ready. Okay, I'm ready. Good morning, everyone. I want to thank you all for coming. It's wonderful to see you. I can't believe it's already February. I'd like to call this meeting to order. The New Jersey Open Public
Meetings Act was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advanced notice of and to attend the meeting of public bodies at which any business affecting their interest is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the
provisions of this act, the state board of education has caused notice of this meeting to be published by having the date, time, and place thereof posted in the Department of Education, Secretary of State's office, and notice
has been given to the state house press, the governor's office, and the state board agenda subscribers. And as a quorum is present, I would like to call this meeting to order. May I please have a motion?
Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Um, may I please have a second? Thank you very much. All those in favor, please say I. I. >> Any opp any opposed, please say nay.
Okay. Motion carries unanimously. Um, we will come back We will adjourn into executive session and then we will be back probably about I'm guessing 10:15. Thank you so much. We'll see you soon. Thank you.
Remember that teacher who changed your life? You could be that teacher. New Jersey has some of the best public schools in the country with competitive salaries and valuable benefits. Be that teacher. Visit teach inspire.nj.gov. Remember
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Gov. Remember that teacher who changed your life. You could be that teacher in New Jersey. You'll help shape the next generation alongside a dedicated community of educators. New Jersey has some of the best public schools in the country with competitive salaries,
valuable benefits, and a solid pension plan. So be that teacher. Make an impact. Teach Inspire New Jersey. To learn more, visit teach inspire.nj.gov. If you're a teacher, you've had students tell you how much you mean to them. And
for everyone who does, more feel that way, but may not say it. Remember that teacher who changed your life. You're that teacher to a lot of people. Teach Inspire New Jersey. If you're a teacher, you've probably had students tell you how much you mean to
them. And for everyone who does, there are more who feel that way, but may not say it. You can't know how many, but it's more than you think. Because you've done more than teach. You've inspired. Remember that teacher who changed your
life? You're that teacher to a lot of people. Teach inspire New Jersey. Jersey. invited. Remember that teacher who changed your life? You could be that teacher. New Jersey has
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New Jersey. To learn more, visit teach inspire.nj.gov. Go. If you're a teacher, you've had students tell you how much you mean to them. And for everyone who does, more feel that way, but may not say it. Remember that teacher who changed your life. You're
that teacher to a lot of people. Teach Inspire New Jersey. If you're a teacher, you've probably had students tell you how much you mean to them. And for everyone who does, there are more who feel that way, but may not say it. You can't know how many, but
it's more than you think. Because you've done more than teach. You've inspired. Remember that teacher who changed your life? You're that teacher to a lot of people. Teach. Inspire. New Jersey. Good morning.
Thank you. Okay. Well, we have a very, very good meeting today coming up for you. So, um I'd like to go back out of executive session at this time. Whereas in order to protect the personal
privacy and avoid situations sorry wrong one that would serve the open public meetings act permits public bodies to exclude that. So we had our executive session and now I'd like to bring us
back into our public meeting. Whereas consistent with the provision of NJSA 10 col4-12B, the state board will now adjourn from executive session to resume our open session portion of our meeting. May I
please have a motion? >> So move. >> May I please have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you. Um all those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Thank you. And now, um, I'd like to
please ask Mary Bennett if she would lead us with the pledge of allegiance. To the flag of the United States of America, to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice
for all. Thank you very much, board member Bennett. Welcome back. It's good to see you. Happy February. Um, as the state board meetings are accessible to the public for viewing on YouTube channel, I would like to advise
you that YouTube provides readily accessible language translations and options for closed captioning. If you are viewing our simalcast currently, you can use the settings option in YouTube for information regarding any subtitles,
translations, closed captioning and multiple languages. So, we had our meeting on January 7th and um I would like to ask for approval of the minutes from January 7th.
