meeting of the board of education of Somerset Hills Please be advised that this and all meetings of the board are open to the public and media consistent with the open public meetingings 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 Roll call please Mr Baker here Miss Ballard here Miss Clark Emory Miss Cooper here
Miss Gills Miss Gomez here Mrs Hoppy here Mrs Santoro here Mrs Ry here Mrs Brenda here We have a quorum Okay thank you so much
Um 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 the 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 clearly be in danger of unwarranted invasions and the matters about to be presented for discussion clearly meet the circumstances test of such acts The board of education of Somerset Hills now adjourns its public
session to reconvene in executive session for the purpose of discussing the following personnel student matters contracts negotiations and litigation Can I get a motion to go into executive please Miss Ry and a second Miss Cooper Thank
you I could ask you all to please rise and join us in the pledge of allegiance Ice 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 And now we will pass it off for Dr Dr Brook for the report of the superintendent All right Good evening everybody So we're going to kick it off tonight with uh our student speakers Uh the
first group that we have are from the middle school and they're representing our climate and culture team Aiden Bailey Owen Gagliardi and Teddy Quinn And it's great to see you guys And I'm going to welcome you all up here And you
guys are first Come on up Good evening board of education members Dr Brochial Dr Butler and community members I'm Aiden Fairley and this is Baguar and Teddy Quinn We are members of the innovative
and creative BMS culture and climate committee We are here to talk about Pi Day at BMS Although we all know the day of March 14th which is Pi Day has passed our events for this mathematical holiday are occurring at the end of the month Before diving into the thick of it we
would like to deeply thank the science teachers who let the voting happen in their classes along with Miss Pascarelli and Dr who are at the core of our treasured community Last year everyone was working on brains ideas for little holidays like National Spaghetti Day which we still celebrate
and we were struggling to find a good one month Finally we stumbled across Pi Day For Pi Day I had the thought of an event where the teachers would be pied in the face Thanks to our wonderful and very brave faculty members we were able to pull it off Voting for this year's teacher volunteers took place on Pi Day
We were are now able to make this event a yearly tradition Last year students were surprised to learn that during the event students who are in the most community service hours were the ones who hired the teacher Working together this year our committee came up with the idea to expand the
events to include more students in a student pie eating contest Seventh and eighth grade students who want to participate will be able to sign up and have their name selected randomly from a drawing to eat a pie for additional house points We look forward to seeing how this event comes together As we head
in the spring we have a student council raffle that supports the NJ state chair state council charity of AA's voice a nonprofit organization helping people with Usher syndrome In addition spring sports start this Monday We proudly have over 100 student athletes in grades 5
through eight this season Lastly this week middle and elementary teachers face off against the Harlem Wizards This entertaining event gave students the opportunity to cheer on their favorite teachers and everyone had a great night Thank you for listening
[Applause] Thank you gentlemen Always a great report uh from our middle school climate and culture team And we have Nora Dersac who is representing the high school and her time is getting short with us right
it's March and uh before you know you're going to be in college Come on down I'm not there yet I'm not there yet still have time to make decisions Good evening Keys are going on the floor I hope you're all doing well To
get started we have had massive su success with recent events and are looking forward to upcoming events as well Our senior versus faculty basketball game was a huge was amazing and a very close game I believe faculty were actually winning up until the very
end and then you know students pulled something and they won but very close Our musical Legally Blonde was absolutely amazing They had record attendance and it was one of the most attended shows at BHS in the last 15 years So that was really incredible to
see Our second annual St Baldrick's event was amazing as well They had 18 student participants as well as one parent participate And then during the event they had an additional 10 students come down um and participate as well They actually hit their goal of raising
$25,000 and this fund will be going towards the St Baldick's Foundation to help support childhood cancer research Um last week we had NJ GPA testing for our juniors and PSAT 10 testing for our sophomores Um and then this week we have
testing for our multilingual learners So that's also testing that's going on Um as far as upcoming events we have a lot to look forward to Our choirs are going on a trip to New New Orleans They leave on the 26th and will be returning on the 30th The senior fashion show is coming
up and that will be on April 5th Um pops night is on April 10th and then junior prom is on April 11th So a lot in that like two week period Um student council is also preparing for teacher appreciation week So that I know that's something we're all looking forward to
see Um the third marking period ends on March 28th and with that there's the BA of the fourth marking period um and also some opportunities for spring athletes So for senior uh spring athletes in well
athletes for seniors quarters one through three they once you have a PE exemption it turns into a study law You cannot use it as a senior privilege So you can't come in late or leave early However with the fourth quarter and um classes lighting up and you know people being committed to schools are now able
to apply to Dr Nigel directly and they there's a possibility for them to have their PE exemption actually turned into a senior privilege so they have the opportunity to leave early or come late which is really great Um
as that um so for sports we finish up winter sports so I'm just going to be going over that and spring sports have started All righty So boys basketball ended up finishing 15-10 and they tied for second in the division and they also beat the division champs Somerville
twice Um girls basketball finished 23-6 and with 23 wins it was a new VHS record They won the division and went to the semi-finals in the NJSIA tournament Um girls fencing finished 122
and they finished second within division and they also got the I a championship for the second time in school history And then boys fencing also finished 12-2 as division champs
Um ice our ice hockey team won the Spike Billings award which is a team sportsmanship award given by a league to a team that demonstrates the best sportmanship sportsmanship and had the least amount of penalty minutes So that was wonderful Um boys skiing finished
624 and the majority of the team will be returning next year Girls skiing finished 228 and we had some new school history made as three girls qualified for the ski race of champions And then we also had a student invited to represent New Jersey in the
Eastern Championships in New Hampshire All right For boys swimming they moved up up a division and they finished the season 47 and we had a student invited to the meet of champions as a wild card Um girls swimming also moved up a division and they finished
5-7 and once again we had a student invited to meet champions as a wild card Um boys for boys track they were state sectional champions for the third year in a row And our DMR team for boys track actually finished a race for second in
the nation So that's really incredible Um girls track finished eighth in the states And then boys wrestling finished the season with a record of 146 and four boys advanced from the district tournament to the regional tournament And then in girls wrestling they had a
record of 122 and we had a student win the Skyland Conference individual girls wrestling championship That's my sports update Thank you guys [Applause] Next
on our agenda for tonight are some student recognitions And we have uh some student writers here from Burnersville Middle School And we also have one of whom moved up to the high school Uh so
