Everyone, welcome to the Hampton Board of Education meeting for May 14th, 2026. I'll read the open public meetings statement. The New Jersey open public meetings law is enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advanced notice of and to attend any meetings of public bodies to which their interests
may be discussed or act. In accordance with the provisions of this act, the board of education has the notice of this to be published by posting the date, time, purpose, and place thereof on the Hamilton School District's website under quote current legal
notices end quote and posted on authorized premises ensuring compliance with the 48 hour online notice requirement. This notice has also been maintained on the website archive for at least one week. >> Mr.
Mr. here. >> Mr. >> Here, >> here. >> Mrs. Bon >> here. Mrs. >> She is >> and here >> Mrs.
>> here. Mr. Thomas >> here. >> Mr. Lions >> here. >> And Mr. Rise for the flag 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. >> Right. First, we're going to move into our presentations. And Miss Ramsey has a presentation on our self assessment for the Thank you, Mr. Lions. Uh, it's an honor
and a privilege for me to to present our school self assessment results for the 2024 2025 school year. Uh basically what happens in a nutshell and this is a requirement in the state of New Jersey
is each and every year the school safety team in every single school uses a self-evaluation to rate the school's efforts to ensure a positive school climate and investigate allegations of harassment and
intimidation and bullying. Grades are assigned for kids prevention programs like the super friends program or the phase anti-bullying program at the middle school and high school trainings curriculum anti-bullying
personnel and procedures for reporting and investigating. The maximum score on this rubric is 78 points. This report was already shared publicly in October for the approval of the board
of education prior to certification and submission of the 2425 school self assessment under the antiqu bullying bill of rights for the NJ DOE. I'm proud to report that the NJ do receive this
information, analyzed it, and concurred with our self assessment. So I will move quickly through the presentation. Uh the rubric is the same for every building. This is the early childhood education center
programs is one of the categories. Training of the board is in another category. Other staff instruction training programs, curriculum and instruction personnel, school level incident
reporting procedures, good investigation procedures, good reporting and a school grade a maximum score of 78 from the self evaluation gave themselves a 74 and a 78. I'm not a
mathematician, but I believe that's about a 95% >> success rate. Looking at the Mor Elementary School had a maximum score of 78 after going through the rubric, the
score was 75 out of 78. Once again, I think that's around 96 97% on that scale. As we progress to the middle school product middle school and do a great job
investigating their complaints and training their faculty and staff and students their score turned out to be 76 out of 78 close to 98%. And at Hampton High School,
which I know about a lot about Housetown High School, they also work extremely hard the administrators and faculty and staff addressing big matters investigating, you know, a lot of conflicts and their score turned out to
be a 76 out of 78. And once again, these are self assessments that are done by our school safety teams. They're submitted to the state of New Jersey for their review and they send it back to us. So, it needs to be reported twice a
year, once in the fall, once in the spring. That's in a nutshell. Thank you. Right. Thank you, Mr. Any questions from the board members on
next Senator Tiger is here to see us tonight. Congratul So, >> good evening, Mr. Ramsey and the board of education. Tonight, we get to honor two outstanding seniors. I'll be calling each of them up front and then I'll
explain a little bit about why each of being recognized tonight. So, come on up, Vince Polarmo and Journey. Perfect. So Vince Polarmo completed his senior season with a 43 and2 record as a wrestler, tying a single season wins
total at Hamilton High School. He was a district and region champion in 2026 and all Cape Atlantic League first team performer. Vince earned first team all South Jersey honors and was also named to the press of Atlantic City first
team. Vincent finished his high school career with a record of 113 and 14, was a team captain his junior and senior year. Vincent plans to attend Belmont Avenue College, continue his wrestling and academic career. A quote from coach
Dave Morello. Vincent epitomizes what hard work, discipline, and dedication can do, and he has laid down the blueprint for Hamilton wrestling moving forward. And now for Journey Lucas. This year, Jouri participated in the poetry
out loud competition. This was Hamilton's first year entering this competition, and to say we had a good showing would be an understatement. Thousands of students from across the state start out by competing at the local level. From South Jersey, only 66
students advanced to compete in the regional round held at Saki University. Journey advanced from this regional competition and was one of only 12 students representing the entire state at the competition held at the Count
Basy Center in Redbank where she did an exceptional job representing the town of Hamilton. In the fall, Journey plans to attend Atlantic Cape Community College. And a really nice quote from her teacher, Miss Grace, Jouri represents
student voice and intellectual risktaking. That's a great quote. And now for the real honor, we have Senator Tiger from the eighth legislative district with us here tonight who is here to present these students with a special recognition.
Good evening everyone. I just want to start off with uh thanking thanking you for having me here tonight. Um, and we're, it's always a good night when we get to come here and celebrate two young young adults who are uh the epitome of hard work and and work ethic. I told my kids growing up at a
young age, the only thing you have in life is work ethic and you're standing in front of me and that's what we're here to celebrate you for today. Um, so we'll start off with Journey. There's a little smaller. We did order you a big one. So when it comes in you'll you'll get this one. We'll make sure you get
it. Um, but principal said pretty much everything that's on here and we we just wanted to stop by and commend you and and thank you and congratulate you for everything you do and and good luck in your future endeavors. >> And Vincent, it says here that a freshman you were you had three wins,
right? >> It's pretty incredible, right? You went over a hundred wins in in the extra years. So you got 90 over 97 wins in the next few years. That's a definition of hard work and dedication. So I want to congratulate you and I also want to wish you and your uh good luck in your future endeavors.
>> You want to get >> move this way. Okay. >> You good? >> You guys, >> I'm sorry. I just wanted to say that if you never saw Vinnie wrestle, you missed something. You really, really did. When you go into the wrestling matches, you
will see uh the boys and girls running back and forth, doing push-ups, doing arm lifts, doing everything. When he finishes wrestling one, he still goes through that routine. You can watch him running back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.
So, congratulations to both of you. I think the most inspiring thing which was mentioned was um the inspiration to every voice on the team when you said your freshman year you only had three minutes and I just thought that was so
nice of you to do that and to encourage them to continue with your matches. So congratulations. Yes, >> I just want to also congratulate Vincent and Journey on that awesome achievement. So, good evening everyone. Here's the
news from North Liberty Street. First, I want to start by thanking the education foundation for awarding our school five grants for next school year. Um, we're excited about Weather at the Ballpark
for our ESL students, Hatching Curiosity for our sixth grade science classes, a new vision screener for our nurses office, another Gaga pit for our fizzed classes, and funding for our student leadership exchanges and development. We
always appreciate the foundation that enhances our school programs. So, thank you, HS. Also want to thank the Kuanas Club of Hamilton who came to our school on May 4th and rewarded 56 of our seventh graders who achieved the
requirements of the Kowanas bugup program. For the third marking period, students had to maintain good grades, bring them up or get all A's. Uh Kowanas President Phil Carr and Vice President Merritt Santiago provided each winner
with a gift certificate and certificate of achievement. We thank the Kowanas Club for their generous yearly recognition. Team up day is planned for our sixth graders. Again, it's that time. As you know, team up day is a meet and greet when the incoming Waterford sixth
graders meet up at HMS for a fun day of getting to know each other and team building. Mr. Gallagher along with our other sixth grade teachers always plans a great day of fun activities, typically all outside if the weather holds up. And
this activity has greatly assisted our students over the years in acclimating acclimating and getting to know each other. Um, we just completed NJSLA testing this week and our students and staff did very well. Congrats Colleen Rousi and our guidance departments and
our tech assistants for the smooth administration of this test. Um, real quickly, I wanted to take the time to acknowledge we have two valued veteran staff members who will be retiring at the end of this school year. Congratulations first to Miss Vicky
Brockenberry, sixth grade social studies teacher at HMS for the last 25 years or so. The week Vicki began teaching at Hamilton Middle School was the week of 911. as she fondly recalls. Well, I
don't want to say fondly, but as she recalls, which was a year of great changes for our school and world, Vicki taught language arts early on and then switched to social studies in 2018. Vicki is retiring to happily care for
her 2-year-old granddaughter and seven-month-old grandson. Looking forward to being professional grandma for Eloise and Cameron. I also want to congratulate Miss Sue Pera who has taught for 27 years total but been in
our district for the last 17 years which in her words has been the highlight of her career. Susan has taught life skills, eighth grade math, and now for the last several years she's taught eighth grade science. Sue is looking forward to many years a happy retirement
with her husband Gus, her two adult children, Giana and Gussy. I wish them happiness as they begin their next chapters. They will be greatly missed. It's a busy time for our eighth graders. They had a fun night dancing and
socializing at Paris Caterers in April at the eighth grade dance. Now, we're looking forward to their upcoming great adventure trip the day after Memorial Day. And finally, I just want to announce our quickly arriving eighth grade graduation, our very own beautiful
Capella Field on Thursday, June 11th, 6:30 p.m. Letters were sent home to our graduating eighth grade families earlier this month. We're looking forward to an exciting end of the year. Thank you very much. Good evening everyone. It's my pleasure
to report that our third and fifth grade students have completed the spring NJSLA assessments. Our teachers work very hard to prepare our students through not only effective instruction but also consistent encouragement and support. I'm proud of the effort of our students
throughout the process. So, thank you to the teachers, staff, guidance, and technology departments as well as our families for their partnership. Fifth grade students under the direction of Chief Creel recently completed the lead program. This program provides students
with valuable lessons in leadership, responsibility, good decision making, and the importance of making positive choices. Through discussion and activities, students develop confidence, character, and strong communication skills. We're grateful for Chief Frill's
dedication to helping prepare our students for future success as they move on to the middle school. The program concludes next Thursday, I'm sorry, Tuesday with a culmination ceremony where fifth grade parents are welcome to attend. and all fourth grade students
are excited to present a special performance on May 28th and 29th. Throughout the year, students have explored history, geography, important people and events that made New Jersey unique. As part of their per performance, students will recognize historical figures of New Jersey. This
presentation will provide students with an opportunity to showcase their learning while celebrating the people and history that have helped shape both our state and local community. And finally, on behalf of administration, I would like to
recognize our Early Childhood Education Center principal, Dr. Darlas, who, as you know, will be retiring at the end of the school year. Being a principal is extremely rewarding, but also a very challenging position. Each day,
principles are balancing mandates, district expectations, meetings, parent concerns, student needs, staffing issues, budgets, discipline, testing, and 1,000 other responsibilities most people never see. And somehow in the
middle of all that, good principles find a way to always encourage teachers, show up in classrooms, and check on staff, and above all, make good decisions for students. Through her 12 years as principal and two years as supervisor
before that here in Hamilton, Dr. Sole created a warm and welcoming environment for our youngest learners. She understood the importance of a child's earliest learning experience and devoted her career to giving every child the rare best start on ensuring they felt
safe, supported, and valued. Her leadership created a school climate where teachers felt empowered and children were inspired to learn and grow. On a personal note, I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Sele for all of those 14 years and I can say that
her kind heart and strong commitment to educating our students, contributed to leadership that has served our community well. I hope this next chapter brings you plenty of time to relax at the beach, building sand castles with your grandchildren. It's time to enjoy life
without early morning alarms and bus duty at the end of the day. Congratulations, Dr. So, best wishes. You will be missed. Thank you so much. I have some updates from the ECE. Some recent happenings.
