WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=GxtUg7J62ac

Part: 1

1
00:04:47.680 --> 00:05:03.600
Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please remain standing for a moment of silence for the men and

2
00:05:03.600 --> 00:05:33.919
women of our armed services. Thank you. >> The notice requirements of the Open Public Meeting Act of the State of New Jersey have been satisfied by the inclusion of the date, time, and place of this meeting in the notice of regular meetings adopted by this board on January 5th, 2026.

3
00:05:33.919 --> 00:05:49.759
Such schedule and notice of means is posted at the municipal building, the mal library, the board of education offices, and the six schools was submitted to the daily record for publication on January 6th, 2006, and was filled with the clerk of Malof Township on January 6th, 2006. I direct

4
00:05:49.759 --> 00:06:05.360
that this announcement be entered into the minutes of this meeting. Roll call. Missing. >> Mrs. Aquino >> here. >> Ms. Brett >> here. >> Mrs. Fitzgerald >> here. >> Mrs. Melendez >> here. >> Mrs. O'Neal >> here. Mr. Orizillo >> here. >> Mr. Petri >> here. Mrs. Faggera, Dr. Gardano

5
00:06:05.360 --> 00:06:21.600
>> here. Approval of the minutes. Uh, Miss Quino, >> I'd like to make a motion to approve action items 2.1 and 2.2. >> Second. >> Question or comments from the board. Seeing none, roll call. Miss Shony, >> Mrs. Aquino, >> yes.

6
00:06:21.600 --> 00:06:37.600
>> Mrs. Fitzgerald, >> yes. >> Ms. Brett, >> yes. >> Mrs. Melendez, >> yes. >> Mrs. O'Neal, >> yes. >> Mr. Orailo, >> yes. >> Mr. Petri, >> yes. >> Dr. Geodeno, >> yes. communication petitions with the superintendent. >> Uh the board did receive two communications uh regarding um a

7
00:06:37.600 --> 00:06:53.759
teacher, one from Miss Narcissis and one from Miss Wel uh in support of that teacher and the board will be hearing uh that later in close session. Uh superintendent report for your brief superintendent report. Dr. Banjo, the floor is yours. >> I'd like to say everyone came here for the superintendent report. Um at this

8
00:06:53.759 --> 00:07:14.400
time, I'd like to invite Miss Sule to recognize our student um recipients. >> [applause] >> Thank you. All righty. Thank you everybody. Uh you know I know that school has ended and there have been some really amazing messages delivered

9
00:07:14.400 --> 00:07:30.080
by our administrative staff. Uh just at the very beginning I walked in at least eight people told me to go quick because I guess they know that I do ramble on a little bit perhaps. And also uh even Dr. Gardan in the first five seconds it's like listening to an audio book on 1.8 eight, you know, just kind of rustling

10
00:07:30.080 --> 00:07:45.680
right through. So, we are going to move quickly. It's um you know, I've always I've always liked tonight. We do it three times a year to celebrate our incredible coaches and our athletes who have sacrificed so much. And uh I do appreciate we know that school has ended

11
00:07:45.680 --> 00:08:02.639
and that you've taken the time out of your already summer plans perhaps to come here and and and the room is packed and that's really important. And we know that at Mount Olive High School, we really are the porch of the district and uh we represent well and I'm I'm really proud of our coaches and I'm really

12
00:08:02.639 --> 00:08:18.960
proud of our parents and I'm especially proud of our student athletes who have made so much incredible sacrifice. You know, in the last at graduation the other day, there were three really amazing messages. One by Mr. Stanberry, uh basically be kind, right? And then

13
00:08:18.960 --> 00:08:35.519
Mr. Brazil followed up with being intentional, being brave, going out and doing things that are hard. And then, of course, Dr. Bania followed up by intentional choices. So, there have been some really incredible messaging that's been going on. So, I will not repeat any of that stuff. Uh, it's been there.

14
00:08:35.519 --> 00:08:51.440
We've celebrated this year. We've celebrated the fall athletes, we've celebrated the winter athletes, and now we're celebrating the spring athletes with a little bit of sprinkle from the winter. The first the first thing I'd like to do is honor uh two coaches who've had incredible years uh reaching

15
00:08:51.440 --> 00:09:07.760
great milestones. Our our first coach is been here for a plus 20 years. He uh he's um you know he is he's one of the guys that is incredibly passionate that works hard and is diligent. He comes

16
00:09:07.760 --> 00:09:25.200
into my office often and he wants to do better. He wants the girls to do better. He wants to succeed consistently and he's always looking to go to the next level. Uh this year he reached a 200 mile win milestone. So congratulations

17
00:09:25.200 --> 00:10:03.040
Coach Romano. [applause] [applause] [applause] Yes, >> our other coach. Our other coach and he's here to celebrate a fascinating season. Um last year he was division champ. This year his incredible baseball team uh our

18
00:10:03.040 --> 00:10:19.600
county champs. Uh, one of the things that I I specifically love about this coach is that uh I remember at the end of we were in Montville and they had just slayed the dragon Dale Barton and and one of the things That's right. And

19
00:10:19.600 --> 00:10:36.959
um you know when when teams win and championships are won uh there's an environment there's a vibe in the in the in wherever you're at whether it be a gymnasium or a field or a diamond. And

20
00:10:36.959 --> 00:10:53.519
what I learned from this baseball team is that it actually what it did is confirm what I already knew is that championships are won in the offseason and championships are won in relationships. And coach Doc taught me what a clubhouse means uh

21
00:10:53.519 --> 00:11:10.160
three or four years ago. Uh he uh some things were going on in the locker room and he said uh that's that's a clubhouse. And I said, "No, Pete, that's a locker room and like these things need to happen in there." And he said, "No, that's that's where boys become men in

22
00:11:10.160 --> 00:11:25.120
the clubhouse." And I watched him take this group of young men into a championship season that is unlike any other experience that I have been through. And at the end of that and at the end of that game, it was it was

23
00:11:25.120 --> 00:11:42.399
clear to me that that game was won because those kids played for each other. and I had not really experienced that um at the level where where that was so evident that night. So, Coach Zach, uh you've got your 100th win and I

24
00:11:42.399 --> 00:12:11.800
see a future a legacy of high school baseball coaching for you. Thank you for what you've done to Mount Olive baseball and the young men that have been in your care over the last couple years. So, Coach Zach for 100 [applause] >> [applause] >> Yeah.

25
00:12:20.240 --> 00:13:11.519
>> I'd like to introduce uh Coach Grossenstein and Coach Malfetto. They will be communicating about our unified uh track and field and our unified athletes. [applause] [applause] Hi everyone. So, um I could talk for

26
00:13:11.519 --> 00:13:28.639
like hours about my unified track and field team, but I know we're on we're on a time uh constraint and there's so many other incredible sports out here um to get recognized. Um I just want to start out by saying I do unified sports because when I sit back and watch the

27
00:13:28.639 --> 00:13:44.399
kids practice or at club meetings, they are genuine. each and every one of you are inclusive and you just make my heart so full every day. So I am so proud of each and every one of you. So I think to

28
00:13:44.399 --> 00:13:59.120
start out today um we had an incredible season. We participated in uni uh the uni unified track and field NJSIAA um championships and for the last couple seasons it's been really hard to place

29
00:13:59.120 --> 00:14:16.320
but this season we had so so many medals that we were just so excited so we felt like we should recognize them today so when when I call your name you can come up and get your certificate. So we had in the shot put um third place Nick

30
00:14:16.320 --> 00:14:31.920
Jacobson, [applause] Sophia Fulmer, third place 100 meters. [applause] Good job. Sophia also um was third place in the 4x100 relay. [applause]

31
00:14:31.920 --> 00:14:50.720
Sophia Pillo third place in the 4x100 relay. Vika Christian relay came in second place. [applause] Natalie Billheimr also second place in the 4x400. [applause]

32
00:14:50.720 --> 00:15:07.760
Nick Jacobson come back up. He loves the 400. So he also was in that relay of the 4x400s. [applause] And then we had other athletes but they're not here today. But I just want to recognize Herandra Jaget. He received

33
00:15:07.760 --> 00:15:29.680
first place in the shot put in our division. [applause] [applause] We also wanted to recognize as part of our unified track and field season, we also participated in the Special Olympics summer games in New Jersey.