the advisor for um the late Bell is Don Russell and uh she's just uh as many of you know um storyried teacher here uh in the district and just continues to do beautiful work uh with our children Uh
so this year um Miss Russo oversaw over 50 writers and editors and artists who created the Lake Bell Uh that's Burners Burnerville Burnersville Middle School's literary magazine Uh they were awarded an
excellent rating in the NCTTE Realm contest So we do have some recognitions for them this evening and I'm going to read out the proclamation for them Um and we're going to invite them up one by one uh to receive this Uh so this is a
resolution and uh honoring uh our students for publication excellence on the Lake Bell Literary Magazine in 2023 2024 Whereas the Somerset Hills Board of Education gives special honor and commendation to the dedicated magazine staff who perform at the highest level
of publishing with creativity effort and a positive attitude Whereas our students are part of the Burnersville Middle School and serve as an inspiration to peers and staff members alike Uh these students creatively engage in writing art making and recognizing creative
endeavors for meaningful purposes Now therefore be it resolved by the Somerset Hills Board of Education that the members of the board hereby commend these students for being awarded the rank of excellent in the 2024 NCTC Recognizing Excellence in Art and
Literacy Magazine Contest When the Somerset Hills Board of Education adjourns on this day it does so in honor of the achievements earned by these students The board secretary is directed to have this resolution reflected in the permanent minutes of the Somerset Hills Board of Education on this 19th day of
March 2025 So I am going to invite uh these students up here Our first student is Darcy Camber [Applause] Emily
[Applause] And [Applause] from Elenia Sasso
[Applause] Now excelling up at the high school Jillian [Applause]
Winters One more round of applause for our [Applause] honores This year we have our uh the second year since I've been here Um reprisal of the intergenerational prom
Uh this was a long-standing tradition u prior to co and uh we have Mrs Lesniak who is uh a key member of the community that is helping organize that and also Mr uh Dacino uh who is doing some great
work too um around the intergenerational prom and we've spoken quite a bit and um I did invite them to say some words to the public about their initiative so come on up [Applause]
Hi I'm Stephanie Lesnik I am a very proud mom of two BHS alumni Um and for the for well this is our 14th annual intergenerational prom And I'll let Greg speak a little bit about the prom Yeah
we started the prom uh back in 2008 Very difficult time to remember financial aid and all that And we we started actually before we kind of got in Um we had the the buy in of of a wonderful summer
community uh donating food donating uh all kinds of things and we were able to get it off the ground and it's been a huge success ever since We unfortunately through co missed several years and that kind of hurt us in terms of our numbers Our numbers are starting to get built up
a little bit But um in any event it's it's an absolutely wonderful uh event Um I high school kids through the key club and Mr Kaplan uh guiding them and and doing work in there host the senior
citizens of our community as well as the uh BHS senior citizen alumni We're hoping to build that up a little bit Um so we're we're here to extend the invitation to the entire board of education entire administrative team Um
butler is is Dr I'm sorry Dr Butler butler Um Dr Butler has been one of our biggest supporters going back since she's been here When did you [Laughter]
start by going back um but the the had many board members come last year administrators come as well and we are hoping to have even more of you folks to come and enjoy it Um you don't have to be old to come You just push you to work if you want to work
We'll we'll there's a ton of food Um so it's a great bring your spouses significant others Um and we just want you to enjoy the evening and watch I'll let Stephanie speak that she she speaks very well to that But watching the the
students interact with the senior citizens it's just very tears to your eyes It's just a wonderful wonderful event Um you don't have to stay home evening you just you know come if you can come for a half an hour an hour that would be wonderful We like you all to
experience it and see just what we put together A lot of work on the part of the community and students and um I know they would love to see you there both It's a wonderful event because it really brings the students and kind of the
forgotten generation that we want to bring back to the school We want them to come and enjoy the kids and seeing the two the the interaction between the students and the seniors that live in our district is just beautiful I don't know if there's a better time And the kids will go and they will bring their
they serve them They bring them their dinners and then when the dancing starts it's I can't even It's amazing They have a king and queen and it just everybody has the most wonderful time and even these very quiet shy seniors are up there dancing and having the best
time and it really just brings the whole community together from the restaurants and vendors who donate door prizes to everybody to the students to the seniors and the parent volunteers who we couldn't do this without It's just an amazing evening and we hope you all can come because it really it's a fun night
Lastly we would any help that you can give us in terms of reaching out to neighbors people you know who are senior citizens A lot of times they feel funny about knowing because they don't everybody thinks of themselves as old myself included of course Um but it's
it's not for old people It's for just people approaching those seniors years as well And and if you know anyone in your neighborhood any BHS alumni who are seniors if you could reach out to them couple people here and there if you reach out to a couple people and they
reach out to one or two people exponentially can grow a little bit bigger Um we being d I we we I always seem to overdo it with the food So there's always plenty of food We said everybody delus
pastries Um we have ice cream that uh we got from Nastos and it's just so anything you can do to help that reach out to some people we appreciate it He's going to pass out some dates and indications invitations So um and Cher
Aluda handles all of our um RSVPs and the tables and everything and it's a really wonderful night and we hope you guys can all join us Thank you so much for your time We appreciate [Applause] Okay Up to um the staff recognitions I think for the retirees Do you want to do
them sure Okay Miss Valerie if you could please read those All right let's go Whereas Suzanne Ryan has been employed from September 2002 through June 2025 as
a school nurse nurse and whereas she exemplified expertise commitment and professionalism in her duties And now therefore be it resolved that the Somerset Hill School District and Board of Education recognize Suzanne Ryan's retirement retirement effective July 1st
2025 and extend to her congratulations and best wishes for a happy healthy and enjoyable retirement Whereas Valerie Chores has [Applause] been Whereas Valerie Chores has been
employed from September 2003 through September 2025 as a teacher And whereas she exemplified expertise commitment and professionalism in her duties And now therefore be it resolved that the Somerset Hill School District and Board of Education recognize Valerie Chro's
retirement effective October 1st 2025 and extend her congratulations and best wishes for a happy healthy and enjoyable [Applause] retirement Whereas Kathleen Ryerson has been employed from January 2011 through
June 2025 as a teacher and whereas she exemplified expertise commitment and professionalism in her duties And now therefore be it resolved that the Somerset Hill School District and Board of Education recognize Kathleen Ryerson's retirement effective July 1st
2025 and extend to her congratulations and best wishes for a happy healthy and enjoyable retirement [Applause] Okay Um moving along here uh on the 15th
the board approved uh Mr Richard Lori as the new business administrator and board secretary I'd like to welcome uh Mr Lori By way of reminder uh he brings extensive experience from the industries of finance and accounting to the role Uh he's worked in companies ranging from uh
privately owned companies to Fortune 500 companies Um some companies of note Dow Jones and Company Johnson and Johnson and Cadbury Uh he will be responsible as you know for the administration of all phases of our budget uh including the
