I'd like to call our meeting. Stop working. here. >> Mr. Vanitason >> here. >> And Miss Francisco >> here. >> We have quum. >> Can we please all rise for the pledge of allegiance? I als
Christina, you're reading our code of ethics. The board me the board member will hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools which disclosed would ne would needlessly injure individuals or the schools. In all other matters, he or she will
provide accurate information and in concert with fellow board members interpret to the staff the aspirations of the community birth school. Thank you. We are going to move on to the approval of minutes. Can I have a motion, please?
>> Motion will second. >> Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mr. Dunn, >> yes. >> Miss Jori, >> yes. >> Miss Mone, >> yes. >> Miss Richard Patterson, >> yes.
>> Mr. Slade, >> yes. >> Mr. Solicowski. >> Mr. Vanason, >> yes. >> Miss Dantino, >> yes. >> Miss Francisco, >> yes. >> Resolution one for approval amends passes. >> Okay. We will now have our report of our
student representative. Hello. Okay, it's on. Good evening. As the weather begins to warm up, we're also entering the final stretch of the school year. So, let's take a look at what's happening. Our spring sports season is off to a strong start. Boys volleyball opened with an impressive
showing in Texas for a national invitational. Our girls lacrosse has secured a few wins against South Brunswick, Ocean Township, and Manalapin. Our boys and girls track team have had standout performances early in the season with the girls breaking the
school 4 by 100 relay record. Meanwhile, both baseball and softball have been performing exceptionally well with each team finding success early in the season. The golf team is in full swing, continuing to work hard and improve each day on the course. Looking ahead, the
OPHs Red Cross Club will be hosting its annual blood drive on April 24th during the school day, allowing students to the opportunity to give back and there was and there are still spots available. We are also proud to share that several students from FBLA and HOSA have
qualified for national competitions. On May 9th, our hope squad will host their Hope Out event at Geke Park in support of mental health awareness. Also in May, OBHS will be hosting its annual mental health fair where students can visit various tables and receive guidance and
support from professionals. In the music world, our instrumental band will present their spring concert on April 27th. Come out and support our nights. Also, auditions for our cabaret are now open to all students. Speaking of auditions, our lift is back this year with audition information and details
available on the student activities page. Not everyone can be music, sports, and fun. So, we want to wish our AP classmates good luck as they begin their exam preparations and testing. Finally, with things warming up, that also means the school year is slowly winding down
and it's almost prom season for the juniors and seniors. Thank you and have a great evening. >> Thank you, Jordan, for sharing all those wonderful accomplishments and things to look forward to. Okay, moving on to recognition.
Christina, will you take our retirement? Move the board to approve the retirement of the following staff members with deep appreciation for their years of dedicated service to the district. Ellen Connor, business office, 27 years. Annella Rajie, transportation bus aid,
six years. Uh, good luck. Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your continuous years of service to our students. Is this worth 123? Reflective also forget
Honor to recognize the company. Earning high achieving that is important. The New Jersey Department of Very
languages are they allow you to walk through people. They give you access to different perspectives and opportunities. Multilingual have the ability to problem
Gater adaptability communities benefit. But here's what makes Tatiana even more impressive. It's that her excellence is not just limited to languages. She is maintaining high grades across all subject areas while taking a rigorous schedule that
The example of me is high. leading the Afrobeat and STEP teams to celebrate culture and build community and partnering with the Black Student Union to promote inclusive programming. Jaden exemplifies the leadership and service this award celebrates.
So, I believe Mrs. Fazio, if you um would come up with Jaden from the podium. Thank you. So it's Jen. So it's Janine Junade. >> I'm sorry. >> That's quite all right. It is spelled Jaden, but she gets that a lot. So So that's good. She's perfectly fine with
it. But um yeah, Princeton Prize for Race Relations, national award um for Jeene and and not only did she receive this work for what she does here at Albridge High School, captain of a step team, Afrobe, a very active member of
our Black Student Union, but she has also founded a community-based program called Mirror Effects, and it's a program um that helps immigrants with e educational equity. So, she was inspired by her parents who are both immigrants from Nigeria and um
she always tells the story about how hard they worked um for all they have and and um very inspired by that, but also how difficult it was for her dad and mom to get information, especially uh educational information. So, she was inspired by them and she started Mirror
Effects and um she's done an amazing job with that as well. Um, so when Jade gets up to accept her award at Princeton, in true Jeene fashion, after she's standing there and gives this amazing speech, she addresses everyone there and says, "So,
if any of you have any say in getting me here, I would love to be walking your halls." So, it was great and and we loved that she was able to do that. So, but she will be attending American University, their honors program next year in international relations um and economics. So we are so truly proud of
everything she does. Jeene Junade for you. [applause] [applause] Okay. Can I have a motion to approve the recognition section items one through three? >> Dantino will move. >> M second. Any discussion? Um, I just want to say congratulations
to both Tatiana and JD on your awards. Um, keep up the good work. And I think that's really it. But congratulations and good luck in your futures and Job well done to you ladies. I love I
love female leaders. So great. I remember um Tetsiana from Rooted in Culture. I remember I did not forget that the Ukrainian flag, the blue and the yellow are the sun and the sea. And
I thought that was really cool because I'm a beach girl. So, I remember that about you specifically. But congratulations, you guys. Keep going. Reaching for the stars. >> Roll call, please. >> Miss Joy, >> yes. >> Miss Mazone, >> yes.
