Call the meeting to order. Please rise for the flag salute. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. Root of egress. In the event of an emergency, all people may exit right or left from this room and proceed to an exit door. All doors will open from the inside. The New Jersey Open Public Meetings Law
was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advanced notice of and to attend the meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting their interests is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of this act, the Hailen Board of Education has
caused notice of this meeting to be published in the North Jersey Record Herald News, the board's official newspaper on January 15, 2025. Notices of this meeting indicating date, time, and place were posted publicly on the door of the main entrance to the school
and filed with the clerk in the municipality of Hailen. Roll call, please. Mrs. Sona, Mr. Ketta, present. Miss Kadrad, here. Mr. Mr. Guzman
here. Mrs. Johnson here. Mr. Martinez, Mr. Moxel, Mr. Ramadan here, and Mrs. Isa here. Thank you. Okay. Can I have a motion to approve
prior minutes? Second. Moved by Miss Quad, seconded by Miss Johnson. Roll call, please. Mr. Mr. Ketta, is he still there? Yeah, he's there. Can you hear us, Mr. Kleta?
Oh, yes. I didn't hear you call my name. Sorry. Okay, Miss Gad. Yes, Mr. Guzman. You just said that Miss Johnson Mr. Martinez.
Yes. Mr. Ramadan. Mrs. Isa. Yes. Mr. Mrs. Um, can I have a motion to open the floor to citizens on agenda items only?
Second. Second. Moved by Mr. Martinez, seconded by Miss Padrad. All in favor? Okay. The floor is open to citizens on agenda items only. Anybody? Anybody online, Mr. Miller?
Okay. Motion to close. So move. Okay. Moved by Mr. Martinez, seconded by Miss Padoo. All in favor? I. Okay. Okay. going to reports. So I will begin.
Good evening everyone. Thank you for joining us tonight. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the recent passing of one of Halden Public Schools beloved teachers, Diane Cartina. Miss Cartina was a teacher at HPS for 25
years with a large number of those years spent as a special education teacher for one of the self-contained classrooms. Many if not all of her students needed an incredible amount of attention and support. That is what Miss Partana
provided for them, a safe space at school where they could learn and be encouraged to interact with others. Anytime I was at the school volunteering for a book fair or carnival or the holiday shop, I got to see firsthand how caring Miss Cartina was with her
students. that he looked to her for guidance and affirmation and she was there for them always. That was just a little glimpse of what I am 100% sure took place every day in her classroom. And as gentle as she was with her students, she was a fierce advocate for
her colleagues as president of the Hen Education Association. Through school board and PTA meetings, teacher contract negotiations, and individual conversations over the years, I got to see Miss Carta's commitment to
her colleagues, as well as her desire to create an equitable and positive environment for everyone she worked with. Though she leaves a tremendous void, her spirit will live on at HPS through her students, their families, and her colleagues.
On behalf of Helden Board of Education, I want to extend my deepest condolences to Miss Cartaina's family and dear friends, so many of whom are teachers and employees here at HPS. I want to ask for a moment of silence to acknowledge her passing as well as the
life of dedication and service that she gave to our school community. Thank you. It's been a rough couple of weeks for H the Hildden community, but thanks to our mayor and council, Halden Police
Department and Fire Department, DPW, and many others, we're getting through it. I hope these last weeks of summer are peaceful and restful for everyone. Before I turn it over to Mr. Waka, would any board members like to add any words?
My condolences to the Cartina family. She was very loved here. Thank you, Mr. Martinez. Anybody else? Okay. Uh, I will turn it over then to our chief school administrator, Mr. Waka. You know, I want to start by talking
about Diane. Um, I've been a superintendent principal here for a long time and she's been an association leader, uh, president for a long time, so our paths were always going to cross and and I'm very grateful that they did. Um, I I I I learned a lot from her. I
think she's salt of the earth. Um, losing her was was a real tragedy for HPS. Um, and I'm grateful that her family included her work family in the um the service that was in u in St.
Phillips and Clifton this past weekend. A beautiful service and it was it was it was nice to see that connection between her school and her family life because her school life was a big part of who Diane was. Like this was she's been
working here for 25 years since 1999. Uh she's had almost every position you you you could have and she's the teacher you'd always want if it was your kid, you know, in the room. Um you we're we're never going to replace her and and
and losing a Jew like her was just, you know, it's it's awful, but you know, we we're going to get through it, but it's awful. Um uh back to school business. Um so we have two projects going on and both have um a couple variables that you
know we're going to be hyperviligent on. The first is that the front door security project it could be done by the first day school or maybe it won't be done. We're kind of at the mercy of the shipping. Um and if the parts there's one particular part they need and if if
it gets shipped on time um then the good news is you know we all our kids walk in the traditional routes to school and if it doesn't get shipped on time you know it looks like there might be a three or four day variable window. Uh we're going to have an alternative plan but it's at a certain point you have to make a
decision and you have to have enough time to to communicate that decision so every mom and dad knows where to drop their their son or daughter off the first day. So uh you know we met at cabinet today and Germaine said that by you know about one week from today we'll have a final decision. We'll have a f
the best possible information then we'll make a decision uh with the HVAC like the the impetus of our HVAC project was was a bunch of rooms but the two most important rooms were the classrooms because that's where our kids are. Uh and that was room 213 and 205.
