to the meeting of the Lawrence Township Board of Education. Tom, could we have the role, please? >> Miss Bose. >> Mr. Caparada, >> here. >> Mr. Clark, >> here. >> Miss Evans >> here. Miss Kroger >> here, >> Miss Kelly
>> here, >> Miss Martinez, Miss Pascouli, Mr. Vanheis, and Miss Pandi is not here, but you do have a quorum. >> Yes. Whereas the open public meetings act authorizes boards of education to
meet an executive session under certain circumstances, matters of personal confidentiality rights, including but not limited to staff or student discipline matters and matters which if publicly disclosed would constitute an
unwarranted invasion of individual privacy and specifically HIV. matters concerning negotiations and specifically settlements and matters involving quasi judicial deliberations.
Um, we will go into executive session. Formal action will be taken and we'll do our best to get out in 30 minutes. >> I have a motion. >> So moved. >> Second >> for for the for the reasons listed on the agenda. >> Oh, for the reasons listed on the
agenda. >> Yes. Thanks. >> So moved. You got it. >> All right, let's go. for your patience everyone. The New Jersey Open Public Meeting Law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advanced notice of and to
attend meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting their interest is discussed or acted upon. As required under law, adequate notice of this meeting has been provided via email or facts to the Times, the Lawrence
Ledger, the public library, and has been filed with the municipal clerk. This notice was provided prior to the 48 hours required by the open public meetings act. The board reserves the right to limit public discussion of personnel items and other matters as
defined in the law. We'll have the flag salute. I alian to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands nation indivisible with liberty and justice for
all. >> Okay, we have peer leaders here tonight. >> Woohoo. I mean, >> come on up, peer leaders. >> We love it when you're here. >> Sure. kick us off.
>> Um, good evening everyone. My name is Eisen Noah Keeman. I am part of the class of 2027. And besides peer leadership, I am student council. I'm going to be student council president for next year. >> Yes, you wrote her name down right so we can
>> Oh, I hi everyone. I'm thunder mati. I am obviously class of 2027 peer leadership and um I'm a wrestler who placed eighth at states THIS YEAR. >> GIRL, >> hi everyone. My name is Caitlyn Grimes
and besides peer leadership, I am going to be class president of 2027. >> Well represented. >> Okay, so we're gonna get started. Uh we have a couple of things that we would like to update you all about. Um first,
we just recently finished all of our elections for all of our different classes as well as student council. So some of our results was for the class of 2029. Our president was S, vice president was Sai V, secretary was Nati
C, historian was Prika M, treasurer was Prashita K. And that was all for class of 2029. And then for class of 2028, our president is Sunonny R. Our vice president is Ian K. Our secretary is
Clarissa P. Historian is Hajara J. And treasurer is Tou A. >> And then for our class of 2027, our president is Caitlyn Grimes. Our vice president is uh Jayla H. Our historian
is Diana. And our treasurer is Jackie. Nice. >> And for our student council, we have our vice I'm sorry, our president Azie and our vice president Vana.
>> There. >> Okay. Okay, so moving on to NHS officers and their elections that have just finished. Um, so president is Connor Blackman, vice president is Danielle Marceline, secretary is Isabelle Math, treasurer is Evangelene Borsuch, and
historian is Gabrielle Pashid. And then also what happened in the last two weeks were AP and honors class meetings for next year for the class of 20 or for the year of 2026 to 2027. So um in the first week June 4th and June 5th uh we split it up into two resources
with different classes uh to give out textbooks and summer assignments. So for resource one we had like English 4 honors and AP language and composition and AMS 1 honors. So it was like more of the humanity side. for resource two. That's when all of the science teachers,
AP science teachers combined together in the auditorium and they said everything for apes, AP biology and AP chemistry which was new and it was also really effective. Um for June 5th for resource one we had AP literature and composition and English three honors. Resource 2 was
AP art which is 2D and 3D design. We had both AP computer science principles and AP computer science A. Um, for the week two, June 8th, resource one was AP macro and microeconomics and AP US government, which is more history. Resource two was
uh Spanish for honors and AP Spanish. June 9th, resource one was a push and then AP US history and resource 2 was English 2 honors. And then lastly on June 10th for resource one was AP African-American studies Spanish 3 honors and for resource two was AP seminar. So, a lot of different APs and
honors classes were covered and a lot of assignments were given out for the summer to be for students to be prepared for next year. >> Wow, that's a lot. >> Hi. And for upcoming events closer to the end of this week and for next week,
tomorrow we have prom for our seniors, which the theme is night at the Oscars. And we have a car crash simulation for them tomorrow to make sure and to um encourage um not drinking while
intoxicated. And we also have a breakfast that will go with that um similation. And then um next week we have our award-winning LHS Gospel Choir is performing at the municipal building at 900 a.m. June 18th for Junth
celebration as we do not have school on June 19th. And then with collaboration with um Black Student Union here at LHS, we will be having a Junth celebration on June 17th. And Gospel Choir will also be performing there. And we do have a panel
and other games that will be going along with food at our Juneenth celebration. So that is all that we have for you today. Thank you so much. >> Thank you very much. >> Enjoy prom. >> Oh, they're juniors. That's right. I'm sorry. >> We're still going though. Sorry.
