So, >> all right. I'm going to call this meeting to order. Can you please rise? 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, with liberty and
justice for all. >> Adequate notice of this meeting was scheduled was advertised in the Asbury Park Press and the Beacon on January 9th, 2025, and amended on November 14th, 2025. and by posting the notice in the forkid river and lenoka harbor post offices and by filing a copy of the
notice with the lacy township clerk as requested by the open public meeting act. Can I have a roll call for attendance please? Mr. Armato >> present. >> Mr. Bell >> here. >> Mrs. Armato >> here. >> Mrs. Walker >> here. >> Mr. Conny >> here >> and Mrs. Claus >> here.
>> Okay. Now we're going to go into the board of education interviews. Um will do you want to M. We're going to uh conduct interviews right now uh more for the public here. Okay, you are um watching. Okay, there is no interaction allowed from the public gallery. No
talking, no cheering, none of those things. Okay, we have chosen at random. Which board candidate is going to go first? The other three are going to be sequestered to not really have a better word for it for it in classrooms individually down here. Then we'll be swapping them out. Each interview will
take about 15 minutes. Uh, Mr. asking questions and then the board's going to be taking notes and then we'll go through the four of them and then we will go into private session. Okay. Any questions from the gallery first? Okay. You guys know the rules. So, I'll take three of you down the hall and then we
will get started. Awesome. All right. >> Good evening, Mrs. Spenzo. >> Oh, the microphone. Yes, the microphone. >> I wish I was talking on my hands. >> Okay. Thank you for applying. We're
gonna ask you a series of six questions. >> Sure. >> All right. Um, first question, please introduce yourself to the board of education and give them a brief background about yourself. >> Regina Desenza, Sunset Drive, Sunrise Beach, previous two-term board member. Uh, I have a master board member certificate from the NJSBA and I also
hold a certificated board leader um NJSBA uh board member academy >> um requirements. >> Okay, thank you. Um, what motivated you
to apply to be a board member for the Lacy Township Board of Ed? >> As soon as Miss Claus uh announced that there was a vacancy, I applied the next day. Okay. Community involvement is a big part of what makes Lacy strong. How have you taken part in in or supported the
community since becoming a resident? >> Um, let's see. I have quite a bit here. Let's see. During my six full years on the board, I only missed one monthly business meeting. That's 71 out of 72 meetings. I still attend today when I am in town. If not, I watch the meetings on
YouTube. Uh I attend regularly the MUA meetings, the planning board meetings, the municipal alliance, the township committee meetings, and for the past three years I've also attended the weekly afternoon
county commissioner meetings in Tom's River. Um I went to over probably hundreds of school events, PTA events. In fact, I think I joined all parent
teacher groups while I was here and um I'm always doing something and going somewhere. >> Okay. Thank you. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing our district? >> Oh, of course I knew that one was coming. Biggest challenges I would say
are financial student achievement. Um I don't see how it gets any you know more important than that. Those are the two most important things. Keeping the finances together, meeting all the budgetary requirements
and uh improving student achievement. >> Okay. Um a controversial issue divides the community. How would you help the board make a fair decision? >> Make a fair decision. >> You have to weigh all the pros and cons. Is there anything else you'd like to
share or that you would like the board to know about you? >> Well, I wanted to make sure that everybody had a chance to review my NJSBA transcript. >> Okay. I'm only one of two board members in Lacy that have completed all the board member academy requirements and hold both the master board member
certification and the certified board leader certificates. Donna Makavoy was the only other board member to ever complete those same requirements. I also have experience in negotiations, having participated in all three union contracts, the LTEA, the child study
team, and the LTASA. I recall writing at least two superintendent evaluations since I wasn't conflicted, so I have experience with that as well. I served on all three committees, policy, finance, and curriculum. I also served two years on
the NJSBA legislative committee, and we we met in Trenton, and I had to travel for that. I also participated in the superintendent search in 2016. I have no conflicts, no relatives working for the district, no reason for recusals.
I already mentioned that I only missed one business meeting in um six years and I attended many other special meetings as well. I also attended, voted or represented Lacy at the NJSBA delegate assembly for more than six years. It was
a public meeting and I went several times as a guest. I also attended all the six NJSBA workshops in Atlantic City and that's where I took many of my training sessions. To this day, I still review the district's monthly bills and vouchers and have been doing so for
approximately 16 years. I've paid taxes in Lacy for over 26 years. I mentioned all the meetings um that I attend regularly and I don't think there's anyone else that has this background. I keep very busy.
>> Okay. >> Thank you. Thank you, Regina. >> Done. >> Y microphone is your seat. >> I was going to hand everyone my resume. They didn't have it. >> Uh, they have already good. All right. Welcome, Mrs. Opitz. Uh,
thank you for applying to be a board member. I'm going to ask you a series of six questions. >> Okay. All right. Um, please introduce yourself to the board of education and give them a brief description about yourself. >> Okay. Um, so my name is Carrie Opitz. I have lived in Lacy for almost my whole
life, about 39 years. Um, I live here with my husband, Rob. We have three children in the school district. Uh two girls at Cedar Creek, one at Mil Pond in the pro prek program. Um so I was just
going to look at my resume. So as far as my education, I have bachelor's in accounting and an associates degree in business administration. I also have a fear of public speaking. So it's kind of ironic that I'm going for a public position. Um, as far as
volunteering in town, um, I've been on the Mil Pond PTA as a treasurer. I'm also currently on the Cedar Creek PTA as a treasurer. And then for work experience, um, basically like financial roles and compliance type roles. Um, I
was an auditor at Burgata in Atlantic City. That was fun. Um, but basically just auditing like financial records. uh lots of SOPs like standard operating procedures, policies, making sure um team members were complying, doing
interviews with the team members um because every of course everything was regulated by different institutions um like the gaming comm um control commission and things like that. So lots of experience with like policies, reviewing policies and um presenting
those results to senior management. Um my other role I was an account manager for some big pharma companies. So basically another regulatory position um doing like sample accountability so
reconciliations and um writing business rules making sure that the client was um in compliance with the PDMA PDMA which was the prescription drug marketing act um and I was promoted in that role to
senior account manager and then I currently work for Hackinac Martian Health been there for about six years. I am the manager for the network um for productivity for all 11 hospitals, all of the um physician offices and all of the clinic pra uh
clinical sites. So I work I report up to I report up through to the seuite. So I report to the chief nurse executive for the whole network and the chief operating officer. >> Hold on. >> Sure. Can you can you step out
>> for the Can you repeat that one, please? >> Um, yeah. So, I was just saying how I report um up to the chief nurse executive um in our corporate headquarters in Edison. And I just thought that was important to call out
because I work with like every level of our organization. So I work with the nurses, I work with their management, the hospital level like administration team and then up to the the seauite team which is like the COO and the CEO. Um so that's like my professional
experience and I just thought some of that could translate well to working on the board as a school board member. Um, some of the reasons why I'm not doing this, um, I'm not doing this for like name recognition or any political like I have zero political aspirations to I
heard someone say to me like, is this the minor leagues for like town council? And I said, I'm not sure, but that's not why I'm doing this. I have zero like name recognition. I'm not trying to do anything like that. I'm just trying to protect like the public education for
our schools and for Lacy schools and that's why. >> Okay. Thank you. Um kind of answer this. What motivated you to apply to be a board member for the Lacy Township Board of Event? So, I was contemplating running for a few years, like in the regular election, but um specifically
this past year, I really was um confident in the candidates, including Jack and including the three new people that ran. Um I thought everyone would make a great fit for the team. So, I kind of hung back. And then this was
just like a circumstantial situation happen stance that it came up and I thought I could give it a try. >> Okay. Um, community involvement is a big part of what makes Lacy strong. How have you taken part in or supported the community since becoming a resident?