Um we're waiting for parts there too. So, we're going to put uh temporary uh air conditioning units in those rooms. And then the first week of like that election week, the first week of November when it's a light week anyway, we'll probably bring those classes down
to this library. Um and they'll they'll devote that whole week to just making sure the the AC gets fixed in those rooms. Um but we're going to see that uh they'll be doing offices as well, but those are like a one-day fix. It's classrooms that are going to be a little more time. Um, you know, I want to give
this board an update on our our True View. True View is the company that we partner with to to verify residency for people whose documents, you know, flag as they may or may not live in Halen, but there's evidence to show that they're that there there's a reason to investigate. Uh, this summer, 10
families um were were relocated or or electively chose to to go to the district that they live in instead of uh trying to claim that they still live in Halden. Um, there's another probably 40 or 50 cases still out there. And it's important to understand for this board
that like this is not like a a two-day thing. Like it's it's a gradual process and and the and the families still have a lot of rights, too. And we're always going to make sure to abide by that. Um, but so far this seems like it's it's been a good program to kind of make sure
that the people that are paying local property taxes are the ones that are getting the benefit of this education. I also want to give an update on the vape uh detectors. So, we didn't just get vape detectors. We got vape detectors and but the vape detectors will there's like three different u alarms that could
go off, right? So, one alarm is like it it senses vaping and I guess it ses nicotine or whatever or triggers nicotine, right? Another one will trigger THC, which is the active chemical and marijuana. That's a different alarm uh for our administrators and our security team to kind of to hear and know to investigate
maybe a little differently. Uh, and the last one is what I I didn't even realize was this was a thing, but it's called a masking alarm. So, kids on Tik Tok, and you know how I feel about social media, uh, that they'll they bring in like spray paints or like aerosols to kind of
mask and coat the the sensors on these devices. So, now they have a setting that shows if someone tried to mask the actual device. Um, so it's going to be like, you know, all these these are a boon for our school. like why why would we not want to kind of detect this activity in the bathroom? Uh but I also
learned like there's there's a slight almost AI like component where it takes the it takes the device a while to tune itself to to acclimate to the environment and what it's sensing. So uh the company said sometimes the first two weeks you might get like readings that
may or may not be exactly what you get three months later when it's finally tuned. Uh but it's our first time doing this and it's just something that we think is going to be a benefit to the you know our student safety. So um we're still going to follow all the procedures and the regulations just like we would in our in our policy with you know drugs
and substance abuse and things like that. So that's not going to change. This is just an extra instrument that the district has now to kind of identify students that may be putting themselves uh in a precarious situation. So time for some bad news. We found out that our title funding is going to be
$330,000 less than we thought it was going to be based on our projections. And then to uh to kick us wireless down, we found out that we budgeted quite generously 18% for employee
insurance updates uh increases and we found out it's going to be a 30% increase. So I don't know how you could even put on a budget. We anticipate a 30% increase in in insurance, but that's the situation that we find ourselves in. So, um, that's going to be, you know,
the employees are going to, you know, bear b some of that burden. The district's for sure going to bear a whole bunch of that burden. Um, and with the insurance and the title, like the the the fact of the matter is that we've had a lot of really lovely programs these last few years. We've had the boss
program, we've had the maker night series, um, we've had a lot of afterchool tutoring Saturday programs. There's so many things that we've been really proud of as a board that we were able to offer. Um it's very likely we're not going to be able to offer them this year uh or moving forward. Um because the bottom
line is when we get 30 $330,000 less than we budgeted for, we got to find $330,000 to cut. Um so so our our goal is to you know staffing is is a big deal as it is. uh we definitely don't want to
to go that reduction nets route unless there's no other choice. Um but a lot of the you know the the extra programs the the co-curricular the extracurricular the supplemental programs they're they're going to be they're going to they're in a tough situation. Um
um good news though we did go through a walkthrough of the school. Um actually I didn't go on this morning but LaMa and Germaine and Mr. Trio and maybe Mr. Vizado went on it just to make sure we're on pace to open up. Um, the reason why it looks like a mess around here is because these are the rooms we use for
summer school. So, they're the last ones that get like on the cleaning schedule. Like a month ago upstairs looked like a crazy place and now it looks nice. So, um, we're we're on good pace to open up and the custodians even with a lack of water still found a way to keep this
building clean. Um, they they they went above and beyond. Germaine and his crew just they're just we're really fortunate to have them. Um, and the there's I saw something on on Facebook about a a school supply
giveaway at the Halen Public School this coming weekend. It's that's not a school sponsored event. I told the person running it that's not a school sponsored event. Um, it didn't want to listen to me. Uh, but we're not going to lend our staff because we pay our staff and their work for things like that. um you know
if if anyone can get to the the side of the building where there's no uh park where there's no gate or whatever. So I'm not looking to make a a big deal but I I it needs to be clear this is not a school sponsored event. And that's my report for tonight. Oh and then tomorrow morning we have our new teacher
orientation. So we're looking forward to meet your staff. Um M I just wanted to clarify that the Title One funding is a federal funding. Yes. Yes. Okay. Thank you. Does anybody have any questions for Mr. WA?
Mike, I have a just confirming um so total approximately my math may be off a little bit. So year to date total losses between state aid, the loss of title funding and the approximate amount of increase based on the insurance. Uh
we're approximately 1.2 million in cuts for the year. Sounds about right to me, right? It's it's probably very accurate. It's probably very accurate, Mike. All right. And the other question is regarding the boil water um advisory that we have in town. Uh I know the town
did a great job with getting everything back as good good as they can and helping everybody out. Is there a plan in place if the kids can't drink the water? So, it's a great point, Mike. We actually just talked about that before the the board meeting in formally before we hit forum. Um it looks like we should
be good to go by September 1st, December 5th. But if not, uh you know, if we get to, you know, we're a week away and we're still iffy, uh then, you know, a plan will be put in place. But right now, we have a very stage one draft one level plan. Uh but
if if we're in the same situation a week from now, uh the intensity of our folks will be a lot different. But right now the like if you come to Held in public you'll see that the um the the water fountains are going to be like uh boarded up things like that. But we are we we're legally allowed to
open even right or no? Well if there's an alternative way where we could provide drinking water for students uh because you know it seems like the the toilet water should still be fine and and and the whatever other water we would need. But um I'd have to
look into that. But, um, you know, I imagine that if it's only going to be a day or two, we could probably figure something out. If it's going to be long term, it'll be a whole different story. Thank you. Anybody else? Okay, then I will turn it over. Thank
you, Mr. Walker. I'm going to turn it over to our business administrator, Miss Austin. Um, thank you, Madam President. But I have to say, Mr. Waka pretty much so um defeated what um my report is going to be. So my my discussion was going to be
about the federal funds and also noting the decrease of what the district received this year versus last year and also the unanticipated increase in the health um medical insurance that we did not anticipate even um just to take a little further. I
did reach out to our um consultant just to confirm um is our district still a good candidate or not to go out and even look for a private plan because during the budget time if you remember we I did reach out to him to see if there's any
other options for any type of savings any um outside of the state health plan and we were um not eligible at the time as a good candidate like meaning that other carriers wouldn't look at us as a favorable um company to take on because
of our claims experience. So I am waiting for waiting for a response from him. I don't believe that it will change but I just want to make sure we have that noted in case we have to kind of stick this out for another budget year. So um the other item is that we did meet
the finance team did meet on um Monday to discuss the agenda items and we went through them. We discussed um um mostly all of the resolutions and if there's any questions regarding the resolutions I'm happy to kind of answer those now.
But most of the resolutions has to do with the tuition contracts. We have some of the um contracts um that agree that we're approving this year and we did um have our usual financial reports that we are um approving or um if there's any
questions I'll be happy to answer anything. Anybody have any questions for Miss Austin? I just had one. Madam President, if we could go ahead. Um, regarding the uh grants that I see on I don't I don't see the
number in front of me as I'm scrolling, but those grants those are onetime use grants for money from Can you just explain those so I make sure I understand them correctly? All right. So the federal title funds, title one, title two, title three, title
four have been annually um given to the districts to support our students to academics. Um we don't technically apply for them. We do qualify for them because of our student enrollment and may and our poverty
level. Um, in some cases we do go on um the New Jersey home room and we um submit our data and and they um assign us monies every year. This year um whatever formula that the state decided that this district and neighboring
districts um this is the amount that they're allocating this year for us for um our titles um in each category. So these items are we can look at it as a one-time use now
because of the climate but annually we do receive somewhat of some allocation from for um to the districts and other districts as um title being a title one school
does can answer your question Mike need any anything further No, thank you. That's good. Okay. Anybody else? Question, if you will. Um, as far as these title one through four, what would normally
contribute into the reduction? Is that something we contribute to it or that's standard just from the SP based on um it's just like stating they look at the data and they decide how much they want to assign to us. We submit data throughout the year of our enrollment.
We submit um you know low low income items. We submit they look at our population all of those things and they decide how they want to allocate monies to the district depending on the data that we submit a year prior and mot it's still you know essentially
it's the pot of money is coming from the federal. So if the federal is giving a smaller pot of money to the state there's going to be you know less that the the state districts are going to be able to to receive. All right. Thanks. I have a question.
