school district. Please all of the are consistent with the meeting has been provided. This is a educational service which formal action may be taken
opportunity to be sure on the agenda in accordance with the meeting of this meeting which included the time location and the agenda of this meeting was distributed at 3 p.m. July 9th, 2005
in the following announcements in the office of Edners. Miss Ballard >> here. >> Miss Clark Emmery. >> Miss Cooper >> here. >> Mrs. Gomez, Mrs. Hobby, Mrs. Hunt
>> here, >> Mrs. Leroa here, >> Mrs. Santoro >> here, >> Mrs. Ry here, >> Mrs. We are going to session where I wishes of individuals whose activities are to
be discussed We clearly need our ownations and the matter clearly circumstances executive session for the purpose of discussing following
special discussion. The discussion exact consideration of the subject matter has been closed for that session does not respect public officers or personel unless such
individuals have requested such session disclosure disclosure will no longer clearly endanger the public interest. Okay. Can we have a call? Sorry.
Executive. Okay. Um, sorry. And Alison. All right. >> Mer. >> Yes. >> Miss Clark. >> M. Cooper. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Hunt.
>> Yes. >> Mrs. Lero. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Santoro. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ryan. >> Yes. Welcome. I'm going in for Mrs. Welcome. We just come out of the executive session and I think we have some special guests with the pledge of
allegiance about four. I can't do this all by myself. Good evening everyone said elementary. We are extremely excited to be here with you this evening. Four of
our fourth graders who are used to doing the announcements because we do them every day. Um where they give us information, provide facts, trivia, um rules of the day, whatever it may be. But most importantly, we lead the pledge of allegiance for the entire school
through these announcements every morning speaker and these are four of our best. So I would like to introduce you to our fourth grade students. >> Good evening members of the Somerset Hill School community. My name is Oliver
Martin from fourth grade Mrs. Collins. My name is Zen Pere fourth grade Missola. Fourth grade Miss Mariel and my name is Claire do fourth grade Mr. R. Please rise and RAISE
HEAT. HEAT. HEAT. HEAT. HEAT. HEAT. organizing challenging challenging activities and social that took place and was led
I just class tonight as far understanding real question. Heat. Heat. Yeah. Heat.
There was a presentation of three major worlds and Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. So everything Yeah.
Heat. HEAT. HEAT. resolution your work is Heat. Heat. investigation. Whereas you Heat. Heat. education on
February 2026. Congratulations Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Heat. back into our desire. Sure. It's always an exciting part of my job and some accomplished teachers here.
We're so grateful for their service and we look forward to whatever new adventures. So um whereas Christine has September 1994 through June 2026 as a teacher and
whereas she has expertise commitment and professionalism duties. Now therefore we resolve that the hill school district of education recognized July 1st 2026 and extended her
congratulations and best wishes for a happy healthy and enjoyable retirement. as Rose has rose. I'm sorry. Rose has 2002 through June 2026 as a teacher and
she expertise commitment and professional duties. Now therefore resolve that the school district board of education recognized July 1st 2026 and extend our
congratulations and best wishes for happy healthy and enjoyable retirement has been employed from September 2003 through June 26 as a teacher expertise professional
school district. Congratulations and best wishes for happy, healthy and enjoyable retirement. Whereas from September 2008 through June 2026 as a teacher whereas she expertise
professional duties school district education retirement July 1st 2026 congratulations and best wishes for a happy healthy and enjoyable retirement.
Whereas Maria has from September 2005 to September 2026 as a teacher. Whereas she exemplify expertise commitment and professionalism therefor
school district education recognized October 1st 2026. I send to her congratulations and best wishes for a happy, healthy and enjoyable retirement. Whereas Carol
September 2001 through October 2026 as a teacher in school district 1st 2026 congratulations and best wishes for a happy healthy and enjoyable
Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. as well. All students research teachers and parents research fast here in the United States as well.
teachers today Heat. Heat. I see now is having very successful year for charity respons.
organization. We raised a total of $645 in sales with our most recent Valentine day sale. This colle was a big helpful. I would like to thank our advisor cash
and all the students who donated respons organization as well as students in student council. Last last week we celebrated our health in health classes. practice CPR. Our lunch is featuring very healthy choices
this week. We have been also celebrating the Olympics in gym class by playing style competitions. Lastly, our HS breakfast with breakfast on February 3rd
on February 7th and Holocaust Holocaust survivor came about her grandmother's life story. Her mother was in she how much the Holocaust affected everyday lives within her and your students who
remember from perspective how was that reading from textbook this year is on the 26th and 27th of February with
Mr. Once again, thank you to all 78. Heat. Heat. to see tonight. We have a lot to get into fashion show on March 14th.
