and the time is now 7:01 and I'll call the meeting of the Leona Board of Education to order. Um, adequate notice of tonight's meeting has been provided in accordance with the open public meetings act by the following methods. through distribution of notice to the record, posting of the agenda on the school district website,
and through parent square. Um, if you're able, please stand for the pledge of allegiance. like to welcome Dr. Nissenoff and if you wouldn't mind if you could go through roll call please. Here. Here. Here.
here. >> Here, >> here. >> Okay. Just if the record could reflect, um, Miss Thompson, Miss Melman, and Mr. Sable all contacted me prior to the board meeting. U, they had prior engagements, so which is why they're not
here tonight. Okay, that brings us to item 1.3, public presentations. Dr. Caramonos. >> All right, so today we are today we are honoring um the Bergen County Unsung heroes. Um the our Bergen County Unsung
heroes. This program is through the uh Bergen County uh school boards association. Um and they were honored at a countywide ceremony last uh Wednesday uh in front of the county at Beckton. Um they you know they were presented on stage. It was beautiful. Uh so but today
we wanted to honor them here uh with from the board of education. Uh so we have our two students are here. We have two students that we are honoring tonight. Um Miss Lemon, do you want to talk about do you want to go first or you want to go second?
Up to you. You go first. Oh, hi. Sorry. Um, my name is Mattie Lman. I'm the teacher in charge for the Evergreen program, which is a Burton County Special Services run program at Leonia High School. Um, we have enjoyed being a part of the Leona community for
I don't know close to 18 to 20 years. Um, it's been a wonderful partnership and we are ever so proud of what we're able to do together. Um, so it's really nice that I was able to honor um, our students and I Rivera today. Um, and I just want to add um, Evergreen while it
is uh, you know, it's Evergreen at Leonia High School, they are part of our community um, and they've become our their students are part of our students and our student body and we appreciate the collaboration and the partnership that we have because we are doing great things for kids together uh, for their kids and our kids uh, all of the kids of
Leon and Edgewater and Evergreen. >> Absolutely. It's really a beautiful thing. Um, so today we get to talk about our Evergreen and Leonia High School unsung hero, Zaniah Rivera. This lovely lady here.
I'm going to read you a little bit about what we said the other night. Zaniah is a student of remarkable resilience and strength of character. While her path through high school has not always been easy, she has demonstrated a heart of gold and an and a unique ability to make
others feel heard and welcomed. Zaniah instinctively recognizes when a classmate needs encouragement, befriending those who are alone, and always choosing kindness. She leads by example as a teaching assistant for freshman students, helping them to acclimate to our community, to reach
their social and emotional potential. Beyond the classroom, she is a valued member of the chamber choir and has dedicated her time as a peer mentor. Part of that time is with the PACE program at the high school. Um, Zaniah has left an indelible mark on the Leonia
community, proving that influence is measured by how we treat one another. It is a privilege to honor Zaniah Rivera as our 2026 unsung hero. So, I will read Miguel's and then I'll call you both up for your resolutions
and pictures. Okay. So, I am very honored. Not only is Miguel uh a student at the high school, Miguel is also my extern for the year. So, Miguel has been working uh with me every Friday. Um it's been a great experience for him, I hope. Right. Um
so, he's uh we've gotten we've gotten to know Miguel at the board office. Um, and let me tell you, uh, Miguel's going to Cornell next year, and Cornell is very, very lucky to have Miguel being part of their student body. Um, so I will read your unsung hero submission, and then we
will bring, uh, Tayia back up for a photo and resolution. Okay. So, tonight we recognize Miguel Cardinis as a student whose character has been forged through immense pers. Miguel has navigated profound challenges, including the tragic loss of a family member and
his own mental health struggles, all while helping his family navigate daily life. Rather than being defined by adversity, Miguel emerged as a leader. He is a standout volleyball player, a member of the men's choir, and serves as the president of the Harvesters Club. His commitment to uplifting others
extends to his community work through his church's Bible camp, where he advocates for those whose voices often go unheard. Miguel's journey proves that true leadership is found in the courage to keep moving forward. We honor him tonight for his compassion, his resilience, and the powerful example he
sets for all of us at Leona High School. Congratulations to Miguel. All right, Zia, come on up. We'll read we'll read both resolutions at once. Okay, so this is a resolution that's on our board agenda. you'll both get a copy
of this. And it says, uh, whereas the Bergen County School Boards Association in collaboration with the New Jersey School Boards Association recognizes unsung heroes from each high school in Bergen County to celebrate those whose character and impact define the heart of our schools. And whereas the Unsung Hero
Award honors students who make outstanding contributions to their schools and communities, but are often overlooked by traditional recognition programs, students who have modeled good citizenship, a spirit of quiet strength, and a profile in and a and a profile and purpose that inspires others. And
whereas these unsung heroes may have organized community programs, selflessly supported their peers, or achieved significant academic success while overcoming difficult personal challenges, disabilities, or language barriers. And whereas Miguel and Zanaya
have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to each to reach their full potential, serving both school community and the community at large as a beacon of resilience and integrity. And whereas on Wednesday, March 4th, Miguel and Zanaya were formally recognized for
these achievements at the 2026 Bergen County Unsung hero award ceremony held at Beckton High School. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Leona Board of Education officially recognizes Miguel and Zanaya as an unsung hero of Bergen County and of the Leonia School
District. and and be it further resolved that this resolution is presented to Miguel and Zanaya as a sincere token of the Leonia Board of Education's congratulations and best wishes for continued success as they continue to lead by example. Congratulations
Thank you, Dr. Caramanos. It's a wonderful presentation. for the board members that may not have had the opportunity to attend the the unsung heroes award ceremony. It's it's pretty amazing to see so many students and parents and and family and friends come to celebrate, you know, some of our
exemplary students. So, I I once again I congratulate Miguel and Zaniah um on their award. Uh very welld deserved. Um so, with that, uh we No. Okay. With that, we'll move on to item 1.4. That's public comments uh for the
public on any agenda items. We will have a second period of of public comment for any other related items that are not on the agenda. Anyone wishing to speak on agenda related items, please step up to the podium and provide your name and address. You'll have two minutes to speak.
