Hello. Good evening. I'd like to call this meeting to order >> in one second. I would like to call it to order. >> Is the senior assassin still? >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Mr. Commando >> present.
>> Miss Barali. >> Mr. Dello >> present. >> Mr. Richello >> present. >> Miss Einelo >> present. >> Miss Roloff >> here. >> Miss Torvik >> present. >> Miss Traverso >> here. >> Miss Aarelli >> here. >> Please stand for the pledge of allegiance.
>> 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. >> Adequate notice of this meeting has been sent to all board members to all members
of the board of education and to the Bergen record in accordance with provisions of the open public's meeting act chapter 23195. At this time, please be advised that all cell phones and electronic devices are to be turned off. Student representative report, ladies.
Hi everyone. Starting with the high school, we've had an exciting few weeks with lots more ahead. Five of our amazing students travel to Atlanta, Georgia for the DECA International Career Development Conference, and it was an unforgettable experience. Membo,
and Katie Han attended as part of the Ignite Academy recognized for their strong leadership. Adriana Maize and Elena Tovar competed in the main event. They met so many new people, learned tons of valuable skills, and represented our school with pride. By the way, shout out to Miss Sharp and Miss Ripus for
being there with us, for creating an incredible experience with us. Our spring teams have been doing incredible, so be sure to come out and support them at upcoming games. Moving on, AP exams are happening this weekend next. Good luck to everyone taking them. Stay focused and do your best. May 1st was
decision day, and it was a huge success. It was amazing celebrating our seniors and their next steps. Some upcoming schedule notes. May 5th and May 7th are delayed openings for grades 7, 9, 10, and 12th. May 12th, 14th, and 19th are delayed openings for
grades 10th through 12th. Students with AP exams should still come in as scheduled. A big big event coming up, prom, it's May 20th, so get ready for masquerade ball at Nenina's in the park. Parent partnership night and 9th grade orientation is happening on May 12th. a
great opportunity to connect and welcome incoming students. Field day is June 5th and our awards ceremonies for underassmen are is May 27th and senior awards are June 10th. That's all for now. Let's finish the year strong. At middle school, the middle school
conducted honors placement testing for math, science, and ELA social studies during the week of April 20th. This process determines eligibility for eighth grade honors classes in the 2026 2027 school year. On April 30th, our seventh grade students enjoyed a trip to
New York City for lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe and a performance of the Broadway play The Outsiders. To complement their seventh grade English curriculum, students traveled to New York City on April 30th after enjoying Oh, it's the same thing. Middle school is ready for the NJSLA.
Our students have been working hard all year in writing, reading, math, and science, and we are confident they will do a great job. Please arrive with a fully charged Chromebook and a positive attitude. Good luck, everyone. Lastly, at Washington School, April was a busy and exciting month at Washington School.
One of our highlights was celebrating the week of Young Child inspired by NAEYC. It was a joyful and meaningful week focused on creativity, curiosity, and the energy our students bring every day. A big thank you to our amazing teachers, especially our music teacher,
Mr. Matt, and our art teacher, Miss Wolf, for organizing such fun and engaging activities. We loved coming together as a school community to celebrate our youngest learners. We're also excited to share that our preschool lottery drawing took place last week. We were able to welcome 38 new students
with about 20 remaining on the wait list. It's incredible to see our program continue to grow. As we head into May and June, things are not slowing down. We have many events coming up, so please keep an eye on messages from teachers in the main office. Don't forget, we also
post reminders on Instagram for quick updates. This week, we're celebrating our incredible staff during teacher appreciation week along with school nurse appreciation day on Wednesday. Congratulations to Mrs. Jennifer Canon on being named our teacher of the year.
