[Music]
good evening I need to I don't want thank you to everyone for coming out this evening we're going to get started welcome to the March 2025 Hoboken Board of Education meeting thank you all for being here if you are joining us this evening to speak on agenda or non-agenda
items please use the signup sheets that are located down front miss good can you please read the statement of compliance yes I can this meeting is being held into Conformity to the open public public meeting Act njsa 10 col 4-6 proper public notice of the meeting
was published in the local papers on January 14 2025 and January 16 2025 which were the annual notices if any board member or member of the public and attendance believe that the meeting in is violation of the open Public's meeting act the Hoboken Board of Education request that
they make a statement at this time the board wishes to make those in attendance aware that this meeting is being recorded on video and will be broadcast by the board at a later date on catv channel 77 and files channel 46 the full meeting record will also be made
available on board docs which can be accessed to the district homepage the Hoboken board of education is committed to preserving the theorum of the public process and is mindful that we live in electronic age of computers cell phones and other electronics communication
devices nevertheless we respectfully regret that all meeting participants kindly silence their electronic devices or in the course of the meeting and if use of the device is necessary we ask that you please leave the meeting room if you need to conduct personal business thank you Miss good please rise for the
Pledge of Allegiance I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible liberty and justice for all
miss good can you please call the role Miss Angley here miss katam matori here miss delira here Mr delator here Mr Grana here miss Conor here Mr kutle here
miss Norwood here miss mcer here you have a quarm thank you Miss good thank you uh this is a very special meeting and I think I I know for me it's always my favorite meeting of the year because we will be recognizing our Governor's educator and Educational Services
Professionals of the Year from each of our schools Then followed by our February students of the month so we're grateful to have all of you come here and celebrate all of the wonderful talent that is in this district and I will turn the meeting over to assistant
superintendent Sandra Rodriguez Gomez to get started with the [Applause] recognitions good evening members of our Board of Education superintendent Dr Johnson administrators faculty family families and students let
me Begin by wishing all all a Happy women's History [Applause] Month the 2024 theme is moving forward together women educating and inspiring Generations as we celebrate women's
History Month in our classrooms in our communities and at home we reflect upon the advances women have made including increased earnings Advanced educational successes and diverse job opportunities I want to thank all of the women on our Board of Education our
superintendent the women who are Educators and leaders and those here with us today to honor our students the mothers grandmothers teachers and sisters tonight is an extra special board meeting as we will be celebrating
both our students of the month for the month of February and our governor teachers and Educational Services providers of the Professionals of the Year tonight Hoboken Public Schools will have yet another reason to show off we will Begin by honoring our students of
the month and then transition to our Governor's awardees in a seamless fashion as always I'm honored to stand before you as our amazing principles come up to the podium and celebrate our students first and our staff second in the words of Marva Collins success
doesn't come to you you've got to go to it please give us your attention as we celebrate our students and all of their hard work dedication and desire to Simply put go to it we will begin the recognition with Joseph F Brand's
principal Mr Bartlett he will celebrate his selection at the podium and will then introduce the Conor's principal Miss Addie she will follow the same pattern introducing our next presenters principal Shannon of Wallace Elementary principal sorine of Hoboken middle and
principal Pika Petra of Hoboken High School once the students have been honored I will return to the podium share brief comments and then each principal will also return to share their thoughts on their school's Governor awardees They will receive
their Awards and beautiful flowers and will stand by for pictures with their families and with that I would ask principal Bartlett to take over the podium thank you thank you Mrs Rodriguez Gomez good
evening to the board of education and Doc uh Dr Johnson welcome everyone here tonight and at this point I would like to ask Hannah ker to come join me at the podium congratulations to Hannah Ker the branch school student of the month for February 2025 Hannah was nominated by her fourth
grade teacher Mrs faroo Mrs faruko said Hannah demonstrates exceptional qualities that make her a role model for peers and an outstanding representative of our school Community she consistently strives for academic success maintaining High grades and a strong work ethic she actively participates in class
discussions completes all assignments on time and seeks to deepen her understanding of class material as a leader in the classroom and Beyond hat sets a positive example she treats staff and students with kindness and respect her friendly and encouraging attitude contributes to a welcoming and
supportive School environment Hannah overcomes challenges with determination and continuously seeks Improvement in both academic and personal development her dedication kindness and Leadership make a lasting impact on our school Community Hannah previously earned a medal for successfully completing a 5K
race demonstrating her perseverance and commitment to Fitness additionally she has two soccer trophies which reflect her skill teamwork and passion for the sport however she said her most cherish cherished achievement is being honors at as a student of the month back in first grade A recognition of her academic
effort positive attitude and dedication to learning at such a young age outside of school Hannah has a passion for both Sports and the Arts she plays basketball and the clarinet participates in hip-hop dance Lacross and running her favorite subject is math and she appreciates its
logic and problemsolving challenges she likes drawing and bringing her ideas to life visually Hannah aspires to attend Penn State for college before her career as an interior designer Mrs Angley and I think that that's a fantastic choice of a school she said
this achievement Hannah said about being honored here tonight this achievement fills me with a deep sense of Pride and Joy knowing that my hard work and dedication have been noticed it means so much to me that my teacher sees me as a hardworking student I'm grateful for this opportunity and will continue to
work hard knowing that dedication and effort pay off as you keep working hard Hannah we can't to see how much you will accomplish accomplish please join me in congratulating Hannah kler our Branch student of the month for February at this time I would like to welcome to
