Okay, good morning everyone. Thank you so much for being here. I want to put a special uh have a good Mother's Day out there for those involved. Uh let me begin this meeting officially 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 the public bodies at which any business affecting their interest is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of the 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 cores, the governor's office, and the state board agenda subscribers. And as a quorum is present,
this meeting will now come to order. May I please have a motion? So move. Thank you, board member Barry. May I please have a second? Thank you very much, board member Shahada. Um, all those in favor, please say I. I.
I. Thank you. Um and whereas in order to protect the personal privacy to and to avoid situations where in the public interest might be deserved, the open public meetings act permits public bodies to exclude the public from that
portion of a meeting at which certain matters are discussed. Now therefore be it resolved that consistent with the provision of NJSA 10 col4-12B the state board of education will now adjourn to executive session to
discuss personnel and legal matters. May I please have a motion? So move. Thank you board member Barry. May I please have a second? Second. Thank you very much board member Bennett. All those in favor please say I. I. I. Thank you.
It's unanimous. Um, any oppose, please say nay. All right. Um, we will be back and reconvene to resume the public portion of our meeting at 10:00 a.m. Thank you very much everyone. Come on. 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 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. Jersey.
Jersey. Visit the teach inspire punj. Okay, we'll go off. 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 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 busy. Jersey invitto. Jookov. 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 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.
invitto 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 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. Thank you everyone for being here. It's a pleasure to see you. The nice weather. We're all so lucky. And for those of you
who do celebrate Mother's Day, Sunday, just saying I'm doing a lot of microphone. Microphones off. Yeah. And now it's
on. So, welcome everyone. Thank you for being here. Um, I would like to reconvene the public portion of our meeting, please. Whereas, consistent with the provision of NJSA 104-12B. The state board will now
adjourn from executive session to resume the open session portion of our meeting. May I please have a motion? Motion. Thank you very much. I believe that was board member PA. May I please have a second? Thank you very much, board member Jada. We appreciate it. All those
in favor, please say I. I. I. Thank you, Jack. Any opposed, please say nay. All right. Unanimous. We're going to begin. Um, may I please ask Mary Beth Barry to
start with the pledge of allegiance? Thank you, President Goldber. I pledge allegiance algiance to the flag of the United States United States of America to the to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God,
indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Thank you board member Barry. Okay. So, we appreciate those of you who are here in person and I would like to announce those of you who are here remotely that the state board meetings
are accessible to all of the public and for viewing on department's YouTube channel. I would like to advise that YouTube provides readily accessible language translation options for closed captioning. If you are viewing this simalcast currently, you can use the
settings option in YouTube for information regarding subtitles, automatic translations, and closed captionings in multiple languages. Um, I'd like to please ask for
um those of you who would like to um vote on the minutes that occurred April 2nd, 2025 with our last board meeting. Um, all in favor of the minutes that have been
posted. Well, I'd like a resolution. I'd like a motion, please, first. So moved. So moved. Mary Beck very second board member Pñena. Thank you. All those in favor please. Is there anything that or first? Is there anyone who would like to
change anything about them or or have anything to say about them? Any comments? Hearing none. All those in favor please say I. I. I. Any opposed please say nay. All right. Abain. One. All those who
would like to abstain please abstain now. Thank you, Dr. Johnson. Okay. The state board regarding public testimony today. The state board will receive public testimony on any
educational topic of choice as this is an open topic public testimony opportunity as well as testimony on the readoption with amendments of chapter 8 standards and assessments. the amendments of chapter 9, 9A, 9B,
professional standards, New Jersey education prep programs, and state board examiners and certification. The state board members who are staying today are uh to hear public testimony are Mary Beth
Barry, Dr. Ned Johnson, Ahmed Shahada, Janette Pñena, and myself. So, we will be here listening. In June, the state board will not accept public testimony as there are no topics up for
discussion. Um, I would like to um introduce our permanent state board. Is she I can't say she's in AP exams. We're wishing her all best of luck. All right. That is never
easy. Um, so we'll go on to um say that our representative who has been doing a phen phenomenal job is Anna Pascowit. She's a senior at Palmyra High School in Burlington County and uh we're all wishing her the best of luck with her
test obviously. Now we'll go ahead and we're going to discuss the resolution in recognition of Nash National Speech Language Hearing Month in New Jersey. Um, I would like to please ask Miss Claudine, Dr. Claudine Keenan
