meeting called to order. Time now is 7:05. New Jersey open public meeting law was enacted to ensure the rights of the public to have advanced notice of and to attend the meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting their interest is discussed or acted upon. In
accordance with the provisions of this act, the business administrator has caused notice of this meeting to be published by having the date, time, and place thereof posted at the municipal building, communicated to the Herald News, the record, and file with the clerk of Burough Court. Roll call,
please. Joseph Carr here. Alex Cleico here. Michael Doyle here. Jennifer Aaron Trout here. Abigail Goff here. Erica Mulzan, Anthony Paloo here,
Gazelle Vega here, Marco Tataro here. You have a form. Thank you please rise. Pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under
God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Meeting regulations. During each regular meeting, two opportunities are provided for citizens to ask questions to make comments. During the first opportunity early on the agenda, the meeting is open to the public for 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 and or 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 to the board president or the 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. Excuse me. 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 their rights of 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 dis discourages comments about such individuals and will not be responsible for such comments. Members of the public who choose to speak during the 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 and attempt to resolve
the issue. Public be heard. Agenda items only seeing no one. Approval of the minutes June 10th, 2025 regular meeting public and private. Motion second. Motion by Mr. Carr, seconded by
Mr. Kill discussion roll call please Mr. Carr yes Mr. Clehjo yes Mr. Doyle yes Miss Aaron Trout yes Mrs. Goff yes Miss Moy Cultan
Mr. Paloo yes Mrs. Vega yes Mr. Terara. Yes. Motion passes. Thank you. Correspondence. We did have one uh from uh Mrs. Fibs for Board of
Education. Sincere thank you for my recognition of teacher of the year and my retirement. The flowers pen and plaque and kind words were so meaningful. I genuinely enjoy my years here and I have learned so much. Thank you, Mrs. Fipps. U Mr. President. Yes. Can I also read
one? Please do. Um, I got a beautiful letter from a member of the public from Miss Linda Pascaretta. Uh, she wrote me this beautiful card that I shared with the board um, talking about both the graduations and my own son's
graduation. I don't know Miss Pascaretta um, personally, but this is really a lovely testament to people that actually watch the graduations. So, I'm I'm really happy that we do what we do and that we broadcast them for the community to see them. Um, she really said some
lovely things about how she watched the graduations and it was really she was thankful for the ability to do so. So, I want to thank Miss Pasca for her lovely words. Um, and I did write her back on our behalf and I'll be mailing that to her. Thank you so much. All right, that's all under
correspondence reports. Dr. Spoto. Okay, thank you. Uh, so just a few things tonight. First of all, um, as Mrs. As Goff mentioned, last week, thank goodness, last week on June 17th and 18th, we had two successful graduation ceremonies and I just want to
congratulate all of our eighth grade graduates and wish them well as they transition to high school. And of course to our seniors, I just want to say congratulations to all of you. Wish you all the best no matter where you'll be headed, whether it be to college, your future career, the military. Uh we wish
you all the best and again congratulations to both. Uh I also want to thank the project graduation committee. Uh every year we have a group of parents that fund raise throughout the year to host a project graduation event for all of our seniors immediately
following graduation. So I just want to thank them. It it takes I mean they literally fund raise the entire year to uh you know be able to afford to fund this for our seniors and I just want to thank them for providing that opportunity for us for our seniors. They really enjoy it. Uh so thanks to the
project graduation committee. Um I want to mention uh leadership camp for all of our incoming sixth grade students. Uh the week of August 6th, excuse me, August 11th through 15th. Leadership camp. It is a one-week
program, a 30-hour program. It's run by the police department in the uh in Hawthorne. Um and they it's a camp for our incoming sixth graders to help them transition to middle school. It is a fantastic opportunity for all fifth grade students to acclimate themselves
to Lincoln Middle School. Um they do all kinds of team building. They develop leadership skills and they help them become familiar with the environment here at Lincoln Middle School. So if you're looking for information, you can contact Sergeant Dalo uh at the Hawthorne Police Department. Uh and
there's information also on the burrow website in regard to leadership camp. Uh but I would absolutely encourage all uh incoming sixth graders uh who will be attending Lincoln Middle School to participate in the camp. It is a great great opportunity and you'll have a lot of fun in the process. It's a lot of fun
for the kids. Um and just some final words from myself. Um obviously tonight is my last meeting. Um I just want to thank not only the board but the community for uh the privilege of serving this school
district. It's been an honor to work alongside our amazing educators as dedicated board members that we have and the community all who always put the well-being and success of our students at the center of every decision. Um to the board I want to thank you guys for