the podium the principal of the Connor's Elementary School Miss Juliana [Applause] Addie at this time I'd like to call up emichu the Connor student of the month emu is a shining star in M Schmid's third grade class from the
moment you meet her you can feel the warmth and kindness that radiates from her heart Emma isn't just a student who excels in her studies she's a true friend to everyone around her in the classroom Emma creates a special kind of magic she's the first to offer a helping hand to classmates who might be
struggling her smile and encouraging words make everyone feel welcome and valued whether during group projects lunch or recess Emma makes sure that nobody feels left out in our cty program with Miss barakova Emma continues to be a beacon of
Excellence what's most admirable is how she helps her classmates with math problems she doesn't simply give away answers she guides others through the thinking process breaking down complex problems step by step this kind of generosity and wisdom is rare and precious in spe in such a young child I
had the joy of speaking with Emma today when she learned that she was student of the month she was quite shocked and a little nervous she shared that while she excels in math she finds Ela a little more challenging though her perseverance shines through in everything she tackles Emma dreams of becoming an artist one
day outside of school she enjoys swimming lessons and spending time with her little brother Theo when asked what she loves most about Connor she mentions her teachers and how they always encourage her to push her to forward and to grow both mmith and Miss barakova
deeply appreciate the Integrity responsibility and thoughtfulness that Emma brings to our school Community her teachers and classmates feel fortunate to have her warm Spirit brighten our Halls every day Emma we are so proud of you and all that you bring to Connor's
Elementary School congratulations on being our Connor's student of the month [Applause] at this time I'd like to call up Mr Shannon principal of Wallace Elementary School good evening we are here tonight to
celebrate Han aaza the Wallace school student of the month for February Han is a first grade student in Miss Graham's classroom Han has been chosen for this prestigious recognition because of his Relentless hard work and remarkable progress that he has made this school year Han truly exemplifies what it means
to Roar at Wallace recently he received the extraordinary effort award at our pep rally for his perseverance and resilience throughout the year he is also making great strides in expanding his communication skills through various modalities Han arrives at school every
day with a bright smile ready to take on the day with all his best efforts among his many accomplishments even when tasks are difficult Han shows up every day with dedication and a strong work ethic whether Han is struggling in a subject or a personal situation he remains
committed to doing his best Han shows a deep commitment to personal growth one of his favorite moments is when he sings songs during his morning meeting which brings so much joy to his day Han works very hard every day to complete his
tasks his dedication and growth in developing critical skills are truly inspiring it is clear that he is well on his way to achieving even greater success in the future keep up the amazing work Han we are so very proud of you let's hear it for Han our Wallace
school student of [Applause] at this time I'd like to invite principal sorfin of the Hoboken Middle [Applause] School good evening please welcome to the podium hobok and middle school student of the month for February London
Chapman London was nominated by Miss Scott and after hearing all the wonderful things said about her I could not agree more this recogn recognition is so welld deserved over the past year London has shown tremendous growth not just academically but as a leader within our
school Community she approaches her work with determination and focus always striving to do her best but we truly sets London apart is her kindness and generosity she doesn't just succeed she lifts others up up along the way when she finishes her work she immediately
looks for ways to help her classmates offering guidance and support without hesitation London is also a person of strong character she stands up for what she believes in treats others with respect and Carries herself with confidence watching her grow into an
incredible young person she is today has been nothing short of inspiring Miss Franchesca who you'll meet later this evening um shares that London embodies the true Spirit of kindness and compassion she's not only she not only excels academically but uplifts those
around her she checks in on others offering support when they need it the most her confidence and warm-hearted nature make her a joy to be around and an inspiration to us all London I hope you always stay true to yourself and continue to shine like the bright star that you are Miss Scott spoke about her
impact in the classroom London has made incredible strides to share in both Ela and social studies she creates a positive learning environment through her caring nature and Leadership skills she even assists her her in times of need and helps keep the classroom on track beyond that she's a talented
artist who inspires others through her creativity she hopes to attend an art school in the future and I have no doubt she will achieve anything she sets her mind to her classmates Echo these sentiments describing her as someone they can always rely on and someone who always
has their backs no matter what not only in her school Community is her school Community proud of her but London London's uh family is ecstatic when they heard the news London's mom sent this beautiful quote for all the things my hands have held the best by far has been
you we love you beyond all in this world and of course no honor would be complete without a special shout out from our brother Levi who responded London gez congratulations I'm so proud of you and I love you finally her own words London
simply said I'm excited to get this award for all the hard work that I've put in London as I mentioned to your mom the other day on the phone you are not just excelling your new found self-confidence is making you shine brighter than ever you have grown into a confident compassionate leader and we
are so incredibly proud of you we cannot wait to see all the amazing things that you will accomplish in your future please join me in a big round of applause for our February s month Monday [Applause] can I grab come on one more at this time I'd like to welcome
the principal of Hoboken High School Miss Patra good evening everyone at this time I'd like to invite Sarah Burns to the podium our February student of the month good job Sarah is a quiet young lady who
makes a big impact on everything she does she is currently a junior and challenging herself with AP classes throughout the years that's serves her well as she has a 4.3 GPA and I am confident over the next year and a half
she will continue to thrive Miss gleon shared sarin Burns has a way of making people feel like they belong it's not something she does for recognition or praise it's simply who she is I first noticed this quality on a
