I will do finance. I don't know. >> Okay. Good evening everybody. We're going to go ahead and get started for the Kennalan Board of Education regular public meeting of November 18th, 2025. The New Jersey Open Public Meeting Law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advanced notice of and to
attend meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting their interest is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the provision of the act, the Kennelan board of education has caused notice of this meeting to be published in the suburban trends on January 19th, 2025, posted in the Kennelan Public Library, filed with
burough clerk, and posted on the district website. Caitlyn, would you uh roll call the board, please? >> Yes. Mrs. Leonard >> Mrs. Pella >> here. Mrs. Portman's not here yet. Mr. Eisen >> here, and Mrs. Donaldson >> here. Okay. No closed session is needed.
Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay. We have routine matters approval
of the minutes for September 30th executive session which was tabled for uh an amendment and then the October 28th regular meeting minutes. Can I have a motion to approve? >> Second. >> Okay. Uh, any discussion on the minutes?
No. Okay. You can pull the board, please. >> Thank you. Mrs. Leonard, >> yes. >> Mrs. Pella, >> yes. >> Mr. Eisener, >> yes. >> Mrs. Donaldson, >> yes. Luca update. >> First, we would like to thank all of the parents who joined the Kil Cisco
teachers for parent teacher conferences earlier this month. We would also like to thank the uh Kesha and all of the volunteers who coordinated and provided our students with the annual scholastic book fair. On Veterans Day, students, staff, veterans, and active duty military members from our community came
together in a a whole school assembly to sing a selection of patriotic songs. The event was enjoyed by all. We thanked Mr. Tedesco for coordinating this assembly. This past Thursday, Kilo Cisco students participated in a laser light assembly
on the theme of kindness. We would like to thank Dr. Vulpe and Prismatic Magic for bringing this to our students. Lastly, Kil Cisco's annual toy drive will run from November 25th to December 8th. Stony Brook held parent teacher conferences on November 3rd and 4th.
Thank you to all of the families that attended. On November 10th, Stonybrook also held its annual Veterans Day assembly. It was an honor to recognize the veterans of our school and the Kennelan community for their bravery, courage, and service to our country. Thank you to our veterans for sharing
their experiences and words of wisdom with our students. On November 11th, six of for six of our fourth grade students visited Cedar Crest to present their poems and essays on what Veterans Day means to me. Thank you to Mrs. Catalano
for setting this up for our students. We would also like to express our gratitude to all of the Stony Brook families for your sock donations for soctober. The Stony Brook Student Council collected over 100 pairs of socks for a homeless shelter. Our Kesha sponsored
theater club did an amazing job with their performance of the Adams family Jr. on November 2nd. This week, our fifth grade students are also visiting the Ber Space Center on a class trip where they will participate in real life space simulations. In addition to KEEL, Stonybrook is looking forward to our
laser light assembly with a focus on anti-bullying. This Thursday, the social outreach club at PRM collected 10 boxes of extra Halloween candy and partnered with Soldiers Angels Treats for Troops, which is a Halloween candy collection program. Local businesses and organizations can
register to collect the candy, which is then distributed to the military at VA hospitals, military installations, and reserve units. Thank you to all who participated. On Friday, November 14th, PRM came together and hosted an important tradition in our PRM school
year, our Veterans Day assembly. It was our privilege to welcome veterans as honored guests who served in the United States Armed Forces as students were able to hear personal stories and experiences of those who served. We would like to thank the HSA, Mrs. Eert, Mrs. Conklin, Mrs. Barnes Rizzo, Mr.
Gooff, Mr. Boardman, Mrs. Hendris, and Mr. Lenel. This week, PRM welcomed former professional football player Aaron Golib. Students were able to learn about perseverance and other life lessons, as Aaron was the first legally blind division one athlete and NFL free agent
to play football. Special thanks go out to the HSA and parent Erica Jefferson for coordinating this event. On Wednesday, November 17th, eighth grade students in the PRM social outreach club will um will visit Keel or visited Keel Elementary School to engage
with their younger peers. They will discuss the importance of Thanksgiving, share American traditions, and reflect on meaningful family moments in their own homes. Lastly, the PRM Treps Marketplace will be held on Tuesday, December 9th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the PRM gymnasium. The snow date is
scheduled for December 11th. Students at KHS have officially transitioned to marking period 2. We are excited to announce that we will be holding an we will be begin holding an uh an honorable breakfast for students in celebration of their accomplishments and achievements during marking period
1. Our tomorrow's teachers program which consists of KHS students who aspire to be teachers is off to a strong start this school year. KHS students wrote and illustrated books that they shared with kindergarten classes at KE and taught three lessons at PRM. We are excited for these students and all that they are
accomplishing. KHS's cast and crew did a fantastic job with our fall drama last week. Thank you to Mrs. Yates, our director, as well as Mr. Danielson, for all of his work on the set. Tomorrow night at 6 p.m., the annual Powderpuff game will be held at
the Spiro Sports Center. All are welcome to support students and the student council. On Thursday, the fishing club will go out on their first charter boat experience with Mr. Lechman and a postsecondary planning night hosted by the counseling department will take place uh the same day at 7:00 p.m.
