stands one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Annette, >> Mrs. >> Here, >> Mrs. Scheler >> here, >> Mrs. >> Here, >> Mr. Barnes,
>> Miss Decker, >> present, >> Mr. Nicolen >> here, >> Mr. Quinn >> here, >> Mr. D >> here. >> Mr. Thornton >> here. >> Sorry, I have to relog in. It kicked me out.
And I'd like to introduce our Spanish interpreter, Mrs. Susette Marie Carter. >> Hi, nice to see everybody. >> The New Jersey Open Public's meeting law. Public meetings law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advanced notice of and to attend the
meeting of the public bodies at which any business affecting their interest is discussed and acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of the act, the board secretary has caused notice of this meeting to be published by having the date, time, and place thereof posted on the bulletin board located in the hallway outside of the administrative
offices. And notice was provided to the Courier News, the Home News Tribune, and the Middle Sex Burough Clerk. Okay, we will start with our presentations and we have our student recognition highlight by Mr. O'Donnell.
Good evening everyone. Um today um uh I'm here but u before we get started kind of a couple little announcements. Um this if you're around this Tuesday is high school baseball opening day and pregame we're going to
have a little ceremony um to honor uh uh James Vulla. Um so we welcome everybody to attend. Um also we had a really exciting finish to the winter season. Um we had our boys bowling team won the
school's first ever group one state championship. Boys defeated Kennelon who is the sixth ranked team in New Jersey. Um we will have them at a board future board meeting once uh the rings are available and we can present the boys with their
rings. Um but tonight um I have the privilege of speaking about an exceptional student athlete who has made her mark on the school uh on this school year through dedication, perseverance, and passion on the wrestling mat, the soccer field, and as you will hear
shortly in the classroom. Aubrey Ramos had quite a year so far. Um, I wanted to bring her here this evening to celebrate her accomplishments this winter season, but as I began preparing, what I wanted to say, I thought I would be remiss if I did not highlight her achievements
during the soccer season as well. Aubrey scored 36 goals this season, which included five hat-ticks. That was enough to earn her a spot on the all Greater Middle Sex Conference team. As a teammate, she leads with confidence, communicates with purpose, and plays with a level of intensity that
inspires everyone around her. She understands the importance of teamwork, and consistently puts in puts that the success of the group above herself, making those around her better every time she steps on the field. But this winter during the wrestling season, she
has shown she has shown incredible strength, not just physically, but mentally. Wrestling is one of the toughest sports there is. It requires discipline, courage, and the willingness to face challenges head on, often standing alone under pressure. Match
after match, she demonstrated resilience, determination, and the heart of a true competitor. She has not only excelled individually, but has also helped pave the way for other female athletes in a sport where representation continues to grow. I believe she recruited nearly the entire girls soccer
program to wrestle. [laughter] Um this year Aubrey placed third in the GMC tournament. Um last year she was our our school's first ever um female GMC champion. Um she became Middle Sex High School's first ever district wrestling
champion. >> Uh this year she finished third in the regions. And uh most exciting this uh past weekend down at Atlantic City um Aubrey became our school's first ever state place winner.
she [clears throat] finished fourth. Um, so for perspective, uh, I mean it's it's a every level of the way to get to Atlantic City is a difficult task. Uh, she reached Atlantic City along with her teammate um, Madison Clark, which is as
a first year wrestler a tremendous accomplishment for her as well. Aubrey completed her season with a 35-9 record and earned all GMC White Division honors. um balancing two sports demanding sports along with academics is
no small task. Yet she managed to excel in all areas. Her commitment, work ethic, and positive attitude set the standard for what it means to be a true student athlete. Beyond her athletic achievements, she's a role model. She shows others what it means to push past limits, stay focused on her goals, and
lead with both strength and humility. It's an honor to recognize her accomplishments and celebrate everything she has achieved this year. We're excited to see what she will continue to accomplish in the future as she helps Middle Sex High School grow the sport of girls wrestling. I have here uh Coach
Ryan Boyd and we'd like to have Aubrey come up to recognize her with a certificate. [applause] [applause] >> [applause] >> and now we are doing our district student of the month presentation. Absolutely. And Mr. O'Donnell said a lot of what I'm
going to say, but let's continue to celebrate Aubrey. When I asked Aubrey Ramos what she loves, her answer was immediate. Sports. No hesitation, no pause, just sports. And it didn't take long to understand why. Aubrey has been
playing varsity soccer and has been on the field since she was four years old. When she talks about the game, it's not just about competition. It's about the people. Her friends play. Her team brings the energy. And for Aubrey, that feeling when everyone is locked in
together on the field is what makes soccer special for her. Then I asked about wrestling, and the smile that came over her face said everything. That was the moment I knew this wasn't just another activity. This was something she
truly embraces. Aubrey didn't originally expect to wrestle, but she started in fourth grade inspired by her parents. Since then, she's leaned into the challenge with confidence and determination. When I asked about the recent Atlantic
City final matchup, she admitted it was scary. But once she stepped onto the mat, she did what competitors do. She locked in and she was focused. And that focus is exactly what defines Aubrey as both an athlete and a student.
Outside of athletics, Aubrey enjoys spending time with her two younger brothers, JJ and Charlie. A reminder that behind the fierce competitor is also a caring big sister who values family. Before we wrapped up, I asked Aubrey what advice she would give
another student. Her response was simple but powerful. Don't quit. Don't let them stop you. That's advice worth holding on to. Congratulations, Aubrey. Your determination, energy, and focus make
you a true example of what it means to represent Middle Sex with pride. [applause] [clears throat] We are not going into executive session till later. We'll move on to our announcements. Um, I don't really have
any announcements today. I just wanted to say congratulations to the boys uh bowling team on their state championship win. Congratulations to Aubrey on her four fourth place placement at states. And um also the
competition cheer team this year they were they made it to finals for game day for the first time ever in program history. So excited for all of our sports teams this winter. Um they so many exciting things. Okay. And now our superintendent of schools, Dr. Robera Freeman.
Just a quick reminder that strategic planning focus groups will be next week on Tuesday, March 31st, and on Wednesday, April 1st. Please check our website to outline what sections what sessions are being held on what days.
But it's really important that everyone comes out and your voice is heard. Thank you. Now, our business administrator, board secretary, Miss Anette. >> Good evening, everyone. Um, really no announcements um other than the budget
is complete and ready to submit to the county office. that'll be done um tomorrow or Friday and then timing wise we [clears throat] wait for them to review it and then it comes back to us and we make any changes that they require and then it will be posted and
up for um at the public hearing in April at the April board meeting. >> Thank you. Now we'll move on to our liaison reports. We'll start with our Middle Sex Public Library Board of Education representative, Miss Aaron Gomez. Good evening everyone. I don't
have anything report tonight, but we do have our next meeting on I believe Monday, April 6th. >> Thank you. And then we'll move on to our NJSBA county delegate and our legislative officer, Mrs. Sharon Schuler.
So, the delegate assembly um will be held in May. I believe it's the 16th. Um it is a Saturday. Um every all board members are welcome to attend in person but there is also a virtual option if you want to attend that way. The myself
as the voting member I have to attend in person. Um I also sit on the resolution subcommittee. So that meeting is um April 14th. Um and at this point we have six resolutions to review that would go to
the delegate assembly um if we move them forward. Um and then uh there is a task force currently with New Jersey school boards to review and revise the way the delegate assembly is run and handled. So
more to come on that. Uh the legislative committee meeting that I attended on uh March 14th, we had a guest speaker who was the chief of staff for the um commissioner of education. His name is Chris Williams. He was very knowledgeable. I did just receive the um
summary of that and I will forward that to you um at the end of this meeting. That's it. Thank you. And now our Middle Sex County SBA delegate and our Burough Alliance leaison, Mr. Tom Thornton. >> Good evening. Um Burough Alliance, uh
their meeting is next month, let's say on a Wednesday. Um I did we didn't have a a county meeting however I did the Hudson County meeting virtual and um they talked about main thing they were
talking about from the New Jersey Commission on the effects of social media usage adolescence. Um, one of the main things you don't mind if I read this. Okay. Uh, for education and community
organizations, uh, it says school districts should adopt implement policies. Anybody everybody hear me? >> Is the green light on? >> Yeah, it's on. I just want to make sure. Yep. uh school districts should adopt and
implement policies on student cell phone use by instituting a bell ban on the use of cell phones and social media in school. The department of education in cooperation with education associations should review and revise standards
relating to digital citizenship and information and media literacy to reflect the findings of the commission. The New Jersey Department of Education in cooperation with education associations should increase awareness
of the above academic standards and share resources with schools to support their implementation of these key skills. School districts should continue to focus their efforts to provide students with instruction on digital citizenship
and information on media literacy across grades and content areas. And the last one they have in here is uh community organizations should promote resources to support teams healthy use
of social media and develop any supplemental resources that would be most helpful and relevant to their stakeholders. And I had also um I met actually he's a friend of mine.
