WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=1qLK8opQxSA Part: 1 1 00:00:33.680 --> 00:00:50.399 Good evening everyone. We're going to get started. Welcome to the July 2026 Board of Education meeting. Thank you all for being here. If you're joining us this evening to speak on agenda of nonend items, I'd like to ask you please use the signup sheets. They're located down front of the podium. Miss Lopez, 2 00:00:50.399 --> 00:01:04.320 can you please read the statement of compliance? Yes. This meeting of the home board of education is being held to accordance with the New Jersey open public NJSA 104-6 3 00:01:04.320 --> 00:01:26.320 and proclamated papers on January 9th, 2026. If any board member or member of the public believes that this meeting does not in compliance with the opening public meetings act, the board requests that such concern be raised at this time. Please be advised that this meeting is 4 00:01:26.320 --> 00:01:42.320 being recorded and will be made available to the public through board docs which can be accessed from the district homepage and on the district's YouTube channel get board docs video. The board of education is committed to maintaining an orderly and respectful public meeting. We ask that all 5 00:01:42.320 --> 00:02:01.759 attendees please silence their electronic devices. If you need to use your device for a call or other personal matter, we kindly request that you step outside the gate. >> Thank you. Please rise aliance to the flag of the United States of 6 00:02:01.759 --> 00:02:20.239 America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Go ahead. >> Miss here. >> Missur here. >> Miss Delar >> here. 7 00:02:20.239 --> 00:02:36.879 >> Mr. Gro >> here. >> Mrs. Con. Mel >> here. >> Miss Norman >> here. Miss >> here. >> Miss McG >> here. You have >> Thank you, Miss Lopez. Thank you for joining us in what might be the most well airond conditioned group in the city of Oklahoma today. 8 00:02:36.879 --> 00:02:53.519 Um, we do not have student recognitions in our traditional format this evening. We are going to move directly into Dr. Johnson's superintendent's report which will include acknowledgement of our wonderful volleyball team. >> Thank you so much. Good evening 9 00:02:53.519 --> 00:03:09.760 everyone. And this evening we are going to be honoring and recognizing our boys varsity volleyball team. Um, so what I think I'm going to do is I'm going to go down to the floor if that's okay. I have 10 00:03:09.760 --> 00:03:47.200 a proclamation that I'd like to read and then I'm going to have the coach come on up and receive it and then the team come up and we'll do a couple pictures. Okay. Oh boy. I'm sorry, my back is to all of you. Um, so congratulations to the boys state 11 00:03:47.200 --> 00:04:03.680 volleyball team for your incredible landmark season. We wanted to take the opportunity because we are the first state championship team that we've had in many years. I think my first year that I was in the district, our football 12 00:04:03.680 --> 00:04:18.880 team had won the state tournament. And so, um, as a result, you're all here um, tonight to be congratulated not only by myself, your athletic director, Mr. Baker, your principal, Mr. Petra, and also every member of the board of 13 00:04:18.880 --> 00:04:34.960 education. We could not be more proud of your effort. Um all of your individual growth that you've had over not only this season, but I know in the off season. I know from kind of hearing from Phipe and um also Mr. Baker that all of 14 00:04:34.960 --> 00:04:52.560 you participated in um leagues that are outside of the actual season and that's what makes you continue to grow and get better and better. So, with that being said, I'd like to read a proclamation um for your team and we'll give this to Mr. 15 00:04:52.560 --> 00:05:09.919 Fernandez. Hopefully, you can put this summer in the school so that all of the other students um see the accomplishment regarding not only the uh state championship, but also some of your other accomplishments that I'll be this evening. So, honoring the Hoboken High School 16 00:05:09.919 --> 00:05:27.440 boys volleyball team. Whereas, the Hoboken High School boys volleyball team completed one of the most remarkable seasons in program history by compiling an outstanding 25 and five overall record, the most victories ever achieved by Boan High School boys volleyball team 17 00:05:27.440 --> 00:05:44.240 while establishing itself as one of the premier high school volleyball programs in the state of New Jersey. And whereas the success of the 2026 season was built upon months of dedication, beginning with summer open gyms and league competition and was fueled throughout 18 00:05:44.240 --> 00:06:01.520 the year by exceptional teamwork, perseverance, discipline, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence. And whereas in its first season