Good evening and welcome to the Pascat Valley Regional High School District Board of Education meeting this October 27th, 2025. Miss Kirk, can we get a call to order and roll call? Miss Calderon here.
Miss Guzman, Mrs. Wong >> here, >> Miss Keller, Mrs. Martin >> here, >> Mr. Sankis >> here, >> Miss Stephins >> present. >> Mr. Weaver,
>> Mrs. Varis here. Please join me in the flag of the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation
indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by mailing copies of said notice to the record, filing copies of said notice with the municipal clerks of Hillsdale, Montville, Riverville, and Woodcliffe Lake, and publishing said
notice in the record on July 2nd, 2025. for routine matters. First, we have the interim superintendence report by Mr. Duros. >> Thank you. On October 6th through 10th, it was a week of respect. Both schools
had daily thematic events throughout the week. On October 12th was the first day of our beloved community series. In the morning, the students were when the students were in attendance, the teachers focused on relationship building to foster a positive classroom
culture and climate. The afternoon sessions were an opportunity for the staff to create stronger bonds. There were small group community building activities such as like a mini escape room that was going on. Um there were small um and that was followed up by factory-led activities. By the end of
the afternoon, it was nice to see um most of all the faculty leaving with smiles on their face. I want to thank Dr. Russo and his team for organizing such a successful, enjoyable day. Um we're coming to the end of the regular
fall season for our athletic teams. I want to congratulate them all on their success this season and wish uh those teams that are competing in the playoffs the best of luck. uh our we have three really significant uh construction projects that are going
on. Um they're not advancing as quickly as we hoped and anyone who has had home construction can understand how frustrating that can be. You hope for the best but uh that always uh doesn't work out the way you want. um our milestone project which is our uh uh
program for our 18 to 21 year olds. We're just facing some uh delays and more paperwork delays dealing with um some red tape as we're working with the town um trying to get everything uh as far as permits are concerned at Pascat
Valley High School. Our kitchen and cafeteria HVAC project is close to being uh completed. uh we're just just trying to push them uh through the the finish line and getting that project done. Our auditorium con uh construction is advancing. We are actually having a
meeting tomorrow uh making sure that we're aligning everyone's expectation as far as that project uh is concerned. Uh I'm happy to announce that the New Jersey Department of of Education has announced that the graduation assessment
requirements for the class of uh 2026 uh has finally been released. Um the current seniors who have not passed the uh NJGPA will be allowed to use secondary assessments such as the PSATs, SATs, and ACTs. This has been a past
past practice of the state. Uh typically we would hear from the state that this would continue uh usually in late spring, early summer. We just heard from them about two weeks ago that this current senior class would be allowed to use those exams. So we're happy to hear
that. Uh we are looking at the 26 27 district calendar. It's on this agenda. uh it's for the most part is similar to the past calendars uh as far as holidays and and school breaks are concerned and I just want to remind everyone we
November is right around the corner and is always a it seems to be a short month. Um that first week of November is extremely short. Um the district will be administrating the field test for the NJGPA and NJSLA adaptive test and that
we'll be um administrating that on Monday and Wednesday that week. On Tuesday we will be closed for election day and on Thursday and Friday we'll be closed for the NJA teacher convention. I just want to reme uh remind everyone
that on November 2nd, it's election day and it's a governor's race and which will have a significant impact on education. So, I want to encourage everyone to exercise the right to vote. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Phillips. Next, uh I will
report on the steering committee for our superintendent search. So we have started to accept uh applications for our superintendent search and um the entire board has access to the um
resumes. So we're looking at what um what would be the be who would be the best candidate. We're already uh looking through the resumeumés and our uh the date for the end uh the last day for applying is November 14th
>> 14th. November 14th. So, uh, there's still plenty of time to apply for this wonderful position and, um, we hope everyone who has a thought of applying will apply. Um, >> community service will go out this week.
Next, we have the finance committee report by Mrs. Kristen Martin. Hello. Thank you. Um we did meet uh again on October 7th at the board office. Um all members were present from
our team. Uh we are having ongoing conversations about some topics related to the finance. Uh region 2 was one of the big topics that we spoke about. We have about 60 to 90 staff members involved. We're discussing lease costs,
um, host fees, retirement plans, and all of those impacts and how we have impacts on shared resources. Uh, we also spoke at length about the park academy and current projections for lease agreements and renewals of our place in Emerson.
