Check one two check. Check two. Check. Check one two. Check. Oh my god, you're right. I know what's wrong, but it's going to fix it. What is it?
Check. Check. One, two. Check. Check. One, two. Check. Check. One, two. Check. Check. One, two. That's one for 10. Check. One, two. Testing. One, two, three. Mic check. Mic check. One, two, three. Testing. One,
two, three. Volume check. One, two, three. We should be good. Okay, we're going to start the meeting. Please uh stand. Flag salute. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Roll call please. Yes. Mr. She here. Mr. Vich Patel. Miss Pang
here. Miss White here. Mr. Romano here. Miss Anja Patel here. Mr. Lugo here. Mr. Ronac Patel
here. Mr. Erica here. We have a quorum. Opening statement. Yes. In accordance with the open public meetings act public law 1975 C231 sunshine law. The Edison Township Board of Ed Board of Education has caused
notice of this meeting to be uh published by having the date, time, and place thereof posted in the Board of Education administrative offices and posted on the board's website. Thank you. Today we have the uh meeting at the Wood Wilson Middle School and uh Mrs. Bleven,
this is your home, so you take it over. Thank you. Good evening, Dr. Alderelli, members of the board of education, students, parents, and community members. I'm Jennifer Blevens, the proud principal of Woodro Wilson Middle School, and it's a pleasure to welcome
you this evening. Welcome to our beautiful new gymnasium. We are so excited to host this evening's board of education meeting in this incredible space. a space that represents our continued commitment to excellence and
growth at Woodro Wilson Middle School. To showcase some of our WWMS students and programs, I will now introduce you to our assistant principal, Mrs. Renu Mendora. Thank you, Mrs. Blevens. Good evening,
Dr. Elder Ali, Mr. Shei, members of the board of education, families, and most importantly, our students. It is truly my honor to stand here before you tonight and share just a glimpse of what makes Woodro so remarkable. Our students
are not only mastering academics, they are growing into leaders, creators, and change makers. Tonight, I'm proud to highlight two programs that have been nationally recognized by Charer.org or as promising practices and they reflect
the very heart of woodro. The first program is our stars program. Students and teachers achieving results and success. Through stars, students are paired with a teacher mentor, creating a true one-to-one connection. Over 32 of
our teachers generously volunteer their own time each week to provide guidance and build relationship with students who need them. The impact is clear. stronger connections, greater confidence, higher achievement, and a school culture where
every student feels valued. We owe this program success to our incredible teachers and counselors. Without their dedication, stars simply wouldn't exist. Another program that embody embodies the heart of Woodro is our studentrun coffee
shop. Operated by our unified self-contained program alongside peer partners, it is far more than a place to just grab coffee. Here, students practice communication, responsibility, financial literacy, and teamwork.
It is entirely student-driven and self- sustaining and has become the hub for connection for our entire school community. And just like stars, this program also has earned national recognition as a promising practice. We are deeply grateful to our teachers, Mr.
Makawerna, Miss Banick, our paraprofessionals and CSTs who make this program happen. And just to let you know, at the center of all we do here at Woodro is our northstar statement. Empowering learners to shape the world with knowledge, purpose, and passion.
Programs like stars and the coffee shop bring this vision to life. And our northstar guides everything we do here. So of course our students also shine through the arts. Tonight we are proud to present the Woodro Wilson Top Jazz Band under the direction of Mr. Sal
Fosa. They will perform Jericho, an afroamerican spiritual arranged by Chris Sharp in the style of 1930 swing, echoing the timeless energy of sing. So please enjoy Jericho. Heat. Heat.
Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, heat. Hey. Heat. Heat. Wow, what a wonderful performance. Thank you, Mr. Fawa and the students for that
outstanding performance. I want to share a special point of pride. Both of our band directors here at Woodrow, Sal and Sergio Fawsa, once sat in the very seats here as Woodro and JP students, and today they have returned as educators, giving back the same community that
shaped them. So I would now like to invite Mr. Sal Fosa to say a few words. Thank you very much and thank you for allowing us to perform for you this evening. We're so grateful to be here. I personally am very grateful and blessed to be in the position I am. As you know,
I was raised in town and I went through all 12 years of the music program here. And what I can say is from being firsthand witness experiencing the program myself and working here the last 26 years, this town has been on an relentless and ruthless accelerating
upwards trajectory when it comes to education and also obviously the arts because every time you find educationally achieving district, the arts are always front and center also and they they do not get left behind. The change that we've seen in the last
few years has been I very difficult to describe to you. We went from a schedule where we see the kids every other day to every half a year and now it's every day in the classroom. We're so excited to I just report a quick report on Woodro Wilson. We now have rather than split by
grade levels, we have an auditiononly wind ensemble where the top 60 kids are selected through audition process which is just kind of unheard of. We played for Ithaca College last year and each one of the students studied with the professors on each of those individual
uh instruments on their faculty and then the head of bands at Ithaca said that he would like to come down and work with our wind ensemble because he was so impressed with how we're playing. Um and this is this is only to complement the support that we've had from parents in-house administration and the board of
ed and the administration uh in Edison. So we we only owe all of this to you folks. We thank you very much for that and really hope that you continue the support of such an excellent program. Thank you. Thank you Mr. Fasa. Now speaking of
student talent and leadership, I would like to highlight just another group that continues to make us proud. Our Future Business Leaders of America, FBLA. I have had the privilege of traveling with them to the national leadership con conference in California and I can tell you that they truly
represent the very best of woodro. So please join me in welcoming two of our outstanding FPLA leaders Aram Jari Wala and Rayanch Bodu who will share their experiences with us. Hello board members. My name is Ryan Bodu and my name is Ethan Jiala and we
are two proud eighth graders from Woodro Wilson Middle School. I hope everyone's evening is going well so far. Today we are here to talk about something that we and Woodro Wilson Middle School are very proud of. Our very own FBLA program. The truth is although many in the room here
today do lead successful lives, most of them didn't really get the chance to participate in business related competitions at such a young age where they would have to pave their own path to the top. Luckily, we as students did get that chance. FBLA is a business
related club where students have the opportunity to, you know, show off their skills at competitions and they even have a shot at making it to the national leadership conference. Range, would you like to start off by talking a little bit about your journey in FBA?
Sure, Artham. I would love to. So, I started my journey in FBLA when I was in sixth grade. And ever since then, I've been a part of FBA and all the wonderful memories that were created in it. Unfortunately, I didn't make it to nationals in sixth grade, although I placed in top 10 in states. But I did
not stop there. I did not give up. In seventh grade, I worked my way through states and I got first place in the whole nation for my category at Anahem, California. Artham, I remember you made it to nationals in sixth grade, right? I believe it was in Orlando. Do you want to talk about that?
Of course. So, I got to FBA or Future Business Leaders of America after joining my new school, Wood Wilson. And something about Wood Wilson is there are a lot of clubs, but as a business enthusiast myself, I chose to join FBA.
