WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=mE-9BJ-yyN8 NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: mE-9BJ-yyN8): - 00:00:04: Meeting Called to Order, Flag Salute, Roll Call - 00:01:23: Public Comment Open: Instructions and Initial Comment - 00:02:02: Public Comment: Question Regarding Study Committee - 00:03:10: Review of Agenda for Tomorrow Night's Meeting - 00:04:13: Personnel Report: Hiring, Appointments, Absences, and More - 00:06:52: Education Report: Anti-Bullying, Home Instruction, Field Trips - 00:08:25: Policy Action Items: Electronic Devices and Mandates - 00:11:40: Facilities and Finance Report: Bills, Budgets, and Projects - 00:14:13: Question About Discrepancies in Capital Reserve Numbers - 00:15:46: Fencing Installation at Mogger and Woodland Schools - 00:19:08: Bay Hugs Update: Preschool Extension Project Timeline - 00:25:59: Final Budget 2026-2027 Presentation Video - 00:29:43: Discussion: Bylaw 0168 - Recording of Meetings Policy - 00:30:16: Debate on Removing Meeting Recordings and Staff Support - 00:40:54: Clarifying Policy and Access, Protecting School Personnel - 00:50:19: Motion Discussion: Changing Recording Policy Implementation - 00:56:59: Executive Session Resolution and Adjournment Part: 1 1 00:00:04.160 --> 00:00:22.240 Okay, it is 6:01. We will call the meeting to order. We'll start with our flag salute to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice 2 00:00:22.240 --> 00:00:49.200 for all. Annette, can you please take the role? >> Mrs. Parent >> here. >> Mrs. Schuler >> here. >> Mrs. B. >> Mr. K. >> Ms. Decker. >> President. >> Mr. Nicolai >> here. >> Mr. Quinn 3 00:00:49.200 --> 00:01:06.960 >> here. >> Mrs. Reynolds. >> Mr. Dorton >> here. >> Thank you. The New Jersey open 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 4 00:01:06.960 --> 00:01:23.759 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. A notice was provided to the Courier News, the Home 5 00:01:23.759 --> 00:01:40.560 News Tribune, and the Middle Sex Burrow clerk. We'll now open the public comment portion of the meeting. Comments 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, 6 00:01:40.560 --> 00:02:02.799 address, and subject of your comment to Miss Attit 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. Laura Taly 109 Green Avenue Middle Sex. 7 00:02:02.799 --> 00:02:18.239 Um I have a question about the study that's being done. I just um wondered I had asked them be considered to be on that committee and the next thing I know I saw the names. I just wondered who selected them and when and what qualifications have that they have. 8 00:02:18.239 --> 00:02:34.400 >> Um so there is a actual a website with the um for the strategic planning corre um on that board corner and it explains all of that. There's like frequently asked questions and explains um who was chosen, why they were chosen, what for what purpose and and the guidelines that 9 00:02:34.400 --> 00:02:50.640 were given to us by the company that's doing it on how to choose those people. >> What is it I'm doing? >> Um I believe it's the board corner now, isn't it? using that. Yeah, >> it's on the main page. >> On the main page and then just look for that study and that's where that will be. >> Yes. So, >> okay, I'll look. 10 00:02:50.640 --> 00:03:15.360 >> Okay. Yeah, if you can't find it. >> Okay. Thanks. >> Then we will now close the public comment portion of the meeting. >> Nope. You're gonna go now. >> You're on. >> You're on. you're under um our 11 00:03:15.360 --> 00:03:35.280 >> our discussion items. >> Yeah, we'll let >> Okay, so um at this point now we're going to review our agenda for >> tomorrow night. Okay, we'll have our district employee of the month. um 12 00:03:35.280 --> 00:03:54.159 the presentation for the competitive cheer team and then a presentation for our annual budget. We'll do our announcements and our liaison reports. Um and then number six is meeting minutes from last month. So it's committee of the whole and our 13 00:03:54.159 --> 00:04:13.599 regular meeting on March 24th and 25th and then our executive session on March 25th. Any questions or comments on meeting minutes, concerns? Okay. So, then we'll move on to our personnel report by our committee chair, Mr. 14 00:04:13.599 --> 00:04:27.919 Nicole. >> Thank you, Danielle. Um, so we'll start. We have a few contractual appointments. We don't have any classmates, some hourly positions. 15 00:04:27.919 --> 00:04:51.280 There are no substitutes. Couple co-curricular extracurricular stipens, leave of absences, personnel action items at the service. We have no transfers. We have no salary adjustments, 16 00:04:51.280 --> 00:05:10.880 some extra teaching assignments, nothing related to the community school. and um all the other personal action items which are approval of multiple reappoints exams 17 00:05:10.880 --> 00:05:30.880 and all the attachments that are there. Does anybody have any questions related to the personnel report? And I just want to add the contractual appointments. Those are results of our going to the job fairs. So we're already 18 00:05:30.880 --> 00:05:47.759 started our hiring for next year, which is we're in a great position right now. Um so I've been updating you in board brief about the job fairs. So these are some candidates that we were able to find and knowing now that we can secure 19 00:05:47.759 --> 00:06:10.960 them. It puts us in a really good position. >> So what is the difference on 9.12 other personnel action items? Some of them say reappoint, other ones say salary notifications or are those like increases in salary that 20 00:06:10.960 --> 00:06:52.479 I'm confused. >> So that's just notifying them of what their salary will be for the next school year. >> Anybody else have any questions or comments on personnel items? Okay, then we'll move on to our education report. Um, Mrs. Reynolds is 21 00:06:52.479 --> 00:07:08.720 not here tonight, so we can go through it really quickly. Um, acceptance of the anti-bullying report. There is one student for home instruction. There's one for out of district 22 00:07:08.720 --> 00:07:27.120 placement. Stu student teacher internship placement, professional development, our fire and emergency drills report, field trip and class trips 23 00:07:27.120 --> 00:07:58.319 which are linked there. Workshop, travel and related expenses, submission of a grant application or grant applications for the kids heart challenge, American heart challenge. And then there are other educational 24 00:07:58.319 --> 00:08:22.800 action items which is a HIP grade report in a district school self assessments holiday dates for 2728 school year settlement agreement preschool expansion aid 25 00:08:25.840 --> 00:08:44.080 focus and provisional teacher mentors. Any questions on education items? Okay, then we'll move on to policy action items. Um there are two on for first reading. Uh we did just discuss those in the education committee 26 00:08:44.080 --> 00:09:00.640 meeting. Um, if anybody has questions on those, please let us know. >> Were they talked about in all the committees or no? >> Then there's second second reading. 