Good evening everyone. If I could just have your attention please. Thank you. I'm calling to order the regularly scheduled meeting of the Galloway Township Board of Education for Monday,
April 27, 2026. If I could have a roll call, please. >> Mrs. Chester here, Dr. Permentor >> here, >> Miss Laria >> here, >> Mrs. Avery >> here, >> Mr. Dace >> here,
>> Mrs. Hank, Mrs. Merino >> here, >> Dr. Basher Blau >> here, >> and Mr. Gentiel >> here. If everyone could rise for the flag salute led by Mr. Days. In accordance with public law 1975
section 231, otherwise known as the Open Public Meetings Act, both adequate and electronic notice of this meeting was provided to the public through the press, the Galloway Township Municipal Building, and the District website on or
before April 18, 2026. Reading of communications, please. So, before we begin the reading of communications, I just want to share with the public who typically join us for board meetings, uh, board docs is
normally our go-to resource for all agendas. So, I wanted to uh just share unfortunately the company that oversees Board Docs is a diligent company and unfortunately they're not being so diligent today because they have a
nationwide outage. So, um unfortunately we are uh adhering to a older system of our board agenda which has been shared with the board of education um and is a Google doc with attachments within. Copies have been made for the public as
well. Uh so we apologize for the inconvenience. Trust us. Uh it was certainly an inconvenience for our office today as we had to quickly adjust and uh basically put together an agenda uh since we couldn't access um board doc. So we apologize that it won't be on
display this evening um as the typical format um but we will proceed uh as as normal. So reading of communications. First and foremost, uh we had a letter from uh Kenneth Calmo, who is the chief operating officer at Cooper Levenson, Attorneys at Law, who thanked the
district and staff members for their generous generous donation and support of the Let Us Eat Please program. Uh we do dress down days in the district and a huge thanks to the staff who participate in that monthly collection uh for a variety of different philanthropies. Let
us eat please being one of them where we have the ability to raise um funding and then also let us eat please provides through the food bank uh needed resources and food during the summer months for families that are in need. Um and that's in also conjunction with the
sustainability farm at Stockton University because the agenda is not able to be up on the uh screen. I'm just going to announce uh we have two presentations tonight. The first is the student safety data system otherwise known as the SSDs
presentation for report period uh July 2025 through December 2025 and the official HIV grades for 2024 and 2025. The second presentation will be with regard to the 2026 and 2027 school
budget. Mr. Santelli. So, at this time, we'll start with our student safety data systems presentation. And I'd like to call down to the floor our director of student services, Mrs. Suzanne Tosen, who will lead us in that presentation. Okay, good evening everyone. So, as I
said, tonight I'll be presenting to you our student safety data information as well as our official HIP grade. So those of you who are aware or may not be aware, we report twice a year on our student safety data which can include incidents of violence as well as any HI
offenses, weapon offenses, substance abuse offenses, but as well it also includes our trainings and programs that we do without throughout the district. So for report period one which actually starts in July and runs through December
31st 2025 here is the information that we reported to the state and even in July even though the students may not be here we still are required to ensure that if there are any hibs or anything we need to investigate we do so as well as for the most part that's where a lot
of our trainings and programs begin. So this is the information for the beginning of this school year. We will report again um in October of next and actually of this year we'll report for the second half of the year. We do like to review our data and here's
a year-to-year comparison of the information and so far it looks like we're off to a pretty good start where we have for instance if you look less confirmed HIPS than we've had in the past. So that can be contributed to some of the trainings and programs and all of
the hard work that our staff do here in the district to support our students and reduce any HIV and implement our programs. Um the principles and the anti-bull the vice principles and the anti-bullying specialists have a very hard job in reviewing all of the information that
comes from the parents, from staff, from students in regards to making a determination on HIPP. It's really important to keep in mind that many boxes need to be checked in order for it to be a confirmed HI. So for this report period, we had four
confirmed HIPS. One of them had to do with the category of ancestry andor origin and three other distinguishing characteristic. So something that could be an example of an other distinguishing characteristic could be somebody's hair for instance.
Here are our updated HIV investigators to include our most recent edition of Miss Alli Marcini at Arthur Ran. And on the next two slides are examples of the programs and the trainings that the sta the staff and the students
implement throughout the course of the school year to help reduce our HIV numbers and to help just educate and uh bring awareness to the anti-bullying rights act and law and to become good citizens, right? Because that's really what we want with
our students. And in October um we are required to do a hip self- assessment. So the anti-bullying specialist and everyone involved it become together to review a lot of criteria to see if we meet the mark in providing ourselves with our uh
with our self assessment and our hip grade. Once we submit that information in October, the state then verifies it and gives us our official grade usually around this time of year. And our official grades are our district grade is a 76 out of 78. So we're doing a
great job with the implementation of our programs. And these are the scores for each one of our um individual schools. And note that moving into next school year, we're always a year behind when we're grading. Moving into next school year, we will not see Pomona preschool on there. This is the last year for the
grade for Pomona. And that's it. Thank you. Thank you. >> Do any board members have any questions regarding the presentation? >> No. Hearing none, we'll move on to the uh presentation regarding the 2026 2027
school budget. >> Thank you uh Mrs. Tossen for that presentation and of course for highlighting um the safety uh programs and and trainings that are in place. uh to make sure that we adhere to uh a safe school environment. So, thank you for
that. Um before we begin uh and transition to our budget hearing, I'd like to um address the board and community that's here with us tonight uh or wa watching at home about the recent social media posts regarding the district and the budget. So, under
normal circumstances, I would not address social media posts, especially those that are anonymous or use nicknames. There is a process for public questions regarding school district matters and social media is not the appropriate place to have such discussions. Specifically, our meetings are open to
the public and anyone is welcome to attend and make a public comment. My office frequently also follows up with questions after board meetings. I see people also here in attendance tonight whom we have followed up with after a board meeting or we have responded to
separately and apart from the board meeting based upon an individual reaching out with a question regarding a district matter. Despite the fact that we do not normally respond to social media, I believe it's important to address the social media rumors tonight because it directly
relates to our budget discussion. My response tonight will not be the start of me addressing, of course, every rumor on social media, but rather a chance to clear up some misinformation regarding our budget. Over the past four years, the district, like many other school
districts throughout the state, have faced significant budget issues between lack of adequate state aid, no clear funding formula, and rising expenditures, most notably healthc care increases. While the state has touted
record high education funding, the reality for Goway Township is a far complex situation. Ultimately, in layman's terms and explained during various budget presentations, we have
hit our fiscal cliff. Despite rising inflation, skyrocketing health care costs, and the increasing complexity of student needs, our state aid has not increased to meet those needs. Under current application of the school
funding reform act SFR and also the legislative adjustments known as S2, our district is grappling with a significant disconnect between a rising cost of providing a highquality
education and the actual aid provided by the state. In addition, the state has identified that additional money the district needs for its budget outside of the state aid provided is passed on to
the local Goway taxpayers called the local fair share. This local fair share expected by the state often assumes a level of local tax capacity that does not reflect the
economic reality of all of our Galloway taxpayers. The board has taken this financial responsibility seriously and has recommended a balanced budget while ensuring our students receive a high quality education.
In doing so, the lack of adequate state support has forced our administration and the board into a corner as it is still our responsibility to operate as efficiently as possible. We are now at a point where we continue to make
operational decisions that no superintendent ever wishes to make, especially when it means reducing positions. As part of this process, the board's finance committee advocated for the additional use of funds available
through the healthc care adjustment to further support the overall operations and staffing needs of the district. As a district, we continue to do more with less. And over the past four years, we have seen ourselves with over 40 fewer
positions, which is not solely due to operating efficiently, but part of the difficult decisions we are forced to make due to a lack of state aid and an ineffective funding formula. The decision to make adjustments with how we deliver specials, specifically general
music, was not taken lightly. I want to be very clear. While the delivery of general music may look different next year, it will still require us to adhere to the delivery of curricular standards at specific grade levels as mandated by the state of New Jersey. Additionally,
is our intent to continue to maintain the level of instruction for our instrumental lessons for our students even though the state does not mandate such programming. Choir will also remain in place. On a personal level, as a student, I was not only a student
athlete, but would also benefited from instrumental lessons and participated in the band for many years. I know the bal I know the value of balancing programming that positively impacts the development of the whole child.
Therefore, while the music department will be experiencing changes, it will not stop music programming for our students. In closing, we will continue to advocate at the state level, working with our legislators and the Department of Education to demand a funding formula
that is predictable, sustainable, and fair. I invite you to do the same as your voices are essential, not just in this room, but most importantly in Trenton. Thank you. And at this time, we'll transition to our budget
presentation. All right. So, we will begin our presentation. Uh, much of this information was shared um various times, not just in committee structure, but also uh at the March meeting. First and foremost, we always start with our thanks to board of education members for
their work, not just in the committee structure, but also over the past few months. In addition to business office staff, central administration directors and staff and also building principles and assistant principles. As you can see here, the budget preparation and
planning process is a very extensive and long process. It begins back in the fall and continues all the way until this point in time. Um there are many conversations that happen as you can see behind the scenes with a variety of different budget discussions uh
preparation meetings individual meetings all the way through the governor's address uh and then the release of of course state aid and when the release of state aid occurs and that is really where the rubber meets the road. That's where we basically take a look at what state aid has come in but more
importantly we have to take a look and compare and contrast our revenue which would be ultimately state aid versus expenditures and that's what I had mentioned earlier over the past four years that has not been balanced our expenditures continue to rise at a rate
that we cannot control in addition to the fact that the revenues coming in which is ultimately state aid have not been enough to cover that. So Mrs. Mrs. Nixon, our business administrator, will continue on and discuss some of the comparison funding over the past few years.
>> Thank you. Um, this slide shows you the our fiscal year 26 versus fiscal year 27 comparison of state aid. This is our general fund, which is our operating budget for um salaries, um, facilities,
benefits, student services, all of those things. Um, and this was our state aid increase of 1.7 million. For fiscal year 27, our considerations were our revenue increases versus our expenditure increases. Our state aid
increase, as I mentioned, 1.7 million. Our tax levy cap um available to us at 2% is 764,000. The other allowances to go above 2% are listed which include the healthcare cost adjustment. We had an available amount
of 2.2 million. We also had an additional bank cap available of 394,000 for our total levy available of 3.36 million. What we re recommended and submitted to the county department of education was a 2% increase plus $1
million of the available healthcare cost adjustment. And that total increase equated to 6179 for a household assessed at $200,000 per year or $5.15 per month. As for expenditures, our salaries are
about $39 million, which was an increase to the budget of $1.1 million. Our benefits annually are 13 million. And that increase of 17% equates to 2.2 million. That was an increase in just
this year. Uh last year our increase which at the time we considered it to be very significant to our budget was 1.1 million at 9%. So you can see this year the healthcare cost benefits um were extreme. When we started the budget
process we were at 27% of a healthcare cost increase. Um, so to say that we're pleased that we're at 17 is is um kind of not clear because we we we wanted to be
a lot less than that. However, we are happy that we were able to decrease that original projection by 10%. Our transportation increase was about 215,000 at CPI which is consumer price index and
that um percentage is provided by the state of New Jersey. our utilities increased about five to 10% which was a an increase of $100,000 to our general budget. And then for student services and special education services, our
budget had an increase of about $750,000. So, as you can see and add up the total revenue increases versus the expenditure increases, um the expenditures continue to outweigh the available increases in revenue.
