Motion to go into regular meeting public meeting time now is 7:02. >> Motion >> second. >> Motion by Mrs. Goff, seconded by Miss Kilo. Meeting regulations. During each regular meeting, two opportunities are provided for citizens to ask question. Oh, excuse me. I apologize. Let's get
right over roll call. >> Uh, Miss Arantra, >> here. Mrs. G, >> yes. >> Miss, >> yes. >> Mr. H. >> It is here. >> Mrs. Stone, >> here. >> Dr. Vega, >> yes. Here.
>> Mr. Carr, >> here. >> Mr. >> Here, >> Mr. >> Here. Now, we can do 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 when citizens may address any subject matter that is pertinent to andor directly related to the operation of the school district. Persons wishing
to speak must upon being recognized rise, state their name, address, and subject matter. Comments and questions shall be addressed by the 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 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 help 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 this ma the matter has first been
brought to the attention of the appropriate school personnel in attempt to resolve this issue. Public be heard agenda items only. Seeing none, approval of the minutes 12, 2026 regular meeting public and private.
>> Motion >> second that motion by Mr. Yes, sir. >> Second by Mr. Discussion. >> Roll call, please. >> Mrs. G, >> yes. >> Miss Multi Coulson, >> yes. >> Mr. Paloo,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Phone, >> yes. >> Dr. Vega, >> yes. >> Mr. Carr, >> yes. >> Mr. Pico, >> yes. >> Miss Art, >> yes. >> Mr. Tutaro, >> yes. any correspondence.
>> And we will move on to reports. Superintendent report, Mr. Ming. >> Thank you. Um, as we approach the end of the school year and my first year as a superintendent of Hawthorne public schools, I'd like to extend my sincere gratitude to our administrators, our faculty, our staff for their tireless
efforts and unwavering commitment to the school year and our students. Their dedication to our students and school community continues to make a special place. I also want to thank our parents and families for their continued support and partnership. Each school year presents its own unique opportunities
and challenges, and as a district, we remain committed to finding solutions, growing together, and continuing to move Hawthorne forward. We truly appreciate the parents who provide constructive feedback and work collaboratively with the administration and board of education to strengthen our
schools. We look forward to continuing these partnerships as we strive to ensure the success of each and every student. Although this was my first year as superintendent, I do have to say that I feel like I've been here for a number of years. Um, I'd also like to express my appreciation to the members of the
board of education for their support, guidance, and commitment throughout the year. There have been many new initiatives, important decisions, and challenges along the way, and I'm grateful for their collaboration and leadership during this transitional year. Um, next, I'd like to talk a
little bit about our RFP process for food services. So, as part of our regular purchasing and contract review procedures, Hawthorne Public Schools recently conducted an RFP, which is a request for proposal uh process for food
service management services. An RFP is a formal process that districts go through in public entities to solicit competitive proposals from qualified vendors. The process is designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and the selection of the provider that best
meets the needs of the district and our students. From the beginning of the process, the district placed a strong emphasis on ensuring that our students receive the highest quality food and service possible. The overall goal was not simply to review cost, but to identify a food service provider that
would offer nutritious meals, appealing menu options, strong customer service, and a positive dining experience for students and staff. Being a parent myself who sends his kids to school every day um and typically relies upon the school system to provide food to them um I want our kids to walk into a
building every day and have good quality food um and really great food services which is the reason that we went through this process. So throughout the process, we received a number of proposals that were reviewed and evaluated using established criteria that included
quality and variety of menu offerings, nutritional value, operational experience, financial considerations, references, customer service, and the vendor's ability to meet the overall needs of the district. The evaluation process process also included interviews, present state presentations,
and opportunities for community members to ask questions and review each company's proposed services in detail. An important component of the process was actually our student involvement. We had three elementary students, two middle school students, and two high
school students that sat in on uh the presentation, which we had um a couple of different food vendors that provided different meals to our students, kind of micro uh selections. Um and based upon that, the students got to see how well
the food was provided, the professionalism behind it. Believe it or not, even our elementary students were very insightful to whether or not they felt like they were receiving high quality food and service. So, their feedback was really amazing and drove some of the decision-making that we made
in the end. Um, that being said, after careful review and evaluation of all proposals, the district selected Ponttonian, which is our current food service, as the provider that best aligned with the goals, expectations, and needs of Hawthorne public schools. We appreciate the time, effort, and collaboration of all individuals
involved in this thoughtful and comprehensive process. I'd like to also congratulate all of our student athletes who participated in spring sports, as well as all of our athletic teams throughout the school year. Once again, Hawthorne experienced a very successful athletic season, which
was evident during our spring sports awards ceremony. I want to thank our coaches and student athletes for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to representing Hawthorne with pride and sportsmanship. I also had the opportunity to attend the senior athletic brunch this year which was a
tremendous event uh that truly reflects the collective support our community provides for our student athletes. Additionally, I wanted to congratulate Olivia Pacero, our Valley Victorian who's attending Villanova next year and Jonathan Barbaresi who's our student rep
who's the saludiatoran. He's going to be attending Iowa State. Both students are exceptional role models who represent Hawthorne with excellence, character, and pride. Um, at this time, it's, you know, one of our favorite things to do, which is to
recognize one of our retirees. Um, I'm ask Mr. Piscan to come up. >> I'm retiring. >> We got a couple years to go. Um, and I don't know this individual that well. I'm still trying to learn all the staff members in uh this wonderful district,
but reading what Mr. Pisakain wrote up for this particular individual. It's just really uh a wonderful thing to hear all that she has given to the district over the course of many many years. I just need to find that right.
