And everyone. Thank you. I'd like to please 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 course, the governor's office, and the state board of agenda subscribers. And as a quorum is present, this meeting will now come to order. May I please have a motion? So moved. Thank you very much, doctor Butcher. May I please have a second? Thank you very much, board member Shahada. And now all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? Alright. Moving on. Now that we have our, meeting officially beginning, I would like to adjourn to executive session.
Whereas, in order to protect the personal privacy and to avoid situations wherein the public interest might be disturbed, the open public meetings act permits public bodies to exclude the public from that portion of the meeting at which certain matters are discussed. Now, therefore, be it resolved that consistent with the provision of NJSA 10 colon four dash 12 b, the State Board of Education will now adjourn to executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters. May I please have a motion? Thank you very much.
Board member Shahada, may I please have a second? Thank you very much, board member Bennett. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed, please say nay. Any abstentions? We are now moving to executive session. Thank you so much. We will be back hopefully around between ten and 10:15. 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 teachinspire.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 teachinspire.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. 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. Gov. 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 teachinspire.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 teachinspire.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. 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 teachinspire.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 teachinspire.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. 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 teachinspire.nj.gov. I'd like to welcome you all. We have an extremely wonderful, day lined up for all of us today.
I'd like to reconvene and resume the public portion of our meeting, please. Whereas consistent with the provision of NJSA 10 column four dash 12 b, the State Board of Education will now adjourn from executive session to resume the open session portion of our meeting. May I please have a motion? Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Board member Shahada, may I please have a second? Thank you very much, board member Bennett. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed, please say nay.
Any abstentions? Hearing none, we will continue. I'd like to announce that we have Ma Dame in our presence today. If you'd stand up, she is the past president of the State Board of Ed, and we're very happy to have you here. Thank you. We're going to be led in the pledge of allegiance by board member doctor Butcher. So good morning. Happy New Year to everyone. It's great to see you. I'd like to, tell you that Trenton always welcomes you, so thank you for coming today. As the state board meetings are accessible to the public for viewing on the YouTube
channel, I would like to advise that YouTube provides readily accessible language translation options for closed captioning. If you are viewing our simulcast currently, you can use the settings option in YouTube for information regarding our subtitles, automatic translations, and closed captioning in multiple languages. And to begin our special part of the meeting, I have the pleasure of congratulating Mary Bennett on her recent reappointment reappointment by governor Murphy and confirmation by the state
by the New Jersey Senate to another term on the New Jersey State Board of Education. And, additionally, I have the honor and the pleasure of introducing our newest State Board of Education member, James c William the fourth. So as part of our protocol, today, both miss Bennett and mister Williams will take an official oath of office. As some of you already know, miss Bennett resides in Essex County.
She is an educator with extensive experience teaching in university and school settings, including community based agencies and not for profit organizations. Her new term will expire on 06/30/2030. Miss Bennett's friend, Deborah Smith Gregory, president of the Newark NAACP chapter, is here today to witness the swearing in ceremony. Mister Williams resides in Camden County.
He has extensive experience in leadership positions at not for profit organizations relating to fair housing advocacy, apprentice apprenticeship programs, and social justice. His term will also expire 06/30/2030. Mister Williams' wife, Tamika Williams, and parents, Diane Evans and James Williams the third are here today to witness our swearing in ceremony. The honorable judge Robert Logie is here to administer the oath of office to both
miss Bennett and mister Williams. Judge Logie is a judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey. We are extremely honored and pleased that judge Logie is with us here today. Judge Logie, thank you for coming. And would you please join miss Bennett near the podium for the swearing in ceremony? I Mary Grace Bennett do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support the constitution of The United States That I will support the Constitution of The United States. And the Constitution of the State of New Jersey.
And the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. That I will bear true faith and allegiance. That I will bear true faith and allegiance. To the same To the same. And to the governments established And to the governments established In The United States In The United States and in the state and in the state under the authority of the people Under the authority of the people. And that I will faithfully, impartially, and justly perform And that I will faithfully, impartially, and justly perform all the duties of the office all the duties of the office of member of the state board of education of member of the state board of
education according to the best of my ability. According to the best of my ability. So help me god. So help me god. Congratulations, ma'am. And now, mister Williams, would you please join judge Logie near the podium to take the oath of office? Okay. I James c Williams the fourth. Do affirm Do affirm. That I will support the constitution of The United States That I will support the constitution of The United States and the constitution of the state of New Jersey and the constitution of the state of New Jersey. That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
Until the government's established. Until the government's established. In The United States. In The United States. And in the state. And in the state. Under the authority of the people. Under the authority of the people. And that I will faithfully and partially and justly perform That I will faithfully and partially and justly perform. All the duties of the office All the duties of the office. Of member of the state board of education. Of member of the state board of education. According to the best of my ability. According to the best of my ability. So help me God. So help me God. Congratulations. Thank you. So thank you. Thank you, Judge Lodi, very much. We appreciate you.