Um, is that the same thing as the ESA consolidated? Yes, it is. Okay. Okay. So, that's what is for the fiscal year of 2025. So, now are you able to ask for more or we have to just accept what they give us?
We accept what they give us. Okay. Yeah. It's nothing I can I can send a letter or you guys want to send a resolution but sure we can do it can do it and and we do have a little
carryover from 2425 I don't know if they're going to give it to us you know there's r just like this was rumored that they were going to reduce the amount we thought this was going to hit in 25 26 27 but it hit this
Well, to that point, I think we should just, you know, to cover all of our bases, send a letter, you know, requesting I don't Okay, I'll figure out who would send it. I don't know. Yeah, we see. But we can you want to pass a resolution? We can try.
Yeah. Yeah. It's It's worth it. Attorney. Sorry. Get the attorney. Yeah. If maybe if Mr. Brown if you could draw something for us and let us give us a little direction as to we'll work with with Miss Austin and figure out what to do. Okay. Thank you.
My second assignment. Thank you. Expect you to succeed. I have a question. Yeah. Go ahead, Missa. I just wanted to know um just on random if you Miss Augustine have a list of what all the programs are going to be
affected by the loss of monies. So I don't have a a complete list but I can tell you what we did budget for um 24 um 25 26 in title directly. So number
one would be um a lot of the Saturday programs that the funding for um those programs homework club and other things that was done on Saturday were was coming out of um title one. The other item which was like Mr. Walker mentioned
the boss program in the summer. So, we were able to utilize the fundings from the previous year in order to fund um the program this this summer, but we're already starting, you know, below what we need for next year. So, that's
definitely a program that will probably be um non-existing in the year of 2020, summer of 2026. Um there was a homework club. Is that the same? But essentially like we because we got the reduction and we just found that this Monday or Tuesday or
Monday or something like that. Um you know we we had an emergency meeting um we resubmitted our application for the title funds because now there's less money you got to resubmit how you're going to spend this lesser amount. Um
and it's going to be us to kind of make up the rest. So there's there's going to be cuts, but um this is not the board meeting where we'd be prepared to give you a list just because it's such a fresh, you know, thing we're working on. Um but within the next one or two board meetings, we will exactly have a list
because we won't be running those programs and we could list you exactly which programs we won't run. And sadly, the list ain't going to be small. That's that's just how it's going to be. Anybody else? Um, just a question. Is it only affecting the children?
What do you mean? Yeah. Um, as far as programs and things that you're going to be we're going to be losing, is it only affecting the children? Well, like a something like the maker night like this children would benefit and then the parents would benefit. Uh, it was a good thing for the school
community. So I think that anything that affects the children will affect you know have at least secondary or tertiary effect on on other aspects of of of our our school community. Do you mean Miss Cerna if the funding if the cuts are going to affect other areas
other than programs? Is that what you're asking? Yes. right now we um we want to make sure that everything that's budgeted we can cover and then we do know that those programs
on Saturday they were part of the that title one fund um funding so we have to make sure that we um because it's a Saturday program I've said this the last I guess year or two you know my goal is not to riff because I know that I believe we're
adequately staffed And if I had to bet, we might be a little understaffed. And if we're understaffed, there's probably not much we could do about it with the fiscal situation as as is. Um I like I said, we're we're going to look to make the if we have to make cuts, the priority is going to be to not reduce
our staffing until we have to. And that's that's is how it is. Okay. Any other questions? One more question. Mr. Mr. Hi. All right. My my other question was we've we've been discussing uh the
potential cuts for a couple years now and we keep being reassured that there is a plan in place. I'm happy so far this year we have not had to make cuts. I'm clearly going to say again I'm not saying that we should let people go because I know my words get misconstrued very often. However, I know there were
two there was talk during previous meetings. I could go back and look uh later and get the exact meetings where if the title one funding was cut, we were told that potentially those positions um would be looked at. Uh that was a
direct thing that you had said, Mr. Wonka. So I want to know too again. Yeah, if if we can't It's a great point, Mike. If we can't if we can't get back to that zero sum without reduction in force, then then we'd have to do that. I don't believe we're at that point right
now. Um, but like to to your point, I think that if this happens next year, it'd be hard not to get to that point. Um, but right now, I don't believe we're at that point. Okay. Any other questions? Yeah, Madam President. Yes, Mr. Grizzman.
Um, to the administration, is it safe to say that uh your plan is to um cut extracurricular activities? That's that'll be the first thing to go. The last thing anybody wants to do is get to the point to stack. My primary obligation to the children is
between 7:45 in the morning and 3 p.m. Correct. Right. That's faith. Um so I'm going to make sure that our decisions are aimed at at those areas. Now, is it really cool to send your kids to a school that has a a summer bus program or has a
weekend program or has the things we've been able to kind of build during, you know, with our ESR money and with our influx of state aid the last couple years? Yeah, like that was that that was a bonus that those were times of plenty and and I I think our kids in our our school community got got value out of
that. Um, but those are beyond fate. Those are extras. Um, so the the core is always going to be what could we do to support all kids from 7:45 to 3 p.m. So just in the interest of you know the stability of is it safe to say or is it
too early that uh even with this cut in title one funds and the funds we have to spend on healthcare. Um as of right now you may you're taking a close look at these extracurricular activities that you're looking to cut.
However, everything else is stable. And to be fair, I'm look we're I don't want to get too far into things. I don't let me saying, but like there's certain programs that run an economic boon for our school. Like we're not going to look there, right? Like it's it's it's but everything else that that is uh is something that is on the table. And I I
I think it's important. But I know the Olympia is giving me good advice, but it's important for everyone understand this like, you know, things are going to be a little different and and hopefully it's it's it's not going to be the the new normal, but we're going to prepare as if it is. Um, the board approve the board approved
this uh this audit, if you will. Um, when do we anticipate that being finished? I will get back to you on that, but I want to answer the question about the assurance. As long as the state approves the title as her application, we're good
to go with the teachers that we plan to cover with the title. But if the state looks at our application and says you have these many personnel on your application, which I don't think they will think they will. I don't think they will. We just want to
assure you that once the state approves our application, we can move forward comfy and maybe I can give you some insurance. Okay. But I'm not going to do that right now. Very good. Thank you. Yeah. I have another question if possible, please.