Um and the name of our um recipient tonight is Mrs. Caroli Miron. If you COME UP PLEASE. I'M GOING TO PULL UP MR. Kaiser King wrote for us here. So on behalf of Mr. Kais,
Mrs. Caroli Miron's remarkable career in the Hawthorne School District spans nearly four decades and I think that deserves A four decades of excellence, dedication, and service to students. She began her journey in 1987 teaching sixth grade
science and language arts at Lincoln Middle School before transitioning to the Path and Path Plus programs where she inspired and challenged gifted students across Washington and Roosevelt schools from 1989 to 1998. In 1998, she
found her home teaching third grade at Roosevelt School, where she spent the remainder of her career helping generations of students build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Throughout her tenure, Miss Meiron earned the distinction of being named Governor Educator of the Year
three times, most recently in 2015, a testament to her outstanding impact of students, colleagues, and the greater community. Her career has spanned, which I found this part very entertaining, the leadership of six superintendents, 10 principles, reflecting her steadfast
commitment to our district. Colleagues, students, and families have also benefited from her passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication to helping every child succeed. Mrs. Meiron leaves behind a legacy of excellence and countless lives enriched by her teaching. The Hawthorne School District
is deeply grateful for her years of service and wishes her happy, healthy, and welldeserved retirement. >> Okay. Thank you everyone. Okay. Uh, next, which is just something that's hot off the press, I'd like to recognize Hawthorne High School student
Alyssa Hammond. Unfortunately, we didn't get to uh invite her here tonight because we just got this back from Paya County who's been named a recipient of the 2026 Educational Council of Paya County Scholarship, the Educational Council of Paya County, a nonprofit organization consisting of the Executive
County Superintendent of Schools along with presidents and vice presidents of educational organizations throughout the country was established to promote collaboration and support effective education initiatives within SEA County schools. One of the council's long-standing goals is to help provide
students with opportunities to continue their education and pursue their future aspirations. Since the 1980s, the council has awarded hundreds of scholarships to graduating students across Pose County. This year, 16 graduating seniors were selected to receive thousand scholarships in
recognition of their achievements and future educational goals. We are proud to announce that Hawthorne High School's Alyssa Hammond was selected as one of this year's scholarship recipients. Alyssa plans to major in music education at Rowan University. So, CONGRATULATIONS
TO uh next I'd like to invite down Mrs. Raina Loesa uh who's going to help us with uh the presentation of our next recognition award. Um so, we're proud to recognize recipients of the Hawthorne Environmental Commission Special
Recognition Award. This award honors citizens and educators who demonstrate exceptional environmental leadership and strong commitment to protecting and preserving our community. These individuals are recognized for their meaningful contributions to accomplishments of the Hawthorne
Environmental Commission and the Hawthorne Green Team. I'm going to turn it over to you Raina to say a couple words. >> You want me to have the mic? >> Yeah. >> You can go right up to this mic over here. >> Just make sure it's on. So, um, thank you. Um, we're doing a
little bit different this year. Um, this is part of our annual June environmental program. We're changing the format this year. Um, but we are going to be working on, um, Matt and I and, um, Heather will be working really closely into next year with the school systems, with the
environmental program. So, I'm really excited about that. Mary is my vice chair. She can come with me down here. Unfortunately, the mayor was called to um an accident for an EMT and um he's not going to be able to make it tonight because this award is um from the
environmental commission where we recognize our our students, our teachers, our citizens, and green businesses. So, we're splitting this year. Um we are doing the teachers here at the board of ed and um we have a
student that we will be recognizing in uh June 17th um for her accomplishments in our green business that will be at the council meeting. So I'm not releasing the names until um the event. Um, but I just want to recognize and and
Carolyn all the best and I just want to put she was a big part of Cell Earthbration, her kids getting them the project, helping and volunteering. So, thank you. I'm actually glad that I'm here tonight to wish you all the best.
Um, but I just want to bring up um Teresa Djano. Um she's from the Howthornne High School and she is retiring and the commission just wants to recognize her for her environmental leadership with her library crew. You
have taught students how to recycle, reduce, reuse. We were so impressed by the upcycle fashion dress that was made out of old SAT practice booklets, discarded book, leftover promotional flyers, and an old mannequin. I believe
it's still in the library. Um, you have been a supporter of the Horan Environmental Commission environmental programs. Simply, you have been leading by example. Unfortunately, um, Teresa couldn't make it tonight, but we want the commission wanted to recognize her. So, um, I'll read what our certificate
is. Uh, certificate of accomplishment, Horth Environmental Commission awards for developing interest in the saving of our environment through increased knowledge, planning, recycling, and control of our natural resources, and for setting an
environmental example designed to make Horththornne and the rest of our world a better, safer place for all of us and future generations to live. And it's signed by all three of us. So, um, Matt, I'm going to give this to you. >> Congratulations.
