Miss Bose here. Mr. Clark here. Miss Evans here. Miss Groger here. Dr. King. Miss Martinez here. Miss Pascouli. Mr. Vanheis here. Do you have a a quorum?
Thank you. The Open Public Meeting Actes to meet session circumstances to go to private session even matters and specifically this evening we will be discussing CSA evaluation
In addition, we will be discussing some formal action will not be taken. Executive sessions should last about 30 minutes. Motion to move into executive session.
So move second. Those in favor I. Any opposed? Notion passed. Good evening everybody. Thank you for your patience. The New Jersey open public meeting law is an effort to ensure the right of the
public to have advanced notice of and to attend meetings of public bodies which any business interest is discussed or acted upon as required under law. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by email and facts to the terms
public library. This notice was provided prior to the 48 hours required by the public act. The board reserve the right to public discussion of personnel items and other matters as the law. 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. Good evening. No, the summer off. Couldn't drag them out from summer.
recognition not adoption of of the minutes. Can I have a motion to adopt the executive session and regular session minutes from the 611 2025 meeting? So moved second motion in a second.
Mr. Clark, yes. Miss Evans, yes. Miss Kroger, yes. Miss Martinez, yes. Miss Pasculi, yes. Mr. Vanheis, yes. Miss Bose, yes. Your motion carried. Thank you.
Reports to the board. Superintendent's report. All right. So, my report is brief tonight. Um, just really want to thank our technology department. Um, we had a pivot to the to the auditorium and without even skipping a beat, here we are with nice air conditioning and
beautiful sound and lights. Um, so seriously, the department um for technology, they do a lot for us behind the scenes and I'm not sure if the public is really aware. um everything from just making sure that our school year goes smooth to kind of closing up the school year, making sure our devices
are managed um ready for distribution in the fall. Um I watch hours and countless time of them kind of trolling through the buildings and making sure that not only our security systems are up and running, but that the students have and are prepared for September. So, I just want to say thank you. Some of our guys
are up there in the booth and I want to say thank you publicly for the technology department. Um, also another group that um, welldeserved shout out is our facilities. We can't do anything without them. Our buildings are absolutely beautiful. Our summer programs are running well. Our floors
are beautifully shined. We have teachers paced, you know, coming in by the end of August. And that is really the cleaning crew and the work, you know, under Mr. Eldridge's supervision and um, Mr. Santos that really just gets the job done. So summertime is certainly not a kickback time. It's actually probably
their busiest time. So, I just wanted to note um the classrooms look beautiful, our spaces are refreshed, and the attention to detail and commitment is really something special here and deeply appreciated. Um, speaking of summer programs, I'm really happy to report that extended school year started and we've got some credit recovery courses
going on at the high school. Um, we really take a lot of pride in making sure that transportation and, you know, the the teaching staff and the curriculum and everything is ready for our kiddos to come in. They're received with warm, happy faces. um not crying children, they are really excited to
come back to school. We make it fun and our educators are just so special. So, I really want to thank the student services department, our transportation department, um and all of our leadership team that works on making sure that summer for kids is fun, it's enjoyable while we work on kind of reducing the
summer slide, looking at closing learning gaps, um and making sure that they're set up for September. So, a deep thank you from the board of education and myself um for all of our leaders in making sure that summer is, you know, kept up with and that our kids are having a great time learning with us.
Thank you. Thanks so much. Um board secretary, the board secretar's reports are in your agenda tonight and uh we talked about how to read some of those in finance. Um there's more to come on that. However, um in our discussion, we talked about
the notion of where we are at the end of the year and what opportunities we have. And so I want to make sure that the board knows that we were able to as they awarded purchase Chromebooks for um uh a couple classes. Uh we did that at the end of the year all within the projections of our fund balance. We were
able to purchase uh another van for our students or who explore careers uh during the day and uh that's a program that's run by office of student services. want to also go back to the air conditioning for technology and
support of them to make sure we did that uh before the end of the school year. And so all of those opportunities are found as you read the board secretar's report to say what can we do what can we make happen for somebody that we need to make happen. And so our group is completely focused uh hyperfocused even.
