Actually, you're right. Actually, that's actually you're right. I'm sorry. And honestly, the way that the meeting's function is actually at the at the pleasure of the president. You can ask her.
Let me just ask this by consensus. How many people consensus? >> We just of course like to accommodate people who, you know, volunteer their time to do this and asked, you know, said they were coming, but they're stuck stuck in traffic, but that's fine.
>> Okay. So it is 6:17. We're going to call the meeting to order. We'll start with our flag salute, please. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation,
indivisible, liberty, justice for all. Annette, [clears throat] can you please take the role? Mrs. Parent >> here. >> Mrs. Scheler >> here. >> Mrs. Mr. K >> present. >> Miss Decker >> present. >> Mr. Nickelway
>> here. >> Mr. Quinn >> here. >> Miss Reynolds. >> Mr. Thornton. Thank you. The New Jersey open public public meetings law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advanced notice of and to attend the meeting of
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 Homeview Tribune, and the Middle Sex Burough Clerk. Going to do executive session at the end. Uh we'll move on to our announcements. Um I will go first. Um I don't really
have anything to report. Uh we did have a presentation on our strategic plan last night. Um Mrs. Perry was part of that. um along with many other um parent representatives and teacher representatives, administrative representatives. Um and it was a it was a very good presentation um and I'm
excited and hopeful for the future of our district um as we follow the strategic plan for the next five years. Um I think it's I believe uh Mrs. Zyk and Miss Tarbus you were also here for that right during that session. Um, I
think it was very informative and I think it's a it's a good place. It's a good starting point and I'm hopeful for where it's going to take us. Um, and that's all I have. So now our superintendent of schools, Dr. Robera Freeman. >> Thank you. And as always, we're right on
sync. I would just like to um put together a little thank you. I would like to thank you to I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the members our of our strategic planning steering committee over the past several months. This group of parents, staff
members, administrators, board members, and community stakeholders dedicated their time, energy, and expertise to helping shape the future of Middle Sex Public Schools. Through meetings, discussions, data review, and thoughtful dialogue, they remain focused on one
central question. What do our students need to thrive both now and in the future? Strategic planning is not simply about creating a document. It is about listening, reflecting, and building a shared vision for the work ahead. The draft plan presented last evening is a
direct result of the committee's commitment to that process and to the students, staff, and families we serve. I am deeply appreciative of their willingness to engage in meaningful conversations, celebrate our strengths, identify opportunities for growth, and
think boldly about what is possible for our district. Their voices help ensure that this plan reflects not only where we are as a district, but where we aspire to be. As Mrs. Powell said last evening, "This strategic plan cannot
become a document that simply sits on the shelf collecting dust. This must be a living document, one that guides our decisions, informs our our priorities, measures our progress, and holds us accountable to the vision we created
together. I would also like to recognize and thank those staring committee members who were unable to join us last evening, but whose voices, perspectives, and contributions were instrumental throughout the process. The strength of this plan lies in the fact that it was
shaped not by a few individuals but by a collective commitment to the future of Middle Sex Burough Public Schools. On behalf of the Middle Sex Burough Public Schools community, thank you school community. Thank you for our steering committee members for your partnership, your leadership, and your belief in the
future of our schools. The work of this committee does not end with the adoption of the plan. In many ways, it is just the beginning as we work together to turn this vision into action. Thank you. Thank you. And now, our
business administrator, board secretary, Miss Anette. >> Good evening, everyone. I have no announcements tonight from the business office. Thank you. We'll move on to our leads on reports. Uh we'll start with our Middle Sex Public Library Board of Education representative, Miss Gomez.
>> Good evening, everyone. And uh there was no library committee meeting this month. Uh we will reconvene in August. >> Thank you. And now our NJSBA county delegate and our legislative officer, Mrs. Sharon. >> So the summer is typically quiet for um
those committees. Um the next legislative the delegate assembly will be in November. any district that wants to submit a um resolution for review and approval, it needs to be submitted by September 11th, I believe it is. Um and
then um if you ever have an opportunity to go to the new jerseyschoolboards.org and check out the capital watch, you can find updates from the um advocacy um and
the legislative department of that group on bills that are being presented that are education and whether they're watching them or supporting it or not supporting it. So if you have any questions you can let me know. >> Thank you. Mr. Thornton isn't here
tonight. So we'll move on to our burough council lesson on Mr. KS. >> Thank you. Um not much. I am hearing that there are other members of the board communicating with the council. So if you do guys if anyone does communicate with council which I don't care if you do and it has to do. Just please keep me in the loop so I'm not
caught off guard by different choices that are happening. It's just communication's key. Um that is it. I appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Okay, we'll move on to our meeting minutes from last month. >> Superintendent recommends approval of
item 5.01 as presented. So moved. >> Second. >> Matt, can you please take the role? >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Scher. Yes, >> Mrs. Bich. >> Yes, >> Mr. K. >> Yes, >> Miss Decker. >> Yes, >> Mr. Nickelway. >> Yes,
>> Mr. Quinn. >> Yes. >> Thank you. We'll now open the public comment portion of the meeting. In the interest of time and because we have board members to attend to, policy 0167 governing public comment sessions will be strictly followed moving forward. Please have your comments prepared
before coming to the podium as each member of the public will be permitted to speak on two topics only and will not be permitted to speak more than twice during each public comment session. Be advised that a question constitutes a topic for purposes of these guidelines. Comments at this time are limited to agenda items only. Please come to the
podium. 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. Uh Melissa Zyax, 6 Princeton Drive. I just have a couple questions. Ongoing business, there's nothing posted. Is there none for this? I did just double check, too. So, I don't know if it's something that maybe I'm not seeing.
Oh, so the questions were answered during the meeting. Okay, so that's >> all right. So there's just nothing listed on ongoing business. I just wanted to confirm that. >> So normally that'll be like questions we say we we can't answer. We need to get the information. So yes. >> Okay. Um the the other question I have
is I don't see it on the agenda, but I just wanted to confirm because it's July 15th. Um that the actual transition happened on July 1st where the change of title from principal on special
assignment was changed to principal of the preschool. and that that now I'm assuming because it was a change of title and a transfer that principal on special assignment no longer exists since the change happened and nothing's
been posted. >> So, it wasn't a change of title. >> Well, that's what the lawyer had said because that's why he said it could be a transfer and it didn't need the position board approved. I'm sorry, it was not you, but he he told me that because it
was a transfer and because there are still the same amount of principles and it was a change of title that a position did not need to be created because there wasn't an extra position. >> So, he told us he said because we already have principal positions in the district, we didn't need to create
another one >> because the the prek designation is just saying where he's going, but it's still a principal position >> title. >> Okay. So, it's not a Let me let me really specific [laughter] know you said
>> no there is no such specific department of education title for an administrator with a principal's endorsement that then adds to that preschool. So it's it is actually
technically it's certification it's an administrative principal endorsement. >> Okay. >> And because we already have titles within our school the principal title within our district. We don't need to >> create one. >> Got it. But we created the principal on special assignment. So is that that job
has still not yet been posted? We created that last summer as far as I know still exists, right? It just has not been Yes, >> we're just not posting. >> Not currently. >> Okay. Okay. Um, and then my final
question is, uh, 11.15 other educational items. There's three MOAs with the Middle Sex Burough Police Department, one of which you could click, which honestly didn't open on my phone. Um, are any of those the class
3es? And if they aren't, do we have an update on class 3es? It's been five months. >> Yeah. So, they're not. That was that agreement was signed like when we approved, >> right? That was the agreement. I just didn't know like will they be on the appointments contractual here or will they be on the they're hired by the by
chief guys so they'll be on the town. Um he we did give an update last night. He is offering three positions. So as long as they accept then they'll be hired and then the goal it's his hope that he will have them trained to start when school opens.
