All right. Good evening everyone. >> Evening. >> In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act, NJSA 104-6. Adequate notification of this meeting has been provided by advertising in the
record and the Herald's news posting notice in the board of education administration building and filing notice with the city clerk to ensure accessibility. Interpreter services are available upon request. Please submit your written request at least 24 hours prior to the board meeting to the school
business administrator. It's Dr. Steven A. Lewis at Steven Lewis lwis hackschools.org. I hereby call to order the special meeting on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 in
the Padavano building at >> 69 >> 619. And Dr. Lewis, can you please roll call >> present? >> Trustee, >> present. >> Trustee Carol,
>> present. >> Trustee Gilmore >> here. Trustee Jones >> here. >> Trustee Pringle >> present. >> Trustee Stein here. Vice President Martin >> present. >> President Harris >> present. >> We are. >> Thank you. Please stand for the flag
salute. >> I pledge to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please be seated.
Okay. So, we are going to begin immediately with public comments. Public participation shall be governed by the following rules. One, if in person, a participant must sign the signin sheet and be recognized by the presiding officer and must preface comments by an
announcement of his or her name, municipality of residence, and group affiliation if applicable. Two, each statement made by a participant shall be limited to a threeminut duration during the public session. Three. All statement questions or inquiries shall be directed
to the presiding officer and any questions or inquiries directed by a partic participant to another board member shall be redirected to the presiding officer who shall determine if such statement, question or inquiry shall be addressed by the presiding
officer on behalf of the board or by the individual board member. and four. All board and or acting superintendent responses to questions or inquiries shall be held until the end of public participation. At this time, public comments shall be open to anyone in
person. Anyone in person that would like to speak just step over here right in the middle between those two chairs, please. Yeah, that is the signin sheet right there. Thank you. Can I fix up this?
>> Sure. Yes. >> Hi, my name is Hie Silverstone. I started three times and plates. you have uh like a whole thing written up and I'm not going to read it because I think it comes across really
angry and frustrated and that is not my intentions and I have a feeling because I know a lot of you and I've sat in this room with a lot of you before. I believe that we're all here for the same reasons and
that is for our kids and our families and our teachers and our schools. Uh so being a part of the school community I have a child who is in kindergarten at
fair currently a fair amount and I have another child who will be entering the school system in fall in K3s. Um, I want to be really excited to be sending our kids here and for the first
time I don't feel that way. Uh, I think a big reason is because as a parent, I don't feel like I know what's going on.
Uh there's been a lot of talk on part of the PTA, you know, there everybody talks right at playground all over and people are scared. They're really scared. uh things are happening at
school without notice and especially as a parent of a young child who's in a classroom of five and six year olds, right? And uh their para is not there anymore, right? And that happened
overnight. And I know you're all here because you want what's best for our kids, but that's not what's best for our kids. They need consistency. They need routine. It's what's developmentally appropriate for them is to have the same
thing happening for them every day. And I know we are in a huge crisis and like nobody expects miracles to happen, right? But what we do expect is a little notice so that we can prepare ourselves,
so that we can process in our brains and our bodies what's going on. and we can prepare our kids so that they're not totally thrown by what's happening. Right? My second concern is an issue of
safety, just physical safety, right? You know, in a kindergarten class there's 20ish kids and if there's one adult and I know it happens and it's possible and I have full opa
not that sorry not that I shouldn't have to but but we have been practicing fire drills and safety drills and that has been with two adults in the classroom in all of those times, right? And so we're relying on
two adults in the classroom to get those children out of the building if they need to or to hide them if they need to or whatever the circumstance requires and now we're relying on one. It scares me to think what could happen
with that. So again, I believe in all of you. I believe in our school system. And I believe in our kids and our staff and we all want what's best for them. And I just I'm begging you to please consider
consistency, transparency. It's very important not just for kindergarten or babies but across the board. Thank you. >> Anyone else in person that would like to speak?
Is it time for questions? >> I'm sorry. >> Will there be time for questions? >> Asking if she can ask just ask questions. >> Yeah, for sure. >> Yes. >> This is questions, concerns, comments.
>> Yeah. I I'm just curious >> my depot 319 Clinton Place back in San. So, um I this is brand new to me. I just heard this this evening and I'm in shock that
the Paris are leaving the kindergarten and I just want to know what happened to uh the designated money that came from the council. Was that not to tide us over till the next school year? I I just
don't understand what's going on and um and and I have to echo Alli's uh opinion about, you know, we we need notice. Um so I'm I'm kind of in shock and I just heard this this evening, so I'm
wondering what's going on. I know I and like Hie, I have total faith in you guys. Um, you're my favorite people here. >> So, I believe in you and I just want to know what you know and what can we do as a community?
