Richard Corbett and I am the proud superintendent of Rockaway Township Public Schools. I was just waving to some of our wonderful students as they were walking by and I'm so happy and pleased to say that when I walk through these halls and talk to these students in these six different schools, I see students that
are learning and having fun and to me those are two very important qualities of a very very effective education. >> Birchwood is very special. Good evening, Rockaway Township. I would like to call this meeting to order. It's 6:02 p.m. May I have attendance? Roll call.
>> Mrs. Anderson here. >> Mrs. Brooks >> here. >> Dr. Gorman >> here. >> Mrs. Messi >> here. >> Miss Richardson >> here. Miss Tor. Miss McGiri. We have a quorum. Thank you. The New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act was passed to ensure
the right of the public to have advanced notice and to attend the meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting their interest is discussed and acted upon. In accordance with the provision of the act, the Rockway Township Board of Education has caused notice of the date, time, and place of said meetings to be published
in the daily record, the Star Ledger, and be posted in all schools in the district in the municipal building of the township and the township library. Does any board member wish to object to the conduct of this meeting for the purpose as stated in the public notice?
All documentation and materials considered by the board of education as part of this agenda are available for public review and comment. Members of the public are invited to come to the board of education building off Green Pond Road during the regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 400 p.m. Monday
through Friday if they wish to inspect any of the reference items. May I have a motion to wedge pledge of allegiance until open session? >> So moved. >> Thank you. Second. >> Thank you. Show of hands. resolved that in accordance with the open public meetings act, the Rockaway
Township Board of Education will meet in close session to discuss matters involving personnel, litigation, acquisition of real property, security, negotiations, receipt of governmental funds. The content of said discussions will be disclosed to the public at such
time and extent as is required by law. Can I have a motion to go into close session? So moved. Second show of hands. Close session will begin at 6:04 p.m. Okay. >> My name is Dr. Richard Corbett and I am
the proud superintendent of Rockaway Township Public Schools. I was just waving to some of our wonderful students as they were walking by and I'm so happy and pleased to say that when I walk through these halls and talk to these students in these six different schools, I see students that
are learning and having fun and to me those are two very important qualities of a very very effective education. >> Birchwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere. Students come back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended
Birwood. It is truly a loving community. It's such a wonderful place to be. >> Our core values are the same as Rockaway Township. Heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect, and trust. So, we can focus on particularly on being kind. What really resonates with me about this
school is that we put more value in developing personal growth versus comparison to others. Whether it be a difficult learning task or a challenging learning experience, they learn to persevere. and we can bring out something in themselves that they might not have seen before.
>> Stony Brook is an amazing place. It really is. And I think anybody who joins us, whether it's full-time or visitors in the building just for a day, uh, you know, I think echo that sentiment. Our staff is second to none. They really put the kids first all the time. And our students are exceptional as well. It's a
wonderful school community. Our PTA is incredibly involved. Everything we do is well attended. back to school nights, our events, and we have a very involved school community, both academically working handin-hand with our teachers, but also I think for extracurricular as well.
>> Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District will graduate from Copeland before they go on to high school. And we have an opportunity to instill core values into our students, helping students develop into future leaders, into being positive role models and citizens in our community. Our
mantra we live by is no walls, no limits because being a school with no walls uh provides our students a great sense of community. You just know you're walking into a special place when you come through our doors. What keeps me coming back here every morning? Hugs from kids. You know, I love being outside in the
morning at bus duty and having kids coming up and just happy to see me. Teachers who I now share personal connections with because I've been here for 11 years as the principal. So yeah, I think for me it's just being a part of something, being a part of the team. Uh
we're all very different, but um but we we get along and you know, we support each other. >> Every morning I'm inspired by these children, their energy, their willingness to support and grow with one another is contagious. >> The people I work with makes me come
back every single day. I hire a very unique and special educator and that permeates throughout the building. I have the easiest job in the world because I have the hardest working teachers in the world. >> The thing that makes Scopland Middle School so great is truly the people. It's the students. It's the staff. It's the community members. It's the parent
involvement. It's the investment in making it a better place. >> I come here for the students. I love the kids here. They are amazing. They're the best part of my day. They're the best part of my week. That's why I do what I do. I'm proud to be the superintendent
of Rockway Township Schools and we are thankful for all the support we have from our community. I truly believe in an educator being able to make a difference in the world. It's so important to have a positive
environment for a child to come to and teaching at Dubire is special because we don't have walls. I think social emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our emotions and give kids a chance to
practice that emotional dialogue and that helps the whole child. If you've never taught at another school and you come to Birchwood, you honestly never want to leave Birchwood. You walk into this building and it's a family. We're all together. We're all happy.
We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each other. One of the things that I love the most about this position and this job is that I get to work with students of all ages now that we house preschool students here. I see every single student in the building from preschool
all the way through fifth grade. And I get to work with them on a deeper level on a way that inspires them not just to be confident in themselves but in what they love. After teaching for 25 years, I can't
pinpoint one moment of time that is a story of why I come back every day. Any good lesson makes me feel alive. Going to the soccer games, the football games, seeing my students outside the classroom. I want the kids to feel at home and I feel the more comfortable
that they are, the relationship that we build together, the better they're going to do in class. Not not only enjoy their time in class, but also take risks. It's a really great environment here at KDM. My co-workers are great. The students every day, they make me laugh.
One thing that I really work on in my classroom is growth mindset. I did have a student that came in and really didn't like math. They were really negative self-talking, saying that they can't do this. And so, basically throughout the whole year, we worked on just changing that mindset. One of the things that I'm
really hoping to teach them more than anything else is about kindness and you know being good friends to each other. One of my most favorite success stories is a particular student when you know he would come into the classroom even right first thing in the morning his head would be down on that desk. I've tried
to instill intrinsic love for school, intrinsic love for education. And over time, I've seen him pick that head up, and that's why I do what I do. To have a kid come in and their school's a happy place for them, and they want to come.
So, we used to always start off with a growth mindset and we do a lot of lessons about how we are able to do things that might seem hard, like a harder task. And I think that if we really teach our kids to be resilient and show grit in the face of a harder
task, then all the other academic challenges that they're faced with come a little bit easier. >> Our goal here is that every child is as comfortable in class as they are at home. And if they're ever in trouble, they're ever concerned or worried that they have the tools available to them to be successful and to help each other be
as successful as we know they can be. We have really seen over the years an incredible increase in their emotional maturity and in their abilities to deal with issues both in the playground and in the classroom. And I really believe it's because our district's focus on
SEAL over the last several years. >> I am the steam teacher at Copeland Middle School. I really love to see the growth and the change to the students. And what I really focus on is teamwork. So the kids are always in teams. We want to make sure everybody's feeling comfortable communicating their ideas.
I want kids to come to school and feel like this is their second home. I want them to come into my classroom and feel comfortable, feel like they can be themselves. They may not come here and love math, but I want them to at least enjoy coming to math class. Years ago, I had a sixth grade student who was
absolutely petrified of mathematics. And I worked so carefully with her. I gave her extra help just to have her overcome this fear and it was fabulous to see that aha moment when she finally got it and that is why I do what I do every
day. >> So my name is Jackson. >> My name is Mia. >> My name is Mariah. >> I think what awesome is about being in Birwood is the um the like artwork that's on the walls. Like in school they have this like art thing where you go
downstairs and like paint a wall with the art teacher. >> My favorite is recess. My favorite thing is reading and just doing a bunch of fun stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day
and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the day. My name is Carly and I am in fifth grade and I go to DVO. >> Yeah. My name is Rehea. I'm in first grade. Being at DVO is awesome because all the teachers here are so great and
so nice. >> I like the teachers here. They make it awesome here. She teaches well and then she teaches us stuff which we have never learned. >> My favorite subject is probably math
because I like all the challenges. My favorite special is art class with Miss Takis. Plus, drawing is my favorite thing. >> What makes DBL unique is that everyone is so kind to each other and everyone cares about each other. >> My name is Quinker and I'm in the fifth
grade. >> Hi, my name's Arya. I am in second grade. What makes our school awesome is all the teachers we have here. They help us every day. All the janitors keep our school nice and clean. all my friends that helped me since kindergarten and
everybody just helps us here because we are a really good community >> because of my friends, the teachers and the principal. Like we read a book and then we do a project based on what happened in that story. >> Math is my favorite subject because the teachers always help us and it's fun but
it can be complicated but it's still really fun. My favorite teachers are probably all of my teachers cuz I got really good teachers. They have fun activities to do and their stories. My first grade teacher got me into reading and she got
me into chapter books in Juni B. Jones. My favorite subject is science. In science, you do lots of experiments and I think experiments are very fun. Every day I'm like happy at school. When I came into sixth grade in Copeland where
everything was new and different for me, Mrs. Heath, she was especially really kind to me, she still talks to me even though we don't really see each other that much and she gives me so much good luck for all the things that I do. One teacher that made me feel special and cared for was my seventh grade LA
teacher. I used to just like like reading and writing and she really helped me understand and make that subject more fun. I think the wire school is awesome because you can make a lot of friends here and there's good teachers. Math is
my favorite because like you can learn different things like times, plus minus. No matter where you come from or no matter what you like look like, people will be friends with you and welcome you into the school. One word to describe
this school is probably heart. Honesty, empathy, acceptance, and respect and trust. This is probably one of the most special places I've ever worked. It is the staff, the teachers. Uh they are loving, they are caring. The energy here is just
great. It's wonderful to work with a group of men and women who truly love what they do. Their heart, passion, and soul is for students and to see them succeed. I try to find a way for them to want to be here. Even if they're sad or even if they don't want to get out of
the car in the morning, if I say, "Hey, let's go wander in the library." And they bounce out of the car right away, which actually happened, then I've done something right that I have found a way to make them feel like this is home for them because that's kind of how I feel. I love the kids here. They're amazing.
They're the best part of my day. They're the best part of my week. That's why I do what I do. >> So, my name is Jackson. My name is Mia. My name is Mariah. >> I think what awesome is about being in Birchwood is the um the like artwork
that's on the walls. Like in school, they have this like art thing where you go downstairs and like paint a wall with the art teacher. My favorite is recess. My favorite thing is reading and just
doing a bunch of fun stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the day. >> Our doors are always open. We are truly a family here. Our kids are just everything. >> If you've never taught at another school
and you come to Birwood, you honestly never want to leave Birwood. You walk into this building and it's a family. We're all together. We're all happy. We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each other. Birwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere.
Students come back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended Birwood. It is truly a loving community. It's such a wonderful place to be. I commute an hour or more every day and I've been given the opportunity to work in another district, but I've
been here 7 years and I will drive that hour because the community, the parents, the teachers, our principal are incredible. We're just so happy to have such a loving, nurturing community that is so vested in our school. We are
family and once a bulldog, always a bulldog. I truly believe in an educator being able to make a difference in the world. It's so important to have a positive environment for a child to come to. And
teaching at Dubire is special because we don't have walls. >> Our mantra we live by is no walls, no limits because being a school with no walls uh provides our students a great sense of community. You just know you're walking into a special place when you
come through our doors. >> I like to tell people that when you're here, it's like learning at home. You're in your kitchen, but you still know what's going on in the family room. It builds like this, you know, camaraderie amongst not only the students but also the faculty that work here. We call
ourselves a Dwire family. Mr. McGovern, he seldom calls us a school and we really all live by that. We treat each other like family and we emulate that for the kids. >> I think the wire school is awesome because you can make a lot of friends
here and there's good teachers. Math is my favorite because like you can learn different things like times, plus minus. No matter where you come from or no matter what you like look like, people will be friends with you and welcome you
into the school. One word to describe this school is probably heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, and respect, and trust. I have been teaching art here in Rockaway Township for 16 years. I think
social and emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our emotions and give kids a chance to practice that emotional dialogue and that helps the whole child. I get the privilege of going into every
single class once a month where I do a guidance lesson. The best part of my job is when one of them is having a tough day and then they feel better and it's because of me. >> The people I work with makes me come back every single day. I hire a very unique and special educator and that
permeates throughout the building. I have the easiest job in the world because I have the hardest working teachers in the world. Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District will graduate from Copeland before they go on to high school. And we have an opportunity to instill core values into our students,
helping students develop into future leaders into being positive role models and citizens in our community. >> I am the steam teacher at Copeland Middle School. I really love to see the growth and the change through the students. And what I really focus on is teamwork. So the kids are always in
teams. We want to make sure everybody's feeling comfortable communicating their ideas. >> I want kids to come to school and feel like this is their second home. I want them to come into my classroom and feel comfortable, feel like they can be themselves. They may not come here and love math, but I want them to at least
enjoy coming to math class. >> When I came into sixth grade in Copeland, where everything was new and different for me, Mrs. Heath, she was especially really kind to me. She still talks to me even though we don't really see each other that much and she gives me so much good luck for all the things
that I do. One teacher that made me feel special and cared for was my seventh grade LA teacher. I used to dislike like reading and writing and she really helped me understand and make that subject more fun. Years ago, I had a
sixth grade student who was absolutely petrified of mathematics. And I worked so carefully with her. I gave her extra help just to have her overcome this fear and it was fabulous to see that aha moment when she finally got it and that
is why I do what I do every day. >> We are making sure kids are prepared for the future and that means making sure that they have access to technology. Every single classroom has interactive boards. Kids get a Chromebook in the
fifth grade. >> They work as a team towards a common goal. They overcome challenges. We connect with the community through our concerts which are very well attended. Vanta Copeland is truly an all-inclusive experience for all of the students here. >> I try to get everybody involved so that
they can make a positive impact in the future. I teach US history and I come to work every day excited. I get the opportunity to mold the next generation. >> The thing that makes Scopland Middle School so great is truly the people.
It's the students. It's the staff. It's the community members. It's the parent involvement. It's the investment in making it a better place. >> Our core values are the same as Rockaway Township. Heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect, and trust. So we
can focus on particularly on being kind >> by being kind to a friend, helping them out, helping teachers, be nice to them, be respectful and don't interrupt the teachers. >> And everything we do, we try and relate back to our core values. One of the
things we are working on right now is positive behavior system. I don't like to address anything negative in my office because I want kids to be able to trust me and to be able to come down as a leader of the building. So, we're really working on being kind. And yes, academics are important, but one of the main things for us is that we raise good
kids. The main message is to be kind because above all else, we want our kids just to be kind. >> My name is Carly and I am in fifth grade and I go to DVL. >> Yeah. My name is Rehea. I'm in first grade. >> Being at DVL is awesome because all the
teachers here are so great and so nice. >> I like the teachers here. They make it awesome here. She teaches well and then she teaches us stuff which we have never learned. >> My favorite subject is probably math
because I like all the challenges. >> My favorite special is art class with Miss Takis because drawing is my favorite thing. >> What makes DBL unique is that everyone is so kind to each other and everyone cares about each other.
If I had to describe our building in one word, I would say we're a little unconventional. We're always trying to have our teachers and our students look at other ways to achieve success. And for every student, that's different. There are other ways that we can really show student growth, student success.
>> I'm not trying to be cheesy or anything. It's it really the staff here um we have built a family. And I think that says something about the building and the and the and and the community that we foster here at ZBO. And I'm really grateful to be part of that. >> Being outside in the morning at bus duty
and having kids coming up and just happy to see me, teachers who I now share personal connections with because I've been here for 11 years as the principal. >> After teaching for 25 years, I can't pinpoint one moment of time that is a story of why I come back every day. Any
good lesson makes me feel alive. Going to the soccer games, the football games, seeing my students outside the classroom. I want the kids to feel at home and I feel the more comfortable that they are, the relationship that we build together, the better they're going to do in class, not not only enjoy their
time in class, but also take risks. >> So, yeah, I I think for me it's just being a part of something, being a part of the team. Uh we're all very different, but um but we we get along and you know, we support each other. What really resonates with me about the
school is that we put more value in developing personal growth versus comparison to others. Whether it be a difficult learning task or a challenging learning experience, they learn to persevere and we can bring out something in themselves that they might not have seen before.
