I'll call this meeting to order. Mr. Gibbs, please read the statement of compliance. >> In compliance with the Open Public Meeting Act, public law 1975, chapter 231, notice that this meeting has been properly advertised in daily record and suburban trends. Its agenda has been
posted at the appropriate locations. A copy has been filed with the PCON township clerk. >> Thank you. Please call the role. >> Mr. Bloomer >> here. >> Mr. Sesi >> here. >> Mrs. Espazito >> here. >> Mr. Gon is absent. Miss Ikeo >> here.
>> Mr. Mcweeny >> here. >> Mr. Mahalik >> here. >> Mr. Senic >> here. And Mrs. Chen >> here. >> We have a quorum. >> Thank you. Everyone please stand for the flag salute. All right, good evening everyone. Welcome to our July 20th workshop,
regregular business meeting. I don't really have a report tonight because we have a long meeting. So with that, I hope everyone's just having a great summer and I'm going to now pass the mic to Dr. Poris. >> I did not. And and I I think I just got framed as being the meeting extender. So
that that puts me in a tough spot. Happy new year everybody. We're we're excited to start a new school year. Um on a personal note, this is year 30 for me, so it's kind of a milestone year, which I'm pretty excited about. I know I know I look so young, too. Um few few quick updates and then I'll make sure I
keep the line moving. Uh last week we had our administrative retreat. That was a two-day process that I felt went very well. Uh Mrs. Vans was critical in the planning process for that and really our entire administrative team got involved with it. Um, we focused on data
presentations on the first day. Um, we did not have the NJSLA results for this past year as they're not ready yet. We're hoping to get those in the fall. Um, and I'm embarrassed. I just said hoping. But anyway, so we had to focus on some other metrics and I I
liked how it worked out. We focused a lot on growth, which is a critical component of what is reported to us from that testing data. And actually growth is valued more than proficiency. when you look at the school performance report where growth comprises 50% of
your score and uh proficiency is only 35% and then the other 15 is attendance. Nevertheless, um I felt like we got some really deep digs into analyzing data that helped us better understand performance of our students, our programs, our staff. It was I I thought
it was really useful and really did help to shape um how we're designing our district goals for this this school year that's actually just begun. Um it's good also looking at cohort progress as well as other trends. And then um we should be getting the NJ GPA which is the
graduation proficiency assessment. We should be getting that data in September which is already kind of late because kids need to know if they're on track to graduate based on the state assessment. Um and then the NJSLA I think state's being a little more cy
about. We're expecting October which is a 31day month. So it gives us a lot of wiggle room there. Uh but once we get it, we'll start breaking it down looking to make it as readily applicable as possible. Better if we get those results end of June, early July. This way we can shape our planning around it. But with
the recent change, it's just not not in the cards for this year. As far as goal setting, um I feel like I'm the butt of an inside joke because I've been adamant that you should never have more than three goals. And now we actually have four goals which I told the admin team it was a bold move on their point but I
could support it sort of. So our first one's going to continue in the vein of ensuring student success which is something from our strategic plan. We're going to continue with year four of the profile of aquanic student or graduate um work. Uh that's going to also have a fifth year. Second goal and uh Mr.