>> Okay. Good. And then just my final question piggybacking on that is who decides which schools um obviously we have five different buildings and we're only hiring three. Is that Chief Gist who decides or is that the board of
education who decides? Because once again we you know field day the PTO was left checking in all the parent volunteers and they're not certified to do that. Yes, it will be in collaboration will be between Chief Gist and Dr. Freeman.
>> Okay. So, I'd like to request on record that due to the numerous security issues at Hazelwood that one of the class 3 officers be assigned to Hazelwood Elementary School because the policy is still just not fully being followed
consistently. >> Thank you. >> I quickly looked at this. There is a typo. I guess I'll wait for it to come on here, but in 11 it says 2:13 a.m. Lock down for 13 minutes. That's obviously not correct. So when she
mentioned the 11 I don't want to forget for sure. Okay. Uh can I do one more thing? >> Yep. >> Sorry. Sorry. Melissa, uh six print and drive. Uh, the other thing I just wanted on record was kind of joking last month
when I said hire another $100,000 teacher. Um, Mr. Shardano, if you could note for the record, uh, citizen is concerned about 20, I believe now it's 20, uh, non-tenure teachers being on the top of the guide. Um, because I want
that on these minutes. So, in 2029, which will be here before you know it, if any of you are still here, and you start dragging us in negotiations, the MEA, I'm going to stand up here and say it's your fault. You did this to our guide. It is not our fault as teachers,
um, that you are bankrupting our guide and that you don't have the money to give us the raises that the people who are with your kids every day deserve. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay, we will now close the 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 referred 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. We'll move on to our personnel report by our committee chair, Mr. Nichol. >> Thank you, Danielle. Superintendent recommends approval of
personnel action items 9.01 through 9.13 as presented. So move >> second. Any questions, comments, discussions, concerns. >> I know we had a discussion last night,
but I know we have more people here. Um can we just have a quick um discussion about the process that is that happens for the panel interviews for the decision on who
comes to the personnel committee for approval. Does that make sense? >> Like did my question make sense? >> Like for who gets hired how they choose candidates. >> Correct. So what we discussed last night? >> Yes. >> So last night we went over the hiring
process that over the past three years how it has been a transition from what it was. There is an official um interview guide book that if you are if you sit in on my evaluation, it's part of standard six that was created and
that is the guide book that is followed by everyone that is hot, everyone that does interviews. So in that guide book it outlines the three rounds of hiring or paneling that occurs. First is the establishment of the panel which is
consistent with um who is being hired. So if a teacher is being hired instead of hiring for a particular school we we look across the district. So principles if it's an elementary position elementary principles participate in the
c in the panels along with the supervisor prek through five who would sit on that panel. Supervisors sit on all panels because they have a district view after the first round which consists of questioning questions um that is normed
and also a rubric is used. candidates are recommended for second round or they're not recommended for second round. Second round is a demo lesson. And by the way, the rubric um in first round and second round are aligned to
the Marshall tool observation tool that is used in district for observations as teachers. Second round, it is a demo lesson in which um they are candidates are asked to prepare a lesson and the lesson is
performed directly with in within our classroom. A classroom if it's a special needs classroom, if it's a special education position or if it's a gened, they actually teach to a classroom in the summertime. They they teach to a ESY
classroom. From there again the rubric is used and the candidate can be recommended to go on to round three. Round three they meet with me and my cabinet. From there we review certifications.
We talk about uh those final questions if there where there would be a really good fit within our district and they are offered a position. So in the past as Mr. Rean talked about last night
during strategic planning there was no consistency. This has established consistency across the district. It also allows norming of the tool in which the principles last summer we sat down with the tool and we went over the questions
because year after year questions can begin to get a little stale and it is let let's take a look at that. Where are we getting really great answers? What do we like to see? Also, as our classrooms evolve, we're looking at how the questions can evolve.
So, there's input at that level. If anyone sitting here would like to review the guide, the board would like to review the guide, I can absolutely forward that to you. >> Thank you. >> Absolutely.
>> Absolutely. Okay. Any other questions, comments, concerns on personnel items? Okay. And can you please take the role? >> Mrs. Fei? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Scheler? >> Yes. >> Mrs. B? >> Yes. >> Mr. K?
>> Abstain. >> Miss Decker. >> Mr. Nikolai? >> Yes. >> Mr. Quinn? Do do we need more information on things is for >> the information
but I'm not sure what you mean in the packet. >> Right. So, I mean you but I'm just confused because normally in a when you abstain it means that you don't have enough information to make a vote, >> right? Is that correct?
I just just that's how I take it. So, I'm just trying to understand >> Yeah. So, Is your intention to abstain from the entire personnel section or just just one certain parts? >> Leaves of all
>> service leaves of absence transfers everything. what was just said for us to vote on. That's what we voted on. >> I mean, it doesn't pass without a forum. So, I'm just letting you guys know it's
really hard to do business when we're if we're just kind of not being clear with each other, but that's fine. So, we'll move on to our education report by our committee chair, Miss Oh, Mrs. Reynolds is not here. Okay. So, I will do that.
Superintendent recommends approval of education action items 11.01 to 11.16 as presented. So moved. >> Second. >> Any questions, comments, concerns on education items. >> Okay. Annette, can you please take the
role? >> Mrs. Fenty. >> Yes. >> Mr. Schuler. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mr. K. >> Mumble. We're in 11, right? 11. >> Yes. All right. But uh yeah, 11,
>> Miss Decker. >> Yes, >> Mr. Nickel. >> Yes, >> Mr. Quinn. >> Yes. >> Okay, we'll move on to our policy action items. Superintendent recommends the approval of policy action items 12.01 to
12.03 as presented. So moved. >> Second. Any questions, comments, concerns on policy items? >> Okay, Annette, can you please take the role? >> Mrs. Parent. >> Yes. >> Well, sorry again. This is this in deals with I think you did a very good job in
handling the students and tackling this. This is not an easy thing to tackle with the education enabled devices. So, amazing job in tackling that. It's not fun, but this beautiful. So, good job on this one. I'm sorry. Where were we on the roll?
Did I say >> Mrs. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mr. Barnes? >> Yes. >> Miss Decker? >> Yes. >> Mr. Nicolai? >> Yes. >> Mr. [clears throat] >> Yes. >> Okay. We'll move on to our facilities and finance report by our committee
chair. Mrs. B. Superintendent recommends approval of facilities and finance action items 14.01 1 through 14.16. So moved. >> Second. >> Any questions, comments, concerns on facilities and finance items?
>> I do have a question. >> When it comes to prices like for 1408 um and 149, you say how is it >> determined? >> Determined. Yeah. >> Breakfast meals.
um charges. >> There is a worksheet that the Department of Agriculture for New Jersey provides and there are certain um a lot of things go into it. What our
percentage is for our free and reduced students. Um what our prices have been in the past, what our increases have been in the past. And pretty much the Department of Agriculture sets your minimum
So each year we redo that tool and if we're okay with the existing prices, we leave them. So pretty much they're always at the minimum that's prescribed by the Department of Agriculture. Okay. >> Can I piggy back on that for a second? >> Sure. Yeah.
>> When I was in school many years ago, um it was free and reduced lunches. Now this all seems to be combined into one. Free and reduced lunches and it's all free. Um it's all free for the past few years because the state is contributing more.
>> There you go. >> I I think it happened toward the end of co um the state decided to pick up that extra fees for the reduced students. >> Who knows how long that will last. It might be that the reduced students go back to paying for lunch. >> Okay. I just wondered when that changed.
>> Yeah. Yeah. It's been a couple years. >> Okay. Any other questions, comments, concerns? >> And then just also after school, how does that that budget. >> Um, are you talking about the school the rates? You have the before after
>> they haven't changed over four years. They've been the same for four years. >> So, there's been no increases. >> Hang on. Who sets it up? >> Oh, how is that determined? >> Yeah. >> How is the budget determined? The budget or the rates? >> The rates.
