You want glasses? Okay. Um, notice is hereby given that in accordance with the Open Public's Meeting Act, chapter 231, the laws of 1975, notice of this meeting has been sent to all school offices, officially designated newspapers, filed with the
township clerk, and posted in the board of education office 48 hours in advance of this meeting. Mrs. Assur >> here, Mrs. Austin >> here, >> Mrs. Burkowitz >> here, >> Mrs. Lner >> here, >> Mrs. Pinterelli
>> here, >> Mr. White >> here, >> and Mr. Rosini is not available. He's in Ecuador. So, flag salute, please standy, justice for all. Okay, at this point I'm going to ask for
Mrs. Austin and Mrs. Leler to repeat. There is an oath in your in your packet. Actually, you can just read along in the agenda. >> Okay.
So, I will just ask that you uh repeat after me. I and state your name. >> I, Emily Leler. I, Lannne Austin, >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States
>> 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 allegiance to the same. >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and to the
governments established in the United States. and to the governments established in the United States >> and this state under the authority of the people. So help me God. >> and this state under the authority of the people so help me God.
>> I state your name. I, Emily Leler, >> I, Lannne Austin, >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> 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 am not disqualified as a voter pursuant to RS194-1 >> and that I am not disqualified as a voter pursuant to RS S 19 semicolon 4-1
>> nor disqualified due to conviction of a crime or offense listed in NJS18A 2-1 >> nor disqualified due to conviction of a crime or offense listed in NJS 18A
12-1 >> and that I will faithfully impartially and justly perform all the duties of that office according to the best of my ability. So help me God. >> And that I will faithfully and partially and justly perform all the duties of
that office according to the best of my ability. So help me God. >> Excellent. Now I will swear all of you in by roll call. Mrs. Assur >> here. >> Mrs. Austin >> here. >> Mrs. Burkowitz >> here.
>> Mrs. Leler >> here. >> Mrs. Pinterelli >> here. >> Mr. White >> here. And at this point, I'm going to ask for a nomination for president of the board of education. Do we have any nominations?
>> I nominate Steve Rossini. >> I'll second. >> Are there any other nominations? Okay, then I'm going to take a roll call vote, please. Mrs. Asuror, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mrs. Austin, >> yes. >> Mrs. Burkowitz, >> yes. >> Mrs. Leler, >> yes.
>> Mrs. Pinterelli, >> yes. >> Mr. White, >> yes. >> And at this point, I am going to call for nominations for vice president. Do we have a nomination for vice president?
>> I'd like to nominate Patrice Pinterelli. >> I'll second. >> Okay. Are there any other nominations? Hearing none, I'm going to ask for a roll call vote, please. Mrs. Assur,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Austin, >> yes. >> Mrs. Burkowitz, >> yes. >> Mrs. Leler, >> yes. >> Mrs. Pinterelli, >> I will abstain. >> Okay. Mr. White, >> yes. >> Excellent. And at this point, I will
turn the meeting over to Mrs. Pinterelli as vice president. Mrs. Pinterelli. >> Oh, thank you. Um, so we're moving on to the reorgan. Um, do I have a motion to move
uh resolutions R six? >> I'll motion. >> I'll second. >> Okay. Um, yeah. Yeah. Each year at our reorg meeting uh the board of ed take the
opportunity to read aloud our code of ethics and we believe that these statements are essential to our work and it reinforces our shared commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability. So um if we can go
around and each person take one of the statements so we can um read our code of ethics out loud that would be great. I don't >> Yeah, that would be great. Thank you. >> I will withhold uphold and enforce all laws, state board rules and regulations
and court orders pertaining to schools desired changes should be brought only through legal and ethical procedures. I will make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools which meet the individual needs
of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex or social standing. I will confine my board actions to policym planning and appraisal. I will help to frame policies and plans only after the board has consulted those who will be affected by
them. I will carry out my responsibility not to administer schools but together with my fellow board members to see that they are wellrun. >> I will recognize that authority rests with the board of education and will make no personal promises nor take any
private action which may compromise the board. >> I will refuse to surrender my independent judgment to special interest or partisan political groups or to use the schools for personal gain of friends. I will hold confidential all matters
pertaining to the schools which if disclosed would ne needlessly injure individuals or the schools. But in all other matters I will provide accurate information and in concert with my fellow board members interpret the
interpret to the staff the aspirations of the community for its schools. I will vote to appoint the best qualified personnel available after consideration of the recommendation of the chief administrative officer. I will support and protect school
personnel and priv proper performance of their duties. I will refer all complaints to the chief administrative officer and will act on such complaints at public meetings only after failure of an administrative solution. >> Um, can I have a roll call, please?
