Pledge allegiance >> to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Before
we proceed with the uh meeting tonight, I do want to take a moment of silence for the recent passing of our high school principal, Mr. Willard, uh who passed away last week on Tuesday. So, if we could just have a moment of silence. Okay, thank you very much.
Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of this meeting has been provided as follows. By having the time, date, and place of the meeting posted on the bulletin in the administration building, January 7th,
2025, by sending a copy of the meeting notice to the Star Ledger newspaper and the local source on January 7th, 2025. and by filing a copy with the Township of Hillside and Hillside Public Library
January 7th, 2025. Are there any announcements? Okay, if there are no announcements, um, can I have a motion to go into public comment? >> Motion. >> Okay. >> Is there a second?
>> Second. >> All in favor? All right. >> Hi. >> All right. Um, if there are any public comment items, just remember that they should be specific to agenda items only. >> Is that the agenda in the bucket? They
don't have the agenda. >> I can get it. I >> I'll get it. >> Thank you though. I appreciate [laughter] >> Okay. Okay. We human. Yes. >> So, because I didn't have it um
available, take a look and see if you want to make any public comments. Yeah. Thank you so much. I told him I'll give him a to to look through the [clears throat] agenda to see if they had any comments since I
had to have it out. [clears throat] All right. I take it that there are no um public comments. So if there are no public comments, I ask for a motion to close public comments at this time. >> Motion.
>> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. The business administrator declares the following persons as duly elected members of the Hillside Board of Education as a result of the election held on November 4th, 2025
for a three-year term. Miss Lacoana Best, Dr. Donald Howard Jr. and Mr. Pinkis Shapiro. The oath of the office is administered
will be administered to the newly elected board members individually by board attorney Mr. Raymond Hamlin. We'll do this in alphabetical order. You're first up. Yes.
Who wants to hold the button? >> All right. So, you're going to repeat after me. >> I state your name. I, Lauana Best, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support [clears throat] the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of
the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith >> and that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance >> and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States
>> and the United States >> and this state >> and this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> I state your name. I, Laauuanabes, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I possess the qualifications
>> that I possess the qualifications >> prescribed by law >> prescribed by law >> for the office of member >> for the office of member >> of a board of education >> of a board of education >> am not disqualified as a voter >> am not disqualified as a voter >> pursuant to RS
>> pursuant to RS >> 19 colon >> 19 colon >> 4-1 >> 4-1 >> am not disqualified due to conviction of a crime. >> Am not disqualified due to conviction of a crime >> or offense >> or offense >> listed in >> listed in >> NJSA
>> NJSA >> 18A >> 18A col 12-1 col2-1 >> and that I will faithfully >> and that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly >> and justly >> perform all the duties of that office >> perform all the duties of that office
>> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Here you go. I just take this. We're going to squirt this uh tank water
a little bit. Shapiro S. >> Swear or affirm. >> I'll affirm. >> Thank you, sir. Good. >> I state your name. I, Pen Shapiro, >> do swap do affirm >> do affirm
>> that I will support the Constitution >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> of the United States >> and the Constitution >> and the Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey >> of the state of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same
>> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> in this state >> and this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> I I, Pin Shapiro, >> do affirm >> do affirm >> that I possess the qualifications
>> that I possess the qualifications >> prescribed by law >> prescribed by law >> for the office of member >> for the office of member >> of a board of education >> of a board of education >> am not disqualified as a voter >> and not disqualified as a voter >> pursuant to RS >> pursuant to RS >> 19 col
>> 19 col >> 4-1 >> 4-1 >> am not disqualified due to conviction of a crime >> I'm not disqualified due to conviction of a crime >> or offense or offense >> listed in NJSA >> listed in NJSA >> 18A >> 18A col 12-1 col2-1
>> and that I will faithfully >> and that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly >> and justly >> perform all the duties of that office >> perform all the duties of that office >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you, sir.