Thank you very much. Board member Bennett may please have a second. Thank you very much, Dr. Kenan. Um, today, beginning at 100 pm, the state board of education will receive testimony from registered members of the public on the
draft revisions of the New Jersey teaching and learning standards in our five content areas. This marks the third and final regional hearing on draft revisions. Our state board members who are hearing public testimony today are
Dr. Ned Johnson, board member Mary Bennett, board member Janette Pñena, and I will also be there scheduled for public testimony today. Public testimony will not be held in March as there are
no topics scheduled. Um today our state board uh student representative is um taking test and exams due to the snow uh closings and the late openings that they had. So she will not be able to join us today. She
is from East Brunswick High School, Middle Sex County, a tremendous student leader and I know we're all going to miss her. But Kayn has school commitments and will be here next month. So now we have uh very exciting a
resolution in recognition of career and technical education month in New Jersey. And I'm honored to ask um our state board to consider a resolution designating February 2026
as our career and technical education month officially in New Jersey. CTE month, as it's called, CTE, is a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of the entire CTE
community throughout the state. Our CTE offer students across New Jersey a wealth of opportunities and include earning college credits, obtaining industry recognized certifications, and engaging in workbased learning
experiences. Um before we read the resolution, I would like to ask our board please for a motion to um hear the resolution. Thank you very much. Board member Shahada. May I please have a second?
Thank you very much. Board member Barry. Um I don't think we'll have any discussion about it yet, but board member Barry, would you please read our resolution? >> It would be an honor. as you are the chair of CTE. Thank you. Resolution in
res in recognition of career and technical education month in New Jersey. Whereas the month of February 2026 has been designated nationally as career and technical education month by the
association for career and technical education. And whereas teachers, administrators, and school counselors involved in career and technical education help more than 137,800
secondary and post-secary students in New Jersey pursue a range of career pathways. And whereas career and technical education programs incorporate a rigorous academic core coupled with highlevel technical curriculum to
deliver opportunities for students to earn college credit industry valued credentials and work-based learning to be college and career ready. And whereas career and technical education prepares
New Jerseyians for the jobs that exist today and equips them with the skills employers will need in the future. Whereas the New Jersey Department of Education has continued to implement a variety of career and technical
education initiatives including the artificial intelligence technology in career and technical education pathways. Building capacity for career pathways elevate career and technical innovations. Exports industry career
exploration, elevating high quality work-based learning and expanding career pathways in artificial intelligence programs. And whereas career and technical education offers opportunities for student leadership experiences
supporting personal and professional growth through seven state career and technical education organizations currently serving approximately 51,900 middle school, high school, and college
students in New Jersey through membership in Future Business Leaders of America. FBLA, National FFA, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America organization, Family Career and Community Leaders of
America, FCCLA, DECA, an Association of Marketing Students, HOSA, Future Health Professional Technology Students Association, uh, TSA, and Skilled USA.
Now therefore, be it resolved that the New Jersey State Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education hereby recognize February 2026 as career and technical education month in New Jersey and the potential of career and
technical education to fully prepare stu for postsecary success. >> Thank you very much. So, um, we have a motion on the table for that. We have a second. Are there any comments at this time before we
vote? Hearing none. All those in favor, please um signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed? Please signify by saying nay. Any abstensions? Motion passes
unanimously. And while we're doing the voting, may I please go back to um our acceptance of the minutes from January's meeting and vote on that. All those in favor of accepting the
minutes from our January 7th meeting, please say I. I. Any opposed, please say nay. Any abstensions? I have the state one abstension. Thank you very much. And the motion carries. Thank you very much.
Okay, so now we will go ahead and um hear from our commissioner. Do we have the CTE people here? I didn't see you. I'm sorry. Please take the podium. I'm sorry.
