WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=Io7ElYce6y8

Part: 1

1
00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:20.080
All right, 7 o'clock. We're going to call the meeting to order. You can please rise for the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation

2
00:00:20.080 --> 00:00:38.520
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Root of address. In the event of an emergency, all people may exit right or left from this room. Proceed to an exit door. All doors will open from the inside. Open public meetings announcement.

3
00:00:39.040 --> 00:00:54.399
The New Jersey open public meetings law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advanced notice of and to attend meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting their interests is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the provision of this act, the Hilden Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting to be

4
00:00:54.399 --> 00:01:10.159
published in the North Jersey Record Herald News. The board's official newspaper on January 9th, 2026. Notices of the meeting indicating date, time, and place were posted publicly on the door of the main office to the school and filed with the clerk of the municipality of roll call, please.

5
00:01:10.159 --> 00:01:27.640
>> Mrs. Cerna, >> here. >> Miss Kadra, >> here. >> Mrs. Fischer, >> here. >> Miss here. >> Miss Gatlin, >> here. Miss Mr. Guzman, Miss Johnson here, >> Mr. Williams, I believe he's online.

6
00:01:28.400 --> 00:01:53.439
>> I believe that's >> online. >> And Mr. Ka, >> we're going to begin with the presentations. So first presentation is honoring teacher of the year and educational service provider of the year.

7
00:01:53.439 --> 00:02:10.959
>> Sure. So we'll start with the the teacher of the year. Um and I think that if anyone's part of the fabric of the Hailen public school I I I think that it's it's Miss Lindon. I think we all know that. And I also I was I was

8
00:02:10.959 --> 00:02:26.800
driving here today and I was thinking to myself, I bet you you look at her wardrobe, how many Halen public school shirts she must own. I I bet it's off the charts. And and and it goes back, you know, she's been here for 37 years.

9
00:02:26.800 --> 00:02:43.599
And you know, there's a certain they don't even give out anymore, which is like the you could teach any grade level. And Miss Nton has that, Miss Carcina had that as well, you know, until she passed. But it's it's it's a it's a cert that allows you to be such a utility player for an organization that

10
00:02:43.599 --> 00:03:00.000
you love and and I I I genuinely believe that Miss Norton loves the Halen public school. So let me just read um some some facts about Miss Norton that kind of make her such a a stalward employee and teacher educator. So she's starting her

11
00:03:00.000 --> 00:03:16.720
she started her 37th year at Hen Public School uh this September. So, she'll be at 38 next year, which is remarkable. Uh, and not only is she right now she's, uh, you know, an upper level history teacher, but she's also taught science.

12
00:03:16.720 --> 00:03:31.519
She's also taught language arts, she's taught social studies, she's taught math, uh, and she's probably taught other stuff that she probably didn't even tell me. She's probably been teaching everything. Um she's got her a master's in administration and I think a big part of that is the reason why her

13
00:03:31.519 --> 00:03:48.319
peers uh you know for eight years elected her continuously to be the HA president for their their association. Um she she developed much of our professional development. Um, and I'm sure she's got, you know, some stories to tell about the trip she's took kids

14
00:03:48.319 --> 00:04:04.640
to to Washington and DC and Boston and Philadelphia because tell you, field trips are great for kids. They're they're always great when they end and everybody gets home safely, but during time uh it's it's an adventure. >> Uh, not only is she was our eighth grade

15
00:04:04.640 --> 00:04:21.680
advisor for the yearbook, uh, but she was, uh, she designed the yearbook and she advised her eighth grade. So, I'm sure a lot of people watching this on I see a lot of people on the Zoom. Uh, a lot of their children's their ceremonies were designed and then facilitated by this thought. She's currently the sixth

16
00:04:21.680 --> 00:04:37.680
grade class advisor. She directs plays. She's built a longlasting relationship with students. She's helped design the code of conduct. And one of the things I would think is most remarkable that you didn't say, when I tell people that I work at Halen Public School, the the amount of percentage of time that

17
00:04:37.680 --> 00:04:53.759
someone says, "Oh, you know, Miss No. like it's it's it's synonymous. So, um I just want to say I was really really pleased like I we got some new visitors which is great. Um I sitted on I sitted on the teacher of the year and ed service provider of the year committee

18
00:04:53.759 --> 00:05:09.360
meetings and I only vote if I have to break a tie. That's been my my you know go-to strategy the whole year. And uh this you we we had a lot of we had a lot of great candidates. Uh there was no need for me to vote this particular

19
00:05:09.360 --> 00:05:30.000
year. I think everybody was really really excited that you won this award. So I just want to start the round of applause for Miss Nic. Now we're going to go talk about uh Miss and we're going to have both of you guys come up for pictures in a second with the board. Um but Miss Christina

20
00:05:30.000 --> 00:05:45.680
Sarissian has won the educational service provider of the year. Uh I met Miss Sarissian when I when I first came here obviously and she was in the lit department but before that she had taken a lot of positions and what what I think is is so remarkable about Miss Sarissian

21
00:05:45.680 --> 00:06:02.320
is when when there's a couple maternity leaves or people have to take off we need to switch the schedule last second even like Monday night at 10 p.m. and we got to switch the schedule for Monday. Um, and we and we know we could, you know, throw Miss Arissian in a situation

22
00:06:02.320 --> 00:06:19.919
like we we're fully assured that things are going to work out okay. Like she's an absolute all-star. She's a team player. She's respected by all her peers. She's loved by all her peers and she's loved by all our students and all of her students parents adore her as well. So, um, she's been here for 21

23
00:06:19.919 --> 00:06:34.639
years teaching in the Halen public school. She's taught BSI, which is basic skills. She's taught fifth grade. She's taught sixth grade. She's taught seventh grade now. She's a reading specialist. Uh she's written curriculum. Uh she's helped out with her school plays. Um

24
00:06:34.639 --> 00:06:51.680
she's another person that um you know kind of has held them public school DNA running through her and and she's got she's got as warm a heart as as anyone could ever have in the world. Um and I think everyone and every parent and every student, every board member in

25
00:06:51.680 --> 00:07:14.919
this district is incredibly fortunate to have a rock star like her. and Morton in our district. So both I want to give them both a round of applause come up and so Miss N you want to say something? >> Yeah. >> The floor is yours if you want to speak.

26
00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:40.240
>> I'll put you on the floor, babe. >> I'm embarrassed. >> Okay. >> Um thank you, >> Mr. Casey. would you like to say? Come on up. We'd love to have you come on up. >> Um, good evening members of the board of

27
00:07:40.240 --> 00:07:55.520
education, members of the administration, colleagues, family, friends. I'm grateful and humbled to have been selected as this year's educational service provider of the year. I've had the privilege of working at Y public school for the past two decades. And in that time, I've served

28
00:07:55.520 --> 00:08:12.160
as an elementary school teacher, middle school teacher, and now as one of the district's reading specialists. Having worked here for so long, some of my past students are now in their early and late 20s. And I have to say, one of my greatest joys is running into them Starbucks or the supermarket and

29
00:08:12.160 --> 00:08:28.240
learning what they've been up to since they've been here at HPS. Um, it makes me so proud to see how their lives have progressed over the years. Each year that I've been a teacher here at Hailen has had its own joys and each year has helped me grow professionally as an educator. I'm thankful for my

30
00:08:28.240 --> 00:08:45.040
family and the people over the years, especially my mom who encouraged me to pursue my reading special certification. I'm thankful for all that I've learned from the students I've taught and the staff that I've had the privilege of working with over the years. It's unfortunate that only two individuals can be selected each year for teacher of

31
00:08:45.040 --> 00:09:01.600
the year and educational service provider of the year because I truly feel that so many of my colleagues deserve to be recognized for their dedication to their students. I'm honored to be a part of this faculty, the group of people who support each other, celebrate one another, and who have become like to me over the past 20

32
00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:27.200
years. So, thank you again for this incredible You >> changed your mind. Please come up this time. >> So I want to say thank you and I want to say to this board,

33
00:09:27.200 --> 00:09:44.480
we want the same things. We do. The one thing I hope you know about me, Michael, you know me forever. You know, I want what's best for school. We may not always see it the same way, but pick pick

34
00:09:44.480 --> 00:10:02.959
talk to me. Have a conversation with me. I've been here since 1990. And the man that hired me was Luke Cordleon. And he became my mentor. He was the superintendent at that time. He still calls me, by the way. Um and um he interviewed me for sixth

35
00:10:02.959 --> 00:10:20.560
grade and I had only worked a little once and I was like I don't think I can do that. He was like oh of course you can of course you can have no idea that was sort of my wheelhouse and where I belong in middle school. And I I think that if you know

36
00:10:20.560 --> 00:10:37.519
me you would agree with that. I belong in middle school. I'm a middle school kind of gal lady or lady. I'm winding down soon. I won't be around too much longer to bother you, but pick my brain. I've worked for 24 different

37
00:10:37.519 --> 00:10:52.480
administrators. I can give you the litany. I won't tonight. I'll spare you. But I've seen what works. I've seen what doesn't. I also know things have changed.