And I'm really bad with names. So, um, I just want to recognize Adrien Nana Pantano. How did I do on that? >> Um, I just really want to honor her. Um, acknowledge the time and effort you have shown for the environmental commission
and your students. We've much appreciated the time you spent coordinating Lincoln Middle School volunteers to help at Celebration tattoos, games, and volunteering your time to the environmental commission, the green team, and spending the day with us at Cell Bration. And we really
enjoy having you and as part of the team. That's the whole point is that partnership between the schools and the teachers. We're all working together. And I also want to recognize my intern Joshua uh Gail over there. He's uh a student. I'm always looking for students
to uh volunteer. We have internship programs. Been doing that for a long time. So, um I would just like to have Adrien come down and I'll give you the certificate. >> Just come closer picture. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you guys for everything >> and we'll see you guys next year. So, uh, just I wanted to say that I'm really looking forward to the middle school and high school graduation. With
every new ceremony that I go to, whether it's academically based or athletically based, um, it's just a really special thing that we put together for our students. So, with everything culminating with the graduation ceremonies, I'm looking forward to that next week. And for everybody here and
everyone at home, I wish you a very enjoyable, restful summer. I'm already looking forward to the opportunities that come along with next school year. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right, moving right along. Committee and leaison reports starting with legislative. Mr. Car,
>> nothing to report right now. Mr. President, right, finance administration, Mr. Kio, >> thank you, Mr. President. the finance committee met. The uh meeting was mostly the presentation from uh advocate Sean the consultant from
advocate presented on the RFP process pretty much what superintendent just presented on that's all I have. >> Thank you council leaison and personnel archro. >> Thank you Mr. President. Um for council
leaison, um a few things to report. On the the council meeting on May 20th, our mayor and council actually adopted a resolution 87-26. It was what our vice president, Miss
Multi Coulson, mentioned about the New Jersey School Board Association um that asking the state to review the health insurance plans and the rising costs that are affecting everyone. So, the mayor and council,
they they spoke about it. Councilman Skier, who previously served on the board, gave a really great statement in support of our school district. And as far as we know, I one of the first or maybe only in the state for councils and
that have stepped up and and passed that resolution. Um, also they wanted to remind us that the Buckorn Chamber of Commerce event with the Cavaleros is Saturday, June 20th at the high school from 5 to 8:00 p.m. It's a free
event and a chance to see our Cavalos play. And then lastly, the mayor and council wish all of our students a good summer and congratulations to all of our graduates. They wish everyone a happy and safe summer and then the best on
their journeys for those who are going off and away to college. In regards to personnel, we met on Tuesday, June 2nd. Heather Weinstein joins joined us for the event. She'll be
joining us full time this summer. Um, basically we reviewed the summer hours for our staff and the creation of a special education building leaison position that is an internal position
open to our teachers to apply. And that's basically it. That concludes my reports. >> Thank you. Curriculum instructions. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh the committee on curriculum instruction met last Tuesday as well. Uh we were also joined by Miss Weinstein who will be
joining us full time in the summer. The first order of business was to discuss the 1A roll out. Um a timeline will be shared soon with the community. Part of the roll out process will will consist of a site that you can go to which would
contain a Google form where questions can be submitted from parents. Um and supervisors and administrative team will work to get those questions answered. We also discussed summer assignments. Again, we discussed that they need to be relevant and be checked um and given
credit upon completion because we know that some students feel that they were working for nothing. Um we reviewed what was currently done with Miss Weinstein. Um and then uh Mr. Melli and the supervisor work to get something off the ground quickly and let us know the
outcome of that. The next thing we discussed was the departmentalization. One thing in between, we discussed overall increasing rigor to stay competitive. Um, that will be the focus of next year. The administrative team including Miss Weinstein, the uh
supervisors and Mr. Manelli. They're asking essential questions like what does good instruction look like and encouraging bell toll teaching. Then we discuss the departmentalization of fourth grade which has been brought up by various building administrators. Currently, fifth grade is being
which for the general population who's not in education, which means you would go to a different classroom for ELA and a different classroom for math potentially. So, they'd be taught by different people, not necessarily your home room teacher. That's what they mean by departmentalization.
Um, the rationale is that it's good to move around and having content specific math and ELA people boost performance. The teachers are excited to be supported by the content supervisors. um the teachers and the administrators will work out who is teaching what and
this will be a replica of what is already going on in grade five. We also discuss summer hours for 12 month employees um while they're still negotiating those terms out in the contract um that there may be some changes to the summer hours for those employees specifically secretaries and
administrators. Um the supervisors will now be K through 12. We currently have one humanity supervisor and STEM supervisor and they will be working to support all of our students which we're very excited about. So spreading their wealth of knowledge
down to the elementary grades. They are currently 6 through 12. So that would be expanded their positions. Uh we also discussed how Lincoln Middle School is now known is is noted a schoolwide title one um school uh which is moving away from a targeted assistance title one
school. So the committee just was asking some for some more information on what that means, what the schoolwide term opens them up to. So we will have a continued discussion in the future about that. Uh this will make uh two schools in district that are schoolwide title
one schools. The other is Washington. And then uh we briefly discussed the the Spanish program for the elementary school uh which would be a digital based platform known as language bridge. Um the administrative team has purchased
headphones and microphones that connect together so that they can hear and speak into the microphones. They are meeting with the designer of the program to find out more. Um and it was asked and discussed that moving away from having a teacher come in to teach
the Spanish for the 30 minutes a week will not interfere with teacher prep time so that they will still get their correct number of prep minutes with this new digital interface. I'm sorry. >> Selfpaced. Yes, some of it is
self-paced. It's like some of it is direct instruction and some of it is self-paced work. Um, and that is all. >> Thank you. Uh, moving on to NJSBA and PCSBA. Miss, >> so um PCSBA, we haven't met in NJSBA.
Just a reminder that October 19th to 22nd is the Atlantic City, New Jersey school board um convention and all should attend. I will be saying that until we get to October. Thank you.
>> You appreciate have CPAC PTO is Mr. PL. >> Thank you, Mr. President. As we uh wrap up another school year, I'd like to um take this time to thank all the PTO Ed Foundation and CPAC exe executive boards, all the volunteers and
supporters. We appreciate your dedication, your countless hours, and your effort to make each school year as successful as possible. We know we're going to need volunteers, so everybody think about it over the summer and uh get involved as much as possible. >> Thank you.
