants that Joe talked about that are housed in the special revenue fund. So on an annual basis, we have to take a look at any program that's greater than $750,000 of expenditures and we have to test them on a once every three-year basis. I'm happy
to report that after looking at the federal and state programs that we looked at this year, there were no items that we found to be not in compliance with the federal or state guidelines. The next four bullets are are what some of the standards we have to follow. I'm not going to read them off the board.
They're what we have to do every year. Next slide, please. Um, as you know, your your AACFR, formerly known as the Caffer, has four sections. The introdu introductory section is a 12 or 13 page transmitt letter that talks about some of the
accomplishments of the district from a educational perspective. The financial section includes the financial numbers and it also includes an MDNA which is a management discussion and analysis which is about 10 pages long which gives a nice overview of financial position at
the end of the year compared to the prior year and then takes a look back two years from two years ago. statistical section which was brought up brought up earlier is an unordered section but includes 20 different uh schedules on 10 years of history in different categories whether it be
businesses in town um enrollment uh cost per pupil expenditures balance sheet etc. So, it's a good section to look at as well. And then the single audit section would be where the testing and all your grants are housed in terms of um federal and state single uh federal
and state grants. Next slide. So, in summary, the order result is the independent order report. Most important part is the opinion. It's unmodified clean opinion. Uh we are no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal
controls and there were no uh findings related to federal and state uh grants that we looked at which also has an unmodified opinion on the compliance making verifying that everything was done in accordance with the terms of the grant agreements.
With that that's a little overview of what we do from an audit perspective and findings and opinion and so forth. Again, Joe did most of what I the heavy work and heavy lift. Um, but I'm more than happy to answer any questions you may have from our presentations tonight and anything that may be in the report
that you received. Um, that's all free game. >> Sure. So, um I know that you said there's no exceptions, which is really remarkable, but any informal recommendations that you might suggest or any practices that
you think we could strengthen or work on, especially with some of the, you know, I know that Joe touched on it, but some of this um stuff that we're seeing with townships um you know, our neighboring township where they had a a
transaction between the board or the school district and the town and obviously their controls that they believed they had in place fell through and now they're not able to recover all of their money. So like anything else that you can suggest or anything that you guys like as an audit firm are kind
of suggesting that boards do to protect themselves or strengthen. So >> usually I would say yes. The one area that we we spend a lot of time on is looking at quotes because that's where some things where you can ask for quotes and they're not legitimate and so forth. So we spend a lot of time looking at quotes here and we're and we're very
pleased. your controls are probably stronger than I see in most. And what we will do at sometimes we will have a conversation regarding here's some potential findings. Let's talk about them and they never make it into the final report. I didn't have any of those conversations here. >> Okay. All right. Thank you.
>> Thank you for your report. Really appreciate you being here and being patient tonight. >> No problem. >> Um do we have any venue uh that audits change orders throughout the year? Is that something that in your looking in your auditing of what we do? >> We do stuff on a test basis. Yes, we
would look at something some things like that if they were to come up in our sampling testing. Yes. >> But it's not a regular >> it's not something that we just focus on change orders. We focus on dispersements, transfers, and stuff like that. But that's not something we say, oh, let's look at all the change orders that were done during the year. So,
we'll look at them and if they come up, we'll look and see if they were done appropriately. >> Okay. Thank you very much. So um uh this question is just mainly to clarify uh those of us who uh don't look at audit language a whole lot um because uh uh I mean every everything sounds
good until um you actually look at the words on the slide because uh you know this phrase unmodified opinion or no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. This one I um I I kind of feel this is something my dad would have said to me. How am I doing dad? Well,
you have no material weaknesses or [laughter] significant. Um so so so my question so my question [laughter] is um the the the uh the opinions that you have is this like the best that we could have done? >> The opinion the opinion is based upon
the financial numbers and there are basically four layers. >> There's unmodified which is clean. >> There's qualified which means there's something wrong but it's not too bad. Then there's adverse or disclaimers where the records are so bad we can't even put any opinion on there which I've
done before. >> Um so yes, it's the highest opinion that could be placed on financial statements by a firm. >> Perfect. Great. >> Um significant deficiency, material weaknesses. There's three layers of findings. There's other matters which are little things that pop up here and
there. Significant deficiencies are, you know, they're not driving a material weakness in the numbers being presented, but they're getting there. material weakness is things are so bad that we're not even sure the numbers are right. >> Okay, great. Thanks so much. >> I I just want to I I want to jump on
that for a moment because um you know you're you're absolutely right. You look at those words and is this the best? But I think the thing that's important to keep in perspective or to learn about in terms of perspective is that the standards in
accounting and auditing, one of the main standards is conservatism. And that conservatism translates also in terms of how that information is put out. So it's the least flowery wording for the best
outcomes. It's what you would expect from an accountant. [laughter] >> Accounting terminology. [laughter] >> Well, until about four years ago, the opinion was buried in the back of the report. >> Now, at least they were smart enough to
put in the first two paragraphs because then the first thing, where's the opinion? So, the opinion is the first and second paragraph now. So, it makes a little bit easier like that's all people really need to read that and are there any material weaknesses. Oh, >> I'm going to write that on your next birthday card. [laughter]
>> I'm used to it. [laughter] >> Okay. >> Any other questions? >> That's okay. Um, and just real quickly, we've been working with your company for quite a few years, correct? And do we have anything internally and this is not a personal slam in any way whatsoever but just for the public's awareness and
you know the the legitimacy of your organization you spoke earlier about all the districts that you guys work with um so it may be helpful just to hear that one more time >> and then also do we uh ever do we shop around every year right do we explore other auditors and ensure that you know
>> I trust this information but I do think it's important that we do uh explore bids you know with different providers especially if we've had a long long long long-term relationship with someone. I see both sides. So, I'd be curious for for the opinion on that. >> So, so before Joe talks because Joe will
talk about what our processes annually, but Scott, why don't you talk about peer review a little bit because I think that's important um because they also are scrutinized by independent um review. >> A couple things. So one um in terms of
of Bernie's question regard peer review um peer review is we stress over peer review like you would probably stress over QAC. >> It's our QAC basically where they come in and they they pick basically hundreds of jobs to look at from an outside firm
that's independent from our firm and they not only look at the numbers and the reports that we issue they look at the workpapers that we provide as well to make sure we have the proper documentation. Um the firm as a whole has been has had clean opinions for the last you know as far as I can go back
from the firm that basically grades us. Um to go through uh our firm does about 50 um school districts currently. We also do a lot of municipalities authorities and so forth. Um, personally I'm the auditor in charge
of West Windsor Plainsboro. Um, Newark Board of Education. Um, can think of East Brunswick. Oh god, I I can't think of now. You took too much time. I'm so tired. >> Um, Hopewell Valley. We do we do a lot
of them in this county. Mercer Votech. We do. Um, Mercer Special Services. Uh, Orange Board of Education, Planefield Board of Education. So, we have some some toughies in there. and and recently appointed to do to help bail Montlair out of their current issu situation. So,
um what I will say also is that even though I've been on the job for a number of years, we rotate the senior and the supervisor out so there's a different perspective. I'm not here every day, so I'm not looking at the everyday information. So, we think it's important that every two or three years we rotate a new senior or supervisor on the job so
they have a different perspective. Um so I mean and then besides me I have an independent partner who is not involved in engagement at all who looks at our looks at the financial statements. I have to provide it to and make sure I
review and everything looks good. I give it to a separate person in a different office to independently go through to make sure report is meeting the requirements and standards and they also take a look at what workpapers support that. Um, also your certificate of excellence financial reporting further
exemplifies you're only one of about 25 districts that actually even apply for it because most districts feel that they probably wouldn't get the award. Um, so that's a reflection again on knowing what goes into put a good financial statement together and so forth. So, um,
it comes up a lot and at times to accommodate districts, we've rotated partners off. If that's something that, you know, we we've done as well where where someone comes up and says, you know, you've been on here 5 years, maybe it's a good time to to switch the partner off.