>> The prices. the rates are determined by I I would have to to get that information for you. >> Um, one thing that I know for sure is that we do receive subsidy. So, our rate is lower than what the New Jersey rate
is. And one thing that Mrs. Carter has done over the past four years is that she has not raised the rates. So, but I'll definitely get um how they are determined exactly at the statewide and how it
>> it impacts the district. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Okay. Anything else? >> For 1412, there was a communication with the burrow for trash. Um that was something that we met with as a group. I didn't know if we met again and I just wasn't aware of it but there seems to be
obviously a deal that was made between the burrow and us which is very hopeful and amazing and beautiful but like I had no clue as liaison I was kind of like what what is this um is that within the role of the liaison to understand what's happening between the burrow and us
regardless of decisions that aren't directly ours from management the day-to-day operations but we are here we are voting on it >> I'm just curious >> 14.12 is is a contract with an outside company that it and we've been doing that. This is not new. We've been using an outside.
>> I'm saying it wrong. So, is this this is one of the things that we're going to work on with the burrow, right? >> Uh well, so in that meeting that is that committee that is supposed to be formed and supposed to happen, you know, the shared services that we were talking about. Um that is something that they they did
want I think um Lenny brought up that he did want to discuss possibly taking that over again but I believe he did mention that this was more beneficial for us to do it this way. But yes, that is something that can be discussed. But this this contract is this we've been using outside garbage for a while.
>> Yeah. So the total of this is $78,000 for the additional quotes. Is that am I reading that right? >> Uh no. So it's 35,16 for the period up there and additional quotes solicited is 43,200. >> No. So the additional quote was is a
different one. So >> we just accepted the >> we accepted the lower >> the read the writing of that made my brain. >> Yes. So the price is the 35 that you see under the um guess it's it's FG >> garden.
>> Yeah. And then the other quote that came in we didn't accept from the public services. Yeah. >> So to piggy back on what he was saying so we do the services do the time before and then we switch over. >> So the town used to pick up our garbage um but they
>> you can Yeah. >> So the town used to pick up our garbage over the years. We had severe issues with um our garbage being picked up. We had ser serious challenges when it came to
uh complaints of threats, complaints of not being picked up, being left there for a really long time. Um sometimes being charged for things that they didn't even have um a contract with. We had moved on to another company and we
were still being charged tonnage when they weren't even picking up. They were supposed to pick up every day. They were not picking up every day. Um, I believe they used someone else for recyclables and sometimes our recyclables were sitting for a really long time. So these
severe issues that were happening, we needed to do something best for us and that's the reason why we pivoted and we went with >> contracting with someone outside. So with the shared services, yes, it's open for conversation how we can improve upon
that, but the track record wasn't very good and that's why we moved on. >> How long ago was that? >> That was we started slowly over we we started just a few schools at first >> because that's the most garbage and it
was piled up at times when it wasn't picked up. So we started here, Mogger, and then we started adding when we started having Hazelwood when we started having the issues with >> still picks up the garbage at Parker and >> okay
>> none of our recycling outside all of our recycling I think Lenny was kind of on board with that correct >> it was difficult for them to work with number one the equipment that we had the bins and everything they couldn't properly lift the bins
>> correct >> so I think it was kind an agreement that we were better off doing what we did. >> So now I've got the bids. >> Well, we have the >> We have the bids provide them in they back in they don't
have that last year. >> Yeah, but they they don't have they have big like dumpster size bins. They don't have like our recycling because they're so the volume schools is so large. >> Okay. >> Okay. Any other anything else?
Okay. And can you please take the role? >> Mrs. Frenzy? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Scher? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bay? >> Yes. >> Mr. K? >> Yes. >> Miss Decker? >> Yes. >> Mr. Nicollay? >> Yes. >> Mr. Quinn? >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, so we'll move on to
ongoing business. Um, we can discuss the policy that we were discussing last night. Um, I did There's a print out there. I went off of Mr. Quinn's um document and then I just
made edits that I thought were beneficial. Obviously, it's up for discussion if anybody else has any other ideas. Agree with me, agree with m Mr. Quinn. You know, we can go with majority on how we want to write this. And Hope did write she does have some wording
changes just as you know, legal things um in the way that we should word them so that they're best for us. Um, might I make a motion that hope starts by explaining to the beginning? >> Sure. >> Sure. And I usually don't give you will
hear me say often I don't give legal advice um in public um but there are there are some some some just basic overall comments um in interviewing even interviewing for president's comments. Um one is that we clarify that what we
when you're talking about recording um what you really talking about is reporting only that the open session section um of the I turn this this way >> on that way. >> Can you hear so far? [laughter] >> Okay. Can you hear me now?
>> Mine's all the way up. >> Yeah. Sorry about that. Um is is that you actually clarify what you're what you're what you're doing and and that is you're you're doing a video recording of the open public portion of the board
meetings. Um and that way remove the language. I completely concur. Review re review the general, you know, public meeting hosted by the board because that's not technically a board meeting. It's any kind of it's any board meeting that would fall under the open public meetings act that would be required to
either be advertised or you would be even if it's an emergency, you can uh which may not be advertised, it would still be considered a public meeting. >> Yeah, my my intent there was just to encompass everything. I'm fine with that like committee meetings and stuff like that.
Um the second of the major comments that I have um uh board president had added or if live streaming is prevented by tech technological issues. Um I also uh would recommend that you actually clarify this public availability within
48 hours. If you have a board retreat, it's going to be it may be on a Saturday. So 48 hours is just not going to give you the anybody the time to actually get them posted. >> We actually did the board retreat last night so that there
>> Yeah. But what I'm saying is because you're doing a policy, you want to do things for um how would this apply? What kind of things could we do? So for example, you could have a board meeting on a Tuesday and a blizzard on a Wednesday. Nobody's here. It's not
getting posted. um there. So, what I would recommend is some sort of language, not not married to any of it, but that actually clarifies that it's actually during the time that schools are open or business days. Uh business days may work. It may instead of say 48
hours, you may want to simply say two business days um or something along something along those lines. um not specific as I said not specific but I'm just right now throwing out suggestions to you. >> Um
the other thing that I would do um that is is not here is I would actually add the language from the New Jersey records retention schedule so that you actually say this is what we are required to do.
The records retention schedule language is um that the records must be maintained for a period of 45 days or until a summary or verbatim transcript has been approved as minutes, whichever is longer. and then add language that
says something along the lines of um consider adding language that however in the interest of public um accessibility the board will endeavor to have the the recordings um publicly available um with
due consideration of student and employee confidentiality issues and other privacy concerns. Um, another suggestion that I would have is just to simply say because there's a lot of language about the division, state
division of of uh archives management. It's actually not the department of state anymore. It's now in the department of treasury is where DARM is. Um, but I would add language that says as public uh as public records, which is what an audio or a uh video is
considered to be under the records retention schedule. um that they will be handled only in accordance with the procedures of the of of DARP basically. So I would change that language so you can get rid of most of that whole next
paragraph um and some of the next paragraph because I would have added anything that had to do with confidentiality we put it up further. So those are my those are my basic comments on these. >> Huh? >> I'm good with that.
