All right, we're going to call this meeting to order. Please rise for the pledge of >> allegiance. Pledge algiance 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 advertised in the Asbury Park Press in the Beacon on January 9th, 2025 and by posting the notice in the Fork 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. Roll call, please. Mr. Bell >> here. >> Mrs. Armato >> here. Mrs. Walker >> here. >> Mr. Conned >> here. >> Mrs. Claus >> here. And Mr. Armato is absent. All right. So, we're going to go into executive session. Be it resolved in executive session.
>> Before we do that, I need to make a six o'clock statement because my name's on the agenda and I didn't know about it. >> Your statement's noted. >> Appreciate it. >> Go ahead. Keep going. Ch. >> It's not going to take five minutes. >> Are we making
>> Oh, you're making a statement. >> Uh, yeah, I have to. My name is on the agenda. Okay. Why do you have to make >> suppose I want you to take my name off the agenda? >> Why is that? You applied for the board vacancy, didn't you? >> Right. But I have other issues. Could I please just make a quick statement?
>> Regina Desenda, Sunset Drive, Sunrise Beach, former vacancy applicant, former board member, and currently co-planiff prosay case docket OCN L003415-25. Agenda item 11 is a defective cur curative process for the alleged OPMA
violation and it does not supersede all the provisions of the order currently in place. I'm curious why you think so. I'd also like to know if Sanu is aware of what you have put on tonight's agenda. Yes. No. Maybe. >> We're not going to answer since there's been
>> That's fine. That's fine. I get it. I want to be very clear tonight from the beginning right now. I am not here because of whether or not I was appointed. I am here because I care about the lawful process, transparency, and basic fairness, and how this board has been conducting public business. I
do want to place a fact on the record. Although my name appears on tonight's agenda as one of the candidates for this vacancy, I was not notified in any way that the board intended to attempt a new appointment process resolution this evening. I learned of this issue by
reading the public agenda myself this morning from the school website around 11:30 a.m. not through any direct communication from the district. This matters not because of me personally, but because it illustrates the broader
concern in the case. Decisions affecting public governance are being handled in a way that limits meaningful public participation and public understanding. On November 20th, the board interviewed four candidates in public, then moved into executive session to deliberate.
When it returned, it immediately voted without any meaningful public discussion or allowing questions or explaining why one candidate was selected over the others. As a result, the public could not see or understand how the decision was actually made. Just weeks ago, a
case was released on November 24th. The appellet division made it clear that this kind of process violates the Open Public Meetings Act. The law requires that the public be able to observe the full decision-making process before a vacancy vote occurs, not after and simply hear the outcome after
deliberations have already taken place. I've said this many times, board members and board candidates are not public are public officials, not employees, therefore not protected by private session. A superior court judge has now entered an order to show cause with
temporary restraints in this matter. The action reflects the seriousness of all the concerns raised and the importance of pausing before repeating or compounding a potentially unlawful process. I am concerned that tonight's agenda risks repeating the exact same
transparency problems if deliberations continue to rely on private session discussions or if compliance is asserted rather than demonstrated in real time. A true reset requires openness, clarity, and equal notice, not speed. This
district has been through years of litigation and public controversy. Rebuilding trust requires slowing down, following the law, and ensuring that the public can see how your decisions are made. That's what I'm asking for tonight. Not a particular result, but a
fair, open, lawful process. Thank you, >> Regina. We've always had a mutual respect for each other and back and forth, so I just have a a followup follow-up question. Um, >> can you go back to the mic so we can be on tape, please, when you guys talk?
>> Considering uh I'm not sure how putting this on the agenda with the names of the applicants is not transparent. I think that's actually going above and beyond and being transparent, but you referred to yourself as a former candidate for the board vacancy. Are you removing yourself from consideration? >> I would have liked to have known my name was on the agenda. I really don't care
one way or the other, Bruce. >> Okay. So, so we'll just leave it. >> It could stay the way it is. I just think that if you're going to put people's names on the agenda, they should be told. >> Okay, Sharon. >> Okay. Be it resolved that an executive session be convened for the purpose of
discussing confidential student matters, including but not limited to harassment, intimidation, and bullying, confidential legal matters, uh, Grazy and Denza versus Lacy Township Board of Education, and the Lacy Township Board of Ed and Lacy Township Ed Association. >> Uh,
>> those are two separate matters. Yes. To separate >> clear. >> Um uh the subject matter 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 60 minutes after which the board shall reconvene and proceed with business at 7 p.m. and action may be
taken. Motion >> motion. >> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> Thank you. >> Ready? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. We're going to resume the meeting and we're going to start we're going to resume the meeting. We're going to start with our representative
uh Cooper M. >> Thank you all very much. Um I am by myself tonight so you all are stuck with me. Tatiana unfortunately cannot make it. Um so SJ last met on December 1st. The freshman picked the June feature teacher and unsung hero and they are currently planning for battle classes.
Their theme is the game of life. The sophomores also planning for B classes, their theme is Monopoly. For the juniors, their powderpuff was very successful. It was held back in November. And they also discussed their PF Changs fundraiser, which it uh is scheduled for today. And then for the
seniors, from January to June, uh our Graham fundraiser will be going out to all the Lacy Township School District. We are currently banning Battle of the Classes and our theme is Candyland. And our meeting uh for the seniors to discuss senior trips is going to be held this month. And then for the executive
board, they are also just planning valid classes. And for our December unsung hero, unfortunately, she cannot make it tonight, but it is going to Gileia Packin. So for each month, the student government association picks one student who is creating a positive impact on LTHs, and that is who our unsung hero is
dedicated for tonight. This student is an exceptional one who is determined and kind. She brings light to every room that she's in, and she has a serious yet positive attitude. She's a part of the varsity tennis team, the sophomore cohort for the STEM Academy, interact choir, drama, and band. She's also in
the top 5% of her class and has maintained straight A's throughout the first marking period. Lastly, she is willing to help those in need and is passionate and caring, demonstrating her positive influence on the school environment. So, for these reasons, we congratulate Dillia Packin as our December unsung hero.
Thank you very much. All right, Mr. Zolinsky, would you like to >> I'll invite up uh Mr. King >> for some very special presentations and then I'm sorry. You'll be next. >> I'm sorry. >> Sure. Okay. >> Unless you want to defer your time to to
Miss Perry. >> I'm happy to sit down. You know that. >> I do. >> I know your role. >> That's right. >> All right, everyone. Uh once again, we are here to celebrate some very very special people. Uh but this evening we have actually a special movie to start
with. So I'm going to ask everyone to please watch the screen at this time. >> Oh my god. >> Uh board member uh Linda Walker is the longest serving board member in the history of the Lacy schools. She served
33 years and more importantly was elected by the people of Lacy 11 times and never defeated. I believe Tom Brady and Bill Bellichic would like to change records with her.