This shows that breakdown of our state aid revenue. So yes, we were happy that we did have an increase in state aid of 1.7 million. However, with expenditure increases of 4.365 million, we were still at a deficit of 2.6 6 million
for the fiscal year 27 revenue recommended increase of 2% plus partial healthcare cost adjustment to help not fully um offset the healthcare cost adjustment but but to help it. Um that total was 1.764 million and that brought
us to an adjusted deficit of 872,000. this um Mr. Santelli if you would like to speak to. >> So this is just a reminder for the board and also to note with the public that this isn't something that is an incentive that's on the table unfortunately this year but something
that actually was on the table last year that the state threw out to all districts and this was basically an added incentive and it can only be used last year. But this is again a valid point that the board did not decide last year to basically go in this direction and ultimately it was because the board
was met with a a timeline of being able to balance a budget. We basically balanced that budget and the state came and said by the way if you'd like to be able to take advantage of this you can take advantage of this additional funding but again it comes at
a cost. It's not free money. It comes at a cost to the local taxpayer to yet again raise taxes. And ultimately, this basically shows a bigger picture of how we are underfunded. And that is why we continue to put this on here because
when we talk about the funding formula and the fact that the state aid is not matching the expenditure increases healthcare alone. This is a prime example of that because last year what the state was saying was by the way if you'd like to use this
incentive you can see that maximum additional expenditure request was 7.5 million 7.5 million which means that our district Goway Township is underfunded
by 7.5 million but what they're also saying is by the way we can provide that money to you but you're really going to go out and get that from your local fair share. Meaning that a $7.5 million increase could have been then passed on
to the taxpayers. The reason why we also share that is because we do have an obligation to make decisions that are in the best interest of everyone and passing on a $7.5 million bill to the local taxpayers
would not be fiscally responsible. So the recommendation to the board at the March meeting was the tax levy percent increase of 2% plus the partial healthcare cost adjustment. And what that increase equates to um as mentioned
is 6179 per year 515 $5.15 per month for a home assessed $200,000 and that is a 3.69 69 cent tax rate increase. This is the resolution that is on the agenda for tonight as well as was on for
the March meeting uh for approval. Um I just want to point out here that you can see the total debt service fund of fund 40 is zero. Um there is also there's no budget and there is no local tax levy for that. Um, our district does
not have any debt. Um, which is a good thing and a bad thing. However, because when you need to improve your capital improvements, such as your buildings, um such as last year here at the middle school when we needed air conditioning through uh a new brand new cooling tower
and chiller, um that did cost over $1 million that we thankfully had in capital reserve, but we are very limited in what is allowed to be in capital reserve and what that can be used for. Um we are only allowed to have about 3.8
million in there. Um, we do not currently have that amount available, but those are the things that normally would be replaced through a bond referendum when you're up upgrading all of your buildings. Um, and then you would have that debt service tax levy in
there as long as well as partial funding through the state of New Jersey to help offset the cost for the taxpayers. So, it is a good thing that we don't have a tax levy in there as far as financially for taxpayers right now currently. Um,
but something to think about for the future. >> So, that concludes our presentation for the board. Um, the resolution that is on the agenda tonight is uh as such uh and that is what would be voted on after the public comment portion of the budget
hearing. Um, and also to put things into perspective, um, I don't have the exact number, but in terms of the increase in the tax levy, even with the board's willingness and the finance committee's willingness to add the additional funding, um, based on the healthc care adjustment, um, with this increase of
not just the 2%, but also that partial healthc care adjustment of that 1.7 plus million, this 6179 per year on average is approximately um, I'd probably say almost double of what it was last year. I'm not saying
that that does not needed, but I also wanted to put that into perspective when taking all things into consideration um if we're comparing years to years. But this is the resolution. So, with that being said, Mr. Gentiel will turn the meeting back over to you.
So because again um board docs is down I want to explain the process so everyone understands uh the procedures that the board is following. this evening. The first thing is I'm going to read uh essentially into the record the uh
resolution that the board is being asked to approve tonight in order to pass the budget. Uh I'm doing that one so it's out there, two, so that everyone can hear it. The board will not be acting on the resolution until such time as the
public has an opportunity to comment both on the resolution uh on the presentation offered by Mr. Santilli and anything else related to the budget and I'll get into that in a moment. Once the public has had an opportunity to
comment, uh the public comment portion will be uh ended and then the I will ask for a motion from the board. I will ask that it be seconded. Once the motion is seconded, it is then open to debate by the board, but the board as a governing
body will not be able to comment upon comments as they are made. Uh the board treats them asformational. We very much want to hear them. we you will be heard respectfully but no board member is going to be responding to a comment because by way of Robert's rules the way
we operate is the way the way we have to operate because our first meeting we passed Robert's rules as our our rule of operation uh we have to uh operate and we have to address the issues and we have to consider this in the method or by the method that I just set forth so
because the board is not responding to your comments it doesn't mean they're not being heard it doesn't mean they're not being respected. We're just doing this consistent with the bylaws that we pass every year uh with regard to how we run meetings. So, I hope that's clear. If it isn't, I apologize and that's on
me. Uh but I'm first off, as I said, going to start by reading the resolution with regard uh to the approval of the budget. Be it resolved to approve the proposed school district budget for the 2026 2027
school year for submission to the executive county superintendent of schools as follows. The budget by way of the total general funds is 77,375,500. The total special revenue fund is 7,547,231.
Uh as noted there's no debt service. The total proposed budget is 84,922,731. Be it further resolved to acknowledge that the 2026-2027 budget as described above results in a
general tax levy of 39,977,931 and a debt service fund le tax levy of 0. Be it further resolved that the proposed budget includes the adjustment for increased costs of health benefits uh in
the amount of $1 million. The additional funds will be used to pay for the additional increases in health care premiums. Um this is my comment now. You will hear me refer to NJAC a number of times. That
stands for the New Jersey Administrative Code. These are in here so that the board shows that it is in compliance with the New Jersey administrative code. These are regulations promulgated by the state department of education. The board has no wiggle room with regard to them
or how we implement them. They are just here so that we are essentially reporting to the county commissioner, excuse me, the county superintendent and then up to the uh commissioner for the department of education that we have complied with these regulatory schemes.
Be it further resolved pursuant to NJAC, again that's the New Jersey Administrative Code 6A23A-2.3, budgeted travel expenses do not exceed $50,000. Be it further resolved that pursuant to NJAC
6A23A-14.2 itude subsection D. The proposed budget includes the withdrawal from maintenance reserve in the amount of 1,16,550 for building maintenance projects. Pursuant to NJAC 6A23A-5.2
2 subp paragraph A. Maximum dollar amounts for public relations and professional services have been established and are detailed in the appropriate section of the 2026 2027 budget. Be it further resolved that the
support documentation of this budget also contains an itemization of criteria expenditures as required under the administrative regulations. That concludes the resolution that is before the board board of education this
evening. We're now going to move into the public comment portion which again the public comment in this portion of the agenda is limited to comments on the budget. As we move into the further agenda of the board, there will be an opportunity for public comment on other
agenda items uh before the board this evening. Again, I stress this public comment is limited solely to the budget. The board values and welcomes comments and opinions from residents.
This meeting will now be open to public comments. Three minutes per person on the budget hearing only. If your question pertains to litigation, student or personnel items, please see the superintendent after the meeting. As the
board is procluded from discussing these matters in public, depending upon the nature and complexity of your questions, the board secretary may ask for your contact information so that someone can get back to you with a response.
As a reminder, this is a public meeting and all comments should be appropriate for a public setting and made in a respectful manner. Please come up to the podium, state your full name and address. Please make sure you sign in. And I really want to
caution everybody. Many times people come up to offer a public comment and we quite bluntly can't hear. And it's really important that we hear. So please keep your voice up. If you can't, I will first apologize, but I will ask you to speak up so we can hear you because it's
real important that we hear you. Okay? So thank you. Good evening. Can you hear me? >> Yep. Thank you. >> Okay. My name is Susan Colgis and I'm speaking here tonight as a former Galloway Board of Education member, a parent and community member, and as a clinical specialist in art education at
the College of New Jersey where I help prepare future arts educators. I understand that budgets are difficult. I've sat on that side of the table and I know that board members have to make hard decisions. I also understand the concern about
taxes, but fiscal responsibility cannot mean balancing the budget by hollowing out a required instructional program for elementary children. Reducing music so that students receive instruction only once every 10 school days is not a small adjustment.
For elementary students, that means music becomes occasional exposure instead of regular sequential instruction. Young children need consistency, repetition, practice, singing, listening, movement, performance,
creativity, and relationship building. You cannot reasonably build a strong elementary music program when children see a music teacher every other week. New Jersey does not treat music as an extra. Music is part of the New Jersey student learning standards in visual and performing arts. The state expects
students to receive standardsbased instruction in the arts, including music. So before the board adopts a budget that reduces music so dramatically, I am asking the district to put on the record exactly how this schedule will provide regular sequential
standardsbased music instruction for every child. How many music minutes will each child receive per year under this plan compared to the current schedule? How many students will each remaining music teacher be responsible for? How will the district ensure that
students are still meeting the music standards for creating, performing, responding, and connecting? And as the board fully examined every lawful revenue option before making this cut, including the full allowable levy, banked cap, if available, cap
adjustments, fund balance, grants, shared services, and reductions to not that do not directly reduce student instruction. If a home is assessed at 200,000 is seeing a $5.15 increase per month, how much more would it cost to keep these two music
teachers? Are we saying that it's a dollar more a month or less to keep these music teachers? I also want to name the governance issue plainly. Board members are allowed to care about taxpayers, but the New Jersey
school board member code of ethics says board members must make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children. Keeping taxes low is a political goal. Providing children with a complete standardsbased instruction education is a board obligation. When
those two values are in tension, the educational welfare of children has to come first. I'm asking the board to pause before adopting a cut that may create a serious compliance concern. >> Miss Cole Gettis, I'm sorry to interrupt, but at church for three minutes.