>> It sounds good. Um, and then I just had a comment on the live streaming and this is where I kind of want to have a discussion and get opinions. Um, because I I do have an opinion on it. I feel that when we
record it and post it, I feel like it encourages people more to make it a priority to attend in person. You know, we always see the same four people in person. And I don't know, I think I would like people to come in person and and see it and and speak up
or or just be here. Um, and so I think that sometimes, not everyone obviously, but a lot of people use the live streaming as a reason not to attend in person. Um, and then for those who really can't, they can always watch it when we post the video. So that's my
opinion on it. Um, and I think we just go with the majority of what everybody thinks and agrees upon. Part of the reason I like the live streaming is because you don't have issues like happened last night where we had to change the SD card mid meeting and we missed the whole chunk. If it's live
streamed, it's just there. It doesn't take any extra work to post it just exists, >> right? And then I mean also we can try to figure out ways where if we decide whichever way we decide but if we would decide with the recording maybe we can figure out ways to prevent issues like
that as well. >> I think there's a ological limit to how big an SD card is. >> True. >> True. >> Um and I do know that Mrs. Reynolds, I think she had mentioned it to you, Mr. Pen, last night about the delay. We were talking about how on TV when when it's live. Um I did do a quick Google search
of um New Jersey school districts who live stream their board meetings. >> And it says that Berkeley Heights does it on YouTube TV with a delay. Um so that's also something, you know, that we can. >> I'd be okay with with a small delay. Absolutely. >> So um But that but doing it with the
live stream technology would also prevent the need to get it uploaded within 20 within 48 hours or business days or anything else because it would just be there. Hello. See what the delay is
because we're live streaming right now. So my brain is if we're doing it right now and I'm looking at myself being live stream, why are we not treating the meeting equally? Why are they not being treated fairly? because yesterday's meeting was a prelude to this meeting and the information changing and why
things are getting changed and everything in between. So that's why we're addressing this policy because this policy will govern both both meetings committ or all meetings committee of the whole regular meetings if there was a referendum any kind of board meeting where we have a quorum it
would govern this policy would govern that so that's why we're having that discussion but when I say on a delay I don't mean how it >> it would naturally delay it seems like and I didn't look into it I just saw it on listed on there that Berkeley Heights it said specifically they stream it on
YouTube with a delay and then other ones said they just streamed it on YouTube or some other streaming. >> I mean, as long as the technology isn't expensive to add a delay, >> I don't see why not. But I I like your speed YouTube setting.
>> I I don't >> Yeah, I don't I don't know either. I just saw that they do that. >> And I like respect you want people to be here and be beautiful if more people are here. But the most thing I hear if they can't make it work, kids, even my bride like, "Hey, I want to watch it." But I can't because we're watching the kids
back and forth and there's tons of other people that just want to see this meeting and see their elected officials in there. So as long as that's settled in this uniform, it's beautiful. So it's not really but that's not happening right now.
>> Exactly. And that's kind of want to be here will be here. They want to speak and you know be part of this do whatever they can to be there. So it's a different dynamic of being here able to say your P say you want to you know what
you need to say to the board so people like I said want to be here like on time they'll be there and can't should have the opportunity to watch a live stream I think it's only fair you know or just so everyone's thoughts on live streaming
I'm good with the majority I agree with the delay I think there should be a delay Just so you're not against the live stream. >> Not against a live stream. I just think a delay is necessary >> as long as it's not too expensive. They're talking about, you know, $50,000
to add a >> that's ridiculous. But I do think it delays. I I just think live streaming delay like we we did discuss last night if somebody is slandered or something comes up where we don't want it, you
know, things of that being out there. >> Like the graduation >> for a long time. Yes. Something like that would be good to be able to cut out. >> Um >> I don't think that's fair to cut out what's happening in a public meeting for our discretion, though. I get it. you
don't want it out there. But in public session, it's a public session. If someone gets bashed and it's bad, >> like I got screamed at in the public meeting. That's not there. But it's like, what do I do? I'm just sitting there like, okay, it's still there. It is what it is. >> I think if names are used, I think that
it's not fair to destroy somebody's personal life over or at a board meeting. >> I mean, there's the laws there to defend that person, right? But the public meeting is still the public meeting. We can't change what a public meeting is supposed to be
because somebody decided to be unfair to somebody else or unkind to somebody else. It's like if it goes out, it goes out. >> Is there a is there a legal consequence? >> The concept is you don't want to be rebroadcasting things that may be potentially defamatory.
>> You don't want to be rebroadcasting if somebody stands up and says this child name, you know, Mary Smith is autistic. um you're violating all kind the the person who is speaking is violating the
law. You don't want to rebroadcast that. That's the reason that you would want to do a delay. You're not altering it. You're actually saying, you know, this was deleted. You know, you'll see, you know, in records, in public records, deleted um there that and there's a difference when it comes to board
members and what people say to about public officials because of what the Supreme Court has said. >> Can we go Are there into that please? What the Supreme Court said and why they said it. >> They said you ran for the office and >> deal with it. >> Yes. >> And
>> that's what the Supreme >> I agree with you. That's where I teach children. >> Exactly. That's exactly what I'm talking about. >> I think we're the right wording to put specifically. That's why I gave you a very specific example. Now I will also
say though that there are even limits if you have somebody in public who is cursing at you that that too if even that goes further than the Supreme Court says is is permitted.
Curse words are not necessarily prohibited but there so so that's when you have actually have to very closely pay attention to what the case law. So, like if for example, there was a person that was up there before who pointed at me and pretty much was assuming that I
was saying defamatory or even, let's say, racist comments because of what it was. Is that allowed for them to talk to me that way? >> I wasn't here. What I can tell you is what the Supreme Court says. >> So, deal with it. >> They actually almost they actually
almost use that language. Um, it's not spec it's not directly that language. um you know if you want I can we can provide you with exactly what what the Supreme Court says but that's why I said there and there's a distinction between um cursing and behaving badly and
cursing at you. So that too is different. So there are there are gradations of it um and the Supreme Court has weighed in on it a couple of different times. >> Okay, appreciate you. So we're all for the delay because that
makes complete sense. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> But for us it's kind of like we are what we are, you know, we got to deal with it unless it's threatening, right? Harm or anything like that. >> Threatening is the issue. >> Not so much the word. >> I definitely felt threatened. I don't think anything happened, but
>> I don't know what to do with that. When we talk about the public at the public comment section, >> there's case law that says that you can't stop somebody >> Oh, absolutely. >> from saying >> absolutely everything. We can limit
time. We can limit >> exactly stop them from saying >> you can do time, place, and manner. You can do time, place, and manner. >> Um, that's that's that's all you can do. There's actually longstanding case where a district
actually was um I think they were fined I think they had a judgment against them for $100,000 for um stopping um a parent from speaking. So you have to be very careful when you come up with things like that. They're just areas where you have to be careful. It doesn't mean that
it is prohibited. So for example, if a citizen stands up and is actually breaching the peace, you can have them removed. So it it's it's not a blanket. This is where it is. This is how it works in all cases. Um there are basic
there's guidance guidelines, but there you have to it's it's very very very case specific. >> That's that's how every case specific. >> Okay. Um any other opinions on live
stream verse recordings? We good. I mean it was talked about we're not talking about it now but for me streaming or videotaping here or where no matter what the angle is like um is that being limited is that first amendment right being limited in here at all or is that
>> no so it's the same as we say from the public they have to do it from the public area um so so we never had in our policy anything about board members recording because we never came across that instance and then we realized that if we're if this policy was brought up
for revision. We might as well add something in there. Um, so it's not we're not saying a board member can't record. We're just saying that the device needs to be placed in the same area as with the public to record. >> So you could set up a tripod. >> Yeah. But if it's interrupted or stream and I can't tell that it's interrupted
or streamed, then my first amendment right is being interfered with again. So, I'm just trying to make sure that to me the appearance is I started recording, somebody got mad at me and didn't like it, and then all of a sudden I can't no longer stream here. Isn't I
what's what's stopping? This is all public area. All of it. There isn't like a divide saying all a sudden this isn't public area. You are now when when you are here, >> you are you are still a member of the public,
but you now have a heightened role that is governed by a whole separate specific set of legal requirements. There are various and and what the the proposal is is that you want to set up a tripod over
there, that's perfectly fine. That is consistent. That doesn't give you a heightened right. And that's to to sit here and record is actually giving you a heightened right. And what this policy
says is you have the same right. >> So >> the way that it's being proposed. >> Yeah. >> Let me say this the right way. Process in my brain. >> I'm trying to understand what you just said.