>> It's a lifelong commitment. It's a passion of hers. Uh she was a teacher. She was a principal in Tom's River. >> Interestingly, the first time I met Linda, she was a um Girl Scout leader for one of my wife's best friend's daughters. And I thought that was pretty interesting that she did that. And um
she moved on to the board of education. And I to me as somebody who served on the board of education for the length of period I did, how she did for the time that she, you know, stayed with it. And it's just amazing. I mean, the dedication and the um willingness to
give up of your personal time. I have my internal gratitude for her for the good things that she did in this district. And I have to say the district became better because of her. She was a catalyst to get people to work together. She was always calm. She was always
steady. She maintained all the qualities you'd want a leader to have and um and and gained the respect of almost all the board members over those 33 years. Linda was a board president twice, maybe three times in my tenure. And the one thing
that she did well was trying to uh make the people work together and try to um get them to acknowledge that the other people also had at a um uh a philosophy if you would on on education, but she was very good at uh handling the meetings and uh bringing the group
together. She's like, "Hey, we're all here. The seven of us all want the best for the district. Uh but you do have to work together." I know in some of our tough issues we had, sometimes Linda and I were on the same page. Sometimes we were on different pages, but in the end we all came together for what we thought
was best. Uh, and you would see the board a lot of times vote unanimously 7 to zero on something. Uh, that's not necessarily where we started or even where everybody was in the end, but we realized for the greater good of the district, we needed to push things forward and Linda was always good about working working in that manner uh on any
of the issues. She was also the either the chairman of our board curriculum committee or on the committee. She supported our administration, our teachers, and most importantly our students to be able to get the best educational programs uh that our
finances could support. Uh Linda uh obviously was very involved with academics and also uh with the uh musical aspect of uh the school with the band and the theatrics and uh the drama club and so forth. One of the things uh
Linda asked to be uh instituted was down the hall. We have pictures of all the kids who were in the theatrics and and the musical end of the school district. Uh but during her years on the board, we passed referenda to build the middle school and high school edition to keep
the district off split sessions. The high school referendum gained the unprecedented endorsement of then Governor Whitman. >> Uh she definitely was a leader on the board. Um she didn't she wasn't the seventh member that was I'll go however the board wants to go. She was definitely a leader on this is the way
we need to go and trying to convince people uh you know to go in a particular direction. And you asked what kind of a board member was she? Uh I would say I think of the immortal words of President Ronald Reagan. There is no limit to the
amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit. And that defines um Linda Walker. >> It's an awesome responsibility being on the board of education. You're responsible for I don't know what it is these days. It was a 73 million dollar budget when I was on obviously 4,000
some students, a staff of 600 and some. That's an awesome responsibility. Um and the state doesn't make it any easier with everything that comes out of Trenton. And um so Linda being able to tough that out, it's really a testament to her fortitude and to her resilience and to how much she cares about the
district. And you don't stay in the profession and move through the ranks unless children come first. Students come first. As a matter of fact, uh in I guess with the next board meeting coming up will be her last. She'll continue to
serve at Georgian Court University uh working with uh student teachers. you have to give back, you know, um you have to give back after you serve and that's what she's going to do. >> Um it was an amazing thing because it takes a lot of uh energy, it takes a lot
of of your personal time, and it takes a lot of work. >> Uh congratulations, Linda. Uh it's been quite a uh a run for you, 30 plus years. Uh I admire your resilience and your fortitude. I really enjoyed working with you and I wish you the best going forward. >> Linda, thank you for your service. Uh,
thank you for your time, your work, your energy, and always being available. Godspeed, Linda Walker. Alls I can say is again my heartfelt gratitude to Linda for what she did for this community. She really did extend herself uh more than
most people would even think of. So, thank you, Linda. And I think it's fair to say as the longest serving board member in the history, I did a quick calculation of the days uh board member Walker served and it's 12,045
days and most importantly no cost to the taxpayer. There um many people that still believe that board members get paid. That's a lot of days to work for not getting paid. Um, so you know, one of the things I'd like to recommend, I
would suggest that the board accept the donation of those days and put it in the board minutes for outstanding service. All right. All right. So, I'll make you come up, but of course, we have the proclamation for you, Miss Walker.
>> I have to go. >> Resolution. You ready? You don't have to go. You want to come up? You want to come up? >> No. >> I know you. I figured you want known you a long time. Lind resolution. Whereas, Linda Walker has served continuously 11 terms as a board member of the Lacy
Township Board of Education since 1992, being reelected in 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2017, 2020, and 2023.
And whereas Linda Walker has always displayed dign dignity and respect for the position to which she has been repeatedly elected by the voters of the Lacy Township School District. And whereas during her service to the Lacy Township Board of Education, she served as president of the board of education,
vice president of the board of education, and has actively served as the chair of the curriculum committee as well as an active and contributing member of numerous committees of the board. And whereas Linda Walker's background and experience as a teacher and school principal was an instrumental factor in the success the board has
achieved in the many many teaching and learning projects undertaken by the board during her tenure. And whereas Linda Walker has always displayed unwavering dedication and compassion for the students, parents, and staff members as well as her fellow board members with whom she has served. And whereas Linda
Walker has always displayed fairness and integrity in dealing with the issues presented to the board for decision-making, again caring about what was most important, the kids. And whereas Linda Walker was steadfast and never wavered in making decisions for the students of Lacy Township School
District as her first priority. And whereas Linda Walker was guided by a greater mission to always focus on what was important and Linda's passion for doing what was right for the kids and helped others others to see what she saw as most important. And whereas Lacy Township School District will forever
miss such a strong advocate for children and friend of education here in Lacy Township. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Lacy Township Board of Education, Ocean County, New Jersey, that the board does hereby formally acknowledge the countless thousands of hours of volunteer service to the students and
staff of the district and the citizens of Lacy Township during her 33 years of dedicated service to the Lacy Township Board of Education. The board does hereby formally acknowledge and a deeply felt appreciation for the time, effort, and sacrifices and acknowledges she has
left a legacy and indelible mark upon the Lacy Taja School District. Thank you, Linda. >> Thank you. >> That's right. I know. >> Thank you. >> All right. Uh now under less suspicious
times, let me go over our December students of the month. Uh our first senior of the month is Olivia Miller. Olivia, come on down. Her family's here. Round of applause for them. Certainly. I'm Olivia Miller and I'm proud to be named December Senior of the Month at
Lacy Township High School. >> Congratulations Olivia Miller on winning student of the month. >> At the high school, I'm a part of the women's varsity soccer, winter track, and spring track teams, and I'm also a part of SGA and National Honor Society. >> Olivia Miller is an outstanding student
and athlete on the soccer field where I coach her. She's a senior captain. She's made numerous teams. She's been recognized by the New Jersey Girls Soccer Coaches Association as being one of the top players in the state where she will attend in January a meeting uh to find out if she makes all group three
South Jersey team. Uh she did mean make second team allshore uh first team all county uh for girls soccer and was nominated to be in the girls soccer all-star game, but she's also a phenomenal student in National Honor Society and she's just one heck of a
kid. I'm very proud of her. My favorite memory from high school was scoring the game-winning goal against Jackson and celebrating with all my teammates. >> I've known Olivia since she was a young kid. And since I've known her, she's always been an outstanding student student who wanted to achieve her best. Uh she was an athlete who fought through
all adversity and and she's consistently striving to make her community better. >> In college, I plan to study biology on a pre-med track and eventually become a rheatologist. I wish Olivia Miller all the best success in the future and I hope she has nothing but success in all
of her endeavors in college after this. >> All right. Our next December senior of the month is Ryan Brewer. Ryan, come on down. His family's up here as well. Round of applause for him.
>> Hi, I'm Ryan Brewer and I'm proud to be named senior of the month for the month of December. >> Congratulations, Ryan Brewer, on being named senior of the month. Some of the clubs I participate here at the high school is football, baseball, and I'm a member of the National Honor Society. >> Ryan, ever since you were a freshman coming out of high school, you were
extreme in all the things that you do. One, the approach to where you actually took every single project. Two, the way you actually took that approach onto the field and in your clubs and activities after school. You are a natural leader who everybody gravitates to. You have
honed that skill throughout your entire high school career. It showed on the football field as you were successful this year with a football team. >> Some of my favorite memories here at the high school is Friday night football games and battle of the classes. >> All of your outside interests showed inside the classroom as well. Your
perseverance, problem solving, and creativity really helped you throughout your entire high school career. I couldn't imagine you not being in the STEM Academy. I couldn't imagine not seeing you every single day. I couldn't imagine without a class that having a Ryan Brewer personality in it that everybody tries to gravitate towards.
You're going to take that far beyond the years of high school. >> Outside of school, I like to work out, hang out with friends and family, and also work. >> So, congratulations once again, Ryan Brewer, on being named senior of the month. It is welld deserved. >> My future plans after high school is to attend college, and pursue a career in
physical therapy. Thank you very much. >> All right, that's it for me now. That's it for you. See you later. >> Uh, next up we have our audit report from Kathy Perry, Jump Perry Incorporated. Did I get that right?