Yeah. Can you hear me? Yeah, I can hear you. Okay. The I know we probably came across this bridge once before and probably numerous times. I mean, and what's going on with the cuts, the increases, this kind of dictates an emergency. Is there
a way again we could tap into certain reserves that we have? This is not considered an emergency. Hold on, hear me out till the end. Then I understand and I know we we visited this numerous times. Yes. Do we have an emergency? We have an emergency that dictates such a thing. Is
there a way in cohesively working with our attorney to put the dr some justification that would allow us to tap into some of that properification? Mr. Brahmadan, I know we've been down this conversation before. The reason why
this will not qualify as an emergency because during the budget preparation, you had the opportunity to raise the bank cap, which the district does have. So you would have to go through those channels first before the state would
consider anything as unanticipated of an emergency because we have bank cap in our budget to use to have to anticipate this situation. So that is why the state would not consider this a unforeseen situation
where there's always been there has been information that was put out there that there's a possibility that state aid will be reduced. There also was a possibility that the federal funds will be reduced. So during the budget prep preparation time you that was the
opportunity to increase your bank cap use your health care adjustment in order to anticipate these unforeseen so you say emergency situations. So they're not going to look at this as an emergency. An emergency is something
unforeseen if the roof falls down or there's a you know something to that effect that the district could not have anticipated. Right. But this also these cuts are unanticipated actions that's come come directly from
the from the state. It is unanticipated. This is better. There's has to be I'm sorry, but it has to be again something that we could allow us to top it if we revisit it again in a different situation, different circumstances,
certain justification backed up with our attorneys, if we have to tap into, you know, do whatever you have to do at this point to try it because again, I understand we cannot anticipate these things, but we always say you you we foresee the budget for the next year.
certain things is going to get cut down down down the year certain funds going to be cut short in here shorts there so these are the same thing everything is is unanticipated that's what I'm just trying to say is there a way it has to be something allow us to tap into these
to cover our shortages that's what I'm trying to say I know we visited this numer numerous times we have three reserves we have we have capital reserve we have tuition maintenance reserve. I believe we have
tuition in emergency. Capital reserve only can be used for capital projects. No letter, no um letter from our attorney is going to allow us to use that. Okay, Mr. Andrew, you can look into that for
us and have a report for us next week. Maintenance reserve has to be used for maintenance budget. That's what the reserves are for. tuition reserve has to be used for tuition unanticipated tuition. Now, if we have five students that come in and
we didn't anticipate that, we can um write to the commissioner the county to use our tuition reserve for those emergency reserve. Emergency reserve is the hardest reserve to use. You have to have some type of an unanticipated act
of God that happened to you in order to use those. The district's responsibility was during the budget process. So in other words, we should have went higher than 2%. Absolutely. No, I'm actually against that. Uh even
though this is I'm I'm against that increase to start with that should have been again any see that's what that's why I keep coming to you guys and say this is like a bandaid if this situation happened prior to the to the fiscal year we automatically would have said okay
let's increase the rate automatically we say tax increase levy automatic so that's the point it's there's something missing from the preparation seeing seeing things ahead of the schedule of the fiscal year before it happens And you know we have been doing things for
years now. It's not something new that we started. So we know certain things is going to work, certain things going to cost more, certain things going to cost less. We need to kind of capitalize on certain things and work with him to to utilize all all our resources proficient
and an effective manner. That's what I'm trying to say. Mr. Roman, I agree with you. I it it would be a real luxury to have this information before our budget was due on April 30th or whatever day it was around there. May March 21st. March 21st. It it would it would have
been really really really helpful to have had these numbers. Um yeah, it makes it a lot this this is the problem, right? It makes it a lot more challenging. Madam President, yes, I think it's important that you know to
to emphasize this is this news is fresh. Um and u the administration needs to you know go back you know for you know the finance committee uh maybe there's some programs that won't be cut. Maybe there's something that could be saved. There's a
club that could be saved. I mean uh I'm sure that Mr. Walka has uh his uh extracurricular activities prioritized in terms of you know which one are most advantageous to the school district. like for example like like that boss program others um so
think we have to wait for them to take a close look and report back to the board as to how we're going to pivot on this and in the interimm if anybody has any suggestions or concerns they should get it over to the administration soon as
possible. Yeah. Thank you Mr. Go. I agree and I we've already been um you know we've been discussing this since March and you know we we knew that we were and we knew this before last year and the year
before. We know that we have to plan ahead. Um we knew that we were going to especially this coming year we knew we knew that we were going to have to start early to really look at things we may have to cut. That's why Mr. Rocka already had a list of programs that were like top of
mind that you know will unfortunately be eliminated most likely. But yeah, we have to let this all be looked at. Let Mr. Waka and Miss Austin, you know, kind of go through everything, report back to
us and we can discuss it further. Um, just want to say regardless, thank you for uh when you did your budget, you know, thinking of, you know, making it a little more even though it gave us less than what we expect because I mean it it
does help balance things out at least for this year, right? Uh, and that's why now we know for next year what to do ahead of time and make the decisions ahead. Any other questions?
Okay, then um let's move on to um going through the committees personnel and management. Mr. Goodman. Yes, ma'am. Um dead it is only. I just want to extend my uh heartfelt condolences to Miss Dian Cartina, her
family, her fellow educators, entire school community, including our students. Um what a tremendous loss to our school district. She served with honor, grace, class. Uh she fought for the best interests of of her fellow teachers as
well as students as well. She was a pleasure to work with. She's going to be sorting this um a tough week with the water situation in our burrow. Uh behalf of the burrow, our
mayor, our council, chief of police, our fire chief, our DPW superintendent. Uh we want to thank everyone for uh for all their support. Um superintendent Mr. WA reached out um offered whatever the
school district could do to help us what you know whether it was opening up the building or whatever it could and we really appreciate that Mr. Watkins because in times of natural disasters or anything like that when we have to come together let's stick together and get through it.
George, my job's been that my job's been easy compared to you. I I've seen I've seen how active you've been the last couple weeks. So, I I appreciate you taking me, but I I saw I I see your civil servant attitude this last week. We we we all work together. Um and um
and that's what we're supposed to do in in times times like this. Um you know, the bureau lifted water use restrictions. Uh however, the B water advisory remains in effect. Um unfortunately the MU way uh is still
working on their um on their flushing program that they cannot start till the Sig Valley finishes theirs first. So there is no estimated time of completion of this flushing program and until that's completed. We're going to they're going to keep their Goldwater
advisory in effect. Um I don't anticipate it's going to go into the school year, but that's up to the MUA and and what they're doing. So, um I'm sure the town's going to keep the community posted. As soon as they hear something, they the will know. Um but,
um just glad that we were able to get through the situation of no showers and no toilet flushing and things like that. Um and again, we thank everyone for all their support and coming together uh
during that situation. With that being said, Thank you, Mr. Guzman. Um, curriculum and technology. Mr. Ramadan, agenda item is only. Okay. Policy and public relations. Mr.
Petta. Nothing on the agenda. Okay. Security and safety. Mr. Guzman. Yes, Madam President. And as it pertains to this uh uh water uh matter, um definitely want to set up a security safety committee meeting with respect to
the situation just so we uh do our due diligence um as we head into the school year. Um and just you know uh cross our tees and got our eyes um from the perspective of school board um
working u and communicating with the MUA and the town and to ensure that uh that our school has safe drinking water uh when school starts. So I think that's very important. So we can schedule that Mr. Walker. That
would be great. Um that's all for Thank you. Uh community engagement and outreach. Miss Pado, um I do have a couple of uh community events that I wanted to mention even
though they're not sponsored by the um the district. Uh the community does have a couple of back to school backpack giveaways. Um one being this weekend on Saturday. Uh, it's going to be actually
here at the Health and Public School location. However, it's not sponsored by Health and Public School. Um, and that's going to be Saturday the 23rd from 12 to 300 p.m. And then we also have another
backpack giveaway in the community at the recreational center, I believe, on Tuesday the 26 at 6:30. So, these will definitely benefit our students. Um, another community item that I wanted to mention is the ongoing for August jazz
night on Thursdays. Um, this Thursday the 21st is Latin night and that's the 28th we have the last night of the event. Um, is that a road straight or is that at the That's at the park. The park. Yes. Uh, the Boya advisory again a reminder
everyone's mentioning it. And then also congratulations to Manchester Regional High School for having um P County Teacher of the Year for the second consecutive year. Um and then agenda items. Okay. Thank you, Majo.