>> Um, well, specifically with the schools, um, I thought, well, yeah, I'm a parent in the school, but like that's not enough. You kind of have to get more involved. So, um, I went at when the schools first restructured with Mel Pond being prek,
they needed like a whole new PTA board. So, um, because all those parents were moving on. So, that's when I went and I said I can do the treasure role because nobody wanted to do it and I figured that was my way to at least help out as any way that I could. Um, and then as my
girls went to Cedar Creek, I figured, let me move on to Cedar Creek, help there. So, this is my second year doing the PTA volunteer work there. >> Okay, there you go. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing our district right now? Um, a few would be I
just really wish people would um self-educate more with the board. I feel like the community trust um should be greater with the board, but unfortunately, for whatever reason, it's not as strong as it could be. I don't
think it's anyone's fault necessarily. I just don't think people take the time to be proactive and research what they should. So, I would like to kind of hopefully help to change that a little bit. Um and then of course the funding.
I think we should be um not be getting the short end of the stick with the funding from the state. >> So, that's a big one. >> All right. Um if a controversial issue divides the community, how would you help the board make a fair decision?
>> Um I think it's all about like communication and active listening and um making sure being collaborative, being supportive, a cohesive team as a board member. um and having that like psychological safe space as a team. So
that's a big one. I actually just went to a training this week for work and um the biggest part of it was like the active listening and communicating clearly. They actually used um an example like an analogy that I wanted to that I thought I could use tonight was like the chocolate cake analogy. It was
like if you communicate to someone picture chocolate cake, each person gave a different response. Like someone was like German cake, somebody else was fudge cake and whatever. It was just all different answers. So it was like making sure that you clearly
precisely say what you mean when you're talking. So hopefully if there's divisive issues, you know, just working together. >> Great. Is there anything else you would like to share or that you would like the board to know about you? Um, I didn't expect that question.
Um, no, just that I really hope I just want to contribute to making the schools thrive. And you know, that's not an easy thing to do. It's like easy thing to say, but um, my kids obviously go here and all the kids that go to the school. Um, I want them to like really be proud
of going to the schools. I work with a lot of people from Mammoth County and up north and they're oh we have these great school systems and stuff and it's like well we do too. >> So just contributing to that. >> That's it. >> Thank you. >> Is that it? >> That's it.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> John I'm I'm Welcome, Mr. Satello. Hello. >> Thank you for applying to be a board member. I'm going to ask you a series of six questions. Uh please introduce yourself to the board of education and give them a brief background about yourself.
>> Okay. So, my name is John Satello Jr. Uh brief background. I work in IT. Um I'm a uh IT systems support engineer. Uh I work for the second largest busing student busing company in North America. I've worked worked in IT for a while
now. Um, so it's it's been pretty pretty uh pretty good for me. Um, I I a husband, you know, my beautiful wife. I have three children. Uh, two of my children graduated through the high
school already. Uh, they're on to their college excursions, so that's always a very nice thing to see, you know, coming out of the school district and being able to go to college. Uh my youngest is in the middle school and she's part of the STEM program. Um
I am uh the current uh chairman for the performing arts boosters association here at the high school. Um I work as a we work as a team. We try to fund raise for as much money as we uh as we can keep we can bring in so that way we can
keep the program solvent. Um as well as that I also reside on the um the main boosters board. I am sergeant of sergeant at arms there. Uh at the main boosters at the high school we also provide uh we oversee all of the sub
boosters um that uh you know different uh programs, activities, sports, things like that. And again it's it's you know we fund raise for a purpose. We fund raise to keep the program solvent. Um, so I just want to say thank you for
allowing me the uh the opportunity here. So, thank you. >> Uh, what motivated you to apply to be a member of the Lacy Township Board of Education? >> Well, I mean, obviously because of being um part of the boosters, I I do a lot of work in the schools. I see a lot of
things that happen here. Um, you know, it's been it's been a while since I've been in some of the grammar schools, but a lot of what we do is in the middle school and in the high school. So, we see the programs, we see the activities, we want to make sure that that's solvent for the future. Um, I'm sure everybody
probably knows me and has has seen me before, but you know, obviously when we were having the issues with the state budgeting, which is still continuing, obviously, um, you know, I was one of four people that actually went to Trenton to fight for this township. um
two students and I congratulate the two of them that it was great and you know it was a great thing to see them out there too with us you know fighting for the township uh and I want to continue that fight. I want to continue to make sure that the township the school district gets what it needs. It has
everything that we could possibly give for any any one of the children that walk through these doors from the time they first walk through these doors to the time that they exit when they're seniors. >> Very good. Thank you. Community involvement is a big part of what makes Lacy strong. How have you taken part in
and or supported the community since becoming a resident? >> Uh so again, I guess I can kind of go back to the uh the boosters and you know, the boosters um uh participation here. So again, being the chairman of the performing arts boosters, um I do a
lot of work with the marching band uh with the the drama department. And if anybody hasn't seen it already, please do go and see the play. It is starting tonight. Tonight's the opening night, so today, tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday for a shameless plug here. Um, so yeah,
so we uh we do a lot of work with them. We try to make sure that everything is okay. Um, the uh the work that I do with the the marching band, it's bringing them, you know, getting them everything. If you've ever been to any of the football games, you've seen me drive out on the field with the quad and pull the
equipment out and put the equipment back. Um, I also uh I also help them out with their uh their competitions. I rent the truck. I drive the truck, the quad, the trailer, bring them out there to represent the the uh the township and the community. Obviously, we want to try
to show what we can uh showcase here. Um yeah, so the majority of of uh my work that I do is with um the volunteer work is with the school district. >> Okay. Thank you. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the district right now?
So big I mean number one the biggest one is going to be the budget. It's always the budget. It's been the hot topic for the last couple years. Um we've been dealt a really bad hand obviously from the state and we we need to find new and constructive ways of being able to
provide enough money into the district to keep the the students active in the school district. Right? So by what I mean by active is not just coming into the school district and you know sitting in
a classroom, sitting in a chair, opening a book, reading a book or their Chromebooks. Now I'm dating myself here. Um you know, not just reading out of a book and learning there too, but it's things that keep them engaged in in the school district too, engaged in their school work. Um it's the outside
activities, it's different things like clubs. Uh again, kind of going back to the performing arts side of things, you know, the performing arts. Some of the kids, you know, they're not they're not athletes, you know, and their their avenue is performing arts and similar,
you know, similar things are, you know, with some of the athletes and different clubs and art clubs, things like that. So, um the biggest thing is just just to um make sure that the kids are getting their full that well-rounded education when they come in. again from the day
that they come in to the day that they leave that they have that education and that gives them that insight. It gives them that that um drive to do things when they grow up and when they leave the school district and when they go on to bigger and better things.
