Is this on? Hello. >> Hello, Michael. >> We're going to pause for a second. I don't think the microphones are working. >> Testing one, two. Testing. One, two. One, two. Sorry everyone. We just want to make sure everybody can hear us. So, we'll
just pause for a moment. How does this Sometimes >> it's as simple as someone pulled the plug. >> Check check. That's all we >> right. I was just looking to see it was plugged in. >> No, not this one either. I'm not touching >> in my lane.
>> Yeah, cuz these are lit up. Yeah. Microphone's not working. >> Microphone's not working. >> Mulligan. >> This is different. Mulligan. >> Okay. >> It's freezing out.
Actually warmer than last week. Zero degrees. If this worked, I could have just passed it around. But >> no, >> thank you. We may have to talk really loud.
>> I'm more worried about whether or not people online can hear us. passed. >> It doesn't work. >> That one's not working. >> No, I was thinking that one. Just pass it around. Pass around. >> Is that one? Cuz I checked this one. This one's not.
>> That's what I was going to do. >> Online is working. Well, that's good. >> I guess. >> All right. If everyone is okay while they try to resolve the um the internal room microphone speaker problem, I understand that we've been uh we are
being heard online and live. So I'd like to continue with the roll calls, please. >> Absolutely. >> Or maybe we should start again. >> Okay. Mrs. Bommo >> here. >> Mrs. Guerrero >> here. >> Mrs. Bondi >> here. >> Mr. Hyatt >> here. >> Mrs. Janowski
>> here. >> Mr. Lansky >> here. >> Dr. Miss >> here. >> Mr. Cohen >> here. Thank you. Um I'd like to draw everyone's attention to our uh agenda for the evening. Um Sunshine Law, the meeting is being held pursuant to the
Open Public Meetings Act. Um we have provided adequate notice to the Star Ledger and the Asbury Park Press statement on videotaping. These meetings are live. Um and that um there is a public portion of all public of all of our educ board of education meetings.
So, I remind everyone that um they are being recorded. Public comments. There are two opportunities for public comments this evening. Uh one toward the beginning of our meeting and then one toward the end of our meeting. And that this is um school property school grounds. So, our policy is very
strict on no smoking or vaping on school grounds. That includes both here in the building as well as on school grounds outside. Would you all please stand for the pledge of allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, liberty, justice for all. To those online, I apologize if my um I'm louder than normal because I want to make sure those in the room can also hear me. Um we are going to begin with
our first item on the agenda, which is announcement. Mr. Balone. >> I don't have any. >> Thank you. We're going to go to our second item on the agenda, which is the presentation of the 2425 2024 2025 school year audit. Mr. Mulligan, welcome
back. >> You may have to speak loudly as far as the room concerned, but I understand the public will be able to hear you. norally it's kind of nice and sweet but if you have any questions
I don't have First things first within our report three things our independent audits report our support and our report once our program such as our federal state.
These are all modified standalic. >> Thank you for letting us know. Um, can we test this one? The other handheld that you have, can you test that and see if that one was working? >> Yeah, it's it's on. Is this one working on at home? for you.
>> Hello. >> Were these working >> or the or this? >> What was working? What was working online before? >> Hello. >> The table mics are working online. >> These are come sit. >> Okay. So, you here Rob sit. >> Okay.
>> Hello. We have an extra here. Okay. >> Mr. Mulligan, please join us today. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. We have to turn it off. There you go. Okay. >> Awesome. Welcome. Thank you. >> All right. Well, thank you. Um
I'll just continue from there if that's okay. Um so, like I was saying, >> microphone light is on. >> Yep. >> Thank you. >> Uh overall, uh a great stamp of approval for for the district. Uh no internal control, uh issues, no significant deficiencies, material weaknesses to
report. Um so overall, uh great great news. Um, I always like to point to the first, in your case, pages 1 through 14. This is our letter of transmitt. Um, this is a report from the district's point of view. Uh, if you're, if you're looking to to get some information about
the district, just from your point your own point of view, this is a good place to start. Um, so again, these are your numbers, but this is also coming right from from the business office. So, uh, I always point to there as as a good place to start.
One thing to note in the independent auditors report um you know that's different from prior years there's what's called an emphasis of matter paragraph uh this is utilized when we have a change in accounting policy um this is something that is just uh
governmental accounting how we have to change um so for this year we have this emphasis of matter due to a new gazsby statement which is uh government auditing standard related to your accumulated absences Um, essentially
what you've historically seen is that the district will show a liability really just in their footnotes and um in their governmental accounting uh standards of how much you owe for accumulated offices. So you're sick and
vacation time for your employees. Um, typically in the past that's just what you are going to have to pay uh based off contracts, based off of state law. Um, these are capped amounts. However, with this new standard, we have to show it at the full amount that is earned. So, even if you're never going to have
to pay this money out, you have to show the full entire liability. Jeez, good. Anyway, >> yeah, still nothing here, but um anyway, this is a a liability that we have to show within our financial
statements. You're never actually going to have to pay this dollar amount in full. Um so, for instance, for you guys in the past, this would have been in your notes as about $2.5 million. That's about what you would typically have to pay your employees once they retire given your your contracts and given
state law. um for this year in your financial statements, you'll see that number is is about $20 million. Um that's just simply due to the number of employees that you have, uh the amount of time that they have acrewed at this point, even though you'll never actually have to pay that dollar amount. Um it is
a significant change. It's going to look different if you compare the two years. So, I just want to bring attention to that. Again, you are not going to have to pay $20 million to anybody. um your actual liability is probably around $2.5 million and that's if everybody retired
today at that dollar amount. So um again just want to bring that to your attention uh just as that's a significant paragraph there. In terms of operations this year um district ended the year at about $13 million of fund balance. Um this is
pretty consistent year-over-year. Last year we were at about $14.5 million. Uh the decrease is really entirely within our maintenance reserve. We utilized funds this year in the budget um to do some projects around the school. Um you know, in general, our capital and
maintenance reserves are sitting at about $3.5 million and $2 million. That is heavily restricted money that the district can utilize for for different projects. Um for instance, we utilize capital reserve money this year for HVAC upgrades. So, um, these are restricted,
but if you have projects going on that you can utilize the money for, um, you would pull these out of the reserves. So, that's what we did this year. Um, just utilize some of those maintenance reserve monies for for projects that we're doing. Um, and the last piece that I'll touch on, our food service fund.
Overall, very healthy here. We have a little bit over uh a million dollars in our food service fund. um about 640,000 of that is your capital assets, you know, your your fridges, your stoves, etc. Um but, you know, overall a very
healthy dollar amount. You've seen that number tick down a little bit in recent years just due to we had such an influx of federal and state monies due to uh COVID and and some of the regulations then. So you've seen a natural decline uh basically statewide in these figures,
but you guys are very healthy million dollars. Um so overall, like I said, district is in great shape. Um I do want to thank Superintendent Balloon, uh Chris, and the entire finance office. Audits are are difficult. Um we're coming in sometimes asking for things
that you know you guys have done a year ago. So, um, you know, we're interrupting your day today and we appreciate all of your help throughout the process. Um, and yeah, overall successful year. Thank you all again for having us and if there's any questions, happy to answer.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Mulligan. Um, just as a note, um, we did not have a copy of the >> Yes, I have copies for everybody if you want >> in our package. So, we would need that. So, please that'd be great. Yeah, >> I'll get them to you. Um and then uh let me first defer to the members of the
board and see if anyone has any questions or comments that they'd like to ask. Seeing none, I just have um I think two questions. One on the the outstanding liabilities associated with sick leave and vacation time. I understood the 2 and a half million versus the 20
million. The 20 million is a future value cost, not necessarily current value cost. Mhm. Well, so the 20 million is um I hate to I hate to say it's a madeup number, but it's essentially within the state, you're you're capped at $15,000,
right? So, in the past, if I had worked for the district for 30 years, my liability could be significantly higher than 15,000, but we would show it at $15,000 cuz that's all you're ever going to have to pay me if I retired today. Um, this new standard that, you know, we
have to follow states that you have to show for the full amount. So, if I've been here for 20 years and I've accumulated all this time, you're still only going to pay pay me 15,000, but you have to show the full amount, which is based off of the number of days and typically my PDM rate. So, my daily rate
or in some cases your hourly rate um depends on the calculation, but >> Okay. >> But yeah, >> thank you for that clarification. And then just on the full ser on the food service fund I I I understood the $1 million and then you said there's a portion now that's a 640,000 in capital asset. Yeah.
>> Is that the capital asset value or is that the capital asset depreciated value or is that actually cash in an account to replace the capital assets? >> That's that's just the the value of the capital assets. So um >> not depreciated but >> it it is depreciated at this point. Yes. Yep. Yep. So that's the net value of
your capital assets at that point. That's basically just to say 60% is related to that. 40% is more or less unassigned. You could tip that's more of the cash that's sitting there that you could utilize. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah, >> Mr. Lansonski.
>> Thank you. >> So, when you do the audit, are you also checking? >> It's on. >> The microphones aren't working for the room. They are working for the folks online. So, we just have to talk louder so you can hear us. If we're not, we apologize, but I'll try to make sure we
do speak up. Mr. Loski, >> I'll try to turn this way too. So when when you do the audit, are you checking also best practices and procedures or just numbers? >> So we're not giving an opinion on internal controls. Um but obviously within our testing, we're we're looking
at uh some different compliance items that you know the state requires. So there are practices, best practices that we're looking at within our audit, but we don't give an opinion on internal controls. >> If you saw something that wasn't a best practice, would you say something or >> Yeah. Yeah. You know >> the question was for those in the room
if you saw something that wasn't a best practice would we be would there be a comment about it? >> Yeah. So you know there are varying levels of of comment per se. You know there are things that if you have a very significant deficiency or material weakness that's something that goes in
the report as being um an item that you know is material and has to be reported. Um there's also, you know, minor things that you'll see at basically every district that um you know, we can report back on at a lesser level. So, um it
just kind of depends on materiality essentially is is what I would say. But um as an example, like a lot of districts, they're outstanding checks. if they're not clearing them after, you know, a year, let's say, that's that's an item that you're not going to see in the report, but we would report
something like that and say, "Hey, best practice, you should cancel these after, you know, 3 months, 6 months, whatever it may be." Um, but but yeah, so there are things like that that maybe don't reach the level of of the report comment, but
>> no, nothing to report, no significant deficiencies, material weaknesses, nothing to report. So, >> any other questions? Seeing none, Mr. Mulligan, thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Good to good to get your report again. Thank you for the work you do. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Okay, moving on to our next item. We are up to Miss Jolinsky. Discussion number three, your number two >> for your number two. Discussion number three on our 2026 2027 budget. Oh, we got mics.
>> Hello. I get from here. That's fine. Okay. Good evening everybody. So, this is budget discussion number three. Um my number two and today we're going to be talking about two different budgets. um
the curriculum department and the special services department. So, I just wanted to start with give you guys a little bit of a background. When we do a budget as a district, um each department develops their budget
um based on needs, based on budgetary constraints, and based on the goals that we as a district, you know, are looking to do, things we want to achieve. what I worked with Mary Elizabeth and Morgan this year um to try to change it
up to try to show all of you that what we do is thoughtful and what we do we do with a with a purpose. We do with a reason. Everything that goes in this budget, everything that Morgan wants to add to the curriculum budget or that Mary Elizabeth wants to do with special
services, there's a reason for any new initiative. Um so with that I want to start by showing you all these are the board goals. So the board of ed develops goals that they want the
district to kind of strive for and I thought that this year it would be great if maybe we can tie these goals to the initiatives we're doing in the departments. So that being said, we're going to start. The first budget
we're going to talk about is curriculum. And you'll see on these that we indicated what board goal, you know, we're we're striving for in the initiative. So the curriculum budget this year is coming in at 1.347066.
So, it's an increase of 50 of approximately $56,000 this year, 4.4%. This is made up of a variety of things, and we'll talk about each one. The first increase um that makes up the increase
are testing services. So, this year there are two things that the curriculum department um wanted to add to make them better. And the first thing is Spanish. We did this because we had a retirement
in district and instead of replacing the full-time Spanish teacher, we decided to add Spanish and utilize a current middle school teacher to help.
This has been this has proven so far to be great. The kids are are really learning, right, Mr. Blondone? And they're really it it's it's a posit. It's very positive. They're getting they're like engaged. >> Yeah. So, Mrs. Balmo, I know you had
asked at the last meeting um for a report out to the board on um some of the cuts that we made last year and and how that's affecting our student achievement and student experience. Um this is one really good example. So
while it is an increase and and you know it falls under the category of testing services, I don't want you to think that kids are sitting there taking tests. It's just that's the budgetary line item. Um this is an online program that has enhanced our world language um
instruction at the elementary level. As Mrs. Jolinsky said, we had a retirement and um I mentioned this at at our last meeting. anytime we have a a retirement or resignation, we ask ourselves, can we do this position differently? So, we had
a retirement at the at our world language staff, one of our world language staff members retired. Um, and we looked at this and said, can we give better instruction at the elementary level
and do it at a cheaper rate? And the answer was, we think so. Um, so we did that this year. So we brought in LL Spanish and we have a teacher from this building um offering Spanish instruction
to our elementary students in place of that FTE that retired last year. So at a fraction of the cost of a staff member, we were able to leverage an online program and the current staff that we have in our district uh by way
of the person uh who works in this building um is off is also offering world language services to all of our elementary schools. So, um, you know, I don't have the FTE cost here from the from the retirement, but we're
talking well over $100,000 in a in an FTE cost. >> Yes. >> And then, you know, so taking that on one side of the equation and then the $35,000 for this program increase, we
are ahead of the game. And um, in looking at the instruction, it it was better instruction. Not to say that the person who retired wasn't a good instructor. That person couldn't get around. It was one person couldn't get around to five elementary schools in a
in a sustained way. Um much of this is done uh well all of it is done virtually. So the teacher touches base in with each elementary school at a higher rate than the one person could uh physically get around to each school. So, the world language instruction is
better than it was. Um, I will admit it's not what it could be, but what it could be is five world language teachers at all of our elementary schools and we just can't sustain that. So, um, one really good example of how this was
a positive uh, a positive change that we've made. >> Thank you. Now, also has a special education component which the curriculum department um started purchasing those
licenses this year. Um, additionally, we have added u it's called the cadence reading. It's a new screener for literacy. This is tied to the student achievement goal. I'm sorry. The last one is fiscal responsibility and resource, but this
the screener is tied to student achievement. And this is going to help this going to help our students and that's that's what the goal is, right? The next category is contract services, online services. Um, we did have a
decline in this. Yes, sorry. Go ahead. >> Um, did we get a grant for that? Is that the thing that we got the grant? >> Oh, only for one year. Oh, okay. Good. Okay.
Yeah, that's what happens sadly. Okay. So, the next category would category we want to talk about is online services and contracted services. So, we did have an overall decrease in the curriculum department for this. Um the decrease is
because we moved we moved some software categories, budgetary software categories around to other departments. Um we had HR, payroll, um accounting as we have a a program called Genesis
and as we've grown our use of Genesis, everything was kind of situated in the curriculum department. It it shouldn't have been there. So, we've what? Oh, yeah.
So busy talking. Sorry. Um, so we had a decrease there, but offsetting that is the addition this year of a curriculum management platform called Atlas. I know that um, Mrs. Gross has spoken to some of you in the curriculum
committee, right Morton? regarding this program. But this is going to help this is going to help Marboro. This is going to help the teachers. This is going to help the department. This is going to help parents. The board goals that we're focusing on here. Stakeholder engagement
and communication because it's a searchable database that parents could can go in and search for things. Policy development. This is going to this is going to foster um transparency with the district
student achievement. It's just a great it's just a really great platform that we really believe in and we thought it was important to bring this this year. >> Yeah. And I'll just add um so this will also standardize what all of our curriculum guides look like. I know we've taken feedback from the community
in the past and in the and from the board that you know one subject looks a certain way then another subject looks a different way. Um Mrs. Jolinsky also said it will be searchable. Um so we'll have uh we'll be able to I think our families will be able to view our
curriculum uh documents in a consistent transparent way um searchable way so they can find whatever they need to be looking for. The other the other piece and then I'll um come to you Mrs. Jenowski is um we spend a considerable
amount of money formatting our current curriculum documents uh which costs a lot of money. This all of the formatting will be done. All of the standards will will be uploaded in uh doesn't mean we can't look at them and and make them look like the way we want
to, but a lot of that work, the formatting and the standards and bolding and and making sure things line up will will be eliminated out of our curriculum writing budget in the future. >> Um, so I'm I'm very familiar with the
Atlas system. Um, not an expert, but just very familiar with it. Um, so you're saying that the Atlas system will not only just be available to teachers, but to parents. So I know that >> one of the things that's really great about it, it also shows pacing. So if a
parent wanted to know like what writing they're doing in December, they can just open up Atlas and see where the pacing is, where they should be, have conversations with a teacher. But it also gives the availability that you can see all of the resources tied to lessons
including books that are um like mentor text, readalouds, worksheets, projects they're supposed to be doing and parents will have access to all of it. >> Okay, that's great. >> Yes. will we be able to have a presentation
on that once everything you know at one point so that everybody could see it >> so you can get oriented yes certainly >> this way I'd like the parents to be able to become aware because not everybody's here not everybody watches it on to you
know on video but the um how are we gonna get that out to the parents. How is that going to be so that they >> that that was actually my question too. So maybe we can build that into the presentation. >> Okay. >> How are you going to communicate that? How do you get trained parents? How can
they use it so that we can see it and we can ensure that they are aware of it. >> I think it's also important that we sort of figure out or we communicate to them >> how they can get value out of it. >> Right. Exactly. >> Um for what they're doing. >> Absolutely. And I think you know
the the parents I mean the you know the parents in this district these are the things they want. These are the things everybody wants. Everyone wants to be able to see what their children are learning and this will assist with that. So we feel that um this is like a really
great ad for the district. Okay. The next category is curriculum writing. There was an increase um in curriculum writing for this budget coming up um $34,000. Um we're tying this to student
achievement. We have to update guides. Um curriculum guides have to be upgraded or written. I guess it's a fiveyear cycle and it's time to do you know more. The curriculum writing is cyclical. You know
some years there could be more some years there could be less. Next year we have to we have to do more. But um as Mrs. Gross had had told me and I went to actually an atlas presentation at Texo
with Mrs. Gross this year trying to so that I understood it a little more about what we're doing and curriculum writing. Once we have Atlas up and running and going, curriculum writing will also be streamlined, which is a savings for the
district because there'll be less formatting and less. So, it seems like a win-win. The next category are textbooks. Um, there is going to be an increase of $13,000 for textbooks.
