Black History Month event, a century of Black History commemoration. Stephanie, let's start this celebration by welcoming George Washington Academy of Science and Engineering School number one music teacher Carrie Stubs, who will
perform the AfricanAmerican National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing. Turn to the video, Mr. >> Video. Okay, please. by the dawn. >> Please stand.
Say by the dawn early light. What so proudly we held at the twilight last gleaming.
Who's brought stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight? Or the ramp parts we watched were so galling. And the rockets red glare. The bombs
bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangled
banner yet wave for the land of the free and the home of the brave. Please remain standing. Lift every voice
and sing till earth and heaven be ring with the harmonies of let our rejoiceing rise high as the liing
skies. Let it resound loud as the falling sea. Sing a song full of faith that the darkness has
sing the presence has brought us. Facing the rising sun of a new day began.
Let us march on till victory. >> Thank you everyone. Please be seated. Before we begin, I just want to introduce a few people that are here. Uh this is Isaiah Rivera, board member. Stephanie Noel, board member. Diane Barbosa, vice president. Stephanie
Bastana, and my name is Maria Carvalo, and I am the president of the board of education. And Jerry Jacobs, commissioner, just walked in. Okay. We also have Commissioner Lordes Leon from the county
and our former board member, newly um new commissioner of the Union County Board, Stanley Neon. So, tonight, uh, we have a great performance for you.
No, not yet. So, I'm going to pass the mic over to Jerry Jacobs because I know that this is his baby, >> right? >> Thanks for putting me on the spot as soon as I walk when I got it, too. >> We had to start right there. >> Good evening, everyone.
I want to first as uh President Carvalo established this is a a labor of love. This program from where we've come when we started seven eight years ago to where we are now is just an amazing testament to the administration Dr. Hulamire and her staff, our students and
all of our staff. And this year we wanted to do it here at school 21 because we need to expand ourselves. We want to make sure that we incorporate everyone and that we're inclusive of everyone. So tonight we'd like to start off our performance with the introduction to Africa from uh Victor
Avlac school number 21. Testing one, two. You could hear me. Good evening everyone. My name is Michael Wansaw. I am the proud principal of school 21. Our students have worked really hard to prepare two performances for you this
evening. Um, we have a special master of ceremonies. Her name is Sophia Rivas. Sophia is going to provide you with a little background on each of the school 21 performances. So without further ado, Sophia,
here we go. Welcome ladies and gentlemen and members of the Elizabeth Board of Education to Victor Moravlac School 21. Tonight we are celebrating a century of black history and cultural contributions
told through the story of music and dance. Our first performance celebrates West African culture, resilience, and ancestrial legacy while highlighting the connection and influence of music and dance in Africanamean culture. Please
welcome Intro to Africa. Hey, hey, hey. Stay here. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.
Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Sorry. I'm sorry about that. That's my fault. Should have been aware of what needs to happen here, not coming late. Our next performance is doc by school
27. I'd like to welcome School 27 to the stage for Black Excellence, the MJ Experience, which is a big play on Broadway that I haven't had a chance to go see yet, and I'm excited to see. But let's
welcome again school 27 to the stage. Go ahead. >> Good evening board commissioners, families, and community members. In honor of Black History Month, the Shark Scholars of School number 27 are proud to present Black Excellence, the Michael
Jackson Experience. Tonight's performance is more than just a tribute to the King of Pop. It is a celebration of artistic talent, cultural influence, and the lasting impact of black artists. Many, like Michael Jackson, have shaped music,
dance, and culture around the globe. Miss Boon and I are very excited and honored that our students are performing performing this evening and we hope that you enjoy the performance. I'm going to make a change
for once in my life. It's going to feel real good. Going to make a difference. Going to make it right. As I turn up the color, my favorite winter cold. This wind is a
blow in my mind. I see the kids in the street without enough to eat. Who am I to be blind? Pretending not to see them. I saw us disregard
broken bottle time and one soul. They follow each other on the wind, you know, cuz they got to go to
the man in the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways and no message could been any cleverly. If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make
a change. My baby m like beauty queen from a movie scene. She said don't mind. But what do you mean I am the one dance
around? She said I am the one dance around. She told me her name. She calls to sing and heavy hair. I
still dream of being the one who would dance around. People always told me be careful what you do. Don't go around breaking young girls. Let's keep it going. Let's keep it
going. Let's take a picture. Hold on. Hold on. We want to take a picture, right? >> Yeah, we're taking a picture, right? Let's bring back up. Bring >> Yeah, we're doing a picture now. Great job, guys. Madam Superintendent, Mr. Kennedy,
>> do we have a school principal here as well and school staff? >> They're here. >> They're here. They're in here. Give him another big round of applause for that Michael Jackson performance. Should be out here doing my uh twostep.
Now we'd like to welcome school number 23 for Now we'd like to welcome school number 23 and our journey matters and their principal and staff as they make their way to the stage. >> Good evening.
>> Good evening. Thank you Dr. Huger, our Elizabeth Elizabeth Board of Education President, Miss Carvaro, and our commissioners, as well as Mr. Etien for this invitation. A special thank you to our school 23 dream
makers, Miss Maurice Baird, Miss Adida Dradnusa, Miss Maurice Luc, and Mr. Tyrell Butler for bringing this presentation to life. In celebration of black history, our students are honored to perform a powerful piece from the
musical Hairspray titled I Know Where I've Been. This song reflects the journey, resilience, courage, and hope of the black community, honoring the struggles and triumphs of the past. It
also speaks to the challenges we continue to face today. inequality, injustice, and indifference. As you listen, let's consider the work that remains to stand for equality and
justice. As you listen, may it inspire reflection, understanding, and a renewed commitment to fairness, compassion, and inclusion in our schools, in our community, and our country.
School 23, it's your time. Butler Thank you. That's a little too low. This is There's a light in the darkness. Though the night
is black as my skin, there's a light burning bright showing me the way. But I know where I've been. There's a cry in the distance.
It's a voice that comes from deep within. Yeah, >> there's a cry asking why. I pray the answers up ahead.
Yeah, cuz I know where I've been. There's a road we've been traveling. Lost so many on the way. But the riches
will be pity. Worth the price. The price we had to pay. There's a dream in the future. There's a struggle
that we have yet to win. And there's pride in my heart. Cuz I know where I'm going. Yes, I do. And I know where I've been.
Yeah. There's a road we must travel. We must travel. >> There's a proise. We must make >> We must make of the riches will we
>> worth the risk >> worth the risk and the chances that we take. There's a dream in the future. There's a struggle that we have yet to win.
>> That pride in our hearts to lift us up until tomorrow. Cuz just to stay still, I know it. I know where I'm going.
Lord knows I know where I be everywhere. I'll give thanks to my Let's give let's let's give them another big round of applause and bring them back.
Oh, >> I apologize. My bad. acting like an amateur tonight. >> I'll take his shopping break. >> Oh, thank you. >> Jazz music is a style of music that originated in New Orleans, shaped by the
influence of African dance movements, call and response, the blues and rack time. It is known for its expressive sound and strong rhythmic energy. Jazz dancing uses distinct techniques and styles of dance movements. It reflects
the blending of different musical genres and conveys both the joy and pain of the Africanamean experience. Its influence has a global impact. Ladies and gentlemen, get ready to stomp your feet and move in your seats as we welcome the
jazz dancers. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. I'm just telling you that Let's give them another big round of applause >> and let's welcome them back so we can take a picture with the board members
>> and then afterwards >> and then afterwards we'll do school 23 as the paper says that I'm following on the program here. >> We're missing the the 21 >> bring back our school >> 21 performers.
>> They're all here. All right. You um >> would like to also recognize our commissioner Iliana Chevz who just joined us >> and >> Charlene Bath, Commissioner Charlene Baalis. Excellent.
Excellent. >> I want to stand next to him. Stubs, can we have you to the front, please, sir? >> Yes, Mr. Stubs. Yes, Mr. Stubs. Another big round of applause for our school 21 sta staff and great thank you
to Mr. Wansaw for hosting us this year. We'd like to also bring back our school 23 Michael Jackson performance as well. >> Hey, >> how you doing? >> Are you doing >> school 23? I'm sorry. School 23
>> and then the commissioners are going >> Oh, no. >> 27 and then commissioners. Commissioners Another big round of applause. Nice to see you. >> You have to come visit you. You have to come visit.
>> Stay here. >> School two students. Delila has the names. He's going to county commissioners are going to do a little >> I'd like to take a second to thank Reverend Britt from the Mount Teman AM
Church for visiting us today as well as uh retired detective Darren Williamson also representing the NAACP uh anyone else that I may have missed. >> So, but you have the ones that are here. >> Yeah. Mhm.
>> Okay. Yes. Principal plus five children. Okay. Mr. >> All right. Go ahead. You start. >> Good evening everyone. Um it's an honor to be back here. Um let's give all the students a big round of applause for this amazing presentation as we
celebrate legacy history black history American history. Uh my name is Stanley Neon Union County Commission. I'm joined by Lordis Leon um also our Union County Commission. Let's just give her a big round of applause. And I want to pass the mic for her to
say a few words. >> Good evening everyone. Happy Black History Month. >> So, we're here to honor some students that um put wreaths at the MLK monument. Can you join us, RIP? And it's an honor to be here and we're going to be calling
them up here starting with the principal. It's all you. Okay. Let me hold. So before we do that, just want to say um on January 15th, our students went outside and in front of city hall and we have a
MLK monument that we honored and it was very very cold, right? And one thing that we got to understand about standing up for something you believe in, regardless of weather, regardless of condition, whatever you believe in, you stand for it despite what the challenges
may be. and they did that on that day and they honored Dr. King and remembered him on his birthday on January 15th. And we just want to take a moment to recognize him. But in recognizing him, we also want to take a moment to remember the great late Reverend Jesse Jackson who we lost um most recently.
So, if we could have just a quick moment of silence for Dr. Jackson. Um Reverend Jackson who we would not be standing here today. Many of us, especially young black boys, young black girls who run for office and do public service, we would not be standing here without the
sacrifices of the likes of without the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King and Dr. Reverend Jackson. Thank you. And thank you to the Elizabeth Board of Education for continually celebrating great legacy and history in our community. Uh we first
want to recognize principal Shante Gilmore Rory. Let's give her a big round of applause. Principal of school 2. We have Jean Lewis. Let's give him a big round of applause as he comes forward. Come on, Jean. Come on up. We have Sai
Hall. Oh, there we go. >> Can I give you this? >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Nyla Mateo, Sara Brown, Congratulations,
>> Mr. Carrie Stubs. >> And of course, Mr. Samuel Len. Let's give them all a big round of applause. >> Without them, this would not be possible. And unfortunately, you did not hear Mr. Stub's voice. I don't know if we can give him a snippet, but he has an
incredible voice and he always makes sure that the ancestors can hear him and celebrate our history and our culture. So, thank you, Mr. Stubs, for all that you do with our children. We honor you. Let's give everybody a big round of applause.
Come on over. >> So, let's see. Everybody's got their please. going to find a window on me. All right, everybody ready? One, two, three, >> and hold for behind me, please.
>> So, one, two, three. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So this concludes our 2026 annual Black History Month program. We'd like to thank my me and my colleagues along with President Carvalo
would like to thank everyone excluding including Dr. Wans from school 20. the staff are putting on an amazing performance. Thank you very much, parents. We appreciate each and every one of you. Have a wonderful evening.