your leadership for your partnership throughout this journey. Um you've truly been uh amazing uh and your support has really been instrumental in every step forward that we've taken as a school district. So, I want to thank all of you guys. To the community, I want to thank you for your trust uh and support of me
in this role and for believing in our shared vision over the last 10 years. You know, I say it all the time, but Hawthorne is truly a special place and its strength lies in the people who care so deeply about the future, not just of our school district, but of our community. So, thank you to all in the
community. You know, I leave uh this role with a great sense of pride. I always said when I started 10 years ago that I wanted to leave the district in better shape than how I found it. And I believe that together, all of us together, working together, not just the board, the administration, teachers, our
our uh faculty and staff, all of us working together, we have achieved that goal. We have definitely are in a much better place um now than when I got here. And it that's a it's a team effort. It's not something I've I've done alone. And so I just want to thank everybody who participated and was part
of the process. Finally, I just want to wish Mr. Minionelli, our new superintendent, Mrs. Vitali, our new business administrator, Mr. Vtorioso, our new buildings ground supervisor. I want to wish them all luck. Um, I am here to support all of you uh as you go forward. U but I can tell you you are
truly joining a special school district with a supportive board, talented professionals, supportive families, and and the best students around. They say it all the time, we have the greatest students around. So, um, I wish them nothing but success as they begin their next chapter here as the leaders of this
school district. And I hope they find the experience as rewarding as I have. And that concludes my final superintendent report. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause]
All right, moving on to curriculum and instruction. Miss Scott. Thank you, Mr. President, pursuant to the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the committee on correct room instruction recommend the following resolutions. CI1 on page three,
CI2 through CI 11 on page 4, CI 12 through CI14 on page five. On behalf of the committee, I so move. Thank you. Motion by Mrs. SC, seconded by Miss Eron Trout.
discussion. I have something, Mr. President. Yes. Um, I just want to say how amazing CI1 is. I love all of the different experiences that our barricade students are able to go on. Um, I mean, really just a vast array of different community
experiences. It it's it's amazing to see. For anybody who's watching who may not have it in front of them, it's things like Vanson Park, the movie theater, uh IKEA, Target, farm, aupic farm, Turtle Back Zoo, Planet Fitness, Retrofitness, Shopr, right? Walking through the community. It
seems like nothing's duplicated here and they're just getting a really wide breath of experiences there. Um I do have a question as well for CI6. Is this like a maternity leave coverage? I know how difficult those are to Okay.
That's all. Thank you. Any other discussion? I've seen it on the um agenda before. Learn well is a type of home instruction program. It is it's an educational component of a um an outside
program. Uh like an online component like uh it's it's not necessarily online but it's an educational component of a facility certain facilities that students are placed or unfortunately some so it's not necessarily home instruction. It's out
of district placement. It's not a um it's not an out of district placement necessarily. some tissue replacements use it, but it's more of um I can't think of the name of it. So, sometimes we have students with um other uh concerns, whether it be uh mental health
concerns or uh substance abuse concerns and when they go into those facilities, that is the the educational component that we have to pay for bedside instruction. Yeah, it is. Well, well, sometimes it's in the program. It can be, but it's sometimes it's in those programs. It's a mental health poss like
a an addition to their curriculum. Well, while they're in that facility or in that program, right? That's the educational component that we pay for for those students. Okay. Is that nor is that the norm? We don't normally like when someone is placed in a program like that, we're not usually paying
additional funds for a curriculum. Oh, we are. We pay for the educational point usually. Yeah. Okay. Wow. Learned something new. Yeah. Thank you. I was just curious. All right. I just wanted to say one thing just to Aby's point and I
appreciate you're saying Abby about the bear cave. I have to say I want to thank all of these uh not just these businesses but all of these places are so kind to our students to allow them some of them are trips but some of them are you know work experiences.
Retrofitness they go there and they give them a membership to work out there. So, these businesses have been so supportive of our kids and I just want to thank them because it's just nice that they provide these opportunities uh for our kids to to participate in these things.
Um so, just thank you to everybody all of the businesses that are listed here. I mean, it's really amazing. That's the that's the point of the program is to give them those life experiences and to see so many companies and and different businesses willing to help. Um it's it's it's amazing because they work at some
of these places and like Retro gives them they give us a family membership for the kids to go work out there once a week. So right though, right? Just to be able to understand how to Yeah, they're just pay for things. Very supportive. So we appreciate that from that. Definitely benefits our kids.
Any other discussion? Mr. Kov, yes. Mr. Doyle, yes. Miss Aaron Trap. Yes, Mrs. Goff. Yes, Miss Moy Cultzan. Yes, Mr. Paloo. Yes, Mrs. Vega. Yes, Mr. Carr. Yes, Mr. Tottero. Yes.
