The New Jersey open public meetings law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have attendance of and to attend to attend the meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting their interest is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of this act, the Frankfurt Township
Board of Education has caused advanced notice of this meeting and general agenda to be submitted for publishing in the new in the official newspapers as well as district and municipal offices on May 19th, 2025. This me meeting may be recorded for subsequent public
broadcast. Please rise for the flag salute. >> 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.
>> Charlene Molnar >> here. >> Chelsea Stole >> here. >> John Tiger here. >> Jesse Vaughn >> here. >> Kathleen Adam >> here. >> Jamie Armando >> here. Chris Dexter here. >> Mandy J is here. Caitlyn's absent. >> Um so we have some recognitions this
month starting with I will read um staff member of the month November 2025. Sorry that this is a month delay. Um Brendan Post of the physical education and health department is our staff member of the month for November.
Nominated by Jamie Wolf, Lauren Guiney, Nicole Jarrett, Matt Starch, and John Perry. Brendan is a candidate worthy of recognition of staff member of the month. He is an invalu invaluable member of our staff who continually brings enthusiasm, laughter, and positivity to
every corner of Frankfurt. Why he deserves this recognition. This month, Brendan went above and beyond in planning and executing the eighth grade trip to Washington DC. Despite the obstacles presented by the government shutdown, he worked
tirelessly to ensure our students had an incredible and memorable experience. His flexibility, problem solving skills, and dedication ensured that students hardly felt as though they missed out on a thing. The trip was a huge success, and once again, our students were praised for being such an engaged and
respectful group by the tour company, and that's due in large part to Brendan's efforts, organization, and genuine care for our students experiences. This trip takes months of planning and preparation, and Brendan always stays so calm, cool, and collected that no one
would ever realize how much effort he puts into planning and the execution behind the scenes. In addition to coordinating this major event, Brendan somehow continues to juggling to juggle teaching four different grade levels with patience, humor, and positivity. He
is a a beloved track and field coach, an active and dependable FTEA member who manages our memberships, and a colleague who can always be counted on for help and a good laugh. His subtle oneliners, I like oneliners, and quick sense of
humor keep spirits high, while his courteous and upbeat demeanor make him a joy to work with. And of course, no team meeting would be complete without Brendan's famous Lindsor tarts. Seriously, their state fair blue ribbon worthy. Oh, take a hint.
>> Beyond the school year, Brendan also dedicates his time to help to helping run Frankfurt summer enrichment program. He manages fundraisers to keep the program thriving, organizes permission slips and logistics for the trips, helps form engaging and creative creative
classes, and even teaches the sessions to campers himself. His commitment to ensuring the students have fun, hands-on learning experience over the summer is just another example of his dedication to our community. He also works at the fairgrounds during the summer, ensuring many of our teachers at FTS can get some
income while working at the information booths and organizes the schedule, which is no easy task. He consistently goes out of his way to contribute to the positive culture at Frankfurt, both inside and outside the classroom. Brendan is the kind of colleague and friend every school hopes to have. His
genuine spirit and good nature embody the very best of what it means to be a Frankfurt teacher. Wow. Not t-shirt. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. You get a little and you get a gift card. You need a picture. >> Maybe one day you'll get your name on
the multi honor right under that more years. >> Oh shoot. I need my hair. >> That's one day shake shake. Okay, thank you. >> That was a very nice congratulations. >> Thank you.
