You're just going to do it now. looking forward if you're going to do it. >> In accordance with the open public meeting act NJSA 10 semicolon 4-6 adequate notification of this meeting has been provided by advertising in the
record and the Herald news posting notice in the board of education administration building and filing notice with the city clerk to ensure accessibility. Interpreter services are available upon request. Please submit your written request at least 24 hours
prior to the board meeting to the school business administrator, Dr. Steven Lewis at Stephven Lewis at hackinackschools.org. I hereby call to order the reorganization meeting on Wednesday,
January 7th, 2026 in Hackinack High School Media Center at 6:16 p.m. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America to the republic for
which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. At this time, we would like to have a moment of silence for a past trustee member, Clarissa Gilliam, who was a
trustee from 2010 to 2013. Thank you very much. We're going to give the floor to our wonderful students of Hackinstack High School chorus to sing the alma mater for thee we raise our golden blue
and strive to lift our banner higher in each and everything we do. And when we bring up to thy altar
trophies from football field and track will mingle many hearts and voices in praise of Thank you again to the high school chorus. Give them another round of
applause. At this time, I will read the results of the Hackasack School Board election for a three-year term. Candidate Demetrius Carol, 5,774 votes.
Candidate Melanie Austin Balaputra, 5,53 votes. Candidate Michael Jones, 5,351 votes. Candidate Alan Simmons II, 1,780
votes. Congratulations to board of trustee member Carol, board of trustee member Alustin Balaput Balaputra. B board of trustee member Mr. Jones. >> Hey, >> congratulations.
>> At this time, we'll administer the oath of office to the newly elected board members. First, board of trustee member Demetrius Carol. Oath will be administered by the chief of police, Michael Antista. who solemnly swear
>> solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States. shall support the Constitution of the United States faith >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. >> Constitution of the state of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith >> faith >> and allegiance to the same >> and allegiance to the same
>> and to the governments established >> to the governments established >> the United States and this state >> the United States and this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. I Demetrius Carol >> I Demetrius Carol
>> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I possess the qualifications >> that I possess the qualifications >> prescribed by law for the office of member of board of education >> prescribed by law for the office of member of board of education >> that I am not disqualified >> that I'm not disqualified
>> as a voter pursuant >> as a voter pursuant >> to RS19 colon >> to RS19 col >> 4-1 >> 4-1 >> nor disqualified due to conviction >> disqualified due to conviction >> of a crime or offense listed in NJS
>> of a crime or offense listed in NJS >> 18A12-1 >> 18A12-1 >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> and partially >> and justly perform all the duties >> and justly perform all the duties >> of that office according to the best of
my ability >> in that office to according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. Oh, >> at this time will administer the Oath of office to board of trustee member Melanie Alustin
Balaputra. The oath will be administered by Hackag Municipal Judge Karen Gwyn in in her state. Chief of Police Michael Antista will be >> and um in her stay I will be it would be
my pleasure. >> Oh >> y >> Oh there we go. >> Another local. Yes, I am Mike's double. >> Thank you so much. >> All right, so we're going to do this
again. All right. Um, we are administering the oath of office for board of trustee member Melanie Alustin Buchra. The oath will be administered by Hazburg Heights Municipal Court Judge Joseph Jones.
>> Can you uh please raise your right hand, your left hand Bible, and repeat after me? I, Melanie Alustin Bal Balaputra >> I, Melanie Alustin Balaputra >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States
>> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. and to the governments established in the United States and this state. >> And to the governments established in
the United States and this state. >> Under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> One more paragraph. I, Melanie Austin Balaputra >> I, Melanie Austin Balaputra, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law
>> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law >> for the office of member of a board of education >> for the office of member of a board of education >> and that I am not disqualified as a voter >> and that I am not disqualified as a voter >> pursuant to RS194-1
>> pursuant to RS19 col4-1 >> nor disqualified to the conviction of a crime >> nor disqualif qualified due to the conviction of a crime >> or offense listed in NJS >> or offense listed in NJS >> 18A121 >> 18A12-1
>> and that I will faithfully >> and that I will faithfully >> and partially >> and partially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of that office >> all the duties of that office >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> Thank you.
>> Fine. Like am I getting >> by the hacker? >> Yeah. Yeah. Mel says she was picked. >> You guys need to retype this because it has the judge's signature. >> You want me to cross it off? Okay. >> Just don't tell her I did that.
Good job. Good job. Good job. >> Sorry. We got to write the whole thing down. >> Okay, there you go. >> Thank you, sir. >> How many copies we want? We're doing all of them. We'll make we'll make >> Okay. So I don't have to do there's
multiple. Oh to Mitus is yours. Sorry. Okay. Sit back down and then you can call me back. All right. At this time we'll administer the oath of office to board of trustee member
Michael Jones. The oath will be administered by Hazburg Heights Municipal Court Judge Joseph Jones. >> Had a whole gang with me, too. Should they come up? >> They can come on up. >> So, real quick, I was on the board then
kites. I warned Michael not and like most little brothers when the big brothers give advice. Here he is. No, in all actuality, it's actually very rewarding, amazing experience and I'm really really happy to see that
you guys. >> Watch your step. Left, right hand in the air, left hand in. All right, repeat after me. I, Michael Jones, do solemnly swear >> I, Michael Jones, do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. >> That I will support the Constitution of
the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. >> And that I will bear true faith and allegiance to same. >> And that I will bear true faith and allegiance to Sain. >> and to the governments established in the United States and this state. >> And to the governments established in the United States and this state. >> Under the authority of the people, so help me God.
>> under the authority of the people. So help me God. >> I, Michael Jones, do also solemnly swear. I, Michael Jones, do also solemnly swear >> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law for the office of member of a board of education >> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law as a member of the board of education
>> and that I am not disqualified as a voter. that I'm not disqualified as a voter >> pursuant to RS194-1 >> pursuant to RS19 col4-1 >> nor disqualified due to conviction of a crime >> nor disqualified due to conviction of a crime >> or offense listed in NJS18A col2-1
>> or offense listed in NJ18A-12-1 there was a colon in there 18A 12-1 >> I covered it up it's my fault and that I will faithfully impartially and justly >> And that I will faithfully and partially and justly perform all the duties of that office. >> Perform all the duties of that office. >> According to the best of my ability.
According to the best of my ability. So help me God. >> So help me God. Okay. Nice. Hang on for a little bit. >> Board members, you can now turn your name plate right side up.
>> Oh, I didn't see that. I will now do the roll call for the new leave position board for the 2026 year. Trustee Austin Balaputra >> present.
>> Trustee Amrazza >> present. Trustee Carol present. Trustee Gilmore >> here. >> Trustee Harris. >> Harris presented. >> Trustee Jones >> here.
>> Jones presented. >> Trustee Martin >> Marty. >> Trustee Pringle >> present. >> Trustee Stein >> present. >> We have quum. I will now entertain nominations for the
office of president of the Hackasack Board of Education for the calendar year of 2026. Do I have any nomination? >> I would like to nominate trustee Jennifer Harris. >> I'll second
the trustee Harris. I have a first by trustee Pringle. I have a second by Trustee Gilmore. Are there any other nominations? In the absence of further nominations, I close this nomination and I will call
to vote for the election of Trustee Jennifer Harris for board president of the Hackinack Board of Education for the calendar year 2026. Trustee Austin Balaputra. >> Yes.