to um read the resolution after if you don't mind. Um, we'll go ahead and hear the resolution. Thank you, President Goldenberg. Whereas the month of May 2025 is being
celebrated as National Speech Language Hearing Month. And whereas the New Jersey State Board of Education recognizes that many students have communication disorders and acknowledges the significance that the ability to communicate plays in building personal and societal
relationships as students grow and mature. And whereas National Speech Language Hearing Month is a time to raise awareness about communication disorders and to encourage children and families to receive appropriate screenings and
evaluations. And whereas National Speech Language Hearing Month is also a time to acknowledge the hard work of aiologists, speech language pathologists, and speech language and hearing scientists and the contributions they make that remarkably affect the lives of students in New
Jersey. And whereas these professionals are invested in serving the needs of students with speech, language, and hearing disorders to foster success in all aspects of their lives by prioritizing effective communication for the highest quality of life. And whereas
the New Jersey Speech Language Hearing Association supports students and professionals by its professional development offerings, advocacy efforts, and public awareness campaigns designed to ensure the high quality care is provided. And whereas it is both fitting
and proper that special recognition be given to acknowledge May 2025 as National Speech Language Hearing Month along with commending the New Jersey Speech Language Hearing Association for its role in providing outstanding service to professionals throughout the
state of New Jersey. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the New Jersey State Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education recognize May 2025 as National Speech Language Hearing Month in New Jersey. Thank you. Thank you so much. Um, so we've heard the resolution.
I'd like to please ask for a motion to accept it. Thank you. Board member Bennett, may I please have a second? Mary Beth Barry, thank you very much. Um, are there anyone on the board who would like
to have discussion about this resolution before we vote? Hearing none, seeing none from our remote members. All those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed, please say
nay. Any abstensions? Motion carries. Thank you very much. Um, would you like to offer remarks? Anyone? Commissioner? Yes. I don't have a list of who? Thank
you. Robin Canis, if if is Robin here? Oh, hi. Thank you. Yes. And um we'd like to ask you to the podium to say a few words. And thank you very much. And I believe
um Miss Scratchman isn't bad. Thank you. Okay. Yes, it was quite a trip getting here today from a lot of traffic. A lot a lot a lot. Um Commissioner Day, did I pronounce that correctly? All right.
Board President Goldenberg and esteemed board members. Um on behalf of New Jersey Speech Language Hearing Association, um we really appreciate the recognition and accept the resolution. Um we've
worked with the Department of Education for over 30 years. Um you've seen me here before presenting testimony. Um, and of course I really want to thank also the office of special education,
especially um, Kristen Gavinelli and the director Kim Murray for all of their willingness to collaborate with us on our concerns um, in order to best serve the children
of New Jersey. So, thank you very much and appreciates it. Thank you. Stay there. Okay. We have something for you. want to be official anymore. Okay, thank
you. They don't want to show. Thank you, sir. Yes, ma'am. Thank you so much. Thank you for all the work. Thank you. That's so important. Okay.
Um, so now I'd like to let the public know that we're at that time of the year where it's my my job to nominate or to appoint a nominating committee. And for next year, I'm very pleased that Mary
Bennett, board member Mary Bennett, will serve as the chair for this new for this new committee that operates for three months. And with her, working alongside her is board member Dr. Keenan and board member Janette Pñena. And so um they
they will get all of the board's thoughts for leadership for the 25 26 year and they will announce things next month and the vote is in July. So thank you so much. Um, also I would like to
speak about the state board calendar announcement. In our agenda is the proposed list of state board meeting dates and public testimony scheduled for 2025 2026. Um, share your thoughts with us. The
state board will vote on this resolution June 4th, 2025. So if you have thoughts about this, please write us. let us know anything um regarding that. And as far as state board committee reports, we're going to move
on in the interest of having our commissioner Damer go ahead with the meeting at this point, please. Sir, thank you so much. And this one is a really exciting agenda item. And uh I think many of you are aware that this is
National Teacher Appreciation Week. So it's fitting that today we're honoring an outstanding teacher and she is our Milin National Educator Award recipient for New Jersey. The Milin Family Foundation developed this award in 1987
to provide public recognition and unre unrestricted financial awards of $25,000 each to honor outstanding educators. Since then, the Milin Family Foundation has awarded more than $75 million to more than 3,000 distinguish
distinguished educators around the country. Milin recipients are obviously exceptional educators and this is evidenced by their effective instructional practices and student learning results. Educators selected for this award provide models of excellence
for the profession. Generally, recipients have established themselves as individuals with an engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts their students. Okay, I'm going to start from here.