34
00:15:29.680 --> 00:15:49.600
So, we wanted to recognize all of those athletes who did participate. Sophia Fulmer, third place, 100 meters. [applause] So, okay. So, we had 12 athletes that went with us. Um, and they made it through uh first we have a competition

35
00:15:49.600 --> 00:16:05.600
in Hacktown, which is our division, and then um after earning first or second at Hackisttown, they're invited to states if they qualify. So, we had um 12 athletes that went with us to states for Special Olympics. Um they've won

36
00:16:05.600 --> 00:16:20.720
multiple medals. Um I don't have all the places because we won a lot of medals. Um however, the Special Olympics um oath that we always say is let me win and if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. And you'll see on the back of

37
00:16:20.720 --> 00:16:38.286
their Special Olympics t-shirts, let me be brave in the attempt. and every single one of them did their best and was very brave in the attempt and we're very proud of them. So [applause] yeah, our 12 athletes, Lauren Dow, [applause]

38
00:16:47.199 --> 00:17:20.079
Faith Carmelate Ramirez [applause] >> [applause] >> Ariel Gil, [applause] Emily Mwanga, Mukasa, [applause] Sophia Fulmer, [applause] a lot of

39
00:17:20.079 --> 00:17:57.039
um Shay Fulmer, Shayen Fulmer, [applause] be kind. Good job. Alex Boyce, [applause] [applause] Frankie Zimmerman, [applause] and that's And we have not present tonight, we have

40
00:17:57.039 --> 00:18:18.160
Michael Goriel, Josh Monga, um, Nadar Muhisen, and Noah Williams. They were also [applause] very proud of them all. [applause] >> All right. Since I'm up here, I'll continue to speak. So, we have um an

41
00:18:18.160 --> 00:18:34.640
athlete and a partner that we're going to recognize as our unified partner and athlete of the year. Um proud to announce our unified athlete. She participates in all our sports. She is a threeseason athlete, but also

42
00:18:34.640 --> 00:18:51.440
participates in spirit squad. Um, she does bowling, track and field, soccer. Um, participates in our all of our fundraisers and in our leadership committee. She's been captains of all our teams. Um, she's also very talented,

43
00:18:51.440 --> 00:19:07.360
one of our faster runners. um and this year has also had the privilege of making the Red Bulls uh unified soccer team representing us there. Um [applause] she's amazing. We're happy to

44
00:19:07.360 --> 00:19:38.880
have her. Sophia Fulman, very proud of you. [applause] So, our next um is our unified partner of the year. Um this young lady has, like I said, a special gift. When I sit back and I watch practice or I watch

45
00:19:38.880 --> 00:19:58.663
kids interact at our unified club meetings, she is always engaged and talking to every student all the time. And Megan Rouses, please come up. [applause] She doesn't need to be told what to do.

46
00:19:58.663 --> 00:20:15.120
[applause] She has so much initiative and she shows such leadership. Megan, I I you're you're the one that I look at every time. Every single time. You're so You're just inclusive. You're always smiling. Um it's been such a

47
00:20:15.120 --> 00:20:31.469
pleasure coaching you. I know senior year it's been, you know, a little difficult to get to, you know, every every practice that we've had, but um I'm incredibly proud of you. We're incredibly proud of you. >> Four years she's dedicated >> Yes. to unify. [applause]

48
00:20:41.120 --> 00:21:30.919
So that concludes my speech. I did want to go on longer, but we are going to introduce um Mr. Smi. Um he is going to um talk about um his wrestling ring celebration. [applause] seniors.

49
00:21:31.840 --> 00:21:49.919
All right. Um, I'd like to uh thank the Mount Al Board of Education again. my second time here this year. It's always an honor to see you guys. Wrestlers, make your way up here, Stephen. Come on. It's always an honor to come here and uh tonight's a little extra special for our program uh that the board of education

50
00:21:49.919 --> 00:22:05.760
was behind us and support us. Once again, your continued support goes a long way for us that they were able to purchase us rings for stopp right there that they're able to support us and buy the wrestling team championship rings. uh this season uh there was a lot of

51
00:22:05.760 --> 00:22:22.000
hard work and effort and not just talk about one season. This is this is a program that we started here a long time ago and a lot of people put a lot of time into it and this is kind of their payday. Uh this is what years and years of going in a restroom getting beat up every day. The blood, sweat, and tears

52
00:22:22.000 --> 00:22:36.880
that come out of it and this is kind of the reward at the end for these guys. Uh again, I can't say enough about them and the continued support that we have through the school district starting with the board trickling all the way down to our our principal, our athletics, athletic secretary. They're all here tonight. It means a lot to us

53
00:22:36.880 --> 00:22:52.320
as a program. And it also goes down to my coaching staff. Uh Mr. Shren, who's in the uh was one of the National Hall of Fame wrestling years ago, always told me when I first came to Mount Olive, he goes, "Surround yourself with good people and good things will happen." And that's what's happened here at Mount Olive. I was surrounded by uh good

54
00:22:52.320 --> 00:23:10.960
people above me and I was able to bring in some great coaches and that's been the secret to our success. So uh thank you for all your support tonight. At this time I'd like to call up wrestlers by names and they're going to be pre what's >> thanks good people.

55
00:23:10.960 --> 00:23:25.679
>> See this this is this is teamwork. Come to wrestling banquet. This is usually how it goes. Uh, so we were lucky enough to get rings and they were put in cases for display. Uh, because we were lucky enough to get a ring a couple years ago. My ring sits in a box, but now I'm going to display them in my house. My wife's

56
00:23:25.679 --> 00:23:45.296
going to love it. So, our first recipient I'd like to call up is Andrew Katsaganis. AJ, come on up. AJ, [applause] [applause] that's for you. Stand right over there. Next. Nikai Hernandez.

57
00:23:45.296 --> 00:24:14.679
[applause] [applause] We're working on the hand shaking. There you go, buddy. And this. Okay. Nicholas Orzillo. [applause] >> Senior Steven Hayak. [applause] Congrats,

58
00:24:16.081 --> 00:25:04.720
[applause] [clears throat] >> Senior Covoy. [applause] [applause] Senior Captain Anthony Pimonte. [applause] [applause] Okay. Junior Colin Smite. [applause] >> Yeah. >> Glad the Glad the coach's kid followed

59
00:25:04.720 --> 00:25:46.472
the dress code tonight. Senior Jack Bachalupo, [applause] Junior Captain Justin Bullock. [applause] Junior State Place winner Jared Martini. [applause] >> [applause] >> Junior Carmine Antella,

60
00:25:46.472 --> 00:26:32.978
[applause] [applause] >> Junior Mason Kilka. [applause] Thanks, bud. >> Junior Drew Capo, [applause] it says Scott Junior. Nicholas Drew, [applause] sophomore Thomas McDonald,

61
00:26:32.978 --> 00:28:17.360
[applause] Nicholas Bachalupo [applause] >> [applause] >> All right, the moment we all be waiting for. I cannot pronounce his name. Alex Schwizers. [applause] I'll get it right before he graduates.

62
00:28:17.360 --> 00:28:44.399
I'm trying. I'm trying. All right. And then >> I just have a few more folks. I promise. >> Okay. One of my assistant coaches. Surround yourself with great people. Here's one of them. Dave Ryerson, [applause] >> assistant coach. Again, great people.