school trip when a student feeling left out and unsure of their place sat quietly on the sideline while I was consoling them Sarah noticed without hesitation she walked over smiled invited them to join her group no
one asked her to step in she just did and in that small moment she showed the kind of leader she is one who lifts others up who sees people when they feel invisible this sense of empathy and inclusion isn't limited or isolate to
isolated moments it's w into everything Sarah does whether catching for the softball team or playing volleyball she isn't just focused on the game she's also making sure her teammates feel supported whether it's encouraging a
teammate after a tough play or leading by example with her Relentless work ethic Sarah is the kind of athlete every team hopes to have but her leadership extends far beyond Sports her teachers share the same sentiment is a great
student conscientious and consistent goal oriented and self-driven she's a dedicated member of Harvard model Congress the National Honor Society best buddies and student government in each of these roles she
approaches challenges with enthusiasm enthusiasm whether she's debating policy mentoring students with disabilities or working to create a better school environment no matter the setting s Sarah gives her full effort not because
she has to but because she genuinely cares Sarah doesn't just participate she makes an impact she is the student who others look up to the teammate who never gives up and the friends who makes sure no one is Left Behind whatever she does
next I have no doubt she will continue to lead with kindness determination and a deep sense of purpose congratulations sah [Applause] [Applause] now we will move into our Governor's
awardees our educators are truly at the core of all that we do and all that makes this school district great to have been nominated by your peers students families and members of the community tells us that those being honored here
this evening are exceptionally skilled highly dedicated experts who Inspire students of all backgrounds to learn they are collaborators partners with colleagues students and families to build a strong culture of respect and
success they are leaders and innovators in educational activities in school and Beyond we admire them for all that and so much more they are rock stars as they make the above seem seamless they have dedication and a
strong desire to Excel and with that we will begin our Governor's award e portion and I I'd ask our principal of the Joseph F brand school to come on up uh at this time I'd like to welcome Miss Lena Gardner up to the
podium before I stand here and praise Mrs Lorena Gardner for a few minutes we need a bit of context about about 7even years ago our superintendent Dr Johnson entrusted me with the principal ship of brand starting that role I found a solid foundation left by our assistant superintendent and former brand
principal Mrs Rodriguez Gomez upon which we've built a tremendous Learning Community the following cannot be understated Lorena Gardner might be the Cornerstone of that Foundation she is one of the best teachers in the field today Mrs Gardner is here tonight for
fostering academic excellence and personal growth her Innovative teaching methods Inspire creativity and critical thinking she is committed to creating an inclusive classroom ensuring every student feels valued she is praised for her passion professionalism and profound
impact making her a deserving recipient of this honor Mrs Gardner is Relentless when advocating for her students she's willing to have tough conversations she approaches those conversations with an expert diagnosis of academic social and emotional needs her high expectations
are clear and she will accept nothing less from her students just as she expects nothing less from anyone else who has a hand in shaping them like many of our best teachers Mrs Gardner has a sharp sense of reflective practice I've often told her that she's too hard on
herself for things that don't go as planned and doesn't give herself a chance to enjoy the lessons that Doe I see now that no matter how much she hears that she will always reflect and refine she reminds me a lot of Coach Nick Sabin coach Sabin won seven college
football national championships and when asked about which one he thinks about the most he responded with the three I lost Lena it's important for you to hear this while there are days you and I talk about a lesson that didn't quite land you win the instructional day far more
often than you lose it and we stand here today in celebration of Your Excellence in education it's so important to have a core group of your people who you can always count on Lena is not only one of those people for the second great team and the staff at large judging by the vast number of our colleagues who are
here tonight but for me when we needed staff members to participate in the interview process for the New Jersey Department of education's promising practices project Lorena didn't hesitate to say she would help as a result she will be part of a team attending a conference at Rucker University so she
can share our best practices with other Educators enabling her expertise to help children in other school communities the best teachers are the ones who do the right thing because it's the right thing to do no matter how hard that path is to walk Lorena thank you
for walking that path for us every day we are grateful for every step we take alongside you please join me in congratulating our brand School educator of the Year this is Lorena gner [Applause] great and at this time I would like to
ask Mrs aurelis Rosario to join me up at the podium the support staff the people who assist with everyday teaching and learning are some of the most important people in a school often times there are the folks who do The Unsung and gritty things over
the course of a day sometimes they bring lunch orders up from the cafeteria or help students with a tough lesson concept sometimes they give a tissue for a runny nose or to dry a tee here this is an appropriate description of Mrs arelis Rosario our brand School
Educational Service professional of the Year Mrs Rosario is being honored here tonight for her impact as a kindergarten par professional she's celebrated for her compassionate approach to supporting Young Learners ensuring they feel safe nurtured and excited to learn each day
her ability to build strong connections with students and families has been instrumental in fostering a positive classroom environment her kindness professionalism and commitment to student success make her an invaluable member of our brand School community and a worthy recipient of this esteemed
honor one of the key areas of focus as we expand for uh excuse me as we expand opportunities for the children and families of Hoboken is our dual language program AIS has been instrumental in ensuring this program is emerging as a model for other districts often times
when I pass by or visit Room 210 she is taking an active role in the classes and group sanago she works hand inand with her cooperating teacher to meet the needs of the children entrusted to her and our dual language program students love and