At the FBA NLC in sixth grade located in Orlando, Florida, I learned valuable skills like responsibility by managing a room with three other students as well as managing expenses by buying groceries in a budget. We also engaged in networking through pin trading, making
friends from different states and even different countries. I also improved my public speaking skills by speaking at workshops and other ep o opportunity FBA provides. Truth be told, FBA was more than just skills. It was also filled with many fun
events ranging from trips at the amusement parks like Universal and Disney to even the days just trading pins at the convention center. It was truly a blast and a memory I will never forget. Like you said, Artham, FBA is not just about learning business concepts all the time or about solving
rigorous math problems. It's about learning discipline, time management, and improving skill sets relating to public speaking and confidence. And most importantly, it's about having fun and networking with people. This is what makes FPLA and the trips included in it
so special. Wood Wilson's FBA program has truly represented the state of New Jersey in an outstanding way at nationals. 44 students from Wood Wilson represent the school at the conference competing in a range of events. Around half of the competitors stepping up from
Woodro Place with 20 students placing in the top 10, five students receiving second place, one of which was myself, and two students placing in first, one of which was Ranch. Those are certainly some pretty good numbers if I've ever seen any. Trips like these are really what gives students the opportunity to
express themselves and this is what makes Edison schools really stand out and it's what differentiates us from the rest of the nation. So on behalf of Woodro Wilson Middle School and all the students who participated in FBLA, I would like to thank the board of education for supporting FBLA. And I would also like to thank the club
adviserss and teachers who were with us on that trip to nationals. Miss Menerorado, Miss Cameron, and Miss Islam. They truly deserve an appreciation for the amount of effort they put into the club from having fun in Disneyland to competing in our category. They were there with us every
step of the way and they were really what made national such a huge success. So coming from someone who's been on the trip, I think it would be wonderful if the board of education could continue to support FBLA and support such trips like this. FBLA has truly changed me as a
person and I it is something I plan to continue this year and in college and high school as well. In a world where we have to deal with major financial decisions like buying a home, going to college, or even something as simple as staying out of debt, I am beyond grateful to have been part of FBA,
allowing me to be more financially literate. I just want to end with my quote. A small drop in the ocean can make a big difference in the world. I'm just a drop in the ocean and if more people come together, we can make a huge difference. Thank you for giving Rian Shai this opportunity to shine a light
on Woodra Wilson's FBA program. Thank you and have a great evening. Fantastic. Thank you, Ardam and Ranch. And congratulation once again to all of our FPLA members. Now, on behalf of our staff and students, I would like to thank the board for their time and
continued support. We are proud of who we are and even more excited of what's ahead. Woodro Wilson is truly a special place for us. Thank you. Presentation. All right. So, uh thank you uh the
students. Uh you guys did a great job over there for the presentation. Um FBA and uh I hope you know when you actually go to uh high school next year, there will be a business academy waiting for you. All right, we're going to start
a business academy next year and you will continue to uh shine with uh you know in the area that you guys are put a lot of effort in. And I'd like to thank the band director for uh what you said here. um we can see the difference that
the commitment that the district made to the music program and these two students you know they're not only scholars and they're musicians as well uh these uh um they go hand in hand and I'm really
happy that you mentioned that uh with the the new change of schedule you're meeting these kids every day that is a big thing uh that we were able to accomplish a couple years ago and uh it's paying off and uh uh we all know that the JP Stevens has a a high
performing uh band program and so is our Edison High School and I can see the feeding program that goes into our high schools. Thank you very much and thank you for all the hard work. Thank you. All right, now we have a couple presentations. Dr. Alder,
thank you very much. Port president Xi. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Eddie Alderelli, superintendent of schools here in Edison Township. Uh it is my great privilege tonight to introduce uh and celebrate someone who embodies the very best of the teaching profession. Each year uh Middle Sex
County honors one educator out of all of the schools in Middle Sex County that demonstrates outstanding dedication, creativity, and impact in the classroom. This year we are so proud and honored to house the Middle Sex County Teacher of
the Year, our very own Miss Pamela Ang of Lincoln Elementary School. Ju just listening to the way her students, her colleagues, and her administrators talk about her, she's the kind of teacher every parent hopes their child will have. She inspires curiosity,
builds confidence, and nurtures a love of learning, which is what we all hope for. Uh Pamela, we are thrilled to recognize your remarkable accomplishments uh and the way you make uh Lincoln Elementary in our district shine. Um please join me in congratulating Pamela. Uh what a
wonderful accolade. Um and we do have a an awesome video to show you right now that honors Pamela and uh all of her accomplishments. Well, folks, first of all, really excit So I'm actually saying a few words and explain why
you're here right now. I'm going to introduce to you who oversees all of the school districts in Middle Sex County. So, how about a round of applause for this?
The counter teacher of the year, Mrs. I'm going to figure out my heart. have the privilege and honor today of spending a little bit of time with third grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School and also Middle Sex County
Teacher of the Year. Congratulations. Thank you so much for joining. Thank you for having us. Thank you very much. This is very exciting. Thank you so much. It's such an honor to be working here in New Jersey and it's a
wonderful wonderful thing. Congratulations. Thank you very much. Yeah, I love I love So at this time I'd like to call to the podium up to the front of the stage Mr. Shei, I believe we have something for
Miss Ang as well. If I'd like to call up our Middle Sex County Teacher of the Year, Miss Pamela Ang. The board. board. Okay. Good evening members of the board, colleagues, and community. I am deeply
honored to be named the Middle Sex County Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Glo, am I good? When I first heard the news, my initial thought wasn't about the award. It was about the incredible students who inspire me every single day and the amazing team that make each
classroom a place of discovery, growth, and celebration. Every morning, walking into Lincoln School and seeing the students bright smiles and hearing their cheerful greetings reminds me of how fortunate I am to do this work. Lincoln School has always held a special place in my heart. It's where I completed my
student teaching under the guidance of Christine Benny, who first showed me the power of patience and encouragement and helped shape the teacher that I am today. Returning here to build my career has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I am proud to represent both my school and Edison Township. And
along the way, I have been fortunate to be guided by mentors and leaders who have supported me at every step. I'm especially grateful to my principal, Mr. Skully, and my assistant principal, Mrs. Mosley Advas, for their steady leadership and confidence in our work. I want to thank Dr. Alderelli for fostering a school environment where
teachers and students alike can truly flourish. But most of all, I am inspired by my students. They bring energy, wonder, and laughter into our classrooms. They remind me why I chose this profession. I love seeing a student's face light up when they finally solve that tricky math problem.
Hearing the giggles as we read another chapter of our favorite readaloud. Marveling at their surprising science questions in the garden and being there to listen to their questions and concerns. Small moments that make every day meaningful. This recognition is not mine alone. Teaching is a collective
effort and I am deeply thankful for my colleagues. They have been there on the challenging days, offering encouragement, helping me think through ideas, and cheering me on throughout this process. This honor also reflects the dedication of administrators who lead with purpose and families and
community who invest and champion in our students every day. Everything I do as an educator is possible because of this incredible network of support, dedication, and shared vision. And I am proud to share this recognition with each and every one of them. And finally, I want to thank my parents and my
brothers. Their love, encouragement, and unwavering support have given me the confidence and strength to pursue my passion for teaching wholeheartedly. Thank you so much for this incredible honor. It is a privilege to come work here every day to learn alongside our students and to help them discover all that they are capable of achieving while
inspiring them to believe in themselves. I'm proud to represent the remarkable work happening at Lincoln School and throughout Edison Township. And I am grateful every day for the students, colleagues, and families who make this journey so full of meaning and purpose. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. Yes, Mr. Rabnik. Yes. Come on now. Good evening. Matt Revnack. I'm the president of the Edison Township Education Association. So, I just want to mention Miss Sang is so deserving of
this reward. Um, you know, I I thought about the commercial in olden. I'm dating myself. When AF Huntton speaks, people listen. When I visit Miss A in her class, when Miss Ang speaks, her students listen. to get a group of third graders to just sit there like
mesmerized with her just tells you the quality person and teacher she is. Uh we always brag about the great teachers and we do have an incredible staff across the district and Miss A shines above. She was recognized about a week and a half ago at the Middle Sex County uh
union uh reception. Um now she has the ability to go on and hopefully she'll be named teacher of the state. But to stand out amongst I believe there's something like 40 other school districts in Middle Sex County shows the type of person. And
one final thing in in finishing up when I visit Miss A, the first thing she asked me to show what type of person she is. How can I help you? How can I get more involved? That was music to my ears because I'm always looking to get younger people involved. So it's a
welldeserved award. I'm glad you are part of our district and I wish you a continued success in your future. And on behalf of myself and leadership, we'd like to present this to you. You'll be able to open your new your own flower shop at the end of the night.
Thank you. Congratulations. We just like to ask if the ETA leadership would come out. I know um Miss Daniel wants to get a picture for us as well. While you guys are taking the picture, I just want to quick make a quick comment. Uh Miss Anne and uh Mr. Fossil, there
are the the product of Edison public educations. This is this is exactly what we're looking you know for from our uh students and our educators that coming from the the district. Thank you very much. Okay, we have another presentation.
Great. Thank you very much, Mr. Shei. Uh so one of the great parts about being uh a superintendent and surrounding yourself with really talented people that work extremely hard is you also get to um get the accolades uh from their hard work as well and take a lot of credit for it as well. Um uh and the
reason why I say this is because uh tonight we are actually the recipients of an award in leadership and innovation technology award uh presented by the uh CEO of a company that we've worked really really hard with in relationship to school counseling teleounseling uh
and the utilization of AI. Um and that's Mr. Steve Palm. The individuals that have worked so hard with them are my assistant superintendent Dr. Thomas Tui. Round of applause for Tom. and our supervisor of special education, Miss Kate Gausman, who have been on the
forefront of this partnership and have worked really really hard um not only for the success of our of our of our students um but to be on the front edge of uh the wave of the future in relationship to AI and teleounseling. So at this time I would love to call up uh
Mr. Steve Palm for uh a couple of words. Thank you. Thank you. It's tough to follow uh teacher of middle sex. So congratulations Miss uh good evening Dr. Alder Ali uh board of education members and guests um on
behalf of my colleagues at Prosper. On behalf of my colleagues at Prosper uh it's an honor to join uh you tonight and pres present Dr. Alder Alaldi Alderelli and the Edison uh Township Public Schools uh with our 2025
uh leadership and innovation in technology award. Um at Prospery, our mission is simple yet vital. Um, we leverage human expertise and artificial intelligence to ensure that every student receives exceptional support
particularly in counseling and to help each one uh reach their full potential. Prosper is created by educators and industry leaders like myself whose goal is not to replace the human touch but to superpower and uh dedicated s
school counselors with technology AI designed for real school environments. Last year Prosper was privileged to partner with Edison Township. Throughout this partnership, we were impressed, my my entire team was impressed by Edison's
talent, culture of innovation, and commitment to student success. Our team was particularly uh impressed with uh with Kate Guzman and Tom Tui, two exceptional rep representatives of
the Edison team under the leadership of Dr. Alder, Alder, Alderelli, sorry. You got it. Uh Edison uh has embraced technology um not as a buzzword
but as a practical avenue to improve outcomes. The dedication and openness of your educators helped us pilot uh and refine our teleounseling services, develop our AI, develop our technology,
and set a standard for excellence and collaboration. It's my privilege tonight to present this award um and our appreciation and thanks uh for the partnership
um and and the passion for innovation that the Edison School District has shown us and I think um your community. Uh we look forward to continuing uh this journey with you and together uh
advancing student achievement uh particularly in the area of school counseling um which we think is a a vital uh area of of uh development. So thank you very much. We appreciate it. Thank you very much.
