WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=cw9enCIsl3U

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: cw9enCIsl3U):
- 00:16:19: Meeting Commences: Flag Salute, Introductions, and Notifications
- 00:18:00: Winter Athletic Recognition: Honoring Student Wrestling Achievements
- 00:23:11: Tributes and Thanks for Female and Male Wrestlers
- 00:33:58: Executive Session Adjournment and Discussion
- 00:34:59: Executive Session: Personal Matters, Litigation, HIV Reports
- 01:16:53: Public Session Reconvenes: Mock Trial Presentation Introduction
- 01:18:38: Kakim Middle School: Mock Trial Presentation by Students
- 01:32:59: Student Representative Report: High School Activities Update
- 01:38:58: President's Report: Teacher Appreciation, Student Recognition
- 01:42:50: Volunteer Appreciation and Introduction of Superintendent Report
- 01:43:10: Superintendent's Report: Student and Staff Highlights
- 01:46:17: Sophia Abdul Recognized, Accepted into Governor's School
- 01:51:17: Kai Selected for Ruckers Youth and Joy Science Program
- 01:55:24: Sixth Graders Recognized for Essay Contest Win
- 02:02:48: Superintendent's Report Continues: Emphasis on Education
- 02:05:45: Wellness Policy: Presentation on Nutrition and Activity
- 02:18:05: New Staff Members Welcomed, Filling Positions
- 02:24:22: New Leadership and Retirement Announcements
- 02:27:18: Introduction of Committee Reports
- 02:28:30: Planning & Operations Committee Report: Projects & Budget
- 02:33:01: Policy and Legislative Committee Update and Discussion
- 02:36:36: Public Comment Slot 1: J. King Poetry Performance
- 02:45:49: Motion to Close and Transition to Approvals
- 02:47:26: Approval of Board Agenda
- 02:50:55: Policy Discussions and Approvals
- 02:56:43: Review of Prior Resolutions and Progress
- 02:57:31: Discussion of New Resolutions: Delegation and Concerns
- 03:04:54: Program for Community is Absolutely Necessary
- 03:14:40: The Delegate has a Valuable Opportunity to Share Our Positions
- 03:16:17: There Needs to be More Strategy on the State Level
- 03:17:43: Individual District's Voices are not Enough
- 03:18:54: There is some Confusion with these Resolutions
- 03:35:07: Proposal: Rivers Makes Comments, Patel Work, Board Resolution
- 03:42:04: It's Up to the Community and Should Start there First
- 03:48:54: Let's Move to the Final Recommendation
- 03:56:26: Additional Thoughts and Ideas
- 04:00:02: Meeting Adjourned


Part: 1

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Hello. I call the order to the flag to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisibley

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andice for all >> secretary I'll just mention um Uh my vice president, Miss M. Cherry, extends her regards. She's not going to be here this evening. >> Mr. Cherry, Dr. Connor, >> presson >> notification announcements. Hereby be it

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known that the Skyway Township Board of Education has complied with the notification requirements of Open public meeting for the announcement of this meeting date and place on April 4th, 2026 in the following manner. Posting of

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the public notice on the posting board for the board of education in the administration building. Email notification to the newspaper survey scattering the news tribune and the courier news. Email notification filed with the municipal clerk at the

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municipal building and hold lane. This meeting is being digitally recorded. This recording is not an official record or supplement to the minutes and is intended only as a source of information that the public might utilize at a later date to familiarize themselves with the

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board activity. The winter athletic uh recognition. Yes. All right. So tonight student presentation will be doing our recognition of our winter athletics.

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>> Mr. Mr. Harmer um thank you very much board of education for all the support for the athletic program and for administration. Um, since I've been athletic director here, we've been able to really honor our athletes, and this is something that

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we've been doing for the past few years where if you get to the highest level of athletics in the NJSIA during New Jersey, that we get to honor them here during the board of education. So, the two people we're going to talk about today are both wrestling people. Um,

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they've made it to the highest level they possibly could done. Um, and I'm going to bring the coaches up and let them talk a little bit about it. But again, congratulations guys. I'm so happy as a athletic director to watch the two of you in the four years that you have been at Piscataway and what you

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have become and what you're going to go on to. So again, congratulations. First, uh, Coach Morgan, come on up, please. I've known John almost when she was born. She started I started seeing her when her

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when her older brother started wrestling in second grade and then she began second grade also. Ever since then, she's just been a pleasure to coach, pleasure to watch, and just a fantastic wrestler. Over the years, she's won multiple state group

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titles, an all-American, and as a high school wrestler. Unfortunately, she's suffered some health issues, some injury issues, missed her freshman year entirely. Sophomore year was out for about half the year but still came back third in

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the region tournament and qualified for her junior year. She was relatively healthy and won the region championship first titles for a girl and was unable to compete at the state

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due to health issues. >> Her senior year started with health issues came back and unfortunately was not able to her ideal weight, her optimum weight, and so she was, you know, a little bit out muscled at times,

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but she was hung with everybody all the way up and down the line. Um, she almost beat the world second in the state. She got down early and came back and was giving her a little hard time

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and unfortunately she didn't beat her, but she still moved on to region tournament, placed third in the region. stage one that she came in again muscle a little bit, but you know, she hung in there like a champ, which she

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is. And eventually she was out due to an injury and let her out of this tournament, but she went long enough to place a states tournament and take the podium, get a picture with everybody, all the state place winners and we couldn't be more

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proud of it. And add one more thing there would not be a Excuse me. She was the pioneer. You know, she wasn't our first ever wrestler, but she was our first real wrestler. And I remember last year I was at her house

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and talking to her and her mom and they said how much they would like to have a girl's wrestling team. And you know, that put the idea in my head. And as the season went by, I kept thinking more and more about it and said, "This is something we have to do, not just for Jean, but for all the girls." And because of her, we went from just a

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handful of girls. We have 19 girls this year. And next year, we expect to have even more. So, you know, it's a growing sport for girls. They love it. And it's all because of John. There's a couple things I would like to add. I have personally seen in the short

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time I've been a couple times. Proud soon. Congratulations to all your coaches. family members. You are inspir.

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I want to just thank you from the bottom of my heart as a bright, strong young lady that you are getting out there and making sure that everyone knows that women are strong and women can do this. So, thank you. Because of you, there's

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so much more to come for so many other young ladies coming up in the district. Thank you so much. Now they can bring up coach Smith and Mr. Come on. Thanks to the board set up here tonight back again second

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year in a row with John as a coach. I'm super proud of not only the type of aggressive but they become the type of young men and young women that they are. They're leaders for our team. They're leaders for the school and the senior class. And in general, they're very they're great

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representation of what has to offer moving up to the next level. great representation of the high school, the community and everything. As far as Sean wrestling aside, leadership qualities, both them have amazing leadership qualities. Sean, uh, he is typically we don't let an

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underassman become a captain learning the ropes and coming into their own, but we made him a captain as high school. Um, we've been the captain for the team for three years straight and in my opinion and my assistant coaches alike. Um, he's become the best leader

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and captain that we've had in my 13 years and teaching here at SC High School. Um, it's just how he is, his personality. Uh, he gets everyone involved. Um, all the way from the upper classman, better wrestlers all the way down to the younger kids, the freshman

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JB wrestlers. He's always kind of making everyone feel like they're needed involved. I've seen I I remember a couple times we had matches you think being our star wrestler one of the best guys warm up routine is is impecc

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I've seen him filming JB matches with his phone because he asked Sean to film it smile on his face oh my god I'm helping out so a lot of times you don't see that from very high level division one athletes that just speaks to his

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type of young man that come to be. That's a uh that's a testament to how he was raised. His parents, he's a very involved family. Um they're very supportive of him and his endeavors and wrestling and everything else that he does. Three sport athlete, star on the football team. Uh very good track

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athlete, obviously an amazing wrestler, lifelong wrestler. Um, but as far as his accomp his accomplishments aside, again, uh, what he's been able to do for our team, being the face of the team, you kind of had a little bit of extra pressure put on you, you would think,

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but we never really saw it. He kind of embraced it and took it on as as a positive thing, a positive way to uh, push his mindset, his ideas on his teammates and on our program. And one thing it's again small detail

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but I took it I took notice of this >> early on even last year and this year early on the season he's the first person I heard thank the bus drivers when we get off the bus thank you guys kept doing it kept doing

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it and I noticed I started hearing it more and more from other kids that get off the bus even before get off the bus and by the end of this year about three4ers of the team getting off the bus while I passed away that said, "Thank you, the bus driver." That small

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little detail speaks to his character and how infectious his positivity and his appreciation for anyone helping or adults, elders, coaches, teachers, administrators. Um, it just speaks to the type of person he is and what he has to offer to the world, the next level,

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next up. Um, but yeah, I just want to thank him for letting myself, our coaching staff be part of his journey and him become, you know, the great young man that he is, a great amazing wrestler that he is. Um, accolades, Sean

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was a two-time county champ, three-time finalist. Um, he's a three-time district champ. Um, which he kind of followed in the footsteps of some of his other mentors. Um, I coached three with three three time district champs. He's our most recent one. Um, this year he uh he

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placed third in the region and then went on to the state tournament. And in the state tournament, his one loss in which was a big obstacle for him. He was nervous going into the match but still he was he knew what he had to do. He stayed focused. He did

