Sometimes some of the things go flies. >> Yeah. >> Darl, did you turn your signed paper on? >> Yeah. What's that? >> Did you turn your sign paper? >> Yes, I did. Yes, I did. >> You actually did something that >> I turned that one in and then I updated my other one and turned it in today
and before apparently the April 30th deadline. Yeah. >> Shout out to Tom for knowing our habits. >> All right, it's in. If I had told you all April 30th and I'd be reaching out to you on April 29th, wouldn't I have been bad until April 30th? Um, but
honestly, one of the reasons why is because I do all of that stuff on one computer and if I'm not home and I don't get to it, I will not pull it up on my phone for reasons like like I learned that early on. Atlantic Hair used to be nuts about stuff. So, I don't keep work email on my phone
>> because that's that's state dollars, that's federal dollars, that's HIPPA, that's for everything. >> So, I have to wait till I get home to that computer and it's a desktop. It's not a laptop where I do all that kind of stuff. So, it's just that's aside from me being late and slow with it.
>> That's alphabet city. >> Yeah. That's another reason why I'm always delayed with those things. >> I do have my board email. I don't check that computer enough. I got to be able to see. >> Mine hasn't. I haven't had my computer. Yeah, I mean >> that computer is where I have my board
email signed into, but I don't check it enough. So that's why I had to put my board email on my phone. But >> I try not to do any other documents, anything. >> If I do something then now my personal phone becomes a checkout. >> You guys ready?
I'd like to bring this meeting to order. >> I'm sorry. >> Oh, I was just going to Are we going to do the thing again? >> Yeah, I got to do the notice. Adequate notices given this meeting is required by law. Notice for publication of district official newspapers posted in the Absigami, Cedar Creek, and Oakrest high schools and forwarded to all the clerks of the municipalities within this
school district. There are two opportunities to address the members of the board. The board values and welcomes comments and opinions from residents as long as remarks are not personal or discourteous. The public comment portion of the meeting allows the board to listen to community members and to hear their opinions of school policy and operations. The first public portion
reserved for persons wishing to speak about agenda items only. The second opportunity following the action items when residents may address the board on any school related issue. Each speaker is asked to limit their comments to three minutes and you're not permit to yield your time to another. The public comment portion of meeting during both sessions will not exceed 30 minutes.
Upon being recognized, persons wishing to speak should stand and identify themselves by name and count. It's up to you. Okay. >> We We already did the flag salute and everything before we started the meeting because we had an earlier meeting. So, if nobody objects, we'll just skip that.
We already did the moment of silence and roll call. So, I'll move down to number five, which is I need a motion to approve the minutes. >> Second. >> The minutes have been moved and seconded. Any questions, comments, or
corrections? Edmonds, >> I abstain. >> Gunther, >> yes. >> Hasa, >> yes. >> Carly, >> yes. >> Storio, >> yes. >> Wright, >> yes. >> Hal, >> yes. >> Motion's approved.
>> We have some special presentations tonight. >> We do. I'm sorry, I'm flirting with a cute puppy. Um, I'm going to ask Mr. Parker to come up and introduce staff and students from the American Rocketry Challenge. >> One of our teachers been very
successful. Moving on. Good evening. Thank you. It's my pleasure to be here again. I want to thank the board and the district as a whole for support of the programs like this that really allow the children um to to to to fly and to be able to uh do
amazing things. So these four gentlemen entered the American Rocketry Challenge. 1,17 other schools entered and we finished in the top 100 in the country and are invited to the nationals on May 16th
down in Washington DC. several other parts of the competition. There's a presentation um portion, there's a new team um portion, and then there's the actual rocketry challenge itself. In addition to making the top 100 in the
country, um our boys were asked to represent New Jersey at the Rockets on the Hill event where they're going to um go to Capitol Hill, uh meet with and promote STEM activities and rocketry to members of the House of Representatives
and the Senate. So, we're super excited about the two days and we we thank you very much uh for your support of that travel. So, I'll let the boys tell you more about what exactly they did in class and uh be good. >> So, a lot of what we've done is we've
gone through the entire engineering process. We've started with just research then went into design and actual building was a huge part of this. A lot of other projects don't get into the building part. We are fully in building testing for the last couple months and we've learned a lot about the
process. Everything goes on. has prepared us a lot for the next level in college next year. Um, and it's also been a lot of fun to work together on this because we've learned how to put this rocket together. We've learned how to look at data, how to test it, how to
run the simulations, and doing it together is a lot of fun. And now to see that work, be put at the level it's going to be put at, to be put up for the prizes, and the recognition we're getting for it is it's amazing. So, thank you guys for your support. He's
downplaying. We ran the the rocket ran the rocket with two altimeters in it that real time gives us speed. We run outside. We run the rocket run back inside. We run the we adjust several aspects of the rocket.