>> So, every year we all of our professionals, we go out for formal quotes. We don't always do an RFP which is a more stringent process, time consuming. Along with that, we get those quotes
back from various firms. We compare and then at the county level, we do a survey of all of our, you know, districts in the county and say, "How how much do you pay for this? How much do you pay for?" And then we look and say, "Okay, we're we're in there. We're reasonable." Um,
so it's always that cost balance. Um, we are never the the high. I I can tell you that. Um, I would say it's been a long time. I I was an auditor and I worked for a firm in South Jersey. Terara was an auditor um for Ernston
Young, right? So, the number of companies that actually do this and do it well has greatly reduced recently. Um the big companies are are no longer
doing it really. Um whatever our audit fee is to a a big four, they're they're not doing it right. So and there are other companies out there um that could do the audit, but honestly they're
they're tax accountants that are supplementing their summer in September work with this. You do not want that. Maybe from an operational standpoint we do because maybe the audit [laughter] would be a little bit easier, but I
would prefer to go [clears throat] through six weeks of >> rigor >> torture. [laughter] Um, >> rigor >> rigor. Um, you'll you'll learn that the vocabulary is not sophisticated like
Bernie's. Okay. So, but this is our report card. This result justifies what we do. And sometimes, you know, it is about the kids as we talked about, but I'm not I'm
not a teacher, right? I'm not an educator. You don't want the only focus to be on that in this position. the role needs to be the compliance because it's not just about the numbers either like that everything we do is based off a
statute for policy. It's real easy to say okay yeah we'll just let that slide you know you need to purchase this it's it's the last minute it's really hard to say no no no and be the no people because not everybody understands
but this kind of justifies it and you know I You need somebody who is well respected in the industry. Um, and I don't Scott is very well respected when firms
have questions. You know, his firm is is leaned on. They have connections or they are connected to the state level. They're not afraid to go back to the department of edite like why why are we doing this? Not that they always listen,
but you know, you need regardless of if it's Scott, another partner in the firm, whoever, you need that level of expertise that this is what their profession is. I'm a CPA. You don't want me doing a
complicated tax return. All right, I'll do it. I, you know, I don't know if it'll be right. You might end up in, you know, some trouble. But, you know, my my focus is governmental accounting. That's what you need from the auditor as well. All right. >> Just another question if I may. Um
I I just want to go back to what kind of what Lori and Tim said briefly. Um and I I do think you go look going looking at it from an educational point of view. You have a student gets an A+ that doesn't mean that they were perfect all the time with everything. There's still some things to help their growth that I
think they could use. So to Lor's question, I think it would be beneficial to have some things that we should look at maybe whether it's forwardlooking or things we could, you know, possibly do better because I think it's, you know, looking at, you know, changes that could be made, none, none, none, none. It
starts to make me think again, maybe we do need a new set of eyes on it. And it's nothing, you know, personal obviously, but um I do think that it's healthy to have, you know, a varied set of eyes sometimes on what we're doing because, um, you know, we can all
improve uh in in some area. And so even though I do understand there's may not may not be a lot of people out there doing this type of work or doing it as well as this company, I do think it's something that, you know, the board should look at, you know, as we move
forward. Thank you. Yes, of course. >> Sorry, L. Um, is it that we got [snorts] an A+? That's not good enough. Just checking. >> There's no other there's nothing other than A+. And I think with my experience with auditors is either you did it right
or you didn't. Like there's no it's not qualitative the way we do as teachers and like, oh, you can make your words about flowery or something. This is it. It's it's it's one plus one two. There's no gray area. I just I don't know
um just from my understanding what it is that we are. It just doesn't seem to fit. I'm not sure what it is we're looking for other than a clean. >> I think the issue might be there are process improvement audits that are done which they dig deep into the processes
that are being done. >> We're looking at things from a financial perspective. >> Yeah. We're looking at the numbers and we're going to look at the controls that drive those numbers. But are we looking at the processes with everything? We're looking at the controls in those processes, but are we looking at, you know, getting into detail on how to
really improve those processes or change them? >> That's not your >> not really in the scope of the audit. Um, if we see something as a result of a control not working effectively, we're going to bring it to your attention. >> Yeah. >> Um, but it's we've done those too. We go
in and do a process. It's far more expansive than you would do it during an autocope. They're a couple hundred thousand dollar to do them, right? >> Yeah. That's what I'm trying to understand because to your point, it's like the scope of what you are supposed to do, you've done and we came out with flying colors. >> Mhm.
