30 in compliance with chapter 231 public law 1975 entitled open public meetings act. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided as specified in the act. Proper notice for this open public meeting was provided in the notice of January 6, 2026. Said notice was posted
at the entrance of the board of education offices, sent to the Nutley Township clerk, sent to tap into Nutley, sent to the district newspapers on January 15, 2026, and posted on the district website. Will everybody please stand for the flag salute?
>> Roll call. >> Mr. Balsamo >> here. >> Mrs. Danek Martin >> here. >> Dr. Dillia >> here. Mr. Delpiano. >> Mr. Fragginel's >> here. >> Mr. Gilbert. >> Mrs. Quirk here.
>> Mr. Scotty here. >> Mr. Fo >> here. >> Any correspondence? >> No correspondence tonight. >> I get a motion for approval of the minutes. >> I make motion. >> All in favor? I. >> Anyone opposed?
>> Okay. We tonight with us, we have uh our student representative, Matthew Lee, to give us an update. on student matters. >> So over the past month at Nelly High School, students have been busy engaging in a stretch of events. Um in early March, the school recognized important
obser obser observances including Irish American Heritage Month, Women's History Month, and National National Social Emotional Learning Day, and Music in Our Schools Month. Students have also had an opportunity to attend a wellness panel on substance abuse which provided
important information and encouraged awareness around student health and decision-m. The arts were also a major part of this month. Students um the students participated in the once upon a mattress and the culinary students
hosted a um dinner for the senior citizens of the town. We also had our senior fashion show and there was also the fine and performing arts honor society induction ceremony. These events highlighted the creativity and talents of our student body while giving
students opportunities to get involved beyond academics. Currently we have our student council is hosting the spirit week this week including themes of raider day, twinning Tuesday, heritage day, Hawaiian day and jersey day. This helped students bring
together and create a more fun, positive, inclusive environment around the school. This week, later this week on Friday, we'll also be hosting our March Madness tournament where the high schoolers have a chance to have a day of fun right before spring break. And other
notable events include NJGPA testing, um, youth art month recognition, and celebration of holidays such as Holy, um, St. Patrick's Day. And looking forward, we have in the month of April, we have the Key Club
blood drive, junior formal, Earth Day cleanup, dancing with the staff, and the pickle ball tournament, United Nations. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Lee. Mr. Bay, our superintendent report. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President.
Good evening, members of the board, staff, community, and a fair amount of our teaching staff here. Welcome. Uh I would like to recognize the students who recently performed in the high school play first once upon a mattress. Uh their talent and energy have um brought the production to life and created a
memorable experience for many including myself and my daughter. We really like the show. A special thank you to the team of directors, Miss Veio, Mrs. Grosinski, Mr. Gordon, Miss VNA, and to all of the staff and to all the other staff who supported our students in this
wonderful endeavor. Your commitment truly made a difference. We would like to express our gratitude to the students of the culinary department supported by Mr. Gallardo and Mrs. Bman for their exceptional work on the annual dinner and a show. This event resonates with
our community. It's held in continued collaboration with our township parks and recreation department and provides a remarkable experience for our township seniors to showcase the incredible skills and dedication of our students. Congrats to Giana Nabes, Maline Nelasco,
and Samantha Ramos for having their digital photography artwork selected for the Fresh Perspectives exhibit at the Morris Museum. Congrats to Nutley High School ensemble for earning a silver rating and the concert band a bronze rating at the New
Jersey SMA Region One Band Festival held at West Essex. I would also like to recognize the 14 coral students who were accepted into the 2026 New Jersey Music Educators Allstate Choir. Um, they did a wonderful job. Um, and we have the New
Jersey Junior High Allstate Mix Choir, the most ever from our middle school. I'd like to call out their names. Sophie Bergen, Kyle Sabroski, Fiona Cammy, Sienna Horowitz, Adelin Oilio Rodriguez,
Penelopey Delpiano, uh, Ganna Maria uh, Dia is Yeah. Uh Jenna Jenna Gu Andrea Richards Gabriella Nason Havier
Aronda Angelina Healey Hera Thopel Scarlet Luzi I'm sorry if I mispronounced those names. I can't help but recognize Mr. Gaines for his role in these student success at our middle school. Finally, I would like to recognize and congratulate all students
