Okay, here we go. Good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining us tonight. In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act, NJSA 10-4-6. adequate notification of this meeting has been provided, but advertising in the record and the Herald News. Posting notice at the Board of Education Administration building. And found… And finally, 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. Right, to the board meeting, to the school business administrator, Dr. Stephen A. Lewis. at stephenlewis, L-E-W-I-S. at Hackensackschools.org. I hereby call to order the regular meeting on Wednesday, January 21st. 2026, and the Hackesack High School Auditorium. Yeah. 6.23 p.m. Can you please stand for the flag salute?
Congratulations of the United States of America. Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please be seated. Dr. Lewis, can you please do a roll call? Trustee Austin Balaputra? Present. Trustee Amerehemsa? Present. Trustee Carroll? Present. Trustee Gilmore. Here.
Trustee Jones. Here. Trustee Pringle. Present. Trustee Stein. Present. Vice President Martin. Present? President Harris. Present. We have quorum. Thank you. Good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining us in person and online. I just want to go over the order of events for this evening, so that we are… up to speed. First, we're going to have our student report, then we'll have our presentation from our auditor.
Then the board will ask questions to the auditor. After that, we'll have the presentation of the corrective action plan. Uh, after the corrective action plan, we will then go into… Public comments. After public comments, we will then go into executive. After the executive session, we will return to take action on our resolutions. Including the Corrective Action Plan. And please note, we will have a special meeting next week on Wednesday, January 28th.
Right here at the Hakasek High School Auditorium, where public action will be taken. Assuming the board approves the corrective action plan tonight. The board will then consider and take action on the corrective action plan, specifically. on the reduction in force. Okay, so at this time, we're going to move right into our student presentation. Do we have our student rep here today? So I… nope. Okay, so now we're going to move on to a special presentation that we have tonight. Oh, I apologize, go ahead, go ahead, Zoe, sorry.
Good evening. Several HHS students were chosen to have their artwork entered in a juried art exhibition. at the Arts Center of Northern New Jersey on January 15. The following students were selected. Daniel Ciprian, sophomore, won first place in digital art. Babiana Carrero Duardo Sr. Won honorable mention in photography. Rachel Suki, Senior. Ale Vasquez, Sr. Michaela Saviate, Senior, Nicole Meja, Jr.
The high school will be hosting a number of events in the next few weeks. Friday, January 6th, at 7pm, HHS dance team, Black History Month performance in the auditorium. Our winter sports are in full swing. our boys track team won the league again, and will now move towards state team competitions. our boys and girls basketball teams continue to hold their own in a very competitive league. The teams are angling towards qualifying for the county tournament.
The swimming program has had a bit of resurgence with the co-op with TNEC. Both boys and girls teams are doing well. Wrestling has had an increase in their roster and are continuing to rebuild the program. Thank you. Okay, so at this time, we're going to have a special presentation. from Nancy Wallace, who is the Bergen County President of New Jersey PTA.
Um, I'm sorry, just want to correct that, because I could get yelled at. I am the Bergen County Council President representing the New Jersey PTA. The current president of the PTA for New Jersey is Jackie Gibbs. So I just want to make sure, because she'll come back at me. Um, so we are here… I'm here tonight to present a special administrator award. Um, and… It is, little thing about it, is, um… So, uh, every year, New Jersey PTA gives awards out, um, to administrators, superintendents, um.
outside organizations, a couple of different things. And last year, and actually the past couple of years. Um, we have had, in Hacketsack, the outstanding Administrator award go to a couple of our principals, but this year. I am happy to announce that the Fairmount School PTA. principle. Um, Anna Marie Service has been awarded.
So I'm just gonna use a little string. So, Miss Service is Fairmount Vice Principal is a dynamic and compassionate leader who deeply connects with the students. Making each one feel valued and celebrated. Through her joyful participation in school events. from wearing the mascot costume to dancing at celebrations, she fosters a positive, inclusive culture. As a trusted partner of the Fairmount PTA, she strengthens communication between families and staff.
Encourages parents' involvement. And enthusiastically supports initiatives that benefit the students. Her collaborative spirit, yes, mindset. An unwavering dedication makes her a cornerstone of the school community. and inspiration to all. And I'm just gonna add. Go Comets. That's how it is. So, here we… Your certificate. Um, here's something that's been put outside the school. And also… What's really nice about it, we give you a nice little crystal heart.
I mean, Apple, Apple, sorry. Congratulations. Thank you so much. Be careful, it's weapon. Thank you. Thank you, thank you. Congratulations! Thanks. So, now we're going to move on to our audit report, which will be given by Wilcox and Company.
I just ask that board members please come and sit at the front so that the public can see the presentation. Thank you. My apologies, I thought there was going to be a presentation behind it.
Good evening. I am here to speak on a couple of subjects tonight. The first will be the June 30, 2025 audit report that was recently completed. and filed with the board, and filed with the state. Um, the second thing I'll talk about is. a projection that we've… prepared for the board relative to the current year, 25-26 budget. Uh, in some of the other. Factors that have come into play.
to where we are today. So, relative to the audit for June. 2025. The board should have received the audit report. which we refer to as the Big Book. And the management report, which is the smaller. you know, the smaller book. The, the audit contained. 22 findings. 16 had to do with financial planning, accounting, and reporting.
One had to do with purchasing. One for food service. 2 for student activities. And two, regarding the application for state school aid. In addition, we had… 6 financial statement findings. which are contained… Behind the opinions in the audit report. One had to do with the financial statements and reconciliations not being prepared on a timely basis.
And 5 had to do with compliance. with… for federal and state. programs. So… that's a lot of findings. We were hired in July of this year. to perform the 2425 audit. By comparison, if you… Look back at the June 24 audit.
There were 6 findings. And for single audit findings. some of the findings that we had were repeats. From the year before. I can't talk to why there were 6, and now there's 22. Other than… Everything that we looked at, everything that… the procedures we performed. these are the things we found relative, generally. So, around the business office.
Um… from a financial perspective. The board ended the year. With… equity of $21 million. But to put that into context. the year before. it was $27 million. the year before 23, it was 33.4 million.
22, it was 33.7 million. In 21, it was $29.2 million. So, what you see is a pattern. of cash reserves. being drawn down and used. And not being replenished. The $21 million of equity. That… is there at the end of June of 25, of that.
7.1 million. was utilized in the 25-26 budget. as revenue. For the 26-27 budget. there will be zero. That is part of. The issue… that we're here to talk about. for, again, giving you some historical perspective. For the year ended June 24.
There was $7.6 million that was used. in the next year's budget. for 20… the year end, June 23. 10.2 million. was used in the subsequent year's budget. A 2022. 8.3 million. was used in the subsequent year's budget. 2021, it was 8.3. 2020 was 3 million.
in 2019 was $2.9 million. So what we see is a progressive growth. Of fund balance of equity. being utilized in subsequent years' budgets. to support spending. that money is all gone.
Oh, for the years… 2020 through 2026. 47.5 million. Of fund balance. was used in budgets. To offset spending. And now all that money is gone. in those years. When we start with 19, we start with 1920.
COVID. There was significant money coming from the federal and state government. to all governments, school districts, counties. State. And that money was utilized. in the budgets. And now that money's gone. But the expenses are still there. Another, I guess, historical fact.
There used to be a… high school tuition contract with Maywood. that was terminated in 2019 or 2020. And over the next couple of years. the student population. was less. Kids were in school, they. The Maywood kids stayed until they graduated. And now there's no more Maywidth students and no more tuition dollars.
That agreement generated anywhere between $4 and $4.5 million a year. that money's not here. when that… tuition contract was terminated. And the student body count. became… became less. I'm just looking for those numbers… The student… the student enrollment. in 2020 was $5,626.
Excuse me, the student enrollment… for the 24-25 school year. was 5,261. a decrease of 365 students. were 6.5%. Conversely. In 2020. There were 751. staff members that work for this Board of Education. for 2025, that number is 903. an increase of 152.
or 20%. So… I don't think I have to explain what this means. We're getting revenue. from another district. You lost that revenue, and eventually you lost the student population. Yet… the size of the… of the… employees, the number of employees.
didn't go down either through attrition or… or… some other methodology. it grew exponentially. And just to quantify that. If you take 150 full-time employees… 150 employees. average salary and benefits. Of 100,000? Maybe more, maybe less. That's somewhere between $15 and $20 million. Of course.
That is now… has been baked into this school district's budget. Which is now… a big part of the reason. you are where you are today. the end of 2025. was the first time, maybe forever. the district did not have. the maximum allowable undesignated fund balance. Which is 2% of your adjusted expenditures for the current.
year. We're about $175,000 under that. Based on the June 25 operations. And part of that was… at the tail end of the audit. It was discovered that there were some 24-25 expenses. That had been charged to the current year budget. We had… we took them out and charged them back to the current year budget.
Thank you, Landita. Uh, who's been very helpful through this process. as the… as the stopgap. Uh, assistant BA slash acting BA. until Steve got here, um… I wasn't looking to get her a standing ovation. However, she deserves it. She did a great job. She does a great job. So now… over a course of 5 or 6 years.
the district was getting all this money. And unfortunately. Before my time, before your time. They were spending all this money. And… and as you know. If your budget is not. Structurally balanced. Because you're not… You don't have recurring revenue.
that supports… recurring expenses. at some point, it's going to be a problem. And apparently nobody thought about that. it's evidenced by the increase in personnel. it doesn't match up to a decreased enrollment. Certainly, there's reasons. for certain hires and what have you, but… you need to look at the organization in the big picture.
And now we get to 25, 26, 25, 26. That… For the first time. everything's encumbered. everything that's contractually obligated. or the personnel. all the tuition contracts. Heretofore, the tuition contracts we're not getting encumbered. on a timely basis, or at all. And those are big dollars. there's a common finding in the report about the position control roster.
Probably the most important document. that a school district has. Because that funnels into… payroll. And the payroll encumbrances. Who's here, who's working, what's their salary? And do we have the money set aside? that was a disaster. So now we've got… Again, moving target.
things happen, money needs to be spent. for certain things that happen during this… during the year, things are needed. for the classroom, for the kids, for what have you. everything's in. the budget's going to be $17 million short. That's… that's the number that… That's the number as of today.
So that's a… that's a… Today problem, and that's a 26-27. budget problem, because. that $17 million. if everything remained the same. would be 17 million plus. for next year's budget. And then the exacerbating factor. is that there's $7 million of revenue. from excess surplus.
that will not be available for 20… 627 as well. So, if you put it all together, you're looking at about a $24 million. budget gap. And again, that $17 million. hopefully we'll get a little bit better.
But, I mean… Ladita, my partner Kevin. They've been through that with a fine-tooth comb. So, that is… what you're looking at for 2627. And obviously, we've been in constant contact with the county. with the county superintendent, Pat Fletcher. coming, you know, talking about how do we deal with this.
One of which will be to cut spending. One of which will be some assistance from the state. One of which will be the allow… the state allowing us to take what we have left in reserves. for capital and maintenance. and use it to help offset what would be a deficit at the end of this current fiscal year. But that has to be repaid back. Over a period of time. So, those are some of the discussions that have taken place so far.
But it… it… It's… this is not good. So, with that, I would… I would ask… Madam President. Board members with questions, um… Any more context or detail on the findings? Yes, so thank you so much for… for your presentation. Uh, so at this time, we're going to open the floor to the board members.
To board members, and we're going to start with our Chair of finance, which is… Trustee Stein. Mr. Wilcott. Yes, sir. How many audit findings. With the year ending June 30th. 225. Did you fund? 22.
Hi, Mr. Wilcox. Um, I'm Gina, I have a question. Sure. What are some of the most significant findings that you found? But… They would be under the financial planning and. reporting section. which have to do… Generally, with the day-to-day operations. Of the central office, the business office. Um… I think the most critical is the position control roster.
Not be… not being consistent, not including all the employees, not include… I mean, it… That's… that's the Bible. by which you know. what your salaries are going to be for the year, what your expenses are gonna be for the year for salaries. And that just wasn't… kept up to date. It should be… it should be reviewed at least quarterly. At a minimum, every 6 months. Just to make sure that, because you've got movement.
Between staff and employees. You know, coming and going, you know. maternity leave, temporary… whatever it is, that needs to be up to date. And then, you know, simple things like reconciliations being done monthly. you know, the board secretary's report was being certified that there were no negative balances, but as you can see. In Exhibit C1 in the audit report, there's negative balances all over the place.
Um, you know, the… They're supposed to send the monthly transfers in a certain format to the county office to be approved. That wasn't done right. You know, bids received. are supposed to be summarized in the minutes. by the board secretary. That wasn't done.
Uh, the, the. business office had the board approve using unexpended capital projects funds for maintenance, which is. Not legal. And then, of course, there was… Expenses charged to the wrong budget year. Which… so… so… individually, the most significant, I would say, would be position control.
Collectively, having that many findings. Relative to the business office. it's a problem. Obviously, it's a problem. Right, right, thank you. Wolcott. Thank you for, um, your… reported that you've given us. Let me, uh… My question then is, can you explain what a single audited findings and the significance?
Those findings have to do with compliance. with the program. And there's certain things that, you know, the district gets. a significant amount of state aid. direct state aid, transportation aid. Category 8… There's a number of special ed aid. And the compliance with those grants. has to do with… having the finance office, the board office.
operating the right way. So, as soon as you have the type of financial statement findings we have. That triggers… single audit findings on the state level. For those… for those… those state aid programs. And then some of the other programs, there's specific compliance. requirements that are published by either the state or the federal government. If those compliance requirements aren't followed. Then that creates a single wooded finding as well.
Thank you. Um, thank you for your time, um, and your explanations. It's helping a lot. of those single audit findings, how many… how many were there? It was, uh, 5. Thank you. a very attentive audience, right. Well, that's good, thank you. And what were the significant. What were those 5 significant ones, or was there ones that were more significant than others, or… Well, again, the… the finding on… 2501.
Which is several accounts reflected on the Board Secretary's reports were not reconciled to the financial activity for several of the accounts reflected. Bank statement activity. So, they were taking the information off the bank statement, as opposed to taking the information from the books. It's kind of like Accounting 101, reconciling a bank account is… you don't reconcile back to what the bank says. You reconcile to what? your book sex. Um, and there was several. reconciling items.
that they had included that weren't valid. That had to be reversed. And then the other ones really had to do with. the state aid cluster. as I… as I talked about before. And the last one had to do with the application for state school aid, which is the student count that's required to be done on October 15th. of every year, you're supposed to be a count, there's supposed to be work papers supporting that count.
That's filed with the state. And then part of our… part of our comp… compliance audit, when, again, the audit we do. is not just a financial statement audit, it's also a compliance audit. is to review those work papers and make sure everything agrees, and… Everything did not. Good evening. I'm not sure if this is a question for you. Or perhaps, maybe our board attorney. But on page 2 of the summary report.
It mentions a cover… an insurance coverage policy. for employee dishonesty faithful performance. Is there anything in the findings of your report. That would indicate that the district could make a claim against this policy. So, I'm not an insurance guy. But I… I have to tell you, I come from a school. If you don't ask, you don't get. My grandmother taught me that.
So, I certainly… would say you should have a conversation. Or, you know, your attorney should have a conversation with your insurance people. I'd like to find out what, uh… Trustee, where are we doing that? Thank you.
Good evening, Mr. Wilcox? Yes. Um, hi, I'm Shivani Trustee Pringle. How are you? Good, how are you? I'm okay. So, um… For the audit findings for year end of 2025, there were 22, correct? That's correct. Um, how many audit findings were there for the year of 2024? Thanks, Jim. They listen.
Thank you, uh, thank you again, Mr. Wilcox. Um… in just trying to wrap our heads around. you know, how there is such a dramatic difference between, you know, this audit. and the prior year audit, why would the 24 audit only have. those 6 findings, but the 24-25 audit. have 22 findings. Um, does that mean that there was nothing wrong in previous years? Why is there.
that discrepancy. I can't… tell you that? Factually. I can only tell you that. the same individuals… that were responsible for 25, were responsible for 24 and 23. And… again. My firm… our firm. We… we… perform an audit a certain way, we do.
certain things that we've always done. I can't talk for any other firm that. That did the audit previously. what they did or didn't look at, or what they did or didn't. I believe should be in. The final report is a finding. good things have been communicated. Verbally, and not put in… I don't know. I can only tell you what we saw and what. We believe our findings that should be in the audit report.
Because, again, when you look at 16 findings. around the financial practices of the district. again, some of them individually might not mean a lot. But you have to look at the collective. result of the audit. I don't know, I'm not sure I answered your question, but that's the best I can do. Thank you so much. Good evening, Mr. Wilcox. Yes, sir. How are you? Good, how are you?
In layman terms, can you explain what a… Unbalanced means? So, fund balance… is either money that. is left over from the previous year. excess revenue. unexpended appropriations. And in this concept. school districts under generally accepted accounting principle. you are allowed to… make reservations.
of your fund balance or fund equity as well. in all districts do it. If you have money left at the end of the year. You pass a resolution to put more money in capital reserve. money that's there to be utilized to fix a boiler, or replace windows, or do a roof. for, you know, things that happen when you own school buildings that are. I'll be kind and say they're 50 years old. Um, maintenance reserve. same concept, money put aside, excess funds from specific budget years.
to do certain specific maintenance work. That needs to be done. You can't… that can't be a part of your regular operating budget because of the. cap… the tax cap limitation. And other limitations. Thank you. Mr. Wilcott. Yes, sir. What is an undesignated fund balance? Is it like a savings account? Yeah, it's… it's the 2% max that the state.
allows you to keep. on hand for cash flow purposes. Um, to utilize… some of it's utilized in subsequent years' budgets as revenue to… as part of the. process. Um, but that's what that is. Thank you. Mr. Wilcox, can you… can you determine what the previous administration did with the fund balance? Um… if I had to make an educated guess.
I read you the numbers. Over the past 7 or 8 years. that were put into the budget as… as revenue? They did it to not raise taxes. Wow. So they use it as… Funds. They use… They used it instead of raising taxes in those years. But didn't… see. Budgeting is not a one-year. event. It should be… it should be multi-year.
Especially when you use. one-time revenues, which is what fund balance is. You generated it, you have it, you use it, it's like having another… I tried to explain to my kids a long time ago, if you have a dollar in your pocket. You have a dollar in your pocket. If you spend it. Well, now you don't have a dollar in your pocket anymore. So… what you're supposed to do is, when you have excess funds. There's nothing wrong with utilizing. a certain amount year after year after year, if you're going to keep regenerating.
those additional funds. To kind of smooth out the tax impact. Because… That's what you're supposed to do. What you're not supposed to do. Is being in a pandemic. get all of this federal money and state money. and use it to support the spending. that recurs every year. It's like, it would be like… putting your mortgage payment on your credit card.
every month. Thank you. Yes, Mr. Walcott. Can you, um, give me a little more clarity on what is a… reserve account. Sure, but as I was speaking about before. We're allowed to have maintenance reserve. Capital reserve. And those are… funds within the equity section.
the fund balance section. of your balance sheet. That you, you, you… move money there. Most issueries do on an annual basis. to build up the reserves, to be able to utilize it in future years to do projects. to do a roof, to do a boiler. to do something that needs to be done in your school buildings. Um… the bigger the reserve, the better… the better, actually. So, I think… I think, you know, my personal slash professional opinion is.
where the previous. boards, you know. lost their way, is… those excess funds. should have been transferred into those capital reserve and maintenance reserve, and you're allowed to have an emergency reserve. So there were rainy day funds. Available. Because, again, your buildings are not brand new. You know, in order to do major work on these buildings, you did it about.
10 or 12 years ago, you went to the public, it didn't pass. But you still need to maintain. your properties. So, instead of using that money. And again, I'm not a pro-tax guy. But instead of using that money. for recurring expenses, it should have been set aside. For one-time projects. Thank you. Mr. Wilcox, yeah. You referred to the PCR as our Bible. And I'm… I think we're all trying to wrap our head around how our holy book was disarray and disarray, right?
Can you… can you explain a little bit just what the PCR is, like, a little bit more layman's terms? it's… so the position control roster… is supposed to contain. every single person employed. by the district. categorized… by position. by where they're charged in the budget. by where they're funded.
and appropriated for in the budget. And every time somebody leaves, or somebody's hired, or somebody goes out on leave, or… Whatever the situation is. That position control roster. Needs to reflect that. Otherwise, you lose control. Over your salaries. your employees. and who's getting charged to what budget line item.
So, if that… if that document is not. in the shape it's supposed to be in. During budget preparation. How in God's name are you gonna have the right salaries in the budget? Thank you. You mentioned… You mentioned that our current projection. is $17 million.
Any insights you can provide us on how we went from $15 million. to $17 million at this time. Um, healthcare. your healthcare… Bill went up $500,000 a month January 1st. And that's all part of… you know, state health benefits. 30-some-odd percent increase. That was the last piece. That we were waiting for. to finalize the projection was.
how much were… that was that bill gonna go up from December to January? Thank you.
How are you doing? Bye. Mr. Wilcox, I'd like to ask, um, why is the inaccuracy of the position control roster insignificant? Well, position control roster significant. the inaccuracy of it. Again, as I just mentioned, that. If it doesn't contain all the employees. And doesn't… it doesn't have them categorized. to where they get charged within the budget.
How do you… how are you appropriating enough money. in that line item. to encompass all the employees and their salaries. Excuse me, Mr. Walcott? Yes, sir. was that in 2024-25? Was that… Submit it accurately, or no? No, that's one… that's probably the most significant financial finding that we have. Okay. Thank you. you know, I think part of what is so hard for people to understand is just.
You know, how this seemed to have happened overnight. Um, you know, how does something like this happen? Where all of a sudden, we're facing. You know, at 15 now, as of today. $17 million shortfall. Um, you know, how does this happen even in one budget cycle? Well, it didn't happen overnight.
if… if you… if you… we go back to how much. Cash. was being put into each year's budget, starting with. 19, going through right through 2025, 26. you know, the normal amount used to be about $2 million. Or 3 million. And that was excess money that would come out of the budget every year. Then it ramped up to a high of 10 million a couple of years ago.
Then down to 7.5, down to 7.1. So this was… this was… an accident waiting to happen. This was not in a vacuum. and I guess the ultimate is that when you go. One second.
So… so… In 2020, there was 751 total employees. 2021 was $7.25. 2022 was $7.65. 2023 was 760. 2024 was 860. And then 903. So between 23 and 25. is when it happened.
That's right, that's right. They learn on the PCR. And again. it didn't happen in one year. But, as I heard somebody shout out, there was COVID money. But that, that money's done. Mr. Wilcox? Yes. I just… when I asked two questions. Sure. Who is responsible for an accurate PCR? And are those individuals… Still here to your knowledge.
That is an administrative function. the responsibility of the business administrator. And ultimately, the superintendent. Thank you. And… Being that you were just appointed, uh, over the summer. Uh, can you just offer just… your opinion as to why the prior audits would not set off alarms. regarding what went on here for the past several years.
again, I can't speak to… the other audits or the other auditors. I can just speak to… the work we did and what we found. I think you have to draw your own conclusion. Thank you, Mr. Wilcox. We appreciate. all the information that you have given us tonight.
And just for the record. this is not fun. None of this is fun. Thank you. Okay. At this time, we are not going to move into. Hackus X corrective action plan, which will be presented by our Acting Superintendent, Ms. Andrea Oath Parchment.
And our business administrator, Dr. Steven Lewis. Now, board members, you may sit at…
I've been experiencing. Good evening, President Harris. Board of Education trustees, and… All meeting attendees, please excuse my back. those in person and virtually. The following corrective action plan presentation. is one that we regretfully. have to share with you.
We started… this year. With hope… With positive… vibes with… Looking forward to our great future. All of us. And now we're halfway down the road. And we find that we are in this crisis. So I'm here to present a plan, but this is… something that I don't want to do.
I'm presenting this plan juxtaposed with what I'm feeling right now. And it's difficult. All of us… are going to be impacted. By this, some more than others. And it's difficult. to present this plan knowing. All of the emotions that are in this room right now. Even the ones that I have. So, as I present the plan, I want you to know that I'm going to have to go through the plan methodically.
And I don't want you to think that I don't care about what I'm reading, because I do care. But I have to present this plan. As you know, the Board of Education President, Jennifer Harrison, announced at the. January 7th, 2026. School board meeting that the district was facing a $13 million shortfall. Which is… I was going to say to you tonight.
Which is currently… A $15 million. deficit until I spoke. to the auditors just this afternoon, and you heard him say. That it's now a $17 million. shortfall. So once this is announced, when a district announces that they have a deficit. We are required by state statute. to create a corrective action plan.
Which I am going to share with you, along with Dr. Stephen Lewis. tonight, this plan and the Board of Education, as you heard President Harris say. It's on the agenda for approval. Tonight, this plan will explain. how the deficit was created. But you also heard the auditor. It will also explain actions that we are taking.
to reduce the deficit and actions. we are taking… to restore our district to a sound financial status. Meaning, eliminating the shortfall. But going forward, in the years to come. to be in a healthy fiscal. state. Right now, I'm going to turn… this presentation over to our. business administrator, Dr. Stephen Lewis, to share Part 1 and Part 2.
Of the plan. Thank you, Superintendent. Working closely with state officials. and our independent auditors, who you heard from today. We have uncovered what was a $15 million financial gap. But as we heard, it's currently a $17 million financial gap. for this year's budget. and projected an additional.
$13 million gap for next year. These shortages were caused by serious accounting errors. such as paying for permanent staff. with temporary grant money. COVID funds that has now run out. Failing to secure all available tax revenue. This effectively. says that the district was operating. with a cash flow issue. because of our actual spending was never properly balanced against our real income.
By correcting these root causes immediately. And utilizing the standard tax adjustment. allowed by law next year. We will close these gaps and stabilize our finances. Below, you will find… charts that… of the specific areas and account lines that were directly impacted in the current.
school year. For everyone's knowledge, this package of information will be readily available on the district's website. But as you can see. To the right, a lot of negative accounts. These are the areas for the projected shortage. Specifically, which we now know at $12 million. personnel, which includes salary and benefits. That's including health insurance.