I would like to please, ask if, miss Bennett, you would like to say anything at this time? You're welcome to do wherever you feel most comfortable. Thank you. Good morning, president Goldenberg, vice president doctor Ned Johnson, and commissioner Damer, and all the members of the State Board of Education. I want to thank governor Murphy and express my gratitude for my home senators, senator Ruiz and senator Burgess, for their support in this reappointment. This is an honor and a responsibility that I do not take lightly.
When I was first appointed, I was humbled. As I've served, I'm even more humbled because the decisions that we make impact 1,400,000 children, educators, parents, and community. We take our jobs seriously. We deliberate. We collaborate, and we work on behalf of children. I would like to say as I continue to serve, I will always do my best to do no harm and to make the decisions that are in the best interest of children getting the quality of education that they deserve regardless of their ZIP
code, and I will work collaboratively with my colleagues and the commissioner in doing so. Thank you so much for being here to share this with me. Thank you. And now, mister Williams, would you like to say a few words? Oh, I should say board member Williams. Yep. Good morning. Wanna thank, governor Murphy and, my local, legislators for this, wonderful opportunity. Really appreciative of the, the board members here, that have welcomed me with both with open arms. This version of me does not exist without education.
My grandmother, was an educator in the city of Camden, a graduate of, what was then Glassboro State University. So education has been, at the bedrock of of everything that I do. I wanna thank my parents and my wife that are here with me today that have, really supported, education through every step of my life. So I I look forward to pouring, that level of of passion and advocacy into making sure that every every young person here in the state of New Jersey has an excellent opportunity to thrive and do well in an education environment so that, they can be the best version of themselves as well.
Thank you. I don't know if any, anyone else would like to say anything. If not, our commissioner will. Nothing yet. Okay. Please, sir. So I I first of all, I wanna welcome Mary back, and you've you've been a significant infusion of of expertise, knowledge, and just energy since you've joined the board, and I'm so happy to have you back. So congratulations and well deserved. And and and to our newest member, I I look forward, to to working with
you, sharing your background. We talked about this a little bit earlier. Your background is is, I think, unique to the board, but also brings a lot to the table in what we do from a different perspective. So I'm really excited to hear, your contributions as we move forward and congratulations. Thank you. And I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations to work alongside both of you. Your passion has been extraordinary, board member Bennett, and I'm sure yours will be as well. And whatever we can do together to work for the benefit of our students across
New Jersey, I'm looking forward to it. Thank you. We'll go ahead now with the rest of our meeting. I would like to please ask, if there are our board members at this time so we can look at the approval of our minutes from 12/03/2025. If there's I'd like to get a motion if there are no objections at this time. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. We have a motion. May I have a second? Thank you very much. Doctor Johnson, I believe, was the first of name or voice I heard.
Are there any additions, changes to the minutes from our board? Hearing none. All those in favor of accepting the minutes from 12/03/2025, please say aye. Aye. Any opposition, please say nay. Any abstentions? Hearing none, we'll continue. Public testimony today, the state board will receive public testimony from registered members of our public on any educational topic of their choice. As today is January, and it is an open topic public testimony session.
The proposed amendments to chapter nine b related to school nurse endorsements also as a topic for January. Vice president Ned Johnson, state board members doctor Ron Butcher, mister Ahmed Shahada, doctor Claudine Keenan, and I will hear public testimony today. The state board will also be receiving regional testimony on the draft revisions of the New Jersey learning standards. The first session will be in the Southern region on Tuesday, January 13 at Camden
County College in the Connector Building. State board members, miss Jeanette Pena and doctor Claudine Keenan are scheduled to hear public testimony. Registration for this session closes tomorrow at noon. The second session will be in the northern region of on Wednesday, January 28 at the Essex County Donald M Payne Senior School Of Technology and Father D Leahy Auditorium. State board members, board member Bennett and board member Ahmad Shehada, are scheduled to hear
public testimony. Registration for this session closes January 22 at noon. The time for it is 6PM until 8PM. The third session will be the Central Region session and will be held here at the Department of Education on February 4. State board members are Silio Aponte, caught doctor Claudine Keenan, doctor Joseph Ricca, and I are scheduled for public testimony. Registration for this session will close on at noon on January 29.
And now we'll go ahead for the president's reports. We have our student representative who was our state board permanent representative and a tremendous, tremendous young woman who will be giving us her, thoughts. Her adviser is here today. If you would stand, Bonnie Benkard. Thank you. Kalyn, good morning, and we would love to hear from you. Thank you, president Goldenberg, and good morning, everyone. Many students in New Jersey have officially said goodbye to winter break.
