[snorts] >> Roll call, Mr. Toth. >> Yes. Mr. Vishal Patel. >> Here. >> Ms. Pang. >> Here. >> Mr. Shi. >> Here. >> Ms. White. >> Here. >> Ms. Anjana Patel. Mr. Lugo.
Mr. Ronak Patel. >> Here. >> Mr. Errico. >> Here. >> Mr. Azzarella. >> Here. >> You have a quorum. >> Opening statement. >> In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, Public Law 1975 C. 231 Sunshine Law, the Edison Township Board of Education has caused notices meeting
to be published by having the date, time, and place thereof posted in the Board of Education administrative offices and on the on the board's website. >> Thank you. In accordance with NJSA section 10:4-12, the Edison Township Board of Education
adjourns to confidential session for the purpose of discussing the following: confidential personnel and board matters, student matters, pending litigation, legal matters, property acquisition, and HIV. Do I have a motion to pre-list adjourn to the pre-list session?
>> Motion. >> I second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> I. >> Thank you. And we'll be we'll come back probably in after 30 minutes. Thank you. >> Half an hour. >> We are reconvening to the open session. I want to start with some student
recognition. The first one on the list is Sanvi Bhat and team member Shreya Reddy. Sanvi Bhat is a rising sophomore from J.P. Stevens High School who has formed a non-profit organization called We Are With You. The organization is to
advocate and support children with the cancer. We are with you care founded by Edison New Jersey student with a mission bigger than themselves because every child deserve to be heard, supported, and fought for. So, I like to invite Dr. Kim to talk more about it.
Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Patel. So, I'm Dr. Kim, the principal, very proud principal of John P. Stevens High School, and we're going to invite up We're next to us we have Sanvi Bhat and Shreya Reddy, and both of them were involved I Sanvi
started the organization We Are With You Care where they're really supporting and advocating for children with cancer and helping families associated with that. So, this amazing nonprofit that they've started, we just wanted to recognize their their work with it. So,
congratulations. >> [applause] >> You want to come on up and take a picture. >> Yeah, I just want to say something when they're taking the pictures. This is a you know, a group of uh students that have the formed this organization.
And you just see the two J.P. Stevens students here. They actually have an army of uh students. Some of them are elementary and and middle school as well. So, uh I hope when the high school kids graduated, you know, we'll have uh these
younger students uh continue the journey. It's a great organization and uh you know, um a great initiative from our students. And thank you, Sanvi, and thank you for your team. >> [applause] >> Okay, so the next one in the list is uh Odyssey of Mind team from from Woodrow
Wilson. Dr. Kim. >> Yes. So, I'm very proud to introduce the first place and world champion winners from the Woodrow Wilson Middle School Odyssey of the Mind team um for
performing extremely well at the world finals in Iowa. So, they went all the way out to Iowa and took home that beautiful trophy up on stage and I'm very proud to have them join us well eventually some of you may may be in a year or two but um joining us at JP. So,
um if I'll call you up and you can get your certificate and then you can go on up and we'll take a picture with that big beautiful trophy. Um okay, so Ayush Kucheria >> [applause] >> Dimahi Samant >> [applause]
>> Ahaan Yadav >> [applause] >> Arya Patel >> [applause] >> Prashant Hebar >> [applause] >> and Jagannath Dot >> [applause] >> Mr. President, can I say a couple words? >> Of course.
>> Yeah, sure. Go for it. >> So, these are the students who became the first place the world. And this is the first time that the the Woodrow Wilson have this and this I think it's the first time in our district. I might if you know right? So,
you know, Dr. Kim these kids are coming to JP. All right? So, they'll continue I hope they continue their journey when they're in high school and continue to be number one in the world. All right? Thank you very much. >> [applause]
>> Yeah, can can the board member have the honor to have some pictures with these kids? Yeah, why don't we have a picture with them? >> I can autograph this for you if you want. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> [applause] [laughter] [applause] >> Take another one? Oh, yes. Let's do it. Take it with the
girls. Jerry was so photogenic. Jerry's [snorts] good. >> Oh my god, here. >> I'm only kidding. >> [laughter] >> Okay, perfect. Excellent. I always bring them. Somebody so always got the tickle in their throat. >> Mhm.
>> No, we'll drop it off to you. >> Yes. Oh. I wasn't quite >> I agree. >> So, there are kids now. I hope that none of them are mine. >> All right, next award. There's two more. >> Oh, yeah, too. >> We're in good We're in good shape.