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enough to win and he did enough to make a statement. Um and then Sean went off to the semiinal. So I'll tell story he deserves it. In my mind Sean did the hardest thing a high school athlete could do. Um, everyone in wrestling,

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everyone grows up, you want to be a state champ. You want to be a state champ. It's your goal. What's your dream, but when you actually are in the position and you're good enough, you have the skills to be a state champ, there's a lot more pressure on. Not a lot of kids are in that position. But

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Strong was in the perfect weight, the right body type. He's big for the weight. He's strong. He's mentally tough. Just every aspect is all coming together perfectly. He was in a spot where he could make the and he could and should be the state champ for New

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Jersey, which for those that don't know wrestling is basically winning the MOC for track through swimming for all the other individual sports. Um, and he was so close to doing that in the semifinals against the eventual state champ. Uh, he might have been getting taken out in

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overtime, so he did lose unfortunately. Uh, but just seeing the type of character that he has, um, his dreams were crushed, everything was just It just fell apart right um within 10 minutes laced up his shoes

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started running had to lose weight part of wrestling that you know these higher level guys have to do you got to make weight for the next day you don't you can't participate uh so that night all night and the next morning worked out most of the weight with again his dreams just crushed but now he had no

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go on and beat the next guy and in the morning woke up made weight just made So that was a nice uh nice weight off his shoulders. Wrestled amazing. Won his next match. Then in his third place match, had the kid who beat

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him previous week in districts, uh transfer to Pennsylvania. Um again, wrestled great, did whatever he had to do to win, scored points, wrestled his style, and wound up taking third of the state. And I think that's the hardest thing you can do. Being in the position that he was in, overcoming it, a million

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different types of adversity from emotions to the physical aspect. You're injured, you're banged up, you got an amaz, it shows how ready he is for the division one level. Um, not quite sure where he's going to go yet next year, but leaning towards either Drexel or

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Hopster both to higher level division one wrestling programs. We are fully behind him and we support him and we're very proud to have as our team captain and number one. I want to just say a few things that I

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have observed when I did seem work. about the skills wrestling. One thing I've done I've talked to you

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represent your family next Well, they kind of all said all the things, so I'm just say way to go. Be way proud. I don't want to make this any longer than it has to be, but you're definitely a great kid. I don't know you

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personally, but wow is all I got to say. I'm uh overwhelmed with all this comments. So, good for you. >> Wow. >> All right. But I'm from New York.

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>> New York. I don't like that. announced the back of his head. So, >> he's going to Drax. >> He told a great institution. What do you want to study? You know, >> very good.

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>> What we study back there? Nursing. >> No. the world. Thank you. That's from your nurse Nancy. All right. So, I guess we got to get back to executive session. It resolved the board adjourn to executive for the purposes of

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review and discussion of the personal agenda, litigation, HIV reports, and other matters pursuant to the law NJA 10-12. Motion to all those in favor of journey.

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Um, public session be resolved that the board reconvenes for public session. Motion to reconvene. >> Okay. >> We have our student presentations today. Kakim Middle School um will be

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presenting an abbreviated version of a mock trial of let's see Yas. >> Yes. >> Okay. So tonight the student presentation will be sharing information about I just said that. Okay. Ging

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medieval uh about the medieval China uh representative and principal Dr. Matthew Richie is here to tell us more. Good evening members of the board, this administration, all of our audience members, thank you all for coming. Um,

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in the four years I've been at Kakamak and with Miss Blanch, my assistant principal, one of the things that we look forward to the most is this activity. Um, students get really into it. They wear costumes. They learn about civic duty in terms of what it means to actually be a jury member. Um,

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everything from what is required in an actual courtroom. Uh, this year, Miss Blanch and I actually had to chuckle because we actually to interrupt a verbal disagreement between two of our eighth grade female students because they were legitimately arguing over who would better be a prosecuting attorney,

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which was a good problem for us to have really as a school. But this is how involved the students get to it. Um, so in a little bit I'm going to ask all of our students to come up. Right now I'd like Mr. Deris to come up as the teacher of the class and give a summary of what exactly goes into it. So Mr. Sean Demer,

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>> hi everybody. Uh this lesson is I thought you said is a big hit every year. Uh it's always great to see the involvement just to give a new summary of what it exactly is. We say thanks to new historical and scientific technology brought these dead

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historical figures back for trial and my students get to take on the role of a lawyer, a witness or a jury and it's a big hit. Uh once that they Whe ready, learning who they are, learning

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how jury works, it's all involved in the world. And the trial, honestly, the students get into it so much. It takes from four to six days to actually finish. Um, and it's a big hit every year. We have our students, I want to save some information, they have

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prepared a bunch of incredible students about what they got to do. And yeah, students Good evening. My name is Andrew and I was one of the defense attorneys. My job as a defense

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and the against during the trial I learned about the system and how it works while also being able to learn about others. I was able to defend I was able to

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operate which means that he >> Hello members of the board My name is in the trial I was defense attorney trying to defend and prevent the trial I will bring up various

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witnesses like and throughout the many days that we did the trial I learned a lot I learned a lot of essential facts about this for example I learned about the different objections made

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and reputation also help me to understand how courts work in the real world too. For example, if I was ever picked to be management, I have a better understanding of what was going on. Overall, this lesson this

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lesson allowed me to learn about the conitucation. My name is Paul and I'm speaking to my experience as a proitution attorney. I helped prose and I asked important questions about

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his actions in history that uh and what crimes he was being an attorney taught me a big lesson. You can't expect witnesses to give you all the info you need. All the clues and you have to find the facts.

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>> This project showed me exactly why system is so important and how it really works. I learned that every single part of the trial has a purpose from promise the witness to tell the truth to the specific questions the lawyer asks.

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Creating questions for the witness at My name is I learned a lot of stuff and one of them was I learned a lot interesting people that I have industry I also learned that

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I didn't really know that it started openly ask questions like I've been a part of multiple I've never had to only my

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this very witness and I was emperor. So as a witness it was really fun to get into character tell my statement tell my story about what was happening. I also learned a lot from other witnesses what they were saying the different behavior

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from the different cruy and violence towards the people who they conquered and that was our main argument about them being univilized. So I also learned a lot about the judicial system because we learned about as a witness our

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influence over the lawyers, our influence over the jury. I also learned a lot about the importance of truth in trial because truth is really what helped us get our argument across and what helped us get justice. Um so I also learned a lot about the pressure being a

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witness getting question by lawyers being the hot seat and it was really fun and really beneficial. I learned a lot. Good evening. My name is Alania and I played the convicted conducting research and performing this task seemed to be intricate for me

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primarily because I disagree with most most of the things. However, this provided incredible insight into his legacy because he established a meritocracy promoting people from lower class lowerass citizens

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solely based on merit and intelligence. I gain the strategic advantage in court. Despite my loss, this experience reflects directly on the modern judicial system where courts focus on objective facts rather than personality.

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Good evening every decide. in this case. So this experience really helps me visualize how system

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it >> helps me a lot because I have to take class And by doing this project, I was able to understand. >> So, as you can from our students. Um the

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one thing that I can say as a prison overseen this activity last year, it's been very fun for us to learn how as very elderly. >> So she you get questioned on personal opinion versus historical facts and also kind of looking at past historical

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events and today's technology and really using the information that we have and bringing it forth today. So M said four to six days. It's a very intense almost like week leading up to it and then like the week of. So, we really enjoy it. So, thank you very much for listening and

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everyone for all your hard work. This is also a good Social is important in our practices. Learning about >> that shows you how function >> Rosemary

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All the honor, Alicia, Non. >> All right. I just wanted to also comment as um I see all of you guys working not only learning um your the judicial system is also part of your civic

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duties, right? As Americans, we are able to um engage in this judicial system whether we're the lawyer, the witness, the juror, and there's so many avenues that we have and it's our um you know, it's our responsibility to do that. Um

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so this is one piece of being a real good civic-minded person and I'm just so grateful that your teacher, your um principal, and your parents and everybody here in the district is really making sure that we have really

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civic-minded individuals coming out of our schools here in Skyway. So, thank you so much everybody. Oh yeah. Hop in. Everybody ready? >> Parents, anybody? Pictures. Pictures. Yes. Come on, parents. I know you want pictures. I'm a parent.

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>> Ready? And let the paparazzi begin. Getting there, moms. Y One more time. Thank you. No, that's one. Yeah, that's a big one.

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All right. So, we're ready to continue our um meeting here. Next, we have our student representative report. Good evening. So far, I said I also

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excited to be out p.m. Saturday. After school and also high school cafeteri. obviously best

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obviously. for them. Next year also next week Another month. Thank you so much for giving so much to us. Everything that's going on in the high school, keeping us up to date on

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everything that uh so many different clubs, sports, um different avenues for students to get involved. I appreciate everything you do. We're so proud of you. We're glad that you are here as our student student representative and don't

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meet just yet because my pres against the club very long last year and very fastpec. a lot more. >> No, not yet.

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Make sure you show up. He is our senior of our two representatives. So, all right. Is that it? Um board members. >> Okay. Um we're gonna have um president.

