--------- I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible and justice for In accordance with the open public meetings act, adequate notification of
this meeting has been provided by advertising in the record and posting notice of this meeting in Burough Hall and the superintendent's office. I hereby call to order for public meeting of the Little Perry Board of Education Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 7:06 p.m. Can
I have a roll call, please? >> Mr. Reelli, >> Mrs. Boli, Mr. Fros, >> here, >> Mr. Pan >> here, >> Mr. Mey, Miss Patel, Mr. Boris, Misso >> here,
>> Mrs. Bradley here, Mr. >> Here we have four Thank you. Be it resolved that the Little Ferry Board of Education approves the minutes of the regular public meeting held on April 30th, 2026. Do I have a motion? Motion. >> Second.
>> Second. >> Mr. Benelli. >> Mrs. Bulli. >> Yes. >> Mr. Fos. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cananan. >> Yes. >> Mr. Millie is absent. Miss Patel is absent. Mr. Morris is absent. Mr. Suzo,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Bradley, >> yes. >> All right. Just so everybody here knows how we're going to kind of operate tonight a little bit. We're going to kind of walk straight up a little bit. We're going to start with the students. for those that families that are here uh
that might not want to stay through the entire ceremony. So, we're going to do a month then we're going to come back with board business which uh we will go through. Once that is done, then we'll move on to the boards portion of it. uh >> what?
>> All right. Our first student of the month for April is Isabella Prris from Grey Fox. the teacher in grade five say she takes initiative in all her
school she's a leader class she is always attendive participating studies makes great connections great model for her peers she always been here fifth ated school athletics behavior expectations. Congratulations
Oh, sorry. Sorry. Perfect. Just check him on three. Okay, our grade six April student of the month is Bella Red. Bella
great. She takes on every day with a smile on her face. Always willing to help class. She's inquisitive, hardworking, responsible, and a pleasure to have in class. She shows strong leadership qualities by setting a positive example
for her peers. Participating actively in class discussions is always deeper than learning new things. We consistently go with beyond expectations. grade seven, April student of the month, Jaden the great the following thing to say
about J. He's always kind and inclusive towards his peers. He is very encouraging and accepting towards others. He is always willing to try and give things or doubt understands the material. He happily teaches others. He
is a great congratulations. April student Jaden Jay teachers in grade 80 have following things to say He demonstrates strong perseverance by acting challenging work.
He can visibly complete assignments and diligently. He shows kindness for his fears, respect for his behavior. He maintains a positive and new attitude. Congratulations. At this point, I will pull my report and
hand it back. >> Right. At respective time, we're going to pass over our um committee reports. Um Uh we're now going to open up for public comment on agenda items only.
No comment on items on the agenda. Great. We'll now move forward with the block vote. F63 to F65, DO243 to 261, P183 to 204, FA12, C31 to 33.
Does somebody have a comment? Stand up before we take a black vote. >> Here comes the front. >> Just say your name and address down 16th Street. Real quick, um I don't want you to vote on something that's
typo. Uh P184 down at the bottom. That's only South Georgia. >> Got them. >> Now they have to be resolved. >> South Georgia Commission that can't be on there. >> Okay, got it.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Um, so we're going to ex >> So then, um, I'll end with PO 15 and 16. Do I have a motion? >> Second. Second. >> Vanelli. >> Yes. >> Mr. Polei.
>> Yes. >> Mr. Pros, >> yes. Mr. Cananan. >> Yes. >> Mr. absent. Mr. Patel. >> Yes. >> Seconds. Absent. Mr. >> Yes. >> Bradley. >> Yes. >> Thank you very much. Um we'll now hand
it over to Mr. Parapado for our long- aaited awards. >> Uh yeah. Okay. >> At this point. Yeah, good job. Um, if you were a student of the month family that's here and you don't want to stick around, we will not be insulted. And if
you want to get the little ones home, if you want to stay, by all means stay like that. Uh, and I also while we're setting up the podium, I'll make a disclaimer that resolution where it says South D,
the South Der business schools, which were one of all had this resolution on there. obviously came through and we agreed and put it on there and I think did a good job of editing. So that was that resolution.