Motion passes. Thank you. First snow. Mental. Thank you, President Taro. The following resolutions are pursuant to the recommendation of the superintendent of schools. P1 on page five, P3 through
P14 on page six, P15 through P18 on page seven. On behalf of the committee, I move second. Sorry, second. All right, Sarah and Miss Milky Colson. Second
discussion. You go through one comment. There's several new hires, so we'd like to welcome them to our district if you're watching. Um, if not, we'll see you when you start in September. Um, and I guess
P13, it just said item. So, 12 12 and 13, I can tell you what they were. They were related to the sack program, the afterare program. It was the director and the salaries for the teachers. It's just something that we originally put on, but we need to have further discussion about. So, we wanted to just
remove it prior to Mr. Munell. I want to give him a chance to weigh in on it and that it'll be on a future agenda, maybe July or possibly August. But that's what those two items were. Thank you. So, I just wanted to personally say um I
am going I'm sad to see uh Mrs. Colton on this list as a resignation. Um she's been wonderful for my stu my kids, I said my students here at LMS. Um, so I'm very disappointed that she is resigning
along with another uh teacher here. It seems like we have quite a turnover at LMS with um teachers of special education. Unfortunately, it's not an easy job and um you know, they
put in a lot of time go she went way above and beyond her contractual hours to help our kids. So I hope she um has a wonderful summer and uh good luck in the future to her. And then I just
wanted to comment on the um P3 is Alli, another declined contract. I know we had a couple last month on the agenda as well for our power professionals who are really the backbone of our schools again for special ed students especially. Um I'm
just sad to see a lot of them decline or resign. We have some really great people here. So, and welcome to the new hires as always. What's that? Anybody else? Um, for P1, is that a
position we would get a replacement, a short-term replacement for? I just feel like it may be hard to fill. That to be honest, I think it will be hard to fill. Um, I I'll talk Matt will have to see if that's something that they want to pursue. Okay. Um, it's because it's
short term. I know it's only a few months. It might be tough to fill, but but you know, I I'll touch base with Matt about it. Um because now that we know that she's definitely going to have some time to or some other people if there's specific
duties that she's I I don't know specifically if there's something like testing or something that she oversees that. Yeah. Somebody who's already here who knows ins and outs already. Giving them a little idea. Yeah. Okay.
Roll call, please. Mr. Doyle, yes. Miss Aaron Trout, yes. Mrs. Goff, yes. Miss Moy Cultzan, yes. Mr. Paloo, yes. Mrs. Vega, yes. Mr. Carr, yes. Mr. Kleho,
yes. Mr. Tottero, yes. Motion passes. Thank you. Finance and Administration. Mr. Kabio. Thank you, Mr. President. Action items. Pursuant to the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the committee on finance and administration recommends the following resolutions on page 7 F1
[Applause] on page 81 through 86 on behalf of the committee. I so move second. Motion by Miss Cleo, seconded by Mr. Poose. Discussion.
Roll call, please. Miss Aaron Trap. Yes, Mrs. Goff. Yes, Miss Moi Colzan. Yes, Mr. Paloo. Yes, Mrs. Vega. Yes, Mr. Carr. Yes, Mr. Clehjo. Yes, Mr. Doyle. Yes, Mr. Tataro. Yes. Motion passes.
Thank you. Claims right back at you, Mr. Cleo. Thanks again. Uh, claims in accordance with NJAC6A23-21 11B, C3 and C4. It is recommended that the board approve the bill list for the month of June 2025.
Second. All right. Seconded by Mrs. G. Discussion. See none. Roll call, please. Mrs. Goff, yes. Miss Moy Cen, yes. Mr. Paloo, yes.
Mrs. Vega, yes. Mr. Carr, yes. Mr. Clehjo, yes. Mr. Doyle. Yes. Miss Aaron Trout. Yes. With reservation regarding everything with TCTVs. Mr. Tatero. Yes. Motion passes. Thank
you. Buildings and Grounds. Mr. Doyle. Thank you, Mr. President. Pursuant to the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Committee on Buildings and Grounds recommends the following resolutions. On page nine, we have DG1. On beha, I so move. Second. Is
that Mrs. Yes. Second by Mrs. Discussion? Roll call, please. Miss Moy Colts. Yes. Mr. Paloo. Yes. Mrs. Vega. Yes. Mr.