Finally, our first eighth grade shadow day of the school year will be held this Friday, November 21st. Rising freshmen will get a tour of the building and attend three classes. >> Thanks, Luca. That's a lot. There's a lot going on in our schools. So, well
done. Thank you. All right. Superintendent update. >> Thank you, Luca. Thank you, Mrs. President, I have quite a bit I could say, but I think I'm going to save it till this room is packed next month at this time and uh we can move along to our facility report and update by uh
Miss Lawler, our business administrator, board secretary. So, the floor is yours, Miss Lawler. >> All right. Tonight's presentation will be an update on the facilities and the longrange facility plan, also known as the LRFP. All right. The LRFP is a required
multi-year strategic plan that a school uh district must create to outline how facilities will be maintained, upgraded, and expanded to meet educational and safety needs. Includes an detailed inventory of each building. The LRFP must be approved by the New Jersey Department of Education. The district's
architect submits amendments on behalf of the board of education following board approval. The LRFP determines the maximum amount a district can um maintain in their capital reserve and all capital projects must be on the LRFP.
The um approved projects on the LRFP also are looked at by the district's auditors as well as QAC. So as of January 2026, the NJ DOE will be updating the LRFP software. At that time, the district's architect will submit amendments on behalf of the
board. A draft of projects have been submitted to the board. No action will be taken at this time. Some projects include HVAC upgrades, boiler upgrades, bathroom renovations, the PRM roof and media center, the KHS practiced turf field, and new kitchens for KHS PRM and
Stony Brook. None of these projects are approved to be moved forward with, but they will be added to the long-range facility plan. So, how are facilities projects funded? Capital outlay includes um allocating funds from the district's operational budget. That's the 2% tax levy increase
every year. Capital reserve, which is the district's savings account for capital projects. Those funds can only be used for capital projects. Referendums provide funding for capital improvements by a special vote, temporarily increasing the tax levy so the district can obtain a bond or debt
service to fund the work. The tax levy is increased through length. the bond. Currently, Kennalan has one outstanding bond from the 2008 uh KHS expansion. The bond was refunded last year in 2425 school year and final payment will be
made in the 2032 to 33 school year. Grant opportunities such as ROG grants would help fund the Keel and Stonybrook of partial roof replacements and the ESIP program, which is a energy savings improvement program for upgrades to boilers, HVAC or lighting, which the
district is currently exploring now. So from January 2023 to present, the board and administration have prioritized facility upgrades. In November 2023, the district's architect completed a district-wide facility assessment which is later presented in March of 2024.
The 2023 2425 and the current 2526 budgets include facility upgrades. So, here's a list of some projects that were completed during the 2324 school year. Lockdown and emergency notification system. Swipe card access
upgrades, technology infrastructure upgrades in phase one, paving and concrete work, bleacher repairs, basketball stops, fencing perimeter, spiral field at KHS, PRM outdoor security cameras, paving and sidewalk replacements, HVAC rooftop unit
replacements at Keel, fiber optic cabling at Stonybrook, concrete work at Cisco, and maintenance garage at paving. There's also additional projects you can read as well. The 2425 facility upgrades include again technology infrastructure upgrades,
exterior security cameras at KHS, PRM, the snackstack um installation of door security swipe card at KHS, cafeteria exterior door, installation of swipe card reader, the new compressor for the technology team, partial roof replacements funded by the raw grants
for Keela and Stonybrook and again more door security card readers. Clearly security has been a priority for the district. And in the current school year, phase three of technology infrastructure upgrades have been um budgeted and incorporated.