>> That's it. >> Thank you. Anyone else in person that would like to speak? Okay, see there are none. And first, we're going to move to online. Hi, good evening. Um, Sue A,
>> I'm hoping I hope you can hear me. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, I guess I'm kind of jumping on the bandwagon here with the kindergarten. Um, I'm curious to know what your projected uh enrollment is in each kindergarten
class next year. Oh. Um, questions will be answered at the end. >> Okay. Because I know according to state statute, depending on um whether we're considered an atrisisk district or not, there are limits as to 21 if you're considered an atrisisk district and 25
if you are not. And so I'm curious to know where we're looking at um the enrollment falling. I've also heard rumors that the district is filing waiverss uh to allow larger kindergarten
classes and at the same time removing the paras um and I'm just curious as to are we considered an atrisisk district where we'd be limited to 21 or are we not which case kindergarten would be 25 what you're projecting the enrollment in
kindergarten to be for next year and Um, if you're if you're expecting one person to have a class of five to six year olds, 25 of them, then I would say clearly you've never been in the
position to have to do it. I'm a retired high school teacher. There's a reason why I taught high school. I give all credit to the people who do the early childhood. And I would recommend that each of you before you make these decisions on the
kindergarten go down and help out in the kindergarten be the teacher for an hour by yourself and then see if it's a wise move to remove the paras because I I have to echo what um Haley was saying,
what Andy is saying. This is not a good move. And I realize that we have an issue with enroll with um money, but again safety and educating kids. If you have 25 five and six year olds and one teacher, nobody's learning anything. And
these are critical formative years. This is laying the foundation for success in the future. So if you could get me that information, I'd appreciate it. Thank you. >> Thank you. Can you hear me? >> Yes. Good evening.
>> Good evening. My name is Jessica Cruz, Nelly K. Parker, PTA president and parent of a prek4 at Nelly K. Um, truthfully, I didn't sleep last night when I found out about the Paris. The thought of my four-year-old daughter
being in a class of I don't know what is it 25? Is it 20, 30? And not having any support for that teacher is devastating to me because she I I was already worried about my special needs
son next year with with everything that the the district is going through, but I at least thought that, you know, my my gened kid would be okay. And thinking of my little one being in a class with other students who have maybe no school, never been in school before. Um, and you
a lot of times in kindergarten, you also have students who may need to be classified, but we don't know it yet. And having one person there to attend to all of their needs, plus my little one is is scary to me. I'm I'm worried for
her for the first time. And I am Nelly K. Parker, Hackinack Public Schools heart and soul will work till 5:00 a.m. if it means it's for the kids and for my family and for my community. But for the first time, if if I'm going to look at my little one being in a class of 30
with one teacher, I'm I I may have to start looking at other options. You know, my neighbor across the street has a kindergartener in the charter school. They have one teacher, two Paris, 25 kids. That sounds better to me than my daughter being in a class of 30 with no
Paris. So, I I really do encourage you to consider, you know, we want people to stay in district and Nelly K is an amazing place and we have such amazing staff and administration, but if we don't have the tools to give them what
they need to do what they need to do, our kids are going to suffer. And I I can't imagine my daughter's real first foundational year in kindergarten being uh just such a such so uncertain and I'm
really really really concerned and I hope that this can be reconsidered and that it's not as bad as my my brain is going. But that's how the prek parents feel right now. That's how the kindergarten parents feel right now. And you know, I just hope that as you have in the past been very transparent, that
you continue to be transparent and there's a way to continue to give our kids continuity. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hi, my name is Chris. Can you guys hear me? >> Yes. Good evening. >> Okay. Hi, my name is Christine Katona. I
have a kindergartener in Hillers and I'm actually just appalled to hear from none of you guys but from my 5-year-old son last night that his aid, Miss Margaret, who's wonderful, is no longer in his classroom. We had no notice from the
principal, no notice from the board. To hear from my child that his teacher now has 20 plus kids alone is just completely appalling. That's no way to treat your staff. Number one, they work extremely hard. And now to have them
completely alone with no help. I don't think any of you have been in a kindergarten class to see how unsafe that is. Not only for the children's education, but for the safety. Today, I had to pick my son up early and no adult walked him to the door. You know who it was? Another student helper. Another
5-year-old roaming the holes because now there's no teacher to help walk him to the door. It's also a safety issue. My son fell in the bathroom last week because of water and nobody was there as it is. What if a kid is bleeding? What
if a kid is injured? Who will help him? The teacher is trying to teach. This is not the age group that somebody should be stripped away from. And I just want to know why kindergarten. There are so many other positions if you need to make budget cuts that can be
done. They are the most important people. the par professionals to our schools and you are not treating them as such. They are not disposable. So you please need to reconsider for our children and the teachers. Thank you.
