Oh, let's try that again. Good evening, everyone. >> All right, we have a full house tonight. We're excited because a lot of times we're here looking at the chair. So, it's good to see everyone tonight. I'd like to welcome our public to our regular business meeting um for May uh
May 12th, 2026. Like to call our meeting to order. On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, notice of this meeting was emailed to the press and the daily journal. Notice was also delivered that day to the aar township clerk and posted on bulletin board and
township hall. >> May I have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Berg, >> present. >> Mr. Buyers >> here. >> Mr. Delabbarka >> here. >> Missman >> here. >> Mr. Ireland >> here. >> Mr. Sepy >> here. >> Mrs. Sloggy >> here. >> Mr. Price >> here. >> Mrs. Gilbert Floyd
>> here. At this time, we're going to have our flag salute >> to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice
for all. like to have a motion to approve minutes items 4.1 through 4.3. >> Motion Ireland. I'll second the motion. >> Any discussion? >> Seeing none, roll call, please.
>> Mrs. Berg. >> Yes. >> Mr. Buyers. >> Yes. >> Mr. Delabarka. >> Yes. >> Missyman. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ireland. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sepy. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sagi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Price. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gilbert Floyd.
>> Yes. Here. here. Okay. Good evening everyone. Little something different tonight uh regarding the superintendent report, right? Kids are going to help me out. We'll get to share all the great things that we're doing in the district, but tonight's a very special occasion. So,
that that's what comes first. Um and it's important um that we realize how important that our our teachers are to us. So, um I know that you guys want me to show the video first, but we'll do that. Um superintendent report real quick always has a video. and Allan put
this together. Great things going on in our district. So, we're going to share my living shooting for the stars, but I couldn't make a killing. Didn't have a time, but I always had a vision. ALWAYS didn't know how I always had a feeling.
I was going to be that one in a minute. Always had my heart. Mama said, "Fulfill a prophecy. Be something great. Go make a legacy. Manifest destiny." Back in the days, we
wanted everything. Wanted everything. Mama said, "Bring your biographies, rewrite your history, light up your wildest dreams, music victories." Every day we wanted everything. Wanted everything. Mama said, "Don't give up.
It's a little complicated. All tied up. No more love. And I'd hate to see waiting. Had to have a living. But I couldn't make a killing time. I
always had a vision. ALWAYS HAD always said they never want to be. So we don't ever change. We wanted everything. Wanted everything. Stay up on their eyes. Stay up on their
eyes. Never come down. Stay up on their eyes. Stay up on their eyes. Never come down. Mama said, "Don't give up. It's a little complicated. All tied up. No more love. And I'd hate
to see waiting. They say it's all been done, but they haven't seen the best of me. E hey. So I got one more run and it's going to be a sign to say hey. I HAD HIGH HOPES FOR A LIVING. SHOOTING
FOR THE STARS WHEN I COULDN'T MAKE A KILLING. DIDN'T HAVE A DIME, BUT I ALWAYS HAD A VISION. ALWAYS. OKAY. SO, just showcasing all the great things that go on within just a month and kids are having a great time. You can see smiles on their faces, learning
in the classroom, outside the classroom and the programs that we have. Um, so we're very very proud of that and we like to show that off and you know supporting all that are very very special people and that's our teachers and staff. So, with that I'm going to turn over to Dr. Charlton who's going to
um MCE tonight's program. >> Thank you Dr. Gio and behalf of the board and Dr. Guchio, welcome. This is our annual teacher of the year and educational service professional of the year recognition. And tonight we are honoring 14 exceptional individuals from seven different schools. And so the way
this is going to work is I'm going to call up the principles and they are going to introduce both of their recipients, say a few words about them, and then they're going to receive a plaque and a certificate and a bouquet of flowers from Mrs. Gilbert Floyd, our board president, and Dr. Gusio. Before
that, what a great way to set a tone for a teacher of the year and ESP recognition of the year is to have the Atlantic County, the current Atlantic County teacher of the year here with us. And her name is Christa Delaney and she's a science teacher at our high school and is the current reigning teacher of the year for Atlantic County.
So, Christa, come on up and share some words. >> Thank you so much, Dr. Charlton. I have a short presentation of my year as county teacher of the year as well as what I'm doing in my classroom. Um so bear with me.
>> Is it okay? >> So while she's getting set up, we're so proud of Christa. Um she just recently spoke at the teacher of the year for Atlantic County and did a wonderful job. I was so very proud of her. Um and she'll be speaking to the student group soon. All right.
>> Yes. But we give you a little practice. So you go. Yes, thank you. Okay, so I teach AP environmental science at the high school. Um, this is a little bit about me, but the biggest things to know about me is that I am a graduate of Eker Township High School
and that my sons attend Township School. So, I'm also a room mom at Slayball Elementary, my most important job in the district. Um, so in the classroom this year, we've had guest speakers. Um, we've had a Zoom call with researchers in Antarctica that
was set up through a program with Ruckers LER program as well as Zoom calls with shark researchers at the University of Miami. We've had watershed ambassador presentations. The current Atlantic, well, the current great Egg Harbor watershed ambassador is a former
Egg Harbor Township student, Jacob De Rose, and he came in to do presentations that focused on what a watershed is and also stream macro invertebrate identification. A big push that I have in my classroom is literacy in the science classroom.
Um, so I ran a workshop at our March professional development on literacy in the science classroom and how science teachers can incorporate literacy and to make sure that our students are leaving college ready from any course related to science. And these are some ways that I
do that as well as when we are on our experential learning opportunities, the students use different things to write their answers. For example, this is a Google slide that they were able to use when we're on a field trip around the back base of Atlantic City on a boat
tour. Also on campus, we do carbon sequestration labs. Um, we've grown grow dune grass in our greenhouse as well as planted many vegetables in our greenhouse. We have students working from the environmental action club all year in the greenhouse. That is an
examples of eco columns that we're running in the greenhouse. And then that picture a student sent to me with the rainbow over the greenhouse which I really appreciated. Um off campus we've gone to the ACUA every year for many years and the
students get to tour a landfill working landfill as well as look at water treatment facilities and see how our water is treated. We also went to the wetlands institute and did on the beach water collection and water sampling. And then our big project that we've been
doing for the past two years is dune grass planning in coordination with Ocean Sea Public Works and the American Literal Society. And this was from a grant. A lot of everything we went on was from a grant from the DOE. Um so it was a grant focused on climate
education. We were able to secure funding for next year to continue our Dune Grass planning with another community partner, American Water. So really excited about that that we can continue our project. Just recently we went to the nature reserve and did a biob blitz with all different science teachers there with
our biology students teaching our students about soil sampling about albido effect about water sampling and identification. We also focus on cross-curricular highlights in our grant writing. And so
this is an example of how we worked with different classes how to incorporate climate education into their classrooms. And this is just an example of that. Another focus is to incorporate it from as many classes as we can. So we did
dune grass planting vertical articulation with our first grade classes. We have were able to bring one first grade class up to the greenhouse to see the greenhouse to help us plant the dune grass where we maintained it for a month before we planted in Ocean City in March. And we went to every single first grade class in the
district, Davenport and Swift, and did dune grass lessons and let the students know why you shouldn't climb on a dune, why are dunes important, why do we want to leave them alone during the summer? So, it was giving them real world application of a science-based concept.
The STEM bus is also something that I work with with my students. So, our science supervisor, Rodney Valardi, upcycled a bus from our transportation fleet into the STEM bus, also known as the cool bus or the fun bus, around the district. And then my students are the ones who actually go out to the
elementary schools and bring the STEM bus and the students work on robotics and coding in a fun environment. So, all told, we saw 640 students this year. We also are going to Aldor's water festival with Miller. So it'll be even more than
that. And then the high school preschool is coming on the STEM bus in June. So again, it will be even more than that. But there was a lot of students who were able to experience the STEM bus this year. That was also through grant money that we received from the DOE
in the state. I am a member of the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment Science High School Science Advisory Committee. That's a mouthful, I know. Thank you to Dr. Griio for um when I asked if I could apply, she said yes, you can and allowing me to attend these
meetings where I helped to write the science state testing questions which our juniors are taking the science state test next week. >> I'm also a New Jersey teaching fellow for climate education and I've written um lesson plans for subject to climate and the New Jersey learning hub. So
subject to climate is across the country. New Jersey Learning Hub is specific to New Jerseys learning standards and specific climate aspects to New Jersey. And then we've also were a participant in the empowered schools program. We had students somewhere here
today make a video about um how to reduce our energy usage at the high school as part of our empowered schools program. And then in the country we have achieved many different awards but one that was recent last year we were an eco school's
green flag certification award winner. I've also helped the national wildlife federation write their eco cards which an example is there so that other schools can earn green flag certification. And this is an example of what that card
looks like in action. And this these were my students from two years ago. We went to the Kate May Nature Center. And then what have I done as county teacher of the year? I've been able to attend professional development days in August and October and work with my
cohort. And I'm very excited to help our next cohort of county teachers of the year with whatever they're planning to do in the future. I was able to speak at Stockton's Future Teachers Conference, which I loved. and I presented at Angie, which is the Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education Conference, as
well as the New Jersey Coastal and Climate Resilience Conference in coordination with the Department of Education. And then the fun part is you get to attend sporting events across the state um as county teacher of the year. >> In the future, I would love to continue
working with my cohort. I have been noodling an idea around of having a free seed library outside of the greenhouse so that community members can come and take free seeds and grow things at their house. Um, so I think this summer I'm going to try to build that free seed
library. Luckily, we've been able to secure funding for our dunerass project. I want to continue to coordinate lessons between grade levels in the district, including with the STEM bus. And then most recently, for the past two days, I've been working with the LATIC cohort working on incorporating technology
infused classrooms and problem based classrooms. So, thank you to the board of education for supporting all of my endeavors this year. It's been a whirlwind of a year. Thank you to central administration, Dr. Guchio for helping support me on everything I asked for you to help me with. And then also a
special shout out to my high school for always supporting everything that I do, including all the teachers and staff who agreed to be a part of my projects. So, thank you everyone >> and thank you Christa. We're so proud to have you on our staff. When you think there's thousands of teachers in
Atlantic County, that's an amazing distinction to be the county teacher of the year. So, let's meet our recipients for tonight, the 14 people. There's going to be a brief video introducing them. Hopefully, students in here, you reconnect with some people that you used to have in class in your earlier grades.
We'll bring that up right now. Egg Harbor Township School District wishes to congratulate our teachers and educational service professionals of the year. Bargaintown Preschool teacher of the year. Michelle Simon, Educational Service Professional of the
Year, Caitlyn Scaliz, Swift Slayball Complex. Teacher of the Year, Christa Bernardino. Educational Service Professional of the Year, Elizabeth Richie, Davenport Complex. Teacher of the Year, Jennifer Adam,
Educational Service Professional of the Year, Justina Mishkovski. Yes. Miller Elementary School teacher of the year, Brian Corkran. Educational service professional of the year, Katie Snider,
Alder Avenue Middle School. Teacher of the year, Carrie Watts. Educational Service Professional of the Year, Cheryl Jenkins, Fernwood Avenue Middle School. Teacher of the Year, Roseanne Kerry. Educational Service Professional of the
Year, Miguel Crespbow. Egg Harbor Township High School. Teacher of the Year, Danielle Ner. Educational Service Professional of the Year, Joshua Lesser. Congratulations to all of our recipients.
So again, Mrs. Gilbert Floyd and Dr. Ger are going to be presenting on the behalf of the board a plaque, a certificate, and also a bouquet of flowers. So we're going to get started right away with our first principal, and that's Mr. Joseph Marinelli from the Bargaintown Preschool. Good evening everybody and
congratulations to all the winners. Preschool is very proud to recognize Miss Michelle Simon. Why don't you come on Michelle? Michelle Simon is our 2627 teacher of the year. An exceptional preschool disabled teacher. Michelle creates an
inclusive, structured, and nurturing classroom where every child is supported, understood, and celebrated. Through individualized instruction and a thoughtful supports, she builds confidence, communication, and independence in each of her students. Michelle's innovation shines through in
the system she designs to help students fully participate in daily routines and schoolwide activities. Her visual supports, her communication tools, and the sensory experiences, including her independently developed Friday sensory program, well, that's a mouthful, are
carefully aligned to meet her students needs and families. Deeply value her consistent communication and home activities, which extend learning beyond the classroom. A dualcertified BCBA, Michelle is also a trusted collaborator who generously shares her expertise with
colleagues and administrators. Her calm professional approach brings clarity, stability in all situations. Through her dedication, leadership, and commit commitment to inclusive education, we're truly proud to honor you tonight.
>> Congratulations, Michelle. Miss Caitlyn Scaliz. Our preschool is very proud to recognize Caitlyn Scaliz as our 2627 educational support professional of the year. Chosen by her peers, Caitlyn exemplifies the very best of our school community
through her compassion, professionalism, and dedication to both the students and her colleagues. As a speech pathologist, Caitlyn blends expert knowledge with genuine care to support each child's communication and their growth. She de she develops individualized plans,
collaborates closely with the staff, and provides meaningful guidance to her families, ensuring that every student feels supported and nurtured and empowered. Caitlyn's leadership and positivity extend throughout the building. She goes above and beyond through continued professional learning
and in every day. Her kindness, her enthusiasm, and her commitment truly reflect our mission to embrace, engage, and educate, making her very deserving of this reward. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. Thank you. >> The principal of our Davenport
Elementary complex, Mrs. Letia White. >> Good evening, everyone. Miss Adam Shack. >> All right. So, I am honoring our teacher of the year, Jenny Adams Shack. We proudly honor you as our 2526 teacher of the year. As we affectionately know her,
Jenny. So, I'm going to stay with Jenny for now. Jenny is one of our very first smiling faces that our students see each day in the morning as they go to breakfast. And that smile never fades throughout the day. Whether she's greeting students in the hallway, supporting them in the cafeteria, or
working beside them in the classroom, Jenny brings warmth, kindness, and encouragement everywhere she goes. Fun fact about Jenny, she was raised in EHT. She attended EHT school. She graduated and she's obviously been here for 19 years. So, she loves it. Jenny is one of
our three ML superheroes in our building and she plays an important role in helping students transition from different backgrounds to learn a new language and feel welcome and supported in their new environment. She not only supports the students but their families as well, helping to create a true sense
of belonging within the school community. Jenny hearts for others extend far beyond the classroom. We honor her commitment to continuing her brother's legacy, John Elliot's legacy through the hero campaign, showing her dedication to the safety and well-being
of our community and beyond. One co-orker shared that Jenny is a pleasure to work with and makes every day at Davenport uplifting with her contagious laugh and positive attitude. That's true. Jenny, thank you for your dedication to our students and school each and every day. And congratulations
on being named the teacher of the year. Thanks. >> Want a picture? >> All right. Just seen the Mishkovski. >> All right. our ESPY, Justina. Uh it is truly an honor to recognize this year 2526 ESPY. As you
can see, she's full of love and light. Um Miss Justina, Miss Coffee, as we know her as Miss Ena, so I'm going to continue to call you Miss Ena throughout the speech. Miss Ena is truly a ray of sunlight in our school community. Every day she walks through the doors with a
smile on her face and a high level of energy, ready to tackle the day. No matter the situation she's dealing with in the classroom, you can always always count on Miss Ena to bring gratitude, encouragement, support, and positive vibes to everyone around her. She's also
one of the most sought-after par professionals in the building. personally requested year after year by her partner teacher because of her dedication, reliability, and care. In challenging situations, you never see Miss Ena sweat. Well, maybe physically
when she's running behind the kids, but never emotionally because she's always handles everything with grace and a huge smile. One co-orker shared that Miss Ena remembers every student in every face because she truly takes the time to connect with them. Miss Ena has a genuine heart for students she serves.
She builds deep and lasting relationships with them. So much so that families still remember her. Miss Ena, you're more deserving of this award. And thank you for all you do. I love you. I love your energy. I'll smile anyway.
Thanks everyone. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Just so everyone knows, we'll also be taking a brief fiveminute break after everyone's done so you can get some good pictures with everybody up front. The principal of the Swift Slayball Complex,
Mrs. Rachel Cassen Pang. Just a side note, I grew up going to church with Miss Ena and she has always always been like that since she was about five years old. That is very genuine. That is who she is. Uh so I'm going to start out by getting stood up. Uh Mrs. Bernardino had a prior obligation tonight, but she is our
teacher of the year. Uh she is not here, but I want to say a few words about her. Uh she is our self-contained special education teacher at the Swift Slayball Complex. Christa is a phenomenal educator that makes a difficult job look easy. She genuinely loves what she does
and cares tremendously for her students. Christa's classroom is a place where every child is valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. She meet meets each student exactly where they are and provides individualized instruction with unwavering patience. Christa truly has a gift when it comes to special education
and she is very deserving of this honor. So, wherever you are, Christa, congratulations. And now I would like to invite up Miss Liz Richie, our educational services professional of the year. Hi Liz.
So Liz is our second and third grade librarian at the Swift Slayball Complex. Liz is an exceptional educator whose dedication, compassion, and professionalism consistently elevate our school community. Her commitment to students, families, and colleagues makes
her a model teacher and an invaluable member of our school community. Liz's uh rapport with students, parents, and colleagues is built on kindness, trust, and genuine care. Students feel safe and valued in her presence. Parents appreciate her open communication and
guidance, and staff members know they can rely on her for encouragement, teamwork, and a positive outlook. Mrs. Richie makes everyone around her feel heard and respected. When students were asked about Mrs. Richie, they said, "I love how Mrs. Richie takes the time to listen to our questions. She doesn't go
too fast through things, and I feel supported by her. Mrs. Richie is very kind and patient. She makes everything interesting. She's also the best because she's a hockey mom, and I like to see her at the Clam Bar in the summer. She doesn't just eat there. She manages
there if you need to need to stop by. I like the pretty highlights in her hair. Liz, our school is honestly a better place because of you and we are all lucky to know you and work with you. Congratulations and thank you.