who were recently inducted into the Try, the Thespian Honor Society, and the National Arts Honor Society during last week's ceremony. On the athletic front, we are thrilled to celebrate several accomplishments, including our wrestling program that continues to succeed. We
had nine wrestlers placed in the district and four that placed in the region, moving them to Atlantic City for the state wrestling championship. Congrats to Coach Dipiano who in addition to winning the district and region coach of the year was honored as the NJSIAA
state coach of the year in wrestling and to Michelle Gavalanis for her impressive third place finish at the NJSIA state wrestling tournament. Additionally, the Nutley boys bowling team secured a sectional division division championship and finished ranked 14th in the
jersey.com poll. Uh, in winter track, Mayor Rings won the SEC American Division as well as the Essis County Championship in a 3200 meter run. She joined teammates Selena Range, Mia Gonzalez, and Lara Hindustan to medal at
the Essis County Relays. AJ Albanese recorded his 200 200th career point in hockey. In boys basketball, our team finished the SEC National Division Championships with a 13-1 record. In our annual, most importantly, in our annual
March Madness tournament last week, Rackcliffe School emerged victorious in impressive fashion. Turning to academics, we are pleased to report that with the release of the state prek funding last week, the district was awarded a slight increase in community provider seats. Despite
this increase, the demand for prek remained strong and a lottery was held last week by the Department of Early Childhood. Families were notified via email regarding their placement or weight list status. And we thank the department um our department of early childhood for their organization and
communication. We also extend our thanks to the academic booster club for hosting their annual history fair yesterday. Uh we look forward to welcoming the winners of of the uh at an upcoming board meeting for recognition. Um, in addition, our
end of the year calendar has been posted to the district website for families to reference all endofear events. Before we conclude, I'd like to recognize the Nutly Educational Foundation. Uh, they have several upcoming fundraisers uh to support our
schools. On May 8th at 7:30, the Dupre will perform a benefit concert in this auditorium. Uh, tickets can be purchased via the QR code on our website. The foundation will also be announcing their annual SIP and Saver event on June 11th at the Kingsland Manor. Please stay
tuned for more details. And one last update on the sixth grade transition is progressing well. The middle school media center renovation is on track to be completed by this week. The bottom floor renovation is preparing to begin. Our team teachers met to begin the process of program design and curriculum
writing. Uh, fifth grade parents should plan to attend the middle school meeting for rising sixth grade students on April 13th. Uh, the district also looks forward to inviting our stakeholders from the transition committee back to the media center in early May for an
update. Uh, finally, the district has begun its cycle of New Jersey student learning assessment testing at Nelly High School. As mentioned, all buildings will roll this out over the next month and a half and building principles will communicate the schedules and needs for that time period. Thank you, Mr.
President. >> Thank you, Mr. Ba. Mr. Dvita, our business administrator's report. >> Thank you. Uh on for approval at tonight's meeting is the submission of the tenative budget for the 2026 27 school year to the Executive County
Superintendent of Schools. The ten of budget includes the general fund, special revenue fund, and debt service fund and totals 101,50,543. Included in this total is a waiver adjustment for healthcare costs and also a withdrawal from maintenance reserve.
The budget will then be submitted to the county office uh for their approval um with all the supporting documentation by the due date of March 27th, 2026. Uh the county will then review it. Um then after receiving their approval, uh the budget will be advertised at least 4
days prior to the public hearing, uh which is April 27th, 2026, uh where there will be a more detailed presentation on the budget. Uh the preschool education aid budget worksheets uh are due to the state by April 1st, uh 2026. So they're on for
approval tonight. And also on for approval is a lease for uh new copy machines for all schools uh which will be a savings uh from the current lease that we have. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Dvita. Mr. Lee, you're
welcome to stay, but if you'd like to uh leave, now's the time. Enjoy your evening. We now come to that portion of our meeting where we allow members of the public to address the board. In this section, we allow questions or comments on reports, resolutions, and all school
related matters, our board regulations number 0167, all lot 20 minutes for these communications. Each person shall be limited to three minutes, and we ask that you try to stay within this requirement. Speakers may speak more than once, only after all those wishing to speak on the topic have been heard.