Uh finance and physical plant, Mr. Ramadan. Agenda items only. And I'll just I'll just add that uh we we met on Monday went over the new information that we just went over with everyone else and it
Thank you. Thank you both. Okay. State and county Miss Padrad. Thank you, Madam President. Um I did leave a handout on your um by your computers. Just gives you bullet points of what I'm going to um speak about. Um, at a state level, the Department of Education has
confirmed that school aid production for 2025 and 2026 school year will be capped at no more than 3%. State aid notices are already available through the home room portal and district must also prepare for the fiscal year 2026
ESA federal grant application by September 19. But according to the agenda, um I see that we've already met that deadline, so we're good on that. The NJ DOE has released updated educator evaluation guidance providing more flexibility for teachers and
administrators by reducing resilience on student growth objectives or SGOs's um which are the student learning goals teachers set each year. In addition, the department issued new guidance on the annual IEP meeting requirements,
reminding districts of the timelines and safeguards needed to ensure every student with an IEP has their meeting held on time and in compliance with state and federal law. Another important update is the release of federal education funds that has that were
previously frozen. about uh 12.7% of funding are now released by the federal government. Um these dollars can now be used to strengthen after school programs, STEM initiatives and service for English learners. Um at a county
level, the P County School Board Association shared its 2025 2026 schedule of events, meetings, and deadlines on August 19th. So you guys should have that in your email. Our next SBA meeting um a county SBA meeting will
be held on Tuesday, September 30th at 6 PM. It's going to be in hybrid format or you can go to Mario's restaurant in Clipton. The topic is going to be fostering student achievement insights from district leaders. I think this is an excellent way to start this school
year as it allows us to hear strategies across the board acum across the county um set to set the tone for academic success and bring back best practices for our own district. I would encourage us to consider attending as a full board
which will also support um our board goals um for health. These updates mean that we can plan our budget with greater stability, begin preparing our S EA um our E SA grant submission, but it's already been done. Strengthen compliance
with IEP requirements and take advantage of new newly released funding opportunities to enhance student programs. Um, I'll continue to monitor both state and county updates and keep the board informed. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Pero. And this is great.
This handout is very helpful. It kind of um summarizes a lot of the updates that are, you know, um happening that are coming out. And you know, we we often get a ton of emails from New Jersey schoolboard associations and other you
know, other uh entities, organizations. So, this is very helpful. Thank you. Thank you. Um, and I would like to, uh, welcome our new attorney, Andy Brown. Welcome. Um, thank you for joining us tonight. And do
you have anything to report before it? Actually, we've been working with Miss Augustine on um, your fire alarm contract. We've looked at all of your other contracts already, and we've managed to answer at least one tax question in the in the week we've been here. So, thank you for having me. I
look forward to working with you all as we move forward and I wish you all a good start of this school year. Thanks. Great. Thank you. Thank you very much. All righty. So, now let's go back and begin with personnel and management. Mr.
Yes, ma'am. Let's move item 7.1 through 7. So move second. So moved by Mr. Goodman, seconded by Mr. Martinez. Roll call, please. Mr. Sa. Um, no to 7.7, 713, and 714.
Mr. Kleta, I have one question on 79. Um I've spoken with Mr. Waka about this uh extensively. Um I if it's possible, is there a way to get at the next meeting regarding or one of the other meetings
coming up a breakdown of the cost and the income that the angels program and the afterare program bring in? because I I understand he keeps telling me that it's uh it doesn't cost the burough money, but I don't to my I can't make it make sense without seeing it cuz we seem to have a lot of employees. Um with
that, my No problem. My answer for 13, 14, 15, and 16 is no and yes to everything else. Was that 13, 14, 15, and 16? Yes, ma'am. No to 13, no to 14, 15, and
16, and then yes to everything else. Miss, I have a question on 7.1. Um, the appointment of the pull out resource teacher. Is that something that we have to fill by the time school
starts or you already have someone like on the backlog for that? The kids won't get the service. Okay. Uh but 7.1 is uh you were sending an appointment though. Yeah. Yeah. That's what I'm saying. Yeah. So she's not going to take the position. So does that mean we need to refill it? Yeah.
Yes. Mr. Yes. Mrs. Johnson about 7.17 the joint officers. Yes. So this board um in the last I would say since I've been here as you
know just as principal has been very adamant about uh the idea of making sure that people from Halen are the ones that are coming to our schools. So we have True View and then we also have this as a supplemental service that the board had asked for. Um that's why it's on the agenda again.
And he also does truent though, right? He also tr that same company that we No, this is an actual person that we hire. He's been if we want someone in front of the house like ASAP and spend four, five or six
mornings taking pictures to see who's living somewhere. Um this is just a a quicker route and we sometimes get optic of that. Doesn't mean it has to be paid a certain amount of hours. It just can't be more than 15. And uh for 13 that's this is I'm
confused. So it says new hire leave replacement or is it so you have a teacher that is having her second beautiful baby and um because she's not going to be here we're going to need someone to be in charge of those kids. Uh and this is the person that we hired to replace her. This is a pretty
common replacement and for 58,580 you're getting a pretty good deal. You know I was confused about new hire and replacement. Yeah. this person once um the regular teacher is is is healed enough to come back and healthy enough to come back then this person is uh their employment
will no longer be needed. Right. So um we're 7 89. No. Yes. Everything else 7.7 7.8 7.8
And yeah, and also um one second one other thing the 14 that's something that we asked for that the it says for training requirements for 74. So they because
they're a child care provider, there's certain trainings they're going to get to their staff. But just to advise this board, if you don't pass the angels program, then we're not having angels this year and that that'll be the board's decision. Well,
it's not it's it's more like a budget thing. I thought we were just talking about what we can afford and what we can't. So they they they operate as as a profit boosting organization for our school. Um they we pay them also charge
parents or parents are we're we're benefiting financially from it. Um but if if we don't have angels because this board doesn't want it then we don't have it. Just close the school down while we're at it. How are we? I tell you I tell you guys every year
Angels makes profit. Um you decide tonight you're going to provide that. You decide tonight to ask the proof. Um, I mean profit like a question like that would have been helpful maybe a day or two earlier. Uh, but I'm telling you this has been a wellreceived program by the by the by your voters, right? And
then your parents at your school. So, if you don't want to do it, even though it's it's making money for the school and the parents like it, the kids really benefit from it. Again, you're the board. You you can decide what you want. I strongly recommend you say yes. I understand what you're saying, but also
the same way you said if two days earlier we would have knew the same information you were previewing to as far as the budget, then we probably be in a different place today. But this is this is a part of our budget. This is a program that helps our budget like this this benefits like they
they run on profit for our school and they have since day. So you want to have a conversation? You guys want to table this and come back because that's possible. We started what? No. It can happen. The president's there. We can figure it out.
