Yes, that's all we talk about. >> Oh, she's a senior. That's why >> Good evening, North Brunswick Township. This meeting is now being called to order. Um, can we all please rise for the pledge of allegiance? >> I pledge allegiance 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. >> Mr. Ali >> here, >> Mr. Carter >> here, >> Miss James >> here, >> Miss Keith
>> here, >> Mr. Lori, >> Dr. Patel >> here, >> Mr. Mr. Singh >> here, >> Miss Toth and Mr. Wen >> here. >> We have a quorum. >> All right. Good evening everyone. It is October 29th, North Brunswick Township
uh Board of Education's regular meeting. I will be chairing tonight's meeting in Miss Toe's absence. Um and we are going to start with the board president's statement. The New Jersey Open Public Meetings Law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advanced notice of and to
attend the meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting their interest is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the open public meetings law, the public notice of this meeting, which included the time, date, and location, was distributed by 3 p.m. Tuesday, November 26, 2024, and
Wednesday, November 27th, 2024 in the following manner posted on the bulletin board reserve for announcements in the board office. 25 Lynwood Place, North Brunswick, New Jersey, 08902. Mailed to the Home News Tribune, Starledger, NJ.com, and the clerk of the township of North Brunswick, and
delivered to the nine duly elected board members. Good evening everyone. Again, welcome to our regular meeting. We are happy to see so many wonderful faces tonight. We've got a lovely agenda. Um, and a highlight of tonight's meeting is that we are going to be honoring some of
our exceptional staff and students. And so with that, I'm going to have our superintendent, Dr. Zakowski, take it away. >> Thank you, Madame Vice President. Good evening, everyone and our millions of viewers in TV land, and we're on TV. So, I just want to make sure we wave, say
hello. Our first presentation is really uh something special. They'll be highlighted in all of our bulletins, in our website, but we felt it was very important to do it publicly and recognize both. I'm going to say, I hope I get this right.
An I'm going to make you pronounce my last name. Ant and tenn Oia K. >> Is that pretty good? Oh, that's great. And they are here because they were selected for the governor's STEM scholar
program which is not only an unusual high honor but for two sisters to get it from the same school. and with us tonight uh before we do a formal uh presentation of u and resolution to permanently put in a records so like
from 20 years from now when people don't believe that you did this you could go back to the permanent minutes and test it but I'm going to ask our science supervisor Miss Janine Lanir to come up and say a few words about these wonderful students and then the president the vice president and I will
say something [Applause] >> good evening Dr. the board of education and the community of North Brunswick. I cannot begin to tell you how difficult it must have been
for the governor's STEM scholars committee to choose students. I can tell you we had just from our high school a number of very highly qualified students and I am so glad I did not have to make the decision.
Um, however, they made a decision and they chose these two wonderful young ladies that I have had the pleasure of working with myself for a number of years. I also was able to graduate from
middle school with Tenny as I went to the high school uh last year and >> we have millions of viewers. Miss Lair, don't get nervous over the country because that's that's what these uh young women deserve.
>> So um I have had again the pleasure of working with them in a variety of ways whether it was through steampunk when we worked together on a steam tank um project in sixth grade.
Um these young ladies and their parents have always come to our parent involvement events and I think that has really encouraged and in inspired them in their work. Um they have also
benefited from a number of the programs that um the board of education has supported um that Miss Kea has supported in her um role that I had mentioned prior as the directors
um through title funding. And so I can't begin to tell you what a testament it is to our community, to our programs that these two young ladies have been recognized. They are um very
special in their eagerness to take advantage of every opportunity that has been presented to them. Um, and it has totally been my honor and privilege to see them grow over the years and to be
selected as our North Brunswick first pair of STEM scholars in the Governor's School and they have already begun their work and it is just um so gratifying to see whether they
participated in the AH program, the eighth grade algebra based physics program, physics fundamentals. Um, so again, what's I think truly special is they have grabbed on to every opportunity, including coming to last
year's first STEM night at the high school and hearing the presentation about the governor's STEM uh, and so with that, congratulations. We are so very proud. We have
>> Penny Kanye. [Music] Mom, Dad, who else is here? Congratulations. >> Yes. And we want you in front of you want >> Mr. >> Oh, Mr. No, that's
[Music] >> all right. So on this evening, it resolved by the board of education that the following resolution be approved. Whereas the board of education recognizes the efforts of all students and wishes to acknowledge its appreciation for a commitment to
excellence, dedication and extraordinary efforts representing their families, the school and themselves in exemp exemplary manner. Now therefore, be it resolved that this public acclaim be given to Tenny Olua
Oay for her acceptance to the 2026 Governor's Step Scholars program. This is a highly selected statewide initiative of the research and development council of New Jersey that brings together New Jersey's top STEM students from high school through doctoral level to immerse them in the
state's innovative ecosystem. Be it further resolved that tenise shall be recognized appropriately and that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the permanent minutes of this board on this day October 29th 2025. Congratulations
All right. North Brunswick County Public Schools resolution. Be it resolved by the board of education that the following resolution be approved. Whereas the board of education recognizes the effort of all students and wishes to acknowledge it appreciation for commitment to excellence, dedication, and
extraordinary efforts representing their families, the school, and themselves in exemplary manner. Now therefore, be it resolved that this public acclaim be given to Ouna Lua of Aay for her acceptance to the 2026 Governor STEM
Scholars Program. This is a highly selective statewide initiative of the research and development council of New Jersey that brings together New Jerseys top STEM students from high school through the doctoral level to immerse them in the state's innovation ecosystem. Be it further resolved that
Oolua Obay shall be recognized appropriately and that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the permanent minutes of this board on this day, October 29th, 2025. Congratulations to you both. >> Can we say a few words?
