Good evening, everyone. Good evening. In accordance with the open public meeting act. Njsa 10, 4 dash 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. Stephen A. Lewis at stephen Lewislewis@hakensackschools.org. I hereby call to order the regular meeting on Wednesday.
March 18th, 2026, in the Hackensack High School Media Center at 617 PM. 617 PM. Dr. Lewis, can you please do a roll call? Trustee Austin Baldapultra. present. Trustee Amarhamsa here. Trustee Carroll. Present. Trustee Gilmore. Here. Trustee Jones. Trustee Pringle present. Trustee Stein here.
Vice President Martin. President Harris. Present. We are for. Thank you. And just for the record. Mr. Trustee Jones is not here, as he just had a new baby. So congratulations to him and his growing family. His wife had the baby. Yes. He was there helping. He was there for support. Okay, please stand for the flag salute.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We be seated. Okay, at this time we are going to move forward with our student report from Zoe. Good evening. The high schools act deck are the large school state champs. We won 31 individual awards. Our gold medalists were as follows.
Marielle Quiero Rodriguez, Gold in essay. Sophia Monin Gold in Literature, also our team's high score. Vixen, Debar, gold, and literature. Mariana Amaya Calderon, Gold in Music. Bradley Devers Gold in Music. Kavesha Harris, Gold in Literature, as well as third overall Scholastic Alternate. Jared Chavez Rodriguez, Gold and Literature. Solomon Maya, Gold, and Social Studies, Economics, Art, and Science, as well as first place overall varsity alternate.
Adding to them were many honorable mentions bronze and silver medalist from the students above as well. Natalie Sukushani, honorable mention in literature. Izana Garcia silver in literature. Josh Marquez, Honorable mention in art and bronze in Literature. Ivy Wang, honorable Mention in Social Studies and Literature. Mia Trinidad, Bronze in social studies, silver in art, and Silver in Literature.
Edward Amendano, Bronze in Literature. Jacob Rivas, Silver in Art, Ariana Rodriguez, Bronze and economics. The team will move on to the national competition next month. Our drama department just wrapped up their spring musical Shrek. It was a wonderful performance and a special thanks to Miss Roelo, Mr. Gaines, Miss Batty, Miss Stein, and Miss Pelican.
The cast and crew were wonderful and should be very proud. upcoming events, the Tri-M Music Honorable Honor Society induction will take place March 23rd at 6 pm. In the Media Center. The spring concert will be April 21st at 6 p.m. In the auditorium, and the Spanish Honor Society induction will take place April 23rd at 6 Pm. In the auditorium. Thank you. Thank you.
Okay, so at this time we're going to move into our presentations for our unsung heroes. So if I could please have our principal of the high school, Mr. Montesano, up. And is Ashley here? All right. If Ashley could come up as well.
Awesome.
Good evening. Each year, Bergen County runs a, I think it's a wonderful event. It's called the Bergen County Unsung Hero Award. And it's an opportunity to kind of recognize and honor a student whose performances or whose accomplishments to the high school might not normally be recognized in a traditional setting. This year's nominee for Hackensack High School is Ashley Martinez. Ashley was nominated by one of our business teachers, Jane Spielberger, who was an unsung hero all by herself. Uh, but Ashley Martinez, this was her nomination. Ashley Martinez is the epitome of an unsung hero. She is a straight A student who excels academically while remaining remarkably humble.
and kind. A bright and driven learner, Ashley is also deeply philanthropic and consistently seeks ways to give back to her school and community. When Ashley arrived in the United States at the age of 15, she did not speak English. Through determination, perseverance, and extraordinary work ethic, she taught herself the language and is now more than fluent, an accomplishment that speaks volumes about her resilience and commitment to growth. Ashley is a highly active member of the Interact Club, where she has made a meaningful impact. She has contributed to donation drives such as peanut butter and jelly sandwich making.
independently created public relations materials for the Student Activities Fair without even being asked, and I was already logged over 15 hours of community service in just a year and a half. Beyond interact, she is involved in multiple aspects of school life and is always willing to step in and help others succeed. Perhaps the most telling of Ashley's character is her willingness to support struggling students, offering help quietly without seeking recognition. She leads by example and embodies compassion, generosity, and integrity. Making her truly deserving to be the candidate for the Bergen County Unsung Hero. Ashley Martinez.
And Ashley, this is also a certificate from the Board of Education. Congratulations. And on top of that this evening, we will be voting on a resolution. For you, um, for the Unsung Hero Award, and this is what it says, and you get to keep this one, this really pretty one. It says, whereas the Bergen County School Boards Association, in collaboration with the New Jersey School Boards Association, recognizes unsung heroes from each high school in Bergen County to celebrate those whose character and impact define the heart of our schools.
And whereas the unsung Hero Award honors students who make outstanding contributions to their schools and communities, but are often overlooked by traditional recognition programs, students who have modeled good citizenship, a spirit of quiet strength. and a profile and purpose that inspires others. And whereas these unsung heroes may have organized community programs, selflessly supported their peers or achieved significant academic success while overcoming difficult.
personal challenges, disabilities or language barriers, and whereas Ashley Carolina Martinez has overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to reach their full potential, serving both the school community and the community at large as a beacon of resilience and integrity. And whereas on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, Ashley Carolina Martinez was formally recognized for these achievements at the 2026 Bergen County Unsung Hero Award ceremony held at Henry P. Becton Regional High School.
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Hackensack Board of Education officially recognizes Ashley Carolina Martinez as an unsung hero of Bergen County and the Hackensack School District, and be it further resolved that this resolution is presented to Ashley Carolina Martinez. As a sincere token of the Hackensack Board of Education's congratulations and best wishes for continued success as they continue to lead by example. Congratulations. Let me officials.
All right. This is for you. If you could just also take a picture with. Yes. If the board can come up and take a picture. I know we didn't get a chance to that day.
Okay.
All right. Thank you. Okay, so moving on to executive session, be it resolved at the Hackensack Board of Education determines it necessary to meet an executive session on Wednesday, March 18, th 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, please? So moved. Okay, motion by Trustee Stein. Can I have a second?
I'll second second. by Trustee Carroll. All those in favor say aye. Anyone opposed? Any abstentions? Okay, thank you. The time currently is. 628. If you can give us at least until 8 o'clock, please. Thank you. Okay, good evening, everyone. Thank you. Can I have a motion to reopen to the public, please? Motion motion by Trustee Pringle, second by Trustee Stein. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed?
Any abstentions? Thank you. Moving on. Okay, so this part is for the approval of the minutes. Can I have a motion to table all of the minutes presented? I'll make a motion to table. Okay, so… motion by Trustee Amrahamsa and a second second by Vice President Martin. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed abstentions. Thank you. Moving on. I'm sorry. Do we have to vote on? We don't have to vote.
No. So we'll revisit this on to our meeting next week on the 25th. Thank you. Okay, before we go into our superintendent's report, I just want to give a quick update to the public. Last week at our March 11th meeting, which was a special meeting. We recalled instructional staff that will stay until June 30th. And once again, I thanked the mayor and council, the Department of Education as well for approving our cash reserves for allowing us to use our cash reserves.
This, um, tomorrow, actually, on Thursday, where there'll be a women's worth brunch. So we're very excited to celebrate all of the phenomenal women that we have here in our district and central office. everywhere in our district. Truly, truly appreciate all the women here. It'll be a very, very nice event on Friday, the New Jersey School Boards Association will be hosting their 3rd annual Women's Leadership Conference, where some of the board members will be attending.
And next week on March 25th, we'll be having a special meeting where we'll be discussing the preliminary, the preliminary the preliminary budget and action will be taken. So please stay tuned. Um, and it'll be very informative, so highly recommend for you to watch or come in person. Okay, so with that being said, on to our superintendent's report by our acting superintendent, Andrea Oates Parchment. Thank you. Thank you.
Good evening, everyone. I would like to present the enrollment report. As of March 12th, 2026, we have 5,065 students. With attendance, we're at 97.16%. residency report for this month. We have had four cases received. One residency was verified, 3 in-home visits unverified.
And one is updated information on proof of residency. So students withdrawn as a result of the residency investigation to students. for our HIV harassment, intimidation, and bullying report. We had a total of 7. or were founded. Three unfounded, and we have seven pending. 4. Also, there was a preliminary determination of not harassment, intimidation or boom.
I also want to acknowledge Glenny Chipoton, Bergen County School Counselor of the Year. and Miss Stefina for also being awarded New Jersey State School Nurses Association School Nurse of the year. Let's give them more applaud. And you also saw that we honored our unsung heroine, Ashley Carolina Martinez earlier this evening.