competing in the highly competitive American division, the Red Wings demonstrated that they belonged among 19 00:06:01.520 --> 00:06:17.440 New Jersey's elite programs by consistently competing at the highest level, capturing the Hackinack inseason tournament championship, winning the Hudson County Tournament uh tournament championship, and earning the NJSIAA 20 00:06:17.440 --> 00:06:34.240 Group One North Sectional Championship. each accomplished for the first time in program history. And whereas the Hoboken High School boys volleyball team received extraordinary individual and team recognition, including Hudson County Players of the Year, Denmson 21 00:06:34.240 --> 00:06:50.880 Corinho and Jack Jennings. First team allround selection, Gabriel Brody. First team, Lobero Aaron Nunez. Honorable mentions selections, Christopher Munos and Levi Marsh. and Hudson County coach of the year, Fu Hernandez, reflecting 22 00:06:50.880 --> 00:07:06.240 the exceptional talent, character, and dedications displayed throughout the year along with each individual players growth. Whereas the Reds established a new standard of excellence, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship by 23 00:07:06.240 --> 00:07:22.160 producing two Hudson County players of the year in the same season, earning six B County recognitions, breaking or tying nine school records, spanning career and season single season achievements, and setting three new single game school 24 00:07:22.160 --> 00:07:39.599 records, further uh cementing the team's place in Hoboken High School's athletic history. Whereas the extraordinary achievements of the 2026 Hoboken High School boys volleyball team have elevated the reputation of the district's athletic 25 00:07:39.599 --> 00:07:54.319 program and established a lasting foundation upon which future Redwing volleyball teams will continue to build. Now therefore be it pro proclaimed that I, Dr. Christine Johnson, Superintendent of Schools for the Hoboken Public School 26 00:07:54.319 --> 00:08:11.520 District, do hereby commend head coach Khip Fernandez, the members of his coaching staff, and every member of the 2026 Hoboken High School boys volleyball team for their landmark season, historic accomplishments, unwavering dedication, 27 00:08:11.520 --> 00:08:29.280 exemplary sportsmanship, and outstanding representation of Hoboken High School and the Hoboken Public School District. May their remarkable achievements continue to inspire future generations of greatness to pursue excellence both on and off the court. In witness there 28 00:08:29.280 --> 00:08:59.760 whereof, I have here come to set my hands on this 21st day of July 2026 in the city of Logan, New Jersey. Congratulations Heat up 29 00:08:59.760 --> 00:10:29.440 here. Excuse me. Fantastic. Um, first and foremost, I just want to thank everybody that's here today. Thank you to Dr. Johnson and Mr. Baker especially and Miss Pig for for all 30 00:10:29.440 --> 00:10:46.160 their support. uh not only this season but all in the other past seasons. Um ever since I started coaching here at Hoken um one of my main goals was to you know make you know known for its volleyball. Um and this past season was 31 00:10:46.160 --> 00:11:02.240 just a culmination of all those years of hard work and open gyms and you know blood, sweat and tears. Um a big shout out to to coach Bora who's been my right man uh these last 6 years. uh coach who joined us this year. I think she was our 32 00:11:02.240 --> 00:11:18.000 charm this season to bring it home. Um but I couldn't be more proud of the group that I have standing with me today and some of them are here, you know, they're out doing other summer stuff. Um but I'm very very proud of this group. 33 00:11:18.000 --> 00:11:44.760 Um and I'm looking forward to continue working with them um for many more seasons to come. So thank you guys. in Arizona now as well as well. So shout out to 34 00:11:49.120 --> 00:12:07.600 make sure that all of you know um and parents work here. you know, a a state championship team requires a lot of work, requires a lot of practice time, and it requires a commitment. Um, I remember myself in 1995, I was a a state 35 00:12:07.600 --> 00:12:23.279 championship volleyball coach as well, so I know what you guys went through. Um, with that being said, for all of you who are here who are here tonight, whether or not you were a starter on the team, whether or not you came off the bench, whether or not you played in some 36 00:12:23.279 --> 00:12:39.839 junior varsity games or whatever it might be, every single person has a really important part to play on a team. Um, and so if you're still an underassman and coming up through the ranks, keep working hard. You're going 37 00:12:39.839 --> 00:13:12.040 to see your time. If you're a senior and you're graduating, we want to congratulate you on everything that you've done and