Okay. Good evening. The time is 7:04. We should call the meeting to order. I'm going to read our declaration. In accordance with the state sunshine law, adequate notice of this meeting was provided by mailing notice of the meeting on January 20 January 9th, 2025
and December 23rd, 2025. Notice was provided to board of education members, Montgomery Township Clerk, Rocky Hill Burough Clerk, Public Library, Township Posting, School Posting, PTSA officers, Courier News, Princeton Packet, Trenton
Times, and historic. The board reserves the right to enter executive session during all meetings of the board of education. This meeting is being recorded for the purpose of board review and future reference to assist in preparation of the minutes.
Okay, next item on our agenda this evening is I'm going to announce the results of the annual school election. There were three three-year seats and I'm going to read the uh votes for the candidates
as follows. Katherine Warl 5,619 votes. Julius Nunes 5324 votes. Francine Feffer 5270 votes. Peter Lee 3,526 votes. Manuel Kjernigan 3,443 votes and
Joanna Fel 4 uh excuse me 3,437 votes. Okay. At this time for our newly elected board members, I have a piece of paper that I put in front of you. And if you could please pick the piece of paper up and meet me up at the podium, uh we're going to do our swearing and
ceremony. All right. So, what we're going to do, I'm going to stand here. You guys can stand right here. So, have the three of you. One, two, three. Like this in front of me. All right. That's
>> Do you want to do a photo first? Just a second. >> I Please state your name. >> Katherine Warland. >> Julius Nunees. >> Francine Feffer. Do solemnly swear or affirm >> Do solemnly swear or affirm
>> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> and that I will bear true faith and
allegiance to the same >> and governments established in the United States and the state >> and to the governments established in the United States of this state >> under the authority of the people. >> under the authority of the people. >> I please state your name. Katherine
Morland, >> Julius Newman, >> Francine Feffer. Do solemnly swear or affirm >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law >> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law >> for the office of member of a board of
education >> for the office of member of a board of education >> am not disqualified as a voter pursuant to RS94.1 >> am not disqualified as a voter pursuant to RS19 4.1
>> and that I will faithfully, impartially, and justly perform >> And that I will faithfully, impartially, and justly perform >> all duties of that office according to the best of my ability. >> all duties of that office according to the best of my ability.
>> Congratulations. Okay, congratulations to our new board members. Welcome Okay, at this time I'll take the role. Dr. Wang >> here. >> Here. >> Spina, >> present. >> Reco >> present.
>> Swearling >> present. >> Sarris >> here. >> Mr. Nunes, >> present. >> Snor. >> Mr. Todd, >> present. >> Thank you. Please rise for a flag. >> Aliance to the flag. of the United States of America and to the republic
for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay. The next order of business for this evening is going to be a presentation uh from school board representative Gwen Thornton. She's
going to provide the board with their annual ethics training. Welcome this morning. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. Uh first of all, let me congratulate the brand new board members. Welcome to board service. Um I know that you will find it energizing, exciting, informative, and
interesting. You have the pleasure of joining a very high performing school district and a board that is committed to doing great things for students all across Montgomery Township. So, welcome. Um and for those of you I think I know the rest of you, happy new year to
everyone. Um, it's also board member appreciation month. So, on behalf of all the staff and officers, let me thank you for your service. Even though it may be really brief, like two minutes long so far. Um, but for for the rest of you,
um, really, and I'm teasing, but really thank you for your service. It is greatly appreciated. So, one of the requirements for board of education members is to routinely I don't know why I did that. Um, can you go back to slideshow?
I will continue whilst they're working on that by saying to you um as a requirement of your service, you're required annually to have ethics training. Um this fulfills that obligation and responsibilities. I put on your desk a copy of the uh
acknowledgement form that you need to sign and date and return to your business administrator. That goes to the executive county office. Um it is proof that you have been trained on school ethics law. Um and that's why we have it there for you. I've also included a copy
of the code um so that you always have that with you. Um, additionally, I've also included a list of relatives um, who by definition could potentially create a conflict for board of education members. It's very helpful um, to have
that and to keep that with you as well. So, uh, I am going to present information. I am not a board attorney. Only your board attorney can provide you with legal advice. However, we will be providing you with information that is factual. Um, but if you have any
questions, you should always consult with your board attorney for advice. The school ethics act was enacted to ensure that the public has confidence and respect uh for the board of education and to ensure that board
members avoid any kind conduct that could potentially be seen as a violation of the public trust or could give justifiable impression. The perception among the public that such trust is being violated. Um, and these are really
the minimum ethical standards by which all school board members must abide. Who enforces the act? The school ethics commission. When I was a social studies teacher 100 years ago, I thought that was the Securities Exchange Commission.
But when I became a a board of education member in New Jersey, I quickly found out it was the school ethics commission. They have nine members much like your board. Um, a quorum is five. There are five non-school officials. Two school board members, two school
administrators, all appointed by the governor. They serve for three-year terms. And no more than five can be from any one political party because, as you know, boards of education are nonpartisan and not connected in any way, shape, or form to any political
party. Um so currently there are two schoolboard member seats taken if any of you are interested. Contact your state legislature. NJSBA does not appoint. It's a gubanatorial appointment. Um and there is one seat currently vacant for school
administrators. So what are the provisions of the school ethics act? talks to mandatory training, the code of ethics, which we're going to talk about tonight, the disclosure statements, which you'll be required to fill out, and then prohibited acts um
for board of education members to be aware of. Um you may be interested to know that those disclosure statements are also something that the professional staff of NJSBA fills out every year as well. So, this is something that I routinely do by April 30th of every
year. The same way those of you who are seated board members have until April 30th to complete that process. Mandatory training. Um, you are required as brand new board members to complete in the first 90 days of your service. Governance one, we often call it new
board member orientation. And it will provide you with a basic understanding of the New Jersey quality signal accountability continuum. QAC. We turn every every now and then into a verb. We get QAC. Um HIV, which is harassment, intimidation, and bullying. Chief school
administrator evaluation process, the open public meetings act, and the code of ethics and staff. By the end of the second year of your board service, you're required to take the second year of training. It's around finance, the budget, your oversight role, fiduciary
oversight role, and student achievement. Um governance three which you have an entire year two three and four to take um is around policy and labor relations and gov four is required in the first year of any term subsequent to the
completion of a full term of three years and it is always around updates. Um we have provided the training. We're named in the law to provide the training. We have in-person opportunities. We have virtual opportunities. We've just
revised all the self-paced courses. I'm very excited about that. Um, we've added an AI chat box, Coach Carla, um, to assist you as you move through those self-paced online courses. I think you will find them interesting. It will allow you to get, uh, ask questions as
well as provide you with feedback um, with some of your responses. So, it is really very um, exciting um, to see that um, happening. So, um, the financial disclosure statements all school officials must
file. If you're just sworn in tonight, you have 30 days from tonight to fill out those forms. They will come to your email address um, from the state of New Jersey. You simply fill them out and hit send and you'll be done. Um, if you are
a returning school official, for the other board members, you have until April the 30th. I go back to when the dinosaur roamed the the earth and you had to fill them out in duplicate in blue or black ink, sign two originals and return them to your business administrator. It's much simpler now.
