Roll call. Mr. T. >> Mr. Vishel Patel >> here. >> Miss Pang >> here. >> Mr. She >> here. >> Miss White >> here. Miss Anja Patel >> here. >> Mr. Lugo >> here.
>> Mr. Ronak Patel >> here. >> Mr. Erico. >> Mr. Azerillo >> here. >> You have a quorum. >> Thank you. Opening statement. Mr. Do. >> Thank you. In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, public law 1975
C231 Sunshine Law, the Edison Township Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting to be 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. In accordance with NJSA section 10, column 4-12, the Edison
Township Board of Education adjuns to a confidential session for the purpose of discussing the following confidential person and board matters, student matters, pending litigation, legal matters, contracts, property acquisitions, and HI. Do I have a motion
to add to privilege session? >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Thank you. >> We will be back probably in next hour. Thank you. That's pretty much it. >> All right, let's do it. >> We're going to reconvene to the open
session everyone. Thank you. Thank you. So, we'll we'll start with the presentation 2526 educator and educational services professional recognition. Miss Baninder
Good evening, Board of Education, Dr. Alderelli, parents, teachers, and students. We're here tonight to recognize our teachers of the year. I did some math because I started thinking about that phrase that we spend more time with our colleagues than we do with
our family. And I started thinking about the teachers and how much time they spend with the students. So on an average or on a minimum I should say really you are spending about 1,260 hours in a room with students every year. It's enough time to watch Lord of
the Rings the extended edition 105 times. Add to that 250 hours minimum grading, prepping lessons, and another 50 or at least of running clubs, chaperoning, or
coaching a sport. It is 1,560 hours of a year that you pour your heart and soul into, and we are so grateful for that. What the numbers don't show are all the
roles you take. You don't just teach content. You don't just teach language arts. You are therapists, referees, your cheerleaders. You are everything. And sometimes, just sometimes, you are the brightest light in a student's day.
for that and for those 1560 hours of magic, grit, and grace. We are endlessly grateful. And with that, we're going to watch our video of our teachers of the year. Edison has provided so many
opportunities to grow as a teacher. Um, and not only that, just make connections with the students. So, I have a huddle up group. I'm a star mentee. And I like that those things are offered to make connections with the students. It is
truly an honor to recognize Lauren Judges as Woodro Wilson Middle School's teacher of the year. Lauren is the kind of educator every school hopes to have. Someone who leads with heart, puts students first, and consistently goes above and beyond for others. And I'm
always here to help them. I'm, you know, on their side. I'm here to advocate for them. Whether it's for something going on at here, something going on at home. um they always have a safe space here, you know, to come and talk to me. >> If I was to give Beth Cafiro a hashtag,
it would be # students first because everything Beth does centers around supporting, uplifting, and advocating for the success and well-being of every student at Wood Wilson Middle School. Beth, you are truly a champion, and we're so proud of you.
If my students remember one thing about me, I hope it's that they know how much I cared for them and that I knew them more than just a student. I knew them as a whole person. And I I hope they remember the way I made them feel in the classroom. Mrs. Christiani is definitely the right
choice for teacher of the year. She has super high expectations, high energy, lots and lots of fun and creative ideas to help children learn and feel good about their learning. She plans her lessons thinking through the lens of a
parent, a student, and a teacher. Amazing. >> I want my students to know that although we did a lot of goals related to speech, that I truly cared and supported them growing as children and growing as people. >> Mr. Shaw's tagline would be finding
every voice because that's exactly what he does. He helps students access communication in ways that work for them while building the confidence to use it. That impact goes far beyond speech. It changes how students see themselves and how they connect with others.
I'm thinking the the community is very diverse. We are a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. And through all the school activities, we have cultural night, we have Spanish heritage night, and I'm learning from students their traditions and their meals and what they do with their
families. And uh I think I benefit from that. One word to describe Mrs. Concy is inspirational. After years of teaching first grade, she decided to pursue her passion for art and become an art teacher. While the journey was not easy, her perseverance has led to meaningful
outcomes and the students of Washington School are reaping the benefits of her dedication. Uh I'm a mother of two kids who went to the same school and now they're still a part of the Edison district and I started off to get to know the education system more, but like
I loved working with the kids and contributing with the community, too. Mrs. M builds relationships with staff and students across the building. She supports all students and staff, can be in any classroom, and is known around the building as a great helper. So, I
believe my students don't know that I absolutely love sports cars and cars in general. And my favorite sports car is a Corvette, and I've owned about four sports cars in my lifetime. And I've also been featured in Corvette Vet magazine.
>> If I had to describe Miss Sierra in one word, it would be transformative. As a seventh grade science and forensic science teacher, she changes how students see the world, reshaping how they think, how they learn, and how they believe in themselves. She makes complex ideas exciting, relatable, and real. My
big word that I like is to persevere. Perseverance. And I just feel like if the students worked really hard and they know that they are going to have challenges and that they need to just keep working at it, they'll have success. And the
biggest thing for me is to take pride in whatever you do. If you hand something in and you're happy about it and you have pride about it, you're going to have success. Her energy, positivity, and commitment to building meaningful connections inspire those around her,
help create a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. So, on the first day of sixth grade, um the bell rings, the class fills in, and I realized that I was the only girl in the entire class. And my teacher at the time, Miss Katoya, made it such a
positive experience for me. And I felt like that that really influenced me to want to become a teacher. And to make it even more full circle, she actually hired me after college to work here at MEL Park School. >> Mrs. Epetisnney is dynamic. She really
connects with the students in a really special way. Um, they just love being in her classroom. >> I chose Edison because of its diversity and strong school system. My both kids went to Edison school, so I know it's the best place to work. Edison provide a
safe and friendly environment to everyone and I really enjoy working in Edison. >> At Menllo Park Elementary School, Mandu Rawat is the kind of person who makes every day brighter for her students. As a paraprofessional in a self-contained
classroom, she brings patience, kindness, and a calm, steady presence that helps students feel safe, supported, and truly cared for. She goes above and beyond to create a positive environment where every child can grow, whether that be academically and
emotionally. Um, I would do # make a difference because that's what I strive for my to do for my students. Um, building that support, that foundational skills, you know, helping them be kinder people, you know, just trying to make a difference in the world, a difference in their
life, believing in them. So, just make a difference. >> Mrs. Rumirez is the right choice for teacher of the year for MLK because of her compassion, her supportive nature, and her love of children. >> I would say my son inspired me to pursue
a career in education. He's a uh special needs kid. So, I've always wanted to be in the environment where he's growing to get an experience like and also to give to the community how I work with him. I do the same thing with my kids, my my
students too. Miss Winnie elevates our school community by modeling compassion, collaboration, and consistency every single day. Um whether she's supporting communication, sensory needs, or stepping in where she's needed, she helps create a space where all students
have a sense of belonging. So Edison is a special place to me because I actually grew up in Edison. I have been teaching in Edison since 2002. I did my student teaching at JP Stevens in 2001. So, it's been 25 years of an amazing connection
and I'm blessed to say 25 years later that I love what I do. >> Kristen Benvdas's legacy will transcend everyone that has been here in the school whether it's staff, students, or even families. We have installations throughout the building on all of our
walls that have been u brought forward through her vision uh in collaboration with our student clubs. She is part of our beautifification club and also our art club. So when our students leave this building, they will not only have learned the academics of our ABCs and
123s, but they will see the world artistically uh whether it's warm and cool colors uh or just the way that they can take something and make it a little bit more beautiful through their own uh actions. >> So I hope that
they'll remember that I was always there for them. um that I was always somebody who was in their corner whether it was a student or a teacher um that I was there and supportive whether I helped them but I
was or not but I was always hopefully there for them. Christina Barila is the right person because she does it all and she does it all with a smile. teachers uh are willing to take risks and try new things because they know that they have
Christina in their corner with students. Christina is a true teacher down on one knee tying shoes helping students learn how to read and she really is just gifted at what she does and Linda is a much better place because she's here.
For me, Edison has an amazing community both with their teachers and the community and the students. And the students come to learn or they come to grow. And I really enjoy seeing them grow
throughout the years. >> Mrs. Bodowski is the right choice for teacher of the year because she represents everything we hope in an educator. She combines strong instructional practices with deep understanding of her students needs. She creates a classroom environment where
students feel safe, take risks, learn from mistakes, and grow academically and personally. >> So, I always work my hardest to ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn and succeed. Uh, if a student is struggling to grasp a concept, I make it a priority to find different ways to
teach it until it clicks for them. Um, more than anything, I hope my students remember that I never gave up on them. I want them to carry that same perseverance into their own lives, understanding that challenges can be overcome with effort, support, and determination.
Mrs. Chapter is the right choice for this recognition because of the heart she brings to her work each day. She's always willing to do whatever it takes to make sure she's able to meet with every student who needs support. Often our conversations will start with I need
to change my schedule as she truly maximizes her time. There isn't a minute in her day that she isn't focused on helping students. I would say the students who were in my school when I was a senior. I started working with students with disabilities that year and
I just loved it. It was so much fun to me. I was in a home room with them and then I started interacting with them and then I would go on my free time and work in the class and that's when I just started loving to do that. The thing you
need to know about Gina Shapiro is that her mind is always moving. She's always thinking of a new idea, a new program to implement, ways to tweak things that's already in place. We see this in everything she does. But one of the things that I noticed, the first thing I
noticed about her is that she always had the best t-shirts and she would customize them. Even your basic JP Stevens t-shirt and like, "Where'd you get this year?" She go, "Oh, I did it." And that's the thing you need to know about her. She's always improving. I feel like it's home. I feel like it's
a family. Um, I've now been here for 25 years. Um, and it definitely has become my my happy place. I walk in every day and I'm happy. I come to work because I like it, not because I have to work. >> Mrs. Rand's famous tagline is, "It's all
good and we're going to fix this together." This is her signature message. It empowers students to solve their own problems while she offers steady support every step of the way. >> Uh, I grew up in Edison. I went to school in elementary, middle, and high school in Edison. It just feels like
home. So, it just feels special to me to get to teach here and pass a along to the other students. >> Miss Squirrel is a natural educator who truly cares about her students and their growth. She builds strong relationships
with her learners and creates a classroom where positivity is felt every day. She takes the time to support each students needs and brings a sense of creativity and encouragement that makes her classroom a better place.
Um, I value hard work, honesty, and commitment. Um, I do the best I can every day by getting here early, and by being here, not taking any days off. And what I hope to come out of that is for the kids to see how I do it. And if they
learn that if they try hard and they put their mind to it, that they could do anything. >> Mr. Buckley's legacy for John Marshall School will be his calm, personable approach to ensuring that everyone feels safe and secure. all staff, students, and families feel comfortable and at ease knowing that Mr. Buckley is part of
the John Marshall community. So, a fun fact um about me is that I started the JP Stevens girls lacrosse program in 2004. It started out as a JV program and the next year it went to varsity and is
still going to this day. 23 years later, I'm proud to be a part of history in the making. >> Jod embodies innovative instruction with authentic relationships, building it with students and staff. She's a true connector and she's all heart bringing
her energy each and every day. >> Why Edison for me is because our parent community is so engaged. Um they they're like a partner with you. They work with you to support your their child's educational goals. And anytime that you make a suggestion or um talk to them about how they can make their child more
successful, they're right with you on board and they're and they're very supportive. And the teachers here are all very well trained and highly specialized and they'll go the extra mile and work with the counselor. >> When I think of Michelle, I think of her unwavering commitment to her students social, emotional, and academic growth.
She always tries to make sure that they are connected to the school in some way and she's always willing to jump in wherever she's needed. Whether that's part of the JAM school spirit committee, helping with testing or just being present for our students and for our staff. Michelle is an irreplaceable part
of the JAMS community. And we're so happy to give her this honor. >> One of my favorite town special lyrics is long live all the magic we made. And so I hope that my students remember all the magic that we've made in our classroom. all the laughter, all the memories, all the great times that we've
had together. I hope that sticks with them far beyond their time in my class. If Jess had a tagline, it would be long live the magic. It captures her love of Taylor Swift and her belief that every child's school experience should feel
joyful, memorable, and a little magical. Can I fall back on the great Mr. Rogers and say that if you ever find yourself down, find the helpers. Find the helpers.