27 00:09:00.640 --> 00:09:23.040 There's two there upper second reading, one for adoption, and that's it. Anybody have questions on policy items? So the electronic device ones are the mandated from the from the 28 00:09:23.040 --> 00:09:41.360 state or is it >> it's mandated by the state but we're updating the policy because there is language in there about students bringing in their own devices that um a concern came from the teachers 29 00:09:41.360 --> 00:09:59.040 to the principal during regular And as you know we have district council that hits four times a year and when they feel that issue should be escalated at the district up to the district level. So at district council in February January they brought up the 30 00:09:59.040 --> 00:10:15.120 issue of students bringing their own devices and with the new cell phone ban that's coming into play that if I have a MacBook I also have access to my phone and my watch everything and they're able 31 00:10:15.120 --> 00:10:31.839 to text message and that shouldn't that's not allowed. So, in an effort to assist with that cell phone ban and also other things that teachers brought out during the meeting after we had district council, we had a meeting with the 32 00:10:31.839 --> 00:10:49.040 teachers to discuss well what what do you see happening in the classroom? And they did identify areas that they they felt it was they had real issues with with students their safety, what are they doing when they're on their own 33 00:10:49.040 --> 00:11:05.519 devices, things of that nature. So, after listening to them, again, coupled with the cell phone ban that's coming into place for September, it was best for us to take a look at this policy and revise it. So, the policy was submitted to our technology department. It was 34 00:11:05.519 --> 00:11:20.480 also submitted to our high school and middle school principles um and teachers so that they can weigh in on the wording. At the time when this policy was put into place, we were not one to one, >> right? And now we are one to one. So it 35 00:11:20.480 --> 00:11:40.800 really does not serve a purpose to for students to bring their own devices. Okay. Any other questions or comments on policy items? Okay. And we will move on to our facilities and finance report. Amanda is 36 00:11:40.800 --> 00:11:59.120 also not here tonight. Who is the co-chair there? >> Yes, me. >> Well, you can do it. >> I got the notes. Uh so the facilities and finance, the action items that are coming up will be the bills list, 37 00:11:59.120 --> 00:12:15.040 um the monthly budget transfers, the secretary report, the treasur's report, uh the monthly certifications for the BA and the board members, and then we get into 38 00:12:15.040 --> 00:12:32.000 um all of our building use. We have a variety of them. Um a change order for the replacement. Um this is a credit it looks like for the 39 00:12:32.000 --> 00:12:45.839 unused um allowance capital withdrawal for the small group construction interior renovations at watch 40 00:12:45.839 --> 00:13:08.079 and then continues on to the next page. Other bids for Sorry, I'm not sure which one this is for. >> Oh, the upate parking lot and paved play area upgrades 41 00:13:08.079 --> 00:13:24.480 at Parker. Sorry, I ran right past that. uh purchase an installation of fencing that's at Mogger and Woodland and then classroom products and services Chromebooks 42 00:13:24.480 --> 00:13:38.959 HVAC products and services the purchase of air conditioners professional services um has to do with the watch on logger and watch on parking lots 43 00:13:38.959 --> 00:13:58.880 disposal of fixed assets um an ice maker and then there's our um entire um adoption of the budget which we will discuss in detail a little bit further 44 00:13:58.880 --> 00:14:13.760 and then corrections doesn't look like we have any >> so I I have a question about uh 14.03 which is the uh monthly secretary report. Um on page one, the capital 45 00:14:13.760 --> 00:14:31.440 reserve lists as having 296,484. Page four implies that it's closing that its closing balance is 200,000 uh 22 296484. But page three says that its closing 46 00:14:31.440 --> 00:14:53.040 balance is 2,181,979. That's line item 16 on both capital reserve. And the maintenance reserve on page one has a closing balance of zero. Page three has it having a closing balance of 1.156 47 00:14:53.040 --> 00:15:10.560 million. Page four implies a closing balance of zero. So, what's going on there? >> Page one is the cash accounts. Y >> capital reserve money and maintenance reserve money is in the current fund cash account. Okay. >> There's only 296,000 48 00:15:10.560 --> 00:15:28.399 that's in the actual cash account. >> Okay. >> For the capital reserve and the reason for that is that we get interest on current fund checking accounts. Okay. So, the money is so the these are physically two separate accounts then. >> Yes. We have many cash accounts that 49 00:15:28.399 --> 00:15:44.839 make up the total general fund which is the the financial statements that you're looking at. >> Yeah. So that that would have been the next question. So this is all considered under the general fund not under individual maintenance accounts. >> Right. Okay. >> Right. 50 00:15:46.639 --> 00:16:14.959 >> I do have a question 12. Yeah. So, it's going to cost 52,000 to replace or add an >> There's no fence around the property. >> Okay. >> At the time at this time. >> So, you're going to add a new fence. 