>> Mr. Patterson, >> yes. >> Mr. Slage, >> yes. >> Mr. Solicowski, >> yes. >> Mr. Witason, >> yes. >> Miss Dantuno, >> proudly, yes. >> Mr. Dunn, >> proudfully, yes. and Miss Francisco. >> Yes. >> Resolutions one through three for
recognition passes. Congratulations to all and best of luck. >> Okay. At this time, we are going to enter a very brief executive session for a personnel agenda item. It's going to be brief. So, um I'm going to ask for a motion to do so. And then when we're
done, we'll be right back here. >> Motion. >> Richard's Person. >> Do we need discussion on this? >> All in favor? >> There we go. >> All right. The board meant to enter an executive session. Can I have a motion to come out of executive session, please? Is a motion?
>> You'll second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> And we're back. Thanks for sticking around. Okay, we are going to jump right into Dr. Sasso's superintendence report. >> Thank you, Miss Francisco. And I tell
you, I see Miss Walsh in the back. I don't see Mr. Gajooki. I don't know. Mr. Anton, do you know where he might be? >> He is probably out celebrating because um congratulations to the girls lacrosse. Mr. Coachi had his 300th
career win today against Monroe. And actually, one of our players here in the Studio Reagan had her 200th point today. So, we It was a big game against Monroe today. >> Awesome. Congratulations, coach. And of
course, uh, Miss Connelly, great job. So proud of you both. Um, I am pleased to share this week's superintendence report organized around our three district goals: excellence in education, fiscal resilience, and the whole child.
This past several weeks provided many opportunities to see our students and staff in action, and I continue to be inspired by the level of engagement, creativity, and commitment taking place across our district. I had the chance to visit a number of schools and programs,
including the Southwood and Memorial Wax Museums. That was awesome. A mentoring lunch at Old High School with two amazing educators, Miss Katie MB and Miss Bean. the famous bubble day at Glenn School, the happiest place in Oldbridge.
Um, and an outstanding civil panel uh, civics panel discussion I know that we spoke about here at the last meeting inspired by Mr. Bleo at the EMGNC. Uh, but each of these experiences reflect the intentional work being done to create meaningful student centered
learning environments that extend beyond the classroom. These efforts ensure that all students have access to rigorous and relevant learning opportunities that meet their individual needs. As we continue to navigate the budget development process, I want to
acknowledge the extensive work that has taken place over the past several months to ensure fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for our district. During this time, we have carefully examined a number of key areas, including healthc care related
cost, staffing structures, and overall operational efficiencies. While many of these conversations are complex and ongoing, they are grounded in a commitment to making thoughtful, strategic decisions that preserve the strength of our district while remaining
mindful of our financial realities. This work has required collaboration, reflection, and at times difficult conversations, but is essential in ensuring that we remain focused on supporting our students and staff both now and in the future. I look forward to
sharing additional details and a more comprehensive overview of this work at our May 5th budget hearing. Our commitment to supporting the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally remains at the forefront of our work. One highlight from this past
month was the district-wide assemblies with SEPTA and the Harlem Wizards who visited Vorhees, Miller, Sock, Samberg, Southwood, and McDivet. These assemblies not only generated excitement for the upcoming district-wide event on Sunday,
May 3rd. Tickets are going fast. I know we have several. Mr. Slade, you've been practicing. Uh, double dribble. >> All right, there we go. But more importantly, these assemblies delivered a powerful message centered around character, inclusion, and respect. I
would also like to commend the work of our accessibility committee and the installation of high contrast stair markings in all of our schools. These high contrast markings are designed to better support individuals with visual impairments by improving depth perception and visibility on stairways
and represent our collective commitment to ensuring that every student, staff member, and visitor safely navigate our buildings. I also had the opportunity to participate alongside staff and PTA members at Vorhees Elementary who have
been hosting a fun and engaging Mario Kart coin race fundraiser to support enhancements to the sensory hallway at Vorhees Elementary School. Again, another great example of how our schools continue to find innovative and joyful
ways to support the whole child while having a little fun along the way. And finally, I would like to take a moment to recognize and thank all of our administrative assistants across the district as they celebrate Administrative Professionals Day tomorrow. Their work is often behind the
scenes, but their impact is felt in every school and office each and every day. They are the steady, reliable force that helps keep our district running smoothly, supporting our staff, students, and families with professionalism, care, and dedication.
