act and the advanced notice required therein has been provided. This is a meeting of the board of education of Somerset Hills at which formal action may be taken. The public will have an opportunity to be heard as shown on the agenda. In accordance with the open public meetings act, the public notice of this meeting which included the time, date, location, and to the extent known
the agenda of this meeting was distributed 3 p.m. on July 9th, 2025 and 3 p.m. on April 17th, 2026. Can we have roll call, please? >> Miss Ballard >> here. >> Miss Clark Emory. Miss Cooper, Mrs. Gomez,
Mrs. Hoppy, >> yes. >> Mrs. Hunt, >> yes. >> Mrs. Libera, Mrs. Santoro, >> here. >> Mrs. Ry, >> here. >> Mrs. Frenda >> here. >> We have a quorum. >> It's quum. >> Okay. Executive session. The Open Public Meetings Act authorizes a public body to
exclude the public from that portion of a meeting at which specified topics are to be discussed under circumstances where the public consideration of such topics will clearly endanger the public or where the personal privacy or guaranteed rights of individuals whose activities or affairs are to be discussed would be clearly in danger of
unwarranted invasions and the matters about to be presented for discussion clearly meet the circumstances test of such act. The Board of Education of Somerset Hills now adjourns its public session to reconvene an executive session for the purpose of discussing the following: legal matters, student matters, personnel, and attorney client
privilege. Can I please have a motion to go into executive? >> Miss Hunt. And a second. Miss Santoro. And roll call, please. >> Miss Ballard, >> yes. >> Mrs. Hoppy, >> yes. >> Mrs. Hunt, >> yes. >> Mrs. Libera, >> yes. >> Mrs. Santoro,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Ry, >> yes. >> Mrs. Frenda, >> yes. >> Carries. Okay, thank you. >> Cheetos. Not good. >> Good evening everyone. Thank you very much for your patience. Um, normally I would say immediately everyone please
rise, but it is my understanding we have some very special guests this evening who are going to do us the great honor of leading us in the pledge of allegiance this um this evening. So, um, Adeline Church, Jake Labera, Luchiano Mazo, if you could please come up.
>> I'd like to ask everyone else. >> We We've been practicing quite a bit. So, uh, my good evening everyone. My name is Scott Wolf and I am the principal of Bedwell Elementary School. With me today, I have three of our exceptional third graders that will be leading you in the pledge of allegiance.
We do this as part of our announcements every single morning and it is an integral part of our daily routine at Bedwell Elementary School. Now I would like to turn it over to our third graders. >> Good morning, evening. >> Good morning, evening members of the
Somerset Hill School community. My name is Luchiano Mazo. >> My name is Jake Labraa. >> And my name is Adine Church. At this time, please rise, face the flag,
and join us for the pledge of allegiance. >> I >> pledge 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. Thank you for joining us and have a great evening. >> Thank you, Adeline, Jake, and Luchiano. Uh, such a great job, and we're so happy that you were able to be here tonight.
So, thank you and thank mom and dad. Go Birds. >> Yep. Uh next up on our uh agenda tonight is uh our student representatives are here and we're going to start off as we always do with our folks from
Barnesville Middle School. We have Charlie Saxel and Charlotte Fazio. We're going to invite them up. They're representing baseball and track. Hello, my name is Charlie Saxel. I am an eighth grade student here at BMS. I am in the house of Penn State and I'm here
to talk about the baseball team, softball team, and upgrade incoming eighth grade events. As a member of our BMS baseball team, we have had a hard-fought season in a really good bracket with a bunch of new players on a young team. I want to thank coach Sim and coach Steve for this opportunity to
play baseball here at BMS with all of our friends. They have helped every player improve this season and we are lucky to have them. Our record this season was 2 and 10 and we are looking forward to doing better even better next season. This year we have a good number of players from each grade and the
coaches are doing great at letting some of the younger kids get a chance to play. This season will prepare the eighth graders for high school baseball. Since it's such a young team, the BMS baseball team for next year will have plenty of potential. The coaches and I can't wait for the following season, and all the eighth graders, including
myself, are ecstatic for the opportunity to play high school baseball next year. The BMS softball team, coached by Coach Mack and Coach D, has also demonstrated notable progress this season. Despite facing challenging opponents, the team has shown consistent dedication and
skill development throughout their games. Key highlights include strong performances from players across all grade levels with lots of wins showing the team's growth and teamwork. The coaches have given valuable playing time to both experienced athletes and newcomers, fostering a positive and
inclusive environment. As the season progresses, the team continues to prepare for upcoming playoff opportunities, motivated to build on their successes and further improve the record. So far, they are doing great in the playoffs and are playing East Handover in the second round of the playoffs today after school, which I
just found out they won in the fifth inning. They finished the season with a solid record of seven and four. As usual, May and June are an exciting time of year for the eighth graders at BMS. On June 3rd, we have our eighth grade trip to New York City. The day will
include a cruise, dinner, and fun at Dave and Busters. On June 17th, we have our graduation ceremony and eighth grade dance. Lastly, June 18th brings our annual end of view pool party. Every year it is a quintessential event to end the year. Every year it's a blast and we
can't wait. Lastly, the seventh grade class kicked off their HSA fundraising efforts for next year's eighth grade trip with a spring car wash. This was a great opportunity to raise money while having fun. It was held Saturday, May 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the
Bernardzville High School Alcott building lot and was a success. I'll now turn it over to Charlotte. THANK YOU. THANKS, CHARLIE. BEFORE WE START, I'd like to thank Brisco for giving me the opportunity to speak here tonight. Thank you. Um, my name is Charlotte Fazio and
I'm in the seventh grade here at BMS. I'm in the House of Penn State. I'm involved in soccer, basketball, and track. I also am involved in culture and climate and jazz band. Tonight, I would be discussing the track team, student council, and culture and climate. To
start off, the track team has been doing very well this spring. The commitment of these athletes is incredible. We've had five meets and many practices so far where students have shown perseverance and passion for running, which is awesome. My favorite part about the track team is it allows me to g engage
with other people from other grades that I'm not in class with every day. Um, I I also enjoyed running and girls on the run back at Bedwell, coached by my mom. And that's one of the reasons I wanted to do track when I got up to middle school. Track is teaching good lessons about confidence, team building and and
a winning mindset. At our meet yesterday, we went up against Rockaway Valley and Ses Rockaway is a hard opponent with many great runners and Ses while being a small team had runners in every event and pushed hard until the end even though it was really hot. Um I'd like to thank our coaches, Mr.
O'Halerin, Miss Haney, Mr. Laspata, and Mr. D. Simone for yet again another amazing season. Um, I can't wait for the last few practices and the Rotary tomorrow, which is our big season ending meet and next year. Moving on to student council. Student council throughout the
year has had many different fundraisers that take place during each grade's lunch period. A few weeks ago, they were selling Airhead candy and a raffle ticket for a dollar. Um, which is pretty cool. Amazingly, the student council reached their goal for crisis response kines of $2,000. and we wish Miss Gash
and the student council members a big congratulations. In my opinion, student council is a fun way to help students learn about managing money and help them feel good about having a positive impact on BMS. Finally, this year I was invited by Dr. Rizudo and Mrs. GOP to join the culture
and climate team. And I have enjoyed every meeting and behind the scenes activity that we do. Our amazing team of 14 has been doing has been coming up with events such as house day, student versus teacher kickball, movies, and trivia. As we meet as we meet once a month or week, depending on our work, we
we try to think of about ideas that we fund for everyone, not just a athletics or performing arts. Culture and climate games are for everyone, and that is something I love most about them. A lot of our ideas get approved, and that gives us the independence to plan in great events. Thank you for listening and helping to make BMS such a fun place
to be. I hope you all have A GREAT EVENING. CHARLIE AND CHARLIE, YOU DID TERRIFIC. And we have Sophia uh Fazel Serjouie who is here from the high school. Come on up. Solo tonight.
>> Hi everyone. It's good to see you all. Nolan unfortunately couldn't make it, so it's just me tonight, but we have a lot to get into. So, starting off, we had AP testing for the past two weeks. So, students have been in and out of school. But the great thing about the AP testing
is that you can either have an exam at 8:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. And if you have your exam in the morning, you can just leave school and you'll have an excused absence. And then if you have your exam at 12:00, you can come in late so you can have extra time to study. And then if you had an early morning exam, you
can go home for the rest of the day and just decompress. So that was a very busy time. But it's finally over. So now school has been a little more relaxing and all of especially for the seniors who take a lot of AP courses. Um right
now there's no more assessments. So this is a time where we can sit back and relax and we're all committed to college. So it's just a great time and just waiting for graduation and just enjoying these last moments together. So, it's really great. Um, then with text testing, we had NJSLA this week.
So, the 9th and 11th graders are testing. So, they're also in and out of school. And with that comes modified schedules every day. So, we haven't had any bells and the periods can be a little shorter and a little longer. So, it's been a wacky schedule so far. Um,
next we have senior prom coming up on Thursday, June 4th. Um, it is from 6:30 to 10:00. And I know all the seniors are looking forward to it. It's one of our last harraas. Um it will be at a venue in Warren that we haven't been before. So that's super exciting. It's going to
be outside. So and I believe there are games, cornhole, spike balls. So we're going to have fun. We're going to have a great night. Next, going along with prom, we had intergenerational prom on May 1st. I actually saw some of you there. It was a great event. Keycl Club runs the whole event and I'm on the
board of KeyClub. And so how it works is after school students immediately go to the cafeteria and we start setting up for the evening. So we set up from about 3 to about 4:30 to 5 and we try to decorate the cafeteria to the best of our abilities. Um I believe this year
was one of the best years so far. We had about 95 senior citizens come which is a record for us and it's even better than it was before COVID. So it's just getting better every year. Um, but it's so the whole reason we have this is for
students to get their community service hours in and especially since we have 20 hours of required community service for the freshman and sophomores. So, it's a great way to get your hours in. I believe you get nine hours and it's lit.
It's so fun the whole evening. Um, at the end when we're done setting up, you can just enjoy your night with the senior citizens and I was on the dance for the whole night and it was so fun. Um, and you also make so many great friends from different ages. So, it it's
so fun. Um, Mr. Kaplan is also the adviser for this club. So, a shout out to him. A little thank you. He does so much and the whole event ran so smoothly and that was all most of it thanks to him. Also, the students and also the parent volunteers. So, thank you to him.