>> Okay. And then we also have the announcement. Our superintendent roundt award recipient was chosen. Um, Sir Bradley Stole. >> Yes. Um, yeah. I I have to say this >> amazing eighth grade class this year. It
was very very difficult um to you know just pick one but I think it speaks volumes to what a great eighth grade class you know we have here at FTS this year. So but congratulations to Bradley. >> Great job. >> Way to go Bradley. >> All right. So we're on to the principal
superintendent section. >> Sure. So I mean real quick as you know it's been an action-packed month. Um, you know, so many great things happening with our winter sports season, you know, kicking off with basketball. You know, I I've been able to catch a few games,
boys and girls. They're off to a great start, both teams. So, keep up the good work there. Um, you know, our music concerts, we've had, you know, the middle school, we've had fifth grade. This morning, we've had our, you know, kindergarten through fourth grade, uh, concerts. So, a lot of fun, you know,
exciting, um, activities have happened this month. And I'm sure if you haven't heard already or you didn't get the notification, unfortunately we will be closed tomorrow. So um you know with the impending winter storm unfortunately so we got an even longer winter break. So don't forget to come back though on
January 5th you know but >> and there's a board meeting that night. >> Yeah. And then we have another board meeting that night. So that's great. Um it's almost two weeks off. Um, you know, I think it's fair to say that knock on wood, sickness-wise, we've been very good comparatively to other districts,
you know, that I've heard about. You know, you have those years where it's just like we need to get to winter break. Like, but I think, you know, for the majority as a whole, I'm sure there's been, you know, certain scenarios, but overall numbers wise, we've been pretty healthy. So, that's
also a very positive um thing. And just happy holidays and happy new year to everybody. Thank you, >> Mr. Sylvester. Do you have a middle school principal report? >> Um, yeah. Uh, we had we had, you know, again, a tremendous
fifth grade band concert. They sounded awesome. Um, we had a tremendous middle school concert. Um, where, you know, Mr. Arone and Mrs. Leighton really get those kids ready to go and they just sound well beyond their years in terms of their ability. Um, we also had High
Point come down and visit us and that was tremendous. Um, they put on a great concert for our middle school kids to get them prepared and kind of excited for thinking about the arts as they moved on to, uh, the high school. And, um, you know, the elves were out. I
don't know where they came from, but they visited FTS again. Um, and we really did have a lot of staff members um, dive head first into the holiday spirit. Um, their doors were great. I mean, Miss Squires even got a little
interactive piece and and that train rolls right into Miss Hoffman's. The uh, PE department has Santa hitting a nice slam dunk. Um, so if you take a walk around the building, it it was just really great and our
staff should be really happy and proud that, you know, they dove in head first and it was just a lot of fun. Um, with that, um, I think I hit everything. I might have missed something. Oh, thank you to our fifth grade coat drive. Um,
Mrs. Eckert, uh, did a tremendous job along with all of our fifth grade team. You guys raised over $600, over $600 to go shopping with. >> Yep. um which was just tremendous. Uh >> interesting thing though that we had raised 480 last year but we ended up
with the same amount of coats this year. >> Okay. >> All right. Um now and I know a number of our staff members also went out through the help committee carolling throughout town. Um they were seen at Bentley. They were seeing a number of our um elder
statesmen of Branchville and Frankfurt's homes as well as the American Legion. So that was a lot of fun. and uh something great that our our staff does for our community as well. >> And I saw in the Bulldog bulletin that you were taken down by a eighth grader. >> I thought you were like a really good
wrestler and like two years headlocks. I wasn't expecting to roll through. So >> I don't know what to tell you. >> What is that? A head. Everyone knows how to get out of a headlock. >> I don't know what to tell you. >> Next year's really good. He's the superintendent roundt award winner. Can
you get like a Can you get like a double leg in there? >> We are raising wild cats here in Knox. We will never forget. >> Oh, I have my tights on, too. >> Did you actually have your tight?
>> No. >> Nobody wants to see me in tights at this >> next year. That would be amazing. John. >> He would I'm having to >> I can't get that image out.
>> Okay. Motion to open public comment. >> Second. >> Second. >> I know we have a public comment. >> Melissa Faber, would you like to go first? >> Turned like red, but all right. I'll keep it quick. I will just read what >> you wrote it on your iPad.
>> Oh, no. It says you're remarkable. Oh, you're remarkable. If you write a lot for work, I highly suggest one. Um, okay. Good evening. My name is Melissa Faber. I'm mom to Everett and Tessa in second grade and kindergarten. Both my
children uh this year have leave replacement teachers for the first part of the year. And this evening, I would like to share my experience with both and why Frankfurt Township School should find permanent placement in our school for both individuals. Miss Patricia Caroli hands down is one of the best
educators I've come across in my lifetime. Her intuitiveness with each child, her focus and real world view of what these children need to thrive in the classroom is exactly what this school and our students need. She is hands-on, tough, direct, and loving.