>> If you'd like to say a few words. >> Do you want to share maybe your first experience? >> Either sister can go first. >> Okay. the decision made. >> I'm so grateful for this opportunity that was given to both I and my sisters
and I want to thank God for giving us this ability to be able to participate in this wonderful um experience and as the governor of STEM college scholars for North Brunswick Township and I just want to also thank my parents too for always being our key motivation in everything that we do and I want to
thank Miss Lanir, Dr. Riley and all my STEM teachers that took me through this journey altogether. And I also want to say as my first journey as a North Township government STEM scholars, it's been an interesting journey to start. It's just the beginning and I'm suited to see what the rest will soon be. Right
now, we're working on a research that's going to be an innovative way to um help people help help their health care, help people, and there's more to see when we gather more research. Thank you so much. [Applause] [Music]
Good evening. I am very grateful for this opportunity and I'm thankful to everyone from my STEM teachers, my parents, God and everyone who supported me throughout this journey. Um the first experience of the STEM scholar program, I was really nervous and we saw a panel
of different um individuals who were really respected in the STEM world. Um right now I and my team members we are working on testing the waters for nitrate to fight against baby boo syndrome. We're bringing this on
underrepresented communities to help them um to give them more support to help them not to help them not be a victim of baby boo syndrome. >> That's awesome.
[Music] [Applause] I would just sum up and say one thing I neglected to say which is we should be aware that there were only 101 students selected across the entire state of New
Jersey across 19 counties. So if we think about those numbers we truly are very well represented by these young women and we're so proud. Thank you for coming out. Congratulations. Thank you,
>> Mr. Come on, Dr. Riley. [Music] We get together solo solo as well. Thank you so much. >> Another uh recognition. And sometimes we run school districts and we do so many
things for children, teachers and aids and support staff. Sometimes the forgotten heroes are people who do simple things that help out the overall morale of school and just contributing their own time and effort. So tonight we have a person we want to recognize from
LP. His name is Andre. I'll call him by his first name. He's one of our maintenance technicians in the district and he's he's exceptional. These are the words of the principal Mr. Dawson. Andre is knowledgeable, resourceful, professional regularly all the time goes
above and beyond position that positive can do attitude. Andre tackles challenges and always does his best to support staff and students at LP. We always always depend on one recent example of what a
fantastic employee Andre is. We have several self-contained classes in LP that need support. Students have a cubby to store their coats book. Andre noticed there was only 10 cubbies in this particular classroom because they're required certain size and very
prescriptive in size and the program. So we had 11 students late one Friday late one Friday night. Both of us are unwind after a long week. Uh, Miss Langan, the vice principal, and Mr. Dawson were returning to office after a PD. They
were surprised to see Andre working late on his own time all his hours personally build a cubby for the student. Andre explained he wanted the student to feel welcome and part of the class and not be an additional person in that class just part of the he wanted the person
instructive place all along knowing that the noise might disturb the class during the day he decided to do it on his own time after hours. This is just one example of his kindness work ethic dedication and supporting our schools. We are so proud as to celebrate honor
wonderful contributions to LP and to our entire district from the principal. Way to go Andre and as superintendent when I read this update I always give you great news about our people the board members read this and they
said what we need to recognize. Come on up here. [Applause] >> Andre, I just want to make a brief note because I was one of those board members that read about the work that you were
doing and I was just so inspired and encouraged because it's people like you that see what is needed and what's missing and the things that people are not pointing out. And the fact that you went out of your way to make sure that all children feel included is truly a testament to who you truly are as a
person and I'm just grateful for that vision. I'm grateful that you were willing to step out and help. So, thank you so much. Um, that's wonderful. All right. So, we are going to read your resolution. Uh, on behalf of North Brunswick Township Public Schools, be it resolved by the
board of education that the following resolution be approved. Whereas the board of education recognizes the efforts of all its staff and wishes to acknowledge its appreciation for commitment to excellence, dedication and extraordinary efforts representing their school district and themselves in an exemplary manner. Now therefore, be it
resolved that this public acclaim be given to Andre Kolic, maintenance technician, for his extraordinary efforts going above and beyond by giving of his own personal time to to efforts to improve the conditions of the classroom at Living Sync Park School. Be it further resolved that Andre Kak shall
be recognized and appropriately and that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the permanent minutes of this board. That is on today, October 29th, 2025. Congratulations to you and again, thank you again.
