SA 10 4 through10. 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 on cable vision channel 118 and Verizon fios channel 24 and by filing such notice
with the township clerk. This meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, September 9th, 2025. 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 this 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. >> Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Dunn, >> present. >> Miss Francisco, >> here. >> Mr. Gardano, >> here.
>> Miss Joy, >> here. >> Miss Mone >> here. >> Mr. Slade >> here. >> Mr. Solicowski >> here. >> Mr. Venitason, >> he's not here. >> He's absent today. And Miss Dantuno >> here. >> We have a quorum. >> Thank you.
>> Can we all please stand for the pledge? >> I pledge allegiance. Thank you. Next week we will have a moment of silence. Who would like to read the code of ethics next week? >> I'll read it. >> Okay.
And then we have listed our district goals and our board goals. Um any questions or >> minutes are forthcoming. >> Okay. Um will we have a student rep next week? >> Yes. Right. >> We we do have we have named someone. So
we anticipate that they will be here. >> Okay. Um, any discussion on the recognition? >> Yeah, Christina is going to pick it up next week. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> For the retirements. >> Okay. >> Okay. Um, I'd like to say so. Go ahead.
>> So, I wanted to take a moment to introduce um Mikey McCabe. He's with us tonight. He's a student at Obridge High School in the grade nine center. He's a freshman. Um, he's currently on his journey to becoming an Eagle Scout. And as part of that journey, he is earn he
is earning his citizen citizenship in the community badge. Mikey interviewed me and I can tell you that his questions were thoughtful, insightful, and showed just how dedicated he is to that achievement. Mikey is also a talented musician. He plays the trumpet with the
bridge high school music and marching arts program. I had the pleasure of seeing him perform at band camp 2025 finale at Lombardi Field the other day and it was an amazing performance. As another requirement of the citizen citizenship, I don't know why I can't say that. Citizenship in the community
badge, Mikey has to attend a board meeting. So, I was thinking that proof of his attendance at this meeting would be to come up and take a picture with all of us and then he could prove that he was here. So, Mikey, you want to come up and we'll all take a picture with you? >> Yes.
So cute. Okay, I'm coming. >> I'm right. I'm coming. I'm coming. Thank you. Good luck on your scout journey and we look forward to hearing the results. Any other comments on the recognition for
next week? All right. Uh, welcome to our first meeting. Uh, Dr. Braen, um, I know you have a superintendent report for next week. Do you have anything you want to say tonight? >> I do. Okay.
>> All right. Am I good? First of all, I want to thank the board of education and the community for the honor of selecting me as the interimm superintendent. I look forward to both the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead. Um I'm committed to working collaboratively with our staff,
our students, parents, and community, and I'm looking forward to ensuring the continued success of our schools. I'm happy to report that we had a very successful school opening. And for me, it was really impressive coming from the outside to see how quickly our students and staff return to the business that is
school. That doesn't happen without a great deal of work and dedication from our teachers, our staff, our administrators, our students, and our parents. And I would like to thank them all for an outstanding start to what I know will be a fabulous school year. I'd also like to say our first meet and
greet with the interim superintendent is scheduled for this Friday, September 12th. Information is on the website. Um, but it it will be at Gregory's Coffee on Route 9 at 10 a.m. And I hope all you can come join me and uh share your perspective and things that I could do to help our district get even better.
And lastly, I just want to say I look forward to continuing to learn and grow in this position, implementing our overarching goals of educational excellence, fiscal resilience, and educating the whole child. Thank you. >> I have a question on your um coffee
meeting. I had some working parents ask if you were going to have any evening ones. >> Yeah, we're going to try to schedule them throughout the day. What we were working out again, I'm getting acclimated to the community. Some of the spaces that we were originally going to do them, they they didn't have enough people enough space to accommodate us. So, we're working on that. The idea
would be have a morning uh a midday, a late afternoon, and then in the evening to try to accommodate accommodate everyone. >> Thank you very much. um progress towards goals.
I know I spoke with HYA um after I spoke with them on yesterday morning and the uh Zoom phone calls that they've had have been very well attended. Um some people have stayed on the whole time
through to discuss the different topics. Other meetings people have like popped on and popped off. So, they're gathering all that information. Um, the next community forum for the superintendent search will be this Thursday uh in the cafeteria, 7 o'clock, I believe.
>> 7 o'clock. So, um that's uh the public's opportunity to to have a say in what happens in the district. Also, the there is a community survey that's out um that >> is it closed? >> Closed. Closed on Monday.