advanced coals at the center of this was the ensuring staff success through the multi-tiered system of supports um which really covers INRS covers RTI covers a lot but it helps us with our intervention services as well as more more importantly diagnosis of where we
need to intervene at the various tiers. Uh district 3 continues in the family and community partnerships which is also part of our strategic plan and this one focuses on communication which is an ongoing goal. We always want to improve in that area. And then uh the group that was responsible for designing that goal
added an additional goal because they wanted to also continue with the ensuring student success with some uh data supported student growth um goals. So very ambitious. Hopefully our ambition does not exceed our grasp. I trust that it will not and we'll look to present this information to the board in
time for a September approval. So a lot of work done there. And then the second day was um largely comprised of Danielson training and which is the model that we use for teacher evaluation presenter that we um had visit us I felt was excellent. I think that's an opinion
that was shared by the staff. Um the revision that we're looking at um takes us from the 2000 the the modified version the 2013 edition that we were using to the 2022. And they're pretty significant changes. Um, and it's really
important that the staff that's using the model, whether whether they're being evaluated or serving as evaluators, it's really important that they know it from the inside. Um, and it was just good opportunity for some team building as well. It's very busy during the school year, so it's nice to take some time in the summer, have everybody congregate
together in the same room for a couple days, um, and really just work together on some shared ideas. And then a couple other just quick things. Um we had an inclusive playground committee meeting back on July 1st. Uh went I thought very well. Um really got have a lot of things
going in motion. Um we're looking to get the order in if it's not already in for the playground equipment. There's about an 8week lead in that's needed for that. Um we still need to continue our funding efforts. Something that we're looking at is um some lower tier grants which
typically get overlooked. people go for the big dollars, the 50 to $100,000 realm as opposed to that 1020 range. So, um, we've had some really generous donations coming in from the community, which is very much appreciated, and we're really hoping to get this thing up
and running pretty soon. So, it's a very ambitious group. They've got some great energy. I'm trying trying to keep up with them and uh I I I think what we're going to have as an outcome is just going to be a sensational uh play area for our community as well as neighboring
communities, too. So, I'd love to be able to see kids coming in from from all different townships and giving parents a chance to really connect. Um and then finally, we we're starting the director of security interview process uh tomorrow. We have a committee set up for that. Um we'll do our second round next
week, but we're following the process that we typically use for administrative interviews. What's great is Mr. Lucas um is willing to be a part of the committee as well. He takes the job very seriously as he more or less became the job description. Um and those are big shoes
to fill, but we're looking for somebody who could do the job. Uh we also have a representative from the Pon Township Police Department and on um both rounds of the interviews as well because as you know we collaborate quite a bit with them. And then just just looking ahead um we have a presentations plan um
looking ahead for September and October. Um I'd love to be able to do the district assessment data presentation at the second meeting in October based on the timeline for when we should be getting that information. That might might not happen but that's our goal for right now. I'm excited when we're at
Cedar Crest. We'll probably do our AP data presentation. Um I know Mr. Hazel was very excited about that. Um he did have he had his annual call to me while I was down in North Carolina. I was running and was very excited to get the call because it was really good news. Um
our our numbers look fantastic, not just for student performance, but also really our enrollment. We're getting getting more kids and they're taking more tests which is really re really wonderful. And then uh we're hoping to do a portrait of graduate um update somewhere in that window as well to really look at what
we're doing for implementation for this year. So a lot of exciting things going on there. And I think I just exceeded the seven minute point. So I'm going to go ahead and back off now. >> All right. Thank you. Mr. Gibbs, do you have a report? >> Yes. Good evening. U tonight's port
agenda is the approval for the application for the school district's federal funds title grants. Uh the amounts are as follows. For title one, the grant we're looking to obtain is for $48,819. We budgeted $41,487.
So there would be an increase of $7,332. For professional development, they're looking to go for $24,414. We budgeted $25,525, which is a reduction of $1,111.
In title three, uh they're we're looking to obtain $5,164. We budgeted $1,342 and the difference is $3,822. For title 4, that's safe, excuse me, safety and health. Uh we're looking to
obtain $10,000. We budgeted 7,500 and the difference is $2,500. So overall, um, the school district is looking to pick up an additional $12,543 in federal funding. The school district received notication
on the extraordinary aid amount that came in at $726,858. The school district budgeted $726,000, which gives the school district an additional $858. So that one was pretty close. Also on tonight's support agenda are two
short-term one-month contracts for school board attorneys at the current rate and that will end as of uh the end of August. The school district closed the board office uh closed on the board office on Wednesday, June 24th and I'm working with the architect and moving
forward with a new office. It will be discussed further at the discussion portion of the FFA section of the board agenda. The RFP for an architect was advertised on Friday, June 19th. Only on July 9th, there was a tour of the school facilities of which there were six
attendees. It too will be discussed further at the discussion portion of the FFA uh section of the board meeting. Based on the latest SEBP meeting last week, effective Jul uh January 1st, 2027, the health insurance rates
increase is going to be 32%. >> Starting January. starting January, of which the school district budgeted 22%. We were told that health insurance could go up as high as 25 to 30, but now it's going up 32. It was also mentioned that the meeting with the state had had to
borrow an additional $70 million from the retirement fund to pay claims till the end of the calendar year, which means they're in bad shape. Uh there will be another AON meeting to finalize the increase on July 27th. With respect to going to a poolled
program, the request for the health insurance experience rating has been received by the state and we should have an answer within the next six to eight weeks. Depending on the outcome of the new experience ratings will determine whether the school district can make a move to a poolled insurance program and perhaps to save money on premiums. Are
there any questions? >> No. Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Gibbs. Uh, next up is approval of the minutes. Miss Aaya, would you please move the minutes? >> Yes, I would like to move the minutes from June 22nd, 2026. >> Second.