Um, and then again, as all districts have been discussing, the increase in health insurance, uh, we did get some updates on, uh, the impact it would have. um and budgeting and um some plans that are underway to try to uh deal with
that. And then we for um a brief time talked about again the calendar for the budget review again for the 2026 27 budget. And thank you so much for uh Miss Kirk for all of her wonderful planning and very organized. Uh so our
meeting was very effective and we appreciate you. Thank you. Any questions? Thank you, Mrs. Martin. Next, we have the curriculum and technology committee report from October 14th by Miss Stephins. >> Yeah.
>> Um, hi. >> They can't hear you at home, so maybe it's just back. Can you can't hear me? No. Okay. [Music]
>> Okay. Um All right. This was the committee report from for the curriculum and technology committee meeting. We had it on October 14th. Um all of us were in attendance that night.
We talked about the district goals. Um technology plan. We have grant updates including the AI grant um climate change education and just briefly wanted to talk about um some of our goals which
are to empower our students to take ownership of their coursework by developing and applying effective study habits, organizational skills and active engagement with learning. Um that includes um us utilizing our study
skills classes to intervene with some of our struggling students. Um cultivating a learning environment where technology is purposefully integrated to enhance teaching, learning, empowering students with the digital literacy and
self-regulation skills for responsible use. We are uh currently eval evaluating our technology in the class to whether it is enhancing instruction and we're going to be using the grant funding, the AI grant funding to create resources,
add lessons to um media and librarian specialists. Um another district goal that we have is to foster a school's culture and climate that promotes engaging in personal learning, strengthening interpersonal skills, and promoting a community of
mutual respect and understanding. Um one of the action items, just for an example, is to continue our beloved community activity at Martin Luther King Days. Um, our next uh upcoming meeting is January 15, 2025.
If you have any questions in our breakfast, >> thank you, Mrs. Stephins. Next, we have the policy committee report for October 16, 2025 uh by Mr. James Stinkis. >> Good evening, everyone. Uh this was a
very short meeting. It had to do with the uh personal electronic devices and basically we had the meeting to just update the language. It was nothing really changed on the policy. We had some
some uh language there where it said recording devices and we all know nowadays everything's all in one. So it's just basically keeping up to date. Um, and that was about it. Uh, anybody has any questions?
>> That was it. >> Oh, well, it was a one item thing, the one before that. >> Thank you, Mr. Stenis. Uh, next I will give the governance committee report. We just had the governance committee uh
meeting before our board meeting and the first thing we talked about was the different committees that we have. Um so we have a lot of committees and what we're going to do our thought for the upcoming year is to consolidate these
committees to make it more efficient and um make it that make it so that we don't have as many people in all these different um spots. So uh we're going to consolidate that come January. Uh the next thing we talked about was looking
at changing the board meetings to Tuesdays, Tuesday evenings. Um because we all read the the agendas on Sundays or if we're very good, we will read it
before, but oftentimes there's questions that come along on Monday and it's very hard to address those questions before a meeting. And so if the we all end up meeting on Sunday. Then we have Monday
for the uh administration for the superintendent to take a to be able to answer these questions. And in fairness to the board that we are able to ask these questions and it's not like well it's you know we're a couple hours away
from the meeting. So we are we are looking into changing those meetings to Tuesdays. Uh Does anyone have any? Yes, Mrs. Martin. >> Hi. Um, I just want to make sure we go back to our local communities because
the reason I believe the understanding was the reason we did Mondays was in order to coordinate with town council meetings and other our sending district board meetings so we don't have conflicts. So I do want to
make sure that um community members have an an opportunity to attend their council meetings as well as their like Hillsdale meeting if they would also come to the Pascat Valley Regional meeting. So I would just want to make sure we kind of keep that into
consideration. >> Do we know if any other towns have meetings on Monday? >> Yes. >> Wood Cliff >> Woodcliff is Monday. So we can get >> Yeah. So I think if we're looking at four days out of the week with four different districts.