>> Trustee Amrazza. >> Yes. >> Trustee Carol. >> Yes. >> Trustee Gilmore. >> Yes. >> Trustee Harris. >> Yes. >> Trustee Jones. >> I trustee Martin.
>> Yes. >> Trustee Pringle. >> Yes. >> Trustee Stein. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. Nomination pass. for President Harris. I give you the floor. The other one
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. >> All right. Good evening, everyone. >> Good evening. >> Just don't don't worry about my voice. We'll get that together later. Um first, I want to just thank everybody. Um thank my trustees, my fellow board members for
their full support. Um I couldn't do this without you all and you know that. Uh we have been a hardworking team and we will get through all of this together. I appreciate it. Thank you so much. Um last month in December, I
forgot to mention a very important team member in our central office. Um it was her last moment or her last time as our acting BA. And I just wanted to give the
biggest thanks to Miss Linda Agastra for all her hard work. I just wanted to say real quick um for Miss Astra, she took on the role of two um not only was she our acting BA, but
she was also our assistant BA uh and she did a lot for us in a short amount of time. And thank you so much for your professionalism and for putting in all the time during that time. Thank you. >> Very welcome. You're welcome. Okay, at this time I will now entertain
nominations for the vice president of the Hackis Board of Education for the calendar year of 2026. Do I have a motion for vice president? >> Uh, Madame President, I would like to nominate Trustee Kenneth Martin for the position of vice president.
>> Okay, so we have a motion for trustee Kenneth Martin. Is there a second? be more than happy to second. >> Okay. So, we have a second by Trustee Stein. Are there any more nominations? Okay. Being that there are none at this
time, the nominations for vice president is now closed. Uh Dr. Lewis, can you please do a roll call? >> Trustee Austin Balaputra. >> Yes. >> Trustee Amrahamza. >> Yes. Trustee Carol,
>> yes. Trustee Gilmore, >> yes. >> Trustee Harris, >> yes. >> Trustee Jones, >> yes. >> Trustee Martin, >> yes. >> Trustee Pringle, >> yes. >> Trustee Stein, >> I
passes. >> It has been passed. >> Excellent. Congratulations, Vice President. on me. Goodbye. You better be careful. Okay. All right. At this time, we're going to move into public comments.
Public participation shall be governed by the following rules. Participant must sign the sign-in sheet and be recognized by the presiding officer and must preface comments but announcement of his or her name, municipality of residents and group affiliation if applicable.
Two, each statement made by a participant shall be limited to three minute duration during the public session. Three, all statements, questions or inquiries shall be directed to the presiding officer and any questions or inquiries directed by a participant to another board member
shall be redirected to the presiding officer who shall determine if such statement, question or inquiry shall be addressed by the presiding officer on behalf of the board or by the individual board member. And four, all board and/or superintendent responses to questions or
inquiries shall be held until the end of public participation. At this time, public comment will be open for anyone on the floor. If anyone here and present would like to speak >> everyone, good evening. Good evening, >> Reverend Carolyn Davis. I just want to
say congratulations to this board. Um, you are a united team. I love the teamwork. You've taken on a tremendous task. I know there's a lot that you've had to accomplish in a short time. I know it hasn't been easy, but you've
stuck together, and I support you 100% plus. So, continue doing what you do. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else from the public? >> Okay, moving on to online.
Well, nothing online. Okay. All right. At this time, public comment section is closed. Uh being that this is a reorganization meeting and there's a lot of families here, uh we're going to take about a 10 to 15 minute break for light refreshments, pictures, and then we'll
be back to the public shortly. Thank you. Okay, welcome back. Thank you all for waiting and sticking around. We are now going to go into our code of ethics presentation given by Melissa Del Roso from New Jersey School Boards
Association and she is our field service representative for Bergen County. Welcome. >> Hi everybody. >> Welcome. >> Hey, good evening. >> Thank you. >> Um I just want to start by >> Okay. I just want to say congratulations to the um new board members, newly
elected and um thank you to everybody else for the work that you do. Um I did it for nine years and I understand it and it is a tough job and um just know that you appreciate it. So thank you. >> Okay, so we're doing ethics tonight.
Um there's there are a lot of slides here. We're going to go through them as quickly as we can. Um I don't think there's everybody here has been on the board already or at least right? Okay. Um, so I will try not to bore you on the subject. Uh, but it's always good
to have a refresher and, um, you will get a copy of this electronically tomorrow. So, you will see a bunch of, um, links within the presentation that you will be able to click on and go further into the different ethics
complaints and cases and advisory opinions. Um, we're not going to go through them all now. If we did, we'd be here until tomorrow. Um, and I don't want to do that to you. Um, so anyway, and also I just want to say one more thing. The camaraderie of this board is amazing. Um, and uh, I appreciate that.
So that makes my job awesome. That's what I love this job and that is why. So thank you. Thank you for that. All right. So are we on Here we go. Hold on. There we go. Okay. The disclaimer is that I am not giving you legal advice.
You have a board attorney for that. There will be legal information in this. uh but I'm not giving you legal advice. Okay. So, the the school ethics act um that's what we're talking about tonight. And mostly board members think of themselves as volunteers. Uh but it's
important that you realize that you're also elected officials with great responsibility. Um and the New Jersey School Ethics Act was created to make sure that you maintain the respect and competence of the community that you represent. And um the goal is to um
assure that officials hold the respect and competence of the public. And I'll go a step further to say that the goal is to avoid even the impression that the trust is being violated. Okay. And these are the minimal ethical standards with hopes that you will obviously surpass
that. Okay. Um went too far. Hang on. Here we go. Who enforces the act? So, it's the SEC, but it is the school ethics commission for the SEC is the body that's charged with enforcing the act. The commission is made up of nine members. Of those nine members, five are
non-school officials, two are school administrators, and two are school board members. As you can see from the notes there, um it's been many years since there's actually been a school board member representative on the commission. Um there have been six uh members to the
commission for a while now and only one of one school administrator. Um so hopefully with the new governor coming in because these individuals are appointed that will be corrected because that would be helpful. Um you'll see later on why it's important that there's nine of them as opposed to just six. All
right. So provisions of the act are for accountability. Understand that the act um is meant for board trustees as well as school administrators. Now board trustees are responsible for everything on these slides. So mandatory training, code of ethics, disclosure statements
and prohibited acts whereas the administration is only responsible for the disclosure statements and the prohibited acts. Um you as board members take an oath to follow the code of ethics. Um and just a note mandatory training. Um, I don't believe I've been
told um I haven't confirmed this, but I've been told multiple times that board members, school board members are the only ones that are required to have mandatory training as far as elected officials go. And of course, we know you're also the ones that aren't paid. So, I just want to make sure that um the public knows that and it is appreciated.
Um, so we're going to talk about all those things and one of them is uh mandatory training. This is really important um that you're aware of this because this is the time of year where everybody's starting to get their notices that they did not do their training, their mandatory training in time. So, it is your responsibility as a
board trustee to make sure that you do what you need to do at a bare minimum the mandatory training. Of course, at school boards, we encourage you to do much more um but at least the mandatory. There have been some changes over the last couple of years where um if you are a newly um elected board member, you
must do your training within the first 90 days for governance one if it's your first time on the board, right? Um and then everybody else has the year to do their training. Um but I don't think that applies here. So um just make sure that you're on top of it. And then so
the first year you're doing a training each year of your three-year term. Following that, every time you are reelected for a new term, you will do governance for training um for your first year and governance for training are legal updates. So that's different
every year, which is why it's important. Okay. Um I won't get into the new school board member. Uh financial and p personal relative disclosure statements. So, you will need to fill out your financial disclosure statements. Um, new school officials, you must do it within 30 days
of being sworn in. Um, returning school officials, you will be doing it by April 30th. Um, I am sure that your BA will continue to remind you of such. Um, but it is your responsibility again to make sure it's done. Um, if you ever have any questions, you can certainly uh speak to
your BA. I'm sure that uh he will be able to help assist you through it. And the other thing is heir on the side of disclosing more. Don't heir on the side of disclosing less. The other thing is the financial statements. You are disclosing only where your income is coming from, not what the amount is.