Okay, we're going to take a three minute break while you all find your way home. Go do your homework and we have a board meeting. So, good night everyone. Thank you. Just remember that you are our why, why we come here. So, thank you to everyone. Thank you parents for taking
time to come out. Thank you. Good night. Good evening and welcome to our board of education meeting of the Elizabeth Board of Education. This is a combined regular agenda 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 on February 13, 2026. In addition, this notice is posted on the bulletin board of the lobby of 500 North Broad Street. And pursuant to this act,
a copy has been filed with the city clerk of Elizabeth, New Jersey. We want to welcome everyone present here at Victor Mavlag School number 21 and to our television viewers to this February 19th, 2026 meeting of the 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 and public, not a meeting of the public. This meeting is being recorded and will
become part of the Elizabeth Board of Education permanent record so that the recording will adequately reflect be reflected and reflect the proceedings. Please refrain from talking while others are speaking. We ask that you silence your the sounds
on your electronic devices since it is legally mandated that these proceedings be accurately recorded. We may have to ask for order periodically should noise begin to interfere with our recording capabilities. There will be a public portion for
citizens to address the board. Participants from the public portion must personally sign in prior to the start of the public participation portion so that they may have the opportunity to speak. The sign-in sheets state the name, address, telephone
number, and reason that the person wants to comment, whether it is an agenda item or a general education comment. We are pleased that you have taken time this evening to join us here for our board of education meeting. Thank you for your interest in the Elizabeth Public
Schools. Mr. Kennedy, just trying to get your attention, where's that signage, >> Mr. Kennedy? Roll call, please. Here >> here. >> Clairvoyant Noel >> here.
>> Jacobs >> Marina Ortega >> present. >> Pastana >> present. >> Rivera >> here. Carvalo >> present. >> At this time, I ask that everyone please
stand. Please remain standing for the presentation of colors. >> Moment of silence. Moment of silence. >> Okay. Sorry. >> Ready. Cut. Forward. March. Colors. Reverse punch.
Three. Pledge allegiance. The pledge of allegiance will be led by Commissioner Charlene Baffles. 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. >> Please remain standing for the Stars Bangal banner by Francis Scott Key. Oh, say can you see by the dawn early
light what so proudly we held at the twilight last gleaming who's brought stripes and bright stars
through the perilous fight or the ramparts We watched were so galling. And the rockets red glare, the bombs
bursting in air, gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangled
banner yet wave for the land of the free and the home of the brave. The pledge is ethics will be read by Commissioner Noel.
>> Just wait. >> I'm okay. packages. >> So, we're going to go back to the moment of silics. Thank you for to our Admiral William Falsy Jr. and Public Safety Academy
JOTC. Commissioner Noel. Pledge of Ethics. As a member of the Elizabeth Public Schools 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. At this time, I ask that
everyone remain standing for a moment of silence for Madia Delfina Aldama, personal assistant, Madison Monroe School 16. Rox Roxan Sodto, Network Technician, Division of Technology and Information
Systems. James P. Mitchell Building. Donald Stewart II, personal assistant, I prep academy, school number eight. Thank you. Please be seated. >> All right, let's get this organized now. >> Yeah. Okay. So, student is on the next
page and it is right here at the top. >> All right. At this time, I will have our superintendent of schools introduce our student representative. >> Thank you, Madam President. Savannah is a senior at Admiral
William F. Hollyy Jr. Health and Public Safety Academy. She proudly serves as one of the eight student board representatives for the Elizabeth public schools. In this leadership role, Savannah collaborates closely with school administrators and district
leaders to represent the student body, ensuring that the student perspectives are heard, valued, and thoughtfully considered in decision-making. She is deeply committed to fostering a
safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where all students feel respected and empowered throughout their school experience. Savannah has remained actively engaged in her school community. She is a dedicated member of the Elizabeth High
School swim team and also participates in a swim clinic where she continues to strengthen her skills and mentors young swimmers. Known as a big sister both on the team and in her personal life, Savannah naturally embraces a nurturing
leadership role, supporting teammates, encouraging others, and serving as a steady source of motivation, particularly beyond competition and in everyday interactions. Savannah is also an active participant
in Hollyy's Marine Corps Junior Reserve Office Training Corps where she holds the rank of cadet captain and serves as an integral member of the program's chain of command. Her leadership reflects discipline,
accountability, and service. In addition, she is a New Jersey Seeds Access Changes Everything College Scholar and a member of the Youth Enrichment Services YES program, further
demonstrating her dedication to AC to excellence as well as personal growth. Beyond school, Savannah is passionate about global awareness and service. She plans to study international relations in college, inspired by her commitment
to human rights and global advocacy. She aspires to volunteer with organizations such as UNICEF in the future and has always taken meaningful steps towards that goal by presenting to a human rights committee using her voice to
address issues that impact communities both locally and globally. Service is also a family tradition for Savannah. She and her family regularly visit orphanages where they spend time playing games with children and building
genuine connections. These experiences have shaped her perspective, strengthened her compassion, and deepened her desire to serve others. Savannah demonstrates a strong dedication to her academic pursuits
while also contributing to the planning of various school events. Her efforts consistently aim to create enjoyable, meaningful, and memorable experiences for the student body. Through her steady leadership, service and heartfelt
commitment to others, Savannah proudly and effectively represents her peers at Holly. In recognition in recognition of her quiet dedication and unwavering commitment to others, she has been honored as Hollyy's unsung hero. Without
further ado, we would like to invite Savannah Abra to join us. Good evening and welcome once again to the board meeting here tonight at school 21. We are here at school 21 tonight at s that at the suggestion of board member
Jerry Jacobs as a way to highlight and acknowledge their black history month programs. And want to again applaud num school 21 students and the students from our other schools for the nice program that they provided prior to this meeting beginning.
Before beginning this evening's agenda, I wanted to share some remarks. As board president, I value the importance of community engagement and seek to understand and address the issues that are important that are most important to our community members. In recent weeks,
we have recognized issues that have been the topic of conversation within our learning community and greater Elizabeth community and we felt it was important to provide an update and clarify information pertaining to those issues. The snow and sustained below freezing
temperatures over multiple weeks really put a strain on our community. Thanks to the efforts of our municipal government, Elizabeth Public School team members and local organizations, we have been able to manage manage issues that have arised to keep our students learning in a safe
and caring environment. I would like to thank Mayor Boage for providing free use of the public parking garages along with our neighbors at St. Hedwicks for allowing use of its parking lot to help ensure our team members could arrive to work and focus on
providing an excellent education to our students. I would also like to thank our transportation director, Mike Rejo, and his entire team for the extraordinary efforts they made in overcoming challenging conditions to make sure our
students continued getting to and from school and that the team members could be shuttled to and from their job sites were needed. The bitter cold also had its effect on school sites, especially TCUs at school
number 16 and school number 22, which experienced plumbing and heating issues. Upon learning of these mechanical issues, students and team members were quickly relocated to their respective main buildings where they could continue regular learning activities, ate meals,
had use of bathrooms, and took naps on the CS brought over from the TCUs. In the case of our youngest learners, thanks to the fast and efficient response of our plant and property team, these issues were promptly diagnosed and addressed, and students and team members
were able to return to their classrooms within a day or two. Thank you to the plant and property and equipment. Director Lewis Milanes and his entire team for their tremendous work in addressing these issues and cleaning up all of our schools to ensure we could
open after only one day of being closed. The outstanding collaboration between central administration, transportation, plant and property and city government made such a quick and safe return to school which we made it possible.
Speaking of safety, another issue that has been discussed in various communities is related to the photography company Lifeouch, who has been contracted to do such pictures of students and team members at our schools. Recent reports have called into
question their data privacy and security practices. As a measure of precaution, Elizabeth Public Schools will be pausing its remaining photography sessions with Lifeouch for the 2025 2026 school year. Central administration will work with
the remaining schools who have not yet taken their school photos on alternative solutions and we will continue to gather more information in support of our schools whose sessions have already taken place to determine whether these concerns have any validity.
As always, our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students and our team members. That concludes my remarks. Thank you. At this time, the microphones are open for public comments to those who have signed in prior to the session. Each
statement bade by a participant shall be limited to 3 minutes in duration. The total time for public comment shall be limited to 60 minutes. No individual is able to yield their time to another individual. All statements shall be
directed to the presiding officer. No participant may address or question board members individually. Each speaker shall speak in all respect with board policy 9322. Copies were provided next to the sign-in
sheet. The following rules shall apply. Time limits will be strictly enforced. No personal attacks on individuals or naming of individuals. No vulgar or indecent language. A person may address the board no more than once during a
single meeting. Comments will not be debated. Any person in violation of the policy will be warranted and their comments terminated if needed. As a reminder, this is a meeting of the board in public, not a meeting of the public.
At this at this time I call Jonah Janut. Good evening. Hold on. Let's get you the mic. There you go. Can I have a Thank you so much.
Good evening folks. My name again is Jonah Janote and u I'd like to thank you all for your time and uh I just want to congratulate Savannah on such great accomplishment and all the
other kids in the district which have been named prior last month meeting. However, there's a question that's kept haunting me. is the fact that it's the board and the administration singly
handing handing out kids pick them out for the to showcase them around or is the board and the administration actually concerned with educating the entire Elizabeth school district
because if it's the case then how do we explain the fact that a student who has been in one of your prestigious school since kindergarten and is now about to graduate in 8th grade cannot read,
write, do a simple math, let alone algebra. The IB school international business international back aloe excuse school state this is the flyers number nine
it's involved the whole school learning community and what happened to those kids that are falling behind another number nine it's prepares you for future education how can you learn
if you don't have the basics these are my concerns folks. And if we are quite really truly committed to teach the entire school population in Elizabeth,
then I will say one failed student is way too many. Thank you folks. >> Thank you. Miss Jonah, could you speak to one of our assistant superintendents, please? Dr. Sado, if
you could please. Thank you. Daniela Bruno Arteis Daniela. >> Yes, ma'am. I'm sorry, Danielle. Hello. Thank you, Board of Education, for giving me this time to speak.
My name is Danielle Bruno Erlequin, a former resident of of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and a former Elizabeth teacher. Though I no longer teach here, I still have a responsibility to show my former students that their voices matter.
I can recall the moment I realize what ICE and deportations do to students, for it happened in my first year of teaching at school 14 in the 2018 2019 school year. A student who I will refer to as Mia told me about not having a father
present in her life as a third grader. We were talking about different types of families. She stated quite matter of factly that her father had was deported before she had even entered my grade. This was the first time deportation had ever touched someone I ever care I deeply cared
about. And what was the worst part? She said it so plainly because this is the reality that so many children in Elizabeth still have to deal with all these years later. I went home and cried to my mother, who is an American citizen herself, but an immigrant. I had lost my
own father two years prior, and he was a former Elizabeth teacher. I was heartbroken for this little girl. Her loss felt just as permanent as mine, and I was an adult. This little girl is now in high school here in Elizabeth. I
worry for the students who areffect who are like her, affected by ISIS deportations. These students need to be protected at a local level and as the board of education that is your responsibility. Children cannot be effective learners when they when fear dictates their
lives. Children can should not be afraid of exercising their right to protest. A right that I have taught about in third grade here in this district. Students have been protected in protesting since 1969. The Supreme Court case of Turn Tinker
versus De Moise by way of a 72 ruling declared that neither students nor teachers shed their constitutional rights quote shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate. I learned about this monumental case as a student here in in Elizabeth proving
that the students are simply applying what they are learning. You want these children to achieve excellence. How can they do so when they are afraid to express themselves and exercise their civil rights and moreover afraid of the authority figures meant to protect them? Students should not be threatened to ignore the very real reality that ISIS
is tearing apart families, communities, and educational achievements. Schools must be a safe place to learn. There needs to be more done to protect undocumented students and students with the bravery to stand up against injustice. I as I conclude, I wish to
quote the Elizabeth public schools website which says in the our district about our district section that Elizabeth has a commitment to every child and I repeat every child achieving excellence. >> Thank you.
Christina Morera. As the president of Elizabeth Parents and Students Care, I want to address concerns many of our families have regarding the increase in ICE uh officers in our city. Regardless of anyone's personal views on immigration policy, the reality is, like this
teacher so eloquently said, that our families and students are walking to and from school in fear. Yet, this district remains silent like you all are now, like with your faces plastered. Parents are asking very simple questions. What
is the district's policy if ICE agents appear near or at school buildings? What guidance has been provided to principles, teachers, and security staff? And why has this not been clearly communicated to families? What are you
so afraid of? And right now there is no clear shared protocol, no district-wide communication, and no reassurance to parents that there is a consistent plan in place. My Oprah request to Mr.
