All right, roll call. >> Miss Castalena here. Dr. >> Hayden >> here. >> Miss Gunderman >> here. >> Miss Klay >> here. >> Mrs. Lra >> here. >> Mrs. Morano >> here. >> Mrs. Zayn >> here. >> You have a quorum. >> Please join me in the flag salute
to the flag of the United States of America. This is a public meeting of the board of education of the burrow of new providence. Adequate notice of this meeting has been given in accordance with PL1975, chapter 231 in that an actual 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 and 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. Um, I'd just like to welcome everyone. I know we have a very packed house tonight as well as a very full agenda. So, I that's all I'm going to say and pass it over to Dr. Zerpley.
Thank you, Miss Morano. I will turn it over to Ariel for our student report. >> Good evening, and thank you, Dr. Zerley, and the rest of the board for having me tonight. On Saturday, March 28th, we had the PTSA's big big tricky tray fashion show. The theme this year was Bright
Lights Big City. The fashion show and event ended up being a top-notch success with a tremendous amount of money raised. Thank you to all who contribute to the event success. On Wednesday, April 15th, we had an ACT school day. The World Language Honor Society induction ceremony took place on
Tuesday, April 21st. We congratulate our World Language Student Inductees on this great accomplishment. On Thursday, April 23rd, we got to meet many of our teachers kids for Take Your Child to Work Day, which was a great way to meet their families. Also, on
Thursday, April 23rd, we held the class of 2027 National Society induction ceremony. Congratulations to the newest group of inductees. Tomorrow on Friday, May 1st, the PTSA will host the senior breakfast where many seniors, including me, will wear the apparel of the school
they have committed to. Congratulations to all our seniors. Also, this week, the administration held meetings for prom, high school capstone, and the senior internship program. We look forward with eager anticipation to these upcoming opportunities and events.
This past weekend, members of the Youth and Government Club made New Providence High School proud with their incredible performance at the annual New Jersey youth and government conference. Lennena Ingresol won outstanding legal brief. Akude Venuth Kumar was selected as the
outstanding delegate of the lobby corps. Ben Weinstein was chosen to be an alternate to the prestigious conference on national affairs. A rare and impressive accomplishment. Sophia Galammora was chosen as a full gall de delegate um to Kona, one of only 25
students across the entire state of New Jersey who received this honor. And finally, New Providence High Schools named an outstanding delegation, a reflection of the hard work and leadership our students demonstrated throughout the conference. Congratulations to all the members of
the youth and government club. Your dedication, passion, and teamwork made this a truly unforgettable conference. STEM club is preparing to go to states on Saturday. They have also recently created the STEM parent booster club. Congratulations to Aaron Avetti for
earning first place in the 13 to 17 age group at the Trailside Nature and Science Science Cent's uh wildlife photography uh contest for a stunning photograph of a red tailed hawk. Aaron's work will be displayed in the gallery and featured in Trail's 2027 calendar.
Congratulations, Aaron. Boys lacrosse. The boys lacrosse team is having a great season and posted another win yesterday over West Essex to improve the record to 8 to4. They will start the county tournament next week against ALJ High School. The girls lacrosse team was in
action against this evening against Mount Olive. The girls too are having an amazing season with a record of 7 to three headed into today's game. The baseball team is currently seven and seven with all their losses being close, hard-fought battles. They will be in action again tomorrow at Hoboken High
School. The softball team has been on a roll, winning four of their last five games. In three of those wins, the team posted 20 runs in each game, which is incredible. The boys tennis team has posted two wins in a row over Elizabeth and Dayton. They are in action in the
Union County tournament in Planefield yesterday and again today. [laughter] The track and field team continues to have both individual and team successes with their latest success at the very challenging Pen Relays last weekend. Thank you. And that is all for
tonight's student rep report. >> Thank you, Ariel. Mr. Ugluro for our enrollment report. >> Good evening, everyone. At Allen W. Roberts, we currently have 606 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 657 students. All total, that's 2,247 students. In addition, we currently have
38 students in out of district placements for a grand total of 2,285 students. I also want to provide an update on kindergarten and first grade pre-registration for the 2627 school
year. As of today, um, we currently have 58 students pre-registered for kindergarten at Alen W. Roberts, 76 students pre-registered for kindergarten at Saltbrook. Three of those students um are on the exception list for Alan W.
Roberts. In addition to that, we have five new students pre-registered for first grade at Roberts and no new students pre-registered for first grade at Saltbrook. Thank you. Thank you. And at this time, I'd like to invite Miss Castellano up for our
certificates of excellence. All right. Good evening. Um, so the New Providence School District is incredibly proud to recognize this year's Scholastic Art and Writing Winners. These students have demonstrated
exceptional talent and dedication with several individuals earning multiple honors across various creative categories. Their commitment to artistic excellence reflects the vibrant spirit of our education educational community. Just trying to find out where I should stand.
I was [laughter] >> [gasps] >> Among those recognized for multiple submissions, Aaron Aayiti earned both regional gold key and a regional honorable mention for digital art.