>> Okay, never mind. So, thank you to those that filled it out. It was open to commute members, staff, students, and parents. So, thank you for that. Um, so that was the progress towards goals and the uh superintendent uh update. >> Then the the next point on that is um
>> they'll compile all the reser the results for the survey and then they'll put a um a report together for that that will be posted online as well. Um so when results from the survey come out, uh we'll have that posted a separate link. It's on the website. >> Cool. Any correspondents
>> for today? >> Yes, there are a few. >> Six in fact. >> Wow. >> Okay. Correspondence number one. Mr. Widell, my name is retired colonal Veto A. Demo Jr. Deco De Mo. I would like for
you to read this publicly during the September 9th, 2025 agenda meeting. I'm writing in support of Mr. Ray Payton, who I have known for the last 10 years. I met him while I was supporting a military day at Memorial Elementary School. Over these past 10 years, he has always been a man of integrity and
honor. I have been to the school numerous times during his period and have his faculty have always gave him praise. Everyone was always happy and upbeat during my visits. I have served as a mil member of the military for 38 years and integrity, service before self and honor in all we do are our core
values. Mr. Payton has all these qualities and follows them daily at his school. Every military day during the past 10 years, Mr. Payton always welcomes my team with open arms. He always praised his faculty and they took great care of my soldiers. Leadership at times is challenging. Mr. Payton accepts
it. Accept it. Heed on. He is fair and open to his faculty needs and requirements. Mr. Payton is a true and honest man and in my opinion has been an outstanding principal. Veto a de Miko Jr. retired colonel U colonel excuse me
USAF. Okay. Second correspondence is from Arman Karen Jawala. This correspondence contains some statements which could personally identify students or personnels. As such, in consultation with council, we
are reading a slightly redacted version which was approved by the correspondent. Dear Mr. Widell, I'm writing to you as a concerned parent regarding the recent removal of Dr. Payton as principal of Memorial Elementary School. Many families, including my own, are deeply
troubled by this sudden decision and are seeking clarity on the matter. During Dr. Payton's time as principal, my son thrived academically, socially, and emotionally under his guidance and supervision. His leadership created a safe, nurturing, and encouraging learning environment that motivated
students to succeed. Dr. Payton not only supported our children, but also extended his care to families in the community. His support was invaluable to us during that time. Dr. Payton's leadership also brought recognition and accolades to Memorial Elementary, raising pride in
both the school and the surrounding community. Parents and students alike have benefited from his dedication, vision, and tireless efforts to ensure the best outcomes for our children. Because of his positive and lasting impact, many of us would love to see Dr. Payton reinstated as principal of
Memorial Elementary. At the very least, we respectfully request an explanation of the circumstances that led to his sudden departure. Transparency is important to us as parents who entrust our children's well-being and education to the school system. Thank you for your time and for your considering the
concerns of the Memorial Elementary School community. We look forward to your response. Sincerely, Arman Karen Jawa. Third correspondence is from Eric Karen Jawala. Dear Mr. Widell, I am writing to you as
a concerned parent of a student who attended Memorial Elementary School for six years. Like many families in our community, I was deeply disappointed to learn that Dr. Raymond Payeyton was placed on administrative leave last month. During his tenure, Dr. Payton's leadership transformed Memorial Elementary into one of the most
accomplished schools in the district. Under his guidance, the school earned significant honors, including the PTA School of Excellence, National School of Character, State School of Character, the Promising Schools Award, and the Future Ready Award from the state of New Jersey. These accolades were not
accidental. They were the result of his vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment to creating an environment where children could thrive academically and personally. I recently had a chance encounter with Dr. Payman as he was leaving after clearing out his office. In our brief conversation, I was struck
by his outlook. He spoke not with resentment or bitterness, but with hope, happiness, forgiveness, and a sense of accomplishment. He expressed his excitement for the future of Memorial Elementary, confident that the school would continue to achieve great things. That moment reminded me why so many parents and students admired and
respected him. He modeled the very values of character and resilience that he championed within the school. As a parent, I cannot overstate how much of a loss his absent represents. Memorial Elementary became the strongest school in the district because of Dr. Payman's leadership and the void left behind will
be deeply felt by his students, staff, and families alike. Respectfully, I respectfully urge the district to recognize Dr. Payne's extra extraordinary contributions to the Oldbridge schools and to listen carefully to the voices of parents who
have seen firsthand the positive impact of his leadership. His record of achievement and the culture of excellence he established at Memorial deserve not only acknowledgement but also thoughtful consideration as the district moves forward. Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter. Sincerely, Eric Karen
Jawala. Fourth correspondence. Dear Mr. Widell and members of the board. My name is Carmen Spatitali. I'm a retired sergeant of the Old Bridge Township Police Department and currently serve as a class 3 SRO officer at Memorial Elementary School. I've had the
privilege of working under Dr. Raymond Payman's leadership for the past 11 years. As a lifelong resident of Oldbridge, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable environment Dr. Payne created at elementary memorial elementary school. My two granddaughters attended Memorial and their experiences
there were outstanding. Under Dr. Payton's leadership, they were wellprepared academically and emotionally for middle school and high school. They consistently demonstrate the six pillars of character: caring, responsibility, respect, fairness, trustworthiness, and citizenship. Dr.