Um, let's see here. Um, so here's an example. Uh, I won't get too into it, but it is an example where a board member did not disclose all their financial information. They had a company. They didn't declare it. Uh, they didn't think they had to. And of course, the commission came back with
the fact that they should have known. and they were reprimanded. And again, if you click on these links, you will be able to get all the details, all the gory details. It's nice if you're it's nice to do if you have nothing else to do and if you are having trouble sleeping, but really in all
honesty, some of them are somewhat interesting. Um, I would love to go around the room. We're going to go through all the code of ethics. We're going to go and we're going to start with a Does anybody want to start? Somebody's got to. These are the code of ethic tenants. You
could just you could just read what's up there on the slide. >> Want to go in order? >> Yeah, that would be easier that we move it along. >> I want to do a >> Yes, please. >> I will uphold and enforce all laws, rules, and regulations of the state board of education and court orders pertaining to schools. Desire changes shall be brought about only through
legal and ethical procedures. I'm going into the standards, too. >> Okay. Um, no, you don't need to read the standards. Um, so there's two parts to the there's a statute and then there's the code. The standards fall under the code. If you were to file an ethics complaint or um you know that that's what you were looking for, you would be
looking at the standards for your evidence of why an individual did not follow the eth ethics um statute. Uh the important thing here is to understand that you are an elected official and you are a representative of the state. Okay. um you're the boots on the ground for
the state. That's really important because once you are elected, a lot of people have made promises after they're coming off of campaign and it's getting a little wild out there. But you have to understand you represent the entire district the minute you sit at the table. Um and that's really important.
You take off the individual hat and you become a member of a board and that's how boards function well, which you seem to do. So I don't really think that's an issue. Um but remember your your power comes from the state, not the community. Most people think, but they're the one that put me in office. It's actually you're you're you're um working for from
the state. The state sets the they start with the statutes, it works its way down, works way down. So you will have mandates from the state. We saw a lot of that during COVID, right? Because there was a time it was difficult to say examples of state mandates that you had to follow. Now there's a lot of them and
people are up in arms about it and there's a lot of push back on that from boards. But it's important that you understand this is a um an ethic code that you are uh swearing to and to uphold. So sometimes sitting on a board will actually bind you a little bit more than if you're not sitting on a board.
Um so that's something to remember. Okay. Um who wants to do me? I will make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools that meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their
ability, race, creed, sex, or social social standing. >> Right? So, basically, you're going to represent all of the students, not just any individual students. Um, sometimes this can be difficult for board members who have children in the district, right? because you get a little bit closer look at um a specific uh area,
but I recommend that you remember to take a step back when that's the case. Um C, >> I will confirm my board action policym planning and appraisal and I will help to frame policies and plans only after
the board has consulted those who will be affected by them. >> Right? So this is where your power comes in. um your power is the policy making, the planning and the appraisal. The appraisal being um you're appraising uh evaluating your superintendent. That is
the one um staff member that you evaluate. So that's important for you to remember. You don't evaluate the teachers. You don't hire the teachers. You don't hire the other administrators. That is all upon recommendation of your superintendent. Um it's important to remember that and stay in the lane. But there is quite a bit of um power in the
policy planning and appraisal. The guide the idea is always to be looking at a top level to making sure that the district is wellrun. Okay. Um there's a piece of this too when it comes to policy because obviously the second part of this where it says consulted those who will be
affected by them. That is why you have public comment in your meetings. That is where you will hear from the community. Um that's why you have two readings for board policy so that people have the opportunity to come out and give you their feedback. And it's important to listen to that when you're make before you make your vote. and um consider that
in making your decisions. D >> not to administer the school but together with my fellow board members to see that they are wellrun. >> Right? So this is the New Jersey School Board Association mantra. If I had a shirt, it would be on it. Um but I don't. So the the point here is that you
don't run the school. You make sure that the school is wellrun. That also can get a little bit difficult. And we'll go into some examples, but um and if we get to the case then I'll go back to it. But there are times that you always will have to go back to and remember it is the perception not what you think but
what others may perceive. So um there has been numerous examples of um individuals who thought they were doing the right thing and really were doing it from the heart but they crossed the line and that's difficult because you're a volunteer and it's hard but you always
need to be aware of that to make sure you stay in the lines and we'll get into some of those examples later. So E, right? So obviously your power is not individual. It is as a board. And again, it's such a um so great to see the way your reorg meeting went tonight and um
the relationship that you all have and seem to be cohesive. And I am sure that does not mean that you all agree on everything which is also um really important. the diversity of a board and the diversity of opinion is very important. I encourage you to make sure um and this Jennifer especially for you
to listen and I I don't think it's an issue, but um I always say to board members, pay attention to the person who's not speaking. Um you want to make sure a lot of times we hear the squeaky wheel, there's somebody who likes to get a hold of the meeting and and go on and on, but you really need to be aware of the board member who's not speaking up.
You'll see that a lot of times with new board members because they're not sure. But make sure you get the voices of everybody um because it's the benefit to the district overall to make sure you're doing that and everybody's being heard. Okay. F >> Right. So this one again um gets
difficult. It's usually new board members who have been out campaigning. They haven't sat at the table. they're not fully aware of what's going on, but they have an idea that um they know better. Um but they haven't seen behind the curtain. Um so I also recommend to new board members who have not sat on a board to give yourself some time to
watch, listen, and learn. Uh find out who's doing what. Um because it's not always as it appears to the public. Obviously, the board has information that can't be shared with the public and that's really difficult because you get blamed for things obviously because the the public doesn't understand it.
Unfortunately, you still need to stick to the the ethics uh tenants and that's that's a tough part of the job. That's where your skin gets super thick. Okay. G matters. I will provide to
my fellow board members as >> right. So obviously we know that anything done in executive session is confidential, should not be shared, shouldn't be shared with um your family over dinner. Um and sometimes that can be found be difficult obviously but
there have been violations where um board members have discussed it over dinner and somebody else in the family went and put something on social media and then that comes back and it's a complete nightmare. Um so it's best not to have any discussion um and keep it confidential. The other thing here that's important is it says that you're
going to um provide accurate information. So, be sure when you talk about board business, um, and you will, hopefully not the confidential kind, but you will, and that's fine. But when you, because people will ask you, when you talk about board business, make sure you're giving an accurate, um,
interpretation of what happened and not your personal opinion because you may disagree with something. Um, but you're going to go along with the majority because that's your role as a board and you are one. So, just keep that in mind when you're presenting something. Just say, "Well, yeah, I mean, they're going to know if they want to do their homework. They're going to know if you voted no." And that's okay. But you must
stand and uh support the party line, right? Once the board makes a decision, that's it. Okay. H >> right. Um so all of your approvals will come at the recommendation of the superintendent. So that is where um if the superintendent doesn't recommend it
um then it is not for you to push. So, that's something to remember. Um, and also, I'm not going to get into it here, but I'm just going to mention this because this is a big one. We're going to get into some of the conflicts with family members and there the charts are insane, right? There's your second
cousin five times removed or whatever. Um, so just pay attention to it and if you're not sure, go to your board attorney. That's the place to go um to get an answer. Um, just to be on the safe side. Oh, again, it is your responsibility to disclose if there's a possible conflict.