appreciate her each day aelis has been an integral part of the kindergarten team as a power professional at Brand school for over 3 years her dedication and commitment to each student is unwavering Miss Santiago shared AIS brings patience kindness and creativity to the Dual language space she greets
her students with compassion and a smile whether it's helping students sound out a word find a missing letter or counting miss a is always there past or present they have all been incredibly lucky to receive her love and support we indeed are lucky to have auris at our
[Applause] school and you are an Irreplaceable and beloved member of our brand School family please join me in a warm round of congratulations for Mrs aurel Rosario our Brent Educational Service professional of the year
[Music] [Music] [Music] he at this time I'd like to welcome back to the podium the principal of Connor's Elementary School Mrs Juliana hatti [Applause]
at this time I would like to call out Miss Kristen Schultz our Conor's teacher Miss Kristen Schultz is an extraordinary educator who consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to her students making her an exceptional fourth grade teacher who truly embodies
educational Excellence what sets Miss Schultz apart is her remarkable ability to prioritize her students success and well-being her classroom is a vibrant learning environment where history Comes Alive through her engaging and Innovative teaching methods she
transforms fourth grade history into an exciting interactive experience that captivates her students imaginations her teaching philosophy is rooted in genuine care and integrity Miss Schultz goes above and beyond to ensure that every student understands
the material taking extra time to explain complex concepts with patience and enthusiasm she consistently offers heartfelt encouragement and specific compliments that boost students confidence and
motivation communication is another of Miss Schultz's exceptional strengths she maintains transparent positive relationships with parents regularly sharing the remarkable achievements and progress of their children her approachable nature makes her easy to
talk to creating a supportive network of trust among students parents and faculty the overwhelming support for her teacher of the year nomination from students parents and colleagues is a testament to her extraordinary impact her ability to
create a fun engaging and nurturing learning environment sets her apart as a truly exceptional educator it is for these reasons that Kristen Schultz is so deserving of teacher of the year she embodies the very best of our profession an educator who train transforms lives
through passion dedication and an unwavering commitment to Student Success please join me in giving a round of a [Music] w at this time I'd like to call up Mr Kenny beats our Educational Services
professional of the year as an instructional power professional at Connors Mr Beach truly exemplifies the highest standards of educational support and student engagement he is the heart and soul of what makes our support staff so special
bringing warmth dedication and exceptional skill to our school Community every single day Mr Bat is a model power professional who consistently goes above and beyond his expected duties his proactive approach is remarkable he takes initiative
without waiting to be directed seamlessly supporting both academic and behavioral needs of students whether leading an instructional Center or managing classroom dynamics he demonstrates exceptional professional skills every teacher begs to have Mr
Bates as their class par professional this is a testament to how wonderful he really is what makes Mr Bates truly extraordinary is his unique approach to student support he has mastered that perfect balance between positive encouragement and firm accountability
creating an environment where students feel both supported and inspired to reach higher children know that Mr Bates believes in them completely while also expecting their very best his ability to build meaningful relationships extends far beyond the classroom walls as we see
in his dedicated work with our after school passport to learning program where he connects and nurtures students across all grade levels during our recent schoolwide stem Expo day one of the first people um I asked to help with parent check-ins was Mr Bites along with
Miss hurry who's here tonight I made this choice because not only does he know every parent and child by name but he brings such genuine friendliness and warmth and welcoming energy to everything he does of course the moment I asked uh true to Mr bates's nature he didn't
hesitate for a second to offer his help this perfectly illustrates something that may not appear in his formal job description but defines who he is a person who steps up simply because he considers himself an integral part of a Connor's family Mr beats represents the very very best of what educational
support professionals bring to our school his presence makes our community stronger Kinder and more effective at meeting the needs of every child at this time please join me in congratulating Mr Ken evat our educational support professional
[Music] at this time I'd like to call up Mr Martin Shannon the principal of Wallace Elementary School it is my privilege to announce the Walla school teacher of the year Miss Diana valari it is truly an honor to stand before you
tonight as we celebrate the heart of our schools our teachers each day our teachers go above and beyond to inspire Challenge and support us they dedicate their time energy and passion to helping students grow not just academically but also as individuals today we are here to
recognize one teacher who has gone above and beyond in ways that truly set her apart Miss valari is someone who embodies everything we hope for in an educator she is passionate dedicated and always puts the needs of her students first Miss valari is not only a guide in
the classroom but also a mentor a listener and a source of encouragement whether it's going the extra mile to help a struggling student providing extra resources or simply creating a safe space where every student feels valued Miss valari has made an unforgettable impact on so many lives
Miss valari's classroom space is filled with positive energy and she has created an atmosphere where students feel safe supported and eager to participate Miss Lai has a unique ability to make learning enjoyable and meaningful and her classroom truly reflects her dedication to fostering curiosity and
confidence in each student her passion for teaching is evident not just in the lessons she prepares but in the ways that she connects with each of her students Miss valar's ability to see potential and help students believe in themselves is something truly special
her energy patience and unwavering commitment have shaped our community in ways words cannot fully Express tonight as we honor this amazing work let us remember the impact that Miss fi and all all teachers have that last far beyond the classroom walls teachers
don't just change the lives of their students they shape the future of our communities our nation and our world please join me in congratulating Dianna valari for an exceptional work and dedication to all of our students m
