Good evening and welcome to your board of education meeting of the Elizabeth Board of Education. This is a combined regular agenda meeting and business meeting of the board of education pursuant to New Jersey statutes and rules adopted by the board of education. Notice of this meeting was sent to the
Star Ledger and Cable Vision of Elizabeth, New Jersey on October 14th, 2025. In addition, this notice is posted on the bulletin board in a lobby of 500 North Broad Street. And pursuant to this act, a copy has been filed with the city
clerk of Elizabeth, New Jersey. Again, welcome to the Elizabeth Board of Education meeting. Thank you for joining us this evening. We want to welcome everybody here who is not only present here in this building at school 51, but to our television viewers to this
October 23rd, 2025 meeting of the Elizabeth Board of Education. We are here to govern, provide management oversight, and make policy for the district. The superintendent manages the district. This is a meeting of the board, not a meeting of the public.
And um this meeting is being recorded and will become part of the Elizabeth Board of Education public record. Um please silence your electronic devices if they decide to go off. Um please make sure you put them on silent and please
refrain from talking while others are speaking. We are pleased that you've taken time to join us here at the Elizabeth Board of Education. Thank you for your interest and time and dedication to Live Board of Education. Mr. Kennedy, roll call, please.
Barbosa, >> yes. >> Bas Carvalo, >> present. >> Chev. Jacobs >> present. >> Marina Ortega and Pastana >> present. >> Rivera ner
>> present. >> Thank you Mr. Kennedy. Um before we go forward, um it is with great regret, um that we pay moment of silence to someone who is very special to the board of education, our
board attorney, the honorable John F. Malone, uh who we lost recently, unfortunately, um his untimely passing. Um he's gone way too soon. He's been with us for a very long time and his guided he been the guiding light of the
board of education. So I'd like everybody to join me as we u pay a moment of a silence. But before you stand, I just want to read a resolution in his honor. Um it's quite lengthy and I believe that he deserves that honor
and respect for the service that he not only gave this city but the entire county and state. Whereas the honorable judge John F. Malone, a lifelong resident of the city of Elizabeth, graduated from St. Bandick's Preparatory Academy in Newark, New Jersey in 1965.
Whereas the honorable judge John F. Malone continued his education at Satan Hall University, receiving his bachelor's degree in history in 1969 and then at Satan Hall School of Law, receiving his jurist doctorate degree in 1972.
And whereas in October 1973, the honorable John the Honorable Judge John F. Malone began his general practice career as an associate attorney of Jstone and Odoire in Westfield, New Jersey. Then as a
partner of Corsam and Malone in 1976 and later as Odoire and Malone in 1980 along with two different times as a sole propri sole practitioner of law and whereas John Judge John F. Malone would again practice as an associate attorney
of corporate and real estate transactions as part of the Carella Burn Bane Gifilan Kei and Stewart before taking place on the bench of the superior court judge of Union County, New Jersey in 1992,
including service as the civil division, criminal division, the chancery division, and the general equity part until 2012. And whereas following his retirement, honorable judge John Elone worked as a counsel at Lort, Bundy, Varity, and Consella, serving as the
attorney for the Elizabeth Board of Education and the Elizabeth Democratic Committee. And whereas the Honorable Judge John F. Malone provided valuable guidance that helped empower Elizabeth public schools to operate efficiently, effectively, benefiting families of the district, learning community, and
taxpayers of city with the respect and admiration of members of Elizabeth Board of Education and the Elizabeth Public School central administration. And whereas throughout his life, the honorable Judge John F. Malone was a dedicated professional and community servant while enjoying many different personal endeavors and interests such as
being a commun of St. Genevese Church and serving as the Eucharistic minister and a member of the Knights of Columbus 3197 and as an attorney for the Union County Senior Softball League. Whereas the Elizabeth Board of Education, the
Elizabeth Public Schools professional learning community were saddened to learn of the Honorable John, Judge John F. Malone's recent passing and expressed their sympathies and heartfelt sorrow to his family, friends, and loved ones. Now therefore, be it resolve that the love,
purpose, and devotion with which the Honorable Judge John F. Malone lived each and every day of his life, serving both the Olympic public schools and the greater Olympic community, serves as an inspiration to all of us. Be it further resolved that this resolution be spread
on the official minutes of the board of education, and a copy of this resolution be presented to the honorable John, Judge John F. Malone's family. May he rest in peace. We will miss him dearly. Um he was a true uh champion for justice and we want to pay a moment of silence
not only to him but to uh Peter Murma, former electrician and foreman of division plant and property um who served us here for many years. Adrien Denise Green, former security guard, Francis C. Smith
um school number 50. Um our prayers and condolences go to all these families who have lost these valuable um citizens of our community. Please rise for a moment of silence. Thank you for that moment of silence. At this time, please remain standing for
the presentation of colors by the Admiral William F. Paul Falsy, Junior, Health and Public Safety, Junior ROC. Ready [Music] for march. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Say you see
by the dawn early so proud we held at the twilight last stripes and bright stars. [Music] through the
fight or the ramparts we were so gallave [Music] through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star spangled yet wave [Music] for the land of the free and the home
of the brave. Thank you. Please remain standing for the pledge of ethics. Um, read by Vice President Maria Carva. >> As a member of the Elizabeth Public School professional learning community, I will treat people as I wish to be
treated. To do that, I pledge to understand that the school community is a special place. Listen respectfully when someone else is speaking by paying close attention and not interrupting. Speak in a calm voice and use proper language. Dress appropriately for teaching and learning. Inspire the best
in myself and others by celebrating successes and learning from mistakes. Care about others by demonstrating acts of kindness. Be a lifelong learner by taking every opportunity to learn from others. >> Thank you, Vice President.
At this time, the junior RTC will be dismissed. 5. Amen. [Applause] Again, good evening all and thank you again for joining us here at the Elizabeth Board of Education. It is
indeed my honor to present to you this evening um our student representative to the Elizabeth Board of Education from Johnny Dwire Technology Academy. Please give her a big round of applause as she comes forward, Miss Hope Victor. Sorry.
