WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=V4QSCwULqJ0

Part: 1

1
00:00:02.800 --> 00:00:21.920
Good evening everyone. Welcome to the July 15, 2026 Hamilton Township Board of Education meeting. This meeting is being held in compliance with the Sunshine Law having been advertised in the press of Atlantic City and notices posted at the township clerk's office, Mislanding Post Office,

2
00:00:21.920 --> 00:00:39.600
Misba Post Office, Atlanta County Library, as well as the schools of the district. This meeting is being recorded. Roll call. Mrs. Anker >> here. >> Miss Bachelor >> here. >> Dr. Serena, >> Mrs. Dirks

3
00:00:39.600 --> 00:00:57.840
>> here. >> Mrs. Jackson >> here. >> Dr. La McQueen >> here. >> Mr. Rogers. >> Mrs. Bart >> here. Thank you.

4
00:00:57.840 --> 00:01:13.600
Can I please have a motion to convene an executive session? Motion by Miss Ankra. Second. >> Second by Miss Jackson. All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Resolved that pursuant to section seven and eight of the open public meetings

5
00:01:13.600 --> 00:01:29.840
act, the public shall be excluded from the portion of the meeting involving discussion of HIV personnel and attorney client privilege. Be it further resolved that discussion of such subject matter in executive session can be disclosed to the public when formal action is taken on such subject matter or at another

6
00:01:29.840 --> 00:01:44.400
appropriate time. Be it further resolved the board may take action on items discussed in executive session. Now therefore, be it resolved, the board will be in executive session for approximately 30 minutes. Please have a motion to close executive

7
00:01:44.400 --> 00:02:03.079
session and reconvene in public session. Motion by Mr. Rogers. Second. Second by Miss Jackson. All in favor? >> I >> I opposed. >> Thank you. We please stand for the flag salute.

8
00:02:05.840 --> 00:02:44.400
>> To the flag United States of America. Please take a moment of silence for private reflection. Thank you. >> Can I please have a motion to approve regular and executive session minutes from June 17, 2026?

9
00:02:44.400 --> 00:03:06.080
>> Motion. Motion by Miss Bachelor, second by Miss McQueen. Comments or questions? Roll call. >> Mrs. Anker, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bachelor, >> yes. >> Dr. Serino, >> yes.

10
00:03:06.080 --> 00:03:25.760
>> Mrs. Dirks, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jackson, >> yes. >> M. McQueen, >> yes. >> Mr. Rogers, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Bar, >> yes. Thank you. At this time, I will turn it over to Dr. >> All right. Do I have Mrs. O'Neal here?

11
00:03:25.760 --> 00:04:01.599
There you are. Chrissy, can you come down so we could talk about our bus drivers and busy? Yeah. I'm sure this. So, for those of you who don't know me, I'm Christine O'Neal, the director of transportation, aka Christian

12
00:04:01.599 --> 00:04:18.079
transportation. Um I just wanted to take a moment to um you know dedicate uh the day to some of the most important people I feel um for our students. Um so a little bit about me. My journey started I'm going into my

13
00:04:18.079 --> 00:04:34.479
fifth year um as transportation here and um when I started I had to put super glue on my feet so I didn't run. Um but it's been it's been an experience. um super proud of the department that we've

14
00:04:34.479 --> 00:04:50.000
built and uh we couldn't do it without a lot of people and I just want to thank you all for having faith in me for um allowing me to do this and just run with it because it's been amazing. Every year just gets better and better. Um so three

15
00:04:50.000 --> 00:05:08.440
years ago going into four years um I was begging for help so you guys allowed me to hire a secretary um and that's when I inherited Maria. uh she's been my backbone, my savior, and I couldn't do this without you. So, thank you.