38
00:10:52.480 --> 00:11:08.880
And I'm open to change. It's not the end of the world. certain things not so much. But I really do think of this place as my home away from home. And I appreciate all of you for the time

39
00:11:08.880 --> 00:11:25.120
that you are really giving of yourself to be here and for the children because that's really what it's all about for me. It's all about the kids. And the best example I can give you is, you know, I have this little lady here who

40
00:11:25.120 --> 00:11:39.600
was was a staff member and she was my former student. So, that's pretty awesome. We have three other staff members. Miss Garda was my student. Um, Miss Tori Smith was my student. Uh, Miss Kayla was

41
00:11:39.600 --> 00:12:05.560
my student. So, I couldn't have been so bad. >> They didn't run. So, thank you for trying to understand who I am and why I'm here and what I want to do. Thank you. us here.

42
00:12:06.320 --> 00:12:22.399
>> Okay. Well, I guess we'll we'll I'll talk about him in his zaps because he's working right now. Uh but he's uh the one staff member. We have a lot of staff member, but this year some years get like 10 retirees, some years get like just zero, some years get one. Uh Bill Spanos is retiring. The story I like

43
00:12:22.399 --> 00:12:39.360
about Bill Bill is that uh I was at the the diner by Kohl's. I think it's called the Park West Diner and um I was with my wife and my son and Bill walks in because he used to work there and he has some kind of family connection to the place and he saw me eating and he he he

44
00:12:39.360 --> 00:12:55.360
wouldn't let me not pay for my meal and I I kept I I don't want staff members to ever pay for my meals. Like I just don't ever want that. So, we kept on going back and forth, but you know, when you're arguing with the Greek about meals, you're probably gonna lose, and I

45
00:12:55.360 --> 00:13:11.600
did. Um, but I think it just showed the character and the and the the heart that he has. Um, he's been with us for a very long time. Um, and I I just think he's a really good good man. Um, he was born in Greece. He came over and I think, you

46
00:13:11.600 --> 00:13:26.720
know, he embodied the idea of the hard work aspect of the American dream. Um, I I think that he's someone that I I look at with respect and admiration and he loves his Yankees, he loves his New York Giants and everything in between. Um,

47
00:13:26.720 --> 00:13:42.880
and I I I just want to thank him for all because it's being a school custodian is a tough job, right? And you know, nobody's more demanding than a group of elementary teachers sometimes, right? Like they want things done their way. Uh, and our and he's he was beloved the

48
00:13:42.880 --> 00:14:03.120
same way you know, you know, Curado was beloved. and all other custodians of Beloved. And I I I just want to thank Bill for all he's done. So, thank you, Bill. >> Um I know we have I think we have Representative Al Deeliz's uh people here. Is that correct?

49
00:14:03.120 --> 00:14:18.720
>> They're on their way. >> Oh, they're on their way. Excellent. So, we have a um an HIP matter uh which we're going to need to go to executive session on. Um, so we'll we'll do that and how long that'll take. U I think if I had to give a guesstimate

50
00:14:18.720 --> 00:14:32.800
at the low end, 10 minutes at the high end, 20 minutes, you know, but it's uh we're going to have that in executive session and then we'll look to get right back to, you know, this particular meeting. Is that okay? Mike, >> do you have a motion to go to executive session?

51
00:14:32.800 --> 00:14:49.680
>> Motion, Mr. Johnson, second. >> All in favor? >> Any oppos? No opposed. executive session for approximately >> financial impacts that are happening in this district. I will tell the teachers

52
00:14:49.680 --> 00:15:04.880
we stand wholeheartedly with you and we never want to see any teacher cut or any staff member because at the end of the day that impacts students right our job is to advocate for every dollar to come back to this town right we are working

53
00:15:04.880 --> 00:15:21.519
very very hard I currently sit on the budget committee that's developing the budget as you know there's a funding formula that the state uses when it comes funding our school districts I will extend the olive branch to the commissioners, the business

54
00:15:21.519 --> 00:15:36.880
administrator, superintendent and administration to sit you down and try to connect you with the DOE to see what is happening in this in this district that's causing the for the funding formula to be where it's at now. Right?

55
00:15:36.880 --> 00:15:52.480
Our staff, both of our staffs and center staff, we are aware. I'm an educator, right? My wife's an educator, fourth grade teacher. I understand what everyone does. Just know that we are working hard to make sure we're trying to bring back dollars. We're not going

56
00:15:52.480 --> 00:16:08.880
to can't guarantee you. We don't know what the budget's going to look like. We're actually budget negotiations um right now to to hopefully before June 30th. Well, we don't take this very lightly. We see what's going on. This is not just what's happening. We hear you

57
00:16:08.880 --> 00:16:25.279
guys. I I read the papers and right away I look at all of our districts. We look at our districts when the when the report comes out what who's getting what and where. Right? So that's why we're here today to let the board know you guys want to sit down with the DOE.

58
00:16:25.279 --> 00:16:42.320
We'll be glad to put you there. Bring your concerns. They need to hear it. Right? All the school districts are doing that. So we'll I will call the commissioner's office. I was on the phone with the chief of staff today. I have her personal cell. I will call her and try to set up a meeting with her um

59
00:16:42.320 --> 00:16:58.399
her me her office and the board of ed members wherever you decide to go in there to really figure out what's going on. And I'll say this uh you know I think this the context is important understand that you know how myself and

60
00:16:58.399 --> 00:17:13.679
we all came from public school districts right so that that's important right we all came from teachers who are from the community who taught us and now are teaching our kids my child still goes to public school he has a very very young

61
00:17:13.679 --> 00:17:32.720
one but on her way But but uh we recognize how hard the job is. And I'll also say that you know the folks on this board we we know them right. I know some of these folks as long time ago very very long time when I was in school when I was in school

62
00:17:32.720 --> 00:17:50.720
myself right I trust them. Uh they have contacts with us on a regular basis and we're supposed to be at the last meeting but because of our schedule we couldn't be here. um you know the senator was just with us and he had to go the opposite way but our point is we are a

63
00:17:50.720 --> 00:18:05.760
new delegation that's important the context this is somewhat of a new board I understand and we are a new delegation here I'm I'm I'm less than 200 days

64
00:18:05.760 --> 00:18:22.799
right and then Benji Wy is new in his position right so you know is are things perfect now. No, but I think through the communication and the relationships that we have, right, I think we can work on making things better hopefully in the

65
00:18:22.799 --> 00:18:40.559
short term and then the longterm plan. H reality is that unfortunately every single district in the state, every single town in the state will have to take some bumps and bruises. Our job is to try to make them as smooth as

66
00:18:40.559 --> 00:18:58.400
possible. Unfortunately, right Patterson, they're asking for $78 million for the city and if not a bunch of people going to be laid off, god forbid. And we recognize that we are facing the same thing. We

67
00:18:58.400 --> 00:19:13.200
have a good relationship with the mayor here in the county. see you know of course the administrator here we'll make sure that the relationship as we all grow and our purpose we're all going to grow in this together and prayerfully you know we'll be able to look back and