>> Right. Good. If a controversial issue divides the community, how would you help the board make a fair decision? >> I'd have to look at all the information that's provided. That's the biggest thing, right? So part of part of me um part of what I do in IT is analyzing
things, right? So I'm a very analytic person. I'm going to sit there and I'm going to look through as much as I possibly can by the information that's provided to us. Obviously, if you're on the board, you get a little bit more information. Um I'm going to look and
see what the options are. If if option A is better than option B, then maybe there's a compromise somewhere in between. you can do something like that. Um, you know, similar to going back to the um the last budget, you know, we we
were looking at, you know, smaller budget, it was 3.15%, then it turned into a higher budget, then it was like 14 and a quarter%. Yeah. 14 and a quarter% something like that increase. That was I I was against that. I did not want to see that obviously. Um, but at the same point, I didn't want to see the
state come in either because if the state came in, it would have been a lot more than that. So, where's the compromise in there? Um, the big thing is, you know, being on the board of education, you're working as a team. You're not working as a sole person, right? You have your ideas, you have
your opinions, and you're working as a team together to try to make the best possible decision for the community. And that means listening to community members, too. Not everybody has a bad idea. So
maybe we need to open our ears a little bit more and listen to everybody and try to see if there's a way that you can compromise to get a better resolution. >> Thank you. Is there anything else that you'd like to share or that you would
like the board to know about you? >> Um not necessarily. I just I just again want to thank everybody for for giving me the opportunity to be here. And if I am the candidate, then uh I will definitely uh make sure that I will do
whatever I can to uh to appease as many people as I possibly can. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Shar. >> I was wondering who was missing it. >> Yeah. Welcome, Mrs. Klein. Thank you for
coming. Thank you for applying. Um I'm going to ask you a series of six questions. >> Okay. >> Uh please introduce yourself to the board of education and give them a brief background about yourself. >> Okay. Um my name is Jennifer Kleinens. Um I just moved to Lacy Township about 3 years ago, but my family has been here for about 40 years. It's always been my
dream to move down here and we're here. Um so background my most of my background is um I have been an executive in healthc care for about over 20 years. So um most of my experience is all in acute care hospitals. Um, however, I'm also an adjunct professor
at several different colleges um throughout New Jersey. I'll start there. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Uh, what motivated you to apply to be a member of the Lacy Township Board of Education? >> Um, for the last 10 or 15 years, I've been very interested in local
government. Um, I was a municipal alliance for Piscataway Township. Um, and I started, um, when we were living in Bridgewater, I started to get involved with that local government. Um and then again we moved down here. So I did join the municipal alliance and um
when I saw the open chair I decided to um to apply. Okay. >> Community involvement. Community involvement is a big part of what makes Lacy strong. How have you taken part in or supported the community since becoming a resident? >> Yes. So I've recently joined municipal
alliance in the task uh task force for drugs awareness. Um um I did a few of the the Lacy Township day. we did the 5K. So, I'm getting to learn all of the um different things that go on in the township and supporting that. Um also
very active Elks member, Lacy Elks member. Um I'm the drug awareness chair there now and my husband is the chair of the antlers. So, we we do deal with a lot of the high school students and do a lot of functions with them. So, it's great getting to meet them, getting to get involved with them. >> Okay, great. What do you see as the
biggest challenges facing our district right now? >> Finances. Um, I think a lot of the challenges come from, uh, you know, government and not being able to get the resources, um, and the and the finances needed to to do what we need to do and to have that trickle down. Um, and, um,
staffing, I think, is another huge issue. Um, uh, I have very experienced with advocating on Capitol Hill with my association, and I think that that's something that, um, needs to be focused on as well for education. >> Thank you. If a controversial issue
divides the community, how would you help the board make a fair decision? >> I'm sorry, can you repeat it? >> If a controversial issue divides the community, how would you help the board make a fair decision? >> I think having as much information as possible is the first part. Um,
doing the research and finding out um, you know, obviously it's such a broad question. um depending on what the what the issue is and how it divides the town. Um but also, you know, being on the same page as the rest of the board and trying to do what is best for the
community and also more importantly for the students. >> Okay. And is there anything else you'd like to share or that you would like the board to know about you? >> Um I I kept my first one short. So I think um you know as far as my experience with healthcare um I some of
my strong points are uh policies and compliance um budgeting and resource management um risk management um and then also with being an adjunct professor I do have um I I did teach electronic medical records, legal medical records. So I do have experience
with curriculums and accreditation through um my association there. um and um just being able to time management and um subject matter expertise for uh those issues. I have a very strong passion for mental health and substance
abuse. Um not only from a personal family, but also um my history um I used to work at Carrier Clinic and we have a very um we have a east east mountain district school. So we had a very high uh student population there and being part of that and seeing how much support
and you know as as they say it takes a village and I firmly believe that we are that village outside of their homes and I think that that is such an important part of what we can do for for these uh students. >> Okay, great. Thank you. >> Thank you.
All right, we're going to go into executive session now. Uh, be it resolved that executive session be convened for the purpose of discussing uh we're going to discuss the vacancy candidate interviews, confidential student matters including but not limited to harassment, intimidation and bullying, confidential legal matters including but not limited
to the current case load and confidential personnel matters. Subject matters of these discussions will be disclosed to the public when the reason for confidentiality subsides. The length of the executive session is estimated to be approximately 90 minutes after which the board shall reconvene and proceed with business at 7
p.m. Action may be taken. Motion >> motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> Okay, we're going to resume the meeting. Uh first I'd like to thank uh the four candidates who came out tonight and had an interview. Uh Jennifer Klondens,
Regina Denza, Carrie Opus, and John Satello. and we're going to go right into nominations. I'd like to open nominations for the board positions. Uh, do I have any nominations? I'd >> like to nominate Miss Carrie Opitz, please.
>> Do I have any other nominations? Okay, I'd like to close nominations. Can I have a motion to close? >> Uh, close nominate. Close nominations. Sorry. >> I second. >> Okay. Can I have a uh roll call, please?
>> Okay. Mr. Mr. Armato, >> yes. >> Mr. Bell, >> yes. >> Mrs. Armato, >> yes. >> Mrs. Walker, >> yes. >> Mr. Connelly, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Claus, >> yes. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. YES. >> SO, next steps, they'll be reaching out
to you. Um, you'll need to pass a background check and then we'll swear you in um next month at the board meeting. Okay. All right. Congratulations. Okay. Um going to change the tone a little bit. Um, okay. Good evening, students, families,
faculty, and members of our community. It is with our profound sadness that we gathered today following the tragic loss of one of our students. Losing a young person is something no school community is ever prepared for. Our hearts are with the students family, friends, and
all who are grieving. In times like these, we are reminded of the importance of supporting one another. Every student in our district matters deeply to their families, to their teachers, and to us, the board of education. We want every young person to know that they are
valued, they are seen, and they are never alone. We encourage our students to reach out to a trusted adult, a counselor, a teacher, or a friend when they are feeling overwhelmed. We provide counseling and have a safe place to talk. as a community. Let's honor this
student's memory with kindness, patience, and with renewed commitment to caring for one another. I would also like to thank uh Mr. Zalinsky and the crisis team. Um they met uh on Sunday and they put in a plan in place uh for Monday morning for the staff uh and the
students and the community. Um they did an outstanding job. Um but again, it's with sadness that we have to um report this. Um I think that's all I'm going to say right now. I'd like to hand it over to the students, uh, representatives. And again, I'm sorry that you lost, um,
one of your, uh, friends. >> All right. Good evening, everyone. So, SGA met on different days this month month due to testing. Freshmen met on November 17th. They are right now planning their June future teacher in unsung hero. The sophomores met on November 13th. They are also planning
their future teacher in unsung hero for May. The juniors met on November 11th. They're planning their April feature teacher and unsung hero. And they're prepping for no the November 5th powderpuff. Please come and support the students. Juniors versus seniors. Believe $5 entrance. Yes, anybody can
come. There will be snacks and hot chocolate. And then the seniors met on November 17th. They are planning their March future teacher and unsung hero. We are also beginning to plan our Graham fundraiser and awaiting confirmation for payment options. Information should be
sent out in the upcoming weeks to LTSD schools. Students will receive information regarding June 2026 senior trips and endofear activities in the upcoming weeks. Also, the executive board met on November 12th. home. We
homecoming was a great success. SGA brought in $6,800 to the SGA account for scholarships and SGA activities. On November 11th, Veterans Day, the Veterans Day ceremony, all officers attended. Cooper and I read speeches and
placed the wreath in remembrance. All classes have board members who are in charge of also planning battle of the classes. And battle of the classes will be December 17th through the 23rd. The next SGAA meeting will take place on Monday, December 1st. I'm going to hand it off to Cooper.