They're out there. Keep looking. Find the the people to help you. And once you get that help and after you're on your feet, you can turn around and be one of those helpers yourself. >> Mary is a perfect blend of scientist and
practitioner. She pairs rigorous clinical precision, constantly studying complex diagnosis with a deep, selfless love for her students. From staying late for science fair projects to personally investing in specialized curricula, she consistently goes far beyond her job
description to ensure no child is left behind. I would probably go with my band director. Um, he kind of made band more fun than just like learning an an instrument or learning a new song. um always pushed me to do better in myself. He's the one that kind of introduced uh
music education and told me to try to go into teaching in college um and just really inspired me to to be a teacher just like him. Mr. Sosa is absolutely the right candidate for this uh position. He is truly a tremendous
teacher, a tremendous colleague. Um, not only does he support the students uh and give them a great education and a love for the arts and a love for music, but he also collaborates with all of his peers. He really truly cares about the
kids and wants to make sure that they're not only successful in in music, but also successful in their classrooms. uh he pushes in whenever needed to help out um and really wants to get to know the kids so that he can definitely meet their specific needs and make sure that they're they're learning and growing
every day. My third grade teacher, Mrs. Seorza, and I had a real close connection and she helped me struggle, you know, with my struggles in reading and writing. Um and but I didn't go into education until it was a second career for me. So that was my my um children's
teachers that inspired me to get into education. I think Miss Cox will leave um a lasting legacy of hard work, compassion, and kindness at uh James Madison Primary. I think she's a real pillar of our community. Um she does so much for the
staff in the community and the students here um that she will never be forgotten here. So, I've had many great teachers from elementary school all the way up to college that have inspired me to pursue a career in education. And so, I hope
that one day I could do the same for one of my students. And they say, "Choose a job you love and you won't work a day in your life." And I feel like I found that job. Mrs. Wallace's legacy will be the confidence and independence she builds in her students. Her students leave the
classroom not only stronger academically but also believing in themselves as capable learners. She teaches them how to take ownership for their learning, how to set goals, and how to persevere through challenges. Uh Edison is very unique because my both
sons are studying JP Stevens High School. Feels like a family. I like it. Miss Calori elevates and inspires the school community by shining her positive vibes and energy. She could always be
seen with a smile on her face, a cool composure, and a welcoming warm embrace to all students that enter the classroom. >> So, when my son was 2 years old, he was diagnosed with autism and he's going to be 29 this month. So, I went deep diving into it and um I really worked closely
with his early intervention specialist and I realized that I enjoyed doing this and I went back to school to be a teacher and I have loved every minute since. It's the most rewarding thing and I love my students. Um you know, I I
look at them and I realize like the challenges that I had at home, all of it came full circle because I didn't know what I really wanted to be. um when I grew up until I had my kids. >> Mrs. Moore consistently places the needs of her students, our most deserving students, at the center of everything
that she does. As a special education teacher working with students on the autism spectrum, she demonstrates extraordinary patience, empathy, and understanding. She creates a safe, structured environment where students feel valued, respected, and empowered to
grow both academically and socially. my uncle with special needs and nonverbal and that had a huge impact into where I am today with special education because I always felt a close bond to him and I
didn't you know we weren't speaking but we didn't need to. I just want to be there for students that may not be able to communicate just like him. That's what makes my world go around is being with people and students like that. Every day our self-contained autistic
program students come in the building and Miss Hoka is there to greet them with a smile to make them feel like they are a welcome part of our family. Uh she is like a rainbow just exudes that positive energy and enthusiasm. She's
perfect. She's amazing with our kids. I hope they remember my passion and my love. And I've always worked with preschoolers my whole career. And if I give them anything, it's lots of love, attention, and affection. And I hope they walk away feeling that.
Miss Sabrina Leashower is an educator who can be best described with one word, transformational. She creates a classroom where every child feels safe, valued, and capable. Through her thoughtful instruction and meaningful interaction, she creates and helps
students grow academically, socially, and emotionally, building confidence that lasts well beyond her classroom. >> I never thought I'd be a school nurse. I got a call to ask if I would substitute at JP Stevens for a month or two until they could find somebody. And here I am,
16 years later, still happily doing this job. It is my honor to recognize nurse Debbie Stevens who truly represents the heart of our FDR school community. If I had to describe her in one word, it would be steadfast. She is a constant source of
calm, care, and reliability. Someone who shows up every day with unwavering dedication to our students, staff, and families. She ensures that our students are healthy, safe, and ready to learn. Coming here to ESA this year, I would
say this has been an amazing experience. Being able to have that feeling of building such a strong connection with my students and really, you know, feeling fulfilled that I'm making a huge impact in these students lives is, you know, just an amazing feeling for me.
So, I believe his lasting legacy will be the product, the actual student. Students who may not have seen their potential in the academics now believe after taking his class. I have an older sister that was a special education teacher, so watching
her interact with her students and just kind of when she was coaching and all kinds of different things was uh yeah, I guess I guess I'll give her credit. I will describe Amy as inspirational.
She offers opportunities for students to continue to grow outside of the high school experience. >> My inspiration, not just education, but in teaching dance, was definitely Debbie Allen. Um, I grew up watching fame and
her famous talk with the cane. I always knew I just wanted to be a teacher. I love, you know, standing in front of a class and leading and I just always wanted to give back. I always wanted to share my joy of dancing with my students and give them just more of an
appreciation of the arts. I know that the community that's built within the dance room and the experiences that the young people have and the confidence that they gained through this program as well as the understanding of dance as an art form is something that they're going to take
with them and they're going to share and it's going to be a part of their adulthood and a part of their lives not just in their appreciation but in their understanding of the way that people work together and the way that we can rise up you know all humanity. Melissa Wartz, our educational service
professional of the year. Um, to describe her in one word, there's so many words I could think of that are great about her, but I would have to say the one thing is uh committed. She's committed to our students, committed to the community and commuted committed to Edison High School as a whole. She's
always here for everyone to help out whenever uh anyone needs anything. And I guess that's probably one of the best words I could choose to describe. I want them to remember that accomplishments are not the only measure to success. I think that the journey
getting there is something that they're going to remember. That's where you show your growth. Accomplishments are great, of course, but sometimes we kind of forget about them, but we'll never forget the journey getting there. So, I want them to remember that it's not just effort, but sometimes it's also time and patience.
>> Today, we recognize Miss Violet Russo as ELC's teacher of the year. She truly represents the heart and soul of our community. She creates a classroom where children feel safe, valued, and inspired, where learning is meaningful, independence is encouraged, and every
child is given the opportunity to thrive. Definitely my parents. My mom was a teacher. My father was a local pharmacist. He had the local town drugstore. And I guess watching them
like help the community, help individuals, I knew I wanted to go into a helping profession. >> If I had to describe Miss Shelley Zikum in one word, it would be compassionate. She plays a vital role in our initial child study team, ensuring that every
child entering our program is truly understood and thoroughly supported. I think it's a privilege of mine that I get to work and learn and make mistakes with these kids. Um, they teach me as much as I teach them. And I hope that
they know that no matter how far they go, where they travel, um, they'll always have that space, safe space with me here at Ben or wherever. If I were to give Miss Crowley a hashtag, it would be # better than
Broadway. And this is because of her unforgettable energy that she brings to every lesson and her gift of creating catchy songs and jingles that help students remember and practice everything that goes along with the core curriculum. So, I thought a lot about
this and I was thinking that there's a few people in bed that call me smiles or smiley. So, I was thinking that my tagline would be smiling is my favorite, just like Buddy the Elf. Because I thought if you're an elementary school teacher, you definitely have a little Buddy the elf inside you. So, it would definitely be smiling is my favorite cuz
it is. >> Mrs. Alphonso's legacy will be the culture that she helps create here at Ben Franklin aka Mrs. Smiles that we call her. She comes in every single day with a smile on her face. Uh whether she's supporting students, whether she's greeting staff members every single
morning. She does her laps, getting her steps in. Um she's just a a positive uh role model for our students and staff every single day she comes in here. We're lucky to call her a bowl. And now, teachers of the year, you get to be the center of attention. So, um,
principles, VPs, please, um, walk up to the front when I call your names with your teacher of the year and ESP of the year. And once you have received your certificate, if you could move to the left side in front of the balloons where families, you are welcome to take pictures.
All right. So, first up from the ELC and FDR educators of the year are V Violet Russo, Sabrina Lehnau, educational service professionals Shelley Zakim, who couldn't come here today, and Deborah Stevens, presented by Dr. Shallot.
I really like that. All right. Keep the spirit up. Come on. Come on. If I can ask you to move to the left. Thank you. Next up from Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, educator of the year, Katherine Crowley, and ESB of the year,
Stacy Aonso, presented by Dr. Bevere and Mr. Deanzo. Come on, we're going to have a competition. Who's loud? All right. Love it. >> Love it. >> You got to stand up for your sister. COME ON. ST. THERE YOU GO. THAT'S her
spirit. There you go. And from James Madison Intermediate School, educator of the year, Kimber Wallace. And ESP of the year is Shalaja Kuri. Presented by Miss Abbott Marco and Mr. Murfield.
Next up, James Madison Primary School Educator of the Year, Joseph Sosa, and ESP of the Year, Susan Cox. Presented by Mr. Syler. from James Monroe Elementary School. Educator of the year, Jessica Meal, and
ESP of the year, Mary Walworth. Presented by Miss and Mr. Husttois. from John Marshall Elementary School, educator of the year, Brienne Skrilof, and Educational Service Professional of the Year, Michael Buckley, presented by
Miss Hoffman and Miss Kowski. Good bag from Lincoln Elementary. Education of the year, Christa Beldowski. and ESP of the year, Kristen Shater. Presented by Mr. Skully and Miss Mosley Ailez.
from Lindenau Elementary School. Educator of the year Kristen Benvdes and ESP of the year Christina Barila. Presented by Mr. Platboa. Oh, >> no. No. Go. That's
>> okay. >> From Menllo Park Elementary School, we have Sunny Zapatisu as educator of the year and ESP of the year is Mju Rawat. presented by Mr. Dugen from Martin Luther King Elementary
School. Teacher of the Year Amanda Ramirez and ESP of the Year Tapas Sweeni GDA presented by Miss Papacernos and Miss Dvac. Washington Elementary School Educator of the Year, Melissa Ki, and ESP of the
year, Simmon Majes. Presented by Miss Schlatter and Miss Vu. Big kiss from Woodbrook Elementary School. E educator of the year is Tracy Christiani and ESP of the year Matthew Shaw.
Presented by Miss Cerillo and Dr. Narvayz. from Herbert Hoover Middle School, educator of the year, Patricia Moore, and ESP of the year, Joel Hoka. Presented by Mr. McGrath.
from John Adams. Middle School Educator of the Year, Jodie Potty, and ESP of the Michelle Wit. Presented by Mr. Besky and Ma Kelly. From Thomas Jefferson Middle School, we have educator of the year Natalie Siero
and ESP of the year Nancy Banos. Presented by Miss Emden. Woodro Wilson Middle School honors educator of the year Lauren Gizac and ESP of the year Beth Cafierro presented by Mr. Zakino and Miss Manderada.
>> From Edison High School, we honor educator of the year Vicky Jenkins and ESP of the year Melissa Wartz. Presented by Mr. Frost. from Edison Success Academy. Educator of the Year, Dylan Zimbicki, ESP of the Year, Amy Bruno. Presented by Dr.