>> It's a really great environment here at KDM. My co-workers are great. The students every day, they make me laugh. One thing that I really work on in my classroom is growth mindset. I did have a student that came in and really didn't like math. They were really negative selft talking saying that they can't do
this. And so basically throughout the whole year we worked on just changing that mindset. Just because we can't do something right now doesn't mean that we're never going to be able to do it. And that's what I teach all of my students. >> My favorite teachers are probably all of
my teachers cuz I got really good teachers. They have fun activities to do and their stories. My first grade teacher got me into reading and she got me into chapter books in Juni B. Jones. >> My favorite subject is science. In science, you do lots of experiments and
I think experiments are very fun. Every day I'm like happy at school. >> We identify the interests of students. You know, what motivates them so students feel more comfortable and confident in their learning environment, moving them forward from one learning
experience to another. Every morning I'm inspired by these children. Their energy, their willingness to support and grow with one another is contagious. >> One of the things that I'm really hoping to teach them more than anything else is about kindness and you know being good
friends to each other. One of my most favorite success stories is a particular student when you know he would come into the classroom even right first thing in the morning his head would be down on that desk. I trying to instill intrinsic love for school, intrinsic love for
education. And over time, I've seen him pick that head up. And that's why I do what I do. To have a kid come in and their school's a happy place for them and they want to come. Stony Brook is an amazing place. It really is. And I think anybody who joins
us, whether it's full-time or visitors in the building just for a day, uh, you know, I think echo that sentiment. Our staff is second to none. They really put the kids first all the time and our students are exceptional as well. It's a wonderful school community. Our PTA is incredibly involved. Everything we do is
well attended and back to school nights, our events, and we have a very involved school community both academically working handin-hand with our teachers, but also I think for extracurricular as well. Inside school, I really try to be involved in as many things as I can. My children also go to school in this
district at one of the other schools and I'm really proud of what we put forth for our children. Anytime we can bring togetherness and have us all work together, both in our community and out, it's really going to help everyone raise their own level of abilities to really increase the success of our community. So we used to always start off with a
growth mindset and we do a lot of lessons about how we are able to do things that might seem hard like a harder task. And I think that if we really teach our kids to be resilient and show grit in the face of a harder task then all the other academic
challenges that they're faced with come a little bit easier. Having students in a classroom that's smaller where you get to meet their needs specifically rather than in a bigger classroom. You can build more of a rapport and relationships with them. I like them to become successful, not just academically, but also social,
emotionally. >> My name is Queen. I'm in the fifth grade. >> Hi, my name's Arya. I am in second grade. What makes our school awesome is all the teachers we have here. They help us every day. All the janitors keep our school nice and clean. All my friends
that helped me since kindergarten, and everybody just helps us here cuz we are a really good community. because of my friends, the teachers, and the principal. Like, we read a book and then we do a project based on what happened in that story. Math is my favorite
subject because the teachers always help us and it's fun, but it can be complicated, but it's still really fun. >> I've always wanted to be a teacher. I think the reason why I wanted to be a teacher is because I think I had really good elementary school teachers. Rockway I thought was really interesting because
I feel like it is a small close-knit community, but I also felt like there's a lot of different opportunities in Rockway. I like how there was five different elementary schools, but I also like how I felt like that I fit in with the Stony Brook mentality. The Stony Brook mentality is something where we
all feel and have the same idea of supporting students. the kids understand that everyone makes a mistake, everyone has a bad day, and I think that it gives the opportunity for kids to grow and not feel like penalized. I love that we have a great principal. I love the teachers and the morale. As soon as I started
coming up here, since I am from South Jersey, I felt welcomed and included right away. >> My name is Dr. Richard Corbett and I am the proud superintendent of Rockaway Township Public Schools. I was just waving to some of our wonderful students as they were walking
by and I'm so happy and pleased to say that when I walk through these halls and talk to these students in these six different schools, I see students that are learning and having fun and to me those are two very important qualities of a very very effective education.
>> Birchwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere. Students come back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended Birwood. It is truly a loving community. It's such a wonderful place to be. >> Our core values are the same as Rockaway
Township. Heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect, and trust. So, we can focus on particularly on being kind. What >> really resonates with me about this school is that we put more value in developing personal growth versus comparison to others. Whether it be a
difficult learning task or a challenging learning experience, they learn to persevere. and we can bring out something in themselves that they might not have seen before. >> Stony Brook is an amazing place. It really is. And I think anybody who joins us, whether it's full-time or visitors in the building just for a day, uh, you
know, I think echo that sentiment. Our staff is second to none. They really put the kids first all the time. And our students are exceptional as well. It's a wonderful school community. Our PTA is incredibly involved. Everything we do is well attended. back to school nights, our events, and we have a very involved
school community, both academically working handin-hand with our teachers, but also I think for extracurricular as well. >> Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District will graduate from Copeland before they go on to high school. And we have an opportunity to
instill core values into our students, helping students develop into future leaders, into being positive role models and citizens in our community. Our mantra we live by is no walls, no limits because being a school with no walls uh provides our students a great sense of
community. You just know you're walking into a special place when you come through our doors. >> What keeps me coming back here every morning? Hugs from kids. You know, I love being outside in the morning at bus duty and having kids coming up and just happy to see me. Teachers who I now share personal connections with because
I've been here for 11 years as the principal. So yeah, I I think for me it's just being a part of something, being a part of the team. Uh we're all very different, but um but we we get along and you know, we support each other. >> Every morning I'm inspired by these
children, their energy, their willingness to support and grow with one another is contagious. >> The people I work with makes me come back every single day. I hire a very unique and special educator and that permeates throughout the building. I have the easiest job in the world
because I have the hardest working teachers in the world. >> The thing that makes Scopland Middle School so great is truly the people. It's the students. It's the staff. It's the community members. It's the parent involvement. It's the investment in making it a better place. >> I come here for the students. I love the
kids here. They are amazing. They're the best part of my day. They're the best part of my week. That's why I do what I do. I'm proud to be the superintendent of Rockway Township Schools and we are thankful for all the support we have from our community. I truly believe in an educator being
able to make a difference in the world. It's so important to have a positive environment for a child to come to and teaching at Dwire is special because we don't have walls. I think social
emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our emotions and give kids a chance to practice that emotional dialogue and that helps the whole child. If you've never taught at another school
and you come to Birwood, you honestly never want to leave Birchwood. You walk into this building and it's a family. We're all together. We're all happy. We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each other. One of the things that I love the most about this position and this job is
that I get to work with students of all ages now that we house preschool students here. I see every single student in the building from preschool all the way through fifth grade. And I get to work with them on a deeper level on a way that inspires them not just to
be confident in themselves but in what they love. After teaching for 25 years, I can't pinpoint one moment of time that is a story of why I come back every day. Any good lesson makes me feel alive. Going
to the soccer games, the football games, seeing my students outside the classroom. I want the kids to feel at home and I feel the more comfortable that they are, the relationship that we build together, the better they're going to do in class. Not not only enjoy their time in class, but also take risks.
It's a really great environment here at KDM. My co-workers are great. The students every day, they make me laugh. One thing that I really work on in my classroom is growth mindset. I did have a student that came in and really didn't like math. They were really negative self-talking, saying that they can't do
this. And so, basically throughout the whole year, we worked on just changing that mindset. One of the things that I'm really hoping to teach them more than anything else is about kindness and, you know, being good friends to each other. One of my most favorite success stories is a particular student when you know he
would come into the classroom even right first thing in the morning his head would be down on that desk. I've tried to instill intrinsic love for school, intrinsic love for education and over time I've seen him pick that head up and that's why I do what I do to have a kid
come in and their school's a happy place for them and they want to come. So, we used to always start off with a growth mindset and we do a lot of lessons about how we are able to do things that might seem hard like a
harder task. And I think that if we really teach our kids to be resilient and show grit in the face of a harder task, then all the other academic challenges that they're faced with come a little bit easier. >> Our goal here is that every child is as comfortable in class as they are at home. and if they're ever in trouble,
they're ever concerned or worried that they have the tools available to them to be successful and to help each other be as successful as we know they can be. We have really seen over the years an incredible increase in their emotional maturity and in their abilities to deal
with issues both in the playground and in the classroom. And I really believe it's because our district's focus on SEAL over the last several years. I am the steam teacher at Copeland Middle School. I really love to see the growth and the change through the
students and what I really focus on is teamwork. So the kids are always in teams. We want to make sure everybody's feeling comfortable communicating their ideas. I want kids to come to school and feel like this is their second home. I want them to come into my classroom and feel comfortable, feel like they can be
themselves. They may not come here and love math, but I want them to at least enjoy coming to math class. Years ago, I had a sixth grade student who was absolutely petrified of mathematics. And I worked so carefully with her. I gave her extra help just to have her overcome
this fear. And it was fabulous to see that aha moment when she finally got it. And that is why I do what I do every day. >> So, my name is Jackson. >> My name is Mia. My name is Mariah. >> I think what awesome is about being in
Birchwood is the um the like artwork that's on the walls. Like in school, they have this like art thing where you go downstairs and like paint a wall with the art teacher. My favorite is recess.
My favorite thing is reading and just doing a bunch of fun stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the day. >> My name is Carly and I am in fifth grade
and I go to DVL. >> Yeah. My name is Rehea. I'm in first grade. >> Being at DVL is awesome because all the teachers here are so great and so nice. >> I like the teachers here. They make it awesome here. She teaches well and then
she teaches us stuff which we have never learned. >> My favorite subject is probably math because I like all the challenges. >> My favorite special is art class with Miss Takis. Plus drawing is my favorite thing. >> What makes DBL unique is that everyone
is so kind to each other and everyone cares about each other. >> My name is Queen Kern. I'm in the fifth grade. >> Hi, my name is Arya. I am in second grade. >> What makes our school awesome is all the teachers we have here. They help us every day. All the janitors keep our
school nice and clean. All my friends that help me since kindergarten and everybody just helps us here cuz we are a really good community. >> Because of my friends, the teachers and the principal. Like we read a book and then we do a project based on what
happened in that story. Math is my favorite subject because the teachers always help us and it's fun but it can be complicated but it's still really fun. >> My favorite teachers are probably all of my teachers cuz I got really good teachers. They have fun activities to do
and their stories. My first grade teacher got me into reading and she got me into chapter books and Juni B Jones. My favorite subject is science. In science, you do lots of experiments. And I think experiments are very fun. Every
day I'm like happy at school. When I came into sixth grade in Copeland, where everything was new and different for me. Mrs. Heath, she was especially really kind to me. She still talks to me. Even though we don't really see each other that much, and she gives me so much good
luck for all the things that I do. One teacher that made me feel special and cared for was my seventh grade LA teacher. I used to dislike like reading and writing and she really helped me understand and make that subject more fun.
>> I think the wire school is awesome because you can make a lot of friends here and there's good teachers. Math is my favorite because like you can learn different things like times plus minus. No matter where you come from or no
matter what you like look like, people will be friends with you and welcome you into the school. One word to describe this school is probably heart. Honesty, empathy, acceptance, and respect and trust.
This is probably one of the most special places I've ever worked. It is the staff, the teachers. Uh they are loving, they are caring, the energy here is just great. It's wonderful to work with a group of men and women who truly love what they do. their heart, passion, and
soul is for students and to see them succeed. I try to find a way for them to want to be here. Even if they're sad or even if they don't want to get out of the car in the morning, if I say, "Hey, let's go wander in the library." And they bounce out of the car right away, which actually happened, then I've done
something right that I have found a way to make them feel like this is home for them because that's kind of how I feel. I love the kids here. They are amazing. They're the best part of my day. They're the best part of my week. That's why I do what I do. >> So, my name is Jackson.
>> My name is Mia. My name is Mariah. >> I think what awesome is about being in Birchwood is the um the like artwork that's on the walls. Like in school, they have this like art thing where you go downstairs and like paint a wall with
the art teacher. My favorite is recess. My favorite thing is reading and just doing a bunch of fun stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the
day. >> Our doors are always open. We are truly a family here. Our kids are just everything. >> If you've never taught at another school and you come to Birwood, you honestly never want to leave Birwood. You walk into this building and it's a family. We're all together. We're all happy.
We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each other. >> Birchwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere. Students come back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended Birwood. It is truly a loving community.
It's such a wonderful place to be. I commute an hour or more every day and I've been given the opportunity to work in another district. But I've been here seven years and I will drive that hour because the community, the parents, the teachers, our principal are incredible.
We're just so happy to have such a loving, nurturing community that is so vested in our school. We are family and once a bulldog, always a bulldog. I truly believe in an educator being able to make a difference in the world.
It's so important to have a positive environment for a child to come to and teaching at Dubire is special because we don't have walls. Our mantra we live by is no walls, no limits because being a school with no
walls uh provides our students a great sense of community. You just know you're walking into a special place when you come through our doors. >> I like to tell people that when you're here, it's like learning at home. You're in your kitchen, but you still know what's going on in the family room. It
builds like this, you know, camaraderie amongst not only the students, but also the faculty that work here. We call ourselves a Dwire family. Mr. McGovern, he seldom calls us a school, and we really all live by that. We treat each other like family and we emulate that
for the kids. >> I think the wire school is awesome because you can make a lot of friends here and there's good teachers. Math is my favorite because like you can learn different things like times plus minus. No matter where you come from or no
matter what you like look like, people will be friends with you and welcome you into the school. One word to describe this school is probably heart. honesty, empathy, acceptance, and respect and trust.
>> I have been teaching art here in Rockaway Township for 16 years. I think social emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our emotions and give kids a chance to practice that emotional
dialogue and that helps the whole child. I get the privilege of going into every single class once a month where I do a guidance lesson. The best part of my job is when one of them is having a tough day and then they feel better and it's because of me. >> The people I work with makes me come
back every single day. I hire a very unique and special educator and that permeates throughout the building. I have the easiest job in the world because I have the hardest working teachers in the world. Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District and will graduate from Copeland before they go on
to high school. And we have an opportunity to instill core values into our students, helping students develop into future leaders into being positive role models and citizens in our community. >> I am the steam teacher at Copeland Middle School. I really love to see the
growth and the change to the students. And what I really focus on is teamwork. So the kids are always in teams. We want to make sure everybody's feeling comfortable communicating their ideas. I want kids to come to school and feel like this is their second home. I want them to come into my classroom and feel
comfortable, feel like they can be themselves. They may not come here and love math, but I want them to at least enjoy coming to math class. When I came into sixth grade in Copeland where everything was new and different for me, Mrs. Heath, she was especially really
kind to me. She still talks to me even though we don't really see each other that much and she gives me so much good luck for all the things that I do. One teacher that made me feel special and cared for was my 7th grade LA teacher. I used to just like like reading and
writing and she really helped me understand and make that subject more fun. years ago, I had a sixth grade student who was absolutely petrified of mathematics. And I worked so carefully with her. I gave her extra help just to
have her overcome this fear. And it was fabulous to see that aha moment when she finally got it. And that is why I do what I do every day. >> We are making sure kids are prepared for the future. And that means making sure
that they have access to technology. Every single classroom has interactive boards. Kids get a Chromebook in the fifth grade. >> They work as a team towards a common goal. They overcome challenges. We connect with the community through our concerts which are very well attended.
Vanta Copeland is truly an all-inclusive experience for all of the students here. >> I try to get everybody involved so that they can make a positive impact in the future. I teach US history and I come to work every day excited. I get the
opportunity to mold the next generation. >> The thing that makes Scopland Middle School so great is truly the people. It's the students. It's the staff. It's the community members. It's the parent involvement. It's the investment in making it a better place. Our core values are the same as Rockaway
Township. Heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect, and trust. So we can focus on particularly on being kind >> by being kind to a friend, helping them out, helping teachers, be nice to them, be respectful and don't interrupt the teachers.
