I'm here. I'm sure they're here to support you in the new >> everybody. Thank you. >> So, the first order of business, uh, I'd like to just, uh, uh, state the open public's meetings notice uh, pursuant to the open public meetings act notice of
this meeting, its date, time, and place have been delivered to the post office, municipal building, and the record, and posted on the district's website at least 48 hours prior to the time of this meeting. Now, if everyone could rise for the flag salute.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The next item of business is uh reading
the certified election results. We had uh there were two open seats. However, there was only one candidate, Mr. Langley, um that submitted a petition and that was certified by the county. Um as far as the total votes that Eric
Langley received, 2576. Um this is a unique situation because we had two open seats. So what will happen now is the other seat will be filled through an appointment process by the board. Um the next we'll do the oath. There
should be a copy and then if you want we'll come up. Okay, I'm ready. >> And then the camera, I believe, is facing. >> Oh, sure. >> Yep. So, you could just >> If you raise your right hand, repeat after me. I, Eric Langley, >> I, Eric Langley, >> do solemnly swear
>> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States. >> One sec. >> That I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. and that I will bear true faith
>> and that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance >> and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and this state >> and this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> so help me God
>> so help me God >> I Eric Langley >> I Eric Langley >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law >> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law >> for the office of member of a board of education >> for the office of member of a board of
education >> and that I will faithfully >> and that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly >> and justly >> perform all the duties of that office >> perform all the duties of that office >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability >> so help me God >> so help me God
>> congratulations on your THREE-YEAR TERM THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS IS uh just going over all the terms of all the board members. Uh just we made one change. The terms are actually uh reflective as of January. Not to confuse
everyone from I think the previous reorganization meeting. So, Miss Brown, your term is January 2027, which is the reorg meeting technically when it ends. >> Oh, I see. Okay. >> Uh, Miss Allesandro, it's January 2028.
Miguel Frius, it's uh the REIO meeting in January 2028. Uh, Mr. Cohen, it's the uh Rioorg January 2027. Uh, Mr. Langley, January 2029. And Mr. Sim, January 2028. and we have
you will run um even since it's a vacant three-year term and what the change is with the election. >> Yeah. So um as I stated so the board it's through an uh application process um any member that has any desire or
interest in in filling that seat. It's for a one-year term. Even though it's three-year um the overall term is three years. You can only fill it through an application process for one year to the next uh November election. it will go on the next ballot and then whoever the
board chooses to appoint that person will fill that seat for the remaining of the calendar year um 2026 to the you know to the next reorgan that it creates a it it creates a vacant
spot on the ballot for next year that person will be elected for two remaining the two remaining years of the term. >> Yep. >> I just wanted to make sure everyone got that. Okay. >> All right. Uh, next order of business, we'll do the roll call of the new board members. Miss Brown >> here,
>> Miss Delesandro >> here, >> Mr. Frius >> here, >> Mr. Cohen >> here, >> Mr. Sim >> here, >> and Mr. Langley >> here. >> We have a quorum so we can continue with the meeting. Uh, next order of business is the nomination of the board
president. >> I'd like to nominate Eric Langley for board president. >> Second. >> Um, >> nomination doesn't need a second. So just yeah to clarify >> I'll second anyway my support. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Yeah. So to clarify like Mr. Sim said we
just need a nomination. Um if there's any other nominations you you guys could keep nominating. Once the nominations are closed then we'll do roll call in that order that they were nominated. So are there any other nominations for board president?
Seeing none we'll close nominations. So now I'll have a roll call for Mr. Langley as board president. Miss Brown. >> Yes. >> Mr. Allesandro. >> Yes. >> Mr. Frius. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cohen.
>> Yes. >> Mr. Sim. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Langley. >> Uh, yes. >> Congratulations on becoming president. I'll turn it over to you and you could assume the chair. >> Oh, great. Thank you very much. Uh, we will take nominations for vice
president, please. I nominate Josh Klein for vice president. >> Cohen. >> Joshua. >> Josh Cohen. I'm so sorry. >> It's okay. >> Thought you were not I'm sorry. >> Josh K. >> Josh K. The nominations for Joshua Cohen
for vice president. Are there any other nominations? No. All right, we'll close nominations. Can I get a a roll call vote for uh vice president? >> Miss Brown? >> Yes. Mr. Losandro, >> yes. >> Mr. Frius, >> yes.
