WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=oqJRYpw5vnw

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: oqJRYpw5vnw):
- 00:08:03: Meeting Opening: Roll Call, Flag Salute, Executive Session
- 02:16:28: Principal's Report: Aldine Elementary School Achievements
- 02:25:18: Student Report: High School Events, Sports, Academics
- 02:27:39: Committee Reports: CPAC, Curriculum, and Internet Policy
- 02:30:06: Ethics Training: Annual Review, Compliance, and Regulations
- 03:16:08: Policy Agenda, Personnel Agenda, Education Agenda Items
- 03:19:21: Education Agenda Items, Business Agenda Items, HIB Report
- 03:23:15: New Business: Settlement Agreement & HI Recommendation
- 03:26:17: Liaison Reports: PTO Meetings, High School Events
- 03:29:14: Public Comment: Joe Signarella Jr. on Opioid Awareness
- 03:31:42: Public Comment: Edward Gate Thanks Staff, Policing Concerns
- 03:33:38: Public Comment: Constance Quintella - Substitute Teacher Vote
- 03:34:49: Public Comment: Frank Aguardo Commends High School Play
- 03:36:00: Public Comment: Wendy Gillig - Upcoming Events
- 03:39:45: Meeting Adjournment & Next Meeting Announcement


Part: 1

1
00:08:03.840 --> 00:14:03.839
Maybe I should Good morning. This meeting is an open session of the Rosal Park Board of Education being held in accordance with the open public meetings act of the state of New Jersey. Notice of this meeting was sent to the Star Ledger local source and the home

2
00:14:03.839 --> 00:14:21.120
news tribune, the burough clerk school offices and the district website. Roll call, please. Christian Camillo, Vice President Mark Fernandez, Lucy Figerito >> here, >> Zfonte

3
00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:38.600
>> here, >> Dr. Brittany Kirkland >> here, >> Jennifer Mano >> here, >> Gregory Picowski >> here, >> Constance Quintella >> here, >> President Michael Anne Regan >> here. >> Um, please rise for the flag salute.

4
00:14:39.680 --> 00:14:57.279
I aliance 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. >> Executive session. Resolve that the

5
00:14:57.279 --> 00:15:13.600
Rosal Park Board of Education meeting hereby convenes to executive session for discussion of the following subjects. One, personnel matters. Two, a attorney client privilege. Three, student matter. It is anticipated that the executive session will take approximately two

6
00:15:13.600 --> 00:15:30.320
hours. The board may take action during public session. The board shall return to public session following executive session at approximately 7 p.m. The minutes of the executive session shall be released to the public when reason for the executive session no longer exists. A motion to go into executive

7
00:15:30.320 --> 02:16:06.719
session. >> Make that motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> I. We're in We're now in executive session. May I please have a motion to return to public session? >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor?

8
02:16:06.719 --> 02:16:28.159
>> I. >> Public participation agenda items only. Each member of the public may speak a maximum of three minutes. Please state your first and last name for the record. Okay, seeing no one, we're going to move

9
02:16:28.159 --> 02:16:58.719
into the principal's report given by Mr. Wriggy. Good evening. Thank you to the community of Rosal Park, Board of Education, Superintendent, Miss Patricia Goce, Business Administrator, Mrs. Patricia

10
02:16:58.719 --> 02:17:14.639
Mau. It is an honor to stand before you as the principal of Aldine Elementary School. Currently, Aldine has 281 students. Over the winter, our school community has hosted many school-based events such

11
02:17:14.639 --> 02:17:29.920
as dances, movie nights, talent shows, and multiple assemblies. All these events provided our students with the goal to create connectedness and an overall great school experience. Our safety patrol members have done an excellent job of helping students enter

12
02:17:29.920 --> 02:17:46.639
and exit the school safely. And our character council just completed both a coat drive and a food drive that collected items that were donated to the town. They also sponsored a fifth grade dance. Aldine school is currently in the

13
02:17:46.639 --> 02:18:03.439
process of of applying to a renew our national school of character recognition from character.org. Academically, we are in the process of completing our first schoolwide math challenge where grade levels compete against each other in healthy

14
02:18:03.439 --> 02:18:21.120
competition to help in increase our math skills. Since starting the schoolwide challenge, we have re we have had 100% student participation with the average weekly student participating outside of school being over 45 minutes of extra math skill

15
02:18:21.120 --> 02:18:38.559
practice per week. A special thank you to our parents and students for continuing this math challenge at home. Tonight, we recognize our students for their hard work, determination, and overall excellence. The first group we will honor tonight is our steam tank

16
02:18:38.559 --> 02:18:58.000
participants facilitated by their teacher, Miss Jennifer Neves. The Thank you. The Steam Tank Challenge encourages students to work collaboratively to identify and develop innovative

17
02:18:58.000 --> 02:19:15.359
solutions to solve real world problems. The Steam Tank Challenge also inspires students to become the next generation of entrepreneurs, inventors, scientists, artists, and engineers. Thank you for your participation.

18
02:19:15.359 --> 02:20:05.319
Matteo Shoan, Grace Dazir, Sophia Moro, Cecilia Munos, Adius Onia, Arav Patel, Aria Peterson,

19
02:20:08.880 --> 02:21:54.080
Amelia Rivera, Leila Smith and Aubrey Sauce. Tom, you take a picture. I'm good. Anybody else? The second group we will recognize tonight is our youth youth art month

20
02:21:54.080 --> 02:22:21.319
show presentation that was held at Kain University where their artwork was put on display. Recognized tonight, Amendra Moss Mendoza, Galilea Shantes, and Anthony Umbria.

21
02:22:29.280 --> 02:22:45.800
The third group of students we will honor tonight were also facilitated by our art teacher, Miss Gina Cesero, for the Union County Dental Poster Contest. Recognized tonight, Camila Kadisano

22
02:22:51.600 --> 02:23:52.080
and Aubrey Sauce. And finally, I wanted to just bring acknowledgement to Miss Cesaro for helping us create the first annual Aldine perfect pet book. um students were involved in an art contest to where

23
02:23:52.080 --> 02:24:08.880
you know we receive it's the young artist a awards where they send in their artwork and they're able to compete in the contest. Unfortunately this winter we were not able to compete because we received the letters too late and usually the students who are selected

24
02:24:08.880 --> 02:24:23.920
are put into a book and we receive copies of the book. So rather than not have our students acknowledged um our our teacher Ms. Miss uh Gina Cesaro, she created her own art book so for the students and their parents and we will

25
02:24:23.920 --> 02:24:50.040
acknowledge them at our awards ceremony. Thank you. And thank you to Mrs. Cesaro. >> Sorry. >> Oh, sorry. She's late. For the youth art month show presentation, we have Amendra Masmoza.

26
02:25:18.960 --> 02:25:40.720
Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Wriggy. We now move into our student report. Good evening. Since our last board of education meeting, Roso Park High School has continued to provide meaningful opportunities for student growth and

27
02:25:40.720 --> 02:25:56.560
success. Our spring musical, MMA Mia, was a tremendous success, showcasing the talent and dedication of our students, staff, and directing team. We recognize also our student athletes at the winter sports awards ceremony and are proud of

28
02:25:56.560 --> 02:26:12.720
the strong participation in athletics. Spring sports are currently underway, including our track team, golf, softball, and baseball. Academically, we completed all grade 11 state testing and access testing for multilingual learners

29
02:26:12.720 --> 02:26:28.560
meeting all state requirements. Our PTO also continues to to support students through their senior scholarships and project graduation planning and I believe there is a senior car wash this Saturday. Um so please come and support the senior class. Um it goes towards

30
02:26:28.560 --> 02:26:45.520
their project graduation which um it's like a nice little like celebration after graduation. So please come and support. And we are proud to report that students have received acceptances from approximately 96 colleges and universities including highly selective

31
02:26:45.520 --> 02:27:00.800
institutions such as the University of Michigan, New York University, Northeastern University, Purdue University, and Syracuse University. Students also benefited from visits by career and military representatives and

32
02:27:00.800 --> 02:27:16.399
154 juniors completed teen mental health first aid certification. Looking ahead, we are preparing for college and career signing day on May 1st, AP testing across 18 courses, the TSA state championship, spring concerts, and

33
02:27:16.399 --> 02:27:39.960
continued athletic and academic programming. And this concludes my student report. Thank you. Thank you. We now move into committee reports. I'm going to start with my right and then I'll go that way. I'm good.