[Music] it's with great honor and gratitude that I announce this year's Educational Service professional of the Year Casey Baka today we have the privilege of honoring an individual who plays an essential role in making our school a welcoming efficient and supportive
environment for everyone Casey is one of our speech therapists and an essential part of our school culture the Educational Service professional of the Year award recognizes someone who has gone above and beyond in their role showing exceptional dedication professionalism and Care in supporting
our school Community Casey is the epitome of these ideals Casey is someone who consistently goes the extra mile to help our students staff and families whether it's offering assistance with rival and dismissal tasks ensuring well the well-being of our students or
keeping our daily routines running seamlessly this individual's contribution make an incredible difference every day Casey does not just bring her speech skill set and knowledge to the job but also her heart her dedication is shown in the little things
offering a helping hand when it's needed most creating a sense of comfort and organization in what can often be a fast-paced and challenging environment her professionalism and commitment shine through in everything she does and she truly embodies what it means to be a
Wallace Wildcat um let's give Casey Baka a round of applause for her outstanding service to our school Community your unwavering dedication compassion and positive influence on everyone you work with does not go unnoticed we are truly fortunate
to have someone as exceptional as you in our school thank you Casey for all that you do to support our students you truly are making the difference every single day [Applause] at this time I'd like to call principal
soran back to the [Music] podium good evening again for this recognition I ask Miss Danielle Miller to join me at the podium I know she has been waiting for this moment and as our recipients supervisor and Mentor there is no one more fitting to help recognize
his achievements so at this time please welcome Hoboken middle schools Governor's educated of the Year Mr Patrick Benson Mr Benson's an exceptional educator whose passion creativity and unwavering dedication have had a profound impact on hobok middle
school thank you Mr Sor it is truly a joy to stand here and honor Mr Benson an educator who impa whose impact extends far beyond the walls of his classroom Mr Benin is not just a theater teacher he is a Visionary a mentor and a Guiding
Light for his students he's built a junior thespians program that boasts over 50 participants of students creating space where they feel safe valued and inspired daily his ability to connect with his students on a deep and
meaningful level is remarkable he brings out the best in each of them encouraging creativity confidence and self-expression Beyond his instructional Excellence Mr Benson's enthusiasm is
unmatched as one of his colleagues so perfectly put it he is the embodiment of human Sunshine his passion is infectious his positivity never wavers and his commitment to his students is nothing
short of extraordinary he turns rehearsals into Unforgettable experiences and ensures that every student whether they take Center Stage or work behind the scenes knows that they are essential part of something greater his impact reaches far behind
beyond the stage whether he's leading rigorous theater lessons coaching students through monologues or simply greeting everyone in the hallway with his signature energy and a smile Mr Benson makes hobok Middle School a better place every single day his Productions have become a Hallmark of
our school drawing in students who never imagin themselves as performers and giving them a platform to shine the theater community community at HMS thrives because of his dedication passion and ability to bring out the best in everyone around him a true
tribute of what the teacher truly means to our community comes directly from our students Violet block said Mr Benson is a creative and amazing teacher who always manages to make students feel confident and smile and Logan morrisy added Mr Benson is always a fun and
outgoing person he makes learning interactive he's an amazing director I love his company and he makes personalized awards for his students for example he gave Logan most energetic and the best pepper shaker is that true true true since that is what Logan played in
this year's School play Miss Miller tonight we celebrate Mr Benson not just for his well-deserved recognition but for the lasting impact he has on his students his colleagues and the entire Middle School Community his work is a testament to the power of
Education creativity and mentorship Hoboken Middle School is stronger more vibrant and more inspired because of him Mr Benson on behalf of the entire School Community we thank you for your dedication your talent and your
commitment to your students and it is my great honor to officially recognize you as Hoboken Middle School's Governor's educator of the year please join me in celebrating Mr PJ s I'm sorry stop it careful [Music]
[Applause] it is now my honor to recognize someone truly special tonight please welcome our Educational Service professional of the Year miss Franchesca shanko as we celebrate this special honor tonight I'd like to share a short
story that I feel we will all appreciate when we asked Carmelo Miss Francesca's three-year-old son what he thought about his mom receiving this recognition he confidently replied no she's not which I have to say is exactly the
kind of honesty that you'd expect from a preschooler but after a brief moment of reflection it hit him just how deserving his mom is and with all the excitement of the world he shouted what' he say yay Mama yay Mama yay mama and that right there says it all
Franchesca shanov our counselor with fortitude Youth Services is the kind of person who quietly goes above and beyond never seeking recognition yet making an undeniable impact on everyone around her her warmth dedication and her heart make our school a better place every single
day in just two short years Franchesca has become an essential part of the Hoboken Middle School family though she may be early in the journey with us she carries herself with the grace professionalism and expertise of a seasoned veteran her impact is undeniable not only does she provide
unwavering support to our students but she also builds strong relationships with families ensuring that every child feels valued heard and supported what sets Franchesca apart isn't just knowledge and skill it is her heart she approaches every situation with empathy
and compassion making her a trusted Ally for parents and a pillar of support for our staff parents know they can count on her in times of uncertainty and colleagues appreciate her positivity her insight and her unwavering willingness to help but let's be honest what really
makes Franchesca Irreplaceable is her ability to brighten any room when she walks into it whether it's greeting students with a warm smile offering a reassuring word or working behind the scenes to ensure every student's needs are met her presence alone brings
comfort and confidence to those around her she doesn't just support our school she lifts it up personally Franchesca I want to thank you for always checking in with me whether it's a quick how's your day boss or knowing or a knowing smile