>> All right, moving on to buildings and grounds and policy. Dr. Vagger. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I did forget my print out, so I'll be reading off my cell phone. Um, we discussed a couple of things during buildings and grounds, which met on the 2nd, um, Tuesday the
2nd. So, um, we spoke about the food RFP which was, um, discussed by both Mr. Tojo and Mr. Minionelli. Um Sean also came to buildings and grounds and he gave us um a background on the process
and the steps that were taken to select the food service provider for 2026 and 2027. Um we spoke about a district-wide walkth through um so basically Manny which is the buildings and grounds director uh
Matt uh Mr. Minion Elliot and myself will be scheduling a district-wide walk through all of the schools in the district. Um this summer we are going to um pick two days to make sure that we
adequately look at each and every building. Um and the purpose is is to identify repairs, any upgrades, maintenance needs that needs to be done throughout all of the buildings. Um and the walkthrough is open to the members
of board. Um then we also spoke about the ongoing facilities projects that are happening this summer. We're having some repairs here in the high school paintings of the third floor of the high school. Um as
well as the upgrades to the second and third floor bathrooms are still being discussed. Um I know that in the last couple of meetings we discussed the parking lot in Washington um school. We want the public to know that that's still something that is on our radar and um buildings and grounds. We're looking
into it and um discussing with the appropriate uh companies to see how and if we can get that fixed sometime in the near future. Um I know that their air conditioning issue
has been brought up in the past with certain schools in the district. Um and I know that in the past we have also said here in the board that that's not something that we are financially ready to um undertake. However, we are open to
suggestions. We are asking the public, we're asking the community, if you guys can help us come up with ways to make this better, you guys can reach out to me here at the board. Um, we know that it's not the best way to um come up with
a solution right now, but September is also hot and that's when our students are starting schools. So, if we can come up with something in the summer, start brainstorming. Um, the community said, "You guys want to be involved and we
want you guys to be involved." And right now, as I said, financially, we cannot put air conditioner in all the schools. Um, but if we can find another way to make our students comfortable and help them during those hot summer months, um, at the end of the year and the beginning
of the year, we're open to suggestions. Um and then we also spoke about landscaping services. We're still figuring out um we're still seeking landscaping companies um to service our elementary schools, our middle school and our board
office. Um and that is all I have and we did not meet for policy this. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Moving on to action items for instructions. Mrs. C. Thank you, Mr. President.
My computer late. Pursuant to the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the command on curriculum instruction recommend the following resolutions. CI1 through CI9 on page five, CI 10 through AT1
on page six. On behalf of the committee, I so move second. >> Second by M. Aaron Trout. Discussion. >> Roll call, please. >> Miss Multi Coulson. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Mrs. Stone. >> Yes. >> Dr. Vega. >> Yes. >> Mr. Carr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Piggo. >> Yes. >> Miss Art. >> Yes. >> Mrs. G. >> Yes. >> Mr. Petaro. >> Yes. >> Personnel. Mr. Sarro.
>> Thank you, Mr. President. that the following resolutions are pursuant to the recommendation of the superintendent of schools. P1 through P6 on page seven, P7 through P16 on page eight, P17
through P23 on page 9, P24 through P26 on page 10, P27 through P31 on page 11, which continues on to page 12 through
P34, P35 through P4, on page 13. On behalf of the committee, I salute second. >> Seconded by Miss >> Discussion.
I I don't you go first. >> Oh, I don't want to steer. >> Oh, no. Um, first a few comments. So, first I'd like to welcome all the new hires as always. Welcome to Baltimore. >> I hope that's what Erica was going to say. Um,
second, two more things. I would like to highlight P18, all of the new teacher assistance um per our contract with Columbia University. I think this is the most that we've had on on here from what I could see. So, welcome. We're excited
to have that relationship with Columbia University and have all these teacher assistants. And then lastly, I would like to comment on P26, the reappoint of our business administrator and board secretary, Sandy. I think you've done a
great job, Sandy, and welcome again for another year. You really hit the ground running when you joined us last year and we continue to look forward to working with you. That concludes my comments. Thank you. So, also welcome to the new hires. Um,
congratulations I was at Roosevelt when you were there and um I have great memories. So, and I remember how much you were involved in Earth Day. Um and I think I had to make a robot out of plastic bottles one year for a project and I was so proud. But
anyway, I we have very me and my siblings have lots of good memories of you at Roosevelt. So, thank you so much. Um I also wanted to comment on P18. This is a great program that we were able to partner with Colombia. As you can see,
we get teacher assistance that we desperately need and it's at a lower rate than we would pay. Um, and there's no health benefits to be paid. So, that alone in itself helps us. Um, so it's a win-win situation. these these future
teachers are getting um the one-on-one experience they need and we're getting experienced learning willing teachers that we need um to help us in our district. So, it's a really great program. I'm very thankful that we are involved and are able to do things like
this. We have something similar with nursing nursing program um where it's the same type of thing because nurses are really hard to find, especially substitute nurses. So, um I think it's in here somewhere, too. But it's the same type of thing. And it it just helps
us financially so much. Um and our kids are kids are in good hands and we always have compliments about these teacher assistants. So, it's really such a great program. So, I'm thankful to them. And I think Ramos the other one for the nurses. But, um that's all. Thank you so much.
>> Thank you, Mr. >> Perfect. >> Um I would like to congratulate Miss on her retirement. She survived a goth. I also see Miss P out there who survived a goth, too. So, >> congratulations. >> T-shirt.
