No, no, you're great. >> Are we good? >> Okay. >> Take two. Welcome to this public meeting of the Princeton Board of Education. The board is an elected, unpaid group of 10 citizens who set policy and make decisions on educational, financial, and personnel matters for the Princeton Public Schools on behalf of all
residents. We are always pleased when members of the community attend our meetings. The board and the school district operate under applicable New Jersey laws and under regulations of the New Jersey State Board of Education. Each meeting includes an opportunity for those attending to comment on items on the published agenda or other matters of
interest to them. The board reserves the right to limit the time allotted to to public participation. Law limits discussion of individual personnel and confidential matters. We desire that our meetings provide useful opportunities for communication between the board and the community. Thank you for attending. As required under the open public
meetings act NJSA 1046, adequate notice was given for calling this meeting. It was authorized by the board of education and forward it to the municipal clerk, Princeton packet and the times on December 19th, 2025 and distribute it to the schools and others on the standard distribution list. The board reserves
the right to enter into an executive session during all meetings of the board of education. Board policy 0168, recording devices, requires that we inform those attending this inerson meeting that the proceedings are being recorded. This meeting is being livereamed. The representative of the sending district is authorized to vote
on such matters that affect sending district students or affect the governance of the prison public schools as more specifically designated in NJSA18A 3881. Sending district votes pertaining to personnel. Actions refer to high school, central administrative, and districtwide staff only. Votes otherwise
are considered abstensions. In the event that NJSA18A 3881 is amended, the law shall take precedent. All right. Um, it's unusual for me to be doing this much talking. Um, so I run the meeting until we elect a president. But first, we have to review the
official results of the annual school election. So on November 4th, 2025, an election was held. There in Princeton were 21,983 registered voters. Of that votes cast were 10,547. Um, the three successful candidates were
Erica Snder with 7,44 votes, Daphne Kendall with 6,885 votes, and Susan Caner with 6,89 votes. So, if you three would please stand and take out your oath of office, which is in your >> And if you will repeat after me, I will
try to go slowly as much as possible. Wonderful. >> All right. >> I state your name do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. >> I'm sorry. Repeat after me.
>> Okay. >> Yes. So, I'll I'll start and then you guys repeat what I say. Sure. >> Apologies. I'll say I'll start over. I state your name. do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey.
>> I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear truth, faith, and allegiance to the same and to the governments established in in the United States and this state under the authority of the people. So help me God.
and that I bear true faith and allegiance to the same and to the governments established in the United States and the state under the authority of people. >> So help me God. >> I state your name do solemnly swear or affirm that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law for the office of
member of board of education. Iusly swear that I possess the qualifications by law for the office of member of the board of education and that I am not disqualified as a voter pursuant to RS1941
nor disqualified due to conviction of a crime or offense listed in NJS18A21. >> You don't have that listing, do you? And then I'm not disqualified as a voter pursuant to RS94-1 nor disqualified due to conviction of a
crime or offense listed in NJSA 188-12-1 >> and that I will faithfully and partially and justly perform all the duties of that office according to the best of my ability. and I will faithfully and impartially and justly perform all the duties of that office according to the
best of my ability. So help me God. >> Great. >> Thank you. >> Oh, we're done. >> You're done. >> I like it. >> I'll take next I'll take roll call. Doc McKendle >> here. >> Susan Caner >> here. >> Beth Bon >> here. >> Adam Beerman. >> Mario Frances
>> here. >> Ellaner Hubard >> here. >> Ari Myel >> here. Christopher Centurio >> here. >> Erica Snder >> here. >> Katherine Lara >> here. >> We have quorum. Next we have election of officers. So I
will call for nominations for the office of board president. No second is necessary. The close of nominations. I will take a roll call vote of each member asking you to state your selection for board president. If there is only one nomination, I will conduct a voice vote of yays, nays, or
abstensions. Once a president has been selected, I will step down as temporary chair of this meeting and pass the gavl to the newly elected president who will then conduct the election for office of vice president in the same manner. So I will take nominations now. Susan,
>> I wish to nominate Daphna Kendall to serve as board president for the upcoming year. Daphna as board president has led our board through not only difficult times but more importantly as we have celebrated both our students and staff achievements. She always reminds our board to keep our students success
and support top of mind as we as we serve in our roles. At the same time, she has been unwavering in supporting our staff and their needs. I have seen firsthand how Daphnner has supported Dr. Lusa as he leads our district as well as supported not only myself but fellow
board members in their service to the district and taxpayers. We will need steady leadership in the coming year and I am pleased to nominate Daphna as president and grateful that she is willing to continue to serve in this role. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Do we have any other
nominations? All right. At this time, I will close nominations. Since we only have one, I will conduct a voice vote. All those in favor? >> Any oppose? Any abstain? Congratulations.