The textbooks we'll be purchasing next year are kindergarten, um an upgrade in SIPS. Um it's a phonics program. Um we're going to be purchasing a new series and we're going to be able to split this
over three years. So instead of having to pay it all at once, you know, the the publisher works with us and we can split it over three years to help the cost with the district. Let's see. Okay. So, this is just an overall snapshot of the curriculum department.
Again, the budget is $1.3 million, and this breaks down um as you can see, textbooks in general um are 25% of the district's budget. Um you know, we have to replace textbooks every so many years. We've been very lucky that the
publishers have worked with us in spreading out the costs. So we could be on year two in science and year three in math and you know always kind of spreading out our costs. So that's been helpful to us. Um
are we using more um hands-on textbooks or are we using more you know on the computer? >> I think digital Michael most of them >> we have a combination. >> Yeah. Okay.
Can I what is the testing? Um what does that encapsulate? Is that like district testing and state testing? Is it just this the state testing? >> That's achieve I think it's achieve um >> there are some online programs in there.
That's why when I said testing >> different than online services it's an like >> so is technically considered a testing service. So that's why it's interesting. >> Yeah. So, so the the distinction is um there is a testing component within some of the online programs. So I think those fall under testing services. If it's
just a true online program, it falls onto online services. >> But I would think achieve is probably the largest. Right. Um okay. And anybody have any other questions with curriculum?
>> Yeah, I held all my questions uh till the end of the presentation. So going back to world languages >> it is who >> um going back to world languages um how many hours uh a week are the students
getting? has it decreased uh with the new um like format from being online with are they getting less hours now uh than they were before? >> No. >> No, they're not. >> No, I can I can get the exact number. I
>> uh looks like Mrs. Gross is >> It went up. And has there been any uh data on how the students are doing, especially in grades K through one where virtual learning may be more of an issue um for the students? Do you have any data on how they're performing in
Spanish? You're collecting now. >> Yeah. Also remember the the world language standards go uh to the end of grade two. So K and one are not getting um >> did that change from like the
kindergarteners? They used to get a little bit of instruction during one of their periods. I remember for >> several years ago they did. Um what happened was at the elementary level. Um each grade level had a different language. So I think kindergarten, I
could be wrong, but I think it was uh Mandarin. Uh and then there was French, maybe first or second grade, then Spanish. they they're getting a variety of different languages. Um the the issue with that was they were not being
instructed by world language endorsed instructors. So it was, you know, a kindergarten teacher was teaching Mandarin, a first grade teacher was teaching French, right? And they're not world language endorsed. And the state came in and said, "That used to be allowed. It's no longer allowed." That
was several years ago. So we had to modify our program. And that's when we brought um we actually uh removed French out of middle schools and just stuck to Spanish and started in grade two because the standard is from K through2.
>> Okay. Thank you. Um and then uh with Atlas um I have a couple questions here. So, with this uh standardized curriculum guides and optin and opt out forms, I know that it was um just from getting some feedback from the community, um
will the opt-in opt out remain fluid throughout the year? So, with Genesis, if you opt out in the summer or opt in in the summer, that is where it stands for the rest of the year. You can't go back in right before the standard and changed it. We a couple of us tried uh on something recently. Um and once your
answer is locked in, it's locked in. Will there be a more fluid process with Atlas? Um, and will there be more optin and opt out options? So, for example, with fifth grade, uh, fifth grade, there's two different standards. There's one with a puberty lesson and then there's one with a gender identity
lesson. Um, I know that just again collecting some feedback from the community um, and myself actually. Uh, there's the one lesson which is given by the nurse or the physical education teacher which is the puberty standard um, that doesn't have a form connected to it. Uh
then there's the gender identity that does have the opt-in opt out. Um with this new uh program, will we be able to provide more optin and opt out on different lessons and will it remain fluid so that a parent maybe your child you know progress to a point where you
think hey you know what I think this could behoove them this would be a good program for them. I want to opt in but in the summer I thought they wouldn't be able to manage it. So let me address the first the first portion which was can we change our answer effectively right if we if we
said yes can we say no and vice versa you can always do that um we the the system we use for opt-in opt out is Genesis right the the beginning of year form so that will not change uh with Atlas coming in Atlas will not house the opt-in versus opt out it'll still be
housed in Genesis so that will not change um can you essentially go in and change your answer, you know, after the fact, no. Um, that's the short answer, but the answer is always yes, because you you can call the school and then the
school can have it changed for you. We just can't, you know, imagine this. We have a hundred kids who opted in, but now they opt out and we don't know that they opted out and then we get caught. So, we we have sort of our static answers from August, right, when we
release that information. However, if you would like to change your answer, you always can do that. Just contact the school. They will facilitate that change for you. Um, so you can always change your answer. Um, will there will will there be more options to
opt out or in? Um, as long as we're within the provisions, generally you can do that. um you know they're through either religious reasons or in comprehensive health right there you can opt in and out of any of those
standards um we've identified as a district I'll call them sensitive standards or sensitive topics depending on the grade level um if there are any others that the curriculum committee deems to be necessary we're all ears on that um so we're we're willing to add as
many as we need to and as many as we can um I I think it worked out pretty well this this year and and I guess it was now for the last two years in Genesis. So that would certainly come through the curriculum committee um and or um maybe
even to the full board if if the board decides that that that's an issue that comes up. We can have that discussion and we can always add more. Um, I would just caution to say, you know, we we have
that we have that available to our parents in August. So, if if those discussions happen after that, then we would just have to figure out what that looks like. Um, maybe for a future year, but there is no limit to optin or opt
out. >> Thank you. Um, so just to kind of understand um what necessitates Atlas, will I as a parent, if I'm putting on a parent hat, will I be able to look at Atlas, explore the curriculum, and then
when am I getting access to Atlas as opposed to Genesis? So, will I be able to view the curriculum and the things that we just spoke about at the same time? I can make my decision on Genesis. So if our form is living on Genesis, what is Atlas? Where is it running in
parallel? Where are we getting when are we going to be able to be? >> Yeah. So you can think of Atlas as right now um the section of our website where our curriculum guides are housed where you click on the curriculum tab and then you click on curriculum guides and it
has a list of all of those PDFs. Atlas will take the place of that. >> I understand. Thank you. Um, and then lastly, in the testing budget, I know this year we did a lot of field testing, um, testing that didn't yield results,
but instead data. Um, do we pay for that? What what is those I know we we accepted a grant uh, for some of that in literacy? Um, but where does field testing play and how much money are we spending on field testing? What are we using that data for? Are we getting that data? Is the state getting that data?
Um, can you just explain a little bit more about field testing and where it Yeah. >> falls into the budget? field testing was a shock to all of us. Um we were not happy about it and um it was shocking that we found out very late in the game
that we had to uh field test in the fall. Did it cost us any money per se? No. Um we did not get any data from it. Um from what I understand the state received
data and did not release it to us. Um, so will we have it next year? I don't know. I don't I don't I hope not. Um, but we'll see. I, you know, can never I'm not quite sure, you know, what the state will or will not decide. Um, but it was
disruptive. Um, while it was disruptive, it went pretty well. I will say it went shockingly well. I was I was surprised that we didn't have more issues with it. Um, Mrs. Gross did a great job in making
sure all of our buildings had what they needed. There's a lot of uh work on the back end that needs to be done. Um and also the special services team, they have to make sure you know all of the uh accommodations are are met. So there was
a lot of a lot of work to be done in a very short amount of time with very little notice. Not exactly how we like to operate, but we did it. >> Sure. So just uh for a budget purpose and I'm sure we can talk about field
testing in different areas but just for budget purpose field testing will not affect budget. We will not need to a lot more money less money. >> I mean not not directly but you know people's time it it took their time. So there's a cost for that. I see a cost for that.
>> Right. Thank you. >> Does anyone else have curriculum questions? >> Uh I do just a few. >> Sure. Um, on the the use of the LL for Spanish, I see that the cost went up is going up 35,000 almost $36,000 this
year. Um, what's in that increased cost? Is it more licenses? Is it more modules? Is it is it is it a a cost increase from the the the provider? What what was going into that cost? >> So, we utilize currently for other subjects. So, we added on the subject of
Spanish. Um, it also is a I think they do it a per student cost, right, Mrs. Gross? So they >> Right. There's two pieces to that. Right. >> So you're saying the the testing
services includes both the addition of the LL Spanish and the addition of the literary. >> That's what caused the increase. >> Okay. >> Both pieces. >> Do you do you know what the breakdown is? I >> because we're using EXL in Spanish now, right? >> Yes. >> So, >> but budgetarily we didn't have it
budgeted last year. That's why it's an increased budget to budget. We added it late, you know, we added it this year after the budget. >> Okay. >> Using the savings breakdown in front of And just picking up on what Miss Bulma was asking is sort of like the measurements of success, you know, do you have like specific measurements that
you can determine the success of using across the grades because that would be helpful for us to see, you know, that there is either a consistency or maybe even an increase in student proficiency in in these languages. >> Yeah. So, right now, uh, because this is year one, we're we're kind of we're
collecting that information. What will really tell us um is when our our students get up to the middle school and the middle school teachers will say I see a significant difference in the in the last couple of years right it's
going to take a few years but you know our second graders taking using it now you know they'll go to third fourth fifth at the fourth year when they get to sixth grade the sixth grade teachers I'm sure my hope is will say wow they're coming better prepared than they ever of
and middle school teachers vetted it, right? So, so they kind of they know where the students need to get to. So, they vetted um Spanish to say this this would be a viable option provided that we have an individual who can can manage it and we do. We have a a very good
teacher here from Memorial who uh is willing and and you know gets a stipen for it. So, we we pay him extra. Um but he's doing a great job and I'm hearing great feedback from all of our schools. So Mrs. Gross just said just for those who couldn't hear, he's using the platform that the platform has data
analytics and he's using that data that he gets back from the students to inform his instruction in the future. >> Great. Thank you. And then um on the curriculum writing, I know you said that there were five-year cycles, so we expect math and ALA obviously. And I
believe we're probably at the fifth year for health curriculum. Is there any other curriculums that are coming up this summer that we should be prepared to as far as the board knows from awareness perspective, also from the curriculum committee perspective?
>> Music. You said, Morgan, >> music, art, PE. Yep. Okay, >> media literacy, edtech, >> that will all come through the curriculum committee and there there will be reports out as well. >> Thank you. And then just my last
question which I think is just a quick question is on the increase in textbooks for the kindergarten um the SPI the SIS SIPs. Um, I noticed that you said it hasn't been upgraded since 2013. Is that because there hasn't been an upgrade since 2013 and we're just catching up or
is that because they have not had their any upgrade since 2013 and now they have issued an upgrade and we have to buy the new releases upgrade. >> Yeah, there's a >> oops there's a new upgrade available. >> Okay. >> And and phonics instruction as we know
is an essential piece in teaching how to read. >> Okay. Thank you. I I actually had a question um from phonics instruction the acadian screener. Uh so I have a my question is is it screening just for
foundational like foundational skills? Does it produce any at risk reports? If it goes K to three, third grade is a is a testing time for dyslexia. Will it screen for that? Will parents get any at risk reports? And then the data collected from the Aadian screener, will
you be able to use that in INRS, special ed referrals, gifted and talented um you know uh diagnostic uh you know so what we're paying for are we like how broad is that going that we can utilize that? And just my last question for that like
SIPS does the Aadian screener then produce something for teachers to utilize in regards to whether it's lesson planning, intervention planning, um enrichment planning from that. Okay.
So just for our audience at home, I know you're you're saying, "What is she saying?" Um, so, um, we will, um, Mrs. Gross will provide the curriculum committee with answers to all of those questions. Um, and then at that point,
um, the curriculum committee chair can report out to the full board and the community. >> I had asked that was one of my big things, the same, you know, in the curriculum committee when we were talking about it originally. So we'll
just reo it so that everybody is aware. >> I have a comment about a cadence already. I received the scores. So my daughter's going undergoing some testing and I really appreciated what I received back. It's kind of on target and so if that's just a testament for you kind of
navigating and testing and finding the software like I appreciate it. Okay. Okay. So, we'll go on, but if you have any questions about anything in the curriculum budget, please feel free to email me and we'll get you the answers you need. Okay. Okay. We're going to go
to special services. Yep. Thank you. Okay. Okay. Okay, I just wanted to start off with a slide just kind of to let you know the state of the special ed department and where our numbers are.
Um, we have in, you know, our enrollment actually has decreased 100 kids since this time last year. Um, special ed has gone down eight, but it's the same percentage. So, we thought that was actually very interesting. But there
are 58 pending student referrals right now. So, That number is probably going to go up, but we just wanted to show this, you know, as a starting basis for all of you.
Okay. The special ed department budget this year is $2.2 million 2179945. This represents a decrease of 145,000 or 6% from the 2526 budget. I just want to
be very clear. This decrease is solely attributed to a decrease in there's a few things not solely. So we brought back a staff member this year um for occupational therapy. We were
contracting it out and we were able to bring it in house. Um, we're getting more for our money, and that was the special ed budget goes down, salary budget goes up, but it's it's equal, and
we're getting so much more than we were before. So, that's that's a win. Um, that shows fiscal responsibility and resource allocation to us, >> Mrs. Jolinsky. So, I just want to make clear for everyone, the board, and the
public. Um it's it's very important to note that even though the the budget is decreasing, all programs, >> right, >> and supports for all special ed students are remaining fully intact. Uh nothing is changing from that perspective. So
don't say, well, if the special ed budget's going down, we must be cutting something. >> We are not doing that. >> Um in fact, you know, we're we're expanding some of our programs. Um but we are not removing any services
um in any way, shape or form from any child in the school district. >> Exactly. The decreases are attributed most the big ones are one-time expenses that we had last year. So we're in this current year. I keep saying last year because my brain's already in 26 27. Um
this year the special ed department did a lot of staff training. Um is it IMSE? um they trained all of their staff. So there were um PD and materials to go along with that. So that we did that
this year so we don't have to do that next year. And in this current year, we purchased new Chromebooks for all of the IAS in district to get them up to with everybody else. So those one-time costs, you know, saving the budget. Um but like Mr. Balone said there was no decrease in
services the right so the training kits and that now what we are doing new next year is the special ed department is going to add another ERRI class we currently have
yeah I we thank you we currently have two and we're going to add a third so we have one in the middle right now we have we have two in the middle, >> two at the elementary, one at the middle school. Next year we are projected to have three at the elementary and one at the middle school.
>> So what this does is besides keeping our kids in district, um it also has allowed for Marorrow to bring some tuition students in, which obviously is going to help with the costs. I mean, it's it's nice that I'm sure other districts are
appreciating that they they have a place to send their kids. So, I know Mary Elizabeth's very excited about this program and it seems to be really, really working well. It was definitely a great thing to bring in district this year and now we'll expand it for next year. Um,
out of district students, we actually have less projected for next year. We have a lot of eighth graders that are transitioning to the high school. So, this budget, the general budget is going down a little bit. I mean,
obviously costs go up every year. So, um I think tuition goes up about 5% in the public in the private schools. And so, even though we have less kids, um there's going to be a slight decline in the budget. Part of out of district tuition is funded out of the idea
budget, 560,000, and we're going to continue to do that next year. So, that helps the general budget. um you know spreading spreading the costs. So the the special ed budget in general
again it's $2.2 million. $1 million of the general ed budget of the special ed budget is at a district tuition. Um and that's just the general fund. So figure you have another 560,000 in in
fun 20. So >> Oh, go ahead. >> So t um the tuition comes out of the doesn't come out of this budget. It comes out of >> It comes out of both. >> Oh, >> it comes out of both. The general the general budget >> Yeah.
>> is a million dollars. >> And then another 560,000 comes out of the idea budget. Okay. The other big categories um online services, contract services, consultants, evaluations.
These are all contract um textbooks, what these are just supplemental that that Mary Elizabeth would need for the rest of her programs. Um >> can I the textbook cost which is vastly
different than the the curriculum cost of the general ed is that um specialized textbooks that are not available through the general education curriculum? Yes. >> Yes. So all of the general education curriculum that's utilized that special education utilizes comes from the general education budget. But when
there's something that's like an outlier, something different that's specific to a child, specific to an IEP, specific to a program, that's what that would come out of. >> Okay. And then the consultants eval that 330 is on top of like let's say
your LDTC evals that are already inhouse the OT's that are in house. So that includes >> two >> go ahead. That would include like any threat assessments that are sent out. So anybody um that needs to go for a crisis um or is in crisis regardless if it's
general education or special education that comes out of the special education funding. It's all done through my office. We do all of that evaluations coming out of us. Um outside evaluations also include um neurologicals or psychologicals that students are sent out for um for additional information when a child is not classified SLD. Um
because when in in district we can only classify specific learning disability or um uh communication impairment any other classification we need doctors to give us those diagnosis. So that also falls out of that consultant line as well as other little things that we have that we
might bring in special um consultants come in. We have a a consultant who specifically works with children with mut mutism. Um so it's just different things that we have specifically lined up for different cases within the district. Um but it it compasses way more than just like the LDTC
educationals. >> Okay. Okay. Oh, you're welcome. Okay. So, before we get to the next slide, does anyone have any other special education questions that we can that >> uh just Yeah. >> On the out of the out of district
tuition, the 1 million8? >> Yep. >> Is that um tuition that's nonreimburseable by the state or is that like the transportation costs or is that inclusive of all costs, but yet we get back some funding from the state? >> Just tuition. That cost is just tuition.
