We are going to get started. Uh, welcome to our meeting. Thank you for being here and let's get going. Pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, NJSA10 col4-10, adequate notice of this meeting
has been provided by advertising such notice in the Home News Tribune, the Asbury Park Press, the board office, the schools, and on cable vision channel 118 and Verizon FiOS channel 24, and by filing such notice with the township clerk. Notice has also been provided
that as of March 1st, 2026, future meeting notices will only be published on the district website. This meeting was scheduled for Monday, March 23rd, 2026. The board will take formal action on payment of bills and other agenda items. Mr. Widell,
>> the Old Bridge Township Board of Education acknowledges that the law of the state establishes that members of the public, including members of the board, have the right to record public board meetings using audio or video recording devices, provided the actor recording does not interfere with the business of this public board meeting. Therefore, the board makes it known that
any such recording is to be considered the private recording of the individual and in no manner represents the official record of this board. The board therefore takes no responsibility for such private recording and completely disavows any future use. >> Roll call, please. >> Miss Dantino
>> here. >> Mr. Dunn >> here. Miss Joy >> here. >> Miss Mone >> here. >> Mr. Richards Patterson >> here. >> Mr. Slade >> here. >> Mr. Sowski >> here. >> Mr. Mr. Vanitason >> here >> and Miss Franchesco >> here. >> We have a quorum.
>> Will everybody please rise for the pledge? Okay. Code of ethics. The board member will refuse to surrender his or her independent judgment to special interest or partisan political groups or to use the schools for personal gain or for the gain of
friends. >> Thank you, Christina. Okay. Um, so moving on to approval of minutes. Can I please have a motion for item number one? >> Miss motion. >> Jo second. >> Any discussion?
>> Roll call. >> Mr. Dunn? >> Yes. >> Miss Jori? >> Yes. >> Miss Mone? >> Yes. >> Miss Richards Patterson? >> Yes. >> Mr. Slate? >> Yes. >> Mr. Solicowski? >> Yes. >> Mr. Vanitason? >> Yes. >> Miss Dantino? >> Yes. Miss Francisco.
>> Yes. >> Resolution one for approval of minutes passes. >> Great. Okay. Our student representative Jordan couldn't be here this evening, so we will catch up with her next month. I'm sure she'll have a lot to share with us. Okay. So, we are going to move on to
recognition. My favorite part of this meeting and with a full house tonight, I know it's going to be pretty exciting. So, um, we're going to take a motion and, you know, board discussion after this because I want to make sure that each celebration item on here gets the time it deserves. So, we are going to start with our retirements. Item number
one, I move the board uh to approve the retirement of the following staff members with deep appreciation for their years of dedicated service to the district. Diane DeFeo, 27 years. Audrey Penska, 28 years. Susan Stall, 18 years.
Naomi Terani, 27 years. Joanne Veniali, 27 years. Kathy Joerger, 25 years. D. Ramos, 29 years. Altogether, that's 181 years serving the district. Congratulations to every single one of you on your retirement and thank you so
much for your years of dedication to our students. [applause] Are any of our retirees here? Okay. I just wanted to make sure. Okay. Um, moving on to item number two, I'm going to pass it over to Mr. Dunn.
>> Thank you, Madam President. Move the board to recognize retired police officer Patrick Denafhrio for his many years of dedicated service to our school community as a DARE instructor. Throughout his time in our schools, Officer Denafhrio made a lasting impact
on countless students by promoting responsible decision-making, respect, and drug-free lifestyles. His commitment to building positive rel relationships between law enforcement and our youth has helped foster trust, safety, and a strong character within our school
community. Officer Denafhrio's dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for our children have left a legacy that will continue to influence students for years to come. We are deeply grateful for his service and the positive difference he has made in the
lives of our students and families. On the behalf of the board, administration, staff, students, and community, we extend our sincere appreciation and congratulations to retired officer Patrick Denafhrio. [applause]
Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Dunn. And formally, I'll tell you just quick story just so you know, although he's retired, I happen to be at Shepherd School today and I'm just walking down the hallway and who pops out of the main office office of Denafhrio. So, uh, he is still working
and still working for our community. Um, and and I had the opportunity this year to attend several fifth grade graduations and to just see what he the foundation that he has laid for so many of you probably back there who know this guy from your your your days at our
elementary schools. And so, um, just on behalf of the board, uh, congratulations and thank you for everything that you provided to our students over the years. Thank you, Officer Denafrey. >> First and foremost, board members, I'd like to thank you. Um, I did not expect this. I never expected this any of my
career, and I'm sure I definitely have taught some of them back there. Um, one of the things I always did in my career, I just wanted to make a difference. And I will make sure I get you guys something because I was notified today that, um, for the last five years, I've
had students take partner part in partnership for drug free New Jersey competitions and again this year we have eight or nine finalists in the fourth grade competition out of 30 the names were only released to the principles but once I get the names I'll forward them to the board but thank you for the
support over all the years and you guys back there a lot of the stuff done in the school district is for you take everything you learned and put it towards your future thank you [applause] Okay, thank you. All right, we are going to move on to our next item for
recognition and it is many of our students here for our winter sports. So, I'm going to pass it over to Mr. Demino. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. I'd like to start out by congratulating all sports athletes
families on an incredible season. Being able to su successfully balance athletics and academics takes hard work, organization, and dedication. All of these attributes will assist our student athletes in their future endeavors. And I am incredibly proud to watch our athletes grow and develop while being
part of our teams. Tonight, I'd like to introduce and celebrate four athletic programs for winning either their division, conference, sectional championships. First up, we have the girls winter track team. Here is Coach Tip, Coach Aaron Ella, and the girls
winter track team. They won the GMC Conference Championship. Next, we have our unified basketball team. Here to accept the award is Coach Chablowski and Coach O'Brien. Unified basketball won the NJSIA South
Sectional Championship for the first time in school history. [cheering] >> [applause] >> Next up, we have our boys wrestling team. Here to accept the award is Coach Post and the boys wrestling team. This year, they won the GMC Conference
Champions for the first time in school history and the Central Jersey Group Four Sectional Championship. Congratulations, >> [applause] >> And finally, we have our girls wrestling team. Here to accept the award is coach Post. Walking right back around with the
girls wrestling team. Girls won the NJSIA girls district 7 championship for the first time in school history. Congratulations again to all the winter athletes and coaches and players and parents. Uh on to hopefully a nice warm
spring. [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Demino. Thank you coaches. Thank you students for coming. Can I have a motion for recognition? >> Dant move second.