51 00:16:14.959 --> 00:16:30.079 >> Correct. We're putting a fence around. We've had some instances of security instances on that property. People cut through to get to the Dunkin Donuts, to the Dollar Tree, 52 00:16:30.079 --> 00:16:46.079 >> everything. So, there are times when >> Oh, you mean so not the fence that's there right now. >> Correct. Around the building, around the the fields, but even that area going into Dollar Tree, there's an opening there. >> Yeah, I know that. 53 00:16:46.079 --> 00:17:00.720 >> So, you want to enclose that >> the entire Yes. property >> because for some reason during the day, We shouldn't have trespassers. There are people who trespass and walk right against the building and it does cause 54 00:17:00.720 --> 00:17:16.720 alarm to our teachers that teach right there. >> There's a strange person walking behind the building. So having a fence that has a latch, it will deter that people will have to walk around. Usually when the 55 00:17:16.720 --> 00:17:32.400 police are called, if someone is on the property, they speak to the person and they're saying, "I was just going over to the Dunkin Donuts." But police have to explain to them that school is in is in operation and you're trespassing at 56 00:17:32.400 --> 00:17:52.080 the moment. >> And that's for Woodland and Mer >> and Mer. So Mer is a combination. I'm thinking watch. Okay. So, just the middle school basically that um 57 00:17:52.080 --> 00:18:08.080 and then if then you have an additional quote for 72,907 and that's if it doesn't go through or that's just a second >> that's just to show that the other quote was higher. Yeah. >> And then this is the only quote that the only two quotes that you look through 58 00:18:08.080 --> 00:18:26.880 like is there like a list of like with five six different people. um there I think both of these proposals were um through cooperative purchasing as well. So generally we'll get two or 59 00:18:26.880 --> 00:18:43.919 three from cooperative purchasing um like county things like that um and then whoever decides to give us a look at evaluate from there. >> So these are only Yes. Yeah. If there 60 00:18:43.919 --> 00:19:08.880 were others, I would list them all. >> Got it. Okay. Thank you. >> Any other questions? Right. Um so, we're done with that agenda for tomorrow. We'll go back to tonight's agenda. Um we're on discussion 61 00:19:08.880 --> 00:19:26.240 items. Um we do have um Mrs. Spencer is here from Bay Hugs and she would like to update the board on the preschool extension at her school. Hello. Thank you for having me. Betty, Elizabeth Spencer, whatever you want to 62 00:19:26.240 --> 00:19:42.240 call me. I want to thank you for having me and I just wanted to give you guys a clear update on what is happening with um my building because I know there's been like a lot of chatter around town. So, I figured it would be better for me to come before the board to explain 63 00:19:42.240 --> 00:19:57.440 everything. So, therefore, we probably can all be on the same page. So, um I met with my general contract and his assistant today um in regards to the construction and we're in the process of right now 64 00:19:57.440 --> 00:20:13.120 completing the sidewalks, the awnings, grading the playground, and some a little more a little more piping for the um sprinkler system. and that should be completed no later than May 21st. And in 65 00:20:13.120 --> 00:20:29.760 addition to that, there's some finishing work inside that needs to be done. Like we already have all of our um all of our inspections that are done, but we have to do um we're finishing the electric, the plumbing, the painting, the flooring, and the doors. So the 66 00:20:29.760 --> 00:20:47.360 contracts assured me that this work would be done simultaneously with the outside work and therefore we anticipate everything to be done by May 21st. And once that's completed because I received a grant um a COVID grant that um I was 67 00:20:47.360 --> 00:21:04.400 able to utilize $200,000 for health and safety. Um so what I did was I used it to provide a new fencing around the new tower playground as well as um all you know the astroturf and playground 68 00:21:04.400 --> 00:21:21.520 equipment. So and that's coming to an end because they want to close out that grant. So it's like it's very important that I just you know keep moving quicker than you know it's been a a delay but I do apologize for that because that was never my intention. Um, and then after 69 00:21:21.520 --> 00:21:36.400 we get the playground, the fencing in, then the playground comes in. And right before that, we're putting a shed in the back so we could have extra supplies and things like that for the playground. And we're anticipating that that'll all be done by the 30th. And on the 31st of 70 00:21:36.400 --> 00:21:54.000 May, we should be going for a temporary co um because the only thing left to do is like, you know, doing some planting and, you know, shrubs and things like that. As well as um we have to put two EDC spots in um for parking, but we 71 00:21:54.000 --> 00:22:11.600 figured that wouldn't delay the um the use the opening of it. So, that's what's going on. So, I just wanted you guys to know that I have been working very diligently on getting this um project completed. I know that um we were supposed to have it done in September. 72 00:22:11.600 --> 00:22:26.080 Unfortunately, there's been many obstacles that have come before us, which I didn't anticipate, and I would probably never do another building in my life after this. It was the worst experience of my life. So, um, but no, anyhow, with that being said, we do 73 00:22:26.080 --> 00:22:43.600 anticipate to take on one other um we want to try to build at least three more additional classrooms for the fall September if you guys decide that you want to have us. So, um, I just everyone to know that we're all in. Um it's been 74 00:22:43.600 --> 00:23:00.480 a great experience with the preschool expansion. Um we've learned a lot. Um and we, you know, we've worked along the way and I think that the team that we have put together has been pretty strong and I do appreciate everybody and you 75 00:23:00.480 --> 00:23:17.679 know what they do. Um I've learn I've learned so much. The only thing that I do wrong is I talk too much. like um you know because you have to adhere to a schedule you know like you only have 20 minutes for this and 15 minutes for that but I just go on and on 76 00:23:17.679 --> 00:23:33.440 and on. So they're always like they're like looking at their watch like come on you got to move on to the next thing. But um but I do like it. We have hopes of one thing that I'm really really doing which I wanted to tell you this because 77 00:23:33.440 --> 00:23:49.520 like after getting into this program I realized that um because we're really even though we're an extension of the school district that a lot of people that would be coming into our program would maybe not as seasoned as other 78 