Next up, Dr. >> Thank you. >> I state your name. >> Dr. Donald Howard, Jr. do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of
the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith >> and that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance >> and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and to the governments >> and to the governments >> established in the United States >> established in the United States
>> and this state >> and this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. I state your name. >> I, Dr. Donald Tower, Jr. do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I possess the qualifications >> that I possess the qualifications
>> prescribed by law >> prescribed by law >> for the office of member >> for the office of member >> of a board of education >> of a board of education >> am not disqualified >> am not disqualified >> as a voter pursuant to >> at a as a voter pursuant to >> RS >> RS
>> 19 col4-1 >> 194-1 >> am not disqualified due to conviction of a crime >> am not disqualified due to conviction of a crime >> or offense or offense >> listed in >> listed in >> NJSA >> NJSA >> 18A >> 18A col 12-1 col2-1
>> and that I will faithfully >> and that I will faithfully >> and partially >> and partially >> and justly >> and justly >> perform all the duties of that office >> perform all the duties of that office >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability >> so help me God >> so help me
>> [applause] >> Yep. >> Okay. Happy New Year. I think you wrote in the wrong place. >> I have I may have another copy. >> I I think we have one in our thing, too. So, >> yeah.
Right. Congratulations to all the newly elected board members. [applause] Now that we have everyone um here, I will do a roll call. Um, Miss Best, >> present. >> Miss Aueday,
>> present. >> Mr. Estraa, >> present. >> Miss Hargrave, >> present. >> Miss Horton Given, >> present. >> Dr. Howard, >> present. >> Mr. O'Kai, >> present. >> Miss Parks, >> present. [laughter]
>> Mr. Shapiro, >> here. At this time, the business administrator will apologize for that. At this time, the business administrator will entertain nominations for the office of president of the board of education.
>> I go Okay. >> What? >> I nominate Don Howard. >> [cough] >> I nominate Joanne Horton Given. >> Dr. Howard, do you accept the nomination? >> I do. Horton Given, do you accept the nomination?
>> Yes. [clears throat and cough] Are there any additional nominations? Okay, there being no further nominations, um I motion that the nominations for the office of the president be ordered
closed. Can I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Mr. Mr. Mayor, you were you second that I Okay. [cough] >> All in favor? >> Okay. This roll call is to close the
nominations. Miss Best, >> yes. >> To close. >> Yes. To close. Miss Eguided. >> Yes. >> Miss Desterro. >> Yes. >> Miss Hargrave. >> Yes.
>> Miss Horton Given. Yes, >> Dr. Howard. >> Yes, >> Mr. Okai. >> Yes, >> Miss Parks. >> Yes, >> Mr. Shapiro. >> Yes. >> Business administrator will now conduct
a roll call vote um for our first candidate, Dr. Howard. Um, since there are only since there are two candidates, please make ensure that you vote in the affirmative for only one
candidate. Just want to make sure that I state that so there's no confusion. Okay. Um, All right. So, this roll call vote is for Dr. Howard. Miss Best. >> Yes.
>> Miss Aguahed. >> Yes. >> Mr. Estra. >> Yes. >> Miss Hargrave. >> No. Miss Horton Given, >> no. >> Dr. Howard,
>> yes. >> Mr. Okai, >> staying. >> Miss Parks, >> no. >> Mr. Shapiro >> sting. >> The business administrator will now
conduct roll call vote for Miss Horton Given. Okay. And this roll call vote is for Miss Horton Given. Miss Best, >> no. >> Miss Aguede, >> no. >> Mr. Eststerro,
>> no. >> Miss Hargrave, >> yes. [clears throat] >> Miss Horton Given, >> yes. >> Dr. Howard, >> no. >> Mr. Okai, >> yes.
>> Miss Parks, >> yes. >> Mr. Shapiro stay. Okay. Well, um kind of in a pickle here. [laughter] Yeah, the um >> so the
results of the election are >> I don't know. He has I guess you have to wait to the board attorney. >> Yeah. So what what So board attorney, what do we do in this case? >> I have four yeses um for um Dr. Howard
and four yeses for Miss Horton Given. >> There's no clear majority. Um we'll take another vote or we won't have a candidate or >> maybe someone wants to motion something else [clears throat]
at this point. Um we we could take another vote perhaps, but you know that's I don't know. You think that Do you advise that we that? >> Not not necessarily unless the votes going to change um or another nomination
if there are any other nominations. You have to reopen nominations. >> Are there any additional nominations at this time? >> You'd have to make a motion. Um, >> we already closed nominations, [laughter]
>> but you can make a motion to reopen them. >> You have to make a motion to reopen. >> Okay. Is there a motion to reopen the nominations? >> So, what is So, please explain why we reopening nominations. Is this for additional nominations or are we
starting this process over? It would be to determine if there are additional nominations. Anyone else other than the two that were nominated? I >> think there's any additional.
