Okay. Meeting call to order. Roll call. Mr. Alough. >> Mr. Calder >> here. >> Mr. D. Costa >> present. >> Miss Cer >> here. >> Mr. Lombardi >> here. >> Mr. Lo >> here. >> Vice President >> here. >> President Gomez >> here. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance [Music]
to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Four statements. In accordance with the provisions of the New Jersey open public meetings law, the New Milford Board of
Education has caused notice of this meeting to be published by having the date, time, and place there posted in the Burough Hall in the New Milford Public Library. Notices have been sent to the record in the spring bur. The board announces that under its long-standing policy, it will not discuss in public any comments made by
members of the public concerning individual staff members. At this time, please be advised that all cell phones and electronic devices are to be turned off. Meetings of the board are open to the public and all members of the community should feel free to participate. Before coming to the board, the chain of command should be followed.
There are two portions of the meeting reserved for comments from the public. The first at the beginning of the meeting for agenda items only and the second at the end of the meeting for other items. Issues raised by the public may or may not be responded to by the board for all comments will be considered. The board requests that all
members of the board public be mindful of the rights of other individuals when speaking due to confidentiality and legal rights afforded by the state of New Jersey. Members of the public are asked to not speak negatively or in derogatory manner about any employee of the board or any student. Okay, we're
going to start off with our new board member, oath of office. >> Speak now or hold your still. Yeah, >> because it's so dark over there. >> Okay, now I can't see. >> Yeah, there you go.
>> I, Kendra Moore, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. I, Kendra Moore, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. >> And that I will bear true faith and
allegiance to the same and to the governments established in the United States and this state under the authority of the people. So help me God. >> And that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and go to the governments established in the United States and this state under the
authority of the people. So help me God. I, Kendra Moore, do solemnly swear that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law for the office of member of board of education and that I will faithfully, impartially, and justly perform all the duties of that office according to the
best of my ability. So help me God. I, Kendra Moore, do solemnly swear that I that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law for the office of the member of the board of education and that I will faithfully and partially and justly perform all of the duties of the
office according to the best of my ability. So help me God. >> Furthermore, I affirm and declare that I am not disqualified as a as a voter pursuant to RS194-1. So help me God. Furthermore, I affirm
and declare that I am not disqualified as a board voter pursuant to RS9 col4-1. So, >> congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Oh, thank you. right here
on the top behind it. >> Yeah, of course. I want to make sure >> welcome to the board. >> Thank you. >> And now we have a presentation for Mrs. Brownstein.
>> Good evening everybody. Um my name is Julia Bernstein and um I'm music teacher here in compition over 12 years. This is my 21st and uh I started international trips in uh 2017. So I had six trips
already and I'm seeking u approval your approval for uh trip to Japan in 2027. Uh I recently took students to central Europe to Germany, Switzerland, Austria.