Thank you. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Can I have a motion to adopt the minutes from the regular session minutes and the executive session minutes from
uh May 27th and May 20th, right, John? Is that it? >> That's right. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. With a motion by Mr. Miss Clark and seconded by Miss Martinez. May I call the role? >> Call the RO.
>> Mr. Caparada? >> Yes. >> Mr. Clark? >> Yes. >> Miss Evans? >> Yes. >> Miss Kroger? >> Yes. >> Miss Kelly? >> Yes. >> Miss Martinez? >> Yes. >> Motion carried? >> Uh, recognitions and acknowledgements.
>> So, we'd like to recognize our LTPS uh 2526 retirees. I believe Joey has a little slideshow we're going to play first. FANTASTIC. >> YEAH. >> Do you want to go? >> Yeah. Go ahead. You're gonna Yeah, we're
going to do the presentation of gifts. So, if you ladies want to join me up front, >> I asked if I could do this because so many of the people that are here tonight have touched my life and have made when I was teaching my uh life so much easier. They're good people and they've
really treated our students topnotch and we thank you so much. What we're going to do is I'll call you up and um we're going to take you want to do the picture individually with the gift now and then when we're done we'll all meet together and and get a picture with the board
members so that you know what's coming up next. Okay, >> you have the already we have Mary Joe. Mary Joe's 25 years and an amazing >> thought I was.
>> This lady got me a skeletoniz >> instead of dashing back and forth. Where do you want her? Pepper. I'm here. I'm sure. Congratulations. Congratulations.
>> And next, Kim Clancy, would you come on up? Kim started at le kindergarten. The very beginning. Such a sweetheart. >> Actually, the same. >> Congratulations.
>> Congratulations. Come on in. >> Oh, I know. I remember that. One of the girls was like, >> she smiles. >> Get us smiling. You smile. >> Smile. >> I love it. Sus Casari, come on up. She
has 17 years with us. Thank you so very much. You're such a gift. >> Congratulations. >> This one's hard. Fantastic. Come on up here. 23 years.
This is the smiling lady who never says no. She can make everybody happy. >> Yes. Is going to miss that. >> We're good. >> Thank you very much. You want to put them on the
>> group that we could go into the pit real quick for a group. You want to do that a little. >> I'd like to make a motion for our retirees. your seats >> that you were just
>> Don't make me get the gavl out. >> You got it. Come on, Joe. Of >> course. >> PE teacher, kick it into gear. >> Sorry. >> All right. Superintendence report. >> Okay. Just want to take another moment to recognize and honor our amazing
retirees. Thank you for your years of dedication, service, and commitment to our students, staff, and community. You've all helped to shape Lawrence Township Public Schools in countless ways, and I am so grateful for the impact you've all made. I wish you a happy and successful retirement. This is
that the time of year that's an opportunity to truly reflect on all that we've accomplished together. From academic achievements to student successes to performances, competitions, celebrations, and everyday moments of growth, this has been a remarkable year for this district. None of it would be
possible without the dedication of our staff, the support of our families, the hard work of our students, and of course, our board of education. Thank you again for your leadership and partnership throughout the year to this board. I wish you all, the community alike, a happy, successful, and
relaxing, well-deserved summer break. >> And my apologies to Shawn. I was supposed to tell you that the cards were made by the students at Ben Franklin School and the wrapping paper on the gifts were made by students at Eldridge Park School.
