[Music] Good evening everybody. Pursuant to the public meetings act chapter 231 public laws of 1975
this meeting notice was sent to the park press on July 2nd 2025. I had them duly advertised in the park press the issue of July 7th 2025. All this will have captured the burls within the regional districts have been
fully notified and the requirements on July 2nd 2025. Please join me to do the pledge. Ladies and gentlemen, uh, from New Jersey and from watching
from New York, please join me in the pledge of allegiance. 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. Thank you very much. Enjoy the war meeting. stand up. >> Yes, Mr. President. Uh in addition to the items that were noted on the agenda that was preprinted prior to meeting, uh the board also discussed their exception
uh number three, the student suspension report and the student discipline hearing review uh for exception number seven uh in addition to contract negotiations. The board discussed the settlement agreement that appears on tonight's agenda as well as uh the
Breville Township uh boys soccer NJSIA appeal. And finally, in number eight, uh the board discussed the personnel matters as noted on the agenda for tonight's meeting. Thank you. That >> can I have a motion to approve the
minutes of the September 11th, 2025 regular board meeting? >> Motion second. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Board not hear any discussion. Mr.
>> Here Bruno >> Mr. Capella >> Musigley M >> Lavin. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Messenger. >> Yes. >> Bruno. >> Yes. >> Thank you.
>> Just a reminder all communications are on file from the business administrator office. Now we're going to have Dr. report. >> Thank you, Mr. Bird. Um, this evening we're going to start off with some special recognition.
>> Can you hear me? >> Some special recognitions. We had our district band festival on Tuesday evening. Our host school was Marorrow High School. Just want to congratulate all of our band members and our band
directors. We also had our annual spooktacular event in downtown Freehold. Um that entire uh event is uh worked on with our art teachers and all of our art students throughout the district. This is an
annual event. Uh but we have a special highlight. Um the brave cast at Manaliban High School and um I see our anchor uh is here this evening uh who has interviewed me twice already this year. Aaron Chaporski if you could
please stand. [Applause] Aaron and his team Michael Kurs who two friends, Patrick Wheeler, who is a producer, and Daniel Golding is also a producer. Um, and they they are just a
small team on behalf of so many students that are a part of this media program um over at Manalein High School under um Mr. Gerardi who is uh a spectacular educator working with this fine group of
students who are heavily involved with media and broadcast um and that program is at Manalapan High School. To kick off our event tonight uh we do have a video that we want to show but I want to thank a few folks that are here um each year
at this event. Um, I'm sure all of you know Federesi's Pizza in downtown Freehold. They provide lunch for our entire staff and all of our students. We have the spectacular committee that sponsors and hosts this event. It's an
annual event with our art teachers and our art supervisors who successfully prepare all of our students for this really um hands-on experience where they can put all their artistic abilities to work. And I would stress to everyone
here to take a ride down Main Street and be able to see their work displayed on all of the windows um in downtown Freel. Um but I want you Mr. Mendes. Um we may need to move some of the board members, but I want to
be able to show that broadcast u from an Elephant High School break. Are we ready for that? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, is the string coming down a little bit more? Perfect. [Music]
Hey bro, Chakorski here in downtown Freeholds for the annual Spooktacular window painting contest. In this contest, students from all six FRHSD schools will be participating in creating Halloween inspired artwork for windows for local community shops. And throughout the day, my team and I will
be checking in with our brave artists to see how their artwork is going. For those who don't know, what is some more information that you can tell us about this contest and what it is? Well, >> this is a great way for the students to show off their art skills. It's been going on in prehol since 1948 and our
art teacher named Mrs. Wington that started it. It's been going every year since and it takes trips to the whole area. It's just a great day for the kids show up. The town people feel they love coming out. They're going to be riding around tomorrow looking at the pictures and just a lot of fun.
>> So, what has been your favorite part of today? >> Hanging out with everybody and I like being able to come here and do this. It's a really good opportunity. This is my third year doing it and I have to say every year it's just really fun seeing how everyone improves and the different designs that everyone does and just you
know painting is fun too. >> Well, this is my first year here and I just love helping mixing all the colors together. >> Taking my design from paper and putting onto the window and also seeing the creative things that other people have come up with. >> I feel like it would be the experience and painting the windows and just seeing like you said everything that everyone's
coming up with. It's just really amazing to see people's creative liberties and what they're able to do. So, what's been your biggest challenge so far in this event? >> I think the biggest challenge so far has definitely been the cold because it's freezing out today. It's It's hard to work when my hands are shaking. Reaching
the top of the window, there's a lot of alternate things that we have to do. We have to do trees at the top that are poking out this way and then his antlers are going to be coming from the top and then they go to the sides. So, I'm going to have to like reach really high. It's honestly been the same challenge where
we're both not the tallest people and we have to add text to the background of it that to be able to make it fit, we'd have to reach near the top. >> The details on the face were extremely challenging having to do the shading, getting the colors. It was so difficult. I had to like redo it like six times.
>> We had to make sure that the colors were accurate and that the shading was accurate. And I would also say the cone was pretty hard. >> As a local business owner, how has a spectacular event contributed to this community? What I like best about it, it brings the school, it brings the businesses, brings the teachers, it
brings the whole community together. And on this day, we fed 190 people pizzas for lunch today. And it's probably my favorite event that is done here in Freehole Burough. >> We just opened in June, but we've been residents of the burrow for about 13 years. It's always just a fun way to
bring in students and get some art in town. We don't have a lot of murals in place, so this is just a fun activation that everyone gets to enjoy. >> We always admire the art, but it's so cool to have the Talking Dead's themed art on our window. So, definitely come by and check it out. >> How do you feel seeing your students compete in such a wonderful event?
>> I feel great. I think it's an awesome opportunity that the Chamber of Commerce boards us every year. They invite us down to paint on the windows. It's a great opportunity for the kids to get out of school and and be able to paint on such a big scale and and they are making experiences that they'll they'll remember for the rest of their lives. >> Oh, it's it's just wonderful. We want to
see the the students compete in a schoolwide competition and then coming out and then, you know, giving to the community, you know, showcasing your art, your skills, representing Manala. Pentacular has been going on for 50 or 60 years at this point. And there's a real tradition of students in the Freel Regional High School District coming
out, working together. Again, I love when all schools are represented. We've got all six high schools represented here, and you get to see our kids leaning into the things they care about. This is a great event. It's a beautiful day and uh really proud of them for what they're doing. >> Why are opportunities like this so
important for our school community? So I think the Spooktacular brings the best of both worlds together. We have our students from the Freel Regional High School District, obviously Manalifan High School, and the local downtown of Freehold. So this really allows our students to showcase their talents,
their artwork in a space that's not just [Applause] We'll finish it off. Sorry about that. I think I was going to say something to the effect of this, you know, community event really allows our students to shine and it brings everybody together,
right? Our talented students, our businesses, and all our community members. So, like they said, it's been going on 50 to 60 years. Really shows you what this community is about. [Applause] and board members and Dr. Hazel, do you
want to remain seated and we can jump right into our spectacular recognition? >> So, I'd like to call up members of the spooktacular committee. This is Moren Stump. Come on up. Good evening everyone. My name is Moren
Sun. I'm the chairperson of the window. I will say I may be slightly emotional. I my last one is a senior so that would be on behalf of the Halloween spectacular committee and our co-chairs Nette Jordan and Judy Guy. I would like to also thank
Dr. Hazel and the board of education for their continued support of all our events. We begin planning this event in July and it's definitely a team effort. So if you just give me a few moments, I would like to thank everyone involved. Without them and you all of the excuse me, this event would not be successful
here. First, the teachers at every high school and the free intermediate school get their window assignments moving in September. They go on their own time and measure the windows for the students, help them with their drawings, and then happily show up the day of the event. You are all amazing and I'm truly
appreciative of all the work you've done. Mike Federesi of Fedric's Restaurants who unfortunately couldn't be here tonight has been our sponsor for many years. He doesn't question it. I give him a date. The staff is wonderful. I don't know how they make so many
pizzas in a couple hours, but it's we are so grateful to him for his continued support. I also want to thank Freehold PPW as well and police departments for all they do for our event. I want to thank every business downtown that participated. We had 10 new businesses
this year and they are all so excited when students arrived. I have already had many phone calls about how wonderful the champions are and how happy they are. Our volunteer judges have the daunting task of choosing to win wins and all of them had a tough time this
year. Jeff Freriedman, Lyn Rich, and Leslie Bailey, thank you for judging all 78 windows and getting me your winners so quickly. Now I would like to call out Rebecca Picastro and Piaza to come up. >> Rebecca's upstairs. You want to come after?