>> Okay. >> And if you look at some of our other audits, there there are other audits where the opinion is not clean and there are findings specifically identified. >> Yeah. And and just if I may add in in finality, um I think to Joe's point, you
made an excellent point that what you do here is just numbers and you understand that there's an instructional need and the balance is meeting both of those and like your scope ends at the numbers and then you know we need to take it from there. That's where the board takes it
from of this is what we have to work with. this is what our classroom needs are. It doesn't mean that the numbers are going to drive that, but we have to figure it out. >> Yeah. >> It's a dance. Yeah. >> Right. It's a balance. It's
>> a difficult process. Um >> complex. Not difficult. It's complex. >> Complex. I'm learning [laughter] >> at 9:40. It's >> it's complex. So, you know, the Lou, I understand what you're >> saying and you know, it's sometimes it's
like, oh, you know, it's just yes, yes, yes, everything's good. But to Dr. Mammon's point, it's fail pass instead of A+ like in the process. I think the one thing that I hope the community and the board understands,
yes, Scott's firm's been doing this. Um, in my tenure here, I believe you're the fourth firm. Um, probably the fifth or sixth partner over those 23 years. Off
the top of my head, eight to 10 different managers. Um, and the manager is the one who's here every day and having the interaction. um you know and I I don't know how many staff
accountants that we've uh been through. So that's where I would hope that some of the rel and the results are have been consistent. Um we haven't been uh no findings through those 23 audits under my tenure. Um nothing crazy. You know,
we've had some student activity stuff. uh some an assa uh item a DTRS but nothing financial to the point of like oh we awarded a bid uh inappropriately uh we didn't go out
the bid we didn't do our due diligence um so that's where I get it like we don't want to assume everything's great we want to make sure it's great and that history I would hope helps right so Um, and I do
think it's important and I think it's also important that when we do have findings, I think there was only one year that we had a repeat finding on a student activity fund. And the only reason because the first year it was school A, the second year it was school B. It wasn't even the same school.
>> So that I think says like if the auditor got up here and had the finding every single year of the same thing, that would be really concerning. >> Sure. >> Um, and we haven't had that. >> Yeah. [laughter] And again, just to use your words before, because it is taxpayer money and we're in, you know,
we are responsible for every penny as we talked [clears throat] about. Um, I just want to make sure that and maybe it's the processes we need to to to make sure double check all and they could be A+ as well, but I just think it's important that, you know, when we have findings that we continue to learn and to grow in
those areas to make sure that we are doing everything we can and so that when we report to the public why we can't spend money on something, they know that all the dollars, all the cents are put in the right place for the right reasons. So, thank you and thanks again. No, not a slight to anyone at all. Believe me, I support it and thank you
for your presentation. >> One thing I I just wanted to let the board know is that the board hires the auditor and so the auditor has a fiduciary duty to the board. He doesn't he he basically the auditor is your eyes
and ears looking and making sure that Joe and Bernie and their team are doing it right. Um and so the auditor can't give they can't fudge the the their report because their fiduciary it's a fiduciary duty. They have a license and
that license could be in jeopardy if they are fudging reports. So I think that that gives you know just like lawyers have licenses. [clears throat] You have a duty to represent your client and your their client is not Joe Crossfeld or Bernie Giuliani or Tara and the team. It's the board
>> and the board represents the taxpayers. So that's, you know, that's the one thing people should understand that when you get a clean audit like this, um, and I agree with you, you know, Wilbur's father sounds very similar to my father. Um, [laughter] you know, I wanted the A+. I didn't get this [clears throat] growing up, but you know, when you when
you get these types of things, and I've been at different boards where they don't get that or they don't have controls or they the auditor comes in and they have lists of findings and and you know, it's it's daunting say, "Oh my goodness, this is what's going on." So, um, you know, I just want everyone to
know that they are your eyes and ears. >> Anybody else? >> Okay. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Scott. Have a good night, everybody. >> Thank you. You too. Good luck to you wherever you end up. >> All right. So, we are moving on to our final presentation of the night. our
superintendent's goals for the 25 26 school year. I apologize for what's about to be a boring presentation given [laughter] Joe's excited. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. All right.
Thank you for still being here. I have an audience. It is my pleasure today to present to the community our charting our path forward presentation. This is a unified plan for our schools. I am proud
to say that the board and I um worked on this and came to an agreement and cannot wait to share it with you so we can get going. So this is our shared purpose. We want
to establish trust, deepen understanding of our strengths and challenges and what we face and together build a foundation for fiscal recovery, instructional excellence, and community unity. Essentially,
this came out of um a survey that was sent out to the public when you all were looking for me. >> [clears throat] >> He found me and I said, [laughter] "I'm sorry. It's almost 10:00. I I don't know what I'm doing. I've been off for
12 hours. More than 12 hours. What am I talking about?" Anyway, so because the there was a high engagement by the community stating the things that are strong about East Brunswick, what we
love about East Brunswick, what we'd like to see um East Brunswick Public Schools does next and the kind of leader they need in order to, you know, do the work and lead this community. So based
on those um um based on the um the responses to that survey, we put it um had it put I you know like AI what's the trend what's going on?
What are people looking for? [laughter] What does this mean? And out of it came um a few key areas and um in working with the board like okay this must be what it is we need to look at right and
then as you know I'm out there talking to people and people are sharing and I've been here since October even though technically whatever but putting it all together has become what is going to be our shared purpose. Just wanted to give you context.
So what you I'm going to share has to do with my 100 day plan which typically every incoming superintendent has a 100 day plan. Mine is a 100 business day plan. I just want to be clear. [laughter] >> [gasps]
>> So as we came together um we had a retreat and we talked about what our guiding principles were going to be as we embark in this partnership and again have had a great working relationship with the board. This has been first um first and foremost really exciting for
me to to do. You've heard me. I sound like a broken record. You know, student first, right? It's just for me that's the northstar. It's numbers for Joe. Make it work. Student first. And then um
just working together, making sure that whatever action we're taking is a unified action that everybody can get behind. We want transparency. And I said radical transparency because you know we throw transparency around all the time, but we wanted radical transparency and
already I know you're hearing a lot from us. I mean, who knew Joe could talk this much? Um, [laughter] we're building that trust. We want you to trust us, right? And then we're looking for just equity, belonging, and opportunity for every
learner. So those are our guiding principles as we put put these together. So, my first 100 days has been very strategic. [laughter] I want to just stop and thank Karen Mandler
who handles all my uh my calendar. Even I cannot get on my calendar this time around. I I just I can't. It's just, you know, there's no room anymore. But we've been very um um strategic in terms of what the board
who has a pulse on the community wants me to do because they've heard from the people that they um represent in addition to the survey responses in addition to what I know that I want to do in terms of the kind of leader I want
to be and hopefully the kind of leader that you know you deserve. So, it's been very strategic so that I am being thoughtful um and making sure that it my transition is effective and that we're really f focusing on fiscal stability because a lot of what we want
to do we need money for you've heard today. Um, and I really wanted to make sure that there is communication. That was one of the things that people talked about a lot. Communication, boosting morale, uh, making sure that there is strategic direction and we're just not,
you know, not just making decisions that we we have a plan, right? When you're going um on vacation, you have a plan, right? Yeah. You know what you want to do, right? When you go on vacation. I love that you're paying attention to me. She's the only one nutting here. [laughter] >> [gasps]
>> Um, and so my the first phase was to listen and learn. I'm still doing that honestly. I'm still listening and learning and building trust and align aligning. So I'm sort of like in the second phase but also going gung-ho on the first phase and then um phase three
will be leading and launching which we hope to get going um in the next couple weeks. Um and I'll talk a little bit about what that might look like for us. So you I put those days at the bottom. so that you know and you can hold me accountable. You can hold me
accountable. You can hold the board accountable for not holding me accountable. We're just going to hold each other accountable. Um so we wanted to be open about my work so that you know what I'm doing and that there's no question about what I'm doing.
