Um, good afternoon everybody. Notice is hereby given that in accordance with the open public meetings act chapter 231 the laws of 1975 notice of this meeting has been sent to all school offices officially designated newspapers file with the township clerk and posted in the board of education office 48 hours
in advance of this meeting roll call please >> absolutely >> it's me tonight >> that's you >> Mrs. >> here Mrs. Austin >> here, >> Mrs. Burkowitz >> here, >> Mrs. Pinterelli
>> here, Mrs. Sande >> here, and Mr. Rosini. >> I'm here. Flag salute. 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. >> Okay. the um board president's report. Um with regard to that um tonight I is everybody in uh knows is uh Jenny's last meeting and I have some words to say. Um this is our last meeting with Jenny and
I want to express how much she will be missed. Her background, expertise and contributions have been invaluable to this board over the years. Whenever an issue arose, Jinnie's professionalism and intellect were immediately evident. Her insights consistently brought clarity, depth, and perspective to even
the most challenging situations. It is remarkable how quickly she can analyze any topic and articulate a thoughtful, meaningful response. Beyond her professional strengths, Jenny's bright smile and warm greetings have made working with her a pleasure. While we will miss her greatly, we are
fortunate that her dedication to education will continue to enrich Northern Valley. Through her work, she strengthens she strengthens that school system and many others with her talent and expertise. The Riverdale School District has been truly fortunate to have you as a board member, and we are
grateful for all you have done to make this district better. We also recognize that serving on the board requires time away from family and other obligations. Thank you, Jenny, for sharing your time with us, too. I know we are all better for it. So, thank you, Jenny. Thank you
for being a board member very much. >> Just a small token of our appreciation and Patrice credit for getting >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Having to say that is enough for me. Um
and I will uh I'm just going to move on. Um, thanks. Thank you again. Um, word words can't express our my gratitude and everyone else's. Um, committee reports. Mr. White is not here. Anything?
>> No, not tonight. Thank you. >> Communications and policies. Mrs. Burritz. >> Nothing for tonight. >> Mrs. Sande, curriculum and technology. >> Nothing for tonight. >> Mrs. Pinterelli, finance. >> Uh, nothing for tonight. I have nothing
for negotiations. Mrs. Assur, personnel, >> I have nothing. >> Okay. Okay. Now, I'm going to move on to public comments on agenda items only. Um, I'm going to read these rules once, but they're equally applicable at the end of the meeting as well when we uh do
non-aggenda items. The Riverville Board of Education is committed to encouraging the citizens of Riverville and employees of the Riverville School District to speak directly to board trustees. In order to facilitate facilitate this communication, residents and employees are requested one to sign in before
speaking, two to maintain an appropriate sense of decorum, and three to limit their remarks to no more than five minutes. The board will also take under advisement the written comments and opinions of non-residents that are submitted to the board secretary, being mindful of its responsibility to maintain the orderly conduct of
meetings. The board retains the right to rule on such matters as the speaker's right to address the board as well as the appropriateness of the subject being presented. The board's decision in such matters is final. The board also reminds all members of the public that while it subscribes without reservation to the principle of keeping the community
informed by policy and law cannot allow public discussion of personnel matters, nor can trustees comment in any current or pending litigation. If a matter concerning an employee of the Riverdale Public Schools is of interest or concern to a resident, the matter should be referred to the responsible building principal or the superintendent of
schools by telephone, letter, or email. The meeting is open to public comments at approximately 7:06 p.m. Are there any public comments on agenda items? >> She is an agenda item. G4.
This is a special night for our agenda item comments. Good evening. It's nice to be >> Thank Thank you, Lorraine. >> And and it's nice to have you here. >> Well, I'm here tonight to acknowledge
the service of uh Mrs. Sanande. Um her dedication to the educational community of Riverdale has been extraordinary. her depth of knowledge to and that she brought to every meeting and that she shared with humility and grace very much
what Steve had to say. So, and we didn't compare. So, it's it must be true. She's the quiet voice of experience, thoughtful, steady, and always focused on what truly mattered, the children. Jenny cares deeply about the children in our district and our staff and the
community. Her dedication to education showed in everything she did. She brought forth enthusiasm and and a practical sense and a and also, you know, as I said, a level of knowledge that's very hard to uh replace.
Our district has been incredibly lucky to have someone who not only understood the work, but who genuinely cared about the people it served. Her calm strength and vast body of knowledge, coupled with her unwavering commitment to excellence, has helped raise our schools to a higher
standard. Jenny is an all-around lovely and warm person and her presence will be deeply missed and I'm very thankful for the time we got to serve together. Thank you. >> Excellent. Likewise, I'm also grateful for the time we had together. >> Yeah. And we didn't compare so it's got
to be true. It's >> all in the same. >> It's we all see the same thing which is really a testament to to everything that you've done. Um, thank you, Lorraine. And again, nice to see you here, of course. Um,
any other comments? All right. What more need be said, really? Um, we're going to move on. I'm going to close to public comments at approximately 7:08 and I'm going to move on to Mrs. Senuri's report, superintendent's report.