>> Any discussion? Anybody have any words? >> Madam President, I just want to share my sincere thanks again to retired police officer Denafhrio. Uh I can tell you unequivocally I've known him for almost 22 years. uh being on the fire department, I've done a lot of work with
him and I can tell you unequivocally that his work and his sincere generosity towards our children and making sure that they were wellversed and educated in the DARE program did pay lives and it helped our children become who they are today. So with that said, I want to
thank Pat for his years of service. What he has done has made a lasting impression on our children and all we can say is thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You've done a remarkable job because you know what? Our kids have followed your lead and they've been
responsible and they have done very well with their adolescence and growing up to be mature young adults and that's because of you. Thank you Pat from my heart and everyone's heart for your dedication. [applause] >> I also wanted to take a moment and thank
Mr. Officer Dono for his dedication. I worked with him a few times and his team with Memorial PTA and always a receptive phone call picks up the phone, answers all the questions and um you know had some great conversations. So thank you
for your dedication to students. >> I'll echo that. >> I worked with him in the past also and congratulations to all the students that received the recognition tonight. >> Anyone else? Officer Denafhrio, I know that my two girls had the pleasure of working with
you. So, I know that they will remember everything they've learned. I hope they better apply it straight to their lives or I'm going to tell them you're coming to get them. So, thank you for all that that you have done for for all of our students. Congratulations to all of our sports athletes who are probably not
here anymore, but I would have left to if I were them. This is clearly the best part of the meeting. So congratulations to them and also to all of our retirees. I mean that was a lot of years of service that all of those individuals gave to our students and to our community. So I wish them the very best
on their retirement. >> Okay, roll call. >> Miss Joel, >> absolutely. Yes. >> Miss Mone, >> yes. >> Miss Richards Patterson, >> yes. >> Mr. Slay, >> yes. >> Mr. Solicowski, >> yes. >> Mr. Venitason,
>> yes. >> Miss Dantino, >> congratulations to all. Yes, >> Mr. Dunn. >> Absolutely. Positively. Yes, >> Miss Francisco. >> Yes. >> Resolutions one through three for recognition passes. >> Okay. Superintendent report. Dr. Sasso.
>> Thank you, Mr. Francisco. And uh well said, Officer Denafhri, I know you're still here. One final thought. I did talk to your proteéé, uh, Officer Buchcci, who apologizes for not being able to be here tonight, spoke very fondly about being in your class 16
years ago as he went through our our Old Bridge Township Public Schools. And, uh, he is carrying the torch and uh, you taught him well. So, thank you for that. >> I'm sure you did. I'm sure you did.
Uh, so, a few things tonight. start off with excellence in education and I would like to just take a moment to recognize the incredible work that took place across our district in celebration of ReadAcross America week. Our elementary schools truly showcase what it makes what it takes to make Oldbridge so
special. Each building unique in its approach yet all united in fostering a love of reading and learning. Specifically, I'll mention my visit to Gryom Elementary School. I had the opportunity to spend time with a group of fifth grade students uh in Miss
Oliver and Miss Cruz Moran's classes and I left incredibly impressed. What stood out most was not only their enthusiasm but their initiative. Both classes followed up with full page reflections and several students requested a sitdown
meeting with me to share new ideas and initiatives that they would like to propose. It was a powerful reminder of that student voice that exists in our schools and the culture our staff has created to empower it. I'm extremely proud of our students and deeply appreciative of the dedication and
creativity of the staff who make experiences like this possible every day. As part of our continued focus on fiscal resilience, we are actively exploring opportunities that both strengthen programming and improve our financial
position as a district. These are truly challenging times and our district like many others have been navigating a financial reality that is increasingly difficult to sustain. The dramatic increase in the cost of health care benefits far outpace increases in our
operating budget. But with that said, I am so grateful to this board for their commitment to our community and for challenging me to look under every rock to find potential savings. I am pleased to share that tonight we hope to take a proactive step to address some of this
challenge with a change in our prescription benefits plan. The good news is that this change will not impact the vast majority of our staff while at the same time generating meaningful benefits and savings for our district. Savings that are critical as we remain
committed to preserving positions, programs, and resources to support our students. Another area that we are currently researching is the potential return of the adult school program and the expansion of a district credit recovery program. Dr. Ray Payton will be
working in his capacity as a principal in both of these areas which could provide meaningful benefits, generating additional revenue, reducing added district tuition costs, and creating expanded learning opportunities. Several principles and administrators will
conduct site visits to neighboring districts that currently operate successful models of these programs. This will allow us to evaluate best practices and determine long-term sustainability. I look forward to updating the board as this exploration
continues. And finally, the whole child. And this is probably the best part of of what I get to do every day as I visit schools and spend time with our students. There are so many examples of our district supporting our children here in Old Bridge Township Public Schools, but I think it can be summed up
in two words, Adriana Maria. Over the past few months, we have all witnessed the incredible love and support for Adriana. and to see her on Friday afternoon as I visited the uh main building over here in the main office smiling, reconnecting with her
classmates is really nothing short of a miracle. It's moments like these that remind us that what we do extends far beyond academics. It's about connection, compassion, and ensuring that every child feels supported and valued.
Wishing you all a wonderful spring break. Just a reminder, Friday is an early dismissal and then we're off uh for the week. I'll leave I'll leave that up to Miss Francisco, but uh we do return Monday, April 6. So, please be safe during the break. And that
concludes my report. >> Thank you, Dr. Sasso. >> Elena, may I just ask clarify something? So, Dr. So you in your report you used words um with respect to the adult high school as exploring opportunities,
researching and potential return. Um will the board still reserve the right to vote on how that will look? Um who the administration will be and things like that? >> 100%. Whereas this is just the explorer exploration stages. Um and you'll 100% people.
>> Yep. >> Okay. Mr. Mr. Wel, do we have any correspondence? >> No correspondence today. >> Okay, let's move on to special committee reports. Who would like to kick that off? >> Anyone have anyone?
Okay. Um, I would like to report on behalf of SEPTA for the meeting that they hosted last Thursday. had a wonderful turnout as always which included so many people staff members teachers paras parents administrators
um our staff from our transportation team was there council members and our mayor it's wonderful to see everybody come together to support our special education programs would like to give a special shout out to their student representatives Ava and Michaela who both gave a wonderful
presentation Dr. Dr. Tui gave an in-depth presentation surrounding the IEP process and kept us laughing throughout in all the best ways. To top off an already great meeting, uh we finished up by touring Mrs. Chiodto's newly renovated life skills classroom,
and it is very clear that the kids are thriving in that room with all of the additions that we have provided for them. Um so, thank you, Septa, for a well-rounded and engaging meeting. I would also like to talk about the Harlem Wizards game. I know that most of you
are fully aware, but for those of you who are not, the Harlem Wizards are coming to town on Sunday, May 3rd and the game is going to be at 3 PM. Tickets are going fast, so make sure you get your tickets. And if you would like to purchase a United shirt, the sale
ends on March 30th, so just keep that date in mind. And if you have any other questions, then feel free to reach out to SEPTA. Thank you. Okay. Hearing of the residents for agenda items only. Okay, seeing none, I will close hearing of the residents.
Okay, moving on to policy. Can I have a motion for item number one? >> Sl. >> We had Richard Patterson had the motion. We'll have the slate as the second. >> Any discussion?
We are presenting these as a second read and for approval this evening. >> Okay. Roll call. >> Miss Mazone. >> Yes. >> Miss Richards Patterson. >> Yes. >> Miss Duracowski.
Or excuse me, Mr. Mr. Slate. >> Yes. >> Mr. Solicowski. >> Yes. >> Mr. Venetason. >> Yes. >> Miss Dantino. >> Yes. >> Mr. Dunn. >> Yes. >> Miss Jori. >> Yes. >> Miss Francisco. >> Yes. Resolution one for policy carries
>> curriculum and professional development items 1 through eight. Can I have a motion please? >> Done with movement madam president. I will second. >> Any discussion? >> Um I have a discussion on number eight
um the science dimensions. I just want to thank Dr. Tui um for and I think Dr. Hoker also for searching and implementing this because I know a lot of the elementary school teachers have said that we that they didn't have enough for the science. We didn't really
have any science at all in the elementary. Um and I know they were a lot of them were looking for this. So I want to thank you both for the work that you guys put in for this. I'm going to piggy back off of that um for a lot of the same reasons just in being present in our elementary schools
and the need for a science curriculum. And I'm was so pleased when we finally, you know, came to the decision to acquire a new curriculum. And I also would like to thank Dr. Tui and Dr. Hoger for your involvement and your expertise pushing this forward. Mr.