>> John Perry Company. >> John Perry Company. >> Oh, good evening. Uh, we did the audit for June 30th, 2025. The audit is required because you receive state money, federal money, you have bonds. Uh the audit is has requirements from the
New Jersey Department of Education that we test a variety of items, payroll processes, board minutes, uh bidding, uh payroll, the uh grants, how you spend your grants. A lot of invoices are pulled. A lot of people are talked to, a
lot of people uh we review a lot of items. In all the things we reviewed, we had no issues, no findings, nothing that needs to be reported to the state department of education or to the federal government on your grants. The audit was due, actually the audit's due on 115, 2026 because of some delays with
the fed, but the requirements that were had to be uploaded on 125 were uploaded timely and the other rest of the report will be um filed timely. I'd like to thank the board office. No one likes the audit, but here we are and it all went well. Thank you very much.
>> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> Keep going. Can I keep going? >> Yeah, keep going. >> All right. I got two more things. >> Um and then we'll uh we'll move on. Um and as some of the I'm sure some of the audience knows, we have two retiring board members as well uh with us this evening. Uh we have resolutions for them
as well. Uh not to let anyone be outdone. It'll be a little shorter because they weren't here for 33 years. Uh but we have these resolutions and we as we always do traditionally we're going to read them into the record and I'm very proud to uh read them because the volunteer status of board members is just so important to always understand
that they volunteer their time. No renumeration they get picked on sometimes and it really is such an important role uh in our our society and certainly in our town. So the first one of course is Cheryl Armato. Charlato has served one term as a member of the Lacy Township Board of Education and has
faithfully and respectfully served as a dedicated board member. And whereas her service to the Lacy Township Board of Education, Cheryl Armato served on the curriculum committee as well as the negotiations committee and as an active and contributing member of the board always made herself available to serve as an alternate when needed. And whereas
Cheryl Armato always displayed dignity and respect for the position to which she has been elected by the voters of Lacy Township School District and has always displayed an outstanding level of positive boardsmanship to her fellow board members with whom she has served. And whereas Cheryl Armato has always displayed fairness and integrity in
dealing with the issues presented to the board for decision-making, caring about what was most important. And whereas Cheryl Armato was a voice for students and parents, and she selflessly devoted her energy to making our schools better. And whereas Cheryl Armada was steadfast and never wavered in making decisions
for the Lacy Township School District. So therefore, be it resolved by the Lacy Township Board of Education, Ocean County, New Jersey, the board does hereby formally acknowledge with great appreciation the countless hours of volunteer service to the students and staff of the Lacy Township School District and the citizens of Lacy
Township during her three years of loyal service to the Lacy Township Board of Education. The board acknowledges with heartfelt and deep appreciation the time, effort, and sacrifices Cheryl made for our district. Thank you, Cheryl. >> Thank you. >> I have one more.
>> Okay. Next to Cheryl, of course, is Mr. Connie, Jack Connedy. Uh, resolution. Whereas Jack Cony has served one term as a member of the Lacy Township Board of Education and has faithfully and respectfully served as an exemplary board member. And whereas during his service to the Lacy Township Board of Education, Jack Conny served as vice
president of the board of education in 2025, actively served as chair of the policy and finance committees and faithfully served as an active and contributing member of numerous committees of the board, always available to serve as an alternate when needed. And whereas Jack Conned always displayed dignity and respect for the
position to which he has been elected by the voters of the Lacy Township School District and has always displayed respect and an outstanding level of positive boardsmanship to his fellow board members with whom he has served. And whereas Jack Conned has always displayed fairness, integrity, and dignity in dealing with the issues
presented to the board of education, making caring about what was most important, and the district will forever miss such a strong and dedicated advocate for students. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Lacy Township Board of Education, Ocean County, New Jersey, that the board does hereby formally acknowledge with great appreciation the
countless hours of volunteer service to the students and staff of the Lacy Township School District and the citizens of Lacy Township during his three years of loyal service to the Lacy Township Board of Education. And the board acknowledges with heartfelt and deep appreciation the time, effort, and sacrifices Jack has made for our
district. Thank you, Jack. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. >> All right. I'll do a couple in my second comment section and we'll move on. >> Okay. All right. Now, we're going to move on to public comment. Ladies and gentlemen, we are now opening the public comment portion in
this meeting accordance to the New Jersey Open Public Meeting Act. There is an opportunity for members of the public to make comments to the board. Please note that this period is reserved for comments only. The board will not be responding to questions or engaging in dialogue. The board's role is that the
policymaking is a policy-making body. Operational and administrative matters should be addressed through the appropriate chain of command beginning with the staff member or administrator most directly involved. All speakers are expected to present their remarks in a respectful civil manner. Rude or
harassing comments will not be permitted. Please understand that defamatory remarks may create personal liability for the speaker as well as potential legal exposure for the board. In addition, to protect the privacy of the rights of students and employees, the board will not entertain discussion
regarding specific student or personnel matters. We thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain an orderly and respectful meeting. An audience member shall wishing to make a comment will raise her hand and when called upon, state name, address, or affiliation and intention to make a statement. Comments will be addressed to
the board president. Comments will be limited to six minutes. No person shall speak more than once. This portion of the meeting is for public comments only and there will be no question questions answered. The purpose of this meeting is to perform our bis business in public. Everyone is entitled to a public
comment. If there's any questions for the board, there's an established chain of command to follow. Ma >> Madame President, >> yes. >> This uh public comment period would also include comments on the board vacancy, which is number 11 on the meeting uh outline, and it's also listed substantively on page two of the agenda.
So, any comments about the board vacancy should be made now. >> Okay, great. Wait, wait. Just uh can any young members of audience you want to go? You can go. >> Yes. Or St. Cooper. >> I got homework for you. I know you have homework. >> Yes. I forgot. I'm sorry. >> Now you can escape if you want.
>> Congratulations again to our seniors. Mr. Brewer is making Ryan stay. >> Have a nice congratulations. >> Have a good holiday. Okay. Now, >> okay. >> Anybody? >> Thank you. >> Go ahead.
>> Hi, Ashley Meyer, we Hawin and Fork River. Um, in October, I came before the board once again to raise serious concerns about special education and Lacy. As I stated in October, issues still existed and I gave an example of my son's IEP being altered without permission.
Unfortunately, it happened again after that. So, on November 3rd, I was forced to file due process because my son's IEP was changed because you have to file with the courts within a certain amount of days or it's or it's automatically enacted. It took over one month for me to finally get my son's corrected IEP.
And the change only involved a single sentence to be clear how simple this would have been to fix. It was important, but it was only one sentence. I cannot understand why it would take the special ed department more than a month to correct such a straightforward issue. I don't understand why things are continuously made unnecessarily harder
for me and my son. It is not easy to file due process. It takes hours to file paperwork, emails back and forth with the state and it is extremely stressful and it was completely unnecessary. This is now the third time I have addressed the award in public session. I reviewed the October board me meeting minutes and
it says multiple individuals highlighted ongoing issues with special education including compliance and communication with families. And when you go to the board member comments, it says a recommendation was made that parents join CPAG, which is a special needs parent group. After that meeting, three
people, two that I have never met before, approached me to apologize for that comment and for how dismissive it was. Telling a parent who is raising school concerns to just join a parent group is not a solution, especially when you know that I have personally gone so far as to have been awarded an emergent
court order this summer. CPAC is a parent group that communicates issues with schools. So, your answer to a parent coming to you directly is to join a group to tell them to tell you what I'm already telling you to your faces. I did speak to a former leadership member at Cpek. She said complaints weren't
addressed for years and quote, "Students with IEPs and disabilities have been treated like secondclass citizens in Lacy." Unquote. So, I'm unclear how joining CPAD will help me. Students and parents in special education deserve better. >> Thank you for your comment. Would
anybody else like to comment? Go ahead. Toli Sunrise Beach. First off, the three leading members of the board. Thank you for your service. I know I've been up here and said some disparaging marks Linda remembers over 30 years. You know,
I'll see you in the shop, right? Okay. Um, thanks again for your service. >> Thank Um, I don't understand um why all the candidates were rescending the nomination. This is page two, okay,
of the agenda tonight. Um, we're rescending the decision made on November 20th. Now, in October, I came here and I stood at the microphone and I said to this board, be careful what you get
advised to do, okay? Because when you're advised from a legal point of view, the entity making the recommendation is interested in only one thing. Making money for his company or in making money
for him themselves as an entity for further enhancement of themselves. The more we go to court, the more tax dollars I lose. If we lose in court now, because we were sending what may have
been advised to you by a legal entity and it was challenged, we're losing money again. I'm losing tax dollars. The way to stop that in the what I've done in the past was simple. If you're going to spend my dollars
taking me to court for my company, whatever. You win, good, you stay. you lose or I gotta pay, you're out. And that's the way it should be handled. You people are nice people. All you
elected people, you're you might want to say that you're an easy mark because somebody who is educated in a certain discipline like law, I have to believe that entity. No, you don't. You have to
believe yourself. You have to believe the person in the mirror. Don't always accept what what you're being told because remember you're representing taxpayers. You're representing people in the town.