>> Sean gave me one job. One job. >> And I would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to our retirees. Even though they've left the room, their years of service have left a lasting legacy and we thank them for their dedication to our schools and community. On behalf of the board of education, I
wish everyone a safe, enjoyable summer. Okay. You have a super you have another report. Okay. Board secretary's report. >> On the agenda this evening are reorganization items. There are far too many for me to read to you. Um, but
these are the uh authorizations that you provide us to open the new school year. And so um I hope you all had a chance to look at them. I didn't receive any questions from anyone. Um with respect to the rest of the board's uh report tonight, um this is the main topic uh
with respect to the board secretary's role. Um I would like to mention one thing. I was speaking with Joanne Groger and just to acknowledge the passing of Bo Hitchcock who was our director of facilities for upwards of 20 years. U he
was surrounded by his children. He passed courageously as uh he was a lifelong Lawrence resident and I can circulate his obituary to you if you hadn't seen it. uh his family is going to have a celebration of life where they plan on
having people uh tell funny stories and there were so many to tell. Um so um if you knew Bo, please send him your love wherever he is and thank him for his time here because if you can see it, if you can touch it as a facility, he
probably had something to do with it. Um you can mow it or you see a roof or a window, he probably was the one to put it in. So, as well as so many other things. So, please keep him in mind. >> Thank you. >> The last time I saw him, he was
volunteering at the cat shelter. He was going to pick me out some good cats, but I already had four, so I couldn't take any more. >> Okay. Board President's report. What do I have here? First, I'd like to
recognize that June is Pride Month. At Lawrence Township Public Schools, we're committed to ensuring that every student, staff member, and family feels welcomed, valued, and respected. We celebrate the diversity that strengthens our school community and reaffirm our
belief that everyone belongs here. Now, leaison ad hoc committee reports. >> Oh, student rep. She's first. >> Okay. Sorry. Sorry, your last meeting and I almost passed you by. >> Well, I actually didn't prepare anything. I just wanted to be here for
the last one of the school year and I'm so grateful for all of you. So, thank you for having me here again and have a great summer. >> We're going to miss you. >> That smile will stay embedded in my brain. >> Oh, thank you. >> Her nails look really good for prom
tomorrow. Thank you. >> Okay. Now we have liaison ad hoc committee reports, student board member report, Lawrence Township of Education Foundation, Olga. >> No report. >> No report. >> No report.
>> Uh New Jersey school boards. >> Okay. On May 30th, I attended NJSBA legislative committee meeting. Char Charles Carabelloo, newly sworn in vice president for legislation resolution committee ran the meeting. Our guest speaker was Michael Iliano, policy
advisor for education and youth safety office for the New Jersey Governor, Mikey Charerelle. Um he engaged us in with us with a robust discussion for nearly an hour detailing his role in the governor's office outlining his office's
priorities with focuses on policy and constituent services across the entire state. He responded to several questions from our committee. Um he explained how his previous experience working with Senator Gupal has prepared him for his
current position. The key topics we discussed at that meeting were um the proposed FY2027 state budget and uh the key word was modernization. That's the new buzzword for the um
instead of what we were calling it before with modernizing is what we have to look at because the world has changed and our state has too. Um and he's looking at the school funding reform act. The other topics was the shift in
youth mental health services from um NJ4s to the proposed BARKC program, preschool funding, we discussed school facilities and acknowledging the rising health care costs which is a top priority for the governor. Um then we
had Ray Penny who is the activity person for New Jersey school boards. He announced the association's newly launched interactive is civility starts with us. And he stated that in today's increasingly divisive political climate,
maintaining civility and local government in local government has become more challenging and contentious for schoolboard meetings um to personal attacks on social media and things of that nature. Recognizing the impact um of an effective governance, New Jersey
school board has made promoting civility in our schoolboard leadership a top priority and you'll see that reflected through a lot of our workshops that we're going to do. Workshop two. Um a reminder was given um to consult uh New
Jersey School Board's Capital Watch newsletter to view any updated bills or legislature that moves through. Our next legislative committee meeting will be Saturday, October 3rd. Gosh, already looking at next year. Um, the next meeting I attended was Mercer County
Planning Meeting. Um, we talked about the topics for next year and that was held on September 17th. Uh, let's see. We the meeting on let me go back here.
