All right. Very well. >> Roll call. >> Miss Kasano >> here. >> Dr. Hayden here. >> Miss Gunderman >> here. [clears throat] >> Miss Klay >> here. >> Miss Lee >> here. >> Miss Morano >> here. >> Mrs. Zayn >> here. You have a quum. >> Join me in the flag salute.
I aliance 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. [clears throat] >> This is a public meeting of the board of
education of the bureau of new providence. Adequate notice of this meeting has been given in accordance with PL1975, chapter 231, and that a notice was made in conf in conformance with section 13 of the act. Whenever the business of the board requires it to convene to close
session, the session will begin no later than 9:30 p.m. At the conclusion of the need for close session, the board will reconvene to the public portion of the meeting. At that time, the board will complete any other business that may be before it, and the public will then be given an opportunity to be heard before
the meeting is adjourned. I'd like to welcome everyone tonight. It's good to see our two former board members. Um, I don't have any other comments since I think we're going to go over them in uh all the different reports. >> Thank you, Miss Morano. Ariel,
>> good evening and thank you, Dr. Zerpley, and the rest of the board for having me tonight. On Friday, December 19th, many of our students and alumni performed as part of the music department coffee house event. It was a very successful and fun evening for all uh attendees. On Tuesday, December 23rd, before the
winter break, all students and staff took part in the class kickoff. This was a very fun event which began with the with a winter spirit week before leading into the kickoff. Students and teachers participated in several competitions to earn points for their respective grades.
The music department hoster hosted winter voice recital on Wednesday, January 14th and Thursday, January 15th. Student performances were spectacular, and the new format in the coro room led to a great atmosphere for all performing. Yesterday, here in the media
center, the school hosted an athletic signing ceremony for all senior students who will be moving on to participate in athletics at the next level. Congratulations to all the following students. Mashan Nrepco who's going to Talson University for women's swimming. Lissa
Kavanaaugh who's going to Keen University for women's swimming. LJ Conlin who's going to Lyola University in Maryland for men's swimming. Richard Fediv who's going to Hamilton College for men's swimming. Daniel Prey who's going to Maris University for men's
track and field. Ryan Knight who's going to University of Scranton for men's lacrosse. Jack Thomas who's going to the College of St. Scholastica for men's tennis and Mike Pats for uh who's going to John's Hopkins University for football and Jack Fitzgerald who's going
to Holy Cross uh Holy Cross for football and Blake Kadalano who's going to Eastern University for golf. Midterms begin tomorrow, Friday, January 23rd with social studies and language arts and go through Wednesday, January 28th.
Model UN recently held a very successful conference in Hershey, PA. Out of 1,400 students, Thai Kea and Aki uh Kumar were among the 25 selected to attend the conference on national affairs later this year. Alisa
Kolo, sorry, excuse me. Um and Jack Cohen received awards for being outstanding delegates. The club was recognized as an outstanding delegation for the fourth year in a row. STEM clubs Taiikita and Abhinav Gadam won first place in the
entomology competition at the regional science olympiad on January 13th. They had to identify various insects and other anthropods and answer questions about their behavior, impacts, management, and characteristics. Girls basketball is currently ranked
number seven in the state and is still undefeated. They are currently playing home against Cranford as they seek their 15th win of the season. Boys basketball recently had a nice win over Rawway and they are currently at ALJ this evening. Coach Katano has 599
career wins and his next win will take him to the 600 win milestone. Braden Valley recently was crowned the Union County champion at 150 pounds. Congratulations Braden. The ice hockey team has won three of their last four games with wins over Cranford and West Essex and yesterday
evening against Scotch Plains in the Union County semifinals. The team will be back on the ice tomorrow evening as they play for a Union County Championship against Westfield. Yesterday was senior day for the swim teams. Congratulations to all the seniors and good luck to everyone this
weekend at the county championships. Winter track set a new school record for boys um four times 200 relay. The old record was back from 1995 [clears throat] and the students that set this record were Jack Barfield, Connor Killian, Kyle
McCauley, and Dan Petty. Thank you and I wish all our students the best with midterms. >> Thank you Ariel and good luck to you as well. Mr. Uglura for our enrollment report. >> Good evening everyone. At Alan W.