Sleep schedules have been adjusted, computers have been charged, and students are waking up to their academic reality. Specifically, many students in New Jersey are gearing up for their end of semester exams. What this time of year means for students isn't just adjusting to a new calendar year, but preparing for an intense set of tests. Many US public high schools have their years broken up into two semesters. In New Jersey, these semesters run from September to January and February through June. The beginning of these semesters typically marks the beginning of new classes and school schedules. Semester long classes are replaced by a new class, block scheduling may have a completely
different set of classes, and science classes may start beginning their lab sessions. Because of how important the beginning of the of a semester is, it's reasonable that semesters come to an important end. Enter semester final exams. In many New Jersey schools, semester finals have their own designated schedule and format. For example, one to one and a half weeks are designated for final exam testing. During this time, periods are broken up into two hour intervals. Typically, these days are also half days, allowing students to go home to continually study and teachers to grade exams. In certain school districts, teachers are required to provide some form of final exams for
all of their classes. On the other hand, seniors are often given exempt status for from final exams if they've earned an a or higher final grade in that class. Final exams, of course, impact student grades. In certain school districts such as the East Brunswick Public Schools District, the finals are in their own separate category and make up 20% of a student's final grade in a course. This does give plenty of added weight to the exams compared to a normal test, which is enough for about two and a half months of work and can be an added stressor. Students may worry about having to take eight or more exams worth a large percentage
of their grade, and one bad test day may greatly offset their progress. However, having semester finals that make up a large part of a cumulative grade is quite similar to US college and university models. Students have noted that while they can be overwhelmed, it prepares them better for their academic future. This system, however, doesn't account for the fact that not all students wish to pursue higher education. The system that all students must undergo may not be suitable to prepare students for a future outside of academics. However, it's useful for students to become familiar with an academic world in an academic
setting. Alternative finals formats are presented in New Jersey schools. Some school districts don't make the final percentage of their course grade, but rather weighted in the semester or marking period grade. Therefore, the final submitted as a normal test grade and has less weight on the total grade compared to a large percentage. Furthermore, some school districts have also eliminated the semester final. Therefore, they know the semester is marked as a normal day, and students typically end the semester with the final unit rather than a cumulative exam. This clearly marks less stress for students and teachers. Students can often continually focus their classes as normal, and at the end of the
school year, students can prepare for summer break. Teachers won't have to stay behind to grade exams or rush to fit in their lessons before final exam season. Overall, most students would enjoy never having to take a test again. Unfortunately, that's not a realistic resolution, and it's disadvantageous in an academic setting. Semester final exams establish a proper closure to a semester and truly evaluate a student's cumulative knowledge of a subject. Despite this, schools and teachers do have the opportunity to ensure finals that don't overly stress out students. Practical arts classes often feature a project that students are given multiple days to complete.
Performing arts classes often have smaller assignments for a final as a prior concert or performance has already evaluated a student's playing ability. Science classes may also evaluate relative lab skills along with a formal test. These possibilities hopefully provide more engaging opportunities for students during the final season. Thank you. Thank you very much. It's a lot going on for no question. If everyone were as, relaxed and, organized as you, I'm sure they would all be
grateful for your abilities. Would anyone like to say anything, commissioner? So I I think first of all, it's probably the most articulate explanation of students don't like tests that I've ever heard. But, but I don't mean to diminish it either because I think it's really fair to say, why can't we do this better? It is it's 2026 already. Let's think think more about this. And I think that's a really good reminder that all aspects of public education require us to constantly go back and renew ourselves. So I I think this is a good good, jumping off point to continue to
think about this. We're obviously evolving in our in our state side, with with our new, assessment that we'll be rolling out this spring. But there's there's more thought to be done during the school year as well. So I appreciate those insights, and I think, as I said, this is this is, as good as, argument you're gonna hear that, standard and, of course, exam in big blocks, should be rethought. Thank you. Thank you, commissioner. Very much. Okay. Now we'll go ahead, and, we are honored to have a resolution for the New
Jersey School Board recognition month. And I would like to, please ask if doctor Claudine Keenan will read our resolution for us. Thank you. Thank you. A resolution in honor of the New Jersey School Board Recognition Month. Whereas, the New Jersey State Board of Education has established rigorous standards through its promulgation of the New Jersey student learning standards, which set the expectations of academic achievement for 1,300,000 public school children. And whereas, New Jersey's locally elected and appointed boards of education play a vital role
in ensuring that their local school districts meet state standards and adhere to state and federal education suit and regulations with the goal of preparing all students for college in the workplace, thereby enabling them to compete in a global economy. And whereas, New Jersey's 5,000 nonpartisan school district board of education members and charter school trustees are public servants who dedicate their time without pay or benefit to the oversight of school district operations through sound financial practices and comprehensive policies on curriculum, staffing, and
other areas to ensure the well-being and academic achievement of all students in the district. And whereas, local boards of education, in conjunction with state education officials and local educators, have built a foundation of success that has led to New Jersey's status as a leader in student achievement as evidenced by the National Assessment of Educational Progress scores and whereas the New Jersey School Boards Association has declared January 2026 to be school board recognition month. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the New Jersey State Board of Education and the
Commissioner of Education recognize the contributions of the state's local boards of education to the academic success of public school students and expresses its sincere appreciation to local board of education members for their continued focus on the achievement of children throughout New Jersey and be it further resolved that the New Jersey State Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education encourage New Jersey citizens qualified New Jersey citizens to consider serving as members of their local boards of education.