16
00:05:15.199 --> 00:05:33.360
So, first I'd like to have Richard Syler please come down here. So, we're just going to give you a briefing on my team. So, Rich has been with us from day one. Uh he started in May of 24. Um he's been the found a

17
00:05:33.360 --> 00:05:48.160
foundational part of the transportation family from the very beginning. He's been with us um again since May of 24 when we made the biggest decision to leave the consortium and join uh and leave the consortium from Greater Egg

18
00:05:48.160 --> 00:06:05.039
and kind of go out on our own. Um as we prepared to run our own routes and operate our own buses, Rich stepped up without hesitation. He drove every district route, testing them to make sure that they were safe, efficient, and made sense. And let's be honest, if they hadn't, I probably wouldn't be standing

19
00:06:05.039 --> 00:06:22.319
here today. That uh same summer, Rich helped launch the very first ESY and agent summer program with our own district drivers. Today, he's the only member left of the original driving crew that's still with us, and he's a true testament to his dedication and commitment. Rich has always had an

20
00:06:22.319 --> 00:06:38.560
attitude of whatever I can do to help get the job done. Whether it's support, I'm sorry, whether it's supporting our transportation team, helping our schools, assisting parents, or making sure our students are cared for, he is always there. He's constantly goes above

21
00:06:38.560 --> 00:06:54.639
and beyond what anyone could ever ask of a bus driver. From day one, Rich has instilled in me one of my most favorite sayings. There are never any problems, only solutions. And those words have become a guiding principle for our team.

22
00:06:54.639 --> 00:07:14.720
Rich truly embodies the heart, resilience, and spirit of this department, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him a part of the transportation family. Uh Shannon couldn't make it today, but she's our next in line. So Shannon joined our team in the 24-25 school year

23
00:07:14.720 --> 00:07:30.400
after we lost one of our original drivers following ESY. I remember wondering, "How am I going to find someone so quickly who will fit into this team?" Then Shannon walked through the door. With her fierce presence and powerful aura, my first thought was, "Oh no, what am I getting myself into? But

24
00:07:30.400 --> 00:07:45.759
all jokes aside, during her interview, I quickly discovered that beneath the fiery exterior is one of those the most sweetest, caring people you'll ever meet. Her heart is fully invested in the students she transports and cares and the care she shows them is evident of

25
00:07:45.759 --> 00:08:01.520
every single day. Once Shannon became part of our team, she quickly earned the title of our fun one. She keeps everyone laughing with her don't mess with me charisma and her playful sense of humor. She brings so much joy and energy to our transportation family while taking

26
00:08:01.520 --> 00:08:19.199
tremendous pride in her work. And if you ever seen her bus, you know exactly what I mean. Shannon has the cleanest and without question the most beautifully decorated bus in the fleet. She pours the same pride and dedication into her bus as she does into caring for her students and it shows every day. Shannon

27
00:08:19.199 --> 00:08:34.640
is one of the fastest Shannon was one of the fastest best decisions I've ever made in my hiring experiences over the last 20 years being in the transportation business. She's always dependable and we are grateful to have her on our team.

28
00:08:34.640 --> 00:08:54.160
>> Yay. Mr. Brown, can you come down, please? So, after losing another driver um of our original fleet, Shannon said, "Wait, I have someone." And that she certainly did. When Mr. Robert Brown walked into

29
00:08:54.160 --> 00:09:10.720
my interview dressed to the nines, my first thought was, "Wow, he must really have a hot date after this interview." But all jokes aside, I quickly learned that Robert is one of the kindest, most gentle human beings you will ever meet. He carries an unwavering attitude of,

30
00:09:10.720 --> 00:09:26.720
"Don't worry, Chris. We got you. We'll get it done no matter what." Those words perfectly reflect who he is, no matter the challenge, Robert is always willing to step in, lend a hand, and make sure the job gets done. After more than 30 years of dedication of dedicated service

31
00:09:26.720 --> 00:09:42.080
with one of our local transportation contractors, Robert didn't hesitate to become part of our transportation family. For him, driving for Hamilton Township School District isn't just a job. It's a way to stay connected to the community he loves. A and if you ever

32
00:09:42.080 --> 00:09:58.880
talk to Rob, you will know one thing is for certain. He knows everyone. Every time we review his routes or assign a parah to his bus, he'll say, "Oh, that's my cousin's mother, sister, brother, aunt, uncle. Oh, I know their grandparents." Somehow, everyone is connected to