that says yep it's one of those days your kindness and thoughtfulness never go unnoticed your support and positive energy makes such a difference on those days and just a simple check-in from you is exactly what I need some days so thank you you are an essential part of
the school and I'm beyond grateful tonight we celebrate Franchesca not just for the title she has has earned but for the profound difference she makes every single day and to make this moment even more special we have a few words from those who know her best her teammate
Miss Costa shared that Franchesca has been an incredible partner during her time at HMS from the moment they met before school year began she knew they'd make a great team from day one Franchesca made her feel welcome created a seamless transition she's supportive
caring and truly embodies what it means to be a team player another student shared Miss Franchesca is deserving of this award because she's the best she's the best because she makes she let me said she is the best
because she makes me happy when I see her smile I feel safe when I'm in her room and she makes me laugh she is fun to be around and she has helped me a lot Miss Franchesca told me that she is beyond grateful for this recognition she has wanted to do this job since she was
8 years old and so appreciat to have the opportunity to provide kids with a safe space to be seen and heard clearly Franchesca you are the piece of the puzzle that we had been looking for Franchesca your dedication kindness and commitment to not does not go unnoticed
you are an invaluable part of the Hoboken Middle School family and we are Beyond grateful for you on behalf of all of us thank you for everything you do and congratulations on this well-deserved honor El [Applause]
at this time I would like to welcome back to the podium the principal of Hoboken High School Miss Robin pickip good evening at this time I'd like to call up Mr Adam Anderson Hoboken High School's govern's educator of the
year for the past six years Adam Anderson has been an integral part of our school Community when he first joined as a math teacher it was clear that he had a passion for learning but what stood out even more was his eagerness to take on new challenges over
the years that drive has led him to expand his teaching portfolio far beyond mathematics today he teaches AP Computer Science AP Computer Science a Project Lead the Way Computer Science Project Lead the Way principal engineering and
he even teaches Aviation each course requiring additional training and dedication which he Embraces without hesitation every year I ask Adam if he's willing to take on something new and without fail his response is an
enthusiastic yes while this means sacrificing summer hours for training he never sees it at a b as a burden instead he approaches it as an opportunity to grow despite his deep love for mathematics where he is currently
pursuing a doctorate his impact extends far beyond numbers and equations he was the first teacher to launch our Aviation program starting with only a handful of students under his leadership the program has flourished with enrollment
doubling as more students became inspired by his teaching Adam's influence is felt in every corner of our school he has a gift for making CL complex subjects approachable using Innovative teaching
strategies that spark curiosity and engagement whether he's explaining mathematical theories engineering Concepts or Aviation principles he has a way of bringing lessons to to life his students don't just learn they develop a
mindset of problem solving and critical thinking that prepares them for the future beyond the classroom Adam is just as de dedicated as the coach of Esports and the adviser of the robotics Club he invests countless hours in mentoring
students helping them grow and succeeds in ways that go beyond academics watching him interact with students it's clear that he isn't just teaching he's inspiring and if you ever saw him saw him set up the robotic set
and have the students create it takes like two hours I swear to create that whole thing and the kids just get into it and work together Adam's impact on students staff and our entire School Community is undeniable and it is an
honor to recognize his contributions congratulations Adam L control better this isable and last but certainly not least is Miss Maggie tigner Hoboken High
School's educational Specialist of Miss tigner demonstrates an unwavering commitment to her students academic emotional and social success as a school psychologist Maggie goes above and beyond to meet the diverse needs of her students
her ability to identify and address each student's unique challenges is truly remarkable she ensures that all students receive the support they need to thrive Maggie's dedication to the high school Community is evident in her daily
interactions she understands the critical role mental health plays in Student Success and Advocates fiercely for the well-being of her students whether providing support during crisis or for being a steady reassuring presence she has made a profound impact
on those she serves her ability to build meaningful relationships with students parents and staff sets her apart she creates a safe space where students know they will be met with understanding and guidance parents speak highly of her
kindness and open communication and her collaboration with staff has strengthened the entire School community it is clear that Maggie's passion for helping students drives her she's deeply invested in the academic social and
emotional growth uring each one reaches their Highest Potential Steve Jobs said the only way to to do great work is to love what you do and keep learning as you go as a principal I've had the pleasure of watching Maggie grow over the past two
years she has gained confidence speaks up when she has questions or opinions and has truly come into her own role every day she continues to develop her expertise and make a lasting impact
which makes me extremely proud Maggie you exemplify everything I could hope for in this profession dedication empathy expertise and a Relentless drive to support and uplift students you are
the best congratulations Magie yeah w [Applause] one more round of applause congratulations to all our teachers staff students and Educational Services professionals recognize tonight
we are so incredibly proud of you I know that some of you may have early alarm clocks early bed times we're going to take a brief three minute break to let anyone who um needs to exit get on with their evenings and uh we'll be back in just a couple of minutes with
the business portion of our meeting next we're going to move into committee reports miss good do you have a business administrator's report this evening uh no I do not but I want to say this will be my next to last board meeting it would have been my last board meeting
however we move the budget meeting till next Monday I would like to take the time to thank the board and the superintendent in this post staff um um for welcoming me in this district and I thank you it has been a great 6 years here thank you so
much than you than you thank you thank you thank you I appreciate it thank you thank you oh well you know yeah Miss it's been a long 34