Carr. Yes. Mr. Kho. Yes. Mr. Doyle. Yes. Miss Arant. Yes. Mrs. Goff. Yes. Mr. Tatero. Yes. Motion passes. All right. Committee and liaison reports. I know we didn't get to meet this month, but we'll
go down the line just in case. Legislative, Mr. Carr. Just Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, the following bill is headed to the governor's desk for signature. No fee option for school lunch payments A5263 S3961. This would require boards of
education to offer a no fee option to parents and guardians for making school lunch and other types of payments. The no fee option would need to be provided at a time and place convenient for students, parents, and guardians use. The bill will require any payment processing platform used by a school district to provide users with information on user fees and will
require any communications requesting repayment for school meals, field trips, activity fees, or other goods or services to include information on the fees associated with use of payment processing platform. The assembly appropriations committee met on June 19th, approved the following bills relevant to the boards of educ
boards of education. Expanding early child education A5717 school supervisor mentorship pilot program A5075 school audit delay bill A5847 the Senate Military and Veterans Affair Committee met on Thursday June 19th also
and approved the following bill relevant to boards of education benefits during military leave bill S3601. The Assembly of Education Committee met on June 16th and approved the following bills. Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder Training A2255 S2376
Out of School Time Advisory Commission A2414 Expanding Early Child Education A5717 Key Boxes for School Security A5720 Chronic Absenteeism Task Force A5779 and S3776
Preschool Service Contracts A5780 The Assembly Oversight Reform and Federal Relations Committee met on Thursday, June 12th, and approved the following bill relevant to Boards of Education, IEP meeting guidelines and working group bill 8A5492 S3982
and the Assembly Commerce Economic Development and Agricultural Committee met on Thursday, June 12th also and approved the following bill relevant to boards of education. The Farm to School Grant Program uh A3742. To view the full text of any of these bills I've reported on, you can visit
the New Jersey legislator's website. And this concludes my report. Thank you. Can I ask a question about committee reports? Is that a thing? Sure. Sure. Go ahead. So, the I was actually just complaining to Rick when we went to the convention
about the fees associated with school lunches. I don't know if you guys know, but the company who processes the um credit your credit card or debit card, whatever you used to pay to put money in your child's account, takes like a very large percentage
um just to process it. It's a separate company from Pmptonian. And so when we were at the convention, Pmptonian and Mashios both had a table. And I asked both of them about it because apparently I'm not the only one. It's I would say
510. I think it's 4%. Is it four? I just it was $4. But yeah, so if you're putting a 100 B, it adds up um pretty quickly. So uh is that what this is in reference to? Do you know? Or is it because we already have free lunch school program? Yeah, that's it has to
be those fees, right? That it was the fees and we you can send a check in with your child and have it deposited to your account and or send it by mail to the business office or and there is no fee
for that. I didn't know that checks were allowed. Yes. You can also send in cash and they just put the overage on. So if you send in a 20, they put in the As long as your kids handing it in, that's great to know. Yeah. or or you can send it by mail. You know, my son put right in his pocket. Yeah. Okay. All right.
Um, thank you. It's a 4% security fee. Finance and administration, Miss Kio. Thank you, Mr. President. The committee did not meet. We did uh welcome our new BA at our last meeting. uh once she's
released from her current district, she will be uh joining us at which point uh Pat can break free from us. She her first day is August 1st. August 1st. Fantastic. Who's count? Is there going to be an overlap? I hope like help
train her and get her in or No, you're out. Good luck. I'm out. But okay, I know Sandy, we live close together and Okay. And I've got like about I think it's up to 70 item notes of things that
I discovered. Okay. That would be useful for her. So So you're on call. Yes, I'm on call and I think it should be a very smooth transition. Wonderful. Thank you so much for that. So we have you for one more meeting, Pam. Yes. Very good. Exactly. That's why I was asking.
Speaking of, you know, paralleling to a legislative, this is a big week down at Trenton. the governor approves his budget and uh you know in turn that would affect next year's funding. So that's all I have. Thank you. Buildings
grounds and policy. Mr. Doyle. Uh neither committee met so nothing to report. Thank you. Miss Aranchch council leazison and personnel. Thank you President Taro. So for council liaison a few things from Mayor Lane's
letters. um that reminder to the community that the summer concerts are starting, the farmers market in town is starting. So stay involved in the summer activities in the community. The Horn pool is open. Um also tomorrow night
from 5 to 7 at the municipal building. The Pate County Clerk is there um doing passports, veteran IDs, notary stuff. So, just a reminder to the community, nothing real serious from the town. Um,
regarding personnel, we do not regularly meet. Um, but perhaps with the changes that are happening in the district, I'll have some more reports in the future. That's it.
Mrs. Goff, uh, CNI, we did not meet this month. Thank you. NJSBA and PCSBA. Miss Mo. Okay. So, not much. Um, like I said last meeting, the convention is uh will be in October. Um, there's a new process
that Sandy has sent. If you are interested in attending, it's much easier to pick like you have to pick I think three hotels in case you can't get the first one. They book up really fast. So, if you're interested in going, I would definitely um send that to her.
And then July 29th at 6 PM we have a workshop with Kelly which I'm excited uh to attend the transition workshop. Um and then for he of the state county school board association there's no meetings this summer. So the next meeting is Tuesday September 30th. It's
hybrid as usual so that um everyone can attend. Um and we have a new president for the Bay County School Board. We have a whole new board, but the president is Judith Bassford, who's been involved for forever. Um, and that's it. Thank you. Thank you.