There's lot weighted overhead the wind blowing and and temperature and lots of other things. So we're analyzing and in real time going back out and project. So there was really a lot of highle technical analysis
to get where they are. >> Yeah, we're looking we're looking for a really big performance when we get down there. Some of the scores we've we've been able to hit would have not just won the competition, but would have like really made an impact last year and in previous competitions. And so we're looking to to get down there and to
repeat our numbers and to to win. >> Thank you guys. >> Could you guys introduce yourself? Age, grade, maybe where you're thinking about for school. >> My name is Jacob Days. I'm a senior here at Cedar Creek. I'm 18 years old. And right now I'm looking between two
schools, Rutgers and Embry Riddle for aeronautical engineering. >> I'm Richard Gonzalez. I'm 18 years old. I'm currently enrolled at uh Ruckers University for civil engineering. My name is Namin Patel. I'm 18 or 17
years old and I'm a senior and I'm currently looking at Ruckers University for civil engineering. >> My name is CJ. I'm a senior here and I'm going to the United States Merchant Marine Academy next year for marine engineering and ship management.
>> Hopefully with lots of money and um and >> questions. Yeah, I have a couple questions. So, um, are they doing the research to find the materials to build the rockets for for the program? You know, not only the materials, but you
know, I'm I'm sure when you're um launching the rockets, it's it's got to go to a certain distance, certain height, certain speed. Are are you researching and finding the materials to use to make sure it reaches those heights? And how are you finding the materials? What research are you doing
to find the materials? >> Yeah, we started with just the basic like overall looking at what a rocket is and then really breaking down in parts. We've looked at everything from the shape of the the nose cone, shape of the fins down to what they're built out of. Everything like that is been weighed,
decision matrix, everything was put through rigorous testing before being put on the rocket. A lot of stuff we've actually gotten the chance to build in-house with 3D printing and make it ourselves instead of just buying it. But the stuff we have to buy, we have to buy. >> Yeah. >> Where where are you finding the
information to um >> um we look on so Model Rocketry a lot of people are really involved in that and so going online just looking up there's a lot of people who've been doing this for a very long time. They'll put it all out there in forums online and help
share information with us. Other information we can't find online. We'll go and test until we can figure out the information for ourselves. um basic aerodynamics and information like that. We're looking at like NASA and other >> aerospace because it's not much different from a normal rocket. It's
just scaled down. >> That's exactly what I was getting at because uh NASA puts out information about their their rockets. I mean, so now you're just taking, you know, to a smaller scale. So, I mean, there's information out there. There's I would I knew where people get it from. I was
want to see where you guys get it from. So, that No, it's great. I mean that's that's that's a you know even like um Loheed Martin and those folks that that are into the aerospace >> engineering side of it those that information is out there. It's cleaned so you don't know what it what it was
used for but there's information there. So that's great though. >> Yeah we're looking >> good good >> and we're looking to meet with Lockheed Rathon down in DC. They're going to have representatives talk to us. >> Good congratulations. How are your rockets
propelled? What's what's your power source? >> We have um we have like a solid fuel propellant motor. >> Okay. >> Um it's an F-class. So it's >> in my that's pretty powerful for what we have going on >> like the height.
>> Yeah. So the required height was 750 ft. On one test flight we managed to hit that exactly. The next requirement we had to hit was it had to land within 36 to 39 seconds of launch, which was probably the hardest part because that's taking into account the time up and then
the time back down is really hard to manage with wind and the parachutes and all that. And to have almost never missed that mark, which is a really big accomplishment for us. And then the last part, we had to keep an egg in there without it breaking. And I don't think we've had the egg break once, even when
we landed on the So, have you had to design any of your pieces? Um, >> yeah. >> So, what do you use? Uh, Blender, CAD, like what what is your design software as a >> Yeah. So, for designing pieces that we 3D print, we use Fusion 360, which is a
CAD software and we're able to take it straight from that to the 3D printer, and manufacture our parts. >> Awesome. They mathematically analyze everything from parachute mechanics behind how to get down.
>> It's it's awesome real world experience. These are things that uh college students are doing in design labs for um aerospace uh mechanical engineering things like that. So kudos to these young men. >> I don't see any other questions. So I just wanted to make sure I said thank you for coming here tonight but thank
you for representing us. >> Yes. >> You know it makes us really proud to have people going out and doing anything and to do it and be successful and being able to share that with us. So you know good luck when you go back and uh keep going. I I would ask questions but it's like already over my head so
>> good luck and thank you. >> I do have one question if possible. Are you competing against college students as well or is this all high school level? >> Okay. >> Nationwide. >> Yeah. I was gonna say I can't imagine how many Jersey schools are actually
doing this. >> Um >> I think there's seven. were one of seven that were only >> to think that that you guys are doing this kind of work on a high at a high school, you know, that seems like
college level, >> you know, mechanics. That's incredible. >> That's what the programs us do. Um, I have girls studying neurotropic factors and axon development in this class. I've got a young lady
who's one of my environmental science students looking at possible bio adhesives from the muscle that attaches project environment they all feed off each other
and help each other one of the greatest things in my career have been >> amazing as part thank you >> um is any we can follow the team at nationals. Is there like a social media page or someplace that we can follow? >> Thank you. >> Let me know and I'll forward it out.