Burst County meeting will be held September 17th. The topic will be ethics, governance, civility, there it is, and chain of command. We plan on having an interactive scenario-based format featuring roleplaying exercises
and um using a practical application. It's kind of like a what would you do scenario. And we're hoping to also get either our schoolboard attorney from Lawrence or the uh attorney from New Jersey school boards to assist with the presentation. Um then following the
county meetings will after that one will be November 19th school finance panel January 21st CSA and board evaluation presentation um that one will be held virtually only May 13th God bless you May 13th will be
a celebration an acco of accomplishments of our county members we'll also celebrate the county's teacher of the year at that meeting. Um, as a side note, this is kind of for us here, Mercer County Executive Committee, um, that I have been serving on forever.
Our, uh, time commitment is done the 27th of May in uh, 2027 May. So, if any of you are interested in serving on the executive committee, please give it some long thought. The uh roles are president, first vice president, second
vice president, legislation, and school board of directors, delegate, and then another position for um an alternate. We need members to serve in the election committee, too. You then would sit and look at all the candidates and figure who's best qualified to sit on the
ballot with uh credentials and and such. So, we'll be looking for all of that coming up. So, please consider filling some of these roles. can fill your shoes. That's the problem. >> I've been doing it too long. >> Far too high. >> And that is my report for New Jersey
school board. Thank you. >> Thank you. We have no Lawrence Township growth and redevelopment for reconfiguration. So that takes us right to student services. >> Student services held its meeting on June 8th. In attendance was Vanessa Picariac, McKenzie Kelly, and myself,
Arnell Clark. Highlights from the meeting include grants LHS received through Special Olympics a school of champions grant in the amount of $5,500 to help purchase items in support of
inclusive PE. A $750 grant from Teachers Insurance Plan by Plymouth Rock Assurance was awarded to our transition coordinator. The grant's purpose is to sponsor a trip to the American Dream Mall to see the New Jersey Hall of Fame for our quest group.
Course offering. A new elective course is currently in development for the 26 27th school year. Uh working title at this time. Currently in the early stages of development with the goal to be an inclusionbased elective with gened and
special ed students working together. Initial plans are to have the class focus on students learning about different countries, cultures such as music, food and art, history, geography, language, and pop culture. For unified programs, the inclusion
track team has finished its season last week after participating in a total of three meets. Congratulations to all of those athletes for a strong season. >> Yes, Bravo. our ESY program. All planning and and um placement has
been completed. Busing and class schedule information is being sent to families and should be received within the next two weeks. This ends my report. >> Thank you, Arendelle. >> Um this brings us to our first opportunity for public input. I assume
that's you, Mr. Cleik. No, not tonight. >> Not tonight. Okay, >> Pepper, do we um I don't know what do we read Dr. Madden's letter in or how does that work? >> Well, I don't >> Okay,
Robin says no. >> Okay, got it. Robin says no. >> Okay. Board discussion and work session. We have none. Uh board discussion and action items. Uh
we have reorganization items. In the interest of time, I'm going to suggest that we put them as a block. >> Thank you. >> And with that, I'd like to move reorg 1 through 61. And if anyone has any questions, >> I'm going be happy to answer them.
>> Second. >> Roll call. >> All in favor? >> Well, we roll call these. >> Oh, go ahead. >> Yeah. You ready? >> Okay. >> Can I do it? >> Yep. >> Mr. Caparada? >> Yes. >> Mr. Clark? >> Yes. >> Miss Evans? >> Yes. >> Miss Kroger?
>> Yes. >> Miss Kelly? >> Yes. >> Miss Martinez? >> Yes. >> You passed the motion. doesn't like my shortcut. >> Well, Mr. Caparata, I believe you were alluding to a parent email that we received because they could not come to
the public comment session of the board. Correct. >> It says here public testimony for June 10th board meeting. >> So, they emailed the board so you are all aware. They're not here physically to read it from the floor. So, >> thank you for that. >> Let you know I satisfied that.