Have seat back and PTO is Mr. CL. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, I just have something to read from Jennifer Doyle. On behalf of the Hawthorne Education Foundation and the Hawthorne High School PTO, we would like to thank Dr. Sprito for everything he has done
for the students of the Hawthorne public schools. um what he has contributed goes beyond the job description of a superintendent. Coming from an educator of almost 30 years, I know that it's rare to see a superintendent with so much engagement
with students as we have seen in Dr. burrito, visiting classrooms, joining gym classes, attending concerts, sporting events, and of course the speedball tournament are just uh just just to name a few. Um of which the
children have always recognized and appreciated your presence. Uh your dedication to the students of Hawthorne has always gone above and beyond your title. Thank you for the last 10 years and good luck in your new journey. You will be missed.
Thank you. That is all I have for tonight. Thank you so much. Uh before we go to public be heard, uh I do have a statement prepared on behalf of the board of education. Tonight marks a very special and bittersweet moment for our school district as we formally recognize and
honor the retirement of Dr. Richard Spuro, our superintendent of schools. It is incredibly difficult to put into words the depth of gratitude and respect this board and our entire community has for Dr. Sprito. Over the course of his career and especially throughout his time here in Horththornne, Dr. Sprito
has led with steady hands, a compassionate heart, and a steadfast commitment to putting students first. His leadership has always been grounded in what's best for our children, our schools, and our town. Under his guidance, we've seen growth not just in test scores or facility upgrades, but in
trust, transparency, and a renewed sense of pride in who we are as a district. He has led us through challenges with calm determination and celebrated our successes with genuine humility. Dr. Sprito's open door philosophy and collaborative spirit have left a lasting
imprint on the way we work together as a team. He is a leader who listens, a mentor who inspires, and a person who whose integrity has never wavered. It's not just what he's accomplished that will be remembered. It's how he made people feel
heard, valued, and supported along the way. On behalf of the board of education and the entire Warthon community, I want to extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Breto for his years of dedicated service, his tireless work ethic, and his unshakable
belief in the power of education. While we are sad to see him go, we are also happy for what lies ahead for him in retirement. a well-earned next chapter filled with time of for family, relaxation, Steeler games, losing to the
Jets, golf, and his new adventure which will continue his leadership and mentoring as the director of school administrators residency program. Dr. Sprito, thank you. You have made a lasting difference and your legacy will be felt in these halls, classrooms, and
hearts for many years to come. Congratulations and may the road ahead be as impactful and meaningful as the one you've walked with us. Appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. That being said, public be heard.
Hold on. Miss Gwen has something for for Rick. One sec. We had to hide it. Oh boy. How big is the bear? It looks decently my fault.
Some misw our bear benefactor wasn't sure if you had your own. So yeah, [Applause] good stuff. There you go.
Great stuff. All right, nice seeing no one else in the audience. He's old like baby. I love it. I know. We will go right down the line. Uh general comments, new business, old
business. Uh if you can just state which one it is. Starting on my left, Mr. Clues, you uh were so eloquent, you know, and eloquent with your your your speech to to to Rick. Um, I'll just keep it really brief. All all the years we've
been working together, um, being able to call you my friend and getting to know you a lot better is really what I take away from this. You've done a tremendous thing for the district, but um, you know, getting to know you better as a as a person and a friend is a is a lifetime that I'm going to remember. So, I got a
little choked up there. Did you hear that? You bring me the bear. You You know what? Before we go around around, I just want to continue to say, are are our board attorneys here as well? And I believe this is our last
meeting with um with Steve. Maybe not. But just in case it is, it's been a pleasure working with you as well. Thank you for everything you've done with the district. Um so again, thank you and good luck with this is 20 years Steve
and I have known each other. What 2005? Did you guys plan like we did tell 20 years this year. That's it. Okay. A few comments and congratulations again to all of our
graduates. We hope everyone has a happy and safe summer. It was extra special this year to see the graduation through our our colleague here, Miss Goff's eyes. Um with such an accomplishment with your son graduating and just everything. So, thank you for sharing
that with us. We all got choked up when you had to get up there. Um, next is a comment, and I could have probably asked this privately. Um, I was at the American Labor Museum, the B House, for an event, and they want to donate books
to each fourth grade classroom and then for the elementary school library. So, they have a children's book that they um printed and produced on their own and they're trying to do that through to all the schools in New Jersey and they asked
if they could donate to us. So, I don't know how many we'll need. I could have asked you that probably just how many fourth grade classrooms we have and then each library and they'll donate and it is right in Halen. It's it was for the longest time the only labor museum in
the country. Wow. So, a lot of labor laws like my greatgrandparents were on strike there in like the early 1900s because that was my personal connection to it but I just thought be a great opportunity it's a donation too to get the books to our students contact us