>> Well, if everybody else has Monday. So that's that's actually good to move Tuesday. I'm worried about the town council meetings. Now >> I think >> ours are Tuesdays Tuesdays Thursdays. I feel like between >> So we should probably just look at when we when we look at calendars like I
would try to keep that because that's also as a member I like to go to those >> meetings. That's a um that's a valid point. So, uh, Tuesday or Wednesday, >> whatever. I I just just something to keep in mind. >> It just might I mean, none of us definitely I mean, as much as we love being on the board, um, Fridays are are
not something that any anyone really wants to do um, in the evening, but like even Thursday sort of, you know, there's things that happen. So, um, Tuesday or Wednesday, let's look at, but definitely, >> like I said, if we could do alternating like not just look at what the town's
doing really just to try. Oh gosh. Now we have to look at the days of the week and just set >> try to remember what days are going to be here. Okay. All right. >> I know we try to coordinate the best we can with Hillsdale Montdale Woodflake and Riverville. So we have in the past
because we've had by parent request parents have come into meetings and said that there was conflicts and I remember addressing that saying we try we they we do look at that when we do the schedule but we can't always accommodate because of holidays and >> Okay. parents that have children in
multiple schools. >> Okay, we'll keep that in mind. Any other discussion, comments? >> Okay, next we discussed staff recognition and we came up with some
ways to sort of um make a little more meaningful. So whether it's changing just the structure of how we do it or whether it's recognizing staff through completely different way. Uh we did talk about that and um it's something that
we're going to continue to talk about to make it a little more it's a lot to read, you know, everything and not that we don't love recognizing our staff, it's just we're looking at being a little more efficient with that. Um the next thing that we talked about was the
calendar. So, uh, the 2026 2027 calendar, um, is on the agenda for today to be, um, approved with now nine, um,
late late start days for the school year for 2026, 2027. So, we're not talking about this school this school year that we're in. We're talking about the next year. And so, we would go from
to 9 and there's two additional um professional development warnings for staff. Uh so there was a question brought up about whether is that really sort of something that we
want to do? Is it in the best interest of the students? So I we I think we need to have a discussion about that because there are different views on that discussion first. >> Oh, we can wait for it to come up on the
agenda, but just that's part of what we talked about. So, uh just keep that in mind when we get to policy. Um that that's one of the things we will talk about. Um and that's it. Question about staff. Staff
>> um when I'm sorry I first met everything today. Um, so with the staff recognition, um, I I absolutely love what you guys do with how we make that a priority and I think it always should be. My disappointment is that the so
many teachers can't make it. Um, so I would love to find a way that if it was like right after school because I know people go home and they have children and lives and you know sometimes they have to give up that opportunity to be recognized. I don't know if there's a way we can recognize where we would have
a higher participation of faculty. That's just disappointing to me that they can't get here. >> Yeah. So, that was definitely um a large part of our conversation that for whatever reason it is um we don't we don't see as many of the staff staff as
we'd like to see. So, uh whether it's maybe doing in a different form of recognition or changing things up the way that we do it a little bit now, we discussed that. we're just trying to come up with, but that's a I mean, I don't know how realistic doing I guess
it wouldn't have to be in front of the board. So, that's just things that we're looking at >> because I love that you guys I love love love that that gets done. >> It doesn't happen in most districts. So, I I do they're very deserving here. >> Yeah. >> Um
next we have the PFA event. Uh and that report is going to be given by This is Stephanie. >> I was lucky enough to attend on the first day of school at Pasc Hills. And I'm really curious how this has affected you guys because you're talking after
this. Um it's two months ago, but on the first day of school, Jordan Toma was invited to speak to the um >> Oh, >> oh, it was only for the freshman and the sophomore. And I know that
Oh, sorry. Okay, I'm gonna report on it anyway. Um, principal Tim Wheeland and Jen Charo of the parent academy teamed up to invite Jordan Toma to speak to the freshman and sophomores on the first day of school August 28th. He grew up in New
Jersey, specifically in East Hanover, and now he goes all over the country speaking on the struggles that he had as a student with dyslexia, ADHD, and he has a book that's titled I'm just a kid with an IEP.
And it was actually phenomenal. And that's why I'm taking these few minutes to share about it because he has success now even though he had those struggles in high school. And I'll just share this the top few things that I learned from his speaking at the assembly.