>> Congratulations. That is one heck of a t of a career that you had there. So, very welld deserved. Enjoy your retirement. Um, I would like to thank the five volunteer coaches that are on here. Um, to coach children, uh, to coach anyone even when
being paid. It is a is a particular uh type of person. But to do so willingly and volunteer your time for no money, it really is exceptional. It just speaks to the community that we have. Some of them are teachers in our community. Um and other people in our community, there are
five on here. Really exceptional. That that's that's tremendous. And I'm I'm really grateful that that they're volunteering their time to work with our children. And they're long seasons. So it's it's not like it's they're volunteering for a game. It's season. Um, so I'm very appreciative for those
people and and everyone on here as well, but particularly wanted to draw attention that we approved five tonight unpaid to volunteer to coach and they're at every game. It's not like they show I >> they have to pay to get registered and certified. They're actually paying to
spend time with their but very grateful for the community to step up. >> That's all. >> Thank you. >> I also want to congratulate you retire, didn't have a chance to meet you, but it's self-evident that uh you've made a
mark and uh you know there's a legacy that will continue on from your service. So, thank you. Also want to congratulate Sandy. Sandy on your reappoint as our business administrator. We appreciate you. This year was a testament to what you bring to the table and we're glad to
have you. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Paloo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Phone. Yes, >> Dr. Vega. >> Yes, >> Mr. >> Yes, >> Mr. >> Yes, >> Miss Art. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Goff. >> Yes,
>> Miss Multi Colton. >> Yes, >> Mr. Tara. >> Yes. Moving on. Finance administration. Miss Rios. >> Thank you, Mr. President. We have two donations. On page 14, A, acceptance of a donation from Micah Miller, executive
director of the Guitar Center Music Foundation for the following refurbished instruments. One Bundy flute val at $100. One Yamaha Yamaha flute $300. One summer alpha saxophone $900.
One B trumpet $700. And repairs to five existing school owned instruments approximately $700. Three trumpets, $400. One clarinet, $150. One flute, $150. The Washington Elementary School instrumental music
program. B. Acceptance of a donation from ice for eight bags of ice g $100 donated to the high school class of 2027 for their partial fundraiser. Thank you for those generous donations action items. Pursuant to the recommendation of
the superintendent of schools, the committee on finance and administration recommends the following resolutions on page 14 F1 through F5. On page 15, I'm going to read resolution F6. uh it's uh regarding the rising health
insurance cost. Whereas in time of continued fiscal uncertainty and mountain mounting challenges, local boards of education from across the state of New Jersey continue to suffer under the growing crisis posed by the rising cost of health benefits and are desperate for relief. And whereas
despite record levels of state investments in public education, these school districts are facing fiscal pressure similar to those confronting the state budget, including the unsustainable growth in healthcare premiums and the mounting insolveny of the state's public employees health
benefit programs. And whereas both within the school employees health benefits programs and the private market year overyear doubledigit increases are planning tremendous strain on district budgets and local taxpayers alike. Whereas Governor Cheryl
and legislative leadership have publicly acknowledged the urgent need to address rising healthcare costs and the challenges facing the state's health benefit plans including both the state and local portions of the state health benefits programs and the SHVP
and whereas the seriousness of this issue is understood by the midyear analysis released by the Treasury Department in March 2026 which concluded that based on these projected losses in buildings and building and future need future trends. Active premium rate
increases for 2027 are likely to be in the double digits. And whereas these projected increases would follow the 31.9% premium increase that took effect in January 2026, further exacerbating an overall premium
increase of nearly 74% in the preceding five years. And whereas this growth in healthcare cost far exceeds inflation, state aid increases in the fiscal capacity of local communities. And whereas rising healthcare premiums are consuming an
ever larger portion of already constrained school district budgets, forcing the difficult decisions that directly affect students. On page 16, staff and educational quality. Whereas these cost pressures also have significant consequences for
taxpayers as districts are often compelled to utilize the full extent of their available tax levy even after which many districts remain unable to fully offset this increases due to the constraints of the property tax levy cap despite the limited healthc care
exception. And whereas for the families and students these districts serve, the downstream consequences including district deficits, program cuts, and school closures mean the loss of community stability, continuity of service services, and in many cases,
access to the specialized supports that our most vulnerable students depend on. And whereas these are also precisely the conditions that erode student achievement and weaken the family engagement that is central to strengthening New Jerseys public schools. And whereas implementing real
sustainable solutions to the rising cost of health benefits and reforming how benefits are delivered through the SEP would demonstrate the governors and legislatures leadership and continued commitment to New Jersey students, educators, and families, which directly
advances our shared goal of affordability and effective, efficient government for all New Jerseyians. Now therefore be a result that the Haw board of education and the county calls upon the governor and state legislature to provide immediate short-term relief from
the unsustainable increased health care costs experienced by school districts in recent years. And be it further resolved that the Halther Board of Education and the County of Pose urges the governor to engage in meaningful engagement with all the affected stakeholders to develop and
implement practical long-term reforms to the state system of delivering health care to its public employees in order to generate meaningful long-term savings and be resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Governor
Mikey Cheryl, state treasurer Aaron Binder, Senate President Assembly Speaker Craig Callin, Senator Cy Booker, Senator Andy Kim, New Jersey State Senator Kristen Curado, 40th District Assemblyman Christopher
Phillips and Al Bares, and the New Jersey School Boards Association. Continuing on page 16, F7 through F9 on page 17, A1 through A5. on behalf of the committee I so move >> second
>> seconded by is that Mr. car. >> Mhm. >> Thank you. >> Discussion. >> Yep. >> I just wanted to say thank you to all of the companies who came um to present um
the elementary students. All the students were very excited to be a part of these food presentation. Um I love that we had them there and they are the ones who are eating it every day. So they should be there. A couple of the kids, I think it was a student from
Roosevelt, wore a shirt. Um, it was like ready for the spice or something. I don't know. They were so excited that they dressed up and wore their favorite >> Flavor Town. >> Flavor Town. That's that's it. >> But like they engaged the I mean, they ate, but they had great questions.