All statements will be directed to me as the chairperson, and no one may address board members individually. Please be reminded that if your statement is too lengthy, abusive, obscene, irrelevant, or redundant, your participation may be terminated. Please remember to state your name and address each and every
time you address the board. Does anyone have any questions? Okay, seeing none, could I get a motion to close the public comment portion? >> Motion. >> All in favor? I >> Okay.
Mr. Basama, would you option? Mrs. Danek Martin, would you take academic, please? >> Yes, Mr. President. I'd like to move academic resolutions one through three is written. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Roll call. >> Mr. Bamo, >> yes. >> Mrs. Danek Martin,
>> yes. >> Dr. Dia, >> yes. >> Mr. Delpiano, >> yes. I'm sorry. I must have I must haveained from administration one >> administration. >> Oh, sorry. >> This is academic. >> This is academic. So, yeah.
>> Sorry. >> Mr. Frazzel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gilbert. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Quirk. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scotty. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ferro. >> Yes. Mr. Basamo. Administration. >> Yes. Mr. President. I'd like to move administration resolutions 1 through
three as written. Second. >> Any discussion? >> Roll call. >> Mr. Balsamo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Danek Martin. >> Yes. >> Dr. Dia. >> Yes. >> Mr. Delpiano. >> Yes. Except I'm standing one and two.
>> Mr. Fragile. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gilbert. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Quirk. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scotty. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ferraro. >> Yes. >> Mr. Fragginals. Finance. >> Yes. Mr. President. I'd like to move resolutions 1 through 22 as written.
>> Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Discussion. I just want to point out that um if you look at agenda item number 17 and number
18 spec specifically number 18 um you will see and I'd like to point out that this board and this administration uh this year in addition to the 2% tax levy has also um going to introduce this
um which is a approval for adjustment for healthc care cost which is an additional $4.8 8 million that u is going to be into the budget uh to help balance the budget. So I think that's important for people to understand that because that is a large amount of our
increase is healthcare. Year to year after year we're seeing double digit increases in healthcare. Uh this year alone 18% from the prior year over $3.2 million just in healthcare alone. Um, there are continuing to be costs that
are beyond this board and this administration's control. Healthc care being one of them. We also have other costs, utility costs that are increasing. I believe Miss Makus, this year, Mr. Dvita, we've seen 25 30%
increases in utility costs alone. Um, not just health care, but also general liability insurance, workers compensation insurance. Uh we're seeing double-digit increases in all of these items. These are these are beyond our control. Um these are these are things
that are going to need some structural changes. Uh it's going to need the state to get involved. And we're not the only district that's seeing these. Every day there's a diff another district that is facing challenges. Uh in the current year, um that's what they're you know,
these are costs that are happening and it's it's making it very difficult. So, I just want to point out that this year, this board, this administration has not only just gone to the 2% cap, we've also approve, we're approving the adjustment for the healthcare cost.
Any other comments? Miss Mus, anything you'd like to add? I would just I would just like to add that um this board uh and uh Mr. Ba and Mr.