Thank you. Congratulations. Okay. Okay. All right. So, we're going to be uh real quick uh president uh report. Um I uh already said a lot about this. So, uh just congratulations to uh the teachers and oh, the students are
here. Uh and um and the the uh the award uh winners um when you know going back to uh Miss Anne, we actually the ceremony you saw uh on TV that happened I think it was in
March or April and uh you know I like to thank all the students as well uh in that school. It was a great assembly but at that time it was supposed to be a secret until I think it was July they they they had to announce because the previous uh
you know teacher of the year uh was still teacher of the year until July. So all the students kept kept the secret and I'd like to thank them as well. So uh good job. Um so uh that's it for me for today.
Great. Thank you very much Mr. Shei. uh for my superintendent report. Um a lot of the sentiments that I echoed on Thursday night. Uh I just want to welcome back our staff, students, and parents to the start of another unbelievable school year 2025 2026. Uh
the beginning of school year uh with our back to school nights, opening ceremonies like this. It's our pep rally. There's such excitement that's built in the um in the promise of a wonderful experience uh in each and every single classroom. I thank everybody that made this possible. my
central office team, um, as well as all of our building level administration, uh, our teachers, our support support staff, our custodian staff that got everything ready, uh, up until the finish line, as well as our bus drivers each and every single day. Um, it really takes um, a village and we have an
unbelievable staff that uh, makes sure that the first couple days went fantastic. Um this year also marks year two of the strategic plan building upon the successes of last year and the areas of growth for this year. Uh we are moving right along with all five of our pillars. Finance, wellness, portrait of
a graduate programs and pathways as well as engagement. We are uh committed to each and every single one of them. And one of the highlights with the within those areas is um part of our expansion plan. Uh if you've noticed, and this is full representation of some of the work that we've done in this gymnasium right
here. Uh we had a lot of projects that have gone on over the course of the summer. Um we have a little video that's going to be representing that uh in in in just a moment, but we have our JP Stevens expansion project as well as our auditorium renovation. Uh we just did a great groundbreaking ceremony as a board
of education over at John Marshall. Um our Edison High School vestibule as a as well as the cafeteria renovations um are uh near completion right now. Uh we have fitness courts at both high schools uh Edison High School as well as JP Stevens
which should be done mid October. We are the only high schools in the state of New Jersey to have these fitness courts. I and they are open to the community. We encourage everybody to take utilization of these. Um we'll have a representation of that as well too. Um we have paving.
We've got a a bunch of stuff, but uh why don't you take a look at it for yourselves so we can roll the video. Um, perfect. Here we go. Heat. Heat. 7. Yes.
Oh yeah. Thank you very much. That's just a small sampling of the of the work that's completed. We've got a bunch of things to come. Air conditioning at a few of our elementary schools, a JMI expansion project, uh softball field and an orchestra room over at Edison uh high school as well. Um you know, looking at
those pieces as well as the accomplishments over the course of the last year in relationship to our strategic plan. I can't think about um I can't think enough about our Northstar statement which represents everything that we embody here in Edison Township. Empowering learners to shape the world with knowledge, purpose, and passion. I
thank this board of education for its vision and its support in all of these endeavors and supporting me and my team um for the benefits of all the students here in Edison Township. Uh Mr. Shei, before I conclude, I just do have a quick public service announcement. Um so, one of our goals here is to stay
connected and um with our director of communications, Miss Miss Heather Daniel, we have done just that. We have um a one-pager in the back that has QR codes that is basically one-stop shopping for everything Edison Township public schools. Uh we have the
opportunity to download our parent square app uh which is going to be our branding of communication here in Edison Township from all of our staff uh to our school community. Uh we want you to follow us on social media too. We have a uh a pretty active and robust uh
Instagram presence currently right now uh as well as Twitter and Facebook or X and Facebook. Um if you're interested or um or or want to know about you know internal happenings and and see us interview some staff, some students, some board of education members, we started a podcast entitled Leading the
Way. Uh it's got some really good information on there and uh gives you a little bit of an insight and a different take on um board of education members, uh our teachers, our principles. Uh there's a great one with our teacher of the year as well too. Um and last but not least, there is also a link um for
interest for our uh upand cominging education foundation. So, for anybody that's interested in uh learning more about it uh with the potential for an application process as well too, which will be coming up within the next month or two, uh please feel free to take a page off of Miss Daniel there. Download
the uh apps, scan the QR codes, um and join us in this uh in this journey. Mr. Shei, that concludes my superintendence report for this evening. Thank you very much. So, uh, now we're going to take a, uh, a fivem minute break so the kids can, uh, wrap up and
go home, do their homework, and then we're going to go resume our regular, uh, uh, program. Thank you very much. Let that's Shannon. Chris Where? Where's Vish? Vish
unless you want to sit on Mr. Ron. We we shared it last. Okay. So, we're going to resume. Um, first we have two representatives from uh the two high schools. So, who wants to go first? No, this time we'll let Edson High go
first. Next time J. All right. Okay. Good evening everyone, members of the board of education, superintendent, administers, teachers, and the community. Um, my name is Levven Leven and I am the president of the student council at Edison High and I'm very
honored to be here today. Um, Edison High is a school where students take pride in more than just academics but also school spirit, leadership, giving back to the community and um, creativity. Um, the student council along with many other clubs play a big role in fostering
this energy and working hard to make sure events bring people together and create memories for a lifetime. Um today I just want to highlight some of the past memory um events we've done so far and what we have coming up in the next couple of weeks. We begin we begin the
year in August with our freshman orientation where we um brought together all the freshman from the two middle schools and they were welcomed into our school with the student council board as well as some teachers. They were able to go through their schedules, have a motivational guest speaker and learn
about the school before starting in September. Um we also earlier this month hosted a back to school night for um Edison High and it helped introduce the newest Eagles to Edison High life and as well as their parents which encouraged them to start off the year strong. Um
earlier this month um in October the coming up month, sorry. Um, we'll be hosting a spirit week as well where it'll be able for students to show off their spirit with events leading up to the big homecoming dance and homecoming
um, game at the end of October um, the first week. And um, it's a way to showcase the students to find their ways to get involved. Um, we also have the pep rally as well during that week. Um
we would also like to have coming up on October the Halloween event where we will um intro um have a Halloween costume compet competition which encouraged creativity and brings students together in a spirited way. And this week's homecoming theme is also a
night in New York where we're looking forward to a weekend filled with school spirit, pride, and community. And finally, as in November, we will have our annual volleyball for charity event. This fundraiser is always a highlight for the fall which combines not only school spirit but again giving back to
the community for students who are commended for just not our community but making a difference beyond Edison High. Um all these events reflect how engaged and spirited the community-minded and community-minded our student body is. And I am proud to share that Edison High continues to be a place where students
feel connected, supported and inspired. Um I would also like to say in closing a special thanks to um our adviserss s um Miss Fedawitz, Miss Vandering, the principal, Mr. Ross, Mr. Ferraro, Miss Lopez who all helped to make sure um Edison High is the place where students
can feel connected and make all our events possible. Uh and I would like to say one more time, thank you for this opportunity to speak and I'll hope to keep on having updates for upcoming meetings. Thank you. Thank you very much. So, how do you like the new cafeteria?
Yes, I would like to add the upgrades and renovations are actually very nice. We have new screens, lightings, the entryway in the lobby is um much bigger now and spacious, which is really nice. We also have the updated security room for a parent drop off and um overall the
fitness center now outside is really great and a really new change to the school as well. How about the trophies uh box? Is it filled it in yet? Yeah, it looks great and the mirrors are windows are huge now as well. Thank you very much. Of course. Thank you. Okay, now JP Stevens.
Good evening everyone. My name is Anuja Sharma and I am a senior at John P. Stevens High School and a co-president of the student council. This start of the school year has been filled with energy and opportunities for students. We welcomed class of 2026 with the
freshman orientation in late August. At orientation, students were given the opportunity to tour the school, walk their schedules, and talk to upper classmen who we call Hawks members about the transition from middle school to high school. To further help the class
of 2026 acclimatize to their new school, student council helped facilitate a freshman carnival along other major clubs like DECA, FCCLA, HOSA, and Odyssey of the Mind. This gave freshmen the opportunity to connect through
games, snacks, and activities designed to build community. We also had a back- to-school night on Wednesday, September 10th, which allowed parents to walk their child's schedules and meet all their teachers to better understand the expectations and the guidelines for the
new school year. The start of this school year was especially exciting with the opening of our brand new C-wing. Uh an exciting addition to our building. The wing has provided us with additional classroom space and resources that will benefit both students and staff.