>> And everything we do, we try and relate back to our core values. One of the things we are working on right now is positive behavior system. I don't like to address anything negative in my office because I want kids to be able to trust me and to be able to come down as a leader of the building. So, we're really working on being kind. And yes,
academics are important, but one of the main things for us is that we raise good kids. The main message is to be kind because above all else, we want our kids just to be kind. >> My name is Carly and I am in fifth grade and I go to DVO. >> Yeah. My name is Rehea. I'm in first
grade. >> Being at DVO is awesome because all the teachers here are so great and so nice. >> I like the teachers here. They make it awesome here. She teaches well and then she teaches us stuff which we have never
learned. >> My favorite subject is probably math because I like all the challenges. >> My favorite special is art class with Miss Takis because drawing is my favorite thing. >> What makes DBL unique is that everyone is so kind to each other and everyone
cares about each other. If I had to describe our building in one word, I would say we're a little unconventional. We're always trying to have our teachers and our students look at other ways to achieve success. And for every student, that's different.
There are other ways that we can really show student growth, student success. >> I'm not trying to be cheesy or anything. It's it really the staff here, um, we have built a family. And I think that says something about the building and the and and the community that we foster here at ZBO. And I'm really grateful to
be part of that. >> Being outside in the morning at bus duty and having kids coming up and just happy to see me. Teachers who I now share personal connections with because I've been here for 11 years as the principal. >> After teaching for 25 years, I can't pinpoint one moment of time that is a
story of why I come back every day. Any good lesson makes me feel alive. Going to the soccer games, the football games, seeing my students outside the classroom. I want the kids to feel at home and I feel the more comfortable that they are, the relationship that we build together, the better they're going
to do in class, not not only enjoy their time in class, but also take risks. >> So, yeah, I I think for me it's just being a part of something, being a part of the team. Uh we're all very different, but um but we we get along and, you know, we support each other.
What really resonates with me about the school is that we put more value in developing personal growth versus comparison to others. Whether it be a difficult learning task or a challenging learning experience, they learn to persevere and we can bring out something in themselves that they might not have
seen before. >> It's a really great environment here at KDM. My co-workers are great. The students every day, they make me laugh. One thing that I really work on in my classroom is growth mindset. I did have a student that came in and really didn't like math. They were really negative
self-talking, saying that they can't do this. And so, basically throughout the whole year, we worked on just changing that mindset. Just because we can't do something right now doesn't mean that we're never going to be able to do it. And that's what I teach all of my students.
>> My favorite teachers are probably all of my teachers cuz I got really good teachers. They have fun activities to do and their stories. My first grade teacher got me into reading and she got me into chapter books in Juni B Jones. >> My favorite subject is science. In
science, you do lots of experiments and I think experiments are very fun. Every day I'm like happy at school. >> We identify the interests of students. You know, what motivates them so students feel more comfortable and confident in their learning environment,
moving them forward from one learning experience to another. Every morning I'm inspired by these children. Their energy, their willingness to support and grow with one another is contagious. >> One of the things that I'm really hoping
to teach them more than anything else is about kindness and you know being good friends to each other. One of my most favorite success stories is a particular student when you know he would come into the classroom even right first thing in the morning his head would be down on that desk. I trying to instill intrinsic
love for school, intrinsic love for education, and over time, I've seen him pick that head up. And that's why I do what I do. To have a kid come in and their school's a happy place for them, and they want to come.
Stony Brook is an amazing place. It really is. And I think anybody who joins us, whether it's full-time or visitors in the building just for a day, uh, you know, I think echo that sentiment. Our staff is second to none. They really put the kids first all the time. And our students are exceptional as well. It's a
wonderful school community. Our PTA is incredibly involved. Everything we do is well attended. Back to school nights, our events, and we have a very involved school community, both academically, working handin-hand with our teachers, but also I think for extracurricular as well. Inside school, I really try to be
involved in as many things as I can. My children also go to school in this district at one of the other schools. And I'm really proud of what we put forth for our children. Anytime we can bring togetherness and have us all work together, both in our community and out, it's really going to help everyone raise their own level of abilities to really
increase the success of our community. So, we used to always start off with a growth mindset and we do a lot of lessons about how we are able to do things that might seem hard like a harder task. And I think that if we really teach our kids to be resilient
and show grit in the face of a harder task, then all the other academic challenges that they're faced with come a little bit easier. Having students in a classroom that's smaller where you get to meet their needs specifically rather than in a bigger classroom, you can build more of a rapport and relationships with them. I like them to
become successful not just academically but also social emotionally. >> My name is Queen K. I'm in the fifth grade. >> Hi, my name is Arya. I am in second grade. What makes our school awesome is all the teachers we have here. They help us every day. All the janitors keep our
school nice and clean. All my friends that helped me since kindergarten and everybody just helps us here cuz we are a really good community. >> Because of my friends, the teachers and the principal. like we read a book and then we do a project based on what
happened in that story. Math is my favorite subject because the teachers always help us and it's fun but it can be complicated but it's still really fun. >> I've always wanted to be a teacher. I think the reason why I wanted to be a teacher is because I think I had really good elementary school teachers. Rockway
I thought was really interesting because I feel like it is a small close-knit community, but I also felt like there's a lot of different opportunities in Rockway. I like how there was five different elementary schools, but I also like how I felt like that I fit in with the Stony Brook mentality. The Stony
Brook mentality is something where we all feel and have the same idea of supporting students. the kids understand that everyone makes a mistake, everyone has a bad day, and I think that it gives the opportunity for kids to grow and not feel like penalized. I love that we have a great principal. I love the teachers
and the morale. As soon as I started coming up here, since I am from South Jersey, I felt welcomed and included right away. >> My name is Dr. Richard Corbett and I am the proud superintendent of Rockaway Township Public Schools. I was just waving to some of our
wonderful students as they were walking by and I'm so happy and pleased to say that when I walk through these halls and talk to these students in these six different schools, I see students that are learning and having fun and to me those are two very important qualities
of a very very effective education. >> Birchwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere. Students come back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended Birwood. It is truly a loving community. It's such a wonderful place to be.
>> Our core values are the same as Rockaway Township. Heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect, and trust. So, we can focus on particularly on being kind. What really resonates with me about this school is that we put more value in developing personal growth versus
comparison to others. Whether it be a difficult learning task or a challenging learning experience, they learn to persevere. and we can bring out something in themselves that they might not have seen before. >> Stony Brook is an amazing place. It really is. And I think anybody who joins us, whether it's full-time or visitors
in the building just for a day, uh, you know, I think echo that sentiment. Our staff is second to none. They really put the kids first all the time and our students are exceptional as well. It's a wonderful school community. Our PTA is incredibly involved. Everything we do is well attended. back to school nights,
our events, and we have a very involved school community, both academically working handin-hand with our teachers, but also I think for extracurricular as well. >> Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District and will graduate from Copeland before they go on
to high school. And we have an opportunity to instill core values into our students, helping students develop into future leaders, into being positive role models and citizens in our community. Our mantra we live by is no walls, no limits because being a school
with no walls uh provides our students a great sense of community. You just know you're walking into a special place when you come through our doors. What keeps me coming back here every morning? Hugs from kids. You know, I love being outside in the morning at bus duty and having kids coming up and just happy to
see me. Teachers who I now share personal connections with because I've been here for 11 years as the principal. So yeah, I I think for me it's just being a part of something, being a part of the team. Uh we're all very different, but um but we we get along and you know, we support each other.
>> Every morning I'm inspired by these children, their energy, their willingness to support and grow with one another is contagious. >> The people I work with makes me come back every single day. I hire a very unique and special educator and that permeates throughout the building. I
have the easiest job in the world because I have the hardest working teachers in the world. >> The thing that makes Scopland Middle School so great is truly the people. It's the students. It's the staff. It's the community members. It's the parent involvement. It's the investment in making it a better place.
>> I come here for the students. I love the kids here. They are amazing. They're the best part of my day. They're the best part of my week. That's why I do what I do. I'm proud to be the superintendent of Rockway Township Schools and we are thankful for all the support we have
from our community. I truly believe in an educator being able to make a difference in the world. It's so important to have a positive environment for a child to come to and
teaching at Dubire is special because we don't have walls. I think social emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our emotions and give kids a chance to practice that emotional dialogue and
that helps the whole child. If you've never taught at another school and you come to Birchwood, you honestly never want to leave Birchwood. You walk into this building and it's a family. We're all together. We're all happy. We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each
other. One of the things that I love the most about this position and this job is that I get to work with students of all ages now that we house preschool students here. I see every single student in the building from preschool all the way through fifth grade. And I get to work with them on a deeper level
on a way that inspires them not just to be confident in themselves but in what they love. After teaching for 25 years, I can't pinpoint one moment of time that is a story of why I come back every day. Any
good lesson makes me feel alive. Going to the soccer games, the football games, seeing my students outside the classroom. I want the kids to feel at home. And I feel the more comfortable that they are, the relationship that we build together, the better they're going to do in class. Not not only enjoy their
time in class, but also take risks. It's a really great environment here at KDM. My co-workers are great. The students every day, they make me laugh. One thing that I really work on in my classroom is growth mindset. I did have a student that came in and really didn't like math. They were really negative
self-talking, saying that they can't do this. And so, basically throughout the whole year, we worked on just changing that mindset. One of the things that I'm really hoping to teach them more than anything else is about kindness and you know being good friends to each other. One of my most favorite success stories
is a particular student when you know he would come into the classroom even right first thing in the morning his head would be down on that desk. I've tried to instill intrinsic love for school, intrinsic love for education. And over time, I've seen him pick that head up,
and that's why I do what I do. To have a kid come in, and their school's a happy place for them, and they want to come. So, we used to always start off with a growth mindset and we do a lot of lessons about how we are able to do
things that might seem hard, like a harder task. And I think that if we really teach our kids to be resilient and show grit in the face of a harder task, then all the other academic challenges that they're faced with come a little bit easier. >> Our goal here is that every child is as comfortable in class as they are at
home. And if they're ever in trouble, they're ever concerned or worried that they have the tools available to them to be successful and to help each other be as successful as we know they can be. We have really seen over the years an incredible increase in their emotional
maturity and in their abilities to deal with issues both in the playground and in the classroom. And I really believe it's because our district's focus on SEAL over the last several years. >> I am the steam teacher at Copeland Middle School. I really love to see the
growth and the change to the students. And what I really focus on is teamwork. So the kids are always in teams. We want to make sure everybody's feeling comfortable communicating their ideas. I want kids to come to school and feel like this is their second home. I want them to come into my classroom and feel
comfortable, feel like they can be themselves. They may not come here and love math, but I want them to at least enjoy coming to math class. Years ago, I had a sixth grade student who was absolutely petrified of mathematics. And I worked so carefully with her. I gave
her extra help just to have her overcome this fear and it was fabulous to see that aha moment when she finally got it and that is why I do what I do every day. >> So my name is Jackson. >> My name is Mia. My name is Mariah.
>> I think what awesome is about being in Birwood is the um the like artwork that's on the walls. Like in school they have this like art thing where you go downstairs and like paint a wall with the art teacher.
>> My favorite is recess. My favorite thing is reading and just doing a bunch of fun stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the day.
My name is Carly and I am in fifth grade and I go to DVL. >> Yeah, my name is Rehea. I'm in first grade. Being at DVL is awesome because all the teachers here are so great and so nice. >> I like the teachers here. They make it
awesome here. She teaches well and then she teaches us stuff which we have never learned. >> My favorite subject is probably math because I like all the challenges. My favorite special is art class with Miss Takis. Plus, drawing is my favorite
thing. >> What makes DBL unique is that everyone is so kind to each other and everyone cares about each other. >> My name is Quink and I'm in the fifth grade. >> Hi, my name's Arya. I am in second grade. What makes our school awesome is
all the teachers we have here. They help us every day. All the janitors keep our school nice and clean. all my friends that helped me since kindergarten and everybody just helps us here because we are a really good community >> because of my friends, the teachers and the principal. Like we read a book and
then we do a project based on what happened in that story. >> Math is my favorite subject because the teachers always help us and it's fun but it can be complicated but it's still really fun. My favorite teachers are probably all of my teachers cuz I got really good
teachers. They have fun activities to do and their stories. My first grade teacher got me into reading and she got me into chapter books in Juni B. Jones. My favorite subject is science. In science, you do lots of experiments and
I think experiments are very fun. Every day I'm like happy at school. when I came into sixth grade in Copeland where everything was new and different for me. Mrs. Heath, she was especially really kind to me, she still talks to me even though we don't really see each other
that much and she gives me so much good luck for all the things that I do. One teacher that made me feel special and cared for was my seventh grade LA teacher. I used to just like like reading and writing and she really helped me understand and make that
subject more fun. I think the wire school is awesome because you can make a lot of friends here and there's good teachers. Math is my favorite because like you can learn different things like times plus minus.
No matter where you come from or no matter what you like look like, people will be friends with you and welcome you into the school. One word to describe this school is probably heart. Honesty, empathy, acceptance, and respect and
trust. This is probably one of the most special places I've ever worked. It is the staff, the teachers. Uh they are loving, they are caring. The energy here is just great. It's wonderful to work with a group of men and women who truly love what they do. Their heart, passion, and
soul is for students, and to see them succeed. I try to find a way for them to want to be here. Even if they're sad or even if they don't want to get out of the car in the morning, if I say, "Hey, let's go wander in the library." And they bounce out of the car right away, which actually happens, then I've done
something right that I have found a way to make them feel like this is home for them because that's kind of how I feel. I love the kids here. They are amazing. They're the best part of my day. They're the best part of my week. That's why I do what I do.
>> So, my name is Jackson. My name is Mia. My name is Mariah. >> I think what awesome is about being in Birchwood is the um the like artwork that's on the walls. Like in school, they have this like art thing where you go downstairs and like paint a wall with
the art teacher. My favorite is recess. My favorite thing is reading and just doing a bunch of fun stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the
day. >> Our doors are always open. We are truly a family here. Our kids are just everything. >> If you've never taught at another school and you come to Birchwood, you honestly never want to leave Birchwood. You walk into this building and it's a family. We're all together. We're all happy.
We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each other. Birchwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere. Students come back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended Birwood. It is truly a loving
community. It's such a wonderful place to be. I commute an hour or more every day and I've been given the opportunity to work in another district, but I've been here 7 years and I will drive that hour because the community, the parents, the teachers, our principal are
incredible. We're just so happy to have such a loving, nurturing community that is so vested in our school. We are family and once a bulldog, always a bulldog. I truly believe in an educator being able to make a difference in the world.
It's so important to have a positive environment for a child to come to. And teaching at Dubire is special because we don't have walls. >> Our mantra we live by is no walls, no limits because being a school with no
walls uh provides our students a great sense of community. You just know you're walking into a special place when you come through our doors. >> I like to tell people that when you're here, it's like learning at home. You're in your kitchen, but you still know what's going on in the family room. It
builds like this, you know, camaraderie amongst not only the students but also the faculty that work here. We call ourselves a Dwire family. Mr. McGovern, he seldom calls us a school and we really all live by that. We treat each other like family and we emulate that
for the kids. >> I think the wire school is awesome because you can make a lot of friends here and there's good teachers. Math is my favorite because like you can learn different things like times, plus minus. No matter where you come from or no
matter what you like look like, people will be friends with you and welcome you into the school. One word to describe this school is probably heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, and respect and trust.
I have been teaching art here in Rockaway Township for 16 years. I think social emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our emotions and give kids a chance to practice that emotional
dialogue and that helps the whole child. I get the privilege of going into every single class once a month where I do a guidance lesson. The best part of my job is when one of them is having a tough day and then they feel better and it's because of me. >> The people I work with makes me come
back every single day. I hire a very unique and special educator and that permeates throughout the building. I have the easiest job in the world because I have the hardest working teachers in the world. Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District and will graduate from Copeland before they go on
to high school. And we have an opportunity to instill core values into our students, helping students develop into future leaders into being positive role models and citizens in our community. >> I am the steam teacher at Copeland Middle School. I really love to see the
growth and the change through the students and what I really focus on is teamwork. So the kids are always in teams. We want to make sure everybody's feeling comfortable communicating their ideas. >> I want kids to come to school and feel like this is their second home. I want them to come into my classroom and feel
comfortable, feel like they can be themselves. They may not come here and love math, but I want them to at least enjoy coming to math class. >> When I came into sixth grade in Copeland, where everything was new and different for me, Mrs. Heath, she was especially really kind to me. She still
talks to me even though we don't really see each other that much and she gives me so much good luck for all the things that I do. One teacher that made me feel special and cared for was my seventh grade LA teacher. I used to dislike like reading and writing and she really
helped me understand and make that subject more fun. Years ago, I had a sixth grade student who was absolutely petrified of mathematics and I worked so carefully with her. I gave her extra help just to have her overcome this fear
and it was fabulous to see that aha moment when she finally got it and that is why I do what I do every day. >> We are making sure kids are prepared for the future and that means making sure that they have access to technology.