At this time, Madam Superintendent, you may have the floor. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Hope Victor is a senior at Johnny Dwire Technology Academy. She was elected president of the National Junior Honor
Society as a firstear student and is currently an active member of the National Math, English, and the Haitian Honor Societies. Hope also serves both as an AVID as well as a Johnny Dwire
Technology Academy student ambassador, proudly representing her school's commitment to academic excellence and student leadership. Beyond the classroom, Hope is deeply involved in her community. She serves as a children's ministry teacher at her local church and contributes as a social media
assistant for intimate worship, a New Jersey based ministry collective dedicated to spreading the gospel of Christ through work worship evidence. In addition to her service and leadership roles, Hope is a young entrepreneur. In
2023, she launched Hope's Blessings, a nail business that continues to grow under her direction. With her passion for service, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to excellence, Hope remains committed to representing Johnny Dwire Technology Academy and her peers with
integrity, compassion, and purpose. It is a pleasure to honor our student representative this evening. >> Let's give her another big round of applause. [Applause] Congratulations, Miss Victor, and thank you for joining us.
At this time, citizens may address the board of education. Microphones are open for public comment to those who have signed in prior to this session. Each statement will be made by the participant will be limited to three minutes in duration. The total time for public comment shall be limited to 60
minutes. No individual shall be able to yield their time to another individual. All statements shall be directed to presiding officer. No participant may address or question board members individually. Each speaker shall comply in all respects with board policy 9322.
At this time, we have Miss Maria Loren from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Good evening, Miss Loren. Good evening. It's been a long time. Uh I wanted to come to speak about the CPAC and I was hoping that the board would be
transparent and honest which is very few or rare the occasions that it is. you have now a new CPAC membership and my question to this board and anybody who can answer this question is particularly Miss Hugyer is to whether this new board
was selected under the old policy that you have in place or the policy that you've tabled now for about 3 to four months. I need to understand how this new board was selected so that also parents can understand what to expect from this new board. In addition to
that, I see that the website was revamped for the Elizabeth Public Schools, long overdue. Um, however, your website has inaccurate information. The director is not the director that is in place today. Program descriptions. When
you click on the link for curriculum, there's no information. Um, not sure how you plan to remedy this, but if it is here, they can take some notes. In addition, I saw that there was a survey with a QR code. Definitely a step in the right direction for everything that
we've been advocating for for years, Christina and I. The topics that were there uh for parents to select of what they would like to hear more from was a resource fair. A resource fair isn't a topic. This is something that the district should do and give back to the
community and informing the community of resources within the community and the extended community. In addition to that, resources for parents to assist children is something that your CST team should be doing. Your supervisors, your case managers should routinely be sending out
emails to the community to help them and provide them with resources as they become available. This isn't a topic for discussion. And this is what we've all been saying. If you bring advocates to the table, they can help guide you better than what
you think you're doing. In addition to that, special ed programs info. Again, something a parent should know and shouldn't have to go to a website to click on a link and get no information, which is pretty much have parents here in this district have lived
and survived for over 10 day for over 10 decades over decades. In addition to that, the FAQ, it says if a parent disagrees with recommended services, they can write a letter to child study team. um discussion will move to a
supervisor. So now we're delaying and getting a child the appropriate services that they need because you want two rounds of conversation before we can give a child uh free and appropriate public education. And the disinformation on your FAQs around medical disorders
not being considered a qualifying condition for special education is again misinformation. Okay, that is not completely transparent. Shame on you. >> Thank you, Miss Lorenz.
At this time, I close the public portion of this meeting and we'll turn the floor over to our superintendent schools who will present the community updates. >> Thank you, Mr. President. We're going to begin this evening actually with our uh
after school and Saturday programs presentation. Thank you very much. Next slide, please. Where do we have Oh, fantastic. Thank you. So, this evening, I'll be providing our academic afterchool and Saturday
programs uh that are available in the district. Many programs have already started and we have several programs that will be initiated very soon throughout the course of the year. We begin with our afterchool academic ELA uh and mathematics program for our students in kindergarten through 8th
grade. Our students are provided with support on grade level skills as well as um supports appropriate supports. This program already started on October 14th, will run through April, and this program is being offered at all of our K8 sites for one hour after school on Tuesdays,
Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Next, we have our NJSLA uh Saturday program. NJSLA is the state uh assessment students need to take. This program is available for students in grades 3 through 11. Uh students are selected for the NJSLA Saturday program
based on specific criteria that includes teacher recommendation. This program starts on January 10th and run through through May. It's available uh for all our K8 schools. Next, we have our credit recovery afterchool program for our high school
students that is federally funded. The purpose of the credit recovery program is to ensure that we're providing an opportunity for our students to be able to make up missed work, uh be able to uh support them in courses that they may not be performing well in. This program starts on October 28th and will run
through May 22nd. It is a five-day program available at all of our high schools. Next, we have the credit recovery centralized program for our high school student that's offered on Saturdays. So, the same program that's offered after school, we are also serving our
students on Saturdays uh from 9 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon. And this program is offered at Jefferson Arts Academy. It's centralized. So, our high school students that are being recommended will attend on Saturdays at that location. Next, we have a series of
programs that I will be sharing that are federally funded specifically for two schools. For our Edison Career and Technical Academy, that is our only comprehensive status school in the district and for school number 28 that
is in targeted status for a particular uh subgroup population. So here we begin with Edison Academyy's uh alternative to suspension afterchool program for our students. This is a two-day program and it's important because it's uh rather than suspending a student, we are
providing this critical services um to ensure that students are not missing class time that they're receiving support through their guidance counselors, academic support as well as an opportunity to be able to reflect on their actions which is what would have led to an out of school suspension. and that is on Tuesdays and Thursdays for
two hours at Edison Academy. We then offer also a 4-day program similar alternative to suspension with the same types of supports for our students and that is a five-day program and that's for one hour after school.
