It's really sleep. >> [clears throat] >> I love it. Sorry, I don't have Good evening everyone. Thank you for coming out. I'd like to call this meeting to order. >> This is a regular meeting of the board
of education. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided. Uh schedule of regular meetings of the board of education was adopted at the reorg meeting on January 6, 2026. Schedule a notice of said meetings have been posted and are maintained at the interior window of the exterior door of the
school administrative offices, mailed to the retrospect and carrier post and filed with clerk of clerk of the bureau of Oakland. All foregoing has been done in time required in accordance with the open public meetings act. Um and a roll
call. >> Okay. Uh Mr. Dezy >> here. >> Mr. Mr. Demco >> here. >> Mrs. Fal >> here. >> Mr. Gther >> here. >> Mrs. Love >> here. >> Mrs. Marian >> here. >> Mr. McMillan >> here. >> Mr. Taby
>> here. >> Thank you. >> All right. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice
for all. >> All right, we're going to move on to item two, which is our hawk hero recognitions and fifth grade award recognitions. I will turn it over to Mrs. Balden. >> Do we need help? I think we can manage.
Okay. Good evening everyone. I am here to present not just a Hulk Hero award but our top Hawk Hero awards for the year. Meaning the student that embodies all of those characteristics that we've studied all year. So at Oakland Public School, our top Hawk Heroes of the year
are students who truly embody the core characteristics of our Hawk Hero program. They are hardworking, ambitious, and always eager to learn through their kindness, honesty, empathy, and respect for others. They help create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued. Their
positive attitudes, ability to keep an open mind, and integrity make them outstanding role models and leaders within our school community. Our first Hawk hero, our kindergarten top Hawk is Sebastian Watson. Come on
up, Sebastian. [applause] >> [applause] >> right here and turn around and hold your award for everybody to see. And we're going to we're going to read what your teacher wrote about you. Through the school year, Sebastian's positive attitude and hardworking personality has
never dulled. His excitement to learn new things and consistently wanting to be challenged, all while being kind and a friendly classmate has always made our class a happier place. He makes an effort to have everyone included and is willing to get to know anyone new with open arms and an open mind. He follows
classroom rules and routines and he encourages his he encourages his classmates to do the same by being a good role model. I'm so proud to be his teacher and I look forward to all of the wonderful things Sebastian will do in his future. He is the true definition of
a Hawk hero from Miss Koshi. All >> [applause] >> right, stay right there, Sebastian, and we're going to get you some friends. Our first grade Top Hawk hero, Kanan Stanley. You can stay right here. Stay right here.
[applause] All right, Kanan, stand right here. Hold your award proudly. Kanan's been through this before. He was a Hulk hero for being hard worker hardworking earlier this year. Cayman is the kind of first grader who makes our whole classroom better just by being in it. He is hardworking and
ambitious. When a math problem gets tricky or a new book feels hard, Cayman digs in, tries again, and celebrates his growth each and every day. He is inclusive and kind, always noticing classmates who might feel left out and inviting them to join his group at recess or group work. Gan leads with
honesty and respect in everything he says and does, choosing words that lift others up, and listening with his whole heart. He is empathetic, quick to offer a high five or support a friend having a tough day. Kanan is open-minded. He welcomes new ideas, new challenges, and
new friends with kindness and courage. Kanan, I'm so proud to be your teacher and can't wait to see all the amazing things you accomplish in the future. Mrs. Wharton. [applause] All right, who's next? We have our second grade Toph hero, Simon Mohan.
Come on up. [applause] Here you go. Congratulations. Over the course of the year, Simon has shown time and time again what what it truly means to be a Hawk hero. He is kind, understanding, compassionate, and hardworking. He has worked incredibly
hard throughout the year to challenge himself to learn new things, ask great questions, and have a positive mindset about his education. On top of all that, he is a friend that everyone can count on. He takes interests in his friends stories and offers us offers a helping
hand any chance he gets. It has been a true pleasure to have Simon in our class this year. I am positive he will continue to thrive next year. Keep up the amazing work, Simon. Mrs. McMenan. [applause] Our third grade Top Hawk hero, Morgan
Walker. Come on up. [applause] Congratulations. Stand here. Hold it proud. This year, Morgan has consistently demonstrated her ambition and hard work in third grade. She always ensures that she does her best, sets goals, and
accomplishes them. She checks over her work on every assignment, and challenges herself to do more than expected. Morgan is kind and helpful and is always seeking ways to include and respect others. If someone needs help with classwork, she will be the first to volunteer. If there is a water spill or
a pencil box drop, she is always there to lend a hand. She follows all school rules and encourages others to do the same. Morgan is such a positive role model for our class. Miss Magro [applause] and our fourth grade top Paul hero could not be here tonight. We did give him his
his certificate in class and celebrated him because he's on a trip right now. But I'm going to honor him by reading his te what his teacher wrote about him. This is for our fourth grade top Hawk hero, Charles Belli. Charlie is a wonderful example of what it means to be a Hawk hero. As a new student to OPS
this year, he quickly became a valued member of our school community. Charlie consistently demonstrates kindness, honesty, respect, and empathy in his interactions with others. He is hardworking, ambitious, and always eager to learn and challenge himself. Charlie goes out of his way to include everyone.