>> Hi, my name is Gwenny Bert. Hopefully you can hear me. >> Yes. Good evening. >> Good evening. I am a uh lifelong resident of Hackinac New Jersey, a um proud Comet,
part of clergy in the community as well as other organizations and a kindergarten teacher. Um I have to say that it was very difficult to have to explain to my kindergarten class that one of our parents wouldn't be with us
anymore. um and to get them to understand that it wasn't a bad thing, which was difficult to say. Um I think my largest concern was the fact that parents were not informed and to hear have parents hear it from their kids,
I'm sure was overwhelming. Um, so I guess I'm curious as to this point how um if this is how we're handling moving people and the things that are coming up um what kind of communication
is going to be made to parents as well as the community to inform them of what is happening because it is overwhelming very much so to walk in and find out that two days later um you're not going
to have part of the staff that you need to help keep your classroom going. I teach an inclusion class. That is a major major major change for the kids that are in my class and it was just very disheartening for it to be done
that way. I do understand that at least I believe that it's not the principal's responsibility to inform parents. To me, it sounds more like it should come from someone else. And so I'm hoping that um
a light bulb has gone on and we're going to look at how we're going to communicate this information. As difficult as it might be, the community and parents need to know what's going on. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. My name is Matt Holmes.
Um, I'm discouraged. Um, I've not had the, uh, most confidence inspiring experience so far with the administration in this school district. Um, the fact that you put teachers um,
one in the position that you're removing resources from their classroom um, and then made it their responsibility to notify families is unconscionable as a as a leader. Um if you're trained educators and administrators and professionals, um the responsibility
lies with you. Um not only to make the decision, but also to stand behind it and to be the one notifying folks uh of the decision you've made. Um you've left notification to the classroom teacher um
after you're pulling resources away from them in a classroom that's been identified as needing this resource. So what's changed in that classroom where the once needed resource is no longer needed? You didn't put those par
professionals in the classroom because there was a surplus. You identified a need for them. And as far as I can see, as far as the academic needs of the students, there's been no change. Uh but you're removing a resource. And
I can't imagine that this decision was made this week uh or yesterday, but that's when we found out about it. So, um you need to do better. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> At this time, the public comment section
is closed. Um, I would definitely like to address some of the concerns that uh the public has mentioned. Um, and I I would definitely say if we could just start um
off with the Paris situation um so that we can address that. Thank you. So, Miss Andrea, >> I'm not sure how much I can share because some of it is personnel. So,
I'm not sure how much I can share, but I do want to apologize because the last minute notice, if there was a two-day notice, you're absolutely right. There should have been more time for transition. And
in terms of the communications, it's difficult to share everything because some things I just cannot share. Um, but you're absolutely right with the communications going forward. I I I listen to what you had to say about
kindergarten. There have been practices where kindergarten parents have been in classrooms uh for years. There was a certain practice that was supposed to happen that when you got to a certain number,
that's when you would get a par educator. I was a principal at the time and in a certain number I was only allowed to have a parent. So I just wanted to clarify that that every kindergarten class is not received a parent. Uh but I guess over the years
things don't get monitored. You know we're we're fiscally at least we thought fiscally sound. And so it was a lecture. but is no longer a luxury. And so
that's what we have to look at. And as I listen to you and many of the parents on the call saying, "Well, kindergarten is the foundation." So we're willing to maybe sacrifice parents at the kindergarten level.
And what I would say to you is when we look at this for next year, if we're going to add somewhere, we're going to have to subtract something. And that's another thing that never it didn't happen. And it's no one no one's
blame because we all think that we were okay, but we're not okay. We take these things into consideration. So I have to be very you know firm to say if we add
something is getting subtracted and whatever gets subtracted either the teachers or the parents you'll be here for for that but I heard you and we will definitely take what you said into consideration
one more thing >> there was a question about projected classroom size for kindergarten So we I I believe that was um Sue A. >> Yes. >> In terms of the projected enrollment,
there's high poverty districts and there's a certain certain staff about the number of students 25 is correct. For full transparency,
class sizes will be larger. And the reason they will be larger is because we have a budget deficit. And if we continue the way we are with smaller class sizes, we cannot meet the budget deficit. And
that's the reality. The class sizes are going to be larger in elementary school and middle school and in high school. So I want to be very transparent about
that. The reason that you have not received information aside from the kindergarten situation that's should have received information and I take full responsibility for that that it happened quickly. The reason you're not receiving information about everything
that's going to happen is because we don't want to send out a letter and parents swear premature about class size about changes because it's ongoing. When you have a situation like this
where unfortunately our staff are losing their jobs and also it affects the tenure staff, there's a lot of moving parts. So what I don't want to do is send out one thing and then say, "Oops, this is going to change or say, oh,
we're not going to be able to have this program now when I told you you going to be able." So that's what we're waiting for. Um, so I absolutely u understand I've been in a kindergarten class as Miss Pyro will tell you in the
right and it's what's unfortunate is that changes. It's going to be different next year. It is going to be difficult and we've been used to a certain lifestyle that I would love for us to have but we just can't have it. So once
again I apologize. as I take full responsibility for the communications tomorrow. I will revisit this with my team and that's what I um one of the other questions um
the money that the council gave us uh where did that go if that went towards the Paris to save the Paris and what can we do as a community? So that so in that resolution it said to not disrupt.