Kennedy to see these documents existed came back with the that the request was too wide. So I have to resubmit the request. Although Mr. Kennedy knows exactly what I was asking for and his job as a custodian of records is to help obtain those records.
We also need to know what supports exist for students already impacted. Some children are dealing with the detention of a parent or living in fear that it could happen again affecting their mental health leading to chronic absenteeism which in turn affects their
education. What resources are being provided to these families? Our counselors trained and prepared to respond. Communication matters and not one board member at the last meeting said a word.
Maybe you were busy making plans to run for second W council, which should even more so compel you to address the fears of our community. Your silence is deafening, and it's in times like these that one's true character is revealed.
And while we're talking about communication and respect for this community, we also need to address what happened at the last board meeting. This board cowardly sat in silence while a parent's fundamental rights were trampled on. You watched as Maria Carvalo, the woman you installed as
board president, cut a parents mic off midspech after barking at her get to the point. Even worse, you stood by as a police officers were weaponized for the crime of daring to speak during her aotted time. This wasn't leadership.
This was an orchestrated act of intimidation. Public comment is not reserved for opinions that are comfortable or easy to hear. Just because you don't like what someone is saying or you don't like the person saying it, it does not mean you can use your parent your power to
silence people. And you can sit there and smirk if you like, but this is not a dictator. >> Thank you, Mrs. Morera. Our next speaker is Quesan Little. First, I want to lift up the amazing name of brother Donald Stewart who touched so many thousands of lives
throughout our district and his loss will be incredibly incredibly missed and he will be deeply missed throughout our city. Secondly, I want to amplify the amazing courage of our students who protested against ICE. And while they were met with so much intimidation from
both central office and school administration, but at the helm and at the direction of central office, I want to be clear, you had a building vice principal who were clapping at the corner at students protesting and you even had your own council woman who were even in attendance at the protest,
although she was trolling for the mayor. So don't please stop with the false narrative of saying that the protests were violent. A fight occurred at the protest. It was not for the students who led the protest. You love trying to attempt to paint the narrative, but you
never really succeed in that aspect. So you should just stop and support the kids. Second of all, I'm here to address two urgent concerns. the treatment of students who participated in in the walk out protest and ICE and the broader demand that this district confront and root out antilackness and all forms of
dehumanization within our school. First, let me be clear. Our students did not walk out because they're reckless. They walked out because they are aware. They walked out because of the fear of immigration enforcement brings into our homes and neighborhoods. They are aware when classmates worry about their parents not being there after school.
They are aware when silence feels complicity. When young people raise their voices about issues that impact their families and communities, that is not disorder. That is civic engagement, which we hope to welcome. That is democracy and action. Schools are meant to prepare students to participate in
society, and participation includes protest, questioning, and petitioning our local government with grievances. Students have constitutional rights that should be protected in all aspects of life. They have a right to express their views peacefully. They have a right to assemble. They have a right to speak and
they have a right to center their humanity in decision-m process. Discipline or intimidation in response to peace or protest sends a dangerous message that you've already have did. That compliance is valued more than conscience. We cannot teach history
about movements for justice then punish students for embodying those same principles. Second, we must confront the deeper issue. Antilackness and the broader failure to honor the full humanity of all students. Antilackness is not just overt slurs or obvious acts of discrimination. It lives in
disproportionate discipline. It lives in lower expectations. It lives in in dehumanizing students for where they are, who they are, and where they come from. It is labeled disruptive versus as seen as passionate. It lives in those whose pain is acknowledged and who's
dismissed. When black and brown students or any marginalized students say they feel unsafe, we have a duty and an obligation to make sure that they are safe. We must do more as a district to protect them >> to make sure that they are
>> Thank you. Andrea Andrea Aldonso. Good evening. Okay. Hello. I am a former student from the Elizabeth Public School of 4 years ago. I'm here to formally express my deep concern regarding the board's failure to
supporting the parent, student, and the border community of this district. First, the board has failed to provide critical information and protection regarding ICE activities with and around the school perimeters. School is meant to be a sanctuary where children can focus on their education and their future without fear. However, the lack
of transparency and action regarding these activities undermines the safety of our students and the trust of our community. Furthermore, I am deeply troubled by the hiring and the continued employment of Michael Cummings as the principal of FJC. There are numerous images and
documentings of Mr. coming speaking ill of people of color. His behavior is not only unprofessional but discriminatory as he consistently treats women and girls as objects and displays a clear bias against the minority and immigrant population that make up the heart of this community. I have been also
informed by a student by Mr. that Mr. Cummings has used the school's loudspeaker system to call the moment >> Just one second. Please stop her time. Breathe. I know you're nervous, but you >> Oh, I'm not nervous. >> Okay. Please trying to keep calm. Please refrain from using names.
>> Okay. >> Oh, I can say it. I can say I couldn't say the board members names. Thank you. Please. >> The of silence. Wait. He used the loudspeaker system to call a moment of silence for Charlie Kirks upon his passing. It is entirely unacceptable for
a principal to impose his personal political views. >> No, hold on. I just I want to give you your time. >> No, I want to give you your time. >> No, ma'am. >> Coming. Mr. coming to remain in this leadership position. The the board is
signaling that he's willing to defend an individual whose actions and reicts are harmful to the very students he is tasked to protect. I urge the board to immediately take appropriate actions regarding this man positioned. Our community deserves a leadership that
reflects our values, ensures a safety, inclusive environment for all of us. THAT'S RIGHT. >> FOUR years I've been with you GUYS AND NOTHING HAS CHANGED. Maria Madus. Good evening. First of all, we are all immigrants.
We are all immigrants. Okay? Ain't nobody in here is an Indian. We're all immigrants, so we all have to be careful. My My father was an immigrant.
My parents helped many immigrants become legal in this country. I have children that are now living with me because their parents were taken by ICE. I have children over here that cannot go to
school because ICE is sitting outside their homes. They have absences. Their grades are A's and B's. Nobody is there to protect these children. I have one girl that was told
that she's staying back because she was afraid to walk out because ICE is in front of her house every day. She's afraid that parents are going to be taken care of. Her mother just gave me custody of her children
in case if they are taken away. I have immigrants running into my print shop. I have to close my doors so I doesn't get to them. Is this the way of living? Is this the way we send our children?
Remember, America was made by immigrants. There's no such thing. There's no such thing of I'm being born and I'm better than the next person that
came from a different country. We got to protect them. I know that this is a sanctuary city, not a sanctuary city. So these people are up in arms. I've seen people go on Elizabeth Avenue.
People have to go at night to wash clothes. We made a big thing to get these people groceries. You don't know what it's like. My parents did this for a lot. And a lot
of you know how my parents helped a many Portuguese people to get green cards within a week. But you don't know what these kids are going through. This child was told that she cannot graduate because of the
absences. She was told that she cannot make up her absent days because she had too many days. What are you going to do to protect these kids that could not make school
because of immigration? Remember little Liam? They used a 5-year-old to get to the parents. Who's to say that ICE ain't going to use any of these children to get to their parents that have not done any criminal
wrong? But you know something? Take the back. Miss Maderos, would you speak to Mr. Cortez? Thank you, Diana Tabor.
Hi, good afternoon. My name is Diana Tor. I was a former student here at Elizabeth, New Jersey. And I just want to start off by saying that the board does not care about the success of their students and they don't care about their academic prosperity. I just want to address something. My senior year of high school, I was a straight A student.
I have a 4.0 GPA and did three sports. And the superintendent, Olga Hugo Meyer, had me kicked out of the schools and didn't care that I was going to be misplaced. And she wanted me to miss my last two months of school. So, it's not surprising to me at all that there are not raising awareness to what is
happening with our students. Right now, families, educators, students, we have a former teacher here. Everyone is calling for awareness on the issue and to just acknowledge it. From the dates, I believe it was January 15 to February 6, the Elizabeth Public Schools website has
been publishing just useless information. We've been publishing bingo nights and knitting and we've been publishing pictures of Shaquille O'Neal and he would not be proud of this. So, we just have we just have to stop. We're posting useless information instead of addressing real
protocols and taking real measures. This city is literally shaped by immigrants. You all, you all have pictures in Las Colia and all these places, but you're not protecting the people who run these places. Complicity doesn't always wear a
ski mask or in a badge, but they sit up here and they have plaques that say board of education, president and superintendent of schools. You guys are just as complicit as the next. This is just honestly ridiculous to me that we have an obligation. We all have an
ethical and moral obligation. And at this point, I'm speaking to the people because they're not going to help us. We have a moral and an ethical obligation to protect our students, to protect their parents. We have a moral obligation to protect everybody in this community and they are not doing it. You are being complicit to what is going on
in the world around us. Our local politics is being influenced by things on the federal level. We should not be politicizing education. We should not be politicizing students. We should be protecting them. Everything that is happening is ridiculous. So, we're only proposing one thing. What is a clear
outline if ICE agents are spotted outside of schools? What do students do? Parents should not be afraid of dropping off their students and not knowing if they're ever going to see them again. My parents are Mexican and I'm half black and we face so many injustices on a
daily basis. This this is just honestly sad. You cannot claim to prioritize student success while ignoring the fears that are carrying into the classroom every day. Student safety is not political. And if you are afraid to release a statement that just says, "If
you see ice, hide. Protect our students. Make them aware." The same way that you guys have these automated messages that say, "Oh, there's going to be a basketball game at the Dunny Sports Center." You should have one that says there is ice outside. Do not come. And we are going to protect our students.
And if you feel that proposing a policy or having a piece of paper that protects our students is political, then the problem is not Thank you, Leonardo Torres. >> I want to start off by saying thank you
to the fine men and women in the board and many of the educators I've had during my years in Elizabeth public schools. The work that we do for children lasts a lifetime and is transferred from generation to generation. I am not here to dishonor that. I just ask that you
listen with a open mind. I attended Frank J. Sickerell Academy. I graduated in the class of 2023. During my junior year, I like many other students was recovering from the effects of the pandemic. I'll be honest and say I was struggling with a marijuana addiction,
food, and financial insecurity amongst other things. teenagers normally go through. I had part-time employment at a local nonprofit, but it was not enough. I came up with an idea to sell food products at school. Bread sticks with marinara sauce, donuts covered with
chocolate and strawberries, and chocolate chip brownies. I felt productive and earned enough to deal with some of that stress. It wasn't long before staff started to notice. One day, a security guard caught me in the act of selling a baked good. I was led to the
principal's office. here. I decided honesty was the best policy and in a brief interaction handed over the goods. Later that day, I was called, the principal called me to his office and with a look of disgust and anger told me
he knew what I was doing. He made three phone calls that would affect the rest of my high school experience deeply. First, he called the hospital for a drug test. Not because he cared for my health, but because it was the quickest way to deliver a swift punishment. He
called the police department and had them come pick up my snacks for testing, but with the context that I was already guilty. He lied and said that those brownies intoxicated him. Of course, security and staff were inclined to believe him. Lastly, he called my mother
and told her her son is a drug dealer. Though tw roughly 20 minutes of his time, his false accusations stuck with me, at school, at home, but most importantly in me. I didn't feel like I belonged at school. I felt dirty, like I
was truly this bad apple. But no one ever asked me why I sold snacks or why I struggled with substances. Most importantly, he never apologized for lying. A man like this is not suitable for any position of power, let alone working with children. How can we come
together and focus on progress over punishment? Guidance counselors instead of security guards and connecting with atrisisk youth instead of alienating them. Once again, thank you for all the work you do for our city. I left my contact information if you have
questions. God bless all of you. Michael Carlos Villa Vincenzo. >> I apologize if I mispronounced your last name. >> Um, all right. So, good evening. Um, I waited over a year to see how this board will respond to what's happening in our
community and all we get is silence. Last year, brave students came here and spoke up about ICE, and they were told by then, President Neron, that it was being handled on a case-by- case basis. But this was never a case-byase situation. Now, it's hitting our communities, even though you said it hasn't been happening in our district.