>> Thank you. >> That's a great question. >> Congratulations guys AND that's amazing. >> Very cool. >> So good luck following that. Okay, before I turn it over to the supervisor, talk about our teacher and
ed services professional of the year. Um, this is a year I would definitely like to be in their shoes. I think it's really easy to talk about these two. Um, one thing I want to say, you know, both of them, um, oftentimes in our student of the month, I tell the parents, we we
are looking for teachers and counselors and I think in our district, we're looking for people that are going to do the job very well, but what's really important to me, I know I always look at, I know my admin team does, your own children were here, but you want them around these people um, as a counselor,
as a teacher. And I think with both of the individuals you're going to meet tonight, um, that is a definite 100% yes. I don't think there's many people that work harder at what they do than these two individuals. Um, they genuinely care about their students and
making their experience. Very fortunate to have these two tonight. Start off with Mr. Good evening everybody. Um, thank you for being here. Um, my name is Jim Ernie. I'm the supervisor of social studies as Scott said and I'm here
tonight to talk about our amazing teacher of the year, Miss Kim Briles. Um, she started in the district in 2004 and chances are if you've ever heard of the class in social studies, she has taught it. She has great depth, great
knowledge, unbelievable work ethic. um to help bring social studies to life every day in her class. Um the highest compliment I can give, like Mr. Parker said, is if my kids came to Cedar Creek, I would want them to have her as a
teacher. First of all, she has a growth mindset. She doesn't take her summers off. She has been accepted into multiple fellowships over the course of the past couple of summers. Um she's been to the Spear Institute. uh William, she's going
to be going to William and Mary this summer. She's also going to be going to the Ohio State this summer um for an institute on the Declaration of Independence. And she doesn't just go to these seminars, she brings them back to us because one
of the things that makes Miss Bry so special is that she's a transformative figure in our building. She wants to make all of us better at what we do, students, teachers alike. Um, one example of that is she started a book
club this year, um, which culminated in all of us going to, uh, Montichello a couple weeks ago. Um, and the idea wasn't just to to go on a trip or to hang out. It was to find out ways we can make our lessons, our school more
inclusive for all of our students. Um, she is a leader amongst her peers. Um, but beyond that, where she really shines is in the classroom. She has an amazing passion for social studies.
Every day she's standing in the hallway talking to kids, greeting them as they come in the door, getting them fired up for whatever her lesson of the day is. Um, and she she crosses all kinds of barriers as a teacher. Sometimes the the win in her her class for the day is
getting kids to understand three sentences of the Declaration of Independence and that's the win. Sometimes amazingly the win is making independent regulatory agencies interesting to 15 year olds. Okay. So,
which to me is interesting, but I think to the average 15year-old, it's not. I was so lucky the other day to get invited into her class. Um she has 28 kids in in two separate classes. So 28 and 28 um AP government kids this year.
Um and these kids know so much about our government and how our government works and how our society works. Uh it's amazing. So long story short, I was invited in. They have a uh they're doing a tournament like an NCA basketball tournament for what is the most important thing. So, if you can get 16
year olds arguing about um the Federal Reserve versus Marberry versus Madison, >> you're doing something pretty special. Um and and that's what Miss Miss Browse does. She lights a fire on her kids and gets them excited about what makes, you know, what makes our role as citizens so
important. Um and and if you're ever in the hallway and you get a chance to to pop your head in to see what she's doing, it's really special what's happening in her class. Um, so I asked a couple of students to say like if you were going to describe Miss Briles in one word, what would it be?
And some of the things that that came through were enthusiastic, trusting, fun, and I think what we all would say, "Oh my god, I love Miss Bryles." Wait, that's more than one word, compassionate. >> All right. So, Miss Briles has an
amazing impact on our kids. She has an amazing impact on our staff. She is a true model of what you would want a social studies teacher to be. I couldn't be any prouder to introduce this creek teacher of the year, Miss Kim Bry. >> Ernie, you had to hug me.
>> Tik Tok. No, I did write a small thing. I kept it small um because I didn't want to mess up. I've spoken in front of this board a number of times and uh tonight is the hardest thing I've ever had to do because first, thank you. Um
I've worked with this board a number of times and you guys have always been so generous and but you only have so many times to say thank you publicly to people. So, I just want to make sure that to Jim,
to Scott, even though sometimes he can be sassy, to Tom, to James. Um, and then to every person who works in this building. Um, especially tonight. I know Finn is here,
Cash and, uh, Cass and, uh, Kramer. they are. You guys are my go-to people when I'm doing something crazy in the classroom. Um, but ultimately what all of these people always say to me is yes, and this is where my focus is going to
be tonight. No matter what I'm doing, no matter how ambitious, unconventional, last minute, or even crazy, like what Ernie was just telling you about, I literally said to him two periods before, can you stop in my room and do something? And he says yes. And yes is
very powerful. Yes means trust. Yes means possibility. And yes means believing that we can be encouraged to be bigger than what we think we are right now. But yes for me is also very personal.
In 2014 I came to Cedar Creek. I was involuntarily transferred here after my mom died. And it was a lot. I had to move out of my house, uh, step down from coaching
and uh, take guardianship of my sister and I felt like my world was ending. And I came into this building and in 2014, Cedar Creek said yes to me. Um, yes to supporting me, yes to welcoming my
family. very literally my family, my daughter came here and graduated from this high school. Um, and yes to helping me rebuild what I needed most. Um, so yes, that kind of yes stays with you forever. And that kind of yes follows you into
the classroom. It follows you into the classroom to the students that you see every day. Vinnie is one of them. He's amazing. Um, all four of those students were students I have in class right now. They are they're engineers, but they're amazing
in AP gov. Um, and it changes everything about how you approach your classrooms and how you show up every day. So, when you create a culture in a school like this, yes, means everything. It means taking risks. It means knowing that
you're safe to take those risks and also to know that no matter what you're doing, they're going to be student centered and that everyone is surrounding you. There's so many times in this building that a science teacher
or an English teacher stops into your classroom and contributes something. So, I just wanted tonight to just be about gratitude and thankful umness because when I first came here in 2014, I felt a lot of things, but most importantly, I
thought that everything was over. Um, and then things turned around and I got to coach again. I got to lead. Um, and I right now I get to teach some of the greatest kids in the district and I truly believe that.