>> Okay. So, moving on to the next award, it it it is for Rhea Ray for the Eagle Scout project, Dr. Kim. >> Yes. So, Rhea Ray, who is a student at J.P. reach reach the rank of Eagle Scout, which is a an extreme accomplishment, and she did
her project at JMP, you know, beautifying and and cleaning up some areas of J James Madison Primary School. So, we're really proud of her. Is Rhea here? Okay. So, we'll get the certificate to
her, but she did a a great job, and I know that um Mr. Siler's really proud of the work that was done there as well. So, congratulations, Rhea. >> [applause] >> Okay. And the last, but not least, it's for the Director of the Year, New Jersey
Nutrition Association. It is with a great honor we announce that Armida Caldwell has been named director of the year by the New Jersey School Nutrition Association. Armida is a 30-year food service professional and serve as our director of to the fifth largest New Jersey
public school district, Edison Township Public School. She ensures her team serves meals to approximately 17,000 students daily across 20 schools. Uh Dr. Rella, you want to add something to it? >> Yeah, absolutely. You know, for those of you that um know Armida, she is you
know, the heart and soul of uh the backbone in relationship to our nutrition program and our food service program. Uh what an unbelievable accomplishment. No one could be more deserving. It's a pleasure to work alongside her each and every single day. I know many of the board members as well
um share my sentiments in relationship to that. And it's our honor, Armida, to uh congratulate you officially this evening. Why don't you come on up? We've got a few pieces for you. Let's have a round of applause for Armida. >> [applause] >> Yes, we will. We will. >> [laughter] >> I thought you going to make a speech. I
going to have you make a speech, then we come. >> Up there. >> Armida, make a speech, then we come. She didn't have to. All right, then we come. Have a have a picture. >> [applause] >> I will say >> Yeah, you almost talked her out of speaking. >> I was going
without working in this wonderful district um with this wonderful board and my team Thank you, everybody. Now I can >> [applause] [applause] >> All the best. >> Enjoy your summer, guys. >> Yeah. >> Enjoy your summer.
>> It'll be over before you know it. >> Oh, my summer is not ending. 3 days. I'll have summer all year round. >> You take a trophy with you, guys? You did, okay. Don't forget the trophy. >> Thank you.
>> Congratulations. >> Let's give it a minute for them to walk out. Then we'll start with the next thing. It's a superintendent report. >> Thank you very much, board president Patel. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Uh the 2025 the 20 25 2020
20 Am I saying that [laughter] right? >> 25 26 >> 25 26 a little bit easier to say that has come to a successful close. And while we celebrate our achievements, we are already begin planning for the next academic year, and that is completely underway. I want to extend my
sincere gratitude to our dedicated teachers, our administrators, our support staff for ensuring another productive year for our students. Thank you so much for the work that you do. You make my job very easy. I also want to congratulate all of our recent graduates and take a moment to
specifically recognize Mr. Charlie Ross as he celebrated his final graduation ceremony within our district. Charlie is a staple of you know, Edison High School, synonymous with its success and what's great about Edison High. So, Charlie, thank you so much for your
service. We'll we'll we'll see you shortly. We're not we're not done with you yet. I'd also like to thank the Board of Education on my behalf and my central office team's behalf. Thank you so much for your continued support, your vision, your insight, and moving things forward in a
progressive manner. And that that that service does not go unnoticed. Our schools remain active this summer as well, too. Extended school year program is set to begin Monday, June 29th. In addition to the educational program, we've also got
several facility projects that are moving forward. Construction, infrastructure improvements across the district, including the installation of air conditioning at JMI, JMP, and Washington schools. Yeah, yeah. Right, that's yeah, that's a
Thank you. As well as the Edison High School orchestra room and as well as the the major additions that we put on over at JMI as well as John Marshall are proceeding very very well.
And finally, just to talk a wrap wrap up a couple pieces. Our career connections hub, which is our which is a district-wide digital resource for college and career readiness that all of our students can access continues to expand. We've announced new
internships and partnerships with YMCA, EdTech companies, Harvard University as well, opportunities for there. This Friday we'll be conducting an outreach to students and staff at Edison High School, the Success the Success Academy, and John P. Stevens High School
to encourage participation in these valuable work based learning experiences which are, you know, in the area of, you know, 50 or or 60 that we've actually been able to get to the finish line. We're adding this each and every single day.
It's located on our district website, so any parent that's interested or any student that it's interested in accessing some form of a work based learning experience, please go ahead and and check that out on our website. And finally, as we close out 25 and 26, we
are proud to begin another year of our strategic plan Vision 2030 for the 26-27 academic cycle. This year marks a pivotal phase in our long-term road map. We remain committed to infusing the
portrait of graduate in all aspects from kindergarten through high school. Again, I thank the board and our teachers for our continued support in not only establishing these goals, but measuring them and making sure that we are constantly improving. And that is
the close of my report. >> Thank you, Mr. Patel. >> Thank you. Um, board president's report, I want to piggyback on what Dr. Varley said about the internships. For this generation of kids, the classroom, you know, hands-on experience supplements the classroom learning.