I grew up with him. Um, I met one of the state senators at a meeting, uh, Owen Henry. He's on the, uh, he's member of the health, human services, senior citizens, um, committee and the education
committee, also law and public safety. uh he brought up some things that similar well both actually the same stuff on and uh his view on the things that Ben Hall has brought up recently.
So it was very interesting. He said anytime you want to come down to Trenton call me >> open invitation to see how everything's going. So just
any that's all I have. I'm sorry. >> Thank you. [clears throat] >> Okay. And now our student representative, Mr. Kevin Ren. So, this has actually been quite a busy month. I'm excited to go over there. We got a lot going on in high school and as
a whole. Okay. So, so first of all, I'm going to go over sports. [clears throat] Um, we're going to hear a lot about Aubrey tonight. Sorry about that. Well, it's a good thing, but um, so our wrestling team >> Yeah. Yeah. Sorry. Our wrestling team,
they went 19 and8. And our spotlight from the wrestling team this year was, of course, Aubrey. She went third in regionals and fourth in states. And she was, what was the other one? Um, I guess district. she won or she was the district champion for this year. And
then our bowling team, they went undefeated and they won states again. Sorry about that. And our basketball team, our boys basketball team, they went 19 and N. And our girls basketball team, they went 14 and 13.
That's all for sports this month. >> [clears throat] >> So this month was women's history month and our students across grades had a project where they would cover a significant woman of history and their accomplishments and they did poster boards that are hung up in the hallway
right in the front of the school down there. And our la our morning announcements team also had a highlight like a woman of the day pretty much where they would again cover a significant woman of [clears throat] history and their accomplishments.
So that was pretty cool. So finally this month we had a bunch of commits for high school um or for college and we're probably going to see a bunch more in the next month because Ivy Day is tomorrow. was just left. Um, so we had Emma Y, she committed to the
University of Delaware. Sean Hughes, he committed to Penn State for baseball. Deborah Calderon, she committed to American University. Chris Kak committed to Clemson. Jesse Flores committed to Ryder. Lacy Dino committed to Coastal Carolina. Zach Morland committed to
Lincoln Tech. Aiden Donado commit committed to Pace. And Miguel Mariniac committed [clears throat] to Ruckers. And there's probably gonna be more tonight. We had like four in the last day, so they're all coming now. [clears throat] So this month we've had spirit days. Um
the first one was back on March 6th. It was our college gear day. So we're college that we want to represent. Um the most recent one was or the sec second most recent one was Y2K day. Still don't understand that one. It's like a [laughter]
so I didn't do anything for that one. Um and we had St. Patrick's Day for St. Patrick's Day. Wear wear green. [laughter] Um we had March Madness recently which was for wear whatever sport team you rep
you're repping for March Madness. And coming up we have sweats versus denim this Friday. It's like jean versus I guess pajamas and sweatpants. So our music scene was very active this month. We had our listening room and
they also had their modern band performance and the Broadway cabaret night for the performing arts. We also had a lot of awards. Um, two students Emily Penna and Angie Bellski got to perform at the NJ's honors NJ honors band which is like the first time in
history of Middle Sex which was really cool. and Emily Penna, Lauren, Jac, Jacob, Calvin, Tran, Phoebe, and Angie got nominated to attend the Teen Arts Festival to perform there as well. So, those were two really cool achievements
for our school. [cough] Uh, and then besides that, we had a bunch of students took a tour to NJIT. Um, Paul De and his team gave our cafeteria a makeover. There's a really nice sign in the cafeteria. It says home
of the Blue Jays right there in the middle. And we also have our annual hackathon at Mom University, which you can see on the right. So my school of focus for this month was Mogger. I went down there on Monday to
interview Miss Morland and Dr. Christopherson. So the big thing they told me about how was they were expanding mentorship programs for emotional well-being for students and they're also they just joined the global kindness initiative that I covered in um
Parker and so they've been doing like monthly initiatives like canned food drives and random acts of kindness. That was February. Um, in March recently for Pi Day they did they had a competition for who can name the most digits of pi.
Apparently the highest was 87. I have no idea how that's possible. I can remember five. [laughter] >> Okay. And then I also talked to Miss Pang. She's the I guess head of the arts department over there. And I'm not gonna lie, I think
the high school has some competition because they have some ridiculously cool art projects that five on the right or on the left. You can see they have they're making like 3D paperier-mâché projects. Right now, they're unfinished, so they're white, but like they're just
using paperier-mâché to make 3D objects like a shark, a turtle. That's really cool. Um, and then on the in the middle on the right, you can see their watercolor art projects that they're doing. So, yeah,
high school competition. [clears throat] And besides that, I talked about sports. Um, they're, let's see, they're the girls basketball team. They went undefeated. And I've also heard about their soccer teams were almost
undefeated, which is crazy because when I was there, we lost every game. So, and then on the right you can see Miss Clap's starting her annual paper like roller coaster project where they cut out like they print out the templates and they cut them up and tape
them together and then put roll of marble down them. It's a really cool almost a roller coaster. They display what they would physics and then besides that I talked to Miss Nicholas as well, head of the tech department there. They recently they got new 3D printers and so
they've been doing more projects that involve them and one of them is how the eighth graders for their like big project of the year they basically come up with a product or a game of sorts with the 3D printers and they make a
commercial to market them and then she got the sixth and seventh graders to basically vote who they thought was the best. So that's pretty cool. and then [snorts] what's to come. So, of course, we have all the commits are going to roll
through next month. Um, I expect, well, May 1st is the official date, but I expect after spring break, everyone's going to have decided by then. So, we'll see all of them. And besides that, we spring sports starting. We actually just started. That's boys and girls baseball.
Sorry. Boys, baseball, girls softball, track and field, and there's one more thing. Tennis and golf, too. >> Um, yeah. So, that's about it. Thank you guys. >> [applause] [laughter] >> DID YOU SEE?
>> OKAY, we'll move on to our meeting minutes. Um, those are noted there. Superintendent recommends approval of item 5.01 as presented. So moved. Second. >> Any questions or comments on the minutes
from last month? >> Okay. Annette, can you please take the role? >> Mrs. Parent. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Scheler. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bichek. >> Yes. >> M. Decker. >> Yes. >> Mr. Nichol. >> Yes. >> Quinn. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Reynolds. >> Yes. >> Mr. Thornton?
>> Yes. >> Thank you. Now we'll move on to our public comment portion of the meeting. Comments at this time are limited to agenda items only. Please come to the podium and put your name, address, email address, and subject of your comment into the record book. Before speaking, please give your name, address, and
subject of your comment to Miss Annette Gordano, business administrator, board secretary. Direct your comments and questions to the board president. You may speak on two separate topics for up to three minutes each. Good evening. Uh I want to speak tonight about uh the uh superintendent's
employment contract and about policy 1220 uh which on tonight's agenda for adoption. Get closer. Sorry. Policy 1220 as written states, I'm quoting directly, the employment contract between the superintendent must be approved with full recorded roll call majority vote
with full membership of the board and public board meeting per statute [clears throat] sorry um it further states that the only only the board seat at this time of expiration of the current superintendent contract may
appoint an approved employment contract to the next superintendent. The board is adopting language that language that that those are with accordance to the statutes and I fully agree. The problem is section 8 of Dr. Freeman's existing contract directly contradicts both of them. Section 8 provides that our
contract shall automatically renew for four years uh through June 30th, 2031 unless the board acts to stop it by January 20th, 2027. No vote, no public meeting, uh no executive county superintendent approval. The renewal happens through silence. That's the
opposite of what 1220 requires. The board cannot adopt a policy tonight that demands a recorded roll call vote yet has a contract with the superintendent that has no vote at all. Those uh two positions cannot coexist. Regarding the contract itself, the resolution the
board approved November 15, 2022 um is that runs through 20 uh June 30th, 2027. Today the date June 30th, 2031 appears nowhere in those meeting minutes. uh those words uh the words automatically appear nowhere alongside
that date. The community has no idea that the commitment through 2031 is being made that night because the agenda and resolution make no mention of it. As a result, I have filed a lawsuit in the Middle Sex County Superior Court challenging section 8 of uh the ability of the contract section 8 of Dr.