>> I'll come down. >> Okay. >> Rebecca is the district's communications and project coordinator. Thank you for capturing the students artistry with your photos and doing tonight's slideshow. And we'll present the flowers. She will get them after.
Annette and I um touch base August and she then coordinates all of the information given to our teachers in early September. She is always there for any questions I have and make sure we have what we need for tonight's ceremony. She is also there to date the event and I am grateful for all of her
hard work to make this event and our parade on the 26th a success. [Applause] guy to come up and help with the
presentation of awards. I also want to let everyone know we also have a picture from 1948 which is when this started. anybody wanted to see it. It's just something really going on for so long. And some of our
committee members can't hear me. So far, I'm sorry. So, this picture is from 1948. Some of our committee members have been on the committee forever. So, you just have to come up and plan it. All right, let's get to the awards.
So we had four honorable mentions this year. Um first was freehold high school principal is Mr. James Brown. The painting is like grandfather like grandson. Um Emily and the teachers are Dan Feli, Jenny
Netta and Jean Kunat. I apologize if I'm murdering the names. [Applause] [Music] Okay, next is Freehold High School as well James
Brown. It's called the US movie. Maria Garcia and Alfredo Ramirez Maros. [Applause] Township [Applause] at master barber shop. The student is
Parker Siobhan and Alexis. Teachers are Max and Andrew. Our [Applause] last um article mention is Howard High School principal Dr. Darby Raymond. It
is the puppy pumpkin patch. It's not sweet. This was one of my favorites. Sorry. Um the student is Julia Dietrich. She's not able to teacher or principal wants to come up and take it.
[Applause] >> Okay. Now Our third place is Marboro High School. Principal Dr. David Weekly is of hot rod room on artists. The student is Olivia
Kashka. She is not able to attend. So again, [Applause] No, Olivia. Okay, second place is how high school
principal Dr. Jeremy Dberman and the painting was Jaws. This is also one of my favorites. Um, it's in South Streets. The student is Angelina Hai. Sorry, she's also not able to attend.
Do you want to come up? also [Applause] got first. Um, this painting is amazing. It is at T-Mobile. It's psycho. Um,
again, we have a picture up here. It is truly incredible. Um, the teachers are wear and saria and assistant principal and art supervisor is Mr. Ker. [Applause]
[Applause] Yes. Okay, so that's it. I want to thank every business downtown for this. Oh, I'm sorry. I am I want to thank the board for inviting
us here tonight. Congratulations to all of our winners. I love this event. It's a lot of work to be clean up um in November with the fire department, but it truly is just spectacular. You guys have to go again with this walk. So, thanks everybody for coming.
[Applause] >> I just want to congratulate all of our artists. Um, outstanding work you can see here. And if we could have a round of applause for our and again, thank you to the spectacular
committee. Um, as they said, they start their work in August preparing uh for this event. July. Okay, July. Here we go. And are in communication with the school district every step of the way to organize this to get the students to the
downtown area to make sure that they're prepared for the size of their windows and actually working through what they want to, you know, present and paint on all of these windows. So, a lot of preparation goes into it. Um, and we are
just so excited that we can be a part of this um in the Freehole downtown area. Um, but on the school district's part, the one gal who makes this all happen for us is Annette Piaza um who is at the district office. She has been doing this
and working with this team for over 20 years. and I just want to thank her for her hard work, her dedication, um, doing all of the logistics for the school district, working through all of the the paperwork and the bulletin that
goes out. Um, so Aniaza, could you please come up? We have [Applause] I know you put a lot of heart and soul into this in working with our students
and our teachers and the downtown area and are just such a dedicated employee um to this school district and we really appreciate all that you do. Um, Miss Piaza works in the uh, human resources department, but always wants to have
that connection to our students, to our teachers, and the community. And this is so important for her each year to really have that connection with our schools. So, I just want to thank you. Don't cry. We need you to do this over and over and over again. So, congratulations.
[Applause] We have a terrific team. So, for all of our students out there, a lot goes on behind the scenes and these are all the dedicated employees, teachers, and staff that really make
everything happen. So, uh, thank you, Miss Piaza, for all of your service. [Applause] Members of the board and administration,
you can head up on stage. Thank you. Thank you so much. [Music] I can't hear you. Thank you. >> Going to continue with the superintendence report. I hope all of
you can hear me. [Music] >> Is there a way we can raise that a little bit? >> Is this one better? >> Perfect. um to our community and and uh folks that are here. Uh we recently learned of
anti-semitic Snapchat messages by students in our district. I want to be clear, anti-semitism and hate have no place in the Freehold
Regional High School District. We have taken action in accordance with our board policies and regulations, the New Jersey Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination,
and we have worked in accordance with law enforcement pursuant to our memorandum of agreement. While student confidentiality laws prevent us from sharing specific disciplinary details, we are committed
to ensuring accountability and making sure that every member of our school community feels safe and supported. Hate to the level of what appeared in those messages is not created in a
vacuum and is not solely created in school. especially in less than five weeks. Rather, it is developed over time and to effectively combat it requires more than just consequences.
It demands education. We we are proud in this district of our longstanding partnerships and programs that have taught and will continue to teach our students about the dangers of
hatred and the lessons of the past, especially the Holocaust. We value our community partners, our parents, and we will continue to build relationships with groups and
organizations to strengthen our proactive approach to both combat and address anti-semitism and all forms of hate in a matter that brings true understanding for our
students. I want to thank and share some of our community partners that we have worked with. I think it's important for the community and for the Freeville Regional High School District parent community to
know who we are working with. We work with Miss Briana Dari. She's the acting executive director of the Commission of Holocaust Education in New Jersey. Miss Wendy Ter from Third Generation New Jersey.
Dr. Stacy Gallon, the director of Karma, the center to combat anti-semitism and reinforce multicultural acceptance. Miss Susan Antman, the executive director of the Jewish Federation in the
heart of New Jersey. Detective Dave Demo, Mr. Brooks, Mr. Mikey Fallon, who facilitates antibbias and anti- hate programs in our schools.
We facilitate a number of programs for our students in the schools. We have our students right here. They attend twiceearly grade level class meetings where our administrators address
expectations. We outline the code of conduct. We talk about inclusion. We demand and expect of them respect. We just finished with our week of respect activities in our schools from
October 7th to the 11th. Holocaust survivor speakers and presentations from the third generation of New Jersey. We have brought into our school district the hate ends now program
which is a Holocaust education program where the students go through a museum exhibit and also through the cattle car experience. We had that program last year at Coltneck High School and we look
to have it again here this school year. In our schools, we have Holocaust Remembrance Day messages and broadcasts. Actually, Benalapen High School, the student news program that you saw uh their addition of, they put that
together for us. There's antibbias and anti-hate assemblies led in our schools and No Place for Hate programs. We are a district committed to the education of our students.
I always stress to my staff, we are a district as the regional about relationships, engagement, and growth. Our students deserve an environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive
without fear, bias, or intimidation. We will as a district stand firm and act decisively against hatred in all of its forms and remain dedicated to fostering a truly inclusive environment for each
and every student in this school district. I have a lengthy um we have some other reports to go through. I didn't know if uh our board um wanted to share anything on that matter. Um but I do have a student that wants to speak this evening
as well. >> Mrs. Bruno Mrs. Bruno is our uh Manalopin board of education representative. >> Good evening everyone. The Freehold here the Freehold Regional High School
District and all of its high schools unequivocally condemn anti-semitism and all forms of hate. We are aware of the anti-semitic post made outside of school by some students and are addressing this matter with the utmost seriousness
through a thorough investigation in accordance with the district's code of conduct, New Jersey's anti-bullying bill rights act, the HIV requirements, and coordination with law enforcement. While confidentiality walls prevent us
from sharing specific information, we are taking immediate and decisive action. As a lifelong resident of Manalopin, a mother of three who also went through Manalpin, I am deeply disappointed by what has transpired.