You can do it online from the comfort of your home. So, it shouldn't take you a lot of time to do. They are not interested in knowing your income. They want to know the sources of your um income, not your income.
Uh please know that we have begun to see uh a number of cases where folks have not filed their financial statements within the time frame allowed and the SEC has taken uh a much more active role
and we have seen some uh suspensions of 30 and 60 days for board members who failed to complete this in a timely way. So I do urge you to do it. It shouldn't take a great deal of time. Um, one of my suggestions once you're a new board member and you fill it out once, do it
on your computer, make a copy so that next year you can look at last year's and fill it back out again so you don't have to look up the address of various kinds of people that you may generate revenue for from um, and it just makes it even quicker to do just as a handy
hint um, to do it quickly. So, what composed the code of ethics? um you just swore that you would uphold and enforce all laws, rules and regulations of the state board, the state of New Jersey and the federal government. Um but code requires you to do that and it asks and
says that changes shall be made only through legal and ethical processes. So um you want to make sure that you are always comporting with all of those legal requirements that are in the law. You will make decisions in the educ terms of the educational benefit of all
students across your school district regardless of the individual regardless of race, creed, sex, or social standing. So, are you responsible for all students and provide them um with their individual needs and making sure you're meeting those? You're required to
confine your board actions of policym, planning, and appraisal. Um, and adopt policies and plans only after the board has consulted those who may be affected or impacted by your policies. You will carry out the responsibilities
not to administer the schools, but together with your colleagues to see that they are wellrun. Um, the board of education has four major roles. oversight, the adoption of curriculum and instructional materials, the responsibility for evaluating the
superintendent, adopting the budget, and communicating with the community, but the day-to-day operations of the school district are the responsibility of the administration. You are not charged with deciding whether to have a snow day or
not a snow day. You're not responsible for deciding how your facilities should be utilized. All of the things that go on on a day-to-day basis in the school district are the responsibility of your educational leaders who you employ to
make those kinds of decisions. You will recognize that the authority rests with the full board of education and make no personal promises nor take any private action that may compromise the board. No individual board member
has any authority individually. You only have authority as a collective corporate board of nine. Once this meeting is adjourned or any meeting is adjourned and you go back out into your community, you have absolutely no more authority than I do. And while I live in the same
county as you do, I do not live here in Montgomery and I have no more authority than you would. Um, unless you receded a duly advertised meeting of the board of education, you will refuse to surrender your judgment to special interests or
partisan political groups or to use the schools for personal gain or the gain of friends. That's pretty straightforward. You must make sure that you make good decisions based on the information that you have um and what's in the best interest of all students in the McGomery
Township. You will hold confidential all matters that if disclosed could needlessly injure individuals or schools. Um in all other matters you will provide accurate me information in concert with your colleagues interpret
to the staff the aspirations of the community for its schools. You will vote to appoint most qualified personnel after consideration of the recommendation of the chief administrative officer. The board of
education cannot employ anyone that does not have the recommendation of the superintendent. Whether you're talking about a bus driver or a teacher or another administrator, it must come with the recommendation through the recommendation of the chief school
administrator, your superintendent. you will support de school personnel in the proper performance of their duties. Um again um making sure that you are um taking care of your staff effectively, negotiating in good faith. Um
remunerating them fairly um respecting their professionalism and their ability to work with your students. Teaching is not an easy profession. Uh it is a very challenging one. Anyone who has children knows that
it could be very challenging. Referring all complaints to the chief administrative officer, to your superintendent and act on complaints at public meetings only after the failure of an administrative solution. One of the things that sometimes surprises new
board members and even seated board members is that members of the public may come to you and have a concern or an issue. Um, unfortunately, you don't have the authority to solve anyone's problems, but what you can do is you can tell them and help them gain access to
the folks who can solve their problems. So, understanding who's responsible for what in your district um so that if someone comes to you with a busing problem, you know, to tell them to go to the transportation office. um if someone comes and they have a question about
some line item in the budget to direct them to the business administrator. Um to make sure in most instances parents may come about a problem of their child or their child's teacher but making sure that you direct them back to the person closest to the situation who is best
able to find solutions for that problem. And then if they're not satisfied with the resolution at that level to take it to the next level. What does that look like? Well, if it was a classroom teacher, it would be the principal and after the principal, it would be an assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum and instruction and dependent
upon the problem. So, understanding there's a chain of command um and giving the public access by sharing information with them is the best way to help them. Who can file an ethics complaint? Um in
truth any member of the public anywhere um can file an ethics complaint and by virtue of the live streaming of boards of education members an unended outcome primarily of co um but a good one in many ways because it's given access to
the public to see what boards of education do which I think is really helpful. Um anyone from another community could file ethics charge against a board member. stuff. Um, the charges must be filed within 180 days of the incident that you claim the
violation took place. Um, you have to fill out a form that's available online at the SEC's uh, website. Um, citing the section of the act which particular component A through J it's being vi was
violated and then providing factual evidence to support your assertion that there was a violation. Um there is however um a protection in a sense that um helps boards of education members and
that is that the SEC has the authority to levy a fine of up to $500 for someone who might file or be inclined to file a frivolous complaint um to discourage folks from just randomly using uh the
SEC and the ethics um code as a cudgel um to beat someone up. Okay. What kind of punishments can they administer if they find someone is has violated the code? A reprimand, which is pretty
simple. Um, it's what we do say to our children all the time, don't do that again. Um, it's simply to say you've made an error. Don't do it again. Center is former formal disapproval comes from the commissioner of education. It must
be read publicly at a board of education meeting. Um, and it must be included in the minutes. A suspension is when you are barred from engaging in any activity or matter having to do with the board of education for a specific period of time.