He's a supportive friend and classmate. He has built many meaningful relationships throughout the year. His positive attitude, strong character, and commitment to doing the right thing make him make him someone others look up to. He is a role model to his peers and
truly embodies all of the Hawk hero characteristics. I'm so proud to be his teacher and excited to see what he will accomplish next year at APS, Miss Gino. [applause] And now we have our middle school top hawk hero. I don't even know if I can call her a fifth grader anymore.
School's up. Um, and she, this is her second time, but she was also chosen as our ambitious Hawk hero this year. So, come on up, Amelia Arusi. [applause] Congratulations. Amelia is a true example of what it means to be a Hawk hero. She challenges
herself and encourages those around her. She is an ambitious and careful worker. Amelia respect Amelia shows respect and kindness to those around her. She has been an asset to the class and to the school through her caring, kindness, and hard work. Amelia Arusi is truly a top
Hawk hero. She has been such a special part of our school this year. And while we will miss her dearly, we know she has a bright future ahead and cannot wait to see all the wonderful things she will do in middle school. Mrs. Hart, Mr. Wisenstein, and Miss Coleman, we will
miss you, Amelia. Let's give another round of applause for our top heroes. [applause] Okay, boys and girls, I need you to do this now. Ready? Flip around real quick and hold your certificates this way real high.
>> Yes. put on anybody's >> feeties. Congratulations. [applause] I'm back for a minute. Um, our fifth grade promotion uh happened already on Thursday the 18th and we every student got an award. We
had the Oscar awards and we had some other cool awards. Uh, but just to highlight uh some of the academic awards and the other awards that were given out. I want to mention that our fifth grade Tyler Quinter award this year went to
EMTT Carney. So, we're very happy to award him with that. Our [applause] fifth grade perseverance awards went to Jessica Kresnik and Sophia O'Neal.
[applause] We gave out our U math excellence award to Sophie Laura and Michael Principado. [applause] Our top reading that's to Dominic Thomas and Claire Gribbach. [applause]
Top writing, Amelia Arusi and Ava Joseph. [applause] Top science, Katherine Mercer and Scarlet Cook. [applause] And our social studies award to Scarlett Patrick and Claire Gribbach.
[applause] We also had our most improved in math award go to Autumn Salis. Uh most improved in reading went to EMTT Carney. >> [applause] >> Missing lady John Leop.
Thank you. >> Thank you, Mrs. Balden. Congrats to our Hawk heroes and our fifth grade awards recipients. Uh moving on to item three. Uh we have a resolution to go into executive session. Uh do we have a motion to do so? So moved. Second.
>> Seconded. All in favor? I just wanted to let everybody know about how long. >> Okay. All right. We're just going to go into executive session at this point. Um we're anticipating about a 30 minute session. I don't have any t >> [laughter] >> I mean, I get it.
I know you. 29 minutes. You're just the first one. Yeah, you are. Yeah, that's I have a list. I don't know. Don't tell I see. It's great%
Well, that's Yeah, they're telling Water system. She's going to How are you? My husband Exactly. Everybody
[clears throat] How do we know? along the way. It's The last Hillary library. She's at every I don't know what you're Right. Right.
Nothing. >> He waited till the end of the year. Wait till the end of the year. Never handled it. actually against But we know that Anybody want an agenda? They were sitting on the >> top here.
We get there early. I can't wait. We have another I will get one. That's nice. better. >> We just That's another basically
helping. What do you want to talk about? I don't know. We got one of those basic Sometimes they need Foreign speech. Foreign speech. Chocolate
real quick. I Super. I just know she said January. Start with more again. Sorry. One of the first big Fore
the ring inside. Right. And then wait, look at that. worried about the kids. Is it like anything? that reminds me of the beginning of that.
You know, they're >> still took him that he could around. Oh yeah. little I'll watch. to take a look at yourself at first.
>> I mean, I did it right. I remember doing that. I guess it's probably really just like sit down. Not me. going toward.
You're not doing How many minutes? You got you got to give her the part. All right. Do we have a motion to come out of executive session? >> So moved. Second. >> Moved and seconded. All in favor? I
>> opposed. All right. Motion passes. All right. All right. Moving on to item four is committee the whole uh for board discussion. I have a couple of points I just wanted to share with the board and the community. Um oh yeah, sorry. I need a motion for committee the whole first.