It wouldn't have gone it wouldn't have been this amazing without him. Um, next with Key Club, we have a day of service next week. Um, we are going to Matheni to help clean up their garden and we're having with a party with the students after and we have about 30 kids
attending and this is a service field trip so you also get community service hours. So, it's great. You're there first period at school and then the rest of the day we are out at Matheni. Um, so you'll still make it for first period. Um, next we had our choir concert
yesterday. It was in the pack at 7. We had magical concert choir, Bella Boce, and Forte Boche all perform. And with the spring concert, we celebrate all our seniors who are a part of choir, including me. And it was a great night.
Um, it was very bittersweet for the seniors since it was our last concert. Um, and we all got roses from our underassman friends, and it was it was a great evening. Everyone sounded amazing. and we had a reception in the cafeteria afterwards. So, it was a great night.
Um, magical and concert choir are also very busy for the rest of the week. We are not going to be in school tomorrow or Friday. Tomorrow, we are attending Ruckers to perform against other schools um all day. So, we're not going to be in school. Um, but it's a very competitive
day and we're there the whole day, so it's very long. And then we have another long day on Friday. We're going to be at the school at 5:15 a.m. um very early. We're performing at a local church by Hershey and then we are going to Hershey
Park after and spending the whole day there and then at night attending the awards ceremony and then we get back to the school about 7 or 8:00 p.m. So, it's going to be a very fun day. Um riding roller coasters. Um and this is also one
of our last events as a choir. So our last harra as you would say. Um so that's very exciting. Next we had student elections for the school president and the school board and so we have that all in line and it's a great
group of students. Um I think they already started planning and already already started meeting together. So it's great. Um we also have class officers elections coming up just in a couple weeks and that's basically the board of each grade. So very crucial as
well. So and you um your grade gets to vote for you and you present a speech in the lower gym for everyone. So it's great. And then voting takes place right after. Next we had the Crimson Cafe a couple weeks ago. Nolan wanted me to say
the group performance of Take on Me was electric. Um next year's band members and honors orchestra members have already been chosen chosen. Same with the Magical lineup for next year. So, that's all taken care of. And then they have the instrumental spring concert on
Thursday the 21st. Um, and then they have the senior recital, a recently implemented concert that will take place on Thursday the 28th. Um, next with the sports update. All of our sports are doing amazing. They're unfortunately coming to an end in the next couple weeks, but golf won the state
championships. And again, Nolan wanted me to tell you that we won against Madison finally. A little round of applause. Very exciting to have a win under our belt against Madison. Um, since we've taken so many unfortunate losses from them, but we finally won and that's
that's all we can say. So, that's all that matters. But, thank you so much for listening. Have a good night. Thank you, Sophia. We have a uh young man uh who's a freshman at Bernard's High School that we're going to recognize. His name is Sean Chen. I'm
going to ask Shawn uh to come on up if you could. So, this piece of art uh that is on display was done by Sean, who's a ninth grade student at Bernard's High School. And uh I'm I'm looking out at the faces
of the adults that and the kids that are looking at the screen. and we're all completely in awe. And before our meeting, I was able to speak with uh almost every schoolboard member who looked at the slide deck and were completely uh in awe. But but I have some words for you. Uh and we have a uh
a treat, too. Um so Sean is a freshman at Burners High School. uh and he received notice in the middle of the spring that his painting uh called Love Language Dimome had earned both a gold medal and the Flaunted Award from the
2026 National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. The National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the nation's most prestigious art competition and it's been running since 1923. This year, more than 110,000
students submitted over 335,000 original works. Fewer than 1% earned a gold medal. CONGRATULATIONS. SIMULTANEOUSLY, the Flaunted Award recognizes teens who courageously share
stories about what makes them different. Each year, the Flaunted Award is given to only two students in the country. You're one of them. Shaun's award-winning painting, Love Language Dim Sum, is a tribute to his
culture and connection, portraying himself and his grandfather enjoying the warmth of a traditional Chinese meal which is built with small sharable dishes and tea bringing both nostalgia and cultural pride. Uh Sean shared and
I'm going to quote here that as an artist I believe the paintbrush is a powerful tool of expression giving form and color to the emotions that words alone cannot frame. Very well spoken. Uh Shawn is a student in our art three
honors course. Uh and his teacher Jillian Chrisman uh is here tonight. Uh he's on track to enter um AP 2D art and design in the fall. and um she shared that it's honestly pretty rare to see a freshman come in already at an art three
level, but Shawn is just on another level. Uh to see him win such a prestigious award this early in high school uh is incredible, but not surprising if you've seen his work. I'm constantly in awe of how he thinks, creates, and communicates through his
art. Uh so this is uh an amazing night uh for us to be able to honor uh you in the area of the arts and we have a uh resolution here for you uh that the board has uh prepared and uh it's a resolution honoring you Sean uh who has
earned both a gold medal and a flaunted award from the 2026 National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Whereas the Somerset Hills Board of Education gives special honor and commendation to dedicated students who perform at the highest level and of effort and
responsibility with a positive attitude. Whereas Shaun Chen sees the merit of embodying the work ethic, dedication, and high standard of excellence necessary to create an incredibly advanced level. Whereas Shaun Chen is part of the Bernard's High School and
serves as an inspiration to your peers and staff members alike. Be it resolved by the Somerset Hills Board of Education that the members of the board hereby commend Shaun Chen for his extraordinary accomplishment of recognition as a National Scholastic Art Award winner.
When the Somerset Hills Board of Education adjourns on this day, it does so in honor of the achievements earned by Shaun Chen. The board of education secretary is directed to have this resolution reflected in the permanent minutes of the Somerset Hills Board of
Education on this 20th day of May, 2026. Congratulations Sean. So, we have a um a special treat here uh not only for me uh and for Mia in my office who uh organizes a lot of these
events uh but also for Shawn and his family. So Shawn um Sean's grandfather is in this uh picture on the screen and Shawn is going to speak into the camera uh to his grandfather who is not able to
be here uh today. So what I'm going to say means so I'll just say it first in Cantonese because my grandfather is Cantonese um and that's where dim sum originates from. So it's Yeah. Yeah. And in English that means grandpa, I
really love eating dim sum with you. We are going to uh move into our honores for um some folks that have uh performed um years of service uh to the school district and years of service to the
students uh that we serve here. And um there are folks from our operations team and all of our schools and including our administration who we are going to honor tonight at the beginning beginning of um our meeting. And uh we have a gift from
the board of education that I'm going to display uh for you all our model. So, it's a um it's a beautiful piece of art uh that we hope uh on behalf of the board honors uh the commitment and the
dedication that all of the retirees uh demonstrated throughout their time here and it has their uh the employees name on it and it has a Somerset Hill School District uh on it as well. It's a beautiful piece of art and uh we hope that uh it gets displayed prominently in
your homes. Our first honore uh comes from our maintenance team and his name is Suken Chandara. I'm proud to kick off honoring a wonderful group of retirees tonight uh
with one of our hardworking custodial staff members. Suken uh Chandar is Suken hiding over where is she? Come on up. Always, always, always with a smile. Uh, Suken joined the Somerset Hill School
District in 1999. He's one of our longest serving custodians. Over the years, he has worked in all three school buildings to keep facilities clean, orderly, and most importantly, safe. With the effort he has put in to work on a daily basis, it has always been clear
that Suken cares about the health and well-being of the students and the staff, and he takes pride in a job well done. He cleans classrooms along with his team members with effort and precision. We know that educational outcomes are tied to safe and welcoming
learning environments and Sukin has been a behind-the-scenes part of that for almost three decades here in Somerset Hills. He has also moved, repaired and set up furniture and equipment and has maintained the grounds and walkways, which especially in the winter months is
quite the arduous task. And let's be honest, there are parts of custodial work that are less than glamorous. But he steps up, works hard, and for that we are always grateful. Suken has been a great team member and an asset to our community. I've always
said that job responsibilities can be learned and perfected, but positive and good character are what matters most and you demonstrate that. So, I thank you and we thank you for your hard work of 27 years and loyalty to the Somerset Hills School District. You will be
missed in the custodial department, but we wish you many years of retirement where you can relax in good health and hopefully not as shovel as much as you did here. No more shovel. Okay. Thank you. Thank you everybody. THANK
YOU. OUR NEXT HONORE is Rufus VA. And Rufus uh was um not able to be here tonight. He was a long-standing member of our maintenance and custodial team. Um most recently he was uh the u maintenance
foreman. Uh so he had uh connectivity all over the district uh in every one of our schools, every one of our buildings uh inside and outside. Uh worked very closely uh with our operations team, worked very closely with our business administrator and um he was always
somebody uh that I knew um he would um he was up for anything I would ask him to do. And sometimes I would ask him to do some really unusual things. Um, and so, uh, I I still remember that, um, you know, we're early on when I started here, when we began the process of
having some public discussions regarding installing lights on the football field, uh, I I wanted very much um to let the neighborhood know that I wanted to hear their feedback and I wanted to engage with them. So, I gave him a letter that I wanted to um have placed in some of
the mailboxes in the area and he was kind enough to put those uh letters in mailboxes for me. And in the process, he got bit not by one dog, not by two dogs, but by three dogs. And um just came back with a smile. And um but he did tell me,
"Give me some time for my next uh for my next adventure." Uh Rufus is on his next adventure already. Um he he lives a good distance from here, so we couldn't make it tonight. He's busy building uh a significant garage on his property. He
showed me pictures and um um he was smiling ear to ear. So uh I want to publicly thank Rufus uh not only for his great work uh at the district, but also for his friendship. Uh he was always there for me and and I'm just one of hundreds of people that he's that he's
uh really performed for. So, um, happy that, uh, he's, uh, uh, happy for him that he's retired and, uh, we are, uh, very thankful for his work. So, thank you RUFUS. And we're going to bring up Mr. Wolf, who's the principal at Bedwell
Elementary School, to make some honores um, tonight from Bedwell. >> Thank you everyone. Uh, it's quite a busy night for me as you can tell. We had the pledge, but now I am honored to be able to talk about three of our retirees from Bedwell. First, we have
Mrs. Ki Landers. Ki, if you could come up. I know you're shy, but you deserve it. Mrs. Landers has been in education for 20 years, 21 years with 20 of those years being in the Somerset Hills School
District. Remarkably, she has worked at all levels, preK to 12, but has mainly worked in the preK to 10 grades. She loves seeing the kids grow up over the years and enjoys seeing some of the students she has had within her classes come back as fantastic teachers at
Bedwell. She also loves it when students come back as adults and thank her for all of her dedication, her hard work that changed their lives. I hope that Mrs. Landers enjoys her retirement filled with golf, travel, and time with
her, wait for it, eight grandkids. Congratulations Carrie. Next up, we have Mr. Mark Nun. And Mark, if you could come up, PLEASE. MR. Nunan started in Somerset Hills 24 years ago after many years teaching
before that and taught at all three levels in this district, effectively growing the orchestra program in the early 2000s. On a much smaller scale for us at Bedwell, he helped with ReadAcross America, Flag Day, dressed up as a big
dinosaur for the Halloween parade, as well as our golden guest. I cannot fail to mention that Mr. Nan was a founding member of the Bedwell band. If you haven't heard them, they've been signed by Capital Record. Just kidding. But um
he was a founding member of that band. Your passion for music led you to a passion for teaching and you will truly be missed and have been missed uh since January by everyone at Bedwell School and the district as a whole. Congratulations. And our final retiree for this year is
Mrs. Beth Ruden, come on up. Mrs. Ruden has been teaching for 37 years with 26 of those being at Bedwell Elementary School. Having taught first, second, third, and fourth grades has been a great way to work with a variety
of students and see them during their different milestones of learning. I know that Mrs. Ruden has many fond memories, but she probably had the best commute of anyone in the world, a record two minutes, and she has truly loved working with so many colleagues that she can
call friends, many of which are here tonight. Best of all, she was able to share her Bedwell experience with all three of her children. Finally, Mrs. Ruden, for the first time ever, is going to get to travel in September.