33
00:09:58.880 --> 00:10:16.000
Robert. Robert is our calm in the middle of every storm. He brings kindness, patience, wisdom, and steady presence that reminds us that reminds us all what this job is really about. He is the heart and soul of our transportation family, and we are truly best blessed to have him on our

34
00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:40.320
team. Did Deb come in? Miss Deborah, come on down. So, Miss Deb joined our team this past school year. Um, she is our very first hi hybrid driver aid position that we've created. When she accepted the position,

35
00:10:40.320 --> 00:10:55.920
she expected to spend most of her time serving as an aid on her special education routes and driving only occasionally. Then, one of our drivers did not return for medical leave. Everything changed. Suddenly, Deb found herself stepping into the spotlight. She didn't blink, hesitate, or question it

36
00:10:55.920 --> 00:11:10.800
for one second. She simply stepped up and took over. Deb quickly stole our hearts with her quiet, gentle personality. But it didn't take long for us to realize that beneath that soft-spoken demeanor is one incredibly strong woman. She is the definition of a

37
00:11:10.800 --> 00:11:27.279
gentle warrior. She advocates fiercely for her students and cares for each of our special needs children as if they were her own. Their safety, comfort, and well-being are always her top priority. And she goes above and beyond to make sure they receive the best care possible. Every morning, Deb arrives

38
00:11:27.279 --> 00:11:44.079
with the biggest smile, endless patience, and calm presence that brings comfort to everyone around her. She creates a safe, caring environment on her bus where every student feels valued and supported. And while our little while our little bus has certainly

39
00:11:44.079 --> 00:12:02.480
tested her patience more than once, Deb has handled every challenge with determination and despite a little frustration along the way, an incredible amount of grace. We are so grateful to have her as a part of our family. And last but not least, Miss Swift. Come

40
00:12:02.480 --> 00:12:22.000
on down. So Fran has joined our team this past March. Um she stepped in as the hybrid aid position. Um bringing bringing with her a beautiful spark of life and an infectious positive spirit. Like Deb, she be she came into the position with

41
00:12:22.000 --> 00:12:38.160
one idea of what her role would be. But that quickly changed. Brand became my next test case, if you will. I wanted to keep our athletic trips in house, and I thought, let's give it a try. As spring spring sports were getting underway, I asked Fran if she would be willing to

42
00:12:38.160 --> 00:12:53.360
take on those trips. She jumped at the opportunity with excitement, embracing the challenge and using her organizational skills and attention to schedules and location to help make the pro program success. Then with only a month left in our school year, we

43
00:12:53.360 --> 00:13:10.560
unexpectedly lost another driver. Once again, Fran stepped up without hesitation and took over that route. Anyone in transportation knows that stepping into an established route at the end of a school year is no easy task. Students have grown accustomed to one driver's routines and expectations,

44
00:13:10.560 --> 00:13:27.920
but the transition especially the Sorry. But the Oh my goodness, I lost my spot. Um, making the transition especially challenging. Sorry. Despite that, frame at every obstacle with resilience,

45
00:13:27.920 --> 00:13:43.279
determination, and a willingness to learn and grow. Gra is one of the most inspiring people you will ever meet. Every morning she starts our day with heartfelt messages and meaningful reflections in our group chat that bring smile to our faces and warmth to our hearts. Her words remind us to approach

46
00:13:43.279 --> 00:13:59.199
each day with gratitude, kindness, and purpose. And then there's Fran's fun side. She is our dancer. Turn on the music and you'll see her joyful personality light up a room as she walks into it. Her positivity is contagious and she reminds us all that even on the

47
00:13:59.199 --> 00:14:14.160
busiest days, there's always a reason to smile. Fran is is truly our daily inspiration and our transportation family is brighter because of her. Thank you. So, thank you guys for everything that you do. We appreciate you and without

48
00:14:14.160 --> 00:14:30.560
you um this would not be a department. So, thank you for everything. And then lastly, I just want to recognize some of our aids. We have um parsers throughout the schools that step up every day and they help us um you know aid on the bus. Um, we have a few that are that do it