wish you the best of luck in the future. So, with that being said, congratulations and hopefully we Heat. 38 00:13:25.440 --> 00:14:02.079 Heat. Congratulations again to the boys volleyball team. We're all so very proud of you. Dr. Johnson, do you have anything else to add to your report for this evening? Thank you so much. Next, we'll go into committee reports. Miss Lopez, do you have a business administrator's report this evening? No. 39 00:14:02.079 --> 00:14:17.839 Thank you. You are welcome. We'll turn it over to Miss Delara for curriculum. Thank you. Good evening. The curriculum committee met on July 17th in attendance for Dr. Johnson, Miss Rodriguez Gomez, Miss Mcgherk, Mr. Gr, and myself. The 40 00:14:17.839 --> 00:14:34.240 committee recommends items 9.01 and 9.02 on tonight's agenda for board approval. The committee receives an update on the district's ongoing work to strengthen instructional leadership through a more consistent coaching model for administrators. We also recognize Dr. 41 00:14:34.240 --> 00:14:50.160 Carr on her appointment to the New Jersey State Assessment Accessibility Review Committee where she will collaborate with the New Jersey Department of Education to help ensure state assessments remain accessible for all students. Uh the committee discussed classrooms 42 00:14:50.160 --> 00:15:05.199 program which has experienced significant growth over the past decade. The committee discussed strategies to expand equitable access so the students from all backgrounds can benefit from these unique coordinating opportunities. We were excited to celebrate another 43 00:15:05.199 --> 00:15:22.720 record year for the AP program with 163 AP scholars. 85% of them earning a score of three or higher and continued growth in AP enrollment and course offerings. The committee reviewed the gifted and talented program including the new 44 00:15:22.720 --> 00:15:39.600 enrichment opportunities and our new partnership with Stevens University designed to expand advanced learning options for our students. The committee was informed that the NJSLA results will be delayed until December due to the state's transition to a new adaptive 45 00:15:39.600 --> 00:15:56.399 assessment assessment platform. And lastly, the committee receives updates on the launch of the AVID program at Hoken High School and the district's middle school executive functioning initiative. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Hoken public education foundation for generously 46 00:15:56.399 --> 00:16:12.880 funding the first year of the program and helping bring this nationally recognized college and career readiness initiative to our students. That concludes my report. >> Thank you, Mr. Lar. I'll now turn it over to Mr. Bonnie for facilities. >> Thank you. Thank you. The facilities 47 00:16:12.880 --> 00:16:29.680 committee met on July 17th um in attendance for Dr. Johnson, Mr. county myself to Mr. Cla. Um being that it's summertime, we do not have a lot to report because it was really uh mostly an internal 48 00:16:29.680 --> 00:16:45.519 administrative update on previously approved projects which we normally use the summertime to uh to work on and complete. Um as well as other things, we did a review of storm damage and how you know we responded to um tree damage 49 00:16:45.519 --> 00:17:03.240 around our facilities and so forth. Uh the only thing the committee really has to move forward is the consent agenda which is 13.01 and 132 which are both administrative. Um and we recommend those for approval. 50 00:17:03.279 --> 00:17:24.240 >> Thank you Mr. Turn for finance. >> Oh thank you. Uh the finance committed on Friday July 17th with me were Dr. Johnson has as well as board members Andy Con 51 00:17:24.240 --> 00:17:42.320 and Misswood also very with us. Uh very long agenda this month. I think there's only six or seven items. Uh the board didn't have a chance to review all of them. I just want to continue to clarify something on 116 52 00:17:42.320 --> 00:18:02.320 transportation contracts with the exception of three at the end. Which are for the students are required to extend the school year by transportation. uh the ones above that uh A1 through uh F1 now represent 12 53 00:18:02.320 --> 00:18:19.200 different uh contracts. Uh these are for yet to be scheduled events mostly around athletics uh to be scheduled field trips and the the three vendors uh are listed uh the baseline there the 54 00:18:19.200 --> 00:18:34.720 bids will be seen. So the primary transportation vendor will be uh for diamond uh and when a route is available say say uh the volleyball team goes to the championship next year um that of course we don't know the date of that 55 00:18:34.720 --> 00:18:50.559 but when that is scheduled uh M1 I'm sorry Ford the primary contract we'll contact them for the route first uh if they're available and unable to make that trip then we'll go to uh 56 00:18:50.559 --> 00:19:04.799 Jersey Kids and then the third backup is Gary's coach. So those represent really only four uh categories uh with 12 different vendors um 57 00:19:04.799 --> 00:19:22.960 and uh prior 115 bunch of you know I'm sorry 11:04 uh which is 20 uh contracts for tition contracts as district students. Um that's not all of them, but we approved uh a long list about 20 plus uh last 58 00:19:22.960 --> 00:19:38.080 meeting and I'm told we expect a few more August meeting uh as contracts with the uh house district placement those facilities and those schools are received and uh approved. 