However, I have the utmost confidence in our administrative team to do right by all parties involved. We must also take this moment to educate all parties and recognize that education and
understanding are essential to preventing hate and reform. Our our district remains steadfast in promoting respect, inclusion, and education through ongoing antibbias and holocaust education in partnerships with
local Jewish community organizations. Counseling and support services are available to ensure all students feel safe, supported, and welcomed. Anti-semitism and hate of any kind have no place in
our schools, and we remain committed to fostering a community built on understanding, compassion, and unity. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you, Mr. Um, I also need to acknowledge another friend of the Frieel
Regional High School District community, Mr. Dan Rosette, who is the director of the uh Jewish Federation. Um, I failed to mention him when I was going through my comments, but um, he is uh, a friend of the Freel Regional High School District and helps us with much of our
programming. Um, but I want to turn the microphone over to uh one of the students that serves on my executive student cabinet. Um, I meet with a group of six seniors um that have been selected and have interviewed for this
position with their building principal. Uh, they serve on the exe superintendent's executive cabinet. I meet with this group on a monthly basis. Um and um they assist they share insights uh with me about their
experience uh one in their senior year which is a very busy year but really step myself and the administration through their experience in the Freehole Regional High School District all aspects of their educational program and
I feel that is vital for us to be able to have great re we need the students firthand experience that helps complement the work of our district, our strategic plan, and the work of the school district. And they are just a
extremely talented uh group of students that uh work with me on a monthly basis. And this evening representing Freehold High School is Colton Turner. So, [Music] [Applause]
>> good evening, Board of Education members. My name is Colton Turner and I'm High School representative to the executive cabinet to reiterate >> to re to reiterate a little uh the executive student cabinet is composed of six senior representatives one carefully
selected from each school in our district. We function as a cohesive team meeting monthly with Dr. Hazel, Dr. Howell, and the central office administrators to form a student focus group. Our primary role is to advocate for the interests and perspectives of our fellow students. Each member of our academy brings a unique force to the
table, sharing valuable insights from their respective schools. As we look ahead to the 2025 as we look ahead to the 2025 2026 school year, I'd like to share how our district's programs have shaped my educational journey. One of the greatest strengths of our high schools is their
small learning communities, including magnet and pathway programs. These communities do more than provide career exploration. They create meaningful connections. You see the same faces in multiple classes, building relationships with students who share your interest and aspirations. You develop bonds with teachers who understand your goals and
can help guide you accordingly. This sense of belonging transforms education from something you attend into a community you're a part of. At Preheld Burough High School, students can choose from the medical science management program, the computer science management program, the web design pathway, and the health professions pathway program.
These programs allow students to explore careers before committing to them professionally. With a strong interest in healthcare, I chose the health profession after program. HPPP introduced me to a variety of prehealthcare classes such as medical terminology and emergency clinical care. In these classes, our teacher focused on
open discussion. His connections from lessons in class and his experiences enabled me to see real world implications for well-being. Additionally, HBP's partnership with Central States's healthcare system offers students a remarkable opportunity to train as patient transporters, a
chance I eagerly pursued to gain genuine clinical experience. After interviewing and being accepted, I began working. I soon realized that my coursework had in many ways prepared me for this role, even if it wasn't directly. For example, in medical terminology, I learned how professionals speak in a healthcare setting, which helped me communicate
clearly with nurses and technicians. Emergency and critical care taught me patient safety, infection control, and why some people may need medical care. Working at Central State opened my eyes to the challenges people face, the most vulnerable. Simple acts like offering a blanket or listening for a moment showed
me how much compassion matters. This experience not only connected what I love in class to the real world, but also deepened my understanding of it. Reminded me that while medicine is built on science, sometimes it's little interactions that can be mattered the most. I will surely carry this with me in my future aspirations and career goals. I will forever be grateful for
the opportunities I had at my time. I know that our programs and courses will continue to prepare all of our students for a future as it did for me. Thank you. [Music] I appreciate you sharing your experience
um but sharing what our district has to offer in terms of our magnet programs and career pathway programs for students. So, thank you so much. Um few more items. Um our district professional development day was um on Monday, October 13th. That was a day that our
staff comes together across the district to engage in professional development activities um to further enhance their craft and their expertise. Um and we have a number of um educational and professional development activities that
our teachers and support staff and counselors engage in around the teaching learning process and advancing our goals of the district. Um I wanted to uh inform the board and also the public that we are going to have changes to our
2526 district calendar. Wednesday, November 5th, uh will be at early dismissal. We will have NJGPA and NJSLA field testing. They are making some changes to the state assessments. Um so
they are field testing uh looks to looks to be that we will have an adaptive test uh coming uh for the March administration. Speaking of the March administration for NJ GPA, which is the graduation
requirement uh that students take in their junior year of high school. Uh Tuesday, March 17th through Friday, March 20th on those state testing days will be early dismissal sessions for
students. Thursday, June 18th will also be an early dismissal session and that's right around the time of our final examinations. Um, our district um is and uh we will send a communication of those calendar
changes uh to all of our parents. Uh we are pleased to inform our board of education and the district that we have satisfied uh at least 80% on the weighted indicators in each of the five areas of
New Jersey QAC and we are deemed as a high-erforming district. QAC stands for New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum. That is a mouthful. Uh basically it is a monitoring by the New Jersey Department of Education. It's a
monitoring and evaluation system for public school districts. This occurred in March of 25. It was last school year. They conduct a comprehensive review of our of our system. It's in the areas of
instruction and program, fiscal management, governance, operations, and personnel to determine the extent to which the school district is providing a thorough and efficient education. Our placement results for CQ are as follows.
Instruction and program 81, fiscal management 96, governance 95, operations 98, and 100% in personnel. So we are very pleased with those findings. Um
this evening we also want to present our annual testing report. This is NJSLA and VLM. Um at our last meeting, prior meeting we um presented the public with our GPA results. Uh this is NJSLA. This
is not the graduation requirement test, but a very important test to measure the progress of our students in their academic subject areas. Um, so we're going to have that report. >> How about public comments? >> It's coming
>> cuz we're all here. We're waiting. >> Yes, I this is a regularly scheduled board meeting. So, we have to finish our business. We are almost through. Um, so we are going to have that, you know, report now. Yes. Right.
How many pictures? Yeah. So, Good evening. All right, if we're ready, I'd like to go through our results of the New Jersey student learning assessment and the dynamic learning man uh results.
uh the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment as a federal requirement. Uh as a contingency of receiving federal funding, uh they require that annually we assess students in math, ELA, and
science. uh the grade spans that get assessed and those are typically grades three, five, and in high school. So, we'll have a range of students taking the assessments. Uh for science, we typically have 11th grade students
take the science assessment. Ninth grade students take the ELA assessment and then math will the test of note is algebra one. However, every student must assess math in high school.
So, if students took algebra 1 in middle school, they will then take one of the other math courses at Arville. We do use these results for a variety of purposes. Uh specifically, we use them to adjust our approaches to student
interventions. uh improve student uh excuse me improve professional development and also make enhancements to our as I mentioned only grade nine students will take the ELA assessment and only grade 11 students will take the science
and then with math typically um students in grade 10 will take algebra our sequence in real regional is geometry then algebra then algebra [Music] With these assessments, proficiency levels are considered levels four and
five. So if a student scores at those levels, they would be considered proficient. And the rates that we'll be showing today are for those the average of those students who scored at that level four. Up here we have our performance in grade
nine ELA. We can see that our performance was at 51.7% compared to the state at 49.9%. The proficiency rates in the LA will approach 9% in their junior year based on NJ GPA performance. What you're
looking at now is our subgroup performance. One thing of note with these subgroup performance is that we do continue to provide reading and writing based student supports based on our focused on our subgroup of populations through extended day extended year programs.