Okay, >> there he is. >> Ah, there you were. Literally right in front of you. The last place I looked. Okay, so we we uh we're gonna start off the awards by having Kylie go with her report before we do hit. Like I said, last year Bosel, who's here now, this is
our second year in a row, right? That you came last year game for this year. You're coming for Kylie. It's a really nice thing that started. So, I'm going to let Kylie do her report and then we will present her with something and without further ado
so quickly and so much has happened in the past 9 months. Here are the updates since our last day and some activities. The spring sports meeting with softball, track, and baseball to wrap up the ball sports having great games. Softball team is still undefeated
and the baseball team has a winning. We would like to thank softball coaches, coach and coach, our baseball coaches, coach, coach Bradley, and our track and field coach, Coach Stewart, helping each team to reach their goals. You've done an incredible job at working with each.
Please come out to support all our hardworking teams as they finish up their season. As the school year wraps up, eighth grade has many events. Next Wednesday, May 8th grade teleport at the 9th Mall on June. Thank you to
the eighth grade parent and eighth grade advisor for planning and scheduling all and all those celebrities in other schools. Top 10 battle run was on May 17th. Good luck to all. The
safety patrol of student government will be going bus on June 3rd with the annual edit. And on May 30th, the little brace volleyball tournament raised funds to support two local that were affected by the school volleyball team
local and teachers who have team. We ask you all to please come out and support. I would now like to congratulate the 2026 teachers of the year and this is an incredible achievement hard work dedication to your students and school.
I also congratul I can speak for all the students when I say that your efforts are really appreciated each day. graduations. I'd like to end by saying that being representative speaking at these meetings is allowed me
to become more confident in myself and has helped me valuable stand to be a high school. I want to thank student government advisor Mr. Superintendent Board of Education and all those made possible for giving me this rewarding opportunity and experience. This is the
tribal. Thank you for all you you put it in the end of of the report what I say I had the other day and you really you've grown throughout this process
public speaking eye contact and that's really the the point of this right your school voice we're trying to get you ready for future things know same thing with bottle and car really fun to kind of watch you grow
so from board of education recognitioners voice contributions leadership there class of our future. Congratulations. Great job. Black outside the wall by the offices.
So you guys can take a picture of that, too. And we're just going to take a quick time. Look at that. Let's do this. Okay, the next two recipients I don't think know that they're getting an award. Um,
part of that's my fault and part of that is tech. Uh so while I have a lot of the staff here too, so we are finally able as a board um and as administrative team to let you know if you haven't already known that we have officially got
noticed last week that we had passed due which is >> and then as the board knows you know that's directly goes back to teachers directly goes back to what you do every day in the classroom that was component that we were waiting on and that is a
it's a it's a big deal. Patent Cusack is a big deal and our test scores came up and that was what allowed us to test. Um during the transitioning to next year we have to submit a budget and during that budget submission there is a lot that
goes into the budget submission that Mr. Gomez and I offic Mr. Dunn and the administrative team specifically Mr. done really has to input a ton of information into that budget. And with how many districts kind of in Bergen County?
>> 77. >> With 77 districts in Bergen County, uh they only give out what they call a hole-in-one award u to somebody who has a flawless submission on their first try um which does not get handed out every year. This year is that they do not hand
it out at all. And this year, um Mr. Dunn received a hole in one back. All right. Well, the next So the staff has already been made aware I think the individual's already been made aware but they didn't know that
they apply today. So 2019 2019 the autobon society uh started giving out an award and it was for really people who connect students with danger positive things in the environment and
this came out and uh instantly when we saw it we knew exactly who we wanted to submit to see if we could get them this award and uh they were notified a few weeks ago
And that is Miss Bat Cat. >> Dick Edber award which is from uh the Auto Society. There is an award ceremony at the end of the month. I think it's May 31st. I don't know if you're doing I double check today on but it's May 31st. I will send out to staff for anybody who
wants to do it. You really do a lot. We appreciate it. We want to reflect that. So, congratulations. >> All right. The next award is I'm going to turn it over to Miss Carell, our board trustee and president for the 25 years of
service. Tell you before I don't feel nervous at all. All right. Good evening everyone. Thank you for being here today as we've come together to celebrate a truly special milestone. I would like to begin by recognizing my fellow members of the
PTA, board of education, district administration, staff, families, friends, and most importantly the honores we are here to recognize this evening. Tonight we celebrate five extraordinary individuals, four
dedicated teachers and one remarkable custodian who have each devoted 25 years of service to our school school community. 25 years is more than a number. It represents decades of early mornings,
long days, school events, countless students, and unwavering commitment. Each of you should be proud of the lives you have shaped. the confidence you have built, the lessons you have taught, and the moments of encouragement that many
students carry with them. As a board of education trustee and a PTA president, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand the impact educators and staff have on our schools every single day. I see the dedication.
