WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 2 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=gRitlM8jhcg Video-2: youtube.com/watch?v=E3H62iJkMqE NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: gRitlM8jhcg): - 00:00:00: Striking Down Layoffs and Approving Special Education Agreement - 00:03:24: Moving Board Agenda Items: Organization, Finance, Education - 00:05:53: Moving Board Agenda Items: Labor and Personal Comments - 00:06:53: Board Member Comments: Congratulations to New Principal - 00:07:31: Board Member Comments: Thank you and Budget Season - 00:08:07: Board Member Comments: Scholars First and Community Engagement - 00:09:16: Board Member Comments: Challenges, Voting Rights, Funding Issues - 00:10:38: Board Member Comments: Congratulations to New Principal Cont. - 00:12:21: Adjournment: Motion to Close Meeting and Memorial Day Wishes Part 2 (Video ID: E3H62iJkMqE): - 00:00:00: Meeting Roll Call, Announcements, and Superintendent Report Introduction - 00:01:00: Recognizing Student and Teacher Achievements in Hillside - 00:03:08: Volleyball Team Success, Scholarships, and Community Engagement - 00:04:27: District Efforts to Share Information About Vaping - 00:05:14: Celebrating Teachers of the Year and Upcoming Events - 00:06:34: Football Car Wash, Heritage Recognition, and Staff Spotlight - 00:07:38: Highlighting Valued Members of the School Community - 00:09:00: Public Comment: Commendation for My Brother's Keeper Program - 00:10:07: Introduction of the Student Representative Report - 00:10:38: Hillside High School Student Council Report: May Events - 00:12:37: Hillside High School: Multicultural Night, Park Clean-up, Prom - 00:13:59: Student Council Cereal Drive and Election Results - 00:15:25: Recognizing JROTC Cadets and Opening Public Comment - 00:17:32: Public Comment: Union Support for Dr. Perez Efforts - 00:20:17: Public Comment: Advocating for Athletic Trainer Mr. Boyle - 00:22:40: Closing Public Comment and Addressing Committee Reports - 00:23:19: Committee Reports: Organizational, Finance, Education, Labor - 00:24:42: Motion to Enter Executive Session for Closed Discussions Part: 1 1 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:20.480 --------- this voting one exception there. There will be no layoff of any tenure members. So that's stricken. There's no layoff tenure members. That's been stricken. Thank you, Dr. Perez. Mr. M. McNeil. 2 00:00:20.480 --> 00:00:38.480 >> Okay. So, um, yeah, I didn't hear a second. >> Well, somebody has to move this one. I did the last one. So, do we have a a move to vote? >> Is that a motion, Mr. Mr. Mayor? >> Okay. So, second, 3 00:00:38.480 --> 00:01:02.840 >> we get a second. >> Okay. >> She He moved it. >> Move motion. We just need a second. >> Someone in the >> I second. I'll second >> Miss Hardra is seconded. >> Okay. 4 00:01:04.799 --> 00:01:24.320 Hard VP Hargrave. Okay. Roll call. Miss Best. >> Yes. >> Miss Auid. >> Yes. >> Miss Estra. Miss Wharton Given. 5 00:01:24.320 --> 00:01:38.400 >> Abstain. Mr. Okai, >> yes. >> Miss Parks, >> yes. >> VP Hargrave, >> abstain. >> And President Dr. Howard, >> yes. 6 00:01:38.400 --> 00:01:59.360 >> Okay, so motion passed. >> Yes, please. We have another walk on to the labor agenda. >> Yes, this is a uh an agreement in a special education matter. um students initials or NA or A excuse me to 7 00:01:59.360 --> 00:02:24.080 approving the proposed agreement discussed in close session. It's a matter that's before the office of administrative law. >> Is there a motion to >> motion? >> Okay. Second. >> Second. 8 00:02:24.080 --> 00:02:45.200 Okay. All right. Roll call. >> Miss Best. >> Yes. >> Miss Aguided. >> Yes. >> Miss Tester Mayor. >> Yes. >> Miss Horton Given. >> Yes. >> Mr. Okai. >> Yes. >> Miss Parks. >> Yes. 9 00:02:45.200 --> 00:03:24.480 >> VP Hargrave. >> Yes. >> And President Dr. Howard. >> Yes. Okay. >> Okay. You good? >> Okay. Um there that being said, do we 10 00:03:24.480 --> 00:03:48.560 have Oh, excuse me. At this time, uh we'd like to just move the board agenda. >> Miss Parks, would you move item move items under organization? >> I move items one under organization. >> Okay. Is there a second? 11 00:03:48.560 --> 00:04:11.439 >> Second. Okay. Roll call. Miss Bess. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Estster. >> Yes. >> Miss Horton Given. >> Yes. >> Mr. Okai. >> Yes. >> Miss Parks. 12 00:04:11.439 --> 00:04:33.680 >> Yes. >> PP Hargrave. >> Yes. >> And President Dr. Howard. >> Yes. Miss Eu, would you move items under finance? >> I move items 1 through 18 on the finance. 13 00:04:33.680 --> 00:04:55.520 >> Second. >> Thank you, VP Harvey. Okay, roll call. Miss Best. >> Yes. >> Miss Auid. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mayor, >> Miss Horton Given, >> yes. >> Mr. Okai, >> yes. 14 00:04:55.520 --> 00:05:10.960 >> Miss Parks, >> yes. >> NP Hargrave, >> yes. >> President Dr. Howard, >> yes. >> Miss Wharton Given, would you move items under education? >> I move items 1 through 10 under 15 00:05:10.960 --> 00:05:34.479 education. >> Second. Gotcha. Okay. >> Thank you. Roll call. Miss Best. >> Yes. >> Miss Auid. >> Yes. >> Mr. Estra. >> Miss Horton Given. >> Yes. 16 00:05:34.479 --> 00:05:52.360 >> Mr. Okai. >> Yes. >> Miss Parks. >> Yes. >> VP Hargrave. >> Yes. >> And President Dr. Howard. >> Yes. And lastly, Miss Best, if you would move items under labor. 17 00:05:53.039 --> 00:06:11.360 >> I would like to move items 1 through 32 under labor. >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss Best. Thank you, Miss Parks. Roll call. Miss Best. >> Yes. >> Suede. >> Yes. >> Mr. Estra. 18 00:06:11.360 --> 00:06:32.160 >> Abstain. Miss Wharton Given. >> Yes. >> Mr. Okai, >> yes. >> Miss Parks, >> yes. >> VP Hargrave, >> yes. >> And President Dr. Howard, >> yes. >> Okay, that concludes our agenda items. 19 00:06:32.160 --> 00:06:53.360 Do we have any old or new business coming before the board or before the public? That there being none, are there any board members who would like to add a personal comment post or board member comment? >> I have one, >> Miss Har. 20 00:06:53.360 --> 00:07:15.319 >> I just wanted to say congratulations to Mr. Emmanaka who's um and now um oh sorry um congratulations. Um he's a Hillside High School graduate and now he's the principal of the high school. So >> congratulations to you. 21 00:07:15.360 --> 00:07:31.680 >> You're gonna do um I know you're going to do all of us proud. Luana, myself, Annayia, Eric, we all graduated from hillside. So congrat my boys did. >> I did I did a little sentiment as well. 22 00:07:31.680 --> 00:07:48.960 I wanted to say congratulations and I wanted to say thank you to everyone. um for your support, bearing with us during this season, this budget season. It's it's been a challenge for us, but at the end of the day, the goal is about our 23 00:07:48.960 --> 00:08:05.639 scholars. It's all about our children, and I I believe that to be for everyone here represented on this day is today. So, we appreciate you, and thank you for coming in tonight, >> Mr. Mayor. 24 00:08:07.120 --> 00:08:28.960 I definitely want to say to speak loud. So I want to say congratulations. Definitely they got to give me but um as Morning Given did say you know during this time during this season budget it was it was a lot. It was a 25 00:08:28.960 --> 00:08:46.320 lot. Everybody that participates in all the meetings knows how many people speak up and how many people don't. And uh I just want to say that it definitely was under harder view and it's nothing personal. We do have to continue to put 26 00:08:46.320 --> 00:09:01.839 scholars first and it's going to better our community and everything. One door closes, one door opens. That's all it is. And at the end of the day, uh, we still appreciate all the hard 27 00:09:01.839 --> 00:09:16.240 work that's coming from the community. The engagement is not something that we can get, but I know as we work as a collective, we're going to get to that finish line. We're going to look back. We're going to make the right things happen with the right partnerships. All 28 00:09:16.240 --> 00:09:33.519 right. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mr. Mr. Mayor. Um, thank you to everyone. My colleagues have all spoken well. Mr. Manaka uh you joined that fraternity. I too the principal of the school I went to. So I know you're going to do that proud. That's a that's a special fraternity. So congratulations 29 00:09:33.519 --> 00:09:50.160 good sir. Uh just keep up the work. Um I can just tell all of you to my colleagues have all just pretty much just said it. This was not easy at any stretch. And I wanted to thank you Miss Lola for your words too. The best thing we can all do literally we can't look in the rearview mirror. Best thing is look 30 00:09:50.160 --> 00:10:06.480 through the windshield right now. um because the road ahead is still bumpy. We still live in troubled times and there's still a lot going on. I encourage all of you again, please reach out to your legislators, talk to them about the voting about voting rights here because that's being compromised 31 00:10:06.480 --> 00:10:21.839 all over this country, even in this state. The funding for me in the state of New Jersey is absolutely horrible, which is what put us in this position in the first place. You elect those just like you elect us, you elect those people who sit in Trenton, call them up, write letters, go visit. That's the only 32 00:10:21.839 --> 00:10:38.560 way we're going to move things forward. Um, that said, do I have a motion to close? >> Dr. Howard, I