Galsman. And from JP Stevens High School educator of the year, Regina Shapiro, ESP of the year, Maria Randazza, who is cannot be here today, presented by Dr. Kim, Miss Wacowski, Mr. Robinson, and Miss Eer.
And I am happy to say that that is not the final one. for the first time since 2017, I believe last year for the 2526 school. Yeah, actually this year. We weren't allowed to announce it last year at this ceremony, but we had a county
teacher of the year, Pam Ang from Lincoln Elementary School. I believe it's something to be Yep. very excited about. She was picked out of I believe it's 26 towns in the county. Is that right? 26.
So great feat. Congratulations, Pam. And with that, I think we've started a competition for next year for the biggest cheering group. until next year. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Gummer. Let's
>> Thank you, Miss Gumo. Let's take a five minute break so teachers can go and then we can find a space for the parents for the students. So, five minute break. Thank you. >> How was it? >> We will reconvene. >> Okay. So the next session is
presentation about 2026 2027 studentademies acceptances. Uh before I pass it on to Dr. really I want to share a little history about thesemies right the the first time we discuss or you know thesemies are starting multi multiplemies was in 2024
in curriculum committee you know that some of the board members still sit in this board some some are you know past board members but there was an idea of starting an academy where we can cater the student with narrow focus and after multiple discussions and series of planning sessions you know I'm proud to
see fourmmies is starting this year. Of course, we started one academy last year and then three more this year. So, I'm going to pass it on to Dr. Alder Ali. >> Thank you so much, Board President Patel. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. How's everybody doing? >> Isn't it exciting seeing your teachers
receive awards, right? What a great opportunity to be in the same room while we honor um you know, the the our our staff and our uh our support staff as well too. Uh Mr. Mr. Patel, as we continue to expand our academy programs and create multiple pathways for
students uh not only to explore their passions and future goals, we're we're also excited to re recognize uh the 198 students who have been accepted into next year's esteemed including the biomedical science academy, STEM Academy, business academy, and
computer science. This work directly reflects our northstar vision here in Edison Township public schools to empower students to shape the world with knowledge, purpose, and passion. These students successfully completed a rigor rigorous application process that included both an interview
and entrance exam demonstrating academic excellence and a passion for learning. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them and look forward to seeing the innovation, leadership, and accomplishments they will bring to these programs in the years ahead. I would be
remiss if it I did not thank um the team behind this that really got this to the finish line. Mr. Soy, thank you so much for everything. Yeah, a round of applause. Miss Meyer, Miss Halpin, our building level principles, Dr. Kim
as well as Mr. Ross. And now it is my esteemed pleasure to introduce Dr. Kim and Mr. Ross will announce the names of the newly accepted academy students and their families on this outstanding achievement. You can clap louder than
that for them. >> Big old unasketball. Good evening everyone. >> Evening. >> Good evening. Hi. Welcome to Edison High School. Well, I'm gonna have somebody help me because we had a senior awards night and we gave out about two and a half hours worth of awards. So, I lost
my voice. So, we're going to start with the EHS STEM Academy. It's going to be read. The name is going to be read by Dr. Lo. >> Good evening. It is my pleasure to recognize the incoming Edison High School STEM Academy class of 2030. As I
read each student's name, I would ask the students to please stand and remain standing until all names have been announced. At the conclusion of the introductions, we will invite the Jo audience to join us in recognizing the entire class of 2030 with a round of
applause. Nishka Dodapani Ar Arav Lada Arthav Sahu Yash Shrivastava
Vidant Dukal Artham Juvar Riuala Arav Shareshraan Ruhan Katri Rayon Desai, Sanvi Hazra,
Sahashra, Compella, Methili, Palanan, Nagashritha, Chentukuna, Chentuka, Shrenika, Route,
Akash, Sanangupta, Aayushman, Grace, Nihar Narana, Ari Sha, Sarah Paroir,
Aditi Velancar, Elizabeth Wong, Nidi Parwar, Ean Hebar, and Aayushman Tawari, our STEM students.
congratulations. Now, Mr. Ross will give us our business academy. >> Right. >> All right, every All right, young people, settle down. I still get to yell at students for another couple months. All right. Good
evening, everyone. >> Good evening. >> All right, young people. Good evening. >> All right, remember in business, I'm going to announce the business academy. Now, the great thing about the academy system is that it's been expanded. Um, just like Edison High was the first high
school and JB Stevens was our spin-off. We had the first we had the absolute first um academy in Edison and now we're expanding it because good ideas can be done anywhere and the more students that we have in the best most rigorous possible curriculum the better. So when
I call the names let's try to wait until I get through all the names then we'll get a big round of applause. This is for students that are going to be in a business academy at both the home of the Eagles and the home of the Hawks. So I'm going to start reading the names right now. Please stand, young people, but
hold your applause. At the end, I want to make more noise than we did for our teachers. Okay, can we do that? Nod, young people, nod. Nod. Yes, we do. Very good. >> All right. Good. All right. So, now we're going to start off with business. Sahita,
Rhina, Bodhu, Divi Chala, Augustia, Chavali, Rakaya Fazin, Amma Gillani, Naman Goel, Zanic Gupta, Leila Gundi, Rahini Graapu, Stephanie
Huang, Kashub Jariwala, Avin Sai Kendla, Avika Ka, Kishie Kendalwal, Rohan Kodipaka, Mayang Kotijay, Bavia Mahajan,
Kiara Mihashwari, Shiva Malik, Barun Keshwari, Ready Mamidi, Riddi Manha, Minakshi Mayan, Vihan Mital, Rahan Naran,
Shristi Narinayan, James Ozen, Charu Chatena Palini, Shri Sahashra, Pasumati, Netri Patel, Viha Patel, Yashil Patel, Yogi Patel, Juan Patel, Anvi Patil,
Irvan Keshi, Ria Romesh, Issa Isha Saha Sharia Sani Akshita Centilumar Tanise Sharma Alice Shao Jwat Son Hia Yonhi Song Isa Takur Devia Tagi Charlene
Valentina and Guiraman round of a big applause. Thank you business academy. And now I will call up Dr. Kim from the esteemed JP Stevens High School. >> Thank you, Mr. Ross. I am so pleased and
honored to announce the next class of 2030 for the John P. Stevens Biomedical Science Academy. So, when I read your name, please stand and hold your applause until the end. Starting with Arham Sha, Tanush Yakali,
Meana Kumar, Kush Desai, Sahasra Palupi, Janaki Patel, Siri, Karanupu, Japna, Korat, Alvita, Pila,
Sharia, Paul, Advatai, Jangiti, Nikishha Sharma, Tvari, Sabnis, Shria Sha, Pisha, Chapathi, Krishna, Ned Porcar, Shuri Day, Akshaj,
Gouta, Mahir Sane, Shri Vid, Dia Maduri, Pri Mukerji, Vihan, Gandhi, Danush Budari and Tanish Mudilari. All right, congratulations everyone.
Excellent job. Thank you. We're very excited to welcome you to JP next year. All right. Next, we are going to announce the incoming class of 2030 to the programming academy. And once
again, I am announcing the names for both Edison High and JP Stevens. So when you hear your name, please stand and we will give you a warm round of applause at the end. >> All right, here we go. Starting with Isaac Divine
O of Sophia Delight of Anvisha Anand Adel Adelene Adrien Diabrio
Vab Vhab Shakandra Shakara Adve Detti Andrew Fernandez Sanvita Gajaro, Ayan Gil, Rahu Goplani,
Donica Gunawan, Deni, Titana Gupta, Jacquel, Jaffrey, Vid, Kior, Choli, Pandia, Kandula, Karan, Kant, Serum, Kanan, Ram, Kith,
Karan, Minikki, Kuvari, Aana Kiara Proshika Ku Lava Ki Cayan Arav Kunamar
ate Mjumar Pash Pavishna Mandikanan Jawan Muhammad Malik Nijiati Alexis Nwani
Shri Viban PMP Pana Avani Parasar Harsh Patel Vam Patel Harsh Vadon Parek Sara Par
Savani Pam Praam Vishwaji Praam An Saha Chintaya Shhati Shri Krishna Centi Kumar R. Yunus
Cifian, Advita Sinha, Vihan Sasta, Sarah Tare, Kish Tvetti, Naisha Umesh, Sam, Samath Vikam,
Risha Vias, and Harrison Zang. Let's give them a big round of applause. Great job, everyone. And our last academy, our cyber security academy class of 2030. When I call your name, please stand and
we will give you a warm round of applause at the end. Let's start with Nila Anand Satik Prakash Bada Araf Barf Barusi
Chuhari Ha Gandhi Sohham Godaki Parthi Gupta Aarva Gupta Cherylyn Gupta Venet Javani
Vishnavi Savika Kadiri, Sidharth, Kana, Mara, Puri, Puri, Kavadi, Lia, Kathier, Gati, Kandelwal,
Vihan, Raha, Tekkar, Kulcarnney, Adia, Saman Kurumi, Aniket, Leay, Arnav, Mandigari, Pavan, Mhl, Alman Manan, Shiva,
Mantradi, Mutahar, Mir, Samarth, Name, Namedio, Nemiah, Na, Kam, Shrimath, Nuakatti,
Sarilles, Padilla, Janette, Dev, Patel, Krish, Patel, >> Vivan, Pawar, Ashman, Praep, Dar Rothi, Sanvi, Rashit,
Sia, Sangani, Nikat, Sai, uh, Shik, Sahage, Sha, Arin, Shakhar, Jadep, Tamiri, and Arsh Yawali. Congratulations everyone.
Thank you. Well, before we move on to the next section, I want to give a shout out to Dr. Valentine for supporting this starting all thesemies. So, thank you Dr. Valentine. >> Yep. Dr. Lai, next one.
>> Thank you very much. Uh, board president Patel. Um, yes. At this time, I would like to call up um Mr. Ross, Miss Federitz, and Miss Clark to talk about our Barcelona Exchange program from Edison High School and the students that
participated in that. How about a round of applause for this group as well. I just want to shout out my teachers because it's their work behind the scenes. I have to thank the uh Mr. Gulen and the transportation department for their work on making this making it
possible for us for to get to the airport and then to take care of our guests, our teachers. Don't have too much to say. >> All right. Good evening. Thank you, Dr. Alderelli. Um, so we want to thank you for allowing
our kids to experience this this year. We had 10 students that were um part of this exchange program. These are students that are enrolled in Spanish now, juniors and seniors. They were set up with a pen pal from a school in
Barcelona. Um, the school is called de la Familia. They met their pen pals in November, started a relationship and in February we were off in to Barcelona. So they got to um experience life as a
teenager in Barcelona, the whole culture, language completely immersed. And the best ones to really tell you about it are five of our students that are here today to talk about their experience. Um, hi, my name is Paris Andrews and I'm
a junior at Edison High School and I had the opportunity to do the foreign exchange student in Barcelona. And as a foreigner student, I can say that like personally, I don't think that I'm the best Spanish speaker, but I got the
courage to say yes to go to Spain. And when I tell you it was like the best experience I can say yes to because a 40minute class isn't gonna be enough to get to where I want as a Spanish speaker, but actually being around the
language and all their norms for 10 days. I can definitely say that I improved and I think that I'm getting where I want to be. And it was really good because learning and like figuring them out in November and it's just like we had a home away from home and it's
just like I felt like I knew them my whole life and it's like now even though my pimp pal is back in Spain, her dad still texts me every Wednesday and Sunday asks me about my family. And it's just like even though I don't see them every day, it's like we're still keeping
it in touch. And I just want to say thank you for giving us this opportunity. Thank you. Um, good afternoon, uh, board of education. My name is, uh, Michael Florentino. I'm a junior at Addison High School. And, um, as someone who speaks Spanish, this trip is very meaningful to
me. Uh, I was able to connect more deeply with the language and culture in a real way. One of the best, uh, parts of the trip was the connection I built with my pen pal. From the beginning um we got really along and uh realized we have more than just one connection.