68
00:19:13.200 --> 00:19:29.600
say that day that we walked in it worked out for the best thing about this delegation we gonna be straight up honest with you I'm not into that I'm not into that I rather tell you no it's not gonna happen then you see me in the supermarket and

69
00:19:29.600 --> 00:19:45.520
say Right. So, you know, just do the best you can, but be a patient. Like I said, we're all in a different world and we recognize that these folks trying to do the best they can to make room as well. >> Yeah. And um our offices are always

70
00:19:45.520 --> 00:20:02.160
going to be open. Um where and I will give you an update. Right. There will be discussion about the fun for next year. That is when when we met with the governor, that's a priority. Don't know what it's going to look like, but we'll be at the table making sure health and

71
00:20:02.160 --> 00:20:17.120
concerns are going to be there. So, the funding formula is something that we're going to look at when it comes to funding and more importantly, health care is definitely going to be on the table. They get through this. I know the teachers are all shaking their heads. We are going to look at that. That has an

72
00:20:17.120 --> 00:20:33.760
impact on the school district and has an impact on teachers as well. Right. A lot of your costs and I see the business administrator. A lot of your costs are driven by the increase in healthcare. that is in the works, right? We're getting through this budget and I know the fall session is where we're trying

73
00:20:33.760 --> 00:20:49.440
to tackle that. We understand. We hear you. I wish it was as easy just snap a finger and fix healthcare. That's not going to happen. But we understand what's driving this. We're trying to find solutions. And our offices are always open. I know you have a meeting,

74
00:20:49.440 --> 00:21:04.720
but please, if there's any questions, reach out to us and we'll gladly meet with the union. I know six of the board members you have my cell number. I know you personally, you could call me. The other three, I'll gladly give you my cell number off the record and we'll

75
00:21:04.720 --> 00:21:35.280
definitely meet with any questions you may have. Right. Thank you guys. >> Thank you. >> We're going to move to anyone in the building that would like to speak. >> Do we have anyone? Do we have anybody online?

76
00:21:35.280 --> 00:21:51.640
>> All right, seeing nobody in the audience and nobody online. Do you have a motion to close? >> Motion, Miss Cerna. >> Second. >> Second, Miss Gordado. All in favor? >> Any opposed? No.

77
00:21:58.559 --> 00:22:19.039
Do we have a motion to move correspondence? >> Motion to start a second. Mrs. Johnson. All >> in favor? >> Any opposed? >> Do we have a motion to move prior

78
00:22:19.039 --> 00:22:33.600
minutes? Motion, Miss Bado. Second, Miss Cerna. Roll call, please. >> I have a question. Yeah. Um, you have your file attachments here, but that excluded the 18th and the 19th.

79
00:22:33.600 --> 00:22:50.720
>> It's on here, but there's no 18th and 19th of our >> I know I sent in this 19th again the other day. Um, I don't have an answer for the one was sent in. I don't know. >> We'll get it out. So, so if they don't

80
00:22:50.720 --> 00:23:06.640
have the ticket, >> Mr. President, >> which one is it? The 18th. >> 18th and 19th. >> 18th and 19th. Okay. >> Yes. >> So, you're approving all of them except >> we continue. Yes. Um, with respect to the one of the correspondences that was

81
00:23:06.640 --> 00:23:23.919
sent um was a letter from the parent. I just want to have a question to you Mr. President to the superintendent. Do we know if did we identify this person or it's just like a monogous letter or we know who this person is talking to this person

82
00:23:23.919 --> 00:23:39.919
>> however they signed it that's a name on there >> I just want to know if there was any followup or this is just a letter for us like an FYI for us >> I didn't know who to follow up to I don't know if there was anything else

83
00:23:39.919 --> 00:23:58.720
>> okay thank you so roll on prior minutes excluding the special meeting on the 18th and special meeting on the 19th. >> Mrs. Turner questions? >> No. >> Okay. >> Mr. >> Yes.

84
00:23:58.720 --> 00:24:20.760
>> Mrs. Fisher. >> Yes. >> Miss Garcia. >> Yes. >> Miss Gatlin? >> Yes. >> Mr. Guzman? No. >> Miss Johnson? Yes. >> Mr. Williams? Mr. Getta. >> Yes.

85
00:24:20.960 --> 00:24:37.120
Move to committee reports. Um I'd like to thank the two assembly men for coming in and taking some time to speak with us. Um we did reach out to them previously and they have been responsive. So we're grateful for that. Uh I would like to go over I do

86
00:24:37.120 --> 00:24:52.960
understand that many members of our school community are deeply disappointed by the staffing decisions which were made at the previous board meeting. I want to acknowledge that the board does share in this frustration. These are not decisions that any of us take lightly. There are culmination of factors. Those

87
00:24:52.960 --> 00:25:08.000
include the consistent loss of state aid, federal aid, the broken school funding formula, and the historic rise in healthcare costs, which have all which all must be made up by the district at our expense. The district has experienced three consecutive years

88
00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:23.760
of reduction in funding and state aid, which has placed a true and difficult financial constraints on our ability to maintain staffing levels and provide services. As a board of education, we have a dual responsibility. We must ensure that our students continue to receive the

89
00:25:23.760 --> 00:25:39.039
appropriate high-quality education while also fulfilling our fiduciary obligation to the taxpayers and community we serve by operating within the district's fiscal means. Let's take a second to acknowledge how we arrive where we are at.

90
00:25:39.039 --> 00:25:56.000
Previously, for a 5-year period, the board was able to fund the district with 0% tax rates. This was done with the best of intentions by the board at the time and started during the period of COVID when a lot of people were struggling and

91
00:25:56.000 --> 00:26:11.200
it was done with the best intentions to ensure that everyone was able to do the best they could. During the same period, we increased our staffing levels by 31 full-time equivalency positions. Again, these decisions were made at the time with the best intentions of everyone

92
00:26:11.200 --> 00:26:32.240
involved. It's important to clarify the respective roles of the board and administration and personnel map under state law governance. State law and governance structure. The board does not independently make staffing decisions. That authority is vested in the superintendent. The superintendent is responsible for

93
00:26:32.240 --> 00:26:47.440
staffing need for evaluating staffing needs and making recommendations to the board regarding staff reductions, renewals, non-renewals. It is also it also must be noted that the cuts which were made were the suggestion and brought forward by the current

94
00:26:47.440 --> 00:27:04.960
superintendent. As we look forward as we look to the future we would like to all take a step back and realize that we are at the point where we are and we are all looking to move forward together with the best intentions of all the students staff and the community as a whole.

95
00:27:04.960 --> 00:27:21.440
It's important to note that we have selected a candidate for a new superintendent after an extensive search where we interviewed with over 40 applicants as well as speaking with two separate districts about the opportunity to explore shared services. I think it's it's my belief that once introduced and

96
00:27:21.440 --> 00:27:42.080
fully approved that everyone will be excited for the future with the new leader that we have chosen going forward and understand that the district is in a good place going forward. Mr. Walker. Um, so we're at the end of the school

97
00:27:42.080 --> 00:27:57.039
year. Um, so we have all of our traditional end of the school year activities, but we've also, um, Mr. Bazado, Mr. Pano, and all the teaching teams and the stipenary advisors and club adviserss like there's always

98
00:27:57.039 --> 00:28:13.600
something going on here. And it's been it's been really cool just in just to look at the calendar. It's exciting to see all the great things everyone's done and everything runs smoothly because you know we have all stars that work here. So I'm really grateful for that. And that was going to be my whole report. Um but it's my last board meeting ever at

99
00:28:13.600 --> 00:28:29.600
Hland Public School. I was just going to like not acknowledge it but then I decided to acknowledge. Uh so I I just want to say the theme of everything is gratefulness and gratitude. Uh you know and the irony is that I didn't even want the job when the principal job became open. In fact uh you know when Dr. parks

100
00:28:29.600 --> 00:28:45.840
had left. Um the job became open and I didn't apply for it and someone else I guess got recommended but it something didn't work out. But the reason I didn't apply because it's like what do I know about elementary school? Uh I didn't know anything. And uh you know I guess

101
00:28:45.840 --> 00:29:01.520
whoever the first person was that didn't get the job or whatever whatever fell through the cracks and they they reopened the position and Dr. Hernandez. Um, you know, RIP. Um, I said, "Chris, you really should apply for this." So, I said, you know, I I'll give it a shot.