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Um I just want to start off by saying uh really quick uh congratulations to every single one of our teachers. We had uh teacher appreciation week. There was also nurses appreciation week. There was also mother's uh day in there. So, you

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know, that first week in May, every different type of woman gets uh recognized who are in those fields and some men as well. So, with that being said, I do want to say um I want to give uh huge congratulations to those that were the teacher of the year for our

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educational services professionals of the year, our support um the school support staff of the year. We have so many different distinctions and dedication, different professionals within our schools, not just teachers that were being recognized during this

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week where you have teachers appreciation, but everybody that's part of that team that's recognized during that week as well. So, um they do extraordinary work. They stand next to our students. they stand in the gap whether it's you know your par

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profofessional your um teacher the assistants everyone in this in the school um we also want to uh make sure that we uh appropriately name those people we had a appreciation week like

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we said and whether you're a teacher custodian and everybody else you are part of our team thank you we also I would also like to Congratulations to one of our very own student representatives um of the board, Tyler West, for being selected as an

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outstanding student of the year for PCA um Middle Sex County Secondary Principal Association. Tyler is an exceptional student and a community member in our school community. His role on the leadership board for both the Black Student Union,

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students against thriving sad, uh allows him to use his voice to bring people together and to create change all while taking numerous AP and honors classes. He carries the same responsibility to into each one of his roles that he takes

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on. He's an athlete, a mentor. He um he's mentoring peers. uh he represents uh students interest and congratulations and we thank you so so much for what you do here on the board and what you've done for us over the last two years.

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Thank you Tyler. Another point that I just want to bring up is you might have noticed that u most of our board members here are in the color green and that is because this month is mental health awareness month and we are

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supporting and letting everyone know that it's okay if you're not okay just let somebody know. So that's why we're wearing our green. And the last piece I always want to um reflect on is the music education

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best music education program for Piscataway. Nine years running. So this is an amazing um program that we have here and such excellence in Piscatoaway to be able to attain that award nine years in a row. So, I really really

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appreciate um Miss Rebecca Sterlaki is our director of um all of our arts programs here in Stataway. So, we really, you know, um say thank you to her and all the educators in the music, arts, and all those departments. We really appreciate all that you do.

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Lastly, we wouldn't be able to do what we do without volunteers. All of my colleagues here on the board are volunteers. We're uh volunteering our time here at board members. We had amazing volunteer recognition night um that a couple Mondays ago and oh Tuesday

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it was Tuesday that's right so we wanted to just say anyone who didn't get to attend that event we really appreciate all you do to make theway run thank you >> all right we're going to move on to superintendent report >> peace and blessings good evening

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everyone >> good evening >> peace and blessings Good evening everyone. >> Evening. >> As many people as in the house tonight, we should be much louder than that. >> I'm going go a little out of order. So, I want to recognize our students and

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continue this theme of highlighting what we do here for our students, our staff. For those that know, been around me for a while, my mantra is we put students at the center of all our work and students are first. In order to create great students, you have to have great

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educators. Want to echo the sounds leaders as well. I'm going to echo the sounds of a board president who talked about teacher appreciation. This is a profession that does not get the credit that it deserves

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and it's not necessarily going to be the most well paid profession. You do this profession from your heart. Every day our students come here and do the work that they're doing in their heart. And it's evident when you look at the students who have been for put forth

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tonight. Those who in the audience miss our two student athletes who are recognized for their not just the athletic excellence but also just being a great human being a byproduct of their parents, their household, their families, their large circle but also

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educational support. We just got finished seeing our students that present the eighth grade students particularly prepared for high school strong confident very voiceless and I like it. I love it. And that's another sign of good educators getting to that

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point where they need to be and now I want to continue that theme of how we highlight and showcase students but also by what the leaders and educators who are in their lives are doing. This last few weeks I've had the pleasure of many

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of our students to some recognition events. Just mention Tyler. I have spoken about Tyler a couple times in the last few board meetings. I've seen Tyler throughout the course of the time that he has my short time of being here just

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in the classroom always sad on the basketball court. Tyler epitomizes what is all about family first, but it also reflects just when he gets into the classroom. pour into

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now he made a decision to attend be Ohio State University. It's not the University of South Carolina. However, it's still a Big 10 institution and I'm sure that the Ohio State University Buckeye family is going to welcome you

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and realize that you're a special individual and we've all started together. So, put your name on the map and continue doing the great things that you've done. So, we salute you. Thank you. I say that from meeting you again and I'm sure on graduation day in a few weeks, almost 12 weeks, five weeks. >> Yeah,

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>> it's going to be a exciting moment for you. But just one minute. I'm sure we're going to find We go. We go to our senior. I'm I'm work in a little backwards order. Is Sophia Sophia Abdul here tonight?

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Please come forward. Notenbody Sophia Abdul the rising senior I'm gonna read her accolades but this is significant accomplishment has been accepted into the highly competitive governor School of Sciences

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at University. This threeweek tuition free resial program brings to some of New Jersey's most talented high school students for their immersive experience in advanced science, technology, and mathematics. STEM research high school students in New Jersey apply in their

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fall or junior year for participation in the following. This rigorous application process considers grades recommendations extracurricular activities course and demonstration of interest in science established in 193 school of

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science participants opportunity to engage in rigorous college level activities alongside the work of sciences researchers across the state. This year's program will run from July 12th

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to August 1st on the campus of University of exceptional across the school only 60 students total earning a spot at this year's school. Congratulations I would like to come up and say any

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words or be a part. You said it pretty well >> and you said it pretty well, Mr. Glover. But just I want to reemphasize how competitive getting into the governor's school is. Um we have students apply. We usually have a couple of students apply every year, but we don't always have a

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student get in. So to do this, I cannot underscale what an accomplishment this is. So congratulations to you and the work that I know you put in this. So congratulations again. And what do you plan on studying back there? You did that on purp.

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>> Oh yes. Very excited. Dr. So excited. >> But for real though, recognize that that's a great >> There's a little rivalry right now. Can't figure out between South Carolina and Yukon. right now one up this year. So, let's take a picture. Parents, you

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want to join? >> I want to just shout out the parents and just say thank you so much for making you know education so important and making sure that whether you're um you know, a short Puerto Rican girl or a really tall nice

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young lady if she is, you can do science. So, thank you You got a song. >> Just so you know, we believe in science. >> Madam President, >> we're not done. I announced this last

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student. Come up. We talked about this last time, but this goes back to just the competitive nature of our students and academics. Great

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athletes. Yes. I say, you have academics, you have the arts, you have athletics, you tend to be great in all those areas. This is another test has been selected to participate in

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highly of Rucker Youth and Joy Science Program at Ruckers University. This prestigious program provides students opportunity to engage in advanced cancer research alongside leading scientists and practicing

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physicians. Kai was selected from a national pool of 15 applicants for just five positions. testament to the academics academics is also testament to the leaders and what

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again our teachers and educators alone according to this is a two-year cohort I will receive mentorship hands-on research experience and exposure to critical issues in cancer science and healthcare innovation this opportunity places among select group of emerging

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scholars dedicated to making meaningful impact in the medical the young lady to your left would be very happy to hear that sponsor. >> I just want to take a moment and just say how proud I am of Kai. I Okay. I met Kai when you were what, like seven?

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Seven, something like that, right? No, I mean, this young man is extraordinary. He does so much in so many different fields and the fact that he's actually wants to go into medicine just makes my heart beam. So, I really

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am so proud of you and all that you do in the high school in all different areas, honors um classes, making sure you're in the um honor societies, organizing the honor society event. I mean, like just everything. Just all the

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things. Thanks, Mom. You're the best. >> Talented young. I just want to add all everything that they said was true. You are also just such a kind wonderful human being. That's important. So as a doctor right now that bedside manner will serve

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you very well. I would let you treat me. I'm a great recommendation as well as president of the school board pediatric nurse practitioner. You know, >> don't go far. talent high school. Chris is behind the camera.

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We also supervis couple months back the United States third circuit courts puts out this essay contest. I've seen it come through in my career various districts I've been in. It's a

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writing test and it's about course law and this year I said oh we're going to participate and I was asked how many are we going to send on these student these are sixth graders I apologize. students from my middle school. I said all of them. So they

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looked at me like all six who are we going to select to who are we going to select to send for them to review. So if I'm not mistaken, the judge, the preciding judges in charge of this sent to Chris and myself

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over 500 essays were selected. We had the highest in the state of Missouri. That was cool. Then we get invited for because you had the highest we want to invite school like who are going to be the

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students and that became the challenge. I couldn't send 500 But then it became a little easy because two of our students red amongst the whole state of New Jersey came first and second.

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Now the trip got real special invited to the courthouse. I think that was probably a highlight for them. They were actually in the courtroom. bus that might have been the highlight as well. But we then had the opportunity

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to meet two of the students who one I wish I could show it on screen got a chance to sit on the Dy's desk and read his essay. So

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I sat there like I was a proud father and I'm not taking away from that but I just like that's my that's one of ours. kind of warm my heart. Excellent job. But I got a chance to review some of our second

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all the students as well. It's a testament to our educators any recognize two scholars. One from time Mr. You came in first place. >> Yeah, certainly the contest

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it lent him a voice and he's kind of a quiet but gave him a loud voice in doing his essay. Did you get a chance? punishment. It's just amazing on the articulation what he said, what he was

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able to express from such a young person but so powerful. So again, congratulations. Of course, it was on the law and I sat there. I'm learn a great job. But to me, the powerful scene I know dad and mom were there took

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pictures. The powerful scene seem so pretty. They were just impressed. like he got to bang the gav too fun. Some folks may sound moving slow, but I intentionally do what I do because I

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don't rush and celebrate anything. And this is a moment that they should remember. Plus, it's live. Thousands and thousands, hundreds of thousands of people and he lives forever. >> Our second place winner, our second

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place comes from Middle School. So for those of you who ever have the privilege of knowing that she nine times out of 10 she always had a smile on her face and then we announced that she was the second place winner I actually asked her I was like hey this essay that you wrote like you know you won second place

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and her immediate response was I'm so excited because my dad and I were so excited to talk about this that when she wrote it that they had a great conversation about it and then when she submitted she was genuinely so excited to tell her parents. Um so when we called it was a very special moment but

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ever since then, you know, she had a beautiful smile, but she's literally been beaming, you know. Um, so, but the experience when we really enjoyed and super said the four judges that we met was four female judges. So, it's really great for an opportunity like that because that doesn't really happen at

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the courtroom and it was a great learning experience for all of us and to see her behind the bench as well is a great opportunity. So, congratulations Let me see. Oh, I'm sorry. And all the pictures will be up on parent square.