So that's uh again on the agenda for you to look at tonight. I'll um just as a snapshot, we will be able to invest in our maintenance reserve uh upwards of probably about a half a million dollars to replace that which we took out this year. And of course, more to come after
we receive our audit at the uh sometime in the fall. Some other things that are happening right now, and a big shout out to Matt Connelly. um he was able to uh get into Ben Franklin and get about 70% of that building cleaned with the crew
that we brought over there. We were responding to the teachers at Ben Franklin who said that we are always the last ones into the buildings because the building is used for ESY. So over the course of the spring um and the gap between the time school ended and ESY
beginning uh we plotted out our summer cleaning and so we'll be able to bring Ben Franklin staff back at the same time as the rest of the district for the first time ever. So we heard you to the Ben Franklin staff and we responded. Um, and many thanks to Matt uh for leading
that and all the custodians for taking part of it and they're using their thinking of what we could do early to save us later because they wanted to take care of the teachers too. The building maintenance that's happening right now and Mr. Santos is leading up a number of construction projects that are
happening. We have four rooftop unit air conditioners happening and being put on Lawrence Intermediate School. We have several here at the high school that are being constructed. So you should see the cranes coming and so Oh yes, Miss Cassier is in the audience. Yes. Woohoo
at the library at LIS. You can drop it to be this cold, right? So that's that's happening right now. And I think the cranes are coming uh Friday or Saturday or shortly thereafter. So no one can be in the building for that. You probably know that already, right? Stay out of the
room. Stay out of the library. Okay. So, the board of vet also replaced the chiller on the back of the high school. Um, and with that is functions as an air conditioner for 16 rooms for the 94 edition. We just completed that as well.
And so, we have the gym floors being done at Slackwood. Of course, we didn't forget our our friends at Slackwood. Over at Eldridge Park, we have ceiling replacements. I believe there's four classrooms plus stairwells. And the painting project should begin within the
next couple weeks. Um, and so everything is marching down the road. We didn't forget about anyone. Uh, I'm sure there's many, many more things that I haven't spoken about, whether it's, uh, just mundane painting or something of that nature. The, uh, lead and water
testing was completed. Uh, we only had about two areas that gave us, uh, that were out of bounds, and so we've taken care of them, and that's out of hundreds of fixtures, and those areas that were out of bounds were only slightly out of bounds. So, we did very, very well. Um, and again, thank you to Matt Connelly
for leading up that effort. HVAC and humidity. Um, I was just speaking with Todd Amit, who's Amy Amos's husband, who gave us an idea of how we could tackle that years ago. And I was conveying what a what a favor he did to us through his experiences in dealing with mold. We
picked up on that and so for the last four years, we've been really good. We've been fortunate. So, who's leading that us up for us is Steve Takis, who's here tonight making sure that the AC is turned and it's cold. So Steve is out there monitoring our energy consumption as we brought to finance that energy
costs are going up by 20% for electricity. So Steve is out there every day making sure that's happen and making sure that we're good to go. I'm going to turn my attention to some few things that the board said in the past that it wanted to know about. And here's some some referendum things. Our construction
manager specification was advertised and we sent out about five packages today I think to different outfits. So that is out there on the street for people to review. We're going to have a pre-conference where we'll bring them in, hear what they have to say, and then we'll refine our specification if
necessary and use their minds to make us better. Our environmental consultant uh is now on board and hired uh for the auditorium at the middle school. The specifications for the middle school should be done within the next couple of weeks and we'll be out to bid. So, we're
on our way. Our bond sale is tomorrow. So we sell bonds at 10 o'clock tomorrow and we had our interview with Standard and Pores and we had a we maintained our double A rating and so standard and pores has about 11 different or 12
different categories. We came in uh 11th which is the top right under the 12th. So, um, we're whatever percentile that is, um, uh, we're doing fairly well there. With respect to pea is a a huge
lift, uh, but it's coming along and it's incredibly rewarding. And so, uh, with pea, we received our finalized budget from the state that only came in last week. Uh, we've executed the contract with Lawrence Day School. We have put together the opening orders for