We truly are grateful for all you do and as always Obridge united. Thank you. >> Thank you Dr. Sasso. Okay, moving on to uh progress towards goals. I would like to give a little update on um our board goals and where
we stand. So for those of you who have an agenda in front of you, whether um you have a paper copy or you've been looking it up on your phone, um I'm just going to make a brief uh connection to the bulleted points here. So the first one um of the board goals for 2526 is
non-conlicted members of the board will complete the CSA evaluation within the statutory time frame which means um by July 1 and uh CSA is chief school administrator which is Dr. Sasso right here our superintendent. So um our CSA
evaluation process is underway. Dr. Sasso is currently uploading his narratives and evidence to support his goals. We will be meeting once in May and once in June in close executive session to evaluate his progress. So that is underway. Um the next goal is review and revised bylaws and policies
through the development of a schedule for review. Um we are going to have another governance meeting on May 7th to discuss policies we feel need attention and any that come up through stra as well. Um, three and four kind of go hand in hand and those are improve board synergy uh through team building,
professional development, possibly a board retreat, engage in professional development to achieve board certification through NJSBA's board member academy. We have a training session planned with Maryanne Freriedman, our NJSBA rep. On May 12th, we're working towards being NJSBA
certified, which is when a school board has completed intensive training in governance, ethics, finance, and policy, demonstrating a commitment to effective leadership, and improving student achievement. It indicates a cohesive team that has completed 16 plus credits of group training, conducted a policy audit, and participated in a full day
retreat. We have a ways to go, but are working towards it. And our last one, uh, work to understand the district budget through PD from the business administrator and possibly through NJSBA. We have had extensive and thorough discussions surrounding our district budget with Mr. Widell and our
admin team. We have learned a great deal from these past few months and continue to acquire understanding through presentations and conversations. So, uh, we are we are working hard and I just kind of wanted to, uh, make sure everybody heard a bit of an update on those boards. So, thank you.
Do we have Correspondence, Mr. Wido. >> No correspondence received tonight. >> Okay. Special committee reports. Do we have any? >> Uh, last night was our meeting. There was about 30 people and that's not
counting enough presents a lot of helpful information. The meeting focused on supporting families as students transition to a new grade level, helping parents informed and confident about what lies ahead and
they provided an overview of key changes in academic social emotional expectations, school structure and opportunities for student engagement. Um because there was so much information about both of your presentations
presentation focused on supporting smooth student transition by preparing by preparing families of prek and elementary school students and schools to work collaboratively as she talked about working process as a good way to address a lot of it. She emphasized discussing each
child's strengths, needs, goals, and upcoming changes along with practical considerations like schedules and transportation routines and independence. Families are encouraged to be prepared with individualized questions and share a brief all about me profile to help staff better support
their child. The presentation also outlined increasing expectations for independence district practices such as benchmarking and standardized schedules tools like technology and resources to support organization executive functioning and academic progress.
Okay, your turn. Dr. D's presentation focused on preparing students for middle and high school by building independence, self advocacy and executive functioning skills over time. She emphasized the importance of early and ongoing communication with school
staff, using the IEP as a guiding document and gradually shifting responsibility to students. Families were encouraged to support transitions by practicing routines, reviewing schedules, and fostering organizational habits. Dr. D's presentation also outlined key structural differences such
as block scheduling, increased academic demands, and the difference in social expectations along with graduation requirements, extracurricular opportunities, and transition. at 14. Overall, the focus was on equipping students and families with strategies and resources to support both
academic success and independence into adulthood. And CPAG provided um a lot of really helpful resources. Um a school tour checklist for K to 12 families. Um and that was kind of like a note
catcher where you could write in notes and they had all different kind of prompts about the outside of the building, the inside of the building, all the accessible the environment, things like that. Uh there was also a final school to kindergarten checklist and in increments before um school
begins, it gave you different prompts and questions to ask and things to work on. There was also a link to a preIP workbook for students and families to help support self advocacy and self-determination.