>> Thank you very much. And for our November unsung hero, I would like to please welcome Samantha Saboko down to the stage. Can we all give her a big round of applause? All right. So, this year's November unsung hero is Samantha Sabokco. Sam is very involved in many activities and her
commitment has led her to thrive in leadership positions. She is a field hockey captain, a DECA vice president, the head yearbook editor. She is the executive board activities coordinator for the student government association and she's also a member of the National Honor Society. Academic wise, Sam holds
a high GPA and is enrolled in the OC program at Lacy. She holds a high academic drive for herself and gives her best effort in everything she does. Sam holds multiple varsity letters, including fall, winter, and spring sports. Sam is always willing to help her classmates out and provide assistance when needed and continuously
promotes school spirit when completing activities. Sam is a role model for Lacy Township High School and always has a positive attit attitude. Congratulations, SAM. CONGRATULATIONS. OKAY, now we're going to hand it over to Mr. Zillinsky. >> Okay, and I'm going to shift gears a
little bit. Uh, good evening. Tonight, we're going to take a moment to recognize the exceptional work that defines a big part of our school community here at the high school. The advanced placement scores achieved by our students this year are nothing short of phenomenal. They are a powerful testament to academic rigor, student
effort, and most importantly, the transformative power of the dedicated teachers that we have. This year's results, which include some hund 100% passing rates in some cases, reflect countless hours of preparation, mentorship, and deep subject matter expertise from a truly outstanding group
of educators. They have guided our students through the most challenging curricula and have helped them unlock their highest potential. We're going to have Mr. King, who's already come down. He's going to help me recognize our stellar AP teachers tonight. They the kids all get their scores and they get
them at home and we want to make sure that the uh the man behind and the women behind the legends uh will get recognized tonight and we're going to have a certificate for them and we're going to recognize them. Mr. King, >> that is what it comes down to. Uh we've talked about test scores and nationally
given tests. Uh the AP exam is given nationwide. It is so controlled that people take it the same time each day. It's given uh across the states. So our teachers work very hard. On top of that, the course is a bit shortened because the test is given in the beginning of
May. So where some teachers have until the middle of June to complete their coursework, uh these teachers go into September knowing their clock stops at the beginning of May, sometimes May 1st, sometimes May 12th. Within those first two weeks of May, uh their courses finished up, the kids have taken their
test, and the scores are recorded. So uh for them to have achieved this much success with the students we had, uh is incredible. It's definitely the students hard work and the effort, but with the inspiration, leadership of our teachers, I am extremely proud to stand before you this evening and announce our amazing AP
teaching staff. Uh, first down is Matthew Barata. Matthew, come on down. Next, we have Steven Guyer. Karen Hopson, >> Butch Larmy, John Kuzan, LISA KUZAN, ALLISON MCMULLEN,
Michael Pierce, Joe Romeo, Morgan Sanders, TIM SCHWINDER, >> Anita Sodto, >> Jen Sullivan, >> Jerry Vios, ALI YORK and Danwir for you, sir.
>> So, again, congratulations to all of our AP teachers. What you do in the classroom each day is both inspirational and incredible. Um, and Mr. Zinsky, you taking a picture? >> Excuse me. >> Good. Thank you. All right. >> I would now like to introduce the
November seniors of the month. This month we have three seniors. Our first senior is Riley Tilton. Riley, please come on down. A round of applause for her family who are here. Come on up your right. Tom's gone.
>> I'm Riley Tilton and I'm proud to be named November Senior of the Month at Lacy Township High School. >> Congratulations, Riley Tilton, on being named Senior of the Month November 2025. The sports I'm in include field hockey and lacrosse. And I'm in several clubs
such as the National Honors Society, the Thespian Society, the Drama Club, and ADA. Riley Tilton is one of the hardest working uh most conscientious uh and adorable students that I've ever had the pleasure of teaching in 25 years. It's
an honor to see her grow from a very young girl into the lovely young woman that she is today. and she is bound for really great things. >> Some of the best memories I've made here at LTHS are with my field hockey team and my closest friends. >> She's just really funny and really nice
to be around and uh just has a really lovely spirit um and brings something really unique and positive to the room. Um I really enjoy spending time with her and hearing her unique insights as well. I'm looking to major in environmental
science and political science. >> Congratulations to you again, Riley. You deserve the world and I'm so excited for what the future holds for you. >> Congratulations, Riley. Our next student of the month is Aiden Flynn. Aiden, come on down.
Round of applause for his parents who are here this evening. >> Hello, I'm Aiden Flynn and I'm proud to be named November Senior of the Month at Ly Township High School. >> Congratulations to Aiden Flynn on winning senior student of the month. >> I've been a part of the wrestling program for the past four years and I'm
the senior captain this year and I'm enrolled in the OC program. Uh Aiden Flynn is a definition of a student athlete. Uh he does a great job of balancing his academics and his athletics and his social life. Um some things that set him apart from others
are his work ethic, um his resilience, and his ability to set goals and work towards those goals. >> I would say my favorite memory in high school would be winning the division title with my wrestling buddies last year. >> Aiden has great character. Um he's a kid that I can go to and I know I can trust
him with things. Uh he's going to be a great captain in his senior year. Um some personal experiences, you know, there's a handful. Obviously, I've coached him for four years, spent a lot of time with the kid. Um but he's a returning two-time district champ. Um and high school wrestling, that's a a tough accomplishment. Um so I'm proud of
him for that. And he always enters tournaments um with the vision of getting his goals accomplished. >> Outside of school, I like to do anything outdoors from fishing to hunting, hanging out with friends, and just always love to be outside. All right, Aiden, I wish you the best of luck for
the rest of the school year. Winter is coming. Looking forward to wrestling season. Um, and good luck with everything going forward, buddy. >> My future plans after high school are going to be to go to college and continue my uh to get my bachelors and just keep wrestling and continue my academics.
>> All right, congratulations, Aiden. Our September vocational I mean sorry our November vocational senior of the month is Kier Mallister Kier has friends and family here as well. Applause for them. YES. >> I'm Kier Mallister and I'm proud to be named November Senior of the Month for
Lacy Township High School. >> Hi Kira. Congratulations on winning vocational school student of the month. Throughout my four years of high school, I participated in fishing club and soccer. >> So, I've had the pleasure of working with Cira for four years straight. Uh,
she's part of my lunch crew that comes in. I probably have spent over 200 uh lunch dates with her over the last four years. Um, she's been part of my meditation group. She's been part of u me bringing ensembles. Um, she's always
willing to try different things. um such as my vegan jerky that I brought in. She's just a great kid. >> Outside of school, I like to go hunting and fishing with my dad. >> Kira, I am so super proud of you and everything that you have accomplished in
the last four years. I wish you a super successful senior year and your journey beyond. >> My future plans are to be a photographer and have my own business. All right, that concludes my presentation. Mr. Thank you, MR.