Really great questions. Um, and picked a winner and the winner happened to be who our vote was for. So, it was beautiful. It all worked out nicely. So, um, the winner was Ponttonian as you can see. So, congratulations to them. Um, I also made the um a comment that maybe we
should start our food service committee back up just to keep an eye and to make sure our kids are happy and I think they would love to be involved from the way it went that day. Um, and again, they're the ones eating it, right? So, you know, I I shouldn't be picking what they're eating. They should be and also be
providing feedback. So, Sandy was kind of nice kind enough to make them like an evaluation page. Um, I think it was Palm Tony, one of the companies said that they had like a checklist and the kids could go up really quick and say, "Love today's meal." Or like a smiley face or
a mad face, something super fast just to say like kind of score how they're liking the food dayto day. Um, the more money we make, the more we can do for them in terms of food service, right? Because it can only go to the food. But, um, and I think the more involvement in
the menu, the more they are going to eat the food. Um, so just making sure they're happy and so I just appreciate everything we did to work towards that goal. So that's all. Thank you. >> I just want to encourage anybody that's
listening, anybody that's here from now till, you know, right now, you know, for any opportunity that you get, if you come across anybody that's within politics, please, please, please bring up the health insurance crisis. These
numbers are coming out for January 1st of this coming year. So with we're about six months from those numbers being effective. Uh and as you've read everywhere, including in our district, you know, there's only so much to strip away till you affect the actual
institution. And we're pretty much bare bones. There's cuts that we didn't want to make. Uh but again, we have to balance the checkbook. We're not the federal government. We can't print bills. So just like your it has to zero out. Uh, and this one is
coming. It's they're telling us that it's going to be high, double digits. We, you know, it's self-evident to us the importance of it. There's nothing we can do about it. It's above our pay level. So, please, anybody that you come across that's
county commissioner, assemblyman, state senator, even a federal, you know, federal senator, just put it on their ear because it it has to get resolved. Otherwise, before we know it, we're going to find ourselves in the same room, you know, lamenting the cuts that
were forced to make and there's nothing at that point that can be done about it. So, please encourage us to do that. >> Thank you. I have two comments on that as well briefly. Uh, one just to kind of touch back on Ponttonian, one thing that wasn't necessarily specifically defined
about the process. Not only did we solicit uh to the vendors about, you know, going out for the food services, but there was an addendum to the RFP which specifically called out a specific type of criteria that we wanted that was above and beyond what we had in our food
service quality uh from previous years. So even though we may be remaining with the same uh vendor, uh the quality of food now is at a a better quality than what we had before. And now that it's That that is true. It's part of the
addendum. It was an addendum item to the contract. >> It was always it was always part of it. We they have to follow state regulations. It's just that now he put it into as an addendum. >> There was an addendum specifically that Sean called out that that stated that it was going to be a different criteria than what the previous RFP had. That I
that uh addendum had a criteria that was more uh better quality enhanced food than what was in the previous RFP. That was a fact. So my point being is that that is something that was important to our students, right? That we want our students to have better food. That was
an important factor as Matt stated, quality food want we wanted that to be better. That also the second thing that I wanted to highlight was in regards to uh what what Mr. Kho was was sharing as well. It's very hard these days to understand uh the political atmosphere,
right? And this is not a political body, but I will say uh it really does not matter to us as a board of education, but it's hard to witness that money is being found to go elsewhere. We wish that these government bodies can find some money to
help support our district and our students. There was a way to do it for other reasons in the news recently. We're asking for them and and rightfully so. We need them to find some money for our districts so we can allow our
districts to thrive and be able to fund our our teachers and our administration and our uh programs that we obviously have had to make very hard decisions with as of recent and those type of funds would allow us to not have made
those uh those cuts that we had. So really encourage you more so now than ever to as Mr. Cleo said, "Reach out to your local uh uh politicians and and make your voice heard. Letters, emails, contact, you know, we need names and numbers. I'll be happy to give it to
you." >> That being said, discussion. Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Spe, >> yes. >> Dr. Vega, >> yes. >> Mr. Carr, >> yes. >> Mr. Cleivo, >> yes. >> Miss Art, >> yes.