Congratulations, Miss Ruden. I believe next up, yes, Mr. Graph. Thank you. I am honored to be here tonight to recognize our fab five of retirees here
from the Bernardsville Middle School. Um these are five people who have really dedicated theirel themselves to the educational profession. They've all been in education for over 20 years. So before I begin, if we could please give them all a round of applause.
I'd like to start with Mrs. Michelle Freda. Mrs. Freda, come on up. Mrs. Freda taught preschool at Bedwell Elementary School until 2022. And as I have shared with Mrs. Freda many times
since then, her transfer to Bernardville Middle School has truly been our gift. those foundational skills which were so readily a part of her preschool life, sharing, kindness, care, and a sense of when and where to help, have been
appreciated beyond measure by both students and colleagues alike. Mrs. Freda's innate sense of nurture has been present in our fifth and sixth grade classrooms since her arrival at the middle school. Her lasting impact on their individual learning will be valued and not forgotten. And thank you,
Michelle, for all you've done in your time at BMS. Glasses, so I hope that's hers. Okay. Next, I'd like to recognize Brian King. Thank you, Brian. Brian King began working in the Somerset
Hills School District in 2001. After time spent at the high school, Mr. King truly found a home teaching earth science at BMS. Earth science is Mr. King's passion, and it shows. As in the words of some of his Earth's science
team members, he's always able to answer all of our questions. He's smart and really put together. Another student added, "His past life is reflected in his teaching." The Burnersville Middle School Science Team,
as you may hear about at other board meetings, competes against high school students and consistently places in the top tier. This is in a large part to Mr. King's dedication not only to the content, but his dedication to inspire the same passion in his students. Thank
you so much, Brian, for all you've done to spark the quest of knowledge in the field of science in our students at BMS. Thank you. Next, I'd like to recognize Pat McMillan. Pat McMillan has been a pillar of the Bernardensville Middle School English
Department since joining the faculty in 2002. Pat's classroom has been a buzz with rich vocabulary, in-depth literary discussion, and a hearty dose of grammar. Pat is truly a grammar maven and I have appreciated the personal
emails from time to time when Pat has let me know she has discovered a mistake or two of mine. She is truly a dedicated and gifted teacher. Pat remembers everything and I mean everything. We spend a lot of time
talking in the educational communities about the importance of personal connections and Pat is truly the embodiment of that. Pat can tell you a student's favorite book, a birthday, and their personal strengths and accomplishments. And I'm not just talking about the students that she has
had this year. When we talk about being a giving teacher, that is Pat. She gives of her time ever an open door for colleagues and students alike. Pat McMillan, you are truly one of one and you will be missed.
Next, I'd like to recognize Rosemary Rudo. Rosemary Rudo, now Dr. Rosemary Rudo, has been a member of the Burnersville Middle School community since 2002. A lifelong learner, Dr. Risudo completed a doctoral program while maintaining a
full instructional case load. No easy feat. Having taught a number of different courses during her time at the middle school, Dr. Rudo has truly found her expertise in the home of mathematics. She is, in addition to being a teacher,
a co-leader of the student culture and climate team at BMS since its inception eight years ago. One of our culture and climate team, 8th grade members said, "Dr. Rudo is truly open-minded. We come to her with an idea and she helps you
bring that idea to life. She is a bridge between the ideas the students have and getting it out there and getting it done. Rose, our pi day will truly not be the same without you gleefully debating if whipped cream or shaving cream is truly the best pie filling. We wish you
all the best in your next chapter. Thank you. Next, I'd like to recognize KELLY WELLS. KELLY WELLS has worn many hats at her time at BMS since 2002, and she has worn them all quite well. Computers, enrichment, English, social studies, and
I believe I am leaving a few out. No matter the content, Kelly Kelly's dedication to growing her students knowledge base, tier 2 vocabulary words, and skills as a member of our school community are hallmarks. Kelly is always looking to give more. A long-standing
member of the school's INRS team, Kelly's perspective and insights on how to best serve our students are respected and valued. Kelly can be counted on to give pragmatic and realistic advice to students, parents, and colleagues. I
have found myself many times at Kelly's door seeking sound and reasonable feedback and I have always walked away pointed in the right direction. Thank you, Kelly Wells, for being so amazingly you. Next, I'd like to introduce Dr. Scott Nigel.
>> Thank you. Good evening, everyone. Um, so I have to apologize if I go a little bit long because I did the math when I received uh how long everyone's been in education and if you combine at Burner High School, you're looking at 107 years of teaching experience and 158 overall
just those five educators. Uh, so and I know the for Bedwell and the middle school, thank you so much for your service to this district. What you do in preparing the students to get to the high school is immeasurable and I'm so grateful for all that you do. Uh, first up we have uh Lanne Fleta. Lan,
come on up. Lann's been at Bernard High School uh for 18 years and 24 years in education overall. Before entering education, Lan built a successful career in the corporate world and she brought that real world experience into her classroom every single day. through AP calculus
and many other advanced mathematic courses. She challenged students to think deeply, work hard, and believe in their own abilities. Again and again, students describe Lannne not only as an exceptional teacher, but as someone who made them genuinely enjoy math. One student said, quote, "Mrs. Fleta sees
mathematics for how truly fascinating it is and has made the subject incalculably more fun by bringing that passion to the classroom." Another student shared, "Thank you for making math fun for me for the first time ever." What made Lann so special was her unwavering commitment
to her students success. Students consistently mentioned her patience, positivity, and willingness to provide extra help whenever needed. One student reflected that she always ensures her students understand concept and is always willing to aid them in any extra help they need. Beyond the classroom,
Lann is deeply involved in the life of Bernard High School. For many years, she ran the math league, helping students further develop their love for mathematics outside the classroom. She also became a trusted mentor to many younger teachers in the mathematics department, generously sharing her knowledge and experience. It is no
surprise that she was recognized as teacher of the year, an honor that reflects the tremendous impact she had on the school community. Lan, thank you for your years of dedication, mentorship, and passion for teaching mathematics. We wish you a wonderful and well-deserved retirement.
Next up, JEFF FZERENO or as some may say, Coach Fowls, right? Uh tonight we recognize Jeff Ferrarano for 23 years of dedicated service to Bernard High School and an outstanding 34year career in education. For generations of students, Mr. Ferano was far more than an AP literature teacher.
He was a calm, steady, and thoughtful presence in the classroom. Someone who challenged students intellectually while always making them feel respected and supported. One student shared that he has such a passion for literature that he brings up ideas I never would have thought of myself, while another student
described him simply as so chill. Appreciating both his teaching style and the way he connected with students. His impact extended well beyond academics as our longtime baseball coach, Coach Falerano, built one of the premier programs in the state, leading teams to county and state championships while
modeling sportsmanship, humility, and character. One student captured that perfectly by saying, "He made the team better while helping his players become better people." What stands out most about Jeff, though, is the way he treated people. Students consistently describe him as understanding, kind, and
approachable. A former exchange student reflected on how meaningful it was to have a teacher who truly cared, writing, quote, "I appreciated that most of your assignments were expressing about or were about expressing our feelings and letting us talk. I will always remember you." Jeff was also an outstanding colleague and a friend to so many in
this district. His calm demeanor, sense of perspective, and quiet professionalism made him someone people people naturally gravitated toward. Whether in the classroom or on the baseball field or in conversations with co-workers, he brought positivity, wisdom, and authenticity to every
interaction. The measure of a great educator is not only in championships and championships won or courses taught, but in the lasting impact left on students and colleagues alike. Jeff, thank you for your years of dedicated service to BHS. We wish you a retirement full of happiness, relaxation, and good
baseball. Uh, next up, unable to join us tonight, is Lynn Wler. We recognize Lynn Weler for 18 years of service to Burners High School and a 34year career in education. Lynn brought passion, creativity, and dedication to every aspect of school
life. As an English teacher, she helped students connect with literature in meaningful ways. And through her work directing the play and the musical, she created memorable experiences for countless students in the theater program. She also served as the president of SHA, supporting and advocating for her colleagues throughout
her time in the district. Lynn's impact on Bernard High School will be lasting both inside and outside the classroom. We wish her a wonderful retirement. NEXT, Maria Venezio, who also couldn't make it this evening. Maria has 21 years at Bernard High School and 37 years in
education overall. Maria is an exceptional teacher, incredibly intelligent, rigorous in all the right ways, and deeply respected by students and colleagues. At the same time, she brought warmth, energy, and joy into her classroom every single day. From the music playing as students entered class to the engaging discussions and
thoughtful lessons she created, Maria made her classroom a place students genuinely enjoyed being a part of. Her impact on Burner High School has been tremendous, and we are grateful for the years she dedicated to our students and staff. We wish her nothing but happiness, peace, and whatever exciting projects retirement brings.