one that was just adopted for review uh by the New Jersey Department of Education um and he will oversee the annual audit uh to ensure that our practices are sound and also uh helping to implement a multi-year maintenance
plan uh for our facilities Um he is an active member uh of his own community in a host of roles Uh most notably he's a board of education member in the town that he lives in Uh he's been on that board for 17 years He's served in leadership roles uh he's served in the
area of facilities and finance um in those roles and he's also uh assisted with um the successful passing of two referendums uh in that town So he brings a lot of value here uh and has a deepened understanding uh of the role
and um you I'm looking forward to bringing him on So welcome uh Rich uh to the district and [Applause] Mr Harvard Model Congress Um we have 32 students from the high school that
participated uh in Harvard Model Congress as a delegation Uh they had some impressive performances in Boston uh in uh late February Um students played a variety of roles in that 4-day simulation uh including representatives
in the House and the Senate uh the National Security Council and the Federal Bureau of Investigations Um a special congratulations to those who were recognized uh by the staff at Harvard Model Congress for their outstanding contributions to their committees Uh
this year that included six students from the high school Uh so the BHS recipients for best delegate a delegate award was Ardan Ado Uh he was in the Senate Banking Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Killian Schlagger was in the
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Several students received honorable mention Uh Jose Morandi was in the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Gabe Scott in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Andrew Trop in the House Judiciary Committee and
Jack Ecklund in the House Science and Space and Technology Committee So another great um turnout at Harvard Model Congress We also had the physics Olympics uh in the past month and uh we
had um a host of students that were on um winning teams here at the New Jersey Physics Olympics There was a paper towel event Uh it was one of six main challenges teams competed to build the tallest possible freestanding tower made
from one piece of copy paper in 20 minutes using only scissors Uh so it sounds like an awesome day Uh the high school uh their team tower won with a freestanding height of 1.57 m which now I will say uh is very impressive for one
piece of copy paper and one set of scissors So that's the physics Olympics Uh the uh Bedwell HSA for the past eight years has been hosting story night Uh this year it was called Stories for All
Seasons and they celebrated reading with families and the community spirit uh really makes Bedwell uh what it is Um for the weeks leading up to uh story night uh the elementary school HSA committee had a team of 15 uh that
decorated uh classrooms with objects colors and intricate details Uh the spaces were transformed to bring the seasons and the books to life Um students and families rotated through the night to hear teachers read aloud Um and uh we had Miss Rodriguez who was
representing the winter season and Douly was representing the spring season Mr Seikin was ushering in summer and he represented that season and Mrs Dphano um represented fall Uh so Mr Thurllo uh
and um parts of the Bedwell band as they're called uh did uh all entertainment Mr Thurlo played the the acoustic guitar Jeff Rossman played the bass and Melissa Leonard played the violin A love of reading is a gift that
keeps on giving and fostering that love is a combined effort between our homes and our schools And I think that if you ask any adult um about uh positive memories uh they remember from their childhood a lot of them start um with
reading you know in the home and in schools And an event like story night only reinforces that Got some great photos um from a variety of rooms at story night It was just a great event Uh ser recently uh many members of the
Somerset Hills Board of Education joined Rana Remington Uh she's a student here at Bernard's High School and she was named by the Somerset County uh Board of Education uh for the school board's education um as a unsung hero Uh she has
demonstrated great perseverance determination and success in the face of challenges that have presented themselves since her move last year from Jamaica Uh she maintains honoral status Uh she has had to adjust um to acclimate
to a whole new climate a whole new culture an entire new academic system while making friends and balancing home responsibilities Uh she contributes through community service at uh the local library Uh she sings she cooks she's great at art and she wants to be a
nurse and we're looking forward to hearing more uh about Rihanna's success and we were having um really had a great time meeting her family as well Uh so we're looking forward to bringing her here to a future u meeting as well Fedwell's Battle of the Books took
place again This is about 20 years um that they've been running Battles of the Books or Battle of the Books and uh it's a competition that challenges fourth grade students to test their reading comprehension their teamwork and their memory skills There were 16 teams of
eager fourth grade students um that were competing against one another after reading a selection of 12 books over two months Uh the teams named after colleges and universities came together to face off in a battle of literary knowledge The first round was a high energy
competition where all teams had a chance to answer 25 questions The top six teams moved on uh to the highly anticipated finals After 52 questions in the finals Notre Dame and the University of North Carolina were tied What happened was
heart pounding during overtime um me had a great a great time writing this By the way uh the teams were asked five more difficult questions in a sudden death format Uh an unprecedented twist the final question required both teams to submit a written response
offering a detailed explanation to break the tie Notre Dame was declared the winner earning the title of the 2025 Battle of the Books Champion and we're already eagerly awaiting 2026 version So another great um initiative coming out
of Bedwell The middle school has a green team that is very active in the space of community service Um they uh partner together to collect clothing and then make donations to the Market Street Mission in Morristown Uh this is the
third year with this particular initiative Uh it has been a success It's still going on So those of you uh in the public or on watching online uh please know that you can um certainly donate to the middle school green team uh as they continue through uh this
work Last week um the high school was at it again Uh St Baldicks was here uh and they held a head shaving event It was a very big success Uh there were 19 people that volunteered to shave their heads um last Thursday night and another 10 uh
spontaneously volunteered to come out of the stands uh and to shave their heads too Uh the cause was contagious The excitement uh was all over the gymnasium there over $25,000 was raised for pediatric cancer research Uh which is a
two-year total of at or around or above $50,000 which is uh uh no small feat Uh this is a u a very big deal and an awesome initiative and u I was sad to miss it Lucian is the everyday hero for March
Uh they call Lucian the MacGyver of his age here He's organized He's consider He identifies solutions to problems Uh for those of you that were able to uh participate in our uh STEM and engineering um competitions recently I
know Mr Baker was there Um uh he was one of the organizers um which uh is is a job unto itself Uh so he u he understands the needs of a group He understands how to work with a group and how to solve problems Um he identifies
peers who are struggling Um he doesn't hesitate to offer his assistance and to understand uh what their needs are Uh he has a lot of empathy and compassion for every every student that he interacts with here Uh he's a terrific leader an excellent problem solver and just a
great big heart Uh so uh he's a great kid and uh we are happy to uh honor him or the high school is happy to honor him uh as their everyday hero u for March The girl club is at it again Honor
of March as women's history month the Girl Club hosts a presenter uh Carol Simon Levvin uh from telling her stories which is a popular program in many local libraries Uh she presented to a large group of high school students during a recent lunch block with one of her