I >> I will support and protect school personnel in proper performance of their duties. >> Right? This is a big one with social media these days um where board members may not like the way individuals do it. We see a lot of it with um librarians
these days under attack and um yeah that's not the way to do it. Um as a board member you need to support your staff and administration. You may not agree with everything but you need to still support them. Jay,
>> sure. >> I will refer all complaints to the chief administrative officer and will act on the complaints at public meetings only after failure of an administrative solution. >> Right? Um so this is a big one especially again if you have children in the district. You will have everybody
knows you're a board member. Everybody you have a sign there's a neon sign over your head. You're wearing the sash. You're wearing the crown. Everybody knows. think they don't. No matter how hard you try to be incognito, they know and they look at you that way, including the staff, which is really important. And that one took me a while to learn.
Um I was in a small district and um I was the PTO president and all the other things. And and you think, oh no, they know what what I'm coming from. I know how to separate it. They don't. So you always have to realize, again, we're going to go to that word perception a thousand times. You're going to be saying it in your sleep tonight. It is the perception. And when you come into a
district, that is how you are seen. doesn't mean you can't go into the district, but it's really important that you understand that piece. Um, let's see. Yeah. So, and with this one, we're talking. Yeah. And it's chain of command. You don't want to um undermine
your administration or your staff. So, anything that if somebody comes up to you with a complaint or a problem or whatever, your answer is go to the teacher, the principal, whatever the appropriate level is that they are at, that that is not your responsibility. And there's a couple of reasons for that. um especially when it's a friend,
you may feel like, hey, I just want to help them out. Um you can't, that is not your role. You don't run the school. It may come to the board table depending on what the issue is. And if you get involved earlier, you will be conflicted at the board table. Um so don't get involved and do your role where it's
necessary. And I will bet that 99% of it will not come to the board table. Um and it will be worked out in the manner that it's supposed to be worked out. That's how the system's um set up. So just be really careful. That being said, don't be afraid to listen. If people have things to say, don't be afraid to listen. Um, I'd say 80% of your role
should be listening. Um, and a little less of the talking. And then when you find something out, um, depending on what your board norms are, and I'm not familiar with them, so I'm going to apologize, but I would recommend that you contact both your board president and your superintendent and give them a heads up what you've heard. No surprises. No surprises for the board.
No surprises for the um, superintendent. It may never get to them. It's maybe a moot point, but do it anyway. so that they're prepared if they get a call from somebody about a problem. Oh, and don't ask them the follow-up question. So, what did you do? Don't do that. All
right. Ethics complaint. Here we go. By the way, we're done. You don't have to read anymore. Um, it's all me. Ethics complaints. This is the breakdown of it um on how you do it. Hopefully, you never have to do it. Um, anybody can file an ethics complaint. It could be a board member. It could be a community
member. It could be somebody outside the community. Any of those things. anybody um can file an ethics complaint unfortunately. Um so just be aware of that. Um penalties and sanctions the SA SEC recommends to the commissioner and the
commissioner makes the final decision. Um so these are this is the order of um the penalties. So the first one's a reprimand which is basically a slap on the wrist. A censure which will be read formally at a board meeting um and in the records in your um meet meeting
minutes. Suspension uh for a period of time is the next level and then obviously removal. What I will tell you is there has been a lot of attention paid to your mandatory training and your um financial uh disclosures. That's a
really big deal. Um and they are starting with censures on that. So it will be publicized if you don't meet your mandatory training and if you don't do your disclosure. Okay. Um advice of council to feds for penalties. So what this is basically
saying is if you're not sure of what you're doing or if you're not sure if something's a conflict or any of that, you're going to ask to speak to your board attorney or run it by your board attorney. Your board attorney has the final say. You may go from there to, and we'll talk about this after, to ask for
an opinion from um the SEC, but at this point, your attorney is the person that you would go to. And if you have questions, you can always come to me, but I'm going to tell you at the end. I'll give you a whole spiel and then I'll say, "But please check with your board attorney because obviously I don't give legal advice." Um, the point of
this is when your attorney tells you what to do and you don't do that, you are no longer protected. And that's really important. So, just be aware of that. you know, if you seek advice, make sure you follow it. All right, so here's some examples. And again, in an effort to not
keep you here all night, I'm not going to go into too many of these. Um, I will touch on a few and you will be able to click on the links, um, or just read the summaries and, um, get more details. Um, so one of the examples, and this is what I mean by good intentions. Uh, let's
see. Yeah, the first one is not good intentions. The second one, uh, board member sent an email about attending, um, the CPAG, uh, meeting, which is a special education, uh, parent group. And, um,
they were involved in the CPAG, and they were also a committee member of the special ed, uh, committee within the board as a board member. When you go down that road, avoid that. if you're active in a specific um area within the school, which you are entitled to do,
especially I mean this particular individual I believe had a child in the special education program and um felt that she could help and everything else which is great. Don't mix them up. Don't think that well I know so much I will be such a benefit. It it jades you and it's not a smart move. Um, and that's the
example here, uh, where this board member definitely crossed the line and you could read more details on it. And again, it was a well-meaning board member as far as I could read in the things. I don't know them. So, um, so here's some more. Um,
some of these are actually comical and a little embarrassing. Um, uh, let's see. This one, the action of women who served. Oh, this was terrible. The, um, C7823. This is the one where a board member uh was was friends with the
staff member and there was an issue that was going to be brought up in executive session. Uh the board member spoke to the staff member about it because they were friends. The staff member could not make the meeting so they wanted their um side told. So the board member went and
picked up a letter prior to the meeting. uh brought it to the board meeting, asked the BA to make copies of it and to disperse it to all of the board members except for the superintendent. Um so when the meeting began and they had the conversation, uh it obviously went a little arai and it was a big
problem and um so obviously that's not the protocol and that one was a recommendation of suspension for 60 days uh which I consider to be pretty minor considering how how you know egregious that was. There's an example. Um, okay.