>> Mrs. G, >> yes. Multiolson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Paloo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Petaro. >> Yes. >> All right. Moving on. Two claims. Mr. SP. >> In accordance with NJ6A col23-2
col1 BC3 C4 CL1. Approval of the June 2026 bill list. Um, it is recommended that the board approve the bill list for the month of June 2026. I so
>> second by Mr. Kho. Discussion. >> Roll call, please. >> Dr. Vega, >> yes. >> Mr. Car, >> yes. >> Mr. Cleo, >> yes. >> Mr. Artra, >> yes. >> Mrs. G, >> yes. >> Miss Multicolson,
>> yes. >> Mr. Paloo, >> yes. >> Mrs. Phone, >> yes. >> Mrs. Yes. >> All right. Moving on to buildings and grounds. Dr. Veos. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, pursuant to the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the committee
on buildings and grounds recommends the following resolution BG on page 18. On behalf of the committee, I so move second. >> Second by Miss Mo. >> Discussion. I have a >> Yes. >> I would just like to draw attention to
the board because we did the uh second part of the field use um which is the blanket permit for the Cubs association for every day all day for our main athletic field. Um while I
appreciate that they would be able to use our field, I also understand that the field is wildly overused and that the grass can become damaged. And I just want to caution this kind of a permit in the in the future. I was
uncomfortable with it last year, but first it was like the last day that I think Dr. Sprito was with us. It just it kind of got beyond us. Um this type of a permit just seems to me we don't know what we're approving. Just for the general public, it literally
says Monday through Sunday, July 13th through November 29th, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. It's every day, all day. And it says main athletic field. I'm assuming that means the football field in the high school. >> Um, so
>> I'm sorry, Abby, if I may. So, these dates will be um discussed with Manny and the director of um athletic the athletic director >> before any use is actually permitted. So, if Manny says, you know, the field has been used and abused, they're no
longer allowed to um play on the main field, then they may have the opportunity to play on the field adjacent. >> Okay. Um but we are making sure that we're taking care of our fields. However, we do think that it's very important that um we start our
community, our kids getting used to playing on the high school field because once a bear, always a bear. Once you start here, you'll end up here. That's what we want. We want our kids to continue to coming back to come back to um the the high school. However, we
understand and we appreciate and we are 100% aware of the fact that we want to make sure that our field can maintain its integrity. So, any all of the dates will be pre-approved. Well, not pre-approved will be approved on um a
day-by-day basis by the athletic director as well as Manny. >> So, is that an individual like each time they want to use it, they have to submit. Okay. So, it's one, it was one um permit and the dates were listed. So, Manny and um the aesthetic director will
sit down and they'll go through each day and if anything changes >> and that's amendable should correct should we some catastrophic damage be done or something that we need to retroactively that will be because we don't we don't know those dates of course we're just approving what looks like every day for five months. Um, I
also want to just say I'd be remiss if I didn't bring up that, you know, our high school lacrosse team doesn't even get to use that field. They use and we pay for them to use turf. Yep. >> On the opposite end of town. So, I just think we have to to make more of a commitment if we're going to allow
younger students to use the field, which I agree. I think that when you play there, when you step onto this campus, you definitely get a vibe. I am a huge fan of bring them all here any way we can. Um, I just wanted to caution because we did miss this last year and I
was upset that I didn't catch it. Um, but additionally, our own players should be allowed to play on that field. Um, and encouraged to play on that field. So, if we're going to do this for the Cubs association, we should be doing it for other athletic associations as well. That includes soccer. I mean, are we
doing it for other >> It's based upon who's submitting a permit. And just so you know, because I know this was a concern last year that kind of slipp through the cracks. >> Mr. Vtorioso and I met to discuss the management um with Dr. Vega just to ensure and you know Mr. Vtorioso is on
all things in terms of facilities wise so the maintenance of the field will be something that we're constantly okay >> on top of and in uh communication with Mr. Maka about it >> I appreciate that I really do appreciate the extra looking I just like literally I I don't think any of us realized it
happened last year. So, I just wanted to make sure that we were aware and for the community to know what the what the permit says. Um, and I do appreciate the extra vigilance because you can see that from a plane. Apparently, there's always plane pictures posted of our field. It it is a focal point of the community and
we we want to make sure >> it's the blue track. >> It's the track, but the in there is the field is >> I just want to make sure we're preserving it for our for our current students to play because there is no location B for the football team. Um but also I I do encourage them to use the
younger students. >> Thank you. >> Did we have any major repair issues after last year's usage? >> What >> did we have any ma major repair issues after last year's usage with cups? >> Not that I'm aware. >> Okay. >> How many did they actually how many
times was it actually used last year? Like five or six, right? Tops. Do we know? >> I know. I know of three that they brought the kids here and our I thought this was cool. The high school ball kid uh athletes join the Cub athletes and
had like a whole day and the Cubs were so impressed and it does give them a feel. Um so that was really nice to see but this field issue is traveling through all the the meetings this week because their field is overworn and
doesn't get a break. So I don't want our field to then you know except and that's a good point about the lacrosse >> but that being said I I would like them to come as much as possible as well. So >> I agree it's it's a >> we do have another field doesn't h I mean for special events like with the high schoolers that's cool to be on the
main field but there is a whole another field too. So >> it also comes down to they have to f you know if they they want to seek it they have to submit a permit. >> Yes. >> So >> it's it's willing and open and able to be considered by the board if they submit a permit. Okay.
>> All right. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Carr, >> yes. >> Mr. Kho, >> yes. >> Miss Art, >> yes. >> Mrs. Goff, >> yes. >> Miss Multi Filson, >> yes. >> Mr. Paloo, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bone, >> yes. >> Dr. Vega, >> yes. >> Mr. Sataro,
>> yes. Okay, moving on. Public be heard. At this time, members of the public may ask questions or make comments on educational issues or school matters. Seeing no one coming to the mic, we will move on. General comments and questions from the board related to the school
district. Uh, new business or old business. Starting on my right >> face to only thing I want only thing I have is piggybacking on the recognition that Mississippi got. Not there's not enough things great things to say about
her. She's phenomenal. We appreciate her. Want to wish her a happy retirement. I think like Raina said, she's somebody that leads by example and fitness and behavior and accountability. She's phenomenal. So, just want to wish her a happy.
>> Yeah. Uh, I just want to personally thank Mrs. for the thousands of lives that you positively affected over your career, including my son. Um, I'd just like to say congratulations to all of the individuals who were
recognized today. Congratulations on your retirement. Um, and just say have a safe and happy and funfilled uh, summer to everyone in the community. >> Um, I also want to say congratulations.