59 00:19:38.080 --> 00:19:55.360 um not on the agenda. The community did uh discuss or business administrator did tell us that uh uh healthcare costs continue to be an issue and a concern all across the state. Uh the New Jersey School Boards Association is still predicting uh next year's health costs 60 00:19:55.360 --> 00:20:12.080 uh increase to be around 25 to 35 to 40%, we don't know yet. Um however uh we've already taken steps to uh reduce potential increases by switching to a new prescription drug plan which has 61 00:20:12.080 --> 00:20:28.320 been implemented uh starting last month the approved at the board meeting uh and uh the district as we know from our budget presentations uh did anticipate a substantial increase in healthcare costs. We were simply told that we're 62 00:20:28.320 --> 00:20:42.480 probably in pretty good shape uh regardless of what the injuries will be uh next year. Um we'll be able to weather that uh successfully. Uh that concludes my report. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Claw. We'll now hand it 63 00:20:42.480 --> 00:21:02.400 over to Miss Kati for governance. >> Thank you. The governance personnel committee met on Friday, July 17th in attendance for Mr. Cook, Miss Lamara, Dr. Johnson, Miss Lwood, and myself. We reviewed the agenda and recommended all items for 64 00:21:02.400 --> 00:21:17.919 approval. Um, this month's agenda contains a number of items typic typical as we round out our faculty and staff and wrap up the upcoming 2627 school year. There are a few items worth highlighting from the agenda. Um there 65 00:21:17.919 --> 00:21:33.440 are a number of policies actually um on for first reading under action item seven of the agenda. Two of these relate to changes in our benefits policies and specifically related to eligibility to enroll um when employees hold whether employment where they are also eligible 66 00:21:33.440 --> 00:21:50.159 to enroll. The remaining four related to policy updates provided to us by stress business um on various things uh that affect all the districts in the state including the use of lithium ion batteries and bikes in and around schools as well as the new cell uh phone 67 00:21:50.159 --> 00:22:06.320 legislation on use of internet enabled phones in schools. Um for our governance agenda 10.01 through 10.09 or 9 cover various resations, a large number of appointments, transfers, decisions, substitutes, and link requests for certificate and un uncertificated 68 00:22:06.320 --> 00:22:23.360 faculty and staff among other things in advance of our 2627 school year opening. Amongst the resignations in 10.01 are two for the purposes of retirement, including Robert Frasa and East Donald Brooks. We thank Mr. has done to promote for all their 69 00:22:23.360 --> 00:22:38.000 dedication and hard work in serving the students of the district and wish them a restful exciting well-earned retirement. You will also see a number of appointments for a number of additional faculty and staff to cover positions as well as additional positions to serve 70 00:22:38.000 --> 00:22:55.360 our growing diverse population. Amongst those is the appointment of Chris Munos, a longtime main stay in our high school to administrative position, which consolidates all the different hats he wears, including a student activities director, senior class advisor, and now as a supervisor, among other things. As 71 00:22:55.360 --> 00:23:09.919 described in Dr. Johnson's press release on July 9th, AB is an important program that promotes college and career readiness for students by targeting learners who need a boost in a centered around mission to promote equity and access. We thank Mr. for taking on all of these important 72 00:23:09.919 --> 00:23:24.720 positions to support our students. Um 10.03, I believe it is, uh covers um the transfers primary amongst our administrators that were previously announced to our school community on 73 00:23:24.720 --> 00:23:42.480 June 17th. 10.10 covers increases in substitute rates to ensure our competitiveness and attracting and retaining quality substitutes for the district. Long-term leave substitute rates are not affected by this increase. 