Please rise for the flag salute. >> 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
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 in this meeting and the notice of regular meetings adopted by this board on January 5th, 2026.
Such schedule and notice of meetings is posted at the municipal building that Mount Olive Library the board of education offices and the six schools was submitted to the daily record for publication on January 5th, 2026 and was filed with the clerk of Mount Olive Township January 6th, 2026. I direct
that this announcement be entered into the minutes of the meeting. >> Roll call. >> Mrs. Aquino >> here. >> Mrs. Brett >> here. >> Mrs. Fitzgerald >> here. Mrs. Melendez >> here. >> Mrs. O'Neal >> here. >> Mr. Ozilla >> here. >> Mr. Petri >> here, >> Mrs. Faggerero >> here,
>> Dr. Geodano >> here. We are going to jump right now down to the superintendent uh reports and we're going to have Dr. Paul Panero from New Jersey school boards uh present to the board on the superintendent evaluation model which is required by statute and code every year.
>> Okay. So, if anyone wants to move. >> Thank you, Dr. Gordano. >> I have a feeling that um the large crowd we have here tonight is not for me. So, I'm going to go very quickly. It's an important training, but it's also something that you're all familiar with
and um pretty straightforward. So, tonight we're just going to look at the CSA evaluation tool that New Jersey school boards works in cooperation uh with boards of education throughout New Jersey to use. It's um a collaborative kind of situation between the board and
the superintendent and uh I think it's a great uh process. So, I'll jump right in. Okay, just a quick reminder, a board member uh whose relative works in the district will likely be considered conflicted and may not take part in the evaluation process. So that's true in any district. If there's uh a board
member whose relative works in the district, we call that conflicted and then they do not participate in that. So um if any of you are conflicted, let me know and we'll put that into the process. But I don't think that's the case. Okay. Accountability. I don't necessarily love the word accountability
in the context of uh this process because it's really about cooperation and collaboration but it is part of the law to uh evaluate the superintendent every year. So this does satisfy accountability from that perspective.
uh the legal guidelines. So 18A is um the law series that uh determines the evaluation being u appropriate and necessary for once a year for the superintendent. And part of that law determines that it should evaluate the performance of the superintendent. Like
I said, once a year it should be in writing. There's meetings to discuss the findings between the board and the superintendent. And then it's based on district goals and leadership standards. That's pretty much it. Uh most of this presentation is just two pieces. It's
the district goals and how they're evaluated and then the leadership standards and we'll touch on those quickly. Um there's more legal guidelines of course the legal guidelines associated with school districts being um CUACT which is part of the accountability system of the
department of education are also reflected in this process. So uh that part of the law determines that July 1, uh all superintendents in New Jersey have to be evaluated by July 1. So that certainly means uh prior to June 30
really to have that meeting in place. Uh it determines by that law uh aspect of the law the areas of strengths, areas that need improvement and it can include recommendations for professional growth and indicators of student progress growth. At the end of the whole process,
there's a summary conference between majority of the total board membership, if they're not inflicted, and the superintendent. Okay. So, here's what the evaluation tool is uh about from New Jersey school boards. Uh first of all, it's not
required that uh New Jersey school board's tool be used. It is required that uh the superintendent be evaluated. The um yeah, there's so all those things I've touched on already. So lower right hand corner is just a reminder that this
isn't um it's it was done in collaboration with the New Jersey um Association for School Administrators, meaning that the New Jersey School Boards Association didn't unilaterally come up with this process. They worked closely with superintendent. So this process reflects board members input as
well as uh superintendent input. Okay. So before using the New Jersey school board CSA evaluation tool, there's a couple things um the board uh so the uh business administrator uh puts in place and that's just making sure that the census, which is pretty much a
database, all that information is correct. I work closely with you. Uh and there's a calendar set up to do this. If there's any um challenges with that, Nicole, you can just contact me, but that's a resource uh available to you as well. Um, okay. And this is a quick look
at the calendar. So, it's a recursive process. It happens every year, but where it's highlighted, we'll just say that's now. So, that like starts tonight. So, the evaluation pre-conference actually includes this presentation in a way just prepping everybody for the process and then it
goes up the stairs there. This is reflected in other slides. So, I'll just say quickly that the superintendent does a self assessment uh on goals and the leadership standards. Then the board uh looks at that self assessment has input
of its own that's evaluative and uh then there's a meeting to come up with a majority opinion of the superintendent's performance and then it goes uh down to before July 1 with the board president and the superintendent um sign the final
document. Excuse me. Um so it's based on goals, objectives, three critical focus areas to move the district forward. So typically there are three to five goals. Um even five is a lot. So three is three is the sweet spot. Annual collaborative
process. I mentioned that before. It's more than accountability. It's collaborative. Uh sometimes there are multi-year goals. So it would have to be assessed with that in mind. those goals and action plans are developed by the superintendent and those are part that's a good way for the superintendent to keep the board apprised of the pro
progress along the way as far as goals are concerned. So there you go. This is just a screenshot of a very simple you know approach that the tool takes. So goal one is written in the top that's the description of the goal. The superintendent then puts comments where
you see that red text consider the action plan and progress updates. So that's where the superintendent can make comments about in this case about her uh progress according to that goal. And then uh below that you can see this is board member comments. So the
superintendent puts her information in there, evidence if you will as well, a description of the goal and the self assessment as to whether or not the goal was achieved, progress made or little or no progress. and then the board will each have an opportunity um to respond
uh to that goal uh compilation. This is a quick example. So if the superintendent were to put in the goal of improved safety and security of students and staff, it might have the superintendent might write something like the CSA reports out monthly at board meetings on the progress made
towards district goals, etc. And then board member comments, picture that screenshot I just showed you in the bottom, could be something to the effect of the superintendent and BA have done an excellent job of incorporating the security measures that were recommended by the security expert. Thank you. I mean that's just a sample of what a
board member write. Right. And then there are some more comments there from a board member or maybe that two comments and then um the ratings are tallied and in this case uh seven members considered it achieved one progress was made and uh little or no
progress was made was what one board member said again this is just hypothetical so that's how the goals are approached pretty straightforward then there are standards the standards is another section of uh of the self-evaluation and
the evaluation overall. And so uh these are the standards mission, vision, core values, governance, ethics, etc. operations management, curriculum, instruction. So that's uh learning, community of care, equity, and family engagement, professional capacity. So that's one, two, three, four, five, six
standards. Yeah. Uh this looks overwhelming, but it's not as bad as it seems. when you're in the tool and you just go step by step, you see that the ratings are at the top that um the superintendent again
has an opportunity to reference evidence for that standard. So in this case if the standard is mission, vision and core values, excuse me, the superintendent um can self assess on that and then the board will make each board member has sees the
same screen separately from others and then continues the process that I mentioned with regard to the goal setting. So this is just standards. So one was goal setting. This is standards assessment. There are six of them. So the board each board member will go through this process of seeing this screen six times.