Last week, kindergarten students welcomed Mother Goose once again, who spent three days visiting all eight kindergarten classrooms. She's a long time favorite among students and arrives fully in character and engages our students through storytelling, interactive activities, and even some
magic from her goose companion. We offer our sincere appreciation to Hamilton homeschool for continuing to come this special experience each year. Kindergarten students also enjoyed their annual school trip to Storybook Land today. Our preschool students will visit Storybook Land um next Wednesday,
followed by our first grade students who will be attending Kate Zoo on the 29th. I wanted to recognize our kindergarten team for their outstanding work on this year's Little Italy show, which took place on April 30th and May 1st. Our families joined attend attending
performances, visiting classrooms, and celebrating student learning and creativity. The hallways were exceptional this year, beautifully adorned with student projects from their unit of study. And the classrooms had additional displays complete with red
and white table settings where students and families enjoyed attending professions together. So, we're very grateful to our teachers for all the work, creativity, and time they put into making this such a meaningful um event for students and families. And of course, special thank you to Miss
Jennisio for her leadership and dedication in directing the show each year. Looking ahead, we have members from Hamilton High School, the National Honor Society coming to ECC on June 3rd. They will be performing their annual summer safety flag. Um, so this is
always a great message and a good time for students. Um, students are sharing important safety messages with students getting ready for summer in an age appropriate way. We also have our preschool field day coming up scheduled for June 1st or June 4th rather and our kindergarten first
grade field day for June 10th. We also have donuts with dads coming up on June 8th. And this is a great opportunity for students to spend quality time with their dads or another special person in their lives. Finally, we're excited about our annual character reading day
on June 5th, which has become a unique tradition to expose students to new books and authors in a fun, interactive way. During this event, staff members volunteer to dress as favorite literary characters while students rotate through classrooms to hear stories read in
character. Some of this year's featured characters will include Clifford the Big Red Doll portrayed by our very own therapy dog Tater alongside Miss Hansbury. We have Rainbow Fish performed by Miss Bnosi and The Very Hungry Caterpillar performed by Miss Cenzo,
just to name a few. In total, we have approximately 22 staff members who will participate in this year's event. So, special thanks to Mr. Marco for coordinating this wonderful tradition and helping to make literacy come alive for our students this year. Thank you.
>> Next, we're going to go to board member comments. I'll start. >> As you know, it's testing. It's a new I know a lot of teachers to ask about faith in our faculty that every
we do have some openings unless there are two elementary openings. The middle school has science, social studies and phys June 2nd will not be at
center will be televised and um I think >> three Also, uh, we discussed at the curriculum meeting the cell phone policy, which is on a little bit of a hold because it
hasn't been worked out yet. We don't have specifics as to Mr. Thomas mentioned it bills that first of the day, the best bill of the day classes. So, we need to look into that
also on the agenda but not At the end of the agenda is if you are interested in running for the school board, uh the deadline for your application, your petition that has to be signed uh would be what was
July 27. That decision would have to go into the county office by 4:00. If it is not there by 4:00 tonight and find out
that's all I have. >> Good evening. I don't have a report on safety tonight, but I do want to congratulate everyone who's retiring and Vinnie and Jeremy. Very proud of you both. Great job.
Um there's no report from negotiations, but we are actually starting to talk about negotiations. We're less than a year out and I see, you know, we actually have some members of the HA in the audience and I always look forward to communicating with you directly. It's a time when we can do that. And um we're
less than a year out and we begin that and and I know this year flew by. So um there's no report from negotiations, but it's it's on the horizon. I just want to congratulate our two students tonight and our retirees especially Dr. Clay. Thank you so much and um wish everybody
well and we'll have another meeting before graduation. So we'll do the end of the year wishing them. Thanks. >> All right. So first off, congratulations Journey and Vincent. You guys are two of our best at our school. Uh and I'm glad you guys got recognized. Uh so I'll be
brief. I wasn't at the last regular meeting. So I wanted to highlight the final totals from our St. Walford's fundraiser that we did alongside Falsome School. I'm proud to say that we were able to raise $6,841 in our very first year of fundraising. And conversations are already happening
about expanding that fundraiser into next year. And I'm just so glad that so many students want to keep making a difference with this great cause. And uh it's been great for student council in our high school. Good job. >> So, I just wanted to congratulate our
retirees and I want to congratulate Vincent and Journey. Journey, you I know coming over from Waterford, come over every year and talk to our students. Hoping maybe you'll be able to continue that if your schedule allows because I know that they always enjoy it. So,
thank you for your dedication to to the younger students as well. I've seen that firstand report. Uh, but congratulations for moms over there. Happy Mother's Day. >> Good evening. I don't have an official
committee report, but I'd like to raise several concerns that I have this evening. It appears that our district is enforcing a new policy or is going to attempt to pass this this evening. It's number 57 on the agenda. It's 1636.01.
Uh this policy would essentially require all extracurricular stipen positions be renewed annually. This includes coaching staff, art club, yoga club, class advisors, and any other stipened position.
So, for those of you not familiar, to approve or change a board policy, we need to have a first and second reading at two different board meetings before it can be implemented. However, last week, the principal of
each building sent emails to all staff stating that all stipen positions must be reapplied for by this Friday, May 15th. So, policy 163601, which is on the agenda this evening.
It's on the agenda this evening for its first reading. So, the board has not voted on it and it is not policy yet. So, I'm asking who author those emails. Who directed the principles to communicate this as policy? And who gave
staff a Friday deadline based on language that this board has never approved? >> I think the people in the crowd would like it. >> 100%. Yes, I do. >> Okay. I'm sorry your question is like for the
public for the board. >> No, they're that's why I looked at >> Okay. >> Yeah. No, I I have this is questions about policy. >> So, um in fact, we already have a policy that conflicts with this new policy. So,
3134 and I have extra copies here for anyone if they'd like to look at them. Policy 3134 is the assignment of extra duties. It outlines how qualifications extra duties such as stipen positions are awarded. This policy 3134 also
states that all aspects assignment to retention in dismissal from and any terms and conditions of employment concerning extracurricular activities shall be deemed mandatory subjects for collective bargaining and that's under
New Jersey state law title 34 section 13A23. The union and the board should set the terms of this stipen process during collective bargaining. Miss Fallon you were talking about next year will be reopening negotiations and the current
contract is up. So technically we should be discussing this during the next teacher negotiation. Maybe we could negotiate a three-year term um so that there there is consistency and continuity. I know that
this the committee that brought this policy forward was saying that they'd like change. So if that's the case, we're creating all this paperwork and we are implement implementing a policy that has not been approved by this board and
I have a concern with that. I've I've also looked into our teacher contract and I cannot find where this term limit of one year exists and it's referenced in that email. Policy 3134 also gives
the athletic director clear authority to evaluate, select, and oversee coaches. The new language in 1636.01 would require every stipen position to be reposted annually and approved by the board. This is directly conflicting with
that existing structure and undermining the professional authority of our athletic director and our principles to award stipens. So there's >> not Yeah, I'm not looking for applause. I think there's a lot of
miscommunication in the public. I see sincere conflict between this new policy and this old policy. And as a board, we set policy. We are not involved in the day-to-day operations of the school. Our
goal is to set the policy and have our administrators implement it. When we start approving individual stipen appointments annually, we're no longer governing. We are micromanaging and this is not our goal. So, I'm asking our
board to table this policy 1636-01 until three things can happen. The first is I wanted to know who authorized the email. Thank you, Mr. Lindsay, for explaining that to me. Um, secondly, we
need to confirm that the one-year term is in fact part of the current teaching contract and that the union has been properly engaged in this discussion. So, we're not violating any contract negotiation. And lastly, that the conflict with this new policy that we
want to put into place is reconciled so that policy 3134 still allows principles and the athletic director to do their jobs and award these statements appropriately. >> Well, we can work on this right now. Mr.