There was a link to a resource sheet a template, an all about me template, and a couple of videos about uh transition IEPs. And then also finally, there was a a link to a document for tips for transitioning to middle school.
So, it was a really good meeting. We had a lot of information. >> Thank you, Margie. Do we have any other committee reports? >> Yes. The student services meeting was on April 7th. Um, Miss Brentes and Mr. Phillips uh talked about the great
rooted in culture program that we've had at the school and how we're going to bring that to the community. So, that's going to be this Thursday evening. Um, there is an RSVP link on the website. Um, the nice part about learning about the rooting culture and how our cultural clubs in the high school are going to
bring the information to our community and our students across the district is we had visitors from the cultural committee at town level and they were very excited by all the different cultural clubs that we have at the high school and love the possibility of um seeing what our students do. Miss
Winters touched upon the math financial literacy within our curriculum and then Mr. Cfield talked about the new science curriculum that's coming to I think it was um and the politics that come with that and how excited everyone seems to
be about the growth of our science curriculum in town uh in district. And then we also touched on the professional development of three days worth of training that our transportation drivers have and our transportation uh employees for dealing with students with special
needs. >> Thank you, Jen. The next student services meeting will be April 30th. >> I want to add something from the finance committee perspective. So we have been meeting uh quite frequently you know
since the last time we met at least a couple of sessions I think close working meetings and we've been making significant progress uh beyond what we spoke last time we could see that the administration is really working hard uh trying to get to the cost increases and
I think we have a May 5th as the next public meeting where we are going to share [clears throat] a lot of more information now we are trying to bring efficiency and I could see a lot of being put in but we could go more in depth uh on May 5th but I also want to
quickly share some information on the cost increases from a health benefit wise right there's about 31.9% total premium increase for active education staff right and I want to quickly touch
upon why the prescription drug cost are exploding they are looking at about 58.6% 6% increase for the drug portion alone because of high cost speciality meds and increased usage and the the reserves are depleted right
the rainy day funds are no more there and the state is trying to uh recoup that uh with the additional 6% margin to this year's premium and the inflation overall of the medical costs are about 9.5% across the board
right due to higher hospital and doctor fees and then the aing plans right the average age in the PO plans is rising and u those left in the older PO plans uh you know are the biggest uh you know it's about 36.2% 2% increase. So it's a
perfect storm right on the medical industry and the way you know things are you know getting inflated. So I want to just the community to be aware of it. I'm sure there are a lot of articles online going around but I thought to quickly give you some kind of metrics around what this cost look like and it's
real and it's happening starting this year in fact and uh I would say that Mr. Videl and Dr. So come together to see how we can start mitigating it starting January because this already kic kicked off right starting January and we are trying to look at how we be more
proactive about it uh I know we can control some of this over the period of the years so that's what the May 5th uh budget meeting public meeting will be about just thought to give some quick overview >> yeah and just to uh follow up Mr. And I think that's a you know I commend
this board for the action they took a few months ago um with our prescription our new plan starting effective July um to really address and attack that that that issue and start taking some ownership of that ourselves. So I think we're going to see significant savings next year. So thank you for that.
>> Thank you Kieran. Any other committee reports? >> I'll give a brief update um for the personnel committee. Um, so at this time of year, we talk a lot about um, kindergarten registrations and um, some general staff updates. So, I'm actually
just going to ask Dr. Hoker if she wouldn't mind just to give a little a brief synopsis of the new registration system we're using for um, kindergarters and anybody else that's registering no matter what grade level you are. I think that it has brought a great deal of efficiency to our district. So, I'm just going to let her um, share a little bit.