[Applause] [Applause] Andre, now it's not just a rumor. It's known by millions of people that you're such a wonderful employee and person. So, thank you for >> Thank you very much. I really appreciate. [Music]
[Applause] All right. Thank you all for allowing that time to honor those wonderful students and staff to the Obakay. You all are, I'm sure, very hopeful for the future. I am amazed at what you all have
accomplished at such young age. For you to be the two selected out of such a small minute number is really a testament to a standard of excellence. Um, and I hope that you all continue to reach for those soaring heights. So, I wish you all the best of luck in in your future. >> Madame President, if you don't mind me
adding, um, girls, congratulations. Andre, Andre, congratulations. But I'm just so inspired by their parents, you know. Thank you. I I really mean it from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for giving the girls the confidence, the guidance that you did to get them here. And I hope that other parents who are
here right now or as Dr. Z says, our million of viewers will get inspired to do the same so other students can also push forward to, you know, get accepted into accelerated programs like this. I mean, it's very, it's a proud moment for North Brunswick that you guys did this. So, thank you parents as well. So,
please give them a round of applause. [Applause] All right, at this time we are turning to our next presentation which is going to be led by Miss Mercy Chang, director of accountability and special programs and Christopher Harry, our director of
pupil personnel services. >> Good evening everyone. >> Evening. It's a hard act to Congratulations ladies and congratulations. That that was uh so special to hear I almost shed a tear but um I am here um to discuss
the dynamic learning maps assessment. This is my final presentation of 2025 and I'm sorry I'm trying to talk into this. I I hear that it's going out a little bit so just let me know. Um I'm going to be working here with my colleague Dr. Harry. Good evening board
members, esteemed audience, um people present here today, thank you for joining us. Uh this will be a brief presentation as our dynamic learning maps assessment is only administered to a very small few select um number of students and the first few slides um
have a lot of information regarding the assessment which is statemandated and I'll go over some of that but I also just want to share um something like just off the cuff a little narrative about this assessment. Um the DM which is what we call it is an alternative
assessment. Um it's a system designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who cannot meaningfully participate in general state assessments i.e. our NJSLA assessment even with the accommodations that are provided students assessment.
So a brief summary of that assessment the purpose to measure student progress toward academic standards in a way that reflects their unique learning needs and abilities. These are students with IEPs and we teach them in very individualized ways and so this assessment attempts to
assess them in an individualized way. Um the structure of the assessment it's you don't even have to look up there is it but what I'm saying is probably more relatable. Um it's based on a learning map model which represents knowledge as a network of connected
concepts and skills rather than a single linear path. the subjects primarily ELA and math. Um some students do take the science in specific grades. Uh the approach it assesses what students know
and can do by tracking their individual learning pathways and providing instructionally relevant information. And how do we use it? Well, lots of states use it. New Jersey is one of them. And it is aligned with college and career readiness standards. But it is just one measure of how our students are
performing. Obviously, the IEP is our main determinant of how we want to meet these students needs. We do get some good data back from this, but it's not data that we use to compare students to their peers because it's a very individualized assessment. Um, the
logistics, so this window is wide like all the other windows that we've discussed because these students are tested onetoone with their teacher who provides them their instruction. And the method is these things called tesllets. Um, and they have unlimited amount of
time to do them, but it's really about a 5 to 15 minute assessment. Um, which is appropriate. And a student must have started a test in order to receive a summitive score. So this year we did have, I believe,
18 science. I just want to find my number. 58 ELA and math, I believe. And where is that? >> 48 and 16. >> Thank you, Miss James. 48 ELA and math students tested and 16 students tested
in science. Science is only for 11th grade and fifth grade. So, like all the other assessments that we've talked about, the DM has its own uh proficiency levels and those are not numbers. Um those are indicators. We
have students at the emerging level, approaching the target, at target or advanced. Um the test does generate raw no raw scores or percentages. It just pops kids into these four levels and results are based on the students probability of mastering a particular
skill. Um, typically students statewide are are kind of performing at the emerging level, but you'll see this year we did have some nice improvement in all of the subjects, particularly ELA and math. So, we were really proud of that. U
Dr. Harry is going to go over the quantitative data. I just wanted to make sure I explained the What I do now? >> Use your buttons to go back. >> You broke it. >> Sorry, Mrs. Kea.