Along with that. We have funding for special services and transportation. a readjustment of the ESEA funding. an operational purchase orders. to operate the district. I will now discuss the conditions that got us to our current state. For clarity and understanding, I'll read the first paragraph verbatim. As previously stated, the Hackensack Public School District is currently facing a now $17 million structural shortfall.
for the 2025-2026 school year. a situation accelerated by several converging financial and operational factors. A structural shortfall exists. When a district's reoccurring operating expenses. consistently exceed its reoccurring revenue streams. To begin, the acting superintendent. Assumed the role in the district without. the business administrator, or the human resources executive director.
Upon an analysis of the budget requested by the acting superintendent to the Acting Business Administrator. Several items were discovered over a period of time. Beginning on or about August 2025, I continued up until December 2025. And can only be independently confirmed during the audit process, which you heard about today. Two key data points. The position control roster. and a budget status report. were specifically difficult to attain.
Because the office was functioning without the business administrator from May. 2025, and without the Human Resource Executive Director periodically. during May and June. Once the acting business administrator acquired these items, several discrepancies and inaccurate information were discovered. Historically, the district's largest expense. has been its personnel cost. Which includes salary and benefits. This normally accounts for 75 to 85% of the total operating budget.
While these costs are essential for instruction. They have become a primary driver of this deficit due to significant. new, unbudgeted positions. And a significant rise in health insurance premiums. In the interest of time, I'll summarize the next four paragraphs and explain what this actually means. to ensure our district's long-term survival. We are forced to use our emergency savings.
to pay for reoccurring daily bills. And now have to restructure how we operate. We were hit with the perfect storm of financial pressure. Specifically, a significant increase. of now $6.1 million. And the state-mandated health insurance. and a loss of $1 million in federal grants. With this increase of expenses combined with the district not… reaching the maximum allowable tax levy.
Of a minimum 2%. there are expenses the districts simply cannot cover. this gap was made worse. Because the district lacked an accurate system for tracking staff. Which led to unintentional overspending. and redundancies, we are now. uncovering. This corrective action plan fixes these record-keeping errors. And realize our budget. So that our spending strictly matches our income moving forward.
I will now hand the presentation back over to the superintendent. For a detailed review of the correction… the corrective action plan. This is the first page of the Corrective Action Plan.
If you look in the first row. You will see finding. These… there will be a list of findings that I will share with you. And the recommendation. to address the findings. And the method of implementation, how we are going to go about. the recommendations. The last two columns just list. Who is responsible? And when things will be completed.
So, the first finding… As you have heard. We have a structural shortfall, a deficit. And the school year 2025-2026 budget this school year. The recommendation, the first recommendation is that the business administrator. will notify the superintendent. should say, acting superintendent will notify me.
immediately, if there is a cash… if there is cash flow stress at any point. And you will know that. Using the PCR. The superintendent will then notify the Board of Education. Next recommendation, make reductions. I said earlier when I was going over this with my staff.
this section is the most difficult. For me… to state tonight. That there has to be reductions. And the following areas. Staffing, certificated staff. Non-certificated staff. Central office staff. District administrators.
And in operations. Field trips. Non-essential professional development. And who's responsible? The acting, Superman. Tendon. This is difficult. The next recommendation… But we couldn't consider it.
But because we… thought about it, it does need to go on the plan. But declined a special election to request additional tax levy from the voters. due to the limited time. Line. We just couldn't meet the deadline. I'm going to continue with the first finding. There's a structural shortfall. We are going to… And this is another thing.
You know how you have emergency funds at home? I don't want to use this. But we have a 17… million dollar shortfall. In order to reduce this shortfall. We are proposing to use 9 point. $2 million from our capital. Maintenance and unassigned reserves.
Which we should have in case of emergencies. So, 17 minus 9. Leaves us. Next… personnel, cost. control. You heard the auditor. update and maintain an accurate position control roster. We must use the PCR as the master staffing blueprint to inform decisions.
As it relates to personnel. For example. a salary. I used that to determine a salary range. job vacancies, new positions. Awesome. Require monthly. PCR reconciliation. with directors and principals. for data accuracy.
The next finding… Which is still tied to the structural deficit. operational overages. The first recommendation. is to implement aggressive. an internal cost reductions. So that we could use… By doing this, 1.1 million in savings. From non-personnel areas, such as travel, supplies, professional development.
And you also heard me say field trips, but the field trips, we are working… To try… to have that for our students this year, and we're gonna have a meeting. We've met with our principals, we're meeting with our PTA president council. We… We're going to try. Uh, you heard me when we said about implementing aggressive internal cost controls. You heard me earlier at a previous board meeting say.
I froze… Hiring froze the budget. rose all spending, that's the aggressive part that happened in October, but now. It's still in progress. review facilities use, another thing. That needs to happen. rental procedures and costs. So that we are not losing money on renting our facilities to outside.
organizations. We are in the midst of performing an analysis of facilities use. rental income and related custodial costs associated with that. Tonight, you will see on the policy the first read. Because we updated a policy, and we will continue to update policies and procedures. as needed to ensure fiscal accountability. The next thing, or the next finding is.
The lack of long-term stability. Had it not been… 4. the vigilance of the acting business administrator. And really recognizing the things that. we needed to do. We may not have had that stability right now, but with. trying to get that stability back. We're going to implement… And now I have to say it again.
A significant reduction in force. this year. And a vacancy freeze, which I already have put in place. The number, approximately? 90… 90 full-time positions to eliminate. the structural deficit. Over the long term.
Next. The next finding was staff were hired who were not included in the budget. the district should ensure. that all staff members hired are correctly included in the budget. And how you monitor this is board resolutions approving staff will include the account number, the correct account numbers. where the funds are budgeted. Another finding, previous years of lack of transparency.
And communication in the budget process. Recommendation, create a budget calendar and process that everyone will be aware of. Including regular reporting. The business administrator will establish a regular review. monitoring process with the superintendent. Acting superintendent and human resources director, as well as other key stakeholders, administrators.
And the Board of Ed Finance Committee. business office staff. will also… there will also be ongoing discussions. Establish clear channels of communication between all stakeholders. Identify and construct a process for reporting to the superintendent and the Board of Education. biweekly. I will be meeting.
with the business administrator. Business office staff. biweekly. The next finding… inadequate processes and procedures in the business office. Surrounding accounting and reporting practices. And also accounting software is out. We're going to ensure the recommendation internal accounting software.
Accuracy, that it reflects the appropriate accounts for which invoices, bills are to be charged. We're going to continue to train all district staff. involved in purchasing contracts. Or, on proper procedures, new purchasing systems. to comply with New Jersey public contract law and reinforce. such training. It's the reinforcement. you know, one time you're trained, you're not gonna remember.
It's the constant reinforcement. The district will purchase and implement a new accounting and payroll software. So we're going to budget for this. And the new budget. The next finding is the rising healthcare costs. The recommendation? Budget. for expected and unexpected costs associated with healthcare.
It wasn't budgeted. the increases. Consider alternative health care plans. Use projections in order to budget, we can use projections from insurance brokers to make informed decisions. or budget forecasting. We're going to also investigate options with healthcare brokers. and discuss options with collective bargaining units.
Another finding is the rising cost for special services. We are going to continue. to evaluate current in-district programs and out-of-district. placements to ensure. Optimal, appropriate. and mandated services. for our students. We just want the best and appropriate. For our students.
and audit of out-of-district placement and internal support staff. will be completed. by March 2026. review, general education tiered interventions. to provide the most appropriate services for students, and this is in progress and will be ongoing. Monitoring via regular review meetings with the business administrator. and the Office of Special Services. Review staffing.
contracts, what we will be doing at these meetings, and our special services director welcomes. these meetings. We will… Review staffing, contracts with third-party providers to determine the most cost-efficient way to deliver services. and review all encumbrances of tuitions and budgeting. The final finding… internal system controls failure.
Recommendation… We will have administrators, and this was a new recommendation based on. Uh, something that the acting business administrator brought to my attention. We are going to make sure. That we support administrators. in reviewing and approving transfer requests. prior to business administrator approval. Our administrators did not have this support. We're gonna make sure that this support happens, and we're gonna do it.
with an electronic transfer request. I mean, we have awesome administrators, so I want you to know this is not a fault of administrators, but this is what they deserve, um, and the support they deserve from the business office. We're also going to, uh… we… these are all completed now. Electronicnewvendor documentation. New vendor form, electronic process. And bi-weekly payroll projection analysis.
Key monthly health insurance analysis. and monthly South Bergen joint commission encumbrance Analysis. That's all with transportation, because. That can change. And we're going to encumber projected expenses for the full year and update monthly. So… That is the corrective action plan.
Not one that I'm happy that has to be implemented, but it must be implemented. And I want to thank. Everyone… Who has been a part of supporting us during this time has been a very, very difficult time. I'm not going to start naming names and people. But thank you. I also want to thank the staff for. Encouraging messages that you've sent to me. And I want to just… thank the public as well. We had a meeting last week.
and your comments… more appropriate… We weren't trying to blame, but we were trying to move ahead, and I appreciate that. And I hope going forward. That we can all move forward. Recognize mistakes that were made. Move forward. And the best interests of our children. Like we do in Hackensack. Thank you.
He has one more thing that I want to do, and I did it with the staff again. I'm in this seat now as the acting superintendent, and I want to apologize. To each and every one of you for the situation. Um, that we are in, but we… will overcome. Thank you. Yes. And this completes my, uh, presentation.
This starts mine. You guys aren't leaving, right? You're not running out the back door? This is comment time? I mean, up here. Oh, okay. I didn't know what was happening. Oh, okay, I didn't… I'm reading my name. Well, not please.
by accident, so… Let me see… Okay, so just real quick… For those of you that are viewing online, we apologize for the technical difficulties. Um, we were just told from IT that the font was too small to make it clear, so if you saw it blurry. Once this corrective action plan is voted on. and passes, then it will be made available on our district website so that we can all see it.
Um… missiles, Parchment, and Dr. Lewis, thank you so much for your report. We all know how difficult. It is to see this report. We all feel the same. Um… And that we're here to make things right. At this time, the Board will ask questions regarding the corrective action plan. But what I do ask for our board members is to just take a look at your questions. limit it to just one, being that we have a very large public here that would like to speak.
Um… so we'll start off with that. Okay. Yes. For president, um, it was asked if people can fill into the front seats. Oh, yes, they can. Thank you.
Okay, so I'm going to start off with my question, um… being like what I just said, the corrective action plan, once it is voted on. I'm assuming tomorrow it will be posted on our district website. And how will updates be shared going forward? Going forward, we will… the administration, superintendent, along with her staff. The acting superintendent, along with her staff, will present to. the committees, as well as to the full board on a monthly basis, and then it'll be.
the board's, um… decision on how we present it to the public. Thank you. Okay, um… What is the, uh, expected time for the full cap? Implementation and the immediate… media, short-term and long-term. Sure. So most of the items on… this action plan are immediate. Some are in progress. long-term, all of the actions that we are taking will.
impact the long term. So, most of these things are immediate or very short-term. Thank you. Uh… Doctor Lewis, in your professional opinion. What should have been done differently to avoid.
some of the structural issues that we're experiencing at this time. So, just for clarity, as the independent auditor. I stated there were 22 findings. Um, and… Those findings pretty much dictate what should have been done. Uh, on my side, as a new business administrator for the district. the things that I would look for is specifically.
Budgeting for increase of health insurance. Normally, we… We take the past 3 years. and use that as the precursor to what we will budget. But, um, this year was an anomaly. that seems like it's going to stick. that the healthcare premiums went up by over 30%. This was not something that any business administrator within the state really accounted for.
during the budget process, but now going forward, we are going to. budget as high as possible when we are looking. To project forward. Along with that… adjustment for staffing. Specifically, if there's a reduction in students. There has to be a corresponding. adjustment with staff. No mid-year hires that were not budgeted for. if there's a recommendation, it has to be, uh… in and out. So if you have a vacancy.
Or if you have a position that was not filled. But you have a need in another area. You have to reduce that vacancy. to be able to bring in. somebody in that other area. Also, making sure that we… if we do hire, when we do hire. We're hiring at the appropriate step. that's budgeted. not over… not over that budgeted amount. And then, last but not least, I would definitely maximize.
available tax levy. Uh, plus the allowable usages. Available to us by the state of New Jersey. Thank you. Um, kind of going back to what we talked a little bit about. what the auditor highlighted. With regard to the use of reserves. Um, how and when should our reserves be used. Um, and what… what are we going to implement to ensure that the appropriate approvals.
are implemented. Um, and… regarding the corrective action plan. how much reserve will remain. Um, after the proposed $9.2 million use. You asked a lot. Um… So… yeah. the reserves specifically should be used for what they were actually. put into reserves for. So we have a couple of buckets that.
are utilized. Capital reserve. for capital projects. So if there's something you want to build, or if you want to. build a partition that. Those are things that you can utilize within the budget. You would have to budget for. the law allows you to get approval from the board and the county to utilize. that within the year, if it's an emergency. We also have maintenance reserves. We also have emergency reserves, and possibly legal reserves.
All four, these are considered your savings. for emergency purposes. Now, what we're doing is going to. with board approval, and then with county approval. asking the state to allow us to utilize those reserves. for non-capital usages. So basically, we're gonna use what we saved. for reasons we did not save it for. Um, and then…
You asked how much would be left? 300 plus. And that's. Approximately $326,000. Now, keep that in mind. the reserves are specifically for. specifically capital reserve. was for… there's an issue, or maintenance reserve. So we would only have that emergency funds at that time and point. Thank you.
Yeah, um, excuse me. Why do some budget amount differ from. 2025 budget presentation. And the cap, and how will it… Consistency being ensured going forward. Uh, for full transparency. Um, these items were driven by omissions. things that were under-budgeted, specifically staffing and health insurance. So, if you see a difference from. what was presented during that budget cycle.
Versus now, certain positions that were unbudgeted at that time. never flow through the budget process. to now be budgeted. So at that time, you're still rolling forward unbudgeted positions. That affect your cash. the corrective action plan now is. Putin is supposed to be put into place so we can mitigate those. those actions. We're now going to. follow this plan to get us on the right foot.
By following the procedures, by making sure we have the monthly meetings, making sure that if there's an issue. that we bring it to the super… the acting superintendent and to the board's attention. right away, and to definitely to correct our accounting errors. Thank you. Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, one more. Also, um… What makes up to 6.4 million personnel. shortfall beyond new and unbudgeted. positions? So… Obviously, we have, again, we said we have significant unbudgeted positions.
and hiring staff at salaries that. We're not budgeted for. So, if you have a budget of… I'm just using general numbers, 60,000. and you hire somebody at $70,000. you're already operating at a $10,000 deficit. So, oftentimes, we… from my position as a business administrator, we work hand-in-hand. with the Human Resources Executive Director. to make sure that if we are hiring somebody, we have to make sure that it's within the budget frame.
Thank you, you will. Hi, Dr. Lewis. Hi. Will the board receive reoccurring PCR reports? If so, how frequently will we receive those? So… the… as the business administrator. along with the Human Resource Executive Director, we will provide and make sure that the superintendent. the acting superintendent has an accurate PCR. From there, it will be up to the… act as superintendent to discuss personnel issues.
personnel situations with the board. Um, we are, like, the superintendent's employee, and the board employs the superintendent, so… There'll be the active superintendent's position to. to discuss that with the board. Mm-hmm. You will be informed. And I will affirm. Every time we meet, that we're in good financial status. And the only way to do that… is with the business administrator, the assistant business administrator.
Me trusting what they tell me. is appropriate, because I am not… A business administrator, and we have to rely on the people, but I know. the correct questions to ask. To ensure that that happens. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Lewis, first of all, thank you for your help and everything, and helping us turn this thing around. I know it's a big task, but we appreciate your guidance.
I've heard you mention a 3-year financial stability plan. Um, my question regarding that is. How does it address both the structural deficits and the one-time fixes? So… As an order, independent auditor stated, when we look at budgeting, we look at it in 3 years. We look at it as the prior, the current, and the future. Right? We know that. We utilized all of our funds. in the prior year, right? We know that we're in a shortfall in the current.
and a projected shortfall, uh, going forward. Now, the one-time situations. Unfortunately, we're not in the place to be able to say that. actions taken are only going to be a one-time item. we have to really look and project forward to see what other actions are needed. to make sure that the district. can turn this thing around as quickly as possible. While being fiscally sound. some of those, obviously.
with the… as the superintendent said. that reduction in force. will be a major driver. in getting the district into a sound place. as our independent auditor stated. from previous years, we have increased. significant unbudgeted positions. over 100 plus. that shows that if we did not budget for it. But we were operating in the past, effectively. We didn't have the money for it before, we utilized.
grant money that is no longer here, so now that flushed through our general fund. that we now have to try to figure out how to get that back. And how to push funds back into our general fund. The reduction of force is. A major driver of that. Thank you. Did that answer your question? Yeah, thank you. Dr. Lewis, when it comes to. Reconciliation, reviews and cost.
Containments, who performs. consolidationist who reviews them. And how is monthly verification documented? So, the business office does the bank reconciliations. Um, the Assistant Business Administrator reviews it. then I would review it, as well as we have. now we have an independent. treasurer of school monies. That's important to have another set of eyes that are not in district, that are not mine.
You know, we have to have putting these processes to make sure that we are. being sound. I can't… review my own work. that we should always have somebody else who's looking at what we do to make sure. that we're… that our cash. is sound. So, that is now… that… that procedure right there is part of this corrective action plan.
Because I don't speak about what happened in the past, I just… We have to be solution-oriented. So, that's something that we're going to move forward and continue to do. We have a new, like I said, a treasurer of school monies. And then, the monthly verification happens. month-end process. So once we close out… we close our books every month. And then we have to submit what, um, as I've talked to the board about doing internal. professional development and reviewing what the board secretary's report is. The board secretary report shows.
all of our financials. And you can't have any negative balances on that report. You're not supposed to. Because when you certify it as a business administrator, I have to certify that we have no. Negative balances. So we're going to go over what that board secretary's report is. But we have to submit that to the county two times a year. So, the county also reviews it to make sure that how you're operating your finances. is accordance to state law.
Thank you. Dr. Lewis. I have a two-part question. What training is required of administrators and staff? I'm purchasing contracts. And financial controls. And how will the board… be reported to. Second part of my question is. What ethics training. Conflict of interest disclosures. And whistleblower protections.
are now in place. So, administrators will continue as the Active Superintendent has stated. to… we will train. All staff involved in purchasing. contracts, um, and proper procedures in accordance with, uh, New Jersey public, uh, contracting law. We have at our disposal, um, on… as a… on retainer.
Mr. Jim Shoup, who's considered as the state guru. and purchasing and procurement. So we're gonna ask him to come in and train all of our administrators. as well as I've done the same kind of training, and I will. Continue to rehash that on, uh… bi-monthly kind of situation for our administrators and whoever is involved in the purchasing. Um, purchasing and procurement process. In regards to ethics, um, training. the board definitely has to do ethics training as part of their, you know.
process on every year. Um, internally. The trainers that we do. district-wide, um… have to follow the state and federal law. So… and also, in regards to whistleblowing, there's state and federal law that. Uh, provide individuals protections on that. I can't remember the actual statute. And we have district policies. In regards to that. Thank you.
It's fine. Oh, sorry. Dr. Lewis, to add to that question. Um, what controls prevent any single administrator from overriding purchasing, payroll, or budget systems? So now that we're putting in, um… these processes. No individual can do. all things. So, I don't put in purchase orders because my name is on the check. So I can't… I can't put something in and then sign off on it saying it's good.
Right? So, there's different processes now that… and controls that we're putting in and implementing. As we speak, to make sure that no one person can make any overriding decision. Now, at the point of… being told, or something, hire somebody, or do something of that sort. as the business administrator, we are. we're able to play… we play the yin and the yang. to the superintendent. We now, like, that's where the… we're over the finances. So we can say, okay, well, if this is not budgeted for, we cannot do it.
So those are the things that are now. that's in place that we have to utilize. To say, okay, if something is not budgeted, it's not happening. And that's just plain, simple fact. Thank you. Seeing none… Hi, I have two questions. As an educator myself.
Um, we've had lots of discussions. in my district about our health care plans. It was… it was told to us, to me as an employee. that if I switch from the Direct 10 plan. to the educator plan, that there would be a cap in. the expenses that I would see as an employee when the healthcare increases went into effect. It was told to me as an employee. that those healthcare increases would revert to the state.
Not the local school district would be paying. my share of those increases. it seems now we find out that. At least according to Mr. Wilcox and our jump from $15 million to $17 million. that it looks like those increases are, in fact, for those of us who switch to the educator's plan. are now being born by the local school district and not the state. How do we measure for that impact? And are we at a point where we really. I guess, and in the Correction Action Plan, we talked about possibly looking at other healthcare options, because it.
as an… for me as an educator, I'm concerned. that I feel I was misinformed, and that. If there's… to what extent are we going to seek other options for healthcare plans? That will be reasonable for the employee, but also save the district. some of the healthcare costs that we're seeing. So, we're gonna look at all options. There's a couple of options that. We've already, um, embarked on. Um, looking at pro… you know, self-insuring. That's something.
But, unfortunately, Hackensack is, uh, has significant claims. So when you have significant claims. It's, you know, you're… you shy away from going to private insurance or self-insuring. Because that can be, uh, budgetary. hit, um… we do… we did get notice. that the health insurance was going to go up. our brokers are there to give us that. inside of… not inside information, but that information.
Um, they… They leverage their connections and their, you know, communication. To say, hey, be on the lookout. on a yearly basis, this is what we have negotiated with. For you, this is where we have been told. that the state health benefit plan is going to go up. Make sure you budget it. Oftentimes, we have to make sure that we receive that information sooner than later. And that it's join the budget process. So, we've already are working with our insurance company.
To see what options are available to us. But, contractually, we must provide something equally or better. So, that's also another… budgetary concern. To see what… even going out. for private insurance, would that cost us more? And then we have to weigh those options altogether. Thank you. And my last question. What opportunities exist to reasonably increase revenue.
grants, enrollment strategies, shared services. those things of those nature. Well, honestly, that… that goes… along with your imagination, right? Um, we have to believe it, and we have to actually put it into action. There's grants that we have… that we are going to apply for. Um, it's my understanding, I'll… curriculum director has been awarded two grants already. that had… that the district will be utilizing. Um, so, being… you know, proactive instead of reactive, it's important.
We're… we have a meeting with our PTA. on Friday. That is an emergency meeting. Thank you. I appreciate them being open and willing to meet with us. to discuss what… you know, they can do on their side. Fundraising, being proactive. Looking for other resources is extremely important. Now, we understand that our biggest driver of revenue. is the tax levy. I know that's, like, the… Worst, you know, worse words, taxes.
Um, but that is our biggest driver, plus what we receive from. the state and state aid. So, looking towards those, advocating. We have a new governor, a new… Um, Commissioner that's coming in. doing whatever we can to advocate on the behalf of the district. To see what can happen. Thank you. Doctor Lewis and Ms. Parchment, thank you so much for your report and presentation.
Um, just for the public's information, I know that there were frequently asked questions sheets passed. This evening, where can the general public find this, or anyone watching online? that will be available on the district's website. Uh, no, we have a couple of copies outside, uh, if it hasn't been picked up yet, on the table where their agenda is. But it will be available on the website tomorrow. Perfect. Thank you so much. Got it.
Okay, at this time, and I want to thank the public for your patience. And for your involvement, um, at this time, we are now going to move into public comments. Um, 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, I must preface comments by an announcement of his or her name. municipality of residence and group affiliation, if applicable. Two, each statement. I can't hear you.
I just want to follow the rules, but I… I can't hear you. Okay, thank you. 2. 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. Shelby redirected to the preciting officer who shall determine if such statement, question, or inquiry shall be addressed by the presiding officer on behalf of the board.
or by individual board member. And four. All board and our acting superintendent responses to questions or inquiries shall be held until the end of public participation. At this time, the floor is now open for anyone here in person that would like to speak. I would like to speak. Please state your name. My name is Monica Brinson. I'm from this corrupt town. Um, good evening, members of the Hackensack Board of Education. acting superintendent. My name is Monica Brinson. I am currently a substitute teacher at the Hackensad Middle School.
I was a Hackensack High School class of 89 president, Hackensack Middle School class of 85 student council president, and one of the. founding… one of the founders of the Phil Murphy Recall Committee. I grew up in this corrupt Democrat-run town. That said, I stand here tonight because, like many in this room, I am absolutely stunned. That now $17 million has gone missing. or is unaccounted for. This is not a minor oversight, this is a catastrophic.
Failure. Of oversight. We're talking about money that was meant for our middle school physical education new hires. We're talking about our teachers, our salaries. The safety for our schools, our kids. We need to follow the money. I don't trust any of you, okay? I proposed that before a single teacher from the Hackensack Middle School is laid off for a single student program is caught, we must look at the administrative fluff.
And bloated upper management salaries. True transformational leadership means protecting the classroom above the central. Office! Every member of the board! Here's where the recall comes in. Every member of the board who signed off on this bootleg budget, knowing that we were already missing $15 million, and now it's $17.24? millions should be recalled and removed. As it takes a village to raise a child.
And as a community, we cannot support this corrupt system. That allows $17 million to just vanish. I asked if this board act with the urgency in this crisis. and demand that we get not only answers, but somebody better put the. the money back. in the world, my kids are watching. I had to reel it in. Uh, in the words of. Dr. Martin Luther King. The time is always right to do what is right. Thank you.
do the right thing, or look for me. to be recalled, and some people, I think, need to go to jail, because I heard a legal going on in this conversation. Have a nice day! Good evening, everyone. My name is Fran Campolo. I am a lifelong Hackensack resident, parent of a child. who attends Hackensack High School. Spanish instructor at Hackensack Middle School for almost 30 years.
alumna, taxpayer, and HEA association rep. Although my introduction provides a little bit of information about me, my communication this evening is not about me. It is of utmost importance for me to share. how the staff and students are suffering right now in the Hackensack Public Schools. As a result of this now $17 million school budget deficit. On a daily basis, I witness my colleagues at Hackensack Middle School very upset.
And in tears. It is very depressing to witness this. It is very unfortunate that this fiscal irresponsibility. falls on the backs of loyal. Hardworking practitioners who serve our children. With a wealth of knowledge. Kindness, courtesy. Compassion and respect on a daily basis. Last week, at the 114 board meeting, I experienced… I experienced difficulty even composing myself.