Not just do it here. We can Well, if we table it, then we they can't be hired for the be our next meeting is September they can be hired. They just have to stay at the same salary that they're at right now.
We're looking at So, we're looking at what 7.9, right? Is that what we're looking at right now? 7 8 9. So, right now it's to me it's passing. So, I'm not sure why. Um, yeah. I'm just my my my point is to advise the
board that if you vote no, there's it's going to have an impact, right? So, just to be mindful. You can still vote no if you want, but it's it's going to have an impact if you vote no. Right now, we just have two nos and it's passing. If you only have two, then you're fine.
But that's not I mean whatever. Yeah. My my vote is my vote. I'm going to change my vote. But if they want to have further discussion, we can discuss discuss it, you know, an executive or we can have a conversation about it
instead of just doing everything now. Well, is it it's passing right now, right, Miss August? It is passing, but if they still want to continue the vote and still have a conversation about just more understanding of the program, you could still do that. Madam President, I make a
motion to go into executive session to discuss the certified angels program at this time. Okay, hold on. The program, not the individuals. Okay, just make sure. Right. Uh point of order question. I have a quick point of order.
Um I I Nice to meet the new uh attorney. Um I don't Are we legally allowed There was a motion on the floor, a second, and voting has started. Are we allowed to stop mid vote and not continue the votes to address something else? I I I don't know that that would follow Robert's rules. I'm just asking for make sure
that we go through the new attorney, make sure that that's allowed. We should continue. Right. I'm sorry. I'm just thinking we should continue. Let's continue the vote. But after that, I'm going to make a motion to go into executive session. So, so actually it's a more basic question to discuss whether to continue
a program or not continue a program doesn't fall under the exceptions to the open public meetings act that would permit you to go into close session to talk about it. So, it's a so you've got the personnel piece and they haven't been right. So, you can't talk about individual employees. That part we've
got. But if this is simply whether we're going to continue a program or not continue a program, that's an outside discussion. So, if you're going to have it, you should have it, but you're in the middle of the vote, and I would suggest that you at least finish that process and and
work your way forward. All right. Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Um, Mr. Mart, are we done with Mr. Martinez? Yes, Mr. Ramadan.
Uh, verification on uh 7.2, if you will. I'm sorry. 7.3 I meant. Now, is that is that going for I understand we have to we have to pay for certain things, but is that the going rate or it's at the rate pay rate?
This is her overtime rate because she worked overtime at the last board meeting to during the RFP process. So that is her rate her salary rate. See um also
with the 7.2 7.13 and we had we've been having as you said right now in a shortage or a jam for about $330,000 and opportunity opportunity itself. I know we have it's it's a a replacement
but since the opportunity presented itself is there a way to hold on these and capitalize on the funding even though I seen most of these re rehires or no rephrase uh replacement there's a potential saving between 10 to 20 or
possibly $30,000 but can we capitalize on some of this since we're in a different situation that dictates the shortages? Well, it would be I I want all the kids in Halton that have speech impediments to be able
to receive the services that are in their IEP in which they're legally granted, right? Um you know, the the former employee uh who resigned made a certain amount. This one's $20,000 less. Um, but the bottom line is that it kids
are going to have speech impediments and speech pro problems and and the district's, you know, going to need to try and address that. And we do that with a speech language pathologist. And um, we got one for on on the market value. We we this is as
best as you're going to get. It just is, right? Okay. Um I vote um yes on all with exception to 7.2 and 713 Mrs.
Yes to all of them. Okay, committee. Let's move on to policy. No, nothing on the agenda for that. Uh, finance and physical plant, Mr. Ramadan. I'm sorry.
Oh, I'm sorry. Sorry. Uh, curriculum and technology, Mr. Ramadan. Yes. a motion to move um 8.1 to 8.6. Second. Moved by Mr. Ramadan, seconded by Mr. Martinez. Roll call, please. Mrs. Cerna, yes.
Mr. Ketta, yes. Miss Krado, yes. Mr. Buzzman, yes. Mrs. Johnson, yes. Mr. Martinez, yes. Mr. Ramadan, yes. Yes. Okay. Now, we're going to go down
to finance. Mr. Ramadan. Okay. Motion to move uh 12.1 to 12 12.24. Second move by Mr. Ramadan. Seconded by Mr. Martinez. Roll call, please. Mrs. Cerna,
I have a question about 12.17. Was there something wrong with this that we're sending and then awarding? Yes. So on the last board meeting on July 23rd, we have um awarded a contract to
the lowest responsible bidder that was given to the district. During the process of last board meeting to now, we looked into the lowest um it was three biders. the um VA Electro Electrical was
actually um reached out to me and said, "Hey, you know, they wanted to know why they were not awarded the bid and we looked into it. We looked into their certification and they did actually qualify for the to be the lowest bidder. So, we had to meet with
the attorney and we looked at all the they looked at all the paperwork for us and then yes, they were qualified. So, we're rescending the last appointment and warding the um the rifle vendor, you know, of the last contract by Mr. Merlin,
it was left over by a previous attorney. Okay. And as far as 12.6 through 12.8, um I would like some type of uh for Mr. for Mendes to either give us a
presentation or something where we get to know what he is determining how these kids are getting transferred out and paying a tuition of almost $90,000 for college. So So I've already Yes. The question is we're going to we're already in the process to make sure that every student
is covered for um on the tuition contract. So we will in the question of more details we we'll look into um the reasoning they were um the rationale each kid was um out you know considered um out of district. So we will do that.
We're in the process of um prepping that information. And then um for everything else uh 12.3 is a no um 122 is obained and yes abstaining from 12.23 you said 22 Okay,
Mr. Ketta. Uh, yes. And with the exception of 12.22, I'm going to abstain. Miss Pado, I'm going to abstain from 12 9 purchase
order 6003330 and the health benefit list in its entire yes Mr. Hman standing from 12.18 my vote is yes for everything
Mrs. Johnson yes Mr. Martinez yes Mr. Ramadan. Can he leave? No, he's there. Mr. Ramadan, your vote. I don't think he hears us.
Oh, yes. Mrs. Yes. Okay. Uh, moving on to new and old business. I have an item, but does anybody else have anything, Mr. Guzman?