>> It's okay. >> Thanks for viewing. It is not done yet. I I must have hit a button. I just wanted to make sure that I >> ladies, can you help? STEM scholars, help me out here. >> Definitely not my strong suit. um wanted
to review the logistics of the assessment and then uh don't want to steal the special ed department's thunder there, especially with the positive results. Make sure that Dr. Harry and his team of supervisors, um resource teachers, inclusion teachers, replacement teachers get all the credit
that they so deserve. Thank you, Mrs. Ke. >> That is exactly the right side. We're going to go over the ELA scores um in grade bands, grades three to five first. um 6 to 12
and then for each 6 to 8 and 11 and then uh math and then science. >> Good luck with that. >> Thank you, Mercy. >> Good good evening everybody and thank you for allowing me to present the 2025
DM results for the our special education students. Uh we're very proud to share that our students participated in the 2025 DM assessments demonstrating meaningful growth across all subject areas. And that might be the first time
that that's occurred. Um so the first slide you'll see is for grades three through five. Uh English language arts literacy there were 20 students that were tested. 55% were at emerging,
20% approaching, 25% at target, and 0% were advanced. And we looked at English language arts literacy grades 6 through 8 and 11. There were 28 students,
50% were emerging, 14% were approaching, 32% were at target, and 4% were advanced. That's significant for us. Moving on to mathematics. Third through fifth grade, there were 20
students that were tested. 55% were at emerging, 10% approaching, 35% at target, and 0% advanced. Mathematics grades 6 through 8 and 11th, 28 students again.
82% were emerging, 14% approaching, 0% at target, and again 4% were advanced. So again, significant improvement for us this year. And then you look at science grades 5,
8, and 11, there were 18 students. Is that 16 students? >> 18 students. 16% were emerging, 23% approaching, 11% at target, and 0% advanced.
These gains reflect the dedication of our students, the commitment of our educators, that's the teachers and the aids in the classroom with them, and the support of our families. Of course, together as a team, uh we all continue
to ensure that every learner, no matter what their path is, has the opportunity to grow, achieve, and shine. >> So, the next steps increases. >> Oh,
>> sorry. We'll do the increases. Yes. In general, general students performed better than in 2425. There was a 6% increase in students performing at target or advanced in English language arts. There was a 9%
increase in students performing at target or advanced in mathematics and 1% increase in students performing at target or advanced in science. So, what are our next steps? What are conclusions? What are the interventions
that we're going to continue on with? We're going to continue to monitor progress towards students specific IEP goals through their collaboration between the child study team and the teaching staff, the aids, and the parents. It's a whole collaborative
effort with the design of unique IEPs with goals and objectives for each student. We're going to continue to provide targeted instruction, language, arts, and math at the students academic level based on our unique individualized
education plans. We're going to engage in instructional walkthroughs at each level to provide staff and administrators with valuable feedback that's pertinent to our special education programs. Are there any questions?
>> Dr. Harry, I would just like to um on behalf of myself and my colleagues um thank you for your leadership. >> Thank you very much. It's really our staff teachers, our our assistants, our
our RBTs, our BCBs, our supervisors, uh, and it goes across the district. It's our principles like Mr. Neller that work with us um, hand in hand. It's a big team effort. >> It is, but it starts at the top and you empower your staff.
>> So, thank you. >> Appreciate that. Yes, I definitely would like to echo those sentiments and I'm I think we're all happy to see the positive increase in the numbers um compared to last year. So, that's a job well done. Um and we look forward to seeing more progress and thank you for being a leader that
acknowledges that it is a team effort especially as it relates to our vulnerable population in special education. So much appreciated. >> Thank you very much. >> I just want to share with the board how I haven't seen Mr. Harry this excited >> passion. Always passionate. Yes.
>> So, thank you Mr. Har Dr. Harry for your leadership and um thank you Miss Chang for your involvement with the testing. U you take care of all children every classroom every day and the most vulnerable sometimes we overlook them and I thank you for not overlooking them
and keeping us informed of the great work. >> You know our the goal here is all means all. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. [Applause] All right. At this time, we are moving to item number six on our agenda. Mr.
Ali, if you could be so kind to take um item number six for us. >> Well do, madam president. Well, madam vice president, sorry. Um, I would like to make a motion to approve the
following meeting minutes. The regular meeting minutes from September 24th, 2025, the executive meeting minutes from September 24th. The conference meeting minutes from September 20 September 17th. And the executive meeting from September 2nd, se
September 17th. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Is anyone opposed? All the meeting minutes are approved. Okay. Okay. Do we have any communications this evening? >> None at this time, Madam President. >> All right. We are going to um if there's
any old business or or new business. Seeing none, we will now move to our administrative report. Dr. Zakowski. >> Thank you again, Madam Vice President. And good evening again to all families, guests, or viewers tonight. Uh I'm just happy my report is centered around some
wonderful awards that the high school Mr. Neller is just walking out with the families. But I do want to continue to highlight some of the great work um that's going on at the high school and all our schools. MBTHs received two awards for their 2425 yearbook, the
Datalus uh from the Garden State Scholastic Press Association this week. We received third place for our academic spread, building equations from our math department, and first place gold award overall. So, we're very proud of our yearbook advisor, Miss Rebecca
Roundtree, and the yearbook staff. and of course take the staff and our students together uh very seriously doing a wonderful job for this uh yearbook award. So u again thank you to all staff and students. Once again I see
Miss Dr. Dr. Riley back there. Uh it's our AP and it's titled you'll see in our bulletin and in our communications our AP students delivered once again in 2025. We are pleased to share the spring 2025 administration of college board
advanced placement exams. An amazing and this is a a great testimony to the support from our board, our staff, a vision of opening up our college board AP access for all exams. What I mean by
that is uh years ago there were some parameters and as a result of some studies uh Dr. Ellis was involved in in some um uh you know surveys that we found out why students were not able to access AP opportunities. The board
supported by supporting and financing AP exams and we're very grateful for that. They had AP, we like to say boot camp for students who never had an AP course. Uh because with AP exams, you take you you study the course. is a very
prescriptive curriculum and college boards like that likes that because there's no grade inflation. They control the curriculum and the assessment. So the staff is held to high accountability but you have to take the test and we found out many of our students weren't
taking it because you know it's a it's a financial burden. So, the commitment, I thank the board again for committing those resources, sustaining those resources. And here's the greatest news. 336 students worked hard to prove they have mastered college level material. We
had 336 students in our AP exams. The board of education is so proud of this, as I am as superintendent. Um, and then of all the expansion AP programming at MBTHs, our district offers the opportunity for 24 different AP courses.