>> Sorry, just just the screws got to get tightened up. Arthur 125 roll these. I have a lot to go over. I'm going to go over it real quickly. And the things you can answer, please do. and the things you can't. I'll leave a copy of my highlighted printout so you can uh get
back to me via email. Um we'll try it this way in no particular order. Um let's start with uh the policy. Uh there's sexual harassment. There's new. I went on the website to try and pull it up because they were not live. If I clicked on them
on the web on the agenda, they didn't pop up. So, I went to the website and I uh I typed in under policy the numbers and they didn't come up either. So, um I just wanted to read them. They may have been before in a previous meeting that I missed, but I I don't know which meeting it was and I didn't want to start going
through meetings because I did miss a few meetings. So, I'd like to know u may maybe you can just make those live and I'll go back and and and read them and find out since they are sexual harassment and and uh I wanted to see what they were about. Um
tuition rates uh grades 6 through 8 9 through 12 uh showing 19,094 19,924. I'd like to know if that's what we're charging uh Edgewater and if not what are we what are we I mean what are they billing paying for to send their kids
that's higher than in the past the past I thought it was like 17,000 and change for Edgewater so it may have gone up and but if that's what it is great if not I wanted to know what the why there's a difference between what this is and what Edgewater is paying um culinary arts use of the facility the
girl scouts are using the culinary arts facility. It's fine. I don't have any problem with that. Uh I want to know if there's any boys in that program. I thought at one point they did away with Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. I have no problem with the names girl scouts and boy scouts. I thought they went to just scouts. So I wonder if boys are included
in that program program. So yes or no. And um are they paying for the food? Are they bringing their own stuff in to process or are they using our food? Uh because there's no charge. I don't mind them using it, but if they're going to use our food and clean and they're not going to clean up, then that's a cost to us. So, I wanted to find out why they uh
why that is zero, if in fact they're going to do that. My uh I often complain about um uh the field trips and there's 18 on this one. Two of them have already passed. Um and most most of there's actually 22. I have problems as usual
with why, you know, what's educational about going to the Olive Garden on on March 23rd. I have a problem with I don't understand what the educational uh benefit is of going to the American Dream Mall. Uh well, they went on the 5th. They already went already. And I
also don't understand why going to Har's Resort in Atlantic City has any educational benefit. So, there may be a benefit. There probably is, but it doesn't those are areas that I I would certainly question and and ask for an answer. Under monthly transfers, it says prior
year incumbrances about $1.1 million at the bottom line of in prior year. I don't understand whether that is prior fiscal year. Is that from last year the prior year carryover with projects or is that just like from December and November, the current year, but the
prior the prior diff there's an awful lot of them. there's a why we're carrying that much. I don't know if maybe construction projects or something like that, but uh maybe we can you can explain to me or find out why we're carrying so much or seven months into the almost seven months into the
new uh new calendar year. So, I wanted to find out what that was. Um under bills, I have uh a number of um we went through that. Um repaving the parking lot. I don't have an issue with
the $41,000, but it's under the vendor's name. It's GL Group. And above that, there's a whole bunch of GL Group ones also, but they're all language arts stuff. So, I'm not sure how a GL group. Now, GL may mean general ledger, but it
says vendor. So, I don't know why all the vendors are missing from that lefth hand column if it is general ledger. If it's not general ledger, um I don't understand how the same company can do asphalt paving and provide um general shop supplies for language arts. So that
was the question on that. Um Saddleback Educational Publishing, uh Title 3 immigrant non-fiction readers, $2,200. I don't understand what that is. You can reply if you don't uh by by email or if you know what it is, you can
reply publicly. Um, ACS for office furniture obviously went through a refurbishment of the ACS office somewhere and you spent $6,371 in furniture plus paint that obviously you're going to refurbish it. You're going to paint it which was a few hundred. Um, I'm not sure. I didn't see
the project. I didn't go in and see how bad the furniture was. So, I'm not passing judgment on that. Um, it's just a $6,000 at a time when we're trying to squeeze every penny out and everybody's yelling and screaming about tax dollars on the mal side and this side. Why uh did they explore um used furniture?
There's a tremendous inventory of used furniture that's in almost perfect condition. You got to find it. Okay. But there's a whole business on that that you might have been able to do it for a little bit less. Maybe you did. Uh but I I don't I don't know why we spent $6,000 at a time mid year when it's really
tough. Um under uh energy suburban propane that comes up a lot. That's for the buses obviously. The question is, have we done an analysis of the diesel buses, the cost of of of running them from the time purchasing it, uh
maintaining it and then selling it? Um, as opposed to we have uh diesel, we have propane and we have electric. We have three different sources. Which one's the best in which direction should we go? Uh, and do we have has that analysis
been done? If if not, can we try and do it? because I think I try and find out what's the best operating cost for the borrow. Um the lease payment for the for the turf field, when does that expire? That's a big nut. When when does it retire? Basically, the terminology is when we
make our last payment because that'll take that'll relieve a burden of, you know, $150 $170,000 a month. And I'll be done in a second because I know I'm running out of time. Um the dishwasher, we have got uh $1,000 on for the culinary arts. We just replaced this
dishwasher if I'm not mistaken last year. There was a they put a different one in there. So why what why do we need what what else was needed uh for that that warranted spending $1,000 on that? The peace garden I didn't see. Is that an outdoor garden? If it's an outdoor
garden, there's a heater for $1,296. I'm If it's indoors, I can understand it. If it's outdoors, I don't know why we're running it. we'd be running an electric heater um outside and just the cost of it plus also the cost of of a of uh running it. And last one would be
backup cameras. I'm not sure most of the stuff you buy today has backup cameras. What do we buy backup cameras for? I'll give you copies of this which are all highlighted the things I brought up and and if you can answer them now, fine. If you can't, please email me so we can get an answer for I just want to
read it in for the record. Thank you very much. That's it. >> Thank you. Um, anyone else from the public wishing to speak or have any comments on any agenda related items? Okay, seeing none, we'll move on to board comment.