>> If he takes his phone and records over there is fine. >> Yes. records on the section areas the board >> he can't that's because you've already your your policy the way that is
structured permits permits recording >> it permits recording from a specific place since it does that and remember you can do time place and matter restrictions for your board me what you're saying is board members if you should choose to do
that you have the same right as the public. That's that's what it says. It doesn't say you have a heightened right. Now, let me give you a different kind of example. You're sitting next to somebody. Somebody is mumbling under their breath. You're not going to hear
it. It's not going to be on the microphone. It's going to may be picked up by the recording. >> So, that's why you want to make sure that everybody's everyone and every board members rights are respected. If the board says here is the place from
where this can be recorded then what this is what this proposal is is and this is why it's up for you all to discuss this proposal is board members you have the same right as the public you don't have a heightened right from
the public public can't come and a public anybody can't just any lovely person who's sitting there can't come up and say I'm putting my phone right can't do it. >> So, what's the difference between her recording audio, which can still cover the mumbling, record the public, >> you're telling her to do that? That's
part of her job. She's the board secretary. >> So, being a disabled learner that needs somebody if I need my own notes, I need my own issues and I can't hear or whatever it is. So, now >> I have to adjust because somebody was uncomfortable from being recorded from
>> You're not asking to record your own person. Hold on. You're interrupting my live streaming. I have no idea what I was going to say now. Again, messing with my disability. So, >> actually, let me ask let me ask you a different question. Um, is what you are seeking if to the extent that it is
being streamed >> live stream. What's my question? May I finish my comment? >> Are you actually seeking closed captioning? >> That would be beneficial. >> I don't know what it costs. I don't know if it's possible. I don't know any of
that. I'm simply asking a question. So to address there are any number of ways to address certain issues. I will tell you I do I do a uh one of my actually the board meeting I'm doing tomorrow night. One of the board members um is exceedingly exceedingly hard of hearing.
So the board works to make sure that she is situated in such a way that uh where she can hear and she can actively participate. If your comment is that you are and I'm not going to I don't want to
actually engage in a public question of of the issues but one but there may be more than one way to address the concerns. The basic concern however is when it just comes to this type of video
recording the question is or the the proposal is and and this is by the way this is not even on first read yet this is the this is a discussion so let me be real clear this is a discussion and that's why I'm
asking and sort of trying to drill down but I don't want to drill down on a lot of that in public but the comment the Broad concept is public recording goes on out there. The board secretary has a specific job
that is governed by by by her need her notes in order to create the minutes. Um and she'll have it and that's why we have the DARM and the way that DARM is structured. You she keeps those for 45, you know, up to 45 days
until the minutes are approved. That's it. Um, that's the scope of that. So, that is not the same as any board member taping from the desk.
All there. So, that's all I'm saying and I'm not going to really say much more about that, but that's really the point. >> Is there a law that governs this that I can look at to look through? Because this doesn't make any sense to me. I hear what you're saying. I hear I hear the heightened. I hear that the public can't come up here and put but why can't
they why can't the public come and put here I understand essential [clears throat] we're not talking about executive >> this is this the way that the board >> I just want the law I am saying no let me explain excuse me the way that the board the way that the board you ask me
a question and I'm trying to respond >> I'm trying to give you an answer you ask me a question and I'm trying to respond >> I'm simply trying to respond you're talking about polic policy the way that policy >> talking about policy. I asked to reveal a law to where you're talking that
you're answering and then you wo wo wo me. >> But but what you're asking too is is where is the why can't the public come up here? But it's not because of it's it's a law. It's because our policy says that the public >> I asked to read the law to understand that that's what I'm asking why the
family because that's what it's being told. >> But there doesn't necessarily have to be a law that that doesn't have to be a law behind it is the thing that is public. Yes. There doesn't have to be a law. We can put it into our policy because as she said, we can govern time, place, and manner.
>> So that's >> that's that's what I'm saying. >> Yes. >> Well, you tuned me out the second me. So >> I have a question. So the policy that is already established, we're trying to
edit it, right? And however you want to say. I think I'm trying to understand what he's trying to say is what was there law that's out there that you used to make the policy most >> you say you just created
>> I guess this is a long-standing policy as we get our policies from st are they are the watchd dogss that are looking at what's happening in law to put policies in place for most of the school districts in the state of New
Jersey. So if you look at the revisions on the policy, I mean it goes back a while. So I'm sure there was some law out there. Usually the law is listed on the actual >> and yeah, >> this particular one does not have a law
attached to it. >> Okay, that's where I know is my concern. >> Right. And what I will tell you is and this goes back it's got to go and I it must go back 30 40 years um because there was at that point in time that was
when videoing and everything was relatively new and there was a um there was a lot of actual um litigation and I haven't looked at it in quite some time on actually citizens being able to
record the meetings. And that was where those cases ultimately found that citizens can record and it actually started in courtrooms. Um part of it started in courtrooms in an inobtrusive
place so that you could have and it was actually I think it may have been even the press coming in and asking to record and uh public meetings. And so the determination was it had to be in a place where it wasn't going to cause any bother. Now a lot of that case law. I
mean, it all pre that that particular case all preceded cell phones. Um, I haven't looked at it recently. Right now, what we're looking at is policy and because the the and the policy is that which is driven by the board where the
reason that my recommendation was to put in this policy what is actually required, nothing else is actually required. And that's why the recommendation that I made was to actually add the specific
language which is pursuant to the New Jersey records retention schedule, records must be maintained for a period of 45 days or until summary or verbatim transcripts have been approved as minutes, whichever is longer. And then when you go back to minutes, the
language in this policy is the is in the top has not changed from your existing policy. It is the board shall keep reasonably comprehensive full minutes of all of its meetings showing the time and place, the
members present, the subject considered, the actions taken, the vote of each member, information sufficient to explain the actions taken, and any other information required to be shown in the minutes by law.
Minutes of public meetings shall be public records signed by the board secretary and filed in the board secretary's office in a minute book as the permanent record of the acts of the board. Minutes of executive meetings
shall be filed in the board secretar's office in a place separate from the minute book until the time if any when the proceedings may be made public. At that time the minute shall be be public records and shall be filed in the
regular minute book. The board president secretary shall provide each board member with a copy of the minutes prior to board approval. That is all that is what I've just read is that which is legally required. The rest is a matter
of the board's determination through discussion of all of the members on how they would like to further engage. That's >> so this is as you said this is the only thing this is the minimum. >> So anything else that we're putting in
there that's yeah that's extra and obviously >> we're just >> it's just us creating guidelines so that things don't >> Yes. everything. So then >> people can't just do whatever they want, you know, like obviously this is they have to have order here, >> right? And that's why and I and I I I
was hesitant to even you know with with the language and that's why I said it can you can play with the language so that but it's just to convey a concept is that you are trying to engage the public. You are trying to make things accessible. So it is this is what's
required but in order to do more these are the things that we're that we um we in our in our best judgment or at least with a simple majority of the board think is the is is have determined that we are going to set guidelines on
how we're going to proceed. >> I still didn't hear preventative language like anything that would help me understand which is what I asked you for what would prevent me from recording right here if a meeting is not or technology issue whatever it is that's what I'm trying to figure out because you just said that's the bare minimum
and nowhere did I hear that that board member cannot record in the diet. >> And what I've said right now is that's what your board is discussing. >> The board has heard what I have said. >> But would that be a first amendment right? It's what's in my frame. Would that be um a first amendment issue despite we're gone. We're gone. We're
all not here anymore. And there's another member that comes up and says, "Hey, this is my first amendment right to free speech because of this, this, and this." That's what I'm trying to get at. >> I would literally say to you, the way that the board is is discussing
proposing the way that they are discussing proposing it is you have the same right as the public. You don't have an enhanced right. Therefore, you can address a specific recording
in the same manner as the public. That's the discussion. >> You're just I don't want to go back and forth. I appreciate it, but I'm definitely going to have to get more. You're have to because that's just not connecting at all.