uh a few years ago when I was here it was 13 15 and slowly continue to grow. I commend the staff uh as I when I since I come back it continues to grow. So that strategy that hard work is continue to
uh flourish. So you should know students are uh earning college credits because uh when you score three or higher it's accepted by many universities and in this case listen to this stat AP bio 96%
of our students in AP bio scored three or higher that's nearly everyone that's amazing calculus 93% three or higher AP language and composition 92% % AP Spanish language
and culture 100%. AP US history which we all know is probably the four most toughest most rewarding course ever. I used to teach that 95% a little biased I have to admit uh this cross-section of
exams demonstrate the well-roundedness of our AP programs our faculty our staff and most of all students. So thank you again. I want the millions of viewers to know that how proud we are to see this execution of this wonderful support and
opportunity for our students and it doesn't happen unless our staff is committed and we have students that are uh you know flourishing under their leadership in the classroom. So thank you again. Um and highlighting the well-roundedness of the opportunities at
MBTHs, our choir attended the annual Rowan University tenor bass uh bass uh festival. Students from the choir attended the uh university festival to rehearse and perform with over 700 singers from the tri-state area. The
students worked throughout the day on an excellent repertoire with Dr. Christopher Thomas of Rowan University, Vinroy Brown of Westminster Choir College, a graduate of MBTHs, culminating in a powerful performance for all the teachers in attendance at
Rowan University. Amazing uh opportunity. And uh let's not um forget it doesn't end there cuz our well-rounded uh students and so talented. We have our alchemist theater students will be performing the fall
performance almost main on November 14th and 15th 7 o'clock. Come out and see our talented students perform. Just a you know public service announcement but again um we certainly are proud of all our students and all their talents and all the opportunities given. I want to
thank our township partners. Uh highlighted in our BOE bulletin going out uh to our parents and to our board of ed I mean to our council or mayor is that across the district students benefit from the many opportunities offered by our township partners. In
just the past month we had student volunteer at park cleanup organized by the police department in North Brunswick. uh the the recreation department of North Brunswick, the fire department of the volunteer fire department of North Brunswick uh who also visit our schools to talk about
fire safety and the North Brunswick Food Bank help organize food drives at many of our schools. And our students on the municipal alliance, which is a a very u you know gear for volunteerism and community service, volunteered at Heritage Day, which was a big hit, a
wonderful uh Saturday evening. And I know two of our board members sit on and give their time to the committee and we thank you for your endless volunteering because our students uh are contributing as well and appreciating your role modeling. We work to continue every day with to work every day with our township
to help our students feel the sense of community and really understand North Brunswick is not just a great place to learn, it's a great place to work and live. So, thank you again to our township partners and our many volunteers modeling for our students that giving back, paying it forward
already at a young age. So, we're really impressed. Um, as you heard from Miss Chang tonight, I want to thank Miss Chang and I know your partner because you pulled her into many, you know, that job description, Dr. Ellis, that you see everything else that we need you to do. Uh, you helped write the grant, that
impact grant. Were you part of that grant? >> Katewire. Katewire >> and Kate Dwire. I'm sorry. Sorry, I do apologize and but I know you were Mercy gave you some credit as well. Uh the instructional materials of for professional advancement and coherent
teaching. We love uh you know um >> acronym >> acronyms in in education. So it's another acronym the impact the instructional materials for professional and coherent teaching. It's a competitive funding grant funding opportunity design support school districts in purchasing and implementing
highquality instructional material for literacy. As you know the literacy uh standards have been changed and um revised. And so this gave us an opportunity and the beautiful thing is if you remember in July we had special meetings when I first coming back I announced that we just got received from
the department of ed new grants. I said we're going to go after them. We may only have two weeks to do it. Well, a few people as I mentioned, Kate Dwire, Miss Miss Chang, they rolled up their sleeves and they were awarded, one of
the districts awarded $198,000 um towards the purchase of new high quality instructional materials and um for materials for grades 5 through eight and they begun vetting all these new materials. grant acquisition again was led through this collaborative effort
with when I tell you it was two weeks in the summer like I I want to uh you know highlight that because uh typically you get a little more time to do grants but we didn't have much time but we were so very successful we look forward to hearing the results of that uh you know
efforts of the grants and how it was applied and of course executed to make a difference for our students. Um and so madam vice president that concludes my report and hard top all the wonderful things going on. >> Yes, that was wonderful to hear. Thank you Dr. Zakowski. We are now going to
turn to our student reports. It looks like Miss Montero is here and we are down one but let's hear it. Miss Monto, >> thank you. Um a lot to report tonight and no one to share it with. So we'll see how this goes. >> We like that, right?