recipients have established themselves as individuals with an engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts their students, colleagues, and communities. And you'll see that uh in in our candid in our uh awardee from New
Jersey. Uh on November 14th, 2024, I was able to do uh to do the big surprise, big reveal in New Jersey for Emily Litz. She is an an exceptional fifth grade teacher at the Malcolm E. in Nettingham Middle School. And just to pause there,
very cool backstory on the naming of that school uh from uh Tuskegee Airman uh a hero for all of us. So look it up. It's a cool story. Um and their namesake in their um in their mascot. So this is
in the Scott Plains Fanwood Regional School District. Uh she was awarded $25,000. And I'm going to turn it over uh hopefully momentarily for a video and you can watch the review. Technology is just one of the many
transformations in education that we're focused on in New Jersey schools. But that really comes down to the work of our dedicated teachers, supportive administrators, strong public engagement, and of course the hard work of all the kids here in using that
knowledge to bring about change. So together, all of those things bring us to an amazing school community. In my job, I travel around the whole country visiting schools and this is our only stop in the state. And we also heard you have great students here at Nettingham.
Is it true? Yeah. research and our own personal experience tell us the single most important education element determining how much you learn in school. It's the quality of the educators you encounter. Think for a
moment of all your favorite teachers. The good teachers make a difference. We wish that we could come here and present the Milkin Award to all the educators who've helped you. There's one in New Jersey. So, we found an individual to
represent the excellence of your school, your state, and the country. The Milkin Educator Award goes to Emily Litz. It's so easy to toil away and not think that you're making a difference. You do. And this this really proves it. I don't
know anyone who deserves a I truly believe that teachers are what create our future. The students in these buildings are who we are creating into adults and they're going to be the
people that one day take care of me. And all I can really ask for is that the kids are becoming good humans. And that's a a big line in my class. Let's be good humans. She's the teacher you remember decades later that made such an
impact on you. She's that. I was lucky to be joined at the assembly by President Goldenberg and member uh Mary Bennett as Emily was surprised obviously in front of her cheering students, education officials, community leaders, and media. I'm also thrilled
that she's here today and I see her poking her head out right there. Um, I'm now gonna turn it over to Dr. Jordan Schiff to walk us through the rest of our ceremony. Thank you, Commissioner Damer. I am privileged to be here today to honor an outstanding Milin National
Educator Award recipient. Today's tribute is about saying to our recipient that we recognize you, we value you, and we thank you. First, I would like to acknowledge our Milk program partners for their dedication to the program. I
will be reading the full list as some may be watching virtually. If any of you are in attendance here, we ask that you stand to be recognized. First, Vincent Deluchia, educa, educator specialist at the New Jersey Board of New Jersey School Boards
Association. Vicky Duff, coordinator professional learning at the New Jersey Principles and Supervisors Association. Colleen Escow, senior director of PO of public policy at the New Jersey Children's Foundation. Katherine Malone, chief
development officer at Junior Achievement USA. Patel Robertson, secretary, treasurer of the New Jersey Education Association. Sharon Roseboro, president of the New Jersey Parent Teacher Association. Melanie Schultz,
director of government relations at the New Jersey Association for School Administrators. And finally, Taylor Trust, a 2023 New Jersey Milin recipient and an assistant principal and director of student activities at Riverside Township High School in the Riverside
Township School District. Let's give all of our partners a big round of applause. It is now time to honor our newest Milin National Educator Award recipient, Emily Litz. Um before before we have um her
come up and accept her award with her County of Education officials and her district superintendent, I would like to read a short bio so we can learn more about this outstanding educator. Emily Litz created an inclusive, engaging atmosphere where her fifth grade