You are the people in the town and what you feel may be right. Not always what you're being told by somebody who wants to make money for themselves and their company. So this recision of what happened on November 20th cost
us money. Also on page four there was a resolution about an employee settlement agreement where we lost money again. Now, those are two examples on one agenda
that taking the advice of an entity, a thing that's interested in self-s serving is costing the taxpayer money. Be careful. This is the second time I'm telling you this. I don't want to come back to have to re retell you again. I
respect you all, but just be more considerate of what you're actually feeling. Now, something else that bothered me, if we're going to do this, I see two members who were candidates here. I don't see all four. Shouldn't there be all four? Were they all notified
properly? Something else I don't understand. Under the financials that are on the agenda tonight, the list of bills. And this is on page 18. There's 41 pages to the financials. Okay. On page 18 and
the person sitting here tonight, it says fingerprint reimbursement. Well, wait a minute. If we've rescended what happened on November 20th through bad advice, why was the person even asked to go to be fingerprinted
and have them put out their own money to be reimbursed when they're not yet voted in? That's going to be done later today. Follow the procedures. Follow the law. Be more careful of what you do. The advice you're getting may not be as
perfect as you're being told. I don't trust them. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Madam President. Can I just advise the board that the settlement agreement referenced in the comment involved no payment of any money by the board? >> Thank you.
Gavin. >> Good evening everybody. Gavin Rozie, Fork River. Um, I want to be clear at the outset. My comments are not about who the board is going to appoint tonight. It's about process, transparency, and respect for the authority of the superior court. As the board is aware, the superior court has
entered an order to show cause with temporary restraints in the recent matter challenging the board appointment. That order was issued exparte only after the court determined that the rec written record presented by myself and Mr. Senza met a very high legal threshold. The purpose of those
restraints is to preserve the status quo while the court reviews whether the board's November 20 process complied with the open public meetings act. Proceeding with an appointment tonight, even if the board intends not to administer the oath of office, risks undermining the very purpose of that
injunction. The restraints were entered to prevent the practical implementation of a challenged appointment before judicial review occurs. Taking a new vote now invites further judicial scrutiny and risks rendering the court's intervention meaningless. I also want to
note for the record that this proposed doover tonight relies on the same flawed executive session framework that's already on the record and under review by the court. A doover conducted before the court has ruled on the legality of the prior process is not a cure. It is a
workaround. The prudent course is to hit pause, not accelerate. In addition, I want to note for the record that one of the listed candidates, Miss Denza, my co-plaintiff, did not receive notice of being on the agenda for tonight's meeting despite being named on the
agenda. That fact further underscores why restraint is now warranted. Nothing prevents the board from filling this vacancy in a lawful manner after the court has ruled. What is at issue tonight is whether the board chooses to proceed despite the court's order rather
than in deference to it. The most responsible and legally sound course and the one most respectable respectful to the public and the judiciary would be to refrain from any appointment action until the court has had the opportunity to review the board's process on the return date. I also want to address the
individual board members directly and respectfully. Each of you is entitled to make your own judgment about whether acting tonight is appropriate, while a superior court injunction is in effect. I'm respectfully asking the board members to consider abstaining from
voting on item number 11 tonight. An abstension is not a vote against any candidate and it is not an admission of wrongdoing. It is simply a decision to wait until the court has ruled. Abstaining reflects caution, not obstruction. Abstaining tonight
preserves every option available to this board and avoids unnecessary personal exposure and shows respect for the spirit and the intent of the court's order of December 9th. Nothing is lost by waiting. The vacancy exists today and it will still exist tomorrow. What
cannot be undone is acting prematurely while judicial review is pending. For those reasons, I respectfully urge any member who has doubts, even procedural doubts, to consider abstension tonight. Thank you very much.
>> Okay. Thank you. Would anybody else like to comment? >> Go ahead. Good evening, Lacy citizens and members of the board. Richard Bidnik, chair of the Lacy Citizens for Responsible Government, and I am speaking on behalf of my entire group tonight. On November
20th, I filed a formal complaint against the acting superintendent concerning his actions at the October 16th board meeting. I never received a response from the board which in itself is totally unacceptable but not surprising concerning the way this board operates.
Over the last past four board meetings, at least four different individuals have come forward with complaints involving Mr. Zalinsky, both parents and students. During the library candidates forum I organized, a young female student spoke
about having been bullied and physically choked by another student and that Mr. Zalinsky just swept it under the rug. At the same meeting, a parent stated that he was what was wrong with the Lacy schools. At least two parents are
currently suing the district and have specifically named Mr. Zillinsky in their complaints. One saying he blocked her from exiting a room during a meeting and one parent stating that she was ignored by Mr. Zalinsky for months before having to get an emergency court
order. How many parents and students and private citizens must raise concerns about the same individual before this board takes action? Miss Clauss, you have previously dismissed all these allegations and said they amount to defamation. Were you personally present
for all these incidents being described? Do you genuinely believe that a young student who came forward at a library forum was just attempting to defame Mr. Zalinsky? Why is the default response to characterize every complaint as a liar
rather than to investigate? Where there is smoke, there is fire and you're letting the district burn. I want action on the issues that I addressed in my complaint. Do the right thing as is. It's all on video. Unacceptable behavior by any employee of the district against
a private citizen should never be tolerated and should never even happen in the first place. It's called conduct unbecoming of a public employee. Take action. I was present at the board meeting when the appointment was made to
fill a board vacancy. It was shocking to me to watch as there was absolutely no public discussion on why one particular candidate over another was overlooked. The new resolution language that you were proposing tonight is especially damaging. the most legally dangerous
part of the agenda. Whereas the board made an executive session to deliberate on the candidates, interviews, and qualifications. Whereas the board provided the public a meaningful explanation of the substance of its executive session deliberations. Now, therefore, the board hereby affirms that
the deliberations that it conducted in an executive session were in compliance with OPMA. This is a serious problem. The board is asking to retroactively declare its own compliance and to do so while their very issue is before a judge. This is not a cure. This is self-
adjudication. Courts do not allow parties to litigate an issue simultaneously pass a resolution declaring they did nothing wrong. That undermines judicial authority. It is exactly why courts imposed interim restraints. I want the public to
understand that this is a doover in form and not substance and that what the board is doing is being reactive to a lawsuit. Had the lawsuit not been filed, this would not be happening. This is a defective process and is embellic of the failure of Miss Clauss's
government governance, excuse me. Violating a court order by contempt of court are very serious matters. Think before you act. At the March 2025 board meeting, I warned the board and especially you, Miss Clauss, that we
would be watching everything that you are doing. And if you do not follow the law appropriately, action will be taken. We are transparent, but obviously you aren't listening. Until you clean up your act and follow the rule of law and policies, lawsuits will continue to
follow. You are not special, Lacy Board of Education. There are rules and laws in this society and they must be met. Take heed of my words since you did not listen the last time. I would like to thank Miss Cheryl Armato for accepting the challenge more than three and a half
years ago and putting your name on the ballot and getting elected. I am speaking not only on behalf of myself but all of the citizens of Lacy Township for thanking you for standing up for the taxpayers over the last two budgetary seasons when the majority of the board
did not. I salute you for your compassion, your spirit, your gracious behavior at these meetings and being an excellent board member and role model. You will be missed. We both share the same fighting spirit and I salute you for standing up for what was right even
under the greatest pressure. But most of all, thank you my friend. I wish you all the success in your future endeavors. God bless. And to all the citizens of Lacy Township, I wish you all a very blessed Christmas. This is such a good time to embrace the things that are
important in our lives and especially our friends and family and members who we all cherish and love. God bless you all and merry Christmas. Thank you. >> Richard, can you stay at the podium for a minute, please? I have some questions about your comments. >> Yes.