There it is. the long hours and the commitment that goes far beyond what happens during the school day. But tonight is also deeply personal for me as a parent. Each of my daughters has had the opportunity to learn from these four incredible teachers. And because of
that, our family has personally experienced the care, encouragement, patience, and support they bring into their classrooms. As parents, we place enormous amount of trust in the people who help guide our children each day. And I can honestly
say that these educators have shaped not only my my children's academic journeys, but also their confidence, character, and love of learning. To our teachers, Angela Cromanzano, Victor Fernandez, Trisha Feco, and Laura
Waldman, thank you for the countless hours you have devoted to educating, encouraging, and inspiring generations of students. You have done far more than teach lessons from a curriculum, created classrooms where students felt safe,
supported, challenged, and believed in. You have helped children grow not acade not only academically, but emotionally and socially as well. The lessons you taught extend far beyond the text textbooks and will remain with your students for years to come.
And I don't know if our our custodian is here today. unfortunately. Well, I have so much to say about you, too. I'll say it anyway, and I'll share it with him tomorrow if I see him. To our incredible custodian extraordinaire, who always has
a smile on his face. Thank you for 25 years of dedication and pride in caring for our schools. A school building is so much more than walls and hallways. It is a second home for our students and staff. His hard work, reliability, and care help create
an environment where students learn safely and comfortably every single day. His contributions may happen happen behind the scenes, but they are deeply appreciated and essential to our school community. The support he provides to the many
activities that PTA hosts, including Part: 2
It is a dream come true. It is something I have wanted to do since I was a little girl playing school with my sister and never letting her be the teacher. Sorry, Max. But I guess you have me to thank for being an amazing middle school math teacher. So, you're welcome.
After graduating from college and taking my first steps into the real world, I was terrified. I was shy and still couldn't even call to order a pizza. I thought, "How was I ever going to get a job?" That summer, I nervously interviewed Mr. Scarfield for a
maternity position, but I wasn't selected. Person no less. She was welld deserving of the pos of the position. Even though I was disappointed, I was truly happy for her. Fortunately, I was hired as the enrichment program teacher working with
gifted and talented students from grade from kindergarten through 8th grade. After six years, I had the opportunity to teach first grade. They were so little and just learning how to do all the things and I was responsible for teaching them those things. I thought I had made a huge mistake.
But it turns out I didn't. I would choose first grade over and over again. Receiving this honor alongside Kristen O'Neal makes this even more special. She was the one I ran to when I needed guidance in first year teaching first grade. I had already been teaching for
six year or six years, but I was never responsible for teaching students how to read. Kristen was very patient, shared her expertise, and did it with lots of humor. I miss her being on the first grade team. Every day I had the opportunity to
learn, laugh, and grow alongside my students. And that is something I never take for granted. It is always nice when they compliment my hairstyle or my outfit choice, only to humble me moments later by pointing out that I have a mustache just like them.
The relationships we build, the small victories we celebrate and the moments when students begin to believe in themselves are what make this profession so meaningful. I would like to sincerely thank our administration for their constant support, encouragement, and leadership.
