Mr. Given >> here. >> Miss Gore >> here. >> Miss Sandry >> here. >> Mr. Hutchinson >> here. >> Mrs. Johnson >> here. >> Mr. Tentina >> here. We have a motion for approval of minutes
July 21st. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any questions? Roll call, please. >> Mr. Gibbons. >> Yes. Miss Gore. >> Yes. >> Miss Sandry. Yes, >> Mr. Hudson. >> Yes, >> Mr. Johnson. >> Yes,
>> Mr. Dentina. >> Yes. >> Motion for regular minutes July 21st. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any questions? Roll call. >> Mr. Given. >> Uh, yes. Miss M. Score.
>> Yes. >> M. Henry? >> Yes. >> Miss Hutchinson? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Johnson? >> Yes. >> Miss Tintino? >> Yes. Public comments for agenda items only report. Mr. >> I don't have anything at this time.
Assistant >> we have update for the curriculum committee report from July 21st. >> Okay. Report of the superintendent. >> Thank you Mrs. Dentino. Members of the board, members of the public, welcome.
Um, I do have uh that the board would uh allow me to um make changes to this evening superintendent section of the agenda 7.6 I uh which has to do with transfers
uh on the attachment which is part of the agenda. Um the um items to withdraw under 6 involve uh certain staff. They would be
uh physically located on the fourth uh row beginning with employee ID number 2535 and the fifth row uh beginning with uh employee number 2112. Um, I'd like to just have some further
review on those before we make uh any changes. So, uh, those two rows, the fourth and fifth row this evening, would be withdrawn from consideration and that's the only changes, Mrs. Nino. >> Okay. >> So, with that said, if I could have a
consent resolution for items 7.2A through 7.6 >> P >> as amended. >> As amended. Thank you. >> Motion. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second.
>> Any questions? Ro call. >> Mr. Given. >> Uh, yes. As amended. >> Miss Gore. >> Yes. As amended. >> Mr. Sandre. >> Yes. As amended. >> Mr. Hutchinson. >> Yes. As amended.
>> M. Johnson? >> Yes. As amended. >> Mr. Dino. >> Yes. >> Mr. Polly >> asking for a consent approval of 8.0 through uh 8.7B >> moved
second. >> Any questions? Um I do go ahead >> uh with regards to 8.5B as in boy I have a couple questions. Um
with regards to the donations of the buses, is it possible that we could give a bus and the high school can give a bus or does it have to fall on our district? Well, I can't speak for the Black Wor
Spike Regional District. They certainly do own some busing resources. I don't know if if the uh people who are, I guess, facilitating this event um have asked the regional district. I know
they've come to us. We have as a district supported this in the past. So, we simply just put it on. I can however reach out to uh either the organizers themselves and
or speak to Dr. Risci on some shared uh moving moving forward. I don't know about I don't know if they want to delay this but >> okay doesn't regionally use our buses. >> They use our yard. >> They they use our yard and but they do now own some buses. I mean they have not
certain number but we certainly have the lion share one but I >> I >> I think I understand this point. >> The other question I have is god forbid um somebody gets hurt on in our parking lot
because um they're also going to be using what the elementary school on Blackwood. Who's responsible on that day? Well, if the board approves it, we'll we'll definitely be under our terms for sure.
>> So, we're responsible. Um the >> I would call it a shared responsibility. >> Shared responsibility. >> Yes. Because we're as the owner and then the inviteee, the other organization. I would say it's a shared liability responsibility. >> Do they have insurance? Like, god forbid something happens. >> Yes.
>> Okay. What happens if um one of our buses gets into a car accident with somebody else? Save analysis. >> Okay. So, and how much is this costing us this donation? >> I don't know the answer.
>> Two buses for what? Seven hours. >> Mhm. >> Plus payroll, gas, >> insurance. >> Insurance. The possibility of what if? >> Yeah. You're probably talking about a thousand bucks maybe or less. >> Yeah. Yeah. Less than a thousand.
>> Okay. I mean, not to be a Scrooge, but I think going forward, we should think about something that's reciprocal. I mean, I feel like we're we're giving. We're always being asked to give and what is
being given to us in return, you know? So whether it's a small you know um fee that this organization does or we don't do it um going forward I
just think is something to think about because there is a lot of things that could happen and then we're on the hook for it you know so just that's my two cents. >> Yeah I don't if I could speak up now I I don't disagree um fully with you know
with what she's saying. I I brought it up before with like the pumpkin festival for instance, but I would question like what what do you want from them? You know, what do we >> what are you asking asking for? It would be up to us to ask for for something to
not donate it. I understand like when you know the pumpkin festival, my suggestion was that maybe we >> ask them for a tent and we can set up to, you know, hey, we're hiring, you know, like that's another opportunity that we could use. I don't know if that's something that can be done >> at this event in particular here, but I
don't know that we actually took advantage of it, but I don't know what we would be asking in a case like and we were talking earlier about a scenario where we needed to use the regional districts schools. They were going to charge us for something. So, other things like that, you know, you know, we
could be more, you know, reciprocating, but I I don't know what you would ask them for. You know what I mean? I don't know if there's a spot that we could get for doing something ourselves, but then that requires additional money that you're paying staff to go. >> Yeah.