Extracurricular activities, co-curricular positions have always been year appointments. The board of education votes on those appointments each and every year. That's what they are in the state of New Jersey.
>> Well, the approval process though in terms of the approval process is the same. The athletic director is our administrator of athletics. He evaluates our athletic programs and he makes recommendations to the high school principal and the high school principal
makes the recommendation to me and I give the recommendation to the board of education who votes on that recommendation. That has not changed. >> What has changed is that there's >> what has changed is we're doing something that many school districts in
the state of New Jersey do where they post their co-curricular activities each and every year internally. We're not posting these positions throughout the state of New Jersey externally. were posting these positions within. I can
tell you as the high school principal that would happen every year is we would send a letter to every teacher in the building which was a lot of work and many teachers have three, four, five different extracurricular activities and ask them are you interested in coming
back next year in that capacity. It's run a week from now and I can tell you we would often wait for those responses to come in. Many of those responses would be returned. I'd like to do three of the five activities. I don't want to do all five anymore. I only want to do
three out of five. I only want to do two out of the five. What we're simply doing now is we're eliminating that step, saying each and every year, you post the extra activities. If you're interested in keeping your spot, let the athletic
director know. If you're a coach, if you're advisor for a club or an activity, you let the principal on that. If anybody else is interested as well, they could let the principal know or the athletic director know. I can tell you
before I ever direct our administration to send out any type of email to our faculty and staff, we do check with our council to make sure that that's actually
privileges. I have not seen this as a conflict with the policy that is initiated did recite certain part this was sent to our policy guidance people I don't write our policies that you know we gather cross estate but I believe it was my opinion that you could implement
this procedure because you didn't really have a policy about sending those letters out you had a procedure by which you follow okay and that's the administrative decision that they were going to change the procedure to insulate any any specific administrator
for any criticism that now you're doing something different. Why are you doing that? I suggest go to stop me and get policy so that the board weighs in as a matter of transparency. One of the words that I hear very often is transparency and doing it at a board meeting adopted
by the board. Okay. Now, you also cite the statute. I appreciate that. That's actually not under school law. what you just cited with regards to the appointment to retention of and dismissal from extracurricular activities. That's actually from the
employee employer relations act. Okay, which is a different title. It does not quite mean what you think it means as far as a negotiation at the contract table component. Has more to do with when uh individual is upset with how
that process played out, what their rights are. So it's a The area of negotiability does not mean that you negotiate. It means that to the extent that it uh there was a complaint regarding that there is a process outside of the school district that that
person can can employ. That's what negotiability means. So u in that regard you know I did say if you're going to do it you got to do it for do it for everybody. Okay, just like every single one of those entities, right, that
you've cited, whether it's a sport, whether it's a club, just because you started last year doesn't mean you start this year, right? And and and it's a great lesson and it's also an opportunity for newer staff to maybe seize opportunities that maybe they
didn't realize were open or maybe that they had been interested and maybe somebody says, you know what, I did do this for the last 15 years. I don't want to do this anymore. somebody else could come in and count. I was just asked whether the board had the authority to do that. In my opinion is it's amazing
that it does have that authority and numerous of my schools especially those 320 school districts that represented what have you, they do this every year without without any hiccups. >> Well, I think that the implementation of
the new policy though I don't think it was expressed in a that was communicated clearly. So when I read this, I'm seeing that it's in conflict. >> I appreciate that >> and I and I appreciate your legal
opinion and but the thing also is so you're saying that when it says you don't have to discuss it during negotiation because the email that went out said referred to as collective bargaining. You do not lose the managerial process to set what you
consider to be the qualifications and the process by which you evaluate those qualifications. What you do have to do is allow if that person or association was upset with how that process resulted, they have an ability to seek
outside opinions in that regard. Okay. What it makes what it really does is and I'm I'm boring myself, you know, education all here. But what it really does is it by the way I did not give you my props. I cannot tell you it depends. Okay. So you
did that's really the word that you hear and it causes you great conservation. Okay. >> But what it really does is it makes it subject to the arbitration process. Makes it subject to the grievance process. That's what that means. So within the scope of negotiability, something within the scope of
negotiability is that if the association is unhappy with how it turned out, they may do it. >> So I think that's that's the issue. That's one of our main issues is that the way things play out often in our
district is perceived as to be um not appropriate. And so what I >> that's your opinion. You're the board member. Hold up. You have an opinion and you're allowed to say I don't want you to misrepresent. That's the board's opinion that I'm doing things inappropriately. Certainly not my
opinion. I also just for myself. It's certainly not my opinion. >> The board's opinion, but that's how people are. >> I I know. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Hold on. Let's just Okay. One second. For those of you in the audience, let me be real clear about this. It is your right to
address the board on any topic you wish. You can come up to the podium when it's time. You get three minutes by the board policy. We keep it pretty loose here. We let people go over if you have a point to finish. So there'll be a time for everybody, every single person, including the kids here tonight. Certainly let them go first. The
students get up early and the staff can certainly get up and say what you need to say to everybody and get your comments on the record. Okay, but we're going to do this part. So enough of the What I was going to say though is that if we have a conversation about it and
we say let's move it to a threeyear and this is why you're doing it. Then we explain it to people and they don't feel like it was a personal attack or there that is my issue is that often times things happen in our district that are
not expressly clear to people and you know we have over what 60 to 80 siphons for some per the exact number to 80. >> I'm saying per um per school at least.
So what I'm trying to say right this is a lot of paperwork. >> These are the stipens. >> I understand that. So there's a there's a stack of stipens and I understand where the theory is okay maybe you have a new teacher that wants to do something but the perception
also is that hey I've been doing this for 12 years and when there's money associated with something I think we have to be extra clear in the way that we are doing this and the reason why I brought this up is that in that email it says are you as you are aware the
collective bargaining agreement provides a teaching and extracurricular positions for which a stipen is paid are one-year appointments and are not subject to automatic renewal. So when that is sent to teachers and then I see this in the
policy but you're saying this this is not something that they would negotiate >> I believe at the end of the day the board of education cannot walk away properly and I don't believe negotiations does more of that.
Negotiations so far the last couple years have gone very well because that I just think it's been an idea that everyone does better with everyone, you know, is is is working towards resolution which I I would hope to be the case in the company negotiations as well. And I think this is very
resolution oriented board. >> That being said, I do not believe the board can can bargain manage your rights to set the qualifications. Okay. And what they would consider to be the standards for appointment to those
positions. Ultimately, keep in mind as well. The only person who actually makes an appointment or makes a recommendation to an appointment to this board is Mr. He makes every recommendation. He gets it from the principles. He gets from AD. He makes recommendation. If you don't
like the recommendation that is done, then you go and you do it through his evaluation and you take that up with him. Mr. Ramsey making his recommendations the board either votes them up or posts them down. >> Should board provide recommendations to Mr. Ramsey about who they think should
be recommended for >> down at the end of the day members, your parents, community members, you know, everyone ask their I understand that but
>> but it is not the rhetorical student. We're not going to do the rhetorical back comment. You've gone on and on. You made your points. You got >> asking rhetorical question. I'm asking what is the role of school? >> Right. But that's what I'm saying is right now you've been for a while. So I
suppose you would know just like the rest of us. So you can ask that question at any time. There's a lot of people that will give them their opportunity to say the things they need to say. But I guess >> I think that too what you were saying is that there are a lot of people that
might not like the way the process and so that they can um find an alternative like but anyway that's also why I think we should do this because there's a lot of misinformation and people I think
perceive one thing and if that is not the case then what do we need to do to make sure that people aren't feeling they are targeted or that this appointments can be extended to rather than one year we make it longer what
sorts of things can we do so >> let me ask sorry >> that's it you actually could not to multi-year position position >> because that would outlive the lifespan of the board of education
You're only allowed to do this contract for multi- areas with the statute clearly teachers. >> Why haven't we been asking them to approve to >> do approve every year? >> I'm sorry. Why haven't we been asking the staff to apply each year?