We went to Japan in 2023. uh went to in 2024 again to central Europe 2025 Portugal and Spain. Um the reason that I want to return to Japan is
um very recently new added trip uh trip where um student will be immersed in a hands-on opportunity to to attend many different workshops not to get into cultural not to visit shrines and temples all the time but to be immersed
into more modern industry automobiles industry and to others industry. I always uh go on a trip with ES education company. I trust them. They are on market over 60 years. Uh they
have um their offices in over 150 countries and one is in Tokyo. They always prioritize students learning activities and students learning needs and they're always there for me. Uh
whether there's any emergencies or any situations like unforeseen situations. Uh again, it's their safety first. Um their safety and response team is available 24/7. I can call them from airport. I can call them from our
destination. I can call them in the middle of the night. They're always uh responsive. Um they are much worldwide presence as I said over 115 countries including offices in Tokyo. Um they require mandatory uh
leads uh group leaders uh safety training before and they required background check for any adults that uh was going on the trip including myself. They are in the best industry that I said um I do trust them. I've seen many
different obstacles throughout those six trips and uh they always very much very professional and very up to the point. um to say the least uh during the co when they had many many groups on like abroad uh they were able to bring them
back uh within two days so they are really up to the time they uh have a peace and mind program where uh if anything happens doctor uh they're bringing us safely either through they're relocating us or they're
bringing us back home or they're um as with the co we cancelled the trip, but we were able to extend that uh what we've paid and to to settle that that amount of the money to a different trip. Uh after um we were open to travel. They
also provided general liability coverage. All group users are covered. Schools, districts are covered. Uh they help uh group leaders, schools and districts to cover on tour accidents. Um again this is uh I will tell you a
little bit u about that in in a second. They provide a legal defense and covers associated legal fees and uh help with any injuries what might happen on the trip. Uh there they have global uh travel
protection plan which covers uh either program cancellation or relocation or changing in the tour, changing the days, program interruptions if any can occur, illness or accidents, uh baggage if anything happened to our luggage. Uh
they're helping uh flight delays or flights rebooking and emergency evacuation. The differences they they provided also global travel protection plan plus uh which the differences are it covers both but with the protection
plus plan uh you can cancel trip 24 hours uh before the trip and you're going to get uh all money back uh excluding the deposit and that price for travel protection plan. Um they gave us our tour director who
leads us throughout the he or she will meet us at the airport and we'll say goodbye when we go through the customs back. Uh they're very expertly trained guides. Uh they're helping us navigate from places where are new to to us. Uh
they're helping with u meals, hotel checkins. They're also many of them are either previously teachers or current teachers who are teaching during the school year or working with the students or with the young population during the
school year and doing uh they just love traveling. They just love showing countries to uh to travelers uh especially in Japan because the country was open. uh recently uh Japanese food directors are always
welcomed and always want to show the best of their country to us and I'm talking from the experiencing um that so modern Japan cars and cuisine June 2027 I know I'm talking like far
apart and I will tell you why uh but um we're going to experience traditional innovation how tradition uh and innovation co in the modern in Japan. Uh we're going to go to three different regions. Um I like it because we can
spend more time in each uh place versus just hopping and going on and off the bus. Uh we're going to Tokyo, Nagoya, and Kai regions. Uh this is just a snapshot of what the students will be
attending. It's a chopsticks making uh workshop uh tea ceremony. Uh we're going to go to Toyota Museum and we're going to get the walking tour in Lagoya. We're going to go to
here. Uh this is Suzuki Formula 1 circus and amusement park and go to Osaka Castle. um then where we going to participate in a cooking class. So it's more handson versus okay just seeing and visiting
places and learning from like more lecturing and stuff. Uh what's included on the trip? It's a full full-time food tour director, all transportation or breakfast and dinners, oversight staying in hotels, overnight staying in hotels.
Well, they're added private bathrooms because some countries are having some different accommodations. They're private uh extended let's see tours, tickets to all uh uh all attractions, all places where we're going to go. uh
students can earn academic credit either have uh credit for the high school course or three credit uh college course humanity college course um they just need to apply to certain places where I can write them um we're going to
experiential learning hands on workshops supports and resources and 24 emergency assistance and emergency uh help for nearly what is not included just a little bit. So the passport or visas depending if these are students
like citizens or uh non baggage fees I usually tell them if you want to pay for your luggage back light but lighter than life and this is also experience um tips this is um traveling industry we're
always tipping uh extras local guests and snack and some meals during the day because sometimes they're getting most of and they're getting hungry and they want to try uh local cuisines. So, this is not including
yes. Uh the days for the trip are as usual. It's a window that EF asking us to allocate. So, uh we can travel as early as June 20th and I hope school will be over and high school graduation will be over. This is this is changeable
like um because we're talking about not the current uh summer but in the summer. So whenever the calendar will be issued the dates will be um uh will be changed uh the window that they allocate June 23
July 7th but we can come back as late as July 8. So I personally allocate those days and I add them for that window because uh I know that uh many adults wants to travel and to travel within uh or around the holiday it's much easier
for them to take days off from work or uh to get like some extra days here and there and for students many students work during the summer. So this uh window between like end of the school day and the 4th of July is also kind of
like for easy for them to take off. Uh why am I doing it um two years in advance? The trip is expensive and the traveling become more and more expensive uh with the fuel cost and flight cost.