Thank you. Thank you, doctor Keenan. We appreciate it. And now that we've all heard the resolution, may I please ask for a motion to accept it? Thank you very much. Appreciate it. May I have a second? Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Are there any is there any discussion at this time? Hearing none. All those in favor, please say aye. Any opposed, please say nay. Are there any abstentions? This is absolutely accepted, and I can't be more pleased because everything I learned to do this role, I learned by being a New Jersey School Board Association member for
over eleven and a half years. So it's a tremendous organization. I'd like to ask for mister Michael Jacobs, the president of the New Jersey School Boards Association, to accept this resolution and to make a a few remarks. Thank you, sir. Hold the switch towards you. Thanks. First of all, good morning, president Goldenberg, members of the State Board of Education, commissioner Damer, it's great to see you, my partner in leadership, doctor Timothy Purnell, executive director and CEO of the New Jersey School Boards Association, and, of course, distinguished colleagues.
On behalf of NJSBA and more than 5,000 boards of education members and charter school trustees across our state, I'm deeply honored to stand before you today to express our profound gratitude for your recognition of school board member appreciation month. This recognition means more than you could imagine. It honors thousands of individuals who have stepped forward to shoulder one of democracy's most sacred responsibilities, ensuring that New Jersey's 1,400,000 students receive the quality education they deserve.
And the work our members do is hard work. It's the gratitude you feel at the end of a long evening meeting knowing a decision you made will open doors for children. It's the purpose you feel when you approve a budget that balances fiscal responsibility with educational excellence. It's what reminds you why you raised your hand to serve. But it's also demanding work. Board members navigate complex policies, challenging budget realities, and divided opinions, all while maintaining impartiality
and an unwavering focus on student outcomes. And they do this without pay, without benefits, without compensation, except the knowledge they are making a difference. None of us can do this work alone. Local board I'm sorry. Local boards rely on the guidance, the training, and the advocacy of the New Jersey School Boards Association, and NJSBA relies on our strong partnerships with the leaders like all of you in the room this morning.
New Jersey is a national leader in education, and that's no accident. It's the result of dedicated educators, engaged families, visionary policymakers, and committed local board members who govern with integrity and courage. As NJASBA president, together with our CEO, doctor Timothy Purnell, Our goal is to continue this trajectory of excellence by better equipping our members to lead impartially and effectively in
the best interest of our students, in every student, in every community, regardless of ZIP code. Serving on a board of education is both an honor and a great responsibility. The families who entrust us with their children's future deserve nothing less than our full commitment to equity, excellence, and opportunity. And your recognition today sends a powerful message. Service matters, sacrifice is seen, and dedication is valued.
So thank you for this recognition. Thank you for your partnership, and I would be remiss if I did not thank all of you for the work that you do in support of public education in our state. And together together, we will continue to lead the way together. So thank you very much. Yes. Certainly. Please. I did I just wanted to add just one comment. So the this is a really important moment to recognize this month that and I think the number is over 5,000 individuals serving.
You know, they're not paid. This is true dedication. They face challenging conversations in their community every day, every every meeting. There's a line in the resolution that says that we, that we recognize the contributions of the state's local boards of education to the academic success of public school students. So that's true, but it truly understates, really what that means. So I think this is an important month for anybody that is considering serving on a board. Please do so.
It's so important and our entire system of public education relies on those volunteers that are dedicated and committed to their community. So please think about it and and join up if you can next next chance you have. Thank you, commissioner. K. So, now we have the special honor of recognition for our New Jersey educational professionals in the field, which include our superintendent of the year, our school business administrator of the year, and our principal of the year.
So I'm excited to extend a very special welcome for today's honorees and their guest. You, each of our dedicated educate educators and outstanding students that you represent daily are why we take this opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments each year. It's important that we recognize New Jersey's exemplary leaders and administrators. All of you, whether or not you are a school or a district administrator or family member or a friend or a colleague.
You support each other and you support each of our honorees, and we recognize and appreciate all that you do in service for our students. Today, we we recognize everyone for the twenty two thousand twenty five, two thousand twenty six school year, and we'll start with our superintendent of the year. Our first recipient we honor today is 2026 New Jersey superintendent of the year. This award recognizes superintendents who are remarkable educational leaders who have vision and imagination and
above all, empathy for the students that they serve. Thank you to the New Jersey Association of School Administrators for your commitment to our annual program. It is my pleasure to ask miss Nelita Velez, immediate past president of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators known as NJASA, and superintendent of Mattawan Aberdeen Regional School District to introduce our 2025 New Jersey superintendent of the year.
Miss Perez, please take the podium and introduce our deserving recipient. Thank you. Madam president, is it okay if I invite doctor Raymond Gonzales to the podium with you? Please. Thank you. Good morning, and thank you, State Board of Education president Kathy Goldenberg. I'm Neli Da Perez, immediate past president of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators and chief education officer of the Matawan Aberdeen Regional School District. I am honored to join you today and to acknowledge the members of the New Jersey State Board of Education, commissioner Dahmer, the dedicated staff of the New Jersey Department
of Education, and our distinguished guests. It is an absolute pleasure and clear privilege to stand before you on behalf of NJASA as we celebrate and congratulate New Jersey's 2,026 superintendent of the year, doctor Raymond a Gonzales, chief education officer of the Westfield Public School District. Today is a moment recognized not only professional excellence, but leadership that inspires trust, innovation, and community confidence.