And and that's the best way to learn and and get the, you know, career ready, not just the, you know, college ready. So I would encourage all the kids to look at the internship. If it's open on the website, it's available. So please apply and and make use of your summer. Thank you.
Uh next thing is review of agenda item, Dr. Oluranti. >> Yeah, sure. So, as we move through the report for uh personnel, we have um our regular uh items on that agenda. We have our um resignations and terminations, appointments, leave of absence. We're also appointing coaches for the fall,
uh as well as additional recommendations made by the superintendent of schools. As we As we move forward through administration, we have our annual adoption, um state mandated uh plans and appointments as listed here. Um we have the approval of our policies
within our first reading, um in which we will be discussing that at the uh which we did discuss at our uh policy meeting, which occurred during June. Uh we have our agreement with the NJ SIAA, which needs to be board approved each and every single year, uh as well
as the uh the HIB report um that is approved from the uh previous Board of Education meeting. Uh as we move forward to curriculum and instruction, ladies and gentlemen, we only have the approval of one piece, and that is the professional development item for June 2026.
Uh and finally, we have our out-of-district placements for our special pupil services, as indicated um in the documents provided to the board. And now, I will turn it over to Mr. Toth for the finance section. >> Thanks, Doc. Uh under the finance and facilities section, we got the bills
list up first, along with our minimum prices for the fiscal year '27, along with tuition rates and uh subscription bussing. Uh under contracts, we're authorizing the use of co-op uh contracting through the various agencies that we work with,
along with New Jersey state contracts, and awarding some professional service uh contracts. Item D is change orders on our capital projects. We have three at our district-wide AC project. Uh two of them are for additional piping, case work, flooring, and some valve work, and uh,
one is for a credit uh, that we're going to receive um, for some work that we're not going to be doing in terms of uh, paint. Um, under grants, we have no nothing to report at this time, and nothing under the transportation route report at this time either. >> Well,
thank you. Next thing is public comments resolution only. >> [cough] >> Okay, I see none. Motion to close. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Aye. >> Okay. Uh, do I have a motion to approve personnel reports? >> Motion. >> Second.
>> Roll call. >> Mr. Russo. >> Yep. >> Mr. Azzarello. >> Yes. >> Mr. Errico. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ronak Patel. >> Yes. >> Ms. White. >> Yes. >> Mr. Shea. >> Yes. >> Ms. Peng. >> Yes.
>> President Patel. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. Next one is motion to approve administration, curriculum and instruction, and pupil service pupil special services. Do I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. >> Thought I was close.
>> [laughter] >> Roll call. >> Mr. Russo has been here 6 months now. >> [laughter] >> Ty goes to the runner. You got it, Ross. >> All right. Mr. Azzarello. >> Yes. >> Mr. Errico. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ronak Patel.
>> Yes. >> Ms. White. >> Yes. >> Mr. Shea. >> Yes. >> Ms. Peng. >> Yes. >> President Patel. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. Do I have a motion to approve finance? >> For you. >> Oh, you you just forgot Andre in that too. >> We missed Andre.
>> Oh, Andre is there? >> Ms. Patel. >> I need you to step in there. Got you. And on the on the on the previous one, I didn't I didn't get your vote, Ms. Patel. >> Yes. >> Thank you. You snuck up all quiet like. >> [laughter] >> That is, yeah. That's okay. [clears throat]
Do I hear a motion to approve finance? >> Motion. >> There you go. >> Second. >> Okay, roll call. >> Okay. Mr. Azzarella. >> Yes. >> All right, Mr. Errico. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ronak Patel.
>> Yes. >> Ms. Anjana Patel. >> Yes. >> Ms. White. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sheikh. >> Yes. >> Ms. Peng. >> Yes. >> President Patel. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. Next, we have committee reports. The first one is transport- transportation
committee, Mr. Errico. >> Thank you, Mr. Patel. Uh the committee uh committee members and attendees were myself, Ms. White, Doug Gillian, Dr. Aldarelli, Dr. Huss, and Mr. Tooth. Uh the committee discussed subscription bussing program
and reviewed options for establishing a fee structure that would make the program financially sustainable for the district. Additional discussion focused on potential purchase or lease of additional buses and the possibility of expanding in-house transportation services using district employee
drivers. This approach may reduce overall cost compared to our reliance on outside transportation contractors. The committee anticipates that the number of subscription bus routes and riders will be reduced compared to previous years. As far as field trips go, the committee
reviewed field trip transportation costs and discussed funding options moving forward. Trans- transportation for select field trips will need to be funded through individual school building budgets or supported through parent organizations, PTOs fundraising efforts, or direct parent contributions.