We are also offering at Edison Academy a school-based attendance recovery after school program. So, similar to the academic supports to ensure students are performing well in their courses, we also want to address attendance as well. So, this program provides academic help, mentoring, and incentives for our
students that will begin in January and run through June. And that's Tuesday through Friday. And also our uh bilingual afterchool program for our students at Edison, also federally funded. And this program in particular is for our target instruction
in English language arts and mathematics using the native language as well as critical strategies for our multilingual learners. And that's three days a week for our Edison students. And now as I was referring now the U other school that is in status a targeted status for
a special population. We have very similar programs being offered the alternative to suspension for three days after school. We are also offering the incentive after school program which is a great program
which actually serves as uh for reward for our students that are showing progress in both academics and as well as attendance as well as individualized goals that they are meeting and it's an opportunity to reward the students on Friday afternoons for one hour. Uh school 28 also has a tutoring program
available uh target instruction in English language arts and mathematics and that's before school for our students three days a week as and Edison is offering a credit recovery Saturday program for our students for students
that um have experienced um areas of deficiencies in their classes. As we continue on with our federal funds to support these two uh targeted schools, Edison Academy attendance program offered on Saturdays. Very
similar concept as the afterchool. Some of our students need to work after school. Therefore, we have the opportunity to provide the service of academic help, mentoring, and incentives on a Saturday. And then uh Edison is also offering uh a grade nine tutoring Saturday program for
its students for supports in English language arts and mathematics from January 24th through the end of the school year. And now we move into our career technical education um ELA tutoring that's offered to um all high school
students that um have um are interested in in career and technical education. It's an opportunity uh to have our teachers recommend students to receive additional supports in reading, writing, and communication skills. This is both one-on-one as well as small groupoup
tutoring that's offered on technical literacy, workplace communication, and also to prepare our students for industry aligned coursework and assessments. And now you will see the same program offered in the area of mathematics. Both of these programs are offered on Tuesdays. It's for one hour
after school and they are at different locations. The ELA program at tech at Dwire and our math program at Edison Academy. We also are offering our students um this career and technical education science tutoring program similar concept supports that are being
provided in the area of science for our students and that program is offered on Tuesdays and takes place in Holly for one hour after school. So these are centralized programs. You can have students attending different high schoolmies. If they need supports in
ELA, math or science, they're attending at those locations that I am sharing with you. And these are all uh teacher uh recommended participants. We then have the girls who code uh club and this is a program that empowers our female
students that are interested in technology and computer science so that they can explore coding and problem solving and leadership. This is offered to our high school students um Tuesdays and Thursdays and the program is offered um at our centralized location at Dwire
Academy for one hour after school. We also have uh the HUSA future health professionals club that is specifically for our high school students that are pursuing um health related fields. This is an opportunity to address uh leadership technical skills, teamwork
skills in uh health science activities. Also, there's a computer uh community service component as well as competitive events and that begins in November, runs through May, and that's on Tuesdays and Thursdays for one hour after school. That program is uh going to be held at
our centralized location of um Holly Academy. We have our skills USA program for our students enrolled in career and technical education programs. This is um hands-on competitions, leadership training, and community service opportunities. And that begins in
November uh two days a week through May for one hour after school. And of course, we are offering our career and technical education students a Saturday academy uh an opportunity to invite not only high school students but invite our middle school students to
participate and be able to receive academic support um and in computer science, engineering, auto technology, collision repair, healthcare occupations, uh which includes nursing and EMT there. As you can see, there are two sessions. one that started on
October 18th. The second session starts on January 24th and that is from on Saturdays from 9 uh until 12 o'clock. We then uh have our centralized Saturday attendance program that is available for our high school students and ensures
that it provides an opportunity for students who uh to recover missed instructional time, be able to make up days or credit hours. As you can see from the screen and this information will be posted on our web page. We are offering three sessions on Saturdays from 9 to 1. It's a centralized program
that is being held at uh Johnny Dwire Technology Academy. And of course with that we have our centralized Saturday detention program and that provides positive alternative to out of school suspension. So, we're providing support for four hours on a
Saturday opportunity to have um our teachers work with our students as well as have um speakers that come and work with our students and address the behavioral infractions that have uh occurred. That's program started in September on Saturdays from 9 to 1. Now,
we have our social emotional learning after school program. Um, and this program helps our students to build essential life skills such as self-awareness, empathy, um, addresses responsible decision-making and emotional regulation. This program started on October 20th, runs through
May 29th on Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. U, as you can see, it is K all locations, K12. We also received some supplemental federal funding which allowed us to expand this program. This program had been funded in our district budget and through the federal uh
additional federal funding we were able to expand the program and ensure that it's being offered in every single building including our annexes. Very very um important program. We have our substance abuse prevention program
that in um it serves the purpose of educating our students on the risks of drug and alcohol use and that is on Saturdays. Started in September and it runs through June from 9 to 1. Also based um our Johnny Dwire Technology
Academy is a very busy building uh this year. We have our vice principal Mr. Elliot Johnson here. I think he can attest to that. We have our Saturday visual and performing arts enrichment program for our students in grades six through 12.
And this is offered on Saturdays and it's based out of Elizabeth High School, Frank J. Cigarell Academy. Opportunity for our students in middle school and high school to choose from drawing and painting, guitar, band, theater. Opportunity to work with our um instructors on building those
foundational skills or in uh refining the skills from their participation in years past. our K8 afterchool arts enrichment program um also being offered in all of our K8 schools uh two days a week on
Tuesdays and Thursdays. Opportunity for uh to explore art, music or drama. We have our leaders of technique program that's offered at sele select schools schools number one 69 15 and 27. Uh this has been a very successful program for
many years. It builds leadership, character development and specifically for boys and the middle uh grades. And we have our first ladies which is a complement uh to our program uh and it supports young women in developing self-esteem,
leadership and identity also offered at the select elementary schools three days a week. Um and it runs through the month of March. And of course, Catapult Learning, uh, this has been a partnership for many years. Um, it provides before and after care services
for students in pre-K through fourth grade at the locations that are on the screen before you. They offer services such as before care as well as afterare. Uh, the schools are surveyed every single year by Catapult Learning in order to gauge the interest in the
beforeare and afterare services. We have our afterchool special education support uh program for our students in K to8 and this is for our in order to provide homework help and tutoring and appropriate supports to our students and
that it started on October 14th runs through April 30th on Tuesday, Wednesdays and 30 um uh Thursdays and available at all of our K8 schools. We have our basketball clinic uh that uh offers a four-week inclusive skills and
drills program to our uh third through fifth grade boys and girls to learn uh the skills of basketball and that program just completed. Um it's four sessions. It was offered at all of our K8 schools. We have our soccer clinic that's coming up in March and that will
run um through June offered on on Saturdays. And lastly, we have our after school clubs that are offered at our high schoolmies. So every single site is very busy on Saturdays after school uh
all throughout the school year. The intent is to be able to ensure that we are supporting our students beyond the school day and ensuring that they have the opportunity to participate in areas of interest that will serve them well. I'm going to turn to community updates very briefly now.