uh this is a sample compilation for a standard. So if standard 2 has seven indicators and uh each board member in this case for the the sake of the hypothetical there are eight on this particular board. Um you see the performance levels and uh almost like a
worksheet the board members can use that performance level um one through seven to suggest or you know to put their inputs as far as whether they feel that the superintendent on that standard was exemplary, proficient etc. Then if you do the math um and then
divide by the seven standards you would see that in this case when you compile all the board member input together you would have um one exemplary for this standard five proficient two for growth and then zero. So that's just again a
hypothetical of how and again there's six standards which is an example of one and then that all gets added together for a final report and then comes the annual performance report. It's a compilation. So what our online tool does is compile all of that. I do a
little bit of work uh on the back end just pulling it together. I press a button all the comments get compiled. I'll work closely with Dr. Gardano about uh interacting with the rest of the board on any further uh work that needs to be done on it. Uh but really just setting the calendar so that once I hand
over the uh compilation the whole board um can move towards meeting with the superintendent to discuss it. I mean that's the whole point and then um yeah so the annual the annual performance report process executive session just means that's when the board meets um not
in public and anyone who's you know all board members who are non-conlicted meet the CSA receives a rice that just means that this the superintendent is notified that uh performance will be discussed the superintendent doesn't attend this particular meeting so the board members
get together they look at the compilation and the goal goal is to have what is called a consensus uh written into the report. So a consensus based on the data and some discussion is um pulled together and then either the board president or a designate will
write that using a template a simple template. So again it goes back to just looking at a goal having some comments that reflect the majority of the board. Yeah, I think that does that one pretty good. Uh and then this is the template. There's an annual performance report
template that um we suggest and I provide that the the again the um board president or designate uses. So there you see a district goal one and and you get a check mark next to whether it was achieved satisfactory progress made and then the supporting remarks. Those
supporting remarks in the bottom would be where um after that first board meeting and executive session there's a discussion about what the consensus the majority I should say uh the majority feel about um that particular in this case uh goal
and the same principle uh applies to the standards we talked about a little earlier. Uh then there's room in this same template to click off some of the standards that say uh the superintendent has done uh has demonstrated strength in
any of those. So those can be checked and more than one box of course can be checked and then below if based on um the standards which area might be a good area for professional growth and improvement. Okay. Then there's the conference. So once the board has an opportunity to
meet and come up with um you know the majority opinion uh the superintendent has been rised. So there's going to be that second meeting I'm sorry the summary meeting where this time the superintendent attends that meeting. So the majority of total
non-conlicted members have to be there. There is an opportunity for um somebody who might have had a minority opinion uh was with regard to their rating or comments. So if they didn't agree with the majority of the board uh that board member has an opportunity to express that in that closed session uh
expressing it verbally. Uh still the majority report is uh what becomes the superintendent's performance evaluation. So that all takes place in the summary conference. Yeah.
Uh who keeps a copy? We're on our way. We're getting there. We're getting there. Um so the school board, we don't keep a copy. It's not our place to really keep any kind of personnel information around. It's it's really meant to be in the district. So, we keep it in our system. Like when I compile
it, I don't even uh look at it. I have to uh read it. Yeah. No, I don't look at it. That's the other one. So, I I don't look at it. It's It's not my business. So, but we compile it in a way that I can hand you hand it over to your board president. Um and then from there, um
the board president uh monitors folks, make sure that they all are able to get it done. So the big thing that we haven't discussed in detail is just that calendar. So having a a calendar put in place. You know, talked before about a pre-conference. If there's a pre-conference, the big piece of that just means, you know, when is the
superintendent going to have her self evaluation done so that the rest of the board can have x amount of time and so you'll determine that. Um so what does happen going back to who keeps a copy is uh once a year on December 31st we purge everything. So while sometimes
schoolboard members and business administrators will come back to us and say hey do you still have any information on on that we might have it um we we do keep our notes from our meetings our workshops with you all but we we don't keep this for the reasons I mentioned. So our recommendation is of
course the superintendent should keep a copy and the board attorney keeps a copy. All right. Uh considerations just that it's not a once in a year event but we all know that because you're a functioning district. So what it means is that on an ongoing um you know on
ongoing circumstances the superintendent is updating the ward on progress on goals where they're at and then it just becomes official uh over the over the end of the full year before July 1. Um yeah to make sure you have your system
to retain the evidence. So, a superintendent is going to want to throughout the year keep in mind what would be good to have in that cell evaluation to demonstrate that she has or he has um met that goal or reached that standard and exceeded it, etc. Um,
what we like about it is it does create that two-way communication with the meetings that occur between the board and the superintendent. Uh and we do encourage of course that all um eligible members, so if you're a board member and you can participate because you're not conflicted, we encourage you to do so.