And this is where all seniors get a chance to walk away. Yeah. your clothes for show everyone graduation on March 4 and many students volunteer she has to
raise money for childhood cancer and this was inspired by a former student who unfortunately passed away and this club is in her and it was a great message and I wish you
and our games tonight and they're coming back on Sunday and what agency is is a student organization around
simulation simulation for students is real politicians. So you do research on where they are and they go to Boston schools and build
next competition. It'll be 10 to 15 schools coming and we host an audition. We participated in it, but our team is already
the last competition in the cool thing about this is competition with the teachers. crazy. Next we have the sher and more than 200 job opportunities.
I only students and prizes like cash and stuff Yeah. Heat. from production and they all so talented. So I show
6 day and it was also a longest day and all teachers are doing well activities and the 9. So it's going to be a very relaxation day. So I know all the seasons
next season will be in March. We are so impressive and it was most time But they did.
So I suspect Heat. Heat. HEAT. HEAT. HEAT. HEAT. OKAY. And we s to engage in this work.
more attack and prioritize identify to ensure that our students are safe schools and functional instructional spaces. I will be able to improve the student
experience of the project that directly impact your achievement classrooms. Yeah. recommend. all these including Windows systems technology
networks etc. Uh we are proposing to request funding for program security upgrades. We have a budget develop. operational%.
So what that does is Just around as a rise and to engage in professional services. There are multiple reasons why we
selected this particular project and why we elected as to process. First and foremost, the board projects are eligible to receive 29.8%
of their service because these projects are being financi. So that is why period of time are outside
teaching learning staffing operations etc. Heat. Heat. years of age and facilities in its reach.
We also have fire to replace existing as you continue our facilities in our we have engaging spaces Heat.
Heat. these facilities. So 26 and all that. So you lose that and you replace them.
So that is why over 20% of these projects. So um another reason why we engage in this particular process.
Uh so this is actually the process. So in 2014 last spring with submission to department of education. So this process
doesn't have time to really assess what were Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. as well. Heat. Heat. This is
that is for AC. solutions. Thank you so much. So that we and where we are today. So we wanted to one of the things that commercial said was that we wanted to
provide projects that directly impact students and a lot of educational projects. There's a series of projects and a series of educational projects and the educational projects include um science labs labs biology physics and
steam technology labs media center classroom renovation special education programs creation arts classroom as well as visual arts classroom renovation. So they're core of the educational projects that we're
going to do. Um and when we look at power projects projects all the schools um they include a variety of infrastructure that's beyond us need to be prepared and those include
counter systems and implementing school education lockown systems every school capabilities which include the hardware and security window film at all schools at the first floor window level. This is not
bulletproofing or film. There's no such thing as bulletproof. What this film is designed to do is buy time for first responders if someone were to smash the window. It's almost like a shield. It breaks up into little pieces held together by
film. So you can't just walk through. So that's the purpose of the security there. much needed replacement deteriorating roof sections as one of our biggest concerns is more building it causes more
problems and causes more operational needs over time. Uh and that's going to happen at our schools as well. We're going to replace the building fire alarm systems and upgrade them at the middle school and the elementary school. Um we
are going to uh provide replacements and compliance the high school the main and lower gymnasium and we're going to provide sense of community uh at each of the schools by upgrading the branding and making substantive changes to the spaces without spending significant
dollars to upgrade the look and feel spaces. projects schools educational projects were starting high school and you see the items located in red. Um those those projects
include renovations to the stars program space and adding the culinary arts classroom that will take place uh in the red area that you see there. uh we are going to create three equal size uh size
classrooms, one for biology and two for physics. And you can see that down at the lower level. We are also going to create uh do a little bit of reorganization. We want to take space that's currently inefficient and
reorganize it to move this manufacturing technology lab into what is now existing to be our classrooms. uh and uh reorganize that create rob technology in a larger more conducive space and at the same time relocate the
art space uh 2D and uh visual art into uh again another space that's more conducive for that use that's going to take place uh at the cafeteria level in the high school. We are also going to renovate two underutilized spaces uh in
in the high school and create two history classrooms on the main level. We are going to four science labs, three additional chemistry labs and prep rooms and one physics lab as well as creating three size biology
labs with new onating aud Our TV uh studio uh is size is not meeting the needs of growing curriculum. We are going to renovate that to create a new TV technology room and
broadcasting studio. Uh that will also include renovations to two other classrooms and office to create two ST classrooms and general classroom in that same way. On screen you'll see images of what the
existing science lab means of the district for some time but they lack flexibility. There's a significant number of that are impacting daily operations and the classrooms right now don't support a change in
curriculum. Um this is idea what the new science lab could could look like. utilities sink and and utilities on the perimeter with flexible movable spaces. The room can be set up as classroom or lecture or the tables can be moved
together for different functions within that space. So everything that you're going to see from an educational standpoint is not the old talk. Now it's something where the classrooms are flexible and the kids will be able to be more involved. is important to your classroom. They
lack storage necessary for our program and that's renovated the classroom reimagined into robotics technology manufacturing lab. So the render images that you see are concepts
of what the space would look like. Just to point out we don't design the spaces prior to the referendum passing. We don't design them now because the district will be spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on design and engineering and all that and the
referendum may not pass. So hopefully once the referendum does pass we going to design teachers and design spaces district.
