All right. Good evening everyone. Thank you for your patience. Welcome to the Tuesday, October 14th, 2025 McGomery Township Board of Education meeting. At this time, I'll entertain a motion to reconvene in open session. >> So moved. Second. >> It's been properly moved and seconded to
reconvene open session. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All those opposed. Sorry. Uh, all those opposed same. Great. Any assistance? Motion carried.
Roll call, please. Mr. Taliano. >> Dr. Dwang >> here. >> Stalling >> here. >> Smina >> present. >> Herman >> present. >> M. Felac. M. Harris. >> Here. >> Journ. Snor >> here. >> Mr. Todd >> here. Thank you.
>> Please rise as we salute the flag. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. just introduce yourself. So
at this time we'll have a McGomery Township School District student representative report from our new student representative. >> Good evening. My name is Orhan Agarwal and to begin I'd like to reflect on this month October.
The start of the month saw several successful events, including homecoming week, where the pep rally, football game, and homecoming games had great turnout in school spirit. Now, a more specific event took place in Mr. English's AP Chemistry class where
students completed a hands-on spectroscope lab activity covering emission spectra and atomic structure. On October 10th, World Mental Health Day took place where the community emphasized awareness around mental
health resources. The following day was National Coming Out Day where the pack and allies successfully highlighted the importance of inclusion and support. The following activities and events were scheduled for the rest of the month. The think fast assembly is on October 16th
and freshmen will participate in an interactive assembly focused on bullying and mental health. Dvali on October 19th is a celebration where uh people celebrate the
importance of good versus evil and the school will celebrate cultural diversity within the community. On October 21st, it's the PSAT where grades 10 and 11 will take this standardized assessment and it's an important step for college
readiness. Now, this is an event I'm looking forward to. It's called trunker tree and it's the annual community event within clubs and the environmental club is planning a Moana trunk and other clubs are doing their own themes to promote
creativity and sust and sustainability. Picture day retakes take place on October 30th. And lastly, Halloween. Everyone has Halloween on October 31st where celebrations and costumes will be
encouraged to add to school spirit. Now, some insights that I've gathered are regarding the first one it's regarding towards academic support. We see an opportunity to increase the visibility and use of the National Honor Society tutoring program. Their interest
meeting this Friday will kick off and more students would hopefully be involved. So that way people can utilize this resource and students should take advantage. Now also student feedback suggests a minor need to review the assignment load
specifically the volume of required reading related to heavy but critical social topics like racism in the English curriculum. We recognize the importance of these topics for understanding social issues and the focus of the feedback is
on balancing the depth of this issue with the overall length of reading assignments. Additionally, students expressed interest in exploring a broader range of perspectives on racism, including diverse cultural, historical, and global viewpoints to deepen their
understanding of this topic. Now, lastly, many students are unaware of helpful digital resource applications that can assist with managing their academic workload. Specifically, there's many resources out there like the to-do list on Google Classroom, the notes app
on iPhone, and I'm sure there's a variation on Samsung and Google Calendar. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Oran. Let's give him a round of applause. All right, next up, Superintendent Board
presentations. Superintendent Clark. >> Good evening everyone. At the high school this past Saturday, US bands in Somerville, our marching band took first place in their group and swept the caption awards for best music,
best overall effect, best visual, and best percussion. We are so proud of our talented students and dedicated staff. Way to represent Montgomery with excellence. Our unified PE students kicked off October by exploring the many powerful
initiatives happening this month for disability awareness. In small groups, they've researched key topics and created eye-catching infographics to educate and inspire the community. Check out the MHS Cougar Den on Instagram for their infographics celebrating AAC,
which is augmentative and alternative communication awareness, down syndrome awareness, and blindness awareness. We're proud of the students for learning, collaborating, and advocating for inclusion and understanding. October at brings some important traditions. This week, the eighth
graders are up at Camp Mason. Mr. Carter keeps sending me pictures. Continuing the US pastime of over 35 years, students are experiencing outdoor environmental education while building their own resilience through positive risk-taking and learning the importance
of teamwork through community building activities. Also this week, our seventh graders will be building their own community through the traditional tradition of pumpkin day, a day dedicated to the core values of community, acceptance, resilience, and empathy all around fall themes. In
the world of academics, the students are making strong progress to the opening units of the curriculum. In seventh grade science classes, students are experiencing hands-on activities to learn more about self and life functions. In social studies, the eighth graders are using primary sources as
they prepare for's own road to the revolution. The end of September and the start of October have brought tremendous productivity and positive energy to LMS. Students are now well into their routines and it's wonderful to see classrooms buzzing with engagement and
learning. Picture day was a great success. Special thanks to the PTO for their organization and support. Planning is already underway for the upcoming PTO sponsored monster mash ball bash which is scheduled for Friday, October 24th.
This promises to be a fun and me memorable community event. The LMS community helpers continue to shine, working closely with one another and with administration to ensure that every fifth and sixth grader feels a genuine sense of belonging at LMS. It's
inspiring to see our students taking leadership roles in building such a caring and inclusive school culture. During the week of October 6th through 10th, Village celebrated the week of respect. Each day, students took part in morning meetings, discussions, and activities that highlight the importance
of kindness and respect. Villagers began the week by learning what respects look like looks like and sounds like in the school community. Then explored how to show respect for ourselves and others. Midweek, students focused on respecting diversity by celebrating the many unique
qualities that make them each special. The week wrapped up with a fun no drama pajama day, reminding students that staying calm, solving problems peacefully. Through these activities, students practice the skills and attitudes that help build a caring,
welcoming school environment. The MHS peer leaders visited some of the classrooms to share lessons on respect. In addition, throughout this month, village school counselors are facilitating classroom lessons that focus on making sure we treat each other with respect and kind words so everyone
can feel safe and comfortable in school. Parents can help by engaging students in discussions at home so students can show respect and compassion throughout the year for themselves and others in our school and in our global community. Here at OS, the clubs just completed their annual week of respect as well.
Students spent time celebrating all the ways they can show respect towards one another and the rest of the school community. On the 7th, students had the option of bringing in something from home that represents their culture or background to increase understanding and awareness of the diversity that makes OS
a special place. The first graders are hard at work building routines and developing habits of strong readers, which includes reading strong and long uh long solid tricky words and talking about their books with a peer. That's what's going on in our schools. I
now have a couple of presentations. Mr. Italiano, I'm going to go to the podium with Mr. Delgado after Can we start with the enrollment one? Okay. Enrollment has come up in the last
couple of board meetings. So, I did a 4-year enrollment comparison. Um, as you can see, I I did school year 22, 23, 23, 24, 24, 25, and currently this year. The numbers used were the numbers of students in each of the grades at the
end of the school year, except for obviously this school year. It was from about a week ago. So, as you can see, so people can have an understanding why enrollment is dipping, there's a couple of things in play. So if you look last
year we graduated 432 seniors and we enrolled in kindergarten 183. So there seems to be the enrollment coming in is much lower than the students being graduated out. If you
take a look at we could pick let's say third grade from 22 23 we had 303 third graders. The following year, the fourth graders, which is that same cohort, we had 327, then 334, then back down to 333. So, it kind of stayed the same,
went up a little. Um, you could take 6th grade, right? It went 389, 397, 398, 407, 7th grade, 358, 367, 364, 362. Kind of staying in the ballpark. Um,
9th grade went from 401, 397, 399 to 410, which is what they are currently as 12th graders. So, there's been an increase in that grade. They're not very significant if you, you know, look cross down. I had to do my own color chart so I didn't get messed up on the the
different uh how to look at it. Um, the other thing I wanted to point out from our demographic study, so the numbers, so the district on the bottom there where it says the total enrollment, like right now we have 4,326, give or take a couple of kids cuz this
is a week old. Um, the number below that is projected without the new developments the that were planned prior to 22 23 school year. So without the developments if you see we should currently was projected in the
demographic study have 44 4,412 students we are a little below that projected with the developments we should have 400 uh 4,487 by the end of this year now as you can see we're below that as well the number
of there were six new developments in the projects um in in um development when this demographic study was done. So currently two of them are completed sorry and of those two we we were
projected to have 53 additional students. So looking up at that number of projected width that was with all the projects being done and there's only two of the six and the future developments um coming in there's four more and the projected number of students from the
demographic study showed that we should have an increase of 203 more students once all of those are completed. So I just wanted to point that out um just show everyone the enrollment
and take a look at that. Okay, next report is nothing to project. You could put queries up and just leave it there if you wanted to. So my report to the board on the SSDs, which is the student safety data system for the 2425
school year, period 2. As you remember, I report this out twice a year. So this is from January of 2025 to June of 2025 for the 2425 school year period 2. So, as part of the New Jersey Department of Education requirement to submit the
student safety data system SSDs report information, I will be reporting out tonight on report period 2 for the 2425 school year. Report period 2 covers January through June 2025. The incidents
covered in the state report are identified as violence, vandalism, substances, weapons, and HIV. So at Montgomery High School there were 21 total incidents reported with the majority reported under the category of substances. Other instance in incidents
were included were fighting and HIV confirmed. At there were 31 total incidents reported with most incidents falling in the category of HIV. At Lower Middle School, there were 24 incidents reported with incidents being reported
under the category of HIV confirmed, fighting, and vandalism. At Village, there were two total incidents reported, both of which fell under the category of HIV confirmed. And for Orchard Hill Elementary School, there were no HID confirmed incidents and no incidents
that fall under the categories of violence, vandalism, or substances. So that's my report out for the SS SSDS report for period 2 for the 2425 school year. And now I'm going to invite Mr.