Thank you. >> Thank you, Susie. Now, I will share the updates for our elementary schools, beginning with Franklin. It has been a busy and exciting month for Franklin School. Throughout the month of April, they celebrated Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month with discussions
centered around kindness, inclusion, and celebrating the many different ways people think, learn, and experience the world. They also celebrated Earth Day with a schoolwide presentation from the environmental club. Third graders performed at the recorder concert at the middle school high school after weeks of
preparation and did a fantastic job. Thank you to our music teacher, Mr. harder for preparing our students and for all he does. Fifth graders enjoyed a trip to Madame Tusau's wax museum to inspire their own wax museum event that took place at the end of April. Also,
NJSLA testing is underway for grades 3 through 6. Franklin School is celebrating teacher appreciation week and gives a big thank you to all their staff as well as the families and PTO of Franklin School. Now, over at Long School. Long School is proud to share
several highlights. This past Saturday, our selected choir students represented the school at the MEBCI festival in Fairlon. Our talented vocalist joined a group of 180 students from throughout Bergen County, showcasing their dedication to the
performing arts. Students in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades are currently planning a wellness fair featuring various stations that promote self-care. The fair's primary goal is to foster a culture of well-being by focusing on the health of the mind, body, and heart.
Fifth graders hosted the annual Wax Museum on Friday. They've been hard at work researching influential historical figures and transformed into these individuals to share their expertise with visitors. Long school would like to extend their gratitude to the Long
School PTO and the LMS families for organizing teacher appreciation week and making our staff feel truly valued. And now for Smith School. The home stretch of the school year is quickly approaching and many celebratory milestones are coming. Smith School is
currently navigating its first adaptive state testing cycle. This week is reading, next week is math, and then writing concludes just before Memorial Day weekend. The third grade recorder concert was a success. Joining forces with Long and Franklin schools, our
newest musicians put on an impressive show. Also, many Smith students will be participating in the multicultural fair happening next week. Students are currently in the final stages of preparation. We encourage all families to attend parent partnerships and explore the diverse backgrounds that
make up our community. Finally, kindergarteners have been traveling the world weekly. Their immersive study of different cultures will culminate in a special event this June. That is it for the elementary schools, but there is one final thing that we would like to share. Saddleberrook High
School wants to recognize the month of May as mental health awareness month. Something which was established in the United States in 1949. Globally, about one in seven people currently live with a mental disorder. And over half of the world's population will develop a mental health disorder at some point in their
life. Emotional struggles are not something that needs to be hidden. and recognizing this month will aid in ending the stigma around mental health. That's everything for this month. Thank you. >> Good job, girls. >> Thank you, girls. >> Good job. Good job. >> Uh, superintendent report.
>> Yes. >> Hi. All right. I want to remind everybody that we are having delayed openings for testing at the middle school high school only Tuesday and Thursday. So, today was our first one. Tomorrow is going to be our second delayed opening and then next Tuesday and Thursday and the last one's going to
be the following Tuesday which I believe is May 19th. I also wanted to acknowledge teacher appreciation week along with all the other appreciation days as well. We had school nurse appreciation day today with school bus driver appreciation day. There was school principal appreciation day, admin professionals appreciation
day. And I just want to thank all the staff for supporting one another in these different roles because when you walk through the schools, you see all the displays and all the cards that were given. And then also thank you to our PTO for supporting our teachers especially because I know that and really everyone benefits from it where they fill up our faculty rooms, our
staff lounges with all types of treats. I just want to extend a thank you to them and also the principles. Thank you for supporting their teachers because they are doing activities in their buildings as well. And all of that's appreciated. Our final parent partnership night is going to be next Tuesday, May 12th. It
is going to be the mandatory ninth grade parent meeting. So all incoming ninth grade, all incoming parents of ninth graders are required to attend. The nth grade students are invited as well. They are changing the format this year where instead of coming in the auditorium and sitting here for the session, they are
going to be assigned either the media center, the gym or the auditorium. And there's going to be different admin people and staff in each in each room explaining different parts of the high school experience to them. So, this will allow our new families to get a tour of the building while learning about what
our high school has to offer. We also are going to have Saloona, which is a mental health um company. They're actually an app. It's free and they are coming to do a presentation on everything that they offer to students and families. And our multicultural night, we are doing it again this year.