So these are some of the key actions that we've done. I my goal is to you know it's important for me to understand the people that I serve understand the programs um our systems our culture and so that's been consuming um in a beautiful way um getting to know the
East Brunswick way um so um some things some key actions so for everyone who's going to talk about what those key actions are that I'm doing and how what the um final piece would be to that so of course I'm having a lot of dialogue sessions Right. I'm just talking to
people randomly today. I was wandering the the halls of one store. I'm like, I think I'm lost. And they're like, what are you doing? I'm like, I'm here for a meeting. But then I'm talking to people just randomly that way. I'm talking to kids. I'm talking to staff. Of course, my meet and greet. Um, community
partners, um, core teams, everybody. Um, I'm working my way to the high school. Jane, it's coming. Um, I actually have, uh, yes, that's coming. It's coming early February. I'll start I talk to kids. Um I'm having lunches, random
lunches with with teachers in the in the faculty room. Um going to a lot of community events. So it's been great. Um all the school visits. Um we've started the review budget. You saw Bernie and Joe. This is all what we do all day. It
is riveting. Um [laughter] another mic drop. [clears throat] >> I'm sorry. groundbreaking. [laughter] That's why I'm still bubbly at almost 10 o'clock at night. Um it's uh so we've been doing a lot of, you know, the cabinets meeting um meeting all our
union leaders. Dana's here. Thank you for being here, Dana. I've met with Dana multiple times [laughter] as I shoot. And you know, I've had one-on-one meetings with the board. We've met together. It's just it's been, you know, I at least getting
the work done, right? Um and uh really doing a lot of work in making sure that our communication is clear. That for me it's been you know as I go through systems I'm like are we clear? Are we communicating well? What does that look like when we communicate well from top
to bottom? Not just even our internal memos, what goes out to the public. We're being very strategic. Um not social media. I'm staying off social media. It's none of my business what happens in social media. But for the real conversations, for the people
coming to meet with me, um parents, students that have questions, all of it, teachers, I want to be accessible. I believe that communication um is good when it's clear and when it's kind. And so that's what we've been
practicing um a whole lot of. And so at the end I will have a dialogue session summary of all my stuff and all the going around and what I'm hearing and kind of have like a summary of a I want to have my state of the district too. Not you know kind of the state of the
union but you know with some baseline highlights. So when we get to the end of what I'm supposed to achieve um in the next I think that might be like the March board meeting I would have something to share. Um and um and it's
been fun. It's been fun. So that's phase one. Phase two, this takes time, right? Building trust and uh and being able to align. Um the goal is to strengthen relationships that we have, establish clarity so that
we know where we're going and and just build coherence so that we're rowing in the same direction. So, we have some plans already in place, like we will have a uh a district-wide theme next year, so we're all rolling in the same direction, right? Um we're going to do
um a lot of um incentives type stuff, right? Even just, you know, saying to the teachers, we see you. We have just awesome staff. Um the administrators are wonderful. Staff is wonderful. I meet with the administrators often. We have
meetings together. Um I mean schools for one-on-one small groups, all of it. Um we're doing and this is all so that we can strengthen relationships that we have with each other. And that's really important to me to the board. Um a lot
of that came out on the survey and the responses more. If we had 10 responses, six out of 10 had to do with um relationships and building morale and where are we going? So really important
and you can see that when I talk about launching staff morale is there twice because that came out and because there were different stakeholders and within the different stakeholder responses it was about staff morale. It was about staff morale over and over again. So
that's really important. Um so the board we had a really successful retreat and this was the um you know we we we really talked about um where where we our aspirations where we want to see um us
go and um just resetting some governance norms for ourselves and what the communication expectations are. So even with the board, they get a Friday memo from me um every Friday. Um and my whole core team is a part of that Friday memo like what's going on, right? If there's
anything just to make sure that they're informed and that that way um if there are any questions they are able to answer as well, right? And even in between the Friday memos, if there's I meet um I meet weekly. um we have a set
time that I meet with the board president um as standard right and then questions that come through people have access the board has access to me and and it's been great um part of that is just what are our expectations for a good strong working relationship if we
don't talk how are we supposed to work together so that's really important not just for me and the board but from the board to the community me to you and so on and so forth um and we're working on our leadership cabinet um structure. Not sure. Um
it's not going to be a a sharp turn. It's going to be like a a little curve. [laughter and gasps] So, we're working on that and why so that we're our decision making is um like clear. We know who to go to for what, right? We
don't want people going um everybody coming to me for stuff. That's not how this works. I want to empower my people to be able to speak on my behalf. I have ultimate faith in the people that I I mean, you know, you heard about Joe's
team. Uh I can attest I don't worry at all. They're really nice. They always have treats in their offices this morning. A lot of it. No, but but but serious just to make sure that there's a chain of command. We
cannot have a system this big and everybody just comes to one person who's the holder of all of it. Um we're all here for a reason and my goal is to empower my people um to work um and and speak on my behalf and you know I and I
would implore um implore the um the community if you have an issue talk to the teacher. Talk to the teacher. They h they we everybody is willing to solve the
problem. Our teachers are amazing, you know, and if you're not getting what you need from the teacher or you're not agreeing, there are administrators. Our administrators are equipped to do the work. These are certified people who have gone to school for years, have
practiced, have expertise. Give them a chance. don't come to me because it's like don't come just like don't go to the board if I if you need something from me you go to the board it looks like I did something wrong I don't want you going to my boss give me a
chance to fix it right and so it's all that way up and that boosts morale and that's why I'm actually saying this particularly when you don't give people the chance to fix something or to even have a
conversation It's like what am I here for? It is not good for morale. So if you forget everything I say cuz it's 10:00, just remember that. Talk to people. You know, I don't know what's going on. My child said this or this happened with my talk
talk to the teacher. Then talk to the principal. Talk to the department chairs, the directors. All of this people are here to help you. That's our job. cuz when you come to me, I'm assuming
that you've been through the whole process and all my people have failed you. And that's usually not true. So, um, that would help boost morale for us. Um, and, um, so I will continue to visit
staff, make sure I'm visible. Um, and, uh, we're working very hard to convene some equity and access advisory groups. We do know, I have heard as I continue to hear that there are areas in our system that we need to pay attention to. And so we want to pay attention to those
areas and bring in stakeholder groups together to look at um special education, um student support like ESL, all those special groups that people have questions about just to make sure that the way we have an auditor looking at our stuff that we too can say, you
know what, we we got an A+ and if we didn't get an A+ um to lose point, where can we do better? Right? So um really looking forward to that. I've been doing some facilities walk through. We have one on Monday
>> with boots on. >> That's right. >> Because we will be open on Monday. Snow or no? I don't know. I don't know that. >> Um but we've been doing a lot of facilities. Um we're doing some um walkthroughs. We know we have an aging
secondary campus. We have enrollment shifts. These are big ticket items that we're taking a look at. So, we can't just I can't um just do that from wherever we are. We actually have to go visit and take a look and see what So, some of that is ongoing. I'm sure the