programs titled Mothers of Invention where students learned about the ingenuity of many overlooked women inventors throughout world history who have created items that we use every day Um the Girl Club is advised by Miss Petra
Longo Even our youngest learners are actively engaged in science Um in Danielle Martin's Bedwell class students got to work together to use different tools and ingredients to free their Lego characters who got stuck in the ice Kindergarters loved delving into the
scientific method to investigate test and discuss the results Some great photos there It is job fair season in our human resources department and Kathy M is uh been on the trail with Dr Butler uh to recruit the latest and greatest uh
graduates Uh they recently were at the TCJ education job fair in Euing Uh there were 200 students and there were 113 uh K to2 113 public schools that were at this event Um and we were able to greet
uh different types of educators um all highly skilled uh that met uh some of the needs that we have uh in our district Uh so we have some openings in kindergarten and in our elementary classrooms physical education social studies Spanish and in nursing Uh so we
are uh actively recruiting there And as always um don't forget to uh jump into the Friday folders when you're looking for uh some information Just want to provide an executive summary of the budget here Um we did uh
recently have a uh very productive session uh with the board and the public regarding um next year's budget Um I'll give you the broad strokes here Our curriculum budget is coming in at $322,500 uh that comprises curriculum
writing salaries curriculum program development professional development uh teacher training contracted services and um textbook adoption and textbook placement Um we were able to identify a
curriculum budget that does meet uh the needs and and the goals in our strategic plan uh prioritizes up-to-date curriculum and materials for the students in our charge and uh provides faculty members with sustained professional development Um and allows
for curriculum that's dynamic and is in compliance with the various state mandates uh and also uh we're able to support our bilingual classes um which are going to be two now at Bedwell and um a variety of special education
matters in the area special education Um this next year's budget maintains what we currently have Um over time we've been able to increase our preschool offerings Um moving into next year we're able to increase our in-class resource
offerings uh in in language arts and math in grades 2 three and four Uh over at the middle school we are able to increase our in-class resource offerings in science and social studies in grades five through eight uh and also in our academic and accelerated courses at the high school Uh over time we have been
able to increase our special class programs uh specifically LLD classes at Bedwell and over time we've been able to add four additional teaching staff Um so there's been uh some growth there Uh the
special education budget comes in at u 8,287,625 uh that covers uh salaries to our staff members tuitions transportation uh summer programming and uh supplies as well From a personnel perspective there
are uh enhancements to our program here Uh there's a bilingual teacher addition uh to first grade at Bedwell There's a special education teacher for in-class resource at Bedwell Uh at the district level uh we have two additional positions um that contribute to student
services The first is a case manager position uh at the district level Uh that will be either a social worker or a psychologist and the second is a behaviorist at the district level From a facilities and operations
perspective uh we will be continuing with our upgrades in the performing arts center This has been a multi-year initiative here Uh we are planning on an audio upgrade in the pack Um upgrading the pack curtain Um addressing a
retaining wall in the parking lot between the high school and the Elcott building Uh we are planning to install LED lights on field and also upgrading our wiring and hardware uh in our door access Uh so that'll all be a withdrawal
from our capital reserve Um also in the area facilities uh but this time as a withdrawal from our maintenance reserve account are um is is maintenance that will be done in the summer of 26 um up at the polar grounds
Uh we will mill down six tennis courts We will build them back up Uh and we will install new fencing Uh we will have a two-year budget impact there uh the first year this year we will allocate an appropriate appropriate $600,000
uh for phase one of this project and the balance of this project will be appropriated uh in the following year's budget So this course from a fiscal perspective will bridge two buckets Uh this budget does implement a
healthcare adjustment waiver uh and um that helps districts um adjust with health care costs that are continued to escalate and continue to rise not only at a local but also a national level Um the budget does
include a healthcare adjustment waiver of $3978 uh that is being added to the tax levy Uh the healthcare adjustment um will not result in addition of 2% on that figure in future budgets the way uh that other other funding mechanisms
would Um but we elected to use this um to use this opportunity um to add to our budget Uh as I shared the healthcare waiver is 39718 Uh the general fund tax levy increase is
3.03% in round dollars That's a,75,517 Um that amounts to a 2% increase on the tax levy plus the healthcare waiver impact of 1.03% When we're looking at our debt service um our debt service fund tax
levy increase um it does have a 15.0 15.06% increase Uh that's due to a balloon payment in the final year of some expiring debt U that is uh that amounts in dollars to
$43,584 Uh total tax levy impact is 3.88% 88% um tax levy was raised by a,479,11 We did have a uh capital reserve withdrawal to maintain our uh current facilities Um that's for
a,435,000 and there's also a maintenance reserve withdrawal uh in the amount of 600,000 There are four additional positions in the budget and this budget maintains all staff This budget maintains all of its academic programs Uh and this budget does maintain our
co-curricular programming as well Our general fund is spread uh over a local tax levy of 75.8% uh tuition um additional aid from uh the New Jersey Department of Education uh we utilize uh
some fund balance um between budgets to um to make our budgets work Uh we have pat reserve withdrawals that are revenues uh and other revenues um that we count on From an expense perspective uh the
largest expense about 82% is um our salaries and benefits That's $ 38.1 million Um and uh education is a very human resourceheavy uh endeavor and uh certainly um that's
uh comprises much of our spending Uh as we look forward to building the next budget uh we're monitoring any impacts in funding and what I call the fiscal cliff moving forward um and how that impacts our programming Uh we are
focused on achievement and instruction We're focused on our K to2 student services programming our enrollment projections uh enhancing our security replacing expiring debt and examining our long range facility plan and having
a balance between uh maintaining great programs to the greatest extent that we can and also acknowledging the needs uh of the taxpayer Uh we're working very closely with a district demographer uh to chart out our future um as far as
what our enrollment looks like um today tomorrow and uh you know five five years from now Uh it's critical to kind of have your finger on the pulse there So we're continuing uh that work as we build uh for the future We will have a public budget
hearing on April 30th Uh at this point our budget has been officially submitted uh to the Department of Education Um those folks are reviewing the budget and uh we'll be engaging uh with me and the business office regarding um any
necessary um modifications or questions they may have Um moving along uh we're continuing our work with uh Operation Responding for Excellence Uh we're examining our student services programming Uh we did
have three meetings in the winter in January and February They're very very productive Uh we are focused in four areas Enhancing our organization developing and continuing a supportive culture with families Um looking at our evaluation process itself
uh implement and how we implement services and then planning for our future Uh we are in the process of developing a special education parent advisory group Um and we're hopeful to uh set some dates uh shortly uh for that
work to take place and also to solicit parent uh leader volunteers And lastly uh we will um formulate a uh an official report based off of that work um etc