Devida um with myself as a participant um have put in extraordinary hours, not extraordinary hours, uh in working to
create a budget that was balanced, as you know, that's important to me. Uh but also um had the least effect on program.
where we worked. uh was looking at every element of the revenue and it was looked at every element of uh the expenditures that were not health and were not gas and electric and came
up with a budget that allowed for um some changes but small changes in uh program. Uh I would also like to say and this is very important
that this budget and the cuts that had to be made have no connection to what's happened in the past. This is a situation that a budget
year that literally stands on its own. the problems and the cuts that we had to make stand on their own. There's no relationship to any any past decisions that might have been made. And as you
said, uh there are a number of districts who are falling off the same cliff that Nutly fell off two years ago. This is not a Nutley problem. This is a New Jersey schoolwide problem with regard to
the costs that you delineated, which is health, gas, and electric, those things we can't control. So, I just want to be clear that this budget stands on its own and that the amount of work that was put
in and I will say by Mr. Devidita who had no weekends for the past month um who worked very hard with Mr. Ba and myself to come up with the budget that
preserves as much as we could without hurting students and its balance. >> Thank you, Miss Mus. Any other comments? Any board members? Okay. Roll call. >> Mr. Balsamo.
>> Yes. >> Mrs. Danjack Martin? >> Yes. >> Dr. Dia? >> Yes. >> Mr. Delpano? >> Yes. >> Mr. Fragginel's? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gilbert? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Quirk? >> Yes. >> Mr. Scotty? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ferraro? >> Yes.
>> Mr. Scotty, would you do policy? >> Yes, Mr. President. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Roll call. >> Mr. Balsamo, >> yes. >> Mrs. Danek Martin, >> yes. >> Dr. Dia, >> yes. >> Mr. Delpiano, >> yes. >> Mr. Fragel,
>> yes. >> Mr. Gilbert, >> yes. >> Mrs. Quirk, >> yes. >> Mr. Scotty, >> yes. >> Mr. Ferraro, >> yes. M. Quirk, personnel. >> Yes. Mr. President, like to move personnel resolution one as >> any discussion.
Roll call. >> Mr. Balsamo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Danek Martin. >> Yes. >> Dr. Mr. Dia, >> yes. >> Mr. Delpiano, >> yes. >> Mr. Fragnels, >> yes. >> Mr. Gilberty, >> yes. >> Mrs. Quirk, >> yes. >> Mr. Scotty, >> yes. >> Mr. Ferraro, >> yes. Any old business to come before the
board? >> Um, anyone? I just um one of the things I wanted to just uh point out is that uh I believe at our last board meeting or maybe the one prior to that it might have been a workshop meeting but we as a
board introduced a resolution that we were going to draft a letter. That letter has been drafted. Our attorneys are reviewing it. it's going to be uh looked at uh tweaked a little bit more and at some point we're going to be sending that and that's basically a letter that's being that's going to be
sent on behalf of this board to the governor of New Jersey um and requesting assistance not just by this school board but we're going to reach out to other school boards to see if they'd like to also sign on with this letter because this is a state problem. This is not a
problem that's just impacting Nutley. Health care costs cannot continue to increase by double digits every single year. That is not sustainable and that is an issue that needs to be addressed down in Trenton. So I wanted to just update everybody on that. If there's no
other old business, is there any new business? >> Okay. Whereas the board of >> educ What's policy? >> Is there a second? >> Any discussion? >> Uh, yes, please.