Roberts we currently have 600 students. At Saltbrook we currently have 596 students. At New Providence Middle School we currently have 388 students. At New Providence High School, we currently have 667 students for a total
of 2,251 students. Also, um we currently have 39 students and out of district placements. This brings us to a grand total of 2,290 students. >> Thank you. Uh this evening I'm very
excited and pleased to share with the board that our district has been recognized on the college board AP honor role at the gold level. To earn this recognition, at least 65% of our graduating class of 2025 took an AP
exam. 35% earned a three or higher and 10% completed five or more AP exams with at least one taken in their ninth or tth grade year. This reflects our commitment not only to expanding access to advanced placement coursework, but also to
ensuring students are supported to succeed. This achievement is a true testament to the hard work of our students, the dedication of our AP teachers, and the intentional efforts of our administrators and counselors to pair high expectations with meaningful
support. Bravo to all of our students, and thank you to Mr. Henry. This evening, I'm also presenting for the board the 2728 school calendar, which should be at your table. The calendar was reviewed by the curriculum instruction and technology
committee earlier this week. To review the calendar, um the new proposed calendar for 2728 includes 186 work days for staff and 183 student days, which incorporates three emergency closing days. Teachers will report on Monday,
August 30th with the first day of school for students on Thursday, September 2nd. The calendar observes Yam Kapoor, Dewali, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lunar New Year, and Memorial Day. The other holidays that we regularly
celebrate fall on the weekend. Winter break, which includes Christmas Day, will run from Friday, December 24th through Friday, December 31st, with students and staff returning on Monday, January 3rd. Spring break, which includes Good Friday, will take place on
Monday, April 10th through Friday, April 14th, with the return of all students and staff on Monday, April 17th. The calendar also includes four early dismissal professional development days during which students will be dismissed early and the staff will stay for the
full day for professional learning. And the school year will conclude with graduation being on June 15, 2028. So at this time I just open the floor for any questions from the board. The plan would be that we would approve this
at the February 26th board meeting. And as the board knows, we're always looking to approve out two years. >> Want to thank the curriculum committee for working on this. Um I I feel like I'm jinxing ourselves with in light of the weather that we possibly
have coming. Um with the three emergency use days, if we don't use them, would we consider perhaps putting that into the calendar as to when they would be given back versus looking and approving throughout the course of the year? So, we have to give
one back the Friday before Memorial Day because that is written into the teachers contract. So, if we have any remaining days, one always goes there. Um, the other than one remaining day, right? Because we would keep one in the bank. There's always going to be one in
the bank. Um, that is up to the board to decide where we want to put that. We certainly could have that discussion about whether or not we want to put that on the calendar to say if we had three remaining snow days, one would remain in
the bank, one would automatically go on to March 20, I'm sorry, May 26th, and the last one would go to blank place. I like that idea. I just think it might be clearcut for people to know what to expect. That comes up a lot questions I
think they you forget. I mean even I forget that sometimes too. >> But I'm assuming that there's like we have to get to the point of no return, right? Like we have to get to a point where like we know for sure now there's >> so typically we'll start having that conversation in March for the second
March meeting because at that point we feel like you know we're in the clear. Um so last year what we did was we gave Easter Monday because and in this particular year 2728 Easter Sunday will be on Sunday the 16th. So Easter Monday
would be the 17th. In some years our spring break is after Easter but in this year it is before. So that could be a consideration but anything prior to that I would caution the board on because we could get snow in March.
>> Yeah. And the fact is we with only three emergency use days, we'll only give back up to two because we'll always reserve at least one in case anything like that that would require us to shut schools until the end of the year.