Every single classroom has interactive boards. Kids get a Chromebook in the fifth grade. >> They work as a team towards a common goal. They overcome challenges. We connect with the community through our concerts which are very well attended. Vanta Copeland is truly an all-inclusive
experience for all of the students here. >> I try to get everybody involved so that they can make a positive impact in the future. I teach US history and I come to work every day excited. I get the opportunity to mold the next generation.
>> The thing that makes Copeland Middle School so great is truly the people. It's the students. It's the staff. It's the community members. It's the parent involvement. It's the investment in making it a better place. >> Our core values are the same as Rockaway Township. Heart, honesty, empathy,
acceptance, respect, and trust. So we can focus on particularly on being kind >> by being kind to a friend, helping them out, helping teachers, be nice to them, be respectful, and don't interrupt the teachers. >> And everything we do, we try and relate
back to our core values. One of the things we are working on right now is positive behavior system. I don't like to address anything negative in my office because I want kids to be able to trust me and to be able to come down as a leader of the building. So, we're really working on being kind. And yes, academics are important, but one of the
main things for us is that we raise good kids. The main message is to be kind because above all else, we want our kids just to be kind. >> My name is Carly and I am in fifth grade and I go to DVL. >> Yeah. My name is Rehea. I'm in first grade.
>> Being at DVL is awesome because all the teachers here are so great and so nice. >> I like the teachers here. They make it awesome here. She teaches well and then she teaches us stuff which we have never learned.
>> My favorite subject is probably math because I like all the challenges. >> My favorite special is art class with Miss Takis because drawing is my favorite thing. >> What makes DBL unique is that everyone is so kind to each other and everyone
cares about each other. If I had to describe our building in one word, I would say we're a little unconventional. We're always trying to have our teachers and our students look at other ways to achieve success. And for every student, that's different.
There are other ways that we can really show student growth, student success. >> I'm not trying to be cheesy or anything. It's it really the staff here, um, we have built a family. And I think that says something about the building and the and and the community that we foster here at ZBO. And I'm really grateful to
be part of that. >> Being outside in the morning at bus duty and having kids coming up and just happy to see me, teachers who I now share personal connections with because I've been here for 11 years as the principal. >> After teaching for 25 years, I can't pinpoint one moment of time that is a
story of why I come back every day. Any good lesson makes me feel alive. Going to the soccer games, the football games, seeing my students outside the classroom. I want the kids to feel at home and I feel the more comfortable that they are, the relationship that we build together, the better they're going
to do in class, not not only enjoy their time in class, but also take risks. >> So, yeah, I I think for me it's just being a part of something, being a part of the team. Uh we're all very different, but um but we we get along and you know, we support each other.
What really resonates with me about the school is that we put more value in developing personal growth versus comparison to others. Whether it be a difficult learning task or a challenging learning experience, they learn to persevere and we can bring out something in themselves that they might not have
seen before. >> It's a really great environment here at KDM. My co-workers are great. The students every day, they make me laugh. One thing that I really work on in my classroom is growth mindset. I did have a student that came in and really didn't like math. They were really negative
selft talking saying that they can't do this. And so basically throughout the whole year we worked on just changing that mindset. Just because we can't do something right now doesn't mean that we're never going to be able to do it. And that's what I teach all of my students.
>> My favorite teachers are probably all of my teachers cuz I got really good teachers. They have fun activities to do and their stories. My first grade teacher got me into reading and she got me into chapter books in Juni B. Jones. >> My favorite subject is science. In
science, you do lots of experiments and I think experiments are very fun. Every day I'm like happy at school. >> We identify the interests of students. You know what motivates them so students feel more comfortable and confident in their learning environment moving them
forward from one learning experience to another. Every morning I'm inspired by these children. Their energy, their willingness to support and grow with one another is contagious. >> One of the things that I'm really hoping to teach them more than anything else is
about kindness and you know being good friends to each other. One of my most favorite success stories is a particular student when you know he would come into the classroom even right first thing in the morning his head would be down on that desk. I'm trying to instill intrinsic love for school, intrinsic
love for education. And over time, I've seen him pick that head up. And that's why I do what I do. To have a kid come in and their school's a happy place for them and they want to come. Stony Brook is an amazing place. It really is. And I think anybody who joins
us, whether it's full-time or visitors in the building just for a day, uh, you know, I think echo that sentiment. Our staff is second to none. They really put the kids first all the time and our students are exceptional as well. It's a wonderful school community. Our PTA is incredibly involved. Everything we do is
well attended and back to school nights, our events, and we have a very involved school community both academically working handin-hand with our teachers, but also I think for extracurricular as well. Inside school, I really try to be involved in as many things as I can. My children also go to school in this
district at one of the other schools and I'm really proud of what we put forth for our children. Anytime we can bring togetherness and have us all work together, both in our community and out, it's really going to help everyone raise their own level of abilities to really increase the success of our community. So we used to always start off with a
growth mindset and we do a lot of lessons about how we are able to do things that might seem hard like a harder task. And I think that if we really teach our kids to be resilient and show grit in the face of a harder task then all the other academic
challenges that they're faced with come a little bit easier. Having students in a classroom that's smaller where you get to meet their needs specifically rather than in a bigger classroom. You can build more of a rapport and relationships with them. I like them to become successful not just academically but also social emotionally.
>> My name is Queen. I'm in the fifth grade. >> Hi, my name's Arya. I am in second grade. >> What makes our school awesome is all the teachers we have here. They help us every day. All the janitors keep our school nice and clean. All my friends that helped me since kindergarten and
everybody just helps us here cuz we are a really good community. >> Because of my friends, the teachers and the principal. like we read a book and then we do a project based on what happened in that story. >> Math is my favorite subject because the teachers always help us and it's fun but
it can be complicated but it's still really fun. >> I've always wanted to be a teacher. I think the reason why I wanted to be a teacher is because I think I had really good elementary school teachers. Rockaway I thought was really interesting because I feel like it is a small close-knit community, but I also
felt like there's a lot of different opportunities in Rockway. I like how there was five different elementary schools, but I also like how I felt like that I fit in with the Stony Brook mentality. The Stony Brook mentality is something where we all feel and have the same idea of supporting students. the
kids understand that everyone makes a mistake, everyone has a bad day, and I think that it gives the opportunity for kids to grow and not feel like penalized. I love that we have a great principal. I love the teachers and the morale. As soon as I started coming up here, since I am from South Jersey, I
felt welcomed and included right away. >> My name is Dr. Richard Corbett and I am the proud superintendent of Rockaway Township Public Schools. I was just waving to some of our wonderful students as they were walking by and I'm so happy and pleased to say that when I walk through these halls and
talk to these students in these six different schools, I see students that are learning and having fun and to me those are two very important qualities of a very very effective education. >> Birchwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere. Students come
back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended Birwood. It is truly a loving community. It's such a wonderful place to be. >> Our core values are the same as Rockaway Township. Heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect, and trust. So, we
can focus on particularly on being kind. What >> really resonates with me about this school is that we put more value in developing personal growth versus comparison to others. Whether it be a difficult learning task or a challenging learning experience, they learn to
persevere. and we can bring out something in themselves that they might not have seen before. >> Stony Brook is an amazing place. It really is. And I think anybody who joins us, whether it's full-time or visitors in the building just for a day, uh, you know, I think echo that sentiment. Our staff is second to none. They really put
the kids first all the time. And our students are exceptional as well. It's a wonderful school community. Our PTA is incredibly involved. Everything we do is well attended. back to school nights, our events, and we have a very involved school community, both academically working handin-hand with our teachers,
but also I think for extracurricular as well. >> Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District will graduate from Copeland before they go on to high school. And we have an opportunity to instill core values into our students, helping students develop into future
leaders, into being positive role models and citizens in our community. Our mantra we live by is no walls, no limits because being a school with no walls uh provides our students a great sense of community. You just know you're walking into a special place when you come through our doors.
>> What keeps me coming back here every morning? Hugs from kids. You know, I love being outside in the morning at bus duty and having kids coming up and just happy to see me. Teachers who I now share personal connections with because I've been here for 11 years as the principal. So yeah, I I think for me
it's just being a part of something, being a part of the team. Uh we're all very different, but um but we we get along and you know, we support each other. >> Every morning I'm inspired by these children, their energy, their willingness to support and grow with one
another is contagious. >> The people I work with makes me come back every single day. I hire a very unique and special educator and that permeates throughout the building. I have the easiest job in the world because I have the hardest working teachers in the world. >> The thing that makes Scopland Middle
School so great is truly the people. It's the students. It's the staff. It's the community members. It's the parent involvement. It's the investment in making it a better place. >> I come here for the students. I love the kids here. They are amazing. They're the best part of my day. They're the best
part of my week. That's why I do what I do. I'm proud to be the superintendent of Rockway Township Schools and we are thankful for all the support we have from our community. I truly believe in an educator being able to make a difference in the world.
It's so important to have a positive environment for a child to come to and teaching at Dwire is special because we don't have walls. I think social emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our
emotions and give kids a chance to practice that emotional dialogue and that helps the whole child. If you've never taught at another school and you come to Birwood, you honestly never want to leave Birwood. You walk into this building and it's a family.
We're all together. We're all happy. We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each other. One of the things that I love the most about this position and this job is that I get to work with students of all ages now that we house preschool students here. I see every single
student in the building from preschool all the way through fifth grade. And I get to work with them on a deeper level on a way that inspires them not just to be confident in themselves but in what they love.
After teaching for 25 years, I can't pinpoint one moment of time that is a story of why I come back every day. Any good lesson makes me feel alive. Going to the soccer games, the football games, seeing my students outside the classroom. I want the kids to feel at
home and I feel the more comfortable that they are, the relationship that we build together, the better they're going to do in class. Not not only enjoy their time in class, but also take risks. It's a really great environment here at KDM. My co-workers are great. The students every day, they make me laugh.
One thing that I really work on in my classroom is growth mindset. I did have a student that came in and really didn't like math. They were really negative self-talking, saying that they can't do this. And so, basically throughout the whole year, we worked on just changing that mindset. One of the things that I'm
really hoping to teach them more than anything else is about kindness and you know being good friends to each other. One of my most favorite success stories is a particular student when you know he would come into the classroom even right first thing in the morning his head would be down on that desk. I've tried
to instill intrinsic love for school, intrinsic love for education. And over time, I've seen him pick that head up and that's why I do what I do to have a kid come in and their school's a happy place for them and they want to come.
So, we used to always start off with a growth mindset and we do a lot of lessons about how we are able to do things that might seem hard, like a harder task. And I think that if we really teach our kids to be resilient and show grit in the face of a harder
task, then all the other academic challenges that they're faced with come a little bit easier. >> Our goal here is that every child is as comfortable in class as they are at home. And if they're ever in trouble, they're ever concerned or worried that they have the tools available to them to be successful and to help each other be
as successful as we know they can be. We have really seen over the years an incredible increase in their emotional maturity and in their abilities to deal with issues both in the playground and in the classroom. And I really believe it's because our district's focus on
seal over the last several years. >> I am the steam teacher at Copeland Middle School. I really love to see the growth and the change to the students. And what I really focus on is teamwork. So the kids are always in teams. We want to make sure everybody's feeling comfortable communicating their ideas.
I want kids to come to school and feel like this is their second home. I want them to come into my classroom and feel comfortable, feel like they can be themselves. They may not come here and love math, but I want them to at least enjoy coming to math class. Years ago, I had a sixth grade student who was
absolutely petrified of mathematics. And I worked so carefully with her. I gave her extra help just to have her overcome this fear and it was fabulous to see that aha moment when she finally got it and that is why I do what I do every
day. >> So my name is Jackson. >> My name is Mia. >> My name is Mariah. >> I think what awesome is about being in Birchwood is the um the like artwork that's on the walls. Like in school they have this like art thing where you go
downstairs and like paint a wall with the art teacher. >> My favorite is recess. My favorite thing is reading and just doing a bunch of fun stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day
and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the day. My name is Carly and I am in fifth grade and I go to DVO. >> Yeah, my name is Rehea. I'm in first grade. >> Being at DVO is awesome because all the
teachers here are so great and so nice. >> I like the teachers here. They make it awesome here. She teaches well and then she teaches us stuff which we have never learned. >> My favorite subject is probably math
because I like all the challenges. My favorite special is art class with Miss Takis. Plus, drawing is my favorite thing. >> What makes DBL unique is that everyone is so kind to each other and everyone cares about each other. >> My name is Kink. I'm in the fifth grade.
>> Hi, my name's Arya. I am in second grade. >> What makes our school awesome is all the teachers we have here. They help us every day. All the janitors keep our school nice and clean. all my friends that helped me since kindergarten and everybody just helps us here because we
are a really good community >> because of my friends, the teachers and the principal. Like we read a book and then we do a project based on what happened in that story. >> Math is my favorite subject because the teachers always help us and it's fun but it can be complicated but it's still
really fun. My favorite teachers are probably all of my teachers cuz I got really good teachers. They have fun activities to do and their stories. My first grade teacher got me into reading and she got me into chapter books in Juni V. Jones.
My favorite subject is science. In science, you do lots of experiments and I think experiments are very fun. Every day I'm like happy at school. When I came into sixth grade in Copeland where everything was new and different for me,
Mrs. Heath, she was especially really kind to me, she still talks to me even though we don't really see each other that much and she gives me so much good luck for all the things that I do. One teacher that made me feel special and cared for was my seventh grade LA teacher. I used to just like like
reading and writing and she really helped me understand and make that subject more fun. I think the wire school is awesome because you can make a lot of friends here and there's good teachers. Math is my favorite because like you can learn
different things like times, plus minus. No matter where you come from or no matter what you like look like, people will be friends with you and welcome you into this school. One word to describe this school is probably heart. Honesty,
empathy, acceptance, and respect and trust. This is probably one of the most special places I've ever worked. It is the staff, the teachers. Uh they are loving, they are caring. The energy here is just great. It's wonderful to work with a
group of men and women who truly love what they do. Their heart, passion, and soul is for students, and to see them succeed. I try to find a way for them to want to be here. Even if they're sad or even if they don't want to get out of the car in the morning, if I say, "Hey,
let's go wander in the library." And they bounce out of the car right away, which actually happened, then I've done something right, that I have found a way to make them feel like this is home for them because that's kind of how I feel. I love the kids here. They're amazing. They're the best part of my day. They're
the best part of my week. That's why I do what I do. >> So, my name is Jackson. My name is Mia. My name is Mariah. >> I think what awesome is about being in Birchwood is the um the like artwork that's on the walls. Like in school,
they have this like art thing where you go downstairs and like paint a wall with the art teacher. My favorite is recess. My favorite thing is reading and just
doing a bunch of fun stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the day. >> Our doors are always open. We are truly a family here. Our kids are just everything. >> If you've never taught at another school
and you come to Birchwood, you honestly never want to leave Birchwood. You walk into this building and it's a family. We're all together. We're all happy. We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each other. Birwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere.