00:23:49.520 --> 00:24:06.720 teachers that have been teaching for many years. So, what I've reached out to is I reached out to a lot of retirees that are coming up like through our school district and hopefully they'll want to come aboard and teach at our school and also I've modified our 79 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:24.480 lessons into like oldfashioned lesson plans. um like you you all if you're old like me like we used to do old old fashioned lesson plans and um this way the anyone coming into the school will all be hitting every single thing that 80 00:24:24.480 --> 00:24:41.120 needs to be taught to them. So this way no matter if you came in with no experience or you had 20 years experience you have a guide that you can you know go by so everyone's all on the same page. So that's I'm like pretty proud of that. I've been doing that since September. It's the curriculum 81 00:24:41.120 --> 00:24:56.000 that never got done, but um we're doing that. Uh Gina has been wonderful. Maya the nurse um you know Dr. Freriedman when we call her and you know we have any questions she's right there for us. 82 00:24:56.000 --> 00:25:11.279 So I want to thank you um for affording me this opportunity and um I've learned a lot and I hopefully we'll just continue to grow and make it the best that we can for the children. So that's all I wanted to say. >> Thank you very much. >> Okay. 83 00:25:11.279 --> 00:25:29.600 >> So I'm gonna go now. Thank you. And if anyone has any questions, um, everyone could always take my personal number, even to the parents. I don't have a problem with reaching out to them. So you know, if they have any concerns or questions, we're always 84 00:25:29.600 --> 00:25:58.600 thanks. Okay. Um, our next discussion topic is the final 20 26 27 annual annual budget. >> It's just it's a video. >> Thank you. 85 00:25:59.200 --> 00:26:15.760 Welcome to the Middle Sex Bureau Public Schools 2026 2027 district budget video. This budget focuses on supporting students, managing resources effectively, and strengthening our schools. Our budget is student centered by design. We are committed to aligning 86 00:26:15.760 --> 00:26:30.799 resources to support learning, essential services, and efficient school operations to create the best educational environment possible. Supporting our schools involves three key areas: people, programs, and systems. This includes dedicated staff, 87 00:26:30.799 --> 00:26:47.120 academic and student support services, and essential operations like transportation and technology to keep schools running effectively. Understanding today's financial landscape means recognizing that required costs are rising faster than available revenue, budget decisions must 88 00:26:47.120 --> 00:27:02.799 balance diverse student needs and operational requirements. resources are focused on required obligations, student support, and district priorities. Major cost drivers significantly shape our annual budget. These include consistently rising healthcare expenses, 89 00:27:02.799 --> 00:27:18.480 special education costs for required services and compliance, and salary obligations driven by negotiated contracts and staff commitments. The chart illustrates how budget resources are allocated. Instructional salaries and employee benefits account for the largest portions of our total 90 00:27:18.480 --> 00:27:34.480 appropriations totaling over $52 million. We face budget challenges and are committed to fiscal stewardship within a limited revenue environment. While state aid has increased, rising costs persist, necessitating careful management of our resources. Addressing 91 00:27:34.480 --> 00:27:51.120 the challenge involves protecting priorities and aligning resources through three key actions. expenditure review, staffing alignment to maintain student support and program protection, prioritizing essential classroom instruction and services. We are expanding educational opportunities 92 00:27:51.120 --> 00:28:07.600 through continued growth in preschool access and strengthening early learning by investing in our youngest learners. The district is also leveraging external support by strategically utilizing grant funding such as the NJOE lift and coach grants to enhance early literacy 93 00:28:07.600 --> 00:28:23.600 initiatives and boost student outcomes. Our focus on facilities and operations ensures strong learning environments, operational readiness through efficient systems, and modern technology integration. We also prioritize clean facilities, maintenance upgrades, and 94 00:28:23.600 --> 00:28:39.520 enhanced safety protocols. The budget aligns resources with our strategic planning and vision. We are committed to ensuring resources are effectively aligned with the district's priorities and engaging stakeholders to shape a shared vision for our students future. Responsible stewardship is key. 95 00:28:39.520 --> 00:28:54.880 Balancing student needs with fiscal responsibility. This means preserving the people, programs, and systems that have been established while making thoughtful decisions that support long-term stability for our school community. Our key takeaways focus on protecting programs, strengthening 96 00:28:54.880 --> 00:29:10.799 opportunities, and guiding priorities. We are leveraging grant funding and strategic planning to ensure all students receive necessary resources and support for success. What's next? Preserve the infrastructure that supports our schools, protect what 97 00:29:10.799 --> 00:29:37.320 matters most, and continue moving Middle Sex forward with students at the center of every decision. Thank you. Does anybody have any questions or anything they want to discuss on the budget before tomorrow night? 