Um, our election project that we did, Vinnie was a part of, um, was one of the, it is definitely one of the greatest moments of my career in 26 years of teaching. That was the best thing I've ever been a part of. And that comes from a building and from a
district that celebrates. Yes. So, thank you. >> CONGRATULATIONS. YEAH. Now we'll do we'll do him. Do it now. >> Ernie. >> Ernie, you get to be next to me. >> Hey, moving out of the way.
>> I had the kids. smile and social >> moving back like we're not going to have to move again in a second >> right now if I know Mr. came from stressing about how long his speech not necessary.
>> Um but no >> follow his trials is tough for sure. Um we're very excited. This is um someone that I go back to his sophomore year of high school. So to see him um since then and grow into the counselor he is really
special. This time I'm going to turn it over to Miss Zar guidance. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Sarah Zar. I'm the guidance supervisor at Cedar Creek and it is my honor to present Harrison Alice Cade as the
educational services professional of the year award. Um, as a graduate of Absigami High School, um, he's a school counselor who leads with compassion, listens with empathy, and is deeply committed to the continuous growth and service of his students and families.
What really sets him apart is the way he turns reflection into action. Um, he's probably one of the most reflective people I've ever worked with or met in my life. um he's always asking how he can be a better counselor, how can I be the best possible counselor u for my
students and families? Um and he takes that and he runs with it and turns it into, you know, things that he's doing that's really inspirational. So whether that's collaborating with sta staff, supporting families, advocating for students, he's always going above and beyond um to ensure that every student
feels heard, seen, and supported. Um and he has a remarkable ability to build genuine relationships um just all around a great human um that can really connect with people with empathy um and meet students exactly
where they are especially when those um when they need it most. So really kids who are most vulnerable and at risk um he connects with them so so well. Uh most recently he's taken that commitment even even further by creating and leading a group for at risk male
students providing mentorship guidance and a space for connection and growth. Um and so this work reflects not only his dedication but his belief in the power of relationships and representation. Um in his efforts on this project he's partnered with
coaches, teachers, custodians, anyone in the building who has been a positive mentor for students. he's he's taken them in um to help those students. Um so um his impact is felt deeply across our entire school community. Um and for him,
school counseling is clearly not just what he does, it's who he is. Um so please join me in proudly congratulating Harrison Cade as our educational services professional. No stress, I promise. Um, it's interesting. I was thinking about my
grandfather just now. Um, I'm I'm trying to fill his shoes. But, um, first off, thank you so much everybody for your support, uh, your belief, your trust. Um, I'm only here because in very pivotal stages in my life, someone
believed in me or looked at me and said, "I think you're going to do something more." Um, in return, I took that and ran with it. Um, like Sarah said, like a taking the baton and running with it. I paid it forward. I was always raised to
give back. You share your toys, things that you have. You maybe, you know, feel like you're better off than somebody else. Why don't you share your toys, make them feel good. Um, so now I do that with my students. I bring I sit down. I get down with them and then I stand up with them right next to me. Um,
these are the things that I dream about. So coming up with a program like this one. Um I've been thinking about that for years and I'm going to continue to do so. Um this is how I was raised. Um I have a lot of special people that are
counting on me uh to do what I say that I'm going to do. Um I am always trying to be the best at something. It's just a personal thing for me. I got to set goals and chase. Um stagnant does not work with me. I'm sorry. Um, so when I see voids or I see ways that things can
be better, I jump in. That's just the way I'm built. Um, but I I am definitely appreciative. Um, I feel the support. I feel the love in this district, in this school. Um, everybody's a family. It's all about family here and um and it
feels it feels amazing to me. Um, but thank you so much Sarah for those words. Um, Scott as well. Um, but this this train is not going to stop rolling. This is what I do. Um, I'm going to keep going. All right. Thanks so much.
Yeah, I'm still looking for Okay. Committee reports like to begin with um athletics and activities. Mr. Storio. >> Yes. Thank you, Mrs. Mrs. Hulk. Uh the activities and athletics committee met on Thursday, April 16th. The topics that
we discussed were as follows. Uh we went over the winter athletics data. All three buildings reported that participation is virtually the same as it was last year. Some of the highlights uh that were noted uh at Absigami High School. Wrestling had a great season.
three uh district placements, two regional qualifiers, and one qualifier uh placed second in the state. And I believe I'm saying the name correctly. I How do you say her first name? >> Yeah, I I don't have it.