Payton has been proactive in integrating digital learning, personalized instruction, and robust infrastructure, planning to ensure the school meets state benchmarks for technological readiness and 21st century instructional practices. Students and staff alike feel
safe and supported when entering the building. Families are confident leaving their children at school knowing that Dr. Payton prioritizes their safety and well-being. Memorial Elementary is a model of excellence, safe, clean, structured, and disciplined. Dr. Payne continually seeks opportunities to
enrich student experiences, whether through events like Military Day, which teaches responsibility and and citizenship, or the annual pumpkin contest at Halloween, which fosters community engagement and fun for students, staff, and families alike. It is a shame, and I am embarrassed that
the community and central administration would allow hearsay to influence perceptions of Dr. Payton's leadership. Dr. Dr. Payeyton sets high expectations for his staff and the results speak for themselves. Memorial's Memorial Element Memorial Elementary's accomplishments
reflect his unwavering dedication to students, staff, and the community. Dr. Payton genuine genuinely has the best interests of the students and the community at heart. He is the best possible leader for Memorial Elementary School and I strongly urge his speedy
return to work to continue guiding the school. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Carmen Spatali, class 3 SRO officer of Memorial Elementary School, retired sergeant, Old Bridge
Township Police Department. Correspondence number five. Dear David Widell, my name is Ari Booker and I serve as the executive director and owner of Eternity Funeral Services located at 129 Angle Street in Anglewood, New Jersey. I am also a proud
school board member at the Anglewood on the Palis Age Charter School. I'm writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent decision to lay off Dr. Raymond Payton Jr. with pay. I have personally known Dr. Payton for over 30 years. In that time, I have come to know him as an exceptional friend, devoted
husband and father, and most importantly, a dedicated leader in our community. During his tenure as principal at Memorial Elementary School, Dr. Payment demonstrated remarkable leadership and vision that significantly improved the academic performance in school culture. Under his leadership,
English language arts achievement scores rose from 72 to 89%. Mathematics scores increased from 78 to 94%. A culture of academic excellence and character development was fostered across the school. Dr. Payne also introduced innovative morning and
afternoon enrichment programs to enhance student learning and engagement. These initiatives have had a measurable and lasting impact on student success. His leadership led the school and its talented staff and students to earn numerous prestigious honors including
National School of Character 2016, State School of Character 2014, FRSJ Bronze Award, National PTA School of Excellence, 2018 2019 Promising Practice Award winner. These achievements are a direct reflection of Dr. Payne's
commitment to academic excellence, character education, and community engagement. Given his proving track record and the positive outcomes under his leadership, I respectfully urge you to reconsider the decision and retain Dr. Payne in in his role as principal. His continued
presence in the school system is vital to sustaining the progress already made and to further advancing e educational excellence for the children of our community. I kindly ask that you share this letter with parents and schoolboard members as they considered the best path forward for Memorial Elementary School
and its students. Sincerely, Arie Booker. Last correspondence. Dear Mr. Widell and members of the board of education, I respectfully submit this correspondence to be entered into the public record in recognition of Dr. Raymond E. Payton, principal of Memorial Elementary School.
Dr. Payeyton has faithfully faithfully served the Old Bridge Township Public School District since 20 2004, beginning his career as vice principal of Oldbridge High School and later holding the position of principal at two of our district's elementary schools. Over the course of more than two decades, Dr.
Payne has exemplified the highest standards of professional conduct, leadership, and educational vision. His unwavering work ethic and passion for education are reflected in his tireless commitment to fostering student achievement and supporting the professional growth of staff. Under his
leadership, Memorial Elementary has benefited from initiative, innovative initiatives, a structured and disciplined environment, and a climate where students are both nurtured and challenged to succeed. The role of a building principal carries immense responsibility encompassing daily
operations, staff supervision, implementation of curriculum and district policies, engagement with parents in the community, instructional oversight, and the assurance of safety and security for both staff and students. Dr. Payton not only fulfills these responsibilities with fidelity,
but consistently goes beyond expectations to ensure that Memorial Elementary operates as a model of academic excellence and community engagement. Dr. Dr. Payton's strong personality, structured leadership, and disciplined approach have created a safe haven where students can learn and grow.
His ability to align with and embody the qualities sought by the Oldbridge Township Public Schools in its administrators is evident. He has demonstrated school leadership, instructional oversight, fiscal and operational responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to students and
staff alike. Under Dr. Payne's leadership, Memorial School has received multiple awards. The following are just a few. National School of Character, National PTA School of Excellence, Promising Practice Award, Healthier US School Challenge Award, Co-founder of
Connect and Academic Support Initiative. In closing, I respectfully urge the board to recognize the invaluable contributions of Dr. Payton. His service to Oldbridge Township Public Schools has been exemplary, his leadership impactful, and his dedication unwavering. He has and continues to
embody the very essence of educational leadership that sustains the strength of our district. Sincerely, Anita Greenberg. That concludes correspondence. >> Thank you.
for um special committee reports. Uh SEPTA has emailed the board uh asking to not have a board liaison uh anymore just to continue to invite the board as a whole to their meetings. So the SEPTA
any information for SEPTA will go at old and new business and um not under committee report since they requested no longer to have a liaison. Um the curriculum and policy committee is meeting on September 30th and the uh
planning and finance committee is meeting on October 15th. Any other comments from >> Yes. I just wanted to say um thank you Dr. Tui for changing the date of the special services meeting. It was going to be 10:7 but that's going to be
candidates night. So it's now 10:30. >> Madam President, yes. O like to ask David Wedell to schedule a buildings, grounds, transportation, and technology meeting uh in the very near future. I'm going to throw a few dates out to him so he can consider and check with the team
to see if they're available. I was thinking Thursday, September 25th, Thursday, October 2nd, or Thursday, October 9th. I know that the board is trying to keep days uh Tuesdays or Thursdays for our committee meeting. So, I'm going to throw those three dates out
to David and he can see whether or not the team is available and we can uh put it together. >> September 25th, what was the second one? >> October 2nd and October 9th all Thursdays. >> School is closed October 2nd. >> Okay. So, then the 9th
>> that will be young. >> We don't have a student life committee either, so we have to get that on the calendar as well. >> Sure. So, we know September is jam-packed with open house and and things like that. So, it's trying to keep the board business
going, keeping you guys all informed, and not having you out every night of September and October. So, we'll work with that. Anyone else for committee reports? All right. Thank you. Okay. Hearing of the residents on any
agenda item. Seeing none, we'll move on. Any discussion on policy? Okay. Any discussion on curriculum professional development? >> Okay. Can I have a motion for finance, please? >> Miss motion.
