Motion to go into regular public meeting time now. >> Motion. >> Motion. >> Motion by Mr. Goff. Seconded by Mr. Carr. >> Discussion. Roll call, please.
Mrs. D. >> Yes. >> M Miss Multiculture. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ph. >> Yes. >> Mrs. F. >> Yes. >> Mr. Carr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cleo. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. Meeting regulations. During each
regular meeting, two opportunities are provided for citizens to ask questions and to make comments. During the first opportunity, early on the agenda, the meeting is open to the public for the purpose of addressing items listed for approval on this agenda only. The second opportunity occurs just prior to
adjournment where when citizens may address any subject matter that is pertinent to and are directly related to the operation of the school district. Persons wishing to speak must upon being recognized rise to state their name, address, and subject matter. Comments and questions shall be addressed to
board president or presiding officer and shall be limited to five minutes per person. The board may or may not respond to issues raised by members of the public at the time they are raised, but will provide a response if and when appropriate. The board asks that members of the public be courteous and mindful
of the rights of their of the other individuals when speaking. Please note that the board will not respond to comments regarding students or board employees in light of the privacy rights held by those individuals. Moreover, the board discourages comments about such individuals and will not be responsible
for such comments. Members of the public who choose to speak during the public session should carefully consider their comments since they could be held personally liable for any statements they make. Finally, please note that in accordance with district policy, the board will not
officially comment or respond to any matter mentioned unless it can confirm that the matter has first been brought to the attention of the appropriate school personnel in attempt to resolve the issue. Public be heard agenda items only.
All right, seeing no one. Approval of the minutes of the February 17th, 2026 regular meeting, public and private. Motion. >> Motion by Mrs. Scott. >> Second. >> Second by Mr. Cleavho. Discussion.
>> Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Goff, >> yes. >> Miss Multicolson, >> yes. >> Mr. Paloo, >> yes. >> Mrs. Phone, >> yes. >> Mr. Carr, >> yes. >> Mr. Pingo, >> yes. >> Mr. Taro, >> yes.
correspondence. We did get one for an invitation to the S County Education Association uh for a legislator's reception on April 17th, 2026. I can share this with the other board members if anybody's interested. Black tie required.
That is it under correspondence reports. Student council representative. >> Good evening. This month initiates our spring season, kicking off new sports and outdoor outdoor activities as we approach the end of the year. The spring sports season started March 9th as teams
started getting out in the sun preparing for their upcoming busy seasons. Both baseball and softball scrimmages started last week with a 9 to6 victory for softball last Thursday and go to baseball on Saturday are unknown. Time readiness. Anyways, track and field has their first meet coming up on March
31st. Home and their season opener in Hackinack on April 4th. Finally, golf have their first match of the season against Eastern and lacrosse has their first scrimmage against Parkridge in Parkidge today. Um, for clubs, we have many trips and
events planned. To start, the dance and theater program is attending their second trip to see a Broadway show tomorrow. They will be seeing Aladdin on Broadway. Additionally, the performing arts club is preparing for two outreach community performances coming up in April and the dance team is preparing
for their next big competition later into spring. Also, the honors art students have finished their under the sea theme mural on the second floor history wing. This project took over a month and a half to finish and continues the tradition that we have had since 2002. Student council has spirit week
happening this week from the 23rd to the 27th. Yesterday was matching Monday and today is Safari day and student council also has signups happening currently for both the returning intern for a day happening on April 17th as well as this
year's spring event the Bear Olympics happening April 7th. Along with this student council also attended all three of the elementary schools for read across America. Here's cool kids finish off their last trip to LMS on March 13th. Peer Leaders has the
last teen summit meeting planned as well as a trip to an escape room as they had done last year as well as planned on helping out at the senior citizen night for the spring theater introduction. This month, the library media center highlights women's history month, Irish
Heritage Month, and March Madness. The library offers our faculty instructional materials and resources and engages students with library book displays and bulletin boards,formational materials, daily morning announcements, posted flyers and social media postings. To
highlight diversity and world religions, the library put a spotlight on the holidays of Holly, Ramadan, and St. Patrick's Day. To promote information literacy, journalism and so social study study features were given resources
through the library to help them address the war with Iran Iran and the social media propaganda surrounding world affairs. or special education. Biology students came to the library for information literacy lessons surrounding the use of databases for research
instead of web platforms such as students giving slideshow presentations were given library lessons on image license licensing and AI image creation. Additionally, senior students were given given personal tutoring sessions with the librarian to complete their major
research paper project. This month, the library's student book club member members participated in a blind date for the book event, a St. Patrick's Day book talk party in a bookmark making workshop. The library's faculty book
club met to wrap up its reading of I'm not quite dead yet by Holly Jackson. Members choose the final book of the school year, 56 chose the final book 56 days by Katherine Ryan Howard. 30 HHS faculty staff members have joined
the library's push to encourage leisure reading. These flyers are posted on classroom and office door stories engaging students and staff to talk about books with the invitation ask them why they enjoyed reading this book. This week the library is sponsoring the HHS
chess tournament. The library will award trophies and Amazon gift cards to first and second place winners. All players receive particip participation medals th this month. Our librarian is the drama announces the publication of her third novel titled Booked for Murder. In all,
I look forward to seeing how this spring season goes with sports and clubs and wish everyone a happy spring. I thank you for your time and attention and look forward to our next meeting. Thank you. >> All right, now let's go to our superintendent report. >> Thank you and thank you Jonathan for that wonderful report. It's nice to hear
of all the great things that are going on our district. Um so we're going to kick it off with a really special event that we've made um kind of a staple of every year in March. We have the opportunity to have our exceptional fifth grade students give us a little bit of a preview of the Washington
School Wax Museum. So each year, which I haven't seen it yet being my first year as superintendent, apparently this whole entire room is filled with kids dressed up representing uh different historical figures, athletes, famous actors. As I look through this brochure and I see we
have Leonardo da Vinci, Camala Harris, Bad Bunny. Really looking forward to seeing this all in action. Um, but before I turn it over to Miss Pacero, I just wanted to thank our fifth grade teachers for their leadership in the program. Miss Crow,
who's here tonight, and Mr. Spagnel. So, let's give him a round of applause. >> Yeah. Hi everybody. Thank you so much for coming. We are honored to have you here. Um and speaking of being honored, it is my honor to pass over um to Mr.