34
02:27:44.399 --> 02:28:01.920
>> Committee. Just committee. Committee. I >> Hi, ma'am. My turn. Right. Okay. Uh CPAC will be holding their meeting for this month. Uh Tuesday, April 28th, uh the Anthony Signarella's Youth Center, 234 Chestnut

35
02:28:01.920 --> 02:28:17.359
Street. They're going to have Sarah Zeden Wabber, a BCPBA. They're going to present regulation strategies to help our kids focus in schools and access their education. These strategies are not just for um uh children with special needs. They're for all students. Um these are strategies that will be

36
02:28:17.359 --> 02:28:33.200
helpful to them. and whether you want to support your child in general, special ed or mix of both, uh you're more than welcome to intend to come learn with them. >> I have a report as well from the curriculum committee. At our last curriculum committee meeting, we discussed the new student use of

37
02:28:33.200 --> 02:28:48.800
internet enabled devices policy aligned to recent signed legislation PL2 2025 C195. This law requires all districts to adopt a bell-to-bell policy prohibiting non-academic use of cell phones and

38
02:28:48.800 --> 02:29:05.359
personal devices during the school day by the start of the 2627 school year. While the policy must align with NJ DOE guidance, the district will maintain flexibility and determining implementation, including device storage, supervision, and enforcement procedures that best meet our local

39
02:29:05.359 --> 02:29:22.080
needs. A district committee has been formed and it consists of administrators, teachers, students, parents, and board of education members. Also, the impact grant has been extended through January of 2027, allowing us to conduct a more thoughtful

40
02:29:22.080 --> 02:29:39.439
and thorough pilot of our two K5 core ELA programs from September through December with a final recommendation for adoption anticipated in January. Lastly, we discussed the planning phases of a curriculum spotlight series, which will provide opportunities for families to

41
02:29:39.439 --> 02:30:00.920
engage with the district on key topics through virtual, in-person, or hybrid sessions. Additionally, these sessions will be recorded and shared on the district website. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, we now move into ethics training given by by Miss Clearary.

42
02:30:06.319 --> 02:30:22.720
Good evening. It's a pleasure to be with you. Um we are here to uh do the annual review of ethics training. The board for the benefit of the public um has all undergone ethics training in the past but is required to uh review it on an

43
02:30:22.720 --> 02:30:39.680
annual basis. So I'm going to start off. You've all been provided, I hope, with the electronic PDF version of this so that you'll have access to it. It has a lot of hyperlinks in there, which is why we don't print it out anymore to bring you to the source information. I have to

44
02:30:39.680 --> 02:30:56.479
start off tonight's training just with recognizing that this is meant forformational purposes and cannot be seen as legal advice. Your board attorney is the best person to guide you on any specifics, any questions that you may have, especially after this training, if anything comes to mind.

45
02:30:56.479 --> 02:31:14.080
So, the School Ethics Act is um re recognizes that it's essential that the conduct of members of local boards of education and administrators maintain and hold the respect and confidence of the community. you are school officials

46
02:31:14.080 --> 02:31:29.840
and as such you have to avoid any conduct which is in violation of the public trust or equally as important creates a justifiable impression that the public trust is being violated and that's an important distinction. It's

47
02:31:29.840 --> 02:31:46.800
not just your actions but it's the way your actions may be interpreted even if you didn't have intent. So who enforces the act? the school ethics commission which is composed of nine members appointed by the governor. No uh no more than five can be from one political

48
02:31:46.800 --> 02:32:03.280
party and it's constituted um of two school board members from throughout the state. Unfortunately, those seats I believe still are um open at this time. Uh five members uh that are appointed and two school administrators. And I

49
02:32:03.280 --> 02:32:20.080
should recognize that you um have a superintendent who has stepped up to be um one of the local one of the administrators for that. The school ethics commission, the work that they do is to provide you with guidance and support as well as to um investigate any

50
02:32:20.080 --> 02:32:36.160
cases to see if um there's any anything that needs to happen in terms of penalty or guidance. So the the purpose of the ethics act is really to and we're going to take a look at the provisions of the act which

51
02:32:36.160 --> 02:32:52.720
really lead to accountability. Um all four of these um different areas we're going to look at in in more depth as I go through the slides. We're going to look at the mandatory training that board members are required to take the actual code of ethics A throughJ which

52
02:32:52.720 --> 02:33:09.520
is only a part of the ethics act. um the disclosure statements and the prohibited acts. And just to know that um lead administrators in the district are also required um to file disclosure statements and abide by the prohibited

53
02:33:09.520 --> 02:33:24.720
acts. So your mandatory training as I'm sure you are aware um for each year of service you're required to as board members um complete your governance training within the year. So, governance one in year one, governance two in year

54
02:33:24.720 --> 02:33:41.600
two and so on. For any reelected or reappointed board members after completing a full term um in that first year of a of a new term, you have to um go through governance forward to provide you with the most recent legal updates that should be used um to inform you in

55
02:33:41.600 --> 02:33:58.479
your decision- making. New Jersey school boards is recognized as the body appointed to provide mandatory training. We um ask that you know uh the census is kept up to date so that we have proper tracking for you and your mandatory

56
02:33:58.479 --> 02:34:13.680
training. We really want to see you um be in compliance and stay in compliance to avoid any penalties. Um but we are required to um provide an out of compliance list to the school ethics commission who then can act upon it to

57
02:34:13.680 --> 02:34:29.840
um bring penalty. looking at financial um and personal relative disclosure statements. Both board members and lead administrators are required to complete these annually. When you first come on the board as a board member or are first hired into the

58
02:34:29.840 --> 02:34:45.760
district as a lead administrator, you must complete those in the first 30 days. Um but then annually, you um have a responsibility to be completing these by April 30th. It's the responsibility of each of you to know that and to ensure that you're doing it in a timely

59
02:34:45.760 --> 02:35:03.680
way to avoid penalty. The um information that's that's gained from that is actually hosted on the school ethics commission website um so that it's available to the public. Financial statements do not ask you for uh dollar amounts, but actually for the sources of

60
02:35:03.680 --> 02:35:19.520
where you draw income because that helps identify if you perhaps have any conflicts to preclude you from being able to participate in any board discussions or votes. Um we have um in red here in bold we want

61
02:35:19.520 --> 02:35:36.080
to just really point out um that this past year has seen you know a significant uptick in um people who have failed to file their forms or file failed to file them accurately or on time. So please really we're approaching

62
02:35:36.080 --> 02:35:50.319
the April 30th deadline. So just be careful and make sure that you have filed. We have a case here and I just want to point out that when we have up at the top it says C85-24 that means case 85 in the from the year

63
02:35:50.319 --> 02:36:08.080
24. Um it was found um it was decided this past year in 25 that this was actually a violation of a board member who failed to put down a source of income that she and her spouse had. Um and similar cases were being caught this

64
02:36:08.080 --> 02:36:24.240
past year. So just be accurate. They're not looking for dollar amounts, but it's really important because it goes to um decision- making later on about what you may or may not be able to participate in. On the next slides, we're going to go through A through J, which is actually

65
02:36:24.240 --> 02:36:39.520
the code of ethics. And before I leave tonight, I have just handouts for each of you that contain one single sheet with the with the code of ethics, a sign off that you can leave with the board secretary so that that is evidence that you've had your training for this year.

66
02:36:39.520 --> 02:36:57.120
um and some other information that you might find helpful. So on the bottom of each slide under underneath where it says standards that actually indicates the evidence that would have to be provided if someone to was to allege that this part of the code was violated.