>> So, um you're the lead in the your group, your club. Do you have do you have an organizational? >> I am the I am the founder. >> The founder >> and chair. >> And the chair. So, who is in your group? >> 570 people. You can go onto our our
Facebook page and you can see all the members. >> So, you're saying that members that are there sometimes to observe are part of your group and they agree. >> Yeah, we've had meetings, we've done programs, people have come. Yes. >> Okay. So, do you have the names are there for me to see?
>> Yes, absolutely. >> So, when you threaten me like you just did tonight, they're all responsible for your words. And don't say you didn't because you just did. You're You can reread your I'll give you another six minutes. I'm not threatening you. Oh, you did. >> No, no. I am Let me just finish. Let me
explain. >> No, I want to finish my comment. Excuse me. You have your page that you post things on your page. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> So do other people. >> Correct. And the people that don't agree with you, you delete them. And you've actually said that at the township
meeting that if you don't agree with what they're saying, you take them off your page. You've said it. No, no, no. I'm talking that that is not what I'm talking about. I block people. Excuse me. >> Yes, you blocked us. >> Not from my group, madam. From other social media sites. >> We'll see if I get blocked because I
know people that you block on your group, but I'll go in and look and I'll see. All right. Go ahead. Support your words. You go ahead and do that. So, you also support when someone says, "I'm thinking of a public hanging disregarded to the citizen, the township citizens." That was >> And who said that, ma'am? Did I say
that? >> Cardone. But guess who liked it? You did. You liked the post. It's right here. You know, so you're encouraging. >> I'm not I'm not encouraging. I am not >> encouraging. You're not. You're You're inciting violence. And I'll keep going. I would like to finish my going.
>> Oh, I am going to keep going. That's one. Should we keep going? This goes on. Public flogging. That was another one that is on your page. And you're responsible. Your people are It doesn't matter. You are. You just claimed you're
responsible, Richard. I'm sorry. It stops here. And it's not If it doesn't stop here, we're going to take it farther because I've had I will. You posted my You posted my car, what I drive on the page. Oh, it keeps going. See a red coat? Shoot a red coat. This
is on your page that you claim you're responsible. That your members are responsible. You want me to keep going? What you said? Give me a second. >> I want you to say what I said. >> I Oh, I will. Give me one minute. I have it all here. Richard, and so does the police department, just so you know.
>> They called here. >> I'm sure they did. >> And I spoke to them. >> Great. And it's going to keep going. Richard, what did you say? Heads up, Lacy citizens. A call to action is requested by your loyal chair. And you just said it tonight. What do you mean by a call of action? That seems pretty
threatening to me. There's there needs to be a thorough cleansing of the school district. There needs It needs to start with the board president, Kim Claus. What does that mean, Richard? It seems like a threat to me. It just goes on and on. Those are your words, no one else. I hope for your
sake you will never consider consider running for any public office in this town. You just said that a couple weeks ago. Or what? >> Or what? >> Explain. Or what? You're threatening. And we've had it. The board has had it. I have had it. Richard,
>> your group I want the names so everybody can be responsible. And I can guarantee they're only there to watch because the Okay. Well, let's let's figure this out because we've had enough. And you come up here. You come up here. You say what you want to say. You encourage and
incite violence every time you post. You fight with people and you're angry all the time. And this is supposed to be a night of celebration for the three board members that have dedicated their volunteer time that are leaving. This is their time. And you made it about you. You make it about you every day when you
post. You go to the township meeting. You complain about the board. keep it here. Go to the township and talk about township issues, but it's public speaking. You can say what you want, but it's enough, Richard. And you know what? We offered for you to come into the
board office and make an appointment and come in. We offered it. There was an olive branch and you never called. So, if you want to have a conversation, call. But don't be using social media and inciting violence because we've had it. All these printouts the police department has. It's ridiculous. Oh, I'm
sure. spoken to them. >> I know you have because I went in four times. >> I'm a library director. We do not >> You're not a library director anymore, Richard. >> It doesn't matter. >> I'm a physical therapist then. Okay. That's my background. Big deal.
>> You are responsible when you start your angry comments all the time. It's every time you're angry. Support something >> instead of fighting against. >> It's enough. I've had enough of you. Unfortunately, want to hear it. >> I do want to hear it and I want to work with you.
>> Follow the law, my dear. >> Oh, we are following the law. Thank you. All right. Anybody else for public comment? >> Go ahead. You're up. >> Hello. Hello, Mr. Peters. How are you? Well, and you
>> Sean Girardano, 718 Rono Drive. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Linda Walker for her 33 years of service. I ran against Linda during my first campaign under the assumption that the board needed new blood and ideas.
Having had the opportunity to get to know Linda and to serve alongside her, I quickly learned that her experience and expertise in education was a tremendous asset to this district and to me as a fellow board member. You certainly taught me a lot. While we've disagreed
maybe a few times, we always work together as a team for the best interest of the students, staff, and the district as a whole. Linda, thank you for serving for 33 years, 12,000 and something days. It's incredible being a good teammate and a
friend. I do want to commend the board for their selection of Carrie Opitz who has two children in the district. I wish her s I have never even met you or seen you before, but I wish you success in your role as a board member. This brings me
to my next topic. In the beginning of December, I had asked business administrator Miss Ormsby how many emails the district received from three individuals. They're sitting behind me. Gavin Rosie, Richard Bidneck, and Regina Desenza.
Over the three-year period that she was BA, the number is roughly 500. I also asked about the number of emails sent to her predecessors going back five years. I wanted longer, but 5 years was
enough. Nearly another 500 over an 8-year period. That's nearly a thousand emails from three individuals that don't have children in the district. Yes, they're taxpayers and it's their right. Most, if not all of these emails didn't pertain to running the district or the
students that it serves. Many of these emails revolved around unnecessary OPER requests and data pulls which take time, resources, and have financial costs associated with them. Some of which are significant. The three of them have wasted countless
hours of your time and wasted thousands of dollars that belong to the students of this district. Want the taxpayers and the residents to hear that loud and clear. Sadly. Oh, so when they come up here and talk
about wasteful spending and financial mismanagement, they're part of the problem. Their agenda of fingerpointing, mudslinging, and creating conflicts where there are none, particularly when they don't get their own way, needs to stop.
Sadly, to this day, it continues. In fact, within the last two weeks, Razie and Denza have filed legal proceedings against the district over procedural appointment of Miss Opitz. I can all but guarantee that if Denza
was appointed, it would be a non-issue. More money and time being wasted. >> Siri agrees. Mr. Senta served on this board after several losing elections. She had her chance to make a difference, as did I.
I'd let the public decide who did better after losing election bids for senator and sheriff. Maybe she'll run again for the board. Perhaps if she does, I can guarantee you I will because I know the outcome.
I'm happy to speak with any member of the public that would like to talk about this. Like to wish you guys all a merry Christmas. Linda, thank you so much for your service. Cheryl and Jack, thank you for your service as well. It's a volunteer role and you guys stepped up. >> Thank you.
>> A lot of people are afraid to do that because of these three. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Would anybody else like to have a public comment? >> Regina. >> First, thank you for allowing me to speak at six o'clock. Um, Regina
Desenza, Sunset Drive, Sunrise Beach. Many of those emails that Mr. uh, Geodana refers to are appointments for bill reviews, which I have been doing monthly for over 15 years. And yes, sometimes we have to go back three or four times to agree on a date and time.
Not every single email is an Oprah request. And Mr. Mr. Gana, you have to admit that when I got your emails in 2019 and saw that you were investigating me with those emails, you have to think about it. I'm going to
be very interested in people's emails from then on. Okay? And what about the 200 grand for all your appeals for the ethics charges when you spent five grand investigating me? and you are perfectly
welcome to do so, but you needed to pay for it yourself. Okay? So, you can complain all you want about my emails and my oper requests, but a lot of those emails are just appointments for bill
reviews and too damn bad about the open requests because I have to check and see what people are doing. >> Anybody else like a public comment? You can only go one, Sean. I'm sorry. New rules. >> New rules. >> New rules. >> Skip.