>> Yeah. But it would just alleviate the need to have the discussion and then you know [clears throat] figuring it out. Well, is the board in favor of giving that Monday if we had the remaining days so it extends that holiday week? >> Yes.
>> Okay. >> Okay. So, then we'll make that revision and then we'll have a new copy for you to approve on the February 26th board meeting. Thank you all. That's all I have, Miss Morano. So I would like to make a recognition of
Bernardet Kakaro uh our board member who was former board member and board president who has joined us tonight. Um in recognition of Bernardet [clears throat] Kakaro whereas Bernardet Kakaro has ended her service on the board of education for the burrow of New Providence after faithful service over
the last 12 years. And whereas the members of the board of education are cognizant of the fact that Mrs. Kakaro has greatly contributed toward the welfare of the children of the burrow by her energy and sincere application to all matters which have come before the
board. And whereas Mrs. Kucaro has served as board president, board vice president, curriculum instruction and technology chairperson and committee member, personnel management and communication chairperson and committee member, Union
County School Boards Association board representative, Union County Educational Services Commission board representative, New Jersey School Boards Association board representative, New Providence Education Foundation liaison, Tri County liaison and government
relations. Now therefore, be it resolved by the board of education of the bureau of new providence in the county of union that the personnel and collective gratitude and appreciation of the members of the board of education are hereby extended to Bernardet Kakaro for
her loyal and untiring dedication to the community and they do hereby publicly commend her for the excellent example she has thus presented to the present and future members of the board of education. approved this day, the 22nd day of January, 2026, and signed by the
order of the New Providence Board of Education. So, I am going to need a second. >> Roll call. >> Miss Costano. >> Hi, Dr. >> Abs Hayden. Hi, >> Miss Gunderman. >> Hi, >> Miss Klay. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Leri. Hi, >> Mrs. Moreno. >> Hi,
>> Mrs. Zayn. >> [applause] [applause] [applause] >> Don't worry, there's more. So, we have this beautiful resolution and recognition for you to hold up. And then this is presented to Bernardet
Kakaro, New Providence Board of Education member 2014 to 2025. On behalf of a grateful community, the New Providence Board of Education presents this award to you in recognition of 12 years of dedicated public service as a member of the Board of Education. The
children of this bureau have benefited immeasurably from your knowledge, wisdom, and tireless efforts on their behalf. The members of the board of education hereby extend to you their sincere personnel and collective appreciation for your loyal and faithful dedication to the community.
Okay. I I'd also like to move in recognition of Joseph F. Walsh. Whereas Joseph F. Walsh has ended his service on the board of education of the Burrow of New Providence after faithful service for
over the last nine years. And whereas the members of the board of education are cognizant of the fact that Mr. Walsh has greatly contributed towards the welfare of the children of and the bur children of the burrow by his energy and sincere application to all matters which
have come before the board. And whereas Mr. Walsh has served as board vice president, finance, facilities and security chairperson and committee member, personnel management and communication committee member, Union County School Boards Association representative and board policy. Now
therefore, be it resolved by the board of education of the Bureau of New Providence in the County of Union that the personal and collective gratitude and appreciation of the members of the board of education are hereby extended to Joseph F. Walsh for his loyal and
untiring dedication to the community and they do hereby publicly commend him for the example excellent example he has thus presented to the present and future members of the board of education approved this day the 22nd day of January 2026 and signed by the order of
the new Providence Board of Education I will need a second >> Stacy >> roll callana >> Dr. Mr. Hayden. >> Hi. >> Miss Gunderman. >> Hi. >> Miss Klay. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Lra. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Moreno. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Zayn.
>> Hi. >> CONGRATULATIONS. [applause] [applause] SO, presented to Joseph F. Walsh, New Providence Board of Education member, 2017 to 2025. On behalf of a grateful community, the New Providence Board of Education presents this award to you in
recognition of nine years of dedicated public service as a member of the Board of Education. The children of this burrow have benefited immeasurably from your knowledge, wisdom, and tireless efforts on their behalf. The members of the board of education hereby extend to you their sincere, personal, and
collective appreciation for your loyal and faithful dedication to the community. [applause] >> [laughter] [applause] >> Um, moving on. This is now an opportunity for the public to be heard on specific agenda items.