>> Thank you. All right. And now I passed the gapple. >> Um, okay. >> Before I I go on, I just want to say thank you um all for your um continued trust and confidence in me. Um, and
Erica, I will do my best to earn it. Um it's it's uh we've all been on an incredible journey together and I'm excited to lead uh for another term. I I don't take your confidence for granted. I'm looking forward to another um great year. Um it's only going to get better.
Um and like Susan said, you know, our focus as as a board is on the kids. They're our northstar the best interest of kids. And as long as as long as we make our decisions, continue to make our decisions with that in mind, um, and
we're wrong sometimes, but as long as we're making our decisions with the best interest of kids in mind, um, we're always going to be doing the right thing. So, thank you again. I appreciate it. Looking forward to a great year. Okay. Um, now, can I have nominations?
Oh, I'm not going to do it as good as Andrew. He has to show me up. He has it for like five seconds. No, not there. There. Not there. >> Oh, the main one.
>> Do Does anyone want to have a revote? No. >> No. Okay. Can I get a nomination for the election of vice president of the board? Beth, do I need a second? >> No, you don't need >> No, I don't need a second. >> Okay. Um, it's my honor to nominate
Susan Caner uh for continued service to the Princeton community as vice president of this board. Susan has a proven record of selfless and steady leadership and has demonstrated effective advocacy with her remarkably calm and well-reasoned approach to board
work from student mental health to the prudent stewardship of facilities and funds. I look forward and to accomplishing more together on behalf of students this year under the board leadership. >> Any other nominations?
>> Okay, you can call a voice vote. >> Uh can I uh all in favor? >> I Anyone opposed? Any abstensions? All right. Congratulations, Susan. Susan, I just want to say um it's, you know, um a pleasure to work
with you. We balanced each other out well. Um and I do appreciate that you're a sounding board for me. Um I'm not always this calm. And so, uh Susan, you know, she'll even take my call at dinner and she's like, "Can I call you back?" But she always takes my call. So, I look
forward to another great year together. Thank you. >> Um I'll just quickly say thank you. Uh thank you to my fellow uh board members and I'm excited uh for the upcoming year that we serve together and I'm looking forward to uh working with all of you in
uh our board board service. Thank you. >> Okay, we're going to move on. I just have to get something. So, um good evening everyone. Happy new year. Um we're off to, you know, a great start with the school year. I wanted to just discuss briefly um an item that appeared
um in the police plotter and then was reported on um and that was um uh $178,000 um wire fraud. Um what happened with that is uh we have
been doing referendum projects and in September of 24 we were asked to wire three separate payments uh to from the vendor from an email that was sent from the vendor. Um and we wired those payments and then it was December was it
December or November >> of this year >> of 25? >> Yes. >> Yes. December. >> December. >> December of 25 when the vendor called looking for payment. And at that point we realized that uh something um untored had occurred. Uh we spoke with our board counsel who advised us to file a police
report. Um and while we can't get into any additional details um the board is confident that um we are not out those funds but the vendor is out those funds. Um so again this is something that um
occurred in September of 24. However, we were only made aware of it in December of 25. um mid December 25, like late December, early December. Um we filed the police report and um you know, we
responded to uh press inquiries and we'll continue to do that. But right now, it doesn't look like the district uh suffered the loss, but we'll keep you we'll keep the public apprised. And I don't know if there's anything that you want to add. >> I don't think so. >> No. Okay. So, uh moving on. And did you
have that's all I have today. Did you have any comments? >> I have nothing to report other than to congratulate Erica and the whole entire board and hopefully 2026 will be a great year. >> Thank you. Um
so moving on now. Um this is just part of the consent the annual standard committees. >> Oh committees. >> I just want to make sure. Yeah. >> Do I read them out loud? >> Okay. So um oh and we might as well talk too um we are we are shifting from board
docs uh to Google docs for the past since Dr. Lusa arrived, which is what he is in his former district. We have had parallel agendas. Um so we've had board docs and we've had Google Docs. We are shifting to Google Docs. Um it will save
the district 10 to 20,000 about 10,000. Um my husband says I always overestimate the savings and underestimate the spend. I have to stop doing that. So, $10,000. And um we've also we're also going to move away from um
broadcasting the meeting behind us. When we have um presentations, uh we will of course continue those presentations. But um we feel that um with the live stream of the meeting, the summary that follows
the meeting and the fact that the video is available in perpetuity for now. uh that that gives the transparency that we're trying to seek with having um the agenda displayed behind us. It's very
distracting for those of us running the meeting. Um and I don't know if anyone has any comments or concerns or want to talk about that. >> Yeah. >> Just the agendas will still be available. >> Okay. Okay. So, the So, we're move So,
there'll be a link and for the public it'll be seamless. >> Okay. And we'll still put it out on Friday afternoons by four o'clock. Great. >> I I just want to say I I think it's a great idea and I'm think we're kind of simplifying things. I think sometimes we get over technology, you know, focused
and also we have a focus on the board of not having laptops and screens in front of us because we want to show uh by example that we're listening to each other and we're here present in the meeting. and I think it's a a step towards that. So, I appreciate that we're we're doing it this way. I think it works just fine. Thanks. >> And if it doesn't work out or we hear
feedback, we we'll adjust. But yeah, we're going to give it a try. >> Okay, great. Um Okay, so then uh the standing committee structure, uh we have um equity, long-term planning, operations, personnel, policy, and
student achievement. Um those committee assignments will be on the agenda for um the January 27th meeting. Um right now we have meetings on uh t Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. and 1 p.m.
And that's something that uh Dr. Luza implemented when he came here just to make it more manageable like oh when do I have a meeting? Um, so right now, um, equity is Thursdays at 1:00 and we are
thinking about making that an evening meeting, I believe. Um, at least at some point. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> The equity meetings we have fewer of. Yes. And, um, we've just discussed changing making that the one committee
that might meet at different points to give more the opportunity to attend. So, we'll we'll leave um and that's the one where we've had the most feedback from the public that they would like um it to be more accessible. Um long-term planning right now is Thursdays at 1:00. Are you impressed? I know that.
>> It's very impressive. Thank you. Um we have operations at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesdays. >> Thursdays, we have personnel at 9:00 a.m. on th >> Tuesdays. >> Is it Tuesdays? >> I mean, personnel.
Tuesdays. >> You think it's >> Oh my goodness. Policy. That's Thursdays at 1 PM and then we have student achievement 9:00 am on Thursdays. So, can we talk about how those meetings fit in to
everyone's schedule and um what we think about moving some of them around? Uh we would like to move student achievement to a 1:00 slot. Okay. Yep. Um, so we're going to find another Thursday
and for now. >> Yeah. >> So, right now we have all the meetings in one week, >> right? So, >> for the most part, >> it depend. We don't have the meeting schedule in front of us. >> Why don't you tell them what you're thinking.
>> Well, I'm not thinking anything as usual. Um, but there I think as we're reorganizing and board members are new or they're looking at their schedules and considering how things have gone the first bunch of months of the year. Uh, if we can tweak anything to make it more convenient for board members, then we
can. So, on sack, since we've been doing those at 9, uh, I think there are one or two folks who would prefer that they be at one and we can accommodate that fairly easily. Kim and I spoke and we can just move to other Thursdays or a Tuesday here and there if we want to
stay glued to the Tuesday Thursday just to keep it consistent and have an easy pattern to follow. So if there's any other committee other than student achievement where the current members or the future members think it will be inconvenient to have them at the times they've been
occurring, we can just modify those two. >> But if all we have to modify is sack, that makes it easier for us. >> What about policy? No >> policy.
Yeah. So policy right now is at 1:00 >> on Thursdays. >> So that's >> Oh, policy. That's right. It's 9:00 a.m. Yes. Can we >> What does policy go with?
>> Yeah. Policy is what policy and equity are a little bit standaloneish. It's I think we have operations I think we have sack married to operations and personnel man married married married to long-term planning I think or vice versa but
there are two mar happy marriages and uh equity equity and policy are kind of standalone depending on the the week and the date So if we if so it sounds like we'll move policy to one o'clock time frame, we can make that happen and send out the
invitations and everything else and we'll do the same for student achievement >> and keep everything else as is. >> That's great. So we're definitely backloading the day which is good because you don't need these meetings right in the morning. >> It's all good. Yeah, whatever works for
everyone >> and we don't and we're not concerned that staff is going to have any issues if we need them to come. Um, if there are any issues, then I'm sure Kim and Andrew and Angela and Margarita will yell at me right after this meeting and
>> No, I think it'll be Yeah, we we we made to tweak a little bit, right? >> But we'll figure it out. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Yes, they will because um if you read my email, I said we might adjust times and there might be some changes to the >> Yes.
No, because it's not a whole, you know, it's a not a quorum. >> Consider my vote. >> I know, right? Again, we could do feel free. Okay, so those are the that's the committee. So, more information will be coming on the January 27th agenda. um
the committee and the rosters will be listed and we might add a few other ones ad hoc but we'll talk about that later in the year then I commented you commented is this the consent agenda >> this is all consent
>> I yes yep so um a is Robert rules of order that's what we're governed by um the code of ethics um is included it's included twice which I really appreciate um maybe it's Not. Never mind. I thought I
>> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. No, I have it. Is it part of the agenda? It's separate, right? >> It's in the agenda, too. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yep. So, um what we do is um we read these and there's more um codes. There's more clauses than there are board
members. So, we'll just go around. I'll start and we'll go counterclockwise. Um we're going to have our um we're required to have our annual uh ethics training in public. And so our board attorney will be here. Also, the 27th is going to be a fun meeting,
but we'll see. Um, but that's always a great meeting to see how board members get themselves in trouble. So, um, okay. So am I going to resolve that the members of the Princeton board of education recognize that they hold authority not as individuals but as
members of the board in order to make a clear public statement of its philosophy of service to the students of the district. The board adopts the this code of ethics. I will uphold and enforce all laws, state board rules and regulations and court orders pertaining to schools. Desired changes should be brought only
through legal and ethical procedures. I will make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools which meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex or social
standing. I will confine my board action to policym planning and appraisal and I will help to frame policies and plans only after the board has consulted those who will be affected by them. I will behave toward my fellow board members
with the respect due to their office demonstrating courtesy, decorum and fair play at all public meetings and in all public statements. >> I will refrain from inappropriate conduct in public meetings and in making public statements refraining from any
disparagement of my fellow board members or others on a personal, social, racial or religious basis. I will carry out my responsibility not to administer the schools but together with my fellow board members to see that they are wellrun.
>> I will recognize the authority rests with the board of education and will make no personal promises nor take any private action which may compromise the board. >> I will refuse to surrender my independent judgment to special interest or partisan political groups or to use the schools for personal gain or for the
gains of friends. I will hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools which if disclosed would needlessly injure individuals or the schools. But in all other matters I will provide accurate information and in concert with my
fellow board members interpret the staff interpret to the staff the aspirations of the community for its schools. >> I will vote to appoint the best qualified personnel available after consideration of the recommendation of the superintendent.
I will support and protect school personnel in proper performance of their duties. >> I will refer all complaints to the superintendent and will act on such complaints at public meetings only after failure of an administrative solution. The board shall see that all members of
the board receive training and on in understanding and adhering to this code of ethics and shall discuss it annually at a regularly scheduled public meeting and each member shall sign documentation that he that they have received a copy and it has and has read and understood
it. Okay. And we will leave that we will sign it and we'll leave it in our spot or do you want us to bring it to you? Okay. We'll leave it in our spot. Uh okay. of ethics. Okay. The annual meeting schedule is
attached. Um that will be on the website after we approve it. Um newspapers for legal advertisements. Um are we what's what's uh the deal with like online publications
>> that they just passed the rule where we have to for the next two months every twice month We have to publish our website and where legal ads and legal notices can be found and then at the end of March we can start just using them on our website rather than having some
>> Wow, that's fabulous. That's great. And do the same notice requirements apply >> in terms of >> in terms of the timing. Yeah. >> Okay. Great. That's fabulous. >> Yeah. >> In our folders, we don't have
>> Okay. So, I thought we had >> No, we don't. And that's okay because we're going to probably go over them on the 27th. We can sign them then. Don't worry. Thank you for raising it. Yeah. It's not like there's a recording that we got them, but yeah, we'll sign it, too.
Okay. Newspapers for legal ad advertisements. Is that the same thing? >> Yes. Apologies. One is for legal advertisements. The other one staff. >> Um, yeah. Can we do that on our website or are we still doing it? I believe it's all legal
>> because the New York ledger doesn't exist anymore. >> Okay, that's why I was asking. So, we're we're not in the 21st century with regard to hiring. Great. >> I mean, we're a quarter way through it. Maybe the next quarter. All right. Um,
district organization, we all received an org chart. Are there any changes? >> No. >> Great. Um and hiring between board me uh both board meetings. Um >> actually this was
>> Huh. >> This has been updated but I I missed it. >> Okay. So well um you want us to table it? >> Yeah. I wait till next meeting. >> We're going to table that. It's been updated and we don't have the updated version.
>> There's a new one in Google Drive. So, these are the problems with paper. Yeah, >> you know, we're going backwards. That's okay. >> And then hiring between board meetings. Um, that's just uh bless you.
>> You have the authority to fill in vacancies for existing jobs in between board meetings. Um, and then we have one item, and this is also part of the consent agenda, and we're awarding a contract. Um
does anyone want to talk about that? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Andrew can update us. Sure. >> So, um well, >> so this was the project that was originally um put out to bid last year that we did not receive any biders for. Um so, we did receive biders this time.
So, this is just for the uh the playgrounds at um JP, Littlebrook, and um CP. >> Okay. >> And the >> No, I'm sorry. Riverside, not CP. Riverside. represent >> and the regrading >> and the regrading. Yeah. >> So, we're um awarding a bid base bid in
the amount of 1.445 million and then as well as the alternate bid of 225,000. >> That's correct. Correct. >> Yes. The alternate bid is the Riverside piece. >> Okay. Um Okay. Um
before we vote on it, um is there any public comment? Uh thank you for coming out. Sorry it's not more exciting than we don't have any cake. Well, we should have had a cake. I apologize. Next time. Um so there's no one for public comment. Um just before
we um if anyone feels they don't have enough information to vote, they can abstain. Um we can make it an action item if you would like to vote on everything else. and uh abstain on the bid award or would
you just like to abstain on everything? >> Um I'll just abstain on everything for right now. >> Okay, sounds good. >> All right. Um and of course you you're free to vote however you want, but uh just wanted to give you that option. Um could I get a motion for the consent
vote? Ari second. Mara, can >> we just exclude 7G from that vote? And can we ex I'm going to take it back. Can we can I get a motion for the consent agenda excluding um item seven >> uh G which is No, not G.
>> F. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> F. My apologies. >> So, can you get a vote for the consent agenda? >> Ex I got to finish. I got to spit it out for the records. Can you get a vote for the consent agenda excluding item uh F, right? 6F.
Nope. You're not going to do it anymore. >> Ari second Mara. >> Whoa. Okay. Those those are my mistakes for the year. >> No, I I'm I I It's very cumbersome. It's too My mind doesn't I know. I love
paper. I love Google. I just need to If I want to run an efficient meeting, I'm going to need my computer. >> That's fine. >> All right. >> You ready to vote? I'm ready. Where? >> Okay. Beth Baron, >> yes. >> Mara Francheski, >> yes. >> Elanar Hubard,
>> yes. >> Katherine Larret, >> yes. >> Ariel, >> yes. >> Christopher Sanpio, >> yes. >> Erica Snider, >> abstain. >> Susan Caner, >> yes. >> D Mckendle, >> sure. Yeah.
>> Motion carries. >> Thank you. Um, all right. And so I think that is it. Um, so our next meeting is uh on January 27th. We've moved the starting time of the public portion of the meeting till 7
p.m. Does everyone know that 7 p.m.? Our public meetings are going to start at 7 p.m. Uh we think that's better for public engagement as well as to get our staff home earlier uh in the evening. Sometimes these meetings run long. Um happy new year everyone. Thanks for attending this meeting. Can I please
have a motion to adjourn? Ari second. Elellanar. All in favor? >> Okay, we're journ. Thank you.