Uh do we have a motion? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Motion passes. uh just quick uh statements and I did want to uh talk a little bit about uh some of the public comments from last month as well. Um as members of the
board of education, we believe everyone in our district, including the faculty, staff, families, and school administration are united by a common goal, doing what is best for our students. In that spirit, uh us as a board are committed to making thoughtful community centered
decisions that reflects the needs of all. Over the last year, we witnessed uh difficult and public negotiations unfold in the neighboring district. Uh we saw division and frustration that came with it. And we do not want to repeat that repeat that here in Oakland. Uh
therefore, we remain committed to approaching negotiations in a way that reflects Oakland's values of respect, professionalism, and collaboration. Uh we recognize that a comment made by district leadership during negotiations has caused some frustration and hurt uh amongst the community and we take that
seriously. Words matter in difficult conversations and we expect communication to remain professional and respectful as we work through issues that naturally carry strong emotions for everyone involved. As we do so, the board will continue to maintain our focus on balancing the
needs of students, staff, families, and taxpayers amid ongoing financial challenges driven by the state funding formulas and trends inability to fully address them. Despite these challenges, Oakland continues to soar as a result of
all our teachers do. Since the pandemic, we've seen steady growth in student achievement, led new instructional in initiatives that have been adopted by our neighboring district as best practice, um strengthened teacher collaboration, um and maintained exceptional teacher
retention. Whether passing the warm, safe, dry referendum uh fe our neighboring district has been unable to accomplish under two separate administrations. Supporting one another through the pandemic or navigating uh the state's tax levy adjustment uh initiative last
summer. Oakland has always succeeded when we come together. Even when opinions differ, we have always remained one community and these accomplishments reflect what is possible when we work together. As this process continues, we ask
everyone to remain respectful, focused on facts, and committed to assuming good intentions by everyone involved. In doing so, the board will continue to engage in good faith negotiations that are professional, respectful, and appropriately confidential. By keeping
our students, staff, families, and community at the center of every decision that is made, as we always have done, uh we'll ensure that we stay true to the values that define Oakland. Uh any general comments from the board? Uh one other piece I just wanted to
address for the community um and and put on public record. Um there's uh ongoing conversations uh over the years on and off regarding uh the send receive relationship that we currently share with Collingswood. Um there's been some
requests uh made during public comment and via email to uh explore other neighboring districts to see uh what the potential is uh if there's potential to to alter that send and receive relationship. Um as I've said uh to
folks who have reached out uh as a board, we're we're open to community feedback and are are willing to have these discussions. But I would be remiss if uh I didn't break down the the steps that come with that for the community. Uh only because it it does come up kind
of cycllically and I don't know that uh you know the average community member uh may be aware of what comes with that. Um so the process for for doing uh such a change uh would start uh via the school board attorneys uh would would send uh
letters of interest to the Collinsville administration to the neighboring districts about send receive relationships. uh should uh a district be willing to do that. Should Collins would be willing to continue that um it would then go to uh
state feasibility study similar to what we conducted in Oakland in 2016. Um at that time it uh cost the taxpayers $30,000 uh to get those results and that uh ended up with us uh changing from a uh K to9 district to uh K to five,
right? Um so once we go through all that then uh a change such as that is then solely in the hands of the department of education. Uh the department of education will review the study and they're going to ask some very specific questions. They're going to ask
um what the financial impact of a change would be to both Kingswood and Oakland, right? Or would we save money one way or the other? Would Kingswood lose money one way or the other? um if if the state finds concern in that the state will not approve a change. Uh the second question
that the state would ask is how does that impact the demographics of either Congressman or Oakland? For the better or for the worse, if the state finds those findings to be unsatisfactory, the state will not approve a change. Um, and the third question that the state will
ask, and I'm sure there's others, but the third big question that the state will ask is, um, as a result of this change, would, um, Oakland, uh, stand to receive, uh, uh, greater curricular offerings, uh, curricular offerings that that are not currently offered? Um and
again depending on how the state feels about that um looking at in this case what would be the 6 to 12 curriculum uh they could approve or deny a change. So it's a lengthy process. It's a costly process. Um again that doesn't mean that
the Oakland Board of Education isn't open to having these conversations. It doesn't mean we're not hoping to hear the feedback from the community. Um, but again, as I said, I would be remiss if I didn't put some of the major steps that come along with that on public record for uh our taxpayers and everybody who's
here tonight. So, thank you. Um, any general comments from the board, any other topics for committee the whole hearing? None. Uh, can we get a motion to come out of committee the whole? So moved. >> Second.
>> Uh all in favor? >> Opposed? Motion passes. Moving on to item five. Uh >> it looks like I'm frozen, too. >> Yeah. >> Moving on to item five. We have uh
important dates coming up. Uh most of which have already passed, but this is our Yeah. Uh, school is out for the year. This is our last board meeting until August. Um, so, uh, enjoy Final Friday. I guess that's a big event
coming up. Uh, I'm excited because Ink Wheels, my favorite bookstore, Inkwood and, uh, Haden, uh, Hadenfield has a new mobile bookstore. They're going to be there. So, get get ready for that summer reading. All right. Uh, moving on to item six,
uh, routine board business. Um, sorry. Uh, we are looking to move on the, uh, recommendation of the superintendent to approve the minutes from the regular board meeting on May 21st. Do we have a motion? >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. All in favor?