>> Oh, thank you. I'll finish up. It's important that we meet state expectations for regular, sequential, and standardsbased instruction. And I hope that we can solve this locally and not by going to the department of ed or to the county superintendent or filing complaints
against the Galloway Township School District. Thank you. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Welcome. >> Thank you. Um, my name is Craig Martin. I live at 20 Irish Lane in Galloway. I have an 8-year-old son who attends Reed Road. I have two young children who
continue to go there. I hope uh I in addition to being a parent in the Galloway Township school system, uh I am the proud music teacher at Ocean City High School and I am uh 15 years into my music education career this year. Uh I
sure absolutely so I've uh I would like to ask a few questions and I understand you can't comment publicly on them uh but I would like to ask uh one how I've heard the phrase that uh music will look different
next year but I have not really heard any solutions to how different that will be. uh having taught general music my largest year I had 720 students.
When I had those 720 students my classes were 28 students at minimum. My largest was 38 students with first second and moderately cognitively impaired students. Having done that with 720 students, my
question is is how are you going to make this work with the number of students that we have in Galloway Township, I don't understand how it's possible to provide that standard standardsbased instruction between two music teachers every other week.
When I taught general music, seeing my students once a week, if you totaled up the amount of time that I had my students, it was less than 24 hours of instruction. And what you're explaining is you want to cut that in half for our students here. Our budget is an expression of our
values. If we are not doing everything we possibly can to make sure that the instruction at Galloway Township Schools is the best that it can be, then I don't think that we are doing our jobs well enough. Please reconsider. Please find whatever
you can to save these jobs. Thank you. Thank Thank you very much. Hi, good evening. Welcome. Thank you for coming. >> How are you? >> My name is Katie Rash. I am a proud Galloway resident. I am a parent of two students, one who's already graduated
from Arthuran, but one who is also still there. I am also a proud dance teacher at Absagami High School. Extracurricular programs like drama, dance, marching band, and music create essential spaces where creativity can thrive, especially for students who may
not otherwise have access to the arts. For many underprivileged students, school is the only place that they encountered structured opportunities in music, movement, and performance. These programs provide more than artistic outlets. They offer belonging,
mentorship, and a sense of identity. These non-traditional learning environments are vital because they allow students to grow without the constant pressure of standardized testing. In these spaces, success is not defined by a score, but rather effort, collaboration, and personal expression.
This kind of growth is not only transformative for their education, but also for their overall well-being, helping to shape resilient, creative, and connected individuals. We've already heard about the negative effect of removing removing music for our students. But there is another important
issue to address. The reduction in staff is a significant and unsustainable burden on the remaining teachers. As they are required to travel between multiple schools, valuable instructional time will inevitably be lost. This not only diminishes the quality and consistency of instruction, but also
limits student access to meaningful continuous musical experiences to no fault of these amazing teachers. Over time, this strain will weaken the overall programs, taking away from the rich, engaging arts education that our students deserve. These types of cuts
don't just create short-term challenges. They have lasting consequences that ripple through programs for years. When foundational music instruction is reduced at the elementary level, students miss critical early exposure to musical literacy. That gap follows them
into middle and high school where programs depend on those foundational skills to build ensembles, dance teams, choirs, bands, and more advanced performance opportunities. As a result, participation declines and skill levels lower. Protecting music and arts
education is an investment in our students creativity, confidence, and future. And it is essential that we preserve these programs for the generations to come. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Hi everybody. My name is Heather. >> Good evening.
>> Welcome. Thank you for coming. >> Yes. Thank you. Um I am a resident of Galloway Township, 147 North Cologne Avenue. I'm also the proud parent of three Galloway Township uh graduates. Uh my oldest daughter went all through the
schools including Absigami where she was a four-year marching band member. She developed those skills as a young student in chorus and also band while she was in elementary school. Um I'm
also a school librarian in Galloway Township. I am not speaking here as my role of a school librarian. However, my job was significantly impacted in the budget year of 2022 23. That was the
year that the decision was made to eliminate two school librarians. Now there can be some semantics whether that position was eliminated or not as I was told when I argued the point of the school librarians being cut. But the
bottom line is we went from five um elementary school or five media specialists in the schools to two and yes it has a huge impact on the program and the students. Since we love data, um
I did bring some data and in the year the last year there was a full-time librarian in every elementary school. Um one of our elementary schools had 97 9,726 books circulated from September until uh
this date in April. As of this year, we've had 3,764 books circulated. So, we have had a massive reduction in how many books are in the hands of our students and that is because there is not a full-time
librarian at every school. Now, I know that ship has sailed. We are never getting a full library full-time librarian back in every school because we have shown that it can happen. I don't want that to happen to my colleagues. They should not have to ha go back and forth between two schools
with over a thousand students that they see and try to manage to try to build relationships to try to develop some type of cohesive program. It's not fair to the staff. It's not fair to the students. It's not fair to the community. And I would just urge you
very strongly to reconsider. And again, it's too late. I'm I know that you're never bringing back a full-time librarian in every school despite what the statistics say, but hopefully you will have consider having a full-time li a full-time music teacher in every
school. The students deserve it and this is where children and learning come first. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Good evening. Welcome. Thank you for coming. >> Thank you. My name is Laura Kaine. Um I
live at 202 Drive in Galloway. Um I'm a former parent of three students that went through the Galloway Township um school district. My oldest is graduating. He's back here. He'll speak after me. Then I have Mason Kaine who was very well known in the arts in the Galloway Township and also Daniel Kaine.
I come today because as a parent, music has saved my oldest and my um second. I can't tell you the effects that music and gay talent have done for my sons. My oldest has a stutterer. He has been um
through speech therapy his whole life until last year. He has struggled in academics when he was younger. He found music because of Mr. Payton and um Mrs. Okconor. Is that her name? Oh my god. Sandra. And without
those two, I won't don't know where he would be. He started drumming at the age of five and six years old. He went to school excited about music and learning. He was able to express himself through music because he couldn't express
himself through words. He at the a at sixth grade tested out of special education. And now I can gladly say he's going to Rowan University um in the honors college program and graduating with over 4.3 gradepoint
average. I can't tell you how proud I am of him because of music. He was a leader on the drum line this year for percussion. This kid, he was so afraid to express himself through words, he was able to lead through music.
Mason, who struggled in here in GTMS school, struggled. Music saved him. Mr. Conover saved him. They gave him an outlet to sing. This kid, we didn't even know he could sing until he came here. Mr. Payton worked
with him in elementary school and kept pushing him and guiding him and giving him music and he came here and he thrived and now he's up for two awards with the Cappies um which is a local program in South Jersey for best lead um
musical actor for Susical. He's also up for the Foxies at Montlair for best um lead not lead um in for his part in um Charlotte's Web. Music defines them. It guided them. And to cut these programs
in half, in half will do such detriment to these children that don't have a parent like me that push them and guide them and show them music on the outside. They're not going to have any of that. They're going to have very little bit. And how are these teachers going to find the students that they can work with in
music to guide them? And it just seems to me that why can't we raise if it's 50 cents? What's the point if I'm already paying more money anyway? What What are we going to do? Fight over 50 cents? Are you kidding me? You're going to fight over $55 anyway. So, why
not fight over $560? You have to figure out what really Galloway is. Galloway is about the arts. Our band programs are amazing. Our chorus programs are amazing. We have people that come out of here and thrive in the arts. >> I'm I'm sorry. Three minutes. I was
finishing. Thank you so much. Something. Good evening. >> Hello. >> Thank you for coming. >> Um, hi. Uh, my name is Gavin Kaine and I'm a student at, uh, Fig High School. Um, I am a part of the jazz band,
marching band, and concert band there. And yeah, so um while I can while while I can, um understand the uh difficulty that you all face to have to make these tough uh decisions with you know cutting
and stuff. Um it is unacceptable to cut such a pivotal um a program at our schools. uh music has played such an important part
in my life and my mom I pretty much uh said all that I was what I say about that but um to think that uh a future generations
and kids and kids are currently I'm enrolled uh from our Kate schools um that they won't have the Um, hold up. Uh, the same experiences or
chances that I had growing up. Uh, it breaks my heart. Um, so I just wanted to uh say that instead of thinking uh politically, we should think more um
ethically and about our students and their wellbeing and their uh well-being. Um, I feel like all the people in this room would uh pay higher taxes if it meant
for the betterment of our uh children and their and their education. And that's all I had to say. So, >> thank you very much. Good evening. >> Good evening. Welcome. >> Can you hear me? >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you for coming. >> Of course. Thank you. Um first, thank
you for the opportunity to speak. I did not plan on speaking, so um I apologize. Um I am a resident of Galloway. I am the wife of a teacher who has spent 20 plus years in public education and I'm the mother of a child who uh plays two
instruments as part of the author. >> I'm real sorry to interrupt. We didn't get your name. I >> Natalie Prior. >> Sorry. Um and I understand that the board of education has a fiscal responsibility and with those responsibilities um come difficult decisions um that can often be
unpopular. Um, but what I really kind of want to speak on is the science behind music education. Um, it is the most neurologically expansive activity that a child can engage in in school. Um, and that's because it makes connections in the brain that they otherwise would not
experience in other classes. Um, those connections support systems and those systems expand in in all different ways. Some of them are emotional, some of them are um in motor skills and and uh
executive functioning, right? Um and those connections and those systems and that development really can only be grown by repetitive music engagement.
And it doesn't just stay in music. it then translates over to other academics and it translates to social emotional regulation and just everyday life. So, I ask that when you make this decision that of course you listen to the the
beautiful sentiments of everyone else, but also there's science behind how this supports our children. And it almost seems as if that development piece is not as important um in helping
our children grow, learn, and regulate. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Good evening. >> Good evening. How are you? >> Thank you for coming. >> Thank you. >> Um my name is Brennan Jerome and I stand
you uh stand here before you tonight not just as a parent but of a member of this community asking you to truly see the impact of the decision in front of you. Mr. Conover, Mr. Schugarts, Mr. Palumbo,
Mr. Payton, Mrs. Cunningham. These are the music educators who have directly impacted my children and they represent the many dedicated music teachers across this district. I say their names because they are
people, these are the people you are affecting, not line items on a budget. They're human beings who pour their heart and soul into our children every single day. My sons Josh and Liam Jerome have shaped have been shaped by these educators in
ways that go far beyond music. Through their guidance, my boys have learned confidence, discipline, teamwork, and how to express themselves in a world that doesn't always make that easy. They've been challenged, supported, and inspired.