Especially when I witnessed. Our students sharing very detailed and eloquent information. About their experiences with their teachers. in the Hackensack Public Schools. Anyone who knows me realizes that I am extremely composed. And it takes a lot to rattle my emotions. Our children, the future of our world, shared their truths. Why should my child and other children in our schools have to endure.
Increased class sizes and uncertainty. in not knowing whether or not. They will have their current teachers in the school year in any given subject. It is neither fair nor appropriate for the children of the City of Hackensack. to endure such unnecessary instability. It is an injustice to set our schools back.
Such a vast setback impacts all of our children's programs and learning. As well as their social-emotional well-being. Furthermore, it takes… it makes many stakeholders' futures uncertain. Additionally, class sizes and projected dynamics should also certainly change how educators will be evaluated. In our district in the coming months. Previously serving on the District Evaluation Advisory Committee for many years and currently serving on the School Improvement Panel.
I know that certain critical attributes of the rubric will be unattainable. under the projected classroom circumstances. I realized that a great majority of schools in New Jersey are making use of the current rubric. I also know that a great majority of schools are experiencing budget deficits, but not in the excessive range. of now $17 million. This should be taken into consideration. Can I just finish my one paragraph? For me personally, this current crisis is not about who is allegedly to blame or not to blame.
I believe if any party is blamed… Your time is up. Thank you. Thank you. In closing, I just want to close it. Thank you. Our community requires. Hello, my name is Zadie Lopez. Hi, good evening. Good evening, um, of the board members, administrators, teachers, parents, and members of our community.
Um, I am a senior here at Hackensack High School, and I apologize for if my emotions show tonight. But I want to be clear that this is. coming from care, and not disrespect. This statement is not directed to everyone here on stage tonight. But it is directed, um, to all those who bear the responsibility of the now $17 million budget deficit that we have. That now the students are being asked to pay for. Though my words are not a threat, I sincerely hope that they are a wake-up call.
As students, we are constantly asked what it means to commit. Commitment means showing up when things are hard, and it means to… be loyal to a mission. this is what we're taught here at Hackensack High School. But apparently that lesson did not make it here tonight on this boardroom. We are being told that the solution of this deficit may be to cut teachers and staff. To you, this may look like numbers on a spreadsheet, but to us, these are people who are going to help us graduate. Cutting teachers doesn't mean. It's going to affect the academics, but it's going to affect our mental health.
our safety and our motivation. Larger class sizes means less attention. Fewer counselors means students. falling through the cracks. Less staff means more stress. Right now, we have educators and staff who have committed. Everything with their time, their loyalty, their passion, and even their own money to supplies. Uh, to give supplies to this district. And how are they being rewarded? Is this what it means to commit? they're being labeled as variable cost in a budget that they did not create.
I… no, let me correct myself. We ask that you stop looking at our teachers as line items. and you start looking at yourselves as accountable decision makers. Can I have my time paused, please? Or… no? Okay. Um, if there's a shortfall, look at the top of the hierarchy, not the front of the classroom.
Every time we cut, every teacher that is cut, we lose more than a position. We lose institutional knowledge, mentors, coaches, advisors, and role models. Have you calculated the cost of losing them? For most of us, school is a place where we can feel safe, seen, and encouraged. Taking away staff takes away that safety. When student safety… when student safety become compromised. Who will take the responsibility then? As a senior, I worry not only about my own future, but about the students who come after me.
My little sister will be a freshman next year, and she deserves the same opportunities I had. She deserves teachers who have time for her. Counselors who can guide her, and a school that chooses investments over shortcuts. I understand that budgets are complicated. And I respect the difficult decisions must be made. But by cutting teachers and staff, you should… Sorry, let me… But by cutting teachers and staff, this should be your last resort. not the first solution. We are more than numbers. Our teachers are more than expenses.
Our education and our safety. is worth more than this budget shortfall. Thank you. Good evening, members of the board. My name is Gabriella Tavares, and I'm a proud Hackensack High School alumni, Class of 2025.
I would like to begin by saying how much I truly love being a comet. Throughout my years in this district, I was fortunate to explore my passion for the arts. With my works featured in showcases, performing in middle school, and participating in drama through high school. I also had the honor of serving as captain of the Hackensack. City softball team. For my earliest years in the district, beginning from Pre-K, then kindergarten with Ms. Del Vecchio. Through room 215, if you know, you know. My entire time at Fairmont School, Hackensack Middle School, and ultimately Hackensack High School.
I was surrounded by dedicated educators. who consistently supported and challenged me. Teachers and staff, such as Mr. Allen, both Ms. Joneses, Mrs. Beck. Ms. Ciprios? Mrs. Andrews? Mrs. Romero? Mr. Hahn. Coach Hooper, Coach Levitsky, and many others, including staff members. who may not have taught me directly, all contributed to my growth as a student and as a person. I have been truly blessed by the educators in this drift. this district. Their guidance and commitment not only shaped my academic experiences.
but also inspire my future. Because of them, I have chosen to pursue a career in education. I am currently attended the College of New Jersey. Where I was accepted into their competitive art education program, and I am honored to be a recipient. recipient of the Hackensack Scholarship awarded by Hackensack educators. It is my goal to one day return to the class. classroom as a high school art teacher. It is my hope that the district can come together to resolve the current situation. in a way that minimizes the impact of staff. clubs, organizations, after-school programs, 6th grade camp. And the many opportunities that helped shape my experience here.
I also hope that future educators like myself, will continue to have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the students of the Hackensack community. Just as my teachers did for me. As JD said, these teachers and the students are more than just numbers on a piece of paper. The school is worth fighting for, the teachers and the staff here mean more to the students and these parents and this community. Than anything. I hope you take this into consideration, and this comes to a reasonable conclusion.
Thank you for your time, and for the work you do on behalf of the district. Once a comment, always a comment. Thank you. That's mine. Good evening, my name is Michelle Tavares. At the last meeting, I stood before you asking how a 15 million, now $17 million deficit could happen, and how no one saw it coming. I spoke out then out of concern and frustration as many parents and.
students did. Today, I stand before you with a different purpose. I'm here to say that as a parent, and as a proud member of this community, I will continue to show up. To support the students, the staff, and the district in any way that it can. Future families need to know that Hackensack is truly a remarkable district. years ago, I fully believed my family would move on before my children. ever reached grade school. What changed our minds were the educators. the schools and this community. We have the option to transfer to districts with highly sought-after reputations.
But we chose to stay here. That choice was intentional. And it was the right one. During the pandemic, when families were struggling and PTAs were unable to. fundraise or hold events when we had little to offer in terms of resources or memorable moments for our students and staff. The district did step up. The Board of Education stepped up. Former Superintendent Mr. Sanchez stepped up and asked one simple but powerful question. What can we do to help? Now it is our turn to ask the same question. What can we do to help you? Our PTAs will come together, we will rally parents and community members, we will stand beside the district and support it through this moment and beyond.
Yes, it's true. I have one foot out the door. My youngest is a senior in the class of 2026. But I'm not going anywhere just yet. I want the staff of this district to know that they have our full support, and I want future families, those who may be hesitant or unsure about staying in this district, to see what I saw. and make the same decision I did to stay, to invest, and to be proud to represent the blue and gold. I also want to point out that. You made a point to say something about the drop and decrease in number of students.
The students of 2016 are not the same students of 2026. There's a difference. The educators are needed. The numbers. in staff are needed. Anyone with a child who has raised it throughout this pandemic and past understands. the need for increased. educators and staff. It's not just about a number to a student. It is far more than that. Thank you.
Hi, my name is Pat Shepard, I'm on the child study team at Hackensack High School, and to all of you who spoke before me. Ditto. Um, okay, so… I didn't know. Quote, it wasn't me. These are the words from central administration and those board members who were on the last board and now on the current one. The overwhelming response to these words overheard daily in classrooms, hallways. Bathrooms, offices, parking lots, and every other room in the building is.
We don't believe you. We don't trust you. Great corrective action plan. We don't trust you. This current debacle didn't happen overnight, as we've heard. The waste and mismanagement didn't happen in a vacuum. As we've heard from the Board President and Mr. Auditor, I don't remember his name. It has been years in the making. boards have come and gone. superintendents have come and gone. But it's interesting, there are members of central administration. who have been the constants throughout those years. They are known for being avidly detail-oriented and having an assertive, hands-on approach.
And they work in an office area that is small enough to hear the whispering from across the room. Hackensack is an amazing grapevine. We know everything that's going on in every building in this district. We know who's getting married, who's on medication, who ate sushi for lunch. So, it's… it's really strange credulity when we hear from certain members of administration say, I had no idea. This means one of three things. incompetence, looking the other way, or being a bystander.
or collusion. Now, about collusion, we have no reason to think anyone colluded. This would imply malicious intent, and we would like to believe you are better than that. So that leaves incompetence. And or looking the other way. Both of these scenarios would mean that some members of central administration were unable to fulfill their responsibilities. required in a position of leadership. Both of these scenarios do mean that our tireless and talented colleagues on the front lines. from our billing administrators, to custodians, teachers, related services, and everybody else.
are the ones who end up paying the price. And our dear students, one of them, they suffer as well. They are the ones whose quality of education will be compromised because of the fallout. Especially that of our most vulnerable special education students. Therefore, the decent thing to do, the right thing to do. Is for certain members of a central administration to own it. Take responsibility for the lack of oversight on their watch. and step down. Just as it's expected of us.
We, too, are owed accountability and a standard of excellence. So people have to be accountable. It's just not right. So, a clean sweep is really the only way to begin restoring trust in the district. and repairing the damage. Thank you. Um, hi… Anthony Ziza, I'm a parent of a Parker School student. I am also a lifelong resident of Hackensack and an alumnus of this district.
While the extent of the shortfall may be shocking, while the extent of the shortfall may have. come as a surprise. The shortfall itself. should not have. For years, members of this community have come to Board of Ed meetings. have expressed concerns, not simply about the district's priorities, but about where the money was going. about money seeming to inevitably flow upwards to higher-level admin and never flow downwards to where the students would see it in action.
When those members of the community came to express concerns, teachers saying they were frozen out of decisions for purchasing of programs that they were then expected. to utilize. and which cost money to train them on. they were not listened to. In fact, the previous board president. publicly called those teachers malcontents who should not be. Who should be ignored. Let me illustrate through a personal example. my wife, who's a staff member in the district, has had to take 3 medical leaves over the past 10 years.
in 2017? She interacted with one person. Nina Larco, who did a phenomenal job helping her. who did a phenomenal job helping her navigate the ins and outs of this leave. In 2022, when she had to take her second leave. We had hired an HR director at about 200 grand plus benefits. Unlike in 2017, she never met him face-to-face. Everything was done via email.
Additionally, he made multiple mistakes that her and I had to correct. By the time her third leave came around in 2024. we now had… 5 or 6 people in that department? She not only never heard from the department, her principal had to. literally reach out to make sure her leave was approved. shortly before she went on it. Somehow, the more people we hired there, the less efficient the system became.
So while most of the blame rightfully falls on the previous superintendent, the previous board president, and the previous business administrator. This is not a failure of simply those people. This is a structural and systemic failure to listen to the community when they bring their concerns. Even at this moment, we're now, as a community, being. told this is the plan. rather than asked for our opinions.
And so, I ask you to consider that rather than a continuing failure of leadership and listening, that we recognize decisions are made collaboratively and not in isolation. Hi, my name is Valerie Lima, I'm an 11th grade student here in Hackensack High School. And I feel as if students were left in the dark with not knowing all this, and now we know.
But I want to talk about how… Our mental health here, according to you guys, it clearly matters, but. Um, during June of 2025, my in-school therapy, which is Care Plus, was taken away, and obviously there was other students here who obviously were offered Care Plus, and. That was taken away from them, and although I'm fortunate enough to get therapy outside of school, some students aren't, and some students tend to rely on teachers here. I know that I did, too, when I was in middle school, I relied on Ms. Macias, who was literally everything to me.
And, um, now we're gonna have… some students now have to deal with the fact that their teachers will be taken away, which is not right. And for a school that says they prioritize your mental health, you clearly aren't, because now I have to worry about when I become a senior, what electives will be here for me. for me to be better, like, that's not right, that is not right at all. So, thank you.
Good evening, everyone. Ira Goodman. 23-year resident of Hackensack. Former proud board member from 2019, school board member from 2019 to 2022. The news tonight is very… I've been watching it and listening, and it's very, very disheartening. Very worrisome and I can remember back to the year that I decided to not run for reelection. That our biggest problem was what to do with the $6 million surplus. that we had to spend. And we figured it out, and, you know, PAC capital reserves for projects, etc.
So it's such a dichotomy. From what we're listening to tonight, it just breaks my heart. Um, hello everyone, my name is Amanda Martinez. I am a parent of 3 children. I'm in Hackensack School District, one being a senior in high school, and two that go to Nellie K. Parker. Um, so first and foremost, disappointed like everybody else. Um, I want to, before I go to, um, some difficult questions for you all.
Um, I want to raise a serious concern about culture. I've heard that some teachers and staff may have been discouraged from speaking out today. And I don't know how widespread this is, but if true, it suggests fear of retaliation or being targeted. and a culture that discourages transparency is deeply disappointing and must be addressed directly. So… Um, to focus on solutions that minimize harm and disruption. I want to know if the board has evaluated voluntarily.
uh, voluntary early retirement incentives for teachers near eligibility. allowing them to retire early with their full earned pensions as a cost savings alternative to layoffs. that will destabilize schools. For staff who will be displaced, will tenured educators be able to carry earned tenure or equivalent credit. to another district, or will non… and will non-tenured educators be protected from losing years of progress towards. tenure because of leadership failures. For staff impacted.
Uh, will the board administrative actively assist with job placement by coordinating with neighboring districts. advocating on behalf of displaced employees and providing transitional support. What is the concrete morale and transition plan? Um, I also want to ask about financial recovery. What steps are being taken to recover funds through grant reconciliation, insurance claim settlements, or legal action? Uh, prior administration should be sued and locked up. Now that legal counsel is appointed. has an independent legal review been initiated to evaluate potential claims against the prior administration, vendors, or advisors identified in the audit.
And will the public be informed if recovery efforts are pursued? I know the Business Administration said he was working with the PTA. for fundraisers, etc. I just want to throw out $485.71. Each individual of 35,000 residents of Hackensack has to raise, and there's power in social media. Um, I also want to be clear how impacted staff are treated. I hope no employee is required to sign away legal rights in exchange for severance. I hope healthcare coverage is extended for a humane period of time, especially for those with serious medical needs.
And that severance is fair while preserving the right to seek legal counsel. Since the, um, since the audit. Um, investigations confirm mismanagement, illegal use, misuse of funds, and negligence. I strongly encourage any staff harmed by those failures to seek legal counsel and understand their employment rights, including potential group or class actions. I'm not a lawyer, but I'm familiar with employment protections and can help point people in the right direction. Teachers, school staff, and students did not create this accumulated deficit. Leadership and oversight failures did. Accountability must begin there, and compassion must be guided every step forward. Thank you.
Uh, good evening, Lord Urso High School staff member and HEA member. Um, I wanted to speak a little bit on behalf of our student activities programs. So, our student activities are not just, uh, extracurriculars. They're spaces where students discover confidence, purpose, and identity. For many of our students, these are the places where they feel most seen, supported, and successful. I personally coach the academic decathlon team, and while it's only one of our many clubs, it captures why this matters so deeply. ACTEC is a place where SU students can earn gold medal honors in academic subjects, where timid students.
Like myself, challenge themselves to deliver prepared speeches, and where students who see themselves as math and science kids discover strengths in writing, art, and music. Students who may never see themselves reflected on Honor Roll or an athletic roster suddenly realize they can belong to a winning team. They build strong study habits, participate in college-ready interviews, and learn teamwork by supporting one another and growing together. And for the past 5 years, our team has been very successful. Qualifying for the national tournament, 2023 taking home the state championship.
But even… But despite the trophies, the experience would still be worth every minute. An ACTEC is just one example of the many extracurricular opportunities that allow our students to grow and shine in similar ways. Every September, our student activities. Council puts together a. allows… invites our high school students to the football field to explore more than 60 clubs that we offer. I wish I could speak about all of them, but I want to highlight a few that I consistently hear my students. bragging about. We have clubs that provide safe and affirming spaces, many of which are culturally significant and help build identity, leadership, and pride, such as our Black Student Union.
The gender and Sexuality Alliance, the Latin American Student Association. She united the Muslim Student Association and her many world language clubs. We have clubs that promote service and civic engagement, like Interact Club, Common Ambassadors, and Student Council. We have clubs that challenge students academically and intellectually, like science, research, robotics, Model UN, the debate team, Med Club, Women in STEM. and FBLA. We also have clubs that foster creativity and expression, like our art clubs, creative writing, dance team, destination imagination, drama, and fashion.
And we have clubs that allow students to further explore personal interests and hobbies, like chess, skiing, beekeeping. puzzles and knitting. It's a lot of clubs, and that's just a small snapshot of what we offer. and showcases not only the diversity of our student body and staff. But how that diversity brings together a whole school. None of these opportunities could exist without our dedicated staff members who choose to give their time before and after school. Opening doors, guiding students, purchasing items from their own pockets to build relationships.
and hold these spaces for our children. Um, what I can say with confidence is this, no matter what a student's interest, identity, or future goals. There's a club for them at Hackensack, and if there's not, I can guarantee you there's a staff member willing to open their door. Please keep students' extracurricular lives at the forefront of your decision-making when we protect these spaces, we protect our whole student. And the opportunities that make our district so special. Thank you.
Hi, good evening, everyone, students, parents, teachers, and staffs. My name is Gracie Luna, and I'm a junior here at Hackensack High School. I'm standing here tonight with a hurt heart and real anger. because of what happened to her school, she never had it happen. Our former superintendent, the person trusted to protect our education, made it reckless and irresponsible decision. Over $15 million was wasted on things we did not need. While the people who actually keep the school running were ignored. The money should have gone to our teachers, our counselors, our aides, and our students.
Instead, instead because of that selfish decision, teachers and staff are losing their jobs. Those are not just employees, these are people who know our names. People who know our stories, people who show up for us when we're struggling, when we feel lost, and when. And with schools is the only safe place we have. They have been… they have been pushed out, not because they failed us, but because someone else. On top fell them. Let me be very clear, this is not fair. This is not right. When teachers are laying awake, worried about what is going… what's going to happen with their jobs, and students are worried about their future.
The superintendent shoes appearance over education. looks over learning. Image over integrity. The Choice Shattered trust. It damaged our school, and it led us disappointed, angry, and unheard. Our teachers, jeans, lunch aides, counselors. and support staff are the heart of this school. When you take them away, you don't just cut a budget. You strip away our support, our safety, and our hope. You send a message, a student don't matter, that educators are replaceable.
That leadership doesn't have to take responsibility. We refuse to accept our message. We will not stay quiet while school is being destroyed from the top down. Silence means approval, and we do not approve. We will speak up, we will ask. hard questions, and we will demand better. Because this is what our community deserves. We deserve leaders who actually care. Our teacher deserves respect and job security. And us students, especially those who come from other countries. Searching for a better future. Like me. That came from the Dominican Republic at 8 years old.
Deserve honesty, stability, and a real chance to succeed. I'm speaking tonight because I love this school. And when you truly love something, you fight for it. Even when it's uncomfortable, and even when people don't want to hear the truth. Thank you, God bless you all, and good call. Hmm. Good evening, members of the board. My name is Faith Green, and I'm a senior here at Hackensack High School. Some of you may know me as the Captain of the flag football team, and I'm also on the Culture and Climate Committee here.
Anyone who knows me knows I speak my truth, the truth, whether you want to hear it or not, because I'm going to say it anyways. tenured, having or denoting a permanent post, especially as a teacher or professor. Well, let me tell you who hasn't been tenured for a time period of 5 years. A very professional woman who is employed here, who saved my life. So why does that determine whether she gets to leave or stay? Why does that determine why anybody gets to leave or stay? These staff members deserve more respect from you because this. disrespectful. Y'all look at us and the members of the staff as the solution to your problems, but really is, we should be looking at you.
What does this mean for our future comments? who knows how long you guys will really take to get our money back and make this right. So many questions you can barely answer yourself, let alone at all. These major cuts include the things we love, and my sport is not yet a sport, but a club. Flag football is what I do for a living. This is my heart and my soul, something I came to fall in love with is that in risk… is that in risk of going? Is my peace and sanction going to be gone because y'all messed up? Y'all are the ones who did wrong, not me.
So many additions to our comment family with strong comment pride, but is this really what it means of being a comet? missing money from that same higher power we thought we could trust. How does it get so far without realizing, and I may not know too much about audits and budgeting and everything, but I know that we shouldn't be now in a $17 million deficit. And let's be real, in more simple terms. We're slowly becoming broke. And we're supposed to be your solution. No, we shouldn't be your solution because you guys didn't know.
We let the hands of one and irresponsible parties be in charge of our finances. Now look at us, disappointed but mainly angry. Where's the loyalty to the time dedicated, the love that is given? I'm not okay with this, we are not okay with this. I spoke tonight because these are my feelings, my anger, and I will not let this go. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Albania Bogos. I'm a taxpayer, parent, and former PTA president at FIRMA.
I'm here tonight to ask one question. Not to assign blame, but to better understand accountability and oversight as it relates to the district reported. Well, at the time when I wrote this was 50 million plus, but now it's 17, soon to be 24. See, I pay attention. During a previous meeting, it was stated that we did not get here in one year. But rather, over the course of several years, it was also shared that some trustees. who have served on this board for multiple years and are currently serving, raised concerns and asked questions to the previous board president.
But never received answers. That statement raised an important question for me. If trustees asked questions of their leader and did not receive answers, shouldn't the next step have been to go up the chain of command? It is my understanding that when issues are not addressed by the board, president, trustees have a responsibility. To escalate those concerns, first to the County Executive Superintendent of schools, and if necessary, to the New Jersey Department of Education, including. The Board of Ethics Commissions or Investigations Unit, or even the office.
of the state comptroller in cases. involving potential fiscal mismanagement, fraud, waste, or abuse. So my question is this. As the elected gatekeepers of our school district, if issues were identified over several years and answers were not forthcoming. What actions were taken to prevent this situation from worsening? And if those actions were not taken, why not? This is in… this is in about hindsight. It is about trust, which… we no longer have, because moving forward, parents, taxpayers, staff, and students need confidence that when concerns arise.
they will not stop at unanswered questions. So how can the community trust that going forward. If you see something, you will say something. And more importantly. Are you going to do something? Even if it means escalating beyond this board. As voters, we will remember. Thank you. Thank you. Hi, everyone! Good afternoon. I'm Herman Evangelista, and I am an… I'm a student at Hackensack High School.
I have gone to Hackensai High School. For 2 years, I'm a sophomore. I've gone to Axiet Middle School, I've gone to. Um, hillers, and I've gone to Jackson. educators from all of those schools. have had an impact on me. that still lasts to this day. As of right now, I'm a tri-sport athlete. I play 3 sports. Tennis, indoor track, and golf. Um, I'm also in 8 clubs, but I don't… I don't want to list all of them. That'll waste my time. But, what I'm trying to say is that. thus far, I've heard concerns from not only the advisors of those clubs, but from my fellow.
classmates, from my friends, saying that. they would unfortunately have to cut back on some activities. because of the budget setbacks, and it upsets me that some of them are freshmen, they just got here, they don't deserve. to have a limited experience of what Hackensack High School can offer. I am a part of the debate team. And thus far, I've met twice with my partner, Bradley Devers, shout out to him. I don't know if he's here tonight. But I've made so much progress in said club.
I have plans for some of my clubs. I'm Secretary of FBLA. I just achieved that goal this year. And I have so many plans for all of my clubs, because I want to do as much as I can to change the community and the. uprising community of Hackensack High School, of the students at the Hackensack High School, or the Hackensack. District. Um, with the last minute and a half that I have, I would like to shout out some of my educators that have had a big impact on me, like I said before. Um… And I want to start off with… I don't know if she's here tonight, but… I don't know if you guys have seen the movie Matilda. My Miss Honey.
can be found in the Hackensack Middle School. Ms. Jimenez, my 7th grade. English teacher. She… I mean, I've said this to her before, but… I can't… Explain how thankful I am for her and her position in this district. Second, I would, like, miss Tejada to stand up. My Italian teacher, my freshman Italian teacher. Second, I'd like to thank.
Thank you. Second, I'd like to thank my NJHS advisor, Ms. Tobaldo. From the Hackensack Middle School. My 7th grade science teacher as well. Um, some educators that I had last year, our mayor, Mr. Gaines, my honors English teacher, and my race and grad teacher for this year. I'd also like to thank Ms. Platty. Ms. Platty, I had her this year. I just started having… she's a lovely teacher. Um, Mr. Keller, who's my golf coach, and was my biology teacher last year.
Um, I would also like to thank… I don't know if she's here, Ms. Lim? Ms. Lim, I'd like to thank her, she's my math teacher for this year. Um, and thank you, that's it. Woo! Good evening, I am Orlando Colon, a student of Hackensack High School and a resident of Hackensack. I am also the Drama Club's president, and as the drama club president, I don't want you to hear this, but I need you to hear this.
Because I need you to see who you are affecting in real time, because those who have over… have been overlooked do not deserve to be overlooked anymore. Um, what I need you to know is this may not sound important to you, but you are affecting people, and I am speaking to you on behalf of said people in the performing visual arts. who continue to be at the end of your list. As you can see on what you put on the board, we are constantly at. afterthought, at last, at. the end. Thank you. But I'm not done, sorry. Um, as Drama Club president.
I have a little bit more insight regarding the ongoings, um, than, like, my fellow eBoard. And my patrons of Drama Club, and I know we have. So little to work with and we are making do with what we have, we are taking it and we are stretching it beyond our means, and we have such great educators who care for us and put their time into us, and it is unfair to them. At the end of the day, the way they are being treated. these people not only liked what was being said, know our names, know our stories, they care for us. They find ways to include us when other parts of the school don't.
And I'm sorry, but you guys continue to overlook us, and we are tired. We are tired. Um, we are constantly coming up with new solutions to issues we face, and are constantly working to make our program better. On top of that, we are under new direction in rebuilding a program that has been left with so little. yet is doing so much with half the funding of what you give other people. when I moved here at the end of my freshman year, I had nothing to look forward to. I had no one to look forward to. the drama club changed that. By chance, I was put into mixed chorus because it was, um… in arts credit, I did not like mixed chorus, and Miss Potty knew that. And what did she do? She found a replacement for me. She found something that would better suit me as a person, and she didn't have to do that. She just met me.