>> I. >> Opposed? Motion passes. All right, moving on to our first public comment section of the evening. Um, uh, participants are reminded to please stand, state your name and address, keep
your comments to 5 minutes or less. Uh, >> 602. >> Oh, >> sorry. Board docs just crashed, so we're all going back to paper. Uh, 602 is is actually new. It's just this is a a report only. Um, it's a law in the state of New Jersey. At the end of each school
year, I present to the board a listing of all the contracts that have been issued. Even though I bring them to you every month, I consolidate them. Um, it's attached in the admin section. If you were able to log in, you'd be able to see it. But, um, so yeah, it's just a report only. That's it. >> Gotcha. No vote on that, right?
>> All right. >> All right. Back to item seven, public comment. Uh, participants are reminded to stand, state your name and address, keep your comments to five minutes or less. uh the public for the uh the first public comment section um is to discuss items listed on the agenda. Additional
more general comments uh may be made in the meeting uh during the second public comment section of the meeting. Um the public's reminded that uh attempts to resolve all concerns and complaints should first go through the appropriate staff members and administrators. Um do we have public comment for the
evening? Good evening. My name is Sandy Hart and I'm the Oakland Education Association Secretary. I've lived in Oakland for 32 years and I'm going to be going into my 18th year as a teacher in Oakland
school. I'd like to thank the parents and various community members who've come out to support us tonight, as well as the OEA members who are available this evening, as well as anyone who's tuning in at home. Thank you.
The OEA has 36 members, including both teachers and secretaries that I have the honor of representing tonight. These now 36 union members, are currently at a contract impass with you, the board. These same individuals who put countless
hours of their workday outside of their workday to participate in various events and fundraisers that occur throughout the school year, PTA talent show, trunk or treat, attending sporting events,
attending dance recital. Oea members donate food to families who have experienced personal and financial hardships. And at numerous times of the year, we collect items such as clothing to donate to families in need. We do our
part to help in this community. Good evening. My name is Todd Weisenstein. I'm the Oakland Educ Education Association President and I'll be going into my 17th year as a teacher at Oakland Public School. This is why the board's stance on these salary
negotiations is so troubling. After months of positive negotiations resulting in contract edits that satisfied both sides needs, negotiations came to a screeching halt during our second salary negotiation session. In
our first salary guide meeting, the OEA presented a detailed comparison showing the massive discrepancy between our salaries compared to other districts. We made sure the districts we compared ourselves to were similar in size and
geography. We showed how Oakland teachers are the lowest paid in Camden County. We made it very clear that we, the OEA, were willing to have the tough conversations regarding our salary
guides, that throwing them out and starting from scratch was a fair option. We also made it clear that tough decisions would need to be made to fix this issue and we accepted that reality. Our ask of the board's negotiation team
was simple. Please take the next month to review our numbers and our presentation and at the next meeting a month later give us your thoughts and counter offer.
That is far from what actually occurred. At the next meeting, Dr. McDow, speaking on behalf of the board's negotiations committee, proceeded to lecture us. He said, amongst other things, that our offer was laughable, not realistic, that
we were not a profitm entity, and that we had lost touch with today's quote unquote financial environment. He's told our side he he told our side to go caucus and come back with a better number. He wanted us to negotiate
against ourselves, something that was never going to happen. The issue is how this was perceived. Essentially, we were being talked to like we were children. Go to your room, think about what you did, then come back when you're ready to apologize. That
lecture was poorly timed, unnecessary, and ill-received. To be clear to everyone, a salary counter offer from the board was not actually given to the OEA until I pressed the topic. Then begrudgingly, a counter offer was given. The hypocrisy
of this simple is simple and alarming. Isn't it rich that in midappril in this very room we were told those things? Yet a month ago in May, your Oakland board representative on the Collingswood board voted to give the plethora of
Collingswood administrators large salary increases. These are the same administrators who received a vote of no confidence by the CEA just moments before that vote. the administration who just permanently closed an elementary school and the
administration that caused an exodus of highly qualified teachers from the Collingswood School District. Wow. Just wow. To reiterate, our salaries are dead last in the county in almost every category. I'd like to congratulate the Renee Education
Association on their recent contract settlement where their member starting salary bachelor's degree will reach $60,000 at the end of their deal. It takes an Oakland teacher nine years with our current salary guides to reach $60,000.
Nine years. Also, Merchantville, a similarly sized district with shared services agreements in place. If I worked there, all things being equal, I'd make about $20,000 more per year. 20,000.
Plain and simple. Our guides aren't good enough. Not even close. Our members will not ratify a deal that keeps us at the bottom of the barrel and the board's counter offer would do just that. We want a fair and equitable settlement. I cannot stress this enough. We are not
looking to lead the pack with our salaries, but being dead last is just not an option. We need to be creative in dealing with this situation. And laughing at our proposal does nothing to help this negotiation.
At our request, the NGAA did a deep dive into your budgets and found some alarming practices. Specifically, the blatant overspending by the board over the last two years. In 2023 2024, your audited number was $123,223,
showing you are spending more money than the revenue being brought in. In 2024, 2025, your audited number is $423,689. again showing you're spending that much more than the revenue being brought in.