Generally, they're done in 30-day increments, 30, 60, 90. They also have the ability, and they have in the past, um, ability to remove you from a board of education. Um, and that's an immediate termination. Um, and if you're
an administrator, it would be your employee. So, they have that ability to levy any of those um, penalties. Sometimes we have found recently that board members are dependent upon advice of counsel as a
defense for violations. However, um these are always very fact specific. But just to give you some sense of that, if you would be inclined to use that kind of defense, you would have to have proof that you received advice prior to the
action that you took that was the violation that the individual who was offering that advice relied upon possessed some kind of authority or responsibility. I would hope for most of you that would mean they had a law degree. um all that all pertinent facts
and circumstances were fully disclosed and that the individual complied with the advice received. All of those four factors must be present in order to use advice of counsel. Um again it's very fact specific but it is something that
we have seen but it is very difficult to predict that. So again just to for your awareness there are a whole host of cases this past year. Um most of what you will see
are cases whereby board members stepped outside their appropriate role and responsibilities to involve themselves in some fashion um that caused the SEC uh to to find them responsible. So I'm
not going to read a lot of these cases. There are links there for you. All of those links are live. I have sent Andrew a PDF of this presentation that he can send. He will send all of you so that if you wish to go through and read all of these cases, I know you have a packed
agenda. Um, and I'm not going to sit and read all of these cases. But when you read through them, what you will see is that by and large, almost in every instance, it is where board members have stepped outside of their role and take
taken actions that go beyond what they are supposed to do by law and have either begun to administer the district and or involve themselves with personnel inappropriately or involve themselves with other members uh of the community.
um which is problematic at times. Okay. Um here's one where a board member read another board's member text aloud at a public meeting that provided information about a school official and administrator. That person was recommended.
Recommended. You go back to the code. You're responsible for protecting school personnel and the proper performance of their duties. Reading a text aloud in a public meeting about a school official that was negative is not protecting
school personnel in their duties. Okay. Sometimes there may be issues that come before you um where you might think that you should not participate where you may have a conflict and we'll talk about those conflicts in a minute. Um, but I
just want to make uh a couple of points about the difference between recusal and abstensions. If there is a legal prohibition against you participating in a particular topic, you must recuse yourself. It's a
requirement in the law. And by recuse yourself, it's not just not voting on the issue. And when the vote comes, you say, "I recuse myself." It's not being present for any discussions that of the board on a particular issue or topic. If
you have a conflict that is a legal prohibition, you can abstain which is a different piece. Abstension can be used if you feel you don't have sufficient information to make an important decision or you were not
present. So, for example, um if you approved the minutes from last month's meeting, new board members tonight would most likely abstain because you were not present. So, you can't say they're accurate. I'm not suggesting they're inaccurate. However, you weren't
present, so you would typically abstain from approving those minutes. So, sometimes you could use an abstension if you have not been present or you don't have sufficient information to make an informed decision. However, abstension should never be used to avoid making a
difficult vote on an issue that may be of some notoriety or consternation in your community. You've been elected by your community to represent the best interests of every child in this community. And so, you should not be
using an extension to avoid voting. Next, relationships definitions. How do you know if you're conflicted? The school ethics commission defines immediate family member as a I'm not going to read these to you but it's a spouse civil domestic partner dependent
child residing in the same household. And then there are a list of relatives that are there that are again could create conflicts and their aunts, uncles, nephews, grandparents, grandchildren, steparents, stepchildren,
half brothers and sisters. Um again your individual spouse or male partner by blood marriage or adoption. The actual ethics law has a very narrow definition of relatives. But the nepotism law which
was created far after the ethics code has a more expansive definition of relative and the school ethics commission has now expanded that expanded definition of relative uh to the school ethics code. So you need to
be aware of that. Okay. Um again, it does not appear prohibited acts of the code of ethics, but a relative can create a conflict. Um additionally, even if they're not one of those relations, someone can be an other by by virtue of
relationships that they may have that don't include marriage, that don't include a civil union, that don't include those types of things. Um so you need to be aware of that as well. Okay. The school ethics commission can either
adjudicate a case but in addition to adjudicating ethics complaints they also can issue advisory opinions. We commonly refer to them as AOS. You will see in some of the slides where the link is an
AO which means it's an advisory opinion. So, advisory opinions. If you believe you might have a conflict on an issue that is coming before the board, you can ask the ethics commission to for an advisory opinion. You must do that on a
prospective basis. You can't wait vote and then say, "Oops, I should have asked." You have to ask ahead of time. Um, and they will get back to you in a timely way with an advisory opinion. Okay? Sometimes if advisory opinions have such
widespread implication for all board of education members across the state, the ethics commission will make an AO public. However, they have to have six members of the SEC voting to make AOS's public.
Often times, five of them are at meetings and not six. And so what we have seen in the last couple of years, at least the last two years running, is that there have been no AO's from January right through December. And then
in December, we get a drop of 20 plus AOS's that come out in the middle of December because that's when they publish them because they don't generally have six posts to make them public. They remove all identifiers when
they make an advisory opinion public. They remove the district. They remove the name of the board member and they just state the outcome of the case. So that's something you should know. If you ask for an advisory opinion and it's not it's just you asking prospectively, you
will get a response. If they would make that advisory public, they would remove your name, your district from that AO. It is an opinion from the SEC whether your activity or conduct proposed would
violate the provisions of the SEC. Okay. So, I love this slide because it has a policeman there. Um, and the reason for that is if I asked you if a policeman stopped you on the street and said stop doing that, would you do it?