>> So, do we vote again? If nobody's vote is going to change. >> If Yeah, that would if anyone's vote is going to change then we can re open the vote perhaps. >> We just take a few minutes. >> Motion to go into recess.
>> Motion to take a recess. >> Yeah. [clears throat] >> Second. >> A second. All in favor? All right. Hi. >> Okay. >> What is What is the recess for? >> He said he was going to look to see if there's another if there's a route to deal with this type of vote.
>> Right. While we're in recess, >> I don't know. Ray said, >> "Oh, you should pass it over. How's >> your program go? >> I'm stressed. I'm almost there.
>> After take two more votes and then it has a >> and then it has the what? >> Go to the representative if there's no clear majority. >> Stains aren't counted towards the vote majority. So you take two more elections, the same thing. If it
changes, >> great. If someone gets a majority, if they do not, then it goes to the county superintendent. >> Okay. So then I guess motion to >> for the same the same order. >> This is scary. There's no
[clears throat] there's no such thing. You know that you own it and control. >> He'll certainly try. >> Sorry. >> He'll certainly try. >> Right. Push.
We need a motion to come out of Yeah, because we're >> motion to come out of recess. >> Motion >> second. I [laughter] >> I >> uh
>> so keep voting again, right? >> Okay. So then >> same water. >> Yep. So I'm now put out the another roll call vote in the same order for the same candidates. Turn the pin back
justed for inflation. >> All right. Um so this roll call vote is for um Dr. Howard, >> Miss Best. >> Yes.
>> Miss Egoen. >> Yes. Mr. Estster, >> yes. >> Miss Hargra, >> no. >> Miss Martin Given, >> no.
>> Dr. Howard, >> yes. >> Mr. Okai, >> no. >> Miss Parks, >> no. >> Mr. Shapiro. I think >> what you say
>> just vote. >> Yes or no? >> I can't give advice. >> Yes or no? [snorts] >> Yes. >> [snorts] >> Okay. Okay. This administrator will now conduct the roll call um for second
nomination for board president which is Miss Martin Gibbons. >> Miss Basque. >> No. >> Miss Agueday. >> No. Miss Esta, >> no.
>> Miss Hargrave, >> yes. [clears throat] >> Missing Given, >> yes. >> Dr. Howard, >> no. >> Mr. Kai, >> yes. >> Miss Parks,
>> yes. >> Mr. Shapiro, state. Um, the business administrator declares the result of the election of the president of the board and turns over the gavl to Dr. Howard
to act as presiding officer of this meeting. [applause] You didn't do that before. You want to come over here? [clears throat] >> I got the best delay. Welcome to the set.
Well, thank you. >> I didn't want to be Dr. Howard for the meeting. [laughter] >> No offense. >> You're much better looking. First of all, ladies and gentlemen, I just want to say this. Thank you. Thank you to my colleagues, those of you who voted for me. I also thank those of you
who did not. I know that was a difficult decision for you. Um, and I know there's a lot to consider, [clears throat] particularly all the things in the background that we don't talk about publicly, but I can only promise one thing going forward. I will always represent you,
represent this board to the best of my ability. I will res represent this city to the best that I've come to love with the best of my ability. And I will always keep our children, our focus, and most importantly, our community first regardless of any of influences.
I [clears throat] am always open. My door will be open. And if there's anything I can do, I would certainly want to continue to serve as a president for all of us. So again, I thank you for those who did and did not vote for me because we're all in this together.