[applause] Susan Davies displayed notable versatility, securing a regional silver key alongside three regional honorable mentions for her work in both digital art and jewelry. [applause]
Additionally, middle school student Francesca Munz was honored with a regional gold key and a regional honorable mention for her contributions to digital art. >> [applause] >> In the categories of ceramics, several
students were awarded regional keys for their excellence. Olivia Jakovino received a regional gold key in ceramics, while Karsten Lri and Elizabeth Pazeno both earned regional silver keys for their work in the same
medium. [applause] >> [laughter] >> We also celebrate the creative contributions of students who received regional honorable mentions in the realm of various mediums. Hannah Lumba, Maggie
Louu, and Nia Partardo were all recognized for their artistic vision. A special distinction goes to Alec Bulski, who received a regional honorable mention for screenplay. Alec holds the unique honor of being New
Providence first ever recipient um in the screenplay category. [applause] New Providence is incredibly proud of these students artistic achievements. We celebrate your hard work and encourage you to continue pursuing your passion
for arts education. Congratulations to all of our 2025 2026 Scholastic Art and Writing winners. [applause] All right. Next up, will the students who represented New Providence in region
music ensembles please step forward? [applause] >> [applause] >> Okay. Students who excel in music exhibit a high level of motivation and work ethic to develop their skills. Those who perform in ensembles become outstanding team members and experts at
collaboration. New Providence takes pride in providing opportunities for young musicians to fully develop this musical potential within the school program as well as an auditioned honors ensembles. The New Jersey Music Educators
Association divides the state into three regions. The Central Region sponsors auditioned honors bands, orchestras, and choirs at the intermediate and high school levels every year. Hundreds of students throughout the region who are sponsored by their school music teachers
prepare and audition. Only the highest scoring applicants are accepted. This year, 14 students represented New Providence in region ensembles representing all four schools within the district. Rajan Boore and Asher Chow were selected
for their intermediate region s symphonic band. Lillian Kai and Alex Roth were selected for the intermediate region wind ensemble. [applause] There's more. Mora Steed and Alicia Sue were selected
for the intermediate region string orchestra. Addie Kim and Naomi Woo were selected for the intermediate region chamber orchestra. Julia Howerson and Rachel Zach were selected for the high school region
chorus. Alexander Jigliotti was selected to play double bass for the high school region winding ensemble. And Ernest Fun, Alexander Jig Jigliotti and Ryan Hish Heay were selected for the high school
region orchestra. >> [applause] >> As an additional honor, both Alicia Sue and Alexander Jiggliotti were selected as first chair in their ensembles for earning the highest scores in their ensembles in the entire region.
[applause] As first chair violinist, Alicia was selected as the concert master of the intermediate region string orchestra. [applause] These students have earned special recognition for excellence in music performance. New Providence is very
proud of their achievements and congratulates them and encourages them to continue with their music education. Congratulations All right. Will the students who represented New Providence and all state ensembles please step forward?
[applause] Along with the regional ensembles, NJMEA sponsored auditioned allstate honors ensembles at the elementary, middle, and high school. [clears throat] Hundreds of students throughout the entire state who are sponsored by their school music teachers
prepare and audition. Only the highest scoring applicants are accepted. Membership in an allstate ensemble is a prestigious distinction. In collaboration with NJMEA, the New Jersey chapter of the American Coral
Directors Association sponsors auditioned all state honor choirs at the elementary and junior high school levels. This year, 10 students represented New Providence in all state ensembles.
Anna Sophia Alves Ivante and Ivy Hench were selected for the elementary allstate chorus. [applause] Isabella Arius, Nola Farice, Raina Kamoth, and Annie Louu were
selected for the junior high all state chorus. THIS [applause] Abby Kim and Naomi Woo were selected for the All State Intermediate Orchestra. [applause] Julia Hatterson was selected for the high school allstate chorus and
Alexander Jigliotti was selected for the high school all-state chorus. These students have earned special recognition for excellence in music performance. Again, New Providence is very proud of their achievements and encourages them to continue their music education.
Congratulations All right, we have one more one more recognition. Um, students who excel in writing know that their work is an iterative process that depends upon their commitment to honing their craft. New Providence takes pride in giving students a multitude of opportunities to
develop their literary voices through engagement with mentor texts for inspiration, exposures to various mediums of writing, and the cultivation of a revision process that treats constructive feedback as a catalyst for growth. Um, I would like to recognize this
year's winner in the writing category for the scholastic art and writing writing awards. Unfortunately, she could not be here this evening, but one student from New Providence Middle School, Lillian Kay, was has been awarded a gold key
for her short story titled The Final Wish. A gold key is the highest regional honor in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Awarded to the top 5% of entries for exceptional originality, technical skill, and personal voice. Winning a
gold key for a short story or other writing submission signifies top tier creative talent and automatically advances the work to the national level of judging. We recognize Lillian for her artistic achievements during the 2025 2026 school year. She has earned special recognition for excellence in writing a
fictional narrative in pros. Providence is very proud of her accomplishments and continues and encourages her to continue her pursuits in the field of creative writing. Congratulations Thank you, Miss Castellano, and congratulations to all of our student
recipients. At this time, I'd like to welcome up >> I'd like to welcome up all of the MPF committee members to the front of the room, please. as they're making their way up here, all of them, please come up.