Um if a child needs an extraordinary service in their school or an aid, that's what this is. Um extraordinary aid back. We apply for extraordinary aid back. Um for any students that that
qualify, I think the right now it's over >> 55,000 out of district, 40,000 in district. >> Right. Over that amount. But you don't get the whole, you get a percentage of a percentage of that back. >> So for just for
for your knowledge, we we um put in almost $2 million for extraordinary aid last year and got back 404,000. So it is a very small minimal amount that we get back from extraordinary aid. So I wouldn't say it doesn't help, but it's not nearly what we have to pay out
that we get back. >> Right? So based upon that number of roughly 20 25% that we got back >> so we expect that there would be about roughly if the number stayed the same we'd see about a 20 to 25%. >> I would not because I've I've honestly seen almost a 10% decrease since I came
back from the extraordinary 8. I think it was at 70 and it went to 65 and then it went to 53. So we are getting significantly less back every year. >> Right. >> So where is the transportation costs >> in the transportation budget >> budget? Thank you. >> Yes. And you will see that when I bring
the transportation budget, I'll break that out by the different by the different categories. >> I'm just curious because I don't see anywhere on the the graph legal. So special ed is very latigious. So if there was a legal matter, is it not
budgeted for and we have to come up with that money like as a case by case situation or >> it's budget it's budgeted under administrative legal. >> Okay. So that's in the administrative offices >> even though special ed sometimes is different. >> Correct. That's not considered a special
education. Um it's considered a a special ed cost but it's not it's not built into what a departmental cost is. Okay. >> It's districtwide. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Yeah. Extraordinary aid. You will also you'll see what we're going to project
when we do the revenues because we budget that as a revenue every year. Okay, the next slide. Okay, so this preschool slide, um, obviously we budget
for tuition every year that offsets our expenditures and we wanted to bring to you what the project what we wanted to propose for preschool tuition. This is for the integrated preschool program at the
early learning center. So, currently our tuition is $8,280 a year. Um, the second line there, you'll see it says estimated state preschool tuition. The state tells us every year what your tuition is. So, if
you have a student, you know, moving into town and they have to pay tuition until they move in or, you know, they give us state rates. Our preschool tuition rate is 18,203. That's what it costs to run our program. Okay,
I wanted to do some comps. So, we we got some comps around the area, both private and public schools. And we are proposing for 2627
to go up to $10,000. We are doing this because we're trying to bridge the gap. try to we're slowly going to bridge the gap between what our actual costs are and what our tuition
is. Since this program began, we are we're not we're I don't want to say losing money, but we are not Yeah, we're not the program is not >> Yeah. at the inception of this uh program bringing the integrated
preschool into our school district um and it's a phenomenal program um we've always operated at a deficit. We've never even operated at a break even. Um we mentioned that I remember last year and in prior years that's just where we
were living. Um in our opinion we can't live like that anymore. We uh we still will live like that, right? Even with this proposal at 10,000, we're still at an $8,000 deficit, but we need to close that gap.
Um we are continuing to lose state aid, as you know. Um our health care costs are skyrocketing. Um I know, you know, our health benefit waiver we are hoping uh comes in high so it can help offset that like it did last
year. Um and we're hoping it does the same for this year um in in crafting this budget. But every little bit will help and if we can just close that gap a little bit. Um our thought process also was
um not to get to $18,000 next year, but to incrementally get closer to that number over the course of let's say the next 3 to 5 years. So, if we can sort of ramp up our our tuition cost gradually for our families, um knowing full well
that um things are more expensive now, everything's more expensive. So, um we're we're recognizing that piece um and that's, you know, in looking at our comparable programs around the county and it's it's important comparable is an operative
word here, right? Not all programs uh are are are like ours. We have certified teachers. We have related arts experiences for our students. Um you know, this is a this is a true academic program preparing our our students for
kindergarten and beyond. So, um that's that's where we landed at our proposed tuition rate and we wanted to at least start the discussion with the board now. Um, we really need to get these rates out to our families. Hopefully, we can
land on a rate and approve a rate at our next meeting >> and we thought it was important to bring it during the special ed budget because it is directly related to revenue source for the district. So, that's why we brought it up here.
>> Chris, I have a question. >> Yeah. Um, is the other are the other public schools like Colnneck and Homeell, are they running at a deficit also? >> I I would imagine so. There's no way they're close. >> Okay. Just wondering if >> Yeah, I I'm there's no way they're you know, our per pupil cost is actually
pretty good. So, I would I I haven't looked at theirs, but I can't imagine that theirs could be that low. >> Yeah. >> How many families are utilizing the program? >> 30. only 30 families >> and um for those 30 families I I know
that there has been talk about universal preschool um free preschool. Where do does do you have any uh like point of reference for where that stands in this the state scope? Will this eventually be something that has to be fully absolved
by the district? >> We we don't have the space. So, yeah, the the preschool expansion, it's a great question. The preschool expansion program um many districts have um utilized that, but it's really only good
for one year. Uh after the first year, the state basically says, "Okay, you're on your own now." Um so, school districts that didn't have the space, they have preschool classrooms in strip malls. They're It's not ideal. Um, I
never uh I I don't like the idea of the way it's structured currently. Um, and I would never advocate uh to bring that here in Marbor the way it currently stands. Um, a for the space reason, I don't I don't think it's suitable to
have preschoolers in a strip mall. Um, financially, yes, you do get assistance that first year, but then it's not sustainable. So, um, for those two big reasons, um, I've, you know, Mrs. Ty, Mrs. Sturio and I
have talked about this, uh, extensively. Um, it's not sustainable and I, you know, it sounds great for the first year, but then you're kind of on your own. Um, >> what I would like to do is try to expand what we currently have slowly, um, but
do that in a fiscally responsible way. Obviously, if you open another classroom, you need another teacher, you need another aid, so it has to make sense financially. Um, and >> I just want to be clear, I'm not advocating for that at all. I just wanted to know if it it I know that I've
read that it could possibly become mandatory at some point uh in the near to like >> I guess anything's possible, but it has to make sense. >> Something that we're Yeah. >> Yeah. It has to make sense. We, you know, anyone can say this has to happen, but where where are we getting the money
for it? Sure. And then in terms of like 30 is a very low number for the amount of families that we have in Marro. >> Um where do you think we're falling short? Is it advertising and communicating what is the difference in >> No, that's all we that that's how many spots we >> Oh, that's all that's all we Yeah, we
have a wait list. We have a weight list every year. >> We could never expand that to make up some of this difference. There's no room. >> I think we could. >> We could. Yeah, >> but it would we would have to it would have to fiscally make sense. >> Sure. >> Thank you. Yeah, >> we certainly couldn't at $8,200.
>> Right. >> Right. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Just just a couple of questions on that then. Um to just to follow up to Mrs. Balomo's question if we can add on or we can take on additional f I know we have
>> a waiting list as right now, but what's our capacity to take on more at this point? um and beyond the capacity, the escalation in cost. Do you have a sense of that at this point yet?
>> So, I don't have a a hard number. Um I I could look at that. Um the way I would envision doing this is incrementally increasing, right? I wouldn't say, you know, and I'm just going to make up numbers. I don't want
anyone to think that we have this room, but let's say we could add five classes, five preschool classes, just as an example. I wouldn't necessarily next year want to say, "All right, we're opening five classes, right? We have to determine, do we have the students out there, which we
probably do, right? We have a large community." Um I would want to make sure that um we would have the space to do that and figure out what the cost right and that's why this this discussion of
cost is important our per student cost will that offset our cost for a teacher and an aid and any additional costs that we might have getting the classroom set up classroom materials those sorts of things. we'd
really have to take a look at that. And I I think we would essentially say I don't know about 15 or 16 kids to kind of allow some growth. So if we were to expand, I would want to do it slowly, right? To make sure that we can do it
right and that it's working. Um and then maybe over the course of several years, if the number's five, which is I'm not saying it is, but if it were, that's the hypothetical number. over the course of maybe a few years, we could then get to the five and then continue to slowly
grow until we've hit our saturation point, whatever that may be. Is it six? Is it seven? Is it 10? And I think we can get a sense of population rates um you know, are are more people moving into Marbor? Are
fewer people moving into Marbor? What does that look like? I think if we do it incrementally with with purpose um that that's the way I would want to do it. >> And um
just for clarity purposes, Marorrow prek preschool program is exclusive for Marorrow residents. We don't have anyone from outside of Marorrow who's in our program. >> Correct. >> Is that consistent also with the cultic schools and with the home home? So, it's So, if you live in Marorrow, either you
go to the Marorrow preschool program or you go to one of the private programs. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Um I I guess, you know, I can't speak for all of the other districts out there, but there are some school districts who take tuition students. So, >> I don't know if they would. >> I don't think I don't think these do, but
>> I don't think these do, but maybe others would. Um take it for any grade. >> That's another discussion, right? If that's a direction the board would like to take. Um I'm not saying yes or no. I wouldn't necessarily advocate. >> I'm not advocating for I'm just I'm just trying to make sure I have clarity on the scope of what our
>> you can look here to say >> would be Colts neck public schools are taking Colts neck residents >> okay >> and so on and so forth >> and then I think I heard I just want to make because I was taking some notes while you were speaking the plan would be or the intention would be that the
tuition for the preschool program would gradually increase over a certain number of years. Do you have a sense of what those number are is the target to try to get tuition to be at or equal to what the state estimated number is or is that
just sort of the ceiling and you're trying to sort of just build? >> So yeah, I I look at that as the ceiling um it's sort of I think we would look at two different metrics. That would be one and then the comparable programs, right? We don't want to um
we don't want to cost us out of you know someone going to a either a you know a private preschool right at some point if we were to have charged $18,000 now and at um use St. Benedict as an example at 9,400
I think we'd lose most of our students to St. Benedict because they're half the price, >> right? >> So, I would like to >> you have to balance it. >> Yeah, you have to balance it. You know, I'd like to close the gap. I'm not sure we'll ever get to the 18,000 at this point, but I'd like to try to close the
gap a little bit. >> Well, I I there's there's a couple points to that. One is the the potential impact it could have on the privates because they may not have the capacity to take on these additional students if our tuition is much higher, right? And then the other impact is obviously um
Marorrow families and the affordability of that because there are um you know there are rising costs across the board everywhere. Um and this could be a potential impact to those to Marorrow families as well. Actually not potential it will be an impact to Marorrow families as well. >> Um
so that that would be you know that would be obviously be a concern >> for the the plan to roll this out. I I appreciate you bringing it to the board now so that you know it's begins to be it begins a conversation but it definitely does have a down multi-year
impact for people going forward. >> It does. >> I had a question. Um so currently we charge 8280. >> The state estimated cost per student is $18,000.
>> Do we have an estimated cost of what it actually costs Marro? That's from our they calculate that based on our costs. >> Okay. >> So the state basically when they when they calculate tuition they they they look at everything and then they
allocate everything like they allocate administrative costs they they allocate everything. And so that's the only other I mean that's that's what they say the allocated cost is. So
basically that 18,000 cost is for our district. It would be different for Cold Snack. It would be different for Homeell. Okay. Every district. >> So increasing the class sizes technically won't really help with the deficit amount because >> even if we end up having, you know, 60 students, we'll still be at a deficit of
roughly $8,000 per student. Right. Correct. >> At the current cost. >> Correct. Okay. So you're we're not going to be at 18,000 which is tech which is what we're currently paying but just slowly kind of going up but still being competitive with the other schools in
the district. >> That was our goal. >> Got it. Yep. Makes sense. >> We proposed we wanted to look at everybody and say okay you obviously don't want to put it at a point where no one's going to come you know but we feel confident in our program
um and what benefit Moro has. So, >> and then how what are the timings for the school that we have in Marorrow for >> the what? I'm sorry. >> The timing what is the times for the schools like is it from 8:00 a.m. to 3? The reason I'm asking is because Abbott
starts at 9 and then I think it's 9 to 3 9 to 3. >> So, the timing is also comparable to yellow school or you >> a lot of them I was looking Yeah. 8:30 to 2 or I think every school's a little different. >> That's helpful. Thank you. I just have a couple questions and I
don't think they'll be answered now. It's something to like possibly take offline and then deep dive into it. Um if we are having trouble where the rate is current is consistently increasing. Um is there any ways to deep dive into
what is included in that 18,203 and possibly take some of the cost down? Um, and then uh like hypothetically, I know we have related arts experiences and I'm sure that ties to staff and resources and and just kind of looking to what each one of that uh what that
looks like. So that's number one. And number two, this is a very outside of the box um concept. I know like where I'm located in Marorrow, ELC is a hike. Um and I don't know if that's a deterrent to some. Would we ever consider bringing it at a school level?
So dispersing preschool into our other elementary schools. I know some are space constraint. Um, but I think there's definitely, just speaking as a parent, there's definitely a benefit of having your kid be in preschool where they're going to continue for the next five or six years. Um, so is that
something that you ever potentially could see um, you know, bring at least some of the schools into their home school for the preschools? >> Mr. Balone. >> Yeah. the first piece we can get you I don't know if we can get you a breakdown of I'm sure there's some formula
>> yeah I I let me see what I could do with that. I'm sure I can come up with some how they get to that. >> Um >> but >> we could consider just about anything. Most of our schools are um almost at capacity especially as we rock
kindergarten down. So could we explore it? We could. I'm just not sure it's feasible. Then one more question just based upon the proposed tuition increase which is roughly about 20%.
>> Mhm. >> Um do you anticipate that the program for the next year will remain the same? Do you anticipate that there would be some investment back into the program to enhance it a little bit better so that there is more value for the program or
how do you envision that to operate for the for the school year of 2627? >> I don't necessarily want to speak for Mrs. >> and you may not be able to answer the question right now but I just >> she's smiling so I don't know if she wants to talk. I mean, I know she's pretty proud of the
program she has now. So, >> um I there's always ways I think that we can enhance anything and look at it and see what else we can bring to the table to make it more enticing. I do think that we don't highlight enough everything that our preschool program actually does offer in compare. And I would never compare our preschool
program to other preschool programs. That's not fair. But I think that we don't highlight enough what we actually have at our preschool program. And I think if we did that alone, I think we'd see a difference for next year. But there's always ways, and we actually spoke about this when we were talking about the preschool and like what it could look like if it ever did grow. And
um I I love like experimenting with different things and like what we can bring in. There's so much that we can bring into early childhood that I think would benefit um you know, the community and the students, but it's just a matter of physically being able to do it. But I've got a lot of ideas. >> Thank you.
Thank you. >> I I have I think I may I have some I may have some follow-up questions, but I can take them offline. Thank you. >> Anyone else have questions on preschool? >> No. Okay. So, that's all for today with
the budget. Please email me any questions. If you want to make an appointment, come meet with me, go through line by line. I'm game. You know, anything you need. Um, but you know, we tried to we tried to show you today that
what we do is purposeful and what we do is tied to student achievement. What we do is tied to where we want to go as a district. And I thought that by doing this, we would maybe, you know, try to highlight what's different here. So,
thank you. >> Thank you. and thank you for the presentation. Again, very comprehensive and very helpful. And I know that the binders that you will be giving to us will have a lot more detail. It >> will. >> Um, next item on our agenda is
public comments. Speakers. >> Yes. So, I think a bunch of people signed in again um just to to be here. So, but I'll So, the first person on the list is
>> if you signed in to speak and you're if you signed on the list and you didn't intend to speak, just let us know. And if you signed up to speak, please just come up to the >> Right. I think the first one Roman, did you sign up? >> I guess for attendance. >> Oh, okay. That's fine. That's fine. No
worries. >> You're not alone. >> I think I'm going to I'm going to change the title on this for next week to say board speaking. So, >> public comments. >> Correct. So, I'm gonna fix it. Samantha Schneer. >> Public. So, not public comments. >> No worries at all.
>> No. Chris Smith. Okay. Okay. Jennifer Woodruff. >> Wait, it's not on. We got No, we're gonna see if we can get that turned on. Thank you, Miss Woodruff. Just give us a minute. >> All right. >> My name is Jennifer Woodruff. I am a
resident of Marorrow for 30 years. Uh my daughter graduated from Marorrow High School. I am a mother and a local business owner. Um Mr. Cohen and the board. I am asking the board
to vote in D. Mendes for the open board of education seat. All right, let's see. I don't you hear me now? I don't know Bal personally, but I have seen her in action at board meetings, and she has
always been the one to stand out above the rest. She interjects positive ideas, opinions, and objections always with good reason and solid backing. She provides well-thoughtout feedback when questioned, listens intently to everyone
who speaks, is obviously bright and respectful to all. ballots made amazing strides with policy writing for the board and just recently she authored a solid resolution for the benefit of all board members to ensure meeting of the
minds. A document that attorneys would be proud to call their own. Val deserves a seat on the board. The board knows they need her. The only reason she did not receive enough votes in the November election is because she was number five on the ballot. I truly
believe that so much of the voting public is not in tune what goes on in school boards and they just automatically vote one two three. That said, Valerie obtained over 6500 intentional votes and that is a huge
number. Please vote in favor of Valentina for this position. In no disrespect to the others that are selflessly applying to this often thankless position, there is no reason to consider a new candidate at
this time. You know that Val has what it takes, has proven to work well with the board. A new candidate will not be able to jump right in no matter how qualified she or he may be. or that candidate may decide down the road, this was too big
of a commitment for me and then want to discharge the position. This is for a single year term and the position will be up for election again in November. Why disrupt the apple card
for such a short term? Val knows what is in store for her and promises a seamless transition. Over 65 people from this town are counting on you. Let's do the right thing. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Woodruff, and thank you
for coming out and sharing your points with the public comments. Um, Annette Seawwardable Child has at Seawart Marorrow. I am speaking tonight in support of Valentina Mendes to fill this board of education vacancy.