Cawfields and then a lot of our middle school science teachers um Mrs. Fineold, Mrs. Carabaliss, Mrs. Langan, and any of the middle school science teachers who help facilitate the presentations, gather survey information from their fellow teachers, and help review each of
these programs to choose what's best for our children. So, and I know that it also aligns with our middle school curriculum, so that will be seamless when they go from fifth to sixth grade. So, I'm really excited. I hope everybody else is just as excited. So, thank you to all who made this happen.
Any other discussion? All right, roll call. >> Little timeout. Sorry. >> Clean up on aisle five. >> All right. >> All right. >> Miss Richards Patterson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Slade. >> Yes. >> Mr. Solicowski. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Venitas. >> Yes. Miss Dantuno, >> yes. >> Mr. Dunn, >> yes. >> Miss Joy, >> yes. >> Miss Mone, >> yes. >> And Miss Francisco, >> yes. >> It cost a cup of coffee, but resolution 1 to 8 for curriculum and professional
development passes. >> Awesome. Okay, >> I have to worry about the rest of them. >> Moving on to finance. Um, I think the best way to approach this, we'll do the motion and discussion. Um, but I think separating them might help. So perhaps
we can focus on items 1 through 14 first to see if we have any discussion about those and then shift over to 15 through 19, which are our budget items. So let's start with 1 through 14. Do we have any discussion before we even do motions or
anything like that? Let's just discuss anyone. Okay. All right, Madam President. >> Yes, >> I have a question regarding number five. Okay. On the finance, uh, and this will be directed to Mr. Widell. Mr. Widell, I
see that we're paying for security measures for, uh, a few different, uh, non-public school entities. Could you just explain to the public what these funds are for and what these expenses entitle so that the public is aware that
we do pay for security funding for non-public entities? Sure. So, as part of um the state's uh formula, when you have a um nonp or or parochial school,
non-public school within your borders, um there's an entitlement that they are allowed per student depending on the um uh the nature of the purchase. Other categories can be textbooks, technology, security, uh nursing services. There
might be one more. Um, but essentially there is a formula that is based on the amount of kids that go to that uh institution. There is a percentage or or dollar amount per DM uh per student for that that uh child. And so the state
we're kind of like a pass through. The state provides us the funding um and then we have to make the purchases on behalf of that uh school. So, for instance, uh, Cavalry Christian, whatever, um, security upgrades they were going they needed within their school. It could be security cameras, it
could be, um, window film, it could be something on their doors, um, any of the nature. they they certainly have that authorization to make the purchases based on the the needs of their school, but we essentially just act as the uh the passer by where we have the funds their their funds directed and only
appropriated for that institution and we just have to make the purchase on their behalf. >> So what category or line item does that show under revenue in our budget? >> That would be in fund 20 grants and entitlements. So with within the grants
and entitlements that includes uh grants that we'll get whether it's uh federal grants like uh title one, title two, title three, title 4, IDA funding, Perkins funding, those are all federal grants that we we do specifically get
the um funding for. And then there's also entitlement entitlements for non-public entities. Um, and that will will include the textbooks, the technology, the security services, the nursing services, and we use the ESCJ, Educational Services Commission of New
Jersey to associate and kind of help give those uh those funds out. >> So, it's it's separate from our state aid. So, it's a separate line item that has nothing to do with our state aid. It's as a reimburseable or for an expense for a non-public school. So, it
is delineated very clearly. Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. Thank you. I would just like to acknowledge and thank uh Newman and Associates for their donation for the Jonas performing art um performing arts program at the school
and again the DAFF giving 360 uh for their donation on behalf of the Gatorade. So, thank you to both of those entities for the donation to our district. Okay. Items 15 through 19 pertain to our retentative budget.
So, Mr. Widell, I know you have something that you need to review. >> Sure. >> Okay. >> Sure. So, one correction that we'll have to make for uh the tenant budget, one of the pen tenant budget resolutions is the actual adoption of the tenant budget.
It's resolution number 18. when going through the tenative budget software and submitting or or getting ready to submit our budget. Um there was one dollar in which and every dollar matters but there was one dollar in favor of the taxpayers
that we had through a process called the rec recapitulation of balances. It's a recap of balances and essentially because a rounding in the state software, the state budget software, there was $1 and it most likely was a couple years ago a 50 cents um was
outstanding in debt service that was levied in a prior year. So that 50 cents gets levied or or increased rounded up to $1. So what that means is when I go through the recapitulation of balances, a very technical term, very technical
process, there was $1 that I had to use that was kind of in reserves. It was in an account that I had to use towards the debt service to be paid for 2627. It's similar to the audit process when you have expenditures that um when you're
you're done with your audit and you have a certain amount of of surplus unassigned surplus in excess of a percentage those amount that whatever that amount is it has to go back into the subsequent year's budget. This is a very similar process. There was again
probably 50 cents or $1 in levy from a prior year that has to be used in the 2627 uh school year. So we're going to be making a administrative correction to resolution number 18. And I'm just going to pass these down. If you compare
resolution number 18 to this little form and I'm going to read it into the record so everyone has it. Let me know if I need more on that side. anything in the teal is the correction. More on that side.
Two more. Okay. Okay. So, if anyone has either agenda in the crowd or is that looking at home and has the agenda up on the computer, here is the correction that will be read into the record. Um, and we will again administratively correct it. and the new
revised uh tenative budget uh resolution number 18 will be uploaded onto the website as well. So here is the correction in the second column where it's or second row where it's less anticipated revenues under the debt service category the total amount of
debt service does not change. So it's still 2,681,325. However, the anticipated revenue to be uh to be changed is it goes from zero to $1. So that in by by result the taxes to
be raised goes from 2,681,325 to $2,681,324. So there's one less dollar out of your uh out of your pocket that has to be levied. There's a savings of $1. And again, every dollar matters. So to continue with the uh
administrative correction, the total column now on the top, the less anticipated revenues now equals 35,466,364 instead of the the usual or the previous $363. The taxes to be raised goes from 1
million$169,424,252 to 169,424,251. And then when you go midway kind of down in the uh when you start breaking it down operating budget specifically, we're only looking at the fund 40 which is the repayment of debt. We are now adding two lines that will go and add up
to that $2,681,325. The first line that we'll add is read as follows. 40 debt service fund recapitulation of balances $1. And then 40 debt service uh levied to pay principal and interest. It'll be
$2,681,324. Um that will be the new tax levy for debt service. And then the total tenative budget levy of both the general fund and the debt service will be $169,424,251. So all that for $1, but I have to do it
and the budget software makes me do it and it's based on rounding and uh it's unfortunate but again just has to make that that correction has to be made. So thank you. >> U Mr. Wiselle, real quick. I got a few emails about this. Uh, the taxpayers want to know how they should expect their refunds.
>> We got a I I don't know if there's a way. I guess we're going to I'll pass. I'll I'll keep exploring those options. >> Wow. Okay. Thank you for that very detailed description and explanation over one
dollar, but it's $1 saved. So, um I just want to say a little something about the tentative budget. Um and it all really lies in that word tentative. So, tonight what's on this agenda is the tentative budget that we must submit to
the county for approval. It is a requirement by the state. It is a formality and every district has to do it. So, it is in no way an approval or a disapproval of the budget. That will be in May. This is just to send it on its merry way for approval to move forward.