>> Mr. Fers. >> Skip Peters. >> Fort River Seaside Loka Harbor. >> Merry Christmas everyone. Um, it's kind of weird sitting on this side saying to myself after six years sitting on that side, wow, now I know how it feels on
this side. But I know 100% that matter how much you speak to this microphone, you have a ton more power up there than sitting here. And people in the past have said that they're stronger at their microphone than actually being there.
Mr. Connie, thank you for your service. Appreciate it. It was a pleasure. Had a great time working with you. Had a lot of fun. Mrs. President class. This woman I work with as being president of this board myself. She was
my vice president. I've worked underneath her as her being the president. This woman has a passion for this town like you would not believe. There's a lot of accusations out there. There's people on Facebook throwing mud.
How Mr. Peters apparently on lease in New Jersey just scattered out of town and had an emergency reason. You got Richard recorded. >> So >> just try to keep your >> You're right. My apologies. So there's no attention needed up here for me. But on the other hand, other people need the
attention. They put that on social media. Attention needed. So there is none needed here whatsoever. Mrs. Downing. >> Yes. Mr. Peters. >> Mrs. Downing. >> Yes. >> I've ran with her and a team with also
Mr. Grodano. We've ran together. she and her education and her passion and her making things right and keeping things calm when things got out of control. I am so
unfortunate for the new board members not to serve with you because what you offered to any board new board member as advice or decisions or whatever it might be and I'm sure Jack can tell you that right um that it was just an amazing
event. I feel sorry for them that they're not going to be able to receive that guide and passion that you had to them and thank you for your 33 years correct. That's a lot of missed dinners. That's a lot of missed birthdays. That's a lot of missed phone calls. There's a
lot of missed family organizations. Trust me, I did it for six years. I know it's there. All right. Um, some of you don't realize how tough it is actually being up there. Unfortunately, as board president, hit me kind of hard.
Six deaths in the district the term I was board president. I know I had no control over that whatsoever, but being a leader of a program up there, you say to yourself at 2:00 in the morning when you w a week, what could I have done different to save
that child? You have zero interactions with the children whatsoever in the district except handing them award once in a while, but you still, and I'm sure other board members did, take it to heart that year. That was a pretty pretty rough year between the suicides and car accidents. So to the new board
members, keep your head up. Doesn't matter what these people say. I'm sorry. I'll face them. >> Yep. Sorry. Doesn't matter what they say. They always went in one year and out the other. All right. Thank you very much. And merry Christmas to everyone. Thank you. >> Where's Mr.
>> Excuse me? >> Mr. >> It is opening night. Okay. Gotcha. I wanted to say hi to him, too. Merry Christmas. Thank you. >> Thank you. Would anybody else like to speak? >> Before we move on, I just want to
apologize for me raising my voice. It's uh just got the better of me and it's I've never done it up here, but it's I'm just extremely frustrated at the u the comments that are appearing by a couple people on Facebook and it's at the point
where I feel threatened and I'm sure the board does too. So, um >> excuse me. his public comment ended. >> It's over. >> You know that thing is like I got one more thing. >> Go ahead. >> I'm doing mine. >> I'll say this. >> Oh, okay.
>> Okay. So, anyway, I just like to apologize for that. Um and we'll we're going to move on. Okay. Where are we? Okay. Uh we did not have any uh board committees this month, so we're going to skip that. And we will
we do have a superintendent uh comment. >> I do. >> Okay. >> I do. Mr. Peters, you were late. I have a resolution for you for your years of service. Well, you missed all the others. So, here it is. Yours. Want to come back up to stand? You can. Sure. Come back up here. All right. Resolution. This is whereas Harold Skip
Peters has served over 5 years as a member of the Lacy Township Board of Education. And whereas Skip Peters has always displayed dedication for the position to which he has been elected by the voters of the Lacy Township School District. And whereas during his service of Lacy Township Board of Education, he
served as president of the board of education in 2024, actively served as chair of both the finance and facilities committees, was a contributing member of the policy and curriculum committees, and served as a member of many ad hoc committees over his term. Whereas Skip Peter has always displayed fairness in
dealing with the issues presented to the board for decision-making, caring about what was the most important, the kids. And whereas Skip Peter's experience in his professional life as an educator and personal life as a home contractor served the board well as he had a passion for curriculum and developing
the whole child. His experiences allowed him to quickly create understanding, assist with problem solving and gather information to be informed decision maker. And whereas Lacy Township School District is grateful for such a strong advocate for children and friend of education. And now be it resolved by the
Lee Township Board of Education, Ocean County, New Jersey, that the board does hereby formally acknowledge the countless hours of volunteer service to the students and staff of the district and the citizens of Lacy Township over for over his 5 years of dedicated service to the Lace Township Board of Education. The board does hereby
formally acknowledge with deeply felt appreciation the time, effort, and sacrifices he made for our district and wishes him many unencumbered weekday evenings to spend with his family and friends. Thank you on this day, Mr. Peters. >> Thank you.
Good to see you. >> Good to see you. >> Thank you. >> I'm sorry. >> Okay. Now, we're going to move on to board member comments. Um, let's start with Miss Walker. >> Okay. Okay. I tried to make this as short as I
could. 33 years. Hard to cut it short, but first of all, I want to express my gratitude for the well wishes and kind words I've received since announcing that I wasn't running for another term on the board. My top priority has been my husband, who is battling stage 4
cancer. I sincerely thank this board and administration for your support during this difficult time. Your calls, texts, and presence meant the world to us. To our new board members, congratulations on taking one of the
most challenging roles despite not being financially compensated. And remember that over 5,000 people voted for you. And you are here for the children of this district. Don't let anyone steer you away from that mission. There are
voices in this town that have clouded its true essence. But don't be intimidated. You have the support of a strong strong majority in Lacy. My advice is simple. Listen and learn. Ask questions and
don't assume you have all the answers. Pay attention to staff in our schools. They offer invaluable insight. As board members, you are held to a higher standard. Embrace your training and approach your new roles with eagerness.
Jack, I wish you could have stayed. You have been an invaluable member to this board and I wish you a lot of luck. It's been a pleasure working with you. Skip, thank you for the memories. Um, and the numerous phone calls back and forth and
Cheryl, while we may have disagreed on many issues, our mutual respect has always been there, and I appreciate everything that you've done. Thank you, Mr. Zalinski for stepping up as acting superintendent. Despite facing criticism, you've made a
significant impact on our district, improving test scores and rankings. While people often dislike hearing no, you always prioritize the best interest of this district. Good luck, Sharon, in your new position. Your departure is
definitely their game. Thank you to all the voters in Lacy Township for your trust in me throughout my 11 terms. Even in the face of unjust recalls and disrespectful actions, I have always prioritized the children
of this district. I'm grateful to all the former and present board members I've had the honor to work with. Wishing you all and your families a wonderful holiday season. Thank you everybody. >> Thank you, Linda.
You have no idea how much we're going to miss you. >> Yeah, we cherish every minute. Thank you, >> Mr. Bell. Is there anything you'd like to add? >> Well, there's a lot I'd like to say, but I'll try not to try not to go on. Um to
those that are moving on, um Jack, Cheryl, Skip, um Sharon, uh really enjoyed working with you guys and and your passion and even at points where we disagreed, uh the respect that was there, uh to disagree agreeably, um has
been a blessing. Um Linda, I don't see how you did it. Um, but I do appreciate and I've I've said this to Linda because I believe it's important to say things in person, not just when they're leaving the scene. Uh, and I've reminded her over and over how
her grace has impacted the district. Um, she's taken some pretty hard hits. Um, while walking through one of the most terrific trials you can, shows up at a board meeting and just with grace just
continues the job. Uh, and she has taught me so much. Uh, any committee that I was on with her, um, you know, we'd all be talking, but when Linda would say, "Well, we need to," it was almost like everybody stopped and turned because we knew, uh, that she had a
perspective that we probably hadn't thought of, and it's been good to work with her. Um, there's a lot of disrespect that flies around in this room. Tonight, I saw one of the most damaging ones.