102
00:29:01.520 --> 00:29:18.880
And, uh, but the reason I didn't want to give it a shot because I'm like, I I just I just don't know what I I could possibly add to an elementary school. I have no experience. And I'm so happy that I did give it a shot. And I'm I'm so grateful that, you know, the board at that time and Dr. Hernandez believed in

103
00:29:18.880 --> 00:29:35.520
me. And my first week, I tell people this a lot, but my first week I felt like the movie Billy Madison when he goes in and the the chairs are all little and the kids are all little and uh I made the biggest one of the biggest mistakes of my career like the first week when because in high school you

104
00:29:35.520 --> 00:29:51.360
could move a teacher from one classroom to the next classroom. Wickety split like no one cares. >> You do that in an elementary school and you get pitchforks and torches. And I learned that pretty quickly. Uh, and and I I don't think I made the same mistake, but I had made a lot of mistakes here,

105
00:29:51.360 --> 00:30:07.520
but we also did a lot of good things. Um, and you know, I I I got the job, but then when the superintendent job came up, that was a lot of like, you know, there's some drama there. George is there, Lisa was there. There's a lot of drama, but and Ellen was there, but it was it was good drama. It was healthy

106
00:30:07.520 --> 00:30:24.640
that both schools advocating for what they thought was best. And it was u I'm happy that it worked out the exact way it did. Um, and you know, I I got to work with a lot of supremely talented people at Halen Public School. I I got

107
00:30:24.640 --> 00:30:41.840
to to work with a lot of board members, specifically your long Lisa, I adore you. Thank you for coming tonight. George, Angel Diaz, just to name a few. Um, uh, just board members that I work with for a very, very, very long time that that I adore. Um, and we did a lot

108
00:30:41.840 --> 00:30:57.760
of cool things here. And I'm not I'm not one to ever list accomplishments. But I'm I'm really proud of the the direction we took the school and the and how we kind of handled one obstacle after the next after the next. We just had a we there was COVID which was quite

109
00:30:57.760 --> 00:31:12.080
a hurdle, but we also, you know, with the Curado and then a couple other student matters and it just seemed like there was there were there was always something that we had to overcome and and we always did. Um, and I'm just I I loved being here and I'm so happy I I

110
00:31:12.080 --> 00:31:28.399
was here and um I I think on my DNA HPS is going to be tattooed on every cell that I have and it's always going to be my favorite school. I I'll say that to you forever. Um, and I'm I'm definitely going to miss this place. You know, I I don't think I'm going to drive through

111
00:31:28.399 --> 00:31:45.200
Halen for a long time. uh just because there's going to be a sentimental value, you know, that I don't want to experience until I'm a little, you know, more ready for it. Um but I I know that, you know, if if with this staff here, I I' I'd go in a foxhole with this staff any day. They're they're as good as it

112
00:31:45.200 --> 00:32:12.960
gets. Um they truly love kids. They're true professionals. Um there there's there's not enough superlatives you could give to this particular staff. So, uh I I've enjoyed my time here. It's my last board meeting and it's been real. So, thank you everybody. No, thank you.

113
00:32:12.960 --> 00:32:30.880
>> And good luck in Lincoln Park. >> I don't need luck. I'm golden. >> Um, moving on to Miss Austin. >> Thank youa. So, the finance team met yesterday. We have several um financial um resolutions

114
00:32:30.880 --> 00:32:48.000
on the agenda tonight, 45 to be exact. So, I'm going to do an overview of all of the resolutions and then if there's any questions or if um feel free to ask um so the first set of resolutions are

115
00:32:48.000 --> 00:33:04.480
14.23 to 25. These are our capital reserves that you see on the agenda or the reserves. These are annually approved by the board to replenish the reserves that were used in the current year. So reserves are restricted to

116
00:33:04.480 --> 00:33:21.519
specifically to capital which we have on the agenda the maintenance and emergency reserve. Even though the amount on the agenda says um up to 3.5 um million that is only if we have it readily available but we have to approve a certain range

117
00:33:21.519 --> 00:33:38.399
in case um the do um board would like to um disseminate like some of the money specifically into each one of these reserves. Uh we also talked about um putting a resolution together to put to send to

118
00:33:38.399 --> 00:33:56.159
the state regarding the reduction of um funding. Um we're glad that the assemblyman's came here to talk to us about that. So, this resolution will be forwarded to the governor and all of our um assemblymen and the mayor to ask for

119
00:33:56.159 --> 00:34:11.599
assistance and ask for um to advocate for our district to get the financial resources that we deserve. And we're glad to hear that they're going to be working on that for us. In addition, resolution 1426

120
00:34:11.599 --> 00:34:28.000
is our audited um cleanup which is our COIs of um implementation um resolution. We have to send this to the state each year so that we can um say that we handle all of our corrective actions. We

121
00:34:28.000 --> 00:34:43.119
also have on the resolution to clean up some of the stale checks that are on our books. these checks have been paid out to vendors and they have not been cashed. So annually or every so often we want to make sure that we are taking

122
00:34:43.119 --> 00:35:00.160
them off our books and obviously if it resurfaces we will um deal with them accordingly. So as you can see between the um three accounts that we do have several um checks that are still outstanding that have been on our books for close to two years. So we want to get those off so that the cash flow can

123
00:35:00.160 --> 00:35:16.800
come back into the district. Uh we also have our capital improvement and facility section which we have our fire alarm upgrade and we also have a resolution to approve the architect to work on our projects for next year which is the paving project and also the

124
00:35:16.800 --> 00:35:33.359
boiler pl um boiler um replacement and that will take a little bit of time to kind of um go through that. Most of these items are on our long range facility plan and we're going to be going out to bid for the paving I believe tomorrow.

125
00:35:33.359 --> 00:35:51.680
We also have our C resolution. So this is our food service resolution. Um this year I'm glad to announce that the district is going to once again be able to provide free lunch to all of our um students. Um this is um also um a good

126
00:35:51.680 --> 00:36:07.599
time to just kind of note that how C is actually calculated. It is calculated from the um the level of state aid state benefits that the students are receiving and it helps support some of the national school lunch program for every

127
00:36:07.599 --> 00:36:24.400
student in the district whether they qualify for free lunch or not. We also have our adult meal lunch um prices on there and we're adding vendors that specifically relates to the food service. We are in addition we have our special education resolutions for

128
00:36:24.400 --> 00:36:42.000
tuition and renewals for next year that relates to summer um program and also the regular school year. Um, in addition to that, I that's pretty much summarized most of the resolutions on the agenda that we spoke about in the

129
00:36:42.000 --> 00:37:08.960
specific categories, but if there's any other items that needs to be discussed, I can try to clarify that from the board. Any questions? Seeing no questions, we'll move on to personnel management. Mrs. Sir,

130
00:37:08.960 --> 00:37:24.720
>> uh the board will vote on appointments and salaries for the director of facilities, school administrators, uh chief of security, business office staff, full-time, custodian staff, and and full-time and part-time secretarial personnel. We will also approve a vice

131
00:37:24.720 --> 00:37:40.320
principal, mentor, and our standard sub list. For summer programs, we need to approve staffing for special education extended school year, scheduling our hours for a middle school and hiring for summer camps and certified summer summer

132
00:37:40.320 --> 00:37:56.800
camp and certified angels. On the financial front, we are approving the Northern Regional Nursing Service Agreement, updating salary guides and caregivers caregivers, cafeteria and playground aids, and approving corrective vacation and sick timeline

133
00:37:56.800 --> 00:38:13.920
payouts. Lastly, one facilian uh retirement, two leaves, and one family illness leave. >> Any questions for Miss Son? >> See no questions. Curriculum and technology, Mrs. Garcia,

134
00:38:13.920 --> 00:38:30.800
>> we will be approving an advanced map curriculum only for the eighth grade students. I just wanted clarification on all eighth graders or there. >> So, Mr. Pan, you want to jump in on that? >> Yeah, sure. So, last year we introduced a seventh grade program for the advanced

135
00:38:30.800 --> 00:38:46.000
math, but we didn't have an eighth grade one built in. So, now that seventh grade that currently is keeping the advanced math is going to move up to the eighth grade program. actually 25 students I want to say. So now we'll do the same thing with the current the sixth graders that are going to be seventh graders. They'll be tested

136
00:38:46.000 --> 00:39:00.960
and there's a rubric that we used to take 20 to 25 of those students and put them in the seventh grade class. So we're trying to see how they progress between the two and um maybe the following year to like more of an algebra something like that for them. So we're getting ahead of ourselves.