This has been the first year Everett has not fought me tooth and nail to go to school. For anyone who knows, I did pull him out of school last year for two months to homeschool him because he was having such a hard time. Um, he is excited to learn. He's excited to be part of his class. And he's excited that
someone takes the time to be real with him and his needs. It may not always look like rainbows and butterflies, but is what he needs to thrive in the real world. And Miss Kay does this flawlessly with grit and love. When I started the teacher conversion
conversation with Everett, um when we got the email about all the changes happening in second grade, um he stated, "If Miss Kay isn't there, I don't want to be there and I'm not going to school." So then of course first grade comes back
in my mind. Um, there is a need for a third grade teacher next school year and without a doubt, Miss Kay, should she want to, should fill this position and officially be part of the Frankfurt Township school family. Additionally, Miss Madison Civitan has made herself
right at home in kindergarten and you can and you can feel it with the experience and the and the voice of the children. She is lively, a great communicator, and respectful of both the parents and the students. She makes
learning fun for everyone, not just the student. Parents are kept in the loop with class dojo, which I must admit, I hated that there was yet another app that I had to download for school. Um, but her use of the app to make a parent feel part of the kindergarten journey is
exceptional. Ultimately, I know what will be will be. um when it comes to pending teacher returns and budgets and whatever else life throws our way. However, I feel strongly that our school community has two worldclass educators in our building and I along with I know
Relle can speak to this and lots of other parents um that I speak to um would be happy to have both of them here at Frankfurt Township School. So, I just would like to have it on the record. Should they come up here, please consider them. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Melissa. We really appreciate appreciate you coming and complimenting uh the staff. It really is refreshing. And I think we even have a board member who agrees with statements about Mrs. Carol. >> Yeah, my son. >> Oh, your son's there, too. We have two
board members who also think high um Patricia. So, thank you, Melissa, for coming up. >> Any other public comments? Mrs. record. >> I disrup time of service on our board. We appreciate it and we'll miss you. >> Thank you.
>> Wish you the best. >> That was my thing. >> We can do it again. >> Still there, Mrs. Zer. >> Motion to close. >> Second. >> Perfect. Um, that leads us into executive session. >> Motion to open executive.
you get. >> Okay. We do. We need a Do we need Do we need a minute? >> Five minutes. >> Five minutes. >> You don't mind? >> We have um communications and public relations. We had a lot of activities this month and heading into the new year. I did have a question. Why did
kindergarten join the holiday sing? >> That was a big question. I had >> it seemed very long. So to me, like when I came last year and kind of saw that unfold, like the kindergarten comes back for what, 20 minutes at night, it's a
lot. Like we're already having this concert for first to fourth grade. Like why don't we just throw kindergarten in it? Like all the parents want to see their kids like >> the kindergarters really wanted to spotlight on just them. >> The parents really >> I the one thing I do have to say today, my you heard me honking my horn. My kids
were late to school because my the traffic was literally I was at Tony Tony Fredo's driveway sitting there. >> Yeah. And buses were in front of me. I was like, "Okay, okay, we're going." Because if you have to be here at 8:45 for this thing, you're go you're going
to drop your kid off and trying to get there at 8:30. I mean, the traffic was crazy. And then, you know, I told my parents, "Don't come until 9:15." I thought there was going to be an intermission. There wasn't an intermission. But I mean, my parents were there in time, but grandparents
that are coming that are older people, my mom's like, "We we had to walk a mile down Pines Road to even get here." And I said, "Oh, I told you to come at 9:15 because I thought there's an intermission and kindergarten and first grade some of them were leaving if you
didn't have an older student." >> So, like, we just need to >> get that under control. This is how we're going to do it. >> Parking was crazy. >> And that's kind of like after we you're adding 60, 55, 60 families. And it's not just the parents that come. It's the
grandparents. Most a lot of kids have grandparents. >> You know, >> I think it's clearly articulating to like the second, third, and fourth grade parents. Like >> your child will not get on the stage until 9:15 at the earliest. Like I'm sure there were fourth grade parents
there that were sat through an hour and 15 minutes of like watching other kids sing because they just got >> Well, by the time fourth grade comes, nobody's there but the fourth grade parents. I agree. >> So, it's kind of like kindergarten and first grade will be from 8:45 to 9:15 and then if you're second, third, and
fourth grade, >> but maybe there needs to be a 15minute intermission so those parents can get out of the parking lot and bring it. And my my parents even said like we drove up and my mom was like, "The security guard was so nice, but he directed me back down Pines Road." And she's like, "We
kept driving and driving and driving. We're like, I guess." My mom my mom was like, "Oh, we were afraid we were going to miss it." But you know, she's in second. They didn't miss it. But like if there's going to be an intermission, you like we need to put out that agenda if we're having kindergarten in the morning and put it
out well in advance that it's 8:45 to 9:00 kindergarten, 9 to 9:15, and then there will be a 15-minute intermission that Mrs. Leighton has to hold to like because they they have to get out of the parking lot so other people can get in. That's the thing. See, we're kind of going up against lunch because the first
lunch starts at 10:30. >> Then we need to do kindergarten at night. >> Like that's that's too many people. It was too many people there first thing in the morning. >> Then you have to keep the kindergarten with the winter >> sing or or or or here we hear me out.