Your guidance helps create an environment where teachers feel valued and empowered to do their best for their students every day. I am incredibly thankful to work in a school where collaboration, compassion, and dedication are at the heart of everything we do. Also, the extremely
clever way you announced Kristen is and I as teachers of the year was amazing. my colleagues and especially my first grade team. Teaching can be to my colleagues and especially my first grade team. Teaching can be challenging, but
having a team that supports one another, shares ideas, and lifts each other up makes all the difference. I am inspired by you daily. The sarcasm and laughs between us makes it even better. Tina, I have been living my best life
this year with you as my co-teer. Where are you? I have someone to laugh with when things go off the rails. Someone to celebrate the tiny victories with that no one else would understand and being the best sounding board anyone could ask. You teach our students every
single day, but you might not realize how much you have taught. You bring knowledge and confidence into our room and it has not only made our students smarter, it has made them better. Melissa, thank you for being my person.
You have helped me in more ways than I can possibly count. Whenever I am overwhelmed, stuck, or just need to process something, you are there. You have truly become a role model for me both inside and outside of the classroom. Watching how you handle yourself as an educator inspires me to
be better. While watching who you are as a person, your integrity, strength, and your kindness inspires me even more. Thank you for being my confidant, my reality check, my mentor, and my friend. To my family, as I celebrate this teacher of the year honor, my heart
immediately goes to all of you. I am grateful for everything you have done for me. From cutting units into rectangles so my students could make periscopes for our leg unit, listening to my endless classroom stories to checking the best dollar store near your house for the supplies I need, and also
all the babysitting. Thank you for the endless love, support, and encouragement you have given me, not just in my teaching career, but every single but in every single area of my life. You'll be happy to know that I have finally learned to call for that pizza. Not exactly the pizza, but I am
the person on my team that calls to order. I'll win. Even though this teacher of the year award is for the work I do in my classroom, you two also inspire me to be a better Mrs. Augusta every single day. You you see me take care of my students.
And please always know that you are my number one priority, my greatest joy, and the absolute best part of my world. To Joe, thank you for being my rock through every high and low. Teaching is such a rewarding job, but it can also be exhausting and overstimulating in ways
that are hard to explain. Somehow you always know exactly what I need before I even realize it myself. Thank you for picking up the slack when school life gets chaotic. For holding everything together, for making me laugh when I need it the most. For supporting me without ever making me feel guilty. For
giving so much of myself to my students, and for believing in my ability to make a difference whenever I doubt myself. I honestly could not do this without you. Most importantly, thank you to my students and their families. Your trust, partnership, and enthusiasm are what
motivate me to continue growing as an educator. My students remind me every single day why I chose this profession. They challenge me to be the best teacher I can be. Watching them learn, grow, and overcome obstacles is the greatest reward I could ever ask for. I am so
unbelievably proud of each and every one of them, and I am so grateful for the privilege of being part of their lives. I am deeply honored to receive this recognition and I will continue striving to make a positive difference in the lives of my students each and every day. Congratulations to Kristen and
congratulations to my colleagues for their 25 years of service. Thank you. We'll take pictures. Congratulations. At this time, I'd like to call Memorial School
recognizing 256 here. >> Good evening, faculty, staff, board of education members, and guest. Tonight, as the principal of Memorial Middle School, I have the honor of recognizing Miss Kristen Okino, our 2025 2026
Memorial Middle School teacher of the year. When we talk about family here in Little Ferry, we're not just speaking metaphorically. We're talking about something real, something lived, something that grows over time. And tonight's teacher of the year, Miss Christino, was the perfect example of
that. Miss Okino's connection to Little Fairy didn't begin when she was hired. It began years earlier as a young student walking these very halls from third through 8th grade. I promise I did not steal that from Miss Young. Long before she stood in front of a
classroom as a teacher, she sat in these classrooms as a student, building friendships, learning from dedicated educators and experience firsthand and close-knit spirit that makes this community so special. The lessons, values, and sense of belonging she developed here helped
shape the person she would become. After her time in milary, she went on to attend Brandis Catholic for high school. But the foundation was but the foundation that guided her future was built right here in this district. In many ways, Miss Okino's story has come full circle, returning to the same
community that helped raise her so she can now inspire, support, and make a difference in the lives of the next generation of little furry students. After graduating from Catholic, Miss Okino continued her education journey at St. Thomas Aquinus University where she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary
education and social science. She later went on to earn a master's degree in special education from Felicia University, further strengthening her ability to reach and support. As fate would have it, her path brought us right back home. Miss Kino returned to Little Ferry as a student teacher
under the guidance of Miss Nass and Miss Dez, two outstanding educators who no doubt saw something special in her early on. She continued to build her experience as a substitute teacher in the district before landing her official role of maternity leave replacement from Miss
Lanceri. Now what was originally supposed to be a fivemon leave replacement for Miss Lanceri somehow turned into an entire school year. And knowing Miss Lanceri, we could probably say she was just running a little late getting back. In fact, anyone who has worked with her knows that being on Lanceri time has
always been part of the experience. But as much as we like to joke about the extra time, it ended up being a gift to our school community because it gave Miss Okino the opportunity to prove something we all now know to be true. She belonged here from the very beginning.