This also included um paving the service road at KHS which has been completed, the track which has been completed, wood shop and dust collection completed, auditorium acoustics upgrade phase one. We currently um have the supplies being delivered. This will take place in the
winter and spring. Culinary arts renovation phase one. Uh we completed electric monitoring to see how much capacity we have going to that area currently and we'll continue moving forward. Chairlift replacement and AC units at all kind roadside classrooms
and weight room PRM exterior concrete steps exterior security cameras. Keel paving exterior security cameras Stony Brook exterior security cameras and more security cameras at the maintenance building. So moving forward, the culinary arts program phase one is
underway. There will be consideration for Stony Brook School upgrade for any outdated cameras, consideration for the KHS visitor bleachers and walkway. The board previously approved a topographic study to evaluate the land surrounding KHS,
including the practice field for a potential turf multi-use field. The local government energy audit report was submitted to the district for review. This is part of the ESIP program which could in provide funding for boilers, HVAC or lighting upgrades. A PSE andG
program has also been considered for boiler upgrades as well. And the 2627 budget planning projects to finalize or be considered. None of these are definite is dependent on funding and the district needs culinary arts phase two
additional KHS auditorium upgrades, bathroom renovations, beautifification of the outdoor cafeteria space at KHS. This will be a minor project, the practice field upgrade and pure second floor HVAC. So, the district has been quite busy trying to maintain facilities
for students. And do we have any questions? All right. Thank you. >> Okay. Okay, we were just discussing there's actually even more stuff that we've done and there is a list and that is on the website. Um, this was just
kind of a condensed version of it for a briefing, but there's a very extensive list of all the projects we've taken on and the things we've accomplished in the last three years. So, if people are curious, I uh recommend they take a look at the website. Where is it under? Is it under board or district?
>> Presentations of the uh budget. >> Okay, presentation of the budgets. that has a pretty much pretty detailed list >> and in that in those presentations you actually see line items. So just for easier public understanding.
>> Okay. So the committees did not meet this month due to Thanksgiving and the condensed uh public meeting schedule. We will be meeting in uh two weeks. So there are no committee reports. Um >> say one thing. >> Yes. I know we don't have a lot of people here, but I know a lot of people
watch tomorrow or later tonight or whatever. Miss Lawler went through that and it to people who don't understand the work of the board and our district of what that entailed year over year, the time, the
effort, the hours, the Saturdays, the nights, it was a lot. And so that's why you always hear me and I know sometimes I, you know, folks may go deaf with me, but I emphasize the work of the board, the district goals, the board goals.
It's something that we all take serious. That's how we grade ourselves, and they've all been there right out in the public eye. So, it is a lot of work. And anybody out there that ever wants to, you know, criticize or point a finger at us in this direction, they're welcome to
come on the side and work with us on all those evenings and all those weekends all year round. And for the elected officials, this isn't their career. So, it's really a lot of work. And um I commend the board and past members and all our current members. It's been a lot
of work. So, really, it's something to be proud of. >> Thank you. And I do appreciate Caitlyn for um kind of consolidating all of that, getting the long-range facilities plan in action, working with the auditors to kind of identify what we actually have to move forward, where we're where we're we're not crossing
tees and dotting the eyes. So, thank you for all that work, Caitlyn. Uh you'll see when we go through um the agenda, we're doing actually have a maintenance plan that it's the first time I've ever seen one so extensively written with the details. So, we'll be looking forward to
discussing that as we move forward in the agenda. Okay. So, we don't have committee reports. Uh, New Jersey School Boards Association. Jen, do you have anything on that? Nope. Okay. Um, Morris County School. Uh, Carl's not here. Legislative representative. Jonathan, do
you have anything? >> We did we did have a um we did have a legislative committee meeting. This is the Morris County School Boards Association. Um we usually meet the first Wednesdays and it was right after
um down in Atlantic City right after we met and then also Atlantic City. Um we've met since then and there's a lot of momentum um in terms of um speaking with legislators especially with the turnover and getting to know them and saying hey we're here as a resource and
and not necessarily trying to tell them hey we want you to do this this this but much more like hey this is a concern for schools and they're not just our schools schools all over the state um and we'd like to work with you um so you know we're we're working on ideas like
suggesting task forces for public school boards and members to participate with the legislators and um we're getting some buy in on that. So, >> was there any I know we talked about at the last meeting the fall NJSLA testing. Did that come up in any of your
discussions? >> Yeah, everybody everybody that was at the meeting was kind of cranky. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Mostly be I mean mostly because it was kind of out of the blue like there wasn't >> it wasn't in the normal calendar and then it was just kind of like oh we're doing testing. Um, so yeah, that had
happened to everybody. >> Yeah. No, I know it was statewide, right? >> Okay. >> Um, and they're also very focused on um, as I said, the kind of task force kind of idea. Um, but