>> Mr. Cohen, >> yes. >> Mr. Sim, >> yes. >> And President Langley, >> yes. >> Um, congratulations, Vice President Cohen. >> All right, we'll move on to the um your recognition. There's several recognitions.
>> Several recognitions. Yes, lots of recognitions. >> Yep. >> Thank you, sir. Each year, we take a moment to recognize the colleagues who demonstrate unwavering commitment to cultivating excellence, fostering student growth, and strengthening our district's mission of building brighter futures. These employees stood out
during the nomination and review process, having met or exceeded the expectations detailed in the five elements of the New Jersey Department of Education, Governor's Teacher, and Educational Support Professional of the Year criteria. The five elements are highly effective instructional practice
or service, innovation and leadership, the ability to inspire and support students, collaboration with colleagues, deep respect within the school community. We're proud to celebrate the colleagues listed well that I'll name in a few minutes here for their dedication to our students and professional
excellence. This educator is an exceptional teacher whose command of the classroom is built on a foundation of purposeful data-informed instruction. Her effectiveness is clearly observed in her daily practice. She utilizes formative assessments and daily observations to orchestrate targeted small groupoup
instruction, ensuring every learner receives the appropriate challenge. She is widely recognized as a leader in her grade level, constantly adapting her methods to meet the needs of an everchanging academic landscape. Her impact is documented not just in academic growth, but in the specific
life-changing program she creates. In each of the nine in each of the nine nominations she received for this award, colleagues and parents alike noted her above and beyond dedication, specifically citing her leadership in the performing arts. She taught music classes during summer school and
introduced theater to the district, personally directing student performances that brought the community together. Furthermore, her ability to serve as a cultural bridge is invaluable. She uses her Korean language skills to welcome families and hosts friendly lunches to actively teach social skills to students who need extra
support. The authority of her teaching style is evident in the profound trust she builds. students feel so safe and inspired that they are known to pre to pretend to be her home teaching uh their dolls the same kindness uh that she structures and models at school. She's
is described as a rare one-of-a-kind educator whose roots for her stu uh yes for whose roots for her students long after uh they leave her classroom. This educator holds a bachelor of arts and psychology with Latin honors from Ruckers University and a master's degree in special education also from Ruckers.
a dedicated professional who who pours her heart into her work. We are proud to announce the 2026 Cherry Hill School Teacher of the Year is Bianca Kim. >> Congratulations. >> Um, that's yours. >> That's the what I just stuttered
through. >> Thank you. Okay. Uh, should we do a picture? >> Over here. >> Move back a little bit. >> Is that better? Okay, you should be in the middle.
>> And I should button this. >> Oh, and a student's here. >> Come here. Okay. I don't know who's taking the picture over there. >> Yeah. >> Wherever you like. >> All right.
Oh, want to do one more? Let's do one more. Uh, whatever. Whatever you'd like. Sure. Go ahead. >> Yes. I wanted to express. >> Thank you. Okay. Good evening, members of the board
of education, administrators, colleagues, families, and students. I'm truly honored and still a little shocked to be standing here tonight as Cherry Hill School's teacher of the year. First, I would like to say thank you to Riveridge Board of Education, Dr.
Bernice, and Mrs. Heman for this honor and for always supporting our teachers. Thank you to my amazing colleagues, especially my kindergarten team. um who makes sorry my kindergarten team who makes even the
hardest days feel manageable and the best days even better. And thank you to my aunt and my cousin Jenna for being here tonight. I wouldn't be here without you. And having you here means more than you know. Okay, I need to like calm
down. Um, my journey to this moment began very far from Cherry Hill School. I was raised in Korea um by my grandmother and when I was 11 years old, I was sent to America. I didn't speak a word of
English. I knew only how to say hi. And that was pretty much it. I was scared, anxious, and overwhelmed. And that's where my aunt stepped in. My aunt took me in and raised me as one of her own through high school.
and I truly would not be here without her love and sacrifice. My cousin Jenna is also here with me tonight, who was a huge support when I first arrived. She was my personal translator when I started fifth grade, helping me understand school, homework, and pretty
much everything else. And this was before translation apps or iPads, so I carried a dictionary everywhere I went. In middle school, I had an ESL teacher, Mrs. Baglia, who was patient, gentle, and made me feel safe when I felt completely out of place. With her, I
slowly began to open up. And in just two years, I exited ESL and was suddenly on my own. It still amazes me that I'm standing here tonight giving a speech when I once couldn't say anything beyond high. And now I teach the foundational skills of English to kindergarteners.