Certainly. Mrs. Assor, >> yes. >> Mrs. Austin, >> yes. >> Mrs. Burkowitz, >> yes. >> Mrs. Leler, >> yes. >> Mrs. Pinterelli, >> yes. >> Mr. White, >> yes. >> Um, can I have a motion to move resolutions
through R33? >> R33. I'll move R seven through R33. >> Can I ask a quick question? Do we need to appoint somebody for R seven before we approve anything or
>> I was just going to um bring that up. No. Um, did we have a second? I didn't hear. >> We didn't hear. I have a second. >> We need a second. >> I'll second. >> Thank you. Um, and if we could refer to
R7, is there anyone interested in um being the New Jersey School Board Association legislative delegate? And I know in the past sometimes we've tabled this um to talk about it a little bit further. So we can
>> I've done it last year. I can do it again. That's fine. >> Thank you. >> Any further discussion? >> An alternate. >> Oh, yes. Sorry. An alternate. Is anyone interested in an alternate? >> I'll volunteer.
Um if you look at R8 that is the um meeting schedule for the upcoming year and R9 we have also have our uh board committee schedule. Any further discussion?
>> Roll call. >> Certainly. Mrs. Assor, >> yes. >> Mrs. Austin, >> yes. >> Mrs. Burkowitz, >> yes. Mrs. Leler, >> yes. >> Mr. White, >> yes. >> Mrs. Pinterelli, >> yes. Okay. The Riverdale Board of Education is committed to encouraging the citizens
of Rivervale and employees of the Riverdale School District to speak directly to board trustees. In order to facilitate this communication, residents and employees are requested to sign in before speaking. To maintain an appropriate sense of decor and 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 that while it subscribes without reservation
to the principle of keeping the community informed by law and pol policy and law, it cannot allow public discussion of personnel matters. nor can trustees comment on any current or pending litigation. If a matter concerning an employee of the Rivervil
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. Um, I will open the meeting to public comments at 7:14.
Are there any public comments? Okay, then I seeing there are none, I will close the meeting, the close the public comments at 7:14. Um, do I have a motion to adjourn the Regal or meeting? >> I'll make the motion.
>> I'll second. >> Roll call, please. >> Certainly. Mrs. Assur, >> yes. >> Mrs. Austin, >> yes. >> Mrs. Burkowitz, >> yes. >> Mrs. Leler, >> yes. >> Mr. White, >> yes. >> Mrs. Pinterelli. >> Yes. Okay. Uh I will call to
order the regular meeting. Notice is hereby given that in accordance with the public open public meetings act chapter 2 231 the laws of 1975. Notice of this meeting has been sent to all school offices, officially designated newspapers filed with the township clerk
and posted in the board of education office 48 hours in advance of this meeting. Roll call, please. >> Certainly. Mrs. Assur, >> yes. >> Mrs. Austin, >> here. >> Mrs. Burkowitz, >> here. >> Mrs. Leler, >> here. >> Mr. White, >> here. >> Mr. Mrs. Pinterelli,
>> here. >> Um, Mr. Rosini is not here tonight as as uh Mr. Felo mentioned, he's in Ecuador. Um, so I'm just uh hope everyone had a
wonderful and relaxing break and wish everyone a healthy and happy new year. And I also want to congratulate Lanne Austin and Emily Leler for um being um voted onto the board of ed. Um so I
think that would be it for me tonight. Yes, that's well. Um, committee reports, uh, buildings and grounds, Mrs. Burkowitz, >> I have nothing for tonight. >> Okay. Uh, communications and policy, Mr. White,
>> nothing for tonight. >> Okay. Uh, curriculum and technology, I don't believe. >> No, nothing for tonight, though. Thanks. >> Um, finance, that would be me. Um, we just had a finance meeting uh where we met with the auditor and I'm happy to
report that um out of 11 categories that are looked at, there were no deficiencies. Um, Miss Epilo and her staff are doing an excellent job and this is coming directly from the auditor. Um, the district is very secure and stable and
the board of ed had a very successful 2024 2025 school year. So, uh, we thank Mrs. Abelo and her staff for all their hard work and for keeping us, um, very healthy, uh, financially in the
district. So, thank you very much. Um, okay. Please take Oh, Miss a uh, Mosini negotiations. I don't think there's right personnel. Miss Austin, >> nothing to report tonight. >> Okay. Please take note of the committee
meeting schedule. Um, okay. Public comments. Uh, the Riverdale Board of Education is committed to encouraging the citizens of Rivervale and employees of the Rivervale School District to speak directly to board