So March 31st we were going to lose a significant amount of staff and that was going to require changes in class size, changes in teachers mid year, uh different transfers a lot and that was
the major disruption. But what I think now is this is being interpreted as a disruption. Like again this personnel reasons it's it is a disruption. It's like but it's a reassignment. So and I that's as
much as I can tell you right now. I'm going to try to craft something for you that I can give you as much information as possible. So, no one is losing
their position this year. That is the it's in the HA what was promised but and I can't promise you that there won't be other reassignments. I really I really can't want you to be transparent because we just can't. There's a part where we
still have to be fiscally responsible and it's like safety and not being able to have what we had, especially kindergarten. But at the same time, we are still in this budget season and we still need to be fiscally
responsible in this 25 26 school year because what I don't want to happen is when we get ordered it this year that they say we left at a deficit because we're trying to do things
to save money, but it's not on the backs of students. It's just that's what we're trying to do. I'm going to I hope that I think that at least satisfied right now.
>> Thank you. Um I believe that was that was it with the questions. Um so one thing I do want to mention before we go into executive so that um board members are aware uh and the public is aware as well. Um,
normally we would just go right into executive to discuss personnel, but there are some things that we do have going on that can only be discussed in public life. It can't be discussed in in close session. So, one of the things that just recently happened is
yesterday, right? I keep forgetting it. Yes, it was yesterday. Uh, Miss Andrea O's parchment did address the district staff at a staff meeting. Um it was done partially in person and partially um live
>> live streamed. Thank you. And the other thing that we also want to discuss was the um that our budget was rejected by the county superintendent and we'll be discussing that in public today. So I'm going to give it up to Miss Andrea
Parchman if you could discuss first the staff meeting and what you discussed there and then um the budget. >> Thank you. Good. I remember what I wanted to say about and also any staff who are listening especially our kindergarten teachers
if you were notified please accept our apologies all of the staff my apology. So yesterday I met with the staff because I want to always be transparent
and what I said to them is that I do not want to send emails especially a time like this want to keep it as personal and not impersonal as possible. So I had to share with the staff the timeline and what is going to happen now because we
do know at the end of the year we will be um losing some many of our all of our dedicated staff. So what I shared with them is what's going to happen beginning next week so that there's no surprise. And I
shared that in this letter I followed up with a written memo to all was there today that next Thursday, Friday, elected staff members will be notified by either their principal
or their direct supervisor or the acting superintendent depending on who this affects regarding the reduction of their position for the 2026 2027 date. Friday,
all district staff, all of us will receive rising assistance because as I said to you, this is an ongoing situation and things could continue to change. Wednesday, April 22nd, the board of ed
is anticipated that the heck board of education will take action on the recommended reductions and renewals. And on Thursday, April 23rd, formal notice of the BOA action will be hand
delivered to the affected staff by their principal. And why I spoke to them now because who wants to receive as sometimes it happens in other industries a letter saying that
you're not going to be working with us. That's that's not how we do this in half a second with different and then May and June as I said to you it's because of the number of
risks reduction in force there will be anticipated reassignments of ST and that's going to happen as well and that's going to be in May and June and that will be communicated by the appropriate uh supervisor.
And I guess I'll go right into why budget was rejected. >> So before we go go into that, just so that board members know, if you have any questions that are not related to personnel to the budget, this is your opportunity to ask. You cannot ask those type of questions in executive session.