>> We estimate their interest each and every year. This year the procedure was to just put a posting for everything. So this year it was different because athletic positions were >> it was different. There's many school districts in the state of New Jersey
that do the same exact thing each and every year. And they don't change coaches each and every year. They don't change advisors each and every year. It's a procedural thing. If you're interested, here's everything we have to offer. The board of education approves
these positions throughout New Jersey each and every year. Every school district in New Jersey approves coaches each and every year. They're yearly appointments. They approve their advisors each and every year for the yearly appointments. Our solicitor just
explained they can't be multi-year contracts for those not positions. They're extra. >> No, I understand. I understand that the board approved the list that the superintendent. >> Okay. So, thank you.
We're still in board member comments. So I will make my comments. I'm going to push pause on this particular topic for the moment. What I previously talk about was congratulating both Dr. CE and all of our retirees ser.
The role of the early childhood education center principal is extra special because for most parents your first interaction with the administration usually with the ECC principal when you walk in for orientation in August. Um that's a really special moment. That's a really
important thing for young parents or new parents who I just want to say thank you. We've done a lot of construction projects at BCC and Dr. furniture together with other members of the board administration and so I certainly appreciate and wish her well.
Um second uh on the agenda tonight the board will be approving or considering to approve Frank Sassos director his retirement after a long career here uh especially in the last three years or so I have been in this
position Frank and I often talk pretty frequently in general and I and Tom and others get on the phone at really unconvenient times to talk about what we're going to do how we're going to do it make sure that the district is safe for our staff and students to get
here and all the things. So, I certainly wish Frank well in his retirement certainly miss him on campus uh in many many ways which he contributed as well as we're approving several other retirements and certainly congratulate everyone on their long career and hope
that they do all the things that they hope to do in their retirement. Now, before I open up the public, we'll come back to this particular which is the the positive change the board's going to vote on. I'll say a few things. Number one, uh
extracurricular positions, whether those are coaches coaching positions or stipens are yeartoear. It's been that way in this district since as long as I've sat here and that's a really long time is a yeartoyear appointment. There is no tenure for a coaching position or
an extracurricular position. That said, many of our staff have done a great job and have been in those positions for several years and the administration recommends them year after year because they are doing a great job for kids. And after all, that's what the board is here for. We are here to help and support
kids in education in the community. While I respect always have opinions and thoughts and different things and perhaps see things a certain way or don't understand, you know, I I think my view this particular change the board
vote improve it is a model for transparency. If you're selected every year for a position and reselected, I think that's a badge of honor to wear to say you've been at any time the board or the administration rather can choose to release you. the fact that they don't
really speaks to the ability that you do at your job. Mr. Donio made a really interesting point in that for student athletes at least. Just because you start one year doesn't mean you start the next year. Or on the flip side, just because you got cut one year doesn't mean you can't go out and the next year.
Again, I think it really show it's a good lesson to show it's a good policy to have. It's legal. It's appropriate. And from a bargain point of view, I don't bargain on behalf of the board of education. Mrs. members of the board. Uh this particular item as I made understand is brief with
the union. We don't operate in a vacuum think that that happens. Um but the last thing I'll say is administration makes their recommendations to the superintendent. He makes the recommendations to the board. Whatever gets to the board agenda is there because the superintendent put it there.
Uh in you know my three years as the board president and in 23 years of board I I can't I'm I'm shocked to remember a time when a board president tried to redline an item off the agenda. In other words, superintendent is the chief school administrator. You should read
the recommendations and the board either votes them up or down. Now, the board tonight will have an opportunity to vote up or down any number of things on this agenda. And so that's how the process goes. So, we'll stop with the civics lesson and we'll open up the public comment. As I said earlier, everyone you
get three minutes. Let's keep address your questions to me. individual comments to make. I'd like to let the students go first so they can get out of here early, but I'm not trying to, you know, how are you? Just go ahead and give us your address.
>> My name is Genevie and I live at 24 Magic Court at Hamilton, New Jersey. I'm speaking to voice support for Miss Sylvesty who's the head field hockey coach of Hamilton High School. I have played field hockey for the past eight years, both club and school. I help coach young girls on the sick chicks in
the sick chicks program. I will be playing division one field hockey in college. So, I know this sport very well. When I heard that she may not be returning as head coach this upcoming season, I was very confused. As a varsity player for the um this upcoming season will be my senior year. Um as a
varsity player for the past three seasons with Hampton High School hockey team has we have been very successful in the 2023 to 24 season. We had a 16 and4 record. We won the cow tournament and were first placed in the top cow division. We also advanced to the state
sectional semiinals. The 2024 to 2025 season, we had a 183 and1 record. We won the cow tournament again, also were first place in the top cow division again and advanced to the state sectional semi-finals. In the 2025 to
2026 season, this past season, we had a 19-4 record. We advanced to the state sectional final, but sadly lost to the group three state champs. With um coach Sylvestie leading the team with this level of success, why would the Hansen School District not rehire her? While
there are a lot of rumors going around, I hope that the school district will make the responsible and ethical choice to help applaud Missy's level of commitment to her team by allowing her to continue as head coach this upcoming season. U Mr. Lions, you also mentioned that um the board is here for the
students and I think that you will hear what the all the students um think tonight. Thank you. My name is Ella Wilson. I live at 114 Bachelor. The code of ethics for school board members states that quote, "I will confine my board action to policym and I
will help to frame policies and plans only after the board has consulted those who will be affected by them." End quote. So, I'm here tonight to tell you how I, as a member of the Hamilton field hockey team, am affected by our efforts to recruit Christian Sylvest as a field hockey head coach. Coach Sylvestie has
taught me so much about the sport. I only started playing in seventh grade and now I play multiple seasons in club. Our team has gone further than it has in 11 years. As Jenna said, while we didn't win the semi-final game against Clear View, our team still played in a game
that they hadn't been in for 11 years. And on top of that, we made it there with multiple injuries and a loss of nine seniors from the previous year. We also won back-to-back Cal tournaments and nearly won a third. Coach Sylvest is an asset to the team. Her removal would be detrimental not only to our record,
but also to our personal performance, ruining future players. Coach Sylvestie deepens my love for the sport and never fails to make the entire team laugh every day. She truly cares about our team and put so much time and effort into the betterment of us as
fighters. There is no better coach out there truly and I implore you to look into your hearts and think about how you're not only effective coach Le but the entire team as a whole. Thank you. I just wanted to set the record straight. The board is not considering
any coaching appointments tonight. There may be some disinformation or disinformation in the public. I I want to hear from everybody tonight, but if you want to, as my understanding is the coaching appointments will likely be at the next board meeting. Um, certainly I want everyone to be heard. I just want
to be clear, there's no vote tonight about anybody. I know several of you are here for field hockey. Not certain why that is, but we're not voting. >> Go ahead. I'm sorry. The lady who's in Jersey 26. >> My name is Olivia Wild. I live
in New Jersey. I would like to start off with saying how grateful I am to have had the opportunity high school team. I have to be honest, I was very nervous at first because of the negative experiences my brother had with the high school sports. I'm very glad I didn't let that impact my decision to to try
high school sports. The lucky coach and the team gave everyone a chance to learn, grow, and feel included. We drowned a lot and worked hard at every practice and support each other like one big family. Coachi, Coach Faker, and Coach D always had our backs no matter what. They're the reason I had such a
memorable, incredible, and memorable freshman season. We sh So many unfor unforgettable moments together between the bus riding days, the dinner team making it all all the way to the cow tournament finals after the team was doubted because we
lost nine of the most strong seniors. They cared about they not only cared about how strong we were becoming and how close we grew as a team. Even after losses, they reminded us to keep our heads up and to believe in ourselves. Coach Lei, Coach R, and Coach Durham
impact Durham's impact on me. The entire team will never be forgotten because without them, the team would not be the same. My name is Le and I live at 858 Street in Hamilton, New Jersey. I'm here today on behalf of my Philadelphia coaches.
Coach Levesti embodies the definition of a leader. She brought our team to the cow tournament, winning three years in a row. This past season, our team made it all the way to finals after losing nine strong players the year prior. She made the sport so much more than just about winning and a lot more about learning
from not only each other, but learning from any of our losses and building our relationship as not just a team, but the family that we were. She taught us about the game of field hockey, but also about strength, resilience, and determination. A coach can either make you love or hate your
sport. I've had coaches in other sports who only coach so that their kids and their kids' friends can play. I've also had coaches that don't care about their players and only care about winning. So, I can confidently say that coach Sylvestie cares more about her players as people and truly loves what she does.