This is so timely, too, because of our Women's History Month. and to all the women for Women's History Month, beginning with our board President Harris. Trustee Amehanza, Trustee Balaputra, Trustee Gilmore, Trustee Pringle, and all of the district's women leaders, educators, students, and support staff. who move this district forward every day in their special way. I acknowledge all of you for your steadfast service to Hackersack Public Schools, as well as the gifts and the talents that you bring to make a positive impact on our students.
and the entire school community. The important and critical work cannot get done well without you. So thank you. And what can I say about our athletic department and all the student athletes and coaches who are making hack and sack shine with their performances and indoor track. basketball, and a shout out to our team who showed up and showed out at the New Balance tournament recently, breaking records. We are so proud of all of our athletes.
And let's give a round of applause. And then finally, as I stated to you each month I would like to highlight a department within our schools. Today I would like to highlight Hackensack Middle School's engineering design elective, a new course. The new engineering design elective at Hackensack Middle School is a hands-on STEM course where students design, build, and test solutions to real world problems. The class is taught by Tommy Harrington.
formerly a member of the seventh grade science department of 18 years. The class currently serves students in grades 6 through 8 students participate in a variety of projects, including the New Jersey Department of. Fish and wildlife's trout in the Classroom program, raising rainbow trout while learning about cold water conservation and water chemistry. They also use 3D printing and CAD.
to design tools and prototypes in conjunction with the M river stream table to explore river dynamics and flooding while testing engineering solutions. These core elements of the class are supplemented with many engineering challenges, such as reverse engineering and simple indoor drone missions, giving students regular opportunities to practice. problem solving, teamwork and home technology skills together. These experiences connect to a common theme, understanding and protecting the lower Hackensack River. The course is built around the engineering design process.
where students test ideas, learn from mistakes, and improve their designs through iteration. By identifying problems, building prototypes and refining solutions, students experience how engineers use science, technology, and creativity to solve environmental challenges in their own community. So. Thank you, students, and and thank you, Mr. Harrington, for this elective.
And that's all I have for this evening. Excellent. Okay, so moving on to public comment. Public participation shall be governed by the following rules. One, if in person a participant must sign the sign in sheet and be recognized by the presiding officer. It must preface comments by an announcement of his or her name, municipality of residence and group affiliation, if applicable. Two, each statement made by a participant shall be limited to a 3-minute duration during the public session. 3. 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 acting superintendent responses to questions or inquiries shall be held until the end of public participation. At this time, public comments will be open to anyone here in person. If anybody here in person would like to speak, please come up.
I'm in first night. Yes, thank you. Uh, good evening. My name is Natasha Taylor. I'm here tonight to speak about coach and educator, Mr. Aaron Taylor. Coach Taylor has been a part of the Hackensack community his entire life, born and raised here, he chose to come home and dedicate his career to the same community that helped shape him. Since 2004, he served as a history teacher and a Black Studies teacher in our district, helping generations of students understand.
not only the past, but their place presently in the world. Beyond the classroom, Coach Taylor has built a legacy through the Hackensack varsity basketball program. He's led the team to three state sectional championships, but anyone who knows high school sports understands that the wins and the banners are only part of the story. His true impact has been the mentorship, discipline, and guidance that he's given to hundreds of young people over the years. For many students, Coach Taylor's been more than a coach, he's been a role model, a guide, and a steady presence. He's consistently pushed his players to be better students, better teammates, and better young men. The values he teaches, accountability, hard work, perseverance.
They extend way far beyond the basketball court. That's why… the Hib allegations were so concerning to many of us in this community. For someone who's devoted more than 2 decades to educating and uplifting students. These accusations feel wildly inconsistent with the character and reputation he's built over a lifetime of service here in Hackensack. We ask the board here today to consider not only the allegations that were brought before you, but also the full body of work and the decades of positive influence that Aaron has had on this community. Coach Taylor has been a pillar in Hackensack for many years, and that legacy deserves to be recognized and fairly weighed.
The acting superintendent, Andrea Parchment, publicly. publicly embarrassed Coach Taylor by not following protocol, suspending him without a prior investigation. And against the advice of the athletic director and other administrators who oversee Aaron professionally, all the day before Hackensack's Bergen County Jamboree game at Ten of Fly High School. Many people were surprised and commented regarding him not coaching that day, and even the press approached him with questions. It was very embarrassing.
And not to mention the optics of it all. She did privately congratulate him for the leadership, service, and success while acknowledging that he would be the coach next year. Again, she publicly suspended him, putting his character in question, but privately congratulated him. And at no point has an apology been issued in any form, although it should have come publicly. So if the parties involved in this matter won't apologize for how he was handled, I'll apologize on everybody's behalf.
Aaron, I'm really sorry you don't deserve this, and we thank you for your time and for your service to the Hackensack District. Good evening, everybody, and thank you for your time. Good evening, everyone. My name is Michelle Tavares, proud Hackensack resident, proud parent of a Hackensack graduate attending TCNJ and a current senior student who, thanks to all of his educators, has committed to Monmouth University for marine biology.
I'm here tonight as both a parent and a member of the community to speak on behalf of Coach Aaron Taylor. Coach Taylor has never coached any of my children, but that to me more to his character. His impact extends far beyond just the players on his roster. He shows up for the entire athletic community. I remember an evening when, despite preparing for a major basketball tournament, the very next day, he took the time and attended and supported a girl's softball fundraiser. That kind of commitment does not go unnoticed. In addition to being a community member, I also serve as an athletic secretary.
in another district. That district was just spoke about, and that would be 10 o'clock. Through that role and working within the Big North Conference. I've had the opportunity to observe many coaches over the years. I currently work for the number one ranked team in the Big North Division. So I understand the level of commitment, leadership, and accountability it takes to build and sustain a successful program. I can say with confidence that Coach Taylor exemplifies these same qualities. When he has come to our district for events like the Bergen County Jamboree that he unfortunately was not able to coach this particular year.
which I do not fault him, and he should never feel embarrassed about. We all supported him. He has consistently demonstrated professionalism, respect, and integrity. Integrity. He has built a strong reputation within the basketball community, and that reputation is well earned. This past season, his team was ranked fifth in the Big North Division and top 50 in the entire state. He led his team to the quarterfinals of the Bergen County Jamboree at FDU and advanced to the state finals. Accomplishments reflect not only in talent, but leadership, discipline, and dedication. It is important to recognize that being a head coach is not easy.
Coaches are tasked with making difficult decisions in the best interest of teams and the program as a whole. Those decisions are not always popular, but they are necessary. Not every decision will satisfy everyone, and not every player will always get what they want, but that is part of athletics, and that is part of life. From my perspective, Coach Taylor is an outstanding coach and an even better person. He represents his program, his players, and this community with pride and integrity, both on and off the court. And the last thing I want to mention, speaking from the perspective of someone who works closely with coaches.
What president… what precedent is set when a community is allowed to dictate how a program is run for an individual benefit? Programs built on a foundation do not succeed like that. It is abundantly clear that Coach Taylor and his boys basketball program are built on a standard of excellence. Thank you for your time.
Good evening, everybody. Okay, I'm quite sure everybody knows me. My name is Bridget. And I'm here to speak on behalf of Aaron Taylor, Coach Taylor as well. My son used to play for him back. Now he's the assistant coach along with him, and he was part of this. accusations that were brought upon the both of them, and then also suspended for my son, 3 weeks, and Aaron for… I believe a week. So my thing here is, in the leadership role of this all, where does this stand as far as the board making policies and procedures when it comes to a parent coming in and trying to direct.
the narrative of how a program is run. Let me unders… let me get this to be understand. Every kid is not going to be a D1 college student or athlete. Every kid is not going to make it to the NBA. That's a 1%. So my thing here, if a professional could sit on a bench. sit on a bench. May never play. Why is it that we think that a high school athlete can't do the same?
And then to have a parent continuously come and cause problems that has been happening for years without any repercussion to the parent, or any repercussion to the child. It's kind of almost like you rewarded the child. By allowing the child to play. in a championship game. Where was that child's suspension? That should have never happened. So if there is not going to be leadership in this, then you have to turn it over to community, because the smoke was coming.
It was definitely coming. And, you know, we try to be adults, and we try to hold back, but when you got somebody that is constantly doing the same thing over and over and over again, and you are given the same results. What are you teaching this child? You're not really teaching them anything. So he was rewarded to play. But the coaches were suspended. because of him. I don't understand. I, there needs to be some policies and procedures put into place for this whole thing, not just for athletics, but it should be for anything. No one should be able to come and put out accusations without firm proof.