It buys us time to continue looking for ways to save. Um, so I just wanted to be clear, at least for myself and my vote, that this is just saying that it goes on to the county, it gets approved and comes back to us to further work on.
Would that is that an accurate description saying that? Okay, >> I will say to that again, um, the tenative budget submission is due to the county offices on Friday. So essentially what um the vote today if it if it is passed again it just allows me uh our
district to submit to the county for approval and then review. Um as we've seen the past two years the tenative budget uh submission was very different than the final budget. Um but again it's just that process. It's now the next step and we Dr. just as myself, the
entire team, we are continue essentially when we submit that budget on Friday, we still have a month to to keep finding and keep digging on savings. We have a meeting set up tomorrow with our insurance broker to look a little bit deeper on property insurance, um workers comp, some of those areas. So, we are
still working every day as an administrative team. This again, this vote tonight, if passed, it just approves the submission of the budget so that it can be reviewed by the county to make sure there's no glaring issues and we still have the opportunity um up until the public hearing to dig deeper
and make some changes. Um the only thing would be if any changes are to be made from this budget or this submission on this uh resolution to the public hearing to the uh the final adoption, we have to announce those at the public hearing. So if there's any changes that are um made,
we have to make those public and announce those. So thank you, >> Mr. Widell. I had some questions from some taxpayers. They wanted to know what where the anticipated revenues come from. >> Sure. I wish I wrote it down because we all right. You have So the board
president and my I went over it with the board president today. So, I gave her the full list of all the other revenues. >> So, I have my chicken scratch here. So, 25 million of that is the state aid. Um, and the rest of it comes from a combination of extraordinary aid, um,
some federal funds such as Medicaid, shared services with our township, um, for summer busing and also before and after care for custodial services. our preschool tuition. We do have an outofd district tuition from a student who comes from a different town. Um
estimated interest, uh rentals of any of our buildings, the money we get from the cheese rental, the cell tower, um a few miscellaneous items, the field signs um on the football fields, and also non-public funding, which we actually
just talked about um the aid for our parochial schools. That's what I have unless there's anything else you want to add to that. No, that that's correct. So again, if you're looking at the tenative budget resolution, um you'll see in order to get to that 198 million in the general
fund, you're looking at the tax levy and then all those the the 32 million makes up all the items that Miss Francisco just pointed out, the state aid, the uh lease with for cheese, um and and so forth. So those will be again, usually they are included all at the public
hearing um as well. So you'll see all the uh specific amounts and different um subjects. >> Yeah. And I'd like to share some information. I I thought to talk about in the committee report, but since we have this in the agenda, I thought I'll
use this time to talk about an update. I think it's probably since January I I if I if I recall right since January, I think you know this group here along with administration, everybody, we have been kind of really crunching the numbers. If I have to say Dr. Sasso and
Mr. vital really going into the line item by line item and crunching the numbers for us to ensure and make sure we run a highly performant organization and bring in more efficiencies right that's been like the theme you know uh
almost like since when Dr. Sasso joined joined us. So I should definitely acknowledge and share there have been quite a few sessions in January. We've been having close working meetings. Uh at least it's becoming more transparent. You know I should say at least in the past I couldn't get that level of
detail. I like my other colleagues here to vouch for it. But uh I could see a level of transparency coming out getting into the details where we could make some savings where we could you know make some efficiency gains. And uh I'm not sure um Mr. vital you're going to break this down today or maybe in the
later but we already see about 50% of savings you know starting to be realized right so and yes you know because of the state's uh increase in the medical cost right benefits cost we are still you know burdened with u 9 million plus uh
but but that's something you know which we have to figure out like Mr. Videl and Dr. So also has said this, we're going to still continue working with our insurance companies and find other avenues and this is not necessarily a final final budget but at least this gives a perspective I think for everyone
beginning of the budget season. Where do we stand? It's just not old bridge. I'm I'm sure you know many of you are watching the news and what's going around in New Jersey at least and everybody is burdened with the state health benefit cost increase. So I think it's more of an awareness and uh you
know of course you know we all need to go back and fight with Trenton and that's a separate story but I think awareness is the key here and uh I want to communicate that our administration is working so hard to ensure that we go line item by line item and bring in more efficiency cost savings. Thank you Dr.
Sasso and Mr. Widle. I just want to echo um the sentiment uh from K um Kieran's position. Uh quite honestly, you know, the system is broken. The state formula is just absolutely ridiculous. And you know,
we're the backs stop, it seems, um when it comes down to, you know, cutting our programs and and trying to find money to fill the holes in that the state of New Jersey has left us. It's it's just absolutely crazy that uh municipality, a
city like New York gets 66 thou 66 million additional state aid dollars and just gets $1 million in in in state aid additional this year. Uh which you know we're very fortunate to receive that but I I can tell you that I am pleased with
the way this board has attacked this budget even though it's going to be a tenative budget and there's still a lot of work to be done and I have to applaud uh Dr. Sasso, Dr. Hoka um David Widell and uh Dr. Tui for getting this process
started back in 2025. We knew that we were going to have some pitfalls and we were able to really work as a team collaboratively to find avenues where we could try to maximize our savings and try to deal with the
pending tax increase to the bridge residents. Um, when I first got on the board back in 2010, our state aid was $44 million. That was the monies that Trenton was
giving us for our school system. Today, we're we're below $25 million. So, you could see, you know, we're doing a lot more with a lot less. And yes, the bridge taxpayer has, you know, filled that void tremendously. And I want to
sincerely thank the OBGE residents for understanding the situation that we are in as a board of education. It goes back to them, their generosity. Yes, everyone doesn't like to pay additional taxes, but when it comes down to education, it is the gift that this
community gives to our children. And I can assure you that the nine board members up at this podium are working tirelessly to find avenues to preserve our tax dollars and to preserve the educational enrichment to our students.
When health care costs increase by 35% when energy costs increase, these are things that are beyond our control. And this board is doing a a remarkable job. And you know what? We may come from different avenues or or different
situations or we have different beliefs, but I can tell you that we are unified on this matter to find a common ground, a common number that's going to work for our taxpayer. So again, I want to sincerely thank the taxpayers of all Bridge Township for their generosity and
their understanding. and uh we're going to continue working diligently to figure out this puzzle to ensure that our quality of education does not um decrease. Thank you. >> Yeah, one thing I forgot to also mention, it's not about current year,
right? It's always about looking strategically how do we ensure we bring in efficiency, right? I'm sure um probably later on towards the budget we will talk about it. But uh that's another aspect when I see Dr. Sasso or Mr. provider and administration working
with insurance companies the immediate benefits could be a little less but we always have to look at the compounding benefit we're going to get over the period of the next few years so this administration I can tell is already starting to look at look at it and I think the direction is the right direction to head forward but I just
want the community to be aware because we have been all in many of the closed working sessions I don't think we had any formal communication about it I thought to share at least you know what we can at this point so that everybody is aware that we're seriously looking at how we can bring in more efficiencies
and reduce the cost. Yeah. Thank you. >> Okay. Do we have any other discussion? Um at least for any of the finance items. >> Yes. Separating number 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 for voting purposes and discussion.
>> Okay. >> Do you want 15 as well? 15 15 to 19. >> Yep. >> Okay. So separated resolutions 15 to 19 by Mr. Solicowski for voting. >> Okay.