President like to thank President >> for this resolution In recognition of career and technical education month, it is an honor to accept the resolution on behalf of New Jerseys 21 county vocational technical school districts
and larger CTE community. Strong support from state board of education members who also serve as New Jerseys state board of career and technical education helps ensure New Jerseys CTE programs are among the best, if not the best, in
the nation. Today's CTU offerings are not the same as they were 30 years ago. Students have access to wide range of programs that meet the economic needs of our state. And thanks to the funding from the Securing Our Children's Futures Bond
Act, our schools are adding or expanding many programs in direct response to both local and statewide labor demands. These include programs in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, aviation, biotechnical, environmental
science, the health sciences, welding, and much more. Each of these programs is taught in a classroom equipped with state-of-the-art equipment used by professionals. CT programs are highly engaging because students learn by doing. These specialized classrooms are
here to help our students. Whether students are learning in research labs or an a airplane hanger, our work with our peers is different than the trades to build a home. The the knowledge that these students are gaining is invaluable. All CT students share a common
understanding that what they are learning has a direct application to problems they will face in their everyday lives and in their careers. They gain additional insight and guidance from instructors who come straight from industry, bringing with them years of experience and
professional connections to share. With support from these instructors and also through strong partnerships, a hallmark of career and technical education, our programs open doors. Employers partner partners help connect classroom learning to work-based learning opportunities and
encourage students to explore their interest, discover their talents, and take a step forward towards meaningful futures. Higher education partners help students earn college credit while still in high school and make college more accessible.
And CT programs not only benefit students, they play a vital role in preparing the future workforce and subsequently strengthening our economy. As we observe career and technical education month, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our state's career programs and celebrating their
impact. By investing in CTE, we invest in opportunity, innovation, the future of our community. I want to close by thanking everyone who supports CTE Education New Jersey, the dedicated educators and staff at each school, as well as the business partners and our
community partners who have direct impact on our students. Their commitment ensures that students graduate with skills that are relevant, competitive, and in demand. They're responsible for helping us raise the bar in New Jersey and serve as a model for
how to deliver highly effective CT programs to everyone we serve. Thank you again for this honor. >> Thank you. >> Have a great day. >> Thank you. >> Wait, don't go. >> And Jackie Burke, who is the director of
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Yes. Thank you so much. I've been to almost all the CTE programs in our state and it's remarkable what they do and what they bring for their students. So, thank you again. Thank
you. Okay, so now we will go ahead with our commissioner's report. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Uh there are no commissioners reports this month, so we can move right into the items for consideration. And uh the the main event and the reason I suspect most of you are
here uh is for appointments. And I am presenting today three candidates uh for the board's consideration. And the first uh is Dr. Lily uh Lux uh as assistant commissioner for the division of
educational services who will report to the commissioner of education. And that is a weird sentence I think for many of you to understand. Uh so uh just to back up a little bit I think you all are aware Governor Cheryl has nominated the outstanding and I think overly qualified
uh Dr. Lily Lux for this position. uh as a prerequisite for her serving as acting commissioner of education, she needs to be confirmed by this body as an assistant commissioner uh and she will be doing so for the division of education services. So uh with that I I
want to put that forward to the board. >> Thank you sir. Um so I'd like to start we we did get to speak and and meet together today and um ask a lot of questions in executive session. So, with that known, uh, may I please have a
motion to consider the appointment of Dr. Lily Lux as the assistant commissioner for the Division of Education Services? >> Thank you very much. I appreciate it. May I please have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you very much. Is there any
discussion at this time? >> Please. >> Uh, we're just welcome to have you, Dr. Lok. Uh, you're going to be amazing. you have big shoes to fill, but I do believe you're going to do great things here in New Jersey, and we're looking forward to working with you. >> Very, very impressed with our
conversation. Thank you very much. We're looking forward to working with you. >> As I told you during the interview process, I have a mental checklist. I think you were in the room when I said it, maybe not, but I have a mental checklist. And as you went through your
conversation, I put a checkbox by just about everything. I was very impressed with what you had to say, very impressed with your background and your resume. I definitely look forward to working with you. >> Thank you. Anybody else at this time?
All right. All those in favor, please uh signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. Any opposed? Please signify by saying nay. Any abstensions at this time? Hearing none. Congratulations.