>> Three songs each, not five. >> Yeah. >> No, but it will keep it will keep it No, it will keep it low for lunch. So you could do an intermission. Could you do first second one day? >> Yeah. Figure it out. Figure it out for next year. >> Sorry guys. >> Yeah.
>> Could you do kindergarten first and second in the morning and then in the afternoon, third or fourth? >> What if you have two parents that want to see? >> Yeah. If you have a kid in first grade and third grade, you're now you're there coming back. That's >> But you probably took the >> make snow days and we don't even have to
do it. >> Okay. 2:22. We als 12:22. We also have a school board meeting. Did you guys know that? Oh, >> wow. Um the 23rd is now a snow day. So that we're commencing winter break tonight. Um and we will we will come back to school on the 5th. Um on the 5th
we will have the board of education meeting which is the reorg meeting. Um so our new board member will be here. The 8th um is the eighth grade openhouse at High Point. The 15th is the CPAC meeting. That's at High Point. Um the n 19th we're closed for Martin Luther King
Jr. Day. And then uh 12626 we have the next board meeting. Um moving on to policy and curriculum. So we did have a policy um committee meeting tonight at 5:00 to go over these
the first reading of the four um policies. So I'm just going to go through them quick. These are all um these were all changes made by the NJSBA to the policies. So the first one number 4111 has to do with recruitment and selection
and hiring. So what the change is there is now when you post a job you have to list the compensation range. Um lucky for us we could just list the step one of the guide up into the top of the guide. Um but that that has to be put in
there. Now um first reading of policy 5127 about commencement. It really is more driven towards high school, but there are some uh required changes um on being being required to be in
commencement. It's not a requirement. Um so if your student is suspended or has any kind of consequence that the commencement is taken away, that's in there. Um 5145.7. So this it's the gender identity and
expression. We did have a discussion about it but as per this policy revision right now what it what has happened is at the bottom of the policy there were um resource sites and so legal has
omitted those resource sites and put them into one thing called NJ sleds. Um so that's the change in the policy is to omit the legal resource sites. Um policy 6163.1
is the media center library policy. That that change in that policy is um this is about uh removing books from the curriculum or from the library. So what that does is that adds a process in there. There's a form to fill out if you
want to have a book removed. Um what happens is that goes to Mr. Newman. Mr. Mr. Newman has a committee, a book removal committee. They review it. It comes to the board for the final vote. So the board would get that application and Mr. Newman's recommendation and then
the board would vote whether that book stays or goes. So >> now is that a book like in here that's used? >> Any book you see in the school book? Okay. >> Mhm. >> Yes. >> So classroom libraries do that. >> Yeah. any book a parent finds in the
school that they deem >> unnecessary or not >> that is school property >> right so um the so there's a book removal process >> so that's what those are that you're voting on the first reading again it's only the first reading so you'll vote
again on this on January 26 the second um reading any questions okay finance physical plant transportation Mr. Mr. Lassar. >> All right, just uh quick updates. I sent
everyone a an emailed a copy of the audit for FY last school year. Happy to say happy to report and no findings or recommendations by the auditor. Um I mean >> kudos to you. Thank you. >> It's impressive.