want to say one thing. I didn't graduate from Hillside High School. I was teasing. My boys did. I'm from Norc. I just want everybody to know. Don't hold me to it. But I feel 33 00:10:38.560 --> 00:10:58.480 just as much a part of Hillside as my boys. So, there you have it. Thank you. >> Of course, Dr. Press. So very happy to have Mr. Manaka on board. It's been a long time coming. Uh very someone who has been a part of the 34 00:10:58.480 --> 00:11:15.360 school district for much longer than many of us who are working here. But it's great to see someone who is in the high school as a student now be the one leading the school and I look forward to continuing to work with you and making those strides. And I appreciate all the hard work that you've done, the manner in which you led during the transition 35 00:11:15.360 --> 00:11:32.800 this past year and all the ups and downs. So, like I said, I look forward to not only continuing to work with you, it's all partnered with you, echo the community. I echo the sentiments of everyone in the room. Uh, it's very difficult this time, the decisions that have made. Um, and we didn't take any of 36 00:11:32.800 --> 00:11:48.480 the concerns lightly, but the voices that we don't always hear from directly are those of our students. And we also always have to think about them in particular and how we're advocating for them and how the decisions that we're making today are actually going to affect them sooner than what we can see. 37 00:11:48.480 --> 00:12:04.480 And so we keep them in mind and we keep them at the forefront. And as long as we're doing that, we're moving in the right direction. So I thank all of you for your honesty, for your transparency, for the concerns that you have shared, not necessarily with me, but through your peers and that did not fall on de 38 00:12:04.480 --> 00:12:21.120 peers, but we always have to be mindful of their students are the life and breath of our district. And it's for them that we're here and it's for them that I'm here in this position just to make sure that we're doing everything we can to bring the best to you at the right time. Okay? So I just wanted to share that. 39 00:12:21.120 --> 00:12:43.200 >> Thank you, Dr. Thank you, Dr. Perez. Do I have a motion to close? >> Motion. >> Is there a second? >> Okay, first ladies first. Okay, fine. All in favor? >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you everyone for coming. Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Please 40 00:12:43.200 --> 00:12:46.240 enjoy safely. Part: 2 1 00:00:00.680 --> 00:00:16.560 Miss like we he did. Present. Miss Destro Morales not present. Miss wedding given. Mr. Kai. Here. Miss Parks. Here. Is not present at the moment. 2 00:00:16.560 --> 00:00:35.560 VP Hargrave. And President Dr. Howard. Present. Thank you Mr. McNeal. Um We should have a fairly expeditious meeting this evening. Folks again, I want to thank you all for coming out. Um do we have any announcements or do we 3 00:00:35.560 --> 00:01:00.360 have anything that is pressing? Board members, if not, we're going to move it directly into Dr. Perez's superintendent report. So Dr. Perez, if you would. Good evening everyone. Uh Thank you. So as Dr. Howard said, we're 4 00:01:00.360 --> 00:01:15.240 going to move expeditiously, but with that, but of course always highlighting the greatness is coming out of our district. Uh I would like to begin with speaking to an event that we at the high school attended on Monday, and that was the Hillside High School 5 00:01:15.240 --> 00:01:31.000 uh valedictorian where they were recognized at the Union County's uh scholars award breakfast. So I wanted to give a shout out to Sophia Rodriguez and Priscilla Cockroft. Also wanted to give an honor to Ms. Fernandez, a teacher at the MG Taylor, 6 00:01:31.000 --> 00:01:47.360 who received the Union County's Plan a Seed Award certificate for two endeavors. Uh the one was uh one of the certificates she received was for the Kids Dig In, and the other one was for for Futures tree grant. And these grants not only help our schools, but they also help our 7 00:01:47.360 --> 00:02:02.360 community with regards to growing gardens and establishing uh new ones and and not only in our community, but also helping our students get an interactive with experiences. This week, which I believe it was 2 days ago, we had New Jersey News 12 come out 8 00:02:02.360 --> 00:02:17.160 to our Hillside High School carpentry class to take footage of our students and the work that they're creating in the class. And we're looking to have this uh well, not we, but News 12 is going to be uh sharing the uh news with the docu- not the documentary, but the 9 00:02:17.160 --> 00:02:34.800 feature in the next 3 weeks. As far as uh Diana G Taylor and the chef cooking, we actually