We are uh getting closer to identifying a website platform in which to grow from Um we have prioritized calendar functionality and an app and developing a local news source within our website Um I hope to come to you shortly with
three templates for you to consider and think about Uh we have five templates that we're working on They all um they all fit well and they all kind of meet the demand that the public uh offered to us and and they essentially gave us our
charge as far as what they'd like to see in a website We're doing our very best uh to get that completed Uh we do hope to roll over a new website on or around August 1st uh to give us about a month to um work out any uh any unique
challenges before the beginning of the school year So next five screens are the five that we've kind of arrived at that we're working through and we hope to kind of whittle that down to three for the board Um so you can kind of take a look there
They're all very similar Um they all have nice pop and um certainly they could all serve us well We are um through Dr Butler's office uh developing a task force uh
around uh cell phone usage Uh the focus really is to have a board representative partner with Dr Butler and to lean on the uh insights and um and thoughts and advice of our local pediatric physicians
our district physicians and also uh mental health service providers that that we have on staff Um so u more to come on that uh in the future And uh looking ahead we're continuing um to construct interview
panels for a bed roll principal vacancy Um we are deeply engaged in long range facility planning We do have some expiring debt and in April we have a public hearing on the budget on April 30th
And um spread that is the culmination of my report Thank you very much Dr Burchil So then at this time we will move into our first 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 three minutes you will 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 Public comments will be limited to 30 minutes for this section A reminder for all
parties in attendance to remain respectful and that there should be no interaction between the speaker and the audience No members of the audience should interfere with or interrupt the speaker's comments We thank you in advance for your input And for anyone taking the podium um we do have our
timer which counts down from three minutes so that you can be mindful of how much time you have remaining on your comment Is there anybody that has a public comment for an actionable agenda item this morning okay so at this time can I get a motion to close public comments Miss
Santoro and a second Miss Ry Thank you Okay on to approval of the minutes Um at this time I'm going to ask for a motion to approve the public input and action and executive meeting minutes for
February 19th 2025 with um corrections that will be made and posted to um the website Can I get a motion to approve the minutes please Miss Cooper and a second Miss Happy And
is there any discussion regarding the minutes mohawks Miss Ballard Yes Miss Clark Emory Yes Miss Cooper yes Miss Gomez yes
Mrs Hoppy yes Mrs Santoro yes Mrs Ry yes Mr Baker yes Mrs Friend yes Motion passes Okay Thank you so much Uh then we will move on to the report of the business operations committee Mr speaker
Thank you Um the business business operation committee met twice since the last um meeting in February We met on March 5th for two hours and March 11th for two hours and my report will be
fairly short because Dr Broch has covered a lot of what I was but what we discussed in the report we discussed three items First item was the draft budget which he just showed you Um but I want to I want to point out that I
think the the committee had had to agree should we exceed the 2% cap I mean we this other board understands we we haven't done that since 2008 uh when Governor Christie put the 2% cap on this
board going way back has been very adamant trying to stay within the 2% and I've been very adamant about it but um this year is an unusual year for us So I think um going above makes sense
Our health care costs are are are out of control um and our prescription costs are out of control They're just not us everybody you know that's the point of the the whole world is having the same job Um
plus everything we buy is more expensive So um with that in one hand and wanting to not cut staff because if we had say we're going to sit at 2% we'd have to let somebody go somewhere and the board
is doesn't want to do that So all of us agree on that So we had a long discussion about options what could we do here what can we do there so I want to make sure the board realizes that and the public understands that it's it's a big number I mean 3.88 is bigger than
we've had in a long time but uh I think it's necessary and I think Dr Ger did a great job going down and explaining where things are and what he can and cannot do So I think it's important for the board to understand
that The second item we talked about in um you know a detail which you put up here is what capital projects we were going to fund for the million point.4 He went through all those items just just a few minutes ago So I won't do that again And the third item we we met with our
our architect um and went over their healthc care check In other words we talked about this the last meeting and provided that sort of online tool to look at everything in every building what they found that needs improvement And we spent two hours going through
that the board saying "Here's what we think is important and having a conversation back and forth with the architect What do you really think this do you really think that?" So we're having a meeting next Tuesday right six o'clock Six o'clock We're going to talk
about we're going to talk about um the priority projects that we would like to put forward in a referendum probably around 38 million but we can move around I don't want anybody to hold me $38 million We can go
lastly to go more and that's based on a tax neutral um bond at at a 4% rate for the next 20 years Um so we're going to now try to get that what can we get for
38 million that we think is important and we have talked about a lot of projects So we're not going to talk about those now because we're going to hear about those next week at the meeting and it is a public meeting right Dr B it is Yes So anybody who wants to
come and and hear about it they are more than welcome Um and that's all I have I'll turn it back If I could just add one thing um if you are a board member that is not on the business operations committee uh you
have received an email with access to the same level of detail that the business operations committee has uh regarding the facilities health check Um so please try to log in there Um I'm told that it's having a little bit of
challenge if you try to log in on an iPad you use a desktop Uh that would be great Uh but if you could uh go in to that uh tool prior to next Tuesday that would be helpful Uh last spring or late last winter the board did authorize a
facilities health check uh for uh solutions architecture Uh they did come in and they did a uh very very thorough job uh at Bedwell Middle High and also at OK So this is very deep and broad
level due diligence and it's a great tool So I would uh strongly urge you to take a look at that at your convenience and if you have a login problem let me know as soon as possible 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 15 on the agenda Mr Baker and a second Miss Cooper and um discussion for an email was sent today to make to check
everybody's availability Yeah Okay Um I would just like to express a note of thanks to um Miss Le Did I get that yes Okay Um and uh Dr virtual and the team Deb um in
the office uh and Jody Smith um the budget season is long um this was a complicate a very complicated budget um and uh Mr Baker did a wonderful job of explaining the different nuances and our
funding sources as did Dr in his report Um that I really believe that this budget encompasses um not only the culmination of uh items that were outlined in our latest
strategic plan Um the input from our administration from our educators from our community as to the drivers of the things that are needed in this district um from a personnel perspective from a facilities perspective from a curriculum
perspective Um and I really to be able to keep all of our programming whole and to be able to meet those goals and to use the data and information that we have been collecting and have been provided over the years and that you
know our our administrators have really gone to great lengths to um toy over and to reflect what has been found to drive achievement to drive success to really elevate the Somerset Hill School District Um I I think that's I think that is a notable accomplishment and