This year instead of doing the passport where you visit and they get stamps all of our students are encouraged to attend you'll have be able to taste lots of good food learn about different cultures and then there is going to be scavenger hunt to complete and prizes will be given. So they do have all that that they are planning. Also parent
partnership we have an meeting for our incoming seventh grade parents to welcome them to the middle school. Our board of ed trustees will be there for a meet and greet. Community partnership will be present. The Saddle Brook Library wants to share all their offerings that they have for our families. There'll be refreshments and
Alphabest is once again offering free child care to anybody who wishes to attend and have their school age child being cared for while they attend a meeting. I wanted to remind the community that all schools are closed Friday, May 22nd. That's our giveback day.
Also is mentioned that Washington Schools digital sign is going to be installed probably within the next few weeks. the same for our board of ed offices right on Saddle River Road. So, we're getting two new digital signs in the district. Our teacher of the year lunchon is coming up in two weeks. We'll be inviting our awardees to our June
meeting along with our retirees. I forget if I shared who they are, so I'm going to share them right now. Washington School is Jen Cannon, Franklin School, Joe Stapleton, Smith School, Jamie Cavell, Long School, Joe Munes, and Middle School High School James Garvey. So congratulations to all
of those teachers for winning their teacher of the year. For the academic awards at the high school, we are having some changes as I shared previously. So we are going to do one night for senior scholarship and awards academic awards. So that way we want to be cognizant of their time
because it's such a busy time for our senior students and their families that we wanted to make it convenient where we'll have it here at the middle school high school and also um not have them come out two nights when they could just come out for one night. So we are going to do the senior scholarship and awards one night. We're
going to do it here in the auditorium. The plan is to have the make it really student centered, celebrate their achievements, have them up on the stage, have the scholarship donors um in the front and have it really organized. So, we're working through all the logistics of that, but that is the plan. And then
refreshments in the cafeteria. And then for grades 9 through 11, we're going to have a separate night here in the auditorium for them. It'll be a little bit more lowkey. Our visitor management systems are in each building now. So, all visitors must show a stateisssued ID upon in order to
enter the building. So, please make sure you have your license on you. I can't tell you how many people have driven here, don't have their license, and then they have to go home to get it. So please make sure you remember to have your license on you when you are driving. And then you do have to show it and it scans it does a background check in our guest vid visitor system visitor
management system. And then it also keeps record of who enters and exits our building. So it's a really neat gadget. Then we have oh we tested it out today at Washington School. They had their Muffins with mom event. It was absolutely adorable. I'm not sure who planned it. I think it was a
collaboration of staff and parents but it was a wonderful event. very well attended and they had a QR code that they sent out from the guest management system where every parent that attended were able to u scan their ID in the system so that way they were approved and they just had to check their ID as
they entered the door. So we saw success there. It was mentioned our third grade recorder concert I attended with the K to6 principles. I really do feel it was one of the best ones we've had. It was absolutely amazing. Want to thank our music teachers. Our spring concerts are beginning. So I want to remind everybody to look at our district website for
those dates. I believe our first one is tomorrow night here. So, want to make sure we promote our music program. They're doing an excellent job. I was actually looking to see because there was some congratulations to some students. Um, they I can't get their names right now, so I wasn't I'm sorry.
My apologies. Um, but they also, so there's students that made the state cor the chorus, but then there's also students that when they went on their trip to w to Williamsburg, Virginia, the concert received an excellent rating, placed first in their division. The concert choir received a superior
rating. It also placed first in their division. Gina Martinez received the outstanding vocal solo award at the festival. So, our music program is really growing and doing a fabulous job. Um, and then as our student reps mentioned, our spring athletics are doing wonderful and we really do encourage everybody to come out and
support our teams and um, really want to focus on all the good that's happening in the district. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Our business administrative report, Mr. Karate. >> Okay, just a couple things. Uh the referendum I I can't believe that uh
this past March was three years since the voters approved it >> and um it's winding down. Uh waiting for a few more things to get done. Uh the last thing we were working on were miscellaneous doors and windows throughout the district. So right now some doors are being replaced in all the
buildings. So we need to see how all that goes and it gets finalized before we you know move on to the next thing. But it should be pretty much done by this by this summer. and everything came out great. We had good contractors. I think the schools, all the um projects that were done um looked looked great.