Extracurricular extracurricular life is also in full swing. Clubs have began their interest meetings including organizations such as the model UN DECA and FCCLA with many more to come. Additionally, the weekly is published on
a weekly basis allowing students to stay updated on all of school affairs and explore new opportunities such as events, clubs, and fundra fundraisers. To showcase all of our student organizations, we will be hosting our annual club fair in the coming weeks,
giving students the chance to explore new passions and get involved in the school community. Athletics are also giving us much to celebrate. Our girls volleyball team won their first home game, while the girls soccer team defeated Edison High School for the first time in six years.
Boys soccer also faced off against Edison and our football team opened their season with spirited home game featuring the creative country versus country club theme. Looking ahead, we're preparing for two major events this Friday. First, the fall pep rally will
take place during school and we will work to celebrate and highlight all of our athletic teams. Additionally, the homecoming dance will take place on Friday as well in the evening, followed by our homecoming homecoming game on Saturday, where a newly introduced homecoming court will be crowned for the
first time in six years. Overall, September has been a month of growth, achievement, and excitement at John P. Stevens. From the energy of our classrooms and the success of our teams to the engagement of our students and clubs in community events, it's clear
that the school year is off to a strong start. We are confident that this year will be filled with spirit and memorable experiences and I want to thank all of you for your time and your continued support of our school and our community. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Unfortunately, you're a senior. Your your home room is not in the new wind, right? It is not. Yeah, but but yeah, but you use a study hall in the new auditorium, right? Yes. You like it? It's very it's very nice. Okay. So you've been in school for four
years now. This this year we moved probably you know a a third or or half the students into the new wing. The the the passing time in the hallway is getting much getting better. Yeah. So anyone who goes to JP knows that our passing could be a lot is very
squished but with the C-wing I feel like I actually have room to walk around. People have elbow room for once and it's it's amazing. It's actually it's a great addition to the building. Yeah, thank you very much. Glad to hear that. Thank you. If you guys want to go home to do your
homework, to do your college applications, feel free. But you want to stay, you're welcome to stay as well. Okay. Thank you so much. Thank you very much. All right. So, let's go through our uh um regular
agenda. We are opening up for public comments for resolutions only. Public comments for resolutions. Anyone? Yes, Mrs. Conway. Yes.
Thank you guys. Uh, it's a personnel question. That's okay. Sure. Elizabeth Conway, 20 Netherwood Circle. As I'm looking through the personnel uh agenda, Mrs. Conway just a little bit lower. Thank you. Start over. Yep.
Elizabeth Conway, 20 Netherwood Circle. As I'm looking through the agenda of the personnel, I see uh under Joan Valentine, it's uh changed to a director of innovation. Is there some way you could
um was this something that is new? Was it posted, explained, finalized and actually the start is TBD? Okay. Any other questions? Not about the resolutions. I'll come back for the other.
Okay. Dr. Already. Yeah, sure. Um, so yeah, we uh this is actually a um a position that was uh spearheaded out of our our strategic plan in year one. Uh position was posted I believe in late July or early August. um partially
grant funded as well. We utilize some title funding in a little bit of a different way. Um and uh it has really kind of spearheaded uh some of the innovative practices that we've been doing in relationship to uh our academy work, our northstar statement, uh Edison 360 in relationship to our portrait of a
graduate um but most importantly um working with our administrators and teachers uh on the infusion of artificial intelligence in each and every single day. Um so yeah, so it was definitely uh planned for the TBD which will be talked about right after uh the
board votes on that um in relationship to a transition plan if the board does accept this recommendation. Okay. Is there an actual posting of this position? Yeah, it's closed. Yes, it was it was posted. Yep. Yep. Job description is on our website. Okay. Thank you.
Anybody else? Public comments on resolutions? See none. Motion to close. Have a second. Second. Okay. All right. So, let's see what's All right. All in favor? I
Okay. Uh, so, uh, a little change on the procedure. Um, now we are opening up to board members. Do you have any questions about the resolutions? because once I call the uh uh the approval uh we're not
going to talk about in the middle of the the voting. Do we have any any board members have any questions about the resolutions that we're about to approve? Any board members? Okay. See none. All right. Can I have a motion to approve personnel? Motion.
Do I have a second? Second. Okay. John, you got it. Okay. Roll call, please. Mr. Erico, yes. Mr. Ronac Patel,
yes. Mr. Lugo, yes. Miss Angina Patel, yes. Mr. Romano, yes. Miss White, yes. Miss Pang, yes. Mr. Vishel Patel, yes.
President Chi, yes. Motion carries. All yeses. Congratulations. Dr. Valentine uh this brand new position. Now you can uh have the uh the stage say a couple
words and you can decline the the position if you want to. No, definitely not. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I'm so excited to be here. And as I thought about what I wanted to say tonight, I considered this like I'm receiving my own award. So, I want to make sure that I in the spirit
of that give credit to those who helped me earn it. So, I'd like to start by thanking first and foremost my family, my mother, my husband, my siblings who've been the champions and cheerleaders of all the work that I've done throughout my career. I'm so grateful for everything that they've
done and how they've stood by my side. Next, I'd like to thank Dr. Alderelli, the board of education, and the central office team. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for creating this position and for having the trust and faith in me to lead
innovation throughout the district. You have met every challenge, every request, every wild idea with the same level of energy and enthusiasm that has helped innovation take flight throughout the district and I'm extremely grateful for that.
It's been said that in order to do great things, you should surround yourself with greatness. And I've been so lucky to do that very thing in my role as the district's chair for the innovation committee over the past few years. I've had the the privilege and the honor of
working with a powerhouse team of educators and leaders. Christina Hughes, Jen Fischer, Kristen Tassoy, Nicole Halpin, Sam Grimmaldi, Ojis Ray, Harriet Sedaris. It's been such a pleasure to work with all of them, to have their
creativity, their collaboration, their forward thinking. It's been so much fun, and I can't wait to continue to innovate with one another. And last, but certainly not least, and this is a thank you that is near and dear to my heart, I
have two amazing assistant principles, Dan Kelly and Ken Blequesky, along with an extraordinary community of students, teachers, parents, support staff, counselors, custodians, nurses,
you name it. Administration, everything at John Adams couldn't be any better. And I'm just so proud of the work that we've done together. I'm so grateful for the time that I've spent there. I'm honored to have been the principal there for several years. And the best part
about this position is that I don't have to say goodbye. I get to continue forging those relationships with the John Adams community. And I also get to extend my reach to all the other schools throughout the district. I'm super excited. I can't wait to get my hands
dirty and innovate with the rest of the community and the rest of the school district. Thank you again for the opportunity. Thank you very much. Thank you. I really like your energy and uh you know I learned the word amazing when my uh uh kids were in the
uh John Adams. Now what you need to do is make uh Edison School District amazing. Thank you very much. And Mr. She just to answer another question from before um you know Dr. Valentine has big shoes to fill, right? So, um the uh TBD on there is um in
order to number one uh secure a candidate, whether that's an interim uh as we look for a um a permanent candidate for that for that particular position. Uh but Dr. Valentine is still going to be running the ship over at uh JAMS as we uh make sure that uh we
smoothly transition her into the central office role. Thank you, Mr. She. Yes, I'd like to Joanie I've known you a long time. You did a great job
and you're expected to do even even greater things. Thank you for doing what you do for the students of Edison. To be honest with you, you're a tornado. Every time I turn around, well, Joanie
said, "Thank you for doing what you're doing. Keep up the good work." Thank you very much. Okay. Any other board members? All right. So, we're going to have Can I have a motion to approve administration,
curriculum, uh, instruction, and pimple special services? Can I have a motion? Motion. Motion. Second. Okay. Whoever Jones first. It doesn't matter. Long as we get this one done. All right. Roll call, please. Mr. Erica.
Yes. Mr. Ron Patel. Yes. Mr. Lugo, yes. Miss Anja Patel, yes. Mr. Romano, absolutely. Yes. Miss White,
yes. Miss Pang, yes. Mr. Vishel Patel, yes. President She Yes. Motion carries. Can I have a motion to approve finance? Motion. I second.
Mr. Erico, yes. Mr. Ronak Patel, yes. Mr. Luga, yes. Miss Angina Patel, yes. Mr. Romano, no. Miss White, yes.