okay to learn about you know our history um lastly and and a few comments I've touched on this I was thinking of like a quote for you Dr. burrito or um I'm personally thankful. I don't want to get all mushy either, but I think one of the
reasons why I'm up here is because of you. And I know I told you that um back in 2020 or 2019, I led a a townwide discussion on anti-bullying and I called you and you answered right away and we talked and I just thought, "Wow." Um I
knew your dad, of course, because he was our superintendent when I was a student here and I thought, "Wow, he's even cooler than Sorry, Dr. So engaged and so always there. And and I know like Marco kind of mentioned like
I was thinking of the Maya Angelo quote like people might forget like what you said or what you did, but they'll always remember how they made you feel. And I think that um everyone like watching everyone interact with you always like you're so uplifting and your speeches
are always inspiring and perfect. But I think you've made us all feel um confident in your leadership and you'll just be really missed. So hopefully it's not goodbye because you'll have to come to school plays and football games and
stuff I'm sure. But um very appreciative of being up here with you as our leader. So thank you. Wishing you the best. Me. Um I have three things and I say that because I'll forget. I've had a very
long day. Um I would like to also thank the benefactors for Project Graduation. Personally, um we have an internal team of amazing people who fundra for it. It is a lot of money, but I can tell you as the mom of a recent graduate, he was so
amazingly jazzed when he came home about everything that they got to do. Um, I I guess in my mind, I didn't really think how amazing it was going to be. Um, but really just has nothing but positive things to say. So, I'm I'm eternally grateful. There is a sign that we have
hanging over by the football field, but I would just like to read those benefactors out loud. Um the humanitarian level is Amarie Sasso, Remax Executive Group, Pose County Department of Human Services, Hawthorne High School PTO, Jefferson School PTO,
Municipal Alliance Committee, Exit Solbar Realy, Van Dyke Park Place. The platinum level is Nur Nurman Construction Group, Downs Tree Service, Bagel Express, Lincoln Middle School PTO, Ascendia Bank. Gold level is
Hawthorne PVA local 200, Celtic Corner, the Alcus family in memory of Colleen Hansen, Roosevelt School PTO, Hawthorne Center Laundry, The Crossings, the Brzinski family, the Duca family, the Eker family, Steuart's Deli, Hawthorne Convenience Store, Hawthorne Rotary Club, Hawthorne Republican Organization,
Henry's Plumbing and Cooking Supply, Magic Carousel Preschool, The Front Porch, The Car Family, Avan Electrical, Turaglia Realy in memory of Victor Turaglia, Joanne Gratziano, Hawthorne Democrat 2025 Browning for Shay Funeral Home Silver is Gothal Road wine and more
the Riley family American Legion Post 199 the God family Edward A ease architect Mr. Cupcakes, Brian T. Reed, CPA, Steuart Celica, the RA family, Bobby Van Plumbing, the Papis Massie family, the Doyle family, the Leone
family, Joan and Netta Ross, the Sasso family and bronze is Councilman Bruce Bennett, the Rigio family, and the Fox family. It's a tremendous undertaking both financially and planning wise, and we're I'm deeply appreciative as the mom of a recent graduate. Uh, piggybacking
off of the mom of a recent graduate, it takes a village. It truly does. Um, I'm immensely thankful to everyone that has impacted his journey, including everybody up here. I I mean, I know what we do firsthand is volunteer, but it is worth it. And he is coming out. He He's
done actually. Now I'm I'm losing my mind. I'm I'm like emotional and exhausted, but um just you get out what you put in and he is living proof of that. And everyone up here has played a part in that. And I am eternally grateful to all of you for everything that you guys have sacrificed, all the
teachers in the district, everyone that has played a role in his success, the ups, the downs, it's all led him to where he's going, and I'm very grateful for that. Um, and I also have a statement prepared for Dr. Sprito. As someone who was on the
hiring committee for you over a decade ago, um, I want to take a moment to speak as both a member of the board and as a parent in this district. I want to express my deep and heartfelt thanks to you, Dr. Srio, for your exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to our schools. It's not easy to sum up the
impact of a career that has touched so many lives. But what stands out most is your unwavering commitment to doing what is best for our students. You've guided the district through tough times, through growth, always with a steady hand and a clear vision, always with
students at the heart of every decision you've made. As a parent, I've seen firsthand how your leadership has shaped not just policies, but the everyday experiences of our children, ensuring that they have access to safe, supportive, and highquality learning environments. As a board member, I've
appreciated your professionalism, your openness to collaboration, and your thoughtful approach to every issue brought before us. You've left a legacy that will live on in the teachers you've supported, the programs you've built, and most importantly, in the success and confidence of the students who walk through our schools every day. We wish
you all the best in your well- earned retirement. May the next chapter be filled with the same passion, purpose, and joy you've given to our district. You lived up to every word in your interview, sir. I can honestly say that 10 years ago, you told us that you would surround yourself with people as amazing
as you are, and you've done just that. So, tremendously large shoes to fill, but it is welld deserved where you're going. Enjoy. That is all, Mr. Thank you. I want to also echo Mr.'s uh comment about Steve.