Probably not. Most of us believe in the rule of law of our local police. The AO carries that same weight. So understand while it is advice, just be mindful that when they say something is would
constitute a violation, you should listen to what it is they have to say. We have seen instances where board members have said, "Well, it's just advice and I didn't like the advice, so I went ahead and did it." which is foolhardy because what I will tell you
is when that happens the SEC looks at it in a much different light than if someone just filed a violation against you or an ethics charge against you because they've already opined on it and now you're coming back and you did exactly what you they advised you not to
do. So it is most likely what we have seen is that one of those few instances where it has happened and people have not been very logical about it. Um the penalties always are more significant
than if you hadn't gotten the AO and been told not to do it. Okay. Here are some of the 20 AOS. Um again the first one is can the board invoke the doctrine of necessity? That was a case where someone asked if you could invoke the
doctrine of necessity um to to deliberate on an issue and the ethics commission said no, you can't invoke the doctrine of necessity because you're not voting. You're just deliberating and deliberating doesn't require invoking the doctrine of necessity. If you have
the doctrine of necessity is a legal device whereby if you had so many members conflicted out of being able to vote legally conflicted out we do have some boards I was talking to a board earlier this week seven of the nine members all have conflicts. So in order
to vote to approve a contract to hire a superintendent to do almost anything, they have to invoke the doctrine of necessity whereby they read into the minutes publicly everyone's conflict and then everyone can come back in and vote on a
particular issue that does require a majority of the board, five or more members. Okay. So there are some interesting pieces here, but you can see that these are really very again specific, but these are meant the
outcomes to guide you and we've included all of the backup to all of that in your slides. So you will be able to see that um and read through them so you will be aware because they do expect that you will have seen the advisory opinions and
are abiding by them. Okay. Um what's the benefit? uh because you have to avoid conflicts and prohibited acts. A benefit is really a direct or indirect advantage, profit or privilege that you might gain as an individual um whether
it's personal, financial or otherwise. And the determining factor here is not just the law, but the perception of the public, not your individual belief as a board member, but what would your public think if you were to do it? Okay, here's
a case where a board member um during a board meeting, he was running for the general assembly. He used his board seat to solicit support and votes for his personal political campaign for the general assembly. And he was found to have used his seat
to acquire a personal benefit. No money was exchanged, right? There was no dollars and cents here, but it was simply that he would have a benefit from using his board seat um to to campaign.
Okay? So, you must recuse yourself if there's a benefit to you, the board member or your immediate family, husband, wife, dependent, child, child living at home. Um, if there is a business interest or professional
activity that puts you in conflict, whether if you were to use, as that individual did that I was just speaking about, his position to secure unwarranted privileges, advantages, or employment, or if you had financial involvement that might impair your
objectivity. Um again any kind of service or employment that you may have that may prejudice your individual judgment, a gift or a favor that is given with intent to influence you um or financial gain that might occur to you.
Okay. So other considerations around prohibited acts, you cannot represent any person or party other than the board and districts matters that come before the board. Um sometimes um you may have
um depending upon um we've had seen instances where family members may have gone with a relative to support a child in an IEP hearing for example or to advocate for another district placement. Um you cannot do that as a board of
education member because you are representing against essentially the board of education. All right. Okay. So just as a matter the the judgment here is whether the conflict you acrew a gain that is greater than any others in your
community would gain. And by that often I'm asked um there's we have to approve field trips and there's a fourth grade field trip and I have a fourth grader can I vote to approve it? The answer is yes because all fourth graders are going. your fourth grader is not getting
an advantage that is any greater than any other fourth grader or fifth grader of that nature. So that's the dividing line. Do you get a greater benefit than someone else? And I think that makes it pretty simple.
Okay. And again, here are some indirect direct cases uh where people have gotten themselves into pickles. uh a board member uh was given free representation for defense of an ethics charge. Um she
had a board attorney relationship with that attorney who provided her counsel and then the legal firm came before her board on a vote and she voted to approve the legal firm. So while no money changed hands, it was seen as a benefit
that acrewed to her by virtue of her vote. Okay. Again, I'm not going to be through all of these because all of your families watching and the public would think it's like watching a wallpaper drive. Um, which I understand.
Okay. So other kinds of conflicts, if you have a relative who's already employed in the district, um you cannot participate um in the uh terms and conditions of employment for the
superintendent, supervisors, and the chain of command between the relative and the CSA. You can't take part in any kind of search for a new superintendent, selection, or vote to hire a new superintendent. any kind of superintendent evaluations and contract
discussions, but that's if you have an immediate family member employed in the district and that's in any capacity, including a coach, including a summer worker. Um, it can sometimes include substitutes depending upon how you
employ substitutes. If they're directly paid through the district as opposed to paid through uh substitute service, it would be in conflict. if they're paid not paid by the district to provide that service, you should consult with your board attorney. Okay. So again, you
know, we have seen this um impact now on committee assignments and this is a relatively recent phenomenon, not not brand new, but we're seeing more cases where if you have a family member and you are a board member, you cannot sit on certain committees that would touch
upon the employment of your family member. Um or if you're the board president, you can't appoint committee chairs. Um, you can't appoint members to committees. Your vice president would have to do it if you had a family member
as a board president. Okay. Collective bargaining. Um, again, um, the SEC has weighed in on this. It's a handy little chart. Um, if you have an immediate family member or relative who works in your district, you may not
participate in negotiations. You may not hope to ratify the contract. You should not participate at all. If you happen to be a member of the same or similar statewide association um in New Jersey
we have NEA but we also have AFT we also have AFL CIO and even some districts have teamsters those are all considered similar or same statewide unions so it doesn't matter um if they don't work in
this district but they are member um an immediate family member you you can um not participate in negotiations, but you can vote to ratify your final contract if all of the terms are laid out and all
of the financial costs are included in that package. Absent heightened union um affiliation. What is heightened union affiliation? If your family member is a building rep, if you or your family
member is on the negotiating team in the district where they work, that those things would make give you a secondary level of conflict and you should check with your board attorneys. Okay. Campaigns and collective bargaining. Board members who receive union
endorsements may be conflicted from collective bargaining if negotiations begin within a year of election. Um again endorsement um of a candidate by a local or national
statewide association does not create a per se an automatic conflict unless a financial contribution has been given with the intent to influence. Okay. So again, um these are things that if you think you may have a conflict, check
with your board attorney. Um sometimes over time people's employment changes, family members employment changes while you are a seated board member, you want to make sure that if those things change, you always check with your board attorney to get clearance because you
don't want to accidentally um overstep. Okay. Volunteering in schools uh board members uh are not discouraged from volunteering. However, it must be carried out within the confines of the
SEC. And the SEC really looks at the mat the amount of involvement with students and staff, the frequency of the level of interaction and um authority whether you are giving or receiving directions or
orders to students or staff and resources or funds. So again, um, single one-off opportunities for volunteering are perfectly fine. Shapering a field trip, um, working at the concession stand at football games,
any of those kinds of things are fine. If you're a classroom parent going in for a class party, I'm assuming we still do those things. Um, even if I'm sure we do. Um, and those things are all fine. Um, but again, you don't want to see
that you're meshed in a building. So much so that if some member of the public came in and saw you there, they would think you were out of staff. And you also never want to be given direction to students or to staff. Um, that is problematic.