Delgado up to talk about the HIV uh investigations, trainings, and programs for the same period of time. >> Thank you, Mary. Um I'm going to just keep it with the data. As Mary stated, per statute, we report out every fall on
the previous years, period 2, January to June, HIP data um regarding investigations, trainings, and programs on the side. Yep.
He turned it on. >> Oh, got you. >> Um, I know this board is wellversed in the statute, so I'm just, like I said, going to stick to the data. I I'm going to pause here for a second just to commend our anti-bullying specialists in the district. They really are experts in
the process and in the students. So they um go through two trainings a year and many investigations and they do it with such diligence and empathy I might add. So just a moment to acknowledge them. Take a look at those names. They work
incredibly hard to make sure that they do this right and do it with a heart. Period 2 had 142 investigations across the district. 11 of those were affirmed.
15 were rejected. You might recall last year we had a policy change where we um allowed for a preliminary determination by the principal and the anti-bullying specialist to be part of the process. So what that means is 15
HIV complaints went through a preliminary determination process and were ruled out of the HIV investigation and handled strictly through code of conduct. So again, that doesn't mean it wasn't addressed. It was just addressed with code of conduct because it did not meet surface level criteria warranting
an investigation. Moving into trainings. Trainings are geared for staff. So trainings um are to help staff implement the policies and the procedures of the statute. Most of us receive trainings
um from our attorney, from our HR director, from I'm sorry, assistant superintendent of HR, from our building administration as well as our professional organizations. There were 13 trainings that took place across the district during period 2.
Moving into programs, programs are geared for students. So that is a single event or a series of events that are designed to foster a more inclusive um welcoming environment. Here's some examples, just examples of some of the
many programs that we ran during period 2. our peer leadership outreach at Montgomery High School, the community rallies at Upper Middle School, the morning meetings at Lower Middle School, offer visits at Village Elementary School, and the Great Kindness Challenge
at Orchard Hill. Again, just some examples, there were 38 programs all in total across the district during period 2. We were busy. Districts also have to submit a
selfassessment. Each building conducts a self assessment every spring or fall for the previous year. That's done with the principal and their school safety team. There's a total of 78 possible points
based on these eight elements. It's really measured on how well we implement policy and procedure. It doesn't have anything to do with how many hits investigations we had confirmed, not confirmed. It's really about our policies and procedures.
Our district average was 76 out of 78. That's pretty good. If you take a 5-year look back, pretty consistent from year to year. And that is the HIV ITP report for period 2. Thank you.
Does the board have any questions from the SSDs report or the HIV ITP programs? >> Thank you. Mr. Italia, do you want to introduce Mashio or Mr. >> At this time, we'll have an update from
Mashios, our food service vendor. Good evening. Thank you for having us. School community, Montgomery Township Board, thank you for having us present this evening. Before we jump into the updates, I just wanted our team to introduce themselves. My name is Patty Braidakis and I am the director of
operations with Mashios. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Frank Mashio, president of Mashio Food Services and thank you very much for your business. We really appreciate it. Good evening. I'm Katie Felosa, the director of field supervision for
Mashios. >> Good evening. I'm Brian Urban, our director of purchasing. >> Good evening everyone. Lauren Cunick, director of nutrition. >> Hello everyone. Nora Borsa, region. Good evening. Susan Hollis, area supervisor.
>> Good evening. My name is Lawrence Chox. I'm the food service director here District. >> Good evening. Michael D. Smell, district chef. >> Good evening, Jessica Petruski, district chef. Travel and packs here. We all play an
important role in bringing the best program to your school district. Jessica, the last one to introduce herself is our newest addition here. Um, you have two district chefs at Montgomery Township. Last year, Michael, Chef Michael was with us. Chef Michael's still with us, but we have Jessica. And
they're making their rounds to the different schools, training, honing culinary uh, culinary skills of our staff. And they're also bringing chef days. So, our first chef days um were in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month in September. So, we had chef days at each
of the schools where the students could create their own meal. We actually handed out a newsletter which will be featured on the school food service portal of the website tomorrow so all of the school community can view it. Um, we also had farm to school Jersey fresh
farm to school week that took place starting from September 22nd until the 26th. We featured local produce especially in that week and it is highlighted on the school menus. We actually have a sample that we prepared this evening and which
we featured on September 26th which is a local tomato and zucchini panzanella salad. So we do have samples for you to try and we featured that at all of the schools on the 26th. We also participated in all of the back to school nights. So, we got good
relevant feedback from the families that attended. Whether there's questions for allergies or menu questions, where to find uh the portal to make online payments, we were there to answer any questions that the families had. We also will be starting our food advisory
meetings coming up. So, we do hold at least two in a school year. It is required for one, but we like to have one in the fall, one in the spring. And what that is is an opportunity for families and students to provide feedback, menu planning, to have a little
educational component too to learn about the school meals program. Chef Jessica's passing samples around. Uh so those will start um in this month, later on this month, and then we'll have another set in the spring.
And we also have uh chefies coming up this month as well. We're going to have a Pan Asian theme bar. Again, a create your own where the kids could come up to their line and customize their own menu items. Those are some updates that we have in the school district. Thank you.
>> I want to ask the board members if they have any questions for we have the whole team here from the nutritionists to the chefs. Um I brought them out as a followup from our visit in June. Um the feedback that I've had is positive this year. I wanted to see if you have any
questions, any feedback from your children or residents that you would like to address the machios. >> So um as the nutritionist, I'm sure it's a very tough job. How does that role shift from school to school? >> So through all of our schools, we
definitely follow the USDA guidelines. So that is something that is concrete amongst all of our school districts. But as the director of nutrition, especially for Montgomery District, obviously we're taking into account students likes and dislikes and seeing how we can incorporate that more into the meal
program. So this way, not only are we following the federal guidelines, but we're following exactly what you know the students likes likes and dislikes are. So that definitely shifts amongst the school district. So it's not like a one-sizefits-all. So, you know, depending on our feedback, depending on
what we get from students from our food advisory committee meetings, all all of that plays into a role to see how we can incorporate it into the meal program. >> You're welcome. So, in the food advisory committee meetings for the students, are they
those are for the students to partake in as well? >> So, it's for the school community. So parents are invited um typically the school principal will invite parents um sometimes board members attend administrators and the students and we
have to do this together. >> They're actually coming up. So October 24th. >> Oh certainly. And a lot of the feedback we revisit our menus will make changes to incorporate what they request and sometimes even remove items they don't
want to see again. So, you know, the pros and cons. We need all of the feedback. We ask for honest feedback at these meetings because we want to customize the program for the school population. >> Can I just add something to that? We actually did something in this school
district, was it last year or the year before, where a student recommended a certain meal, an ethnic meal, and we put it on the menu and we advertised it as such that this was based on the feedback from the food advisory committee meeting. And that student who recommended it, I'll never forget his
face. He was first in line that day for lunch and he absolutely loved it. So he was very excited to see it. So those are the types of things that we do that involves students in preparation. Very very good.
>> Uh I have a question for your chef day and uh uh do you see a increased student who purchase on that day? came out with the feedback and if it's positive, you guys think of bring it back more often. >> Yes.
>> Yes. We always see a much increase in student participation in chef days. One, they just like seeing the chefs. I mean, that's for first and foremost, they love seeing a chef in a chef jacket. Um, but it opens them up to new menu options and making their own
choices, you know. They really love it. So that's why we're doing them actually monthly this year. So we're trying now. We have two wonderful district chefs. So we're going to do it monthly. So yes, we do see increased participation.
Welcome. >> I just wanted to thank you all for um being very receptive and um working in partnership with the business um administrator's office. I know it's been a rough it was a rough start. Um and the
only person I know is Q that is still in the group and it seems like you have a new team of people. Um and I want to thank you all for really um putting more thought and careful thought into the meals for the students because that's
really very important for us. >> I just kind of small question. Um thank you for your service of course. Um, do you have anything do you do anything special to celebrate like holidays and
kids can purchase a special item for that holiday? Yes, we love celebrations, right? That increases the excitement in the cafeterias and one of the surveys that we do share at the food advisory meeting is what celebrations would you like to
see in your schools so that we can highlight them. I'll ask a question for the parents. Um what what are some of the favorite um meals for the district? Tacos, burritos, always very popular. This week, uh we're doing a uh Pan Asian
theme bar throughout the district. Um so, uh yeah, the theme barely very popular, but definitely tacos, burritos, quesadillas. Um >> and the more school pizza Just a quick question. Thank you for
your service. Um, I'm sure every district struggles with this, but I'm wondering if there's something that we can do on our end. Um, I do hear once in a while that all the good stuff gets taken by the time the kids get through the entire line. So, is there something that we could do on our end to help um
make sure that more kids, you know, that are towards the back of the line receive the same types of items that are at the front of the line? I don't know if that's an answerable question, but thanks. >> Yes. So, our rule with MASH is whatever the first student in line gets, the last
student in line gets that same opportunity. So, if you are hearing this, certainly come to us. We do keep production records. So we keep track of the popular items, what's left so that we can increase pars the next time. >> Thank you.