So as much information that you can give us and as much questions that you can ask so that you have clarity. Okay. Um this is a time to ask. >> And then finally welcome. And then finally I I I mentioned to the staff that about the situation with our budget and
this may entail even more reductions based on what we received from the county superintendent. So this letter was addressed to me and to our business administrator Dr. Lewis
from uh Patrick Fletcher who was executive superintendent of schools for Burton County for the department of education New Jersey Department of Education. Miss Parchman and Dr. Lewis, this is a followup to our discussion. Please be aware that my office cannot
approve your budget submission as is and there were two reasons why. Number one, well, you remember me presenting um the corrective action plan. In that corrective action plan, in order to make up for the deficit, we had to come up
with $9.1 million. We had to borrow from ourselves, but we now have to pay it back. There was a question about whether we had the payback starting next year or the following year, but it was very clear as we saw in the letter, it was
this year that was that payback was not included. It's 2 million. Uh it's $1.8 million each year. I'm sorry to interrupt. Do you have copies of that by any chance? >> Yes, I had it for
>> Yes. Can we have Thank you. And also the proposed budget does not contain significant reductions to adequately address
the current deficit of 17 mill. So we have four. So that was that is the status of that's how it was. >> I have a question. Uh, did they not tell us that it had to be paid back this
year? Uh, the the reserves that we were taking off? >> Yes, they said >> they did. >> Yes. >> But we still factored it in >> like prior to this. I'm saying when we took the money, were we told that it had to be paid back this year? >> They didn't tell us it had to be paid back when we took the money, but it was
in the letter. The letter that they sent to us that >> was right. But there was a question that arose from, you know, there was a question that arose that we didn't think that we had to pay it
back this year that we not this year, but that's the 20 26 27. Just to follow up on that, um, so why was there no followup from the business office? Um, uh, in terms of, you know, confirming
whether or not that payment needed to be included in the 2627 budget, >> we did we followed the business office as well as our consultant, >> but followed up with who? Because then it was rejected, you know, for not including
>> we followed up with Patrick Fletcher. I think she's saying prior >> prior to submitting the budget. >> We were told that the money had to be paid back this year and >> we didn't follow up. So, >> right. >> Why didn't we follow up? >> Right. Before submitting the budget, why
wasn't that confirmed by the business office? >> Yes, it was a technicality involved in that um borrowing the money from ourselves. uh
how much was it used in this 25 26 year if it wasn't a substantial amount it would automatically false be retained they'll follow the other someone in Trenton came out and said no that's not true and that's when we got
over five that we we have included and I had conversations you madam president and uh more attorney that we should appeal that ruling and we we just needed some more facts uh to
document how much of that money you use. So because we don't I don't I personal view I don't think we have to pay back the same year that you use the money and they they want us to pay back all the
money they took the total amount of 9 million change and and they took they just divided saying that everybody you got to take back everything every each year. So it's up here. So we're going to send
it to the to the commissioner back collection. But if they if they overrule this, yes, we still have to pay it back. So Tom, how how is that? What's the timeline on something like that? Obviously the budget needs to be submitted and approved, but it's kind of
waiting for this, right? So what is that something that they expedite because they know that? >> I hope so. tell the people to handle everything else to see if we can get it done but can't guarantee >> but as it stands now it's back in it's
in the budget it's in the budget >> so can there be a situation where we somehow make all these cuts and do all these things taking into account we have to pay back this $9.1 million then it gets turned over and then we're going back again and changing rips or is that
something that because it makes it so fluid, right? Like if it gets overturned that changes everything, right? >> Well, it's in the budget now because it was sent back to us. So, it's in the budget. The repayment is in the budget. Okay. >> But
>> that's the one thing. >> Yes. It's it's >> in budget. We still the full transparency we still are looking to make up more. We have to we
have to one way or another you will be go you will go into a deficit >> and if you go into a deficit you will get a slow margin. So but we're working on it
>> this question is that 9.2 2 million. >> So it's 5.4 million that we have to pay back. But as part of the reserves, we don't. So it's 5.4 / 3. >> Okay. So eight. >> Okay. So on top of that
says here number two, we also had um >> um sufficient reductions wasn't adequate. That's on top of that. Yes. >> So, how do we send in this uh budget
to get the consultant with inadequate numbers? >> So, the the county superintendent wants to see more cuts. Uh that's what it comes out to. He was very clear. He said your
expected expenses that's under 74 million. He wanted to see $24 million of cuts rather than what we did where the match on cuts and increase in revenue. He he's concentrating on the expense side and said he wanted to see
additional cuts and that's why and that's why he stated in his statement because there was not some um reductions. Was there a question with the revenue that we put in the budget? Is that why there was concern about the
cuts or was it is the revenue cut dry definitely getting this money to balance out the cuts or was that in question? >> The revenue some of the revenue identified was not guaranteed revenue. That's the best. So
when you're building a budget, you you look to see where income and revenue is going to be. And just with any kind of organizational business, you have anticipated revenue. That's when you're you're looking at what your anticipated
expenses are. You can't guarantee that your expenses are going to be this amount because you might close the budget. you can reduce the amount of expenses as well as you look to see what kind of revenues you can bring into the district. And what we did was when
building this, we assumed around 1.8 to 1.9 of anticipated revenue from a partnership with the joint. And that's having open classrooms. that's looking at um bringing students back into your district, reducing the amount of funds
going out to external um organizations and that's what that was comprised of when the county superintendent said he didn't want us to have that because it's not the guaranteed. So we have to go by the county superintendent's
um s suggestion or what he feels that fits and that's what we have to do. >> So how much of how much of this um anticipated revenue that didn't work out?