63
00:28:44.399 --> 00:29:41.120
Joe Barquetta, [applause] assistant coach Bill Romano, good night. [applause] >> Dan Ultimira >> [applause] >> So, last one I want to give out. Uh, back in 1999, I was hired here at Nile High School. And I'll never forget sitting in an interview room where there

64
00:29:41.120 --> 00:29:57.679
was three people sitting down and they were basically making fun of each other when they were interviewing me. How do you know if I got the job walking out of the room? And this principal has been here ever since. And uh he's done a lot for me and my program. And I want to let him know that thank you for all your support, Mr. Stan. We're really

65
00:29:57.679 --> 00:30:48.486
appreciate [applause] All right. I'm sorry. I do have two. >> Anyone got an extra pair of readers for? >> All right. And of course with our success, and all coaches here can probably attest to it, a big part of what we do here, I'd like to recognize Katie Rubé. Katie [applause]

66
00:31:01.200 --> 00:31:20.080
All right. And of course, where's Katie Rubé? Okay. I have to thank our athletic director. Tons of support. Thank you for everything you do. It's Miss Colleen. [applause] [applause] Okay. Thanks again, Board of Education. I appreciate the time and effort. wrestlers, come on over here,

67
00:31:20.080 --> 00:31:58.080
take a seat, and then we'll get a picture outside for your parents. Okay. [applause] >> Okay. Next up is track and field. That's Kevin Persan. Coach person. >> All right. Uh, good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you, board. I'm Kevin

68
00:31:58.080 --> 00:32:13.360
Pson. I'm the boys head track and field coach. Um before I get into talking about some of our individual athletes, I do want to have a quick shout out for the girls team on behalf of coach uh Zad. There were three good uh girl individual underassmen who had stellar

69
00:32:13.360 --> 00:32:30.012
seasons. We had freshman Kendall Pizzeruso who qualified for nationals in the distance, freshman Gabby Monroe who qualified for nationals in sprints and sophomore Jasmine Laroce who was second in the county in shotput. So, I did want to give them a quick little shout out. [applause]

70
00:32:32.577 --> 00:32:47.120
[applause] So, I do have five individuals uh that I want to talk about this evening. Unfortunately, the three seniors, you know, it's summertime and they're off doing things. So, I do have the underassman here, but I still want to speak to the seniors since they had fantastic seasons. Uh the first athlete

71
00:32:47.120 --> 00:33:03.519
I want to talk about is Cadence Ruprect. He was a senior captain for us. Uh Cadence as a junior had a breakout season, ended up being one of the better sprinters and hurdlers in the county. With that, he set high goals for himself. He worked all off season to make sure he had a very strong senior

72
00:33:03.519 --> 00:33:19.760
year. Uh here's a small snapshot into basically what he accomplished this indoor and outdoor season. Um for indoor, he was the county champion and sectional champion in the 55 meter hurdles. At sectionals, North One Group Three, he broke the sectional record in

73
00:33:19.760 --> 00:33:36.880
the 55 hurdles. He qualified for nationals at Boston, Massachusetts, and he was named all county for Morris County. And he's the second fastest hurdler uh in school history for us. For outdoor, he was a part of two important relays. He was the anchor for our 4x200

74
00:33:36.880 --> 00:33:52.480
and the leadoff runner for our shuttle hurdles, which both earned golds at our Morris County relay championships. He was the fastest 110 hurdler in the county. and he was third alltime in our school's history and he was the best 400 hurdler in Morris County winning NJS and

75
00:33:52.480 --> 00:34:14.399
being named all county as well. He's going to continue his track career at Sacred Heart University competing at the division one level. So that's for Cadence Rud. [applause] Uh next I'm going to talk about the 4x400 team which is a collection of four different individuals. Um, so the 4x4,

76
00:34:14.399 --> 00:34:30.000
for those who don't know, track and field, it's always the last event. It's the premier event, and usually when it comes down to winning a meet, it comes down to this race. Um, in Morris County, the 4x4 is extremely competitive. And unlike other counties where if you win the race once, you're all county.

77
00:34:30.000 --> 00:34:46.159
There's multiple criteria that you have to hit to basically prove you deserve it. There's five different criteria. If you hit the majority of it, that you get automatically voted in. This year, the team of Bryce David, Nicholas Foley, Anthony Murray, and Ryan Foley, uh,

78
00:34:46.159 --> 00:35:02.720
sorry, Anthony Murray, and Ryan Foley all earned all county this year. They were the NJACK champions at the NJAC championship meet. They had the fastest time of the regular season, and they had the fastest time in the state tournament, being the only Morris County team to make it all the way to the meet

79
00:35:02.720 --> 00:35:36.560
of champions. Uh so with that, he's not here tonight, but the senior Bryce David, uh he also will be competing next year at the University of New Haven at the division one level. So congratulations to [applause] Uh and our last athlete who I mentioned briefly with the 4x4. Um he couldn't

80
00:35:36.560 --> 00:35:52.880
also be here tonight is Ryan Foley. Uh Ryan is not here because he's at orientation for his college right now. Um but I wanted to speak to his accomplishments for this year. To say he had a good year was an understatement. When Ryan Foley went onto the track and

81
00:35:52.880 --> 00:36:09.599
other teams saw him, the other coaches knew they were fighting for second place. He was simply the top athlete in his events all season long. Once again, a small snapshot of what he accomplished this year. For indoor, he holds three school records. He broke the 600. He

82
00:36:09.599 --> 00:36:25.680
broke the 800. He broke the thousand. And he's second all time in the 400 meter dash. He was the sectional champion in the 800. He was the county champion in the 600. And he was the group three state champion in the 800. He was named all county and all state

83
00:36:25.680 --> 00:36:40.720
group three and qualified for New Balance Nationals in Boston, Massachusetts. For outdoor, he was the county champion in the 400 meter dash, the uh conference champion in the 800, the sectional champion in the 800, the group champion

84
00:36:40.720 --> 00:36:56.320
in the 800, and he broke a 50-year school record running two laps in a minute and 52 seconds. Just to put in perspective for how fast he was running, he was all conference, all county, all group, all state, group

85
00:36:56.320 --> 00:37:18.320
three. He was the anchor to our 4x4s and 4x8s. He truly was one of the more versatile athletes we've ever had here at Mount Olive. And he's going to continue his track career at Bryant University at the division one level. So, congrats. [applause] [applause] So, with that, thank you for to all the

86
00:37:18.320 --> 00:38:01.391
track and field athletes and I want to bring up coach Okconor, Coach Rebels, and Coach Merurl to talk about flag football. Thank you. >> [applause] [cheering] >> My second didn't know I need this.

87
00:38:01.391 --> 00:38:18.720
[clears throat] >> Everyone's happy. >> Yeah, I'll pick it. I'll pick it up. I'm being told to pick it up. Well, I want to thank the board of ed for having us here and Dr. Bania for supporting us and our athletic director, Miss Sule. Uh, flag football is a fairly new program. This is our fifth year in existence.

88
00:38:18.720 --> 00:38:33.839
It's something new, but it's growing. It's one of the fastest growing sports, not just in New Jersey, but in the country. Uh, and we're very fortunate that we've had a great season, uh, great five years so far. I want to thank Coach Rebels, coach Merl for doing a tremendous job with the girls. We do have more than three girls, I promise.

89
00:38:33.839 --> 00:38:49.040
It's not just those three. Uh, but once the shore come, once summer comes, everyone goes down the shore, and that's where most of our team is, unfortunately, tonight, but we have Molly Smi, Roxi Melendez, and Samantha Oland here. Uh, we had a great year this year. We finished 11-2 overall, finished

90
00:38:49.040 --> 00:39:04.480
in the state semi-finals, final ranking number 10, number 10 in the state. Uh we won our division, it's only our fifth year in existence, but we've actually run won our division four years in a row, and that's a credit to these girls. We have two seniors here. We have 10 on the team. And over the last four years,

91
00:39:04.480 --> 00:39:19.520
this senior group has won over 40 uh regular season games. They've done a tremendous job for us. The future looks bright, and I want to congratulate them and thank them and the board and everyone for supporting us. and we want to hopefully continue with our success. But thank you uh for all your support.

92
00:39:19.520 --> 00:39:44.800
Appreciate it. Thank you. [applause] [applause] >> We have Molly Smi here is one of our captains. [applause] Molly also just got back. Here's your recipient. Molly just just got back. Actually, she she was chosen to play in the prestigious North South All-Star game where she scored two touchdowns,

93
00:39:44.800 --> 00:40:03.640
helped the North team win 34 to nothing. So, the North is much better than the South. [applause] Great job against Ball State. Melendez, senior on the team as well, [applause] and Samantha Oldland.