137
00:39:00.960 --> 00:39:20.160
>> So just it's going to be the same group to see how they move along. >> Thank you. Any questions for Mr. Garcia? >> Policy and public relations. Mr. Williams is not here. I don't know if he's still on, but there is nothing to report,

138
00:39:20.160 --> 00:39:35.920
>> but I'd like to say something about policy. >> Sure. Um, since I am on the committee, I've asked numerous times to have a policy meeting. Um, still to no avail. We haven't had one. There are a lot of policies that have to be updated. So, I think that we really need to get >> I'm going to take that one on my

139
00:39:35.920 --> 00:39:51.040
shoulders. I wanted the the new superintendent, you know, to to kind of introduce the policies and make the you know, you know, you know, more than anything how how it is on a box you have to check. >> Um, I wanted to make sure that either whoever he or she is is the person like

140
00:39:51.040 --> 00:40:09.359
none of the policies that I saw were were and I could be wrong, but none of the policies I saw were like things that we needed like now now. Um, but you know, I knew that this board was in search of new superintendent, so I wanted him he or she to make that recommendation. So, I apologize, Mr. >> Any questions?

141
00:40:09.359 --> 00:40:27.920
>> No questions. Safety and security, Mrs. Johnson. So this month it was >> um we're just approving the uh the contract for uh this from the school to the burrow um the Hen Burough um police department that they have access to our

142
00:40:27.920 --> 00:40:46.160
campus. >> Any questions? Seeing no questions. Move on to community engagement, outreach, and extracurricular. Miss FDA. >> Um for tonight 1341, the agenda um proposes an adoption of a resolution

143
00:40:46.160 --> 00:41:03.520
pledging um to practice and promote civility, reinforcing respectful communication, collaboration, and positive engagement that helps strengthens relationships between the board, our families, staff, and our community at whole. Um, besides that, I

144
00:41:03.520 --> 00:41:21.119
do want to mention that the Hilton Board of Health is having a health fair on June 27th at the rec center starting at 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. So, we do encourage our members, our students, and

145
00:41:21.119 --> 00:41:38.000
you know, families to go. That's all. >> Any questions for Miss Gado? Questions? finance a physical plant, Mrs. Serna. >> Um, okay. So, our kitchen upgrades um are going to be consist of a new oven,

146
00:41:38.000 --> 00:41:55.040
countertops, and refrigerators. Um, they are on order and is expected to arrive um in 8 to 12 weeks. Additionally, the um the pling process of the entire park um the bidding process for the entire parking lot asphalt and paving project

147
00:41:55.040 --> 00:42:12.000
opens tomorrow, June 10th. Every June we renew our collective action plan. So that's also on the agenda. We are also transitioning our policy platform from four dos to diligent to make our policies fully searchable. We have secured agreements

148
00:42:12.000 --> 00:42:29.119
with um Baya and Northern Regional to ensure daily sub nurse coverage. The agenda also includes the teachers bulk supply orders along with the 20 along with the 2027 2028 out of district tuition rate. Financially, we are renewing all

149
00:42:29.119 --> 00:42:46.560
property casualties and workman's compensation insurance policy and we are avoiding lingering uncash checks from our books. We also have a resolution to tonight to lobby our Trenton law lawmakers for more funding re regarding

150
00:42:46.560 --> 00:43:02.160
our preschool funds. The state kicked back our personnel budget for our expended carry money carryover money claiming administrative salaries don't qualify because we aren't a standalone facility.

151
00:43:02.160 --> 00:43:19.359
We did submit a formal rebuttal. Finally, our 45% public assistant rate qualifies us for the C free lunch program. However, our health benefits cost remain astronomically high due to a high volume of cosmetic medical claims.

152
00:43:19.359 --> 00:43:36.920
We are red flagged because of these claims and since no private company is willing to take on HPS, we have no other choice but to remain with the state. >> Any questions? Finances of the plant. Seeing no questions

153
00:43:39.680 --> 00:43:57.200
regarding the superintendent search. Again, there was we were able to come to an agreement to select the candidate who was offered the job and we're waiting on county approval for that. uh state and county miss um as we heard from our assembly men um

154
00:43:57.200 --> 00:44:15.200
the state continues to negotiate on the fiscal year 2027 state budget um and it's expected hopefully by June 30th. Um, additionally, the New Jersey Department of Education recently released a redesigned um 2024 2025

155
00:44:15.200 --> 00:44:32.920
school performance reports providing updated uh district and performance and school performance data um to support transparency and continuous improvement efforts statewide. >> Any questions?

156
00:44:33.680 --> 00:44:49.440
>> Attorney, any reports? uh without really getting into specifics. So, helping with the superintendent contract for the the new candidate, our office has been helping the administrative team with some labor matters as well as some of the contract and architecture um issues too. So, I think also moving forward if if the board would like, I'd be happy to

157
00:44:49.440 --> 00:45:13.200
provide a more comprehensive written update in advance of the meeting just because of the nature of it being confidential. I don't want to speak about it, but if that's something the board's interested in, I can absolutely do that moving forward. So, Uh going back to the ad hoc committee that we have regarding the

158
00:45:13.200 --> 00:45:28.319
superintendent and shared service report. >> Um I would like to formally clarify that despite our efforts, we were never given the opportunity to meet with Manchester representatives to discuss the possibility of a shared superintendent arrangement. Throughout this process,

159
00:45:28.319 --> 00:45:45.119
Manchester declined to engage in any meaningful conversation regarding the proposal. As early as February, our board president attempted to initiate communication through emails direct directed to Manchester board president Liliana Bayz. However, responses were

160
00:45:45.119 --> 00:46:01.839
significantly delayed. In addition, a formal letter letter from our board president requesting discussion on the matter was submitted to the Manchester Board of Education and initially placed on their agenda for the March 19th meeting. Unfortunately, the item was

161
00:46:01.839 --> 00:46:17.520
removed from the agenda within hours. I attended the meeting personally and read the letter out loud during the public session to ensure the matter was formally addressed. It is also important to note that Hailen elected officials did not advocate for facilitating a

162
00:46:17.520 --> 00:46:34.160
conversation between the district. It was deeply disappointing to to witness the process unfold in this manner, particularly given the potential benefits both districts would serve. A shared superintendent arrangement could have provided meaningful financial relief and pro and operational

163
00:46:34.160 --> 00:46:50.400
efficiencies for both districts, especially in light of the significant budget reductions we have faced this year. As public servants, we had a responsibility to our communities to at least come to the table, explore the possibility, and engage in dialogue.

164
00:46:50.400 --> 00:47:18.319
Unfortunately, we were unable to move forward because the Manchester Board of Education chose not to participate in this discussion. Personnel management. Miss sir, we have before we u move forward, do we have any questions on any agenda items 9.1

165
00:47:18.319 --> 00:47:44.240
through >> Oh, I'm sorry. Missed it. My fault. >> Any questions on shared service? >> I'd like to table um 8.1 to 8. Second >> a motion Miss Cerna second missado to

166
00:47:44.240 --> 00:48:00.000
that's a motion they want to take. >> Okay. Should we take a call? Yep. >> Okay. Mrs. Cerna. >> Yes. >> Miss Kadrad. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fischer. >> No. >> Miss Garcia. >> Yes. >> Miss Gatlin. >> Yes.