>> Question. >> Um just when you were talking about those cookies, some more cookies. Um I noticed that, you know, my kids will come home and they'll be like two in a pack or maybe they'll eat one at school, bring one home, things like that. Um when you were talking about portions and
things like that, I'm just trying to think about being mindful. How does that work as far as um when you were talking about the nutrition amongst all the different buildings and ages? You know, why not do maybe one cookie versus the two? I'm just curious the thought
process behind it. Um I know one idea I was entertaining, you know, could we somehow limit some of the because our goal is good nutrition right throughout the school day. um having like maybe the sweets, the ice cream, things like that to make it more of a special like, you know, I don't know, glad there's no kids
here, but like you know, ice cream Tuesday or Friday or something like that. I mean, are there programs or ways that we can be creative? And um I know that was something I had reached out about. We can work with you guys on creating something or if there's like I
guess a need as well, maybe we'll find out more at the food advisory committee as well. We always encourage balance in all of our schools as well. Included with the main meal are fresh fruits and vegetables. There is a wide assortment out every day in all of the schools and
it is included with their main lunch. So when students come through the line, they can pick and choose up to two fruits and vegetables to take with them. And correct me if I'm wrong, but snacks are something that can be taken after they get their lunches. So that can they can come through but we can certainly
talk about other options for students and get the feedback at the freedom. >> I know I think you may have mentioned this last time at the younger rates maybe at Orchard Hill when they're still learning how to make those choices and getting a little bit more assistance perhaps. >> We also incorporate the um farm to
school which also we promote samples and helps with having the kids experiment with new items as well. So Uh well, on behalf of the board, we'd certainly like to thank you. Thank you for all you do for the district. Thank you for this wonderful salad. It was
delicious. And um I guess some of us will see you next week at New Jersey uh school boards workshop. So, thank you again. >> Thank you. >> Thank you everyone. Okay, next up committee committee representative reports. First up, MTA
report. Mr. Rzolei. [Music] >> Good evening. I am Mike Rosolei, president of the Montgomery Township Education Association. I am representing over 600 educa educators and support professionals working in the district. I'm here tonight to correct some
misinformation that has been circulating about contract negotiations. As the board is aware, the MTA has been working under an expired contract since July 1st. Despite this, and despite rumors to the contrary, MTA members have been doing their jobs and doing them well. We
come to work each day, face the challenges presented by this profession, and give our all. and we continue to do so even though we are frustrated by the length of this process and some board members unwillingness to reach an amicable resolution. We continue to work long hours above and beyond contracted
workday to provide an excellent educational experience for the students we work with. We do what we do for one reason only. We care about the school district. So here's my question for you. What do you want for Montgomery students? Because we should be striving for the same thing. We should both want
the best schools, the best classroom materials, and the best employees. And we should both want all stakeholders to be treated with one another with respect. We should both want teachers, secretaries, custodians, par professionals, and other educational employees paid what they are worth. And
who are appreciated by the board of education they partner with because they are seen as an investment in the school's ongoing success. We've earned it and we worked hard for it. And we deserve to be secure providers for our own families just like everyone else.
That's why it's tough to stand by and watch you spend needless money amounts of money on things like legal fees for frivolous matters while simultaneously telling your staff that you have little no to no money for raises or worse to stand by while you expect us to continue to do a number of things for this
district for free while our counterparts and surrounding districts are fairly compensated for the same work. I ask you tonight to show us the respect by making negotiations with the association a priority. I ask you to stop misrepresenting the issues surrounding bargaining and instead focus your energies on securing a fair contract for
your staff. This is about more than just a settlement. This is about ensuring the Montgomery County School District can thrive. And that cannot happen unless this board corrects course. So I urge you to stop engaging in petty actions and spreading misinformation and work to
settle this contract. Be the role models this committee led you to be. Frankly, Montgomery deserves better. Thank you, Mr. Polei. Do we have any board member delegate or representative reports tonight? >> Yes.
Um the municipal alliance met last night and um some of the things that were already mentioned were um the uh think fast that's coming up this week um at the schools as well as the um trunk
retreat as well as our inclusive playground ribbon cutting ceremony that's going to be happening at the municipal building. So that is not part of the school district, but that is part of the municipal alliance and it is for everyone, all ages. And the ribbon
cutting will be on October 24th at 4 p.m. You should come out and support that. Carrier Clinic is hosting a walk of hope uh this weekend, October 18th at 9:00 am. Uh at the end of the month, we'll be celebrating red red ribbon week
and the municipal alliance has generously um supported the schools with banners uh for each of the schools and um the obviously this is coinciding with um uh
anti suicide prevention month and I'm just trying to make sure I get them all because there were quite a few. Um, depression awareness month, substance abuse prevention month, world mental health day which was on October 10th
which uh was wonderful and there was a lot of wonderful uh information provided last night at this meeting. Um the municipal alliance was excited that uh we were able to pass the uh hope squad
and that is underway getting ready planning for hopefully a January or February launch. um a lot of other of the things that we discussed there focused around um oh there's another walk for wellness by the way it's in in
in um uh November trekking to heal trauma and that will be with uh um Stephanie Lockenour who also as a former teacher of the year has just uh put out we're all very excited let the glitter set settle so we talked about that so
the meeting and you know having always talking about um uh some of the mental health and heavier topics and um um you know substance abuse prevention. It's it's always um interesting to hear everybody's perspective sitting around
the table there. We have representatives from our law enforcement, from um local churches and uh students, teachers, and it's it's wonderful to know that all of these people are always there supporting
our students and this community so so well. Um, thank you for those teachers that were there last night volunteering of their time to be there and to talk about the mental health and substance abuse prevention that they go so far to
do for our students. Um, I'm really appreciative of that as a mom of twins and teens in this in this area. Um, is there anything else to see?
Oh, and this was a little bit scary, but I think it's important enough to mention. Um, there was some reporting of things that, you know, are out there that are new sort of kind of substances that are being marketed to our children
and and so if you have college age children as well, something named Cabba, which is an herbal supplement that gets added to drinks. And we have a Cabba bar that opened up nearby in New Hope. Um so that's something that you know that's an very interesting thing and there's two
others um as well fenibut and hydroximite. I sorry to say that I can't say all of these, but these are are things that are being um you know marketed to kids in ways through social media and through through other things that we really all
should kind of know about and be really diligent to protect our students and our young people against. So I am always grateful to go to that meeting whenever I get to be the alternate for it. Um, it's always a wealth of information and
thank you for letting me report out on it. >> Thank you, VP Swina. Spina, sorry. Any other questions? Any other reports? >> I do. >> I just had a small question.
>> So, you said Cava, right? >> Cabba. K A V A. Isn't that a sparkling wine? No, that's C A. >> I really like that. >> Restaurant >> that just came back from Spain, so I had
a lot of laugh. >> That's good. >> Thank you, >> Bober Harrison. >> Thank you. So, I'm speaking on behalf of the um PTSA. after a meeting they placed a huge
emphasis on increasing sorry is this louder can you hear me right so the PTSA um at their meeting they placed a huge emphasis on again increasing membership it truly makes a huge difference even if families can't volunteer their time by
simply joining it helps grow programs and opportunities for the students so that was something they asked that was um that message was shared also the >> Can you is this better? >> Sorry. >> There you go.
>> Uh at OES and BES at the elementary schools, there's a couple of fundraisers. The M excuse me, I'm going to say this wrong. Melina's cheesecake sale and that's going through October 28th. And also at LMS, they have
the pie fundraiser through November 8th. And also LMS is having a monster mash ball bash end of October for the students. And is having a sports night at Iron Peak end of November. And the PTA PTO are very excited to combine
their elementary and middle schools to do a community event. And they would like to remind everyone about their rescheduled kickball community event that will be at Orchard on Wednesday, October 22nd at 4:30. And last, just another reminder, the
best way to gather any sort of information is to always go to the website for the most up-to-date information and to look for additional uh future events there as well as anything that needs any knowledge about the school and to be mindful of uh the
WhatsApp apps and um information that's gathered that way. Thank you. >> Thank you, board member Harris. Any questions for board member Harris? Hearing none, we'll move to board committee reports and this will be brief. Um HRC did not meet this month
and the chairs of OFF and PCC are not here. If you have anything on PCC, >> do you want to PCC? >> PCC come. Okay, thank you. >> Thursday. >> Yeah, Thursday. >> So we'll have um assessment curriculum
and instruction committee board member D. >> Good evening. Um the ACI committee met on September 19th. Uh the first agenda item was our review of current norms. We reviewed current norms and made slight revisions um that were suggested to
better state our intentions as a committee. Statements include place students first, our own intentions and your sorry own your own intentions and impacts and disagree with the idea and not the person. Tone matters. We then w
uh talked about early literacy. um an NJ DOE mandate that's coming up. Um one of the biggest changes in testing until now there has only been there has been no reportable state testing assessment data before first grade. Now there is a K3 mandatory STAR testing which includes
testing in phonics phmic awareness decoding and comprehension all early literacy skills. The early bird screening will be used in kindergarten, moving to the star, early literacy and first grade. That also aligns with our current 2 through 10th grade data.