Um, SGO a couple about two weeks ago, SGO sponsored a very successful homecoming week. Everyone participated in various spirit days and we held our fall pep rally where the sophomores took home the spirit cup which it always ends up being the sophomores or the juniors. And the juniors won powderpuff for the
third or no they didn't. They might win powderpuff for the third time. So we're watching out for that one. Those two grades love to do everything. That is the week we got back from break. At the football game, our homecoming court was crowned and sat that Saturday evening we held our homecoming dance. The theme was around the world. So, we decorated for
different cities. There was like um cities in like Asia. There was like a safari section, a jungle section, we had the Taj Mahal, and then there was like a little airport section. So, it looked really good. And this year, tickets sold out in 3 days, which seems to have been the average in the past couple years. So, we'll see if that gets lower next
year. The Latin American Club did several different things this month to honor Hispanic Heritage Month. There were daily announcements which highlighted members of the Hispanic community that have made an impact in our country and communities. And there was also a wonderfully done display case in the Commons, a Hispanic Heritage
Spirit Week, and members of the Latin American Club provided bread and coffee to the teachers during parent teacher conferences. The class of 2026 and student government held an outdoor movie night on the football field to watch Spider-Man Far From Home. Over 300 students attended this event and had a
great time. And I'm sure we can all assume that not many people actually watch the movie. Everyone was just kind of hanging out. But that always makes it a ton of fun. So far, with the help of homecoming week, SGO has raised over 500 of our $5,000 goal for this year's charity, Children's Specialized
Hospital, and we're only two months into the year, so hopefully we'll be meeting that goal soon. U members of our South Asian Cultural Association created a wonderful display in the Commons in celebration of Dvali. and members of our care to walk club participated in making
strides against breast cancer walk at Middle Sex County College and they raised over $777 as a team. So, a lot of cool things have been happening at the high school. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you so much, Miss Montero. It is amazing to hear that you students work
hard and play hard as well. And it's just great to hear about all the different cultural initiatives that are happening. Um, so thank you so much for your report. We are now going to turn to committee reports and we are going to start with our education report. Uh Mr. Ali.
>> Okay. Thank you. So the education committee met on Wednesday, October 15th and we have a few items that are on the agenda and we have a few other items that weren't that we discussed. So we have our I guess we just finished our
NJSLA testing today. So we tested all students in grades four to 10 for ELA, English language arts, as well as uh students in grade 4 to 8 and any student who took algebra 1, two, and geometry last year from math, they were tested.
We received a presentation from Mr. Neller and Mr. and Coach Grimes and Mr. Grimes, however you want to call it. and we're really just trying to work on ways to support our student athletes transitioning from high school to college, especially if they plan to um
participate in college sports. We had updates from Mr. Pasner and um Carrie and Egan about um what's going on in our school district pertaining to prek. So we have currently 10 preschool providers
in town and we have about 36 integrated classrooms, six um preschool disabled classrooms and we have four ABA classes. So we have a total of 46 classes which equals to about 543 students. So that's
huge. We've grown not we but we as a as a school district have really grown this program. So that's that's amazing. I'm sure it's helping a lot of families. Um, for curricular instruction technology, we had some updates from Miss Barrett around our elementary math and we're
just really trying to refocus that for this year and really seeing how we can improve. So, we were piloting a new program and that has already shown impact in some of our um students across the district, which is amazing because math can always be a challenge
sometimes. It was for me when I was younger. Um, we have some updates about our ESL data review and just goal settings from Miss Morales. So we um had some some additional meetings pertaining to that
as well as we had some updates for the Northwest Evaluation Association and that's pertaining to um our MAP coaching for professional learning which is essentially it was a conference where um
some of our staff were able to learn and really just find strategies to improve and help grow some of our MAP data and really how we could use that to improve the outcomes in the school district. And Dr. Zakowski mentioned earlier about the
impact grant um and that's really pertaining to our task force just to find ways to really help improve those outcomes for ELA. We additionally had a few policy readings. So we had our first reading for policy