The budget uh is on the 26 27 budget is on tonight for approval. We had our public hearing on Monday. The board just had some uh finance and budget training uh in a in a meeting with New Jersey School Board. So, um you know, it's all coming together. So this budget will be
approved and it's effective July 1, but soon after the purchase orders go out and we get supplies in, we have to start working on 2728 because as you just if you heard the presentation from Monday, it's, you know, we made it through another year, but it's not, you know,
looking what good with the health benefit costs. We're trying to uh, you know, retain student programs and and and staffing. That's our main main goal, but the cost everything is is way more than 2%. So, the state needs to get together and do things. And we have a
resolution on uh this evening's agenda for those health benefit costs to urge the legislators to do something. Um, and that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Mr. Kate. At this time, I'd like to open the meeting for public
comment for agenda items only. >> Motion. >> Second. Thank you. >> All in favor? I >> At this time, I'd like to close the meeting. Motion. >> Second. >> No one wants to. No one's here.
>> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. Board action items B2526.39 through B2526.42, I believe. Let me check. Yep. >> Second. Motion.
>> Wait, I have a question. Second. >> Okay. >> So, u Mr. Crader, can you go over exact I can't open the resolution. It's not coming up for some reason in my computer. >> Neither. >> What is this resolution and what is the um what are we hoping for?
>> Can you just explain it a little bit more? The resolution uh states to the legislators about the how the uh health benefit costs are impacting the budgets and we can't live within a 2% cap and uh
be able to sustain our you know budget increases with with salaries and all the other supplies and textbooks and everything else we have to do that comes in the 2% cap. I mean it's even building maintenance. It's everything. So they need to find something else other than I don't know what that would be. either
someone's got to be done with the health plan, uh something's got to be done with just throwing it to the local taxpayers to pay the increases. It's just a problem. So, this just gets uh New Jersey school boards put this out to get support from all the surrounding all the districts and to send it to them to get
them talking to do something. >> Okay. So, now the chapter I believe it's chapter 44, it's going to be expiring soon, >> correct? >> Yeah, I forgot the forgot the year, but it is soon >> in the next year or so. Two year. Okay. So, hopefully this will get them motivated to >> do something,
>> assist us in some way. Okay. >> Right. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Anybody else have any questions? >> Okay. Roll call. >> Uh, Miss Traverso, >> yes. >> Misselli, >> yes. >> Mr. Akamando, >> yes.
>> Mr. Dello, >> yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. Missionello. >> Yes to all, but I am going to abstain from hold on wrong page. >> Uh from B2526.31
uh the number one April 1st meeting. I was not >> 39. I think it's a 31. >> 39 number one. >> 39. Yes, number one. >> Okay. Miss Torbick. Um yes but on B2526.39
and abstain from 1 and 4 I was not at those meetings >> and Miss Rollolof >> yes >> uh education and curriculum at the recommendation of the superintendent I make a motion to approve the following items E2526.61
through E5 E2526.67 67 discussion >> second >> I mean second >> second >> second >> discussion >> roll call >> Mr. Traverso >> yes >> misselli >> yes >> Mr. Akamando
>> yes >> Mr. Dello >> yes >> Mr. Richello >> yes >> Misselo >> yes >> Mr. Turvik >> yes >> Miss Roloff >> yes >> budget and finance Mr. Dracomando. >> Yes. At the recommendation of the superintendent, I make a motion to
approve the following items. BF2526.91 to be to uh BF2526.122. >> Discussion. Second. Any discussion? Roll call. >> M. Traverso? >> Yes. >> Misselli? >> Yes.
>> Mr. Akamando? Uh yes to all but in BF2526.91 check number 68630 >> Mr. Deello >> yes >> Mr. Yes, >> Miss Einelo.
>> Yes to all but in beef. Uh F2526.91. I'm going to abstain from check number 2794 2437 and then 68620. >> Okay. Miss Torbick.