That is what real education looks like. For example, I can I can't tell you how many times I've sat in an audience at one of Mr. Payton's performances and watched him pass his famous Christmas fruit cake on to a new family eat show.
On the surface, it might seem like a small, even silly uh moment, but it's not. It's tradition. It's connection. It's a shared experience that brings students, families, and a community together. That one simple act teaches something deeper. what it means to
belong, what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. That's what music education does. This isn't just emotional, it's factual. Nationally recognized research consistently shows that students involved in music education perform
better academically with higher scores in math and reading. They develop stronger memory, greater focus, and improved problem solving skills. Music education has been directly linked to higher levels of engagement in school and stronger emotional and social
development. So when you cut music, you are not trimming excess. You are removing one of the most powerful tools we have to help children succeed. Elementary and middle school is where children discover who they are. For so
many students, music is where they find their confidence, their voice, their sense of belonging. Take that away and you're taking away opportunity. Opportunity that not every child will find somewhere else.
This is bigger than a budget. This is about the kind of district we want to be. Do we want to be a district that reduces opportunities for our children or one invest or one that invests in their full potential? I'm asking you, please don't do this. Don't take away
Don't take this away from our kids. Don't take away Don't take these educators away from our schools. Stand up for them. Stand up for Josh, for Liam, and every child in this district who deserves access to a complete, meaningful education.
Before you vote, ask yourselves this. If your success has been built with only half the resources, half the opportunities, half the support, where would you be today? And if the answer is no, then why wouldn't we why would we
accept that for our children? Thank you. >> Thank you. Good evening. >> Good evening. Hi, I'm Kelly Banick. I'm at 713 Valin Crest Place in Smithville. I'm currently a freshman at Absigami High School and I'm in softball, drama,
and choir. I've attended Galloway Township schools for the past nine years. And all of those years, music has meant everything to me and more. I'm here tonight because this decision to limit students musical influence is personal to me and I'm sure is also very personal to many of you here. Some of my
best memories in school come from my music classes, especially my time with Mr. Glenn and Mr. Conover right down the hall. Those weren't just classes. They were the moments I felt most like myself. Walking into that room, I felt supported, confident, and like I truly belonged. Coming from someone who has
been bullied a lot when I was younger, the music room was my safe space. Over the past few years, computers and tech were never my thing, and music always was. And I understand schools are changing, and so is the curriculum. There's more technology, more AI, and a
focus on preparing students for the future. And that does matter. But music and the arts are what makes us human and set us apart from automated programming. You can't replace collaboration, creativity, or self-expression with a screen or some chat bot on the internet.
You can't replace the feeling of performing, creating something together, or being a part of something bigger than yourself. When you reduce music programs from every 5 days to 10, you're not just cutting time. You're taking away opportunities for students to grow, to
connect, and to find where they belong. And soon enough, maybe there will be no days for music classes. I'm standing here today as someone who is shaped by these programs. I wouldn't be who I am without them. As we move forward with more technology, please don't leave
behind the classes that teach us how to be human. The next time you all take a drive, put on a great driving song as you put your windows down. Well, that artist you're listening to was also inspired to create music. It was most likely inspired in a classroom by a
music teacher who saw her potential. Please don't take that away from future students. Thank you. >> Thank you. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> My name is Nicole Castler. Um, I'm a Galloway resident. I reside at 412 South
Camelback Drive. And this is my daughter, Olivia. She is a fifth grader at Roland Rogers. >> Hi, my name is Olivia Hudortitz and I'm a fifth grade. I'm in fifth grade at Roland Rogers. Music is my life. I'm in band chorus and love music. Please keep
music in our schools. Less music teachers means less time for us kids and that's really heartbreaking. I'm worried about the future of chorus and band. When my chorus went to Rome University this year, my music teacher was so proud of us. He works hard to help all students be great at music and most
importantly love music. Please keep the music program this way for me and all the music teachers in Galloway. Thank you. >> Thank you. Good evening. >> Good evening. Uh my name is Gary
Hermano. I am a Galloway resident. I do um have some questions. I don't know whether you you know obviously you can't answer them. Uh and you'll have to forgive me. First off, I want to say that I agree with absolutely every speaker that has come up here tonight.
It is a shame that we're even considering uh terminating uh two fine teachers. It is a shame that it has come to this. And I just like want everyone to know that the school board has been faced with a harsh decision and they didn't cause this problem. The school
board is having to deal with a problem that was thrust on to them. Now, if I understand correctly, most local school tax levies is limited to a 2% property tax levy cap.
I'm guessing we've already reached that. If we pass that, then the district usually needs a separate voterapproved tax levy question. And here's where it gets tricky.
New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation. Uh over the last year, we've experienced a rising energy cost of somewhere between 17 and 20%. This along with increasing labor costs,
benefit and insurance costs has really caused a squeeze on the average homeowner and the average family. New Jersey's government has been under one party control. Their legislature has been under one party control for more
than two decades. Local school boards are trying are left trying to balance the budgets. If residents want different results, then they need to take their grievances up with state legislators. And this is true.
We can't expect miracles from our school board. I hope they can solve this. I truly do. But this may be a question for your state legislators. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results
and we keep voting in the same people. The result of this is high taxes, high energy costs and this issue before this board. Thank you. >> Thank you.
Good evening. >> Hi guys. My name is uh Liz Nicoleti from Ocean City um school district and um oh this is a interesting budget hearing tonight. um
feeling really really bad for the the uh the teachers here that have all come out and this and the adorable students. So, I am going to plead with you guys to try to look in another direction to get
to keep this music program going. Um music wasn't really my gift, although I wanted to be Annie when I was a little girl. Um, but I was an a good athlete and that's special was awesome because
it led me to a athletic scholarship. So, we are all gifted in different areas and I know um and I loved music. I went to public school and I loved music. I loved singing. I loved all the stuff that I learned in there. And the music the
specials are what kids come to school for. And I went to um I lived in Delaware and the theater school had the highest attendance um rates in the state, maybe in the nation,
because the kids wanted to go to school for the arts. So, the arts are so important. I have a niece who's a professional violinist. She's a young aspiring musician of um and she's on she go does gigs at Broadway. Um my daughter
is a violinist um from you know learned it when she was in second grade. Um so it's just an something we don't want to drop. Look somewhere else to cut. And I'm going to um piggyback what Gary just
um talked about. Insanity is doing the same thing expecting the same results. I 100% agree. I'm very much against our governor and I'm going to get political. I'm sorry, but we all have the ability
to vote and we are we are strapped in this state. Our property taxes are really high. It's crazy. And our school systems should be number one in the in the country. This is this is
unsatisfactory. This is below average to take away two music positions from this beautiful school district because we live in a great state. And that's my my um comments for this evening. Thank you so much.
>> Thank you very much. I'm old. >> Welcome. >> Hi, how are you? My name is uh Jim Schilling. I live at uh on Quail Hill Boulevard in Smithville and I'm a uh I'm the owner of the
Pleasantville Music Shop and I know that these teachers have really done a great job in this district and I was taught by the nuns at Holy Spirit. And remember, once they find out you can
sing, you're at church every week. Okay. And I've been a professional musician for 51 years because of going to school and learning to sing and learning to make people laugh. Don't
take these teachers away from this district. They are great people and I enjoy so much handing down to other kids to just for the confidence and
everything else. So that's all I wanted to say. Keep music in their lives. It's very important. Thank you. >> Thank you. Good evening. Welcome. >> My name is Heather Smith. Um, my address is 206 Elaine Drive. I was also not
going to speak and I'm super nervous talking in public. So, but I'm going to do this for my daughter. Um, I have three kids in elementary school. My daughter, who is my oldest, has complex disabilities and music is her passion. So that is why I'm talking because otherwise I would not get up here. Um, I
just wanted to say as a parent of a child with a disability that music is the most accessible specials area for a child with a disability and I feel like I should just represent for those kids. Um, Mr. Little has taken Charlotte in for chorus and it's the only opportunity that she has
to be fully integrated with GED kids. She goes in, she participates, and she's up there with all the other kids like like anyone else. And it's just the best thing to see her do that. So, I just want you to consider the impact on special ed students that this is an accessible special for them. And a lot
of special ed kids thrive on music. It's something that they can participate in. Um, so I just like you to consider that. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Good evening. >> Good evening. Welcome. >> Hi. Thank you. Um, so I actually got up
because Charlotte's mom got up. Um, I also have an amazing son. His name is Jack. I am My name is Tara. Sorry, my main name is Tara O'Keefe. I wasn't going to speak either. Um, and I am a resident of Gallery Township and I have two sons. um one who's going to start
preschool next year and the other one who is in fourth grade. Um and so much of what has been said has been so important. Uh I am a creative arts therapist by trade. So the arts is an really big part of my life. I know some other people in the arts. Um but the
really important thing I needed to say was this year my son has really struggled with his mental health as well as a number of other mental health concerns. Um and Mr. Payton. Um Jack didn't even want to go to school
and got really really upset about it and he was the reason that Jack would go to school and he was the reason um why he stayed in school and he was his safe person. And so if we cut any of the music teachers, it will minimize the
amount of time that Mr. Payton is in that school. And so maybe it sounds selfish, um, but if it's the safe person for Jack, I'm guessing he's the safe person for many people. And so I deeply, deeply request that you make a different
decision this evening. Thank you. >> Thank you. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> My name is Haley Schweiser. I live at 68 Maddox Run in Galloway and I'm a freshman at Absigami who attended the Galloway Township School District for seven years. In middle school, someone
asked me from the yearbook club, why did you join join choir and theater? And I remember saying that music is the only thing I've ever thought that I was good at. But I wouldn't have joined choir theater if it weren't for my elementary school music class and Mr. Payton who encouraged me to get there. Being a kid
growing up means that you'll be faced with comparison, bullying, and not fitting in. As a school district, those are the biggest things that you don't want your students to face. I always compared myself to all my friends. Some were more athletic than me or smarter than me and I felt like I had nothing. The one thing that meant everything to
me in the world was the connection I had with people through music. Music is something everyone understands in some way. Even if you don't play an instrument, you know music. You have a favorite song or a favorite artist. And it's something students connect through. I remember being in elementary school
using a website where we learned how to create and mix music with different instruments and beats. And I thought it was the coolest thing. As a kid who wanted to make music and sing one day, it gave me hope and the confidence that I could create something. Having a class go from once every five days to once
every 10 days won't help the kids remember much that they learned. Unlike the regular core class teachers, the music teachers know all the students in the building and teach them all. Seeing music teachers less will ruin the connection that the students have with them. This class might be the only time
that underprivileged students are exposed to learning about music. Many teachers have told me that school isn't about memorization, but learning about how to problem solve. When making music in elementary school, we had to listen to others to stay in sync, think quickly when things don't go as planned, and
think very critically of what our hands were doing to play instruments. Music should be kept and cherished because it teaches problem solving, discipline, and creativity that goes in ways beyond the classroom. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you.