>> Okay, so I'll start from the top. Uh, policy. Uh, the sexual harassment policy that you specifically asked about, the the policies themselves are listed in executive for the board members. They should have been listed in public, but they go on for second reading. So you'll have a chance between this board meeting and the next on the next agenda they'll
go into public com content. Um the the sexual harassment po policy you're specifically asking about what the Strauss SMA did is they combined if you look on the um resolution itself you'll see that uh four sexual harassment
policies were abolished be yes. So they combined um the the teacher uh sexual harassment and the power professional sexual harassment into one sexual harassment policy. So streamlining, right? Um so that's the the policy. Uh
Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, the ones I wrote everything down, but I'm going to skip some of the ones that I did not have I do not have an answer to right now and either Phil or I will get back to you um sometime the rest by the end of the week. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Um that is an ex that is a an outside company. We do that is you know an
outside organization. We do not I we do not have their rosters. So I cannot answer if boys are included. Um they they take care of all of that. Uh we just provide them the space. Uh they pay for their own food. They bring their own you know they just they just ask to use our facilities. So yeah. Yeah. Yeah. We
don't we don't offer them anything else other than what we would normally offer for facilities field trips. So, Olive Garden is for our multi-isabilities classroom at the middle school where they learn social skills. So, they go in um and they they practice those social
skills. Uh American Dream is the construction event that you may have seen in my last update um that went out earlier last week. Uh that was a fundraising event that our STEM Academy students attended. They went at like I think it was like 9:00 at night and they
were there until midnight and they basically had 600 cans of food that they had to create something out of and then that creation all of that food that they collected and created is now donated to food banks. Yeah. Yeah. Um and then the last one Harris uh
is our DECA. So DECA's state tournament was at Harris and I think did either of you go to Yeah. So um you know so that's our our annual DECA competition. Um the title 3 immigrant that you had asked about the books. Uh title 3
immigrant is a grant that we receive from the uh ESEA from the federal to federal grant uh that those books specifically are uh to help students. So, uh, the short version of it is that when students come to the US, um, for their first 3 years, their first time
entering US schools, they're considered im they're tagged as immigrant in the in the system in the, you know, the whole NJ system. Um, and then we can use those funds to support acclamation into our schools. So, a lot of those books that we get for that particular grant uh are
really about uh American government, American schools, really getting them acclimated to to what life is like in America. Um outdoor heater. I will tell you, I stand outside every single day. Rain, snow,
sle, right? My student reps can I'm there every single morning. I wish it was an outdoor heater. Um it is not an outdoor heater. It is for the entrance of the peace garden. Uh there is when you the peace garden is our main entrance where students enter every morning. Um there it is outdoors but
when you enter the actual doors that heater that general entrance area that foyer uh that's where that um heater is going. Yes. Yes. I wish it was an outdoor heater. Believe me, I would love to stand outside in the winter time when the when it was like -10° out. I was
outside and there was no heater, >> right? Well, uh, so at the high school, the culture peace garden is is a known, you know, for us that see uh that are in the schools every day, you know, we know that term. Um, I will tell you when I did see the the requisition come in, I
did get excited thinking it was an outdoor heater. It was not an outdoor heater. Um, and I think that's all I can answer right now, but we will get back to you with the rest. Oh, there you go. >> Absolutely. We love that.
>> Let me uh and if I answer some of these partially, I'll I will get back to you. You the question about the tuition rates, the tuition rates that we've asked the board to approve this evening, and you pointed out um differences from year to year based on that tuition. Um the biggest
factor in determining the tuition is the enrollment which really does vary every single year. Um so the rates that we're approving this evening were derived from taking the actual rates the certified
rates from the state and multiplying 2% or a percentage to them so that we can get the most accurate tuition rate going forward. What we don't want to do because we're going to uh have each of our chargers that we
charge to Edgewater, the state is going to give us a certified rate and if there's a difference between the certified rate and what we've charged them, we're either going to pay them back or they're going to pay us. So the goal in arriving at a tuition rate is to
arrive as closely as possible to what the actual rates will be. So that's the goal there. Um the question about priory year orders very very common. Every school district
has it for various reasons that it runs the entire gamut. It could be for something that was ordered in July of a school year that still doesn't come until the following year. So that prior year purchase order will roll over into
the subsequent year. Happens very very common. more often as you I think you pointed out in construction projects that often times will will span school years. So it's very very very common. Um PU Py rather a prior year definitely is
the prior school year not 2025. Um the GL group I'm very very familiar with the contractor GL group so I understand that part. Great question on GL group for the other purchases. I will
get back to you on that. Um the turf field lease payment uh that is done the 2030 2031 school year. So I have it here August 15th 2031 we will be done with that lease payment. Yep. >> And just lastly with regards to backup
cameras, and I'm not intimately familiar with what was um what you're referring to here, the backup cameras are required for school buses. We would want them on all of our maintenance and custodial vehicles. Uh these vehicles are driving
around where children and staff members are. So, we would absolutely want backup cameras. And they will break particularly in buses over time. the bus. If they break, we're going to need to repair them. >> It's almost always, in my experience,
it's almost always been a third party that would come and install those cameras that they would not come from the manufacturer. Um, Dan, I just wanted to the certified rate. I had a question. So, I think what Arthur was getting at, it looks like it
increased, right? We can just agree that and it looks like probably more than 2% or what the increase from last year this year. >> I can >> I know it's a projection and we're going to true it up, right? But it went up though. it it's the rate has increased
but that doesn't necessarily mean the amount that's going to be paid because it's a fun it's more a function of the numbers of students both in Edgewater and Leonia um and I can tell you that the one of the biggest factors is declining
enrollments so our co the costs are the same but if the numbers of children are going down the cost per pupil is going to do is going to go up you're only going to be paying for cost per pupil So the the in what we should see in
theory is that the increase in costs are a function of what it costs to to operate. Teachers salaries, benefits, those aspects of things. Um and again, the goal is to try to have it as accurate as possible.