trustees. In order to facilitate this communication, residents and employees are requested to sign in before speaking to maintain an appropriate sense of decorum and 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 and while it subscribes without reservation to the principle of keeping the community informed by policy and law, it cannot allow public discussion
of personnel matters. Nor can trustees comment on any current or pending litigation. If a matter concerning an employee of the Rivervale 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. I'd like to open the meeting to public comments at 7:19. There's any public comments. Seeing there are none, I will close the
uh to public comments in 719 and the superintendent's report, please. Thank you. Good evening, everybody. Welcome back from winter break. Um so it's January. It's always a good time for us to pause and kind of reflect on what we've been doing. Uh I know that we
are incredibly proud of our students and everything that they have accomplished this school year, their growth academically, socially. It is a direct reflection of the students hard work, but also the dedication of our teachers and staff, many who are with us tonight. So, thank you for coming out. But we
have also a lot to do and a lot ahead of us for the remainder of the school year. Um, just for some examples, in January, we're really excited to welcome parents to our winter chorus and band concerts that are coming up at all three schools. This always highlights the talent and commitment and confidence of our
students. These performances are also just a really great reminder of the importance of a well-rounded education, the arts as well as the academics. Um, from an academic standpoint, this month also marks the administration of the second round of our linkit and our new
dibbles assessments. These assessments will provide us with valuable information that help guide our instruction and ensure that we are continuing to meet the needs of all our learners. And if you've been with us, you know how um data driven we are in this district and how we really do
strive to authentically differentiate. And so we really do look forward to these reports coming out so we can continue to uh differentiate for our kids. This month also holds a significance um as we recognize January as board member appreciation month. So,
I would also just like to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for all of our board members and everything that you guys do. Your dedication, your commitment of time and your service to our district and kids. So, thank you so much. Your guidance really is invaluable and is a big part of our student success
and our district success that we have been having. And I am also, of course, thrilled to um welcome our newest board member, Emily Leler. and very thrilled to welcome back Lannne Austin for her uh
additional term. We really do look forward to your contributions um and your continued contributions, Lann. So, as we enter the second half of the school year, I just want to wish everybody a really happy and healthy and successful new year. And I really look forward to what we're going to accomplish for the remainder of the year
and then I'm always excited in the fall when we get to report it out um at our district assessment uh in October. Thanks. have a good evening >> and the board secretaries report. >> Okay, I hope everybody had a wonderful break and holiday and welcome back and
happy new year. Um, Mrs. Pinterelli reported out on the on the audit. I have to give kudos to everyone in the district, teachers who helped to comply with our regulations. I know that they're very understanding that it's not
something that I am imposing on them, but it is the state and we have to comply. They're very willing and always accommodating my staff who are amazing because they really do an amazing job in
terms of organizing all the files that we have to give to the auditor and it's no small feat and to you all for the cooperation and the support. So, it really is a it is a team effort. So, thank you on that. I would also like to
state that in each one of your booklets for the current year's information and there's some forms that need to be signed. Sign those and return them to me. I would appreciate that. You
have questions of course ask me. And then being a new year and a few I should say we're looking to have a lot to share. Send it in and we'll get it up on the
website. previous year's tax levy and you're allowed an adjustment of 2%. The budget cap for the proposed 2627 year to put this into perspective is
$512,000. The health benefits have gone up 37%. To be clear, a family plan direct 10 is just shy for the year of
$75,000. $75,000. It went up $20,000. Now multiply that times all the staff members. The budget increase
proposed in just the health benefit line alone. Now you heard me say $512,000 is the cap. Let's round that down. Let's say 500,000.