Nobody. Mr. Martin, you've you've been a cop. You're a detective. You got to have evidence. Nobody can just come and say words that, oh, they did this, or they did that, and an investigation should never last for 3 weeks. Never. To find nothing and not get an apology for it, that that is unacceptable on both ends. So I'm hoping that this board and superintendent will come together and put some policies and procedures in place for this kind of behavior.
Thank you. Let me just write my name down. Okay. Hi, everybody. My name is Johanna. I'm a Hacknessack resident. Daughter went to Hackensack High School. Nephew is Courtney Banks. I'm here to speak on the behalf of also Coach Taylor, who my nephew played for. I've never heard any bad things. I've never.
heard any things that would have warrant us a suspension. But I do feel like you guys gave this kid the opportunity to come to you guys and to make these accusations. And you never once, after he sent a nasty text, let me just put that in place, a very nasty, disrespectful text to an adult. And you guys rewarded him to play, but suspended the two coaches.
and you guys like that to me, I didn't understand that. And for 3 weeks, you had my nephew at home. I don't care if it was with pay or without pay. His character was at question. You don't do that. He sent my nephew a nasty text. because he couldn't have his way. Where does that happen at? If your daughter sent one of these board members a nasty text like that, what would you say? You would have something to say about it. The same way I would.
But instead he was rewarded to play. I don't understand that. I mean, I mean, something has to be in place, and the fact that he skipped over, he didn't even follow whoever, the mother didn't even follow procedure. He went and skipped right on over to you. There's a chain of command that you must go through. And everybody knows that even even in a job, you have a train of command, you have your supervisor, then you have your manager, then you have the director. The same thing. It should apply for this in this athletic, you know, area. But I just, like, I just don't understand it. Like, it just makes no sense to me.
And then they have to go back into the classroom or into the setting, and their characters being, you know, the kids are like, well, where was Mr. So-and-so? You know, all this little talk and all this little stuff going on. And especially with somebody that constantly keeps. pushing the envelope. You have to hold somebody accountable. But I don't think it was fair that you held the coaches accountable. and and and definitely 3 weeks for my nephew was absolutely ludicrous.
to only find absolutely nothing. So that's all I have to say. Kimberly King. I'm a teacher at Hackensack High School, resident of Hackensack. I'm going to speak about this word entitlement. Entitlement is the belief that one deserves certain privileges that he or she has the right to do or have something.
Students are entitled to learning environments that are not only safe, but ones where they can truly grow and thrive. They are entitled to teachers who care not just about their academic success, but about the people they are becoming. families in this community are entitled to leadership and stakeholders who are vigilant, accountable, and committed to their promise of being committed. to the children. And that is where entitlement should end. For anyone who feels. For anyone else who feels entitled, I have to ask, what are you doing here?
For those who feel entitled, what does that look like in practice? When someone believes they are owed something they have not been granted, what follows? Do we turn to hostility to crossing boundaries? to actions that disrupt, intimidate, or undermine the safety and well-being of students and staff. to actions that crack the very foundation upon which a school community is built. Again, I ask, why are you here? Why are you here if you feel entitled to more?
When entitlement is amplified by an audience or enabled by weak leadership, where does that leave us as a community? These are questions we need to seriously consider. On a different note. When the news of our budget crisis first broke, we were informed by Ms. Parchment that staff would be cut from everywhere at all levels, including central office. However, it seems evident that the only staff being cut is the staff that has their feet on the ground, who have daily interactions with students in the classrooms, hallways, gyms, and athletic fields.
In a time of increasing athlete injury. We are losing athletic trainers and will be left with only one. In a time of mental health crises, we are losing social workers. In a time of increased need for school safety, we are losing both of our female deans. And in a time of increased pressure to improve test scores, we are losing record number of teachers. But how many people at the top are we losing? Make it make sense. Thank you.
Good evening. My name is Garth Reynoso, and I am one of the managers of Mr. Taylor's team, the boys varsity basketball team. Um, as a manager, I've spent countless of hours around Mr. Taylor. Early mornings, late nights, long drives. And during those long hours I have not one negative thing to say about Mr. Taylor. I watch them support every one of his players day in and day out. And the fact that I have to stand here and defend him is absolutely insane and heartbreaking because never did I ever think that he had ever bullied or harassed one of his players.
I feel as as if Mr. Taylor is the ultimate definition of tough love. But not the tough love, where it's only tough and the love is tucked away. It's the tough love that actually means something and shows an impact. As much as the boys don't want to admit it, he says things because he cares, and he wants them to learn. And I'm not gonna lie. He raises his voice sometimes. But everything that he is saying, there is meaning behind it. There's care behind it, there's love behind it. He doesn't just say things just to say 'em. Everything he says there's meaning behind it. He says things because he's because he cares.
and anytime he says anything is because there's a valid reason to it. I personally feel that the way that he his players is valid in the midst of a game. As many of you know, we've gone to any sports game. Everyone. Emotions are high, and he does. He says these things because he does not have the time to sit down with the player and quietly explain to him as if he is a baby. How things should happen. So being stern and saying what needs to be said and directly is a definition of coaching, or as I see it, as Mr. Taylor is exactly.
A coach isn't there to baby their players. A coach is there to teach a player and allow the player to grow. And that's exactly what Mr. Taylor does. I think that things are often misconstrued, especially when people can't hear. or see exactly what he's saying on the bench. But I am a direct witness that saw and heard how he spoke to every single one of his players every single game. I did not miss a single game, because as a manager, it is my job to be there, and I saw him. react in certain ways that were… 100% understandable. And I think normal as a coach. I think plenty of you have played sports before, and your coach is not going to sit you down and talk to you as if you're a baby.
Honestly, I mean, as a 17-year-old kid, you should be able to take a little bit of, you know, tough love. But me specifically, me alongside my my other fellow managers. Mr. Taylor has not has treated us with like as we're his family. He's been super sweet. Always make sure that he corrects how he is. Speaking of certain situations, he never yells at us, never raises his voice. We can be in the biggest game that we have ever played, and he still calms down and speaks to us very quietly and says, how many timeouts do you have? How many of this, and how many that? He's always very sweet, protects us. I've never felt scared.
or unprotected around Mr. Taylor, as we always say, comments were a family, and he's treated us as such. That's all I have to say. Thank you. Good evening. Jennifer Johnson, Hackysack resident. I'm here to speak tonight.
I'm here to speak tonight about Aaron Taylor to share a personal experience and how he's made a lasting impact in students' lives. He is a teacher who recognized a student who was shy. Introverted, someone who preferred to work independently. felt uncomfortable speaking in class and often stayed in the background. through patience, encouragement, and by creating a supportive classroom environment.
He helped that student gradually build their confidence. That student is my daughter. Hackensack High School graduate class of 2025. Today, she is a college freshman who works comfortably in groups, interviews her professors for her communications class. and presents in front of her peers with confidence. While one experience alone may not fully define a person, I believe it to the character of Aaron Taylor.
Someone who takes the time to recognize a student's potential, encouraged her, helped her find her voice, her confidence, and her ability to succeed beyond the high school classroom. Having also observed Coach Taylor's interactions with his athletes, it is clear that this same character extends beyond the classroom and on to the basketball court. Thank you.
How you doing, Board? My name is Lido Johnson. I'm a resident of Maywood, New Jersey. So I'm hoping I can maybe bring a different perspective of Coach Aaron and how he is valuable to this community. My youngest son is a 15 year old freshman who plays for the St. Joe's. basketball team. This past year, he had a very great season. They made it to the championship game, unfortunately lost to Bergen Catholic, but, um, at the end of the day, life is all about lessons. And my youngest son has been coached by Coach Aaron.
do the Bulls Basketball Club, maybe some of you are familiar with them, through Coach Ozzie and Coach, um, Coach Hodge. My son started out with Coach Aaron maybe about seven, eight years old. As you can know, playing a point guard is a very demanding position. Coach Aaron is a very demanding coach. He's hard and he's tough. And he's always been that way on my son. But if you would have seen the growth in my son over the past four to five years and see the confidence that has been instilled in him, seeing the talent as he has grown, you would be amazed. And I attribute that to Coach Aaron.