high school students that we just saw Bernie me and and Joe just hanging out in the hallway coming out and they're going, "What are they doing here?" And it was so cold so we had our jackets on. Um I'm sure we just they weren't sure what to do with us, but um and then we
were at Church Hill. So, we're going to continue to do that as part of this planning. Um, and we want a new high school, >> right, Jane? Do we not need a new high school? Good. So, at the end of this, [laughter]
hopefully um we'll be able to present um the board and I present um a forward framework for three strategic priorities. I'm going to talk about that later. some communityf facing budget and facilities narrative so that you know what the state of our union is right um
and then we're forming advisory groups because we understand that at the heart of this is school funding so we are launching an advocacy group we will be inviting people to um join us who know how to do this advocacy work and we have
a single purpose and focus it is to change school funding so that um uh you know we can't keep doing this. This is not sustainable. I mean
it's just not sustainable. So um really excited about the advocacy group um that will go out next week as well. This is part of our making sure that we're not just sitting down and taking it and we're not just going to call it in
either. We're going to do one better. We're going to Trenton. We're going to Trenton. And um some of us are already part of the legislative committees. I'm working with my fellow um superintendents across the
state. Um we're just waiting for Governor Cheryl and then we're we're going because it's just it's not adding up. It's just not adding up. So you'll hear more uh about that. Those are days 3170 and probably beyond um going on
there. And then the third phase is just leading and launching all this talk, all this fact gathering, we're going to start working on it. In fact, we soon you'll start to see something some lowhanging fruit and you'll be like, "Oh, that's
what she meant when she said um we don't have to wait till September to enact certain things. We don't have to like the things that we can do now. We will do." Um, don't ask me what that is. You'll find out. Um, but our goal, the most important part is launching our
three-year strategic plan. Really looking forward to that work. Um, we want to make sure that, um, we're we're having consistent updates. Um, we started a an Instagram account because we weren't on Instagram and we didn't
want to do a finer, whatever that is. [laughter] >> [gasps] >> But the goal is to just reboot communication and updates and we're going we're hitting our website next, right? Um we're going to do some more stuff with the website. So you start to see some of these good things happening
and really showcasing our staff and and um sharing all the good stuff that's happening so that it's it can um give people a sense of you know it's not all doom and gloom that even in spite of some of the challenges that we face you
still you still you you saw the kids I mean that's what matters. So we want to really showcase that. Um and then I will have a 100 day reflection plan that um I will submit to the board and there and um after that will be um published on
our website so people can have access to it. So that's uh it's going to be the just a transition from assessment um to action with um leadership and some early wins. So really looking forward to that piece. I talked about um the 100 day plan, what
the plan is on what we're doing, but this is just, you know, it just provides the foundation to the work that we're now going to have to do. Um and [clears throat] so it is our commitment that the board with me, we will lead together. We're going to translate our shared values
into strategic action and collective accountability. We're um really excited for this road map. Um and so for the next um my goals
um I have three goals coming up for technically till the end of June but we'll probably extend we'll see where we are and kind of tweak but number one is to have a strate to develop a strategic plan. It is my um the strategic plan
will be ready for us to launch come 26 27 school year, right? So, the process is going to be really um looking at um a process that is clear with a
timeline and our first priority is let's have a plan so that we can work use the plan to move ahead and you will know that we're doing well when you start when we share this road map publicly so that it's not something that people are we don't know where the plan is. where
is the plan? It will be shared publicly. Um there will be a unified messaging from the board and I around student centered goals because when you develop a strategic plan, it covers everything. It covers academics. It covers um facilities. It covers the it covers all
everything that makes up our system with goals that we will measure and see how we're doing and monitor the progress. So really looking forward to doing that. And then we're hoping that when we put the call out that we'll have a high number of stakeholders from East Brunswick participating because they
want their voices heard in this way. Um so those will be the LE success indicators as we work on our as we develop our strategic plan. Number two, I spoke to that earlier was
about trust, right? that a lot of um responses in the survey really talked about we don't trust and people don't trust us and when the staff wants to help but does not is not given the opportunity to help it just seems like you don't trust me that I'm doing what's right for the kid and that's you know
that just cuts to the heart because we're here because of the kids so some of the things we want to do the board and I working together we know we can restore um trust we know we can strengthen our credibility and a commitment to stability and transparency
in ongoing conversations around budget and operations. You can already see that. Can you tell that we all work well together, right? Can you tell? And doesn't that have an effect on those of you watching us? It it just really matters that um we're here um working
together, laughing together, disagreeing with love, all of that. That it matters. We choose love. Okay. Um [laughter] that was bound. I'm not randomly saying that. Um, [laughter] but some of the things we want to do is
co-host small community forums. And I think that that based on the work we've done so far with meets and greets, we've had some really good conversations there. And we really believe that's the way to go. And um, that way we'll develop our shared talking points as we
go through this. And some of the um success indicators you see will be the stakeholder feedback that we're going to get. Um that reflects a greater confidence in leadership um that this that the community will have seeing us
with this kind of increased focus on student learning rather than the division because there's a lot that brings us together and that's what we need to focus on and the road ahead is is going to be tough but we're tougher than it you know and when we come together we can get some things done. So, we're really excited about that
consistency and that transparency that we want to do in this way um for the community of East Brunswick. And our third priority is about the collaborative budget development. And we started it already whether you know it or not. This conversations here and there, you know, you can already see
kind of like the nuance and the this is the general fund. Some of the things Joe was doing was giving us like accounting 101. Every month we're going to have little nuggets of did you know this about the budget, right? I bet some of you learned a little bit more about the
budget than you did before, right? We knew and that's the point that when when we when we know we do better, right? Um and because we're educators, so we should always start with that. We're really looking forward to a budget that
it has a statement of values that um when we show you your bud, our budget, you will know what it is that we value. And when we talk about what the process is again, you will know what our value is. And um we know that the that um
that things are difficult, but with thoughtfulness and a lot of communication and um and transparency, we can get somewhere. We're not all going to be happy, but it's just, you know, we'll
figure it out together. So, we'll be doing some of these budget orientation sessions. Um, we're going to establish a framework for financial decision making, um, with our priorities of student achievement. Um, and then have a budget at a glance for people to be able to
kind of digest. Earlier, Tim was like, well, if I was in third grade, Joe, how would you explain what it is that you did to me? Something like that. I call it digestible. Um, so we we and connect those investments to instructional priorities because that's why we're
here. And you will see us deliver some um cohesive student centered budget messages and you'll see like a stronger board confidence and financial planning because um they very much will be a part of it and we'll try not to bore them but
they do need to know the some details right and um and hopefully our goal is that the greater community will have a stronger understanding of what we are doing and why. So, this is our journey forward together.