Um we even though we grew up in uh different countries the experience showed me how people from different backgrounds can still connect through shared interests, experience and personality. Another thing that really stood out to me was how welcoming everyone was. The
people in Spain treated me uh very kindly and um treated me like their family. So, um I felt very at home and um I wasn't really worried at all. Uh the experience uh was really
unforgettable and um just instead of it being a school trip, it was more of a um mind opener and um I truly believe programs like this change students lives and I hope more students get the opportunity to experience something like
I did. Thank you. Good afternoon. My name is Jasine Diaz and I'm a junior at Edison High School. I went to Barcelona because I was really excited about the trip to see the stuff there and the food and experience, but I don't think I realized how deeply that this program would affect me as a
person. It doesn't just teach us about other people in other countries, but I think it teaches us also about ourselves. Living in Barcelona wasn't like being a tourist there. you really get to experience the culture and fully immerse in it. And although it definitely was uncomfortable at first, I think the way that the families there
treated us, they really took us in as one of their own, which pushed us out of our comfort zones. And I think all of us could say that the friendships we made there aren't temporary. That and that they're real, meaningful, and forever lasting. I still talk to my pen pal this day. And I think it's also vice versa
that when our pen pals came here to the United States, we got to see our home um through their eyes. Edison High School has a lot of good things to offer and I think that this program is definitely one of the best that it has and I really hope that we get to see it flourish and maybe even with other countries and
thank you for letting us experience this. >> Good afternoon. My name is Samantha Brea. I'm a junior at EHS. Personally, I have been a student in Edison for 11 years and I took Spanish every year. The immersion could not compare to any
Spanish class I have had. And the connections we made with people in Spain and from here are the type that will last a lifetime. Um, while I have family in Spain, what made this different was that I got to connect with people my age. I'm grateful that I got to the I
got the opportunity to go on this trip to stay with an amazing family and to make my community grow just a bit farther. Even though the sightseeing was amazing, I think the part that stayed with me the most was connecting with the students.
We all have such an amazing connection with the students from Barcelona and from here. Um, staying with Barcelona families and our pen pals staying with us solidified a connection I don't think I have with anyone else. Um, and despite seeing the similarities and differences
between the families from here and the ones we stayed with in Spain, my pen pal and I had so many things in common that by the end of the trip, I felt like I had a sister. Thank you. >> Uh, good evening, Board of Ed. Uh, my name is Elias Cotton. I'm a senior here
at EHS. The con the experience I had going to this uh exchange was one of a kind. I have never felt such hos uh such kindness and generosity from people that I don't know who are across the world ever in my life. This is truly one in
life experience. I still talk to my pen pal every day. It's like you have a sibling that you from another world. It's one of the most incredible experiences. Um the sightseeing was amazing but of course it's the experience you make and that you know not everyone is the best Spanish speaker
but these people will fully embrace you to get better into Spanish and to learn about their culture and they even embrace the American culture as well. Um I highly uh advise anyone who has the opportunity to go to this experiences
ship please do it. And of course just one big before I leave one big thank you to Miss Mrs. uh Federitz, Mrs. Van Wing and Miss Clark for this trip and of course you guys for allowing and Mr. Ross without you guys it wouldn't be possible. So thank you.
>> So we are going to move on to the next section. Dr. >> Thank you so much board president. Um, yeah. At at this time, we'd like to recognize a group of Edison students who recently competed in the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge of 2026 in
Huntsville, Alabama as members of Soulfam's Team Orion. Team Orion was the only team from New Jersey selected to participate in this international engineering competition where students design, build, and compete with rovers
on a lunar style obstacle course. The team earned both second place in the high school RC division and the project review award recognizing excellence in technical reviews and presentations. So at this time I would like to invite Dr. Kim who is already at the podium to
announce and recognize the student team members. How about a round of applause? I do want to say this is truly an amazing accomplishment. This is highly competitive from teams around the world. Um and so um Dr. Alderelli did a great
job explaining it. I just want to say first of all it was led by um advisor Sanjay uh Karnney and I'm going to read the rest of the team's name. So if you could please come on up and I have a um certificate. Are you Mr. >> There you go. This is for you. Um and
we're gonna and we're gonna actually take a photo in the front. So if you want to go stand up in the front. Um the rest of the team was led by senior Rohan Kulcarnney and other seniors as well Galam Balji Kunnan come on up van Bapat
Sagnet Biswas and juniors oh we're gonna I'm going to give you all the certificates up there. How about that? And then juniors Vivana Raina, Shreas Mendikar, Visme Patel,
Shri Srunasan, Ritica Vidulla and Shrea Siva Kumar, please give a really warm well round of applause. This is such an accomplishment. Everyone, >> well, President, can I say a couple words? Can I say a couple words, please?
So, uh, you know, congratulations to the team and, uh, I was invited to, uh, their house to, uh, see the the rover. Unfortunately, the day I was there, it wasn't working. So, but I saw the video. So, what they did is they, uh, you know,
um, designed the rover from the grounded up. And, uh, there are two tasks they need to do. One is CO2 sensor tasking on simulated lunar surface. and the other is water pH level sensing uh tasks. So
these are things that's required by the team and these guys were only eight of the team in the whole country eight of the whole team in in the whole country to to compete. This is their second year. Four of them
are moving on but the the others will will continue the uh you know the um uh the journey. So four of them actually Rohan is going to go to a Purdue University and for Viron he he's going to Cornell
University and for Gam he doesn't think the university in US is good enough so he went to University of Toronto and Sagnik he's a homeboy he's going to stay in New Jersey and go to Ruckers congratulations I'd like to come down and have a picture
with you guys. That was hard work. You want to see mine? one. Yeah, >> one more. Yeah. >> On right. >> Y and At this time, we'd also like to recognize uh one of our students who
who's actually a published author. Is is is Ana Travidi in the crowd right now? Is she Ana? Why don't you come up? Why don't you Why don't round of applause? Anya is a published author. No, come on up. Come on up. A runner and wrote the book Finding Her
Stride, a coming of age story about dreams, doubts, and the race to belong. Anna, I'm actually going to ask you to go to the podium and talk a little bit about your book. Is that okay? >> Yeah. Why don't you talk a little bit about it? >> Can I say a couple words before she uh start talking about her books? >> Sure.
>> So, uh this young lady, she goes to the Woodbridge Academy. Unfortunately, at that time, we didn't have the biomed academy otherwise she would have been staying Edison. So, she's going to Wbridge Academy to be a doctor. So she is a rising senior
at the age of 17. She is serving on the executive executive board of wellwith. Wellsw with is a nonprofit organization uh helping uh uh stu families are
challenged to they have the basic financial uh background. Is that correct? >> That's correct. Yeah. And also besides that she shadows a doctor in Sloan Memorial Hospital, a oncology doctor.
And in this book, what she wrote, okay, this book is not a manual, it's not a me memoir, it's a mirror. I hope you see yourself in these pages. Not because our story are the story are the same, but
because the search for self is universal. So, I'm going to let her say a couple words about her book and why she writes this book. >> Um, good evening, Bordeafad and ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for honoring me here today. It means a lot. Um, like Mr.
Shei said, I've been running since I was 8 years old and you know, I've been to it all. I've been all American. and I have medals and accolades, but I think the journey is what I really documented in this book. And I've been fortunate enough to have my parents. My dad is here today. My mom's at work, unfortunately. But since I was eight,
I've run maybe over 200, 300 races. And to every single one of my races, my parents have been there. So, I have an amazing support system. And along the way, I think I realized that kids are unfortunate like me and they don't have that support system. They don't have the sport system, the gears, the shoes. So
with this book, I documented my track legacy, I guess, and 100% of the funds go back to kids who either don't have the gear, kids who, you know, aren't getting the meals or whatever they need. In fact, we've just had our first drop last month at Elizabeth High School where we donated 20 pairs of running
shoes to the boys and girls distance team. So, thank you so much for your recognition tonight. I would urge you guys to go buy the book and remember that again, 100% of the funds go back to not only the athletic community, but our community as a whole. And thank you so much It's called a finding her stride. It's
on Amazon. Yeah. >> So, her goal is to donate 250 running shoes to the uh to the students that's in need. So, great job and continue to do what you do and hope someday when you become a doctor when I go see you can
give me a discount. >> Sure. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Anie. Thank you. Yeah, I think let's take a five minute break. So if if students wants to leave, they can leave. Five minute break. Thank you. >> Okay, we'll reconvene. Uh we'll start
with superintendent report. Dr. Rali, >> thank you so much board president Patel. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Uh what a wonderful night. Uh congratulations to all the recipients of the awards. It's great when we acknowledge our outstanding uh staff as well as our students. um uh where uh we
have the opportunities to recognize their accolades and their accomplishments. Um and it truly proves, you know, what we're all here to do. Um there's a couple other people that I would like to recognize right now. Um I had the privilege of sitting uh last week um at the uh national super or I'm
sorry, the uh state of New Jerseys uh superintendent spring leadership conference. Uh I am pleased to announce that our very own Dr. Thomas Tui is New Jersey's special educator of the year. >> Dr. Tui, for those of you that know, Dr. Yes,
absolutely. There we go. For those of you that know, um Dr. Tui has done an outstanding job getting all of our uh programs that affect our uh special education students off the ground. Um he is a trusted colleague, friend. Uh and it is a pleasure to work alongside of
you each and every day, sir. And I know I speak on behalf of the board as well as our team. Um, an accolade welldeserved. So, thank you. And and he's usually here for the meetings. I'm I'm surprised I'm surprised he left. I'm I'm going to give him a shout out right now. For those of
you that I I was at the uh Edison uh Township Senior Awards last night. Um, and we'd like to formally just congratulate uh Mr. Charles Ross for being Yeah. for being the Elks citizen of the year of Edison. Right. What a
great accomplishment. Uh and a testament. Is he here? He took off. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. That's really >> I'll call him tomorrow. Um but uh you know, listen, not only and I was I was talking with him last night. Um what an unbelievable awards ceremony. it really
uh exemplifies the culture uh the climate and the the real feeling of what it's like to be in school uh when you witness that awards presentation. So uh congratulations Mr. Ross. Very welld deserved. Uh and last but not least, we have an unsung hero that works uh in our
food service department who will be acknowledged at the next board meeting in June. Her name is Miss Arita Caldwell who is the food service director of the year. Congratulations to Arita in the state of New Jersey. Uh managing uh
Edison Township Schools uh food service program is a monumental task. She does it very very well and uh I want to congratulate her on all of those particular pieces. Um and that concludes my report for this evening. Mr. Patel, >> thank you Dr. I think I agree with you.
Nights like this kind of remind us, you know, remind me and I'm sure other board members why we why we do what we do, right? Um we we saw a lot of teachers getting recognized you know pouring their hearts to you know teach you know teach the students and be you know help them be the best version of themselves.
We saw a lot of you know high achieving students getting recognized and it reminds me why I do what I do and I feel nothing but the gratitude. Thank you. Next I'd like to invite Edison High School president Miss Lavine uh for the report. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Lovein
Lavine and I am the student council president for Edison High School and I'm here today to give a monthly report of May. Um May has definitely been one of our busiest months for the school year so far. We started off with AP testing and this week our freshman and juniors are participating in the NJSLA testing
as well. And even though it's a stressful time for our students, it's been great seeing everyone continue to work hard, support each other, and um head towards the end of the school year. Earlier this month, student council also organized teacher appreciation week during the week of May 4th. And throughout this week, we celebrated our
teachers and staff with different activities and treats to show our appreciation for everything that they do for the students each day. And we are very thankful for all the time, energy, and support they give to our school community. Our arts program have also been very active this month with
concerts and performance from orchestra, jazz band, choir, try my guitar, and our spring dance collective. These performances gave students the opportunity to showcase their dedication and talent, and they were enjoyed by many students, families, and staff members. Our athletics have also had an
incredible season with many exciting wings and wins and accomplishments this spring season. Some highlights include boys volleyball against Woodbridge, softball winning against Matuchin, the girls lacrosse for their senior night against JP, baseball against East Brunswick. Our track team has had many
students qualify for states along with many, many other accomplishments across all of our athletic programs, making our school very proud. Um, we also looking are looking ahead for our prep rally this week on Friday, which our students are very, very
excited for, followed by prom May 29th at the Mer Gold, which everyone is really waiting um and anticipating for. Um, I would also like to recognize this month's seniors of the year or sorry of the month of May, Samica Vikim Marinire and Bryce Hickerson. Congratulations to
both students. And finally, overall, May has been a month full of achievement, school spirit, creativity, and community involvement as we begin wrapping up another successful year at Edison High School. Um, thank you for this time and thank you once again, board members, for all your help in everything you do.
Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay, next I'd like to invite Mr. Arouch Bola from JPCs. >> Uh, good evening everyone. My name is Arouch Bola. I'm a junior at JP Stevens and I'm also co-president of our student council. And I'm also here to give you a
rundown of what's been happening at JP over this past month. The month of May has been really busy, but also exciting for our students. Filled with many student accomplishments. We kick off the month of May with our teachers appreciation breakfast where teachers are served a delicious selection of foods early in the morning and the
student council executive board had a big role in setting this up. Generally though much of the action at JP has been with students staying active both inside and outside of school whether it's artrelated events, clubs, sports or even more. Earlier this month some of our music students had the opportunity to
participate in a regional percussion festival. And we are also incredibly proud to share that 21 students from our choir program were accepted into the NJ all-state choir, which is an incredible accomplishment for our performing arts department. In athletics, many of our spring teams are continuing strong
seasons qualifying for playoffs and postseason tournaments. We wish the best of luck to all our athletes and coaches as they represent JP Stevens with pride. But similar to EHS, the biggest focus of this half of May has definitely been the AP exams. Over the past two weeks,
students across the building have been putting in countless hours studying and preparing for these challenging end of the year exams, and AP testing officially wrapped up last Friday. We're incredibly proud of the hard work our students showcase throughout the testing season. Over the next month or so of school, we are really in the final
stretch. With all AP exams done, all that's left in terms of testing is for juniors and freshmen to do their NJSLA testing and just finish finish off the year strong. But we are also very excited for some more our most anticipated end of the year events. Seniors are looking forward to their
prom at Addison Park this Friday and the student council will be running the annual battle of the classes event later June. It will be a dayong event where students fill the stands and cheer on their respective grades as they duke it out in dances and miniames all to be crowned the 2026 BOT champions. Lastly,
as this is my final speech to everyone for this school year, I want to personally thank the board, administration, teachers, adviserss, and students for their continued support and involvement throughout the year. It has truly been a privilege representing the student body at these meetings. And while this may be my final update for the year, I look forward to seeing
everyone again here next year as a senior. Finally, on behalf of the JPS community, thank you again for all your continued support. And we hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the school year. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. Next, Mr. Lester, if you can read
the resolution, please. >> Sure. Thank you, Mr. President. Board members, administration. Uh, we have a resolution condemning threats, intimidation, and harassment directed towards a member of the board of education. It reads as follows. I would
ask the public to please not disrupt the meeting in accordance with the open public meetings act. If you do disrupt the meeting, we will request law enforcement to remove you. Thank you. Whereas the board condemns any conduct involving threats, intimidation, coercion, and harassment towards elected officials and attempts to improperly
influence as they strike at the integrity of public service and democratic governance. Whereas a board member was recently subjected to threatening and intimidating messages from an anonymous individuals, including, and I quote, "We know where you live and we know where you work.
Don't make it harder for yourself." unquote. Another quote, "There is a way to do this and there is really hard way to do this." And the third one, quote, "You have been warned." Whereas such messages are not expressions of civic disagreement or
protected political debate, but instead are deliberate acts of intimidation intended to pressure, threaten, and interfere with an elected officials discharge of their duties and responsibilities. Whereas such threats and acts of harassment towards elected officials and their families create fear
and undermine public trust, thereby damaging the democratic process. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board hereby decries, denounces, and refuses to tolerate such unconscionably threatening rhetoric in our community. Be it further resolved that the board
shall not tolerate such improper and unacceptable conduct towards its members, district employees, volunteers, family members, and members of the public. Be it further resolved that the board calls upon all Township of Edison elected officials, appointed officials, and all citizens to
stand with the targeted individual member of our board. and be it further resolved that the board respectfully request the Edison Township Police Department, Office of the County Sheriff of Middle Sex County, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, the
Federal Bureau of Investigation in Newark, and all other appropriate authorities to treat this matter with the highest degree of seriousness, launch a full impartial and thorough investigation into the perpetrators, and hold them accountable to the full extent
of the law. and be it further resolved that the board shall fully support any investigation in into these threats and acts of harassment. And I'll add the word cowardice too. Be it further resolved that every member of the board has the absolute right and
responsibility to vote independently free from threats, fear, intimidation, retaliation, or outside coercion. And be it further resolved that upon adoption, a certificated a certificated copy of this resolution shall be transmitted to all appropriate authorities, including
but not limited to the Edison Township Police Department, Office of the County Sheriff, Middle Sex County, and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. Is there a motion, Mr. President? >> Yep. Do you have a motion to adopt? >> Motion to adopt. Second roll call, Mr.
>> Mr. Azerello. >> Yes. Mr. Ero, >> yes. >> Mr. Ronak Patel, >> yes. >> Mr. Lugo, >> yes. >> Miss Sanja Patel, >> yes. >> Miss White, >> yes.
>> Mr. Shei, >> yes. >> Miss Pang, >> yes. >> Yes. >> President Patel. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. The next section is review of the agenda. Dr. Alderly. >> Sure. Thank you so much. Uh ladies and gentlemen, members of the board of
education. Um, as we uh have a combined meeting this evening, we have our personnel agenda for your review. Um, we also have under the administration curriculum and instruction section a few particular items. We'd like to acknowledge special education week uh which took place um the week of May 10th
through the 16th. We want to thank you for all of our students that support our special education or all of our staff members that support our special education programs, the students that participate them and our community members as well that support them. uh the very popular and uh I always want to uh thank Miss Campion for reminding me
of this. Uh we have summer hours on the agenda uh for our summer work which will begin uh after the start of school. Um they begin on June 22nd and end on August 21st. Uh we also have the uh motion to adopt the uh April 28th uh HIP
report. As we move along to uh the next section, we have uh under curriculum instruction, we are always participating in the uh teen arts of New Jersey program for the 2026 2027 school year. We have our approved field trips for our students over at Edison High School,
Woodro Wilson, JP Stevens, as well as JMI Elementary School. We have the uh adoption of the professional development for May of 2026. And last but not least, we have our special education report for our pupil special services for our outofd district
students that are listed accordingly. I would like to turn it over for the finance section to my colleague, Mr. Toth. >> Thank you, Dr. Alderelli. First up under finances are financial reports and uh minutes followed by our contract awards.
um contracts. We have up uh variety professional service contracts for the fiscal year 20 uh 27 along uh with our insurance uh representatives for the 2027 school year to include risk PNC and prescription. Um, and then we uh were
out for an RFP for our food service program, uh, which was done by EVATE and evaluated by, uh, an internal committee of, uh, staff and administrators, um, which, uh, we're recommending an award of two, uh, Machio's food service. Uh,
under facilities, we have two potential change orders at the John Marshall School, uh, project. So, one would be for some elevator decking work and mechanical piping along with some uh painting. Uh that'll be charged to the project allowance. So, there will be no
change in the overall contract price. Uh under our grant section, we are going to be uh submitting the focus grant. Uh along with item two will be the uh rejection of the preschool grant. Uh and then under transportation, we are going
to be uh approving the second half of the year evac bus uh evacuation drills. Thank you. >> Thank you. The next is public comments resolution only. >> Uh excuse me, Mr. Board President. >> Yeah. >> Before we move uh since we're on the
reviewing the agenda items, um I'd like to make a motion to take off the table the resolution that we had for the termination of the Talman's property. So, I'd like to make a motion to take that off the table to be voted on. >> And I'll second that. >> Roll call.
>> Yes. >> One sec. >> Mr. Al Azerella. >> No. >> Mr. Erico. >> No. >> Mr. Ronac Patel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lugo.
Yes, >> Miss Angina Patel. >> No, >> Miss White. >> Yes, >> Mr. She. >> No, >> Miss Pang. >> No. >> Uh, President Patel.
>> Yes. >> Motion fails. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Max, uh, public comments resolution only. >> Yes, Miss Miss Joyce. resolution that he just stated. >> No, >> any resolution from today.
>> No, that's part of the part of the whole resolution. >> The one that I read as board counsel, uh, that was already voted on, but sure, it was on the agenda tonight. Sure, you can talk about that. >> Yes. >> I'm glad you made it known to a lot of people who don't uh follow Facebook,
Instagram, and information like that. I think that the big tough men that think they're all that and and more, it's highly offensive to me that they would just attack women.
That's one of the things that gets on my nerves the most. And I know for a fact that the board members, you don't you don't get paid for anything. You don't get paid. And I stated before, because you don't agree with me does not
make you stupid. You have a very important job. Your job is to look out for the students of this school, not grown-ups with agendas. Your job is to look out for the students. And that's the number one thing that should be straight ahead of all of you before
when people take you to the side and they pressuring you for their own agendas. That makes the town worse. that makes us in the news. Then everybody goes, "Oh, you know, Edison, you know how they do." You know, and it embarrasses me because I've been here. I
went to the actual school system here. I graduated from it. So, I have a vested interest in keeping this school A1. All right? And so, I just still thoroughly disgusted by the way this this stuff has gone down. I'm very disgusted that
people are so so ridiculous that they would go out of their way to attack people. You know what I mean? It's it's very sad. So, a lot of you should reflect. You shouldn't let people other people in other corners who do nothing
but bully people all day long who have no vested interest, who probably never been in the school system here in Axel Edison. You should you shouldn't let them boss you around. You shouldn't do it. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else?
>> Yes. >> Yeah. President, as the public is coming up, I would suggest that they identify which specific agenda item they're commenting or questioning so we can keep things moving because this is public comment on agenda items only. Thank you. >> Thank you.
Recognize yourself and tell us what agenda item you're talking about. >> For a good time, nine finish court. That's where I go. Um, okay. Okay. So, I want to talk about the agenda item that Miss Joyce Ship Freeman just spoke about the threats. Um,
something's not adding up. One plus one doesn't uh it's not equaling two right now. So, it only leads me to believe that no threats ever occurred. If somebody threatens me on on a WhatsApp, it's very easy to take the screenshot and post it all over social media. Yet
the video that I saw, it didn't even show any of the messages. It just showed a blurred screen and I have to take I don't I don't have anything against you, Anjan. I don't even know you. I like you. But that doesn't mean I believe that she was threatened. I don't believe she was threatened. the fact that you
guys had to make a resolution. This whole show trial, all this is is Nazi lies, propaganda, what you're doing, because at the end of the day, there's already a law on the books that if you threaten a public official, you're you're going to be arrested. So, why
hasn't anyone been arrested? Because no, obviously, nobody threatened anybody. So, this is some kind of campaign BS monstrosity to make to make someone a victim that's not actually a victim. It could be
campaign material. Here in Edison, New Jersey, we have all kinds of campaign material. This this could be some kind of campaign material. It could be >> Let me sir if I may interrupt you because >> No, you may not interrupt me. I have >> So, as a point of order, I want you might need those four minutes at some point in life. Um, but to to my
knowledge, a police report has been filed. So that way I want to get rid of the prop. >> Again, they could have screenshot it. They could have put it out on social media. Um but they haven't done that. And I'm not going to take someone's word that they were threatened. Okay. Um
again, if if a public official was threatened, the Middle Sex County Prosecutor's Office, they're the ones that have jurisdiction over that over the matter. Why are you looking at the clock, sir? You you Why do you want me to stop talking on this? I got six minutes to talk. Why aren't you sitting down? Stay
on topic. Stay on topic. Let's just not argue. Keep saying what >> So, the Middle Sex County Pro uh prosecutor's office has jurisdiction over the matter. Why do you need to make a resolution? Nobody's All the All the departments are going to rip your resolution right up. Why? Because there's already a law in the book saying
you can't threaten a public official. So, what the hell are you guys doing? What the hell are you guys doing? I'm not going to uh uh I'm not going to feel bad for anyone unless it's proven to me they were threatened. that you guys can just be saying, "Oh, one of us are
starting to get threatened, so members of the public back off uh the 9 million land deal." Who knows what the hell goes on with your minds, you know? Um, but at the end of the day, an uh through the chair to Anjanna, Anjanna, would you
like to show me the screenshot? >> Please direct your comments to the chair, please. Thank you. >> I said through the Robert's rules of order. Through the chair to Anjanna >> asking you to direct your comments to the chair. Not through the chair, but to the chair. >> That's not what Robert's rules of. Through the chair to Anjanna. Would you like to show me? >> No, she doesn't.