I've also seen him do that with other players on his team. Abdul is one of the players, I think he's a freshman or a sophomore on the team. I've watched Coach Aaron mold this young man into the player that he is. You don't do that if you're not passionate and you care about your players. It's going to be very difficult for you to treat somebody very harshly when you put so much time and effort into what they do and who they are. That's why when I heard about these allegations, I knew what happened. I knew the situation. I knew the context of it. I play sports. My kids play sports. I know how kids can be. I know how parents can be. And after being here for about the past 10 to 15 minutes.
and hearing the statement from the parents about what happened. It just confirmed my assumptions. Coach Aaron should not be in this position. He should not be here having to defend himself, his reputation, and his character. It's unnecessary. I've known this man for decades, and all I can say is that he's a testament. and a credit. to the hack and sack community. And that's why I'm up here as a non-resident to speak on his behalf. Thank you.
Hello, my name is Courtney Mathias. I am a Hackensack resident. I also do a couple of things with a couple of you guys. I'll speak into the mic. I am here to speak about Coach Taylor as well. But first. Last week we spoke about communication and our other meeting. I think this is a perfect example of, you know, lack of communication. I believe that one, everyone should have been made aware that something.
There was an issue, and as it was said before, maybe some kind of policy or procedures can be in place if this happens the next time, because hearing two coaches get suspended. For a parent allegation is a little disheartening, especially when you know the person in their heart. Um, our town is already under a microscope, so this just intensifies it and makes it harder for those of us that love this town and believe in it. and our district. No one should ever have to fight for their livelihood based off one allegation. And as I've heard from other people, apparently from a person that has continuously done things like this, and with no repercussions.
So first, st I believe there should be some kind of policy and procedure in place for academics and coaching for any kind of complaints, parent and student-wise, and then and then a policy in place, maybe voted upon amongst yourselves, and maybe suspension can be a punishment. before after an investigation instead of before. It's very easy for the correction to get lost back when they printed newspapers, your headline was on the front page, but your rejection retraction, excuse me.
was on the 15th. Let's not do that. He's been in our community for more than 20 years. I don't have a child that plays a sport that's involved with him, but he knows Aaron. I have been out in public with Aaron and children from everywhere. He cannot go to ShopRite. He cannot go to the mall. He is loved. Children that don't play basketball. I think we set a really horrible precedent, especially for this generation of children. If you can go to your parent and say XYZ did this, and they don't ask you what you did.
come here, and then that teacher is suspended. That is again entitlement. It's not how we want the next generation will then live that way. I do again want to preface that some kind of procedure does really do needs to be in place, and I do also like my friend to stay employed as a wonderful coach and teacher. Thank you.
Good evening. Chester Brown Hackensack. Also here with many others sustained with Coach Taylor. I've had the privilege to play with him, coach with him. Um, guide him, advise him in many different ways in life, in basketball. And of course, disheartened by the allegations and, you know, we hear these monikers about colloquialisms, about bleeding, blue and gold, and I just think he is, you know, one of the… standards of blue and gold, and… his athletic career, his career as an educator, and his career as a coach. And I just think that, you know, these are the type of people that administrators, board members, you know, have to defend against all odds, especially when.
the attempts at defamation of character come from known actors that, you know, have tried to do this to other people on other occasions. And, you know, you just have to stand and defend on your own. I do know Coach Taylor to be a very animated coach and I, from my high school. coaching days under Coach Darryl Harris and Larry Beeman, Gordon Whiting. And my college coaching college playing career. The worst thing a coach can say to a player is nothing. And the more and the more intensity a coach gives to a player, the more desire that coach has for the player's success. And sometimes that gets misconstrued and we're in different times of how these children are raised by their parents and what they're prepared for.
in athletics. One of my seventh grade science teachers, Joe Summers, taught us some Latin. He said, non-scholarly said vitae, not for school, but for life. And some of these, um… things that we receive in sports and from our coaches not only prepare us for the game, but for the other things that we're going to face in life. And I know Coach Taylor's passion is far beyond the basketball coach for himself, for his students, for his family and his players. So.
Uh, you know, again, there are many people here for him that probably won't speak, but you know, have just shown up also to stand in support of him, because we do stand for him, we stand with him, and we just want him to be treated fairly. Thank you. Good even good evening. My name is Isabella King, and I'm a manager of the for the Hackensack boys varsity team from 10 Am. Bus times to 8 Pm. Games in Newark and 90 degree days in the Hackettsack High School main gym during our annual summer league, me and my fellow managers have spent countless hours with the Hackensack team.
During this time we have seen the team dynamics, and we have seen how coach Taylor has been a positive reinforcement on this program and to these student athletes. To coaches to make challenging decisions that benefit the team, not a player's personal agenda. When one signs up for a team sport. They sign up with the understanding that they might not play, they might not get the amount of minutes they want, they might not score the amount of points that they want, and it is not about what they want. The individual who filed this HIV has continuously been rewarded despite her blatant harassment of Coach Taylor and his family.
On Saturday, February 21st, I did, in fact, witness this harassment. There is proof. This is on video. This is not like her baseless claims of bullying on Coach Taylor's end. They're to bend the rules for one player is to bend them for all. We have seen how coach Taylor has been a positive force on his players. He has encouraged them to do well in school. He has encouraged them to show up despite the negative. despite the negative connotation that this might bring. We have been that we have been at every single game. We have heard conversations go on to communicate in a gym like that. We've all seen videos from the East Orange game where it's packed full of students.
Full of reporters, so communicate to those players on the court is to yell. It is not about how the message is said, it is about what he is saying. What he is saying to the players is what he wants best for them. If a player is not performing to the standard that the team meets at the time. They are going to get taken off. He, in fact, gives them the benefit of the doubt, and he puts them back in despite the poor performance before. I, as a volleyball player, if you mess up in a game, you might not get that second chance. Coach Taylor gives his player that second chance to prove themselves because he knows that they can do better.
He knows that this one mistake does not. outshine all the good that they might do on the court. The baseless claims made by this individual should not have reflected Coach Taylor and Coach Banks in this light, and they should not have been punished for what this parent might have thought her son deserved. Thank you. Have a nice night.
Anyone in person that would like to speak. Oh, hi, everybody. Adam Isufi Primus resident, head custodian of the high school here. First, st like, I want to get to Coach Taylor. You know, I get to see the coaches and things where nobody else even knows I'm there, because, you know, I have all the keys. So, um… Coach Taylor specifically, he's special. He really is. And it actually caught me off guard about what's going on. This I just found out a couple days ago, and um…
I don't know, it, you know, with everything else that's going on with, like, the budget and everything, this one, like, was, like, a low blow, because he's… okay, there's the best, and then there's the best of the best. Coach Taylor really is the best of the best, you know? you know, I've seen it, you know, the way he is with the kids, he's special. And, you know, that's really nothing more to say. You know, he's the right guy, and he's in the right place. And I'd also like to, you know, speak on behalf of my fellow custodians. You know, I know that the budget really affected them, you know, and, you know, there's some special guys, you know, um… You know, they're all good, but, like, one particular gentleman, Alex Hernandez, you know, um, he came from a school in the Bronx that had 6,000 kids. He used to run that school. So, um, he moved to New Jersey, purchased a house, and.
You know, the commute was a little too rough, so he decided to take a pay cut and come to Hackensack for a regular custodian rate. So it's like we, you know, this gentleman, we already have at a discount, and unfortunately he was riffed and he almost never called out of work. He was so handy with everything. Um, and it's really, you know, heartbreaking, you know, to see such a good guy like this. you know, let go, and I feel like let go with no consideration, just employee number 1234, you know, you gotta go. And, um, no, he uses Alex, he was awesome, you know? And, um, you know, I'm not gonna lie, um, today I had another custodian, Deshaun Cox.
He turned in his badge and his uniform and his keys. And I don't know, it just really upset me, you know? It was hard to accept that, you know, because inside I always felt like… It'll… it'll work out, you know, in the end. Um, but it became real, you know, when, um, you know, I had to say goodbye to the show. And you know, we have, you know, I have, you know, Kareem, you know, um, you know, just another great guy. They're all great, you know, Gustavo, he worked, you know.
8 years as a substitute, you know? Finally gets offered the full-time position, you know, and he was just, you know, caught like that. And it's coming from somebody who really loves Hackensack, you know? I spent a lot of my youth on Main Street, because my father had a store there. Apollo camera across from Lucy's Deli, if you remember that, you know, um, yeah, old school, you know, been back in old Main Street. But, um, you know, so… That that's it. Well, thank you very much, everybody.