49
00:14:30.560 --> 00:14:46.880
through ESY and then we have a few that are with us all year long. So, we couldn't do it without them. Um, when I mention your name, if you want to stand please. I have Alex, Melissa, you can stand up. Alex, Melissa, Sabrina, I don't know if

50
00:14:46.880 --> 00:15:06.079
everybody's here. Um, Melanie, Q, Shannon, Mick, Gina, and Laura. So, I just want to give a huge shout out to you guys. You step up every day to support our bus routes. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to these

51
00:15:06.079 --> 00:15:22.800
amazing individuals before their demanding day in the classroom even begins and long after spending the day caring for and supporting their students. The willing they willingly step into the bus to assist whatever wherever they are needed. Their selflessness, compassion, and dedication help keep our drivers supported, our

52
00:15:22.800 --> 00:15:38.880
students safe, and our transportation program running smoothly. Their willingness to go above and beyond, often without recognition, speaks volumes about their commitment to our students and schools. Also, not to mention their dedication to our ESY program. Since we only have our own buses that run for this, we could not

53
00:15:38.880 --> 00:15:57.600
operate successfully without their relentless work ethic, unwavering support, and the care that they show each and every day. From the bottom of our hearts, we are so grateful to have you a part of the transportation family. Thank you. We would be remiss if we didn't

54
00:15:57.600 --> 00:16:15.480
acknowledge Chrissy. She was a onewoman show to start this out and she's built a great team here. Um, dedicated. She's there from dawn till dusk. She never goes home unless all the kids are are home first. So, we want to thank her.

55
00:17:25.600 --> 00:17:50.799
At this time, could I please have Miss Wilson come on down for a riveting HIV and student safety data presentation? >> Hi everyone. Um, I'm going to be going over our SSDS report for the school year. So, we've been doing a four-year

56
00:17:50.799 --> 00:18:07.440
status report on our school safety, taking the data and really diving into it to see how we've been doing, to see areas that we need to look more into. So, I'm going to be going over that. Over the past four years, we have been putting more interventions in and we've seen our total incidents go down from

57
00:18:07.440 --> 00:18:23.760
259 per year to 90. We've also seen our violent offenses go down from 165 to 52. So, we're making huge strides in reducing our numbers and really addressing our behaviors in our schools. Um, our vandalism has reduced from 15 to

58
00:18:23.760 --> 00:18:39.919
nine in incidences. Substances has been cut more than half from 31 to 14. And our confirmed HIVs have dropped significantly from 44 to 13 over the past four years. So, as you can see, the things that we're putting in place in the buildings are really helping us cut

59
00:18:39.919 --> 00:18:56.640
our numbers down and really address student behavior before it's getting to the point of being more office manager out of school suspensions. So, what we're finding is that while we're having a decline in our severe incidences, what is going up is our other incences leading to removal. So,

60
00:18:56.640 --> 00:19:12.559
these are in school suspensions, a change in um program, other reports of code of conduct that aren't necessarily coded for SSDs, but that we're seeing that rise, which means that we're putting in more um restorative practices to be able to help our students remain

61
00:19:12.559 --> 00:19:29.520
in the building and really adjust their programs versus having them leave school or be in out of school suspensions. To do that, we were engineering like more physical safety um proactive culture in our building. So, we're shifting from reactive discipline to

62
00:19:29.520 --> 00:19:46.559
more proactive behavioral frameworks, really finding those root causes. Um making sure that we're monitoring trends in real time by having monthly meetings and really going over the data to make sure that we're addressing needs per school, per grade, making sure that we're really reaching the students that we need to reach.