Any other comments, questions on that? Because we'll get um Hope's language so that we make sure that it's legally okay and then next month we can put it on for first reading. So, if anybody has
anything before then, please reach out to me and we'll add it or talk about it. I have something that I wrote about the permanence you want to share the permanence the
long last night we we talked about it. So >> can you speak? >> Yes, I will. Sorry about that. Last night we um I ended with a conversation about um in the proposal
that there's 24 months I believe that is being proposed that they would be on the website and so I just put a little something together my thoughts >> before you do the proposal in front of us right now says 12 months.
>> Okay. And it also I just want I just you know just so that everyone hears as superintendent my view on it. I want to be clear that my concern is not about the public's ability to observe the work of the board of education. Public
meetings are exactly that public and I fully support the community's right to attend, listen and participate in the process. My concern is not access. My concern is permanence and fairness. Board meetings can include criticisms, criticism of employees, allegations, and
emotionally charged public comments. Whether those statements are fair, complete, or ultimately accurate, they can become part of a permanent digital record that follows an employee long after the issue itself has been resolved. It has been suggested that employees have the same opportunity as
anyone else to come to the microphone and respond. While that may be true in the technical sense, I do believe that reflects the reality of the employer employee relationship. Employees serve this district in a professional capacity and operate within expectations
regarding confidentiality, personnel matters, and professional conduct. Many are understandably reluctant to respond publicly to criticism, allegations, or incomplete information shared during a meeting, particularly when doing so
could involve students confidential matters or ongoing personnel issues. An employes ability to approach the microphone does not necessarily equate to an employees ability to respond freely. The realities of the employer employee relationship make these
situations fundamentally different. Our employees should not have to choose between remaining professional and defending themselves publicly at a microphone. As an employer, I believe we have an obligation not only to conduct the public's business openly, but also
to protect the dignity and professional reputation of the employees who serve this district every day. These are the people we recruit, support, retain, and ask to dedicate their careers to our students and families. For me, this is not a question of whether meeting should
be accessible to the public. It is a question of whether maintaining recordings indefinitely on a public website strikes the appropriate balance between public's interests and observing board proceedings and our responsibility to the employees we are charged with
supporting and protecting. Thank you. Any other discussion on the policy? >> The delay would help with that concern, right? >> Okay. Um where we ongoing business. So, I just
wanted to uh circle back to the personnel items um because I I'm I'm having a hard time with with this because I find it a little disappointing. When you come to a committee of poll meetings, uh we have opportunities to discuss concerns,
questions, um issues on all of the topics. Um but nobody says anything. and then we come to a voting meeting and there are people either voting no or abstaining without having conversations. Now, obviously that is your right. Um,
but I don't think that we're doing the district any favors by not trying to come together and have those discussions. Um, and just we're standing on an entire section. So, just as an example, so we have hourly
positions here. Um, those are all not approved because we don't have a quorum. We have ends of service, so we have resignations and retirements that are all now not approved because we don't have five affirmative votes. Um, I personally think that
there are certain things that are wanted to be voted against or abstained on. And I my >> listen, I'm going to put it very very plainly. I vote I abstained on the
entire section to maintain that separation that Dr. Freeman was talking about as to getting involved with specific personnel. So I am okay maintaining my vote. >> Okay. Um I just think that if there are things that you are specifically cons
like sections there that you you are specifically concerned about or against say that. Do you know what I mean? Don't don't hide behind and the entire section. If you don't want to approve appointments contractual, do that. Be be
honest here. You know, don't own it is is my point. So, that's just my two cents on that. >> I mean, you're abstaining on an entire section. So, but you're abstaining on things that So, we can't >> That makes me feel bad that you would
say something like that. >> It makes me feel pretty bad that we have committee of the whole meeting. >> Laughing at me in public. We have committee of the whole meetings where we have an opportunity to discuss things like this and nobody says a word. Then we come to voting meetings and it's abstain. No, I mean you can vote however
you want. But the reason we have committee of the whole meetings is so that we can all discuss agendas in together as a whole board, right? And nobody says a word. So it feels to me that it's become clear that the
intention is not to try to work together or to try to have those conversations. The intention is to almost just go against certain things. >> How many times have I been asked to take off the I've been asked to switch from the personnel committee just from exactly from the person just laughed at
me on their thing. >> So I asked to be switched. I've been ignored multiple >> but that has nothing to do with what the the asking why we're abstaining. I'm being very honest with you. >> But we're not but we're not on >> we're not on
>> but you're telling you're just made a blanket state hiding come to you directly to ask for help and to the vice but you're saying it's because you're not on the personnel committee. I'm not on we talk about it is on the >> but I'm not on personnel and I was here
last night and if I had a question you ask it and then you be on a committee to the information as you said Mr. Quinn is in the agenda. So I'm not on the personnel committee neither is your now see what you're doing there. >> I can't hear interrupting. I can't hear. I have a disability with hearing. I
don't have my hearing. >> I am not on the personnel committee. Neither is Mrs. Bitech. Neither is Mrs. Reynolds. But we still vote because we have the information in the agenda and if we need more information we either one reach out to Dr. Freeman for it or we bring it up at the committee of the whole meeting and that's where we ask
our questions and that's where we have discussions so that we can make an informed vote the next day at the regular voting meeting. It it it doesn't really matter whether you've gone to the committee meetings or not. You can still vote on those items. Me saying hiding is
because I personally really don't understand why you would abstain from an entire section that when when I believe that there are certain parts of the section that you really are against. >> So >> so there's an assumption against me and
>> it's not against you. It's just in general >> that's how well in general. So my whole mindset is when I abstain is because of what's going on in the personnel committee and I'm asked to be switched committees, right? And so that hasn't been answered. So I'm just letting them
know that you made that general comment to three of us or whoever's here. I'm defending my part of it to answer in public. >> Okay. >> And I think you've done really good even though we go back and forth a little bit. You've done your best as a president to handle this scenario, which is appreciated, but I still don't think
it's being handled in the way that fair towards somebody who's being put in a personnel committee and then when I abstain there's no care like there's no understanding why did you abstain well all of a sudden now it is because there's no >> form I mean I did ask why you
>> you've never the last time I did not the last time one other time I did I said >> it it wasn't just personnel you obstained on something else actually I think Mr. Nicollay was the one. Hey, can I ask you why you abstained? And you said, "No, you can't ask me that. It's my vote." So, we have asked because we're because
>> I'm sure I'm sure it's on a on a >> Mr. Nichol doesn't even leave the meeting. The vice chair leaves the meeting and that confuses and I even had to ask you who's the chairman of the committee because it's led by a vice chair. >> I'm talking about a voting meeting. >> Correct. But this is why it's all
related to the abstaining. >> Okay. But another member asked we do and it's not just you like Mr. Quinn if he votes or miss Decker if you vote no or abstain some there are times where we'll say can you explain that why
>> I've been ignored I have been completely ignored I have the emails I have everything I've been ignored not by you particularly but by the lead so it's like >> my point here is that if there is something in the personnel section that
you are specifically against um say that abstain on that vote no on that don't just say I abstain from the entire section because again we have corre extracurricular co co-curricular stipens now um what is the reason for abstaining
on that this this is my point my point is again I feel like it's a scapegoat to say I [clears throat] don't want to say that I'm actually against x y and z So if you were removed from the personnel committee, would you then
vote on personnel items? >> Change removed. That sounds >> no change to a different committee. Would you then be willing to vote on personel >> personnel items? >> I feel that the people within that
committee, if I had questions, I would feel comfortable going to them to have that. I have concerned. I'm not comfortable going to any of the leadership on the personnel committee due to how I've been treated. So, it's yes. The answer is yes. Because last time, I mean, last time I was in a
meeting, I was screened at and it was crazy that I was screened that and I'm trying and I'm feeling like I've been treated so poorly and yet no one cares abstain until it comes to a severe issue of this, which is not good because I hear what the pre board president is
saying. I understand that. But there has been warning. Maybe that predicament goes well with the other two votes, but for mine, I'm abstaining. I'm not scape scapegoating, not hiding from anything. I'm trying to understand the personnel committee on how things work. And so
when I don't understand it and the chairman's not even leading the meeting, it kind of blows my mind to where I'm like, why am I even here? >> But we can have those discussions at committee of the whole meetings, too, though. >> And I don't even know if the alternative was called when I don't show up to a meeting. So like what's what is the if I
don't show up to a meeting is >> you don't tell us that you're not coming to the meeting >> you check in on me as well and I've already sent you emails again >> you have not sent me emails since January or February now >> how many times have I asked to switch the personnel you can shrug and do it
but my point is you've been in you've been doing this job for a long time and I looked up to you to understand how things were going and I'm confused completely confused and I'm still super confused with how personnel committee Dr. Freeman has been amazing in them. I
think she does a great job at explaining things and to deal with personal things. That's not the problem. The problem is I don't feel like I'm comfortable enough to vote for the public and to have the integrity to vote in that manner and how my role is designated. So I'm not
hiding. I thought I would be in kind just by abstaining and not having this conversation where there's going to be a delay or whatever it is. But that is it. So if I could finally get change from the committee, which I have asked for several times now, then I would feel
comfortable working in the position. I mean, aren't we supposed to feel comfortable and like in when we're dealing with this stuff? I thought we were supposed to, >> but I definitely don't feel unsafe. I feel in a toxic environment and I feel very threatened when I'm in those
meetings. So I have been boycotting those meetings ever since. So it's nothing new. It's not a new thing. And you could have said, "Hey, Jeremiah, you missed this, you missed that, you missed this." Nothing. Silent crickets. >> I have a question though. If now because
we didn't have the quorum for this or the appointments, personnel action items. So now all of these are on hold. Correct. Correct. >> So these these people could resend and go somewhere else. Correct. And move on. And then we have to start the hiring
process all over and then we don't have people to start the school year. Correct. Correct. Because if their teachers coming if their teachers coming from another district, they likely haven't given their notice yet because they want to make sure that they're approved here before they leave another job. >> Correct. Yes. They're on hold at least until next month.