>> It was very uneventful, which is the way I like it. And so just letting you know. But if you have questions on there, I mean just in summary, uh I didn't ask the auditor to come up. I always feel bad from driving up here when it's not very eventful, but I can certainly answer any questions. Just for the
summary purposes, we have 70,000 excess surplus that's going towards next year's budget's tax levy offset. Our reserve accounts would be capital reserve is $476,000 uh which some of it we have used in this
year's budget for uh TC removal and such. Uh maintenance reserve $185,000. Uh, our surplus is at the statutory maximum of $250,000. Um, any other questions? Okay. Uh, two
other items we have. So, B-wing roof project payment. We have payment application for Nugga Construction. Uh, this is they're about 95% complete. Uh, this was for the change order work that was done on the additional section of roofing.
>> All that's left after this is just close out. Uh they have to redo some electrical work as mentioned at our last meeting. That's was supposed to happen this past weekend, but it got moved up. So they're going to be should be getting it done over the break. Uh and then we're just waiting to close out the
project itself. Uh last item is just an update. So you know, as it pertains to the budget, we have on the agenda approval for receiving another tuition student uh from Hampton. Um, you know,
this is good in that it does help offset and reduce the overall cost for the students. So, and we at this point we should be having a total of three students received. >> Uh, probably the fourth. >> Oh, this will be technically fourth because we also have one as a minu bento. So, those do how it works with
tuition. I mean, it doesn't necessarily it's not a money maker. It offsets costs. So, you know, it's paying for hiring of a new pair professional as well as additional related services, but it does drive down the cost per pupil for all programs. So, it does help the
budget and these should help us for years going forward at this point. So, uh that is all I have for financing physical. >> Oh, and then also the two grants that we were awarded. So, uh, the phone free schools grant um in the amount of
$1,246. And then the, um, focus grant, that's for the universal screener. So, we were awarded over $2,000 for that. We'll be implementing the Dibbles, um, 8 universal screener next year, which is free, but it will help cover our
professional development, training the staff on it. So, it's always nice like any little chunk of money you can get. So, those were great things that we got. Kudos to our special education teachers here for um running such wonderful
programs that we are able to accept tuition based students. I mean honestly you ladies work miracles and you're doing wonderful things that other schools want to send their students here and it while we're not we like Mr. Lassard said we're not making money at
but it helps offset such other costs and you girls are just fabulous. So thank you. It takes the team very much the whole team. >> And then can you just explain the no phone grant? What >> what do we have to do?
>> So the phone for you. Uh so basically what that is is we can purchase any materials like or you know storage of phones. Um so they make pouches like that they just can hang up like on the wall. So it's just like the physical you
know if you wanted to we >> What are we buying with it? Well, that's that will be the next discussion >> how we want to utilize those funds. >> What about those um I forget what it's called. Is it I think it's like the block. You put it in that entrance and it automatically turns off the phone or locks the phone so it just goes in SOS
mode, >> right? >> And then they have to on their way out is that >> so there's a lot of options. I mean kind of like I mentioned in the beginning like we don't really see it as a distraction a big deal here. Our kids are pretty responsible. They are, you know, very good and respectful. We do
have a process in place if they get caught using their phone when they're not supposed to use it, right? It will, you know, it gets taken um they can get it back at the end of the day and then it kind of escalates for second, third, and fourth offense. Um so at this time, like maybe we could just have a discussion, you know, with the staff,
with you know, the board like how do we want to utilize this $1,200 to, you know, for phone, you know, >> but if it locks a student's phone on SOS, does it lock your phones on SOS? >> Ours we have to touch it. Oh, >> yeah. And I think those are very costly
like I don't like that idea anyway. >> Yeah. In case of emergency that idea, >> but it was basically free money. The state originally were only entitled to like $600 something dollars, but not many people applied, so they doubled each amount. So >> originally we were only taking to use it
for cell phones. >> Yes. >> Yes. Or storage or safety type. might be some loopholes. >> Yeah, >> it's something that you could utilize was just about to say >> calculator holders, >> right?