Speel and Mrs. Prel. I know Mr. Spe is going to do all the talking tonight for uh the Wags Museum, but it is an honor for me to introduce them to you because they work tirelessly on this program with the students. Um they're they work
so hard. They're in the office constantly working on their poster, their project, and he's going to talk a little bit more about it, but they truly could not do this without them. Um, nor could we. So, um, also, I don't know if you noticed, but we chose all women in
history tonight. Um, in honor of Women's History Month being the month of March, we thought it would be appropriate to do so. So, Mrs. Spags, why don't you take it from here? just want a few things I wanted to hit just to say Women's History Month. So, thank you. Check it off. Um, I did want to thank you guys
for letting us present to you as well. I know we've been doing the past few years. Um, it's definitely a unique project to Washington. It's an interdisiplinary project in terms of it combines skills needed in reading, writing, public speaking, technology,
uh, social studies. So, it's a great project that kind of splits across disciplines in terms of what students would learn by subject. Um, these skills are things that we have gotten feedback from the middle school teachers that project based learning is huge in the middle school. So, they need to be able
to do this. Um, it's helping prepare them for middle school. A huge reason why it's very important to us. Um, so like Sarah said too, it's it really is a project that takes a village. So, not only is Mrs. Prell, a fantastic co-teer
who does a lot to help me. Um, Miss Lochner works with our ESL students to help them. Miss Mars, our BSI teacher, she spends all her free periods, even her preps that month, helping the students on her own time to make sure it's the best product that they can give
to you guys. Um, Miss Sila has the steps program and Mrs. Veruchi is also our resource teacher. So, that there's a a whole cohort of teachers that work to make this happen. So we are very proud of it. We're also very proud of these four students. Like Mr. Sarah said they represent students to honor Women's
History Month. Um this wax museum isn't until April 10th. It has two sess. We are all cordially invited by the way. Um it has two sessions. So it's a Friday. So it runs from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. We take lunch. They come back and the students go from 12:30 to 2:30. So if
you can't make the morning, hopefully you can make the afternoon. But not only are these students um women obviously, they're they work very hard. I don't if you've noticed, but since 6:55 we walked in, I said, "Prepare like we're at the wax museum, and most of them haven't
moved. I tried I tried to mess with them. They So, they're very good. They work." It just goes to show how hard and how much this project means to them. So, um we're we're all very proud of them. like thank you for the applause for it's really their work that you should be
applauding. Um and to give you a sneak preview if Mr. Mr. Minnelli and all of you, whoever you choose, board members want to come up and press the buttons. They are waiting anxiously. >> You don't want bad. I want to go to the mics first. They've been holding their
arms over. Hello, my name is Jackson for being an award and graduate. I am also known for being commenters. I was born on 16th, 1966 in Gary, Indiana. My family included my mom Catherine, my dad,
Joseph, and my dad to my famous brother Michael Jackson. Growing up, I spent a lot of time performing on stage in the studios because my brothers wanted to work in the entertainment industry. My major accomplishment in life was when I won my five years ago Janet 1990
that's love 1993 and Scream 1996 that's called 1998 202 other things I accomplished include having a record breaking album called 1814 which made a bunch of top 10 hits. I also have 11 American music boards and
11 American boards. I'm currently alive and 59 years old living in Henderson. Hello, my name is jazz. I am also known for performing a certain type of singing called scanning. I was born on April 15th, 1917 in
Newport, News, Virginia. My family included my mom named Tempy, my father, William, and my little sister Francis. Growing up, I loved baseball. My favorite team was the Los Angeles. My major accomplishment in life was when I joined the Chick Club orchestra. And
when the leader of that band sadly died, I became the leader. Other things I accomplished include in 1935, I released my first song in Chick Club called Love and Person. At the end of my life, I kept singing until I discovered type 2 diabetes in my body, which caused me to
lose both of my legs. Then then in 1996, I died in my home at 79 years old. Thank you. Thank you. So being sure Hello, my name is Ella. I'm best known for being a jazz singer in public.
I am known I'm also known for performing a stylist. I was born on August 15th, 1917, Virginia. My family, my mom, my father William, and my little sister. Growing
up, I loved baseball. My favorite. My main accomplishment in life was when I joined a club orchestra. When the leader of a band sadly died, I became a leader. In 1975, I released my favorite song
with named love. At the end of my life, I kept singing until I discovered diab. Then in 1996, I died in my home at 79 years old. Thank you. Yeah. Thank you. Wait
a minute. My name is Jackson. My favorite at the end of my life. I kept saying until I discovered diausaus and then in 1996 I died in 1996 1998
how Henderson included my mom. I love my major accomplishment in life when I became I like that you refer to her as a really
that is talking about it for a second. my wonderful job. I want to get I was going to see one of my scar lines. Come on. Come on. You got a great character for
super involved. Wonderful. >> All right, we're going to our wonderful students with the certificate and appreciation. Let's turn this way so you can face your people.
>> So I just want to say each of you very proud of you. That was amazing. Um you remember that whole entire thing several times over and the way that you conducted yourself was very professional. Um so I think as a whole we owe them a ROUND OF APPLAUSE.
WHERE'S TEAM? I'M OVER HERE. I was just trying to get a different angle. We're going to do individual pictures and then we're going to do a picture as tamer. >> Thank you, Ella. Next we have Jaylen. >> Next we have Gabriella Tatise.