Recusal versus abstension. This is important. Um, most people confuse the two and think you can do them interchangeably. Um, they're not interchangeable. So, recusing is because you cannot vote on something and you cannot be involved in something whether it's legally or you're conflicted. Uh,
for example, uh you have um a student, you have a child that happens to be on the agenda. You would recuse yourself from that. You also need to be really careful that you recuse yourself from the conversation, not just the vote. Okay? Um, and then there's going to be situations obviously where you're
conflicted if you have family members in the district and stuff like that. If you're not sure, again, check with your board attorney. Now, abstension is different. Abstension is you just choosing not to vote. Um, you may choose and and it might be completely fair. You can't vote because you don't know the information. For example, if you missed
the last meeting and it comes times to approve the minutes, you don't can't approve the minutes because you weren't here. So, how can you approve the minutes? So, you would abstain from that, and that's fair. Um, I also encourage board members, if you're going to abstain for a reason, um, don't be afraid to say why because everybody wants to know. And, um, you know, if you
have a good reason, you should say it. So, just put that one out there. Um, okay. Relationship definitions. Um, everybody's related somehow, some way. I'm not going to go into this. I'm going to uh encourage you and I will if I remember send you a copy of that A123
chart that referred there, but you can always click on it. It literally last lists just about everything you can think of. Um it's really important because the board attorney and your BA and your superintendent may not know how you are related to individuals. It is
your responsibility to make sure to ask if you're not sure. even if you think it's a it's a reach, ask the question because dialing it back after is extremely difficult. Um, advisory opinions. So, now we're going to talk about advisory opinions. Advisory opinions are different than um
ethic complaints because they can only be um requested by board members. They need to be um in reference to a specific situation for you as an individual board member. Okay? you can't ask about somebody else and you can't ask about um
theoretical situations and this goes to what I mentioned earlier that the board currently exists with six members and they have to have six members in order to uh do an advisory opinion. So think about they meet like maybe once a month if that and then who knows if everybody shows up and if they don't all show up
they can't do an advisory opinion. So this takes forever and that's one of the reasons you're going to see so many things listed in here and they all came out the the week before the holidays. Um, so I'm not up to speed on every one of them and every year there's a new batch that comes out. Uh, but they're easy for you to go into and read. Um,
advisory opinions, you can Google it. It is, uh, awesome because you're looking at a question, it's a little bit easier than looking at, um, an ethics complaint. Um, the other thing is because they are so, um, stretched with uh, so few members, they also require
that you um, review all the opinions before you send one in because they do not take kindly when it is a duplicate. Um, and if you ever have any questions on that, you can ask me. I can help search it. Um, it's not that difficult at all. All right. Advisory opinion. Advisory
opinion is an opinion as to whether any proposed activity or conduct would in the school ethics commission's opinion constitute a violation of the provisions of the school. All right. So, here's the thing. If you do this and you get a um an opinion, that opinion stands. It's the same thing as asking your board
attorney. Don't decide, well, I don't really agree with that. um it didn't go the way I wanted, so I'm going to do something different because then you will be open to an ethics violation. And in all honesty, nobody may call you out on it, but you should do what you're told. That's why you have the little police officer there. Um every year this comes up on the slides and it is uh
pertinent that we do not take that little policeman off. All right, so here's what the advisory opinions uh released in 2012 look 2025 look like. And you can see they're easy to um go through and find out um you know if it's something that you'd be interested or
in. It's also easier for you to Google these um and find out um where you know if there is something that exists already. I'm not going to go through all these um but if anything seems interesting you will have these links and you can go through all of them.
Uh benefits. All right. So the ethics regulation definition of a benefit was a direct or indirect advantage profit privilege or gain whether personal financial or otherwise. A lot of people believe that benefits are uh strictly financial um
and they're not. And we're going to go a step further and let you know that it's not just the benefit that you think is a benefit, but it is a benefit perceived by a um rational public member. Um so sometimes again that's where the good intentions get muddy because you think
you're doing the right thing but you're not necessarily looking at all the facts. Um again perception of the public. Let's see where we're meeting about. Oh, this was a good one. A board member spoke during the board meeting because he was running for general assembly. He spoke only during the board business portion to the public that was
attending and didn't think anything of saying, "Hey, I'm running. You know, you see what a great job I do here. Please go out and vote for me." And again, I will go with the fact that they thought that was just an innocent little thing to just mention because they're proud of their uh volunteer work and um what they
do, but obviously that was a violation. And again, all the details will be in there. Um prohibited acts. Uh this will go through the list where I told you where you would recuse yourself. Um and then uh you know, you could take a look at it when you have a chance.
Again, I I will say if you're not sure, it's always better to air on the side of being careful. Uh there's a scenario that was an administrator, I believe it was a superintendent, who um they were she recommended to the board to approve a list of um
um sup uh substitute teachers and the list was about 200 long or something like that. She put it through. She had the list. She put it through. Didn't realize her son was on the list. didn't go through it line by line, that was um a violation, right? Because it was for
the personal gain of um a family member. So, it's things like that. And and another example would be um there was a board member who was brought up on an ethics complaint. The attorney uh hired by the board to represent them was on
the bill list and the it was a huge bill list. It goes into all those details. So, it was it was a really big bill list and the board member missed it. But at the end of the day, it was the board member's job to recuse themsel from that and they didn't. It was a violation.
So, you have to know what you're voting on is the key. I'm going to skip this because I think I covered these number others. That's a coaching one. There's a lot of these. Okay. Hiring personnel. If the relative already works in the district. So, if
you just joined the board and prior to joining the board, you have a uh relative in the district, that is fine. But you are conflicted, which means anybody related to in the in the chain of uh command of that individual, you can't vote on. You need to recuse
yourself from any discussion, any voting. So, of course, that's also going to be negotiations and all those kind of things. Okay, really important. Um, if you are on the board, you cannot hire a family member. So, keep that in mind as well.
I recently had this conversation doing um there was a a superintendent search and I think the month before I had gone through this um uh board roles and responsibilities including conflicts and board member sitting at the table, new board member was completely shocked that
because they had a spouse that was in a coaching position um made them unable to participate in the superintendent search. And I fully understand the concern about that because here is a stipen position. It's not part of the union negotiations.
They're not in the district all the time, but unfortunately it still falls in that category. Um they are a paid member of the U district. So again, I'm giving the example not because what they did was so unusual and again it was a new board member. It's just that there's sometimes things you don't realize. Um
so just be aware of that and it's disappointing. Um and I hate to be the one to have to tell them. So uh what else? And again, if you have a family member, you cannot you go all the way up the chain. So, you will not be involved in the superintendent evaluation because that's the top of the chain.
Okay. Uh committee assignments. Make sure your president knows when you're being um appointed to committees if you have any kind of conflict so that you're not in that situation. It's really important. Again, I'll go back to the example I gave you before where it was a board member who was uh very involved in
the um CPAG program or uh group and yet they were on the special ed committee which is just not it's just not a good place to be. It's very difficult for that committee member, I'm sure, to separate them. Um so that's just something to consider.