Next up we have our performance on algebra 1. It's critical to understand that our algebra 1 and JSLA results represent a fundamentally different student population than the state average. With 35% of our students completing algebra 1 and middle school,
those advanced learners are not included in our high school algebra 1 testing pool. They're already taking geometry or higher level courses. For additional context, in spring 2025, when all juniors were required to take the NJGPA
in math, an assessment based in large part on algebra 1 skills, our students scored at a 75.3% proficiency rate compared to the state average of 58%. We will also continue to provide math-based student supports among our
subgroup populations through extended day and extended year learning opportunities. Next up we have our geometry performance. More students are meeting expectations than state. We're at 59.4%
whereas the state was at 56%. A difference of 3.4 points. One thing to note is that we have exceptionally few students at risk. Only 5.9% of our students scored at level one and level two. Statewide, the levels one
and two total was 15.9%. So we're about 10% better in that respect. As with algebra 1 students, we will also continue to provide math-based student supports among our subgroup populations through extent day extended year learning opportunities. uh scores for
certain subgroups are suppressed when there are fewer than 20 student results. Next up, we have our comparison of the algebra 2 percentages. Students taking algebra 2 NJSLA represent only about 8% of the students who were assessed in
math in spring 2025 with the majority being grade nine students. So these would be students who took both algebra 1 and geometry and middle school. Algebra 2's rigor is reflected in the very strong performance of level three
and above for our students. With such a small testing population, uh we do have suppression of subgroup performance for those students. Next up, we're going to have our science results. Science proficiency uh is
considered levels three and four. Students scoring that range are considered proficient and the rates we'll be showing uh represent those students. Here we see that we're edging the state in overall proficiency and have far fewer students in the lowest level. With
so many clustered at level two and a stronger than average level three, we're well positioned to convert near proficient students to proficiency this year. As with math and ELA, targeted interventions are available to support students who struggle in their science
course. Next, I want to provide some additional context. The spring NJSLA results provide one snap snapshot of student performance in time. For a more complete understanding of what our student students know and can do, we also need
to examine some of the other assessments in which our students participate. This slide shows our performance over two years on the New Jersey graduation proficiency assessment. This is a mandatory assessment that all grade 11 students take. This is a state required
assessment compared to the NSLA which is federally required. What we can see here though is we have exceptionally high performance in ELA and math. We had an exceptional lead in the past year getting up to 75.3%. These rates show that we have strong
that both these assessments outperform the state and it shows a more accurate picture of what our students know and can do by the time they reach grade level. Next up we have our AP performance in 2025
nearly 3/4 of our students scored three or above. three is the cut off for being able to uh earn college credit in colleges that accept those scores. So that's our our benchmark measure. However, in New Jerseyy's performance in
2024, only about less than a third of the students scored at that level. So we can see we have very strong access. We have a very strong support model and we keep expanding improvement. One thing I want to note is that we do not gatekeep students from taking AP course work. If
students are interested in an honors track, they're allowed to attempt that. They're closely monitored and then they're certainly allowed to uh participate in AP program. This additional student performance data clearly shows that the longer students are with us, the stronger their
performance will be and later grades. Next up, we have our dynamic learning maps uh results. This is the alternate assessment for students with significant disabilities. Typically, about 1% of our students are enrolled in the DLM assessments annually.
This data informs precise IEP aligned instruction. Social science levels three and four are considered proficient. Students DM performance is also included in our overall ESA accountability metrics.
Students participating in the DLM assessment have similar proficiency rates to our students who take the NJPA and the NJSLA science. Though 2024 2025 statewide results are not yet available. In 2022 20 uh3 24
grade 11 DLM students have the following proficiency. Statewide 36 students were proficient in both ELA and math and 25% were proficient in science. Comparatively our students perform significantly better than the statewide averages.
Finally, again, as I mentioned earlier, we use the results from these assessments to drive our intervention strategies and our model is to scale proven practices to lift our near proficient students over the finish. Thank you very
much. And that's it. What the hell? Almost at the public participation. We just have one committee report. Mr. Mender, >> let's just assume finance and we're going to go right into public
participation. >> Okay. Okay, I'm going to make this as quick as possible. Um, this district is in the thick of forming a budget plan for the next 5 years with the plan of spending $12 million a year on facilities and infrastructure.
Uh, and when you build out a five-year plan, it obviously takes a lot of planning, uh, involvement with architects and engineers. And just so the public knows, over the next 5 years, the number one priority are the boilers in the schools, water treatment plant
and cold snack, chillers for uh AC down the road, maybe roofing and paving. Um, so basically tonight's agenda does include approval of a construction management company to help guide the
district on the stages of construction to make sure everything is uh developed and finalized in a safe and efficient manner. Um, let's see.
Oh, and then after the discussion about these items, we also talked about things that are going to be happening in the summer of 2026, such as roofing, paving, and athletic facilities. Um, and then
towards the end of the report, we saw the wish list that each school submitted. Each principal submits what they think are the most uh most important infrastructure needs within each building and each of these has to
be thoroughly investigated uh in addition you know just to see if they're necessary and affordable. Um and then basically that is really the most important thing.
So, one thing that uh my colleague Diana did bring up with respect to the construction company that we are approving tonight is really to make it abundantly clear that they are able to
handle such a project. Because if we're going to pay a construction management company, obviously we need to know they have the capacity to handle uh projects that are involved in six high schools. And that's essentially the big overview
and finance committee meeting. >> Thank you, Mike. We're going to go to Mr. Ber. Any changes to the agenda you wish to know? >> Yes, Mr. Berno, we do have one change. Um there's a walking item in the back uh as it relates to a topic that was
discussed in executive session. >> Thank you. >> And that I'm sorry that would be J22. Sorry. J22. Okay. Thank you. Okay. We're going to go into public participation. Um going to try to read some of these
handwritings. Um Rabbi Michael Pots. Rabbi [Applause] And just uh there there's a sheet in the back with the board's protocols for public comment. Just real quick, uh the board has set aside an hour tonight for
public comment. We ask that each speaker limit their their time to 3 minutes. Um I'll keep the time. If we get close, I'll just kind of wave uh and ask you just to wrap up um your your topic uh and try not to interrupt your your flow.
>> Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you. I want to thank uh the board for giving me a few moments to address you. Uh my name is Rabbi Michael Pont. I'm the rabbi of the Malboro Jewish Center and I wanted to address the uh anti-Semitic
uh Snapchat messages that Dr. Hazel uh raised. Uh I read I heard about these messages and I read them on Wednesday, October 8th, just over a week ago. And when I read them, I was truly disgusted. I was appalled. Um,
I just thought it was absolutely awful. We know that words matter. Um, unfortunately, those of us in the Jewish community have learned this uh the very hard way. Uh, we know that especially when things are
posted online, uh, they influence people in real life. And so in posting these messages, maybe the students didn't realize, but they actually made life for Jewish students in your schools very dangerous. And
that's real. We've seen it uh in the Jewish community. Um where online messaging translates to violence in real life. It can even be lethal. I appreciate Dr. Hazel uh your message that you're taking this seriously. Uh
Miss Bruno, you as well. Um, in our tradition, when something like this happens, a thorough investigation is required. Um, our tradition teaches us that. I appreciate that you are doing that. In your investigation, you may find that
one or more of the teenagers who were involved in this really truly have hatred in their hearts um, and are truly biased. If that's the case, I think that there should be thorough consequences. In my personal opinion, I don't think
there's room in the FRHSD for such students. [Music] However, I also want to say that it's possible that one or more of the teenagers uh didn't fully realize what they were doing. or maybe they didn't speak out
and say this is this is not okay. Maybe they just remain silent and have deep regrets about what they did and want to try to find a way to make amends. I'm open to that possibility. In the Jewish tradition, we believe in the possibility of forgiveness. We believe in the
possibility of wanting to make yourself a better person. Just two weeks ago, millions of Jewish people around the world stood in their synagogues on Yum Kipur. We prayed together and we asked God for
forgiveness for our mistakes. in that spirit in your investigation if you do find the latter for some of the teens. Um, again, as I say, I'm only speaking for myself, but I'm open to the possibility of forgiveness if those
teens really genuinely understand what they did and want to try to make things right. Um, >> okay, I'll leave it at that. Thank you very much. [Applause]
>> These names are difficult. Tara Pesi. >> What is the last name? So, >> my last name is >> Okay. I wasn't that close. >> Question. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you for this opportunity. As a parent of a high school senior and a proud Jewish woman, I'd like to urge the school board to
adopt a clear and enforceable zero tolerance policy on anti-semitism. [Applause] [Music] It is imperative that the district take a firm stand to ensure students and faculty feel safe, respected, and protected from hate discrimination.
Anti-semitism is not just a Jewish issue. It's a human rights issue. It's time we stand in solidarity against hatred. Offenders should be expelled. Send them to race academy. [Applause] We need to do better to foster a culture of inclusion, education, and
accountability. The current way we are evaluating and handling these acts of hatred are no longer satisfactory. It's time to re reevaluate our policies. Thank you. [Music] We have Howard Norman. Howard.
And then we have Beth Consonant. Beth, are you here? Beth Howard. Oh, Ed was skipper. Howard, >> she's dead. >> Beth Cats Nelson. >> I wasn't Victoria. >> That's okay.