Students come back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended Birwood. It is truly a loving community. It's such a wonderful place to be. I commute an hour or more every day and I've been given the opportunity to work in another district, but I've
been here 7 years and I will drive that hour because the community, the parents, the teachers, our principal are incredible. We're just so happy to have such a loving, nurturing community that is so vested in our school. We are
family and once a bulldog, always a bulldog. I truly believe in an educator being able to make a difference in the world. It's so important to have a positive environment for a child to come to. And
teaching at Dubire is special because we don't have walls. >> Our mantra we live by is no walls, no limits because being a school with no walls uh provides our students a great sense of community. You just know you're walking into a special place when you
come through our doors. >> I like to tell people that when you're here, it's like learning at home. You're in your kitchen, but you still know what's going on in the family room. It builds like this, you know, camaraderie amongst not only the students but also the faculty that work here. We call
ourselves a Dwire family. Mr. McGovern, he seldom calls us a school and we really all live by that. We treat each other like family and we emulate that for the kids. >> I think the wire school is awesome because you can make a lot of friends
here and there's good teachers. Math is my favorite because like you can learn different things like times, plus minus. No matter where you come from or no matter what you like look like, people will be friends with you and welcome you
into the school. One word to describe this school is probably heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, and respect, and trust. I have been teaching art here in Rockaway Township for 16 years. I think
social emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our emotions and give kids a chance to practice that emotional dialogue and that helps the whole child. I get the privilege of going into every
single class once a month where I do a guidance lesson. The best part of my job is when one of them is having a tough day and then they feel better and it's because of me. >> The people I work with makes me come back every single day. I hire a very unique and special educator and that
permeates throughout the building. I have the easiest job in the world because I have the hardest working teachers in the world. Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District and will graduate from Copeland before they go on to high school. And we have an opportunity to instill core values into
our students, helping students develop into future leaders into being positive role models and citizens in our community. >> I am the steam teacher at Copeland Middle School. I really love to see the growth and the change through the students. And what I really focus on is
teamwork. So the kids are always in teams. We want to make sure everybody's feeling comfortable communicating their ideas. >> I want kids to come to school and feel like this is their second home. I want them to come into my classroom and feel comfortable, feel like they can be themselves. They may not come here and
love math, but I want them to at least enjoy coming to math class. >> When I came into sixth grade in Copeland, where everything was new and different for me, Mrs. Heath, she was especially really kind to me. She still talks to me even though we don't really see each other that much and she gives
me so much good luck for all the things that I do. One teacher that made me feel special and cared for was my seventh grade LA teacher. I used to dislike like reading and writing and she really helped me understand and make that
subject more fun. Years ago, I had a sixth grade student who was absolutely petrified of mathematics and I worked so carefully with her. I gave her extra help just to have her overcome this fear and it was fabulous to see that aha
moment when she finally got it and that is why I do what I do every day. >> We are making sure kids are prepared for the future and that means making sure that they have access to technology. Every single classroom has interactive
boards. Kids get a Chromebook in the fifth grade. >> They work as a team towards a common goal. They overcome challenges. We connect with the community through our concerts which are very well attended. Vander Copeland is truly an all-inclusive experience for all of the students here. >> I try to get everybody involved so that
they can make a positive impact in the future. I teach US history and I come to work every day excited. I get the opportunity to mold the next generation. >> The thing that makes Copeland Middle School so great is truly the people.
It's the students. It's the staff. It's the community members. It's the parent involvement. It's the investment in making it a better place. >> Our core values are the same as Rockaway Township. Heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect, and trust. So we
can focus on particularly on being kind >> by being kind to a friend, helping them out, helping teachers, be nice to them, be respectful and don't interrupt the teachers. >> And everything we do, we try and relate back to our core values. One of the
things we are working on right now is positive behavior system. I don't like to address anything negative in my office because I want kids to be able to trust me and to be able to come down as a leader of the building. So, we're really working on being kind. And yes, academics are important, but one of the main things for us is that we raise good
kids. The main message is to be kind because above all else, we want our kids just to be kind. >> My name is Carly and I am in fifth grade and I go to DVO. >> Yeah. My name's Rehea. I'm in first grade. >> Being at DVL is awesome because all the
teachers here are so great and so nice. >> I like the teachers here. They make it awesome here. She teaches well and then she teaches us stuff which we have never. >> Thank you. Good evening, Rockway
Township. I would like to call this meeting back to order. Um, can I have a motion to come out of close session? >> So move. >> Thank you. A second. >> Oh, second. >> Thank you. Show of hands.
Okay, we are returning at 7:43 p.m. Um, can I have a motion for the pledge of allegiance? >> You don't need a motion. All right, never mind. Would every please rise for the pledge of allegiance? >> I pledge algiance 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. Do I do this before? >> Okay. All right. We have a special
presentation tonight of our district retirees. Um before I pass this on to Dr. Corbett, I just wanted to say thank you to everybody. I something special to say later, but thank you to all of our retirees. Um I wish you the the best and
a happy healthy retirement. >> Thank you, Mr. Anderson. So, this time of year, this month of June, we always uh recognize the very special people that have dedicated so much of their lives to our students in this district and now have a welldeserved retirement.
I'm not jealous. I think it's great. You deserve you deserve it. So, I'm going to ask the principles who are here tonight and uh to come forward to um to say a few words about their retirees. I'll ask the board to come forward. And I think we have um Anita, do we have the tick
tocks? >> Yes, I have them. >> Good. So, we have we have the clocks, too. So, um we'll start with um Mr. McGovern who also is retiring, but Mr. McGovern can come forward and introduce himself as as a retiree and the board
can come forward and we can congratulate our retirees. Dwire has two retirees today. One's not with us, but I do uh would I would be remiss if I did not um recognize Dorene Sheets for her 27 years of service. Uh I
believe all of that time as a kindergarten teacher. So, she uh is is moving into a wonderful space to enjoy her grandkids. So, congratulations to Dorene. Our other um retiree is Judy Aaron. She has been a cherished member of the Dwire
family for 25 years, uh predating even this dinosaur. Uh what many people do not realize is how dynamic of a teacher Judy truly is. the way she teaches not only notes, sounds, and how to handle instruments, but also a true genuine love of music. This is contagious
throughout our building. I believe about only eight of our fourth and fifth grade students do not play an instrument, which is a direct testament of how she reaches, cares for, and nurtures her children. One of my favorite memories is attending Rockaway Township band performances at
the mall with Judy. We'd sit together and grade each performance with only one stipulation. Our band had to sound the best. Those friendly competitions and shared pride in our joy in our students created memories I will always treasure. If you ever attended a Dwire concert,
you know exactly what I mean when I say watching the pure joy on Judy's face as her students perform a flawless instrumental piece was something truly special. Her passion for music and for her students was evident in every performance. Judy, thank you for your
unwavering commitment to the Dwire family and to generations of children whose lives you have enriched through music. Your impact will continue to be felt long after your retirement. And you will be deeply missed. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement.
And and this this is my opportunity to also recognize another retiree from Dwire who's been there for 24 years, not quite predating the dinosaurs, but for 24 years. And You know, I've been around
the block a few times, and this is not my first rodeo. As I've often said, there are few schools that I've seen that have been run as effectively and as well as Dwire. And that's because the man at the helm cares about people,
knows what he's doing, and is an excellent listener. So, Mike McGovern, thank you for your 24 years of service to your students, to your staff, to this community in more ways than one. Um, you're you're a serviceoriented person who cares about people and you will be
missed. You will be greatly missed. So, thank you Mike McGovern for everything. I know. I'd like to speak up on behalf of Copeland Middle School and honor the teachers who are here. I'm just going to name the four people who are not present this evening. Rosanna Badish Canyon,
Joyce Harkail, Carlos Hoyos, and Leanne Hurley for your 18 to 28 years of service in the areas of world language social studies custodian and life skills teachers. And lastly, I'd like to invite Mrs. Laura Poretta up here who has been
a special ed teacher who is absolutely phenomenal to the point where she was on a scooter last year teaching every day. Thank you so much. Good evening everyone. And uh congratulations to the retirees uh at KDM. We have four retirees. Uh three
could not make it uh to tonight. So I do want to honor and recognize them. Lynn Shoner, who has been a staff assistant at KDM for 25 years. Additionally, Margaret Nolan, known as Maggie in our in our space, uh for 12 years of service
as a as a staff assistant as well. Um and second or lastly on on the staff that couldn't make it tonight, Miss Jude Wallen. Um she we want to recognize her for her extraordinary 30 years of service. Um she was a staff assistant
for 12 years before moving up to KDM where she was a clerk typist and then became the lead secretary. So uh thank you very much uh to these these retirees for their years of service. Which brings us to Miss Leah Vanscoy, if you don't
mind standing up. I we we shared a personal uh moment prior to to tonight's meeting, but I would like to share with everyone else that, you know, we are celebrating Leah Vansoy and honor her more than 18 years of dedicated service to students and
families across both the CMS middle school and at KDM. Throughout her career, Leah gave endlessly of herself. consistently putting students first and advocating not only for what children learned, but how they learned and the
environment in which they could thrive. Thank you, Leah. In addition, she truly championed every child, always striving to ensure Oh, we're going to keep going. No, Silia though truly championed every child, always striving to ensure students felt
supported, challenged, and cared for. Leah built strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues, becoming a trusted and respected member of our school community. Her commitment to the overall mission of the school was
unwavering, and her impact could be felt in countless ways, both seen and unseen. Fair. For many, Leah was the kind of colleague everyone hopes to have by their side. supportive, dependable, thoughtful, and
always willing to step in to move important work forward. KDM deeply misses her presence, but we remain incredibly grateful for all she contributed over the years we've had and shared with her. Her influence will continue to be felt beyond the walls of
our school, and we wish her nothing but joy, health, and fulfillment with her husband in this well-earned retirement. and family extend. >> Of course, Miss Vanscoy, the doors at KDM will always remain open.
Congratulations for your retirement. Thank you. Um, we have three people retiring. Uh, two of them couldn't make it. Uh, Raphael Ervalo, two years, and Tom Snyder, eight years. Uh, but the one that did make it. Um, so we're here to
celebrate someone who has been the heartbeat of our transportation department for nearly two decades, Linda Salosi. Linda started with the district back in Thank you. December 2008 as a bus driver. Right from the beginning, she set the standard, the gold standard,
earning superior attendance five times, taking home the safety award an incredible nine times. But beyond numbers, it's Linda who made the biggest impact. Her peers and supervisors have always said the same thing. She is a constantly cheerful, incredibly
pleasant to be around, and an absolute natural behind the wheel. In May 20 uh 2017, she took on a new challenge as the assistant coordinator and dispatcher. With her hands deep on with her deep
hands-on experience, she was the perfect choice. For the next five years, Linda was truly instrumental in keeping the entire department moving smoothly day in and day out. Then in April 2022, Linda decided to return to her roots on the road. Coincidentally, that was about the
time I the exact time I uh started driving as a bus driver. Fast forward to the beginning of this year, Linda made the well-deserved decision to retire after 17 years of dedicated service. And in another twist of perfect timing, it was right the same time that I
stepped in to be the supervisor role. I hope I'm not the reason you're leaving, Linda. Even though I've only had the privilege of working with Linda for four years, she has been an invaluable anchor for me. There have been so many times I've
leaned on her for her deep knowledge, her sharp instinct, and her perspective on how the department runs. Linda, your dedication to the community and our team is unmatched. We're going to miss your warmth, your wisdom, your smile.
Thank you for 17 wonderful years and congratulations on your retirement. You get all the retirees. I would just like to mention our retirees from Birwood and Stony Brook School because they could not make it tonight. Marcy Bender, administrative
assistant at Birwood, 27 years. Anna Dario, 20 years kindergarten teacher. Christine Garabbrandt, 23 years academic interventionist. Marjgerie Hansen, 35 years occupational therapist. And Suzanne Pollock Fox, academic
interventionist, 43 years in the district. And from Stony Brook School, Deborah Chainino, 27 years, Susan Fabiano, 23 years, and Eve Pisano, four years. I didn't mention their titles. Music teacher, speech, language therapist, art
teacher, respectfully. Congratulations everyone. The teachers in this district are the very best. But I would be remiss not to recognize those who have affected my family personally and are retiring tonight. So I'm going to begin with the
teacher who my son has currently and then I'll go back to the very beginning. Um and I hope that those who aren't present tonight are maybe watching on YouTube since our our numbers are spiking. Um to Mrs. Harkwell, thank you for being fun and whimsical. You have helped students connect with 250-y old
documents in ways that made them meaningful and relevant to the world they live in today. Mrs. Harkwell has challenged her students to think critically, question thoughtfully, and never lose their sense of wonder. The kids just love her class. Now, this is when I get emotional. To Mrs. Aaron,
your ceaseless energy and contagious joy are truly palpable. It's seriously marvelous to watch how excited you get when you stand and conduct a group of students and when you encourage kids who don't have a voice to stand up and and lead their school and
announce songs. I I can't tell you how much it's meant to my family. Generations of students have pursued music because of your encouragement and patience. I'm especially grateful for the way you recognized the spark in my son and matured and nurtured his potential. music has become a meaningful
creative outlet for him and for so many of your students. You have a remarkable gift taking students who begin the year producing little more than uncertain squeaks and within just a few minutes you guide them towards performing to toward performing beautiful compositions.
More than teaching music, you have helped students discover creativity, discipline, self-expression, and lifelong appreciation for the arts. Thank you, Mrs. Sheets. She was our family's first introduction to the Rockaway school system. Um, my son began
in his in her kindergarten classroom and she meets with students of all different abilities and backgrounds and she's inspired them all to grow. Mrs. Sheets has a remarkable ability to meet meet each child where they are while helping them build the confidence to become
curious, capable learners. What stands out just as much as her warmth and dedication is her unwavering commitment to her students. In the year my son was in her class, she never missed a single day of teaching. And I'm sure that's true for many other school years since.
That's a reflection of the consistency, care, and devotion she brings to the profession every day. She has a special talent and for creating lifelong learners because the children walk into school believing in themselves and are excited to learn. And Mr. Govern, I'm
nowhere near eloquent enough to truly capture how much you have meant to this town and the school community. You are the heart of Rockaway and I will always be grateful that you were my family's first principal. When you speak about your school, you call it the Dwire family. But what makes you so special is
that it never feels like just a phrase. Every student, teacher, staff member, and family who walks through those doors feels welcomed, valued, and cared for. You have created a school culture built on kindness, connection, and genuine belonging. Your love for your students
and staff is evident in every interaction. You lead with fairness, thoughtfulness, and compassion. Always taking the time to listen, support, and guide others. Whether comforting a child, uplifting a teacher, or reassuring a parent, you have a way of
making people feel seen and important. Your commitment to this town extends far beyond the school walls or lack of walls. As a volunteer firefighter, you have continued to serve this community with the same selflessness and dedication that define your leadership as a principal. And while I know you
don't like to be recognized, you deserve every second of it. The impact you have made on generations of families cannot be measured. You have not simply led a school. You have strengthened a community and left a legacy that will endure long after your retirement. to all of our retirees tonight.
Congratulations and thank you. >> Take a break. >> With that, you can take a refreshment break. We'll come back in a few minutes. >> I think about 10 minutes. >> Yeah, 10 minutes. >> My name is Dr. Richard Corbett and I am the proud superintendent of Rockaway Township Public Schools.
I was just waving to some of our wonderful students as they were walking by and I'm so happy and pleased to say that when I walk through these halls and talk to these students in these six different schools, I see students that are learning and having fun and to me those are two very important qualities
of a very very effective education. >> Birchwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere. Students come back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended Birwood. It is truly a loving community. It's such a wonderful place to be.
>> Our core values are the same as Rockaway Township. Heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect, and trust. So, we can focus on particularly on being kind. What really resonates with me about this school is that we put more value in developing personal growth versus
comparison to others. Whether it be a difficult learning task or a challenging learning experience, they learn to persevere. and we can bring out something in themselves that they might not have seen before. >> Stony Brook is an amazing place. It really is. And I think anybody who joins us, whether it's full-time or visitors
in the building just for a day, uh, you know, I think echo that sentiment. Our staff is second to none. They really put the kids first all the time. And our students are exceptional as well. It's a wonderful school community. Our PTA is incredibly involved. Everything we do is well attended. back to school nights,
our events, and we have a very involved school community, both academically working handin-hand with our teachers, but also I think for extracurricular as well. >> Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District and will graduate from Copeland before they go on
to high school. And we have an opportunity to instill core values into our students, helping students develop into future leaders, into being positive role models and citizens in our community. Our mantra we live by is no walls, no limits because being a school
with no walls uh provides our students a great sense of community. You just know you're walking into a special place when you come through our doors. What keeps me coming back here every morning? Hugs from kids. You know, I love being outside in the morning at bus duty and having kids coming up and just happy to
see me. Teachers who I now share personal connections with because I've been here for 11 years as the principal. So yeah, I I think for me it's just being a part of something, being a part of the team. Uh we're all very different, but um but we we get along and you know, we support each other.