98 00:29:43.440 --> 00:30:00.080 All right. Then we'll move on to our discussion item number three which is bylaw 0168. Um this was uh Mr. Quinn had brought this up. So I think we just want to um address any 99 00:30:00.080 --> 00:30:16.960 questions that maybe you had and then try to >> Okay. So bylaw 0168 is the policy regarding recording of meetings. Now, the the policy states that the meetings are only going to be held until either 100 00:30:16.960 --> 00:30:34.480 45 days or the minutes have been approved and then they'll be destroyed by um by statute and by following the rules. Part of those rules is you have to file paperwork with the state to remove them. 101 00:30:34.480 --> 00:30:51.120 MBOE television took down over the past I want to say it's been two or three months nearly two years worth of recordings can't find any paperwork in our system through open requests where we got approval for that 102 00:30:51.120 --> 00:31:06.640 >> the paperwork that has to be filed is to actually have the records destroyed correct >> so removing them from the website they haven't been destroyed they're just not they're archived so they still exist in our within this 103 00:31:06.640 --> 00:31:23.919 why wouldn't we have them available to the public? So, there's been times where staff members have been the subject of comments. Um, and I think that if those 104 00:31:23.919 --> 00:31:40.640 things live there for a long time where people can go back and see that those staff members don't feel supported by the superintendent or the board. Um, and granted that things that are being said 105 00:31:40.640 --> 00:31:56.399 may be true. That's only we're only getting one side of the the situation of the story when somebody comes up and speaks at the podium, >> right? This isn't just about preserving what people come up to the podium to 106 00:31:56.399 --> 00:32:12.880 say. This is about preserving what we say >> up here on the D. >> And I mean, and that's still that's still available. If somebody wants to see it or hear it, they can. >> But it used to be readily available. Now it's hidden behind over requests. And >> why was it changed? Was there reasoning 107 00:32:12.880 --> 00:32:29.440 for the changes? Because people offended >> I think it was part of it was for protection of of our staff members and things like that. >> Protect. What do you mean? 108 00:32:29.440 --> 00:32:44.399 >> Like what I just said, what I just explained. So there are times if there are times where members of the audience have come to the podium and they have made statements about administrators 109 00:32:44.399 --> 00:33:00.559 and administrators are feel as if they're not being supported and it can be it's one side of the story as Mrs. Fante just said that if that's the only thing that's living on a website 110 00:33:00.559 --> 00:33:16.480 and that person has they don't share their perspective or what really happened. >> Exactly. And it it's unfair to our admin or even 111 00:33:16.480 --> 00:33:34.000 sometimes if it's a teacher >> I would say it's unfair to the public to remove it. >> This is a public record. >> So I think it's I think it's important that yes there's the public but school community. There's also the students, 112 00:33:34.000 --> 00:33:49.200 there's teachers, there's administrators. So, it should be looked at, >> but there are plenty of policies in place where students aren't discussed by name up from this board, administrators, and whoever else. They're not discussed 113 00:33:49.200 --> 00:34:08.320 unless they've been rights noticed by name >> by us. The public uses that that's the public's prerogative. This is a public meeting. And it was decided by the board at the time. >> Which board? >> The current board. 114 00:34:08.320 --> 00:34:24.159 >> The the board at the time. >> Okay. >> When this was discussed. >> Okay. But now we're discussing it again. >> Exactly. So that's the reason why it's put on so that can be discussed. >> Could we get all the past archive films 115 00:34:24.159 --> 00:34:40.079 put back on so people can go on? I think that's for the board president and the board to discuss something to discuss. >> I don't know if we're going to vote on stuff right now for this, but tomorrow then can we put it back on to talk about? 116 00:34:40.079 --> 00:34:54.800 >> I mean, they didn't have 48 hours to look at agenda from what happened before dogs. So, I'm just >> added. >> Well, I'm not sure what you mean added on to. How do we vote on it to get it to where videos are 117 00:34:54.800 --> 00:35:10.240 >> back for the public to review? >> Well, first the policy would have to change, >> correct? >> So are because our even before >> Well, I mean that's not true. The policy wouldn't need to change because the policy is the bare minimum. 118 00:35:10.240 --> 00:35:31.119 It's not restrictive in what you can do. It's just the bare minimum you must do. >> I guess can we make a motion to move it? No. Um, our policy states that once the audio is once the minutes are approved 119 00:35:31.119 --> 00:35:47.839 that the audio is removed. That's in our board policy as it states right now. >> So then we need to look at modifying that. >> Well, seems like that would be the first step. I'm just I'm sorry. I'm just looking at it. I did look at it before, 120 00:35:47.839 --> 00:36:10.720 but I want to I I must ask though, why were we not in compliance with our policy for the past two and a half years? >> Not in how are we not in compliance? >> Well, because the videos were available going back to at least two years ago 121 00:36:10.720 --> 00:36:26.720 >> until they were removed. >> So, how are we not in compliance? Because the minutes are it states that once the minutes are posted >> the audio will be removed. >> Right. >> So it wasn't being removed >> up until very recently. 122 00:36:26.720 --> 00:36:44.320 >> Not very recently. It was decided it was No, not the past few months. >> It was decided by the board. >> What? And it's >> I would like to go to that meeting where >> I'd like to see where that was discussed. 123 00:36:44.320 --> 00:37:05.359 >> You will have access to the minutes. So you can access the minutes from last year. I believe it was last year. >> I believe it was August of last year was when it was first talk talked about. >> Okay. 124 00:37:05.359 --> 00:37:20.160 So my original I guess my question is good point solid. I don't think we're out of compant. I think that is their perspective of it but it's not it's not the best looks for us as public servants. And I want to say it's not a 125 00:37:20.160 --> 00:37:36.640 good look for our admin when one side is brought up to a podium and I have had to work with the union to address where they're being evaluated and it's completely unfair to them and then they 126 00:37:36.640 --> 00:37:53.280 have to continue to work in this district. It's totally different. People bash me all the time as the superintendent. Okay, it comes with the job. But our our admin are protected. They are in a union. It is our job to 127 00:37:53.280 --> 00:38:11.040 ensure that their working conditions are are something that they can work within. >> I understand. So explain to me the difference. So imagine somebody in the public records the whole meeting. They decide watch middle. They put it up on their side. It's public. What