I'd like to just um speak about the committee. We have several members here tonight who are going to be presenting to us. I would like to say how wonderful it is to work with this group of volunteers who throughout the year work very hard to raise monies that go
directly back into our classroom. And tonight they are here to present for us um the awarded grants and the total amount of money that they are able to award to the new Providence School District and again go directly back into our classrooms. [applause]
Hi everyone. Um thank you to the board of education for having us today. Um my name is Kelly Zitto. I'm joined with Michelle Darling, Anna Roth, and Maria Hansen. We're just a few of the volunteers of the on the NPF board. We are all parents most like you all here
in this room. Um our goal is to raise money to fund teacher initiated grants. The board of ed and the administrators do an amazing job handling the very challenging task of the school district budget and the NPF works directly with them to fund additional resources for
the schools. These requests come directly from the teachers and the staff for items or programs that they feel will enhance the classroom and further enhance the curriculum that they're teaching. Throughout the year, we work with our local businesses who we refer
to as our corporate sponsors and we host events to raise money. We are most grateful for the support that we receive from the community. Um the donations from the community, we know that there are many options and causes to donate to. We appreciate every dollar that we
get, especially from the parents. All the money we raise and every donation goes directly back to the schools and to these teacher requests. This year we received a wide range of grant applications from the teachers. Everything from counseling to language
arts to science um and across all schools from prek all the way up to the high school. We are proud to say we funded over 90% of the grant applications we received and next year we hope to raise even more money so we
can continue to um fund even more grants. So this year we're very very proud and honored to present the board of education with a check for $69,833. [applause] >> Thank you. Sure.
>> Everybody's in. [clears throat] >> Oh. Oh, >> okay. [laughter] Okay, thank you guys again so much. Thank you. [applause] >> Thank you. [laughter] >> Thanks.
>> Okay, moving along in our agenda, I would like to invite Dr. Harvey up to the podium with me as we are going to be presenting on our board goal of promoting digital wellness
>> as opposed to That's great. >> All right. Good evening everyone. Um it's nice to see you and what a great it's always nice to follow such a wonderful array of um of commemorations and and commendations tonight. Um I'm here to talk a little bit about our
board committee sub goal number two which is promoting digital wellness. Uh this goal was designed to align specifically with our strategic goal number three which is to strengthen the district's commitment to students mental health and well-being through a comprehensive social emotional learning
or SEAL framework. The purpose of the of promoting digital wellness goal was to design and deliver by March of 2026 a district-wide wellness initiative that includes at least one student workshop per grade level band K to 3, 4 to 6,
grades 7 to 8, and grades 9 to 12. One profession staff professional development session and one family engagement event focused on mental health impacts of technology and strategies for mindful balanced digital use. This aligns well with other goals that
we have discussed and will be discussing through our presentations to the board over the last few months. Um because in addition to changing, amending or revamping how we're utilizing technology in the classroom, we know that it's important for our students to understand
why this is necessary uh and how changes in technology use could be useful for promoting healthy outcomes. This is a long conversation and not a one-sizefits-all approach. So, it becomes so important for us to be able to have those conversations with our
students at the level that they're at. Obviously, you're not going to speak to to kindergarten students in the same way that you would speak to high school students about the impacts of technology, but you we hope to grow and have students grow in that understanding and knowledge as they continue on through the district. So, we wanted to
make sure that we involved all of our constituents um into this process. the students, their families, and our staff in order for us all to be on the same page. >> Yeah. So we have a um so the what for us was to develop this district-wide
initiative and really focus on the mental health aspects or impacts of technology and strategies for mindful and balanced digital use which we were able to utilize through some of our programming and as we'll talk about some of the work that we did the research that the staff have done um the
community outings and parent events that we had worked with some of with our community partners um and some of the work that we had done within in the district as well for students. And we also wanted to make sure that our why is that we were aligning the district strategic planning um to that planning
goal to make sure that the mental health of our students remain strong um and continue to grow and develop even as their their outside world and environment changes around them. [snorts] Um so I'll leave you I'll leave it on to Dr. Surley to talk a little bit more.