Similarly, the existing technology robotics lab, they'll be renovated and turned into art classrooms. And those are classrooms again flexibility, more storage, more space, more technology, the ability to support a growing career.
Um, we have existing hallway store that are going to be renovated for greater efficiency and the layout will be revised to include and reclaimed space to create this new culinary arts classroom. And as you can see again, we
have an image of what this arts classroom could look like. Uh workstations for cooking and interior space that can be used for obviously the teaching aspect. But if there's an event, the kids can, you know, introduce
their culinary wares uh to uh to anybody that you want to have an event. Uh similarly uh we're renovating the nurses area uh which will allow uh that space to to be more efficient on the interior meaning
classrooms and all the spaces to create three appropriately sizes science lab right now. Science labs there's one large 850. So we're going to reclaim the space. We're going to science labs in the same way. So everything is
continuous and we're creating science labs older and flexible and it'll be replaced by newer science lab that's reimagined to be more flexible and more accommodating to the curriculum. And we're looking at the interior level
that you see is corner downstairs right now is not really stairwell. So to do some lighting up some lighting
there so that he's a lower level doesn't need to look like a lower level. We're also renovating three existing classrooms to create two larger ST labs uh with that space as each classroom
on the first floor level. Uh we are going to start with the entrance. We have a nail in order to actually come into the building. We want to create a secure environment.
So we're creating an office adjacent to that secure rest where people will come into the rest and they'll be able to get their license building much safer condition uh and much for the students inside the person
who's behind the wall at that point. Additionally, we're going to do some renovations in our classrooms. We're going to operate the toilet so that they're ADA compliant. We are also providing a new corridor on the outside of the building. The reason for this is
currently you have to enter the first classroom in order to get into the second classroom in the first classroom. So we're going to wrap around and create an area for people to be able to get into that second classroom without going to the
first. Um additionally we are creating renovations to media center. Uh right now the media center has a classroom in the back of it that you can't access until you get into the media center. Again, creating disruption just to get to that classroom. What we're doing is
we're fling access from the corridor itself. So you don't have to the media center anymore. We are then renovating the entire media center to create again a more flexible uh
one that allows collaborations for quiet areas, green areas and and the like within the overall large space. So, a picture of what the existing message looks like and the exposed
hallway. That's where the visitors are currently. And then an image of what that could look like a transaction window that you know someone can safely take a license behind and then the visitors as they
come into the building. We create so you just drop off lunch. building into the building off again we're looking to create separation. This is what that office will look like from the inside again space
where we get better security coming on and open up the interior. So we can create more festival space, different reading areas, different spaces, small seating areas and like so
um that's that's right now is currently underutilized. We are going to renovate that space as well as you can see from the images they can move that away together. uh electric comes out of the ceiling so
that there's no need for outlets. Everything is flexible and support. So in terms of recounting everything that we just talked about just real quickly renovations
lab renovations science lab renovations broadcasting studio renovations roof replacements system upgrades installation fil windows and school community through uh graphics and and
design science design renovations to create full size general classrooms. It's going to be up to regular size classrooms, partial system placement, upgrading security system and school uh graphics as well. And then
we are renovating classrooms. Um kindergart classrooms uh including updating the toilets, constructing new corridor which will provide direct access to the second kindergart new security office to the new secure veg
security systems partial roofing system replacement the media center upgrades and enhancing school community as well. So we have projected cost and this is what everybody wants to hear about wants to learn about and uh so what we can
talk about is we bro down here uh to project cost by school. So high school will receive almost $22 million in renovation work 21.962 million in total project cost. We are
however receiving $6.5 million in debt service for work being done which reduces that net project cost to $15.3 million. At the middle school it's about $6.8 million in project cost but we're receiving 2.1 million in debt service a
reducing that project to 4.7 and we're uh doing about $9.2 million worth of work. We're getting 2.6 in debt service a reducing that project to 6.6. 6 million. So overall this referendum the question will go out as 38
million24257. The district has already been approved for that 29.8% in SA which is 11,3449. That reduces the net taxable cost to you
communities to 26,67948. So where does that tax impact come into play? As you can see based upon the um debt service debt service payments that are declining after March of 2026
and allowing the district to reinvest in these projects that cost replaces a portion of the debt payments uh and results in a tax decrease over the life of the bond. um that the the projections of this are based on 4% interest rate