We encourage you to take the opportunity to not maybe not just put the number rating, but to provide some remarks. Doesn't have to be a lot. But I think the comments are valuable for the superintendent. And guess what? What questions do you have?
Very good. If you do actually have um questions after thinking about it, uh just contact me. You know how to reach me and um I'm happy to hop on the phone, a Zoom call as needed. >> Thank you, Paul. Appreciate it. Does anyone have any questions before he goes real quick? No. If they do, I'll get in touch with you, Paul. I appreciate it.
Thank you. >> Mr. Quino, can you move uh approval of the minutes 2.1? >> Sure. >> Uh upon recommendation of the superintendent, I'd like to approve minutes 2.1 and 2.2. >> Second.
>> Questions or comments from the board? >> Seeing none, roll call. >> Mrs. Aquino? >> Yes. >> Mr. Petri? >> Yes. >> Miss Brett? >> Um I'm abstaining from 2.11. >> I'm sorry, which one? >> I'm abstaining from 2.1.
Mrs. Fitzgerald, >> yes. >> Mrs. Melendez, >> yes. >> Mrs. O'Neal, >> yes. >> Mr. Ozillo, >> yes. >> Mrs. Faggera, >> yes. >> Dr. Gordano, >> yes. >> Um, superintendent, uh, communication petitions to the board. Superintendent,
>> none. >> Board members, >> none. All right, we're back at the superintendent report. Dr. Banger, the floor is yours. >> At this time, I would like to invite Mrs. Melanie McQueeny, who's going to be honoring our phenomenal performing arts students and their wonderful accomplishments. So, Miss M. Queenie.
She needs a microphone. Stand up. I can hand >> you can certainly help get that. I'm just not greasy. Okay, good evening everyone. >> Thank you for being here tonight. I am
Melanie McQueeny, but thank you so much for being here tonight as we recognize an outstanding group of student musicians from grades 6 through 12 across Mount Olive. It is a privilege to stand before you as the K to2 supervisor performing arts and help celebrate these students and all they have accomplished.
Tonight we honor students who have distinguished themselves through talent, dedication, perseverance, and a genuine love of music over the course of this school year. These students have earned places in prestigious honor ensembles at the county, region, state, and even
eastern division levels. That is an impressive accomplishment and one that reflects many hours of preparation, practice, and commitment. Many of the students here this evening have also placed first at both the regional, state, and eastern levels, meaning that they became they were the top scorer in
each of their categories, which is really, really outstanding. Whether performing here throughout New Jersey or traveling beyond to such places as Rhode Island, these students have represented Mount Olive with pride and excellence. While most of the students being recognized are with us this evening, a few are unable to attend due to other
commitments. They will still receive their certificates and we will celebrate their accomplishments just the same. One of the things that makes music so special is the way it connects people. It is such a large community, yet it can feel incredibly personal. I'm still friends with the people that I met
through honor ensembles when I was in middle school and high school. And one of my favorite things is seeing our own students build those same kind of relationships with students from other schools. when I see them at these conferences and honor groups. I was recently reminded of just how meaningful those connections can be. An Uber driver
taking my sons and me to the airport was making small talk with me last week and she asked me, "Oh, were your children involved in sports?" And I said, "Yes, but are also involved in music?" She immediately, and she was older, she immediately began telling me about how she used to play clarinet and obo and
how she had been the only obo in her pit orchestra. She spoke about her love of music and as we kept talking I said to her I know you are much older than I am and I but I know the world the music world can be very big but it's also it's almost like the six degrees of
separation. I said do you mind if I ask who your high school band director was and she said Steve Felson and I told her Steve Felson was my father. So it was an incredible small world moment. It And it was such a powerful reminder that
music stays with people and connects us in unexpected ways. I would also like to thank our dedicated music educators here in Mount Olive, Mr. Hendris who's standing behind me, Mr. Pasquali, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Vanzini, Mr. Hifitz, Mr. Adessa, Miss Burkett,
Mrs. Scarangela Hughes and Miss Jimenez. All of whom who have students represented here tonight and all of whom do so much to support their growth. I also want to thank and acknowledge our elementary music teachers, Mr. Nadiello, Mr. Pomeroy, Mrs. Rutan, Mr. King, Mr. Mania, Mrs. Cardillo, and Mr. Spenley,
who started many of the students musical journeys here this evening. Thank you as well to our building administrations, Mr. Sansbury and Mrs. Wilkkey. Our central office leaders including Dr. Ban and Mrs. McDermund, our board of education, and the families and
community members who makes so much of what you see and hear throughout the year possible. A special thank you also goes out to our business administrator, Mrs. Nicole Showning, and our facilities coordinator, Mrs. Lauren Lockheart, for all they do behind the scenes to support our programs in order. They we host many
events here throughout the Manolive School District. And we're incredibly lucky that they help coordinate, facilitate that, as well as our amazing custodial staff, our sound and lighting crews, our security. We're just, we're very, very lucky to be in Man Olive and to have such a supportive program.
Tonight, we celebrate not only achievement, but also growth and connection and the power of music to shape lives. As we read each student's name and recognize the ensembles in which they have performed, let us celebrate both what they have accomplished, but also who they are becoming. Congratulations to all of our honored students. You make menala very
proud. So I'll call the students up and then you can shake the hands of the very handsome people standing next to me. So, in recognition of your exceptional performance as outstanding horn player of the Mayor Performing Arts Center, we
have Matthew Larose. Perfect example of sports and music came from a baseball game. >> Nice job, Matt. In recognition of your exceptional exceptional performance as outstanding band member of the Mayor Performing Arts Center, Dylan Kovatch
in recognition of your exceptional performance as outstanding vocalist of the Mayor Performing Arts Center. Gloria Becket In recognition of your successful auditioning and exceptional performance in the New Jersey Region One Honors Orchestra Festival, there's a number of
students. We have Rachel Kim. Thank you, Antonio Leon. Tyler Clifton, >> Antonia, dear Mongi, Charvik Sedarth Bur Sloka Remini Avi Bawa Linda Rahova,
Toby Braun, Shria Babdi, Samir Shawani, Sophie Felas, Matteo Casabal, and Lillian Venhton in recognition of your exceptional performance as outstanding string player of the Mayor Performing Arts Center as
well as the New Jersey Region One Honors Orchestra Festival. Stella Martinez. In recognition of your successful auditioning and exceptional performance in the North Jersey Junior Region One Elementary Honors Band, we have Ryan Makapahadi.