Valentina applied for the seat through the proper process, knowing full well there may be other applicants, including individuals who have personal friendships or political alignment with sitting board members. That path may be easier, but easier does not always mean right. What absolutely must be said for
the record is this. More than 6,500 voters in this community cast their ballots for Valentina Mendes. Those votes were intentional. They were informed. They were earned. To disregard the will of over 6,500 community members in favor of a decision made by five board members would not reflect the
balance, unity, or fairness it deserves. It would reflect an abuse of power and clear nepotism. It is also important to note that Valentina is the only applicant who has run in three campaigns for this board. She has repeatedly put herself before the voters, accepted the outcome each time, and continued to
serve this community with integrity and commitment. That matters. Experience matters. Accountability to voters matters. By contrast, the individual rumored to be favored for an appointment had two opportunities to willingly run for this seat and chose
not to. The appointment process should not be used as a workaround for avoiding the electorate. The situation is unique. The candidate who won the most recent election chose not to accept the seat, creating this vacancy. In light of that, honoring the next most supported and qualified
candidate is not only logical, it is fair. I also want to speak from direct firsthand experience. I served on this board alongside her as a running mate. I'm sorry. I served on this board with Valentina and ran alongside her as a running mate. We speak nearly every day.
We work through issues together and I know she prepares how she listens and how seriously she takes this role. That matters because I truly know Valentina. What you see is exactly what you get. There's no hidden opinion, no performative politics, just consistent,
honest service to this community. From my observation, Valentina has proven herself to be fair, respectful, and collaborative as a board member. She has demonstrated years of dedication, hard work, and service to this district. She knows the role. She understands the responsibility. She works well with
others. Quite frankly, none of the rumored candidates come close to matching her qualifications, her experience, or her record of achievement. respectfully. This is a rare opportunity. The current majority on this board ran on promises of restoring order, balance, and unity. Tonight is the moment to live up to
those words. Tonight is the chance to show this community that voter trust matters more than personal alliances. Allowing Val to serve on the remaining 10 months honors the voices of thousands of residents, preserves the integrity of the board, and demonstrates respect for the democratic process. I strongly urge
this board to do the right thing and appoint Valentina Mendes. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Seart, and thank you for your service on the board, and thank you for sharing your public comments. >> There's no more on the list. >> Is there anyone else who would like to come up and speak? Please come to the
microphone. Just state your name and where you're from. >> Hello, Betsy Cross. I'm from Wall Township. Um, I also uh want to put in my support for Val Mendes. I've been to
one meeting and I was impressed. I've watched some board meetings online. She was a prior president. She was a prior vice president. Uh, she ran three times. Um, and I'm not sure if anybody else has actually run before uh or just put their
name in now, but I think it's really important. She's the one person that ran had over 6,500 votes and she should be sitting up there. Uh there was a a parent that submitted a letter today which I think you all got. I see shake of a head, couple shakes of
heads. Um and I just wanted to read it because she couldn't be here tonight. Uh one other thing is that I'm big on is executive sec session minutes. So, when you're in the back room tonight, make sure you're putting in columns pros and cons because I'm going to open those
minutes. Um, and everything should be listed of why you're um what the pros are for each person and what the cons are because it's going to be in those executive minutes of why you chose them. Um, so I'm going to put put those in.
Um, the person is uh Brooke Patterson and she wanted to make sure all the board members were on the email. She wanted to read the letter tonight, but she couldn't be here. She's watched prior meetings and seen she heard that some 300 emails have gone unresponded and uh she finds that to be concerning
as an elected um for an elected candidate and it tarnishes your trust with your constituents. She was writing you today because she cannot attend the meeting, but she understands there's an opening for the board of ed. Um Val Mendes is hands down the only person for
the job. She was elected by the people and has the highest vote count as well. The people have spoken approximately 6,000 of them. I would hope the good board would put their own personal feelings aside and understand the people have spoken and this isn't about you
know each of you individually personally about you. Um and she understood that you've canceled a meeting. You've ignored some emails and conversations on the record and expressed fear by uh your peers. So it
questions some of some of the individuals morals, values, or ability to see outside of your own ego ego on a professional position like this. You owe the public transparency. And I guess we'll see it in the executive minutes
and professionalism, ethics, accountability, and who they elected for in the mammoth in the Moraura board of education. And that's Val Mendes. Uh it's with her gratitude, Brooke
Patterson. Um so again, Brooke um Val Mendes should have this seat tonight and shouldn't really be going to anybody else. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. And thank you for uh sharing Miss Patterson's email with the with the with the public. I appreciate that.
>> Alo Petuno uh Morganville. So, um just a quick question from the slideshow. The So, I understand there's 30 slots for the um prek. What's the waiting list look like? Like roughly
like how long is the waiting list like 100 150 just to get an idea if you did try and integrate the entire list like what the number we would be looking at is. Um and uh that was the only question from the presentation. You know the other
part is um solely based on the board goals for this year. You know I really hope that you guys can come together and really work together because last year was a
complete debacle. Um, you know, one of the goals was mentioning safety, respect, integrity. Um, you know, I think these two board members still owe uh Miss Palmo an
apology. It was um already brought out in court that Chad was in chat and we still haven't gotten an apology from him. Uh, so I think um she is due that at least to be able to sit here, serve her
community and not be in fear because you were in a chat calling for her death. It's about it. Thanks. >> Thank you, Mr. Truno. Thank you for for coming to public comment. Mr. Hi, your
name was mentioned. Do you have No. Thank you. Um, anyone else want to speak? Um, one and two, but it's okay. I I didn't see I saw her hand go up first, Mrs. McCormack, so if you don't mind. Okay. Thank you. >> Good evening. Good evening. My name is Kim Lley. I reside in Alban. I don't
know Mrs. Menendez personally. I am a mom, former teacher, and a concerned citizen. Tonight, I'm here to support Val Valentina Mendees to fill the open board of ed education seat. Miss Menendez had experience and demonstrated that she is more than qualified to fill
the position. Miss Mendes received 65 6,56 votes which says the voters spoke. When a board member has parents rights and concerns at the forefront, then she has the best interest of the child at heart. In addition, she's aware of the needs of the teacher. The teacher parent
relationship is paramount for the foundation of the students education. Trust is key with that with teacher parent relationship. As a former teacher, I would support a board member who is concerned for the parents. An important aspect of child's education is a tarant teacher relationships. As I
stated, please vote for Valerie Menendez when considering. Thank you. >> Thank you for coming to public comments. Mrs. McCormack, >> Ashley McCormack, 16 Riley Road, Morganville. Um, I would be doing parents a disservice if I didn't stand
up and say that or at least ask what the plan is. If you do approve a $10,000 tuition for the preK3 students that are currently enrolled, uh, when they go to preK4, would they be given some sort of discount, heads up, fifth payment,
something because they're going from the 8,000 to the 10,000? Um, I also want to remind the board that only 5 years ago it was a half day program at $2,500. It's grown a lot over five years. Um, and that we do have the numbers for the
nearby towns, which is great. Thank you, Miss Schlinsky. Um, but we don't have Manalopin up there and we don't have Old Bridge. I believe Manalipin is around 6,300 and Old Bridge is about the same. Don't quote me, but worth taking a look into. Um, I always support Valentina
Mendes. As you all know, I've been sitting here for year after year after year, and she is one of the most amazing board members. So I ask you please put away put aside bias and your cheatedness and whatever else may be in your head right now and do the right thing and
give it to somebody who has the most experience who can hit the grounds running. Thank you. >> Thank you again from Thank you, Mrs. McCormack also for coming to public comment. Is there anyone else who would like to come up? Miss Mendes.
Hi, Bal Mendes Morganville. Just um a quick thing about I was watching the presentation obviously and I do know is widely used across different districts this across the country. Um and I understand why they why districts actually choose it.
From a data and standards alignment perspective, it does make sense and at the same time I do think we need to be honest about the student experience. While some students do find with others find it repetitive and at times discouraging, especially when progress can feel easily undone rather than
confidence building. I did see it in my own children and in talking to some parents, they felt the same. Um, I'm just curious whether the district has recently revisited its instructional platforms, including whether other tools or supplements have been considered and when the last meaningful review of these
tools took place. Um, we know that technology does change quickly and I do think it's reasonable just to ask how often we reassess what we're using and whether it's still meeting the needs of all learners. Not saying it is or isn't. I'm really just asking how often you look at that. Um, I'm also interested in
kind of where you all are in the terms of exploring AI in instruction. I know we had a lot of conversations on that. Many platforms are using an AI component now to help students learn in a different way. And so just curious there. Again, not singling out a
particular tool, but there are a variety of other tools that are available. Totally off that topic for one second, I would just say that as a community member now, um, with my child, my youngest child just graduated from our district last year, um, I feel almost
completely disconnected from from the school district. Now, I know where to find the agendas and the policies on our website, but I would say that if I didn't sit on the board, I probably wouldn't know that. And so, the township does send out communications from the
rec center and different things letting us know where you can find agendas and so forth. So, I'm asking that you take a look at how we engage the rest of the community that don't actually have children here. I loved when administration would send us emails. As
a parent, I would get the agenda letting me know here's the meeting, but as a community member now, I don't get that. And so, I would just love it if we could take a look at how we engage our community since a large part portion of the taxes go to the school district. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Miss Mendes. I appreciate you also coming out for the public comments. Is there anyone else who would like to speak today? There is a second round of comments at later in the evening. Seeing that motion to close public comments. Miss Denowski. Anyone else
want to second? Mr. Hyatt. All in favor? Anyone opposed? Thank you. Public comment disclosed. Mr. Mr. Balone, I just um I did take note of two questions that obviously you may want to either answer or come back to. One was Mr. Runo's question regarding
the number of people who are on the waiting list and the other which is um Miss Mendes's question which was about um the you know there was a series of questions that she had regarding um which maybe require some
followup on that. Um those were the and I'm sorry Miss McCormack also had a question which is the plan for parents who are already enrolled and when they move on to pre preK4 or something like um for how you'll handle the potential cost
increase. So I think those are things that obviously we need to follow up with or respond to. >> Few things the the weight list numbers I don't have. So we can we can certainly get back to Mr. Patruno on that. Um don't have them in front of me. Uh, Mrs.
Mendes, we we annually look at our all of our online programs. Um, so it's a there's a constant um evaluation of that um generally as we as we're crafting our budgets. And then um Mrs. McCormack, we'll get back to you on your question
as well on what that looks like. >> Thank you. Okay. Um, next item on our agenda is HIB. Mr. Bologn. >> Yes, this is the HIV report from the time period January 16th, 2026
through January 29th, 2026. There were three incidents reported. >> Thank you. Any questions for Mr. Balone? Seeing none, moving on. Uh we are up to the highlight of our evening, which is our
interview process. Um let me share with everyone for those who have not gone through this before. um sort of the process how we expect to um pursue this for the rest of the evening um and how the board um will um operate. So
pursuant to our board policy which is 0143 right board member elections and appointment the board secretary had to notify the board president which we became very aware of at our reorg meeting when a candidate did not get sworn in but she had to notify me as board president um that there was a
vacancy to be filled and the board had 65 days to do so. The board president then um notified the board members of the vacancy which we actually did at the January 6th, 2026 reorganization meeting. There was a public notice of the vacancy that was issued on January
7th. The notice invited anyone qual anyone qualified to submit a request of his or her candidacy along with a resume for consideration. The public notice was published in the Asbury Park Press. It was posted on the district website. It was shared via district social media and
announced at the BOE meeting, the one that we had most recently. The deadline for submitting application materials was noon on Monday, January 26th, 2026. And since we all know that that was also a snow day, um I am glad that we had
modified our process to sort of also allow for the submission of candidates via email. Um we had originally received six applications, but one candidate chose not to proceed with the interview process. Um following the completion of all interviews tonight, the board will
deliberate in executive session and after uh deliberations, the board um I I as board president will call for nominations. Once the nominations are seconded, uh we will then take we will then close those nominations and we will then take a vote of the board to
identify the the candidate that fills the vacancy. If we do not have the ability to sort of have a successful vote, we will continue to take a vote until we do have a successful vote for the candidate. The interview process um for tonight will include five
candidates. they will be called up in the order in which their application was received so that there is fairness to that. Um the four the each candidates will then will will have to leave the room and only the candidate being interviewed at the time will stay in the
room. We'll ask you to go into our library or our media room. Um we'll also ask you not to be on your phones and sort of you know potentially getting text messages from people in the room saying hey here's the question. We want everyone to be sort of treated fairly
and equally in this process. We will give each candidate about 10 minutes to sort of answer the questions but also to um sort of give an opening so we know who you are if you have something to say in your opening statement. We have um three questions.
Um I will answer ask the questions. The questions were all shared with the board members ahead of time. Um and we will you know there is no wrong or right answers here. We're just looking for your answers. Um so we hope that you will do that. I also want to start by saying that I was um
extremely delighted that we had five six candidates. I'm extremely delighted we have five candidates um for the board. Um and I want to thank each of you for submitting your name um sitting in this seat now for a year. Um I know just how difficult and how rewarding this
position is. Um, so I'm very thankful that we have, you know, people who, um, also want to sort of, you know, commit to the mission of the board, the mission of the district, um, and support this this town in the position that you're
filling. Um, that sort of lays out the process that we're going to follow. This is pursuant to our board policy. Um, I wanted to make sure everyone was fair. questions were not just so it's clear for everyone in the public the questions that we have this evening that were shared with the
board members were not shared with the candidates or the um prior to tonight. So this will be the first time they will be hearing the questions um for their interview process. So with that um I would say let's take a fivem minute
recess so that the candidates can sort of walk out and we will begin with I'm going to read the order in which this will occur so everyone's aware. Um the first person will be Roman Gabriel. Thank you. Christopher Smith will be second. Adam Pollock will be third.
Valentina Mendes will be fourth and Samantha Samantha Schneur will be fifth. Okay. So that would be the order. So um with that I'll do a motion to take a fiveminute recess. Mr. Gandhi, can I have a second? Mr. Lansky. All in favor?
Anyone opposed? We'll take a fiveminute recess. Thank you. Okay. I just want to make sure it's um let's what we're going to go right to roll call first. >> Okay. >> Oh, okay.
All right, kid. You can start roll call. Miss. >> Okay. Okay. Roll call. Mrs. Balomo >> here. >> Mrs. Carrero >> here. >> Mrs. Gandhi >> here. >> Mr. Hyatt >> here. >> Mrs. Jenowski >> here. >> Mr. Lansonsky
>> here. >> Dr. Mskowitz here. >> And Mr. Cohen >> here. >> Okay. Just for clarity and just in case anyone's not sure from the board perspective. Okay. Um, we will listen to all of the candidates. Then
when we go into exec, we will have the opportunity to deliberate. There will be no votes in exec. There will be no discussion on how people are voting in exec. It'll just be a discussion of the candidates. When we come back out here, this will be the only place in which a vote will occur. Okay? There will be
nominations. We will get seconds. When we are done with all nominations, we'll close nominations. And once we close nominations and if there we will then take the vote there will not be any votes in exact is that correct Mr. President all right so I just want to make sure that that's clear for everyone
in case there is any you know doubt but that's the process and the procedure in which we have followed I believe in the past but that's the appropriate process and procedure that we should be following. Okay. As far as um the interviews um I also just want to share and I'll do this for each of the
candidates. There's going to be a 10-minute timer for you up on there. Um, the first minute or so, please just take that time to introduce yourself and tell us why you're here, whatever you would like to say as an open comment. Uh, we have three questions for you. Um, you'll have about three minutes for each
question. Um, and then we will give you Yeah, sure. And then we'll give you two minutes to do a closing. So, you'll have 10 plus two will be a separate timer. I promise you this, the timers will not start until after I finish reading the question. So, that doesn't get counted against you. Okay? So, um, let me first
call you up and that's Mr. Roman Gavlav. >> So, Mr. Gavlav, thank you for being here today. Um, I'm going to have them start the timer. Um, and give you a minute to sort of, you know, introduce yourself. >> Absolutely. First of all, everyone,
thank you for this opportunity. Truly excited. Um, my name is Roman Gerill. I've been resident of Malro for over seven years now. I have uh two kids, one in elementary school, one in middle school, and I'm deeply involved with
their education. Um I bring over 20 years of engineering experience. Uh building teams, building uh products. I run teams across large and small organization. Recently part of AWS
driving large organizations. So uh building teams, building budgets, uh coaching engineers, coaching managers um and I've been very involved in that space and I look at education at a
similar approach uh we built the leaders of future especially in this era of AI and the revolution that AI brings uh pretty much everywhere. I think engineering experience that I bring both
as engineering leader and in technology can help this board make educational decisions or decisions that will help our children succeed in in the future because with all AI revolution it's it's going to change significantly. >> We're going to have to start with our
questions now. >> Okay. Go ahead. >> Okay. Thank you. So um we'll start with the after I the timer will start again after I finish my first question. Board members regularly receive concerns and requests from community members. Imagine a community member contacts you directly
after a classroom or school level issue and asks you to intervene. Walk us through how you would handle this situation from the initial contact through any follow-up and explain how you would determine whether the concern should be addressed by the board,
referred to the superintendent or the administration or acknowledged but not acted upon. And please include any factors you would consider and how you would communicate your decision to the individual. >> Absolutely. Um first and foremost, we'll start with empathy. We're human beings
and every um every scenario will depend. First and foremost, I will definitely bring this to the board's uh uh awareness. We don't operate um in silos. Similar as in business, we operate as an organization. We communicate together.
Um so definitely depends on the scenario if it's an urgency uh or matter of concern. Um I will definitely first and foremost cons again I don't bring a lot of u educational experience mostly from business um and engineer educate. So I
will follow my same principles. First and foremost make um the board aware consult if I don't know the path forward uh and based on uh the scenario communicate with both the person if it requires uh communication with the
attendant definitely communicate with them but uh start with uh board communication. >> Thank you. Um, our second question, tell us about a time where you were part of a group decision where you disagreed
with the outcome. How did you respond afterward? And what principles would guide you in balancing transparency, confidentiality, and accountability as a board member? And if you need me to read them, please I can always rewrite or read. >> Please elaborate again.