>> Yeah, it's it's Lema Barry, right? Okay. Laya. Okay. >> I'm sorry. Didn't mean to mess up her name. >> Um Oakrest uh reported that the boys and girls basketball programs did well this year. uh their wrestling program uh had
five wrestlers who had 20 plus wins or more this past season. Uh Cedar Creek High School uh boys basketball set a single season record for wins and they also won their first ever playoff game. Uh girls basketball at Cedar Creek uh
won their conference championship and also won a first round playoff game as well. Uh wrestling had had their best season in school history with the most wins. Um overall we talked about uh girls swimming and that we flagged that
as additional uh uh conversations. We noticed that there's been discre uh uh decreasing um participants in the last several years. Uh we also reviewed performing arts. Um some of the general uh
observations were that um the programs vary significantly by program and by school. are some uh concerns of overall sustainability with certain programs. Um we also discussed the program I mean
also discussed marching band. Um we did notice decreasing numbers in marching band and at Cedar Creek students that want to participate were allowed to do so at Oakrest and Absigami. Uh our concert band and choirs are
consistently uh uh doing well in participation. Our dance programs also are doing well. Uh two of them are clubs and one is actually a a program, but they also are doing competitions. Um we talked a lot about the summer uh
theater program that we're noticing the um participation in that has been extremely low and I don't think we have anybody signed up for this coming year for the program and there's possibility that that may be the last uh year for it to happen. So, it may not be moving on
any further. Um, we we discussed about ways to continue building our performing arts programs and uh several of our schools are going to the uh local sending districts to um help build those programs as well. Um we talked about
coaching uh assignments for the upcoming year. It was a a general discussion, no formal years, and now it's going to add a full-time coach for the program. And it will be next year a it's going to be a co-op. If you're familiar, we talked about co-op programs with athletics.
It'll be a co-op next year for the Greater A Carbor Regional School District for our girls wrestling program. Um, we also talked about flag football. Uh, this year is the last year as a club sport. Next year it will be a
sanctioned NJSIA uh sport. And as of right now, we're still not 100% sure if we will have enough uh participation for all three schools to have a program, but uh right now if we have the uh uh the girls
willing to play, we'll have teams. Um we also talked about uh discussion regarding uh entry into winter sports. um uh either entry or re-entry. Um we talked about some of those uh winter
sports now being held at like 4:00 in the afternoon or even even 4:30 or 5. Some of the parents who are working are not being able to get to those uh games to see their their children uh participate. So, we talked about the possibility of changing the policy which
would allow a parent or guardian or or adult to come into the uh building to to uh watch their their children participate. Um nothing final was made of that. Uh uh Mr. Rain said we would talk about it over the summer and then
also in the fall to decide how we're going to make that uh happen. Um just overall we're just you really talking about some of the ways to increase the uh participation in all of of our uh uh
our sports but also to uh um find ways to build the u the performing arts programs you know a little bit more over the next several years. And I believe that was it. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Can I just one point of clarification?
Um last year um one of the three schools did not provide anybody to the summer theater. That's what the zero was. Um this year there is participation from all three schools. But as Mr. Storio mentioned,
the numbers are dropping. Kids are reporting they're getting more involved in the summer's point performance center. They're getting more involved in Vinland. So there is just a reduction in availability for the summer. Just to clarify. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. Um next is listed
listed negotiations. Um negotiations committee met with three different groups this year. It's the principles, assistant principles, and supervisors um groups. We had a brief meeting and we was kind of like a meet and greet. We introduced ourselves to everybody. We went over ground rules for the
negotiations and then we set our next date to meet. So, they've just begun and hopefully we'll be able to get that done quickly. Okay, I'll move to board member reports. I'd like to start with the students, Sophia.
>> All right. Good afternoon, everyone. Um, so on March 31st, we had our French honor society induction with five new members. Um, on April 2nd, we had our success successful blood drive hosted by FBLA. Um, Absigami's academic team
placed third in their finish at Ocean City's brain brawl. Um, we will be having our prep rally this Friday, the 24th. Um, teacher appreci appreciation week will start on the 4th of May. And we will also be h having our band
concert on May 2nd. And finally, our heart program, helping autism reach its potential, will be starting May 11th. >> Thank you, Anita. Good afternoon everyone. So I kind of have a a lot of good achievements um to
share. Um recently over the weekend um a few of us including me and a few of my friends part of the biomedical science program. We all got accepted into the Rucker shadow program which we attended three days and two nights where we met with companies like Microsoft, Lockheed
Martin and SD Lauder and we also completed a three-day study uh case study project which was super cool and we got to experience how I guess college life would be like and we also met with the dean and really got a fulfilled
experience. Um, our dance concert is coming up April 30th. Our pep rally was right before break, which we held outside. Um, again, um, the gym floor construction has started. Um, we recently had a few trips on April 15th
where um, media and dance went to New York City. Uh, dance uh, took a master class. Um, they went to Broadway um, to watch a show and had hard uh, lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. And then a few of our history classes went to the Holocaust Museum the same day and
explored DC which was a great experience that I was a part of. Um our valid Victorian is Caitlyn Hoe and our saludiatoran is Punan Patel. Uh biomemed is going to Drexel next week. Uh recently the girls and boys track beat
Pleasantville. And we also had our EKG certifications for the seniors which over 70% of them um received the certification when usually it was only 50%. Um for boys and girls lacrosse um junior
Gavin Cesar broke his own record for 10 goals in one game. The boys record is winning 5 to1 and the girls record is also winning 5-2. And the girls lacrosse team recently won their game against Gam 17 to9. and we're having our blood drive
June 2nd. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Chenza. >> So, I'd like to start by congratulating the Rocketry team again. Uh it's a huge accomplishment for them and a major victory. Uh that happened. I think they
announced it right after they lost the debate in Miss Bryle's class of Marbury vers Madison and the Federal Reserve. Uh, so they they needed that pickme up. Um, speaking of Miss Bryle's class
though, um, she's getting recognition from all over the place. Her class is incredible. And as of recently, she has begun filming the class and the some of the activities we've done for the Department of Education for New
Jersey so that they can use it for instruction presumably or as an example to show their educators. Um, other things that went on recently, the uh, band concert was last week that
went fantastically. Um, in another performance aspect, there was an FBLA hosted open mic night and next week or no, this week is the dance showcase. So,
those will hopefully go fantastically. Um there was also a school trip to Italy over spring break which I heard from the participate participants. They enjoyed very much. Uh, and as for some of the connections,
as of recently, I had the privilege of meeting several Mullica track athletes who came to a practice in order to sort of jumpst start their high school career, see what the team's like, and
gain some instruction from us. So, I had the privilege of meeting those young individuals and helping them guide their way. Uh, and that's all. >> Thank you. Sounds great. Okay. Any board members have anything to share? Okay. This time I'm going to open the
meeting up to the public. Anyone wishing to speak on any agenda item. Okay. We'll move to business. >> Business items can be found on pages 3 to 5 B1 through B11. Any motions?