>> So, we could lose these teachers at 59,000 and then have to hire somebody for 103,000. Again, >> depending on the candidates, we get >> No, we have teachers here. No, it's dependent on what what the candidates you get at the time, right? That's what you I get what you mean.
>> There's not a ton of teachers out there. >> My request is that if anyone has any questions, and I I've said this several times, please reach out to me, have a conversation. One thing that Maryanne, and we talked about this last night, Maryanne stated in her training was no
surprises. And there seems to be a lot of surprises. >> I I was very surprised when I got the packet, but >> but you did not reach out to me. You're you're right. >> Correct. >> When you're told to reach out, if you have questions that we can have conversations together.
>> And you know what's amazing? Every time that I talk that other people have to talk, >> okay, >> so we got the packet on Saturday. You had questions, concerns. >> Still did. >> And you you didn't reach out.
>> And you didn't ask anything last night either. >> You're right. So >> I I will reach out to the president and talk to her after the meeting, but my vote stands right now. >> I'm not talking about your vote. When we've had conversations that when you have questions that you reach out to get
the answers, we've had conversations about we go to to the source to to get response. It's wonderful that you reach out to Danielle, but ultimately you probably have to reach out to me. >> I will do that to them.
But again, you So everything is put on hold because you're choosing, which is your right. I'm not questioning your right. But no, it it actually doesn't sound like I am. I'm making that's a fact that you are you're withholding the
the business of the district. Yes. Yes, we are. because as it stands right now, I also just want to mention that it was said um that the public wants to see their elected officials. I thought we were here for children. I
thought that when we come to board of education meetings that it's a time to learn about the initiatives that are happening, the great things that are happening in schools, it shouldn't be a place where people just come to complain. Yes, it is a forum where people can bring their issues.
Fantastic. Wonderful. But I I also think it's a place for people to learn about the great things that are happening in schools. It's a time for us to celebrate. It's a time for us to have discussions about such things as strategic plans and moving forward. It's
not about being seen by your constituents. Everyone is your constituent and our focus should be on children. >> I'll never forget your comment about the child. >> You're absolutely right. from day one that I entered this district. It's always about the child in the chair.
>> Always. >> And that's not a slogan. That is a fact. Everything that is done is for the child in the chair, >> not what people write on Facebook. >> Um so as it stands now, um we have a
delay on um now it is the middle of July. Um, we have a delay on a fourth grade teacher, a fifth grade teacher, um, long-term substitutes for grade two, a school counselor, grade six, grade six, a special education teacher, and
another school counselor. Um, we also are not uh we have a delay on proving the memorandum of understanding for the 12 month secretary summer hours. Um, so just putting out there that that's what
we're affecting by not just abstaining or voting no on the things that we really really are against. But that's my thoughts on that topic. Okay. So now we will open the second
public comment portion of the meeting. In the interest of time, because we have board visits to attend to, policy 0167 governing public comment sessions will be strictly followed moving forward. Please have your comments prepared before coming to the podium as each member of the public will be permitted
to speak on two topics only and will be permitted to speak will not be permitted to speak more than twice during each public comment session. Be advised that a question constitutes a topic for purposes of these guidelines. Comments at this time can be on any topic. Please come to the podium. 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 Anette Urano, 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.
>> Okay. Uh my first comment about the recordings um I think the delay is a good idea but I would like noted in there when you say delay what do you mean delay 15 minutes
delay? >> So I mean I guess that's something to be discussed. I don't know what the >> tech Yeah. I'm just saying I think that that should be included in there because I could see the delay being too late. >> Well, I guess what YouTube probably determines what it is, right?
>> Probably has a delay. >> I I believe there is a setting that we can set, but the maximum delay is two minutes max. >> So, if if we delay it right now, I looked at a couple of things on the it is delayed, but it's only like 20
seconds. But if something were to happen in the meeting and you gave me the signal, I could cut the live stream and stop it before the public >> potentially go there. Yeah. >> Right. But then you'd have to restart a
different live stream. >> Okay. >> To continue the meeting. That's kind of how it works. >> Okay. Okay. >> But I believe when I looked it up, you two minutes is the max. >> I think that should be noted in whatever document you're doing so that somebody knows like
There could be a twominute delay or you know there is a two-minute delay. So what we're seeing here is two minutes delay probably to what they're seeing at home too on top of it. Sort of like the presidential speech. >> Yeah. Like the live when Yeah. the live on TV, you know, with the Super Bowl
halftime show where we had a little >> Yeah. So that I think should be a little more clearer than just the word delay. Um the other thing that you guys were just talking about about the recording of things,
I do come here whenever I can. It is totally annoying that your cow meeting is the date before this meeting. There's no time if you have questions to ask anybody anything. There's no time to do any research. I'm
I have to sit back and assume that that's why I asked who was on the personnel committee yesterday that these people on the personnel committee did their research. >> Well, they people on the committee have >> they meet in a committee meeting so they
have the information um like that's like the week before the week before they have a personnel committee meeting. So they're privy to all that information first because that's their committee. Then we are given the agenda usually Saturday before we give it a draft agenda Saturday
before the meeting. The board members are um so at that time we we can review it we can ask questions um and then we also have the committee of the whole where anybody who's not on the personnel committee can ask questions at the committee of the whole or from the time
we get the agenda on Saturday until our voting meeting. So we >> I still I still believe that there's not enough time from Tuesday to Wednesday for any additional information that somebody may need to make a decision. My
opinion just my opinion and then with the recording part there were several times that I couldn't make a cow meeting or I came to the cow meeting but I wanted to see what happened at at this meeting or basically it was the
cow meetings that I wanted. than anything because I can't make them all. I personally have always said that I think your town meetings [clears throat] are much more interesting than these meetings. So, um, and you get to see you guys at work and maybe more people will
come and sometimes I I do believe you guys engage us more during cow meetings which is very much appreciated and we don't have to wait for our turn like you let us >> and that's what this policy that we're updating that is it's going to govern
all of our meetings. So what's in this policy will happen consistently. So it'll be at the committee of the whole meetings. It will be regular meetings. It will be if we call a special meeting. This will govern all of that. So if once once it gets approved um if it's
going to stay the way that it is, it looks like it will be live streamed. So that would be okay. Thank you. Charlott to 10 drive. Um, in response with the video recording,
um, and you were saying Danielle that you know you want to see more people come out. I think that and it shows at the cow meetings that if you moved it to maybe 7 o'clock instead of six o'clock that there would be more parents that
could make it because even at the cow meetings you guys all have dinner but sometimes I come I don't have dinner not offered to take anything and you know people have families and they've got kids and they're getting home from soccer and baseball and they're trying
to get them fed. If you make it a little bit later, at least that's showing that you understand that they have these obligations and that, you know, maybe they could make it to a seven o'clock meeting. It used to always be at 7 o'clock. I don't know when it was
changed to six, but I just think that might help you in getting more people here. Um, and maybe think about it. I also think that live streaming it even with the delay does show transparency.