63
00:19:46.559 --> 00:20:02.240
So, it it comes into two different frames of the teacher manage. So level A and B and office office manage. So our teacher manage is making sure that the relationships and the instruction are really coming together in our classroom. Making sure our teachers are having positive relationships with our

64
00:20:02.240 --> 00:20:18.559
students, greetings at the door, knowing their interests, um having positive social praise, verbal corrections, making sure we're reaching out to the parents not just when there's something wrong, but for positive praise. um as well as documenting everything in Genesis so we can see if there's a pattern so we can learn from this

65
00:20:18.559 --> 00:20:34.960
behavioral change and make sure that we're making that as as a class and then it comes out as a grade level and then as a school when we get to office manage that's more systemic and consequential. So we're doing our CSC counselor integration, making sure

66
00:20:34.960 --> 00:20:50.400
that our administrative conferences are happening due process traditional consequences. So in school suspension, out of school, loss of privilege if the SRO has to be involved, but we're maintaining our school safety, providing those targeted alternate discipline and

67
00:20:50.400 --> 00:21:07.200
initiating that restorative practices. And when we say restorative practices, we mean instead of just having a student go out of school suspension and then come back, we're having a meeting. We're getting them set up for counseling. and we're making sure that we're understanding what led to their behavior so that we can help break that cycle for

68
00:21:07.200 --> 00:21:24.000
the student. Um, so the three foundational pillars that are upholding this positive schoolwide culture is our enhanced behavior supports, our data monitoring, and addressing disparities in the data. So we're making sure that we're doing ongoing staff training, deescalation,

69
00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:40.559
um, conflict resolution, our PBIS supports. We're making sure that there's strategic staff placement in high volume areas. So at arrival, at dismissal, in our hallways, at lunch, making sure that we're seeing what's going on because most of the time if a staff member is

70
00:21:40.559 --> 00:21:55.679
visible, they're going to be able to address a problem much faster and making sure that our administrators are in the buildings visible, able to talk to students, also creating those relationships. As far as data monitoring, we're reviewing all the data monthly to make sure that we're looking

71
00:21:55.679 --> 00:22:12.400
for trends. We're making sure that our data driven support is being done by mentors, by counselors, by CST. Making sure that we're really um looking at those areas and hitting our students as we need to um to make sure that we're watching those behaviors and able to track. Also, strict tracking of our

72
00:22:12.400 --> 00:22:27.840
office managed versus classroom managed behavior to see again what are the trends, where do what grade level do we need to see more in. For instance, last year we saw a big um increase in roasting in students. So our counselors, especially at Hess, were going in monthly and having meetings with the

73
00:22:27.840 --> 00:22:43.360
classes, talking about it, addressing it as a district, just doing it differently for each grade. So making sure that we are addressing that um and then addressing those uh disparities. So we're having a training, which we're hoping to continue this year for our admin and our counselors. Um and we're

74
00:22:43.360 --> 00:22:59.039
identifying root causes to reduce uh code of conduct violation. So again, trying to get to it before it becomes a problem. What we've noticed is that we're having this restorative re-entry loop now where if a student is having an office manage infraction, they are going out for

75
00:22:59.039 --> 00:23:14.320
either ISS or um in school suspension or out of school suspension. We're now having that peer mediation, that restorative conversations, guidance, counseling take take over. When the student, if they're in um in school suspension, they're going in the room. They're checking in. They're making sure

76
00:23:14.320 --> 00:23:31.120
that the student understands why they're having this consequence and working through how we can make better choices next time. If they're going out of school suspension again, when they come back, we're making sure that we're having those things put in place for the students so we can help them transition back in and make sure that they have the

77
00:23:31.120 --> 00:23:46.720
supports that they need. and we're seeing that we're breaking this cycle. So, we're going to continue working on this and strengthening each level of of the loop and each level of um counselor involvement to make sure that we're reaching the students. So, our next step

78
00:23:46.720 --> 00:24:00.960
things that we're going to be working on this year is just system fine-tuning, making sure that our tiered systems are in place for discipline across the district, that we're doing the same thing age appropriately at each school to ensure um consistency and fidelity. We're doing district-wide restorative

79
00:24:00.960 --> 00:24:16.480
practices. So doing more trainings for staff, making sure that everyone is able to from par profofessionals to teachers to all staff in the building, making sure that they are understand how to talk to a student who is escalating and do some deescalation techniques or be

80
00:24:16.480 --> 00:24:32.880
able to get the right person to come um to help with that. Um we're doing targeted leadership training. Again, we're doing the Aquabond training and making sure that administrators and school counselors have the tools to be able to help our students and then relay that to our teachers, child study teams,

81
00:24:32.880 --> 00:24:49.520
um, all the other staff in the building and real-time adjustments. So, again, as I said, last year we noticed that there was an increase in roasting at HS especially in fourth grade. We were able to notice that by looking at these data trends and address it in real time. I think it was in the month of March and

82
00:24:49.520 --> 00:25:06.559
we were able to see a lot of um success in the referrals coming down and less hibs being brought to us by putting those things in place. So this next step is just fine-tuning, but we've come a long way and we're doing I think a very great job of getting our numbers down.