>> Every morning I'm inspired by these children, their energy, their willingness to support and grow with one another is contagious. >> The people I work with makes me come back every single day. I hire a very unique and special educator and that permeates throughout the building. I
have the easiest job in the world because I have the hardest working teachers in the world. >> The thing that makes Scopland Middle School so great is truly the people. It's the students. It's the staff. It's the community members. It's the parent involvement. It's the investment in making it a better place.
>> I come here for the students. I love the kids here. They are amazing. They're the best part of my day. They're the best part of my week. That's why I do what I do. I'm proud to be the superintendent of Rockway Township Schools and we are thankful for all the support we have
from our community. I truly believe in an educator being able to make a difference in the world. It's so important to have a positive environment for a child to come to and
teaching at Dubire is special because we don't have walls. I think social emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our emotions and give kids a chance to practice that emotional dialogue and
that helps the whole child. If you've never taught at another school and you come to Birchwood, you honestly never want to leave Birchwood. You walk into this building and it's a family. We're all together. We're all happy. We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each
other. One of the things that I love the most about this position and this job is that I get to work with students of all ages now that we house preschool students here. I see every single student in the building from preschool all the way through fifth grade. And I get to work with them on a deeper level
on a way that inspires them not just to be confident in themselves but in what they love. After teaching for 25 years, I can't pinpoint one moment of time that is a story of why I come back every day. Any
good lesson makes me feel alive. Going to the soccer games, the football games, seeing my students outside the classroom. I want the kids to feel at home. And I feel the more comfortable that they are, the relationship that we build together, the better they're going to do in class. Not not only enjoy their
time in class, but also take risks. It's a really great environment here at KDM. My co-workers are great. The students every day, they make me laugh. One thing that I really work on in my classroom is growth mindset. I did have a student that came in and really didn't like math. They were really negative
self-talking, saying that they can't do this. And so, basically throughout the whole year, we worked on just changing that mindset. One of the things that I'm really hoping to teach them more than anything else is about kindness and you know being good friends to each other. One of my most favorite success stories
is a particular student when you know he would come into the classroom even right first thing in the morning his head would be down on that desk. I've tried to instill intrinsic love for school, intrinsic love for education, and over time I've seen him pick that head up and
that's why I do what I do to have a kid come in and their school's a happy place for them and they want to come. So, we used to always start off with a growth mindset and we do a lot of lessons about how we are able to do
things that might seem hard like a harder task. And I think that if we really teach our kids to be resilient and show grit in the face of a harder task, then all the other academic challenges that they're faced with come a little bit easier. >> Our goal here is that every child is as comfortable in class as they are at
home. And if they're ever in trouble, they're ever concerned or worried that they have the tools available to them to be successful and to help each other be as successful as we know they can be. We have really seen over the years an incredible increase in their emotional
maturity and in their abilities to deal with issues both in the playground and in the classroom. And I really believe it's because our district's focus on SEAL over the last several years. >> I am the steam teacher at Copeland Middle School. I really love to see the
growth and the change to the students. And what I really focus on is teamwork. So the kids are always in teams. We want to make sure everybody's feeling comfortable communicating their ideas. I want kids to come to school and feel like this is their second home. I want them to come into my classroom and feel
comfortable, feel like they can be themselves. They may not come here and love math, but I want them to at least enjoy coming to math class. Years ago, I had a sixth grade student who was absolutely petrified of mathematics. And I worked so carefully with her. I gave
her extra help just to have her overcome this fear and it was fabulous to see that aha moment when she finally got it and that is why I do what I do every day. >> So my name is Jackson. >> My name is Mia. My name is Mariah.
>> I think what awesome is about being in Birwood is the um the like artwork that's on the walls. Like in school they have this like art thing where you go downstairs and like paint a wall with the art teacher.
>> My favorite is recess. My favorite thing is reading and just doing a bunch of fun stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the day.
My name is Carly and I am in fifth grade and I go to DVL. >> Yeah, my name is Rehea. I'm in first grade. Being at DVL is awesome because all the teachers here are so great and so nice. >> I like the teachers here. They make it
awesome here. She teaches well and then she teaches us stuff which we have never learned. >> My favorite subject is probably math because I like all the challenges. My favorite special is art class with Miss Takis. Plus, drawing is my favorite
thing. >> What makes DBL unique is that everyone is so kind to each other and everyone cares about each other. >> My name is Quink. I'm in the fifth grade. >> Hi, my name is Arya. I am in second grade.
>> What makes our school awesome is all the teachers we have here. They help us. During the course of the board meeting, the Rockway Township Board of Education offers members of the public an opportunity to address issues regarding the operations of the Rockway Township Public Schools. The board reminds those
individuals who take this opportunity to identify themselves by name and address and to limit their comments to items listed on the agenda and or items directly related to the operations of the school district. Issues raised by members of the public may or may not be responded to by the board. All comments
will be considered and a response will be forthcoming if and when appropriate. The board asks that members of the public be courteous and mindful of the rights of other individuals when speaking. Specifically, comments regarding students and employees of the board are discouraged and will not be responded to by the board. Students and
employees have specific rights afforded by the laws of New Jersey. The board bears no responsibility, nor will it be liable for any comments made by the members of the public. Members of the public should consider their comments in light of the legal rights of those affected or identified in the comments
and be aware that they are legally responsible and liable for their comments. In accordance with board policy 0167, public discussion is limited to 15 minutes with three minute limit per member of the public. The board vice president shall have the right to modify
the length of public discussion as she deems appropriate. >> Can I have a motion to open up for public comment? >> So moved. Second. >> Thank you. Show of hands, Lisa Ginder. Much better following a retirement ceremony than what I followed last time.
Hi, my name is Lisa Ginder, 136 Birch Street. I am I spent my day today uh at field day running around like a crazy person. I ran over to go pick up my son's rain gutter riata boat. My AT&T bill went up. I work full-time. I have
aging parents. I have a toddler at home and a son in elementary school who I have to go run home immediately after speaking tonight to prepare their lunches and snacks and water and get everything ready for tomorrow. Uh because I have to go to work just like I have to bring them to school. I'm tired.
I'm tired. But I'm here in front of you because I'm beyond frustrated and quite frankly exhausted by the dismantling of opportunities for our children. Part-time teachers for art and music are not acceptable. There is a reason they are a part of our core curriculum. The
American Psychological Association, the National Institutes of Health, the Journal of Neuroscience all contain articles upon articles about how music and art impact the brain and the understanding of social constructs. This is critical at a young age. I don't want my kid coming home with endless coloring
dittos. I don't want him to rely on AI for imagery. I want to go to the art show and see his clay pottery. I want him to ignite the creativity I know he has. I want to be able to go to back to school night and hear that he's a little chatty in music class, but that he's a
good kid with a big heart. I want human teachers with the capacity to care, to notice who my child is, to aid in his development as a better person for this world during the school day when I can't be with him. I want someone to be an
ear, eyes, a heart for my child, just as you mentioned about music. I want them to be looking to make sure that my kids not being picked on, being bullied. I want people doing their jobs
in the space. I want them to care. Our website says that we've been awarded for music. We're about to degrade that award. We're about to dismantle it. A kid quotes up there that music is the heartbeat of our
lives. Why does one school get 80% of a teacher and another school gets 60%. What are we doing? I'm sorry, but 60% of anything is a failing grade. We get emails for the fact that our kids
completed a fire drill. Where's been the email saying that we're changing how our art and music are happening in our elementary schools? I'm not asking. I've written to you before. I'm now begging. I'm pleading. Please,
please consider reconsider the changes to our art and our music programs in our elementary schools. Thank you, Jackie Bader. >> Good evening, board members. I'm here tonight because leadership requires accountability and right now the
community is deeply concerned. You were elected by the tax by the voters of the town to serve as independent watchd dogs to safeguard our tax dollars to protect our children and to listen to the people that elected you. It appears that this board only listens to one side of the
story. Complex issues are presented to you in open and shut cases as open and shut cases and decisions are being rushed through without debate or even deep questioning because a lot of it seems to be done behind closed doors. Why have you not asked questions to
staff directly, gotten feedback or conducted anonymous climate surveys? Most alarming is the clear structural conflict of interest regarding our legal council. Under the New Jersey legal ethics, the board of attorney represents the district as an institution, not the
personal agenda of this superintendent. Yet, because of our legal council is appointed based on the superintendent's recommendation, we have a system where the attorney is incentivized to protect the administration rather than the board themselves to do independent oversight.
When your legal advice comes from a team, you are supervising and o you are supposed to be supervising and overseeing. The system is broken. Are you all aware and were instructed that the board themselves can a vote on an independent council and the pay get
it paid for by district funds? You are all held accountable to New Jersey 18A12-24.1, the code of ethics of school board members. Your attorney is not under that code. Did any of you know any of this information that you can appoint your
own counsel? We need you to do the jobs we elected you to do. Stopped accepting polished presentations at face value. Demand independent legal advice. Ask hard, uncomfortable questions. Our students, our teachers, our community deserve the
board that answers public, not to the administration. Furthermore, I'm still waiting on answers to non-personnel questions that I raised last meeting. I followed up with an email, but only received a generic automatic response. The lack of transparency is unacceptable. These were straightforward
questions with easy answers. If administration is doing their job, this information should have been regularly available. As elected representatives, you cannot allow administration to stonewall the public. I'm asking you tonight to direct the superintendent and
the business administrator to provide written answers to the questions that I spoke about and emailed last time. Thank you all for your time. Jennifer Skolski. You happy? Uh, Jennifer Skolski, 164 Valley View
Drive. Um, good evening. I am reading a statement on behalf of a longtime district employee who wishes to remain anonymous out of concern for professional repercussions. Over the last three years, our school has worked hard to rebuild trust, establish consistency, strengthen relationships, and create a positive
learning environment for students. Teachers, support staff, administrators, students, and families all played a role in that success. Together, we carefully wo a fabric of accountability, stability, and shared purpose. Many of us now fear that fabric is beginning to
unravel. The concern is not simply the decision not to renew our principle. The concern is what followed. Since that announcement, there has been little clarity, little communication, and little evidence of a comprehensive plan to preserve the systems, relationships, and leadership structures that have
helped our school succeed. As responsibilities and authority of leadership have been diminished, uncertainty has grown. Staff morale has declined. Confidence has been shaken. Students are increasingly aware of the inconsistency and instability around
them. The effects are already being felt. Expectations that were once consistently reinforced throughout the building have become more difficult to maintain. Teachers continue to focus on teaching and learning, but they are increasingly forced to prioritize only the most serious behavioral concerns.
While everyday expectations that help create a respectful and productive school environment slowly erode, no school culture deteriorates overnight, it happens gradually. One expectation ignored, one boundary tested, one consequence questioned at a time.
Those of us who work in the building every day understand that strong schools are built on relationships, consistency, trust, and leadership. When those elements are weakened without a clear plan for maintaining them, the entire school community feels the impact. It took years to rebuild the foundation of
our school. Yet in a matter of weeks, many have watched uncertainty replace confidence and instability replace consistency. I respectfully ask that this board this board to reflect not only on the decisions being made, but also on how those decisions are implemented and their impact on the
students, staff, and families. Listen to the voices of those closest to the work. Consider what is being lost and what steps are necessary to restore trust, stability, and confidence moving forward. This statement may be anonymous, but the concerns behind it are not. I also have a quote from a
seven-year-old who wanted me to read out loud. She said, "My name is Aia Bebington. When I come to middle school, I want Mr. Bayer as my principal." So, Michelle Castenbell,
you're funny. Michelle Castenbound, 55 Kings Road. There's been so much information that I just kind of wanted to do a quick recap and maybe shed some light on some events that you may not be aware of. Mr. Bayer did finally receive
his reasons after 30 days. 30 days for reasons. 30 days we waited for reasons that are so vague he was unable to determine what some of them were referring to. How can he ask for a Donaldson hearing to defend himself when
he doesn't even understand why? And how can he can prove if he doesn't understand or know why? What keeps popping up in my head is that Mr. Bayer has excellent evaluations. Evaluations made by Dr. Corbett up until this point.
Not one single reprimand. Not one. So, he could have or should have been put on a corrective action plan, even though his evaluation score doesn't warrant that in New Jersey. Did you know that Mr. Bayer offered to go on a plan where
he would have his goals set and if he didn't meet those goals within 6 months, he would quietly resign in June of 2027 before being tenured. Sounds like a pretty damn good deal to me. But your
attorney told him no to this deal. Why not? Why not give him that chance? I don't understand considering our kids are safe and the staff is happy and he would work on improving. That's funny. That makes it feel personal. Mr. Young, we know that he had a board
approved and signed contract. After he spoke up supporting Mr. Bayer on May 6th, May 15th, he was told his position was being eliminated. That the board was unaware of this position elimination and it was never on the board agenda on May
6th. This is when things start to crack. This is when fear that I already mentioned became a reality. Let's see. Are there any teachers here tonight? Nope, not here. Miss Champagne, our one sure thing administrator who also was contracted and board approved for
Copeland. You may not be aware of this, as I've just learned, some of her duties have been stripped away. First with her teacher observations, she was not allowed to continue to do them. And then her duty of telling teachers where their placement was for next year was also
taken away. So now teachers are in limbo. Everyone is afraid. Kids are aware. I also learned that Miss Champagne's position was posted and maybe that was a clerical error, but I was at that fifth grade rising event and Miss Shane Payne's name was not on that
list of leadership and staff slide. Very interesting. very disturbing. This is why our school is suffering right now. And I urge this board to go to school and speak to people, people you don't know. Our kids need you. And something
is very off. Side note, two days ago in Anglewood, New Jersey, the board of ed overturned the superintendent's recommendation. two days ago. >> Justin Bates, I want to say >> good evening. Uh Justin Bates, 28 Winona. Um, Miss Anderson's comments
initially reflect many of my own sentiments as we came to this school district. Uh, from New York City in 2021. We started over at Stony Brook moving into Copeland this year. Phenomenal experience up to this point. Um, great people, great principles, a lot of people really made a big
difference in my son's >> Oh, too close too. Whoa. Okay. Hello. Um, so thank you. Great experience for us as well. Across the street and here um really made a difference. We moved here for this reason. Um there are some things that have changed recently and now it's time to speak up and get
involved a bit. Um when reviewing some of the fiscal notes and I know that much of our responsibilities here on the board are going to be fiscal in nature. Um I'm looking at what the payout was on the $9.1 million and that our new providers carry less than $2 million of insurance.
Uh we've cut the Ruckers program which has changed our lives and many others. I've spoken to many, many parents about this. It was announced so late. I got my first notice on the 19th of May. There's no opportunity at that point to find alternate funding. I can't address any
of my politicians that represent me. I can't even go to Ruckers myself. I can't use a media campaign of which I'm capable and plugged into a lot of things to help us get that money that we need to support these kids. The out of district cost is listed in the minutes I
found here. Uhund, you know, $50,000 a student. We have two employees from Ruckers. We can't even hire them back if we wanted to because of a no compete clause for two years that's in their contract. In an annual budget of 57.2 million roughly, we can afford two employees to
help ensure we don't have another. Um, other funding is possible. We need to find a way. We need to have more transparency. We need to know what's going on. We're not having these opportunities to debate and discuss and make these decisions. They're being made unilaterally with no trans limited transparency. Um, so we'll have to fix
that. We'll have to file FOYA. Please preserve all records for all the 25 and 26 school year for all the meetings. We're going to need them and we're going to have to have a bigger conversation unless we can start having those conversations immediately about these things that which
my kid loves bear. He's happy at school. This kid was jumping out of a window and running for the woods three years ago. He loves coming to school. Academically, he's already into high school in some subjects. Kids going to cure cancer maybe, but if we get it wrong, he's
going to end up in a hospital. These programs are so important to so many kids. And Mr. Bayer has been a big part of that. He was part of a step in the right direction from which we're retreating. It seems to be a pattern here. And I' I'd love to know more about that when
you guys can make a statement in the near future. Thank you. >> Is there any more comments? May I have a motion to close the public session? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Show of hands.