Your struggle is your strength. You need one person to believe in you. And right now is not forever. And we all struggle with something. And we don't want anyone to know that we're struggling, but we have to keep in
mind that we all take a different pace to wind up. So, keep showing up. Getting everything right doesn't change you. It is the struggle that got you there that matters. The person who believed in Jordan um
himself was his mom. And this is his saying that those who believe in you are going to keep believing in you until you start believing in yourself. And you can't judge a person just by purely what you see on paper. And you're just one moment away at changing the
rest of your life. >> That's it. Isn't that beautiful? >> That was very beautiful. Thank you. That was my favorite report. >> Yes. >> Thank you, Mrs. Fang. Next, we have the student reports, and we have the first one by Stephanie Young of Pasc Hills
High School. Um I would first like to introduce some of the classroom items this month. October was a busy month for field trips where students learned in numerous settings beyond the average classroom. Um in collaboration with Pasc Valley and Pasc Hills Chinese language classes and
the Asian culture club here at Hills, students travel to Chinatown to participate in their annual scavenger hunt hosted by Mrs. Ying, the ACC adviser and Chinese teachers Mr. O'Neal and Mrs. Yao. Participants tried various food, fun activities, and explored New York City. For my second classroom item,
EP environmental science students took a field trip to the Hudson River. Organized by Mrs. Mack, students gathered samples of the quality of river water based on tests they conducted. In addition, they were able to walk through the rivers with waiters, use nets, and bring back numerous sea animals,
including crabs, fishes, and eels. During this experience, friendly fishermen guided them to complete trials, test the rate of water, and master the art of fishing. On October 22nd, 2025, the photography classes at Pascal Hills organized a field trip
where students participate or practice their art their photography skills at grounds for sculpture organized by the art department. This sculpture garden in Hamilton, New Jersey was filled with statues, wild flowers such as peacocks and beautiful landscapes. Students were encouraged to adventure outdoor and view
the art from well-known artists as they browse and photograph some of these pieces. Overall, this opportunity gave students an escape to appreciate nature in abstract crafts. Now, I'll be moving on to co-curricular activities. Advised by Dr. Maya, the Pas
Club has entered the school year with several opportunities for students to explore their health inquiries. This month, students volunteered with the Chestnut Ridge Pediatrics Flu Shot Clinics and George Elementary School's trunk or treat event playing the operation game and handyman treats to
young children. In addition, the med club is excited to welcome Dr. Don Wal to Hills to share her experience as a radiologist and discuss breast cancer detection in light of breast cancer awareness month. For my next co-curricular item, the marching band concluded their season with a wild
weekend starting with senior night and middle school night on Friday, October 17th with 25 middle school instrumentalists from Fieldstone and Luca Lake middle schools. They they played the national anthem and on the field they played the national anthem on the
field and performed stand tunes during the game. It was an exciting night celebrating the graduating seniors and welcoming the next generation of marching Broncos. The following day, the band competed in their final competition of the season at the NJMA ratings festival at Wayne Hills High
School. The band performed their show entitled the New Demons, earning them the highest scores for the season and bringing home a silver rating with the Montville tree lighting on December 5th. The band will continue to perform at schools and town events. Project Patterson have had a great start to the
school year. They were able to visit the community charter school of Patterson to help out with their after school program and all the to attend ahead of class. It also collected nine boxes of supplies to support the school one trick or treat. Goodies will be distributed by the teachers in Patterson on Halloween. And
the teachers at the school one were so appreciative of their generosity. Additional trips have been scheduled during November and they are really looking forward to their annual tour drive in December. And as always, they want to express their continued gratitude to the Pasc Hills community. I'll be transitioning to the Pascetics.
On Saturday, October 4th, 2025, Pascal Kills High School welcomed back alumni for its inaugural homecoming football game and athletic hall of fame ceremony. In this event, the Broncos faced off against White Mar High School, ultimately securing a 294 victory. The
game served as accumulation of community activities such as food trucks and merchandise sales. Guests were dressed up in western attire, expressing their school spirit. For the week of October 6th, 2025 to October 10th, 2025, ballpoint players Meliss Tur and
football player Jake Brew were bestowed Pasico Hills athletics of athletes of the week. In addition, Jake Brew was nominated for North Jerseys football player of the week after running 160 yards and scoring three touchdowns in the Broncos 427 win over Dober. Coming
to an end, the Pasc girls tennis Pasc Hills girls tennis team led by coach Gans ended their season off as the tournament North Jersey section one group one finals after losing to the undefeated Gunwalk girls tennis team. In their final match against Indian Hills,
the girls won 5, ending their season off with a 126 record. For my joke of the day, why don't go like rain? It dampens their spirits. That's concludes my report to the board of education for October
Thank you, Stephanie. Next, we have the student report by Maline Woo of Pasc Valley High School. >> This is the uh Valley Monthly report for October 2025. Starting with classroom items, classroom item number one. Miss Matias's US History 1 students went to
the Hawthorne movie theater on October 3rd to watch the re-release of the Hamilton musical. We had the whole theater to ourselves. Students were able to learn more about Alexander Hamilton's personal life and struggles as well as his politics that are traditionally learned in the classroom. It was a fun learning experience for all involved.