We're going to go into public comment in a minute. If you guys want to stay or leave, you're welcome to go right now. Go back to the play. Get going. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> All right. We're going to do public uh comment. Any audience member wishing to
make a comment will raise his or her hand and when called upon state their name, address or affiliation and intention to make a statement. Comments will be addressed to the board president. Comments will be made one issue at a time. Comments will be limited to 5 minutes. No audience member
shall be recognized twice until you all who have wished to comment have been recognized. This portion of the meeting is for public comments only and there will be no questions answered. The purpose of this board meeting is to perform our business in public. Anyone is entitled to a public comment. If there's a question for the board,
there's an established chain of command to follow. Would anybody else like to Would anybody like to have a public comment tonight? Go ahead, Regina. >> Regina Desenda, Sunset Drive, Sunrise Beach. Um, I just have one comment. I was reading the agenda and I see that
Miss Ormsby is on tonight's agenda as a resignation. very sorry to see you go and good luck to you in all your future endeavors. You will be missed. >> Thank you. >> We need to get the clock out. >> Okay. >> M. >> Yeah. Would anybody else like to have a
comment? Mr. Rosie, go ahead. Tony Rosolei, Sunrise Beach. Uh, page seven of the agenda, use of facilities. Um, one of the uses requested was for the wear town travel softball. Now, if
there's a bunch of lacy girls playing on a team, I understand it. But if it's just wear town, why are they using our mill pond facilities? Just a question. Also, I'd like on page 12, number 10, congratulations to Mr. Brandise. I see
he's got his advanced degree from MA30 to MA60. It's a nice accomplishment. I'm glad he's uh improving him himself. Uh policy 0167 is also down for the second reading. I disagree with it basically
because it limits it limits free speech and I think you ought to take a second look at it and that's only my personal opinion. Um any form uh of someone who comes up here and disagrees with you and stipulates something well that's fine
but if somebody in the audience also disagrees with the person who's disagreeing the right of rebuttal should be allowed. That's all. So that's something I I would like you to take a look at. I mean, it's all basic form of debate and I know you're not going to
debate, but it's a matter of free speech in my opinion, first amendment rights. Um, I see that uh the administrative board secretary, Constance Stewart, is going to be replacing uh Miss Olsby. And I was
just curious if that person is already a member of our group or is it an outside group and the qualifications for that person to take over the those skills? Was it a recommendation from outside of us or was it a promotion from within?
Um, and you know, it's a lot of money. It's 3,250 bucks a week or, you know, that that we're putting out. And that's a lot of tax dollars. And if you're doing, you know, 40hour weeks and if you're doing 50 50 weeks a year, it's over $162,000
that, you know, I want to make sure the money is well spent. Uh because I see that we also have an assistant business administrator that we pay currently $115,000 to and that's on page 16 person by the name of Daniel Wrath. And why
wasn't that person considered or they don't have the ability? And if they don't have the ability, have they picked up any of the things that the current administrator would do? I also see that there's a a a human uh
new person that was recommended uh as a human uh resource person secret confidential human resource secretary that enters things into an HRIS system. I guess now HIS systems are canned. You
can get them from you know time clock companies and and all kinds of different things. But who does the who would put in this information that you'd have to have it classified as a confidential? Isn't all HR confidential? Uh, you know,
and I I just don't understand the wording. Um, and why we have to have it so specified as a confidential secretary out of an HR group. You know, I had I had a HRIS working for me, CAN systems,
and it's all confidential. So, all right. Maybe it's a reason to pay extra money. I don't see why. Uh question on district preschool
on policy 247 70. I see you're having some difficulties with preschool kids coming in and they don't and the attendance of them. So you leave a spot open for them and you have to deny a spot to other people who want to get into that program
because you don't have enough space I guess. >> Okay. So you're going to put >> as a result we're not we're not having a difficulty. We're proactively passing that policy. >> Okay. I I just the way >> it's a correction fact. >> I'm looking at the policy and >> correct. So we try to pass policies. So,
we prevent a problem. >> All right. Well, I do have another suggestion. I know you're not going to like it, but I'm going to say it anyway. Um, in the past, we've had preschool in Fork
River School where we had to I told you like it. >> See, I told you you weren't going to like it. >> Go ahead. >> All right. Anyway, wireless mic went nuts. >> Oh, the wireless mic. You need to turn it off. >> It's happened to me before, Tom. Don't worry about it.
>> Okay. Um, can we extend my time by the way? Sure. >> Extended at one minute. >> Okay. Uh the reason I'm saying that the forkid river school we had to make accommodation for bathroom space for the preschool kids. Okay. And we had to go through the county superintendent. And this is all coming from me being at this
mic many many years and what's happened in the past. Okay. What's wrong with us taking a different look and instead of spending $883,000 on the agenda tonight for playground for
preschool, >> I know it's not approved yet. It's got to go for approval, but $883 grand is a lot of money for preschool teeter totters, okay? Or whatever you want to call them for preschool. And we have to
do that at every school. Why don't we just have all the preschool kids go to one school where it's already approved? >> So, Mr. Rosie, they all go to one school. They all go to Milpon School. That's why we're putting the playground there. >> Okay. >> It's all state funed. >> And we have enough bathroom selling out a dime.
>> We did a bathroom project there which was paid for by the state in the tune of a lot of money. So, you're call you should call me. >> All right. Well, the other reason I'm saying that is I also I know you're not going to like this >> disabled and what you're remembering is we went through the county office because we needed bathroom waivers.
>> Right. >> All right. That's why we office. We still have a couple of waiverss at Mil Pond, but we constructed bathrooms so that we can accommodate the the many millions of dollars that the state is giving us right now for our preschool program, which includes disabled and non-disabled peers.