Good evening. I'll make my remarks as short as I can. I can. They'll be brief. My name is Robert Chester. My grandfather was first princip principal of mainland. My grandmother was the first president of the board of mainland board of education. My my children are both are both are
both in the Galloway public schools. I I I I come here first first to say that yes, I agree with whatever your speaker said tonight. It's insanity to cut to cut two music teachers. Because you're because you're looking at the problem the entirely
wrong way. And I'll tell you why. If you look at if you if you have a Maslo's hierarchy of needs for students, students are at the top. They're what you guys are on the bottom. your guys's job is to support them. We
all know that and you have a very difficult job. So, let me make some suggested cuts that'll make up to 200,000 or so they're going to save they save by by cutting music teachers. Why does every school have an assistant
principal? Each assistant principal is making six fingers. If you're looking for a quick 400,000 in cuts, 500,000 in cuts, there you go. take them all out take them all out of the entry schools. They're smaller schools. It's not it's not as hu
they're not none of them are as huge as GTMS. Two, do we really need all the secretaries we have in the district right now in the age of AI? I mean, I'm sure the staffing for secretaries and such was figured back in the days back in the in an earlier time where these
tools weren't available, but do we really need so many at this point? Are any of them less valuable than two music teachers? to supporting student outcomes. And third, I'd ask you to also consider
this the staff who've been accused of of of issues with children that have not they're still on the payroll currently. That's $200,000. It's offensive. They're still on the payroll. Thank you. Good evening. >> Good evening. Welcome.
>> Good morning. Thank you. My name is Danielle Kut, 128 Ethan Lane here in Galloway. This is my daughter, Priscilla. She will be an eighth grade graduate shortly. um and she wished to speak. She um
I'll let her speak. Um so, as my mom said, I'm in eighth grade, which means I've been at Galloway Schools for a while now. And um since I was younger, especially around kindergarten, um my family's had a lot
of trouble and we've had a lot of things going on. And seeing familiar faces every week like Mr. Payton who would talk to me and check on me and make sure I was okay and I would see him on a consistent schedule. That really helped me to come out of my shell and you know
at such like a important stage of my life you know learn how to talk to people and express myself and to be who I truly am. And even now, I'm not the most social person and um there are instances a lot here at GTMS where stuff
goes on and it's not always the best place to be. But even now, I know um Mr. Shuggards, I'm no longer a student of his anymore. But even now, we still have a connection and the connection is through music. And I know that his band room is will always and is always a safe
place where I can go and be myself and I have people who truly care about me who I can talk to and they will listen to me and they'll hear me out with all my problems. And I think it'll be sad if you take away the opportunities for other children to who are going through
a lot of stuff that I went through to take away the opportunity for them to make these connections and have people to talk to who care about them and are willing to listen. And I think it'll truly be disappointing if you take away that from other kids like me. Thank you.
Hi, good evening. My name is Patrick O'Keefe and I'm a Galloway resident, taxpayer, most importantly a parent. I'm also a music educator, spending the first decade of my career right here with Galloway Township Schools. I've unfortunately had to make remarks to this effect more times than I can recall in roles with
state and national organizations. But I'm especially saddened and disappointed to be doing so in my own community where the proposed reductions in force will impact the services, education, and school experience for my boys. The music classroom is community. It's a
place to learn content and additionally be supported in social emotional learning and expression. Its impact has been made well aware by the people and comments tonight which I've been very moved. Um for my special needs son especially the music room is consistency and an
integral safe space in the positive routine of his week. In a time where our Arthur Ran community is yearning more than ever for normaly these decisions are especially concerning. Music education is spelled out as a part of the child's well-rounded education in federal ESSA legislation. And while this
proposed structure still offers music, you don't need the degrees we have to be able to recognize that cutting contact time in half and tasking a general music teacher with,200 students is not music education at all. It's scheduling management. This is inadequate to cover curriculum or address standards.
Standards that are already not appropriately recognized in the district posted curricular documents. And this is coming from someone who wrote those standards uh for the Department of Education. The district can become vulnerable to litigation if unable to meet them. This is not me being hypothetical and I'll cite a suit
currently being heard by the administrative law judge in Newark against Cranford schools for this very topic. Failing to provide any documentation of assessment as required by chapter 9 beyond observation and failing to provide instruction that meets the standards. In looking at the Department of Ed
taxpayer guide to expenditures, it seems to show a disproportionate increase of 19% in administrative costs as compared to just under 11 for classroom instruction. I'm looking at the last four years into the listed proposed budget for this current school year. When Pomona when Pomona closed and the
district had the opportunity to absorb an administrative salary, the choice was instead made to restructure and institute what I can see as an outsider um to be two new district roles. And while administrative demands become greater, those roles, I'm sure, play an important part in overall function. Um,
however, amidst cuts in student services, the optics are unfortunate at best. It is fairly common to claim to be a supporter of the arts, congratulate a great performance, or say you attended the musical and loved it. Those sentimental those sentiments are wonderful, and still actions speak
louder than words. I'm happy to provide research-based advocacy materials following this meeting on the importance and benefits of quality music instruction by certificated staff in schools. I am a huge supporter of public education. I am a loyal and vocal advocate for your schools. And so it is
very difficult for me to stand in opposition to a system I feel I have given so much to. It was librarians not so long ago. And we all see the writing on the wall that after music, it will likely be art the next time around. Surely this is not the education we want for our kids. I urge the board to
question this decision and not move forward with this course of action. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening. >> Good evening, members of the board. Thank you for allowing me to speak today about the
value of the general music program in Galloway. My name is Alicia Melendez Bellow and I am the general music teacher at Smithville Elementary. I know you have a difficult task ahead as you find solutions to address the current budget crisis. I would like to
take a moment to share with you the impact that general music teachers have had on a particular student's life. This student was admitted to the gifted program at her school. She was incredibly creative and thrived when
given the opportunity to express it. But she struggled to stay focused in class and struggled to make friends outside of class. However, there was a place at school where she always looked forward to going
music class. That environment gave her a chance to be creative and successful. Music just clicked for this student. She become involved in every music activity available. Chorus, band, musical theater, you name it. Music class wasn't
only a safe space for her. It was one of the only places where she felt smart and even special. This student was not permitted to take chorus in middle school due to a scheduling conflict. Her elementary music experience inspired
her to rejoin chorus in high school, and she was singing in the most advanced ensembles by her sophomore year. She placed first in district and state choir auditions multiple times. Chorus was her
reason for attending school every day. This student was so moved by her music experience growing up that she went on to get her bachelor's in vocal music education and a master's of music and vocal arts. She has performed at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and the
Kimmel Center. She continues to sing professionally while teaching music. I am that student. This is my story. Without my elementary music teachers planting the seed of music appreciation,
I would not be the person I am today. I get to live my dream every day because of the doors that music opened for me. I grew up in a place of privilege. Both my parents had cars and were able to find the time and money to grow my love of
music through extracurricular activities. Many families in Galloway do not share that same privilege that I had growing up. There are students like me whose main reason for coming to school is music
class. As many community members have said tonight, it is their safe space where their talents can shine and they can feel successful. I worry for those students who need to
experience that safety, belonging, and success, >> but will only get it one time every two weeks. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> Excuse me. If if you're going to speak again, I'm going to ask to see if there's anybody else who wishes to speak before you do. Are there any other
members of the public who wish to speak? I I don't >> Okay. If you haven't spoken yet, if you could come up, please. Welcome. >> Thank you. Um, I had no intention of speaking, but you know, as I sit here and listen to
everybody speak, you know, it just it just hit me, you know, what this place would have meant for my son, Mason, if Mr. Conover wasn't sitting in that room a couple doors down during his two years in this >> I'm really sorry to interrupt. We don't have your name. Could you >> Oh, I'm sorry. My name is Douglas Kaine. I live at 20 202 Spring Drive.
>> Thank you. >> Um but the educators in this room, I want to thank them on the record. You know, Mrs. R, which you meant for my son and Mr. Conover, Patrick, everybody. you know,
the music program gives kids a safe place to go, you know, where otherwise they wouldn't be able to go express themselves. And I just think as I'm sitting here, I'm thinking all the money that we put in to sports and football and how that's celebrated yet these kids, I mean, we won state for marching
band and Absami this year. I've seen amazing performances on this stage you're sitting on now and Absagami and the amount of time, work, and effort it takes and the community involvement that a a sport like marching band, it brings the parents in uh for a dance show or
any show, all the parents come in and get to be part of the community. And if you took away these two teachers, would these programs still exist? Yeah, they would. But by and by, they'd be undermined and they wouldn't be as successful as they are now.
Um, so I just think that we need to keep programs like this intact and full because it takes constant work to become a musician, to express yourself and we need to give these kids a space to thrive. And just looking at it juxtaposed to how we celebrate sports
and the budgets for those type of um activities, it's always music. It's always the arts. It's always the first thing to go and it's aggravating. It's frustrating. We need to find a time to support these children who need the most who in high school wouldn't otherwise have a place to go express themselves. Maybe they're
not athletes. Maybe they're not brainiacs. But the arts is a place that they can go and be successful and carry that on in their life and have a path forward. That's all I got. Thank you. I'm I'm going to canvas one last time
with regard to anyone from the public who wishes to speak because I have someone who wishes to speak a second time and after this I'm going to be closing public comment. So does anybody else wish to offer public comment at
this time? Okay. So, public comment now is officially closed or formally closed as a courtesy. I'm going to let uh I'm sorry, I forgot your last name. I apologize. >> It's okay. >> Uh to speak and then the public comment
portion of the meeting will be closed. Thank you >> again. My name is Katie Rash and I just had one um more closing statement that I'd like to make. We started a petition two days ago and I know one of the comments was how will this affect the community at large? The community has
spoken. We already have over 1,200 signatures on our petition in support of you keeping this program in full. Thank you. Okay. So procedurally right now there is before the board a resolution.
To sort of paraphrase the the most significant portion of that resolution, the board is being asked uh to approve a budget of $84,922,731 and being asked to impose a tax levy of
$39,977 and n I'm sorry, 39 9,977,931. I'm going to turn to members of the board and ask for a motion and a second uh on those budget numbers. Have a motion.