94
00:40:06.497 --> 00:40:30.320
[applause] And also, just so you know, Molly will be playing at Montlair State next year, so hope you go cheer on there as well. We have a couple girls are going to be going on to college. But congratulations, ladies. Again, thank you to everyone else. Thank you. [applause] >> And at this point, I'd like to invite up

95
00:40:30.320 --> 00:41:06.640
coach Pete Zakalillo and the Mounta baseball team. Come on up. [applause] Duct tape. Oh, this duct tape. >> Uh, thank you guys um for the invite tonight. I uh first want to start off by um thanking Colleen and Katie for

96
00:41:06.640 --> 00:41:24.498
everything they do uh for all athletics at Mount Olive. Um the hours and the time that go into um you know dealing with the programs and the coaches and the kids is just something that um we really appreciate all the support that they give us. So like a round of applause for those two. [applause]

97
00:41:25.760 --> 00:41:42.319
So, also one other thing I really want to thank uh Coach Bolan uh who's been with me uh from the beginning. Um I couldn't do this without him. Uh he's big big part of this program. He's a big part of my sanity uh when I'm texting him at midnight about roster decisions

98
00:41:42.319 --> 00:41:59.280
and he's like, "Can we go to bed?" Um but he does he does help me out a lot and he's a huge part of this program for us. So, I'd like to thank Coach Bowman. [applause] Uh just super quick, uh as Colleen said, um these kids really did slay a dragon this year. I don't think people

99
00:41:59.280 --> 00:42:16.319
understand, uh the task that was at hand for these these young players and and some of you old guys. Um but it's funny because we started March 9th in the bubble and uh and coach Bo and I looked at each other and we said, you know, the talent and the experience is all here. I said, but there's something different

100
00:42:16.319 --> 00:42:32.720
about this team. and uh and we said we don't want to be sitting at the banquet this year watching video of what could have been. Uh so we really got to get these guys right and uh and you know kudos to the to the seniors uh and the captains that were here. Um like Colleen talked about the clubhouse and the

101
00:42:32.720 --> 00:42:50.079
locker room. To me it is a clubhouse. There's a lot of downtime in baseball. There's a lot of ways that kids can grow up and set a good example for each other. And uh we have guys here that have been here for four years uh that understand the culture that we have. And uh it's funny because back in 2023

102
00:42:50.079 --> 00:43:06.480
uh little Robert Huard as a freshman I said, "Robert, you're starting on varsity uh Wednesday." And he goes, "Wednesday." I said, "Yeah, Wednesday." He goes, "It's still Barton." I said, "I know who it is. You're starting Wednesday against Del Barton." He goes, "Okay." And Liam Shelton, same year. I said, "Liam, you're in relief Wednesday." And he goes, "Wednesday

103
00:43:06.480 --> 00:43:21.839
Barton." I said, "I know who's playing Wednesday and I know who we're playing, but you guys are playing that game." And Colleen spoke about boys turning into men. Fast forward four years later and there's Robert Huard on the mount against Elbart in a county final. There's Liam Shelton, you know, in

104
00:43:21.839 --> 00:43:38.960
relief in a county final. And uh for these guys to really set the tone and go out and slay that dragon, man, it was one of the most incredible nights. It's been 35 years, I think, since Mount Olive won a a county tournament. >> Okay. Well, 30 was since we've been to a final. 35 since they won. Um but

105
00:43:38.960 --> 00:43:57.060
honestly, that's a testament to all the players that are here. So, just congratulations to them. [applause] So, just going to call the players up uh by name. So, senior captain, first uh all conference first team, Robert Huard,

106
00:43:57.060 --> 00:44:38.400
[applause] senior Ryan Swain, [applause] >> junior Zack Broers, [applause] Senior captain, uh, all conference second team, Liam Shelton. [applause] Freshman who scored the game-winning run in the county tournament,

107
00:44:38.400 --> 00:45:18.991
Tanner Bush. [applause] Senior second baseman David Harmon, [applause] sophomore Max Kohler, [applause] senior captain, first team all conference. John Moore, [applause] senior Aaron Klein, [applause]

108
00:45:24.319 --> 00:45:47.440
the guy that hit the three-run homer in the counties to uh kind of have that Rocky making Drago bleed for the first time against Dillbartan. Uh, senior, I'm sorry, junior first team all conference. Braden Longo. [applause] >> Sophomore who hit the double with the

109
00:45:47.440 --> 00:46:25.280
game-winning RBI. Lewis Carter. [applause] [applause] Junior. Justin Bulock. >> [applause] >> Sophomore Tyler Castillo. [applause] >> Thank you. [applause] [applause]

110
00:46:25.280 --> 00:46:41.839
>> And with that, we'll conclude tonight's uh athletic celebration. Thank you so much to the parents and the athletes and the community. A special thank you to uh Mr. Stanbury, Dr. Bangia, Dr. Gordano, and the entire board of education for your support. We certainly are incapable

111
00:46:41.839 --> 00:51:46.079
of moving forward or making any progress without support. So, thank you so much. Congratulations and uh have a great summer. [applause] We will take a fivem minute break, but I see everyone's leaving. Thank you for coming out. Uh Dr. Bania, you would like to finish up your superintendent report?

112
00:51:46.079 --> 00:52:01.760
>> Yes. At this time, would like to invite Miss Jackie Bellow, our director of student support services and programming. She will be um presenting on our SSDS um data, which is our student safety, data, and systems and HIV report. >> I can't hear. >> Good evening.

113
00:52:01.760 --> 00:52:18.240
Um Dr. Gardano, members of the board of education, thank you for having me. Happy summer. Um this is a data presentation. So following that exuberant sports presentation, it's not quite the same. Um but this is a compulsory obligation that we have,

114
00:52:18.240 --> 00:52:34.720
school districts all have to do this twice a year to submit our data for the student safety data systems and HIV report. So, what that means is any serious um discipline infractions, anything that led to suspension or had

115
00:52:34.720 --> 00:52:50.800
um was marked for needing to be submitted to the state of New Jersey. That's the data I'm going to present tonight. This has been around for a few decades. It used to be called EVVRs. We like acronyms in education. Now, it's

116
00:52:50.800 --> 00:53:06.880
SSDS. and it's serious discipline infraction, acts of violence, weapons offenses, substance abuse, bullying. So, we report all of the investigations we do, whether they're founded or unfounded, um, as well as the trainings and the

117
00:53:06.880 --> 00:53:25.839
programs that we do on the preventative side of anti-bullying. So, the first half I will show the violence, vandalism, weapons, substance abuse. So these are our numbers that were submitted to the state. This reporting period is September 1st

118
00:53:25.839 --> 00:53:41.760
through December 31st of 2025. So we submit this twice a year. Um the second half of the school year, we're compiling that data and submitting it now as we speak. And once the uh state certifies it, I'll present again

119
00:53:41.760 --> 00:53:59.359
in a few months for that spring period. I have the definitions at the bottom. So violence is classified as assault, a fight, a kidnapping, robbery, extortion, sexual assault, sexual contact threats, whether they're classified as simple threats or criminal threats. And then

120
00:53:59.359 --> 00:54:15.119
for vandalism, um arson, computer trespass, damage to property, false public alarm, theft, and trespass. And so you can see our numbers broken down by school. Other incidents leading to removal is all the way to the right. So

121
00:54:15.119 --> 00:54:30.319
that basically means that any infraction where a student was suspended even for a portion of the day. So removal means removing them from their educational environment. Um incident total on the left. You'll notice this is how it's supported in the

122
00:54:30.319 --> 00:54:45.760
data system. So this is how I report it out to all of you. But the incident total does not match with other other incidents leading to removal. Um but it does get combined with the HIB investigations which is the next portion

123
00:54:45.760 --> 00:55:02.720
that I will show you. So here again September through December. So you can see the confirmed incidents of HIV harassment, intimidation and bullying by each school and you can also see the number of investigations that we did

124
00:55:02.720 --> 00:55:18.720
large number of investigations. Oops. I did compare for the past few years because we are a school district that investigates a very large number of HIV allegations more so than most other

125
00:55:18.720 --> 00:55:35.680
school districts around us. Um, and it's because we do investigate everything. Our policy is that if someone alleges that they're being bullied, we take that very seriously and we look into it every time. um in order for it to classify as founded. You could see the number of

126
00:55:35.680 --> 00:55:53.040
founded through the years has dwindled. Part of the reason for that is because it's a very specific definition in the state of New Jersey that we have to match each piece of the criteria in order for it to be considered founded. Now over the years we are trained with