>> Make the motion. >> Second. >> Okay. B1 through B11 have moved and seconded. Any questions or comments on these? >> Yes, Mrs. Um, yes, I do have a question, please. Um, may I have more information
on B8? I'd like to know more about the chickens. I'd like to know, are they live chickens or I >> They are They are live chickens. uh they will be part of the environmental club uh similar to what exists at Absigami though certainly not on that scale.
>> Okay. I >> I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> As you're aware, Gam has at any time 10 to 15 chickens uh in the courtyard where they're also growing the food for uh the environmental sustainability class. So, Oakrest is just starting to to work on
expanding their environmental program. >> Where will they be housed? >> Uh they will be inside of a chicken coupe. uh inside one of the enclosed courtyards with a protected area over the top to keep the large Orest hawks
away from them. >> All right. Thank you. >> We have had experiences previously at Orest in those courtyards with our hawks um demonstrating natural wildlife instincts on the baby geese. So, we have
learned our lessons and the the chickens will be properly protected. >> Good. Okay. Thank you. >> But what kind of chickens are they? >> White ones. >> They don't they're not branded Tyson. Other than that, I'm Rhode Island Reds or
Delaware Blueheads. >> The goal The goal is um actually the goal is uh egg production. I can find out the breed for you, but I know the goal is the egg production similar to what exists at Absagami. So they're not meat chickens, they're egg chickens.
>> Is there a rooster involved? >> Uh, usually if we do end up with a rooster, that is dealt with separately to create other measures of control. >> I mean, roosters are good for egg production. You know, they protect the hens. I know cuz I used to raise,
>> but they're fully enclosed, so we don't necessarily need that level of protection. They are fully. If next time we're at Gam, I would be more than willing to show anybody. It's right across from the guidance office. There's a pen with chicken wire across the top. Um in addition to full fencing around
the sides. The same will exist at Oakrest. >> Maybe we could do a field trip. >> Next part of our >> We can absolutely do a field trip. Yep. >> Okay. Any any questions? Is it chickens? Tom, can you talk a little bit more about B4
about what the what the Orest projects are >> repair? B4 would be for um gym floor is included in that. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Um okay. >> Any other questions? Roll call.
>> Dunther. >> Yes. Did he? >> Yes. >> Carly? >> Yes. >> Storio? >> Yes. >> Wright? >> Yes. >> Edmonds? >> Yes. >> Hal? >> I'll recuse myself from B1, but yes to everything else.
>> Motion is approved. >> Transportation items. >> I move T1 through T22. >> Second. >> She cut you right now. I know. Went too fast. Sorry. Okay. T1 through T22 have been moved and seconded. Any questions or comments on these
transportation items? >> Has >> yes. >> Carly, >> yes. >> Storio, >> yes. >> Wright, >> yes. >> Edmonds, >> yes. Gunther. >> Yes. >> Hal. >> Yes. >> Motion is approved. >> Education items.
>> I move E1 through E1. >> Second. >> Okay. E1 through E1 have been moved and seconded. Any questions or comments on these education items? Kurly. >> Yes. Storio.
>> Yes. However, abstain to E8. >> Right. >> Yes. Edmonds. >> Yes. >> Gunther. >> Yes. >> Hasa. >> Yes. >> How? >> Yes.
>> Motion is approved. Okay. Personnel items. I move P1 through P8. We need a second. >> Second. >> Okay. P1 through P8 have been moved and seconded. Any questions or comments on
these personnel items? >> Yes. >> Reich. >> Yes. >> Edmonds. >> Due to my current state of marital bliss as defined by NJAC 6A23A1.2. Two, I'm a conflicted member of this
board and I must recuse myself from P4. However, congratulations. >> The example is set. >> Yes. >> Gunther. >> Yes. >> Hasa. >> Yes. >> Caroli, >> yes. >> Yes.