>> You know, staff. >> I think that one of the things that is uh clear, if I might, Mrs. uh Dentino, is there are times that certain reciprocal things are ongoing. We just they're not always on an agenda as we do
it. We're doing some of this for insurance reasons to be honest with you. Um, and I would cite uh the township is been um very good about when we have events in the fall. The district doesn't have
exterior lighting and I know that on different occasions whether it be middle school or an elementary school we call u the township and they these things that they bring like on generators and they have lights go up >> because I started asking Mr. Umar
facilities where I said where these these are beautiful where' they come from and township came they set them up they instructed our staff on how to use them and then they came when the event was over and took them back and that's that's just I think being communal which is you know kind of we've got your back
kind of and >> similarly this summer we had the most instrumental music children in camp and the supervisor of that program and Mr. They wanted to make the event for all these children nicer than it had
been. So the approach through Blackhorse Pike Regional to use one of the auditoriums. The initial price which is set by their board was um you know a challenge. So I happened to hear about it. I simply called uh the regional
district and they substantially reduced the price to allow us to have that location. Timber Creek Auditorium for three nights for a a very very small amount of money which again it wasn't free per se but based upon what it
should have been and it was good that you know parents in the community could see their kids and the kids were up on an auditorium. So I'm only citing a couple. I'm not you know it's hard to have that even scale. Um, but there are
things that I just know of that I would be not fair to tell everyone. There is some of that going on which which should go on in a community that has a lot of rich resources like lost town. >> Okay. >> Ultimately, it's the same people paying the bill who's budget coming out.
>> Agreed. But I I can talk about the busing. >> Okay. >> Miss Johnson question. >> Yes. Um my question basically um is on the bill list Palas Pulcasa >> Palaska >> Palaska Palaska Mechanical has a total
of 5,399,5246 for HVAC. I I suppose that's part of the Rod grant. >> Um is the job complete at this amount? No, we're uh I would say we're threequarters of the way in. They're
closing in on buttoning up the schools. Buttoning up the schools right now. Um you know, um that's the biggest bill we've gotten so far. I want of the $18 million that's their contract. I want to say we're about $13 million in. >> Okay. >> So, we're closing in on it.
>> Okay. Um that is for air conditioning in every gym. Is that correct? >> Every gymnasium. Correct. plus uh Glenn Landing and uh the new chillers at um >> Mullen and Mullen >> the chillers at Mullen then u knowing
the problems there that we have is this going to fix this >> what pro exactly what problems are you talking about electric or other other problems >> moisture >> I would think so these are um you know a high efficient type chiller those chillers are from the early 90s um I'm
looking to see both the electric bill go down and and uh you know a more um you know I guess environment change in there for sure. >> Yeah. Actually the electric was one of the the things that
>> I would look to see that drastically change with those new chillers going in. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. That's it. Thank you. We have a roll call, please. >> Mr. Given. Um before that I was just going to mention uh 8.4A.
Um I had already talked to you about I was going to question why we needed that but um that's for money that we had to spend basically by the state. So um on your question I am a no on checks 138
3938307 and yes on the balance >> miss Gore. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Henry, >> I am a no on check number 1 383 93
and yes on the balance. >> Mr. Roinson. Yes, Mr. Johnson. >> I'm a no on 138307 138393. Abstain on check number 138312
and 138398. Yes. On the balance >> Mina. >> Yes. >> Carries. >> Yeah. Carries. >> Any old business? Mild. >> No. Just >> any new business?