127
00:55:53.040 --> 00:56:09.760
professional development year after year. And that training is legal training where we have attorneys for the state. We have Strauss Esme attorneys um guiding us through this process and case law changes from year to year and some nuance is picked up based on that case

128
00:56:09.760 --> 00:56:25.119
law every year. So we take those trainings very seriously. We implement immediately what we learned in those trainings. And so for a HIB to be founded, an HIV investigation, the act that we're investigating has to be

129
00:56:25.119 --> 00:56:40.960
motivated by a distinguishing characteristic. So what does that mean? That means that something about that person has to be the cause for the incident. So it could be racial and ethnic background. It could be what they're wearing that day. It could be

130
00:56:40.960 --> 00:56:57.520
the style of their hair. It could be what their um you know makeup looks like. If it's something they can't change about themselves in a minute, then it can be dis uh considered a distinguishing characteristic. So, if students are in a conflict and they're

131
00:56:57.520 --> 00:57:14.000
in an argument with each other and somebody says something nasty about what you're wearing or how you look, it doesn't necessarily make it fall under the definition of bullying. So, it really has to be motivated by the whole argument, the whole incident has to be about that

132
00:57:14.000 --> 00:57:29.440
distinguishing characteristic. The other piece of it if it matches that it also has to substantially disrupt. So it has to be pervasive. It has to be severe disruption to the educational environment to to the school day and

133
00:57:29.440 --> 00:57:47.280
also to that student. Um it has to cause significant harm. It cannot be just momentary upset. So these are pretty high bar to meet a founded hip. Now, that does not mean that we can't take action. As soon as we've determined that a student has violated our code of

134
00:57:47.280 --> 00:58:03.200
conduct, as soon as we've determined that somebody's feelings are hurt, we can take action and help repair that and help prevent it from happening again. And that's our that's our real um our real charge here. You know, we

135
00:58:03.200 --> 00:58:21.359
certainly want to find out if it meets the definition of hit or not, but we absolutely want to help our students So the trainings and the programs that we do in order to help the students and this will be listed on the website. We always post our um presentations on the website so that you can go back and look

136
00:58:21.359 --> 00:58:38.000
but we have a great number of programs, trainings and prevention that goes on every day woven into the fabric of our schools. Not only this board meeting but the last board meeting you saw the kids from Unified from Best Buddies and last board meeting they really presented.

137
00:58:38.000 --> 00:58:54.799
They did a great job talking about all the activities that go along with it, schoolwide activities and also for those specific clubs. That's just a drop in the bucket of what we do for prevention and for training to prevent these instances from happening. So

138
00:58:54.799 --> 00:59:11.200
district-wide prevention, we do um professional learning communities, PLC's, we give time. A lot of public school districts aren't able to work that time into the school day into teachers work days. We give that time um for anti-bullying coordinator which is

139
00:59:11.200 --> 00:59:27.040
myself in the district as well as all of the anti-bullying specialists in the district to meet to review our cases to go over case law to go over best practices. Um so we do that on a monthly basis and then in the individual schools

140
00:59:27.040 --> 00:59:43.119
school climate and safety teams meet about four times a year. They don't have to meet that frequently. Um, but we do just because we want to look at trends. Where are these instances happening? How can we prevent it? Can we assign staff to the hallways? Can we put cameras in

141
00:59:43.119 --> 01:00:00.160
the in the stairwells like we did recently at uh Mount Olive High School? So, this is just a small example, believe it or not. Um, but we do monitor for compliance throughout the year. We have to grade ourselves on how well we're doing. We're given a rubric. We

142
01:00:00.160 --> 01:00:15.680
have to do that every year. So, we revisit that rubric as the year goes on to make sure we're on track. We had a parent thrive series. We have a series every year for parents. This year we had Thrive, which is a counseling service come in um about managing stress and

143
01:00:15.680 --> 01:00:30.400
anxiety, about social media and how that affects mental health. We also did um a few superintendent spotlights in November and again in March. In November, it was specifically about code of conduct. um in March it was about

144
01:00:30.400 --> 01:00:47.440
online activity and social media safety for students. And then by grade bands we do things of course that are appropriate for each developmental age. So for elementary students these are just some of the big programs we have. So this doesn't count

145
01:00:47.440 --> 01:01:02.079
all of those little activities that are happening every day. But the big initiatives we have um are no place for hate which is a guided curriculum we work through. We have peer mediation. We have um character ed schoolwide um

146
01:01:02.079 --> 01:01:19.119
systems to encourage um character education. We respect activities, counselor lessons, classroom lessons, kindness ambassadors is big in our elementary schools. It's not just for fifth grade. They work with the younger kids as those peer role models. Um lunch

147
01:01:19.119 --> 01:01:35.040
bunch playground pals. And then in the middle school, I'm very proud of a partnership that we've had for a couple of years with Ruters. It's PBSIS, positive behavior schoolwide improvement um initiatives that Ruckers comes in and

148
01:01:35.040 --> 01:01:52.799
coaches us on how to improve climates so that um students are feeling welcomed and comfortable at school. We have no place for hate at the middle school as well. I won't read them all, but you can see um they do a lot of HIP presentations by grade level throughout the year. You know, those times of year

149
01:01:52.799 --> 01:02:09.119
when um it's kind of the witching hour like around December and then again in the spring. So, they do schoolwide um presentations. They do restorative lunch in the middle school which is a great practice that the counselors do to work with students who are starting to emerge

150
01:02:09.119 --> 01:02:24.559
with having some difficulties before it really gets out of hand. of course, small groupoup counseling. And at the high school, the high school, I'm so proud of of teen mental health first aid, which really trains um our sophomores who are interested. We have a

151
01:02:24.559 --> 01:02:40.880
large group of sophomores who are interested every year in um getting trained to help each other with mental health and it just uh promotes, you know, sensitivity and awareness of others around you and how to help them. Of course, unified best buddies. A lot of the same things that we do at the

152
01:02:40.880 --> 01:02:58.079
other schools. At the high school, a lot of it is student voice and students want to run clubs to promote some of these things. The SAVE club at the high school is very active in mental health and getting the word out um to others, which is a great anti-bullying initiative. And

153
01:02:58.079 --> 01:03:14.000
of course, school climate and safety team meetings are huge at the high school. We do have parents and staff members on those teams to kind of give some feedback about programs they think that they'd like to see amplified at the school um as well as what they think we

154
01:03:14.000 --> 01:03:29.520
can do to prevent incidents of HIV. So that is my I tried to make it as concise as possible but I'm certainly available. I work over the summer if anybody wants to reach out to me I am available [clears throat] happy to answer questions. >> Thank you Miss Bellow. Any questions or

155
01:03:29.520 --> 01:03:51.039
comments from the board? Thank you very much, Miss Bellow. [applause] >> Uh, anything else, Dr. Banio? >> That's all I got. >> Super. Wow, that was good. Um, >> personnel met. We're going to committee reports. Personnel met uh tonight at

156
01:03:51.039 --> 01:04:08.440
5:45. It was Dr. Bania, Mr. Moore, uh, Mr. Aquino, Mr. Petri, and myself. Uh, a lot of things we discussed, we will be discussing in close session. uh cannot be repeated out here for for a myriad of of of reasons. Um but any questions or comments on the agenda items?

157
01:04:08.640 --> 01:04:25.280
Seeing none, I think that was the only uh committee that met. Any board subcommittees? End of year? No, I think we did that last time. Super. Moving right along. President's report. I just want to give everyone a brief update. Um on May 14th regarding um the Mala Villages Water

158
01:04:25.280 --> 01:04:41.280
Company on May 14th, NJP filed suit against Mala Villages Water Company and the sewer company seeking an injunction and penalties due to the long-standing violations of state air pollution and water pollution law at the villages sewer plant. We filed a motion to intervene in that litigation and so has

159
01:04:41.280 --> 01:04:58.240
the township. On July 2nd, the court will rule on these motions. On July 6th, the court will hold a hearing on DP's request that the court order the defendants to act quickly to address these problems. So, as soon as we get more information, we will uh let um the community know. Uh public comments on

160
01:04:58.240 --> 01:05:15.440
action items. Action items only. The board of education welcomes and encourages input from the public being mindful of privacy rights regarding students and board employees and to avoid any potential liability on the part of the speaker. The board discourages references to specific individuals. While directing your

161
01:05:15.440 --> 01:05:32.000
comments or questions to the board president, please understand that public comment portions of the meeting are not structured as a question and answer sessions, but rather is offered as opportunities for you to share your thoughts with the board. The board president may need to refer an issue to the superintendent appropriate chain of command with the school district. Oh,

162
01:05:32.000 --> 01:05:47.680
I'm sorry. If the particular issue has not been handled through the appropriate chain of command with the school district, however, responses may be provided at the end of this session. There are times when comments and questions will require additional fact gathering information before a response is provided. We ask you to be short, concise, come up, state your name and

163
01:05:47.680 --> 01:06:02.240
address for the record, and ask anything on action items and action items only. That's 61 all the way down to >> 102. >> 102. Thank you, Mr. Petri. These are action items and action items only.