I would also like to share, he is the First Latino superintendent to receive this award in the state of New Jersey. Doctor Gonzalez is now a proud nominee for the national superintendent of the year through the American Association of School Administrators. Earlier this fall, NJASA also recognized doctor Gonzalez as New Jersey regional superintendent of the year alongside his fellow colleague, doctor Giacchi, chief executive officer of the Franklin Borough School
District, an acknowledgment that reflects the strength of leadership across the great state of New Jersey. Throughout his distinguished career, doctor Gonzales has earned widespread respect for advancing academic excellence, leading transformative multimillion dollar bond initiatives, and championing thoughtful and responsible integration of artificial intelligence to elevate student outcomes and strengthen instructional practice. His leadership reflects both vision and stewardship.
Since assuming his leadership of Westfield Public Schools in August 2021, doctor Gonzales has led 10 schools serving more than 5,800 students supported by approximately 800 staff members with an annual operating budget exceeding a $133,000,000. Under his leadership, the district achieved overwhelming voter approval for a historic $225,000,000 bond referendum, the second largest in New Jersey history, all made possible through a comprehensive, transparent, and
community driven process. This investment prioritizes safety, sustainability, and expanded academic opportunities while modernizing learning environments across his district. Academically, doctor Gonzales has strengthened curriculum coherence, implemented a district wide diversity, equity, and inclusion framework, and launched a bold five year strategic plan centered on safety and wellness, teaching and learning, leadership and governance, community and culture, and finance and facilities.
Working collaboratively collaboratively with a largely new board of education, he has updated more than a 100 policies, reorganized committees, and strengthened governance practices, ensuring clarity, alignment, and effective decision making in service of students. From the beginning of his tenure, doctor Gonzales has skillfully guided the district through significant physical challenges. With a steady hand and a collaborative approach, he aligned administrators and the board to
address nondiscretionary expenditures while preserving programs and maintaining class sizes. His leadership in shifting the annual budget vote to April created a more sustainable financial path, and his expertise has made him a star sought out statewide wide voice on navigating physical constraints while sustaining educational excellence. Beyond his professional achievements, doctor Gonzales is a devoted husband and proud father of three,
and one of his daughters has joined him today. He's deeply grounded in family, community, and service, values that clearly inform his leadership in his district. On behalf of the New Jersey Association of School Administrator, it is my great honor and distinct pleasure to present New Jersey's 2026 superintendent of the year. Please help join me in congratulating doctor Gonzales. It's been That's on it.
Okay. Congratulations again. So now we're moving forward, and we're going to discuss our school business administrator of the year. Our next honoree is the 2025 New Jersey business administrator of the year. The New Jersey Association of School Business Officials, known as NJASBO, annually presents this award to an individual who presents leadership and service to the profession and is involved in projects that promote excellence in school business administration.
I want to thank the New Jersey Association of School Business officials for making this program possible as it remains a hallmark achievement in the school business field. It is my pleasure to welcome miss Shondra Cody, president of the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials, to introduce this year's recipient. Miss Cody, please come to the podium and introduce this deserving recipient. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, president Goldenberg, and thank you, commissioner Demmer and the entire board of education
for allowing us to present this award again to miss Corey Lowell. She is the current business administrator and board secretary for the West Long Branch Board of Education. To speak on Corey is my privilege today. After graduating from Rutgers, she became a CPA, which is the most prestigious profession. We're licensed to hold on top of school business administration accreditation. She joined our profession over twenty years ago as a school business administrator and has led many school districts, some at the same time as a shared service, in the industry.
School business administration, in in addition to, navigating boards of education during boards of educate board of education month, also does all the fiscal responsibilities. I call it the operations of the schools, finance facilities, food services, transportation, and she's navigated that with ease, with professionalism, and with great leadership for our industry. She's been very pivotal and and instrumental not pivotal. Excuse me. Instrumental in our association of a school business officials. She's led for the past few years as a leader in our profession, done a
lot for the association and all the up and coming business administrators, and she is definitely a great mentor to many, including myself. She's done a lot of things in our industry as well as personally, very involved in her community and a service, to her community in many ways. She has hidden and not so hidden talents in the music industry if you haven't heard her sing or play yet. She's amazing in that regard as well. It's my privilege to honor Corey today in front of all of you. It's Corey Lowell, business administrator of the year for '25.
Congratulations. That is alright. Thank you. My god. Board member Aponte, did you wanna say something? Okay. Yes, ma'am. I'm president. I'm sorry. I I wanted to, mention, before we, honored the administrator of the year and just
just wanna, take a moment to honor, to acknowledge that both, honorees, miss Laurel and mister Gonzalez. I'm not sure if you wanna finish the rest of the presentation, and then I could make a few comments, or would you like me to proceed, madam president? Well, I think we'll finish them first with everything and come back to you if that's okay. That's fine. Yep. Thank you. Okay. Alright. Next, we have the visionary principal of the year for 2025.