51 5410 which is promotion retention. So that was revised and it's going to be replacing our old policy. And secondary we had a second reading for our curricular requirements. So policy
2422 will be replaced and just updated and that's pertaining to comprehensive health and physical education. And lastly, we have some good news. Well, we had a lot of good news tonight, but this is additional good news that we will be
collaborating with the University of Delaware Career and Technical Education Department to really help improve our marketing entrepreneurial pathways within our business academy at the district. So, that's going to be great. It's really going to give students more
pathways and just views to look at careers differently past high school. And that's all for my report. Thank you, Mr. Ali. We are next going to move to our HR committee. Uh Dr. Patel, if you could please. >> Yeah, thanks, Madam Vice President. Uh
the human resources community relations committee met on Tuesday, October 28 to discuss various personnel topics. For those on tonight's agenda who are either retiring or resigning, the board thanks them for their service and wishes them well. There are several new staff hires for the 2025 2026 school year on
tonight's agenda. We welcome all those new members to our district and we look forward to having you work with us here in North Brunswick. We also discussed several reassignments which are also on tonight's agenda and we are looking forward to our staff taking on these new roles. As of our committee meeting, any remaining vacancies for the 2025 2026
school year continue to be in the interview stages and will be posted until they're filled. All of our current openings can be found on our district website, social media pages, and posted in each of our buildings. for any teaching positions, alternate route and traditional route candidates are both encouraged to apply. We discussed any
current and upcoming leaves of absences and how those positions may be filled via daily subs, long-term subs, or six teaching periods. Lastly, the committee had a second reading of the following policies. Administrative employment contracts and notification of promotion, new job and transfer opportunities. And
that concludes my report. >> Okay. Thank you, Dr. Patel. We're moving now to our business operations committee, Mr. Carter. Thank you, Madame Vice President. Uh the business operations committee met on Tuesday, October 28th. A presentation was made by
our construction manager who provide an update on work related to the referendum. On the agenda this evening, you'll find the following items. Finance items 3K, 3L, and 3N uh related to referendum updates uh related to window
upgrades, bathroom upgrades, and the dehumid dehumidifier and heat pump for the pool at NBTHs. Uh, finance items 3D and 3E related to change orders for the Livingston Park parking project and bathroom renovations at the high school. Finance 3M related to pool rental
contracts. Uh, also first reading for policy item 1A, P8600, and P861. Second and final readings for policy 1B bylaws 0143,
0173, 0174, 0177, PNR 1570, policy 1620, and policy 6220 as well as uh miscellaneous items 1E related to food services administrative audit. Uh that's everything for the
business operations committee. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Carter. And Miss Keith, is there anything for negotiations this evening? None at this time, Madam Vice President. >> Okay. Thank you very much. All right. At this time, I am going to ask Mr. Carter if you can take number nine. >> Yes. I'd like to make a motion to approve the administrative student and
committee reports. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. >> Is anyone opposed? All the reports are accepted. >> All right. And we are going to take a review of our agenda for this evening. And we are on presently pages two. We're
going to just take a look at pages two and three. Um any changes that have been made in recent um like the past 24 hours would be noted in bold. We're looking at pages uh four and five. Turning to 6 and 7,
8 and 9, pages 10 and 11, 12 and 13. 14 and 15, 16 and 17, pages 18 and 19, 20 and 21, and concluding with pages 22 and 23.
[Music] Okay, moving now to uh public session on agenda items only. Um at this time, members of the public may now address the board as it relates to agenda items only. And if they do so come forward,
they have three minutes. Okay, seeing none at this time, can Miss Keith, can you please take number 12 for us? >> Yes, madam vice president. I'd like to make a motion to close the public portion of the meeting. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Is anyone opposed? This session is
closed. >> Thank you. Mr. Singh, if you could please take item number 13. >> I'd like to make a I'd like to make a motion to approve the following uh consent agenda items. Personnel, curriculum, miscellaneous, finance items one to three, policy, and
transportation. >> Second. >> I will do roll call. >> Mr. Ali? >> Yes. >> Mr. Carter? Yes, >> Miss James. >> Yes, >> Miss Keith. >> Yes, >> Dr. Patel. >> Yes, >> Mr. Singh. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Wen, >> yes.