Miss Pang, yes. Mr. Visha Patel, yes. President Shei, yes. Motion carries. Committee reports. Uh finance and facility. Hello everyone. Uh there was a finance and facility meeting on September 15th
at 4 pm in caucus room. Um attendees were Vishal Patel, Ralph Farico, Ron Patel, Jerry Shi and the district leadership. We discussed the purchase of 430 Talmage. Uh the contract is signed and we are in the due diligence period
for JI. Appallet division has filed a stay until the 9:23. Um we were we discussed some options for EC phase 2 for project financing. Um we discussed some contracts for John Marshall
um various additions you know classroom additions cabling security as well as lighting and rigging and for facilities we reviewed Edison High School's orchestral innovation uh bids to be received on October 7 and
we received Ben Franklin mystery design to submit a proposal for HAC for the Ben Franklin school. Um that's all. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, now we are open for public comments. Uh,
curriculum. Oh, okay. I'm sorry. It's not here. I'm sorry. Okay. Yeah. Curriculum curriculum committee reports. We had a curriculum committee on September 30th um,
2025. I don't have the attendance. Um, I can't find the attendance. I I think attendance is me. Um, Michelle Patel. Uh, who else was there? Dr. Rick Cohen and uh, it's not
I can't remember who. Ronic Aronic Patel was there too. I can't see it. Hang on one second. It's okay. Right there. I know. Our CT Oh, it's on here. Supervisor was there, too. It's on here. It's weird.
Oh, it doesn't have the uh It doesn't have the attendance. Maybe it's my fault. No, it's definitely not. It's definitely not your fault. It's okay. Um I know our CTE um supervisor was there too. I just can't remember her name. Probably Rick Cohen. Rick Cohen. I mentioned I mean Rick. Okay.
Got to have Rick. Yeah. But but we we discussed the um detail of the finance of the business academy which will launch next next school year. This is in addition to our um bio academy and computer science academy that's launched this year. Then
we basically had a brainstorming session exploring every idea from the programming names. This is in terms of the career pathways. We talk about the names the academy institute pathways to levels of studies and entrance criteria. Our vision is
twofold. Breath by offering a wild wide range of subject area for students to explore and depth by providing multiple levels within each subject. We also want to provide flexibility. So students can adjust, switch levels or change
directions along the way because we all know teenager change their minds you know very frequently. Our goal is simple. Every student whether collegebound or not should find something in high school that sparks their interest, develop their skills and give them career options and build their
confidence. High school is you know supposed to be fun not much more fun and less stress. We also talked about briefly about middle school win period. The committee received a brief updates on the current win period situation and we discussed
potential enhancement. Uh more details will be shared soon. Stay tuned. Meeting was adjourned about 5:30 p.m. Thank you. Thank you. Sorry I was not on the print thing. All right. Now we are open for public
comments for anything. So anyone public comments? Yes, Mrs. Elizabeth Conway, 20 Netherwood Circle. On Saturday evening, I went to JP Stevens High School. They had the marching band competition
and it was beyond fabulous. I uh the kudos to both bands uh was phenomenal and I just thought they deserved to hear from somebody that it was that wonderful.
Uh secondly, uh regarding the Talmage property, I was at the um ETA candidates night last night and uh it was brought up and we heard many different things
going on uh regarding the property, but I was told someone said anyway that a contract has not been signed yet for the purchase of the land. Is that um
accurate? And number two is um I was kind of uh upset why you would spend $9 million just to stop developers from building apartments. We can think it, but to make announce it in public
sounded a little uh off to me. Uh but to hear some positive items how we would spend $9 million for a piece of property and put it to good use for our school district is a great idea. This has been going on for a number of years. In fact,
when I was on the board many years ago, uh that was a topic of discussion and um there was a few choices back then. So, uh, I'd like to see it move forward, but I would also like to hear something more
definitive as to what's going on, uh, with that chunk of money and more definitive ideas. It doesn't have to be anything, uh, solidified yet, but in what direction? Thank you.
Okay. So, you want to address that? Yeah. So, in in relationship to the um to the contract, it's still um currently with the attorneys. So, there there's not too much that we can probably disclose in relationship to this, but if you've ever been involved in a house sale and things along those lines,
there's a process of due diligence where you you know, inspect the property in I mean, in relationship to that, Mr. Toth, I don't know if you That's accurate. There's uh a variety of things when it comes to u you know purchasing or acquisition of land. Um varying u sorry uh when you're when
you're um acquiring land with public funds for public use. Um you have to go through a variety of different uh tests. Uh phase one uh environmental test or what you might call a preliminary. Um there's site surveys that got to get done. there's a whole bunch of things that need to get done um in order of due
diligence in order to be able to complete the transaction and get you to uh closing along with uh you know approval uh for land acquisition by the New Jersey Department of Education. So, we're currently going through that process now. Um that's all I could really say as uh to comment to that.
Thanks. Yeah. And in relationship to uh the property's use um and the potential um for the district to utilize that property, it's much like um when uh the uh the board purchased uh the church
across the street at Menllo Park, right? I remember uh when I first came to Edison Township, we were in the process of negotiating that. Um there were ideas for a preschool. There were ideas to build um an extension across uh and make it one complex in relationship to Menllo Park. Uh and then we kind of landed on
the Edison Success Academy at that time too. Um which provides uh the alternate school um for our high school students. We're in a very similar situation. We've have I mean we've had ideas uh tossed around in relationship to um a school, a bus depot. I mean the the good part about this property, it's equidistant
from both ends of town. Um so there's a lot of potential um in relationship to that. What we're going to rely upon um as an administration with board of education support is um not only our strategic plan but our long-range facilities plan too which guides our process uh with those components. Um and
uh you know the minute that this does uh come to fruition uh we will present uh the board of education with uh some concrete options. Thank you Mrs. So yeah let me Mrs. Conway I think you you uh you were
on a board when we actually started this and we actually had DMR to design this. We went to DMR the office they presented their design to us in their office when Ralph was the president and we also visited one of their schools as they the uh secockers on the other side of the
train station. Very amazing. Right. So this this thing has been going on for a while and and uh I don't know if you remember uh the discussion at the point is you know the the cost of of building a 500 students uh uh a school or or 750
student school it it it's very high and uh the when at the end of the day when we looked at it um you know there were discussions about 500 school 500 students I think it was 60 something million dollars at a point and for 750
it a five-story building with with uh uh about 82 or $83 million and that was the money at that time. Just think about how much it is. This is not not including the um the land purchase which is another you know that time was $9 and a
half million dollars. So uh um when we looked at this is the the number why 500 7 or 750 is because we go by the demographic study right JP Stevens was 400 students uh over capacity in Edison
high with 150 so we try to see if we can um build a school that will take these uh overcrowding out of these schools but the problem with that is uh it's a big investment and uh if we do a uh magnet
school which we take the the top of the students from both high schools. It's not going to it will make this school look good but the ratings of the other schools will drop and also the problem of that if you actually look at the design there's no space for sports. It's
very limited and small playground area. So um the students will still go back to their high schools to do extracurricular for sports and stuff like that. And um so that's one consideration. The other consideration was um um uh vocational
school, right? Uh but the problem is that the we wasn't sure if we can attract 400 students out of JP to go there to go vocational school. And the other problem with that is when students graduate from the school they still don't have a professional license and uh
so because the challenges of that so high school was not considered. Then there were other options we considered uh elementary school uh a a kindergarten school central district wise or prek
whatever you want to call it and also a middle school. But the problem of that is you only solve problem at one level, right? If you do a middle school, you only solve the problem at at the middle school, you and if you do elementary or you know that's only for the elementary
schools for overcrowding. But we spend all our money. We're not addressing the entire school district. That's why later on we developed a three-stage develop three-stage plan to address all the different schools and that's part of the
long range facility plan. So that's why we decided not to pursue with schools in that property at that point and right now we are following this three-stage um you know expansion plan. We have 70 classrooms that's that's coming uh
that's already completed or in the process of being built and uh we'll continue to expand based on that plan. Uh so we'll we'll see more um classrooms and the my whole goal is to put air conditioning in every classroom and uh
so that that is the story and that's a fact. So I guess it's election season and people's memory uh you know get uh faded but you know I'm not saying you I'm not saying you so uh you know um but that's what it is. This this is public
I'm saying public people can you know uh record or cut my video. So any other public comments? Yes sir. Hi. Hello. Yeah, I'm Omish from 92 Kingsuit Court, Edison, New Jersey.
I'm here to talk about uh meditation and how it impacts kids. So, I want to discuss uh some things like in today's fast-paced world, right? Kids go Move the microphone down a little bit. There you go. In today's fast-paced
world, kids undergo a lot of stress, anxiety, and research has proven that if kids do regular meditation, uh these could be high school kid, middle school kids, even as early as elementary kids, they get into the habit of that, it
helps them with mindfulness, helps reduce stress, anxiety, and just helps them deal with the academics better. So, I have two parts to my question. The first question is has the educ education board looked at this in the past and the
second thing is there is a mental health awareness day that's coming up on October the 10th across the world and this is celebrated across the world uh where uh a lot of uh teaching around mental health is done. So in I'm part of an
organization uh that uh it's a nonprofit organization called as Himalayan summer meditation and we offer meditation uh uh to the public and in honor of the October 10th day we are having a a
session at Roseel Park uh from 9 to 11 where we will be having yoga plus meditation sessions for kids for adults families staff. So the second question that I have is is there a way for us to help promote this so that the board of
education or anybody else can help us to ensure that we get people who are looking for these things. Thank you. Mr. Shei, can I say something? Yes. Um I know Vichel and I were just discussing
this at length in our last uh meeting at the education center. So I know Vichel is very interested and and actually wants to find a way to do something for our students and staff uh regarding mental health. So I think Vichel would
be a perfect candidate here to like head this up. I mean I mean I I plan to attend this event and I would if it's you know allowed I can invite everybody right the entire district and uh teachers to attend the event and then you know expose themselves to you know experience
the meditation. Okay. Is that allowed? Yeah, everybody's welcome. Like I have a flyer. I just don't know who to reach out to. Okay. Mr. She will let you know. Yeah. So, um to answer your question, have we considered? Absolutely. Yes.