stops them 128 00:38:11.040 --> 00:38:26.960 from taking it down? Same issue, same concern, but it's not >> I don't understand what you're saying. >> They're recording story. So imagine there's two companies recording the this meeting. There's us that's making it pretty difficult to find a video and then there's um Mr. Polish recorder. He 129 00:38:26.960 --> 00:38:43.359 comes every single meeting, records everything. It's put up on his website. You can't force him to take it down. You can't do it and it's a public meeting, right? Am I wrong with that? >> No. But see, that's but that's the opposite of what we're saying. We can't force him to take it down. But the problem is that that is some that's 130 00:38:43.359 --> 00:38:58.720 something that's beyond our control. That's a personal difference between the arenas, the same materials in this arena, which we're controlling it. We're manipulating, in my opinion, we're manipulating it >> to not make it available to the public. >> So now we're as a whole by not allowing 131 00:38:58.720 --> 00:39:14.960 the public to see it. >> Well, we're not see >> put it right back on the website. It was there, all of a sudden it went away and now it's >> So I want to be clear. >> Is that how I'm understanding? >> I I want to be clear that it didn't go away. That this isn't something that we 132 00:39:14.960 --> 00:39:31.760 did available. your choice of words. It didn't go away. It was a discussion at a board meeting and that the board decided that a majority of the board decided for it to be removed. It did not go away. 133 00:39:31.760 --> 00:39:47.359 I just want want to talk about choice of words. Choice of words that statement >> what what >> choice of words is very important. >> Correct. Choice of words is very important because when we say things in public, that's how we get the the 134 00:39:47.359 --> 00:40:04.160 bashing on on Facebook and everything else. It did not go away as if there's wrongdoing. There has been no wrongdoing. >> I choice of words. >> It's gone. You could go on there if >> choice of words 135 00:40:04.160 --> 00:40:19.520 >> and now it's gone. >> Choice of words, but you can still see it. I mean, >> not all. They're all gone. No, but like you can request to to >> you can request it and then by policy you can come in and sit in the media center and review it. Come on. >> Where does it say by policy? You have to 136 00:40:19.520 --> 00:40:35.920 come in the media center and view it. >> Electronic recording. >> No, no, no. So that's totally different. And this is what I mean by choice of words. We say things during a meeting. There can be a designated place where someone records. 137 00:40:35.920 --> 00:40:52.119 If someone's recording a meeting, our policy states that there would be an area for them to be able to record it in the public. >> I think that's right. In the public area. So, I think that's what you're referring to. >> No. 138 00:40:54.000 --> 00:41:09.280 >> In in the event a member of the public wants or needs to audio or video. No, not there. >> Yes, that's it. >> Not there. >> Okay. >> Use your recording device. August of 2024, by the way, is the date 139 00:41:09.280 --> 00:41:24.640 >> that this policy was discussed. >> Videos were recently taken down. >> No, they were not. >> No, they were not. Again, choice of words. We put things out there that are not factual. They were not recently taken down. This was a discussion that 140 00:41:24.640 --> 00:41:41.200 took place in August of 2024. It was decided by the board. >> So, and just what we were discussing before as far as, you know, of staff members. Just to kind of put it in perspective, if you 141 00:41:41.200 --> 00:41:56.960 had a meeting, you know, say at your job, you had a meeting, right? And this meeting was being recorded and somebody from outside came up and said, you know, things some things about you or what 142 00:41:56.960 --> 00:42:13.280 happened or whatever, right? And you didn't get your ch you didn't get a chance to defend yourself, but then your company took that posted it on its website and that's there for everyone to see all the time, right? I mean, how would that make you feel? So, I'm just saying just giving perspective as a 143 00:42:13.280 --> 00:42:28.880 staff member when they say that this is a public meeting, >> right? But >> but we're not Yeah, but we're not required after the minutes have been approved. We're not required to post that on our website. We're required to keep it unless we unless we get 144 00:42:28.880 --> 00:42:43.680 permission to destroy it, but we're not required to put it on our website. So, that's what we're saying. We made that choice as a protection to the people who work here because things are said about them at that podium that they don't get a chance to defend themselves against and then that's living on our website 145 00:42:43.680 --> 00:43:00.000 where it can be seen over and over and over again and they haven't gotten a chance to defend themselves or give their side of the story. So that's a choice we made based on that. Yes, if this is a public meeting, but we are not required by law to keep all those meetings on our website. That that's the 146 00:43:00.000 --> 00:43:17.119 point. Okay. So the only reason why you took it down because of the feelings of certain people, >> it's not feelings. That is an it's an a continuous evaluation of staff members. And if we expect our 147 00:43:17.119 --> 00:43:35.599 staff members to perform at an optimal level every single day and now people are passing judgments on them based on one person's experience, it's unfair to our staff members. Unless they were that staff member was 148 00:43:35.599 --> 00:43:50.880 here and they got up at the podium and said this is my defense that no this is what this is my side of the story whatever that's different because now you have two sides and then people can make their determination if they want but to they're having like Dr. Mr. 149 00:43:50.880 --> 00:44:05.920 Freeman said they're having a an opinion formed on them based on what one or maybe two or a couple people have said at that podium without a chance to defend themselves. 150 00:44:05.920 --> 00:44:21.200 >> And that's the reason >> it's about being together. >> It's about providing >> it's following the I don't mean I cut you off. It's following the policing what our polic says. Our polic Once the 151 00:44:21.200 --> 00:44:38.560 minutes are established that the audio recordings can be removed. So they are removed. They are not destroyed. They are removed. Are they accessible? Absolutely. >> And by what process? 