67
02:36:57.120 --> 02:37:14.720
So the first one a is that you are saying that you will uphold and enforce all laws, rules and regulations of the state board of education and court orders pertaining to schools and that you only bring about changes through legal and ethical procedures. And a

68
02:37:14.720 --> 02:37:30.240
basis of knowing what those are is um as policy makers you have a policy manual that should be in compliance with state and um federal regulations. In B, it says that you'll make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of

69
02:37:30.240 --> 02:37:47.520
children and seek and maintain schools that meet individual needs of all children regardless of any identifying characteristic. That is really why we are all here, but board members in particular have to um really always maintain that focus that

70
02:37:47.520 --> 02:38:02.160
individual students will have individual needs and that public schools exist to make sure that the supports that are appropriate are put in place so that all children can succeed. C actually um sums up the roles and

71
02:38:02.160 --> 02:38:18.319
responsibilities of board members that you will confine your action to policym planning and appraisal and then to help frame policies and plans only after you have um consulted those who will be affected by them. And you mainly do this

72
02:38:18.319 --> 02:38:35.200
through a process, established process of um first and second read perhaps of policies so that the public has an opportunity to weigh in or provide you feedback on how they may be affected by policies that you're looking to create or change.

73
02:38:35.200 --> 02:38:51.280
Indeed it is um identifying here the break where your roles are policy making, planning and appraisal to uh the roles of the the superintendent. So you'll carry out your responsibility not to administer the schools which is the

74
02:38:51.280 --> 02:39:06.960
function of the superintendent but very importantly the way this is worded is together with fellow board members see that they are wellrun. So the board operates in um a majority structure. We should go further and try to always be committed to building

75
02:39:06.960 --> 02:39:23.520
consensus by listening and learning and hearing each other. Um but no individual board member has authority. So, you really need to stay um working as a a good strong team that communicates well. E goes on to say that you'll recognize

76
02:39:23.520 --> 02:39:39.680
that the authority rests with the board of education and make no personal promises or take any private action that could compromise the board. Um I think that when board members hear this, I think we all say, "I know I'm not doing that." But sometimes the devil is in the

77
02:39:39.680 --> 02:39:57.200
details. and compromising the board can come about with um without intent to do that. But we'll talk later on about relationships and look at some of the things that you may be um that may be affecting you as perhaps a volunteer on other things. We want to always maintain

78
02:39:57.200 --> 02:40:14.720
as the ethics act is designed to do the confidence in the community that you um are are being objective and not partial to any any source. Right? So, you want to be careful of how your actions can be interpreted um not just the actions that

79
02:40:14.720 --> 02:40:30.880
you take. I'll refuse to surrender my independent judgment to special interest or partisan political groups or use the schools for personal gain or the gain of friends. In a few slides, we're going to look at benefits and um conflicts that can

80
02:40:30.880 --> 02:40:48.240
arise. So, if there's a reasonable um belief, a justifiable impression for members of the community that um there's a benefit to you or your family, that would of course um take away the trust that's necessary for you to uphold. So,

81
02:40:48.240 --> 02:41:05.840
we really are here to um independently weigh what the information, work together as a as a team in service to students, and be focused especially on student achievement. G goes on to say that you'll hold confidential all matters pertaining to

82
02:41:05.840 --> 02:41:23.359
the schools that could possibly injure a party or the schools. So it goes on to say that afterwards you'll provide accurate information in concert with your fellow board members. Again the board itself is the authority that

83
02:41:23.359 --> 02:41:39.760
has the granted authority not individual board members. So um maintaining confidentiality is very important to understand especially because we recognize that we also on the other side of it want to be transparent with our community. But committee work is a

84
02:41:39.760 --> 02:41:54.960
perfect example as well as your executive session where those things discussed should be held confidential until the time that it's appropriate to share with the community. And the way you would know that is that that would then wind up on the board agenda,

85
02:41:54.960 --> 02:42:10.880
meaning that it's prepared and ready to now be discussed in public and um entertain any questions that come up. Pri doing that prior to the time where it's prepared can actually undermine the work and efficiency of the board and the district.

86
02:42:10.880 --> 02:42:26.319
H is that I will vote I will vote to appoint the best qualified personnel available after consideration of the recommendation of your superintendent. So it's the role of the superintendent as the educational leader and um chief

87
02:42:26.319 --> 02:42:43.280
executive running day-to-day operations to match up any openings with qualified personnel and to make that recommendation to the board. the board is not authorized to recommend people for hire or to petition for people to be hired. You have and you would look at

88
02:42:43.280 --> 02:42:59.840
your policies to see um what you may be entitled to um have available to know that that is someone that you helps you to support the recommendation of the superintendent but the role of hiring is limited for board members.

89
02:42:59.840 --> 02:43:16.399
I will support and protect personnel in the proper performance of their duties. As sitting board members, I'm sure that you recognize the importance of um maintaining good relationships with your staff and um recognizing that at times

90
02:43:16.399 --> 02:43:32.240
people in the community, parents um perhaps even yourselves on the board may have concerns about material uh that's being discussed in classrooms. But as long as the um staff is operating appropriately to what they are required

91
02:43:32.240 --> 02:43:47.279
to be doing under New Jersey student learning standards um and their behavior is appropriate as outlined in what the expectations are that you create through your policies, then regardless of your personal opinion, you are obligated to support personnel that maintains good

92
02:43:47.279 --> 02:44:02.800
operations and efficiencies that lead to better outcomes for your students. Jay, I will refer all complaints to the superintendent and act on those complaints at public meetings only after the failure of an administrative

93
02:44:02.800 --> 02:44:19.439
solution. This is one that I know for sure as a former board member myself touches your life all the time. When people see you out and about in the community and approach you because they are looking for a solution to a um a concern or problem that they have, we

94
02:44:19.439 --> 02:44:35.920
really need to be prepared to explain to them that you are prohibited from really having that discussion and recom uh send them to the appropriate person on the chain of command. Um the reason for that is that individuals again hold no

95
02:44:35.920 --> 02:44:52.479
authority even though that may be a misinterpreted by your community. So you can educate them about the fact that you have to be in compliance with the code of ethics. Um it's there's no way for you individually to shortcut and get them the answer that they're hoping for. Now, if it goes up through the chain of

96
02:44:52.479 --> 02:45:07.439
command, even up and up to and including the superintendent's desk, and there's um a lack of agreement on that being the best solution, in those rare instances, it may come before the full board at a public meeting. And at that time, the

97
02:45:07.439 --> 02:45:23.760
board would be asked to support or not support the recommendation of the superintendent. Um, but if you have had conversations or said anything along the lines of, "I'll look into it. Let me get back to you." um or discuss the issue, you would have to recuse yourself likely

98
02:45:23.760 --> 02:45:39.760
from um participating in what would really be your authority as a board member. So, we've covered A through J and now we look at filing um ethics complaints. Anyone in the community can file an

99
02:45:39.760 --> 02:45:55.840
ethics complaint if they believe that there's been a violation. They have to do it within 180 days of the alleged violation. They have to identify the section and part of the act that they believe has been violated. And as I

100
02:45:55.840 --> 02:46:12.479
showed on those slides, there's factual information that has to be provided to support that because the ethics commission has to do an investigation and they're going to have questions, but they need um something of value to start that discussion with. There is something that we like to

101
02:46:12.479 --> 02:46:28.640
highlight. um that people who file frivolous, you know, um ethics violations because perhaps there's a disagreement or they just don't like another party can be subject to a $500 fine. So, um what we're really looking

102
02:46:28.640 --> 02:46:44.479
for is for you to understand that even if an ethics violation is filed against you, there's a process. That process needs to be clear to be fair to all parties. um and it will be investigated and handled appropriately by the ethics commission.

103
02:46:44.479 --> 02:47:00.560
If after their investigation they have determined the ethics commission has determined that they there is um a substantiated violation they will then recommend the um penalty to be imposed to the commissioner. The commissioner

104
02:47:00.560 --> 02:47:15.760
has to act upon that recommendation of the commission. The first one is a reprimand which would be basically a learning experience um that it's recognized that there was actually um a violation but it wasn't impactful enough

105
02:47:15.760 --> 02:47:33.040
to be detrimental to the community. So you um learn from that, don't do it again. A censure becomes more public. it recognizes that there was a violation and the board has to make a public resolution um so that the community it

106
02:47:33.040 --> 02:47:48.720
is made aware of it followed by um a suspension it form more serious acts and these are things that would have a negative impact and undermine the community's um trust in public school officials

107
02:47:48.720 --> 02:48:05.359
that suspension can be um recommended for 30 60 90 days whatever they feel is appropriate these cases are decided in in great part on the specifics and the impact it would have on your community. And finally, um removal from the board.