Uh so as a parent, an MHS alumni, a community member, the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, and the national deputy director of the Yadvashm USA Foundation, I was deeply disturbed and outraged by the recent reports that we've all heard. I would be remiss to
sit here silently today. These incidents that took place weren't pranks. They were expressions of hateful and violent ideologies that have no place in our school or community. According to recent surveys by the Anti-Defamation League,
only about 54% of Americans know that 6 million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust. Even more alarming, one out of five US young adults believe the Holocaust is a myth. 80 years later, conspiracy theories continue to spread
faster than facts. These statistics are not just numbers. They are a call to action for all of us. To the students involved, you must understand the profound weight and horror behind the symbols and the words that you chose.
They're not jokes. They represent hate, suffering, and unimaginable loss for families like mine. They reopen generational wounds. It is all of our responsibility to confront the history and not trip trivialize it. To the
school administration and the board of education, your decisive response is essential. Accountability and meaningful consequences must f follow. Consequences that go beyond those that are similar for a crime like vandalism. They should
include educational components that help the students understand the magnitude of their actions and their personal impact on others. Restorative efforts also are critical to begin the healing and the harm and addressing the very real safety
concerns that have arisen. Holocaust education, antibbias training, and programs that connect our students to the human stories behind history are indispensable. I know that some of these initiatives are already in existence. I've attended them personally.
I've seen them personally. But while within the same week, a 1940s cattle car replica stood outside Mem's school and a 3G granddaughter, a Holocaust survivor, shared her family's story with students. This horrific act still happened here in
our community. The reality tells us one thing clearly. We're not doing enough. and we're not providing enough interactive accountable followup for parents and students to the community at large. We cannot remain silent. Silence
allows hate to grow in the shadows. We must speak up whenever anti-semitism or any form of Jew hatred is expressed. Our voices collectively can push back against ignorance, denial, and dehumanization. As someone whose family carries the memory of what hate can do and part of
an institution dedicated to preserving truth and memory, I reaffirm our commitment. We will not allow this generation's moral imagination to be stifled by indifference or cruelty. We must respond with education, compassion, and resolve. And we must hope to see
that we do hold fast to the values of dignity, respect, and remembrance. Thank you. [Music] as an example today for making it short because we have 38 more speakers. So we
appreciate Steve and then next up is Rabbi Rosenthal. Rabbi David Rosenthal Steven you here Stephen? And then Rabbi Rosenth will be up next.
Everybody ready? >> Thanks for letting us speak. >> My father was a child survivor. His father did not make it. So this hits home for a lot of us. My children shouldn't have to go into high school and feel scared
because kids say things on the internet. If this happened to other demographics or other populations, it wouldn't be accepted. But for some reason, [Music] for some reason for against the Jews, it's okay.
While I understand and respect that you don't want to give out the children's name, by not telling us a punishment, it looks like they're wiping it under the rug and accepting it. to stop other students from doing the
same thing or worse if they think that fellow students got no punishment. No, nothing was done to them. We're entitled to know the punishment. I don't want to know their names. I don't need to know that. But we should know that. [Music]
>> And lastly, at least for us, we found out through our kids and through Facebook. We should be finding this out from you guys or the principal. We should [Applause]
[Music] Rabbi David Rosenthal, Barbara Cohen. >> I'll be brief. My name is Rabbi David Rosenthal. I'm a 2004 graduate from an Albert High School. Um I actually ran into my 11th grade English teacher, Miss Kantos.
I uh I don't remember the Canterbury tales, but it was really a great year. So, as someone who gained a lot from Malvin High School and is very proud to be a Malvin High School graduate, I later went on to Yeshiva to become a rabbi in Jewish studies. I wasn't going to come originally, but I just wanted to come and take the time to publicly thank
the superintendent and the board for taking so seriously and um and making us feel uh that this is being taken care of. Just the one thing that I hadn't heard mentioned was the maybe the role of social media and all this. I think that uh Tik Tok and um uh Snapchat and
all these apps are really uh making this much much worse. stuff doesn't grow in a vacuum and adults especially are susceptible to this and especially children they're becoming radicalized and they're um and hate is growing and if there's something that could be done on a district level I think that would
be very productive as well thank you [Music] >> Grand Central Station Mr. B >> Grand Central Station Mr. room. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> How did your sophomore >> year
Barbara Cohen >> Okay, Barbara. >> Rick Marazi. Greg and Danielle. Did you get it? Greg and Danielle. >> You're a couple. Greg and >> we can do two at a time. Come on.
Sarah Chrysler, you're up next. >> All right. >> Uh, good evening members of the board. Um, I'm speaking to you tonight because I feel uh I have an obligation to represent the voices of the students who are directly targeted by this hateful
anti-semitic speech. I'm not an activist or a historian. I stand before you, but I am first and foremost a concerned, frightened, and protective parent. And like every parent, our natural instincts are to protect our children. And the truth is, no matter how much we try, we
can't always be there to shield them. People will like you, people will dislike you, they will dislike you for reasons they can't even explain. Your nationality, who you love, what God you pray to. That is the reality of humanity. Uh, truthfully, I would have
preferred a more gradual introduction to these life lessons for my kid. But we've clearly leaprogged past all so social norms and basic decency. And here we are talking about vaping gas chamber fumes or as one post bluntly stated about our
Jewish children. Kill every last one of them. Please. Kill every last one of them. Personally, I find it hard to concentrate on the Ottoman Empire or Pythagorean theorem when the person sitting next to me has publicly stated
they want me dead. Maybe that's just me. [Applause] Before this uh disgraceful story went viral on all the social media platforms, before the town was ever mentioned in ABC News, this is a true story. My my
daughter asked me, "Dad, like if this ever gets out, what do you think people will think of our town? What will they think it's a bad place to live?" And >> I quickly said to her, >> "Of course not, sweetheart." Like, that's not We're not going to let a few
bad apples spoil the bunch. And um later that day, I uttered words that my wife will never hear. It's like I was wrong. I explain I explain Renalin will be judged not by the hateful words of a few teenagers but
how we as a community respond. We will be judged by how we band together, how we show one another compassion, support, how we protect one another and demonstrate that we will all stand together and eradicate any and all forms of racism, sexism and religious hatred.
that for you, our children, we will take all necessary measures to ensure you grow up safe, respected, and free from freer. It's clear when lines are broached, from childhood ignorance or thoughtful stupidity into explicit
threats and calls for violence. When an individual kill all the gays, kill all the blacks, kill all the Jews. We do not shrug. We do not sit idally by and we do not
let this be swept under the rug. We take swift, decisive action. We will demand accountability. I lost my sp. We will pursue consequences that are appropriate and meaningful and any and all measures required to keep our
children safe. We will expel those who spread fear and hate from our classrooms in regards to young torment others. Now I agree sorry
>> wrap it up the Oscars. Thank you. Oh I was guilded some time. So I agree that education is essential, but education alone is not enough. When a heart embraces hate, facts and dates won't always reach it.
Education must be paired with accountability, clear consequences, restorative steps that these willing to change, and zero tolerance for threats teach the lesson and enforce it.
Sorry. Thank you for your time. [Music] >> As a parent of one of the children that were named >> Just so we have Daniel, right? >> No, just make sure we had it. No problem. >> You know, as a a parent of one of the children who were named a victim in all
of this, I I need to demand that something happens because my daughter is sitting home now crying anxious every day. average what happens if these children come back to school and my daughter has to sit next to them. Now my daughter is going to be worried and
scared every day and it's going to affect her learning and that's where I draw a line. That's where things have to change. >> Thank you. [Music] [Applause] [Music]
>> You gave up your time. [Applause] [Music] Sarah Chrysler. Um, I came here tonight prepared with a very carefully written statement. Three minutes to the dot because most of the people here know me
and this isn't my first rodeo here. Um, but in valuing everyone's time here and your time here on the board, I really just have one question to ask everyone. I'd like to know who's safeguarding the Jewish children of this district. And
how how on earth do you expect them to come rested, wellprepared, and ready to learn in an environment where none of them feel safe? Thank you. [Applause] [Music] Mrs. Shamina.
Hi everyone. Here we go again. I was here a year ago. Do you remember me? >> Yes. I spoke to all of you about a hate crime that happened during graduation last year when the Syrian wore a Hamas
scarf glorifying Hamas. >> What were we told by the principal of Manalapun High School? He wrote us a very nice email. didn't mention anti-semitism in it, but he didn't mention diversity and inclusion. What he said was this student does not represent
us. This student goes against everything that we stand for. Distancing the school from any responsibility for educating the student for four years and there's nothing we can do. The
student already graduated. Right now we have a opposite situation. We have ninth graders and boy what did I hear and thank you very much Dr. Hazel, I appreciate your words. You mentioned anti-semitism.