Okay. We as a board cannot discuss the budget unless there is a motion and a second. The motion and the second doesn't mean we pass it. The motion and the second means that we consider it. It means that within the context of that consideration, we debate it. But without
the motion and the second, we could take no action tonight on this budget. Is that the board's consensus? >> I motion. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. Thank you. I'm now opening the uh for discussion of
the board. Mr. Gentiel, if we pass or Joy or Steve, if we pass this budget, does that mean automatically the music is cut down to one and every 10 days or is it do we
retain the teachers or can we use a say surplus in the budget, transfer it to personnel to maintain the two teachers and keep our music program the way it is? >> Okay. Is that a budget item also?
>> No. The the board approves the proposed budget. Okay. Once we approve a budget, how that budget is implemented is is part of operations. It's not part of what the board does. >> So, we really can't say uh we want to
keep the music program the way it is. And we can advocate to the administration to change that, but our role is to pass the budget that we previously approved uh so that it can be submitted to the county superintendent
and approved by the state. >> Okay. If we reject the budget, what happens then? We have to redo it. >> Yeah. So, what you can do tonight is you can go ahead and approve the jud the budget as submitted or you can say, "We've
listened to the public and we would like to increase the budget." And if you increase the budget, you would be adding additional funds to the budget and that would increase the tax levy to the community. And then that budget would have to go ahead and be resubmitted to the executive county superintendent's
office for their approval and consideration. And as long as that is approved, then that would be your budget moving forward. Is that correct, Miss Nixon? That's my understanding of how that process works with the executive county superintendent's office. >> That's correct. They would also require
approval. Um, anytime that the budget is changed from submission and their original approval to the public budget hearing, we have to submit statement of reasons and they have to determine if the increase is approvable at that time. >> So that would be your re your options tonight. You can either approve the
budget as is or you can go ahead and ask for an increase in that budget. >> Is there no surplus in the budget where we could transfer money from one account to another in order to maintain our music? >> So, I'll leave I'll leave that to Miss
Nixon to answer. >> Um, the budget is not submitted with any surplus. >> No surplus. But is there there's no guarantee then that we're going to maintain our music program if we approve the budget.
There's no guarantee of that. Or is that going to be a separate item on the agenda for under curriculum or personnel? So I I think what you're asking is and again I'll defer to administration if
the budget as presented that's on the agenda has a reduction of two music teachers from two positions from 10 to eight. If you're asking the board to bring back those two positions then that would be
an increase and we would have to ask Miss Nixon what that would be. And what you would do is you would add that number to the budget that you approved tonight. And that would be your new budget number that you approve. And as one of the gentlemen suggested,
by law, you can only go up to a certain percentage. So that's 2%. >> Before we go to vote, >> correct? We do however have money in our healthcare adjustment line which is how we were able to provide additional funding um to create other operational
and uh staffing considerations through the finance committee. So if there is that adjustment aid left for the healthcare increase, you could use some of that money to go over that 2% to get those additional positions. If that's the question you're asking, how
would you get those positions? But later on in the agenda under curriculum, there's nothing in there that says we're reducing the music program. Correct. >> Correct. There's nothing on paper tonight that says you're reducing the position. By law, we have to by May 15th
approve personnel positions. So, the positions are being reduced, but the program, and I'll defer to um Mr. Santilly, the program is not being reduced. the program itself we're still going to have five day or one class every five
days or >> so the program is still being developed so I wouldn't necessarily be able to commit right now to be able to say I wouldn't be able >> just as a point of order I would ask for respect we listened and I think we're
very welcoming to all the members of the public who wish to speak the board is now engaged in deliberations which are very important to all of the comments ments that were made and I think it's apparent that we're being very open with regard to the deliberation. I would ask
that the respect that was shown to the public be shown to the board as we engage in these deliberations because it's critically important. We have an open public meeting act in this state so that the public can see what's going on and we have been very open with regard
to that. I assure you that if there is comments that begin to negatively taint the debate, the public is disserved. So I would ask that everyone please express the same modicum of respect that we've I
think shown to everybody tonight so that we can engage in a full debate with regard to these issues so that the public is served. Thank you. >> So what I'll say Mr. days is that that would be one of the options, right? The delivery of general music in an effort
to um adhere to the standards uh that the state of New Jersey requires us to adhere to may be altered, may be adjusted in terms of like you suggested, instead of five days a week, it may be a rotation of every other week. But part of that plan is also making sure that we
are trying to make sure that we adhere to the delivery and consistent delivery of instrumental lessons and also our coral program. So there are that's one option. Okay. So when I'm saying that it's being developed also part of this conversation in the future would also
pull in our our staff to be able to also engage in those conversations around how to best meet the needs of our students. We're not trying to and and I want to make sure people understand I know there's a reduction of staff that is absolutely going to impact the delivery
of instruction and that also takes place and it has taken place over the past four years and four budget cycles when we take a look at projected enrollments. the reduction of home rooms which has also been a part of it and is also part of this current budget as identified to
the board through our non-report uh non-renewal uh process uh via email that was sent on April 17th as well. Um so and and and then with that also comes back to our presentation with the added increase of services. So where there's
reductions, there's also increases and special education needs for instance and related service needs that have also risen and continue to be a driving factor as well. And that was also part of our our presentation again tonight uh showing those increases. And that's a
variety of students who may uh uh be developing an IEP at this moment, transfer students, um a variety of different factors. So if administration decides to keep the music program and retain the two music teachers, we don't
have a meeting in May, but in June, would that be part of the curriculum and personnel items on the agenda? So I think that the conversation right now is that in an effort to if if the board were to desire to maintain the
current level of 10 music teachers and not reduce to eight, I think that one of the avenues is to increase the budget which is really just increasing that burden on the local taxpayers. Right? So I think that's what um our solicitor is
sharing with you tonight in terms of what that process would be. Um, and I'm not sure if that answers your question, but that's that I think that is the avenue that is before you. And again, I think I ask a question. >> There's there's also and Miss Nixon, I think, pointed out as well.
>> Right now, the budget when presented in March, if you recall, we were very clear that we have to submit that to the county office. This year was by March 19th. So ultimately, the county office approves the budget. They go through all the different budgets. They have to go
through everything and they have to provide approval. This budget hearing allows for the board to have final approval once the county office approves. If we have to provide a statement of reasons to the county office as to why the board chose to um
suggest an increase, that statement of reasons would then be reviewed by the county office. and and my understanding and again I'm not going to speak for our business administrator but my understanding is is that then the county office would have to make that decision of whether or not they're going to
accept that statement of reasons because there is again my understanding not a guarantee that even if as a board you choose the increase that it will be approved at the county level. >> Good. >> Um Mr. Tilly. Um, so when you made
whoever made the decision to do this in the administrative end end of it, I know you guys sat down and it was a tough decision like and I think people don't realize that the finance committee when we got together, we actually did what we could to raise the taxes to save
teachers so that they didn't so that we actually kept teachers instead of letting go more teachers. And this is really hard. Although when you listen to everybody out here and it's nice to see everybody out here. I wish this was every meeting and it's so great to see the passion and how much you love your
children and it does make you want to do more to help these to help everybody. So is it possible and I know this is hard because um it might not get approved. It might get approved. I think we should just vote on and um getting keeping the
two music teachers. I think we should keep the music teachers if we can and if we have to raise raise the taxes, we raise them. >> So, Mr. >> and I just want to say one more thing. Um, I know you guys are very passionate. I respect that. I'm a very passionate
person, too. And I did see the social media posts and it's a little disheartening sometime, guys, because you think people are bad that aren't bad or we're out to get you or something. That's not true at all. We're all We're all here. We're all in this community. We all have children here. My son went to Absagami. I mean, we love this
community. I've been here for a long time, 25 years. And um I and music is great. I didn't get music when I was a kid. We didn't have that back then. I'm I'm I'm a dinosaur, you know, but my mom played the piano, my dad played the violin, and we sang sing along. I do sing alongs around the table. Something
that they don't do anymore. So, music is very important. So, throwing that out there. From what I've read, what somebody said earlier, music for the kids helps them learn reading, writing, arithmetic, and everything else. It's just not just not one program.
So hopefully down the down the line, if we approve the budget tonight, we can possibly have maybe transfers from one item, one line item to another line item, which we've have many transfers each month on the bill list. So,
Can we, Mr. Board President, can we call for a vote? And after the vote, can we motion for an increase in the budget? I believe what has to happen is that there has to be a uh a motion to amend
the outstanding motion and then we call the first motion uh as amended. So, I'd need a motion to amend uh this this. Now, somebody's going to need the numbers so that we have a specific budget that we are approving that we can
submit to the office of the county superintendent. Now, I would just I I as president, I feel it's incumbent upon me to take a wider view, if you will. And I know wider views are not popular
when folks are present, but folks have touched on this and the reality is that this from my read of what's going on with regard to the state's inability to address these issues that if we start
dipping into monies that are we would need to be available if we get a particular crisis, if we get a particular special needs student that is placed in the district as one of our districts who requires extensive
services. If we need the monies for unforeseen emergencies and those monies aren't there, those monies aren't there. We are dealing with and I can't remember who said it, but we are dealing with a
fundamentally flawed uh financing system of our schools. And while I appreciate what music does, while I appreciate everything that was said here tonight with passion, as a board, we are charged
with dealing with the fact that the state is not providing the money that is needed. It hasn't provided the money that is needed for as long as I've been on the school board. And as Mr. Santilly indicated we're so underfunded that last year they permitted us permitted us to
raise taxes by $7 million. That's how badly underfunded we are. This February in anticipation of issues like this, we turn to the municipality. We asked for the municipality for assistance in funding the SRO's which I
think everybody in this room would agree are critical to the operation of our schools and the protection of our children. In that letter that we sent to the municipality, we cited to the fact that in Galloway Township especially, we
are negatively impact by impacted by state policies in two ways that folks don't really understand. First off, every time you see Atlanticare put up a building in this municipality, that is money that is not available for
us to fund our schools. It's off the tax roles. The municipality can go out and indeed does go out and is able to contract with Atlanticare, is able to contract with Stockton and get money solely for the municipalities. The
school districts are procluded by statute from doing that. The last time I looked, between Stockton and Atlanticare, there was over $250 million of unassessed property in Galloway
Township. Add to that the fact that the state also permits the municipalities to contract with Atlanticare for a fee on a per bed basis to make up for the fact that the municipality is not able to get
those funds. The school boards are not permitted to get that money either. So the state in its wisdom says we know how we'll fix this. We have this magic funding formula that nobody understands.