very worthy of the funding streams that we're going to be utilizing Um so I just wanted to thank everybody Um and and also just to thank the board for uh the extraordinary engagement at the March 15th I think I said to Dr Virtual upon leaving there while maybe entertaining
is isn't the right word the level of engagement and enthusiasm and board members leaving from a budget retreat pumped is you know it is certainly an accomplishment So thank you all very much Um if nobody else has anything then we will leave you roll call Miss Clark
Emory yes Miss Cooper yes Miss Gomez yes Mrs Hoppy yes Mrs Santoro yes Mrs Wright yes Mr Baker yes Ms Ballard yes And Mrs Render yes Members abene for number
three please Okay Motion passes Okay Thank you And we are ready to move on to curriculum Mr Burton um the curriculum committee met Tuesday March 11th for about an hour and 45 minutes Committee members who attended including Miss Poppy Miss Ry Miss Brenda
and and myself and we were joined by Dr Brochial and Dr Butler We began the meeting with a presentation by Dr Butler on the district's comprehensive equity plan By law all districts are required to develop a three-year comprehensive equity plan and can submit it to the county office of education for
certification completion It's the board's responsibility to identify and correct all discriminatory and inequitable policies programs practices and conditions within or affecting our school The process for developing such a plan includes several key steps We've
already designated the affirmative action officer and established the affirmative action team The next steps are to analyze district data and assess needs uh process that is currently underway and to complete the needs assessment for the comp comprehensive equity plan The team will then develop
correct corrective action plans for any identified areas of need In April Dr Butler will present the results of the team's analysis and committee and in May she'll present the proposed plan will be presented and the board will vote on it In June the team will submit the plan to
the county superintendent So we'll be hearing a lot more about the plan the comprehensive equity plan in the upcoming months Dr Brochel then raised the possibility of a board training opportunity with capturing kids hearts The committee was interested in the opportunity but it's costly So we'll need feedback from the uh business
operations committee to determine feasibility and support for the training Um we then briefly uh discuss topics to consider in in future curriculum meetings U first first Dr virtual grades the possibility of expanding the age range for our multil-
language learners at the high school Under current New Jersey statute students are entitled to remain enrolled in public school programs until the age of 20 at high schools At at BHS students have been permitted to complete the school year when they turn 20 if they
are on track to graduate How however some multi- language learners are not able to complete the necessary graduation requirements in time to graduate before turning 21 due to their age when they are they enrolled The proposed policy will ensure that multil- language learner learners who turn 21
during a school year but who needed additional time to complete graduation requirements might have will have an avenue to earn their diploma uh the the committee wholeheartedly supported this change and recommended that the policy committee consider a policy change as well Additional discussions regarding
this change will continue in future meetings Other topics we would like to explore in the future included plans for increasing instructional time and math at the middle school the efficiency of ELA instruction and the effectiveness of middle school of the middle school ELA
curriculum and potential gender disparities in learning and achievement particularly at Bedwell Dr Butler then gave us an update on recent career and technical education initiatives Um Somerset County Vote Tech will be meeting with seventh graders on April
9th to increase their awareness of opportunities in grade 9 through 12 beyond what is offered at the high school We're also uh hoping that the Universal Technical Institute's Classroom on Wheels will visit the high school in the spring Lunchtime visits
with Lincoln Tech representatives representatives will also occur in March In February uh the Raritton Valley Community College workforce training program staff came to discuss their trade programs Although relatively few students attended RVCC's instant
decision day at Bedwell had better attendance Finally Dr Butler mentioned that the high school has had an um extraordinary extraordinarily high number of students enlisting the military this year Dr Butler said there that there may be plans to hold a celebratory breakfast with these
students and their recruiters in conjunction with a military open house for students interested in the armed services Um no concern to raise regarding any of the PD field trip requests currently on the agenda for approval And that uh concludes my report
Mer um if I could I just want to point out that there is a very brief addendum in the area of curriculum instruction tonight I apologize for that few um few items that I missed No problem Thank you
Okay So then um with that information I would like to ask for a motion to approve action items number one through five on the agenda with um the additions to item number two as reflected on the addendum Can I please have a motion Mr Cooper and a second Miss Ballard Thank
you And any discuss oh before we move into discussion I forgot about new or old business for business operations So is there anybody that has anything for new or old business for business operations before we move on i don't want to forget that nugget Okay Um then
any discussion for curriculum please So I just have a question the um Somerset County Bulltech when they meet with our seventh graders Um what does that is that like as I don't know Miss Cooper got your brother what does that look
like is it an assembly how do they do it in small groups assembly type Okay And we started doing that how long ago do you recall just a couple years do you feel like that has given our middle schoolers more awareness and have you
may not have this information I apologize So we can I think it does give them a greater awareness I don't know We can check on that Our numbers have translated Dr Have we Isn't this the first year we've done for seventh graders though it's more eighth graders right yeah So we This is our first year
of doing it for seventh I think So we've done historically two years of exposure to that If I could interject I would say that the assemblies themselves um have always given exposure to kids um where I think
the real conversations need to take place really are with the homes with parents Uh because in 2025 there's a very different narrative that our vocational technical schools are um offering and then producing in
comparison to like when some when we were in school Uh so the the the instruction is is very very precise very technical Um and it offers a host of opportunities that uh not everybody may be um in the position to understand So
so I do think like our next level of work is is to also bridge that gap between homes so parents understand um that and it's competitive to get into um these technical schools I mean it's not just filling out an application and
getting a stamp with okay Um it's it is a competitive process and um you know it's something that I think every family should consider No I think that's an excellent idea Dr Bersel because I think you're right A lot of parents don't know that exists And
then I know that they have some flexibility but they tend to be fouryear programs So if you don't know and you're not aware and haven't applied by freshman year it becomes I mean they do
accept kids for sure We try to do a a a better job publicizing when they have their open house as well because I think having a parent and a student physically go there and and learn about the programs is is much more effective than
when they come to us You're not really like seeing you know that they had to offer when you go to that campus too It's pretty impressive And at their open house they always have students there you know talking about what they're doing So that's a really good experience Well I
was going to say unfortunately there was such a stigma too for years and years and years you know but I mean now it's so hard to get in Even as the case manager I was trying to get kids in
and it's like really competitive and you know because they're also worried about test scoring I think as a parent who participated and did go to those open houses I found them very illuminating and I know Miss Ballard