>> You're saying it's not an X number. It's it's divided by the population, the student count. Well, I can tell you the number that that's presented here and I haven't had the opportunity to uh sit and meet with
um Mr. Teus yet from Edgewater to discuss those rates. Um is a function of taking the previous year's certified rates, which actually goes back two years because we don't have this year's certified rates yet.
Um, and then multiplying that by a 2% per year. So, two 2% 2%. That certified rate, which you may not be familiar with. You may only see the rate that was charged.
Okay. Any other board member comments on agenda related items? Okay. Seeing none, that brings us to item two, approval consent agenda. Um, specifically 2.1. Can I have a motion and a second on item
2.1? >> Motion. >> Second, Mr. Growl's motion. Second is Mr. Park. Um, any comments? I actually have a few comments um or questions. So,
I just wanted to quickly ask about item 7.6 under bills. Sorry, let me my notes. Uh one of the rather large payments is for the the technical uh tech shared services. Um we have eight invoices totaling about $250,000.
Just wanted to confirm that um that those fees are in alignment with with what we're expecting. Um and I understand the services are going very well. >> Okay. >> You want to answer that? >> Yes. Um both answer yes to both of those
questions. Um that is in alignment with the contract that we have. Uh the contract we have is uh specifically states there's no hidden fees in our contract or additional costs um included for you know we have our our staff here tonight taking care of our audio visual
for the meeting. Um it's all part of our contract. Um and it is going very well. Uh we are very happy with what they've been doing, what they've been able to do in the short months that they've been here. uh the work that they've done to move us forward and to you know clean up
and do all of that like it's been fantastic and just the budget prep for next year everything's been very smooth and been working really well um between their team and also you know a a special shout out to Miss uh Mr. Lee, our supervisor of tech and programs, who is
new to the position, uh, and had not new to the district, but new to the position. Um, but his teamwork with the Bergen Tech Services has been just amazing for our district. >> That's great to hear. And in terms of cost for comparing our previous setup
and now, how how did those compare? >> I off the top of my head, we did this last year when we when we, you know, made the move to Bergante. Um, last year when we looked at it, we when we did the analysis, uh, we were under what we would have been paying, uh, in terms of salaries and benefits and all of that.
Um, I the contract's the same, so I'm going to assume that it's under, but I don't have that exact number, but I can find that out. >> Thank you very much. Um, one other question was one other question was for item 7.11, the semi-corrective action
plan for uh, June 30th, 2027. I just wanted to confirm if um it was a little unclear from the the backup documents whether these are actual items that were noted that have to be corrected for our district or
these are it seems like the the precursor language in there indicates that it's actual proactive steps that we're going to be taking. I just wanted to confirm that these are not like you you have issues with how you're doing things. Please correct them. These are the steps we're going to take to be proactive. Yes. Um that's exactly it. And this is
something annual we do usually around this time. You'll see this on the agenda. Um because we apply for semi um we get that um we have to submit a corrective action plan for it. >> Thank you. Uh just one final thing as I've been
trying to do at our recent board meetings under item 7.1 local donations. Just wanted to um I know that the school board asks a lot of our community. Um but we have some members of our community and some organizations that we work with that also donate above and
beyond which we do appreciate very much. So I do would like to to thank Ascend Athletics. Um and then Mr. and Mrs. Keith uh Keith Galfo just for their contributions to the school district school district as well. So thank you very much. Um that's all my comments.
So with that, can we have a roll call, please? Okay, >> you can do whatever you want. >> Okay. Um, Miss Bman, not here. Shouldn't it come up? Okay,
got it. Miss Troy. >> Yes. Mr. Growl. >> Yes. Dr. Mester. >> Yes. >> Mr. Park. >> Yes. >> M. Robana.
>> Yes. >> That's all I come. Oh, doc. Uh, President Lee. >> Joseph. Oh, >> yes. Definitely my fault. I marked that. Uh >> yes. Okay.
>> Yeah. >> Okay. on board docs. >> Yeah, we're gonna get we're going to cut him some slack budget. >> Okay. Uh so motion carries. >> Thank you. >> Motion carries.
>> Um that brings us to item four, administrative reports 4.1, Dr. Carammanos. >> Okay. All right, I have a few things for my report tonight. Uh first, um annually, so we are part of the sustainable Jersey
program uh through not only the district but also Leonia uh burough. Um and to I wanted to give the annual green team report. So we've been working towards our certification for right now we have bronze certification um and we are reapplying for bronze or possibly
silver. We'll see. Um so part of that process is we review all the green work and the sustainability work we've done over the years over the year. Um and then I share it out with you all. Um so uh today is my annual report. We've met as a team. We've met multiple times
throughout the year. Um you know specifically uh some of the green initiatives that happened over the last year as you know our uh electric buses we finally finally arrived back in April. Um, so now we've kind of getting a full year use of them. Um, I do think
an analysis is really important. I think that's definitely something we need to look at for sure, especially as we think about the future of our buses. Um, you know, we have the composting going on here. We still have that machine going. Um, we also have been increasing our uh
work with Mashios in terms of the promotion of locally grown foods. So, Mashios has been continuously purchasing uh locally grown foods to include in uh the daily prep and meals. Um you know, there's smoothies that kids have that are made out of like locally grown blueberries, you know. Um and we've also
been working with Mashios about healthier options in our schools. Uh specifically, um talking about, you know, a variety of things that kids can choose from. So while they still have access to you know the cookies and the other stuff but you know ch kids do have
uh the opportunity to choose healthier options. Um our schools also this year ACS and LMS both became tree campuses. LMS for the second time uh ACS for the first time. Um and they are one of the few schools in Bergen County that are recognized as tree campuses uh from the
Arbor Day Foundation. Um, and then we've been focusing on more collaboration between our green teams and our school environmental clubs. Um, and I did want to also share that today on Parent Square, we sent out a uh not uh community flyer through um the
environmental commission, they're doing a uh athletic swap where you can bring your athletic gear like if your if your children grow out of their gear rather than throwing it away, you can bring it to uh I think it was like March 29th, I want to say. Um, but you can bring it to this event and then, you know, you can
kind of upsell upsell the the equipment. So, that flyer went out today. Um, so yeah, we green team's been moving. Uh, we're excited. They've got some good things ahead. Uh, our supervisor of math and science has been really leading that initiative this year and he's been doing a great job um across the district
really understanding it's it's been good. He said uh you know this this task of the green team was kind of in addition to his normal roles, right? because not not every supervisor has this role, but he has said that it's really gotten him to understand and learn the district and see all the
important initiatives around sustainability that we have. So, it's been good. Uh, also last week was Read Across America. Uh, you know, it's been a while since we all have met here at as a board at a board meeting, but we've had a lot of events going on. Um, I
won't relay them all because they were all in my newsletter. Um, so I won't spend hours, but our schools are moving. Um, we're getting into springtime. It's been beautiful. The snow is melting. It's been wonderful. We're getting gearing up for the end of the year, uh, activities and events.