Yes, Madam President. Um, I think, uh, everyone here wants to do what's right for the school district. Um, I just think it's important that we're all on the same page. It looks like what I'm reading, some board members would
rather not vote yes to any type of spending while other board members are want to vote yes to keep the school district moving forward. Um, so I think it's important that we we reach some type of I don't want to
say compromise, but um that we're all on the same page. Um because what happens is that if we don't move the district forward, what are we going to do? close the district down. We have to we have to see how we're going to handle those. So now we have a budget
that was passed and is important that we fulfill our budget and we keep the school district moving forward. Um or do we want to do a hiring freeze? Uh all these things that have been brought up in the past. Um, but again,
superintendent needs teachers, the superintendent needs staff to continue moving the district forward. You know what I mean? So, we have to take that into consideration. Um, of course, everybody's vote yes, you can vote no. And of course, if we need any information, I think Mr. Ka needs some information on the certified angels. How
is it? Those all fair questions, I think. Um, but are what are we doing here? You know, um, are we just going to don't know for all types of spending? Are we not going to do our HBAC program? Are we not like
what are what are we doing? You know, I think that's very important. Um, because we're definitely not on the same page and it's important that that we remain on the same page to move our district forward. Um it's no secret that um yeah
our our state has been cut for two years in a row. But what do we do? Do we resort to the magic word cush? The last thing that this the last thing I would like to see is anything in cut, you know, personally. U
but wouldn't that mean like moving people around that are already here and keep on hiring and hiring and hiring perhaps? But if you're right, but if that is if that is a suggestion, which sounds reasonable or whatever, then I think that's something that the
superintendent should consider and come back to the board as to what are we doing here? Um, I think that would be this. I agree. I agree with Can you know what I'm trying to say? Like, can we go into an executive session? But that's why I to be honest, I agree
with Mr. when he started talking about programs and and that's part of the reason why I walked the way I did. Sure. Because we don't want people to we do have to think about those. We have to think about those things. Absolutely. If I can also like from what you're
saying like I agree with you totally and I think it's important for us to do our research because if we're worried about what we're spending, we just can't say no because we don't know if those funds that are paying that are going from the budget or from something else. So, we got to do our research of where the
funds are coming from that are going to pay for that before, you know, my whole thing is this. It shouldn't get on the agenda unless it's been vetted by the administration. It's been vetted by the committee. Now, it's on the agenda. So, it shouldn't get to the agenda
unless it's been properly vetted. This is a good segue into what I'm about to say, but Raph, you had Mr. Martinez, you had your hand up. Yeah. No, I mean I just we can't leave 15 20 kids without a teacher just because we're going I'm Did somebody say no?
No. No. Understand? Understand we're talking in general and if we're talking in general, we have replacements for people that either go on leave or decide to resign. We have to replace them no matter what. But did some Did we say no to teachers or something?
Uh yeah, that there was several no votes to the fifth grade teacher replacement for the teacher. Yeah. I was wondering kids need teachers. So we need to we need So let this be a segue into what I was going to talk about because I think uh that was good. Thank you for that Mr.
Guzman. Um our you know we have these initiatives that we're working on. They're not they're not board goals. They're separate. They were things that arose from our board retreat. Um and they're all good um things to be working on. One of them was new employee
orientation onboarding. One of them was data and how we could collect data and use it to our advantage. So the other one the one that we met on today was committees and how to leverage our committees better. I really think that if the uh what we work I think small
groups work very effectively you know especially with our board when we get together in small groups uh we have productive conversations we get you know we do brainstorming it's it's helpful you know um I think if to Mr. Grizzman's
point if something is on the if something has been suggested or recommended by the chief school administrator and the business administrator and then it has been vetted by the committee who is looking at a specific area like personnel and management taking ownership of that
doing the research you know doing the work that has to be done leading up to it going on the agenda. then the board and and then reporting out to the whole board, you know, the board can feel assured that this has been properly
vetted, you know, and and it should help, it should give you confidence in in, you know, voting positively for that. So um one of the so just getting back to the committees you know what we
want to do is set up a structure where we're meet the the all the committees are meeting more regularly. Right now the finance committee is the only one that meets regularly. Um other committees that meet a little bit more often or the policy committee and the security committee but some of the other
ones don't meet very often. I think it sometimes it has and it's not that those items are not on the agenda but it's just that perhaps the committees don't know exactly what uh they should be discussing. So our group is going to be looking at charges you know the scope of
work um you know what it is that we're supposed to those committees are supposed to be covering for each committee um so you know we're going to be drafting that sharing it amongst ourselves and then we can share that out the charge was um when I discussed this
at the last meeting for those groups and you all everyone's been assigned to a group um that you meet before at least once or twice and then report that at the October meeting. So, um, we're we had our first meeting today. We're going
to meet again before the September meeting and then we'll have something to share with everybody in October. But I I really think that these we can leverage our committees more so that we all take ownership of all of this work and we can
share that with our fellow board members, report out to the the whole board and it's going to help us. It's going to help us get on the same page. It's going to help us be unified to our regular committee meetings before we start adding a ton of others. And I
don't really think nobody wants to hire teachers. I think we're just trying to make sure we're we're doing things responsibly. That's it. And we should all be able to talk together, small group or not. We're we're all one board. We're here for most of us for the same
reasons I would hope. And um I think that's where we should start. We should start with what we have now and work on that because you created this extra I'm not going to be a part of that committee. We have the security and personnel on me and George spoke, right?
Yes, ma'am. We're going to meet We're going to try to meet hopefully at least by Zoom the day before. Like we have to work on what we have now. Creating an extra three extra committees is not going to make the other five committees work.
So these were these were not my topics. These were topics that came up at the board retreat from the people who participated in that. Now if you didn't participate in the board retreat, I can't speak to that recorded well because the retreats are for you to
be there in person. So these are all it's all good work, you know, just because it's not part of the established committee. But to that point, I agree. I'm not trying to to that point though, one of the recommendations from our that we discussed in January was for the regular
committees to meet at least twice a year. So, and that was another reminder that I had tonight. Your regular committees, there are some committees that have not met yet. So, but working on this one initiative is giving those committees charges in case they're not sure what they're
supposed to be meeting on would be helpful for that. So, it's all related. It's all related. It's not to give people extra work. I'm busy, too, you know, but it's to and and these these initiatives are not long-standing. They're, you know, we're going to meet
twice. We're going to report out in October and that's it. We're g we're hopefully we're going to run with that. The board is going to run with that. And that goes for the other. Now, if if I can't make anybody participate in that. If you don't want to participate, well, then you know that will be noted. And
you know what else? What what can I say? I mean, I'm saying you want us to do that committee plus the committees you're already on. We We need to at least you Yeah, I don't want to. Yeah, I'm done with it. So, if I'm understand that correctly, we have our regular committees. I'm sorry
to to talk over you guys. I think the committee that that Miss uh Isa is talking about right now is to see how how the committees that we already have can get going. So, that's one initiative. That's one of the initiatives. There were two other ones. If you want to be involved in
that, I put I put everybody on committee. Some people ask to be on them. If you want to be involved in it, please do because it will only help. If you don't want to be, what can I say? I can't make you. But the other committees that are standing committees, those committees should have met at least once already. So, go ahead, Mr.
I just wanted to add to that. Um, thank you, Madam President. Um, so these these new three committees, they're just ad hoc committees. You're not even going to be like a permanent thing. I think it's just basically so that we can get the bones I know. I know. I know. I'm saying
we need to make it to the meetings we were assigned to when you know those meetings haven't even Yeah. If we're struggling with the committees we have now, what you know I Yeah, that's it. I wasn't trying to make this like a long conversation. I want to move it forward.