Congratulations, Maria, on an outstanding career and a well-earned retirement. And last, but certainly not least, I'd like Chris Whitlock to come to the front. Tonight, we recognize Christine Whitlock for 27 remarkable years at Bernard High
School and more than 35 years in the education overall. Simply put, Chris Whitlock is a legend at Bernard High School. For nearly three decades, she has been the gold standard of what a teacher should be. Knowledgeable, passionate patient compassionate and
endlessly dedicated to her students. Generations of students have walked into chemistry class intimidated by the subject only to leave confident, capable, and often inspired to pursue science because of her influence. Along the way, she has been recognized as the governor's educator of the year, as well
as the student council teacher of the year for Burners High School. Again and again, students describe Chris not only as an exceptional chemistry teacher, but one of the best, but as one of the best teachers they've ever had. One student wrote, "She is possibly the best teacher I have ever had the pleasure of learning from." Another thanked her for making
chemistry fun and making me excited to learn and come to class every day. What makes Chris truly special is her extraordinary ability to combine deep expertise with genuine care for students. Students consistently speak about her patience, kindness, encouragement, and willingness to help
at any time. One student reflected that she never got annoyed with the number of questions that I asked. Another wrote, "She is always encouraging and cheers us on when we get things right." Those may sound like small things, but over the course of a career, they become life-changing things. Her impact
extended far beyond the classroom as well. Chris has mentored countless teachers over the years, serving as a trusted colleague, sounding board, and role model for generations of educators. She has served on virtually every committee imaginable and has always stepped forward when the school needed leadership, perspective, or simply
someone willing to help. She is the definition of a team player, humble, dependable, and deeply respected by everyone fortunate enough to work with her. And despite all of her accomplishments, what stands out most about Chris is who she is as a person. She is truly salt of the earth. Or if I
put that in chemistry terms, sodium chloride of the iron, oxygen, silicone, and magnesium. How'd I do? Not bad. Had to look that one up. Needed some help there. There are teachers who teach content and there are teachers who shape school who helped shape a school community. Chris
Whitlock did both at the highest possible level. The truth is people like Chris are nearly irreplaceable. Her legacy will live on not only in the students she taught, but in the teachers she mentored, the department she strengthened, and the culture of excellence and care she helped create at Bernard's High School. Chris, thank you for your extraordinary career, your
leadership, and the countless lives you've changed along the way. We we wish you nothing but happiness and fulfillment in retirement. Thank you. Okay, we have one more. Uh, Dr. Colleen Butler, uh, who's our currently our assistant
superintendent. Um, district received a letter on August 15, 2005. Uh, it was written by Colleen. Um, she wrote in it, uh, in a letter to Mr. Lampa. Um Walter Elias Disney once
stated, quote, "There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates loot on Treasure Island." Uh she was compelled to be a reading specialist here. Uh she continued and said, "My ideal classroom is one in which a community of lifelong
learners discover and explore themes across the curriculum in an environment in which they feel safe and nurtured, thereby allowing them to take educational risks and achieve all that is possible. I've always felt strongly about educating the whole child, their
body, their mind, and their spirit. I would be very interested in becoming part of your staff. Each year that I've taught, I've been given a classroom rich with educational diversity. I welcome having special needs students as well as
academically gifted students and differentiated and differentiated their instruction to meet all of their needs. As a reading specialist, I would want to share the gift of reading with students from both ends of the ability spectrum. I know I can help your students thrive.
She closed that letter by stating that the famed educator John Dwey once said, quote, "Give the pupils something to do, not something to learn. And if the doing is of such a nature as to demand thinking, learning naturally results. I
like John Dwey and the Somerset Hills School System believe strongly in an educational process that demands and respects the active participation of the child." So, as I reflect on the letter that opened the door uh for Colleen into
the district, and frankly, the door was open wide and we wanted to pull her in as fast as we could. I wasn't here, but I know um that that took place. Um, I think about um some of the words in her
letter. Um, and I think about her her desire to make people feel safe, the desire to nurture them, the desire to take educational risks, uh, to the desire to educate uh, the whole child, um, to support their body, their mind,
and their spirit. Uh I've come to know Colleen uh very well in the last three week in the last three years and she is effective dealing with um learners all across their uh their spectrum of abilities uh and interests. And so it it
it's been great to see um that that initial entrance into the district doesn't even capture the strength of of what she did while she was here. Uh before she came to us, uh she was the coordinator of evening admissions at St.
Peters College. Uh she taught uh in Chadam. Uh she was an instructional aid in Chadam. She was an academic adviser at St. Peters back in the 80s. Uh she coordinated evening admissions. She was an admissions counselor and an assistant
director of admissions. Uh she also worked at Lorden Taylor. Uh 1982 she did. Uh I have some letters from folks that have written to the district on behalf of Colleen. They um Katherine
Griffith, she writes that Mrs. Butler had proven herself to be a valuable and respected member of her staff and I was anxious to have this outstanding individual on our teaching staff. Uh ultimately we got um we got Colleen uh for over 20 years. Um she talked about a
sample lesson that she gave during the interview and the screening process that was one of the most outstanding and creative ones that I've ever seen. To walk into Miss Butler's classroom is to enter a magic realm of excitement, creativity, and positive energy. I can
attest to the positive energy. Um, it is apparent that Mrs. Butler loves and respects her students. Her role as a co-learner is immediately apparent and it creates
lifelong learning. Um, she also closed out um that I was extremely impressed with Mrs. Butler's solutions to some overwhelming difficulties in her first year of teaching. She was able to carry out an effective program for several
weeks despite the fact that her classroom furniture hadn't even arrived. That's hard. Got to have a seat. We received a letter from Carolyn Hickey. She described her as intelligent,
enthusiastic, experienced, and creative. Someone who understands and appreciates the art and science of teaching and learning with children. It's a partnership. She brought that partnership to Somerset Hills and that
partnership just grew and grew and grew. She addresses the needs of all of the students in her room, those with exceptional ability um by tailoring instruction to meet their needs. In a similar letter from Mary Joe Oakley, uh
she says that Colleen Butler is a shining star in any school system, but to my son, she will always be the teacher whom all others are measured. Colleen was the perfect balance of encouragement structure discipline
and love. She expected my son to do his best and in the loving, creative, and supportive environment of her classroom, he did give her her best. Colleen came here and she created loving, creative, and and supporting environments, not
only for the children that were serving, but also uh for the adults. Colleen introduced them to the concept of being an individual. It was a good thing to follow your own drummer. She cited Henry David Thorough in her letter about Colleen. Towards the end of the year,
Colleen asked the children in her class to write a paragraph about a memory of second grade that they would never forget. My son wrote about meeting her on the first day of school, how welcoming she was, concluding with the sentence, I love Mrs. Butler.
At the bottom of Mr. Butler's here also. At the bottom of this paragraph, in her signature in purple ink, Mrs. Butler wrote, "I love you, too. I value that love and I value the big world of bright ideas that she
introduced to my son in the supportive, joyous atmosphere in her classroom." There was another letter we received. Marie and Steven Barber. Mrs. Butler quickly learned Michael's strong points and weaknesses. She mapped
out a strategy to suit his needs. Not the other children's, but his. She was also able to observe Mrs. Butler in the classroom. The children enjoyed her lessons and were so enthusiastic. Um, Colleen has met and exceeded uh any
of the expectations that her supporters uh in her life set forth for us. Uh she served us as a reading specialist at Bedwell. She was an assistant principal at Bedwell. Uh she worked here at the high school as a director of guidance and she also uh ascended to the
assistant superintendent position. Uh she is an institution at in Somerset Hills. Uh she is valuable everywhere she goes and she is uh such a unifier and has been uh over tens of years in this
school district and we're absolutely uh indebted to your service, Colleen. And uh we are very much so going to miss you. But I know that your future has a lot of sports in it. Um, your husband has already informed me that there's a
Yankee game tonight. Uh, so, um, you know, we're going to wrap this up, but we are absolutely, uh, going to miss you. And I know that, uh, the board of education has prepared for, uh, some flowers that I picked from my garden.
Um, kidding, of course. Uh, so we can share that with you as well. Come on up, Colleen. Thank you so much everyone. Thank you. >> I'm not generally a hugger, but you got a hug, Dr. Butler. Um so we are also
here tonight to recognize um some very very skilled um practitioners uh and this is the night that we honor the governor's uh educator of the year award honores and uh we have honores that are here with their families from all over
the district and our first uh honore our first set of honores are going to be recognized by Mr. Wolf, principal at Bedwell. Thank you. First up, we have Mrs. Jessica Collins. Come on up, JESS. MRS. Collins received multiple
nominations for the bees educator of the year award this year which speaks volumes to the impact that she has had on Bedwell School. These nominations were varied coming from a colleague, parents, and even a student. Mrs. Collins has created a classroom
environment that is inclusive of all learners and one that is based on safety and cooperation. Mrs. Collins is a dedicated advocate for her students and does whatever is necessary to get them the help and the support that they deserve and require. As one person said,
her teaching emphasizes student growth, creating an environment where every child feels valued, capable, and empowered to succeed. And she makes meaningful contributions to school initiatives, consistently setting a standard of excellence. Congratulations,
MISS OUR next recipient was unable to attend with us tonight, but Mrs. Lauren Smith has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, compassion, and dedication to both her students as well as her colleagues. Through her use of
data-driven instruction, small groupoup interventions, and personalized learning plans, she has helped a plethora of students make remarkable growth in both comprehension and confidence. She is an educator that not only advances literacy initiatives, but also strengthens the
entire school community. Mrs. Smith embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator. Patience, insight, innovation, and heart, which is why she is our bees educational services professional of 2526.
Congratulations LADIES. Good evening again everyone. I would like to recognize our two award winners uh from Bernardsville Middle School. Unfortunately, both are unable to be with uh here with us tonight. Mrs. Christine Trestler has been a teacher at Bernardville Middle School since 2006
with both a master's of arts in English literature and secondary arts as well as a masterers of arts in language arts and literacy. Mrs. Trestler shares her passion for learning with her seventh grade students. She is the embodiment of a master teacher. Mrs. Trestler responds
to student needs, approaches her instruction with creativity, and reflects on the effectiveness of her instruction. She fosters an engaging and inviting classroom atmosphere, balancing both light-hearted humor with rigorous, in-depth exploration of her subject
matter. Her teaching focuses on individual students and by the end of the year her students leave her classroom as stronger readers and writers because of that individualized attention. We are grateful to have Mrs. Trestler as our governor's educator of the year.
Miss Jacqueline Pascarelli, our building's mental health counselor who we share with Bedwell Middle School, uh Bedwell Elementary School, sorry, is also an asset to the school community. She is embodies the emotional and social well-being of our students. A graduate
of both Ruckers and NYU, Miss Pasclli hones her skill as a certified clinical social worker at our shared campus. She is a support for students and their families. Miss Pascelli is dedicated, committed, kind, and caring. She is welld deserved of the award of
educational service provider of the year. Thank you. Next, I'd like to bring up Dr. Nigel. >> Okay. And the Burners High School Governor's Educator of the Year is Mrs. Heather Hunkley. Heather, come on up. Mrs. Hunkley has been a cornerstone of
Bernard High School for 18 years. known for her her innovative teaching, unwavering support for students, and ability to make every learner feel seen, challenged, and empowered. Families often share how students leave her classes more confident, curious, and inspired. Her impact is especially
evident in the journalism program, where she transformed the Crimson into an award-winning digital publication recognized at both the state and national levels. She also helps students create a podcast studio that now produces award-winning student-driven content and provides authentic real
world learning experiences. In her 11th grade English classes, Mrs. Hunkley fosters thoughtful readers, writers, and critical thinkers through engaging student- centered instruction. She's also a trusted leader within the English department, generously sharing effective practices and supporting colleagues.