I… she found a way to place me, and she found a way that would keep me engaged, and that would keep me doing what I love. And at the time, I didn't know that I loved it, but she helped me do that. And I need all of you to realize these are the people that you are mistreating, and these are the people that you are taking away from. Not only me and the teachers, but the other kids that don't even have a chance to have a Miss Patty in their life yet. you don't understand the people you are affecting in real time, and this program specifically is a lifeline. We are coming on the stage and telling real stories, and the… let me just say, theater originated to make people uncomfortable.
You are meant to sit in these seats that you are sitting in right now and face what you don't want to face. And on that note, I better see all of you seeing me as Shrek March 12th, 13th, and 14th. Here in these very seats, in this very auditorium, thank you.
Good evening. My name is Colleen Dawson. I'm speaking tonight as an employee of the Hackensack Public Schools. And as someone who understands the job description of a Board of Education. We're being told two things at the same time. that this crisis belongs to a previous board. And that according to the auditor, it actually developed over the last 3 or 4 years. So I'm trying to understand how both things can be true. Over those years, this board has had a financial committee.
There were meetings, financial reports, budget presentations, and votes. Are we really asked… being asked to believe. That through all of that, the business office was able to mislead. Or bamboozle the board so completely that no meaningful red flags were raised. I ask that respectfully. But honestly, board members are fiduciaries. Financial oversight is not symbolic. It is a core responsibility.
If this problem spans multiple years. Then oversight during those years must be part of the conversation. What's difficult as an employee is hearing the staff and students will now have to absorb the consequences. of a situation that occurred while the district was actively being governed. I'm not here to point fingers. But the public deserves clarity. Either the board had the information and failed to act. Or it didn't have the information and continued approving budgets anyway.
Because if a $17 million problem. Doesn't happen overnight, it grows for years without being stopped. Then this wasn't just a financial failure, it was an oversight failure. Thank you. I'm feeling a little superfluous here because the children have spoken. And they were educated here. Okay, and when I was 17, I could never have done what they've done tonight. I'm very proud of you guys.
My name is Patty Burleson. I'm a Fairmount Third Grades. Teacher and HEA building leader. I want to say for the past few years, my school in particular was under a lot of scrutiny and micromanagement. And it is stunning to see that that. kind of scrutiny wasn't. Happening with the budget. 30 years ago, I married a comet. 25 years ago, I became a comet. After a job search that seemed to be forever, I had 3 offers at the same time, and I chose Hackensack.
And I've always known I was right. I've been advised by my comment. And my colleagues and my friends to avoid talking about how this budget situation will affect teachers. And to keep it about the children. But we are the same, we can't be separated. It's an interesting profession, unlike other professions in that you should be embarrassed to talk about competitive pay and job security. But we know the needs of the teachers and the needs of the children are congruent.
If I lose a non-tenured teacher, colleague, I lose a talented teacher, friend, and collaborator. And that teaches students who's a teacher they've spent half the year with. Building routines and relationships with. If that teacher, and this goes across the grade levels, is removed, teachers who remain will absorb their students. With a sudden and immediate disruption, students will have to adjust to new classmates and routines. The class will be too full for a teacher to manage their concerns in any effective. one-on-one way. I have students who are afraid to leave their apartments because of ice in the community.
And they come to school because they feel safe. You will see more HIV concerns. And more attendance concerns? Testing is in May. Please do not display a pie chart of test scores down the road right now. When we can't even keep teachers to finish out the school year. do I know what is happening? I don't know the specific plan, but I know that someone came into our building. To see how many desks fit in the classroom.
When teachers are removed, through no fault of their own, not because of performance, but because of someone else's sketchy bookkeeping. It will be about the children. In my career at Hackensack, our budgets have always passed because the community. values education. homeowners, it matters to their home values. Home buyers won't want to come here when we're worried about how many desks fit in a classroom. I can't read all this because I'm running out of time, but when you think of the children, please do think of the teachers. We are a full package, we go hand in hand.
This presentation is very careful to point fingers, but we cannot place blame or get justice, but the repercussions will fall in our laps. for years to come. Teachers are either losing jobs and benefits. We're gaining students and untenable expectations. I feel like many of this is moot at this point. But I think it's important to be seen as people in front of the board and the community.
Good evening, everyone. My name is Winifred Jandu-Hednor, but I mainly go by Winnah. I'm a current Comet sophomore, and when I was informed about the now $17 million deficit, I was completely shocked to hear. about some of the effects that may occur in the school as a result of the current financial issue. Remember, your job as a Board of Education is to advocate for students physically, but also mentally. Please remember that cuts will not only affect myself, but also other students. Firstly, I am currently enrolled in concert band, and since I was a kid, music has always been a huge part of my life. If instrumental bend were to be cut, it would not only affect me, but other students.
who feel the same passion as I do, as would be forced to give up our talents that we have worked so hard to gain. This goes for every other student who participates in sports and enrolls in electives. Secondly, cutting electives would also increase different class sizes, which would cause stress among teachers and students, as they would have to readjust. So new changes very quickly, that would be especially difficult for students with mental disabilities. Lastly, cutting staff will affect students, including myself. The majority of students in the school district has at least one staff member that has helped them. Conquer hardships, whether it may be mentally or physically, and laying off staff members who have helped them will take away their source of comfort and well-being.
Please take everything that I have said into consideration when making decisions. Thank you. Hi, my name is Marcelo Aranda, and quickly, I want to say my phone died, so I'm going based off of my feelings. So… To get this started, I would not be here if my last… my last year teacher, Ms. Mitchell, would have pushed me to talk about what I believe. So, I will quickly say this. This school does not support the music or any of the arts program like it should.
We have all been in silence. We have all been. been shut down and have all been silenced about our talents. I have amazing, incredible students who just practice daily, pay for… pay for tutors, pay for lessons, pay for everything. pay to just show their hard work here. Teachers like Ms. Platty, like Ms. Mack. Ms. Mcvicker and Mr. Kubayes have all pushed us forward, and has all pushed us to become our best. Please, for the students in… for the students in arts, in the arts who are here right now, I would like you guys to please stand up and show yourselves.
Because right now, we're not in a moment of silence. So, I will not… I will not stand. From this program to be taken care of. well, to get rid of. My… I've been in the marching band for 5 years. I was the drum major this year, and lead snare. I've put many hours and many, many. just emotions towards this band. I love it with my whole heart, and I love everybody in it with my whole heart. as well with theater, Ms. Pelican, she has sparked something inside of me, and she has sparked something inside of many, many, many students.
to come back to theater again after getting driven away by it. No shade, Mr. Gaines. I love you. But… I did not mean it like that, but love you, man. Um… I do quickly want to say that the $17 million that we are now down is… utterly wrong? How does it go missing? How do you lose it? How do you lose it so quickly? It's $17 million. If I had 17 million in my pockets. I wouldn't be walking around free right now. I wouldn't even be here, but I will quickly… I quickly do want to say that I love all my teachers, and I love this music program. I love the arts program, and the dance team. The dance team does not get enough recognition as it should.
They all put in each hours of their… of their whole day dedicated to just one routine. And many more to come. So please, come see Shrek. Come see… come see the concert band! and support your… support this school's marching band. support this school's theater club, support this school's dance team, support everything arts-related. It is my home, it is their home, and for the future generation to come here today.
This will be a second home for them if we just make this right. the teachers here are incredible. Mr. Kuwais has helped me throughout a lot during marching bands, so I quickly want to say thank you to him. He has done amazing stuff for all of us. With that being said, thank you, and have a good night. Hello? Ooh. Okay.
Hello, my name is Dio Capa Young. as a student in Hackensack schools and resident for 18 years. I am proud to speak today to discuss my concerns. We can sit here, I mean, I can be honest, we all have been sat here talking about debt. Hackensaux high schools, but I would actually like to open the minds of everyone sitting here. Look at the teachers, the students. Everyone who makes this district great. And that have proven… some of these teachers have graduated here. And have proven that no matter what, they'll take the endurance to be a teacher.
as physically and as mentally. Hard it is to be a teacher. It's not worth what they're getting paid. Not many people can wake up today and be like, I want to be a teacher. But, they still do it. So… They do give their lives to work… these teachers have loved ones, like all of you guys standing right there, sitting right there in those desks. Imagine being a teacher having to go and say to your loved one that you have been laid off and have no idea how you're gonna pay the rent this month.
And frankly, for an issue that has not been caused by them, an issue that has been caused by majority of your board. Everyone sitting right up there. And, from my experience always in Hawkinsaw, growing up with it my whole life. It has always been an environment that takes pride in its educators and students, always uplifting us to do amazing things. While I'm not someone who is comfortable with public speaking. And as you can see… But it's through my experiences, thanks to the music department, I'm gonna go and thank Ms. Platty, like all of us have.
Thank you to Ms. Culligan, who's sitting right over there. And I have to say, these things have… these activities have built everything on who I am today. And if it weren't for these programs, I do not know how… who I would be. And thank you guys for being such amazing educators. You do not deserve this. You do not deserve not even a single second. Of any… of torture, any pain that has been caused to people sitting right up there.
I wanna… now that I have a few seconds to go and sing, I wanna go and give a shout-out to some of my educators. I know some of them are sitting here. featuring thing, Ms. Mitchell. misplied, Ms. Policina again, Mr. Capone. Miss Weir, and I… did I miss you? Ms. Marcus over there. That's all I have to say. Thank you, guys. 312. That's awesome.
Hello, my name is Augustina Mayo. I could speak about many topics when I'm up here, many that have already been spoken about. And completely agree with all of you, by the way. Um, I'm here specifically to talk about the tennis team here, and the girls' tennis team. Um, for now. I have been on the varsity tennis team for the entirety of my high school career, and as a senior, that means 4 years. And since I've joined, I have become the captain of the tennis team.
Thank you. I can very confidently say. that tennis has it positively impacted. almost everyone in that team. specifically now, as we got a new coach, Coach Raza, I'm not sure if she's here. But she's a new teacher. But I can say everyone that has ever had her as a teacher loved her immediately. Tennis is not a sport many people think. someone in Hackensack can have access to.
In fact, I can say that about many sports that we have access to in the school, such as golf. Or literally any, I don't know where the golf… but he's here. And… but we do have it… thanks to the staff of the school, and thanks. to the amount of effort that it takes. to have those coaches here. I have seen these girls create friendships and bonds that pass last tennis. and into the entirety of their high school careers, I've seen them being able to have something to look forward to after school, to have a place that they genuinely.
feel comfortable in. I finally have been able to see. us reach the gap between varsity and JV, and have one united community. And as I say this, I want this to be known. This is not just about tennis, this is about every single sport, every single club, and every single program, including the language program, such as the Italian language programs. And the Spanish language programs that we have here.
And… sorry, Ms. Freeman, I'm gonna go off script for this. She's my speech teacher, love her. Um… off script completely, I would go on a list about every single teacher that has impacted my life. But that would take forever, because I can go all that to Fairmount Elementary School. So, I would actually like to mention. We have a lot of kids here that were not born here. And they're coming to the school because we are a safe school for majority Hispanic kids.
I have personally toured 2 kids. new to the school this year alone. And we're not even halfway through. Until you can look me in the eyes and tell me that this is. their best chance of having a good life. I don't want to cry, but… Por favor, puede al midarme en los dojos y dicier que estos ninos fan hastar seguros en esta cuela. You guys so far!
Good… good afternoon. My name is Max Rodriguez, and I… I'm very nervous, because I don't usually do this kind of thing. But I might make some mistakes, but mistakes are okay. Except for when they go unnoticed, when they go… When they go… When they… when they become ignored, they become a problem. And that problem has affected… Not just my peers, my friends. my teachers, as well. as most of my teachers, if not all, have somewhat impacted my life since I moved here from New York.
I've had many teachers. Who've not only lifted me up, if I… I wouldn't even be here without my current English teacher. pushing… not pushing me, but. guiding me to be here, to speak up. on what I think is right. And I have a cousin who moved here from Texas. From Texas to Seattle, back to Texas to here. who started fresh multiple times. she… She hasn't made very many… friends at the time, but she's grown.
With a few people, and I find that amazing. And she finds a few teachers, amazing. Just like I have, and I feel. You cannot remove that. from the new generations that are coming. I don't have very much else to say, because I don't really have a script, but… Thank you. Good evening, members of the board, and the community, obviously.
Um, I'd like to thank you all for allowing the general public to speak on this matter, because I know how important it is, especially for students. And teachers who speak about this. My name's Cain Bernameo Guaman, I live in Hackensack and attend Hackensack High School. as a student, I feel it's important to show my support for the activities that mean the most to me during times like these. Where they are potentially at risk. I've seen firsthand how the Hackensack High School Drama Club has been able to push through numerous setbacks and still manage to give performances that surpass expectations.
We've just recently had a performance that was fully directed by my peers. whom are extremely talented and dedicated to the arts. As someone who has been a part of this club for the 3 years I've been in this school, which I could say I'm a junior. Um, I can say with certainty that it's an environment that encourages connection, creativity, and self-expression. And I know people who have kids know that this is a… this is all crucial for a young person's development. The Hackensack High School Choir is just as important to me, as we regularly go out and sing for local communities.
It isn't just the people who participate in these arts that care. It is the people who attend our performances. Students who watch their friends. parents seeing their children, and teachers being able to see the talent that is. in their students outside of academics. I'm sure that seeing the younger generation spread joy through the arts of music and acting is something that inspires even the elderly. I understand that it is a difficult decision to possibly need to cut student activities and employees because of the actions of adults. I'm sure, but I'm here to ask that you all take into consideration the… the performing arts department.
And how students heavily rely on it to express themselves, become thoughtful adults, and help others in the future. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Safiya Manon, and I'm a senior here at Hackensack High School. It is only my second year here at the high school, but it is my seventh year in the public school district. I elected to transfer back into the public school system because of the overwhelmingly positive experiences I've had here.
All thanks to the staff that work tirelessly to make this district feel like a community. These past couple weeks, I have seen my district turn from a vibrant community. to what I can only describe as masked, hollow, and despondent. Because of this budget failure. Hackensack, it always stood out to me across all the schools I've attended as one where the teachers are more than just invested, but truly committed.
They are enthusiastic, in and out of the classroom, committing their afternoons, or even their weekends, to running life-changing extracurriculars for students like myself. That's why I came back, for these people. For the marching band, for academic decathlon, for theater, for the dance team, for the cheer squad, and for clubs like Fashion and Women in STEM. I came back for this atmosphere of determination and for the educators who made me feel like being a comet is what I was meant to be.
Yes, there was also the equipment, the early access to instruments in the elementary schools, and the, at the time, very advanced technology at the middle school. And yes, that exposure was priceless, because they brought in my horizon so early on. I'm eternally grateful for the equipment that was afforded in the past. But at the end of the day, the spirit of this school district cannot survive without our staff. it just… the spirit itself has taken a nosedive at just the possibility of losing hardworking and innocent members of our community.
I know if there's another way, we wouldn't be here fearing for the livelihoods of our teachers, our mentors, our role models, our coaches, and our confidants. But as a student who gained my literacy, my confidence, and my voice from those who are now facing unjust unemployment. I beg you not to get complacent. my teachers, jaded and fresh-faced alike, have an unimaginable impact on my outlook of the world. And I think that the most recent wave of educators are braver than ever for entering this field.
And I don't want their passion to be punished. Hackensaux will never be the same if we lose the heart of this education system. Students like me come and go. We come and we experience and we graduate, but they are the ones who stay and make this district worth. living in. As a student, as a student who only knows the kindness of my teachers. you are the outsiders, and I do not mean to antagonize, but my frustration demands that if the teachers I love.
are suffering, I do not want that burden to land on their shoulders alone. takes home of that weight. If they are losing their salaries, have you considered volunteering your time to fixing the problem that your office and your colleagues have created? Thank you for your time and for your attention. Sorry, Mr. Gaines, can you just give us… 5 seconds. Intake 5. Um, at this time, we need to make a motion to extend the meeting past 10 o'clock.
Can I have a motion to extend the meeting? A motion. A second? Okay, motion by Trustee Jones. Can I have a second? Second by Trustee Martin. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? Any abstentions? Thank you, Mr. Gaines. Thank you. So… I don't know any teacher that wears just one hat. And so, I just want to be very clear that I'm speaking tonight as the HEA president. on behalf of our amazing staff. We have been through a lot as a staff in recent years, in that same window of time that.
the auditor referred to. a pandemic that was a crisis that was not man-made. And during that time. there wasn't a single educator. who submitted a receipt. for upgrading their internet service. for turning their homes into offices. for doing everything necessary to care for children. Yet what we heard was that students weren't learning anything during the pandemic. And the district asked us to come back into empty classrooms.
to teach students virtually. Because we needed accountability. And so, I'm left wondering today about accountability. There's a lot of questions about who's responsible. And what did people know, and how did we get here? Some of it, to me, seems like common sense. When you take an administrator and hire a second one to do the same job. That seems like a math problem. That anyone can figure out. We see lots of data about our kids' test scores.
But I think everyone should have been able to figure that one out. When we hire people to do Instagram, when we hire a bunch of people for nonsensical positions. 40 full-time positions created in… out of thin air. is a recipe for disaster. And yet, once again. Now we are facing a man-made crisis. we have to shoulder the burden. And people are asking, how did this happen? I was looking back through old board meetings for all the times that I'd spoken on behalf of the staff about.
Kelly Education, which has ballooned our costs, about the costs of administrators, about the costs of. frivolous raises that fell out of the sky. And I was called. A miscreant, a bad actor. a person who is being calculated. And so, a lot of this took place, actually, in front of our own eyes. People just. didn't mind it so much at the time. And I want to yield some of my time. to the board, actually, because as I was looking.
for the many times I spoke. I stumbled upon a piece of a meeting that was just business as usual. for our school board. You know, touching the impact. The board is overstepping. Will you make the motion to move forward from the comment? Okay, well, you can motion when I stop talking. Hey, my God tonight. We hire one person. That is Dr. Mcbride. He has full authority. to hire the people that he needs to.
So, why everybody… y'all are stuff in the district at this point makes zero sense to me. Other than you have some agenda that you're… playing out now. He has full authority. The higher. 100%. This is a huge expenditure that we need, and we owe it to the public. And we are making right decisions. And if there are… If you would actually do the web sometime, Ms. You feel like you upset and remembering each other. So this is… this… this is important, sorry, but I want this to be heard, because this is.
This is our board. This is a huge expenditure that we need, and we owe it to the public. that we are making right decisions. And if there are… If you could actually do your web sometime, Ms. Harris? You never do, which is why you asked the table. Or at least one more month, sir, I am the president, so you will pay attention when I have to speak. Thank you. Here's the thing. No, when I'm ready to close it. You can't make motions all night long, but until I move forward is when we'll move forward. We will continue. To siphon this district, the $160,000 that we were spending is a drop in the bucket.
The $160,000 that we're spending. is a drop in the bucket. For an unbudgeted position that was so important and never came back up again. After that meeting, where it did not pass. That was the culture created in this district. One. Where the superintendent. who wrote into Hackensack on a matte-wrapped Maserati. And did nothing but point to our students. Every time he wanted to justify an expense, he brought up bad data, bad scores.
to make our kids feel bad and look bad. Asking questions. was considered… The wrong thing to do. discouraged. Speaking at meetings about issues that impacted kids in the classroom. Bad behavior said by the board president at the time, the problem with this district, the thing holding this district back.
was teachers speaking at meetings. Set up here. on video. But the issue is… It was theater at the time. people texted about it. people thought it was interesting. Business as usual, wasn't in the news, because that's just the way we did things in Hackensack. And so, having sat in meetings. with that superintendent. Who violated our contract. violated the labor laws of New Jersey.
frequently, and the district is still paying for it. When people say, how did it happen? How did no one know? Thank you.
My name is Kasim Page. Um, I'm a junior at Hackensack High School. I come here a little tonight, under the weather, so excuse me if I sound a little stuffed. I want to discuss the importance. Of the $17 million deficit at Hackensack School District. and what it means for our community. This is not about numbers on a page, it's about people. Our teachers are worried about losing their jobs. These are the same teachers who helped us stay late, who pushed us to do better, and who show up every day, even when things are difficult.
The stress they are under not only affects them, but affects the learning environment for the students. As students, we care about the teachers. They are more than our employees. They are our mentors, our role models, and our support systems. Losing teachers mean we are losing relationships, stability, and opportunities for students to succeed. We understand that financial challenges are serious, but we ask that decisions are made with care and transparency.
Our teachers give. Our teachers deserve job security and. And our students deserve a strong, supported education. We harp, we hope our voices are heard, because this school is not a budget, it's our future. Thank you. My name is Cynthia Roman, also known as Cindy. I am a former alumni. I represent my kids.
I have a freshman that's afraid. She's not gonna continue her share time. I have a 6th grader that's afraid, that's not gonna go to 6th grade camp. She also has a 54. I have two kids in elementary school that has an IEP. Teachers, don't take this to heart. You guys are my safety net. But you guys are taking away! Counselors? My case managers. I rely on… My father student!
my two IEPs? The last time I recall. that the job of a BOE is 3 things. Supervisor, superintendent. oversee policy and approve the budget. There are members on this board that was on the board prior. Your auditor just said it! This is not something that happened overnight. This happened how long ago? Pre-covid. During COVID, post-COVID.
We're 20-26, and now we're talking about the 17 million? I also represent my landlord. 400 Main Street, LLC. their taxes got raised. What does that happen to me and my tenants? That gets brought down on my rent. Not only that, you also got. taxpayers that own homes here in town. That their taxes went up. You also had the pilot program. that was not discussed.
that they do not pay! on school taxes! How many buildings do we have in Hackensack? Right now! are discriminating. To have minorities in there. We don't talk about those in the board meetings, do we? We don't talk to Hackasek about the buildings that they're having. But we're gonna see him and point the fingers to prior administration. Instead of looking at yourself first. Okay? My safety net?
is getting taken away. All of my teachers, they know that. But I rely on my 504 coordinator. My two case managers at Fairmount. And my guidance counselor that I have at the middle school. To help me with my kids. Now, I want you to go home and. Figure out, how are we gonna fix this? Because I have to go home and tell my kids.
I don't know. I have to go home and tell my high schooler. Hey, babe, I don't know if you can finish. high school here. Hey, babe, I don't know if you can go to sixth grade camp. My kids are hurting. I don't know about y'all, but mine's are. Um, hello? My name is Mari Humes, and I'd just like to start saying that. Anybody that knows me well knows that. I don't really get angry, usually.
But when I do, I go full force, so I'm gonna start with this. I am sorry if I'm gonna hurt your feelings today. But I would like to say that my feelings are hurt. My friend's feelings are hurt. My teacher's feelings are hurt. And the fact that that happens. It angers me greatly. Because I see everybody that is close to me. As if they were my own family. And when my family gets attacked. I feel like I have to attack back. So, I'm gonna start. With this. You guys effed up exponentially. You know that.
And you didn't do anything to prevent it. Just like Mr. Gaines said, you guys were there when this happened, you guys did nothing. And now that this happens. We want to try and shift the blame onto other people, and try to make other people take the repercussions for those actions. that you could have prevented. I shouldn't have to walk into school. Worrying about my own teachers, which I see as my family, as my parents. I shouldn't have to worry for them. that they're gonna be let off from their job and not be able to provide.
That hurts. It hurts so much. To the point where I, like… I just don't know. I don't know. The only way I can express my emotions right now is on this mic. And even then. I'm holding back. But I would like to say to all the teachers and the students that are feeling the same way. that are angry, they're sad. They might be depressed, they might be overthinking. It is going to be alright, because God is going to be with us all.
God is going to be with us all. He will make a way for all of us, and He will make our way through this. But I just wanted to say, for everyone up here. that's sitting on that stage. I'm not gonna say names, because I don't know your names, honestly, even though I can't see the… can't see the name tags. But… I'm watching my fellow students, some teachers, some staff. Spill their hearts out tonight, and I'm seeing… Smiling and a little bit of snickering.
And… I don't know if you think this is a joke, but it's not. it's not a joke at all. Especially when it doesn't just affect. me, but it affects the people that are gonna come before me. And it affects my senior friends. Everybody, this is their… this is their senior year. This is some people's senior year, and they have to go through this with no field trips. I feel so bad for them, because this is their last year I'm gonna see them, and they're disappointed, they are upset that they don't get to experience their senior year to the fullest.
I'm gonna get off the mic now, because I am, you know, shaking with. anger right now, but, um… Yeah. Hi, everyone. Joanna Kadia Hackensack. alumni, former volunteer, former board trustee. Um, I keep hearing folks asking how we got here, so I just wanted to give folks a little bit of a chronology of how this went down for folks to understand.
I was on the Board of Education from 16 to 2020. at that time when I joined the board, there were probably. 7 out of 9 alumni? People who went through the district, people who understand the community, people who cared about being there. The year after I joined, a new faction came in, 3 new people. And they came in with a very clear priority. get rid of the hack and sack. Comet Spirit, get rid of anything that has to do with Hackensack.
And keep this budget as low as possible. That was their credence from their political puppeteers. The year after that, 3 more people came in. also not alumni, also didn't care about the community, and by the time I left, there were just 3 of us left standing. in 2020 with Trustee Amir Himsa. And then they had 9. They had 9 votes in 2020. In 2021, in 2022.
And then, the tide started shifting again. And then 3 people came in. Trustee Harris was one of them, and if I'm not mistaken, in that audio you just heard, the person asking that question. What's Jen Harris? So let's remember who the people were. I saw two trustees that were sitting there after I left. sitting around here looking all perplexed, like they were not part of the problem. But they were, and they came in trying to get rid of the Hackensack comet.
Just for curiosity, for the trustees on the dais, can you raise your hand if you're an alumni? Thank you. Thank you. So, I just want to be clear, I know folks are really upset. I know we're all really angry. We do care about our community. We do care about our parents. And our teachers, and our staff, but you know what? When you have people that have for 5 years. sat up there taking over that board and made it their business to get rid of the Hackensack Comet pride. the man you heard on that recording. sat up there and said that the Comet Pride was the problem.