So uh if I will break down the full price uh into let's say 19 months uh bi-weekly payment or by monthly payment will be more affordable for families than uh just asking them to double it if
I will introduce it to in the year or even during the summer. So to make it more affordable for you families uh I think it's it's better to introduce the treat two years in advance versus one year. And with the global protection
plan they they can cancel uh without anything within 7 days from the introduction. This is the window. So within the week they can uh they can cancel without any payment. So everything will be refundable. After that they will have a choice to take an
equal protection plan plus or um just say even they can cancel even during the first year a year uh prior to the trip they can cancel just losing $95 of the so that's roughly
any like the information that I have any questions >> what are the grades that will be going like what's the >> I open it for grades 7 to 12. With the experience, yes, for middle schoolers, uh it might be something
challenging, but with an experience, I can say that the seventh graders get in trouble. >> Okay, >> I have three questions. >> Um why is the difference in the full price for an adult and
why is there a $600 difference? This is not question to me. This is question to EF because I mean this is the prize that they gave me. >> Okay. But could you follow up on that? Maybe get me an answer because I just don't like >> the airfare should be the same. The hotel should be the same. I'm just
trying to find out why there's >> uh I know that they they're taking a double room. They're sharing room with two or they're sharing like they're having their own room versus the kids are going to pay three or four. >> That might be the answer. Okay.
>> Um the another question I had was on one of the screens it mentioned the different things and one of them was um attractions and bucket list items. What are the bucket list items? >> Uh that
can I go back to that? >> There you go. Bottom left. >> Yeah. Yeah. Tickets to bucket list experiences and attractions >> and attractions. So to me bucket list means like very vague. So this is just
the tickets and admission to any attraction or any places because some castles required uh admission some uh places required uh extra admission. So everything is included into that price. >> Okay. So that that's what I'm getting at. So like if if let's just say there's
four different attractions that you want to take to do do you have a list of choices you can go to this this and this and this is it one bucket list you know do you get to go to one place from the column on the left and three on the column to the right >> everything is preset we will have extras
for free time okay this is extras but for uh whatever is preset there is no like uh you can go here or you can go there. Okay, we all go to the same places. They probably just warned it by the places.
>> Okay. Um, my last question is, what is your expectation or hope for the amount of people that would be going on this trip? Is it no more than X or is it between 7 and 10? Is it, you know, between seven and 70? Like, what is the the
>> usual ratio that EF requires with an adult is 6 to1. So I can take as minimal as six and as maximum would say I feel comfortable uh taking 15 students. >> Okay. So you don't think it would be more than 15 students but could be a
couple more. >> It would be could be couple more couple >> but it's but you don't you don't anticipate it being 25? >> No. >> Okay. That's good. >> Thank you. >> Who's uh responsible for getting uh the students and the adults to the airport
back and forth? Is that correct? >> I No, I asked school bus and I was lucky enough to have a school bus. >> Okay, >> great. Thank you. >> Um, I know we've talked about this before. What's the ratio of the chaperoons? >> Six to one. >> Six to one. So, it's six to one. So, if
you >> bring, say you bring 12, like you would parent or you need a teacher. >> It could be parent, >> it could be teacher. >> Do does that then increase the price if it's a teacher? If if that's the teacher
if I have uh enough so no six to one it doesn't price it doesn't >> okay >> so the price that's stated here didn't doesn't depends on number of the >> okay and then um when do you when would
you have to book this file >> uh I would like if you will approve it I would like to host uh a zoom meeting for as many families as pos uh and as quickly as possible so the price that I like booked it is up until I believe
December 30th. >> The price is up until December 30. >> Yes. >> Subject to change by December 30. >> With after December 30, they they increase and a little bit you know for sure.