Families are being torn apart and attendance does not reflect the reality of what's happening outside the school walls. When it's time for the multicultural events, there's no issues from the board asking teachers to volunteer. There's no issues asking us to bring our beautiful black and brown children to dance, wave flags, and celebrate diversity in front of cameras,
just like tonight. But when our community is in a panic, what we experience is silence. This district has worked with different organizations. You guys could do it again. Partner with any organization that can give families real support and real resources. Standing in solidarity has to mean more than just
photo ops. Right now, there's no clear guidance of what families or schools should do if I show up near our schools. and they already have been showing up near our schools despite the board denying it as if we can't see the reality in these streets ourselves. And in that silence, some educators feel comfortable enough making their own
public comments about ICE. That only happens when there's no leadership and no clear expectations. You may not control ICE, but you do control your policies, your partnership, and whether you choose to speak or stay silent. And silence always sends a louder message. I'm asking the board to lead not just during multicultural celebrations at the
Dun Sports Center or with non-stop robocalls about football games, non-stop robocalls about Peterstown cultural festivals, but lead when our community actually needs it. Thank >> Thank you, >> Jennifer Dilla.
Meer and members of the board. Dr. Hugel Meyer, I met with you to report serious threats made against me by an employee at my son's school. My son is 5 years old. This is a preschool. He deserves to attend school in an environment where his mother does not have to fear for her safety or his. You assured me we would have a follow-up meeting to assist me
and address those concerns. That meeting was scheduled and then canceled 9 minutes before it was set to begin due to what I was told was a lastminute emergency. What I need clarity on is this. How were two investigators already positioned and prepared to question me that same morning? Is this if this was truly a last minute cancellation, how
are investigators ready in advance? Instead of meeting with you as promised, I was questioned. During that interaction, statements were made indicating knowledge of private information about me, information unrelated to the threats I reported. That sequence of events does not align. I perceived it as intimidation and as an indication that I am being monitored.
Instead of leaving with reassurance of safety and protection, I left with increased fear. I now have serious concerns about potential retaliation against my 5-year-old son and myself due to my decision to speak publicly about these matters. Despite the trauma and fear this has caused, I will not remain silent. Additionally, we are still
waiting for an update regarding ICE related concerns. Last month, I publicly addressed Linda Tribino's statement that she would open the doors to ICE at a preschool. That remains a significant concern within our school community. As recently as yesterday, information that ICE was seen down the street from our preschool during dropoff hours was shared among parents through social
media, not through official communication from the district. I was also present at the protest with the high school students at their request due to their fear. During that peaceful protest, my heart shattered as many of those students shared their fears of being taken by ICE. Stories of family members in detention centers, stories of
losing parents while they are detained. These are children. They are afraid walking to and from school. In a time of heightened anxiety within our community, especially in a preschool and school setting, the absence of clear protocol and direct communication from leadership is deeply troubling. Our children
deserve safety, our families deserve clarity, and our community deserves leadership. Renee Garry Renee Garry, Good evening. >> Good evening. I'm an alumni from Elizabeth High School. Um, I came here when I was about
7 years old. I vividly remember when I was about 9 10 years old, my mom pulling me out of school because of ice rates. I remember her giving me a kiss on the head, telling me that she had to go to work and if she doesn't see me, that she loves me and she will one day see me
again. That is the fear that most of these students have. I'm not going to keep going over what my other colleagues went over because I want to address another issue at the protest. About 300 p.m. a fight broke out. A student was bleeding. And this was not ICE officers,
but it was the police officers that grabbed the kid, pushed them down, slammed him down to the ice while he was injured and bleeding. There was 10 cop cars, 10 patrol officers, about 20 of them, while they grabbed him, cuffed them, slammed them on the ice. Then not
only did they slam him on the ice, they slammed another girl. A young, mind you, young teenage boy and girl slammed her against the wall. What are you guys doing to protect the kids? Not just about with ICE, but with the police officers. And mind you, this fight that
broke out is actually a recurrent uh problem. It's not something that happened before. I mean, right there and then. something that was happening before as um I believe Naomi Guerrero, she was uh stated that this was an ongoing problem because another student was also attacked. U I believe it was
about 2 days before another young girl was being chased by other students that she says that don't go to the school. It's ridiculous. You don't protect these kids against ICE. You don't protect these kids against the police department. And that you have a
principal who is trying to change the narrative of this. And mind you, while I was in school, this is not the first time we've hear about U. Michael Cummings doing all of this. I have heard of this while I was in school. I'm 31 years old. This has been going on for
years. Years. While I was a freshman, I've been hearing about him. I personally dealt with him. >> Yes. It is disgusting that you guys keep protecting him that there is no repercussions.
Disgusting. Disgusted with everything. >> Disgusting. >> Bianca Gambetta. Bianca. Um, good evening. My name is Bianca Hambeta. I am a 17-year-old junior at
JBJ STEM Academy, and I'm here tonight to speak over 320 students who feel like no one is listening. Junior year is already the hardest years of our academic lives. We take SATs, the NGPA benchmarks every 3 months that are worth
20% of our grade. Um, and we take AP exams. Not just one, but for many of us, three or four AP exams all in the same week. I personally have three in the same week. More than 170 juniors are living this
reality right now. We are losing sleep. We are skipping meals. Students are burning out so badly that some are at serious risk of dropping out. Not because they're not smart, not because they're not they do not care, but because the pressure of many high stakes
tests hitting them at once hasn't is impossible to carry. And we expected to sit for final exams. I tried to handle this the right way. Former President Naron himself told me at our school in December to go to your
to my principal, then to the superintendent, and then to the board. I followed every step. I called the superintendent's office seven times. I contacted I was referred to her assistant four times and I left
my name, my number, my email, what school I'm at, and even my ID number those four times. Not once did I receive a call back. >> You're not the only one. >> I have the records with me. Um, I also
have the petition that I have over 320 students agreeing with me. I'm not here to cause any problems. I'm here because every door I was told to knock on was closed. And I feel responsible to these 320 students to keep going until somebody opens one.
>> I genuinely hope that this board will be that door. But if this goes unheard, I have no choice but to make sure it does. This is not a threat. It is the only option that I have left and I'm not I'm
not um going to stand be ignored. Uh we're asking you to restore the final exams exemption for juniors who meet academic standards and to give students a fair notice before any policy change. We're not asking for any less. We're
asking for fairness. Thank you. Julia Ortiz >> can't do that. Can't disrespect. Uh hello. Um, as a parent of two students in Elizabeth public school, um, I think I'm going to
address to the elephant in the room. Uh, what worries me and many parents uh that um are not able to be here because of maybe just um justice of language because many of
the parents doesn't speak English. So uh what worries us is uh our children's in school relating to eyes kidnapping people around our schools and
the two of my daughters that are in different schools neither of which lacks a clear or public safety protocol. Uh we like to know how uh counselors or teachers are supporting students through all of all these issues.
How will um you guarantee for the community that our students can exercise their right to express their concerns? These are young people uh who understand what is happening on our streets and to our community. The majority of uh
immigrant detained uh by ICE do not have a criminal record. Uh so why schools are complicit in this narrative that the parents of our students are criminals but not creating a safety protocol or
real policies that protect the students. That's Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Ortiz. Li >> Lily Benvitz. Lily Benvdas. >> My daughter is in an ER. Just if you
want to know. >> Yeah, but her father is sick. Her >> Lily Benvidas. >> That's everyone. I'm sitting here. I'm seeing her. >> I understand ma'am. >> I answer my daughter have an emergency
and listen to me. I want I want to speak. We human beings can happen. Okay. >> And and people the kids are losing their parents. >> We're losing. >> Okay. Miss Ben, if this is Mrs. Benz's turn to speak.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you for allowing me to speak tonight. Hello. My name is Lily Benovides. I'm here as a co-chair of the Green Party of New Jersey and also as an immigrant myself. I'm also here because I don't live in Elizabeth, but my niece
and my great niece live here, so they are affected by this. Um, give me a minute. Okay. My great niece, she's a Martin years old who is in a gifted and talented school in Elizabeth.
But at such short age, she has seen in her things happen in a school that they shouldn't she shouldn't be experiencing. One of them is a right-wing extremist teacher in her school trying to brainswash the kids.
It is a harsh environment for children of color in particular. I have been here for 36 years plus and I have experienced racism almost every single day of those years. When my kids were little, there were many instances in their schools
that I had to deal with that and they had to deal with that. It was very subtle that many times we were not aware that that was happening. Not anymore. Not on this time that hatred has been spread like fire and social media
catches it right away. It is unacceptable that this body hasn't fired principal principal Cummings after all of us finding out about what he's done. What is worse is to know that he has been on this position for decades
doing exactly the same thing. So the question for this board is what are you here for? Did you get this job to protect those in power or to do everything in your ability to protect children? I heard I heard that parents that show
interest in running for BOE get discouraged and are afraid to run for some reason. So I realized that elected officials here like to stay on their post for years and become so powerful that feel that they can do anything right.
Guess what? The people that came here today cannot take this abuse anymore. And you have an obligation to fire this guy because obviously he's not fit to be in charge of kids and he wasn't fit in the first place. At this crucial moment where we are in danger on losing our
little freedom of a speech that we have, we still we are having someone in charge that want to silent our kids which most of them are affected by unlawful actions. That is outrageous. At the end this is just about racism plain and
simple. And you are all complicit on that. Get your asses from that seat of privilege of yours and do the work you are supposed to do. Dunbar >> Jim's Dumbar.
Good evening, members of the board, superintendent, fellow community members. My name is Gims Dunar. Um, I have two children in the Elizabeth District. Um, I'll be brief but very direct. Our
school's principal, who everyone has mentioned already. I don't need to sully my mouth with his name, has brought his personal politics into the building and has created an environment of intimidation, bigotry, and fear among students. He has openly entertained the idea of allowing ICE
agents into our school full of children. He has de dismissed genuine concerns from students, parents whose backgrounds or identities don't align with his worldview. Students are afraid, families are anxious. This is not leadership. This is a dereliction of duty.
>> That's right. >> I want this board to understand this is not this is not just a difference of opinion. This principal's behavior runs directly against New Jersey law and state guidance, which includes the Safeu uh communities act signed into law just last month, which designate public
schools as sensitive locations with protections against federal immigration enforcement. The Attorney General's immigrant trust directive prohibits state and law uh state and local law enforcement from participating in ICE operations. and the legis the
legislature is actively codifying it into permanent law. The NJ DOE has made it very clear that schools cannot grant ICE access without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. An administrative ICE warrant is not enough. Governor Cheryl just signed an executive order last week
to protect residents from ICE overreach. And the New Jersey law against discrimination prohibits biasbased harassment in schools based on national origin, ancestry, race, and nationality. A principal who creates a climate of
fear targeting students based on their background is potentially exposing this district to legal liability. I'm not here for vague reassurances. I know everybody's upset and they're experiencing their grievances, but I'm here to work with you on an actionable
plan. Specifically, I and the rest of the community are asking for five things. First, an immediate independent investigation into this principal's conduct, including interviews with students, parents, and staff conducted by an independent party.
Second, protective measures for students while that investigation is underway up to and including administrative leave. if this principal cannot separate his politics from his duties. Third, a written published district-wide protocol on how staff should respond if ICE
agents were to appear anywhere near the school aligned with safe communities act guidance. Fourth, mandatory training for every administrator on judicial versus administrative warrants, student rights and anti-discrimination
obligations. And fifth, a Thank you, sir. Paola Alaman. Good evening everyone, members of the board and family and community. Uh my name is Paola Alman. I lived in Elizabeth for a long time. I've gone to
school here. My kids go to school here. So I have the same sentiment as everyone else here. What is going to be done about Mr. Cummings? about his dehumanizing treatment of kids. My children, both of my children had I thought it were they were isolated
incidents until I came to find out everything that he's been doing to everyone else. Um, and it's just been going for a very long time. You guys have to take action. Something has to be done. Um, I go with the person that just spoke
before me, Mr. Dumbart. I It's a reasonable timeline, something that you guys can do, an action that has to be taken. I don't think you guys can with everybody that's speaking today about Mr. Cummings. I don't think that that's something that you can no longer sweep under the rug. Your leadership has to be
put into account right now and you guys have to take action especially with that. Kids need to be protected. The the humanizing treatment that he has been performing is is gone unchecked for a very long time and this is just it enough is enough. The kids have had it
and we as parents as you can see if everybody speaking here today has had it as well. So you guys need to take action. Thank you everyone. Thank you to all the public speakers that came out tonight. At this time I close the public comment portion of this meeting.