That's what he said in a meeting. Go back and look at the recordings. It's all in public. I heard Mr. Gaines say it happened right in front of our eyes, it sure did. And many of us have been watching. for 5 or 6 years, as these people took hostage of our district. That's how you get a con artist to become a superintendent. That's how you get. So, yes, unfortunately, all 9 of you are in a position to get all the beating. And to have to pay for the mistakes of the trustees that came before you.
Because unfortunately, that's the… that's the job. And you get to sit there and hear the community be upset for things that didn't happen when you were here. But I just wanted to make sure that that was clear for the public. Thank you. Mr. Chair, I'm just stepping away to use the restroom real quick, my apologies, I don't mean to be rude, I'll be 2 seconds. Should I continue? No, you can continue, yes. Okay, good evening, Tanya Andrews. a teacher here at Hackensack High School. Um, I was not intending to speak tonight.
a lot of people have spoken before me. very passionately, very intelligently. And I cannot… add as eloquently as they did, or do I need to reiterate it? But two things. said tonight resonated with me and led me to think of a question for our board members. Um, Miss… parchment spoke to trust. trusting her BA to do his job and give her correct information and Mr. Stein spoke to.
training. Training of administration. So, we all know that our board members attend the minimal. required by the state. ethics training once a year. But my question to you… a rhetorical question, obviously, is… How many of you attend the monthly board members' meetings? How many of you attend the three full-day trainings? that the Board Members Association provides. And those of you. who, obviously, in your heads, are answering no. I hope that you will choose to start attending the trainings.
So that you can be lifelong learners, like our educators, like we educate our students to be. So you can ask the right questions. And so that we can trust you. To make the right decisions. Thank you. Good evening, members of the board. My name is David Hernandez, and I'm a parent with a child in. Fairmont Elementary, a part of this school district, I want to speak candidly and respectfully.
I understand that the superintendent proposes the budget, and the board education provides oversight and approvals, so what I'm expressing tonight is not about placing blame on one side or the other. It's about how we'll break down the shared responsibility led us to where we are now. This district has now acknowledged the structural deficit of approximately 17. million dollars. We know this was driven by staffing growth, expired grant funding, and rising benefit costs. What is deeply frustrating as a parent. is that none of this has appeared as clear.
red flag to the public when these budgets were proposed and approved. Staff had increased, grant funding expired, and costs became permanent. Yeah, families were not clear. He clearly warned that these decisions were led to the situation we're now facing. Now, we're being asked to accept staff reductions that may directly affect classrooms. support services, and students' well-being. And that feels backwards. Cuts are being discussed before. There has been a full. transpermanent explanation of how we got here. And why earlier safeguards didn't trigger action.
I also want to point out that the staff reductions have occurred in the past. And did they not restore long-term financial balance? That makes it reasonable for parents to ask why repeating the same approach will produce a different outcome this time. What I'm asking for tonight is not just a response to a crisis. But a commitment to preventing this from happening again. going forward, this community needs stronger safeguards. clear multi-year projections, transparent reporting of staffing changes, explicit warnings when one-time funding supporting ongoing costs.
And the board process that elevates these risks before budgets are approved. Not after. As parents, we trust this board not only to manage today's problem. But to protect our children and this district from repeating it. I hope this board would clearly explain how oversight will be. strengthened so that the future families are never put in this situation, in this position again. Thank you. Good evening, my name is Reverend Carolyn Davis. I'm a fierce comet.
I graduated from Hackensack High School in 1966. I understand the passion that's here. That's why I'm still involved. But the people you should be talking to. I understand everybody's concerns. You're hurt. But you know who's also hurt? this board. I have watched the pain in their face. As they have tried to come to these decisions, this has not been difficult. And just like you're hurting, they're hurting. But the 9 other people that were part of the past board should be the ones up there.
taking all the hits. As someone who goes to board meetings. I've watched the old superintendent and board members. I'm echoing what Johanna said. They did not like comets. They did not like Hackensack people. They did not want to listen. So we're in this position. Because of them. Not because of them. They've only been here since January. Thank God they're here, and we do have a new board.
Because if they had not been the way they were, they'd been up hours till 1 o'clock in the morning. for weeks and months, trying to figure this out. If they weren't doing their work, and we had the same board, we'd be $30 million in debt. So I am thankful for every single one of them. Who ever heard of a superintendent not allowing the assistant superintendent to come into board meetings? Because he didn't want her there. He wanted to work with the BA. So I'm just saying, I understand your pain, there's a lot of hurt people.
I'm a comet myself. But I'm standing here in support of this board. They have been terrified to even come out here. They discovered it. Thank God they discovered it! And yes, a lot was kept from them. I can have a bank account with someone, but they're not sharing all the information with me, and telling me the numbers there are correct. This board has been working hard. I support them 100%, but you know what? We're in a season. We are proud Hackensack.
We're comets. We will get through. With God's help, whatever you need me to do, I'll volunteer. I'll give kids money to go on a trip. But I refuse to believe this is how Hackensack ends. This is a new beginning. And we need to say what we can do. I appreciate everybody's comments. I understand the pain. I understand the students, but let's work with them who discovered this for us. Not attack them, but work with them. Thank you.
Hello? Good evening, members of the board. My name is Chris Hasitimbai. I'm an 11th grader here at the Haggatuck Middle School. I'm sorry, I'm… High school, I'm just very nervous. I don't usually do public speaking. This is, um… This is the louder that people have, um, heard me talk. Um… I want to welcome you guys with open arms here. And I really… I really do hate how you have to come to very, um, difficult decisions to. Uh, they're reducting a lot of our staff. And I really hope you come to a reconsideration to.
to how the staff and the teachers are to us, because they're… to us, a lot of them… our friends to us. I want to thank my Italian teacher, Ms. Tejada. And, uh, my, uh, World History teacher, Mr. Capone. my computer graphics teacher, Ms. Romero. Um, and frankly, mainly all the teachers here, because they've helped these students a lot. And they've helped them with mentally, physically, in almost every single way. And I hope you come to reconsideration to what this will have an effect on them.
And a lot of the students here at Tech High School have been here for years. Some are fairly new, and some here have been part of the district for over a decade. And I hope you realize how much the teachers could mean to them. as much as the students mean to them. Thank you, and have a good night. Sorry. Um… Kimberly King, resident of.
Hackensack, parent of four children that go to Hackensack. public schools, and I've been a teacher here. Um, in the district for 21 years. Um… before I address the board with. my concerns and my questions, I'm gonna read a letter. To you from a student that graduated? A few years ago? If I can just make it a little bigger, because my eyes are so bad.
Um… Christopher Velos. graduated in 2021. This is his letter to the board. Dear members of the Berkin County. Hectic High School's Board of Education. My name is Christopher Velos. And I'm a proud alumnus of Hackensack High School Class of 2021. During my time as a student, I actively contributed to school life. As the president of the Latin American Student Association.
A member of the National Spanish Honor Society and a varsity cross-country in track and field. Above all, I was a dedicated member of the Hackintech Academic Decathlon team. From 2019 to 2021. An experience that profoundly shaped who I am today. I now serve as a corporal in the United States military. And I can say with absolute confidence that I would not be the leader. speaker or mentor I am without academic decathlon. The program gave me a voice at a time when I felt invisible.
I went from a student who tried to hide in the back of the classroom to someone unafraid to speak up for myself and for others. This is not the first time I address the board. However, I am currently under military orders in Japan. And cannot attend in person. Even so. I felt strongly compelled to reach out again. Academic decathlon taught me the power of my own voice, so much so that I earned first place in both regionals and state for speech during my senior year.
Today in the Army, I lead. teach, train, and defend my soldiers with confidence, all because academic decathlon, and especially Ms. Urso. showed me that I am capable… showed me what I am capable of. There's more, but… Um… I agree. I'm gonna run out of time. Um…
While you have an action plan in place, and there's checks and balances to ensure that we don't. end up in the mess that we were in. I question whether or not we have the ability to avoid that. I sat here and I listened. But I wonder if you're going to ask the right questions too late. as we did this time. Nobody asked.
at what point did the person in charge of the PCR? stop maintaining the PCR. How long ago did that stop being maintained? For how many years was it not being maintained? If we have an HR department. why do we have them if they're incapable of doing their jobs? How many people are in that HR department who are not doing their jobs? is it just teachers that are going to be laid off, or is anybody in that HR department going to be held accountable for the mess that we're in?
Because it seems like we have an HR department. That is maybe not doing their jobs if. We had a teacher reach out several times to the point where the building administrator had to reach out. And figure out the leave. Um, when HR wasn't getting it back… getting back in touch with her. there's a lot more I'd like to say, but… I'm out of time. Um, I just hope that… You ask the right questions.
at the right time so that we don't find ourselves in this mess. Again. I'm Erin Masia, I have two children. Okay, I'm so sorry. Um, I… Can I just have a motion to suspend the meeting for 5 minutes, please?
Okay, a motion by Trustee Jones, can I have a second? Second by Trustee Amorhemsta. All those in favor, say aye. Anyone opposed? Any abstentions? Okay, to the members of the public, just give us 5 minutes so we can take just a quick break, please. Thank you. I have an actionable item. Like actionable.
All right. Ready? Okay, everyone. We are back. I know. There he is. Thank you, everyone. I have a motion to go back to the public. Make a motion. I'll second. Motion by Trustee Martin. Second by Trustee Jones. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye.
Anyone opposed? Any abstentions? Okay, so we are back to the… public comment section. Thank you for waiting. Please state your name and… go ahead. Thank you, I'm Erin Macia. I have two children at Fairmount Elementary, where I am one of. the PTA VPs. I am a disability advocate for access and inclusion, and I'm an adjunct professor at Montclair State University, where I teach related things. I would like to request of the board to put in practices to make.
the board agenda, meetings, and documentation more accessible. Um, and compliant with… in compliance with new regulations for digital access under the ADA Title II that came out in 2024 and 2025. Um, most of us, statistically, 53% of us, read at or below a 6th grade level. So, I would like the board to consider using more plain language and plain speak.
in board documentation, putting explanations in for complex. Um, complex things. Um, using headings. To make things more skimmable. Uh, in the words of one of the greatest educators that you will find anywhere. in the world, Miss Saranscordo, first grade inclusion teacher at Fairmount Elementary. Special education is good education, and if we apply universal design principles.
Meaning, we design for the largest audience possibly. We remove barriers, and we create greater access transparency. So that more of us can participate, including students. on a middle school level, and I hope that our civic. engagement will increase. I don't know why TNEX board minutes are consistently over 100 pages, and ours average 20. Um, but I can know, because I read them, and I read many of the school districts in neighboring towns, in addition to the New Jersey, um.
district-friendly budget. provided by the Department of Education. Um, I can tell you that they have. Their monthly expenditures for salaries on there. And the board acknowledges it and approves it monthly. Um, so I don't like the answer to this question, who's double-checking the accounting? What operational standards, um, the accounting is being done by the business office. I don't like that answer, so let us help you. Can we put. in our agenda as a resolution. These are the outstanding purchase orders that.
are not yet reconciled. This is what. potentially is hanging out there. Um, so, yeah, that's what I'd like to suggest. And also, with all respect to the Reverend, I would just like to acknowledge that. Um, this is more than a season, and, you know, I'm in mourning, and perhaps we are collectively. This is systemic dismantling of our public education, and we're really making the case for them, and we gotta course-correct this immediately. Um, you know, it was done in Jersey City through pilot programs that siphon away dollars. It's being done in Hackensack, and so it's more than a season, and we need to pay attention, and we need to make this more accessible.
for wider participation from the wonderful students here. And students, let this be a lesson. Speak up, ask your questions. Don't be… don't be silenced. and ask for details. Um, hi, my name's Isana. I spoke at last week's meeting about class matriculation. But I'm not gonna… that still stands, but I'm not gonna speak again. I'm actually going to give my minutes to Ms. King so she can finish her letter.
You're saying now? No. No, baby. You spoke with someone else, so… Okay. Okay, I am. I am here, right there. Thank you. So you're going to continue from here. Since my graduation. Since my graduation in 2021. That can take academic decathlon team has continued to excel. Reaching nationals every single year, including my own. The program transforms students who feel unheard into students who believe in themselves and their potential.
For all of these reasons, I am writing to respectfully request that the Board continue. To provide full funding to the academic decathlon program. Including the essential resources required. For the team to attend competitions. This year. Academic decathlon is far more than extracurricular activity. It is a rigorous academic program that builds discipline. Leadership, public speaking skills. teamwork and confidence. Competitions are not optional luxuries. They are… they are the very environment where students discover their strengths.
Challenge their limits, and represent their districts with pride. Future students deserve the same opportunities I had to travel, to compete. Learn and grow through the program. Continued funding ensures that the Hackensacks team can participate in regional, state, and national competitions. Allowing the legacy of excellence. Built over the years, the past several years to continue. I respectfully ask the board to preserve and protect the funding so that the current and future students can experience the same life-changing impact that the academic decathlon had on my life.
Thank you for your time and your commitment to supporting student success and your consideration of this request. Sincerely, Velos Padilla Christopher. Also, where are… respectfully, where are the board minutes for, um. 2023 and 2024. And the agendas. No, they're not.
Thank you. Um… first… oh, I'm Deloni. They're on, I go to Hackensack… wait, no, no, I don't. I go to… Um, Bergen Tech, and I went to Fairmount. And HMS. I apologize. My nervousness, but, um… Even… even as, like, a secondary source. When I was younger, my teachers, they taught me, like.
the importance of being, like, a hero. Like, in school, like, Ms. Thompson. As part of Vano, they were kind of like my… like my Spider-Man. And, like, my Wonder Woman. Um, and, like, it's hard to not view guys and people in power like you, like. As villains by, like, letting them go. for things that they didn't do, like… their self, like, mistakes that they didn't commit. And even after, like, every Friday, I come to HHS for my friends, and I see them, like.
doing… like, they work hard in their after-school programs. My friend Soyman, he does academic decathlon. My friend Sam, he does track. And these things, they… they, like, fuel their lives. So, I just simply ask of you guys to consider them. And, like, stop the destruction of… Our beacon of hope. Thank you.
Good night to all. My name is Eva Aquino, and I am a sophomore here at Hackensack High School. I'm here on behalf of myself, my peers, my teachers, the Drama Club, and the Spanish National Honor Society. We are a school rich of diversity. and options with everything and anything that could help us with our everyday lives. Please don't take that away from us. All the signs that are hung outside about Hackensack being one of the best schools for multiple consecutive years should be a title that we strive to earn.
Our teachers have been here for us and would have never let this happen. I love my teachers, and I wish that I could continue to have them around, and like my peers said. for the generations to come. To end, I would like to say we might sound repetitive, but let me remind you. That we just had to sit through you asking questions that were already answered less than an hour ago. Take time to listen to our voices, and don't allow this to continue happening. A big shout out to Mr. Lemazi and Ms. Healy, Ms. Pelican.
Ms. Jones, so many more of my teachers. And, um… Yeah, so… and on behalf of the drama club, come watch me as Fiona and Shrek March 12th, 13, and 14. Thank you! Gotta raise it up a little bit. Hello, my name is Greg Keller. I'm a member of the HEA, but today I stand before you not as a member of my union, but rather as an alumnus of the Class of 1998.
a fellow student with some of your sons. an educator the pleasure of teaching some of your daughters. a colleague to some of you who helped me better my craft when I first started. the son of a mother who taught in this district for over 30 years, the grandchild of a woman who was the school nurse at Fairmount School for decades. The grandson of a man who sat in the same chair as you occupy tonight. To say I bleed blue and gold would be an understatement. My family history does not exist without Hackensack Public Schools. My parents met in these hallways. I met my wife here.
This district means everything to me. I value how much it's provided for me and my family. I don't envy what you have to do here tonight. We've heard over and over again how this can all be blamed on others. Whatever truths that may be, we are stuck with it. We're about to make sacrifices that will leave indelible marks on us as a community. I know you recognize the full weight of the decisions you have to make tonight. But before you start drawing lines through people's names, ask yourself if you've done everything you can to make sure that each student's experience. With Hackensack Public Schools is as good as it can be.
within the confines of what needs to be done tonight. I fondly remember teachers like Mrs. Zak, who showed me my potential, Coach Ferrante, who taught me that success only comes through hard work. Mr. Collis, my golf coach, who helped me develop a love for the game that I now try to pass on to my athletes. as a teacher, I forged friendships with colleagues that will last decades after we leave our classrooms. We don't just work together. We celebrate weddings. We watch each other's children grow up, and we mourn with them at the loss of a loved one. If you've been listening, you'll realize I haven't once mentioned the name of an online testing platform, a PD workshop, or a time clock device that left any lasting impression on me.
It was the people, the personal connections that made a true difference and have turned me into the person I am today. Tonight's a line in the sand. The hack and sack I just described won't exist tomorrow. You, as the board, get to decide what the new hack and sack will look like. That's going to be your legacy and how you'll be remembered. I hope you've been listening to what speakers tonight have been asking for. Before you draw lines through all of those names, I want you to remember that little 4-year-old girl who stood up here last week. She asks you to save her teacher's job. She didn't ask for another textbook.
It doesn't matter to her how many data analysis workshops her teacher attended. In 50 years, she's not going to remember the name of the reading program that was guaranteed to raise her test scores. She's gonna remember the name of her pre-K teacher, and how that teacher made her feel. I understand. I'm sure we all do, that the staff will have to be let go. But, before you vote yes or no on each of those names, before you erase them from the history of Hackensack Public Schools. put yourself in the shoes of all 5,078 students and ask whether or not you can do more to preserve some version.
of the hack and sack we all love. Preserve the things that really matter. the people. Thank you for your time. Good evening. Whoa. It's loud. Good evening. My name is Christopher Hafler. I'm an 11-year teacher of Hackensack Public Schools. I'm devastated at the state of affairs currently affecting our country and many citizens in our community.
But I'm also incredibly disappointed by the current financial crisis facing our district. Knowing these cuts that are about to occur. everything everyone else has said. student class sizes are about to increase, we know that's bad. We want to… we want successful outcomes for our kids. They're harder when the classes have 30 kids in them. I'd rather take my time to talk about some of the non-tenured teachers I work with who are… kind of hopeless at this point, because they know that they are about to be the unfortunate effects of somebody else's mistakes.
Specifically, I want to highlight one of the people who I do work with who has been a district employee since 2009. Mr. Aaron Bourcier. has dedicated the past 16 years of his life to the students and families of Hackensack Public Schools. He started out as a paraprofessional, went back to school to obtain his master's in education. and has spent the last 4 years as a 3rd grade teacher at Hiller's. He would be due to receive his tenure upon our return for the 2026-2027 school year in September.
I have had the privilege and honor of working beside Mr. B for several years. Including the past 4 years as teammates in third grade. I have seen him grow into a confident, inspiring educator who arrives at school before 7am most days. And often gives up his lunch periods to allow students to eat with him. He is innovative in his approach to teaching and learning. and shows compassion in all he does. He teaches tutorials, leads the chess club, brought the spelling bee back after the pandemic. And volunteers and contributes at nearly every single Hiller's event, including our upcoming math carnival, knowing that he's probably about to lose his job.
Even with everything going on, he has not stopped showing up in his commitment to this school district. It pains me to know that the Board of Ed can sit here and let go of such a loyal employee who, again, we don't know for sure, but… as a non-tenured teacher. We're all kind of thinking it's gonna happen. It is a travesty to think of the massive void his absence will leave in the lives of his students and colleagues. I, for one, am. going to lose a colleague, a teammate, a friend, an ally. To say I'm sad is an understatement. The heartbreak, disappointment, and frustration I'm feeling.
Is, it's huge. It is my hope that the Hackensack Board of Ed will find a way out of this financial crisis without negatively affecting so many lives, especially since those being impacted. are not the cause of this unfortunate situation. Thank you. Good evening, Rob Burgos. I live here in Hackensack. Um, I'm an alumni of Hackensack, Class of 1990 at. two daughters, one that's going through the system, one that's out of the system already.
And I'm very, very pleased with the education that my children get. What I have a hard time here understanding is how, in fiscal year of 2024. It was a $6 million surplus. 2023, you also had a $6 million surplus. And now we're in a $17 million deficit. When you guys do your budget. for a subsequent year. Isn't that approved? in April? Yes or no? When is that typically approved? Right? So we knew… before tonight, before this month, we already knew.
We were in a deficit. You guys didn't say anything. You guys had to know that. Because that $6 million deficit, a correction, that $6 million surplus. you guys had to pass a resolution. in order to use that surplus money. As a plug for a deficit, correct? Yes or no? Can't answer. So the timeline of when you guys knew about this deficit is really terrible.
Because you guys knew this for a long time, and you guys waited. For this moment. Maybe if you guys came across a little sooner. more could have been done. maybe something… it wouldn't have been $17 million. Maybe it might have only been $8 million. Right? I'm very disappointed. And I never thought that I would have to come here. I hear Montclair has a $20 million deficit. We have a $17 million deficit. It's, like, what's going on?
This is taxpayer money. that you guys are blowing through. Or that prior boards have blown through. We gotta have better checks and balances here. Okay? Much better checks and balances. I hope that the lawsuit that you guys have against. Uh, the, uh, prior superintendent. And the business administrator turns into an indictment. Because this is… this is our money. Our money that was embezzled.
It wasn't misappropriated. This money was embezzled. We need resolution. Good evening. Good evening, my name is Gabriella Macheri, and I'm a senior at Hackensack High School, um, and as well as captain of the cheer team. I apologize if I mess up, I'm not the kind of person to speak up. Um, but all the students who have spoken tonight have made me want to highlight the importance of some of our educate.
educators. I'm the youngest of 3. My 2 older brothers are also alumni of Hackensack High School. One graduated in 2019, and one graduated in 2021. It is 2026, and I still have teachers who care about my brothers after all of these years. There are teachers who have had both me and my brothers, but teachers who have never had me as a student. But I've had my brothers. They continue to ask me how they are doing, how their careers are going. Allowing me to FaceTime them in the hallways just so they can hear their voices over the phone.
I just wanted to shout out some of these teachers and staff. Ms. Kropilak, who basically named her son after my brother. Um, Mr. Capone, Mr. Wexler, Mr. Excellent, Ms. Crenn. Mr. Walker, Mr. Beebe, Mr. Redden. Mr. Mocera and Mr. Maselli. I just wanted to honor and recognize those teachers and staff members. Thank you for your time.
My name is Vincent DeFalco. I'm a Hackensack High School senior, and soon graduate like my mother. My aunt and my grandmother before me. I am from Rosho Park, so when I was 14. I was faced with the challenge. Pick Hackensack. Or pick a Catholic school that seems so appealing to all my friends. I chose Hackensack, and if I'm being honest, I was scared. I didn't know anybody. But on the first day, I learned that Hackensack was more of a community than a school.
educators and students. welcomed me in, like they knew me my entire life. I need you guys to know that you were tearing this community apart. by letting educators and mentors go. Or find the people that inspired me to become an educator myself in the future. Most importantly, you're firing people that have inspired countless students. And the graduates. I've been here for too long to thank all… or to list all my students… my teachers and thank them. But thank you guys all for your time.
Okay. Good evening, my name is Karina Perez, and I'm a middle school teacher at Hackensack Middle School for over 20 years. I'm here tonight because I'm deeply concerned about the proposal to lay off more than 100 full-time. staff members due to a $17 million budget deficit. Throughout this meeting, we have repeatedly heard that the shortfall is due to overstaffing and rising health insurance costs. respectfully, this deficit was not created by teachers. counselors, social workers, custodial staff.
technology, department staff or other support personnel who show up for the students every single day. It was created by decisions made for. For decisions made for above the level… classroom level. above my pay grade, without educator input or oversight. When teachers plan a simple field trip, we must navigate multiple layers of approval. We justify the educational value, use only approved vendors. And even require board approval. Every detail is scrutinized.
So I have to ask, where was the same level of accountability when extra offices were built. Trailers were vented and left unused, additional staff were hired, and costly curriculum. For purchase without teacher input, only to say unusing boxes, while this deficit quietly grew into the millions. As a teacher… I'm sorry, my phone keeps on shutting off. Huh, bear with me. As a teacher, I received just $125 a year for school supplies.
To meet my students' needs, I fundraise, apply for grants, and spend my own money jumping through endless hoops to provide books, materials. and experiences many of my students would otherwise never have. It's hard to reconcile that reality with the millions of dollars we are now told no longer exist. I would have loved to see some of that money for my classroom. As a mother of a child with an IEP, I'm especially alarmed that special education has been identified as an area for cuts. This is one of our most vulnerable populations. By law, we are required to provide appropriate services in the least restrictive environment.
These are not optional services, and cutting here places students and the district at serious risk. Our students are growing up in a world filled with instability, ugly politics, fear, and families being torn apart. For many of them, school is your only safe place. As the first-generation American, school was my safe place. is where I phosphibity, is where I found support and opportunity. Knowing that we may not be… we may not be taking that away from our students is deeply painful to me. I want to acknowledge what has worked. the addition of school monitors.
Social workers, bilingual counselors, elective teachers, non-tenure teachers. Tenured teachers affected by last in, first-out policies. custodial staff and technology department staff has made a measurable difference. always are safer. Buildings are clean and functional. Technology supports learning. Class sizes are finally manageable. Students are engaged and supported, eliminating these positions means overcrowded classrooms. fewer adults available to help students and less attention to student academic and social-emotional needs.
I'm gonna go. With that being said, you're telling me I have to go into a classroom in a few months and teach over 30 students. is completely unjust, not only to me as a teacher, but to our student population. Thank you. Hello, good evening, members of the board and members of our community. My name is Emily. I am a parent in the district of Two children, one in the middle school and one in Fairmont.
I want to speak tonight about student safety, specifically fire safety and medical safety. As it relates to staffing decisions being discussed in light of this budget deficit. As staffing levels decrease and student numbers remain high. the numbers of adults responsible for supervision and emergency response becomes a serious concern. Teachers' layoffs would further increase student-to-adult ratios, and at a certain point, that imbalance becomes not just educational challenge, obviously. But a safety risk. In the event of a fire, medical emergency, or, God forbid, a real lockdown.
Response depends on having enough trained adults present to conduct evacuations. perform headcount assists students with disabilities, administer for first aid, emergency medications, and maintain order and chaos. When staffing is reduced, respond time slows. Accountability becomes more difficult, and evacuation plans may no longer be realistic. I want to ask directly. has the impact of the proposed reduced staffing been reviewed with safety professionals?