Screening will take place in September and October and data will be shared with families in November. The assessments are a hybrid between computer-based adaptive assessments and one-on-one teacher student testing. All students will be monitored in the fall, winter, and spring, and students below
below the benchmark will have additional midpoint progress checks. Uh, Montgomery received a $10,000 focus grant to offset the cost of these assessments. And in addition, all school districts throughout the state are required to participate in field testing
for the NJSLA adaptive and the NJ GPA adaptive assessments. The testing window is from October 27th to November 14th with several no testing dates in between. District testing administrators received training in preparation for these tests and Mr. Papa created an FAQ
for the school community about these tests and the ACI committee reviewed it and shared comments and feedback. So, please look on the website for the FAQ on all new assessments. The tech department um of the district also participated in training in preparation for this testing platform.
It's called Cambium. Um the tech department downloaded the testing portal to Chromebooks, ran network uh diagnostics and whitelisted all required sites. We then talked about senior seminar college application process. The district ran student seminars on the
college application process. They offered a YouTube live session for parents. 120 attended and it is also posted on our website. This year, Navian's training will take place for all freshman students and it will be revisited in the sophomore year.
Next, we talked about student assistance coordinator um which is a new position for uh um this position counsels students individually and also focuses on preventative programs. Christine Gman, I hope I'm saying that correctly, previously at the high school, will take
on this new role at S. We then spoke about programmatic updates, um, special class programs at all five schools, um, which include emotional regulation impairment, language and learning disability, autism, and multiple disabilities.
disproportionality at Montgomery is not significantly disproportionate um this year but is in the second warning year for ERRI emotional regulation impairment funding this year will continue to support UDI and regulation strategies in
the classroom coaching area. Dr. Fergus and his team from Ruckers will provide three site visits this school year and we will continue to be monitored by the state. the state monitors state classifications and a district can be cited as having an over classification
number in different areas. Then we spoke about um special education parent advisory committee. Um they are still looking for volunteers. Parent presentations are scheduled which include unpacking IEPs, assistive tech and a presentation in collaboration with
Princeton School District. All are encouraged to attend. Special Olympics was awarded, sorry, Special Olympics awarded Montgomery with a unified champion school award at the high school. Congratulations. And yay.
And lastly, we spoke about placement. This was a question that was brought up by one of the ACI committee members. Um, the principles uh shared their approach and criteria of placing students into different home rooms and classrooms each year. Each school works collaboratively as an admin team with input from
teachers, parents, and other stakeholders. The goal is, of course, to create as heterogeneous clusters as possible. Suggestions were made to list teachers by grade level on the website to ensure friendly faces for everyone, and parents are asked to be proactive
versus reactive with their classroom suggestions. Any questions or comments on ACI? We covered a lot. Thank you. Uh, I would just like to say that the special education department did a a wonderful presentation of all of the
programs and unpacking the IEP um this past month as a part of community outreach. Um, went over a lot of the same things that um you heard during ECI and and I think that it's it's great and and I'm going to I know Michelle Dreamer, but I'm blanking on the
person's name again who did the presentation. Um, Dr. Apollo, she did a wonderful job. Really, it was really so informative. And in speaking to other parents um that were there, it was almost like any
parent of a child with an IEP should almost be mandated to sit through a presentation like that to really understand what it is, how you can best collaborate and partner with the schools to um you know to always just be
together for the best interests of the student and it was really great to advocate. >> Yeah. Thank you. Thank you so much. Any other questions for school board member Don? >> I I don't have a question but I during the meeting I believe we talked about
there are two new dismanded assessment but from the state right and one as you said is the early literacy and the uh field test. So if parents uh wondering why we have uh assessment those are the newly added ones.
>> I yeah mentioned that at the beginning. Yeah many many new assessments. Yeah. Thank you. >> All right. At this time, I entertain a motion to accept September 16th, 2025 executive session amendments and September 16th, 2025 business meeting amendment minutes.
>> So move second. >> It's been properly moved and second. Any questions on the motion? Hearing none. Roll call, please. Mr. Chaliano. >> Dr. White, >> yes. >> Mr. Don, >> yes. >> Spina, >> yes. >> Frank Herman, >> yes. Mr. Harris,
>> yes. Mr. >> Narville, >> yes. >> Mr. Todd, >> yes. Thank you. Carries. Thank you. At this time, the board acknowledges the correspondence to the board. Action agenda items. Public comments. The board of education welcomes and encourages
input from the public. Members of the public are allotted one opportunity to address the board regarding the action agenda items only for up to a maximum of three minutes per speaker. All comments must be directed to the board. Before you make your comment, please state your full name and address and enter both on
the Chromebook provided. Being mindful of privacy rights regarding students, board employees, and board members. And to avoid any liability on the part of the speaker, the board discourages defamatory and discourteous remarks. The public comment portions of the meeting are not structured as question answer
sessions, but rather are offered as opportunities for the public to share their thoughts with the board. The board may need to refer an issue to the superintendent if the issue has not been handled through the appropriate chain of command, usually starting at the school level. Responses may be provided at the end of of this session. If you are
speaking on the exact agenda items, action agenda items, please state the number of the action agenda item. Any comments? Hearing none, public portion of the jack action agenda items is now closed.
Okay, before we move to the action agenda section of our agenda, I have to read a walk up item uh into our agenda. It's under the finance section. It's going to be item 3.20. Um it reads as follows. Award lease
purchasing financing for school buses. resolved that the board awards the lease purchase financing bid held on October 9th, 2025 to pay for seven new school buses to Coent Leasing and Financing Incorporated at an interest rate of 3.48%
subject to successful review of the lease purchase documentation by the board's council prior to execution by the business administrator. >> Thank you. At this time, I entertain a motion to accept action agenda items 1.2
2 through 1.1, sorry, through 4.2. >> So moved. >> It's been properly moved and seconded to approve action agenda items 1.2 through 4 1.1 through 4.2. Any questions on the
motion? Roll call, please. Mr. Charlie, >> questions. >> Go ahead. I had a I'm sorry, do you have a question? Ju just a quick question and I I don't know if it falls here, but um under the facilities reports that we
received back um we got high marks except for um the wooded areas in the back of all five of our build or I don't know if it's in the back but adjacent to all of our five buildings. Is there um is there an actual item that needs to
take place there or >> so essentially that's part of uh every year you have to do an annual facility walkthrough. >> Uh I've always board approved them in my experience and now it's a cusack year. I really wanted to kind of put it out there. That's a self assessment just like we do with our academics and things
of that nature. >> So uh Mr. O'Neal, myself and his team, we did a complete walk around of the buildings and the campus and overall they do a fantastic job and everything is in good working order and great shape, but they had to honestly mark
themselves that we need improvement in those areas and they're continuously working on them. However, um we have our walkthrough with the county business administrator and myself this Friday. So if we didn't give oursel the mark that we thought and they randomly checked things and they saw it differently, uh
that would cause an issue. So we just reported out as we saw things. >> So in terms of monetary implications, there's nothing right now that's highlighted in terms of something as an action item that we need to move. >> There's nothing like significant like wow like roof repair identified through that like million dollars or like
anything of that nature that's unbudgeted. No, these are just normal housekeeping items that we just uh need to try to stay on top of and do the best job we can. Okay, thank you. >> Fourth coming. >> Absolutely. >> I had a question for 1.4 that file. So
the scores there is the self evaluation score, right? We're proving that tonight, right? For the Q7. >> Okay. So 1.4 for essentially um is basically the board stating uh approving that we met as a committee um to do the
self-evaluation process of the DPR which is the district per performance review. Uh it's required to be board approved and uploaded to the department of education before November 15th. So the board is acknowledging that the meeting took place with the QAC committee. That's all that resolution 1.4 is
approving. Does that answer your question? And that was a meeting that is more present than I took. >> I actually have a follow up on 1.4 just because it's something that we don't do, you know, all of the time. Um, and so all of the and I just um sorry for
looking at my phone because I noted it on there and I can't bring it up on here. But sorry, the seven indicators um for the seven indicators for achievement scores under the DPR >> those are blank at this point because
those were I just want to make sure I I know in my head why. >> So are you in the IMP pro portion the instruction program? in the IMP program. >> Yeah. 60% of it comes right from the state to the state themselves. We don't have any access to that. That's our test
scores. >> We can get a max out of 40 in that section right now. And that's what we self >> we can score ourselves in. Correct. >> And then the state fills in the rest. And I just want to verify that that will get done because it's we're in a QAC
year this year. It's this year's scores that haven't even been tested yet. last year last year last year. >> Thanks. >> I have a question on 2.2 the the last box translations
the rate change from 63 to 147 question is um >> that's a range. >> So the so for that one right there like Mr. Todd said depending on the service it could fall between that range. >> Okay.
depending on the service. >> Yeah. So, if it's more basic service or it's 63. If it's more extreme service, it would be 147. So, the approved negotiated rate falls between that range on a case-by case basis. >> Any other questions on the motion?