>> Any question or discussion? >> Mr. Gibbs, please call the RO. >> Mr. Bloomer, >> yes. >> Mr. Sesi, >> yes. >> Mr. Giddon is absent. Miss AO, >> yes. >> Mr. Mcweeny, >> yes. >> Mr. Mahalik, >> abstain. >> Mrs. Shenton, >> yes.
>> Mrs. Espazito, >> yes. >> And Mr. Senate. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> All right. That brings us to our first opportunity for public comment. Members of the public may speak once for a maximum period of 5 minutes by the clock during this portion of the meeting and the public may speak on any agenda item
only during that time. If a member of the public has a question, the question should be directed to the board president. Don't forget to state your name and sign in before you begin to speak. Okay. Uh, seeing no one coming to the mic, we're going to move on to approval of action items. First up is PMC. And
I'd like Mr. Sesi to please move the items under PMC. >> I would like to move PMC 01-27 through PMC 12-27. >> Everybody notice that they're ending 27
right now. >> MW second. Any question or discussion? >> Mr. Mr. Gibbs, please call the role. >> Mr. Bloomer, >> yes. >> Mr. Sesi, >> yes. >> Mr. Gon is absent. Mr. Ao, >> yes. >> Mr. Mcweeny, >> yes. >> Mr. Mahalik,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Shenton, >> yes. >> Mrs. Espazito, >> yes. >> And Mr. Senic, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Next up is CIS. Miss Espazito, would you please move the items under CIS? >> I'd like to move CIS01-27
through CIS05-27. Second. Any question or discussion? >> Mr. Gibbs, please call the RO. >> Mr. Bloomer, >> yes. >> Mr. Sesi, >> yes. >> Mr. Giddon is absent. Miss Ao, >> yes. >> Mr. Mcweeny, >> yes. >> Mr. Mahalik,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Shenton, >> yes. >> Mrs. Espazito and Mr. Sen. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Next up is FFA where we have five items to discuss as part of the workshop before we get to the action items. Those items are an update on the new board office, a honeywall report on our energy
savings related to ESIP, uh the RFP process for the school attorney, the RFP process for the school architect, and lunch prices for next year. >> In your board packet is the budget breakdown for two budgets. One is for the construction using modular
construction and the other is for remodeling the existing building. As you will be able to see, the remodeling is coming in at a lesser amount. The modular construction total estimated budget is 2.9 million and the remodeling of the existing building is estimated at
2.4 million. Here's where we stand today. If the board wants to move forward with the remodeling, the estimated time for completion is April or May 202027. If the board elects to go ahead with the modular, then the board will have to go back to the planning board for
resubmission of approval, which will take more time. So, it could be as late as June or July of 2027. Um to finalize the bids, the estimated times were as follows. Meet with the district to confirm the final layout of
design could take 1 to two weeks. Update submission to the DOE, one week. Prepare construction documents for public bid four to five weeks. Public bid period 3 to four weeks. And to award the contract will depend on when the board meeting is
that will approve it. So the estimated time up until getting the contractor lined up is about 6 to 8 months. So that's going to be quite a while. >> Is there any question on that at all? >> What is the anticipated cost difference?
>> Well, you're looking at 2.9 versus 2.4. >> So half million difference. >> What's that? >> So $500,000. >> Yeah. So half a million dollars for a couple months. >> Yeah. >> Okay. That's probably worth it.
>> Now, keep in mind, we only budgeted 2.75 million for this project. We spent $550,000 on buying the property. So, we're down to 2.2 million. They're looking as a budget to be 2.4 million. So, I'm 200,000 short. What does that mean? I
have two ways to do this. I can either try to find it in the general fund, which I'm not going to do that, or um apply to the state to use our capital reserve. You have to apply to the state and the county after board approval, obviously, uh after a budget's been
passed. If we hadn't passed our budget yet, we could factor it into the budget, but it's past the fact. It's after the fact, so we have to do it in that fashion. Any questions about that at all? Or >> there is also a chance that the bids could come in below the budget. That is quite >> considering the the budget's from the
architect, >> right? >> It's not actually a bid from a contractor. >> Right. So, it's just a budget, just an estimate, >> right? Yeah. >> So, Gordon, um because we're a school district, we're not paying taxes on that, right? >> Correct. >> Correct.