>> Thank you Dr. Harvey. Um, so I'd just like to talk a bit about how we are going to be planning to extend this goal into next year. Um, during the month of June, which I'll talk about under new business, all of the committees will get together to goal plan for next year. And
this specific goal we will have to revamp in a way and I will talk about why. Um so this year we were extremely fortunate that we were able to partner with the mindful generation and I see um Danielle in the off in the office in the
audience here this evening. Um and we partnered with them uh myself and the district and we were able to have significant parent and community participation through our three-part series on the anxious generation. So as
you know the anxious generation is the book written by Jonathan height and we were able to in the fall have a part one which was understanding the challenge and really talking about the book summary of Jonathan height. We were then able to have two separate sessions for
parents. One which was just grades K through five focused on the conversation of what would be age appropriate in terms of trying to pull back the use of technology. And then we did the same with grades six through 12. And when we did it with six through 12, we also
invited students as well. And so there was a student breakout session that myself along with my colleagues, my district and building colleagues ran for all of our students. We then culminated with a third part where everyone came back together and we talked about
solutions and actions moving forward. We do as a district continue to work with the mindful generation and we're thankful for their time as well as their volunteerism as they take all of this work uh just as seriously as we do. We had over 90 staff members this year
participate in a book club on the anxious generation where there was data that was collected after each segment of chapters that were read so that we could use that moving into next year as we create uh more of a professional development program around the mental
health of technology use. And then of course, as the board knows, we did take the bold move this past August to um rewrite and revise our policy around cell phones and specifically here at the high school middle school where cell
phones need to be kept in student lockers. Um, and I will say that the feedback that we've received from staff is overwhelmingly positive, but even from students, it's very positive in the sense that they're having more communication with one another,
face-to-face communication. Um, we have gotten feedback that our cafeteria is much louder than it has ever been. Uh, because students are now conversating with one another, playing board games with one another. And you know, just like anything that's new, we hope to
reset that button again once we get into the new year of August and September. And um as you also know, Governor Murphy did sign a law that all schools need to be cell phone free starting in September. So I'm very fortunate that again the board and the administration
took the bold move last August to get ahead of that. moving into next year um and working alongside the Mindful Generation, we're very excited that we are going to bring Project Reboot to New Providence um
through the generous donations of our PTAs, our PTOs, as well as our ED Foundation, we were able to fund the full project reboot program, which will include in October four student assemblies. So, there will be two
assemblies here at uh the high school middle school. They will be separated by 7 8 and then 912 and then there will be separate school assemblies by grade level at the elementary school starting with the second grade. We also are going to have staff professional development
where um the founder of project reboot his name is Dino uh he went to UC Berkeley and he does a lot of work out of UC Berkeley will provide professional development for all of our staff and then during those two days that he is here Dino we are also going to be doing
parent workshops. One evening will be K5 and the next evening will be 612. So we really look forward to that. We also, as uh the board knows, are going to be adopting balance by design, guiding principles for thoughtful technology integration, which is going to be our
last and final presentation next month on our board goals. We will be refining lessons to balance technology use. And there's more to come in that presentation to show you exactly the work that we have done and the professional development that we will provide for our teachers next year in
order to do that. So again, we're very excited that we have met a lot of this goal and many parts of this goal, but we will uh revise it as a committee and we will make sure that we include in their project reboot for next year and then also what else we want to work on into
next year. So I thank uh Dr. Harvey very much. I thank Miss Garulo as well for mindful generation. Um, and I open it up now to any board committee members or any board members or committee members that would like to comment or ask a question.
Okay. So, we are going to move on now to our next goal that we are reporting out on this evening. This is under the personnel management and communication subcommittee. And I have Miss Natasha Allen here, Miss Jillian Shadis, and
Miss Katie Mangle who all worked alongside me this year um in fulfilling the elements of this goal. Like our other goal, we are going to be rewriting this as a committee and extending it into next year. But at this time, I'm
going to turn it over to Miss Allen, who will begin. All right. Good evening, everyone. Um >> Oh, okay. Wonderful. Thank you. All right, good evening. So, this year our committee really focused on enhancing
family engagement and communication uh which directly aligns with strategic goal number five and strategic goal number six. In order to achieve this goal throughout the year, we focused on creating a uh strategic plan video for
the community. Um partnering with our families to improve communication. Um and we also wanted to implement a QR code system just to help and support families in that way. So our goal was
specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound. At this time, I'll have Miss Shades just speak to our progress on these specific objectives of our goal. Thank you, Mrs. Allen.
Okay. So, our goal was broken down into three main objectives. The first part was to produce a community connections video introducing the strategic plan that was to be shared at back to school nights last September 2025. The second was to hold at least two joint planning sessions with the board and parent
groups to talk about the current communication from the district and to build consensus on a plan moving forward. And third to begin piloting the use of QR codes to make electronic payments for things like student fundraising, test registration, field trips, etc. make that simpler and also
to better align with what our parent organizations have been doing already to streamline the process. Might as well start with the video. Welcome back to the 2025 2026 [music] school year. I'm Dr. Lauren Zerley,
superintendent of schools. This year, the board and I are very excited that we're embarking upon our first year of our next five-year strategic plan rooted in purpose growing together. As a part of one of our goals, we're looking to
engage our community in understanding the roles and responsibilities of our boards, our parent organizations, as well as our community organizations. As such, we put this video together so that you could better understand how you
could become involved in [music] supporting our students throughout the year. We're excited to start this school year and to see how you could become involved in supporting students in the New Providence School District. Have a great year.