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He's like >> good job. Excellent. There you go. Best part of my job as a superintendent is to be able to engage in experiences with our young people, whether it be in district or outside the district. And it's

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a lot of times our students get a bad rap in the elementary middle school because we just life that's part of learning when you're figing out. Then you put a task in front

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of them and you see just how great >> and then you get to meet their parents and you see inside the heart of your parents and it just brings back all the memories. Anybody who's interviewed with me, anybody who speaks with me, I've said this. The role of an educator, whether a

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classroom, teacher, school leader, whomever, is to make sure that from day one to 180, the entry and exit of each day for every child is better than how they arrive. If a student walks out not feeling better than how they arrived

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on day one 180, we're not doing our job. So, I salute all my educators. I salute school leaders and I salute everyone in the households who are educating people because we've been celebrating scatter.

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So thank you for the partnership. Thank you for all that you do. Board members I do have a support from him that has to be done officially. But before Lord comes up, I was going to go through a couple things, but Madam President stole

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my thunder a little bit for those in the audience. Dr. Rich. Yeah, this >> if you have not this beautiful document that's done by Gary Miller, our communications person that has

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>> a word, >> please read it because this is what talks about our district. It's not even I'd say it should be a book every month because there's so much happening in our district. So, please pick up one if you haven't. Send it via email. It is awardw winning.

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That is the truth. But it also speaks about what's happening in our district. our students, our staff and our point is going to come forth and give us our wellness report for the year. So lovely and I'm so happy and share

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this evening with all of you. So thank you. Good evening president members of the board of education superintendent our administrator set members all that are with us tonight. My name is Dr. Laura. I'm a supervisor of health services in the Skyway County Schools

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and I al also serve as a district wellness policy coordinator and tonight I'm presenting our 202526 annual progress report and assessment of the district wellness policy or policy 8505. So this annual report is required under

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both our district wellness policy and the healthy home kids act which is a federal law that's focused on improving health and wellness through nutritious meals. lifestyle practices and physical activity. The purpose of this process that we enact is to ensure that our

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schools continue to promote student wellness, nutrition, education, physical activity, and while maintaining compliance with the federal nutrition standards. And thank you for pulling this up. I'll actually go over this at the end. This is a beautiful photo montage presentation that was created by

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our district wellness um student representatives as well. Each school has a designated school wellness policy coordinator who collaborated with our district wellness committee to compile the information that's included in our report that was presented to the board.

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Our committee included representation from administration, nursing, physical education, food services, parents and students. Our wellness committee evaluated progress in four primary areas that are reflected in our board of ed policy. That's nutrition promotion,

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nutrition education, physical activity, and nutrition guidelines and standards. So, I'm pleased to share with us all that our schools continue to demonstrate strong alignment with the district wellness policy goals across all grade levels that includes preschool through high school. So, in the first area of

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the nutrition promotion, schools throughout our district continue to encourage healthy eating habits and positive nutritional choices. Our cafeteria age appropriate posters promoting balanced nutrition, hydration, and reduced sugar and sodium intake. Our

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students are encouraged to bring their own refillable water bottles to school each day. Families have access to nutritional resources and menus to the district website and our Neutral Slice app that's available to all. This app is very useful. It provides breakfast and

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lunch menus with nutrition and allergen information. is available in multiple languages. In partnership with our food service provider, Nashios, students also have access to diverse meal options, including vegetarian, halal, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free meals.

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And additionally, our district continues the initiative that was put into place by our business administrator, Mr. Oliver, last year to provide all students with access to a free nutrition nutritious breakfast in school. Second, in the area of nutrition education, nutrition concepts and

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healthy lifestyle practices continue to be integrated throughout the curriculum in our school and community activities. Our school nurses collaborate with the health and physical education teachers to provide students with guidance regarding healthy eating habits, serving sizes, food labels, and developmental

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wellness. Our schools also reinforce healthy choices through assemblies, our digital newsletters, and classroom discussions. third in the area of physical activity and wellness. Schools across the district again as preschools through high school continue to provide

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developmentally appropriate opportunities for movement, exercise, mindfulness, social emotional wellness among many other activities. And you will see several of those examples in our photo presentation that was created by our wellness community representatives. And finally, in the

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area of nutrition guidelines and standards, the district continues to maintain compliance with the nutrition requirements that are outlined both in our wellness policy as well as the federal regulations. Food and beverages that are provided during the school day meets the smart snack standards and any

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school fundraisers fundraisers that are conducted during school hours also comply federal nutrition guidelines. Additionally, our food service vendor Mashios participates in the New Jersey farm to school procurement initiative which supports access for locally

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sourced food products for New Jersey farms and businesses. So at this time I will share the brief photo montage and we'll highlight some of the examples. And again these were just examples but you get to take a look into all of our different schools and the things that they do to pro wellness

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throughout our district. And we have here our student representatives. You can see Laya Simmons, Ariana Maki, and Abigail Stevens. Okay, this is children's part of preschool. So, starting with our very little ones, gross motor is part of

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their everyday schedule in preschool. So, we have our pictures that show children outside of the playground. Another picture shows lunch in the classroom. In preschool, all the children eat lunch with their friends in the classroom. Finally, the last picture shows what they call numberline hopscotch. This is

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a math small group activity to help children develop their number sense through counting and self-regulation by turn taking and jumping. We have Grand Elementary School. The events display this display here are walk your child's school day, a family

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fitness night, a staff volleyball game, the Brandy Danceon, and a second picture of the staff volleyball game in action. This is Milwood Elementary School. The first two pictures were from the color

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run in October. They said that they had a very large turnout and the staff, students, and families all had a great time. And the students never seem to get tired of running. possible and making your shirts colorful. The color are always a fun night. And the last one is an example of some healthy eating habits

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posters that are posted around the building. Randolph bill in recognition of autism acceptance month organized a variety of activities throughout April. Um they included an acceptance walk held on April 2nd that featured sensory friendly

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music and engaging manipulatives such as streamers and balloons. Parents of students were also invited to participate alongside their children. a sense of inclusion and community at Eisenhower School. The first features a third grade student who's proudly

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participating in the boys strong mentor program which is a collaboration between Eisenhower Elementary School and Dataway High School and promotes leadership, positive character, teamwork and strong connections throughout our school community. And the second photo is nutritional poster encouraging us to

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stay hydrated. And the third highlights their the SIS winning class enjoying a volleyball game as a reward for winning um against the third grade staff and that's a very much celebrated activity in this building.

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>> Arbor showcase their signage that they have throughout the building to promote nutrition um including in the cafeteria balanced diet and encouraging breakfast and the welcome to the nurs's office with balanced plates and a lot of different nutrition information as well.

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MLK also posted some of their signage with the posters and food photos taken through the cafeteria. There's also a pink school volleyball team highlighted here as well. In Nakamak, we have some pictures of the

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student and staff volleyball games. These are all from that game except for the one on the top right. This is from a portion of the black month assembly where students from each grade level perform a step routine. Then from Twibbletown Middle School, we have respect where it says walking in

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the sixth grade hallway. If empathy is walking in someone else's shoes, was promoted throughout Quibbletown. We have pictures of the sixth and seventh grade dance. And our eighth grade honorable celebration, which includes physical games of rewards for the children that were selected and also highlighting

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seventh grade perspectives as well. In Shore Middle School, we have an afterchool dance and an open gym event, a basketball fundraiser events, and an activity day where they play minute to win games throughout the day, competition, two grade levels.

