I'd like to bring the meeting back to order. Can I get a roll call, please? Mrs. Fritz, here. Mrs. Scanic, here. Mr. Gibbons here. Miss Gore here. Mrs. Henry, here. Mr. Hutchinson here. Mr. Johnson here. Mr. Dentino here. Mr.
Donald here. Can I get a motion for the executive session minutes for June 2nd, 2025? So moved. I'm giving that to Mrs. Johnson first, Mrs. Gore second. Thank you.
Any questions? Can I get a roll call, please? Mrs. Fritz. Say roll call. Oh. So yes, for the minutes. Yeah. M scam. Yes. Mr. Gibbons. Yes. Miss Gore. Yes. Miss Tendry. Yes.
Mr. Hutchinson. Yes. M. Johnson. Yes. Mr. Dentino. Yes. Mr. Donald. Yes. Can I get a motion for the uh board minutes for the regular and the special meeting May 12th and then June 2nd?
Uh I'm giving that to Mrs. Gore. Second. First. Thank you, Mrs. Johnson. I'm asking for an amendment to May 12th for um uh Miss Gore voted to abstain on a specific staff member. So I'll add that person
to the minutes. Okay. So So 41 for the regular meeting, correct? We're going to agree that she abstained from both the 28th and the 14th. you were talking about. That was on the last one. Oh, that was the last one.
That was the last one. Oh, got it. So, maybe my email was confusing. I'm sorry. But for May 12th, she voted to abstain on a specific employee that I will add. And you're adding that? Yes. Okay. And then I also was May 12th, correct? Yes.
Your your was yours was on there. If it's not on there, I'll make sure it is, but we looked at it. We thought it was on there. Okay. I didn't see it. Perfect. It it spanned two two uh two spots on there, top and bottom. Oh, got it. Okay, I'll I'll look again. Thank
you. Any other no questions? Can I get a roll call, please? Mrs. Fritz? Yes. Mrs. Ganick? Yes. Mr. Given? Yes. Miss Gorg? Yes. Mrs. Henry? Yes. Mr. Hutchinson? Yes. Mr. Johnson? Yes. Mr. Dentino? Yes.
Mau? Yes. Mr. Billo additions to the agenda. We do have a working microphone. Thank you. Um we have one addition. I would uh ask the board put it under new business. It would be um after the process is
complete. But under new business would be a resolution to approve the annual evaluation of the superintendent. Thank you. Uh, public comments on agenda items only. If it's on the agenda, uh, do we
have a Yeah. Agenda items only. Anyone that wants to speak, please um, give us your name, where you live, just the town. We don't need your address. Um, and I'm going to ask that you use the microphone for recording purposes. Anyone?
Seeing none, report of the solicitor. Thank you, Mr. O'Donnell. My items were in executive session. Perfect. Um, committee reports, policy committee May 12th. So, these were done. We
actually just voted on them in the minutes for May 12th. Um, I was gonna say I don't remember meeting. No. Yeah, we did. It was It was on the last meeting. Okay. Were all of them okay?
All last meeting. We just repeated it. They were very exciting committee reports. Just so you know. Report of the superintendent. Mr. Bardau. Thank you, Mrs. O'Donnell. I'd like to
uh request a cons. Oh, no. I won't. Sorry. Yeah, we have discussion. Yeah. Sorry. Uh Mr. Hildebrandt is um here this evening with us. Um he is going to report on uh electronic violence and vandalism report which is a standard
that the state of New Jersey requires of each district. So with that I think everyone does have a hard copy of that Mr. Hillbrandt welcome. Thank gentlemen. All right. Oh I have it right here. Okay. Thank
you. Sorry about that. No worries. All right. So each year, twice a year, we're supposed to report um acts of all acts of violence. Okay. It's attached directly to the camera, so it will not pick up. Gotcha.
Okay. Um we are to report all acts of violence, vandalism, alcohol, and drug incidents uh to the Department of Education. Uh we do it in uh two intervals. Um the this one is going to be from September 2024 to December 2024.
uh January to June will be done uh in the fall then. So these are the different types of uh incidents we report on. Arson, assault, computer trespassing, uh damage to property, public false alarm, sexual contact, uh sexual assault, robbery,
extortion, kidnapping, fight, substance offense, theft, criminal theft, uh a threat, um trespassing, and weapon offenses. just some stats here. Um so essentially what happens is each school sends these
um each one of these comes on a piece of paper, a form, comes to our office, we process some uh filter them through and and upload them to the Department of Education. So all these that you're going to see have already been reported to the Department of Education. So Choose had two assaults, two simple
threats, and one fight. You will see police involvement on here. That is simply us telling the SRO what happened. We work closely with our SRO's. We tell them each time there is an issue like this so they are aware. It really had one assault, one fight. Blackwood, Glendora, Gloucester
Township, James Lily, and Union Valley all had nothing. So, good job, Blackwood. I think there's a couple people from Blackwood in the audience. That's the first time we ever had five schools. um that all had nothing to report. So,
uh Lauren Fleming had five fights, three simple threats. CW Lewis had nine simple threats, one sexual contact, 13 fights, four assaults, two issues of substance, and one damage to property.
Glenn Landing had two weapon possessions, six fights, two simple threats, two sexual contacts. I believe those uh sexual contacts were the same case going back and forth. Uh and Mullen had two weapon possessions, seven fights, and one assault.
So, these are the different types of training and programs that we do. Well, these are a number of them. And here are the trainings and uh programs that we utilize at each of our schools. Um one thing that I'm constantly asked is what do the numbers look like? what do they see? Like is this up from before? Is
this down from before? I can be honest with you. I've been doing this for 3 years and it's very very hard to tell. Um we have a booklet that comes and there's definitions of each of these in the booklet. And when I look at these definitions, it it is hard to put some of these in categories. We've had a number of assistant principles um um new
to the district within the last couple years and also administrative assistants. Those are the people that get fill them out and they give them to us. So, when we're looking at that, we're working with them to try to get it right. Uh, I got to give it out a shout out to Renee Michelle because she puts all these in the system, and it's a lot.