>> Sorry about the bugs. the principal of Miller Elementary School, Mr. Jim Batterdsby. >> Like to introduce Miller School's teacher of the year, Mr. Brian Corkran. No, >> Brian, I I usually like to start off by
just sharing. You obviously were nominated for this, so I wanted to start off by just sharing some of the things that your peers said to you in your nomination form. Some of the things that were said, he creates engaging, hands-on, student- centered lessons, makes his students feel valued and supported. He brings positivity,
enthusiasm every single day. Builds connections with students not only in the classroom but outside the classroom as well. He's always seen supporting his students that are involved in community activities. He serves as a positive role model for not only for our staff but our students. So those are some of the
things that your peers have said about you. But I know from my eyes of being with you for now seven years. Uh I do appreciate your leadership and your role role how you're a role model for our students. You're a good person. You're a good man. You're a great teacher. And to
be in your classroom and see how you integrate different things in into the lessons that engage students and get them excited. I remember seeing Super Mario Math earlier this year and fantasy football math at different times and how you engage kids throughout the year and
being creative and and really hooking them into what they're learning about math. Um, so I just I want to say thank you. It's it does not go unnoticed. Uh the leadership and the role model you are for our students and staff. Uh I try to equate uh Brian as I'm a sports guy.
I played and I coached for years. And when I think of Brian, I think of Brian as that guy on my team as a coach that I would say this is the guy I need to go in and guard the toughest guy. He's the guy that would go in and get that last yard that's needed. And and that's
that's how I that's that's legitimately how I think of Brian because I know he's a sports guy. I'm a sports guy and that's how because he's such a good person and he works so hard with our students and our staff that he goes above and beyond and I I really appreciate everything you this is welld deserved. >> Congratulations.
>> Cool guys. >> Cool guys. congratulations. >> Miller School's SP of the year is Miss Katie Snider. Mrs. Katie Snider. Katie, along those same lines, I'd like to pull information from your nomination form that people have shared with us to
get you here tonight. So, uh, Katie's a power professional at Miller School. She helps run behavior plans, organizes and preps instructional activities, helps run academic centers, and collaborates with her team on new ideas. Katie is always learning and growing in everything she does. She recently earned
a her behavioral technician certification along with her bachelor's degree in social work. All to help her students and further her career. Katie is always the first to step up to the plate and assist. She has the ability to stay calm in tough situations. She works
with her team to figure out solutions and parents appreciate Katie and what she has done for their children at Miller. Again, my eyes for the seven years that I've been with you, I have seen some amazing things that you have done with you and and your staff uh in
in Miss Falco's room. Um your your patience, your professionalism, your dedication, always has a smile in even the toughest situations, always willing to crack a joke with me in those tough situations, and it's appreciated. Um,
but to see how you care for and transition kids from fourth grade, how they enter the building and then what what you've created and help establish as they leave as fifth graders is phenomenal and it's it's greatly appreciated and noticed. Thank you for
all you do. Thank you. >> Thank you. Congratulations. >> Thanks. >> Mrs. Cunningham, principal of Alder Middle School, had a family engagement tonight. So, stepping up to the plate is assistant principal, Mr. John Mason.
Thank you, Dr. Jolton. Could I welcome up Sorry. Could I welcome up first uh Miss Carrie Watts, our teacher of the year at Alder Avenue Middle School. So, it is uh my pleasure to recognize Miss Carrie Watts as Alder's teacher of
the year. For the past 16 years, she has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching, leadership, and service to the school community. Her seventh grade ELA classroom is welcoming and an engaging environment where students feel supported, encouraged, and most importantly develop a genuine love of reading. Through meaningful literacy
experiences and strong relationships with students, she creates a classroom culture where learning is rigorous and enjoyable. Outside of the classroom, she is a coach, an adviser, a mentor, and a big member of our community. She lives here, she works here, she is everything we have here at EHT and she exemplifies
our uh engage, embrace and educate uh here at uh Aar Township. Um she also mentors uh novice teachers and student teachers. She's active on our school leadership team and uh honestly like whenever anything comes up, sorry this off the cuff, but like she's just like, "Yeah, let's do it." Like she's not only
doing it, but she's doing it to a tea. She is game and we're going full force. Um she is a shining star amongst our seventh grade team. continually motivates and supports her colleagues. And uh on Friday mornings, if you would like to hear some music, if you walk by Miss Watt's room, uh I was Taylor Swift
maybe. Yes. Yes. Uh blasting over there and the kids and sync. Yeah. And sync as well. They want to come by see her. They always want to come back to uh Miss Watt's um classroom. And um you know, it it is something where you know, we've been here, you know, myself for a few years. And uh when you walk into Miss
Watt's classroom, um it is hard to put words to the feeling because you walk in and it is just a place that you truly want to be. The kids want to be there. Um and um you know, you walk in, the kids are engaged. It is fun. Um and um you know, it's on like I'm like, can I stay? I want to stay in that room
because she does such a great job. Uh congratulations, Carrie. Thank you so much for everything that you do being awesome. All right. Could I get Miss Cheryl Jenkins come up as our SB of the Year, Educational Service Professional. Come on up.
So, it is with uh great pride that I recognize Miss Cheryl Jenkins, a par profofessional, as our educational service professional of the year. She has 14 years of experience um with compassion and an unwavering dedication to supporting our students with diverse learning needs. She has made an
extraordinary impact on our school community. As a dedicated paraprofessional, she plays an essential role in creating an inclusive, structured and nurturing learning environment and she is a beacon of light each and every day even in the most challenging moments bringing calm,
understanding, positivity through everything that she does. Uh she has patience, empathy, and uh honestly does such a great job building relationships with all of our kids. Um our school is all the better for having her in it. She works closely with all the teachers in the building. Um, and again actually
similar to Miss Watts, if we're doing something, she's doing it and she is going all the way and she's game. I'll say always ready and enthusiastic. She is committed to being uh collaborative and uh she is so focused on the success and the well-being of the kids. You can see it in each and
everything that she does. Um outside of school, she's an avid runner, right? Um and she brings that same energy, perseverance, and determination into her work every day. her professionalism, teamwork, and genuine care for all of our students continue to leave a lasting impression on everybody around us. And I
can say again, just walking through the hallways like she's always there. She's excited. She's bringing that positive energy for um each and every one of our kids. And and again, Alder Avenue is uh and Echover Township is all the better for having her there. So, thank you. Thanks.
Rolling right along. The principal of Fernwood Middle School, Mr. Frank Lockintor. All right. Can we please welcome Miss Rosie Kerry on up to the stage. So when we talk about a model teacher, we usually are describing someone who
possesses that rare mis mix of deep experience and even deeper heart. Today we recognize someone who embodies that definition perfectly, Miss Rosie Kerry. Rosie is what many of us call a teacher's teacher. Her knowledge of phonics and literacy is so profound that
she doesn't just teach our students. She has instructed other master teachers and has served as a as a lead trainer. But what truly sets Rosie apart is her work within the walls of Fernwood Avenue. As an RTI teacher, Rosie wears many hats, often switching gears every single
period to meet a new group of learners. She she has a legendary reputation for turning over every rock to help a child learn to read. She doesn't look as at a student as a data point on a rubric. She meets them exactly where they are, providing that specific tool that they need to succeed. Her dedication to our
most at risk learners and willingness to share her mastery with all of us makes her a key part of Egg Harbor Township. I am very proud and honored to call you our Firmwood Avenue Teacher of the Year. All right, Miguel Krespo, come on up. >> All right. It is a privilege to stand
here today and celebrate an exceptional member of our of our educational community, Mr. Miguel Crespbow. Miguel is more than just a staff member. He is the consmate professional. Whether he is navigating a challenging situation with poise or using his interpersonal
skills to reach a student in need, Miguel's presence is a benefit to every classroom he enters. He doesn't just support his assigned students. He steps in for any child, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and caring environment for all. His dedication extends far beyond the traditional school day. Through his
tireless work with his Aspire and Talents programs, Miguel has become a vital mentor and role model. He is someone who our students look to for strength and consistency and is someone who the staff relies on for his insight and collaborative spirit. Miguel, your
kindness, patience, and commitment represent the very best of Egg Harbor Township. We are so proud to call you a colleague and now our educational services professional of the year. And last but not least, the principal of our high school, Mrs. Jackie Krugno.
Good evening everyone and thank you for coming tonight. Congratulations to every all of our recipients. Um I also want to send a special thank to thank you to Miss Delaney. She provided um flowers for the entire district last week, her and her students. So um I I know I have
new marolds at my house um because of that, but thank you very much. So off to u Miss Olnick or Diz as we all call her at the high school. So, Miss Oldnick is escorted by um Summer
because Summer is her right-hand little girl here. So, Miss Olnick is um has been with us for 14 years uh as a specialed math teacher. Um Miss Old Nicknik, you you know, anything that we ask of her, she always says, "I got
you." That is her I think that's what she says all the time. She is in charge of wings with her two other wingmen that are with her. She does amazing things in the classroom. Anytime you pass by her room during talent time, it is completely filled. Miss Olnick has
helped out with um flag football, the Powerpuff um and most importantly unified. She has influenced the lives of so many of our students that I could do a whole doctoral thesis just on what Miss Olnick does on every single day. So
to Miss Olnick or Diz as we know her, I got you. Congratulations on this and we you so it's so appreciated. Good. >> Thanks, guys. All right. You're >> And they aren't twins, but they almost
could be. Next up, we have Mr. Mr. Leser, who's our educational service professional of the year. Mr. Leser has been with the district for 11 years. Again, he was a special ed teacher. He was also in math. He was
also part of our Renaissance program for many years. Him and Miss Olnick, I think, did almost everything together. Just last week, we had Mr. Leser flipping burgers for our staff members. Mr. Leser is now our interventionist here at the high school. He does an amazing job. There is not a a spot that
is better for him. He is a round hole in a round in a he is that peg in the round hole. I I could not live without this guy. We talk all the time. He has been instrumental in making sure we have our stars program after school to give every one of our students extra help. Give
everyone our students another opportunity to find themselves. He's also in instrumental in our town time program our before our official academic day starts in making sure that our teachers are available for our students and our students are getting what they
need. He is instrumental in our PLTS in in meeting with each and every one of them to make sure they have everything that they need to be successful so that their students are successful. I owe Mr. Leser more than he'll ever know. I appreciate him so much. And there is a
competition because his wife Holly was also teacher of the year. All right. So, Mr. Leser, she's also in our hall of fame. So, I'm going to nominate Mr. Leser, although we don't have uh, you know, a teacher hall of fame yet. I'm
nominating him for the decathlon of interventionist for athletics hall of fame so that they can also be in there together. So, congratulations, Mr. Leser. Thank you. Thank you. >> Let's give a big hand for all 14 of our recipients.
Before Dr. Gucho gives some closing comments, I just want to acknowledge some people without which this ceremony wouldn't be possible. The unsung heroes, if you will. Uh the first is Victoria Bordonos. She's our HR coordinator and she is a decorating committee of one and she is responsible for everything you
see in here tonight. So thank you Victoria. Dr. Mr. Gio's secretary, Miss Sandy Ferola, who is here tonight as well. Sandy is responsible for organizing all the plaque certificates and flowers that you see. Also, the video, Mr. Alan
Vargas, who's right behind that screen, and also communications academy student Nicole Veles, who did the narration for the video. And last but not least, our wonderful custodial crew that descend on this room all the time and just make it whatever we need it to be. They're awesome. So,
thank you to them as well. >> And thank you to Dr. Charlton who heads this. Go ahead, give him a hand. Who each and every year leads this process that comes out through the state. He communicates to the principles who uh run through the process where
teachers are nominated by their peers and then there's PE the teachers meet in you know together and they select their teacher of the year and their educational specialists of of the year. So um it is a process. We thank everybody involved. Congratulations. Congratulations to family members,
parents, spouses, children, summer. Um thank you uh for all attending tonight uh and celebrating celebrating our teachers. Um very very important to us, important to the educational process and uh it's noble profession, right? It's uh
we it's about passion and care for kids. So we appreciate all that you do each and every day. Um and congratulations. It's welld deserved. So we have about a 10-minute break. So, there's pictures that you can take um and stories you could share and folks you may want to
see. They might have been your principal, but um we'll take care of that during the break. All right. >> Feel free to come up here and take pictures. Not going to give it away, but you know our student reps. >> Dr. Guchio.
>> Okay, here we go. very another exciting part of our evening and uh we have some proud uh moments tonight. This is really really proud. I know these students are so excited to share um their experience and um their adviser here, Mr. Michael Marterone, who's a social studies
teacher at at our high school and he's been at this for a while being the adviser and uh this is uh first time in a while that Atlantic County Yeah. um has had Egg Harbor Township High School as their champion mock child team. So
amazing. >> Can I play the video? >> Yeah. >> All right. So, I want to share a video that was sent. Hopefully, it has sound. >> I ask for unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks and to have them placed in the permanent congressional
record of the United States of America. On February 3rd, the Egg Harbor Township High School Mock Trial Team won the Atlantic County Championship, defeating Cedar Creek High School. This competition challenges students to take
on rules of attorneys, witnesses, and jurors in front of New Jersey judges. This victory marks the first time in six years that a new school will represent Atlanta County in the statewide competition. These students have worked
extremely hard, meeting multiple times each week since October to prepare their cases, develop their arguments, and sharpen their skills. With the support of the Atlanta County Bar Association, they have built strong skills in public
speaking, writing, critical thinking, and leadership. We are proud of this team and the way they represent our district. God bless the Egg Harbor Township High School mock trial team and God bless our United States of America.
>> Okay, we too as well stand here very very proud uh that you represent our high school um as champions in Atlantic County. as you saw that the time and passion but educationally the real world experience that they have received by
participating in a in a opportunity like this if you will. Um it's out education outside the classroom which is so valuable and have prepared them for the passions that they want to follow in college and career. So uh congratulations from my bottom of my
heart. I am so proud. I remember seeing Ava with the trophy uh the other night at the history event. Um you probably probably got it in your car, right? Did you bring it? >> Bring it. All right. >> Where is it? >> Where is it? >> It's somewhere. All right. They're going to surprise us. But they're are so proud
of um of their efforts and rightfully so. So congratulations and I'll turn it over to Mr. Maroon. >> Thank you so much. Dr. Gio, can I have the binder? Sorry. This is reversed, right? This is how this team really runs. Okay.
>> All right. So, you heard from Congressman Van Drew uh who honored us. And tonight, not only are we being honored by the board of education, but our students are receiving uh wishes and letters from uh Governor Cheryl, uh Senator Andy Kim, uh Congressman Vandrew
has sent a congressional proclamation. Uh Dennis Levenson has sent uh a countywide proclamation, and they're going to be uh honored next week at our town uh committee meeting. Um and it just really signifies just how truly remarkable these young men and women
are. So just a little bit about mock trial. Um the New Jersey State Bar Association creates a problem each year. And this year it was a criminal case. So we had uh a student play the role of a defendant who allegedly cuz we got her off allegedly uh called a 911 swatting
case. Um we compete from September to February and we practice roughly two to three nights a week and I just finished our end of the year report. We logged that I counted 196 hours and that's eight hour practices on Saturdays and
that's in excluding the work that they did on top of all their AP electives on top of all their crew and other activities that they're involved in. So, this is a pretty dedicated bunch. Um, and our team has become like a family. Uh, I did this program when I was in
high school back quite a while. Um, we've had a lot of distinguished alumni. Uh Malani Galott is our alumni coach. Uh we've had uh yes and she was on our 2020 championship team. Um we have two prosecutors that help us out, Paige Jeda
and Seth Levy. Um whose mom taught women's studies in the social studies department. So again, we're bringing it back home. Um kind of keeping it in the family. So where have our students gone? Uh we've had students that provide that have, you know, pursued a variety of careers. Uh, we've had in the 17 years
I've been coaching, we've had students attend every single Ivy League. We've had students attend the Naval US Naval Academy. And our former board rep, Chinaza Izzyu, not only went to Harvard, but she was the first EHT alum to go to Harvard Law School. So, our kids go on
and do really remarkable things. Um, we've had uh Ethan Saul, who's been published as an undergrad in law reviews. We've had Nabila Sununda, who has is working at the Pentagon. We've had several of our uh students practice um law uh abroad and we've had two
alumni that have served as members of our board of education who's currently who next year will be this fall going to law school. So Nicholas, that's right. So it's a remarkable program from the bottom of my heart and uh I just want to take a minute. We're going to call them
up to present them with their with their certificates and proclamations so you get a chance to see them. But I really for the teachers and educators in the room, I really want you guys to see really the output of of the result um of your time, effort, and energy. They're a remarkable bunch. and and I'm going to
miss our seniors, but uh we've got a healthy team and we're going to be vibrant for the next couple years. So, without further ado, it is my privilege to present to you the 2026 Atlanta County Mock Trial Champions. So, give him a round of applause. All right,
there. All right, so 196 hours when Coach Davis saw the trophies like, man, you you guys should get varsity letters. I said your lips to God's ears. So, I'm going to call out what I would call our our JV squad. These are our understudies. Eva
has a motto. And she says, "In year one, we watch it. In year two, we learn it. In year three, we do it. And in year four, we teach it." So, this first group, um, these are the kids that have watched it, learned it, and next year they're going to be doing it. So, we're
going to start with Maya Alexa. We have Brian Catelli. halfway. You can go up halfway. >> We have Miss Casey Kramer. >> We have Dean Eastwood. We have Isabella Gutierz.
We have Moyes ifar. We have Artan Lazar. We have Emma Lynn. We have Grace Mutler. And we have Santana Rajesh.
>> Can you hand me the next step? >> If you guys want to kind of file in over there, we'll file in. >> All right. And next up on our defense, what we like to call the girl ball squad, we have our defendant, Ga Nag.
All right. >> We have Molina Patel. And now with us tonight, we have Cassidy Robbins, who's at crew practice getting ready for nationals. >> On our state side, we have Miss Amanda Divine.
>> Also on our state side, we have Emily Hager, who's also preparing for her crew. um uh nationals and we have senior Paige Pacwin who will be attending Drexel University. >> Congratulations. >> Paige has been our expert witness uh for
the past four years. And then finally, we will recognize our four lawyers. So, we have our defense lawyers. We have Miss Aaliyah Hamid and we have And we have captain.
>> Congratulations. >> And we have captain even I >> even I who will be attending Ruckers University. >> See she don't leave home without it. >> She doesn't. >> You've earned it. Bring it up.
We have junior Anastasia Mitnik. >> Congratulations. >> And last but not least, we have co- captain Carter Chu attending Princeton University. So, I like to say heart, commitment, and grit. These kids have it all. So, thank
you so much. Our 2026 MUK trial champions. Good >> job, coach. >> This also is how Eva did it. >> Take control, Eva. >> No, it's the kids. >> Okay, come on.
Congratulations, >> Dr. Sorry. Thank you, Mike. >> Appreciate that. >> Where is it? George. >> Okay. Taking care of more business in the superintendent report. We have a
presentation um bridging the attendance gap by assistant superintendent Mr. West. >> Thank you, Dr. Gio. >> I heard the golf clap in the back. So, thank you. I appreciate it. We don't we don't get many claps in our positions.