>> Yes. >> But this is their um their policy. >> Is that on the agenda for tonight? the regular meeting. >> Um the the six to1 ratio going back to that. So if there's eight,
>> is it two? Is it more than six means two? >> Two. Yes. >> Okay. So whether you have seven or 12, it has to be at least two shots. Thank you. >> Anyone else have any questions? >> Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you so
much. >> Thank you. Superintendent School reports. >> Thank you all for being here tonight. Uh couple quick items I want to talk about on the work agenda and regular agenda. So you're prepared uh to vote next week.
Uh first up is the approval of the October 2025 HIV report. Uh so in Milford High School, there was one HIV 33A form submitted. One HIV was investigated by the ABS. the anti-bullying specialist and was unfounded because it did not meet the
criteria. Deeo, no HIV338 form submitted. Berkeley, there were none. Gibbs, there was one HIV 338 form submitted. That HAB was investigated and ABA's ABS said it was a founded HIV. It
met the criteria for HIV. We will discuss those specifically in the uh code session. After I would like you to approve the October suspension report in New Mop High School. There were four students suspended for a total of eight days. One
student served one day of out of school suspension. One student served three days of out of school suspension. Two student served two days of out of school suspension. In DEEO, there were two students suspended for a total of two days. One student served one day of inschool suspension. One student served one day of out of school suspension.
Berkeley, two students each served one day of inschool suspension. and Gibbs. Zero students were suspended. Also, under board action, I'd like you to approve the uh uniform memorandum of agreement. Item BA 2526.24. This is something that's done every
single year. Pretty much the state of New Jersey issues a memorandum agreement state down. So, every single school district and municipality has the same memorandum agreement. Um, other states do it differently. So every year I have to
meet with the chief. Uh we have to go over it and basically how we cooperate together. So for example, I'm going to talk about issues from this year that popped up. Uh there was an HIV where there was a racial epet
and technically it's a bias crime. So we run it by the police. That's in the memorandum of agreement, hey this was said. Um sometimes they're like okay we're going to call the prosecutor's office. Sometimes they do not. Like if it's, for example, it was Schwastika drawn somewhere in the high school, they probably get the prosecutor's office
involved. If it's something at the elementary school that a third grader said, you know, they usually do not. So, but it's their opportunity to talk with the school district and say, "Yes, this is important or no, it's not." Like, you handle it. Um, if there's a knife found
in the school, we let them know. Sometimes with child protective services, or all the time, we let them know. um and they make a decision whether to pursue or not based on the information that they give them. So it's just how we work together and it just lays that in law and I met with chief of
police we went over it. Um Heather will sign five copies and I have to s I have to send five executed copies five to the Bergen County prosecutor at the county office and the Bergen County prosecutor over signs it and then distributes those five copies. So, he's
doing that for everyone in the state, I guess. Right, Tony? It's crazy. Um, but everyone's on the same page. So, that's what the memorandum agreement is about. What was not on there's a couple items that I'm going to discuss that were not on the original because I thank my team
because Thursday, Friday, we had off. Tuesday, we had off. A lot of people were on their days off for them. I know we're late. Stephanie, Friday, I'm still talking to you about things, you know, Geraldine. Um, so some of the things we squeaked on, you know, today, but for the regular agenda that were not on my
board note, so that's why I want to discuss them. One is the approval of the 2526 school safety and security annual review statement of assurance, which means we have all our uh school security plans in place. The police know about them. They haven't changed too much. Um,
and it's just a statement of assurance that we have them for each school in the district. They are changing and the police chief is aware of this. Um, and we will get new plans updated hopefully in March. [Music] I'd like to just talk about under
curriculum or educational program curriculum. Just want to talk about the J Japan trip for a quick second. Um, not all schools offer international trips. um is something that you know my first year you know we had the whole China thing going on and I really had to think
about it deeply about is this a great opportunity for kids and I I do believe it is and it's optional so if parents and kids want to go on the trip and we have a teacher who wants to take them it's optional they can go if they can afford it they go if they don't want to go they don't have to go um but it's