students feel empowered and supported at Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School. Through tailored lessons and teaching techniques appealing to students diverse academic needs, she incorporates hands-on inquirybased conceptual learning over memorization. Weaving fun
into her lessons and curriculum, Emily implements creative ways to capture her students interests. She transforms her classroom into a wilderness complete with a campfire where students share their writing pieces. Emily's math lessons encourage students to reflect on
the why behind their use of mathematical strategies to solve problems. While she constantly adjusts her lessons in real time based upon student feedback and understanding, Emily's positive influence extends to professional development where she volunteers often
to share her knowledge and experience utilizing inclusive teaching practices. She demonstrates her instructional and professional leadership through mentorship of fellow educators, contributes to the development of curriculum and pacing guides and implementation of new
programs with an emphasis on family involvement. She provides weekly updates to parents and shares photos of students participating in classroom activities. Before I call her up, I do want to recognize that no teacher develops their skills, talents, and
expertise in a vacuum. Probably the most influential people in a teacher's life are their parents. And today we have both of them here. Would you mind standing up? Emily's mother and father. I would like to call up Emily Litz to
accept her Milin National Educator Award and have her photo taken alongside of Union Union County Executive Superintendent Daryl Palary, County Education Specialist, Maria Mendes, and her district superintendent Joan Moss.
Let's keep Emily Let's give Emily now a big round of applause. Now, just going to pause for a moment to take some pictures. Then, we're going to open it up for the state board members to um to make some comments. I hate how they do it. had the opportunity to be in two
buildings when they offer great and it's like what's going on? We're having a rally. I'm going to get a check. like to just ask Emily just to remain here for a moment. We're going to turn it over to our state board members for any comments, thoughts, questions.
Madame Presidented and your joy and the students reacted to how much they love you. It made me cry because that's what I am so proud of you for bringing to all the students and I thank you for what
you've given of yourself because it was evident and I think Commissioner Damer when he said how many of you have used AI do you remember this and a few kids were like not me not me and he goes come on and then all of
them and it was so cute because you know We they were so comfortable admitting that it's helpful and that you were part of everything they do. So, thank you. Thank you. Good morning. It was a pleasure to be
present to res to witness you receiving this total surprise. The expression on your face was priceless and your kids were so so so happy and they cheered and I know that warmed your heart. So, we thank you. We hope that you've been
enjoying this and just keep up the wonderful work. Just outstanding. There is nothing better than watching an amazing educator and there's so many, but it's so awesome that your hard work is rewarded and your
face is just lights up the room. It's it that was such a fun video to watch and the kids you can't make that up. So well done. Keep up the good work. Um and I think it's infectious. So I think you're a bright light to the profession and so
many other teachers can learn from you as well. So well done. I think I forgot to mention many people call this the Oscars for teaching and so we're in we're in the company of true dignitaries. Um but and I Jordan kind of
talked through this but what you do in your classroom I think really resonates and not only to to all of us hearing of what you do like to bring the outside into the classroom but it clearly uh has an impact on students the entire school whether they had you as a teacher or not
knew you and they knew about you and what you do. So I think that's that's amazing and incredible and it's great to see you again and good luck with everything. Thank Thank you. Let's give Emily one more big round of applause. That wonderful honor and
distinct. Thank you, Commissioner. Thank you, board. And let's also give a big round of applause to all of the teachers. This is National Teachers Appreciation Week. In classroom after classroom after classroom, school after school, district after district, state after state,
teachers are working very hard to address the individual needs of all of the children uh the students in their care. Let's give them a big round of applause. Thank you. Byebye. Thank you. We're just going to pause for one minute then as folks uh please please feel free to step out.