>> Yes. >> Miss Roloff. >> Yes. >> Facilities and operations. Miss Corbick, >> at the recommendation of the superintendent, I make a motion to approve the following items. F2526.12
and F2526.13. >> Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> M. Traverso, >> yes. >> Misselli, >> yes. >> Mr. Akamando, >> yes. >> Mr. Dello, >> yes.
>> Mr. Richello, >> yes. >> Missyello, >> yes. Miss Torbick. >> Yes. >> Miss Roloff. >> Yes. >> Policy. There is none. >> There's nothing. >> No negotiations. >> This time around. >> Negotiations.
>> Nothing at this time. >> Personnel. >> At the recommendation of superintendent, I make the motion to approve the following items. P2526.67 to P2526.81. Can >> I second? Second.
>> Any discussion? Roll call. >> Miss Traverso. >> Yes. >> Misselli. >> Yes. >> Mr. Akamando. >> Yes. >> Mr. Dello. >> Yes. >> Mr. Roello. >> Yes.
>> Missello. >> Yes to all. But in P2526.70, I am going to abstain from item number 10. Okay. And then in P2526.74,
I'm going to abstain from item number eight. >> Okay. M. Torbick. >> Yes. >> Miss Rolloff. >> Yes. And move on to committee reports. Mr. Alamando, budget of finance.
>> Uh, no. We didn't have to do. >> Okay. Miss Sorbick, >> none. >> Sylvia? >> No. Mari, >> nope. >> No report. >> Any liaison reports, Mr. Akamando? >> Uh, nope. >> Sylvia,
>> I have one from Franklin. Well, we can >> We're on education. >> Okay. No, other than have a good summer. >> Um, special ed. Haley, no nothing. >> And nothing from the township PTO
leaison Franklin school. Silia, >> let me just get it. Um, Franklin's PTO has been very busy the last few months as the school year is coming to an end. They've been helping support field day by purchasing t-shirts for the students
and staff, as well as organizing water and snack donations. Pizza will also be provided this week. They spoiled the staff with various treats throughout the week, including a catered lunch. They also recently funded the fifth and second grade field trips and their
annual Scholastic spring book fair is scheduled for May 19th and 20th. >> Thank you, Celia. Helen Smith School. >> Okay, so this week was teacher appreciation week. Uh they got donations from the Parkway Diner and Starbucks,
which is nice for field day. Today they had 80 sandwiches delivered from Chick-fil-A, which sounds good to me. Uh they're also looking for donations for field day, looking for water and things of that nature. And their next uh PTO meeting is May 12th.
>> Thank you. Long. >> No, nothing for tonight. Thank you. >> Middle school. >> So they um they are celebrating our teachers and staff with love and appreciation and they ask um that everyone take a second to think uh to thank our wonderful teachers.
>> Thank you. Washington School. >> Nothing at this time. >> Thank you. Any old business? New business. Memorial Day parade. >> See,
>> just >> just to um let us know if you'll be walking or riding in the parade. I think I got a couple of yeses so far. >> Should we get a head count? >> There's there was a calendar invite. you could respond to that or or again send
an email so we know what to uh >> purchase >> what to do. >> Yeah, >> Andy, >> I'd like to open the meeting for public comment. >> New business, right? >> Oh, >> yeah. That was memorial. Yes, new business. Michael, >> uh I just want to wish all you ladies up
here a happy Mother's Day. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Michael. >> Joy and ladies out there >> and uh to the teacher appreciation. Thank you all the teachers. We know what hard work it goes into being a teacher. I wouldn't want the job. And uh happy
Mother's Day to all the moms. I'd like to open the meeting for a public comment. >> Motion. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Perfect. See. >> Now I'd like to close the meeting. All >> favor. Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I.
>> Perfect. >> Whereas the board of education must discuss Oh, never mind. We're not going into close, right? >> Nope. I'd like to make a motion to close the meeting. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> Thank you. That concludes >> our wonderful meeting. >> Happy Mother's Day.