As we recognize the 02/2025 recipient for the visionary principal of the year, there is one elementary level recipient and one secondary level recipient. This is the twenty fourth cohort to be honored for providing leadership that inspires excellence in teaching and learning. Thank you to the New Jersey Principal and Supervisory Association, known as the NJPSA, for your commitment to this annual program and and many others that we've enjoyed over the years. It is a pleasure to welcome miss Karen Binger, the executive director of the New
Jersey Principles and Supervisory Association to introduce this year's recipients. Miss Mingard, if you'd please come to the podium to introduce those two distinguished and deserving recipients. Thank you so much. Good morning, everyone. I have the absolute honor of introducing two incredible people to you. I'm actually gonna send one of them back and do it one at a time. So, Tony, if you'll just hang up for a second because we have a big group of people for pictures, so I don't wanna confuse things. I am first, I have to say, I wanna thank President Goldenberg, Commissioner Dahmer, and
members of the State Board of Education for allowing us to come together to celebrate these two wonderful leaders. The these are really the finest representatives of the finest leaders in the state of New Jersey, where we have the finest educational system in the country. And I think that says an awful lot to have these two principles rise to, this level of recognition. So I'm very excited to share them with you. The annual visionary awards that are given, by NJPSA to an elementary and secondary principal come with some really outstanding outcomes for them in their schools as well.
The individual, schools are actually awarded $10,000, to use for projects of importance to them. The members themselves receive $2,500 and a lovely commemorative plaque that you're going to see in a moment and a Super Bowl Super Bowl ish type of ring that they can also wear with pride for the for the rest of their, their careers. It won't, however, it doesn't compare by diamonds. I'm sorry. Sorry. Just so sorry to write that to you. But it is it is a great honor, and I'm really thrilled to be able
to introduce these people to you. I wanna share with you that we have some people with us today from NJPSA who are part of our committee and selection process, doctor Mary Rees, who is our director of special projects, Denise Berger, who is our NJPSA assistant executive director and a member of the visionary committee. And unable to be with us today is Dan Higgins, who is our director of strategic communications, who creates incredible celebratory videos about each of these people. So without further ado, now that you know a little bit about this, let me
tell you about the incredible woman standing next to me. Gisela Castro Ciancia, the principal of Roosevelt School in New Brunswick for more than six years is the NJPSA visionary principal of the year at the elementary level. Supporting faculty members, fostering community ties, engaging students and parents, these are the touchstones that characterize Gisela's leadership style. She extends her influence through affiliations with the greater community by fostering two incredibly unique
and very special programs, one called wash and learn and the other called rock the block. The idea of using a city laundromat as an after school educational space to foster literacy was suggested by one of her teachers during Gisela's first year as principal. Gisela recruited staff members, parents, and community partners. Today, WASH and LEARN has blossomed from a monthly read to students book giveaway program
to now include cultural enrichment presentations ranging from Irish step dancing to Chinese New Year to The Nutcracker performances courtesy of the State Theater of New Jersey, Middlesex County Culture, and others. I'm gonna go back. This is all at a local laundromat. Also, together with parents and community members, Gisela instituted Rock the Block, an annual summer backpack giveaway event with haircuts, face painting, community resources, and other activities conducted in conjunction
with the New Brunswick Police Department and other groups. Recently, Gisela completed the prestigious two two year New Jersey Institute for School Leadership sponsored by NJPSA and FEA with support from the McMillan Family Foundation. Gisela has some advice for her students. You can be anything you want, but it takes commitment and hard work. As the daughter of a single parent who arrives in who arrived in New Jersey without speaking English, Gisela epitomizes her own advice. And clearly, between wash and learn and rock the block and all the other magical
things she does, She brings an awful lot of magic to her own school as well. Joining Gisela today is her husband, Richard Ciancia, and doctor Aubrey Johnson, her superintendent. Please join me in congratulating elementary visionary principal of the year, Gisela Ciancia. You have to love a day like today. Celebrating great people doing great things for kids. There's nothing nothing better. And, the perfect segue to introducing the secondary principal of the year, this is Tony Catani. He is the principal of Lenape High School in Medford and has been there for
more than eighteen years. And he's not only the NJPSA visionary principal of the year, but my friends, get this. He is the National Association of Secondary School Principals, national secondary principal of the year. He is also walking humility, and I love that about Tony. He is recognized for his role in supporting a positive and inclusive school culture where students and staff feel valued and supported. Tony is lauded for his student advocacy initiatives, such as supporting Lenape's wellness room for
students to decompress, launching World Voices Day to encourage students to celebrate their cultures and heritages, and encouraging student leadership through the school's passion project initiative and the Lenape Leadership Academy. Last school year, with support from faculty, friends, faculty, parents, and students, Lenape High School, in advance of the governor's announcement, instituted a cell phone ban during the school day, which has actually been incredibly well received by all of those parties, and that's saying
something. Tony has created innovative professional development initiatives for his faculty and staff, such as a peer observation program resulting in more than 3,000 observations between educational peers that help to build a supportive and nurturing feedback loop for professional development and sharing best practices. He's also created collegiality cafes, which allow staff to lead professional development sessions. He hosts the proud principles podcast. Make note of it.