Growing up, I love singing, dancing, and performing. And I also love teaching my friends Korean words or dance routines. I didn't really know what I wanted to do after high school, but teaching always felt natural. At one point, I even thought maybe I'd become a middle school math teacher since math was my favorite
subject. But then I started student teaching a kindergarten classroom. Um, and I was very nervous at first, but I quickly fell in love. And after a year of student teaching, I knew kindergarten was exactly where I wanted to be. Um,
when I started looking for jobs, I focused on Bergen County, especially districts with large Korean population because I hoped I could support students who are learning English for the first time or families who had just moved to America, just like I once had. Then one
day, I got a call from Lisa de Castanzo saying I had an interview at Cherry Hill School. I remember thinking, did I accidentally apply to school in Cherry Hill, New Jersey? I was very confused until I realized Cherry Hill was a school name and the
town was River Edge. I didn't have a car at the time, so I took a train from my university all the way to River Edge train station and walked to Cherry Hill School in a thick blazer in a hot sun, sweating the entire way. When I walked into the office and sat
down, I noticed teachers and students coming in and out, smiling, joking, and clearly enjoying being there. My very first impression of Cherry Hill School was that it felt warm and welcoming. Mrs. Heintman, busy as always, came
running in to interview me. Even though I had applied for an upper grade position, after reading my resume and seeing that I had student taught in kindergarten, she decided to offer me a demo lesson in kindergarten class that was soon to open up. She didn't ask me
many questions except one. You live in Pipony. Is that a far commute? And I immediately said, I'll move here if I get this position. The interview lasted about 10 minutes. So, I like to joke that Mrs. time it
must have been that sure about me. She still jokes to me that she can picture me teaching math in the upper grades and I still pray every day that she never moves me. My goal is to retire in this kindergarten classroom.
After the interview, I went home and Googled Cherry Hill School and found a picture of the kindergarten team on Christine Moran's Twitter page. I remember thinking, I want to be part of this team and I'm going to make it happen. Then came the demo lesson, the follow-up interview, and a very hard
question from Dr. Bendove, who was our superintendent at the time. That completely panicked me. I don't remember what the question was, but I remember looking at Dr. Bend in the eyes and saying, "I'm sorry. I honestly don't know how to answer that question." And I
left that day convinced that I didn't get the job. But on the morning of my master's graduation, I got a call from the board office. Dr. Dr. Bendov offered me the position and that's where my Cherry Hill story began. 7 years later, I'm still in kindergarten, still exactly
where I want to be. I've been able to support so many students and families, including those who needed translation or just someone who understood their journey. My first year of teaching was incredible. And then COVID hit. I never even got to finish that year, juggling
hybrid schedules and trying not to cry daily. But my team stuck together and we survived because of each other. Although many of the teachers I started with have moved on, I am forever grateful to them. And now with my current team, I get to
pass on the same support and courage that was once given to me. I truly have the most amazing team and I hope you don't separate us anytime soon. Finally, I want to share this. When I decided to become a teacher, many people
doubted me. Um, they said, "But you're too shy. You don't talk. How are you going to be a teacher?" And tonight, standing here, I'm proud to say I proved them wrong. Thank you for believing in me and supporting me and allowing me to do the work I love every single day.
Cherry Hill School is my home, and I'm so grateful to be here. Thank you. Thank you, Bianca. This next educator is a dedicated and inspiring professional who has demonstrated a long-standing unwavering commitment to the students of River
Edge. Her reputation for ex excellence is not a recent development, but a sustained standard of her career. As far back as 2011, observations of her classroom noted her lessons were well executed, specifically highlighting her impressive ability to help first graders
begin making connections to their reading. That historical foundation of literacy expertise has only grown stronger. Today, she's a model of professional growth, holding multiple certifications in reading and special education. She adapts her teaching methods with patience and structure
using multiensory approaches that all ensure students feel included and successful. Her classroom remains a haven where students feel safe to grow, built on trusting relationships, clear communication, and empathy. Her passion for teaching is evident in the energy
and preparation she brings to her work every day. Whether facilitating a lesson or collaborating with staff to build camaraderie, she is recognized for her genuine care. Her respect for her colleagues and her decadesl long dedication to student success set her
apart as an exceptional educator. This educator is a graduate of Macart Academy where I once was a teacher and holds a bachelor of arts in human relations uh with a criminal justice minor uh from Pace and she was she has earned a
certificate in special education from William Patterson University where I was also on staff and a certificate program in multiensory reading from Fairley Dickinson University where I've never taught. Uh we are fortunate to have such a committed expert on our team. It is an
honor to recognize the 2026 Roosevelt School Teacher of the Year, Kelly McCabe. >> It's also important to note it didn't make the dra the last draft, but this is the fourth time you've been nominated for this according to your and so congratulations on making it over the finish line.