Drive safely. And with that, we're going to ready to move on to the items for consideration. The the first item, item A, is appointments. Uh we don't have any appointments this month, so moving uh right along to uh agenda item B,
certification school districts. Since the December state board meeting, the executive county superintendents have finalized 39 NJQs evaluations for school districts. I'm recommending two of them uh for certification. Uh Mr. Ambrose Ducket, uh assistant commissioner, and
Carlos Spates, the coordinator for the division of field services are here to respond to any questions you might have. The districts recommended for certification are Atlantic County Mainland Regional High School and in
Warren County, Warren County Vocational Technical School. Thank you. Um, are there any questions or comments at this time? I I have a comment. Um, we had a a really I thought a good
conversation um during executive session about this. I and I said and I'll say again in public, I I'm losing sleep over this. It's we have two districts um out of and
37 districts score below 80%. Um I remember early on in the school year saying, "Okay, we're going to chip away at this and we're going to um by the next meeting, by the next review, we're going to start to see that
improvement." Um and I believe in New Jerseyy's teachers and I saw we just saw one of the best of the best. walk here. But she's not alone. There's many teachers that look like that. Um this is this is um we're seeing a
trend and it's not getting better yet. And when is it going to be get better? And here's the most troubling part to me is it's in instruction and programming. And when we look at the list
um 80% we have schools that are in the 70s and 60s um that's a problem. So can you just enlighten us in instructional and programming? Is it just based on one test or are there a number of factors
that are going into the IMP score? The majority of the districts that did not pass the 37 were because of the NJSLS, the performance of the students on the NJSLS. And that's why there's proposed changes for the upcoming year to
rebalance the weights and to um not lower the standard, but to help with growth model. And the redistribution should help with more districts passing on those indicators. 1 through 7 is what you're referring to. So yes, I think as
we see the the implementation of the standards um chapter 30 which we've talked about at Nauseium for the last couple of months um you will see more districts passing I'm sorry being certified. Yes. And and at the end of
the day we want to make sure our kids are walking instructional and programming. That's the most important part. I mean, I certainly want districts to have, you know, um be financially sound and but boy, I I lose sleep over
the fact that and I'm hoping yes, we're going to we made some changes to how we're going to, you know, look at that test. I don't want our whole life to be based on just one test. Are there other are the other factors though that go into IMP? Are we sure
that when we're looking at the numbers and balancing it all out, it's just based on the NJSLA or are are are there other red flags that you're seeing primarily? Um I'm sorry. Sorry, I just wanted and there because there are I
know you remember so like the first I think there's seven I think that expands to eight maybe under the revision. um that's looking just at test scores and then it's looking at implementation of curriculum and things like this. So it's it's somewhat you know across the board if you're not implementing curriculum at
a at a high level this plays out in the test scores. So it's it's a factor both of those here bit using kind of our old QAC model. Again this isn't implementing the revised version um that that you you've all been discussing uh as a
board. um it's primarily looking at at raw test scores and as we move into this next phase we'll have raw test scores plus be looking at stu at the growth of students in the district and I think that's a really important next step to
to look at the growth um and I just I'm going to and I'm going to call you out Ambrose you slipped into it and we talk about pass or fail this is I caught myself though commissioner due respect I caught myself um so we all say we're And so we we and I it's a it's a little bit
of a joke uh with all of us here in the room because I bring it up every time and so I'm going to bring it up again because I've got the I've got the microphone so to speak. Um this is a continuum and so when we see those districts in the high 70s they're very close to getting that that high
achieving level that does not this is not a pass fail type situation. Um, and those that are at 77 are just on the cusp of being high performing. And I think that that allows us to emphasize our efforts on those those areas that
just uh prevented them from achieving that that high bar of 80%. And focus our energies and and I really do think that as we move forward with this our our new model uh in into next school year, uh we'll see that. Um
thank you. Um, and board member Barry, you have to remember we're only testing in language arts, math, and science in certain grade levels. You know, there's a ton of subject areas that um our teachers are teaching and instructing upon. So, this is um a small glimpse at
what the totality of what makes up schools and education. Social studies is not taken into account. The fine arts are not taken into account and other areas are not taken into account. And then when you talk about matching the standards with the assessment the tool
um there's a delay in that and then you have the pandemic. So there's a number of factors that go into um where we are now. But as we progress with the changes we will see more districts that are certified as we move forward. But this