>> Thank you. So, our registration system is fully online now, which has been really um created so many efficiencies. Now, when I say that, we've had some questions about, well, I still have to print something out. So, in some cases,
you have to download it to your computer. You're filling something out, you might have to get something signed, but for us, everything is submitted online. So, we're not taking it paper, which makes it much easier to track in our system. Um, has been a significant
difference which has impacted our staff and our staff ability um the number of hours they're putting in and being able to move forward. And as of about two hours ago, we have 374 kindergarten students registered,
completely registered and ready to go for next year. We have 124 in what we call pre-registration. And that just means that those 124 families have started the process to register for kindergarten. If any of
them are listening right now, that means you're not actually registered. You have to complete all of the paperwork. Um, and we send reminders and let them know what's missing and go through that process electronically. But it's really important to complete that process and
you'll get that information that you've completed it and you're ready to go. Um, but the sooner that you get it completed, then we're watching those numbers and we talk about that at personnel because it impacts the number of kindergarten sections that we have, the number of students in a section,
where they might be going. So, all of that's very important as we go through this process. And it's not just the kindergarten registration, any student that's registering. Um, even our preschool students are now doing this online. So that's really important um
that we've just upgraded our systems and we continue to take the feedback and look at it to see what we can make better for next year. >> Thank you Dr. Hooker. I think for me too um it was the autonomy that it gives the individual schools and their secretaries
to kind of take the you know the reigns and move the process along when they know when they can log in and see everything in real time. So I'm excited for it. Okay. Thank you. Um we also discussed at personnel um supervisor summer hours which actually is item
number 10 under certificated personnel on the agenda this evening if you're curious to take a peek um and then we just went through the agenda um and any questions that we had. So that really just recaps personnel committee. So thank you. I'm going to now open hearing of the
residents on agenda items only. I'm now going to close hearing of the residents for agenda items only. We do not currently have anything under Oh, wait. I'm sorry. Board action items. Is that something we have to look at? Okay. Moving on to policy. We do not
have anything under policy. >> Curriculum and professional development items one through five. Can I please have a motion? Miss second discussion. >> Yes. I would just like uh for the community and students, I mentioned this
I think like a month or two ago. Um item number four. So for students that are in danger of not passing their uh class requirements for to move to the next grade. There will be a $250 fee for families um if your student has to go to
um middle school over the summer. Okay. Roll call, please. >> Miss Richards Patterson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Slade. >> Yes. >> Mr. Solowski? >> Yes. >> Mr. Venites? >> Yes. >> Miss Dantino? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dunn? >> Yes. >> Miss Joy?
>> Yes. >> Miss Mazone? >> Yes. >> Miss Francisco? >> Yes. >> Resolutions one through five for curriculum and professional development passes. Finance items 1 through 15. May I please have a motion. >> Make a motion zone. Will second.
>> Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Slade. >> Yes. >> Mr. Solowski? >> Yes. >> Mr. Venitas? >> Yes. >> Miss Dantuno? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dunn? >> Yes. Miss Joy, >> yes.
>> Miss Mone, >> yes. >> Miss Richards Patterson, >> yes. >> Miss Francisco, >> yes. >> Resolutions one through 15 for finance hereby passed. >> We do not have any items under athletics or non-certificated personnel office.
Non-certificated personnel operational items one through three. Can I please have a motion? >> Make a disable second. >> Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Miss Dantino, >> yes. >> Mr. Dunn, >> yes.
>> Miss Joy, >> yes. >> Miss Mazone, >> yes. >> Mr. Richard Patterson, >> yes. >> Mr. Slade, >> yes. >> Mr. Solicowski, >> yes. >> Mr. Witason, >> yes. >> Miss Francisco, >> yes. >> Resolutions one through three for non-certificated personal operational
carries. non-certificated personnel other items one through five. Can I please have a motion? >> Second. Any discussion? Roll call. >> Mr. Dunn. >> Yes. >> M. Joy. >> Yes. >> M.
Yes, >> Mr. Patterson. >> Yes, >> Mr. Slade. >> Yes, >> Mr. Solowski. >> Yes, >> Mr. Vanitason. >> Yes, >> Miss Dantuno. >> Yes, >> Miss Francisco. >> Yes. >> Resolutions one through five for non-certificated personnel. Other
passes. >> Certificated personnel items 1 through 25. Can I have a motion, please? >> Second. >> Any discussion? As part of the memorial family, I would like to welcome Miss Emma once we all
officially voted. Yes. Um to memorial looking forward to having >> um I would like to just congratulate Miss Ya on her well future move to Memorial. Um I know it's probably not easy leaving
a position that you've been in for so long. Um but I'm sure the staff at Memorial is going to be lucky to have you and they're probably so excited to someone like you there. So, good luck and congratulations. >> All right, roll call, please. >> Miss Jo.
>> Yes. And congratulations, >> Miss Mazone. >> Yes. >> Miss Richard Patterson. >> Yes. I'm so excited for you. >> Mr. Slay. >> Yes. Congratulations, >> Mr. Solen. >> Yes.
Mr. Vanitason. Yes. And congratulations, >> Miss Dant. >> Yes. And welcome, >> Mr. Dunn. >> Absolutely. Yes. And congratulations, >> Miss Francisco. >> Yes. I'm super excited for you and for the Memorial Community. So, congratulations.
>> Resolutions 1 through 25 for certificate personnel passes. Congratulations. [applause] Mrs. Dambo, would you um and your family want to come up and take a picture? All of them. Why not? Right. Bring everybody. The whole clan is here. We also have Madison Mulligan who is
here with us tonight. Would you also please come on up? one of our very own graduates of Oldbridge High School who is now joining our team as a new teacher over at Carpenter. So, welcome to the district. Come on up. We'd like to take
a picture. Non-certificated personnel transportation item number one. Can I please have a motion? >> One and two. >> I only have item number one on mine, so I guess I don't have the most updated one. Um, okay. Items One and two.