It's a lot of work, and she quickly picked up on it, and it's a hard process to do, but she's been working very closely with each of these schools to figure out which one goes. There's two separate forms. We had schools filling them out on the wrong form, and they weren't even being reported. So, we had to get them on the right forms and
report them the right way. So, I would say this is the most accurate one we've had in a long time. I feel very secure now with Renee Michelle in that position. Um, with the with the administrative assistants at each of the buildings, they know what they're doing now and the vice principles know what they're doing now. So, I do I do believe
that going forward these will be more accurate. um and the things that we're doing with the uh multi-tered system of supports uh PBIS getting more uh consistent and wellverse throughout the district. I do think these numbers are going to go down. So,
any questions from the board? Any questions? Looks good. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Hilder Brand, before you leave. Um later this evening the board of education is going to uh unfortunately vote upon uh Mr. Hillbrand's resignation. I wanted to
let you know Mr. Hillbrand, you've been a great young administrator here and Galloway is fortunate to earn you and you're going to do a great job there. So best of luck to you, sir. Thank you. It's been an honor. It's been a pleasure. I will be back in July to brag about my
residency uh statistics. But thank you all. It's been such an honor. I I've been here for eight, nine years and I've loved it here. I I don't want to leave, but my family's there and it's a new opportunity and but I'm always here for this GP, too. Thank you
guys. Um I have another discussion item. It is um we're going to label that 7.1A and it is the board goals meeting. Um I have asked our field rep if she is available for our next meeting in July
7:21. That way we don't have to do um a special meeting. We can do them together uh to do the board goals. She is available that day if that works for uh Mr. Bill, Mr. Mcoli. Um the only thing
is there is a board self eval and everyone on the board gets to fill that out and they need to be done prior to the goal meeting. So that's something that will get sent to you if you could look out for that. You don't have any objection to that do you Mr. Bill? I do
not miss I believe July 21st is currently the board of education's regular meeting for July. Correct. So, we would put this as part of it just as the discussion item that evening goals. Yeah, that's fine. However it has to be, however it has to be done. Yep. I'm
good. Awesome. Appreciate it. He said he's good as well. Um, and so I would hope that all of the board members can make uh an attempt to be there. Goal setting is one of those important meetings. How does that uh I think I think it comes via email. So, I'll reach out to our field rep and
just make sure tell her that that night works and then get the ball rolling. I wanted to make sure that it worked for everyone before I confirmed with her and got the ball rolling. So, look out for those. If you don't get it and say a week, please let me know.
Yes, when you log into your account on NJSBA, it is one of the options on there to choose that for selfie vow. Okay, great. The link is there. I haven't clicked it, but I know it's there. Awesome. Perfect. Check it and see if it works. Awesome. Thank you. Appreciate that. Um, report of the superintendent.
Yes. I'd like to ask for a consent resolution for item 7.2A through 7.6 T. 7.6T. Can I get a motion? They're moved. Thank you, Mrs. Johnson. Can I get a second?
Second. Thank you, Miss Gore. Any questions on any of those items? Mrs. Henry? Uh, I have a question on 7.3 [Music] B as in boy. um in favor of the activity fee, but
when if this gets approved tonight, when will the parents uh know of said activity fee? Cuz um I I I wouldn't want it to be last minute. Um especially with
people knowing about the technology fee plus now the activity fee. Um and there are people who have multiple children uh in this district. and how will they know? Good evening, Mr. Sundry. I um I plan on
sending out communications to the parents and guardians relative to I was waiting for the board to act upon this this evening. Uh I have already met with the athletic directors and uh the principles know that this is coming. We have met with um our technology
department. So when parents go through their annual re-registration of their student where you see the um uh Chromebook fee, they'll also see uh this um as well. So they can pay it there.
But um you know it's it's going to be um pursuant to the policy 2436 um all parents have to be u in good standing with the board or they would be prevented uh students from playing any sports and or being in a club until
satisfied. And just so uh I have a refresh memory, this also means that if it is not paid, they would not be able to attend like say a dance either. Correct. That's correct. So then this could be open to
all students, not just athletes or club participants. I'll give you an illustration. If you were to um have been paying for your school lunch this year and let's say you owe $500, um you need to satisfy that bill first,
then pay your $10, and then you would be able to participate in a club or activity or sport. Is that all, Miss Hendry? Um microphone Oh, here I have I have your microphone here. I have questions. 7.6.
Uh C is in kit. Uh the questions I have with regards to that is uh we have some um resignations
um and the resignations go from anywhere from one to one aid um teachers, PE teachers, things like that. Um we've been doing surveys and I know that we can't get into specifics of why people are leaving
But is it due to um distance being closer to home? Is it, you know, new opportunity? Is it money? Is it morale? Is it culture? What is why why are people wanting to leave us?
I believe that Mr. Marcato has been here before and has partially answered that. I think all the different rationale that you just listed are part of reasons for people to resign. I know that um
you know we just had Mr. Hildbrand here. It's probably you know a complex answer for him opportunity proximity to where he resides. Um so I do know that each person that does leave the board still does get the email to have an
opportunity to speak. So we can delve through those answers and come up with when those choose to answer. Often employees don't um answer that. I mean I would like to see because you know we've had so many resignations
you know month after month you know what is the root of the clause? Is it you know is it distance? Is it culture? It you know what what is it? I mean even if we have 10 responses I mean just just so we have it. I would I would also like to
see if there's you know a number of how many how many left in the last month and how many actually filled it out. Do you know I'd like to see those numbers as well. That's all I have. Is that all you had uh for the next section?
Any other questions regarding that? No. Can I get a roll call, please? Mrs. Fritz. Yes. Mrs. Ganick. Yes. Mr. Gibbons. Yes. Miss Gore. Yes. Mrs.
Henry. Okie do. So I am abstaining on 7.6 uh B. I am also abstaining on
7.6R and I am saying no on check number one. Oh, that's different. All right. All right. I was just so excited. Just say no. Yes. On the balance. Okay. Um Mr. Hutchinson, uh abstaining
on 7.6H ID 5721. I'm sorry. Slower 57 21. Thank you. I'm saying on 7.6s. Yes. On the balance. Mrs. Johnson. Yes. Mr. Dentina. Yes. Mr.