Okay. Visiting a school. Um, some of you may only have children at a particular level at elementary or middle school level, maybe not at the high school. Um, you may want to go visit a school. I've never met a superintendent or a
principal who wasn't proud of their buildings who didn't welcome the board of education members to go into a school. However, you must arrange those visits through your superintendent's office so that you don't disrupt the educational program. Um and because you
really have other than to observe there is no real reason for you to be in a building on a regular basis. Um that is not your responsibility. Um again always advise your superintendent when you're going to be in a school as a parent or
volunteer. It is a protection for you so that everyone is aware of what you are doing. Um again make sure that you stay on point with the purpose of the visit. Um, and you know, it takes about 15 20 seconds once a board member goes into
the front door till the entire staff is aware that there's a board member in the building. I'm not really exaggerating, trust me, on that. Um, and again, any visit to a school that's in conjunction with board function, like the facilities committee is going to tour a particular
set of rooms to look at facility needs, that's perfectly appropriate. But what what I'm talking about is just routinely dropping into the schools without having an appointment or a function that you're there for. That does not mean you can't go in to parent teacher conferences. You
are always your child's first and best advocate. Um any public events, I hugely encourage you to attend those as board members. the public really values and most importantly the students appreciate having you you present for those kind of
celebratory um opportunities for the concerts for the science fairs, robotic shows, art shows, all of those things. You are always welcome at public functions um to be in the schools. Okay. Social media. The ethics commission has
spent the lion share of 2023 to 2026 and I suspect it will continue to adjudicate adjudicating cases and answering advisories around social media. And while technology can be a
real plus in terms of communicating, um it has often unfortunately been misused. And so you just need to be mindful that you are bound by the school code of ethics. So um if you're going to
use social media um you need to make sure that you are not disclosing confidential information that you are not discussing topics of board business on social media. um because they're
going to look to see if there's a nexus between your post and your role in membership on the board of education. And that's not to frighten you. It's just to make you aware that there can be it can be problematic quite frankly. Um
and so what I would tell you um someone asked me last night I was doing this presentation and they said, "Well, you know, what should I do on social media?" And I said, "My best advice is nothing. Nothing. Board business belongs at the board
table. It belongs at committee meetings. The public has the right, as they do tonight, to observe the conduct of district business. Therefore, the business of the board belongs at the board table. It does not belong on
Facebook or Twitter or X or on a myriad of social platforms that I don't even know the names of. Thank goodness. I've spent my entire life staying under the radar and I would like to stay there the rest of my life. Um, and that again is not to say that we don't use emails,
that we don't use technology. It's wonderful, but it can also be dangerous. If you're going to, and you're going to ignore my wonderful wisdom of staying off, please make sure you include a disclaimer. There is the official SEC
disclaimer. You know the following statements are made in my capacity as a private citizen and not in my capacity as a board member. These statements don't represent the board or its individual members and solely represents my own personal opinion.
Again, you don't have to use that exact wording. However, you need to make sure you use a disclaimer. And here's what I will tell you. It doesn't say it here, but I will tell you the social media disclaimer is not a get
out of jail card. It depends on the content of what you have said on social media. So, you can use this disclaimer on every single post you make and depending upon what you say on social media, it doesn't protect you. It's some
protection, but it's not absolute. So, just keep that in mind. It is the content of what you write and what you disclose on social media that can be the most challenging. This disclaimer is great, but it is not an absolute I
didn't do anything wrong. Okay? And you can begin to see the number of social media cases that have occurred. Um, and again, they're problematic. So, just some things to keep in mind moving forward. Um, again,
you know, we all love to text um various things at various times to people, but I would strongly suggest that texting from the board table can result in someone filing for an OPER request for your phone records. Now, unless you want to turn over your phone records to your
business administrator, um, who is probably, um, the one responsible, um, you don't want to be doing that. Additionally, you know, I I I served on the board of education when dinosaurs roam the earth and and and cell phones
were not ubiquitous. So, I get that we all have kids at home and family. You can put your cell phone on the table, put it on vibrate, put it upside down so no one sees it, and if there's an emergency, you can step out of the room,
take the call, do what you need to do so that we're not putting anyone at risk. Um all of my board members really their kids all survived including mine even though we didn't have. Um they people know how to get a hold of you. If there's really an emergency they'll get
you. Okay. So again an ethics complaint will need to show a nexus between the action and the information sharing and your role as a board member. So in order to not have that happen you can just avoid it. Um you are always your child's advocate first and foremost. All of your
children. Um, when you are meeting with staff as the parent of a child, don't begin the meeting with, "Hi, I'm here and I'm a board member." You are there as a parent and you need to try to keep those roles separate. It's important to
remember that. Um, the SEC has been very clear that if you had a campaign social media pages, which I understand most folks now have, you should refrain from using that platform because it may be viewed as the position of the board. So,
you should put that web page on an active in some fashion. And I'm not sophisticated enough around websites and how tech operates, but you can do that. I've been told. um do it and don't use it again until three years from now when you want to run again. If you administer
a social media page as an administrator, you could be linked to the content posted on that page. Again, it you can, but most attorneys, their favorite phrase is just because you can does not mean you should. And so our advice would
be not to be the administrator of a social media group because you put yourself at unnecessary risk. Okay. We have I've given you the relative chart so that you can see that all of these things are available to you. These links
all work to the SEC. Um it has been a pleasure to be here this evening. It's nice to be in McGomery again. As always, if you have any questions, you're always free to reach out to us. Give us a call. We're always happy to help in any way that we can. And I look
forward to seeing all of your faces um at various trainings and at workshop in October. A little plug. It's always a wonderful opportunity um to network with folks across the state. So, thank you very much and thank you for serving your
community and the students. You do make a difference. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Lord. >> Okay. At this time, the board will convene in executive session for item number three. Uh, do I have a motion? So, move.
>> Second. All in favor? >> Opposed? Extension. Okay. Thank you. Time 7:56. Okay. Uh, do I have a motion to reconvene in open session? So, >> move second. >> Second. All in favor? >> Opposed?
>> Extensions. Thank you. Motion carries. >> Okay. The next item for business is our nomination for board president. The way this process will work is uh I'm going to open the floor and I'm going to ask the board to nominate whoever they wish
for the position of board president. After the nominations end, I will close the nomination process and then I will open the floor to discussion and then I'll give a quick review on how the nomination proc how the voting process
works and then we will go into our vote. So at this point in time, the floor is now open for the nomination for the position for the position of board president. And now in no particular order, um could please uh make the nominations for that position. Who would
be the first uh nomination? Somebody >> to nominate uh Dr. Wang for the president of board. >> Okay. So the first nomination was for Dr. Wang. Are there any other nominations for the position of board president?