Thank you. Because if we cannot name the cancer, how are we going to treat it? But what I also heard is that this student or these students have only been here for five weeks and also the school
is not responsible for them because they taught they were taught heat at home. We know where they would talk heat. The question is what are you gonna do about it? >> That's really my question
because obviously whatever you're doing right now is not working. >> We need real accountability. I had a lot of reservation about demanding these kids to be expelled from
school. Because many Jewish people believe in forgiveness. I mean most of us do. And I forgive people who are sorry. But the things that they said, this is a
deep rooted hate. And I would be naive to believe that somebody who said those things to kill every last Jew would ever be sorry for them. [Applause] [Music]
What I would like for you to do is to treat this as a hate crime, which it is. [Applause] [Music] Right now I'm speaking to you as a parent
as a Soviet Jew whose as a Soviet Jew whose parents brought me as a child from Soviet Union to escape anti-semitism and I will tell you that I have never ever ever in my life growing up in
Soviet Union experienced the level of anti-semitism M the way that my children are experiencing it here. >> I want you to understand what I'm saying. My children are more afraid than
I ever was. And it's up to you to make a difference. [Music] I also want to just end. I have a lot more to say, but I also want to end with Yes, I know. I also
want to add that this community is watching. We're watching what you're going to do very closely and we know our Thank you for your attention. Laura Carton. Laura. And then we have
Sebastian Paul. Paulo. Sebastian. >> Laura, are you here? >> Laura's here, but she's yielding to me for for a moment. >> So, Laura and you guys together. >> I'm sorry. >> Well, we have a kind of a team
presentation, but let me get started. >> Free township. >> Free township. Yes. My name is Ray Reya uh resident of Freel Township uh lifelong before that lifelong resident of Manalapin. Uh it's a hard act to follow talking about what this this
serious issue that's that's happening in Manalpin. Um the words of uh board member Bruno who um we've been lifelong friends our our families. I think Manatton is in good hands uh based on on her comments and and Jamie you remember
when we were kids uh somebody drove a bulldozer into Temple Best Shalom and drew swastik that's on the on on the walls and our and the community of Manalin came back from that and I'm sure that it's going to come back uh as well
but it's a hard transition to segue um into the issue that the Freel Township soccer team um has right now um but let me try to do. So, um, as some of you may know, um, many of you may not, um, the
Freel Township boys varsity soccer team was, um, eliminated or disqualified from the state tournament, uh, because of, uh, red card accumulation there. The last game, their two uh, coaches uh, were red carded. And, um, we have a
number of boys here. Um, boys, if you can all stand up and show yourself. >> Yes, >> you got the face. Dress the board, please. >> I will. I was just >> We can't hear you. It's okay. >> I was just telling them to stand up. Uh, you guys can sit back down now. These are boys that um I have coached many of
them personally. Um, they are have worked for this um for the better part of their entire lives. um and they are now being uh denied this ability to to play uh in part because of coach's actions but also in part because of a
mistake. Um I'm not sure if the board realizes this, but you should realize this that the gentleman who has the uh name plate in front of him, board attorney Mark Tuscano, um is an absolute gem. um he and I worked along with a
couple other uh parents um worked tirelessly to prepare an appeal um before the NJSIA um and unfortunately um our efforts and in particular Mark's efforts were not successful in the board
uh the NJSIA um ruled against us um um and failed to consider a number of of facts um that they should have they should have considered. And so what our plea essentially is and we have some boys
here, we have some parents, some student speakers that want to speak to you about their life experiences. And the plea that we're making is that we do not believe that the road ends here with this appeal that that was denied to us.
Uh we believe that there are a couple avenues that are still open and we're asking for the board's help. Um a an appeal to the commissioner of education um can be made. Um in addition, uh
we have the ability um to litigate this matter. And for those of you who don't remember, a couple years ago, uh the man the Manisquan boys basketball team had a an appeal um based on the uh based on
the fact that uh there was a last second shot. Um and it was not private counsel that did that. It was the board. It was the board of education. I just uh I just researched that pretty extensively. So what we're asking and I'm going to yield um to Ryan Meltton next. What we're
asking is that the is that the board please continue this litigation on behalf of these young men who have worked their entire lives to get to this point. Thank you. >> So, can we skip over Sebastian?
>> Sebastian's here. >> Okay, Sebastian. You okay? Thanks, Sebastian. I got to keep track here. Welcome. [Applause] >> I'm Gino Cetta.
Sebastian, >> I'm Sebastian Castanetta. >> K Massie, >> I'm Robert. I'm Gabriel Warmolini. >> Uh to start off, we would like to say
thank you to the board members, uh the principles, and our community members for helping us come this far. Our hope is still alive because of every single one of you. Uh but we do need your help to in the last push in the last step to push the litigation further. Uh, my name
is Gino Casanetta and I'm one of the captains in Freo Township High School soccer team. I've been in the program for four years and spent the last three playing at the varsity level. Um, I've been playing soccer since I was four and I've learned with every team
how to be resilient, but with this team it is different. We've worked hard for the last four years to get where we want to be. Uh, I don't live in Freeville Township and coming from how in my freshman year was one of the scariest things I've ever had to do. But before the school year started, I met my brothers. This team
that has become my family and changed me in too many ways to count. We are a team that prays together before every meal and every game. The heart and soul of soccer is within us all every game, every time we play and come together as
one. We here to ask you today for help. hope for what has been taken from us. Please help us to continue to grow together as brothers. Thank you. [Applause] >> My name is Robert Lockard. I was four
years old when I stepped on the field, played soccer for the first time. Ever since that day, soccer has been my life. I've been playing with some of these boys since before kindergarten. and we planned our whole soccer careers together, going from club to club, team to team, school to school, and eventually ending up at Field Township
High School. Freshman year, our men's soccer team went on to win the CJ4 championship title. And watching that game from the sidelines, I knew I wanted to fulfill those shoes as well. I'm not asking for support just for me so I can fulfill my dreams and aspirations, but I want
but for my brothers. The relationships this program has bought me throughout the my four years of being here are some I'll have for a lifetime. I'm not ready for our dreams and aspirations to be cut short. This sport is not just a game. This sport is some people's lives. Hours and hours of devotion and putting in
work just to make this moment and have this opportunity to make history. Losing our ability to participate in stage wouldn't just be a singular loss. It'd be the end of our dreams we've been we've been after since we were little kids. I'm asking for you to keep letting our dream grow and let our continue. Thank you for your time and
consideration. [Applause] you all seniors. >> All right. Hello. Um, my name is Gabriel Hormolini and I'm also a senior. Um, I want to start off by saying that I moved from Brazil in sixth grade with only one
goal, which was play college soccer. Um me and my family, we came here to seek this opportunity because I know that I can be capable with my teammates to pursue that dream. And [Applause]
and since we were all freshman, we were all watching the varsity team winning states short conference tournaments. And our last three seasons were not the greatest for our class. And this year we actually have a very good chance of making a statement not only for the shore but for everyone watching the
game. And soccer is not just a sport to me. It's something that brings my family together. It's something that brings me closer to people and helps me to socialize. I ask for help because we all have this dream of not only making a run but also having more time with the teammates that have been playing since I
was little and I'm not ready for this to end. Thank you. [Applause] Hi, my name is King Massie. Uh, thank you for having time to listen. Uh, I
would like to just start off by saying I understand that sometimes you don't get what you want, you don't and stuff doesn't go the way you want. But all I'm asking for you guys is just consider it and listen what we have to say because at the end of the day, it wasn't our
fault. It was our coaches and I should be punished for that. But I I just I'm just honestly not ready to take the jersey off, you know? Like we've short conference right now. It still means a lot. But at the end of the day, every other team we play, we lose
to, they all have states. They all look forward to states. I remember when I was a freshman watching the seniors, they looked so big to me. They looked so old. They were winning and they won at our home field and it was just it was just like magical. I couldn't explain how it felt and I couldn't wait to do it when I
was a senior and now to get it ripped away from me. It's just I can't even put into words how it feels. But I understand you guys wouldn't help us. Don't help us. That's fine. I just all I would ask is you for you to consider it. Thank you.