Would you like to please address the public? And thank you. >> Excuse me. Should clear my throat. Would you like some water? I'm okay. Thank you. Just needed to do that. Um, thank you all. This is a tremendous honor and as I shared with the board, I thank them
for their incredible service to the state of New Jersey. I know this is an unpaid and difficult job. I'm very honored that Governor Cheryl has entrusted me with this vision of how do we continue to take what's already great in New Jersey and make sure that we have tremendous opportunity for every single
student and we continue to make sure that we just improve those schools. Um, as the board alluded to and as I shared with them, public schools are essential to who I am and my life story. I was raised by a single mom who moved to a community where she had no ties because she heard that the public schools were
pretty good and she thought that they would give me and my brother an opportunity that she didn't have and that really turned out to be the case. So my opportunity to go to college and then to become a teacher really helped set me up for this path. As a teacher,
it was really clear to me the incredible potential in all of my students and also that there were some pretty extreme systemic barriers that were making their lives harder, our school district's lives harder, and my life harder as a teacher. So, I had the opportunity to
work on how do we remove systemic barriers for students in Texas. As I've shared, I'm not actually a Texan, but I have a wonderful run and I'm reaclimating to winter. And I'm really really honored to be entrusted with the opportunity to continue to make New Jersey public education even better than
it is today. And so I look forward to working collaboratively with this board um and with many members who are here today as interested parties and all of our educators and leaders in the state to do great things for students. So thank you again. It's a tremendous honor and I look forward to working with
everyone. Thank you. Thank you so much. And so just to close the loop on this uh with that affirmative v vote uh from the board uh I am in the the lucky position to formally nominate uh Dr. Lux to uh rise to acting commissioner uh at the end of
the day today and I will uh resign from the position. So it'll be a a nice nice swap. So congratulations and I know you're going to do great. Moving to the next appointment for you all to consider. Uh I'm putting forward
Dr. Joseph How as the assistant commissioner for the division of finance and business services where he will report to the commissioner of education. >> Thank you. So again, we had the opportunity to uh meet and discuss
experiences and all the different um ideas that will hopefully be much more elaborative when we get you in the chair. But um would I I'd like to please ask for a motion at this time to make him the official acting
commission assistant commissioner. The assistant commissioner. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Board member Bennett, may I please have a second? Thank you very much, board member Shahada. Um, any further discussion at this point?
I have to say, hearing all of the things that you've already experienced, it was quite exciting to know that you've had all those experiences. So, I look forward to working with you and and you helping New Jersey through the budget that we're going to need. Thank you. Um,
so we have a a motion. We have a second. Any other discussion at comments at this time? Hearing none. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposed, please say nay. And any abstensions, conflicts of
interest at this time. Motion carries. Thank you. And next. >> And uh >> absolutely. Would you like to speak, sir? Please come introduce yourself. >> Very tough act to follow. Uh say that uh
very excited to be working with the administration. Uh Commissioner Locks, uh the governor, uh I like to thank Commissioner Demer uh for his many years of service, Department of Education. I was a big thorn in his side all these years and now I'm on the other side of
it. So, you know, hopefully people are kind to me. uh you know uh I think we have you know there's no small challenges in education but we have the leaders uh in place in the commissioner and the governor to be equal to that
challenge. Uh you know going forward uh I think there are many exciting things we'll be seeing in education for from our state for our students. I had the opportunity to be at the state board of education meeting last year for career and technical education month uh where
one of my students was um honored for their work in CTE and just seeing all the amazing things we're doing. I know we're going to be doing a lot of school visits and classroom visits and just getting out there uh to see why this work matters to see the results of it.
you know, uh, a lot of times, you know, especially in what I do, we're looking at spreadsheets and numbers and it's all very abstract and then you get out there and you get to read to a classroom of kindergarteners and you hear all their questions and you say, "Wow, you know, what we do really makes a difference."