>> Sure. Tell us a time about a time where you were part of a group decision >> where you disagreed with the outcome. How did you respond afterwards and what principles guided you in balancing the need for
transparency, confidentiality and accountability as a board member? >> Absolutely. And that happens pretty much on uh frequent basis. We have different opinions. Um there are um you know
voting opinions that you can be outvoted and even though you have your own beliefs and you think that's the right way uh there are other considerations that can be in play u other voices to to hear um and that's what we call disagree
and commit. So sometimes we uh even if we disagree we have to to commit as part of larger group and organization uh and and move forward with that. Uh I think the the best part is that we bring different opinions to the uh to the
board. We can have different perspective different visions um about different topics. Uh I think the things that guide me in making the decisions is definitely evaluating pros and cons for each and every approach. uh hearing out
alternatives and and sometimes um realize uh that that part path is also viable. Um but most foremost if the group agrees that different approaches to be taken and my consideration was
heard uh but the decision was made in a different direction that's the time to disagree and commit. Um I can be vocal about that. I can express my opinion. I can be persuasive but at some point we have to move on and that happens in
business very frequently. >> Thank you. Um our third question board service requires sustained engagement and thoughtful communication often in challenging or emotional challenge or emotionally charged situations. How would you approach this role as a
board member on a week-toeek basis? How would you determine where to focus your time and your energy to be most effective during a limited term appointment? And again, this appointment is for just the remainder of this year. So that's why it's the question about the limited term appointment. I can read
that a second time if you'd like. >> Yeah, please do. >> Sure. Board service requires sustained engagement and thoughtful communication, often in challenging or emotionally charged situations. How would you approach this role on a
week-toeek basis? And how would you determine where to focus your time and your energy to be the most effective during this limited term appointment? >> Absolutely. So, uh it's it's the same approach as I'm time boxing all of my
day agenda. Uh it's a uh it's a being diligent about the time and by the way I have no idea how much time that will require this is something that I'm also exploring as what would what it would take from me
to be part of this group and how much time I need to allocate um and I'm heavily involved with my kids activities and work as you probably know so it definitely would require time allocation but as uh I think the best way of communication is I think it's a written
communication. Um um communicate on a regular basis. Um again taking into consideration empathy uh direct personal approach. Um and
definitely be open to uh to communication. We we can try and plan but sometimes things come unplanned and you have to respond and react. Uh my goal here is I'm invested in the community. I'm invested in my kids. Sometimes you have to give more and uh
in one place and reduce the effort in in the other spot. So this is definitely an interesting area for me to explore and I definitely want to contribute from my skills and from my engineering leadership that I've built over the years and especially in the area of
technology u and uh AI and AP. Thank you. Um you've actually used up a lot less of the time that we needed for um these questions, but I would like to give you the time now to sort of you know you know share with us, you know, what you would like to share in the context of a closing um and you would
have the opportunity to sort of do that in the the remaining time you have. >> Absolutely. Um I just want to share a bit more of my background. uh back in nuh 90s we escaped from Russia or what
it was USSR. Uh we I immigrated with my parents to Israel. I I grew up I can say I grew up most of my life in Israel but I did split my scholar years between Russia and Israel. Unfortunately I
didn't go to school here. I came to uh United States 15 years ago to help rebuild u our healthcare. Um I think I've been pretty successful at that. Um we built and help Obamacare. Um and um I
definitely want to contribute to the community. Um and especially in education. Um you know, I'll be uh frank in terms of how we educate today, how the world is evolving. It's moving faster and faster and that revolution
with AI. We will have to adapt and look at things very differently than uh our elderly used to to look at that how we look at that today. I don't have great answers for my kids today, what their future would look like. uh but I
definitely want to equip them with tools to learn to adapt and be uh and be fluid for the changes because I think that's the most important part of education right we we're trying to teach them to learn how to learn new things how to
adapt how to persevere and how come on top and that's my goal here thank you >> thank you very Okay, Mr. um
Mr. Geralv, just so you know, we are going to vote this evening. Um so the intention will be that after we vote, the winning candidate would actually um be sworn in. So I just didn't want you to leave in case you wanted to stay around for the
vote. Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Our um next candidate will be Mr. Christopher Smith. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. Think about it. Don't think about it.
Good evening, Mr. Smith, and thank you for being here tonight. >> Thank you for having me. >> Um, I will let give you sort of a a sense of how we'll work this. So, um, there will be 10 minutes on the timer for you to answer the the first part of this, which would be just, you know, an
opening statement that you want. I would suggest about a minute or so. Um, we have three questions for you. You can take up to three minutes per question. I'll stop you if you go over the three minutes. So, we make sure we get the three qu the three questions in. If you take less time on each question, obviously, we'll go on to the next question. And then at the end, um with
whatever time is left over or if you need an additional two minutes, you can use that as a closing statement um before we we conclude. Um any questions? >> And I promise you that the timer will not start until after I finish reading each question, so that doesn't count against you.
>> Okay. So, we'll start with sort of would you like to do an opening statement? >> Um, yeah, sure. So, my name is Chris Smith. I don't know if uh you know the district around uh How, New Jersey, but there's a congressman. Promise you no relation to him. Anyway, uh I I grew up
in Mammoth County. Um know it like the back of my hand. I am employed with a local community bank and I've been there for 11 years. I'm extremely loyal. um been a resident of Marorrow for over five years now and I also am a father to
be in three months. So uh really looking for um this I mean I'm grateful to have this opportunity to apply to be a part of the board of education because it's it's something that you know I can make a difference and create a brighter
future. >> Thank you. Um, our first question, and if you need me to reread it or if you need to me restate it, please don't hesitate to ask. Um, board members regularly receive concerns or requests from community members. Imagine a
community member contacts you directly about a classroom or school level issue and ask you to intervene. Walk us through how you would handle this situation from the initial contact through any follow-up and explain how you would determine whether the concern
should be addressed by the full board, referred to the superintendent or administration, or acknowledged but not acted upon. Please include any factors you would consider and how you would communicate your decision to the board.
>> Um, okay. Thank you for the question. Um, so first off, I would uh, as any community member reaching out to a board member, I would acknowledge uh, in depending on the the the way that they had reached out, whether it's
verbally or via email, I would attempt to acknowledge them immediately as hey in receipt. Uh the next course of action I would take is to immediately reach out to the board president for guidance on exactly how uh he would want he or she
would want me to respond to this specific uh inquiry or concern. But given that the concern is is at at the student level or at the student or the schooling level um the function of the
board to my understanding is that we are to um pass review policy approve the budget and um I guess also hire and evaluate the superintendent under those specific policies. I don't believe that
administratively it is in our duty to um to comment or or provide a direct response to them. So I would conclude that maybe it would be in their in it would be my intention to express that maybe they should reach out to the superintendent. But that last part is is
my understanding of it. I would first want to confer and wouldn't want to move forward with an exact response until I had been able to speak with the board or I nor the board president. Um, yeah. Thank you.
Second question. Tell us about a time you were part of a group decision where you disagreed with the outcome. How did you respond afterward? and what principles would guide you in balancing transparency, confidentiality, and
accountability as a board member. So um maybe not a specific incident but generally speaking I am a commercial loan officer at a local community bank and on a at at least on a weekly basis maybe a daily basis sometimes uh we uh
have a lot of internal discussions about whether we are going to originate a loan at what terms we would originate it how we want to expand the relationship and kind of go at a specific client matter in a um in a certain
form or strategy. Uh there are times where I have disagreed with the group decision. Um the group is comprised of the lending officer, the president, you know, on on a course of action of how we would want to move. Um but we've all
actually had the opportunity to express what our opinions are about it and why we believe that this is the best strategy, myself included. And in those instances where I do disagree, I uh 100% support the decision because I'm acting
or I'm employed by my institution and I act and uh operate under that impression like so in conclusion I will relay to the client um effectively and clearly on what the bank's decision
is on how to move forward um giving no indication of alternative options. It's just that they need to we need to come as a unified front to deliver that message so that the client um understands how to move forward. As I would relate it to the board, um I would
do the same where it's my understanding in the board meetings that there's discussions that are had. Um it's an opportunity for board members to voice their take, their opin opinion, feedback. uh but ultimately when the decision is made that's final and the
board is not any singular person it's a unified front so I would I would treat that as the same um going to uh that kind of speaks to my integrity and my professionalism >> thank you on the third question board
service requires sustained engagement and thoughtful communication often in challenging or emot emotionally charged situations. How would you approach this role on a week-to-eek basis? And how would you determine where to focus your time and
your energy to be the most effective during a limited term appointment? >> I can reread that again if you need me to. >> Um maybe just the first part. >> Sure. Board service requires sustained engagement and thoughtful communication
often in challenging or emotionally charged situations. So given that, how would you approach the role on a week-to-eek basis? How would you determine where to focus your time and energy to be the most effective during a limited term appointment? And this
appointment is just for the balance of this year because then the the obviously the the candidates will run for the remaining two years term, >> right? Um yeah, so I speaking to I would start
with just my commitment. Uh, I put a lot of thought into this application. Um, I've done uh some thorough research and due diligence and myself being here today uh shows uh at least to me and it's my job to prove to you that it's
something that I'm committing to and I understand that there's significant time elements uh to this role. But I am passionate for a few reasons. One being that I've been a resident of Marboro for
five years. Um, it has this great great school district. One of the main reasons my wife and I we moved here. Uh, I do have and not to repeat it, I do have a baby on the way, but it really kind of puts a lot of things in context on what's important and having the opportunity to give back to the
community. Uh, really speaks to my passion. Now again circling back to my time commitment at least on a or where I could focus my energy and time on a weekly basis is I would just I would
more or less like ask or uh uh just kind of generalize it in understanding that me jumping into a role if it does work out like that I would hope that the other board members could um initially
give me some feedback on where you know feedback or criticism or uh comments or areas guidance on where they could see um areas that I can improve or allocate
my time. Um I do have a financial expertise background so I do feel like I could contribute meaningfully to the budget discussions. Um but in reference to again just cir just kind of sum it all up. I I'm here today because I am
passionate about it and I want to give back to the community no matter the time commitment. Um I am a yes man. I've been at the same institution uh in my career for 10 year over 10 years and I think that speaks volumes. I've rose through the ranks for some time and sometimes
being a yes man is a little little bit of a burdensome but whatever I do start I make a point to see it through. So I am committed uh otherwise I would not be here today. Thank you. In the time you have remaining, and if you need to, we have an additional two minutes that we can
give to you, but in the time you have remaining, is there anything else you would like us to know in considering your candidacy for the board? um just that uh this is I I I want to just say thank you
for the opportunity to to stand here today and uh express my interest in this and and kind of be able to relay how I am passionate about it. Um and no matter the decision uh that the
collective board makes um I myself will fully support it and I I I could tell from the few uh meetings that I have reviewed is that there are some there there all of you are have great minds and and as a collective uh this school
is in better hands uh or in good hands. Not to say that it was in bad hands just it's in good hands. So I am uh yeah again just appreciate the opportunity. >> Thank you and thank you for your uh submitting your your your name and you
know on behalf of the board you know good luck to you and your family and congratulations on the on the the baby. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Our next candidate will be Mr. Adam Pollock. Mr. Smith, just so you know, um I wasn't sure if I I know I didn't make the
statement before, but after we finish doing our deliberations, we're going to vote on the candidate. Um and the successful candidate will ultimately be asked to be sworn in tonight. So, I'm not sure if you were planning on leaving, but we were hoping that the candidates will be sworn in tonight.
>> Does he have to stay? Can he stay or do I have to go back because he already interviewed >> you? I think you can stay. I mean, if I remember correctly, I did when I when I did it, I stayed. So, sure, you can stay and listen. >> Okay. Thank you.
Mr. Pollock, as you come up to the microphone, thank you for submitting your your your candidacy. Um, let me just share with you how we'll do this. There are 10 minutes that are on the uh the the timer behind me. Um, those 10 minutes will give you about a minute or
so for an opening. And then we have three questions for you, which obviously you would have about three minutes per question. If you um if you come to getting significantly over on the three minutes, I'll stop you and move on to the question the next question. Um and then um we'll give you another two
minutes at the end on top of the 10 for a closing. And if there's any time left over from the 10 minutes or so, obviously you can use that towards your closing and no time at all that I that in which I ask you the questions will that count against your time. So you will have a full 10 minutes to speak.
>> Okay, >> perfect. Thank you. So with that, I will ask you to sort of start with your opening. You have about a minute or so. >> Perfect. Thanks. Thanks for the opportunity, everybody. I'm Adam Pollock. I live in Marboro. Um I've been a resident of Marboro 14 years since
2012. Um I have two daughters in the district, fifth grader and a third grader. Um I'm passionate about this district. I'm passionate about Marbor. Um been passionate about the district ever since
my daughters were enrolled in the school during co um I've been coming to these meetings for the last couple of years interacting with you all and the administration uh to try to support change and to support the teachers and the students and the
administration that that that support this district. Um I'm very supportive of the teachers in the district. um supportive of the administration of the district because the administration represents us as a
community. We put the people in the administration um in their jobs and we owe it to them even when we don't agree to be supportive uh even if we think things can be done better and that's our responsibility to
try to help and make things better. Um, it's the duty and our responsibility to support our students, to support our teachers. Um, I do not believe our community wants to be divided. I think our community wants to come together.
>> We're going to You want to wrap up and then we'll start with >> one more thing. >> Okay. Go ahead. >> I know I only have nine minutes. >> Um, I don't believe in this construct that there that this community has two sides. I don't believe that at all. Um, no
one's beliefs or policies are black and white. Most issues are gray and most people in our community don't fit on one side. Um, I've been told I am too progressive for the conservatives in this town and I'm too conservative for
the progressives. Um, this is the exact reason why I think I am the best person to be on this board. Um, I refuse to be pigeonholed. I am looking to find commonality. I'm looking to find compromise and to move policies and
initiatives forward for this district. Thank you. >> Thank you. And again, you'll have time at the end if you have if you need it um for a closing. Um so our first question, board members regularly receive concerns and requests from community members. Imagine a
community member contacts you directly about a classroom or a school level issue and asks you to intervene. Walk us through how you would handle this situation from the initial contact through any follow-up and explain how you would determine whether that whether
the concern should be addressed by the full board, referred to the superintendent or the administration or acknowledged but not acted upon. Please include the factors you would consider and how you would communicate your decision to the individual.
>> And if you need me, I can reread any part. just the first part about what would happen um about what was the actual concern the >> community member contacts you directly about a classroom or school level issue and ask you to intervene
>> I wouldn't intervene directly in that I would consult with the board I would consult with the board president I would look to get uh counsel from the administration and uh the council um that the um the legal counsel that we
have Um, I would, um, not do anything that I could would think that would put the district at risk. Um, I would in my my person in my professional career, um, um, we do a lot
of decision by consensus and we talk about issues. Um, I, you know, depending on how it was approached, if it was in like public, if the person came to me or if it was in an email, um, I would, um, you know, uh, listen and or read the email and then
consult with the uh appropriate people. I mean I I would not um act um lackly or or not thought out. Um I would try to think about it and and take the best course of action and I would look for um in that exact situation. I don't
honestly know what our uh the role of an individual board member would be to resolve something like that. So, I probably wouldn't really engage at all and I would go and look in for the to the board and and uh our legal counsel
administration and ask for help because I don't know what the exact answer would be. Mr. Cohen, >> thank you. The second question is to tell us about a time you were part of a group decision where you disagreed with
the outcome. How did you respond afterward? And what principles would guide you in balancing transparency, confidentiality, and accountability as a board member? And I can reread any part of that again. >> Say it again. Sure.