>> Uh good evening board. My name is Sebastian. I'm the second captain for the boys soccer team. Soccer has been my first love since I was three years old. It started in recreation ball, moving to club ball and freehold and always dreaming of one day stepping onto a field under the lights in a high school
state final. I grew up idolizing the seniors who played in that moment and I spent my entire life working for the opportunity to be in their shoes. This year as captain, that dream felt closer than ever, not just for me, but for my brothers who I lead. Being a captain taught me the full weight of leadership
and showing up when it's hard. being a role model on and off the field uh and always putting the team above myself. That responsibility has shaped my mentality during this incredibly difficult moment, especially now that I recover from an injury, doing everything that I can to get ready for the first
round of states and anything to get back to playing with my boys. This team has fought through adversity all season. We stayed together through every challenge, every doubt, every setback. Soccer has given me more than just a sport. It's given me lifelong relationships, personal growth, and a foundation of
discipline and resilience that will carry me beyond the field. To have the chance to play in states has been taken away would be more than just a loss for the game. It would be a loss for a lifelong goal. We we are not just asking to play. We're asking to finish what we started and to grow through less through
the lessons, the pressure, and the moment that a state tournament can only offer. Please support us in making that dream a reality. All of our lives, we've trained, learned how to pass, how to shoot, to win, and even to lose. For many of us, it has been, it might be our
last season ever playing the sport that raised us. Everything we've worked for has led to this season, and for it to just be taken away feels like a slap in the face. It would mean the world to us if you pushed through this appeal further to help us achieve our goals. Thank you.
I heard you say you won a couple of games in the conference. >> That's cool. >> Uh, Rabbi [Music] It looks like it's crossed out to us, but I think Rabbi is still here. Did any
anybody not speak on this subject at the entire time? Anybody not speak yet? >> Did Rabbi borrow? >> Yes. Come on up, Rabbi. [Applause] introduce yourself in my life.
>> My name is Rabbi Barazov. I'm living in this community for 39 and a half years. I want to thank the board for their time, for everything they do, for the education of the children. I know firsthand.
Uh besides running the synagogue with Nevada organization, my wife and I founded the um organization which you might know about, the friendship circle services over 125 children. Most of volunteers close to 200 of them
are actually uh students of yours from 9th to 12th grade. [Applause] I want to reiterate what was said earlier. I don't remember his name. Well, it's it's no one's um right might
be no one's right to know the names of these students, but if there isn't a clear clear uh result of what's going to happen as a result of it, then uh all the talking is really in vain. Uh punishment is not uh
revenge. Punishment is supposed to be deterrence. How you going to deter anyone if no one knows what happened to these individuals [Applause] and I just want to say one point which I
hope you'll take to heart. All those numbers of the math results and the science results and language results are very impressive. But I want to remind you that the perpetrators of the Holocaust were also
very very well educated. >> Yes. [Music] >> Actually, if you think about it, their education brought about the worst murder since humanity has ever recorded any
murder. Math, science in any discipline which is not founded on morals is worth nothing. Hitler's doctors, scientists, mathematicians, attorneys, uh
physicians, they were all part of the problem, not the solution. And as educators and as those that are responsible for the education, I'm not blaming anyone on this board. I look up to you, but you have to understand the responsibility you have for the students
that are under your um under your umbrella. So I plead with you, do whatever you can, not only to punish these students. It's not just about punishing them. is about setting the record straight that this is not going
to be tolerated and all the education that was mentioned with the federation and all these organizations were all good up till now. We're living in a world of social media. One post can do who knows how much damage. I don't envy
you but you you ha you have to put your heads together and figure out how do we actually not just talk some props. It's all about cattle cars. got to do something concrete that every student knows what it means, how every human
being is is is is precious in the eyes of God. And that unfortunately to speak about one and a half million innocent children among 6 million innocent Jewish people that were just gassed and
murdered to speak in this way is totally totally unacceptable. Thank you. I didn't want to skip. Did I skip anybody? Some of these things are crossed out. Sharon [Music]
>> Can we put in the budget a new speaker? >> Yes. I said I said an arrow ago. >> Uh my name is Sharon Schutzer. I live at 76 West George Street in Freehold
Burrow. Um I am here tonight not only as a resident but as a councilwoman from Freehold Burrow. And with me I have Councilwoman Annette Jordan and Councilwoman Michael D. Benadetto.
On a little bit lighter note to begin, we want to say how much how proud we are of this young gentleman who is a a burrow young man um for his accomplishments. Thank you, Colton.
We're very proud. I want to date myself, but I not only watched him grow up, but I watched his mother grow up uh as well. And we also want to thank since we're here take the opportunity to thank
Amanda McCobb who is our representative on the um on the board of education. We don't often have a chance to thank Amanda for everything she does in the burrow. So we want to uh we want to do that right now. Our main purpose in
being here tonight was to thank not only all of the students and the teachers and the schools who participated in these spooktacular events, but also to recognize and make sure that everyone knows that that committee works year
round on those uh on all the plans for our spectacular events. And all of those folks that you saw here tonight, plus the the the rest of the committee are volunteers in the burrow. So, we want to thank all of them as well.
And please go into downtown Freehold and see in person this wonderful artwork that these kids have done under the direction. I also want to take this opportunity to highlight something that Superintendent
Hazel said when she mentioned some of the programs that are being presented. This might be a good time to congratulate and thank the Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse, which is a shared committee between Freehold
Township and Freehold Burrow. and we do pay for many of those programs that are brought into the schools to help combat this kind of thing. And in closing, I just want to say that we are here
and we are condemning the egregious, horrific behavior. This just went off. Um, and I didn't touch a thing that has been uh described tonight. And
we are appalled by this kind of behavior. We are in support of this school district and the school board. And we want you to know that we are here and ready to help in any way that we
can. Thank you. [Applause] And I'd like to just close with this and it's a paraphrase of something that Anne Frank said.
She said, "Isn't it?" and a paraphrase. Isn't it wonderful that we don't have to wait a minute to show kindness to other people? That's the message we should take out here
tonight. Thanks. [Applause] Thank you. I am probably going to reiterate a lot that has been said already tonight, but I
cannot ignore what's going on in this district. I have called you called the board and the administration to step up when they have misstepped and I once again and by the way you usually
don't do anything and that's what I'm afraid of. You sit there shake your head don't answer anyone ever and giving wonderful organizations names.
That's great. hasn't worked. What are you doing tomorrow? Do you know that? I feel very sorry for the boys that were kicked off their team or are progressing with the
team, whatever. But your education has gone so far that most of them sitting near them, and I'm sure they're lovely young men, were on their cell phones the entire time, except when someone was at
the microphone talking about their team. They didn't care. We're not got to do more. >> As an educator myself, I know unless teachers, administrators,
circle a room of students and see what they're doing. They are not listening to your programs. They are ignoring you. Most teachers don't circle. I don't think any administrators except one from
a previous principal at Mar High School. Jim Oliv was the only one that I've ever known. You should laugh should laugh because you could take lessons from him. >> Was he were very lucky? >> And it gave him a hard time, too.
>> You have got to step up. Open your eyes. Talk is cheap. Talk is cheap. You've done nothing. you wade away graduation and did nothing about the presentation from Palestinians who was every right
but doesn't have a right to criticize other people and make them feel badly [Applause] I told you year after year I have been here god too many years as you all know it's kind of scary when I walk in
everybody says hi Mrs. spots. Everyone knows my name. I've been talking so long yet nothing gets heard. Do something. I want these students to have on their records. Going to college
[Applause] [Music] and I will think of many things afterward. You are so lucky to have Mr. Mr. has a teller on their school board. He's the only damn one of you that care. >> Sorry for cursing.
>> Sorry about opening your eyes. >> I don't think I missed anyone. Did I? >> Your name, sir? >> Steen work. >> Last but not least, in the phone way. >> Go ahead.
>> Thank you. My name is Steven Werheim. I'm a 38-year resident of Marorrow. I'm a native of Mammoth County. I'm a former president of Congregation Benet Israel in Manalapan. A lot has been said today about the
vile, despicable, and abhorrent behavior of the four students from an elephant. But that's only the tip of the iceberg. These students have been impacted by social media, but they've also learned
these lessons at home. [Music] [Applause] the consequences of their actions have to fall not just on the students but on the parents as well.