>> Jial second. >> Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Slade. >> Yes. >> Mr. Solicowski. >> Yes. >> Mr. Venitation is absent. We'll go to Mr. Dunn.
>> Yes. >> Miss Francisco. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gerardano. >> Yes. >> Miss Shori? >> Yes. >> Miss Mazone? >> Yes. >> Miss Dantino? >> Yes. >> Resolutions 1 through three for finance carries. >> Thank you. Any discussion on items 4
through 12? >> Okay. Any discussion for athletics? any um for athletics. I just want to wish all the fall teams that are starting up, you know, best of luck in your season. I know you guys started practice and have already been playing
games. So, good luck on your seasons, >> Madam President. >> Yes. >> Yes. Uh under finance, there's a donation of I believe uh 10 iPads by an anonymous uh donor. Now,
I would like to know, you know, whether or not this person is a fabric. It could be someone who may be not a good person. I don't know. So to have an anonymous donation, I think is a bit disingenuous. I think it should be known or at least
to the board. Is that a possibility? Anyone can make a donation. They can be a bad person and make a donation. >> Maybe they didn't want to be known publicly. >> Well, >> they might not have wanted the the credit. >> So, does the board have the right to
know who the anom anonymous donor is? And that being an executive, >> you have the right to not accept it. >> Yeah, you have the right to not accept it. They have the right to insist upon anonymity. You don't have the right to split the middle by saying you have to tell us who you are. If it if you're
simply receiving, if it's a correspondence, if it's public comment, we can require people to identify themselves, but not in all circumstances. >> So So can the board vet this person and make sure that we want to take the donation? Are you like are you implying they were like
messed with? Like I'm thinking >> I'm I'm just asking a question because an anonymous donation, you know, from We want to know where the source is and at least someone needs to know where the source is. Whether it's >> the administration, >> well, was that person vetted? I'm just asking a question. Just want to just
find out whether or not, you know, there's a policy of taking anonymous donations. >> And I can see other board members up there looking at me in disbelief that I'm asking such a question. But integrity is very important because we all have integrity. We want to make sure that the sauce is a legitimate sauce.
>> Simple as that. >> Okay. >> And if you want to make a facial >> gesture to me, please tell me that I'm wrong and let's have a debate in public that you think >> I don't think you're wrong. I And I maybe I'm misunderstanding. is the reason you want to know is I'm sure when they receive the iPads, whoever receives
them goes through it and make sure it's like they're clean, they're whether they're new, if they were refurbished, if they were cleaned out and stuff like that. Is that what you is that the kind of question you're asking? Because I don't I'm I'm really confused right now. >> Okay. So, that's part of it. Yes. But
sometimes when people make donations, they may not be a person of fabric. Maybe someone who's not a good person trying to make a donation. And do we as a board want to take a donation from maybe a person that got these iPads erroneously or
>> or like they were stolen? >> Stolen? I I don't know. I'm just asking the question, is there a process in place to ensure that these iPads or the donations coming from a legitimate source? >> They did not fall off the back of a bus or >> and if they still a donation. So if we
we did receive notification that someone wanted to donate 10 iPads to the preschool program at Glen School. We are implementing a new program. We gave them the amount that the number was and that person wrote a check and that check is in the hands of Mr. Whiteell to you know potentially cash if it's >> correct to tonight.
>> They didn't give us the iPads. We're purchasing the iPads through our contract through our due diligence of a p of a dy executed purchase order. So, um, it's just the funds being donated and the person wants to be anonymous out of the goodwill of their heart. >> Fair enough. So, obviously this person
is known by the board or not the board, I'm sorry, by the administration or someone who accepted them. So, as long as that's the case that we know that they're viable, they sent a check and made a donation of a monetary donation for us to purchase that I'm okay with. >> Can we just say thank you to this
anonymous donor because I think it's a very grand gesture. So, thank you to whoever it was. >> Anonymous donor on behalf of the student. >> It is it is an expensive donation. It is a $5,000 donation. So, >> okay. I think I don't think we thought you were wrong. I think you just caught
us by surprise because I was like I thought like someone just didn't want, you know, public credit or whatever, but you know, your concerns as far as child safety and stuff were wrong. Just caught me by surprise. >> Thank you, madam. >> Um, so that was under fourth route. All
right. Sorry, we did athletics uh non-certificated personnel office. Any discussion >> there motion? >> Wait, we didn't. There is no motion >> on office. There's not >> next page. >> Next page. >> We're on non personal office.
>> No, we're there is technically there should have been a highlight there. >> Oh, okay. I'm sorry. >> Um for action. >> So, >> all right. >> So, I was just paying attention. Very very good. >> It wasn't important. I missed. We have a motion by Mr. Gerardano.
>> Can we have a second, please? >> Done. We'll second. >> Thank you. >> Um, any discussion? >> Okay. Can we have a roll call, please? >> Mr. Witason is absent. We'll go to Mr. Dunn. >> Yes.