>> Well, let's hold on to it for five years and turn around and flip it and sell it then. >> Any other questions on that? >> No. Okay. Also, um, in your packet, there's a copy of the Honeywell report. For those who may not know what the
Honeywell report is, the Honeywell report is a report that enables the reader to have an understanding of the amount of savings in both gas and electric usage over the past two years. According to the report, the district has saved $94,766
in electricity, $88,378 in fuel, and there was an adjustment that was made the amount of $29,649, which equates to a total savings of $266,264. Now, Honeywell does a guarantee of $245,689,
which leaves a difference of 20,595. On page 40 of the report, it gives a breakdown as to what that adjustment summary is. And the adjustments are based on the energy anticipated usage calculations that were adjusted based on actual charges.
One of the adjustments is the vending machine vending miser adjustment, which is calculated based on vending machines that are no longer in operation by the school district. They're still in a building, but we don't use them. Another part of the adjustment is the building management system. that is the
non-contractual operating perimeter adjustment but was calculated because some operating schedules and temperature set points didn't meet the guaranteed period operating perimeters. So those are the two differences that make up that adjustment.
Good. So I went through that report and um overall taking it school by school essentially the elementary schools are saving a lot of money >> and the high school and the middle school is losing a little bit of money
because they're using more gas and when you look into the details as far as you're you're speaking about the BMSing the uh the BMS system the building management system the set point that we seem to be using in the winter when the building is unoccupied is higher than what Honeywell anticipated. They thought
we would keep the building at 60° and we're keeping it at like 63 degrees. And then we're also keeping a little bit cooler in the summer than they anticipated that we would keep it. But primarily the difference in savings between the high school and the elementary schools is driven by natural gas usage. Um overall though it seems
like we are saving a significant amount of money um really because of the changes to the light fixtures that are taking a lot less electricity. >> Okay. So, but overall they're meeting the guarantee. The ESIP program appears to be at this point two years after it's
completed a success that we are saving money. Um, and I would ask that since this is a three-year review that next year they give us the same report that they gave us this year. >> Okay. Definitely request that. Next item I have is the I'm sorry.
>> Uh, the question I have a question about the air conditioning in the building in the summertime. We're not air conditioning the whole building, just the offices that the people are in. Correct. >> We have some air conditioning in some rooms. Not just the offices, some classrooms.
>> But are they But we're not air conditioning unoccupied rooms, are we? >> No, we we have uh extended school year going on in July. So obviously those rooms you have to make sure are air conditioned. But >> yeah, if if something's not being used, we're not >> Right. Okay. Definitely. We're not running the AC.
>> Thanks. >> Any other questions? But Sam, just to be clear, we're saving a ton of money on electricity. Where we're losing money in the high school and in the middle school and overall, we're still saving overall >> is in gas usage.
>> So, the electric, we're saving a ton of electric and each school, but in gas usage for the high school and the uh middle school, we're we're losing a little bit of money, but overall, we're saving a ton of money. >> Any other questions? The next item I have is the RFP for
school attorney. Uh this evening the board interviewed four candidates during a special board meeting and executive session for the position of school attorney. The board will score each candidate and the board will vote on at the August 17th workshopregular board meeting for the appointed firm. Is there
any questions on that at all? So, you're going to issue a scoring sheet now to the people that were in exact so they could score the firms and >> right >> come up with an overall. >> We'll tally it up and we'll get over. >> Okay. When do you anticipate issuing that? >> Um, hopefully by tomorrow afternoon. >> Okay. >> Yeah. But I want you to look at it first. We talked about this a little
bit. Yeah. Yeah. >> Is the plan to have exec before that meeting so there can be discussion or just I mean obviously I'm not going to score but obviously just score tally and be done. I just want everyone to understand what the process is.