Lakeshore uh which is I think nine new classrooms uh but 17 in total for taking care of some other orders. We have purchased their car seats for about 20,000 for buses and that's kind of fun. Um and we will be um there's some more
things that we're doing with pea and I'm sure I'm not there yet but transportation will be out soon. The curriculum should be purchased by next week I would imagine. uh and the professional development services will also be procured by that point in time. We have pea room preparation in addition
to Ben Franklin being first. First before first was pea. So all of their rooms are now turned over and cleaned across the district for pea. Um I think we have to shampoo the carpet at the high school and that's it. Um so the rooms are waiting for all the Lakeshore
orders to arrive. They're there. Um, and so we're doing some final touches. And then finally, I wanted to bring forward an opportunity we have. We're resurfacing the rubberized playground for pea at uh high school. PA is preschool expansion uh for the school
district. And I think what we might do is move that fence out as well to open up a grass area for an expanded playground. So we talked with Neil about that today and ultimately and and Ignita, of course. Um, so those are some of the things that we're doing right now. Um, and uh, I can't be more
grateful to to work here and with the people that we work with. Um, Jill Paw Loznney. Uh, anything I miss, she gets. And sometimes she just goes and gets it and I didn't even know I needed it. Um, but you did as the customer and she made
it happen for you. And so, um, thank you for letting me be a part of this team. Thank you so much, Tom. And um there's a there are a lot of things going on and and the board is very aware of it and I hope that the community can understand
how much is happening all of the time and everything does go through finance. So um it is a lot and uh those are just a few of the things though that you have been working on. We we we got a great team. You see them you come into the office and they they
welcome you too. It is it is a it is a a really amazing team and we are very lucky in Lawrence Township. Um and so thank you Dr. Clim, Tom and all of the people that support you. Um y we know it as a board how special this community is. Y
um we don't take it for granted. Um and for the pres the board president report this evening, I'm happy to say we will be swearing in our newest board member, Miss McKenzie Kelly. if you want to come on down.
We are really excited to have McKenzie join us and we hope that um the community gets to know her as well as we have and see what a great addition she is to our board. Let's just do a sound check. Can you hear us from here? Yes. Okay. support United
United States. I do swear that I qualification and that I am not disqualified as to the I can read Kelly domly swear that I support the United States and the state of New
Jersey and I truth authority of the people. board of education not disqualified as a voter pursuant to crimefully ability.
Hi Kellyquifully perform the best of my ability. Congratulations. Goodness. Okay, that was wonderful. Welcome, McKenzie. Um, okay. Next
Liaison reports, student board member report, none of uh Lawrence Township Education Fund. We did not meet. Okay. New Jersey School Board Association. Okay. Please do not forget to go to New Jersey School Board's website for additional statewide training programs
this summer. I'll be attending July 30th 10 to 11 a virtual webinar and it's state budget recap legislative update. Feel free to join me if anyone would like to. And on the 6th, I'm also going to attend, are you ready for the opening
of the school practical prep session for school leaders again 10 to 11? And that's my report. Okay. Thank you. Student services. Student services was held on July 8th and attendance was Vanessa Barsariac and
myself, Arnell Clark. During our discussions, we had shared that Dr. Fischer has officially begun her transition into her new role. We look forward to the continued gifts that she brings to the district. Sweet. The students y
the student services department has been actively hiring with the majority of the positions now filled. As mentioned earlier, both ESY and connect summer programs launched on Monday, July 7th. staff members including teachers, assistants and related service staff
members have returned with great energy and students arrive excited and ready to engage. A strong and positive start to the summer session and that's our report. Thank you. Um review of communications. Seeing none, uh the first opportunity
for public input. Okay, seeing none. Uh this evening we do have a board discussion and work session. Um and I'm going to ask for a motion to conduct uh a public hearing on the proposed superintendent's employment contract. So moved. Second.