I'm really proud of the um job we uh the work we're going to embark on together unified. Um and um I hope to see you all out supporting us in this work. Thank you for staying this late. Really
appreciate it. [applause] [applause] Questions? No question. Um, I just want to compliment you. I I love your speaking style. I could listen to you all evening and um >> Thank you, Jen. >> I I really think that uh your vision is
um incredible and we're so proud to support you and support this district and our goal of helping all of our children. So, thank you for this. >> Thank you so much, Jamie. I'm touched. Appreciate it. >> Yes, Lori. So the same you bring
excitement and optimism and so we're here for it. Um so thank you for that because I I think it's you know what we learned from the surveys is that it was uh needed. um wondering if you could
just give us like I know that some of us have attended or been able to attend some of your meet and greets, but just um I know you'll give a more formal, but maybe just like a thought or two about what is there a common theme you've heard so far, a common concern like anything that kind of sticks out to you
so far? >> Um yes, a few. And honestly, I have to commend um the people who have been coming out um to my meet and greet and and just even really embracing my style of let's just sit down and talk. >> Yeah.
>> Um a lot of people are concerned obviously about the budget. They worry about the money and what will that mean for my child and their programming, especially with special ed. Um and even some of the programs we're able to offer or not offer. um there's a lot of um
questions that people don't have answers to and then when you don't have answers you just make stuff up. So that tells me we have work to do especially in that area of special education and um Louise and I talk almost every day now versus Louis still here. Yay. Um Louise and I
talk every day and so we know that's an area we need to do better but that has been consistent no matter the community and then different communities have different things that they they care about, you know. Um, Bound wanted to know what their, you know, future is going to be, and I told him their future
is bright, so that was good. Um, me and Mario was amazing. Um, Irwin, man, Irwin >> Irwin, they showed up. >> Irwin showed up. The staff >> I There were two tables right right there. You were Lori, we had over 60 people. >> Yeah.
>> Um, and it was just a really cool night. Um, and so everybody has their own little, you know, every community has its uh its own identity and I love it. Um, I love it. But mostly they've just been happy that I'm there and that they
can interact with us. And um, and I say us because the board members I I have almost two or three at everyone so far. I haven't been to any meet and greet where our board members have not showed up to support and be a part of the conversation and I draw them into the
conversation too. >> [laughter] >> So, it's been good. It's been good. >> Awesome. Thank you. >> Yes. >> Anybody else? Internet. Go ahead. No, I'll go last. I go last. >> She goes last. She's Madam President. I don't know [laughter] the rules. Um,
thank you. I have to just say thank you because you listen to the to the community. >> This entire go list of goals here is exactly what everybody was looking for. Yeah. >> And I know that the board when they chose you chose you with that in mind, but the fact that you actually are doing
it is incredible. And I've been one of the board members who've been able to join you on your tour of East Brunswick. And I have to tell you, it's been incredible watching the reactions of the audience. First of all, the little kids that are coming are so adorable. >> So cute. >> It's so cute. But in the beginning,
you'll see the parents >> sizing you up a little bit. And then by the end they're it's a completely different vibe. Everyone's very comfortable. They're at first it's like anybody have any questions? >> Nothing. >> Nothing. And then one person ask a question and then they bounce off that
and then it becomes like you're hanging out with your friends and it's very comfortable and people have been able to trust you with their worries which I have not seen happen in this district in the 10 years I live here. So thank you for that. Um, if you have not been able to get to one, definitely, you don't
even have to go to your own school. If it doesn't, if you have a conflict, it's really important to get there. Um, and see, >> because she talks a lot more than she's doing right now, but it's important to see how everyone is reacting to her plans. So, >> thank you for doing that. I I think it
was a really really great um idea. >> Yeah. Yeah. Thank you so much. Um, thank you for the support. And uh I think I was supposed to be in the high school on Monday. suppose I'll see you in the high school on Monday evening. [laughter] >> Um, no, it's been honestly it's been
great. It's been my honor. Um, and yeah, I am your superintendent, so you should be able to just talk to me, right? So, but until they get to know me and know that I don't take myself seriously. >> That might be a problem later on, though. We'll see. [laughter] >> Yeah. Um, I just want to echo what
Antonette said. I I was able to make a couple of uh your meet and greets and the vibe was exactly what she uh described. However, I I I do um want to say it's not a surprise to me that this is what's happening in terms of you listening to the community. And
here I'm going to give a us a pat on the back because that actually was our superend that that was our superintendent search process. We asked the community who what they wanted to see in a superintendent and then we went out and found you. >> Um and and that was the list that we
that we used to to um uh to to track you down and steal you from South Brunswick. >> You sure did. >> So they're still mad, I hear. [laughter] So >> there people who are not talking to me. >> Yeah. >> Still, but I'll break them down. >> Yeah. They'll get they'll get over it. Um and u but yeah, it it's been
wonderful. And and again, if uh uh if you happen to miss the one that's at your home school, you don't have to go to your home school. We can go to any of them. Yes. And and it'll it'll be great. >> Thank you. So, >> no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies.