83
00:25:06.559 --> 00:25:31.440
So that is all. >> Thank you. Good evening everyone. As we begin the month of July, I want to take a moment to share how proud I am of the strong close to our school year and the positive start to summer across the Hamilton Township School District.

84
00:25:31.440 --> 00:25:48.400
Graduating graduation and our end of the year celebrations were a tremendous success and I thank our staff, students, families, administrators for making those moments. We've also had a su sorry sorry successful opening of our summer programs including extended school year

85
00:25:48.400 --> 00:26:03.840
and agents for change camp blue stars off to a great start. We're proud to have successfully reopened community swim as requested by the board of education. I want to thank Mr. Melddder and Mr. Chin for their wonderful work in making this program well organized, well

86
00:26:03.840 --> 00:26:20.640
attended, and meaningful for our community. Our summer building projects are also progressing and we're excited about the continued improvements taking place throughout the district. July also marks the official beginning of several members of our administrative teams and new roles. Please join me in welcoming Holly Neimik as our director of student

87
00:26:20.640 --> 00:26:36.720
services. Sam Wilson in her leadership role in student services do applause. Ian Lavine as the principal of Davies and Dr. Holstrom as the principal of Hess and Mr. car as the principal of

88
00:26:36.720 --> 00:26:52.559
Shainer. We're excited for their leadership and their work ahead. To our staff, I wish you a relaxing, well-deserved summer. Thank you for all you've done for our students, families, and our community. We look forward to continuing our work together as we prepare for a strong start school year.

89
00:26:52.559 --> 00:27:08.400
As far as our district goals and strategic plan highlights, this month's work continues to support the district's goals and priorities outlined in the strategic plan. Across the district, we remain focused on strengthening academic achievement, improving instructional systems, supporting student climate and attendance, ensuring compliance and

90
00:27:08.400 --> 00:27:23.679
accountability, aligning personnel and operations, and maintaining safe and effective learning environments. During the month of July, our focus has been on preparing for the upcoming school year, supporting our summer programming, monitoring building projects, strengthening leadership transitions,

91
00:27:23.679 --> 00:27:40.720
and continuing the systems to work as needed for a successful opening of the school. These efforts align directly with our strategic plan, areas of student learning experiences, community partnerships, and operations. As we move through the summer, the district will continue to monitor progress, address needs, and prepare staff, students, and

92
00:27:40.720 --> 00:27:56.960
families for a strong start to the school year. Following other important for our board members, staff, families, and communities. 72026 uh is our virtual PTA meeting. Uh that will be virtually at 7 o'clock uh on uh and the link has been set out by the

93
00:27:56.960 --> 00:28:14.159
PTA. On uh August 4th is our national night out at Lake Vanipe Park East from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. And 8:19, 2026 is the next board of education meeting right here in the Davies Cafeteria. This concludes my superintendent report.

94
00:28:14.159 --> 00:28:30.480
Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Zto. At this time, we will have public comment for agenda items only. There are two opportunities to address the members of the board. The board values and welcomes comments and opinions from residents as long as remarks are not personal or discourteous. The public comment portion

95
00:28:30.480 --> 00:28:45.440
of the meeting allows the board to listen to community members and to hear their opinions on school policy and operations. The first public portion is reserved for persons wishing to speak about agenda items only. The second opportunity following action items is when residents may address the board on

96
00:28:45.440 --> 00:29:00.720
any school related issue. Each speaker is asked to limit their comments to three minutes and you are not permitted to yield your time to another. The public comments portion of the meeting during both sessions will not exceed 30 minutes. Upon being recognized, persons wishing to speak should stand and

97
00:29:00.720 --> 00:29:32.399
identify themselves by name and address will now receive comments from public in accordance to policy on participation at a board. Hi everybody. I just wanted to piggyback off of um what we said about our drivers and about our transportation department.