I'm going to move the meeting forward. At this time, we're going to take nominations for the office of vice president. I will turn it back over to the business administrator. >> You opposed to it. >> Actually, actually, I do. Thank you. Yes. >> At this time, uh, we will take nominations right here.
>> Just follow that. >> Yeah. Let me just get into that little fun stuff. I didn't think I got that. Thank you. Can I see? [cough and clears throat] >> Okay. At this time, we will entertain nominations for the office of vice
president of the board of education. >> I motion Margie Hargrave for vice president of the board of education. Okay. >> Mr. Har, do you accept? >> Yes. >> Are there any other nominations?
Any other nominations? There being none, do I have a motion to close nominations? >> Motion. >> Second. >> It has been properly motioned and seconded that we close nominations. All in favor? I >> as Miss
Hargrave is running unopposed. I do not think there is anything further. >> Yeah, >> take the formal have to take the formal vote. >> Roll [clears throat] call. >> So, at this time, we'll take the roll call. >> Okay. Um, roll call to close the
nominations for vice president. >> No, to vote for >> close. She's not running a post. >> Okay. Roll. Okay. So, roll call to vote for vice president. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, Miss Best, >> yes.
>> Eay, >> no. >> Mr. Estra, >> abstain. >> Miss Hargrave. >> Yes. >> Miss Horton Given. >> Yes. >> Dr. Howard.
>> Yes. >> Mr. Okai. >> Yes. >> Miss. Parks. >> Yes. Mr. Shapiro. >> Yes. >> At this time, we would like to congratulate Mrs. Hard Graves on our as our new vice president.
[applause] Do you have anything you like to say to the vote? Any comments? [laughter] >> You want to say where you are? You want to hear? >> Thank you all. I'm looking forward to continuing to serve our community, our
kids, our residents, our district. [laughter] I apologize. Um, I'm looking forward to serving uh continuing to serve our district, our children, and thank you all for your vote of confidence, and I'm looking forward to
working with you all as well. Thank you. >> Okay, so I'm going to go ahead and part. She said, "Do you want to switch your seat? You want to stay where you are? Move >> closer. Might >> as well [laughter] make the switch.
>> Stay there if you want. It's up to you. Up to >> you. [laughter] Who going to hold me up with this one? [clears throat] >> Yuck. Yeah, help >> service right there. >> Is the switch in.
>> Hello. Hello. Hello. I used to be nice and I switched. I used to sit there back in the day. >> Oh, one thing that always stays the same, right? All right. Thank you.
>> Okay. >> Again, I just want to move the meeting forward out. This time it's been recommended that board approve the following item. The open public meetings act establishing meeting dates, times, and places. Resolve that the Hillside Board of
Education pursuant to chapter 231 PLAL Open Public Meetings Act does hereby proclaim that the meet public meetings of the board of education will be held in the Hillside Board of Education meeting room Hillside
Innovation Academy, 1100 Woodruff Avenue at 6:30 p.m. as set forth below unless indicated otherwise. Be it further resolved that the purpose of the regular meeting shall be the normal conducting of business of the board of
education and any other items brought to the board's attention by the board members, board attorney, superintendent, and business administrator and or board secretary. Be it further resolved that the board of education does hereby designate the Star Ledger and the Union County Local Source as official
newspapers to receive notices of meetings. And be it further resolved that notices of the meetings of the board of education will be posted in the hillside board of education administrative administrative office and posted on the district website. >> You can just say as listed and the dates
are here. >> And the dates are as listed for those of you who have an agenda. The dates are listed uh for January 29 all the way through January 4th of 27th. They will also be publicly publicly posted.
Further, be it further resolved that the board of education reserves the right to adjourn or recess a meeting at any time to discuss such matters that may be considered in close session. However, the board will first adopt a resolution stating the general nature of the subject to be discussed and as precisely
as possible the time and circumstances under which disclosure to the public will be made and be it further resolved. that in order to conduct its meetings properly and efficiently, the board shall require the following procedures pertaining to public participation at
board meetings. Any individual desiring to speak shall give his name, address, and the group, if any, that is represented. The presentation shall be as brief as possible, but no more than three minutes per individual. The board vests in its
president or other presiding officer authority to terminate the remarks of any individual if he or she deems it in the best interest of those present to do so. Be it further resolved that the board of education will meet on the following dates. Again, as I the dates I
mentioned are in the agenda starting 29 January and going all the way through 4 January of 27. You can look at those at your leisure. All board meeting Just go to the information items through the agenda.