Hearing none. Roll call, please. Mr. Keelliano. >> Dr. W. >> Yes. >> Mr. Stall, >> yes. >> Mina, >> yes. >> Michael Herman. >> Okay. So 1.2 abstain for the 1,00 to 2000 series. Uh
abstain at uh 4 to 4.2. Yes to everything else. >> Noted. Thank you. M Harris >> abstain 1.2 and
4 to 4.2 and yes to everything else. >> Noted. Thank you. Yes, Mr. >> Todd. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Motions carry. >> Thank you, Mr. Chaliano. New business from the public. The board of education welcomes and encourages
input from the public. Members of the public are allowed at one opportunity to bring any new business to the board for up to a maximum of 3 minutes per speaker. All comments must be directed to the board. Before you make your comment, please state your full name and address and enter both on the Chromebook provided. Being mindful of privacy
rights regarding students, board employees, and board members. And to avoid any potential liability on the part of the speaker, the board discourages defamatory and discourage discourteous remarks. The public comment portions of the meeting are not structured as question and answer
sessions. The board may need to refer an issue to the the superintendent if this issue has not been handled through the appropriate chain of command, usually starting at the school level. Responses may be provided at the end of this session. >> Thank you. Uh good evening. My name is
Elliot Samuel. Uh I live at 14 Edgewood Drive in Belme. I've lived in Montgomery Township since 2009 and I have three uh children. Uh, one graduated MHS in 2024, one is a senior, and one is a freshman
at Pennington. The reason I'm up here tonight, this evening, is to question the board on why the Jewish Student Alliance remains the only uh Jewish club at MHS that remains formally unrecognized and unfunded.
Just some brief background. In the summer of 2022, several MHS students decided to start the Jewish Student Alliance. The purpose of the club, like any cultural club, was meant to create a space for Jewish students to celebrate Jewish culture, traditions, and allow students of similar faith to interact,
feel seen, and included. It would also be inclusive for any student in MHS that wanted to learn about the Jewish culture. Jewish students are a significant minority at MHS, make it all the more important for these students to have a place that they could connect with other kids of the same faith.
Sadly, many of these students, my children included, had experienced at least some form of anti-semitism here in Montgomery. From a mental health perspective, which the district reports is a focus, the JSA was a much needed um club at the high school. In 2022, after
initial inquiries and some obstacles, they were able to start the club with Mr. Matthew Flug as the faculty adviser. He was not being paid at the time and was doing this voluntarily. The club was unfunded. The JSA created a set of bylaws and nominated a board and began holding
meetings. Meetings ranged anywhere from just being a time to hang out to cooking Jewish cuisine to discussing geopolitical events. Then came October 7th, 2023, the largest loss of life since the Holocaust, is Israelis, mostly Jews.
The district at that time sent out a very lukewarm email that at at the time didn't even mention the word Israel or Jews. I actually sent an email to the board president at that time who responded immediately and another email was sent out to the community.
At that time the JSA became an invaluable asset for these students. We were so thankful that the club estab was established and could quickly gather to give the students a safe place to express their feelings surrounding these events. The membership increased. The kids had a place to go where they could
share their feelings. So, we fast forward to 2025 and the club remains unfunded. Now, the reason I'm up here today is because because of this impass with the negotiations, Mr. Flu can no longer be uh an adviser
to these kids. So, we are left um without an adviser and the JSA is unable to meet. So, I' I'd like to ask the board uh to help me understand why the JSA after almost four years remains unfunded. Um, I've been told that the
>> So, that's time. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. My name is Stephanie Sha and I live at 7 Montgomery Avenue, Rocky Hill. I have been a resident of Montgomery for my entire life. I grew up here and then made the decision to raise my own family here. I have two children
in the school district, a recent graduate and a current high schooler. I've been an educator for the last 25 years as well as a proud member of the MTA. I feel compelled to speak tonight about the recent comments made by a current board member and the negative impact they've had on myself and my
colleagues. In all my years in Montgomery, I've never felt such disregard or disrespect for what we do and for who we are. Montgomery has always been a place where collaboration and respect form the foundation of our success, especially when it comes to educating our students. Our strength has
always come from the way all parts of this community work together for the benefit of children. To see that being chipped away by negativity and personal agendas is heartbreaking. It hurts to know that those who should be supporting us are instead choosing to tear us down. As a resident, a parent, and an
educator, I have to say that this is not okay. I became a teacher because I believe in children, in hope, in the power of education to change lives. Every day, my colleagues and I give everything we have, our time, our hearts, and our energy to the students of Montgomery. We do this work because
we care. To have that dedicate to have that dedication dismissed is not only hurtful, it's unacceptable. We deserve respect. Montgomery deserves better. >> Good evening. My name is Susan Valor. I live at 244 Stillman Road. Um I have
been a resident of Montgomery for over 20 years. Um two proud graduates of Montgomery High School. Um, and like many people in the community, um, we go to Facebook or the news, the Montgomery
News and those sources to, um, find out information about our schools and to maybe inform us about who who we're going to support or vote for for school board. I take it very seriously um, who my vote goes towards. And, um, I've been
very disappointed to read some things on Facebook um, by current board members. Now whether if you are campaigning you can say what you need to say but if you are currently on the board you should be truthful. We all should be truthful. I teach technology and I teach
my kids that what you post online is forever and what you post should be true and kind and I was here last year for the budget discussions and I listened to you debate and decide how you were going to fund the budget and you did not fully
fund the budget. you did not go to the highest option that you had. I was opposed to that, but that's what happened. And we lost staff members here. Some of some of are the of those people are people that I know personally and they were in the presentations the
cost of the cuts and the and the positions were listed. So for board members to post publicly that the budget was fully funded and that no positions were cut is false. in addition to then follow up in the comments that they
didn't have enough information. So I'm left thinking in your committees, did you not get the information to all the board members or is the are these board members just picking and choosing which information they want to listen to
and which information they want to put out to the public and it's very disturbing to me. And secondly, um I would like to ask you to settle the contract. We have enough stress in schools. These teachers, these educators
are working as hard as they can. This is the best district. I moved here for this district. And I'm very disheartened to see that we are at a point where we can't settle the contract and things are floated out on Facebook that the
teachers who are working voluntarily are somehow shortch changing our kids. They shouldn't have had to volunteer in the first place. they they have families. They have other jobs that they need to work. They should not be put upon that they are the reason that these clubs are
not happening. So, I urge you to settle a contract and let these educators stop worrying about that and put all of their energy into the students as they want to do. Thank you. Hi everybody. My name is Chris Grundy. I
live at 155 Point Road. Good evening everyone. My name is Chris Grundy and I'm here with my wife Megan tonight in the hopes of eloquently expressing to the board of education what a special place Montgomery is. When I was a senior at the University of Scranton, I had never even heard of Montgomery. The only thing I knew was when I was looking for
a teaching job, the Montgomery Township School District wanted to speak to me about their opening in special education. Fast forward 23 years later and Montgomery has become not just my place of employment, but it has become my home. A home where Megan and I continue to raise our three children, a home where Megan's family all live
within 5 miles of each other and are also raising their families as well. I never would have guessed when I interviewed at Montgomery in 2002 that this place and in particular the people here would have had the impact on my life that they have had. I've been fortunate enough to find best friends here. I've been fortunate enough to find
mentors here. I've been fortunate enough to find trusted colleagues and confidants here and I've been fortunate enough to truly prosper here both as an educator and as a person. The teachers and administrators here are second to none. And I trust them with the most important part of my life, my children.