That was such a beautiful write up. Um, I learned so much about you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you did for the district. Um, I literally was up here crying. So, thank you. Um, and yes, I hope
everybody has an amazing summer. >> Thank you. >> Oh, um, I am excited for graduation and um, for project graduation to keep our seniors safe. Thank you to all of the women and men who work really hard and
fundra all year to make sure our seniors are safe on graduation night. That started many, many, many, many years ago due to a horrific accident after um graduation in Hawthorne. Um so I'm
really happy our kids are are safe right till the very end. Um so I look forward to be at those graduations for middle school and high school. Um, I wish I could attend all the walkouts, but anyway, I hope you all have a great summer and thank you so much. And please
rest up teachers, please. Thank you. >> I would like to thank the community members for coming out. I see some familiar faces from last month and you guys who showed back up. So, thank you for coming and listening. Um, I would also like to thank the council for
reading that resolution on our behalf. I think what the general population may not know is that from your tax base, 60% of the bureau's taxes go to the board, the school district. So, I think that the bureau does have a vested interest
in making sure that that's controlled because it does it does impact them as well. Um, I would also like to thank the school community for one another wonderful year. our teaching staff, our administrators, everyone, our custodial staff, our school nurses, everyone who
works here for another successful year. And this one felt extra long being in a different district. Um it it so I as Miss Multipolton said, enjoy your welldeserved break and have a wonderful healthy summer. >> Thank you.
>> Two things real quick. Um of course graduation is coming up. It's always one of the most exciting nights of the year and Wanted to remind people who can't attend in person. I believe we live stream it on our YouTube and I know people from out of state have wrote to
me and commented how cool they think that is. So our YouTube channel if you're watching now you know but it's the public school. So you can watch the middle school and high school graduation. Um second a general comment.
Um I wanted to mention I've received several comments from or questions and messages from the public uh regarding the hiring of an assistant superintendent. And this is been um
reviewed thoroughly. I I believe Mr. Minelli and our board president have mentioned this, but I just wanted to mention it again. Um our director of education, Dr. Trabona did resign and we went over all of everything that she did
and the criteria for the new job and there were talk talks even at times of changing her title to assistant superintendent. So just to clarify because I know there's a lot of comments and again I'm receiving a lot of messages regarding it but we didn't we
didn't hire anyone extra. We're not it's not an extra position that was created. It was replacement position uh that was filled and we look forward to our assistant superintendent Heather joining us. We've all got to meet her at this point and very excited. I just wanted to
clarify that again for anyone who's watching and publicly because it seems to be a topic of conversation in the community and just wanted to share. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't there additional responsibilities on her plate
as well? >> Yes, because we did have one administrative cut. And I'll also say that it was um under budget from the director of education. So, we're actually saving money moving to an assistant superintendent role that's going to be taking on more responsibilities. >> I think it's a change in name that could
correct. >> Yeah. Yeah, I think so. I should have asked you maybe to to provide more details, but we've gone over it so many times, but you It's a new administrative structure and what comes along with that is a little bit of a change in some of the uh
terminology that we use. >> It's Yeah, exactly. It's important that when you have questions, you ask and then we could give the proper answers. I prefer that the questions come directly rather than through Facebook. But um >> or counseling.
>> Yeah, exactly. Uh and just I had just a few comments. Uh project you you were done. >> Yeah. Uh, Project Graduation was mentioned and um, it's it's a great event. Kids always love it. Both of my kids went through it and it's a great way to have, you know, an enjoyable long
night um, and yet be safe. So, again, I do want to just, you know, thank everyone who puts a lot of time and effort into that. Um, also, I'd like to thank all the graduates um, this year. Congratulations. And I just want to make one what might seem like a petty
comment, but Mr. Hill mentioned that it's above his pay grade and just to let everyone know um we are elected officials but there's zero pay. This is a volunteer position so I don't want people to misrude that and think that we actually make money for doing this. Um
so I'd like to thank all my current board members and all the past board members that I've served with um for their dedication and time. And if they tripled our pay, it would still be zero. >> Well, well said. you still went on. Um I
I have a couple comments as well. U congratulations on the absolutely amazing achievement of 40 plus years in the district. Welld deserved. So congratulations again. Also congratulations to everybody for successful school year, our
administration, teachers, staff. Um welcome again to Mrs. Cali for another year with us and and you've been incredible and Matt you as well. I mean we have uh had some trials and tribulations uh that we have had to work
through this past year and uh as as Mr. PL said uh you know we are volunteers. Uh however uh if there's anything more rewarding uh if you have the privilege to be a board member is uh in my opinion is the month of June
>> because uh through all that hard work um sometimes you you lose sight of why we're here right and at the end of the day we're here for the students and um when we get to reap the rewards of going to graduations and going to these events
um you truly value uh why you you go through this process. process and sometimes it can be hard and could be trying. Um, and it could be, you know, um, you know, difficult. Um, but this time of year is when it truly, uh, pays dividends. Maybe not with dollars, but
uh, in the benefits we we we receive um, from seeing the hard work that we on this board put in uh, for our students and families. So, I thank each and one of every one of you on this board for your time, more importantly, uh to what you've vested for this district and and
thank you to all the parents uh and and staff who attended tonight and have a great song. >> That's it. Motion to exit to private session. >> Motion second. >> Okay, I think that was
>> Who was the second, Mike? >> Me. discussion. >> Roll call, please. >> Abigail, >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Art, >> yes. >> Mrs. G, >> yes. >> Yes.
>> Mr. >> Mrs. Phone, >> yes. >> Dr. Vega, >> yes. >> Mr. Car, >> yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Thank you everyone. Have a great evening and great summer. Thank you.