>> No. [laughter] No. >> Is that an evaluative comment? Am I going to get in trouble? >> I was totally a daddy's girl and my father was like A+ little girl. [laughter] >> No. Um, really I I I think Jamie like
hit the nail on the head with that one. Um, your authenticity is what makes us so comfortable. Like we're sitting here and we're just having conversation. It's yes, this is a boardroom, but it's not stiff and you know, like everyone's just interjecting when they need to. And you
guys know I'm a fan of that. So, [laughter] >> no, but it's nice. You bring that energy and you've brought that into all of your meet and greets. And um you know one of my favorite things of watching people's reaction when they are coming to you during these meet and greets with a problem and you're like that's happening
that's pretty messed up. Come talk [laughter] to me and it's like there's just this like air of validation as opposed to oh well that's not really happening that's not you know [clears throat] so it's it's nice to have that and I agree with Antoanette. It's the first time in a very long time that we've experienced that as a
district. So, thank you. And um you know, I think Tim said it the day that you were voted in. Um this is not going to be without its challenges and we recognize that and we're here to support you and um I know you know we're here to
represent our community. So, we're it's it's going to be teamwork, but I'm optimistic. >> Thank you. I am too. >> Okay. Thank you. >> [applause] >> All right, with that said, you guys have
heard us talk for so long, it's your [snorts] turn if you so wish. [laughter] The board of education recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of allowing members of the public to express themselves on school matters of community interest. To protect the
privacy of all students and staff, concerns regarding individual students and staff members should generally be addressed by first meeting with the appropriate administrative staff. If you so wish to make a public statement, please come to the podium. State your name and address. You have three
minutes. If you are a student, just your name and your school. Good evening. My name is Maddie Bishop and I am a junior at East Wick High School. I am the co-president of the EBHS Video Newsmakers Club, a student led group that makes the morning announcements every day. Because we film
in the morning before school starts, it is difficult to gain members who are able to show up to school early enough to help us create the announcements as most students take the bus, which arrives much later. Due to this, we were unable to gain the minimum of 15 members by mid December to keep our club going.
Although the club member minimum has always been 15 students, this year the club dues doubled from $15 to $30, which makes it even harder for students to join our club because it is very expensive to join as many clubs as we offer in our school. Video Newsmakers is an essential club to the integrity of
EBHS. Other clubs rely on us to promote their upcoming events. We share important school updates and we bring a sense of community to home room each day. Since the club is shut down back in December, we have been unable to share updates to our fellow students. We have raised this issue with Dr. Bour and he
is in full agreement that our club should continue running. However, he has said that the school district policy is that we must gain 15 members in order to be allowed to continue making announcements. This minimum does not make any sense for a club that only needs a minimum of three people to create the
announcements. and our TV room cannot even fit 15 people to film anything. Currently, we are at 14 members, which we started the shutdown with nine members. We have petitioned, promoted our club on Canvas, Instagram, and through interest meetings. And yet, we are still unable to run over a month
after our club has been shut down. As co-president, I implore you to reconsider this club policy. On a personal level, I've been doing morning announcements for my schools in East Brunswick since fourth grade. And through newsmakers, I have found a love for broadcasting. and I plan to major in communications in college. I'm kindly
asking that you wave the member minimum for this essential club and allow us to continue creating important announcements for our school. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> Yes. [applause] >> I'm just going to break protocol because we typically won't respond. We'll say
thank you for your but I am so impressed by you. I feel like whenever a student comes up here to advocate on behalf of herself, her fellow um students that we should at
least acknowledge how proud we are of you and um and you you went from 9 to 14. >> Yes. >> You got to 14. >> Yes. >> I'm excited for you. >> Thank you. [laughter] >> But thank you for staying and I'm sure um the you know I might have something
for you. Oh, I I might I might >> just hang in there. >> You went to 14? >> Yes. >> And you have names for 14? >> Yes. >> Okay. [laughter] >> Thank you so much. >> You're welcome. >> Appreciate it. >> Is there anyone else wishing to address
the board this evening? >> Okay. >> Yep. Going once, going twice. We get to use this. [laughter] >> Okay. All right. So moving on to our actual
agenda now. Um before I com do the board of ed is it anything that needs to be separated out for under board of education items one through >> six.
Anyone need anything? Okay. So I will motion for board of education items one through six. Move >> second. Wilbur and Jamie discussion discussion. Okay, so this is a roll call vote.
>> Yeah, there's an item that's a roll call. >> Okay, so this is a >> Yeah, roll call vote. >> Roll call vote. >> Anna [clears throat] Bronn. >> Yes, except for number six.
Uh I must recuse myself. Noted. Timothy Cummings. >> Yes. >> Anthonyola, >> yes. >> Jamie Falco, >> yes. >> Lewis Figueroa, >> yes. >> Lorie Herrick, >> yes. >> Lee Wu Hong, >> yes. Obstain from number four.
>> Noted. Uh, Wolver Pan, >> yes. >> Maryan Tangos, >> yes. >> Motion. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. All right. Moving on to business and support operations items one through
nine. >> One through a lot. >> One through a lot. Yeah. >> One through Wow. >> One through 19. >> 19. >> Motion. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Jamie Ben Wilbur. Discussion.
>> Okay. >> Roll call vote also. >> Anna Bronn. [clears throat] >> Yes. Timothy Cummings, >> yes. >> Antonet Avola, >> yes. >> Jamie Falco, >> yes. >> Liz Figareroa, >> yes. >> Lorie Herrick, >> yes. >> Lee Wu Hong, >> yes. >> Wolver Pan, >> yes. >> Marian Tango, >> yes.
>> Okay, moving on to curriculum and instruction items. One, just one. >> Uh, no, actually it's um >> one, two, >> curriculum and instructions. >> Mhm. There are two items.
>> One. Do you have teeth? >> No, we don't have that. >> We don't have peach. >> Yeah, we don't have two. >> Did you have an agenda? >> Is it the new agenda? >> I'm on the new agenda. >> There's a new one. >> 21 is missing. >> Oh, page 21. Sorry.