Freeman's contract. uh if you are curious is Middle Sex County docu in the law division uh document number 19 uh 1923-26. I want to be clear what I'm asking the court to do. I'm asking a middle six county superior court judge to declare that section 8 of this contract is void
has no legal effect that Dr. Freeman deployment contract expires on its own terms on June 30th 2027. That declaration is granted. No automatic renewal occurs. The board seat in 2027 would be required to negotiate, vote on, and approve an entirely new contract in full public view subject to the exa
executive county superintendent. [clears throat] I'm not asking the court to remove Dr. Freeman. I'm asking the court to ensure that any continuation of her employment uh beyond 20 uh June 30th, 2027 goes through transparent public process that New Jersey law requires. The uh same
process that policy 1220 will require. uh formal services of summon and complaint will be made in the coming days. The board in Dr. Freeman in our official capacity are named as defendants. I would ask this board on record tonight how policy 1220 as adopted is consistent as section 8 of the contract. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Laura Thomasy 109 Green Avenue. Uh my first question is um were there any additions or deletions to the agenda after they were posted yesterday as compared to today? >> Yes, there were changes.
There were a couple of um additions. Can I ask what they were? Oh yeah, there's um an additional contractual appointment, additional substitutes. Um it looks like an additional leave of
absence and the updated hourly rate that Mr. Thornton brought up last night for the um community school aids to match minimum wage. That was just a typical. So I'm going to ask again. I I'm asking that question, but is there any reason
why a little paper or something can't be put up for people that read it on Tuesday and then come on Wednesday and things are changed? There's a lot of pages to go through to see that. Okay. I will make a note of that. Thank you.
Um, I just was wondering, I know, um, business administrator talked about the budget. Can I please ask what the processes that you go through to develop that budget and who's involved in that process? >> So, so yeah, we have there is a process um
that we can send to you. Um but there is like a whole the state requires certain things, the county requires certain things and the superintendent and the business administrator are in charge of overseeing that. Okay. So let me ask do
the department heads meet with the principles of their schools and they come up with the budget and then the principles send what their request is to the committee. We will provide you with all of that information. >> You can't tell me now or you did the budget. You can't tell me how
>> this is public comment, not public discussion. >> So I won't get any answers for my comments. Is that what you're saying? >> You always get answer to Mrs. Thomasy. You always get respons from the last meeting.
>> They're right here. Thank you. >> They must go to my spam because I do not get them. The answers you sent via email to me. >> They are here tonight >> as part as bold business, but in the past they have been emailed to you. >> So you didn't send me anything for the past meeting. You're saying we have
them. >> Each one of the questions that were asked at the last meeting are here. >> But that's what I mean. Mr. Schneider, if you want to say something. It's not a back and forth. >> Yeah. I mean, I'll just add to that. This is not a back and forth. This is
public comment. If the superintendent or a board member wants to answer a question, obviously they can. Otherwise, they can get answers to you to the extent they're required to at a later date, but for right now, you're supposed to make your comment and, you know, turn it over to the next person essentially.
>> Okay? So, you just are making comments. You're not getting any answers. So, >> again, this is a public comment session. It's not a back and forth. It's not meant for uh, you know, you to ask question, fire off questions, and for board members to respond to them at this time. This is for you to make a comment on anything that's related to the agenda
right now. >> Okay. So, I'm not I'm going to make a comment. I read in the um on the agenda, I know that we have students come here and tuition is paid for them to come here or vice versa. Um I saw that there are two students coming from playing
field for first and second grade. And I don't understand if I know if there's something that their school doesn't provide, but I would think Planefield provides first and second grade. That's my comment. Okay. My next one is um I would like to
thank the assistant superintendent for explaining to me last night and maybe there could be better clarification so that people will understand. So on the agenda there are several um appointments for positions for the MASA which I have
since found out is the Morg Academic Success Academy which I think is wonderful. and you explained to me that's all being paid for by federal money. Is that correct? Okay. So, that's a wonderful thing. However, if you read the agenda and you see that on there
right away, I thought that's budget money. So, I'm going to make another request and um on the bill list it probably is the same thing that maybe I'm misunderstanding something. So, I don't know if it would be a real
hardship to do this, but when you plug in the numbers for payment to a company or whoever, if it could just be listed whether it was a federal, state grant money used. And if you don't put
anything, then we'll know that it is the budgeted money that was used. Then my last comment would be I was here last night for the um presentation which I thought was very informative and
when she spoke about um visiting schools, I thought that that was a great idea. And I know that board members have a life other than being board members. But I think that there are situations and maybe just a better way for the public and for you to know what's going
on in the schools that maybe you could visit. Um I'm not saying each board member visit every school. Maybe take one school and go visit and talk to the staff and the kids and whatever and find out if there's any issues, pros, cons,
or whatever that you could bring back to the rest of the board to share. so that the public knows that you are aware of what's going on in the schools. [clears throat] Thank you. Melissa Zyax, 6 Frankston Drive. Um, I
actually have a question about that policy 1220. Um, when I went back, so I see it's being adopted. So I went back to last month the second reading and I believe the highlighted part [clears throat] was what was changed.
Now I know this says mandated revised but there were last month highlighted options that said optional and then I see on this adoption that it's been filled in. Right? So what whatever was
selected was selected. Um, and one of those things that was selected, um, was requiring a doctorate for our superintendent. Um, I've been here a long time. I went here. I could tell you I actually don't remember a
superintendent that was not a doctor but um for the size of our school and our district I think limiting the pool of applicants um you know a preferral is definitely something to
take into account but to actually limit applicants based on whether or not they have a piece of paper I think is not the right decision for our district um to put in as a policy. Like I said, if we want to post it as a preferred uh
method, um and it's funny because as I was doing that, I saw Branchburg posted their new superintendent. Now, granted, they're only three schools. They're prek um but it was a Mr. Something and it was on a a news page on Facebook, which can
be relentless as everyone knows. and yet every comment was positive about how lucky Branchburg was. Um, and I just feel like putting that in this policy um could limit us. So, I'd like you to consider that. Um,
and then the other question I just have is based on uh what uh Miss Thomasy asked. So, this packet that I picked up coming in, that is the full correct packet of everything tonight,
>> right? It's I didn't print it myself. I picked it up from there. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. Yes. Okay. All right. And um the budget presentation last year that was done at the CO and
done again, will it be done again? Will it be posted somewhere? >> Yes. So, we're going to post the uh presentation on the website and then anyone who has questions can contact Dr. Freeman and she'll get the answer or work with M. >> Okay. So, it's not technically on this
agenda because and you had said the questions from last meeting. >> Yeah, we're going to go over and hold business. >> Okay. Later. >> Okay. Perfect. Thank you, >> Linda Rochetti. Um, in reference to the budget, I did just a mini uh compare comparison budget
and demographic analysis between Middle Sex Burrow and Manville because they're similar to each other. Um, we have Middle I'll do Middle Sex Burrow first and then Manville Burrow. Uh, roughly
four square miles is our town. Manville is roughly 3.5 square miles. Population 14,000 give or take here. Manville 12. Um, a little over 2,000 students in our
district. Manville, 1700. Uh average tax uh to the homeowner is $9,500 for Middle Sex, 5,700 for Mandel Burrow. Average home price 489, Mandville 470.
And here's the kicker. Um what we budget in, our budget for admin is close to $4 million and Manville does it for close to $2 million. That is a huge discrepancy. Did a quick Google search.
Um, and it was for how to be fiscally irresponsible as a district and the number one habit that kept coming up was minimize administrative costs.