Anyone else in person that would like to speak. Okay, the floor is now closed for in person. We're going to online. Is there anyone online? Hello, can you hear me? Can you hear me? Hello? Can you hear me? Hello? Yes, now we can. Okay, my name is Aliyah Walker. I'm a Hackensack alumni and resident.
So, I had the privilege of serving as the book manager for Coach Taylor from 2015 to 2018, and during those 4 years, I was able to see firsthand the type of mentor he truly is. Coachella has always been one of the most dedicated and hardworking individuals I've known. He consistently poured his time, energy, and heart into the basketball program, and more importantly, into the lives of the young men that he's coached. His focus has always been helping the players grow, not just have not just as athletes, but as respectful, disciplined and responsible young men.
He pushes them to work hard, stay focused in school, and believes and to believe in themselves. The countless hours he spends preparing, coaching, and mentor shows how deeply he cared about the success of each and every child on his team. From my personal experience working alongside him for four years. I have never witnessed anything that would suggest he intended to harm or mistreat any student. Maybe they have mistreated him, but he has always has shown the children genuine, genuine.
I believe the allegations being made against Coach Shaylor does not reflect the character of the man I've worked with. Coach Taylor has always shown dedication and his true passion for helping the kids reach their full potential. Thank you.
Hello? Do you hear me? Yes, good evening. Yes, good evening. Good evening. I am Michelle Hammond Dudley, proud Hackysack resident. a proud graduate of the class of 1988, a former varsity coach for women's basketball, and I'm here to speak on behalf of Mr. Taylor. Good evening, members of the board and administration. I am here to speak in support of a coach who has dedicated over 20 years to building a basketball program with integrity and discipline.
This coach was a dedicated player and a fluent student while he was in Hackensack. He followed rules and was very humbled upon listening and receiving directions from his hack and sack coaches. Recently, we've seen a troubling trend from a student's lack of respect is being met with parental guidance to demand a veteran coaches termination. When a student feels entitled to disregard the rules and a parent chooses to weaponize their influence rather than hold their child accountable, it undermines the very foundation of our athletic department, and I serve as a coach.
still on a track team. Success on a field is earned through sweat and humility, not through the privilege of a loud voice or a personal vendetta. We cannot allow a two-decade legacy of mentorship to be discarded. Because one family refuses to hear the word no. I urge you to stand by the standards this coach has upheld for 20 years and prioritized character and over entitlement. And Mr. Taylor, I would like to tell you.
you were… you had every name called in my household between 2011 and 2014 when you coached my son. But now, today, my son tells his 6-year-old son. I cannot wait for you to be coached by Coach Taylor. Thank you. Okay.
Thank you. I'm sorry, when I had said no, she had already raised her hand very low. It's okay, sorry. Okay. Mm-hmm. Milwaukee. companeros. Custodian?
So sine su familia de manterin. mucho y nero. And okay… En los custodian. University. Porque se estamentienen que pensar. Cuantos trabajo hacemundo es custodian con todo nuestro corazon. Para mantiener todas escuelas. Para los estudiantes.
In Opians and English. dosing familia que mantene. traba. How many years? 10 years. In every school the Hackensack. Working. Porque todo necesitan ; familia. In all, now the inside.
Estesana, essential. con encorazole. What is playing? Gustavik. Okay, thinking so many things for break. You know, why do we? Everybody think it's alright? No. Every custodian intended for defending the custodian too.
Ms. Perman, do you know… Talk to her. Eating in every little soya. Everybody needs two jobs. Everybody is excellent. Muy buenos trabajadores todos companeros, todos custodian. trabajo habola por mi. Everybody responded. Torrespondemos.
Miss Bose nun caphora porque tiene que converso Diaz porque lo quitar lobotaro. Yes, it's no right. Nuestrojefe. Pablo.bien pensar. In Caja Custoglia. Porque necesitamos. Hello, everybody. God bless you. Thank you for listening to me.
I know, okay, I'm talking English, I know, perfect. I'm trying. I talked today, I talk on my side. For our PNC. Senoran Lo Pede decirto hombre? I'm sorry. Okay, Gracias. Gracias. Okay, at this time public comment section is now closed. We're going to move on to our. Oh, I'm so sorry. Let me just address something here. So I I do want to thank the community for coming out. I do want to thank the students who spoke out today. It, you know.
Does, unfortunately, you know, I love seeing the students. It's unfortunate the situation, um, that brought you guys here, but we do want to hear from the community. We do want to hear from our students and staff. Uh, to address about the board making policies and procedures. So. when a lot of this stuff did come up, our policy committee did review and did question, and we'll be looking at our policies and procedures with a much tighter lens. We do notice that there are some things that we need to revamp, especially now.
in the technology world. A lot of our policies were back from 2017 that don't reflect to what we have going on now with technology. So those procedures are going to be looked at, especially our athletics department. We're going to refine a lot of those. So yes, we're looking into that. Um, and that is it for, yep, for the public comment part. We're going to now move on to our committee reports and resolutions. We will start with personnel and our chair of personnel is Trustee Amrahamsa.
Thank you, Madam President. The personnel committee met last week, and I would like to offer personnel items a 1, a through I for consideration. Okay, we have a motion from Trustee Amrahamsa. Can I have a second? Second, by Vice President Martin. Dr. Lewis, can you please do a roll call? Trustee also. Yes. Trustee Amor Hamilton. Yes. Trustee Carroll.
Yes, and recuse myself from H. 1 and H. 2. Trustee Gilmore. Yes. Trustee Pringle. Yes. Trustee Stein. Yes. Vice President Martin. Yes. President Harris. Yes. All motions carry. Thank you. Moving on to policy and the chair of policy is Trustee Pringle.
for policy this evening, we have no policies and regulations to report today. Okie dokies. Moving on to curriculum and chair of curriculum is Trustee Pringle. For curriculum. I would like to motion C. 1 through C. 22. I would like to highlight C. 8. through C. 15.
Okay, be it resolved the hackersack Board of Education, upon recommendation of the acting superintendent of schools approves the memorandum of understanding between New Jersey Transit and Jackson Avenue schools to provide an informational presentation about railroad safety. to third and fourth grade students on April 8, 2026, at no cost to the district. C. 9. The memorandum of understanding between Hackersack public schools and Nicole Killigan, a registered nurse at Hackersack University Medical Center to provide a stop and bleed.
presentation to Jackson Avenue School staff April 14th, 2026, at no cost to the district. C. 10. The memorandum of understanding between Alexis Hasbrook, a Broadway cast member of Great Gatsby to provide a musical theater workshop to Hackysack Middle School chorus dance students on March 24th at no cost to the district. C. 11. approves the Hacksack Public Schools to participate in the 2027 National Survey of Science, Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering Education being conducted by the Horizon Research during.
the 2627 school year. No data will be collected from the students, and there will be no intrusion on the instructional day. Teachers will receive a $40 honorarium for completing the questionnaire to be paid for by Horizon Research. Um… the memorandum of understanding between the Hacksack Board of Education. I'm sorry. This is C. 12. education. Okay, the Board of Education and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for the 2526 school year to establish a framework for collaboration between NJDP.
and Hacksack High School to promoting students decisions at no cost to the district. Okay, no, wait. Hold on. Well, so promoting student scientific. I'm sorry. The scientific knowledge to fostering civic education and raising public awareness to water quality. by measured diatomics at no cost to the district. diatomes. C. 13 approves the reschedule of Fairmount Walk for warmth and wellness fundraiser event date Wednesday, March 25th, with Thursday, March 26th as the alternate inclement weather date.
All the funds raised will be deposited into the student activity account and distributed to the local shelter at 40% street in Hackersad. Um… C. 14, the participation of high school students in the 26, 2026 academic decathlon Nationals taking place in Orange County, California, from April 22nd.
to the 26th, the total cost will not exceed $13,340. Last, but not least. C. 15. Should I read this? You read this? I read it right. As long as you want to read it. No. So to go down to, since we have to vote this in, I'll read the bottom part. Now thereafter be it resolved, the Hackasach Board of Education officially recognizes Ashley Carolina Martinez.
As an unsung hero of Bergen County and the Hackysack School District, and be a further resolve that this resolution is presented to Ashley Carolina Martinez as a sincere token of the Hackysack Board of Education. Congratulations and best wishes. For continued success as they continue to lead by example. And thank you. I would like a motion for C1 through C. 22. Perfect. Okay, so we have a motion from Trustee Pringle. Can I have a second? I'll second second by Trustee Gilmore.