Maintenance and transportation of operations. The committee reviewed and anticipated transportation maintenance costs, noting that bids are currently being solicited and that substantial increases are expected. To reduce long-term maintenance expenses, the committee
discussed hiring an additional certified mechanic to perform more repairs in-house, purchasing bus parts directly through cooperative purchasing programs, taking advantage of tax-exempt purchasing opportunities available to school districts, employing a shared service agreement with a neighboring
district that already operates a transportation garage and vehicle lift facility. These strategies may help offset increasing maintenance and repair costs. Transportation fleet inventory, the committee receives an update regarding the district's transportation fleet.
Several buses are scheduled to be retired due to age, due to age wear, and overall condition. During the contract uh during the current school year, the district purchased two 24-passenger buses and one wheelchair-accessible van. The estimated cost of a new school bus
is approximately $185,000 per vehicle. At this time, no funding has been been allocated within the current budget for the purchase of any additional buses. Meeting adjourned. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next one is policy committee report, Mr. Patel.
>> Thank you, Mr. Patel. The policy committee took uh place on Monday, June 3rd at 4:30 p.m. at Education Center. Attendees were myself, Mr. Lugo, Mr. C, Dr. Elder Ali, Dr. Valentine, Dr. Hurst,
and Dr. Touhy. The policy committee reviewed straw SME policy ALA 237 and is recommending the policy listed on tonight's agenda for board approval. The committee also discussed the impli-
implementation of district new cell phone policy, including communication and expectations to support successful rollout for 2026-2027 school year. And that concludes the report.
>> Thank you. Next one is public comments. Joyce. >> Grace Jeff Edison, New Jersey. I would like to say um congratulations to all our grads from Edison High and from J.P. Stevens. And you know, and all of the students that
were here tonight making us very, very proud of them receiving that award and being the first one in this district to receive such a prestigious award is outstanding. And I know that now I'm going to miss uh Principal Charles
Ross. What a dynamic guy, what an outstanding guy, what a cheerleader [snorts] for Edison High. You can just feel his energy when he enters this this meeting. He didn't miss anything. He was always, always, always for the students of of
Edison. And I just I hope we can find someone to fill his shoes. If not to fill his shoes, at least to come close. Cuz I think he was just such an outstanding guy. Not saying that the rest of the teachers and the principals and everybody in the school are not outstanding people cuz you know, Edison,
we always want the best. But some stars shine brighter than some stars sometimes. So, I'm just saying that I'm going to miss you. Charles, I'm not going to have anybody to spar with about you telling me how great, great, and how outstanding your
students are and how great your school is. Thank you. >> Okay, next. Yes, Mr. Marra. >> Anthony Marra from Edison. Uh here to speak again about the parental bill of rights, which I've
emailed to you twice, once a couple days ago and once back in February 4th. Unfortunately, it's a necessary piece of work because parents these days just don't seem to get the rights that so many others do.
There's nothing in this bill of rights that diminishes any rights of the students. New Jersey Law Against Discrimination has tons of rights for the students. There's nothing in this
bill of rights that impinges or diminishes that in any way. And as I said before, but it bears repeating, our US Supreme Court has weighed in on this very strongly. In the recent case of Mirabella versus Bonte,
it held This is a case that originated in California. Actually, yeah, it's it's in from California. On a policy that's very much similar to the policy that is on board wiped out last May, 5756.
Supreme Court said, "The state argues that its policies advance a compelling interest in student safety and privacy, but those policies cut out the primary protectors of children's best interests, their parents."
The same true same is true with sub-class of parents who object to policies on due process grounds. In other words, both due process and freedom of speech and religion come to bear here. Goes on to say,
"Gender dysphoria is a condition that is an has an important bearing on a child's mental health. But when a child exhibits symptoms of gender dysphoria at school, California policies conceal that information from parents and facilitated
degree of gendered transitioning during school hours. These policies likely violate parents' rights to direct the upbringing and education of their children. This is our US Supreme Court. The Bill of Rights, which I sent to you,
is completely consistent with what our US Supreme Court has said. There are opt-out provisions in here where they Let me read one of them. In accordance with current federal and state laws, any child whose parent or guardian presents to the school
principal or designee a signed statement that any part of the instructions in health, family life education, sex education is in conflict with his conscience or sincerely held moral or religious beliefs shall be excused from that
portion of the course where such instruction is being given and without academic penalty to the student. This is an excellent piece of work. A lot of work went into this. The Colts Neck Board of Ed put this together and adopted it.
I asked that the Edison Board of Ed also adopt this. Someone on the board here may have campaigned on parental rights. In other words, when you were running for the board, did you say I'm for parental rights? Well,
if you did, put some teeth into it and adopt this Bill of Rights. If you don't, what kind of what kind of advocacy, what kind of policy were you running on when you were running?