Congratul Sylvio Demo, >> Lorenzo Parado. Jacquin Rodriguez and Aiden Lamar. Is he here? In recognition of your successful auditioning and exceptional performance in the North Jersey Area Band, Riley
Cerulo, Jaden Oakley Amelia Celigman, do young Lin Jaden Atkinson and Anastasia Demerzis. No, it's a junior. >> Yes. In recognition of your successful auditioning and exceptional performance
in the North Jersey Junior High Area Band, Lily Cassimore, who plays first place out of all the flute players. Summer Suri Hackup Chaparian, Alen Kurt, Tyler Scott
and Jacob Celigman. In recognition of your successful auditioning and exceptional performance in North Jersey Junior High Area Band and North Jersey Junior Region Band, Vincent Pyilli In recognition of your successful auditioning and exceptional performance in North Jersey Air area Band and North
Jersey Junior Region Band, Mr. Hendrick's daughter Sarah Hris Thank you. >> In recognition of your successful auditioning and exceptional performance in North Jersey area Band Wind Ensemble, where they believe placed first place out of the entire clarinet section auditioning for the high school students
and North Jersey region band Derek Magio. In recognition of your successful auditioning and exceptional performance in the New Jersey Allstate Modern Moderns Band is Joseph Dunovan. He really brought down the house.
In recognition of your successful auditioning and exceptional performance in the New Jersey All-State Orchestra, which is a possibility because they scored so high in their in their region auditions, was Barbara Ashley. And in recognition of your exceptional performance as an outstanding horn player of the Mayor Performing Arts
Center, North Jersey Area Band, North Jersey Region Band, and the New Jersey Allstate Band, Anthony Luca Riello. So, I should mention that's something I should have mentioned in our opening remarks. Our um wind ensemble and symphonic band both had um they competed
at the um I guess the what level is it considered? the region one level um for the New Jerseys divided into three regions and they we hosted the um the concert band festival here in Mount Olive and the symphonic band earned a silver rating and did exceptionally well
and the wind ensemble earned a gold rating and were invited to perform at the state gala which happens later this month um and William Patterson University. So and Mr. Hris just informed me that they will be performing one of Anony's uh
arrangements. So that's really really exciting. Invitations to follow in recognition of your successful auditioning and exceptional performance in the Morris Area Junior High Honor Choir. RV Jane,
Amelia Shonman, Krishna Desai Shia Desai, David Joseph, and Simona Satpathy. In recognition of your successful auditioning and exceptional performance in the New Jersey Junior High Honor All
State Choir, Samantha Solless, Elena Warz, and Amayra Iran. In recognition of your successful auditioning and exceptional performance in the ACDA All Eastern Honor Choir, which took place in Providence, Rhode Island, Madison Bradley,
Lydia Erolano, Aradia Nuinhanti. You look great. Roslin D. Elosio. Thank you. Sharon Vmavarum, Valentina Aquafera, Eleanor Hamilton Jones,
Destiny Charlemagne Vir Huda. Atarv Sharma. Walking with purpose. I like it. It's hard. Olivia Polarolo. Is Emmy Bosch here? >> No. Emmy Bosch
and Zoya Via who is one of the top scorers out of the entire eastern part of the the nation. In recognition of your successful auditioning and exceptional performance in the New Jersey Junior High Honor Allstate Choir and the ACDA All Eastern
Honor Choir, we have Ella Hay Cookook. and Aubrey Pitzeruso. That's right. Congratulations. In recognition of your successful auditioning and exceptional performance in the Morris Area Junior High Honor Choir and the ACDA All Eastern Honor
Choir, Meline Gonzalez, Juliet Fano And last student for this evening, Arabella Simons. Thank you so much. >> Thank you all so much. I truly appreciate you taking the time to recognize what these amazing students
do. They really go above and beyond and they represent the school district so incredibly well and it it just brings me so much joy to see them just succeed and do incredibly well. And I I feel incredibly honored that that we have this opportunity. So, thank you so much for that.
>> Thank you, Mr. Queen. We're going to take a five minute break to let everyone clear out unless you want to stay for the for this fantastic meeting. >> Everyone have a good night. Be safe. Driving home. >> Yes. Superintendent's report. We're done. Dr.
B, you have anything else? >> We're done. >> Huh? >> We're good. I was going to find >> All right. Yeah, I'll be right back. >> Yeah. Thanks. Uh personnel committee report was myself, uh Dr. Banio, Mr. Moore, um several principles, uh Miss
Aquino, and Mr. Petri, uh and and Dr. Dr. McDerman. Um, what we'll discuss will be in close session. Other than that, um, we can't really discuss anything. There are multiple items on the personnel action items. Does anyone have any questions on those?