How how much of that was that we have to now supply? >> Right. That was approximately 1.9. >> How much? approximately 1.9. >> Okay. On top of the 1.8 for the >> Yes.
>> And then um uh my question uh you know just I know that we have been communicating with the county superintendent's office throughout this time since we first submitted our our cap. Um, and just wondering why some of these issues were not addressed in those
conversations before we actually submitted the formal preliminary budget. Like, can we try to make up this deficit with a mix of revenue and expenses? That would have been a very simple response from him where he would have said, I want to see that this is guaranteed revenue or, you know, fixed expense
cuts. um because you know the we already started off in a very precarious situation and so given the gravity of you know the preparing the budget getting it right I just I think that there's pro you know there's general
frustrations that there wasn't for communication in actually preparing the budget before it was submitted to the county bottom line is that this just defer sex in this. What he really was expecting is if you have a $24 million deficit,
just forget the revenue. >> Mhm. If your budget was $550 million, I want to see 525, whatever. See it reduced by 24 little cuts.
that that's that's just the bottom line. So then so the revenue part you know Dr. Lewis can can speak to that. I I will say though I you know just to kind of piggy back off of what Trusty Mahamsa is saying um about the county
superintendent I I I am disappointed in in the fact that our county superintendent has been involved from the very beginning in this process knowing from the moment we had a deficit that there was an issue. Has met with us in several different groups and
committees and has explained to us what is it that we need to do? how much we need to cut, what is a a liable revenue source, and and I it almost sounds as if we did not follow some of those recommendations or ignore those
recommendations or kind of threw certain things in there in hopes that it would pass. And now we're pushed back. And he also gave us an extension on top of that. That was an additional
extension. So in terms of our QAC, right, because he knew we were in this issue um with the deficit. So now we have another deadline of May 6 where we have to present a budget and
and I'm I'm concerned that we're not going to have enough time. So I think I have to say this, too. We're being asked to rectify as everyone know the order to present
presented a situation that has been occurring for over four years. And we now here are being asked to rectify this by decimating this dis There were also other options
as we went along, but we know there could have been options of passing public. Thank God we received what we did from the city council, but there were other options too that as we go went along, it was late.
But we can't perform miracles. This is what we have. And this was since 2021. And now it comes to light, thank God, by our assistant business administrators
when I first took office that we had this and it grew from a small amount of $3 million to now what we have here. and we we're doing what we can do,
but this is what we were tasked with and I accepted a position to be tasked with it. And I'm here to do it, but this is what it is. And there's still a a lot of money. There's still a deficit now
because of these reductions. And we're going to have to discuss what we're going to do next. >> Full transparency. I I just needed to say that >> because this is not something that happened in 20
425 June 18th. >> Right. Right. and I think we we all acknowledge, you know, that this is there is no handbook for how you deal with a massive school deficit, especially a deficit that, as you said,
has been building up for years due to um you know, mismanagement, fiscal mismanagement or leadership decisions from within the administration and from prior board leadership. Um I think everybody acknowledges that. I think
there is a level of frustration because for example you mentioned um you know possibly um considering a public question. We were only presented with that option the day before a board meeting where we would have had to um
vote on something that we had no information on because um because the business office did not know what the deadlines were that they were that week. So, I want to make that very clear. That was not a decision that we automatically rolled out. We were left with no time.
Um, so that that just needs to be clear in the public record. >> Yeah. >> I'm sorry. I do want to be clear that was not a business office situation when we received the information from the county superintendent. We provided it to the board president that same day. So it
was not that the business office did not um hold anything from the board members or did not provide it when had it did not know the information or the scheduling. That is not an accurate statement. So I just wanted to read folks that was >> but there are people in the business
office that have had experience with public questions you know in the past. So everybody is aware that there are four deadlines throughout the year you know within the state for public questions. So that you know >> how does it sneak up?
>> Yeah. >> I have a calendar at home that I got from the county. So there there's a definite level of frustration and I think we just need to put that out there. And we also, you know, acknowledging that this is such a complicated process, made sure that we
got additional assistance, you know, by obtaining um a consultant to help throughout the budget process. And that's why we moved forward with that quickly before, you know, aggressively, you know, getting into the public the budget process. So there there's a definite level of frustration, but at
the same time acknowledging that this is this is not something that anyone um knows how to do, you know, to to navigate. Um you know, there was a an article just yesterday in the Star Ledger citing 11 school districts, you
know, including Hackinack across the state that are navigating this same issue and many are dealing with it in different ways. Some having to close entire school buildings. um you know having to completely lay off a lot of staff, some having to go to major um you
know tax increases. Um so you know we recognize that there's no one way to deal with that >> and and even now you know with the fact that we don't know what to do. I think at this point
I I kind of know what to do >> but you can't do it. >> Yeah. because nobody would be here. I mean, we would be >> you have to be responsible. Yeah. >> What are we gonna do? Um lay off or riff for another 150? You can't have
classrooms, have seminars and auditoriums where 100 students in the high school are taking a math course with one teacher. Um this this is the reality and it's been done in other districts. Right. Right.