over 20 years. Obviously, by the time you sell bonds that interest rate fluctuate right now today, they're about 3.7%. So, chances are it could be lower. Uh if something unforeseen happens, it could be higher, but the reduction or the
changes in the in the tax impact be in large numbers. Uh here you can see with burners overall uh the average assessed value for home is 975586 existing tax impact per year is $836
that new tax impact will be reduced to $527 a year for uh $1.3 million average that existing impact is $340 a year that will be reduced to $214 a year and
impact last $956,000 average in assess home. Uh the impact is 531 and will be reduced to 335. So what exactly does your home mean? Uh the reality is is that if you vote yes for this referendum, you get all the
projects that we talked about the $38 million worth of work for roughly $267,000. uh and all the upgrades that we all the schools if you refer the existing facilities stay as they are the district continues to make capital upgrades as
they they need to over the length of time they pick and choose the projects that are done they can't do the large amount of projects that are done under this and they will forfeit the 11.3 million of that service you won't receive it for those projects
some time and locations. Uh so here we have a list. This is also on website the will open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. giving people time to go either before after during the day. Uh in the districts 1, 2, and 7 will be at the
public library. District 3, 4, 5, and six will be at St. church uh in Pac will be at the municipal building on municipal building. So some frequently asked questions uh
for this we have been approved for the 11,344,849 that by and large once the approves that that is your money if the referendum passes it will be used to offset the bond payments at the end of the year. You don't get a check for that. You will get when the district doesn't pay down
at the end of the year, the district pays 60% or the 70 whatever it is based on our 29 48%. Uh and the city will pick up the balance. Um we're carrying that% interest rate. It could vary by the time we sell. The other thing to point out is
there have been significant increases in construction. We all know this. It doesn't matter for us as an architect coming upon us to make sure that we can design spaces for the amount that's approved by the voters. We can't spend more money
and there's the rest before we spend uh the district cannot add money from a different account. They can't bring it in without it cannot be done. Uh so we have to make sure these budgets that we prepare have contingencies and escalators in them. So that the plan is
that in the beginning when we make projects they'll come in over under budget we'll build up some surplus as we get to the second year they come in budget as we get to the third year they come in over budget and we use the surplus to pay those down ultimately we
plan so that there's a net you know net at the end of the projects why can't stop monies unfortunately is allowed to allocate funds to capital reserve but they can't bring more because of that 2% cap. Uh it would be
ne would be necessary to save a significant amount of money in order to complete these projects. But again, you also do it without service projects that didn't make there were a lot more projects that we needed to be evaluated that need to be done. But
given the fact that the board was adamant about being fiscally responsible, putting together a referendum that is net neutral, this list of projects didn't make it up this time around. There's still significant number of sections that need to be done toilet renovations. So there's a lot
more work that could be done and uh maybe done in the future by capital or means children construction. We try to do our work for these projects during the time where school is out where kids are not in school. We want to design and
plan the work so that it causes minimal disruption to school operations. So we will plan accordingly with the district when these projects come to fruition. New Jersey has something called New Jersey Senior Tax Program. If you are currently participating in it, um the
taxes will not be affected by this referendum. The way the the way the uh senior tax works is um you would pay a increase or decrease or and at the end of the year you're reimbured by the state based on that amount. Um so right
now based on the fact that this is a net neutral there is no tax increase. It doesn't really affected by just construction schedule obviously for us is important that we're able to plan these projects and give these projects
appropriate time to March referendum before miss the bid window for summer projects if we were a project in April we get nothing with significantly high projects high project cost because contractors already have work for the summer there are projects that could be
done that through state contract that wouldn't have to be could potentially get out that don't involve a lot of design moves or what um but anything that involves more design will take place over the following summer or the summers of 27 28. You see this is a
three-year process and by allowing us to be flexible about when we bid we can pick the best time so that we get the best pricing. The district's website has offers information on it. is a repository of everything that you saw in this presentation. If you just want to see
the cost, you can look at the cost. You want to see the tax impact. You can see the tax. Um you want to see the project, you can look at those. So everything is on the district's website. There is also email referendum shsd.org. If you have questions, please send them
in. We will be reviewing that and answering the questions. They will then go into a frequently asked questions area on the website. That covers the project to be done. Uh, thank you. If there are any questions, we're more than happy to answer. We'll
>> just take a moment and open up questions from anyone we have. >> Thank you very much. Thank you. Heat. Heat. Hey website there.
Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Yeah. Heat. skills.
So things happen. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. You see everybody else
for that Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. pieces around Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. and rainbow and everyone.
So her is a um She as Heat. Heat. Oh yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. She is a leader of
different ways. Heat. Heat. from a first place. Heat. Heat. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. exercise
on January 29. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. This is five. Zero. And I would just encourage you
because uh information. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. I'd also like to give a shout out to our youngest visitors. I think we have team that did a wonderful job for us
this evening as well as all. Thank you. Thank you very much. Comments are welcome at this time on any actionable agenda. Towards the end of the meeting for on any topic, please state your name and
address. Comments are limited to 3 minutes. At 3 minutes, you will be interrupted and ask 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 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 comments. And we appreciate um your cooperation and thank you in
advance for your input. Any public comment this evening? Okay, seeing as there's none, can I get a motion to close your first public? Okay, Mrs.
Mrs. Thank you. Okay, we can move on to the approvements. Can I get a motion to approve? Okay, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. R.
Thank you, Mrs. Cooper. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Hunt. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lero. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Santoro. >> I see. >> Mrs. Ry. >> Yes. >> M. Ballard. >> Yes. >> Miss Clark. >> Yes. Motion passes. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Now we're going to move on to
committee. We're going to start with Mrs. Cooper. Business operations. Great. Thanks for the business operations committee met February 9th for approximately an hour and a half. All three members were in attendance and were joined by Dr. Mr.
February, we received an update on the 10 improvement project. Administration submitted plans to the Department of Education and the project will go out to later this month. Um, similar to track project, uh, this project will involve a phase start and
stop process to allow for proper pavement curing. Construction will begin after the spring high school tennis season and will continue through much of the summer. The project will be funded over two maintenance budgets and uh the environment will be not notified that
the courts will be unavailable during construction. Next, we discuss demographic planning. The district has budgeted for a new demographer for the upcoming year as our current demographer has been available. Accurate demographic projections are essential to long-term
planning and the committee supports moving forward with uh securing these services. We also review the retirements and their potential impact in the budget. Dr. Rochel indicated that the district anticipates filling all of these positions to ensure continuous instruction and student support. Next,
we discussed referendum outreach and community engagement. Several presentations have been scheduled to ensure that residents have opportunities to learn more about the referendum and ask questions, including an inerson presentation on February 23rd in Back Glass and a live streamed presentation
on February 24th. Uh given the challenges of displaying yard signs in the snow, the committee agreed that sending a postcard mailing would be an effective way to raise awareness of the referendum. Mr. Liberty also provided an update on the district's participation in data and
cooperative purchasing agreement that allows the district to purchase supplies at reduced cost by leveraging collective buying power. This arrangement has been successfully implemented and is help is helping the district operate more efficiently and cost effectively. Next,
we received an update on the development of the fiscal year 2027 budget. Administrative team are currently evaluating multiple budget scenarios in the use of varying levels of state aid enrollment changes and staffing considerations and use of reserve funds. This work is ongoing and additional
information will be presented at future meetings including during the upcoming budget retreat. Mr. Lor then provided a close out of the field lighting project which was completed under budget and budget due to lower the anticipated electrical costs. These savings have
directly strengthen the district's capital reserve. As discussed in detail our last meeting, the district has identified replacement of the pian access systems beginning with the middle school as a toxic curry priority. After reviewing the current capital reserve
budget, which now includes the savings from the lane project administration recommend using 400,000 of available capital funds to initiate these upgrades at the middle school this year. The community support this recommendation. Additional funding to