Um, that's just a statement. And I would also like to ask some questions about how things are listed in the budget because it is lengthy. There's close to 90 pages. So for someone to just comb through that and go through that is is a lot. Um but
people are willing to do it. Uh there's a couple of things on there that we weren't I wasn't sure like where the money was going. For instance, like the security detail being a hot topic. Um, so like when you go to the grocery store
and you buy milk, you know, they're not going to charge you for orange juice. I'm just trying to understand how or if there could be more transparency on how things are taking out. Like when I write a check or however I do my budgeting, I
make a memo for okay, this is like a sub level of this thing that I'm doing. You know, like I'm paying my electric bill, but this is because of an overage. just as an example because I think that would clear up a lot of misunderstanding as to how to read the budget and where things
go. [laughter] >> Hi, good afternoon. So, I'm actually a newbie to a board of education meeting here in Middle Sex. Um, we just moved here in 2023. Um, but I did I I didn't realize we had to check the agenda beforehand. Um, and
I I didn't see where it was posted. I kind of just showed up. Um, I knew the board meeting was today, but I did want to ask about the prechool application and registration process. I don't know if I would have the platform to do so here. Um, so, um, right now the
comment portion is for agenda items. um the prek as far as I know if there's nothing. Okay. Um but you if you contact Miss Gomez um she can give you all the information for the prek. >> Sure. Because I've been calling since
January calling emailing calling again emailing again and nobody's answering my calls and now they're telling me it's closed even though the website said registrations open in spring which was just last week. So, I'm very concerned about the transparency
and the process that we're using. >> Okay. It's just my comment. >> Can Yes. Can you just um let us know your name? >> Gabriella. My last name is Mon M O N J E and my address is 147 Style Avenue.
Actually, I think somebody around here is my neighbor. >> Oh, hi. [laughter] >> And then if you could just write it in the book. But yes, again, if you have concerns specific, is there >> questions specific to the prek program,
you can contact Miss Gomez and she she will have a discussion with you. >> Sure. Thank you so much. >> All right, I'm gonna have another Hi, I didn't check the agenda either, but my comment is really just actually kind of like for help. It's really about
my curriculum and policies. My it's probably in there somewhere. Um, [clears throat] now I'm going to start. So, my name is Joy and my son is a student at Maver Middle School. Um, and I I really am clarifying I'm speaking on two topics tonight. One is it was the
French program. So, I was going from the French to Spanish. And then also just the communication that kind of transpired after I asked a couple of questions. Um, and honestly, I didn't really want to speak on this publicly. Um, I said before here actually that my son's
French grade is probably pretty low on my list of concerns when it comes to instant education, but I think it kind of um what happened kind of reflects some like bigger issues. So on March 4th, I emailed the principal and the assistant principal and Dr. Freeman is
on that correspondence as well. Um just asking how much son's second marking period French grade was determined. So they were given an actual number grade for French second marking period. Later I added to that question who was responsible for grading my son.
Um so I was first told that grades were based and I actually have all the correspondence. I have the emails and I have everything I'm about to say here. I'm going to give it to you so that somebody can get back to me just with the information. I was told that the grades were based on marking period averages, current
assignments, and class participation. But during that time, there's nothing in Genesis at all. And my son's Google Classroom did not reflect any assignments being posted since October actually was the last correspondence we had. When I asked for those actual
assignments, the grades and the record supporting the grade, I was told that the teacher responsible was no longer with the district. So, which I understand that. So, after I followed up again since a teacher leaving the district doesn't involve the school of having documentation,
especially if they're giving grades, I received the last response was, you know, thanking me for bringing it to their attention. I was told that a grade book could not be fully located or verified, that some grades were not entered properly, and that information was missing. Furthermore, they did let
me know that lesson plans were created. Um, and then at that point, I just that's why I'm here. I figured, you know, this school was going to give me as much information as they were willing to give a parent on that topic. So, I mean, we all know that a lesson plan really isn't a great book, right? And um
if there's no documentation, then what exactly was the grade based on? And under what policy was that allowed? So when the marking period to grades first came out, my son didn't have a French grade listed. Like we got our report cards, there was no grades. Uh
that made sense because we knew that, you know, obviously they were having problems staffing that and really it was almost like a STEM call from what I understand for seventh and eighth grade students. um because no grade was visible. I didn't even question that it was left, you know, there was no grade there. But then a French grade appeared
later. So now we do have grades. They somewhat went into genesis at some point. I actually second guessed myself. So I checked with another parent. So I have a she actually printed out the report card showing that there was no French grade initially there. So in both my son's case and her student's case,
that grade, her second marking period is identical to the first marking period, which makes me believe, did we just carry over the creed because you had to right in Genesis or maybe something had to be put there. Again, just a little transparency on that. So I guess for me, and I understand
grades can be corrected, entered after report cards are issued. I get it. But if that happened here, I guess my questions are what policy allowed it, who authorized it, and what verified documentation supported the grades that were given to the students.
And then you know in turn and I think this is more about the front grade it's really about the correspondence that followed thereafter that was like a little concerning like I wasn't able to get the questions um or the you know the questions to my answer uh my question or answers to my
questions which kind of damages trust a little bit when I just wasn't able to to get that type of information. So like I said I have copies here just so that you guys can help me get those answers. It's a print out of the lesson plans that Dr. received did give me. So there were lesson plans created by whatever teacher
you know left. Um copies of my son's Google classroom showing no communication a report card showing that there was no French grade reported um initially. So and and a copy of my questions which
again you know how is it determined who was the teacher right and then when they did go in those grades like what policy allows that to happen and how do we support the grades being given to these students >> thank you
that's all in there Thank you. Sure. Oh, Thomas 109 Green Avenue. I forgot when I was up here before to ask this question. I looked through the website. I printed a lot of things and under revenues and appropriations um papers that I looked
through. I wondered if you could explain to me what the rental of land and building for $144,275 what that would be for for 202526 budget.
We will get you that information. Okay, that if you want to know it's 49080 and 5110 0 for 400,431 for total security. If you could tell me
what security that was for. And then 44180 also has the same title as 41080. One is for 605,274 and the other one for 87,261. But I don't understand total something. It's It's very hard to
understand what that's for. So, if I could give an explanation on those. >> And what year was that? >> That number. There are two >> 44180. >> No, no, the year you said you >> That's this year.
>> Well, it's what this paper shows is actual audited, revised, proposed. >> So, that was for the 2526. >> Okay. and and if those particular items that I'm talking about, were they included on
the 2627 budget? >> Okay, thank you. My first comment is I'm slightly not slightly I'm disappointed because last night I stood up here and asked if the board would present the budget against
the people that were able to come tonight. So I am disappointed as usual. So that's just my comment. My second request is I would like to request since you can't review anything
that was done last night when asked if you can please someone on this board propose to record the cow meetings for the for our the people of this town. We have the right to know what happened obviously
and I think it would be very beneficial maybe even to the superintendent. I don't know why everybody's so opposed to do that. It was very informative and I think you guys are missing the big picture because I think if people knew what happened last night they may be
able to understand a little bit about what's going on tonight comment. I would like to see that happen, but I'll leave it there. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Just to piggy back of that, I did forget to say this part, but I did peruse
minutes of previous uh meetings to see if there was any information about prek, and I haven't been able to find any information about prek still. So I'm hopeful to talk to anyone that can answer my questions with that process.
>> Okay. Yes, things go as well. >> Okay. We will now close public comment portion of the meeting. Excuse me. Oftentimes, it may appear to members of our audience that the board of education takes action with very little comment and in many cases a unanimous vote. Before a matter is
placed on the agenda at a public meeting, the administration has thoroughly reviewed the matter with the superintendent of schools. If the superintendent is satisfied that the matter is ready to be presented to the board of education, it is then referenced to the appropriate board committee. The members of the board committee work with the administration
and the superintendent to asssure that the members fully understand the matter. When the committee is satisfied with the matter, it is presented to the board of education for discussion before any final action is taken. Only then is it placed on the agenda for action at a public meeting. Okay, we'll move on to our personnel
report by our committee chair, Mr. Nicholas. >> Thank you, Madam President. [clears throat] The superintendent recommends approval of personnel action items 9.1 through 9.13 as presented. >> So moved. Mr.