Such as the fire department or emergency… management officials, and will evacuation plans be reassessed with the understanding that fewer teachers may be available to carry them out? Because a safety plan is only effective if there are enough adults present to execute it. I also want to ask respectfully. Has the board formally engaged the city regarding this deficit? have conversations taking place about municipal support or interventions. When systemic financial issues threaten student safety, it is reasonable to ask whether responsibility extends beyond.
school board alone. Our schools are part of this city, and the safety of our children is a shared civic responsibility. Finally, I want to address staffing context, which was discussed with the auditor. We heard that approximately 150 staff members were hired. My question is this. Where we're becoming overstaffed. Or were we finally catching up to what comparable districts consider safe and appropriate? If prior to these hires, our district was operating below standard stopping levels, then those positions may not represent excess at all.
They may reflect that we barely were making minimal expectations. So I respectfully ask. Where were we staffing fall compared to the similar districts before the hires, and where were we academically standing with other districts? did these additional staff bring us in line, finally, with other towns? Student-to-teacher ratios? Are we doing better academically? Due to better staffing, or our classroom size is still high despite increased staffing? Because if staffing increases. did not meaningfully reduce classroom sizes. And are we now discussing teachers' layoffs, then we risk returning to a model that was already strained.
Parents are not asking for excess, we are asking for basic. non-negotiable safety. We entrust our children to this system every day, great system, great schools. trusting that there are enough adults present to protect them in an emergency, I urge the Board to prioritize safety staffing. Consult appropriate safety professionals and provide transparency to this community about those discussions and safety. Thank you, and have a good night.
My name is Laura Martin, I am speaking in my capacity as a parent and a teacher. In your corrective action plan, you indicated that you would be taking a closer look at our special education department and the expenditures it incurs. I am deeply concerned right now that you have set your sights on clawing back funding and support from our most vulnerable student population. The students who are supported by our special education department have special needs. Emphasis on needs. They are not getting nice to have. or want-to-haves. They are getting legally mandated services to meet them where they are, and have been carefully designed to help them receive the best education possible.
When you start looking at numbers and start making your calculations, I need you to seriously consider whether changing placements, services, or resources. is in the best interest of the students. Or if it's in the best interest of the bottom line, because it cannot be the latter. Morally, ethically, or legally. Do not balance the budget on the backs of these remarkable human beings who deserve all the love and support we can give. who are entitled to a thorough and appropriate education. who are not responsible for this mess. Remember the kids and why you are here?
Thank you, and thank you to every single student who spoke up tonight. You are amazing, and it is such an honor to be part of the system that has educated you. Hi, my name is Martin Rojas. I'm a senior at Hackensack High School, and I wanted to tell you guys about my story. I moved to Hackensack High School two years ago. I started my junior year here. And I have never felt… Such… belonging.
in any school that I've ever been with. Where I've ever been at. I'm an immigrant, I moved to the United States 4 years ago. And the amount of love and care that I felt from everybody in this school. is unmatchable. extracurriculars, like the volleyball program and the drama club. have made this school a home for me. something that none of those other places that I've been at before. has been capable of. I believe that… This is what is cool is made for.
make the students belong. Make them students feel they have a voice. And raise them to be create human beings. I believe that it's outrageous that you guys just come out and give us numbers. plan a plan right away. Before even giving us a chance to speak out or be informed. Most of us teachers and students. had not been informed with facts. Before this meeting. But now, we magically have a plan.
Where I see cutting teachers is the biggest action. With as soon as the serve in actual education. over any random administrator. getting all the money that all those who teach us deserve. Those people are the ones that are actually making change in the school. Don't think… Of these people that you're going to cut, just there's numbers or names in a piece of paper. Even though you guys are not with them every day, like we are.
Put yourself in her shoes. And see how these numbers that you guys are just going to cut. a real human beings who did the most important job in our schools. I'm begging you, please prove to us. the students, that you have what is required to lead a community. And that you have all been listening to what everybody has asked for you tonight. Because that's what great leaders do. Do you listen? And you help us reach what we need. Thank you.
Uh, hi, my name is, uh, Daniel Vasquez. And, like many others here before me. this is, like, my first time. doing something like this, uh, public speaking. Two of my friends came up here before, Delani Farron and Max Rodriguez. Um… and after seeing them… after seeing them go up and observing you guys for, like, the past 3 to 4 hours. I just want to come here and say… sorry, I'm shaking a lot. I don't really do this. Um, I just want to come here and say that.
I noticed that you guys don't really seem to care that much. You guys have had the same. facial expression for the past. 3 to 4 hours, like I said before. with little concern on your faces. And you gotta say you're going to change. You guys say you're going to help us, but… I don't see any of that. I don't see any of that. Any of you. I, um… I just think it's ironic. that one of my friends, who doesn't even go to school here.
has to come up here and tell you what you guys are doing wrong. We care. Taking out teachers. isn't gonna solve anything. And I… I just wanted to let you guys know. That, uh… Sorry, um… Just wanted to let you guys know that I'm paying attention to you. I'm sure we all are, and… I can see that you guys clearly don't care. At all, actually, so. Thank you for giving me your time.
Good evening, my name is Gweni Burt. I am a proud. Comet, class of 1980. grateful to be teaching in my alma mater, Fannie Meyer Hiller School. resonant of Hackensack as well. As I sit here tonight, um… I've seen a variety of things take place. I've watched your expressions and your faces change. As you begin to feel the pain. of a community that feels like it is crumbling. And falling apart based on decisions that have been made.
Because someone mismanaged, misappropriated. Or did something with the money that didn't belong to them. And I guess I want to step out of where everybody has spoken tonight. And address some other things. And so if, in fact, it is a decision that. The staff has to be reduced. I have some questions for you. in terms of measures that have been put in place. to ensure that they will get what they need.
If, in fact, staff is going to be reduced. Will counselors be available on those days that they receive the news? Will someone be there for them? To inspire them and encourage them and to help them make it through that difficult moment. If, in fact, staff will be reduced. will opportunities be made available? Have there been anyone on the board or elsewise that has reached out to neighboring schools. To find out if there are openings available so that someone could be on site.
the days that those things happen, so that something like a mini job fair. could be in place to help those persons so they would not be out of employment. But it's actually be able to step into another opportunity. I'm sure making this decision. was not an easy one. I'm sure making none of these decisions. wasn't an easy one. I'm sure it's uncomfortable. taking on the brunt of what someone else did. Unfortunately, that's what happens when you get on the Board of Education.
You have to make sure that you look at what was done in the past. And you have to accept the present. In order to get to the future. It's my hope that as you. Make these decisions as you've come up with an action plan. It is my hope that the least restrictive. amount of… letting go of teachers or whatever. will be considered, I hope. That in looking at. what you need to do. We look at how our students are going to be impacted.
The most, they're the ones who are struggling. ICE is going to their house. They're the ones who are going through. And so we don't want to put any more unnecessary burden on them. than what they are already feeling. They feel more at their age now than we ever saw in a lifetime. And so my hope is that you'll be encouraged and inspired. And just like we're praying for our kids, we're gonna pray for you, too. Because we know that that's definitely what's going to be needed. Because we're all gonna get through this, but we gotta do it together, not pointing fingers.
Good evening. My name is Philip Brophy, and I'm a special education teacher here at Hackensack High School for 16 years. Um, I understand the die is cast, but I can't help but say something at this pivotal moment in this district's history. First of all, I wanted to thank everyone involved for the Rice Notice, which is a law that requires all public governing bodies to notify employees. When their employment will be discussed at a closed session. I haven't been given that in a long time. In fact, outside of a single one sent last May of 2025, and I don't delete any of my school emails.
I have not received a Rice notice since May of 2018. That, I don't think is in compliance, but we'll just move past that. Uh, I got another routine email this week about quarterly testing for English, and so I'm going to go out on a limb and say that math department. Employees receive the same thing. These regular, routine tests are generally put in place to gauge advanced reading comprehension. Mathematical aptitude. deep concepts, uh, things like narrative analysis, advanced academic vocabulary, literary devices, or.
In the case of mathematics, theoretical math concepts, algebra, geometry, light calculus. You know what I'm talking about here. The classics from high school. It's not lost on me that while we as teachers are having test scores driven into our heads at PDs and monthly meetings, and students being placed in intensive English. and math programs to improve their respective scores, we're sitting here talking about basic reading comprehension skills, things like this sentence. You can't spend what you don't have. or basic math concepts.
Like addition and subtraction. So please spare the students, staff, and administration. We will remember when we are implored to get those reading comprehension and those theoretical math skills up. Because why should a kid worry about his math scores when he sees the grown-ups in the building fumbling $15 million? We're actively losing spirit, and with that, the enthusiasm for everything. A chosen vocation becomes mere drudgery. a career becomes just another job where we are.
expendable. Because we all saw what took place tonight. We watched a ball. dropped completely over addition. subtraction and a clear deficit in basic reading comprehension. The community at large will not soon forget this. And if these kids are any inclination, they'll be voting when they turn 18 as well. Thank you.
Uh, good evening, uh, Tom Torzano, Hackensack High School educator, uh, representative at the HEA. Uh, thank you, everybody, for being here for 4 and some odd hours, right? You guys are the tough ones, you guys are the strong ones. You guys are the ones I believe in, and you never lied to me. Did you? Right? When I ended up speaking many, many years ago at some of these Board of Education meetings. I ended up speaking about things that were endemic to our district, with the opportunity to sort of help, uh.
evoke some change, provide some thoughtful words, some creative commentary, and some ideas. Uh, that I hope were constructive for the board and for the administration at the time. And, uh, some of the ideas were met with favorable optimism, and some of them ended up improving our state of things. What I couldn't have anticipated at the time. Uh, was, uh, the. I guess maybe… Overconfidence we ended up having in terms of the budgeting of the ESSER and the ARP funds that ended up coming post-COVID.
We had a nice influx of monies to be able to appropriate in different areas inside of our community, and we used them. At the time, I thought absolutely wisely, which is some other reason why we ended up being, you know, in the positive numbers, as it was mentioned before. Uh, and then I think about our institutional memory. I think about, uh, the cathedral learning that are the Hackensack Public Schools, and it doesn't matter if you're. You know, the south end of town, First Ward and Jackson, or in the north end of town, up in Fairmount. We're up on the Honorable Hillers. Or in the very, uh, much-esteemed Nillie K. Parker schools and.
ECDC, which is as important to this district as any other program. the middle school, which ends up having grown over the course of many years. These are things that we know as a matter of our institutional memory. Last week, I ended up speaking about the body and how the body ended up getting hurt real bad, and we are in operation, we were attempting to present a. a solution via triage to stop the bleeding. And we came this week, one week later, and we found out we bled 2 million units more.
That's incredible. When does the bleeding actually stop? And when you end up thinking about the cuts that you're making. You're talking about cutting away. good parts of the body. In order to do what? You're cutting away good parts of the body. In order to do what? Exactly. What's the plan? Your plan that you presented earlier today ends up making you. in a situation that's financially whole. Perhaps, in some version of some timeline, in some universe. And we don't have an… and time on that. Is it 20, 28, 2029?
When do the people that we end up losing in the district come back into the district? to help us solve the trauma. of the body, the whole body. Uh, and I don't hear when that will be, because we're still trying to use. A band-aid. try to end up lose, you know, staunching the blood spilling from the limb. Thank you.
Hi, my name is Isabella King, and I'm a member of Hackensack High School. And I would like to speak on behalf of the student body and say that it is not at fault. of the teachers and the students, so I think that we should not bear the burden of this spending. I would like to say that there were board members who were here when the superintendent went on his spending sprees. The teachers were not here, the teachers did not vote yes, the students did not vote yes. So I do not understand why we have to bear that burden. The board members who we trusted with our school, who we elected to represent our community, let us down.
They let us down by voting yes many times. Now, our teachers are being punished. due to these poor decisions. They are the people that cannot hide behind a vote to keep their jobs. Now, these teachers are left scattering to find a new job. in the middle of the year, knowing that it is unlikely that they will be successful until the next upcoming school year. They are… we will feel the fallout of this for years to come. We have already been learning about test scores struggling, struggling in different curriculums, so taking out teachers and forcing classes to become bigger, forcing.
long-term substitutes will not help the student body, it will. it will make… it will have a detrimental effect. The cutting on staff is going to hurt the student body, which the board is here to represent, rather than help us. needs to stop, and we need. to not punish our teachers and students. The Board of Education is supposed to represent our best interests, and right now, they are not. Right now, we're going to struggle, and we're going to fear this. I feel this for years to come rather than just. We're gonna feel this for years to come. due to the blindness that we… that the board members.
We're gonna feel this for years to come. Sorry, we're gonna feel this for years to come. This is not going to be something that goes away overnight. the cutting of staff, again, is not going to help us. It is not. We've heard about how elementary schools, they're struggling, how middle schools, they're struggling, how the high school, how we're struggling. And we've heard what other towns say about us. And previously, we've come over those. We've tried to shut down those. those rumors, I guess, and we've prevailed over them. But right now.
With this staff cutting, we're fulfilling every single stereotype about Hackensack. We need to do something about this, and this is not right, and punishing our teachers and students for your decisions is not right. Thank you, have a good night. Hi, everybody. I'm Veronica Alvarez, I'm. PE teacher at the middle school, I was gonna cry. Okay, so… I'll be quick, I promise, um.
2025, 2026. 10, 10. The amount of PE teachers we have right now at the middle school. 6. The amount of classes I teach out of 8 periods a day. 25, the amount of students. I have in most of those classes. go back to 2023, to 2025. 5, the amount of staff we had back then. 7. The amount of classes, myself. And some of my colleagues taught.
out of 8 periods a day, yes? high-top periods 1 through 7. had one period to eat. And then… Go to the Boys and Girls Club to help them after. Okay, and I didn't do it for you. I did it for my students. And help my colleagues. 55, the amount of students I had in most of those. classes? we all had in those classes that isn't even including the two PE teachers in that gym as well.
175. to 200 in each. Period in that gym. And if we got lucky, the weather cooperated, and we were outside. And we were outside. difference between the. two years, and this year? Which is the amount of new PE teachers that you hired. And now you might let go. That is all.
Anyone else from the public? Yes. Oh. Okay, so we'll close the public session for the people in public. Now we're gonna go to anyone online. Sorry, in person.
Did you guys call in on, or am I just unmuted because it's my turn? I'm sorry, you're on. Oh, perfect, okay, good. I'm gonna speedrun this. Uh, let's see, Kuzine… And the other wonderful, proud residents and comets. drop the mic on the fact that the board should have been aware, or at least quicker to accept responsibility for this. I recognize half the people on the board. Which I love. I don't recognize all of them, but I love half them, and half the audience as well, and they were friends, teachers, coaches, neighbors.
You guys heard enough about what, obviously, everyone was here to speak about tonight. Um, but I grew up in Hackensack. I love it. It's deep in my soul as possible, and I… Uh, still wish I was raising my three daughters in school… in Hackensack through the school system. I went through, like, hey, Hackensack Middle School, high school, etc. all my friends and family did as well. Um… family still lives in Hackensack, I own a business in Hackensack. I've taught literally hundreds of kids in Hackintack how to scoop ice cream at the family business, and some people probably recognize that.
Um, and also how to appreciate our local. community, and use school and their first job as a stepping stone to go to college, get a career, etc. Uh, so I'm just doing a basic expression of. it means a lot, um, what this town has done for me, my friends, my family, etc. Um, and I did that while managing a… budget, which is a lot to request, I guess. I don't understand how… That, you know, to echo everyone, basically.
how that's not an easy thing. Should be an easy thing, I don't know. And someone's responsible at some point, but um… What's done is done. Uh, the worst thing I saw tonight… I mean, I loved all the residents. Um, people that I know speaking. Um, but the president of the BOE, snickering? Uh, while comments were being made, you know, kind of expressing the feelings of the, uh… residents in front of kids, which, like, you know.
You're setting a precedent. I don't… I think I went to high school with you, I'm pretty sure. If not, like… Like, what are you doing? You're president of Board of Ed. I don't know, maybe you make a comment, maybe you don't? I'm sorry, before you go, can you just state your name, please? Oh yeah, my name is Matthew Sasso. I lived… grew up in Hackensah, lived in Hackensack, have a business in Hackensack, family in Hackensack. Multiple residences across Hackensack, essentially. Um, but yeah, Board of Ed president snickering in front of kids while… They hear about how their school was mismanaged, and, like, a 15-year-old can call you out about.
mismanaging a budget when they're 15. I'm better at time. Uh, yeah, that's kind of sad. But the buck has to stop somewhere, and that should be what the president of the Board of Ed, whether you were there or not, you're the president, you know.
Yes. Hi, hello, can you guys hear me? Wonderful. Hi, my name is Vicente Chavez. I'm an 11th grader at Hackensack High School and a student of the Performing Arts Program, as well as section leader as Hackintag Marching Band Drumline. And hopefully inspiring to be a drum major. There's a certain teacher to whom we all value. His name is Kenneth Cabias. He's our drumline instructor and drum technician. He helped us a lot during the 24-25 season. And the 25-26 season. Although he has the possibility of being let go, we ask you to keep him.
Not just because we love him, but because he's part of our family. He significantly impacts our educations. And his absence would have a greater impact on both me and the band. He specializes in percussion instruments, which I've been playing since 4th grade. getting rid of him would impact my learning in the sense of teaching me. new percussion instruments, and also how to tune instruments by ear, not just. Uh, regular drums, but also different drums and different instruments. During the marching band season, he's helped us understand, and he's been patient with us to understand how to.
in a sense, play a certain measure, or how to understand this. I've gathered a few statements from. students in Hackensack Drumline. Here's one of them. This one's from Kiki. Being the youngest member in this year's band and being fresh to percussion. Mr. Cubais has been so pivotal in my understanding and loving the band. the way I do. He was always so funny and understanding during the band's most challenging moments. And he has never failed to be the best role model at Hackintech High School today. Here's another one from Sebastian Pelosi. Mr. Gabez was one of the most kind and caring teachers I've ever had.
Even though it's not part of the percussion section, I did work with him very closely. And seeing how Drumline grows with his teachings, and Grow Better is amazing. And I strongly believe that we wouldn't be here. If we haven't gone far without them. And I'm not excited to see what is to become of the marching band if he leaves. And lastly, here's my statement. Ever since I've joined marching band back in my freshman year. I was doing both karate. and marching band. And at that time, it was very difficult for me to manage both things.
But especially, to me, marching band is part of my. Entire life. Marching band has helped me grow a bunch of times. And it's taught me, no matter. what happens, you always get back up. When you make a mistake, you don't slow down, you just keep going, as my band director loves to say. Miss Mack. And fast-forwarding… to my sophomore year. I was on surgery home with two other people. And once we heard that we would… that we would be getting a drum technician, we were all wondering, who was he? Would he be nice or would he be strict?
But once we met Mr. Kebais. he was the most. gentle person you can imagine. If you go up to him with any troubles, he'll talk to you. If you have any troubles, he'll talk to you. So, I am here on behalf of Drumline and a marching band that we ask you to not let Mr. Cabbias go, as it impacts our education. Allow for those who will continue marching band. And hopefully to inspire to be music educators like myself.
There you go, alright. Cool. So, hello, I'm Samuel Thompson. I'm a lifelong resident of Hackensack, I'm… Alumni of Fairmount School, Hackensack Middle School, and Hackensack High School. I just wanted to come in to speak tonight on behalf of the teachers on account of the fact that I know they are going through a very rough patch, so I would just like to ask, like, any students in the audience, any parents who may be listening. please make sure that you're giving love to your teachers, to your paras, to your counselors.
to your coaches, uh, even if they aren't necessarily someone with their job on the line, I know all of them are going through a lot right now. Um, and these are people that not only impact you while you're in school, but I can speak from experience and say they continue to impact your lives after school. I can point to my kindergarten para who continues to give me tips for carving pumpkins, or my elementary school music teacher. Who continues to send the version of Monster Mask she used to play? I can point to any of my coaches from high school, who anytime I see them, are very friendly and want to talk and hear how I'm doing.
I can point to our music department. Um, where anytime I go back there to help volunteer with something like marching band, everyone is so friendly and so warm and so welcoming. Um, even my former marching band director is someone where we've gone to the pizza restaurant he runs, and every time we see him, he's willing to. spark a new conversation, and we chat up. Um, you know, these are people who continue to impact you your entire lives, um, and to know that. all of our teachers are going through something. All staff members, truly, are going through something right now.
Um, whether it's something they themselves are experiencing with job security. or with their colleagues, with their friends. Um, you know, it's something where I can try to picture how my life would have been different without any. One, uh, teacher, guidance counselor. Parent, coach. I don't think I would be the person I am today. Um, so I just… I really wanted to come here and just thank everyone who's ever impacted my life.
And I really, really encourage, again, students. Um, and parents both, please make sure you're sending gloves to anyone who's impacting. your life or your child's life. Um, yeah, thank you. Hi, this is Vicki Farhy. I'm a very long-term resident of Hackensack. Class of 73, so I think that qualifies me to speak.
I want to congratulate the Board of Education. And Acting Superintendent Oates Parchment and, um, the new business administrator. It is not fun to sit up there for all these hours and listen to people attack you. and attack you for making hard decisions that have to be made. And so I want to congratulate you. It is interesting. to hear the perspective of those who have spoken after listening to the presentation by the auditor.
And listening to the superintendent and board members speak about potential ways to rectify this really difficult situation. And I'm concerned that people were not paying attention because they are so upset. There is no way out of this without dealing with the budget. The budget has to be dealt with, and it's unfortunate, and it's sad. But it has to be met. This is Hackensack. We have faced difficult times before.
This will never be the most difficult time Hackensack faces, and the reason I say that is because of the passion of the people in the room. And the passion of the people that are on the board, and the people who work in our school system and live in our town. Yeah, we can… we're all gonna have to step it up, we're all gonna have to volunteer more, we're gonna have to offer our services to the schools. to make things better. But that's what, as a community, we can do. But I will just say, thank you, thank you, thank you.
I understand that the last several hours have been very difficult to listen to. I personally congratulate you for being willing to investigate why the finances didn't seem to be right. I congratulate you for being willing to admit that there's a problem, and I congratulate you for being willing to make. hard, hard choices at a time when. Nobody wants to make these choices.
So thank you. Thank you for your dedication to Hackensack, to the schools, to the teachers, to the students, and to the community. Hello? Hello? You're on. Hello? Oh, yes, hi.
Yes, you're on. Hi. Yes. Okay, I'm sorry, can you hear me? Oh, okay, hello. Uh, Jessica Stansel, longtime Hackensack resident. I really want to say that I'm very saddened. I'm saddened at tonight's meeting. I'm saddened to see. how the school system is really. If I can say… fall into in a handbasket? How did we get here?
How did we get here? Hackensack is… we're a joke. We're no better than Newark school system right now. And people are going to lose their jobs. Budget cuts, so… Really, the people that are hurting are the children. are the children. It's not so much at the board members' hands. It comes down from a hierarchy, from the state. the government. Now it's our kids that are hurting.
I'm so disappointed. I'm saddened, I'm disgusted. at where we are, and after learning all this information tonight. No, you don't have to worry about my kid, we out of here. Good luck to everybody, fight the good fight. hug on your children, because our kids are our priority. But I am so saddened. And I feel sorry for those that are really about. to lose their job. And… So, ones that have already… Because the people that are affected, again.
are the… are the kids. I also want to add, it was really great seeing some of you guys on camera. But that's… everything I have to say, and gold class of 92. Hello? Yeah, hello. Can you hear me? Yes, hello. Yes.
Yes. Good evening. Um, my name is Christian Tenampawe. I'm a parent of two students in Jackson Avenue. Tonight, I want to speak to… I'm very disappointed. Uh, how this whole situation has been handled. And, uh, one of the main concerns is, uh, my child that has an IEP. Um, you know, we work, me and my wife work so hard. For him to get the help he needed. He was a back-and-forth battle.
with the staff, not the staff, but the. With the main offices, trying to get him a paraprofessional so he can learn. And we was able to get a share para for him. And we had to wait that for a whole school year. And now, this is so concerning, because what's going to happen? What's going to happen to my son? what's gonna happen to many students that go through the same. The struggles in the district. We don't know what's going to happen to them.
Uh, what I'm gonna say, uh, tell my son. when the person who has been helping him, has been guiding him. probably won't be there anymore. And, um, and I get it. I know, like, he says this did not happen overnight. This is years. It took years to get to this point. And I think, uh, that's how it should be fixed. Like, with time. I don't think, like, you know, going and cutting 150 or over 100.
staff trying to fix this problem in, like. This didn't happen overnight, but you guys are trying to fix this problem overnight. It's concerning. We are very disappointed. I have a child that's gonna go to the middle school next year. And, you know, we don't know. Like, we don't know what's gonna happen. Are they gonna be… overpopulating one classroom? Is there going to be no teachers? Like, we don't know. we… you just… this meeting has just left us disappointed with a lot of questions.
Concerns, and it would be easy, like the lady before said, to just get up and leave. The district, it will be the best thing to do, but a lot of us. Can I just get up and leave. A lot of us gonna be here, and we're gonna… How to pay the consequences. Like, our children, us, the parents. And also the staff, the teachers. Which, there's no complaint from the teachers. I have been ECDC, my kids being ECDC, Jackson.
They are all great teachers. And they shouldn't be going through this. Good evening, yes. Hi, good evening. Can you hear me? Hi, my name is Annie, lifelong resident of Hackensack, and some things just didn't make sense to me this evening from all the different information that we heard.
Um, and hopefully the board can address this when you make your comments later. How is it… To me, the math isn't mathing. We are now $17 million in a deficit. And we keep hearing tonight how the impossible is going to be done to dig us out of this deficit, but I don't understand. How, during the midst of a deficit. Administrators' contracts were negotiated, and they got a hefty raise.
And why no one presented that. This evening. That's like a little kept secret, and I don't understand why that is. How is letting good faith. administrators are getting raises. If there is no money to keep teachers, why are. Administrators getting more money in their paychecks. Please address that. Also, I didn't hear. Anyone discuss? Request for state funding. How come the state was not able to backfill the payroll deficit.
To have these teachers at least stay till June. We heard a little rumor where the board may have missed a deadline date. To request funding. I would like for that to be addressed, please. And… another question. Well, students now have been forced to fundraise. To attend. Trips, school-related travel? athletic functions, to do things that any other district.
it's so easily able to do. Please address all my concerns. Because the public wants to know. Hello? Hello? Okay. Yes, good evening. Hello, my name is Grisolda Pekuna, sophomore at Hackensack High School.