>> I think we may have covered the discussion part because I did want to do that first. So is there any other discussion before we move on to motioning for these items separately. >> Excuse [clears throat] me. Um, I just wanted to preface my vote uh
by sharing my feelings um, you know, regarding really mostly number 18. [music] Sorry. Um, you know, these aren't easy decisions. Um, to be honest, it feels like the
Hunger Games. That's what this feels like. I feel like nobody wins. Um, because we have to look at our incredible faculty. We have to think about our children and what's best for them. And we have to consider the taxpayer who we have raised taxes on over the past two years um
by a lot. And you know we have I mean for me even I'm a single parent trying to keep and maintain my home. We have senior citizens on fixed income renters with increased rent people living paycheck to paycheck. people whose children go to
private school and are paying our taxes um for our schools. Um so these are challenging and I just want to um stay true to who I am. So I feel voting to pass this for me personally, it's just
too soon. Um and I have extreme confidence in the entire admin team. They have been working so tirelessly and getting so much done already. They've had so much patience. I talked to Dr. Sass. I've talked to Dr. Tui. I've
talked to Mr. White multiple times um just to educate myself, understand um a lot of what this means and literally going line by line. I mean, I never want it to be where we're going to succumb to talking about things like security, full
day, kindergarten, ROC. For me, those aren't even something I would consider um cutting. And we're running out of things to cut. But I just for me personally um I I have full confidence that we're going to get better. Um and that again we have a brand new
superintendent and that it's just too soon. So I just wanted to explain my vote which will be to abstain. Um and I think that come May I'm going to feel entirely different differently. >> Okay. Thank you. Anyone else? >> Okay. We're going to vote on all of them
individually. Right. We can do 1 to 14 and then we can do 15 to 19. >> 15 individually, 16 individually. Each one individually from 15 on. >> Got it. Is it okay? >> Okay. >> Okay. So, we'll vote that way and if there's any discussion, we'll discuss. >> Thank you.
>> Sure. >> I just want to mention one more thing. Um, you know, because I do try to follow our local politicians um as much as we can to see what they're talking about. can't make the council meetings anymore because of these u sessions. But um our
one of our assemblymen, Alex uh Sawiki, um is sponsoring a bill A4750. And I just wanted to pull up my notes on it real quick. Um it aims to ease the rising health care costs for school districts already strained by property
tax hikes. So I just wanted you to write that down. He's the prime sponsor for it. I mean, it certainly can't hurt if we all wrote our assemblymen and our senator um letters on this particular bill, which is again A4750. If we have any hope at all or a chance
at all, we we might as well go for it. >> Thank you for sharing that. I just Okay, I just want to our vote tonight has nothing to do with voting on the budget. I I just want to make it clear. Correct. Am I right? >> Yes. A yes vote today does not hold
>> just to push it through just to >> just to submit it to the county. So it does not hold you to anything and then come in May you will vote either yes to adopt the budget or no to not adopt the budget and if no wins then a budget is not adopted and then we go through that
process where it goes to the state the county the state and so forth. But today's uh vote is just to be able to submit the tenative budget to the county. Okay. I just wanted to make that clear. Okay. Thanks. >> And for further clarification for the
public, if it goes to the state, the state can raise to whatever they see fit to cover our budget. Correct. >> We only have two year the past two years in some uh districts such as Tom's River or Jackson where a no vote on their bud
on the adoption of their budget. Um again, those two years there were different programs set in place. One was uh public law 20 uh 24 chapter 12 and 13 I believe Chris and the next was the tax levy incentive aid. So there were other
programs in place. Um when they voted no on their budgets in those respective districts the state came in and told them well you have to go to X to to meet your needs based on the programs that were available. So, as of right now, uh there's no programs available, but a
potential um depending on a vote in May, um the state would tell us ultimately how to proceed, whether it's, you know, if we were in a shortfall having to cut or if we were in some kind of uh where we had to take an allowable adjustment to take that that additional adjustment.
>> So, the state in theory could tell us what programs to cut. um inor wait can we not worry about because now now we're think we're gonna confuse the public that is not done until May and I don't think we should talk about that now because I think the public's going to think if we vote yes
if we vote no that's what's going to happen now I just wanted to make it clear that tonight's vote has is not us voting on the the budget to raise taxes to not raise taxes this is just to push it through to the state and I think we should worry about all that in the months coming >> I understand that but I was just clarify
>> yeah because now I'm just all confused okay >> in to the county, not even the state, just to be sure. It's to the Middle Sex County. >> Okay, let's cast our vote number 15. >> Well, we're going to vote on one to 14 first. >> All right, roll call for 1 to 14. Okay,
we need a motion first. Hold on. >> Hold on. Can I get a motion for items 1 to 14? >> It will second. >> I don't think we need discussion, right? We've had enough. Good. >> Okay, just checking. All right, roll call for 1 to 14.
Okay. Mr. Slade, >> yes. >> Mr. Solicowski, >> yes. >> Mr. Venitason, >> yes. >> Miss Dantino, >> yes. >> Mr. Dunn, >> yes. >> Miss Joel, >> yes. >> Mazzone, >> yes. >> Miss Richards Patterson, >> yes.
>> Miss Francisco, >> yes. >> All right. Resolution 1 through 14 passes for finance. Now, can I have a motion for item number 15? >> Wadson. >> Benitason. Well, motion. Do we have a second?
>> Francisco will second. >> Francisco will second. Okay. This is just going to be a roll call. Yeah. Sorry. This is a roll call for item or resolution number 15, which is the capital reserve account withdrawal.
>> Mr. Slade, quick. I just have a quick question. >> Okay. >> Is there such a thing as a partial roof replacement? Is that >> I mean, I'm just Yes. >> I couldn't partially replace my roof. This is a section of a section of a roof in the >> I have done a section of my roof in my house. >> Yeah. Section of a roof.
>> Is it the second story or is it the entire first floor? >> No, this is the um it is roof u >> roof U because do we have like A through Z and then some. Is there like a double? >> Yes. Well, based on Pretten's um thing,
they did a letter at roof U. roof. >> I believe if you're looking at the roof, this is closer on the 516 side. So, if you're looking at the building, um this is a portion of the roof that is closer to the 516 side and it was the roof from 1973.
There is a part of a roof, oop, excuse me, part of the roof um at Sandberg. There's different sections. One was done in 1961, one was done in 1973. But this specific portion of the roof again closer I believe to the 516 side um we have had
roof contractors come out and say there's no more no more patching it really. Um you know we're at a point where it's in dire need of a replacement. So >> So this is where the library is and the auditorium and that side >> I believe. So >> okay by the entrance. Okay. Thank
youing. Uh yes on that one because the roof we have to replace. >> Okay. Well we're going to start with we're going to start with Mr. Slade for resolution number 15. Mr. Slade, are you ready? >> Yes. >> Okay. Mr. Slade. >> Yes. >> Mr. Solowski?
>> Yes. >> Mr. Venitason? >> Yes. >> Miss Dan Tuno? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dunn? >> Epstein. >> Miss Joel? >> Yes. >> Miss Mone? >> Yes. >> Miss Richards Patterson? >> Yes.
>> Miss Francisco? >> Yes. >> All right. Resolution number 15 for the um capital reserve account withdrawal does pass. Okay. Resolution number 16 which is the
just a travel and related expense expense reimbursement. This is just a um kind of a template uh resolution. We if you go back to all our tenant budget resolutions, this is a sample. It's a requirement formality that has to be done.