>> Would you like She would >> You don't answer right now. You're being misogynistic, sir. She has her own voice. She can speak up for herself. I believe how you identify women, but I'm speaking to you through the chair to Anjanna. Anjanna, would you like to show the public the um the threats that were made against you?
>> Response. Thank you. Keep it moving. >> Yeah, I deny that. I don't want her to answer that. Keep going. She doesn't have to answer anything. >> So she has she You think she takes orders from men, sir? >> I'm the chair of the meeting. I control the enam in the meeting and you're disturbing the meeting right now. >> I am disturb number one. Someone can't
disturb the meeting when it's their time to talk. Sir, I'm not I'm not disturbing the meeting. You're interrupting me. Actually, you're interrupting the speaker. You're breaking Robert's rules of order. Um you're breaking the quorum that's actually in your own policy. So
I'm very disgusted. I'm very disgusted what you guys are doing. You You play the victim. You accuse members of the public of threatening, of violating the rules. Other people might not know know better, but I know better. Why haven't you ordered the cop to remove me, sir? Why
haven't you ordered the cop? Because this whole thing is a show, you know, I'm not violating any of the laws. Um through the chair to Anjan, Anjanna, would you like to show members of the public take a screenshot that you were threatened? You can prove it. It's very easy to prove it. It's very easy to prove it. You go on your phone. You see
this phone? You go on your phone. >> You can check the public records yourself tomorrow. >> You click two buttons. You click two. Oh, just like that. I took a screenshot right now. And you can actually post it on social media. Um, and if Miss Anjanna was threatened, I will be the first to
apologize and take her side. I will be the first. But when you post videos and you say, "Yes, I was threatened." And the video is so blurry as hell, you can't even read any of the messages. Why would I take on Janna's word for it? She doesn't even show up to the meetings
half the time. And I'm going to take her word. What's She doesn't know what's going on at the meetings. How do I know she knows what's going on in her WhatsApp messages. So yeah, at the end of the day, um, by the time I go home, I want to see
published on Facebook a screenshot that Anjanna was threatened. And if she does not publish that screenshot, she was never threatened. That's all I have to say on the matter. Yeah, you can say a police report uh was filed this, that, and the other thing. Um,
another theory is you guys could have bought your own burner phones, created a WhatsApp number, and sent the messages out yourself, you know. So, at the end of the day, you know, this has to be investigated by the Middle Sex County Prosecutor's Office. Why don't you allow the Middle Sex County prosecutors to
finish their investigation before you guys start hurling accusations left and right? Why you looking at the clock? You don't like what I have to say? You scared of what I have to say? You're the lawyer and you're scared what I have to say. You're standing up because >> you're ready for war against the res. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Yep. Next. >> Motion to close. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Okay. Yes, sir. >> Adam Glenn, JCC, Middle Sex County, Oak
Tree Road. Uh, good evening. Um, you've heard me. I I'm sorry. Uh, I would like to address the resolution with respect to the rejection of the state preschool grant. I I don't know the number. >> Yes, that's that's Thank you. Um, you
have heard me speak at prior meetings with respect to the preschool expansion program. Um, so I won't belabor the points I made previously. Um, it is a little poetic and ironic. I enjoyed
earlier this evening the various um, honors and recognition of the incredible uh, educational staff and students of this district. Um, it is something of which we should all be very proud and and I am as all of my children went
through this district. Um, and then I find it ironic that at the same time that we are recognizing excellence, we're recognizing the the the the academy programs. We are about
to um you are about to reject a grant and decide to terminate a program that um enables our youngest students to begin
um an incredible educational experience. Um it is shortsighted. It is contrary to your responsibilities. and it is contrary to what the mission of this school district is supposed to be.
On a more pragmatic note, I'm sure you're aware, but I think it needs to be said um that if it is the determination of this board to reject the state grant,
the likelihood of any subsequent um support grant funding from the state for this program, should you subsequently decide to attempt to bring it back, the likelihood of you uh receiving any subsequent state grant
funding um is I can tell you from my own experience and my knowledge um that um Edison will not receive any future grants from the state of New Jersey for this. And I also think that you need to
consider that it will likely have an adverse impact on future aid packages to this district. Um I think it's you need to think about the longer term as well both for our
students, their families, and for the ability of this district to get the funding it needs going forward. Don't be shortsighted. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> Sure.
>> One time, but >> if you want to, but you're supposed to get one time, not repeat. >> Yeah, Joyce, you you get to speak one time. I'm sorry. >> You can do that. Yeah. >> Thank you. Yeah. >> Good evening, board members. Um, I'm speaking about an issue for the next
upcoming like AP class for the next coming upcoming school year. I understand that this is resolution only. So, do I have permission? >> So, wait for the next public comment section. It will happen in a few minutes. Thank you. >> Please be seated. I I'll let you go first cuz you're a student. Thank you.
>> Okay. Anyone else? >> Okay. >> Motion to close. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> Okay. Okay. Do I have a motion to approve personnel >> motion? Second call. >> Mr. To
>> Mr. Azillo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Erico. >> Yes. >> Mr. Patel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lugo. >> Yes. >> Miss Patel? >> Yes. >> Miss White? >> Yes.
>> Mr. Shei? >> Yes. >> Miss Ping? >> Yes. >> President Patel? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. Do I have a motion to approve administration curriculum and instruction and pupil special services? >> Motion. >> Second. Roll call.
>> Mr. Azerello. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ero. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ron Patel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lugo. >> Yes. >> Miss Anjuna Patel. >> Yes. >> Miss White. >> Yes. >> Mr. Shei. >> Yes. >> Miss Ping. >> Yes.
>> President Patel. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. Do I have a motion to approve finance? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Azerello. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ero. >> Yes. On everything but the rejection of
the uh preschool grant. >> Mr. Ronac Patel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lugo. >> Yes. With two exceptions. First exception under C contract awards number three. >> Okay.
>> And section E grants. >> See, so that's a no on C3 and a no on grants. Correct. >> Correct. >> Noted. >> Miss Patel. >> Yes. >> Miss White.
>> Yes. With the exception of the grants. Noted. Mr. Shei, >> yes. >> Miss Pang, >> yes. >> President Patel, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. Next, we have committee reports. The first committee report is
special education committee report. Mr. >> Good evening. The special education committee met on April 30th at 4:30 p.m. at Education Center. The attendants were myself, Miss
White, Mr. Azerello, and Dr. Tuhi. The committee discussed the future of the district preschool program and explore how Edison Township public
school can be can best accommodate both current students and the future general education preschool students. The district special education preschool program will continue to operate as normal. In addition, committee member discussed
potential opportunities and consideration related to expanding preschool programming while continuing to meet student needs district priorities. This discussion remains ongoing and all
available options continues to be explored. The committee also discussed the possibility of creating a district program designed to bring student back from out of district placement and increase in district programming
opportunities. Committee member reviewed the concept as a part of a broader effort to expand programming options and explore opportunities that may better serve student needs while maximizing district
resources. This initi initiative remains under consideration and all the potential opportunity opportunity continues to be explored and this concludes the report. >> Thank you. Next one is the finance committee report. Um the me the meeting
happened on May 12th 2026 uh at 4:45 p.m. at education center and it was attended by Vishal Patel, Mr. Ralph Farico, Shannon Pang, Jerry Shi and uh district school administration. Uh in the finance we discuss fiscal year
2027 transportation subscription bus prizes. We also discuss 2027 insurance consultant. Discuss health and risk appointment award this month or rebid in June. We also discuss fiscal year 2027
old lady of peace lease to purchase. Um we also discuss FY2027 contract renewals and preK program and on the facilities side we discuss the cricket field outsourcing. Uh and that concludes the report. Thank you.
The next one is public comments about anything and yes the student Yes. Thank you. >> Good evening. I hope you guys are doing well. Um, my name is Fati McCan and I'm a sophomore at JP Stevens High School
and I'm speaking in regards to an AP seminar class I applied to be in the next upcoming school year. So, I applied to this AP seminar class knowing that I'm fully allegible and fit the criteria criteria for this class. I was later informed by my counselor that I did not
get an admission into this class and I emailed my the English adviser about this and I currently did not get a response back and I emailed her saying that this was important for me uh for like college admissions and stuff like
that and I have a print out of the um the conversation between my counselor and my adviser if um you guys are willing to see it. Um thank you guys very much. >> Thank you. Uh, Miss Dr. Hos, can you
please? Yeah. Thank you. Next. Yes. Sake Goil Raspberry Court Edison. So, good good evening everyone. We have been attending this meeting for several weeks and I want to begin by acknowledging that the time and effort
that board members and the residents have invested in the community. I'll keep my remarks brief because I know everybody has a responsibility outside this room. So my main question tonight is straightforward. When can residents expect clear answers to the questions we
have raised? Right. This is not a threat. We have been asking. So is there a way we can get answers from you? Like what is the right way? Do we talk to superintendent? Do we talk to the president? Do we talk to BA? Do we talk to the lawyer? Who do we be talking to?
Right? Some of the questions I have submitted, right? Questions which are not related to the land deal are still remain unanswered. Several of you have served on this board for years. So I'm asking guidance and
most effective way for a resident to receive the direct response. Should it be email, submit a question formally, attend a committee meeting, understanding the proper channel would help us all. Right? At the same time, rather than revisiting
the same point about the land deal week after week, I believe it is reasonable to ask the board to publish a clear public timeline. Specifically, survey completion, when it will be finished,
right? Detailed plan and cost analysis, when it will be available for public review. Community review period. How long will residents have to evaluate the plan before the formal debate? Scheduling a vote. After the debate,
when the board when will the board set the date for the vote? Rather than coming every meeting, if you can publish this, it will save a lot of time and energy for board members as well as the residents. So, I I consider, you know, please take my request.
A structured timeline will save and time and energy for all and I will and it will help us rebuild the trust through the transparency. Now assuming the land is buildable right I want to raise a financial concern if
the land cost is roughly 9 million and facility will cost probably 50 million whatever may be the reason whatever the amount you come up I'm just going to roughly estimate it to 60 million right in the last meeting superintendent uh said right it will
probably save us 3 million a year because we can keep the special need kids in here. 60 divide by 3 is 20 years before you even break even. Not to add about 3 years of just
building the facility and we are going to put a pause on the current capital projects, right? Who is going to pay for this 20 to 23 year project? And again, I'm not the financial expert. I'm pretty sure BA
can you know correct me and give us more detail and that's the reason why I'm asking publish the entire review so that everybody knows right and we cannot ignore the economic reality we are
living in raising costs job losses and already strained taxes right funding a project of this scale will place significant pressure on taxpayers that what we need is to move forward on the
capital projects already on hold not to push them further down in the future. I'm not expert which is I'm why I'm asking guidance from the board superintendent and the BA but given the references shouldn't we be seriously considering rentering their
existing facility on Ford is close to Edison requires minor renovation and could be operational far sooner allowing us to serve students quickly while avoiding decades of financial recovery.