Um, we certainly could talk about it, but um, yeah, we'll have to we'll have to plan that. I mean, we kind of talked about it today, which is why we met at six to go interview the people, but I imagine once we score, there might be some more questions, so we might have to move again. >> I just I know in the past that that's
sort of been what's happened. People have scored and then there've been lots of questions. So, I just want to make sure it's everything's planned appropriately. >> Any other questions? No. Uh an update on the RFP for school architect. The RFP for the architect was
advertised on June 19th. On June, excuse me, on July 9th, there were a tour of the school facilities of which there were six attendees. The opening of the proposals is scheduled for July 28th in accordance with state guidelines. And the committee will have 20 days to review the proposals and grade them in
order to make a final decision uh at the August 17th board meeting or the following meeting, whatever the board decides. Okay. Any questions on that at all? >> Yeah, I think we said this in the past meeting, but I'd like you to put together an RFP outline or schedule to
say like the responses are due on this date. We anticipate to give them to the board on this date. We expect the board's review complete by this date. We're going to meet in this particular meeting on this date to have an executive session to talk about it and then we could vote at this meeting,
whatever meeting that turns out to be. Okay. So, but I'd like to see that laid out in dates to give into the board so that we can properly plan. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So, we're not planning to interview architects like we have in the past. >> No, that's what I'm asking him to do. Put that down on a plan as far as like
the responses that we're going to receive from the architects will be on Wednesday. He's then going to give it to us on Thursday. We'll then have the opportunity to meet interview them at the next meeting, whenever that is, and then we'll score and then we'll vote at this meeting. Like I want that whole
schedule and process laid out so everyone on the board knows when you're going to get something, when you're expected to respond to it. >> No, thank you. I missed the part where you said interview them. I just heard the get everything, collect information, and then the board vote. So, thank you. >> Yeah. And something that we use a lot in
education too is the backwards planning model where what's the end point? End point is approval on this date and then work backwards from that. What is each step all of which are interlocking? what where are the deadlines for that? And that that gives us a clear outline of of
what we have to do to arrive successfully at that that final point. >> Okay. Any other questions? No. Okay. The last item I have is the 2026 20227 school lunch prices. Uh the
proposed 2627 school lunch prices are in your board packet. Some of the prices remain the same and some went up about 2% or 5 to 10 cents per meal. A question was asked regarding Pltonian increasing their annual guarantee and they said they would not given the school district
had a $60,000 profit this past year and they don't give guarantees to most of their school districts. So, we're very fortunate they do give a guarantee. Yeah. Any questions on that at all? No. Thank you. Um, before we uh vote, I'd like to table
FFA 13-27. >> Is there a second? Second. >> All right, Mr. Gibbs, please call the RO. >> Is there a motion? >> Yes. The motion is to table >> 13 FFA 13-27. Mazito made the motion.
Mr. Mweeny second it. Okay. >> I think the board needs an explanation as to why first. >> Sure. >> Question discussion. >> Um they have excluded the
the only team that participates in the football game who is being excluded are the cheerleaders. So that needs to be revisited. >> What's >> So there's been a long history of how the football booster club has divvied up the money, the band, the all that. Um it
has changed. Um and uh Mrs. Espazito brought that to my attention. Uh Mr. Silipina is on vacation, cannot weigh in on the topic uh the way we need him to. So she asked that we just table that until next next
meeting. >> What is the change? The changes are the cheerleaders are not being recipients of any of the um door money anymore. >> They always were though. >> They were taken care of by the football booster club which will no longer be the case.
>> They have never received the uh gate receipts before. However, there were the football team would pay for their banquet or such and that is not happening or the football booster club. That is not happening this year. >> Okay. So this is a decision of the football booster club. Has nothing to do
with the ban. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Well, I I think it has to do with all the parties involved that they had to get together and come up. >> No, I understand that. But I'm saying split would be >> okay. But it was it used to be split a certain way and the cheerleaders got a
portion of the football boosters club and that is not part of it anymore. >> Wasn't necessarily a portion. It was more of like gifts or or some kind of >> funding for their activities that need to be done the decorating >> something but that is not the case going
forward. >> Okay. So before we approve the distribution of the funds >> sure >> we just want the full story. >> All right. >> So this is a change that's being pushed by the football boosters club. My understanding >> it it is being pushed by the cheer booster
club because it's now >> because they should be now it's two separate clubs completely right. So it needs to be this this >> needs to be remedied. >> It needs to be recognized know who's >> yeah Sam this wording is probably exactly the same from last year. The
difference is is that last year the cheerleaders got something from as being a part a part loosely of the football boosters club and this year that's no longer the case. >> Right. >> So we just >> Yeah, let's definitely table this for discussion. >> Yeah, >> that sounds like >> Thank you. >> Good idea.