Friday is the card party, so keep that in mind. It's the annual high school fundraiser. It's the biggest fundraiser of the year for the senior class. Um, it's a big event. It is fun event. Um, we always have a great time. Um, there's lots of prizes and baskets to win.
um and 50/50s and cards and all of that. So, um anybody who's available on Friday, March 13th, you can head down to LHS for the card party. Uh and that is all I have today. >> Thank you very much.
>> Okay, Dr. Nissenoff. Well, I'm absolutely thrilled to be here. I've uh had a tremendous welcome from the board office staff, from the administration. Um I'm just so excited to be here. I want to thank the board for uh for
having me here. Um I'm hoping to do a really good job. Lot to learn. uh lot of uh rocks to lift up the rocks and I'm finding things and having a lot of fun with that. Today I found where the paper clips were. You know, I'm you know,
finding my way. Um very impressed with uh uh everyone that I've been meeting, the staff, uh they've they've just been excellent. some of the programs that are going on in the schools of the projects that are
that are that are taking place, some of the initiatives. Um, tonight I asked uh the board to approve the board secretary reports for December and January. Um, happy to report both of those reports reconciled to the penny to the treasures
reports. So, our accounts are in good hands. Um, and and and uh everything is going well in that department. working as you can imagine diligently on the school budget is really where um our
focus our focus is as I'm doing so I must say very impressed with the initiatives that the uh board has already taken to reduce operating costs whether it's the electric school buses the changing of the health uh health
plan carriers uh outsourcing the technology s uh services as well uh many others very very impressed with that. Still too early to give the board a full picture of the budget. Um today the uh
governor had her address. Uh we should be be receiving state aid figures on Thursday. Um based on her address, it seems like very very positive uh in terms of state aid for schools across New Jersey. Hopefully we are one of
them. um really looking forward to working with the uh finance and planning committee. We're meeting on Thursday to work towards finalizing that budget. And um just to the heads up, it does appear to
be a very very difficult and challenging budget year. Fortunately, uh I I don't envision us being in the papers like some of our uh fellow uh school districts are really uh experiencing some very very difficult times. I think
the measures that the board has taken uh over the past uh couple of years have helped to minimize that that possibility. Um, again, happy to be here in Leona and uh look forward to working with everyone here, getting to know uh
members of the public as well. >> Yeah, very warm welcome from the board, Dr. Nissanov. Um, we really appreciate you you tolerating us and coming out of retirement as quickly as you did for us. So, thank you so much. Okay, that brings us to our student
representatives, Mia and Ara. Last week, service club attended the senior citizens Lunar New Year lunchon and they assisted with the event and spent time interacting with community members. They had a meaningful time engaging with the senior citizens and celebrating the Lunar New Year. Um,
culinary academy students also recently visited the flagship W Hotel in Union Square to learn more about careers in the hospitality industry. And NJGP and NJSLA is also coming up next week. And again, the senior card party is this Friday at 6:30 p.m. So, please come
support um because all funds will be allocated towards the seniors. So last week our DECA business club went to a competition at the state level in Atlantic City and around 30 students attended where we competed presenting papers and role plays and seniors
Celeste Garzone and Angelica Doe placed top 10 in their event and are going to nationals in Atlanta, Georgia. Um spring sports have started such as boys tennis, baseball, softball, and track and field. There was a DC trip for historians and democracy club at the high school where
we visited the Arlington cemetery and we placed a wreath signifying our school on the memorial of the fire burning for the forgotten soldier. And lastly, in honor of women's month, Ara and I are in the process of planning a women's expo with Dr. Karammanos where women leaders in the community will come to the high
school to talk about their careers and give advice to students. And we're really excited. >> When was that Atlanta trip? the Atlanta. >> Oh, that's going to be in April for nationals. >> Okay, Arthur, remember that one? Okay, you see it as a line item.
Thank you so much. A lot of great things going on. And uh if you are all available Friday night, definitely attend the card party. This will be my third year attending. I'm hoping to win a big prize this year. Still haven't won the big one. um spent a lot of money,
went home with decent prizes, but I'm looking for the big one this year. So, hope to see you all there. >> Don't take mine away. >> Okay, that brings us to item five, committee reports. Uh item 5.1 is
education, which Miss Thompson can Yeah. >> Um the education committee we met uh last Friday. We talk about like a lot of things um such that uh well big thing is that the um this year we're going to um I mean we have a contracted 182 school
days but um um due to snow we use we uh used up um the our um the snow days plus one so that like we uh I mean basically Dr. Thomas um the um um as for the having a 182 day requirement to the shorter one day. So um the we had a
heated discussion we finally decided that just like you know 181 day 181 days as um the Dr. Kas proposed and also um the about the there's a concern about the uh um the risk mitigation for school
sponsor spring uh breaks uh due to the war all that. So, but I'm like those are the uh done by um EF and so they're going to um good take good take care of the our children. We have a little discussion about this one and also the um ACA after school the enrichment club
is not going to happen in this spring due to the uh short uh enrollment and also um yeah we talk about some like u you know the professional development teachers and those that's it. >> Thank you. Thank you for filling in for Miss Thompson.