Beyond the classroom, she advises both the Crimson and the Bernardian, guiding students in the documenting the life of our school with creativity and pride. Students, staff, and families alike describe Mrs. Hunkley as a life-changing educator who opens doors and inspires
students to pursue passions they may have never discovered before otherwise. We are so excited to recognize her as the BHS Governor's Educator of the Year. Congratulations, Heather Hunkley. One final round of congratulations to all of the honores tonight. Whether
you're retiring or teacher of the year, Uh, moving on to my superintendence report. Um, Mrs. Reman Tia was appointed last month and, uh, she was at Bedwell recently and is going to be back there for field day. Uh, so it's great to be
able to facilitate her transition, uh, to the district as an assistant principal at uh, Bedwell Elementary School. Daria Thiagi is a National Merit um scholarship winner. Uh this May on the
13th um the National Merit Scholarship uh winners were announced and he was one of them earning a $2,500 scholarship. Uh he's one of uh many winners from across the country, but it's very difficult to achieve. Uh they were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000
outstanding finalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship program and uh we're very proud uh of him and of his accomplishments. He stands out for his accomplishments in so many arenas. Uh he's athletic uh very skilled uh academically and provides community
services uh and more in the classroom and and outside. Uh during his career here at the high school, he's taken a host of honors and AP courses. Um, in his senior year, he's carrying five AP courses as well as a dual enrollment multiv variable calculus class. Uh,
declaring his lean towards uh, STEM education. Uh, he's very involved at the high school. He's president of the tech and robotics club, president of the math league, the recording secretary for the National Honor Society, and a varsity captain of the swim team. He's also a leader who uh, builds relationships,
member of the varsity tennis, JV, cross country, and science league. outside of school. He's very active as a research intern and section leader for the New Jersey cyber security and communications integration cell and is a section instructor um for Stanford code in
place. He strives to uplift his peers as a senior SAT stutor tutor and he's also a code coach at coder school uh teaching elementary and middle school students. He's also an entrepreneur. He's the founder and developer of Simple Explanations. It's an online education
initiative uh that he began to make STEM concepts more accessible. Uh he's on platforms like YouTube and Tik Tok and he has a website that he developed that's interactive. Uh he's reached 1.2 million earners so far and he hopes to continue the project in college by
diversifying his content. He'll be studying computer engineering at Georgia Tech in the fall. So certainly well >> EARNED a quick question. >> I'm sorry. >> I have a quick question. >> Oh, sure. >> Does he sleep?
>> Uh, you wouldn't think he does. Um, but, uh, he certainly is busy. Um, I can report back on that at a later meeting. Yes. >> Uh, there was a voter registration drive. Um, we recently had another successful voter registration drive at
Burners High School. Thanks to the collaboration between the Girl Up Club and the League of Women Voters of the Greater New Brunswick area, they had 30 students register uh with 16 registrations completed at the event. Uh and the rest of the students brought home their applications to finish. In
advance of the April event, the Girl Club received training on the importance of voting in elections and how to help people fill out the registration paperwork. Uh on the day of the voter registration drive, club members traveled with forms throughout the cafeteria, media center, and the gym to
boost awareness. Members of the girl up club were especially excited to help their peers as a 2026 is an important election year. New Jersey will be electing uh one United States senator and all 12 New Jersey members of the House of Representatives. I'd like to
give special thanks uh to club advisor Jade uh Jay Petrolongo. Um, so we have uh some great uh community collaboration and connections that were on full display in the wellness fair. Uh, and there were just so many uh different um community groups
that were involved in our wellness fair. Uh, the high school counselors paired with community and crisis and just brought scores of different um uh different organizations from the greater Somerset Hills uh community. It was in this room. It was very crowded. It was
very well attended over two days and um I I really feel like uh the kids got a lot out of it. Uh they were definitely engaged um in a host of different ways. Recently the Bedwells Got Talent uh was held. It was held on April 24th. Uh it's
a great uh tradition over at Bedwell that includes a masters of ceremonies group. Uh it includes dedicated stage crew managers and 30 unique acts. It was two hours of fun, laughter, and applause as the fourth grader wowed their friends and families with a multitude of talent.
Uh, special thanks to the Bedwell HSA and the Bedwell teacher band as well as organizers uh from uh the school community as well as uh the Bedwell HSA community. And uh no uh Bedwell event is
complete without an appearance uh from the Bedwell band. So that was always great to see. Uh we heard earlier from Sophia regarding Crimson Cafe and uh Mia put together a beautiful slide and we had over 70 middle and high school students that performed 10 pieces of pop
and jazz uh for their friends and it really was uh an outstanding evening um for all. Uh we have a host of athletic positions that are currently available uh and in the process of being filled and uh we're
working through that uh through um the next month or so. Uh so we're certainly encouraging any interested parties to um to apply through our website. uh Somerset Hills Education Foundation
um has a grant cycle and uh we've been giving periodic updates to the board and to the community regarding the progress uh of that grant cycle. Um in midFebruary in New Chang's room, it wasn't a classroom anymore. Uh it was an underground crime scene investigation
lab and a room of uh teenage forensic scientists uh that were attempting to crack the case of a lifetime. Um they had uh tools to work with DNA samples and a class of eager high school freshmen and a generous chef grant to
acquire cutting edge DNA analysis technology. Um opportunities like this were rec uh recognized as being rare and very valuable. Uh high school freshman Maggie Morrison and Naomi Moffett are students in the honors biology class at the high
school and they were immensely uh pleased with Chef for the grant. um because they were able to be part of something that students aren't necessarily able to do um in a typical high school. Um so our high school biology classrooms were filled with
scientists of tomorrow. Um the Somerset Hills Education Foundation awarded uh $3,337 for this um and in total $15,000 in grants um this year.
Jay Petrolongo from the high school. Um, she put forth a application for social studies and performing arts. It was a performing arts workshop and they earned a $2,000 grant from the Somerset Hills Education Foundation. Uh, that provided
professional performing arts workshops for high school students. Uh, given that the spring musical was The Wizard of Oz, the workshop brought in professionals uh, from the very famous prequel Wicked. Uh there was a two-hour dance workshop
um uh with Chase Madigan, who's a professional actor and a dancer with many Broadway credentials, uh including a nine-year run on Wicked. And there's a two a two-hour voice master class with Carol Lindseay, uh who's also on Broadway, known for uh originating the
role of Katherine and Newsies. Um so this was a great opportunity that was presented to um the students here and uh last month uh the student representative spoke about uh the disc golf grant from
chef um in the amount of $1,710 and disc golf is uh uh taking over our fizzed program and uh it's great to see kids using that uh as well. Uh we have our track team at the middle
school has 50 students that participate on the track team. Uh they include running in a variety of events uh from the hundred um to the mile as well as throwing and jumping. Uh we have coach Ohalerin, coach Laspata, and coach Haney
that uh work with them uh every day. Last week, the students had an inter squad meet where the eighth grade captains Xander Demar and Harper Watt each coached a team who then competed uh against each other and a lot of great things uh with that group and I've seen
them um personally and um you know very positive. The middle school music department attended the high note music festival. Uh that was at Dorny Park on May 8th and um we had 233 students attend and um
students in grades uh 6th through 8th participated in the choir band, orchestra, and jazz band. Uh they did perform very well. Uh each earning excellent and superior ratings across the board. Uh so it's great to see that uh the arts are alive and well here in
Somerset Hills. The everyday hero at the high school is Ariana uh who is a senior and uh she's exceptionally welcoming, kind, and caring. She greets every person in every challenge with a smile and positivity.