that your daughter went um do your share time or uh yeah she went um she did all her academics here in the morning and then all her extra um curriculars her uh
electives she did at at Votech So she graduated there and she actually is on the board uh the alumni board there So that I think speaks to what a wonderful experience she had and she went on to college Uh her focus was dance and she's a dance teacher now So um Yeah I think
she's a success story and I think there's many others out there So it's a great option for We might need her phone number She probably would come and um to that end I just we did discuss a few you know like a few ways to Dr virtual point or also about you
know the education component and that potentially sharing this information um about opportunities maybe in that eighth grade planning transition where you know parents are present and you're doing scheduling for the following year and then you know we discuss even further
out like career technical education goes beyond just vote and for our students who may be seeking an alternate path to a traditional four-year college throughout their high school experience and you know different pathways for you moving forward even if they don't attend or will attend and you know what that
may look like So there there is some um significant conversation regarding those opportunities and um things that we're going to continue that administration is dedicated to So then we'll continue to record whatever Thank you Anybody else
sorry Sorry I want to mention um one I give back to my daughter remember time But one thing also is maybe to bring along right that were there to you
know like a panel I think that will be very helpful because it's different when you have seen them and that they can ask questions all that stuff So probably that will be nice at the college or something Her son will come from Cuba
Well he has I mean he has volunteered to come and talk about military recruitment not as a recruiter but talking about his experience in military Um I have a question just about running professional development course I see a
lot of staff is taking the interd district learning network conference capacity building training I know nothing about So can you explain who sponsored and where sure Yeah that's some work uh with Ruckers University uh
that we started to um have some conversations with um the teachers in the district and administrators in the district uh regarding just ways to um understand how to um bridge our own work
together uh in the interest of student achievement Um so we've u we have availed um a researcher with um some folks um starting with the teachers association um and they um they
had at least one session with him and they were uh intrigued And so uh there are two sessions coming up one is where a host of districts that are doing this type of collaborative work with each other are um all convening in one space
um and you'll have um teachers pair professionals secretaries uh board members in some cases um administrators that all you know converge and kind of talk about different ways that they're solving u many of the challenging
problems in education now Is there anybody else that could have done okay then please Miss Cooper yes Miss Gomez yes Mrs Hoppy yes Mrs Santoro yes Mrs Ry
yes Mr Baker yes Miss Ballard yes Miss Clark Emory yes Miss Brenda yes Motion passes Okay Thank you And um is there anything for new or old business for curriculum to put on a future
agenda no Okay Then we will move into personnel Miss Bard the uh policy and personnel committee met on March 6th uh from 4 to 5:15 p.m and attendance were myself Mrs
Clark Emory Miss Gills Mrs Santoro Mrs Frenda and Dr Roachel um for the personnel committee um Dr Roachel provided the fiscal year 26 preview which we all know about now and um the only other news in the Bedwell principal
search it's continuing and Dr Brochel is moving forward with more interviews Thank you so much Um then I would like to ask for a motion to approve action items number one through 13 on the agenda
Miss Ballard and sector Miss Hoppy and discussion regarding personnel Okay Then roll call please Miss Gomez Yes Mrs Yes Mrs Santoro Yes Mrs Ry Yes Mr
Baker Yes Miss Ballard Yes Miss Clark Emory Yes Miss Cooper Yes Mrs Friend Yes Motion passes Okay Is there anything for new or old business for personnel then we'll move on to
policy Same meeting Um so there was a couple policies for review Um policy 5516 use of electronic communication devices and regulation 5516
Um both 551 P5516 and R5516 are recommended P5516 discusses a audio recording and cell phone use in school Part of the original policy includes a dating statute which mentions the use of
pagers Um the policy is dated and as such is being revised to include more targeted limitations of students use electronic communication devices specifically cell phones This comes at a time when schools are reconsidering and implementing policies in reference to
the use of cell phones R5516 provides options where a student can use a cell phone during the day as well as progressive discipline for violations of user rules Both 5516 uh PNR were developed in response to discussions surrounding cell phone use
around the country SHSD has become these discussions with the stakeholder survey discussed in previous meetings The committee will pause uh review of the aforementioned policy and regulation as we wait for an expected directive from
the governor But we will continue uh to observe what other school districts such as Richard are doing and as well as the formation of the task force mentioned by Dr um another policy that we started to discuss but we didn't really get into the meeting is P 0614 which is conduct
of the board meeting This discussion was in response by to a request by a board member to change the order of public comments We began this discussion but will continue in the next meeting and we will then have information to rem report and then there was several policies presented for second reading and that is
my report Okay Thank you Miss Ballard I would like to ask for a motion at this time to approve action item number one on the agenda Miss Ballard and a second Missuro and any discussion regarding policy is any particular policy that you
have a comment on um well include renew and old business if there's something future you want to cell phones um I know this you know the governor's deciding whether or not to have the total ban or not to have to ban but um children there
is technology out there now for children who are hearing impaired that typically we use an FM system but you know as they get older and you know they don't want the attention drawn to them so they have now
devices where they can actually put it in their you know in the in their um binder or in their and it's and you can control the um the influx of background
information through your cell phone So you know I know that it would most likely be an IEP you know issue We need writing IP as an exemption of yes you can have your cell phone but that's something that we really need to consider because there's
a lot of technology out there that we need to look at Yeah And that's a terrific point I've seen some initial language from your policy advisors that has out for that that very issue Certainly great
point and there is Miss Gomez Mrs Hoppy yes Mrs Santoro Mrs Ry yes Mr Baker yes Ms Ballard yes
Miss Clark Emory Yes Miss Cooper yes And Mrs Brenda yes Motion passes And is there anything for new or old business for policy for future discussion okay Then we will move on to the report
of student services Moro Thank you Student services met on um March 6 at 5:30 and um in attendance were Mrs Frenza Mrs Ballard Mrs Cooper
and Dr Brochial I'm going to keep this really short because Dr Brochial touched on it We just kind of um summarized the work of um um operation responding for excellence and the process that the
district undertook with regards to that And so he's touched on that in the superintendent reports the last several months Um I will just note to that the excellent work that was done by our staff by the community um you know and
we appreciated the very thorough process and how it was laid out and giving everybody the opportunity to contribute to that and I will just tie that into you can see a direct response to the work that was done in the budget this
year So I just think it's very important to note that that process really yielded um results that allowed the district and the board to act um and incorporate into future budget So I think that's worth