O'Donnell. I am abstaining on 7.6 C number 3746 7.6G 6G 0593 3705
and then yes on the balance noted. Can I get the report of the business administrator please? Under item eight, asking for the board's approval of uh 8.1 through 8.7
I. Can I get a motion, please? So moved, Mrs. Johnson. Thank you. Mrs. Gore second. Questions? Uh, I can start. Oh, please. Um, I apologize for not emailing these to you
earlier, but uh, so 8.6A the floor cleaner for like 100,000. Does that help us with that money in the cafeteria that we have to spend? Is that what that is? What number is that on there? It's 8.6A.
6A. I just want to look at it real quick. It's like a floor cleaner. Yes. This this two things. First of all, it it goes for cleaning the actual kitchens themselves and it's also part of the audit of spending down that money from the audit. So, it's two purposes and
this is one of the one of the things you are allowed to spend the money on. Okay. Yeah. Uh and then the other one, check 137621 was for mulch from the county conservatory. Can you just say that number again, please? 137621.
Thank you. To check what is for county conservatory for mulch and we we have the MUA has mulch that we make over there, right? And they ask us for buses to provide for, you know, for for different things. And
they ask that the MUA or the township the township MUA. I mean, okay. But it's now the sewer utility. I guess it's not the MU. Are they buying that mulch or they we Yeah, we paid for mulch. Oh, so but we give them buses. Like they'll ask us, can you guys provide us busing and
we're paying we're eating the cost for that. They're creating mulch over there and we're paying for mulch from an outside company. Is there any way we can maybe say, hey, can we have free mulch? It's the taxpayers money. We can ask that. That leads to my question
for can we see if can we see if he's done first? Okay. Um, yeah. I guess and then the the HVAC invoice for I guess Peterson is that we still have no no movement on hiring staff to do that ourselves. No, actually
we do have two full-time HVAC technicians. It's just uh you know it's 13 buildings, so we're we're still using assistance from outside companies. Okay, that's all I had. Is that all Mrs.
Hendry? Yep. uh 8.5D as in Disney. Um to your point, uh Keith, the township is asking for a donation of buses. What is the cost of this donation? Like if if if they were to hire the
buses, like what is it costing us? Because we're going to have to pay the bus drivers. Correct? Yeah, of course. Um, without knowing the actual days and hours, I can't give you a number to that, but I can tell you by looking at
the number of trips, it's got to be in the several low thousands probably. So, yeah, because it says not to exceed a total of 20 total trips. Yeah. Um, not knowing the hours, I can't really put a
number to it, but you know, knowing what the bus drivers make in 20 trips, you add that up, I'm sure we're going to be somewhere in the area of, you know, two two to 4,000 probably. Okay. Um, and the reason we do this for this
donation, uh, to have a good relationship with the town, I guess it's for the junior police. They ask that every our students. Listen, my kids go to the junior police academy, too. It's just, you know, the the cost of it.
You know, if like to your point, could it be a barter system? If we're spending or we're giving them $4,000 to use our buses, then can we have $4,000 worth of mulch? That was my point. Yeah. Yeah. So, that's coming out. It's the same taxpayers paying the dollar amount, you
know. So, however, it's coming out of our budget. What we need to spend money on here versus what they're Yeah. So, that was my question. And then the other question I have is 8.6B is in boy. Um
these dual uses um is this what is the long-term goal to ensure that we're not doubling up on spaces? Well, this is very common to have dual use uh things and and they really haven't really changed from year to year
uh other than when preschool came in. Um you know the the requirements of preschool. Um, I mean, obviously we're looking at possibly putting up another building, so that's going to aid a lot in cramming some of these uh students in the rooms that they're, you know, they probably uh
that we're expanding. Um, so having a building is probably going to help that issue. Um, that's probably the only explanation I can give you right now. All right. Thank you. Any other questions?
I um want to hear about check number 137546 and that is the electric bill at Mullen. It is outrageous and what have we done? We've been talking about this for months. I
have a couple explanations and thoughts for everyone here. Um I've been on the phone with them and and me being on the phone is going to get us nowhere. So two things I've looked at. I've looked at the electric bills of the entire district by school. So, the two bills that are really out of control compared
to the rest are Union Valley and Anne Mullen. Both of them run chillers to chill the entire school district. Um, no other building has that type of system. So, when you look at like an electric bill of Lewis, it'll be like $6,000 a
month. And then you'll look at Union Valley and it's $17,000 a month. and and Lewis is twice as big as as Union Valley. So, the only thing that could come into play is probably the makeup of the chilling systems in the in the district. The only thing I can say right
now, and I've started to inquire about it is if we want to take if we want to contract with an energy company to come in and review that for us because I'm getting nowhere with the electric company. They credit us like they changed the meter. They actually changed the meter and we got a credit for like
$1,700 is what they got. They gave us I thought it was 18. Mrs. Dina, can you turn your No, what? She she asked when the chillers were put in, but the only reason it's coming to your attention right now is because
prior to this year, we did one PO for all the electric. So, you never saw it by building. The only reason you're you're questioning it now is is because Yeah, that's the way it was. So I now they're individualized and you're seeing
it for the first time. I went back when we yeah when we when we first started this discussion many many many months ago. I went back and looked at specifically Mullen bills for the last few years. It has more than quadrupled.
There's no explanation for it. None of the other schools did. just theirs. The only thing I can say is to get an energy audit. You know, we're have to I'm sure we're going to have to pay something for it, but compared to what we're paying on the two bills, it's going to be more than worth it, I guess. Did we already
do an Don't we have a a energy binder that's this thick? That was from 2017. I mean, things have changed. That might be a stupid question, but does a does a chiller run in the winter time as well? It does, actually. Yeah.