>> Great. Thank you. >> That it. >> Yep. Okay. Um now 10 years later we are at personnel >> and personnel met June 3rd 8:15 um in
the morning in attendance Dr. Robin Clim, Shan Fry, Michelle Bose, Arendelle Clark, McKenzie Kelly, and me, Joanne Groger. We discussed the following vacancies at Slackwood Elementary, nurse, athletic trainer at the high school, English and special education,
Ben Franklin Elementary School. We are recommending Lawrence High School, special education, OT at Ben Franklin, speech at Slackwood, and English at the middle school. We are interviewing for elementary positions at ELEES,
Slackwood, high school special education, and high school science. We discussed technology updates for personnel. NJT Strive revised member agreements will be uh will arrive for board approval. I think you see it on tonight's agenda. Um the district is
expanding recruitment options with the HBCU advertisement partnership. Substitute teacher rates will be increased for the 2627 school year to keep pace with the minimum wage increases.
We reviewed revised job descriptions for system administrator, user system specialist, EDP, and club advisor. On tonight's agenda, you will find corrections for um dates and building
locations. So you'll see approvals for staff member 2627 school year salary adjustments NJ strive agreement volunteer EDPs leave of absence unused sick days and vacation days there are
appointments for summer staff and substitutes listed positions on the agenda programs like ESY connected program summer staff case management school nurses you'll see a resignation and one resignation that will surely be
missed will be that of Jeff Molinelli. He was the varsity head coach for boys basketball team, an outstanding coach for many athletes, changed the game of basketball for several. I know that he will be able to give more time to his
young family, and we will miss seeing him on the court, but we know he's going to add depth to the incoming for the new incoming coach, too. So with all of that, I'm recommending to move P1 through P52. Please >> second.
>> Okay. With the motion made by Miss Groger, seconded by Mr. Caparada. >> Mr. Caparata, >> yes. >> Mr. Clark, >> yes. >> Miss Evans, >> yes. >> Miss Kroger, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Miss Martinez, >> yes.
>> Motion carried. CIAD. Paul's filling in. >> Yes. I'm representing today for my friend, Miss Diana Pasculi. >> So, Paul, >> the CIAD meeting was held on Tuesday, June 9th at 8 a.m. in the Board of
Education conference room. In attendance were Miss Diana Pasculi, Ms. Michelle Bose, Miss Pepper Evans, myself, Paul Caparata, Dr. Robin Clim, Dr. Damian Barrya, Ms. Jean Musi,
Miss Jen Baldesari, Ms. Moren Hayes, and Mr. Neil Desai. The committee engaged in several curriculum and instructional discussions focused on strengthening elementary teaching and learning. District leaders reviewed uh proposed elementary report card revisions to
ensure reporting practices are more more clearly communicate student progress and mastery of learning expectations. The committee also discussed several ways of supporting families and how they access and view report cards in Genesis. The team also
discussed the implementation of priority standards, emphasizing the importance of identifying the most essential learning outcomes that students must master at each grade level to support instructional focus, consistency, and student achievement. In addition, an update was provided on the district's
work with NISC, the Institute for Multiensory Education, including the educa the evolution of literacy practices and continued efforts to strengthen foundational reading and instruction across elementary schools. The committee reviewed the new textbook
for our new AP business with personal finance class. Very exciting. >> I need that. at LHS in the 26 27 school year. The class satisfies the personal finance requirement at the high school level and also provides students with an opportunity to participate in AP class.
Winner. The committee also reviewed the visitor policy policy 9150 and regulation 9150R for second reading. Updates related to district goals included a debrief of the preschool parent or orientation held on June 1st
and discussion for next steps to support incoming preschool families. No additional items were noted under ongoing work or referrals for other committees. Our next CIAD meeting will be on Tuesday, July 28th. >> Thank you.