Register when you get it when you get back in your car, which focuses on school leaders making a difference in their communities, both in New Jersey and nationwide. And, if you take a moment to listen to that, you are going to hear what it really is to be a school principal. You're going to hear a lot of heart and soul. You're going to hear great innovative programs and you're going to be a gentleman running the conversation who just has an awe and appreciation for everyone in these leadership fields and want in in these leadership roles and wants to do everything he can to share what the incredible work of a school principal can do to bring about success
and well-being in those school environments for their students. He is also an executive council member on the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association and a sought after presenter at NJPSA and FEA. Tony's mantra is I have an opportunity every day to create an environment where people can be the best version of themselves. That's the heart of what I do. And I think in hearing a little bit about him, he has underscored that in every single way. Please join me in congratulating Tony Catani as well as welcoming to the front of
the room his superintendent from Lenape Regional Public Schools, Matt Webb, and his dear wife, Kate Kataney. So I'd like to thank NJSPA and miss Karen Binger. And congratulations again to Gisela Ciencia and mister Tony Catani in innovation and in life changing ways for their students. It's a true pleasure to showcase and uplift New Jersey's remarkable educators and administrators. Thank you to all our distinguished guests who joined us today for this and to
provide invaluable support every day to both our educators and our students. Finally, I would like to congratulate all of our honorees for your accomplishments and for your unwavering service to our students in innovative life in ways. Thank you very, very much. It makes a huge difference. Thank you. Celia Ponte, board member of Ponte. Thank you, madam president. I also like to extend my congratulations to all the honorees today. They represent the very best of leadership in public education in New Jersey, and they
are the reasons why New Jersey continues to lead the nation in quality public education. So congratulations to all the honorees. I particularly wanna take note of what superintendent Perez mentioned in honoring mister Gonzales that, he is the first Latino superintendent to receive this award. So congratulations certainly for that achievement as well. And as you know, madam president, over a third of our students now I believe about a third of our students now are Latino students.
So it's great to have representation in leadership in our Latino community. And, certainly, mister Gonzales, miss Perez, and, Cianciap represent us well in the Latino community. So congratulations, particularly to our community and and acknowledging outstanding Latino leaders in public education. So thank you, madam president. Thank you, sir. Commissioner, I believe you have something as well.
Thank you. I I wanna just take a moment to not only congratulate those leaders that we recognized here today, and I don't wanna take anything away from them because you heard some amazing things that they're doing in their schools. But I wanna remind you that every corner of the state is filled with school leaders just like these folks doing incredible things, and that's what makes New Jersey schools what they are today. It's because of leaders like you just heard about, but the others that may not
be recognized today. So if you are listening and you're not here, you're going back to your school district, just take a moment and thank your school leadership because they are why we are as successful as we are. So congratulations to all of you. Amazing things. I've I've heard this story about the laundromat already, and it still shocks me. We've got a nationally recognized principal here in our midst as well. And I can't think of, a group of leaders in any other state that's that's more deserving.
Congratulations to all of you. Thank you. And we will continue with our business portion of the meeting. If any of you need to leave to go back to your schools, we understand. And, thank you so much for what you all do every single day. Thank you. We'll give them room a moment to clear. Thank you. Okay. I'm experiencing that. K. Thank you. So now we'll continue. Commissioner, I'd like you to lead the next portion of our meeting. Thank you. Despite folks clearing out, this is the exciting part of the meeting.
So for everybody that stayed, you you're in for it. There are no commission reports, this month, so we can move right into the items for consideration. The first one is an extraordinarily exciting one. It's a standing standing item for appointments, but this is one, that's that's been coming, for some time. And today, I have one candidate for presentation, and that's, Alfonso Llano for the position of the state district's superintendent for the state operated school district of Camden. And so I would like to advance that, to you, president Goldenberg.
Thank you. I would like to, tell everyone present and who's online that we did have the opportunity, the vice president and myself twice to speak with, mister Yano. And then today, the state board all met with him as well. And so I'd like to first ask for a motion, to adopt the resolution to approve the appointment for doctor Alfonso Yano, state district superintendent for the state operated school district of Camden. Second. Thank you. Believe we have a mission from Ahmed and second from Ned.
Is there any discussion at this time? Hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed, please signify by saying nay. Hearing none, are there any abstentions, conflicts of interest? Hearing none. The motion carries unanimously. Congratulations. So I I just wanna congratulate, mister Yano, soon to be doctor Yano. And we have gotten to talk to you, several times over the last prior months, and you I think anybody that speaks to him learns one thing very quickly.