The projected health benefit line is $1.7 million. So that means we're $1.2 million over in just the health benefit line alone. We are going to have to come together as
a board. We're going to have to make some tough decisions. And that's why we're starting the budget. We always start the budget process in October. This board, the finance committee knows
that I spend the break living in this building to put together a budget for you, a draft budget, so that you have plenty of time. Usually I can come back and say we're good. $1.2 million is what we're over and
that's just the health benefits. So something has to be done at the state level with the health benefits. It it we we cannot as a state continue to sustain these increases. In the meantime, we are going to be
looking at all types of alternative sources of revenues, be creative, and we are going to have to make some cuts. So, I just want to make sure that everybody is prepared for what this proposed budget is going to bring. Does anybody
have any questions on the board? >> Has there been any communication from the state, any guidance? >> No. I will tell you that um there have been districts and municipalities
who have been successful based on experience positive health benefit experience that have been able to leave the state health benefit plan which is what we're in. uh I have had the state send us our
experience and through nobody's fault it's it its usage and at some point it could be catastrophic illnesses our experience is not favorable. Therefore,
as you would shop around with car insurance, if you've had a few accidents, there's not going to be very many people that want to come and say, "Hey, I'll I'll I'll write your policy." So to get back to your point about the state, no, the state has not provided
any guidance. >> It's a shame. >> I can say that uh Mrs. Signori's state association, my state association have been lobbying to have and also
school boards association has been lobbying to have the state do something about this. any type of survey or questions that have been asked, I know we have answered. And um this is unfortunately not a Rivervale
issue. It it is a state issue. Anyone else? Okay. And um I will just echo to leave everybody on a positive note that thank you to all your to the school board members with the school board recognition month. We do appreciate
everything that you do do. So thank you. And that's all I have. Can I have a motion to move uh general resolution resolutions G1 through G5? Move G1 through G5. Sorry,
>> I'll second >> discussion. >> Yeah, just like I wasn't here last month, so I was unfortunately not able Mrs. Leler, Mr. White, >> yes. >> Mrs. Pinterelli, >> yes. Uh, may I have a motion to move
business resolutions B1 through B9? >> I'll move it. >> I'll second. >> Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Certainly. Mrs. Assor, >> yes. >> Mrs. Austin,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Burkowitz, >> yes. >> Mrs. Leler, >> yes. >> Mr. White, >> yes. >> Mrs. Pinterelli, >> yes. Uh, may I have a motion to move personnel resolutions P1 through P3?
move P1, P2, and P3 >> and a second. >> Okay. Um, okay, we're up to uh public comments for general items. Oh, sorry. Thank you. Roll call vote,
please. >> Certainly. Mrs. Asuror, >> yes. >> Mrs. Austin, >> yes. >> Mrs. Burkowitz, >> yes. >> Mrs. Leler, >> yes. >> Mr. White, >> yes. >> Mrs. Pinterelli, >> yes. Now, we're up to public comments um for general items. And the same
um verbiage applies that we that I had mentioned for um general item for uh Thank you. for general resolutions. Um,
I will open public comments at 7:32 if anyone has public comments. Okay. Then I will close to public comments at 7:32. Um, anyone have old business they'd like to share? Any new business?
Okay. Are we entering closed session? >> No, we're not. >> Okay. Um, may I have a second? >> I'll second. >> And roll call, please. >> Certainly. Mrs. Assor, >> yes. >> Mrs. Austin, >> yes.
>> Mrs. Burkowitz, yes. >> Mrs. Leler, >> yes. >> Mr. White, >> yes. >> Mrs. Pinterelli, >> yes. Right, the meeting is adjourned. Thank you very much for coming. Wish you a happy and healthy new year.