>> And so, yeah. be done. >> And I don't even know if that would be enough. >> Yeah. >> Just going back to the number one point in this letter. >> If the and I don't have the letter from
February 27th in front of me. We were approved to to borrow the the 5 that's round up 5.5 million. the timeline of how we had to pay it back.
I'm I'm unclear. I knew we had to pay it back, but if we So, if we use enough of the 54 order to shore up stuff from 2526 full year, then the repayment would start at 2627. But if we didn't use enough below a certain threshold, then
the payback would start at 2728. Is that what we're saying? >> That's right. >> Yes. >> Okay. So I mean how we discussed but then were we under that I guess I'm I'm trying to understand another 1.8 million on top of everything else we're dealing with.
>> We vote we voted I voted on a preliminary budget but I wasn't clear on this piece. Can you walk us through when we knew this was an issue and was it before or after we voted on the preliminary budget?
It was once we received the letter said 25 26 27 the first year 2728 everybody got the letter but and speaking to our consultant I said well that has to go in the budget we have to
pay it back and the cons and Tom Mr. Egan said, "I don't think you have to pay that back." True. >> So that's that's where we stand. >> How was that communicated to us either as a finance committee or as a full board before we voted on the preliminary
budget? >> No. They say that they I always hope you administration I can't say in the finance
and as a board we voted on the preliminary budget but um not knowing that we would have to include in the budget. Um
this 3 whatever million dollar um or 5.1 started be in next year's budget. No, it wasn't but the issue uh
there's no question that uh I know I spoke with administration I go mentioned in that finance community that there was no question that money had to be retired question was what gives us to return so
correct nothing So then we we we started to do put the uh together that we started to pay it back the follow
and we got the rule that was from Pat Fletcher who said no you got to take it you got to go to me and they they that's going to be dealing with the the board attorney once I get
the board to send formal letter to ask for those to be required to pay back next year following but I don't know how it's going to work out >> right so that's not a guaranteed option yes but
>> so should do we have I guess back to Mike's question before. Are we waiting until we get approved or do we >> got to put it in the budget because it's in the budget. She's because I have a letter from the superintendent uh county
superintendent saying >> it's got to be in the budget or he's not going to approve But best case scenario, going back to Mike's question, I don't think it was answered before, like if we find out that the state actually gives us that waiver and says you don't have to pay it back in this budget, what
happens to that additional $1.8 million worth of non-renewals that we made to what happens to those staff? So that that that that doesn't impact that this one point has it's not impacting any
>> all it's going to do is reduce >> the number of cuts that he's saying for us to make >> an addition. >> Okay. >> Absolutely no. It would absolutely have no impact. But here again, what we're
going to be doing is moving it to the next year to 2007 2008. Yeah. Just moving the debt forward in that situation that fine because then
we can determine where we're going as a financial district. But to say you're borrowing now to pay it back now. That's why and from a finan
the undercover it will be fantastic. >> Yes, we'll see. But I also wanted to say that and you know our attorney will tell us this is statute. This is law. Right. So if you change something like this, you're changing and then it has an
impact on everyone. So because this that's what says it needs. >> So if they get a waiver, I don't know what else would happen. >> So um >> but in addition to this 1.8 billion, >> what I I'm sorry. What I'm struggling
with is as and this is a lot for everybody. The decisions that we have to make. There's a weight. It's a burden. There's a weight to it. I want to make sure that
I'm making and voting on the least damaging because it's going to be damaged. The least damaging thing that we can do if I'm understanding what we're saying is that we now need to make 1.8 million
more cuts might be human cuts or programmatic cuts or I don't know where it's coming from than we thought when we voted on the building budget. Is that what we're saying? Yeah. So that's part of it,
but it's in the budget now. >> So now that's in the budget. >> I understand that. But in terms of what we said yes to, we said yes to a less conservative figure. What we should have said was we need to work with the more conservative
figure. If we get it back, great. But if we don't, and that the flow of information and how we as board members know what we're doing is critical because it's going to be bad no matter which way you slice it. But how the bag goes down,
there spoons full of sugar with this medicine or not, those are the things I'm concerned about. Whatever decisions had to be made about Paris and kindergarten is less an issue than how the medicine went down. And I think
that there's some operational things that need to look at because there's just going to be months and months and months coming of how that bad gets digested is still important. And I and I'm I'm concerned
that from a full of information point of view that if I don't know certain information, I can't ask a question. And if I can't ask questions, I can't be clear on what I'm voting on. And there's so much at stake. The the weight of this is
almost paralyzing not just for my own child, but all of the kids and the adults and everybody being affected by this. There's some things we could that we need to do better in order to make sure that we're making the best decisions or
the least damaging decisions possible. >> So, communication. >> So, in terms of the budget at this point, how are we looking? How far are we and do we expect to have the budget ready by April 22nd or do we need to look into
having maybe a special meeting the week after? >> Here's my concern. We've already stated a timeline that means that people are going to be informed about losing their jobs.