>> And active holders. >> Uhhuh. >> Yeah, we'll figure it out. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, that moves us on to the consent agenda. So, um motion to vote on the consent. >> Second. Be it resolved that the
Frankfurt Township Board of Education accept the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools to approve the above identified regular agenda items numbered 20251222-03 through 2025122-27. Starting in the middle, Chelsea Stole, >> yes. >> John Tiger,
>> uh, yes. >> Jesse Vaughn, >> yes. >> Kate Adam, >> yes. >> Jamie Armando, >> yes. Chris Daxter, >> yes. >> Charlene Molner, >> yes. >> Mandy J is a yes. >> Motion to open public comment.
>> Second James. >> Any other public comment? >> Motion. >> Motion second. You got that, Mr.? >> Yep. >> So, we're already at the other it the other items and good of the order. So,
please complete your governance training by the end of the year. That applies to me. And then our next meeting we'll have on January 5th, 2026. Um, that's the reorg meeting. Um, and Kelly Mitchell from school boards will come and uh do
our ethics training or annual ethics training. Um, at the reorg meeting, the president and vice president will be elected. It's all you, man. >> Yeah, you go. >> You're amazing at the job.
>> Look at Chelsea even smiled. Come on, Chelse. >> I think we stick the new girl in there and just like let her right just dive right in. Right. >> I didn't even do my governance training yet. >> Um, >> that's cuz you're doing so much at pres
time. >> Okay. Um, I want to I just have a couple of of things. Um, thank you Mr. Newman and Mr. Sylvester for your school spirit as the elves this week. I mean, that's a lot of fun. I'm sure the kids love it. Um, I loved it when I dropped off today.
Um, I know that tomorrow you had a big >> grand finale and now you're going to have to hold on to that really tight until next year >> unless the Elves on the Shelves come for another reason >> to welcome the kids back somebody at some other time. to the North Pole.
>> I did I did attend the um holiday sing this morning and kudos to Mrs. Leighton for again I mean she's yeah a fabulous job. The kids look great. Um and thank you to whoever helps them make their headbands. Um thank you for sending the
second graders home with a kazoo. That was really really quite amazing. >> We're at the basketball. Um, and I did want to say, um, thank you to the help carolers. I know Rachel was there, Mrs. Eert was there. So, great
job ladies with your beautiful singing voices all around town. And then we do, as my last thing, does anybody else have anything? >> No. We do have a heartfelt goodbye to our um board member Jamie. And I just
want to let everyone know that um uh Jamie came on the board and she volunteered for a lot. She was actually uh really instrumental on the finance committee. So the finance committee um two years ago had a really tough job and
um and that was with Mr. Mooney. Mr. Sylvester literally just started here and had never had to do anything like that before. And Jamie came in and and actually when to be honest when she was put on the finance committee I was kind
of like hm and Jamie was our eyes and ears on what a school district needs how it can be run because everyone else on the committee was more corporate employed I guess you would say. Um so Jamie brought a really interesting
perspective into the finance committee during those hard times and um stellar job. I was so impressed with how Jamie uh handled herself on that. Again, Jamie will volunteer for anything. She was our liaison to the interviews with Mr.
Sylvester. Um you were something else too that I had in my head and now I lost it. You did um but Jamie will Jamie volunteered for so much outside of just board meetings. So really big shoes to fill here from Brienne. We know she'll
be great as well. But thank you Jamie for 3 years of the recognition circle. >> Well, you can you can save the money. >> We'll put it on the marquee. >> You go on the digital sign. Get your
picture out there. >> Yeah. >> But yes. Um, no. Thank you, Jamie. Really? >> Thank you guys. >> Great. No, it's great. I would have loved to stay on. >> Take your name plate. >> I will. I'll put it on my desk at school. >> Yes. >> So, thank you. Anyone else have anything
for the good of the order? Otherwise, we can get out of here. 641. >> Happy holiday. >> Happy holiday break. Extra day of break. So, enjoy it. The stippy.