So, first we begin with uh reminding our community with regard to um it is the season as we're entering the cold uh se winter seasons. We have influenza and RSV resources that have been made available on our website. So, you can
access uh through our web browser. Click on the menu in the upper right corner and you'll see students and families and you'll find the appropriate resources there. Um, and as you can see, you're able to find the icon at the very bottom
of that page that has the information. We continue on with uh sharing our information regarding our free immunization clinics. Um, available um this information is available on our website. uh please it's offered for uh children ages two months to 18 years. So
if uh for residents that qualify for these services and of course family clinics uh scanning the QR code, you're able to um access this information with regard to what is required and the services that are offered. Uh we're an update that was provided to all of our
families last week. Unfortunately, there was u I'm sure everyone saw it on the news. there was an a power outage um that occurred. I believe it was Amazon Web Services if I'm not mistaken which impacted numerous entities. Uh college board was one of them. So we had to move
the administration of the PSAT and SAT school day to uh Monday, October 27th. So our families have been informed, our guidance counselors have informed all of the students and we will prepare for that administration on Monday. And then
lastly, uh, we have our new website that was launched this week. Um, I want to thank our IT department. I'd like to thank Mr. uh, Michael Settlemire, uh, for all of the hard work. Mr. Eric Kulich, who was just here a few minutes and he's there right there in the corner
for, uh, the many, many, many hours uh, of dedication to uh, working on updating our website. I think it was a phenomenal uh launch, very successful launch and great job. We have an exciting date next week
coming up on October 29th which is our perfect score uh rally. We will be honoring 198 perfect scores. Uh really great opportunity. We're looking forward to our children attending and their families opportunity to recognize their
perfect scores on the NJSLA for ELA for math for science and the NJGPA which is the grade 11 test for um ELA um and science as well. So wonderful opportunity at the Thomas G. Dun Sports Center. We're really looking forward to
that. And that concludes our inside EPS news from Central and turn it back over to our president. Thank you, >> Mr. President. Mr. President. >> Yes, Commissioner.
>> Yes. Um, may I have some words? >> Yes. >> Yes. Hi, good evening everyone. Um, first I want to say some words after my superintendent presentation.
Um as you see that I show like at this moment I copy and I copy every single detail we have offer more than 28 after school program and and this is amazing news my
community parents guardian and student and it's not only one person it's a teamwork is our directors our assistant superintendent our principal and of course uh our
madame superintendent and I want to let you know something last Friday now everybody know I represent the Hurban district in New Jersey an executive board member we in a crisis
in New Jersey we meet three Fridays from 8 to 11 p.m. in Trenton to make sure how we can address we have multiple cities without teachers. Teacher they don't want to work after
school period. If we have 25 after school programs and this is real data not not faked information because parents and guardians know your children can be an
afterchool program and we support our community because our parents are working every single day. But I let you know it was really sad to see district without after school program, parents
without somebody who take care of the children, parents without money to pay for tutorings. And we have right here not only academic after school I'm sorry it do you do you hear me? Yes. Not only
after school academic because listen to me we have a student who they don't like academic only. We have art, we have social emotional, we have different kind of thing. We have clinic sport for the student who they can high performance in
a sports that's been mean at this moment I want to congratulate the whole entire district because I everybody know and I you know I don't want to name any district but we don't have teacher who want to board after school and if we
have 25 after school plus clubs and different kind activities is because teacher love to work in Elisa public schools. Thank you madame superintendent. This is for the record to our great community because sometime
it's important the community know the real facts. Thank you and I want to say congratulation and I want to say my respect for the district. Um we sometime respectfully disagree some members of
our community but that show like we in a great hands. Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Moreno. >> Thank you, Commissioner Morena, um for making that point and um really addressing um some of the other issues that plague other districts that, you
know, fortunately here we're able to get those things done and we're able to offer those services. It's not easy, but it's getting done. And it's very good that we highlight some of the great things happening here in this district because oftentimes you hear the things that are not happening, but things that are happening, we need to celebrate. So,
thank you again for um highlighting that. And madam superintendent, I want to turn the floor back over to you for the HIV report. >> Thank you, Mr. Neran. I'd like to turn um over to Dr. Donado who will be presenting the HIV uh report for the
2425 school year. Good evening everyone. Tonight I'll be presenting our 2425 HIV self assessment which evaluates our district's progress under the anti-bullying bill of rights. This process helps us reflect
helps us reflect on our current efforts and identify opportunities of growth. As a reminder, after the HIV self- assessment for the 2425 school year is presented, it will be submitted to the New Jersey Department of Education. The anti-billing bill of rights requires
all New Jersey schools to evaluate their performance annually. The state developed rubrics include eight core elements and 26 indicators. Before we review the eight core elements, this slide outlines the steps required to
complete the self- assessment process. The process begins with completing the assessment and entering the information into the DOE website. The results must then be presented to the public, which we are doing now, followed by obtaining approval from the board of education and
assurances from the superintendent. Finally, the completed self assessments are submitted to the NJ DOE. I will review all eight core elements. The force the first core element being programs, approaches, and initiatives. Looks at specific programs and
initiatives schools use to prevent and respond to harassment, intimidation, and bullying. Our second core element is training on HIV policy. For schools to have met this requirement, all employees and students receive training on our district's HIV
policy. The third core element pertains to other staff instruction, training and programs. We ensure all staff receive ongoing professional development in suicide, HIV and prevention.