That's well over half a million dollars being overspent in the last two years. So the questions have to be asked, why are you overspending the budget for the last two years causing you to pull from the budgeted fund balance and surplus? Why is the board allowing this to occur?
Every year you're starting in the hole. You're literally overspending your revenue stream and then conveniently blaming the lack of state aid. This has zero to do with state aid. Everyone knows state aid is a crapshoot. Yet you're overspending and completely
relying on state aid is just for you uh to bail you out. It's just for you to bail out for for you to bail out. That practice is completely illogical. You're making bad business decisions and then you were conf conveniently making the state your scapegoat.
For those of you wondering, I was verbally told that we started $300,000 in the hole this past school year. I guess we'll find out for sure when that audit is complete. [applause] [applause] Good evening. My name is Suzanne Wolsair
and I am the Oakland Education Association Vice President. I'll be going into my 23rd year as a teacher at Oakland Public School. On Ji July 9th, we will have our mediation meeting.
Time will tell if any movement will occur at that meeting. But to be clear, mediation will cost the board thousands of dollars in legal fees. So settling sooner than later is in all
parties best interest. It should be noted that at numerous times during these negotiations, the board's team seemed illprepared to meet that the month between meetings wasn't
utilized efficiently. We hope moving forward that won't be the case. Lastly, I want to point out that in your 2025 2026 budget presentation, you listed as an administration priority to
support and retain dedicated faculty. Being paid the lowest salary in Camden County doesn't show fiscal support nor ability to retain and attract excellent teachers.
Thank you for your time this evening. We are looking forward to our mediation session on July 9th. [applause] Hi. How's everyone doing? Can you hear me? All right. Uh, Carl Lang, 103 East
Bedwood Avenue. How's everyone doing tonight? Um, just wanted to go back over something that was addressed earlier by Mr. Taby. Um, as far as the send and receive, I we think everyone understands that it is a long process. It's not something that can be done overnight.
Um, but a line of communication has to start somewhere. And if we want to do this, we want to do what's best for our kids, that's something that we should be looking into um going forward. And I appreciate you um recognizing that. Um I'm also here to support these teachers.
Being being the lowest paid in Camden County is not something that we can hang our hat on. That's for sure. This school this little school is fantastic and it needs to be, you know, recognized for what they bring. [applause] And uh I have one more thing to address.
Um there's people in the room that are concerned about my well-being. I am not disgruntled. I can promise you that. I am very gruntled. I'm as happy as I've ever been. And uh thank you for your time. I'll see you. [applause] >> Danielle Lang, 103 East Bedwood Avenue.
[clears throat] Good evening. I am here tonight because I care about the future of Oakland public school. We have exceptional teachers who have chosen to dedicate themselves to our children and they deserve leadership that values
them, supports them, and fights for them. As a taxpayer, I understand that our district faces financial challenges. I have heard the explanations, the flawed state funding formula, rising health care costs and inflation. Those
are real challenges and I don't dismiss them. However, I also believe that leadership matters. We cannot continue to attribute every challenge solely to circumstances outside the district's control without also taking an honest
look at the decisions being made within our own control. It concerns me that despite asking taxpayers to contribute more, our teachers have experienced staff reductions and still have not been able to secure a fair and equitable
contract. I'm concerned that Oakland is going to turn into what's happened in Collingswood or over a 100 staff members choosing to leave. You see, healthy organizations retain good people. When experienced teachers continue to leave,
it is appropriate for this board to ask whether leadership, not just outside circumstances, also plays a role. One of my greatest concerns is our shared services relationship with Collingswood. My priority is ensuring that Oakland's
students and teachers are being represented and advocated for just as strongly as anyone else's. and I worry about the future of our students and whether Oakland's voice is receiving the attention and advocacy that it deserves. I also hope that moving forward,
district leadership listens to the concerns being raised without immediately explaining why nothing can be done. Leadership is reflected in how you communicate. It is reflected in how you build trust. It is reflected in whether teachers and families feel
heard, respected, and supported. And as an Oakland taxpayer, I hope you will hear these concerns without taking them personally or immediately pointing to reasons why change isn't possible. The community is asking to be heard. Our
teachers are asking to be heard. And you know what great leadership qualities cost? Nothing. But they have an enormous impact on morale, teacher retention, and ultimately student success. My hope is that tonight's comments are received in
that spirit, not as a personal attack, but as a sincere request for reflection and accountability. Our teachers deserve better, our students deserve stability, and our community deserves confidence that every decision being made is
putting classrooms first. Finally, I would like to ask one question directly to Oakland's representative, Mr. McMillan. As the person elected to represent our community, can you let us know why you voted in favor of recent administrative
salary increases? I would genuinely like to understand how you felt that decision best served Oakland students, teachers, and taxpayers given the challenges our district is currently facing. Thank you. [applause] Any other public comments?