This is your collective bargaining um chart. Hold on to it. It's going to explain to you if you can be involved in negotiations. And the way you do it is if you look at the first line, it's a relationship to a board member. If it's your immediate family member or relative, do they work in the district? Yes. Are they current member of a
statewide public teachers union? No, they're not. So, you might assume, okay, well, that allows me to then be involved in negotiations because they're not part of the association. However, that would be incorrect. So, you cannot participate in negotiations and you cannot vote to ratify the contract. The idea behind
that is um in most districts whatever the increase negotiated is drives a lot of the other increases and um compensation within the district. So that's the rationale campaigns and collective bargaining. Uh when you come to the table, you need to
walk away from your campaign. Um and sometimes that's getting really really complicated these days. So, I will go to uh where I remind you that you represent not the individuals that voted for you, but the entire community and all the students within the district. Um, and that's sometimes hard for people to
adjust to. Um, so be aware of that. Also, um, endorsement of a candidate by a local or national statewide union doesn't create a per se future conflict. So um this one is where sometimes uh the teachers associations unions will get
involved and they will endorse a um candidate. Um unfortunately that gets complicated and sometimes they will also give a financial gift to that candidate or donation um in order to help them with their campaign. If that's the case, it tends to be you cannot be on
negotiations for a year. If you received the financial um uh donation from the association and if not and they just endorsed you, you may be eligible. What I recommend is that you speak with your board attorney. And again, just a heads up, just because you are eligible doesn't mean it's necessarily the right
thing to do. So that's something else to also think about. Sometimes you have to because everybody else is conflicted. So, okay, volunteering in the school. This is another fun one. Um, this is where a lot of people get into trouble and this is another example of doing a good deed. Um, and obviously board
members are usually very enthusiastic about the school. Um, very supportive and want to be involved. Um, I'll give an example of a situation where a board member, a superintendent um, reached out to me because a board member um, was participating with the PTO. Um, she had a grandchild
in school, I believe it was, or a child, whatever the case may be. She was involved volunteering with the PTO. They were setting up for back to school night. Um they were setting up the PTO table for back to school night and the board member said, "Oh, there's a table. We need more room. Let me take that table." To which the principal said, "Nope." Um uh that's the Girl Scout
table, so we can't you can't use that. That is your table for the PTO. To which the board member jokingly replied, "Oh, well, I guess we better put that in the budget next year for an extra table." Again, I'm sure it was offhand as it meant as a joke. Um and the superintendent was a newer superintendent and said to me about, you
know, what what how do I handle this? And I said, "Well, you know, you just have to let them know that's an ethics violation. You don't want to go down that road." And again, it makes the staff uncomfortable. Um, even if you're friends with them, it makes them uncomfortable. And I said, you know, people think you're in there and I'm not wearing anything that's I'm there as for
my child. But the reality is you are always looked at as a board member. So when you throw something like that in there, like don't say to a teacher when you're in school and say, "Hey, what did you think about the curriculum we just approved? Do you like it? How's it going for you?" That's overstepping and it's it's uncomfortable. Again, um you'll get those reports from your superintendent if you have questions on those things.
That's where you get your information. Um the other thing I'm going to say, and I think we have another slide, in which case I'll skip it when we get to it. Um this don't confuse volunteering and being involved in the school when you have children, don't think that you cannot advocate for your children. The one role that definitely surpasses the
role that you're sitting at this board table is you are your child's advocate through anything. That is way more important than your role as a board member. um you must advocate advocate for your child. Um just don't do it in a way that you're referring to your role as a board member. You know, you have to
be careful. And the other thing I would recommend if you're having any issues, have a conversation with your superintendent and let them know. Now, I'm going to preface this. I'm not telling you to do that because you're looking for your superintendent to step in and help. I'm telling you because you want your superintendent to have no surprises. You don't want that teacher
to feel overwhelmed or you don't want the teacher to go and say, "Hey, they really pushed me." you'll they'll have your side before that happens. And again, the superintendent's going to know you and they're going to know that teacher and they're going to know who's, you know, stretching the truth or maybe it was just received wrong. Again, perception. Um especially when it's
upsetting uh with something with your child or whatever. So, just keep those things in mind. It does not stop you from support standing up for your for your child. There you go. Visiting the school. Advise a superintendent. You'll be in the school as a parent or a volunteer. Always make the call. um I guarantee you
that superintendent will find out within five minutes of you walking in that school. So um don't surprise them. This way they know what you're there for. And again, not that you can't be. And you usually should be entering the school when you're invited. And sometimes as a parent that's a case, like you're going to or you're just going to an event. All
encouraged, all great, but let the superintendent know so there's no surprises and they know why you were there. Um again, refrain from any related board discussion or vote and stay on point with the purpose of the visit. I just want to say on that one too, we talked about this earlier. Make sure when you're talking because you will
talk to people there and they're going to ask you things about board business and you are as a board member dual rolled, right? You you're a representative to the public and you're also um um a an advocate for the school. So, make sure what you refer to is
positive. And I'm not saying lie because obviously one of the tenants of the ethics thing is to be accurate and truthful. But I am saying the way you um say something can obviously be changed. Um our our our scores are down, but
we're working diligently. We are reviewing them. We are breaking it down. We are looking at it. If somebody asks you about don't say, "Oh, no, the school they're great. They're great." When when it's not true. Um and I'm not saying it's here. I'm just making as an example. So please don't take it personal. Uh but that's an example of you can twist or I don't want to say twist, but I want to say just present it
in a more positive manner because that is your role. You don't want to make the school look bad. That's not your role. That's not the goal of what you're doing. All right. Social media, always a fun one, right? I'm I'm plowing through these, so we're good. Um, social media is a tough one, and it continues to be a
tough one. It's probably one of the biggest issues that we hear about um from the public or from other board members and um that kind of stuff. It's recommended that you do not use social media. But what I will tell you is if
you have a candidate account um a separate page for running which everybody does and that's fine. It's time to take it down once you are back on the board you need to take it down. And the reason you need to take it down is when people look at social media they don't pay attention that that was a post from two years ago that just all of a
sudden got recirculated. um they're not looking at that and they're looking at it as you are now an active member of the board and that is your opinion or you're stating something that you may have stated incorrectly because you weren't a board member and weren't aware of all the facts. Um so I highly recommend that you take it down. Now you
you know we get a lot of push back. We have freedom of speech. We should be able to say what we think and you can. Um, and we'll get to I think it's the next slide where we're going to say, you know, there's the disclaimer to use. Um, and just stay out of it. Um, there was a
time that boards were recommended not to be involved in Facebook mom groups, right? That's the big thing, right? The Facebook mom group or the town group, etc. um it's not really necessary not to be part of it because in my opinion it is a great resource to know what people are
thinking and um people have a lot to say when they're anonymous because there's so many anonymous people out there right now with a lot to say I caution you if you're an individual that it drives you crazy because the information is incorrect don't do it don't look at it will drive you crazy how and and don't
feel the need this is where you will get yourself into trouble to correct it or to put the truth out there. Um, I won't go into how you can handle that, but the the bottom line is I I there's so many times I remember where is school going to be closed? It looks like it's snowing. Are we going to is it going to be closed? Is it going to be closed? Who
knows what's happening? And then people get on there, no, it's not going to be closed because they never like to close the school and they won't do it. It's too late and blah blah blah. And you know the school's going to close because you were just notified. And um it's like you want to say something, but don't don't do it. Somebody will eventually somebody will get it out there. Maybe
you're right, maybe you're wrong, but somebody else can do the job. Okay. Um, social media disclaimer. Again, this will be in your package. This is the disclaimer recommended to use. Um, most important thing, this is not a get out of jail free card. Don't put this up there and then go off on a tangent about confidential information. Say, but I
posted this and it's only my opinion. Well, it's my opinion because it's what I heard here and I went ahead and that's my opinion and I didn't agree with the rest of the board. Um, but it's my personal opinion. So, you do have freedom of speech, and that is a big thing we're seeing right now with new board members that are up in arms that they're feeling that they're handcuffed.
Again, the reason for this is you represent the district. Um, it's not meant to keep you quiet. And when you ever get to a point, my recommendation, as a board member, that you feel so strongly that you disagree with the board, it's time to step down. And then you have power on the other side and
you're not handcuffed. And I say that truly because board members get burned out and it's hard and I get it. Um, but I h I I encourage you not to go there. I encourage you to take a breath and um it will get better, but sometimes you go down that road and it's difficult. It's
a really tough job. Um, so there you go. All right. These are social media cases. Um, I think I told you the one where they had a talk at dinner and one of the family members went out and posted it on the page. Um, another example would be um, board members posting about teachers that they they think that's the library one, right? Don't like what the the
books are in the library and stuff like that's a violation. You have to support the district. if even if they're getting books that they shouldn't be getting or that's a problem for your administration. That is not your role. You're not for you to get involved. You don't approve the library books. It's
not your job. You do approve the um uh textbooks, but don't put it on social media. All right. Texting from the board table could result in someone filing an Oprah request for your phone records. More importantly, again, we're it's the golden rule. If you just know how to
behave and remember, you have an audience of community members with their own perception and they're coming in and maybe their perception isn't even right. Maybe they're just overwhelmed with something that's unfortunate that they're not happy about and they're going to take it out on you and you know that because you've been doing this job.