10.12 and 10.13 relate to staff and volunteers to promote opportunities for 74 00:23:42.480 --> 00:23:58.000 our students, including a student tech volunteer for the summer and a staff and staff for our stage program through the high school. 10.14 through 10.17 cover various appointments related to our summer programs and athletic program 75 00:23:58.000 --> 00:24:13.679 related appointments for the upcoming school year. 10.19 covers the request for our IT network manager to participate for Veronus, a data risk assessment for Google Workspace at no additional cost. Veronus is a cyber security and data governance platform 76 00:24:13.679 --> 00:24:29.440 that will help to protect the district from cyber attacks, insider um threats and exposures. And 10.20 20 approves the district's updated demographic study as developed by MP planning group and presented the demographic study reunion 77 00:24:29.440 --> 00:24:45.919 engagement meeting held on Tuesday July 14th at 6 p.m. I believe there will be a further uh presentation here tonight on the same subject matter and that is my report. Thank you. Thank you Miss Adam Tori. Now turn it over to Miss Angie Corbal. 78 00:24:45.919 --> 00:25:00.480 Thank you. The committee met on Friday July 17th at 12:30 in attendance were Dr. Johnson, Miss BZ, Miss Norwood, and Miss Dela. And thank you, MZ, for taking notes. Um, there are no wellness items on the agenda, but the committee did 79 00:25:00.480 --> 00:25:15.840 discuss the following. Um, we discussed the youth sports development programs that the district has hosted um throughout the summer, including boys and girls soccer, football, and boys basketball, which was just held this morning. Um there will be open field 80 00:25:15.840 --> 00:25:31.200 soccer nights uh which are ongoing and will be held on July 24th, July 31st, August 7th and August 14th. Um the Hoboken High School of Hydroponics and Aquaponics class um have a unique and 81 00:25:31.200 --> 00:25:45.919 really cool opportunity. Um they will learn what it takes to start a business and they will then take their products to both the Uptown and Church Square farmers markets starting in October. um their residency program has been up and running and the district will run that 82 00:25:45.919 --> 00:26:01.600 each marking period. Um and lastly, our next community engagement session on long range facilities planning will take place on August 11th at 6 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. That's it. Thank you. Thank you, Miss. 83 00:26:01.600 --> 00:26:17.279 So before I begin my report this evening, I want to take a moment to extend my sincere appreciation to Leslie Norwood, board of education vice president, Tom Huffle, chair of finance committee, Sheila Delarak, the chair of the curriculum committee, and Dr. Christine Johnson, superintendent of 84 00:26:17.279 --> 00:26:33.440 schools for their leadership in presenting the first installment of the three-part community engagement series, planning today for a stronger tomorrow on July 14th. So on behalf of the board of education, I want to take the time to thank the many parents, staff members, residents, and community stakeholders 85 00:26:33.440 --> 00:26:50.480 who joined us for the presentation. We were pleased by the strong tenants and thoughtful engagement throughout the meeting. The purpose of the first session is to share the district's updated demographic analysis and enrollment projections. This serves as the foundation for our long range planning efforts. The independent 86 00:26:50.480 --> 00:27:05.760 datadriven study examines enrollment trends, population changes, housing development, and projected student enrollment over the next decade. It provides the factual information needed to support informed discussions regarding future facilities, educational 87 00:27:05.760 --> 00:27:23.120 programming, and strategic planning. Several important findings were presented during this meeting. First, Woken continues to experience long-term population and enrollment growth driven by redevelopment and new housing. District enrollment has increased from approximately 2552 88 00:27:23.120 --> 00:27:39.440 preK to grade 12 students in 2015 to 2016 to 3,746 preK to 12 preK through grade 12 students in 2025 2026 representing nearly 50% growth over the past decade 89 00:27:39.440 --> 00:27:54.640 with enrollment growth now moving into our middle and high schools and you can see this uh illustrated on the screen. Enrollment is projected to continue increasing to approximately 4,797 students over the next 10 years, 90 00:27:54.640 --> 00:28:10.880 reflecting continued but more moderate growth. If you refer to the screen, you will see this data clearly. If you look at the next slide, over the next 10 years, knowing that our tomographer has conservatively kept our prek numbers relatively flat, our K5 91 00:28:10.880 --> 00:28:27.200 enrollment is projected to rise from 1635 students to,875 students. Our grade 6 to 8 