There's no motion. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Roll call. >> Miss Mone. >> Yes. >> Miss Richard Patterson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Slate. >> Yes. >> Mr. Solowski. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Venites? >> Yes. >> Miss Dantino? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dunn? >> Yes. >> Miss Joy? >> Yes. >> Miss Francisco? >> Yes. Resolutions one and two for non-certificate personnel transportation carries. >> Okay. Transportation items one through
three. Can I please have a motion? >> Second, Madam President. >> Thank you. Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mr. Richard Patterson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Slade. >> Yes. >> Mr. Solowski? >> Yes. Mr. Venitation.
>> Yes. >> Miss Dantino, >> yes. >> Mr. Dunn, >> yes. >> Miss Joy, >> yes. >> Miss Mazone, >> yes. >> Miss Francisco, >> yes. >> Resolutions 1 through three for transportation carries. >> Supplies, equipment, and services items
1 through 16. Can I have a motion? >> Motion. Second. >> Any discussion? Uh, just on number three, Mr. Weisel, do you mind just explaining to the public what number three is? Sure. So, the alpha wall repairs at Obridge
High School is essentially another name for the retaining wall in the back of the school off the side of our property. Um, here I was find probably years a few years ago, right before I came uh into the district that one of the retaining walls that has water that goes to a
public waterway uh was crumbling underneath it. Um, and so if there was more, if it continued to crumble and uh debris fell into the water that goes out to a public waterway, we would have to um there could be there oh there could
be potential fines or violations from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Um, so at that time we had to uh bring our architect in, bring in the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and put together start to put
together some consulting work uh reviewing engineering and then ultimately a bid design for that project. anything really with the New Jersey D um takes some time to do naturally so and and not for bad reason, but they want to make sure all the environmental um facets of a project are
uh compliant and um will be resolved moving forward. So, we had uh a bid go out in um I believe on February 12th. Uh no responses or no reward was made then. rebid the item. Um, and bids were opened
on April 9th, 2026. Three biders came in. Uh, the first bidder, lowest responsive and responsible bidder is CMS Construction. Um, the bid that they provided is under budget um from our architect's estimate. And with the potential award tonight, we will move
forward in starting that project and again re um fixing the retaining wall in the back of the school um near the black fence. It's kind of there's some ballards that are out there right now. It's in the area where there's ballards
um to protect weight from that area. >> And then number four, can you just explain um number four, please? >> Sure. So number four goes back, it specifically is the pedestrian bridge repairs at Old Bridge High School, which
is the bridge that has been closed probably from the start of 2425 school year. Uh so we're well in over a year at this point now. Um at the time um the bridge was found there was some uh a question about some substance that was
on the bridge on an unidentifiable substance. We it was found to be lyken. The bridge was cleaned power wash but in doing that cleaning um we found that the conduit current electrical conduit that's under the bridge that holds
communication wiring fiber wiring um it was it fell from the bottom structure. And so in getting proposals to get that conduit adhered back to the bottom of the bridge, we found some significant uh steel structural damage um underneath the supports of the bridge. So when we
brought our architect and a a structural steel uh engineer in, they advised us to close the bridge immediately. Um we then went through the next steps to um find the old plans for the bridge and basically design a repair to the bridge
where the top structure of the bridge is completely uh sound. It's just the bottom structural steel and the bracing that needed to be uh reassured and repaired. Um so architects put bid specs together. We went out to bid the first time around. Um we rejected all bids
based on price. Uh we went to we did the same specs. we went out to bid a second time. Uh we have rejected all bids at that point. Um and then at that point when there's two unsuccessful attempts at a at a bid, you have the ability to negotiate. So we went to the negotiation
with both vendors that were interested and bid on the project previously. Um we were kind of talked about what um drove the cost up on their estimates and their bids and potential fixes for the project. Um at that point both um
archite or both contractors advised to they had an idea to build their own bridge but unfortunately you can't do that when we have bid specifications like this it would have to go out to bid uh again. So at this point um because the conduit that's under there is
active. It's active wire. It's active fiber. Um we do have to have some kind of repair resolution. We talked about as a board other alternatives for maybe potentially putting a sidewalk and Ballards instead, which currently there it would go into the fire lane, which is
always kind of a um kind of a touchy sensitive area. And then also more importantly, we would still have to do something with that conduit and that wood there is a waterway there as well. So you can't bury the conduit. You'd have to then get uh D involved on that
project. So, in an attempt to avoid any kind of further delay, we um negotiated with a contractor. They put together a bid price compliant bid uh response and award and potentially are awarding at $320,000. That would be a little bit over budget
on that uh specific project. But um the alternatives would be to either go out and redesign and and spend more more money on redesigning another bridge or just abandoning the project doing something completely different where there could be similar costs.