No one understands. And in that magic funding formula, we are going to credit Galloway Township for $250 million that the school board can't tax. And if the formula were fully funded, we
might see that money. But whenever you hear that the formula is not fully funded, that means the state has taken from our children, from the schoolboard, from our children, from our staff,
monies to benefit businesses that don't pay taxes. How that makes sense as a state policy makes no sense to me at all. And in our letter to the municipality back on February 11, I don't know how many how
long that is, two months, three months, we haven't heard back. We asked for help with the SRO so that maybe we could take that money and deal with the stuff folks are dealing with tonight if we could get some help, but there's been silence there. And I cited specifically to those
two statutory schemes that structure an inequity in the schools. And I everything I am reading other school board people that I talked to this system is not sustainable. And next year we're going to be looking at more. The
fact that we were able to save the fact that our health increase is only think about this. I'm using the word only in front of the word $2.1 million is only because we were able to figure out how to reduce the health benefits by
10%. Who knows what's going to happen next year. So, we have to take the longer view. And if we don't have money that we can fall back on if we hit the the healthc care adjustments, if we are unable to plan for our kids, the state sure as heck doesn't let us do that
because we get we get our formula statement three or four days before the budget is due. Think about that. Think about that. We're passing an $89 million budget tonight. We're being asked, right? $89 billion budget. We don't know
what the state is going to contribute until three business days before. What business operates like that? Now, the commissioner for education announced two weeks ago, "Oh, we're going to fix that." The commissioner of education for the Murphy administration said, "Oh, we're going to fix that." The
commissioner for the education commissioner under uh Chris Christie said, "Oh, we're going to fix that." 1973, I graduated high school. Yes, I said 1973, middle of the last century. My last semester in political science in
1973, we were all handed out these little booklets said we're going to fix the school districts, this was in New Jersey, by 1976 in honor of the bicesentennial. And how were they were going to do that? They were going to reduce property taxes. is they were going to stop funding the schools
through property taxes by this new concept in New Jersey back then which hadn't yet been been passed, the income tax. We saw where that went. So, while I appreciate the passion and and it sickens me, it sickens me that the
people in Trenton don't hear these stories. It sickens me that the people in Trenton don't understand the pain that they are inflicting upon our communities by shifting the responsibility to school boards that
cannot raise funds. It sickens me. But that's the reality of this. And Mr. Hermanau is correct. The process is how in heaven's name we've got a room full of people here who aren't talking to our legislators in Trenton who aren't
outraged by this system because it not only affects our music. It's affecting our science teachers. It's affecting the mental health services that we're able to provide the kids who need who need assistance because the state sure as heck isn't funding it through the CMO in
any kind of adequate way. It's impacting our our our uh English- speakaking students, our non-English-speaking students. It's impacting our ability to run summer camps programs. It's affecting everything. And there is no political accountability in Trenton. So,
while I am moved, I am deeply moved by what is said here tonight. And honestly, many of these stories are heartbreaking. We have to look at everything in the district, every child in the district as
we go forward into circumstances that we can't comprehend because the state won't tell us. They won't tell us year after year after year, they won't tell us. So, we listen to heartbroken parents and
we're being asked to do something that can assuage that heartbreak. But when we don't have the money, we literally don't have the money next time for a major crisis. My question is where does it come from? We can't go out in the middle of the year and raise taxes.
We don't have taxes that we can raise. We're capped at 2%. The reality is this system is so badly broken and unfortunately the adults are not exercising the political will to fix this system. There
should be a constitutional amendment that the state cannot finance its schools through property taxes. It's regressive. It doesn't work. Where are the adults of the kids? Why aren't we in Trenton? Why aren't we beating down the
doors of our legislators? Because the funding is so complicated and it is hidden and we don't know how it's done and we are basically being kept blind by the people that we elect. So I am very
concerned that these heartbreaking stories and they are heartbreaking and they are compelling and they are powerful doesn't give us the ability to not plan for the future because if we don't plan adequately the room will be filled by a
different group of heartbroken parents with needs that are similar and we won't have the money for that or we won't have the money for for buildings or we won't have the money. So we have to be careful and we have to get politically motivated
to address these issues. So I would just caution us before we start trying to do this stuff. We have a responsibility to take a look at the broader view. We also have a responsibility to motivate our constituents to begin to deal with these issues in Trenton. So
>> Jim, can I say one thing? Why don't the school administrators and school board presidents lobby together against their assemblymen and state senators to get a pilot program for educ for school districts payment in lie of taxes. Therefore, CV would be paying taxes,
medical center beying taxes, Stockton paying not taxes, money toward the school districts. If municipalities can have pilot programs, why can't school boards legislatively procluded? >> Well, that's why we should lobby the
assembly people. I'll be >> and state senators, administration, administrations, presidents should get together. >> Where are we doing that? Why are we not doing that? We have the opportunity. >> Good question. >> But I I mean, also, I'm sorry to interrupt you, but we also need to go
back to where's our local support? Where's the We're just not answering. our mu our own municipality is just not answering. That's unacceptable. >> We've had this discussion for years now and they just don't answer us. So,
everyone here tonight should go to the next town council meeting. Say the same thing. Answer the school board. It's not too much to ask. Even a no is better than nothing. True,
>> you know. question. >> I'll go after you. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> I'm sorry. This is board I'm sorry. >> I understand. I understand. But public comment is closed. This is board debate. Please. Thank you. >> I would just like to say that this what
happened here tonight's a preview as to what's going to come next year. Unless something happens with the astronomical cost of health care in this country, in the wealthiest country in the world. That's problem number one. And school
funding is like watching Wheel of Fortune. You never know what you're going to get. So if you think tonight it's heartbreaking, it's hard, but next year, mark my words, >> it will be far worse unless something
changes. You can help us by contacting Dong Guardian, Moren Rowan, and Vince Polystina because they can make the change in Trenton. Unless they hear from us, they won't do anything. So, this can
gets kicked down the road year after year with no change. So, you can help us by contacting the people that this second legislative district of New Jersey. We elected these people. They're
not helping us. They do nothing. The problem is too hard for them to handle. I don't really understand what it is, but something needs to change. We we we attempted back uh during the gubanatorial election to work in tandem
with Stockton to see if we could get them to sponsor in concert with us a gubanatorial de debate exclusively on the issue of education. And I'm sure you saw in the papers how how well that request went. There was no such debate.
So, we've been trying to work this. Uh, we've been trying to work this and we're getting other ideas together, but without constituencies behind it, it's just a bunch. It's basically nine people talking in the wind. >> I have a quick question. Um, so we know
we're all tapped at the we're capped at the 2% levy, but we do have the health care adjustment. Is the healthcare adjustment guaranteed every year? >> No. The healthcare cost adjustment is calculated by the state of New Jersey
and it is um not released until they determine what that percentage qualifying percentage is based off state health benefit increases and then it's determined based off our health insurance increase. So you don't know um the state calculates that for you um at
the time when your final budget is complete. So then next year we it's potential that we would have no healthcare adjustment. >> Correct. And any unused healthcare cost adjustment this year becomes bank cap available for three future years before it expires.
>> So I I think that comes into play when you think about how we have continually been underfunded every single year. As Mr. Santilli said, we have um had cuts four years in a row. Sure, we could increase the budget. We could then go
back to the taxpayers which I I believe someone said what's 50 cents and we're talking about underprivileged people. We are also talking about parents who may not be able to afford a meal based on that 50 cents increase for their children who are also students here in
our district. All of these things come into play when we're talking about this. I think everyone has said is not an easy decision. But when we're thinking long term and we do not see any foreseeable changes in the funding formula or the way that we are being funded, we save positions this year based on going out
and increasing above the 2% levy without a guarantee for next year. Now that's compounded next year if we have another deficit and we do not have that funding available to us. So these are all things that we have to consider in the long term as well. And yes, it's heartbreaking. I have children in the
district. I understand but we also need to think long term and how we are sustaining our district as well and the impact on those who do will be impacted by having another increase to the to their taxes. Yes, they are students here
and they are families here as well. >> I Mrs. Nixon, what would the numbers look like if if there were an increase in our budget including salaries and benefits? It would be an additional increase of $200,000
um which would equate to um an increase of $7 additional a year for a home assess of $200,000. >> Thank you. >> Is there any other board comment? >> Yeah, real quick. Um so Mr. Gentiel,
remember when I said to you, if you want it, we could get together and go meet with Vince Palino because I know him very well and his whole staff and I think that we just have to do it. And I will he make it will he do anything? Well, I've tried to get him to do things for me before. Doesn't happen. Um the
problem is is when they get up to Trenton, which is really difficult, they get voted down every time they try to do something. So really, you got to take it to the governor. And I wouldn't mind trying to do that, too. I think it we just have to be extremely proactive and I love that kind of a challenge. So, let
me do it. I'll do it. >> I I will address some some thoughts and some meetings I've had with regard to the board increasing its political footprint. Uh but that's not this motion right now. This motion is while
obviously the the def the deficiencies in in funding, the deficiencies in support from other governmental agencies is impacting this discussion as far as what we as a board do will be the subject of I intended to address that under the new business or the good of
the order section of uh of today's agenda. So with regard to the motion pending before the board, are there any other comments? Okay. So, we have the motion and we have a second. If I could have a roll call, please.
>> Mrs. Avery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Chester, >> no. Mr. Dace, >> uh, yes. >> Mrs. Hermanau, >> okay, I know this sounds silly. What exactly are we approving? Just the budget.
>> The budget for the 89 million with the tax levy >> and if we want the increase for the two teachers. >> There's there's no motion pending with regard to >> No motion yet. >> Well, I called the motion. Okay. >> So, the only the motion was not amended. So, the only motion before the board
right now is to approve the budget and the tax letter. >> Okay. But we can do that next. No, we should that we should have moved to amend the motion back before I called this motion. This motion should have been amended. >> I'll walk it back. I'm sorry.
>> Well, I think we need to do we need to do that. >> So, you want you want >> I think we need to amend the motion. >> Okay. So, then we're going to Hold on. Then we're going to re we're going to undo it. Hold on. Hold on. All right. So basically then as I understand it, we're going to void the roll call that we just
engaged in. Right? When I asked if there was any other comment by any members of the board, I heard nothing. So I called the motion. So when I said, "Is there any other comment by any members of the board?" If somebody wished to amend the pending motion, that was the time to do
it. So we're going to hit a reset and I'm going to ask you again. Does anybody have any other comment on the pending motion of uh approving the budget and the tax levy as stated a number of times? >> Does the um original motioner have to make the amendment?