Um, so we will go to Mr. Slate if there's no questions. >> Yes. >> Yeah. This is just Sorry, Mr. Slade. We did, like I said, we when we talk about our line item budget, we did go through this and kind of attack this, but what
this resolution is is just sets a maximum amount that that maximum is something we never will would have got to and never do get to. Um so going forward in the future perhaps we can move uh reduce that number but this was an item that we were attacking um within
our budget. So we'll go back to Mr. Slade. He had cast the yes vote correct? >> Yes sir. >> All right Mr. Solowski. >> Okay. I believe this was all done ahead of time in negotiations, wasn't it? The travel and everything else. Mr. Pardon? >> Yeah. This is also an annual
appropriation. So it's both. >> Okay. I will be voting yes on this also. >> Mr. Venitas. Yes, >> Miss Dantuno. >> Yes, >> Mr. Dunn. >> Yes, >> Miss Jori. >> Yes, >> Miss Mazzon. >> Yes, >> Miss Richards Patterson. >> Yes,
>> Miss Francisco. >> Yes. >> Resolution 16 for finance passes. We will now move to resolution 17, which is the allowable adjustment for health care costs. Any questions on this one?
>> Yes. I think we have to do a little better on this one. I'm voting no on this one. Okay, we'll go to we'll go for roll call. Mr. Slade, >> yes. >> Mr. Solicowski, >> no. >> Mr. Venitation. >> Uh, just a quick question, right? Just
to be sure, this is saying that the state has increased the ill benefits cost and this is what we have to bear with. Correct. That that's what this talks about. Th this resolution is based on our in
anticipated increase and expenditures for both medical insurance and RX prescription insurance. When you put those costs, those increased costs into the state uh budget software, there's a formula to allow for allowable adjustment. So based on our increase in
costs, we can bring in in out of a levy uh for an allowable adjustment in revenue to cover for those costs. Does that answer the question? >> Yes. But I thought that's going to be part of 18, right? As we are going to
work on >> in order to have the allowable adjustment, you have to have a separate resolution for it. So you have to have separate resolutions for every adjustment you take on in the budget. >> So if we say yes to this, it doesn't necessarily mean that we're going to agree to that amount in the end. It's
just for today. >> Correct. Correct. >> Thank you for asking that. >> Yeah. Perfect. Okay. Yeah. Yes. >> Okay. Miss Dantino. >> Yes. >> Mr. Dunn. >> Yes. >> Miss Joy. >> Yes. >> Miss Mone. >> Yes.
>> Miss. Richards Patterson. >> Yes. >> Miss. Francisco. >> Yes. >> Resolution 17 does pass for finance. We will now move to resolution 18. As administratively corrective. This is the adoption of our of our tenative budget.
Any questions? And as I say, administratively corrected means that dollar uh dissertation I gave earlier. All right, Mr. Slade? >> Yes. >> Mr. Solicowski? >> No. We could have rolled up your sleeves
a little more and did a little more work on this. No. >> Okay. Mr. Venitation. >> Yes. >> Miss Dantuno? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dunn? >> Yes. Miss Joel. >> For the purpose of submitting the budget to the county. Yes, >> Miss Mazone.
>> Ditto to Margie's comment. Yes, >> Miss Richard Patterson. >> Abstain. >> Abstain. And Miss Francisco. >> Yes. Tenatively. Yes. >> All right. Resolution 18 for finance. The submission of the tenative budget to the county does pass. And then we have
resolution number 19, which is a resolution just announcing our tenative date for our public hearing, which is on May 5th, 2026, 7 p.m. here in this um space.
Okay, Mr. Slade? >> Yes. >> Mr. Solowski? >> Yes. We have to have it. Yes, >> Mr. Venetason. Yes, >> Miss Dantino. >> Yes, >> Mr. Dunn. >> Yes, >> Miss Jori. >> Yes, >> Miss Mazone. >> Yes,
>> Miss Richards Patterson. >> Yes, >> and Miss Francisco. >> Yes. >> Resolution number 19 for the uh announcing of our tenative budget, our public hearing is approved. Resolution
19 for finance. Thank you. >> All right. Great job, everyone. Team effort. Okay, moving on to athletics. Can I please have a motion for items one and two? >> I got Venitation and Jo.
>> Any discussion? >> Actually, I have a question. So, these positions already existed. There's it's just new people in these positions, correct? >> Okay. Any other discussion? Oh, speaking of these FF of athletic
positions, when does the um when do all the positions get posted? I know a few people have asked that. basically three times a year and everything is postpril
but somewhere around. >> Got it. Thank you. Okay. Okay, roll call. >> Mr. Solicowski. >> Yes. >> Mr. Venitason? >> Yes. >> Miss Dantino? >> Yes.
>> Mr. Dunn? >> Yes. >> Miss Joy? >> Yes. >> Miss Mone? >> Yes. >> Miss Richards Patterson? >> Yes. >> Mr. Slade? >> Yes. >> Miss Francisco? >> Yes. >> Resolutions one and two for athletics carries.
Noncertificated personnel office item number one. Can I have a motion? >> Dan will move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Roll call. >> Mr. Ven Mr. Witason.
>> Yes. >> Miss Dantuno. >> Yes. >> Mr. Dunn. >> Yes. >> Miss Joy. >> Yes. >> Miss Mone. >> Yes. >> Miss Richard Patterson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Slay. >> Yes. >> Mr. Solicowski. Yes, >> Miss Francisco. >> Yes.
>> Resolution one for non-certificated personnel office carries. >> Okay, we don't have anything for non-certificated personnel operational. >> For non-certificated personnel other, can I please have a motion for items one through four? >> I'm sorry. Yeah, one through four,
right? >> Yes. >> Done. Okay, it says one through five here. >> Any discussion? >> We have done made a motion. We need a second. This only second. >> Thank you. >> Discussion.
Roll call. >> Mr. Dunn. >> Yes. >> Miss Joy. >> Yes. >> Miss Mone. >> Yes. >> Miss Richards Patterson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Slade. >> Yes. >> Mr. Solicowski. >> Yes. >> Mr. Vanitason. >> Yes. >> Miss Danuno.
>> Yes. >> Miss Francisco. >> Yes. >> Resolutions one through four for non-certificated personnel. Other carries. >> Certificated personel. Items 1 through 10. Can I have a motion? >> Miss motion. >> Jo second.
>> Discussion. >> Roll call. >> Miss Joy. >> Yes. >> Miss Mazone. >> I will happily vote yes. >> Miss Richard Patterson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Slade? >> Yes. >> Mr. Solowski? >> Yes. >> Mr. Vanitason?
>> Yes. >> Miss Dantino? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dunn? >> Yes. >> Miss Francisco? >> Yes. Resolutions 1 through 10 for certificated personnel is approved. >> We don't have any
>> any do we have any new staff here? >> Thank you Dr. Sasso for checking that non-certificated personnel transportation. We don't have anything in this section. Transportation items one through three. Can I please have a motion? move. >> Done with second.
>> Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Patterson, >> yes. >> Mr. Slay, >> yes. >> Mr. Solowski, >> yes. >> Mr. Vanitason, >> yes. >> Miss Dantino, >> yes.