98
00:29:32.399 --> 00:29:49.520
It is incredible what they do. Um, just at Davies, I see them every morning dropping off our middle schoolers, then looping around and coming back and dropping off our preschoolers, then looping around and coming back and being on time for our afterchool programs, which anyone who's been here for a while

99
00:29:49.520 --> 00:30:05.600
knows how big of a task that is and how incredible that is. They have pizza parties for their kids. They go to the bus stop an hour early to make sure that our students get to school and everyone always does it with a smile on their face. So, everyone, Chrissy, Maria, do a

100
00:30:05.600 --> 00:30:34.279
great job. All the drivers, all the pairs, and um they are genuinely incredible. So, I just want to give them another shout out. At this time, we'll have board member comment. Are there any board members that would like to comment on an item of interest?

101
00:30:39.600 --> 00:30:54.880
Seeing none, I would just like to also echo um Chrissy's presentation for our bus drivers. It has been a journey. I'm so proud of the district and and being able to it started with one person uh and a dream, right? Um but it's been great and it's a huge asset to our

102
00:30:54.880 --> 00:31:10.080
district. So, thank you for all of the hours and and um our staff that put in that time first. At this time, no other board member comment. We will go to our committee

103
00:31:10.080 --> 00:31:30.320
reports. Personnel and policy committee. The personnel and policy committee met virtually on Tuesday, July 7th at 6:15 p.m. Board members present were Miss Angra, myself, Ashley Dirks, and Ryan Jackson, Superintendent Dr. Veto,

104
00:31:30.320 --> 00:31:47.200
assistant superintendent business administrator, Mr. Venziani, and director resources, Miss Lzinski. At our meeting, we discussed July personnel recommendations, including the assistant principal position at the Hes school, staffing readiness for the 2026 2027

105
00:31:47.200 --> 00:32:04.159
school year, vacancies, hiring timelines, priority positions, administrative transitions, staff assignments, transfers, leaves, separations, retirements, and coverage needs for the opening of school. We also discussed role clarity, job descriptions, organizational structure,

106
00:32:04.159 --> 00:32:20.880
opening year evaluation timelines, accountability expectations, policy and regulation updates, and student services staffing and compliance needs. Regulation 5440, honoring student achievement, was tabled for a future meeting. The next committee meeting will

107
00:32:20.880 --> 00:32:42.399
be scheduled according to the board committee calendar. I have a motion to approve all items in section 10. Okay. Section nine. Our agenda got a little. >> All right. A motion and a second.

108
00:32:42.399 --> 00:33:02.799
Comments or questions? >> Okay. Seeing none, roll call, please. >> Mrs. Anker, >> Miss Bachelor, >> yes. >> Dr. Sino, >> Mrs. Dirks, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jackson, >> Miss McQueen, >> abstain from 9.4, but yes to everything

109
00:33:02.799 --> 00:34:33.440
else. >> Mr. Rogers. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Bar? >> Yes. >> All right. Welcome everyone and congratulations All right. Finance and operations. Dr. Serino. In attendance to at the meeting were na

110
00:34:33.440 --> 00:34:50.000
uh board members Nancy Bar, Sean Anka, Cheryl Serena Ankra, Cheryl Serino, and Harry Rogers. Dr. Zto, Mr. Vinenziani, and Ian Nelson. The Finance and Operations Committee met virtually on

111
00:34:50.000 --> 00:35:06.400
Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 at 400 p.m. At our meeting, we discussed the ESA and IDA grant applications, the Shainer update, the board office updates, the sidewalk update, the pork

112
00:35:06.400 --> 00:35:21.760
parking lot lighting and summer facilities project. The committee also discussed kindergarten classroom capacity and the anticipated construction timeline at Shainer. These items support budget stewardship,

113
00:35:21.760 --> 00:35:37.920
facilities readiness, and preparation for the opening of school. The next committee meeting will be scheduled according to the board committee calendar. I motion to approve items in section 10. >> Second.