Because what's that? What is it? Chill in the winter time. It's the only source of air flow in the district. So mullen is chill. I'm just saying. So in Union Valley is the same thing. So they both do the same type of
The only thing the chiller chills from to choose. He says it covers the whole district. No, no, no. Covers the whole school. It covers Oh, the district. Oh, covers covers the whole school. Wow. Glenn Landing has a partial chiller just
in the 600 wing but they're the only ones with chillers. I would recommend and I started to inquire about companies that come out and do that one at a time please for them to actually audit our electric bills for maybe you know a maybe a three
to five year period and see what they're coming up with and where where we're seeing a disassociation in the bill where where it happened because they did they did change it and I looked at the bill if you looked at the bill they build us for one thing from X you know
from date X to B and then for the the new system. They build us another thing and it was the same amount of money. It's not the It's not the actual um meter. It's It's astronomical. Something has to give. I'll inquire about it and I'll come back to you. Maybe we can have
a buildings and grounds committee meeting and uh we can talk about like the proposals I got of uh of I don't know if you want to do the entire district or you just want to do like Mullen and and Union Valley. The other ones are fairly consistent. Yeah. What what was Mullen this year? Do you
have it? $26,000. I mean, it was it was Mullen was $226,000 and Union Valley was 136 for the year. Not okay. I meant this month's Oh, the month was 2027,000. $27,000. That's for electric. For
electric. I have one more question. So, Sure. So, if if by chance the board votes no on said check number, right, and it passes that let's say the vote the board says, you know what,
we're not paying this. What happens? Well, I mean, I I would hope they're not going to shut the meter off to the school, but if it was your house, they would. I don't really know what's going to happen for one month. No, typically they they let it go a couple months, but not that I know, right? 5 years. Yeah, they they would treat it much like your
home. I think that I we would get nasty letters and threats of shut offs and various notices to comply within a certain date to avoid a shut off. All right. I say we talk to somebody though, right? Yeah. Yeah. Maybe they'll call you. Yeah, I can get them on the phone now. They're saying the bill's the bill.
That's why he changed the meter out. They thought there might have been a meter problem. They said there's not a meter problem. So, I I think we need we need someone to actually look at it and actually tell us there's something wrong or no, it's right. Was the chiller there four years ago, three years ago, last
year? Then it then it just doesn't make sense. It just doesn't Please pull pull the last three years of Mullen bills and compare monthtomon to month. Yeah. I mean, other than other than uh electric usage or or electric cost going up, which yeah, it's gone up, but I don't
think it's gone up that much. No, cuz then all the other schools would be the same percentage increase. They're just not you know, for for for Lewis to have a $6,000 bill and Ann Mullen to have, you know, a $27,000 bill. Doesn't make sense. Something's not something's not right there. I just have one uh turn
your is your Thank you. Um I don't know if you said this or not or clarified it. In the summer months, do you notice it going higher compared to the winter months? So, you believe it is related? Well, actually, we shouldn't see we should see it go down this summer because there is no chiller. We're
ripping it out. It won't be back up probably to the mid mid August. So, um we should see it drop. If that's if that's what's going on. Are there any uh computer servers at these two schools more than at other schools? They're they're off. Yeah, they're off. Okay.
Thank you. Any other questions? Can I get a roll call, please? Uh, Mrs. Fritz, yes. Mrs. Ganick, yes.
Mr. Given, I am uh no on check 137579 and I no on 8.4J with sublet letter G. Yes, on a balance. Miss Gore. Yes. Miss Henry,
I am a no on a 4J as in Jupiter. I am um no on check number
137546. Check number 137579. Yes on the balance. Mr. Hutchinson. Yes. Mr. Mrs. Johnson. I'm a no on check number 137546 13759
137869. Abstain on 137595 and 137718. Yes. On the balance. Noted. Mr. Dentino. Yes. Mr. O'Donnell. Um I am protesting.
It's my favorite right. And I am a no on check number 137546 until we figure things out. I'm going to change mine to no on that also then. 137546. Yeah, I thought you did put no for that. You already Oh, did I? I'm
sorry. I thought I had 5. He did 579 and 546. Add 546. Thanks for the support, Mr. Gibbons. I didn't realize I didn't say it. I'm looking at my I thought I thought he did put no for No, he said 579. Yeah, I have
579. I have 869 and he said 546. Yeah, 546. No, I have I have I have no for 546, 579 and 869 for him 8.4 J.4
J subg 37546. I was looking at this jump. Could I have done just a specific letter? What's that? Yeah, I would like Okay, good. We're We're not Wait, before we do this, please. I am Yes on the balance. Mrs. Hendry, you may change your vote. Yeah.
Uh I I'm not a no on all I'm not a no on all of them. I'm just no. I'm a I'm a hard no for uh J. Um and then subg. The others are fine, I guess. I thought if I
was no on one, I had to be no. Always pull it out. Okay. 8 point 8. What is it again? Uh 8.4 JG and two checks, right? Yes. And the two checks. Yes. I'm learning. Sorry. You're good. It's
fine. We good. All right. Thank any old business. Are you caught up, Mr. I know it's not I'm I'mma watch the video back. Thank goodness there's sound. It was a mess. I apologize. That's okay. You're good.
I wanted to compliment uh the middle school administrators and the admin school staff for um all their hard work in the graduations that all went off last week. I believe that the number was about 780
total eighth graders that are going to move on to high school. So, uh thank thank everybody who participated in all the different programs for those eighth graders and uh hope they do u great things in their high school careers.