enrollment is projected to rise from 481 students to 694 students. Our grade 9 to 12 enrollment is projected to increase from 92 00:28:27.200 --> 00:28:45.360 713 students to 1,228 students. Our K to2 population overall is projected to rise from 2,829 students to 3,797 students. And our prek to 12 enrollment is projected to prek through grade 12 93 00:28:45.360 --> 00:29:01.760 enrollment is projected to increase from 3,746 students to 4797 students from the 2526 school year to the um 2035 2036 school year. More than 94 00:29:01.760 --> 00:29:17.039 3,100 approved housing units are currently under construction or approved for development. We're analyzing using Hobok and specific student generation rates to produce conservative evidence-based enrollment projections. The study also demonstrates that 95 00:29:17.039 --> 00:29:33.919 enrollment growth is not coming uniformly throughout the city with the greatest concentration of future developments occurring within the north and western edge development area and the southwest area. It's important to emphasize that the demographic study conducted by NP 96 00:29:33.919 --> 00:29:50.799 Planning Group, an independent planning consulting firm based in Connecticut that specializes in school enrollment projections, demographic analysis, school capacity studies, facilities planning, and community engagement. The firm's planners from decades of contin combined experience working with public 97 00:29:50.799 --> 00:30:06.559 school districts throughout the northeast using established demographic methodologies and multiple independent data sources including birth rates, housing trends, migration patterns, historical enrollment data and total development activity to develop 98 00:30:06.559 --> 00:30:23.520 longrange enrollment projections. Their goal was not to advocate for any particular outcome, but rather to provide an objective assessment that helps districts make informed decisions based on facts, data, and sound planning principles. For those who are unable to attend, the 99 00:30:23.520 --> 00:30:38.799 complete presentation and video recording have posted on the district website so that everyone has the opportunity to review the information and remain engaged in this important planning process. This meeting represents the beginning, not the conclusion of our planning efforts. Our 100 00:30:38.799 --> 00:30:54.880 community engagement series will continue with two upcoming meetings. Community engagement meeting number two to talk about the Long Reach facilities plan was referenced in several committee reports this evening. That's taking place on Tuesday, August 11, 6 p.m. right here in the open high school 101 00:30:54.880 --> 00:31:12.000 cafeteria. And then we'll follow up with community engagement meeting number three which is looking at our strategic plan for 2025 to 2030. That meeting is going to occur on Thursday, September 10th at 6 p.m. also here in the Hoboken High School cafeteria. These meetings 102 00:31:12.000 --> 00:31:28.320 are designed to build upon one another as we work collaboratively with our community to plan for the future of the Hoboken public schools. On behalf of the board of education, once again, thank you to everyone who's participated in this important process. We encourage all members of our school community to 103 00:31:28.320 --> 00:31:43.519 continue joining us as we thoughtfully plan for the future of our students and our district. We hope to see all of you at the upcoming meetings and hope that everyone has a very safe summer. We're now going to move to public comments on agenda items. A reminder 104 00:31:43.519 --> 00:31:59.840 before we open for public comment over the years, most recently the board has been asked why it does not for stop comments about school district employees from individuals who speak during the public comment portion of the meeting. The short answer is that the law prevents the board from censoring comments made by district personnel. The 105 00:31:59.840 --> 00:32:16.559 board does not know nor is the board party to comments as such. However, just because a speaker has the right to say what he or she feels does not solve that speaker from liability for any comments could be viewed to boundary by an employee. Should speaker say something that subjects them to a civil suit, the 106 00:32:16.559 --> 00:32:33.200 responsibility falls squarely on speaker, not on the board. Board policy requires that all speakers please state your name, municipality, residence, and business affiliation if any. Speakers are allowed 5 minutes each and vice president Norwood will quietly motion when you have 30 seconds remaining. 107 00:32:33.200 --> 00:32:50.480 Please address all comments to the chair. That's me. Board policy states the board welcomes comments on matters of interest to the board. This is not an opportunity for dialogue or debate between speakers and board members or superintendent. Miss Lopez, >> we have no speakers. 