With a motion and a second. Tom. All in favor? I. You are in your hearing. Great. Thank you. The purpose of this hearing is to provide transparency and allow comment on the proposed contract for Dr. Clim. This is an important time for our district and I would like to take a few
moments to provide context on why we are bringing this forward and acknowledge the accomplishments of Dr. Clim. The board is thrilled with Dr. Clim's performance over the past year and we would like to share a few of the major goals she achieved. First and foremost, the successful passage of the
referendum, the reconfiguration referendum. This milestone was the result of Dr. Clim's tireless dedication over the past 18 months to our district and our future. Throughout this time, Dr. Clim actively engaged with the district staff, the board of education,
school personnel, and the broader Lawrence community to ensure the needs and perspectives of all stakeholders were heard and understood. Dr. Clim led over 25 community events, including meetings with local businesses, senior groups, public forums, educational
sessions, and school functions. In addition, she hosted numerous district-led community conversations which provided clarity and transparency transparency around every component of the referendum. The reconfiguration will have a lasting and positive impact on
our schools and community for years to come. Another major achievement was pea. Dr. Clim exceeded our preschool expansion goal, which was 27% to 50% by fall of 2025, which resulted in nine
additional preschool classes. She also established an early childhood advisory council to get input from the community to support early childhood initiatives. She also has partnered with the YMCA to update licensing for them so that the
three four year olds can be provided with extended day options. Another accomplishment was around expanding college and career readiness pathways at the high school through the introduction of new career exploration portal, adding a fifth career academy at
the high school and increased career explain exploration at the middle school and LIS. One other really important and notable achievement has been the improved and expanded communication tools for the district. The introduction of talking points for
non-English-speaking families, the LTPS app and the improved Lawrence Township Public School West website. This referendum that I discussed was that I referred to was about more than just buildings and renovations. It was be about creating learning environments
that align with best practices, foster flexibility and innovation and ensure the safety and well-being of every student. We can now move forward with critical improvements that will enhance our schools and strengthen our district for generations to come. The referendum includes the addition of over 80,000
square feet to the middle school, providing new and improved facilities such as an increased space for science and art, general education, and small group classrooms. It also includes the construction of a gym, a nurs's office, a security vestibule, and an expanded cafeteria.
Beyond these additions, critical improvements will be made to the auditorium, electrical and plumbing systems, a parking lot, and improved traffic flow surrounding the middle school and the high school. The goal of the contract extension is to recognize and acknowledge Dr. Clim for all of the
hard work that she has done and tie her to the bond project over the next five years so that she will be here to oversee and implement the project, excuse me, through completion. The contract contains changes in terms based upon current market conditions.
Please know that the contract was reviewed and vetted by the executive county superintendent who made a few recommended changes before providing their approval. That completes my summary of the um public hearing and it is uh an opportunity if any board
members have any questions or would like to make any comments. Um and please limit yourself to three minutes. Okay, no comments. Um, the public now has an opportunity to make a comment as well and you may also limit your
comments to three minutes. Okay. Seeing none, um, can I have a motion to approve the contract? So moved. Second. First, you're going to close the public hearing. I think I'm sorry. Sorry. Pardon me.
A motion to close the public hearing. Just trying to follow the legal advice of Yes. I'm sorry. I have to look at my notes. So move for that second. Okay. And Tom with a motion to close. I Okay. So you are now the public hearing
section is now closed now. Now for the contract. Okay. Um I will proudly make the motion. Motion probably seconded. Okay. So there's a motion on uh made by Mr. Van High. Seconded by whom?
Miss Grover. Miss Grover. Are you ready? Ready. All right. This will be a roll call. Take a vote. Mr. Clark, yes. Miss Evans, yes. Miss Groger, yes. Miss Kelly, yes. Miss Martinez, yes. Miss Pascoli,
yes. Mr. Vanheis, yes. Miss Bose, yes. Motion carried. Thank you. Um, the motion to approve the following resolution on the superintendent's contract. Whereas the Lawrence Township Board of Education desires to maintain Robin Clim in the
position of superintendent. Whereas the board and Robin Clim engaged in good faith negotiations for a new employment contract for Robin Clim to remain in the position of superintendent that would be effective July 1st, 2025 through June 30th, 2030.