Okay. So we have communications listed. Are there any other communications received since >> the agenda was not for the deadline of this agenda? There were additional received that will be on the next agenda. >> Okay. Thank you. Um I have a just approve minutes or just
>> No, nothing to communic approve communications. No. >> Okay. Um >> can I have a motion to approve the minutes of the last meeting? >> So moved. >> Second. Can I have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Anderson, >> yes.
>> Mrs. Brooks, >> yes. >> Dr. Gorman, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Messi, >> yes. >> Miss Richardson, >> yes. >> Motion carries. Thank you. Dr. Corva, would you like to give your board update? >> Yes. Thank you, Miss Anderson. Once again, we congratulate and thank all retirees for their many years of service
to our district. We are proud of you and we wish you a long and happy retirement. Many of the CMS faculty and staff were in hand to welcome the incoming grade six students on May excuse me on June 1st. That evening, this cafeteria was packed with parents and students eager
to take the next step in their educational journey. I know that seeing and hearing from the faculty that will support them over the next three years gave comfort to both students and parents. The annual celebrity day sponsored by
the Rockway Township Substance Abuse Alliance was held on June 2nd. For years, Les Wexler and his team have done an outstanding job organizing this event, which inspires so many students, offers great hope to a society where so many suffer from substance abuse. Thank
you, Les, for all that you do. The beautiful weather made Lee Day held yesterday, June 9th, extra special. Our fifth grade students had a wonderful day filled with activities and a great barbecue was provided by Mashios. This school district was represented at
the Rockaway Township um day held last Saturday, June 6th, at Peterson Field. This was a great opportunity to address the questions and concerns and chat with many parents and young people who stopped by our table. Committee interviews for the Culpa
Middle School principal position will be held on June 22nd and June 23rd. The committee consists of three board members, two middle school parents, two middle school teachers, two administrators. Currently, we have 30 applicants. I hope to have a candidate
selected for board approval at the July 13th board meeting. And some good news from our schools. As the year closes, Birchwood Elementary School is celebrating a year filled with academic success and school pride. Throughout the year, students demonstrated significant gains in
English language arts and mathematics. Their perseverance and commitment to learning are commendable. The Birwood community also enjoyed memory many memorable experiences that strengthen the connection between home and school. One of the most recent highlights was the PTA ice cream social which brought
together students, family, and staff for an evening of fun, laughter, and community spirit. The event showcased the strong partnerships that make Birwood a special place to learn and grow. The fifth grade lead and moving up ceremony recognized student leadership,
their accomplishments, and positive contributions to the school. Birwood is proud of its fifth graders and their lasting impact as prepare to begin the next chapter of their educational journey. Thanks to the dedication of students, staff, families, and the PTA, Birchwood Elementary is closing out the
school year on a high note. DBL marks the conclusion of another school year with students and staff celebrating their leadership and academic achievements. Recently, the school enjoyed field day, which provided students with opportunities to demonstrate teamwork, sportsmanship, and
school spirit. DBO also proudly hosted its lead ceremony, recognizing students for their commitment to leadership, responsibility, citizenship, and personal growth. These events highlighted students who have embraced opportunities to lead both inside and
outside the classroom throughout the year. Additionally, DBO held held its final monthly student recognition assembly celebrating students for their accomplishments, character, effort, and positive contributions to the school community.
Students are also completing their end of the year reading and math diagnostic assessments. The DBO community extended sincere gratitude to the board of education, district administration, staff, families, PTA, and students for their unwavering support and partnership.
With end of the year assessments almost complete, Dwire is preparing for uh preparing our students for a strong finish. The Dwire family celebrates the retirements of three valued staff members, Mr. McGovern, Miss Aaron, and Miss Sheets, and congratulates each of them for their years of dedication,
service, and commitment to students and the school community. Their contributions have left left an lasting impact, and we wish them all the best in their well-earned retirements. The PTA hosted a wonderful family picnic providing an opportunity for families to
come together and celebrate the retirees one final time. The evening featured a beautiful tribute video and attendees were introduced to a commemorative tree honoring Mr. McGovern's arbit tree, a fitting recognition of his lasting legacy at Dwire. As Dwire prepares for
the many end of the year celebrations taking place across all grade levels, they thank the entire staff for their unwavering hard work, dedication, and commitment throughout the year. KDM students are currently completing their I Ready assessments and midway
through the testing window, they are seeing encouraging results. These achievements reflect the dedication and hard work of the students as well as the commitment of KDM teachers and staff who help create a supportive and enriching learning environment. The school community recently came together for the
KDM carnival which was enjoyed by students, families, and staff alike. In addition to hosting the carnival, the PTA led several campus beautifification efforts, including replenishing sand in the playgrounds, replacing rocks in the courtyard, and cleaning, organizing, and
decorating our outdoor spaces. Third grade students participated in an educational field trip to the Liberty Hall Museum where they explored concepts related to nature and science including weather prediction through cloud observation and the study of local
plants and animals. I think the next slide would be good. Other grade levels are also looking forward to upcoming field uh trip experiences as the school year draws to a close. The fifth grade students are eagerly anticipating several end of the year events, including Lee Day and the
fifth grade moving up ceremony. KDM is honored that Mayor Joe Jackson will serve as the keynote speaker. KDM has enjoyed a successful and rewarding school year and they look forward to finishing strong as prepare for a well-earned summer break. Study Brook Students celebrates the
dedication of students and staff who made this year another outstanding year filled with growth ac um achievement and memorable experiences. Academically, students continued to make strong progress in English language arts and mathematics as reflected in the end of the year benchmark assessments.
Throughout the year, students enjoyed a variety of enriching learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Memorable field trips, engaging assemblies, hand hands-on experiences help bring learning to life. Schoolwide events such as field day, the
kindergarten and second grade plays, and the spring concert, art showcase students talents, creativity, and school spirit. Fifth grade students were recognized and celebrated through uh several special events, including the bagel breakfast, lead day, and the fifth
grade picnic. The Stony Brook community is proud of all they have accomplished and wishes them continued success as they move on to Copa Middle School. Copa Middle School has enjoyed an exciting memorable month filled with meaningful experiences and celebrations for our students. On June 2nd, the
eighth grade students participated in the annual celebrity day hosted by the Rockway Township Substance Abuse Alliance. As the culmination of the Rockway Township sub substance abuse alignment's four-phase prevention program, students had the unique opportunity to meet with a variety of
celebrities and hear their powerful personal stories and messages. Celebrity day concluded with a fun-filled student staff celebrity basketball game. Field days are currently underway and the weather has cooperated wonderfully, allowing students to enjoy outdoor
activities and friendly competition. Today, Copeland's eighth graders embarked on their much anticipated class trip to New York City where they boarded buses and headed to Broadway to see the acclaimed production of The Outsiders. The excitement will continue on June 12th when the PTA host a memorable 8th
grade social right here at Copeland, providing students with another opportunity to celebrate their middle school years together. The year will culminate next week with two special events honoring the class of 2026, the eighth grade awards night on
June 15th and graduation on June 17th. These events will recognize students achievements and mark an an important milestone as they prepare to begin the next chapter of their educational journey. And the final slide is the HIV slide. Maybe if you want to click on that link,
the HIV update, that's actually the link to the document which I'll summarize in a moment. There you go. You click on that. Currently, comes up. Currently, of the 12 investigations
on the agenda, two are confirmed. This evening, 15 investigations are on the agenda for board approval. Of the 15, three are confirmed. And I just summarized that document.
And that is my report. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Mrs. Lamb, would you like to give the business administrator's report? >> Yes. Thank you. Um, so this evening in lie of my report, um, the board has asked that I respond to the non-personnel related questions that
were asked at the previous meeting. Um so what I'm going to do is I'm going to read the question um as we received it and then give the response. Um so bear with me. Um the question first question being currently Rockway Township's joint insurance fund GIF liability rating is AAA. My understanding is that the school
district uses a similar insurance structure through the school alliance insurance fund safe which also uses comparable rating scales. What is the district's current liability insurance rating? Um, so SAFE and NJ SIG are related are regulated by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance.
They follow state rules, submit yearly financial reports and audits and adhere to the strict guidelines for investments and operations to ensure transparency and financial stability. That being said, they don't have specific ratings from agencies like&m best or standard and pores. So we are not rated in the
same way that the township is rated. What is the financial impact to the district after leaving the Rucker's insurance program? Specifically, how much did the district save or spend previously under Ruckers? So, beginning in the 18/19 school year, total contract
cost for Ruckers was $149,964. We received a $25,000 and change increase to 174973 for 1920 increase of $38,39 moving into 2021 for a total of $213,282.
uh an increase of $47,325 moving into 2122 for a total of $260,67 for the contract. Increase of $46,893 moving into 2223 for a total contract
cost of $37,500. Uh a $66,900 increase moving into 2324 for a total contract cost of $374,400. uh a $25,400 increase moving into 2425 for a total contract cost of $399,800.
Uh we renegotiated an aspect of the cont contract moving into 2526 which included some changes in staff which warranted a reduction of $51,800 dropping down to $348,000 that was previously slated to move to $450,000.
Um so total spending from 2019 or 201819 to 2526 was $2,228 and uh $526. Um we increased over those years by $198,36. Uh slated for 2627. proposal was for
$361,000 which would have been a $13,000 increase which had we elected to continue would have brought the totals spent for Ruckers to $2,589,526 and a total increase across those years of $211,36.
Um what is the projected increase in insurance assessment costs moving forward? Our brokers initially projected a 15% rate increase for the 2627 term. However, following the successful contract negotiations, I am pleased to report that we were we secured a final
increase of just 2.73%. I was informed of that on Monday, significantly lower than what was originally anticipated. Please note that this initial projection did not factor in Rucker's mental health and our final rates will remain unaffected by the contract's cancellation. The insurance carriers do
not offer discounts related to that program, nor did its presence influence our coverage or premium rates. Um, these companies ensure businesses of all shapes and sizes. They're not specific to just schools. So, I can tell you that over the past four years, um, when I complete the renewal documents that they
request, which we have multiple policies, so we're filling out pages upon pages of information, um, across our employee status, uh, buildings, you know, a litany of questions. Um, at no point was there any question relating to this type of program, nor is there any
capacity for us to enter that as a consideration. Um, how will increased liability exposure affects tax affect taxpayers? Again, the cancellation of the contract did not affect our insurance renewals or rates directly. Um, many residents are concerned that
without the Ruckers program, the district's overall risk expo exposure is now significantly higher, which could result in higher costs related to lawsuits and insurance claims. How is this being handled? Uh we cannot anticipate a measurable increase in claims resulting from this cancellation as it would be impossible to confidently
determine whether the future claims would have occurred with or without the Rucker program. Um it's not something that we could definitively say that we would have had this lawsuit or wouldn't have had this lawsuit if the program was in place. Moving forward, our claims management process remains this unchanged. All claims will be reported
directly to our insurance carriers and processed according to um our standard protocols. Um, why is the public not able to view a more detailed line-by-line district budget similar to what the township provides? This is taxpayer money and the residents serve a clear understanding of
how funds are being allocated. How do we request a full breakdown? Um, public financial transparency is a priority for our district and specifically for me. Um, I am always happy to answer questions regarding the budget. The current budget section of our district website hosts the user-friendly budget
and that's the most recent and as well as the most recent budget presentation. And for historical data, uh the district financial data section under the business office menu contains our prior user-friendly budgets, audits, and enrollment reports dating back to 2019 2020. Uh reports prior to that are still
maintained by the NJDOE and can be accessed through their websites. Um a review of the financial data on the Rockway Township Municipal website confirmed that they are utilizing a similar reporting format. I didn't see a large discrepancy to our user-friendly budget and how they present their
information. Um the user-friendly budget itself is a standardized reporting method for communicating school budgets to the community and it's mandated by the state of New Jersey. Um the intention behind that being that any school district that you look at, if you want to compare budgets or compare data,
you should see a very similar if not exact same format. Um beyond online resources, we hold our annual budget hearing which is conducted in accordance with state statute and offers the community a dedicated opportunity to review and ask questions about the reported data. At our public meetings throughout the year, the public
is welcome to ask questions regarding any pending financial motions. And I also provide regular updates on relevant financial information during these meetings. During my reports, uh what are the allowances that can be spent without board approval? Is there a dollar amount such as $33,000 for a
coach for a principal? As we can't see the budget, um we're assuming this is not a line item. Um every dollar spent in the district is done with board approval. um to ensure strict financial compliance. Any non-ooperative or non-state contract expenditure exceeding
$7,950 requires multiple competitive quotes. Furthermore, any expenditure over $53,000 outside of a co-op or state contract must undergo a formal public bidding process. As the district's licensed qualified purchasing agent, QPA, I hold the sole legal authority to
authorize purchases or execute contracts on behalf of the district. Um, as an additional voluntary layer of internal control, the board president reviews all bills lists in person at central office before checks are issues issued and board members receive the bills list prior to each public meeting and are
provided the comprehensive monthly financial reports for their ongoing review. So, no check is released from the business office prior to the board having an opportunity to review the bills list. Um, all of the mailings for this bill's list will go out tomorrow morning um assuming approval.
Um, to clarify recent public statements, the district has not paid $33,000 for the educational consultant assigned to Birwood School. Uh, I'm not exactly sure where that figure came from. To date, the expenditures for these services total $15,100,
which accounts for all services rendered through the end of May. Um, as emphasized during my budget presentation, a school budget is a living document subject to shifting operational needs throughout the fiscal year. However, all final authorized expenditures strictly align with the GAP chart of accounts and comply fully with
New Jersey purchasing law. Um, I have also I al sorry, another question. I also have many concerns regarding the frequency of closed sessions held before meetings. From the public's perspective, it appears discussions may be occurring regarding agenda matters and potentially staff related issues. Uh, in accordance
with the open public meetings act, the Rockway Township Board of Education routinely convenes in executive close session to deliberate on confidential matters. By law, these private sessions are restricted to specific topics, including personnel matters, pending or anticipated litigation, acquisition of real property, school security measures,
contract negotiations, and receipt of government funds. Holding an executive se session in conjunction with regularly scheduled public meetings is a standard governance practice, ensuring compliance while protecting sensitive information that cannot be legally or practically discussed in a public forum. Um, so
again, that's a common occurrence for school districts. Most school districts do have an executive session that is married to a public session. Um my new question, my understanding is that employees discussed in close session are entitled to rice notices under certain circumstances were all required rice
notices properly issued. Um under New Jersey law, any board discussion regarding an employes's current employment, performance evaluation, or disciplinary status within an executive close session strictly mandates that a rice notice be issued to that individ individual prior to the meeting. I can confirm that all legally required rice
notices have been properly issued um and served throughout this school year. Um in fact, when we hold our budget meetings, we actually rice all employees um without reservation so that if we have to discuss any positions, everybody's been properly notified. Um, and that intention we actually send to
the staff, not to alarm anyone, but simply because when you're talking about a budget and personnel makes up 70 to 80 or now essentially 80 to 90% of your budget, um, you have to be able to discuss positions and staff as you need because the position control roster itself is all of the staff and employees.
Uh, finally, last last question. Finally, we were previously told that emails sent to boardmail.net were distributed to the full board. We have since learned that those emails are first routed through the board president and then forwarded. In that case, why is it not an auto automatic distribution
rule ensuring that all board members receive communication simultaneously? Uh this can be resolved by an IT rule being implemented. Um so board correspondence is routinely managed by the sitting board president. Um again, that's just kind of a standard practice whether it's
incoming or outgoing messages. Um the board president reviews and forwards all incoming board mail to the full board prior to each meeting. This structured process protects the integrity of the board's work by preventing unintended quorums. Um we try not to create situations where there's an opening for a reply all because again anytime a
board has discussion whether in person or virtual and there's more than four board members present that constitutes a quorum and would be a violation of the open public meetings act. Um routing emails this way ensures that board members do not engage in group reply chains keeping all discussions in public business within proper publicly access
accessible meetings. Uh and finally, just a response to one of the statements tonight. Um regarding the district attorney, our attorney was selected by board committee through an RFP process. Um we solicit proposals from different firms um at different intervals. We did
this process in 2024. Uh and so it's not a selection by the superintendent, it's actually an interview process and selection by the board. Um so again, I think we interviewed four to five firms in 2024. Alisa, you were on that committee. So is that yeah I was on maternity leave but I believe it was
four to five. Um so just to clarify that's how we select that particular uh person or or firm I should say and that is the end of my report. Thank you. >> So now is that considered a
>> not unless the board members start replying which is why you would which is why you wouldn't have because we specifically instruct them not to do that. >> Um so yeah so if you were sitting saying well nobody's answering me they actually can't because that would create a quorum. Sure.