Classroom item number two, the religion of America elective and architecture electives visit the BAPS Hindu temple, New Jersey. The Belgian class observed the traditional Hindu puja and tooured the beautiful campus. PBTV covered the trip during the latest episode, so be
sure to check out the segment. Special thanks to the PFO who gave us a fun to afford the bus costs. Um, and we're hoping to make this trip a tradition in both classes in the future. Classroom item number three. As a way to commemorate the creation of the honors chamber choir, Pasc Valley hosted a
talent show called Spotlight on Broadway in the school's cafeteria on October 9th. This event featured several honor honor choir, chamber choir, and concert choir students performing their favorite Broadway members. Um, the highlight of the night was the several talented freshmen ventured by honor students
performed. Um, it was a night filled with and everyone's appreciation for the new addition to the PB music department. The event was featured on PBTV and in an upcoming article in the Valley Eka. Moving on to co-curricular items, co-curricular item number one, the PB environmental club did a South Garden
clean up in September. The club also upcycled its costumes at Brook Elementary School's harvest fest um for co-curricular item number two. The Interact Club held two successful events. The food drive to support local families in need and a big set of raised
funds for future projects. Um these activities highlight the school's the club's mission to engage in meaningful service, develop leadership skills, and foster commitment to our model self above service. For co-curricular item number three, the most anticipated show
of the year, PB Choir's annual Halloween talent night will take place this coming Thursday, October 30th. This event is always a community Me personally, I always like to watch on YouTube. Um, featuring a costume contest and talent of all grades, even from our staff this year for the first time in PV
history. Um, there will be a haunted house, so make sure to come in early and check that out. The show will start at 7:00 p.m. and there will be a freshman sold. There will also be a Halloween costume contest, so don't miss out. Um, tickets for this fun event are $5 in advance and $8 at the door.
cocurricular number four. The PD music department's trip to Hawaii was recently board approved and the students cannot be more excited. Um to raise money for various costs of the trip, a snap raise fundraiser began on October 13th. It has been highly successful raising over
$7,000 in just two weeks. There are still three weeks left to donate to reach the department's $10,000 goal. Our students really appreciate any contributions made to support this incredible opportunity. Moving on to athletic items. aletic item number one. The PP regional high school dance team
held a car wash in midepptember donating a portion of its proceeds to the charity Autism Speaks. They further supported the organization by volunteering at the Austin Speaks Walk on September 20th at the Medallands Racetrack where they cheered on walkers and performed a dance
routine. Um for my fun fact, the executive council hosted Valley Cup number one with many entertaining events highlighted by a volleyball tournament and a relight in November. The executive council will host a fundraiser for home for our troops in honor of Veterans Day. We look forward to supporting this
wonderful cause. And because I missed my joke last week, I have one this week. Um, what kind of music do mommies listen to? >> Rap music. >> Thank you, Maddie. Next, we have the minutes for September 25th, 2025.
And September, that's a special meeting. and then September 29th for the regular meeting. Um, can I get a motion, please? >> Second. >> Any discussion? Roll call, please. Mrs. SC,
>> Miss Calderon, >> yes. >> Miss Guzman, >> abstain. Mrs. Long, >> yes. >> Miss Keller, >> yes. >> Mrs. Martin, >> yes. >> Mr. Senis, >> yes. Miss Steph,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Burke, yes. Next, we have comments from the public. Citizens are invited to make comments regarding agenda items and are limited to three minutes according to the Pascat Valley Regional High School District Board of Education policy number 0167. Persons wishing to
speak must upon being recognized rise, sign in, and state their name, town of residents, and which agenda item they are referencing. Can we can we get an exception for the agenda item? We have a student here to talk about some of the
greatness happening in the school. >> Sure. >> Yes. >> Hello everyone. Um, it's that time of year again. I'm back to invite you all to come see the Pascal Kills Players Fall Show, Radium Girls.