108
02:48:05.359 --> 02:48:21.439
So, um and if if it's a an administrator who's failed to file um documentation they're required to or in any other way broken ethics, they would uh could be terminated. In the past, um, board members who found

109
02:48:21.439 --> 02:48:39.359
themselves, um, to be in violation have said, "Well, my board attorney said it was okay to do." Um, just be aware that advice of counsel is no longer a defense to remove penalties. It may or may not mitigate penalties if these four things

110
02:48:39.359 --> 02:48:54.960
were present. That you ask for the information and guidance from the attorney um, in advance of taking action. that you uh got the advice from the board attorney who's actually the authorized person to give you guidance,

111
02:48:54.960 --> 02:49:11.279
that you disclosed all pertinent facts, and that you complied with the advice that was given to you to follow. Um, if those things are in place, it may or may not reduce the penalty, but not remove it. So,

112
02:49:11.279 --> 02:49:27.920
we're going to just take a quick look at some cases to make this seem a little bit um more understandable. Again, all of these cases are hyperlinks and I recommend that you do kind of take a moment to go through them just to be aware and um they can be very helpful to

113
02:49:27.920 --> 02:49:44.800
you. So, a board member had um made a statement that the board was prepared to reduce instructional time and made this statement after this information was shared in executive session, failed to hold it confidential after the

114
02:49:44.800 --> 02:50:00.560
superintendent had made it very clear that this should not be discussed. Um, and what that led to was they were in negotiations with the bargaining unit and it did put the district at a disadvantage with that going out. It was

115
02:50:00.560 --> 02:50:16.240
also um found that that individual really was speaking really on behalf of the board without the appropriate um ability to do so because they weren't authorized to speak for the board and um went ahead and re revealed information.

116
02:50:16.240 --> 02:50:31.680
So this was recommended for censure. So a moment ago talking about the need to understand when is appropriate to hold confidential those things that need to be held confidential. This is also part of it. The second one is something that

117
02:50:31.680 --> 02:50:47.760
seems minor that could lead to um a reprimand. So it's just worth understanding. A board member used board email to um respond and say that they were going to attend the CPAG meeting. that could that left the impression that

118
02:50:47.760 --> 02:51:02.479
they were attending as a board member and not as apparent as which was actually the truth of why they were going. Um it could cause confusion and anything that they said at that meeting could be seen through a different lens if people think that they're talking um

119
02:51:02.479 --> 02:51:19.840
on behalf of the board. So that led to a reprimand. So we have to be very careful. Something as simple as just using the wrong email to respond um could have uh you know an impact that you hadn't considered. The bottom case here is one that we've

120
02:51:19.840 --> 02:51:35.520
carried over from last year. Um, all of the field service reps that go out and do this training agreed that it was important to remind boards that board members, even who have 15 plus years of experience and have sat through this type of ethics training for those years,

121
02:51:35.520 --> 02:51:51.840
can still make bad choices. Um and this board member usurped the authority of the superintendent who um regarding a disciplinary action for a staff member. The board member didn't agree with the superintendent and it was

122
02:51:51.840 --> 02:52:07.359
purely under the superintendent's authority to make the recommendation for disciplinary action. That board member um had a letter drafted by the staff member. went to their house, picked it up, was um speaking on behalf, trying to convince the other board members

123
02:52:07.359 --> 02:52:22.640
individually um to support them and not the superintendent. Gave it to the BA, told the BA not to tell the superintendent, and then spoke publicly in support of the staff member, undermining the authority of the superintendent. So, um not surprisingly, that violated

124
02:52:22.640 --> 02:52:38.160
many, many parts of the code of ethics and led to a suspension of 60 days. So experience doesn't guarantee that we're um not making bad choices. So it's it's important that we do have these refreshers to just keep this in uh front

125
02:52:38.160 --> 02:52:53.680
of mind. Recusal versus abstension. There might be appropriate times to abstain. If you are asked to vote on accepting the meeting minutes from the last meeting, but you weren't in attendance, you would abstain from that because you shouldn't

126
02:52:53.680 --> 02:53:08.399
be voting on something that you weren't there for. Recusal, it's important to understand the um recusal and how that's different is actually the formal way to recognize that you as a board member having sat through ethics training

127
02:53:08.399 --> 02:53:25.600
understand that something may appear to a reasonable member of your community as something that would violate their trust um or lead them to believe that you aren't objective. Remembering it's not how you feel. If you could be objective, it's how you can be perceived. In that

128
02:53:25.600 --> 02:53:41.840
case, you should recuse yourself um and avoid any discussions on that topic or any votes. It's always important to um have that conversation with board counsel, preferably before the meeting so that um they are aware. Uh it could

129
02:53:41.840 --> 02:53:57.760
have an impact on quorum that night if you have people out. So, there are just some things to consider and um board counsel can also guide you if you have questions about lay it out the facts and tell you if you should be recusing yourself or not. I'm not going to really

130
02:53:57.760 --> 02:54:13.120
spend too much time here on relationship definitions. Um this ties into the family um disclosure statement that you have, personal relative disclosure statement that you have to file, but I'm going to hand out um a reference sheet that goes into it way more than what's

131
02:54:13.120 --> 02:54:27.840
up on this screen. So now you want to do the right thing, but sometimes something pops up and we're not sure what the right thing is. So you can or the board attorney on your behalf can ask for an advisory opinion um to guide you before

132
02:54:27.840 --> 02:54:45.600
you take action. And if if it's looked at from the school ethics commission as a question that could be valuable to other board members throughout the state, it'll be put in basically an electronic library for reference. And on this this page at the

133
02:54:45.600 --> 02:55:02.479
bottom, there's a hyperlink that will bring you to that library of previously given advisory opinions. So before you ask for an advisory opinion, you may want to check if something similar has been already advised. Very similar to a police officer. Um I

134
02:55:02.479 --> 02:55:19.359
don't have to know the uh the speed limit between my house and here. I can't if I get pulled over and I'm speeding. I can't use the fact that I wasn't aware as an excuse, right? Once it's out there, it's out there. It's my responsibility of being in compliance.

135
02:55:19.359 --> 02:55:35.359
Similar to this situation. Um, saying that you're you weren't aware that an advisory opinion had been given in the past that speaks to this to guide your behavior is not an excuse. So, I recommend that you really do click on that link and just review some of the

136
02:55:35.359 --> 02:55:51.359
advisory opinions, especially the more recent ones. Um, so that you're familiar on this. And the next slide, we have the advisory opinions that were provided and released in 2025. And there's a brief summary of what they um are referring

137
02:55:51.359 --> 02:56:08.479
to. Um, but of course, when you click on that hyperlink to advisory opinions, it's going to be all that have given that have been given, but these are the ones most recently here. So I don't want to take the board's time to review all of them, but I strongly suggest you become familiar with them.

138
02:56:08.479 --> 02:56:25.279
So one of the things we have to avoid under the code of ethics is having a personal gain or benefit to us or a family member. So they recognize that there has to be a definition that we all are abiding by. So the ethics regulation

139
02:56:25.279 --> 02:56:40.640
definition of a benefit is direct or indirect advantage, profit, privilege or gain, whether personal, right? It could be that you know some action you take is going to benefit you by everybody thinking you're um a really great person

140
02:56:40.640 --> 02:56:58.080
better than somebody else um financial or otherwise. And I would really bring your attention to the gray area of a term like or otherwise. these cases are decided on the specifics presented for that case and the impact it will have on your community. So that's a way to keep

141
02:56:58.080 --> 02:57:14.880
it open um to allow for that. The determinative factor that's going to decide if there is a violation there is um not your personal belief but the perception of the public. So there this case that's here a board

142
02:57:14.880 --> 02:57:31.920
member from the board table um announced that he was running for general assembly and you know he did it at the end of a meeting from my understanding without much fanfare but it was someone made a complaint about that and it was determined that it could be seen as

143
02:57:31.920 --> 02:57:47.920
using a position um a privilege of sitting on the board um that whoever they were running against didn't have access to. So um it was considered a personal benefit and it was a reprimand.