>> You're welcome. here. That's that thing. And then here's your thing pictures. >> Excellent. >> And then over here. You got You got that? >> I got it. >> Okay. Thank you. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> Um, I truly honored and deeply grateful
to receive this award. I'm truly honored and deeply grateful to receive this award. I want to thank my students who inspire me every single day with their resilience, growth, and determination. To the parents for trusting me with their children and
being such important partners in the journeys. To my colleagues past and present, thank you for your support, collaboration, and encouragement. I would not be the teacher I am today without you all. Uh, I also want to thank the PAR professionals that I've had the
privilege of working with over the years. Um, your dedication, support, and teamwork have made a world of difference for both me and our students. To our administration, thank you, Nick, Denise, and our superintendent, Dr. Bernice. Um, thank you for believing in me and
supporting special education and the work that we do every day. From the bottom of my heart, I truly love teaching and what I do. Working in the resource room has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. This recognition means more to me than I can
put into words, and I will treasure it always. Thank you for this honor and for being such an important part in my journey. Thank you. >> Thank you, Kelly. This professional is the definition of dedication, combining
decades of experience with a deep intuitive understanding of student needs. Her legacy of quality is documented as far back as 1990, where an observation commended her for carefully planning a lesson that mixed hands-on and paper activities and encouraged
discovery and peer interaction. That early play praise for establishing a supportive environment has become the hallmark of her career. Today, as a learning disabilities teacher consultant, she is as fidious about her work, viewing testing not just as a formality, but as a mission to
understand the whole child. She's often described as quote, "A teacher who teaches teachers, sharing her expertise to help home room teachers and parrofessionals better understand learners needs. Her cat-like ability to sense when a child needs help, whether it's tying a shoe, offering a tissue, or
providing a word of encouragement, remains as sharp as ever. Despite the serious nature of her role, she engages children with joy, known for playing Simon says in the lunchroom. I didn't know you did that. And ensuring every child feels seen. Uh she is a problem
solver, a mentor, and a role model who connects the dots between students, parents, and administration with grace and intellect. This educator holds a bachelor of arts from Beaver College, now known as Arcadia University, and a master of education from William Patterson uh college, now university. Uh
she holds state certificates as a reading specialist, learning disabilities, teacher consultant, nursery school teacher, elementary school teacher, and teacher of the handicap. In 1998, she was the teacher of the year in River Edge. In his letter, Dr. Bayersdorfer asserted that the county committee made a mistake in
not selecting her as county teacher of the year. That was entertaining to read. um uh for her lifetime of service and her unwavering ad advocacy for every child earned her a nomination uh this year for we are proud to name the 2026
District Educational Support Professional of the Year, Abigail Burns Patterson. >> We didn't we didn't make the mistake this year. We figured it out. >> Here's that. >> Thank you. And this >> and pictures.
>> All right, kids. >> Good. >> We're good. All right, we're good. Thank you so much. Congratulations. That concludes my report. >> Excellent report. >> Thank you. >> You got it.
>> I'm going to look in this direction because many of the people that I want to thank are over here to be very honest with you because to be an LD is challenging and I have to say of all the jobs I've had in Riveridge especially, it's the most challenging I've ever had.
and without the support of the teachers who so blessedly will give up their preps for me and smile every time I send them a meeting invite. I thank you so much. You have no idea. And to the administrators who get what t kids
really need. That's I think key in our district. And to the board members, thank you for volunteering. You give endless hours. Don't always make decisions we like. However, it's not a popular position, but you do it with with grace. You really do. So, I
want to thank you for that as well. But again, teachers, you're amazing. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Well, everyone is certainly welcome to stick around, although you don't need to. If you want to go, you can go. Although it's going to be pretty quick, but we can give
everybody five minutes if they want to >> scoot scuttle out of here. It's all right. You're not hurting our feelings. I promise. >> Yeah. Everybody Your Yeah. Yeah. >> Are we all good? All right.