No. There lies the end of the personnel committee report. Did I miss anything? Mr. Quino, Mr. Petri? >> Did not. >> Super. Finance and operations. Miss Fitzgerald. >> Yes. Okay. Finance and operations met April 7th. the entire committee was in attendance and we also had our architect
of record uh visit the meeting as well. We started with our architect and discussed a lot of the projects that are in process right now. You guys saw in the recap there's a summary there for you guys so you can read through what all of them are. I'm not going to take time to go through each one of them but um a lot of different projects in the
district that are underway and um are all progressing well. uh we discussed the um auditor and our need to go out to RFP for that and so uh we will be doing an RFP for auditing and accounting services for the period beginning June
30th 2026. Um we also discussed uh the 2627 budget and we focused a lot of our time really on capital projects really looking at that. the district has spent a significant amount of dollars um on a lot of capital repairs. Um and so that
balance has definitely decreased quite a bit recently and so the goal is obviously to continue to replenish that each fiscal year, but we have really been using that to try and get a lot of the things done that were not covered um when the referendum failed. Um and then we also talked about the
demographic and capacity studies. Um some of those initial results have come back. We are asking for some uh updates that include some of the newest communities that are not quite finished yet so that we can make sure that we have all of the accurate information as we move forward. And um I believe the last item we have
been I think most of you know we have been in the process of scanning student res. We're going digital finally. We're scanning student records. It's very important to have those digital. We have to keep those for a very long time. Um and so rather than um having that be an big expenditure all at once, we are starting with the most important items
first and we will be spreading that out over um seven years and by the time we're done all of those documents will be digitized. I think anything else finance committee uh modulars are PO was issued for those. So we will have those um shortly.
Anything I'm missing or any questions? Okay. >> Thank you, Mr. M. Question, comments for the board. No one. Super. >> Uh, curriculum and instruction committee report. Miss Faggerero. >> Good evening. Last week, curriculum and
technology met on April 7th in Dr. Bania's office. Those present were Dr. Bania, Mrs. McDermott, Mrs. O'Neal, and myself. And Dr. Giodeno was a guest for the evening. We discussed the mom's math curriculum
sequence. The district refineses its accelerated math placement process to ensure that only students meeting clearly defined eligibility criteria are invited to participate in the placement assessment, replacing past practices where all grade five students were
invited. Additionally, the appeals process was eliminated as prior trends showed that students admitted through appeals often struggled with the rigor of the accelerated pathway. The accelerated pathway is designed to align with high school expectations and the
New Jersey graduation proficiency assessment, ensuring students complete the courses in a sequence that supports college and career readiness. We also discussed the curriculum budget and Mrs. McDermott shared an overview of the district's 1.9 million curriculum
budget reflecting a strategic refinement process in which over 400,000 and non-essential items were removed to prioritize high the highest impact investments. It outlines how resources are allocated across core instruction, academic support, and electives,
emphasizing a balanced student- centered approach that strengthens instruction, supports diverse learners, and expands opportunities for engagement and real world re real world learning. Um, we discussed our professional development goals and Mrs. McDermott
also shared a draft of the PD goals for the 2026 2027 school year. We discuss leadership and learning and Mrs. McDermott shared an article titled Beyond Adopt and Hope. The article examines why high quality instructional
instructional materials do not always lead to improved outcomes, identifying four key implementation barriers. Mrs. McDermott shared how Man Olive has intentionally addressed these challenges. We also discussed the G&T model
currently at mom's and Mrs. McDermott shared that the administration is reviewing how the G&T how G&T and intervention services are scheduled for our students. We also discussed the conquer math mileage and payments. Um the breakdown
between registration and mileage costs for conquer math were outlined. We discussed the Spanish 2 recommendation for our rising nth grade students and Mrs. Mrs. McDermott shared the enrollment breakdown for the world language classes and levels and we
concluded with a technology report from Dr. Krider. >> Question or comments for the board. >> Uh yes, >> Miss Melendez. Um in the in the CNT uh report there is a link uh
for the budget and when we open that link uh the link uh explain about every program and how the budget is going to be distributed. Uh when I was reviewing it, um it seems
that our budget in some areas are significantly uh from what it is typical across New Jersey or goes far very high and far very very low. Um and it's important to
keep in mind uh that this is the core of the education that we offer to our students. So it is very important that all that programs in some way be more closed. I know it's in base of necessity
but also in base of planning uh multi-year planning. So we don't fall in a situation like this budget uh is and I'm not pointed out it's not that the budget is grown is the distribution
of the needs across our uh township and our school district. Um also how many students are impacted in each of those programs. uh because for example for ELA
K25 we have 447,963 uh versus math K through5 which is 42,956 so that's a huge difference and then math in the upper liver 93,000 and when math K through five is the
foundation is a building skill that is going if they don't do main K through five is they are going to a struggle. Um so it and the elective as well. Um so there is the programs an unbalance in
the programs also for the elective and not all students go to to uh to universities. Some students uh likes more trades. So for those in woods, auto foods, uh it's very scars uh funding. So
I will really um exort that those budget be visited those program and how many students are impacted on those programs. uh when we uh set and present uh the budget
sometimes our offer with pieces of the budget not but not as a whole at this time always is a home and then we can see oh hold a second >> so I think I give some context to that Miss McDerman put together this analysis just because certainly when we receive
um less um state aid than anticipated we really need to go back to the books and look at where we can start breaking down some of that costs and Miss McDerman went back to her supervisory team and cut back about almost a half a million dollars of cost. Um, please understand
as far as the numbers that you cited, it does fluctuate depending on based upon what resources we're purchasing that year. So, in this in this year's past, it has been the ELA focus and other years it's been math. So, those numbers are not set from year to year. So what we're looking at the 1.9 it tends to be
the um a cost associated with the curriculum instruction associated costs but within them they fluctuate depending on what um courses are under textbook review. So we're going to be purchasing new programs for that. So certain years because of those associated costs those p um those prices or cost exponentially
increase that happened to ELA because we procured a new benchmark um platform along with other assessment tools. So that's why those costs were um different as opposed to math. So it's not necessarily I want to say a ratio to number perspective but rather an a
snapshot for this particular year and it also aligns >> the the needs. Yes. >> So that Yes. So thank you for the explanation but then Yes. Exactly. So maybe uh a little more detail for us. You are you are you still going? You're
good. Okay. Any other questions or comments from the board? >> None. >> No. >> Thank god we're a little bit closer so we don't have to shout as much. >> You guys are teachers. >> Let's think ahead. >> We're putting her in the middle next. >> All right. They're back on. Thank you. >> I I do have a question.