is an item of concern and this is something that we talk about with our partners, with other divisions um and especially with um our county partners as they work directly with our school districts. So we share your your concerns to add we look at graduation
rate and absenteeism. So those are improving as well and as you know they're great markers for education. So they are also improving and evident in IP and we certainly we had a robust discussion in executive about this as
Mary Beth had indicated we certainly want to do better and better and better and and with being able to identify subgroups and knowing how to find them make sure that we're giving them more supports is so important. But I'm speaking out of term
because Miss Cla Dr. Claudine Keenan would like to speak and then I'll speak more, please. Absolutely. Thank you, President Goldenberg. And I share uh with board member Barry an interest in making sure that the upcoming rounds are going to reflect more of that growth mindset that we've been we talk about it
as educators, but measurement science is itself all about constantly interrogating the system we're using. So, we're really looking forward to, and I don't want to speak for board member Barry, but but I I we had a great conversation about how changing the way
we look at measurements trades off different things and uh gives us a a fuller picture. We're very much looking forward to that and ongoing conversations about the use of assessment snapshots. Thank you. Thank you very much. Any other Yes, ma'am. Uh
board member Pena, please. So, this is marginally related to uh what we're discussing, but I just wanted to know, is there an update on the changes for the NJSLA for next year? I'm going to defer to Commissioner.
We're we're working on getting the contract finalized for the next vendor. Okay. Thank you. Because I think that will also have an impact. I'm hoping Agreed. You know. Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Um Dr. Johnson. Next, please. Thank
you. Um, can you talk a little bit about um the supports that are provided in between maybe like a full assessment and an interim review to u provide that structure, provide that support in those targeted areas where those districts
might just be coming up short of um that target mark. Absolutely. I'll start and then I'll turn it over to Mrs. Spates. But uh what we do is we work closely with our county partners, especially the ed specialists who work in concert with
the district to make sure that the curricula is tied into the current standards and that not only is it tied in, but that when it's delivered in the classroom that is delivered with fidelity. So that takes a lot of time,
that takes a lot of effort from the administrators in the district to make sure that what's reflected in the lesson plans ties into the standards, but is also being delivered with fidelity in the classroom. So we're asking you know not just for the scheduled visits but
for the pop-in visits into the classroom to ensure that the standards are being taught which aligns with the NJSLS which in turn is the results that we are seeing now. So that relationship, that communication and that dialogue
that happens between the county and the school district and the school district and the educator is ultimately um important and with what impacts the scores that you're seeing here. Yes. Office program staff also work with the ed specialists and the districts
directly to uh formulate improvement in student performance. And I suspect right now is when districts are beginning to give the spring assessment. Correct. Yes. So, um,
in some of my travels last week, that's what a lot of them were discussing. And I know in my old, um, capacity in schools, it was always a huge I would have to defer to um my partner um Dr. Schiff who is in teaching and
learning. How how quickly does this summer this summer this summer um so the timing is important and I and I think I know why you're asking that question because um you use data to to guide instruction right so the sooner we get the results out the sooner the districts
can use that to make decisions about placements for teachers and putting them as a school analogy on the right seat of the bus to support our students and um moving forward and growing um and being able to meet uh the standards that are
set for it. If I could just add one point and alluding to uh Miss Pena's uh question before as as we move into next generation assessments, part of the goal of that is to get data back more quickly to to help that feedback loop of
instruction. So that's that's something that's very much on our radar and something we're pushing forward as as we look ahead to what assessments look like in New Jersey going forward. And even though we need to consistently constantly try to do more,
provide more for our students, it was nice to read yesterday about New Jersey being number one in the country for public education for prek through senior year and um and I know we have so much
harder work to do and we're trying so hard, but it was very nice to read that. So, I appreciate um all of the work of our administration here, our administration in the buildings, our teachers in the buildings because
um as much as as we're trying to always do so much more than we have done and that is needed. Look how well we were compared nationally with other states. So, bravo to the staff of all the kids and the teachers. It's it's a
collaborative effort and uh you know my motto is high standards high support. Yes sir. Thank you. Anybody else have anything else to add? Hearing nothing. I would like to please ask for a motion to accept the mainland
Regional High School in Atlantic County and the Warren County Vocational Technical School. Um if I please ask for a motion to accept these two. Thank you very much. Board member Pena may please have a second. Thank you very much.