108 00:32:50.480 --> 00:33:06.399 Okay, we will move on to our consent agenda. Do I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. Miss Lopez, when you're ready, could you please call the role? >> Miss A? >> Yes. >> Miss Cavatory? >> Yes. >> Miss D? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ryan? >> Yes. 109 00:33:06.399 --> 00:33:26.240 >> Miss Con? >> No. 6.02. Correct. Okay. Um, this is a >> Yes. Miss Norman, >> yes. >> Miss, >> yes. >> Miss McG, >> yes. >> Motion passes. 110 00:33:26.240 --> 00:33:54.480 >> Thank you. We'll now move to public comment on agenda and non-aggenda items. Do we have any speakers sign up, Miss Lopez? >> We have one speaker, um, Jos. Oh, yeah. Um, so you want to you want to move the 111 00:33:54.480 --> 00:34:09.599 microphone to face you and then just record saying your name and your municipality residence and then you'll have your five minutes. >> Yes. Hi, my name is Jos and I live here in Koken, New Jersey. Um, I have a question today about our 112 00:34:09.599 --> 00:34:26.960 Koken Middle School. Um, I am a Koken parent. I have a rising fifth grader and I am thinking ahead to our sixth grade year which will be the 2027 2028 school year understanding the really interesting demographics which I came to 113 00:34:26.960 --> 00:34:42.320 learn about at our meeting last week um and really before that because we've been digging into it as parents here in town um looking at the capacity of middle school and the number of students in my daughter's class were going to be going to the middle school in 2027 2020 114 00:34:42.320 --> 00:34:59.920 28. It looks like we've not really have a good fit in that they can't fit there. Um, so I guess my question and I don't know if we do questions. I've never really done this before, but my question is what is the plan for my daughters here and for the years following if they 115 00:34:59.920 --> 00:35:16.320 can't fit, where are we putting them? And I know there's several rumors floating around. How is this what that solution is? I'm sure you guys don't like boomers anymore than parents like boomers. So, I figured instead of having a normal go around, I just scan a mask. So, I don't know if anybody has any 116 00:35:16.320 --> 00:35:32.000 thoughts or if you guys want me to say what we've all heard, but kind of put it out there for you guys first. >> So, we typically don't do you have five minutes to say what you'd like to say and then we can provide a response to that. Okay? >> Don't do a back and forth exchange. What 117 00:35:32.000 --> 00:35:47.119 I will say, there are several people sitting up here who have kids who are going to be going to that class. So, I don't think it's just on your mind. is online many people and some of us have two of us up here have children who just graduated from Denver. We got another couple deer at least one two more demas 118 00:35:47.119 --> 00:36:03.280 parents up here. So there a lot of us here with you know the same concerns about space. I think everyone in this school district needs to be concerned about space because of the results of the demographic study that were presented last week. But specific to the question around HMS, if you're okay with 119 00:36:03.280 --> 00:36:19.119 being done with your 5 minutes, rather than spreading more rumors, I think it would be best to let Dr. Johnson provide you with some context for what that process would look like in light of, let's say, tremendous enrollment where there would be no room for the sixth grade. Does that sound good? 120 00:36:19.119 --> 00:36:36.480 >> Yes. By hand, before we do that, I just want to get out there because I know we're being filmed and it goes on the record. So we know we'll have about between her sixth grade year and her eighth grade year between 133 and 177 predicted over capacity for the number 121 00:36:36.480 --> 00:36:51.839 of students in the building. We know is a smaller building. My daughter went to prek there. It's it's kind of at the older side. It's on the list of schools that need to be renovated. We know that it's been renovated basement science lab already. So everyone's very aware that 122 00:36:51.839 --> 00:37:07.680 that's a pain point. Um, and so before I turn my time over, I just want to ask in general for the record what the plan is, when the plan will be communicated, and what the time frame is that it's going to be shared out. Um, because I think a lot of parents need to make some 123 00:37:07.680 --> 00:37:23.599 decisions as to how they want to proceed in the open school district if we're going to be squeezing students in, if we're going to be looking at other solutions. I think this is the the time frame, we certainly don't want to be having this conversation at this time next year. um to really start 124 00:37:23.599 --> 00:37:41.359 