What started simply as covering a classroom quickly turned into becoming irreplaceable part becoming irreplaceable part of the Little Berry family. At the conclusion of that assignment, she was offered a full-time position as a first grade teacher where she would remain for an incredible 17 years. Think about that. 17 years of
shaking young minds, building foundations, comforting nervous students, and celebrating those early light bulb moments that define a child's educational journey. She then spent a year in the autism program, expanding her impact and deepening her already impressive skill set before returning to
Memorial Middle School where she has spent the last few years in the MD classroom. And let me tell you, being back in middle school has really allowed Miss Okino to develop her parenting skills. Just not with Julia and Ariana. And Ariana, by the way, you still owe me
one day of lunch. Only you could ever earn it on take your child to work day. But also children, Mr. Gra and Miranda. Her mentorship to Migo and Miranda have been nothing short of invaluable. She
has guided them through their first years in a profession where no two days are ever the same. offering support, wisdom, patience, and just the right amount of humor to get through the even the toughest days. She doesn't just teach students, she builds up the people around her. And that brings us to what
really makes this pino exception. She is the kind of teacher who understands the education goes far beyond content. She knows her students. She knows their strengths, their struggles, their personalities, their needs, and she meets them exactly where they are. Her classroom is a place of structure and warmth and high expectations and
unwavering support. She has an incredible ability to differentiate instruction in a way that feels seamless, ensuring that every student is both challenged and supported. Her patience is remarkable. Her creativity is constant. Her dedication is unquestioned. She celebrates the
smallest victories because she knows those moments matter. She builds trust with her students and their families because she understands that relationships are at the heart of learning. and she approaches every day with a level of care and commitment that reflects not just a job but a goal. Miss Aino represents everything that is
special about Little Curry. She is a product of this community, a contributor to this community and a leader within. She embodies the idea that family isn't just who you are related to. It's who you show up for every day. And for years, decades really, Mr. Kina has
shown up for Little F. So tonight, it is my absolute honor to recognize her not just as an outstanding educator, but a cornerstone of our school family. Congratulations on being our 2025 2026 Memorial Middle School teacher of the year.