>> None. Yes. I have should I have two items under new business? Mrs. Ino. Um, I would ask the board of education to approve a resolution to make a change to the 2025 2026 yearly calendar. Uh, this
change would be specific to October 31st. October 31st is currently a full day. Uh, the recommendation would be for October 31st, which is a Friday, to be a single session day. Um, should the board approve this, I
will um change the uh calendar and place it up on the website and inform parents and guardians as soon as possible. >> You have another item. >> I do. Uh, but the second item I have um here and Josh, our technician, hold on one second, Josh. Can we do them one at
a time? >> Yeah. Do you want to do the motion? >> I do want to do the motion, see a vote, and then we'll do the last. >> Okay. I just wasn't sure if it was a motion. >> Just two. Nope. Just one item. A motion for the change to the calendar. >> We're making note that it's not precedent setting. >> It's not precedent setting. >> Thank you, Mr. Gibbons. Yes, this uh
this recommendation is not precedent setting for future years. >> So moved. >> Second. >> It's a roll call. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Gibbons. >> Yes. >> Miss Gore. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Hendry. >> No. >> Mr. Hutcherson, >> yes. Mrs. Johnson, >> yes. >> Mr. Dentiana, >> yes. >> Carries. >> Second item, Mr. Ba. >> Uh, second item. Uh it was uh truly uh a
nice uh on the 12th of August last week uh we were uh the district invited to the college of New Jersey where the uh department of education was going to recognize the 21 counties specifically
the county teacher of the year township public schools um uh was uh the district who has the county teacher of the year. Um that individual teacher is also the district teacher of the year and she was
recognized in May at an Mullen school. Her name is Heidi Kowalsski. It was very uh very well done and very polished. The ceremony from the department of education. Uh Mrs. Kowalsski had an opportunity to film a
little uh segment of why she is in the teaching profession. And each of the 21 winners was um their little video was shown as they got to come up with their county uh representative, the superintendent was there and the commissioner of education. Um so we
recently were um given the little video that Miss Kowalsski um had prepared and we have it here for everyone tonight on the screen. So Josh, you want to ceue it up? County Teacher of the Year is Heidi Kowalsski.
Heidi is an English language arts teacher at the Ann A. Mullen Middle School in the Glosser Township School District. Heidi is accompanied by her district superintendent John Bilo, principal Angelica Rosebounds,
um Camden County Educational Specialist, uh our Arenda Kelly Fleming, and assistant to the Executive County Superintendent Anna Elara. Please cue the video. I think Miss Kowalsski was an amazing
teacher is because she would act out her lessons and she would just be so lively. She would jump off the tables, growl at us, and we all personally love these things because she would make she showed
us that she loved her job and she also showed us that teaching her us these things meant something to her as well. I love teaching because it's about building relationships, fostering a culture of respect, and empowering my
students to succeed. I love when they ask difficult questions, when they smile because they've conquered a new skill, and when they have the confidence to share their innovative ideas. I'm the luckiest educator to teach at my present school. I would not be making this video if it were not for the dedication of my
administrators, the knowledge, love, and care of my colleagues, and the joy of my students. So, uh, it was, uh, great. So, congratulations to Heidi Gowalsski, uh, who is the Cameron County teacher of the year for the 25 26 school year. So,
that's, uh, pretty good, pretty good for us. Again, I've lost track, Mr. Tro, how many county teachers of the year? >> Making the list last week, I think it's eight. >> Eight. >> Yeah. Yeah. Good for us. So that's all I
have. Thank you, Missino. >> Public comments for any items. >> If you just stand, state your name. >> If you come to the mic. Yeah, just so everyone can hear you and video. >> Denise Coin, choose landing. Is that
okay? Um, I just would like to know if the board could possibly have the policy committee reconsider uh changes that were made to I believe it's policy 7510
um that was changed in I believe 2020 to prevent um residents from using schools to have meet and greets. And I believe the language that was
added to that policy in 2020 um said something along the lines of uh partisan political activity was not allowed. But school boards are nonpartisan
and so I don't believe that should fall under that category of partisan political activity. And um so I'd like to know if the policy committee could take another look at that and determine if that's something that the residents may be able to do um
in the near future. Seeing as how our tax dollars paid for the schools, it would be nice for us to be able to use them. So, >> so Miss Ky, uh, the board president who is not here this evening uh, sets the
committees and I will pass that along to her to send to the policy committee for its consideration. >> So, Jen O'Donnell does that. >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Any other public comments? Yeah. Want to come back?