>> Miss Francisco? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gerardano? >> Yes. >> Miss Jori? >> Yes. >> Miss Mone? >> Yes. >> Mr. Slade? >> Yes. >> Mr. Solicowski? >> Yes. >> Miss Dantino? Yes. >> Resolution one for non-certificated personnel office passes. >> I apologize. All right. Uh, nothing for
item two, non-certificated personnel operational. Can we have a motion, please? >> Motion. >> Francisco will second. >> Thank you. Any discussion? >> All right. Um, roll call, please. >> Mr. Dunn.
>> Yes. >> Miss Francisco. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mr. Gerardano. >> Yes. >> Miss Shri, >> yes. >> Miss Mazone, >> yes. >> Mr. Slade, >> yes. >> Mr. Solcowski, >> yes. >> Mr. Venitation is absent. We'll go to Miss Dantino. >> Yes. >> Resolution one for non-certificated
personnel operational passes. >> Okay. Uh, non-certificated personnel, other items one through four. Can we have a motion, please? >> Francisco will move. >> Second. >> Let you guys figure that one out. Any discussion?
Right. Roll call, please. >> Miss Francisco, >> yes. >> Mr. Gerardano, >> yes. >> Miss Jodri, >> yes. >> Miss Mone, >> yes. >> Mr. Slade, >> yes. >> Mr. Solicowski, >> yes. >> Mr. Venitation is absent. Mr. Dunn, >> yes.
>> And Miss Dantino, >> yes. >> Resolutions one through four for non-certificate personnel. Other carries. >> Okay. Any discussions on items five through nine? Okay. Certificated personnels items one through eight. Can I have a motion
please? >> Jody will move it. >> Second. >> Going with Francisco on that. >> Any discussion? >> I have a question on number seven. Um I just have a couple of questions on
this. I would like to know how and who decides these committee members and what are the qualifi uh qualifications that you need to have to be one of these committee members. Annually, I send out a form that has all of the stipen positions for the
administrator. They go to all of the administrators and they indicate if they're interested and they give a rational a rationale as to why they want to participate in that particular position. Um, and then they're they're reviewed by me and they're appointed for
the next year. >> Okay. So for item seven number C, I'm assuming that's just July through >> correct. >> August. Okay. >> Correct. Is someone else taking that spot? >> That's on the next agenda. >> Okay.
>> So we So >> there was an additional position um an hourly rate for working on the related arts schedule that was added to the administrator contract from the new agreement. So we sent that out and also to replace one of the committee me
members. So, I don't have that information yet, but it'll go on for hopefully the next week. >> Um, and just to add the affirmative auction, affirmative action officer and action team, they do go through training in order to be in those roles. But any
of our administrators are qualified based on being an administrator and then we provide the additional training. Same thing with the interview committees. They it's not necessarily training, but we go over the procedures and the process. Um, and they generally do it for several years before we make any
changes. >> Thank you. Any other discussions on item 1 through eight? >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Gerardano, >> yes. >> Miss Jori, >> yes. >> Miss Mazone, >> yes. >> Mr. Slade, >> yes.
>> Mr. Solioski, >> yes. >> Mr. Venitation is absent. Mr. Dunn, >> yes. >> Miss Francisco, >> yes. >> Miss Dantino, >> yes. Resolutions 1 through eight for certificate personnel passes. >> Any discussions on item 9 through
26? >> Okay. Non-certificated personnel transportation. Any discussion on to transportation? Any discussion? I would like to give a shout out to the our school bus staff and transportation staff over the you know the hard the
first week of school is hard. You know having the first two days be half days is even more. Um I know I personally had to call transportation for an issue on one of my daughter's buses and the you know I'm sure they're getting bombarded but the staff was very friendly and on
top of things. Our staff drivers are awesome. it's, you know, the contract drivers that we have a little bit more frustration with. Um, but thank you to all the bus drivers and thank you to the transportation office because I know your phones have been ringing and you guys have been working tirelessly and lots of hours.
>> So, thank you. >> I would like Can I just hop on that too? I was going to say that later anyway. So, um I agree with Jen. Um I also had to call uh transportation as a parent and they were nothing but extremely helpful, kind, patient. I tried to call
in hours of the day that I knew they might not be as bombarded as the rest of the day. Um, and I got a phone call back at like 8:00 p.m. um before school even started. So, they are working day and night to make sure that all of our kids are transported safely and happily. So, I want to thank them as well. So, I'm
glad you brought that up. Thank you. >> I know um Miss Angler was going to be here tonight, but she's home watching bus video because of issues. So, she's still working. So, all right. Anyone else? Okay. Supplies, equipment, and services. Can I have a motion on items
one through four? >> Jano motion. >> Second. >> Jill second. >> Uh, any discussion? >> I would I had a question more on item one. What are these being used for or
like >> I'll defer to Dr. Tui. So, um, they're basically active or they're interactive panels that basically have replaced a projector in in class. interactive panel. >> Yeah. Prometheium boards that but it uh it's an interactive display. So you're
able to touch touchcreen hook up to so it kind of becomes the new projector but if Dr. Tui wants to >> uh divulge anymore. >> So as part of the IDA grant we're trying to uh upgrade our technology in all the elementary buildings. Um so the ABA and LLD classes will be getting the new
Prometheian boards uh to substitute. It's a little bit more interactive for the the students in those classes and they can access the materials a little bit easier. >> That's awesome. Thank you. Any other discussions on item one through four? Right. Roll call, please.