Yay. Um, this show is the first half of our 60th season as the Pascos players by name. Hooray. Also, um, the show dates are November 14th through the 16th. November
16th is a 2 p.m. show. every other night is at 700 p.m. Um, I have a poster here that I will leave for you all with a QR code for tickets. Um, as well as the URL for our super cool new website, passcrossplayers.com.
Um, but later if later this evening, you will get an email with your discount code for your free ticket. Um, as you all know, this is something new we've been doing because since last year, we switched over to Lutus, which
is the same platform that we used last year. So, it allows you to buy tickets with your family members and still only get, unfortunately, your one free ticket, but you know, we can only do so much. So, I really hope to see you all there.
I will be wandering around the lobby, so please make sure to say hello. I would love to say hi and be that friendly face that's always annoying you about some other thing theater related. So, thank you all so much. Have a good night. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you so much. >> You can give it to me. >> Thank you so much. >> Okay. Whoever wants to cure it is here. Anyone else to speak today on any agenda items? Okay. Seeing as how there's no one. Uh
next we will move to policy uh for which there are five consent agenda items. Can I get a motion please? >> So move. >> Okay. Discussion. So, we are looking at
the 2026 2027 school calendar and on there is two extra days for professional development. uh not days, not full days, mornings that are going to be delayed opening for
students where uh the staff will have uh two hours each of those two days to spend during professional development. Um I know there was some discussion before, so I'd like to invite everyone
to uh give me their thoughts and talk about the professional development. >> Okay. So I don't mean I don't know if we could table this because I know Mr. Russo had sent me some more information because I had requested some information regarding agenda items for these meetings so that we kind of have a
better idea of why the frequency of the meetings are escalating um or increasing each year. Um I also kind of want to take a look at it seems that there are four staff full day um development days in the calendar but they're actually
being used um two days obviously for startup, one day for freshman orientation and then one for the most amazing Martin Luther King that we never want to mess with um day. But I just I think that maybe it would be worthwhile to just all have an opportunity to look
at Mr. Russo's allocation of those times because it just seems like it's a lot of miss. So to be honest with you, I guess my concern is when they do that, the kids still have lunch. So they come into school and from what my daughter had explained to me, they're very very
shortened classes. Um so because they're so short, she said that generally nothing happened on those days. So now if we're increasing to nine of these days, it's more lost instruction time. And in addition to the fact that I know
in the past, and I don't know how this is going to be affected with a new NJSLA adaptive testing, um, but I know those days impacted when kids entered school depending on who had to do testing. Those were more reduced days. Um, I know
we did some of the midterm final kind of things that there were some changes in schedules. I just want to take a bigger look at how many days that kids are not in for a full day before we start increasing the amount of professional development days. >> So I think what we can do because the
two added days onto this calendar are October 5th and January 11th. Um and those are for uh course uh college recommendations for teachers to be able to do that and then
for course recommendations for the next year. Those are the two that would be added. I mean we can uh approve the calendar without those two extra days. Um so because if we look at the benefit
of as you said the classes are are shorter times sometimes students actually have tests during that time and it's lesser time to take a test. So um we did talk about that in governance. Uh does anyone else have from governance anything else
to say? >> I mean I just have some information that I kind of pulled together back in just because I have some ideas with my when started PV there were none of these shorten days and when they first initiated them I'm like this isn't genius I love it and it started off um
in 2017 18 year that there were three noted that um they were late arrivals and that continued for a couple of years obviously were canceled during COVID um but then after COVID I it went from five days to five days to to five to seven to
seven and now nine so I think that we just kept adding them without kind of getting real explanations of why they were being added. Um, so I did request some information about what is being used. Do we want to discuss that now or
no? And I guess I think it's important for people to know if we're doing this why what the teachers are doing during that time. >> No, 100% I I agree with you. I think um if it's sort of like trickling it turns
into a bigger trickle, a bigger drop, whatever. So, I I agree with what you're saying. Um I think that so I don't necessarily know that we have to table the whole calendar. Uh we can
table those two extra days that were put out there for this particular calendar for next year. Um and we can decide to just approve the calendar without about those two extra days
because I I agree with what you're saying that yes there's it adds up to time. Um and it is whether we want to think that or not the two hours is a disruption for students. I know students want to sleep. I get it guys. I do. I do. But at the same time then you're