years in education Miss Norwood do you have a curriculum report for us this evening I I do thank you the the curriculum committee met on Thursday March 6 on in attendance were Dr Johnson Miss Sandra Rodriguez Gomez Miss Angley Miss katamori Miss cona and
myself there are five curriculum agenda items and the committee recommends all for approval the first three are approval of Grant submissions for various things uh 50,000 to uh an East Sports uh Grant uh 20,000 for an
innovation Grant and 50,000 for a submission for um New Jersey stem Pathways Grant uh 9.04 is the acceptance of a grant for expanding access to computer science courses for 20,000 9.05 is the approval of a variety of field
trips uh there was uh stem Expos were held for allk through eight students um and they were funded by the hpf we thank them for their um support all were attended by um parents and very well um attended there will be a family math
night on April 5th in the Hoboken high school gymnasium uh look forward to a big game space with giant manipulatives and life-size interactive math mats there's been a variety of uh teacher professional development that is ongoing including Google educator certification
programs for some of the teachers that uh will be happening um through to Mid April andl professional development which continues to be offered during staff meetings uh the March 10th meeting will be focused on analytics there was dual language
information sessions that were held on February 25th with close to 150 parents and Guardians attending uh if you're interested in the FAQs and the presentation they're on the district's website there was an eastem challenge at NJIT and six grade 5 students from each
Elementary School is will be participating in these teams which feature a community problem solving question U I know it's been a long meeting um the last uh one that I'm going to pick up is that on um Tuesday
March 25th um at caucus High School the Hudson County school board's unsung hero award ceremony will be honoring Hoboken High Schools uh 12th grade student Serenity Perez as our unsung hero that's all thank
you thank you thank you Miss Norwood and congratulations to Serenity on being the unsung hero Award winner uh now we go to facilities with Mr gr thank you Miss mcar um the facilities committee met on
March 6th and in attendance were Mr Kell Mr darara M M Mr caly M Johnson myself um it is a is a very light summary that I sent you this month uh two items for the consent agenda
13.01 uh excuse me 14.01 and 14.2 which the committee recommends for approval um I would just like to note um a note of kudos to this committee um as as the district grows as we expand as
our curriculum expands as our extracurricular activity expands the demands sponder facilities continues to grow and it is a real challenge to sort through not only the priority which is the district schools and Affiliated
organizations and then to be fair to the rest of the organizations that try to get a slice um of our facilities so uh thanks thanks very much this committee for acting fairly and making the bestest choices possible thank you that is my
update thank you Mr R Mr clell do you have a finance report for us this evening sure that one thank you thank you the uh finance committee met on Friday March 7th uh joining me
were Miss Angley Mr delor Mr gr miss good and Miss Lopez the committee did review uh tonight's Finance agenda and recommends all for approval just a couple of clarifications uh as I sent out my revised uh
notes uh from over the weekend item 1108 uh increases the of our 2024 2025 contract with Children's Specialized Hospital for physical therapy and occupational therapy uh for our students uh last last year uh we approved the
2024 25 uh contract with a not to exceed amount of $200,000 we're going to have to increase that in anticipation of the necessary Services through the end of the school year uh 1111 renews the contract with Chartwells for Food Services in the next school year 2025
26 uh and 1112 is the uh price for breakfast and lunch next year which are increasing 20 cents of course for who qualify will still receive free reduced price meals uh 11:13 uh concerns Employee Retirement
savings plans and appoints the company that will administer the plan at no cost to the district uh what I learned is 403b and 457 new terms to me are kind of like what unfamiliar with 401ks or tax shelter annuity Plans offered to Public
Schools uh through a program with the IRS uh at the meeting we also discussed the uh briefly the 2025 2026 uh budget which is in the final stages of development by the administration uh the finance committee
will meet again uh this Thursday for a preview and then the budget will be presented to the board at a special public meeting next Monday March 17th at 7:00 p.m. then as we do every year the board will vote to send the budget to the county superintendent for their
review uh the final budget will present that a public budget hearing next month uh thank you thank you Mr kfal Miss cator do you have a governance report for us this evening yes very sure um the governance
committee met on Friday March 7th 2025 in attendance for Dr Johnson Miss Norwood miss mcer Mr kville and myself um this month's agenda is very typical and fairly light with a number of items regarding volunteers for various District events resignations leave
requests appointments modifications compensation approvals and the like as well as Workshop approvals and the monthly Hib report for each School the committee um recommends all agenda items for approval that's my report thank
you thank you Miss katamori Miss darara do you have a wellness report for us this evening I do um The Wellness committee met on uh March 6th in attendance for myself miss mcer miss kanana Mr delor and Dr Johnson
um one item up for approval tonight 7.01 which is the um policy [Applause] 5111a um access to education and student privacy and immigration enforcement thank you thank you Mr delara
[Applause] I have a brief president's report this evening but as um as miss good alluded to um next week we will be meeting to have the adoption of the tentative budget for next year but it will also
Mark the last public meeting we'll have prior to Joyce's retirement so I wanted to take this opportunity to say a few words um Joyce joined us here in 2019 and if you think about all of the things that have happened between
between 2019 and now I think we can all say that we have been through a heck of a lot together uh sometimes it's easy to forget all the things that happen over a period of time like that because certainly there are some some highlights and some really tough moments and I
think as a speaking on behalf of you know myself and and I think everyone here you know we have seen highs and and really lows as a as a group we've been through some tough personal things together we've been through through loss
with you and on behalf of the Board of Education I want to thank you for your dedication to this district and its students that never wavered once even when you know you were going through some incredibly tough times and I personally thank you for that we are so
grateful for your service and it was our privilege to have you as a part of this district and this team so thank you so much for all that you've done for Hope oen thank [Applause] I also want to add congratulations this evening to our Varsity Boys Basketball