>> Mr. Slade. >> Yes. >> Mr. Solic. >> Mr. Venites is absent. We'll go to Mr. Dunn. >> Yes. >> Miss Francisco. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gordano? >> Yes. >> Miss Jri? >> Yes. >> Miss Mazone? >> Yes. >> Miss Stantuno? >> Yes. >> Resolution 1 through 4 supplies,
equipment, and services carries. >> Thank you. Any discussions on item 5 through nine? in that category. Okay. Uh, miscellaneous, any questions on items one through eight?
Okay. Any board secretary and board business? >> There is none to report. >> Okay. Hearing of the residents on any school district item. We're going to open the mic. Is anyone interested in speaking? >> Uh, it should be up there. If not, it's
over there. Thank you. Okay. Um, hi, my name's uh, Brooke Richards Patterson. Um, I just was following along to the meeting. Uh, first of all, uh, first and foremost, I want to welcome Dr. Brian. Congratulations on the position, and
we'll see what happens. uh come October, I guess we'll know what the outcome's going to be, but I'm definitely going to come to one of your um sessions either this week or next week, and I look forward to getting to know you. Everybody's been speaking very highly of you so far, so welcome. Um
I just had a couple things I wanted to just ask about for when the comments are over and certainly thank you for whoever the anonymous person is that donated to the preschool. That's pretty awesome, too. Um, I wanted to ask about the meeting minutes that are missing on the
district website since March. Um, I know I spoke to Mr. Widell briefly and there's no really turnaround time, but I just wanted to know if there's going to implement a turnaround time for those on the district website. Um, and then Dr. Tui has been awesome with making sure
there's notes at the committee meetings. Um, I would like to, you know, revisit the conversation that Matt brought up once, Mr. Silicowski about getting a camera back in that conference room for parents that can't make those meetings cuz they're amazing. And I've only noticed so far that I can locate the
most recent committee meeting notes on the district website, but it's not always the most user friendly. So, maybe it's me if you could guide me to where like the couple of them have been. I mean, I know it's not a lot, but it's been a couple of them that you've been doing the notes and posting them on the front page, but I can't find like the
ones prior. It seems to be the most recent ones that I can locate, but again, it's it might be me. Um, and that So, that's really it. That's what I wanted to ask about was just like the turn when can we expect agenda and board of ed meeting notes on the district website about the committee
meetings and possibly camera in there, not like back and forth, not zooms and stuff, just to watch. And then I also wanted to know about the planetarium since there was talk about that and where we are or are we waiting until October when all the redistricting stuff is touched on. Thank you.
Thank you. Anyone else? All right. Seeing none, uh we'll close the mic. Any comments on the first part? Um, have we posted committee reports
online? I thought the committee reports were given at at meetings. I didn't realize we were I mean you might have posted your own personal but I was that a practice of of the board to do committee notes. I think >> that was only in May and June. So there were you know anecdotal unofficial notes
that were taken um as part of you know public concern about what was going on the meetings. Um, so the May and June ones were on there, but everything else beyond that prior to that, uh, was not. So, we also didn't have a ton of meetings in in June. Uh, it was busy with other activities. So, um, I can't
tell you how many meetings that they were. And, you know, I can't say every every person was taking notes um, as uh, expeditiously as I was um, in those meetings. So, um, we'll certainly try and get those up if you know, we are in attendance and send those meetings up notes on there.
>> Anything else? Go ahead. I just want to give a shout out. There's a lot of people to thank for the presentations and and assisting with the inservice for the staff on September 2nd. Um, but Nancy Cogland is the coordinator that works and provided
training for our PAR professionals, which based on the reviews and the and the comments that came from especially our new powers that met with her, um, it was overwhelmingly positive and I know she put a lot of effort and time into it. Um, I know she met met with Mrs.
Adenafi over the summer to make sure that the presentations were meaningful. With the number of paras that we have and they all really have individualized jobs, it's difficult to provide a training that is specific to each one of their needs. So when she worked and
worked with again Miss Satani, Miss Saudi to really look at what do our paras need and what can we do that would be meaningful to a group. um she was able to put that together and I I can tell you that all of the the majority of the reviews that came back were very positive and they were appreciative and
some of the powers were coming from other districts and said they never had any kind of training like that. So it was kudos to her for for that effort um and that we have the opportunity to have someone who's dedicated and put it together. >> Thank you.