>> I was going to say there's some very happy high school students that are happy that we're working on the bridge. So >> thank there's some happy staff too that are happy work on the bridge. Thank you for that very detailed explanation. That was amazing how you remember all of that
in the timeline of events. That's just impressive. >> Thank you. >> Long ahead. >> Good, Christina. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> No, right. That's what I'm saying. >> And he's repeating this for probably the fifth time for us, >> I think. So,
>> any other discussion on these items? >> Okay. Roll call, please. >> Mr. SL. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mr. Solicowski. >> Yes. >> Mr. Venitason. >> Yes. >> Miss Dantino. >> Yes. >> Mr. Dunn. >> Yes. >> Miss Joy.
>> Yes. >> Miss Mone. >> Yes. >> Miss. Richards Patterson. >> Yes. >> Miss. Francisco. >> Yes. >> Resolutions 1 through 16 for supplies, equipment, and services carries. >> Miscellaneous items 1 through five. Can I please have a motion?
>> Anybody? Maybe. >> Move. >> Miss second. >> Thank you. Any discussion? >> Okay. Roll call. >> Mr. Solicowski? >> Yes. >> Mr. Witason? >> Yes. >> Miss Danuno? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dunn? >> Yes. >> Miss Joy?
>> Yes. >> Miss Mazone? >> Yes. >> Miss Richards Patterson? >> Yes. >> Mr. Slade? >> Yes. >> Miss Francisco? >> Yes. >> Resolutions one through five for miscellaneous carries. >> Board secretary and board business items
1 through 13. Can I please have a motion? >> D second discussion. >> I will just um I believe there was discussion. We did take the November meeting uh the agenda session. We did
just make one meeting. Um again, if we have to revisit that in the future, we certainly can. Um but just based on the conversation from last meeting, we did just put the Tuesday, November 17th meeting. And in case anybody does have the agenda from last meeting, we did change one of
our October dates uh due to the NJSBA convention. So we moved that to October 27th instead of the week before. >> Okay. Roll call. >> Mr. Witason. >> Yes. >> Miss Dantuno? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dunn? >> Yes.
>> Miss Jori? >> Yes. >> Miss Mone? >> Yes. >> Mr. Richard Patterson? >> Yes. Mr. Slate, >> yes. >> Mr. Solowski, >> yes. >> And Miss Francisco, >> yes. >> Resolutions 1 through 13 for board secretary and board business passes. >> Okay. We will now open hearing of the
residents on any school district topic. >> Okay. Closing hearing of the residents. Does anybody have any old or new business they would like to discuss? Um, I would just like to say something. Um, I just want to remind everybody, I know Dr. Sasso touched on it, but I want to remind everybody that SEPTA is hosting
the Harlem Wizard uh, verse United um, basketball game on May 3rd. Um, tickets are on sale. They are going quick. You can buy them at the door if they're not sold out in advance. I advise you to buy them in beforehand. Um, all the money
raised is going to be is going to build more of the ABA classrooms. And if no one has seen these classrooms yet, I highly advise you to go visit one because they are astounding. Um they help students from special ed to gened across the board. They are amazing
classrooms. Um so anything that we can do to help to raise money for these classrooms, please help and support. Um the accessibility committee that SEPTA put together is consists of five members from SEPTA to Dr. Sasso um going around
the schools putting the uh the orange paint on the on the steps. Um it's just another way that SEPTA just always makes it a point to include everybody. Um because that doesn't just help special ed kids, it
also helps gened kids. And it's just it's remarkable the work that these ladies put in every single day. It does not end for them. It doesn't stop for them. and they do it with smiles on their faces and it's it's just truly amazing. So, don't forget May 3rd,
Harlem Wizards vers uh vers the Old Bridge United team and I look forward to seeing you guys all there and I'm even more looking forward to seeing some of you's play in this game. Definitely going to be interesting. Also, just one last uh note on that. May
21st is um SEPTA's last meeting and they're going to have end of the year review and pizza. Did you say that already? Okay. Sorry, I didn't think so. I just wanted to throw that in there. Anybody else? >> I just have something. Uh, in two weeks,
Jen tried to steal my thunder last week. The Oldbridge Education Foundation has a vendor fair on Saturday, May 2nd from 9 to 3 at Call Samberg Middle School. Uh, we're taking over both indoor gyms. It'll be indoors this time. Uh, perfect
timing to get early Mother's Day gifts. Um, so come down to support. Uh, we have about 50 to 60 vendors showing up again. So, Saturday, May 2nd at uh, Carl Samberg Middle School indoors and there'll be plenty of parking. Thank you.