something that we can say in our open houses it's something that we can say to kids like listen if you know we offer trips um you're staying district, you have an opportunity to go to China, Japan, Europe. So, I only see it as a good thing as long as it's done right. Why Miss Baronstein is doing it so
early, number one, because of the price, but also because of the new policy, right? We have that in play now. So, it was explained to her and she's doing it well over a year in advance so it can be approved and she can start, you know, uh the money thing, but she also has to have the parent meeting. um and she has
to follow through on a couple of things in the policy like with that parent meeting, you know, refund things and if it goes up to a level three, which Japan has been a one forever in that uh travel advisory, which you you might have seen on the board notes, so I'm not too concerned about Japan safety. It's a
pretty safe place. Um under personnel, uh we just want to explain Miss Sullivan is going to be the 504 officer for the entire year. Originally, she's only half the year because Mr. Pera was going to come back, but she's extended her leave. So, now
we've extended uh Miss Sullivan to be the section 504 officer for the district the entire year. We have a bus aid that's going to be added to the next regular agenda. It's not on here. Um just gets paid $18 an hour, but we're always looking for bus
aid. So, if you know a competent person that wants to be a bus aid, it's a great gig. In the morning, they ride the bus. In the afternoon they ride the bus, their middle of the day is free. We can even hook them up with a launch eight job if they want and they can do all three and it's great. Uh please let us
know. I'm just advertising that to the audience everybody. Um also for next meeting we're going to have a replacement instructional assistant. Um there are there is one uh instructional assistant that has
resigned and we're going to replace her. she's going to be on the next agenda. And also, uh, we added Mr. Sullivan who had previously resigned. He's our BCBAN district. It is a loss for the district. Um, he has extended his resignation to
December 31st, and so he can stay on longer, wrap up some loose ends, and um, we have advertiser in BCBA. They're hard to find, but I believe Mr. Sullivan is going to help us out in the interim, even after he resigns um, as he goes into his professional career. uh perhaps
to help us out. Uh going through okay JAG athletic training contract that is just this is under u finance approval of the JAG athletic training contract. Uh 0.98
that's just in case of emergency if our trainer isn't available if Richard Touri isn't available and we need a trainer for the winter season or spring season we have them available. um approval of the special education centered tuition contract uh to High
Point School, Bergen County. The only adjustment is in the aid amount of 32,265. Um the child is still currently going there, but we had to add uh PAR because the program are going to talk about the joint transportation.
>> I can I'll do it. I think it's brilliant. So Stephanie's pretty smart. So, we have a student uh that has been transported through region five that is no longer going to be transported. So, we are going to add them to our route. Correct, Stephanie? I'm saying that
correctly. So, we are now going to get paid to bust that person. And they're right in River Riverdale River Edge. So, it's really at no additional cost to us, but we're going to gain probably about 8,000 8,000 bucks. So, I'll take it. If
we can continue that, that's wonderful because we are lucky enough. >> It's fortunate and unfortunate because we have a fleet of buses. I think we have like eight buses now. Uh which is great because we bus all our students, but it it is a high cost to maintain a fleet of buses. Um but so to pick up
money, we can under athletics and co-curricular approval for Mr. Tero who's also an instructional aid for us for winter wrestling. This will be at the middle school. We have a budding population of young ladies who's interested in middle
school wrestling. It's a great thing, but we have to prepare for it. So, Mrs. Tatero um knows wrestling, so she's going to help them out so they have a female present. And we are also anticipating the future when these young ladies come up to the high school,
wrestling is now a women's wrestling is now NJSIA sanctioned sport. So, they cannot just join with the boys. Uh, so we have to either start our own girls wrestling team or we have to co-op. Most districts are co-oping because they don't have the numbers to sustain a full
program. So that is already on our athletic director's radar. And um, we are making plans three years down the road. So that is it for me. Do you have any questions? >> I just have one just about the the girls wrestling. So, I remember um seeing
something not too long ago that that said it's like the fastest growing sport in high school if I'm not mistaken. Right. Like >> and that and uh girls flag football. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Um and both. So, girls flag football, we know we have one that's a
club right now. NJSA keeps saying they're going to make it a sanctioned sport. When that happens, it's going to change the whole landscape because they cannot do sports. All our girls pretty much do two sports in the spring. That would take that away unless we co-op.