>> You're too late. Paul just gave your report >> and he did a fine job. Okay. Finance. The finance committee met on June 5th. It got to move it. Oh, I'm sorry, Paul. >> So, I I guess I do this, although you
could technically do this. So, >> with that, I'd like to pass um OIS1 through OSS2. Is that right, Tom? >> So, what I understood was all of the OAS
motions and all of the OSS. Correct. >> So much easier. >> Thank you. >> Got it. >> Okay, Tom, whenever you're ready. >> Okay, I just need a second. >> Second. >> Okay, so I'm picking up a second from Miss Martinez. She got there first, Mr. Clark.
>> So, it's uh Mr. Caparata. >> Yes. >> All right. Mr. Clark, >> yes. >> Miss Evans, >> yes. >> Miss Kroger, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Miss Martinez, >> yes. >> And Miss Pasculi, >> yes. >> Yes.
She's here. >> Finance committee met June 5th at 8 a.m. And in attendance along with me were Paul Caparata, Diana Pasculi, Kevin Vanheis. Um, we had Robin Clim, Jen Baldeseri, Jill
Ubri, and Tom Eldridge. We had the we went over with a fine tooth comb the 95 pages of reorg items that you have in your agenda. Uh we talked about the LMS project being on time and on budget. Couple of catchup
things we're going to do. Uh Tom says we're going to do it over the summer. Most of it over the summer. >> Next summer. >> Next summer. >> Yep. >> Uh we reviewed the topics to be addressed on the critical path to construction. Two items that must be satisfied before bidding begins.
Receiving approval from various state agencies pertaining to environmental impact and receiving approval to bid from the office of the state controller. We talked about property casualty insurance. Property casualty insurance includes
workers compensation and various forms of liability insurance and property insurance. Uh we discussed uh the possibility of the finance committee presenting at the New Jersey school board's convention in Atlantic City.
Uh Paul's going to spearhead that with Tom. Write it up. Um she's a troublemaker. And we discussed the possibility of working with a demographer again, somebody to count heads uh in light of the buildings
that are going up or maybe going up around the township to see how it could impact uh transportation and our buildings. Uh we decided we should include some people from the township.
Uh but those people have not been identified yet. And with that, I would like to move SPM 1 through 8. >> Second, >> Tom. >> All right. Mr. Caparata, >> yes.
>> Mr. Clark, >> yes. >> Miss Evans, >> yes. >> Miss Kroger, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Miss Martinez, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> What did I miss over there? >> I just see these people running around with no faces because they haven't been
identified yet. be funny. >> Oh, I missed. >> This is >> You are now here, Mr. Pasculi. I'm sorry. >> Yes. >> This is the last opportunity for public comment.
>> Seeing none, uh we'll go to new business. Olga, >> may I ask that you delete the last motion >> on new business, >> the very last one when you get there for NB34? >> Okay.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. for new business. Uh to accept the New Jersey DOE K3 literacy screening focus grant. Approve settlement discussed in executive session. Approval for property
casualty insurance premiums. Approval for administrative leave effective 6526. Grievance settlement between board and LTEA. Revised jobs descriptions for system administrators and for user system
specialists. Positions for 2627 school year. Salary adjustment. Salary adjustments and resignations. Approval for staff for extra duty positions for the 2026 27 school year.
Approval for certificate staff leaders and learning. Summer bridges to LMS. Summer Eagles programs, background clearances, substitute buzz aids, pending background clearances,
26 uh 2026 ESY buzz aids, unpaid leaves for absences 2627 school year. Approve consultants for 2627 school year to provide specialized professional
services to staff as needed. Approvals a joint transportation agreement with Hopeo Valley Regional School District 2627 ESY. Approval to enter interlocal services
agreements as purchase orders for school bus vehicle maintenance for school year 2627 to accept 2627 unified champion grant from Special Olympics. approvals for payments to the treasurer
state of New Jersey. And with that, I would like to move NB1 through MB33. >> Second, >> Tom. >> Mr. Caparata. >> Yes. >> Mr. Clark,
>> yes. >> Miss Evans, >> yes. >> Miss Kroger, >> yes. >> Miss Kelly, >> yes. >> Miss Martinez, >> yes. >> Miss Pescoli, Okay. Um, that I'd like a motion to adjurnn. >> So moved.
>> All in favor? Hi. Hi.