>> I did want to take a moment and thank and appreciate all of our administrative professionals that uh, have their celebration this week, our nurses week and before our next meeting will also be staff appreciation or teachers appreciation. So, um, definitely over the next two weeks is a time to, you
know, really thank and go out of your way to appreciate all the people that helped make this district run. So, thank you to all of them. >> Quickly, I just want to congratulate Cooper Elementary School for being named a state and national school of
character. Um, it is an incredible accolade. As as we know, this school district has uh put a emphasis in schools of character and uh Dr. Hoka has played a critical role over the years to ensure that this this district stayed um
on track with getting our schools recognized for their contributions of meeting the six pillars of character education. It's it's not an easy task. There's a lot of hurdles and a lot of paperwork that has to be completed, but I just want to sincerely congratulate
the entire Koopa staff and community because the parents and the students play a critical role in in that recognition. So, congratulations Dr. Gmada and to the incredible staff at Cooper Elementary School. Thank you. >> I just want to follow what Rich I forgot
to mention. And also congratulations to the Gryom. Well, congratulations to Cooper as well, but uh congratulations to Gryom on their um National School of Character. Um being asked to be a part of that application process was so much fun. It was interesting and it was just it was an honor to be a a part of that.
Um these teachers, the students, they work so hard to get that. So congratulations and everyone knows how diehard I am for Gryom for my Gator. So I didn't want to leave them out. Congratulations to both schools. And yeah, that's it. I think I'm done
>> on that note. And uh I will say all of our elementary schools across Hullbridge are nationally recognized schools of character. I think I see Mr. Dolan here. Samberg is I see Miss Foley in the back. Southwood. Um congratulations and and
Mr. Marenzolei who I was able to participate in their reacredititation. I think that was the first school when you were there, Dr. Hawker, wasn't it? and they just received another I believe the first school in the district to get their third reacredititation. So you
started um this and certainly we are a national district of character. So um so it's wonderful. >> I'll just add since we're going full circle, Mrs. Zambo was there with me at Shepard when we were named a school of character and then moved on to
Cheesequake and then moved on to Sanberg where those schools have all become schools of character. It's a team effort. >> Dr. Hooker, I believe we started, you started personally because I know this was very close to your heart and you brought this into the district. I
believe was 2013 was the first year. >> 2010 was the first year. >> I'm way off. Wow. >> Shepard received their their recognition in 2011. Well, congratulations and thank you for your dedication and ensuring our kids
had the correct character instilled in them. Thank you. >> Team effort. >> Team effort. Absolutely. >> Anyone else? >> Um yeah, I just wanted to touch on um this weekend is the Special Olympics at
Lombardi Field on Sunday the 26th. Um, and then on May 2nd is the marching arts tricky tray. So, I just wanted to remind you guys to go check out, be supportive, and
I did want to I mean, I know we're on this high today with uh Mrs. Zamba, but I did I I intended to just uh thank Mrs. Zamba, uh Mr. Dalai, Mr. Dolan, uh Mr. Fagan, Miss Caramo, Dr. Alex and
Dr. Sasso for inviting me to their end of year mentorship um pizza party. Uh that little group really means a lot to me and your intentions behind that are really special if people know about it. It's just basically a big brother program uh
with the eighth graders and the fourth graders specifically at Samberg and Madison Park. I would just I would love to see more of that. Um I hope Mr. Dolan He looks like he lost his best friend today by the way. H. He's here in a suit, but he looks so sad and happy at
the same time. Oh, I mean, you know, it's all loved. I love these guys. That's my school. That's my school. No, but I did want to just thank you guys. I hope Mr. Dolan that you keep it going. I mean, I'm so
happy for Missy Emma. I think that Memorial is so lucky to have such a leader. I mean, she's just soft and strong at the same time, you know, and I think that's what that school really needs right now. So,
that's it. Thank you everyone. Anybody else? >> Okay. [laughter] Certain point the delirium starts to set in. Um, okay. we are um going to go back into executive session. So, I'm going to
ask for a motion to do so. And I would like to thank all of you for being here this evening and celebrating with us. And I look forward to seeing you again next time. >> Mone proudly motions. >> Can I have a second? >> Make a second. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> All right. Good night, everybody.