>> Okay, we'll pause it there. Beginning with the community connection videos right off the bat, uh last summer, Mrs. Mangle began producing, recording, and editing all of these uh videos to have them ready to play at those back to school nights that I had mentioned. There are secondary and elementary
versions of the video. And in both, Dr. Zerpley begins by briefly introducing the five-year plan, particularly this goal of enhancing that family communication and engagement. The video then continues on with key constituents from the district and community including Miss Gunderman, the NPEF, the
PTAs and PTOs, boosters, municipal alliance, etc. who give brief introductions to the roles or organizations that support all of our schools. All of the message include ways that parents and guardians can get involved and or provide feedback to the district. The district plans on re
refreshing and revitalizing these videos for next school year as well. And for the ending part of it, I'll pass it over to Mrs. Mangle. >> You so uh the second part of the goal was to conduct two uh joint planning sessions
with key parent groups that are work closely with our schools on a regular basis. So we wanted to send out a big thank you to the ed foundation to the PTAs at uh each of the schools, the music boosters, athletic boosters, and
the alliance for joining us. um and for their input and collaboration in these meetings. Uh at the first meeting in November, the district outlined um the goals for centralizing or consolidating um the communication platforms and
explained what research has been done uh to date. And attendees then had the chance to provide feedback as to um what features of the platforms would be most valuable to them um and the parent community. And then subsequent to this
meeting, the district conducted further research based on that feedback and identified the platform parent square as the best option for schoolto communication. To be clear, a move to parent square would be budget neutral. Um it would
basically replace some of the communication platforms that we have and would no longer be necessary. Uh the next meeting with these stakeholders is scheduled for May 12th and thank you to all of those um groups again who have already RSVPd and um
expressed their enthusiasm for attending. Um [snorts] parent square will also um be there and be able to provide a short demonstration um of the features from a parent and community perspective. So we're looking forward to that.
All right. All right. So just to recap our work over the past year, the district has researched um multiple uh different communication platforms. The process was long. The process included uh many many
demonstrations and vendor meetings. Um we acquired feedback from other districts who used um various platforms to see what their thoughts were. And we uh had a lot of internal reviews with our IT departments. um and you know various administrations
uh and central office and the research then led us to conclude that parent square is the best option for the new providence school district. As part of this process we also researched and vetted payment gateways which are necessary to implement any online
payment capabilities with any communication platform. Basically, payment gateways are the back-end processes that keep online payments secure. So, that's the first step for us to implement any online payment
um platform. Uh one payment gateway has already been approved by the board in the fall and another one uh will be um sent for approval shortly. So, we'll have that piece taken care of. In the 2627 school
year, we'll form a committee of stakeholders including administration, parents, community members, teachers, coaches, uh, etc. to explore all the uses of Parent Square and pilot various functionality at each school. And then
finally, to kick off the 2728 school year, Parent Square will be rolled out districtwide. So, we're very excited to bring that to everyone. Thank you. Thank you all very much for your work on this and your continued work on it and I
look forward to um seeing what Parent Square is going to have to offer the district which I think is absolutely going to change the way we communicate. At this time I open the floor for any board members that would like to comment or have questions
>> after hearing about parent square. I mean, I think the one I think it was on the slide before, but having the functionality piece where parents can choose which way they would like to receive communication so that the comments that I missed this email, I So, you get it in a text. You get whatever
works best for you. So, it I'm excited for that piece, too. >> Yes, thank you for pointing that out. Um, it is definitely a modernized way of communicating. Parents can choose to get notifications, emails, text messages, even a phone call. Um, but actually I
should say email will always be what we will always send out. And then they have these other ways as well. So more to come on that. Okay, at this time I would like to welcome up Miss Gunderman as well as Miss Zen who are going to do our presentation on our 2627
budget. All right. [clears throat] Um, as we begin, I just want to thank Mr. Ta for always being such a good steward of our financial resources here at the district. Um, and all he does to prepare this budget along with our entire administrative team, um, both at
central office and at our schools. So, our board board budget goals uh to maintain the educational programs and goals to support student achievement. Uh to review and analyze staffing needs, maximize operational efficiencies,
continue to maintain security facilities and equipment, consider the burden on taxpayers, and maintain the culture of our district. Um, as we look at some budget highlights, uh, we'll start with education.
Uh, we are continuing all educational programs that were offered in the 2025 2026 school year into next year. Uh, continue to update and write the curricula. Uh, we are adding a capstone advisor stipend uh, as well as the
summer college application boot camp program. Um, as far as updating our curricula goes at the high school, we are updating all video and media design courses. Uh, there's also a new advanced weight training. We are also updating AP
biology, AP chemistry, AP language and composition and AP Spanish. At the middle school, we are completing the pioneer pathways in ELA and math. Um and at the elementary school we are extending STEM down into kindergarten as
well. [clears throat] Uh there is uh some decrease in staffing uh four teaching staff members as well as one secretarial staff members. The majority of this is all due to attrition either people retiring um or leaving the
the district. Um, this has been consistent over the past few budget cycles where when a position becomes open, we do re-evaluate it uh to see if it is necessary to refill that exact position or if it can be covered through other staff or needs. Um, and of course,
we always make sure that all of our classes are within our class size policy. So, even with this reduction, there's no uh effect to, you know, uh, our class size policy. Uh some budget highlights all the facilities always you know exciting for
everyone [laughter] at Alen W. Roberts we have the replacement of two exterior doors as well as a cement replacement near the exter exterior dooring replacement in a classroom as well as the upgrade to the existing burglar
alarm system. I got it. A few more facilities highlights in the maintenance department. Uh the purchase of a prop press combo tool, uh one lawn mower, as well as the purchase of fertilizer and seed spreader. Keep all
of our lawns beautiful. All right, so now we get into numbers. Um, as we look at the numbers, I I do want to just remind everyone this budget presentation will be posted on the website. So, no need to memorize everything. You can come back and look
at it anytime. Uh, the operating budget for next year is 53,516,890. Uh, and as you can see um from the pie chart, the largest portion of that is classroom instruction. Um and that is about 40% 39.4%.