>> Motion is approved. >> We just had the train. Uh, for my first step tonight, I'm going to ask P4 number one, Ashley Peron, to please stand up and say hello. Not as tall as Harrison. Hi everyone. I'm Ashley Peron. I am a school counselor currently at Oakrest High
School. Uh, this is Penelby Peron. Say hi. This is my daughter. She's eight. Um, I've actually been at Oakrest since 200 2004 2005 as a student and I graduated in '09. So I've been in the district a
very long time. Um, I started working at Oakrest in 2013 as a pair professional and then I became a guidance counselor in 2016. So I am looking very much forward to continuing on to the next level as the director of school counseling at Oakrest.
>> Thank Congratulations. >> Um, we have had a lot of conversations about providing opportunities for students who might not be immediately pursuing college. I've been keeping you up to date. It wasn't a goal this year. It has been a goal previously, but we've talked
about continuing to keep that a focus. Um, so I just received word last week we have had 10 students accepted this year into the AC Spark program, which is AC Electric's internship program that can
often lead to full-time employment. Um, 10 students from across the three buildings. They are looking at between seven and $8,000 of income this summer in addition to the advantage of the internship for AC Electric. So I just
wanted to share with you that is a huge success for us to have 10 students. Um last year we had four. So we more than doubled the number of students enrolled in that program this year. And previous to our us really focusing on it. We
would have one every other year or every third year. So it is a positive relationship we're building with AC electric. >> What is the breakdown? Is it all men or half men half women? Um, I believe there is one female, but I I I wouldn't want
to be quoted, but if I remember going in the room, I believe there was one. Um, but I can double check on that for you. Um, upcoming couple of upcoming events. Uh, you know, Egg Harbor City Cleanup
Day, the district always participates in Cedar Creek. Scott does a great job with coaches and activity advisors. You even get a couple of clubs from Oakrest and Absagami coming over and getting involved. Also, in any given Saturday,
there are 250 to 300 Cedar Creek students out there for Egg Harbor City Cleanup Day. So, that is May 2nd. So, after the board meeting, I'll give you an update on that. And then May 9th is Sustainable Hamilton, which as you know
from years past we host at Oakrest. That is ACUA, Township of Hamilton, some private industry. They do recycling. Um >> TVs, huh? >> Old TVs. I got two this year.
>> It's it's it's a great program. Um we will I'll update you again after the May 9th. Uh last year, I know I shared pictures with you. It's inside and outside. It's a phenomenal opportunity. A ton of our kids get involved in the
process and it's a great resource for the community. Um uh I shared with you, one of the students mentioned it. I shared with you the valadictorians and saludiatorans, the names and and some of their um academic accomplishments, the
recognitions coming their way. Um again, continue to to make the statement. You saw it tonight with the Rocketry club um or the Rocketry uh competition. Um our students can find whatever they want to find and and that is the most we can do
is provide students with opportunity. Um gym floor was briefly mentioned. The old floor is up. We are now into a process Tom. I believe it's two weeks right of letting it letting it breathe, letting the concrete air out. But uh the first
step is now done. The old wood has been removed. Um I'm not going to go into any more detail there because you know we are involved in litigation. Um you heard Oakrest uh also mention a couple of trips. Um you know the one
that always sticks out to me is we do everything we can to get as many students as possible through the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC. if you've never been. Um, it is it is a heavy emotional day. Uh, but we put students from a variety of different
classes. We give them an opportunity to go down and take that trip. And there are a number of trips like that that the Holocaust Museum kind of stands out for me, especially as a former social studies person as messaging that you can read a book or you can watch a movie on
TV. But when you walk that building and you see some of what exists there, you cannot help but um but walk away a slightly different different person. Um to that point, if you remember, one of our goals for this year was for myself
and administrators to sit down and and meet with students and um we've had athletics meetings, we've had performing arts meetings, we've had guidance meetings. I'll share some data with you when the time comes. But as the trips were mentioned, one of the things I
wanted to point out was in Cedar Creek's meeting last week with a group of performing arts students, dance, drama, choir, band. Um, one of the things that was mentioned was how appreciative the performing arts students were of all of
the extracur all of the trips that are attached to the extracurricular programs. the opportunity to go to New York City to see a, you know, a Broadway play and get a feel for that experience. The opportunity to go to to Philadelphia in the winter and and sing or play an
instrument in that environment in the Christmas festival. Um, so I I wanted you to hear that that was one of the things as Cedar Creek's administration was sitting with students in front of them and said, "Well, what worked? What have we done well?" uh at least from the
Cedar Creek Performing Arts students, they wanted a thank you extended for the opportunities beyond the school day. Uh last thing I want to hit, we talked about uh just kind of trying to keep people aware of some of the conversations going on beyond our our
the borders of our district as the saying goes. Um there was an article the last board meeting we talked about funding and um you know the examples of the state raised or increased public
education funding but if you look across the state of New Jersey there are districts eliminating jobs. >> Yeah. Um, and we've talked about the direct impact of rising or accelerating utility costs and especially insurance
premiums and costs. So, I just wanted to let you know that the the commissioner and I think I shared with this with you previously interesting for the first time in my career as an administrator, the commissioner of education is not a
Jersey person. uh it's typically a previous superintendent or uh an educator from the state of New Jersey who has some type of political connection and becomes the commissioner. The commissioner of education that the current governor has selected is
actually from out of state. Um and and there are some questions that need to be asked, but one of the things that was positive is she has now gone on record and stated, "Look, we're not going to change anything between now and June 30th, but there is an absolute recognition between the Department of Ed
and the governor's office that we need to look at school funding because our current system is not working the way it's supposed to." So, I just share that with you. Um, it's one small sentence in a multi-page interview on NJ.com, but I
I it's something to have somebody actually say, "We realize we need to look at this." And she went a step further and she said, "This isn't about tweaks. This is going to be about us roll, you know, rolling up our sleeves or some some colloquialism of us and the
governor's office and the legislature need to get into a room and we realize we need to make changes because we cannot continue to play catch-up." So, I just share that with you moving forward. Um, hopefully there is over the next 12 to 24 months because you're not going to
fix it in one year, but hopefully there are some dynamic conversations about school funding in this state. So, that's it. >> Thank you. >> Right. Um, I just have a couple things. Uh, the first one is
>> Yes. I just want to make sure it was um I wanted to congratulate uh Venenzo for being a valid Victorian. I know if everybody read sometimes we read so many things you might miss that it's somebody sitting here and um we knew that you spend a lot of time doing other things
for school too but that's quite an accomplishment. So congratulations Caitlyn's not here tonight but as you already mentioned Caitlyn um did is the valadictorian at uh Oakrest, right? >> Yep. So, just wanted to make sure I I note I said that because
very proud. Um, and thanks again for all three of you being here tonight and sharing what's going on in the schools. The other thing is, uh, last month, um, I talked about going to, uh, what Mrs. Briles was talking about the election thing. Um, that was amazing at Creek.