144
02:57:47.920 --> 02:58:04.000
So prohibited acts prohibited acts are listed here but there's a hyperlink up at top that goes into um more you know provides more information for you to consider. But of course, um, if there's a benefit to you as that school official

145
02:58:04.000 --> 02:58:20.880
or a family member, and again, I'm going to give you the list of of those relationships to consider. If there's a perceived or real business interest or professional activity and conflict, any use of your position to get privileges

146
02:58:20.880 --> 02:58:37.680
that wouldn't be available to someone else not serving on the board. um financial involvement that could be seen as impairing your objectivity. If you work for a textbook firm and you know you're deciding as a board to which vendor to go with for textbooks, maybe

147
02:58:37.680 --> 02:58:53.680
you shouldn't be participating in the discussion or the vote on that service or employment that could prejudice your judgment, any gifts, favors or financial gains. And really very importantly, you have to recognize that as board members, you can't represent any other person or

148
02:58:53.680 --> 02:59:09.279
party um other than the board or the district in matters that are coming before you. And that's something that helps the community to see that you really they can have confidence in your objectivity. And you're here to serve

149
02:59:09.279 --> 02:59:26.160
the interest of the district because the interest of the district is serving the interest of the students. And that's really the heart of why you're here. So, one of the prohibited acts cases that came out this year, um, and this is just a lesson to be super careful on

150
02:59:26.160 --> 02:59:40.399
something that you do on a regular basis, approving a bill's list. This board member um was found to have um a direct or indirect financial gain um because they were represented by a law

151
02:59:40.399 --> 02:59:58.160
firm that provided free um consultation to um regarding an ethics charge that was filed against that board member. So by nature of that relationship that was personal it was separate from board work and when the bills list came they voted

152
02:59:58.160 --> 03:00:13.760
to approve payment of that law firm right and it when it was looked at it was determined that a board member who's gone through ethics training should have been aware that that would look a certain way to members of the community.

153
03:00:13.760 --> 03:00:29.439
Um and it was recommended censure. And when you see the term recommended censure, it's because the school ethics commission has made that determination and that's what's recommended to the governor, I'm sorry, to the commissioner who has to finally impose that formally.

154
03:00:29.439 --> 03:00:46.479
We have other cases here. Um the the one on the top actually was a very unfortunate situation. These cases were put together all to do with one board filing ethics charges against one another. Um and using the board attorney

155
03:00:46.479 --> 03:01:04.560
to do that and the board itself cannot file ethics charges. Ethics charges have to be filed by individuals. Um and individual board members shouldn't have the benefit of using the board attorney for personal matters. So this became very complicated. Um and there was

156
03:01:04.560 --> 03:01:21.920
recommended censure on this case. So I'm going to move forward on these. Um you really are strongly recommend, you know, it's strongly recommended to you to become familiar with these. Um no one, you know, I wouldn't think anyone

157
03:01:21.920 --> 03:01:38.640
here sets out to be in violation. Um but being aware of how things can play out and be interpreted really is something that should guide you moving into hiring and personnel. Um you may not hire the relative of a board member or your

158
03:01:38.640 --> 03:01:54.640
superintendent. There are times when a family member of a board member or the superintendent even could have preceded you and your service to the district. In that case, an administrator cannot have any um cannot exercise any direct or

159
03:01:54.640 --> 03:02:12.479
indirect control over uh their relative. So, so plans really have to be taken and put in writing to guide how that will happen, how that staff member um who will be supervising them and such. A board member can't take part in employment matters concerning the

160
03:02:12.479 --> 03:02:28.960
superintendent. Um, if you have a family member for any for anyone on that chain of command, right, and you can't participate in the superintendent's evaluation, you're conflicted from um evaluating the superintendent, which is otherwise

161
03:02:28.960 --> 03:02:44.000
something you are required to do under statute annually. There can be um if you have a family member, relative working in the district, there can be real impacts to that that you should be aware of. Um a

162
03:02:44.000 --> 03:03:00.399
board president had a child um an adult child working as an instructional assistant and was was told that they could not participate in anything that could in any way possibly touch upon

163
03:03:00.399 --> 03:03:17.680
their family members employment which meant that they were not able to participate in personnel negotiations instructional and finance committees not limited to that. The important thing about that is at reorganization when you select your board president, you want to

164
03:03:17.680 --> 03:03:32.800
be sure that these types of conflicts aren't in place because that person would really be restricted from being able to fulfill the role and responsibilities of the board president. Um likewise for someone uh that's not the president of the board but a board

165
03:03:32.800 --> 03:03:49.760
member um similarly you would be restricted from participating in those committees as well. So, um, just be really, you know, aware of that and ask those questions of your board attorney if, um, you have any, you know, doubts

166
03:03:49.760 --> 03:04:04.960
about your ability to participate. The next part that's important to understand, of course, with collective bargaining, it's important um, that we recognize that if we have conflicts, we may not be able to participate. This is

167
03:04:04.960 --> 03:04:21.279
a reference chart about whether you have a family member um working in the district or in um a a union that might be outside of the district but fulfilling a higher level in that um it

168
03:04:21.279 --> 03:04:36.160
might restrict you from certain things. I really uh say this is just for reference, but the best person to really speak to, especially when it comes to this is your board attorney for guidance about your ability to participate. Board members who receive union

169
03:04:36.160 --> 03:04:52.399
endorsements um may be conflicted from that bargaining process if the negotiations begin within the first year. When I was a board member, I enjoyed the support of my local union. Um, and we happened to come into negotiations that first year and I

170
03:04:52.399 --> 03:05:09.359
didn't participate in it. You, you know, the second well the second round after that I was on the board still. I was able to participate, right? So, it's um a matter of, you know, timing and perception. There's not necessarily um a conflict,

171
03:05:09.359 --> 03:05:24.960
you know, by getting that support. Um, but we have to be very careful about how that could look or be interpreted by the community. We know that most board members have gotten to the board table because they've been involved in the community

172
03:05:24.960 --> 03:05:40.640
and the schools and have been volunteering for other things. So, the ethics commission does not say that you can't be volunteering, but it really as a board member becomes very important to to consider two things. the level of

173
03:05:40.640 --> 03:05:57.359
your involvement with students and staff in other volunteer activities outside of the board. Um, and the authority that you would have in those roles to give directions um or to guide funds where they're going to be spent that the level

174
03:05:57.359 --> 03:06:14.160
and the degree could cause a conflict. Remembering that the code of ethics says that you confine your board action to policym planning and appraisal. So that's really the focus of what you're here to do and it's a huge responsibility to be a board member. Um

175
03:06:14.160 --> 03:06:29.840
so be very careful um about things that would put you in the schools in heightened at a heightened level um working shouldertoshoulder with staff, right? Because that's a relationship that can come into play and undermine

176
03:06:29.840 --> 03:06:46.880
the um good work of the board. You're not supposed to be administering the schools. So any volunteer work that would have you in an authority role to direct funds or um make decisions, direct uh staff members would be um

177
03:06:46.880 --> 03:07:02.960
against what you're here to do and not take any private action that could compromise the board. So I'm not suggesting that you can't, you know, have a friendship with someone that you might have had a friendship with or a teacher that you really liked um and had great experiences with. We always want

178
03:07:02.960 --> 03:07:19.520
to be supportive, but remember that you will as part of a board be making decisions at times that can impact their employment. And so we really don't want to be seen as um being favorites with someone or being in that um you know

179
03:07:19.520 --> 03:07:35.040
that staff that staff room, right? That's not where a board member belongs. as um board members, if you have children in the schools and you're visiting the schools, remember that you have no greater authority to be walking

180
03:07:35.040 --> 03:07:52.399
through those halls than any member of the community. We live in an environment where we don't have open doors anymore for our schools for security and safety reasons and to maintain the focus on teaching and learning in the schools. But if you have a valid, you know, a valid reason to be there, um it's good

181
03:07:52.399 --> 03:08:08.880
practice to advise the superintendent's office um that you're going to be there as a parent or if you are volunteering for something in the school that day so that the superintendent's office is aware. Always refrain from any board discussions. Even if someone in that

182
03:08:08.880 --> 03:08:24.720
building tries to engage you with some board business, um it's inappropriate to be discussing that. You can always encourage them to come out to board meetings and stay on focus for your visit. If you're there for a parent teacher conference, um once that's