Second. Any questions or comments? [clears throat] >> Yes, I have a question. I'm allowed to vote on this. Correct. >> Well, on this I'm going to answer that to the specific question that was supposed to be correct. Related to your familiar relationship, but yes, you are. I am no longer conflicted on that
relationship. That's not a conflict for the uh school. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Any other questions or comments? Annette, can you please take the role? >> Mrs. >> Um, recuse on 9.12 number one. Yes. To the rest.
>> Mr. Schuler. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> M. Decker. >> Yes. >> Mr. Nichol. >> Yes. >> Mr. Flynn. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Reynolds. >> Yes. >> Mr. Thornton. >> Yes.
>> Okay. We move on to our education report by our committee chair, Mrs. Reynolds. >> Hi, good evening. The superintendent recommends approval of education items 11.01, acceptance of anti-bullying report, 11.02, tuition students
received. 11.04, Home Instruction, 11.06, Student Teacher Internship Placement. 11.09, Fire and Emergency Drill Reports. 11.10 field trips and class trips. 11.11 workshop travel and
related expenses 11.12 special education services 11.13 corrections and revisions to previous agenda and 11.14 other educational items second. Any questions or comments on
education items? >> Okay, can you please take the role? Mrs. Penzy, >> yes. >> Mrs. Scheler, >> yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Miss Decker, >> yes. >> Mr. Nicol, >> Mr. Quinn, >> yes. >> Mrs. Reynolds,
>> yes. >> Mr. Thornton, >> yes. >> Thank you. We'll move on to our policy action items. Superintendent recommends the approval of policy action items 12.01 to 12.04 as presented. So moved.
>> Second. >> Any comments or questions on policy items? >> Yes. Uh in light of one of the public comments, are we should we pull that policy until recommended or how should we move forward that?
I mean, if the majority feels that we should table it, we can, >> but I I believe the policy is similar to what's already in place, correct? >> Yeah. >> Right. So, I feel the question is more at least the public comment is more
question. No, there there was a a comment saying that they don't they don't agree that we should require doctor for the position. >> Oh, you're right. >> So, that that is not a new provision. That is not new. It's been in place
since Dr. Rev fought for that adamantly um 10 years ago. So, it's that is not a new item being put in this time. I just want to make that clear that it it was
not but Dr. Reneck fought and got consensus back then and it has remained in since then. Is there any and maybe disagree is there any like obviously not voting those two topics don't change
because they're already in policy. If we vote and update the language, um, is there anything stopping us from changing it? There's >> We can always change, >> right? >> Can always change.
>> So, I'm just specifically speaking on the topics that were brought up in public comment. Our current policy is not changing with >> yeah that that part of the policy was
already there. I just want to understand that we could if it does come up again in a later discussion. >> I have a question. So if we say we um that
can be voted again on it. >> Yeah. If you guys vote it down, it doesn't mean you can never represent it. It can be recommended for approval as future. >> But the but the topic that was discussed is in the current policy
>> current policy the way it is right now. [snorts] >> So the preference for having a doctor degree if we vote it down right No. If we vote it down right now, it's still in there >> because it's currently in the policy would then stay the same. It wouldn't be
changed to what is on the agenda right now. >> But even if we vote it now, we could, you know, in six months decide yes, we want to. >> Yes, it can be changed at >> any vote on it.
>> Yes. Okay. Can you please take the role? Mrs. Brenty, >> yes. >> Mrs. Scheler, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bay, >> yes. >> Miss Decker, >> no. >> Mr. Nicollay, >> yes. >> Mr. Quinn,
>> no. >> Mrs. Reynolds, >> yes. >> Mr. Thornton, >> no. >> Just to be clear, the nos are on all those action items, correct? That was the >> That was not the
>> So you're just your nose were for 12.0 I'm sorry 12.03 >> 12.03. >> Okay. >> Correct. >> For all three >> for me. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Okay. We'll move on to our facilities and finance report by our committee chair, Mrs. Frank. Superintendent recommends approval of facilities and finance action items 14.01 through 14.16. So move second.
>> Any questions or comments on facilities and finance? >> Uh yeah, 14.15. Um thank you uh Dr. Freeman for sending the comprehensive comparison budget yesterday. Um, I haven't had enough time
to fully go through it, but from an initial glance, I I don't see the healthcare increases that we're talking about last night. So, I'm going to have to look into it further. I'm going to keep digging, but I'll let you guys know. Thank you.
Any other questions or comments? >> Okay. And that, can you please take the role? >> Mrs. [snorts] >> Yes. >> Mrs. Schuler. Yes, >> Mrs. B. >> Yes, M. Becker, >> I would abstain from this trying to get to do look into
>> all of them. >> Oh, sorry. Or just um sorry 14.0. No, no, let me say that again. 14.04 I want to um >> and then the rest are >> And the rest are fine.
>> 14. 1404 is a no and the rest are yes. >> It's an extension. >> Thank you, Mr. Nickel. >> Yes, but I need to be cued from point 14.07 building use number three.
[clears throat] >> Mr. >> 14.15. No. Yes to the rest. >> Mrs. Reynolds. >> Yes. Mr. Wharton. >> No. The 1450.
Yes. Rest. [snorts] >> Okay. Uh, do we have any ongoing business? Sorry. I'm so bad at this. So, 14.13 since I was looking for that. Um, Nope. Okay. No to that. I'm sorry. Go
all the way down. Okay, we good. So, um ongoing business as mentioned, we do have um answers to the questions from last month. Um the there was a question uh to provide an update on lunchers. Uh the current
lunch rears balance is 48,633. um which 32,356 is from the 2025 school year and 16,277 is from the current school year. Um the district will continue to follow policy 8500 to address the issue.
Um the another question was how many students to date have not completed re-registration? Um there is only one student who did not reregister and this is a specialized medical circumstance. Uh question was how much was budgeted for security for the class 3 officers?
It was $200,000. Three officers 184 days, eight hours per day. Um and I guess that's $45 an hour. Okay. Um and then the last question we have here was provide an update on the number of students in the district, which is
239. um the number of administrators and the the total number of administrative positions in the district is 20. This number is inclusive of central office administration and managers. Um and then
the last part of that question was the current openings. The current openings are on the website. Those were updated on that listing was updated on March 18th. So the ones on the website are current as of March 18th. Any other ongoing business?
Any new business? Okay, we will open up our second public comment portion of the meeting. Comments at this time can be on any topic. Please come to the podium and put your name, address, email address, and subject of your comment into the record book. Before speaking, please give your name, address, and subject of your comment to
Miss Annette Gordano, business administrator, board secretary. Director comments and questions to the board president who may speak on two separate topics for up to three minutes each. >> Kevin Rosinski 4412. Do you have uh I don't presently have a student in the
district. I'm not related to any students in the district. If I was, you would have seen and heard a lot more of me. My daughter graduated here. She left with a full scholarship to John's Hopkins University top 10 school. I can tell you uh with complete confidence
that short of a few teachers and one AP facilitator they continuously tried to cut from the budget. Uh her success was in spite of the district, not because of it. I know how things work because I had to make them work for us. Not much has
changed. I never in my wildest nightmares thought that I would be back here over 10 years later addressing the same two issues. security and delude and it took public pressure for anybody to move
on any I've never seen people's take so are you writing a book honestly any of you you sit right if you're actually taking notes to later refer to to solve these problems >> I can tell you well it's not working >> it's not working
>> um so the public comment portion is for you to make >> and I thought it was not discuss we're having a discussion >> well because you're attacking >> I what did I attack >> there are there are ways that we inductees, you you need to have respect for people. You need to have respect for people. >> You want to talk about having respect
for people? >> Yes. I listen to people. >> Okay. >> Okay. If you're if you're not going to follow the rules and be respectful, you can have a seat. >> Okay. We'll be respectful. It's shameful that it took so long for
any form of security implemented at all. And even now, you're coming up short. There should be five officers. You approve three. There needs to be a security audit. I asked for a security audit 10 years ago. Never got one. We had a gun show up at a school. Asked for
a security audit again, didn't have one. Second gun shows up at a school. I can't believe the guns show up in a district and security is put on the back burner for over 12 years.
It's shameful. I go to tune in to kind of get myself updated on what's going on here and I see the committee of the whole meeting and people are singing and dancing and playing a game. This is a district in
crisis. There's nothing to laugh about. A few things to celebrate, sure, it's not all bad, but what is bad is really bad. And it's not getting any better. I was at the meeting after Sandy Hook.