Whereas pursuant to NJSA1 18A 7-8 and NJAC 6A23-3.1. The board forwarded the proposed new employment contract for Robin Clim to the executive county superintendent for
Mercer County for approval and has rate received written approval and notice from the executive county superintendent for Mercer County that the proposed new employment contract for Robin Clim is in compliance with the physical accountability efficiency and budgeting regulations.
Whereas the board has also provided the requisite advanced notice provided notice required by pursuant to P I 2007 chapter 53 NJSA
18A 11-11 and NJAC 6A23A 3.1C1 that would conduct a public hearing and take action to amend and or alter the existing employment ment contract of its
superintendent at its July 9th, 2025 meeting. Whereas prior to consideration of the new employment contract for Robin Clim, the board has conducted a public hearing on the same at its July 9th, 2025 meeting. Whereas the approved new employment
contract for Robin Clim replaces and supersedes all prior employment contracts both expressed and implied between the parties hereto and by approving and signing the approved new employment contract both the board and Robin Clim ascent to the recession of
any and all prior contracts as well as agreement to the terms herein except as noted and provided for in the approved new employment contract for Robin Clim. It is hereby resolved that the board approves and adopts the new employment
contract for Robin Clim as superintendent consistent with the terms and conditions set forth and approved and as approved by the interim executive county superintendent for Mercer County per NJSA 18A 7-8
and NJAC 6A23A-3.1. May we call that a ratifica a ratification of the prior? Yes. Okay. So that's a ratification of of W5. Okay. So is there a a motion and a
second? So move and a second from Miss Second. Okay. Yes. It's nice we have time to keep us straight. Well, okay. Mr. Clark. Yes. Yes. Miss Evans. Yes, Miss Groger.
Yes, Miss Kelly. Yes, Miss Martinez. Yes, Miss Pascoli. Yes, Mr. Vanheis. Yes, Miss Bose. Yes. Okay, Carrie. Thank you. Congratulations. I'm not an attorney, just so everybody
knows. So, I really did practice that, but that didn't work for me. And she doesn't play one on TV either. I don't even try to be one. But congratulations to them and thank you for an extraordinary year for our district and our community. Um we look
forward to many more wonderful years together. Thank you. I just want to say thank you very much. I'm very humbled by the evaluation and the acknowledgement and the extension or start of a new contract to carry me through the project period. I this is sort of our you know this is the cornerstone of my career. I work
with amazing leaders. I could never do it without them. Um, it's really the team that has driven me um to get through the last 18 months. It was definitely grueling, but our kids will benefit and this district deserves it. We're we're a really awesome community. Thank you. Thank you.
Okay, back to the task at hand. Uh, board discussion and action items. Personnel committee report and personnel action items. Okay, personnel did not meet this month. And to exemplify what a great team the administrative building is, if you'll look at the personnel
agenda tonight, they've accomplished an awful lot. On tonight's agenda, you'll see a list for transfers, increases for hours, account number corrections, leaves of absences, salary adjustments, approvals for volunteers, EDPs, unpaid
vacation, unused sick days, approval for staff work for athletic events, staff for extended school year and Eagle program, CST, summer work, appointments due to clearances. You'll also see a few people who have listed for retirements.
And I just always love to recognize our employees because dedicated people who give countless hours, our students, our families, our community, they deserve a moment to shine. And please forgive me. Um, France, and I'm not sure, Alise, is
that how you say his name correctly? He has served as head custodian at Eldridge Park Elementary School for 19 years. His supervis supervisory team spoke very highly of him, highly regarded. um he was a wonderful member
of their team and much appreciated. Sus Casari, I know her personally. Um she's been an intricral part of the student services department for 17 years. Extremely hard worker, always can be relied upon. She sees everything
through to the finish. Her ready smile, eagerness to help will be missed. But we want to thank her and let her know how much we appreciate all she's done for our district. As always, we wish these two dedicated professionals a wonderful retirement filled with lots of health
and happiness. With all that I've just read out, I'd like at this time to move P1 through P42, please. Second. Tom, with a motion and a second, Mr. Clark, yes. Miss Evans, yes. Miss Groger, yes. Miss Kelly, yes.