Um, but girls wrestling is growing and that's why they have their own teams and they co-op. I think Mr. Ricardelli already has an idea of who he would co-op with, you know, should those girls promote wrestling. But yeah, it is it is growing and
there's great scholarships if you'd like to >> you know have your daughter wrestle. There's a lot of scholarship money um in colleges for female wrestlers because of nine they had to pull it out. So there's amples that just to to add to that at
the bre level the girls participation has exploded over the last year. So I suspect at some point might have you know enough numbers at the high school level to actually happen. It's it's possible. It's possible because once they started sanctioning,
you know, just girls wrestling. I mean, think about it. When you get to high school and you're a girl wrestling a boy, it sometimes for some they can be awkward. And so now that it's it kind of dissuaded girls from participating, but now that they have their own team, they're all together. They're wrestling
other girls. I think that's a big reason why it has exploded. >> One more last thing. We host a novice tournament. second year and new Milford's squad for girls rivals some of the bigger schools that actually come participate. So I
think it's it's a it's got a bright future. >> That's great. >> Any other questions? There's my report. Thank you. >> Okay. Assistant superintendent report. Lauren Doda. >> Hi. Good evening everyone. Um a few
updates to share with you. Field testing is now in place for NJSLA and NJTPA adaptive. So we've made the transition from Pearson Access Next to the new platform which is Tide that is the um
platform that we'll be testing on come this spring. However, as previously shared, we are engaged in um field testing to test out the question stems and validity and really
just to get everybody acclimated to the new platform. So, today we wrapped up day two of testing uh day two of three days. There will be makeups provided. Uh most of the issues that we've experienced thus far have to do with
connectivity. I think because so many um districts are testing this week, it's the last week of the window of the very short window. Um having everybody log in at 8:00 in the morning at the same time was a little
glitchy, but we worked through it. Thank you to everyone involved in helping support that seamless transition for us. A reminder for parents, there's no scores or reports. So, it's just kids experiencing the questions, testing it
out, teachers getting acclimated with the platform, and we should be well prepared for spring testing. Um, an update on the universal literacy screening that was a law that I had shared was put in place where we had to
benchmark the kids. we were already benchmarking our kids, but now one of the layers added on was sharing the results of the benchmarks with our parents. So, um those score reports were delivered electronically via parent
square. It seemed pretty seamless. Um the final step was sharing the performance data and uploading that to the NJDOA, the Department of Education and that has been done. So, we are compliant in that area and we'll do it
again for the next round of benchmarking following um our winter administration in January. >> I think Lauren's being modest in the amount of work that went into it. Anytime there's a first year implementation from the state is always rocky and you got to feel your way
through. And I know Lauren put in a lot of man hours or woman hours, >> you know, on this. And I could tell Lauren starts getting stressed and she was stressed because it was it was a lot. So >> a lot of data. Yeah, >> it was a lot of data and a new platform and a new reporting thing. So
>> you just decided to change everything at the same time. >> I think we're all feeling it. But thank you. Um just a quick note about the ES the submission of the ESA application which is the um grant application for all of our title funding including title one,
title two, title three, title three immigrant and title four. Um there were some things on the agenda. We pulled some things from the agenda and I just wanted to give a little bit of context as to why the delay. um in for last
school year, we received the allocation on June 17th of 2024. So that's typical for when we receive the allocation that will be afforded. And the um grant writing happens in end of June,
July, and we're really well prepared to start the new school year with our plans in place this year. Um because they also changed the grant management software. They there was a delay and we didn't get our allocation until August 12th 13th.
Um so the grant writing and that process coincided with the opening of school and is still ongoing. Um at you know the federal level things are a little bit unknown and being looked at a little bit differently.
So, we're working through the evolving plans and hope to receive an update and get everything rolling in the near future. Um, as soon as we have an update, I'll share that with you. Happy to share that the curriculum is now live on the website. Um, so if you go on to
our website and navigate to departments and then curriculum and instruction, there's a tab for curriculum and you can access our um Google Drive. view only, but you can see all of our um courses
that include the standards that we hit, the New Jersey student learning standards, as well as pacing and what the course looks like over the course of a year or semester. Um next week, just a reminder, at our regular meeting on Tuesday night, we're
going to have Mr. Manny Py join us. He is going to give us um an overview of semester assessments and what that uh plan and roll out looks like and some of the work that they've been doing behind the scenes.
And I think that concludes my report for tonight. Any questions? >> Thank you. >> There's a subministrator report 70. >> Good evening. Um just some updates that are on the agenda that were added late
that I want you all to to know about. It's F2526.99 and 100. Um that is for the work that is being done in the high school cafeteria and senior lounge. These are change orders um from the
original contract that we received. The um the first amount that's listed is for the exterior painting. It used to be like a tannanish color and now it's green. If you're looking at the building
from the fields, right above the windows, it's uh right underneath the sawtooth roof. So that is to do that side and then it's matching on the other side. the other side you can't it's not as visible but to do one side and not do the other is silly. So to do both. So
that's what the first change order is. And then the second one is um when they originally came out and quoted the windows they're like sort of support beam looking things in between the windows and when they actually went to
pull them out they're not. Um, and so there was a change order um, because they had to protect the structural integrity of the of the windows because there wasn't actually anything there. And so these are both sort of have to do
to make the project complete. Um, so that's why we're seeking approval for those on the agenda. Um, Mr. Gasso already spoke about the joint transportation agreement. Um we already have and what that's going to do is we have existing students that go to school
all day. It's a receiving student um that we're going to be transporting and so now uh that student will just be uh riding the bus with the his classmates. Um so that's what that changes. And then in terms of food services,
every September, um the cafeteria typically runs a little bit of a deficit. And so this year, uh we did run another deficit in September. And we always rebound in October, September for a variety of reasons. You're buying all
the commodities. You have the initial payroll and the setup of the cafeteria. and there's just not as many service days that you're servicing students to make up sort of the money on the loss. But what we did this year that's been different in previous years um was we
immediately pivoted because our sales at the elementary level were lower than I took a historical I looked at the past five years um and were lower and so we introduced snacks options at the elementary level. So this is the first year and they've always had snack
options but before it was a parent pre-selected and they were sort of pre-ordering their meals for the month and now the students are actually going through the line. So now along with that we've introduced purchasing um snacks and then they have cookies. They had
cookies at the end of September. Now we've brought chips um rice krispie treats ice cream >> it will increase our income. So, um, and it's it's been going well. Um, you can see sort of the sales. We
didn't I don't believe there was any communication sent out from the principal. So, I think the students are spreading it word of mouth and really begging their parents for some a few extra dollars to go through the line. Um, and then we've been doing sort of
different having different options. Um, the food service provider is Pontonian and the people who run the company don't like carnival food, but at the upper level in the high school, the kids like carnival food. Um, and that term makes
me laugh a little bit because I never heard of it. Um, like a corn dog or today they had churros. Um, and so students are loving it. So, we're sort of exploring different options on what we can do. Um, November is another sort of hard service month, but but we're on
it. Um, so that's for the cafeteria. And then in terms of transportation, the DRTS is going to be submitted. Um, that's due the end of this week. And then, um, the oddsome
is out there. That's due in the beginning of December. And the auditors, I haven't seen them yet. So, we'll call them, see what's going on. But that information will be forthcoming and as soon as I have an update, I will share it. And that concludes my report.
>> Any questions for staff? Jeff? Um, I'm going to tread lightly here because I'm not sure if you can really expand on this or not, but um 10 the last one 26 would be um the student
that we're sending out the change. >> Yeah. >> So, um stop me if I'm not allowed to say something, but Pete's board He mentioned about um an increase in tuition based upon IEP.
Um so this was something that we we previously had approved. The difference is the cost of the IEP the the the power of the right. >> Um so I wanted to bring that up because I think like the public should also
understand this and the financial constraints we have and you know the challenges. So, we didn't when we approved this um think or or anticipate that this was going to cost us an extra $32,000, but I'm okay still. Right. What I'm saying?
>> Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, you know, I think like, you know, these are the challenges that we face when an IP changes out of nowhere. It just becomes an additional expense to the to the district and the taxpayers. And um so I don't know if you can expand
on this but what if you can in this particular instance the IEP change if you can speak to that what was the difference that made it necessary for the for a parrot to be added to this this contract.
>> So I I can answer that the um this particular student was in district um many years ago. the student has been out of district at a different placement and that placement at the end of last year
said that we no longer can educate that student and so they transition to this new school during ESY and this student wasn't sort of able to to make the
academic advancements absent a a parah and so in order for this student to remain at this school this school reached out to our keys manager and said that they need a PAR um in order to be successful and so far um
it's it's been working and so we really in even when the students remain in district and there's sort of comes to the level of having a parrot it sort of every intervention has been in place before it gets to that point. Um, but
when it happens, it happens and it costs us a minimum of $30,000 when it does happen. Um, but it's always at the core of it is for the best interest of the students and the academic success of that child. >> Yeah, of course. And and and that's why
I wanted to bring it up because like we can budget, we do all this stuff, but then something like that, you know, hits and and and it's an additional expense and it's you got to find the money. And I just I just wanted to bring that up on the record so people understand that we
get these curve balls and and you can plan and you can you know we can all do our job but when that happens you have to find that money and that you know of course if you have to spend $32,000 we have to spend $32,000 somewhere that's
$32,000 that isn't available to spend on something else that the district needs. Right. So >> absolutely. >> Yeah. Good point. Does anyone else have any other questions? Okay. Any leees on board committee reports?
Any correspondence? >> I do have correspondence. I just uh I'll report on it at the regular session. >> Okay. >> Great. Agenda items for discussion. Um does that anyone have any questions or comments regarding board action?
>> The trip is under board action. the final educational programs and curriculum. >> Kendra, just so you know what we do in this in our work session, we review the agenda prior to coming. But so the agenda for next or regular here when we
have any questions, we can bring it up here to know so anyone can answer them for you. So um any questions or comments regarding educational programs and curriculum? >> Um I do have a question. Um, we use the
first the trip sounds phenomenal. I I love that they have the opportunity to go and travel. Um, I do have a question about BF tours and our obligation to disclose whatever like benefits a staff member might receive for purposes of
using that vendor repeatedly. I asked for that because there is an ethics, you know, uh, law in New Jersey that talks about like rebates or rewards or bonus points or anything like that for travel. We have a policy too. Um, and to the extent that that needs to be disclosed,
I think it should be. Um, so I want to ask or whatever the obligation is. I didn't ask that question. Um, because I don't know. >> I think I think I'd like to just know that. >> Yeah. Thank you. I'll let I'll let everybody know. Anyone else have any
questions? Andrew. >> Um um 2526.23. Where is the national director's conference? I believe in Tampa. >> Do you have any further questions or no? >> Okay. Um
any questions or comments regarding personnel recommendations? Any regarding finance and facilities, athletics and co-curricular policy?
Okay. Any old business? Any new business? Okay. Open to the public. I seek a motion outlining for Board of Education by law 0167. Each statement made by participant shall be learned in three heads. Need a motion. Tony, seconded by John. All in
favor? I >> oppose. Okay, I see a motion to close to the public. Nicole, seconded by Stephanie. All in favor? I >> oppose. Board member request for any additional information. Okay. Close session. It is hereby moved
that the board of education adjourn into executive session in accordance with the provisions of section 8 of the open public meetings act chapter 231PL for the purpose of discussion and consideration of matters pertaining to the following subject. personnel matter and student matter. The minutes of the
executive session will be made available to the public when the need for confidentiality will no longer exist. I seek the motion to close. Joe, seconded by Nicole. All in favor? Opposed? >> Thank you, Dan.