>> I I'll come on on the minutes because I know we had a a correspondence back and forth. So the meeting minutes are um you know after approval at by the board of education they're then posted online. So at next week's meeting we plan to have the May minutes approved they'll be
posted. Um so just to to give everyone if you go back and read minutes um I personally do a lot more detail and more thorough minutes than I think ever before. So it takes a little bit more time. Um I fell behind because of things we are dealing with Mr. Citadino's
contract in that situation and um as well as the budget that became priority in those two sections. So I do the minutes at home from 8:00 at night to 2:00 in the morning typically. I don't I don't spend the time in the office to re relisten to the meetings and do the
minutes then. So minutes are coming. I'm working on May. I I come home. I do do them late at night in the basement at my house. um and re-watch basically all those three-hour long meetings and and do copious narratives. I I can do much less, but I I like to to have a nice
narrative in there so that everyone can read. Um so that's meeting minutes. They're they're coming. I'm trying to get to them as quick as possible and we did have correspondence that that they'll be coming in in the coming months. Um as far as committee meetings, like I said, uh to Dr. Tui, we really only started them based on an ask from
the public. So typically it was the board's practice to just speak of it at a public board meeting. We never did formal committee me minutes. Uh when when Miss Dantuno became president, she asked for a template to be made, which I did, which whoever the committee chair
was for the a specific committee was supposed to take notes and then share it out uh to fellow board members to have that internally. And I think we kind of we didn't really do well on that. uh as >> you know we can attempt >> besides Miss Joy the uh
>> besides Miss Joy the uh the notetaker um so have to revisit and really try better as a board to our community. Um those are the committee minutes and then for planetarium there is a motion a resolution on for next week which is we
just went no one had a question on it but in order to repair the planetarium that would be a proprietary bid. Um there's only one company out there that really does the repairs and uh New Jersey the way our procurement is we don't recognize just go to this one vendor. We still have to put it out for
public bid. So there's a little bit of a different process to do so. Um so there's a resolution allowing the board or or the board allowing me authorizing me to put out a a proprietary bid for that uh equipment. So once that is approved then I'll be working on the specs to put it out to bid and then we
go from there. That's a couple of the questions that I'll just address. >> And I think as board members, we can all attest to the fact that David Widell works all hours of the night because we get emails at 3:00 in the morning, 4 in the morning, 11:00 at night. So, he
truly does. >> Uh, Mr. Widel, real quick, just to back up on your planetarium. Would that be for both planetariums or just the one at Sulk? We're really so the Sock is the most upto-date. The Sandberg would take
a lot more uh work. So, we're trying to get Sock up and running uh first as the priority, seeing where that pricing comes in and then revisit the Sandberg. So, Sock is the priority for right now. >> Got it. >> Sorry. GNC. >> Well, I said it wrong.
>> Old Sanberg GNC. >> Any Okay. Um, any old business from the board? >> Yes. I want to thank the Vorhees PTA for inviting me and the rest of the board to their opening meeting. It was packed with parents. I enjoyed it. Uh, Dr. Rico explained the goals for teachers and
students, and it was a great way to start off the school year, especially with all the transitioning happening. So, I want to thank them very much. And Mr. partner, is there a statement that's appropriate that you can give on behalf of us in response to the correspondence
letters or rather not? >> Well, I I can give the statement. It's >> Well, I I don't want to look like I ignored it, >> right? >> Well, it all of those pieces of correspondence about the staff member deal directly with personnel. They like
members of the public coming to the microphone. You are welcome to come and speak your mind under the first amendment. We are quite restricted on what we can say in response. So we are aware of those comments. We are aware of the opinions on all sides of the issues and uh we cannot respond to that. It is
matter of protected personnel privacy. So that is the response. I know it's completely unsatisfying but that is where the law stands on that and the board cannot answer those questions. >> Thank you. I don't want to take a chance in messing it up just in case. So thank you. Um, I just have one question. Dr.
Hulker, I know how crazy I am with field trips in elementary schools. Do we have any updates on more field trips for elementary school this year? >> I can tell you that we met with the elementary principles in August and they are working to submit their fifth grade field trips where they're joining
schools so that they can save on the nurses. Um, which I think will help across the board. We did talk about the the possibility for other in district trips. Um you know financially we don't have a plan to send classes out of
district but we can use our buses to do certain things within the school district. So we did go over them. They're in the process of looking at those. We talked about bringing students to the high school more frequently um to visit some of the resources that we have here and to potentially have them be
involved when there's a school play that's appropriate for the younger grades. So, we did have that conversation and they are aware that, you know, we we want to maximize the resources we have in district. >> Any other old business? On to new business. Any board news business? Yes,
I have a couple of things. Um, so first I would like to remind everyone to come out to the first SEPTA meeting. Um, it is being held on Thursday, September 18th at Vorhees at 7 p.m. Um, while all of our PTAs are amazing in so many ways
and do so much work. Um, I think it's important to note that our special education PTA serves our entire school community. Um, so I encourage all parents, guardians, um, to get involved and see firsthand the amazing work that this organization does. Um, you don't have to be a special needs parent to
attend. So I would encourage all community members and every member of this board to come out to the first meeting and all um, following meetings um, so that we can set the tone for a truly inclusive year to be great role models for our children so that they can do the same as they learn and grow. Um,
I also have a suggestion. I know Jen you had mentioned that because they didn't want one specific leaison to their meetings that we should take them out of the committee reports. Um I definitely don't think we should do that. I think that they should stay in committee reports and then whatever board members are there maybe we could rotate. Um or
if there's a specific person that happens to be there that wants to report out. I think their work is way too important to remove from the committee reports. So maybe we can all just take turns. Um, like I said, whoever is able to attend, we can kind of just rotate to make sure that we we keep that information um coming forth.
>> Um, >> can I address that? >> Sure. >> My concern with that is we can say the same about other organizations, the trade classes, other PTAs, other things going on. So the practice has
been that when we have district events even if it's the education foundation things like like the education foundation does support the whole district as well that's done under old and new business. So I just followed the lead of SEPTA that what they asked to
come out of our committee list and not have one board leaison. So that was my thinking with that. I mean the board can >> yeah we can talk about it further. We can talk with them. we can, you know, come to a a mutual, I guess, you know, >> I I just follow their their instructions, so that's where it came from.