>> Okay. Thank you. Uh, good evening everyone. Of course, first and foremost, I do want to echo the the sentiments of um everyone here tonight, but I also do want to include um a thanks on behalf of our entire administration. Um we have
also really enjoyed the support and just the knowledge you've brought to this district. Um we feel fortunate, especially myself and Mrs. Dowling, because we also feel that we are a colleague of yours. And at least that makes me feel better that I know you're
only a phone call away. Um, but you have done great things, as our president said, over in your district and great things for this district. And, um, I hope that, you know, and I know that you and I will at least stay in touch as colleagues and continue to do great things for students. So, thank you for
at least sharing your expertise with us and supporting our team. It's very much appreciated. Um and then also on another note uh you know we are approaching the new year next month which is always a time for us to reflect and kind of think about how well are we doing meeting our
board goals as the board is aware we create these goals last spring board approved them and then it is our job as the administrative team to make sure that we are um implementing these goals and also creating structures for them to to get done. Um the board will receive a
full progress report in January um about where we are with u meeting those goals and on top of that I will be outlining which I have done every year for you guys exactly what we're doing at every level to meet that. So what are we doing administratively? What does that look
like in the classroom? So you will be getting that report next month. Um but for tonight I did just want to remind you of our three big academic goals. Of course, we have lots of goals, communication, technology, um, you know, operations, but just to remind everyone,
the first academic goal is to cultivate an innovative and inclusive learning environment that adapts to diverse student needs, equipping every learner with the skills and support necessary to thrive academically and in to achieve their highest potential. So, I will be
outlining exactly how we're doing that and what that looks like in the classroom. Goal two is to adopt and integrate uh updated curriculum and resources to deliver engaging standards aligned learning experiences that meet the New Jersey student learning standards and prepare students for
success. We know we have a lot of initiatives around that including our new Dibbles assessment math curriculum. So I'll go into more detail with that one. And then goal three, improve the well-being of our students and staff by establishing a welcoming nurturing uh nurturing learning environment that
encourages positive behaviors, enhances academic success, and builds compassionate school communities. And of course, we've talked a little bit in the past about um what we're doing um how the guidance counselor department as well as our CST have been collaborating to turnkey some key programs and
initiatives. So, I'll talk a little bit more about that in the report. you'll also get the detailed report of all of the the other goals. Um, so look forward to that in January. Other than that, I do want to wish everyone a very happy and healthy holiday season. If I don't
see you all, make sure you enjoy the break coming up. Find some time to hopefully relax and uh take some time to yourselves. Thanks everyone. >> Okay, thank you. Um, you want to put on your other hat to the board secretar's
report? >> Sure. There's no report for tonight. >> Okay. Well, I'm surprised. Um, let's move on then to general loosen general resolutions G1 through G4. Uh, may I have a motion, please? >> I'll make a motion. >> Uh, second, please.
>> I'll second. >> Okay. And discussion. Um, I've already alluded to it. G4 um says it all again. Um, so, uh, and it's a special resolution, uh, for Jenny in honor of her, uh, uh, work that she's
done here. Um, >> I would like to say something. >> I wish you would. >> I really don't want to follow the two of you because your words were beautiful and um, sometimes it's difficult for me, especially on this one. Um, Jenny, I
wanted to thank uh take this opportunity to thank you for all you've done for the district during your tenure on the board. I want to acknowledge your immense value you've brought to the board. Your consistent, steady, non-aggenda-driven presence has always been so helpful during many difficult
decisions. Your deep knowledge of the entire field of education has made an has made you an amazing resource for me both personally and professionally. Thank you for your friendship, your advice, your guidance, and ultimately
for all you have done to contribute to the excellence of the Rivervale School District. You will be sorely missed. >> I'd like to just make a few brief comments. Um, everything that was said tonight is very true. Um, stepping onto
this board, obviously, everyone who steps on to a board of education really doesn't actually know what's happening behind closed doors, but um, what a role model you've been to me and, you know, hopefully the other newcomers on this board. Um, you're definitely someone to
look up to and I mean, really, you you attributed so much to this board and you will be very missed. So, good luck on your next endeavors and I hope to keep seeing you around. I'll jump on the bag wagon.
Thank you so much. You have always been such a wonderful resource. We're going to surely miss you and I'm sure we will still be in touch and just a phone call away when we need more help. So, thank you for putting in all that time for us.