152 00:44:38.560 --> 00:44:53.520 >> They can be requested. >> So I request every last one of them and post them on Jeremiah wants you to know this.com. What's the difference? They're still going to the issues what you're saying which we can we can help guide it. We 153 00:44:53.520 --> 00:45:12.160 can help make it healthy and positive in public. I hear the concern. I hear the worry. I'm listening to the fear. But it's like >> it's not worry or fear. I work with these people every single day and how unfair it is for them to be evaluated 154 00:45:12.160 --> 00:45:28.560 >> by one experience. >> I understand that >> because it's I feel like you everything. Oh, because they feel that this is not a >> I'm not coddling. No, you're >> it's about providing a providing a like a a comfortable and safe work 155 00:45:28.560 --> 00:45:46.160 environment for people to work. >> But I feel like coddling >> I feel like I was saying before, I just feel like the words choice of words that you're using like they have to be this they feel and I'm like I understand that but the job is the job and this is what 156 00:45:46.160 --> 00:46:01.359 this is. >> So the job is for them to be in public >> and evaluated the video. >> The only evaluation they get is from the superintendent >> official one. Yes. But >> any unofficial evaluation that somebody 157 00:46:01.359 --> 00:46:17.599 feel so I so I don't get evaluated each board meeting? >> I think we all do. >> I know. I mean I have personally been pretty judged so I'm okay. you know, and I'm a big boy, but it's like I have dealt with a lot of rocks being thrown 158 00:46:17.599 --> 00:46:33.359 at my forehead >> in these type of positions just just and this is not personal. Again, this is the public arena. What board of educations across New Jersey in general should have is an archive of their meetings so that they're >> and we do have an archive of our meetings. >> I understand, but you're we're making it 159 00:46:33.359 --> 00:46:48.240 very difficult. >> It's not difficult at all. I don't even like really feel heard to be honest which is difficult for me to communicate when I don't feel heard when I feel like I'm I have to be very careful when all it is is public public information 160 00:46:48.240 --> 00:47:03.599 that's it if it's a private meeting a private meeting >> I think this has gone off quite a bit but it's a valid >> it's a valid point like people want to see the meeting why I mean even in this meeting alone people have been texting me to say hey are you streaming and I'm like I'm not streaming they said they're 161 00:47:03.599 --> 00:47:19.359 recording so it should be up right correct will be posted. >> Yeah, be posted. So, it's like there it is. We've already went to Cal meetings. We're moving in the right direction, which is beautiful. I heard that happen because you guys had a conversation. We're moving in the right stuff. I really feel that we just put the videos 162 00:47:19.359 --> 00:47:35.119 up and if people are making these judgments, that's what the laws for. You can protect them. And if someone's up there constantly attacking, there's ways to protect the employees. That's the people. That's their podium. That's where they come to us. The one way they can come to us and we don't like what's 163 00:47:35.119 --> 00:47:50.720 being you said is America. >> Yes. But it doesn't but but the difference is it doesn't have to live on our website. >> It has to be available but it doesn't have to it doesn't have to live on the internet like that because again 164 00:47:50.720 --> 00:48:08.240 >> but it does legally have to be able to pull it back to the process. So can I can I point out um the school ethics um documentation we have A throughJ and number I says I will support and protect school personnel and proper performance of their duties. I feel that following 165 00:48:08.240 --> 00:48:25.440 our policy and removing it off of the thing does protect the school personnel in their performance of their duties and that is our responsibility. Somebody else took a recording of it and does whatever they want to do. That's not 166 00:48:25.440 --> 00:48:43.200 they they do not have to abide by these um ethics codes, but we do. And number I is very important to me. >> So that code that you just read out I will I will support and protect school personnel in proper performance of their 167 00:48:43.200 --> 00:48:58.640 duties. >> Yes. But that doesn't go with having the video available. >> Well, yes. If they're being if they're being evaluated by the public or We need to support them as an employee of this district. 168 00:48:58.640 --> 00:49:14.960 >> This makes my head hurt there. It's just like put the videos on the website. >> I see what they're talking about, but they only see it as a protection. It's like a protect. I hear the protection part. Yes. But >> it's not We're not put a video out there for them to be attacked. 169 00:49:14.960 --> 00:49:30.720 >> It's not really for information. But they are being attacked. We know that's not what it's for, but that's still part of >> I haven't heard a single teacher get attacked since you haven't because 170 00:49:30.720 --> 00:49:46.960 maybe not a teacher, but we any public meeting there's always going to be people who's going to be against whatever it is. But I'm just I'm just saying both sides. I'm just saying that because you're saying that they you're 171 00:49:46.960 --> 00:50:04.640 protecting them because of words said public. So you don't want to post it. To me, I just feel like it's not conducive to what we do. >> So it's not that we don't want to post it. It's posted. We just don't let it continue to live there once the next meeting is available. So it's So right 172 00:50:04.640 --> 00:50:19.280 now it's last month's meeting, right? After today and tomorrow it will be this month's. The other ones don't they're not on the website, but they're not gone. They don't they still exist. They're just not on our website. 173 00:50:19.280 --> 00:50:35.839 >> Okay. So, question. So, if we want to have a vote on this situation, I see it. Is there have to a motion? 