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And Scatterway High School, there's an octagon pit you can see there that was actually built by the PE teacher, Mr. Michael Wad, for being part of Daga Pitball. Very popular apparently amongst the amongst the kids and it's also used during PE class. um classes. The other

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picture is juniors making well-balanced healthy meals using the My Plate chart and the um iPad there. And we have another freshman health project where the students were comparing healthy foods versus non-healthy foods options from the same fast food restaurant which

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is Chick-fil-A. And they were encouraged to choose the whole healthy alternative with the calories compared to the nonhealthy options. And lastly, there's a soccer tournament from the Spanish club. So again, that's just really some of the highlights that we have throughout our

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school Virginia um each month. One of the particularly meaningful aspects of this work, as you can imagine, is the strong collaboration between the staff, administration, families, our food services provider, and our community organizations and our students ourselves that we really

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showcased in our photo montage. And I really feel as a district and the chair that this reflects our commitment to supporting the whole child academically, physically, socially, and emotionally and beyond just compliance with the policy. We've really supported the whole

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child. And it's really been a pleasure and a privilege to do this. Um, as we move into the 2627 school year, our schools have identified opportunities for expanding wellness education, family engagement, physical activity, mindfulness, and health and nutrition practices throughout the district. Some

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examples include additional family wellness events, expanded community partnerships, and increased nutrition education and enhanced opportunities for movement and mindfulness throughout the day. So to end, I would really just like to thank our school wellness coordinators, nurses, physical education

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staff, food service, police department, our administrators, teachers, parents, students, and certainly the board of ed support of student wellness throughout our district. Thank you. Madam President, before I conclude, just as I always said, we're going to connect

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this to our strategic goal. Everything that's been presented tonight thus far connects back to our strategic plan. So, here we go. Strategic plan number one focuses on our students. Obviously, those attention for the last hour, you'll see how we are recognizing our

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students. So we are checking the box for it's not about checking the box but we can definitely say we are meeting the goal. Number one number two is equitable access for all. Dr. Hin just mentioned several fact factors that contribute to why we are on the path to being a

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healthy district and that means also equitable access not just in food choices but also access information. We talk about diversity of language and others. Goal number three volunteer good talks about community engagement. up here to my left. So see to my head,

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but that means community engagement and community access or volunteer day. Make sure you recognize all the volunteers and board members and everyone in the community. By the way, shout out to all of our PTSOs, PTO, PTA, I don't know, >> the reason why organizations,

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>> they pay for the teachers to have ice cream, snacks. They treat our treat teachers right. And that's just group of young folks. So, shout out to them as well. They're volunteering their time. So, again, that's timing goal number three. And in a few minutes, in a few

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minutes, hopefully with the board's approval, goal number four will be evident and clear when we talk about that. We're going to personel. Correct.

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>> All right. Um, Mr. Courtney King. >> Can I call for a second? >> All those favor. Thank you. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.

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>> And this is where we recognize our our newest uh staff members who have just been uh accepted into our our >> welcome to the Twe family. So, going to do this started this year.

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I think it's important to have folks who are coming to our district understand what they're coming into. And as many have heard me say, the standard is the standard. We do not change that standard. It's a standard has that has yielded students who you have seen

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tonight are poised for greatness. So when you come into our district, you come in, this is the standard. I don't mind going higher, but I don't go lower. So, for those who are arriving to our district as new

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got some big shoes to fill. The standard is the standard. So, tonight we want to bring forth, let's start with our early childhood building. And I'm going to let the principal of our early childhood building announce a new staff member to her team. So, I see that smile already.

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Just for the board members and the public, this was a pretty rigorous and pretty rigorous process. There were over 375 applicants that applied for the jobs of vice principal in our district. We're

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applying for three vice principles. The first vice principal that we're bringing forth. Now, not all of them came before us, but we did see almost 70 folks in the course of the interview process. school leaders narrow it down to their

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choices and I think we're excited about what they're about to bring to our district. The standard is the standard and we welcome one of our first vice principles taking over. >> So you have to get your Pway swag. Congratulations.

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>> Mr. You want to say a word? I know you have your family and friends want to say a quick word. A quick word, >> not a minister word. >> So the first thing I want to say is thank you for this opportunity and

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Next, I would like to bring up our newly appointed principal, Randolph Bill, who will bring forth her new vice principal. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Stacy Mingo. I am honored, overjoyed. I can't

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even explain how I feel about becoming the new principal at Randolph Hills Elementary School. I am more than excited to bring on my partner. I know we're going to be a great team. His name is Mr. Kyle Gerovich. Mr. G, come on up.

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I knew it was weird when I was >> So, they already got the menu. >> I love it. Another great math mind and rounding out the vice principal candidates

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from Dr. Please come forward introduce your new partner in leadership. Uh, I'm very excited to introduce this body. I brought her some swag. It's been It's

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been in my pocket. >> There you go. There you go. for you to say a word or two. I'll be fair. A word or two. >> Thank you. I've been uh sorry, I've been a student here since kindergarten. So here for 17 years. I'm really excited to

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move on to this new. Thank you. honor to have been considered and selected to be part of such a district competition to

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last but not least We have a retirement happening in our district and of >> we have a retirement coming up in our district. competition trying to say but come forth

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as an individual he can also speak about the process as he's worked closely with our supervisor Baptist minister Good evening everyone. First we have Miss Banish who will be retiring. So as she retire she's been a staple in our

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district well language and ESL just a phenomenal individual a well-rounded person but also a very skillful person for content. And so we wanted how could we replace her? Well, we did find someone who came to us who had a gentle

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spirit, very kind and very knowledgeable as well. We're going to ask you to please come forward this time. Good afternoon. Okay. Thank you so much. I'm very honored. Um I'm always education is just so important in my own

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life and everything that I do and so when it became time to look for my next step, I wanted true to who I am as someone who is a multi-level learner and to hear just such the great things that are happening in this not just for that

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department but across the district. I'm just very excited to be here and I've been at the board meeting twice now and the feeling is just it's it's something very powerful and I'm just excited to be there. Thank you so much.

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Thank you so much. You're so nice to meet Nice Oh, wow. >> All right. Um, we're going to be moving on to committee reports. There were two committees that met um in this month of

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May. So, I will have planning and operations.com. >> Yeah. friend discuss capital projects budget budget book and public hearing handouts.

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facility capital projects alterations media center is being used for intercom system. Police Department

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installation package. Fellowship farms operations work issues against the district system.

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scheduled opening services update meeting. Transportation together received a perfect review and the NJA district

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contract service. We discuss food service meeting agenda of contract renewals of various contract renewal service providers service professional service providers

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business update discuss school board association executive committee meeting health benefit cost for resolution school boards actually recommend a resolution policy

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inclusion Business office update our investment account statement business intern once again employing a scatter high school student as an

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department. We also from policy and legisl Dr. will not be We also administrator recently was Unless the committee review

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organization update provide more explicit discussion that was limited. Committee policy note election. by changing necessary self

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resolutions to be considered as status. Thank you so much. demand to approve the 3rd and 26. Um

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all those votes public comment on the floor. The board of education recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and school matters of community interest. In support of this position, the law established

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period of public comment at every board meeting. Individuals wishing to speak must state their name and municipality. Comments are limited to three minutes duration, but any individual may speak a second time after all others who wish to speak on a topic have been heard. The

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board may require that individuals required to speak prior to the beginning of the meeting. Participants may submit written materials in support of their position. All statements and/or questions shall be directed to the presiding officer and no participant may address or question board members

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individually. All speakers are requested to express themselves in civil manner with due respect for the dignity and privacy of others whose legal rights may be affected. Please note while it's not the board's intention to stifle comments on matters of legitimate concern to the

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school community, the public should be aware of their that if their statements u violate the rights of others under the law governing defformation or invasion of privacy, they may face personal liability to the eth party. If speakers are uncertain of their legal

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ramifications of their comments, the board urges them to seek guidance beforehand from their own legal advisor. Do I have any individuals um seeking to speak from Yes. >> Um

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my name is J. I'm a senior at school. Um I know this is kind of like untraditional, but um we're all told in like I think like 2023 they had a performance at graduation. And um for context, I won the um poetry

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competition at my high school March 9th. U it goes through every single English class and you have people vote for you and all the English classes wrote for me and I won and then they also put my poem in the yearbook. I wanted to perform it at graduation because like it's very important to me and my class and my

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teachers. Um at the end it is a call back poem. I showed him his mention. He actually signed the petition that I have. I just came straight here. So I went straight to school. Um but um I had

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or I have that I can email to you guys. I'm also doing an online one and a lot of my teachers signed it. Some of the security guards signed it um this April this season fresh seminar signed it and um here signed it. Um

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but I'm going to read it to you guys. It's called your cheeks. He know I stand here before you as not a classmate, not a poet, but a peer. And all these emotions are so severe. You know, they say all greatness must come to an end. But I can tell that we are going to be

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friends. So, let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we? I remember the walks to the YCA. I remember the walks of the group 2022 when we came to the school. No longer eighth graders thought we were so cool. Even freshman orientation or million school tours won't help us understand the viewing

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waves we've all explored. I remember Friday night lakes from the wise to the field. I remember some of the tightest bonds and wounds that are healed. 2023 still underassman but man are we can say this much. You definitely gave the adults a run for your money. Whether

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we're laughing till our ribs get out or wondering our future route. Before we talk about finally being upper class, let's give thanks because I used to be 11 and couldn't wait to grow up. I'm older. All we hear is six, seven, and I think I've heard enough. But maybe I haven't heard enough because the

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sweating goes as we all move on. We let go of go cheeks. We let go of hallway seats and gym classes. I sing where all the time go. I bit it due to all the admins behind me and teachers in the front. You helped us find ourselves when we were on. I bit it due to all the

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wonderful club boards, presidents, secretaries, and all the above. I due to the track runners and jumpers that serve higher than I due to our beloved cheerleaders and football players, those old and new. Those who left and decided to come back to the school,

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the wrestlers, the flag football girls, our beloved soccer players. Sorry. It's a really fun moment to me. I just ran to a few of my teachers today. They were all from high school. Our beloved soccer players don't we have

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golf as well? You know, I'll say one thing. If you're not graduating today, take advantage of our school cuz it sure is well. I did this to all the mentors, all the freshmen, and everyone who tried to help. Your favorite class is needed. It's time to do things yourself. We will visit. I've been induced with a scatter