>> Yes. Yes, Mr. Petri. >> So So I see that the uh recommendation of students skipping the first year of a language is over half, right, >> for both French and Spanish. >> And this might not be possible, but if they're doing such a good job in eighth
grade that that would be seen as Spanish or French one in the high school, can they get credit for that? Because the whole reason I brought No. >> No. So, so understand that students can't earn credit until they're actually a high school student.
>> That's really where it comes down to. >> All right. >> So, to just to give some perspective, Mr. Petri was referring to how students after they take a couple years of language in the middle school, they get promoted and they start with a level two as a freshman versus they can restart it and start as a level one as a freshman.
So, that they still do have that opportunity. That's not taken away from them. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Policy and governance committee report. Miss Mendes, >> uh, policing and governance. Uh, we met today. Uh, it was Dr. Banana, uh, Mr. Karifi,
um, Miss Fger, Miss Figua, and myself. Um, we didn't discuss any policy or regulatory. We did have a residency meeting, but that is still in progress for for the next meeting. So, then we will have more information. >> Okay. Super. Question or comments for
the board. Thank you. We have board subcommittees and parent teacher association leaison reports. Anybody? I did attend for Miss Faggera uh the Fenders PTA. Unfortunately, Miss Kolinsky did not not give me the minutes. So, I will have them for next
meeting and I will report them out. Uh board president's report just something for for it's not a report for the board to think about and we don't have to have answer tonight. Um it was suggested um that when we have to have board meetings in the middle school um until we get the camera situation or we
do a pole camera from the ceiling in the back a little bit so you know the whole town can see us that we might and again I don't need the answer tonight uh have our meetings in the auditorium might be a little bit easier as a setup. It takes them about two and a half hours to set it all up with the equipment 45 minutes to an hour to break it all down. So I'll
put an email out um I'll speak to individual board members what their thoughts are pick their brains so and we'll go from there. I >> I would like to say that Mrs. Melendez and I like this setup. Thank you. >> I can rest assure this setup will never happen again >> and you are out voted. >> We're going to have two more tables. If we have if we're going to be in here,
there'll be another table at the end. So, we'll be spread out a little bit more >> and I don't and and doesn't bother me what the cameras look like. Just let everyone know. >> So, it would be it would be faster is what you're saying. It'll be faster if we did it faster setup, easier setup. Yeah. But I'm saying if we have to be in
here and the board doesn't want to go to the auditorium, there's going to be another table at these ends just the way this is now. And we're going to be spread out more. >> Two on each side and two in the middle. >> Right. >> I won't take >> public comments on action items. Members of the community may comment on any action item prior to board discussion. Please state your name and address for
the record. All comments must be respectfully presented. Abuse or obscene comments will not be tolerated. Again, come up, state your name and address. Ask your questions. We'll let everyone go through um asking questions on action items. I will close it out. Um, you'll address it to the board president. I'll close it out. Then I will answer or Dr.
Banjo will answer as many questions we can. What we can't answer, we will get back to you. >> Martin Wells, 25 Woodrest Avenue, Bud Lake, New Jersey. Uh, I want to know when we're going to put up the proposed budget that was put up a few weeks ago here and play hasn't seen on the website
yet. Has that been put up yet? >> No, >> that should have been. And that's my fault. I'll take care of it. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And and number two, Miss Melinda's mentioned about a website where you can compare the expenses and all the other stuff. Is that available to parents too? Only board members,
>> the analysis stuff that that she was reviewing those links >> that was in the agenda. >> No, we don't. >> No, that was in the committee right now. >> Yes. >> So that's not available to us. Okay. >> All right, guys. We're let Mr. Wells Miller finish his questions and then I'll respond back to it. And I want to commend Miss Melendas for what she was
talking about equalizing things for all the other stuff in like what she was talking about kids pursuing vote tech and other crafts they need just as much and commenting on that report that was put out there. It may be helpful also if you as you said M is have the last year's
column there what was the year prior so then they could see the pattern. Um and then lastly I was going through the bill list and I saw something about golf rentals. Is that for the golf club, the $2,000 or is what did we rent something from a golf facility? >> What's the
>> Well, let's wait. Let's wait to finish questions and we'll answer the show. >> Uh, I didn't print it out. It's like on like on page four or five. It was $2,000 for golf >> for a rental fee. >> If we can't get it now, we'll by the end of the meeting, we'll get it for you. You just have to look that up. >> Yeah, that's it.
>> Thank you. >> NO call F5 Jeffrey Court and Flanders. Uh, one quick question. Uh, the presentation that was made at the beginning prior to the award ceremony, that's even the PowerPoint with all that information. Would that be made available for us on the website? >> It should be. Yes, >> we'll be able to look at that. Seems
like a lot of questions. >> I'm sorry. >> Please. Can everyone adhere to that? Thank you. It's okay. It's all >> Sorry. I don't know. >> That's all. All right. Just address just address the questions to the to the to the board president. That's all. >> Okay. So, that'll be on the the board. >> Is this your last question? >> No, I got one more question. >> Okay. Ask that one and I'll answer.
>> Oh, I'll say I got you. >> That's okay. Okay. Uh, Miss Melendez pro provided a lot of information and that was a lot of detailed information on that report you gave. Is that information available for us to look for us the public to look at as well because
some of that was very interesting. >> Those are the two questions mostly just >> I'll answer those. Anyone else? Closing the Oh, yes ma'am. It's on action items and action items only. Hi, good afternoon. My name is Precious.