183
03:08:24.720 --> 03:08:40.960
ending, just the way any other parent would be expected to do, leave the building. Um don't be walking through the halls or engaging with other staff. Really be very clear on the purpose of why you're there. social media. This would be a really quick part if I was allowed to just tell

184
03:08:40.960 --> 03:08:59.439
you not to do it, but we know that social media is part of the world that we live in, but you have heightened responsibility as board members and um being subject to the the um ethics act. So you want to recognize that the

185
03:08:59.439 --> 03:09:16.160
content, substance, and context of what you are saying through social media um will determine whether there's that nexus between the statements you're making and board business, right? So, if you're going on and you're just, you

186
03:09:16.160 --> 03:09:31.760
know, encouraging people to come out to um the the play or the, you know, see the kids or saying how wonderful a performance or a game was, that's that's probably going to be okay. But if you're talking about board business and you're trying to say you're saying it as an

187
03:09:31.760 --> 03:09:48.160
individual, you have to remember your community knows you sit on the board and will always believe that you're speaking on behalf of the board. So, be very careful. The School Ethics Commission recommends that you use a disclaimer if you feel the need to be making statements about

188
03:09:48.160 --> 03:10:04.560
board business or anything to do with the running of the schools. Um, important to know, you're not required to use this disclaimer, but it is recommended by the authority that will judge whether or not you're in violation. Um, there are two parts of this disclaimer to know. The first one

189
03:10:04.560 --> 03:10:21.600
is talking about the fact that you're recognizing and you want to share with everyone that you're speaking as an individual citizen and not as a board member. And the second equally important part is that you're saying that you're not speaking for other board members and it only represents your own personal

190
03:10:21.600 --> 03:10:38.560
opinion. But again, if it's reviewed and it seems to be that you're leaving the impression um with a reasonable member of the community that you are speaking for the board because you have access to information, which you do at times, that's not um generally available to the

191
03:10:38.560 --> 03:10:56.640
public, then you could be risking being in violation. There was a case of this that was decided this year from 2023 um because cases do run over time where a board member made statements on social media

192
03:10:56.640 --> 03:11:14.960
um regarding um regarding materials that are used. and a staff member saw it and it started, you know, a lot of upset in the schools because there was concern that the board was about to um remove materials,

193
03:11:14.960 --> 03:11:31.439
teaching materials from the classroom. So, we recognized that the board has the authority and has to approve required materials. um but there's a policy that you have in place and a policy that you have to follow. And this board wasn't even um considering that at this time.

194
03:11:31.439 --> 03:11:48.720
But a statement that a board member made um kind of musing about what would happen really sparked a lot of concern and brought a lot of distraction and upset and all of that takes away the from the efficient running of the district that should be focused on

195
03:11:48.720 --> 03:12:05.439
serving students. So, this led to a reprimand. Um, so it's just an example of why you want to be really careful about what you say and how you say it because how you intend it may not be how it's received um and causes a lot of

196
03:12:05.439 --> 03:12:20.800
distraction and confusion. So, important information to keep in mind, texting from the board table can result in an Oprah request to open up your phone. Um, when you are at the board

197
03:12:20.800 --> 03:12:37.600
table, it's recommended that you refrain from texting because it can be interpreted by members of the public that you are texting someone about board business during board time. When you're here, you're here and should be focused on the agenda and the work of the board during this meeting. So, protect

198
03:12:37.600 --> 03:12:53.920
yourselves and just know that that is a possibility. Um, an ethics complaint, anybody can file an ethics complaint. It doesn't necessarily make it true. Um, and it has to show that there's that nexus between what you are saying and

199
03:12:53.920 --> 03:13:10.880
board business that could lead to that confusion. Always you are your child's advocate first and foremost and when meeting with staff as a parent um you know refrain from saying that you're a board member. I would also say that on your personal

200
03:13:10.880 --> 03:13:26.319
social media pages, if you have Facebook, Instagram, or whatever is new out there, do not identify yourself in the bio as a board member. You're just inviting inviting trouble. Okay? Refrain from using social media pages that you

201
03:13:26.319 --> 03:13:43.200
may have used when you were running to be a board member. Once you become a board member, the reason for that is you pretty much could say what you wanted before because you weren't held to the standards of the ethics act, but now that you're a board member, you are. And that can cause confusion and pain for

202
03:13:43.200 --> 03:14:00.479
you that you can avoid by just not doing that. And it's strongly recommended that you as a sitting board member not be the administrator on any social media pages because what you allow on that social media page um can be viewed as being

203
03:14:00.479 --> 03:14:16.080
supportive of that issue and anything that you don't permit on that social media page can be seen as a statement of not supporting that on that issue. So, it gets into um really gray areas and invites distraction and takes away from

204
03:14:16.080 --> 03:14:31.600
the good important work that you're here to do. So, you're still awake and I appreciate that. Um we've hit the end of the presentation. These are the hyperlinks that will bring you to the information that you need. And if it's okay to

205
03:14:31.600 --> 03:15:00.239
approach, I'm just going to leave the packets for you that contain the information that um you should have. And there's a sign off page. You want to just re turn to your uh board secretary. I should say if there are any questions before I leave.

206
03:15:00.239 --> 03:15:16.880
If not, I just want to thank you as board members for your service. I know it's the biggest most important volunteer work that you're doing and takes a tremendous amount of commitment. Um, my card is on there. So, um, I always like to just remind you that I am

207
03:15:16.880 --> 03:15:33.600
available to speak to you. Um, pro provide resources, point you in the direction or have a conversation. You can reach out to me. Any board member can at any time. And when you do, that conversation is confidential because my goal is to just make sure that you have what you need to do this challenging

208
03:15:33.600 --> 03:15:49.920
work. Um, and not to involve myself in the work of the board. Separately, there's a sheet in there about some of the services I do provide for full board training. So, if anything seems appropriate or you're interested in learning more, just please reach out to me. Okay? And thank you so much.

209
03:15:49.920 --> 03:16:08.080
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. Policy agenda item one. The superintendent recommends one district policies second reading.

210
03:16:08.080 --> 03:16:27.600
Approval of policy section. Um motion to approve. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Okay. Hearing none. Roll call, please. >> Christian Camillo, >> yes.

211
03:16:27.600 --> 03:16:44.800
>> Vice President Mark Fernandez, >> yes. >> Lucy Figero, >> yes. >> Zian Fonte, >> Dr. Brittney Kirkland, >> yes. >> Jennifer Mano, >> yes. >> Gregory Pocowski, >> yes. >> Constance Quintella,

212
03:16:44.800 --> 03:16:58.960
>> yes. >> President Michael Anne Regan, >> yes. >> Motion passed. >> Okay. Personnel agenda items 2 through 13. Two, resolution and paraprofessionals sidebar agreement.

213
03:16:58.960 --> 03:17:15.279
Three, paraprofessional additional time. Four, resignation. Five, night event proctor aline. Six, additional classes, middle school, high school amended. Seven, high school coach resignation.

214
03:17:15.279 --> 03:17:29.600
Eight, chaperones, school nurse for young for American young voices chorus trip. Nine, district substitutes. 10, 2026 2027 custodial maintenance employees holiday schedule. 11,

215
03:17:29.600 --> 03:17:48.279
administrative leave. 12, summer camp. 13, medical leaves of absence 2025 2026. Uh, may I have a motion to approve this section? >> Motion. >> Second. Is there any discussion?

216
03:17:55.040 --> 03:18:12.960
>> Okay. Hearing none. Roll call, please. >> Christian Camo. >> Yes. With an with an extension on 9E. >> Vice President Mark Fernandez. >> Yes. With a recruit recusal on uh 9E.

217
03:18:12.960 --> 03:18:33.359
Lucy Figerito. >> Yes. >> Zean Fonte. >> Is he there? >> Dr. Brittney Kirkland. >> Yes. With an abstension for 9E. >> Jennifer Mano.

218
03:18:33.359 --> 03:18:51.439
>> Yes. >> Gregory Pocowski. >> Yes. With an abstension on 9E. Constance Quintella. >> Yes. >> President Michael Anne Rean. >> Yes. Uh with rec with a recusal from

219
03:18:51.439 --> 03:19:21.520
number two. >> So doesn't pass. >> Motion pass with the exception of 9E. Moving on to the education section. Agenda items 14 through 23. 14. CPR certification class. 15.