I offer this points as food for thought. I hope the board will reflect on our requests, provide the clarity to residents we have been seeking and work with us as a partner in this process. So before I go, I just wanted to ask
whom should we be asking the question and when will we be actually getting the answers? >> Thank you Dr. Olli. >> Yeah. So, thank you so much for for not only your comment but um uh some of the information that you provided as well too. So, in relationship to the
questions, I would say it depends on the nature of the questions. Some of them sound financial, some of them sound programmatic, right? Um what what I would suggest is um if my secretary's name is Patty Thyman as well as Miss Cox is uh Mr. toes. You can email those
questions directly to them and if it's a programmatic question that requires in relationship to some of the numbers that you talked about with special education, I'll make sure that Dr. Tui gets back to you. But for for your purposes, we can focus on one point of contact, Mrs. Cox, uh, and Mrs. Thyman, and I can make sure you have those email addresses at your
disposal, and I promise to get back to you in a timely fashion. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next. Yes. Jury Ship Freeman in Edison, New Jersey. First with the um the curriculum. I was want to ask before sometime when some other people get up
here, they really throw me off because they like go off on a tangent. So, excuse me. But in the curriculum, I'd like to know the where do I obtain the re reading list for suggested reading for the high school students for each
grade level? So, do I just email it to the curriculum person? >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, I was told by some people that
they would like to rent a building, uh, and they're talking for special needs kids and stuff. So, this is what they don't understand. If you rent or you lease a building, the building's not yours, but you spend $10
million on it making the building secure for special needs people. So that doesn't make sense. Why would you lease a building year after year and spend 10 million on it when you can do better by projecting your future? Everybody always thinks the future is so far away. But
I'm letting you know it's not that far away. GMO and the food, all these other data centers and information that's going out now. That's going to cause a lot of problems. and with different children won't be able to take all the noise, the different things that goes on
in this place. Now, I was talk they was talking about uh $9 million being ra wasted. Well, I know for instance, we got a Silver Lake property. You know, I was on the council at the
time, a Silver Lake property that for over 12 million that had about four or five leans on it by the administration. And here we go almost up to I guess 15 million when you
talk about the lawyers fees. So, I I don't know that I want them in charge. Like I told people, I don't know if I want you in charge of the board of eds money also because you got to have a real clean house when you come and you subject yourself to other people and
other things. You know, I think everybody should, you know, stay in their place. You know, you do the council, you do the board of ed. Only thing is what I told people with subscription busing. I told the person, "Well,
why can't the council get sidewalks? That would be a good project for you guys to work together. If you get sidewalks, cut down on some of the subscription busing and the people be able to walk on sidewalks." You know, it's a lot of projects you can do together instead of
people trying to be one up on the other person. And I I noticed that tonight, too. Some of the people were very disrespectful to the young people that were getting awards and that that unnerves me because you are supposed to
be projecting the future for them. We have the greatest students here and I heard about the schools they was going to Cornell and the different schools and I'm very very proud of that. You know, makes my my my property value go up. you know, the good if the long as you keep
doing a good job, I'm good with where where I'm, you know, where I'm living at. And most people move to Edison because of that reason. They move to Edison because of the schools, not because it takes me like longer to get to North Edison than it does to East Brunswick.
Because the traffic is horrendous, horrendous around here. And it's just like, you know, it's overcrowded a whole lot. And everybody keeps telling me, "Well, every town is overcrowded." Well, I got news for all you guys. I was the girl that
was picking blackberries in Edison right in the woods. You come out and I I might have seen three cars when I went to school. I know things have changed, but when you talk to people like me and some of the other people has been here for a long time will tell you the difference
between it being overcrowded and not. But I think for us, even when they have the council meeting tomorrow, I think we need to just tone down tone it down the fighting and the stuff
the cross fighting back and forth and especially that uh administration high higher places. One thing that's good is uh board president, I haven't seen you out screaming on any videos or nothing. I I
listen to you on a video. Very nice, very calm the information. That's the type of videos I like to listen to. Somebody screaming and saying, "Oh, the house is on fire. The house is on fire." And you got a little fire in the kitchen budget, the bucket. You know, that's the
part I just don't like that at all. You know, I'm I'm trying to make people more civilized. Don't you think this this is the 21st century? We should be more civilized, you know. If you're not interested in what another person is
saying, keep your mouth shut. You'll get your turn at all. But the most important thing that I would like to have too is where I would get the book list at all. And with our student um that's selling books. I'm reading another book from one
of our students that graduated from JP Steven and she signed it. And if um Mr. She can connect me with that girl. I like all my books signed. I purchased them, but I wanted signed a signed copy. Thank you.
Thank you. Next. Yes, Mr. Mar. Anthony, excuse me, Anthony Maris. I'm again here to speak about the parental bill of rights which I emailed to everyone on the board back on February 4.
It's really an excellent piece of work. You can think of this as a as an adjunct or as a an attach related to the vote you guys did to abolish 5756. Um just to read you one piece of it.
It's it's there's a lot to it, but it's really excellent. It says the township of the township Edison Township Board of Education affirms the rights of parents, legal guardians to inquire and receive from
school staff truthful and truthful information and to the extent known to the extent known about a child. This information includes but not limited to any change in the student's asserted gender identity, pronouns or preferred
name expressed at school when different from those assigned at birth. I mean this thing just goes on and on about parental bill rights. There was a time when you didn't even have to talk about this. Parents had rights and everyone knew it. Now you have to assert them. So
be it. Put it in writing. Let everyone know. Tell the parents at Edison, "We're behind you. We stand with you." We have lawsuits where this kind of thing actually has to be asserted. US Supreme Court, I've said it before, but bears repeating.
Miranda vers. US Supreme Court says the state, this is in California, California argues that its policies advance a compelling interest in student safety and privacy. It's about a policy similar to 5756 that they had their
version of it. Supreme Court says but those policies cut out the primary protectors of children's best interest, their parents. We have a commandment. It's been on the books since God issued it. It's called
the fifth commandment. Honor your father and your mother. Can anyone argue with that? I don't know how many members of the board are parents. No parent wants to be dishonored. We have Mother's Day and Father's Day where we honor mom and dad. Adopt this parents bill of rights.
Please, you will bless the parents of Edison. You will send a message to the to everyone in Edison. We stand with you. We don't want parents disrespected. It's happened enough. It's happened too much already.
And in fact, a lawsuit has occurred filed April 28 of this year in the US District Court in New Jersey. Multiple parents have multiple parents have sued New Jersey state and local
officials to s them sue them over laws and policies they say impede their right to know and have a say if their children are undergoing gender transition that you abolish 5756 doesn't stop this kind
of thing from going on. If you don't replace the bad with good, the bad will creep back in. This polic this this parental bill of rights is good stuff. It's what's needed to replace
5756. 5756 had no business being on the books and thankfully you got rid of it. Like any bad habit, smoking, doing drugs, if you don't replace the bad with good, the bad's going to creep
back in. Replace it with a a really good policy. Bill of Rights is outstanding. The Colts Snake Board of Ed spent a lot of time crafting it. It's it's a number one. I ask that you consider it,
pass it, and you will you will do wonders for the parents and frankly everyone else in in Edison. Thank you for your time. >> The lady I >> motion closed. >> Even Jerry liked that one.
>> Uh good evening board members. Namaste and thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak today. Uh my name is Dr. Raika Sharma uh 63 current place Edison. I'm a proud resident of Edison since last 15 years. Uh both of my kids
went to school here elementary, middle and high school and I must say that I really appreciate the teachers and the board and this town for giving them the highest level of education and the values they do uh possess. Now uh today
I'm standing here representing Hindu Education Foundation. Uh it's an initiative of Hindu Suma Wakung HSS USA. HSS is a 501c3 voluntary nonprofit social educational
and cultural organization uh which have over 250 weekly chapters across USA. Um during teachers appreciation week which we celebrate in May as we did honor our teachers today as well um we recognize celebrate and uh
the invaluable contribution of our educators. So as a part of this uh our organization has an annual event which we call Guru Wandana. Uh Guru Wandana uh is in Sanskrit if you all know that's
the ancient language. Uh so in Sanskrit guru means teacher or mentor and wandana means offering respect. So together guru wandana represents an expression of greed uh deep gratitude and reverence
toward teachers because teachers play a critical role in shaping not only the academic journey but also the character and the future of our children. So this their patience, dedication and
compassion leave a lasting impact on generations. In our tradition that is in Hindu culture uh there is a saying uh again in Sanskrit acharia devo bhava which means
the teacher is to be revered like god. uh this reflects the highest respect accorded to educators because they are the guiding light in society. Through HEF we strive to build a strong meaningful collaboration with schools
and educators. Some of the recent initiatives our organization has taken are uh we had yoga programs in Edison schools reaching over 700 students. Uh we had a cultural workshop for 80
teachers in Wang Burough school district. uh a darana Hindu poster exhibition which explained all this um yoga and other philosophical things behind this culture which is attended
over 1,200 students and we had a collaboration with Woodbridge schools also where we donated about 10,000 pounds of food to local pantries on the occasion of Diwali as you may know that Diwali is the biggest celebrated
festival in Hindu culture uh So on behalf of Hindu education foundation and HSS I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the teachers. Your dedication inspires, uplifts and
shape the future. So thank you for everything you do. Thank you all and namaste. >> Thank you. Next. >> Thank you. Beth Taly, 15 Midwood Avenue. First of all, thank you for honoring all um the
teachers and our support staff tonight. It was wonderful to see and it's great to know the impact that they've had on the students that were also honored tonight as well as you know all the students, parents and families as well. It's a great thing to see. It's what's great about our schools here. Couple of
questions. I can't remember the last time, and I thank all of you guys for volunteering your time as being board members. There's a lot of big decisions that need to be made, especially now, you know, with budget cuts. It's that time of year
when contracts need to be, you know, awarded to different things to keep us in check for next year. I can't remember the last time we've had a caucus and an action meeting. >> I understand things have come up. There were certain, you know, um
ceremonies or so forth that some of our um admin were invited to and recognize that which is great. But those are kind of planned. Knowing that, why can't we kind of change some of the meeting dates?
knowing ahead of time that this stuff is coming up. I've heard the last couple of months a lot of people coming here, it's been these meetings have been like overrun with the $9 million property
rather than the business of, you know, our school boards to run our schools efficiently and effectively. So perhaps if we had the two meetings, it would also be more transparent to the public as well as all board members what
was going on. And at some point maybe if you had these meetings, you could have the discussions among amongst yourself. the public will be more aware and informed as to what's going on
and hoping shortly you can make a decision with what's going to happen with a $9 million property so it doesn't you know overtake the whole year like last year's I'm I can't remember what the what the
what's no what's I don't know the transgender debacle last year. Not debacle but whatever you know that was that took over all the meetings last year. You guys have work
to do. Please come up with you know have the meetings be transparent with the public. Get your jobs done effectively and transparently for the public so we don't have to have like I'm surprised tonight's not marathon
meeting. I was expecting more people here um about that kinds of things. So, you know, do we plan on having caucus and action meetings or is this the new future of the board? Cuz it's
not very And also, you know, the fact that we don't really get the agendas 48 hours in advance this time. It was pretty good. It was a little over 24 hours, which at least gave us time to review them. Um, so we should be able to see that so that people can be informed
and ask the right questions and get the right answers. Lastly, I know it was discussed when the calendar was adopted for next year that we were going to come back and talk about Passover. This is a diverse
community. I understand it's early dismissal for the children. A lot of our staff celebrate that holiday and need the time to prepare for it. I believe it's April 21st and if we're going to be inclusive of all, we should be including all and
their holiday should be recognized just as everybody else's are. Thank you for your time. >> Next. Yes. minutes. >> Am I recognized? >> Name and address.