>> So, who doesn't have it? >> The new one that was on the desk. I think that one >> didn't copy it, I guess. >> Not Not everyone does. The one from your house should be okay. >> Yeah, the one from your house. >> Okay.
>> But I reviewed the one at home, so I'm fine. >> Okay. >> Anna, are you good? >> Yeah. Let me just take a >> Let me just quickly. >> Oh, yeah. That's fine. That's fine. That's fine. Thank you. >> All right. So, that's curriculum and instruction items one and two.
>> Two. Do we have a motion? >> Move. >> Second. >> Wilbur and Jamie. Discussion. >> Uh, real quick, please. I just want to comment. [clears throat] Um, that one of the, uh, programs available is called connections matter. It has to do with neurological health
for children. Uh, brain health is critical throughout a lifetime. Um, not just physically, but social emotional learning. helps to create good stability um later in life for understanding processes, social interactions, um higher order critical thought. So, I'm
so pleased to see that we're offering a parent university presentation at no cost on April 7th in the district so that we can learn how to build more resilient uh children and have compassion for their uh social emotional health. So, thank you very much for
bringing these programs to our district. Miss Jamie. Okay. Any other discussion? So this is a voice vote. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I >> I >> abstensions.
>> Opposed. [laughter] Abstensions. Motion carries. All right. Moving on to human resources. Item one. >> Move. >> Second. Wilbur and Jamie. Discussion. Seeing roll call vote.
>> Yes. Anna Bronn, >> yes. >> Timothy Cummings, yes. >> Anthony, >> yes. >> Jamie Falco, >> yes. >> Lewis Figureroa, >> yes. >> Lorie Herrick, >> yes. >> Lee Wu Hong, yes. >> Wilbur Pan, >> yes. >> Mary Tango, >> yes. >> Motion carries. Okay, moving on to
special education and student services items one and two. Move. >> Second, >> Jamie and then Wilbur. discussion. This is a roll call vote also. Okay. >> Anna Braun, >> yes. >> Timothy Cummings,
>> yes. >> Antonet Avola, >> yes. >> Jamie Falco, >> yes. >> Lewis Figureroa, >> yes. >> Lorie Herrick, >> yes. >> Lee Wuhong, >> yes. >> Wolver Pan, yes. >> Marian Tangos, >> yes. Motion carries. >> All right, that brings us to committee
reports, information items, and for the good of the cause for the board. Um, I just want to start off by reminding our neighbors that on Saturday, January 24th, before the snow at 11:00 a.m., the public library is
presenting Muslim Heritage and Culture Day. Um, I invite you all to attend um, and support our neighbors. It'll be a lovely event. Um, really appreciative of the Islamic Center of East Brunswick for hosting. Um, and on a personal note, I
just want to thank Mr. Juliana. Um, I did not know you signed my diploma. That was, uh, something I learned. But, um, I'm really grateful because the education I received that allowed me to be who I am and help the people I help is because of the work you've done. Um,
we have 11 Blue Ribbon Schools because of the work you've done. And I think that that should be said and noted. Um, just a lot of appreciation because the work you do is not easy. Um, and I don't think that everyone fully, even me, I
don't fully grasp the time and the energy you've put into this position for all of this time. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Um, I just wanted to mention uh a couple things. I forgot to mention when we're talking about Dr. Mammon's tour of
East Brunswick that she's so dedicated to this that she did it on her husband's birthday >> for one of them. >> Yeah. Um hope hope the dinner was good. >> It was good. >> Okay, great. Terrific. Um let's see. I I I had the pleasure of uh uh going to the
winter chorus concert at the high school last week. Oh my god, it was so good. Um yeah. Um >> he was good. >> Yep. Yep. Um yeah, they they they did their tradition of performing the Hallelujah Chorus where they asked anybody in the audience who was a
graduate of the program or wanted to come up there to get up there. So apparently the entirety of the town of East Brunswick was on that stage. Um >> Yeah. Right. Yep. Uh and and uh and the other thing that um uh I I and some
other of our board members attended was the open house that the Islamic Center of East Brunswick held as part of uh Muslim Heritage Month, which was a really great uh experience uh for me. Um uh learned a lot um including uh like all the different parts of the uh prayer
room in in in the mosque. It was uh good good to know. Um yeah, that's it. Thanks. >> Anybody else? Tim. >> Okay. Um I will just I Yeah, again, thank you for the open houses that you've been doing. They've been
wonderful. >> Um and thank you Jamie for reminding us about the Islamic Center. We did attend the open house as well. And I just echo what Wilbur said. Uh last but not least, this is Mr. Juliana's final meeting with
us. Um, it is a bittersweet moment. Um, you know, I'm just going to reiterate what I said when I was sworn in last time. Uh, you did sign my and Jaime's diplomas. Um, and I found that like magically while, uh, putting out
Christmas decorations and my diploma happens to be in the back and I'm like, Bernardo Juliana, he signed my diploma. [laughter] >> Um, no, but um, >> it just makes me feel old. But um you know it's uh it is a full
circle moment for me also that um this is your final meeting and I'm sitting here as board president and um it's still feels surreal. Um and I I do echo what Jamie says. I believe that every person in this district brings value and
you've been here for 32 years and that is time that is uh irreplaceable. Um I know it has not been without its challenges but I thank you for doing what you have done for 32 years to the best of your ability and um I wish you
all the best as you move forward and uh it it's been an honor. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] I sent Bernie all the dates because he's going to be at the public podium for [laughter] public.
>> Um like hell I will. [laughter] >> Thanks. That was supposed to like you know a key persist. [laughter] >> Evelyn's having a belly laugh. No. >> Okay.
>> Anyone else? Anything? >> I just, you know, I This is >> hard. Um, it has been my honor, my privilege to
serve this community and do the many good things that we've done for the students >> for 32 years. Been through 32 boards of education. um nine board presidents I think over
that time, >> six superintendent. >> I'm going to regret not working with Evelyn. A >> um but I am so confident that you're in good hands. Um
>> your new superintendent is wonderful. >> Cool. >> Your new business administrator is stellar. Um, and >> the team to support [clears throat] is just phenomenal and so I feel good
leaving you in really good hands. So I thank you for the opportunity over these many years. [applause] [applause] >> I hate goodbyes in general. [laughter] >> Goodbye. >> All right. Um, if there is nothing else,
do we have a motion to adjurnn? >> Move. >> Second. Uh, Wilbur and Jamie. >> And that is a voice vote, right? >> All in favor? I >> opposed abstensions. Motion carries. We
are adjourned. >> Have a good evening everyone.