had an Iron Chef competition yesterday. And the students had the opportunity to create their version of what they think would be an enticing grilled cheese sandwich to be offered next month uh on 10 00:02:34.800 --> 00:02:50.320 their uh menu. And we did have winners, but with the great thing about this was it really was a all hands-on deck event. It wasn't just educators and students involved, but it was Machio's, it was Central Office coming out. It was really just a nice event to see the students 11 00:02:50.320 --> 00:03:08.840 engage with each other in friendly competition and have something that they actually create featured on next month's menu. Did it go? Okay, yes. Uh big big big shout-out to our boys volleyball team at the high school. They have advanced 12 00:03:08.840 --> 00:03:25.160 to the NJSIAA first round. And what's noteworthy about this is that AD McNeal had actually started this particular volleyball team 3 years ago. So, to see the way that they've grown in less in in around 3 years, that's that's exceptional. We 13 00:03:25.160 --> 00:03:41.480 also want to discuss the fact that we had 19 of our students receive scholarship awards last week or 2 weeks ago. It was a total of 19 students, I believe. So, big thank you to the scholarship board of trustees and our director of counseling, Mr. Boateng. We also like to extend a special thank you 14 00:03:41.480 --> 00:03:56.440 to Mayor Hyatt who came out and gave an inspiring speech to our students about continuing to move forward and continuing to reach for even more than what they um, reaching as they leave our our school grounds. Uh, our NJPAC students, uh, who were 15 00:03:56.440 --> 00:04:11.560 featured at NJPAC about few weeks ago, are going to be honored next week at Union County's Board of County Commissioners meeting. Uh, the teacher, Ms. Davis, is going to be there with our students, so we look forward to seeing photographs that come from that and how the students are going 16 00:04:11.560 --> 00:04:27.240 to feel not only, uh, honored, but also feel more that they're contributing to their community by by their artistic, uh, talents. Uh, next and certainly not least, I definitely want to really give a an already mentioned to the efforts that 17 00:04:27.240 --> 00:04:42.440 our district is doing in sharing information out that not only through social media and how to how to engage in social media healthy, but also the and also discuss, uh, the tur- the vaping, excuse me, uh, vaping. And we 18 00:04:42.440 --> 00:04:58.000 have these two sessions offered, one at WHS, the other one at Hillside High School. One was during the week and the other was on the weekend. But the reason why I'm sharing this is because it's the, uh, takes a village to make sure that our students and our families are informed of everything that is out in 19 00:04:58.000 --> 00:05:14.320 the community and what our students and children are exposed to. So, I'm happy to see that we continue to have these efforts not only shared with our students, but also with the community and that we continue to have the township participate in these events and participate. I'd like to definitely 20 00:05:14.320 --> 00:05:30.880 speak to that. Uh, and not only was May, uh, our educators month, but we certainly also celebrated our teachers of the year at Union County's, uh, breakfast yesterday. This was at Kean University. I don't want to miss any teachers' names, so I brought the a booklet with me, but I 21 00:05:30.880 --> 00:05:47.840 definitely want to I I would be remiss to not mention them at all, but, uh, Judy Alvarez, Sherice Carruthers, Lady Dotel, Kristen Duran, Estela Maniolova, Kelsey Skonover, and Lakisha Samojito were the teachers who were featured. And we just we're just very happy to have 22 00:05:47.840 --> 00:06:04.000 these educators not only in our schools, but continue to be with us and inspire our students the way that they've been doing all year round. And let's go. Couple things, our track event, we are looking to have this Saturday. It may be moved, however, to next weekend, but we 23 00:06:04.000 --> 00:06:19.000 won't know for sure until tomorrow. It all depends on what the weather is. All of that communication will go out later in the day before school ends. Uh we will also have our human trafficking assembly for our middle school students by Winnsboro, and that'll be, I believe, sometime next 24 00:06:19.000 --> 00:06:34.440 week on Thursday. And the great thing about this is that we're going to have both our middle schools participate and be and really be educated on the dangers of human trafficking and all that it looks like so that they don't fall prey to any of the schemes that are out there now. Uh our football team is going to be 25 00:06:34.440 --> 00:06:50.760 having a car wash