Good night folks. Good night, folks. Good night. >> Okay, >> I'm shocked that no one chose to stay. >> That's bizarre. Are there any Well, let's move on to public comments on agenda items. We should have encouraged them a little more. >> Seeing as how there no there are no
comments, >> we'll move on to uh items to be acted upon. Um can I have a motion for items C1 through 15, please? >> Move to approve items C 1 through 15 as stated. >> Second.
>> Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Miss Brown, >> yes. >> Mr. Lassandro, >> yes. >> Mr. Cohen, >> yes. Mr. Sim, >> yes. >> And President Langley, >> yes. >> Motion carries. Um, can I have a motion
for item C16? Please move >> to approve item C16 as stated. >> Second. Any discussion? >> If I could, sir. >> This is the This resolution is the culmination of over a year of work on policy. I have to commend the board.
This is the largest undertaking that a board >> This is not the policy one yet. >> Yeah, I had to separate >> the Oh, you broke it out. You have to say you have to save it. >> You had to break. >> Sorry. >> Uh notice uh roll call, please.
>> And just to clarify, seconded was Mr. Sim. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. Perfect. >> Miss Brown. >> Yes. >> Miss de Alexandro. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cohen. >> Abstain. >> Mr. Sim.
>> Um. Yes. and President Langley. >> Yes. >> Motion carries on C16. >> Just uh question and clarification. Mr. Cohen, why you uh obstain this uh motion? >> I'm abstaining because uh my wife serves
on the council >> and even though it's not directly related, I choose just to on the side of overly cautious so that there's no influence or perception of any influence when selecting members to serve on committees.
I mean I don't see necessary but uh I mean that's up to you. So >> yeah I understand it's not necessary but I choose to ensure that there's no potential. >> Okay. >> But I appreciate feedback. >> All right. Can I get a motion for items
C 17 and 18 in? >> So moved. >> Uh second. >> Any discussion? No. Uh, roll call, please. >> Miss Brown, >> yes. >> Miss Delesandro, >> yes. >> Mr. Cohen,
>> yes. >> Mr. Sim, >> yes. >> And President Langley, >> yes. >> Motion carries on C17 and C. >> Thanks. Can I get a motion for item D1, please? >> Move to approve item D1 as stated.
>> Second. >> Any discussion? >> If I could, sir. >> Yes. Now you can >> this resolution is the culmination of over a year of work and the largest undertaking a board can um actually undertake. So um uh congratulations to
the board on uh getting the policy manual to second reading and adoption tonight. >> Thank you to Mr. Langley and yourself for going through all of those policies. You both were on all the committee meetings and had to do most of the work.
So thank you for that. Well, and the good news is that it's fluid, right? So, we can >> you can change whatever you want. >> Now, the big the bulk of the work's been done, but if we see things, it's relatively easy. >> And we already have a policy alert from Strazme. So,
>> this is the this is what's nice about having a robust policy shop. They do are there will almost always be policy on the agenda um as suggested by our policy shop. So, we already have it. I I don't know if they're going to include it. Well, they can't. we'd have to now pass that policy as necessary. So, and
there's about five or six of them that we need to review. >> Okay. All right. >> I was just going to say um an example of it um with the policy was uh item C17. >> The reason why this was um added was part of our one of our new policies that
we introduced, you know, to be proactive was to set those uh professional service maximums when we do. So when we do the budget, we'll set these u when we do the budget for 2627 and then anytime we are exceeding it, we'll bring it to the
board to exceed those budget amounts. >> Okay. >> Just >> Yeah. No, that's good. Yeah. Great. Uh roll call, please. >> Miss Brown, >> yes. >> Miss Delesandro, >> yes. >> Mr. Cohen, >> yes. >> Mr. Sim, >> yes. >> And President Langley,
>> yes. >> Motion carries on P1. >> Thank you. Um, does anybody have any new or old business to bring up? I think we have an item. >> If I can uh bring an item for new business, sir. >> Um, I alerted the board to this earlier uh today and um about how we really do
need to set the calendar for next year, but also make changes to this year's calendar. Um there's two there's really two pressing issues with this year's calendar. The first is June 2nd where we um have to amend the calendar because of the elections being held in the schools.