Um that brings us to item 512, finance and planning. Miss Choy. >> Yeah. Um uh we'll be meeting on Thursday um due to like all the committees trying to set up the schedule. We have some conflicts
that we had to work with. So we're meeting this Thursday and we've been warned that it's going to be pretty packed agenda. Looking forward to it. Um and the very great update since last meeting is having Dr. Misov. Uh welcome
again. Uh likewise we we do look forward to working with you as well. Um so we're very happy and very it's a big relief. You don't know how much relief it is as we are entering into the budget season. Uh it was a big uh agenda item that Dr.
Caramanos worked really hard and we're very happy that you're here. Thank you. Thank you. Um, next is item 5.3, policy, which is myself. Um, we met recently and reviewed many of the policies that are actually on the agenda tonight. Um,
for the most part, a lot of the policies that are on are mandatory mandatory changes. There's just a few options within them. Um, so we discussed uh some of the potential options um including for employment of chief school administrator. Uh there's various language that we were able to to choose
from for it was simply regarding the language of how our CSA may or may not be able to um perform other duties other than the CSA. Um so our our policy committee re reviewed
that. Um we also um had a brief discussion on um the comments that were were made by Miss Melman at our prior meeting uh regarding the cell phone policy. Obviously the state is has still not come out with their guidance in terms of of what they are looking to
require for school districts for cell phones. Um, we started the discussion just so that we could we could h at least kick it off because really we can't we don't want to go too far down the path of determining um what we'd like and then just to have
the state come around and impose something more stringent or something that's very different and then have to re restart those discussions. Um so while the comments from Miss Melman are definitely appreciated and um the need to look at our cell phone policies are absolutely necessary once the state
comes out with our guidance then we'll take that into consideration and make it fit and work for the Leonia school district. So that was uh the the gist of our meeting uh just recently >> and >> I think that discussion was a little
broader as well, right? Also encompassing sort of the use of tech within the uh our educational environment as well, right? Not that we made it we didn't make a ton of progress on that in that particular meeting, but but it was certainly on the agenda and more to come.
>> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, Miss Melman's comments, it did um essentially ask for a reook at the overall use of technology in the school district. So, including our our Chromebooks, um um cell phones at the high school and how, you know,
how much we really need that um so that will all be part of the future discussions and policy um once once we get that state guidance on on screens in schools. So, I think that will give Mr. Coban a lot of work to do. And at the just I know the board level
is working on policy but for the audience and for the rest of the board members that weren't there you know that's work that although we don't have the guidance from the governor we are still works beginning that work at the school level. So the school teams have we started talking about as administrative team the school teams um the high schools been tasked with um you
know kind of creating their committee to start building uh you know what their policy looks like. Um so we're working on it uh even though it's not at the board level yet. Thank you for adding that. Um, okay, that brings us to item 5.4, governance.
Um, I believe that's Mr. Sable. Does anyone from the committee or Zentthy, are you able to I can just say a few words. Um, so that's a a new committee for us. So, we spent, you know, a good part of the the meeting sort of discussing the scope of
of what that committee would um cover, be responsible for. and uh sort of process and then we discussed some other sort of items and sort of just started getting going on
some discussions of some items that are in front of us but nothing significant enough that we would want to report tonight on the >> Thank you. Um, all right. That brings us all the way down to item 10, 10.1, public comment on
non-aggenda items. Anyone from the public wishing to speak, please step up to the podium, provide your name and address. You'll you'll have two minutes to speak. >> Hello. Um, my name is Robin Plattismore, 212 Warwick Lane. Um, thank you for all you do. first of all and welcome. Um, my
daughter's in 10th grade in the STEM Academy at the high school and you probably know STEM students have zero period every day because they have to take two sciences. The science wing still isn't fixed from about two years ago. Um, there's one usable classroom and driver is in there. So, if you have
an update Thank you. Anyone else? >> Hello. Uh, good evening. My name is Kelly O'Neal. I live at 15 Hawthorne Terrace and I am a parent of two students in the district. Uh, I'm here tonight to revisit uh, the walk out that occurred last month. Um, I'm not here to
revisit the walkout itself, but I'm here to talk about what we can learn from it. I understand the situation developed quickly and that once the students left campus, the immediate priority became their safety. I also want to acknowledge the efforts of the Leonia Police Department and the school staff who
helped to ensure the situation remains safe. My concern is specifically about parent communication when administration becomes aware of a planned mass departure during the school day. According to the communication sent to families, district leadership became aware of the planned walkout
approximately 50 minutes before it occurred. During that window, parents were not notified. As a result, families were unable to provide real-time guidance to their children before they made the decision to leave campus. Regardless of the cause, when large
numbers of students leave campus during instructional hours, parents should have the opportunity to guide their own children in that moment. This isn't about debating the issues the students were protesting. Students will always care about issues and want their voices heard. My request is simply about
process and communication. I would respectfully ask the district to consider whether an automatic early parent notification trigger could be implemented when administration becomes aware of a planned mass student departure during the school day. Even a
brief message would allow families to participate in guiding their children while the situation is still developing. I would appreciate if the board could consider whether this issue might be reviewed or placed on a future agenda so communication procedures can be
strengthened going forward. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Any else, Arthur? Arthur's 125 relies have a couple things I forgot last time are regarding the budget there. Did we get a reduction uh
in the uh health uh uh the cost of health? It was originally supposed to be in the 30s and the mayor the mayor said their portion is like 37% for health care going up and 30% for utilities. I thought we negotiated we went to a different group and the cost of the increase is lower than that. So, I' I'd
like to know what that percentage increase is. Um, also, you know, my position on cell phones, I've been saying it for actually several years that I think they should park them in their lockers and they come in with rare exceptions for dis disabled students who really need to have them to conduct normal schooling. There's no absolutely
no reason for them to have it in school before they before there were cell phones. They got along just fine in school. And I think you'll find your hib hibs drop and all kinds of other things will drop once you get rid of the cell phones. Um uh also in the minutes of um
I've mentioned it before the uh the public comments portion is sometimes there sometimes not if there's nobody there for example on the 31 the approved the minutes for January 20th there was no notation that there were no comments should be public comments and should be
nothing none on 32 there was there was on the public session there was none but on the second portion um who was it from Edgewater uh Lori Lori spoke about something and it's like that's part of the public record. I mean, if you don't have anything in there, that is the official public record, the minutes, and
it means that perhaps there was nobody there. And so, you you need to make sure that it's inconsistent. Sometimes you have it, sometimes you don't. It used to be great. There used to be a very detailed explanation. I know it takes time and you're you're going through a lot of changes, but that uh that needs to be done. What I really want to say is
I want to tag on to the the walk out. Um I take a whole different view of it. I think it was a violation of company pol of of school policy, the co code of conduct. I think there's two sections in it I could point to that show that was disruptive. Okay, they have no right. They have a right to to the first