Thank you. We're skipping business, right? uh public comments on any items. Again, I'm just going to ask that you raise your hand. I'll call on you. Name, where you live, um and please speak into the microphone. Anyone with comments? Any
items? Hi. Hello, my name is Ashley Demarco. I'm from Sichlerville, New Jersey. Um, good evening to all of you. The last two years have been a roller coaster ride, but I've enjoyed my time at Blackwood
despite the highs and lows. Blackwood is my home. I come in early, I leave late. Most say why. Well, as much as it can be a stressful and exhausting day, I love my job. I truly do. The staff at Blackwood and students motivated me, inspired me to go back to school to become a teacher myself. Something you
should know about me is that I will always stick up for my family, friends, staff, and students in my school. My whole life, I've um done this for others and never for myself. That's one thing my parents always wanted me to do. There have been a handful of moments at Blackwood where I did not stand up for
myself, whether it was in regards to parents, staff, or more importantly, admin. There were times where myself and another staff member would let admin know that things were occurring in the office that were not right. inappropriate behavior and inappropriate comments and much more. Later on,
actions would be taken against myself and another staff member. We presented evidence against the admin who put us in an unfortunate circumstance. I was going to stand up for myself because our other admin did not, and he let it get to the severity it did without any sort of
intervention or a call for mediation. The accusations held against me were found baseless, and I was able to move on. When the storm calmed, I was brought to the admin building. I was told that I would be moved to another school, that I was given a second chance, that I was part of part of the problems at
Blackwood. But nothing was ever elabor elaborated or explained to me. I was never asked about what I presented, what was occurring at Blackwood, or anything about myself. Just simply moved, and I should be grateful I was renewed. It was hard to accept. It broke my heart. I wrote a letter pleading for my drive, my
passion, and love for the school. I received a response to my letter a little while later and I was told that my letter was sincere and could be see how it can be seen how much it means to me to be there but to change their decision would make them look poor. I was told Mr. Les Leman the principal
at GT was an amazing person the school was great and that I would be okay. As I started to slowly accept that I would be there I also made it aware I wouldn't be able to stay as a secretary past the winter break due to my own school schedule. Mr. Mr. Marcato encouraged me to apply for a substitute position. On
the last day of school, I found out that the admin who brought me a deal of emotional and mental anguish and at one point physical anguish would not be returning to our school. But the thing I am struggling with in sickover is that the admin who enabled all the emotional and verbal abuse towards me to continue from the other admin was going to GT
with me and I would have to remain his secretary. The information has made me physically sick, emotionally distressed and has caused me to not be myself. I am to continue working under and for the person who let my abuser continue treating me however she wanted as well as other staff members all because I put
the information in the hands of people I thought would hear me out. I understand in the interest of Mr. Bill to give Blackwit a fresh slate. But you are leaving that front office with no guidance, no returning admin and no returning secretaries. That is a school that I believe will have close to 600
students this year. Please continue. close to 600 students this year with the influx of kinder incoming kindergarten registrations. You are sending an admin who normally has 200 students to a school that has almost three times the
amount. Two new secretaries who will be hit hard with so much new information and very little guidance. There are new there are students in that school who come to the front office seeking advice or help from myself or other secretary. But neither of us will be there. No familiar secretaries or no familiar
admin. No ad no guidance on our students who need and crave familiarity and normaly we were that for them there are certain students who have routines and regiments I haven't been given the opportunity to help a new secretary come in to that spot and introduce them to the usual suspects to show them how the
office needs to flow what needs to change what could be better how to navigate certain parents and guardians which teachers do need a little reminder for the usual things here and there and an introduction to the kids who need someone to say hi to and so on. This would also apply to admin. Mr. Lesman is
no doubt an extremely capable admin and a fantastic principal, but is going to take an adjustment period to get a full field for Blackwood. Mr. Lesman, the new the new front office staff, the faculty, students, and Blackwood community deserve that. I am just asking to give me the opportunity to help Blackwood and
its new admin start up over the summer and into the fall. I am not asking to stay forever. Let me help the office settle in and have its clean slate. Black will never be able to heal without a little bit of help. I need to heal as well. I cannot go to GT with the person who contributed to my distress. It is
eating away at me. Allow me to help where I can and then I can move on if I'm able to. I just want to do right by the school, the staff, the admin, the parents, and most importantly the kids. If I am given the opportunity, it will not go to waste. It will not be taken lightly and I won't squander it. I know
I am taking a risk by writing and asking this, but after all that I have been through, not at black would have been my life. It is better to take the risk than to say what if for the rest of my life. Any other comments? Public comments?
Anything? Yes. Anything? This is it. Yeah, this is it. Please use the microphone. Dorothy Hope Dole, terminated employee of Gloucester Township Schools. Uh I've been here several times. I was
terminated uh November 6th, 2024. Um I received I received a a letter from Mr. TRO, the assistant superintendent of instruction. And I received that letter
on April the 16th. So that's 5 and a half months after termination that I received the letter. And he sent it to me recognizing my 35 years of service many months after I was already
terminated. Uh he said it was an oversight that I was not recognized. Sure it was. Okay. Um let's go to Mr. Marcato and Desiree Marcato. Mr. Marcato is the bene or is the personnel
director. Desiree Marcato is the benefit specialist. I've been uh terminated since November 6, like I said, and I had 34 I'm sorry, 24 years and seven months contracted time, even though I had 37
years in with the district. 24 years, 7 months were contracted. You need to have 25 years of contracted time to get your benefits. I was terminated short of five months.
Do I have my benefits? No, I don't have my benefits. Mr. Baldo, um I would like to know I did ask this question at the last minute the meeting I attended. I would like to know how Orlando Marcato, the
personnel director, and Desiree Marcato, the benefit specialist are related. I went down to see Desiree two times. I wanted to ask her some questions about my benefits. I wanted to ask her some
questions. After all, I got 37 years in. Um, both times I heard that she was at a meeting. Um, again, I'm going to ask how are they related? I'm a taxpayer. I pay a heck of a lot of money in taxes. Uh, I
would like to know how they're related, if they're related, and how they're related. Now I remember Mr. Billo your answer to that question. Now I don't believe it.
Your answer was Do you remember your answer? I do. Oh, okay. Well, I'm going to ask it again, Dan. Are they related? Same answer as last time. Whether you believe it or not, they are not. And they work in the same office.
And your answer was no. Just like dismissed. Mrs. Deileo, can I just interrupt you for a minute? I know the timer went off, but Oh, okay. So, joining this board, I did a lot of
research. If you know anything about me, I am big on pay paytoplay, nepotism. I pull out who gives political donations here and there. When I see a name on an agenda,
I do a deep dive and I ask a lot of people to help me research. And that was researched by me and several people that I know and we could not find a connection between the
two. So I I'm just I'm just letting you know. I appreciate letting you know. But it would be like me. It would be like two deleos to work in the administration. Well, I think I think that last name is is Smith. Jones O'Donnell, quite honestly. Smith is
common, but Marcato isn't. But anyway, let me see if anyone else has anything else they want to contribute and then I would love to come back to you if necessary. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Is Is there anyone anyone else? Yes, ma'am.
Oh. Oh, he's next. Oh, is absolutely just I left school to come here tonight. Hey, name uh Kelly Porter. I live on Dorel Drive in B in Blackwood. I just wanted to come and um speak for
the end of the year because my son Gregory started this year in the worst condition after we felt he was placed inappropriately. Following testing, we agreed to an MD placement for next year at at uh CW Lewis. And I couldn't be happier. Mr. Vo, thank you for
everything because it was you who called me on the phone and spoke to me when we homeschooled our son for several months because we knew that wasn't the right placement. And I can't tell you how proud I am of you and like everything you did to bring him back and include him and then make his schedule right
with Mr. Emerson. Mr. Emerson, I was volunteering in the school at Lauren Fleming like the day before the last day. My son actually had like inclusion. He got to do the class trip. He got to finish the school. We did water, ice, and pretzels. My son didn't have the opportunity to order his fifth grade
yearbook because he was being homeschooled. And Mr. Emerson gave him his brand new yearbook in the room when they were doing the signing. And we had no idea. A, you can't make up the class act that Lauren Fleming is. Dr. Rose, I hope one day he's Dr.