And then this this past month, um, in March, I went for Women's Day wellness to Gam. And it was for the Grow program. I don't know if you remember they did a presentation for us. >> I had to look again. Girls recognizing our worth >> and it was really amazing. I went in the
morning and they were in the library at Gam and they had um tables for all the people that the girls that are part of the program and then they had speakers. They had a keynote speaker that I stayed for and the keynote speaker I know I'll say her name wrong but it was Sophia
Sophia Oetta. Oh >> god, counselor. Um, so anyway, she she has a relative that works in the district, but she was a former student and now she's a journalist, an award-winning broadcaster
on uh TV down in Texas because she was worried about getting here that day. And um it was really nice because she spoke to the girls not just about like reaching your potential or whatever, but she talked about struggles that she had and that you know everybody has
struggles and seeking help out and getting past those struggles and then talking about you know like she showed pictures from um the floods and that was the flood that just happened this past summer and knowing people that were there and showed like what was going on
and how she presented that. But I just thought it was very impactful. And then they had other speakers and then after I left they actually had um like little mini presentations during the day. So everybody had a schedule, everybody had shirts and they were going to spend the whole day going to learn about different
things. And um I know the night before or that week we had had uh must have been at Gam that week and we had um the I always stop and talk to the chefs and thank them and they said they just made a ton of food because they were feeding everybody the next day. But you know
just sometimes I think these little things happen in the school that are big things and we miss them. So I just wanted to make sure and I brought the booklet back if anybody wants to look and see what was going on there. But so that's it. I'm just like that's my share. Um, I will open the everything up
to old business. Anyone want to have anything for old business? Yes, Brian. >> I think this is a Tom question. Um, I don't know if we are addressing the storm um, drains here at Cedar Creek
that are on the parking lots that I know we I believe we hired a engineering firm to um, work on that a couple years ago, but it looks like they're starting to sink again. Um, first I'm hearing of >> noticed it over the last couple couple
weeks coming over here watching, you know, spring sports. And, you know, I not sure I I I know who we hired to to do that work. You know, I don't know how long it's been since that job has been done if if they're still responsible for them sinking in. And,
>> you know, it certainly needs to be looked at. So, but um I I didn't check out front. I just know back by the uh on the athletic side that they're definitely, you know, >> and specifically by the solar panel canopies. >> Yeah, >> that's part of the issue too, I believe.
>> Okay. >> Any other old business? >> Okay. New business. >> Can we get Can we get a like a updated presentation of the solar and what it's
produced? how much you know each school relies on that solar compared to you know the transmissions coming from Atlantic City Electric and did Oakrest open up anymore to where we can actually put more solar on those roofs or is that
still closed you know because it's been a number of years now >> um we I know the uh green teams have been pulling off some information on that so I'll put together what they have put together as for opening up we don't know. We haven't, you know, we don't
have any more funding for that, but it's something we could look at in the future. >> Thank you. Any other news? >> I just want to note that I apologize. I sent out the notice for the May 18th spring dinner for Atlantic County. I didn't realize it was a native board meeting. They usually don't have it on a
Monday. So, I apologize for sending that out to everybody. >> Okay. There's no other new business. I'll open the meeting up to the public. Anyone wish to speak on any matter? Do we have a resolution for executive session? >> Yes. Pursuance of section 78 of the open public meeting act, the following
subjects will be discussed in a session of board of education closed to the public. Student matter that the items meant resolution can be disclosed to the public when a decision is made upon the same or in the case of personnel issues when the need for confidentiality no longer exists. Formal action at conclusion of his exis may be taken.
matters communication. >> Attorney client communications is what I said. >> Okay, I need a motion. >> Second. >> All those in favor? Those against? Those abstaining. So move. >> Okay. Quick break. Make it
>> quick.