rushing through classes and you're really not getting much out of that day. And our job is to make sure that you're getting the most out of school time. So um Deb, were you gonna say something? No, I think I think we said it. I think but I think that we can strike a balance
here between the student I don't there's a lot of feedback on that. Yeah, I I think that if you're trying to strike a balance between the students and the teachers and I think by keeping it what it was in the prior year um and
then maybe looking into it some more without disrupting, you know, and moving forward with the calendar if that's the most efficient way of doing them. Will you just take out October 5th and October 11th and 11th? >> Excuse me. Yes, January 11th. Um and
approve the rest of the calendar. Yeah, I think the whole point is we are here for students education and that's what we want. We we definitely want professional development for our staff, but uh balance is I think the word. Um
does anyone else have any other thoughts? Stephanie, >> well, can Kristen just finish that sentence? You were saying how I just finished that thought. >> I I asked Mr. Russo to Dr. Russo, I apologize, Dr. Russo and he gave me a
lot of really specific in um objectives. So I think it's important for us to understand that these are valuable. It's not like they're just going coming in late. The teachers aren't coming in late. The teachers are here doing development. Um I just I get concerned that we're adding them. So I feel like
if we can I think seven's still excessive, but if we're going to if we're going to approve seven, that's up to everybody else to decide. Um I think it's important for maybe everybody him to if I could share this out with the whole board or Dr. Russo can share with the whole board so everybody has an idea
of what they're using these days for. Um because some of it's like data analysis like little important stuff that's going to inform instruction. Um and then like you're saying the ones that they're adding because a lot of the same teachers are being requested to do additional work like writing letters of
recommendation for students for college. And I don't know if every teacher is impacted equally. I'm sure certain departments get a little bit more re little more in the the area of request for those kind of things. Um so I I understand why they're adding them. I
just don't know if there's some way we can manipulate and reduce this as much as possible. >> Yeah, I think it's worth noting that we as a board do not undervalue professional development. We feel that it is absolutely necessary and we can't
have the great that we do without having professional development. Um our job is to just make sure again that that's balanced out with um our our students getting the most and amount of time and beneficial time that they can get uh
from the days that we're looking at in the calendar. So uh I believe tell me correct me if I'm wrong we can say approve without October 5th and January. >> Yeah you can uh you would make a
>> you would make a a motion to amend that the the calendar and then then a motion to approve the amended calendar. >> Go ahead. >> Um as far as uh making a motion to either
go forward or take away the two days. I feel that uh maybe it should be tabled and maybe Dr. Russo should have uh time here in front of us to explain all the nuances of it because I'm seeing the
12th is a is a half day and there's professional development on the 12th as well and that's one week later after the 5th. So I do have a lot more questions uh than you know um and I think I think
he would you know it would be fair to have him come in >> and explain >> some of them leave early in a teacher day. Yeah. So there's those days too. >> So so you know I I mean he should uh
it's fair give him an opportunity. Is there a time constraint for us to approve down there? >> No. Uh I believe last year you guys approved pretty late. The the the Senate districts um they will wait for our
district to approve it before they approve theirs. >> So uh you know if um but >> could we approve the calendar without professional development? So at least they'll know the holidays because that's what the the districts want to work around. We can do that. >> I'm comfortable with that. And then we
can with half days though would be half >> they're not they're not doing two and a half days at the same >> well our our next our next board meeting is November 17th I I I don't I'm think waiting three and a half weeks four weeks is is >> okay so
we are going to uh can I get a motion to table the school calendar. >> I can make a motion to table the school calendar. >> Okay, I'll second. Okay, >> so we will be
we will have four consent agenda items starting from number two, three, four, five. Can I get a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Uh roll call, please. M
Miss Calderon, >> yes. >> Miss, yes. Mrs. Wong, >> yes. >> Miss Keller, >> yes. >> Mrs. Martin, >> yes. >> Mr. Angus, >> this is a motion to table, right? It's not the approval of the others yet.
>> This is a >> tables. I could have messed it up. >> And then we'll make the motion for the approval of >> So, this is Let's motion to table. So, first we're going to do the motion to table number one
under policy. >> I apologize for messing that up, everyone. Um, thank you. >> Wasn't a catch. >> It was a catch, Mr. Stenis. Thank you. >> Uh, did we get everybody or No,
>> it was on me. Can we just start over? >> Let's just start over just to be For clarity purposes, we are going to now vote yes or no to table number one. >> Miss Calderon, >> yes.