Um in addition to being a student here at the high school, outside of school, she participates in activities where she shares her experiences in leadership. uh most notably with her involvement in dance and teaching younger students. Uh she also shows her leadership through the tomorrow's teachers class by
learning how to direct uh Bedwell students to be a positive presence and a role model for younger learners. A few months ago uh she and her sister Bella designed and created a 24 days of litmus uh which an advent calendar that graced the English hallway uh during the
holidays. So um she's very positive there. Uh recently uh Miss Goff and I separately presented at a statewide conference um I talked about uh crafting communication plans uh and around um
particular board of education initiatives to engage uh a community and Miss GOP talked about uh leadership behaviors uh that can change practice. So um we were sought out by those organizations uh only because they have heard about uh good things that are
happening in the district. So that was always great to see. Uh the next pathways to success comes out on graduation day. We're looking forward to that and um want to provide a uh brief update on the regionalization study. Uh
we are uh we completed our study outline in the second quarter in 2026. Uh we're currently in the third quarter in 2026 and we're in the process of data collection. Uh so separately Somerset Hills and the Bedminster Township School
District will submit um requested data in the areas of governance, education and program, demography and facilities and finance and operations. Uh we will engage in some more stakeholder group interviews in the early fall and then as
we wind down the calendar year we will um or they will engage in some data analysis regarding the two districts and then finally the report will be delivered in the first quarter of 27. Uh just as a reminder to the board, uh this
regionalization study does not obligate either board uh to do anything, but it does avail the current board's uh information in which to examine our practices. So, um it's been an enjoyable
process and and uh an informative one. Um the New Jersey school climate initiative is uh up in full um full steam here. Uh we've had our leadership teams from all of our buildings attend multiple what we call community practice
events through the Ruckers University School of Applied Psychology. Uh we had a meeting that was particularly particularly productive in April um where we were able to uh learn a lot about how to implement our survey data
to um you know from a school that had just uh in a district that had just kind of completed this work. Uh there's another uh community practice event coming up on uh later in May and it's focused on prioritizing our survey data to develop uh some smart goals um
through our platform and we're looking forward to um our next level of work there. Um and we're looking for probably to wrap that up uh by the middle of October. So it's been uh it's been very productive for the school administration and the school teams uh around this work
uh because climate and culture is something uh that is a driver of relationships and it is a driver of instruction. Uh we have begun the tennis court construction project. Uh you're seeing the color scheme that uh we've arrived
at and um work has begun in earnest. Uh we have a host of photographs uh up on uh the screen here. Currently, we're on schedule for the girls high school team preseason calendar. Uh we remain on budget. There are no major challenges to
report regarding this project, but I do want to uh alert uh one important piece to this project to the board. Uh we are installing uh additional drainage underneath both sets of courts. We have two pods of three. Uh that drainage is
being dug well under um uh well under the base and both courts will feed in underneath the sidewalk uh in between the in between the two courts and then any moisture will be routed into the parking lot. Uh so we feel like this
drainage uh will significantly positively impact our um quality of life as far as how how long these courts are able to be um in use for. So uh we're excited about the
drainage piece there. um speaking to the administrative reorganization uh as set forth uh through our budget meetings in March and then uh the ten and then the the budget hearing last month. Uh we have a director of curriculum and instruction
that's on the agenda tonight. Her name is Dr. Olga Edertton. Uh she's a PhD in mathematical physics. Uh currently the supervisor of math and science at um in the district and uh we're essentially merging uh roles there. Um, previously
she was director of curriculum and instruction in Hopacong, a teacher of math, an adjunct professor, and a research scientist. And um, she's on the agenda um, uh, tonight as well. And, um, we also have a uh, as part of
our administrative reorganization, a supervisor of athletics, health, and physical education. Uh, Jessica McInn is currently the assistant director of athletics in the Morris School District. Um, prior to that, she was director of athletics uh at the PC school. Uh, she
taught physical education uh here in Somerset Hills for many years. Uh, and in 2021, she was a governor educator of the year honore. Um, which was uh great to see. Uh, she coached varsity lacrosse here. She had over 200 wins. Uh, her
teams uh earned a lot of um, great accolades. uh they won the state sectional um tournament three times and they won the state championship uh one time and she was honored as a as a coach by a variety of organizations and she is
a former division one college athlete uh at Ruckers University and um I think she'll be a very strong um addition to the high school staff and by way of reminder we do have uh the current um director of athletics that's taking on
an assistant principal role um at the high school as well. So, that's um you know where that transpired. Um as I close, I do want to thank the board and the community for their uh attention tonight. Uh I know it's a longer night. Uh and I'd also like to take a moment to
thank uh my assistant, Mia Bevelletes, who really puts in a lot of work um rapping and and really you Thank you. um she uh she takes pride in in what she does and um you know it means a lot that
we're able to have something great for uh the retirees and and those that we're recognizing. Um and Mrs. Frener, that does conclude the superintendent's report. >> Thank you very much. Um I will move us into public comments. I won't keep you
listening much longer, but before I do that, I just many of our educators um of course had to go home because they have to teach tomorrow. Um but I just wanted to take a moment and I hope everyone is okay with this on behalf of the board. Um we had
quite the graduating class this evening. Um there are life changers that populated this room. Um, and I am fortunate enough to have had two children, one who's still here, who have gone through this district, who have had the benefit of so
many of you that were honored here tonight. Um, it is no small feat to have people speak of you in a way that they remember forever. and um listening to the way that you are honored this evening. Um on behalf of the board, we
thank you so very much for dedicating your work here in this district to our children and to our community. Um you are remarkable. Thank you. Um with that, we will move into public comments for actionable agenda items. We
very much welcome input from the public. Public comments are welcome at this time on any actionable agenda item. Towards the end of the meeting, there is a second public forum on any topic. Please state your name and address. Comments are limited to three minutes. At 3 minutes, you will be interrupted and asked to pause to allow any other
members of the public who would like to speak and opportunity to do so. An individual may return to the podium to complete their statement after everyone else has had an opportunity to speak for a total of two times at the podium. Please understand that our public forums are not structured as question and
answer sessions but are offered as opportunities to share your thoughts with the board. In instances where the board feels there is a misunderstanding or inaccuracy, the board president or superintendent may address the comment. In accordance with New Jersey statute, the board will not discuss matters regarding specific personnel. Public
comments will be limited to 30 minutes. A reminder for all parties in attendance to remain respectful and there should be no interaction between the speaker and the audience. No members of the audience should interfere with or interrupt the speaker's comment. Thank you in advance for your input. As always, Mr. Lagori has his timer set so that you are aware
of how much time is remaining on your comment. If there is anyone who would like to make a comment on actionable agenda items at this time? Nope. Okay. Can I get a motion to close public comment, please? Miss Labbera and Miss Hoppy. Thank you very much. Um, then we will move into the approval of
the minutes. May I have a motion to approve the Somerset Hills Board of Education public input and action and executive meeting minutes for April 15, 2026, special meeting minutes for April 18th, 2026, and budget meeting minutes and executive meeting minutes for April
29th, 2026. Miss Ry and Miss Labbera, thank you. Is there any discussion regarding the minutes? >> No. Okay, then can we have roll call, please? >> Mrs. Hav, >> yes. >> Mrs. Hunt, >> yes. >> Mrs. Labbera, >> yes. >> Mrs. Santoro, >> yes. >> Mrs. Ry, >> yes. >> Miss Ballard,
>> yes. >> Miss Clark Emery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Frenda, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Thank you very much. Um, the next section for this evening are a host of organizational action items that we need to move um in the month of May. So, I am
going to ask if I can have a motion to approve organizational items number one through 42 on the agenda. Miss Hunt, Miss Ballard. Thank you. Um, and is there any discussion regarding the organizational items?
No. Okay. Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Hoppy, >> yes. >> Mrs. Hunt, >> yes. >> Mrs. Labbera, >> yes. >> Mrs. Santoro, >> yes. >> Mrs. Ry, >> yes. >> Miss Ballard, >> yes. >> Miss Clark Emory, >> yes. >> Mrs. Frenda, >> yes. >> The motion carries. >> Okay. Thank you very much. We will then
move on to the business operations report, Miss Anturo. Okay. Um, so sorry I didn't note my dates on here, but the committee met on
um May 11th and all members were present. Um we started out um our committee meeting receiving an update regarding the district's work with Schneider Electric related to potential energy
savings improvement program um otherwise known as ESEP. Schneider Electric will likely tend attend a future committee meeting to provide additional information and recommendations. uh administr the administration explained that EIP is a legislative
legislatively authorized funding mechanism that allows districts to pursue energy related capital improvements without requiring a referendum bond. Under the program, the district would initially fund projects with anticipated
we would initially fund projects with anticipated energy savings offsetting the cost over time. Schneider Electric completed an initial assessment of our facilities, including analysis of utility expenditures and building walkthroughs.
The review identified the district as currently could be operating more efficiently from an energy perspective with approximately 894,000 spent annually on utilities and that primarily goes to electricity followed
by gas and then water usage. Potential improvement areas identified include infrastructure upgrades, LED lighting, replacement of pneumatic controls, HVAC and boiler improvements, indoor air quality enhancements,
um BAS optimization, sustainability initiatives, and potential solar opportunities. Preliminary estimates suggest that an energy conservation initiative could potentially offset approximately 200,000 annually in energy
costs, but more will come on that as we will consider diving deeper into this work. The committee also um discussed possible future grant opportunities associated with this work, including the retrofit New Jersey and elective pay
energy storage tax credits. Um we briefly discussed the construction manager which um would engage with the work that we're going to be doing around referendum projects. Currently our uh
solutions architecture our uh architecture firm would serve as the district's architect and project manager. Uh however we are considering whether an additional construction management perspective may be beneficial to our administration.
Um then we also discussed our health benefits broker following the district's RFP process. Integrity consulting group was selected to administer the district's medical and dental plans moving forward. The administration indicated that the firm was selected
based on its overall management capabilities and value added services including employee communication tools, wellness initiatives, and support related to negotiations and benefits education. The committee um was also
informed that Brown and Brown will continue administering the district's prescription plan for the 2627 school year due to our ex our existing contract. Um,
we just talked about the organizational items that we just approved, particularly the ones that the board interacts mostly with, including Bush Law Group, Solutions, Architecture, and Subly Clooney. Um, I just want to take a
moment before I finish the report to thank Chef. Um I was so happy to hear about all the grants that they've been providing um that are bringing educational enriching and fun experience to our students. So I just wanted to note that on behalf of the committee and
that is all I have. Thank you very much. Um before I ask for a motion um I'm going to ask Mr. Lori, I believe we have a walk-on motion for business operations item number 10 in addition to the agenda. If you could please read that in for us.
>> Item number 10. Be it resolved that the Somerset Hills Board of Education upon the recommendation of the Superintendent approves the settlement agreement in the matter of James McCarron v. Somerset Hills Regional School District docket number SOM-L-773-25. The board president, superintendent,
business administrator, board secretary, and board attorney are hereby authorized to take any and all actions to affectuate this action of the board. >> Okay. Thank you very much. Um, so then at this time I would like to ask for a motion to approve action items number one through nine on the agenda and the
addition of the walk- on item number 10 as just read in for the record. Can I get a motion please, Miss Santoro? And a second from Miss Labraa. And is there any discussion regarding the business operations report?
Miss >> microphone. I'll just speak loudly. Um, as far as the electricity goes and um the study of the efficiency of
um the district does the the money is not coming out of our um is it the capital gates? Is that what you would take it from? the general >> can't come from the referendum included
in it. Right. >> Correct. Uh so we're examining kind we're still examining the possibilities. Uh but there are some legislatively driven uh opportunities to
um engage in this work and then offset um what we would put into it with um annual energy savings in of excess of $200,000. Uh, so we're sort of at the beginning stages of this. I think if you reflect
back to our budget retreat and and the annual budget hearing and if you can kind of see in your head a pie chart up on the screen, um, what I'm trying to do is I'm trying to dive into the biggest the biggest pieces of the pie or some of
the bigger pieces of the pie and see if we can capture some savings in there. And so some of the work that we've been doing with Schneider Electric, as an example, is to get their opinion on some opportunities. Um, and if we elect to go
down this road, uh, it's a pretty long process that that does involve some board action. Uh, we need some more information from Schneider. We're meeting with them shortly. um just to sort of get get a sense of some of the output um from the board level that
would allow us to uh realize some savings. Uh so it is a scenario of um pay a little to save to save uh situation that we're going to kind of lay out. Uh but it is legislatively driven program. It's called an energy
savings improvement program uh that uh municipalities, school districts can take advantage of. So if it's legislatively driven, the grants are attached to that. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Is there anybody else for business
operations? >> Okay, then we can do roll call. >> Mrs. Hoppy? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Hunt? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Libera? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Santoro? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ry? >> Yes. >> Ms. Ballard? >> Yes. >> Miss Clark Emery? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Frenda? >> Yes.