Dr. Lewis can please do a roll call. Firstly, I'll come out. Yes, but I need to abstain from C. 1718, 20, and 21. Yes, you're standing through C. 17 c. 17 through c. 21. That is correct. All right. Thank you. Trustee Amehamza. Yes, to all. Trustee Carroll. Yes. Trustee Gilmore. Yes. Trustee Pringle. Yes. Trustee Stein. Yes.
Vice President Martin. Yes, all. President Harris. Yes. All motions carry. Thank you. Moving on to finance and the chair of finance is. Trustee Stein. Thank you. please have it. $1,000 in the world. from the New Jersey pathways to career opportunities.
initiatives on serving municipalities. I'm cleaning page. Tuesdays, uh… All. music yes. So we have a motion from Trustee Stein. Can I have a second? second second by Trustee Carroll. Dr. Lewis, can you please do a roll call?
Trustee Austin Balaputra. Yes, but I'm abstaining from D. 2. Trustee Amahemsa. Yes. Trustee Carroll. Yes. Trustee Gilmore. Yes. Trustee Pringle. Yes. Trustee Stein? Yes. Vice President Martin. Yes. President Harris. Yes. All motions carry. Thank you. Okay, moving on to community relations and chair of community relations is Trustee Gilmore. Hi, good evening. The Community Relations Committee met on March 12th. We had a fantastic meeting, and we are working towards.
Um, some fantastic things, um, that will be coming, but our most important goal is to set up time to talk to the public about what we're doing. So we have set up some subcommittees, so stay tuned for information about, um. where we will be, and hopefully you can come out. Thank you. Okay, thank you. Moving on to other committees. There is nothing else to report in regards to other committees. Any new business.
Yes, Madam Chair. Madam President, new business. Okay. We touched. I touched on it briefly last meeting, but I want to revisit it for this meeting. In the interest of time, I kind of pushed it to this meeting. I would like for the board to consider moving to a purse to a committee of the whole for the function of personnel. Given that we are in the process of making major personnel decisions due to the budget deficit. I think it is an it is important that.
All trustees be a part of the conversations and be party to the information at the exact same time. I think it will expedite some of the decisions that need to be approved. And the decisions that we need to make as a board. That would be my recommendation for us to consider as a board. Anyone else have anything to add to that? But we've got some questions today. Sure. So my question is, if we all come together as a board, let's just say, if we did do something like that, that would create a quorum.
And when we have committees is because we can't have, and correct me if I'm wrong, is because we can't have over a certain amount in each committee. Because it would be considered a quorum. So to have personnel in the hole, how do you see that looking? How would you see that as being possible? According to what I've read on New Jersey School Boards Association website, and some of the information that was discussed. and some of the the classes that I've had to go to as a new board member.
Committee of the whole, because it's specific to personnel, we would open it public. It would be a meeting where the public would have the opportunity to comment to us, but we'd still handle the conversations and executive session. But it would it would change the format in terms of we'd have to meet like this. But the almost the entirety of the agenda would be still held in executive session, because there is a quorum. But I think it's important that we all, because we're making. Just personnel out in public? No, it would still be because it's personnel. That's the one topic that has to be handled in executive session. Right. So we still would be in executive session.
But it would include all of us, and the way we announced the meetings. probably would have to change, and Mr. Newnmacher, if you correct me if I'm wrong. But it still would be. We still would open the public, go to executive session, and then come back out. So because there is a quorum, it's part of the open public meeting act. So we still have to. have public comments. We it's it's still run like a regular meeting, except that no action is going to be taken. So it would be like having a committing like a special meeting personnel. We have to discuss it or announce it out here, and then take it to to the back like we do everything except for any resolutions, any any type of voting matter. None of that takes place except that everything happens.
Then we say we have to go into executive, and that's what we would discuss. And then we just come back out and we close. or however we want to do it, whether public comment goes first or it goes at the end. like that. I will say, you know, in those trainings, they do tell you there are pros and cons to both, right? So there is no right or wrong way in how we do it. It depends on how the board. functions and, you know, availability. I will say currently right now we're having meetings every week.
And that's pretty much what it's going to look like. not only meetings, special meetings. We have regular meetings, and then that would be committee meetings. Um, I… Were you going to say something, Mark? I'm sorry. Speaking to the mic. Just moving. In restructuring committee of the whole is not on to turn it on. It does? Okay.
In the structure of the community of a whole. Okay. 4. Hey. In the structure of the Committee of the whole. Would we have to… Rice, certain employees. If we're talking about them and possible employment. Yes. Yes, I think that everyone should be right. So it wouldn't just be, you know what I mean? Because… I don't like I don't… I understand what you're saying. That would cause unnecessary anxiety for people, right? Yeah, because that why are we being… why are they being rice just for the purpose of conversation right if we did it.
with transparency to the staff, that they understand that it's a formality, so that we can meet in this way. My concern is that we are about to make. unprecedented. decisions that will impact this district for years to come. And as a board. It makes it. We're all held accountable for whatever decisions we make and to ensure that all trustees have the information at the same time and can participate in full discussions with each other.
making decisions that are going to impact the children of this community for years to come. even if it's just for this year, I think it's something that we should really consider. I think that the way that it sounds, and not to go against what you're saying, but the way it sounds is like. It's only the personnel committee that's coming together to make decisions for everything that's what's going on, and that personnel is more privy to information, to have information to vote, and the rest of us are not.
because if I was sitting out there listening in, because that's almost how it sounds. I appreciate that point. So let me be clearer. for those who may not understand how the committee system works. We have we have committees for personnel, finance policy curriculum. And they're no more than four board members on each committee, so that it doesn't constitute a quorum, that the four of us can get together, discuss some things, and then present to the rest of the board when we come together.
It's kind of like a group project where I'm working on the bibliography, and they're working on the introductory paragraph so that when we come together, it comes together faster, more cohesive. We're not saying that the personnel committee is privy to information and that the other trustees are not. It's about the timing of it and the ability to discuss it at the same time. 4 people ever discuss get to have a discussion. And then we have a more abbreviated discussion when all 9 of us are in the room together when we were in executive session.
We usually all receive the information at the same time. is emailed to us. So those of us who are not on the personnel committee have the opportunity to present our questions to the chair prior to the personnel committee meeting, and under normal circumstances, I think it works pretty well. I think our system works really well. The chairs are responsive. to the questions of the committee members that are not on that particular committee. Trustees are not on that particular committee. But facing what we're facing, we're in a situation that I don't believe this district has ever been in.
And you've seen tonight, just from some of the comments that have been shared in English and in Spanish. The decisions we make impact people's lives, their livelihood, but more importantly, they impact the lives of the children of this community that will have lasting impacts. I think in this particular Senate, in this particular situation. This is a going to this committee. of the whole structure will help us get all of the questions answered at the same time everybody hears everything, and then we can move forward in lockstep so that we're all on the same page.
That's just my opinion. If people aren't open to it, that's okay. But I thought that before we. move to whatever's gonna happen in the coming months, that this is something that we need to consider. Yeah, and just to be clear, it wouldn't just be personnel. It'd be all the committees that were able to be discussed. and closed. So… Any other questions that are related to personnel? Yes. So if there's finance that's related to personnel, then that could also be discussed. So that… that… That puts all committees under this.
It would be a very, very long meeting. Any additional comments. I will say, you know, in speaking, because this is not the first time this was, you know, brought up, and I was just saying publicly, but just in conversation with other trustees, I know that, you know, it's. It's, it's a lot, right? It's a lot of information. I think that everyone does feel that they've received enough information, and.
Everyone has the ability to ask those questions ahead of time. And I know the importance of what's coming down. to us, and… We have been currently facilitating it where. We've had. We've had a lot of committee meetings, smaller committee meetings that I think have been very helpful. And thank you to to central office staff for also opening the doors for us to allow us to ask these questions, and until we turn blue in the face.
But that it sounds like to me that right now the board does not feel a moving in the direction of the Committee of the whole unless somebody else feels otherwise. do evil. Do I have to make a motion? If you make a motion. Second. Okay. All comments, I receive that. I hear you. But I wouldn't have brought it up if I didn't feel strongly about it, and feel differently about it. But in the interest of time, I move that we.
change to a committee of the whole. structure for personnel. Can I ask one question before you ask about. We have to have a second in order to have discussion. There's no second. So, Trustee Austin Balapucha put a motion down. Can I have a second? Is there a second? Okay, well, so motion fails. Did you still want to say? I mean, I guess it doesn't. Well, I'm yeah. So I mean, sometimes we want to be on certain committees. I like the committee that I'm on. But my question to you is not to take it the wrong way, but has you been sitting?
in the personnel committee with this be still a question? Absolutely. When I first joined the board in. ratified in February started meeting in May, March. One of the 1st things I said when noticing some of the things that we were faced with. I thought that finance and personnel should be everyone, especially because when I joined the board, I was appointed to the finance committee and seeing the things that I saw with some of the financial stuff that we were dealing with. I said, everybody's here this at the same time.