So, thank you. Thank you so much. So, uh, real quick, um, I'm going to give a quick presentation on chronic absenteeism and how we're here is the is QAC came to visit us a couple weeks ago and one of the indicators for this year, uh,
schools that um that are over the 10% threshold of chronically being absent have to present to the board of ed and show them all the interventions we're putting in place uh, for our for our students. Um, I will tell the board of ed that this is from the 2022 2023
school year. So, you're thinking that's right around the pandemic time, right? And that's when numbers are really high in regards to students being chronically absent. Uh, with that being said, I want to tell you as I stand here today, we've improved immensely. And uh we actually celebrated with our our principles who
have done an outstanding job, our vice principles, our INRS team, our TR our truency department uh to get our numbers uh in a place that we've been successful. We still have a lot of work to do. But with that being said, we are trending in the right direction uh to
reduce chronic absenteeism. So you might have seen this on our district newsletters and our principles have put this out sporadically over the last couple of years. It's just a note to say, "Hey, you miss two days a month, that's 20 days a year. That's 30 hours
of losing math. Um 60 hours of possibly losing reading and writing." Um and and if you do that every year, that's one year of school loss before graduation. All right? And then if you miss four days a year, um it's 40 days missed, 60 hours of math lost, 120 hours of reading
and writing, and two years of uh school loss before graduation. We can't stress enough the importance of what I like to say, stacking days, students coming every day. One concept builds off of the next, and it's important to show up every day, even when you're not feeling
good, right? Um, you do what you need to do uh to to to to maximize your potential as a student and take in the uh engaging lessons that are that our teachers produce. And we have some wonderful teachers as you saw earlier uh this evening.
So 2023 2024 school year on an average 94% of our student body came to school right we see at the elementary levels uh 95% they're uh they had that injury and they're coming secondary schools at 90 94% um early childhood so that's a
transition time right you have prek they're still trying to find their way that number is down a little bit and our alter our alternate education um I will say the year before we were at 93% % and you can see the 2023 2024 we're at 94%.
As far as chronic absenteeism, that's missing 10 plus days of school. Um we've seen that it peaks in the earliest stages of prek and kindergarten and our alternative high school settings. Uh so we've um what we have learned in this process that um transition from one
school to another uh can be difficult for our students. So an example would be Davenport, Swift Slave, right? Where are they going next? They're going to Miller, right? And your Miller students are going to uh middle school, Fernwood, and Alder. And then you have Fernwood order coming to the high school. So those transitions can be difficult for
students. Uh we're going to work uh diligently with our principles uh to improve that, ease that transition. So obviously, at the end of the day, our we want our kids to come to school, right? Kids coming to school, engaging with their teachers, we hope raises student achievement.
So we have our baseline policy of 5200. Uh in our policy meetings we work we work on this uh routinely if not every year every other year. Um state and board excused absences are medical. You have civic and legal educational and you may have family or personal reasons. Um
there's a temp 10 10% threshold. Uh if students are are excused or unexcused uh we will flag them in the system and we will identify that 10% and then we got to get into an action plan. Right? And I'll talk about that in a little bit. At the end of the day, um when our if our
students hit 20 total absences, um you face the potential of being uh retention and we don't want that. We try to nip that in the bud sooner. We try to be proactive and address those students and we do that through our INRS team, our per team. We do that through our our
truency and central registration office um to get the students where they need. They may need some extra support. the families may need some extra support inside the school and outside the school. So, there's resources that we put together for our families. So, the attendance escalation pathway,
um this is these are our attendance protocols that we abide by. Okay? And you see that automated calls go out no matter what when someone's absent, right? And then you get into day four and you see it's separated by preK to 3rd and fourth uh fourth grade to 12th
grade. attendance letters go out, emails are sent home. When you get into that day seven and nine, uh that's when our guidance department gets involved, that's when our social workers get involved, that's when our child study team gets involved. Uh that's when our vice principles get involved with the INRS team to possibly put action plans
together for our students, right? Because we're trying to get our students ready for the real world, right? And what that means is showing up every day, being productive because at the end of the day, you're going to become a student or you're going to work. And uh the best the best accountability is availability, right? And I've always
said that uh in my career and it's and it's important. Get into day 11th, administration starts to call the families. We refer the truency. They'll go out to the home, do a check, uh support our action plan to help our students. Obviously, we're trying to keep students off of no credit status,
and if they do, they have to make up time uh within our school buildings. Um and then when you get into day 15 and 20, they're mandatory parent meetings. Um individual uh corrective action plans for students. Um because at the end of the day, right, we don't want to retain, right? We want to get them to the next
grade. Our truency uh officer process and court mediation. Uh in a nutshell, if there's three consecutive days where the uh students are are absent, uh truency officers will initiate an attendance call and do a home wellness check. Um, if we get into 12 plus unexcused days,
um, we may set up a formal, uh, mediation hearing, um, and schedule with the parents and appropriate staff. Um, step three, we'll put an action plan. During this mediation, we put an action plan, an attendance action plan signed by the parent, signed by the student.
Um, obviously every all the important school personnel are there, and we're trying to obviously avoid going to the court system, right? That's not what we want to do. Um, we'll do a 30-day check-in, right? You have to progress monitor. You have to see where everyone's at, see how, you know, check and see if they're coming to school. If
there's no improvement, you know, a court complaint may be filed, right? And we try to avoid that with the Egg Harbor Township Police Department. And then the last part, if we're not getting anywhere, there could be legal action. Could be legal action. So, listening to the community, uh, I like I put this in here because we do
survey the community at large. Some of the things they've said, you know, um, my student gets sick a lot. they're coming to school for the first time, right? So, we may we may run into that. Um anxiety, could be mental health, um you know, in school. And then some folks
just like to go on vacation and visit Mickey Mouse. I don't recommend that, but that really could put you in a bad spot. You only have 18 days to play with. So, obviously, uh you have to be very careful of the time that you take off from school because, like I said, one concept builds after the other.
Being here is half the battle. Okay. So you can see our framework and a lot of people have seen this triangle before. This is tier one, tier 2 and tier three. Universal supports what we expect a welcoming environment produced by our our administrative team and our
teachers where they provide engage engaging lesson plans where students want to be there, right? Communicating with families, putting schoolwide incentives incentives in there. We have soar um you know where where people work to where our students work to to be productive in this in the in the school
system. Tier two, this is where we're getting into small groups. We're identifying that stu there might be some barriers that are going on where students are missing school and we may have to set up credit recovery for those students to get them back uh what we say on credit and you know and and and on
time to graduate. And then tier three is just upper echelon doing more um to to to make sure that our students are supported. Uh could be partnerships, could be outside agencies getting performed care involved. um, CHOP, um,
you know, Effective School Solutions, Teen Center, Atlantic Care, you know, we're all pulling on the same rope to support our kids to get them to the finish line. Um, this is just a blueprint again of tier one, welcoming environment. We have
our ACE program in a lot of schools. Attendance commitment for excellence, golden tickets, rewards, being recognized at events, um automated early warnings, which I said earlier with phone calls going out through parent square um and infinite campus. And then,
you know, our security guards, right, and our class 3 officers and our liaison with the police department. They're in our buildings all the time to support our students to help them, right? It takes a village. It takes a village to be successful. Tier two, like I said, are targeted
interventions, INRS team. Um, we're now going through formal attendance appeals of students who may be chronically absent. Um, so that that is coming up soon where we try to put action plans again to get our kids to the finish line. And then students are attending credit completion. They're coming in on
Saturdays uh to come in to make up time. Um, and that's important because again, every the state is recognizing that uh this is a chronic absenteeism is an issue across the county. When they came to visit us, nine schools were being evaluated by CQAC. Um, all nine have to
do what I'm doing this evening, you know, because this is back to 2022, 2023. Tier three again is just more more of, right? Spending more time. You may have to develop indivi individualized action plans for our students. you might have to get them hooked up with mental health
and community partnerships. Um, and you can't have enough administrative conferences and truency involved again to help our families to help our families. So, here's a matrix for our prek through fifth grade. Um, nurses get get involved
as well. Uh, they're important part of our school district and they're able to paint a picture for us and our administrators. Free breakfast, high-five Fridays. Um, you know, you saw Mr. batters be here. Can you imagine trying to high-five him? You know, 6
foot 10 and you got to jump up. Um, golden tickets, you know, and again, our teachers are creative. Um, they they they know how to get the most out of their students and there's a lot of uh folks in this room that, you know, they run to see their teachers because they
know they care about them. They know they're the driving force behind all this. There's the sixth through uh 12th grade. Um credit completion Saturdays, vice principal interventions. Uh convocation lessons is a big part. Um uh it's an
it's an it's a way for the students to ease into their day. I know talent times at the high school, it's a great way for the students to come in and ease into their day. They don't feel that anxiety. They don't feel that stress. They go where they can uh work on their assignments. And at the end of the day, um, you know, I'm a big person on
student accountability and accountability at large. You know, when people are held accountability, uh, good things will happen. Um, you know, from from from the whole school community. So, we we we stress accountability and like I said, showing up every day is
half the battle. So, obviously, we're going to continue to monitor this. um the new progress reports, the performance report cards, they're going to come out soon for the um I believe it's the 2425 school year. Um so we're going to see where we're at
with our attendance and see where we're trending. I will tell you that we've improved like I said and uh we'll be looking for those scores and uh we'll monitor where we're at and we'll make the necessary revisions or changes um if we're not meeting if we're not meeting
the appropriate numbers. With that being said, uh to conclude, attendance is a shared commitment. Um from the teachers to administrators, we're all here to bridge that gap, look at data, um create school policies,
engage our families, uh to create interventions or provide interventions uh for our community at large to make sure every student is here doing well, being successful. And at the end of the day, um if anyone has seen our graduation, it's pretty impressive. And at the end of the day, that's what we do. We want to get our kids to the
finish line. So, I would like to uh thank the board for allowing me the time to present this and uh pending board approval, we will receive eight QAC points uh to our score. So, uh yeah, I wanted to share that. So, thank you so much. >> Questions?
>> Any questions for me? >> Madam President, may I? >> Yeah. >> Uh Mr. West, great presentation. >> Thank you. >> Very, very thorough and laid and well laid out. But I do have a question. >> How do we come up with the 18 days for excused absences? Is the formula like what do you do? Multiply 10% of the
total enrollment. >> 10% of 180 gives you your 18 days. >> I'm sorry. 10% of the 180 that's where you got. So that's the average because people will say well how so that that answers that question. Very good. And it's a it's quite a process truency mediation and so on and so forth.
>> Um >> how many how many an approximate figure actually have to go in into a court before a judge here in a corporate township? Uh not many I hope but >> no it's it's not. So, it's a great question. I mean, I I meet with Miss Hendendrickson. I speak to her uh
weekly. Those numbers are really low. We don't have many conversations in reference to to being in court for uh attendance issues. >> Great. That's good to hear. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you, Mr. West. >> Thank you, folks. >> Okay, something a little different. Um
I'm going to call up Carter and Eva. Come on up here. been dedicated student representatives to the board of education. Uh they represent uh the high school very well in many capacities and they report districtwide.
>> So the superintendent's report tonight. I'm going to hand over my mic to these young uh individuals and I am very confident that they will deliver >> good news. So here we go. >> Yes. >> The mic is yours. Okay. >> I'm gonna get it's all yours.
>> All right. We've never done this before. So, good evening everyone. My name is Evan Nye. >> Good evening. My name is Carter Chu and um well, first of all, we want to start off by saying happy Mother's Day. Uh I I can see that there's plenty of mothers out there in the crowd and plenty of
mothers on the board. Um we see all that you do for us, all of the time, all of the effort, all of the care that you've provided us all over the over the years. And though some of us may not understand all of the sacrifices you've given, just rest assured knowing that you are well
appreciated. All right, I hope everybody had a very relaxing Sunday. Additionally, uh last week was teacher and staff appreciation week. So, um thank you for all of the teachers and all of the staff here in EHT. Um as students, we know that it's important to
have a very very good foundation of education and experience in order to fuel our futures. um all of our learning, whether it's academic or ethical or moral, um it's all life lessons that would not be possible without this district's wonderful,
wonderful educators. >> All right, so now about our kindergarten. Just the other day, the EHT STEM bus visited our first graders and kindergarteners throughout the district. The kids were able to engage in hands-on activities with all things STEM related from robotics and
technology to simple physics. The kindergarten class especially made a giant marble run and students were able to race these marbles in a comically over complicated machine with dominoes, pulleys, and many more elements.
Uh moving on to Slayball. Slayball is very excited to host their annual preschool spring festival this coming Thursday from 5 to 7:30. All families are invited to attend this wonderful, wonderful celebration of the new season. Um, Miss W's class has also recently
been conducting an insect study where they actually watch butterflies transform from the the what's it called? Caterpillars into metamorph metamorphosizing into the butterflies. Um, these students also visited local aquariums near EHD where they got to
explore and learn all about sea life. Uh, oh, Eagle Academy. All right. So, Fridays from 9:30 to 10:30, uh, Eagle Academy is hosting what's called Eagle Brew. Um, Eagle Brew is a student-led, uh, coffee and breakfast shop for all
staff and all faculty to come and enjoy. So, at Miller, EHT's very own and Carter's former teacher, Mr. Mlan, was recently nominated and recognized as an all-star teacher of the year by the Philadelphia Eagles. And he was actually honored and congratulated at a recent
Phillies game. And Mr. Mlan. He's one of the teachers that prioritizes their students and gives their all to education. And it's people like him that make our school district genuinely amazing. All righty. Oh, Titanic projects. Okay,
I have something to say about these. So, recently students have been crafting and building their own models of the Titanic, right, from household materials, styrofoam, cardboard, paper, tape, etc. and and they've actually been testing these models to see whether or not they'd survive an iceberg hit. And
this is just truly incredible as it's it's it's a crosscurricular project, right? Students are able to learn about engineering from the building. They're able to learn about art and design from actually painting and sculpting these boats and even the physics behind how
the fluids of water actually work and and how flotation of boats functions. So classes at Alder have been celebrating Cinco de Mayo with inclusion fusion. Students were creating sombero cookies and learned about the historical
significance and the celebrations of Cinco de Mayo. Seventh grade chalist Christy earned fourth place in the Charleston international music competition recently. She performed Tarantella Office 23 by Squire and represented both Alder and Edgar
Township as a whole in this international competition. Y'all want to know who also represented EHD? Our very own Miss Eva Ny. She represented EHT uh this last week in Ocean City at the OC Pops competition.
She won first place with a total prize money of $1,000. And she played a prelude in G# minor by Rockman Rockmanov. >> Rock Manan. You You got it. You got it. >> Rock Manov.
>> Thank you, Carter. Sorry. >> All right. In sixth grade, our gifted and talented program students competed in a series of 21 mock trials. Each student had a chance to present their case as an attorney in one of the trials, and many also got to serve as
jurors to determine the outcomes of each of the cases. I can't say that. Sorry. Carter and I write these together, but sometimes he writes his own lines. Um, all of the attorneys gave fantastic performances and the audiences
were equally attentive and respectful, and we really hope that a lot of them do continue to do mock trial in high school. >> All righty. AP testing. So in the next week, this current week, last week, and
then one week after, um high schoolers from across the country will be taking their advanced placement tests. Uh the AP exams are a culmination of a year's worth of academic studying and learning, and they range in all sorts of disciplines from math and science to the
social studies and even the humanities. We wish all of our high schoolers the best of luck as they take their exams. Senior Kaylee Pascalites uh recently completed an outstanding civic engagement partnership uh with the New
Jersey Department of Education and the Atlantic County Board of Elections. This project was absolutely incredible. I got to see it myself. Um Kaylee designed and led six engaging presentations across multiple grade levels on how elections
work and how voting works. Uh, our students were even able to participate in like this mock election, right, with real life voting booths provided by the Atlantic County Board of Elections. And we mentioned at our last meeting the
history showcase and that happened this past month. Um, it was a little less than two weeks ago and the turnout was amazing. students and staff from every one of the schools in our district as when many as well as many members of our board were in attendance. We enjoyed an
incredible night of historical exhibits by both fellow students and the Greater Egg Harbor historical society, music by our fine and performing arts students and food prepared by our incredible culinary academy. Now, speaking of the culinary academy
and food, um they also recently catered for a very special screening of the documentary Facing the Wind right here at our very own high school. Uh this movie focuses on Louis body dementia and was actually inspired by the real life experiences of a former staff member
Linda Sabula Sabula um and her husband. The movie was incredibly informative and there was actually a Q&A set up right afterwards moderated by our very own high schooler Cassidy Ste.
And in line with the arts, a bunch of our students here in Edgar Township have recently been accepted into the 20126 New Jersey All State Choirs. So, a big congratulations to Samuel Leonardo. Michelle, I'm so sorry. Uh, Pedroski,
Angelina Calcas, and Leila Perez. Oh, recently, just just less than two weeks ago, our English department actually hosted an open mic night in celebration of National Poetry Month. Students and alumni shared poems, music, and personal stories, creating an
evening that was highlighting the wonderful creativity and talent of our students. I actually was able to attend myself and I was able to sing um what was it? Upside down with my friend Eric. All righty. Uh last week, our PACE manufacturing students toured the New
Jersey American Water Plant in Egg Harbor City. The students had a full tour of the entire facilities as well as comprehensive lectures on how water is obtained, stored, transported, the importance of quality water and its utility. This experience provided truly
invaluable insights on the importance of the utilities and how engineering ties in with our communities. And in our March meeting, we mentioned how the Egg Harbor Township School District's Heritage Spanish program for grades 5 through 12, Hispano Vlantes,
was named a model program. And this month, it was formerly recognized by the New Jersey Department of Education as a model program. So, EHT is one of only five New Jersey school districts recognized by the NJ Department of Education for exemplary dual language
immersion and world language programs. And EHT will serve as a model of best practices for the state of New Jersey for the 2025 to 2028 school years. And we wouldn't have been able to achieve this title without the hard work and dedication of all of our world language
teachers and as well as our world language supervisor Dr. Shriner. Now moving on to sports. Our boys and girls crew teams also had an incredible showing at the Garden State Scholastic Competition, bringing home a total of
six state medals. Congratulations to our boys track team for winning their 11th consecutive Atlantic County Championship. And congratulations to Mariah Newman for being selected to compete in the 2026 WJ Flag Football All-Star game. This is a game that
recognizes the top flag football athletes in South Jersey. All righty. Uh, Egg Harbor Township High School has recently received $10,000 to support a student-led coastal
resiliency project from the New Jersey American Water. Additionally, our very own Carrie Sutton was actually awarded the Atlantic County Association of School Administrators Performing Arts and Education Scholarship.
in the amount of $1,000, may I add. And Lauren Trinell was actually also selected as a recipient of the Atlantic Cape Principles and Supervisors Association Academic Scholarship and will receive a $500 award. Both of them
will be recognized at the Atlantic County Academic Excellence Recognition Brunch Lunchon. Yeah. All right. Biggest congratulations to both of them. >> All right. And that's all we have for tonight. Thank you so much.