team who lost a sectional championship by one point on Saturday this team represented Hoboken very well on the court and while we know the outcome is not what you might have hoped we are all very very proud of you Redwing Cody f also excelled this week in wrestling at
the njsiaa championship at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall with a 12th Place finish Cody is the first Redwing to wrestle and win at Boardwalk Hall we congratulate Cody on a very successful wrestling career as a Redwing uh you will be missed As you move on to your
next Endeavor Additionally the high school mock trial team has advanced to phase two regionals of the state tournament they defeated both Sussex and pic counties in phase one so we wish them all of the best as they move forward in their uh tournament and I
know there'll be lots more exciting news coming from HMS and H HSS when our um student Representatives rejoin us for our April meeting we're now going to move to public comments on agenda items I don't know if we have um
Miss rosan faace just a reminder before we open for public comment over the years and most recently the board has been asked why it does not prohibit or stop comments about School District employees from individuals who speak during public comment portion of the meeting the short answer is that the law
prevents the board from censoring comments made about District Personnel the board does not condone nor is the board a party to comments as such however just because a speaker may have the right to say what he or she feels it does not absolve a speaker from liability for any comments that could be
viewed as defamatory by an employee should speaker say something that subjects them to a civil suit the responsibility Falls squarely on the speaker and not on the board board policy requires that all speakers please state your name Municipality of residents and business affiliation if
any speakers are allowed 5 minutes and vice president Angley will quietly motion with 30 seconds left please address all comments to the chair board policy states that the board welcomes comments on matters of interest to the board but this is not an opportunity for dialogue or debate between speakers and
board members or or the superintendent good evening Roseanne Versace Hoboken Wallace school on behalf of the Hoboken Education Association I would like to congratulate our Governors Educators and
educational support Professionals of the year who were honored here this evening it is so gratifying to hear the wonderful accolades and heartfelt words spoken by our administrators about the incredible staff in each of our schools every person honored here tonight has
committed themselves to a career that is Quantified not by financial success or elaborate titles instead they chose education because of a feeling deep inside that made them want to make a difference the path has not always been easy and over the years it has become
increasingly challenging but everyone honored here tonight recognizes how helping students grow and succeed academically and personally is a reward that is worth the challenges to teach is to be selfish selfless and unselfish
often putting personal needs aside side in deference to giving themselves to their students if you have ever been influenced by a teacher and I know you have you know and remember the impact that one special person had on your life I can recall many teachers from both my
elementary high school and even College days who had a significant impact on me and shaped my decision to become a teacher and while it may have been many decades ago the feeling of being cared for encouraged and inspired is just as
fresh today as it was so many years ago so in closing thank you to our Educators for educating in educating inspiring supporting and valuing the students of the Hoboken Public School District thank you for helping them conquer their challenges and discover their strengths
and as we celebrate the achievements of our honored teachers and esps tonight let us thank all the teachers and esps in our district for believing in the power of education and for nurturing the Future Leaders of Tomorrow and before I close I
just want to say Joyce it's been a pleasure um I don't want to get to uh too mushy because I'll probably cry but thank you for everything it's been so great to work with you and I wish you all the best in your retirement thank you thank
[Applause] you are there any other speakers Miss Erica Alvarez good evening Erica Alvarez uh Wallace School uh hsca president uh I just
wanted to Second what Roseanne said and on behalf of our local the time that we worked together wasn't that long but it's been amazing and you know very refreshing to work with someone that's so professional and
just you know I really want to congratulate you on your retirement miss good and thank you for everything you've done thank you um I also wanted to speak on behalf of the entire Hoboken School Employees Association membership I want to personally congratulate each of our P
professionals that were awarded tonight for your unwavering dedication and hard work as power professionals you play an essential role in shaping the learning environment for our students your compassion patience and commitment to supporting both students and staff did not go unnoticed it is because of your
efforts that our schools continue to thrive and grow thank you for the vital work you do every day to make a difference in the lives of the students we serve your continued passion and professionalism Inspire us all and I look forward to seeing all of the great things that we will accomplish together in the years ahead thank you for
recognizing such wonderful wonderful par professionals um and for all of you know the hard work they do I appreciate it thank you evening all right with no further speakers on agenda items we will move on to our
consent agenda is there a motion motion second miss good can you call the role M Angley yes Miss K matori yes Miss Dela yes Mr delator yes Mr Grana yes M Conor
yes Mr kful yes M Norwood yes m mcer yes motion passes thank you Miss good do we have any speakers signed up for comments on agenda and non-agenda items no we do not thank you so we will be going into executive sessions for the purpose of
discussing matters covered by attorney client privilege we will not be taking any action so we will just be um coming back to close the meeting and we will be approximately I think half hour uh at Max will'll be approxim 1 half
hour um do I have a motion motion second M good can you please call the role Miss Angley yes Miss camor yes Miss delira yes Mr delator yes Mr Grana yes
Miss Connor yes M kille yes Miss Norwood yes M mcer yes motion passes it's 8:23 p.m. and we're going into executive session it is now 9:13 p.m. and we are just coming back from executive session
do I have a motion to resume the meeting motion second second miss good please call the rooll give me one second Miss Angley yes Miss camori yes Miss Z yes Mr delator yes Mr Grana yes
Miss Conor yes Mr clel yes Miss Norwood yes M mcer yes motion pass thank you Miss good and with no further business do I have a motion to close the meeting motion to close all in favor say
I thank you have a good evening [Music]
oh [Music]