It was myself and the liaison for the council. So to be fair, I don't recognize any faces from that meeting except yours, Mrs. Schuler. You've probably been at every single board of ed meeting I've went to. You are
literally the textbook definition of a common denominator across all of these unsolvable problems, all these administrations. I don't get it. I don't know how this has been allowed to fester into what it
is. I don't know what it is you tell yourselves when you go home at night, but this is not serving the community and it is not serving the children. Now I'm hearing talk about just this morning tuition students. We're going to attract tuition students. Dr. Madison already
floated that when she wanted to put up a referendum, which I'm guessing we're probably sort of looking that way. It's another lie. They lied to the community during the referendum meetings. They told us the referendum meetings was to see whether or not there's a possibility of an acceptance
and the passing of the referendum. And they were having the meetings to make sure of that before they spent the $275,000 on preliminary drawings because the email said something paraphrasing to be good stewards of the taxpayers dollars. We want to make sure there's a
possibility of it passing before we spend that kind of money. It was so clear during those meetings that referendum would not pass, not get support. I went to the meeting, they spent the $275,000 anyway. $275,000
like that disappeared because they couldn't accept that the referendum was doomed. It was voted down 7 to1. You couldn't possibly be more tonedeaf to your community than to spend $275,000 and you say that you already changed the
community's response and you think there's a chance of the referendum. 275. The way money just disappears is beyond alarming. It is astounding. I don't know what kind of hive of mind group
hallucination we're all under, but this ain't working. And it is not sustainable. There isn't a chance of it being sustainable. And if there isn't a big change soon, you're just going to hear from more and more people. You're going to see people posting more and more. I posted plenty
online. There's anything anybody would like to address? >> You know, there's three seats on the ticket every year. >> I've never seen your name, though. >> No, you haven't. And you know what? I've gotten more done by not being on the board and not being on the council.
>> Okay. >> Yeah. And you know what? It is true because I spoke to someone who happened to be on the board when I was coming in and I was complaining, beating the drum about security. And I saw the gentleman later who served on the board and Mrs. Scheler may or may not remember but he said my drilling down is what then
forced them or at least gave them the idea to look into grants that led to the vestibule. So I actually had a lot to do with the vestibule going in which was the last piece of any security that took place. You have students that constantly hear about is for the kids for the kids
for the kids. These kids aren't safe. Talk to the kids see how they feel. See whether they go to sporting events at other schools. They see the level of security at other schools. They know what's going on. They know what's going on in the world around them. And people talk about, oh, the computers and this and that. What about the fact you have
teachers that are morally bankrupt teaching these kids? You think that's got an impact on it? And if that would have been addressed over 10, 15 years ago, because it's the worst kept secret I've ever seen. I can't. It breaks my heart to think of the kids that could
have been spared. The kids whose lives, their whole trajectory changed because of their exposure to these teachers. And you guys sit there like it's just shrapnel, like it's just some collateral damage running in district. There are probably parents right now sitting trying to help their kid through something, thinking the kids having some
kind of growing pains. And reality is they don't know how to process and articulate what happened to them. >> So this is sinful. This is awful. And it's only gotten worse since I started paying attention. 10 12 What's that?
What? Nothing. just like >> no we every >> sir I wasn't speaking to you >> but I'm the one speaking >> exactly so basic the guidelines for the the guidelines for the public comment portion are that
you may speak on two separate topics for up to three minutes each was just >> she said a Sharon set a timer it was six minutes so we always because sometimes there is a little bit of back and forth so we always give people more than 3 minutes. So, the conversation was the
time is up. So, I think you've made your point. Um, we understand that you're dissatisfied. We cannot do anything right in your eyes and we get it. Thank you. >> Oh, there could be something done right. It just doesn't happen. People need to bring themselves to do the right thing. >> Okay. Thank you.
Danielle, could you or Madame President, could you please read back again the rears for the lunch when you gave the amount for 2025? Was that like September to December or >> was this it was the school year? It was
last school year. >> So it was >> 2024 25. >> Yes. Because we're 25 26. Yes. So it's last September until June. >> Okay. Okay. So we're still carrying that. >> Yes.
>> Okay. And and that was $25,000. What did you say that was? It was 32356. >> Okay. And then so you gave this year's figures. Yes. And that was from September
>> till till current. Yes. >> Current >> or till she >> got the information. So yes, fairly. >> And how much is that? >> 16 to 77. >> Okay. So, I have a question on
there's I know there's certain things you're doing to try and recoup this money. So, I'm sure you're notifying the parents and that does the students still get to get their ice cream and get their snack or are you limiting it to if
they're not going to pay their lunch bill? I understand some people can't. I get it [clears throat] and I feel bad. >> So, we have to provide them lunch. You don't have to provide them extras, right? Is that >> So this amount is the extra. >> No, >> no, that's that's their that's their
account. So that's whatever they've p purchased. Um but if it's a lunch and they don't have the money for lunch, say they go up to the lunch line and say they want lunch, we can't deny them a lunch. >> I can. >> So So but that gets added to their
account. So that's why they have a rear. >> Okay. But they're not getting snacks and ice cream and this and that. Are we don't >> know for sure, but we can find out. I mean, we don't have to pro. We have to provide them a lunch. We don't have to provide them extras. >> Well, I would like if we could make sure
that they're not getting the extras because I don't want to pay for that. I don't mind helping out a kid that can't afford lunch, but I'm not paying for snacks and ice cream when there's plenty of kids that probably can't afford that and don't get it because they don't want
to be in the room. So, that's Thank you. >> Thank you. Memphis code. Um this is the grand pub here the petition
over 348 signatures um to the board. We the underside members of the Middle Sex B community respectfully submit this petition to formally express our collective vote of no confidence in the current
leadership of the Middle Sex B school district. This petition currently has over 300 signatures and continues to grow, reflecting a significant and expanding level of concern within the community. The signatures collected will
be formally maintained and preserved as a part of the submission and the public record. Each signature represents a voice from our community, parents, families, and residents who share growing concern regarding the direction, decision-making, and overall leadership
within the district. This position is not the result of isolated dissatisfaction, but rather a reflection of a broader and sustained loss of trust. As demonstrated through the support of this petition, the
community's concerns center on several key issues, including a lack of transparency and consistent communication with families and stakeholders, leadership decisions that have contributed to declining morale
among staff, and concern among parents. ongoing questions regarding the prioritization, student well-being, safety, and overall school environment. A perceived disconnect between district leadership and the community it serves.
The accumulation of these concerns has led many in our community to conclude that current leadership is no longer effectively meeting the needs or expectations of the district. We present this petition not out of negativity, but out of a shared commitment
to ensuring that our schools are led with integrity, accountability, and responsiveness to the community. Our students, staff, and families deserve leadership that fosters trust, collaboration, and a positive
educational environment. Accordingly, we respectfully request that the board of education formally acknowledge receipt of this petition and enter it into the official record. Publicly recognize the concerns
raised by the community. Give serious consideration to these concerns, including the undertaking of a formal vote, no confidence in the superintendent. This petition represents a meaningful and growing expression of community sentiment. We urge the board
to treat it with seriousness. It warrants and to take appropriate action to restore confidence in the leadership of our district. Respectfully submitted the underside members of the Middle Sex Burrow community.
>> You can speak. I have a question, Miss Marchetti. >> Have you ever contacted my office and met with me? >> Thank you. I have not. >> Thank you. >> Nor was I asked to. Actually, everyone else seems to have an okay time
handling my So, I didn't feel I need needed to go that high up. >> Rochetti, >> not Mrs. Rochetti. >> I did. >> She said Mrs. Roett. >> I did say Mrs. Rochetti. I I'm I'm not like people who call me Roberta or don't
put doctor in front of my name. No, I'm I'm just I'm just I'm just addressing that. >> She said Mrs. Roetti >> because No, just like everyone, you know, you go on to social media and you spread your lies
>> and you're going to leave here and you're going to spread your lies again. I want to let the record show just like I did last night the facts [clears throat] and then you make your decision. Mrs. Rashetti, you have never
contacted my office. You have never followed the chain of command and I just want the record to show I would have no reason to invite you to meet with me because you're the one with the problem. In chain of command, you start at the
bottom and you work your way to the top. But there's many people in this audience. This is where you come. I'm sorry, Miss. Did I say something funny? >> That's okay. You guys can stand up there and laugh at us and that's fine. >> When were we laughing? >> What she said, >> guys? We got to stop.