noting Um and I think that's it for this Okay Thank you Thank you Uh then I would like to ask for a motion at this time to approve an action items number one and two on the agenda Misso second Mr Baker And is there any
discussion related to student services okay then we can roll call please Mrs Hoppy yes Mrs Santoro yes Mrs Ry yes Mr Baker yes Miss Ballard yes Miss Clark Emmery yes Miss Cooper yes Miss Gomez
yes Mrs Frena yes Motion passes Okay Thanks so much And then we will go to 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 andor positions of the Somerset Hills Board of Education and or any other individual members of the board Does anybody need to vote for board announcements i just um wanted to take a moment to um
shout out to our parents who did such good work um and our special services as Heather mentioned but it was really nice to attend the meetings and meet people and see their commitment to our school which we see all the time um the the parents of the HSA the parents that
supported the story times all the things And so I think it's always good to to encourage our parents to continue to be involved and celebrate that Um I also wanted to for the teachers Um I'm an educator and I am on spring break right now and thank God and they have to wait
until April 18th So I'm just here to say stay strong It's coming Um they really do a lot and they really deserve that RNR So you're on my mind Very worthwhile board announcement Thank you very much Who recommended that calendar anyway
i don't know Um uh just on the heels of things that have already been discussed this evening um I did just kind of want to reiterate um the unsung hero uh ceremony that many of us went to I
know um you know it's a week night evening It's often very difficult um to attend However you know when the opportunity arises in future years for those that will be here it is something that is a really special event and celebrating students in a way that we
don't normally um get to celebrate them necessarily and they it blows your mind what these kids are accomplishing I leave there and I say I have done nothing So um it's just it's a really it's a really special event and to that
end also intergenerational prom uh was fortunate enough to be there and I really don't think it can be overstated watching the kids with the seniors and their little dance circles and uh the joy uh worthwhile for anybody that can
attend community board administration ever Um great event Thank you So um I second the interjurational prom Of course I'm old enough to go and my husband and I went last year and we did have a really good
time and um I also uh was able very fortunately to see the school musical Um and I was just so impressed with the amazing work that our students did along
with their faculty advisors who in no small way contributed to their success Um you know as a as a theater kid from way back um I really appreciate the work
that I know went into it and um I just want to say that those kids are great Thank you Is there anybody else okay then we'll move on to public comments Public comments are welcome 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 should 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 the timer reminder
for anyone that takes the podium for your countdown of three minutes so you know how much time you have remaining Is there anyone who would like to make a public comment at this time hello there Good evening Um my name is Sophia Celic I'm a
third grade Sorry Sorry Go ahead Okay My name is Sophia Celig I'm a third grade teacher at Bedwell On March 3rd I sent a letter to Dr Brochial signed by 35 colleagues and me The letter was shared with Dr Butler members
of the board Um it provided our insight into Bedwell's next principal Uh tonight I would like to read that letter to the public Dear Dr Brochial thank you for your January 30th 2025 update on the principal search We truly appreciate
your transparency and commitment to keeping us involved in this important process What resonated most with us in your email was your recognition of the value of collaboration with your Bedwell colleagues the folks on the front lines of the school as you put it Your willingness to listen to those who know
Bedwell best means so much to us because it highlights our shared belief in the importance of communication and fostering and maintaining maintaining relationships particularly in the context of your relationship with us and our relationship with you You see Bedwell isn't just a school where we
work It's home Many of us have spent 20 or more years here not because of the district itself but because of the deep relationships we've built within these walls with each other our students their families and the greater community We are more than colleagues We are a family bound by a shared love and passion for
what we do No matter the challenges that have come our way we have stayed lifted each other up and ensured that Bedwell remains a place where children feel safe loved and inspired to grow And we have done this time and time again not because of our building leadership But despite it over the years we've noticed
something important Prior experience as a building administrator has had no bearing on a principal success success at Bedwell Why because Bedwell is not like elementary school What makes a leader thrive here is what makes our staff thrive It's about it's it isn't
about titles or years of experience elsewhere It's about heart connection and an unwavering commitment to putting students first It's about truly supporting the staff and students not just in words but in action It's about being present listening with intent and valuing the
insight of those who dedicate themselves to our students every day It's about knowing your building not just the names of your students and staff but the unique strengths and passions they bring to the school It's about collaborating not directing and making decisions that reflect what is truly best for students
Bedwell isn't just Bedwell doesn't need just any leader It needs the right leader Someone who is a natural fit for this role not someone who is being shaped into it Time and experience have proven that force fits don't work The right leader walked these halls not long ago In his short time here he supported
and strengthen everything that makes Federal special He did so effort effortlessly not because of years of administrative experience but because it was simply who he was His ability to lead with heart connect with staff and students alike and uplift our school community was a need That kind of
leadership cannot be taught or measured It's a quality that comes from within You have turned to us for input in selecting the right leader for Bedwell one who truly understands and embodies the values that make our school exceptional If we want the best for Badwell we must choose the
best Is there anyone else i There's more or you done there's more Okay Is there anybody else that would like to make a comment at this time thank you Um and the best for our students staff and community is Mr
Christopher Kerry Words are powerful and convincing but it is the action behind them that truly holds meaning and defines our intent Lean in us as you said you would in this process Underscore and listen to our voices when we express to you the deans of Bedwell Our hope is clear Fedwell means Mr Kerry
Let it be known also that the greater community shares in our hope Countless families have expressed to us their desire to welcome Mr Kerry back because they too know that there is no other candidate better prepared to serve Benwell than he Mr Mr Carrie puts students first always He sees listens to
and values every child He fosters a culture where students staff and families feel supported respected and empowered When students feel that sense of belonging they flourish not just academically but as people Mr Kerry understands
cherishes and nurtures what makes our school unlike any other He is the natural fit Fellow is special because the heart of the people invested in your staff students their families and the greater
community On behalf of all stakeholders we ask that you keep that at heart at the center of the decision that is ultimately yours to make A decision we trust will be made with deep consideration of the feedback and insights you value from us the folks on the front lines of the school Thank you
for taking the time to listen to reflect on the insights of many and to make a choice that will shape the future of our Bedwell family With gratitude your bedrock thank you Thank you for your comments Is there anybody else at this
time okay Um I am not going to ask for a motion to adjourn because we do need to reconvene in executive session um for matters related to litigation So [Music]
hi Hi Okay