>> Yeah. Secondly nominate Patrick Todd. >> Okay. Second is Patrick Todd. >> Any other nominations for board president? Okay. If there are none, that closes the nomination process for the position of
board president. Uh I'm going to let everybody know how the process is going to work and then we could have a discussion and then vote. Um as per our policy the way the uh voting process works is in the order the nominations came in so Dr. Wang was the first
nomination that came in we will go around the table and I'll ask the board to collectively vote yes or no for Dr. way and the first person that was nominated that receives a majority vote which would be five of the board members
president would be voted the position of board president and we will go until uh we have somebody that was nominated that gets five votes now we'll just open the floor up for discussion and then when discussion ends I will continue with the vote any discussion
>> I hope all the candidate thank you Vanita for the nomination I hope all the candidate here can speak about your um philosophy of the board leadership and also can explain a little bit to the public and of course the board
colleagues how you can contribute to the board leadership role. All right. Um this is just open discussion. There's no specific uh form uh for this. Is there any other comments discussion amongst this is basically amongst the board right now on the two
uh candidates that were uh nominated? >> So anybody have questions to my questions say my question >> and the board can choose to engage or just um end the discussion process. So I'm just kind of reminding everybody of
our procedure for this evening. >> Okay. So uh I'm going to talk uh about my philosophy of the board leadership and how I can contribute to this role if elected. Um first I believe effective board leadership begins with a
commitment to collaboration, inclusiveness and continuous improvement. A strong board requires a welcoming and respectful environment especially for new board members where every voice is valued and diverse
perspective are seen as a strength. So I believe effective leadership is grounded in datainformed decision making. This means not only using data to guide our work but also being open to what the data tell us even when they challenges
assumptions or require us to think rethink current approaches. We must avoid defensiveness and instead embrace inquiry reflection and adaptation. Our goals as a board should be measurable,
student centered and transparent. Our school district progress should be tracked and discussed openly with accountability as a shared responsibility to ensure that we're delivering on our promises to students, families, and the broader community.
Above all, board leadership must be model integrity, curiosity, and the relentless focus on equity and outcome for all the students. Next I want to talk about briefly elaborate the experience and perspective
I could bring to the role of the board president. So I have professional training in educational policy administration measurement statistics and research design paired with direct teaching experience in both K12 and higher education. This combination
allows me to connect board governance data and policy decisions directly to the student achievement teaching and learning. In my current role at the top R1 public university, I support institutionwide student success initiatives. My daily work aligns
closely with our township school district first goal student achievement by translating complex data into actionable strategies that help students thrive. Every year, I have the opportunity to present this work at an invited student success conference
attended by about 200 administrators and faculty, reinforcing my commitment to evidence-based collaborative leadership. My perspective is also grounded in my own educational journey and in my experience working with diverse student populations, including many from less
advantage backgrounds. I have seen how assessed support and high expectations can transform lives. Today, nearly one in four students we serve at Ruckus come from less of the ventured background. And that reality reinforces my belief
that our responsibility as a board is not only to maintain excellence, but to ensure that excellence is accessible to every student. My commitment to student success predates my time on this board and will continue long after any role I
hold here. Whether as serving as a board president or simply just a dedicated board member, my priorities remain cons consistent, supporting students, respecting educators, strengthening community partnerships, and make thoughtful datainformed decisions that
serve Montgomery's long-term interest. If entrusted with the role of president, I will leave with integrity, foster collaboration, listen carefully to diverse perspectives, and keep our governance student centers transparent and forward looking. and thank you for the nomination and thank you for the
opportunity to continue serving in the Montgomery community. >> All right. Is there any further discussion? >> Yeah. Thank you. Thank >> Yeah. Thank you. Uh thank you board member uh Frank Herman for the nomination. Um I have served on this
board since being elected November uh 2020. So I'm coming into my sixth year of of um serving on this board. 30 years of public service from law enforcement to um serving on the board. Um I will continue focusing on collaboration with
my fellow board members, the administration and the students. This is what this board is about. I will deliver consistency, collaboration, and I would love to continue this role as board your board president. >> I wanted to um say something I'm pleased
to nominate um Ting W for president of Montgomery Township Board of Education. Ting brings strong professional expertise in educational policy. >> I thought my voice is pretty brings strong professional expertise in
educational policy. >> Just pull it a little grab it right here. Pull it a little bit closer. >> Can you hear me now? >> Yes. administration and data informed decision making along with firsthand teaching experience in both K through 12
and a higher education. She has consistently demonstrated thoughtful leadership, a student centered approach and a commitment to transparency and collaboration. things work at a top R1 public university which is a researchbased university supporting
large-scale student success initiatives directly aligns with our district priorities. She understands how to connect data policy and governance to outcome that benefit all students. These are the reasons Muhai I think she could
be a a great board president. Thank you. Any other comments? Okay. I'd like to thank the board for the nominations and the spirit of discussion. If there's no further discussion, uh at this point in time, uh Dr. Wang was the first, uh candidate
nominated. So, right now, we're going to go around the table yes or no. Um and as I mentioned before, uh we're looking for a majority of the board members present, which would be five to be elected to the office of board president. Begin with you, Dr. W. Yes. >> Steph.
>> No. >> Smina. >> No. >> Frank Herman. >> No. >> Orland? >> No. >> Miss Harris? >> No. >> Mr. Nunes? >> No. >> Miss Norland? >> Yes.
>> Mr. Todd? >> No. >> Okay. Based on the vote, there's not a majority of the uh members present that voted for Dr. Wang. So we will go to the next nominee which would be Mr. Todd. We're going to begin the vote with you. Dr. Wang,
>> no. >> Effort. >> Yes. >> Smina. >> Yes. >> Franco Herman. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Warland. >> Yes. >> M. Harris. >> Yes. >> Mr. Nunes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Norand.
>> Mr. Todd. >> Yes. >> Okay. Based on the vote, uh, that is a majority. And I'd like to congratulate Mr. Todd nomination to McGomery Township School District Board President. Congratulations. At this point in time, I'm going to pass the meeting over to Mr. Todd and he's
going to continue the same process for the position of vice president and then we will move to our agenda items. >> Thank you, sir. >> Thank you, Mr. Caliano. Thank you, board members. I am ready to serve you again. At this time, we'll open up nominations
for vice presidents. I nominate Vina. >> Okay. Are there any other nominations for the position of vice president? >> I nominate Maria Spina. >> Are there any other nominees? Any other nominations? Hearing none, nominations are closed.