Martin's successor because I think he'd be amazing in it. I think there's not every day that you meet people who genuinely care. And my son could not have went home on homebound and then came back the way he did if it wasn't for Mr. Bido calling me on the phone and setting up the placement that he did
with Dr. Rose, Mr. Emerson, with the whole school. And I just wanted to come and say thank you because I'm so other than the stats of the fighting at CW Lewis. I was so excited for CW Lewis because we're Indians, me and my husband. So I just wanted I there's a lot going on in your district and I don't I I don't know what's happening,
but I know for my son, I'm so proud of Dr. Rose, Mr. Emerson, the whole the whole way that they let my son finish that year. We did the Clement Park trip. We did the yearbook. My son came home with his first yearbook with all these signatures, including Mr.
Emerson's. You can't. This doesn't come from everyone. I really asked um Kevin O'Brien if he could send Mr. Emerson to Lewis and he told me no. No,
no, no. Wholeheartedly, I just wanted to come and tell you how proud I am, Mr. Bido, because this is not this I I'm so I this doesn't happen every day. Like, I literally was shopping for private Catholic schools and I knew he couldn't do it there. So, I just want to just
reiterate how proud I am and how much it means to the parents that you listen to us. Thank you so much. Thanks. Yeah. Thank you for coming out, Mrs. Porter, and sharing that. I recall the several meetings that you have been to
advocating for your kid, and I think every parent should do that the way that you did that, and I'm so glad that you're pleased with how things are going. That's awesome. Um, yes, sir. What's your name?
This is Jason. Jason Nova. Um, I I'll stand. Good evening, members of the board. Good evening, everyone. Um, my name is Tanya Ramos. Um, and I wanted to continue that same sentiment um that the parent had. Um, that you can't fake caring and um and um I'm here tonight as
a parent to speak on behalf of Miss Karly Ccloud, Miss C. She's affectionately known by all her kids as Miss C. She was my son's kindergarten teacher at Blackwood Elementary. And I cannot overstate the incredible impact that Miss C has had on my child during his first year of school. Um, as a
first-time parent, I was naturally anxious how he would adjust. Um, but Missy made this transition smooth. She was very supportive. She was very joyful. You could enter that classroom and see how much the kids enjoyed school. Um, I believe that a lot of the growth that my wonderful son has had is
a direct result of her professionalism, her compassion, and her dedication. She consistently maintained open and honest communication with families and made every parent feel welcomed and involved in their child's education. Whether it was organizing classroom uh
celebrations, which I know she often funded herself or coordinated through um parent donations or sending weekly updates. Uh she created a classroom environment built on warmth, trust, and inclusion. One gesture that stayed with me um was how she kept extra snacks
available for her kids. um who came to school without um any and um as a single parent there were times when I would be running behind or I'd be late or um I would not have enough financially and be struggling and I knew that my son would
be okay going to Missy's class. Oh, sorry. Um, but also at a time, excuse me, at a time when schools across the country are facing a shortage of qualified teachers, we should be doing everything we can uh to retain the great
educators we already have. Um, Missy is one of those great educators and it does break my heart to see someone who loves their job have to lose it. um her commitment, her empathy, her impact as you can see here with all the parents
who have come to support her, the kids who have come to support her are exactly what we should be keeping in our schools. Thank you. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Um, hello everyone. My name is Mercedes
Simber. I'm also here to support Miss. Um, I just have something to read about her. My name is Mercedes and my daughter Melody who's here with me today. She was in her kindergarten class last year. Um, I don't know who was more nervous about her starting school between me and her, but Missy reassured us from day one that
Melody would be fine. We maintain an open communication and worked together to ensure Melody had a successful first year. As a first-time mother with a child who did not attend preschool, I had so many questions and concerns about her success because I knew my daughter
was special and may need more help than her peers. Um, she had an expressive speech delay and was often misunderstood outside of family. Miss worked diligently to learn what our family calls me, which was her own language.
Um, she had annunciation as well as pronunciation issues when it came to saying certain words and letters, but Miss said not to worry and suggested Melody be evaluated for speech classes at Blackwood. Once Melody was approved,
sorry. Once Melody was approved um for her IEP services and speech, Miss Blackley and uh her reading teacher, Miss Aaron, as well as Miss C, didn't stop there. She also made time to work one-on-one with Melody during her free periods of the day to give her extra
time and attention she needed. This in turn boosted a newfound confidence in my daughter. It fostered a love for learning and exploring so much so that Melody hated to miss school even when she was sick. Miss Eve's dedication to helping Melody learn her ABCs, numbers, colors, learning to write her name, and
so much more were instrumental to her success in first grade this year. I can wholeheartedly say that she gave my daughter the essential building blocks to achieve whatever she puts her mind to. She is passionate about teaching and goes above and beyond for all her students to meet them right where they
are and help them grow. Missy made such an impact on Melody that she visited she visited her from the first day of school up until the very last day this year. I can't imagine Melody not being able to visit Missy next year. She has been a safe place for her since she started school and she also gave her peace of
She also gave me peace of mind and knowing that my daughter would be supported and nurtured when not in my care. Melody finished the fourth marking period this this year with three A's, one B and in her core subjects. And the first thing she said was, "I can't I
cannot wait to tell Miss C." Um Miss C is just not is not just a teacher. She's a mother figure, a nurturer, friend, and confidant to all of her students. She loves teaching and loves students beyond measure. Missy has so much more to do and so much more to give the students of Blackwood Elementary. I stand here today
in sol solidarity with Missy, her colleagues, um all the parents who came out and we ask that she reconsider because she's a really great teacher. Thank you. Thank you. Would anyone else like to speak?