>> Yes. >> Miss Guzman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Wong, >> yes. >> Miss Keller, >> yes. >> Mrs. Martin, >> yes. >> Mr. Sten, >> yes. >> Miss Stephins, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mars,
>> yes. Next, can I please get a motion to to approve the consent agenda items two through five under policy?
>> So, okay. Any discussion? Roll call, please. Mrs. K. >> Miss Calderon, >> yes. Miss Guzman, yes. Mrs. Wong, >> yes. Miss Kell, >> yes. Mrs. Martin,
>> yes. >> Mr. Jenkins, >> yes. >> Miss Stephins, >> yes. >> Mrs. Varies, >> yes. >> Next, we have education for which we have three consent agenda items. >> Can I get a motion, please? >> So moved.
>> Second. Any discussion? Roll call, please. Mrs. >> M. Calderon, >> yes. >> Miss Grisman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Wong, >> yes. Miss Keller, >> yes. >> Mrs. Martin, >> yes. >> Mr. Sus,
>> yes. >> Miss Stephins, >> yes. >> Mrs. Baris, >> yes. Next, we have human resources for which we have 19 consent agenda items. Can I get a motion, please? >> Second.
>> Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. Mrs. M. Calderon. Yes, Miss Brisma. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Wong. >> Yes, >> Miss Keller. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Martin. >> Yes, >> Mr. Stenis. >> Yes, >> Miss Stephan. >> Yes,
>> Mrs. V. >> Yes. >> Next, we have finance for which we have 23 consent agenda items. Can I get a motion, please? >> Second. >> Any discussion?
Mrs. Ms. Calderon. Yes. >> Miss Gizmo. Yes. Mrs. Wong. >> Yes. >> Miss Keller. Yes. >> Mrs. Martin. >> Yes. >> Mr. Stenis. >> Yes. >> Miss Stephins. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Maris. Yes. Next we have old
business. Anything to discuss in old business? Next we have new business. I just one question about the um just for this is coming up a lot in the preview now in the NJSLA the adaptive
version for the fall assessment and I just want I told a couple people this I want to make sure I have it accurate because this is what I'm being told that the fall version we are not getting back scores nothing will be distributed this is just for pilot program for testing
purposes correct >> that is correct >> any other new business. Is this one? >> I just went to the New Jersey School Board Association convention in Atlantic City. There were seven of us. Um not board members, but seven department
heads. And um I just wanted to highlight like a few things. Um the New Jersey commissioner shared that New Jersey is overall ranked first at US News and World Report and New Jersey is ranked
third in public according to wallet hub and fourth in public education by consumer affairs. Um, one major topic that was discussed there was AI. How artificial intell intelligence is a
dominant topic because it's a tool that the schools are embracing and there is concern for the students use and the teacher integration and the teachers are learning how to incorporate it um in the classroom and how to detect when students might be using it in place of
writing like chat GBT. H um but they see the advantage and how to learn from it. So um something we have to embrace. Um so the teachers are going to maybe
adjust by making some assignments during class. Okay. And one highlighted um school was North Bergen High School presented data from their past 10 years. So within their public high school, they've created a STEM academy. So instead of
their students testing into their magnet school like for Pasc Hills and Pasc Valley, we test into Bergenmies. They've created a system in the last 10 years where um 10 years ago the superintendent said, "Hey, how can we advance our
STEM classes um science, math, reading to encourage the students to stay in their public high school instead of going out to these other schools and they shared this tenure data and it was fantastic. It was great that um like Dr.
Malia was our teacher of the year for science and so With some of that information, I've passed it on to our new curriculum director, Dr. Mark Russo, to take a look at what their curriculum has and they've strengthened their um
tracks to be more competitive with those kind ofmies. >> And that's all I was going to share. And we had a good time. We learned a lot. It's really great every year. >> Yeah, it is great. Thank you so much. Welcome. >> Uh any other new business?
Next, we have comments from the public. Citizens are invited to make comments and are limited to three minutes. According to the Pascat Valley Regional High School District Board of Education policy number 0167, persons wishing to speak must upon being recognized rise, sign in, and state their name and town
of residence. Would anyone like to speak? Okay, seeing as how there is no one to speak, can I get a motion to enter into executive session please. >> So moved. Okay, we are an executive
>> so we will not be returning to the