>> The motion carries. >> Thank you. Does anybody have anything for new or old business for business operations? Nope. Okay. Thank you. Um, so it is a historic night. Miss Cooper
unfortunately cannot be with us this evening for the first time in her entire tenure on the board. Um, and I have the honor of reading her always well-crafted um, committee reports. So bear with me
as I deliver that um in her absence. Uh the um committee met on uh May 13, 2026 for an hour and a half. Um all members were in attendance. We started with um
we had an item on the agenda for Wisdom Circuits. Um they unfortunately the representative from wisdom circuits a company that has developed an AI powered educational platform were unable to attend so they will be coming to a future meeting which we look to forward to. Um there was a dyslexia update given
by Dr. Butler briefly mentioned the dyslexia update that the student services committee received that month. Um Dr. Brochial had made the suggestion that in the future and perhaps um one to two times a year the curriculum and student services committees could hold a
joint meeting given the overlap between the content of the two committees. Uh we then moved on to B uh physical education grades at BHS. We um discussed grading in the high school for students receiving the option two exemption which
has been granted to a significant number of students pursuing a variety of activities. Historically, option two grading has been administered by non-certified PE teachers and given on the basis of attendance. Students are not aware of their grades in option two until the end of the marking period because they aren't uploaded into
Genesis due to logistical challenges. Um it's important to note that colleges don't typically consider grades in PE for their admissions decision. And um so to that end, Dr. Brochel proposed that option two grading moves to a pass fail system. Instead of using letter grades
and to correlate the um traditional PE classes at BHS that do receive grades, those grades will not be used to f will not be factored into uh student GPA calculation. Um and then as was discussed um by Dr. Dr. Burchil in his
report there are some leadership transitions um happening throughout the district. He reviewed the changes to district curricular leadership that will follow Dr. Butler's retirement the retirement which were discussed by the policy and personnel committee last month. Briefly curricular responsibilities will transition to the
administrator serving in the newly created position of director of curriculum instruction and professional development. In addition, the director of guidance position is now titled director of school counseling and wellness and will oversee all HIV matters. Um then we had um a brief
review of the BMS quality school review. Dr. Brochial discussed the results of the survey and next steps related to this initiative. He also praised the quality school review team and their commitment to the process. This summer, the team will evaluate multiple data streams to identify challenges and
develop strategies to address these challenges. a particular area of focus will be on enhancing instructional leadership. Um and then forformational purposes there have been a um request from a committee member regarding um the report cards that are used at Bedwell.
So we discussed their connection to standards, the association between grades on report cards and testing results variability from grade to grade and feedback from parents. Um the Dr. Brochel also noted that the
Bedwell administrative and teacher team may continue to review the elementary report card process and rubric as part of its ongoing efforts to support effective student feedback and communication. And that concludes the report of the curriculum committee. So
at this time I would like to ask for a motion to approve action items number one through seven on the agenda. Miss Ry and Miss Hoppy. And is there any discussion regarding the curriculum report? Oh. Oh, missed that one. Um, I just
wanted to say I was pleased to see um the review of the Bedwell report card. I think it really fits in nicely with our Dr. Brochil's focus on communicating with families and which the board supports. And receiving a report card is a really important thing for many of our
parents. We honor our parents here at this school. Um, and also our teachers too. um that they can spend their time effectively communicating with the parents and uh looking at this report card process and rubric to become more effective if it's needed. So I
appreciated seeing that. >> Thank you. Is there anybody else? Nope. Okay. Then can we have roll call, please? >> Mrs. Hunt, >> yes. >> Mrs. Labbera, >> yes. >> Mrs. Santoro, >> yes. >> Mrs. Ry, >> yes. >> Miss Dallard, >> yes.
>> Miss Clark Emory, >> yes. >> Mrs. TPI. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Frenda. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Then can we please move on to the report of the personnel committee? >> Thank you, Mrs. Brenda.
>> Oh, new or old business for curriculum. He can see my highlighted from here. I just missed it. >> No. Okay. Thank you. Now person. Thanks. Um so in personnel we disc uh discussed
um many things that have already been covered. The supervisor F athletics position um which was in the slideshow and also just covered as well as the change in the director of curriculum and instruction uh which we covered in our report last month. Uh we also noted
retirement payouts that the May bill list includes payments for absences uh and unaffiliated positions will be undertaken at our June regular public meeting. And that concludes my report. Okay. Thank you very much. Um before I
motion the action on items for approval, Mr. Lori. Um, I believe that we have a um an additional walk-on item for number 12 on the agenda. If you could read that in please. >> Number 12. Be it resolved that the
Somerset Hills Board of Education upon the recommendation of the superintendent accepts and approves the retirement of James McCarron effective August 1, 2026. >> Okay. Thank you very much. So then at this time I would like to um ask for a motion to approve action items number 1
through 11 on the agenda and number 12 walk on item as read into the record by Mr. Lori. May I have a motion? Miss Labbera, Miss Hoppy, and is there any discussion? Okay, then roll call, please. >> Mrs. Labbera, >> yes. >> Mrs. Santoro,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Ry, >> yes. >> Miss Ballard, >> yes. >> Miss Clark Emory, >> yes. >> Mrs. Poppy. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Hunt. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Frenda. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Any new or old business for personnel? >> Yep. Okay. Um, we do not have action
items for policy this evening, but Miss Ballard does have a report. Thank you. Um, so in our meeting, we had a discussion about the random uh drug testing policy and random drug testing research. Uh, the committee reviewed
research on the efficacy of random drug testing. prior to the meeting. Uh Dr. Roachel also supplies us with copies of the Hudrington Central Regulations and North Brunswick regulations on their random drug testing policies. The committee commenced their discussion.
Issues were raised about the efficacy of drug testing uh and the percentage of false positives, how long drugs remain in the systems, the rise in the use of heroin and cocaine while use of some other drugs is declining. Research shows that an important factor in deterring
the use of drugs is education, connection, and personal support. The committee also discussed the consequences out as outlined in the regulation, focusing on the importance of focusing on helping a child rather than punishing a child, the timing of of and length of punishment, as well as
parameters of consequences, citing importance of social and emotional learning, and floating some alternative ideas. We looked at the regulation through the lens of community. We are community where extracurricular activities and clubs are highly valued. Additionally,
the use of breathalyzer which is a different policy but related seems to work as a deterrent. Also on the issue of education connection and personal support, our district has such policies in place as adding new support at BHS this year in the form of capturing kids
hearts. Uh based on our research and discussion, the committee asked Dr. Brochel to develop a working group to discuss the consequences outlined in the regulations. Um and we're going to invite people who are prepared to contribute and come with suggestion. The focus is on the right thing to do for
our students and community. This working group will include um SACE guidance counselors administrators perhaps someone from community in crisis as well as parents that may have professional experience in this area. Uh we received copies of June 2026 policies. Um, we
have the hard copy, so stay tuned next month. And we had a brief discussion of the student dress code, uh, raised at the request of a committee member. This policy was recently discussed and approved by the board and is being enforced by administration on an as needed basis. And that concludes my
report. Okay. Thank you very much. Um, so again, no action items. Does anybody have any items for discussion for the policy committee? I have a question. So the 10 central and north Brunswick regulations,
are they pretty similar to what we have in place? >> No. >> No. Okay. I could take a look at them. I Yeah. >> Yeah. So I would uh I would I would say that our regul our administrative regulations
have not been modified since the policy and regulation was adopted here. >> Yes. Uh so I think that there's um there's some room for examination uh regarding what we're doing here. And the
the main thing that I articulated to the committee was >> let's do the right thing for Somerset Hills. And that's that's where the the um the decision the determination to develop a working group with our our
Sachs, our school counselors, community in crisis, uh community members that have a particular expertise in this area so we can arrive at um I I guess a sweet spot >> um to in order to facilitate conversations and discussions at the
family level, but also maintain uh what our standards are um we want uh lessons to be learned but we don't want like long-term impact I think is probably best articulate the committee's position on things. So
>> so it's a good opportunity to to look at what we're doing >> to explore it a little bit. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Anybody else? >> Anybody else have anything for policy discussion? No. Anything for new or old business for policy?
Oh, okay. Then student services, please, Miss Santoro. >> Okay. The committee met on May 12th and all committee members um were in attendance and we were joined uh by Miss Bara and Dr. Butler for a portion of our meeting as well. The committee reviewed
district practices related to dyslexia screening intervention evaluation staffing, and parent communication in an effort to better understand literacy services and student support. The committee appreciates the work that the administration did to provide um a
comprehensive response to questions that we had submitted to them and appreciate uh Miss Bara and Dr. Butler uh participating in our meeting. The committee reviewed current literacy screening practices for students in grades K through three, including the
use of I Ready screening tools, literacy benchmark assessments, and dyslexia screening when warranted. discussion included intervention practices, eligibility considerations under New Jersey special education regulations, staffing levels, professional
development, and parent communication procedures. The administration shared current data regarding literacy benchmarks, reading interventions, and students classified under specific learning disability. The committee also reviewed district investments in literacy staffing and training,
including evidence-based foundational literacy instruction and structured literacy professional development. We the discussion focused on ensuring that current processes and service models effectively are meeting student needs. Topics included evaluation approaches,
consistency and implementation, communication between the district and families, and the importance of monitoring students who are making progress with interventions to ensure underlying learning needs are not overlooked. Overall, the committee noted
that the information presented provided a strong foundation for understanding current practicing strengths and emerging priorities. Additional review and analysis by the administration will continue as part of the district's ongoing evaluation of literacy supports
and student services. We then got a brief update on the New Jersey school climate initiative with doc which Dr. uh Brochial touched upon in his superintendent report. Um and then we talked about capturing kids heart. The
committee received an update on our ongoing implementation of capturing kids heart. BHS administration will be connecting with a high school in Texas currently implementing the program. Capturing kids heart training will take place during the first two days of
summer professional development for our high school staff. The administration also shared that the district continues to evaluate the coaching for greatness program and we'll move forward with that um at some point hopefully in the future. And um additionally, sever
several administrators including the Bedwell principal and assistant principal, our business administrator and supervisor of athletics, health, and PE will attend the capturing kids heart leadership blueprint conference in
excuse me in July. Um and then we like um other committees discuss moving forward with an athletic um the supervisor of athletics because that has been a topic of conversation with regards to culture in our committee. So
we're you know pleased that we're moving forward with someone that Dr. Brochial feels um very strongly about. So that is my report. Okay. Thank you. So then at this time I would like to make a motion to approve action number action item number one on
the agenda. Miss Ry and a second Miss Happy. And is there any discussion surrounding student services? >> Just a quick question. I'm sorry. Um for the HIP cases there's nothing that was stated on DHS. So is that just >> we don't have any to report?