All right. Hearing none. Uh, do we do a motion to close on this? Yep. >> All right. Hearing none. We're going to move on to item eight, superintendent report. Okay. Um so good evening. Thank you for being here. Section 8 uh 8.01 is the
enrollment report. May of 2025 enrollment was 273. May of 2026 is 274. Uh that report is attached. Uh and uh for your review this evening 8.02 is the safety uh drill report that
is also attached. Um and just a few uh announcements. And so we wanted to uh convey again uh the sentiments expressed earlier this evening from principal Balden. Congratulations to the OPS uh
class of 2026. Um 31 incredible Hawks were honored for their continued growth and development over the many many years. One of the statements that was made during the promotion ceremony is once a hawk always a hawk. Uh and so we want to publicly thank all of the
families for the continued partnership um and specifically thank the staff as well as the PTA um for helping to uh move our students and prepare them for their next adventure. Uh we'd also like to uh congratulate the
high school uh class of 2026. 183 graduates from Collegewood, Oakland, and Woodland were recognized for many, many achievements. Specifically, over 160 college acceptances, over $6 million in scholarships, uh with half a dozen uh
young men and women um enlisting in the United States military. Uh athletics was also showcased and recognized for being uh Patriot Division champions in uh boys soccer, girls soccer, wrestling, boys tennis, girls track, and girls softball.
Um, our television program was also recognized for a phenomenal season with record-breaking success and breaking a regional high school record of seven nominations and four student Emmy awards. Uh, in addition to receiving honors and awards at the Garden State and the New Jersey 10day
film festival. Um and so uh this was also um uh confirmed with a formal proclamation uh from the bureau recognizing the many many um achievements uh to be celebrated for our
students. Um we will be sending out um uh probably early next week uh more information related to the unified campus initiative. And so the secondary uh campus uh the information will be sent out so that
families uh have an understanding of what students should expect when school resumes in September. So the purpose of the unified campus is to proactively respond to the economic pressures while establishing one administrative team, one school culture and providing more
targeted grade level support and student engagement. And so that information will be sent out to our community. Uh and finally, uh we just wanted to uh just to bring to the attention an announcement that was made last week. uh the Burough of Kingswood and the Colleingswood
School District uh will be joining together for a uh shared service agreement which directly translates into a $10.5 million investment in the Midland High School athletic fields complex which includes uh turf fields,
grass fields, lights, uh 1500 uh seat bleachers, press box, sound system, bathrooms, um as well as um uh storage and uh concessions. This this is going to be um a really big
uh deal for our students as well as the greater community uh to be able to come together and enjoy these outdoor recreational spaces. Um and that concludes my report. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. McDow. Moving on to item uh nine, business administrator board
secretary report. >> All right. Item 9.01 01 is your May 2026 um budget transfer report. 9.02 is your May 2026 board secretaries report, cash report, and all the
financial statements and backup information. 9.03 is a listing of the purchase orders um to be approved this evening. There shouldn't be too many at this time of the year. 9.04 is a listing of the warrants um that'll be paid tomorrow morning pending approval this
evening. And that's it. I'm going to keep rolling. Um items um 10.01 through 10.06 are those uh financial items I just talked about. Item 10.07
um we're in a GIF a joint insurance fund and because we're owners of the fund after audited uh years are up if there's excess money they redistribute it to the members. So, for the 1920, and 2021 uh school years, um Oakland will be getting
a refund of $2,252. Um and that'll be I'll apply that to next year's premium. So, I have a little savings on that line. 10.08 is an annual resolution. Um the auditors coming out the first two weeks of August. Should funds permit, um excess
surplus, this just allows me to deposit funds into capital maintenance and tuition reserves. Um, the only time I'm allowed to do this by law is in the month of June or at budget time. And then, uh, the next item is another resolution, annual resolution. Uh, we
don't meet in the month of July. So, this allows me to continue to pay bills, um, into the summer as I'm, as I'm closing the fiscal year and opening the new one. And then when we meet in August, I'll bring everything for you uh, for ratification. The next item, 10.10. Everybody has in front of them a pledge. Um, this
resolution came from New Jersey School Boards Association. And in a nutshell, it's just we're saying as a board that we recognize um that everyone has uh freedom of speech and freedom of expression and that we're going to be we're going to allow everybody to
express their opinions and work civily. Um, so I'm not going to read the whole resolution, but everybody has a pleasure in front of you that more or less uh sums that up that uh we're going to try to build a stronger board and um engage
in civil civil practices. Um so once we approve that, um the resolution itself, the way they have it set up, every board member has to sign it before I send it off to Trenton. So once I have the resolution done, we will meet in August or I have to see how I'm going to circulate it, but we all have to sign
the same resolution before I sent it to Trenton. Item 10.11, we're amending the agreement with ESS. ESS provides our support services or instructional assistance and subs. Uh we amended it to include nursing services. It's getting a little
harder to get substitute nurses in the county, so we want to liken our ability. 10.12. Um, this is just an annual approval. The county office does a survey. Um, they want to know if we have any temp temporary spaces or dual use of of instructional spaces in the district.
So, Mr. Longo completed the survey on our behalf. We'll send this off to the state and then typically what they do is um there are forms that have to be completed, especially if it's a year that you're going through CQAC, you have to complete the forms and send them in. So, this will be sent to Trenton tomorrow.