>> Thank you, Carter and Eva. Excellent job. I appreciate you delivering the information about our school community. And um you know, these folks have one more month, right, on to serve at a board meeting. So, great job. And uh as Eva said, I don't think I've ever done
this before. So, you did great. Thank you so much uh Madame President. That completes the superintendent report for this evening. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Gushio. And that was a very healthy uh superintendent report um filled with a lot of great um events
tonight. And I just have to say to our um student reps, you always, you know, they encourage us. They set the bar for the energy of our meetings. And I always say, you know, board meetings don't have to be
boring. We can still have a great time, you know, and enjoy our time while we're here with each other. So, thank you so much for your energy. We appreciate that. Uh, at this time we're going to have um public comments for agenda items only. Again, we're going to have public
comment for agenda items only. And I'm going to read a statement. The board values and welcomes comments and opinions from residents. This meeting will now be open to the public comments, three minutes per person on agenda items only. If your question
pertains to litigation, student or personnel items, please see the superintendent after the meeting as the board does not discuss these matters in public. Depending on the nature and the complexity of your questions, the board secretary, Mr. Smith, may ask for your
contact information so that someone can get back to you with a response. As a reminder, this is a public meeting and all comments should be appropriate for a public setting and made in a respectful manner. Please come up to the podium.
Please state your name. State your full name and your city of residence. There's also a button that you will push right on the bottom for agenda. for agenda items only. Seeing none, we're going to close our
public comment section for agenda items only. We'll have we have another session for public comments coming up for non-aggenda items. >> So you have to do it after you vote or
before. This is for an agenda item. So, if you're talking about an agenda item, something that is on the agenda, now would be the time to talk. If you're here for um music, that would not be an agenda item. So, that would be after at our regular public session.
>> Okay. You're welcome. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> At this time, uh, we will have, um, our finance and operations committee report. Mr. Smith, are there any updates at this
time? >> We did receive two questions on two purchase orders, so the answers were sent out. Uh, we didn't receive any other questions on agenda items. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Buyers. Please share your report. >> Okay. So, uh, we had a finance meeting
on May 5th, 2026 at 6 PM. We lasted 57 minutes, so we're getting a little shorter. Uh, attending were Mrs. Bird, myself, Mrs. Gilbert Floyd, and Mrs. Loy. Uh, administrators attending were Dr. Grushio and Mr. Smith. Uh, first thing we discussed was transportation
departments. The department has completed programming the school bus panic buttons with the HPD, uh, EHTPD, sorry. All the buttons are fully operational. Transportation continues to work on the ESY routes and is advancing an authorization for lease purchase of
eight school buses for 2627 school year. Uh Mr. Smith noted that the building administrators have been instrumental in helping bus drivers with curbing student discipline issues and uh many of the administrators are riding buses on a weekly basis.
uh to food services. The department applied for fresh fruit and vegetable program for Davenport and is awaiting response from the New New Jersey Department of Agriculture. Uh several assets are on the agenda for disposal. A final set of cafeteria tables are being delivered to Slayball Elementary on May
7th. Uh they should already be there. Uh this department eliminated all cafet cafeteria products that included red dye. uh facilities uh committee reviewed the outside use of facilities linked to the agenda and the
process that's being implemented to report out what fees are build and collected for use of those facilities. Uh Mr. Smith noted that the air conditioning startup issues have been resolved and the alder parking lot should be complete by the end of this month.
Uh referendum also a topic this year. The bond sale was completed on April 22nd, 2026. district received nine bids all with excellent interest interest rates. The winning bid was 3.646%.
Uh p purchase orders have been issued to the district engineer and architect to advance the first phase of the projects. Uh groundbreaking is slated for July 1st, 2027. The business office is working on a large security grant application with facilities IT and security departments.
uh recommends the reappoint of the district auditor for the upcoming June 30th, 2026 audit and they're coordinating a meeting with the township regarding pilot funds. Uh Mr. Smith also discussed a change in school photographer for the preschool through 8th grade buildings, noting that
Maverick Photo Studios, sorry, Maverick Photo Studios will be handling those buildings. There was also a discussion on an upcoming professional development trip to the PLC Institute. Uh several items on the agenda were reviewed for approval, including monthly reports, various tuition and
transportation contracts, and professional services contracts. Uh we also discussed the final approval of the 2026 2027 budget. Uh Mr. Smith noted that administrators administrators will be meeting with staff affected by budget reductions this week. Uh Dr. Dr.
Grushio discussed riffs that were in the budget. Noted that all reductions were made in an effort to increase efficiency. No programming was being eliminated with the exception of Latin at the high school which was coming. Um we as a board continually put pressure
on them to keep as uh uh few uh losses to staff as possible and they have continued to work hard with us. Uh conclusions reached were to move forward with the committee's recommendations. Uh possible topics to be discussed in the future are ongoing pilot discussions. Uh
next meeting will be June 9th, 2026 at 6 PM at the board office. Did I miss anything? >> Nope. I think you got it all. >> Thank you. That is all miss. >> Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Buyers. >> Were there any questions?
Well, I just have a comment also, but the question is, do we have to do >> hold the comments until you >> Yeah, >> I'm gonna do a motion. >> Hold comments. >> I'd like to have a You have your statement? >> Okay. I'd like to have a motion.
>> I'll make that motion >> to approve like to have a motion to approve finance item 8.2. >> She stopped. Mr. Price, I'll make that. Mr. Price, I'll make that motion. >> Second, Ireland. Microphones are a little bit. Mr. Price,
I'll make that motion. >> Any discussion? >> Mr. Go. >> Okay. So, I just want to say thank you to the administration for um last year and the years prior, we always had issues with uh photographers or or photos. Um and we've always had the public come up to us and always had
issues. They put it out on social media and everything else like that. So, thank you for hearing those problems and trying to fix that with the new vendor. So, that's all I have. Thank you. >> And Madam President, my comment is also on item number five, the photography. Um
just a question I guess Mr. Smith might be able to answer just quickly. Um, is it a regular contract or is it just going to be build per use? Uh, so to speak, is it a blanket contract, a flat rate, or we only going to actually be build for what we what we use? How's that going to work?
>> No, there there's no cost to the district. So, the the vendor works with the building principal, sets up their their photo days, and then the parents pay the vendor directly and and back and forth. So, the district does not receive any funds directly. Yeah, that that's pretty much what I what I was what I
thought. So, I just wanted to clarify. Thank you. >> Um, okay. So, we we had a motion in reference to um 8.2. That's what we were the motion that we're on. Uh, I think the one you all were referencing
is the um photography. So, we're we're going to get to that next. Now, um, can I have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Bird, >> yes. >> Mr. Buyers, >> yes. >> Mr. Delabark? >> Yes. >> Missyman? >> Yes.
>> Mr. Ireland? >> Yes. >> Mr. Sepy? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sloggy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Price? >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Gilbert Floyd? >> Yes. Now would like to have a motion to approve items 8.3
through 8.19. >> Show made. Second. >> Any discussion? >> Seeing none, can we have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Berg, >> yes. >> Mr. Buyers, >> yes. >> Mr. Delabar, >> yes.
>> Missyman, >> yes. >> Mr. Ireland. >> Yes to everything except 8.3 PO 600722 62492 600989 63520 6412
which I'll abstain. >> Mr. Sepy. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sloggy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Price. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Gilbert Floyd. >> Yes. Next we'll be moving to our curriculum committee. U Miss Moss. Do you have any
updates? All righty. Thank you, Mr. Sepy. Could you please give us your report? >> Thank you, Madam President. Good evening, everybody. Uh, we had our lovely curriculum meeting on the 5th of this month, and it was an hour and 18 magical minutes. Uh, in attendance were
myself, Mr. Price, uh, Mrs. Gilbert Floyd, Mrs. Salagi, and our administrators attending were Miss Moss and and Dr. Guchio. And we had in that hour and 18 minutes a few subjects discussed. Uh as I said in the previous report, we discussed our norms. We want
to be an efficient committee and we're trying to to work forward with time and and other circumstances with that. Uh field trips and professional development were shared with the uh committee. Uh discussions around different funding sources for trips and professional development were discussed also at
length. Uh annual surveys for staff, students, and parents were shared. Uh committee contributions around world language options, including ASL, career pathways, public safety, fire, police, EMT, and associates degree attainment,
were all added to surveys, and I'm proud that they were added to the survey set that were put out yesterday. We encourage you to answer them. Uh we put forward, I encourage my colleagues to support this, an approval for a doctorate dissertation for one of the
members of our staff. Uh partnerships with Ruters for MTSS and IDE, innovative design for educators were shared and these partnerships will certainly enhance uh instruction practices and improve both student engagement and
achievement. uh chronic absenteeism, which we all heard about earlier, was shared as a presentation and set for uh this board meeting. Uh escape the vape from EHTrec and through Atlantic County uh prevention services was shared. And
uh we're very pleased uh to hear that we're partnering with both to address uh this important issue in our schools, the the vaping. Um in addition to that the committee discussed uh educator committee work within uh curriculum and instruction including our grading, our
gifted and talented and of course as we will come to discuss Omega scholars. Uh changes to instruction will be shared with the committee in the coming months and uh as the plans are solidified through the end of the school year, we will gladly keep you updated. Uh summer
programs, camps and clinics were shared. Uh a helicopter will be landing at Alder on May 21st. So that's an exciting thing I think we'll all be prepared for. And finally, uh an update on the associates degree pathway with Atlantic Cape
Community College, excuse me, was given. And uh since our committee meeting, I'm happy to say that we're going to have a a meeting set up with them for May the 28th where Miss Moss and Miss Elco will be uh in attendance. uh for our followup
uh situation at the next meeting. We'll go over, as I said, the discussion items that are in process and then our summer programs training and work. Uh our next meeting will be June the 9th at 7:00 at the central office. Uh Miss Moss, do you
have anything you care to add now? >> Well, thank you, Madam President. There is my uh report for curriculum. Thank you. >> All I can say is I don't know if there's anything else to add. That was a very wonderful report. We're on fire tonight with our reports, folks. Um, we have a little healthy competition between the
committees. You know, the policy says they're the best, curriculum says they're the best, finance. So, just a little healthy competition. So, I feel like the energy is definitely in the room tonight. So, with that being said, I would like to
have a motion to approve uh curriculum items 9.2 through 9.4. Motion >> second. >> Any discussion? >> Miss Bird? >> Yes. I'm very excited that in such a
short time we already have added to the survey um information for a first responder pathway. That's very exciting to me. I am also glad and um that the ASL has been added. I really hope our community seeks more information, fills
out the survey if that's something that they're interested in. Um, and finally, I am also very pleased that in such a short time already ACC has been contacted with the date. Um, great job. Thank you.
>> Any other discussion, questions, comments from board members? All right. Can I have a roll call, please? Mrs. Berg, >> yes. >> Mr. Buyers, >> yes. >> Mr. Dela Barka, >> yes. >> Missyman, >> yes. >> Mr. Ireland,
>> yes. >> Mr. Sepy, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sloggy, >> yes. >> Mr. Price, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Gilbert Floyd, >> yes. All right, so we're moving on to policy. Last but definitely, well, almost last but definitely not least, policy. Um,
Mr. West, do you have any updates? >> I do not, Madam President. >> All right. Thank you. And we will go to Miss Heyman for our report. >> Good evening everyone. Policy committee met on Tuesday, May 5th
at 20 2026 at 5:00 p.m. The length of the meeting was 20 minutes. Board members attending was Mr. Lewis Dela Barka, Mr. Patrick Ireland, Miss Tamika Gilbert Floyd, and myself, Wanita
Hyman. administrators attending, Dr. Kimberly Gushio, our superintendent, Mr. George West, assistant superintendent, and our board attorney, Miss Amy uh Hal Elco. Subjects discussed was number one,
policy 4411, placement on guide step bus drivers and bus aids. The policy was reviewed and discussed by the committee. The the committee agreed to revise the salary provision for bus drivers and bus aids, add a salary guide for Aspire
runs, and add a safety driver incentive. Policy 4411 is up for one reading and pending board approval. Policy 4250, hours and days of work. The policy was reviewed and discussed by the committee. The policy committee agreed
to revise the salary provisions for support staff, add a shoe allowance for security guards, and add temporary leaves of absences for security guards. Policy 4250 is up for one reading and pending board approval. Policy and regulation 7510, use of
school facilities. The policy and regulation were reviewed and discussed by the committee. At this time, the policy committee agreed not to change this policy or regulation. Policy 7320, lease of school premises. The policy was reviewed and discussed by
the committee for abolishment. Because the law allows us to lease property without this policy. The committee is in agreement of the of the abolishment. This policy is being presented for one reading and is pending board approval. Mr. West informed the committee that on
Thursday, May 21st, a helicopter will be landing on the grounds of Alder Avenue Middle School for the Pride to Be an American event. Proud to be an American event. Um, the next policy committee meeting is
Tuesday, June 9th, 2026. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you, uh, Miss Hyman for your report. And I want to say Miss Hman is it's kind of clear that the policy committee came in first place this time with 20 minutes. So congratulations to
you all for getting your work done in a quick uh time span. So at this time I would like to have I need a motion to approve policy items 10.2 through 10.5. >> Motion secondre.
>> All right. Any discussion? Uh I have a quick uh item on discussion. >> Sure. >> Going back to um policy 7510 used to school facilities. Is that where the fees are uh in that policy? Also, are there any changes to the fees or
anything? >> No changes. >> No changes up or down that the fees say the same, right? >> No changes at all. >> And that would have been that policy, right? >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. That's all.
Any other discussion, questions, comments? All right, seeing none, can I have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Berg, >> yes. >> Mr. Buyers, >> yes. >> Mr. Delabbarka, >> yes. >> Missyman, >> yes. >> Mr. Ireland, >> yes. >> Mr. Sepy, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sagi,
>> yes. >> Mr. Price, >> yes. >> Mrs. Gilbert Floyd, >> yes. >> All righty. At this time, we're going to have uh personnel. Dr. Charlton, >> I do not have anything additional, Madam President. Thank you. >> All right.
We have a motion to approve personnel items 11.2 through 11.5. >> Mr. Price, I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Seeing none, may I have a roll call, please?
>> Mrs. Bird. >> Yes. >> Mr. Buyers. >> Yes. >> Mr. Delabara. >> Yes. >> Missyman. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ireland. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sepy. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sagi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Price. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gerbert Floyd. >> Yes.
All right. At this time, we underneath new business. I would like to have a motion uh to approve new business items. New business item 12.1. So made >> a second.
>> All right. Any discussion, >> questions, comments? Any discussion? Seeing none, may I have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Bird, >> yes. >> Mr. Buyers, >> yes. >> Mr. Delabara, >> yes. >> Missyman, >> yes. >> Mr. Ireland, >> yes. >> Mr. Sepy, >> yes.
>> Mrs. Sloggy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Price. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Gilbert Floyd. >> Yes. >> For old business like to have a motion to approve item 13.1. >> Second Ireland.
>> Any discussion? I have a new uh another peace bold business after this one, Madame President. >> So, um I'm going to have a >> roll call. >> Oh, seeing none, I need to have a roll call. No discussion. Can I have a roll call,
please? >> Mrs. Berg, >> yes. >> Mr. Buyers, >> yes. >> Mr. Debarka, >> yes. >> Missyman, >> yes. >> Mr. Ireland, >> yes. >> Mr. Sepy, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sloggy, >> yes. Mr. Price, >> yes. >> Mrs. Gilbert Floyd,
>> yes. Um, also would like to put out, we might be on the same page to do a motion um well, not do a motion yet, but we want to talk about the fact that we want to do a um for a pilot our pilot update.
We want to do discuss our pilot update. and it's going to cause for us to have a motion to authorize board of education members to attend the New Jersey school board's delegate assembly for a pilot testimony um to be sent to the state. Um
that will be this Saturday um May 16th like to have a motion >> uh question or comment. >> I need a motion. Well, I could you clarify the motion before I'm not Is it also going to be a resolution tonight?
This is for the authorization for board members to attend the New Jersey school board's delegate assembly for the pilot testimony >> and to submit the >> and to submit it to the state >> because that testimony was already approved, wasn't it, that we had people
that were going to go up on Saturday or No, >> we have to have members attend the meeting in person um this Saturday. >> Right. But I mean, we do need to do a um an agenda item to do that or I thought it was going to be for a resolution in support of the pilot bill that we were
doing tonight. No, >> no, we're doing >> I'll make that motion. >> I'll second. >> Thank you. >> Any discussion? >> Yeah, I have a a question and a discussion. Um, are we looking to put
the pilot bill in a form of a resolution on the agenda anytime soon? I know we had discussed putting it on there in support of of the bill. Is there any um movement on that? Are we going to put that resolution back on? >> We we are moving forward.
So I just want to clarify for Saturday's purpose for the delegate assembly, we already board approved in February um the addition of a new policy under New Jersey school board. So they are going to present it to the delegate and on
Saturday we will have representatives there who will be representing Harper Township and we have already approved that in February. Um we had eight votes saying yes, one was absent. Uh we have in addition to that we were discussing
submitting testimony regarding pilot advocacy for uh the bill in question and so that is a separate thing and that is what we were kind of that that's the piece that that's the old business that we are revisiting right now. So it is a
separate >> Okay. So that's part of this motion then is that right? >> Yes. This is a motion to do the testimony this Saturday in person. >> I mean the testimony is in addition to it on this Saturday and board members will be attending.
>> Okay. >> What about the resolution though? Are we putting a resolution on the agenda tonight in support of the bill going to the state? >> That's what the testimony is. >> The testimony >> but the testimony won't go to the delegate assembly. The delegate assembly we already board approved. They have the
policy. It's been submitted. Um, it's been worked on and it's been submitted. It's already on the agenda for the delegate assembly. >> So, we're just kind of memorializing it then at this point. >> So, the testimony is separate. That's a separate pilot discussion that we've
been having that was provided last month and that is what we're right now discussing if we want to move forward to present that testimony at the state level. >> Okay. Yes, that's what I would like to do. So, okay. >> Yes.