>> We can Can you stand up closer to the mic, ma'am? I'm sorry. Are you okay? >> I just feel a little winded, a little tired. >> Okay. So, we were talking about how much money is allocated toward the curriculum, and
I'm curious as to how much money is allocated toward history because um from what I understand from my experience with my son and I and our family, it seems as though there's not a
lot of money being allocated toward history. What it seems like Mount Olive School District is doing is teaching Caucasian history as opposed to American history. There's so much that has gone on in this
country. So much that we can, not just us, but so much that our children can grow from and learn from. These are our They're They are our future lit. Like I'm not even They literally are our future. And I
believe that it is very important to equip them with the truth as opposed to have stories as opposed to the story of the victors from the past. And so, um, one
particular instance was when my son was being taught history last year and they were talking about, this isn't, you know, you don't call them Spanish explorers these days, but they called them Spanish explorers with how they
gained their money and riches. And he was taught that they gained their riches from traded goods and spices. And so he was so proud, you know, he's showing me his report and everything, his presentation.
And I look at it and I say, "This route that these Spanish explorers took looks very um similar to something else that I've seen in the past." And it turns out that the traded goods that these Spanish explorers built their riches on were
traded people, were slaves, were from slavery. And that was completely eliminated from the curriculum. And it was disheartening that my son and my youngest son is coming up. And so
he's going to be going through that curriculum as well soon. Is being taught half history is being taught only Caucasian history. Is only being taught history where it glosses over the full
truth where it can have an opportunity to build character in a more meaningful way for our children. And so I'm just curious how much money is being allocated toward our history curriculum.
Even this year as well, my son is being taught about how good George Washington as a president is. And I beg to differ with that. He's not He did a lot of good things for our
country. He also helped to limit the progress of ending slavery a lot faster for our country. He took the time to try to convince people why slavery should continue on and why it shouldn't be
ended. And so African African-Americans, they had to continue on with slavery because of actions that he went because of actions that he took to make sure that doesn't happen.
And so it would be very appreciated if American history were taught in Mount Olive School District as opposed to Caucasian history. Because our country is built on not just the history of
Caucasians, but also the history of many different people. Because we all came from all over the world to this country. Nobody, absolutely nobody began in this country. Not even
the Native American in America. You know, every single person in this world, all of our ancestors began in Africa. We're all essentially literally biologically Africans, even Caucasians.
And so I hope that I implore you guys strongly to take a look at our American history, at our Caucasian history essentially, and to consider teaching our children
our future American history. Um, and I believe that this is related to um our independence day, our national independence day with Junth. That's not
even built into our curriculum either. When my child, my oldest child, he's going to be coming up on learning about um civil the Civil War soon. And so why wouldn't that be included when that is a
part of our American history? We all fought together to end the Civil War, to end the Civil War in the past. Why wouldn't that be included as well? Why wouldn't the budget be allocate? Why wouldn't there be a good budget
allocated to teach American history? And so what is the budget for that? Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> So to answer a couple things. Sorry. >> Oh, it's okay. >> And thank you for your time. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um we are the proposed budget uh Miss Shony said will be going up. Um we will once we approve those minutes we can load them up on the website once we once we uh after. >> Yes. They should be along with other
presentations are up there too. >> Yeah. Um the bill list did you find that miss shown yet or no? >> Yeah that's um those are the rental fees for the golf team to practice. Yes, on the >> presentation from to answer your question, sir, will go up from the the board training that we just had and also
I answered the information. The minutes are pretty sure I'm pretty sure they're on the website now, aren't there on the board docs in the public domain? >> What is I'm sorry >> the the committee minutes. >> They're not posted on publicly. We >> Yeah, but we I I we should start posting those at some point of what we can if things aren't personal. They're
committee minutes. We're reporting them out. Once we report them out, we should put them up. >> That would be amazing. >> Absolutely. We're report we're reporting them out. Why don't we put them up? >> That's never been the practice of the district. >> No, I I understand that. So, I think they made a valid point. That's something >> perhaps we should have a discussion about that. >> Yeah. Well, I just think we have to put
on there. Obviously, there's some personnel stuff that can't go on. There's some personal things that people can't see, but >> we have a discussion. >> We can talk about Yeah, we have a talk about it. Yeah, for sure. >> Table it. >> Yeah, >> we can talk. I mean, we could just type up the notes from here and press them up here from what we said. That's all. I
was the minute should go up there so people can go back and review what we what we reported out on. I don't have a problem with that. We can talk about though what that looks like. Um going back to what you said, ma'am. Um I'm not sure but and I'll let Dr. Bania talk about this more but I'll start off.
You know depending on what grade level the students are in, there's different standards for each grade level. Um obviously and so different things are taught when it comes to what you refer to as American history or Caucasian history. So just because Junth isn't being taught at say in first grade doesn't mean it's not being taught in
fourth or fifth or sixth grade. Um we do have the Amist commission that is by law. We have to have a curriculum on that and and teach the children um about uh African-American history especially in our country. Am I right or wrong about that? >> Hit it right on the nail. >> Thank you. So we do have plenty of things and just because you may not see
in one grade doesn't mean it's not happening in another grade level based on those standards. So So um and I again what Dr. Dr. B just said it's all a cycle of what you know what's going to be allocated that year for curriculum for the budget. So it just depends on
what what's going through. All right. Uh can I have a consent uh consent approval of action item 6.1 down to >> 10.1. Second.
>> Any motion? Then a second. >> You just made one. >> No, I second. I have a motion from 6.1. >> Yes. 10. Second. >> Thank you. So, Miss Aquino made the motion as a second. >> Second. >> Question or comments from the board. >> Seeing none, roll call. >> Mrs. Aquino, >> yes. >> Mrs. Fitzgerald,
>> yes. >> Miss Brett, >> abstain on 6.1 4.3 4.4 and anything pertaining to the township. Mrs. Melendez. abstaining 4.4.
>> I'm sorry. >> And yes to everything else. >> Could I'm sorry. Could you repeat the abstension? >> 4.4. >> 4.4. Thank you. >> And yes to everything else. >> Mrs. O'Neal. >> I'm sorry. >> 6.1. >> Oh, so yes to everything.