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transplant, but especially with the scatway homeland. For some of you, this friendship, this town, these memories are yours to own. You've been with your best mates since Eisenhower, Arbor, M. Okay. It's okay that we may not all It's okay that we may not all have went

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to elementary together because I must say that day I walked in shore, I knew that our class was going to do more. From advocacy to walk out to group meetings and assembly for doing what's right and not just reaching it for telling your counselor your wildest dream setting a goal and still reaching

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it. We have freshman stead and even BSU. But most importantly, we have you. We have our history teachers, our English teachers, math and science, too. We got art and public speaking. We even have the haven. And when you're hating, they'll teach you to be a lover. So most

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importantly, we have each other. We have the teacher who could have been as loving as a mother or the friend who made that later brother. We have each other. 2024 and we became juniors, which is funny to me because the only juniors I

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remember when I first moved here was that food spot with my friends. You made friends with one helping hand. So go to ceramics or wood shop and build you extra legs just so you can stand. 2025 seniors. Wow. So, class of 26, I call

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upon you like a siren told the sailor the movies we'll make. Could it be justified with a trailer for we are too great? I say please don't ask me about my college essay. I'm going to get on it right away. Okay. I'm just grieving right now. Not just high school, but

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middle school, too. Grieving the times we felt oh so cool. The times the seniors would allow us a pep rally. The times we work together for a field day. The times the mentors just let us sit and play. I agree. I greet the teachers I say hi to every day in the hallway. And the security guards I show my poems

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to. But I didn't write this for me. I wrote this for the crowd I wrote this for you. So I'm going to say this for the last time. Don't be afraid to be loud because this is our last. We've made it this far and I can see how far we'll go. And it's to my knowledge that you do too. So,

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you know that we will be greater. We love this experience. Love our people so much that we've been sort of turned into a hater. Man, I can't believe this song. You also So, the last thing I'll say is

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cheats. Hopefully, we'll see you later. All right. anything very much. So yes, I wasn't going to say I was saying I was going to speak to student, but that's

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okay. Yeah, I was going to do that. >> So, Miss King, thank you for sharing your words with us tonight. Um, very moving, very touching how much you have

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grown here in Sky. I appreciate you and all you bring to every class. Thank you. Okay. Um, any other um individuals for public comment from the board?

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A motion to close. >> All those in favor? >> Oh, yes. We're close. >> First and foremost, thank you for your phone. I've been waiting for about

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appreciate the form that you shared. It actually sounds blessed with your words. I will have a conversation with the board members as to how we I'm sure the emotions that are felt right now. I'm

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sure ask you follow protocol and be very >> I can also email you guys not good job you're very talented I don't know what your aspirations are post secondary

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board members. I will make sure that we can graduate this year. So planning and operations hard to follow a little bit. be resolved that the following motion

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identified as presented. So I just want to say something. Every year at this time um we this a long list to because uh the VA they go there

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a lot of the awards of contracts services etc. That's why it's such a long list and I hope everyone they need Yeah, this is the majority of All right.

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>> Yes. Um, so roll call. >> Dr. Nelson. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. Mr. Rivers. >> I can't. >> I think I can. Madam President, if you will other activ

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Yeah, I do want to um also comment uh to that um Mr. that this particular um uh policy has gone through quite a few different revisions over a long period of time. Um, pretty much all of the board members

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have heard of the policy at one iteration or another. You see a policy show up here um through the policy committee. It has been reviewed, vetted, remaged um gone through our legal um

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attorney and all the etc. things once it's on here. something that we as a board are looking forward to actually proving. You want to have any other comments that >> yes >> Mr.

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resolve that the following motions are All >> yes. >> Yes. >> Stafford. >> Yes. >> Connor. >> Yes. >> Mrs. H. >> Yes. >> Mr. King. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sado.

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>> Yes. >> Thank you. Um, services. U Dr. Dale Nelson. Mr. Secretary Mr. >> Yes. >> Yes.

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>> Dr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Dr. Nelson. >> Yes. Moving on to old business. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> All right. Uh, administrative auxiliary

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effort that the following motion identified as items approved and presented. >> Um, yeah, I do want to make I want to make one um note. There is uh

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a resolution in here that has to do with um our board actually supporting rank choice voting which is you know something as uh school boards um we are actually being on the forefront of telling individuals in the community

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that we actually agree with um and support rank choice voting not just for schoolboard elections for all elections and um we are going going to be also supporting the uh South Orange um Maplewood School Board. They'll be

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presenting that at the um delegate assembly this weekend. And so we want to um support them and see that we also will be um supporting it. >> Also item Ducification, but also

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school board and item D is a resolution school association urging relief and rising public schools. This resolution went out to about 590

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school districts across the state. Um I can see the audience yesterday and our our hope our aspiration is that all 97 passed this resolution and once the copy hits along with other uh you

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know from this leadership and educational excellence group that it will be put uh forward um faster and get more attention um because of you know we can sit here we

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can talk about our budget else but it hits home with someone like me who's being fiscal years for the last two years I have never seen

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that healthare cost about 40% across the state we have anything happening and school boards having to pass you know res So, um I believe

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>> yes. >> Yes. >> Dr. Nelson. >> Yes. >> Yes. Now we go to old business. Do we have anyone um with old business?

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>> Madam President, just one reminder I brought up before at the uh President Vice President did sign us up for the American Memorial April 8 Monday

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and so getting details of that where we meet etc. and just um any other old business moving on to new business. Yes. >> Um

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so we have delegates And we just want to go over the six resolutions that the subcommittee has done across the state. We're not going to read all the

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partations of why uh support the resolution or not support the resolution. So page together being adopted and mad president.

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So you know the resolution for voting and The reason for voting is that the recommendation of the resour I think you know and as the policy

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committee, those of us on there um we did discuss this and um some of our community members did give um good credence to why uh this would be a good uh you know proposal for us uh support.

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I am of the mind that both you know everyone on our policy committee uh agree with it. I just want to make sure my other board members um do understand and you know agree with that resolution so that u Miss Rivers will have our answer of how we would like to vote on

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that when she goes. Um so I would just say is there anyone opposed to uh the resolution number one resolution that's association

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status and mostly from ICE activities. So the recommendation believe that the board of education has a responsibility to ensure that their schools of their immigration status and are not

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used as immigration enforcement access. Yes, I uh I agree with what the nature warts has written down that they um that they believe and I also agree that school buildings should be safe havens

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for all students regardless of their immigrant immigration status. Um and they should not be used have been used for immigration enforcement. Um and you know authority. I believe here in the Saturday um earlier um prior to um

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Superintendent Glover joining us, we in the sway has created um some you know procedures and language around similar types. You want to make comments to that? >> Would like to add a comment

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this past earlier this week out to myself local across the state, but I just want to direct. I will say I just left the conference with my

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icereed. One of our districts in the state did have to converse. There's a question to cooperate. Take command of our bus stop the bus

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stops or IC general So is there anyone to agree to um resolution program? or they believe that directly is not provided.

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community. Absolutely. I I just want to bring that out to the floor. I know that every single one of my school board members is shaking their head on this one and I know Dr. Tom Connor is really waiting to say something. So, I will I will I will

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defer to Dr. John Connor on a a fiscal uh matter and say, "Do you agree that John Connor this would be something that our district and many more would benefit from?" Yes, I I would and um

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I've lost a lot of sleep, but I think I will be a valuable resource because um it affects your school. It affects uh it just affects the community because why

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benefits, right? The argument that it's on land and buildings on land that are all part of tax. Well, we all said that children

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school system and I think it's just fair that in this fiscal time seat at the table negotiations with developers coming to municipality

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especially the school system that's at the heart is Thank you. I agree. Just want to make one comment. So that having um a seat at the table with these type of agreements

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would allow um the school district to be able to offset some of the commitments that we need from our general community. Uh so that we wouldn't necessarily need to raise, you know, tax levies as much if we had some of these um pilot funds

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um redirected to our school. So, I'm definitely in agreement. Um, and is anyone else um on our school board? >> It gets confusing because they went through both warehousing as well as residential

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communities that are being put in. And so what happens is that um there is the building certain buildings don't get but there could be some lots

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of communities that have residential communities or work with municipalities who have been able of our audit uh sheets, you know, towns. It depends on how big

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the development is like $85,000. Right now we're receiving nothing from the building portion of our pilots at the Skyway and I think that that's where we can work around the state it's happening and our neighbor Woodbridge

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has been the last number I'm not aware but I don't believe in distribution all finance assistance and consider included but not

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today. So I just want to make sure I know our budget next year. So the delegate assembly resolution

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up the delegate assembly of the school is a policy making body. Uh school board has a designated delegate resolutions are accepted from school boards across New Jersey submitted

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they're review by resolutions subcommittee. So these are these recommendations are position statements or beliefs that can be uh will be discussed and voted on to be added to the New Jersey school board's uh manual

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positions and policies on education. Why that's important is because there's a school board association um government relations department when educational issues that happen within the state

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school board then has a position statement policy policy positions that will advocate on what the whole body and that's what and so Um

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the DA meets two times a year, November and May. And uh I just happen to be recently right now the interim vice president for legislation resolutions school boards. I was part of the submission of all

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resolutions of the resolutions at that day by the committee and then now I will assembly and and guiding us to whether or not we to add new to our existing policies so that

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advocate for those positions. So that's what always nothing changes. I think I think in also in a little more layman's terms, it also gives the ability for all those who are the legislative updates and all those who go

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on to the legislator to go to our, you know, different um legislators and say, "Hey, this is what all of our schools really want and need so that they can make some moves." >> November, right?