As Miss Klouse was leading us in the pledge to the flag, someone entered the room, did not stop, did not look at the flag, just continued walking. I have friends that have taken bullets
for that flag. That flag is what gives us the freedom that we have. When I saw someone walk into the room and have such disrespect for that flag to continue walking till they reach
their destination, I realized that we're dealing with somebody that probably doesn't respect much. And I would encourage that individual, they know who they are. As you stand at that platform there and tell us uh to
respect the laws. You may want to go home tonight, look in the mirror and remember that that flag is what gives us the right to have this kind of a meeting. Uh and it hurt because like I said, I' I've got
friends that took bullets for it. And so as the disrespect flies, um it's important that we kind of examine ourselves. We mentioned all the lost time with family as you donate time to the school district of which my boys never
attended. Um of which my grandchildren will probably never attend. They don't live in this town. But I felt responsible as a member of this community uh to donate some time to this district. Um, tonight I had to get up. I was watching
a Christmas movie with my six-year-old granddaughter. It was only about 45 minutes into the movie. She said, "Poppy, where are you going?" I said, "Well, Poppy's got to go to a board meeting uh cuz I'm I'm on the board of ed because I want my kids to
understand the importance and my grandkids the importance of donating back to our community." Uh, but the the Christmas movie I was watching, maybe you've seen it, maybe you haven't. Uh, it's called The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
>> I'm not a big fan to push movies, but I would encourage everybody go home. It costs us $4 above all the taxes that we've raised. Um, but I was willing to make that $4
investment to watch a movie. If you don't watch any other movie this season, I would encourage you to watch that. Uh, because every person in this room is represented in that movie. Try to pick yourself out.
If you can't find yourself, I'm a pastor. I offer this often. Come ask me. I'll tell you who you are. um we would do well to watch that movie and remember there's a bigger cause here. Um and so rather than getting on
your own little soap box or stepping up to the podium, um there's a community. We need to be respectful. We're trying to get the young people to be that. I sure hope they don't watch some of the board meetings. >> I really do. Um but I do appreciate all
of the work that goes in. And I appreciate uh each of our staff members. Um the guy to my right here, I'm just going to be honest. When I first came to a board meeting, I thought, man, he is the most arrogant
guy. And I now that I see what he has to do, he's like one of the kindest people I know. When you're carrying this much on your shoulders, um it's a lot. And I don't want him to get a big head. we've had to we've had to butt heads. We've had to
I've had to look at him and say, "No, I don't agree with you." And he said, "That's all right. You're the board of ed. Whatever you want to do." Um, and so I appreciate the time. And it's not just him, by the way. He's got a whole team, uh, that I appreciate working with him. Uh, and just the work
that goes on here. Um, proud to be part of it. Uh, glad that I could serve. Um, I'm not doing 33 years. I'm not sorry. Um I don't have that fortitude. But uh
to the new members that are coming in, um don't let it shake you. Um we got your back. Uh we'll agree with you, we'll disagree with you. Um Miss Opitz, thank you for causing such a stir. It's been a blessing. Um and look forward to
working with you whenever we get to. Um that's all I have to say. >> Thank you, Cheryl. Is there anything you'd like to say? >> First, I'd like to say I do know that movie and that's the producer that did The Chosen. >> Excellent. >> Okay. >> Highly recommend it. I want to thank
everyone for coming out tonight. I will say as a last meeting, this was very fiery. This was a very um intense meeting. Um so, as this is my final public comment concluding my three-year term, I want to begin by congratulating our
students of the month. It has truly been a pleasure recognizing so many students whose hard work and dedication reflect the best of our schools. I'd also like to extend my best wishes to the newly elected board members as you begin your service in January. Thank you for
stepping forward to serve. This role carries significant responsibility and my hope is that you approach it with care, transparency, and accountability for how decisions impact both our schools and our broader community. To my fellow board members, thank you
for the time, effort, and commitment you have given to this district. While many times we agreed to disagree, I believe we all showed up with intention of doing what we felt was right. I appreciate the conversations, the collaboration, and the work we have done together. I also
want to thank our administration, staff, students, and families and their continued dedication and support. Serving this community has been an honor. As I close out my term, I do so with gratitude and respect for this role and the trust placed in all of us who
serve. I wish everyone a merry Christmas, a peaceful holiday season, and a healthy happy new year. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mr. Conny. >> Yeah, pretty much everything that
said was spot on. Uh Olivia, Dillia, Ryan, congratulations. Um, thank you to everybody up here. Um, administration,
staff, students, uh, my family. Mrs. Walker, known you a very long time, >> very long. and
I've only ever known her on the board besides a friend's mom. Um, it's been heck of a three years and I appreciate all of uh
support and the guidance and uh phone calls on what are we doing? and uh you explained it all and thank you. >> Welcome. >> Um, happy holidays, happy Hanukkah, happy
Christmas, happy new year. That's it. >> Okay, thank you. >> Um, I think Miss Armato said it correctly. Tonight was a very fiery meeting and I wish it didn't happen. I I again I apologize for getting loud. Um,
but speaking to the community, um, I just, um, am asking that we make a better effort to work with each other. We're not against people. Um, and I, I wish that a certain group wasn't always against
us. We do want to hear what you have to say. Um, some ideas are great, some we feel aren't great. If we don't dis if we don't agree, it doesn't mean that we're wrong. It doesn't mean you're wrong. It just means the board that was elected by the people don't agree with you. And
that's okay. We c we don't have to always agree. Um but it doesn't have to be this battle every month or every day. Um you know, I'm I'm tired of getting the screenshots and the phone calls um about these attacks for the board and
the superintendent and it's just not necessary. We live in a community. These are our neighbors. you're our neighbors and we just need to be better. And it seems like we talk about this all the time and it just it's just not happening. So, you know,
whatever we can do to make it better without being attacked, let's do it. Let's meet. You know, it's the only way to improve our community. But this this is going nowhere. I've been on the board five years and it's a circle with the same group of people. Let's move forward for the kids. We have a big budget
season ahead. We know it's not going to be good already. So, let's work together. It's the only way to get through. Okay? But these constant attacks, if if you're not going to end them, then maybe we'll have to take a process to see if we can because, you know, these attacks that we're getting
now online are pretty threatening. I mean, flogging, shooting, uh, public hanging. I mean, it's ridiculous and it's encouraged on the site and I don't think it's appropriate and you can say it's public speech. Well, it is, but wait till there's an action. There will
be an action taken from your site. Someone will take an action. Okay? And it's not going to be good. And it's not fair for any volunteer. These people are stepping up. They have young children. Everyone that's coming on, all right? They have to think of their families,
too. They're volunteers. So, let's work together and let's be better. But this constant attacking just needs to end. But I wish tonight wasn't about that. I wish it was about the Skip still here. the four board members that are moving on. I mean, incredible years of service
and Linda, you've always been my mentor and I I know I called you endlessly. What do we do? How do we handle this? And you've always had some kind words and um always guidance and it was just amazing and you're you're really going to be missed. You're you're the you're the calm of the storm
>> always. I appreciate it. Yeah. And um Skip, we've had our ups and downs, agreements, you know, fights and but it's been fun. I learned a lot from you being president and I appreciate that. And you know, always there to talk. And Jack, you're my right-hand man. I call
you with everything and um you always answer, which was good. >> My wife's going to miss you. >> I know. >> Could be anytime, any weekend, either. >> Yeah. But I appreciate that. Thank you. You're really going to be missed. And Cheryl, um we did disagree quite a bit, but it's okay. and you know, we had
mutual respect for each other and you know, I appreciate the time on the board and you're good with policy and I love the policy. So, I appreciate that. >> And Sharon, we don't have the money quote is all we heard. Well, we don't have the money. Let's do this. Well, we don't have the money, so we're going to miss you. And um
>> really going to miss you a lot. Yeah. Well, thank you for everything you've done. So, >> all right, that's it. Now, we're going to move on uh to board vacancy. Hey Kim, before we do the board vacancy is I just want to um motion for myself. >> I I think I have to do it before she
does it right before it's motion. I just want a motion before a motion's taken. I want to um because this matter is currently subject to a court order and pending litigation. I'm just going to rec recuse myself. I wasn't sure if I had to do it afterwards or beforehand. >> No, it's fine now. And then when the vote comes, you could just say abstain
or recuse yourself. But and you could say up here. You don't have to. >> Okay. Thanks. So just >> and and in that regard and in response to the comment I just wanted to read the pertinent part of the court order that was referenced just so the board is clear on what it actually does restrain. It says temporarily. So this board is temporarily restrained and enjoined from
one administering the oath of office to Carrie Opitz as a member of the Lacy Township Board of Education pursuant to the November 20th, 2025 appointment and two recognizing Carrie Opitz as a duly qualified member of the board or permitting her to sit, vote, or otherwise exercise the powers of that
office pursuant to that November 2020 25 appointment. So none of the proposed agenda items here are violative of that order. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. So board vacancy A. Motion to rescend. Can I have
a motion, please? >> Motion. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> Discussion. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bell, >> yes. >> Mrs. Armato, >> accused. >> Mrs. Walker,
>> yes. >> Mr. Connity. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Claus. >> Yes. Okay. Now, I'd like to call for nominations um and discussion to fill the board vacancy. And the candidates are as follows. Jennifer Klein, Regina Denza, Carrie Opitz, and John Satello.