Well, it's not it's not struggling. It's just setting a meeting date. You know, the chairs you all the chairs of committees are responsible for that. Set a meeting date. You know, set a meeting date. And I mean some of them have met already. The the recommendation was to meet at least twice a year, but really
what we talked about today was to meet more often because then we take ownership of all of this stuff. Not that we don't as a whole board, but you know, small groups very often work more effectively and then, you know, everyone will feel more invested in in
the work if if they're meeting on it, you know, once a month. But in any case, um yeah, the regular committees need to meet and that was going to be another reminder that I had today. But these initiatives, you know, please participate and if you don't, well, what
can I say? We our our group is going to report out in October and I think it will be uh worthwhile and I hope that everybody and I know that Miss CuadraD is already working on the one for the new employee um orientation and onboarding and all. So, um, you know, I
think it's all good work and it and it certainly is, um, can only help our board get on the same page, become a team, become unified because that is really and to Mr. Goodman's point, that is what we need to do. I think I think we showed um I think we
turned over a new page when uh when we agreed to hire a new attorney for this board. I think that that was uh that was that was big. Um, and uh, that should be a fresh start for everyone. Um, and yeah, I'm I'm committed. Um, as
far as personnel, can we set up a uh, committee meeting ASAP for personnel? Mr. Walker, what do you want? We could we could have a we could have a committee meeting. Just discuss whatever you want. If you make if there's agenda items you'd like me to
talk about, correct? Tell me. I'd be happy to talk about them. Yeah, that that's pretty. You mean like a regular, right? there's been like a regular standing scheduled personnel committee meeting like like we have for the Are you the committee chair? Yes. Yes, sir. Pick a time a date and a time and I'll
send out a Zoom link and you know our members that attend will be the ones that attend. I'll be there. You know, the day before that's the day before the day before our meetings is when I spoke to them about how we should have the committee chair the recommended time. I we'll put so before the next
board meeting please. the day before. Um, gives us time. Mr. Um, go ahead, Mr. Fleta. All right. Uh, couple points. Um, regarding the certified angels thing.
I've um my only thing is again I understand sometime my delivery is harsh. So, however, I'm not saying that it's a lie. I'm just saying I don't understand it without seeing the numbers because we have a lot of employees who are getting paid a lot of money and I just don't without seeing it. I don't
understand it. That's not something that's not how my brain works. Second, in response to 7.2 and talking about hiring, I voted yes to hire the replacement and I'm appreciative that Mr. Walker found a replacement that saved approximately $20,000. uh when we're looking at some of these
things, it's it's very disheartening that members vote the way they choose to vote and then every meeting there has to be a lecture and a talk about how we have to do things differently and this like people are voted on. They're entitled to vote
how they want. We don't need a lecture every time. Um, in regards to Miss President Isa's statement, um, with regards to how these personnel make it to the thing, uh, you stated that it's vetted by obviously Mr. Waka's,
chief school administrator, um, and the committees. How, and again, my heart my I come off harsh. I don't mean it that way, but this how I talk is how many times has the policy, the personnel committee met before a person was put on the agenda to be suggested for hire. I'm going to guess that it's zero. It's not
an attack on the members of the committee, but don't say that that's how it's done. That's not how we do it. I called a meeting we had I didn't say that's how I said that's how we should do it. That's what I'm saying. That's what we talked about today at our meeting that if we had committee if the committees met more
regularly then they could report out to the whole board and the whole board could feel assured or reassured that it's being recommended by the CSA and the BA and it's being recommended by the committee. It's not how we do things
unfortunately but it's how we should do things and that's what our group met about today. I think if the committees met and you know really delved into this, did research, whatever it is, discussed it, then they can report out to the whole board and that would only
help. It's what we should be doing. And and in reference to replacing teachers also, I do understand how we have um teachers are going to leave, we have to replace them. I agree and I understand that. But also we do have to look at
we have a we also have a legal fiscal responsibility to the burrow and the people that we serve. Uh maybe the burrow is the wrong word but the the people of the town that we serve as well to make proper appropriate decisions. For example, a substitute teacher costs approximately $150 a day in Halen
whereas a replacement teacher at the rate of for argument sake 58,000 is uh $225 a day based on that hourly rate. So, it depends. Obviously, there is more structure in one area versus the other, but just certain things. I I think members should be free to vote how they
want to vote. Um, things are going to pass things are and just because something's recommended. Again, I I vote most of the time to hire people. However, just because the chief school administrator or somebody recommends something doesn't mean that we have to agree with it is a recommendation. Um, again, I don't want to turn it into a
long fight and I don't want it to come off as argumentative, but again, it is it's every meeting we vote when someone votes no, there has to be another 20 minutes of talking of how we shouldn't vote no and let's change how we do everything. That's Thank you, Madam President.
Yeah, go ahead. So, I just from my perspective, I just want to say I would never people we can go up or down. That you're right, Mike. That that's the thing. What I'm just trying to bring up is if we all vote no, let's say for hiring or for spending, then what happens to the school district? How about we all vote no? That
that's all that's all I just want to put in perspective. I'm not trying to knock anybody. Shut down just for So if we all vote no to hire, let's say he puts things on the agenda for now. We all vote no. What happens? I'm just saying. I don't think we'll do that like you just asked. When we're going to get the assessment back, we're trying to make
sure we're being physically responsible. That's it. And as far as we said far as the committees and um even if we do set up a committee I I do feel like we all I love the committees but I feel like we need to have more one ones together
because even the one personnel meeting that we had I still don't feel like my opinion was re received well like it's the same as these meetings. those to me was like a waste. But if we met more regularly that could,
you know, that that culture would change, you know, um I mean we have to do we have to put the work in. We have to do it. We have to meet. If we meet more regularly, especially in smaller groups and then we report out to the larger group, I think
it will help. I feel I personally I feel a lot better, you know, hearing from everybody in terms of, you know, because yeah, I get concerned personally as a as a as a parent. Okay, we're just going to vote no on everything. What are we doing? So, but I I appreciate what Mike
said, what M said and um we'll be fine. Okay. And uh yeah, I mean I would never lecture anybody about how they you go up or down. That's on you. But um I just want to make sure that we're keeping the district open, you know, that's all. I'm
sorry. I mean, listen, you know, I always we look ahead. I like to look ahead. I mean, fine. All right. All right. But from P from the personnel committee uh standpoint as chair, um I'm committed to meeting before every board meeting. I have no problem doing that and we
shouldn't be doing that. Um you know, I just ask the entire committee for full cooperation as we continue closely monitoring all this. and and hopefully we can work through all this together. Thank you. Thank you everyone. Thank you everyone for your input. Um is there anything
else for new or old items or business rather? Okay. So then let's um move to uh we need Yeah. to open up the floor. Can I have a motion to open up the floor to citizens?
Motion. Moved by Miss Johnson, seconded by Mr. Martinez. All in favor? Okay, the floor is open. We'll start with uh the public that's here. No. No. Okay. Thank you for coming. Uh anybody online,
Mr. Miller? I don't see any hands. Okay, then. Can I have a motion? Okay. So, moved by Mr. Guzman, seconded by Mr. Martinez. All uh we have to do roll call. Yeah. Roll call. No. Oh. All in favor?
All right, then. Enjoy the rest of the summer and see you in adjourn. Oh, no. There's no executive session tonight. Correct. I don't No. Yeah. Uh, can I'm sorry. Can I have a motion to adjurnn?
So, move. Second. Moved by Mr. Martinez, seconded by Miss CuadraD. Roll call, please. Okay. So, that's what I'm confused. All in favor for a journ. All in favor? Okay.