I want to talk on the behalf of the music department and for the special education department. And the fact that we're making many cuts that will affect not only the teachers, but also. Many students here who want to become musicians, actors, singers. I'm in the marching band, a section leader, and it's something. I love to do. It's full of people who are dedicated. And for the other music students, it's the fact that. The thing they love most is in danger. And lastly, the Special Education Department. I heard that it's in danger. I may be wrong, but it's outrageous. I have a brother.
He is special needs. He may not be able to have a normal life. But the teachers at Hackensack High School has done a lot for him. They tell him everyday skills. These teachers do a lot for the students, and the fact that what they're doing is in danger is outrageous. Also, how did we let a problem like this get so far that now we have to. cut teachers, get rid of things that will affect us all. And no, it's not the fault of the teachers or students, but now we have to carry this burden.
Good evening. Hello? Um, hi, my name is Kirea Lohman, and I'm a 9th grader at Hackensack High School. As a freshman, someone who has made a big impact on my high school life thus far. is Mr. Unger. At the starting of the school year, while my classes were all mixed up. Landing in Mr. Anger's class was like a breath of fresh air. I took geometry over the summer to be able to be an Honors Algebra 2 this year. But I almost wasn't able to because of how full the classes were.
Despite that, Mr. Unger still took me in, and even though my class is big. He still makes sure that every single student understands the work. And feel seen in his class. Without Mr. Unger, I truly feel that I wouldn't be interested in learning about math. If the two honors algebra classes are merged. There would be around 60 kids, which would severely impact all of our learning abilities. And as you have seen, student-to-teacher connections are very important.
in a school setting. And this connection would be very hindered with the massive class sizes. I know that making these decisions are very tough. And that everyone doesn't want their teachers to leave. But I ask that you keep this in mind when making your decision.
Yes, good evening. Hello? Can you hear me? Okay. My name is Edgardo Romano, I'm the parent of. Two children that go to Fairmont. Um, one of them has an IEP. Just wanted to… ask, uh… Well, any of the proposed layoffs affect special education teachers, paraprofessionals, behaviorists? Um… that serve the students with autism in Hackensack. How are you guys gonna ensure. All the students with the IEPs, including my child.
continue to receive the minutes. in services written into their IEPs. Even if the staff are cut or reassigned. Has anybody done an analysis of whether proposed cuts would put the district out of compliance? With IDEA, and New Jersey Special Education Regulations. Like, for service delivery, class size, and caseloads. Um, it doesn't matter how we got here, we're here now, but this is.
years in the making, and the now president of the board. has been on the board since 2023. Along with the two other elected board members. So… We… We… I would… just want to put in an open public… Records Act. request, um, we need to see… All the, um… Pull the boats and all the information on how these budgets were passed.
Um… the taxes… the property taxes already have gone up, and that's one way that you are looking to reduce this deficit. So um… Now, does this require, um… a state monitor because of the fiscal mismanagement. Or… Are you not at risk of this?
Another… another, uh, probably thing that was never mentioned is that in the… probably the past 5 years. There's a lot of big expenditure on legal fees, settlements, and HR-related litigation. including the whistleblower case. So… I would like to get an, you know. All the management letters, corrective actions.
Plans for Hackensack Public Schools for the years. 2024 and 2025, including any documents describing or quantifying the approximately. Now, 17 million budget shortfall.
Hello? Yes, good evening. Yes, hi, good evening. My name is Helen Burgos. I, um, I have… I work over at Nellie K. Parker School. I am a lunch assistant in the pre-K. For classroom… And I just want to say that. I love starting my day by saying good morning, friends. to our littlest comments. And it's a joy to sit there with them, and… to play with them, and to learn shapes and numbers, and… They are… they just… they love coming to school, and they love learning.
And it's just heartbreaking to me, because I have two children. I have one that already graduated in 2022. And I have a daughter who's a junior. And my kids have gotten great. Great. Education. And I have always… Been proud to say that they go to Hackensack, and that I live in Hackensack. I am also a taxpayer. And I just feel that what has gone on here is an absolute disgrace.
And it saddens me, because in the end, when all of this, all this smoke clears, it's gonna be the kids. that are going to suffer from this. I know it's not an easy decision. But it's gonna come down to the kids, and it's not fair, because they need us, and they look up, too. Whether you are an administrator, a teacher, they're a gym teacher, they're art teacher, they're music teacher. their English teacher, whatever teacher. And those teachers give everything, every day.
to those kids, and it is a pleasure and an honor to watch them. And to work with them. I know it's a hard decision, but… I love my job, and most of the teachers, all of the teachers that work in Hackensack. are truly devoted and dedicated. professionals. Thank you.
Good evening. My name is Katherine Burgos, and I am an alumna of Hackensack Public Schools. I graduated in. 2022? I would just like to start off by saying that… I'm so proud of all of the students who have come to speak tonight. Some of them I recognize, some of them I have no idea who they are. But I'm so proud that everyone is using their voice to speak up on this matter.
And… I, myself. have studied education. Um, I currently attend the College of New Jersey. And no one prepares you. For what is currently happening. They can teach you all they want, they can teach you all about pedagogy and how to teach children how to cater to children. No one teaches you how to prepare for this. I think what's going on right now is a complete disgrace, and I feel for all the teachers in the Hackensack Public School District.
I really do. I would like to say that my experience at Hackensack was phenomenal. I attended high school, um. in Hackensack, and during my sophomore year. the COVID pandemic hit, and even throughout the COVID pandemic. all of my teachers, every single one of them, still managed to give me. an education that I… am so thankful for. I think Hackensack prepared me.
so well for the college education that I'm still… that I'm still receiving right now, and I'm still very thankful to receive. Um… another thing that I would like to say… is going into college as an education major. Hackensack really. really inspired me to become a teacher. But this is not the Hackensack. that I went to. This is not at all the hack and sack that I went to. This is a disgrace, and things need to change.
But this is not the way that they change. Yes. Hello, can you guys hear me? Okay. Hi, my name's Xavier, I am a junior at Hackensack High School. Um, this is my fourth year. Um, being a part of Hackensack School District, I've come from 10 different schools.
And I have to just say my experience coming to this school was a completely. different level than any of the other schools I'd been to. Um, I felt supported and seen in this school. Um, I struggled with math my whole entire life, and it wasn't until my junior year until I had Mrs. Allen. And she has always supported me and always gave me that comfortability that I needed. So I can become stronger in a subject that I wasn't.
in. And I feel like, because of this, it's a domino effect, and it's hurting the teachers, it's hurting the students, it's hurting everyone, and it's not okay that this happened. And I'm sad that this has happened, and obviously, I wouldn't want. any of my teachers to, you know, get fired, or whatever the case may be, but I feel like the adults let us students down. And you guys don't understand that. we are hurt right now, as much as our parents are hurting. You understand what I'm saying?
And, you know, it… it… I'm sorry, I have really bad anxiety, and like. Like, a mother said earlier, she relies on her 504 quarterly. coordinator. She relies on the IEP. people that support her kids and you guys don't understand that. This affects everyone, and it's affecting me, and. It's taking me a lot to say something right now because. I'm, you know, like, I'm scared, but, like, I felt like I had to say something because all these people around me are empowering me to say something and to speak up about it, because this is not okay. This is not okay that this is happening, and we need to.
fun things that we actually need. We don't need a fun minga, we don't need a fun hall passes when we can make our own hall pass. That's a waste of money that we do not need. We need to fund things that we actually need in the school building, and you guys taking away and funding things that are not needed. is putting us more in-depth, and that's all I have to say.
Hello? Yes, good evening. Good evening, members of the board, administrators, teachers, and members of our community. My name is Caroline Burgos, and I stand before you tonight as a junior at Hackensack High School. But more importantly, as a lifelong comet. I began my education at Nellie K. Parker School. Continued through Hackintock Middle School and now Hackintock High School. My family's story is tied to this district. My father proudly graduated from HHS, class of 1990, and my sister in the class of 2022.
Hackensack is not just where I go to school, but it is where I've grown. Tonight, I want to speak about the $17 million debt facing our district. And what that truly means. Because behind every dollar are students like me. whose lives are shaped every day by the choices you make. For me, one class represents this district. And what this district has to offer. Honor speech communication. This class is not just about standing in front of the room and speaking, but it's about finding your voice.
When you're unsure that you have one. It is about confidence, self-worth, and how you advocate for others. It is about being seen and heard. Before this class, I never imagined I'd be able to speak like this. Speaking clearly and confidently. But without fear, and because of this school. I get to do that tonight. And most importantly, because of my teacher, Ms. Freeman. I learned that my voice matters. And this class gave me the courage to stand up here and speak tonight.
That is the power of great teachers. And throughout my years in Hackensack, educators. have been my foundation, not only academically, but emotionally. Teachers like Ms. Patassi. Mrs. Ms. Maluski, Ms. Kropilak, Mr. Truzano and others changed my life. They created classrooms that felt safe. They encouraged me to speak up. Make mistakes and to grow. They believed in me when I never believed in myself. When we discuss budgets and debt. I ask you to remember programs like Speech Communication that are not extras, but they are lifelines.
that build confidence students and strong leaders. They create environments where students feel safe, supported, and empowered. As you work through the challenges of this debt. Please remember students like me. that came before you to speak on this subject. I am proud of my education, and I am proud of my teachers. Most importantly, I am proud to be a comet. And I hope that every student who comes after me will be given the same chance to stand confidently and be heard. Thank you for your time, and thank you for listening.
Okay, at this time, public comment section is closed. Okay. I just want to thank the public for still being here with us tonight. And for those still listening online. Um, first… I want to begin by acknowledging our students today. They show their support for their teachers. And for their education by standing up, making their voices heard, and coming together in unity.
that matters, and it reminds us why this work is so important. I also want to say how deeply disappointed I am. That we are at this point as a district. the mood in this room is heavy. And as both an alumna. And a parent, this situation weighs on me personally. The district betrayed the public's trust. And the trust of our staff. At the same time, I am proud of this board for asking the right questions.
And doing the hard work necessary to put the district back. On the right course, while minimizing harm to our students and staff. I feel it is important to address questions. And concerns regarding current board members who served prior to 2025. However, I can only speak to my own experience. I am in my fifth year as a Hackassach Board of Education member. When I was first elected, the board was deeply divided.
And there was a culture where asking questions. Or expressing different viewpoints. was not welcomed by certain members of board leadership. that environment is well documented in our public meeting recordings. During my first 3 years. I was routinely intimidated. Bullied and publicly reprimanded. Both in public and in private. for asking questions that were well within my rights and responsibilities as a trustee.
I was told that if I did not vote. Yes. In other words. rubber stamp. The superintendent recommendations. I would be violating the Code of Ethics. And the county superintendent would be notified. Request for information were dismissed. Or intentionally delayed. Critical documents were shared. with some trustees, but not others. personnel information often arrived. the day of meetings and finance materials came weeks or months later.
This was not simply disorganization. It was a systemic failure. That prevented the board from receiving timely. accurate information needed to fulfill our fiduciary responsibilities. One example occurred on April 25th, 2023. The board had received confidential information about a pending legal matter. involving a city trustee… a sitting trustee. That appear to conflict with my ethics training. I asked the question. Rather than addressing the conflict of interest.
Or the uneven sharing of information. The former board president, Scott James Vickery, chose theatrics. In that same meeting, he publicly stated that he had pulled a portion of the board beforehand. to see if they were comfortable with how he intended to proceed. Even at that time, a public message was sent. that some trustees had information. Others did not. Instead of focusing on governance. The situation led to my ethics, motives, and commitment to my oath.
Of being questioned. of oath being questioned. That trustee ultimately chose to resign. Another example occurred on November 20th, 2024. under the leadership of Scott James Vickery. When a proposal was brought forward to create a redundant. six-figure position with benefits. Intended to lighten the load. For the previous business administrator. and provide additional legal advice.
Despite the fact that we already had board counsel. That was the recording that was played earlier. Several of us on this dais raised concerns. And the position was tabled. and eventually vote it down. That decision saved the district significant reoccurring costs. In addition, I publicly question the added expense of a second middle school principal. the hiring of a media specialist. And professional development costs that were frequent and carried extremely high fees.
I share this not to assign blame. But to provide context. The truth is that questions were asked. concerns were raised. and warnings were voiced. But the system in place at that time. was designed to limit access to information and discourage oversight. A board can only act on the information it is given. And it must be able to trust. that professionals are providing complete and accurate data.
Now, as I enter my second year as board president. I have made it a priority to change the culture and those processes. This past summer, we implemented procedures to ensure that documents. are shared with board members in advance. Questions can be asked and answered prior to meetings. And no one is made to feel intimidated for doing their job. I spent significant time. talking with board members individually. to ensure they feel prepared. supported, and heard.
If I cannot answer a question, we work together to identify. who we can ask. I also restructured committees. to separate finance and facilities. Recognizing the importance of giving each area the attention and oversight it deserves. These changes were made intentionally, with the public and students in mind. And they are what ultimately led us to ask the questions. that resulted in these findings and the discovery of the deficit.
We cannot change the past. But we are doing the work to fix what was broken. And hopefully regain the trust of this community. At this time, if any other board members would like to speak. You might start this time. House speaker. Well, first, um, I want to thank, uh. everyone for coming out.
Um, this is something we always, um, stress. for our, um, public to come out and speak. express yourself. No matter how many people stood at that mic, we would sit here and listen. And… and take in what you have to say. Today, you proving us. That, um, you did… you did just what you, uh, we asked of you, and we appreciate it. I also want to thank Ms. Parchment. And, um, as our assistant.
Superintendent, um… the delay our assistant BA at the time, she, uh… the two of them. help discover this. This is… because of them, this is where we are now. with the assistance of Ms. Marks as well. The three of them, um… back in the early… June, May… June, yeah, around June, July.
They, uh, took the bull by the horns, and they came up with. That there was a problem in our district. They addressed it. To us, we, um… aggressively looked into the matter. And came up with a plan on how we're gonna deal with this situation. We spent most of the time from. Uh, having meetings. Um, Ms. Partsman. Uh, and, um, our assistant VA working 7 days a week.
Even on Sundays coming in. working, uh, diligently, staying late. Um, along with Ms. Marks. We, uh, we do appreciate all the hard work you have done to bring us to where we are today. And if it wasn't for you guys. addressing that to us, and we throw in our support behind you. Uh, we would never have discovered what we had discovered. So, again, thank you for that. Um, I also want to, uh, just… Um, say… to everyone out there.
We have a crisis. We are asking for your patience. We're asking for your cooperation. We're asking for you to, um… Back us when we need the backing. Uh, we'll do the… we heard again what you, uh, asked for and what you like, but… We're going to do the best that we can to keep programs. keep as many teachers as we can. But we do have to, uh… comply with this budget and make sure that, um. Uh, it doesn't get worse than what it already is.
As you heard today, we was at 15. And later on today, by the auditor, we found out we are at 17 mil. So, just bear with us, and… And, um, and uh… and keep giving us your cooperation. Thank you. Madam President. I would like an opportunity to address the public.
Yes. I consider myself very fortunate. And I wasn't enough. I was elected to the school board. Served 6 years. Under a number of acting superintendents. We had an open… Policy where. No questions were left behind. We always got back to the public.
When we have got questions. That we couldn't answer immediately. Moving forward. Two and a half… a little over two years ago. I and two other people. My running mates, Mr. Martin and Ms. Pringle. were elected to the board. Uh, as a professional in. government finance. Uh, the president… At the time… Mr. Vickery appointed me to the Finance Committee.
I found it to be a very difficult time. A few weeks before we took office. Uh, they hired a new superintendent. I believe that was done purposely. But on the Finance Committee. when I had questions. The VA would say, go speak to the superintendent. The superintendent would say, go speak to the BA.
I found that very disheartening. To the point where I ask the questions in public. And one meeting, I was called out of order. Which I objected to. I had every right to address. the superintendent at the time. And the BA. To the point where. Like President Harris. Um, I was threatened with being brought up on ethics charges.
This brings us to where we are today. We now have a very united board. Of 9 people. Moving in the same direction. We've asked the necessary questions. Unfortunately, we are where we are today. We now have an acting superintendent and a new BA. Who have come up with an action plan. And at some point tonight, we will go into executive session.
We will address the action plan. And at that point. We will come back in public. and vote on the action plan. Once all of our questions have been answered. I hope you listen to what Ms. Calley said tonight. about… being stonewalled. by board… and board presidents.
Uh, for doing their job. Asking the necessary questions. And yet being stalled wall. By the answers. I thank you all for coming out tonight. I'm sorry, not everybody stayed. I understand the lateness of the evening. But we appreciate your comments. Everyone's comment. And trust me, even though my facial expressions stayed the same.
I was busy writing down. Those questions… Those concerns. And we will move forward. Thank you. President Harris, if I might address the public. Um, as our students have said, um, as members of the community have said. As many of our staff had said tonight. Um, this is not okay. This is not fair. And those who are being impacted are absolutely.
Not to blame. Um, we as a board are left. With impossible choices. That none of us want to make. Um, we recognize that the news of this budget shortfall raises serious concerns for our students. And their families, our staff. And the entire Pack and SAC community. And as we have said. We also recognize that this deficit is more. Than just numbers on a page, more than just numbers on a spreadsheet.
It affects real life, dedicated staff. are real-life students. And their families. I share in the collective disappointment and heartbreak. felt here tonight. Felt across the community, across our district. Having sat alongside the 8 other individuals on this board for many months. I can say without a doubt. That's what happens in our district. is extremely personal to every one of us. While I began my current term on the board.
in January 2025. I was honored to have previously served. from 2017 to 2020. Although I did not grow up in Hackensack. I have lived here for over 26 years. and truly consider myself to be. An honorary comment. I first became connected to our schools as a volunteer ESL teacher. As part of the district's adult bilingual outreach program. For parents, and served as a volunteer teacher for over 10 years.
It was during that time that I got to know many of our amazing staff and families. And those connections inspired me to serve on the board. to piggyback off of what Mr. Gain said in his comments. And like President Harris said. I do believe it's important to understand. how prior boards action attributed. To the conditions that led to this budget shortfall. in the hopes that that behavior is never repeated.
And that we never find ourselves in this position again. And I would like to share my own experiences on the board. to provide some context around decisions that. in light of what we know today. had long-term repercussions on the district's financial health. During my previous term on the board from 2017 to 2020. One of the board's most consequential decisions. was allowing our long-time sending district, Maywood. to end its send-receive relationship with our district. Unfortunately, I was one of only 3 board members, along with former trustees Joanna Calle, who we heard from earlier today.
and Robin Coles, who voiced serious concerns in allowing Maywood to leave the district. without so much as challenging its request to the State Commissioner of Education. in our view, it would be a grave mistake, a disservice to the diversity of our respective districts. And a huge loss of revenue for Hackensack. Which at that time was nearly $4 million. Something that would impact our district for years to come. In 2019, under the leadership of then-President Lance Powell.
And with encouragement and an open letter penned by then-Mayor John LaBrosse. who urged the board to let Maywood leave. The board… Despite our three dissenting votes, as evidenced in public board comments in 2019. agreed to withhold any challenge to Maywood's request. Ultimately, that request was approved by the commissioner. in 2020. During that time, there was also a notable shift in board culture. With vaccines forming much in the way President Harris described in her comments.
In fact, in a letter written by Dr. Dennis Fraunappel. are then interim business administrator to the Interim Executive county superintendent. in February 2020. Dr. Dennis, as he was known. expressed concern with the increased politicization of the board under President Powell's leadership. which had impacted everything. From the selection of vendors to the board's shocking and egregious failure to adopt a final budget for the 2019. 2020 school year as required by state statute. once again, despite the 3 votes of myself and former Trustees Kagyay and Coles.
to approve the budget. Moreover, Dr. Dennis wrote that board leadership was making decisions based on politics. and staying in good favor with the City Council at that time. a council who sought to withhold tax revenue from our schools. All at the expense of our students and district. Instead of fighting to ensure that the needs of our students and district were being met. In response, the county superintendent admonished the board for this failure and even reached out to the New Jersey Department of Education.
to determine whether there was a need for a state monitor. in our district. Dr. Dennis released his letter to the public. and immediately resigned prior to the expiration of his contract. Due to these political antics. Unfortunately, this was only a sign of the things to come. Again, as outlined by President Harris. While the board's role is limited. to setting policy, hiring, and overseeing the superintendent. and approving and overseeing the annual budget. These responsibilities should be taken seriously by all trustees.
And board members should never be made to feel that they are merely there. To rubber stamp decisions. Unfortunately, many of the board's decisions since 2019. have had an impact on the district's revenue. and overall finances. First, the Board's decision to allow Maywood to leave. Which cost the district nearly $4 million. in lost revenue. Second, the board's decision to fail to utilize the full 2% tax cap. Which, as our auditor explained. to best practices for every… Given regular increases in expenditures for the district, for any district.
This decision essentially left millions of dollars on the… in tax revenue. on the table for our district. Third, prior board leadership silence and acquiescence to the former City Council's repeated efforts to essentially rob the district of taxpayer dollars. Through its approval of dozens of pilot agreements. That diverted significant property tax revenue. to the city, rather than sharing pilot revenue with our schools.
And that is something that other municipalities have been able to do across the state. Leaving our district underfunded. Once again, despite vocal requests by myself and several other former trustees. to then-President Powell and former city leadership. Our concerns were dismissed. Unfortunately, we as a district will continue to feel a long-term financial impact on our district's revenue. As a result of these pilot agreements. And lastly, in prior years, the Board's approval of the creation of new, unbudgeted positions mid-year.
Ignoring the questions and concerns of Board Members Harris and Carroll at the time. Despite the fact that the district saw a loss in both revenue and a decrease in enrollment. in enrollment at the high school. Following Maywid's departure. While the current shortfall is a perfect storm. of these and other contributing factors, as we have heard in this evening's presentations. At the end of the day, we are all here. To discuss our path forward in regaining financial stability for this district.
regaining the public's trust, our staff's trust. Our community's trust. And providing the best possible public education for our students. not only do I share. everyone's discipline. and heartbreak at the tough decisions. That will have to be made. But I am saddened by comment. Heard repeatedly. Since the start of my term in 2025. comments that were reiterated.
Even earlier tonight, by our own staff. Specifically that in recent years, there has been a real effort by former district and board leadership. To disparage our teachers and make them feel like it is us. Versus them, instead of we. As a whole district, and a whole comet community. At a time when we must stand united and lift one another up to ensure we provide our students with the quality public education they deserve.
I hope that every teacher. And staff person across this district knows that this board. And this administration. Value your hard work. and dedication to our students. We are committed to working together to get through these tough times. And mitigating the impact of this crisis on our students. Our staff and our district. I also want to acknowledge and thank the Mayor and Council for their support in their recent statements.
this crisis will undoubtedly require. The support of our… entire Hackensack community. But knowing what I have come to learn about the comet spirit. I am convinced that we will come out of this situation. Stronger than ever. President Harris, may I go? Good evening, everyone. First of all, I want to say. I'm a comet. I bleed blue and gold. Hackensack is my home.
Tonight is probably one of the most difficult nights. that I've had since being on the board. I'm in my second year. Um, and I was you before I was here. I was an active member of my community. Just because I sit here. Does not mean I don't care, because I do. I was educated through this, um, school system. Many of my friends are educators here. Many of you educated my son. And many of you know my mom, who dedicated 29 years of her life to this district.
So tonight is very personal for me as well. Um… So when I say I'm devastated, I mean it in the most. personal way. I stand here. Not only as a trustee. But as someone whose life was shaped by Hackensack. Anyone knows me knows how I love. my hometown of Hackensut. I want to thank the students. The community members and the staff for speaking your truth.
Although it hurt? I have to accept how you feel. Thank you to Acting Superintendent Andrea Oates-Parchment for your study and principal leadership. In the face of this immense pressure. Thank you to our BA, Dr. Lewis, for your rigor. A relentless work to help restore order and accountability. Thank you to our Board President Harris and Vice President Martin for leading with courage. Long hours and resolve when it matters most. And to my fellow trustees.
Thank you for showing up. asking the hard questions and saying. Committed to doing what is right. Even when it's uncomfortable. This is a moment that demands truth without fear. Accountability without blame. And compassion without compromise. We must be clear about what went wrong and disciplined on how to fix it. and mindful of the human impact that it will have.
I want our community to hear this clearly. We owe you more than explanations. We owe you solutions. And we owe them to you with transparency. urgency, and care. I am committed to this work. I am committed to restoring community trust. And I am committed to this district. Not because of a title. But because Hackensack is a part of who I am. We will move forward, and we will do so together.
with integrity, courage. and compassion. Thank you. Madam President, can I speak? No, address the public. Um, good evening, guys. Um… Although… my school system for myself, um, I did not.
uh, go to school here in Hackensack. I'm actually, um, a graduate from. the Bronx class of 2000… I'm sorry, 2000. 1988. Okay, yes, right. Um, however… And my son went to middle school here and graduated here from. high school from Hackettack High School. Um, my daughter, first moving here, my youngest daughter. Um… kindergarten Hillers.
First great hello. Second grade, Nellie K. Parker graduated from their middle school, and now. a senior here, um, at Hackensack High School. Um, she is part of the. Spanish Honor Society. Um, varsity cheerleader for football. Um, she's a member of… also to the flag football team. And again, she graduates this year, 2026. Um… I really learned to… like this town.
I still say I believe blue and gold. I mean, I've been out here for 12 years now, and. Hackensack has become a big part of. my life, um. being on a board. this is my going into my third year. Um… Since the transition of leadership. I find the board to have become more. transparent, less stressful.
Um, I feel like I could have a voice when I felt like I didn't have one before. Um, with asking questions in regards to. descriptions of. budget codes. I was told to check the drive. I would speak to other members of the board. I can't find where it is in the drive, and I thought it was me. There's certain people that never had access to that part of the drive.