At this time we will review the agenda. Mr. Kennedy. Are you >> Oh, yes, he does. Ma'am, >> we understand. We understand. Ma'am,
>> sir. >> Sir, we will we heard everything that everyone had to say tonight. We will go into private. We will discuss this. >> Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. Thank you, ma'am.
>> Thank you, ma'am. >> Thank you, ma'am. >> At this time, we will now review the agenda. Okay, board members, we're ready. Mr. Hello. You ready, Mr. Kennedy?
>> I am. Yes. At this time, uh, board members Stephanie and Cava Spistana has a motion to read to the board. >> Thank you, Mr. Kennedy. I move that I move that the vote taken
to approve the agenda at the January 22, 2026 board meeting be amended to reflect that the board members Carvalo, Clairvoya, and Chevro votes on the agenda resolution relating to the superintendent's contract be rescended and entered on the record as abstensions.
I ask for a second motion. >> I second. >> Thank you board member Baffles. So, it's been prop made and properly second. Can we have a roll call? >> Barbosa. >> Yes.
>> Bathless. >> Yes. >> Chevres. >> I think board members are Does she have to abstain on this or Yes. Yes. Does she can she Yes. On this motion? >> Ask M. Mr. Cli for some >> Can you clarify? Yes. >> On their own. They're voting to extend.
They're voting to accept >> to revote the resolution that corrects the record as to what >> Yes. So they should So she should be No, she should be abstaining then if you're doing it for the record. >> She she
>> Oh, she Clairvoyant Noel. >> Yes. >> Jacobs, >> yes. >> Marina Ortega, >> yes. >> And Pastana, >> yes. >> Rivera, >> yes. >> Carvalo,
>> yes. >> Thank you. To clarify, that was a motion to agree to the motion that was made by Commissioner Pistana to for our abstension. Correct. >> The motion was that the vote taken to
approve the agenda in January be amended to reflect the board members Carvalo, Clairvoy, and Chevra's votes on the agenda be rescended and entered in record as abstensions. >> Thank you, Mr. Kennedy. At this time we
will go through the agenda. Tab one 1A official and private minutes of December 18th 2025. Tab 1B treasurer secretaries report November 30th 2026 25 sorry.
>> Are there any questions from the board? Hearing no questions on tab 1A and 1B of the agenda. Mr. Kennedy, roll call, please. >> You're just putting it on the You're putting it on. >> Please add it to the agenda, Mr.
Kennedy. Tab 2A, personnel report. >> Madam President. >> Yes. If I may ask Mr. Qua to provide a summary of our personnel report. Believe he has some very good news to share. No. Hello. >> I guess it's working.
>> It's working. >> Thank you, uh, uh, Madam Superintendent. So, before you for your consideration this evening, ladies and gentlemen of the board, um, you have 13, um, retirements. I want to take advantage of the
opportunity, congratulate all those individuals who are going to retire. And I would like to highlight one name, uh, Mary Kay Nigro, someone that I met 28 years ago. And I'm happy to see that she's retiring after a very, very
successful career as a first grade teacher and a prek physical education teacher. We have one resignation from uh, a secretary. We have uh, 20 appointments.
These appointments include four teachers, one guidance counselor, one social worker, one school nurse, two administrator, one secretary, one custodian, one security guard, and nine assistants. And I would like to
highlight that um in New Jersey the requirements to become a classroom assistant uh is simply 48 credits. um either that or you have to take the power of professional test that we offer
in HR. I'm happy to report that the nine assistant recommended eight seven of them have a bachelor's degree, one has a master's and the other one passed the power professional test. So in other words, these are really
truly highly qualified individuals. Uh we have 18 transfers and the transfers are due to resignations, retirements and in some cases that come to mind due to legal requirements obviously we cannot discuss.
We have 31 changes of salary uh primarily because the individuals obtain either a master's degree or the six-year level as we call it 32 graduate credits uh beyond
the masters. Uh we have one promotion an admin one to an admin two and madame president I had prepared a few other comments but and because time may be the essence I could do it another time or may I proceed?
>> You may proceed. >> There are a number of things mad president as you know that we do in HR that most people are not aware. So I I have done this before in the past. So I want to highlight just a couple of things that we do that many people are
not aware. Um my office has enrolled 85 provisional teachers in the alternate route program or the traditional route teachers. That means that my office helps the individuals with the process the paperwork. We meet with them to
ensure that they have met all the requirements. we contact the state what is necessary etc etc and this goes on for two years as it's a two-year requirement for provisional teachers uh also I wanted to highlight the fact that
from from September 2025 to um this date we have review 180 requests for leave absences um that the board eventually has to approve all these leave of absences are
without pay. We have also review over 900 medical certificates from staff members who have been out three or more days and because they do if they do have sick days then this uh staff members do get paid.
In the summer of 2025 we processed um 99 teachers reimbursement. We have a tuition reimbursement program in the district and one administrator. Uh in the fall of 2025, there are 140
teachers in process and five administrators in process for them to eventually be reimbursed for the courses they have taken. Uh finally um from September 2025 to
today uh we have had 282 workers compensation claims. Of those claims 171 was simply reported but the individuals did not request medical attention. We do
have 111 that that were case managed which means that the employees requested treatment. Finally, I want to say that in HR we attempt seriously to meet the needs uh of all employees and and I have
to say that I am blessed to have a a magnificent uh team working in HR. Thank you, Madam President. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Qua. Um are there any questions from the board? >> I want to thank you. Oh >> no. Any questions?
>> Yes. Yes, Madam President. Um, I'm going to ask if we can please table and bring to private page 12. Our last name, page 12, tab 2. A last one to table it and bring it into
private. >> Mr. Kennedy. Thank you. Any other questions or comments from the board? Mr. Quest, I want to thank you. Um I know that your team works very hard and
um it is not an easy task to run HR. So I we appreciate you and we thank you and your entire team for all that you do for us. Um >> thank you >> Mr. Qua. I mean, Mr. Kennedy, please add
tab 2A minus page 12 to the agenda. Tab three, tuitions report. Are there any questions from the board? Hearing none, Mr. Ken Kennedy, please add tab three, tuition's report to the
agenda. Tab 4 A. Madame President, I would like to be able to share this evening a few of the items that are on our considerations uh report. I'd like to be able to acknowledge the extensive professional development
opportunities that our supervisors and directors are pursuing. Um, beginning with the department of visual and performing arts, our supervisors attending the music educators association conference that will take place actually um taking place today
through the 21st. our director of early childhood and supervisor of early childhood attending the uh NJPSA early childhood workshop to focus on mathematics and that is taking place next week. Our Admiral William F. Hall, the health
and public safety JOTC uh with master s uh master sergeant uh Joel Ramirez that will be participating in a competition in Clayton uh Delaware. We wish them much success. Also,
our director of curriculum and instruction, uh, together with principal of school number 22, Lauren Geray, the vice principal of school number 21, Victoria Smutk, um, Elliot Johnson, a vice principal of Dwire Academy, and our
principal at school 19, C. Christine Casserly, uh, together with Mr. Mr. Ain will be attending the NJPSA equity education summit uh that will take place next month. Mr. Candelino, our director of athletics will be
attending together with his supervisor Marty Lug the athletic um athletics association of New Jersey convention and that will also be taking place next month. And lastly, our director um
sorry, our students uh that from the Elizabeth High School color guard will be attending a competition, the um world competition in Dayton, Ohio once again. And we wish them much luck. >> And that completes the considerations
for this month. >> Field trips. >> Madame President. Yes, Commissioner Jacobs. >> Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to just take a second um to acknowledge um school 19, Mrs. Kish's
class this past Saturday attended the New Jersey Amastad Commission on African-American History essay writing contest. um and the fifth grade um students received first and third grade
uh pri uh prizes for their work and I think that this is an excellent example of the work that's been done with the am with the Amastad mandate. Uh Reverend Brit who was here earlier is a member of that collaborative of working with the
community to ensure that Amastad has been infused in our district. We can see that with the performances that we've seen tonight for Black History Month that this initiative that that was taken up on a very serious level by this board and my and my colleagues here back in
2020 to hire uh Mr. Dev Dr. Devita uh Herwood in order to ensure that uh Amastad the Amastad mandate um has been infused in our district. And Elizabeth, I can say um is one of the few districts in New Jersey which has received um
numerous awards um in relation to our implementation of the district. Uh cuz I recall I think it was two years ago that the NAACP recognized them at their national convention in Atlantic City and the work that was done there. I'd also like to invite uh the public and our
staff. And I also want to thank uh Madam Superintendent along with um Dr. Sado, Mr. Cortez and uh Miss Judy Prince Johnson along with Mr. Etienne um Mr. Alfin and Miss Tracy Monttero and all
the staff and students um involved in in this initiative. And lastly, I'd like to invite uh members of the public, students and staff and colleagues to our upcoming Amastad forum which is going to be on the 26 at school 30 at 6:00.
>> 6:00 >> 6 p.m. Yes, I'm doing got my memory together. >> Um thank you, Madam President. >> Thank you, Commissioner. I would also uh like all of the board members to um note that this is indoor facility time of the
year and you have numerous requests here for the rental and the uses of our facilities from basketball little friars programs to um volleyball from our fire department, the Rotary club that will be doing a pancake breakfast with our students. There's a lot of community
involvement for our students to be involved and to be engaged with Elizabeth. So, thank you. Any questions from the board members on tabs 4 through 4 D? >> Yes, Madam President. >> Yes. >> Uh for tab 4B, uh item number four,
there's no end date. It just says every Monday is beginning February 23rd. When is it going to end? The other requests have an beginning and end date. Which one? Item number four and 4B. Use of facilities.
>> School 30. >> Yes, we will check that. Okay. And I just also understand that uh I was at school 30 today that they have basketball practice in that same gym. So this is taking away every Monday for
their pra practice for someone else. So I don't know if that interferes with their schedule at school 30. So I just want to make sure that we're being mindful of that interrupts with their schedule and if if it's so can we have a different location for this item?
>> Certainly from Mr. Kennedy's office, the facilities, the person in charge of scheduling the facilities ensures that there's no conflict. We always prioritize our district programs first and then the requests are accommodated as best possible, but it never supersedes our programs.
>> Perfect. Thank you so much. >> You're most welcome. >> And Mr. Kennedy, do you have an answer to when it's going to end? >> I certainly am going to get you that answer. I see the request, but I don't see the end date on it. So what what are we going to do with
this? >> We can >> uh we should put it on pending um >> the information >> have the addition of the end date. Okay. >> Right now it just says a few weeks. It doesn't >> I know. I saw that. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So can we approve it for 30 days
and then we they'll do a new request with the ending date if it needs to be more. >> Sure, we could do that. >> Okay. So, I would like to amend um item number four on 4B to um every Monday beginning February 23rd
until March 23rd of 2026 and the pending >> actually I'm sorry there is a date on it. If you look at the support >> I did look at the support maybe I didn't see it correctly. Let's go look together. >> Yeah. Um
>> bless you. It says February 22nd through April 27th. >> See it in handwriting there. >> Where do you see that? >> April 27th, 2026. It's in the letter um handwritten. >> Oh, it's on the top, but on the bottom.