Miss Martinez, yes. Miss Pascoli, yes. Mr. Vanheis, yes. Miss Bose, yes. Motion carry. Thank you. Uh CIAD report and student services. CIAD met on July 8th as board office
from 8 to 9:30 in attendance for Dr. Michelle King, Miss Michelle Bose, Miss Joanne Groger, Dr. Robin Clim, Miss Jean Musey, Mr. Neil Desai, and myself. Miss Musey and Mr. shared plans for the new staff
orientation which will welcome all new Lawrence Township teachers on August 20, 21, 26 and 27. Oh, okay. Details like a mic. Thank you. Lose my place. Uh, let's see.
They also shared a vision for professional development for staff focusing on differentiation and instruction for our students. datadriven instruction and creating a positive classroom and school community for all learners. In addition, the committee
reviewed possible parent and family workshops for the 202526 school year, focusing on artificial intelligence, a curriculum showcase for families, community workshops, community conversations and updates regarding our
referendum and a workshop for new families so they can learn more about the LTPS programs. Finally, the committee reviewed two district policies for a second reading. Policy 5112 or entrance age and policy 9163,
spectator code of conduct. Uh on your agenda, you'll see OIS for uh professional development and OSS for out of district placement. And with that, I'd like to move OIS1 and
two and OSS1. Second, Tom with a motion in a second. Mr. Clark, yes. Miss Evans, yes. Miss Kroger, yes. Miss Kelly, yes. Miss Martinez, yes. Miss Pascoli,
yes. Mr. Vanheis, yes. Miss Bose, yes. Your motion carried. Thank you, Michelle. Can I say one thing? So, if anyone out there thinks we're being ky, it's because we've got lights
in our eyes. We can't see out. I mean, I I can't see anybody. So, like, all right. Thanks, Michelle. You're welcome. Finance committee report and school business management action items. Uh, finance did not meet. Tom covered uh
everything that uh we were doing. That saves me from having to look into the lights while I'm trying to read. Uh, on tonight's agenda, we have our standard uh, business action items, including the treasurer's report, adoption of the fire drills, um, authorizing grant
submissions, awarding uh, the contracts, and uh, a policy adoption. So, with that, I will move SPM 1 through 15. Second, Tom with a motion, and a second from Miss Kroger. Thank you, Mr. Clark. Yes.
Miss Evans, yes. Miss Grober, yes. Miss Kelly, yes. Miss Martinez, yes. Miss Pascoli, yes. Mr. Vanheis, yes. Miss Bose, yes. Motion carried. Thank you. Um, it's our uh next
opportunity for public input. Come on, enjoy the lights. Seeing none, new business. Uh for new business on your agenda, you will see items relating to personnel, curriculum, extra duty positions, and
bus contracts. With that, I'd like to move new business numbers 1 through eight. Second time with a motion and a second. Mr. Clark, yes. Miss Evans, yes. Miss Grover, yes. Miss Kelly,
yes. Miss Martinez, yes. Did she say one? Miss Pasculi. Yes. Sorry. Yes. Thank you. Mr. Vanheis, yes. Miss Bose, yes. Motion carried. Yes.
I just want to congratulate Tori Hart who is sitting in our audience. She brought her own cheer squad. Uh Tori will be serving in the role of assistant principal at LIS. her team is here. Yes, our new principal
Sharon Melo is here and of course outgoing principal Allison in her new role is here and a a bunch of the staff members. So, thank you guys for coming out. L is really awesome and this leadership team rocks. So, I'm super proud and I have a little something for you, Tori, after we close the meeting.
A great congratulations. Okay. Um couldn't be happier. Uh, a motion to adjurnn. So moved. Second. All in favor? All in favor? Yes. All in favor? Okay. Thank you so much everybody for
coming. Have a great night.