Thank you. >> Are there any committee reports? >> I do. Community outreach, we met on June 3rd virtually uh with Mrs. Books, Dr. Gorman, myself, and Dr. Corbett.
Under community outreach, we've been having a discussion on having a coffee chat with the superintendent and some board members. The target is to um make sure we're reaching people that may not be able to attend board meetings.
>> The coffee chat would be with the public and superintendent. The coffee chat would be with the public and board members and superintendent. >> Board members were there obviously no more than three, >> right? >> Um so we were changing that to three to five times a year. Um we plus uh the
addition of short webinars forformational purposes. Um We're discussing listening sessions for next year. We're gonna be discussing additional topics at the board retreat which still remains um that we have to
schedule that. We discussed um seniors uh we invited them to last or this year's um Spongebob play. So our goal next year is to um
have more seniors attend. the Interact Club were great ambassadors um for the district as bus chaprons and as dinner companions. Our next meeting is July 8th. >> Thank you very much.
>> July 13th. >> I'm sorry it's it's it's not July 8th. Um it's was originally scheduled for July 15th. Um however, we will be releasing a notice. It's being changed July 13th. Um we don't normally meet on a Monday, but due to some constraints, we're going to change that meeting. So,
that will be um on the website. Notice she's saying her committee meeting. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I thought the board meeting. >> I thought you said that. I'm sorry, Lisa. I apologize. >> Right. You freaked me out there for a second. >> You panicked me. I was like on the >> So, your committee meeting is on the 8th, >> correct?
>> July. Okay. The next educational committee meeting is on June 18th. >> We're both on June 18. >> June 18th. >> You're on July 8th. I'm on June 18th. >> Sorry. So many Juliet
set us off. Megan, >> are there any other committee reports? >> Yeah. Um, not a whole heck of a lot of to report with the um operations. We had uh the kickoff meeting for the roof projects at uh CMS and Stonybrook. That was done today, I believe. >> Yes.
>> Uh the crews are scheduled to start delivering the materials June 22nd, and they will hit the ground running at that point. and substantial completion for the project is slated for August 15th and we will be meeting with the team for the secure vestibial project in the next few weeks. Thank you.
Thank you. Um okay. Can I have a motion to approve personnel items that be begins, just so everyone knows on page three and continues on to page
five. So move >> second. >> I don't need a show of hands for that. Right. >> No, there's any discussion. >> Okay. >> Is there any board discussion on
personnel items? >> No, can't. Okay. May I have a roll call vote on personnel items? >> Mrs. Anderson? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Brooks? >> Yes. Dr. Gorman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mesi, >> yes. >> Miss Richardson, >> yes. >> Motion carries.
>> Thank you. Um, next up for HIV determination, we have an amendment. >> Yes. If we can just um one small amendment if we can add to the listing um number 306757 as confirmed.
>> Okay. Can I have a motion to approve HIV determination with that amendment? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. Whereas the superintendent of schools has provided the board of education with reports regarding HIV incidents. Number 307818
unconfirmed. 307978 unconfirmed. 308345 unconfirmed. 308346 confirmed. 308516 unconfirmed. 308646 unconfirmed. 308663
confirmed. 308664 unconfirmed. 308665 unconfirmed. 309011 unconfirmed. 309181 unconfirmed. 309297 unconfirmed. 309298
confirmed. 309 327 unconfirmed. 309784 unconfirmed. Um >> 306 >> and 306757 as confirmed. >> Can I have a roll call on HIV determination? >> Mrs. Anderson >> abstain.
>> Noted. >> Mrs. Brooks? >> Yes. >> Dr. Gorman? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mzik? >> Yes. >> Ms. Richardson? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. Uh, moving on to education. Can I have a motion to approve education? >> So moved.
>> Second. >> Okay. Um, in accordance with board policy 01. >> Board discussion first. >> Oh, is there any board discussion on education items? Okay. In accordance with board policy 0167, public discussion is limited to 15
minutes with a threeminute limit per member of the public. The board vice president shall have the right to modify the length of public discussion as she deems appropriate. Is there anyone from the public who would like to discuss? >> This is related to special education items only. >> No, just regular education.
>> I'm sorry. Are we not on section C? Yeah, that's education. >> I'm sorry. I'm totally all over the place. That's my my bad. >> We have to have a motion to open. >> I know. One second. >> Yeah. Oh, yep. Sorry. I would have to do a motion first. May I have a motion to open public comment? >> So moved.
>> Second. Show of hands, please. >> Okay. Jamie Ripkey, 34 Ka. I have a few things. Um, the Copeland principal search. Um, I see that it is three board members. Who are the board members? >> Section.
>> He's We have We have a We have a second um We have a second public session where you can state those kind of questions. This has to be specific to the education motion that we're reviewing. Is there anyone else who'd like to speak for education items only?
>> Okay. Can I have a motion to close public comment? >> So move. Second. >> Show of hands. >> Can I roll call on education items? >> Yes. Mrs. Anderson? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Brooks? >> Yes. >> Dr. Gorman? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Messi? >> Yes. >> Miss Richardson? >> Yes.
>> Motion carries. >> Thank you. >> Now moving on to special education items. May I have a motion to approve special education items? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Is there any board discussion
on special education items? >> Is there anyone who would like to speak about special education items only? Seeing none, may I have a roll call on special education items? >> Mrs. Anderson? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Brooks? >> Yes. >> Dr. Gorman? >> Yes.
>> Mrs. Mzik? Yes, >> Miss Richardson. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Moving on to administration. Those are seen on page seven, eight, and nine. May I have a motion to approve administration?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Any board discussion on administrative items? Would any member of the public like to speak on those items on administration?
Okay, seeing none, may have a roll call on administration items. >> Mrs. Anderson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Brooks, >> yes. >> Dr. Gorman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mzik, >> yes. >> Miss Richardson, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. >> Moving on to finance. Um, Mrs. McGary let me know that she did sign the bills
and she recommends approving them. May I have a motion to approve finance recommendations? >> So moved. Second. >> Thank you. Goes on page nine, 10, and 11. >> Is there any public comment on finance
items? Seeing none, may I have a roll call. >> Mrs. Anderson? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Brooks? >> Yes. >> Dr. Gorman? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Messi? >> Yes. >> Miss Richardson? >> Yes. Motion carries. >> Okay. Thank you. In accordance with board policy 0167, public discussion is
limited to 15 minutes with a threeminute limit per member of the public. The board vice president shall have the right to modify the length of public discussion as she deems appropriate. May I have a motion to open public comments? >> So moved. Second.
>> All right. Now, Mrs. Show >> Oh, show of hands. Sorry. Now, sorry. Jamie Ricky 34 co you have okay I've got a few a few things so it's a little all over the place I would like to know as far as the um committee members for the
Copeland principal search I had no idea that it was open up opened up to two middle school parents how was that made public how were those parents selected in the act of transparency is this an
answer like who is on the committee? Who are the board members that are on this committee? >> I I don't think that's >> So, thank you very much for your questions. We'll take down all your information. This is public comment. We do the board of education if it deems appropriate will respond to your
questions as it sees fit. That's hysterical. Really, really like there's no transparency. So, that brings me then to I guess district. Let me get to my piece of paper here. We've got
board goals. Bridging the gaps in communication with community members. Here we are. Let's bridge the gap. There's questions that need to be answered right this minute because big decisions need to be made. Mr. Bayer can request a Donaldson
hearing. Dr. Corbett is ready to hire someone by July 13th. that seems that that timeline may overlap a little bit. So, I don't know if anyone here thinks that's strange. Um, and now I can't get an answer. So,
then when can I get an answer and how can I get an answer of who is on that committee? Is that something I have to send a written email to each individual board member to find out what the answer to that question is? Because again, board
goal 3A, bridging the gaps in communication with community members. So considering all that's happened between Mr. Bayer, Mr. Young, all of these things, it really does not feel like I as a community member and any of these community members are being addressed as far as the questions that
we have goes. Um, my other one, district goal number three, revising the district climate and culture survey to be more relevant to current needs. Considering again all that has happened since the last board meeting, when was the last survey sent out, what were the findings? And since
then, has the district met that goal of revising the district culture and climate surveys? Because from my vantage point, it has not considering the current morale among teachers, specifically at Copeland and Birwood, is pretty low. Where has there been a
survey? Is that even happening? When has that been revised? When has it been sent out? So, these are questions that I will formally put into writing. How soon do I expect an answer? When when can I get an answer to these
questions? Do I have to wait till the next board meeting? Is this something the board attorney can answer for me? >> This is a public comment portion. I apologize. This is not a public and answer session. Thank you. >> So, you can't answer how long it takes
then to get a response. My recommendation to the board of education is to not address any questions at the table. >> Okay. So, that's basically going completely against goal 3A. Thank you. Thank you for your
>> nothing. Why are we taking so much time? I just want uh Jackie Bader, 129 Richard Mine Road. I want to thank you very much for answering all those comments and questions. It is sad though that it takes this long to get responses. I've ema I spoke in the last meeting. Um I
emailed those questions and I would still like those responses in email if you could because I would like to follow up on some of those things. It's very hard when you're speaking and trying to write notes. I believe you said over how many years did we have the Ruckers program? I think it was six is what you
referred to and it was $2.2 million. >> Yeah, it was eight years. >> Eight years of $2.2 million. >> Yes. >> I just want to bring up the fact that we settled a very large case in a very sad matter of $9.1 million.
And that case is a lot more money over one incident that this eight years saved with $2.2 million. I just want to make note of that that the Ruckers program in general saved us that much money by
possible other lawsuits. So I I know it's not a save all and we cannot assume that that is going to happen again, but that Ruckers program does give a lot back to the community and the things that are happening with
the current programs that are presented to the people are not going to fill the gaps in which the Ruckers program does immediately as many other people stated. So, I just want to make note that that settlement is unfortunately going to
happen again and it's quite sad and I appreciate you sending that in writing. >> Um, so I don't want to diminish the settlement and the case that you're referring to. I just want to clarify for a fact that the district did not pay the settlement. It did not come out of the
budget. Um, it was paid by insurance. And again not minimizing just for this for fact sake >> um that was a direct payment from insurance on behalf of the district >> and it does in in it does raise our insurance claims >> anytime yes anytime a claim is processed
it affects insurance claims that's that's part of the reason that we are in a poolled insurance consortium correct because that kind of >> disseminates some of the impact >> correct all right thank you all for your Uh, another comment on the Ruckers program. I'm not sure exactly on the time frame on this. I'm not exactly sure
on whether it was the entire school system or whether it was just relative to Copeland. uh something in the neighborhood of 93 kids were needed to be removed from the school during the school day either through police or medical services and taken to the hospital. When the Ruckers program came
in, that number dropped to three in the same time period, whatever that time period was. The way this was relayed to me was less specific in terms of this was a conversation that was being had. I'm sure you have access to all those numbers. Let's not be a penny shy and a pound foolish. This has so many more benefits than that. And I bring up my
previous comment on what it costs to send a kid out of district. One kid out of district is little bit less than half of that entire number peranom that we're spending. The things that we can deal with if we have the right people here. It's a help to the community. It brings in people to this community. Look at my
property values here in White Metal Lake. They've gone through the roof because we have a school system that does these things. When we give up that, we give up more than a budget line item. Please, let's not make that mistake. Please take that under consideration.
Thank you. >> You can totally write me in. Thank you. Honestly, I'm only up here because I never get to say thank you because my three minutes are very strategic and I literally run up here like a crazy person to say what I have to say. So, thank you. Thank you for listening. Thank you for taking the time. Thank you
for volunteering. It's been a lot. It's been a lot over the last seven weeks. It's been really tough. And I know that I've said it before. I am the point person because I am the PTA president and I am very approachable and I am very available for
people and I've had a number of people reach out to me staff a lot of anonymous emails lately um which is very disturbing and very hard and I've not slept. I don't know about
you guys but I'm not sleeping. So, I don't take what's happening lightly. Somebody did say to me, "Well, maybe we I don't like drama." I actually don't. I only like it on the stage. Never on Facebook. It's just not my
thing. So, to be up here this often without like cheering and and super smiling and woohoo is very rare for me. And so someone had recently said,"Well, maybe you should take that positivity that you always have and get behind
maybe the new principle." And here's the truth. This is what I'm hearing. That no matter who we put here is going to have a real real struggle because no one trusts the higher administration right now.
I'm sorry to say, but I feel like it's broken. And part of that is because you've all been very quiet. We didn't even get a we understand. Principal Bayer is not getting renewed. We're listening. Come to a meeting. Express
your feelings. It was that simple. You could have said something. We got an email about a kid hit in the head. Wasn't my kid. Kid was totally fine. I didn't need to get that email. I don't want to know things like that. If that kid was fine, keep it to yourselves.
Stays at school. Those are things I don't need to know. But when something this big is happening in the community, I do think an email could have been shared and just said, "We hear you." That is it. I think that's all that
people wanted to know. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any other comments for the public? >> Can I have a motion to close public comment? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Can I have a show of hands? Are there any old business up for discussion? I don't know if mine is old or new business, but just because I already jumped the gun and was trying to announce the board meeting change, we are changing the board meeting to July 13th. Um, and um, Lisa, you had
mentioned the board retreat. Due to the schedule change, we originally wanted the rep to come on July 15th. He's not available on the 13th, but he is available for our August meeting. So, I just wanted to see if everybody was amendable to scheduling him for that meeting. when uh wait when is the August
meeting? >> August 12th. Wait. So >> when is um our Anita can answer this question. When is our ATM retreat? >> That is uh the week of the 26. >> Okay. >> 20 something. It's it's after it's after. >> Okay. Good. So it would be important to
have those >> board and district goals prior to the ATM. >> We Yes. Assuming that we held it at that meeting, we would have that in place. Okay. Which meeting did you say? >> Um the August 12th. Now, my only concern with having an August 12th is especially since we need
to ensure that the goals are met if we're doing this at the same time as a regular board meeting. Is that what you said? >> That was the Yeah, that was originally the request >> time to do that. >> Um, last year we did it early, but how many hours earlier did we come? >> I spoke the rep said that if we started
at 4, it should be sufficient. >> Yeah. >> And that's public. >> Yes, that is public. So, the meeting would simply start at 4. We would go through the board retreat portion first and then move to regular business. Well, move to executive session and then regular public session. >> Okay. So, if we don't have enough time,
is everyone okay coming back for a second? Exact or it's actually not exactly it would be >> would just be an extension. Um, yeah. I again I when I gave him the time parameters, he said that was sufficient that but again I think if we need to extend it we can we can run push the
schedule further. I'm okay with that. But I think um perhaps we should, you know, come prepared to discuss those goals and perhaps look at the ones from the past year just to make sure that we're using this time efficiently.
>> I can also ask if he has any information to share in advance that you could review prior to the meeting too from New Jersey school boards. So I can ask if that >> I think that would be helpful. >> So schedule for the 12th Yes.
August 12. Yeah. Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Is there any other old business? Any new business? Just wishing the faculty and staff and uh PTA community uh great summer. So
hopefully you guys guys earned a break, but enjoy your summer and uh recharge. Especially those of you that are teachers, we need the recharge. So enjoy your summer and thank you so much. You know, again, PTAs, you're involved with that. I was on PTA as well for my son
and I get the work, believe me. Enjoy your summer, recharge, spend time with your families and your kids and and uh enjoy. Um, we don't need to return to executive session tonight.
Uh, can I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Down by 15. I got to go. >> Show of hands. >> Thank you. >> What is it? Meeting is adjourned.