>> Name? Why? Why'd you start my clock if I'm not recognized? You have to be recognized first and then start the clock. Why'd you start my clock? >> So, I'm recognized. Thank you. Um, >> answer. He recognized me. He started the clock. >> Name and address, sir.
>> Uh, for a good time at 9 Finch Court, but what you're doing, it's against the law. I don't need to give my name and address. Um, the law doesn't require me to give my name and address. You're only your policy does. If I didn't give my name and address, what were you going to do?
What were you going to do? You were going to order the cops to remove me. Violating my First Amendment. Violating my Fourth Amendment. and quite possibly violating my fifth fifth amendment. I don't have I don't have to uh tell you nothing. I don't have to tell you
Um >> you do have to watch your language. >> No, I don't. >> Sir, please remove him. Please, please remove him for using the bad words. Please remove him. >> So, there's actually case law that says you're allowed to use Sir, please remove him.
>> There there's >> him. >> He's not recognized. His time is forfeited. Do a motion to close public portion. >> Motion to close public portion. >> I'm that sorry. We still have people back there. Got it. >> I didn't do nothing wrong.
>> All in favor? >> Teachers that want >> Okay, Matt, go ahead. Matt, >> come on up. >> I'm not close. >> Your time is up, sir. >> No, my time at 4 minutes and 30 seconds. >> Please remove him. >> Um, Robert, of order. There's actually
there's actually case law that says, "Yeah, you're allowed to curse." In the case, the guy he showed up to at Board of Education meeting saying, "Mother Ferd, please him." >> Several times. >> My time. They're saying, "My time's up." >> But I still had 4 minutes and 30 seconds.
>> I control this meeting. Your time is up. Please be seated or you're >> security guard. Let the security guard remove me so I can file my lawsuit. >> Go for it. Please remove him. Loman vers Riviera beat Supreme Court ruling. That's what the lawsuit today is based on.
>> Go ahead. You're recognized. you. You piece of you. You want this Go back to your country. >> That's not right. >> That's not right. >> Go ahead.
>> Go ahead, Matt. Matt Ravnak ETA president. Um couple things. First of all, uh congratulations to our students that were recognized today. Those that got into themies. Again, it just uh exemplifies the great um students and accomplishments of the district.
Special thanks though and and congratulations to the teachers and ESPs of the year. Um, you know, you saw a b uh one from each building basically in both uh domains and they represent what I've always said is the best staff and
teachers and support professionals in the state of New Jersey and those people recognized today are the best of the stood out this year as the best of the best. So congratulations to them. As I always say, I'm very proud to be their their president. Um I wish the rest of
the school felt as cold as it does here and Dr. Alter Elli and I wouldn't be feel fielding questions about the heat. Um it's very refreshing in here. In fact, it's actually kind of cold in here. Um yeah, it's a little bit a little bit cold in here, right? >> Frosty. There you go. Um but anyway, um
you know, just just a shout out about that. Um to the parents out there and I know I put out things to staff, you know, just try to stay cool. I know it's hot in the buildings. um you know, keep hydrated, try to stay cool, stay in air conditioning as much as possible, etc.,
etc. You know, we'll get through it. Weather's supposed to break a little bit by tomorrow night hopefully and you know, the rest of the week. Um the final thing I just two things actually and I want to address it. I'm not going to, you know, name names, but no one should ever be threatened for anything. I did
read and hear about the board member being threatened and that goes all with everything. um you know we should be a civilized people and to be under scrutiny to so what I saw about it is just it's just
incomprehensible that people would go to that extreme to to make threats against someone. So you know again ask for like I know uh Joyce Ship said before you know a little bit of civility. Again, I don't always agree with everything that's done, but you
know, I will never attack someone personally or threaten them, and it really shouldn't happen. It's it's really absurd that stuff like that occurs. The final thing, and uh no, I've heard it haven't heard it yet, so I'm glad to be able to say, first of all, happy Memorial Day coming up. Um, you
know, everybody thinks of it as, you know, the unofficial kickoff of the summer and the shore and, you know, that type of thing. obviously a day off, but please remember what the holiday is really about. And a lot of people do confuse and what's the difference between Memorial and Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is to honor anyone that served in the military. Basically, Memorial Day is for those that made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives for our country and the freedoms and all that we we have here in America. So, you know, make sure that you celebrate it.
If you know someone who did lost a lose a family member, um I you know to in war or whatever, um you know, consult their family, thank them for that. Um and you know, remember those that gave their lives on that day and be safe and happy
Memorial Day to everyone. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> Motion to close public portion. >> Second. All in favor? I. >> Thank you. Motion to adjurnn. >> Board me. No. No. >> Board member comments. I'm sorry.
>> That was so quick. >> That was good. That was good. >> You want to go home? >> I love it. >> You want to go? >> All right. Board member comments. I'm sorry. >> Sorry, Mr. Bidell. >> Board President. >> Yeah, please go ahead. >> I'll go first. >> Unfortunately, the teachers aren't here
and uh and all the honores, but congratulations to all the honores who were acknowledged here tonight. Through all of your hard work, dedication, commitment, you've continued to make Edison Township School District
not only desirable and sought after, but successful and admired. You know, names like Nick Massa, autoshop teacher, Mr. Terresino, science, Miss Baskin, English, Mr.
Whmer, history, Mr. Pagosh Jim wrestling coach Doc Capero my history teacher and our former superintendent along with principal Leo Scanland. Last but not least our Edison High School principal Mr. Ross. Many of the
teachers that that are here tonight that are watching because of you. You know the the kids have a brighter future. They have a a step in the right direction. So congratulations to all the honores and to all the teachers and all
the faculty staff and everyone that take that through their hard work, dedication, commitment makes Edison School District a success. Uh I'd also like to say that the first
amendment, you have a freedom of speech, you have a right to your opinion. I think it's cowardly, uncalled for, and it's a shame that anybody has to
assault verbally assault, threaten, and coercse somebody's opinion, somebody's vote. It's it should it should not be allowed. You have a right. Everybody in everybody up here and everybody in the audience
and everybody watching has a right to their opinion. You don't have a right to threaten or harm anybody. That's uncalled for. That's cowardly. And and that's not right. No piece of land is worth more than someone's safety. I
condemn this. I think everybody should condemn it. You have a right to your opinion and so does everybody up here. We're here to do the right thing for the students first. So, uh, I just want to
make sure we get the word out. Do one to others as you want done unto yourself. You wouldn't want your family member threatened. You shouldn't do it to someone else. Thank you, board president. >> Thank you. Yes, Genie. >> I just want to add my congratulations to
all of our educators and our support staff. You are such an outstanding group and you know how much I think of all of you. You know you're very very special. I also wanted to mention Edison High
School senior award night. uh we were there and uh it was just a beautiful beautiful thing to see and to see all of those recipients on the stage, you know, and our little, you know, Edison High
student was one of them, you know, it was just a really beautiful thing. And if you ever get the opportunity to just go sit in a little while just to see that, it's very rewarding. And um I hope you all have a good night, you know, and I hope things go a little bit smoother
now for our next meetings. Okay. And uh take care. >> Thank you, >> board president. I left something out. >> Sure. Go for it. >> I just also wanted to acknowledge tonight there was many teachers that were recognized and faculty that were recognized that I knew growing up and I
knew them as as younger kids and growing up as well. They're now our teachers. the teachers are are now principles and vice principles. Many of the many of the teachers out there uh taught my sons, my four sons
that went through the Edison school system. You know, I think it's, you know, it's a it's a it's an understatement to say, you know, we really really should thank and uh praise the teachers out there for doing a great
job because the te the names I just read off before I knew 30, 40, 46 years ago and they still made an impression on me. Just know teachers out there that you're going to make an impression on the
students today. and yes tomorrow and the years down the road. So congratulations and thank you once again. >> Thank you. Anyone else? Yep. Ana, >> good evening and thank you for everyone being here. Congratulations all teachers
and students. I want to apologize if seems I'm exhausted cuz like any parents would I spend the entire night awake taking care of my own sick child
but despite being tired I knew I had to be here tonight because of this issue cannot be wait I'm here to speak for special education childrens we are fighting to bring back home our district I'm not talking about the all childrens
But I'm talking about the half. If I'm not correct, Mr. Alder Ali is we paying $18 million for years. If I'm not correct, can correct my numbers, please? >> Right. So, if we bring a half a kit, it
it helps us. We we paying $18 million. So, just whoever's asking for calculate some guy, make sure he he get the numbers. I'm here to speak for 80 180 special education childrens we are fighting to
bring back home right my heart's going out to the parents who wait anxiety every single day sending their childrens to out of district schools with the dis with the concern fear and worry of what happened next
I know our board members are trying to their best for our kids but we need to look at the reality of the situation I Ask everyone here to think about this. If your children needs cares and you have the choice to take care of them in
your own home or leave them with a neighbor, which option is better? Keeping them home is always the better choice. Our children deserve to be educated and cares for here in their own
community. Thank you. >> Thank you, Angela. Anyone else? J. Yes. So, um I just want to echo what Russ said. Congratulations to all the teachers and supporting staff of the
year. And they all left, but there's only one left on the in the back. Congratulations. Oh, two. Okay. I'm sorry. I didn't see it. Okay. Congratulations to >> three. I'm sorry. Okay. Three of them. you represent the you know the the
entire you know uh honores tonight and thank you for your service and really appreciated you know your dedication and uh tonight we also saw uh 190 students >> 198 >> 198 I'm sorry 198 students
>> who uh are are uh accepted into our ummies and I I really want to Thank Mrs. Pan for uh her dedication and pushing to get themies into the shape uh where it be.
Um you know uh we started two newmies last year the biomed and and NCS and AI academy and this coming year a brand new academy um you
know business academy. So I hope you know um you're going to see witness these these children who will be future leaders in business uh in science and technology. there'll be future leaders you know u in researchers and also I
hope a lot of them will be doctors and we need them um for the future and I'm so glad to see that um you know these top of the students are staying in the district instead of going out um the lady just came here and talked
about you know Hindu education foundation um I was very fortunate to attend their event with Anja uh um yesterday at the uh uh Kitty Keepwell camp and I attended their event before
when they were in New. Now they are expanded to um you know this new place is much bigger. On that day they recognize 20 teachers uh from Woodbridge Township and Edison
Township. I grew up in a culture that you know teachers are the highly respected um position in the society and I'm so happy to see the uh HF continue that
tradition. I think this is like a seventh or eighth year in Edison. Uh I I probably attended probably three or four of them at least before. So I like to, you know, see that there continue to uh
honor our teachers and respect the education and that is all what makes Edison School Dish one of the best. Also, I like to address the uh the threat to the school board member. It is
absolutely coward that you have to go to that route to threaten a mother and you know uh who is worried about her children. You know what's going to happen. This this has no place in our
society. People try to mix that with the decorum of the meetings. the decorum of the meeting, the public speaking. I agree we need to be polite. We need to respect the rules. But if you
try to mix these two together, a decorum of the meeting versus a personal attack on the elected official and you try to co her to change her vote, that is totally two different
things. Okay? If you don't understand the differences, we live in two different planets. As Russ said, first amendment rights, yes, but threats has passed that it is again possibly against
the law. So, we are going to, you know, ask our law enforcement to do whatever they can to prevent this from happening. This is the first time and it's the last time. Let's not forget what happened in Saraveville. The council woman was
threatened. She reported and it was ignored and the unthinkable happened a couple years ago. We do not want that happen in Edison and this is not, you know, what we want in our community.
Enough is enough. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. She. Anyone else? >> Okay. Motion to >> motion to aend. Motion to agend. You have a second. Sackle. All in favor? I.
>> Okay. Meeting adjun. Thank you.