114
00:35:37.920 --> 00:35:55.520
>> Motion and a second. Any comments or questions on items in section 10? Roll call. >> Mrs. Anker, >> yes. >> Miss Bachelor, >> yes. >> Dr. Serena. >> Mrs. Dirks? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Jackson?

115
00:35:55.520 --> 00:36:09.200
>> Yes. >> Miss McQueen? >> Yes. >> Mr. Rogers? >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Bar? >> Yes. >> Thank you, Dr. Swino. And curriculum, Miss Anchor, please. >> Okay. Okay. The curriculum committee met

116
00:36:09.200 --> 00:36:26.320
virtually Tuesday, July 7, 2026 and attendance was myself, Nancy Bar, May, Dr. Zitto, Mr. Venziani, and Mrs. Bryant. Our meeting we discussed summer curriculum work instructional planning

117
00:36:26.320 --> 00:36:42.960
the 26 2026 2027 assessment calendar common data use planning and academic achievement priorities connected to the strategic plan and board evaluation feedback. We also discussed academic NJTSS

118
00:36:42.960 --> 00:36:59.680
and MTSS planning for tier one and tier 2 supports, entrance, entrance and exit criteria, progress monitoring, opening year professional development, student services readiness, field trips,

119
00:36:59.680 --> 00:37:16.079
student learning opportunities, instructional resources, programs, and grants. Follow-up items include summer reading communication, fifth grade honoral communication, and a summer a summary of curriculum revisions. The

120
00:37:16.079 --> 00:37:34.880
next meeting will be scheduled according to the board committee calendar. A motion to approve items in section 12. Okay, sorry. 11. Can I have a second? Second.

121
00:37:34.880 --> 00:37:52.079
>> Second by Miss Ber. Thank you. >> Do we need to clarify? It's section 11. >> Section 11. Thank you. Comments or questions? >> Roll call. >> Mrs. Anker. >> Yes. >> Miss Bachelor. >> Yes. >> Dr. Serena? >> Yes.

122
00:37:52.079 --> 00:38:08.359
>> Mrs. Dirks? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Jackson? >> Yes. >> Miss McQueen? >> Yes. >> Mr. Rogers? >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Bar? >> Yes. Thank you, Miss Anker. Is there any old business? Any members of the board would like to comment on this evening?

123
00:38:08.640 --> 00:38:26.880
Is there any new business that anyone would like to introduce? Okay. At this time, we will reopen public comment. Students, parents, employees, and community members may comment on any item of interest pertaining to the Hamilton Township School District. Please state your name and address for the record. Each speaker

124
00:38:26.880 --> 00:38:58.400
is asked to limit your comments to three minutes. Upon being recognized, persons wishing to speak should stand and identify themselves. We will now receive comments from the public in accordance with the policy on participation at a board. I'm short, so it's got to get moved down. So, good evening, board of

125
00:38:58.400 --> 00:39:14.240
education and Dr. Zitto. My name is Rachel Feifer and I am the newly appointed assistant principal at the H School. Um, for the past 13 years, I have proudly served the Hamilton Township School District at the William Davies Middle School. Um, I would like to sincerely thank the board of

126
00:39:14.240 --> 00:39:30.079
education, Dr. Zitto, and the administrative team for their confidence in me. I'm also incredibly grateful to my family, friends, mentors, colleagues, and our students who have couraed and supported me throughout my journey and have allowed me to reach this moment. I'm excited to join the Hes community

127
00:39:30.079 --> 00:39:45.839
and look forward to building positive relationships with our students, families, and community members, supporting student success, and working alongside an outstanding team at the Hes school. Thank you for this incredible opportunity. I am extremely honored to serve this position at the Hamilton

128
00:39:45.839 --> 00:40:16.560
Township School District. Thank you. Thank you. All right, we will close public comment and can I please have a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion. >> Motion by Miss Anchor. >> Second. >> Second by everybody.

129
00:40:16.560 --> 00:40:22.079
All in favor? >> I >> I oppose. Thank you everyone.