>> All right, Mr. Gibbs, please call the role. >> Mr. Bloomer, >> yes. >> Mr. Sesi, >> yes. >> Mr. Giddon is absent. Miss Ao, >> yes. >> Mr. Mcweeny, >> yes. >> Mr. Mahalik, >> yes. >> Mrs. Shenton. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Espazito. >> Yes.
>> And Mr. Senic. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> All right. Uh, Mr. Bloom, would you please move the remainder of the items under FFA? >> I'd like to make a motion to move FFA01-27 through FFA 12-27 and FFA14-27
through FFA17-27. >> Second. >> Uh, I just have one question and it's really to either Dr. Poris or Miss Venickle. Could you guys please just expand upon FFA uh0927 which is the SEM sprouts grant and what that entails and
what that money goes to. >> So um Miss Barbosa, our assigned supervisor um wants to apply to the STEM spouts grant which is through the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation. It's up to 25,000. We don't apply for a certain amount.
They just decide what they want to give. Um the point is uh it targets our K to5 students in terms of supporting additional Lego education um computer and AI STEM kits um to
expand that just a way to get money to help expand that program. >> All right. Thank you. All right. Mr. Gibbs, please call the role. >> Mr. Bloomer, >> yes. >> Mr. Sesi, >> yes. >> Mr. Giddon is absent. Mrs. Ikeo, >> yes.
>> Mr. Mcweeny. >> Mr. Mahalik, >> yes. >> Mrs. Shanton, >> yes. >> Mrs. Espazito, >> yes. >> And Mr. Senic, >> yes. >> Motion carries. I'd like to take a moment to thank um the absolute generous donors uh especially for the prek inclusive playground, Mr. Mrs. Brain,
American Legion Post450, Justin Mus, and then the physical therapy table valued at $250 from New York, excuse me, New Jersey Doctors of Physical Therapy. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Bloomer. Next up is policy. Uh we have three items to
discuss. Commencing activities and uh the regulation and the policy guiding student use of internet enabled devices before we move the action items. >> Okay. Um so I'll take this in reverse order with 5516 first. The student use
of internet enabled devices. Uh Dr. reporters just today sent uh circulated to the board the revised policies that were just given to us by SH last night today. So I think we should all review those uh before we kind of dive into any big discussions on it or vote on them.
Um obviously this is something we've been talking about for a while. It's the you know beltto bell cell phone bans. Um so we have there's some decisions we have to make and there there are some choices on uh 5516R.
Um, but they're they're pretty straightforward. >> So, Greg, how would you want to facilitate that? Do you want to have a policy meeting and talk about that and then bring it to the board for those two or would you like how would you recommend we facilitate that? >> We'll have another policy meeting uh be
before our next meeting in August, discuss that. Um, and then we'll come back with a recommendation. >> Um, just so everybody knows, I I did send out yesterday a policy committee meeting. We had a policy committee meeting last Monday. So I g I sent out a document with some notes from our
discussion. Um in that we did discuss uh 5460 commencement activities which we'll discuss here now. Um but if anybody has any questions over the other policies we discussed just bring them up now or after the meeting.