at the high school on May 30th, so please come out and support. And as we've been doing every month, we're recognizing as much as possible not only the different groups that have that celebrate their heritages, but also different different careers and anything else that 26 00:06:50.760 --> 00:07:06.360 we think is uh that we at least are able to determine to share with you so that we can make sure that we're always uh aware in what it is that we're sharing with the community and with our students. So that is going to go out sometime next week. And then 27 00:07:06.360 --> 00:07:22.120 our monthly staff spotlight series, I've been sharing this on a monthly basis, of course. It really just not only speaks to looking at our teachers as valuable members of our school community, but looking at everybody that has a position as valuable members of our um school 28 00:07:22.120 --> 00:07:38.800 community. It's not just about speaking to the teachers and to the paraprofessionals and to the principals. It's really looking at how our nurses, our security guards, our cafeteria workers, and anyone who who hits our students educationally, including our crossing guards, how they are a vital part of the school school community. And 29 00:07:38.800 --> 00:07:54.520 so this month it was W.O.K. who identified six members in the monthly spotlight series. I will begin with Keith Johnson who serves as a security officer along with Conroy Langston. Gurfate Bhullar, sorry if I mispronounced the name, our science 30 00:07:54.520 --> 00:08:09.720 teacher, Tracy Goglia, our special education teacher, Gail McLain who's our paraprofessional for special services, and Molly Cash, our school counselor. So, really thank you to WOK because again, this is not just about the teachers that impact our students but it 31 00:08:09.720 --> 00:08:25.600 talks about all the individuals that touch our students in different ways and it's not just always in the classroom. So, thank you for highlighting and identifying those individuals. Uh so, I pretty much already beat the jumped the gun there by saying thank you to you without giving you the slide but definitely thank you to the WOK staff 32 00:08:25.600 --> 00:08:43.479 and the administration. And that's pretty much it. Thank you all. >> [applause] >> Thank you so much, Dr. Perez. As always, thank you for for a wonderful and a really great detailed report and truly just again, such a wonderful spotlight 33 00:08:43.479 --> 00:09:00.920 on everyone and all the good hard work that people do every day and some of the work that goes unseen. But thank you for bringing that to the spotlight. Um at this time, we would Hm? Sure. Um Board member O'Kane, you can make a comment. Go right ahead, 34 00:09:00.920 --> 00:09:16.440 sir. Good evening, everybody. Um Dr. Wilson, will you stand up, please? Um so, yesterday I had the pleasure of attending My Brother's Keeper um Dr. Wilson, president. Um I just want to echo that the work that you were doing with these young men is phenomenal. Um I 35 00:09:16.440 --> 00:09:33.120 was in there >> [applause] >> I was in there for about like an hour, hour and a half. I was able to talk to the young men and I was blown away and taken away just by how they articulated themselves in that room. Um with middle school students, there is a playful side to them um but the way that they were 36 00:09:33.120 --> 00:09:48.600 able to command respect in that room for themselves as well as Dr. Wilson, um they actually call him and they refer to him as Big Dub. >> [laughter] >> So, I know that they look at him as a safe space and and they feel like he's community based. Um I know students I deal with students all 37 00:09:48.600 --> 00:10:07.120 the time. So, for them to dub him the name of Big Dub it means something special. Um so, I appreciate the work that you are doing. Um I want to honor and commend you for the work and I want you to continue to keep doing that cuz we know you and we see you. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Okai. 38 00:10:07.120 --> 00:10:22.880 And and Dr. Wilson, I I'm going to take that point of personal privilege. You know that's an Alpha fraternity incorporated national program, My Brother's Keeper, but >> [laughter] >> to the Q in the back of the room, I I truly appreciate that work and Yes, sir. We >> [laughter] 39 00:10:22.880 --> 00:10:38.640 >> Uh we hope to highlight a whole lot more. I had a good talk with Mr. Okai yesterday and that's something that we definitely need to focus on. Our young men need that driving force in their life and thank you for being that, sir. You're welcome. As And while we're on the subject of our wonderful students, I 40 00:10:38.640 --> 00:10:59.839 would love to have our student representative report this time. So, if you are ready. Oh, it's