The fourth core element is curriculum and instruction. This element evaluates how integrated HIV related topics into our curriculum. The fifth core element is HIV personnel. We evaluate the roles and effectiveness
of students, school-based HIV personnel, including our anti-bullying coordinators and specialists. Excuse me. Our sixth core element is incident reporting procedures. Each school follows standardized procedures for
reporting HIV incidents per our HIV policy. This includes a system of reporting new information on previous submitted reports, ensuring no concern goes unnoticed or unressed. Our seventh core element is HIV
investigation procedures. To meet this requirement, parents were notified in all investigations and were informed of the availability of counseling and other intervention services when appropriate. Schools affirm that all investigations are completed within 10 days and that a
written report was conducted by all investigations. Lastly, after the completion of each investigation, all investigations are reported to the superintendent within two school days after its completion. And our last core element focuses on HIV
reporting for each school is required to have clear procedures in place to ensure that staff reports whether verbal or written contains all necessary details regarding incidents of violence, vandalisms, harassment, intimidation and bullying.
And once again, just to show you the rubric, uh, please reminded that zero means they did not meet the requirement through three meaning exceeds the requirements. And now we'll just go into the scores for all of our schools. We start with
school number 13 with a score of 76 to school number five score of 74. to school number 23 with a score of 74. Down to school number nine, score of 71. On to school number 20 with a score of
71. Down to Jay Christian Bowwidge with a score of 78. >> 68. >> 68, I'm sorry. And next, school number three with a score of 68. And finally, school number eight with a score of 65.
The self assessment results show strong overall performance across eight core elements. A score of 52 mind you that's the on average that means we've met all core elements. All 67 schools achieve
scores 65 or higher with individual schools ranging from 65 to 76. The average score across all schools was 71. um reflecting on improvements from the previous year of 70. These results suggest consistent progress and
continued alignment with the established performance indicators. So that's a really big deal. All of our schools scoring well over the meeting of expectations with an average score of 71. Just a quick look ahead. Our focus remains on strengthening school climate
and safety across all schools. We will continue to engage families, support staff trainings, ensure effective programs that promote positive, inclusive, and safe learning environments for all students. And this slide just highlights some of
the different programs and work we do across our 37 schools that promote positive climate and safe schools. I missed the last one and there's one more, but it's okay. I want to thank everyone for your continued support. That concludes our 2425 HIV self
assessment. Thank you. >> Thank you. At this time, we'll review the agenda. Mr. Kennedy. We can begin. Um, did we record the um attendance of Miss Victor? >> We didn't, but I will now. Thank you
very much. >> Please add her to the attendance. And we have uh Commissioner Marina Moreno who has joined us and Commissioner Baffis who has also joined us. >> Thank you. All right. At this time, we like to review the agenda. Um item 1 A
and 1B, the official private official private minutes of September 18, 2025 along with the Treasury Secretaries report of August 31st, 2025. Are there any questions from the board? Okay. See, >> I have a comment if I could.
>> You have a question? >> Comment. >> Oh, comment. >> So, the treasurers and secretary report in this meeting is for August 31st, which is our second month of results for our 2526
uh budget year and wasn't that long ago we were developing the budget and we really talked a lot about maintaining our afterchool programs which uh board member Marina Ortega talked about and um as she said a lot of districts aren't
able to do these afterchool programs so it helps the community out and our students um get the things that they need. So that's my my comment in pointing out that we're we're two months into it on the results, but now the fruition of what we did back in the
budget development stage is is being shown on the screen. >> Thank you, Mr. Kenny. And thank you to the finance committee for making sure um that those things happen. And to all the again to all the administrators and teachers who have um accepted to take on that role to you know do the extended
time with our students, we definitely commend them um for that work. Any other questions or comments from the board? Seeing none, hearing none, Miss Kenny, please add items 1 A and 1B to the agenda.
Items 2 A and 2B, the personnel report. Any questions from the board? >> Mr. President, you say 2 A. >> 2 A and 2 B. Yes. >> Yes. I have comments. Thank you. >> Sure. Um first I want to say uh thank you for
your hard work and dedication. We have 11 employees different positions who will be retired. Um I want to say thank you for your hard work and dedication different positions
and I wish the best also uh I want to explain the community a little bit about top t top table 2a as you see it's a long long long loan look how how many pages but I'm happy to see like most of
this is for pay our after school teachers and I don't need to say how much is per hour but it's extremely high but I can say how much I received in my district $45 per hour right here is very high
just to you know true facts and also I want to you know uh welcome new teachers that's been in crisis in New Jersey and
USA this district every single month we have people who want to work right here. That mean I start today we present real facts to the community. Uh and I want to say thank you to my
board members, my board family because it's a lot of hard work and dedication behind the scenes. Thank you, Mr. President. All right. Any questions for tab 2 A and 2B? Thank you, Commissioner Moreno. Mr.
Kennedy, please add tab 2 A and 2B to the agenda. Uh, tab three, tuitions report. Are there any questions from the board? Seeing none, hearing none, please add tab three, tuitions report to the
agenda. Tab 44D, superintendent report. >> Mr. President, >> yes, if I may. 4B. Um the administration is recommending a change to the dollar amounts on the use of facilities after meeting with both
the finance committee and the property and plant committee. We we this reflects no discount in the use of facilities for payment of security guards and custodians. After meeting with the committee, we decided to keep the
discounts for this year with notifications to the use our community users that it's great that we can do this this year, but it's going to be a decision that'll have to be made in next year's budget. So, the 10% discount is
going to go in effect. So, these numbers are going to be changed to reflect reflect that direction that we got from the committees >> next year. No, when we approve these, we're going to be sending the new rates with a with
a letter that explains maybe next year they won't we won't be able to do the discount that we're doing this year. >> Certainly. >> Uh, Mr. President, I just want to make sure that all the board members understand that. If not, I'll table it
and we could speak about it in private. I just want to make sure that all the board members understand and if not I'll table it so we can speak about it in private. >> So let's um bring that to um tab 4.
Let's bring that to private to discuss. Thank you. Uh 4 A 4 C 4 D. Can we add it to the agenda, Mr. Kennedy? >> Yes. five and 5A authorizations report.