167
00:48:00.000 --> 00:48:17.760
>> Mr. Guzman. >> Which one are we table? >> All of them. 8.1 through eight. tableabling shared services. >> Yes. >> No. >> Mrs. Johnson. >> I mean, can we know a reason? Maybe there's a jury.

168
00:48:17.760 --> 00:48:37.119
>> Johnson. Let's let me finish. >> Sorry. >> I was going to ask you tables until the new superintendent takes a look at everything and make sure that everything is everything that she wants or he wants. >> Do we want to table to the next board meeting? Sure. At least Okay. July and

169
00:48:37.119 --> 00:48:52.960
our next board meeting is not until you want it to work on July 1st. >> Right. That's the only problem, right? Make it work in your district July first. >> Can we go into executive's office? >> It's not exact. Okay. Well,

170
00:48:52.960 --> 00:49:08.880
>> you're gonna I'm just telling you, you're gonna need a BA on July 1. So, you're gonna >> Exactly. You're gonna Why? What? The reason why? because you want to have the new superintendent look at these items. Is that why? But >> I'm not I'm recused from this

171
00:49:08.880 --> 00:49:25.440
discussion. >> Mr. President, if I may, there are provisions in each one of those shared services that if the new superintendent comes in and Mr. Board attorney, if you can weigh in on this, the new superintendent comes in, they could look at there's provisions in all those different shared services as to whether

172
00:49:25.440 --> 00:49:40.319
or not we can opt out, whether or not we can extend and so on and so forth. So delaying it, I don't I don't think it's it's really needed. >> You got HR, you got HR, you got payroll, you got the business. >> I understand that concept though that

173
00:49:40.319 --> 00:49:58.319
Mrs. Cern is saying I don't think she madness. >> I mean, don't we plan on having a special meeting in >> But that's what I'm that's what I'm ask when. We'll only the special meeting will only be if the

174
00:49:58.319 --> 00:50:14.400
>> superintendent contract is approved >> between now and the next meeting, >> but we don't have a guarantee. That's up to the executive county superintendent. We have no say over that. >> The shared service agreements will have an opt out clause in them that provide for a certain period of notice that you have to do. But like we were saying

175
00:50:14.400 --> 00:50:36.119
before, it's an issue with some of the people who do work on July one not having these agreements in place. And if it goes past July 1st and you need to hire at that you don't have an HI person to do it like you need this. >> Oh no.

176
00:50:38.640 --> 00:50:59.119
>> Yeah. >> Mr. Williams. Um we have um four yeses and three nos. >> Mr. >> I'm saying not >> you're not voting on actual agreement in this. So in this situation you're voting

177
00:50:59.119 --> 00:51:17.079
on whether it's tabled. So the actual agreement you'd be conflicted from voting out but the >> you're voting that you vote that's tabled. >> Yeah. >> I'm not. >> You should have just told me no. >> Okay. Um, Mr. Williams on.

178
00:51:17.920 --> 00:51:32.880
>> Okay, Mr. Kleta. >> So, I'm able to vote on whether or not table. I vote not to table. >> It's 44. >> It's not It's not table. >> Does anybody want to rec? >> It's not table. It's not table. >> No, it's not table. The vote is not a

179
00:51:32.880 --> 00:51:51.359
tie. Okay. So, do we have a motion to move 8.1 through 8.9? So move >> motion Mr. Guzman second Mrs. Johnson roll call please. >> I have a question regarding the nursing substitute nursing

180
00:51:51.359 --> 00:52:06.000
um >> part of this >> sharing services with Manchester uh regarding a nurse and that would be in an emergency. >> Yes. So >> same with the Bayata and the Northern Regional. >> So this is the thing that we put in you

181
00:52:06.000 --> 00:52:21.920
know right after CO just in case because staffing was so hard. to say there's a child that needs a certain medicine and Manchester can't get some or we can't get some. It just so happened that we never needed to borrow from Manchester. At least I don't believe we did. There were times they needed to borrow from us. Um and we worked it out. Um and you

182
00:52:21.920 --> 00:52:39.280
know we'd send one of our nurses up for 20 or 30 or whatever it took to to handle whatever in those emergency situations. >> The only problem I have with us you know the board cutting the nurse the second nurse is this school is a large building. If you have the one nurse on

183
00:52:39.280 --> 00:52:54.240
one end of the building and you have an emergency on the in the office in the nurse's office, you got a problem. That's not going to help with that a nurse or a Manchester nurse to run down here. That's something that you it's a safety issue here in the building. So, I

184
00:52:54.240 --> 00:53:09.599
really think that, you know, I know you voted on it, but it's something that should be really considered because the safety of all the students here in Hel School is a priority, I think. So, I think it's something that we really have

185
00:53:09.599 --> 00:53:25.760
to look at. It's a great thing in theory to have a shared service nurse or have a bay nurse or whatever, but when push comes to shove, you have something that's going on in the building really quickly or even if nurse car isn't here.

186
00:53:25.760 --> 00:53:57.520
I just think that's, you know, something that has to be looked at. Again, roll call. Um, just to clarify, once the new um superintendent comes in, if we need to revert any of these.

187
00:53:57.520 --> 00:54:17.040
>> Yes, >> Mrs. Fisher. >> Yes, >> Miss Garcia. Yes, >> Miss Gatlin. >> So, are we voting on all of these? >> Yeah, we're voting on all of them. And Mr. just made a um comment about you

188
00:54:17.040 --> 00:54:45.359
guys can have the opportunity to review the new >> Okay. Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Johnson. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Cle has five already. Okay.

189
00:54:45.359 --> 00:55:03.599
Personal management. Is there any questions on 9.1 through 9.29? Seeing no questions, we have a motion to move personnel man. >> Motion, Miss Prado. Second, Miss Cerna.

190
00:55:03.599 --> 00:55:34.640
Roll call, please. Mrs. Sardiff. >> Um, yes to everything but 9.7 8 9 and 10. >> Okay, Mad. >> Um, can I just make a comment question kind of thing? Um so being that we don't

191
00:55:34.640 --> 00:55:51.280
have the numbers on the for the how many kids are going to be enrolled in summer school >> if all of those teachers are not needed what happens they do they not have to come in like can we reduce the the amount of

192
00:55:51.280 --> 00:56:12.319
>> you're to reduce the amount of hours that's needed everything will be okay Mrs. Fischer. >> Yes. >> Miss Garcia. >> Yes. >> Miss Gavin. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gman. >> I have a question. >> Yes.

193
00:56:12.319 --> 00:56:28.240
>> Um, obviously this was all vetted through through committee. Correct. >> You know, mentor see mentor on here so on and so forth. Everything was vetted through committee. So that being said, my vote is yes,

194
00:56:28.240 --> 00:56:46.160
>> Mrs. Johnson. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> You have any questions on curriculum and technology 10.1? >> I have a question. Um, so from from my understanding of the explanation, these

195
00:56:46.160 --> 00:57:02.000
students that are getting this new curriculum are the ones that already had it this year. >> They had it in seventh grade. Um, and now as they go to eighth graders, it's uh we're just looking to add a rigorous option for the upper levels of middle school math. But it's all students, not just like a

196
00:57:02.000 --> 00:57:21.200
>> I think there's some there it's it's going to be students that are have advanced mathematics skills that would pre-qualify >> there's definitely going to be prerequisites to get in. Um but it's you know I think this is the right push for the district. >> Yeah. We have a motion to move 10.1

197
00:57:21.200 --> 00:57:37.760
motion. Miss Cerna second >> second Mr. Johnson. Roll call, please. >> This is Yeah. Miss Grod, >> yes. >> Mrs. Fischer, >> yes. >> Miss Garcia, >> yes. >> Miss Gatlin, >> yes. >> Mr. Leman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Johnson,

198
00:57:37.760 --> 00:57:55.680
>> yes. >> And Mr. >> Yes. >> We have any questions on 12.1. Seeing no questions, we have a motion to move 12.1. >> Motion, Miss Cerna. >> Second, Mrs. Garcia. Roll call, please.