on. >> [laughter] >> Good evening everyone. My name is Jennifer and I'm here as the Hillside High School Student Council Board of Education representative. May has been a very busy month for Hillside High School 41 00:10:59.839 --> 00:11:15.320 arts. On both April 30th and May 1st, the Hillside High School Theater Company presented their one-act spring one-act the one-act play Disaster, which was spectacular. The student actors and crew members were wonderful and there was 42 00:11:15.320 --> 00:11:32.000 positive feedback after each performance. Hillside High School also hosted the district dance recital, the dance ensemble show, and the band, string, and chorus concert during the first 2 weeks of May. Additionally, our newest honor society, 43 00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:48.840 the International Espanola Society, which honored students involved both backstage and theater, including seven members this past Tuesday. May 1st was College 44 00:11:48.840 --> 00:12:06.040 Decision Day. The seniors that participated had an amazing time sharing the colleges and trade schools they'll be going to be attending. Our school also hosted administration of SATs on May 2nd. On May 8th, our JROTC program hosted 45 00:12:06.040 --> 00:12:23.080 their annual military ball. It was an amazing event, and all the cadets had a wonderful time. Earlier today, our JROTC program went to their time to place American flags on fallen soldiers' headstones in celebration of Memorial Day in Evergreen 46 00:12:23.080 --> 00:12:37.839 Cemetery. From track cadets that went, they got to see our the headstone of the man named after our battalion, Alfonso Carducci. On May 12th, the International Club 47 00:12:37.839 --> 00:12:55.160 hosted their annual food and fun night. The Hillside The Hillside Scholarship Foundation Honor Night was held on May 13th. And yesterday, students participated in April's Multicultural Night were treated 48 00:12:55.160 --> 00:13:09.440 to a DIY cone for a multicultural barbecue. On May 26th, Mr. Skeleton and Ms. Ella Delacuna will hold their annual park cleanup. During this event, students and 49 00:13:09.440 --> 00:13:26.320 staff head to Charlotte DeLu- DeLu- -fu, sorry if I'm pronouncing it wrong, to the DeLu- -fu Park on Liberty Ave to do their part in helping to keep Hillside beautiful. On May 28th, our senior class will be 50 00:13:26.320 --> 00:13:41.880 hosting their prom at Pine Valley My Myer in Edison, New Jersey. We will also have a prom showcase at 4:30 p.m. in the Hillside High School main parking lot. Come see our seniors dressed in 51 00:13:41.880 --> 00:13:59.440 their very best. Currently, the Student Council is sub sponsoring a cereal collection to support the United Way of Greater Union County. We're collecting donations of boxes of cereal that will help combat 52 00:13:59.440 --> 00:14:15.680 hunger in our communities. We are gratefully appreciate for any donations. We also want to shout out both our track team for their wins and hard work this season and our boys volleyball team for being eligible for state competition 53 00:14:15.680 --> 00:14:32.600 this season. Also, a quick shout out to the carpentry program will be featured on News 12. So, please keep an eye out. Lastly, but not least, about 277 students 54 00:14:32.600 --> 00:14:50.000 got either honor roll, high honor roll, or superintendent's list for third marking period. Congrats to all. Finally, the Student Council held their elections on May 5th for their 2026 to 2027 55 00:14:50.000 --> 00:15:05.360 executive board. The results are Chris Ferrera as president, Alexa as vice president, Victoria Santos as secretary, Galaha Abain as treasurer, Eva Vital as social media 56 00:15:05.360 --> 00:15:23.680 manager, David Opoku as community outreach and board of ed representative. As you see, May has been a very busy month for Hillside High School and June will be as wonderful. I thank you for your time and I hope you all have an amazing rest of your May. 57 00:15:25.525 --> 00:15:41.360 >> [cheering] >> I cannot turn it off. Thank you, Jaden. And while I have a moment, with the upcoming holiday, would you both please stand? To the cadets, I want to just give these youngsters a really big hand. Our Our 58 00:15:41.360 --> 00:16:03.400 cadet command With Memorial Day approaching, I truly appreciate your willingness to serve our country and take up this uniform at your young age, and remind everyone every day that freedom is not free. So, I thank you both. At this time, 59 00:16:03.400 --> 00:16:20.680 uh unless there's anything else, I would I have a motion to go into public comments. Is there a second? All in favor? Residents are requested to state their names, addresses, and subject matter in the event it appears that the public comments 60 00:16:20.680 --> 00:16:37.240 portion of the meeting may exceed 15 minutes, the presiding officer may limit each statement made by a participant to 3 minutes in duration. Issues raised by members of the public may or may not be responded to by the board. All comments will be considered, and a response will be forthcoming if and when 61 00:16:37.240 --> 00:16:53.480 appropriate. The board asks that all members of the public be courteous and mindful of the rights of other individuals when speaking. Specifically, comments regarding students and employees of the board are discouraged and will not be responded to by the board. Students and 62 00:16:53.480 --> 00:17:09.480 employees have specific legal rights afforded by the laws of the state of New Jersey. The board bears no responsibility or will be liable for any comments made by members of the public. Members of the public should consider their comments in light of legal rights of those affected or identified in their 63 00:17:09.480 --> 00:17:32.000 comments, and be aware that they are legally responsible and liable for their comments. At this time, uh if anyone wishes to from the public to speak come to microphone, please do so at this time. It was made for me, right height? I know. 64 00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:49.200 I know, it's perfect. Angel Lawler, 54 Herden Street. Um I'm coming you tonight to you tonight as the union president, uh president of the Hillside Education Association. Dr. Perez, Dr. Howard, Mr. McNeal, Vice 65 00:17:49.200 --> 00:18:05.880 President Hargrave, and board members, community members, and colleagues. As union president, I feel it's important to address the current situation facing our district. The current acting superintendent, Dr. Perez, is not responsible for the wrongdoings 66 00:18:05.880 --> 00:18:23.760 or decisions made by prior administration. Over the last several weeks, this has been an extremely difficult time not only for Dr. Perez, human resources, but also for the union leadership. Um Our union members and the entire 67 00:18:23.760 --> 00:18:40.080 district community, sorry. Dr. Perez has been placed in a difficult position of trying to correct and stabilize problems that she did not create. It would be unfair at this stage of the process to place blame on someone who was given the task to help clean up an 68 00:18:40.080 --> 00:18:55.880 already existing situation. The unfortunate circumstances we are facing today were [clears throat] created long before Dr. Perez assumed the role. While some may be uncomfortable 69 00:18:55.880 --> 00:19:11.640 acknowledging that real that that reality, it is nevertheless the truth. What we need now is not division or misplaced blame, but unity, support, and collaboration. I sincerely hope that the Board of 70 00:19:11.640 --> 00:19:28.320 Education, the community, and the district staff will stand behind Dr. Perez and the support of her efforts as she works tirelessly to guide us through this difficult budget issue and move our district forward. Now, I was not asked to come here tonight and state that 71 00:19:28.320 --> 00:19:44.680 by anyone, so I don't want people to think that someone spoke to me behind the scenes. This is coming directly from me as the union president. I was involved in the entire process of what we had to do over the past several weeks, but telling people that they didn't have jobs. 72 00:19:44.680 --> 00:20:00.160 But, I was hearing a lot of who's to blame, and it's truly not about who's to blame, it's how we going to move forward. And we need to work collabora- collaboratively to do it the right way. So, I just want everyone to know that the union does not place blame on any 73 00:20:00.160 --> 00:20:17.760 one person sitting here. Um, it is something that happened. There's nothing we can do about it. You can't cry over it. We need to move forward and just do it better the next time. Thank you. Thank you very much, Ms. Lawler. Well said. Do you have any other members of the 74 00:20:17.760 --> 00:20:42.920 public? Okay. Um, good evening to the members of the Board of Education and the greater community. Before I begin, state your name for the record, please. Thank you. My name is Sir David Poku, and I'm the newly elected community outreach coordinator and the Board of Education 75 00:20:42.920 --> 00:20:59.160 representative at Hillside High School. Part of my job is to voice out voice out and advocate for the students of Hillside High. Now, before I begin, I would like to reflect on the mission of Hillside Public Schools, which states that the district aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to 76 00:20:59.160 --> 00:21:15.480 become successful, engaged citizens through rigorous academic, culturally responsive programs, while strengthening student character, cultivating innovation, and fostering leadership. I'm here tonight to speak about Mr. Boyle and the impact he has had on our students and athletes. I ask that you listen to this and please take these to 77 00:21:15.480 --> 00:21:32.200 heart. I'm from Ghana and we speak Twi and in my language we say "Me srɛw" which means I beg. Now, for the past 18 years Mr. Boyle has gone beyond his job requirements. He not only cares for athletes, but also helps around the school, supports students, and always puts others first. 