>> All right. Just want to make sure that we we do what what's best. Um, second, I would like to thank Dr. Hooker and our district supervisors, instructional team. I'm not sure you can kind of clarify um all the people who were involved um in a very lofty goal of
creating a syllabus for every single high school course that's listed in the course offering book so that our students and families can look forward to the entire year and what's expected and the requirements and I know they worked really hard on a format to make sure that it was consistent among the classes and I know it was a really big
undertaking. So I just wanted to say thank you to you and to everybody who was involved in making that happen. and I think that our students will really benefit from that. >> Um, and I can tell you that Miss Fazio was instrumental in creating the form. Um, I'm sure there's other people that she was working with that that I don't
want to leave them out, so I'll just say other people that were involved um that we appreciate. Um, but the supervisors did meet with all of their departments on that first day. Um, and again, we do a survey after the inservice. So, those responses give us that information. I
read every single one of the comments from the staff um regarding how they felt about what they participated in and and overwhelmingly the comments regarding the being able to work with their department um and working on that
felt that you know it organized them, it guided them um and created some consistency across the courses within the departments. Um, we're still going. There's a lot of courses. So, as they all submitted them and they had time to complete them on that day, they're in
this big giant folder that we're we're just kind of organizing them now. Um, but the staff should be sharing them out with their students as well as have them available at open house. >> Awesome. Thank you. >> That'll be really useful also for the kids with the AP classes, you know, if
they get college credit for it and stuff like that because I know the syllabus is one of the things that the universities and colleges ask for. So very useful tool. Awesome. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um two more things. I just would like to welcome Dr. Bragan. Um I hope your first meeting is going as you
would love it to and I look forward to working with you over the next few months. And I just want to say welcome back to all of our teachers, our paras, all of our staff, um and all of our students and families. Um I can't believe we're here. I will miss summer.
Um but I just want to wish everybody a great year. Yes. So, the Veterans of Foreign Affairs Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen scholarship competitions are open. So, these are two essays. The Voice of Democracy has a national prize of
$35,000. The Patriots Pen has a national prize of $5,000. And the deadline for those by students is October 31st. They can be delivered at 17 Bordontown Avenue, VFW Post 7508,
or they can be sent to me, the board, the district, and we'll get it over to them as soon as possible. Also, October 31st is the anchor, senior freeze, and stay programs that I hope people that qualify can take advantage of. And this just came to me during the meeting, but
there's a blood drive on Saturday at the grade nine center. Um, I don't know if you like to come up and give. Oh, I I know. Yeah, I I just I I just thought of it. So, I It's a a great thing to give back and I've done it a few times and
it's a great feeling to do. It's um it's very good to, you know, give back and try to help people. So, that's it. Anyone else want to respond to that? >> Old Jessica Vegas. >> Yes. Thank you very much.
>> And that's been done for many years. Yes. So, I hope everyone could come out. Um, I don't know the times off of top of my head. >> Do you What times? >> So, for those at home, um, sign up is on social media. It starts at 8 a.m. >> Perfect. Thank you everyone and good
luck this school year. Thank you. >> Um, I just have something. I would like to welcome back all our staff, our students. Um, Dr. Braen, welcome to the district. Um, I would also like to thank uh Palmonian and our food service
workers, noon hours. Um, from what I have heard, I don't know if anyone else did, I haven't heard any complaints yet. I was going over the menus with my kids and they were all excited about the new food that um that is being offered for lunch and for breakfast. So, I want to thank Palmonian for coming in and making
it seamless and um just getting everything done without any hiccups. So, thank you Uh, district shirts are back this year. Um, last year we had one love. Last year, year before that was Ohana. This
year we have #ob proud. Uh, it's being sold through the Obridge Education Foundation. The website will shut down midnight September 23rd. Uh, so go on to We have a website. It's on social media. I believe the bridge posted something. Um,
so get your shirts. We're going to still keep that tradition of wearing the district shirts the first day of the month. Try to have a little harmony going, continue it. Um, so again, # OB proud. Great shirts. Somebody I know personally designed it. So, so, so
they're really nice shirts. So, go buy them. Thanks. >> September 23rd that the the site will shut down. >> Anyone else for new business? Yeah, I just wanted to say welcome back to everybody and welcome Dr. Ban.
>> So, you're the guy I forgot the administration building on the on the t-shirt. >> You open up the can of worms, then I got to put, you know, the guy who cuts the grass and the person who hoses down the fence. I mean, it's >> got the schools in there. I heard I heard I heard.
>> We'll put, you know, some Oh, take a bleach pen and put administration on your copy. There you go. Um, also, welcome back to everyone. I want to encourage the community to join the PTAs um around the district. I've mentioned to all the PTAs, if you, you know, give
me your membership, I will join. Um I think I'm missing like one or two schools, but you don't have to be a parent of a school to join a PTA. Joining a PTA obligates you to nothing. It just means that you support their mission. Um and their mission is child
advocacy. So, you know, school closest to you, the school whose colors you like, the school who has your favorite mascot, the school you went to, you know, however you pick, um, reach out to the school and join the PTA. So, that was my plug for the day. Any other
comments from the board? All right. Uh, we do have executive session. I want to thank everyone for coming. I don't know if the sun is still out by the time you get out the doors. Um, safe drive home. Uh, motion to go into executive session. Just add a motion. >> Jojo second.
>> Thank you everyone. >> I I we'll see everyone next week.