>> Thank you. It has been properly moved that we can move a motion to move items one through seven. >> Is there a second? >> All in favor? >> I. >> Even better. Better still move.
>> Items one through seven. Um the roll. >> Yes. Do the roll call, please. >> Items 1 through seven on the agenda. Roll call. Miss Best. >> Yes. >> Miss Aguided. >> Yes. >> Ma,
>> Miss Hargra, >> yes. >> Miss Horton Given, >> yes. >> Dr. Howard, >> yes. >> Mr. Okai, >> yes. >> Miss Parks, >> yes. But y'all got to change my birthday. [laughter] >> It's Annia Day.
Please get her birthday right. >> We'll make it. [laughter] >> Yes. [clears throat] >> Do we have anything else for the good of the order? >> Anything for the good of the order?
Um, I do want to take this time to properly thank uh our outgoing president, Miss Lacoana Best. She has done an absolutely fabulous job. [applause] Um, you have served with class, with dignity, with intelligence, and with
grace. You have done your community proud. You've done your school proud. on many occasions. It has been an absolute pleasure having you as president serving with you. I uh we can certainly succeed you, but I don't think I can replace
you. Some big shoes to fill and I hope that you'll help me and Miss Hargrave move forward. But again, congratulations. You've done a fabulous job. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. I appreciate everyone's support and um serving on the board as board president for the past two years has been um an
honor and um I've worked we're work I'm working with such great people and I know that we're going to just continue the great work that we've been doing. So I look forward to our um new president uh Dr. Howard and our new vice president
Miss Hargrave and I know that we're going to do well. So thank you so much for everyone's support. >> [applause] >> Um, anything else from anyone? [clears throat] Okay, great. I just want to just recognize one more person. Uh, to my son who and my my daughter-in-law
who've come through. Um, [applause] I hope I keep being a good example to you and you've always exceeded my expectations. So, thank you for that. Uh, at this time I'll accept a motion to close. >> Motion. Second. >> Second. >> Oh, of course. Oh, good lord. Before I
get struck by lightning, uh, guess I have to thank that beautiful creature, doc, the other Dr. Howard, Dr. Renee Howard. Yes. [laughter] >> Thank you so much. [applause] And one, we did one more thing, too. This was done not always as in silos. One thing I do want to say, I'm sorry
I'm taking a little privilege here. Um there's a very crazy election that went down and we actually have a chance now as Hillside as a community to move forward in a unified manner. Um I think that going forward we certainly going to do that. Um with your help, with the
help of the nine people up here or the 11 people up here and I also want to just take the time to thank Miss Horton Given who has done a very good job and just and done it with quiet skill and quiet grace. She has always just been a calming force here. Um, I certainly want
to congratulate her. I know it was a tough oppon uh election tonight, but you are always always going to be a a viable force here and I hope you will continue to do so. You've been a fabulous vice president and a fabulous part of this community. So, thank you.
[applause] >> Do you want to hear? >> Can you hear me now? Okay. >> Yeah, we can. >> All right. Good. Um, it's just been an honor and a privilege working beside all of you and, um, Miss Best as president.
Um, I'm going to continue to do what I do because it's about the children. It's not about me. So, um, we'll continue to work collaboratively and I'm here and I appreciate everyone out there that came out on tonight to support everyone up
here. So, thank you for the honor and the privilege of serving as the vice president and now serving again as a board member. Thank you very much. >> And I echo certainly echo Miss Horton given sentiment. Thank you all for supporting us because we cannot do this
work without you. So, you are definitely the big big part of this. You the community. Thank you once again. Anyone else have anything more at this time? We'll accept any motions to close. >> Motion to close.
>> A second. >> Second. >> All in favor. >> Okay. I motion to motion has been accepted to adjourn. Thank you very much and happy new year. >> Happy new year. All in >> favor. All right.