I didn't feel comfortable, especially being new to the board. with us seeing this, and no, everybody needs to hear this. And that was a year ago. And I said finance a personnel. as I took more of my classes and understood and became more knowledgeable of the complexity of having finance be committee of the whole versus personnel. I understood how unwieldy it would be for finance to be committed a whole, but one of the first things I said to all of us.
financing personnel. We all need to hear this stuff at the same time, because there's some stuff that we need to know. But I do feel that way. I feel very strongly about that. But thank you for asking. Okay, thank you. So we are going to move on. Unless there's other new business. Okay, thank you. Just because it is 945 as just a precautionary thing, since our board attorney just kind of pointed out to me. I need to. I need a motion to extend the meeting for past 10 o'clock. Okay, motion by Trustee Pringle, second by Trustee Stein.
All those in favor say aye. Anyone opposed? Any abstentions? You don't get a vote. Okay, so motion passes to extend the meeting past 10 o'clock. Hopefully we don't have to. All right. So moving on to our second public comment portion of the evening. Individuals may address the board on agenda in school matters of community interest. for one minute. Is there anyone in person that would like to speak?
Okay, seeing that there are none. So in person is closed. Anyone online. Sure. Good evening. Yeah. Good evening. Oh, good, you can hear me. Okay, uh, Donna West, I wasn't able to get on earlier because I want to go on record that these Wednesday nights are still hard for those of us who have church obligations, but anyway, I'll speak quickly, because you are talking about some of the changes. I would like to just, uh, point out. Um, that all of the schools are not the same, right? And I know that might seem obvious, but there are decisions that are about to be made, especially as it relates to, I would feel, the special ed, um, population, um, conversations regarding resource room and in-class support.
And I just want us not to paint every school with the same paintbrush. Parker School specifically I'll speak about, does not have, as you know, doors, does not have windows that close. And so when we talk about least restrictive environment, that doesn't look the same at Parker School. And so I just want to make sure, especially when we're talking about third and fourth grade, which are testing grades, that we give more consideration to the fact that we still do need resource room at those levels, and so that conversation concerns me, that we're trying to push to a model where we would have in-class support.
Um, like, just in all of the grades, especially when you have schools that don't all look the same, and I'd like that to be considered, um, in the decisions that are being made. Thank you, have a good evening. Thank you. Anyone else online? One more? Sure. My name is Jessica Cruz. Can you hear me? Yes, good evening. Good evening. Jessica Cruz, Nellie K. Parker, PTA President, special ed mom, community member. Just listening to what Miss Alston-Balpucha had brought up about the personnel committee involving all of you.
I've had the privilege of getting to know all of you a little bit with my involvement in the community, and one of the things that has gained me trust in this board is that you all bring something different to the table. And I just ask that the board maybe reconsider what she's asking, because as a mom of a special needs child who has an OT, a PT, a speech, a case manager, teachers, and so many people that have already had such a big impact on his. four years and… or three years in Arkansack. Um, my son went from… Me not knowing whether he would have a normal future to making tremendous progress because of all these people that are involved in his everyday, and I just would like that every… all of you bring your individual experiences to the table when discussing personal.
Because at the end of the day, it's going to… you know, affect his future progress in Hackensack, which thus far I've been very happy with. Okay, thank you. Second public comment section is now closed, moving on to board comments, and we'll start off with Trustee Stein. Thank you very much, Pam. Welcome. So far, this has been a very busy half a month.
I want to first congratulate our athletics. Coach Taylor and his basketball team. Track teams. They have shown what it is like to be on the court or on the field. a number of us attended the. Martlett Chapter of the National Honor Society.
Where we saw another group of our kids, 27. get inducted as juniors or seniors into the National Honor Society. Again, we've heard about the unsung Hero Awards. And this past weekend, our kids showed. their abilities to act. when they did, I think it was five performances in three days.
With Shrek the Musical. So I just want to. Congratulate all of our students on their accomplishments this past spring. Yeah, that's it for now. Thank you. All right. Trustee Alston Vallapucha. Good evening, everyone. Um… I'll start off. I want to say congratulations to.
Miss Chapone. I don't know if I messed up your last name. I'm sorry. And Miss Defina for their awards for Bergen County School counselor of the county and school nurse Association nurse of the Year. It's always great to see our staff be recognized for their contributions. I love the art show was work was impressive. I suggested to one of the PTA parents, we need to start selling some of the artwork, really set it off and, you know, I'll bring my checkbook and credit cards and whatnot. There were definitely some pieces I would have taken home and paid for, paid good money for.
I want to give Fairmount. I don't know who does their emails, their Parent Square, but we received an email from Fairmount advertising the Parker Tricky Tray. and I just thought that was that was very unique, that one school was. spending their time supporting another. I'm sure there were definitely people, you see people from all the schools at each all the events, but that someone took the time to advertise another school's event. I thought that was amazing.
Um, congratulations to not only Hackensack High School's unsung Hero, but one of our board unsung heroes. Trustee Harris's son. He was the unsung hero for his school at the Tri-Valley program. I think it's important that students are recognized for how they contribute to their school community. So shout out to Chauncey.
This one's a little… it's not negative, but. And this is keeping what we talked about with our basketball program. We… We watched 600 kids, or hundreds of kids show amazing school spirit and dedication, and they had outfits and this, and then we had a couple dozen students. not do what they were supposed to do, and we've received. comments from other towns about the behavior of a couple dozen kids compared to the 600-700 that figured out a way to raise money and get shirts and show how much they love their school community. And I don't want to highlight the couple dozen, but it goes to a theme, or a recurring theme I've been hearing.
tonight about entitlement and. not for school for life, that we are making sure that our students become who they're supposed to become. And I want to see us keep. molding our students to become who they're supposed to become, because sometimes… and they're teenagers, they mess up, but. That was not a good look. And it it put a a shadow on something amazing that 600 kids did a couple dozen could could put a bad light on that, and I would hope that.
those students rethink how they show their school spirit in the future. For me personally, something that impacted my life significantly was Shrek the Musical. I reached out to the directors and cast and crew to thank them. My son and I attended the opening night. My son, who is autistic and non-conversational, I didn't think he was going to be able to get through it. He did. It highlighted to me just how. the performing arts reaches students in a way that traditional modes of communication may not, that he was digging it. He didn't stem the entire time.
He was smiling. He clapped. He was reacting to it in a way that he I've not seen him react to other things. And it was… an incredibly moving experience for me as a parent. I understand that the cast also did a sensory performance for the RISE program at Hackensack High School. that we are using the arts to reach. a wider community and be more inclusive of all students is extremely important in general. But for me personally, as a parent, it was especially important. Um… I'm looking forward to getting my Women's worth t-shirt, even though I can't make the brunch. And we had a blast at the park of tricky tray.
Thank you. Thank you, Jesse Pringle. I was gonna say, well, good night and everything. But well, so far everything Mark and Melanie said, I don't want to be repetitive, because it's going to be repeated again. Y'all know I don't talk that much. But yeah, as a parker, I didn't get the opportunity to go to a lot of events, because I went to go visit with. My twin grandbabies a couple of weeks ago, but I did go to Donella K. Parker Tricky Tray, and we did have an amazing time. I was able to win Bluey.
for my little nephew MJ, and he came and got it, so I was happy about that. And, um, I'mma keep praying, um, for the work that the school board still has to do. And, um… Yeah, that's it. Good night, everyone. Thank you for coming out. Thank you. Trustee Gilmore. Hi, good evening. So I had an opportunity to attend the art show, which was amazing.
One child actually drew pictures of Andrea cussing. And I think Tara, the library director, which was absolutely amazing. I asked him if he could draw me one. But I also attended Jennifer's son's unsung Hero Award, which was fantastic. I think that's such an amazing event to showcase students that don't shine in the normal realm, but they do shine in their own way.