Board of Education members, administration, colleagues, families, and friends. Thank you all so much for being here tonight to celebrate this incredibly special moment. Looking around this room and seeing so many familiar faces, people who have been part of my journey for so many years means more to me than
I can fully express. I'm truly honored and humbled to accept the middle school teacher of the year award for the 2025 2026 school year. Now, I have to admit, speaking in front of kids every day is easy. Speaking in front of a room full of adults, that's a completely different level of terrifying
for me. So, I'm going to do my best to get through this. This year marks 19 amazing years in Little 30. When I stop and think about it, it gets emotional because this is the school is so much more than where I work. It's my second home. I first walked these hallways as a third grader. I sat in these classrooms
and learned from teachers who inspired me, challenged me, and literally shaped the person I am today. Years later, I came back to student teach, substitute, and eventually was lucky enough to work alongside those very same mentors who taught me. Not many people get the opportunity to spend their life in a
place that helped raise them and then return to help raise the next generation. That is a gift I never take for granted. One of the most rewarding parts of this job is watching those same little kids grow up. There's truly nothing better than seeing your former students years
later, having them stop you in the hallway, give you a high five, or simply yell down the hallway, "Hey, Mr. Okino, how are you?" In those moments, you realize something important. This job is just not about lesson plans, test, or grading. It's about making connections with your
kids and forming relationships. It's about making kids seem to feel feel seen, safe, valued, and remembered. Honestly, there is no greater feeling than knowing you have made a difference in a child's life. But the truth is that the war doesn't
belong to me alone. It belongs to my students, my crew. They are the reason I show up even on those exhausting days. They keep me on my toes. They keep me humble. And they remind me every day why I chose this profession. I am also extremely honored to share
this moment with someone who has become a huge part of my journey here. 15 years side by side in first grade adventures, laughter, chaos, machine learning, unforgettable memories. We've also survived field trips, classroom
parties, countless curriculum changes, and of course dressing up like we were 100 years old for the 100th day of school. But honestly, Martine, we can finally ditch the gray hairspray and baby powder because I think it's started to show up on our own. Congratulations
to you on this well-deserved honor. I want to sincerely thank our amazing administration for your ongoing support, encouragement, and care. You create a school environment where it's truly easy to come to work each day and feel valued and appreciated. Your leadership makes a real difference, and your support is
noticed and appreciated more than you guys know. I am extremely grateful to be part of a team led by such dedicating and inspiring leaders. So, thank you Melissa from popular from our nightly phone calls, long chats
to much needed dinners. You have been my constant support since day one. Thanks for teaching me the way and guiding me over the years. Words can't express how much your friendship has grounded me here. Thanks for always being in my court.
To my teammates, Cheryl, Giana, also the laughter, the support, and for being the kind of people who make the hardest days feel lighter. Thank you for stepping when things get overwhelming. For those we've got this moments when I need the most. And for showing up with
humor, heart, and patience. Working alongside you doesn't feel like a job. Feels like a team. a family and sometimes like a comedy show that we did audition for. Somehow we nailed it, guys. Thank you to my little fairy community for giving me a place that has always
felt like home. I'm incredibly lucky for what I do to do in the place that I love. Thank you to all my colleagues for always being there for me. Now I've saved the best for last. To my parents, to my brother, thank you for everything. Your love, guidance, and support has shaped me in more ways than
I can ever put into words. I am truly grateful for you every day. So, Philly, thanks for being my rock, my partner, and for always supporting me through all the chaos and celebrations of life. I couldn't do this without you. To my
girls, Julia and Ariana, thank you for the love, laughter, hugs, and the constant reminder of what truly matters. You are the greatest joy of these blessings. Thank you again for this incredible honor. All
right, we have one last quick thing and then we will get to uh treats and dismiss. So, I thought it was good timing. Uh today the board had a walk through of Liberty Middle School which was pretty cool. We were able to get inside the building, see where all the things, all the classrooms, all the
complices, go up to the third floor, one staircase, do all the good stuff. They're making tremendous progress uh since the winter month is finally ended. We're trying to celebrate that. So, I thought we could feature the year. It would be a nice opportunity for you to come up one more time and help us out
with a little bit. Uh little union president. So about three weeks ago, we got notified that we are at the 50% mark of building completion. So we are actually probably past that at this point. And I
wanted to hold the opportunity to do this with the staff here with our teachers of the year here. And uh we're going to place the sticker on and so don't push too hard because this is a major. Yes,
that is actually we'll continue to update you through the actual dedicated site, but I the newsletters and everything else that we put out. Uh we're we're pretty excited. It was a pretty cool experience today to be able to see it's coming together and we were in classrooms, we were in office.
Uh, so we're pushing along as quickly as we can, but congratulations ladies and thank you. And we're going to get about 15 seconds. >> Okay. Do we have any public comment on non-aggenda items before we close up the meeting?
>> No. Okay. New business. Do I have a motion to adjurnn? Voting.