Got it. >> But I I have a question, too. It actually says that it's at school 22. And in the uh use of facilities, it says that it's at school 30. Yeah, that's well first off the hand the handwriting you're looking at is Karina's and she
works out if 22 is not available she finds a different spot. >> Thank you. >> But >> well our children come first so whatever we need to do. >> So I would >> Okay. So I >> I would ask to amend the um >> yes >> the request to put the end date of April 27th. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any other questions
from the board on taps 4 to 4D? Hearing none. Mr. Kennedy, please add it to the agenda. Tab five, authorizations report. Madame President, >> yes, Commissioner Moreno.
>> Yes. Uh, I have uh two highlights and one question. The first question is for Madame Superintendent. Um I want to make sure that the provision is on page number 19. The
participation in a provisional teacher program is the same like alternative roads. Page 19 >> uh top five page uh page six I'm sorry page six we see different kind of
teacher for participation in a provisional teacher program like I'm so excited uh this is Olga the same alternative roads for teachers >> this is not alternate route this is a requirement for um all new hires certificate of eligibility to be
provided with a mentor so they have to it's the provisional program to ensure that they are then eligible to obtain their standard certification. >> Thank you, ma superintendent for the clarification. I didn't know. >> Uh the highlight is for the community Saturday, March 14,
uh the Lisa board education will be host a special education community resolves fair. It is important like our community today will we approve that March 14 for our special education community fair and
the board is so exciting for this day and and the last highlight is the first page. Um I see like JBJ stand academy will be apply for a grant uh for PLTW
and I want to know the community what that means. I mean if they need to work really hard apply for this grants submit too too many papers and then if they re we receive a grant we will we have support and future careers professional
development to train the teachers and then the teacher can educate our student and I know my board member Diane will be excited because it's biomemed curses uh microbiology that's and I'm and so excited and I wish
the best luck to the STE academic team. I know how hard is to apply for a grant and how many thing they need to complete and not only the teacher and the principal also the administration. This is too many information and I really
appreciate the hard work. Uh if they approve can you please communicate with us um know the results m superintendent? Thank you. >> Oh, it would be my pleasure. Hopefully, they will succeed with their application >> at this time. Um, >> yes,
>> I have a question. >> Um, I don't know if this goes to the superintendent or the assistant or um assistant superintendent Fitz Johnson since you're in charge of the fundraisers, right? So, I have a number
of PTO parents uh who had reached out to me in regards to um principles not getting in or not allowing them to um add events to the calendar or fundraisers to the calendar. So, since I was looking at this, I wrote some notes
down and I just wanted you to please explain either or explain what the protocol is for the PTO to bring ideas and and and um ideas, fundraisers to the principal and how that gets to the board for the board to be approved. What is
the timeline? Is it 30 days before the board meeting? Is it 10 days before the board meeting? so that people can understand and hear it so that they can understand and not the principal telling them what is the protocol but we're hearing it from ourel for ourselves so I don't know who wants to tackle that question that
answer the question okay so as far as submission the we all receive the dates when everything is supposed to be submitted to us prior to being approved and everything being
typed up in time for the board meeting. Um, what you should know is even though there's times when fundraisers come up and it might be a day late after the cutoff, >> I go to the superintendent and she will give me verbal approval for a fundraiser
to take place. But we encourage the schools to to adhere to the timeline. Now, it's up to the principal to decide what's best for their building. They know their faculty, they know their kids, um they know their needs. So,
basically what I do is I depend on the principles to do be the ones to do the screening. Now, mind you, sometimes they come to me and I have to contact the principal and say, "No, that's that that fundraiser is not appropriate." Or you
might need to tweak a fundraiser. Um, but the protocol is just like it is for field trips or anything else. Everything comes through the school, through the principal because like I said, they know their staff, they also know their their kids. Um and then we just adhere to the
timeline that's given to us as far as submission of items to the um to us uh in preparation for the agenda for the board for that month. >> But is there a specific timeline? For example, Mr. Kent MK Mr. Qua has a
timeline for his you know things to be given to OG by a certain date before the board meeting you know happens. Is there a specific timeline that they need to get be um to submit to you so it can come to the board members? >> But there is a there normally what
happens is the date that the we take everything up until the last day that's on the calendar that the the board submits to us as far as the dates um of submission. >> Friday before the board meeting. >> Uh no, it's it's two weeks before the board meeting. It's usually two weeks
before the board meeting. >> Thank you. >> That's when it normally is. Um but the but the schools have those dates and and my secretary Yolanda she calls she reminds so so I and I think what happens to um commissioner is this I think what
happens is sometimes there's one person that might be responsible for the fundraisers in the building and if that person's out sometimes the timeline gets missed >> okay >> and then what I do is like I said I will go to the superintendent and she will
give me verbal, you know, so long as we're not bringing snakes in and that type of thing where you guys got to sign off where there's a liability, >> we will give verbal approval for them to to uh have a fundraiser. >> I appreciate that. I'm hoping that this will set the record to what needs to be
done and what the protocol is for a PTO president or PTO members to have events in their schools and how they need to reach out to their principles and then get to you and then get to us. Thank you for the explanation. If I have more questions, I will be here next month asking the same thing. >> Okay. >> Thank you.
>> All right. >> Thank you, board member. Right. The if if you take anything from it is that there's a process and there's timelines that need to be met because not only do the schools need to make the requests to the principles and the principles have to get it vetted by the assistant
superintendent who need to get it to the superintendent so that we could set the agenda and if those things that takes time. So you have to plan just like we have to plan. out. Take your time and do your due diligence. So, thank you. Any other questions on tab five? I know we
have a uh donations report from um Assistant Superintendent Sado. Thank you so much, board president Carvalo. Uh I would like to highlight three donations on tab authorizations to have five. So, the first being from the Greater uh Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce
in conjunction with the affiliate member New Jersey Wonders Foundation. uh for your approval tonight. There's a $3,000 donation for two students um that are uh athletes as well. I also would like to highlight a $2,000 donation from the Ber
Town Area Music League. And this is for supplies for our winter color guard in addition to equipment. So, we thank them so much for their donation. And lastly, I'd like to highlight for you uh our um Long Shoresman's Association. they are
donating 100 hats and pizza to our students uh at school number 13. And so we thank them so much for all of their care for our students. So those are three of the highlights for this evening. For your approval, >> thank you. Uh fundraising and events
from uh Assistant Superintendent uh Fitz Johnson. >> Okay. Being that we were speaking about fundraisers, um on the agenda this evening, we have 140 fundraisers on the agenda for your approval. Those include um movie and karaoke nights, plant
sales, a variety of Earth Day celebrations, online popcorn and candy sales, as well as a variety of t-shirt and athletic apparel sales. >> Thank you, Madam President. I also like to um
highlight for our community uh several items that are on our authorizations report. uh beginning with the annual opportunity for our middle school and high school students to uh participate in teen arts which is an incredible event where our students have the
opportunity to showcase their artwork um and actually be judged on that artwork. It's a fabulous experience. I'm grateful to the county for hosting this event every single year because our students who are interested in the visual and performing arts have this great
opportunity at a young age to experience it. Also, uh we will be sharing with our community our division of special services will be hosting the special education community resource fair on Saturday, March 14th at school number
28. This is going to be a wonderful event. our division of special services has been in communication with various agencies um that will be attending on March 14th. So, it's a great event and we certainly will be publicizing it for all of our families to be able to
attend. And then lastly, um a fun event that's going to be held at our Admiral William F. Pauly Health and Public Safety Academy is a soccer game between the staff and students versus the Elizabeth Police Department in the Dun Sports Center on March 19th. That is
certainly going to be a fun event for all. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any further questions from the board? Hearing none, Mr. Kennedy, please add tab five to the agenda. Tab six, tab 6A,
finance and accounting reports. Are there any questions from the board? Hearing no questions, Mr. Kennedy, please add tab six and 6A to the agenda. Tab seven, award of contracts. >> I have a couple of items I'd like to highlight.
Please, please do. >> Thank you. Um, page seven, there's a contract with uh Magic Touch Construction and the total contract is for $2.5 million.
And it's spread across um several schools and what that is for is to complete our security best projects that we started quite a while ago under the cops grant. >> Yes, sir. And what's good about this
$2.5 million is we're using funding that we got from the SDA. So, it's going to be 100% funded by the SDA with money that they sent to us. The next one is on page eight.
There's a contract there with EI Associates. And what that's for is I know for many many years I've been driving into Elizabeth from Route One and you go right by 16. It's probably one of the first things you see pulling into that area of Elizabeth. It's it's a
welltraveled road. You look over to your right and you see the entrance to our school 16. It looks a little in need of upgrades. >> I see the smile on Commissioner Barbosa's face. >> Yes. So, it's going to We've seen the drawings and um I will send send the
concept to the board to see. It's going to look great. So, >> we're very excited. >> We are. Um so, those are the two in Mr. Milan's world that um he was quite excited about the one free of charge paid by the SDA
and then 16 as we all know is going to look good. >> Thank you. Any questions from the board? Yes, Madam President. >> Commissioner Rivera, >> on page seven, contract with Nelson Ford, Morristown,
and I guess legal can correct me, but it's under educational service commission of New Jersey co-op co-op contract bid. There's also I just want to make sure that's just one of them that I saw that we are in compliance with them and as they're trying to work
out their their issues. Actually, I I should have that should have been my third highlight. I'm asking the board to remove all the contracts with um educational services commission from the agenda. What happened was is um
unbeknownst to even the department of ed but as pointed out from board member um Rivera there was an audit of the educational services commissions by the state um controllers's office and they told the
commission basically that they had to cease operations starting in March. So, we're not sure if it's um it has to do with certain contracts that were audited by the controllers's office or if it's the whole commission that has to shut
down. But until we find out more clearly, we want to pull these contracts before we award them. But what was surprising, really surprising, the report came out in January of uh January 26th of this year, and um Mr. Rivera pointed out to
me as part of his agenda review, they had never notified any of the school districts in New Jersey. And then I called the county office to the county um executive county BA and it was the first time he had heard about it. So, thank you, Mr. River, for I don't know
how you got on top of it, but it was a good catch. So, we're going to pull those off. >> Thank you, Commissioner Ria. Um Mr. Kennedy. Well, since these are state contracts, couldn't we just move on to the next >> the next bid?
>> Yeah, I I can't This doesn't affect us. >> Um Ed Ed Service Commission is is a organization that we use as a co-op to purchase our do contracts with. So that um may be an option if they're in if
they're in another co-op with the same contracts that we want to use. There's some others for technology that are in here too, >> right? I mean, like I'm not concerned about the Durango, but I am concerned about the heating chilling pipe systems. Those things need to be addressed. And I
don't think we can wait a month to have those things addressed. So, I would ask that the board, if the board is okay with us allowing our director to proceed, I mean, we may want to table this whole tab, take it to private, have a conversation, and come back with more.
Those aren't those aren't ED service commissions. Those areund and like if you're looking at rand plumbing >> those are okay. It's the ed service commissions. There's three or four of them under Don she >> um recommendation. Those unfortunately
were for upgrades in auditoriums in our school. So it's not crucial that we do that work right now. We want to do the work cuz one of them's a big project in Jefferson. >> Jefferson. Absolutely. >> Yeah. Which everybody was looking forward to. Can you tell us where where that is? So that
>> that's on page um 10. >> Page 10. So, and I know that our director is here and I know that I'm going off script here, but I want to make sure we do the job that needs to be done in order for
for this to proceed. >> So, this is the contract with Generation Services. Can we table that and take it to private? Certainly. Certainly. >> Is there any other >> um just the other one that Mr. Rivera
meant about the car? >> Okay. I think we'll be okay without the car, >> but this one I I'm sorry, whoever was getting a car, but I think uh Jefferson is more important at this point. So, can we table that and have a conversation in private?