Um and then uh we'll probably even do another amendment to the calendar based on how many snow days we take or don't take or I should call them emergency days uh we take or don't take um based on that. So nothing has to be decided tonight. I'm only providing you with
with a revised draft if you will so that we can go ahead and draft it. But I just want folks to know that we are going to need to take June 2nd off. Um, so that's that will be one revision which may advance the um uh the last day of school
uh by one day. Um thankfully that's still within the the margin for emergency days. So it's not such a surprise. Um but it may push us in, you know, if we have to use another school day um for an emergency and then one more, it might push us into that following week. So, unfortunately, we
might see ourselves here for a day or two uh at the end of the year, which is really not the way I like to construct a calendar, but you can't help the snow. If I can hold it up, I would. Um those are the those are some of the changes. We also have a discussion about um alignment with uh Riverdale to move one
of the snow days to the 22nd. I think what we'll do is we'll stand by on that and May 22nd that is uh we'll stand by on that until we real figure out whether or not we're going to use these emergency days. And normally at the April meeting is when we finally cut the last calendar for those final days
because by then it's fairly safe to assume that we're not going to be snowed out. Um so uh but we can discuss that robustly um between now and and April. Um a more um well not more pressing. Riverdale has uh an approved calendar.
Um I provided it for you in the packet. It's on the last page. So that's influencing how we uh look at the um calendar for next year in an effort to build some um I'll say continuity between the two districts. Um there are some options for next year. Um we are
just going to take June 1st off because there is a primary election next year. So that we know that there's going to be voting in the schools. Um there are uh there is a a kind of a a well- definfined break. I think everyone enjoyed the long long break this year. Um it's one day shorter next year, but
that's I could take a day shorter. Um it's it's when it's it's when Christmas is on the um this Saturday you get the super short break, but um you can see here that uh how how that will pan out next year. There are some differences uh
and um in Easter and the spring break that's as being proposed. Uh but we can go ahead and decide to change that. Riverdale is taking the uh Easter Monday and Good Friday and then having the break um the spring break if you will in
the middle of April. But that's totally up to the board on how we want to conduct that if we want to align or not. We had a discussion about not aligning. >> Two questions. >> Correct. full weeks later, right? >> That's published and approved. >> Yes.
>> And then ours is April 6th to the 10th. >> No, same. >> 12. >> This is next year. >> Next year. >> 26 27. >> Turn the pages. >> Oh, I'm so sorry. Sorry. It says 2526.
>> We're moving into the next year. So this current year, >> Liz, is your is your mic? >> Yeah. >> This current year right now, April 2026, our spring break is from the 6th through the 10th. >> The third. Really? >> Correct. The third.
>> Good Friday. >> Sorry. The 3rd to the 10th. >> Yes. >> And Riverdale's is >> same >> is the same as this year. Yes. >> Okay. So that I was just reading them incorrectly. Okay. Okay. Sorry. >> No worries. >> So did they already approve their 26? >> I believe they have. >> Wow. Yeah.
>> Okay. >> Oh, I have it. I see >> to approve this. >> They I think they did it. >> Yeah, we usually have it done in January, too, but that's okay. We can wait till February for this. All right. >> Because there is some discussion. I I engaged the uh teachers association leadership in a discussion today uh as
long as as well as a few other folks about the potential of asking for um a dispensation. I I haven't found it in their contract, but apparently it's there somewhere. I was frantically looking for it that whether or not we could start on August 31st um to bring them back down to students that would
that would buy us some time later in the year at one day. Right? So when you make this it has needs to be 180 student days and that calculus gets difficult because you know you make one small adjustment in the earlier in the year and it has great big effects on the on the back end. So there's also options that um
what we can do or can't do um in April. So there there's a number of switches that we can throw here um to try to get us uh out as early as possible in June. But also at some point that becomes kind of a fool's errand um if you're uh trying to you know shave off too many
days you end up with no no breaks at all and and that's not good either. So, um, we're trying to strike that balance and and I'll continue engaging folks in in discussions about >> and by moving the spring break later, we we are losing a day by doing the Good Friday and Easter Monday. Correct.