When I was advocating against 5756, thankfully now gone in Edison, I spoke of the Fifth Commandment. How can you argue with that? God says to honor mom and dad. We just celebrated Father's Day.
Back in May, I think it was May 10th, Mother's Day last May. Every year it's on our calendar. Does anyone argue against? Of course not. Is there a parent here who wants to be dishonored? No. I don't know how many on the board are parents.
We all want to be parent I'm a parent, I'm a grandparent. >> [laughter] >> Honor mom and dad and adopt this policy. Also spoke of the golden rule. Do unto others as you you would have them do unto you.
You can't argue with that either. Everyone loves to to live by the golden rule. Everyone likes to to be the subject of golden rule. It can be a hard little rule to live sometimes. But it reaps wonderful benefits. Do
to the parents [clears throat] of Edison what you would like done for you as a parent here in Edison. Adopt this this bill of rights. Send a message to Edison. We're with you. We support you. We want
to give you the kind of support that a parent deserves. Thank you for hearing me. >> Thank you. Sue. >> Sue Campione, Schiffhauer Court in Edison. Um when the calendar first came out, I came down to ask about um
Passover, which we have always um had off. And I know it's hard to find um time to give all the holidays off, but we've always had Passover. Uh all I had simply asked for was the PD day be moved to the week before and two early
dismissals. It's an 8-day holiday, but the Seders are um most people celebrate it the first 2 days. Um when I left that meeting, I watched the rest of it at home, and I saw person after person after person come down and thank the board um because they wrote
letters to you and asked you to not take Eid away and make that a makeup snow day. So, we all lost a day of spring break, and we were extended a day, which affected everyone, but out of respect because it was a holiday,
you didn't take away Eid. So, I'm asking you for the same respect for um Jewish students, for all the Jewish teachers, to simply make them early dismissals. It does not change the calendar that much. It doesn't take away a day of school. It It
You don't have to make it up. You just make them early dismissals and not make it a PD day because then the teachers have to work, and we've done that before with Jewish holidays, and you don't have time to get home and do what you need to do. So, I'm just asking you out of respect the way that you did for other
people to make them early dismissals. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> [applause] >> Yes. Is that Yes. Thank you. >> It's Conway. >> Elizabeth Conway, 20 Netherwood Circle.
This is a great time of year because we've come to an end of another great school year, and there's so many people to well wish to. Um the administration has done great job, even though it was a tough year. The teachers and and the rest of
the staff just keep plugging on no matter how things get. So, I appreciate each and every one of them. To the students that graduated this year, I wish them the the of luck, and I hope their future is as wonderful
as they have been students at in our district. To all the teachers, please take it easy over the summer. You really need a breath because of all the things that you have to do during the year. I always say, "Take a minute and
smell the roses because you're going to need it because September comes around so quickly." I do have a question, though, changing uh thoughts. There was something in there about subscription bussing. And uh I know it was part of the uh
discussion in private session. There was something in the agenda uh regarding a subscription bussing and one of my neighbors is uh very uh agitated because he needs to know that his child will get to JP Stevens in
September and he's talked to other parents and he never gets the same answer. So, hopefully uh it'll be coming out soon and I was told that uh it'll be through the parent portal uh and hopefully he'll be able to get in because my neighbor will just be just so
upset. Um so, the other thing was the cost. With the rising cost of fuel and the rising cost of buying vehicles right now, we're talking 185,000 for one bus. And then you need
to hire more uh drivers, which has not been a fun thing to begin with over the years trying to get uh bus drivers. And without Joe Romano reminding everybody every month, "You want to be a driver?" We still have the big sign on Pearson
Avenue looking for bus drivers. So, that's a a big consideration. It's not as easy as as it used to be. And my final thing is to wish Mr. Ross a good retirement. What a gentleman
and a kind man reaching out to everyone in the district regardless of what school or what part of town you're from. He took such good care of his students at Edison High. But as a parent of of children that did not go to Edison High, he always reached
out and made sure he knew knew enough to reach out to everybody to say what's good about Edison. And not only Edison High, but all of Edison. We see it every month. All the different recognitions we have
and we should be proud of that. And we look forward to the future that everybody enjoy a quick summer because September comes quicker than all of us can think of. And thank you, Dr. Alderelli, for being at the forefront.
>> Thank you. Anyone else? >> [applause] >> Yes. >> Good evening, Matt Ravanac, ETA president. So, first of all, congratulations to all of our graduates from both Edison JP, those that moved up grade levels from the middle schools to the high schools, from the elementary to
the middle schools. Um but especially our graduates from the high schools. Best of wishes to them in the future, in college, and whatever other endeavors they undertake in their future. Um I also want to mention to the staff that retired, all our retirees, um or
those that are leaving the district otherwise. For our retirees especially, thank you for all your service to the district. It's been a pleasure working with you and representing you as one of your union leaders. Um wish them all the best in retirement.