Um, I'd like to make a statement. So, um, I appreciate the opportunity to speak tonight about this. Um, I'd like to discuss the guidance regarding policy 5756. It's the guidance regarding transgender students in the New Jersey
schools. I'm here to respectfully urge this board to repeal policy 5756 so as to restore transparency and respect the fundamental role of the family. While our district presently maintains a policy that Trenton has
deemed student centered, Nutley needs to adopt a family centered stance which is more aligned with our community's principles. By repealing this policy and shifting our priorities to the family unit, the rights of the child, let alone the whims of the school, will no longer
supersede the rights of their parents. Instead, each and every member of the family will enjoy rights equally. Policy 5756 instructs school districts that there is no affirmative duty to notify parents if a student expresses a
different gender identity at school. In practice, this means a child could adopt a different name, pronouns, or social identity at school, and the parents may be intentionally kept unaware. Serious life issues require serious
guidance, counseling, and family involvement. A school system that knowingly keeps parents in the dark about such matters undermines the relationship a child shares with their family. Schools exist to educate and support students. They certainly do not
exist to replace parental guidance or withhold critical information from them. No teacher, counselor, or administrator, no matter how well-intentioned, should be placed in a position where they are expected to manage a child's personal identity without knowledge of the child,
without knowledge of the child's parents. It's dangerous to the teacher, it's dangerous to the parent, and it's dangerous to the student. This is not the role of public education. Continuing to follow policy 5756 basically says
that we as a board trust school officials to raise our children more than we trust the parents of Nelly. By repealing policy 5756, this board would truly begin to help protect children who find themselves in a vulnerable position. Also, repealing policy 5756
will signal to the public that we, as a board, are taking a big step forward to rebuilding trust recently lost between Nutley families and this body. Repealing policy 5756 does not mean abandoning compassion or support for any
student. Every child, regardless of race, class, or creed, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. If there is anything that the LGBTQ community has taught us, it is that each and every one of us is unique. In that
same vein, each case that falls under policy 5756 is unique and should be resolved as such by school officials, parents, and the child in question. Trenton should not bind Nutly families hands together through first determining
that every case, no matter how unique, shall be handled identically. The very notion runs counter to the spirit of the gay rights movement, past and present. Policy 5756 no doubt was designed to protect vulnerable children from harm.
We don't need policy 5756 to do that though. We have mechanisms in place and protective services at the ready already and we should simply continue to utilize them whenever needed. These mechanisms have always been and continued to be
sufficient. Not only is policy 5756 redundant in that way, but it is also reductive as it locks the parents out. I'm asking tonight that we look into to repealing policy 5756 as a board. I
respectfully ask you. >> So, you made a motion, Mr. Gerber. It was seconded. Um, our attorney I'd like to have our attorney weigh in on this because um, obviously this is a mandatory policy that's required by the state. Is that question? >> It is not mandatory. Sir,
>> Mr. Gertie, I'm asking our attorney. So, please just Okay, let our attorney speak. That's what he's here for. >> Thank you. Uh, so I I will note that the policy itself is not mandated, but the requirements within the policy are mandated. The board must adhere to
certain anti-discrimination laws. um the law against discrimination in the state of New Jersey um as well as follow guidance that's produced by the the Department of Education at the state as the policy currently sets. It ensures compliance to all of those matters. It
ensures compliance with the LD ensures compliance with um other state guidance related to transgender policy or transgender students. Um happy to provide any additional information. Um it it's important to note that this is
not the first board that this is coming up with right now um regarding based on the Supreme Court decision recently um regarding a California case. It's important to note though that does not change any of the requirements in the state of New Jersey. the board and all
boards of education are still required um to follow uh the obligations and compliance with the New Jersey law against discrimination. Okay. So, we have a motion. We have a second question to
>> Well, I'm going to open it up to discussion now. So, any discussion from board members? Uh yeah, I I I have to say something because my blood pressure is rising. Um I'm very I I have I was a public school
teacher for 29 years and I have had children in high schools, in elementary schools come to me and tell me some very important things that were going on in their life. I at no time
took that to think that they were telling me things in confidence and my job as a teacher was to make sure that they were safe, that they were comfortable. I was very happy that they could come to me and say these things. I
I mean like this is very emotional for me and there will be no time that I will think it's okay to report anyone to report a child a child who comes to us for
guidance and support. I'm just never going to vote for something like that. That's how I feel. >> Thank Thank you, Mr. President. >> Mr. President. >> Thank you, Miss Clerk. Any other comments from board members? >> Mr. President
>> um if we do repeal >> I don't want to conjecture of >> could is it a possibility that >> it's possible that without any set policies that lawsuits could come out but uh uh you need to fulfill the obligations and compliance with the laws
uh independent of the policy. Mr. Sky, you're the chair of policy. Um, has this policy been disc has this been something that was brought up in policy? >> Yes. And from my understanding, it was solved in
policy, a majority of the policy committee moved forward. We've had discussions in the past on this, and I don't think it's necessary to continue talking about it. Uh, like Terry said, I'm I'm a no on this. It's a necessary
policy. It protects children, and I'm not going to do anything that puts people in jeopardy. Uh, I have plenty of friends this policy has helped, and I'm not going to put this board in a position, this community in a position
that we are taking away things for the future generations that current generations have. Thank you, Mr. Scotty. Miss Mus. >> Yes, you can. >> Having personal experience uh in this
particular situation, um the person that most helped uh the individual known was a guidance counselor. And the guidance counselor worked with the individual, the young
man, and in all likelihood saved him and also worked with him to tell his parents, which I think is more
u appropriate in the sense that you want the child to be involved in his or her decision. um that guidance counselor uh was a person who was trusted,
who worked with him in so many ways I I can't even tell you. Uh but the most important thing was she worked with him to tell his parents and then worked with the parents to get to the right
organizations, the right people to assist in the long road that he had ahead. Uh and she was the one who gave him I think that first step of courage.