>> Mr. Dunn, >> yes. >> Miss Joy, >> yes. >> Miss Mazone, >> yes. >> Miss Francisco, >> yes. >> Resolutions one through three for transportation carries. Excuse me, Lyn. Um, I just want to give credit to the transportation team. I know when I asked
questions um about the last um at the agenda meeting about the late buses, I did have a a call, not the late buses, the buses being late. I apologize. Um I got a call from the transportation team and they're going through just as diligently as the admin team is um with
the routes and things like that. And you know, just thank you again for the dedication that you guys do to to these routes to make sure these kids get home for things beyond your control, whether it's accidents on the road, uh, potholes and craters creating, you know, detours,
or, you know, our contractors not doing their fair share. So, thank you again for your dedication to our kids. >> I mean, it just it speaks volumes, too. I mean, they're here. Like, you're you're thanking them and they're here and they're everywhere. So, I think they should come up and take a picture.
>> I mean, listen, we could totally do that. Come on. Christina didn't get to take a picture with anybody tonight. So, she's really itching for that. So, >> all right. I don't think they want to come up. >> Don't push them because they could put in that letter or something. We don't
want to scare them. [laughter] >> All right. Um, where do we have we have a motion and a second? No. Yes. For all >> transport transportation is done. We now where I left off. So, >> supplies, equipment, and services items one through three. Do I have a motion?
Can I have a motion? >> Jill second. >> Any discussion? Um, Mr. Widell, can you just explain to everyone number two, please? >> Sure. So number two, um, as we talked
about in in prior meetings, so the health care costs, as we said, have been, uh, astronomically, it's hard to maintain or keep up with the rise in costs. Um, as we talked about at prior finance meetings, medical, we're anticipating increase of costs for the
medical to 34%. And in the past, prescription was about 22%. And what that is is based on just our claims, our current claims, we can just ride the roller coaster of increasing every year um on a fully uh private plan through
our RX. So um it was started by Dr. Bragan at the time when Dr. Braen was here as interim. Um we started making the move and looking towards self insurance for a prescription uh coverage. And so we put together an RFP, a request for proposal through
competitive contracting um to go through and go self- insurance um essentially what our goal is to bring additional savings and less expenditures to the district. Um so we put out an RFP in uh December. They were due July or January
6th. There were 13 vendors that asked for a copy of the specifications. Five proposals were submitted. We ultimately reviewed them with our um insurance specialist or insurance broker um as our consultant on the project. We
interviewed three um PBMs uh prescription benefit management on site um and narrowed them down based on that those interviews. Um we had to evaluate and score all five proposals that were submitted. But based on the um interview and again the evaluation of the
proposals, we felt that going forward with Keenan Med Impact Healthcare Systems was going to be the best move for the district again to bring down that cost and the expenditure for RX and then to realize some savings um as well in in rebates back to the district. So
um we put together this move ultimately and I think Dr. Sasso I'll I'll defer over to him. Um we t I the first day of when we had our opening uh this this year we talked about potentially exploring some of these spaces whether it's RX or medical. Um ultimately as
employees we have to the most important thing is equal or better. Um so I'll let Dr. Sasso um go to that. Moving forward there'll be a lot of education to come for for everyone in our district whether you're covered under the RX um or just an employee of the district. Maybe you
want to come into the RX plan. Um but I'll defer to Dr. just ask them further. >> Yes, Miss Mone. Just uh furthermore, uh we will certainly uh um after the vote tonight, tomorrow morning, I do have an email ready to go out to our staff. Um and then I will
work hand in hand um with our new president and the union leadership to make sure that education programs and that we answer any questions that staff may have and we'll walk through this so that uh come July 1, everything will be transparent. There'll be no surprises. Um and and and as I mentioned in my
superintendent report, um the vast majority of people uh you know are just going to get a new prescription card and that'll be the extent to to the change. Um and some other people obviously it'll be a little bit more in depth, but um in each of those situations uh we'll be there uh hand inand making sure that
everything goes smoothly. Any other questions, comments? Okay, roll call. >> Mr. Slade, >> yes. >> Mr. Solicowski, >> yes. >> Mr. Venitas, >> yes. >> Miss Dantino, >> yes. >> Mr. Dunn, >> yes.
>> Miss Joelry, >> yes. >> Miss Mazone, >> yes. >> Miss Richards Patterson, >> yes. >> Miss Francisco, >> yes. >> Resolutions one, two, and three for supplies, equipment, and services carries. >> Miscellaneous items 1 through six. Can I please have a motion?
>> There's only a motion. >> Second. >> Any discussion on these items? >> Um for number six, um could we just make it clear because I know some people have posted about this um about the extra school day and you know the third snow
day. So Dr. Sasso, can you please clarify this for everybody? >> Okay, I'll take this one. So, um, the state requires that we operate on 180 days. In Old Bridge, we have 181 days because we're overachievers. Um, which
is, you know, really good. It's an extra instructional day. Um, so as a board, um, at the guidance of administration, we decided to stick with 180. So, we're kind of taking that 180 first day off, not required by the state to have, so
that our students and families and staff members can have a full spring break. So, we are going to drop the calendar from 181 to 180. Spring break stays intact and all the rest of the days off for the rest of the school year stay intact and the last day of school is Anybody want to help me out here? Okay,
good. There we go. Thank you. June 19th because we're utilizing the two snow days at the end of the year that were built into the schedule already. So, whatever you see on the calendar, it says June 19th. That's what the last day is going to be. Did I miss anything? Good. >> Thanks. Yay. Party.
Okay. Any other discussion or questions for items one through six? >> Okay. Roll call. >> Mr. Solicowski? >> Yes. >> Mr. Vanitason? >> Yes. >> Miss Dantuno? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dunn? >> Yes.
>> Miss Jori? >> Yes. >> Miss Mone? Yes, >> Mr. Patterson. >> Yes, >> Mr. Slade. >> Yes, >> Miss Francisco. >> Yes. >> Resolutions one through six for miscellaneous passes. >> Excellent. >> Do we have any board secretary board
business? >> None for tonight. >> Do we ever have anything there? Like what is that? Like what? I don't even know what that's for. >> There are some uh things that are >> What would fall into that category? >> I believe recent. Well, >> what? school board recognition month.
>> Yeah, I believe we also had um naming you as the delegate for the ESJ is there as well. >> All right. Some miscellaneous items. All right. Well, we don't have any tonight. So, thank you. Okay. Do we have any hearing of the residents on any school district topic? Now's your time.
Seeing none, I will close hearing of the residents. Okay. Old andor new business. We can start with old. We can move into new. Anybody have anything? I know it wasn't necessarily probably your favorite part of the meeting, but I do want to thank David and the accounting team for all the diligence
over a dollar. Um, you know, we can laugh and joke about it, but the fact that the accounting team, you know, really worries about, you know, every dollar just goes to show what this whole budget thing is about and how um we strive to, you know, we've had trouble-free audits for over 12 years
now and I forget what the number is, but you know, just to continue that. So, thank you for all of the hard work over that. >> Um, I have something to say. Um, and I'm just going to speak on behalf of um, Gryom Elementary, and that's only
because I am there the most. Um, and I'm sure this is across the district, but it's a breath of fresh air, and I've heard this from staff, from students, that the presence that Dr. also burns into the schools. Um,
for Gryom, for a school that was kind of, you know, pushed to the side for a long time, it's very noticeable that he is at every single thing that he is invited to and probably things that he's not invited to. Also, um, the kids notice it, the staff notices it. Um I
had many teachers approach me and say how they feel very um uplifted and it's like um you just bring them like support. They feel very supported by you. Um and I know that's not easy. You
have 14 schools that you cover and I'm sure you do this to every one of your schools and especially this time of the year budget. It's not easy. You've been working your tail off. You Mr. Widell have not stopped working. and I had the pleasure of speaking to your wife at Candy Bingo, and I apologize for you not
being home. I mean, she didn't miss you that much, but she um [laughter] but she did say that you are so so dedicated to your job. So, I wanted to thank you for just making those teachers in that school and those students feel
appreciated. So, thank you. I appreciate those kind words and uh but it's it's it's definitely a team and I'm surrounded by a tremendous team. Um you know, Dr. Hoker, Dr. Tui, Mr. Widell right here at the table, so many people out in the audience. Um we have a
tremendous staff and and so it's uh you know, I'm blessed to be part of just really a great team. But thank you so much. Appreciate it. >> Anyone else? >> Okay. Um I have a couple of things.