>> All the resolutions and motions are approved. >> Okay, we are now moving to our next public session. Um, members of the public may now address the board on any matter. Um, if you do so, come forward. You would uh please state your name and you will be
given three minutes. Good evening everybody. My name is Beth Casner. I am the president of the North Brunswick Township Education Association. Get myself going out. Um, I just wanted to express um my thanks to the board for um all the recognition of
our staff members. Um especially, you know, tonight to see a staff member on the presentation part. Um it really means a lot. Um our staff works hard. They are so dedicated. Um and you know, it's really nice to see the the recognition. I know that you do it when it's retirements and you do it when it's
governor teacher of the uh governor educator of the year and ESP of the year, right? But um to to see it um you know randomly is a really nice nice treat and I just wanted to express our appreciation for the recognition of our staff members um and all that they do. Um we are on break next week and I wish
everyone a much well-rested deserved break. >> So have a good night. >> Thank you Miss >> Seeing any others. Okay at this time uh Mr. Number one, can you please take number 14? >> Sure. I'd like to make a motion to close
uh the public portion of this meeting. >> Second. >> All in favor? I. >> Is anyone opposed? This session is closed. >> All right. Dr. Zakowski. >> Yeah, Madame President. And u we had in in the back we have copies of the 26 27
school calendar. I just it was hard to put on last minute because we've been going through several uh conferences and and collaborations and I do I see uh Miss Passenger President uh I I want to thank her because uh we went through a a
difficult not difficult but we had some challenging uh metrics to uh our 26 27 school calendar because of construction projects and we had to work together to come up with a uh opportunity to maybe finished a little bit earlier in June
without really overhauling the entire calendar uh uh that's been utilized by North Brunswick School District in their holidays and and certain breaks. So um one of the ways and I want to talk about the process in this collaboration we asked Dr. Ellis to
create um surveys and we created four opportunities to a typical schedule uh you know a schedule where we get out of June 9th, one that we get out June 11th and one that we will be getting out uh getting out June 12th and we sent it out
to the staff and we asked the staff and we informed the staff this is really a collaborative effort because the board uh is well aware of this construction project. summers are short and this not this summer but the following summer will be the closing out of the $64
million project that we have ongoing over the next two years renovating bathrooms, windows, uh repointing and and so on. So with that being said, f I want to thank our staff because u of the
nearly 1,200 staff members, 580 responded. That's a great sampling survey return. Um and so it was taken very serious and the the calendar you have before you that I'm recommending that we have a motion to accept uh we we
had some results that we discussed at committee and uh more than 50% were willing our staff willing to do something different than their regular calendar. So, I'm very happy and and speaking with uh Miss Pasner, we're going to make some uh addendums to this
as a trial year of certain things, moving work days, flex days around and and so on. And we'll have an addendum to our current contract coming up. But we want have approved this uh calendar so we can get out to families and prepare
them for the 2627 school year, which uh will begin in, you know, July 1 of 2026. is not too far away. So, we're we're done with this long process. I do want to commend everyone for participating and giving us some insight. So, um I
would love for a board member, as you all been uh privy to this calendar, to make a motion to uh accept and approve the 2627 calendar. >> I'd like to make a motion to approve the calendar for the 2627 school year.
>> Oh, boy. Dr. Patel, I'll give you that one. She hit the button first. I heard her. >> I'm going to go through and just do roll call just make this really official. Uh Mr. Ali, >> yes. >> Mr. Carter, >> yes. >> Miss James, yes. >> Miss Keefe, >> yes. >> Dr. Patel, yes. >> Mr. Singh, >> yes.
>> And Mr. W. >> Yes. >> We have a new calendar for 26 27th. >> Thank you, board members. Madam President, >> Vice President, >> that is looking ahead to next school year. As Dr. accounts mentioned. Um, thank you for your vision and making sure that we're doing all that we need to do as far as the referendum work. Um,
and making sure that there is enough summertime to get that done. We are now going to make a motion to move into close session. Whereas section 8 of the open public meetings act chapter 231 public law 1975 permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances and
whereas this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presented exist. Now therefore, be it resolved by the North Brunswick Township Board of Education that the public shall be excluded from discussion of and action upon the herein after specified subject matters. The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as
follows. Personnel matters. It is anticipated at this time that the above stated subject matter shall be made public. At such time as a need for non-disclosure no longer exists, this resolution shall take place immediately. >> Second.
>> Motion. I'd like to make a motion to go into close session. >> Second. >> All in favor? I. Is anyone opposed? Close session. We will go. All right. >> Good night, everybody. Great day. So my god daughter is
beautiful. >> Your son's all ready for Saturday. >> Uh yes. So here so here's the picture of my my brother and this is my godaughter. >> A >> right. So my sister-in-law says, "What are you doing now? You're still taking pictures." Because I wanted to get a picture of his ponytail.
Look at the size. Look at >> I said, "Greg, horses don't have tails that long." >> Where the heck? >> Millions of viewers. This was Jonathan Bush reporting out. All right, we are back from executive
session. We have a motion. >> Some move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Is anyone opposed? We're back in session. >> Um, I'd like to move to appro approve the termination of employee 8256
effective November 4th, 2025. >> Second. >> I'm going to take roll call on that, please. Mr. Ali, >> yes. >> Mr. Carter, yes. >> Mrs. James, yes. M. Yes. >> Dr. Patel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Singh. >> Yes. >> And Mr. W. >> Yes. >> The motion is accepted.
>> All right. Um it is 8:28 and we are now coming to a close. Can I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So move. Second. >> All in favor? >> Anyone opposed? We are adjourned. See you.
>> Good luck with the wedding on Saturday.