Good evening. Uh, Amir Ays, I'm in Woodmill Pond. Um, Randy Miller and Ariel to the Gloucester Township Board and Superintendent Bilo. Uh, we thank you for this opportunity to speak to you
tonight on behalf of our school district's black families. As parents of Gloucester Township students, we're deeply invested in the success of Gloucester Township schools. We come to you in that spirit, seeking to partner with the district on several key
initiatives to support the academic growth and proficiency of our black students. According to the district school performance report, as shared on the district website, a higher percentage of our black students in our district are not meeting or exceeding state testing expectations in both
literacy and mathematics. While the why behind this data requires investigation, some prior research can shed light on the issue. Scholarly studies and reports indicate that black students perform better academically when taught by black
teachers. Black students perform better when culturally responsive instruction and materials are present in classrooms across all content areas. Black students perform better when they remain in the classroom rather than being removed due to exclusionary discipline measures. To
that end, as black parents of Gloucester Township's black students, we would like to partner with you to bring a few ideas to life in the district to support the academic outcomes of our students. These measures are not an indictment of the teachers, administrators, and staff
across our district who work tirelessly to prepare our students to become productive, successful adults. We have great relationships with the various faculty members and administration where our students attend school. In our experience here, teachers and principles
invite our concerns and they work with us to provide our students with the support we request. Again, our goal here is to establish a partnership on behalf of our students. We desire to see the district take an active role in bringing forth the following measures. First, recruiting and retaining
African-American teachers. Second, adding and implementing a culturally responsive curriculum across all content areas and grade levels. Third, supporting that with training teachers on culturally responsive instructional techniques. and last, reducing the disproportionate suspension of black
students within the district. According to scholarly research, we believe these measures will address our concerns about black student academic performance in Gloucester Township. We also believe that we must serve as partners with you to help make these measures a reality. In parting, we provided you with the
fact sheet for your review I have right here. We believe deeply in our Gloucester Township schools, and we believe that together we can build on the district's progress. Thank you for your time. and we look forward to a fruitful partnership. I'll just give you some of these and you can pass them.
>> Sure. Thank you. >> So, Mr. Ays and Mr. Miller, thank you both for coming this evening and um stating uh why uh what prompted you here and I I I'm going to thank you for bringing something as well. So, um, you
know, perhaps before you leave, we can get your contact information. Maybe, uh, something that we can springboard into a conversation perhaps with, uh, Mr. Tro and I to just, uh, have an initial conversation and see where it goes. >> All right. Thank you, Matt.
>> Thank you for coming out. Hi, Nancy Kelly from Blackwood. Um, just to piggyback off of Miss Coin's statement about open dialogue, having meet and greets. Um, if we could I just remember back in gosh, I wrote it
down. 2011, I remember board of education members coming to Choose Elementary for FSA meetings. And if we could bring that back now to having meet and greets with potential board of education
candidates and with those two gentlemen, if that could be brought to the candidates, they have a great idea. How would new candidates, they could have a Q&A? Perfect. We just have a board here. We have three new members that could be possibly coming
in. So, a meet and greet would be great. We have We need We need that. We need open transparency. We need people to be accountable. We need to have a Q&A. The residents need to be educated on who's going to be taking care of the most
vulnerable population, our children, and we need to hear from them. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other public comments? We'll close public comments. We have any board member comments.
Go ahead, Miss. >> A couple things. Um, one, thank you so much for coming out. Um, it's really awesome to see parents coming to schoolboard me uh meetings and and community members coming into
schoolboard me uh meetings and and having great uh ideas and and questions. So, that's really awesome to see. Um, also, um, congratulations to our teacher of the year for Camden County. I think
that is a real feather, uh, in the district's cap. You said that there's eight um, in the past how many years? Like 15, 20 years. That's pretty cool. Uh, that's a really great uh, recruiting technique. I hope uh you know that is
used when we are talking to potential candidates that hey listen you too could be a future uh teacher of the year. Um also being that this is August uh school board meeting I wish everybody all the teachers and the students a really great
first day of school um and hope that it's going to be an awesome year. So that's all I have. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any other board member comments? I'd just like to say congratulations to Mrs. Kowski. She did did us proud.
>> Any other board member comments? >> Yeah, I'd like to say congratulations to I'm going to butcher the name again, Mrs. Mowski. >> Um, I also wanted to thank Mr. Ayes and Miller for bringing that up. And just tonight, we introduced or we approved
the um district goals of other ways for parents to get, you know, to get involved. Also, this is a great opportunity to help meet some of those goals and thank you for coming out and bringing that up. Uh, and thank everybody else for coming out in your comments and have a great first day of school.
>> Anything else? >> Yes. So, um, congratulations to Miss Kovalski um for becoming Cam County Teacher of the Year. That's that is definitely um something to be proud of for her and for the district. Um, also thank you to Mr. Ays and Mr. Miller for coming out and
speaking again. is great to have parents coming out and being actively involved um having your voice heard. So, I look forward to seeing what partnership comes of that and um thanks for everybody else for coming out as well and have a wonderful school year to our teachers and students. >> Um I'd just like to say a
congratulations to Mrs. Kowaloski as well. Um and also thank you to Mr. Heirs, Mr. Miller coming out and thank you for everyone coming out this evening. We have a motion to adjurnn. So moved. >> Second. >> Second. Thank you.