10.13 is an annual approval approving Hardenburgg. Hardenberg is our um insurance broker for the the GIF that I just mentioned. 10.14 is approving Care Solless. Um they're going to provide mental health screening and referral services to
Oakland students and families or guardians. Uh the cost of that is $3,500. 10.15 is renewal with Neutra Serve uh food service. This is um this is a second year, excuse me, I couldn't find my own thing. year two of
a 5-year agreement. 10.16 is setting the school lunch prices for the 2627 school year. 10.17 is uh to approve the continuation of our postage uh post postage lease. This is year five of a
5-year lease. So, next year we will we will be looking to uh get a new lease. And then finally, um this was a late addition after committee met, but this is um use of facilities request from the Oakland Fire Department. The Oakland Fire Department is going to use our
softball field to hold softball games between the fire department and police department from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on one of the dates. They didn't select them, so they're all listed, but these [laughter] all of these dates are currently available. Um so they're going to get back to us and then we're going to lock them in. So approval for items
uh 10.01 through 10.18. Thank you. All right. Do we have a motion? Moved and seconded. Any comments or questions on the Jed items for this group? >> I just had a question if there's a timeline yet for the athletics stadium
bids going out, etc. Um, so the agreement was just um uh approved on the 22nd and so we we actually have a meeting tomorrow with the architects and the engineers so that we can get an estimate of um how long it
will take for them to put together a public bid package. Once the bid package is complete, it has to go um out and be posted publicly, I believe. And Beth, correct me if I'm wrong, is it 30 or 60 days? 10 days. Okay. 10 days. Um and then once
a uh a bid is awarded um and so this is being done actually in partnership with burough uh leadership and the board. Um once the bid has been awarded then the uh awarded construction company will have to uh uh put out the the scope uh
and then an estimated uh start and completion date. And so right now we don't have a lot to report. As soon as we we do, we will come back to the community. >> All right. Any other questions or comments from the board? >> All right. On a roll call.
>> Miss Downham. >> Yes. >> Mr. Dezy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Demarco? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fel? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dether? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Love? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Marmian? >> Yes. >> Mr. McNan? >> Yes. >> Mr. Taby? >> Yes.
Motion passes. Moving on to item 11, curriculum and personnel committee. Mr. DeMarco. >> Good evening. Um before I go over what's on the agenda, I just want to thank everybody who came up and spoke. Takes a lot of courage, so thank you for being
here. Um 11.01 and 11.02, there is nothing at this time. 11.03 is the approval of substitutes and tutors. 11.04 is the approval of the travel expense report. 11.05 05 is the approval of the
2026 summer hiring. 11.06 is the approval of the 2026 summer nurse. 11.07 is the approval of the 2026 ESY summer program. 11.08 is the approval of the 2026 summer CST and
related staff services. 11.09 is the approval of the 2026 summer psychology assessments. 11.10 10 is the approval of the 2026 and 2027 extracurricular statements and 11.11 is the approval of curricular
writing and lastly 11.02 is the approval of AED training. So I am seeking approval of 11.01 to 11.12. >> All right. Do we have a motion? >> Seconded. Moved and seconded. Any comments or questions from the board?
All right, hearing none. On the roll call. >> Miss Downham? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dy? >> Yes. >> Mr. DeMarco? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fal? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gther? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Love? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Marian? >> Yes. Mr. McMillan? >> Yes.
>> Mr. Taby? >> Yes. Motion passes. Moving on to item 12. Uh, school community relations and policy committee. Mrs. Marmian. >> Good evening. Item 12.01 is the report from the Collins Road Board, Mr.
McMillan. >> Hey, good evening. Um, I unfortunately was not able to attend uh this Monday's meeting, but I was at the committee of the whole on the 16th. Um, we discussed and learned that uh we're bringing back computer science electives. That's a big
deal um because that was one of the big pain points for the community and and everyone else. Um, some other electives are digital photography and public speaking. Um, apparently the kids are all about public speaking now and that was uh, everybody wanted to do that.