Even players who do not start in every game still understand how important they are to our team and are still eager to play every day. I got injured in the fall of 2024 and miss this entire past season. Watching all your friends play the sport you have all done together for years without you
can slowly kill your spirit. Both coach Sylvestki and coach Frasier made me feel important and still a part of our team even though I was not contributing on the field. But they both taught me that one of the most important parts of being an athlete is learning how to stick up for yourself again and again and also how to have also how to have your own
voice just like me and many of my teammates are doing tonight. Losing Miss Sylvesty as her coach will not only be affecting her but will be affecting everyone who is a part of Hamilton High School hockey. She helps make the program what it is today. Thank you.
277 South First Road. Um, I can speak a little bit as uh the I've served on the last seven negotiations committees for the uh HA as well as I've been the chairperson for negotiations committee the last two contracts. Um, and I can agree with everything that that you said, John, and
and that Mr. J has said. Although I do very much appreciate your questions as far as the uh procedures. Um but I I'm thinking back to um a conversation that I had. I sought counsel from Tom Matassie who I know served on this board and served this community in a big way
for many many years early in my career. And I was having an issue with a student and I asked Tom for some support and some help. And he he said the phrase perception is reality. And uh I've never forgotten it in in every interaction that I have with a student and with
adults is that the other person doesn't have to know the truth, but what the perception that they have is their truth. Uh whether they're right or wrong and unfortunately there's a lot of perception right now going around. So um I was warned not to go off script. So
let me get back on to where I am. So this is my 25th year teaching in Hamilton School District and my 27th year um as a ham resident. I am uh serving currently as the first vice president of the Hamilton Education Association. I teach sixth grade. I serve on the instructional leadership
team in Hamilton Middle School, which is a stipen position. I volunteer for the HMS schoolwide advisory council. I coordinate the uh annual sixth grade team up day, and I lead the very popular fantasy football math academy, which is a stipen position. I am here this
evening to respectfully seek clarity regarding the recent change in the rehiring process for coaching and extracurricular stipen positions. Specifically, I would like to understand the reason for this sudden shift and whether it is intended to restructure certain coaching and advisory roles based on performance or perceived
performance. And if that is the case, it would be helpful to know why this approach is being taken. the administration already has established authority to remove studying positions when district expectations are not met as cited multiple times in the conversation earlier that it's a yearly position which we're very aware of. Um
but that has already been established. Um so I'm questioning the need to require all staff to reapply for positions they appear to be fulfilling successfully and that's the big big question. Like like all of us, I'm concerned about the rumors that have circulated as a result of this sudden
change. I don't tend to lend credibility to things I've not heard directly, but it is clear to me that the rumors and these changes are affecting an otherwise comfortable work environment. My goal for our faculty and staff who run
extracurricular programs should feel assured that if they carry out their responsibilities with integrity and consistency, those positions should not be at risk. In the spirit of transparency, it may be beneficial for the board members to encourage each
other to consider abstaining from personnel votes that directly affect their own children. Similar to how similar to how the board abstains from votes involving financial conflicts of interest, such abstensions could help
eliminate all the questions or perceptions and allow us all to move forward without unnecessary doubt or uncertainty, which is the biggest issue here right now. It's perception and it's doubt and uncertainty. We're fortunate to live, all of us, we're very fortunate
to live in a district with a board and we all know this, so dedicated, deeply engaged in academics and extracurricular programming. And I'm just hopeful that through continued collaboration and clarity, this tradition of excellence will continue. And I think that if you
guys can encourage each other to consider those extensions, I think it solves all of this. Thank you very much. Andrea Spreadfeld. I live at 317 South Thirdrd Street, Hamilton, New Jersey. I am a Hamilton resident who was
employed by the Hamilton School District for 30 years. I am here because there is a deeply concerning pattern of behavior by certain members of this board of education that is undermining both the structure and professionalism of this district. The school board is an elected body
whose primary roles are to create, review, and approve policies that govern the operation of the school district, to approve the annual budget, to act as a liaison between community and school administration, and to hire, support, and evaluate the superintendent.
Here is what a school board does not do. They do not manage daily operations. They do not hire teachers, manage individual school staff, or handle day-to-day operational problems. This is the superintendent's role.
I'm assuming you know this. However, there has been a repeated disregard for the defined roles of a board of education. Decisions involving hiring, firing, and staff management are being influenced or made by certain board
members while the rest of you stand by and continuously enable this unethical behavior. When board members bypass leadership to contact staff directly, it is disruptive. It is unprofessional and it is unethical. It goes against the very
structure that allows the school system to function effectively. What is especially concerning is that this pattern is centered almost entirely around athletics. The hiring and firing of coaches is being made by certain board members for
reasons they will never disclose. This is not oversight. This is interference. While these coaches whose lives you are manipulating are sacrificing their family time, teaching leadership, and building character, the behavior of
these board members is setting the worst possible example there is. Athletics are an important part of our schools, but they must be grounded in integrity, consistency, and fairness. In addition, there are overwhelming
demands being placed on the athletic director who is tasked with running a successful athletic program while navigating interference from board members who have no legal right to do so. This takes away from his ability to build strong programs for students. When
leadership is undermined, trust is broken. When professional boundaries are ignored, it creates an environment of instability rather than support. Let me be clear. I am not asking. I am expecting accountability.
What I'm speaking of today is the absolute definition of a school board ethics violation, breach of public trust, conflict of interest, taking administrative action, or interfering with district employees rather than focusing on policym. Yes, I did my
homework. I'm expecting each of you to reflect on the seriousness of this matter and remove those responsible from the board because frankly I'm prepared to submit an ethics violation claim to the school ethics commission and I encourage all staff members impacted by this to do the
same. This is about protecting the integrity of our schools, respecting the professionals within them, and ensuring that all students are supported by a system that is fair, stable, and focused on what truly matters. This community is
paying attention. The students and staff are paying attention, and your own children are paying attention. Set a better example. Hi, excuse me. Uh, my name is Christy Barrett. I live at 43 Sander Drive.
First time, so please bear with me. Uh, I'm a parent in this district. My children are currently in elementary school, but one day they will walk these halls, participate in athletics activities, and be directly impacted by the decisions made in this room. I'm also deeply involved in the community through Hamilton Little League, the
Stick Chicks Theater Program, and Mother Cabrini Lodge. To be honest, I'm very nervous speaking tonight. In a small town, uh there's always concern about backlash or being labeled as causing drama for voicing concerns with parents, teachers, and community members should not feel hesitant to speak up when it
comes to our schools and our students. Over the past several weeks, many parents and community members have become concerned about the future of the high school athletic programs and the direction this may be heading. In just three seasons, the current field hockey coach has led the program to more than 50 wins and playoff appearances each
season. That kind of success reflects dedication, leadership, and commitment to student athletes and should be valued and supported. What's added to the concern is that for the first time in years, on Friday, May 8th, an email was sent to the high school employees regarding reapplying for the stipen positions. Prior to the postings,
members of the community have allegedly already been approached about potentially taking over the program. Whether these conversations were formal or informal, it creates the perception that decisions may already be leaning in a certain direction before any transparent process is taking place. At
a minimum, that perception damages trust, and this concern is bigger than one coach or one sport. There's a growing concern that dedicated and successful individuals may feel pushed away rather than encouraged to continue serving our students. Over the last few years, we've seen similar situations
play out involving other successful programs and coaches. When parents, students, and community members are all asking the same questions, I believe it's reasonable to ask for clarity, fairness, and transparency. What many people are struggling with is the perception that personal disagreements or outside influences could impact
decisions involving school athletics. Even the appearance of the possibility creates division within a community that cares deeply about its schools and sports programs. Our children are watching how adults handle leadership, disagreement, and decision making. They're learning whether success, dedication, and hard work are valued and
protected. I'm not here to accuse anyone of wrongdoing. I'm here because we all care deeply about our schools and our athletic programs and the example we set for our children. Trust between a school district and its community matters. Transparency matters. Fairness matters. When concerns are raised as consistently
in this publicly, they deserve to be acknowledged. I choose to raise my family in Hamilton because I believe in this community and schools. I still do. I hope decisions moving forward reflect the values this town provides prides itself on respect, integrity, accountability, and doing what's best
for the students. Thank you. >> Hi everyone. I'm Sophia Penza and I live at 50 South Street. Um, good evening. we have met before. My name is Sophia and I'm a graduate of the class of 2025. All four years I had the privilege of being a member of the Hamilton field hockey program where I was able to be coached
by coach Sylvesty, Coach Fraser, and Coach Verna. And during our time, our team achieved much s much success on paper. Within our her first three years of coaching, coach Sylvest led us to the cow final, and we won two cow championships, three league championships, and three division championships. But what matters the most
to me and what I want to focus on tonight goes far beyond the wins and the titles. During my senior year, I went through one of the hardest times of my life. And I honestly don't know how I would have gotten through it without the support of my coaches. These women went above and beyond what is expected of a coach. And they checked in on me and
made sure I was okay outside the field and gave me a place where I could feel supported and grounded when everything else in my life felt uncertain. And that's what sets them apart. They go beyond what is expected. But what stands out the most to me is the kind of people that our program produces. The field hockey players that come out of their
program are not just athletes. They're are strong, driven, and well-rounded young women. We hold ourselves to a high standard both on and off the field. And we are known for being involved in our school communities, pushing ourselves academically, and giving back through volunteering. And this doesn't just happen by accident. This is a direct
result of the c of of the culture our coaches have created. Our coaches our coaches invested in us as people. They came to our senior nights and other sports. They wrote athletes countless letters of recommendation. They helped multiple players, including myself, navigate the college recruiting process and supported us in earning
scholarships. They were people who we could turn to when high school became overwhelming. It's easy to measure a program by wins, but the true impact of these coaches is seen in the people they leave behind. The students they support, the confidence they build, and the lives they influence. I stand here today not
just as a former athlete, but as someone who is genuinely impacted by their leadership, their care, and their character. Thank you. Hi, my name is Kristen Wilson. My address is 114 Bachelor Lane in Hamilton. In 2021, Miss Fallon wrote a letter to the editor of the Hamilton
Gazette recommending questions to ask candidates for the board of education. Somewhat prophetically, question two asked, "Does the candidate hold the educators, coaches, staff, and employees of Hamilton schools in high regard and treat them with respect, or do they want
to be in a position to control them? Miss Fallon's rhetorical question makes clear that it is not appropriate for sitting board members to control directly or indirectly the coaches and staff in this district. You surely know that board members must confine their
board action to policym, planning, and appraisal. You are not to administer the schools, but rather to see that they are well-run. In other words, you have no role in the day-to-day operations of the school. But undeterred, some of you have attempted to have Kristen Sylvestie
removed as the coach of the field hockey team. You know her record of success and that there is no objective reason for her removal, which begs the question, why? Of course, you can't demand the removal of a coach for personal benefit or in retaliation because your ego may
have been bruised. District policy 3134 gives the athletic director the discretion to determine whether an individual is qualified to serve as a coach in this district, but one driven by spite and ill motive will do by stealth what he can't do directly. Instead of backing down after you
overstepped your authority, you doubled down and created a new rule requiring all coaches and adviserss to reapply for their positions annually. While this policy may seem neutral on its face, the circumstances surrounding this sudden, and I repeat, sudden new rule sure are
suspicious. You recruited a replacement field hockey coach before there was even a vacancy. A page from your playbook were filling vacancies, as you might recall from my comments in December. The superintendent sent a new policy throughout the district before it has even been approved at a public meeting
by the board and before tonight you have pro provided zero explanation for the need for this new rule. So much for the transparency you promised voters. But one thing about this new rule is clear. We can all see right through it. It is both a backdoor effort to remove coach
Leesi and it gives you the opportunity to dictate the removal of every coach and adviser going forward. Coaches and advisers put their hearts and souls into extracurricular activities. Who would ever want to invest their time and talent into extracurricular activities
fearful of crossing a revengeful board member who will demand from behind the curtain that the advisor be replaced? And when these programs become mediocre, the kids are the one who lose. A few of you wanted the field hockey coach removed and the entire district must now
suffer the consequences. Finally, to those of you who silently enable this abuse of power by your fellow board members, I return to Miss Fallon's letter to the editor. Question seven. Do I trust this person to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions, or will they
just vote a certain way because someone of influence told them to? You have abdicated your duty to make independent decisions for the best interests of our kids. Stop being sheep. You are complicit in your silence. Show the citizens of Hamilton you stand for what
is right. Thank you. >> Excuse me. Jason Wilson. for bachelor degree. Uh I've been asked to read the following letter from a school staff member. Good evening members of board administration staff. >> You're reading a letter that's not your
words but someone else. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> A staff member. >> Staff member. >> Good evening members of the board, administration, staff, parents, and community members. I am speaking tonight as a parent and community member who
cares deeply about our schools, our students, and the people who dedicate their lives to educating and mentoring them. I want to speak honestly tonight about a growing concern that many staff members feel but but few are comfortable saying publicly. Unfortunately, fear has become part of the culture in our
schools. Many teachers and coaches feel intimidated when a board member's child or family member is in their classroom or on their athletic team. There's a very real fear that if a student receives a grade they earned or the playing time they earned, there could be professional consequences for the staff
member involved. That should never happen in a school district. No teacher should feel pressured to change grades to satisfy politics. No coach should feel forced to give playing time that was not earned because they are worried about retaliation, criticism, or threats
to their position. Our responsibility is to treat every student fairly, consistently, and honestly. The moment fear interferes with that responsibility, the integrity of our schools is compromised. That should never be part of our school culture. Coaches should be able to decide playing
time based on effort, attitude, commitment, and performance, not fear or backlash from a board member or concerns about their job security. Teachers should be able to grade students fairly and honestly without worrying about political consequences. When staff members feel intimidated, everyone
loses, especially our students. As parents, we want our children learning values like accountability, hard work, earning opportunities, and respecting leadership. But these lessons are weakened when adults feel pressured behind the scenes. I also want to address the uncertainty surrounding
coaching and club positions. Many of the coaches dedicate countless hours behind the school day to build successful programs. As a coach, the season does not begin on the first official practice date. It is year round. They spend months recruiting athletes, running offseason workouts, attending youth
events, fundraising, mentoring students, organizing schedules, and building relationships throughout the community. They invest time, energy, and hearts into these programs because they care deeply about the students and their growth. Yet every year those positions are held over their heads as though they
are temporary favors rather than roles they have earned through dedication and results. Spring coaches are not even asked to reapply until January, despite already spending months preparing for a season that technically may not even belong to us yet. That uncertainty
creates instability not only for coaches but for student athletes and programs we work so hard to build. Strong programs are built on trust, consistent consistency, and long-term commitment. It becomes difficult to fully invest in the future when you are constantly left
wondering whether your position is secure. This is not about entitlement to a job. Accountability matters, evaluations matter, performance matters, but staff members should not feel politically vulnerable simply for doing their jobs with honesty and integrity. I
am asking this board tonight I just have a little bit more. Thank you. >> I'm asking this board tonight to reflect on the culture that is being created. Leadership should empower educators and coaches, not intimidate them. We should be fostering an environment where teachers and coaches feel supported in
making fair decisions for students not fearful of who a student may be connected to. Last time the board overstepped the union began bulleting them off one by one. They were replaced by one member with Tom at Massie, another by Linda Burns, then another with Linda Sako. The union is going to
be forced to use this strategy again. Thank you for your time. All right. I think that's a great Skip Burns 827 predominantly and um
I don't want to de labor the subject you've been on for a while. You all I think know I've been on your side of the table and I understand both sides. But it's my perception that if Kristen Sylvesty wants to be the field hockey
coach next year and she isn't, you're going to have a big problem. But I have another question, completely different subject. Speaking of perceptions, I have been hearing lately that we're having
some sort of difficulty with water. Now that rings um that weighs heavily on me. I was heavily involved in the original process. I think most of you know that. And I'm asking you tonight.
How I now as a private citizen can get more informed on what's going on with that. Um and if it needs a meeting with somebody to get some more information, that's fine with me. I'll show up anytime you want. Um, I'd like to I'd
like to have some facts to deal with. I'd like to see the tuition history, the student population history, and and and if there's no problem going on, then help me understand that that's true. If that's the case, so
uh that's my request of you tonight to help me get more educated on this subject. All right. Hello everyone. My name is Butch Arman 735 Road here in town. I want to first of all look at the board
and say I know most of you are here for the right reason and I believe that the right reason is all of the students in the district not individual students and I think unfortunately some of the people
on the board have lost their way and they need to find their way back or I'm very certain you will not be here long term. Can you gentlemen look at these young ladies right here and actually tell them that for your own personal reasons you're not trying to
have their coach removed question it let's call it guitar sir who's next opportunity to speak recognize Mr. Mr. I do not have your answer. Do you
want after you speak a minute? >> I'm not allowed to speak anymore. >> Just hold on one second. >> Um now what I was about to say was anybody else that would like to say something there'll be a second opportunity at the end of the meeting.
Um I'll ask you to comments briefly be aware of your role as the student representative. Absolutely. Absolutely. So as student representative like you said part of my job is to advocate for the concerns of the students and I believe that there is a need to do that
here tonight. Uh a policy like this negative negatively impact students. That is the reality. Students benefit from the stability and consistency from relationships with the coaches and adviserss who dedicate their time to our extracurricular programs. Those adults are not just interchangeable names on
the list. Some of the most impactful people during my time here at this school have been my club adviserss and my coaches. They make the school a place students actually want to be involved in. So why are we creating a system where every coach or adviser may be forced to reapply and compete against
others uh for a position every single year. Uh you know there's a possibility somebody else could just take that role regardless of their current success. Uh what does that do for anybody? It negatively impacts the students. uh students should not have to wonder every
year whether the adults who lead and support them will still be there. That level of instability and confusion discourages participation, weakens programs, and again, I believe it negatively impacts student involvement. Uh in addition to my other points, many coaches and club adviserss go above and
beyond for our students. In the past, coaches knew that they'd be returning the next year because they were able to select on that sheet, right? Um some even built some people their programs up through offseason communication, extra training opportunities with their teams,
and with the changes in policy, if I were a coach, I would be uncertain to do any extra work. >> More last wrap up. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. Um to be handed off to somebody next year. I think it negatively impacts the quality of the programs for those students. Um and I'll
just end with this thing. You know, I've been in the high school for four years. I've seen firsthand how important these hardworking people are. And um to me it seems like we're sort of slapping them in the face with this. Well uh so after everything I've said tonight I come back to one simple question. I hope one of
you will answer. If if the policy change negative impacts then what positives are there to be clear about something your role as a student you want to be as a member of the public. >> Absolutely. We're going to get off.
Okay. Absolutely. >> If you need me to go as a member of the public, I'm just telling you that you made your place and weigh. >> Absolutely. So, now the next thing. >> Anybody else have something to say? Come
on up again. You need to come again. >> Well, let's do that, right? Let's let anybody anybody in the board is happy to happy to >> first of all if I were Mrs. I would be very proud of myself tonight.
Um I have been involved for I guess four years with my granddaughters. Um I am a board member who loves sports. I try to attend at least one or part of some of each activity. The only thing I
I don't do is track and field but um you know you can understand but um I think I missed a week where we had decided to get rid of Mrs. Celeste. Um the key words I I hear in the
audience were I heard I heard we were we are not responsible for appointing the person as an administrator. Our administrator is the only person and then we get to vote on that person. There are nine people who are going to
vote on that person. I don't know. I'm I'm confused as to where all this And like I said, is it a rumor? I heard someone who told you. You know, any one of you could have picked up the phone
and call us. We're, you know, I would be very happy to talk to you. And people call me all the time. Can you get my son an interview? Can you get my daughter an interview? You know, people don't hesitate to call for that. I am very
involved in the uh sports pro in the uh field. Jenna uh got up here and talked about her role and her admiration. I still have sleepless nights of when you made that goal.
He said it was over the line. I still have it's ridiculous. And Kristen, I remember in eighth grade, I think Maria was in eighth grade, undefeated, and the ref said she was pregnant by the
time, not the ref. The goal, the ref's dead went in and Kristen knew it did. I thought she was going to have a baby that day. She, you know, I've never saw her. So fascinated. I just I Is this coming from a rumor? Even if we do have this policy, I've had
people in the west building call me and tell me how happy they are with this policy. They didn't even know they could apply it for certain things. So I don't think even if this was u fabricated to get rid of somebody, how would that
work? How would that work? The re the recommendation I'm sorry. The recommendation comes from the superintendent and the AD. How does that fall on us?
How does that work? That we can go out of our way to make this policy to get rid of somebody when that would never work. So I just >> Thank you, Mr. >> Sorry. >> Just really quick just to Mrs. Bernard
said, um, you have our numbers. I know I was quoted tonight. Um, and I appreciate being quoted and I stand by that code back in 2021. Um, but it's it was quoted by Miss Wilson who has my number and who did not call me or reach out to me with
any of concerns because I'm a little sad tonight that it has amounted to all of this that rumors have amounted to all of this and it's directly affecting our kids. that they feel they need to come here and address the board. And it just it's sad. It's sad to say that we've got
to this point because I know I've been called in the past by a lot of people in the audience for other reasons and for you know schoolboard things and and personal reasons and professional reasons, but um no one thought to call me or Mrs. Rado or anyone in the house
this situation. I'm just sad for the whole situation that a rumor has amounted to all of this. Can I just make a comment? Um, people call me a lot about things that happen and unfortunately when I when I haven't
seen it happen to me or I haven't or people are afraid to speak up. So, Mr. Do, if you could just give us a quick update, couple sentences about what is the process if somebody feels as though
a school board member has made an ethics violation. What is that process? And I think the challenge is people live in fear because I personally have been retaliated against for me many things that I've stood up for. And we continue
to teach our kids to stand up to bullies and do the right thing. And I think when people feel this way, they feel like they can. And if you could just explain that process in a simple way so that if parents or staff, whoever feels that way, if they feel that I've done
something there is a process by which they can file an ethics. So I'm going to be saying it depends >> depends on who is student number
I would suggest that's also a bad administrator because public schools discuss hire that person. Okay. As far as the school ethics commission, um
there is an opportunity to file. Okay. recently have violated the school ethics act which is the negative that is about prohibition from financial or the code which is the positive which
says how the process is very slow okay it's expensive and board members are entitled to be identified that defended by an attorney paid for by
the board of education. Minnesota understands that. So what happens is we've only we fortunately have not had many um there's a client that I just terminated my relationship with them voluntarily. Okay. Uh because that's all
they seem to do was file code of ethics code of ethics code of ethics. That is the result of six figures worth of legal fees paid for by board of education because board members couldn't get involved or community members could board members right so while I would
never say to somebody don't employ the legal process that can be employed it is like I said the ethics commission has to find probable cause of law of law just has to make a decision judge has to send a decision back to school ethics commission school
ethics commission has rule on that decision. Then if they did find a violation, they have to determine the penalty. Then that goes to the commissioner of education which can then review just penalty not the determination. And then if you division one so um
u I have my English do I have any English teachers here? Okay. It's it's like bleak house. Okay. All right. J versus it will go on forever until it exhausts the treasure. That's take on the legal system.
So what I mean to say is it is expensive. It goes on but it is on occasion the only way that that that can the court itself has no authority to remove a board member except in one business and that
is that board member without the office misses three consecutive notice here only education If we could just revisit number four, what was done different
this year? >> What What was done different this year, Tom, than in previous years? I think that may clear up a lot of this. What What actually changed? because it doesn't seem to me that a lot changed
other than the letter. That's correct. What has changed was the procedural process had changed. Um as I previously explained, uh all extracurricular activities
yeartoear appointments. Um, from an administrative standpoint, we would send letters out to every coach, every advisor, and ask them if they're interested in returning, yay or
if they say yes, they're interested in returning, they get by to the board. They're not a coach or an advisor unless they receive the majority of the vote of the board of education each and every year. That's the process. That's the way
it is today. That's the way it's been 20 years ago and that's the way it's going to be 20 years from now. That's just the way it is. We change because instead of asking people interested in coming back yes or no
to skip that part of the process and just simply do what many other school districts in New Jersey do they post their extracurricular activities each and every year. People that are interested in coming back put their
names back in the principles take a look at the letters of interest. The athletic director takes a look at the letters of interest and they are the administrators that make the recommendations to me. I'm
not in the business of taking a principal's recommendation and changing or taking an athletic director's recommendation and changing. I get to the recommendation that I submitted to the board of ed to vote or end there's
10 voting board members. If six board members um vote yes, yes, motion carries. If six board members vote no, the motion doesn't count. It's
I know perceptions reality. I've heard that a lot tonight. But the the process is the same. The administrator of athletics evaluates coaches and makes recommendations.
The principles in the DC, the west building, the middle school, the high school. They take a look at who's interested in participating in different clubs and activities and they make recommendations. anybody thinks it's going to be wholesale changes each and every year.
That's certainly not the intent. The intent is to, you know, change the process. You're you're basically streamlining the process instead of reach tons of stipen positions instead of
reaching out to hundreds of people and make sure you're asking them if they are responsible for four or five or six different activities. Just make sure on that list that you send in that every single activity that they participate in
is on there and you get or you got to go back and there's a lot of knowing involved. So it eliminates that job and it just simplifies it and there's a lot of school districts that do it. I've
spoken to many different superintendent. Um we've been doing this for 25 years. That's what we do and these do not change their coaches every year. They do not change their advisors every year. It's a procedural then once again we would never be sent and I'm the one
that instructed our principles to send an email out. I instructed Chris Sako to send an email out. It was identical. So a uniform message went out. We checked the word before that email was to be sent out.
That's it. That's it. question that >> I've got a question on that because I do think and I I wait until we've at least wait heard of the first reading before we're we're acting like it's approved. We're talking
about perception is reality. Well, the perception was oh it's such a dumb deal we're just going to move forward with it even though it hasn't been approved and we need to do better with that. That's part of being transparent. wait until we've had our approval before moving
forward. It almost makes it look like we know exactly how this is going to go. Do I disagree with everybody being reappointed every year? Absolutely not. I get that. I don't think you know it should be used to target any one specific person and hopefully that's not
what we're doing. And finally, anybody that's reaching out to board members on this, if you reach out to me, I'm going to tell you to call in because that's my job. I can't get you an interview. You know, I can't tell you, you know, I'll make this go away, but I can refer you to Mr. Ramsey, and that's where your
concerns need to start to be addressed. >> I I have a question. Thank you for explaining the procedure change, but also I think that the next step is so what happens if I'm the class advisor for the last 12 years and now this year there are seven people that
apply for that? >> That's transparency. That's choice. That's opening it up. >> Thank you, Mr. Mes. >> Mr. Ramsey, I think there was some confusion of the >> That's an awesome question.
>> That's where the adviser for the past 12 years. There's a pretty wonderful chance you're going to be advis they they know their building is better than I trust their opinions. They're going to make the recommendation for
that. I really don't see that being the case that we're going to get seven applications for one position. Um, many times there's people that do three or four or five different stacking positions because nobody else wants to do them and I was principal begging them
to take that position. We needed somebody to do it. So that's the national. >> And I have one last question because oftent times the public may not know this but oftent times we will approve a
list an exhibit like the spring sports or the you know the year this is the annual >> right. Is there any way we can start putting our exhibits online? Because a lot of times people will say,
"Hey, you referenced this exhibit in your agenda, but it's not available online." And so there would be no way of knowing if Miss Sylvestie or somebody else is being hired because they never
see that list. Yes, I'm going to be working with the environment involves Google accounts >> and it's successful. Yeah, I think people would really appreciate one more thing before the actual agenda.
We've talked a lot about topics tonight's question. respect his question of his service to the board prior. Um, you know, there's been lots of just like this other topic coaches extra interest lots of rumor
though about what's going on with water relationship and all the things. Um, and I just want to be real clear about where we're at. I want be very clear on on the record. I'm on TV. There's 50 new cities. Be very very clear about
what I'm saying. The board of education in hand deeply values its relationship across both our seven or districts in FS and water. There's no movement or effort to make any changes to any of them. We're very happy with the relationships. Waterford
and Fson and us live year to year on the governor's wins, the legislator's wings about budgets and right now Waterford's having a difficult time. Boston's having a difficult time. We talked about that at this this board's last meeting. So he
talked about the public meetings and water. What I will tell you is again I'll speak for myself. I'm personally committed to making this work and answering the questions that folks have. I provided the transparency about how tuition is calculated because it's a
matter of public record, right? You can go pick up our audit, get a spreadsheet, pick up our audit and back into the tuition calculation. uh I don't recommend you do that you should sleep but there's a way to do it right and so to answer that question I don't want to leave it sort of undrafted
but I just want to be very clear if people hear from me directly we very much value the relationship we value partnerships and we're committed to moving forward to figuring something out to make sure that we take care of kids because that's the end of the day you tune up for schoolwork take care of kids
I just want to put that out there you have anything you want to that obviously >> we also value the relationship we have with you who had a 25 year you know successful partnership
and and by shorts feels the same way um we want to make everything work on you know work out our differences was able to get some of the paperwork that we needed thank you very much reached out this morning about it tonight so we
absolutely you know, want to continue our partnership and I think we're working towards some more open communication on both ends, some increased meetings between the districts. Um, you know, maybe some joint meetings as well, maybe
three year joint meetings with all three boards, rotating districts. >> Yeah, absolutely. So, I just wanted to put that out there. Happy to talk after um about it. Anybody who wants to ask me any questions just so clear the stack papers to my left all the contracts I
have to ask the board I have to meet NC anybody wants to hang out and talk about anything I'm now let's go I real quick addition we don't have a meeting coming up the uh the addition really early
we're hoping for substantial completion by about the end of May they're relaxing the floors as we piles are in, everything's in. Our furniture, our case are in the second floor, almost all of them. So, you know, we won't have the problem we had last
year or last two years ago when the additions were getting done two days before the kids were supposed to be. We will have the entire month of July and August to have acclimated in the building and their space. We are on budget. We have two tonight. Nothing
major. The firearm system is being completely upgraded. So, it's integrated. Um, the contractors are doing an excellent job. Luke and I are there every day in the construction trailer. You know, just working with them. They're
excellent company. Excellent staff. Rick was there every day. Was on the roof yesterday. So you know the project is moving forward very fast on time and on I just want everybody to know that that I can assure
the public work public active there's ongoing conversations every day like this isn't slam dunk we did something that nobody's going to know about I probably speak to to it every three times a week. I've spoken to row I've spoken to their superintendent. I speak
to my superintendent. Um so I believe that the the the relationship is very valuable. I think that Hamilton is making an effort to accommodate the best that they can. Um the crisis that every district in the state is facing and
that's underfunded. Um and and you know it has affected Falsome tremendously. It's affected water a little bit more because they're a larger school district than we are. But at the end of the day, we all have to figure out a way to make this work. And I know I've addressed this board and and have had numerous conversations with John. We'll figure
this out. It's not, you know, we're our kids need to go to this school. And what if those kids want to go to this school? We'll figure it out. But the the perception that there's not communications and dialogues going on is absolutely false. I talked to Matt Dal probably two times this week. I talked
to Ro I think on Sunday. I think I talked to you this week. I talked to John this morning. So, this is I I for me personally, I don't have a dog in the Hampton bite. I don't have a vote in this district, but I will say that when I pick up the phone to call somebody,
anybody on this board, they they answer the phone. Um, and and I would encourage people, but I would also encourage that understand the policy that you can talk to the board member, but it's our job to guide, not govern. Right? So we would
take if I'm with Ro that if if somebody comes to me and I have parents call me all the time. Oh little Johnny blah blah. Okay John um you know has an issue I said okay did you talk to the superintendent because the superintendent is the person that we put in charge of the school. None of us are
in charge of the school. Collaboratively we guide how the school is run but it's really Tom that brings everything on this agenda to us. But I I just want to again the Waterford Falsome Hamilton thing is alive. It's thriving. We're
going to work it out and and uh I I commend this board for for hearing us and and uh continuing the talks. Okay. So going to the public agenda, I'll see the motion on finance items 1 through 29.
First >> second. Yes, Mr. >> Yes, >> Mr. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Mrs. I need to abstain from number one.
Yes, it >> car motion on personnel items 30 through3 amendment to item numbering the title of Motion >> Mr.
Mr. >> Mr. Mr. Qu. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Yes. >> Mrs. Hunter. Yes. Item 353.
>> Mr. >> Yes. Mr. >> Yes, >> I'd like to make a motion to table number 57 because I think that there's just I think with everybody coming to speak tonight.
>> Okay. So, let me let me talk and public service last. So, we're gonna we were going to go next on 548. a motion to table. The way this goes is there needs to be a second that will vote it up or down. The board's voting
yes that means you want to table motion and take it off the agenda for the rest of something's on the table. So just actually I would suggest that you would have to have a motion 54 through 58 and
then a priority motion would be made to table number 57 that immediately called. >> All right. So, let's do this. Let's do this right away. So, let's we're going to write back. I need a motion on 54.
>> Second. >> I'd like to make a motion to table number 57. >> It's a first table. >> Second. Now, we're going to have a straight up vote. Yes. >> Yes.
No. >> No. >> Mr. >> No. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. No. >> Mrs. Hunter. >> Yes. >> Mr.
>> Mr. Mr. >> No. Motion is so now we will vote uh on items 54 to 48. So on that >> Mrs. Baronado. >> Yes. >> Mr. Quer. >> Yes.
>> Mr. >> May I ask you a question? Uh it says this is the first sorry what does the opportunity after first reading changes to a policy before second? 57.
>> I would like to vote yes except for >> Mrs. Mrs. Hunter. Yes. Yes. >> So just to be clear, we're having second reading. So even if whether we tabled it or whether we have a second reading,
there is time to talk about. >> Yes. >> Okay. Next, we're going to go to the agenda. Finance items. Mr. >> Mrs. Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs.
>> Yes. >> Mrs. Mrs. Hunter. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. M. >> Yes. Okay. Good.
>> Yep. Next. Motion. Item 6162. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mr. >> Mr. Now we're at the second public comment.
Anyone wishes to be heard? Go ahead. Charlene Franchetti, 608 Grave Street. I just want to say I respectfully disagree with what Mr. Ramsey said because it is not the same. You before sent a letter to one person about the job, you're now
posting a job. That is completely different things because now more people have the opportunity for that job. In the past, you were only sending the letter to the person who already had the job. >> That's all I want to say. >> Thank you.
>> Okay. Anyone else? >> Do you have to say my name again? Kristen Wilson Bachelor. I just have a couple of questions. I understand this is comment so you can take them as rhetorical. You don't have to answer them. Um number one, Mr. Ramsey, I don't
understand why a policy was already sent to the entire school district when it only just had a first reading tonight. I don't um you've heard a lot about chain of command and it seems like the chain of command was board adopts policy then policy gets emailed. So, I'm not quite
sure how this went backwards. It hasn't even been adopted. And I'll note that the deadline is tomorrow for a policy to for uh supervisors to apply for a policy that doesn't exist yet. And second, I'm going to make the point, Miss Bernado,
you said there's a lot of rumors and you don't understand the address to the chair question. Miss Bernado made a comment about rumors and I would suggest that there are people in this room who could put an end to those rumors, but
they're speculating a little too scared out of fear of retaliation for speaking out. And I think there are a couple of board members up here could put those rumors to rest as well. Thank you. Second portion. >> All in favor.