you know, suggesting to work on HI because a lot of folks who aren't in this day-to-day have no idea what you're talking about. What's a HI? Um, and then at least in Atlantic City, the story was that when they were talking with some legislators who had been present, they weren't necessarily aware either, but
when they it was explained that, hey, this is what a hip is and this is how it went and you know, we'd like to revisit that, there was a lot of um reception towards that. >> Oh, that's good. Yeah, >> good. That's good news. Okay. Um, Morris County Educational Services, you guys
don't meet, right? Okay. I know liaison isn't meeting until January. Okay. Um, Carl's not here and neither is Frank. All right. So, we're going to move on to petitions and hearings of citizens for agenda items. Does anybody have anything
anything online? Jay? No. Okay. All right. We're going to go up to the agenda. We're going to do this um by section because we did not meet just discuss. So, since um Carl is not here, I'll go ahead and and uh discuss agenda
items a finance. So we have the treasures report board secretary budget transfers the certification of the budgetary line items. Number six is uh um a resolution to accept the emergency
drill report. Seven is reimbursement for staff expenditures out of district workshops. Eight is the closing of the petty cash bank account um which is actually we found out in the audit isn't required. Um we have the final expenditure report
for the IDA grant. Um 10 is uh the comprehensive maintenance plan that I discussed that I have never seen such detail which is excellent and the annual maintenance budget amount worksheet. So it breaks down how much we're looking at with each school. Um the district report
of transport transported students. We have our security and safety plan. um our health and safety evaluation and those are all um if everybody those were all in the attachments that were sent out. So can I have a motion to approve
those finance facilities items? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Okay. Any discussion on any of those? >> I had one. >> Yeah. Um it was easier on the computer screen than on this, but um it looks it looked like um resurfacing the gym
floors in all the different schools, which >> is really cool. Number one. Number two, that made me think I'm sorry I forgot the maintenance plan, but at this time last year, >> um the gym floor in the new gym was buckling. So, I obviously not expecting
an update on that right now, but um just wanted to make sure that it's in good shape to use and then obviously resurface as needed. >> Well, I mean, I think um once it was
airrated or was jetted out as as um Ralph had shared last year when we discussed it at pretty much at length that that helped. So, whatever happened with the turfing um underneath it clogged all those lines. But then also when we added the ventilation and there
was more air movement in there. I mean obviously it would be great if we had HVAC in the in the gymnasium. But um that is a very very hefty cost. So that's a whole different separate conversation. But as of right now we haven't had any issues any buckling.
I don't want to put it in the atmosphere but winter hasn't started yet. We haven't had a lot of rain yet. uh we still have those issues on the side of the of the gymnasium that come all the way down to the snack shack and then on the field. So we we're going to continue to look at that. So but I mean as of
right now we've been okay. >> Yeah. I think one of the issues was that Ralph discovered that that people had kind of they had also turned off the building maintenance because it didn't work and they had the boiler running.
So, and it was so warm in there that people had the doors open and so there was just a mismanagement of the actual environment itself which is why HVAC is a big ticket item. Um, most of the building management systems don't talk
to the boilers and some of them are so old they're literally valve systems. They're not even switches. They're they're they're not really uh fixable as far as I understand. Um, so hopefully we get something some traction with PSEG or
something from the EIP where we're getting 40% back or even more. So, we'll see what happens with those different uh grant opportunities. Um, but those are that the PRM roof. I know the KHS has a a roof issue that's going to be coming
up in the next couple years. Um, those are the big ticket items that really have to be addressed. So, the long range facility plan has to be updated. As soon as that software gets done and then we get the architect to help us, we need to put that on so we can address these
capital issues. Um I also did notice that uh why are all is that just a placeholder for all the gyms resurfacing? >> Yeah. So typically um the district will resurface like the finish of the wooden
floors just every few years. Yeah. And then you know they just print up whatever's currently there, smooth it out, clean it. >> And I've done that in my previous district. >> Okay, great. So it's just kind of like minor maintenance repair. Great. Great. Yeah. Well, that is the maintenance
plan. Anybody have any other questions with the section A? >> I wanted to confirm. I just looked it up. The health and safety evaluation the actual checklist. I just looked it up from the state and it's not with regard to personal records. It's the building health. So, I just wanted Yes, it's
building, right? Yeah. >> That's a requirement for QAC. So, it's just um there's criteria for the buildings like are the boiler licenses up on the wall, you know, is there enough spacings like between the ceiling and certain objects? It's just an annual. It's um just to make sure make
sure that the buildings are healthy and safe. >> Excuse me. >> Okay. Any other questions on section A? >> Nope. Okay. Can you pull the board, please? >> Yep. Mrs. Leonard? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Prella? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Portman? >> Yes. >> Mr. Eisenhire? >> Yes.