>> I second the motion. What's your motion? >> Yes. So, I just want to make sure we we're clear on that. The testimony is going to be clarifying now is going to be sent to the state. >> Okay. Chad, you had Mr. Buyers, you had something you wanted to share? >> Uh, no. Chrissy, Miss Burka,
>> any any more discussion >> or clarification needed? Okay. All right. I almost forgot where I was where we were after all that. Uh, >> all right. So, seeing no more
discussion, can we have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Berg, >> yes. >> Mr. Buyers, >> yes. >> Mr. Delabarka, >> yes. >> Missyman, >> yes. >> Mr. Ireland, >> I'm going to abstain for the reasons outlined in executive session. >> Mr. Sepy, I'm going to respectfully
abstain as well. >> Mrs. Loy, >> I will abstain. Also, >> Mr. Price. Mr. Price. Yes. And Mrs. Gilbert Wood. >> Yes. Okay, it's getting late, but um I I'm
going to start off by saying based on the number of people who are still in attendance tonight, and I applaud you for your patience. Uh we understand that many of you are here because you deeply care about our music program and I want to ensure want and you want to ensure that music programs continue to thrive
in our schools. On behalf of the board of education, I want to begin by saying clearly we share that commitment. We truly do. Music is an important part of a well-rounded educational experience. And personally as someone who comes from
a musical family, my father is a professional musician and I play instrument instruments to myself to my grandchildren every Sunday. I understand firsthand the value that music brings to student lives. I was also in the high school band. So I get
it when I hear when I see that band is life and save music and it's what it's important to you. I get it. I also want to recognize there's been a great deal of misinformation circulating in the community regarding next year's
music program. So, here are the facts. And as I speak for the board of education, we want to assure parents, students, community members that our music program in every school is not
being eliminated or reduced. Students will have access to music instruction, ensembles, and performance opportunities. These will all continue. In fact, I have met with my administrative staff with principles
over the last two, three weeks and the supervisor of fine and performing arts to closely review schedules in every school. and I'm assured and confident that all programs are in place in all of these schools.
At the same time, we acknowledge that staffing changes are sometimes difficult and deeply personal. And we are sincerely grateful for the dedication, the talent, and the contributions of all our staff members,
for the positive impact that they have had on our students and our school community over the years. I'm especially proud of that because personnel matters are confidential. We cannot discuss individual staffing
decisions publicly. It's the law. However, to clarify that the process when looking at reducing staff, we are required to reduce non-tenured staff first prior to tenure staff. It's how it works in education.
Therefore, we ask for your understanding as to why this board of education will not be discussing personal matters in public. Our focus remains on continuing to provide these students, our students
in Aarper Township with strong educational opportunities, including meaningful and enriching music experiences both now and in our future. So, I hope I clarified some
misinformation that's out there. There's been no reduction, no cancellation of any music programs. It's very important to us. With that, I turn the meeting back over to you.
>> Thank you, Dr. Brushio. Um, at this time, we're going to open up for our public comment on non-aggenda items. Um, we're going to allow everyone to who
would like to come to the podium to make sure that you state your full name and your city of residence. And you may you have three minutes um at the podium and we're going to allow you to everyone to speak first.
>> Hi, good evening. >> Yep. >> There we go. Hi, my name is Amy Seaman. Um, I am the proud mother of two sons in this district. Um, Charles Seaman is here tonight with his friends supporting the music department. My son William is your saludiatoran. He is at home right
now um studying for his APs. I have to tell you how these two boys have benefited greatly from this school district and I brag about EHT with they both have diverse needs.
They've have Rosie Kerry who's here has greatly enriched my one son. Um all these teachers are fabulous. They started in the music program in fifth grade. That was their first music lesson. Have you been to the fifth grade
concerts at the end of the year? What these kids are able to do in just from starting in the fall to the end of the year is amazing. And that is setting the groundwork for these kids that then as
they build their resumes, as they build their activities, they continue to build from where they were in fifth grade as those sponges and the work they do, the concerts, the high school when they get there are beautiful. Now, I know you're saying you're not cutting back.
However, my senior who does everything, he's in sports, he's in academics. Again, like I said, he's your saludiatoran this year. He could not do band this year because the band program was cut from three
classes last year to one. So, it has been reduced. So, this kid who's been playing trumpet with the band since fifth grade was not able to do so his senior year. So I understand I mean thankfully he still has jazz band
because with the academics with the studying music is the joy that's the release that's where these kids fill their soul so sharing faculty members you might not be cutting the program but
it's reducing the opportunity it has affected my family but I have to tell you overall the district has done everything for my kids and I'm so grateful But please help support these kids that are still coming up. Thank you.
Dr. Guchio, members of the board, good evening. My name is Dale Recre Esquire and I reside in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but I was a faculty member. I was the teacher of vocal music at Egg Harbor Township High School from 2018 to 2020. Um, this district hires
talented and dedicated faculty with whom I miss working dearly and whose commitment to students endures long after they've graduated. In that spirit, I've traveled here tonight to advocate for one of my former students. Um, I know you can't discuss, but Mr. Sutton
was the rare student who leaves uh a lasting mark. When I arrived to the district as a secondyear novice teacher, Mr. Sutton was quick to welcome me into the school community and provide a student perspective into our music department even before he was my student. Um next year he enrolled in one
of my choirs and quickly established himself as a leader in my classroom. By the time he graduated, I knew he was destined for a career as a leader in the music profession. So, it's no surprise that my former colleagues tell me Mr. Sutton now brings the same warmth and enthusiasm to all of his students as a
band director. Now, allow me the a former faculty member to speak like an administrator for a moment. Music education allows students not only to embrace the material being taught, but also to embrace each other and the community. It creates a container for
connection and teamwork in ways that the other core subjects cannot replicate. and music is inherently interdisciplinary, requiring students to engage with math, language arts, social studies, and science simultaneously. Finally, through performances, students
educate audiences, enriching the public through song and story. In this context, the music educator is more than just a teacher. They are a curricular anchor and an integral community builder within the school district. That is why the planned reduction in force is so
concerning to me. Eliminating Mr. Sutton's position will remove a talented music educator, a curricular anchor, and a community builder. One who grew up in this district's music program and chose to return home to serve it. To lose him would be a grave abandonment of the
district's stated mission. I respectfully ask that you embrace the support that this community will show for Mr. Sutton tonight. engage him with a contract for the coming school year so that he may educate the students of Egg Harbor Township. And finally, I'll just
add as well, I'm an attorney and I hope that the administrators in the room and in the buildings in this school district um consult with the board attorney to make sure that they're not violating any of the employees first amendment rights when it comes to what they and their family members are allowed to say um to
their students and to community members and to their own families about their jobs. Thank you. This place is filled with passion and patience. And I am impressed with everybody who's seated here before me. I'm especially impressed with these
young people. I had young people at one time. They're older now. My name is Cindy Justice. I live in Eggover Township. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. I'm sorry about that. >> Um >> I just I don't know a lot about what's going on. As I said, I don't have children that are engaged here now, but
I um suspected well I I have some conversation with fellow Agra Township residents at my work. I heard the word riff. That's something that I'm very familiar with. I'm a government employee. I know those things aren't
fun. And I can't help but wonder if the reason that a riff is being considered here is because of the overdevelopment of Egar Township. It's off the charts. I'm here to tell you everybody in this room can take your
passionate feet to a planning board meeting at a committee meeting or a committee meeting. planning board in particular in particular June 15th planning board that's one that that one of the uh developments that I'm most
cons concerned about PB number 2025-016 just in case you're wondering which one but come to any of them let your concerns be known there they need to know how we're being impacted with this
constant development and overcrowding in our schools that would force a riff. That's just absolutely ridiculous. As I understand our code, we have the ability to say this is not good for us. It
doesn't support public safety, public health, all those things are in our code. But I know from the few planning board meetings that I've attended, thank God for that thing over there because I can talk. I just I'm really sorry to say
that truth. But um it's it's just something and I lost my train of thought. I just want to acknowledge the commitment of every person like I said in front of me and in this room because I'm encouraged that if people can come
out like this and force for something that you love, you can come out and make sure that you've got a place to continue to love the things that you're doing and have a seat in a classroom. and we as taxpayers aren't tripled, quadrupled in
the amount of taxes that we pay. So, please consider coming to join us. And and the meetings are held at the um administrative building. I'm not saying that right. It's right beside the the police station on Bargaintown Road.
Planning board meetings are the third third Monday of every month. And again, the one I'd love to see at is on June 15th. Thank you for listening. Thank you for your service and God bless us everyone. >> I see the button. Um
that's it. Um good evening. Good evening everyone. My name is Jasmine Turflow and I am a resident of Egg Harbor Township. I'm also a mother in this district, a founding member of the EHT preschool parents club, a director and secretary of the Egg Harbor Township law enforcement activities program, a Girl
Scout troop leader, and someone who has consistently invested my time, energy, and heart into my community, our community. I'm also someone my children's teachers know they can turn to for support because I understand that my children's success is directly tied to the success of the educators standing
in front of them every day. I believe strong schools require strong community support and because I care deeply about this district, I took the time to review the budget clear closely. Uh what I found is that overall spending increased, instructions uh spending increase, extracurricular funding increased, and yet we are still
eliminating student facing positions like my daughter's band instructor. I understand the district has faced the loss of temporary federal COVID relief funding. I understand operational costs and employee benefits have risen significantly. But what I'm struggling with is if we knew years ago that
funding would expire, what were the long-term plans to protect the programs and educators directly impacting our children when that day came? Uh because now families are watching the consequences fall onto the students. In a growing community where families continue to shoulder rising housing
costs and substantial property taxes, mine alone being a hefty $14,000 a year, uh it is difficult to understand why the burden of these financial pressures is falling onto studentf facing programs and educators. Uh my daughter has developed a genuine love for music because of band instructor at Miller.
She doesn't just practice what's assigned in class anymore. She goes online at home, finds the notes to her favorite songs, and teaches herself how to play them on her flute. So, I would like to take a second to thank Mr. Sutton because she's playing uh music that I actually like to hear.
Uh, and it's tying with my culture. And that kind of passion doesn't happen by accident. It happens because an educator ignited something in a child that made them want to learn beyond the classroom walls. And all while positions like his are being eliminated, parents are simultaneously watching top level salaries and administrative costs
continue to rise. So respectfully, I'm asking for transparency, accountability, and foresight. Because if this funding cliff was anticipated years ago, what are our elected officials sitting before us doing now to ensure that we're not standing here again next year having the same conversations with more student
while more student opportunities um not necessarily disappear because thank you Dr. Gio for confirming that for clarifying, but with the uh staff that our students love obviously so much. Uh a growing budget should not come at the cost of the very educators and the
programs that make our schools worth investing in. Thank you for your time. Uh good evening. My name is Samantha Cook. I am a resident of Egg Harbor Township. I am currently the high school band booster president. I have no musical ability whatsoever. So, if you
would have told me nine years ago that I would be so invested in this program, I would have laughed at you. Um, all three of my kids started in fifth grade band and orchestra. As fourth graders, every one of them came home so excited to start playing an instrument the next year. Um, at that time, my oldest started orchestra in fifth grade. Music
lessons were not an option for us. Financially speaking, we could not afford it. So, for us, the rental was 45 a month and the lessons were included. Uh that low entry cost for us led to us having between three kids a cello, a harp, a piano, drums, clarinet,
saxophone, and multiple guitars. Um and that's thanks to the teachers back here. The elementary band program is the starting point for our students in a carpet township. As a member of the high school marching band boosters, we see every day how committed these students are, how compassionate they are, how competitive, how intelligent. These
music students are the most welcoming group of kids I've ever met. the friendships and camaraderie they have built with the other students they might not have otherwise even interacted much with. Every student benefits from music in their lives. I am 100% convinced that for my kids personally that eight years
of orchestra from my daughter contributed to her getting a full tuition scholarship to Syracuse. I'm com convinced that my oldest two excel in school honor society triam. I'm convinced that it'd help my youngest learn to focus, help her ADHD, and improve her grades. I'm concerned about
the future of the program. The speculation, and this is the speculation that we're talking about online, right, is that the middle school band teachers are will be splitting responsibilities either across the middle school or one will be moved down to the lower school. Also speculated is that with two
anticipated terminations between uh Miss Sarah and Mr. Sutton, Miller will lose completely the fifth grade orchestra program, which my oldest started in. If this is true, removing this program will directly affect the middle and high school band orchestra. Miller is the fe
is the theater program into the music program at the upper levels. If you've seen a banner orchestra concert, you've seen the strings playing. We hear at every orchestra concert that EHD is the largest or only symphony orchestra in South Jersey. We get that. We're told that repeatedly.
That starts with fifth grade. Having a middle school teacher be pulled down to Miller damages the middle school program. The middle school students go to band class during win or convocation. If the teacher is only at their school half of the time, the students are going to miss opportunities to improve their playing. If we want to keep playing at
the highest levels with marching band, all South, all state, jazz, and our vocal ensembles, we need to keep the fifth grade music program in place. And finally, Mr. Joe Sutton. My youngest had Mr. Sutton last year. My son has him as as his assistant band director this year. Um, for both of my kids, and if
you've got multiple kids, you know they never agree on anything. Both of my kids love him. Um, it's the only thing they ever agree on. I've seen from both age groups the impact that he has on these students. His ability inspired all of these students, all these students out here is rare. Please seriously take the
demands of our students and families into consideration and review the decision to let the performing art teachers go. Thank you. Good evening board. My name is Robin Soden. I am an EHT resident. I am also a music educator for over 25 years. Over
that time, I actually worked in this district for two years from 2017 to 2019. So, I have a unique perspective. um throughout my career. You can't be an educator, a music educator for as long as I have and not been in this exact
same position a couple of times. I was last man standing in my last district and there's there's a workload that we're not discussing right now. Yes, I know you said that it'll be covered, but at what cost? What cost to the
colleagues behind me that they'll make it happen because they love what they do and they love the kids in front of them and because they love the music program that has carried on for decades in this district. You are known statewide for having an excellent music program in
this district. Thank you. But how is that sustainable when you start cutting off at the angles? And that's exactly what you're doing. You cannot have a solid foundation if you start cutting from your beginner program. And like I said before, I fully
understand that you think you have it covered, but that is at the cost of the colleagues behind me. There is time, there is workload that I don't think you are properly taking into consideration because as music educators, we often make it look easy. You don't know all
the hours that we put in because we don't tell you. You don't know all of the time and consideration that it takes to pick music that is perfect for the in for the boys and girls in front of us. You don't know the extra time that we take during the day and the prep during our lunch to make sure that our kids
know their parts and that they're comfortable on that stage because we don't tell you. But when you start cutting and you start pulling and you start putting one staff member in multiple buildings, it's just too much and they're not going to say
it. But I've been there and it's exhausting and is uns and is not sustainable and you will maybe not see it next year but in 5 years this program will go down if you continue to do this. Thank you. Yep. Good evening.
Uh Ben Fong. I'm a EHT resident. I'm also a retired band director uh for over 30 years of uh public service and uh I'm also a former president of the South Jersey Band and Orchestra Directors
Association and uh presently right now for the past nine years I've been the pit orchestra director for the High School Musicals. Now, last spring between January and June, I had the honor and privilege of
working with Mr. Sudden over at the Miller School. Uh, and I mentored him. And uh, I want to tell you that losing such a talented uh, educator as Mr.
Sedin would be a complete shame for this district. And I can tell you firsthand that through my experience of working with Mr. Sudden, he is actually a better educator than I was when I first started.
>> Thank you. Good evening. My name is Liliana Martinelli and I'm a resident in Egg Harbor Township, also a junior at Egg Harbor Township High School. I'm here on behalf of Mrs. Sullivan, the Egg Harbor Township High School librarian. I've heard that she's getting moved back to Slayball along with several other
teachers in the district. Miss Sullivan has been such an impact on students and staff at our high school. During recent years when book challenges became a major topic in New Jersey, she stood firm on the importance of maintaining a library that offers a wide range of perspectives, ensuring that students have the right to access information. If
you talk to the students that have previously graduated, they will tell you that mention her as a mentor and a safe adult. Miss Sullivan has made our high school media center a sanctuary of learning, inclusivity, and creativity. I personally have known Miss Sullivan since I was in first grade. She got me to read my first Harry Potter book
because she knew I was a strong reader. Picked me first for a book club, too. These past three years of my high school life have been a full roller coaster. I've always had Miss Sullivan in my corner. school next year, which is my senior year, would be absolutely heartbreaking if I didn't have Miss Sen there to watch me grow even more than I
already have. Please take this in consideration along with other students and staff just like me who have had a connection with her and other teachers. Thank you for your time and save the music. Uh, good evening members of the board. My name is Amanda Divine and I am a resident of Eggarp Township. You may
know me from mock trial, but I'm here today to advocate for bringing Olympic weightlifting back to our high school as a co-ed sport to um provide for all students. In the past, uh Olympic weightlifting was a program mostly linked to male football
players, but today Olympic weightlifting is much more than a um offseason training for males. Uh it is both a competitive sport on its own as well as one of the best sports for athletes of other sports to improve performance.