amendment right, okay, to uh peacefully protest, but walking out of school is not that right. You can do it on Broad Avenue. You can do it after school. You can do it on weekends organized. I have no problem with that. And I have no problem with the issue. It's just walking out of school is very disruptive. I also heard gossip which if
true and I'm hoping it's not that this many of the uh uh teachers knew about this in advance and encouraged the students to walk out and I think that's outrageous and I think that that's the case there should be discipline. What I think should be done since I've said the system I don't like the system and I don't like what went on is I think that
you need to to incorporate a more comprehensive uh uh curriculum of political uh science and the proper way to do this starting at early ages whereby they pay attention to the elected officials the the right to vote and how important that is and that if
you don't like what the with the laws that are going on and you don't like uh what's happening that you pay attention to your elected officials and you teach them how to do that. You teach them how to write. You teach them how to follow what their their their their voting record is. And if you don't like it, then you get out and you can you can
protest. You can say what you want to do, but you write the way to do it is by voting. Okay? And even though they can't vote, they need to learn that. And they need to start at an early age. Okay? It's not a rah. Oh god, we're going to run. It's like a like an event. It's like a flash mob these things. And I think that's inappropriate. So that's my
opinion on I just think you need to get a curriculum in there. It's the education. Teach them the right way. Teach them the American way. That's what you need to do. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other members from the public? Seeing none, uh we'll move on to item
10.2, uh board member comment or 11.1, excuse me, board comment. Um respond. >> We'll respond to the tech to the STEM. No one more than me wants these
classrooms to be open. Um these it is unbelievable that we still do not have classrooms open. I I it's unbelievable. Um the one classroom, yes, the one classroom is open because it wasn't impacted by the flood. It was so it's so far down the hallway that we are allowed
to use it by code. Um so that classroom and that's the health room. There's no science equipment in there. So that's the So that's that's why, right? Cuz all the equipment was destroyed cuz all of our um all of our cabinetry and everything was made out of wood. So it got mold and all of that. um our the the
the 100% reason why we have not been able to get kids back in those STEM labs is because of the insurance because this was a flood. We have to, you know, we have to go through insurance. Um the insurance has taken a significantly long time. No matter how many times we've told them that this is for students,
this is for a school district, the insurance has their own way of dealing with things. So, anybody who's dealt with insurance before knows that, you know, doesn't matter to them how long it takes, right? Um so we've finally received um the green light from the insurance and we are now just waiting
for building permits uh to come through from the bureau uh from the building department um and hopefully we can get started. The goal is September 2027 2026 2026 Sep by September. The projected plan is to be done with construction by
July and then it gives our staff about a month and a half to get everything back in, you know, supplies, unpack all of the supplies and get everything ready. So, the goal is September. Um, we did we did have uh we we did for for a few weeks we opened up a lab. We we were
able to move out all of the materials out of one of the labs and just be able to use the the tables, the the science lab tables, so that way they could do hands-on experiments. Um and then the insurance approved the the green light the next day. So then we had to
also stop that because then they have to demo everything out. So it's been a long process but it um I am just as frustrated with this um our students I I cannot believe that we are in the second school year of this um and you know thankfully the work we did with the
mitigation project last summer um has stopped new rain from coming in. So, so far, knock on wood, um, the science, the work we did in the science lab, uh, with the wall and the trench and all of that, uh, really paid off because so far so good. Um, but I cannot wait to open that
STEM those STEM labs. I'm going to be in every single STEM lab that week. I'm going to be there dissecting frogs with everyone. I don't I I just I can't I can't do this. Um, do we have the
do we have the number on the the health insurance cost what we're going to end up at? >> Yeah. >> 30. >> Well, I I share with you what I can remember from here, but I just want to clarify when the the health benefits
won't be less. There will still be more. the the the board negotiated a a very um uh good plan that's going to be would be far less than it would have been in the uh state health benefits plan. That
percentage I can give you. So the plan will be 15.8% less than it would have been had we remained in the current plan. The increase would have been 15.8% 8% less
whereas across the state they're seeing numbers in and around 25% increases. So that's the percentage that I can give you right now. >> Yes. So what I saw in the news is and I don't know is municipalities is about
that 36 37% state aid plan was 31.9 and that's why we saw that and we went out to bid and I don't know for municipality but I know for us we tried this in the past right Zanti and we just didn't have the right record I call it
like um credit score it our health score was not adequate enough um insurance carriers were going going to be more expensive. So, this was the first year in a couple years where insurance carriers said, "Yes, we like your your score um and gave us a quote that's less
than the state plan." So, that's why we talked about people that are still in the state plan usually have no choice. They can't go anywhere. >> Thank you, Joe. Um and I think regarding your request for the minutes uh being included um or the
public comment being included in the minutes um we will we will do that moving forward. So thank you for noticing that and bringing that up. Um and then >> Yeah. Okay. Um and then so Miss O'Neil, your
comments regarding the um the student walk out and the request for um for parent communications. Uh great suggestion. It's gonna that is going to the immediate thought that I had was
depending on how the cell phone ban goes if even if we put out and and include some kind of parent communication. Um and obviously kids will find ways but a lot of the kids would have their either their phones in their lockers or you're told you can't even bring it to
school. Um so it it it's a big it's a big discussion. I appreciate you coming out and speaking um sharing your thoughts and concerns. we will take it into consideration. Um yeah, I think I just wanted to let you know we've heard we've heard your requests and we will consider I don't
know if there's anything else Dr. Caramos that you'd like to add. >> Um I just wanted I know um just Arthur's comment about the rumor about the teachers. I do not know of any teachers, it has not come across my desk or the or the building administrators, any teachers that knew about the walk out
and didn't tell us or knew about the walk out and encouraged kids to go without telling us. Um I do not I think that is a true rumor. Um the second a teacher found out they it was reported immediately to us and that 50 minutes and although 50 minutes feels like a lot of time, 50 minutes is not a lot of time
when you are trying to organize 800 kids safely. um and with all of the other scope of the world going on at the same time. So, we um we really did try our best to make the student safety the priority. Um but I like I said, I I
don't think there were any I think that is a true rumor, but >> Right. Right. And I just wanted to address it for the record that I I do not believe that any of our teacher I do think that's a rumor. I do not think our teachers um would have held that information from us um because their priority is also the safety of the
students. I just Eric, you want >> I just want to just say something quick that I the the school of walk out was a national thing, wasn't a Leonia thing. So, I personally didn't know about it until everyone was telling me, "Oh, the kids are going everywhere." And then
when I looked it up, it was a national all states did it. So, it's not something they secretly said, "Hey, let me text you." And like, no, it was a national thing. So, you know, I have kids. I have four children that are 33 and going up to 10. I can't catch everything my kids do, but I've always tried from the beginning to be a little
bit more aware of their world and talk to them and engage them. So, the political thing I think it's fantastic. I I engage my own children in politics early on, but my point is that parents should have been aware also if this was going on and they should have been something, hey, don't you dare go and do
or support them in whatever it is. But I don't think it's completely on the school to say, hey, we know all the news in the world and we're going to alert you because I know I ignore half the emails I get. So, if I got an alert from someone, it I I don't know beyond the list of everything else I get.