Okay. So, um you know, mental health is very important. Uh it's it's ultimately, you know, it's it's it's extremely important, you know, uh for our students. So we'll do whatever we can uh if it's possible to uh to help these students. Uh Dr. You want to say
anything or No, no. I mean uh th those components um uh are something near and dear to um our chief academic officer for secondary, Mr. Cohen in relationship to uh student and staff uh mental health and wellness
along with Dr. Tui Tui and Miss Gowsman who also spearhead those uh components of our strategic plan pillar in relationship to that. Um so the answer to that is yes. We look at ways to embed that during phys physical education class. We talk about those components in
elementary school during our morning meeting. Um as far as a specific endorsement, um I don't know if the board of education can officially do it, but I think he did a pretty good job talking in the microphone right now and this is going to be broadcasted. So, uh, I'm pretty confident that there's going to be major awareness of it right now.
So, I appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. Any other? Yes. The only concern I have the teaching aspect of it great they do
the persons who are doing this. Do they have to be certified or do they have to have certain training before they can take and deal with our students? Be have to do they have to be
insured. All I you know I'm I I think it's a great idea, but I want to make sure that we do our due diligence before we say yes. Let's say yes, but we do our due diligence first. I think it's
a great idea, sir. I think it's a great idea. Fact of the matter is I want to make sure that the board makes sure that there's due diligence. That's my only concern. Thank you. The the key word is due diligence, right? we got to do our due
diligence anything that we do. So the answer is yes and uh they probably had to go through background check as well just like you know anyone who deal with students. So um the short answer is yes and uh we will do due diligence not only
this we'll do due diligence on a lot of other things as well. That's what that you know when we try to bring anything into school program we need to do that. Thank you very much. Okay. Uh yeah, Joyce
Joy Ship Freeman, Edison, New Jersey. I've seen the meditation before and I've seen it work before in an urban setting where the kids were really wired and they presented the meditation in the room to them and it calmed their nerves and it calmed them down a whole lot. So,
I'm I'm always for that information. Now, something I'm not that crazy about, but I don't know, everybody seems to be crazy about it lately. This AI. I've even used some AI and got the wrong answers constantly.
And to me, I I think we lack most the ability of critical reading skills. I think it's lack, you know, even among adults, they just look at stuff. They don't actually read it. They don't process it. They don't comprehend it.
They just jump. And that's why everybody's like, you know, fighting and scrambling with each other. So, I'm strong. I'm strong for that. if you're gonna do the AI whatever over here learning over here you know that can just be an extra tool because I think
that when u different papers and different information is used you may use a little bit of AI but you need to give them like three different things to use in order to come up with the right paper you know media paperwork and other other magazines and different things
that you can get online but you know I really I really don't like that a lot And especially with young children and I people know that I seen people while out to dinner which I was very very proud of this particular lady that was at dinner
with their child when the child got antsy instead of doing like most people do give them the phone give them information she gave the kid a book while they were sitting there. I think we need to do more of that of getting the children more involved in reading because reading builds vocabulary and
they will know when they look at the AI they'll know that oh no this information is not correct because I know I read it and heard it another way and I'd like to say kudos to the teacher of the year from Edison that she made it far as
Middle Sex County and I'm hoping that uh she makes it through this state because I work a lot with the other teacher that made it through the state. I go to workshops and stuff with her during the course of the summer. So, that's really good because I remember when I I substituted Lincoln school like 200 100
years ago and I'm like that school was kind of and I'll tell you because I know about school uh districts that being a third grade teacher is very hard. People on the street, they don't understand.
They think elementary is so easy because they don't understand what you have to put into it. They don't understand when you build the house, you got to do the basement first. You got to get a good strong foundation else they won't be able to get to the next level. So, I'm
glad that Edison that we're continuing to keep our schools great. And this is like super gorgeous. This is this is beautiful. And a secret is when I was going to John Adams, the regular Wood Wood Woodrow Wilston was being built and
I was at Split Sessions. So this is even better than it was when it was brand new. I'm very, very happy with the way the money is being spent. Edison, I'm glad that you're not jacking up my taxes all over the place like other people are. Thank you.
Thank you, Joyce. 0%, right? 0% tax increase. Or of this 0% tax increase. Um, yeah, I I u I thanked you privately before, but I want to thank you publicly. Thank you for connecting us
with Mr. Dylan on the USA. I I didn't know you were you a good tennis player till he told me. So, uh, Dr. Hus is working with him to see what that, you know, he can help us, but I want to thank you in public for introducing him
to our school district. Really appreciate it. Any other public comments? Motion to close before Mr. Ross gets up. I thought Mr. Ross was trying to get up. Yeah, that's just kid. Hi everyone. Good evening. Good evening
to the board of education here. Uh uh my name is Priyank Goyel. I live on Fairmount Avenue behind JAMS. uh with my two kids, my family. Uh I have one kid who is going to gems uh and the other
kid goes to uh JMP. Uh he's 7 years old. He takes his bus from Norton Street and uh the background here is that it's pretty inconvenient for him to kind of uh go to
four blocks which is kind of away from uh us. and he takes his bus and it becomes more challenging during uh uh fall and winter time. Uh my kid was always excited to go to school but since last year since this routine has been
changed because the bus earlier used to come at Fairmont the intersection of Fairmont and Mount Pleasant and now it goes little bit further down uh which is four blocks away uh to Northern Street u and and but he was he was not excited
now he was like he he doesn't want to like especially during winter time and we This we have seen it last year especially during winter time he just don't want to walk that whole four blocks and this has already been faced by many parents who were there earlier
but they have to leave unfortunately but um uh so so my request to uh the transportation department through board of education here that uh and that bus actually passes through that n uh mount pleasant and uh fair mount the bus
actually passes from there. So my request here is to make the same spot uh for the kids to board the bus. There are five or six kids who wants to board the bus from that Fair Mount and Mount Pleasant and the bus actually passes from there. So this is uh I'm not asking
to uh get to a uh new bus stop but I'm just asking the bus to stop over there at Fairmont and the intersection of Mount Pleasant which was there earlier which can be very convenient for the kids especially for the small ones. Thank you. Okay. Thank you very much. So, where
does the bus go after the north uh avenue or what? North street. Where does the bus go? The north is the last street. I I live around that area. I'm very familiar with that area. So, uh after Norton uh it goes to the that circle uh uh the Lucille coat.
Okay. Yeah. Uh so that doesn't So earlier the bus used to stop at this is elementary school. Yes. Yes. There's another bus stop near the library. M you know Mount Pleasant and uh you know the library place is that closer to you?
No that's still far uh because that's that's the intersection of I'm talking about Mount Pleasant and the Fairmount. I think you're talking uh again four blocks down the line later. All right. Thank you. Just want to clarify. Yeah. We'll look into it. What you want to do is why don't you send an email to
the transportation department and and and uh we'll try to address that. Um and what and what's the bus number? Do you know the bus number? MD4. MD4. Thank you. Yeah, I I I'm pretty sure that a couple years ago we adjust the bus stop because there were no kids. The bus used to stop
at a Lombardi and Fairmont. There were no kids from Lombardi anymore. So that's why it was it was just No, no, the bus. So I I don't know about Lombardi, but I don't know about the Fairmont and Mount Pleasant. So yeah, there were I I live around there. Yeah. So yeah, thank you so much. Thank you.
I'm sorry. The last one. So, where I should be emailing them? Uh, the board of transportation, Senate Transportation Department. Okay. All right. Thank you. Yeah, the information is right on our website under the transportation department. Thank you so much. You got it. Thank you.
Mr. Ross, what's great about Edison? Oh, man. We We only got six minutes. We don't have enough time. I mean, I'll give you more time. Every time you talk about gifting the virus, I'll give you more time. I told you we're special. I've got people sitting there waiting and you know everybody it being special
is being a part of Edison. Um I just wanted to jump in a bunch of different things. I was great to see our new student representatives. We had so much funs with the ones last year. To see the new young people come out and do so well was was a great start. And the start of the school year has really done well and
the kids really are appreciating all of the different changes that are going on in the school. and a lot of the alumni that come back and they see what the school looks like. It's different, but they're like, "Wow, this really worked. This really So" So, it was it was fantastic. And I'm so happy to hear that the orchestra bids are coming back at the middle of next week. So, that that
we'll have that hopefully by the time we're in October, I'll get the Edison hard hats out and we'll get some shovels. We'll start putting a little digging work in. So, we'll get that stuff going. So, looking forward to that. And again, um as our band director said, grateful for the support of the arts. Um, just wanted to talk about real
quick one of the things we got going on next week at Edison High. I always talk about the four Rs of Eagle Pride. I beat it into the kids over and over again. It's respect, readiness, responsibility, and the red and the gold. And next week is going to be the week of respect. And the way that we do that at Edison High,
we really started to pick it up. A lot of times people thought week of respect is like a little a little kid elementary thing, but we do it well in the high school with our RISE students. We sit there and appreciate our diversity. So each of the different days they're going to have different activities bringing different groups of students together and different ways of demonstrating
respect for each other, respect for the school, and respect for our school community. This rise leadership group is a group that's come together under the direction of our teacher champions and Dr. Patel at a central office. Last year, the leadership went on so many different conferences and even held conferences.