Students are his main focus, and everything that comes from that is, builds from from that central point, focusing on what he can do to help every student in his district, achieve what he knows that they can achieve. And that's a lot of building coalitions within communities, and and and beyond. So I I think that bringing that perspective, and that experience to this position is gonna be instrumental, and I look so forward to working with you in this new
role. Congratulations so much. Thank you. And you have the board's full support as you heard, so good luck. Thank you. Thank you. Would you, sir, would you like to say anything? Thanks. I know. I I wasn't sure, but I was like, oh, no. I prepared this whole speech and, Well, good. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be here this morning. I'm joined by my mother, my sister, my brother-in-law, my my son, my youngest son, my two oldest, could not join us today because they had to work and make that money. So, you know, they're here in spirit, and it's an opportunity to, you know, really
engage with this state board this morning that got me excited about what's coming next. Commissioner Deamer, your team has been awesome. Working with some of our assistant commissioners here who I have a little bit of history with, My career started, from the teaching world into administration with doctor Jordan Shipp over here in Howell Township. So I wanna say thank you, you know, for that opportunity many moons ago when I was much, you know, younger and, less gray. But thank you, sir. I'm honored for the opportunity to serve Camden City School District as the state superintendent
of schools. I wanna extend again my sincere thank you to everyone who helped make this a reality. And I also wanna thank mayor Kristoffin and the city of Camden for their support and partnership and shared commitment to make this a reality. To our educators, staff, families, community members, thank you for your dedication, your resilience, your support. And together, we're gonna work through transparency, through tough times, and we're gonna achieve great things. The work the work will be tough, but the outcomes, the opportunities will be super
positive. I also see Ralph over there. I wanna say thank you, Ralph. I worked with him many years ago when I was in Chet And Public Schools as a principal at elementary school. So Ralph's the guy. He's the man. I know there's so many folks here that are gonna be supporting this process. Thank you. I will be asking many questions to the previous superintendent of Camden City School District, doctor McCombs. I will be calling you often when I'm allowed to call you. So I know there's some rules about this, so we will make it happen. Thank you again, and let's move forward together. Thank you. Thank you. Sir? Sir?
Do you like to take a picture with your family? Thank you. We're now ready to move to item b, which is certification school districts as a standing item, but we do not have any school districts, to present for certification today. So we can move into item c, which is a resolution to accept donated funds. Today, I'm pleased to announce that Paul and Gould and Luke Parnas generously donated $50 and $100 respectively to the Department of Education, Marie h Katzenbach School for the Doubt.
Their donations are for the sole use of supporting student activities such as field trips, yearbooks, and student clubs. Therefore, I request request you approve the accepted funds. Miss Cathy Ewing is here if you have any questions. Hearing no questions at this time, may I please have a motion to accept the donated funds for the Katzenbach School? So moved. Thank you, doctor Butcher. May I please have a second? Thank you very much, board member Bennett. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed, please say nay.
Any okay. I think we're good. I think that was unanimous. Any abstentions? Not hearing any. Okay. So they're accepted. Thank you. Thank you. Moving on to item d, the State Board of Examiners and Certification. Today, I'm presenting a proposal level amendments to NJAC six a nine b, which govern certification standards for school personnel. This rule making was initiated in response to, rule making petition that sought to modernize and align requirements for the military science endorsement with current federal requirements.
The goal of the petition to was to remove the requirement for military science endorsement candidate to document twenty years of military science, which is out of alignment with the federal requirements. Doctor Jordan Shipp and miss Lisa Haberle are here to walk us through that proposal. Thank you, commissioner. Good morning, members of the board of education, and happy new year. President Goldemberg, vice president Johnson, this presentation will summarize the proposed amendments to New Jersey administrative code NJAC six a colon nine b dash 11 dot eight, which governs the
military science endorsement for educators. On 09/22/2025, a rulemaking petition was submitted seeking amendments to NJAC six a nine b dash 11.8. The petition specifically requested the removal of the requirement that candidates for a military science endorsement document twenty years of military experience. Currently, New Jersey requires a military science endorsement for individuals teaching junior reserve officers training corps or JROTC programs in local education agencies. The existing requirement include demonstrating twenty years of military service and holding a valid certification
authorizing employment as a military science instructor from the candidate's branch of service. The twenty year service requirement originated from federal limitations that JROTC instructors must be retired. However, recent changes in 2023 and 2024 federal laws expanded eligibility to include nonretired former service members who meet individual branch requirements. The recommendation supports removing the twenty year service requirement and making additional amendments to ensure clarity and alignment with federal certification standards.
This change reflects evolving federal policy and aims to broaden access to qualified instructors while maintaining rigorous standards for JROTC programs statewide. We presented the proposed changes to the board and the public on December 3, and today, we we present the amendments to NJAC six a nine b dash 11.8 at the proposal level. The proposed revisions to this code removes the twenty year service requirement and instead requires candidates to hold a current invalid certification or letter of eligibility from their military branch
authorizing them to serve as JROTC instructors. This change reflects federal alignment, reduces barriers, and maintains rigorous standards through military issued credentials. As mentioned last month, these amendments will strengthen our educator pipeline, support students' access to high quality JROTC programs, and reflect our commitment to aligning state policy with federal guidance. We welcome your questions and feedback. Are there questions? Hearing none, I'd like to ask for a motion to accept this as as defined.
So moved. Thank you very much, doctor Butch. I had this great deal of enthusiasm that I'm able to finally do this. May I please have a second? Thank you very much. Are there any other questions, concerns, or comments at this time? Hearing none, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed, please say nay. Any abstentions? Motion carries wholeheartedly. Thank you very, very much. Thank you. Alright. That that concludes our items for consideration. Thank you. There are no other items that I'm aware of in the work session. Is there any new business that we'd like to bring up?
Hearing none, I'd like to please ask for a motion to adjourn. Thank you very much, sir. May I please have a second? Oh, that was both simultaneous, but I think we have to give it to our newest board member. The same. That way. All those in favor of adjournment, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed, please say nay. Motion carries. Have a wonderful month of January. Thank you.