Hi, my name is Samantha and I am here to speak on behalf of Miss Cyer. My daughter Ella had Miss C for kindergarten last year. I truly believe that kindergarten is one of the most important years of school because it establishes a foundation for learning
for our kids. And Miss C just did that for Ella and her entire class. She worked hard to make every child feel at home in class and developed a desire to learn. Ella thrived in her class. She woke up
every morning excited to go to school because she was looking forward to learning and spending time with Miss C. She always created a positive and engaging learning environment so that Ella could discover and develop the fundamental learning and social skills that kids need.
Kindergarten is hard for parents because our children are so young and Miss C made us parents feel comfortable and assured that our kids were in good hands. Miss C would always go above and beyond for her students. She attended one of Ella's gymnastics
competitions, which brought tears to Ella's eyes. She would eat lunch with the kids. One of Ella's favorite memories is when Miss threw a wedding for Q and U, which Ella will always cherish and
remember. Miss C always wanted her students to feel special. And on the last day of school, she wore a dress that all of her students drew artwork on. That was just very, very special to see that. I referred to Miss C as Miss
Honey from the movie Matilda. She is so sweet, so kind, so passionate about what she does. My daughter absolutely adored her and she was always so available for myself and for the other parents that it was easy to have a great relationship with her, too. Even
this year, when Ella was in first grade, she would go back and visit Miss C. Ella still talks about her all of the time and was always so happy whenever she saw her in the halls of Blackwood Elementary. Miss C really is an amazing teacher and such a huge asset to Blackwood
Elementary School. Would anyone else like to speak? Sorry, that'll move up to the front. Hi, my name is Angelica Seo. I have two amazing kids in Blackwood Elementary. Missy was my daughter's kindergarten teacher. Sorry if I get emotional.
My daughter, that's her best friend. She goes up to her class every single day. There's not a day that she doesn't go visit Missy. She helped my daughter through a whole lot of stuff. Especially us being bilingual, me being afraid that my daughter won't understand the
language. Missy took the extra step to be there with her and help her throughout the whole situation. My mother leaving on vacation. Missy was there for her. My daughter is there. I'm telling you, there's never a day that my daughter doesn't talk about Miss C. Missy is her best friend, her safe spot.
She goes to her classroom every day, hugs her. No, if she's not there, she's asking me, "Hey, mom, why did Missy come to school?" She's stalking her. that's her best friend and she every
single time if I need I send her email or something I give she gives back to me. If I need any help, she'll help me. If my daughter needs extra help, she's there. I Please think about it. She's the best teacher I ever had connection with. Especially for her being her first
time being in kindergarten, her safe spot. That literally when I tell you that there's not even a single day that she doesn't run to her classroom to go give her a hug. She could literally go to her classroom and talk to her about anything and Missy will be there to comfort her. Please think about it.
She's the best teacher ever. I'm sorry I didn't even read the note that I wrote because I got so emotional, but please think about it. Thank you. Any others? Yes, ma'am. Also probably going to get very
emotional. Okay. Your name? Uh, Christina Chiqua. Good luck. He needs it. Not me. I'm good. Um, again here on behalf of Miss C.
She was my son's kindergarten teacher last year. She had a tremendous impact on him. Not only did she prepare him academically, but also in his social interactions. My husband and I have been through quite
a few teachers in Gloucester Township schools with our daughter and now our son. We have encountered exceptional teachers, just fine teachers. And lastly, the teachers who just kind of want to get through the day. Miss C is one of the most exceptional teachers
that we have had the pleasure to have. She is also the most transparent and communicative. She gives updates, reminders, changes to schedules. Whenever we had to reach out to her, her answers were always prompt. Even if she
wasn't there that day, she was getting back to us. My son had a very hard time leaving us in the mornings for school. The only help thing that helped him was knowing that he would see Miss C when he got to school. Even now as a first grader, like
all the other kids, if he has an overwhelmingly emotional day, he knows that he can just go down to Missy's classroom and she can give him a hug, help him through his sadness or his anxiety. Knowing that he has and had a
teacher that cares so much for his well-being is a huge relief for us as parents. I don't know that I can adequately put into words how incredible a teacher Miss C is. There are tons of singular instances that I can bring up. How she
let my son see our family picture when he was missing us. How she made all of the kids smile when she stopped by his birthday party. How she made him so excited to read and learn that he literally could not wait to tell us as soon as he got off the bus what superkid
story they were working on today. And the list goes on and on. She has impacted the lives of so many students and families for the better. I don't know if my son would be doing as well as he is if not for her. Losing Miss T
would be a devastating loss, not only to my son, but to many of the students at Blackwood Elementary. I sincerely hope that the school board decides to reverse this decision. There are not enough teachers like her in this district.
Hello, Andrea Pritchette. I am writing to express my deep appreciation for Miss C, who has been nothing short of amazing this school year. This was my daughter Nala's first year in public school, which was nerve-wracking for me as a parent, especially coming from the comfort of watching her on daycare cameras. But
after meeting Miss C, I was immediately reassured that Nala was in good hands. And throughout the year, Missy actions constantly confirm that Nala absolutely loved going to school because of Miss C. On days when Missy was out sick, Nala would come home and tell me just how much she missed her. That alone speaks
volumes. Miss truly made a difference in her life, and I know she's done the same for many others. As a parent who volunteered for nearly every opportunity I could, I had the chance to witness firsthand how dedicated, pa, patient, and passionate Miss C is. She cares deeply for each and every one of her
students, treating them with kindness and respect while helping them grow both academically and emotionally. It is sincere hope that my daughter in the years to come will continue to be able to visit the kindergarten teacher who made such a meaningful impact on her life. Removing Miss C from her position will not only be a great loss to the
school, but also a disservice to the many children and families who benefit from her presence. Thank you for taking the time to consider the value of the heart Miss C brings to your school. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Hi. Oh, I'm Stevie. Uh, my daughter
Charlotte Foster and I'm also writing and speaking on behalf of Miss Cy. Um, I am writing this letter as a parent of a former student, Miss SE's, at Blackwood Elementary, to strongly express my support for the renewal of Carly Cockile, for the upcoming school year. In the very beginning of my
daughter's kindergarten year, it was very clear to me that Miss Cy was deeply committed to her students. Uh, at the start of the school year, um, my daughter had trouble writing her name. What she wrote was just a mix of letters out of order and barely recognizable and not even a straight line if we're being honest. Uh, it was a real challenge for
her. And as a parent, I was worried she would fall behind. But thanks to Miss C's patience, encouragement, and consistent guidance, we saw incredible progress. By the end of that year, not the school year, by the end of that year, she was writing her full name legibly and confidently. A huge milestone we were so proud of. And I
truly credit to the nurturing support she received in the classroom. My daughter had grown not only academically, but emotionally and socially under Missy's guidance. In a title one school community, I recognize how vital it is to have compassion and committed educators, and Misty is
exactly that. My husband and I were both fortunate to volunteer in the classroom many times last year, and we got to witness Missy consistently going above and beyond to ensure every student felt valued, included, and encouraged. Her classroom has always been a safe and welcoming environment that nurtures
curiosity, kindness, and confidence. As a parent, I could not have asked for a better introduction to my daughter's educational journey. Communication between Missy and the parents was consistent and thoughtful, and I always felt that Missy genuinely cared about my daughter's individual needs and success. Uh, my daughter's entering the second
grade this upcoming school year, and she will still draw pictures for Miss C, tell me she wants to make something for Missy, and even went through her jewelry box to give Missy a pair of earrings as a because I love her gift. Uh, last year, my daughter thinks of Miss C more than me, and that's not even an exaggeration.