>> Tell us about a time you were part of a group decision where you disagreed with the outcome. How did you respond afterward? and what principles would guide you in balancing transparency, confidentiality, and accountability as a
board member? >> I'll just say something very close to home around this board. I don't agree with how this board handled the situation that occurred over the election season with how um this board acted with um kind of the the events
that occurred. Um um I think that uh we have to show grace and respect to all members of the community and to the board members. Um if I did something that um embarrassed the district or embarrassed the town or someone I was
affiliated with did, I would apologize and I would uh be clear that um those types of activities are not the things that I'm supportive of. Um, I think that we should assume um the best of
everybody and I um try to act in a way that um is respectful and um I hold my head high and um
represent myself and represent my family. um and if put in a position here, I would do the same exact thing in representing our district and representing the board. So, um but I would do it with respect and I would do
it um in a way that uh doesn't belittle anybody. Um, I think that uh the way that the board has acted with personal attacks against people is is ridiculous and embarrassing. And I'm not supportive of those types of things. And
I promise that I wouldn't do anything like that. And I would not um act in a way that uh embarrasses this district or embarrasses this town um in any way. Um, I want to be very clear also um on what you will get from me if you appoint me
to the board. Um, I promise I will never personally attack any board member or member of our community. I promise I will act with grace and respect. I promise I will look to find common ground with everybody on the board. I promise I won't lie. I promise I will
speak truth to power. I promise I will help take temperature down. And lastly, I promise I will speak up if members of this board are univil to each other, embarrass our community, and I will push for civility in all of the board's
actions and initiatives. Thank you. Thank you. Our third question is, board service requires sustained engagement and thoughtful communication, often in challenging or emotionally charged
situations. How would you approach this role on a week-to-eek basis? How would you determine where to focus your time and energy to be most effective during a limited term appointment? And again, this appointment is for the 10 months remaining in this year. And then obviously, you would have to decide if
you're going to run for the balance of the next two years. In my professional life, I lead a team of relationship managers. I coach and mentor the team in sales, in relationship management, in strategy planning and uh negotiation tactics and
most importantly compromise. Um I've been extensively trained in negotiation and compromise. Uh this is where I really think I can add value uh to this board. In my opinion, the constituents of this district agree on most items. 95% of the policies, initiatives, and
the joint focus on doing what's best for our students and our teachers is universally agreed to. Um, I want this board to focus on those things. I want to find commonality and things that bring us together and make progress on those things. Um,
I've been coming to this podium for years expressing my own viewpoints and opinions. U, most of you know me. Um, I consider myself a straight shooter. I'm open to feedback. I'm open to my opinion being swayed. I have strong opinions about certain topics, but I'm always
open to hearing what other people have to say. And I will never belittle or disrespect anyone who dis disagrees with me. Um, we need people who are not political ideologues on this board. someone who's
willing to think about all things from both sides and do it with grace and respect. Thank you, Mr. Thank you. In the time that you do have avail you do have left and if you need the additional two minutes, obviously that's available to you, but in the time
you ever left, what else would you like to tell the board in your closing? >> I agree with a lot of different ideas and positions that different more board members have presented. Um, for example, I am supportive of a
civility policy for all members of this board and holding everybody accountable for the actions and things that they do. I am supportive of healthier food options for our students for breakfast and lunch. I'm supportive of keeping parental rights at the center of all
decisions that we make. I'm supportive of moving elections out of our schools so we can get those days back on the calendar. I'm supporting supportive of allowing all members of the board to participate in any training and
development. I am supportive of PTO autonomy. I am supportive of fiscal conservative conservatism and all money spent and allocated towards the district. Uh I'm supportive of enforcing our current
policies around phones and technology. I am also supportive of apologizing if I do something wrong or something that embarrasses this district. Um, as you all know, uh, one of the main things that I always came up here and talked about was technology and phones in
school. Uh, something I'd want to continue to talk about and be engaged with on this board. Um, I I was uh part of uh uh the technology advisory committee here and I was super excited to be uh uh involved in that and hear
what other community members had to think and how we could help with uh uh engaging technology. Um I think that we should pick up uh uh that initiative again focus on how AI uh is um going to be involved in our district both from
the student level but also almost more importantly from the teacher level and how that how teachers are going to get trained in AI and use it in the uh district. Um in my professional career I'm using AI all the time. um we're
using um cloud code, we're using claude, we're using chat gbt and it's been transformative uh from a um productivity perspective. So um I really think that that's a gamecher and I think
that's something that this district needs to focus on. I think technology utilization of technology, utilization of AI is probably uh the most important thing that's going to be happening um to the development of uh the students in
the district over the next couple years. And I think we should uh be much more um uh forward thinking and engaged on those topics. Um, contrary to popular belief, I guess, uh, from what
some people said uh, before this, um, you want someone who's just going to agree with one side all the time um, and take votes against the opposing side. Uh, don't put me on the board. I don't
want to be on that board. Um, that's not me. I'm not going to vote for any side. I'm going to vote with a clear conscience around what I think is right. And if you do not agree with me and you do not agree what I think is right, that's fine. Let's have that debate in
public. Let's talk about it. I'm easily convincable if you have a good argument. So, convince me you're right and I'll vote with you. Um, I negotiate for a living. I'm positive. I am positive that I can negotiate compromise on this
board. Put me in. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Pollock. Our next candidate will be Valentina Mendes. Mr. Pollock, just so you know, um again, we will be deliberating in exec. come back out here for a vote and then after the vote we would like to swear in the
winning candidate. So if you if you please stay we appreciate that. Thank you. Hi, Miss Mendes. How are you this evening? >> I'm good. How are you? >> Good, thank you. So, um, thank you for submitting your name for as a candidate
for the board seat. And, um, I just wanted to share with you the process that we'll follow. Okay. There's a 10-minute timer on the count on the in front of you be and on the screen behind me. Um, the 10 minutes can be used the first minute or so as an opening. Um,
who you are, why you're here, whatever you'd like to share. We have three questions for you. We're thinking about three minutes per question. Um, so I will try to keep track of this. If I think you're going into a significantly longer answer and I need to make sure I carry the other two questions, I may
stop you. Um, but um, figure about three minutes per question. None of the time that we none of my none of your time will be eaten up with my answer my questioning. All right. Timer will start after I read the question and then we'll reserve two minutes not from the 10, but
an additional two minutes for you if you need it for a closing. So it'll give you a chance to sort of wrap up or or share anything final thoughts. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Sure. Good. >> Thank you. >> Um and then I will share with you because I neglected to say this at the beginning. After we complete the interviews tonight, we go into
deliberations. We then come back out. We take a vote and then after the vote, we would like whoever the winning candidate is to sort of stay to be able to be sworn in and take their seat of the deis. Okay. Um I'll start with the first question. Actually, no. I'm sorry. I'm gonna start with giving you your minute
or so to sort of do your opening. >> Sure. Um, hi, I'm Val. I thank you for allowing me to interview this evening. Um, I'm probably approaching it slightly different because I spent a lot of time with all of you. And so, um, I feel like
we've gotten to know each other, but for everybody else, um, I'm here because I take this role really seriously. It means a lot to me. Clearly, I ran in some elections, some successful and some not. So, clearly, I am dedicated um to
this board and this district. Um even though my kids have graduated from here last year, um I did serve on the PTO's at Robertsville and at Memorial for the time that I've lived in Marorrow and that was very, very rewarding. So, I
take volunteer service to the community very seriously. Anyway, so I'm here tonight because well, I served on the board and I enjoyed the work. Um, and I'm just happy to be here regardless of the outcome.
>> Thank you. Okay, first question. Board members regularly receive concerns and requests from community members. Imagine a community member contacts you directly about a classroom or a school level issue and ask you to intervene. Walk us through how you would handle
this situation. from the initial contact through any followup and explain how you would determine whether the concern should be addressed by the full board referred to the superintendent or administration or acknowledged but not acted upon. Please include the factors
you would consider and how you would communicate your decision to the individual. And I can repeat any part of that question you like or or the whole thing. >> I'm okay. Thank you. If I were a board member and I received a complaint or a concern from a community member
regarding something within the school, I would refer that over to the superintendent. That is not the job of the board member to get involved in the school level um operations. So that would be referred over to Michael Balone
and Michael Balone would then handle that accordingly. What I would do after though is depending on the nature of that communication, I would ask potentially for followup. There are certain things I probably wouldn't ask for like
somebody had a question about a calendar or a half day or what does that mean? It depends on the nature of the question. But if there was a concern, I would use my judgment and say, "Mr. Balone, can you please share with the board how this was handled?" And then I would move on
from that. But the school operations is not for the board to handle directly to the parent but refer to the superintendent. Thank you. Second question, tell us about a time where you were part
of a group decision where you disagree with the outcome. How did you respond afterward? and what principles would guide you in balancing transparency, confidentiality, and accountability as a board member? >> Yeah, there were a variety of instances
when I sat on this very board that I did not agree with how things were handled. Um, and I was able to to share my voice um and I thought in a respectful way. Do you want to know about the particular
instance, Mr. Cohen here. >> Sure. I mean, you can, you know, you can share a time on the board or you can share another time, but it's just, you know, tell us about a time where you were part of a group decision where you disagree with the outcome and then how did you respond afterward and what principles guided you in balancing the
transparency, confidentiality, and accountability as a board member. >> I'm not going to get into details, but towards the end of my term, I didn't agree with how the um board safety and civility was handled. Um, and I did
express that in meetings with the board president, the board attorney, and the superintendent. And so I did voice that. I maintained my level of confidentiality as I was required as a board member. Um, but I did express that through email and
in multiple meetings. We had discussions regarding it. I didn't agree with the outcome, but I did stand behind my values and I did draft a resolution in the months of September and then revise them for the remaining months. So
instead of being or leading or contributing to a problem I saw, I thought that let me come with a solution and that solution would be a resolution that I proposed in September that required or asked the board to take
action and look at policies. So though I didn't agree with it, I decided I'll take action. >> Sorry, I'm just taking notes. Of course. >> Um, thank you. Um, third question. Board service requires sustained engagement
and thoughtful communication, often in challenging or emotionally charged situations. How would you approach this role on a week-to-eek basis? And how would you determine where to focus your time and your energy to be most effective during this limited term, just 10 months?
Obviously, you know that um period of the appointment. So if you're a board member joining the board and you have 10 months, you're joining during the height of budget season. So my recommendation or how I would approach it is that you should
become very familiar with the board um budget, how it works, the different departments. So to do that, you should meet with the business administrator um who will give you a rundown of that since you'd have to catch up on what you may or may not have missed, what you
need some help understanding. I'd also take a deep dive into board policy since that's our job as a board is a policym board. And so I would become familiar with where our policies are, what are they about, what policies should we be
looking at, and then I would obviously also become familiar with the board committees. Since whomever is appointed will be appointed to x number of committees, they should become familiar with what they are, what their role is, and the role of a board member. And the other thing I would do in my 10 months
is I would really decide is this something I'm really interested in because if so then you should start to prepare to campaign and actually run in the campaign because that does take a lot of work. So I would say take the time also to take some professional
development. There's a lot of classes available to you as board members including your required governance training. And I would use that as my 10 months to really become familiar if I'm not familiar with how a board functions. >> Thank you. In the time that you have
remaining, you can use this time and if you need the additional two minutes, by all means, that's available to you. But in the time you have remaining, what else would you like us to know? What else would you like us to share um in your um candidacy for the board seat? Yeah, I would ask that when you go into
executive session and you think about the different candidates and I'll only talk about myself. I'd ask you to take a second to put aside any personal or beliefs that you may have or that maybe some disagreements that we had during our time on the board. And I would say
to think to yourself, we have 10 months with another board member who was now not elected but appointed and say to yourself, who can really do the job we need to do in this very short window of time, as Mr. Cohen said. So, I'd ask for
you to consider the work I've done in the past, the dedication, and how much I love this board, aside from any personal feelings you may or may not have for me. And I thank you though for your consideration. Thank you. Anything else?
Thank you very much. Okay, our final candidate is Miss Samantha Schneer. Good evening, Commissioner Thank you very much for your candidacy for the to the for the seat tonight. Um let me just share with you how we'll we'll proceed.
If you have any questions, by all means, please feel free to ask. Um there's 10 minutes on the timer. Well, in front of me, but behind me also on the screen. Um what we will do is we'll carve out about a minute or so for you, you know, for you to do an opening or you know, state, you know, state who you are or why
you're here. Um we have three questions for you. Um those three questions we figured it should take about three minutes each. If you um if you use up less time, that's fine. If you use up more time, I may slow you I may stop you so that we can make sure we get all three questions in. And then we'll give
you an opportunity at the end to do a closing statement. You'll have about a two extra minutes to do that, but you'll also be able to use if there's any time left over on the 10-minute timer in front of me. So, how much were you need to use that 10 minutes plus the two minutes if you need that. >> All right. None of the time on the clock
would be used with me reading you the questions. So your 10 minutes is really your 10 minutes, not whether I read fast or slow. >> Okay? >> Right? And if you need me to repeat any other questions or any part of the questions, please just ask me to do so. >> Okay? >> All right. And then finally, I should have mentioned it earlier, but I've
mentioned it since with all the other candidates. After we complete their interviews, the board will go into deliberations. We will come back out. We will go through the vote. And then whoever the successful candidate is, we would like them to stay so that we can swear them in and they can take their seat at the deis and we'll be able to finish the meeting for the evening.
Okay. Any questions? >> No. >> All right. Let me give you your opportunity to sort of do your opening. You have about a minute, minute or so. Minute and a half. >> Okay. Hi everyone. My name is Samantha Schner. Um I uh am a journalist by by profession. Um I've been a journalist
for over 10 years. Um I started my career at uh NBC in Washington DC and I went on to cover my true love uh entertainment news. So if you want any uh well I don't have too much gossip right now. Um, but basically if you ever want to talk Hollywood, I'm your girl.
Um, that's what I do professionally. Um, I've also been a Marbor resident uh for I mean on and off for my almost all of my life. Uh, aside from 10 years, so 20 years, over 20 years. Um, I was one of the graduating early earliest graduating
classes of this middle school. I performed on that stage. I ate lunch at the tables over here. Um, so I am a product of these schools and this town. Uh, and it's my intention now, especially as a new mom, to do whatever
small part I can to give back to this community and this district that we all hold so dear. And you know, the the schools are such a huge part of, I think, why everyone loves this town, what what has drawn so many people to this town. Um, and yeah, that's essentially me in a
nutshell. >> Thank you. So, I'll read you the first question. If you need me to repeat any part of it, please don't hesitate to ask. And if not, you can go on and you can answer it. >> Okay. >> Board members regularly receive concerns, requests from community members. Imagine a community member
contacts you directly about a classroom or school level issue and ask you to intervene. Walk us through how you would handle this situation from the initial contact through any follow-up and explain how you would determine whether the concern whether the concern should
be addressed by the full board, referred to the superintendent or administration or acknowledged but not acted upon. Please include any factors you would consider and how you would communicate your decision to the individual. And if you need me to repeat any part of
that, please, I'm happy to do so. >> Sure. Um, I think I would respond first and just to acknowledge that I've received whatever this person had to say. Um, I I would assume that there are some protocols involved for how we would
handle this kind of matter. So, uh, depending on what that protocol would be, I would follow that. Um and uh again I would assume that the protocol would entail what subject matter we are is under our purview which
is or and what is not. Um it also seems like a lot of the time that would be a school issue. Um the board of ed doesn't necessarily like litigate school matters. Um, and I'm sorry, did you specify, you didn't
specify what kind of issue it was, right? >> It's either an issue that directly It's either an issue that directly occurred within a classroom. It's either about a classroom or a school level issue. >> Okay. Yeah. So, this wouldn't necessarily be under our purview. So, I would encourage this person to direct it
to the person that would be best fit at the school um to handle this. And then I guess unless I thought it was something that pertained to a matter that we were discussing on the board, I might bring it and just as a example of something that is coming up in the community. Um,
but I don't think that would fall under our perview to deal with or to manage. >> Sorry, I'm just writing something writing my notes. Um, thank you. Uh, next question.
Tell us about a time you were part of a group decision where you disagreed with the outcome. How did you respond afterwards? What principles would guide you in balancing transparency, confidentiality, and
accountability as a board member? Um, in my line of work, there's constant disagreement because there are a lot of decisions that are being made all the time. You know, what story should be covered, when, how, the headline, uh, what is worthy of coverage. Um, so
there's constant debate about all of those things. Um, and I don't necessarily agree with those things. Um, but it's always a team effort. Um, and all of my work experience is a team effort. I always believe that you can't
do anything without a team effort. Um so that would be my experience as far as disagreements. Um but I think always the essential point is to understand what we're trying to achieve. Um at work we're trying to
get a story up or information out um to beat our competitors or to have the most clicks. uh here it would be to benefit our students. You know, essentially what are that's what we're doing here is to make sure that our students are learning that they have every opportunity. Um so
it's not really about our disagreements once a decision is made. Um I'm sorry there was a third part I think to your question. >> There was a how did you respond afterwards? What principles would guide
you in balancing transparency, confidentiality, and accountability as a board member? >> I think any work that we do professionally or otherwise, there should always be a sense of accountability. Um, and certainly integrity. As a reporter, that's
something that guides all of my work. Is this factual? Is this correct? Um, you know, legally, is this something that we can print? Have we done our due diligence? Um there's always a very high responsibility because there's always high stakes. Um and I think that can
also mirror the work that we do here. There's high stakes and these are this is the future of of our students. Um so I think there should always be a level of integrity. We're serving our the public.
>> Thank you. Third question. Board service requires sustained engagement and thoughtful communication, often in challenging or even emotionally charged situations. How would you approach this role on a
week-to-eek basis? And how would you determine where to focus your time and energy to be the most effective during a limited term appointment? And what I mean by a limited term appointment is for the balance of this year, which is the 10 months. And then you would have to decide obviously if you're going to be a candidate for the remaining two
years that the the term was originally supposed to have. And I can repeat any part of that if you'd like. >> Um I think disagreements are important. I think that would mean that we're all engaged. Um that we're paying attention.
Uh but I think it's also important to understand the work that we're doing, the objectives at hand. uh the goals there are many goals on the website of what the board is trying to achieve this year and um you know it's wasted time if
we lose sight of that and I I mean I personally come here as a new mom who really just saw an opportunity my mom sent the website listening to me because we were just talking about the school district and about the board of ed and like what is the board of ed and what does that
entail and it was all just kind of like I don't know fate So I don't really come here with like any kind of expectation except to just like fulfill an opportunity and um to serve this
community and you know make sure that like kids have the opportunity to learn uh and grow. So I think that's just always something that we have to keep in mind and uh anything else around that is clutter. Um
I think that's really it. I'm sorry. Was there a part that I didn't address? >> Um, how would you approach the role on a week- toeek basis? How would you determine where to focus your time and energy to be most effective during this limited term? I think you may have covered them all. >> I think I did.
>> Okay. >> Yeah. And in the time that we have left, the four minutes plus whatever if you need any more of that two minutes that we have reserved for you, um this is your opportunity to sort of share with us anything else that you would like the board members to know um about you or or
about the position. >> Um I think there was a part about communication that I didn't directly address. Uh I think that is safe to say is probably my strongest asset is communication. I do that professionally on a daily basis. Um, and I think there's also a lot of opportunities to
connect with the community that are kind of going untapped. I understand that there's a lot that you guys are handling. Obviously, the two plus hours that we discussed the budget, you know, there's a lot going on. Um, but I think there were some concerns expressed about
communication with the public and kind of making sure that everyone's aware of what's going on. So, I think there's space to communicate in new ways. Uh, embrace social media. you know, at times social media is uh detrimental, but I think in those cases that would be helpful. Um, and I I think also the
community has changed a lot, especially in the last 5 years. We've we've had a lot of new people move here. And so that would be a great opportunity to really, you know, make sure everyone is welcomed in and is uh aligned with what's going on.
>> Yeah. >> Thank you for your time. I really appreciated this. Thank you. A lot of work goes into this that I was not aware of. Um, so kudos to you all. >> Thank you. And thank you for submitting your name and congratulations to you as a new mom.