Can I have a nomination, please? >> Like to nominate Miss Keropitz. >> Can I have a second, please? >> I'll second that. >> Can we have a discussion, please, on >> Well, are there any other nominations? >> Any other nominations? Okay, I'm going to close nominations.
You do >> uh discussion >> now. A discussion is in order. >> So his optit um she's got three children in and out the district been here 30 plus uh years.
Um heavily in involved between uh the schools and township. Um, and that she's the best uh person
for a spot. >> I think so, too. I think Carrie had the um the best interview. Um, she um you could tell that she really just wants to give back to the community. Um, she's invested in her children going here,
which is great. um she's already been a part of um I don't know if it's a PTA or PTC, but she was treasurer um for two committees, I believe. Um and I think she would be a great candidate. So, I do support um Carrie in the nomination.
>> Go ahead, Linda. >> I uh I too um agreed. I voted for or wanted thought Carrie would be the right candidate for this position. um your focus or her focus on children really resonated with me. Um ultimately
our priority should be the students of Lacy Township. Um she consistently emphasized the importance of schools and the welfare of the children and her comments about changing the image uh of
the board on being more uh listening to crucial ideas and building a public trust and collaborating effectively with the other board members. That also was an important uh thing with me when I
made my decision. Um, and what really got me is, uh, Carrie had said that she had considered running for the board in other elections, but in this particular election, there were four great
candidates. And um, so she didn't feel the need because she felt the district was in good hands. Um and then what the biggest thing her statement you uh Carrie made a statement quote I have no political aspirations
and I thought that was particularly significant to me because I believe the school board should operate outside of political interests. So um that's why I select or you know voted or whatever for Carrie. >> Okay. Mr. Bell, is there anything you
want to add? Yeah, I think she was the best uh interview. Um we had good candidates, but uh she answered the questions the best. >> Um gave us what we asked for. Um personally, as a public speaker, one of the things I appreciated was she said, "I'm not a public speaker."
>> And then twice while she was public speaking, a phone went off and she held it together. Um so just her ability to work through stuff like that in the middle of an interview where she was already nervous, uh I think she can sit up here and handle some of the
things that we'll have to go through. >> I think she'll be a great asset. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Should we move on to the vote? Okay. We're uh see >> to close. >> Oh, Kim, can I also just I have to make this comment. >> Our board never agrees 70 on anything.
And um maybe the minutes um >> and yet this this was a 70 vote when we took it the other day. So that to me was really amazing. Thank you. I had to share that. >> Yeah, that was good. That was good. All right, we're going to call. >> So now,
>> yeah, nominations are there's only one nomination. So in order would be a motion to adopt the resolution appointing Carrie Opitz to the board vacancy. >> Can I have a motion, please? >> Just to confirm, she's not actually coming up here today or anything like that. >> Yes.
>> Uh can I have a motion, please? >> A motion. >> A second. >> Okay. Roll. Um, does any discussion? Further discussion? Okay. Roll call, please. Mr. Bell, >> yes. >> Mrs. Armato, >> recused.
>> Mrs. Walker, >> yes. >> Mr. Conned, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Claus, >> yes. Congratulations again. >> We're looking forward to >> Okay. All right. Now, we're going to move on to uh resolutions, new business.
Okay, let's see. We are at uh A1 meeting minutes. Can I have a motion, please? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. >> Uh discussion. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bell, >> yes. >> Mrs. Armato, >> yes. >> Mrs. Walker,
>> I have to abstain. I was absent. >> CB50. >> See, we didn't all agree on the minutes. >> Mr. Conny, >> yes. and Mrs. Claus. >> Yes. A2 list of bills. Can I have a motion, please? >> Motion. >> Second
>> discussion. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bell? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Armato? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Walker? >> Uh, yes. But I have to abstain on A2. Uh, Chesley, Brandice, and Amos. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Conflict.
>> Uh, Mr. Conny. >> Yes. But I need to read Q's on A2. Gibson, Normsby, Wrath, and my employer, uh, 163 and 161. >> Thank you, Mrs. Claus. >> Yes. Um, A3 to four transfers. Can I
have a motion, please? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> None. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bell? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Armato? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Walker? >> Yes. >> Mr. Conny? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Claus? >> Yes. Finance and Facilities. Can I have
a motion, please? Motion. >> What number? >> What numbers? >> Oh, 85 to 111. >> 5 to 11. >> Do you have a second? >> I don't have a second. >> Second. >> Um, can I have a discussion? Any
discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bell? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Armato? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Walker? >> Yes. >> Mr. Conned? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Claus? >> Yes. A 12 to 15 tuition and transportation. Can I have a motion, please? Move.
>> Second >> discussion. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bell, >> yes. >> Mrs. Armato, >> yes. >> Mrs. Walker, >> yes. >> Mr. Connelly, >> yes. >> Mrs. Claus, >> yes. A16, policy and regulation. Can I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second.
>> Discussion. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bell, >> yes. >> Mrs. Armato, >> yes. >> Mrs. Walker, >> yes. >> Mr. Conny, >> yes. >> Mrs. Claus, >> yes. A7 to 18 hips. Can I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second.
>> Discussion. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bell? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Armada? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Walker? >> Yes. >> Mr. Connelly? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Claus? >> Yes. The donations? And I'd like to thank everyone who donated. Can I have a motion, please? >> Move.
>> Second. >> Discussion. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> $4,800. >> That's nice. Uh, roll call, please. Mr. Bell. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Armato, >> yes. >> Mrs. Walker, >> yes. And thanks. >> Mr. Conny, >> yes. >> Mrs. Claus,
>> yes. Programs and curriculum. Can I have a motion, please? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Uh, discussion. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bell? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Armato? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Walker? >> Yes. >> Mr. Connelly? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Claus? >> Yes.
>> D. Professional days and workshops and travel. Can I have a motion, please? >> Motion. Second >> discussion. >> Roll call, please. Uh, anything down there? No. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bell? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Armato? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Walker? >> Yes. >> Mr. Connelly?
>> Yes. >> Mrs. Claus? >> Yes. Um, E. Certificated personnel, E1 through six. Can I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Discussion. Roll call, please. Mr. Bell, >> yes. >> Mrs. Armato, >> yes. >> Mrs. Walker, >> yes.
>> Mr. Conny, >> yes. >> Mrs. boss. >> Yes. F non-certificated personnel F1 to 10. Can I have a motion, please? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Uh, discussion. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bell,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Armato, >> yes. >> Mrs. Walker, >> yes. >> Mr. Conny, >> yes. >> Mrs. Claus, >> yes. And no walks. Correct. Okay. I'd like to adjourn the meeting. Merry Christmas, everybody. >> Merry Christmas. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Um, move. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? I
>> Yeah, you