>> This doesn't happen that I mean, do you know how much it costs to do something like that, though? I'm just I'm just I'm just saying let's be a little >> You know for a fact that they did it before? >> Okay. >> Oh, I don't know either, >> Eric. No, I'm I'm just curious. I want
to know. How was it? It wasn't on the news. That was on social media. Kids got it from social media. Okay. We don't follow what our kids follow. So for you to say that it was on our parents to know what the kids are seeing on social media is ridiculous. >> No, that's not what I said. I said this wasn't you.
>> Kelly, I'm going to Okay. This is not This is not the place for that type of discussion. We're carrying conducting board business. I appreciate you sharing your concerns and thoughts and Eric, you're entitled to that as well. Um, if you want to have a conversation afterwards,
which I don't think will happen, feel free, but we we need to get through our business as we do have an anticipated extended uh closed session. So, unless any any other board members have any other comments or our student reps have any other comments, >> I just wanted to make one more comment with this. Um my my fear is when you
start um you know sharing this. It sounded like it was a rumor that it might or might not happen that now you're adding like gasoline to it. Um like if I found out about this and my child was out there 100% I would go join them. I would bring my wife. I would
bring the kids and it would really get big. Um so I think two things. One it might never even happen and we're alerting people. Anxiety gets very high. So, it might not even happen. And two, when you just tell 800 parents, um, now
they're all going to rush down there. This thing could get chaotic. Um, so I I look at it both ways like that. So, that's my concern. >> Yeah, there's a lot that goes into the the decision- making. So, that I mean, there's there's a lot to discuss. I mean, obviously, you know, it it all has
to do with operations and safety of the students in the end. Um, we absolutely always want our parents to be informed about what's going on, but we have to kind we have to there's a lot I think a lot to to weigh and discuss. back
>> and you know you can always call me. >> Yeah, you can always call me and you know everything that we Yeah, you can always call. We can always talk more. I'm happy to talk more and actually give you like the playby like those two hours too. We were we were doing things like >> so.
>> Yep. >> We have you know a joint commission walks in like boom you know 10,000 people notify at one time joint commission while open the door it's a click of a button you know there's >> yeah and we do have those systems in place for our emergency like a for like
a a lockdown situation or you know an active shooter or fire anything like that we do have those in place um you know we'd have to look into how that would work in terms of something like this um but we can always talk more for sure >> and I just wanted to just wanted to pick up on on something that our mentioned
about the what what Arthur was talking about the course is really a civics course right yes used to have civics courses and then they fell by the wayside u maybe the education committee I think I think it's a great idea >> yeah maybe the education committee could
>> put that on the agenda you know how we might >> yeah we have we have civics courses but we can definitely look into how what we're doing in those civics courses um we have civi civics starts in kindergarten um so we can definitely look at the scope of our curriculum and figure out where we can strengthen but
no um we have and I think you know we have people in our civics courses here >> I think just said might be good >> okay any other board member comments or student representative comments Okay, that brings us to item 12 point.
Oh, oh, sorry. >> Um, I just want to add one thing from the students perspective. Um, we do have like discussions about the walk out, things that happen. Of course, like we haven't necessarily considered as much of the parents perspective, but we do have discourse. We do have discussion
and I just wanted to make that perspective now. >> Thank you. And that's expected of of our students, right? You're becoming adults now. So, that that's I'm glad to hear that. Thank you for sharing that. Okay. So, that brings us to item 12.1,
executive session. We do have some matters to discuss in executive session tonight. Um, I do expect for us to be in executive session for about so for about 45 minutes. Um, for those members that are watching on YouTube, um, we will we the video will be paused
and for our for our members that are here in public and our student representatives, we we appreciate you being here. will be in close session for about 45 minutes. Um at which time we will return and then take a vote on personnel and then adjournment. Uh can I have a motion to go into close please?
>> Motion. >> Motion Mr. Zupka and a second Mr. Growl. All in favor? >> Any opposed or abstensions? Okay. Two. We are back in open session. Uh, can I have a motion on item 13, excuse
me, item 13.9, approve personnel actions? Can I have a motion, please? >> Dr. Mester. Second, Mr. Park. Uh, that's roll call, please. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> I >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Can I have a motion for adjournment? >> Motion. >> That's um Mr. Zupka. Second, Dr. Mester.
All in favor? Any opposed or obstensions? Okay. 9:33. We are adjourned. Thank you very much.