>> All right. Well, you're not going to like this. The other part of what I was going to say, >> would you mind just taking a seat and coming back up? Your time is up. I appreciate it. Thank you. >> Would anybody else like to speak? Go ahead, Dan. Hey everyone, my name is Dan Toner. Uh,
I'm Ocean County's high school Republican chairman and founder of the Dan Toner Project. Uh, before I get going, I just want to take a minute and say what a big thank you to Mrs. Hermato. Um, I was really sad when I heard you weren't running again, but I think you've done a phenomenal job and uh, I just wanted to take this time to
say uh, thank you for all that you've done and I wish you nothing but the best. So, thank you for that. Um, on another note, this Saturday I'm going to be hosting a food drive uh in the Lacy in the parking lot of the Lacy Food Bank uh between 12:00 and 4 p.m. I encourage everybody to visit our social media
pages um in the event that it is postponed because um you know they're calling for rain and if we have happen to postpone it, people should know. Uh now, just a couple things. Uh listen, Mr. Zalinsky, I've emailed you several times within the year. Um you haven't
gotten back to me once. Um, and I watch these meetings a lot and it seems to be a recurring thing even if it's with, you know, the mom that was having trouble with, you know, you know, her child and things like that. I know you can't go into too specifics of what that all is, which I understand, but still, um, and I
have friends that have sent me, you know, numerous things that, you know, in the classrooms that continue to go on. I'm not going to say what it is because I'm sure people are smart enough to understand what I'm saying. Um, you know, certain ideological flags, right? But um and the reason I bring that up is
because for Halloween this year, my friend went to school in wearing an ICE immigration costume. And listen, it's a costume. It's for Halloween. And does anybody know what happened to him? Well, he was thrown out of class, sent to the office, and um told to remove what he
was wearing and got detention. And you know, as young conservatives were really bombarded with this, you know, for the most part, woke culture in our school systems, which is one of the reasons why I went to homeschooling. I didn't want to be around it anymore. And it's nothing crazy, but it's still there. And
uh you know, I watch these things a lot and um I just think that it's pretty unfair that we allow these certain things to happen and yet he can't go to school wearing what he wants to wear. Now, um I'm 60 and I'm about to be 17 years old. You know, my friends and I,
we got better things to be doing right now. All right? But it's the lack of action that we see that is the reason why I get up here and say these things because somebody's got to do it. And you know, I sometimes wish I could just rewind to fourth grade to Mrs. Stover's class because she was in my opinion an
angel sent by God and she's just one of the best teachers I've ever had when things really didn't matter that much. And when people just use common sense and uh to the patriots in the room, um stand up for what you believe in. Do not fear. Let's get back to common sense and let's unite so that we can leave the
rest at home and we don't have to get up here and say this. May God bless you all and may God bless the United States of America. Thank you. >> Would anybody else like to have a public comment? >> Okay, I think we're going to move on then. >> Mr. Rosolei. >> Oh, Mr. Rosie.
>> Oh, you're right. You get five more minutes. >> Oh, then you go first. No, no, it's okay. You before Yep. Mr. Ros, he just needs a turn. >> Okay. So, uh, Richard Bidnik, um, Lacy Citizens for Responsible Government. Um,
tonight I would like to congratulate our four new board members. They're all present here tonight. Um, Steve, Meg, and Brandon, and Curry. I really look forward to working with you all and trying to make our school district a
better uh institution, more fiscally responsible and one that is catering to all the citizens in our community and their interests and their desires for our children and for our town and our community. I think that is really
important and I'm very pleased to be the first person to get up here and actually um welcome you and wish you the greatest success. I want to work with you guys. You're the future. So, I appreciate that. Um on the public participation
policy, um this is my personal opinion about it. It should not be limited anymore than it is. I remember when I came to these meetings when we didn't have any public participation limit times. Um you can go back and watch the videos.
They're actually online where we we didn't try to cut back the time of the citizens who um are coming up here to actually spend the time to address the board. I think it's it's very very important. um this is really the only opportunity that our citizens have to be
able to address the board and the idea of cutting that time back I think is is just does a disservice to um all of us here in our community and it's true Mr. Rizolei said, you know, if someone heard something that someone else was saying
after they got up here and then they wanted to add on to their comments, we wouldn't be allowed to do that with the way you want to change it. I mean, going to 6 minutes versus having actually 10 minutes. I don't see that as a plus. Does anybody see that as a plus? I mean,
we kind of like look at this as like, you know, we're supposed to be a democracy. We want to hear from our citizens. A lot of the discontent that has gone on in our community is because people don't feel that anybody's listening to them. And to cut back that
time any more than you're already doing that I think is just going to cause more more issues. I'm just asking you to think logically about this. I mean, do you really want the school to move forward? Do you really want the public
to be involved? Do you want to build something with the community or do you want to cause more division? This is something that the board needs to come to terms with and we are going to have a new board. So maybe even if you do pass it tonight, a new board may change it
come January. Um but I think it's really really important that we kind of like look at that. And the other thing I wanted to mention was something that Dan had mentioned to me. Um he just spoke here. Um I he brought up about the pride flags in the classroom. And I remember I spoke about this maybe it was a year ago
or so. And if the board passed a policy that states that you're not to have that in the classrooms, why are some of the teachers um uh defying that ruling? I mean, if we're going to have policies, we need to enforce them. Um and I would
assume that that's what the administration would be doing. I feel very strongly about this because quite frankly as a gay person, I also understand how when you try to push something on someone else, you make them feel uncomfortable. And I would never
want to have another person feel uncomfortable because they I felt like I was pushing my lifestyle or my opinions about certain things like that, especially to young people at formative ages. I understand the issues for other
gay students, but I'm going to tell you this, like I said a year ago, be the best that you can be. Shine. Make an example of who you are. And it doesn't matter whether you're gay, straight, whatever your orientation is, you will
shine and make a difference. I know I've done it in my life. I've never allowed my sexual orientation to ever, ever interrupt anything that I was doing. Um, so I'm I'm I'm asking all of us to come together on this. The teachers need to
understand there may be students who feel uncomfortable if they see that in the classroom and why are we segregating certain people, certain classes, we're all the same. We are not special. We are
equal and we need to stick to that formation with with all of the things that we do. And thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Rosie. You can go. Okay, this is way outside of the box.
Now, as you said, we have bathrooms. We spent the extra money. We're going to put in this this uh playground. That's a lot of money going into one facility. Is it possible to also besides preschool
put in special needs kids who need the extra attention, who need the extra facility adaption to bring them to one facility along with the preschool in the same facility in the future. Something to think about. I don't know if the law
allows you to do it, >> but if you could do it, I think it would better serve not only the preschool kids, it would better serve the special needs kids that really need the extra adaption. Okay, something to think
about. It's all I wanted to say. I know it's crazy, but if it could be done, it's not a money saver. It's I just think it's better for the kids all around. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay, I'm going to close public comments. We're going to go on with uh board committee reports. Uh Mr. Bell,
can you start with policy, please? >> Sure. >> All right. We had our meeting uh with myself, Jack Cony, Linda Walker, and Mr. Zillinsky. We went over the regulations for review and discussion uh policy 2470
district preschool program uh attendance. Mr. Kovsky uh detailed the new attendance policy for the preschool program. Uh students who do not attend on a regular basis without a qualified excuse.
Then policy 0167 public participation at board meetings. Mr. Zolinsky reminded the committee that this will be presented for a second read at November board uh education meeting. Then safety and security
um incident management training. Mr. Zolinsky described this the training uh tabletop that the Lacy school safe safety team received comp compliments of homeland security and then other business uh interimm
business administrator Connie Stewart uh board of education vacancy uh PE playground Mr. Dr. Zolinsky informed the committee that the preschool playground will finally be started behind a mill pond. Uh, next meeting will be scheduled for January of 2026.
Okay. Thank you. Uh, let's go to finance. Mr. Conny, >> thank you. Had a meeting on Thursday the 13th. It was myself, Mrs. Claus, Mr. Armato, Mr. Zolinsky, Mr. storms be um
discussed the raw grant update for the middle school um nocow for here at uh the high school. the update on that project. Uh the referendum update and uh the next steps paint had uh the
referendum uh was passed. Um land sale update and the mil pond playground update um which is paid for by the state not out of our pockets.
um 100 finance had an update on a policy finder and the non-aligned staff salaries uh curriculum. He discussed a Novamat education and Hagnolia consulting
um and the contracts associated with the two of them. uh discussed the interm uh uh the uh his major administrator spot and discussed a level three grievance
and Houston facilities and then uh the board uh vacancy and how that was going to be uh processed. was over um 20 after 5 and the next meeting will be Thursday, December 11th.