Olympic weightlifting builds explosive movement, speed, power, coordination and discipline. These skills help athletes in football, basketball, soccer, softball, baseball along with others. It helps athletes become faster, stronger,
and keeps them training in a safe and structured environment. Olympic weightlifting is also growing rapidly at a college level. Um, scholarships and competitive opportunities are being given to students in high school, opening doors for students in this
program for after high school. I also believe that this program could be supported responsibly through fundraising and USA weightlifting memberships which can cover tournament fees, meat fees, as well as possible equipment fees. Schools like Atlantic
City High School already have Olympic weightlifting teams in place alongside programs like ACIT powerlifting, which is not Olympic weightlifting. However, this team travels and competes successfully. I have also completed the necessary
paperwork for this proposal, gathered over 300 signatures from students at EHD High School who are interested in this program, and secured faculty advisor signatures along with a coach in this room who would be willing to help lead
the team. Bringing back Olympic weightlifting would create a more inclusive athletic program, not only for women, but for students who believe clubs and sports already in place do not meet their needs. It will give students
another way to compete, improve, and succeed. Thank you for your time and consideration and also save the music. Um, hello. My name is Nina Plutino. I am a resident of Egg Harbor Township and I am a student here at Alder Avenue Middle
School. Um, there isn't much left to be said about why we should save our music programs here, but to start, I would like to say that I'm sure many of the people here feel the same, but the final performing arts program has kept us as a student body grounded, not only here, but at Miller, Bernwood, and the high school. In a place where hectic things
happen and homework is piled onto our backs, music is a place where we can hoon out the negative. This is thanks to our incredibly hardworking directors, including my director, Dr. Katherine Wyatt. She is not here today because she previously earlier on this night was
graduating with her doctorate. Um, for four years I've known her and for four years she's not only helped me but many other students in the Egg Harbor Township community. This also holds true for the other wonderful educators in the artistic atmosphere of our district. In the past, budget cuts have gone to the extreme with teachers lost and programs
gone. These situations have affected our artistic programs more than any others. Looking out at the sea of schools across New Jersey, why take away the main aspect that allows us to stand out? We are told to express ourselves constantly. How will we do this when our passions are squandered of over hundreds of students? As more and more educators
of the arts are being moved from their positions, increased stress is placed on the remaining teachers. Those same teachers are worried that for losing their jobs as well the quality of the programs that they care so much about. Recently Dr. Wyatt the orchestra director for Alder and Firmwood with
combined orchestras who also directs upwards of 250 students published a study on the conditions and lived experiences of a traveling teacher entitled from fragments of function a heristic inquiry of itinerary music teachers through critical systems theory. She completed this as her doctoral dissertation, including years
of research from different schools, not just this district, and from other teachers who have experienced similar things. She describes an itinerate music teacher as someone who travels across multiple schools or programs. An itinery as a staffing model that requires educators to travel between sites or
manage multiple programs, often resulting in fragmented structural conditions that ultimately impact all students and systems within the schools. Many educators are faced with working across multiple unfit locations like small closets outdoors and even in stairwells. Even though the acoustics and stairwells are great, they're not
ideal for performing. Um, additionally, they were presented with schedules that seem set off set up for chaos. Um, as a student who does actively participate in orchestra, I have been um to one practice in about the last month because of how conflicting the schedule is and I
try so hard to get there. Um, I have a lot more to say and I realize I'm running out of time. So, I would like to sum this up by saying that um, all of this impacts not just our teachers with their jobs being jeopardized by budget cuts, but it also um, risk the downfall of the entirety of the creative programs
in EHD. We will not stand still or lie and wait, not only for us, not for our educators, but for the future of the Egg Harbor School District that we as a community care so much about. Thank you for your time and thank you for acknowledging our concerns. Embrace, engage, and educate. Hello, my name is Sarah. I'm the res of
township. >> Hello, my name is Sarah Sichron. I'm a resident of Aar Township. Um, before I start, I'd like to thank all the supporters that came today for music because it matters so much. Um, I have a little pre-written thing. Um, I'm an
eighth grade student at Alder Middle School. Today I stand here alongside many of my peers to bring attention to a growing issue affecting students involved in the performing arts throughout our district. Last year, last year the entire arts community within a Harvard Township School District face major budget cuts. Many of us continue
to ask the same question. Why is it always the arts that are affected first when budgets become tight? We see money being spent on new things such as new lunch table stencils, hallway TVs, and upgraded esports equipment. Yet, the programs our district is truly known for are struggling to survive. No student should walk into class to see their teacher worrying about whether their
jobs will exist next year. No teacher should worry if their jobs are worth less than the next new upgrade. This year, Mr. Joe Sutton became the new band director at Miller. The district's welcome to him was a layoff notice caused by budget cuts. What many people may not realize is that Mr. um Sutton is more than just a teacher. He is an
incredible marching band coach, which has developed my love of music. So um more um he volunteers extra time helping brass students at alder and he creates safe and supportive environment for countless students. Now because of these cuts he may be gone and so may the Miller orchestra program. The district's
solution is to expect one teacher to manage both middle school band programs. We already have this in place at with our orchestra with Miss Wyatt. It is incredibly hard. Um managing two ensembles as well as a symphony is really hard for a teacher. Um, as for
orchestra, no solution has been posed, meaning the Miller orchestra could be cut. This is not a solution. It places unfair pressure on our teachers and weakens the quality of education students receive. These band and orchestra programs have not failed. They have not become unsuccessful. They continue to grow, inspire, and represent
our district with pride. So why are these cuts happening to us instead of programs that are not succeeding? Why should our teachers lose their jobs simply because the arts are seen as less important? At a district that prides itself on inclusivity, these decisions put shame and contradict the very meaning of that word. I take pride in being a part of the arts community and I
will not allow that pride to be diminished. Thank you very much for your time. Hello, I'm Sean Cook. I am currently a junior at High School and currently a reg resident of EHT. Before I begin, I would simply like to say that everything I'm about to say is written entirely by
me and without the use of AI. >> Um, what I simply like to say is that I know it has been said that the program in the fifth grade music program next year will not fall, but removing our teachers is going to knock over the first domino, and that sentiment cannot be understated.
Many anecdotal experiences uh regarding Mr. Sen positive effects on the community have already been made clear, but I would like to focus on facts and logistical reasons on why their job retention is fundamental to the success of our community past social emotional responses. Firstly, according
to the NM Foundation, a strong music program has scientifically proven to enhance reading and writing skills, mathematics, overall attendance, and general higher scores on standardized tests. Even when socioeconomic um status is taken into consideration, this data remains true. and tandem. The University
of Kansas documented a study proving musical engaged students outperform others in every single criteria of the study, including GPA, the ACT scores, graduation, graduation rate, excuse me, and the amount of discipline required for each student. Besides simple simply
academic reasons, an article by the University of South Southern California demonstrated that music education can also benefit young students mental health. Quote, sixth grade students scored higher for overall positive youth development than eighth graders. and scored higher in the confidence domain than both seventh and eighth graders.
End quote. Positive youth development is a test made by Tus University and it measures adolescent strengths and their potentials to contribute to society. What this means is that music students generally have more confidence and are generally happier. Furthermore, music can have positive effects uh can positively affect the emotional
intelligence of the children specifically with regards to emotional regulation expression and perception. This possibility for education and emotional benefits for our kids granted by music is indisputable fact. For the sake of our kids cognitive maturity,
please do not dismiss these words. The removal of Mr. Sun and Mrs. Sam Sarah's job and therefore the elimination of this music program in these grades will have major consequences. Thank you. >> Uh hello, my name is Sento Espazito. I'm
um proud resident of ESH and I um I'm in the ESG marching band. Um to start off, I just want to say I've only known Mr. Sutton for like a year, but I've made so many proud memories with him. Uh every rehearsal, every game, every competition, he's always just brought so
much joy to marching man and he's taught me and this whole marching band so much. And I just want to say thank you for that. So, thank you so much. um every every four, eight or 12 hour
rehearsal was, you know, always just so much better with Mr. Sutton and he's always like he he boosted the mood of marching man in general. Um which is he he's always just he's a great teacher. We've learned so much from him and our marching man probably would not be the
same without him. Um I can also say the same for the millib band as I know this little trumpet player in um fifth grade in Luca and every I don't see him much but every time I do see him he always mentions how much of an impact Mr. Sutton makes and how much he's a great
teacher and he's taught him so much and that's he's he's just a great teacher. So I think that's kind of the main reason why we need to keep Mr. Sutton into in our school district. So thank you Um, good evening. My name is Monica
Escondar. I'm a senior here at Earbor Township. Before I start, um, I just like to ask that you guys bear with me. I'm really congested right now. Didn't know I was going to make it. Um, so I'd like to just reiterate some of the things that have already been said. Music has been such an integral part of my life. And as somebody who's not pursuing music, but has been heavily
involved in the music department, I've been in orchestra for eight years. I've been in the Trian Music Honor Society since I was an eligible member. I'm the vice president. I'm the orchestra president. I was the color guard captain. I was I was in color guard for four years. And I was captain of one of, if not the biggest color guard ensembles
we've had. And I was also um the captain when we meddled for the very first time at championships. I'd like to emphasize just how as someone who's not pursuing music in the future, I'd like to just emphasize how much of an impact music has had on my life. Um, some of you guys have seen
me speak at school. I've spoken at assemblies. I've spoken at the spin clinics. Um, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. West, Dr. Charlton, Dr. Gio, as well as I've had the opportunity to speak with Miss Kuno several times. And one of the things that has always been highlighted and emphasized is how well spoken I am. And while I appreciate your
compliment, I would like to let you know just how much I owe music, how much I owe that to music. Um, I was an ESL kid growing up. I had very, very poor English. I struggled so much to understand. And I was constantly reprimanded by my teachers because I was off task. But I wasn't off task. I just
didn't understand. And it was so incredibly difficult to integrate with my peers because I felt so unseen and so underrepresented. Even though I had, you know, graduated out of the ESL programs and they were telling me I was speaking English was fine, but every time my teacher spoke to me, I had no clue what
they were saying. And um when I joined the music department, I that wasn't something I had to worry about. But more importantly, I had so much one-on-one time with my teacher then, Dr. by it that I had so many opportunities to speak with somebody and to actually apply some of the skills that I didn't
really understand how to use in class. Um, and I I can take as many English classes as I want and I can speak in front of as many people as I'd like, but at the end of the day, I owe so much of my success to the music department that has pushed me and encouraged me to play louder, to perform harder, to be more
passionate, and to be more audacious with who I am. And I would really just like to say thank you to all the teachers who have pushed all these students here and I'd like to ask you to reconsider these decisions. I understand that you're not cutting the program
entirely by but by diminishing it and reducing this one-on-one time that these students could be receiving. You make it significantly harder for so many of these students to succeed outside of just music. Thank you. Um, I'm Elena Shu and I am a resident of EHT. And first I would just like to say
this is coming right off the top of my head. So, um, when I first started music, I was in fifth grade. I started off with the alto saxophone and I thought personally it was too easy for
me. So, I talked to Mr. Sutton and I started the French horn and he pushed me to um like learn it and be more confident with it and honestly it really made me more confident and build up my confidence throughout my time and I made
so much friends in the music and arts department. It was fifth grade really kicked me off in um it helped me even going into middle school when I went in. I already knew people I straight went to my band friends that I already knew from
fifth grade and I they weren't in any of my classes in um elementary. So these were people that I met through band and that I truly like grown to love now. my best friend. She always I met her
through band and we really connected through our instruments. And I feel as if cutting the fifth fifth grade Miller Music and Arts, it would affect a lot of people's friendships and would affect how much they are attending school. Cuz
me without band, I wouldn't have many friends. And I feel as if having friends in school really does help you become more confident and be able to be around other people. And it really does affect how much you go to school because
without having friends, it's like most people don't feel a reason. and having friends from band really did make me have a reason to go and actually care about my education and
stuff like that. And that's all I guess. Good evening. My name is Samuel Leonardo. I am a resident of Egg Harbor Township High School and I am currently a freshman. I remember being in the cafeteria one day, fifth grade, and watching all the teachers line up and present all their
instruments that they could learn. And I remember a week prior to that watching a video on just a random violin player playing one of my favorite songs from back then. Can't remember for the life of me, but you know. And I knew for in
an instant that that's the instrument I want to go for. And for the past 5 years of my life, I've dedicated every single moment to the violin. And without that, I wouldn't even be in choir or band or any of that. And I would really hate to
see Miss Sarah go because my brother also started with her. He started the viola with her. And he although he doesn't do viola anymore, he does he did love it for the year that he did do it. And not only Miss Sarah, but also Mr.
Sutton, who I've only known for the past marching band season. He's had such an effect on the way I write, learn, and go about music as a whole. He's the one who inspired me to write and design a prototype for a marching show with Mikey over there.
He's not only an educator, he is a mentor, someone I look up to and want to reach someday. He takes time at the end of Pop's rehearsal to listen to my songs and give feedback and not only on the music standpoint. I remember one time during Pops, a day after a particularly rough marching band rehearsal, he
stopped me and asked about how the students are doing on a mental health standpoint standpoint. He is a kind, caring, an amazing teacher and an amazing mentor. Thank you. Hi, I'm Meredith Thai. I'm from Megar Township. I'm not I don't play any
instruments, but I'm in the color guard. Um, and I started on an instrument. I like found my passion through the fine and performing arts and I was with Miss Wyatt at Miller. Um, and I personally experienced the distri distribution of
one teacher and I went to probably like three rehearsals my entire eighth grade year because she wasn't there. Um, and I ended up failing that year and I didn't get into HHS. Um, but that's why I think
it's so important to save the whole fine and performing arts, but especially Joe. Um, he's made an impact on so many lives and opened the door of creativity and made kids feel like they have a home outside of school. Most band kids go to the band room every morning. Some will stay for talent time to practice, but
others stay just because the band room is their safe place. Kids will go in the band room to eat lunch, not because they don't have friends, not because they don't have anywhere to sit, but because that's where they want to be. The band is where the bands where the band kids went after losing their teammate and friend Aaron Pan. By cutting Mr. son's
position that would be taking away the opportunity for so many future students to be serving and severing so many opportunities for the students. And please remember that music didn't just feel a class period for so many students. It helped shape who they are and every student deserves that chance.
So please take it in um so I ask you don't remove that from them. Thank you. Okay, good evening. My name is Nicole Vez. I'm a junior at Ecar Township High School and a member of the color guard. Protecting music education at an elementary level not only gives students
a way to express themselves in a community within school, but it also promotes skills like teamwork, attention to detail, perseverance, and a plethora of others. While many kids and parents are drawn to the physical extensiveness of sports, without music, the rest of the students would be left to do what exactly? At the elementary level, the
only options for extracurriculars are basically sports or music. Stripping young musicians away from that opportunity leaves them having to search outside of school for lessons if they're lucky enough to already have a developed interest. But not all students have the money for lessons or the luxury of having a prior interest. In fact, many
music students join with no prior knowledge or experience, but they grow to love the art. The skills developed in music classes are crucial to young students, especially ones who need an outlet for creativity rather than physical activity. At the elementary level, consistency and familiarity with teachers and instructors is crucial to
success. As a music student myself, I can safely say that the program relies upon consistency with classes. Without access to these teachers they've grown to love, students would have a harder time developing these skills at an early age, hindering their progress in the future. Music education allows students
to be engaged and passionate and it allows them to make a choice that could very well remain with them for the rest of their life. I along with so many other students here started music at a young age. For me that was choir in second grade and I've stuck with that passion since then. So many HD students this year are continuing their musical
careers in college and none of them would have reached their level of talent or dedication without beginning to play at an early age. Thank you everyone for dedicating your time to the community tonight. I hope you consider all the words and ideas that have been spoken. Thank you. >> My name is Anthony Lazera. I'm a
resident PhD. I took orchestra in fifth grade and it changed my life completely. I never had confidence before this and I wouldn't be able to come up here. And I then took I started band this year and I thought I wasn't going to fit in cuz I don't have
athletic ability. But it was one of the things that changed my life. And I didn't want to come to school at all. But band was one of the things that made me want to come to school and experience all these things that I wasn't going to without it. And I'm glad I'm able to
take these uh classes and experience marching bands and color guard. And I was ex um I'm glad to have took orchestra in fifth grade. And it completely opened me to
new views of opportunities. Sorry. Thank you very Julia Hunter, Egg Harbor Township. Um, I just want to say, can we hear it for these kids? They have great public speaking. So, when my son first started band, I
knew nothing about a band. I didn't know what a drum line was. I thought it was just people who drumed in a line. That's not what it is. But over the last few years, I've learned a lot. I volunteered. I've spent time with these people. And I would like to share my family's experience with the HD band
program. In 2022, fresh out of COVID, my son came home from school with a drum pad, sticks, and a xylophone. I didn't want him to pick up a drum. I wanted him to pick anything else, but he picked a drum. Every week, he would lug it on the bus to school. At night, he would come
home and practice, tapping out rhythms on a practice pad. At the end of the year, we watched the Miller band perform a series of songs, including Hot Cross Buns. The kids then performed a more complicated song along with the high school band. I thought that was incredible to see the range of talent
that this district has. In sixth grade, he joined the band at Fernwood, including the drum line. Though through that program, I watched him go from a quiet kid to someone to the confident, outgoing person that he is today. Thank
you, Mr. Spats. Band gave him community. Band gave him community. It gave him mentors and it gave him a love of music. Now I have to listen to Weezer all the time. It's taught him discipline, teamwork, accountability, and responsibility. Basically, it's taught
him the soar. Last fall, I spent many Friday nights sitting on the bleachers at the high school stadium. Often, the team wasn't winning, but the band played on, performing at halftime, rallying the crowd, and playing a humorous wa when the opposing team missed the field goal.
The band is just as much a part of Friday Night Lights in EHT as the football team and the cheerleaders. In November, we saw him perform at Metife Stadium. Watching your kid perform on the same field as Taylor Swift, Metallica, and dozens of other artists
and athletes of musicians have played is surreal. But an award-winning band isn't built from nothing. It starts in elementary school with kids tapping out hot cross buns in a practice pad. It starts with kids learning to love music,
finding community, and gaining confidence. And all that starts with really good teachers and programs. Diminishing the band program diminishes these kids opportunities. And I get that this issue is about a lot more than just the band. And it's about But it's also about a district that
continues to cut the arts, but celebrate it monthly in fancy videos of board of education meetings that I watch. And quite frankly, I'm like, why are we not funding this more? It's about leadership and it's also about the kids and they are the ones who will ultimately have a ch have to live with the consequences of
these choices. On a final note, Jason Kelsey, I think we're all familiar with him. Go Birds, recently said in an interview that being in band made him a better football player. I think about that a lot. How one talent can to can lead to so many others with both being
valuable. Thank you. Um, hello. My name is Jackson Hunter. So, I'm currently performing in the battery with the marching band. And I just want to say without the experiences that I had in fifth grade learning under it wasn't Mr. Sun, it was Mr. Isacson. Without those experiences, I could never
perform the level that I can now. Without any of that, I don't think we could be successful. These programs are needed for our schools. People like Mr. of sudden help everyone. They help the marching band. They help us learn. Without that, we could never perform at a football game. I would also like to say that making multiple teachers work
across different schools is absolutely ridiculous. These people have lives and other things. I've seen for people like Mr. Spats or Mr. Crafts how much time they spend outside of school. Imagine having to spend all that time you spend for one school for two different schools. It's honestly absurd. That's
all I have to say. My name is Savannah Irvin and I go to the Egg Harper Township Miller School. I remember in fourth grade Mr. Sutton was I was in music and Mr. Sutton was walking around asking if I wanted to sign up for band. The only reason I
didn't want to sign up just because I wanted to be in band. I signed up because I knew Mr. Sutton was such a kind and thoughtful person. Mr. Sutton encouraged me to do such fun things and do more things. For example,
Miss Shank, my favorite choir teacher, she encouraged me to do a solo in choir. And I just wanted to thank Mr. Sut and Miss Shank for being such awesome teachers. Thank you. Hello. Um, my name is Christy Tel. I am
a EHT resident and I in Alder Avenue Middle School. When I was in fourth grade, Miss Samantha Sarah um was her first year teaching at Miller as a strings director and a general music
teacher. When during lunch when Miss Sarah brought out her fifth like fifth fifth grade now eighth grade orchestra when they started playing even as simple as twinkle twinkle little star it had inspired me to join orchestra and the next year when I did join I just
only wanted to do it for fun but the more lessons I took like the more I grew passion for music in middle school like in middle school >> orchestra Orchestra has like improved my social life. I had made more friends. It helped
me focus a lot more which brought me into advanced programs. And I just want to say thank you to Miss Sarah for helping me help um thank you to Dr. White for keeping me in like the orchestra like help like help me go
through all soft auditions, all state. And for Mr. Sutton. I haven't really met him. I saw him at the summer 2025 band and orchestra camp. He is an amazing band director, and I know he'll do so, so well conducting the Miller band. And
I just want to say thank you um for listening. Hello. Um is it on? Okay, my name is Christine Silverberg and I am a resident of Egg Harbor Township. Um, I have two children in the district, one at the high school and one at Fernwood. Um, I want to say first, thank you to the
board for your time and I really want to acknowledge all of these students who feel so passionately about their music program that some of them have been here since 6:00 waiting to speak. So, thank you all for your dedication. I just want to reiterate what others
have already said tonight. Saying that the programs won't be changed is a little bit of a false narrative. Asking one director to work at both Fernwood and Alder will not keep our program to the high level of cal of caliber and talent that we see now. While both the Fernwood and Alder directors are amazing
and incredible, and I am sure that they will do all that they can, expecting one person to maintain a concert band, wind ensemble, and drum line at two separate schools is unreasonable. Another thing to consider that has been mentioned is the time dedicated by your directors
beyond their school day. My daughter was recently nominated to the All South Jersey Elementary Band, which required her director to give up an entire Saturday with his family to come and help my daughter and other students from her school perform in this elite band.