>> Mr. President, >> yes. >> I just want to confirm that the only change on the school year calendar was the addition of a half a day. >> Madam Superintendent. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Yes, that is the only change that was made on the calendar, the addition of the half day
October 24th. Yep. and that is to ensure that our teachers have the opportunity to be trained on the new uh state assessment and JSLA adaptive that will be administered at the end of October and mid November. >> Thank you, Madam President. Just wanted to make sure that our community knew what the change was.
>> Absolutely. >> Thank you. >> All right. Um tab 5A. Are there any questions or concerns? Seeing none, hearing none, please add that to the agenda. Tab 66A, finance and
accounting report. >> Mr. President. >> Yes, sir. >> I'd like to take a second and I'm not going to pronounce your name correctly, but I'm speaking to Miss Linda Kowitz. How do you pronounce your name? >> Kowitz. And thank you for your contribution um to school number two for
the perishable items. Um I see that you're you're always present for all the events. You're a faithful employee and a dedicated employee and I just want to take this moment to thank you for always sticking with our students first. Thank you.
[Applause] >> I just also want to acknowledge she was my high school teacher. Thank you. She always is there and present and shows up for our students. So we commend you and there's very few people that you can find that are dedicated to do the
kind of work that she does. So again, we thank you for all your service and all the work that you do tirelessly and the love and passion that you show Elizabeth day in and day out. Thank you again. 6 A and six. Can we add that to the agenda, please?
Are we good there, M Kenny? Okay. >> Yes, we are. >> All right. Tab seven, award of contracts. >> Seven. If I could have a comment. >> Sure, Mr. Kennedy. >> Um, we need to amend the I'm sorry. >> Pretty shy usually, but he's pretty vocal today.
>> On page um, one of tab seven and page two, there's three contracts for winter sports athletic equipment and supplies. need to pull that from the agenda because the bid specs that were being awarded tonight we found out were not in order.
>> Can you clarify that again? We're pulling what? >> Yeah. So on the first page it's the contract for winter sports athletic equipment with MF Athletics. And on page two it's uh the contract with George L. Haidider doing business
as sportsman's and the contract with Varsity Brands Holding Company. So the the contract can't be awarded based on the specs that were sent out. So it's going to be rebid and will be awarded at the November meeting based on the results.
And so we will be um adding to the agenda with the omission of the contract for winter sports athletic equipment and supplies. And um we're going to be omitting contract for 2025 winter sports athletic equipment and supplies. Correct.
>> That's correct. And also resolution 10K, which we're not there yet, but that's the resolution that's awarding contracts. That's going to be >> taken out, too. My apologies, please remove resolution 10K before we get
there. >> Mr. President, >> resolution 10K. >> Yes. >> Does this affect um the students having uniforms? Um, we spoke with the athletic department and the timing of it should
we should be okay >> for next meeting. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Seeing no other issues, please. >> I'm sorry, Mr. President. I have a comment. Page three, top seven. Thank you. Um,
right here. Um, I'm happy to see just a comment. We have a contract with the college of New Jersey and it is a great opportunity uh for the dual enrollment program and provide opportunity for high school
students to gain four college credits. Um the I want to mention this contract because it is a great opportunity parents to your high school
um children's earn credit college and save money this mean and always happy to see the dual enrollment program we have and just I want to you know highlight that because it is important that the
district provide the uh opportunity for our student during the highest school students because as you know and everybody know college every day go uh in price very high this mean I want to highlight this specific contract and
it's different kind of opportunities like in our district the student can earn college credits for very reduced cost does mean I I'm happy to see thank you Mr. President >> thank you for making that comment
>> Mr. President. >> Yes, Commissioner. >> So, I have a question to Mr. Dr. Dionado on the transcript program. So, how does that how exactly does that work? So, >> we can't hear you, Mr. Jacobs. >> How exactly does that work? Can you hear me now? Yes. >> Hear me now? Right.
>> How exactly does that work? Does it does the the student have to pass the class with the AP score of three or better for them to receive the credit? >> So, in traditional AP courses, yes, that is correct. The three or better would typically earn you some college credit
at most universities. However, with the dual enrollment partnership, the AP score is not taken into consideration. It as long as the student gets a C or better in the class, they'll earn the college credit. >> So that as long as they get a C or better then they are able to acrew that
credit. >> Correct. >> And so that credit is only is that credit transferable to any other institution or only TCJ? um specifically across New Jersey, they have a partnership where um all New Jersey universities accept transfer
credits from from each other. Um but they are accepted across universities across the country as well. >> Yes. Thank you. So I have to echo again my colleague Rosa Marino Ortega because this is a viable opportunity that our district does apply um for many of our
students that other districts are not able to do. the fact that children that are in high school are able to um uh receive college credit for college courses. Thank you again. Thank you, Mr. President. >> Thank you.