199
00:57:55.680 --> 00:58:10.079
>> Mrs. Cerna, >> yes. >> Missado, >> yes. Mrs. Fischer, >> yes. >> Miss Garcia, >> yes. >> M Scatland, >> yes. >> Mr. Buzzman, >> um I just want to say before my vote that this security camera access agreement has been in place for several

200
00:58:10.079 --> 00:58:24.799
years now and I appreciate the board, >> it's a win. Yeah. >> All voting yes. Uh we just became an accredited police department at the LPD and part of that accreditation process which was a rigorous inspection by the state chief association. Part of that

201
00:58:24.799 --> 00:58:40.319
was inspecting our vehicles and uh when our vehicle was inspected and the patrol officer was showing the state chiefs our patrol car, one of the things that the patrol officer brought up was a security camera here at HBS and was able to bring it up right into police car and the state chiefs were very impressed by

202
00:58:40.319 --> 00:58:56.799
that. Not every uh agency is able to remotely access the cameras right from the police. >> Lincoln Park is not yet >> in case of in case of an emergency obviously. Again, this is in case of an emergency. I just want to clarify that. So, uh, I appreciate the board. I appreciate the cooperation for the

203
00:58:56.799 --> 00:59:16.920
administration and staff on behalf of our chief and our mayor and council at the municipal level and my Yes, >> Miss Johnson. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Ketta, >> yes.

204
00:59:17.040 --> 00:59:33.599
>> We have any questions on 13.1? >> No questions. Do we have a motion to move 13.1? >> Motion, Miss Cerna. >> Second. >> Second, Miss Gado. Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Cerna, >> yes. >> Miss Gado, >> yes. >> Mrs. Fisher,

205
00:59:33.599 --> 00:59:48.240
>> yes. >> Miss Garcia, >> yes. >> Miss Gatlin, >> yes. >> Mr. Buzzman, >> this applies to us too, right? >> Okay. My vote is yes. Um, Mrs. Johnson and Mr.

206
00:59:48.240 --> 01:00:13.359
>> Yes. Any questions on physical plant and finance? I have a motion to move 14.1 through 45. Motion Ma. Second, Mr. Johnson. Roll call, please.

207
01:00:13.359 --> 01:00:30.000
>> Mrs. Mrs. Cerna, >> yes. >> Mr. I'm going to recuse myself from 14.42 purchase order 63330. Um, yes. >> Okay, Mrs. Fisher.

208
01:00:30.000 --> 01:00:59.200
>> Uh, yes and all. No on 14.32. >> Mr. Garcia, >> yes. >> Miss Gatlin, >> yes. >> Mr. Desmond. >> Yes. >> Wisconsin. >> Yes. >> No to 14.8. Yes. Everything else. >> We have new business from the board.

209
01:00:59.200 --> 01:01:20.559
Business. >> Yeah. I have a a few things that I just want to address. Um when we had our last board meeting um and we had voted on not rehiring one of our VPs

210
01:01:20.559 --> 01:01:36.160
um there were a few of us here on the board who were not aware of that was even a discussion throughout the whole board. Um I think that we are all looking at being transparent. I think that we all need to work together

211
01:01:36.160 --> 01:01:51.200
and even though we don't agree on a lot of things and I also think that the budget process where we're cutting people I think that should have been a whole board discussion. Um we were kind of told that it was you know this is a flat rate that you have

212
01:01:51.200 --> 01:02:08.400
to cut was on the agenda. I had no idea that a lot of these things were discussed at committee because when we have committee meetings it's no report no report I really would like to know what's happening here because I really don't like the backdoor kind of thing

213
01:02:08.400 --> 01:02:27.359
you know where don't I'm just Mike Mike honestly it's to me it was you know Mr. Right. You were taken aback at the last meeting as well about what happened. So I mean

214
01:02:27.359 --> 01:02:44.480
transparency is our ultimate goal here. So I really think that we need a little bit of clarification from now on on things that are on the agenda instead of you know let's wait until it comes out. I think it's some things that have to be discussed. That's all I have to say.

215
01:02:44.480 --> 01:03:04.720
>> Paris cit. There'll be a time for public comment. >> Anyone else new or old business? >> I just want to talk about Mr. Walker. So, if you want me to do it now or during the public portion >> right now is perfect. >> Um,

216
01:03:04.720 --> 01:03:22.000
well, since Mrs. Fischer, um, one I'm the first thing I'm going to say is I have full confidence in our board president. I really truly do. That's what I voted for. I really have the almost comprehensive my I may not always I may not always agree with Mike but you know what Mike is gonna say what he he's

217
01:03:22.000 --> 01:03:37.200
going to say what he means is going to mean what he says um and I know how it is to be in that seat you know getting pulled from it you know from each way it could be a little difficult sometimes um as it pertains to Manchester not

218
01:03:37.200 --> 01:03:53.680
I can't say I I don't want to sit here and I just want to be clear that's not a board thing I don't feel that Manchester Manchester dissed us because at the end of the day, Manchester has to look after Manchester and Manchester is not just going to bend over and do it the way we say. So, I don't know what the

219
01:03:53.680 --> 01:04:10.640
disconnect there was, but I do know one thing. The kids come first and we all need to check our egos at the door. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Um, any more, please. Um, I appre we appreciate that, but let's let's let's try to maintain the quality in the room.

220
01:04:10.640 --> 01:04:25.920
Now, with that being said, >> if I if I could interrupt you. >> Yes. >> And my last request, I I think you know, people have reached out to me privately to talk about me. I I I want it just to be about the H. I don't want any comments about me. That's that's how I want to finish. >> Okay.

221
01:04:25.920 --> 01:04:41.200
>> Um so, you know, my phone's always on. You and I talk all the time and text calls. Um I would prefer that people just reach out to me personally. Uh that's my request, please. >> Okay. No problem. >> Thank you. Um, yeah. So, I have a laundry list of accomplishments that you

222
01:04:41.200 --> 01:04:57.280
made here, Mr. Walker. And I may not have always agreed with you 100% of the time at all. And if I did, it was handled in private as it should be because we do have to practice civility and we do have to try to move that. But I want to tell you, Mr. Walk, I appreciate you because you was able to

223
01:04:57.280 --> 01:05:12.799
run this district without any major scandals, without any major lawsuits, without any major grievances. And that is very difficult in leadership role. and sometimes unfortunately when you don't know what you have until it's gone. Okay. So, um we wish you the best

224
01:05:12.799 --> 01:05:29.039
of uh in your future endeavors. We wish you the best of luck and uh hopefully um you know as time goes on people can truly appreciate the work that you truly did for you know how I feel about you and and and Lisa and Angel and Carlos

225
01:05:29.039 --> 01:05:45.520
and all the people that you know we did a lot of good things. So, I just want to keep it at that. >> Yep. We did do a lot of good things and somebody talked about drama. Um it was drama but we did have times of drama but we did it together. We did it as a team. We did it with the union. We all worked together and I had a great discussion

226
01:05:45.520 --> 01:06:01.599
with our board president. And I truly feel that he is going to that he that he is committed to doing the right thing. That he is committed to ensuring the HA is involved in certain uh decision makings and things like that. And um I'm going to chalk up what happened in the last meeting to an isolated incident.