That's great. Um, shared services with Autobond for network administration and Chromebook repairs. Um, working with that. Uh, middle school graduation was on the 17th. A high school graduation was on the 18th. Um, and uh, there was a
survey sent out about the operating referendum uh, that was a little confusing to to a lot of uh, community members and myself included. And I brought up that in committee the whole to see why that wasn't uh, vetted by the rest of the board and uh, and then the
people that that put it together who apologized and uh, we'll try better next time on the survey. That's uh, that's all I got. >> Thank you. Item 12.02 is the PTA leazison report. Mr. Dezy,
>> so I also unfortunately was not able to be at the PTA uh meeting for this month. In fact, if I remember, I think I got cancelled if I remember correctly for this month. >> Yeah. So, the PTA meeting was canceled for this month. >> Okay. >> The PTA and all the room ambassadors did
an amazing job with end of year project promotion. So, just hats off to our PTA and all the work they do. >> [applause] >> Item 12.03 is ZAC report. Mr. Gunther, >> thank you. Uh, I spoke with Adam earlier. He wanted me to bring up that
um, OMAC co-sponsored project graduation. Um, and wanted me to bring up that we finished up there before the end of the school year, took them on their bowling trip. Kids had a blast. So, >> and thanks to you for that. That's great. Um, item 12.04 is the Oakland
Education Foundation report. Mrs. Love, >> uh, there are no updates this month. OEF, >> thank you. Um, item 12.05 are the HIB reports. There are none. Um, item 12.06, policies under first reading, there are
none. Item 12.07, policies for second reading, there is one. uh the 2365 acceptable use of generative artificial intelligence for Oakland and that's a new policy. Uh so we are seeking
approval of item 12.07. >> Do we have a motion? >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Any comments or questions? >> All right. Hearing none on a roll call. >> Miss Downham. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Mr. Dy, >> yes. >> Mr. DeMarco, >> yes. >> Mrs. Valel, >> yes. >> Mr. Gunther, >> yes. >> Mrs. Love, >> yes. Mrs. Marmian, >> yes. >> Mr. McMillan, >> yes. >> Mr. Taby, >> yes. Motion passes.
Moving on to item 13. We have no uh nothing to approve there. All right. Uh moving on, moving on to item 14. This is our second public comment section of the night. Um, public's reminder to please stand, state your name and address, and keep comments to five minutes or less.
Uh, and this is uh for any uh topics for the board. Uh, the public's reminded that attempts to resolve all concerns and complaints should first go through the appropriate staff members andor administrators. Do we have any public comment? Um, good evening. Good evening everyone.
Um, my name is Sharita Stinson. I am a resident of Pensalken, New Jersey, 6232 Lincoln Avenue. You're probably wondering why am I all the way on this side of town. I am a parro at Haden Heights. I'm also the second VP of HHEA
and I'm a proud member of Camdley County um, Council Education Association as well as NJA. And I'm here in support and solidarity of the Oakland Education Association staff members. You have 36 teachers, right? Am I right? 36. 36
staff members. I'm sorry, not 36 teachers. 36 staff members. Um I come from a very small district as well, neighboring district where we were at an impass as well. We almost went two years without anything anything. Same thing.
And we had to fight. We had to negotiate. We had to be transparent. But what we had to do was come together because at the end of the day when you hear accolades of $6 million do $6 million in secondary education higher education
funding that is enormous. When you hear about um you know having all these great accolades of of your students going places that starts here at the elementary level. That starts here with
the people in this room. Not just the teachers, but the secretaries, the bus drivers, so forth and so on. I know some of these services are contracted, but it starts when you give people a living wage. When you give people the opportunity to not only be able to teach their kids, but to be able to feed their
families. And what I'm saying is I truly understand how this process goes. I've been in it ever since I've been a part of my union, part of my local for the past almost nine years. I've been on a negotiations team. So I know what it's like to negotiate fair contracts. I understand that. But what I don't
understand is how again we continue to put things on the state when we ourselves as board members as uh uh you know as educators continue to rely on the state. We understand that they are not a reliable source. But we need to come together and we can no longer pass
on things for our our families. All right. We see that we are in crisis as a nation and we need to come together not just as the people standing here but come together and lock arms with your education association and find out how we can come together. Okay? We
understand it's politics. So let's talk about that because guess what? It's not just about what the state does. It's about what we do with our public choice. Our private choice and public choice on who we put in these places to mandate the state funding. So, what I'm imploring you to do, as I implore my board, and they hear me all the time
about this, is that I implore you to do your diligence as far as board members, as far as citizens, to make sure that you put the right people in place, but also pay your people fairly. Look at all the things that they have done. And I I I'm staggered. Like, I come from a place
where we like we were not at the at the bottom. Like, we were in the middle, but not even close to it, right? And even me, I don't even make a living wage, but I, you know, by God's grace, I have other means to to pay, but I'm here for my kids. But I can't imagine having outsourced things like ESS, teaching
your kids where they go in and out, in and out, where you don't even know if the pair is coming. You don't know if the RBT is coming. You don't even know even if the sub subs are coming, but you have reliable people that have been here for x amount of years, over 10 years,
and they want to stay here. So keep So let's keep the lines of communication open. Hear them out, but also look at that they're willing to start from scratch. That is unheard of. That is unheard of that they're willing to start from scratch and go and go uh uh lock arms with you to make sure that they
have a living wage. So again, I'm here on behalf of the uh Oval Educational Association to tell you why you go and and uh before you go to mediation, before you get there, think about what you can do before we get there. Because let me tell you, mediation is not only a lengthy process, it is a very costly
process. And what you don't want to do is you don't want to waste funds where you could come together with your education association and make sure that they have the right funds that they need to go forward and have a great school year this coming school year. Thank you. [applause] [applause]
All right. Any other public comments? All right, hearing none. Uh, moving on to item 15. Uh, do we have a motion to adjurnn? >> Moved and seconded. All in favor? >> Motion passes. Have a great night,
everyone. Can you open up?