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rolling around state. >> Yeah. Okay. What happens now is it's that's a great question is that when we're talking about funding, you've got the Department of Education that's putting out reports about the school funding act and what some of the

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possible changes to it to make it better and what kind of actions can be taken. A lot of it is written into law and so the lawmakers in Treasury what they have to do is they have

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community and they all have to get together and they have to vote on those changes then those changes have to be signed by government. So our piece is that this is a process of the school boards

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at the local levels telling our legislations where we think the changes need to be made to make it better so it doesn't come from the other way down. So this whole delegate assembly

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resolutions at positions the whole state which advocate those legisl Well, I'm talking about the government. >> Yeah. Okay. I I'll give Well, I'll give an example of something that is very beneficial. Our government relations

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directly because of past advocacy for the school board on a education matters was put on the governor's task force on education for what matters to local

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schools. So they have seen and they are aggressive. It's not so much aggressive as it is their voice gets heard and they have a seat and then it works that way. So the

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policies um come Yes. >> Yes. I'm just saying you know some policy when people go down. >> Oh yeah. We don't

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what goes into it, you know, how so get the money can't get it next year. So I'm just saying as delegates, what is our strategy to make sure that this

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>> I understand the whole >> role as a delegate is to represent and vote the way that we are discussing adopt this particular language policy and that's it. It's a big broader issue

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than that. I'm sitting next to our business also business and so at a larger picture there's a lot of state

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testify where their association testify on these issues that more of those associations testifying then something might happen and I'll give you an example right now why we're at this

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position where um what's in law right now is that we would have lost all that money that talks about the 13 million based on but legislature has adopted budgetary langage for one year that says you can't

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raise it,000 which I mean 3% but you can't get any more than six but that's not law see so but by us keeping this this this message going forward based on individual

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districts that hopefully eventually they will sit down and consider changing some of the pieces of ultimately up to the legislators, but at least this gives them a little more power on the whole

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state. >> But I I wanted to say publicly that it's great that you're getting involved because the more people understand this process, the stronger we'll be, you know, the president board of education, you know, we are all

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boards of education. New Jersey now representing us. >> I'm asking >> it's been a sticky issue for the state of New Jersey since 20

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Yeah, it needs to get fixed for sure. >> So, are there any um board members who do not agree with the resolution number four? >> Okay. either Dr. and the reason why is

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this resolution only talks about highlights. of many districts are affected by also and district our district is not part of

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but what is part of the state we have a lot of land from which our town cannot develop property for their residential buildings

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and collect and there are many students around that cannot. So I want our legal assembly and ask that

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recommendation portion of it. So you're basically keeping the way it is. You're just adding something >> like an amendment. >> End of like I can read the whole thing. No, >> but I will send an email

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and if if that fails to pass then then then I'm asking if motion fails to pass then ask and One second. I'm not sure. Were you done?

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>> Yes. >> Okay. One thing I just didn't the the study part. I don't I don't know if I understand. If the motion fails to pass me recommendations are to a specific

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resolution written district. So the language that recommendation is the result of a statewide resolution subcom to come up

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with this language with the NJS staff to add to the policy. It is not about amending resolution. My recommendation to you in the future to write a separate

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resolution with those concerns because the concerns that you have are not embodied in this particular resolution. This language added to a policy. It's not specific to the high notifices. resolution

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would lead to broad policy language to add to the overall policy. So that's why because otherwise um otherwise I don't think it would be effective in terms of

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soar. in their own district. >> And what they do is make a recommendation. They draw something >> they already do.

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They do not mention. So I had this conversation with >> the steps on how to I think it's important that you did take the time um to go through that process and I appreciate you so very much. So I would like to

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definitely have Miss Rivers um myself um and board members. >> I would just add one thing because it's it's complex and that's happening this Saturday. So

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try not Yes. >> Yes. >> I think they do certain amount of time which I would say that will probably come close to the time. for ourselves. >> I know. And but I but I would say on this particular one that whether or not

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we as a vote on that. >> So as as um our own school board, do we um want to add um Miss Patel's petition of >> Yes.

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I believe to comment on the resach. Where is it's I find it Okay. Thank you. All right. I agree that um you know seeing as you know we're asking our

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delegate assembly to add an amendment. I think that we as a school board should at least comment whether we wish uh Madame Rivers to uh actually do what Mr. Patel is asking her to do. So I personally have no uh you know

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opposition to um seeing if there's any way that we can amend that if it actually is necessary or not. So I think taking it to the legal minds that are there that day which is what Mr. Patel is asking for. I'm okay with that position. Um I think that once we're

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there that will let us know yeah you know that does apply or that doesn't. Um I think that myself I don't um think to understand exactly all of what is going on and that um research that Mr. Patel

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has so um lovingly created for us. So I would appreciate reviewing it and um but seeing as you did put the time and effort in I would say personally I would be okay with Mr. taking that to the um NJSB legal folks on the day.

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That's just my position. >> No objection. >> Well, I I object to us as a >> Dr. um Nelson That's that's a good um that's a good

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way to go about it. Thank you. >> So So madam madame as the delegate, I appreciate your your comment and and we're going to move on. So now we're going back to the resolution number four and No, but wait.

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>> No, we were only we were only making comment to the amendment. Now we're actually going to say, do we agree with resolution number four? That's what Madam President was saying. If I was so >> commended,

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>> yes. >> Yeah, but she did not support amendment. >> No, I'm in agreement with that. Right, everybody. Okay. Okay. >> So, one second. Let me just clear this up. Number one, I asked if people agree

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with making uh Miss Rivers making an amendment. Most of us said we'd agree. The only person that said they wouldn't stop the comments. Then, Miss Rivers said she didn't agree with making the amendment. If she agrees, she brought up a different whole subject, which is

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making comments. So if that's the case, now we have to go back through and say, folks, do we agree with Mrs. River's recommendation not to amend, but to comment? So Mr. Patel, do you agree with

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M. Rivers um commenting, not amending? Just yes or no is what I need. >> Okay. Was that a yes? Yes. >> Okay. >> Dr. Nelson. >> Okay.

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>> I I agree with um Mrs. Rivers making a comment, not an amendment. >> Oh, I agree with that. >> I pardon me. >> Okay. Wait. We're done with the green. We're done with the green. Now we are

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moving on to resolution number four as the amendment part of it didn't pass. So, we're moving on to resolution number four. >> Secretary, I'm totally confused. >> I understand

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>> Mr. Patel has requested that comments be made that he will share com. Dr. Specify what you want in this couple more >> about the highlands the highlands and

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the stateowned areas. Correct. >> Yes. And and once that is done and then the assembly starts uh and the resolution four comes up that's when um line

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remarks and comments. But I just have one point. >> If it does not pass there, then uh in the comments um I'm asking to make

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additional uh request. >> We I'm sorry. I'm sorry. So, we understand that you want the comments that if it doesn't pass to go to the um a research study about these

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things, correct? Now, what I what I want to just have a a a consensus on, I think that most board members, from what I'm sensing, and I I may be wrong, are okay with either way, either the amendment or

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the the comments except for um the delegate assembly herself and the alternate. So, in my position as um the president of this board right now, um I to say that we need to move on from this

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particular you know space and if I'm getting the recommendation from the delegate assembly and the alternate to the delegate assembly that they do not wish to add the amendment that you are um proposing perhaps we should take that on adisement and think about that for

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the next delegate assembly which we will have more time for and we could perhaps come up with our own resolution. So that's going to be my suggestion and I'm going to now say if we want to do that which is now I think the fourth

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iteration of what we were talking about. Okay. So I am proposing that we do not make the amendment that we allow Miss Rivers to make comment on that day and that we ask

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Mr. Patel to take the research and the wording that he has worked on and to present at another time to the board members so that we can then therefore come up with our own resolution in this matter for the next delegate assembly in November. That's my suggestion.

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Mr. Rivers, >> Mr. Patella, are you satisfied with this? Yes or no? >> Okay, we're going to have your statement and um Dr. Nelson like someone can write a resolution and you can agree with the resolution or

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some of it and you might want to add something to the prop. So um if we wait longer so She can she can say whatever it is

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>> the delegation does not have to >> right >> but it's just your doesn't >> see you can't Okay. >> So, we have two then we don't have

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quums. One, two, three. >> Okay. Yes. Stand up. Do whatever you need to do. >> Um, but are so you're abstaining, Dr. or you're agreeing to the original amendment. >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. So, I made the suggestion. So, I

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agree. >> I agree with what you had said and I agree with our delegate. >> Okay. >> I agree >> with what? >> Okay. Waiting till November to make a new resolution. Okay. I just want to

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make sure people are knowing what we're agreeing to. I agree with both. >> Okay. Yes. >> So yeah. So my said yes to the amendment and also said yes to >> right.

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>> Two people who are involved in this more than the rest of us, >> right? that they not agree we're going to do the amendment. So I have to defer their um so I guess because of that I have to

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agree with your solution to the matter. >> Okay. So Mr. Secretary, I think where we're at is that for resolution number four, our board is saying that the majority of us agree with Miss

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Rivers making comments to the delegate assembly for the addition of the wording of the pylons and stadium and that we as a board um put forth perhaps some investment into the work that Mr. Patel

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has done in order to um think about perhaps um making our own resolution in November >> and that's the way we're going to vote on resolution number four. >> Is that okay?