Board member Shahada. Uh any other discussion before we vote? Hearing none. All those in favor please say I. I. Thank you. Any opposed please say nay. Any abstensions due to conflict of
interest? Hearing none we will move forward. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for your hard work. Uh moving to agenda item C, religious holidays, uh calendar resolution. This is at adoption level. Uh and so I'm
presenting today the adoption resolution incorporating a list of religious holidays permitting student absences from the from school for the 202526 school year. The resolution acknowledges that some dates may vary due to differences in the lunar,
Gregorian, and Julian calendars. Once adopted, the list of religious holidays will be distributed to school districts and charter schools and will be posted on the department's website. Since the list of religious holidays was first presented for discussion in March, the
department received only one comment from a member of the public. And joining us again is Mr. Ambrose Ducket and Mr. Robert Gregory to address any questions you might have. What was the one comment? Uh the comment centered around concerns
that there were possibly too many religious holidays that were on the calendar. Thank you. And I believe the reply was that it's up to each local district where they incorporate based on the uh constituency
of their school population and staff. Right. Yes. That is Thank you. Thank you. Um because I don't want the public to think that we are absent all of those holidays. So all right. Thank you.
Um any other comments about our calendar? hearing none. Um I'd like to please ask for a motion. Thank you very much. Board member Shahada may I please have a second? Thank you very much. Board member Barry.
Uh any any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor please say I. I you uh any opposed please say nay. Any abstensions at this time
hearing? None. That's unanimous. Thank you very much. Thank you, Commissioner. Thank you. Thank you very much. Moving on to agenda item D, resolution to accept funds. Uh, today I'm pleased to announce the Howell Township Lions
Club has generously donated funds in the amount of $400 to the Department of Education's Marie H. Katzenbeck School for the Deaf for the sole use of supporting student activities such as field trips, yearbooks, and student clubs. Uh, as we've learned, these need
to be accepted by the state board. So, Miss Kathy Ailing is joining us uh to address any questions you might have. Any questions? Is 400 enough? Uh, every every little bit helps. We
will take any and all donations. They they're put to good use. So, thank you. Thank you very much. Assistant Commissioner E. Um, may I have a motion, please? Thank you very much. Board member Bennett, may I please have a second? Thank you very much, Board Member Pñena.
Um, hearing no one asking for more discussion. All those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed, please say nay. Any abstensions? Conflict of interest, please abstain. Hearing none, it passes unanimously. Thank you.
And moving to agenda item E, student transportation. Uh, today I'm presenting at proposal level. Uh, proposed amendment and new rules at chapter 27, which is student transportation. Chapter 27 establishes provisions for ensuring the safe transportation of students to
and from school and school related activities. The proposed amendment clarifies the rules related to an existing statute and the new rules establishing policies to implement new statutes. Uh last month, David Corso uh
and Alan Depri joined us and presented the amendments and they're here again today to address any questions you might have. Come on up, guys. Don't be afraid. Just one other note uh that there were no uh no additional changes uh come from
our last discussion. Uh correct commissioner. No additional changes. Uh the department received four comments um on the proposed amendments none of which um were uh in opposition of the uh amendments.