Um, he also gave up a Saturday to be at a drum line competition with the Fernwood drum line. I don't think we can really expect that one person would be able to do that for two different schools. So those programs while they may still be in place will not be the
same as they are today. Um something will just have to give. You cannot expect one person to do all of those things. So I just please implore and I beg that you find a way to keep the music program intact the way that it is today so that our incredible music
program can continue to perform at the high caliber that it does now. Thank you. Hi, my name is Lucia Dunlberger. I am an EHT resident. I play the bass in the orchestra program at Firmwood Middle School. And Miss Sarah has been an
amazing teacher. She has truly taken our district's mission to embrace, engage, and educate to heart. I think it is impossible for the district to fully realize this mission without Miss Sarah or Mr. Sutton and the
elementary orchestra and band programs. Miss Sarah has been a great teacher. She is the reason I picked up the bass. She encouraged me to try even though I was intimidated at first. Since then, she has been an amazing mentor and pushed me to do more with the bass. She helped me get nominated for All South Jersey
Elementary Orchestra and successfully audition for All South Jersey Junior High Orchestra. In the audition, she made sure I was included. And in the base hang, she made sure that I was included through Rowan University. At last year's bass hang, she pushed me to
do a master class with Professor Map in front of high school and college bass players. I was the youngest person selected for the master class, and the college students were impressed by the piece Miss Sarah had helped me to select and perform. This year at the bass hang, it was not through the school, and the
age level was was higher than my age. So she made sure to lower the age level so that I could participate again. The music classes run by Miss Sarah embrace the students. They are safe space for students who do not connect through traditional ways like sports or academics. They provide opportunities
for success and to build confidence which is important for students at this age who are beginning to form an identity and self-esteem. Orchestra and band provide access to music for students who might not be able to participate in ensembles without the programs. Many families in our district
cannot afford private lessons. So by limiting the programs, that also means limiting their ability to be a part of music. If we want to embrace the students and their families, we should be providing more opportunities to them, not limiting the opportunities to only families who can afford to pay
privately. There is currently an epidemic of screen use and lack of connection and engagement in students. Orchestra and band require to work collaboratively to make a good sound. Orchestra and band programs educate students. Many studies have shown that playing an instrument engages almost
every single part of your brain. That leads to students performing better academically, having better attendance, and more academic achievement. I understand that the district the district's budget can be a huge concern. However, I would like you to think of the long-term effects that these cuts
can have on the students, districts, and communities. Instead of the short-term budget concerns, I want you to ask yourself, are the reduced opportunities for students most in need and the removal of a space where students can feel connected and be themselves, the loss of educational
benefits and the weakening of future arts programs worth saving all the money that we will make but from by cutting these budget programs? Thank you. Um, hello. My name is Quinny May and I am a resident of Egg Harbor Township. Um, I was Egg Harbor Township alumni and
I actually went to school with uh, Mr. Sutton. U, we were in marching band together and we were also in wind ensemble together. And from very early on in my high school years, I I noticed that Mr. Sutton had um amazing leadership capabilities as a drum major
and also as a section leader um for our band. He is not only a wonderful teacher, but he is also a wonderful friend and a wonderful member of our community who really cares about not only his students, but also everyone around him. And um and one of the things
um as an education major that I noticed is that not only to be an amazing teacher, you have not only do you have to be good at teaching, but you have to truly love and um foster and cultivate your relationship with your students.
And um Mr. Sutton is a wonderful example of having a wonderful relationship um with all of his students and all of his staff and all of his mentors and also um in many people in his community. um removing him from the music community
not only um takes away a wonderful and amazing musician, performer and educator, but also a person who um really fosters and really cares about um the growth and relationship of his students. And um as a student as a
former student of this um district that has been through many um music teacher changes, it really affects um our growth in music and also our relationship um with music as well. Um so overall um
overall Mr. Sutton is a wonderful and amazing musician and in addition to the program. So thank you Hello, my name is Mike Schladen Ruffin. Um, I'm a sophomore at EHD High School and a res a resident of um, EHD. Um, a
little bit of background on myself. Um, I've been to EHT schools um, my entire life life up until seventh grade. I switched to go to ACS, Atlantic Christian School, and I came back here in 9th grade. And I remember in seventh
grade when I walked past that band room at ACS and I my eyes immediately locked on the saxophones and I was like, "Wow, that's so cool." So, I really wanted to learn the saxophones and I'm glad that my band director over there and a lot of
my friends that I had over there were were happy enough to teach me how to play the saxophone. And when I heard that ACS wasn't not going to have a band in um in my freshman year, I was I
cried. Um, but I came back to EHT in 9th grade and my goal was to be in the jazz band and to be in the marching band. And I'm really glad um that even though I joined um EHT late and I joined the marching band late that Mr. Mr. Sutton
and Mr. Woff were there for me to just keep me up to speed and allow me to be in the marching band. And without them and without all my friends here, um I would not like I would not have the confidence to be up here. Like a lot of
my friends that I've built here in the band, they've helped me build my confidence and they've helped me be the person that I am today. And so without music education in elementary schools um things like these wouldn't happen where
people would be people have more confidence, people become end up smarter, people wouldn't um have all these friends and if we drop Mr. um Mr. Sutton down.
It's going to destroy the education education system as a whole and it will destroy some of these kids who aim to be in the band. Thank you. >> Hi, my name is Leona Congal. I live in EHT. I am here as a former band student,
not from this district. Um, I am one of the few people, I think, up here who has never met Mr. Sutton. Um, but I was definitely a band nerd when I was in high school. Um, and I have listened to all of these students talk and say, um,
how integral band is to their lives. And I can say as a former band student myself that that is very true. We had lots of fun in the band room. We cried in corners in the band room with our friends. Um, and where else in a school
can you do that? Um, it is a place where students who don't have athletic ability can go. You get your high uh high performing students uh academically. You get your lower academically performing students. You get your rich students.
You get your poor students. you get so many people that would not otherwise be in the same space. Um, I think that diminishing a music program, you lose a lot of opportunities for people to
collaborate and connect with each other. Um, and that is something that is sorely lacking now. Um, listening to everyone discuss how Mr. Sutton had and all the orchestra teachers of as well how they have seen
them throughout the school their school lives. How many teachers do you get who you've known in fourth and fifth grade and in 12th grade? That is a really really special thing. Um like usually
you get a teacher per year, maybe a teacher for a few years. You never get to see them while you grow up. That is just phenomenal to me. Um we know that we have had budget issues. I know that the budget issue uh that has come up
right now is massive uh health care costs. Correct. Um I wonder why we have not moved to do anything about that. Um why do we still have that? This was a problem last year and that's why we had to cut some positions last year as well.
I remember um I question if the district has the right priorities when they are willing to sacrifice people's positions in lie of um pursuing better technology or just chasing the new shiny thing. Um
really you want to build community. Well, people are community. The students are community. Your teachers are community. I have only been to the football stadium twice. Once when my daughter was in third grade singing
the national anthem with everyone else and then once to watch the high school band perform and they're really good. So, I hope that um you reconsider what you will and will not cut in the upcoming year. I understand that we have
to make the budget work, but I think that cutting positions is especially well-loved programs is not the way to do it. Thank you. Um, hello. My name is Shiiori Toasalik and I'm a ninth grader in EHT uh high
school. And my experience with music has started all the way in fifth grade. And with orchestra, what I've noticed throughout all the music programs that I've joined, the staff have been like
they put a lot of work into their job and they even work outside. they use they take time outside of their job to um benefit our program. They I know several teachers that go to different
schools and teach um basically the same thing to other schools and they put a lot of work into it and as I've seen for example Miss uh Dr. Wyatt and many other um staff I've seen music,
they often go to different schools which is really hard to manage and it's really honestly impressive that they've managed to keep the kids as well educated as they are in the music program. I think they're actually doing a really good job and they're really well
underappreciated. Um, and I think that firing or not firing but like um removing these teachers from our program would be very detrimental to the program itself because um each of these
teachers have a great impact on um many students in the program which there is a lot of students and if maybe even just a few stu uh staff are removed from this program this impacts a lot of kids and
their overall um performance in school as well. From the reports I've seen earlier, um it was said that kids come um like their attendance reports they've been rising. But if we cut the music program, um from experience and peers
that I've seen, they will not want to come to school as much since the music program has had such a big impact on them. And I think removing even just a little bit of this important um program
is uh very detrimental to the actual education of these students. And um I've not really known Miss Sarah or Mr. Sutton, but I think that their um
the work that they've done for this community and this passionate program um is very important and they should not be removed. Thank you. Uh Julian Marcia, uh a resident of EH. I'm also a freshman. Uh I go to EA High
School. Uh, I want to give a little bit of background first. Basically, my whole life I dreamed of being a soccer player and one of my old coaches is actually in the crowd. Shout out Coach N. Um, that was all all up until fifth grade
when I saw Mr. Isacson playing the saxophone. I saw him and I immediately fell in love and um I decided to play the drums and yeah um I played the drums and actually
didn't like it. So I continued band into sixth grade and I decided to switch to trumpet and that ended up being one of the greatest decisions I've ever made because that caused me to uh meet and have a connection with Mr. Sutton. Uh
Mr. Sutton uh has not only taught me uh like how to play and all that, but he's also taught me one of the uh most valuable life lessons uh which is to dream. Mr. Sutton and Mr. Crest uh they've helped me dream and play, but
they've also like made me think about what I want to do after school. Um uh Mr. Krabs, uh initially put this idea into my head. Um, and in uh in the marching arts, there's
a uh basically the NFL of of like marching band. Basically, it's called DCI and WGI. Uh, Mr. Joe and Mr. uh I mean Mr. Mr. Sutton and Mr. Krabs have both put that idea into my head and uh
that is the thing that I wish to do and Mr. Sen has not only given me uh the passion towards doing that but also um he's like given me the integrity, the creativity and the
and just the confidence to be able to not only like dream those things but also come up to here come up to you here and say those things. So I ask you today not only to believe in dreams but to believe in Mr. Sun. Thank you. Thank you. My name is Dylan King. I'm a
resident of VHT. I'm going to be blunt with you guys. You work for the community. And right now, the community is telling you loud and clear, you're making the wrong decision. Eliminating Mr. Joe Sutton and cutting the ban program is a direct failure to put students first. Hiding behind budget
cuts, last in first out policy is nothing more than an excuse to justify a decision that is hurting students, family, and the future of this district. Mr. Sutton is not replaceable. He is a teacher who is who has inspired students to stay in music, stay involved in
school, and believe in themselves. Students are openly saying they would not be where they are today without him. That should mean more than a line on a spreadsheet. The band program is not a luxury. It is not something you cut when
it becomes inconvenient. It is an essential part of students development. It teaches discipline, leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and confidence. For many students, it is one place they feel successful and supported. By removing Mr. Sutton and
all the other teachers you have on the chopping block tonight. By rem weakening this program, you are sending a clear message that students that student growth and the arts do not matter. This is unacceptable. Parents, students, alumni, and residents are not staying
silent. We are fighting this because we know the damage this deci the damage this decision will cause. We will continue showing up, speaking out, and holding this board accountable for choices that directly harm our children. You were elected to serve this community, not ignore it.
Stop making excuses. Stop treating music education like it's disposable. Stop pretending it is what is best for the students. Keep Mr. Sutton protected the band program and listen to your residents and do the job you're elected to do. Thank you.
Hello, my name is Tiani Bach. I am a resident at EHT and I am a junior at EHT high school as long also a member of the marching band here. So to begin, I actually didn't start like everyone else in fifth grade meeting Mr. Sutton and
everyone else on staff. However, I came from absami um playing in percussion just because I used it as a form of escapism. I hated everything. I didn't like anyone. I had no friends. And when I first transferred to Egg Harbor
Township, the first thing I did was join the marching band because that's the only thing I knew. And I met so many people who have changed me positively and for the better. For example, Mr. Sutton was one of the first staff members I ever met and he has taught me
so much right now. He is the reason I'm standing up here speaking for him to help save the arts and also just to keep his job. Please don't cut his job or Miss Sarah's or anyone else in the performing arts
because there's so much more to the performing arts that gives every student an opportunity at EHD High School. The only reason we're all here at this ed at this meeting is because we're all here because we love EHT and we want the best for our community. We're all here to
support one another. As one person goes down, there's always someone to help them up. Like like the saying, it takes a village. That's why so many members of the marching band and other fine and performing arts are here to support one another and also to
sorry Mr. Sten and everyone else on staff has honestly changed and benefited everyone. By removing one person it causes more problems. Like my avang teacher has told us, the fish rots from the head down. By
removing one staff member, it trickles down to the students who learned from the said staff and mentor. With without the staff member, how are we supposed to learn? Overall, this can affect the performing arts and other activities as
a whole. And once again, please take everything we've said into consideration and please appreciate our persistence. >> Good evening board. Um, I'm No King. I'm a resident of EHT and I'm also a junior
at E High School. When people look at a band program, they may see instruments, concerts, rehearsals, and performances. But what Mr. Sun has built at the Miller School and also here at the high school with the band programs is much bigger than
music. He's built a program, a family, and places where students can grow and find confidence and discover who they are. I know that because I'm one of those students. Ben is more than a class. It's a family. The friendship I've the friendships I've
built, the memories I've made, and the people I've connected with all come from the environment Mr. Sutton has created. He makes the band a place where students feel included, supported, and a part of something bigger than themselves. Ben is a safe haven for most students,
but not for all. Finally, Mr. Sun in the music program at the Miller School have made have made me the musician I am today. He hasn't just taught me how to play notes on a page. He hasn't taught me how to perform with confidence, how to work hard, or how to push myself to be better
every single day. He's grown this program into something students are proud to be a part of. And I can say honestly, honestly, if it wasn't for Mr. Sun and this music program, I wouldn't have I would have walked away from this music program years ago. And who knows where I would
be today. There were times I struggled, times I've questioned if I wanted to keep going, but Mr. Sutton never gave up on me because he believed in me. Because I stayed, I grew, not just a musician, but as a person. Budget cuts
may not may look like numbers on a page, but behind those numbers are students, opportunities, and lives being changed. Mr. Sun is not just a band teacher. He's a mentor, a role model, and someone who has built something truly special here.
I ask you tonight to think about what what would be lost if students no longer had someone like Mr. Sutton leading this program. I know I would not be the person or the musician I am today without him. Thank you for your time. >> Oh gosh. All right. It's on. So I just
talked. >> Okay. Um hi, I'm Megan Donovan. I'm an EHT resident. Um, I am also the mother of a fifth grade student, uh, who was here today. Um, but honestly, at about 9:15, I looked at my husband and said,
"Take her home." Um, she did not want to leave. She made me promise to speak um, on her behalf and on Mr. Sutton's behalf and on behalf really of the entire uh, music department. Um, so, uh, also I was a lawyer in a past
life, so I do like to hear myself talk, but I'm gonna try to keep to this. Um, so I know that we have some district goals, right? Those district goals are for student achievement and community involvement. I can't think of somebody more than Mr. Sutton who really embody
embodies that. He is homegrown. He is very involved with his students. Um my daughter had the privilege um and honor I guess of being selected for the um South Jersey Honors Band this year. She plays the trumpet. Um we were able to go
and watch her. That's where I met Mr. Sutton in person. However, I'd been interacting with him all year long because he's one of those teachers that actually talks to you and and cares and um we have been lucky in this district um to have a lot of really good
teachers and Mr. Sutton is absolutely one of them. Um my issue is that what is the the narrative that I guess is being laid out is that the music program is not being eliminated. It is not being
changed. It is still going to be there for our students. However, my understanding is that the instrumental music department in the past two years has been reduced by 50%. A year ago, there were retirees that were not
replaced. Now, this year, we've got two more that were lost. There were eight. There are now four. That is a 50% reduction in instrumental music education. You cannot sit up there and
tell us, thank you. You cannot sit up there and tell us that it's still intact, that there's still a music program. You can't take the engine out of a car and sell it to us. We're not I'm not having it. Um, just to touch on
what other people have said, music studies show that success is correlated to music education. We have higher test scores. We have improved attendance. We have better social um, and emotional skills of those students. Additionally, lowest reported levels of substance
abuse. I think that's super important. Um, and just to close, I know I have 20 seconds. Uh, um, I also am really troubled to hear that the steam elective in middle schools is being elect um, eliminated last next year. My daughter's
going to um, one of the middle schools next year and I find that extremely troubling. Additionally, I do know that there are retirements going on at Slayball. They are not being replaced either. Um, I believe that it's under the assumption that there's a 15 to1 ratio at Slayball. I I ask any of you to
walk into Slayball and go into a classroom and show me the ones that are 15 to1. Sorry, I went over. Thank you. >> Hi. Hi. My name is EJ Schuben. I'm from Egar Township and I'm an Aar Township alumni.