Um, but don't um don't start texting at the table back and forth. Phone shouldn't even be out. Okay? Phone should not be on the table if you have a child or a family member. Um, and and I say this just because it's really important, but if you have
somebody, I mean, I did it. My daughter was in kindergarten and she'd be able to babysit her, so I kept my phone out so I could see if there was an emergency. And if there is an emergency or there was a text or a work call, because let's face it, we have to make a living because we don't get paid doing this job, right? So, if it's something along those lines, feel free to take your phone, excuse
yourself, ask permission to excuse yourself, and go out and take the call if it's urgent. Don't do it just because it's your buddy calling you, um, or any of that kind of stuff. But obviously if it's important, you have a life. Just if you're texting over here and somebody's texting over there or even just looking
at your phone, the community is looking and saying, "Oh, they're they're going back and forth right now about what's happening. They're they're colluding." Don't do it. It's not worth it and you're probably not anyway. So don't do it. And it's just being respectful. If you stick to the golden rule, you're respectful. You're probably fine. Um again, I talked about your child's
advocate. That's an example. Um refrain from using your campaign social media. We covered that. And um yeah, social media it's the downfall. Okay, here's a bunch of resources that you will be able to um also click on when I send that to you tomorrow. And that wraps it up. So I
hope uh you found it uh helpful and a little valuable. And again, I just want to close and say really I do appreciate everything that you do and thank you for doing it. And that's why I love my job. Um so hopefully I'll come back in and do some more training with you and um it'll be a little maybe a little bit more interesting subject. Ethics is always
tough, a little dry. Um, and and then we can have a lot more dialogue. But if you have any questions, please, you know, this tends to not have a I don't like to lecture. I very much prefer to have conversation um when working with boards. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Melissa, for for the
presentation. Um, so if board members can just quickly take a look at your packet. We all received the acknowledgement of received that we've received the the code of ethics. If everyone can just sign it and print and sign. Today's date is the 7th
and I will pass it down so that we can pass it on to Dr. Lewis. Thank you. Sure. Okay, we're are moving on to our resolutions which is on page four. All right. Can I have a motion to
approve the consent agenda for items 1 through five? >> I'll first. >> Okay. We have a motion from Trusty Armsta. I have a second. Second by Trustee Stein. Um,
is Dr. Lewis here? roll. >> Okay. >> Hey, Mr. Namaka, can you please do a roll call? >> Sure. >> Wait. >> Sure. >> Okay. So, we just have a motion from
Trustee Mahamsa and a second by Trustee Stein. Oh, he's coming. Oh, thank you. Sorry, Dr. Lewis. Just so you know, we have a motion from Trusty Emma Hemsa and a second by Trustee Stein for the
consent agenda items 1 through five. Dr. Lewis, can you please do a roll call? >> Trustee Bal Balafuch. >> Yes. Trusty Alanza, >> yes. >> Trusty Carol, >> yes. >> Trusty Gilmore, >> yes.
>> Trusty Harris, >> yes. >> Trusty Jones, >> hi. >> Trusty Martin, >> yes. >> Trusty Pringle, >> yes. >> Trusty Stein, >> hi. >> Motion passes. >> Excellent. Thank you so much. All right,
moving on to board comments. And I guess I'll start to my right. Trusty Jones, go ahead. >> Um, Dennis's comments pertaining to the night in general, right? Reorganization. Uh, I'd just like to congratulate u
everybody that ran and and got on. And I'd like to congratulate uh Jen and Kenny on their roles, president and vice president. Uh and uh it's just uh it feels very good to be part of a team that's cohesive like this. So I know we have a lot of work to get done and uh
but I I thank you all for welcoming me when I first came on and now that I'm on on uh you know I really appreciate u everybody's help and everybody's guidance and uh just kind of the teamwork and the camaraderie. It's a it's a nice thing to be a part of. Well, thank you. >> Thank you. Hey Trusty Carol.
>> Yeah. Um, I just want to thank the residents of Hackinack, um, for having faith and confidence in myself, Melanie and Mike. Um, congratulations to our president, Jen, vice president, Mr.
Martin. Um, and, um, piggyback a little bit off what Mike said about cohesiveness. I've been on the board going on four years now and this is this board is the most together group
since I've been here and um I look forward in serving this community in the district. I' like to say thank you to Lita. Oh, I think she left right. >> She stepped out. Okay. But for all her hard work, she really has done a lot,
tedious work, hours she put in. And um thank you Melissa. I think she left already, right? Yeah. Thank Melissa for her presentation also >> with the um ethics refresher. >> Couple of things that came back to me. So it was good to have and again I look
forward to serving the district. Thank you. >> Thank you, Trusty Stein. This is my 11th year serving on this board. Not consecutive, but 11th year. Um, and you're so right, Demetrius.
This is one of the first times in my 11 years that we have had a board that is going in the same direction. Um, and it works out to be the best for everyone
involved in our district, teachers, staff, custodial staff, um, our acting superintendent, our new BA. This helps them know that whatever is
being discussed is going in the right direction. And it takes a team as we heard in uh the ethics to drive the engine. And it's
so satisfying again for me. Um I served nine years. Now I'm into my second year uh or 11 years on the board to finally see a board that is truly truly
working in the direction for our children. And only success can come from that rather than the bickering that used to take place and the um self-gratification
and the fact that there were people on the board that were looking for other things from being an elected official. I want to thank all of you. Um
this is gratifying to me as the senior citizen on the board um to know that each and every one of you is working in the right direction. Um Melissa did a
wonderful job uh with her presentation tonight. Um and I wish you all and including myself that we have a successful year and that
we will all move in the right direction at the same time. Thank you. >> Thank you, Trusty Armana. >> Thank you so much. And really just reiterating, you know, what has already been said. First of all, congratulations to our newly sworn in board members um
trustees um Austin Balaputra, trustee Carol, Trustee Jones um and everyone else on the dis. It's just such a pleasure to work together. Um as Trusty Stein said, it's really nice um to to be a part of this team and everybody's
voice is really important. Um and we obviously, you know, have a lot of work to do and so just really proud to sit alongside everyone here. Um, also a huge congratulations, Madame President, on your re-election. Um, and Vice President Martin, uh, congratulations. Um, and
also thank you so very much, Trusty Stein, for all of your service as our former vice president and as you mentioned, all of your distinguished service um, as a public servant. Um, we really are very fortunate to have you on the board to learn from you. Um and uh
again, thank you everyone and happy new year to our students, to our staff, to your families. Um wishing everyone a lot of success this year. >> Thank you, uh Trusty Pringle.