It's clear to me that Miss Cy is not just teaching the basics. She's building a foundation that gives the students the confidence to learn and grow. Her ability to meet students where they are, especially in a title one setting, is truly special. My daughter came home excited to share what she learned and felt proud of herself. And that's a gift
every parent hopes for in a teacher. Our school was fortunate to have educators like Miss C, who brings such passion and ed and dedication to their work. I sincerely hope she is given the opportunity to continue serving our students and community. Thank you. Thank
you. Anyone else? Thank you. Uh, Mrs. Deileo, are you good? Well, so, so you come here a lot. We hear a lot from you. I appreciate that. If you have anything new to say, I would
be willing to listen. But it's I I do hear you. I know we cannot we cannot talk about employee issues.
You understand that? I appreciate that. Thank you. Are we going to do board member comments? Why don't we do board member comments while Okay, gotcha. So, board member comments.
Um, only only if you turn on your microphone. Mrs. Dentino, we're going to do board member comments and then we're going to go back into exact. Um, I wanted to just congratulate all the graduates. Uh, this year I had gone to uh Glenn Landing School and it was a
nice ceremony. Um, and then I'd also like to thank Mrs. Porter, I don't know if she's still here or not, um, for coming out. A lot of times we hear, you know, things that people are unhappy with, concerns, they have, issues that are going on, but we rarely get to have people come back in and give the positive feedback when things have
turned around and you've gotten the things that you need. So, I appreciate you coming back in, letting us know that. Thank you. Any other board members? I just wanted to say congratulations to all the graduates. I also went to graduate graduation at um Lois School
and it was really great to see all the students and their successes. Congratulations to all of them. Yeah, I would also like to congratulate all the eighth graders moving on to high school. It's always uh always good to see them moving on and growing up, but
it's also sad. So, and thank you for coming out. Thank you. Uh, I went to graduation as well and I will be honest at first I was like gh eighth grade graduation like why are we making such a big deal about this? Um, but watching
this and there was two students crying and it reminded me when I graduated high school. But it is a big step for these eighth graders. So, I am really happy and proud that we as a district make a
big deal out of this. Um, and um, wishing everybody well and a great summer and thank you for coming out. Anyone else? Um, I also did graduation at Mullen, um, and saw not only the sobbing kids in the audience, but
certain board members couldn't really control themselves either. Mrs. Henry, um, and it is always great to recognize our kids, whether it's star students, whether it's, you know, going to see their shows, the band, any all of those
things. Um, I also wanted to congratulate Mr. Hill Debran on his move. Um I almost voted no just because I would have been the only one. It would have went through anyway but still you know there there are laws against there are
even though we don't believe forced employment is so I just want to thank you for your service to the district. Um we know how hard you worked for us. You wore a lot of hats and um we certainly do appreciate that. Um, I also want to
thank everyone who came out to the meeting and spoke and I know maybe still will. Um, I just I'm a huge advocate that I go out and and talk about what I believe in and that's actually what got my behind in
this chair many many years ago. Um, so I just appreciate you guys, especially the younger people who come out. we see you and we hear you and we so appreciate the kids that come out and um advocate for what they believe in as well.
Um so can I get a motion to go back into exec Mrs. Johnson? Uh Mr. Gibbons, we are down to two matters of personnel. Uh we'll be at least an hour I would say. We'll come back after the hour and update anyone who's still remaining. We will have an
agenda item on the superintendent's evaluation. Yes. Um, we need a roll call. Yes. Uh, can I get a roll call, please? Mrs. Fritz? Yes. Mrs. Gallick? Yes. Mr. Given? Yes. Miss Gore? Yes. Mrs. Senry?
Yes. Mr. Hutchinson? Yes. Mrs. Johnson? Yes. Mr. Stino? Yes. Yes. If you vote no on a res if you vote no on a resation about his desire to leave him to that.
That's literally what it is. That's so great. All right. Yeah. I'm going to bring the meeting back to order. Can I get a roll call? Mr. Bido. Yes, you can. Mrs. Fritz, here.
Miss Gallick here. Mr. Gibbons here. Miss Gore here. Mrs. Henry here. Mr. Hutchinson. Mrs. Johnson is also absent. Mary Jonesino here.
Mrs. O'Donnell here. for you guys. New business. So, you're going back to new business. Yes. New new business, please. Uh, so under new business, you want to read in 4.1, which
would actually I think it's just going to be 9.1. Um, approve the 202425 school year evaluation of Superintendent John Bilv. Can I get a motion? Mrs. Gore first. Second.
Thanks Jim. Miss Gall second. Can I get a roll call? Mr. Bill now. Yes, you can. Mrs. Fritz? Yes. Miss Gallick? Yes. Mr. Gibbons? Yes. Miss Gore? Yes. Miss Henry? Yes. Mr. Hudson is not here
still. Mrs. Johnson is still not here. Mrs. Dentino here. Mrs. O'Donnell. Yes. Yes. Can I get a motion to adjurnn? So moved. Mr. Gibbons with the motion. I'll second it too.
Miss Gallin with the second. Have a good night all. All in favor? I I All right. The meeting ended at 11:25 p.m.