>> When were we laughing? >> There was Listen. Yeah. Yeah. Listen. We're gonna we're gonna um >> no longer public. >> Yeah. So, we're gonna order at the order of the meeting, please. Alana Dunia 16 and left place. I'm here
to talk about the preschool program. Um I have a daughter in third grade at Hazelwood and I have a um she went in as a four-year-old, she just turned five, so she'll go to Hazlewood next year, but she's at Big Hubs as a district child. Um while the free preschool situation is
fantastic, like thank you for getting that set up. It's a great thing. Um there are a lot of problems with it that just it [clears throat] just I get it. It's a natural thing. Some of these things, but also some of these just probably aren't known. Um I've been trying to be like a voice of like how
about this, how about that? So coming here to kind of bring up some of those things. Um I just want to be clear, I don't think it's actually the the daycare with the issues. I think it's more of like how things are run administratively like through the district. Um, and I will say Maya has been very responsive with everything.
So, she is trying. She's newer, right? But, um, just want to put that out there. Um, big hugs. When I went on my tour about this time last year, they showed me the land where we were going to have this building set up with the classrooms and get excited for the
classrooms. And I went and I go, "So, when are when are these classrooms getting set up?" Oh, July. July of what year? Uh, July of this year, 2025. It's going to be set up for the, you know, September, the school kids to to come in. Okay. When I get big hugs in
September, we had wood frames. Okay. Classrooms won't be set up until November. Okay. So, now we have a classroom split with a sheet. Two two different classes. We have assistance in both. And we have teachers both. Fine. It's working. Okay. It's going to be set up by November. It's now March. It's the
end of March. We still aren't in that new building. So, if we're opening up another I think it's four classrooms at Big Hugs, is that building truly open beginning of next year because I don't know it it's there structurally, I guess, but we're not in it yet, right?
And we were supposed to be in it this September and that hasn't happened. So, just concerning that, you know, I don't I don't know when that building is opening. There's been a lot of um issues with calendar as well. I've reached out to Miss Gomez. It was there was a response. Um, it took until I think
December until Bigs Hub Big Hugs was listed on our district like calendar with like the time the start date, you know, for delayed openings and whatnot for big hugs to show there. Um, but, you know, I had to say something to kind of have them be be part of this. Um, it's
also not really clear on which holidays we're following on the district side or at the school side. Um, case in point is this week I come in on Monday, Maya's outside, Miss Maya's outside. I said, "Oh, um, just wondering, do we have a a
early dismissal on Thursday like the district kids do?" And, "Oh, you know, let me ask the assistant." The assistant, "Oh, you know, let me ask Miss Betty." Okay, Miss Betty. Uh, what day? Um, Thursday, Friday. Uh, yeah. Yeah, we f um yeah, we follow district. Then I get a notification on maybe
Tuesday, late afternoon. FYI, we have an early dismissal at big hugs on Thursday. Okay. Cuz I didn't kind of spark that. Sure. So, it's very confusing just which you know, we're supposed to be district kids. I get it. But we follow whichever
kind of calendar is convenient. It seems for the time being it is getting better. I understand we're new there. But it should have just been set up from the beginning of if we're playing district kids in these daycarees, this is the calendar. This is what we follow. It's
just been very confusing. Same thing happened with the Muslim holiday that was on March 20th. Um I I showed up on a calendar for March. We don't have school March 20th. What do you mean we don't have school March 20th? I had to ask. District is closed March 20th. Oh, no.
No, but Big Hugs is closed. Okay. Well, two weeks later, oh, guess what? Big Hugs is open, but just for district kids. Very confusing. It just not consistent. Um I've I've talked to Miss Betty about it. She has addressed it. Hopefully, it will get better. I just want to make everybody here aware that
you know I don't know what's happening at other preschools but I would assume similar situations. Um I'm so anyway just to clear the air for like maybe next year or going forward. Just wanted to bring that up. Also an issue I had was you know my kids in district right
now going into into kindergarten next year. I had to do a full re-registration. I was here a year ago registering my kid. I mean I have no problem. I'll pull the paperwork. I'm not hiding anything. But like what an inconvenience is our register is already strapped and now I have to go and reregister my kid who's already in the
district to be a district kindergartener. Like it just doesn't make sense. Again, growing pains just please get better. Um another thing is um we haven't had progress reports or any conferences. I have no idea how my child is doing in school. I'm assuming she's doing well because I haven't heard
anything. Right. But at this point it's the end of March. Why haven't I been told she's on track? She's behind. She's ahead. Nothing. I've asked in December, January, and February about conferences to not only the school, but also the the aids that we have, the helpers and and
the girls who are in the classroom from district. >> I have no idea. And and I'm sick of asking at this point. So, that's also an issue that I have. Um, what else? Uh, I recommend that you guys do a survey of sorts to kind of find these things out.
I mean, I don't know any of the other parents, but I'm sure they're also wondering kind of the same thing. Um, also, I hope that somebody's looking at end of year ceremonies that they're not overlapping because again, we're playing preschool rules, right? Daycare rules,
um, just to make sure that there's no overlap with anything in the district. Um, I am, you know, I'm happy that there was a lottery again, like, and that we have more enrollment and whatnot, but I don't think it's fair that people who were on weight lists last year were just automatically put on for this year as a
fasttrack. That was never said. So, like, that's just not fair to people who didn't know a year ago. Um, anyway, those are just my comments about it. while you know again it's free it's great my child wouldn't be in the school otherwise like in a daycare setting or
preschool setting so I do appreciate it but I just wanted to bring these things up >> Jennifer Clark 368 or um I just want to comment about the um lunch arars that you guys discussed before um just a side note I actually do work in this field professionally
um with dealing with food insecurity. I am a little bit concerned um I don't know if you can email me later to speak on your process um that if children are having accounts that are this high whether or not they're having access to apply for free and reduced lunches. Like I understand
that you send the forms home at the beginning of the year but I think it'll be worth revisiting it throughout the year especially when you have students that are falling further and further behind. Um, I'd also be happy to connect with you if you do have children that are having true access problems to food to see if maybe it's a question of
getting them SNAP benefits or just connecting with them with food pantries so that they're not getting accounts that are this high in debt because if we have students that legitimately need the food, that's a different story versus parents that are just not paying. Um, I
would suggest if you're if they're parents that are over the income guidelines and they're truly not paying, um, again, I don't know what your policy is, but I do know that when I lived in Georgia several years ago, if you had a student that did not pay for their lunch, they were still allowed to get
food, but it was a nutritional plate and not the full lunch um, in order to encourage them to become current with their bill. And like I said, if there was some reason why they truly didn't meet the financial threshold, then we were able to address those students individually. So whether or not it's
connecting with the school social worker or whatever, it's just something to consider. >> Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Good evening, Charles Tang and Dread. Um, I [clears throat] want to thank you guys for approving the music teacher for
W Chung and Hazlewood. I'm glad that's finally come to fruition. Um, I had seen that there was a post from Parker Elementary. They had had some kind of a music um, program at their school. Um,
and I felt bad that the kids at Hazlewood and um, Wong wouldn't be able to have that. I'm hoping that since we have a music teacher, maybe they can have one, even if it's just a little one. Um I I
missed the beginning of the meeting for the public portion to agenda items only, but there was a bus driver approval. Um Myra Cada um for $31 an hour. The other
bus drivers are getting 3310. Is that a typo or is that what they're actually getting? Because I'm just thinking that if it was supposed to be 3310, maybe it was like they left the other three off.
Um, do you know which one that is? Like what number it is agenda 9.03 Okay. Yeah, we we'll look we'll look at that. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. Um okay. Um
another thing is we say that we have overcrowding in our schools but it seems like every month we're bringing in or we're allowing out of district students to come to our schools.