>> Mrs. Johnson. >> Yes. Okay. Uh section B, personal negotiations. Jonathan. >> Yeah. Um in front of you from page right page. Thank you. Page four through page six um you have the um standard
sections of the personnel um with uh leave replacements, leaves um coaching assignments and co-curricular assignments um and there and substitutes. So that's before the board and a motion to
>> motion. >> And any further discussion on personnel? Anybody? It's all pretty straightforward. Okay. Seeing none, uh, can you pull the board? >> Yes. Mrs. Leonard? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Pella? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Portman? >> Yes. >> Mr. Eisenhire? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Donaldson?
>> Yes. Education? Kelly? Yes, it's short and sweet. This month there's only two agenda items. The first is um that we approve college ROI system which is going to take a deep dive comparing and contrasting colleges with um exploring affordability, financial
aid, scholarships, and long-term return on investment. Um and the other is three field trips that are upcoming. >> Okay. Can I have a motion to approve? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Discussion. anyone kind of excited about
the ROI. I think that's going to be really awesome. And that is being presented on the 20th, right? And that's going to be recorded. I saw that email come out, right? Excellent. Okay. Great. All right. Can you pull the board? >> Yes. Mrs. Leonard, Mrs. Pella.
>> Yes. >> Policy. Um, everyone should have received um an update with the HIV reports. It was a a more complete kind of explanation of each because last month we had a couple questions. So, I I really appreciated
that. It helps it um helps us to make a good choice, you know, to approve these. And then the plan going forward is to have um presentation and then any discussion at policy meeting committee meetings for
first reading of HIPS. And then the only other thing is um the um policy in order to have a student who fits to participate. >> Great. I believe that letter was signed.
So, this is just the official approval. >> He's already participating as far as I understand or tryyouts. >> Yep. Yesterday. Great. Okay. Um, anybody? So, may I have a motion to approve policy section? >> Motion.
>> Second. >> Okay. All right. Any other discussion? I just do want to thank the administrators for taking the time to help us fully understand the hibs um the harassment inter intimidation and bullying those that don't know what that
means um because it does help us in make an informed decision when we're approving it and um when we do vote we do really take it seriously. I don't none of us really just want to rubber stamp stuff. I know that's a little bit more work for you but I really do appreciate that.
Yes. Anybody have anything for the committee? No. Okay. Unfinished business. Anyone? New business. We have board of education meeting dates for next year. Okay. So, we do have uh next year's
meeting dates already up for approval. All right. Uh correspondence. Anything online? Jay, correspondence. Do any nothing. Okay. All right. Petitions and hearings of citizens non-aggenda items.
Okay. Nope. All right. Board member comments. Dana, put your mic closer. >> Is it true that this is Jen's last meeting or will you where there'll be a meeting next? >> There will be a
>> No, she's not leaving yet. We have committee meetings. We have another meeting. >> My my best wishes to all of you and your families for a beautiful and happy, healthy Thanksgiving. That's all. Thanks. >> Thanks, Dana. Jen Thank you,
>> Kelly. >> Um, I just wanted to thank Mrs. Ler because that was a wonderful, wonderful presentation, and it's really important uh to just have that transparency and to know what we're working on, what needs help, where the finances are going, and it's very much appreciated. I know how
very much work it is. You make it look easy, but I I know it's a lot of work. Um, and I just, of course, and it's um a good reminder as the goes on. I feel like I've never had a school year that kind of has passed as quickly as this one. As we go, we're just doing so much
work and it's really nice to take stock and see all the things that we're working on and all the wonderful things for this district that um we're hoping to bring to fruition and I know that with this powerhouse team, we really will do it. So, um you know, it's it's exciting to see all the things that we've done and I hope that everybody has
a wonderful wonderful holiday break next week. Jonathan >> did a lot on Thanksgiving and um just congratulations to all the students who had um big exciting times last week in all different ways and all different
places. >> Dave, you want to say anything? >> Yeah, I mean more or less what everybody else is saying and you know as long as you have your health, you have your family, you have a good group of people that you can lean on. I have a lot of that right here in Kolan. You got to be appreciative, you have to be grateful
and you have to just grab the day each day. So, uh, you know, happy Thanksgiving to all our families and to all our our people here in Kennelan. And, uh, it's a great time of year at the holiday. So, I don't care what we call it in the next few weeks. You celebrate it. Enjoy it. It is what
it is. >> Okay. Great short meeting. Thanks everybody for your help. Next month's going to be long because we have a lot of recognition. And, uh, have a wonderful, wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm very thankful for the team we have here
for the ability that we've been able to work together and make some real positive changes and that my kids are students here. So, have a great Thanksgiving. Can I have a motion to adjurnn? Motion.