No. Okay. And uh seeing that there's no one wanting to speak, uh now this is an opportunity for the public portion of the meeting uh declared closed. I need approval of the minutes as follows for um the business meeting on December 18th
and the closed meeting on December 18th. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Miss Kelana. Hi. >> Dr. Hi. Hi, >> Mr. >> Hi, Liy. >> I mar >> I
>> Okay. Um Stacy for finance. I'd like to move to approve items 1 through eight as listed. >> Second. >> Donna. >> Um I don't think there's anything of note. There's uh several donations um
from uh previous classes as well as um to Roberts and Salt Brook >> Miss Galana. >> Hi >> Dr. Hayden. >> Hi >> Miss Gunderman. >> Hi >> Miss Glay. >> Hi >> Miss Lra. >> Hi >> Miss Morano.
>> Hi >> Mrs. Zayn. >> Hi. >> Okay. uh facilities actions. Uh I'd like to move to approve items one through three as listed. >> Also second >> and I uh would like to ask Mr. TA to um
review the uh bids. >> Sure. Um so we had a bid opening on January 15th. Um we broke the bids up into three schools um three contracts. Um the base bid in each of the contracts were the uh gymnasiums for each
contract. Um based on the bids received which everyone on the board received uh the bid results as where as well as the recommendation from us as administration and center architects. Um based on the available funds we're looking to award
just the high school gym and um the remaining amount be used as contingency in case we have any change orders. As you know, when we do projects like this, especially renovation projects, uh the unknown behind the walls and the ceilings sometimes create additional costs. So, to be uh fiscally
responsible, we should we need uh contingency funds to make sure that we could get the project done. That being said, of the contingency amount that is left, there's one item that does need to be addressed at Saltbrook. Um in the original contract um we were supposed to
replace the chiller which basically um air conditions the whole interior rooms. It's the original chiller that was with the original building. Um we have the unit but there was a a design in basically a change in the design which puts the unit onto the roof instead of
its original location. The change in that and the change order we received from HNS was astronomical. Um, so we decided not to go forward with that, which we're now negotiation negotiating a credit with HNS. Um, as we're negotiating the credit, uh, the unit
does have to be installed. So, what we did was we bought the unit as HNS purchased it and now we're working the credits to make sure that they agree and we agree that the work that's not being completed that we receive uh, credit for that amount. In the meantime, we're going to go out to bid one more time for
just the the unit at Saltbrook and it's called the DOAZ unit, DOA. And that will replace the chiller that's in place. So, right now we have air conditioning working in and fresh air in these interior uh classrooms and we will do that project in the summer. That being
said, um tonight if we award the uh high school gym, the plan is to do it this summer. That's why we're pushing the envelope right now in terms of January. The hope is if it's approved tonight, we work out the contract with the contractor. Um, we got get it into
design phase, do the shop drawings. Hopefully by the end of February, we can order the unit and get it by June or July um, of this year. In the meantime, they'll do the make ready work uh, like we did with all our other HBAC projects. And if everything goes smooth, we'll
have it done by the end of the summer. Um, since I'm talking about the HVAC, I'll just give you an update of where we are with the original contracts. Original contracts were at Punch List, all three buildings. Um, they are about 90% done with Roberts. Uh, they have not
finished anything at the high school or Saltbrook. All the work's going to be done in second shift. Um, we're hope that they'll be done by March. Um, and then once that's done, we'll have close out and close out the contracts. Um, so
with that, I open it up for any questions that anyone may have. >> I just want to say thank you again because I know how much you've been working on this and staying on top of this. So, thank you. >> Oh, thanks. Yes. Um, yeah, we'll we'll see how the the high school goes in the
summer and then we'll go from there. So, >> roll call. >> Roll call. >> Miss Gana. Hi, >> Dr. Mr. Hayden. >> Hi, >> Miss Gunderman. >> Hi, >> Miss Klay. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Lra. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Morano. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Zayn. >> Hi.