>> Thank you. Miss Armato, can you do curriculum? >> Yes. Um so we had our meeting on November 17th at 2:30. Members present were myself, Mr. Armato, Miss Klaus, Mr. Zalinski, Miss Amos, and Miss Koski.
Uh the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m. Uh the curriculum is Miss Amos described the mathematic intervention program for our tier three students. Miss Amos detailed this program that will support teacher professional development on the science of reading
and classroom intervention strategies. Out of state field trip, men's and women's winter track, Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex, Staten Island, WLTS, B&H Supertore, and Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Miss Gravoski detailed the new attendance policy for the preschool program. Miss Gravoski described the visit from Ruckers to observe our preschool program. Special education. Miss Gravoski detailed the DLM state test that is
given to our most cognitive impaired students. Miss Kravski detailed the activities of the newly formed behavioral support committee at the elementary level. Miss Kravski detailed Mr. Kvaskki described the program where we collaborate with
BCBAS to be in our building while they earn hours towards their certifications. And in technology, Mr. Zalinsky spoke about the new IP phones that were successfully installed over fall break. Additionally, he detailed the addition
of a live human reader for our light speed program that monitors student Chromebook accounts and personnel. Mr. Zalinsky highlighted the current personnel needs of the district and Mr. Zalinsky highlighted the finally approved preschool playground behind
Milpan. Next meeting will be scheduled for January 2026. Thank you. Um, and I will do the referendum committee notes. It was myself and Mr. Bell, Mr. Zalinsky, Miss Ornsby, John Smith. Um, also attended was, uh, Kevin and Rita Santorino, Scott
McFaten, um, and Tony Solom Solomon. It was a brief meeting. Um, we just talked about the media campaign. We talked about, uh, the committee debriefed on the Seabbze presentation. The committee discussed advertising for the referendum in the last days before
the election. And the committee discussed the timing of the last mailer, text messages, and flyers. Uh discussion followed and as of now, we don't have another meeting scheduled, but um it will be coming soon. The referendum did pass and I just like to thank the public. Um it was overwhelming support,
so we're going to get moving on that and you will be informed as soon as um we get some more information on the process. Okay. Thank you. All right. Now, we're going to move on to um Mr. Zinsk's report. Do you have anything? >> I have a comment. Yes. Okay. I mean, we've had a tough week here uh in the
district, but I don't want to let um you know, the results of the election uh go away. I just want to express, you know, the immense gratitude and profound relief that is shared by the administration and I think collectively by the board of education following the success of our November 4th bond referendum. Uh the outcome of the vote,
which is approved by a significant margin. You know, over 1,700 votes, is nothing short of inspiring. Um it's not about brick and mortar projects. It's just an affirmation that the community's commitment to our students, the safety of our facilities, and the long-term sustainability of our district. So, I I can't be more pleased uh with the
outcome. It's a powerful vote of confidence um in the district. Um, we recognize that approving a bond proposal of this scope requires faith and commitment from our taxpayers. And I want to thank every single voter. Um, yes or no, uh, for taking the time to learn about the proposal, understand the
necessity, and cast their, uh, their vote. Um, you know, we're able to synchronize this new investment with an upcoming retirement of debt. Um, this timing will allow us to implement $30 million in essenti essential facility upgrades, including the roofing and HVAC replacements across all six schools with
no projected uh debt service tax increase. And we're going to receive I'm going to remind me we're going to receive 11.5 million from the state for this project. It represents millions of dollars in savings that will directly reduce the local taxpayer burden for these projects. The funding is a gamecher and it's going to assure that
we address decades of you know maintenance that needs to get done especially to our roofs and everybody knows you know your integrity of your building starts with your roof. We look forward to the next steps in moving the district forward. We're going to provide regular updates to the board and the community as we move through the bidding
contracting construction phases and our goal remains to efficiently and effectively deliver on every project that we promised. So thank you once again. Thank you for your trust, your participation, and the investment in our kids, you know, because that's really what what I always feel it's about. So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> So, thank you.
>> Okay. Now, we're gonna move on to um board member comments. Uh Mr. Armano, do you have any comments tonight? >> I do. It'll be short. Um first of all, I'd like to congratulate the now four new board members. Um little thought from my head here is to
share with you would be never stray from your beliefs. straight tr stay stay true to your convictions and always know no matter if the vote doesn't go your way you always matter when you sit at this deas it it always makes a difference um tonight I also want to share my condolences with my fellow board member
Linda Walker may God provide you with the strength to get through this tough time I'm also heartbroken for the loss of this of our one of our students um such sorrow for the community um it's hard to segue into some some nice stuff here but I
Um, congrats to all the students and teachers that were recognized tonight. Um, good things for them. Thank you. Uh, best wishes for Sharon. I'm going to miss you. You, uh, you taught me a lot over the last, what is it now 5 years sitting on these stairs and very
grateful for the time that you always afforded me when I wasn't sure of next steps and how to do something. So, thank you. I wish you nothing but the best. >> Thank you. Um, as for Jack and and Linda, good luck to you. Um, thank you
for for sitting at this deis and and and although we may have not agreed on everything. Um, at the end of the day, we all came here to do something for a community and I appreciate your efforts. As for Mrs. Armato, uh, wink wink, my wife, um, I'm going to miss out date
nights. Um, it was cheap. Um, it didn't cost me anything and uh I got to hang out with you and for a husband the best way ever. Me on one side, her on the other side. So, she couldn't tell me how to do
anything. I got to do things my own way here. Um, so it was a pleasure, but I'll miss you and uh thanks for your for for your uh job well done over the last three years. And from all my family and to all your families, happy
Thanksgiving. Um, enjoy it. uh hug someone, kiss someone, let someone know that there's some great things going on because at at this point right now when we're at our weakest, you know, nothing better than a hug. So enjoy the holidays with your friends, family, and loved ones. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Bell.
>> Yeah, I'd like to congratulate the four new candidates. Um look forward to working with you and uh learning from you as well. Um I'm going to miss those that are uh stepping down. Uh I was just talking to Cheryl and a lot of the
things that I've learned in the last two years. Um it's I tell everybody it's been a cheap education. Um but just appreciate all that goes on here in the community. Um very deep sorrow for Linda and the loss
of her husband. Um praying for her and uh thankful for all that I've learned from her and then the young man that uh lost his life. Again, just a sad thing in the community, but um it's part of life.
Just watching a community go through those things and support one another uh is really what strengthens us. So, looking forward to uh next year. Uh but again, happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the
holidays. Don't kiss everybody. >> Thank you, Miss Armato. >> Good evening, everyone. Thank you for coming out tonight. Uh, first I want to congratulate all the newly elected board members. Thank you for stepping up to serve our schools and our community. I truly wish each and every one of you the
best when you begin in January or December. You're going to learn a lot. Um, I also want to extend my deepest condolences to my fellow board member Linda on the passing of her husband. And please know that so many of us are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers and we're here for you. These past few days have been
especially hard for our community. With the recent loss of one of our students, and my heart is with the students, families, and staff who are grieving, we're holding everyone close in our prayers. I'd also like to take a moment to thank Sharon Ormsby for her many years of dedication to the district.
With her resignation effective January 1st, 2026, I want to wish her nothing but the best in her next chapter. She has served this community with professionalism and heart, and it's truly appreciated. and she's taught me a lot. So, thank you for your patience. And she'll teach you guys. Oh, sorry.