Steve, you've been a class act. We appreciate all you all you've done for the district. It's been uh fantastic to work alongside you, especially negotiations. Truly class act. Thank you. I also want to echo the uh recognition that Mr. Fister uh had at
graduation at the high school graduation. Uh two of our graduates are moving on to the armed forces. John Carlos Sanchez Rubio will be joining the Marines and Shamil Hina will be uh joining the Air Force. Just want to wish some Godspeed
including all all of our alumni who are in harm's way including my Marine son-in-law. Uh also on that note, want to thank our first responders for uh you know what they're doing out there with this extreme heat. It's tough to be indoors sometimes when
you have you're in an air conditioned room much more so when they're you know they're doing what they're doing and you know most of them are volunteers so thank you to them in regards to Dr. spirit of just want to introduce two things to the record that uh we had over at the retirement party.
One was the uh notes that I shared that day on behalf of the board. Uh it is said that everything rises and falls on leadership and there's no vision the people perished. When reflecting on Rick's impact, one could recount statistics and milestones. But these were short changing because
his dent on our universe is so meaningful. Rick took the helm on January 1st, 2015. He bought upbeat and contagious energy, high standards and grand vision and sleeves rolled up literally. He has hunk up student banners on school fences including this
one. Worked on weekends, driven out to State College Pennsylvania for web master training, helped paint the original barricade, and carried boxes recently as a few months ago when the board office moved to the newly purchased building. His lower back can attest to it. In this decade, he has steered the
district confidently and enthusiastically and embodied servant leadership. During this time, many of us not only watched our children grow up together, but also grew collectively as a team into professional stewards of the Hawam public schools. His legacy includes the spirit of positivity he has
infused and a team inspired to continue working for the worthy causes of public education and our future generations. In turn, the countless lives he has touched Hawthorne in this world are the better for it. Rick, it's been an honor to work alongside of you. Thank you for leading
by example, your generosity, integrity, and tenacity. Godspeed on your future endeavors. Those who get you next are lucky to do so. And then wanted to hand him the plaque that uh was dedicated
at that day. Finally, I get to uh get off my hands. Uh the purpose of the plaque which was generous generously donated funded by Mr. to is to uh memorize the service of uh past superintendent and uh some of our and
our board of ed members included in that list uh are uh Mr. Teraglia, Miss Graziano who was highlighted in the uh in the donors. So that's great. All yours find a great spot in the world. Thank you for this.
Thank you. [Applause] Thank you. I'll start with Mr. Fogerty. Uh congratulations to you. Wishing you all the best and uh if if it is true that
you'll be we'll still see you a little bit. That that'll be great. But if not, best of wishes to you and your family and all all health to you. Uh moving on to Dr. Spurto. So much has been said over the last couple weeks about you. We're running running out of things to
say. Um, but I'm gonna I'm gonna hopefully be able to kind of sum it up in somewhat of an analogy. Keep it short. Um, myself and Anthony Paloo came on very shortly after you, so we've done almost the same amount of
time. Um, from time to time I used to refer to you as the uh as the captain, captain of the ship. Obviously, the district being the ship and you're the captain. And uh I
would ask you in good times, in bad. And everyone knows we shared we had our times of of of turmoil and tough decisions. And I would ask, "All right, captain, what do you want to do? How you going to steer the ship?" And anyone who knows anything about a captain and a ship knows that the captain means
everything to the crew, right? The crew will follow a good captain through anything, through any storm, through any problem. The captain needs to be a strong leader. The captain will never ask his crew to do anything that he could not or would not do himself. Um
that captain has to be a beacon of light and hope. The captain has to be um you know sensitive and thoughtful but yet stern uh a quick decision maker. Uh the captain can never waver and the captain
will always uh sacrifice himself before anyone on the crew. Captain will never go abandon ship. Captain would rather go down with the ship and do everything that he can can to keep that ship afloat. Um so in
all of those statements um I believe you more than exhibited all those characteristics of of the captain and earned that title uh to the nth degree. Uh and I was very proud and honored to be uh a crew member of that ship. I wish
you the best of luck, happiness and health, you and your family. And as your ship is uh approaching the dock, um I I know you've already got another boat. It's not a ship, but it's a boat and and it's it's already got a course plotted.