>> Okay, I think we can add tab seven to the agenda. >> Yes, we can. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. So, tab eight. Um, at this time is my great honor to present our student representative, Miss Hope
Victor, for her student presentation and report. >> Good evening. >> Go ahead. >> Good evening board members, community members, and Dr. Higer. My name is Hope Victor and I am a senior at Johnny Dwire
Technology Academy. I am truly honored to have been selected to represent my school as a student representative. This position has given me the opportunity not only to listen to and become a voice for my fellow students, but also
highlight the many wonderful things happening at Dwire throughout the Elizabeth Public School District. This past September, Dwire proudly celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with the support and our leadership of Dr. Koko, the adviser of our multicultural club. Throughout the month, throughout this
month, Latin music filled our hallways and quotes from Hispanic poets were shared daily over the school speakers. What may have seemed like a small gesture became a meaningful act of appreciation for many of us. In a world where cultural celebrations are often
overlooked, it was powerful to see our school take the time to recognize and honor such a rich heritage. Students connected deeply with the music and messages. This created a positive inclusive atmosphere that reminded us that culture is not just acknowledged at
Dwire. It's also celebrated. Also in September, we hosted our back to school night which had an outstanding turnout. Parents, guardians, and families fill the hallways eager to meet teachers and learn more about their kids' progress. It was a beautiful reminder that when families and schools
work together, students win. The event showed how much our parents and guardians value their children's education and their futures. At Dwire, diversity is one of our greatest strengths. We take pride in embracing every heritage and ensuring that no one
feels excluded. I mean, no one. One of the things I love most about Dwire is that students are encouraged to join many cultural clubs or heritage societies, even if they don't share the backgrounds. As a proud Haitian American, I'm proud to be a member of
the Haitian society. But I've also found community and belonging in the Portuguese club, where I've also felt welcomed and included. That kind of unity makes our school environment feel more like a family, and I mean more like a family, than just a place for students to be educated. Beyond celebrating
diversity in our culture, we're also preparing for futures. Dwire has a strong focus on college and career readiness. Many of our seniors are currently applying to colleges and advanced programs, while others are exploring trade schools in specific
institutions. In fact, over 80% of our student our senior plans to attend college and about 20% are pursuing other post-secary pathways. A major focus for many of us right now is completing the FASA, which is a critical step in making
higher education more accessible and affordable for all. We're also proud to share that DAR continues to shine on a national stage. Our students work hard and persevere perseverance are paying off. This year, four of our seniors were
accepted into H.B.CU and one of our classmates, Camila, earned a full scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. These accomplishments reflect not just individual efforts, but the dedication of our teachers, administrators, and families who push us to believe in what's possible and the
chance to succeed at any prestigious institutes. Every success, every celebration, every milestone reminds me why I'm so proud to represent John Eiswire Technology Academy and the Elizabeth Public School District
together. We implic We implify what happens when equality efforts and excellence meet. Thank you so much. [Applause] >> Thank you, Miss Victor. um we're so proud of you and we look forward to you
having a bright and a prosperous future in all your educational endeavors and um your time as a student leader. Congratulations again. Let's give her another big round of applause. [Applause] Mr. Kenny, please make sure that her comments are reflected on the board
minutes. Negotiations Committee presented by Chairman, Mr. Jerry Jacobs. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, the negotiations committee meeting met on October 3rd. Uh, the committee was briefed on the progress of the EA and
ESC proposals. Key points included finalizing a memorandum of understanding. The committee reviewed proposed salary increases and compensation details for various roles. They also discussed the timing of professional development days. The committee discussed the due date for
delivery of the salary guides by the bargaining unit. A follow-up meeting with the EA was scheduled for October 7, 2025, after which a meeting with the committee will be scheduled to review the outcomes of the affforementioned items. The negotiations committee also
met October 7th. Uh the committee discussed the finalization of theou and exhibits and the next step of receiving salary guides from the NGA and EA for review. Theou calls for mutual development of guides.
Uh and that is the conclusion of those meetings. I don't think we have an update yet on the on the receipt of those guides as of today. Do we Madam Superintendent? Mr. Jacobs, >> I apologize. >> Can Can you repeat your question?
>> What was the question? >> Have we do we have an update? Have we received the guides? >> Not since we spoke the other day. There's been nothing further. >> Thank you, counselor. >> Uh based on your um report, Mr. Jacobs, sounds like we're moving along. We're
just waiting on a few items at this point. Correct. Commissioner. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Mr. Kenny, please add those um that report to the agenda. School
properties committee chairwoman Maria Carvalo. >> On October 6th, 2025, we met. The committee reviewed the bid results for Williams Field Firehouse. Oh, fieldhouse. Sorry, my other job.
For the fieldhouse, the district is awaiting approval from the NJ DOE, a division of finance and facilities for the fieldhouse project. The committee discussed adjusting 2025 2026 use of facility fees charged to community
groups to cover the full cost of afterhour security being incured by the district. The committee recommended deferring adjustments to the 2026 2027 school year with notification to users
of new rates for the 2026 2027 school year in approval letters for 2025 2026 facility usage requests. >> Thank you. >> Thank you chairwoman. Um Ed management
committee um chairwoman Stephanie Gonal. >> Thank you Mr. President, the Educational Management Committee met on October 6th at 4 p.m. The committee discussed the decline in the district student enrollment and the potential financial impact of the enrollment decline. The
committee further reviewed enrollment data for preK3 and preK4 students for both the private providers and the district classrooms. The committee also reviewed the district's assessment calendar and discussed the NJSLA and NJ GPA field test schedule for the fall of
2025 as well as the impact on benchmarks assessments having been cancelled for the marking period. The superintendent of schools informed the committee that the NJ DOE will be monitoring the district via the NJAC self-evaluation in the areas of instruction and program
fiscal management governance operations and personnel. The committee was also provided recent legislative updates from the Garden State Coalition of Schools. That concluded our meeting. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Um, finance committee report chairperson uh chairman
Jerry Jacobs. >> Thank you, Mr. President. The finance committee met on October 8th and the finance committee was to provide a pre a thorough and detailed presentation outlining the district's technology infrastructure cyber security strategies
including measures to prevent detect and respond to cyber threats as district's insurance coverage related to potential cyber incidents. Um this meeting was very wellreceived. I very appreciate Mr. Marcel and his teams um uh and every
other person that was involved in this meeting. Uh it was something that was concerning the finance team, but we are well assured that our district is well prepared for any types of threats. Thank you, Mr. President. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Um legal
committee report, chairperson Isaiah Rivera. >> Thank you, Mr. President. The legal committee met on October 9th at 12 p.m. The committee was briefed by the district's attorney on all ongoing legal matters and strategies. The committee will be reviewing various policies and regulations at his next committee
meeting scheduled for November 13, 2025. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Kenny. Can we make sure that the agenda reflects all these reports? Tab nine, claims list. Are there any questions from the board? Seeing none, hearing none, please add
tab nine to the agenda. Miss Kennedy, tabs 10 to 10 with the exclusion of 10K. Are there any questions in regards to those tabs?
Madam. Yes, Commissioner. Mr. President, sorry. Is the National Parental Involvement Day a new thing or we've seen this before? >> I don't recall it. >> Is that new, >> Miss Bless? No, it's incorporated every single year. >> I haven't seen it. Okay. Thank you.