>> Oh, thank you. Appreciate it. Okay. So, that being the five candidates, um each of them answering all three questions, um the next step for us would be as a board to um go into executive session. In order to do so, I
need a motion for executive session. Miss Carrero, I need a second. Dr. Mskowitz. All in favor? Anyone opposed? Okay, we're going to go into executive session for roughly about 60 minutes. we will be coming back out and we will be conducting business. Obviously, we have
several items left on the agenda. Um, so thank you very much for everyone and your patience and thank you to all the candidates again for taking the time to sort of meet with us today. Mrs. Balamo >> here. >> Mrs. Cararo >> here. >> Mrs. Gandhi >> here.
>> Mr. Hyatt >> here. >> Mrs. Jenowski >> here. >> Mr. Lansonsky >> here. >> Dr. Mskowitz >> here. >> And Mr. Cohen >> here. >> Okay. Um, sorry. I just want to get my papers.
>> Okay. So, as previously stated, we're we went into exec for deliberations. There was no discussion um regarding votes. The vote discussion occurs here. I want to read for everyone the board policy that sort of outlines the next steps for
us. Clearly states in policy 0143 toward the middle of the page. After the interviews and deliberations are conducted, the presiding officer of the president will call for nominations. Each nomination must receive a second in order to be considered for the vote. Once all of the potential candidates
have been nominated with a second, the board president will ask for a motion to close the nominations. This motion must be seconded and discussions will be permitted before the roll call. The discussions at this point or at this juncture should not be about
the candidates strictly about closing the the motion for nominations. Um the board secretary will then call roll on the nominated candidates. Upon being called in the role, each board member shall state the name of the
nominated candidate who he or she wishes to fill the vacant seat to be included in the agenda resolution. The member should then express his or her opinion in support of the vote so that the public can witness any deliberations,
policy formulation, and the decision-making process of the board. The resolution will appear on the agenda without any person's name as follows and you will see that already in our agenda. So we will basically fill in the name of the succeeding of the um the winning
candidate. Um just for clarifi clarity if there are two or more vacancies which there are not right and if there is a tie there has to be five votes for a single candidate since the end of the
policy says that the first candidate who receives the votes of a majority of the remaining board members will be elected to the vacancy. So since there's eight current members, it would take five votes for a single candidate to succeed
in in the uh filling the vacancy. If not, we have to continue to have successive rounds of vote rest of the policies. >> So to the members of the board, any questions or anything you have that needs to be answered at this point either as the board president or Mr.
Gross's as our attorney? Okay, seeing no questions. >> Sorry. >> Um, before we do a nomination, are we allowed to thank all the candidates? Like, can we say anything? I'm just >> You just did and I was about to do that,
too. So, but thank you. >> I have more to say. >> Uh, I I will say that again, and I said this before, but I'll say it again now on behalf of the board. Um, thank you to all of you for submitting your names to
um, fill this vacancy. Um, this is an important job. We all feel a very important part of what our community needs in the in this role and we all understand it very deeply. So, thank you to all of you for sort of taking the
time, thinking about it, submitting your name, appearing here tonight, um giving us the opportunity to consider you as a candidate. Um and we hope no matter what the outcome is, um there will be seats on this board, there will be more elections in November. We hope all of
you will consider um this as an opportunity for you um in the election going forward. um because I think you are um exemplify what this board really needs, which is people who see the importance of what we do and want to
serve our community. So, thank you to all of you and a round of applause to all of you, please. With that, I'm going to open up the um the floor now for nominations um for board seat. May I have some nominations? Mr. Carrera, I saw your hand go real
quick. >> Yeah, it is sir. Um, so I am going to vote for Chris Smith >> nominee. And is there a second for Mr. Smith? >> I saw Okay, I saw Dr. Mscowitz. Um, and
Mr. High. I saw both the hands called, but for the record, Mr. Linsky will decide. Any other nominations? >> I nominate Valentina Mendes. >> Thank you. I need a second. I saw Mrs. Balomo's hand go up for a second. Any
other nominations? I'm going to nominate Alan Adam Pollock um for board seat. Um so before that can go forward, I also need that to have a second. I see no second. Any other nominations?
Seeing no more nominations, I'm going to um open the floor for a motion to close nominations. Miss Gandhi, can I have a second for closing? Mr. Lolonsky, any discussions about closing nominations?
Seeing no discussion, Miss Jolinsky, will you please take a role? >> Yes, Mrs. Balomo. >> Um, >> just to close nominations. >> Oh, yes. >> Right. Just to close nominations. >> Yes. Mrs. Coraro.
>> Yes. >> M Mrs. Gandhi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hyatt. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Jenowski. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lolonsky. >> Yes. >> Dr. Msquitz. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cohen. >> Yes. >> Okay. Mrs. Jolinsky, we are all in your
hands for running. >> Okay. Here we go. >> Get this all straight here. I'll just remind everybody that upon being uh upon being called in the role, each board member shall state the name of the nominated candidate who he or she shall
wishes to fill the vacancy to be included in the agenda. The board member should then express his or her opinion in support of the vote so the public can witness any deliberations, policy formulation, and the decision-making process of the board.
>> Okay. Okay. Mrs. Palomao. >> Um, I vote for Valentina Mendes. Um, I just wanted to say that every candidate that came out here today uh was phenomenal and I hope that they stay engaged and that I see their name on a
ballot uh one day in the future. Um it was a it was a difficult uh not a difficult decision. It was a very clear decision for me. But there was one other candidate um who is has been a pillar in our uh school community um that I also
believed would have done a great job in this position. Um but coming here tonight I have to say that one um person deserves this position above all else and that's just on integrity. Um Valentina Menddees has shown her true
colors not just um in an interview or not even just in a campaign but over years of her work on this board um her dedication and heart to the students and staff of Marorrow has really been second to none. um her ability to write policy, to implement policy, and to protect um
the board members that she serves amongst uh has been something that I not only um look to for guidance, but I I really looked up to over the last few years. When I had first joined the board, Valentina had mentored me um into learning the ropes, and she truly
understands the ins and outs of what it means to be a board member. Um, this is a 10-month appointment and this board member would need to hit the ground running. Um, there wouldn't be a definition of a term that Valentina would need because she's seen them all.
She's worked with them all. Um, and she's done everything um that there is to do as a board member. As far as um the budget is concerned, Valentina has not just voted on one budget. She's voted on several budgets o over the last three years. Um she's had very in-depth
conversations, many of which I've been a part of, with our uh business administration office. Um and that really is the focus of what the next couple of months is going to look like. Um I really feel confident in my vote for Valentina. Um I join with the other
6,500 plus members of this community who voted for Valentina. Um because above all else, above any kind of disagreement um or you know whatever perceived sides there are, Valentina has always put the
children um the staff and the heart and soul of Marorrow Township Public Schools at the forefront of her mission and I truly admire that. >> Okay, Mrs. Cararo, my vote is for Chris Smith. Um oh, sorry, Prior. I just wanted to echo
that. Thank you for your patience, your time um for to all the candidates the respect care for our community uh for school for our schools and children and um I want to I'm impressed by all of you and not to discourage from running getting involved in the board. We have
an advisory committee um so there are opportunities to stay engaged and um contribute. Uh but so my vote is for Chris Smith. Um he brought a fresh perspective with no seemingly personal knowledge of past discretions. Um so a
fresh unknown face um and we could also use his knowledge of finance. Um I found him thoughtful, conscientious and caring. Um and I liked his comment about uh the brighter future for our kids.
>> Mrs. Gandhi. >> Um, I I also want to echo what Brian and Jenna said. I think it takes a lot to come up here and do the interview think so quickly on your feet without having any prior knowledge of what the questions are going to be. Some of you are familiar with the board, some of you
are not. I do recognize that many of you actually did some homework to kind of look into it even if you haven't been attending board meetings. So, thank you for that. Um, it was hard for me because I I feel like there were some really strong candidates, right? Um, but of course, we
only get to pick one. Um, so my vote is for Chris Smith and when he So, a few reasons why. One, um, I think him and there was one more candidate that kind of spoke about the kids. His exact quote was, you know, I
want to be able to sit here and create a brighter future. That says a lot. He talked about um he's going to be a new dad soon, and that's a huge commitment, right? But even though he's going to be a dad soon, he still wants to throw th kind of be part of the
board and commit and give his time to the board and to the community. That's commendable. One of the biggest things um you know in addition to doing policy writing, we passed a $und00 million budget. Chris has the financial background. So I feel that the first six months when we're
discussing the budget, he's not going to need a lot of training. Yes, he he may have some questions, but he understands that world really well. So I think that's very beneficial for us. Um and I think it's time to get some new
perspective right on this board. He's been in the community for 5 years. He's going to be a new father, you know, um he has a financial background. He wants to do right for the for the kids. And um I think we kind of need a little bit of all of that. So for that reason,
for those reasons, um I vote for Chris Smith. >> Thank you, Mr. Hyatt. Yeah, just echoing what Miss Carrera, Miss Gandhi said, um, and Miss Balmo, I thank you all for coming out. I think there is plentiful opportunities to be
involved in the board through the advisory committee, through sharing your perspectives and opinions. So, I would ask that you email us and request to be an adviser because you clearly um express interest in helping this board out and that appreciation is very
heartfelt for me. So, thank you. Um, I'm also voting for Christopher Smith. I think two main reasons in my mind. There's a couple c First of all, all the candidates were great. This is not an easy decision. I was leaning towards a couple different ones. So, when the
nomination came, um I was glad to hear that. But we are going into budget season. I think we do not have financial expertise among this board outside of our business administration. So, he fills a gap in my opinion there. Um, I liked the fact that
he really understood the job without having been on the board. Um, and I just like the way that he approached this. And I think we need a fresh perspective. And I think going into budget season, I would welcome someone with a financial planning background to provide that input and look at our budget fresh. It's
it's a hund00 million budget. We just passed a referendum. Um, there's a lot going on there. So, for those reasons, that's why I cast my vote. >> Thank you, Mrs. Shankowski. >> Um,
I am voting for Valentina Menddees. I appreciate everybody who came out uh to interview. I am someone who has experience on both sides. I started my board of ed experience filling a vacancy. So, I understand the pressure
of interviewing. And I also ran a campaign. And I have to tell you that the experience of running a campaign is vastly different. Um Valentina has run a campaign. She has put in um her sweat, her tears, her love, her time, her time
away from her family to service this community. And that's not only commendable, that should be um looked on with gratitude. Valentina had 6,500 plus votes from people who walked into a voter booth and
purposely clicked her name hoping to see her up here. And not only do I have a lot of respect um for Valentina, but I have a lot of respect for the democratic process and I have a lot of respect for sitting up
here knowing we represent voices and to acknowledge the 6,500 people who voted is very important to me as an elected official. Um Valentina has served this board for three years. She has served in
the capacity of vice president. She has served in the capacity of president as well. Um she has been the chair of the policy committee. We are a policymaking body. She is the only policy chair that I have ever seen that has spent hours and hours creating PowerPoint slideshows
for the community to show transparency to welcome them um in into the conversation to give them visuals to understand that people have different learning styles. So, she provided visuals, she gave handouts, and I think that is just the way she thinks about
her community. Um, she's always been kind, she's always been respectful. She has acknowledged community members, validated them, and respectfully disagreed agreed with them um if she needed to. And I just have to say that
one, she's worked for financial institution for many years years. So she um brings budget knowledge. So um that also had a lot to do with it. She has a lot of um budget experience working for
a financial institution and being on the board. So she has bud uh financial experience in both of those ways. But this is not a typical vacancy. The chair that this candidate is filling has yet to be filled. So coming out of an election season and the fact that she is
the only person who interviewed that showed the the fortitude to really really want to earn this. I feel that that's commendable and respectable and again that that's it's really out of our
hands. She's the only one who ran a race. She had 6,500 votes. So without a doubt, she is the person that I wholly feel is right for this seat. >> Thank you, Mr. Lolonsky.
>> Again, thank you everybody for coming out. We're really blessed tonight to have so many qualified candidates come out before us and uh and speak. Uh not easy. Uh not easy at all. Um my vote tonight is going to be for the person I believe out of the group who's the most
qualified, which should be Val Mendes. Uh Bal has shown an amazing aptitude towards policy. I mean this is what we are. We are policymaking board. Uh our our duty here is to do policy. There was no one that I have ever met in my I've
been 14 15 years on the board now that can recite understand and quote policy as Val Mendes can. It's the most important thing that we do and have someone and finance is important too as well and she does have background as well. But there's no one that I have met
that is more qualified to look at our policies and help us get through them than Mrs. Mendes. Um she's always brings a a good perspective. She speaks from the heart. She asks a ton of questions which sometimes gets us here till at midnight. But but showing she asks
questions tells me she does her homework. Tells me she reads the notes. tells me she reads the agenda before and does her research before she comes to the meeting because that's the only way you can have questions if you do your work and the more questions Val asks shows you the more work that she's done before she's got here to to come to the
meeting prepared. Um so you know thank you everybody again for coming out. I hope I see all your names in November on on the ballot and I hope you uh do a good campaigns we get real great background on you on you all. But again my votes for
Dr. Msquitz, >> I too want to thank everybody that came out today. It, you know, it was really hard because we had such great candidates here, but my vote is for Christopher Smith. I loved how he
started out with that he's looking for a brighter future for our kids. That's my philosophy, too, as as a an educator. Um I you know I also like the fact that he is um
knowledgeable in finance because once again we are working right now uh you know on the budget. So his u expertise in that area will be good. I also like the fact that he's young and I always encourage the young people to come out
and run for different offices because um you're our future, you know, and I'm I'm on my way out of the future. So, I like seeing all you guys coming in. Thank you.
>> Thank you. And Mr. Cohen, >> I don't know if I can top that. Um I I thanked everyone already, but I do want to sort of share something that Miss Janowski had said. You know, she had been on both sides. She was an appointed seat, but she also ran an
election. Um I share that although I didn't wasn't successful in the appointment part. I did put my name in and I understood the importance of it. But I want to say to those who are not um either nominated or who who won't win tonight, don't look at this as being the
end. I ran because I still thought it was important and I was successful. Um, and quite frankly, every day that I do this job and work in this position, whether it's as a board member or as the board president, it's very rewarding because you still look at the schools,
you look at the town, you look at the district, you look at the students and what we are trying to achieve here today. So, I please I I beg of you um don't look at this as the end. Just look at this as the start of your journey. Um, and hopefully you will um, put your
names in for the election in November, whether it's this year, the following year, but there's every year we have three seats that are up except for next year, this coming January, which it'll be four. Um, so that just my first perspective. Um,
I have to say that I think this is probably one of the most difficult decisions we've gone through as a board. We talked about every candidate in deliberations and there was such valuable um feedback that came from all of my my fellow board members and even
sitting around this table and listening to everyone talk about their decision. Um it continued to remind me of my reflection about what would be the best or who would be the best candidate. Um, Miss Menddees, Val, I you know, we have
spent lots of hours talking and you know, we've always had um I think good conversations and very good discussions and um I respect your passion and and and all the work you do and I do um appreciate the fact that even if we don't agree, we agree. Um and and that's
always been tremendously helpful and I asked you when I was nominated the board president last year and one I asked you and Mr. at that point to serve as mentors to me because it's important that someone who sits in this seat not be sort of thrown into the lion into the den with the
lions but sort of have someone there helping them and you know there is no doubt that you can fill this seat um tomorrow and as I said um to my colleagues around the table can hit the ground running um so I do appreciate that and I appreciate you being a part
of this candidacy. I also think that as I was thinking through this all um I was also thinking about fresh views, fresh perspectives, fresh ideas and Mr. Mr. Smith, you you know um you don't have the the experiences that um we all have
here on the board. But then again, we all started like you with no experience. Um, and we had to get our um, we had to get our feet wet and we had to try and um, I appreciate that you threw your name in and you willing to do that and the commitment and the time associated
with it with the new baby coming. I mean, those are all big responsibilities. Um, and I remember them like yesterday and mine are 21 and 24. So, um, I still remember it. But I do think that you bring to the table um,
those views and those perspectives. And what I also like is that it it helps us to sort of encourage new people, including the younger families in this town, to come to the table and be a part of what we do here as a board and to serve um and be involved. And that is to
me is a very important part. Um I'm going to say that I'm going to vote for Mr. Smith. Um I do believe that he can bring to this table um that new viewpoint, that new perspective, that new opportunity for us as a board to work together. And I also think that
given the fact that we have seven or eight board members around this table that all have more than one year of experience on that um that we can be a very pro very good board to help mentor you um going forward and I look forward
to sort of that um opportunity as well. So my vote is again as we repeat it for Mr. Chris Smith. >> Okay. Mr. Smith has five votes. He is the successful candidate. >> Well then Mr. Smith congratulations. You
are this next board member. >> Let's read the resolution. There is a resolution that we have to read. Um, under organizational matters, um, I guess I can read it. The
superintendent of school submits the following resolution for approval. Resolution to appoint Mr. Chris Smith to the board member vacancy. Be it resolved that the Marbor board of education here hereby appoints Mr. Chris Smith to the vacancy of the board of education on
February 3rd, 2026 through January 5th, 2027, which is the reorganization meeting. Any discussions? >> Moving it. >> Sorry. >> I I moved it. Who? Miss Gandhi. Any discussions on the resolution?
Seeing no discussions roll. >> Sorry, Mrs. Carrero. >> Yes, Mrs. Gandhi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hyatt. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Jenowski. >> No.
>> Mr. Lansonsky. >> No. >> Dr. Msquitz. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Palomo? >> No. >> Mr. Cohen? >> Yes. >> I can That's um >> Motion carries. >> Yeah. Motion carries.
>> Okay. So, the next item on our agenda is to actually have the administration of the oath. Mr. Smith, would you come up so our board attorney or will >> I do it? >> Our our interim board secretary could administer the oath of office, please. >> All right. Uh
>> oh. >> Test. Test. >> Do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States. that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey.
>> And I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. >> and to the governments established in the United States >> and to the governments established in the United States >> and this state >> and this state >> under the authority of the people
>> under the authority of the people. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. I, Christopher James Smith, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law >> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law
>> for the office of member of the board of education >> for the office of member of a board of education >> and that I am not disqualified as a voter >> and that I am not disqualified as a voter >> pursuant to RS194-1 >> pursuant to RS19 194-1
>> nor disqualified due to conviction of a crime >> nor disqualified due to conviction of a crime >> or offense for offense listed in NJS 18A 12-1 >> or offense listed in NJS 18A 12-1
>> and that I will faithfully impartially and justly >> and that I will faithful faithfully impartially and justly >> perform >> and perform all the duties duties, excuse me, of that office >> according to the best of my ability.
>> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. So help me God. >> Yep. Congratulations. >> Come take your seat. >> Please take your seat.
One more. >> Okay. Um, we are going to continue with our agenda. We are up to financial and business operations matters. Mr. Lansonsky, would you mind reading that? Financial and business operations matters. Superintendent of school submits the following resolutions for
approval. One, harassment, imitation, bullying, HI report. Two, travel. I so move. >> Thank you. And I have a second, please. Miss Gandhi, any discussions on this item?
Seeing no discussions, Mr. Jinsky, would you please take a role? >> Yes. Thank you, Mrs. Mrs. Gandhi, >> yes. >> Mr. Hyatt, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jenowski, >> yes. >> Mr. Lolansky,
>> yes. >> Dr. Msquitz. >> Yes. For one and two for staff and for Jenner Carrero and abstain for me. >> Thank you,
Mr. Smith. Uh, I'll abstain. >> Thank you, >> Mrs. Balomo. >> Yes. And >> Mrs. Carrero. >> Yes. Except um abstain from me.
>> Thank you. U Mr. Cohen. >> Yes. >> Okay. The next item on our agenda is the presentation of our school ethics act and code. Given the um the time frame and in the late hour, we're going to move that to our next agenda um for the
meeting on February 24th. >> Fourth. >> Thank you. Um moving on to the next item, policy development and community relations matters. Dr. Msquitz, would you read those? The superintendent of schools submits the following resolution for approval.
One, approval of the revised 2025 school year calendar. >> I so move. >> Thank you. Is there a second for this item? >> I I will let you. Yes. >> Miss Carrero seconds it. Uh Mr. Balone,
you have some comments you want to offer on this. >> I do. Thank you, Mr. Cohen. So this is uh reflecting a revised school calendar for this school year and the reason for it is um due to the emergency closure on
uh January 26th due to the snowstorm. Uh this board uh approved or the board I should say approved this calendar last year as we do every year and we have contingency plans in place on the
calendar. So it's generally the second page of the calendar. The first contingency day should we have an emer or should we had have the need for an emergency closure was scheduled for February 17th which is
lunar new year. So the initial thought was that's just you know that's that's where we start. We start on February 17th and we kind of work our way backwards. Um, I met with four students from this
school who were upset at that decision. Um, when I immediately found out that they were upset at the decision to take Lunar New Year as the emergency closure
contingency day. Um, I had three goals. The first goal was I wanted to listen to their perspective. The second goal was I wanted them to hear the district's perspective. And the third goal,
I wanted to ensure the Asian community that we were not showing any disrespect to their culture or anyone observing Lunar New Year. At that meeting, at that student meeting, we came to
what I believe is a a really good compromise. And one of the students who actually um there were four students. One of one of those uh four who doesn't even observe Lunar New Year but was advocating for his peers um asked me to
ask you if you would approve instead of you know they they kind of came together and said okay we understand we can't we can't be out of school. would you consider bringing to the board a one session day as a meet in the middle?
And I saw that as as a true meet in the middle. We talked about how when we disagree, we can't always get everything we want. Often times you have to come to the middle and compromise. Um it's a compromise on I think our part as the
district. It still gives us uh it counts as as a day in school. So, it meets the one of the 180day requirements for students, but it also acknowledges the fact that we have um some students and
staff members and community members who are observing this holiday. Um, so I I I found that to be a true meet in the middle and that's why you see on the calendar it's a um we we note that as a a gray box and the gray box is emergency
closure makeup one session day. Um the other thing that I did mention to the students and I'll mention um in my communication out to our community uh tomorrow when we when we provide the new calendar but I'll say it here for anyone
who is watching either live uh in person or we'll watch it as a recording. If you recall when we redid our policy, our attendance policy, we um we defined chronic absenteeism and we also outlined
uh per the state uh days that are actually excusable that do not count toward chronic absenteeism and do not adversely affect a student's attendance. Uh religious observance is one of them.
So, um, even though we have a one session day scheduled, this still allows those who are observing Lunar New Year to not be here at all with a note from a parent into the school and we will not count this
as uh it will not adversely affect your your attendance. I will communicate that to the families tomorrow. I communicated it to the four students who met with me. Um, we do need a note from your parents, right? Because I'm sure there are many
students out there who just don't want to come to school that day. Um, again, note from your parents saying we are observing this as a religious holiday which is permissible does not adversely affect attendance. So
I saw this as a as a true compromise for all of us and I commend the four students who met with me. Um thank you all for for meeting with me. I also thank their parents because I did reach out to each of their parents and had a conversation with them as well. They
were appreciative of our conversation. We had very productive conversations and none of even the parents uh felt as as though we were showing any sort of disrespect to their culture. So I, you know, brought it all together with my
third goal and and I thought this was a good compromise. >> Thank you, Mr. Baloon. I I want to say a few things. One is thank you for respecting the voice of our students and respecting them to sort of, you know, you said you said a very
great example of how um accessible you are and responsible you are to to students and that says a lot. Thank you for also, you know, finding compromise so that we can as a board also support multiple objectives, the need to meet
the 180day requirement, but at the same time being respectful of our diverse community we have here. Um but I will um just offer and say that there are a lot of other religious or cultural communities in Marboro that have um days
that were are represented on the board or I represent on the on the district calendar and they may benefit from some compromise as well. And I just ask you if you would just take an opportunity to sort of go back and look at the calendar and see if there's anything else that we need to consider so that we are treating
all of our um community members um fairly. Thank you. Yes, I I will do that. Um I know as as you you know we just approved the calendar for next year. Um so I will uh examine that calendar. I know
September 11th was a discussion um which was a a possible one session day for the first day of Rashashana. So I will take a look at that. Um the other thing that I think is worth mentioning is
um I would like this to set the precedent for any um other uh emergency closure contingency days. So for example, um Eid is is also an emergency closure contingency day.
should we need to to utilize that day. I would also like to apply the same philosophy where we come in for a one session day to to honor again the um to honor the community who observes Eid,
right? Um Diwali, if we were ever to take that, it's kind of unlikely because it typically happens in November. Um so knock on wood, usually there's not snow in November. Um, I guess there could be, but any other day, um, >> we've had it.
>> We have had it. President's Day is our next, right? If if we have snow before that happens. So, again, I would I would use the same philosophy and ask the board um to accept that philosophy just
so we have some equity and u so everyone kind of understands what our contingency plans will be moving forward. I certainly will look at September 11th for next year and um and take a look at that and I may be coming back to the board with a revised calendar for that.
>> Thank you. Any other comments or questions from >> I just need to add one very important thing that was asked like a million times. The hundth day of school is still February 19th. Even with the change in the calendar, everyone was concerned that it would be different. But February 19th is still the hundth day of school.
Okay, that was a big concern. Yeah, you can't have that as a moving target, right? >> I just >> And you said that was February 19th. >> Hey, Brian, just want to echo what you said as well and and thank Mr. Balone, Superintendent Balone, for taking the
action you took. That's commendable as well. The students are commendable, but you are commendable as well for sitting down with the students, listening to the students, and having an open mind and perspective. I think you came out with an amazing solution. So, thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Okay. Um, any other discussions on this item? Seeing none, we will go to a roll call. >> Okay. Mr. Hyatt. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Janowski? >> Yes. >> Mr. Lolansky? >> Yes. >> Dr. Msquitz? >> Yes.
>> Mr. Mr. Smith. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mrs. Balomo. Sorry. >> Mrs. Carrero. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gandhi. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Cohen? >> Yes.
>> Thank you. >> That brings us on to our next part of the agenda, which is old business. Do I have any old business that people would like to raise? Mr. Lanska? Yeah, I was going to bring up tonight the civility policy. Uh, not policy, civility, um, >> resolution
>> resolution, uh, but as it's a late hour and plus I would like Mr. Smith to have a chance to read it over so he can be part of that conversation in two weeks. I think it's not fair to talk about tonight with a new board member here. So, um, we should move that if you can, um, Mr. Cohen, if we can move a
discussion about that resolution to next meeting, I really appreciate it and formally have it so we actually have it. Um, >> everyone does have that, right? Except for Mr. Smith. It was shared with everyone. Everyone has it. >> Yeah. >> I just want to make sure. >> So, >> okay.
>> And, uh, that's part one. Part two, I'm going to try to hold the safety and security committee meeting before the next meeting. So, if anybody has any concerns, anybody wants a topic added to the agenda, please reach out to me so I can include it on the agenda. If anybody has anything they'd like me to bring it to the committee, now's the time. All
right. So, thank you very much. >> Thank you. Other new uh before I move on to other old business, Mr. Jolinsky, if you can just make note, um I know it'll take a couple of days to get Mr. Smith's set up on email and things like that. Since you have his existing email
address, >> would you be able to share with him the civility policy and the work that Miss Mendes did and Miss Carrero did? Yes. >> So that all board members have it? >> Yes, I will. >> Thank you. >> Other new other old business.
I have one that I just want to update the board on. Um, back in November of last year, there was a board resolution for myself and Mr. Gross to sort of look
into um putting together um some training for the board on sexual harassment and Title 9. Um we have we have been working on this. Thank you, Miss Carrera, for helping me out. Um so far we have um we have reached out to
several of the organizations that were recommended. Unfortunately the several of them don't do board level types of training. Um so they were not inclined to sort of even engage with us to sort of even discuss it. One of the organizations that we spoke with was um
it's called NJASA which is the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Um they are a New York New Jersey notfor-profit. Um they actually have chapters across all the counties and I think the one of the organizations that
was recommended to us which was 1,800 >> 180 Turning Lives Around. >> Thank you. 180 Turning Lives Around. They're the actually they they were the ones that were recommended to us during that board meeting. They're the ones who also said that they don't do board level training. So, um NJ the New Jersey
coalition put together a um proposal um for a training um but there is a a cost to it and we're working trying to figure out how we pay that cost because it was relatively high. And then we're also having a conversation next week with um
a um an attorney, New Jersey attorney who does training like this for boards to see whether or not he can help us do this. And then the other two things that we're doing is um the Newark Board of Education actually has a very extensive
board presentation, board training program that they have done on sexual harassment and title N. We're going to reach out to them through the good work of Mr. Gross. is going to do that with their um board attorney to see if we can get that training as a possibility. And then the the final one which is the
title nine training. I did reach out very early on to the um New Jersey um bar association um board association recommend recommend uh person who supports us Tim Tian and he had said that the NJSBA had stopped doing their
uh title 9 training program at the moment because of transitions or changes to the policy that may be coming from the federal government. So they didn't want to continue doing the training. So he didn't have a program that they can offer us. Um, but there are still
organizations that do title N training. Um, including locally right here there's um a Title 9 coordinator for the Brookdale Community College. I reached out to them to see if they would be willing to come here and talk to us about because they do training for their own board. So, we're still working
through this. I just wanted to make sure you understood all the different resources we've reached out to to try to get this training done. And our goal is to get the training done and to bring options to the board for us to all vote on and quite frankly at at least a costneutral or um cost um affordable way
that we can do this. Any questions for me or Miss Carrero as we or Mr. Gross. Okay. So that was the old business I had. Um any other old business? Seeing none, I'll move on to new
business. Any new business? Seeing no new business, um, we go to public comments. Do we have a list for anyone on public comments? >> I do. Um, I have a list. The first one on the list is Val Mendes.
>> Val Mendes, Morganville, New Jersey. First, I want to say congratulations, Mr. Smith. we had a really nice conversation um in the back while we were waiting. So, I'm happy for you and I really hope that you're going to do great things. So, congratulations to you. Um okay, so
just before I get there, I wanted to just go back to the civility thing. Thank you, Mr. Alonsky. I know it's going to be pushed to another meeting, but thank you for bringing it up again because that's where I'm standing now, too. So, um I just want to begin by
noting that that resolution I had brought forward on civility and governance um was not discussed this evening. I know you said it was late and you all would discuss it next time. So, I'm asking for clarity and an update on where this work stands and how the board
intends to move it forward. The conversations that originally prompted my resolution all the way back from September to now were not theoretical. They arose from documented incidents involving harassment, intimidation, and credible threats directed at a sitting
board member, Mrs. Danielle Balomo. At that time, I raised these concerns repeatedly through emails, meetings, and direct conversations with the board president, board attorney, and superintendent. Despite those efforts, there was no meaningful action, no clear
response pro uh protocol, and no follow-through. We did meet. So I want to make sure people know that my emails were answered with a level of response and we did meet. So I do want to say that. But nothing happened after those conversations.
What was needed then and remains needed now is specific enforceable action, clear safety procedures, which we have. So reviewing those, escalation protocols, and accountability when board members are targeted. Last month, an individual connected to
the original threatening text thread was present in this room. From the perspective of a resident, myself, and from lived experience as a board member, it is difficult to point to anything that has meaningful meaningfully changed. That reality raises serious
questions about what protections, if any, are currently in place today. I also thank you for the interview tonight and for all of the candidates that came out. I did go into the interview understanding that I would not be selected. I knew that that would be the
outcome. My work on the board consistently centered on accountability, transparency, and asking difficult questions, even when that made conversations, and most of you sitting here uncomfortable. That approach does not always align neatly with consensus, but it is
essential to effective governance. And I would note that in the most recent election, 6,56 residents chose to support that approach, which tells me these concerns resonate beyond this room. What is disappointing is not the outcome itself, because I already knew how it would
land, but the missed opportunity. You did have the opportunity to work with someone that might not fully align with you, but has demonstrated a willingness to engage seriously, challenge assumptions, and do the difficult work of governance in service of the community and working in finance. Once
again, that opportunity was not taken. Civility is not achieved through carefully worded resolutions or delayed conversations. That has happened. It is built through action, follow-through, and a willingness to confront real issues directly, especially when they involve safety. So, my hope is that the
board will provide a clear update on this work, where it stands, what actions are being considered, and how board member safety and and civility will be meaningfully addressed going forward. And I ask that you kindly share my original resolution with Mr. Smith. I
don't know any changes. I know Miss Guerrero, thank you. You told me last time you had cir you were circulating some of your edits. Thank you for that. I don't know what they are, but please make sure that everybody that Chris Mr. Smith understands my original intent because he doesn't know that people that
actually voted him in. Some of them were part of the text thread. So, please make him aware of that as well. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Mendes. Um, Miss Menddees mentioned several board members names. So, I just want to see if anyone wants to sort of make any statements.
Um, the order in which I heard was Mr. Smith. Our board policy says that if during public comments, if a if you're mentioned during public comments and you want to respond, you have an opportunity to respond. Um, and then they have an opportunity to respond back to you. So, since they did mention your name, you
have an opportunity to say something to Miss Mendes. If you don't have to, you can pass on it, but it's just I have to respect your opportunity to speak. >> Uh, yeah. I just wanted to uh say uh Val and I had a great conversation uh back
in the library prior to interviews and it was uh hard to explain right now but I know I'm stepping into a role that uh I have to live up to. So just to everybody and for Val as well I I assure you I'm I'm fully
committed to um delivering results. Thank you. >> Thank you. Miss Mendes, you have an opportunity to respond back if you want to. Thank you. Miss Balomo, you were also mentioned. >> So, Belle, thank you for your continued work. I have no doubt in my mind that
whether you're here or there, you're going to continue to to do um you know, what's right for everybody involved in this district. I would be remiss to not acknowledge the fact that I do believe um you know in my opinion that you are
not welcome back onto this board because of your ability to stand in your conviction, stand with with what is right and stand with protecting um board members and women. Um and I do believe that that is a real shame especially since we are responsible for um you know
protecting children and and women and staff um in this district. Um, you know, it it definitely doesn't go unnoticed by this entire community, the lack of action. Um, and it also doesn't go unnoticed that the two board members uh
that advocated very heavily for that are no longer on the board. Um, and then when the clear, you know, path to get you back here um was given, it it was shot down. Uh, that that doesn't go unnoticed and I I'm sure it doesn't go unnoticed by the community. So, just from the bottom of my heart, I want to
thank you for um for standing up for what's right and standing up uh to protect, you know, not only women but board members, elected officials um from threats against their life. I appreciate that. >> Mendes, you also have the opportunity to respond to that. Thank you. Mr.
Lolansky, you were also mentioned. No, I just say you mentioned I was going to bring it up tonight and I was and I'm very supportive of of your original uh uh resolution and we'll continue the discussion at the next meeting just late and I think it's only fair to Mr. Smith to have a chance to read it to
participate. So, >> thank you Miss Mendes. Um you promised me it when you when you your term ended in this at the end of well technically January, right? that you were always going to sort of, you
know, you know, offer help and guidance and share opinions and I appreciate that and I urge you not to stop. Um, in many ways I think you have what I would call the 10th seat around this table. Um, and I look forward to your continued
advocacy strongly and I have said this to you before and I'll say it again. Um I believe very heavily in the civility and pol in the civility resolution and in adjusting our policies to reflect the right balance that we need um both with policy as well as with process. So thank
you for that and I appreciate your continued um support of the district and what we do here. Uh is there anyone else who would like to get up and speak? Seeing no one else, I need a motion to close public comments.
Mr. Alonsky, I need a second. Miss Carrero, I I'm sorry. I I My head goes like this. It's like the tennis like a tennis match. Okay. >> Um all in favor? >> Let's go. >> All anyone opposed?
>> Motion to close. Public comments is completed. Um our last item on the agenda is executive is an executive session. Um this was supposed to be for matters of attorney client privilege. Our attorney has told us that there is no matter of attorney client approvals that need to be discussed. Therefore, we
do not need to have executive session. I will then move us to go to an adjournment. Can I have a second for adjournment? Dr. Msquitz. All in favor? >> Anyone opposed? We are adjourned. Have a good night
everyone and thank you. Morning. >> Good morning.