227
01:06:01.599 --> 01:06:17.760
Um, and rest assured, I didn't vote for any of these cuts, but rest assured, if I have to vote to cut, I will because that's what we're elected to do to make tough decisions. However, I didn't vote I didn't vote because the cuts I didn't vote because I didn't like that. I

228
01:06:17.760 --> 01:06:34.720
didn't vote yes because I didn't like the manner which it was executed. Um, however, that was explained to me and I do appreciate it, Mr. President. And I think moving forward, I think uh we're going to continue. We're going to have a very good school year coming up. And I am I am committed to seeing the next uh

229
01:06:34.720 --> 01:06:53.839
generation of Hail at the H here at HPS. Uh and again, it's very important that we vote for educators um school district. Again, Mr. Walker, congratulations on everything you do here. Good luck with

230
01:06:53.839 --> 01:07:10.720
Thank you. Do we have a motion to open the >> something? I'm sorry. I just want to take the opportunity to mention again the um Hilton Board of Health is having a community health fair on June 27th from 10 to um 2:00 p.m. We're going to

231
01:07:10.720 --> 01:07:26.880
have different vendors um floor prizes and and activities for the community. And I do and we're going to also have screenings um health screenings different types um if you follow the Instagram or Facebook held in Board of

232
01:07:26.880 --> 01:07:45.520
Health um you'll get to see um some of those sponsors and vendors that we have and it's um you know just to kick off the summer catching the wave. So please join us. Thank you. >> No problem. Do we have a motion to open the floor to hearing citizens on school

233
01:07:45.520 --> 01:08:01.680
operations? >> Motion, Miss Johnson, second Miss Cerna. All in favor? >> Any opposed? >> The floor will be open. Again, you have, please come up and identify yourself at the microphone. You have three minutes. Uh then we'll move on to the next

234
01:08:01.680 --> 01:08:22.799
person. Anyone in the audience that wishes to speak, please come up and identify yourself. Yeah. My name is Veronica Boch. >> 62 Til Street. I'm a homeowner and a business owner here in Hen. I actually

235
01:08:22.799 --> 01:08:39.839
have children that go to this school. I don't know if I can say the same for everybody here. I know Merna has kids in the school. I don't I don't know about the other people. Um but I do. I have children in school. I wasn't aware that you're cutting down just to one nurse. How many students do

236
01:08:39.839 --> 01:08:56.640
you have in the school? Like right now, how many students do you have in the school? >> Okay. And you're going to have one nurse? I I didn't know that. How How's that going to work? One nurse for this whole God forbid it's an emergency. What are you going to do? That that that's just and and I didn't know that Mr.

237
01:08:56.640 --> 01:09:12.080
Walker was leaving. I had to find out from a soccer mom that Mr. Walker was leaving. Mr. Walker is great. I don't I don't even know why he's leaving. I I didn't know that he got pushed out. all this I was blindsided and then Mr. Spado Mr. Khan

238
01:09:12.080 --> 01:09:28.080
parents should know parents we have I'm a teacher you know I'm a second grade teacher we work we have businesses we have children in sports WE WE CAN'T PARENTS SHOULD BE kept in the loop I wrote something but no parents should be kept in the loop I had no idea that Mr.

239
01:09:28.080 --> 01:09:44.400
Walker was leaving Mrs. was leaving. It's not fair. YOU SHOULD INVOLVE THE PARENTS. YOU SHOULD INVOLVE the parents. I shouldn't find out from a soccer mom that Mr. Walker is leaving. I I should have received a letter and email. I didn't know he was leaving. I DIDN'T KNOW HE GOT PUSHED OUT. I THOUGHT

240
01:09:44.400 --> 01:10:07.880
HE WAS LEAVING ON HIS OWN. HE'S MR. WALKER'S AMAZING. I KNOW HE DOESN'T WANT TO HEAR IT, BUT HE'S AMAZING. He's He's a He's great. And now we're losing Mrs. Priscado, too. And Mr. Cobb and no nurses. That's it. That's all I have to say. Is there anybody online?

241
01:10:09.520 --> 01:10:24.640
>> Hi, Jeff Fisher, Three Avenue C. Chris, you and I haven't always agreed, so I'm going to disagree with you again and say something nice about you. Um, >> we worked together first at Manchester

242
01:10:24.640 --> 01:10:42.880
>> and I remember the conversation that you had with Dr. Hernandez about coming down here to be the uh the principal and uh it was a great decision uh for you and for Hen and I'll echo what George said. You've done some great things here and that

243
01:10:42.880 --> 01:10:57.520
shouldn't be forgotten. So, I just want to thank you for all you've done for the kids of both Manchester and H. Um my next question is to the board in general and that is I understand looking at your website you canled your next meeting in

244
01:10:57.520 --> 01:11:12.960
June. Your only other meeting in June >> and you're thinking about maybe having a special meeting if the county superintendent appoints or approves by the way I understand from the president a contract of whoever you've selected as

245
01:11:12.960 --> 01:11:30.320
the next chief school administrator. However, if that doesn't happen, who's your superintendent July 1? Who's your chief school administrator July 1? You made no action tonight to appoint an acting if that's what you need. Um, I guess my question is,

246
01:11:30.320 --> 01:11:47.360
where's the planning going here? You have no more meetings. You need to finalize the evaluation of I see it's on the agenda for tonight. You need to finalize your evaluation of your chief school administrator or you're going to seriously impact your uh chak.

247
01:11:47.360 --> 01:12:03.480
But more importantly, uh you don't have a superintendent appointed for after July 1. And I'm just curious as to who, when, why, where, and how. Thank you. Anybody

248
01:12:08.960 --> 01:12:24.960
>> second? Excuse me. >> I would wait for the parents to they had something to say and and I'll just real quick I don't know who I need to share this with so that you can make copies for the board members.

249
01:12:24.960 --> 01:12:46.080
>> Okay. So, so um basically what I want to talk about as a president back >> Charles 74 West Avenue. Thank you. >> Um what I gave right there is what was done in Patterson and it shows from 2015 on.

250
01:12:46.080 --> 01:13:03.760
Before 2015, Patterson did not increase taxes. Okay? And then they show some years where they've increased and when they didn't and and now they're paying about 86 almost 90 million

251
01:13:03.760 --> 01:13:19.840
but they're short by a lot on what they should because they were kicking it down. So here we were short about 500,000. So we're we're kicking that down because we didn't raise it years before then. Okay. because you thought that was the

252
01:13:19.840 --> 01:13:36.480
right thing to do, but it wasn't. Now, next year, the difference is going to be that 500 and maybe in a million more. So, now it's 1.5. Oh, we can't raise taxes, so we're going to kick it down again. And then the next year it's going

253
01:13:36.480 --> 01:13:53.040
to be three million. Oh, we can't raise. And we're going to keep kicking it. And you're going to blame everybody but the people that's responsible. Your job is to provide a thorough and efficient education for the students of this district. And if it means that you

254
01:13:53.040 --> 01:14:09.360
have to increase you you increase you're not doing the taxpayers a service by not increasing because it's going to be more. That's the problem in Patterson. Now to fully fund Patterson, they would have to increase that budget by $60

255
01:14:09.360 --> 01:14:25.760
million. Do you know what kind of hit that would be on those people? But if we do the same thing here, we're going to be in the same boat. And this is going to be me. I'm going to be coming to the mic as an older person saying in 2026

256
01:14:25.760 --> 01:14:41.199
I told you that the process you were using wasn't right. Okay, you're not doing a favor to the students, the staff by continuing to kick the can down the road. I would have spoken on some of the agenda items.

257
01:14:41.199 --> 01:14:58.600
Unfortunately, what I thought was the agenda was the addendum. So, I didn't have your your agenda. I'm going to put it out there. According to state code, for schools of a thousand or more, SH nurses

258
01:14:58.800 --> 01:15:15.600
doesn't matter what they have. I'm saying what the what what's the required you can Google it. You can look it up. Once you go above what 750 is one, but when you have a thousand and I don't know what population you have in here, if there's a lot of medication have to be done and stuff like that, it it it's

259
01:15:15.600 --> 01:15:33.560
two. Um, we deal with that in Patterson. So, you know what happens? We're short nurses and there's no covering nurse. They just say, "Call 911." Yes. Is >> that what we're going to do here? Think about it. Thank you. Thank you.

260
01:15:36.400 --> 01:15:52.280
A >> second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? >> Floor is closed. We have a motion to go into executive session for

261
01:15:53.120 --> 01:16:08.440
>> and adjourn from executive session. >> Second. >> Motion, Miss Pado, second Miss Cerna. All in favor? Any opposed? All right, we're going to go into executive session.