Um, so I wish you uh the best of luck on your on your new ship, on your new boat and your new course on Thank you. Well, that's all I have. Yes. So, um, Dr. burrito. Um, with
everything that has been said tonight, I'm just sad that we only got to spend six months together, but within those six months, I really really do appreciate you sharing your wealth of knowledge and your compassion and your your ability to
answer all of the questions I' I've had from day one and taking time to to guide me through all of, you know, the steps in this role. Um, it's not an easy role. um it's a lot more involved and and
harder than it seems, but it is 10 times more rewarding just like you had said in the beginning. So, um good luck and I will take all of the things that um my fellow trustees and board members have
said to heart and hopefully will continue to carry that on throughout my term. So, thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you. They follow this up. So, in all seriousness, Steve, thank you
so much. Good luck in your retirement. Uh, you have navigated us through some very choppy waters. You can't use the ship. Choppy waters. [Laughter] As the first me first. So, uh, don't be
guilty. It's only a three. It's only a three-hour tour. With that being said, Rick, um, just thank you. Thank you for being you. Thank you for putting this district where it is today. Um, your your legacy
is well cemented not only within the four walls of these buildings in the district, but within the community, within the county, and within the state, and you're going to make an even bigger impact at the state level with your new position. So, I wish you the best of luck. Congratulations. Appreciate it. I don't know how you're going to fit in
the door tonight when you get home. That was huge. Um, so I also only got to spend a short time as a board member, but I think I've given you a a good run for your money on the other side over the years. But that being said, you're
always patient and always answered my questions and honestly, it renewed my faith in the district at a time where where I was having a hard time as a parent. So, I appreciate that as a as a mom, honestly. Especially with children
with uh special needs, it's it's not easy. And feeling like you're working with administration and and the superintendent and the board instead of against it just gives you a a breath of fresh air and
relief to be honest. And that's how it felt when you came in as our superintendent. So I appreciate that. Um I just wanted to congratulate the graduates. I wasn't able to be at the ceremonies, but I was on the couch
cheering and yelling. Um, and it was wonderful. I know we had to switch gears at the last minute. I know that was a tough decision. And I know I was like, "Thank God this is the last time you have to do that, but it was the right decision because it could have been really dangerous." And, you know, think
about senior citizens and people in wheelchair. I mean, they were calling for huge thunderstorms and lightning and I was happy that was not a decision I would ever have to make, but I think it was the right one and the ceremony came out amazing and Abby made me cry. Thank
you very much. Sorry. Um I just wanted to share that uh you know all the kids are having graduation parties and um Mark uh Dr. Hooper posted a a couple pictures of their graduation party and this child literally had uh an outdoor
tent of just memorabilia from the last from his the last four years, mainly high school, but it was a whole room dedicated to Mark's memorabilia from high school. And it just it brought me to tears. Like he it's just one example
of what being a bear is and what it it means and oh seeing his smile in that little tent in that big tent area surrounded by high school varsity letters and you know awards helmets, you know, even they even had his um shoes
and wrestling. Like it was really cool. Do you have the picture? I do. I'd love to see it. I I will. I'll I'll share it with you. Um, so yeah, so it it makes an huge impact, you know, and having a board member who had a child graduate, I think really
opened your eyes and seeing those pictures. Um, I felt like I was a part of it and they were my kids graduating. Um, so thank you for everything and um, thank you Steve, you're welcome, for also being a part of this journey. Um,
and again, as a special ed parent, I appreciate that we are not a yes district or a no district. That we look at the child individually and that we always do the right thing even if it's hard. You know, we always fight for the
child. Um, and that's really not an easy thing to do, but I think we do it and we do it well. Um, and I think that's it. Thank you very much. Thank you. Um, just to round it off. Um, thank you, Steve, for being a great steward for the
district. I appreciate getting to know you and having worked with you for the last couple years. And been a pleasure. And hopefully, don't take this wrong way, we don't see you, but if we do, we'll uh we'll get through those those
issues. Um, lastly, just Rick, you know, just to round it off on a personal note, you know, we don't come into this and and uh join the board to surely meet or become friends with people. Um, but I could at least I didn't offend anybody.
Uh but you know uh to say the least uh you know it's it's amazing the the bond we create uh from being on this board um and working through some differences right along the way but but something about this board is just it's got that
feel good right you know I mean you just know something's right about it and uh that's always been by your guidance Rick and uh you know on on a real personal note I definitely didn't think I was going to have a friend along the and you've truly become a friend and I appreciate every conversation and and
dealing with me at times where I maybe I just didn't know what way to go and uh you always uh you always had the right thing to say or guidance to give and uh for that I truly call you a friend and I appreciate everything you've done for this district. So thank you again. Thank you. And uh with that, I wish the entire
district a amazing summer and stay cool and uh looking forward to working with the new administration for the coming year. One last time, Dr. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you.
[Music] With that being said, uh we do have private session tonight. Be resolved that the Horon Board of Education convenes as an executive session to discuss exempt matters pertaining to pending or anticipated litigation and/or matters of attorney client privilege. Be
it further resolved that is anticipated that executive session will be for 45 minutes in duration and that public action will not be taken. Be it further resolved that minutes of the executive session will be made available upon determination by the board that the disclosure of the minutes will not
detrimentally affect any right or interest of the board and the need for confidentiality no longer exists. Motion to go into private session. Second. Oh, second. Motion by Mr. Paloo, second by Miss Moy Colton. Yes.
Discussion. Roll call, please. Mr. Paloo. Yes. Mrs. Vega, yes. Mr. Carr, yes. Mr. Cleavho, yes. Mr. Doyle, yes. Miss Aaron Trout, yes. Mrs. Goff, yes. Miss Monkey Colan,
yes. Mr. Tottero, yes. Motion passes.