>> Yeah, we've um when we found out about it, we went to Mr. Clo. you did a lot of background work so I'm sure you can shed some some more light when we're in private. >> So if if everyone is okay we are going to add tab 7 to the agenda and we are going to take into private contract with
gen G generation services. Any other questions from the board? >> Madame President. >> Yes sir. >> I'd like to commend Commissioner Rivera for making that catch. We were aware last year that Ed services commission
had been audited for I guess what was it over bidding on contracts >> or not following proper proceding proper. So there was the potential for us overpaying on certain contracts that we did with them as well. Correct. >> Yes. And then um they the the letter
that came out just recently in January was saying that the service commission was ignoring a corrective action plan. And so I I guess the controllers's office finally said, >> "So I'm making a request um to finance and along with plan property um that in
our future in one of our future meetings that we get a a report on all contracts that went through the ED service management so that we can review. >> Yes. >> To see if there's any and also review that with our council >> to see if there's any potential
recoupment fees or what our position would be on that scenario. Mhm. >> Thank you, Mr. Board. Board member Jacob, how far back would you want them to go? >> Well, that's a good question. >> I think we really need um as I said
before when I reported to the county office, he was going to take it down to the state. So, we it's not just us, it's every district in the state. We need guidance. >> So, that's supposed to be forthcoming because he had a meeting tomorrow at at the Department of Education. He said he
was going to get back to me on Monday. with hopefully some direction because right now we don't know what um Commissioner Bathless is asking how far back does this go how far required to try to examine these things >> so I think it's I think we can wait on
that guidance um but I think that this is an important issue for us to make sure that we keep on our agenda for this year for us to address >> yes and it's definitely um affecting us going forward for sure >> yeah it will thank you Mr. Kenny. Thank you, Madam President.
>> Thank you. Um, also I I quickly spoke to our attorney. If the director come can come into private with us and before we start our private, we'd like to speak to you about the contract so that then when we come back and as long as everyone's comfortable, we will vote to proceed on
the approval for the job to be done at Jefferson. Uh, Mr. Kennedy, please add tab seven to the agenda. Tab eight, miscellaneous communications. It is time for our student
representative. >> Correct. Yes, it is. >> Good morning board members, Superintendent Dr. Huga, and community members. My name is Savannah Breo, and I am honored to serve as the student board representative for Admiral William F.
Hollyy Jr. Health and Public Safety Academy. As a proud Hollyy student, I take great pride in representing a school that prepares students not only for graduation, but for real careers, leadership, and meaningful futures. This
year, Haly has experienced strong growth both academically and through our hands-on programs. Walking through our hallways, you see students in uniforms representing MCJOTC and nursing serving as symbols of discipline, commitment,
and career readiness. We have expanded our advanced placement course offerings, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school. In addition, ASVAB testing is provided at our school, giving students the opportunity to explore military and
career pathways while receiving guidance and support as they plan their futures. Our MCGOTC program was once again designated a naval honor school, marking the sixth time in seven years that we have earned this distinction. Our drill,
rifle, and physical fitness teams have competed in five competitions this year, earning multiple top three finishes, including first place overall in both armed and unarmed divisions. Cadets also serve our community by volunteering at
events such as the Memorial Day parade and school board meetings. In addition, our upperassman cadetses, including seniors and juniors, visit the 9th grade annex to mentor and interact with incoming ROC freshmen. Through these
visits, they help younger students better understand the program, share their experiences, and ease their transition into both ROC and high school life. This mentorship reflects the broader mission of our ninth grade
annex which is designed to build a strong academic and leadership foundation for incoming students as they transition confidently into high school and gain early exposure to our career focused programs. Within our health
occupations program, students pursue six pathways. EMT, hospital technician, unit secretary, CNA, the Ruckers program, and our new home health aid certification.
Our CNA program proudly maintains a 99% pass rate. Students are preparing for clinical rotations at Trinitas Regional Medical Center, competing in HOSA for future health professionals, and earning college credits through Ruckers
University this spring. Beyond academics, Hollyy continues to build a strong sense of school spirit and community through events and studentled initiatives from team dress days to our winter eve celebration and
community game night. These experiences create meaningful opportunities for students and families to connect. In December, our students versus staff basketball game brought excitement and friendly competition to the school, strengthening our school spirit and
creating lasting memories. That same collaborative energy extends to our greenhouse program where students are preparing for spring planting in anticipation of a February plant sale featuring fruits, herbs, and vegetables
grown by our own hands. Our after-school music club is also partnering with the dance club to orchestrate a black history celebration at the end of the month featuring African dance and live drumming to celebrate culture, unity,
and student creativity. Fundraising efforts across all grade levels further reflect student involvement and responsibility. Seniors host chocolate and pretzel sales. Juniors organized Valentine's Day snack sales. Sophomores coordinate plant sales
and freshmen participate in restaurant fundraisers with Chipotle and Panera. These efforts directly support enriching experiences beyond the classroom. Snack sales proceeds helped fund a trip to see the gay the Great Ratsby allowing
students to engage with literature in a live theatrical setting. Additional funds supported a visit to the grounds for sculpture where students explored art in a meaningful hands-on and immersive environment. In summary,
growth happens every day at our school in classrooms, nursing labs, competitions, performances, community events, and even in our greenhouse. From freshman to seniors, students develop
leadership, discipline, creativity, and real world skills that prepare us for life. I am proud to represent a school where opportunity is visible, achievement is measurable, and student voice is valued. Thank you for your time
and for allowing me to represent my school and my peers. That was beautiful, Savannah. Thank you. I think each and every one of us here tonight needed to hear words like that. Thank you. And I think your teachers uh the smile from ear to ear in the back
over there. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Next, we're going to roll out our committee reports. I want to thank all of the board members for taking time and for covering for each other. We haven't missed a beat and it is year it is month
two. Uh our first report is is from um special education committee. Diane Barbosa. Good evening. So we had a special education committee uh meeting on February 5th, 2026.
Um, we had all the attendees present. The committee discussed the recent parent workshop offered at the ECPAC meeting, noting a record attendance of 63 participants, which reflects positive community engagement. The community emphasized the importance of
collaboration and shared experiences among community members while also planning the upcoming events, including resource fair March 14 at the Dun Sports Center. Please let everybody know, anybody that needs extra help, everyone
will be there. Walk around, talk, walk, ask questions. And the rescheduling of the Special Olympics bowling event, the committee expressed an interest in obtaining further feedback from the ECPAC and a special invitation for them to come and attend the April board
meeting. Further discussions include updates in district special needs student enrollment leading to a reassessment of the classroom needs and budget discussions. Lastly, the committee reviewed the special service newsletter that comes out every month
and the web page and found it to be easily accessible and very informative. The committee suggested that future newsletters be also incorporated into our community updates um by our superintendent. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner.
Our next uh committee is educational management. >> Thank you, Madam President. The Education Management Committee reported met on February 9th, 2026 at 4 p.m. The committee reviewed chronic absenteeism data, state calculation changes,
corrective action plan requirements, and a proposed technology department's reorganization. The committee examined the state's updated chronic absenteeism definition, including a 90-day enrollment threshold established in 2425 and removal of the year-end active
student requirement and examples of per student and per school calculations using the 10% 18 days threshold for a 180day year. District chronic absenteeism improved from 15.8% 8% to 14.3%
year-over-year with several schools reaching s singledigit d r rates. Schools above 10% must submit caps and use parent surveys to identify barriers. Panorama's survey data and student clustering were
described as tools for targeted tier 2 and tier three interventions. Examples of interventions include incentives such as positive behavior support in schools. The committee reviewed an elementary school plan and a high school PL plan in detail showing a
subgroup trends notably a decline for black students and root causes such as medical, family, and transportation and engagement issues. The committee then considered an IT reorganization creating two coordinator roles, network cyber security and IT
infrastructure and computer operations and applications reviewing job descriptions, supervisory scope and core responsibilities to separate cyber security and application functions. Members agreed to present the reorganization and job descriptions to the board. Lastly, the committee also
requested attendance data for the district and reviewed preliminary work on a student cell phone policy. That concluded our meeting. >> Thank you, >> Madam President. >> Yes, sir. >> A question for Madam Superintendent. Um
the 15.8% 8% to the 14.3% decrease in chronic ab absenteeism year-over-year. Is that um for the 23 24 to 2425 school year or is that over a range? >> No, that is correct. That is a
year-over-year comparison as reported by the New Jersey Department of Education 2324 versus the 2425. we will have our um chronic absenteeism rate by the end of July of this of this year July of 26
representing the 2526 school year. >> So um I don't recall what the previous year to year um but I think it was very small compared to the jump that we're seeing now of 1.5%. So that shows that we're actually making
progress in in tackling our chronic abetism which we know is a very important tool in trying to effectuate positive outcomes for all of our students. Um my last did you want to go ahead? >> I just wanted to honor exactly what you
said uh Mr. Jacobs with regard to the significant change um in one year's course time. And I want to honor our principles and our vice principles for their hard work and effort in all of our teachers. Um our our schools each have a plan. They adhere to the plan. They are
very data driven. They are con in constant communication with students with their parents to ensure that parents understand the importance of being in school. and we are grateful that the uh data reflects those efforts,
that hard work and dedication. >> Yes, that that's exactly my point. Thank you, madam superintendent, because as stated previously, this is one of our board's goals um which is chronic absenteeism as long as one of the superintendent's goals um because we
know the importance of that. Uh my last question I I assume um the statement lastly the committee also requested attendance data for the district. Uh refers maybe to my question last month on seeing the January um absenteeism
rate for the previous years. >> Yes, absolutely. We will have that uploaded. >> Oh, and I'm sorry, one more thing. Um will this information be put up on the board cloud for the other members to review as well? >> Absolutely. Uh, so all of the plans have
been currently updated, I'm sorry, uploaded to our education management committee folder with access to the entire board. So it's not just limited to our board members. Um, it is on the uh team's folder and I have worked very
closely with our IT department to ensure that uh the accessibility issue is not not a problem. >> So in the past, Mr. Chi used to send out an email >> ah >> um when I think there was a upload. I don't know if that's still the same
procedure going forward, but that alerts the board members that there's new data in files. >> Oh, thank you for sharing that. I'll follow up with Mr. Shehy on that. Thank you. >> Thank you, Madam Superintendent. >> Thank you. >> Um Madame President.
>> Yes. If it can also be noted that I was in attendance for this meeting. >> I was as well. Please. >> I'd like to thank both Miss Balis and also Miss Clairvoyant Noel. I am apologize for the oversight and I I'm literally crafting an email to Mr.
Kennedy with that revision that has just been made. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And you were very involved in fact in that committee. It was probably the longest uh committee that we had. great conversation on a variety of topics. >> Thank you, professional.