um commencement activities uh 5460.1. Um there's a there was a proposal or an idea to add additional wording to the policy to allow other uh individuals who are not currently recognized in the policy to uh present a diploma at
graduation. Right now, uh, faculty members, administrators, board members, and previous board members are allowed to, uh, present a diploma graduation. Um, and extraordinary circumstances, there may be a reason to allow somebody else
in the community, um, to present a diploma at graduation. Um, and I think that the board should consider that. Um, rather than we did what we did this year and just suspending the policy for a
short period of time and then reinstating it, um, I think we should amend the policy to allow that to happen. Uh, allow it to another individual to come in and, uh, present a diploma if needed. Uh, there are certain criterias we can that we
came up with. um in the proposed wording um that is that I was circulated uh yesterday. Um I don't know anybody else from the policy committee want to comment. >> Yeah, I mean I think it should be amended. Um the reason why we had to
suspend it was because we got the request um with not enough time to actually have a meeting to do anything with the policy before the graduation had occurred. So we were presented with a request and we felt compelled to uh grant the request and that led us to
retroactively suspend it just for that one instance. Going forward though we do feel that we do want to follow our policy like we always do um and therefore since we can see this uh foreseeably arising in the future we'd like to amend it. So uh Mr. Mcweeny the
policy committee has put together some language that's as Mr. when you said in your package um does anyone have any comments on it? >> Yeah, I I was comfortable with proposed additional wording one tweak. So when we say um written request submitted 45 days
in advance, can we say at least 45 days or no less than 45 days? Saying 45 days I think implies at the 45day mark and then it's like well does that include the graduation day? Does that not include the graduation day? And I'm sitting with the calendar trying to work my way backwards. So just at least 45
days so somebody knows if you submit it 50 days you're good. If you submit it 40 days you're not um a little tweak but I think it'll help with clarity but otherwise the rest that's good. Thank you. I >> think that works. And the reason why we decided 45 days is it gives the board
time to review the application, discuss it in in a meeting either exact or publicly um and have the administration have the time to make make an adjustment. Would you need to add somebody to the commencement agenda? Live document.
Anyone else have any comments on that? >> And then I'll just bring it back to the um cell phone policies too. And one of the things that Strauss in their um mailing that they that I I received
today suggested was considering waving the uh two readings. This is something we did during COVID where we were able to wave the second reading and prove after a first reading. Um, I think given the gravity of this policy, I I I think
we're better off waiting till um, September. I believe it's the 8th now. School or school will already have been in session at that point for three school days, and I'm fine with that. Um, and and maybe it's just conversation fatigue, but I feel like
I feel like there's a lot of sound and fury surrounding this this policy implementation. And I'm not saying it's at a local level, but just statewide. and it's creating a lot of nashing of teeth unnecessarily like K to8 what we have in place doesn't change it's it's identical to what we have now the
biggest adjustment is is at the high school where students were allowed to use their cell phones in the hallway and during the lunch block and and they're not going to be able to now they can use it before school they can use it after school depending on what the context is um but anyway but we as Mr. Mr. Mweeny
alluded to we'll be thorough and make sure that we're consistent with statute as well as what the state recommends. Um I just hope that it doesn't get blown up to be something more significant than than what it is because I know there's been
so will they won't they. It's not their fault. They're they're trying to be responsive to what the state's doing. But >> we'll get it done. We'll get it done right and hopefully with as little stress reduced as possible. >> Dr. report that during the policy committee meeting we discussed the
possibility of amending student handbooks. Uh so when for Pey and for the high school so when the students come in and they have to sign it they receive it. Is that a possibility? >> Yeah. So it would have require something for the high school handbooks. What what
I would recommend is um to put something in the high school handbook for what is going to be approved and just put parenthetically pending board approval. Um because it's it it's going to happen. I mean the statute's pretty clear like it's not like it's saying districts have
the discretion whether too. It's this is what you're doing. So um yeah, we can just have the phrasing in there. It'll be parenthetical. It'll get approved presumably at the September 9th meeting. Um,
pretty good. >> Yeah. I mean, I would not want to put this policy particularly through not through the two-step process that every other policy goes through, particularly something that's, >> you know, likely to generate uh commentary from the public. And then
also we could also if it if it turns out that way move the meeting a week earlier so that way we could vote on it before school. There's nothing saying that we could move the meeting just so we can get it in before school starts. But and that's that's just another option. >> Sam, you go ahead, Pam.
>> Um I have a question. Could we do something with the policy where we straight out ban the phones at the middle school and then kind of grandfather the high school kids in and then then it's gone?
>> No. So the so the middle school we're already covered because what we have at the middle school is exactly um in line with with what's in the state requirements. Uh but the high school there's no there's no grandfathering. It's It's cold turkey.