Um, ditto to what Mike, Demetrius, and Leila said, I don't want to be too repetitive, but I do um want to again congratulate um Trustee Austin Barra,
um Trusty Jones, and Trusty Carol. Um congratulations on your uh second term as president. um trustee, well, President Harris. Um, and congratulations, uh, to Vice President,
uh, Kenny Martin. Um, and I agree with everyone. This is an amazing team. Um, we work well together, guys. We get things done, and I'm looking forward for the rest of the the school year and what
it has um in store for us. and happy new year um to everyone and let's get this ball going. >> Thank you. Good night. >> Thank you, Trusty Gilmore. >> Um good good evening. Um first, happy new year everyone. And um again, I just
want to congratulate um our newly elected um board members, uh Trustee, um Austin Balaputra, Trusty Jones, and Trusty Carol. Congratulations on your landslide election. And um also congratulations to Madame President and
Vice President um Martin. Congratulations. I know you two will um lead us in the right direction. And I just also want to thank Linda um for all of your hard work. Um it is truly appreciated. And thank you uh Trusty Stein for for your uh service. Thank
you. >> Thank you Trusty Austin Baldwer. >> Good evening everyone. I'll skip some of mine too because for the in the interest of time, but congratulations to our new board president and board vice president. Thank you to Trustee Stein
for all your leadership and guidance. Not just now, but you've been a part of my village for a minute. So, um I want to give a shout out and thank you to Judge Jones who stepped in for my swearing in, but also a heartfelt appreciation to Judge Karen Gwyn. We
kind of gave her the wrong direction. and she was somewhere in the history department cuz the first the left and the left and the right had her go across the but I appreciate her so much for coming and being a part of this um for me to swear me in. Um shout out to my son James
Balaputra and his teacher. Um but for those who don't know, James is autistic and to prepare for tasks, his teacher had to practice with him in a Bible to prepare him to stand here to do that. So, I'm especially grateful to
them. And to my fellow board members, I want to say happy school board member month. We get a month in January. >> I'm excited about that. And thank you everyone. Have a good night. >> Vice President Martin.
>> Okay. First, um I want to um congratulate our new board members. Um I'm sure you're going to do an excellent job. which you have done thus far and it's a pleasure working with you and looking forward working with you uh in the
future. Um I want to also thank uh Melissa for a wonderful pre presentation. Um the uh information you gave us, we will use it and and think about it as we uh go along in our um
throughout this year. Um, I also um uh is very happy and and I do want to thank this board for appointing me as your vice president. I won't let you down. I'll work um very closely with our
president. Whatever she need and whatever she asks of me, I will do. I will be there for her, support her um in her absence. Um so she has my number, she calls me and I will be there for you.
Um also I want to thank our uh students, our chorus for coming um as they always do and uh um reminding us and and singing with us and leading us in the uh automata is always good to hear that and
um uh you know is that spirit that school spirit as you can see as we wear our blue and gold we take we uh look at that very proudly of our school district and uh and our colors as well as our out of honor. So again, thank you uh for
coming and um that's it for me. Uh just uh have happy new years and uh we are ready to work now. >> All right. >> All right. Thank you. Um again, happy
new year to everyone. Uh, you know, it's not a new year for the school year, but it's definitely a new year, still a year to celebrate. Um, and thank you for Trusty Austin Balapucha for bringing up it is definitely school board member month. Um, I guess we'll recognize it at our next board meeting. Uh, again, thank
you to the Hikosc High School Chorus, what Miss Blah, and the alma mater is always so beautiful to start off the new year. Um, they do a wonderful job. They sounded incredible. Uh again, thank you Miss Lindy Dagastra for your hard work
service during this time as our acting VA. Once again, welcome back Trusty Carol, Trusty Trusty Austin Balaputra, Trusty Jones, and Trusty Stein. Again, thank you so much for your service, your leadership, your
knowledge. We all learn something from you every time you're here. Thank you. even if it was 11 years ago, it's still relevant till today. >> Yeah. >> Uh and congratulations to Vice President
Martin. Um I have a new neighbor here. Um and I know that we're going to do great work. Uh and thank you to Melissa, our New Jersey school boards um rep. She will definitely this will not be the last time we see her. We will see her again during our board retreats, which
we'll have at least about two or three this year. Um, the work that we do is not an easy job. It is definitely, like she said, it's hard. It's about picking, choosing your battles, figuring out what is appropriate, what is not appropriate.
Um, and we always try to be seen. This is one of our commitments as a board. We've always tried to make a point. If one can't make it, we call and say, "Hey, can you be there for me or have some type of representation?" And I appreciate everyone here on this board
for always being flexible and always showing up for our school events for our students um and the community. Uh so at this time I just before we go into executive session I do have an
important statement to read. So if everyone could just bear with me um and just pay attention to this important statement. and I will try my best to read as slow as possible so our interpreter can uh translate.
When the leadership of the board changed in January of 2025, there were concerns about the district's financial status and we took steps to assess the district's financial administrative health. One of those steps was to appoint a new auditor firm.
These steps were taken in addition to repeated questions and inquiries posed by current board members who served on the board prior to January of 2025 to the former board leadership. However, those inquiries were unanswered and the
board was kept in the dark with no answers to our financial questions. In the summer, we started to receive accurate and complete information by central office staff. Once we had once we had access to
information and with the cooperation of central office, we directed district administration to conduct an internal review and to work with our newly appointed independent auditor. This work included not only a
comprehensive audit of the district's finances for the 2425 school year as required by New Jersey law, but also an analysis of 25 of the 2526 school year. That audit process began this fall.
Now that the 2425 audit is complete, it has been found by our auditor firm that as a result of actions by the prior board leadership led by former board president Scott James Vickery, the district is now facing an estimated $13
million budget shortfall for the current 2526 school year. This news is deeply deeply troubling and disappointing. We understand the concern and uncertainty this creates for our
students, staff, families, and the broader community. As our independent auditor will confirm, this problem was not created overnight, meaning in the current budget year. Rather, it is a culmination of improper
budgeting practices over the past several years. Addressing this projected shortfall will require difficult decisions, including reductions in expenses that will impact resources and staffing.
Please know that this board does not take these decisions lightly. As part of the process to address and remedy the shortfall, we will continue our work. Bless you. >> We will continue our work with the
county superintendent, our independent auditor, legal counsel, and our staff associations. While we are le while we are legally limited in discussing personnel and confidential matters publicly, we are committed to ensuring that the community
has the opportunity to fully understand the audit findings. We want to thank the community and staff for their patience throughout this process as the board has had to wait for our audit to be finalized to ensure accurate information is provided to the community.
The board will be meeting on January 14th to discuss next steps in the executive session. No public action will be taken at that meeting. On January 21st, we will have a public meeting where the auditors will publicly present
their report to the board and answer the board's questions. Public action will be taken to begin the required corrective action process. Our focus remains on accountability, openness, and working diligently to
stabilize the district while prioritizing the educational needs of our students. We will continue to keep the community informed as next steps are identified. This concludes my statement. We know
this news is devastating. Again, we encourage you to attend our public meeting on January 21st and hear the presentation from our auditor firm. Thank you all. I hope you get home safe. At this time,
we're going to move into executive session. Be it resolved that the Hackasak Board of Education determines it necessary to meet in executive session on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 to discuss legal personnel, student
related matters, HIV reports, negotiations, and other confidential matters. And be it further resolved that these matters will be made public when the need for confidentiality no longer exists. Can I have a motion to go into executive? >> Motion by Trusty Carol. Can I have a
second? >> Second. >> Second by Trusty Jones. All those in favor say I. I. >> Anyone opposed? So that the public is aware, no public action will be taken after executive session. The meeting will be closed after executive session.
Thank you all. It is 8:05 p.m. Have a good night. Thank you.