Transparency in the cow meetings, transparency at these meetings. If people choose to not come or view the meetings and then go out on Facebook, well, you're not going to stop that. Okay? The people who are sitting at the
meetings, who are here, know what goes on, know what was said. Um, but you can always refer back to, you know, well, it's all out there. You can look at it. Um, instead, like at the cow meetings, when we bring up stuff,
they're not recorded. So, I think that that would be a good idea. Um, and in reference to the minutes, um, when I review the minutes, I really don't see that there's a lot of the questions that are asked. There's there's a couple, but
not everybody who gets up and asks questions, the questions are in the minutes. So, can we however trivial it is, note that this person got up and this was their question and this is how it
was answered or the answer will be given back to them. >> You're meaning the public questions. >> Yes. when when the minutes are done and you guys are voting on the minutes, when I look at them, I really don't see much
of the public portion of it, the the public um coming up and asking questions or referring to stuff is in the minutes. So then when you get rid of the minutes, are you going to keep them for 12 months? That's great. But if you get rid
of them in 45 days, if you come back and say, "Well, when I was at the meeting, I asked this question, there's really nothing there if it's not in the minutes." So, if we're relying on not having the video, then I suggest that everything be in the minutes, the good,
the bad, and the ugly. >> And then one other question, it would be um preschool update. Um, I know that uh we're waiting for big hugs to get the CEO and like I know she had a lot of
work going on, but there's stuff out there saying that the school is not going to be ready for September. Um, is there any updates on how if they got the CO for the new classroom?
I don't have an update at this time. As far as I know, we're up and running just like last year. We were up and running and ready to go. Okay. >> If that is to change, I would share that absolutely with the board, with the public, with everything with everyone.
>> Okay. Yeah. I was just wondering because I've heard a lot of rumors out there about the preschool and that it probably won't be ready. So, I was just wondering. Thanks. >> Thank you. Oh, and just another thing, sorry. Um,
anybody in the public, go out, it was going to be on the website, but look at the presentation that was done last night on the um strategic planning. It I was I did come to um the meetings and so
it was nice to get an answer to some of the things that were discussed during those meetings. So if you went to a meeting then I suggest you go on the website and and look at the video. Um they did a great presentation
Melissa Zy6 Princeton Drive. Um, just to comment on the recordings, um, live streaming, especially when it is the day before, makes sense because then it's out there, um, for everyone to review the night before this meeting. Um, I
also think that what was said about the cow meeting the night before, there were always two voting board of ed meetings every two weeks. um it would eliminate the issues you're having tonight, right? Then now we're waiting an entire month for
business. Um it would have only been two weeks if there were a meeting every two weeks. I also would like to address the fact that it seems I come to these meetings and there are many five four votes and nobody ever cares why people
are abstaining. Mr. K has abstained from personnel every month. Nobody has asked him. So tonight, the night where business stops because that 54 majority is not here, seems to be the only night that anyone cares
in my opinion. Now, we thought July would be quiet, right? Nope. Uh the Hazlewood principal only needed six school days to make the five yes votes. Uh to keep her not look so hot, let's start with the four bullet
agenda for the third grade ceremony. welcome song certificates song and rows of empty seats because capacity um claims to the parents even though she distributed 43 less tickets than last year. The welcome message was odd and
thank nine-year-olds for being flexible. Is that a life skill they should learn? Sure. [snorts] Is that the skill that should be the focus of their elementary career? No. It was necessary because she can't seem to do her job. Now, were they actually flexible or was it a jab at the parents
there? Who knows? But when poor leadership is framed as a learning opportunity for children, there is a vast difference between teaching students healthy coping skills and expecting them to constantly absorb the chaos of a disorganized administration. When a school leader consistently fails
to plan or executes, it creates a trickle down effect that directly harms the learning environment. Examples of that from the ceremony where the four-point agenda couldn't be executed as listed. There was the welcome, a song, then an announcement. They would do the second song, then the
certificates. Okay, second song went well. It was super cute. Then the students walked across the stage. Uh the teachers announced the students. They did fantastic. We all clapped. And then they were all handed the wrong certificate by the principal as the students walked across the stage. So
obviously the extra time I'm rearranging the schedule didn't wasn't for rearranging the certificates to be correct. Um and it also makes it seem as if she doesn't know who our kids are. But wait, there's more. We then get an email about the clap out the next day. A
tradition at all elementary schools that the students will be dismissed out their usual doors and we should be there to clap. Except the third grade at Hazlewood comes out two separate doors. so they would not come out together in their final exit. A concerned parent
wrote a very respectful request. It read, "As currently scheduled, the classes are exiting from different sides of the building. This makes it difficult for families to participate in a unified celebration for the entire grade. The current setup feels like a standard dismissal rather than the special tunnel
of parents and teachers that the students deserve. Traditionally, students have exited through door 7, the kindergarten door, the same door they first entered as Hazlewood Huskys. This tradition is a significant core memory for many alumni. And I am concerned that the current plan lacks that same impact.
I kindly request that you reconsider this arrangement so that all third graders can exit together and enjoy this milestone as a full group. It was respectful and it was informative. So, did our kids get that clap out? Of course not. uh they made this elaborate in the-door
out the door parade type of thing that ended with the kids not even being dismissed together. It seems clear this was not her original plan otherwise that would have been communicated from the beginning. So she did change the plan but it seemed that to the parents that
she just couldn't bear to let the students walk out together. That was it. That was the solution. And for some reason it seemed she was refusing to let it happen. She didn't even show her face during the parade thing. Now, educational leaders are held to a higher
standard by society. Whether that's right or wrong can be debated. They're human. We are all human. But on a human being level, because a parent requested they get the same tradition their siblings, older family. A lot of the people sitting up here's owned kids got
that just couldn't be done. It's not a fluke. It's not a misunderstanding. It also happened at the beginning of the year when parents expressed concern about their kids playing next to active construction. She kept the kids inside the last few weeks they'd be able to go out before winter, claiming staffing
issues for that entire period. Why weren't coverages assigned? My opinion is she seems to punish elementary children when people question anything. And it's going to keep getting worse because we keep seeing the same mistakes.
So, I mean, bring on September. It seems like the only thing she could actually execute correctly is not executing things correctly. And honestly, it would almost be comical if it was so unbelievably sad. If it wasn't so unbelievably sad for our children. Thank
you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. We will now close public comment portion of the meeting. Pursuant to chapter 231 PL 1975, also known as the open public meetings act, authorizing a public body to meet in executive private session under certain
limited circumstances, and the said 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 July 15, 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. Parent, >> yes. >> Mrs. Scheler, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bich, >> yes. >> Mr. K, >> yes. >> Miss Decker, >> yes. >> Mr. Nicollay,
>> yes. >> Mr. Quinn, >> yes. >> All right, we are now in executive session. Um, there will be no action, I don't believe, taken after this session. So, you can wait in the hall.
Don't have to wait. I don't want to >> [clears throat]