And last but not least, AALIYAH SARAS All of our >> Anybody else wants to come Take pictures right now. >> Do one more. >> Wait, let me hold on. I got you. >> We're going to take a 5minut recess. I mean, you're welcome to say record me.
You certainly don't have to. Don't go out and get and then we'll get back to business. So, thank you. Thank you to the parents for coming out. All right, get started. >> Okay. Um so before we get any deeper into the
board meeting, I did want to give a update on the budget. Um just speak a little bit about the 2627 budget as well as where we are as a district and just as importantly where we are going as a district. Tonight we'll be approving our preliminary budget for the next school
year. The process is that we uh we put our tenative budget out to be approved by the board and it goes to the county level and then we'll have a public hearing in April in which we will give more detail about the specifics of the budget. Um I think we're all well aware
that the budget cycle has been very challenging across the state. Rising costs particularly in healthcare and operations are impacting pretty much every district across across the state. When you look at surrounding districts, many are facing similar pressures and
making difficult decisions to remain financially stable. In Hawthorne, we took a very deliberate and measured approach. Over the past couple years, we worked to soften the impact on taxpayers by utilizing reserve funds. While that
helped us manage short-term challenges, it also made clear that we needed to shift toward a more sustainable path going forward. This budget reflects that shift, is designed to stabilize our financial position, protect our remaining reserves, and allow us to plan more
responsibly for the future rather than operate year-to-year. At the same time, we were able to identify nearly 1.9 million in reductions. That speaks to the level of work that we that we put into this process and our commitment to being efficient and thoughtful in every decision we make. What I think it's
especially important to highlight is that even in a difficult budget year, we're continuing to move forward as a district. Part of that includes advancing key capital projects that along with our align with our long-term plan. These
projects are funded through capital reserves uh which are separate from the operating budget and are specifically designated for facilities improvements. They cannot be used for day-to-day expenses such as staffing or programming. Because of that, we're able
to continue making targeted investments in our schools. This includes two bathrooms being upgraded at our high school as well as creating security vestibules at both the high school and the middle school. These vestibules are a priority and reflect our continued focus on enhancing the safety and
security of our students and staff. That balance is critical, remaining fiscally responsible in the present while still investing in our future. Hawthorne is a strong district. Uh that strength comes from our staff, our board of education, and the support of the
community. The budget remains the strength while putting us in a more stable position moving forward. We recognize the challenges, but we're confident in the direction that we're headed in. So, next month, we'll give a more detailed uh analysis of the budget. So, I encourage members from the public
to come out. It's also something that's going to be streamed on our website. Um, so a couple of upcoming events I want to mention. Our first Hawthorne Hall of Fame induction ceremony is this Thursday. Uh, for coaches, teams, and special contributors, we'll be recognizing the following individuals,
which I'm sure some of these names you will recognize. Uh, Coach Edward Okconor, Coach Julie Zimmerman, the 193536 boys soccer team, the 1970 football team, the 2001 girls volleyball team,
special contributor Allison N. King, special contributor William Rhodess, special contributor Henry Van Ry. And in terms of our athletes, um, from the class of 1979, Teresa Dembeck from the class of 1964, Robert Foy from the class
of 1987, Margaret O'Hagen Gorman from the class of 1976, Sandra Kuran from the class of 2013, Ethan Ramos from the class of 1994, Russell Rusty Reed from the class of 2016, Caitlyn Salisbury.
and from the class of 1971, Michael Patrick Terizy. So, congratulations to all the Hall of Fame recipients and thank you to Dr. Spuro for organizing. We want to make it very clear there's no more tickets available. Um, but it should be a really nice event. Um,
tomorrow night is the unsung hero ceremony and that's brought to us by the Pay County Education Association and the Payic County uh school boards association. And this recognizes students who demonstrate strength of character and personal resilience, particularly those who have overcome
challenges and made positive impacts often during difficult times. We're so happy to recognize Emma Wangu as this as this year's unsung hero. Round of applause for that. So the ceremony tomorrow night um couple uh Mr. Fister and I will be attending
it. Um but we also plan to recognize Emma and their family at the board meeting next week. or next uh month. So, we're looking forward to that. And another reminder about leadership camp um that's taking place this summer. It's a 30hour program that runs Monday through Friday at LMS. The program is
run by Sergeant Galo and staffed by Hawthorne police officers who are experienced in youth programs in conjunction with the LMS personnel. Registration is open and the dates of camp are August 10th and 14th. Thank you. >> Thank you. Now to committee and liazison
reports starting off with legislative Mr. Car. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh several committees have met recently to consider legislation part of the legislaturator's annual spring budget break education related bills that were considered as follows. One vapor awareness A2195. This would require the Department of
Health to create anti-b campaign guidelines for schools and colleges. The goal will be to educate students using research based information about risks. Um it's approved by the Assembly Health Committee and the HSBA NJSBA supports this bill. Number two is job posting
requirements A1161. This would require employers to remove job postings once positions built. Clarify the jobs and actual anticipated vacancy. Provide timelines and applicate updates for after interviews. This would include penalties of $300 to $600 for
violations. Applies to employers and third party job posting companies. The concern here would be this could apply to school districts. The NJSPA's position is it opposes its current form. It's concerned about teacher shortages and administrative burdens. Bill number three, solar energy grant program S1815
establishes grants up to% of project costs for schools and colleges to install solar energy systems. This will be managed by the board of public utilities and it is has been approved by Senate committee and NJSBA's position is that it supports it. uh ban on
artificial dyes of school food a 2050. This bans multiple food dyes and advent and school meals for example red 40 yellow 51 timeline will be school food ban will be effective August 1st 2028 uh and the commercial food rules will be
one year after enactment and they spa's position is they are currently monitoring it. Uh number five, payments for non-resident students A4678 S3614. This addresses funding for students attending Renaissance school projects. Resident district pays for its own