Mr. Averko, congratulations to you. I know you'll be retiring. I guess what do you have, like 2 days left? >> Three more days. >> Three more days. So, I nobody's mentioned it, but Mr. Hericourt and I go back a long way. He was also a teacher in this district for a while. Um
and so I know it's your last couple of days and best wishes to you as always in your retirement. Um I also want to mention a couple of other things. Um first I know Mrs. Campione spoke about the um having days off for Passover next year.
I know this has come up. I just want to advocate just out of respect for everyone's beliefs and religions and all. I do hope the board does the right thing with that. I thought it would be on tonight's agenda. Obviously, it isn't, but hopefully moving forward there'll be that calendar adjustment for that purpose.
Um Next thing up, July 4th is coming up. I've always like, you know, talked about all the holidays. I did it with Memorial Day, etc. You know, we have some issues in this country. We're not perfect, but celebrating our 250th
anniversary of the start of this country, we're still the greatest country in the world. We have freedoms that no one else around the world has. And while we have our problems, it's it is a time for us to celebrate and, you know, give thanks for what we do have in this country and like I said, the
liberties and freedoms that we we do definitely um possess. Uh next thing on the agenda, um Mr. Ross, I wish he was here. I didn't get to speak at the last board meeting about him,
but you know, he was the perfect person to an extent for Edison High School coming in at the time. Um I really did appreciate work with him. Quite honestly, we got off to a little rocky start when he first started. Um but we warmed up to each other. I
think we became pretty decent friends. Um great gained a lot of respect when he became president of the supervisor administrators association. A number of times we would work together and confer on things, etc., etc. But most importantly, what he did in in leading Edison High School.
Um like was mentioned before, there's probably no bigger cheerleader. The one thing I'm happy for is having to get up and speak either after him because he was such a dynamic speaker that it was always a tough act to follow. Or knowing that he was coming up after me perhaps,
you know, um was always a tough tough uh pill to swallow. But I do wish Mr. Ross, you know, the best in retirement and whatever endeavors again he undertakes moving forward in the future. And finally, um with summer upon us now,
everybody have a great summer. Time to rejuvenate, relax. Hopefully it's fun-filled, safe in your travels. Hopefully everybody's getting away, vacationing. Um and most importantly is to, you know, relax and and catch up on some sleep or
whatever is you need to do get ready for the next school year. Thanks. >> Thank you. Anyone else? Yes. >> I have a quick question about Mr. >> give your name and address? >> My name is uh Renee Cavaria, 10 Louise Road.
>> Okay, thank you. >> Um I have an interest in the high school here. I am a band and choir parent, so I was wondering if you guys are going to announce who our new choir director is going to be or do I have to wait for that to come out in the meeting minutes?
>> Well, I'll let you finish all your comments and then >> That's the only question I have. Is who our new director is? >> You can you can take a seat. You You Oh, we are we are still in the process of >> the process of of finalizing those
details, but um prior to any any recommendation from from those purposes, we have to inform the Board of Education has to be put on on an agenda at that time, too. I would imagine though the rumor mill in Edison is is quite active, so I would you know you may know before
before I know. >> [laughter] >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Motion to close public portion? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Aye. >> Board member comments? >> I didn't remember it this time. >> Yeah. Before we start the comments, can
I ask Dr. Outlaw ready two questions that's on on the mind of a lot of the residents? >> Sure. >> One is brought up about the subscription. The other is about a summer camp cuz the summer camp is camp is based on enrollment. Some of the classes has does
not have enough people to enroll. So, the students wants to enroll in other pro- other classes that's going to start a little bit later. So, two questions: summer camp and transportation. >> Yeah, perfect. So, to begin with the summer camp, Mr. She, right? Some of
those classes that didn't run right the program that you're speaking about is self-sustaining, right? It's got to pay for the cost of the class, the teacher, so on and so forth, supplies and materials. In the event that we were not able to run a class as a result of low enrollment, students will have the
opportunity to enroll in additional classes as long as there's availability. Right. And then for transportation in relationship to that, yep, you know, the board approved tonight the transportation subscription bussing rate. We are, you know, in a position right
now where we are going to open our portal shortly. Correspondents will be coming out from the district office within the next 2 days. Portal will most likely open up on Monday, the 29th. It will be opened up for the entire month of July. It is on a first come, first serve basis.