>> Moving over to education. Mrs. Castellano. >> Chissa, >> any comments? >> No. [laughter] Okay. Thanks. Roll call. Miss Castalano.
>> Hi, >> Dr. Hayden. >> Hi, >> Miss Gunderman. >> Hi, >> Miss Glay. >> I >> Miss Leurray, >> I >> Miss Morano, >> I >> Mrs. Zayn, >> hi. >> Okay. And personnel action. Uh, Dr. Mson Hayden.
>> I'd like to move items 1 through nine as listed below. >> Second. >> Second. >> There are several approvals and I will turn it over to Dr. Zerley. >> Thank you. Um, so we have three new
hires here this evening and I'd like to recognize them. We have Lori White who will be our new Salt Brook secretary over at Salt Brook. We're excited to have her on board and become a Tiger. I'm sure she's excited as well. Uh, we also have our new part-time ESL teacher,
Christina Guralamic. It's a mouthful. Thank you. [laughter] Um, and she comes to us with a lot of experience uh from Glenn Ridge. She was a world language teacher. She also holds some world language certifications as well, but most recently she was teaching
ESL. So, we're very excited to have her as well. And then lastly, we have Jessica Fury, who will be the new elementary art teacher over at Saltbrook because Miss Hooerhyde will be coming to the high school. Um Jessica has about four years experience uh in Carterette,
but I will tell you that um she's very impressive. She brought an entire portfolio that really blew my mind for only being a fourth year teacher. So we're very excited to have her on board as well. >> Roll call. >> Miss Costalena. >> Hi.
>> Dr. Hayden. >> Hi. >> Miss Gunderman. >> Hi. >> Miss Klay. >> I >> Miss Lree. >> Hi. Miss Morano >> I >> Mr. Okay. And then board policy, Mrs. Zayn. >> Nothing at this time. >> Okay. So, moving over to committee reports,
curriculum, instruction, and technology. >> Yes. So um we met on January 16th and just a quick summary of what came out of that session. Uh we reviewed the curriculum instruction and technology
committee annual goals and Dr. Zerolley uh gave us a nice update on the progress that's being made against those goals. Um we also discussed the proposed 2728 school calendar which we just reviewed again um which is scheduled to come to
board approval next month. Uh we had a really good discussion regarding grades seven to eight math including the creation of a teacher committee that is evaluating the math seven and 8 instructional program. Uh the committee plans to pilot a selected math program
uh with the goal of recommending a new grade 78 math program for the 2728 school year. >> Thanks. Uh finance and facilities and safety security, >> we will be meeting tomorrow morning.
>> Great. And then personnel management and communication. We met a couple days ago um to review our progress towards our two annual goals. Um our first goal of advancing staff development and wellness to support student achievement. Um we
discussed the ongoing initiatives that focus on professional growth, staff support and wellness. We've had several staff events this year so far that have been very wellreceived. We've gotten very good feedback on them. Um, and a full update on the goal, including new
initiatives that we'll be working on and outcomes, will be uh presented to the board at the February 26th meeting. Our second goal, which is enhancing family engagement and communication, um, we reviewed the early progress and planning efforts that were aimed at strengthening
communication, meaningful engagement with families. We are going to plan to continue to work on that goal in the upcoming year and watch it grow as all forms of communication continue to grow and progress every year. And the detailed report focusing on that goal
will be at the April 30th, 2026 board meeting. >> Okay, thank you. Um, do we have any old business? Okay, any new business? Okay. And now for the third time, an
opportunity for the public to be heard. >> Okay. Um, well, with that, oh, like a motion to recess to close session for student matters related to HIP. >> Motion Kristen, second Ruba. Great.
>> We're journed. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you.