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>> All right. Okay. >> Yes, we're moving on. >> Yes, she will approve the resolution. Yes. Okay. Um resolution number five, Missurement for instructional materials.

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>> So the recommendation is that the purch should be provided with a wide array of information on available programs and products and system and making informed selections when purchasing such

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materials should employ strategies that promote the efficient use of tax resources to do um I'm confused by this one because I don't I think that that's something that we

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all should be doing already and I don't think that we necessarily need to support this measure. I don't know. Does anyone >> It's something that we already do, but you don't want to support it because >> what's your recommendation?

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>> So, I just want to read the other parts that statement policies for material and digital educational resources should promote equing Transparency purchasing opportunity

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stewardship by local authority over decision and voluntary participation in statewide. >> Yes. >> Respectfully, can I just ask that you really carefully read the language in this >> because this is more than just as I read

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it and I could be mistaken more than just I mean I'm looking at the book. This is not just about this is about having a say in not that board shouldn't but how far could be >> right. Um

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I mean the wording of the recommendation of the be whatever policy they have is that the broads that purchasers of textbooks and other curricular materials should be provided

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with a wide array of consumer information informed selection purchasing such materials should employ strategies that promote the efficienc the the board of education that's bringing this forward is the Glen Rock

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Board of Education, >> right? >> You're supposed to go through. So, if it's done correctly, you're supposed to go through establish a committee, go through curriculum review. If you bring forth the curriculum, the the companies

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that you have, present to the board, the The board reviews the curriculum. The board decides the curricular resources. The board decides if this is a direction they want to go or not. So the process to me I understand I could be mistaken already exist. >> Right? >> There may be some superintendent or

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others who try to push things through and the community doesn't know. >> I just say just be mindful maybe there's some questions that folks may want to ask at time. You're right. the way that it's written, it is pretty broad in nature as as you noted what the

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recommendation is, but this is more than just the purchasing. This is actually about >> what materials children are going to get, >> which I'm not opposed to because you want the board should have a >> a bird's eye view of what because you're you're approving it. You're going to approve if you spend $2 million in

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person open, >> right? >> And the whole purpose of this process is that the delegate gets to hear all of this and then we make a vote as to what we know I'm going to delegate to oppose or to that that's the purpose and I and

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I know it's getting late when we get out of here I just want to thank everyone because we have not been doing this >> right >> so it only when happens it's been one person who votes

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at that time we are now taking the time to actually discuss some of the these resolutions as to whether we would support them or not >> and I thank you for that and it makes it a richer process >> and thank you for that time. So, Madame

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President, >> yes, >> what I was hearing is that there was some opposition to the uh statement of of recommendation of this policy language. Remember, we're voting on policy language, right? Gail's

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point. So, you can delegate. >> I don't want you necessary to I just want folks to make sure they're reading everything in it because this one right here >> Yes. I think at the spirit of the >> Yeah. >> with the policy well I believe the policies are there but at the spirit of

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what should be happening it boards of education should have a say in what curriculum >> already that should be in place. something must be going on >> in this specific place that happens that no such legislation or child

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mandate the adoption of specific instructional material or vendors transfer curriculum decision making authority from local board of education require participation statewide contract. So, it's in there,

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but I'm not reading all the click on the link and you'll have the whole book to review. This is page 107. >> Okay. Yeah, I see it. >> I feel that the resolution subcommittee has had

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a meeting April 14th. representatives from across the state with the NJSBA staff who are experts in policy and that's where the this is the this is the research that the staffers have done and they list it before

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they'll be doing the same. >> Okay. So, um should we go around the table start? >> Okay. >> Wait, wait. I'm on Dr. Nelson right now. >> Yeah. Um, Mr. Patel, I'm sure you reviewed this. What do you think?

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>> No, actually I was on the phone. >> M Rivers. So, we have more. Yep. So, we're good. We can move forward with um this body

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does approve with resolution number five. Five and three. Neutral isn't really an option. >> I two obstains and six yeses. >> Okay,

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we are moving on to resolution number. This is our last one which is resolution number six. >> So this is about what the resolution of the representation districts on county

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vocational school boards. Well, the rale is reflecting school district. The association supports and regulatory changes that promote greater transparency

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accountability and collaboration related to rates planning enrollment capacity and program. We also believe that the government's model for county

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should encourage the creation of advisory structure that allows multiple predictability and of the budget school district I don't know anything about because we

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have here and I just >> as the former state director for department of education is in charge of this this area has been a sensitive topic for a long time our county 21 state

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tend to have some advantages that our traditional school districts don't have. Yes, they're public entities, but they do operate for two different rules. because of the funding instruction where they get their funding from. There are some unique advantages that our county vocational schools are are able to do is

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if we create programs of study and pathways that are not cost effective or cost prohibitive for local districts like most. So this is asking that local districts have representation at

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the table when decisions are being made especially around tuition enrollment practices for students who selected who may not be selected. Middle Sex County tends to be a little different, but if you go outside of Middle Sex County, there are spaces

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across southern and some northern New Jersey location where things change. Local districts don't have the same opportunity to provide their students and they lose those students. When those students go to votes, the local district responsible

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for paying for those tuition. >> Therefore, they don't want to lose their students. We knew in advance we're going to create a television and film program. Maybe we can create the same one to keep our students instead of losing. So this is really about keeping funds in the district and then have a table. One of

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the things that's come out recently has been tuition increases and understand how that rate happen >> and having them be responsible also to the local district who's going to be sending. Is that right?

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>> I'd like to know again the students they accepted to the county vocational schools and that's where the parent wants them to go, so be it. However, at least let us have an understanding of how the rates change. Similar conversation that's been held when you talk about district placement rates and

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how they change over time. Local boards want to be local boards or have representation from the district. We understand methodology how the rates are changing and what and what the money is being directed towards outside of the

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purchase funds that they receive. I would I would agree and that that that is reflected in what the recommendation is in terms of the you know additional policy language resolution for

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it. >> Um so given that um information um and review from our superintendent. I definitely understand that resolution as it is stated in here and I agree that our um school district would want to have a

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seat at that table to understand what those um tuition rates would be and what different programs are going to be offered at, you know, uh our um different vocational schools. Um, we wanted to ask any of our board

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members, um, if you guys have any comments to that. Look like maybe Dr. Nelson. >> Okay. >> Okay. The way it is, but I would prefer that there are additional

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things in this resolution. Okay. at the charter school charter school board members of boards they're picked out they're not publicly accepted and we

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>> end up we end up sending out money >> but we have no >> that sounds like another ball of waxel >> it is wax to say

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schools and charter schools. >> What you're voting on what you're voting on is specific language policy. You're not voting on a specific >> Right. Right. Right. And that's where

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>> if I may I might be a little off but just because of the county process and funding stream versus public and that's really yes Dr. Yes. Myself. Yes.

448
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>> Connors. Yes. >> Yes. Yes. And yes. So, we are we are agreeing. Um I'm going to make a I'm going to make a a suggestion for November that we have a separate meeting to discuss the delegate assembly. May we

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try to look for a date and a time probably in October that we can have some time for those individual board members who are wanting to um dive in to the delegate assembly a little deeper.

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>> Can we have a work >> bring and and get credit? We don't need no more credits now. We're going to be master certified. >> But we can discuss that. >> No. And I mean I think we can have a

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retreat with the topic being government assembly. >> Yeah. and and before the >> meeting where resolutions >> we'll have to look at the calendar. >> Okay. Um that was new business.

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>> Is there any other new business? >> Okay. >> Just pray for me on Saturday. >> I'm going to pray for all of us on Saturday. ending delegate assembly for all of us >> graduation on the next meeting on June

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11. >> Oh, Mr. Glover said that he's gonna take care of that, I guess, right? >> Based on So, couple things. As the board steps back away from the beauty but also the emotions of

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tonight, >> it's incumbent upon me to look at there's any current policy in place about graduation and presentation at graduation. Number one, number two to look at what has taken place historically and knowing that this would be setting precedent if there's

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something outside of what we tra traditionally have done. So I just want to be clear. I will confer with our board attorney to make sure that we're covering all the bases because and we also just to be clear we have a copy of what is read and

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we vetted because we have known a graduation ceremony where students may have had public statements to one audience and then it goes off the rails in that ceremony. So I just want to make sure I cover all the bases for president.

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May 11 June 11 board meeting come back to the board and we can formally I would recommend formally something in writing so that we should be clear but every board member should put their eyes on it approve of what is said make sure it fits all of our

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standards of ethics. So there's a few things I want to confer with our board attorney as well as >> and I would recommend it's actually policy 54.1 commencement activities that is our polic He he wants us all to review that

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policy. >> He's saying read the policy so you know what you're talking about. >> So that way you'll Yeah. You'll all know. >> Okay. Again, Mr. >> Otherwise, >> what's the number? >> Uh it's policy 5460. >> Okay. Miss Hawk has a recommendation.

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I think it was beautiful. >> I think >> that's something we have to discuss. >> I app I appreciate it. Again, I just like I said anything. >> Thank you. >> That's it. >> All right.

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>> Can I have a motion to adjourn? >> That was the And then Dr. Nelson has a second. All those in favor. >> Any opposed? >> No.

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>> Okay. The meeting is now closed.