students. Non-resident students uh home districts must pay the tuition and the status that's moving through both assembly and senate and the NJSBA and this also and that report. >> Thank you. Finance administration. >> Thank you Mr. President. the uh
committee meeting person at the high school and there's been several phone calls and uh conversations ever since. The bulk of the uh conversation revolved around the budget budget development uh which will be reported on which we'll be voting on. Aside from that, we discussed
the uh it was communicated that the mayor K is yet not yet finalized. I do want to take the opportunity to thank the business administrator, the superintendent, our uh committee members on the budget committee and the finance committee for all the time and energy
that's been uh invested into this year's budget. This year's budget uh is this year has taken more effort and time and energy than in past years. So, I want to thank each and every one of them, including our board secretary, who is uh
has had to work on catching up on work that she inherited from our, you know, from our previous year. So, we're very grateful for her. We're glad to have her on board. Uh that particular report. Thank you, Madame Vice President. Are you doing council leazison too or did
she not share on that one? >> No, no worries. So, continuing on to personnel and if you want to just round up and do all three of buildings, grounds and policy as well. >> Um,
sorry, >> you're covering >> buildings and grounds and personnel. I'm >> Oh, you're doing my buildings. >> Okay. Um, so this uh report is uh Jennifer's. I'm just reading it. Um so
with the resignation of Dr. Trabona um we they have been uh interviewing multiple candidates to come in um and fill such position um and we have someone on the agenda for tonight who
will uh be approved as our future assistant superintendent. So that's all. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, you want to do a B&G as well or >> Oh, yeah, sure. >> While you're at it,
>> I'm doing this report for Dr. Vega. Sorry. Um, we pulled money out of our capital reserve for next year's budget, um, which will be talked about later. Over the next couple of years, we'll be making be upgrading our projectors to
smartboards. uh or meians throughout the entire district. This will be done depending on the funding and need. Um so tech will go in and see which ones are broken and unfixable. We'll start there and work our way through the district um classroom by classroom. We will also be
working on upgrading security vestibules at the middle school and the high school over the next 3 to four years. That's our goal. Um we will be pulling money from the maintenance reserve to help the general operating budget. Um, we also realized that we can save some money by
combining uh some transportation routes for our buses and um in addition to maybe cutting out one al together. Um, and that is all I have to report for BG this month. >> Thank you, Mrs. Go.
>> Thank you, Mr. President. I apologize for reading off my phone. I forgot my computer at home. Um, the committee on curriculum instruction met last week. We were joined by Ivene Yeder. Um she is
the academic >> coordinator >> coordinator at Roosevelt School. Um she is also an I Ready guru. So the first order of business was to discuss that. I Ready is a benchmarking system uh for both ELA and math. The district uses and
has newly acquired. It runs K through eight. Um the program allows for both remediation and enrichment. There is a mandate of how many minutes of the my path students are expected to complete. So that's a number of minutes you do
like work on your own. That's leveled to where you are based on the benchmark assessment that you've taken. It's all digitized on the computer. Um the number of minutes is monitored by the uh administration and supervisors. The data reports are not being sent home yet
globally, only at parental requests. They were being used in some um report card meetings. Moving forward, there will be a plan to share with parents more readily. Many teachers were using it during conferences. Um it is beneficial to do
uh an Iran night perhaps to talk to parents about what they are, how to read the reports. We do move forward with sharing them. um that will probably be the beginning of net this coming year. So in the fall it is being they're mo the reports are mostly being used internally at this point for INRS and
CST requests. Um then we moved on to QAC. So we are not currently being monitored for QAC this year but we had received a recommendation um and a remediation plan for um
some proficiency scores. Uh Dr. Dr. Jabona shared with us that the numbers have greatly increased and if we were being looked at this year, you would not need to be on the corrected action plan. Uh the 2324 numbers, that's the year that we were being QAC. We had a 38.6
total proficiency. Um we were just a fraction of a point away from being proficient. Um that was 50.2% proficiency in ELA, 30.4% 24% proficiency in math and 9% proficiency in science. Those were our previous
numbers. Our 2425 numbers were last year. We are 46.6% proficient globally. Um that's 71% ELA proficiency, 48% math proficiency, and 19% science proficiency. So, some really
amazing numbers and growth seen there. Um, additionally, in light of Dr. Dr. Mona's uh resignation and other factors uh the administration has chosen to keep envisions which is the math curriculum uh textbook currently being used in for
one more year. So they just signed on for one more year with the contract and uh a community will be looking into that next year as to what they want to move towards. >> Thank you. >> Moving on to NJSBA and PCSBA.
>> Okay. Thank you. So, I was fortunate enough to attend the women's leadership conference on Friday the 20th. Um, they did a wonderful uh in-person conference for women in leadership roles. Um, I was
able to do a couple seminars that day. So, bridging perspectives, our diverse mentorship exchange um seminar, which is really intriguing and how we can partner up with um board members or administrators can partner up with teachers, just people um partnering
up as a mentorship, but you're it's the reverse, right? So, it's the um new person also helping the person who's maybe 10 years and been there a while. Um and they had uh the two speakers were doing that for the NJSBA. Um and just
talking about like the baby boomers versus Gen X, how we all communicate differently and just that alone um has been eye opening and how it helped them uh to be better at their job and as mothers and as wives and all the other roles. Um then I also did transparency
and action building trust in educational leadership and um then leadership gets personal women rise. So it was very uh women powerful and I had a great time um for PCSDA tomorrow is hunting unsung heroes
board um and otherwise we haven't met since our last board meeting. Thank you. >> Moving on to CPAC PTO's Mr. Bl. Thank you, Mr. President. I got a short report tonight. Um Paul Thorne NJ CPAC on Facebook. Um
tomorrow night, it's a Zoom meeting. If anybody wants to go through our Facebook page and uh register, it's 7 p.m. And then, as I've been reporting all year, um we're very close now to the 8th annual CPAC 5K color run book walk. Um
the signin sheets are available. So again, if you can go to Hawthorne NJCPAC on Facebook, you can click and start to register. And uh as a reminder, every school uh that has the the school that has the most registered staff, I
believe, will receive $200. Um so we encourage everyone to participate um on a school level as well as, you know, throughout the community. And then I just want to round up with Washington School uh has a few things posted uh on again their Facebook page too.
Washington School PTO Huffguard NJ Wildcats fifth grade popcorn sale. There's only four days. We're already um yesterday the sale started. You can go on there again. 50% of the purchases will go to the fifth grade wax museum
trip um and also year-end activities. And then parents night. I noticed that there's a parents night on March 28th, 6 p.m. Steel and Wheel Tavern, 51 North Brun Street in Ridgewood. It's $20. Eat,
dance, sing um with Willie Wilson live music. So, that concludes my report for tonight. Erica, you have anything that I didn't catch with my blanket or anything? >> Okay. Thank you. Appreciate it. >> All right. I'm rounding it out with
policy Scott. >> Sure thing. So, I am presenting for Dr. Vega, who is home with her beautiful brand new baby girl, who we all welcome. Um, we did have a policy meeting. Dr. Vega was present with a six-day old baby
in the background. Uh, the rockstar that she is, but I told her that I would take the notes. Um, we did review two policies. The first one is assignment of students. Uh this was actually shared from uh Poponic where I work and it will assist in making decisions as to where students will be assigned at the
elementary level. It is based on criteria such as special education programming, siblings already enrolled and then enrollment numbers of the prospective buildings. The second policy we discussed was offer serve. This was a recommendation from the audit, the
policy audit. We did not get ding dinged not the policy audit the regular audit. we didn't get dinged um as we were told them that we would approve it the following month. So, we're approving it now. I'll reading it now. This policy states that we will give students options at various levels for food. A
school breakfast eligible for federal reimbursement shall offer four food items from the three food components and the appropriate amounts per grade grouping including fruit, grain, and milk. >> Oh, and there is pocketbook bingo for
the high school PTO on April 11th. All are welcome to attend. It's at the Boys and Girls Club. Um it's a good time because you can drink there because Boys and Girls Club and there are some beautiful persons. So 11. >> Listen, Mr. Mister sometimes 10. I don't
want to say that you always go, but >> one yet. >> Okay. I didn't want I didn't want to say you were going to be there, but Mr. Swallow. It's a good time. >> You wouldn't be the only gentleman is what I was trying to say. We both thank you. Uh actually right back at
you. Curriculum and instruction action items. Mr. Scott. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Pursuant to the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the committee on curriculum instruction recommend the following resolutions CI1 through CI 6 on page five
and CI 7 through CI 9 on page six. On behalf of the committee, I still move. >> Second. >> Second by Mr. Blues. Discussion roll call, please. >> Miss Multiculture. >> Miss. Yes. I'm sorry.
>> Mr. Paloo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Phone. >> Yes. >> Mr. Carr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Piggo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. G. >> Yes. >> Mr. Tataro. >> Yes. >> Um, personnel, I assume.
Yeah. >> The following resolutions are pursuant to the recommendation of the superintendent of schools. PI1 through PI3 on page six. PI said PI.
I'm sorry. P4 through P10 on page seven. P1 through 19 on page eight. There's a lot. Sorry. P20. 23 on page nine
and 24 and 25 on page 10 second behalf of this committee. So second by Mr. discussion. >> I just wanted to say again um well I
don't know if I actually officially said this but thank you so much to Dr. Trabona for years of dedication and hard work and many hours um outside of normal business hours. I don't even know if those exist anymore but to help us in
this district. And you you know really see the last couple years our test scores improving and it's wonderful. Um, but I'm really happy for her and I know she's going to be great um, in her future endeavors as a superintendent. And I also want to say thank you.
There's a volunteer coaching position on here and we always appreciate our volunteers. Um, without it I don't know what we would do. Um, and congratulations
uh to our new assistant superintendent after this vote. Thank you. >> I'd like to echo um Erica's statements. Dr. Tabona was an absolute asset to this uh district. I happened to to be around
when she was hired. Um and and again, to the the supervisory team that has worked beside her, it it really a powerhouse. It's all women's history month. Like I I can't say more. the the numbers that I read about HUACK, those are directly related to all the hard work that you
guys are doing. It does not go unnoticed. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with you moving forward. Um, but yes, I would be remiss if we didn't thank her and I'm very excited that she will be in a neighboring town so you can continue to
watch her shine. Um, but thank you. >> The second sentiment is for Dr. Jabona. When you join a school work, one of the things you want to do as far as seeing the improvements in within your district is your test series of your test force to
be improved. And we we're promising of it being her effort and uh you know with her effort and team that she's been working with, we have been able to benefit from seeing those results. So very grateful to her and wish her best of luck. Uh the other comment I had on
P13, I'm glad to see that we're able to fill that out agency for the Spanish teacher. I do know that that's a significant cost savings um when you have to staff it in comparison to the language network. So glad to see that that's been identif
>> Yes. >> Mr. Stone. >> Yes. >> Mr. Far. >> Yes. >> Mr. Yes. >> Mrs. G. >> Yes. >> Miss Multicult. >> Yes. >> Mr. Tatar. >> Yes.
>> All right. Finance administration. Mr. Cleo. >> Mr. President. Finance administration donations. We have one donation. Uh we have an acceptance for donation from the Hawthora Club for $1,200 to be used as a stipen to pay for the high school
athletic program after school weight provision during the spring. and thankful for collabation and for everything that they do for the district. Uh action items. Page 10. Pursuant to the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the committee on finance and administration represent
the following resolutions F1 through F3. Page 11, F4 through F10. Page 12, F11, page 13, F12 through F16. On behalf of the committee, Second motion by Mr.
Second by Mr. Carr. Uh at this time for discussion, I'm just going to do a public statement regarding the budget as we present the 202627 school budget. The board of education would like to provide our community with a clear understanding of the financial
considerations that have guided our decision. This budget was developed during a particularly challenging fiscal environment. While the district has received an increase in state aid, rising costs, most notably in healthcare operations and contractual obligations
continue to significantly impact on our overall budget. Salaries account for an increase of approximately $260,000. While health care costs alone have risen from $8,172,85 to 10,782,
excuse me, $782,718, representing an increase of over $2.6 million. Combined, these two areas alone have increased dis district expenditures more than $2.87 million.
In addition, state regulation would strictly limit the amount of surplus funds a district may retain. The district is permitted to maintain only approximately 2% of its operating budget as unassigned surplus. Any funds exceeding that limit must be utilized
within the budget to offset the tax levy or be allocated to specific reserve accounts such as maintenance or capital reserves. These restrictions limit flexibility and require careful strategic financial planning. It is also important to provide context
around our reserve accounts as they are critical. They are a critical component of the district's financial position. At the conclusion of the 2425 school year, the district maintained approximately 5.35 million across its capital and
maintenance reserves. Through the 2526 budget, approximately 1.73 million of those reserves were utilized, reducing the balance to approximately 3.62 million. As we move into the 2627 budget, an additional 1.8 million is projected to
be used, leaving a remaining balance of approximately 1.83 million in total reserves comprised of roughly 1.3 million in capital and 436,000 in maintenance reserves. This significant draw draw down of reserves
highlights the extent to which the district has already relied on one-time funding sources to manage ongoing financial pressures. It is essential to present this information so that the community fully understands that that our reserves have been substantially
depleted and that this budget was developed out of necessity, not preference. After a thorough review of all available options, the board has maintained the difficult but necessary decision to move forward with voting on the maximum
allowable tax levy increase of 7.42%. This decision reflects our responsibility to ensure the district remains financially stable while continuing to support the educational programs, services, and facilities that our students and community rely on. As
part of this process, approximately 1 1.9 million in reductions have already been identified, demonstrating the board's commitment to min minimizing the burden wherever possible while preserving the quality of education. We fully recognize the impact that this
decision has on our taxpayers. However, given the financial realities, the significant reduction of reserves, and the regulatory constraints we must operate within, this approach represents the most responsible path forward to maintaining
the strength and stability of our school district. The board remains committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and doing what is necessary to support our students, staff, and community at large. I thank you and this time I open it up
to discussion amongst the board. >> Thank you. You also have a prepared statement. The 13 years I've been part of the finance committee budget development has never been easy. This year however has been the most challenging of all. We are cognizant of the fine balance that exists between
funding a quality school system and maintaining the town affordable including for those on fixed income. It is self-evident that the system in place is not working. The expenses far outweigh the revenues. Following our examples of what some of our neighboring
districts are doing, what they posted for tax levy increment for this upcoming budget. Clifton 6%, Westfield 6%, Flemington Ritan 7.24% while other districts are closing schools to make them beat. We call on
our legislators to address the systemic challenges particular particularly healthcare. It is impossible to sustain a 30% increment on the back of taxpayers and fund equality school system.
>> Thank you. >> Mr. President, first I would like to start by thanking the booster club for their donation um to have that athletic weightlifting supervision after school. Um sometimes before school so I don't miss
it after school but this allows students to not have to be members of gyms which I think I mean it's a small but it's really makes a big statement also they can walk there if they don't have cars I've just seen it make a very big impact and I'm very gracious for that um I'd also like to thank everyone on the
finance committee and Miss Vali and Mr. Minionelli for the hard work. Again, I've been on as long as Alex. This was definitely from afar. It was not part of the process, but seemed to be the most challenging year yet. Uh and and
systematically, I agree with you. This cannot continue. Um that $3 million increase just for healthcare. $2.5 million is is astronomical. We are not the only district. It is every district that has even privatized insuranceances are having the same outcomes at this
point. Um, I just don't understand it when they are the largest insurer and everyone's in one plan. Now, that can be the answer. But thank you for your childless efforts on behalf of all the rest of us >> this time. Roll call, please.
>> Mrs. Phone, >> yes. >> Mr. Carr, >> yes. >> Mr. Cleho, >> yes. >> Mrs. G, yes. >> Miss Milton Filson, >> yes. >> Mr. Poo, >> yes. Mr. Tara. >> Yes.
>> Moving on. Quez. >> Thank you, Mr. President. >> So, those of you that don't know I'm sarcastic. This is a sarcastic thing. This is my favorite thing to do. Uh but according to um I'm sorry in
accordance with NJAC 6A colon 23-2 colon 11B C3 and C4 I reviewed the March 2026 bill list and I recommend that we move forward and pay bill
seconded by Mrs. God. Discussion roll call please >> Mr. Carr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kho. >> Yes. >> Mrs. B. >> Yes. >> Miss Multiple. >> Abstaining. >> Mr. Paloo.
>> Yes. >> Mrs. Phone. >> Yes. >> Mr. Tataro. >> Yes. Moving on. Madam Vice President on behalf of Dr. Vega, builds the grounds. >> Uh, pursuant to the recommendation of superintendent schools committee on buildings and grounds recommends the
following resolutions. BG-1 on page 14 and 15 BD BG-2 um on behalf of superintendent the committee on buildings and ground oh
no I said that right sorry on behalf of committee I so move seconded by Mr. Blues >> discussion. >> I would just like to and I will be bringing this up with Dr. Vega as part of our new committee structure. I will
be engaging in a conversation with her, but I would just like to state formally here and publicly that I encourage the bureau to continue to seek alternate locations for the elections as it does put a wrench in our calendar.
Um there have been years where we have given days off because of it. Uh at the very minimum I believe they should supply security. I believe they do. But I I I just think we need to re-engage in that conversation. Uh because we've used
unused snow days for the June day. We've built in election day as being off because that usually falls in that teacher convention week anyway. Um, but it does impact the school calendar um, from a security standpoint. So, I I will be reaching out to Dr. Vega, but I wanted to bring it up when it's on the
agenda for this evening. >> I agree. I think that um I I was going to mention earlier and I missed on, you know, we're approving a revised school calendar tonight because of the elections. We're closing our schools, which I agree with because many don't
half, sorry, half day. And I agree with that because we'll stand with the credit, but um it's safer and a lot of schools don't and I it's not safe um for strangers to come in and the buildings while students are present. Um >> you wouldn't do that normally and
parking is atrocious nightmare. >> Yep. And if it's dismissal or pickup time, it's really bad. Um so we're changing our calendar because the elections are in school buildings. We lost a snow day because we're parking in school build at the school school buildings on their ground. So I just
think it's something that needs to be discussed with the town. Absolutely. So um >> sorry, but I love to see people coming in and using our space for dance recital. >> Um >> graduations. >> Yes, preschool graduations. Um and
that's great. >> Thank you. just just you know continue comment on the fact that we typically try to work on that election day off um and we kind of were I think we were banking on the fact that we would have an extra snow day
>> and because this year we didn't have an extra snow day that's why we're in that position >> correct we just use it for that day >> but I think that we moving forward have to not assume we're going to have an extra snow day >> I would have though I think he needs to
have a conversation >> and so while I agree with you the idea we had that conversation because we've had that in the past so just for a point of reference it's not just up to the barrel it's the county elections the board county elections they actually are
you know they have the appropriate >> that's the jurisdiction that actually decides >> but what if we were to say no >> all I'm saying is that in the past when we have cuz I'm with and I've had that fight with you. It was the board of elections that overturned
it. So just just for corner reference and it's not solely based on so technically all voted no tonight. What would happen? >> So I'm conveying some I'm just conveying that for the benefit of the group. >> And I didn't recall that piece. So thank
you. But it's maybe the larger question is the security that what are the other layers that they can put in so we don't have to impact the calendar. No, I agree with you and it's for the benefit of the new board members, but I agree with you. I know I know that you >> roll call, please. >> Mr. Carr, >> yes.
>> Mr. Po, >> yes. >> Mrs. Scott, >> yes. >> Miss Milson, >> yes. >> Mr. Poo, >> yes. >> Mrs. Stone, >> yes. >> Mr. Thomas, >> yes.
Uh moving on to policy. Mrs. Goff on behalf of Dr. >> Sure. for students. The recommendation is superintendent of schools. The committee on policy recommend the following resolution PO1 on page 16. On behalf of the committee, I so move second.
>> Second by Melson. Discussion. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Cleo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. D. >> Yes. Miss Milson, >> yes. >> Mr. Paloo, >> yes. >> Mrs. Phone, >> yes.
>> Mr. Carr, >> yes. >> Mr. Tataro, >> yes. >> Okay. At this time, publicly heard. Uh, members of the public may ask questions or make comments on educational issues or school matters. >> All up at once.
>> Nobody. All right. We will move on to general comments, questions from the board related to school district. Uh, new business, old business or general comments if you could just please state which one as you go around the room and I will start with you Mr.
Cruz. >> I just, you know, based on tonight's agenda, which I could have said this before, but I just want to say thank you to Dr. Traona um for your time and service here. Uh congratulations and good luck in your future endeavors and congratulations and welcome to our new
assistant superintendent. Thank you. >> Uh minor general comments. I would like to thank the guidance staff and administrative staff at the high school for planning the college fair which I eagerly attended with my daughter as a sophomore but I felt like I needed to
get a jump on it. Um there were many many schools from all over. Um, it was it was amazing to see and as we went to each table, I was just so encouraged by the statistics that they were saying of the average student at how properly prepared our high school students are
when they leave Hawthorne High School. As you all know, I have a freshman in college already, but I am starting the look all over again with my daughter. Um, and they're two very different children who are have received two very different educations, but they are both immensely prepared to exit. Um, and I
really cannot thank everyone in in the town, the village that has prepared them um, for this. And I I mean, I cannot speak more highly of the high school. I know that I say that to anybody who will listen. Um, it once people go in there, I think it's
just they're amazed with what the opportunities that exist. So, thank you to the guidance staff and Mr. Fister and Miss Pasqual and everyone who was involved in that. Uh again, that's another opportunity because it was open to the community to get people into the high school just to seek the high school. I think anything and anytime we
can do that, that's really a wonderful um a wonderful thing. But thank you. >> Uh thank you. So I wanted to also again congratulate to Dr. Trabona on her new position and thank her. um something we attended this past month, multicultural
night. It was literally her baby and her and soul and um and I thank her and I hope it continues many years to come. Um so we can still, you know, have it and it was a huge success. It was so many
people in that gym, both gyms, but um I left really full and tasted some new foods I've never heard of, but that I am definitely going to try to make myself. The performances were amazing. Um, I learned a lot. So, as well as my children, right, because yeah, it's for
them. But I had a great time. Um, thank you to everyone who came and all the businesses that that helped and sponsored and it to it was the whole committee. You guys did an amazing job. Um, I also wanted to thank the students tonight. My oldest son was a Washington
Wildcat um, and did this many years ago. I Miss Flemings here. Um I also attended uh volleyball staff against uh parents night at LMS which was a ton of fun. Month before it was I
think it was Roosevelt and then this month it was LMS. Um but still just as much fun the DJs they get and like the kids are hyped up in the audience. It's just a great time. Um so I hope to see that continue. Um, and then tonight is the second night of the junior police
academy which is offered to all of our seventh and eighth graders and um, my youngest son is there hopefully getting a ride right now. But it is like the best opportunity and I just thank you so much um, police department because they partner up with our middle schoolers.
They run them through like scenarios. So the first one they they do like a drills with them. So the first night he came over and played he was sore and I'm like it's going to get better. is like you told me it was going to be fun, you know. Um, but I just think it really gives them it's fast. It's like four or
five sessions, but it gives them an overall insight, but they don't know that they're learning important lessons, right? Cuz it's not like you're sitting in house class and they're like the teachers, oh, peer pressure and drug, whatever. But they're actually like doing skits. And I've seen one of the
skits um by accident, but they were like running around the middle school. Maybe I should tell you. Um, and doing skits and you know the bad guys and the good guys and police and anyway they just have a fabulous time and they all tell each other and it like such a hit at our middle school and you really nothing is
cool to these kids right at this age but this is um and then they do a beautiful um ceremony at the end for them to graduate. So I applaud our middle school and our Auburn um police department coming together to do that. And then I
just want to say happy Easter, happy he Passover for everyone who celebrates and observes and thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> I'm going to echo the congratulations to Dr. Trebona. I am extremely excited to for her and I want to thank her for all
she has given to our district and welcome. Um, I also want to say I was blown away by the wax museum tonight and this has become my favorite part of board meetings is just seeing um when kids come and present and share things
with us. I think it's so important and so special. So, I was so thankful to witness it tonight. Um, and then I also wanted to say thank you so much for the literacy night. Um, it was so great. Uh, the kids had a blast and they were
talking about the escape room. They had an escape room for the older kids and a scavenger hunt type thing. I I didn't have any younger students who went. So, I only went to the older ones, but I want to thank everybody who made that
happen because it was awesome. >> I you to our new suit as superintendent. Welcome. looking forward to working with you. Um to Dr. Trabona, she was an unbelievable asset. She still is to this district and the energy that she brought here was second to none. Uh she's going
to do an amazing job in the new district and I wish her the best of luck. >> Just a couple general comments. I want to start out by thanking the BTO's for all schools behind the scenes. They've run around. They do so much. Uh so I
just want to thank them for, you know, for what they do. I also want to uh congratulate the uh high school uh Mr. Fister, Mr. Pasqual, the club advisers, and the students for the world induction ceremony. Was such a nice night. It's uh it's amazing to see how much our kids
are achieving, including the B literacy seal, including in Albanian. So, that's fantastic and congratulations and thank you for coordinating that. Also, read across America. I want to thank all the schools that opened up the doors for us to have the opportunity to go ahead and
read to the kids. I actually had the opportunity to read to a first class first grade class in Roosevelt and they were kind enough to uh to provide this today. uh going into the schools reminds us as school board members as to the reason why we sacrifice the time that we
sacrifice and the uh energy that we invest into something that uh you know there's there's no monetary compensation but you see the return in the investment that we're making in our kids. Also want to wish uh happy birthday to the burrow of Hawthorne. Uh the burrow was
incorporated March 24, 1898. So that's uh interesting to know. I also want to thank the Bearcave students for the designing of our t-shirts and Mr. Tara was kind enough to coordinate that for us and Bearcave students made that
design and they're fantastic. The program is awesome. The kids are awesome. We're appreciative of that. I also want to acknowledge our service members including our high school graduates in these times of war. We do have um former students that are
actually in harm's way or potentially in harm's way. So, we want to remember them. And last but not least, want to thank Washington School. This was our home school and it continues to feel like home. So, thank you. >> Wild. Thank you, Chair. I'll round it off with
some general comments as well. Um obviously echoing some of the sentiments about welcome Lloyd, our new assistant superintendent. I look forward to working with you and also to Dr. Shiobone and all the best in her future endeavors and uh she uh on a personal
level both helping me uh just navigate uh just some of the things that I had questions with where I was able to pick up the phone and reach out as a parent, right? Uh and also in a capacity as a board member. So, I thank her for everything she's done and continues to do for the district. Uh looking forward
to the Hall of Fame night Thursday. really excited about that and uh seeing everybody get get acknowledged for all of their accolades from years past and I too uh had the pleasure of reading in several schools this year and if there's
anything that makes me feel reaffirmed as to why uh that's definitely a good why and just kind of grounds you out when there's maybe a lot going on through the board and difficult times as uh as was as has been shared uh through
the budget as kind of a good segue to uh not forget our business administrator, excuse me, our bur administrator, business admin, I said that right, business administrator and superintendent for uh all their tireless uh work and effort. Um, I can tell you I
have personally uh seen and and been on calls and meetings and and Google meets at, you know, numerous times of the day, night um over the last several weeks and uh that takes uh dedication, heart, effort, you know,
that they're taking away uh off hours at times um because they they care about this district and uh it's a testament to who they are and we're uh we're really thankful. for everything that they're doing. Sorry. Genuinely appreciate both of you and all the other administrators
for that m matter who have also helped behind the scenes to help develop what that budget looks like, right? And what's had to be done to make some difficult decisions on how to uh do do more with less. Uh because that's really what what's going on, right? And um I
also uh Erica am excited for my daughter Gianna who is uh at the uh junior academy. So um looking forward to hearing how her night went as well. Um and I thank the kids as well tonight for
the wax museum. Um it's this third time now that I've seen it in person and u every year it gets better and it's just so exciting and it's just another one of those things right that sometimes you know you got to be reminded as to to why
uh we volunteer and and and do this uh that just makes you you know feel good right of why we do it. So, I greatly appreciate all your time and effort and uh like I said, those two girls with their hand up that whole time, that was amazing. Um and uh that's all I have. Uh with
that said, um make a motion to go to private session. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Uh who second? I'm sorry. >> Discussion. Roll call. Mrs. Goff, >> yes. >> Miss,
yes. Mr. Paloo, >> yes. >> Mrs. Phone, >> yes. >> Mr. Carr, >> yes. >> Mr. Cleo, >> yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. Thank you. Good night, everybody.