>> Okay, rip off the band-aid. >> I just had a quick question. Um, and I can't ask my children this because they're five and six, so they have no concept of this yet. Um, but the point of sales systems for the food services for Pmptonian, are they only right now
through like student pin numbers and cash, Gordon? Because I know a lot of schools have toast and Apple Pay now. Um, and if kids are paying with their phones, I'm just wondering how that's going to play into the whole thing. I don't know if we have that through our point of sales. I've never been to the
high school or middle school cafeteria, so >> yeah, typically it's done through a a pen. Um, but we're working on a new system, so I'll have to get back to you on that. Okay. >> Yeah, there I I know there's no Apple Pay at the point of sale, though, like it would have to be um based on what's
in their My School Bucks account or they can use cash as well. No. >> Yeah. Yeah. And it's I mean there I I'll put it out there too like there there are going to definitely be um so some holes especially in September October
poked in in whatever um whatever implications are are involved with the policy and we've we've had conversations um amongst administrators that there was this massive push a few years ago to have kids on devices as much as possible. And
you know, there was even a movement about about 12 years ago to bring your own device. And now we're seeing a pretty significant shift away from that. Like we're even seeing that districts are now moving away from having any devices in the hands of kindergarten through second graders. So um
American public education has historically worked in either or directions. And this is something John Dwey pointed out back in like 1910. Um and we're we still do it. And so what we're seeing right now is is a pretty significant shift back regarding
cellular devices. And I I mean I'd love to say that in a couple years we'll we'll end up more more in the middle where we have something that recognizes we should be teaching responsible device usage. Um as opposed to saying
everything about them is awful. I'm a dreamer. >> Any other comments or questions? All right, Mr. Msini, would you please move the items under policy? >> Yes. I'd like to move PO1-27 and PO2-27.
>> Second. >> Uh, Espazito second. Any question or discussion? >> Mr. Gibbs, please call the role. >> Mr. Bloomer, >> yes. >> Mr. Sesi, >> yes. >> Mr. Gon is absent. Misso, >> yes. >> Mr. Mcweeny, >> yes. >> Mr. Mahalik, >> yes.
>> Mrs. Shenton, >> yes. >> Mrs. Espazito, >> yes. >> And Mr. Sen, >> yes. Motion carries. >> Okay. Next up is other. Miss Shettton, would you please move the item under other? >> Sure. I'd like to move other um O-01-27. >> Second.
>> Question or discussion? >> Mr. Gibbs, please call the RO. >> Mr. Bloomer, >> yes. >> Mr. Sesi, >> yes. >> Mr. Gon is absent. Miss Ao, >> yes. >> Mr. Mcweeny, >> yes. >> Mr. Mahalik, >> yes. >> Mrs. Shanton, >> yes. >> Mrs. Espazito, >> yes.
>> And Mr. Senk, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> All right. Next up is our second opportunity for public comment. Members of the public may speak again for a maximum period of 5 minutes by the clock during this portion of the meeting. If you do have a question, please raise it and uh address it to the board
president. State your name and sign in before you begin. And at this point, you can talk on any topic. Doesn't have to be an agenda item. It could be anything on your mind. Okay. Seeing no one coming to the mic, I'm going to close that. Move into unfinished business. Any board member have any unfinished business?
Any board member have any new business? >> Don't really think it's new business, but I'm going to throw it out there. Um, Dr. Poris, you were talking about the new the new playground um during your report. I'm so excited about it. Um, I happen to be walking around North Boulevard. I don't know if the new
playground includes fencing, but the current fencing in that area is not looking so great. Um, which is kind of sad because it's relatively new. Um, but I think there are lots of kids climbing out and stuff. It's just not in good shape and there are lots of sharp broken
places. So, I just wanted to sort of bring that to your attention because if it's not in the plan, they should be. >> Yep. And uh we're very fortunate we have someone who's willing to donate the um the fencing itself and then we'll we'll pay for the installation or I might have that flipped around. But either way uh
get getting new fencing that'll have two egress spots in it. Um and and we're also um hopefully with our fundraising efforts going to be able to have um a little little bit extra tucked away for maintenance because we know where children play things things will get
broken. It's just it's a function of things and fences by themselves are attractive nuisances. It's um it's tough to see one and not want to climb it when you're of a certain age. I've I've aged out, but the people using that area will most likely want to climb it. So, yeah.
So, we we'll be ready for that. >> Yep. Any board member announcements. Okay. We do have consideration to go into executive session where we will talk about student matters. Uh no action will be taken and we will adjourn from
there. Our next meeting will be August 11th which will be our board retreat and then our meeting after that will be our workshop meeting on August 17th. Both will be here at the high school. Is >> we should also we're probably going to talk about our prior exact. So add that. >> Is there a motion to go into executive
session? >> Motion to go on exec. Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed?