WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=2NlC43PNTE0 NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: 2NlC43PNTE0): - 00:04:49: Meeting Introduction and First Public Forum - 00:07:56: Public Comment 1: Alissa - Thanking the Board - 00:08:24: Correspondence, Action Item Roll Call, and Approval - 00:11:32: Education Technology Report: AI Handbook and Policies - 00:17:54: NJSB Delegate Assembly: Ranked Choice Voting Discussion - 00:23:01: Discussion on Amazon Voting and Election Styles - 00:26:04: New Business: NJ SDA Convention Planning - 00:28:25: Board Self-Evaluation and Strategic Planning Update - 00:31:03: AI in Strategic Planning and Process Discussion - 00:34:21: Feedback on Strategic Planning Process and Enthusiasm - 00:36:20: Discussion on Strategic Planning Goals and Consultant - 00:42:02: NJ Recognitions, Board Member and Board Certifications - 00:45:27: Green Committee Report: Strategic Focus & Sustainability - 00:50:05: Teacher Appreciation Week and Amazing Representatives - 00:50:52: Public Comment 2: Katherine Duga - Library Materials Policy - 00:53:53: Closing Public Session and Moving to Executive Session Part: 1 1 00:04:49.120 --> 00:07:52.520 Hilarious All right, we're going to move to the next item of our agenda, which is the first public forum. Any item that is on the agenda, an action item, to speak. 2 00:07:56.879 --> 00:08:24.160 >> Hi, I'm Alissa. I want to thank you all for tonight and celebrating us. It really means a lot. You all look so dressed up and nice to celebrate. comments to the next item on the agenda which is 3 00:08:24.160 --> 00:08:38.959 our correspondence correspondent as usual they are on file the board secretary move to next item which are action items and the first approval 4 00:08:38.959 --> 00:09:05.200 We have items 1012 follow. >> Yes. >> Miss Fury. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lopes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Pierro. >> Yes. >> M R. >> Yes. >> M. >> Ryan. >> Yes. >> Mind. >> Yes. >> M. >> Yes. >> Next item is approval of minutes. We 5 00:09:05.200 --> 00:09:34.000 have two items. 20. 202 Cassidy. >> Yes. >> Miss Bure. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mos. >> Yes. >> M. Rat. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ryan. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> All right. Next item is 6 00:09:34.000 --> 00:09:49.279 three. First one is for finance and facilities. We do not have the committee report this month, but we do have 13 items 3013. I have a motion followed by a second 7 00:09:49.279 --> 00:10:09.440 motion. >> Second. Any discussion? >> Miss Cassidy. >> Mor. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lopes. >> Yes. >> M. >> Yes. M. Rad. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ryan. Yes. >> Yes. >> Is there? 8 00:10:09.440 --> 00:10:26.480 >> Yes. >> Our next item is education technology. I don't see report. We do have three items. 401 through 403. I have a motion followed by a second 9 00:10:26.480 --> 00:11:00.200 motion. >> Any discussion? >> Cassie. Yes, >> Mur. >> Yes, >> Ryan. >> Yes, >> our next item is a motion by a second. 10 00:11:02.800 --> 00:11:32.880 Any discussion? Miss C. >> Yes. >> Miss York. >> Yes. >> Mops. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Ryan. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Motion. Second. 11 00:11:32.880 --> 00:11:50.800 >> Second. The committee met on April 29th at 3:30 p.m. First item we discussed was the AI handbook. Dr. Harper review the AI handbook with the committee. The AI committee met four times throughout the school year. Consisted of staff, 12 00:11:50.800 --> 00:12:06.720 parents, and students. This committee collected data regarding AI use in schools. They develop ethical intentions such as transparency, academic integrity, critical literacy, data privacy and safety, fairness, equity, and age appropriateness. There will be no AI specific policy. However, our 13 00:12:06.720 --> 00:12:24.000 academic integrity and acceptable use policy will include AI and speak to the AI handbook. This handbook is intended to be a fluid document as AI is ever changing. Protocols for teachers and staff include understanding the SAMR model. AI is a tool, establishing clear 14 00:12:24.000 --> 00:12:39.519 AI These guidelines such as the traffic light system, model responsible practices, and transparent citation protocols for students include understanding the traffic light system to know when to use AI, practice citation, and acknowledge AI use, develop critical thinking and 15 00:12:39.519 --> 00:12:54.639 verification, respect intellectual property and safety measures. The handbook also mentions professional development timeline to gain key competencies. The committee is still working on a vetting rubric to evaluate AI tools, review cycle for all protocols, formalize agreements and 16 00:12:54.639 --> 00:13:11.680 feedback loop and integrate AI literacy. Dr. Hart is getting input from leadership and will future policy. The second item we reviewed was the religious exemptions protocol. Dr. Hart reviewed the religious exemption protocol document with committee. This 17 00:13:11.680 --> 00:13:26.880 is brought to our attention because the district received a request to gain exempt from a core novel found in a literacy unit because it substantially conflicted with their religious beliefs. This relates to the Muver Taylor Supreme Court case which ruled that public schools must allow parents to opt out 18 00:13:26.880 --> 00:13:43.760 their children of curriculum that substantially interferes with their religious beliefs. When an opt- out request is received by any staff member, it should be forwarded to both the building principal and the appropriate supervisor. The principal and supervisor shall forward the request to the superintendent as notification. A 19 00:13:43.760 --> 00:13:58.880 meeting shall be scheduled between staff and the parent to review the op request. The meeting will be to determine that the material or book substantially interferes with the religious development of the student and the material book 20 00:13:58.880 --> 00:14:14.560 possesses a threat of undermining the student's religious duties and practices. It will also discuss what accommodations and alternate assignments can be made. Before the final decision is communicated to the parent, the superintendent should be advised as to the results of the parent meeting and the course of action that is planned for 21 00:14:14.560 --> 00:14:31.040 the student. A discussion with the OB council may occur as needed. The third item we discussed was the 3000 series revisions policy 3231 outside employment as athletic coach. This policy relates to staff members who may coach outside of our district and may 22 00:14:31.040 --> 00:14:47.920 require accommodations such as a work schedule adjustment. Dr. Hart would make a minor revision to the first sentence of this policy and we move forward with the first meeting. Fourth item was handbooks. The committee will review the board of education handbook and the board committee handbook for general comments and 23 00:14:47.920 --> 00:15:04.399 feedback. The committee will send ideas on how to improve upon these documents and further organized for the next committee meeting. We then moved on to our policy tracking document and the stress estate audit. We reviewed bylaw 0175. 24 00:15:04.399 --> 00:15:21.519 The strauss audit identified bylaws 0173 through 0177 as needing updates. However, 0175 is the only one needing an update as all others were previously addressed during our review process. Bylaw 0175 refers to contracts with independent consultants. This will need 25 00:15:21.519 --> 00:15:36.800 to be added to our manual. Our department will look into this and bring it back to committee. Policy 1110 stress estate flag this policy organizational chart as needing an update. We do not have this policy. This policy is not mandated. We review the district 26 00:15:36.800 --> 00:15:53.519 organizational organizational chart and the personnel committee. We will add this policy but it will be very simple and state that we have an organizational chart and it is available for review. office policy 1642 earn six earned six week this is a mandated policy that the 27 00:15:53.519 --> 00:16:10.720 stress estimate audit flag as us meeting for our manual Dr. from this policy back to committee for review and adop adoption. The following policies 1570, 1620, 1636.01, 2230, 2414, 2422, and 2440 reflect by 28 00:16:10.720 --> 00:16:26.639 the stress estimate audit as needed an update. However, these policies were previously addressed by the committee in the fall. These policies were reviewed and updated but were not reflected in the manual at the time of the audit. Policy 2416.01, postnatal accommodations for students. This policy was briefly discussed and 29 00:16:26.639 --> 00:16:43.199 the committee decided to keep it black but to move on to more pressing policies. This policy is not mandated and could be considered at a later date. Policy 2428.1 standardsbased instructional priorities. This policy is not mandated. We currently do not have this policy but it may be good to have. Dr. will bring this 30 00:16:43.199 --> 00:16:59.199 back to committee for review and adoption. Policy 3216 dress and brooming was flagged in the audit and reviewed by committee again and we decided to keep it as is. Policy 3324 right to privacy 3340 grievance and 3355 healthy 31 00:16:59.199 --> 00:17:14.959 workplace environment are all missing from our manual. These are not mandated policies but may be good to have. Dr. will bring these back to the committee for review. Policy 3410 compensation. This policy was not in the stress audit but Dr. Hart noticed it in their model policy manual. The board of education 32 00:17:14.959 --> 00:17:29.760 sets compensation when not in contract rolling into this and bring it back to committee. And finally policy 3440 travel expenses. This policy was previously approved to be abolished but never removed from the manual. This was a clerical error that will be corrected. And the agenda item for tonight is 33 00:17:29.760 --> 00:17:54.880 policy 32 uh 3231. Our next meeting is Monday, June 1st30. >> Miss Cassid, >> yes. >> Miss, >> yes. >> Mr. Les, >> yes. >> Mr. Pier, >> yes. >> Mr. Rat, >> yes. >> Mr. Ryan, >> yes. Yes. 34 00:17:54.880 --> 00:18:12.320 >> Okay. The next item is unfinished business. This is a follow up from what I brought up last year. The NJSB delegate assembly twice here. I think my friend I am the 35 00:18:12.320 --> 00:18:27.440 district's delegate. So I would represent the district as voting member. If anyone doesn't know what this is, it's basically all the districts can send the members there. You don't have to be a member. It's open to public 36 00:18:27.440 --> 00:18:48.240 anyone can attend. Um any board member attend there will be certain resolutions that get this year. There's six. There's six resolutions. And what happens is you go there, people 37 00:18:48.240 --> 00:19:04.799 will introduce resolution the recall. Like last year, I think every resolution got recalled and we just really voted to recall or not. And then there's a lot of procedural votes. But essentially the idea is what do we do with these six resolutions? So some of them are relevant to others 38 00:19:04.799 --> 00:19:22.080 are not. So as a voting member, I can either vote yes, no, or decide not to vote. So last POE meeting, Dr. card. I posted the PDF from NJSBA on our website. This is a public document. There's six items on there. Now, these 39 00:19:22.080 --> 00:19:38.000 six items are for any that's not familiar. It's just like what should be added to NJSBA's policy manual. So, there's really no force of action. It's just that NJSB policy manual. Do we want to add them? Yes or no? And then then 40 00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:55.120 this be the official policy of NJSBA so that they go and they do any of the legislators or congressman or whatever. This is just the position of NJSBA. So that's really what it's doing. You're saying should these be on the cost of land. There's really no 41 00:19:55.120 --> 00:20:10.320 force of action on any board. So there's six of them. A lot to read. It's a long document. Um there are two that I think affect Readington and four don't. So my initial view is I probably going to vote on the 42 00:20:10.320 --> 00:20:25.520 four and just vote on the two. The two that have and everyone could jump in because they have their own choice. to that could possibly affect Regington is should someone South Orange and they board are asking to use ranked choice 43 00:20:25.520 --> 00:20:42.960 voting for BOE elections in that street NJSB recommended policy or not that would impact us obviously my personal view is I don't think that's something we should do it would really impact how we vote um right now if you have eight 44 00:20:42.960 --> 00:21:00.000 people run or six people run top three vote Second choice voting kind of changes that to where you know if you didn't win you drop out but your second choice moves out and so on. Some states have it at certain levels but it's not something that's really in New Jersey at the moment. That's one. The second one I 45 00:21:00.000 --> 00:21:17.039 think that impacts us is the pilot and tax exempt saying that um right now if you guys are familiar with pilot programs money really doesn't come to the district. We have all these buildings being built up and it's just going in there saying, you know, some recommendations on how to do that. 46 00:21:17.039 --> 00:21:34.799 There's four others in there to bring them up if they want. Those are the two. So, I was going to probably say my vote if I was just what I'm asking you guys would be no on ranked post ranked vote and then yes, I'm a pilot 47 00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:52.960 but and not vote on the other. I'll just throw it up right on discussion. >> Can you clarify how that voting works? >> Basically, it would work to where if you read a resolution, let's just say we had six people that ran in last vote, right? 48 00:21:52.960 --> 00:22:09.840 That any person gets 25% of the vote. Now, it doesn't say 25% of people cast, but just 25% of the vote. Everyone hear that? No one got 25% of the vote. That roughly got 3,000 votes, right? So no one would have been elected on first choice. And then they say if anyone got 49 00:22:09.840 --> 00:22:26.400 over 25% anything over 25% goes to the second person. And then what would happen next is okay the bottom person drops out. So whoever came in last they get to pick their second choice. Whoever whoever their second choice was on that 50 00:22:26.400 --> 00:22:41.440 vote they now go to get the votes. Let's see if everyone has 25% again. If not the six the fifth person drops out. They keep adding the bottom votes till somebody gets over 25%. It's it's an interesting thing like they do it in 51 00:22:41.440 --> 00:22:59.240 certain states, but if you have a lot of people run and nobody gets it, bottom vote choice getters can actually influence who actually wins is just an interesting thing. That's what the resolution is for that. 52 00:23:01.200 --> 00:23:18.720 I I did actually read a book on that just selecting the top vote getter really doesn't reflect um who um my preferred way of voting is they they call it um it it's not exactly rank 53 00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:34.480 choice because rank choice requires you to have very in-depth understanding of all the candidates and their positions and you can actually um manipulate it in a where if you know that someone's going to get a be very popular, you put them way at the bottom even if they don't 54 00:23:34.480 --> 00:23:50.960 actually disagree. Uh even if you might disagree with someone that you're trying to hire just because you think they're not going to do as well. So the actual best way to vote is where you it's like this is like Amazon voting. If you have six candidates, you rank each of them 55 00:23:50.960 --> 00:24:06.320 like five stars, four stars, three stars, two stars, one star, or I don't have enough information, so it way you actually get more towards the true um approval or uh community input. So, I I 56 00:24:06.320 --> 00:24:22.960 think this is not necessarily the ideal way to do it. And from what I read, it was a single choice election. Um it's ideal for as opposed to just with multiple seats. But uh when I read through this, I thought they had said that there was wasn't a requirement. It was simply allowing this type of 57 00:24:22.960 --> 00:24:39.360 approach in district. So just approving it would not mandate it in your community, but it would allow it if your community chose to use it. I think we need to be more bold about our election styles and how we're going to work um 58 00:24:39.360 --> 00:25:07.279 with making sure that people truly represent. So if it were up to me, I would vote yes. >> Once again, it just goes into a policy handbook. That's all it does. And then point the actual local town would 59 00:25:07.279 --> 00:25:24.159 actually have to vote or the state of New Jersey to allow it. was really just you know that's just and then the other one on the pilot where trying to you know get more funding for the districts as opposed to just the town keep 60 00:25:24.159 --> 00:25:44.200 one talked about that and then the other four I was just a pilot language right now that probably go faster than this process I I read one of their capital newsletters 61 00:25:44.640 --> 00:26:04.400 that said that's moving forward much so that this whole thing actually process. All right. So any other comments on that little objections on 62 00:26:04.400 --> 00:26:22.960 how to do it? So we have a lot of things in new business from the board. One is the NJ SDA convention. So there's two parts for that. One part I think is pretty good. I don't know yet. 63 00:26:22.960 --> 00:26:41.120 >> Submitted a proposal to present, but we'll see July they'll they'll let us know whether or not we're actually presenting convention. >> Was on the agenda. >> No, no, it's okay. We I think you all 64 00:26:41.120 --> 00:27:06.080 know we submitted a proposal. So, not as big a surprise, but let's just fingers crossed that will be accepted and then you can all come We registered every month. >> Oh, we did >> just in case. And then we adjusted when we get around a month and a half based 65 00:27:06.080 --> 00:27:28.000 on who's actually going and we secure rooms as well. >> Um, and then we adjust those so there's no charge. >> October 19th. 22 and we'll we'll remind you between now and September and Jason will have like a 66 00:27:28.000 --> 00:27:42.320 drop dead date but we'll bring this back every agenda. Um all we really need to know from folks who might want to go is do you want to go do you want to go for a day? Do you want to go for several days? Do you want to go tell 67 00:27:42.320 --> 00:28:07.080 parents this we tried last year we put the day they were registration. >> No, this one's at the convention center. So, not hard rock, but >> it's on the board. 68 00:28:07.919 --> 00:28:25.039 >> Yeah, there are events. Um, so just look at your calendars for October 19th, 22nd. Um, you can pick whatever days you want to go down for a day if you'd like to and just really let Jason know everybody's registered and we'll just 69 00:28:25.039 --> 00:29:01.440 cancel anybody who's next to self evaluation. We use the same timeline as last year. Last year we did after we did superintend what we did last time is we had a board retreat where we went over the results which kind of goes into our next item. 70 00:29:01.440 --> 00:29:31.200 We'll do everyone's okay in June and then in July meetings and boards can just ask question you can let me know. I just want you to think about it. I don't know if we want to have Judy who took us through 71 00:29:31.200 --> 00:29:48.840 strategic planning and that the goals and stuff that might all tie in together or you just want to have somebody walk through the process and try something different. Either way, >> yeah, just email me if you have any ideas or email. 72 00:29:50.240 --> 00:30:11.679 Strategic planning can be updated. So strategic planning the first part of the surveys all the community feedback interviews everything I was presented in 73 00:30:11.679 --> 00:30:34.320 this room about two weeks ago people members group two went through initial overview what it is everything subjects came up with very rough written goals. So I thought really well you guys jumped in after your thoughts on it. The 74 00:30:34.320 --> 00:30:55.640 next thing we have May 18th May 18th we're gonna be as the four of us have on the board and Wilson and we're going to go through the out of that and start working on finaliz 75 00:31:03.039 --> 00:31:19.919 Um just some uh constructive thoughts to people. We did talk a lot about AI and it was almost hard to go through. It was the same process in at central strategic planning as at ours that it was very manual that people were handwriting and 76 00:31:19.919 --> 00:31:35.279 putting things up and saying things out into the into the room and then it would kind of disappear and we had to pull it back in and then assemble themes and figure out what we were trying to say as opposed to using some of these new tools we have where we could have been feeding 77 00:31:35.279 --> 00:31:51.360 all of these ideas into and trying and it would be interesting I think to take that raw data and feed it through, you know, check GPT or Gemini and see, you know, does it come up with some similar themes to what we captured as human beings. >> Yeah, it's funny because when we were in 78 00:31:51.360 --> 00:32:10.720 our small group at the end, we actually did a goals. That's what we did. We actually took all feedback and put it into our Gemin, you know, it actually worked out really well. that we make it shorter or take this out and it like instantaneously 79 00:32:10.720 --> 00:32:36.640 rewrote it. I think another group that was so naturally she was over there. Wow, that was really good. But it would have been great if we had a wall full comments and ideas and thoughts and to have that electronically 80 00:32:36.640 --> 00:32:53.559 translated powerful picture uploaded says. >> Yes, exactly. So I don't know if we still have an opportunity for that just to kind of align and see that we didn't miss something big that mentioned. 81 00:32:54.399 --> 00:33:10.240 It's funny how technology is so new, but it already just it seems so powerful. >> But I think Judy prefaced her presentation, but she's not it strong and I I can relate 82 00:33:10.240 --> 00:33:29.600 to that. So, um I understand I understand that I said I was impressed with having fifth graders on day second day and middle school I'm sorry. So again, I had one of the 83 00:33:29.600 --> 00:33:57.519 young girls in our last session and I kept asking what do you think the perspective was interested I was impressed with all the feedback and uh some of the themes and 84 00:33:57.519 --> 00:34:21.839 I was really struck by some of the younger kids want less screen time of course play but I thought it was very good I'll just say that you know I had the pleasure of introducing everyone I got 85 00:34:21.839 --> 00:34:37.200 some feedback on the way out the door and I want to inform the board and have you take comfort in the fact that we do good work and the folks that were in the room were 86 00:34:37.200 --> 00:34:54.000 very encouraged at the caliber of conversation, the depth of thought and the inclusive nature of the process. Um, one of the parents who I do not know all that well, um, you know, my impression, I don't know, maybe maybe it's a little 87 00:34:54.000 --> 00:35:10.320 bit embellished, but she thanked me sincerely, profusely. And I gathered maybe with some emotion perhaps like a well in her eye was like this was lifech changing to see how people really care so much about the kids and how how 88 00:35:10.320 --> 00:35:25.760 invested the staff in the community really are in like our future work. So I thought it was a powerful two days. It really was and the feedback was great. So, I just want to encourage all of you as board members and inform you and let you know 89 00:35:25.760 --> 00:35:44.240 that that message came across from that one parent from everybody who left with extreme gratitude for being part of the process and seriously impressed with the work that we're doing. spent a lot of time 90 00:35:44.240 --> 00:36:05.040 with different levels of people and then two students and then representative administrators and staff and I think communication person we have a really wide variety of people and they all came with different perspectives but kind of 91 00:36:05.040 --> 00:36:20.560 like the C they all have like a passion to do what's good for the school but I just thought it was everyone did really So if you're listening, thank you for coming and thank you for your input. >> Can I ask a comment on the strategic planning? Um I'm a little bit 92 00:36:20.560 --> 00:36:37.920 disappointed in that we the proposal that we had from Judith was that we would have goals by the end of the second day by that 4:30. Um, you know, we liked that Judith was bringing all these voices to the table, but her proposal and the process is to 93 00:36:37.920 --> 00:36:53.839 create those goals and I'm just troubled or confused about when like if this is going to go back to the four person team, what are the next steps? Like we paid for this consultant to do this work and now I'm like what where are we going 94 00:36:53.839 --> 00:37:08.960 from here? It's going to have to bounce back and forth. the four person if I understood you had said 3.8 the four person team, then the full board, then back to the 30 person team. It's like who has the decision making on this? Where is it going from here? And 95 00:37:08.960 --> 00:37:24.880 why did we deviate from that process that she gave us that this is what she does? This is her expertise. She does as well. We gave her a lot of money to do this and we brought people in the room. We paid for subs to be there. So like where where we work from here? 96 00:37:24.880 --> 00:37:42.240 >> Okay. So I'm going to slightly disagree. And we brought her in. I read her proposal actually a couple times. It said facilitate in a separate book line. It's just goal creation. It didn't say that meeting is going to go creation. One of the questions I had asked her is 97 00:37:42.240 --> 00:37:58.800 what's your role? She said I'm a facilitator not a content creator. She was very that emphatic on that and that it comes from them. The other thing to note is the way NJSBA does it, which is almost like how everyone does it is the goals input comes in from the community, 98 00:37:58.800 --> 00:38:13.680 but it's up to the board and the administration to have final say. That's why we were elected. That's why we have staff and that's who really gets to actually write them. So you get feedback. We got phenomenal feedback, but the board is going to be slightly 99 00:38:13.680 --> 00:38:29.760 different. We got um I think was it four of or two two goals for each. >> Yeah. >> Exactly. So, we're gonna take that we'll take that in. So, really the first step is on the meeting on the 18th is really 100 00:38:29.760 --> 00:38:46.560 who's responsible for the strategic plan, the administration and the board. So, we're going to get together. Dr. Hart picked what four or five administrator. We have we have the four of us. We'll board Smith it. We'll get that out and then really this true meaning of the board is the then it'll 101 00:38:46.560 --> 00:39:02.720 go to action plans and then the board has to vote on it and the goal is to get a 90 vote to be that's really what we need to be a 90 vote. We've been saying we want a 54 vote 63 we would like a 90 vote. So by having the committee and 102 00:39:02.720 --> 00:39:18.560 administration work together we're going to it's really just words and what came out of it and we're the ones that are responsible for it. We're the ones that are going to vote on it. We're the ones that are going to implement the action plan. So, it's really just taking our responsibility and that is how NJSBA 103 00:39:18.560 --> 00:39:34.400 does it. Almost every district does it that way. So, that's >> that is not the process that we followed last time using the same exact consultant. It was that core team created those goals and then it went back to I I think the board came in at 104 00:39:34.400 --> 00:39:50.079 the very last step. So for the board to be involved now and then to go back to the core 30 it's like bouncing around and for me it's like too many cooks in the kitchen. I mean these aren't board goals. These are goals that are owned by the community by most of those people that were in the room. This is not what 105 00:39:50.079 --> 00:40:06.079 we want to see. Probably none of us will be on the board in five years when they're doing the final, you know, evaluations of how we do on the strategic plan. So I I don't feel ownership over these goals. I feel like that group was there to make them. And then the only work after that meeting 106 00:40:06.079 --> 00:40:21.760 should be the action steps and and that's it. I I just feel like this is overreaching. You don't need multi-steps of four person team then full board then back to the 30 then back to the full board. It's like >> that's almost how every district does it. >> Yeah. But that's not what the process 107 00:40:21.760 --> 00:40:37.280 was last time. That's what I'm trying to say. I just want you to know that that is not what we signed up for when we sign up for she very clearly laid out how this was going to work. She's going to pull all the feedback, get those people in the room, create those goals. It goes to Dr. Martin for the action 108 00:40:37.280 --> 00:40:54.079 items with his leadership team done. So, we're creating so much more work for ourselves in this and putting these oversight levels that were never there before. >> We're not oversight. We're doing what we were elected to do and hired to do. This 109 00:40:54.079 --> 00:41:09.920 is what it is. The district owns it. Duty's a facilitator. public into input and the input is phenomenal and the goals are probably 90% written. It's just the final 10% and that's horrible and that's how NJSBA does it. That's how 110 00:41:09.920 --> 00:41:25.839 every district does it. So why deviate how it's done throughout the state? >> We I wasn't in the room. So I'm going to be asked to vote on these four goals. I wasn't there. I didn't hear what the different things are. And frankly doesn't matter, you know, if I want to put my goals on top of that. Am I 111 00:41:25.839 --> 00:41:40.960 allowed to am I allowed to say okay now because see that feels like that shouldn't be the process. The process was we gathered all the feedback and then you know at some point you have to stop and say okay that was enough feedback and now we're going to move forward and this is the stuff that rose 112 00:41:40.960 --> 00:41:59.079 to the top. So I just feel like this is um not utilizing the um consultant that we paid for like this is her expertise area. She had a way it worked really well for our district last time. I don't see any reason to deviate from that. 113 00:42:02.720 --> 00:42:38.200 Any other comments before we move on? The next item is um NJ recognitions first board member certification. Congratulations. board members certification Mrs. certified. Thank 114 00:42:40.319 --> 00:42:54.960 you. Congratulations. I don't know what you all certificates. I I I'm actually like having trouble tracking it. Like you took a picture for >> um Justina, you have no picture, but you have a yearong certification 115 00:42:54.960 --> 00:43:18.160 >> and no, but no picture. And Pam, you just got >> I got picture on Facebook. Congratulations. >> Just let me know and we'll make sure like we get a picture we can post on the website put on our social media as well. >> Yeah. 116 00:43:18.160 --> 00:43:39.200 Um certified and then so certified is first >> and that was what we did in September. you got that certification. >> They also I just wanted to add 117 00:43:39.200 --> 00:44:11.920 this but um they chang quite a few my credits ready towards the master. years. >> You can't apply for it until you have a certified. >> That's new apparently. So, just wanted to share. >> I mean, there's an extraordinary number 118 00:44:11.920 --> 00:44:27.359 of hours, county meetings, and JSBA workshops like you when they scan us in at school boards like that, those credit hours, they count toward certification. So, it's it's a lot of work. So, congratulations. I think I did find out 119 00:44:27.359 --> 00:44:52.640 that we can also pursue boardification. Those are the kinds of things that sometimes talk about like when we do the board self evaluation sometimes that's like a certified board. If that's something 120 00:44:52.640 --> 00:45:12.720 that interests the board, certainly talk to category A about it. See if it rises to some level. >> Does that require any? >> I asked it was the board as a whole just 121 00:45:12.720 --> 00:45:27.520 said routine meetings set up these trainings together. There's no individual uh pursuing the certifications and even if we have a board member leave at the end of the year and come on, it doesn't change the 122 00:45:27.520 --> 00:45:58.240 accomplishment. We met on Tuesday, May 5th. Um, we started with a strategic focus for the 2025 20 school year. Mr. Dolman presented the year in review and closed out the action plan the district has been tracking the school year. He 123 00:45:58.240 --> 00:46:14.960 updated the committee on the referendum strategic planning and staff green for wellness based initiatives demonstrating successful partnerships with the Reington community. Highlights include over half of the district referendum projects were sustainable in nature with many started schedule. The strategic 124 00:46:14.960 --> 00:46:31.440 planning core team which met in April included six planning committee members. The strategic planning committee will review the proposed district goals for alignment sustain sustainability and objectives at Reington Middle School. The Eagle Ambassadors program won the community and nature prize for the 125 00:46:31.440 --> 00:46:47.760 school has been awarded more than $10,000 grants for spaces. Betsy Freeman walked her camera through the tiny forest behind the middle school show that planted trees and facilities for their school application. You all can go out and check a little 126 00:46:47.760 --> 00:47:05.440 later outside school biodiversity audit started as a pilot program to all schools in the district. Dr. Moss invited community members and students to participate in a wildlife federation checklist for the school. The HBS audit will be completed 127 00:47:05.440 --> 00:47:22.079 by the end of May and remains to be scheduled there by university in the fall of next spring. Miss Adari complimented the partnership with local experts like Mr. Becker who shared their firsthand. Additionally, Mr. Ly sent thanks to the 128 00:47:22.079 --> 00:47:38.240 Reington Department of Public Works for black and trail walking true school. Mr. Becker shared that a friend CBS learning was in May. CBS was awarded the educator of the year by the D 129 00:47:38.240 --> 00:47:56.319 association extension development to celebrate day at White House School special classes three topics electives music to art Spanish PE library students at school partnered with master garden peas lettuce onions radishes and 130 00:47:56.319 --> 00:48:12.640 carrots and Mr. share that across the district all water stations now include water bottle fillers, plastic bags being collected plastic benches, outdoor air quality is being monitored glasses cars and students are participating casings and culture 131 00:48:12.640 --> 00:48:33.599 sessions donations bicycle safety garden such as rail bike just how much that's just So for the strategic focus and brainstorm for the 2026 27 school year 132 00:48:33.599 --> 00:48:47.920 um over the summer committee will meet to identify the next school year's objectives in alignment three pillars one to reduce environmental impact and cost two to improve health schools students and staff and three provide environmental education. Further 133 00:48:47.920 --> 00:49:05.040 brainstorming included better suggest production grants like neighboring county school districts building upon the data that previously compiled suggestions such as composting food waste production raising to school. 134 00:49:05.040 --> 00:49:21.200 Multiple committee members asked for energy report prior to referendum implementation to better understand the energy use impact of targets such as solar installation upgrade. Mr. Portland suggested posting energy use on the district website for transparency 135 00:49:21.200 --> 00:49:41.520 as benchmark against other districts to identify best practices and share ideas. Um our unfinished business provided a select solar update update that installation by December 2027 136 00:49:41.520 --> 00:50:05.760 next meeting will be in the summer. That's it. >> Any comments? >> I just have one more thing I wanted to add. I was looking at all of those pictures that coming out of the teacher appreciation week association 137 00:50:05.760 --> 00:50:22.240 representative uh effort school we have some absolutely amazing representatives on fire really incredible work and I'm sure every teacher and staff member really felt 138 00:50:22.240 --> 00:50:50.599 appreciated >> it was amazing wasn't it >> really check out some of those pictures Our next item is our second open public forum. Is any item on or off the agenda? 139 00:50:52.000 --> 00:51:08.160 >> But I do have an email that was asked to be read. >> Hello, my name is Katherine Duga. Readington Township resident requesting my comments to be read aloud at tonight's BOE meeting and documented as a public comment. I have spoken at previous meetings on my opposition to 140 00:51:08.160 --> 00:51:23.599 language added by the Readington BOE beyond stress estate recommendations for library materials policy resolution 2535. The topics that both myself and other members of the public have raised have involved procedural, legal, and political concerns. But the point I 141 00:51:23.599 --> 00:51:39.599 would like to focus on today relates to community. I have been truly inspired by many aspects of the Readington School District, most notably in the accomplishments of the student body, the dedicated educators supporting them, and the mindset of the administration in caring for the present while preparing 142 00:51:39.599 --> 00:51:55.599 for the future. As a resident of the township, the effort the district is making in community engagement is not only heartening, but crucial for success. Education doesn't occur in a vacuum, and community involvement goes beyond accountability for tax dollars. It's about bringing the classroom to 143 00:51:55.599 --> 00:52:12.400 real world impact for today's students to become tomorrow's leaders. With this being said, the earnestness for public engagement is at odds with the overwhelming lack of support for the past 2535 policy regulation and has me wondering what does the board consider 144 00:52:12.400 --> 00:52:29.839 community to be and who is part of it? Are the students whose opportunities are being limited as a result of board decisions part of the community? Are residents of the township who are paying into the school system the community? Are the parents of children within the district the community? Are the teachers 145 00:52:29.839 --> 00:52:46.000 who have entrusted with student education with community? Are the librarians who have been hired based on their credentials to the community? Are residents of neighboring municipalities who are wondering about the implications of this board's actions on our own town's part of the community? The above 146 00:52:46.000 --> 00:53:02.319 questions are of course all hypothetical and I don't think it's unreasonable to consider that. All of these people are part of the community and perhaps more importantly the community is an entirety of voices within it and not just those that align with the viewpoints expressed by the majority of the board members. 147 00:53:02.319 --> 00:53:18.800 The 2535 language that has been added is a solution and searchable problem. It is not the board's perview to act as parents or to complete safety with morality. As has been demonstrated, the district has already provided tools for parental monitoring of resource 148 00:53:18.800 --> 00:53:34.319 materials and a defined process for escalating complaints. Dissatisfaction with the ultimate decision after following that process is not an acceptable basis with promoting what is for all intents and purposes censorship within the schools. Thank you very much 149 00:53:34.319 --> 00:53:53.599 for your time and consideration of Reington Township District 6. comments from the line. So I will close up public session. Now we're going to move to executive session. I'll raise the motion. Motion to adopt 150 00:53:53.599 --> 00:54:10.880 the following resolution. resolve to adjourn to executive session in accordance with the sunshine law to discuss HIV legal update and the superintendent's evaluation for approximately 90 minutes at which time the board expects to return to public session where options shall not be 151 00:54:10.880 --> 00:54:30.720 taken. Matters discussed will be made public if and when circumstances requiring confidentiality no longer exist. However, it's not presently known when such circumstances will exist. Can I get a second? Miss Cassie. >> Yes. 152 00:54:30.720 --> 00:54:48.400 >> Miss Fury. >> Yes. Mr. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Brian. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Thanks for sticking around.