So as we move in uh we'll go a little bit more into these and uh what's really the drivers of this budget. And for that I'm going to hand it over to Mrs. Zayn. Okay. So this slide on the right you will see the numbers from the last slide which is our proposed budget for 2627.
And as a comparison, you can look to the left and see last year what we did. Um I want to bring your attention mostly to the top three lines where you can see a I think a substantial decrease but in classroom instruction but the
reason for this you need to see the next two lines the employee benefits and the instructional support which has increased by a great deal and increased by a little. um the other lines going down. If you see the percentage which is on the very
far right of each line, the pre uh the share of the total budget, we are maintaining consistency or going down percentage- wise. Okay, those two areas I asked you to look at are our main budget drivers. Okay, in summary, um, at the bottom,
just to get back to the point, the increase in our general fund expenditures from last year's budget to our proposed 2627 budget is just over 2 million. And the key drivers you see before you, and it should come as no surprise, the
first item was a key driver last year. Um, and it's a continuing trend. It's going to keep going forward. We're keeping an eye on it. There's only so much you can do about health care costs. So [snorts] over 1.5 million for employee benefits.
And I want to point out the actual um premium increase last year which we budgeted for was over 15% of healthcare. Okay. Apologies if I'm shaking here. So um
last slide was comparison to last year. Another way to look at the budget is to compare to our surrounding districts. Again, this is last year's spending or proposed spending. And you can see uh that we New Providence budgetary cost
per pupil is remaining in the lower two um the not then you can see New Providence the second from the bottom. So sorry. Okay. Before I continue further, I'm just going to read this slide. This is cap
banging. This occurs when the school district does not increase the tax levy by the full 2% allowable by law plus any tax levy state adjustments which means this money would then be available for future budgets.
Okay, let's start with the actual numbers. Again, this will be available hopefully online. So, I'm just going to approximate these numbers and not read every single digit. Last year it's tax levy
45 million proposed this year 2627 47 and a half the increase in tax levy over 2 million okay keep that first and second line in your minds first line at the top
this is how I'm going to walk you through how we can justify this as staying within the state regulations okay the 2526 tax levy 45 million the 2% allowed increase by state law plus healthc care cost adjustments which
are calculated by the state and they help compensate for that large number you saw earlier meaning our allowable 2627 tax levy 47,458,965 of that our proposed
tax levy 47,458,710 10. So that tiny difference of 255 is our banked cap. All right. Other sources for our budget [snorts] um unrestricted state aid aid
in 2627 the state is giving us over 3 million which in itself is a 47,000 94 where did I get 94,000 decrease from last year which itself is a 97,000
decrease from the year before. So that number's been going down but it's still very much appreciated. Okay, what does this mean for our taxpayers and how will it impact your property taxes? New Providence totalable ratables
for 2026 about 1.5 billion slight decrease from last year. Translating this to a single property we have in 2026 the average home market
value is expected to be 96,233. That's not the number you see on your tax bill. The number you see on your tax bill is the assessed value for that average. Now the average assessment is 311,019
which means for this hypothetical average family you will be seeing a total tax increase including the debt service of $328 or a 3.34% increase over your prior year's taxes. And before I hand this back, I'm just going to remind you
tomorrow is May 1st. Your second quarterly taxes are due. >> All right. Thank you, Mrs. Zayn. Um, just so uh all the board members are aware, our budget is on the agenda for approval tonight. I know we've all had it in our hands for a little while and
had some time to review it. Um, and now I will open it up to the board members for any questions on the budget. >> Thank you for doing the work. >> Thank you. >> All right. Um, thank you again and it'll be up again on the website.
>> Thank you. Thank you both uh and to the whole finance committee as well as Mr. Ta and Dr. Zerolley and the entire administration. Something I the board is aware of but just to make you know another mention to the public. This is not something that we take on over a
four-week period. This is something that they're working on throughout the course of the year thinking three to five years ahead. So, we're in good shape, even though nobody wants to hear. Taxes are going up ever, but [laughter] we're we're in very good shape compared to a lot of our fellow districts in New
Jersey, sadly. Um, so, thank you. Um, with that, I'm declaring the public hearing on the proposed 2026 2027 school budget closed. Um, I'll ask again before we open it up to the floor, but does anyone from the board have any comments
or any questions? Okay. Um, and now, uh, opening it up for public comments, uh, pertaining to the proposed budget. Okay. I'm declaring the public hearing on the proposed 2026 27 school budget closed. And now, um, opening it up for
public comments. Uh, so this is an opportunity for the public to be heard on any specific agenda items. Okay, we have two people. So, want to come up or three people, but if you want to come up, just um come to the center
table, state your name and address, just hit the button. >> I've done it on the other side of it. Um so, Danielle Garulo, um as Dr. Zerly had mentioned, Debbie and I, um have been coordinating with the district on some
of the events for digital wellness. I just wanted to put a plug for one of the events that we didn't mention for anybody who's watching or here. Um that we are also having an event called simplifying screens. Um that's going to be at AWR and it's helping families find
balance. Um part of this will be there's um a dad in New Providence who is um generously donating his time. He's a former Google and Meta product manager and he's a data and privacy expert. So, he's going to talk about parental tools
um and controls, managing different devices. I think this will be very beneficial and helpful for parents to come and to listen to. It's going to be May 19th at 7:00 at AWR. Also, I'm going to talk a little bit about wait until 8th. Um which I think when we talked about it being a collective action, the
importance of collective action, um this is a presentation that's put together by that organization. I think that will also be really beneficial for folks. Um, and we're also going to talk about um, device alternatives and demos and we'll have some options there. Um, so I think it'll be really informative. I would
love for as many people to come out and to join us as possible. So, thank you for the support of New Providence. Um, and thank you to all the parents who are engaging in this really important conversation. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay.
Uh Steve Rossy, 843 Mountain Avenue. Um first of all, I just want to thank the board and the district for the work on digital wellness. Um it's very excited and I know like as I said, uh Mr. Garul has been doing a lot of work too. So, thank you for putting on the agenda. Um I think related to that, I think a lot
of good um things are coming down the pike related to digital wellness uh as far as the iPads and stuff. So, we're looking forward to hearing that next month, and I appreciate that. Um, I just one thing I just want to mention on that, you know, respectfully, I hope hope hoping that the public will be able
to see the uh guidelines prior to the uh meeting. Um, just so the parents can see uh, you know, what it's about, so we have an opportunity to uh, read it over prior to public comment at that board meeting. Uh, that would be that would be
great. So, that's my ask. Thank you. Um sure. >> So the plan is is that we will be presenting that uh the guidelines at the board meeting for the full board. The following week we will have Q&As's that will be broken down by elementary and
high school with panelists including myself, the principles and department heads where parents can come and ask questions and comment. Dr. Cynthia Polu, 44 Pittsford Way, New Providence. Thank you all for your service to our community and for the budget. I know
that's a lot of work. My child is in elementary school here. We are a minimal screen household. No screens during the week, a movie on the weekend. But over fourth and fifth grade, when iPad usage at school intensified, my husband and I noticed a worsening of our child's mood
and behavior. The dopamine roller coaster engendered through the use of iPads at school had invaded our home. Our child now seeks out digital stimulation in a way that concerns us. We now hide the remote control so he can't turn on YouTube on silent and
watch in secrecy. We have disconnected our exercise bike so he no longer tries to turn on the bike screen. Three months ago, we started a digital detox on weekends to compensate for the amount and types of screen time at school. Zero movies, zero video games, nothing. Every
weekend, we see a transition in our child from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon when we start to get our child back. Over spring break, we did an 8-day digital detox. The transition back to our child's innate nature was dramatic. Scientific studies highlight the
negative associations between screen time and brain health, mental health, physical health. Early exposure to harmful or explicit content, including pornography often occurs on schoolisssued devices. So on one side of the wellness scale, we have an abundance
of studies showing the harms associated with screenbased learning devices and too much screen time. On the other side, we see an absence of highquality independent evidence that edtech improves learning. Parents should be able to protect their kids from harm at
school and certainly in their own homes. We should have the option to say no to the iPad. Thank you. >> Thank you. Have any other comments? Okay. Um, so I now need the declaring
the public portion of the meeting closed and I need approval uh for the minutes uh from the March 19th meeting. >> Stacy second. >> Second. >> Okay. Roll call. >> Miss Kana. >> Hi. >> Dr. Hayden.
>> Hi. >> Miss Gunderman. >> Hi. >> Miss Klay. >> Hi. >> Miss Leprey. >> Abstain. >> Miss Morano. >> I. >> Mrs. Zayn. >> I. And I need to have approval for the business meeting as well as the close
session for March 26th >> and roll call. >> Miss Kalano. >> Hi. >> Dr. Absah Hayden. >> Hi. >> Miss Kenderman. >> Hi. >> Miss Klay. >> Hi. >> Miss Lra. >> Hi. >> M. Morano. >> Hi. >> Mr. Zayn. >> Yes. >> Okay. Moving on. Um, I need for action
items from finance. Uh, Miss Gunderman. I'd like to move to approve items one through nine as listed. >> Seconded. >> I. >> And as you can see, one of the things we are approving is the generous um grant from the New Providence Ed Foundation.