>> 6.1 and three. There we go. >> So you're abstaining to 4.4 and 6. >> We're voting on what numbers? >> 6.1 down to 10.10. Okay. Yes to everything. >> Mrs. O'Neal, >> I'm just abstaining for anything that
has to do with Christian Humphrey. Yes to everything else. >> Mr. Orzillo, >> yes. >> M Mr. Petri, >> abstain from 6.3 6.4. Yes to everything else. >> Mrs. Faggera, >> yes. >> Dr. Gordano, >> abstain for anything that has to do with
substitutes or substitute pay rate and yes to everything else. >> Okay. Public comment. Students, parents, employees, and community members may comment on any item of interest pertaining to the Mal School District. Please state your name and address for the record. All comments must be respectfully presented. Abusive or
obscene comments will not be tolerated. Again, ask your question to the to the board president. We're going to wait uh I'll take everyone's question down. Um we'll wait till the end and then we will respond appropriately. NO KV 5 Jeffrey Court Flanders. Uh on the previous those uh approvals there
was HIV superintendent H. I didn't know I have no idea what that means. >> Okay. >> Anyone else? Seeing none, close the public comment. So what happens is by law um those are um it's called harassment, intimidation, bullying. There's a law that came out in 200 no
like 2009 2010 by then Governor Chris Christie. Um and so it it has it's a very strict law that school districts have to follow if a parent or another student or staff member or even board member witnesses. Um it's very defined um what we call an HIV. It has to be investigated. There's time frames that
has to be investigated by school days outcomes and then it comes to the board the next board meeting where we have to affirm what the uh HIV specialist did and the superintendent reviews that. So that's what all that is. >> Old business from the board. New business.
All righty. Board comments. Mr. Quino, since you have the favorite seat. >> I do have the favorite seat, but I do have old business. Okay. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I didn't. I would like to ask the board to possibly reconsider our school calendar for next year. I've
had a handful of phone calls from parents um about the spring break being the on the front side of Easter and not the back side of Easter. So I would just like this board to reconsider at some point >> for the 26 27 you're saying school year. >> Correct.
>> Correct. So I would remand that back to the CNT committee. Miss Fgera and and Dr. Ban you can put that on the agenda. >> Yes. >> See what that looks like. Super. Thank you Miss Quino. >> Yes. I agree. >> And I have no comments so moving on. Thank you. >> Miss Melendez. No comments, Miss Brett.
>> Very excited about Thursday. It's trips for all the elementary schools. So, and congratulations to the very talented music department. >> I agree, Mr. Petri. No comments, Miss O'Neal.
>> I just wanted to say congratulations to the retirees. Um, also congratulations to all the students that won their music awards. And I agree with Jen about the calendar to review it. I've heard the same feedback.
>> Super. Thank you, Miss Fitch Joe. >> Yep. Congratulations obviously to the music folks. In the same vein, congratulations to our drama department. They competed at Bucks County uh twice. Once for Mean Girls, once for uh Freaky Friday. Won a bunch of awards. I don't remember what those are. Um but there were a bunch of those. So
congratulations to the drama department as well. >> Super. Mr. Ozilla. >> No comment. >> Super. or Miss Fgera, >> I concur with uh Miss Miss Aquino and her sentiments on the calendar. I expressed this during CNT. I would like us to revisit it because I received more
complaints than I can count, including just now in the hallway by some that were exiting. So, I share the same sentiments. Um, and I also want to very quickly add a um some reminders I just received from the FPTA on their behalf. I know it's not at the appropriate time,
but better late than never. Their family book club starts tomorrow and the second session will be Thursday of next week. All books and crafts are free if you would like to join. They're going to announce their raffle winners um of April 30th and May 30th. Uh May 30th will be announced of their
family fun day, which is their big endofear um culminating activity for the school. And the end of year family fun day is going to be a carnival theme which is also free for families. That is all. Thank you. >> Thank you. I have no comment. Um, so
we're moving motion to recess in confidential session. Resolve that the board meet in confidential session for the purpose of discussing negotiations, personnel, matters, matters of attorney, client privilege, pending or anticipated litigation, confidential pupil matters be resolved that the matter that the
matters discussed in confidential session be disclosed to the public when the reason for confidentiality no longer exist. Action may be taken. Need a motion. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. All those in favor. >> We're in close session. Thanks every
to return in from uh returning from close session. Roll call. Mrs. Roll call. Mrs. Miss Shony. >> Mrs. Shino. M >> Mrs. Aquino >> here. >> Ms. Brett >> here. >> Mrs. Fitzgerald >> here. Mrs. Melendez >> here. >> Mrs. O'Neal >> here. Mr. Orizillo >> here,
>> Mr. Petri >> here, >> Mrs. Faggera >> here, >> Dr. Girardano >> here. Uh, make a motion uh on the recommendation 10.2 resolved that the board of education upon recommendation of the superintendent continue the suspension of student 6501-7980
with the provision of home instruction until April 20th. Be it further resolved that the student be revalued by the child study team. The student is not permitted on any board of education prior during the period of her suspension of their suspension and alternate placement. Is not per permitted to participate in any sports, extracurricular or any other school
sponsored events until such time she may be readmitted to the district. >> So moves >> with the re-entry meeting. What am I doing? >> Yeah. Until she may be readmitted to the district. Yeah. John and Mr. Mr. Gar's going to put that in his letter. >> Yeah.
>> So Mr. Mr. Aquino second that >> second. >> I mean Miss Quino moved it a second. Thank you. Roll call. Miss Shony. >> Mrs. Aquino. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fitzgerald. >> Yes. >> Ms. Brett. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Melendez. >> Yes. >> Mrs. O'Neal? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ozilla? >> Yes.
>> Mr. Petri? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Faggera? >> Yes. >> Dr. Gordano? >> Yes. Motion to adjurnn? >> Yes. Yes. >> All those in favor? I. We're >> adjourned. Everyone be careful.