But as a board member, I don't feel like I've seen the information that I would want to see. The list of people, who's leaving, who's staying, which buildings are affected. I'm not as as interested in names, but are we clear on
who where are these like who's going where before we start? Where as a board member, I'm not clear that I'll know what that looks like before people get that get that news. And if the budget's not due till May 6th, these people have to find out next week. What numbers are
we basing that on if it's not finalized? I'm concerned that we're making moves, but the data is still not like good. >> Just so you know, today we will be discussing some of those things. >> Okay.
>> Um I don't know. >> I do have one other question. Um uh you know just for purposes of our taxpayers um just to confirm the the rate of the tax the 8.9% total
tax levy that should not change right that that rate >> that's we we've that's the maximum. So just to confirm to folks that tax rate will not change because there are a lot of people you know having just heard you know from
from the city um you know that just want to have an understanding on what they're you know they have to plan for their bills. So just want to confirm that that 8.9% is not going to increase you know for votes just so they think that's the highest statute >> that's the highest. So, I just want the
public to know that that that is the maximum we can do and that that will not change. And I want to want to be transparent again. I I have to based on the fact that we have to make
additional cuts and if it's not possible to make those cuts to as you mentioned it be devastating we don't make those cuts then we'll be looking at something
different. And what those what the differences will be have to assess. >> Yeah. And uh and I personal
believe we're gonna have to discuss in close session because I can't elaborate further because of personnel. Um and I apologize if I'm not understanding this. Explain to me. So our current deficit is 17 million or I
hear 24. Can you explain to me? It's 24. >> It's 24. All right. So, when we were at 17 for this year, I remember that numbers were thrown around that the amount of cuts that would need
to be made were so great that it would be difficult to run the district, right? So, and and talk about transparency a lot, but you know, every single person that calls in, I mean, for the past months, it's communication, communication, and people don't feel like they're being communicated with.
And I'm not trying to say the sky is falling, but I think we need to talk about it, right? So, if we were at 17 million and we couldn't before the city gifted us that six and a half million, which you know, I've heard people say, "Oh, well, it's just for this year." Yeah. Kept teachers in classrooms for kids and that's continuity and it's
huge. Like, but people don't overlook that like what that gap did that that that money. Um, but if we couldn't find that number of people cut or it was too many people at 17 million and we're at 24, how how is
I'm just saying like again I'm not trying to say the sky is falling, but how are we I'm looking at Montlair. I'm looking at the other places. Schools are closing >> and I'm not trying to panic people, but I think people want to know like what what are we looking at? Like is this or maybe even Tom your experience? Is this
something that you've seen that's that's that we can get through. Is this something? Again, I'm going to put that all the thing that's the anxiety and concern that this can be solved, but it's going
to take some hard decisions. It's I think we can go into a little bit more in private because there's a lot of decisions we haven't discussed yet. >> We're moving the part that we can't discuss. That's if I
understand, right? That's what we're talking about, right? Well, it's all I just found out about. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um, are there any other questions regarding the budget that we can discuss
in public? Anything that's related to personnel with the budget will be discussed in executive. But are there any other questions? Any concerns? Okay. >> All right. So, at this time we are going to move into executive session. Be it
resolved that the Hackasac board of education determines if necessary to meet an executive session on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 to discuss legal personnel, student related matters, HIV reports, negotiations, and other confidential matters. And be it further
resolved that these matters will be made public hearing the need for confidentiality. no longer exists. Can I have a motion to go into executive, please? >> I'll make a motion. >> Okay. Motion by Vice President Martin, second by Trustee Stein. All those in favor say I.
>> Anyone opposed? Any abstensions? Okay. Thank you very much. So, so that the public is aware, we're going into executive. Um, when we come out there, no action will be taken. So the video will be done and there will be no board
comments at the end as well. Okay, thank you all for joining us and have a good evening. Good night. Good night. Yeah. Sh.