You know, in in years past, you know, the Board of Education has been fortunate enough, um, to provide a subscription busing program that was very, very robust. Um, the task this year is that it's going to be self-sustaining and, um, we do believe we can run a comparable program. Um, it will be limited, uh, you
know, depending upon the routes. We want to make sure that, um, you know, the cost is associated with the cost of the route. We did a lot of due diligence on the back end to determine that specific number in concert not only with our transportation committee, but our business office and the transportation department. Um, so, uh,
you know, moving forward, we'll we'll hopefully be able to provide, um, you know, a program that's >> Thank you. >> similar. Did I answer the question, Mr. Chee? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Next, board member comments? >> I'll go I'll go first. Uh, thank you,
board president. >> Seniority. >> Senior. I I've been here more than 6 months and 23 days. >> [laughter] >> 5 months. >> So, uh, again, I would like to thank you, Mr. Ross, um, very much. Uh, he was here with, uh, a couple of my children.
Um, and, uh, he does a great job not only for Edison High School, but for Edison Township. Uh, he's always visible. He's at almost every event that he could possibly make. Um, he's going he's going to be a tough person to, uh, replace. Um, also like to congratulate the
graduates, uh, from J.P. Stevens and Edison High. They were great ceremonies. Dr. Kim did a great job. Mr. Ross did a great job. Um, again, they, uh, all did very well. Uh, also like to thank all the staff.
That includes everyone from bus drivers to custodians to groundskeepers to teachers to powers, lunch aids, whoever it may be. It's a long school year and it's not an easy job in any of those positions. And I would like to
congratulate them and, uh, also, uh, want them to have a a great relaxing summer. Thank you, Mr. Patel. >> Thank you. Yes. I'd like to agree with board member Ralph Errico and congratulate all the
Edison High JP Stevens students. For me, it was an honor and a privilege to attend uh being one of six and having four sons, I've attended quite a few high school graduations, but that was my first time
on stage where I could feel the head the excitement in their handshakes and see the Texas-wide smile on their faces when when you handed them the diploma and you shook their hands and I said, "Congratulations. I wish all the best."
Your chapter in life, you have a Everybody has a book with chapters. They just completed one chapter in their life and they now begin the next chapter in their life. This chapter they'll have they'll happen to have more opportunities to have a
stake in what goes on in their lives and write this chapter. So, congratulations to all the graduates, their families, their friends. It was a two great ceremonies. Congratulations to the teachers, all the faculty, two two great principals
and the administration and anyone that was there and it was a joy for me to be there and I enjoyed being there with my fellow board members and I'm very happy for the students and wish them nothing but the best. >> Thank you.
Anyone else? Yes. >> I I know I can't talk. >> [laughter] >> So, congratulations to Ralph who is retiring as age is 35. Uh five more days, three more days to >> years in >> way too young to retire.
Um >> [clears throat] >> great you know, he worked in our district and the other district and now he's uh retiring enjoying golf or baseball. Uh uh talk about Charlie Ross, he's usually here. And today he's not here. I I think he's
in Canada watching the uh the World Cup if I remember correctly. So, I hope to uh see him uh next month. Um I was very happy to be invited to name the entranceway to the uh stadium as Charlie
Ross Way with uh board member Jeanie Jeanie White uh Ross and Ralph. And uh he's going to leave a lasting memory for um the students and the community and especially for the Edison High community.
Um he [clears throat] will be missed. Um and what it's a it's a very tough task to find his replacement. But uh we'll we'll see. We'll try to do a good job, right?
Um Also, uh I'd like to thank Ralph and his team for uh uh have a successful negotiation contract with with the custodians union. We just uh approved that contract and I my
understanding is the contract also rectified by the union members today. So, congratulations uh to them and thanks for the hard work of the team to get it done. Um >> [clears throat] >> as far as the graduation, so I want to say a couple things.