Thank you. >> Okay. Is there anybody else? >> I just wanted to say that um I appreciate the wholesome discussion that Dr. Butler and Miss Bara gave to the committee. is with in particular
concerning dyslexia um and screening and letting us know that we need to identify this fairly early on because it just gets
progressively wor worse if kids are not identified. Um and I really appreciate I'll say this to you Mrs. Butler and you can tell Miss Bara um you know your commitment to that. I mean obviously we all have a commitment to children in
that way but the depth of the discussion that would ha was had with the two of you was very heartening and I look forward to continuing this discussion as we go along um you know with other
stakeholders in this matter. >> Anybody else? No. Okay. Then roll call, please. >> Mrs. Santoro, >> yes. >> Mrs. Ry, >> yes. >> Mrs. Ballard, >> yes. >> Miss Clark Emory, >> yes. >> Mrs. Hoppy, >> yes. >> Mrs. Hunt, >> yes.
>> Mrs. Lbera, >> yes. >> Mrs. Frenda, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, then at this time, we will move into board announcements. The views and opinions that are may be expressed by individual members of the Somerset Hills Board of Education during board announcements are solely those of
the individual board members and do not reflect the views, opinions, policies, regulations, and/or positions of the Somerset Hills Board of Education andor any other individual members of the board. Does anybody have anything for board announcements this evening? Yeah.
Oh, go first. >> Um, I just wanted to address Dr. Butler. Uh, it only seems appropriate that it is raining tonight as we are sadly saying goodbye to you. I have always appreciated that whenever I have spoken with you, I have felt heard and
understood. You meet everyone with a box of tissues and a bottle of water as you are always concerned about others comfort. Your dedication to students, their families, and this district are truly admirable. I hope you enjoy this next chapter. You
will be greatly missed. But you so you sure do deserve this. >> Yes. Yes. So, um I just have a couple things. one I wanted to mention. It feels so long ago now already, but our um board retreat
with capturing kids heart um I think it was a great experience for all of us and um I was thrilled to participate in to participate in it to understand what is being implemented at our schools and the
power that it can bring to um to all of our staff and our students. So I just want to mention that that was a great experience. I fully appreciate um Dr. Brochial you bringing that to us so we
can get to experience and hopefully implement some of it ourselves as we go forward. A lot of good things um and that was intended that that came out of that. So um and then I want to give a big congratulations to all of our
retirees this evening. Obviously, um they've all worked so hard in our district and I wish them all well and I'm thankful um to all of them for everything they've done for our students. I would now like to take a
moment to um thank Dr. Butler um uh Dr. Butler, you have been a constant and steady force for this district and the board um for years. You are a relentless source of support, expertise,
and compassion for our students, families, and staff. And again, boy, there's a common theme here. Um, we are a better district because of the heart and passion you have brought to your career and our district. Your calm,
thoughtful, and patient approach even during the most difficult moments has been an example to all of us. Your positive outlook and ability to affirm those around you in the most genuine manner is a quality that leaves a lasting impact and one we should all
strive to emulate. I just want to thank you for your extraordinary years of dedication and service to this district. I wish you nothing but happiness and fulfillment in whatever comes next for you and I hope you know that you have left I hope you know the mark that you
have left on Somerset Hill School District and that it will endure for years to come. Thank you. >> My husband Anyone else have anything for board announcements? U I just want to piggyback on um what
Heather and Allison said um Dr. Butler to have to know you at all um is to know what it it is to be seen and heard and to experience a master class in respect. So um we're you're irreplaceable. Um I've really appreciated getting to know
you as a parent and now with these last few months on the board, I've learned so much from you. So thank you. And Dr. Butler, I have just one word to say to you. You want to say it with me same time? Kuruffle. >> Um, can I say one more thing?
>> Yeah, go ahead. Um, I just also wanted to um piggy back on what Dr. Brocha was saying about the talent show and the teacher band. um they uh performed at the end of the of the talent show and um they just brought their agame and it was wonderful to see Miss Dalan um step into
the band and um help it shine. Uh they're always so generous with their time and I just really wanted to thank be sure to thank them. >> Thank you. Um anyone else for board announcements? >> Yes. Um, I just wanted to add, so it's such a pleasure to have the kids come
and do their announcements at the beginning of each meeting and I was listening to them and I'm just so impressed honestly with um our our teachers and you know the leadership that brings them there. They're so well spoken and the vocabulary is off the
hook. I mean the middle school the use of the word quintessential in the middle school report really blew me away. Um, and just to add on to everything everybody said, I I you know, I'm sitting here getting all emotional, but
um, Colleen, just you'll be so missed. Um I am going to echo a few things here but to the point about our students I think I do this every meeting now because every meeting I'm just kind of taken back in the very best way um the honors
that we are bestowing the recognitions that we are um partaking in um Mr. Jen's absolutely remarkable um accomplishments and talent. Um
just absolutely stunning. um our um uh we honored the um National Merit listening to the description of what that I guess adult, but I'm only going to say child has
accomplished because I'm sure a great deal of what was accomplished was during their childhood. Um, I I I really do. I feel like I have so much to learn from these kids and it is a testimony to our educators as well and the parents that raise them and the community that supports Santa and I just think it is
such a special special thing to be able to do that and to hear about the kids that are walking our halls and all the amazing things that they are doing. Um, and you know just to belabor the issue a little bit. Um, Dr. Butler, they we often say when somebody of
import is moving on, they've got whoever's next has big shoes to fill. Well, for the women who absolutely adore shoes, I will tell you that um your shoes will not be filled. We will have a metaphorical place for your shoes um
because they are just a sparkly, shiny, one ina- million pair. And I have no doubt that um the amazing professionals that we have here will carry on in uh spectacular fashion in their duties and uh the responsibilities that they will
be taking on. But that um does not uh speak to the impact that you have had on this district. Um I personally had the um good fortune of getting to work with you through your varied positions, not as a reading specialist. I came in after that but um in your different positions
and I have learned been impacted and made a better human because of you. You um you're all heart and Jake had asked me Jake from the newspaper who's here um when we announced your retirement you
know if I had any thoughts and I one of the things that I told him is that you are the heart and soul of this district. There is not um there is not an entity here that you have not impacted. Um you when I learned of what your um dissertation for your doctorate was for,
I said, "Of course it was because um the way you think about the whole child and what what they bring to school every day, how it impacts them, how how it affects their learning." And you don't just do that with kids, you do that with each and every one of us, every staff
member. But I know the level of support that you have that you provide for them and how much they adore you and um you take care of all of us. You take care of all of us in so many extraordinary ways. So um we will cherish your sparkly shoes and um
>> I might have to leave them behind because my husband said I cannot leave them here. >> So thank you. Um is there anybody else? I guess I will just add in um everybody's sentiments to you are more
than 100% >> on Thank you. Um just echoing on everybody else's sentiments to you 100% spot on. Having all three of my kids be in the school system and have you here has been an amazing opportunity and a journey.
And you've done nothing but be kind and just always have a listening ear. And yes, a box of tissues. But all I can say is you will be missed. >> Thank you. >> I can't talk now. >> Okay,
>> we know. >> Okay. And so for those of you that are here um thank you so much for indulging us and we will move into um the second public comment section. Um I uh take a moment to remind everyone that you can always reach us via email if you can't
make our meetings and we do want to hear from you. So, please do reach out with questions comments concerns or anything you want us to hear. Um, public comments are welcome at on at this time on any topic. Please state your name and address. Comments are limited to three minutes. At 3 minutes, you'll be
interrupted and asked to pause to allow any other members of the public who would like to speak an opportunity to do so. An individual may return to the podium to complete their statement after everyone else has had an opportunity to speak for a total of two times at the podium. Please understand that our public forums are not structured as question and answer sessions, but are
offered as opportunities to share your thoughts with the board. In instances where the board feels there is a misunderstanding or inaccuracy, the board president or superintendent may address the comment. In accordance with New Jersey statute, the board will not discuss matters regarding specific personnel. A reminder for all parties in attendance to remain respectful and that
there will be no interaction between the speaker and the audience. No members of the audience should interfere with or interrupt the speaker's comments. Thank you in advance for your input. And again, Mr. Lori sets his timer for the three minutes so you're aware of how much time is remaining on your statement. Is there anybody that would like to make a public comment at this
time? My name is Davis. I live on road and two children. Okay, thank you. Do I need to start over? Okay. My name is Johanna Davis. I said good evening first. Sorry. I live on Rolling Hill Road in Bernardsville
with my husband and two children. Um, as an aside, I was very impressed by the many accomplishments of so all the educators really. I think that's a testament to the district and everybody who participates in um really the school
system. Uh it's kind of bittersweet to see so many wonderful uh mentors moving on to new adventures. That's an aside. Um really I'm here to speak uh to advocate for safety for uh student athletes in the district. Uh just about two years ago. One of my uh children was
a rising freshman here at Bernard's High School. Joined the summer basketball uh prep program that was run by the high school coaches. He walked in a healthy, active student and walked out with a fracture of his spine.
As soon as the diagnosis was made, we reached out to the head coach and addressed what had happened. Time went by, the months were filled really with pain evaluations doctor's appointments, imaging, MRIs, and finally
the diagnosis, rehab, rehab, and more rehab. questions. When will the pain end? Mom, did coach call? I could use some of those tissues. Will I ever be the same again?
No word from the coaches. After some months, we reached out to the superintendent who was Thank you. unaware of the injury. No incident report had ever been filed. Dr. Brochel filed one that day. Since that time, we have not really had
any updates about safety, oversight, accountability, or leadership. No calls from the coaches or the athletic director, only um from the insurance company, which really left us feeling that we had become a business calculation uh more than a family in the
district. Frankly, I lost confidence in the student sports safety uh the program and the basketball uh program in particular. And as many of you may know, we um subsequently made a very difficult
decision to move our children out of this school district for different reasons. Um and they're at a local uh school at this time. My hope really in speaking today is that student athletes will have
knowledgeable, responsible adult supervision, helping them to learn appropriate, safe ways to grow stronger and participate in sports and be the student athletes that they would like to be. I thank you for your time. >> Thank you, Miss Davis. Please make sure
you just Is it >> should be up there to sign in? >> Is there a paper for you to sign in? >> Oh, yes. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you for your comment. Is there anybody else who would like to make a comment at this time? No. Okay.
Okay. Then at this time, uh, can I get a motion to close public comment? Miss Lera and, um, Miss Santoro. And, um, then I just need a motion to adjourn for the evening. Miss Santoro. And a second,
Miss Happy. And all in favor? I. >> Thank you very much, everyone. Have a wonderful evening.