understanding what the plan is from the board and from the district to address this significant overage and then yes I'd love to hear thank you thank you okay thank you um thank you so much for your question and um I think to provide 125 00:37:41.359 --> 00:37:59.359 a little bit of context um and also to maybe um resolve some rumors that might be out there. The first one is um in terms of putting science letters in the basement. I think it's important to know for everybody in here because it is on 126 00:37:59.359 --> 00:38:15.680 the record. We have not converted anything in the basement to science labs as a result of uh growth in the building. We do have a what we call a living lab in the basement of the middle school that was 127 00:38:15.680 --> 00:38:32.880 constructed um a few years back um to create a unique space for kids to study the Hudson River um uh as a kind of an estuary model um but we did not create that as an extra science lab okay so 128 00:38:32.880 --> 00:38:49.599 that's the first thing the second thing is um our growth in the middle school is um unquestionable as well as the growth at the high school level and the elementary level. So we are studying that growth 129 00:38:49.599 --> 00:39:06.960 every single day. Um while we do not have a final decision as to what we are doing um in terms of next school year um for the entire middle school as a um block. The one thing that I think we can 130 00:39:06.960 --> 00:39:23.760 say is that we are not going to we are definitely not a district that is in support of classrooms that are at the 30 student level. Um and so as a result we have to be as creative as possible in 131 00:39:23.760 --> 00:39:41.200 order to resolve the issue until a new building is built um quite frankly or until new space is is obtained. With that being said, we have started the process to provide safety valves for ourselves as a district. And what does 132 00:39:41.200 --> 00:39:56.720 that process look like? It looks like looking at each of our elementary schools and determining if there was anything in those buildings that can be potentially relocated to free up space. And so, as 133 00:39:56.720 --> 00:40:14.079 many of you know, um over the past year and a half, we worked really hard to find some space for preschool and we were able to um secure a lease for 38 Jackson. Uh 38 Jackson will take on nine 134 00:40:14.079 --> 00:40:31.040 preschool classrooms. We also um worked really hard to find another space for preschool and we were just able to secure that not long ago. I know there were some parents that were a little concerned because it was announced on 135 00:40:31.040 --> 00:40:46.720 the later side that we were able to secure some space at Lake Bridge um academy uptown. Um, but we did inform parents as soon as we were able to and we knew that was going to happen. So, with that being 136 00:40:46.720 --> 00:41:04.720 said, that is relieving the Connors Elementary School of some classroom, some prepaid classrooms. It is receing the brand elementary school of some classrooms as well. And when 38 Jackson opens next September, it will relieve us 137 00:41:04.720 --> 00:41:21.760 of some classrooms um at the Wall Elementary School. So as a result of that relief um it gives us some options to really discuss the possibilities that are associated with middle school expansion um which could mean a whole host of things. Um, we have not 138 00:41:21.760 --> 00:41:38.800 necessarily all sat and said this is exactly what is going to happen, but it is important to know that we took the proactive approach to be able to free space up in each of our elementary schools in order to um potentially have 139 00:41:38.800 --> 00:41:53.359 a solution for overage at the middle school. And so that's the reason that we did that. We have not made any decision if that means that all six grade is going to be consolidated in one location. Does that mean one grade level 140 00:41:53.359 --> 00:42:11.440 is going to potentially um say at the elementary school level? Does that mean we have not yet determined that, but we have heard parents concerns about communication early and so I am 100% sure that we are all um going to be 141 00:42:11.440 --> 00:42:28.400 committed to providing parents with enough time and a long enough runway to make the decisions that are best for their families. And um I I would say that that would be coming on the sooner side as opposed to the later side. It will not be at this time next year for 142 00:42:28.400 --> 00:42:46.800 sure. Thank you, Dr. Johnson. Do we have anyone else signed up? Miss Lopez, there are no other speakers. >> All righty. So, we are not going into executive session this evening. So, that will conclude our meeting. Do I have a motion to adjourn? >> Second. 143 00:42:46.800 --> 00:43:28.839 >> All in favor say I. I. Thank you and good night. Heat. Heat. Heat up here.