220
03:19:21.520 --> 03:19:38.960
Conference attendance request. 16. Rosal Park Public School District's 2026 2027 preschool program plan. 17. Field trip request. 18. Termination of tuition special education.

221
03:19:38.960 --> 03:19:54.880
19. Professional development. 20. Elementary spring concert 2025 2026. 21. Approval of contract Janie Consulting. 22. Educational assemblies.

222
03:19:54.880 --> 03:20:15.680
23. Garden enhancement grant award. May I have a mo uh may I have a motion to approve this section? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. Uh, any discussion on this section? Okay, hearing none. Roll call, please.

223
03:20:15.680 --> 03:20:33.600
>> Christian Camillo, >> yes. >> Vice President Mark Fernandez, >> yes. >> Lucy Figerito, >> yes. >> Zean Fonte, >> Dr. Brittany Kirkland, >> yes. >> Jennifer Mano, >> yes. >> Gregory Picowski,

224
03:20:33.600 --> 03:20:53.520
>> yes. Constance Quintella. >> Yes. >> President Michael Anne Regan. >> Yes. >> Motion passed. >> Business agenda items 24 through 28. Monthly certification. 24 monthly certification. 25. Approval

225
03:20:53.520 --> 03:21:10.640
of bills. 26. Approval of minutes. 27. Use of buildings and grounds. 28. 2026. 2027. food service contract renewal. Uh, may I have a motion for the for to approve the business section? >> Motion.

226
03:21:10.640 --> 03:21:27.680
>> Second. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Okay. Roll call, please. >> Christian Camilillo, >> yes. >> Vice President Mark Fernandez, >> yes. >> Lucy Figero,

227
03:21:27.680 --> 03:21:46.080
>> yes. Zay Infonte. >> Dr. Brittney Kirkland. >> Yes. With an abstension from 26. >> Jennifer Mano. >> Yes. >> Gregory Picowski. >> Yes. >> Constance Quintella. >> Yes. >> President Michael Lean Regan. >> Yes.

228
03:21:46.080 --> 03:22:06.479
>> Motion passed. >> Okay. Harassment, intimidation, bullying incidents. Agenda item 29, harassment, intimidation, bullying incidents. to affirm the superintendent's recommendation on the following harassment, intimidation, bullying

229
03:22:06.479 --> 03:22:21.200
incidents subject to all parental appellet rights afforded under New Jersey law. Um, may I please have a motion to approve this section? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Um,

230
03:22:21.200 --> 03:22:37.880
roll call, please. >> Christian Camo. Yes. >> Vice President Mark Fernandez. >> Yes. As discussed, >> Lucy Figero,

231
03:22:37.920 --> 03:22:55.439
>> are you doing the regular one? 29. >> Yeah, just the regular one. Just what's on the agenda, not anything extra. >> Number 29. >> Yes. All of the above. >> Zamfante. >> Yes. >> Dr. Brittney Kirkland.

232
03:22:55.439 --> 03:23:15.200
>> Yes. Yes to all. >> Jennifer Mano. >> Yes to all. >> Gregory Pelicowski. >> Yes to all. >> Constance Quintella. >> Yes to all. >> President Michael Anne Rean. >> Yes to all. >> Motion passed. >> New new business

233
03:23:15.200 --> 03:23:40.160
and liaison reports. Does anybody have >> I have a leazison report. >> Okay. >> Are you doing your new business first? >> Go ahead. >> New business. >> Okay. Okay. New business first.

234
03:23:40.160 --> 03:24:02.640
Um, can I have a motion to add the settlements agreement as a result of a grievance? >> Motion. >> Is there a second? >> Second. Whereas the Rosel Park Board of

235
03:24:02.640 --> 03:24:18.319
Education Board and the Rosell Park Education Association Association are parties to a collective bargaining agreement. Whereas the association filed a grievance on behalf of some of its members concerning entitlement to a six period stipen. Whereas both parties

236
03:24:18.319 --> 03:24:34.319
reached a mutually agreeable resolution of the grievance without admission of wrongdoing by either party as set forth in the attached settlement agreement and general release. Whereas the superintendent recommends that the board approve the settlement agreement and general release in the interest of

237
03:24:34.319 --> 03:24:51.279
ending all disputes and controversies amongst the parties. Be it resolved that the board hereby approves subject to review by legal counsel as to legality and form the attached settlement agreement and general release and authorizes the board president to execute the settlement agreement on

238
03:24:51.279 --> 03:25:10.319
behalf of the board. >> Roll call, please. Christian Camillo, >> yes. >> Vice President Mark Fernandez, >> yes. >> Lucy Figero, >> no. >> Zean Fonte, >> yes.

239
03:25:10.319 --> 03:25:26.960
>> Dr. Brittney Kirkland, >> yes. >> Jennifer Mano, >> yes. >> Gregory Policowski, >> yes. >> Constance Quintella, >> yes. >> President Michael Lean Reagan, >> I'm recusing myself from this vote.

240
03:25:26.960 --> 03:25:45.680
Motion passed. >> Now voting on the recommendation of the superintendent for HI number 2425047. Um roll call. Uh roll call, please. Oh, may I please have a motion? >> Motion. >> Uh in a second. >> Second.

241
03:25:45.680 --> 03:26:01.840
>> Okay. Roll call, please. >> Christian Camo, >> yes. >> Vice President Mark Fernandez, >> yes. >> Lucy Figero, >> no. Zean Fonte, >> yes. >> Dr. Brittney Kirkland, >> yes. >> Jennifer Mano,

242
03:26:01.840 --> 03:26:17.120
>> yes. >> Gregory Pocowski, >> yes. >> Constance Quintella, >> no. >> President Michael Anne Reagan, >> yes. >> Motion passed. >> Okay. Um, liaison reports. I will start

243
03:26:17.120 --> 03:26:35.279
with my right side and work my way left. >> Uh, yes. I attended the Aldine PTO meeting and uh first off want to say that they are accepting nominations for next year's PTO executive board. After a

244
03:26:35.279 --> 03:26:53.200
long uh standing um run that the current co-presidents have had, they are stepping down and looking for nominations. Um next up is that their tricky tray will be held on uh May 2nd. Everyone please come out and have some fun. Uh May 4th through the 8th is

245
03:26:53.200 --> 03:27:18.640
teacher appreciation week. May 15th is special persons day and May 29th is field day. Uh that's all I have. Thank you. >> Um okay. Rosel Park High School uh went to their PTO meeting last night. In fact, their president and vice president

246
03:27:18.640 --> 03:27:34.800
are sitting with us here. Um they are selling and going to raffle off a parking spot for students. It's a VIP spot. It is $10 a day for seniors, $15 a day for junior. Right now it's on their

247
03:27:34.800 --> 03:27:50.880
Facebook page. I believe Miss Costa is going to be sending out an email. Um so everyone please go. I think it's $40 a week for seniors and 70 for juniors. So you can buy the whole week and your student will get a VIP spot in front of the school. I believe Frank's painting

248
03:27:50.880 --> 03:28:06.080
it red. >> No. >> Yeah, it's already red. Okay. >> Um, uh, they will be having their 26 27 PTO elections. I know Wendy and Frank are still able to stay on, but they do need

249
03:28:06.080 --> 03:28:22.640
a secretary and treasurer. So, if there's any ninth or tth grade parents that are interested, they would love to have anyone could do it, but nth orth grade parents for a secretary or treasurer. If you want to nominate them or nominate yourself, please do. Um,

250
03:28:22.640 --> 03:28:38.000
Thursday is bring your child to work day. Uh, they also need donations and volunteers for teacher appreciation week. May 28th is the photo festival of the arts at the school. I think 7.

251
03:28:38.000 --> 03:28:53.359
Do you know what time? >> Starts at 7. Okay. At 7. May 21st is their spring concert. May 16th, the T the TSA is hosting a color run with the middle school. And let's see, May 1st is

252
03:28:53.359 --> 03:29:14.800
college signing day and June 4th is prom at the Sapphire Grand. And this Saturday is the car wash. So, please help them out for seniors. Thank you. Thank you.