So, I just kind of find it funny that we don't have room for our kids, but yet we can bring in other kids. I know that might be an issue because we've done the re-registration and I'm hoping that that's what it is. But if you guys, you know, if you want
us to believe that there's a shortage of space, then don't bring in kids from other towns. Um, also the water coolers. Every month there's a huge bill for the water coolers on the bills list. Where are the
water coolers located? Like is that for students? Is that just for administration? >> We I don't know. We'll get that answer for you. >> Okay. And have you again I missed it,
but did you read old business yet? Uh yeah, we went over business. >> Okay. So I every month I come and I ask how many kids, how many students do we have, how many teachers do we have, how many admin do we have, and how many are
in each class and each school, but for the last four months, I haven't gotten an answer on that. >> So we did that was what we discussed in um old business. Um that was one of the questions from last month. Um the total number of students in the district is
239. Um there are the question was the number of administrators there are currently 20 administrative positions in the district and this number is inclusive of central office administration and managers. Um
and then what was your other question? We don't have numbers per class. Um but we do have numbers per school on this. Okay sheet. >> Can I get the numbers per school and maybe the next thing? Can I get the class size numbers? You should email it to me.
>> Okay. I do you I don't know what you mean by class size though because you know like at the high school and at Mogger there's multiple you know it's not at elementary school it's like two kindergarters but at two kindergarten classes but at the high school and Mogurt there's same kids in different
classes. You know what I mean? >> Right. So mostly the elementary and four five And I do read my email here each month, but I haven't gotten a response. >> Thank you.
>> You can actually um Cheryl, if you want this, this is the breakdown um by school of the enrollment. So, you can have that if you want to. Y >> I just have two quick questions. um how
many of our district children are attending or whatever special educational needs that we can't meet or physical needs attending other school districts from our district.
>> We will get that number for you and >> Okay. And uh second question is currently how many pending lawsuit lawsuits does the district have against it? We will also get you that information. >> Thank you. You're welcome. This is I'm 6.
[clears throat and snorts] Um the budget fiscal year does that run July to July or January to January? >> Fiscal year is July 1 to January 30th. >> January June 30th. >> Okay. So it is okay. Right. Okay.
Perfect. >> Um so if in old business uh you answered that there was $200,000 budgeted for the class three officers. Um, and last month I brought up that based on the
um, transfers from they were approved in December, but as of the date of November 1st, $200,000 from security contracted was spent uh, was moved to different accounts and spent on a new RBT position
and um, was spent on substitutes. So, should we happen to hire someone from now March until it would I assume it would just be the end of school. Um, where is that money coming from? That's
just a question. I know you don't have an answer for it right now. Um, and I just have a comment. Uh, the last meeting there was a back and forth. I understand. Um,
but I just want to be clear, the transfer resolution that was discussed for the prek principal position um, indicates a distinct position, not merely a reassignment. Um, especially since this position was created
separately. Somebody was assigned to it. Somebody decided and advised that they would be assigned to it. Somebody decided and advised that it wasn't an issue. somebody. I get it. Okay. All I'm saying is that come July, should that position not be created in a formal
board meeting, um, and should that uh, somebody take that position, um, I will report it to the appropriate state agencies and to the preschool aid. And, uh, that position has been a losing battle for a year and a half. So maybe
you'll win one. Um, now for what I'm really here for. As staff renewal starts coming up, I'm requesting the board hold administration accountable for holding their administration accountable, particularly in regard to the Hazelwood principal position. Many serious
concerns regarding school climate, student safety, staff morale, and ongoing communication breakdowns within the building have been expressed since the hiring of the current principal. These concerns are not based on isolated incidents, but on patterns we have observed over time that are affecting
both students and families. I know you can't discuss personnel issues. I'm asking the board to ask the questions we voted for you to ask. What has been done about it? Has upper administration utilized the security administrator you
spent our class 3 money on in 2004 2024 to conduct a review of building protocols and supervision procedures. Had these been taught and communicated to the principal because issues have continued with ample time to ensure she's well-versed in these protocols which would indicate she's either not
capable of following them or doesn't care enough to follow them. There's been notable staff turnover, and visible morale concerns that are affecting classroom consistency. What is being done about that? It appears again there's a lack of care or incapacity.
Based on last meeting, the principal was given not just one but two opportunities to recognize her staff for what they do. Given the current concerns around staff morale, this could have been an opportunity for leadership to build bridges within the building, recognize existing staffs. Unfortunately, her
choice to nominate district employees only housed in the building seemed to have the opposite effect. Now, let me tell you about Wanita. On February 26, a lesson was taught to the third grade about Wanita, the Incan fossil. Shockingly, there was some concern from
parents about the students coming home and saying they were taught about a young girl fossil who was numbed with alcohol and cocoa leaves before having her throat slit as a sacrifice. So, what was the solution? A page right out of this principal's playbook, blame and
lie. They blame the student for starting rumors. Three separate classes coming home with the same information is not a rumor. It's a lesson. One that obviously went off the rails. So, when blame didn't work, then came the line. The students were told that the story they
heard yesterday wasn't true and not to talk about it anymore because they didn't want any more emails or phone calls and were given an alternate story. On March 5th, a week later, the third grade parents were emailed saying the issue was handled promptly. Okay, fine.
Then another week later, the principal was in each of the classes apologizing for the lesson that the teacher taught in front of the teacher and the counselor. That was my final straw. If it was handled and done promptly, as said, why is this still happening? I
knew better. I really did. After all, it was the lying of the principal that initially got me up here speaking a little over a year ago. And the lies that have continued since that keep me speaking are frustrating. But I sent a simple specific request for information,
which of course led to more lies. Again, when multiple kids have the same story in multiple classes and it doesn't match the pro the principal who's proven to be dishonest, the only option is to believe the kids. And that's sad. What's more sad is the missed opportunity to
demonstrate a true life lesson that these students would have carried with them beyond elementary school and an example in leadership and grace for a first year teacher who's clearly underwater with the lack of support. Was the lesson inappropriate for
nine-year-olds? Yes. Was it inaccurate? No. It was a mistake. And we make mistakes. And when you do, owning it and apologizing and learning from that, it's the way we grow as people and become better. That's what we want taught to our children. That's what we want our
adults to model. Instead, they are being taught that adults lie when they are caught in the mistake. And these adults clearly aren't learning from mistakes because there's no ownership. They keep repeating. Every month I get a new reason to stand up here. I don't even get up here and say the little things. I could get up here and say I received an
invite for the Husky Awards next week for Friday, March 26th. That are two different days. And I had the email that I saw her have to be walked through the evacuation route two weeks ago. Something she should probably know a year and a half in. That the Instagram we were told to follow follow has five
posts in a year and a half. that not giving a heads up the hundth day um different than the other schools resulted in chaos that she's never walking around at dismissal to ensure everything is good the way Mr. Majoka does when he covers for her that those and other coverages happen so often. How
are there any days left? But there's not enough time on your clock as proven. And again, what prompted the first parent concerns last year is repeating itself again as I can see you hired. The real question is, has the paperwork been done to document the serious concerns? And
why is this particular principal not held to the standards we want in this district? There is overwhelming evidence that she is not fit for this position. Anyone would expect that any employee with these egregious violations of district policy and clear lack of knowhow would be relieved of the
position. Dare I say people have been moved or let go for much less. It's time to stop holding on to a sinking ship. This principal has proven she can't plan, execute, or organize all tasks that are required for the position she holds. Things are not getting better.
>> Thank you. Okay, I'll now close the public comment portion of the meeting. Um, we are now we will go into executive session pursuant to chapter 231 CL1975, also known as the open public meetings act, authorizing a public public body to meet
in executive private session under certain limited circumstances. And the set law requires the board adopt a resolution at a public meeting before it can meet in such an executive or private session. The Middle Sex Board of Education hereby determines that it may be necessary to meet in executive
session on March 25th, 2026 to discuss matters involving attorney client privilege, confidential student matter, confidential personnel matter. So moved. >> Second. >> Annette, can you please take the role? >> Mrs. Dy, >> yes. >> Mrs. Schuler, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bay,
>> yes. Miss Decker, >> yes. >> Mr. Nickel, >> yes. >> Mr. Quinn, >> yes. >> Mrs. Reynolds, >> yes. Mr. Dorton, >> yes. >> Thank you. Um, we are now in executive session, so the public will have to wait outside. We are not taking action after executive session, so you don't have to
wait if you don't want to come back in.