They saw the grandson of Mandela. They saw the New Jersey teacher of the year discuss a Holocaust education with them. and they did a switch it up day where they had students from all the different levels in in the classes go to different classes so they could see what the experience was like so they could really
bring our school together. Um, one of the things that we always talk about the last one after respect comes down to red and gold and we talk about how the and that together it's the thing that puts the two colors together that makes us so strong and this group has really been a part of that and we're looking forward to the weaker respect. I can't wait to
see that. And I was also hearing Joyce always talking about JP Stevens and I believe Miss Badosski talked about the great band shows that went week to week over the last two weekends. And it was kind of Edison High came away from the JP um band show. JP only performs an
exhibition for their own show, but we came away with the most outstanding band, most outstanding music and most outstanding performance. So it again shows dedication of all the different work that's been going on in the arts and Edison High. And um let's just keep up this great momentum this school year. Thanks everybody.
Thank you. Thank you. Any other any other public comments? Yes. The back. Joyce. Come on. We are one Edison. Okay.
Hello. My name is Lydia and I'm a constituent in Edison. I had some questions regarding the closure of three classrooms for preschoolers with disabilities at FDR preschool. From my understanding, these children from these
classrooms will be moved from a 1:12 teacher student ratio to a 1-6 studenttoteer ratio integrated classes. I understand that there will still be 1
to2 um ratio classes for those who need them as determined by their IEP and there will and the 1 to 16 ratio classes um that are integrated um will uh also
be for those as it's determined by their um IEP. I just want to ask whether this decision was made due to the current classes needs or due to space or budget cuts. I have a husband who works with
preschoolers with disabilities out of district who couldn't be here today due to healing from a back injury. He was concerned about this as well as he said it's very important that children with disabilities get their needs met especially at the preschool age as it's
the foundation of their learning and behavioral development. Some students have very high needs in terms of how much external stimulation they can handle and um also how much adult
support they need um both behaviorally and to um pay attention in class. And I also think about um different learning styles that um some students with disabilities um like they may need a
different learning style as well. Um so I just wanted to ask about that as that was um you know something we were uh concerned about. Do you have any other questions? Um I think I think that's it. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. So uh before I ask Dr.
Riley to answer your questions about specific classrooms, there were no budget cut. The budget this year actually went up $10 million than before. Okay. So there's no budget cut. The budget went up. the tax stayed uh uh
same but the budget went up $10 million. With that said, Dr. Already. Yeah. Uh just to echo uh Mr. She's sentiments. Yeah. In relationship to um uh class size and things along those lines wasn't due to space or budget cut uh restraints. Um not knowing the
specifics of the types of students that are particularly in that classroom, uh our assistant superintendent, Dr. Tui uh of special services is here that could probably answer those questions uh in a little bit more detail than I can. If you don't mind, you can go talk to him. He's in the corner. Okay.
Okay. Thank you. Any other public comments? Yeah, Matt. Matt Revnack, ETA president. I know, as mentioned before, we did have our ETA candidates light last night and basically should be a role model for the way election and camp, not campaigning,
but a forum like that should be held. I got to say the seven candidates that were there was highly respectful to each other, very cordial, and I really do thank those of, you know, the seven members that were there. Anyone that wants to view it that did not get to see it last night or see it in person, it's
still you can go through our ETA website, edisona.org. It is there. You can watch it at your leisure. Uh, second thing, um, I mentioned LA at the caucus meeting, October 19th is our trunk or treat. We're going to save a tree this year and instead of sending flyers out, I already
talked to Miss Daniel and thank you, Miss Daniel, and about sending it out to the middle school and elementary school parents via the through the district uh forum and also she'll post it on the district website, the uh newsletter you send out, etc. So, we're trying to do
things so the parents do get them because we know sometimes the kids get them and throw them out. This way, you know, all the information is there. By the way, we do invite all the board members, administration, all to also attend. Uh, finally, um, October is a number of things that need to be
recognized here in education. So, first of all, it's National Principles Month. So, thank you to our principles, the job that they do in running our buildings. I know I personally appreciate the working relationship I have and my building reps have with the principles. So, you know, we want to recognize and honor them.
October 23rd to 27th is actually school boards recognition week. So we recognize you schoolboard members and again thank you for the service you provide for that great you know salary of zero that you get. You know sometimes we disagree but I do appreciate you're giving up your
time and you know commitment to the district. October 2nd is National Custodians Day. I know was mentioned before about the great job they did preparing our schools, but thank you to our custodians and uh keeping our schools clean and maintained well.
October 5th, although we celebrate it in in uh uh May uh National Teachers Week, but it's World Teachers Day on October 5th. So, universally speaking, teachers are recognized on that day. And there's two other things that happen in the
month of October. It's also National Bullying Prevention Month. And based on the climate in our country right now, I don't think there's a better time to have National Bullying Prevention Month. I hope people around the country will adhere to that and, you know, take a
little cooling off period and a timeout. And specifically in New Jersey, it's week of respect. Uh, starting next Monday through Friday. I know I always taught some a couple lessons when I taught even though I was a math teacher about respect and you
know um honoring other people's opinions etc. So again in our current climate hopefully um you know the message will get out there. Thank you. Thank you. Any other public comments? Motion to close.
Oh, you're too slow. I reached Tatini 45 Mckenley Street as always uh a few small small questions. So John first one I will give it to you since uh you were very excited to close the meeting as soon as I was about to
speak. So stopfinder uh one month since the schools have been open. I think it's time we release that upload the routes and send the email to different parents. The new parents I know those who were
already there on that app earlier for them it's working but for the new parents uh when I called they said they would send an email and all but uh so far I haven't received most of us haven't received it. That being said,
yes, as I always said, when there are issues, we complain. When things are going well, we should recognize in public. So, this year, transportation did a great job. I have to accept that. Uh most of the issues were resolved uh with the help of either a telephone call or help desk
ticket and it was done uh within a week as opposed to one month plus last year or the year before. So yes, I think uh finally it is streamlined and hopefully it will be like that uh in future years.
Uh number second. So Dr. Alderelli uh couple of months back I thought uh you said that requisition for 150 fans was placed. Uh would be great if you could give some update. What is it? I'm sorry. Huh?
What is it? Fans 150 fans. the requisition was placed. I believe you said it two months or 3 months back. So just curious what is the latest uh status update. I know the future is AC and that's what we want
but tells us time. Uh this is a hot topic uh every summer. So what stage is it in? Still in the process of being acquired or fixed or working whatever it is. One,
two, three. Soccer fields. Uh, so I I know the cricket fields uh were uh being managed by the Edison uh recreation department. Uh just curious if the soccer fields are different or it is the same one. Uh some issues and complaints on social media from parents about that.
So any information would be helpful. Who manages it and uh what is the process of permits and timings and all that. fourth JPS and EHS halls uh the auditoriums
great work Jerry and team in terms of the expansions and all. So when the locals Edison residents and or nonprofit organizations from Edison township rent it, is there a 50%
discount like it is there in some other townships for example Monroe? If not, is there any such plan to bring about such uh policy changes? Next one, the fitness courts in EHS and
the tennis courts in JPS. So after hours, I believe it is open to public but in the absence of any rules that would be a chaos. So we need to have some rules like uh first come first serve basis if if it is singles then
maybe half an hour, doubles, 1 hour like we have in uh like say Merl Park. Next. Um, okay. This is that sensitive topic which was already discussed I believe uh
by board president with uh superintendent and attorney uh about some uh objectionable content in some books in uh some school libraries. Uh I'm not an expert in terms of first
amendment and all those things. So I think uh any update uh after discussing with the legal department uh would be appreciated because parents are really upset about this. I mean we all know by the time uh students are in high school
they graduated uh from sophomore class they know everything but keeping those things in middle school and that two in open kind of gives a wrong signal. It gives that we are promoting and encouraging that. Next is again Jerry and team great job
with the school expansions and all that. So that was the best thing we could do in the absence of uh huge funds uh wherein a new school could be constructed. But now a small um difficulty is the class passing time for the students in middle schools and high
schools. So how difficult is it to get rid of the win period and the study hall in high school? win period in middle school and study hall in high school and adjust that time to the class passing time of 3 minutes. Maybe
increase it to 5 minutes or 7 minutes. That would be very helpful. Uh for that matter, can that time be adjusted for increasing the parent teacher conference slots which is always a fight in middle school and high schools. The joke is
that you need to have a high-speed uh internet like the Goldman Sachs traders have to get the parent teacher conference slot. Okay, running out of time. So the nature ratings I'm surprised to see
that South Brunswick, East Brunswick and uh even Matachan high schools are there but not JPS. Uh we discussed this couple of years back. This is related to the feedback of the alumni and the students. I know Dr. Eli mentioned we have taken we have
reached out and uh trying to post content on our website so that they can get it. I think uh we need to follow up on that because JPS not being in there is kind of a surprise to me. Thank you.