I currently go to R University and I'm studying physics and mathematics and I'll hopefully get a masters in education so one day I can teach in the future. I want to be a little bit more personal with my experience with music. I got a piano when I was seven and I could play hot cross buns eventually but
I was like oh that's cute and that's it. And then in fifth grade um back when Dr. Ketsky was the teacher, the band teacher. He invited me to play with the drums and eventually asked me to join percussion on Mima and I loved it and I loved music, but I was still this little
quiet, shy kid who didn't really know what to do and didn't really have any friends. And that's okay. But, you know, with the program, I was able to grow. I was able to find myself. And if it weren't for the fifth grade, like little
middle school me saying, "Yeah, sure. Let's let's try drums for a little bit. Let's see if I can do other things." Then I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't be speaking right now. And then I was able to join the marching band in high school and have the time of my life and make lifelong friends where I did get to
march with Mr. Sutton and eventually follow his lead because he did march drum corore and I eventually was able to march drum corore and compete against him. I did lose, but that's okay. Um, and I followed in his footsteps and I continued for three more years and I'll be aging out with the Cavaliers. And
without this program and diminishing it, I wouldn't have the opportunity. I would still be the little scared boy who didn't have any friends. And I'm sure there's other people that would still be in that same situation as me without this. So, I really ask you to take in all these words and think about the
future and the like the little kids, the little shy kids who don't really speak up for themselves because I'm here to do it for them. Thank you. as she's coming. We're going to our young lady back here is going to be our last speaker
>> for music or for we're going to streamline it. >> Are you saying can someone get behind her? Okay. Cuz so we and we want to hear from everybody, but we do have to little put a little bit of the time frame. So if you're planning on speaking, maybe you
can line up so we know how to gauge our time. >> Yeah. Because at 11, I believe the building does close. So, I'm going to ask that we >> that we also do consider time because it
is almost 11:00 and our building does does it does close down. Okay. >> We we don't want to hear from you, but we we are listening. So, we're not taking action tonight. >> Yes. >> And we're not taking action tonight on anything, but it can be but your
comments and concerns will be discussed in our committees. >> Hi. Um I'm Kim Smith. I'm a new resident of EHT and also the EHT colored art director. Um I have had the privilege to work with Mr. Sutton as long as well as the other marching band staff for the past year. Um and also was friends with
many of them beforehand. Um this is a little bit like EJ said a little more personal. Um these kids have a community that they have built on their own um with their educators. um like Meredith uh Dowy mentioned earlier, we lost a
student this year and those the rest of our students gathered together and formed a safe place that they have together. Um and without having those foundations in the younger grades, we would not have that. Um we would not
have that support and as much as we talk about the kids needing it, we also need it. Um, so it's not only affecting the children in the programs, but also the adults, your educators, the people who show up every single day to work hard, whether that's for an hour or 30 hours.
Um, and with that being said, I personally was lucky enough to have a very supporting family. Um, I've been in the performing arts since literally I was a baby. Um, between baton twirling, um, being a musician, and then joining colored art and obviously still teaching
for almost 10 years now. Um, I started in band and I will not say I was very good, but without that I would not have found my passion um to not only teach but to perform and help these kids grow. Um, and that is something Mr. Sutton
does. Um, as well as the other educators who are being cut from our program. Um, and it has been brought up about the absences. Um we face that challenge obviously, but the more programs you cut and the more safe places you eliminate, the more absence issues you're going to
have. Um so that is one thing that I saw tonight that um was intriguing. Um but without these programs, um there's not a safe place for these kids. Not everybody is a football player. Not everybody is
going to be a top five student in their school. So, I really think it's important to consider the people who are not traditional or the people who don't have the same values as other people's do. Um, and just making sure everybody has a safe place and you're providing safe educators like Mr. Sutton to
provide those. Um, on a more personal note, he is not only a great educator, but a great human. Um, he continues his education through performing and also teaching the marching band and so many fine arts. Um, so I really hope you take
all of these awesome kids words into consideration and really think about next year's budget cuts. THANKS. >> HI. UM, I'm Hazel Dowy. I live in EHT. I'm a freshman at the high school. Um, I don't like talking in front of people.
The like this program has like inspired me. so much that like I'm just willing to come up here and do something that I don't really like doing. Um, but a good point that was brought up earlier was that how many people would show up
if this was a math teacher or an English teacher or a social studies teacher. Um, and honestly, this program has like given me like a place to go. And when I was in middle school, I was
thinking about quitting cuz the music is hard. It's not an easy thing to do all the time. But I realized that without band, I had nothing. Like band was my entire life. Um,
and something that I was thinking about earlier when I was thinking about what I should say, um, is that every single person that I know is somehow connected to band. Um,
and something that Joe Sutton has taught me during marching band is to play even if you're wrong, which helped me a lot with like my confidence and it made me like a better student and
a better player. That's all. Thank you. All right. How you doing? I'm uh How you doing? Um Robert Dad Sutton, EHT. Um Joe came up through this school district.
Uh his love and passion for music started when he picked up his first instrument in fifth grade. It continued on through high school which included four years of marching band, four years of college music education which include three years of marching band. Also a
season of drum corps international with the cadetses and the last two years teaching music here right back in this district. which also includes teaching on the marching band staff as well. Joe's also been involved with our community band
for many years. He's a great young man and teacher. When he was a student, teachers loved him. Now, as a teacher, students, parents, and other teachers love him, too. That's why we're here
today. This community that you all work for is here today to tell you we want Mr. Sutton to stay here in this district now and for the future. He's the kind of person we want. and all
of you should want here teaching and representing this district. He's also the kind of teacher the kids want and deserve. We're here to tell you you got this one wrong and we're asking you to find a way and fix this to keep Mr. Sutton here in
the district teaching music where he belongs. Thank you and thank everybody for coming. >> There's supposed to be a button here we're gonna press, right? >> Okay. Um, tough facts to follow, especially um, my name is Alisa Egan. I
am a resident here of Egg Harbor Township. Uh, I grew up with uh Cindy and um and Robert, the parents and family that's all here. Uh, we all grew up in Northfield, but all of us have
traveled here and have made our lives here in uh at Harper Township as uh residents and uh I was able to uh witness uh um the Joe growing up and uh
all of us growing up together. Um, music is life. Music is the world for everyone in this room. It is the heartbeat of our
school, of our life, our community. Um, I have two grandchildren uh that are in the Egg Harbor Township Schools that have started from the preschool to kindergarten. I have uh my grandson uh
Braden Kelly who is in all of the programs uh in the music that started in the fifth grade at Miller School. Miller School is where he started his music and
he's in freshman year in uh high school. He has all of the teachers that love him and support him and it's just beautiful to see everyone thriving in this music program and it is because of the
dedication that you have from uh Joe Sutton uh from Mr. Spatz um Mr. Woff um uh Dr. Kadeski um I don't want to miss anybody's name but
Joe uh had learned and is is the epitome of education uh to to give the foundation that these children love enjoy and uh thrive and and and and it's it's a testament to that this evening.
Thank you. And please, please keep Joe Sutton and thriving our um music programs in a Harper Township. Thank you. >> I'm only going to need 30 seconds. Um I don't need to say anything about Joe
Sutton because it's been so eloquently said tonight. Um Kevin Jones from Egarp Township. um with my kids graduating four and seven years you know ago um their combined 15 years of being in this
system one thing I know about this board is you're not afraid to correct mistakes okay you've made a mistake it's clear you've made a mistake now it's an opportunity to correct it and that's all I have to Okay,
where the button is? >> Hello, I'm Joan Vicary Fulton and I'm an EHT resident and I'm asking you to please maintain or in even enhance the music program that you have. My
daughter's been a product of this school district and although she majored in the sciences when she left high school, I was so shocked because she had so many opportunities here. Pit band, honors
band, Atlantic pops, all South Jersey Regional. And she took advantage of those in her years here and learned to play the flute. And Mr. Cadetsky handed her a piccolo and then she um got to uh
experience learning piano. And when she went to University of Pittsburgh, although she was studying mechanical engineering and robotics with Carnegie Melon, she was first flute and piccolo in the orchestra. And right now as we
are meeting here, she has first flute in the world headquarters of Google in the Google orchestra. And she goes out to the schools and they provide instruments and money to the schools and and go out to the students with their instruments
and none of this would be possible. And I know that she would definitely say what a wonderful experience she had with the music programs here and that it's enabling her to to give that to others.
Hello. Can you hear me? Um, I did not plan on speaking. My name is Melissa. I'm an AH resident. I have two children. one an eighth grader and a tenth grader. Um, I didn't plan on speaking today, so I didn't write anything down, but I did not have get to have an experience with
Mr. Sutton when my daughter went through the music program. I will tell you the music program is very important for her in as a fifth grader. Socially, it helped her. Um, she had go, she made goals. It was it was a very important
thing. Um, I think it's safe to say that he's a very loved teacher in our community. I hope everyone understands that and makes the right decision on his behalf. Um, the other thing I wanted to speak about was our steam program in middle school. I was told later last
week that they will no longer have it. Now, my children won't be in middle school, but I will tell you, um, I've only been at the Fernwood, uh, middle school with our two children, and the steam program is extremely important there. That elective, Dr. Phil,
those kids absolutely love it. They they eat it up. They want to do more. They want to set goals. They want to have clubs. They want to apply to the engineering academy in the high school due to that program and that elective with him. his classroom is always packed. Every time they have to sign up
for it, he's got to let extra kids in. Um, I think it would be a huge disservice to get rid of that program in middle school in both the schools. Um, and I think that's it, but I appreciate all of you and thank you.
>> I just wanted to make announcement. Uh, Miss Henlicky, she'll be our last speaker for the night. >> My name is Mary Gary. I reside here in Egg Harbor Township. To begin with, any parent here, I am so proud of your kids
for coming and staying. I have the distinct honor of for the last 20 years without interruption having a child in the district. for the my children are all special education and with that we're going to come to the
music component. I asked for music lessons for my son who has fetal alcohol syndrome when he was six and I was told he was too young and not ready wait until middle school in fourth grade for those of you that can remember there was
a drumming circle. There's not one now. Where did it go? With your not cutting a program, not reducing a program. It's long gone. But I will tell you with that early introduction, my house now has drums,
saxophones, flutes, piccolo, and a keyboard. Because of the early introduction, because it was the hook that kept him going. Statistics show that it improves reading. It improves math. It improves
social skills. It improves time management. It is a bonding issue. The first time he walked into the high school band room, he felt so alone. He came home crying. And then it became his safe space, a
place that was non-judgmental where the child behind him or beside him or in front of him had him. And that goes for my daughter and my subsequent sons. My
I guess tenth child um is going to Arizona State and he went on a scholarship based on something he did from the band because he was also engaged at fourth grade. So much has been said about fifth
grade and about the high school marching band. Statistics and studies from the state of New Jersey show and recommend that music education presentations start in the fourth grade, not ninth grade. By
that time, they have other interests, perhaps not academic, perhaps not athletic, perhaps not even legal. So, you can't sit there and tell me it's not going to be reduced,
removed, whatever, because I'll take you back 20 years. Thank you. >> Good evening. Michael Tosh um here from Makeover Township. Thank you all for staying this late. Let everybody talk. Um hopefully you've gotten the message. Hopefully, you'll understand that what
you said before the public speaking started that the programs weren't going to be reduced or diminished. That's not true based on what you're hearing behind you is that when teachers have to split schools, they can't give the same love and attention to the students that they're trying to work with. If they
have to split it, they spend two hours a week in the car driving back and forth. The teachers need to be in the schools that they're in. The programs need to be expanded. To all the music educators, you all are obviously loved terribly.
Mr. Sutton, all of YOU for the benefit of the kids that have stayed here tonight, I hope that you will correct your opening statement. Thank you. Paula Semi Gonzalez. I live here in Egg Harbor Township. This is the first time that I have ever stood in front of
people to speak. Um I everything has been said already, but we all sat here and watched you know all these teachers of the year and one thing they all had in com a lot of them had in common. and I won't say all of them, but they came through the system
here in Egg Harbor Township. They graduated, they came back, and they're still teaching here. And I didn't come from An Harbor Township. I came from North Jersey, but I'm a g I'm a band geek nerd, whatever you want to call us. Um, and you know, I did all state, all
South Jersey, North Jersey, and all that stuff. And you know, Mr. Sutton is everywhere. I have pictures with my kids. I have um two sixth graders that wouldn't be in band this year anymore had him and Mr. Fong not picked up the
pieces from their retiring fifth grade teacher that was not available. Um for whatever reason he wasn't available but from September to January there was like nothing. And they were like mom I'm like
when are you going to have a lesson? And they're like, "Well," and I and you know, I just I just kept educating them cuz I play, you know, and then finally when they came aboard, it was like a light bulb and a love and passion and,
you know, just for the family and and everything. And um you know, I know you guys heard everything, but um he's the past, present, and future of of Egg Harbor Township. And um thanks for staying to listen to all of us. And um
have a good night. Sue Henlicki, resident of EHT and also the union president. So I had remarks prepared. I'm struck by the the power and the passion
in every young person here that spoke today that spoke about how important this program is in in in their own development. The young adults that also spoke, their parents who spoke as well.
Um I was a band geek too. Obo and English horn. Woohoo. So it's and I started also in fifth grade. So those things are very important to me but my teacher um needed to know about double reads
right um which is very different than a string instrument or a brass instrument. So you need specialists at that level and if you are cutting Mr. Sutton and Miss Sarah who are specialists in band and orchestra and
asking maybe the the um someone from the high school to split their time and go to Miller go to the high school then you're taking away from both pro both schools and the programs that they have
there and I understand that we we might just look at class sizes because some of these teachers teach only small small groups because of either their level, are they beginners, intermediate, whatever. But it's important for
students um to have that specialized instruction to help them grow in this program and to find that safe space and to know that they're happy in school and that they come to school to help Mr. West with your absenteeism rates, too. because I
also looked at the stats and Sean if he's still here excellent sir there were a lot of the same stats that that I had seen too that people who are involved in music have the highest attendant rates attendance rates and the highest graduation rates
and more music majors get into med school than any other um major. So those posi, having this program and having it um having the personnel in place for
that specialized instruction at that young level when we all know that learning a language is so important at the younger levels, right? To your language acquisition device, everything is um is uh more open when you're
younger. Well, music is another language. You learn how to read a different language written in musical notes. And then you learn to technically produce those notes on an instrument, right? And then you also have to make it sound great so that we can all enjoy it
as some as the language of music that we love to listen to. That takes time and dedication. That takes small groups. You're you're in the beginning listening probably to a lot of screeching and scratching and I know as an oboist a lot
of honking. So, um, and thankfully, you know, people stuck through that with me. Um, itinerant teachers, that's interesting doctoral thesis information. Um, but it makes total sense to me. You can't have somebody
running between buildings all the time. Also, I will say about steam. Steam. >> Real quick, your your three minutes have passed. >> Okay. I'm sorry. I'm a big talker. I was inade confident. >> So, now here I am. Steam is particularly
vital in the middle school because this is the developmental stage when kids are making that connection between math and science. You know, what is their identity in math and science and they can use what they've learned in a transdisciplinary way where they
actually take what they've learned in their core subject areas and apply it to the real world. And so we need to also save those middle school steam positions as well. So please
please look back and reconsider and see where you can save our talent from our own district and Miss Sarah and Mr. Lee and get those back onto a personnel that we need here that I'm would be proud to work with and you'll be proud to have
here through their whole career. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. So, at this time, I'm going to um close public comment. And um I would just like to say um
something really quick first. Um I sound like a frog now because I'm a little tired, but I will tell you this. We all are. But I will say this. Um, I am very proud. Um, I'm a graduate of a Carpa Township High School, class of 93.
I say it all the time, we're the best class to ever do it. One of my best friends, Dr. Mina Garrett, was one of the first female drum majors in a carpet township. And I don't play an instrument. Um, I'm a former employee
of EHT and I'm a product. And here we I'm sitting here today. And we have another student, Mr. Sepy. Um, who graduated from the high school. Mr. Delarco was a former principal. Um, Mr. >> former student, >> former student, Mr. Price.
>> There was no high school. >> Um, there was no high school. So, I just want >> I know. And I'm not going to tell you Mr. Dela Parker was my principal, too, when I was in fifth and sixth grade. So, I'm saying all that to say this. I mean, this is not about me. First of all, I'm
really proud of the students that came out tonight and um I am a strong advocate. We all are. Our entire board is proud of our students that came out tonight. Um because we do want our students to know that they do have a voice. Students, parents, and community members, everyone
has a voice and everyone has a right to express themselves and assemble and come together. So, um, very proud of that piece of it. And we we heard every statement,
took notes, wrote down the names, questions. Um, couple pieces of paper in her notebook. So, um, it didn't fall it. How many? >> 52. >> 52 speakers. Thank you. So, it is clear that there, you know,
there is a love for um music um in our district and um I'm going to take back questions, comments, concerns. Um I'm put my glasses on. Um
just want to let you know like of course we cannot discuss um personnel of course in the public but um we're going to make sure that we review the comments, questions and concerns
further in our um committees. Um, but I just wanted to thank each and every one of you for coming out tonight. Um, making me proud as a, you know, EHT resident that we know how to come together peacefully and respectfully. And I understand some people, you know,
like I said, this is passionate is close to your heart. And the stories that the students shared, I think were amazing. And um, to the parents of Mr. sudden, you know, I I can tell you this. I we all have children and we will go through a brick wall for them, you know, so we
respect that. Um, and we we understand and we thank you for coming out tonight um to share your passion on behalf of the board. I don't know if there's anyone else that had a >> any board members. >> Yeah. May I just add um >> Yes.
>> pretty much I echo your sentiments and it was a long night. Appreciate everybody coming out. I can feel the passion and I can feel the warmth and the um support out here and I heard your message. I I heard each and every one of you did a wonderful job presenting the message and um you know township
committeeman Pete Castellano is here. I wanted to recognize one of our township officials. Thanks for coming out Pete. Um it's my hope that um hopefully we could still come up with a solution. I mean before between between now and the end of the the school year, maybe
we'll have some more retirements. Maybe there'll be some more ideas. But I'm certainly absorbed in a lot of the information that was presented tonight. And um you know, I'm going to consider everything. So thank you. All right. So, right at this time, we're
going to have a motion to adjourn our meeting. Can I get a >> I'll give you a motion. >> I second that emotion. >> I'll second that motion. >> Thank you again for coming out. >> Thank you.