>> And when you say kill every last Jew, that's not hate speech. That's lethal violence. I am the son of a refugee from World War II
whose entire family was almost wiped out in one single day. I'm a 2G, not a 3G. This is serious. This is real. And if you haven't experienced an
anti-semitic attack, then you have not walked in my shoes. So there's talk, there's statements, there are wonderful commentaries,
but none of them mean anything without firm action and education, which ramps up the current level of education by a factor of 10. There are two countries in this world
that mandate every student go through a semester of Holocaust education in order to graduate high school. One is Germany. The other is the Czech Republic. I don't ever expect that to happen here
in the United States. But that does not mean that you do not have an obligation to educate not just the children but the parents. That is critical. Change is here tonight.
That's the Holocaust Museum of Brookdale Community College. They have syllabus to give you for free that you can use in the classrooms. to make this a constant part of the
curriculum in the prehold regional district. The US Holocaust Museum does the same. The New York City Holocaust Museum does the same. There are plenty of resources available to this district if you choose
to take it. And I will remind each and every one of you the famous saying that evil flourishes when good people do nothing. You can talk all you want but the less you do nothing will change. Thank you.
[Applause] >> I switched to Laura Laura. I don't suppose you switch places? >> Yes. Oh, this will be uh good evening
members of the board of education, superintendent, principles, and community members. My name is Laura Cites, a parent of Sebastian Polo, varsity soccer captain who spoke earlier. First, I want to begin by thanking you all for the support you've shown our students, our athletic programs, and our community through this
season. And that comes from not just myself, but the parents behind me. Your commitment to providing opportunities for our young athletes to grow, learn, and represent Freehold Township with pride has not gone unnoticed, and we're deeply grateful. I am here tonight though to ask you for your continued
support, specifically in backing our appeal to the NJSIA following the recent ruling that disqualified our boys varsity soccer team from the state tournament. This decision was based on what we strongly believe to be an honest mistake, a misinterpretation of an event
that occurred during our match. This was not a matter of poor sportsmanship, violence, or misconduct. It was an administrative and inter interpretive error that should be corrected and not punished. Our athletes deserve due process. They deserve the same fairness
that our education system strives to teach. That truth and integrity matter. This is not only about soccer. It is about standing up for what is right, modeling accountability, and showing our students that their leaders will fight for justice when warranted. Please join
us in ensuring that one human error does not erase the entire season of hard work, years of dedication and pride for our school and our community. Thank you for [Music] [Applause] [Music] >> first of all I want to thank the board
for today in particular did a great job. Fuel was not lost as a black I was one of the parents that worked with him along with Mr. um I will be very brief u because I don't think there's anything I can say to you that
should or would resonate more than what the boys said to you themselves when they spoke on their behalf. Um you heard from five seniors. There are 15 seniors on this roster. >> 15 seniors along with another 15 or so
underassman. Um, they, you know, I wish you could see these boys in the classroom and in on the field and in the community. This is a great group of kids. They, I can assure you, they are a poster child of the type of athletic team you want representing this
district. Um, and to have their dreams of these 15 seniors taken away on a technicality and a fact is is just an injustice. So, um, to be brief, just want to reiterate, thank you for your efforts so far. We are here to um urge
you and please that you assist them in their appeal to the commissioner and any further action that's required. >> Next game is when? >> Uh the their next regular game is Saturday. Their next door conference game is Monday and the state tournament uh I believe the seedings are on October 25th.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. [Applause] [Music] >> Very proud principal. Very very proud of that. Tom >> Dave. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Good evening. >> Oh, this is fun. The kids encyclopedia definition on anti-semitism is a strong dislike or prejudice against Jewish people. It means treating Jewish
people unfairly or hating them just because they are Jewish. This is kind this kind of hatred has been around for a very long time. Kids Britannica states Jewish people have been discriminated against for more than 2,000 years. Often it has been because
of their religious beliefs. In ancient times, some people worship many gods. They did not trust the Jewish people because the Jews did not follow the same gods. The Jewish people worship only one god. Now, I appreciate your statement, Dr. Hazel and Mrs. Bruno, and the commitment
to educate our students in the fight against anti-semitism, but it seems like it still may not be enough. And the focus may need to shift to educating the parents. Hatred starts at home.
There are 15.8 million Jews in the world today. That's 0.2% of the world population. Not even 1% of the world population. Yet, there's people out there that put so much thought and effort into hating us.
Make it make sense, cuz I can't. Of the 965 individual recipients of the Nobel Prize between 1901 and and 2025, at least 220 of them have been Jews, representing 22% of all recipients,
meaning the share of winners is 110 times their proportion of the world's population. It's time to stop hating and start saying thank you. [Music] A handful of amazing things Jewish people have contributed for the entire
world to benefit from. The ballpoint pen, the instant camera, the teddy bear, mobile phones, camera phones, Google, stainless steel, the polio vaccine, the ways driving app. The hate needs to stop. And while the district may already be providing what
it feels like adequate amount of Holocaust and hate prevention instruction, it's clearly not enough. I hope this board and school district take a zero tolerance policy against any future incidents that resemble what just happened. Thank you.
[Applause] [Music] >> Sorry, just you don't mind just your name just so they have the minutes. Tom Cooier. Good evening and thank you for allowing me to address the board. My name is Tom Cuchier and I'm the New Jersey dealer
for NextG Roofing and Solar. We provide no cost solar systems to schools, churches, and nonprofits. We are one of the oldest solar companies in America and we've installed over 300 systems in the last 12 years. We are veteranowned and only state-of-the-art
products that are Americanmade. Tonight, I'm very excited to offer solar to the district with no upfront and zero out-ofpocket expense. This is a great way for your organization to go green, saving you millions of dollars, all
while reducing your carbon footprint. We will lower your per kilowatt rate considerably and lock that rate in for 25 years, uh, saving you literally millions of dollars in electricity costs. Just imagine how much good you could do with
those reallocated funds uh in other more important areas of the district. Our service is completely turnkey. >> Shame on you. >> Shame on me. >> Yes. >> She's right. She's right. She's right. >> Excuse me. One sec. One sec. Excuse me.
Everybody has >> the right to speak. It is public comment. We don't tolerate shouting. >> We're all going to be civil to each other. Please. We're almost finished. We're almost there.
>> Our service is completely turnkey, >> which means we will design the system. We'll install the system. We'll handle the permitting, the inspections, the construction and maintenance of the systems. We will also ensure monitor the systems. We will send a crew to inspect
and clean the systems by annually to ensure their optimal performance. The only expense you will ever have is a lower electric bill. The only requirement we have is that you provide us with an electric bill for each meter or give us uh permission to access those
bills so that our engineers can analyze them to determine system sizes. With your permission, I would love to provide a free no obligation proposal uh for you if you feel this may be a good fit for the district. >> I'll take 10. >> Thank you.
[Music] Thank you everybody for being patient. We're going to move on with the board meeting. >> May I have a motion to approve items G1? >> Motion G12.
Any discussion board? >> No discussion. Not hearing discussion. Roll call. >> Excuse me. Motion is J1 to K2 with the additional J22.
Yes, >> Miss Bruno, >> Mrs. Capiello, >> Miss Butcher Park, >> Mrs. Higgley. >> Thank you, >> Mrs. Lav. >> Yes, Mr.
>> Mer. Thank you. >> Any board members have old business? >> Any new business? >> Um, I do I just uh I'll try to be uh relatively quick. First of all, uh I had the opportunity to go to the uh marching
band uh festival on Tuesday. Unfortunately, I was not able to stay for the entire thing, but what I was able to be uh there for was fantastic. And I want to congratulate all the students and thank all of the band uh teachers and assistant directors and everything. Um color guard teams and
everything like that. They did a wonderful job. Uh also congratulations to the winners of the spectacular uh painting contest. uh the teachers as well for fostering the art within the schools uh because that is of course very important. Um I just want to note
that there is a Trump retreat at I Play America next Friday the 24th um and the Freehold Burrow Spooktacular Parade is uh Sunday the 26th 1:00 I believe one o'clock. Um, so
please come out and support the schools who will be in attendance uh and the kids and just have a good time uh getting all fun. >> Thank you. I just want to congratulate the Benal and boys cross country for winning the county championships on Tuesday.
>> Anyone other new business? >> Yeah, I just want to thank the people who came out and spoke tonight and also you know all the other people but you know we do listen and I appreciate getting the feedback that we get from the videos. I want to thank you very much. worried.
>> Okay, no more new business. May I have a motion to adjourn? >> I make a motion to adjourn. [Music] >> All those in favor? >> I I