164
01:06:02.240 --> 01:06:19.039
>> Got it. Hi everyone. Alyssa Wetszel, 12 North Mount Olive Road, Bud Lake, New Jersey, 07828. Real quick, um I would just request that you table agenda item 7.22 after your hearing that you'll have later this evening. Um my rationale was stated in my correspondence sent to all

165
01:06:19.039 --> 01:06:41.760
of you um earlier today. No need for me to repeat um that reason now. And thank you Dr. Bania for acknowledging that. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Wel. Stephanie Sherman, 7 Carson Road, Budlake. Um, just kind of piggybacking

166
01:06:41.760 --> 01:06:58.640
off of what Miss Wetzel had said, action item 7.2.2. Again, just to table that one item that she referenced in her correspondence since the actual hearing has not occurred yet. Um, we would really appreciate the due diligence and the, you know, courtesy of having that

167
01:06:58.640 --> 01:07:18.640
hearing fully looked at first. Thank you. >> Thank you. closing it to public comment. Um, we certainly can pull that for now and come out of close session and re and and move that if the board so chooses. Um, do I have any any concerns with that from the board? No. Um, do I I don't need that. I

168
01:07:18.640 --> 01:07:34.480
can just administratively move it. We're just going to administratively move that. So, when we vote, everyone will vote from um it'll be 7.2. We'll just skip over that. So, basically, we're just removing it all. Is that 7.22? I'm sorry. 7.22. So, we're just administratively moving that

169
01:07:34.480 --> 01:07:54.160
for uh after we go into close session. >> The entire one, all of it, because there are other people on that motion. >> Yeah, it'll just be easier to do when when it's all together. So, just pull just hear the whole thing and we'll just come back out. Yep. It just makes it simple. >> So, we're just administratively moving

170
01:07:54.160 --> 01:08:11.119
that for now. >> And Miss Fitzgerald, can I get a consent agenda motion on action items? >> You sure can. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent, I'd like to make a motion to approve action items 6.1 all the way down to where are we?

171
01:08:11.119 --> 01:08:27.120
>> 10.2. >> 10.2 with the exception of 7.22. >> Second. >> Second. >> Questions or comments from the board? >> Yes, Miss Brett. >> Um, I'll abstain on 6.1. Anything pertaining to the township? 7

172
01:08:27.120 --> 01:08:48.199
7.10 10 7.11 7.15 716 and 9.4. >> We got all those. >> Just make sure. >> Miss Brett, can you just repeat right after 6.1?

173
01:08:50.239 --> 01:09:10.560
>> Just the one right after it. Uh >> right before 7.11. 7.11 >> before that >> 7.15 76 and 9.4 >> there there was one between 6.1 and 7.11

174
01:09:10.560 --> 01:09:27.279
>> did you say 7.10 miss >> no >> no >> so it's 6.1 7.11516 and 9.4 Four. Correct. Okay. >> Super. Any other questions or comments to the board? Seeing none, roll call. Miss

175
01:09:27.279 --> 01:09:42.159
Shony. >> Mrs. Fitzgerald. >> Yes. >> Miss Aquino. >> Yes. >> Miss Brett. >> Yes. Other than what we just mentioned, >> Mrs. Melendez. >> Abstaining 7.26. Anything regarding to Angela Sanchez?

176
01:09:42.159 --> 01:10:03.760
And yes to everything else. >> Mrs. O'Neal. I need to abstain from anything for Christian Humphrey. I'm abstaining from 7.1 and everything else. Yes to everything else.

177
01:10:03.760 --> 01:10:23.040
You're abstaining to 7.1. >> Mr. Orizillo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Petri, >> abstain from 7.15 and 7.16. Yes to everything else. >> Mrs. Faggera. >> Yes. Dr. Gardano.

178
01:10:23.040 --> 01:10:46.640
>> Uh, abstain on anything have to do with subs being hired or sub pay rate? Um, yes to everything else. >> Okay. Now, here we go. Moving right along. public comments on others not other people but on other things going on in

179
01:10:46.640 --> 01:11:02.800
the district. The board of education welcomes encourages input from the public being mindful of privacy rights regarding student and board employees and to avoid any potential any potential liability on the part of the speaker. The board discourages references to specific individuals while directing your comments or questions to the board president. Please understand that public

180
01:11:02.800 --> 01:11:19.520
comment portions of this meeting are not structured as a question and answer sessions but rather offered as opportunities for you to share your thoughts with the board. The board president may need to refer an issue to the superintendent if the particular issue has not been handled through the appropriate chain of command with the school district. However, responses may

181
01:11:19.520 --> 01:11:36.560
be provided at the end of the at the end of this question at the end of this session. There are times when comments and questions will require additional fact gathering before response is provided. Again, stand up, say your name and address for the record, and ask on anything going on in the Malo school district. Any rumors we can dispel?

182
01:11:36.560 --> 01:11:57.840
Anything? Hi, Stephanie Sherman, 7 Carson Road, Bud Lake. I'm the parent of a six-year-old child in the district's autism program. I'm here today to speak in support of Mrs. Tara Payz and to respectfully urge that the board that the decision to non-renew

183
01:11:57.840 --> 01:12:12.960
her employment be reconsidered. For families like mine, trust is not given easily. It is earned over time through consistency, patience, and demonstrated care. My son is non-verbal and cannot come home and tell me about his day.

184
01:12:12.960 --> 01:12:29.679
That means I rely entirely on the adults in his classroom to not only educate, but to understand him, support him, and keep him safe. Mrs. PZ is that person for my child. The progress my son has made this year under her care is not

185
01:12:29.679 --> 01:12:46.320
subjective. It is documented. Over the past year, he has progressed from inconsistent prompted communication to independently labeling items and making requests with emerging ability to combine words. He has improved his ability to respond to questions, label

186
01:12:46.320 --> 01:13:01.679
objects, and participate in structured routines which were previously very limited. He has demonstrated growth in fine motor skills, including the development of a pinser grasp and completing tasks like stringing beads with minimal assistance. He has made

187
01:13:01.679 --> 01:13:16.400
measurable gains in gross motor development, meeting his physical therapy goals for balance, coordination, and functional movement. Behaviorally, while challenges remain, he is there has been a reduction in more severe behaviors suff such as self-injurious

188
01:13:16.400 --> 01:13:31.520
behavior along with improved engagement over time. And importantly for our family, he is making meaningful progress with toileting, which is being supported through structured programming in the classroom. I fully understand and appreciate that this progress is the

189
01:13:31.520 --> 01:13:47.760
result of a team effort. Therapists, paraprofessionals, and specialists all play an important role, but Mrs. PZ is the connector. She is the bridge that brings all those pieces together in a consistent functional program for my son. She ensures these supports are not

190
01:13:47.760 --> 01:14:03.679
isolated services, but a cohesive approach that allows him to learn, generalize skills, and succeed. These are foundational life skills. They are the result of consistency, expertise, and a teacher who truly knows how to reach him. At the same time, when

191
01:14:03.679 --> 01:14:20.400
reviewing his IEPs over time, there are changes in services that make maintaining consistency even more critical. For speech therapy for the upcoming school year, it's decreased from three times per week to six times per month. Again, my son is non-verbal,

192
01:14:20.400 --> 01:14:35.920
but showing emerging skills. That's now 12 times per month down 12 times per month down to six times per month. That's a 50% decrease in his individual speech therapies. Occupational therapy has decreased from

193
01:14:35.920 --> 01:14:52.640
two times per week to six times per month, eight times per month down to six times per month, a 25% decrease in individual occupational therapy. Physical therapy has shifted from weekly services to console-only support.