Through our 28 combined years of education for our three children in this district, beginning at Kid Connection and continuing up to we have seen firsthand the love and care that these educators have for their students. We have worked closely with guidance CST teachers and administration at various
points for all three boys. And in each of these situations, we trusted those that were responsible for our children to guide us. And each time they did not let us down. Now, I'm not up here trying to tell you not to question things. I mean, that's how you ascertain knowledge is by
questioning. But questioning for the sake of questioning or questioning because you are looking for that I got you moment is not healthy and does not help this district move forward in a positive direction. We need our administrative team and our teachers focused on continuing to make this place
the amazing school district it is. not focused on answering email after email after email because you don't like the information or data that you received the first two, three, or four times. Instead, let's spend that time not micromanaging, but rather trusting the
folks that have all of our children's best interest at heart. This is how we move this district forward in a positive direction. I stand before all of you today, honored to be a member of this Montgomery Township school community. I preach family all the time to my basketball team and trust me when I tell
you that there is no better family than those standing beside me tonight. Trust them and their decisions as it pertains to educating the wonderful children of our district. Take it from us. You will not be disappointed. [Applause] [Applause]
Hello, I am also a Chris, but Chris Rash. I have been a science teacher at Montgomery High School and I'm honored to serve as the first vice president of the Montgomery Township Education Association. Teaching for me is a calling. In almost two decades here, I've only spoken at the board meeting
twice. So, when I do, it's because I care deeply about what is at stake. Lately, there have been a number of social media posts from board members about extracurricular activities. In one exchange, a board member wrote that teachers who volunteer to run clubs or coach teams make a free will commitment
as role models and that by standing up for ourselves, we are somehow showing students that their dreams can be crushed by the whim of a union. Additionally, some members of the board have accused us publicly of using students as leverage. I ask, when did
standing up for respect and advocating for ourselves professionally become mistaken for selfishness? When did the motives of those who dedicate their lives to kids all of a sudden become suspect? Now, I completely agree that being a
role model means showing integrity, accountability, and care for our students. That's exactly why so many of us, so many of my colleagues and I choose to volunteer. We volunteer to advise clubs, coach teams, and mentor students because we know how much these
experiences help kids find confidence, purpose, and belonging. We do it because we love what we do and because it's what's best for kids. I also agree that being a role model means following through with our commitments. We have always volunteered
with the mutual understanding of club funding in three years for pay that often is minimum wage. Yet many volunteer clubs have passed this mark and continue to run unfunded despite administrative support. It was asked in these posts, "What
lessons are these kids learning?" I submit the real lesson our students are seeing is that adults can stand up for fairness and respect and still show up for work every day with dedication, compassion, and heart.
That's what it means to lead by example. Trust isn't built through statements alone. It's built through actions. We pour ourselves into this work because we care about what's best for kids. And our actions speak volumes.
But right now, the board's words and actions don't quite match. And Montgomery deserves better. Thank you. Jane Eer, 29-year taxpaying resident of Montgomery Township. I'm the mother of four successful Montgomery High School
graduates who completed their school K to2 in the district. This is the start of my 15th year as a as a content certified chemistry teacher at MHS. I'm a proud member of the MTEA. I'm here regarding back to school night. Over the years, I have attended 55 back to school
nights, 40 as a parent, and the last 15 years as the teacher in the classroom. I greet all my parents at the door, introduce myself, expecting the same courtesy in return. As a parent, I value the relationship between the teacher and my child. I always introduce to myself.
As a teacher, I try to make the connection between which parent goes with which student and make the parent feel welcome. I spend my night presenting my parents with pertinent information about my class and the expectations of their children. My time and attention is devoted to the parents of my students in that classroom. This
year, a current board member, a current member of the board came to my class at back to school night. She did not introduce herself, and when I asked, she only gave her first names. I asked which one of my students was her child, and she replied that she does not have one in my class. Imagine my surprise when I
found out she does not even have a child at the high school. So I ask you, is this a new practice that the board is starting? Should I expect board of ed members coming to events meant specifically for the parents of students and taking time and attention away from those parents? What was your purpose? I
am proud of what I do and how I do it, but you made me and others in the room uncomfortable. Are you there to evaluate? That is not your role. That is the job of my administrators. So what other reason could you possibly have for coming into my classroom on a night that is meant for my students parents?
Fortunately, I'm not a first or second year teacher. I'm confident and capable of navigating the unexpected appearance of this board member. However, it was rude and disrespectful to both the teacher and the other parents in the room to randomly show up in my classroom on a night specifically designed for the parents of my students. Her presence was
intimidating and unfair to me and made other parents in the room who recognized her uncomfortable. Afterwards, there was no followup, no thank you for sharing, nothing. Why were you there? There's a disconnect between what you say and your actions. You claim to respect us as educators, yet you walk into a classroom
without fully disclosing who you are or why you're there. What was the agenda? Is back to school night a community open house, or is it for the parents of our students? I have never witnessed this type of behavior that I now see in our district. As a parent of former students, a longtime community member,
and a teacher in our schools, it makes me sad. Your dis your distrust and disrespect of us as professionals is overt and damaging to students. Teachers are professional educators who spend countless hours developing and delivering appropriate curriculum for our students, writing college w letters,
attending sporting events, plays, and club activities. My children and all the other highly successful MHS graduates are a testament to the strength of our schools and the excellent work done by teachers inside and outside the classroom. We are highly trained, caring, thoughtful educators. You know
your goal is the board of ed. You're out of your lane. >> Sorry. >> Montgomery deserves better. My name is Tisha Douglas. I'm part of the high school social studies department. Good evening members of the board, colleagues, and members of the community. I stand before you tonight
filled with pride. pride in our students, our staff, our administrative team, and the community that supports us. Every day I see the dedication, the hard work, and the heart that goes into making this district a safe place where students can grow, learn, and thrive. We
have so much to be proud of. And I want to start by acknowledging our shared success. At the same time, I must speak honestly about a challenge we faced. Some of the conversations between the leadership team and members of this board have been difficult. Not because of the different
opinions, which are healthy and expected, but because at times our professional expertise has been questioned in ways that undermine our work. We absolutely respect your role and understand that your responsibility is not to rubber stamp our decisions. But when feedback or direction is
offered that is not grounded in sound educational practice, it creates confusion and can lead to decisions that are not in the best interest of our students. We understand that there may not be ill attempt. However, those giving the input are not educators and
understandably may not see the full educational implications behind certain recommendations. So, when we take the time to explain our why, the reasoning, the data, the research, and the expertise behind our decisions, we ask that you receive that with trust and collaboration. Once we
have provided the clarity, we urge you not to push for changes that could weaken our programs, that disrupt our progress, that are motivated by personal agendas, or most importantly, hurt our students. Ultimately, we all share the same goal, to serve students well. We
simply come to that work from different angles. Our hope is to see more members of this board demonstrate the same pride and confidence in our staff, our students, and our community that we feel every day. Because if we move forward together, grounded in mutual respect and
a shared belief in our mission, there is no limit to what our students will achieve. Thank you. Maria Cman, 139 Fairby Road. Again, I'm winging it uh to be short. Uh the obvious, the empty seats of Miss Felac
and Miss Jernigan is very telling to me. Um, I hope they have legitimate reasons for not being here on the last board of ed meeting before an election where they would have to confront the teachers with their
very negative comments that they have been saying. Apparently, I have not read them, but people have told me about them and the comments on her advertising flyer for being reelected. But I think it's very telling and I wish they were here to face the teachers who
deserve their support and your support. I actually do believe you support the teachers. Um, and I know budget prices are budgets. I pay the taxes in town. I don't have kids in the district anymore. But these are excellent teachers who
have provided excellent results and I support them as I think many of you do. So thank you. >> Good evening. Jonathan Lee, 10 Lane Rocky Hill. Um and a Rocky Hill Council
member as well. Um first of all, I'd like to thank all of the members of the board for their uh public service. I know from personal experience um the commitment required for that. I just wanted to speak a little bit about the
public school system in this country. Um it's one of the foundations that have made this country great. Um and it's receiving unprecedented attacks in recent years.
um and in particular against teachers. Um as a son of a fourth grade teacher, I understand the commitment required by public school teachers. Um there's unprecedented
uh attacks in social media, on the school systems, on teachers. If this continues, our country is going to go down the drain. Um in addition
um continuously having pressures for vouchers, charter schools, etc. attacks by various school boards across the country on the public school system is just untenable. I hope you respect the the school system
that you support as well as the teachers. Thank you. Hi. Uh, I'm Bel resident. Um, superintendent play a vital role in preventing and addressing bullying in our district. That responsibility belongs to Mary Mclofflin. Yet, not only
does she fail to prevent bullying, she allows it. She allows it when her staff bullies and intimidates parents. and even members of this board. This town pays one of the highest superintendent salaries in a county. For that kind of compensation, we have every right to
expect strong leadership. Leadership that keeps our children safe, treats parents and board members with respect, and protects the good image and reputation of our district. So I ask, how can she protect our kids from bullies if bullies run the school? I've
spoken with few parents who considered or even withdrawn their children because of bullying. For a long time, I couldn't understand why students bullying wasn't being addressed better. Then last month, I saw our administrators behaved and it
became clear any organization is only as strong as its leadership. If superintendent our superintendent attendant Mary Mclofflin permits the bullying of the parents and board members, how can she possibly care about stopping the bullying of students? Board
members, the superintendent is your one employee. It is your duty to hold her accountable for not addressing it. Thank you. All right. Karen Anderson, Montgomery Township. I have a couple topics. Um, this one is
for President Todd. My question is will you continue to publicly support candidates whirl and feefer and nuns even though they are providing misleading and false claims about the first ch children first candidates that you know are both
misleading and false. There's also words on social media, wherever that they abstained, I'm sorry, that they abstained on the host squad vote. They abstained in order to get more input and information,
including references from other school districts, which was never provided to them. To say they are supporting suicide prevention is slanderous. Additionally, it's a very serious matter to put the topic of suicide into the hands and heads of children at all ages from
kindergarten through high school. You're putting students in vulnerable positions. How do you gauge who is really mature enough to handle coaching in this extreme situations? I have had multiple conversations with parents and kids personally since last
sport meeting and certainly the compassion is there. But what I'm hearing is this responsibility is too large for them, too distracting for them in an already stressful world. Keep this role out of the student hands of students.
To say that your colleagues voted on a budget that eliminated positions, a budget that you all voted on is plainly false. There were retirements and resignations and reassignments. To my knowledge, no one lost their job.
That's not please, please. >> If that's not factual, then show us to be who it was. I was at a board meeting and said I should know who they are. They're in our community. Who to say that your colleagues voted on a budget that eliminated positions? They did not vote.
Sorry. They have not voted against any professional development. They are pro-educator. They are not in the pocket of any special interest. They do not think tax dollars are a money grab. The unsubstantiated and baseless claims are blatantly lialists. So, Mr. Todd, given
all this information, do you continue to publicly support them? Additionally, the first the children first candidates, they're open to speak to anyone any time and they have spoken many times at in town group events, not just in a forum hosted by a local bias
newspaper. Another topic is a change of auditor. The vote last school board meeting. I was personally shocked to hear we've used the same auditor for 20 years. Although not applicable to public schools, Sarbain's Oxley Act was
designed to protect investors, improve accuracy and reliability of information. Thank you. Hi, Chris Hoffman, Belme, New Jersey. Um, I just want to clarify a couple of things that have been going around on social media and have just now been
spoken about Hope Squad. Um, first off, all of the information that was requested by the board was provided. Um every email that asked for information um was the information was given um there is all the information also on the
website that is a great place to start. There are a lot of schools in the district or I'm sorry a lot of schools in the state who have implemented this program and I know for a fact that when we first approached um Cy Delgado and Christine Grisman the first thing they
asked us for was a list of schools that had implemented the program. They did their due diligence. They brought it to the board. The committee did their due diligence. I'm sorry. I'm trying to This program is not a program that puts children in a
position to counsel other children. First off, it is an afterchool activity. It is an activity where parents can tell their children, I don't want you to be part of this. Which would be sad. Um, but that is their right. Secondly, the children are taught how to deal with the
things that they're already being it's it's already happening to them. Their friends are coming to them saying, "I'm going to hurt myself. I don't feel right. I am sad all the time. This is going on." They go to their peers. This program gives those peers the words and
the knowledge that they need to get that student to the correct adult to help them. This is not a program that puts kids in a position where they have undue stress. Yes, a CDC report in 2018 had
concerns. The hope squad went back, they addressed those concerns, they fix the small things that were causing those concerns and there it hasn't it's been fixed. Um, so to pull information from that long ago and try and say that this is a reason to not move forward was just
grasping its straws. Um, so yes, there's been a lot of misinformation. Um, and I just wanted to try and clarify that. Sorry, obviously. Um, yeah, that's it. Thank you. Uh, Lana Samville, 14 Edgewood Drive. I
just wanted to follow my husband already spoke. he got cut off. And I just sort of wanted to follow up to make sure that what we were um wanting to express here was clear. Um there was a Jewish student alliance club formed four years ago. Um
it has not been funded. It has not been funded this entire time. I understand with the negotiations, you know, things have changed. However, in four years, um, it hasn't been funded. And my understanding is there are several other cultural clubs that are funded. And the
other thing that is upsetting is it's not even listed under the co-curricular activities. When you go onto the MHS website, it's not even listed there. And we just want our kids to have a safe and welcoming place where they can find
community and comfort in hard times and celebrations and moments of Jewish joy. And you know it for those four years it was a place that these kids could go and a lot of the time it was just you know whatever
eating hintage in round four or whatever nothing like life-changing but when they needed that club like after October 7th it was there and when they needed it again yesterday when the hostages were released and they wanted to be around their peers who were feeling the same
kind of joy it wasn't there And you know that's very upsetting to us. So I hope something can be done about that. >> Hi, good evening. Uh Jason Sullivan, Montgomery High School, uh science supervisor. I wanted to first give uh a
thank you to the board of education. Uh you have on many occasions allowed me to come up here and talk about my students and brag about them. I appreciate those opportunities. It's probably one of the biggest joys I have uh in this job is to celebrate those things about the
students. Uh I would encourage us to do more of that and uh and bring them. I would also like to kind of uh go through a couple things that I've learned in my job. This is my 24th year at McGomery High School. I had intended to be here
for four maybe. Um but uh I think uh Mr. Grundy uh spoke to that. It becomes a family. It becomes a place where uh my residence most days is Montgomery High School. Uh sometimes in the weekends. Um and I enjoy it. I I like what I do. Uh
we do it uh with a lot of passion. And uh I've learned so much and I think that's why I've stayed and and done this. So a couple of the experiences I'll highlight from, you know, some people who are in this room. Um, I got to work with like third grade teachers
and elementary school teachers and for the first 14 years in this district, I never stepped foot in elementary school. Uh, boy was I missing out. Um, as I as I learned about the staff there and their talents and what they were able to do
and some things that really stuck with me, uh, they model everything. If they want students to do something and learn something, they show them. uh they teach them how uh I watched them get up from a table uh in various different ways and teach the students how to go over to the
carpet and have a group meeting and I was stunned like we don't do that in high school um and maybe we should um although I didn't see it this last week they're super talented and I think that we have a lot to learn from them uh question just thinking in a reflective
conversation how are we modeling that amongst our community. How is this board of education modeling it to each other? Uh what are the norms if you had an anchor chart on the side of this uh room that you would find in most of the elementary school classrooms? What would
you see on that? Uh would you be doing those things that the students that we have in front of us that we want them to learn and grow with? I see that in their elementary school. I've seen the collaboration happen in the sixth grade classroom that has been so kind to me to
allow me into their classroom to work with their students and uh just give of themselves daily uh just because they didn't gain anything from it. They were annoyed by me being in their meetings and uh it was a joy. I just learned from
them. They're very very talented and they work really hard um together. So, I think Montgomery deserves a lot. They have a lot already from their teachers. >> So, thank you and uh good night.
>> Mr. President, I'm sorry to interrupt. Mr. President, I I'm really sorry. I know this is unprecedented, but a few years back we were counseledled to not be on our phones and to show respect with our body language with eye contact when people were speaking and I am very very distracted by um board members that
are not listening to the people that are on the um podium speaking. I think it's really important for us to be present at the moment. So, if we could just acknowledge that and make sure that all board members are listening intently and are showing um respect to the people that are on the podium, I would really
appreciate it. Thank you. [Applause] Hi, Corey Delgado again. Um, speaking to you as the anti-bullying coordinator. I just want to make sure the last word about bullying in this district might come from someone who is qualified to
tell you about bullying. And I'll keep it brief. Our superintendent, Mrs. Mary McLaclin, does not support bullying in this district. Thank you. Hello, Heather. Um, I'm also up here because I'm a little
bit disturbed about the constant and persistent messages from social media that are now infiltrating our day-to-day work. We spend a lot of time working with our students about how to navigate critical
information, verify fact, separate it from opinion. To go with what Mr. Delgado said know the difference between bullying and not and sometimes facts are hard to hear. I understand that I've been the recipient of many harsh criticisms that may exist
on social media that I choose to not partake in. I understand that there are people here tonight who have called for me to be recommended. And now my boss, my superintendent is being called a bully because she stands up for what's right for kids
and for staff. And that I can't allow. So the baseless attacks on people that do the right thing every single day, that put in long hours, that show up when nobody else knows they're here,
that come to games, to clubs, to activities, that go to important milestones in the community, whether they be funerals or moments of joy. And we want to take swings at them because we don't like facts.
I really need to question what we're teaching our kids. Every decision I make is based on one foundation. Is this what's best for kids instead? Will this create the room for progress? When we sray from that, when we steer
away, we're going down a dangerous path. We shouldn't be up here to beat our chests and just say, "That made me proud and I got the last worded." We should be up here doing what's right for kids. That's lost. Not lost by the sea of
educators here. Not lost by the people who show up every single day. Not lost by the people who believe they should be paid for the free things they're doing. I will tell you as a proud Jewish woman, I support our Jewish student alliance. I always have. It's on our list to be
funded. We need a contract settled. I cannot ask staff to keep doing more with less and less. And I will not allow my superintendent to be defamed either. She provides the opportunities for us to do more and more every day. When we come to
her what's and ask what's best for kids, she says to us, "Find a way. Make it happen." When we get attacked for doing what's best for kids, she's there to lift us up. So, I'm not going to let someone call her a bully today because I'm going to pay back the same favor that I've been
taught over my entire career and stand up for what's right. And we are all correct. Montgomery deserves better. Thank you. Are there any other comments for members of public? >> I have a long other list, but I'll send
you an email. Um, yeah, I'll send you a copy, too, if you'd like. Um, I this performance I'm I'm sorry. I found I was here last school board meeting and the the behavior, the tone,
the the the way the board was treated was very different than this evening. Um, somebody I'm sorry, I feel like somebody had a makeover. Um, I've talked to many people when I was thinking about what I was going to say today because we were talking about the board not
trusting the staff. That was the biggest the big topic. I don't trust they don't trust us. They don't trust us. that we just need to trust that the teachers and administration is doing everything because they know what they're supposed to do and they do it right. Just trust trust. And then I was thinking, well,
yeah, it's trust, but verify. It's um but but somehow verification and questioning turned into like a challenge. You don't want too many questions. There's like this line that was crossed. And so I was talking to people about why
don't more people come up and express their frustration of what they see from the administration and can come here and speak cuz I feel like I am the only one. Um two points about that. One is a lot of people voted for for member. A lot of
people voted for um board member Jernigan. A lot of people voted for John San Giovani. Didn't get enough votes to get on the board, but he had over a thousand 4,000 votes in the last election and he's in the line with
what I'm saying. I believe here. So, I'm not just one voice. But when I talk to people and ask them why don't they want to come, I'm not I don't spoon feed them, but they say fear of retribution. >> Oh, thank you. >> Fear of retribution. I was on a phone
call today. I was not talking about fear of retribution. I said, "Why don't you come out? You can you cannot believe me. I mean, I'm not making this up, okay? I'm not dragging these words out of people, but there is something about people that have
concerns about their kids, have concerns about approaching certain administration, they're not comfortable. So take that into account that not all the voices feel like they have a safe space when they walk in here or I mean
they don't walk in here but they don't walk in here cuz they don't feel like they have a a safe space. They feel like things will get worse for their child. So um that's all I have. I'll send you the
rest cuz I did have more but I only 13 seconds. Take care. Thank you. >> Any other comments from the public? Hearing see none public comment portion is over.
Mr. Chair, [Music] >> I just wanted to address one comment um and clarify regarding procedures of the board and um the administration so that it's clear that um while the board has
to hear public comment um as part of the procedures for a public board meeting and the public can make comments on whatever topics they would like to ing before the board. The board and in particular the administration do not have control over what members of the
public say. The statement at the beginning of the board meeting um before the public comment indicates obviously that there are limitations in terms of your time. You have 3 minutes. The board um intends to close comments by a certain time in those pieces. They also
make recommendation that the members of the public consider not making comments that are defamatory or derogatory. However, those are not things that the board can require of members of the public and it is not something that the superintendent can require as she is not the person who oversees the
administration of the board. And so I wanted to be clear that in um considering what the members of the public says um that that is not something that the administration has a role over in the board meetings. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Any new items from
the floor uh from the board members? Uh >> I have a question about the new item for the presentation Mary presented on the fourear enrollment plan and um I appreciate uh RBA send the demographic and enrollment reports over the past few
years that was helpful. So also from the numbers that you presented we can see it's declining right and as we also mentioned last um at the last board meetings uh we're the only school district in in greater Princeton area
keeps declining for the enrollment. So to better understand the number, do you have the number of the students who withdraw from our school district for those years that you presented? >> Not with me right now, but that is a report that could be run. I thought that
that was shared out at ACI. How many kids withdrew? >> No. So how many kids withdrew is they have to fill in a form called withdraw form and that number hasn't been shared. So I'm not sure what committee would be best to bring this.
>> Do you want defer to ACI and uh show that number? >> I don't know how it's ACI. Do you know which committee? I think that you should ask the chair of ACI if she'd like to bring that forth to
the chair uh to the uh assistant superintendent of curriculum and the director of um enrollment. That usually is how again we do things by committee. So I I wasn't sure that's the ACI
question because that's in Roman today she presented here. So it's kind of like followup question because we want to know how many kids per year they withdraw from our school district since their parents have to fill in that form
>> for what purpose >> the understand the trend enrollment trend >> I don't see the same trend I guess that you see then >> can we put the number so you see the trend is increasing >> no I see that it's staying steady year-over-year when you when you check
it with the cohort so your third grade cohort in 2223 became larger in fourth grade in 2324 larger in fifth grade in 2425 and then larger again this year. >> I think we're talking about different
numbers. I was talking about the total enrollment of the whole school district not >> right so those numbers are derived from from the rest of the numbers that are there. >> Okay. So, and then there has been a a total enrollment decline. Yeah. Which is
also very easily understood with the difference in the kindergarten, first and second grade numbers compared to the outgoing juniors, seniors, and last year's graduates. I found that very clear. >> Okay. So, that's what I understand.
>> I don't >> Yeah, that's your message. It's clear I don't board either the board president or a committee chair would need to request further details at this point. >> This is why I just want I just want to
understand the question clearly. So you are asking when the students leave the school there is a form they fill out >> and based on that form you want to know how many kids left.
>> Yes sir. >> And and I'm sure you may even want to know the reason why they left. >> Um in the form won't say the reason but they have to indicate where the child will be educated. >> Okay. At this point, I just want to know
about the number of the kids withdrawn from our school district. >> And you want this for every year starting from what year? because um well like Mary presented starting 2022 and from the uh New Jersey school
performance report actually it was starting 2016 our school district total enrollment started to steadily decline total enrollment and comparing to other school district they all remain steadily or grown up therefore the that's why I'm
want to know about the number of the students who withdraw every year from our school district. We don't have to trace back to like you know 9 years ago but I think it would be helpful to understand the number starting now. Okay.
>> So so um the BA said there is no report. So that is something that would have to be created. And so before we do that before I ask for a motion for you to introduce that what is the purpose of asking for this information? It was asked that you didn't answer. What What
is your purpose for this information? >> So parents, they have to uh fill in the withdrawal forms that you're saying. Correct. Collect the information. They don't count the total number of the this information. >> Okay. But again, what is the purpose of
you seeking that information? >> Understanding the trend. >> Trend of what? >> Total enrollment trend. >> So for what though? like what's it going to change in the school district? >> Well, it's just present a trend. I think
it's important for the public to know about the numbers, right? >> How how will that information help our students further or our school district to progress further? I >> think for families, they need to know about the trends just like to know about the class size. >> So, Dr. Dr. Wayne, so this is seems to
be a report that you are seeking. So, if you want this report, please uh state it in a motion and we will vote. I I won't make a motion tonight, but I want to show that we collect information, but we don't have the number. That's my understanding. >> Okay. If you do not make a motion, we
will not discuss it again. So, make a motion to request that information. If it's seconded and move and voted on, we will move forward. >> Before Before you do that, I just I have just small question. I'm just saying that in that report if we find that
students are going out because they they're going to a private school um if there is no reason in that form we would not know why we would not know >> that's correct right >> no but we just we would know about the
number um starting for example when you see the trend like like maybe four years ago 50 kids pulled out and 3 years ago 100 maybe another year 150 when you start to see that big number increase
that's the trend usually we start with the numbers and then if you look at the report >> okay the decrease is because we're graduating numbers in the 400s and enrolling in the
100s >> yeah that's the trend of our total school district training It's decreasing, right? And then we can compare our school district with nearby school district and that's slightly different story. >> For what purpose?
>> I'm lost on the purpose. >> School district is the only school district total enrollment keeps going down. >> I'm going to I'm going to make I'm going to make two points. >> Two points. One, I compared us to a similar school in Somerset County, a similar demographic. Uh I don't want to
mention the name. their their enrollment is down further than ours. We're holding water and what should matter is the kids that are attending here. Uh Mr. Delgado, he puts a report out every spring on how our students do, how they're performing thanks to these teachers, what colleges
they're going to. I wish my kid had these teachers and had these opportunities. Let's focus on who's here. >> I think it's okay. You say collect the data, but you don't want to count the total number. That's okay, too. It's something internal. We could try to work
on that. That's not something we could hit a button and run right now. It's not an NJ deal. >> No, it's not. May I just a second because I I I think I understand your question in terms of you're you're looking for trends to see if we are losing students, right? So again, I think that um Superintendent Mclofflin
was very clear about expressing that the trend that we are seeing is we have to look at it by cohort. So if you look at and and the diagrams up, can you please follow with me? I would really appreciate it. Thank you. So if you're in kindergarten and your number is 215
in the year 2223, the number in first grade is now >> 256. No8 then 69 then 283. I have a color. >> Thank you. I'm sorry. I can't that that's the trend that we need to be
following not the total number of students. Does that make sense? >> First grade went 238 then in second grade those same kids was 260. Then in third grade they were 276 and then in fourth grade there was 295. It keeps increasing over the years
>> that I think you want to look at, right, to see if we're >> But when you're graduating 432 kids and only registering 183 kindergarten students, that's that's the enrollment drop. That's where it is.
The other like for how many kids withdraw, we have kids come in at every grade. They just don't come in at kindergarten. They come in throughout their entire experience. >> Everything you say it's okay. You don't have the t number of the total uh the students withdraw. That's okay. I said,
>> but our co our cohorts are holding strong. Our replacements grades are not. They're different pieces of data. And I want to be careful that the rhetoric is not we are losing students. You know that's important. We have to really put the data to the statement. So
the statement that we're losing students is incorrect. >> That needs to be clear. >> No. And our demographic study that is on the public website even shows the births in the district are down. So the number
of children being born overall if not >> it's going to start increasing. >> Yeah. >> We can check that at US bureau census data too for the nearby county and nearby township too.
At this time, I entertain a motion to adjourn. >> Oh, so moved. Second. >> It's been properly moved and second. All those in favor say I. >> Everybody, please go out and vote in November.