>> Absolutely. So that is 10 uh national parent involvement day. 10 A is Puerto Rican Heritage Month. Uh 10B is Veterans Day. 10 C is National French Week. 10 D is
anti-lit campaign. 10 E is approval of employment contracts. 10 F is educational services um master special education tuition agreement. 10 G is the Union County Education
Services Commission ESA E SSA title one agreement for school year 2025 2026. 10H is requisition for taxes. 10 I is long range facility plan. 10 J is transfer of maintenance and
reserve funds. Please omit 10K. 10 I is payment. 10 L is payment for six day unused sick days. 10 M is a payment for unused vacation days. 10 N is accepting purchase offers for out of
service vehicle sold through public sale pursuant. NJSA 18A-18A-45 and 100. I read the resolution at the top of meeting in honor of the honorable Judge John F. Malone. Mr. Kenny, please add
tabs 10 with the omission of 10K through 10 O to the agenda. Thank you everyone for joining us this evening. At this time, I'm going to request a motion to go into private session to consider matters exempt under the Open Public Meetings Act,
specifically for discussion of personal matters, specifically reorganization. Um and I believe the item that we discussed earlier which was what item was that vice president you had an item you wanted to table >> facilities um discussion which was in uh
I believe 4 D 4B >> um personal matter specifically reorganization and the board will convene in public to take formal action. May I have a motion and a second? >> I move to go into private session. >> I second that motion. >> Motion has been made.
>> Is there a second? I second the motion. >> Motion has been made and properly seconded. Mr. Candy, roll call, please. >> Barbosa, >> yes. >> Baffilus, >> yes. >> Carvalo, >> yes. >> Chevro, >> yes. >> Jacobs, >> yes.
>> Marina Ortega, >> yes. >> Gavas Pastana, >> yes. >> Rivera, >> yes. >> Nerat, >> yes. Thank you. Um, if the family of um, Miss Victor can come up or take a picture. All right.
Mr. Kenny, are there any additional items to add to the agenda? >> Yes, we have tab 4B for use of facilities being added to the agenda. We have a resolution for reorganization and um organization Chart of Organization
and we also have a resolution for appointment of interim food logistic specialist. >> Mr. Kenny Kenny add those items to the agenda. Um also including item five B 4B >> 4B
>> 4B. Um Madam Superintendent, is there an HIB report that you need to represent? >> Yes, Mr. President, I have a report for this evening. Pursuant to board policy 5131.1, harassment, intimidation, and bullying and New Jersey statute 18A 37,
the results of each investigation shall be reported to the board of education no later than the date of the next board meeting following completion of the investigation and include any services provided, training established, discipline imposed, or other action taken or recommended by the chief school administrator. Since our last board of
education meeting on September 18th, 2025 and through October 7th, our school counselors, schoolbased social workers, supervisor of anti-bullying have completed 28 HIV investigations. Of these investigations, eight cases were founded for HIV as per New Jersey law.
There were 15 males, 19 females, 27 regular education students, and seven special education students that were the alleged victims. There were 24 males, 23 females, 34 regular education students, 10 special education students, one student from another district, one unknown student, and one non- studentent
that were the alleged offenders. Of the eight cases founded for HIV, four cases were founded based on race, national origin. Two cases were founded based on color. One case was founded based on gender. Six cases were founded based on other identifying characteristics
of the services provided and actions taken for these investigations. There were 11 skill development lessons and trainings, 22 counseling sessions, four referrals for outpatient mental health treatment, six changes of classroom, one administrative counseling session, eight in school detentions, 12 parent
conferences, two referrals to outside agencies, five out of school suspensions, and six cases are continuing to be monitored. The statute further requires that at the next regular scheduled meeting after the board members receive the initial report of HIV investigations that the board issue a decision in writing to affirm,
reject, or modify the superintendent's decision pertaining to the one case that was reported to you at the last board meeting on September 18th. In order for you to do so, the investigation summaries from the investigation which were reported to you at the last board meeting have been provided for your review prior to voting. And this
completes the report for uh this evening, October 23rd. Thank you, Madam Superintendent. Mr. Kennedy, can we have a motion to um to the board? Actually, can we have a motion to approve the entire agenda?
>> I move to approve the entire agenda. >> I second that motion. >> Motion has been made and properly seconded. Any questions or comments? Seeing none hearing none, Mr. Candy, roll call, please. >> Barbosa.
>> Yes. Carvalo. >> Yes. >> I'm sorry. Bathless, excuse me. >> Carvalo. >> Yes. >> Oh, we have an abstension on tab 4 A
item six and 4 BB and 4B and resolution 10E. >> Thank you, Sez. Mr. Candy. Um, can we go back? >> I'm sorry. I apologize. I need to I
never have to abstain. Um, but at this moment I have to abstain a tab seven, page four, the contract, etc., etc. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> So, we're at Miss Shepard.
>> Yes. with a tension in top seven on page three with the provincial lens contract. >> Jacobs, >> yes. >> Marine Ortega, >> yes. >> Concalas Bastana, >> yes. With an abstension on SAP 7, page
four. >> Rivera, >> yes. >> Nara, >> yes. uh with abstension on tabs 2 A, tabs 4 BB, tabs 7, and tabs 10E
and tabs uh 4B. I'm sorry, did you say resolution tenny? >> Thank you. Okay, with th those votes, the entire agenda plus the additional items has passed this evening. Mr. Candy, just for clarification, just
want to make sure at the top of the um coming back into public, we did add the items discussed in private. Correct. We added the reorganization, a resolution for um food service
specialist and also tab 4B. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. At this time, I want to just thank everybody for your attendance here today for the Elizabeth Public Schools Board of Education meeting and want to thank the board members for their time and
dedication. At this time, I'd like to request a motion to adjourn. >> I move to the meeting. >> Second. >> Motion has been made properly second. Roll call, please. >> Barbosa, >> yes. Have a wonderful night. >> Bathless. >> Yes. Good night.
>> Carvalo. >> Yes. Good night. >> Chevas, >> yes. Good night. >> Jacobs, >> yes. Good night >> Marina Ortega. >> Yes. Good night everyone. >> And Pastana. >> Yes. Good night everyone. >> Rivera. >> Yes. >> Nara.
>> Yes. Good night.