194
01:14:52.640 --> 01:15:07.760
While I understand that services evolve as a child progresses, these reductions place an even greater importance on the quality, consistency, and daily implementation of his program. That consistency has been Mrs. Paz.

195
01:15:07.760 --> 01:15:24.719
Additionally, it's my opinion that this change to a monthly model is more at the convenience of the staff than for the benefit of the children affected. Since my last public comments, I have retained legal counsel to review my son's IEP, and deficiencies have been

196
01:15:24.719 --> 01:15:39.679
identified. We're currently working to schedule an emergent IEP meeting to address those gaps and ensure that his program is appropriate. At the same time, I have met with Mrs. Husman and Mrs. Mousar to discuss my son's upcoming transition.

197
01:15:39.679 --> 01:15:57.280
At this point, I've only received notification of who his ESY teacher is this morning. when it starts on Monday. Those gaps only reinforce how critical Mrs. PZ has been and continues to be to my son's success. Transitions for with

198
01:15:57.280 --> 01:16:13.840
for children with autism are not simple. They require planning, preparation, and trusted relationships. What has been described to me so far amounts to at best a brief introduction to a new teacher. That's not a meaningful transition, and it's a place children

199
01:16:13.840 --> 01:16:31.360
like my son at a risk of regression. My son's former preschool teacher is now listed on this evening's agenda for a transfer to the upcoming school year. Yet, a completely different teacher, who hasn't had any interaction with my son, has been assigned for ESY. This

200
01:16:31.360 --> 01:16:48.080
introduces unnecessary and avoidable inconsistency during a time when stability is essential. The lack of alignment between ESY and the schoolyear placement, particularly given the opportunity to provide continuity, is especially difficult to understand.

201
01:16:48.080 --> 01:17:03.440
Again, I only received this information regarding ESY this morning, which does not allow for that meaningful transition. The district committed to me to maintaining communication throughout this process, and that level of communication has not occurred to the

202
01:17:03.440 --> 01:17:20.400
point where I've had to retain legal counsel. All of this underscores a larger point. Removing a teacher who's already proven, trusted, and effective just days before tenure creates unnecessary disruption for students who depend on consistency the most. For my son, it's not about a

203
01:17:20.400 --> 01:17:35.840
preference. It's about access and his right to fair and appropriate education. Mrs. PZ understands him. She has built trust with him. She has helped him make meaningful documented progress. Removing her, particularly at a time when

204
01:17:35.840 --> 01:17:52.560
services are being reduced, transitions are unclear, and continuity is already at risk, creates a situation that is not in his best interest. I understand that personnel decisions are complex, but I ask that you consider the real and measurable impact of this teacher on

205
01:17:52.560 --> 01:18:09.199
student progress. Overturning this decision would not only preserve a highly effective teacher, it would preserve stability, continuity, and progress for students who rely on her every day. I did submit this statement in advance of the hearing to Dr. Jordano. So, I recognize that

206
01:18:09.199 --> 01:18:26.239
circumstances may have evolved since I first wrote this. However, based on what I know today, my concerns are still significant and my support for Mrs. Paz is unequivocal. I urge you in the strongest possible terms to overturn this decision. Allowing this non-renewal

207
01:18:26.239 --> 01:18:43.040
to stand just days before her tenure would remove a proven, trusted, and effective educator from students who rely on her for stability, continuity, and progress. That is a risk my child and others like him should not have to bear. Thank you for your time and

208
01:18:43.040 --> 01:19:03.280
consideration. >> Thank you. [applause] Anyone else? >> Hi, I'm Amy Rubin, 53 Allst. Um, I wasn't planning on speaking today, but after seeing all of the wonderful accolades for all of our student

209
01:19:03.280 --> 01:19:19.679
athletes, I am standing in front of you requesting as a proud member of the Mount Olive High School Baseball Diamond Club, your um, graciousness in considering helping us to get those boys the rings that they have been kind of told that they were getting. And then we

210
01:19:19.679 --> 01:19:35.120
found out that maybe that wasn't possibly the case because we couldn't afford it. So, as a diamond club, we're obvious obviously completely volunteer-based. We do an an im immense amount of fundraising um which we were extremely successful in this year. But

211
01:19:35.120 --> 01:19:51.440
with successful seasons comes additional um expenses. And so we were able to every time they had any kind of post-season game, we were able to do a preseason meal, which although we went out to the community and were able to get some donations of food, when you're

212
01:19:51.440 --> 01:20:06.880
feeding 30 plus players and coaches, that's a lot of food, as I'm sure any football player moms also know. Um, and in addition to that, we were able to also fund for them their t-shirts that they were proudly awarded today for being the only team in New Jersey that

213
01:20:06.880 --> 01:20:23.440
beat Delbertton this entire year. So, we know what an amazing season that they had. We as a Diamond Club tried our very best to give them everything that they needed. We also were um we had an unfortunate expense of $800 for additional baseballs because in for

214
01:20:23.440 --> 01:20:38.800
unfortunately as we continued to play um we needed those are consumables and so therefore something else that we were not expecting to have to pay for. We do have quotes from businesses for the rings. It comes in at under $1,000 um and would allow us to get a ring

215
01:20:38.800 --> 01:20:54.880
customized for each of the players as well as the coaching staff that's part of this team. And so if it's something that you can tell me who to reach out to or who to follow up with, I would very much appreciate it on behalf of those boys and the rest of the Diamond Club. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.

216
01:20:54.880 --> 01:21:18.960
>> Thank you. What? >> Yeah. So, so the board will be going into close session. Um, I just want to address some of the some of the parents who came up and spoke um on on the concerns that people emailed us all and raised. So, we'll be hearing those tonight. Really can't get into detail

217
01:21:18.960 --> 01:21:34.960
about it because there's a personnel um issue. Um, traditionally, I know Mr. Rubin, don't get mad at me. I know um the the the the board has traditionally um only bought rings for a team when they win a state title. Um so if we open

218
01:21:34.960 --> 01:21:50.960
up that can of worms, we do have a lot of teams that win, you know, Morris County tournaments and and and championships. So um certainly uh I hear you. Um I even know, you know, the money, you know, we we say that, you know, we have $150 million budget, all that thing, but it's it's about opening that can of worms with all the teams we

219
01:21:50.960 --> 01:22:06.560
have and what we're doing. So that's all. Um but certainly you and I could talk. I try to put you in touch with people to fund raise through people and they can sponsor or maybe you know you can get a business in town um to donate the rings or the money for the rings and then and then like shine that company like at the at the at the at your back

220
01:22:06.560 --> 01:22:22.480
stops or something like so we can work on something that to help you do something like that. Um for sure um and we'll go from there. But that's that's out of you know out of us doing that it would just open up can of worms with with with the county tournaments. It's more like when they win a state title like even when football won the section

221
01:22:22.480 --> 01:22:38.159
title, but they don't win the outright state title when they go to the meet of champions. They had a they had to fund their own their own rings. So that that's all I just wanted to didn't want to brush you above on that. I understand it was a great win. I get it all. We're all very excited, but it's just we have to keep in mind, but you and I can certainly talk and I have some ideas and put you in touch with people that may

222
01:22:38.159 --> 01:22:54.320
that may be able to help you. >> Why are they having baseballs? >> Huh? >> Oh, you I'm sorry. You're paying for baseballs. I don't know why you're paying for baseballs. That's something you want to talk to Miss Miss Sule about. They should be paying for baseball. >> They paid $800 for that. That would cover the rings.

223
01:22:54.320 --> 01:23:10.480
>> Why'd you have to pay for baseballs? >> Not once or twice. >> I don't understand that. So, we'll get to Well, Dr. Banjo will get to the bottom of that and we'll figure that out for you from there. I didn't hear that. Paying for baseballs. You should be paying for equipment. I mean, that's >> that's not >> We'll find that out. Well, Dr. Banjo will look into that for us and get back. >> Yeah. >> Thank you.