>> So, I do apologize for that. >> Thank you. If if there's no other questions, uh finance and accounting committee >> revised. >> Thank you, Madam President. The finance and accounting committee met on February 11th. The committee reviewed new new
energ analysis of the district energy program with Miss Ellis presenting services historical budgeting consumption trends supplier hedging actions and energy track invoice data capture. She summarized new energ scope,
annual energy budgeting, commodity procurement for electricity and gas, demand response participation and revenue curtailment and invoice auditing and reported a cumulative net underspend of approximately $5.5 million from 2018
to present attributing results to active monitoring hedging and market interventions. The discussion focused on New Oren's hedging philosophy and contract structures, block and index timing during shoulder months, drivers of a market consumption decline since
2018 as a result of ESIP projects, equipment changes, building automation scheduling, CO related occupancy shifts and operational demand response logistics including automation to shed HVAC loads, the district's demand
response history, participation since 2012 and grow to about 20 schools. Finally, the committee discussed current supply position with gas fix through September 27 and the electricity block through April 2026. On a side note, I'd
like to thank all of my colleagues um on the finance committee um commissioner who's on finance for me commissioner Stephanie I'm sorry, Commissioner Bastana along with Commissioner um Noel. Uh I think this was a very important
meeting for us to um attend as we have noticed the rising electricity and gas cost um gas costs throughout our country. Um and the fact that this board uh took a proactive approach along under the guidance of Mr. Kennedy and the
business office along with uh Dr. Hugo Meyer to take a proactive approach in in engaging um an energy consultant to make sure that our energy cost which approximately is about $43 million of our budget right it's a big number um to
make sure that we were in line and I think that this board is starting to see um the success of managing our energy costs at this level along with the implementation of our ESIP our $75 million EIP program back back in 75
along with the other EIP uh projects that were done back in 2012 2012 as well. Um that we are trying to be um prudent financial stewards of the district finances to ensure that as many dollars can be allocated back to the
classroom and back to our students is happening. Mr. Kennedy also uh mentioned the fact that during this meeting that many of others are surrounding districts do not employ >> do not they're they're tied to the utilities um electric and gas rates as
opposed to going out to the market and getting the best deal we can get. >> Yes. And thank you, Mr. Kennedy. And um due to our participation with this um with this contractor, we're able to hedge our bets, our electricity buys to
the fact that we're not experiencing the deep uh in the dramatic increases and um that have been uh plaguing the market in these last couple of years. So once again, I'd like to thank Norine for coming in. We're looking forward to also them coming back uh for some follow-up
questions that we have. And I'd like to thank also my colleagues on the uh finance committee meeting as well. Thank you, Madam President. >> Thank you, Commissioner Jacobs, and thank you for all the work that you have done and continue to do on your committee. And our last report uh will
be from plant and property, and that is uh Commissioner Chevres. >> Thank you, Madame President. The committee met on February 17. Um the committee review the focus area from last year and disc discussed the goals for the current year. The focus are
including oversight of the long ranch facility plan and budget overseeing groundbreaking of the new facility exploding beautifification project reviewing assisting partnership with the county and the city to create a sustainability plan and exploiting grants opportunity
to funding a special project. The comm the committee reviewed the district snow management plan and debrief the outcome of the recent snowstorm. The committee requested to review custodial responsibility during the snow storm and
request was made for contractual language. The committee reviewed the current status of all construction project and current vacancy in the department. The committee requested a breakdown of custodia substitute appointment by year. That's conclude our
committee report. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um do we have a date for um >> for school 4, Mr. Kennedy? >> During >> during the committee we re we that was
the main question actually in the discussion. >> We know it's starting next month. We >> look forward to that. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. But it's 20 28 is when they're September 28th. Correct, Olga? >> Patience is a virtue.
>> Yes, >> indeed. >> All right, that's it. That's the roll out. At this time, the president requests a motion to go into private session. >> Oh, one more. >> Motion to go to private section.
>> I'm sorry. Please wait. Um, tab 10. >> Tab nine. We didn't. Okay. Miss No, we did tab nine. >> No, >> tab nine. >> Yeah. >> Claims list. >> Are there any questions from the board
on tab nine? Hearing none. Mr. Kennedy, please place tab nine on the agenda. Tab 10 through tab 10mm. Resolutions. >> Madame President. >> Yes, Commissioner.
>> Number 10. Um, it says revised, but it doesn't say whether the banks taken off, whether, you know, added. It doesn't I don't I can't differentiate what was added or deleted. >> The last two, there was a name change. If you can see, it's hard to see. They
were highlighted, but it's the last two. >> Oh, I see it now. You can tell. >> Oh, I see it. >> So, in tab 10, we have a resolution to designation of depositories for school funds. Tab 10 A is approving a contract
with Honeywell International for certain equipment and services at various buildings. 10B resolution transfer of capital reserves. 10 C transfer of maintenance reserve funds.
Tab uh I'm sorry, resolution tab 10D is youth art month. 10E is National Nutrition Month. 10 F is National School Breakfast Week. 10G is National School Social Worker
Week. 10H is Read Across America. You guys ready? Here we go. 10 I St. Joseph's Day. 10 J St. Patrick's Day.
10K Women Women's History Month. 10 L payment for unsecured sick days. 10M payment from unused vacation days. Are there any questions, concerns on tab 10 through 10M
hearing? None. Mr. Kennedy, please place them on the agenda. >> And here we >> Before we go to private >> Yes. um before you on your on the dasis a um page with the code of ethics and every
year the board has to confirm in accordance with department of education regulations their adherence to the code of ethics. So, if I could, I'd like to read the code of ethics and then on the second page, we're asking each board member to sign and date the um
their acknowledgement that they're um adhering to the code of ethics. Members of the board of education recognize that they hold authority not as individuals but as members of the board. In order to make a clear public statement of its philosophy of service to the students of the district, the
board adopts this code of ethics. A I will uphold and enforce all laws, state board rules and regulations and court orders pertaining to schools. Desired changes should be brought about only through legal and ethical procedures. B. I will make decisions in terms of the
educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools which meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex, or social standing. C. I will confide my board action to policym, planning and
appraisal, and I will help to frame policies and plans only after the board has consulted those who will be affected by them. D. I will I will behave toward my fellow board members with respect due to their office, demonstrating courtesy to corman fair play at all public
meetings and in all public statements. E. I will refrain from inappropriate conduct in public meetings and making public statements. refraining from any disparagement of my fellow board members or others on a personal, social, racial, or religious basis.
F. I will carry out my responsibility not to administer the schools, but together with my fellow board members to see that they are well-run. G. I will recognize that authority rests with the board of education, will make no personal promises, nor take any private
action which may compromise the board. H I will refuse to surrender my independent judgment to special interest or partisan political groups or to use the schools for personal gain or for the gain of friends. I I will hold confidential all matters pertain to the
schools which if disclosed would needlessly injure individuals or the schools but in all other matters I will provide accurate information and in concert with my fellow board members interpret to the staff the aspirations of the community for its schools. J. I
will vote to appoint the best qualified personnel available after consideration of the recommendation of the chief school administrator. K, I will support and protect school personnel in proper performance of their duties. And L, I will refer all
complaints to the chief school administrator and will act on such complaints at public meetings only after failure of an administrative solution. Thank you. And if you could all confirm your understanding of the code of ethics
by signing it. >> Thank you, Mr. Kennedy. Does anyone have any questions? Okay. If you could just sign it and leave it on the day, it'll be collected before we leave tonight. >> Mr. Kennedy, can I get a copy of this, too, please?
>> After you sign. Sure. >> Thank you. >> I'll I'll I'll copy them all tomorrow and >> get them to everybody. >> Thank you, Mr. Kennedy. At this time, the president requests a motion to go into private. >> Motion to go to private.
>> I second that motion. I would like to um amend the >> there is some other you have to say what we're going in for. >> Yes. The president requests a motion to go into private session to consider matters exempt under the open public meeting act
specifically for discussion of personnel matters specifically reorganization revised job descriptions legal matters specifically settlement agreements MS workman's compensation VL through K
award of contracts the board will reconvene in public and may take formal action. May I have a motion and a second? >> Madame President, >> yes. >> I would like to amend the private agenda um agenda to add the items that were discussed during private uh during
public session to discuss them in private session. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Kennedy. May I have a motion? >> I made an amendment, so it needs to be um >> Yes. >> voted on. May I have a motion?
>> I make a motion to approve the amended >> to add the amendments. >> We We're just adding and now we can just vote to go into private. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> I have a motion. May I have a second? >> I second that motion.
>> Roll call, please. >> Barbosa, >> yes. >> Bathless, >> yes. >> Chevris, >> yes. >> Clairvoyant Noel, >> yes. Yes. >> Jacobs. >> Marino Ortega. >> Yes. >> Pastana. >> Yes. >> Rivera.
>> Yes. >> Carvalo. >> Yes. We are in private. I have them. >> You have everything. Go ahead. >> Uh, first is a revised job description for warehouse labor,
a settlement agreement, MS, workers comp settlement, VL-K. Um, a resolution for reorganization. um and table of organization for the technology department and a change in
job title to school counselor. >> Thank you. At this time, superintendent. >> Thank you, Madam President. I have the HIB report for this month. Pursuant to board policy 5131.1, harassment,
intimidation, and bullying in New Jersey statute 18A37, 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 actions
taken or recommended by the chief school administrator. Since our last board of education meeting on January 22nd and through February 12th, our school counselors, schoolbased social workers, and supervisor of anti-bullying have completed 53 HIV investigations. Of these investigations, 20 cases were founded for HIV as per New Jersey law.
There were 33 males, 30 females, 50 regular education students, and 13 special education students that were the alleged victims. There were 54 males, 25 females, 58 regular education students, 18 special education students, and three non- students that were the alleged
offenders. Of the 20 cases founded for HIV, nine cases were founded based on race, national origin, one case was founded based on sexual orientation, one case were founded based on gender, one case was founded based on gender identity and expression, and 14 cases were founded based on other identifying
characteristics. Of the services provided and actions taken for these investigations, there were 16 skill development lessons and trainings, 45 counseling sessions, five behavioral interventions, 10 referrals for outpatient mental health treatment, five changes of classroom, two changes of
school placement, five administrative counseling sessions, 13 in school detentions, 35 conferences, two referrals to outside agencies, one professional development training, 21 out of school suspensions, and 11 cases are continuing to be monitored. The HIV
statute further requires at the at the next regularly scheduled meeting after 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 46 cases that were reported to you at last board
meeting on January 22nd. In order for you to do so, the investigation summaries from those investigations which were reported to you at the last board meeting have been provided for your review prior to voting. And this completes this month's report. I also would like to mention that the community
updates um were supposed to be shared earlier this evening with our community. So we are going to be posting the community updates in order to update our families on critical information regarding early childhood registration and also the gifted and talented uh
parent sessions that will uh be held on February 25th. So very important dates that we would like our community to be um informed of. Thank you so much. Thank you, Madam Superintendent. Um,
at this time, do any of the board members have any uh questions or comments on the agenda? Everything that we spoke about in private has been added. This time, I request a motion to pass the agenda of
January 19th, 2026 in its entirety. May I have a motion? A motion to pass the entire agend agenda in its entirety. >> I second that motion >> has been properly
moved. Mr. Kennedy, roll call, please. >> Barbos, >> yes. With the exception of uh page no, pardon. Uh, contract report seven, page two.
>> Thank you. Chevresz, >> yes. >> Clairvoyant Noel, >> yes. >> Jacobs, >> yes. >> Marina Ortega, >> yes. >> Vancabas Pastistana, >> yes. >> Rivera,
>> yes. >> And Carvalo, >> yes. with an abstension tab 4A. >> So with that vote, the agenda plus the addition. >> Mr. Kennedy, I'm sorry. Can I abstain as well? And on page four,
>> 4 A >> four. Um, yes. Tab seven, page two and page four. >> Page two and page four. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yes. the um the full agenda plus the additional items from private as passed.
>> Thank you, Mr. Kennedy. At this time, um do any of the board members have any comments? >> Madame President, >> yes, Commissioner. >> Uh once again, I would like to thank um Madam Dr. Hugo, her staff, assistant superintendent,
um Dr. Wasaw and this the students, staff, and teachers here at school 21 for a wonderful black history show. This was another banger for the books. And once again, I'd like to close out with my trademark phrase, black history is
American history. Can everybody say that with me? >> Yes, sir. Black history is American history. >> Black history is American history. >> Thank you so much. >> Black history. >> Thank you. Any other commissioners? hearing none. I just want to thank school 21 for hosting. Um this was uh
definitely an amazing show. All the schools that came out to support today. I want to thank all of the parents who came to see the children today. I also want to thank all of the public speakers who came out today. It is not easy to come here and uh bring your concerns to
us. Please rest assure that everything that you you say to us, we do not uh take lightly and we do uh discuss it and that we are here to serve the children of the city of Elizabeth and we do our best to make sure that they receive the
best education possible. So with that said, may I have a motion to close today's meeting? >> I motion to close tonight's meeting. >> I second it. >> Properly moved, Mr. Kennedy. Roll call, please. >> Barbosa, >> yes. Good night, everyone.
>> Chevz, >> yes. Good night, everyone. >> Clairvoyant Noel, >> yes. >> Jacobs, >> yes. Good night. >> Marina Ortega, >> yes. Good night. >> Gonavas Pastana, >> yes. >> Rivera, >> yes. >> Carvalo,
>> yes. Good night, everyone.