>> That's true. So, that's if you toggle that particular part of the break, you technically can gain a day back, right? But it does make for a very early break. Um, >> it makes April and May kind of a long run until the end there. But there's
nothing wrong with that either. I mean, a day is a day is a day and for most >> either along March or along >> Easter's in March next year. >> Correct. >> February has two extra days versus the one for uh President's Day as well. >> Yes. So that's a change from this year
um where this year we only have one day. >> I think to the extent that it can be aligned with the the high school the regional district's calendar the better though. Is it >> this is the issue I was talking to Dr. about is that we can make our best efforts always, but they have different
rules than we do. They have to abide by and so for those reasons, some of these days are difficult and they're approving their things before us, which makes us have to fall in line. But we just have to make sure that we're doing what's best for the district according to the days and the times that we have off. um
always aligning the especially the longer breaks are most ideal but they do run on a different schedule as we do as we were saying the Fridays they have off their snow day givebacks are the Fridays in June which we wouldn't we wouldn't do
due to graduation they can't move it we can >> right so having worked in high schools for a while I I I happen to know you can't move graduation right once you announce graduation that's it because then there's all kinds of dominoes that fall after that we are not under that constraint Right? We don't have a graduation technically. We have
ceremonies that are that move them up, but we're not graduating anyone anywhere. We're simply moving them to the next district, >> right? >> Um whereas a high school graduation is a there's state there's state rules about that. There's state laws that that solidify what you can and can't do before and after graduation. >> Um
>> so the efforts to align though are really it seems like their calendar is always coming out first. So, it's us that's always conforming to their >> We certainly could speed it up, but just so you know, the three superintendents, we do meet um and and this is always
part of the discussion. So, um as we try, however, being a separate district, we also don't have to do what they're doing, >> right? But when you're the same community, you do try to to to build some kind of um I'll just say I don't know continuity or
what however you want to uh frame it. But >> um yeah, we don't have to do the Friday thing in June. That to me is I much rather get the folks out of school in for the summer earlier because then it also has implications on ESY where now we're looking at even this year we
haven't announced the formal dates for ESY just yet because there's a chance that we might not be done with school on the 22nd and you can't start start the extended school year until the actual school year is done. Right. So I had a conversation with Dr. Jaffy about how we just have to kind of hold off on
announcing the beginning of ESY because we don't know when the school year is going to end, >> right? >> And in the past, we've done capital projects over the summer. You know, it could have, you know, there's all kinds of things, >> right? There's all kinds of implications on on h how we can clean both schools uh in a certain period of time when we
we're running programs in in um in this school primarily, but then also we do rent out some space uh over the summer for camps in the other building. So it has implications on when the custodial staff can clean. The sooner we're done with the ESY here, the better so that they have more time to clean up and turn
the building back over to the teachers who want to get in here and set up their classrooms, >> right? >> So all the again domino effects, right? we make these decisions and hopefully it doesn't snow that much and then we are able >> I don't think it's going to ever be perfect but I think the
the bigger the longer breaks we should try our best to align because that's when families are taking >> they take vacations of course >> oneoff days again we'll do what we can do but um I think the if we can align on the longer days would as I read this and we discussed it again that's what I
>> has it looked like it's been done yeah I agree >> absolutely That makes perfect sense. All right. So, more discussion to follow and um if you have thoughts, you're welcome to reach out and we'll try to um I'll try to solidify this in the next two weeks. So, we have like a you have a couple of days
to look at it before we and then you can tell you don't want to take action on it in two weeks and we can always post kind of put it off until February and discuss it with more robustly. Once we have a kind of a I'll call it a final draft. Uh once we get a final draft, we can talk about it in January and we can always
move on it in February. That's um the bulk of the discussion. >> Okay. Anything else for new or old business? All right. Seeing as how there are no comments. >> Yeah. >> The applicants for >> Oh, yes. I forgot to mention it. Yes, we
did get one applicant. Uh we are also going to post it. Is that has it been posted yet? >> Well, the the board um decided that they just needed a resume and a cover letter. So, we won't we're not going to use Apple Track for this because that would just be clumsy. Okay. >> I think that as long as they submit the um the uh uh cover letter and resume to