174 00:50:35.839 --> 00:50:51.040 >> We motion for tomorrow. I've seen stuff going from these meetings before. to the following meeting. Can we make a motion now >> to policy >> make the policy change? Is that possible or >> I think we got to do that in an action meeting. >> So >> they've done it before where they move 175 00:50:51.040 --> 00:51:07.119 it from cows to a regular. >> So what what has to happen anyway is that it we have to update the policy. So that'll have to happen. It'll have to go through the policy >> first reading 176 00:51:07.119 --> 00:51:23.760 is just a discussion topic. It's not on the on tomorrow's agenda currently. >> So, it will have to be >> it will have to be updated. It will have to be discussed. Yeah. >> And so, this is >> I don't know what I guess this is something that can be discussed in every 177 00:51:23.760 --> 00:51:44.079 committee I guess because normally when a policy gets changes it get it either comes from stress because it's a mandated update or or a >> Yes. or it's committee will discuss and 178 00:51:44.079 --> 00:52:00.400 think say what they want to be changed and then it goes on the agenda for first reading for approval. >> Yeah, we make a motion. We can't do that. >> So, no, because we don't we don't have updates to it yet. So, we can't put it on the agenda tomorrow for a first 179 00:52:00.400 --> 00:52:17.520 reading because we don't have there hasn't been any updates agreed to at this point or or >> what do you mean? language that language that you want to change the policy. >> So how do we how do we start that part the language? 180 00:52:17.520 --> 00:52:34.960 >> So normally when we change a policy it gets discussed in the appropriate committee meeting and then it would go on the agenda for first reading. >> So which appropriate meeting >> well so that's what I that's what the question I just had because this is >> okay. 181 00:52:34.960 --> 00:52:52.400 >> So for the next meeting That's when you could start the language like I just want to know what what do you have to do here to have it implemented so we could discuss it >> is that the next committee of the whole 182 00:52:52.400 --> 00:53:09.839 meeting and then we would have to wait for a vote >> and then two months three months later. So I think what we I don't know correct me if I'm wrong but I think what we should do is whoever has um suggested language that to be updated that you can 183 00:53:09.839 --> 00:53:26.000 send it to Dr. she can put that together on the policy and then that way the rest of the board can then review it >> before it goes for first reading. >> Do you have to go through the resume or 184 00:53:26.000 --> 00:53:45.599 sorry we could just make it up ourselves >> but it will go through the attorney. >> Okay. So that's say do we send it to you too and then you send it to him the company >> once the language is decided upon. Okay. >> Once the language is decided upon, we would absolutely run it past the board 185 00:53:45.599 --> 00:54:02.079 of attorney and it will go through the regular as if it came from stra. It will go through first reading, we go through second reading and then it will go through an adoption. Okay. >> Can we also get back to two regular meetings a month for the same title? 186 00:54:02.079 --> 00:54:20.559 >> No, too much. >> Two two regular board two regular board meetings isn't a bad idea, but That's basically what's happening here with the cow meeting. It's just one week instead of >> I'm thinking two votes, Mr. Quinn, where it's like one month and then we vote again two months or three months later 187 00:54:20.559 --> 00:54:38.960 till we get be I mean >> Exactly. The big the biggest issue of why we went to the one month is because the day if you have two meetings a month the day you finish so we finish our meeting Wednesday they have to start on the 188 00:54:38.960 --> 00:54:57.119 agenda on Thursday for the next meeting that's in 10 days like it's just such a quick turnaround and there's a lot of stuff legally I believe we have to have six meetings a year, which is ridiculous 189 00:54:57.119 --> 00:55:13.720 because then our business administrator can't get her work done. Um, so it was a decision that was made again. It was two years ago, three years ago we went 190 00:55:15.280 --> 00:55:31.200 >> so um it is a lot of work for the staff and we don't have a large um staff to put together the two the two meetings. 191 00:55:31.200 --> 00:55:48.720 I mean, and if anybody wants personal opinions, I personally prefer it this way. So, not that that matters, but I know that that's part of the reason why we started doing it this way because a lot of the board members at the time agreed on that because we like to have 192 00:55:48.720 --> 00:56:04.160 this committee of the whole meeting where we get to discuss for for me personally discuss things we're going to be voting on before we're actually voting on them. So instead of discussing something the day the night 193 00:56:04.160 --> 00:56:19.760 of a board meeting and then voting on it right away. Sometimes I like to get information and think it over. You know, might change my mind, might change my opinion, you know, I might vote a different way depending on things that were discussed, but I don't want to be put on the spot 194 00:56:19.760 --> 00:56:35.359 like that. you know, because I could vote and then the next day I'd be like, "Oh, wait. I might have maybe I should have voted differently because I'm now thinking about things that we discussed." So, I personally like to discuss things the day before or a couple days before or whatever it is 195 00:56:35.359 --> 00:56:59.559 before I have to vote on them the next day or two days later, whatever it is. But that's my that's my personal feeling on it. So, are we good on we're good on that discussion topic? Any other discussion topics? 196 00:57:00.160 --> 00:57:16.720 Okay. Um, pursuant to chapter 2 231 PL1975, also known as the open public meetings act, authorizing a public body to meet an executive private session under certain limited circumstances. and the said law requires the board adopt a resolution at a public meeting before it 197 00:57:16.720 --> 00:57:33.520 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 April 28th, 2026 to discuss matters involving attorney client privilege, confidential student matter, confidential personnel matter or and 198 00:57:33.520 --> 00:57:49.520 security. So moved. >> Second. >> Annette, can you please take the role? >> Mrs. Parente, >> yes. >> Mrs. Scheler, >> yes. >> Mr. Yes. >> Miss Decker. >> Yes. >> Mr. Nickelway. >> Yes. >> Mr. Quinn. >> Yes. >> Mr. Thornton. >> Yes. 199 00:57:49.520 --> 00:58:03.000 >> Thank you. We are now going into executive session. Um there will be no action taken after or further discussion. We will just adjourn after executive session.