78 00:21:32.200 --> 00:21:48.480 He established the athletic training club giving students like myself real hands-on experience and opportunities. Through his mentorship, one of our own and the four other students before her was recognized for the state of New Jersey for athletic training and received a scholarship. Mr. Boyle has personally impacted me as well. I 79 00:21:48.480 --> 00:22:04.280 started as a football team manager and through his encouragement, I discovered an interest in athletic training and I was able to grow more in that field. More than anything, Mr. Boyle has created lasting memories and relationships with students and alumni who still come back to visit because of the impact he's made on their lives. 80 00:22:04.280 --> 00:22:21.040 Now, Mr. Boyle is more than an athletic trainer. He's a mentor and a role model to many of us. So, our question to the Board of Education is this. If the district's mission is to support innovation, leadership, character, and student growth, how does removing someone who spent 18 years alongside so 81 00:22:21.040 --> 00:22:40.560 many of these in the district align with the vision and mission of this district? Thank you for your time. Thank you, sir. Do we have any anyone else who wishes to make a public comment? There being none, do we have a motion to 82 00:22:40.560 --> 00:22:57.640 close? Is there a second? All in favor? Aye. Thank you so much as always to our members of the community for voicing your opinions. It is truly they do what they are what drive what we do. 83 00:22:57.640 --> 00:23:19.360 Uh this time uh Vice President Hargrave, if you will address the committee reports. Good evening. >> [snorts] >> Good evening. Good evening. Um board member Parks, can you 84 00:23:19.360 --> 00:23:36.080 uh move organizational item? I'm sorry, not move, but report the committee. Um so, on the organizational items, we discussed item number one. Um Miss Ekwuyasi, can you 85 00:23:36.080 --> 00:23:51.560 uh provide the finance committee report? Yes. On Monday, um May 18th, the finance committee met and discussed items one through 18. Thank you. Thank you. 86 00:23:51.560 --> 00:24:09.640 Member Horton-Gibbons, can you provide the education report? Yes. >> [clears throat] >> Excuse me. On Monday, education committee met to review items one through 10. Thank you very much as I 87 00:24:09.640 --> 00:24:27.120 was trying to get to my pages. We reviewed items one through 10. Thank you. Thank you. And board member Best, can you provide the labor relations committee report? Good evening. The labor committee also met on Monday, May 18th, to discuss the 88 00:24:27.120 --> 00:24:42.280 items under the agenda one through 32. It dealt with personnel, contracts, and [clears throat] such. Thank you. And that concludes the reports. Thank you, uh Vice President Hargrave. Uh are there any questions or comments 89 00:24:42.280 --> 00:25:01.600 on any particular agenda items? There being none, we reserve the right to bring some back when we come out of executive session. Therefore, do I have a motion to go into executive session? Is there a second? All in favor? All right, be it resolved pursuant to 90 00:25:01.600 --> 00:25:18.320 the open public meetings act that the Board of Education meet in closed executive session at this time to discuss matters relating to, but not limited to, personnel, pending or anticipated litigation, labor negotiations, contract negotiations, a particular student or students, attorney 91 00:25:18.320 --> 00:25:34.440 or attorney-client privilege, or the purchase, lease, or acquisition of real property. Tactics and techniques utilized in protecting the safety and property of the public. The Board will reconvene in public session at the conclusion of the closed session. The matters discussed in closed session will be disclosed to the 92 00:25:34.440 --> 00:25:50.760 public as soon as the need for confidentiality no longer exists. Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. We plan to try our best to get back to you quickly. I know we got a lot of Knicks fans here tonight, so we want to go back and see the game. So, uh >> [laughter] >> we'll try our best to make this as 93 00:25:50.760 --> 00:25:56.280 expeditious as possible. Thank you, and we'll be back momentarily.