And Shrek was absolutely wonderful, had a great time with that. But the highlight, I think, was when I visited Jackson Avenue and Nellie Kay Parker, I had an opportunity to read to two classrooms, and I received such a warm welcome. I actually bought my mom along with me, and she enjoyed it as well. The kids were just so joyful. Although the district is in turmoil, they still were happy. They were excited to learn and to listen. We have to keep that in mind. What we do is about them.
and we have to do everything we can to protect them. Um, so thank you and good night. Thank you. Trustee Amrahamsa. Thank you, everyone, for sticking in with us for such another long meeting. But you know, these are very strange times. A lot of challenges that we're feeling as a district. You know, unfortunately, a lot of other districts, it seems like every week you're hearing a new district across the state that is also facing financial challenges. But at the same time, there's also a lot of good things to celebrate, a lot of things which we heard about.
tonight, and, you know, without you know really being too redundant. You know it it does instill in all of us a great sense of comet pride, you know, whether we are lifelong comets or new comets. you know, first and foremost, you know, our comment pride, you know, as women that serve on the board, you know, we are celebrating women and all of their achievements. Our female students, athletes, all of the leaders of our district, beginning with our acting superintendent, our assistant superintendent.
Our board president and all of my fellow female trustees definitely appreciate and celebrate all of your hard work and dedication to our district. Also, our female honorees that were celebrated tonight, um, Ashley Martinez as our unsung hero, our nurse and counselor, you know, that just have have made us so very proud. And all of the other women across the district and our students. We're also celebrating our Comet Scholars, our academic decathletes that we heard about earlier today that continue to make us proud and will continue as they.
Go on to nationals. You know, all of those that were inducted in the Honor Society, including Trustee Carol's own daughter. And and then, of course, our future inductees. I know we're celebrating our. Spanish Honor Society in the coming weeks um you know our comet artists that we were able to celebrate at the youth art show at the library. We heard great performance from our middle school artists, our choir, dance team. We will be hearing from our musicians at the spring concert coming up.
You know, just makes us so very proud. And of course, our comet athletes, major achievements that we were able to celebrate. You know, our track team, New Balance Nationals, um, you know, um, our girls relay. Um, you know, the, um, the boys basketball team for getting to a state sectionals. Um, you know, obviously we heard a lot about, um, Comet Pride and, and Comet values, you know, from our staff, our coaches.
And, you know, we definitely heard all of the comments that everybody made. And I think to President Harris's point, it is really important for us to take that feedback and now revisit our policies to make sure that comment pride is not only, and those high standards are not only reflected. by the students, but by our coaches and advisors, all of our staff, and also the community. So that is really important to us. Um, and, um, you know, finally, you know, this, this Friday is first day of spring, so hopefully we start to get some spring weather. Um, it is also, um, Eid.
So I do want to wish everyone who observes Eid a very happy Eid. It is also Noru's, which is the Persian New Year, and for me personally, as someone whose family celebrates the Persian New Year, I do hope and wish. for a very peaceful New Year. And so again, thank you everyone for joining us tonight and for making all of your comments. We really appreciate it. Thank you, Trustee Carroll. Listen, Trustee Amrahan just crushed it. I like just echoing everything she said. So I'll just keep it short. Congratulations to.
by Decathlon team. National Honor Society, unsung Heroes. Our boys basketball team. They came a little short in the final state finals, but. good work this year. Track team. State champions. And last is distract performance. I quote The Last Day. And it was a great show, great musical. It was great.
And that's it. Thank everybody who came out and spoke tonight. And have a good night. All right. Thank you, Vice President Martin. Everything was said. But I just got to highlight a couple of things, two couple things. Congratulations to Ashley Martinez again. The ensemble was a great program. And to our president and her husband.
Congratulate to both of you on Chauncey. I love his salute. What I mean by that, when he was up on the stage, he saluted the crowd. many times. And I thought that was great. So when I did see my. face-to-face, I had to salute them back. So, uh, also, um… Good job to our basketball team. As always.
Coach was coached by the best. With Daryl Harris and Larry Beeman. So it doesn't surprise me that our program went as far as it did. So good job on them. Uh Good job on our track team as a formal track member. We have great coaches on the track team and uh. I'm looking forward to see MB out there as well with the team on, uh, doing the spring, uh, track.
when they start. Also. Just thank you, everyone, for coming out and coming to the mic, as I always said, we always happy and glad to see you here. Glad to see you come to the mic. We want to hear from you. Those who was home. Thank you for calling in. And have a good night and get home safe. Right. Thank you.
So I just want to add, as Women's History Month, you know, I always reflect back and to all the women that are. that I have had in contact with that are continuously in my life, and you know, in having all these meetings, I've had the honor, the privilege. to be surrounded by these remarkable women who are sitting here with us today from my board members, which majority are women. And to our… yes, we run the world. And, you know, to our acting superintendent, our assistant superintendent, I mean, yes, assistant superintendent.
central office staff, you know, administrators, supervisors, it is such a true honor to watch you work. It never goes unnoticed, and all the hard work that you put in, just know that you are touching a child every time, everything, every decision that you do, a child is watching you. Another young girl wants to fill those shoes. So continue to do those remarkable things that you do, even if no one tells you that you're doing great, you are, and someone sees you. Um, just to also congratulate again, if you didn't hear me in the beginning, our Trustee Jones just had a baby yesterday on St. Patrick's Day, so congratulations to him. And my son is calling me.
Has someone check on him, please? No. You know, congratulations to him in his growing family. Also, you know, again, just to clarify, I meant to say this again for our second public comment, you know, in regards to personnel, you know, just to just to make it clear that everyone does receive the information ahead of time. It's just a matter of being in the room to. to ask the questions in person, or to hear that information in person. You know, there's… I guess it's it's just the the perception or the view of you being in the room versus you not being in the room when the information is given out to you. But everyone has all the information.
Shrek, amazing. I don't think I have laughed as much as I did in a musical. Um, before I… I look forward to how much this program is going to grow, because a lot of them are young. They're freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. So I'm sure the next play next year is going to be phenomenal. To our unsung hero, Ashley, you were great. The way your teacher spoke about you. I really love that it was your teacher who spoke about you at the actual ceremony, because.
It just showed the passion and what you did as an individual and continue to inspire others who don't get that opportunity to be seen. And as everyone had, you know, mentioned who saw my son, and just so everyone understands, my son is a kid on the autism spectrum. Amazing kid, and I always say that he is just a unique human being. And those of you who had the opportunity to get to know him as. educators and paraprofessionals. He is a comet. will always be a comment. He unfortunately, we had to move him out before he got to the middle school, but he was here from the 3 years old. Remember his first day getting on the bus when he was 3 years old, screaming bloody murder on that bus because it was his first time as a 3-year-old getting on a bus.
Very, very scary as a parent and as a child. And the teachers reassured me from that day on, received emails, your son made it here. He's good, he's safe, he's happy, he's eating. And from that day on, I kid you not, this child has just, like, skyrocketed. And I give thanks to all his teachers and paras that have helped him. And so when a trustee or Vice President Martin said that he saluted, my biggest concern was. What is he going to do when he gets on that stage? Because anything can happen. So my fear was, is he going to run away? Is he going to shy and be shy and not do anything? Instead, he stood there nice and proud, saw the entire crowd of, like, it was a good amount of 100, 200 people.
And he just stood there and he just started saluting everybody. And it was a real kick to it. To our sports, they are thriving. I, you know, it is so nice to see on social media, so nice to see in the news, um, seeing from track to basketball. It is amazing the camaraderie, the support that all of our students came out, and I heard that the pep rally that they had was also just as phenomenal as the actual game, and I hope that that comment spirit and.
just showing up continues from our students. Nellie K. Parker, Chicky Trey, again, hands down amazing. I look forward to the other activities that our other schools are hosting. Um, and, you know, when it comes to communicating to the public, we are trying to be as communicative as we can as a full board, which is why we are having all these meetings, doing as much as we can to give you as much information that we legally can. Correct. As much as we legally can, especially, you know, navigating through areas where we have never been before. So what we ask is just for patience. We will try to be as.
clear as possible. Our next meeting is a special meeting to go over the preliminary budget. Um… And that is it. So with that information, I hope everyone have one question. Yes. Was it Chauncey who went crazy going on the bus, or was it you that? It was both. It was a mutual. It was a mutual thing. Yes. Middle school play this week. Yes, Adam's Family on the 25th and 26th. I want to forget that. So, it would be the 25th and 26th, yes, Wednesday and Thursday. Yes, that's next week. Next week, not this week, next week. Yes. So, with that being said, thank you all for coming out. Thank you for everyone who spoke out tonight.
Um, can I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? I'll offer. Okay, motion by second. Amrahamsa, second by Trustee Pringle. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? Thank you. The time is 10:11 p.m. Have a good evening. Thank you. You and me both.