So, just to even kind of stem off of that in the um sense of just being invited, the schools are inviting the board members to so many events and I always say this, the one thing that we all have in common is when you invite us, we will come. Um so, I just want to
thank all of the schools who have been asking us to come out. Our my favorite place to be is inside of our buildings. And it really gives us insight to sit at this table and make the decisions that we make because we're not making them blindly. We're making them based on our experiences with our staff members and conversations and sitting with the kids
and reading stories and all the wonderful programs that we have. So, keep inviting us. We will keep coming. And I I really love that aspect. It's my favorite part of all this because God knows these meetings are super boring. And I'm I feel boring and bored. Not bored, but just like I I want to like
liven them up somehow, but I don't really know if anybody wants me singing and dancing up here. So, I'm trying to make it easier to get through. So by talking about some good things. So I mean last week just as some small examples and there's so many um many of us were at Samberg's um
sorry uh language honor society induction ceremony for the students. We were at Southwood for their um wax museum and I know that we were also invited to Memorial's Wax Museum coming up this week. Um, I also got to
participate in Samberg's National School of Character interviews with other parents, which was really cool. And, um, we were at SEPTA's meeting. And then I ended my week by attending Me and My Girl, which was our high school, uh, musical performance, which was phenomenal. Um, sometimes I'm I have to
like ask myself, I'm like, these kids can totally be on Broadway. Um, so congratulations to all of the people who were involved in putting that together, the backstage crew, the teachers, the kids who were up there putting themselves out there. Um, it was a really awesome to see and it was really funny, too. I laughed a lot. Um, so keep
inviting us. We will keep coming. I also wanted to say, and it's kind of along the lines of what um, Christina was mentioning. So, as a board president, I have been invited to tables that I've never been invited to before. And I don't think that any previous board presidents have been invited to before.
Um, I'm sitting, you know, with admin on really deep discussion on finances and I can confidently say that all of them up here are working so hard just like all the other board members have um said tonight and I was able to attend Dr.
Sasso invited me to a meeting to sit with Mrs. Fazio and Dr. Tui at Middle Sex County College to learn more about our dual enrollment classes and I learned so much just see just being there. Um, and the awesome part about it is we provide all of these different courses for our kids to try to get
college credits before they graduate and potentially an associates degree. And it's a win-win because the district isn't responsible for paying for any of those and the parents and the families do, but at a cost that is less than a third of what the college classes cost if you're a college student at Middle
Sex. So, it is just a win-win all around. Um, we sat around that table talking about ways. Mrs. Fazio has a million and one ways to improve this program and courses to add. Um Dr. Tui was there making sure that our special education students were um included in these decisions and how we can help move forward with them as well. So that was
really um refreshing. And um you know I sat down again with Dr. Sasso and some uh the mayor and one of our senators to discuss some school finances and other um ways we can collaborate with the township. So everything is moving in a really positive direction and I'm really
grateful for this admin team for including me as the president and other board members in all of these discussions. So um it just feel it is it just feels really good to move forward and I'm proud to be up here as the president to continue in this fashion. Um and I think that's it. I will be quiet now. Anybody else?
>> Just wanted to say we have a student services meeting a um April 7th when we come back from break. And I just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful spring break. Hopefully the weather uh is as nice as everything else. Um but I hope everyone enjoys their time off.
>> Thank you, Jen, for that reminder. >> I just wanted to mention that um originally CPEG had scheduled their next meeting for the 15th of April, but they changed it to the 20th. Um Dr. Dy and Miss Adalfi will speak on steps to success, navigating the next grade with
confidence, and that will be a virtual presentation. Thank you, Margie, for letting us know. >> Anything else? >> Yes. Um, I just want to thank every um the schools that did invite me to come do a tour as the new board member. Um,
Carpenter had a beautiful inclusion ceremony. Um, Miller, I just loved seeing the little kids stand up for Dr. Giles. As soon as we would walk past, they get so excited. Um, recently I went to Cooper for the Q andU wedding, which was the most special thing in the world
because we didn't have it at my son's school and my daughter missed it fourth grade uh when she started Gryom. So, that was really cool to see. Um, so much fun and adorable and um and then to go to Gryom and walk down memory lane. Last
time I was there, my daughter graduated high school and all her friends that went to Gryom with her took pictures there. So that was five years ago. Um we love going to McDivet to see you know my son's favorite faculty members uh
memorial Dr. uh Mr. Foy. Uh thank you. Just the short amount of time that he's there how knowledgeable he is and the way he like just projects this pride and confidence in every single one of the faculty members was just
um just so comforting to see. Um, I went to the unified meeting at Shira. I got to meet with some faculty members at Shephard. I went to Southwood for their Jeopardy and their wax museum. Uh, Vorhees, uh, Dr. Oro, I mean, he knows the name of every single child.
Everybody we walk past, it just didn't matter. He knew their name. I went to Sulk, spent a really good amount of time with Mr. Res's, and we got to experience the pier. I actually wanted to mention this. I keep meaning to mention this to you guys. I just don't know the right time. Uh when I got there it was the pier for the middle schoolers and the
high schoolers and just to watch them engage. I know that one of our board goals is to have more team bonding. And I I told Mr. Res's that I think it would be so cool if they included us um in one of their events because they're just
actively making up these games and they're just so much fun. So uh he thought that was really cool, but of course that's ultimately up to the board. um we just haven't talked about some of the goals recently, so it's worth mentioning. Um and I got to go to
Samberg's uh winter pep rally and uh Glenn's school to to watch the kids light up. That was the first time I've been there to watch the kids uh they just adore Miss Adenfi. Madison Park was one of the special ones like for my for
me personally because um Mr. Mr. Daly and Miss Zamba from uh Samberg, they teamed up to do like a mentorship with children who struggle. Um, and I was one of those kids. So, I think that's really special. And those kids will never forget those uh faculty members that did
did that for them. Um, grade nine center, it was awesome because I got to hang out with the cafeteria ladies and they really I mean Jay calls them the fairy godmothers and I love that because that that that's them to a tea. The way they advocate for
our kids and show up at our committee meetings is just incredible. I mean, we have the transportation ladies here, too. It's it's incredible to see how much you guys care. Um, along with all our Paris, I uh wanted to I did I forgot this at the last meeting, guys. Uh the
PTSA the for the high school, they had a beautiful huge turnout for the um triggy tray for the high schoolers. And I so again I just want to thank everybody for a tremendous job. And I also enjoyed Matilda and me and my girl very much. I
wanted to wish um a belated eid. I missed it at the last meeting. A happy Passover and a happy Easter to everybody. Thank you, Brett. Anyone else? Okay, let's wrap it up. We're going into close executive session and we won't be coming back out. Um, so can I have a
motion to go into zonal motion? >> Second. >> All in favor? All >> in favor? I >> I >> All right, we're going to go into the executive. Thank you everybody.