Um so we're so grateful for that and the budget, but I already mentioned that. So in case anyone was unclear. >> Roll call. Miss Kelanov, >> hi. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Gunderman. >> Hi, >> Miss Klay. >> Hi, >> Miss Leprey. >> Hi, >> Miss Morano.
>> Hi, >> Mrs. Zane. >> Hi. >> Okay. Uh, facilities actions. Uh, I'd like to move items one as listed. >> Seconded. >> Donna, >> any comment? Uh, I don't Mr. Testa, do you want to comment? >> Yeah, we spoke about this at a prior
meeting. This is the last piece of the HBAC work of uh one part of the project that was in the original scope that was pulled out due to some change in design and we went out to bid for it. Um and this is the results and this will be
done this summer. >> Uh roll call. >> Miss Costana. >> Hi. >> Dr. Esah Hayden. >> Hi. >> Miss Gunderman. >> Hi. >> Miss Klay. >> Hi. >> Miss Lra. >> Hi. >> Miss Morano. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Zayn. >> Yes. >> Hey. Um, education, Mrs. Castellano.
>> Thanks. Um, I'd like to move items one through three as listed below for approval. >> Um, and and just for um just for to read for the record, let me read uh number two. Um, so we are looking to approve the
following resolution in observance of teacher recognition week May 3rd through May 9th. Whereas the week of May 3rd through May 9th has been declared teacher recognition week throughout the state of New Jersey. And whereas the faculty of the New Providence School District continue to provide excellent
instruction, tutoring, encouragement, counseling, and understanding to the students who pass their classrooms. And whereas in addition to the regular educational programs, many of the staff provide advice, direction, coaching, and sponsorship to extracurricular activities. Now therefore, be it
resolved that the board of education acknowledges with pride and sincere appreciation the efforts of all its teachers and its staff, and be it further resolved that the members of the board extend to these teachers their best wishes for the future, firm in the belief that they will always perform in
the same fine fashion. Approved this 30th day of April, 2026, and signed by the order of the New Providence Board of Education. >> Roll call. I >> Dr. Hayden. >> Hi, >> Miss Gunderman. >> Hi, >> Miss Klay.
>> Hi, >> Miss Lree. >> Hi, >> Miss Moreno. >> Hi, >> Mr. Zayn. >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh, personnel action. Dr. Hayden. >> I'd like to approve items 1 through five as listed below. >> Second. >> Do you have any comment?
>> There are several appointments. Uh, maternity leaves, couple of resignations. Do you have turn? >> Yes. I'd just like to bring to the board's attention that we are going to be approving this evening Mr. William Burroughs as our physics teacher at the
high school. He currently cannot be here because he teaches in Maryland. He will be relocating with his family here to New Providence. Um however, he was able to come in person for an interview both with Mr. Henry as well as myself and we are extremely impressed and excited. Um
he's taught for 13 years. He's dual certified in chemistry and physics which is a rare find. He has taught AP Physics C, AP Physics 1, chemistry as well as the foundation levels in those areas as well. Um, so he will be joining us uh
for our new teacher orientation over the summertime. And again, he just couldn't be here because he's still teaching in Maryland at this time till the end of the year. >> Okay. Uh, roll call. >> Miss Kelana back Hayden. Hi, >> Mr. Gunderman.
>> Hi, >> Miss Klay. >> Hi, >> Miss Leprey. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Morano. >> I >> Mrs. Zayn. >> Hi. >> Okay. And the board policy. Mrs. Zayn. >> All right. Move to approve item one as listed below.
>> Um before you ask, yes, sure. Um many of these are mandatory. So, I would like to bring your attention to the two that are recommended. They may say recommended, but um this is guidance we're already following or procedures that we're required to follow and we're just
putting it in policy. >> Okay. Um thank you. Roll call. >> Miss Galana. >> Hi. >> Dr. Hayden. >> Hi. >> Miss Kenderman. >> Hi. >> Miss Klay. >> Hi. >> Miss Lree. >> Hi. >> Miss Morano. >> Hi. >> Miss Zay. >> Hi. >> Okay. Uh committee reports, curriculum,
instruction and technology. >> Nothing. No. >> Okay. Uh finance, facilities, and safety and security. >> Yeah. Okay. Uh and personnel management and communications. Okay. Great. Um
anything from old business? >> New [laughter] jump there. All right. Uh new business. Um, I'd just like to uh bring to the board's attention, and I shared this with you all already, but uh I will be reaching out to set up committee
meetings for June so that we can review our strategic planning goals. So, we will do a refresh of the review of the strategic plan, and then we will create our new goals for next school year, which each committee will report out on at our June meeting, and then we'll have
them on our July meeting for approval to start the school year. Thank you. Um, this is another opportunity for the public to be heard. No. Okay. Um, so I have I need a motion to recess to close session for students
>> litigation student matter. Student matter related to hip and personnel. >> Kristen >> Stacy. All in favor? >> I we're journ. Thank you.