She won't. >> You are wonderful, Sharon. Thank you so much. >> As my term comes to an end in December, I just want to say how grateful I am for the opportunity to have stir served the students, families, and taxpayers of Lacy Township. I'll save my goodbyes for
my final meeting, but I wanted to share my appreciation tonight. Wishing everyone a safe, peaceful, and blessed Thanksgiving. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Connity. >> Congratulations to uh Meg and Steve and
Brandon and Carrie and thank you um to everyone else had uh came out and voted. Sharon, if I could vote, I'd probably vote no just because. But uh I
listen, you're the person behind the scenes working on so much. Thank you. Um does not go noticed heavily by buddy up here. >> Um to all of students and staff,
congratulations and to the family and friends of our uh student passed away. Condolences, happy Thanksgiving. Please be safe. And uh like 30 something days left. >> Perfect.
>> It's less than that. >> Thank you. >> Counting the days. No. >> All right. Again, um I'm just going to reiterate what they all said, but uh congratulations to our four new board members. We're excited. Uh change is hard, but it's good. Um but we're looking forward to it. There's a lot of
training coming up, so just be patient everybody. Please be patient um with us and we'll have a new BA. Well, we'll have an interim first. >> Con. >> Oh, yeah. >> Wait. >> Oh, welcome. Okay. >> Um thank you. So, she'll be our interim.
So you can be patient with us because we have a ton of questions all the time. But um yeah, we're looking forward to a new a new year. So um and Sharon, we'll talk next month, but she still has a month left with us. I know, >> but okay, we're going to move on to new business.
>> Are you ready? >> Okay. Uh one A1 meeting minutes. Can I have a motion, please? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. Mr. Armato, >> I have to abstain. I wasn't present at the last meeting. >> Thank you, Mr. Bell, >> I'll have to abstain. I wasn't present at the last meeting.
>> Thank you. Mrs. Armato, >> yes. >> Mrs. Walker is absent. Mr. Connelly, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Claus, >> yes. Did that pass? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um 82, list of bills. Can I have a motion, please? >> Motion. >> Second.
>> Uh, roll call. >> Mr. Armada? >> Yes. >> Mr. Bell? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Armato? >> Yes. >> Mr. Conny? >> Yes. But I need to abstain on you and my employer 163 and 161. Thank you. And Mrs. Close. >> Yes. Uh A3 to A6 transfers. Uh can I
have a motion, please? >> Motion. >> Second, please. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Armato. >> Yes. >> Mr. Bell? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Armato? >> Yes. >> Mr. Connelly? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Claus? >> Yes. A 7-13 uh finance and facilities. Can I have a motion, please?
>> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Armato. >> Yes. >> Mr. Bell? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Armato? >> Yes. >> Mr. Conny? Yes, >> Mrs. Claus. >> Yes. Page seven and 8, A14 to 17, tuition and transportation. Can I have a motion, please?
>> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Armada, >> yes. >> Mr. Bell, >> yes. >> Mrs. Armada, >> yes. >> Mr. Connelly, >> yes. >> Mrs. Claus, >> yes. 8:18 to 25. Uh, other Can I have a motion, please?
>> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Armato. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mr. Bell. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Armato. >> Yes. >> Mr. Connelly. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Claus. >> Yes. A26 to 27, policies and regulations. Can I have a motion, please?
>> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. Mr. Armada. >> I'm good with everything except for policy P 0167. I'd like to see the final read before I agree with that. >> Um, >> it was in your agenda. Y
>> it was in your attachments. No, >> here. >> She hasn't label. >> So, do you want to >> you want to come back? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Can we start with then uh Mr. Bell? >> Yep. Mr. Bell? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Armato? >> Yes.
>> Mr. Conny? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Claus? >> Yes. >> Mr. Armato? Start page one too. >> I'll keep going. >> Yes. >> Yeah.
Why you sit for a week? The >> care I'm good with it. >> Okay. >> But just a small butt. Um I don't think unless it it's really really nasty talk up on that podium that
we have the right to tell them what they can and cannot say. That's all I'm I want to add to that. um because this is still America and we still have the right to free speech and although sitting on this day if we can't respond they have the right to tell us whether
or not we're doing a good job or a bad job and we have to >> we wouldn't stop that. >> I'm just saying and we have to be able to take that and um you know let's allow the public to to voice their opinion. That's all. >> So how do you vote? You're a yes on
>> yes. >> Okay. Okay. Then uh we're going to move on to a 28 to 29 HIPS. Can I have a motion, please? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Armato, >> yes. >> Mr. Bell, >> yes. >> Mrs. Armada, >> yes. >> Mr. Conny,
>> yes. >> And Mrs. Claus, >> yes. Uh, page nine and 10. Uh, donations. Can I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. Mr. Armato. >> Uh, yes and thank you, >> Mr. Bell. >> Yes, and thank you, >> Mrs. Armato. Yes. And thank you,
>> Mr. Conny. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Claus. >> Yes. Uh, page 10, pro uh, programs and curriculum. Can I have a motion, please? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. Mrs. Mr. Armato. >> Uh, yes. And, uh, going to miss Mr.
Timothy Dow. He's a good one. >> Uh, Mr. Bell. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Armato. >> Yes. >> Uh, Mr. Conny. >> I went ahead. or on >> uh we're on programs and curriculum page 10. >> Okay. Yes.
>> And Mrs. Bos, >> Mr. uh professional days, workshop and travel. >> Right. >> Can I have a motion, please? >> He's looking down at what's wrong. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. Mr. Armato, >> yes. >> Mr. Bell, >> yes. >> Mrs. Armato,
>> yes. >> Mr. Cony, >> yes. >> Mrs. Claus, >> yes. Um E. Certificated personnel E1. >> Okay. >> Um we have one change. Uh number three, we removed uh Constant Stewart interim business administrator replacement. It's
going to be um a walk-on at the end. >> Okay. Can I have a motion, please? >> Motion as amended. >> Have a second. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. Mr. Armato. >> Yes. I'm sorry I skipped ahead. >> You did. >> Now you can say 10. >> Can I say you miss him? >> I do miss him.
>> Mr. Bell. >> Yes. >> Mrs. is arm motto. >> Yes. And I miss Sharon. >> Mr. Cony. >> Yes. But I need to recuse on E1 misinform. >> Thank you, Mrs. Claus. >> Yes. >> And F, non-certificated personnel, F1 to
F12. Can I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Uh, hold on. I think I have one correction on number three. Um, it should say 1526 instead of 1525. Motion as amended to 12526
on number three. >> Can I have a second, please? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Armato, >> yes. >> Mr. Bell, >> yes. >> Mrs. Armato, >> yes. >> Mr. Conny, >> yes. >> Mrs. Claus, >> yes. And we have a walk-on tonight. >> Yes. Replacement position, uh, interim school
business administrator, board secretary. Be it resolved that the employment contract between Constant Stewart, interim school business administrator, board secretary, and the Lacy Township Board of Education, having been reviewed and approved by the Executive County Superintendent in accordance with NJAC6A23A-3-1A be approved for the period of January
5th, 2026 through June 30th, 2026 as recommended by the superintendent of schools and that the board president and superintendent be authorized to execute a copy of the agreement and that a copy of such agreement is part of the minutes on file in the board secretary's office. Motion. >> Motion. >> Second.
>> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Armato, >> yes. >> Mr. Bell, >> yes. >> Mrs. Armato, >> yes and welcome. >> Mr. Conny, >> yes and welcome. >> Mrs. Claus, >> yes. Okay. Can I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion. All
>> in favor?