Did it um so there were no changes? No, no additional need. No changes at all. Okay. Um Yes, ma'am. Students who are attending work based learning activities, structured learning
experiences. Uh are they able to be transported um by a teacher um in a private car or Yes, that is. Yes, they are. And this is just adding on to existing
rules. So this allows to and from school by a school board to and from school, but in addition during the school day, if they're going out at 11:30 to go to a work site, are they able to be transported to a work site? Yeah. So
we're not changing we're not changing any of those rules that already existed there that allow that. This is only adding now where it's to and from school as well in addition. Okay. I just want I'm ready. I just wanted to make sure it's really important today that they I
can get young people. Did you want to add anything? I Oh, no. Okay. I'm sorry. I thought you worked. Okay. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. You're welcome. Okay. Um, thank you very much. I would
like to ask for a motion to accept the proposal for student transportation. Thank you very much, board member Pñena May. Please have a second. Thank you very much, board member Keenan. All those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed, please say
nay. Any abstensions at this time? We have one abstension from board member Shahada. Thank you, sir. Um, and it passes otherwise. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Moving on to our last agenda
item F. And today I'm presenting at second discussion amendments and new rules at chapter 69 professional standards and the 6A9 New Jersey educator preparation programs and 6A
6A9B state board of examiners 9A and 9B. The proposed amendments and new rules will align the three chapters to existing statutes and provide additional clarity to the field. Last month, Assistant Commissioner Ambrose Ducket and Miss Paula Bloom uh presented the
proposed amendments and rules and are here again today. Come on up to respond to any questions. Uh again, uh no changes since our last discussion and I don't believe we received any comments. No comments. Um but I'd be
remiss. Um, and commissioner, I may get called into the principal's office later today. You know, it's not beyond me to use a public forum to apologize to my wife. Um, so I
wife is in California now on a work trip, but I need this to be recorded for the record. Um, my wife is in the art industry and she works from home on Mondays and Tuesdays and I work from
home on Thursdays and Fridays. And now um there's a little story here that um I got injured in a workplace incident from home. Now the problem is um and Dave Corso,
assistant commissioner Corso was a witness to this. Um my wife and I had some tension because we were both working from home on the same day. She changed her day to Friday. There was some tension. There was a
little bit of back and forth. And as I finished my meeting, I was going upstairs to tell my wife what I felt about her changing her day and her reprimanding me for talking so loud and passionately. Now, while I was holding my computer, talking to assistant Corso
on the phone and walking up the stairs from the basement, I missed a step. I fell down. My computer went one way. My glasses went another way. My phone went another
way and all I could yelled in the phone to a sistero was, "I'll call you back." The humbling part about this is as I was about to go and redirect my wife, I had to change my stance and ask
her for our help because I cannot move up the stairs and I had to scoot bottom first up the stairs. Um, my wife helped me get to the couch and then she placed a bag of ice on my knee um, hard enough
so that it would not come off. Um, so I would like to wish my mother and my wife and all the mothers here a happy Mother's Day and like to apologize to my wife um, as she is hopefully listening to
this um, because as always I was wrong. With that being said, uh presenting the comic relief agenda item, this is on the nines. Thank you. This is uh chapter nine. Um last month we presented the
proposed amendments. Um and I've known you a long time. Um, I'm just gonna just gonna ask how long have you been married? 18 years this past April. Thank you.
TMI again. Go ahead. And hopefully we make it to 19 based on my behavior and actions. Are there any questions? I'm just about chapter nine. I'm Chapter nine.
There were um no public comments, so we're happy to answer any questions that you may have. Yes, ma'am. Just a comment. Thank you, President Goldenberg. I'd like to thank the department for promulgating regulations that really do help the teacher
preparation field, particularly in opening more pathways and reducing more barriers to entering. We completely support all of the department's continued efforts at ensuring rigor and preparation at the end, but removing the barriers at the beginning was extremely
important to the field. So the the absence of comments I think speaks volumes. Everybody approves. They're just too busy to tell you how welcome these regulations are. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Anybody else at this
time? Hearing none. Uh, we'll go ahead with our meeting. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. That's it. That concludes all of our agenda items. Turn it back over to board president. Thank you very much. Again, I want to
thank everyone for their passion to engage students, help them do more, have more abilities, help them have much more in regards to opportunities, and we appreciate everything that's being done.
We look forward to uh seeing everyone next month. And in the meantime, I'd just like to announce one of our board members is getting married this month. uh board member Shahada and uh just want to give you all of our congratulations
since we're being so yeah will help you all through remember that's right thank you um without any further ado may I have a motion to adjurnn please thank you very much I believe I heard board
member Pñena yell at the loudest second Please. Thank you very much, board member Bennett. Everyone have a great month and don't forget your moms on Sunday. Thank you. Yeah.