And one more and thank you for your service to the Riverell schools. Um it's been a pleasure working with you for the last I think four and a half, five years now. Um I love our conversations about education and um you know the the goals
and um just brainstorming with you and hearing your side um always bringing a different light to whatever I may be thinking. Um, so I appreciate that and I wish you um lots of happiness and not
that you're leaving per se, you know, the Rivervale, but um, you know, and good luck with everything. Thank you. >> Okay, I guess it's my turn. Thank you all for your kind words. Um, I will miss working with you. I will, um, watch you
maybe online from home. I'll come by. Um, but I appreciate all the support and I enjoyed working with all of you. um over the years and um I do want to say like um I'm really proud of working for the on the Riverville board. Um it's a extremely high performing district. We
don't rest on our laurels as Melissa was saying the goals like we're still moving ahead um despite really having excellent test scores we talked about earlier in the year. Um so I think that's a testament to the board and the administration that works and the teachers that work so hard um in this district. So, I'm proud to have been a
part of it for a short while and I know um the district's in good hands. So, I wish you all the best. >> Thank you. That was again excellent. A testament to everything we've all been talking about. >> Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. Um so, you know, thank you, Jenny. The only thing I'm
going to add is that unfortunately there's a typo in G4 that we're going to get fixed that doesn't properly attribute the amount of time that you've been on the board, but apart from that, um so we'll fix that in our next for the next meeting. Um,
again, thank you again. Thanks. Um, moving on then to a roll call vote. Um, do we have a roll call vote, please? >> Okay, that's me. >> Yes. No problem. Okay. Mr. Rosini, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sande. >> Uh, yes. But I guess I'll abstain from
G4. >> Okay. Um, Mrs. Pinterelli. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Burkowitz? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Austin? >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Auror? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Moving on to business resolutions B1 through B13. Will somebody move it,
please? >> I'll move it. >> Second, please. >> I'll second. >> Are there any questions, discussion? Uh, seeing no questions uh or discussion. Um, roll call vote, please. >> Sure. Mrs. Austin.
>> Yes. Mrs. Assor, >> yes. Uh, >> Mrs. Burkowitz, >> yes. >> Mrs. Pinterelli, >> yes. >> Mrs. Hande, >> yes. But I'll abstain from B12. >> Okay. And Mr. Rosini, >> yes.
Okay. Um, now I'm moving on to personnel resolutions P1 through P6. May I have a motion, please? >> I'll move it. >> Second, please. >> I'll second. >> Okay. uh discussion. I mean, I notice we
have other retirements for valued valued teachers. Um I would like to say something. Um my son Jack had Mrs. Sonell in kindergarten and um I was one of her
class moms. So I had that unique experience of spending some time throughout the year in her classroom. Um, he had a wonderful year. Loved school from the moment he stepped foot in the classroom. I can still see the picture of him on that first day when I
dropped him off in there. And now he's going off to college. But anyway, um, she created such a fun, terrific, um, learning environment. um she uh discovered Jack's love for sports and was always uh talking about
it with him and he would come home and talk about it with us. Um still to this day when I see her she asks about him um you know some 14 years later. Um, so I wish her best
of luck in her uh new adventures and um um and yeah, happy retirement. So, thank you. >> I'd also like to say a few words if I could. Um my youngest also, my daughter Leah had Mrs. Sonell for kindergarten.
Um it was a great experience for her. Um and um super grateful for the wonderful time that she had with her. Um, I'd also like to mention Mrs. Nielsen, who my daughters, neither of my daughters had. Um, but she knew both of my daughter's names. She greeted us all by name well
before I was on the board. Um, and we never had the experience of being in her classroom, but she still knew all of the kids, constantly greets us to this day when she sees us. Um, and I just appreciate her. I'd see her after school. I was picking up the girls from afterare, so she'd be there late. Um, putting in the hours as many other
teachers were. Um, so I'd also like to appreciate her. Um, tonight >> I'm going to jump on too and and add some comments. My daughter had Miss Nelson in kindergarten, which was a COVID year, complete madness. Miss Nelson handled it with grace and
kindness and always made the kids feel welcomed and happy. Um, that was not easy to navigate, but she did such a wonderful job. Um, she will definitely be missed. Um, Miss Sonell as well tutored my daughter for a little while during COVID and you know there was a
lot of catching up to do. They definitely had their work cut out for them. But both of them I mean I've seen them in the lunchroom and in the hallways always with a smile and people will always ask me you know who who should I ask for for kindergarten? You can't go wrong with any of the
kindergarten teachers at Roers. So they will both be really missed and um I wish them the best of luck. Thank you. That's terrific. Um, anything else? Anyone else? Okay. Um, any other discussion or
questions with regard to P6? Uh, then roll call vote, please. >> Absolutely. Mrs. Burkowitz, >> yes. >> Mrs. Pinterelli, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sande, >> yes. >> M. Uh, Mr. Rossini, >> yes. >> Mrs. Austin,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Assor, >> yes. Thank you. >> Okay. Um, now we're going to move on to public comments on general items. Uh, the same rules apply as to agenda items. So, I'm not going to reread these two paragraphs. Uh, and I'm going to open
the meeting to public comments on general items uh at approximately 7:22 p.m. Are there any comments public comments on general items? No. Then I'm gonna close it at approximately 7:22 PM. Um,
old business, anyone, new business? Uh, the only new business is I just want to wish everybody happy holidays and happy new year and um, a safe and healthy holiday season and I'll seeuh
everyone I guess gets in January. >> Right. Okay. Anything else? Okay. Um, are we going into closed? >> Uh, no, not tonight. >> Okay. Uh, so motion to adjurnn. >> Anybody?
>> Second. >> Yay. Second. >> Yeah. Second. >> I'll second. >> Okay. Anybody opposed to adjourning? Okay. We're adjourned. Thank you everybody. Thanks for coming. Thank you.