Any discussions from the board >> similar to this position? I hope the candidate can talk about your uh philosophy and how you going to support the uh board and what you can contribute. >> Any other discussion? Would the nominees
like to speak? >> Morgan. >> Yeah. I just wanted to say uh good evening everyone. Uh serving on this board has been given me a deep appreciation for important role as we play in providing oversight and
supporting the superintendent and the leadership team. I work in another school district and have finance background and I'm a parent of two children who graduated from public schools and are now in workforce. So I understand the importance of public
schools. Though my work on uh through my boardman finance committee and on the negotiation team for wheels of change association, I have gained experience in collaborations, budget oversight and thoughtful decision making. All skills I
bring to our board. I am grateful the public has entrusted me to serve on this board and I now respectfully ask for your support and trust as well. As vice president, I would focus on fostering collaboration among board members and
maintaining a strong, respectful partnership with our superintendent and always prioritizing what's best for our students and staff. We have a strong district and a dedicated leadership team and together I'm confident we can
continue advancing our schools and serving our community well. I do understand I'm on board less than two years. Yes. But I am in the school district for almost 20 years and served
in many PTAs um associations and in the community associations and I understand uh how to work with people, how to bring a team together. So I just want to
help in any way to make this district great even great. Thank you. >> Thank you nominee Naron nominee. Would you like to make a statement? >> Sure. >> Uh thank you board member Harris for
nominating me. Um I've served on the board since 2022. Um mainly because uh Miss Harris had started a ad hoc committee um which brought community members, parents,
students, faculty uh together to work on a joint effort project and those ad hoc uh committees are something that we should probably be doing more of. Um, as someone with
22 years of experience in public and private education, as a teacher, as an administrator, as a teacher, again, um, I I definitely know the the ins and outs of schools. I know that Montgomery is
one of the best school districts that we have in the state, for sure, if not the best. Um, I would not have moved here and send my three children here if not. Uh, my oldest will be graduating this year. I have two more still to go
through high school and the rest of middle school and high school. And uh I hope to continue to serve to support the board president, the superintendent, the faculty, but most importantly the students of this district as they
continue to engage in the excellent education and to bring back some of that community feel that brought me on to this board from way back when four years ago. Thank you for the nomination.
Thank you nominee spina. Any other discussion from the board? >> Um I want to say something about why I nominated Vonita. Uh Vanita brings a combination of expertise as you heard and also diligence and collaborative
leadership that makes her exceptional well suited for this role. In my opinion, she has demonstrated strong knowledge in finance, ensuring that board decisions reflect careful uh careful oversight of the resources and physical responsibility. Beyond
technical expertise, she constantly supports her fellow board members asking thoughtful and probing questions that promote transparency and accountability in our decision-m processes. And Manita also goes above and beyond by conducting
research on policies and practices from other school districts, bringing evidence-based perspective that inform our discussions and enhance the quality of our governance. Her unique approach and willingness to share insights
contributes meaningfully to the board's work and foster a c a culture of collaboration and informed leadership. For all the above reasons, I'm confident that Bonita will serve effectively as vice president and continue to
strengthen the Montgomery Township Board of Education's commitment to excellence, transparency, and student success. Thank you. Thank you. Any other discussion from the board? Hearing none, Mr. Talagiano, please call for the vote.
>> Okay. So, based on our process, uh, Miss Norand was the first nominee for the position of vice president. So, right now, I'm going to go around and take everybody's vote for Miss Nor. Beginning with you, Dr. White, >> yes. >> No. >> Smina, >> no. >> Franco Herman, >> no.
>> Swirling. >> No. >> Harris, >> no. Mr. Nunes Naran, >> yes. >> Mr. Todd, >> no. >> Based on the vote, there's not a majority present. So, we're going to go on to our next nominee, which is Miss Spina for position of vice president.
Beginning with you, Dr. Wang, >> no. >> Yes. Spina, >> yes. >> Herman, >> yes. >> Warland, >> yes. >> Miss Harris, >> yes. >> Mr. Nunes, >> yes. >> Nor, >> yes.
>> Okay. based on the vote. Uh that's a majority and congratulations to Miss Spina for the being nominated towards Thank you, Mrs. Caliano. At this time, I'll entertain a motion to approve reorg
and action agenda items 1.1 to 4.1. Before we move forward with that, I'm just going to add one thing. Item 4.1 was a late addition to the agenda and wasn't publicly advertised. So, I'm going to then read the uh item aloud and
then we'll continue with our vote. So, 4.1 is a personnel section item and it reads as follows. Whereas, the superintendent of schools has required a staff member whose name is on file. uh the superintendent's office to undergo a medical examination in accordance with
policy 3161 NJSA18A16-2 and NJAC 6A col 32-6.3 and whereas the employee has requested to use a physician of the employees choosing consistent with the above reference policy statute and regulations
and has submitted documentation in support of that request and whereas the board has considered and evaluated the employees request Now therefore, be it resolved that the board grant the employees request subject to all conditions set forth in policy 3161 and directs the assistant superintendent for
human resources to notify the employee of the same. So that is item 4.1 and we're going to be voting on those reorganization and business items at this time. I'm going to begin with the vote. Dr. White,
>> are we going to have discussion? >> Is there is there a motion? So moved. Second. >> It's been properly moved and seconded to adopt reorg items 8 through uh 24 and action agenda items 1.1 through 4.1.
>> Any discussions on the motion? >> Yes, I have discussions here. Um page four, item 10, it said those professional services uh for the records for 2026. I just want a clarification.
This is for this calendar year not referred to the school year. Right. >> So page four. >> Uhhuh. >> Professional services uh said uh board of education approved the following professional contract services of the
request for 2026. Right. >> So that's for the calendar year not for the school year. >> Right. That's correct. >> Okay. Is that because uh the reorg happened in January and for the for a whole year and that's why it's for that? Thanks for the clarification. And
another question is for um page six. >> Okay. >> Uh 20 readation of curriculum and courses of uh study. It also set said uh adopted for the period from the date of
this organization meeting until the next organization meeting that would be January 2027 but course of study and curriculum for the that contain the next school year though so shouldn't be this just from
the date of this organization meeting until the end of the school year >> I'm going to defer to Mr. Laughlin for the curriculum uh question. >> The curriculum is approved annually and this is at the reorg meeting that it is done annually.
Any edits to the curriculum would be an additional approval at that time. So like during the summer if there's summer curriculum work that will be approved in the summer and then next January you're approving those again plus the ones that were
already in place. >> But that's uh so for example for the new board members and then they're basically approving for the upcoming school year's curriculum and courses of study.
>> Yes. And just to clarify, these courses are currently in place. Yes, they are already moving and courses of study. If >> there's any new courses, they will be approved in August separately as as we move along. >> This is just strictly a read of the
approved curriculum. It's a continuation process. >> Continuation process. Okay. Thanks for clarification. But um if in my opinion, I think to be more accurate, it should be ends towards this this school year. Yeah. Um,
>> but wait, but anything that would right because anything that wouldn't be changed over summer >> would actually continue on in September and that would still be in the year 2026. So through to 2027 that's the reason why it's like that.
>> Same for the next one is re adoptation of the textbook because over the summer uh the team will start to write you know uh like we the approved the writing of the some of the curriculum some of the textbooks similar to that is maybe get
involved into re adoption uh introducing new textbooks for board approval. So I feel just for more accurate it's more like should be end the board right now at this point should approve whatever till the end of the school year but not
beyond the school year. What's beyond the current school year should be discussed and approved by the board again during before the like by JSBA guidelines like in May. you would have a a period of time then where nothing is
approved if you did it that way because the new school year starts July 1st. So that's the reason you have these twice a year continuation processes to move along and then any additions are discussed throughout the school year. If you did it that way then July 1st there would be no curricular textbooks in
place. >> Oh I see. Okay. >> Does that make sense? >> Uhhuh. So like in May we'll approve what the changes >> if if July August if there are any changes. Correct. >> May something according to MJSBA.
>> Well, thank you for the clarification again. >> No problem. Is there any other uh questions or discussion on any of the reorganization or business items before >> any further clarification needed? >> Hearing none, please call for the vote.
>> Okay, Dr. W. Um since I have this question even though you guys uh clarify that but I don't feel uh I have the enough information to approve the next school year's um textbook and curriculum course study. So I will abstain for
these two items. >> Okay. So yes for all items and abstain from items 20 and 21. >> Yes. >> Noted. Thank you. Yes to all items, but I abstain on 1.1. >> Thank you. Noted,
>> Miss Spina. >> Yes, >> Mr. Frank Herman. >> Yes. Recuse from 4.1. >> Thank you. Noted, Miss Warler. >> I'm abstaining on action agenda item 1.1 and approving everything else. >> Thank you. Noted, Mr. Harris.
>> Yes to all and I 4.1. >> Thank you, Mr. Nunes. >> Yes. to all accept extending to 1.1 as well. >> Noted. Thank you, >> Mr. Narbal. >> Yes to all. Thank you, Mr. Todd. >> Yes to all.
>> Thank you. Motions carry. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Keelliano. Board public comments. Members of the public are allowed one opportunity to address the board regarding action agenda items or any other business for up to a maximum of three minutes during this period of the meeting. All comments
must be directed to the board. Before you make your comment, please state your name and address and write both in the notebook 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 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 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 this session. Are there any public comments? Good evening. Good evening. Uh congratulations to the new board members. I hope you have a very productive term and you represent the interests of our community. Well,
um before I start my speech, I wanted to ask you to double check the count because it seems like five board members abstain from the vote. So, I don't think you have majority to carry the motion for for the first item.
Just double check. Um, on November 25th, the New Jersey Department of Education issued an update confirming the audit report filing deadlines for fiscal year 2025. The standard filing deadline was
December 5th, 2025. Districts required to file the 2025 compliance supplement were granted an extension due to delays in the release of federal inputs. The those districts were instructed to
submit a complete audit report by a new deadline to be established by the commissioner following the release of the compliance supplement. Montgomery Township District Audit report was signed and filed by the
original December 5th deadline. This confirms that the audit report was complete and it did not require any extensions. Accordingly, the report was ready to be shared with the board in December. It
should have been presented to the board for review and approval at the December board meeting and the the auditor should have formally presented the audit results at to the board at that time.
However, at the December 9th of committee meeting, both the auditor and the business administrator stated that the audit report was not ready and it required an extension. Therefore, it would not be shared with
or presented to the board at the December meeting. Based on the Department of Education filing confirmation, it appears that the board was provided false information regarding the status of the audit report
and that the audit report was filed with the state prior to the board approval or review. This raises serious questions. Why was inaccurate information regarding the audit readiness shared with the
audit committee? Why was the order report filed without the board approval? Why was the orderer's presentation to the board deferred despite the report being complete? Board balance C6830.
>> That's time. Thank you. >> Thank you for your comments. Any other comments from the public? Any other comments from the public? Hearing and seeing none, public comments are now closed.
Anything you like to address. >> The vote is correct. >> Yeah. Correct. >> All right. At this time, I'll entertain a motion for adjournment. >> I have a question >> because last year I don't recall I received this annual auditor report for
F1 24. No, in January, but this one was in January. >> It's per the auditors. The the auditor said that the single annual audit request based on federal audits, that information was not complete and available for the December board meeting
when the agenda went out. Um, I put the documents in the state repository that were presented to me by the auditor by the statutory December 5th deadline, but that was not a finalized audit report. uh the auditor discussed that to the off committee and that was discussed when
the off notes were presented at the December board meeting and everything was not done anything of my opinion it was done completely by the board's auditor >> oh I was >> and if you have any if you have any >> y >> actually I'm not ask >> so that that report is going to be voted
on in January at our January 27th meeting based on our new calendar >> the report will be provided before the meeting and the auditor will be present to give a presentation and answer any questions that the board has. >> Actually, I wasn't asking in um January
because I started the board on January 2025. I'm asking 2025. I did not receive that enough because that board has been shared like December 2024. >> I can't I'll be honest with you. I don't remember what emails I sent out in
December of 2024 and January of 2025. Like my wife barely like knows that I remember to pick up like the groceries and she asked me to get one come from the store. So whenever the report was approved last year, it was given out that month before that board meeting. I
don't know that much at the time >> because this is my first time received the order. >> I just mentioned for last school year that order report will be provided before the January meeting. the auditor will be present and the auditor he'll
give a presentation in his presentation on why the different pieces of information were released and everything was copacetic he'll answer all your questions at that time look forward to that thank you >> you got it any other items >> if I have some questions on particular
pages in the audit report can I send you an email and >> of course whatever you like >> and just thank you again I know you sent out an extensive email to, you know, offer all of us to be able to ask you any questions just like you did last
year. Um, I do appreciate that you making yourself available to the board for any questions. >> No, I'm happy to help. You're welcome. Any other items from the board hearing? And seeing none, I entertain a motion to adjourn. >> So move second.
>> It's been proper move and second. Any questions on the motion? Any discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Those opposed? Same right extensions. Thank you all for coming out. Have a good evening.