>> Say that again. >> The person who originally made the motion don't they have to make the amendment? >> I think anybody can move to amend. >> Anybody can move to amend the motion that's >> okay. So I need a specific indication of what the amendment is. So right now
there's a motion to to pass the budget for the stated numbers. Now the we can't pass a motion that says we rehire two people. >> Okay. >> All we have the authority to do is indicate if we want to increase the budget and then we need to indicate by
how much we wish to increase the budget. >> I move to I move to increase the budget to $85,122,731. >> Okay. I second. >> Can I just Where did that Can I ask where that number came from? >> Where'd she get that number? >> $200,000.
>> She added it to the budget. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Where'd she get that number? >> She had She took the 200,000 and added it to the original proposal. >> Okay. Do I have to motion? >> Um, I was just checking with the attorney about the Robert rules of
orders. I just didn't want to uh do this incorrectly. I just wanted the public to note that was what I was conferring uh with our attorney about. So uh since the uh motion the pending motion has been amended, I need a second on that
amendment. >> I second. >> Okay. >> And Mr. Gentiel, I would just confirm with the business administrator that that is the correct number. All right. Um I have to show in the minutes um the accounts that will be changing in
regards to this amendment on the resolution. So, the total regular programs for instructional salary counts um for grades kindergarten through 8th grade will have an increase of an
estimated $131,732 and employee benefits will have an increase of $68,268 to the budget um versus what was originally submitted. The budget changes from the public budget
hearing um will be updated in the minutes and as well as a required spreadsheet proposing the changes and submitted to the executive county office um school business administrator and superintendent.
And I have the total general fund as well as the total local tax levy of the general fund and the total budget numbers that will change. I want to also point out the healthc care cost adjustment that also is submitted to the
county office for their approval um will be increased from $1 million to $1,200,000. And I will provide you that updated resolution for you to read. So, Miss Nixon, does the number that um Dr. Pariner indicated, was that the
correct number to add to the budget? >> Uh, correct. So, it has to be broken down, though. That's just one number. Um, so the total general fund um will now be $77,575,500. The total special revenue fund remains unchanged at $7,547,231.
Therefore, a total budget of $85,122,731 will be submitted and the local tax levy for the general fund increases to $40,177,931 which is the total local tax levy of $40,177,931. Be it further resolved, the proposed
budget includes the increased adjustment for increases in health care costs benefits in the amount of $1,200,000 and the additional funds will be used to pay for the additional increases in healthcare benefit premiums. >> Mr. Parameter, I'm going to ask you to
amend your motion so that by reference it incorporates the numbers that Miss Nixon just indicated. I amend my motion to increase the budget by 85 million. Wait one second. >> Just indicate the numbers.
>> I amend my motion to indicate the numbers referenced by Mrs. Nixon, school business administrator. >> We second. >> Right. So the the motion now before what is there any further comment on that on Dr. Parmentor's uh amendment to the
motion? Are we guaranteed to keep the programs the way they are, the music program and everything? Can we have that in writing or as something added to the agenda? >> Amy, >> I don't think I don't think I need anything in writing.
>> There's nothing to add. You guys have increased the salary line uh to include those two positions. >> Mr. Mr. Dace, I think you know me by now. We don't need anything in writing. I think I am fully understanding of the board's motion and amended motion in
order to uh maintain the 10 music positions within the district. >> You have five the music program is one on five or one or whatever it was, right? >> It'll stay the same. >> It'll stay the same. >> Any other comment? I just would like to
say that in the future I would hope that like comments about these things be discussed maybe between board members and the superintendent prior to the meeting in the future. >> Like if you have a question or an issue,
maybe contact the superintendent. >> Any other comments? >> Yes. Well, when you have a whole crowd that comes out and they're passionate, things change. And the beauty of that is that we can change things. >> Okay. I just
>> All right. We have a motion before the board. Uh I'm going to call it and ask for a roll call, please. >> Mrs. Avery. >> Nope. >> No. >> Mrs. Chester? >> Yes. >> Mr. D? Yes,
>> Mrs. Hermanel. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Hank is absent. Miss Ria, >> yes. >> Dr. Permentor, >> yes. >> Vice President Basher Blau, >> yes.
>> And President Gentiel, >> no. The resolution passes as amended. We're now moving to the uh a other agenda items on the um agenda tonight. Uh there is public comment just on other agenda items. The
board values and welcomes comments and opinions from residents. This meeting will now be open to public comments. three minutes per person on agenda items only. If your questions pertain to litigation, student or personnel items, please see the superintendent after the meeting as the board is procluded from
discussing these matters in public. Depending on the nature and complexity of your questions, the board secretary may ask for your contact information so that someone can get back to you with a response. As a reminder, this is a public meeting. All comment should be appropriate for a public setting and
made in a respectful manner. Anybody who has a comment on agenda items only, please come to the front, state your full name and address. Seeing none, moving on to the superintendent's report. >> So, at this time, I'd like to draw attention to our attorney's report with
uh Miss Halco. >> Good evening, everyone. Since the last time we've met, I've had the opportunity to work with the district on some student matters and some contractual matters. >> All right. So, we'll take uh some of these items slow and steady because I'm going to be flipping through uh paper
and I know we're not all used to the Google doc compared to board docs. So, with curriculum instruction, uh we have a motion to approve items number one and two for field trips and fieldwork as listed and attached. >> So, moved.
>> I think I need to call for a motion first. >> Yes. >> And I have a motion to approve items one and two under curriculum and instruction. >> So moved. Second. >> Any any discussion? Roll call, please.
>> Mr. D? >> Yes. >> Dr. Permener? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Avery? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chester? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Hermanale? >> Yes. >> Vice President Basher Blau? >> Yes. >> And President Gentiel? >> Yes. Finance and school operations.
There was a finance committee meeting this evening. Mr. Days. Uh, report to the board, please. >> I was not there. Okay. >> There was no >> Oh, there was none. Okay. Apparently, there was >> due to board docs got >> issues, weed them. >> Okay. So, let the record know due to board doc issues, there was no committee
meeting this evening. Uh, so >> I'll defer to Miss Nixon. >> Thank you for um finance and school operations items one through Items 1 through 20, you're up for your approval. >> I have a motion to approve items 1
through 20 under uh finance, please. >> So moved. Can I have a second? Second. Any uh comment from board members. Have a roll call, please. >> Mrs. Avery? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chester? >> Yes. >> Mr. D?
>> Yes. >> Mrs. Hermanel? >> Yes. Miss Laia, >> yes. >> Dr. Pmentor, >> yes. >> Vice President Basher Blau, >> yes. >> And President Gentiel, >> yes. >> The next um section is fiscal
reorganization for 2627 school year. Items 1 through 23 are up for your approval. >> I have a motion to approve items uh 1 through 23 under reorganization, please. So moved. >> Second.
>> Any comment from uh from the board? >> Hearing none. Can I have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Avery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Chester, >> yes. >> Mr. Dace, >> yes. >> Mrs. Hermanale, >> yes. >> Miss Laia, >> yes. >> Dr. Permentor,
>> yes. >> Vice President Basher Blau, >> yes. >> And President Gentiel, >> yes. Under personnel, we are looking to move items 1 through eight as listed and attached. Please, >> I have a motion to approve items 1 through eight.
>> Under personnel. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Hearing a motion and a second. Any comment from members of the board? >> Hearing none. Can I have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Avery? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chester?
>> Yes. Mr. Dace, >> I must abstain on item number four, the reappoints. >> Um, this is just for the retirement. >> Just for retirement. Yes. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Yes. >> Mrs. Hermanel. >> Yes. >> Miss Laria. >> Yes.
>> Dr. Porter. >> Yes. >> Vice President Basher Blouse. >> Yes. >> And President Gentiel. >> Yes. >> It is it was the motion was for one through eight. >> I'm sorry. It was just number one. Yeah. >> Well, my apologies. So, Mr. Davis would need to abstain from
>> I abstain on Yeah. number four. >> Yes, that's correct. >> I just did one. >> You did one through eight. >> On our agenda, it's one and then goes two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. Are we good?
>> Yeah, I just want to make sure Troy's up to speed. Good. Uh, moving on to policy. >> Uh, there is no policy for tonight's meeting. >> Moving on to notice of public meetings. >> So, not notice of public meetings. Uh, the board calendar was attached. Uh in
addition, special events uh have been listed uh for the board um as reminders. Variety of upcoming events um between different concerts and multicultural nights, the GTA's color run, and then of course gearing up for nature fest as
well. Um the uh education foundation uh people of the year dinner and retirement dinner is also this Friday. Registration has closed, but just a reminder to the board and those that are attending that this this Friday night. >> Old business.
>> And for old business, uh we have a motion and resolution to accept HIB that was presented to the board on April 13th, uh as listed and attached there as well. >> Can I have a motion and a second on old business item number one? >> So move.
>> Second. Any comment >> hearing? None. I have a roll call, please. >> Mrs. Avery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Chester, >> yes. >> Mr. D, >> yes. >> Mrs. Hermanau, >> yes. >> Miss Laria, >> yes. >> Dr. Permentor, >> yes.
>> Vice President Basher Blau, >> yes. >> And President Gentiel, >> yes. Uh, coming to new business. Anybody have any new business to present to the board? >> New business. >> Okay. Uh
public comment for the uh public. This is with regard to matters that aren't agenda items or had nothing to do with the budget. Board values and welcomes comments and opinions from residents. This meeting will now be open to public comments. Three minutes per person. Your question pertains to litigation. Student or personnel matters. Please see the
superintendent after the meeting as the board is procluded from discussing these matters in public. Depending on the nature and complexity of your questions, the board secretary may ask for your contact information so that someone can get back to you with a response. As a reminder, this is a public meeting and all comments should be appropriate for a
public setting and made in a respectful manner. Please come to the podium and state your full name and address. Anybody have any comments? Good evening. My name is Gary Hermano again. Um, I just want to remind everyone here that this resolution got passed by the
skin of your teeth and it's a good thing that it went through. I think we're all happy with it. I think me and Mr. Jen Thiel are in agreement though that this resolution didn't pass without some possible problems in the future. And
if you don't become active and start addressing this state's legislature that has been in control for the last 20 years, that things will continue to get worse. And this time we're able to pass
the resolution, but next time it may not go. So, you need to think about your votes in the future and where you put them from local right up to governor. Thank you. >> Thank you.
Any other public comment hearing? None. Moving on to the uh agenda item for the good of the order. Anybody have anything to add? >> Hearing nothing. Do we have executive session this evening? >> We do not. >> I have a motion to adjurnn.
All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstaining? Meeting is journ. Thank you everybody.