Um, so I would ask again. And we were told that we would have it. That night, that next day. And we never received that information, so when it came time to vote. sometimes, I mean, we had to do what we had to do. Sometimes, even without the financial information, but with trusting. That the superintendent and. the passport leadership would direct everyone.
in the right direction with fair and equal information. Um… It's, like, really sad, anybody who knows me. I'm an emotional person. Um… it's not easy for me to be up here. It's like the… one of the worst decisions I've ever had to make in my life. thus far. Um, my heart goes out to… everyone at Hackersack, board members.
administration, our residents, our teachers, our student. Um… I was gonna say this. For a closing statement, but by the time we're done with everything, people will probably be gone. Um, so I'm just gonna keep this part really short. Um, Robby Shout. are serious. They are not unconquerable. with transparent decision-making.
shared responsibilities. and continued focus on what matters most. Student learning, staff stability. and collaboration. fiscal responsibility. We can navigate this moment. Thoughtfully and responsibly. By working together and keeping our community informed. We can restore financial stability. While continuing to serve our students. with integrity. and care. God bless you all. Thank you.
Good evening. Thank you to those who are still here in person, and those who are. still with us online. Those of you who had to leave, we understand, and we appreciate your presence and letting us know. And sharing your thoughts. Feelings and fears. Um, as a point of housekeeping, I just wanted to double back to a couple of things that were said. questions that were asked, that were posed, that we can answer. there was some concerns about errors with the. the PCR, the position control roster.
and our HR department. I want to point out that. our HR department is under new leadership. Similar to our business office and our office of the superintendent. And it's important to note that I… Time to go! Um, it is important to note that Ms. Danielle Diaz. who is our Director of Human Resources and her team. All over that. One of the reasons… part of the reason why we can make.
some of the decisions that we've had to make is because our information. is more accurate. I think it's important to note that, you know, there were people that talked about money being missing. And that it disappeared. I don't see it that way. we spent money that we didn't have. But we spent it on our children. we spent in our programming, we spent it on new activities and clubs and. We expanded the district in ways. that were admirable, but unfortunately.
Would not afford… we didn't have the money, and because our accounting practices. had errors, major errors. the people making those decisions didn't have clarity. true clarity on whether or not we had the money. Now, everybody knows that if… when Mae would walk… May would… left the district. We as a community didn't ask all the questions we should have. I want to thank, publicly thank Reverend Carolyn Davis.
For… gently encouraging me. To apply to serve on the Board of Education to fulfill the vacancy. I didn't realize how much. I'd gone to sleep at the wheel as a member of this community. As a member of this community, not just… I'm going to talk about my failings as a member of this community. Not as a board member, because I haven't been here that long. didn't attend board meetings. I didn't watch them, I didn't read the minutes, I didn't read the agendas.
I hadn't been to a Thanksgiving game in decades. I've attended very few community activities. That didn't involve my own child. The audit reports… The user-friendly budgets. A lot of the information that people. that we as a town. act like we didn't have, it's publicly available for a reason. Board of Trustees have a fiduciary responsibility to quarterback what happens to this community.
But we're only the quarterbacks. As a community, we have a responsibility. I had a responsibility as a member of this community. to be paying more attention than I was. And for that, I see that as a personal failing. I got mad at my husband because he wanted to serve. On the PTA, be an officer for the PTA. We don't have time for that. We have a kid with severe disabilities, we have stuff to do. during COVID, when all these things were happening, and there were a lot of financial decisions that started us on this path, I wasn't paying attention.
Mouse burned down. My father was dying. I focused on my personal survival. That's a failing as a member of this community, because I'm in charge of more than just my own personal survival. I'm responsible for the survival. of my community, and I failed to do that. And until Reverend Davis made me… I'm sorry, gently encouraged me. to step up and do things differently. I've now landed in this situation. And while we took some slings and arrows tonight.
I feel like I deserve some of them. But I question everybody to reflect on. our own participation as. citizens of this community. You are not board trustees, you don't have to do what we have to do. But as members of this community, have we done everything that we're supposed to do as individuals? I don't want the public to think that we have access to stuff. whole lot of stuff you don't have. You saw the budget I saw.
You see the things that I see. It's not like we get a different sense of… the bills list is on the agenda. That it might have been a couple years where the links didn't work. But that's been rectified. You see the reports that we get. We don't get special reports that the public doesn't have. The Sunshine Law exists for a reason. So that you see what we deliberate, and you see. whatever information we have. But it was evident to me tonight that.
I'm not the only one. that fell asleep at the wheel. that we as a community have not been. living up to our responsibilities. to be active participants. Our PTA council. is staffed with more than half of the members are employees of the district. They are also parents. But there's a reason why teachers had to step up. To be in PTA leadership. Yeah, there's a T in the PTA. But the P comes first.
When we have our… I really feel for. The student's Individual Performing Arts. It's a subject near and dear to my heart. Because I'm a child of a music teacher. I'm a child of a music teacher from here. for students to think that. we don't know what they feel. I experienced as a child, my mother being riffed. As an employee in another district, which is how she ended up here.
I know what that did to my family finances and the stress that it caused in my household. I experienced that as a child. As a teenager, later on, I experienced rifts in this district and watched my beloved teachers. received notices and had to survive that, and we tried to burn the whole place down. And I know what that pain feels like as a student. as an adult, as a teacher here, I've gone through. RIF processes more than once. As an administrator.
I was riffed, and my child was. two months old, as a new mother to lose my job. you turn into a mammal, like you're in fight-or-flight mode. Like, I have to protect. My family. So to say that I haven't experienced that I have. But that doesn't mean I know the pain. of each individual person in this district that's about to experience what we're going to experience. Both the people losing their jobs and the people left behind to pick up the pieces. We see that, we know that. And we don't take these decisions lightly.
But I ask in the next… few months and years, and everything that we're about to go through. This board is responsible for reviewing the processes, procedures, protocols. That will prevent this from ever happening again. This will… I will do my best to do my part to make sure this never happens again. But I ask that we all ask ourselves those questions. And to begin to reflect on. what our role is in this situation, in this community.
I say to Mr. Stein all the time. He came to stuff of mine as a kid. Where his kids weren't. They're not… we're not the same age, they went through with me. As a community member, he was visible. As part of my village. Reverend Davis was visible as part of my village. Andrea Parchment was visible as part of my village. Not because her kid was there. Because I was there. And I have not done that for the children of this community.
And prior to becoming a board trustee, now I get to go to stuff all the time. But in having that experience, it… went out to me, I've… failed. My parents taught me. Half of their job was to prepare me for the world. But the other half of their job was to prepare the world for me. And I fell down on the job of preparing. the world for not just my child, but for all of our children. And for that, I'm sorry. But I promise you this.
We will do what is ever in our power. To prevent us from being in this situation again. And good thing I'm on the curriculum committee. Because I can help make sure that we graduate. a group of students that are fully informed about. how these things work and their role. in this community, as citizens of this community. Thank you.
Uh, President. Thank you. Um… Excuse me. I want to thank everybody who came out and spoke tonight, and who called in. Especially to students. Um… I feel your pain. This is very hard. This is very difficult for, um… All of us. I'm a lifelong resident. I went to school here. from elementary school through high school. I have 2 daughters in the district now.
Currently in the high school. Um, and they went through. School here as well, from, um, elementary school, and. Again, to high school. Um… I've been a police officer in Hackensack for 24 years. I've coached rec football for 25 years. One more. coach softball for a few years. I'm very involved in the community.
And I'm die-hard blue and gold. I love this city. Um… This shortfall took us by surprise, all of us, by surprise. I ran to be on the board. To make a difference. And to improve the district. and make positive change. this year coming in, actually, the focus was on.
Honestly, getting a… a much-needed school. didn't anticipate a 15 million. Dollar deficit, which is actually $17 million, as we found out tonight. Um… I have friends here. The district, close friends, family members. Um… There's staff that I've coached that are, um, in the district.
Who I consider family? My own kids, their friends. Our neighbors… are directly affected by. All of this, and… The decisions that has been made. There's some difficult decisions that have to be made going forward. I can speak for myself and this entire board that. It's… it's heartbreaking, and… I feel sick to my stomach about it.
Um… I've been on the board for the past 4 years. And, um… I was elected and re-elected. This is going on 5 years, so I was elected 3 times. And I just want to apologize to you all. Teachers, staff. Kids, the community…
I feel like I failed you guys. Um… it was hard sitting here listening to some of the comments. Um, like, we don't care. But I can tell you, um, this board is the most cohesive board. that I've been on since I've been here. And we all care.
there's some belief that. the board administers. Uh, the district? Which we do not. We don't run the day-to-day. Um, we don't run the day-to-day operations of the district. That's the job of the superintendent. Um… Although… although the superintendent runs the day-to-day, we do vote on various things.
Including the budget. We can only vote on what… information we're given. If there's misinformation or information withheld. That's what we vote on. And, um, as of the audit that we heard, there's a lot of. Misinformation that we voted on. And again, I want to say I'm sorry for that.
There's been several occasions where. Publicly and in… closed session, where I've asked, where's the money coming from? And the answers I was given was, we have the money and. Or we'll find it. I feel like I should have pressed more on. a better answer, then we'll find it. Um… All I can say is this boy… We'll work diligently.
to never let something like this happen again. And again, I want to apologize to all of you. Thank you. So, I'd like to also… Thank everybody that came out tonight. Everybody that spoke, everybody that was just here watching, or people that called in. on the Zoom, um… And really.
Mostly, I'd like to thank the kids that came up. Um, this is a really rough situation for everybody. And it was rough for them, and I know it was tough for a lot of them to get up and. And while we may have been a target of some of that, I think it's really, really important that. These kids kind of dug down and found their voice, because some of them. You could tell it was like a. Second nature, but some of them, I saw them rehearsing as they were standing in line, and it was… It's good to see, because these are going to be…
our voters and, and uh… Our future leaders, um… I didn't grow up in Hacketsack, so maybe technically I'm not a comet, but I do clothe and feed several comets at my house. So, I think I am a comment. by household affiliation. Um… I have two students in the school system, one of them. does have an IEP. I… I feel the same concern that all those parents that called in, and all these parents that spoke tonight do.
I have 2 more students that have been coming into the school system soon. Um… This was a really, really rough meeting, and I'm not saying that on us, this was a rough meeting, I think, for everybody involved. And, you know, it's… sitting up here, kind of… I kind of experienced this meeting from. a number of different, uh… Vantage points, you know, it's like, uh, I'm a taxpayer, so I'm pissed off. Um, at the way things went. Um… and the hole that we're in, which… Increased by $2 million today.
While we were all sitting here. Um… I'm a parent, and I'm concerned. I know that the teachers are going to be affected by this, and my kids are going to be affected by this. And uh… it's hard. It's… it's really, really hard. to, uh… it's hard to sit up here, also as a board member, and. have all these other roles kind of swirling around in my head. And as a board member, you know, you sit here and… I know people are mad, I'm mad.
We're all men, um. And it's tough to hear it kind of thrown at you, and I'm not saying nobody should feel bad for us, that's what I'm saying. I mean, it's… It's tough to hear that when I know. I know how much I care, and I know how much everybody up here cares, because. We talk to each other outside of here. I mean, we see each other, we know… We got kids in the district, and every, you know. everybody on this board. is giving their all, and that's, uh… look, I wasn't… I wasn't here for previous boys, so I… I've heard about how it was difficult.
all I know is this board, and it's, uh… Everybody's together, and I think that's the only way that this thing is gonna get fixed. And some difficult decisions are going to have to get made, but… Um… I think this board is together, and I think these are the people that can do it. The fourth way I experienced this meeting was as a local business owner. And as a local business owner. listening to that audit report made my head want to explode. Because the systemic flaws and the… and the. I mean, the workarounds in a system that can't have workarounds, this is… this is taxpayer money.
Um, again, I wasn't here for it, so I can't speak to a lot of it, but it's, it's… It's enraging. And there's a lot of people in this room that are going to be affected by it worse than I am. Um, but I just want you guys to know that, that… everybody up here is feeling this right now, and everybody up here is gonna continue to put in. to work, that little midnight bell that we just heard, that's the third time I've heard that in 3 weeks. I mean, and that's not special, it doesn't make it special, it's not what I'm saying. What I'm saying is, is… everybody's putting in work, and right now.
we're at the toughest part of it. And I hope… I hope that some people can also see that. Um… you know, sometimes at the bottom, you know, there's only one way to go is up, and this is our chance to kind of. Make sure that this never happens again, and there need to be fail-safes that are put in place and controls. And I'd like to thank Dr. Lewis. And, um, this old parchment for that presentation, and uh… You know, and just kind of… Again, everybody, everybody that's been involved in this, and it's, uh…
Listen, I think it's a difficult thing for everybody, but it's something that we're gonna get to. Look, I've heard some words tonight, disgrace. came up several times. There's no trust. A culture's destroyed. This isn't a hack and sack I grew up in. Adults let the students down. the culture's gone, you know, the math ain't mathin'. Right? I don't feel seen and heard. You're seen and heard. You're seen and heard, I promise you that, and we're gonna do everything we can to turn this thing around. I appreciate it, that's it. Have a good night.
Okay, um, before we go into executive session, I just want to… answer just a few comments and a few questions from the public. That I can answer at the moment. Uh, there was a parent that did ask. are commented about board documents being more accessible. And to use more plain language, we are working on it. It is something that. Has been brought up by this board. As well as possibly having it translated in Spanish as well for our Spanish-speaking families.
As far as board meeting minutes not being posted for 2023 and 2024, we will look into that. I'm not sure as to why those are not on there, but we'll take a look at it. in terms of municipal support, um, did we talk with the city? Um, good news is, if you haven't noticed, uh, the city right now is. Uh… Friendlies. They are friendlies at this moment, um, before when they were not.
Uh, so now we are able to have joint board city meetings. And we will be having one in February. Yes, we'll be having one in February, and hopefully. We can, um… talk about some options. And this question, I will pass it over to our acting superintendent, Ms. Andrea Parchment. If you can't answer it at this moment, if not. Then we'll wait. But the question was, well, can counselors be available.
After teachers receive their RIF notice. and will opportunities be available, or… if we are able to reach out to other schools, or if there is a possibility of a job fair. In terms of the counselors, we are working on a plan. Not sure if we can get that available. for when we need it. Um… Another thing, when we thought about counselors too.
I have mixed feelings about that because. We have strangers that are coming in to work with our. our teachers, and when we had a crisis in our district. Last year, it was so much better when we had. At least colleagues that we knew come over to a school to support teachers, so… We'll look more into that. We are… We do have a plan in terms of substitutes. To be in buildings for extra coverage in case we need it.
What was the other question? Uh, job fairs, the opportunity. Oh, so I want to say that, um… Our Human Resources Director. And also, our technology director. And our technology director graciously. has offered his services. After hours to work with. staff who need help with resumes, LinkedIn, etc. there's going to be a document that goes out.
With a list of openings in other districts. We're already working on that, so… so yes. And the… Last comment that was made about… us as trustees having training with the New Jersey school boards association. Yes, that is one of our board goals that is posted on our district website. We are… being considerate, especially with this budget, um, shortfall.
That we will attend to as many. mandated trainings that we can. Especially if it's free for us to attend. Um, with that being said. We still have… resolutions that we need to vote on, and before that, we have to go into executive session. be at fault that the Hackersack Board of Education determines it necessary to meet an executive session. Is it still Wednesday? Wednesday, Wednesday? Thursday. Thursday.
January 22nd, 2025. 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 any motion to go into executive. Motion by Vice President Martin. Can I have a second? A second. Second by Trustee Pringle. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed?
Thank you, um, to the public and those listening to online. It is 1224 AM. We'll try to be back as soon as we can. Okay, thank you. Can I have a motion to reopen to the public session, please?
Motion by Trustee Johnson. Second. Second by Trustee Stein. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? Any abstentions? Okay, welcome back. We are moving on to the approval of our minutes. Be it resolved that the Hackasak Board of Education approves the regular and executive session meeting minutes. of December 17th, 2025. and the reorganization meeting of January 7, 2026. Can I have a motion to approve the minutes, please?
Motion by Trustee Pringle, and a second. Second… second by Trustee Stein. All those in favor, say aye. Anyone opposed? Any abstentions? Okay. Moving on to our superintendent's report, and that is our Acting Superintendent, Ms. Andrea Oates-Parchment. Good evening. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. Hey, good morning.
I want to give the enrollment report. Our total enrollment for all of our 6 schools in our program at ECDC. is $5,000. 78. Students. For a residency report. For this month, we had 8 cases reviewed. 2 were verified. 6 were unverified. 3 of the 6.
We've received proof from parents that they reside. And 3 students were withdrawn. And on to our harassment, intimidation, and bullying report. We had a total of 6. Cases, 3 were founded. three unfounded, and one is pending.
I also, uh… I want to acknowledge some. positive things that are happening in our district. Number one, Sylvia Brown, uh, Packassack High School student. Has opened a mini food pantry, and we are so very proud. her and her care and concern for, uh, the community. Sylvia, we are very proud of you. And in remembrance of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The district was closed this past Monday. Uh, we know throughout our schools messages about Dr. King's life and what it means to us as a school community. were shared throughout our schools and with our students. We are also happy to announce. Um, a couple of months ago. We presented the data on. in JSLA, the assessment, the state assessment that students take. We had 3 students. in English language arts, two middle school 8th grade students.
who are currently in high school. Who performed, who received a perfect score. on the NJSLA, and at some point, we're going to acknowledge those students. We had one. Pillars Elementary School, 3rd grade student who is currently a 4th grade student. and one high school, 11th grader. a perfect score and math.
So this year, beginning… this new year in January. I hope to feature one department. or my superintendent's report. And this month, I want to highlight the Social Studies Department and the annual. history debate competition that took place in Mr. Lane's and Mrs. Healy's. high school history class. It was a rigorous… and competitive event that displayed the potential of all of our students.
Especially two of the students. So, kudos to the students and to the teachers. We're in the process now of selecting. or I'm writing recommendations, because we have a few of our Teachers of the Years. who have applied for county teacher of the Year applications, so… We're hoping that we will have, maybe. I guess that will have a county teacher of the Year. the implementation of our new district website, and we want to just.
Congratulations to our technology director and all those who were involved. We have a new website, please check it out. upcoming events, we have our African Amerit. African American Heritage District-wide event celebration. on February 26. Here at Hackasek High School in this auditorium. Uh, the drama club had a very successful play last week. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend.
I've heard very great things about. about it. This was the student directed. Right. And finally. Tonight… I want to just comment on our students and their advocacy. This is one of the things, this is why. Uh, civics is so important. And, uh, we can see that. They've been influenced by the wonderful teachers. Uh, they spoke very well, and I'm not surprised.
That's who we have. We have great students. And I just want to say, uh. Thank you, and I'm proud of you. And that ends my superintendent's report. Thank you very much. We are going to move on to our committee reports and resolutions. We're going to move to personnel. And the chair for personnel is Trustee Emmerhamsa. Thank you, Madam President. Uh, the Personnel Committee met last week. And we have to offer items A1. A through N for your consideration.
Okay, so we have a motion from Trustee Amrahemsta. Can I have a second? Second. Second by Trustee Jones. Dr. Lewis, can you please do a roll call? Trustee Austin Balaputra? Yes. Trust me, I'm Rahimza? Yes. Trustee Carroll. Yes, and accuse myself, um… B, and… D 1, 2, and 3.
Trustee Gilmore? Yes. Trustee Jones? Aye. Trustee Pringle? Yes. Trustee Stein? Yes. Vice President Martin. Yes. President Harris? Yes. almost was carried. Thank you. Moving on to policy. And the chair of policy is Trustee Pringle.
Okay, so, um… But policy, I would like to… Okay, um, the policy… Um, I would like to… offer B1 through… B2. Um, I would like to… her life and, um, read a summary, if I may.
Um… For policy number 0142.1, nepotism has been revised. Um, this bylaw is being revised due to the need to recognize some of its provisions. To better align with their administrative code. By-law Code 0142.1 is mandated for all school. districts. Um, policy one… to zero employment of chief school administrator.
revised. This policy addresses the Executive County Superintendent's review of the Chief. school administrators' employment contract and revisions are needed. to some of the legal citations. QSEC requires a board to adopt a policy. that addresses the review and approval of the superintendent's employment contract. by the Executive County Superintendent making policy guide. 1, 2, 2, 0, mandated.
Policy number 152. and regulation… I'm sorry, policy number 1552. and Regulation 1552. Um, both sexual harassment. The policy and regulations codes 1552 addresses sexual harassment of staff. in the school district, including Title IX. Which also applies to sexual harassment of staff in the school district.
Policy and Regulation Guide 1552. Incorporate two separate federal regulations requiring action. by a school district in response to a complaint of sexual harassment. The first federal regulation that addresses this issue is Title 11. I'm sorry, Title VII. of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the second is Title IX. of the policies and grievance procedures, which are included in the newly developed policy and regulations guide.
1552. Policy 1552, and Regulation 1552. will replace policy and regulation. 3362, sexual harassment. For teachers to have, and policy and regulations 4352. sexual harassment support staff. Policy Guide 1552. is mandated. Regulation guide 1552 is. mandated.
We… okay, um… Regulations 7510, use of school facilities. Updates to the facilities use fees are needed. to bring the district's rental fees in alignment with facilities used caused. And to make them more comparable to other Bergen County districts. All users of the school facilities are required to comply with the policies of this board. and the rules and regulations of the district. Users must also present evidence of organizational liability.
Insurance. Again, I would like to offer Policy B1 through B2. Okay. Excuse me. We have a motion from Trustee Fringo, can I have a second? Second by Trustee Carroll. Any discussion? Dr. Lewis, can you please do a roll call? Trustee Austin Balapucha? Yes. Trustee Amhem? Yes. proceed, Carroll? Yes. Trustee Gilmore. Yes. Trustee Jones? Yes.
Trustee Pringle. Yes. Trustee Stein? Yes. Vice President Martin? Yes. President Harris. Yes. Motion carries. Thank you. Moving on to curriculum, and the chair for curriculum is Trustee Pringle. Um, for curriculum, I would like to offer C1 through C… Um, I would like to highlight speed 9. Um, be it resolved that the Hackersack Board of Education, upon recommendation of the Active Superintendent of School.
approves the Fairmont Walk for Warmth and Wellness fundraiser. event on Friday, February 20th, 2026. With Tuesday, February 24th, 2026, identified as the Alternative Inclement Weather. date. Again, I'll put, like, some motion… curriculum item C1 through C10. Okay, so Trustee Franel, motion, can I have a second? I'll session. Second.
Any discussion? I see that there are none. Doctor Lewis, can you please hold? Rusty else from Balaputer. Yes. Firstly, I'm a hammer. Yes. Trustee Carroll? Yes. Yes. Trustee Jones? Yes. Trustee Pringle. Yes. Trustee Stein? Yes. Vice President Martin. Yes. President Harris? Yes. Motion is carried. It's a finance. and the chair for finance is Justin Stein.
I'd like to offer, uh, team 1 through D7. Uh, highlighting D6. Which is an application to the state of New Jersey. Department of Community Affairs. for approximately $74,000. or upgrades to the high school. Uh, swimming pool. And I would also just like to highlight D7.
Although we corrected our ship plan. Okay, so we have a motion from Trustee Stein. Can I have a second? A second. Second by Trustee Pringle. Any questions? discussion. See that there are none. Uh, Dr. Lewis, can you please do a roll call? Trustee? Trustee Olson-Balapucha. Yes. Paste Amrahamza. Yes. Proceed Carol. Yes. Trustee, go north. Yes. Trustee Jones. Yes. Trustee Kringle? Yes. Trustee Stein? Yes. Vice President Martin?
Yes, President Harris. Yes. Motion is carried. Moving on to facilities, and our chair for facilities is Vice President Martin. I'd like to motion E1 through E2. No highlights, pretty much standard. Um, I'd also like to, uh… Just… I'd like to express our shared service with the City of Hackensack and the Mayor and Council. is working. The weather, uh, detectors. will be coming to our area soon this year.
Also, the fiber cables over the vero tracks in the area of Central Avenue and Vailroad. Mayor Avenue is completed and up running. to the Mayan Council and the City Manager. Freeman, thank you for working with us, with shared services. And also, thank you, Alex Blinder, for… the executive Director of Technology and. Ali Construction Project Manager for all… of your hard work in getting this project done.
So we have a motion from Vice President Martin. Can I have a second? Second. Again, by Trustee Carroll. Discussion? Moving on to roll call, Dr. Lewis. Yes. Um, yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
Yes. Okay. Moving on to community relations and the chair for community relations is. Trustee Gilmore. Hi, good… good morning. Um, the community… Community Relations Committee did not meet in January, but we are scheduled to meet on February 19th at 7. Thank you. Okay, other committees, um, I would like to just report that the Joint Board City Committee. did not leave in January. We will be meeting in February.
Uh, moving on to new business, any new business? See that there are none. On to our second portion of public comment. comments, um, individuals may address the board on agenda and school matters of community interest for one minute. There is no one here in person. Is there anybody online? Okay, so there are none online. Um, moving on to board comments. or comments, and I will start to my left. Trustee Stein, do you have court comments?
Not at this, um… Okay, thank you. Moving on to Trustee Alston-Balapucha. Not at this time. Good night. Thank you to our IT team. Moving on to Trustee Jones. echo what Melanie just said. Uh, moving on to Trustee Pringle. Good night, good morning. And God bless, thank you. Trustee Gilmore. Um, thank you to Central Staff for staying and supporting us, and good night.
Thank everyone for your participation tonight. Good night, everyone. Thank you all so much for, um. Staying, uh, tuned in. Um, and also a huge thank you to our IT staff. Um, the custodial team that's still here. all of our central office staff, and please. If you didn't have a chance to hear our comments from earlier this evening, please check that out. Trustee Carroll? Good night. Vice President Martin?
2 or 2 in the morning, in the morning, and… Have the rest of your day. Okay, um, I just wanted to… give a quick shout-out to Zoe Gonzalez. She was one of our first speakers. of the evening in a very, very packed house. Thank you for your student report, as always. I also wanted to congratulate again. Because this also happened very early in the evening. to Anamari service, or receiving the outstanding Administrator Award.
We are very proud of you. The district is proud of you, and your school is very proud of you. Thank you for all the hard work you do. And thank you to central office staff for working tirelessly. throughout this entire month. days, hours, this entire week. and the coming weeks. It, thank you for sticking around, and our custodial staff, thank you so much. Um, other than that. Have a good night, have a good morning. Um, can I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? Motion. Motion by Trustee Bruno. Can I have a second?
Second by Trustee Stein. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? Thank you all. It is… 203 AM.