Well, it's a lot of questions and uh so um um I I do appreciate uh you came here and uh praised our uh you know transportation department as I said last week they did do a good job uh this year
better job this year than before and we also have some you know things we need to look into right uh but overall uh Mr. Gillian and his team f did a great job. Um, as far as a lot of the the uh uh
detailed questions, I think uh uh it's probably better off you you sent all of that to uh Dr. out already and so we can address one by one. Uh do you want to address a couple or I mean the couple I mean I wrote a bunch of them down. So, I mean, if you if you
could just email me, I mean, it was a good a good amount of questions, so I'd like to take some thought in in relationship to responding to them. One I can answer, a couple I can answer off the top of my head. We bought like 400 fans somewhere in that ballpark. About that, right? Yeah. Yeah. So, we're filling orders. Those have already been distributed to
building uh principles and classrooms that have requested them. Um, and we'll do that uh periodically throughout the year. Thankfully, we got winter weather coming up. Uh, it's getting a little bit cooler. um so we can uh prepare for spring and summertime. Uh in relationship to the stopfinder app, I
believe that's going out. They had to make sure that all the bus stops were correct. Number one, so you're right. We had to make sure all the bus stops were correct and accurate as we uploaded them into because some of them were changing um as they do kind of in the beginning of the year, but uh to my knowledge, I think Dr. Hus had indicated that it's
going out tomorrow. Is that correct? Yep. Correspondence in relationship to Stopfinder is going out tomorrow. Um, and the other questions, listen, shoot, shoot me an email, um, so I could sit down and take a look at uh those in a little bit uh more detail, especially the ones about uh scheduling. Uh, we've got a lot of balls in the air uh for
middle and high school scheduling currently right now as we're looking um and analyzing both of our schedules. Yeah. So, I just want to, you know, one comment is it's about study hall and the win period. We we have to have the you know mentality that students when
they're in school not every minute they need to be sitting in the classroom and they need a little break here and there. So you know I I I got your point about the you know you need a little bit passing time uh you're looking at wimp period and and study
halls but sometimes they just need a little break and uh you know with especially you know the gentleman mentioned all the mental health and all the issues uh they have a little break time is is not a really a bad thing. uh
constantly, you know, seven hours in in in in in a school and every minute is is is getting knowledge fit, you know, taught. I'm not sure if that's really a uh a nice a good model, but we're looking into it. And um you know, uh to
as far as soccer field and cricket field, they're different. They're going to manage differently. Uh tennis courts, we are looking into possibly opening that up. um um and class passing time and we're we're looking into it. So, just make sure that you send all the
questions so we don't miss anyone. Uh but uh we we'll definitely get back to you. Thank you very much. Any other public comments? No, you can go. Motion to close. Do I have a second? I'm not sure, Ralph. Really? Okay.
Second. Okay. All in favor? I. All right. Now we're open for board member comments. Board members. Yes, Mr. Sheek, couple quick things. One, I did attent I did attend a few activities in the month of September and
actually the end of August, I believe. I was at Mr. Ross' freshman orientation which was run very well and welcome all the freshmen in. He had a tremendous uh outpouring of support from his staff and students. So, that was a great event. Uh, I did attend both the JP Stevens and
the Edison High School band competition. Uh, two great performances. Edison actually did very well at the JP Stevens band uh, festival and I heard that JP is also doing well in their competitions. Uh, I also tend attended a JP Stevens
Edison High School soccer game where Mrs. Pang's daughter just scored so many goals. Uh, so it wasn't even close. So, uh, JP Stevens beat Edison in that match. Um, but again, I enjoy getting out to the, uh, games and competitions
and things like that. So, I look forward to more. I love Mr. Ross' email. Every week I get that, uh, telling us what's happening in Edison High in October. I try to look on the JP Stevens site for that same information and attend some of their functions as well. Thank you, Mr. She.
Okay, Judy. Okay. I just would like to add my congratulations to uh Miss Sang for her award and to Dr. Tui and Kate and
Dr. Le for that beautiful beautiful award that they they were presented tonight. And then I would also like to add my congratulations to Dr. Valentine. I spoke to her before and I've watched Joanie just rise through the ranks from
when she was just, you know, a new teacher. Uh, and and you know, it's just so wonderful to see her move forward in this good, you know, in this way. And I know she's going to be a blessing for all of us. And you're right, she is a tornado. So, just hang on, you know, and
she's going to do wonderful things. I know it. I also went to uh the band competitions. I went to Edison High and I also went to JP Stevens and they were magnificent. And for JP, I have to say this, the rain held off this year till
the very last second when we were just giving out awards because usually we get soaked at JP Stevens, but this year we did not. So, the gods were with us. So, uh, but that's it for me and thank you for listening.
Mr. She can. Yes. Well, I'm I'm excited about appointment of uh new innovation director. It's a it's a one step closer towards my goal of integrating AI in district and and my vision is to you know work with our students and create
some AI apps that can be leveraged by district leadership by our staff and teachers to make their day-to-day life easy. Um, I know they do a lot of work manually and and it's tedious and and I think our students are capable enough to
create some apps to make their day to day-to-day life easy and also get some exposure of creating real world application. In the process, we may be able to create some IP that we can sell to other school district. Uh, Dr. Alderelli, thank you.
Anybody else? Yes. Pure. Oh, no. Ladies, okay. I I just want to say that I forgot the name of the our uh CTE supervisor that attended the curricular meeting and thank Rick for uh confirming that it's Miss Nicole Halping and Dr. Nicole
helping I think now um that's that's the name and I also want to say thank you uh Ralph for mentioning the soccer game. Uh I feel it's it's a little hard for me to brag myself but uh thank you for mentioning that and make my uh you know soccer mom very happy. That's where I spend most of my time to watch every
game of uh JP varsity soccer girls team games. Um and also a congrat congratulations to Miss Ing and um Miss uh uh to Joanie Valentine. I think that's a great promotion that we're having and uh looking forward to work
with Joanie on all those uh great innovations including the AI which you know I'm very uh passionate about too. Thank you. Okay, Joe. Uh, I was at the Edison band.
Uh, they did a great job at JP Stevens and JB Stevens did a great job at Edison High. Uh, some of the things that I noticed, uh, Edison High, they finished the ashvault work around
the track. Uh the outdoor fitness center. Uh that's that's a plus. I think we have it at Edison I and at JP Stevens. Uh that's that was really I was excited to
see that. One thing that I think we can address, uh, at at JP Stevens, there's a piece of fencing that's missing and at the at during the day during the
the motions, they put caution tape up. Was that, you know, like not thought about or when they took the fence down, they didn't put another fence up? Got to talk to Will Collabos about that. He's on it.
Thank you, Will. And once again, Dr. Valentine, boy, that's a home run for us. Thank you. Okay, nice.
Even I was able to be part of that uh JP Steven band. It was a great event. Uh our student did like really good hard work and their talent and the commitment towards the
art was very nice and I I witnessed that very closely and was good. Yeah. All the student participating from all the New Jersey school performed really good. Thank you. All right. So, uh I have to uh echo the
uh comments from uh you know my fellow board members about the band. Uh I was a band parents for seven years and uh you think that the they sounded pretty good right now just wait till the end of the season. Okay. there'll be totally different band uh the way they the sound
goes and and as I said you know uh in our in our school district we're not only developing scholars we're also developing musicians and other other um uh you know for other curriculum uh uh advancements and uh Matt I have to thank
the ETA for hosting the event uh was yesterday that's great and everyone did a good job uh this afternoon we had a groundbreaking at U John Marshall.
A lot of work already has been done. Um we actually saw a couple pictures uh on a video. Um the school had probably 36 and 34 classrooms right now and we're adding 30
more. So we're double the capacity of the school. So um this is this is what you do to solve overcrowding is by creating classrooms. So uh we'll continue to do that and uh you know um
we hope that the JMI is going to take off pretty soon. Uh we can't wait for that. It's been delayed for a year and a half now and I you know I don't know why but uh I know why right now but I didn't know why before. So, um um I want to get
rid of those trailers uh behind. You all know that those trailers been there for a long time. You know, Mrs. Conway, Mrs. Vidowski, you you can agree with me. You know, the floors are rotten. So, I can't wait for the new classroom to to be in
there and when we get rid of those uh the trailers. Um and that's it uh from me. Um any other board members? If you see none, uh, can I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? Motion to adjourn. Gotcha. Ralph.
Who's first? Who's second? It's tough. Close call. Close call. Yeah. Okay. All in favor? I. All right. Meeting's adjourned.