Um this year the JP Stevens made a small change. They have all these students announce all the um graduate uh graduates. These 12 students did a fantastic job and uh we know these some of the names
are really hard to pronounce. And they did a fantastic job. They took their responsibility very seriously. And um you know, they uh my understanding they contact most of the students to make sure the pronunciation
is correct. So, uh kudos to them for um >> [clears throat] >> get it done. Um I also want to say something specifically about this graduation. We have We graduated probably a little bit over 1,200 students this year uh
from both high schools. 20 of these students are from our Success Academy. Okay? 12 of the students are from Edison High, eight students from JP. Of these 20 students, some of them are
going to college. And uh we have [clears throat] done the the board and administration has done a good job of fixing the building to make a Success Academy. We uh bring these kids in the district,
and so far looks like we have a successful program. In the past, these kids were sent out of district, and we paid about $3 million each year to send these kids out of the district. And we're saving a lot of money by
bringing them in, and also have a successful program. Uh we want to replicate this for our special needs population, and the goal is to bring at least half the students in district, and that's even more savings um
>> [clears throat] >> to educate these kids in district, and you know, uh have the program in home instead of sending them out, and also paying the additional transportation cost. So, we have a very successful story for
the Success Academy. We want to replicate that for our special needs students. Uh that That's it. Thank you. Uh I just I to wish everyone a happy um summer break and take some time, enjoy,
and come back relaxed for another school year. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else? Yes, Genie? >> All right. Um I just want to basically echo everybody up here. As a board member, I think the best thing that we
do or that for me anyway is graduation. To see like almost 1,200 students graduate, you know, first Edison High and then J.P. Stevens and the the minor change that was done with J.P. Stevens was incredibly good. Edison High just
has it down pat. You know, so but the the graduation ceremonies for both schools were just so outstanding. But we had several things leading up to graduation. We had our scholarship programs. You know, we did Edison High
but J.P. Stevens again was wonderful. The people were so generous, the donors and the scholarships that were awarded helped out so many students. It was just It's just amazing to be a small part of this and to see it happen and to see it
benefit so many people. And then to now I have to say something about the incredible Mr. Ross who is such an amazing human being. I think I was the first person he met when he came into the district. He will
tell you that, you know, and it's true. I was with him when he went for his interview. And you know, he was amazing then and he's amazing to this very day. We will miss him. He's been such an asset to the district. But I wish him
well. He deserves everything good in this world. He's a wonderful human being. And thank you for listening. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, um I I just also want to I mentioned this in the graduation, but I want to say it
again that I you know, best luck to Charlie. Um I can see that he's the pre- prettiest cheerleader, but I he's definitely the most hardworking and longest serving cheerleader for Edison High. Uh best luck and also, you know, good
luck to Ralph. You enjoy your retirement. And lastly, um just to all those staff members and educators and our students, enjoy your summer. This is you know, one nice break that we're going to all going to have. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else? Uh one more
thing I forgot. So, uh it's a public announcement that um uh we have two beautiful tennis courts uh in JP Stevens and Edison High. Those courts are open to the public.
So, the JP Stevens courts has lights. I think right now the light turns off about 10 to 10:30. And uh since Edison High is in in the residential neighborhood, it doesn't have the the the lights. But it's open and people can take advantage of these beautiful courts.
And also, the stadium of those uh both schools are also open. So, um people can go, run the track, uh play, you know, soccer or football. But uh just uh you know, um
don't occupy the the the the field for the entire day and uh leave it to some other uh people as well. And please please follow the rules. And uh don't be that one guy uh who's going to ruin it for for the uh entire community. So, the JP tennis
court and Edison tennis court is open to the residents and also, the two fields, the football fields are o- football and and um um the track [clears throat] are open to the public both high schools.
And the fitness what would you say? No. No. It's outdoor. We open it outdoor. We're not allowing people to go indoor right now. >> And thank you to Mr. >> Oh, the fitness center there's not Yeah, it's been open all the time. Yes.
I thought you were talking about the Yeah. Yeah, we call it a dog playground, so enjoy it. >> [laughter] >> Both of them. Yes. >> Thank you to Mr. She for getting those tennis courts open. Thank you. >> So Mr. I would like to congratulate you on your retirement. I think Mr. She is
giving you an idea on where to spend your time. Tennis courts, fitness courts, track. >> I'm not a track guy. >> Cool. Well, thank you. Anyone else? So Ralph, you got a challenge from Joyce. She's going to She's going to play tennis with you. Yeah, next week. >> I have to get a racket.
>> Yeah, next next Monday. So Joyce going to wait for you. You going to You going to meet You going to wait for him at the Monday morning 8:00? >> 8:00. >> Okay. >> Board President, I like also would like to congratulate Ralph on
on his retirement. Well well deserved. Enjoy your retirement. And also with the Success Academy that's 20 That's a That's 20 stories. >> 20 >> 20 20 individuals that could have been lost that may just because they go to
another school, they may not have had the same You may not have had the same results. So not only did was it a was it a cost savings, you kept them in house. You kept them
You know, you you know, you kept them under tabs and you and that you had a great faculty and principal at the Success Academy. And that's exactly what it was. It's a success 20 successful stories that of 20 individuals that you could have lost but
you didn't lose. And not only did they graduate, you have some going to college, some going into trades. And I I like to see that continue and even expand. That's it. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> I just
I just want to echo on everybody all my fellow board members said. I want to congratulate and wish all the best to the Edison High School principal, Charlie Ross. And all the best to Ralph for after 3 days
he will be retiring. And last year I did not get a chance to be witness the ceremony but this for the high school graduation ceremony. But this year I did but I still I missed the Edison High School ceremony. But I was
able to be part of the J.P. Stevens High School ceremony. ceremony. I will say congratulation to all the students who graduated from the high school, middle school. And thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. Do I have a motion to close?
>> Motion to close. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Thank you. >> Meeting adjourned. >> [music]