uh and that in my opinion um was critical. Thank you for the opportunity. >> Thank you, Miss Makers. Any other board members? Mr. Bosamo. >> Yes, Mr. President. Um in a previous
comment, it was said that um repealing this policy would line more with community values. I just want to state on the record uh I am a member of this community 54 wart nav. this repealing this policy would not in any way align
with my family's values. >> Thank you, Mr. Bosano. Any other comments? >> Yeah. Uh quick question for council. If so, this is an optional provision. What wouldn't we be satisfying? You said
we have an obligation, but why would this be optional and still adhere to the obligations? So there are many policies that the district and all districts have that are optional, but it outlines the obligations of staff members and it protects the district to outline exactly
what's required by removing or repealing this policy. Yes, you would still be required to follow those obligations. Those obligations might not be as clear um because it's not outlined. Having a policy protects the district by outlining exactly uh what's required
under the New Jersey law against discrimination and state guidance that's produced. But at the end of the day, um it is not a mandatory policy. Um those obligations exist whether there's a policy or not a policy. >> So wait, the obligations exist?
>> Correct. >> Why then why do we have an optional policy if if they already if we already have to adhere to them? you have to adhere to elements within the policy itself, but not every policy is mandatory. The state didn't make it
mandatory. I can't say why or why they didn't. Um, but there's laws that need to be followed and uh the district's current policy follows those laws. >> Okay. >> Mr. So just for clarification here, legally
speaking, this is a laws against discrimination that's in the books of New Jersey. The policy itself, which was worked through the policy committee, offers guidance and suggestions uh on how to handle situations which from an educator standpoint, which I am one and
I will speak as one, are quite heavy. Uh so giving our our students, our parents and our educators, not to also neglect our administrators guidance on something that we have to comply to. Is that
essentially what 5756 boils down to is is we have to follow the laws against discrimination in the state of New Jersey. This is guidelines on how to follow those so that we do not put ourselves or others in jeopardy. >> Correct. >> Legally or otherwise.
>> Correct. And I will say it also incorporates state guidance that's produced. So it it uh recognizes that cross-section. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Any other comments?
>> Roll call. >> Mr. Bosamo. >> No. >> Mrs. Danek Martin. >> No. >> Dr. Dia. >> No. >> Mr. Delpiano. >> No. Mr. Fragginels, >> yes. >> Mr. Gilbert,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Quirk, >> no. >> Mr. Scotty, >> no. >> Mr. Ferraro, >> no. >> Any other new business to come before the board? >> Okay. Whereas, the board of education will be discussing matters exempt from
public discussion pursuing to NJSA 10 col 4-12. Now therefore be it resolved that the board of education recess to close executive session at this time to discuss personnel contracts and legal issues. Be it further resolved that the results of the discussions will be made public by inclusion on the agenda of the
subsequent meeting of the board of education or when the reasons for discussing such matters in close session no longer exist. I get a motion to go into executive session. >> Motion second. Okay. >> Thank you everyone. Have a good evening.