either yourself, Mr. Langley, or the school business administrator or both is better. Um I think that >> on our website, >> we now that the there's an official vacancy, we'll post it on our website. >> Yeah, I will. Now that there's an official vacancy, we won't put it in the employment section because then they'll have to log in, but we'll just post it
on the front page and on the board page. >> Yeah. >> And and by by which like by what date? because then we would like to have the candidates come for the next meeting. >> Yeah. I mean, my inclination is to schedule this person for the the January meeting >> within 30 days. I think we have, >> you know, we have
>> we have 60 days to fill. Yeah. But I don't I would >> I mean I don't know. So, would we want to wait until February? I think I'd like to wait only because I don't want to maybe I'm overthinking it, but I don't want to make anyone feel like, okay, we've
interviewed you and now we're just going to wait for somebody else. Like I I would just like to be able to do I'd like to be able to do two things. Give enough time for other post it give enough time for people to apply and then pick a date in
February to pick a date at the end of January. >> It's the board. It's at the board meeting. the interviews at the board meetings. >> Yeah. I just want to give >> You want to wait till the February one? >> I just Yeah, I just want to give enough time to post it. If nobody takes it, then yeah, then you'll have that meeting. But I don't want to
>> Well, here's here's what >> our next meeting is January 20. >> Yeah, the 8th, right? >> And then when's the February one? >> It's the fourth. Yeah, the fourth um Wednesday. >> Unless you unless you want >> It's at the end of February. So, we'd be waiting. So, we wouldn't actually fill it until March in that case. >> Well, we can't we can't wait till
>> We can't wait that long. You got to wait. >> Yeah. 60 got to be filled pretty much by the end of February. >> So, couldn't we So, wait. Our next board meeting is the 28th and the Feb. What's the first February one? >> We have one February one. >> You don't think weeks though is enough?
>> Yeah. Oh, okay. So, from when is it going to get posted? >> Tomorrow. So, that gives me how many days? How many? >> One day, two exactly two. >> Oh, exactly two weeks. Two weeks. >> And we could ask for it if you want submit it a week prior to the meeting for you guys to review. the What's the
February date? >> February. >> It's on the >> 25th. Hold on. >> Or it's the 4th. >> February 25th. >> That's the last. >> Yeah. I think I switching too close. >> I think if we get it posted tomorrow, that gives people one like two full
weeks plus another I mean, we can even make the cut off the day before the meeting if you want. I mean, there's no reason. >> Yeah. We're not really >> But we just have to confirm that they're available on the 28th. >> Yes. So then on the 28th, I guess then that's when we'll meet with her. >> Yeah. And anybody else that submits? >> Anybody else? >> Anyone else? Yeah.
>> How does that work? >> Do the interview happen during the board meeting? >> It does. >> Is it open? Just like it is. >> It can be It's up to the board. They can do this publicly or they can do this in exactly. >> Well, I had to do it publicly. >> I had to do it publicly. So I want
>> grill everybody else. Yeah. My old district when they went through the process they had it in public and then the other applicants while you asking questions they were going to >> yes >> a remote location and then we were bringing them in. >> Um and last time if I remember correctly there were some like pre-planned
questions and the board members took turns asking them >> asking them >> um so we could try to >> dig that up. >> We have those questions. We can go ahead and um tailor them to what the board would like to ask. But I also don't know what the what the value of having I mean we they can just tune into YouTube while
>> we'll have we'll have to think about that confiscate >> the like what was the game show with the headphones. >> Oh yeah yeah that thing cone of silence take their phones. >> I think that's why didn't we do a hybrid right we asked the questions
>> we asked the questions not in public they you did your presentation in public but we asked the question did we ask the questions in public too? Okay. Sorry, I don't remember. >> I remember it very well. >> I remember at least. >> Uh, all right. So, if everybody is all right with that, I think if we give
everybody I mean up until, >> you know, the pretty much up until the next meeting. Yeah. >> Right. I mean, that's plenty of time. That's two weeks. I mean, they don't have to do anything except send a email basically, >> cover letter, and a resume. Um, and so
who how whoever whoever we have at that point, we'll just bring to the meeting on the 28th. >> You can respond to any candidates that apply to uh to come to the >> Yeah, I did write back to the current candidate just to let her know that we received it and to keep the I told her keep the next couple meeting dates free
just in case. >> Residents of River Edge, come join us for lots of fun. >> Moderate amounts of fun. Yeah. Okay, good. So, um, that sounds good. Um, all right. Since there are no comments, do I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? >> So move.
>> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Okay, good. I >> uh we'll be back on the 28th. >> 6:45. Moving ahead, by the way. Are we starting off with full session again? >> It's
I think we probably will because we want we want to review