224
01:23:10.480 --> 01:23:25.760
>> I had it in my notes. >> Super. But certainly then if you want to pay for those baseballs, you could have paid for the rings, right? So we'll look into that. Dr. B's on that.

225
01:23:25.760 --> 01:23:43.440
>> All right. Old business from the board. New business. Board comments. Mr. Petri. Uh congratulations to all the graduates last week. Uh all the retirees. Uh the speeches were awesome last week from the board members. Uh, congratulations to

226
01:23:43.440 --> 01:23:59.360
all the athletes and the coach, the track coach did mention, I know I have a soft spot for uh, track. Uh, the two freshmen who made it to New Balance Nationals, Gabby and Kendall. Kendall has missed the last two years by 500ths of a second. So, she finally made it.

227
01:23:59.360 --> 01:24:14.960
So, congratulations, Kendall. >> And she's a freshman. Yes, >> she's a freshman. Yeah. >> Amazing. >> Thank you, Miss Brett. >> He took it again. We need to let him We need to let him go first every time. >> Miss Melendez. >> Echo, Mr. Petri. [laughter]

228
01:24:14.960 --> 01:24:31.040
>> You go first. >> Did I close? I closed it. Did I close public session? I closed public session. Don't. Yeah, >> you did. >> I thought I did. We closed public session, ma'am. If you're going to make a comment, public session's closed. >> What is Did we >> Did I Did I close it? >> I don't think you actually did. >> No, I don't think I did, ma'am. So, if

229
01:24:31.040 --> 01:24:47.120
you have something to say, I apologize. I moved right in. >> I got excited about answering those questions. Come up. Say your name and address for the record. I didn't close it. This is We'll see. >> I left it with Mr. Aquino. >> My name is Kabella Cole. My address 159 Oliver Road, Fllanders, New Jersey. I'm

230
01:24:47.120 --> 01:25:03.199
here to support Miss Tara and Meriso. I'm a mother of 11 years old, autistic, and ADHD. And my dad my days where I was I was crying. The only person was there for me that was Miss Tara. She was there for me

231
01:25:03.199 --> 01:25:20.960
since day one until my son got better. My son at the beginning of the year, second year, he hates to read. The person who was there handing my hand, it was Mr. Terisha. Mr. Terresa and Miss Tara and been there for us in the hardest time. And this is

232
01:25:20.960 --> 01:25:37.920
my son Gabriel. He wants to say things about Mr. Risa and Miss Tara. He's a little bit shy just hanging in there. >> I am. >> Yeah. Lower that down for him. Is that good? >> There you go. >> Yeah, that's better. >> Hi, I'm Gabriel Co and I'm here to stand

233
01:25:37.920 --> 01:25:55.199
for Miss Teresa and Mrs. Shans. They're very good people and I'm here. They're very kindhearted. They helped me one the hardest moments in my life. >> Thank you.

234
01:25:55.199 --> 01:26:15.920
>> You're welcome. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Thank you. My name my name is Joe Gabriel's dad. Uh Miss Tara, she's been with us a long period of time because he he needed a lot of help and he wasn't hand

235
01:26:15.920 --> 01:26:33.840
over hand in uh kindergart the daycare and we actually were paying and you know every we did everything we can possibly to support him in a way. Miss Tara was definitely helpful because of co time she was with him and Miss Theres Teresa

236
01:26:33.840 --> 01:26:51.040
Mr. Chance actually been helping him and we've actually been paying you know getting extra help from for Gabriel to read because he was really behind. He has a younger brother that is in the same school and his reading level is a little bit higher than he is and only

237
01:26:51.040 --> 01:27:07.280
reason why he got to where he is right now because M chance help. And I think she's been a great teacher and she's you know like she's not you know like you know I guess in a sense that it's hard for her her age and like you know I

238
01:27:07.280 --> 01:27:23.199
understand like you know new kids are like you know they don't have homework right now that they don't get which I don't really I was actually surprised when we moved here when you start going to school and like you know she's been helping him with reading and everything and vocabulary and everything else they

239
01:27:23.199 --> 01:27:38.639
got a lot better And I see a lot of improvement with her. I don't know. I mean, CMS is doing what what they can, but she's getting extra help with, you know, what we're what we're trying to do with her. And like, he's been, you know, getting better and he's going through

240
01:27:38.639 --> 01:27:55.920
sixth grade in, you know, in middle school now. Hopefully, he'll get help and I think we are going to continue, you know, help get help from Mr. Reese, like, you know, for his reading. So, I mean, I just want to thank them and I support, you know, Miss Miss Chance and

241
01:27:55.920 --> 01:28:13.120
Alex T for all the help that, you know, they should give us. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? Now, we're closing the public session. >> There you go, >> Miss Aquina. >> Um, I second everything everyone else

242
01:28:13.120 --> 01:28:30.159
has said and also want to say happy birthday to Miss Fitzgerald. >> Oh, no. >> Oh, yeah. >> Rude. Thanks for that. >> That's it. >> Super. Mr. Ozilla, >> happy birthday. >> Thanks, Mark. >> Look at that, Miss O'Neal.

243
01:28:30.159 --> 01:28:47.280
>> Um, congratulations to all the athletes and also happy birthday. >> And I want to say thank you to all the parents that came out and that we hear you and we're listening to what you have to say. Thank you for coming, taking the time to say everything you did.

244
01:28:47.280 --> 01:29:03.360
>> Yeah. Thank you, Miss O'Neal. Mrs. Sherald. >> Yeah, just going to echo what Ms. O'Neal said, losing her tablecloth. Um, it takes a lot of courage to get up in front of people and say anything. I'm not Public speaking is um actually one of the biggest fears in the world. It's statistically proven. So, we appreciate

245
01:29:03.360 --> 01:29:19.760
you guys ma taking the time and putting together the thoughts. Um, we appreciate hearing from you and um the amount of passion that you have for the human beings you talked about. So, thank you so much for that. And Miss, we know you're the worst. >> Thank you, Miss Faggera. Uh, nothing to add. Just ditto to

246
01:29:19.760 --> 01:29:35.760
everybody else. And happy birthday, Laura. >> Look at that. Um, I just have one thing to say for our parents who came out here and spoke. I do want you all to understand and and and again, I can't talk a lot about this because of personnel, but this board through the years has made it clear to this administration, to Dr. Bania, um, to

247
01:29:35.760 --> 01:29:51.360
Miss McDermad, uh, and through them, to the supervisors and their building principles that if they're going to recommend someone for not hiring back, that they have to do their due diligence. This board no longer wants to go in and see glowing and this is believe it or not it took us a while to

248
01:29:51.360 --> 01:30:06.480
get here through Dr. Ban you got us there we are demanding to see what's going on at the end of the year we have supervisors come in principles come in Mr. more keeps us updated every personel meeting with what's going on. Um so so I just want to rest assure that that we do

249
01:30:06.480 --> 01:30:22.960
do our due diligence. Um this is not just something at the end of the year the administration comes in and says okay this is it and we sit back and say okay these things that the board has made aware of this stuff years in advance. I just want to make everyone in this community aware of those things. We work with EMO the union as well to make

250
01:30:22.960 --> 01:30:38.960
sure you know no one's blindsided by these things at least as us as a board member. And so I just want to everyone rest assured that the board will do its due diligence. The board has done its due diligence and will follow the processes that are in place um with our contract with the with the education association of Mount Olive. Um with that

251
01:30:38.960 --> 01:30:55.440
being said, motion to recess in confidential session. >> So moved. Resolve that the board meet in confidential session for the purpose of discussing uh negotiations, personnel matters, attorney client privile privilege, confidential pupil matters, pending or anticipated litigation, real estate matters be further reserved that

252
01:30:55.440 --> 04:55:10.560
matters discussed in confidential session be discussed to the public when the reason for confidentiality no longer exists. Action may be taken. We are in close session. Thank you for coming out. Roll call. Missy. >> Mrs. Aquino >> here. >> Ms. Brett >> here.

253
04:55:10.560 --> 04:55:23.200
>> Mrs. Fitzgerald here. Mrs. Melendez. Mrs. O'Neal. Mr. Orzilla here. >> Mr. Petri here. Mrs. Faggera here. >> Dr. Girardano >> here. Motion to adjurnn.