And, you know, that's what all of our educators do uh, every day. That's what you do as uh, as board members. And I'm very excited to be part of the team. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Congratulations, Joe. Welcome to this side of the fence where you take the
complaints. >> U so moving to the last recommendation I have for you all and that is for Christopher Williams to serve as chief of staff who again will report to the commissioner of education. >> Thank you. Again, we had the opportunity to meet and um and find out a bit more,
which um was wonderful. So, may I please have a motion to accept Mr. Christopher Williams as chief of staff? >> Thank you very much, Dr. Keen. And may I please have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you very much, board member Shahada. Um
any discussion at this time? All right. All those in favor please say I. >> I. >> I. >> Any oppose please say nay. Any abstensions please signify. So at this time
sir it is it is absolutely um absolutely voted every board member. Yes. Thank you. And would you like to please come and speak? Thank you very much. Hi everyone. Uh it's really great to be
here. Um I'm also honored uh to be in this position. Um it's been a I started about a week and a half ago and uh it's been great getting to know all the folks at the department. I appreciate all the conversations we've had with the assistant commissioner so far. It's been wonderful meeting uh the board today. Uh
Commissioner Demer, it's been I can't thank you enough for a smooth transition as well. Uh it was really great. I've known you for a few years, but it was really good to work with you these last two weeks here. Um, I'm a product of uh the New Jersey school system. I take a lot of pride in that. Uh, when I was coming out of uh Ruckers to to be an
educator, I did not know I would end up being uh chief of staff here at the department. So, uh it's really cool to uh see all that come uh full swing. Um a lot of the work we got to do is going to come from collaboration and and relationships with everyone in this room. U so that's not lost on me. and I
uh whether we met years ago or we met today, I really look forward to working with all of you uh and delivering for all 1.4 million uh of our students here. So, thank you and uh have a great day everybody. >> Thank you very much and we look forward to working with you. So, thank you. >> Congratulations.
>> Congratulations indeed. Um, >> right. And I go ahead >> just going to the other half of the room I think came for the certification of school districts or other agenda item. Um, so I have some sorry news for you. We do not have any districts for certification. So
that does conclude our items for consideration. >> No, not yet. >> Okay. So it's um a very bittersweet moment. We have some wonderful new people joining us and we welcome them
wholeheartedly. But um the board and the department have so enjoyed working with you. Um as announced, Commissioner Damer will conclude his tenure at the end of the
day as the commissioner and it brings to close a hallmark career at our Department of Education. It is fitting that the state board should honor Commissioner Damer, not only for his service and his accomplishments as
commissioner of education, but also for his enduring professional career at the Department of Education. Kevin, you've been dedicated, mindful, a valuable member of the department, and the experience that you brought and
helped our Department of Education and the board over this past 20 years has been overwhelming and praiseworthy. On behalf of the state board of education, I would like to thank you for your
service and prevent and present a resolution to you. And therefore, as I know you're a bit shy and I don't want to embarrass you. However, I'd like to please have a motion to read a resolution.
>> Thank you very much, Dr. Butcher. And Mary Bennett, I see you saying second and I third. Good. All good. We're good. >> All right. >> Let it be known that we're 10 seconds, >> right? So,
I'm trying not to cry. I hid it in front of you. Sorry. Whereas Mr. Kevin J. Damer has served with integrity and distinction as commissioner of education, including
service as acting commissioner and interim commissioner on multiple occasions and is being honored for his exemplary leadership of the New Jersey Department of Education. And whereas
Commissioner Damer began his career at the New Jersey Department of Education as an intern and over the course of nearly two decades of public service rose through the ranks to become commissioner, reflecting a deep
institutional knowledge of the Department of Education and a lifelong commitment to public education. And whereas throughout his career at the Department of Education, Commissioner Damer held numerous senior
leadership roles, including assistant commissioner for the division of finance and business services and chief financial officer, where he oversaw the administration of state education
funding representing approximately onethird of the state's annual budget as well as more than $1 billion in education federal funding. And whereas Commissioner Damer played a central role
in supporting efforts to fully fund New Jerseyy's school funding formula under the school funding reform act SFRA and the first time in state history he did this. And whereas during coid9
pandemic, Commissioner Damer led steady leadership to New Jerseyy's public education system, guiding the safe reopening of schools, supporting students and educators during unprecedented
disruption, and helping administer more than$4 billion dollars of federal coid9 relief funding. to New Jersey school districts. And whereas Commissioner Damer was the
architect of the state's efforts to close the digital divide during the pandemic, leading the development and implementation of initiatives that expanded access to devices and connectivity
for students and educators statewide, thereby ensuring continuity of instruction and longterm improvements in dig digital access. And whereas during his tenure,
Commissioner Damer advanced landmark education initiatives, including the expansion of highquality statef funded preschool, as well as efforts to strengthen early literacy instruction,
support student mental health, and promote academic recovery and resilience in the post pandemic era. And whereas Commissioner Damer's leadership has been marked by a commitment to fiscal
responsibility, collaboration with educators and stakeholders, and unwavering focus and improving outcomes for New Jersey students. And whereas
after almost 20 years dedicated to the betterment of public education in New Jersey, Mr. Kevin J. Damer is concluding his service as commissioner of education.
Now therefore be it resolve that the New Jersey State Board of Education hereby expresses its sincere gratitude to Mr. Kevin J. Damer for his years of dedicated service to the students, the
ed the educators, the families of New Jersey, the people in the department of education, the state board of education members for his leadership as commissioner of education, and be it further resolved
that the New Jersey State Board of Education honors Mr. Kevin J. Damer for his distinguished record of public service and extends its best wishes for continued success
and fulfillment in all of your future endeavors. So, >> we have we have a a motion. We have a second. All those in favor, please say I. >> I.
>> Any opposed? All right. I won't say any abstensations. Kevin, the mic is yours, sir. >> I think you should come over there. >> She can tell you. >> Come on.
You do get to keep it forever. So, in the realm of unexpected, this is up there. Uh, and obviously I'm not making this easy. Uh, that Thank you so much. I think uh this is I think it was
you could kind of hear it's emotional to our board president and it's obviously emotional for me hearing you lay out my life like that. Um, I do have two kids in the school system, so guys, keep it up. Uh, so I I won't
belabor the point. Uh, I just want to say that I moved here about 1,500 miles away from where I grew up. And everyone in this room and all the people I worked with over the years became my adopted family. So, I appreciate it. Thank you. And I love you all. And please stay in
contact. Senior Would you like to come up and take a picture with a reach out. I just had a couple things that >> just um communication
Um I know that um Mr. Damer, did you want to say any more remarks? >> Probably not. >> Okay. So, so we're going to go ahead to um unless anybody wants to say something
because I don't want to cry anymore. So, you guys can say something if you'd like. >> I've told him this and I've told it to many people. I've told it to some of the education educational leaders that are out in the audience today. He's one of
the best. I've been through 12 commissioners in my 35 years. He's one of, if not the best. You need to follow him. Keep him in your hearts. He's great. >> Thank you. Um, yes, sir,
>> Kevin. Uh, it's been a true honor, pleasure to work with you and multip multiple capacities during my time here on the state board. just want to wish you continued success in your next endeavors. Thank you. >> I I'll let's pass it around the table.
Kevin, thank you for your service you have and your leadership. Um I wish you all the best and please let us know how your little ones are doing too. I always enjoyed those stories. But you know what? You understood the importance of education. Um and I thank you for that.
Um, as as one of the junior members of the um, New Jersey Board of Education, I just want to say thank you. Um, it has not been a long time and I know I I'm going to just put this out there. Sometimes I'm not easy. My husband and my daughter remind me every single day
and you always made me feel heard and I appreciated that so much and I learned a lot from you in the short time that I've been here. So, thank you. I know you're going to do great things. One door closes, another one opens. Um the DMV website, if you can do anything about
that, just putting that out there. Uh thank you for everything that you um have taught me. Thank you. >> No challenge being too small. Um, I I'll say that in addition to being
an exemplary leader, the work that you've done in creating succession planning is is it's admirable and it really has set up our incoming leaders for just success from day one, which I I guess starts first thing tomorrow. So,
thank you for that. Especially, >> Commissioner Damer, I want to thank you for the collaborative spirit that you've brought to the work. I came in in January 2024 and I think you joined us March of that year and I had questions
and concerns and you were responsive. I appreciate collaboration that turns into people listening, sharing and then taking action. When I came back to you in December with my list of questions about Cambium and how it was rolling out
and concerns in the field, you convened a special meeting for Kathy and myself and we met and talked and you gave me answers that made sense that now as we get ready for spring assessment and I'm hearing from the field again, people are
feeling okay, they heard us. So, I thank you for all the work that you've done over these 20 years, and I thank you for the collaborative spirit you've demonstrated during the time that I have served. Best wishes. You and your little guys and your wife will be just fine.
>> Terrific. I have people on online also. Did you want to say something? >> I got else did. So, I think it's only right at this point. Uh, Commissioner, it's been an honor and a pleasure. Appreciate your sense of humor. Definitely made things a lot more interesting. uh you took some very boring topics and then got us really engaged. Um hope your commute to your
new office isn't too bad. >> All I got. >> Thank you. Um board member Arcelio Aante. >> Uh Kevin, uh I echo fellow board members uh sentiments and just want to wish you
well. Thank you again for your leadership and your service and uh look forward to hearing more about your new role. So take care and wishing you well. >> Thank you, Dr. Ricka. >> Thank you so much, Commissioner. Just
thank you. It's been a a true pleasure working with you. Um your your commitment to the students of the state of New Jersey is unparalleled and all of my colleagues, I think, really summed it up. It it has just been wonderful working with you and looking forward to to hearing about the the the next
professional chapter. So, thank you very much and and God bless. >> Thank you. Um I think that that's it from our board members and um I'll just >> Oh, I would like Mr. Fernara.
>> Yes, Kevin, I want to give you thumbs up. Okay. You are the best of the best and I know you're going to be very successful in whatever you do. We miss you. We love you. You're the
best of the best. Thank you for your service. >> Well said, Jack. Thank you. Um, and I just want to thank you for being so collaborative and trustworthy because I know whatever was discussed, you not
only spoke with knowledge, you spoke with dignity and passion and truth. And so, thank you so much. Um, sure you don't want to speak. >> Well, so thank you all again. I I I
truly appreciate it and the the the kind words really really resonate. I I think the interesting thing about public education is this like the work that we do. Um it feels like we're in the trenches together in some ways, but
we're all pulling in the same direction. So we it it becomes this uh community. Um and and so I can't I can't thank you all enough for the the camaraderie, the discussions, pushing me, Janette,
pushing me every time. But um but it it made us think uh and push hard and and that made us all better. And uh Lily uh when it comes this time for you to be in this seat, you're going to feel that same thing.
And that that connection with everybody is is palpable. And just just one note, I noticed another trick you guys pulled on me. Uh my wife is in the audience and um >> uh so this what I did here would not
happen without support of her and her taking care of our kids. So, thank you. >> Well, um, is there any new business before we conclude? >> Uh, thank thank you, Madam President. Just like to uh update everyone. You all
uh got invitations, but I just want to let you know uh February is Black History Month. Uh the Amastad Commission uh conducted a regional African-American history contest this past Saturday. Uh it was down at Pleasantville uh high
school. I had tremendous turnout of students. Uh there were two bus loads of students from Camden. Uh students from Pleasantville local areas, parents, administrators, teachers. Uh so I want to commend uh those students for taking
the time on a Saturday to come out. Uh, this student engagement activity was designed for elementary students in grades four and fifth. Uh, the goal of the event was to highlight New Jersey's African-American and African history,
the contributions that have been made to both United States and world history. Uh the contest was an opportunity to empower students to successfully develop research, writing, public speaking, and critical thinking skills as well as
pride in being a citizen of the state uh of New Jersey. Uh the Northern New Jersey event is going to be held on Saturday, uh February 14th. Uh if you can join us then, uh that's going to be at William Patterson University. Uh in
addition uh the commissions collectively are going to be celebrating a women's history month program. Uh it's called let's celebrate women's achievements as trailblazers. That'll be held on Saturday um March 14th from 9 to 1:00
p.m. And the location will be uh the Kathleen Ludwick Center at Ruckers uh University. So, just if we could give a round of applause for our students, the commissions, and the great job they do uh talking about heritage across the state of New Jersey. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Very nice. I'll be there. Um Okay. Any other new business? Hearing none. May I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion.
>> Thank you. May please have a second. >> Are you taking both? >> Put my foot down. >> Mary Beth Barry seconded. Thank you. All those in favor please say I. I. >> I. >> Um motion carries unanimously and
everyone have a wonderful safe month in February. Thank you.