253
03:29:14.800 --> 03:29:41.520
We're now going to move into the public participation portion. Each member of the public may speak a maximum of three minutes. Please state your name for the record. Good evening. Joe Signarella Jr. 625 Woodland A Rosel Park. Uh couple months

254
03:29:41.520 --> 03:29:59.040
ago, uh the school nurse from the high school asked the the burrow help out on a project that was put on here last Thursday in the high school in the middle school. Um um a gentleman, Matthew Bachi, that lost his father and

255
03:29:59.040 --> 03:30:17.279
got involved with opioids and um a lot of bad stuff. But I just want to say commend the school district. Excuse me. And then the the school district came and looked for some funding from the burrow and we helped out. But I just want to say so uh uh

256
03:30:17.279 --> 03:30:34.560
kudos to the school district. I was here for both the events. This room was full. These kids were paying attention. Uh I don't know how many uh uh students who were in the room, but focused focus on this uh event and u saw some uh teareyed

257
03:30:34.560 --> 03:30:49.520
people in the room, but I got to say kudos to the district in this building and the middle school. These kids were right on and they really focused and paid attention. And that's a that's good thing to the school district. I just want to let you know, wow, I was amazed

258
03:30:49.520 --> 03:31:06.160
where like I went to the school, you know, 46 years ago and there's kids goofing off. There was nobody goofing off and they were paying attention. 20, 30 kids came up after and spoke to this gentleman. I could tell you the first couple of minutes I was teeyed. He lost

259
03:31:06.160 --> 03:31:42.560
his father in 911 and everything went bad for him. But thank you to the school district uh for doing a good job and having these kids pay attention. Have a good evening. >> Thank you for your comments. Good evening everyone. Edward Gate,

260
03:31:42.560 --> 03:32:00.880
Hamilton Place, Rosel Park. Yeah, I want to extend my thank you again to uh Robert Gordon uh nurse and uh uh secretary and uh and Miss Connor. Great great job, continuous great job. Uh outstanding.

261
03:32:00.880 --> 03:32:17.040
Um I want to also uh tell you my achievements, recent achievements. uh before the holidays uh spring break we received the report rate report uh cards uh trimester 2. Um that would never

262
03:32:17.040 --> 03:32:32.640
happen before. This was 10 days ago before I mean the the spring break. Um a great achieve achievement for me. Um also uh communication regarding the state test

263
03:32:32.640 --> 03:32:49.439
uh beautiful and including out you know I mean road map for support and encouragement. Uh that would never happen without my suggestion and and discussion and taking the stand. Now we need to create system to dispute

264
03:32:49.439 --> 03:33:04.560
the reports. The reports again is not ultimate is not final. So we need to know the frame time and the steps to dispute the report if any as that would be nice. I want to

265
03:33:04.560 --> 03:33:21.520
thank Mr. Taylor. Great job in communication. Mr. Devido he's working on solving the blockage for my email. He was talking to me out there and uh that pretty much it. I want to talk about policing around the Robert Garden and middle school. The police is too much

266
03:33:21.520 --> 03:33:38.000
around. I never see that around any school in any town and they are not doing good job. They harassing certain people. They picking certain people to give tickets and yell at and this must stop. The mayor is informed and hope I hope you do

267
03:33:38.000 --> 03:34:01.200
something about. Thank you. >> Thank you for your comment. Council Quintella Rosel Park here because I'm speaking as a community member, not as a board member. I want to know why the board members sitting up there with our shortage in substitutes,

268
03:34:01.200 --> 03:34:22.160
how six of you could abstain and recuse yourself from a certified teacher who applied as substitute. I have three children in three different schools here, all of which have not enough subs. So,

269
03:34:22.160 --> 03:35:00.479
what could possibly be the reason that six of you felt comfortable doing that? >> I agree. >> I need my three minutes. Frank Aguardo aka Rocky by Moa. Uh I just wanted to come up and uh uh commend

270
03:35:00.479 --> 03:35:15.840
the attendance for the high school play. I was there all uh three nights and the attendance was phenomenal. Uh all I can say is these songs are stuck in my head. Uh you can dance definitely. Uh and I

271
03:35:15.840 --> 03:35:31.279
want to commend the uh student that represents the high school. She comes here and every time I enjoy her telling uh us about what's going on in the high school and she did a phenomenal job this year. There's only two more times that you're going to be here. Uh, and I just

272
03:35:31.279 --> 03:35:47.840
wanted to say kudos to you. And if you can maybe look at some of the juniors that are coming up to be seniors and maybe recommend somebody to this and they maybe could come up to the last two meetings that you'll be here so they can kind of see what you do. Uh, and that's

273
03:35:47.840 --> 03:36:10.160
pretty much it. Thank you guys. >> Thank you. >> Hello. Hello, it's Wendy Gillig. I am um here I just um Constants did a great job of telling everybody what's happening, but there is a lot happening. So, I'm just going to run down the list of what is happening. Um we have the high school

274
03:36:10.160 --> 03:36:26.800
car wash for the senior for project graduation. That will be this Saturday, April 20th. Also happening this Saturday, April 20th, is the Rosal Park Arts Festival. So, on your way to the arts festival, go get your car cleaned. I recommend really stopping by the arts festival. We have a ton of our students

275
03:36:26.800 --> 03:36:42.399
and our community members participating. We have high school marching band students. We have elementary students. There will be artworks on display. So, um that's and it's a great day to go out and check out the town with your family and see all the great things that our

276
03:36:42.399 --> 03:36:58.880
school does for the arts. Um the Rosal Park High School marching band will have their tricky tray on Sunday. Um that's going to be April 26th and it will be in Clark at the Deutsche Club. You can go to the band page or you can email the band parents and if you need tickets or

277
03:36:58.880 --> 03:37:15.200
you need more information, but it's been all over Facebook. Um we are almost at capacity. So if you want to get tickets, this is like your very last chance. Um May 1st is signing day for college. We're really proud of all of our high school students. They worked really hard to get into these schools. So I hope we

278
03:37:15.200 --> 03:37:30.560
can really just, you know, show them as a community that their hard work and dedication is appreciated. but we know that they wouldn't have got there without our school district. So, we really appreciate all the time and effort the teachers, administration, custodians, everybody, every adult in the building that has poured into these

279
03:37:30.560 --> 03:37:47.680
kids to help them achieve their dreams. Um, we also have the Triumph Showcase that will be happening this Thursday and Friday, the 23rd and the 24th. That happens at um the doors open at 5:30. And I don't know how aware people are of what Try is. Triam is a triam music

280
03:37:47.680 --> 03:38:04.319
honor society is a honor society. That means that you as a student have achieved and participated in more than three um musical ensembles or musical type activities. It could be choir band, jazz band, concert band, percussion

281
03:38:04.319 --> 03:38:21.520
band. There's a lot of music things. So, if you've prep participated in at least three of those things and you've maintained um a a high grade point average, you will be in Triam. They are doing a basically it's a spotlight on Triam. So they use that as their fundraiser every year. Um and it's

282
03:38:21.520 --> 03:38:37.040
usually about $5 at the door. I don't know. It's all kid organized and run. So information is coming from teenagers. So take that as you will. But we'd love for everybody to show up and support the kids. Um let me see there's other things happening. Um the VIP parking spot, we

283
03:38:37.040 --> 03:38:52.960
would love for everybody to um really take advantage of that. Um, we did that as trying to have a continuous fundraiser for the PTO so that we are not begging with popcorn sales and brownie sales and it frees up other types of sales for all the school districts. So, we really want to focus

284
03:38:52.960 --> 03:39:09.840
on not competing because we're all competing for the same pool of support and we appreciate all the support in the community. Um, I guess I have to be done now. There's a lot more. Thank you, Wendy, so much for your

285
03:39:09.840 --> 03:39:45.600
comments. >> If if someone needs to finish that, >> that's okay. >> Okay. All right. Um, closing public participation. May I have a motion for adjournment?

286
03:39:45.600 --> 03:40:00.640
>> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> The next scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 at 6 PM. The board meeting will be held in the Rosel Park High School auditorium where formal

287
03:40:00.640 --> 03:40:18.080
action may be taken at the special meeting. The next regular sk reg regularly scheduled board meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 at 6 p.m. The board meeting will be held in the Rosal Park High School auditorium.

288
03:40:18.080 --> 03:40:21.560
Meeting is adjourned.