complete these upgrades of the remaining buildings will be included in next year's capital budget. Next, we discussed optional employee disability and supplemental insurance plans offered through AFLAC. These plans will be would be fully funded by employees through
voluntary payroll deductions and would be offered at no cost to district providing additional benefit options for staff. Financ presented information on a banking service that allows the district to protect large cash deposits while
also earning a higher interest rate. This service is available at no cost to the district and will be presented for boarding duration this month. And that concludes my report. Okay. Um can I get a motion
for business? Mrs. And this is any discussion. Yes. I just want to point out that um ballots have already arrived for people
who are voting by mail. So you should be looking for that in your mail if you're by mail. Thank you. Anyone else? Okay, just help me out here. We're going
to do roll call first, then correct. Correct. All right. Thank you. All right. So, Mr. Roll call, please. >> Thank you. Mrs. Hunt, >> yes. >> Mrs. Libero, >> yes. >> Mrs. Santoro, >> yes. >> Mrs. Ry, >> yes. >> Miss Ballard, >> yes.
>> Miss Clark, >> yes. >> Miss Cooper, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Is there any old business for business operations? >> New business. Okay, thank you. Now we are going to
Wednesday for approximately 2 and 1 half hours. All three members were in attendance and we're joined by Dr. Dr. Mr. Ederson and Mr. First Miss and Dr. presented a midyear data review focused on students in
grades 4 through 8 who scored below proficiency on last year's NJSLA assessment to assess growth in new students. The district used the I diagnostic and adaptive assessment that identifies individual skill levels learning gaps and academic progress.
This diagnostic staff establishes personalized growth targets for each student. Typical road reflects unexpected annual progress for students with similar starting points while stretch represents a more ambitious target designed to help accelerate
learning and voice proficiency gaps. At the mid assessment conducted in January, students were expected to have have achieved approximately half of their annual growth goal. We were pleased to learn that the majority of students are progressing as expected with some students exceeding anticipated growth.
These data also help identify students who may need additional support and teachers are already using these results to guide for instruction and interventions. These ongoing data informed conversations the building level are essential to ensuring that all students continue to make meaningful
academic progress. Next, Miss Bar and Dr. Anderson presented a proposal to pilot the ISL diagnostic platform at high school. Excel and provides ongoing realtime diagnostic data so much I read and supports instrually
supporting this program at the high school that will cost 25,000 this year with future costs of about $15 per student. This has intention to provide valuable data at the high school to help teachers t instruction support student achievement. Next, Mr. provided an
update on the district's multi- language learning letter program, including our bilingual waiver and the progress of the exploring program. After over the past 15 years, our district has experienced a dramatic
shift in student demographics. Prior to the to 2012 to 2013 school year, district enrolled approximately 20 multilingual language learning learners. That number grew steadily to more than 150 students in recent years, reflecting broad demographic changes in our region
and requiring the district to significantly expand its instructional programs and supports. This year the numbers dropped to 129 increased resulting from a reduction in the number of new MLL students at high school. at Bedwell multi- language learners
continue to re represent a significant portion of the student population with approximately 15% of students re receiving MLL services. These demographic shifts underscore the importance of maintaining flexible responsive instructional models that can
meet the needs of a dynamic and evolving student population. Um, as part of this work, the school district applies annually for a bilingual waiver for certain grades as permitted under New Jersey law. While state regulations require full-time bilingual education when enrollment
thresholds are met, districts may apply for waiverss when alternative instructional approaches may better serve student needs. It's is important to understand that a full-time bilingual program in grades 2 through 12 would require substantial expansion staffing based on current enrollment.
Implementing such pro program would require at least 11 additional um teachers across all subject areas as well as additional support staff counselors and specialists. However, the more important consideration is educational appropriateness. Our multil- language learners enter the district
with uh a wide range of educational backgrounds. While some students have strong literacy skills in their primary language, others enter limited or interrupted formal education and may not have developed foundational lit literacy skills in any language. And these student these students of full-time
academic bilingual models may not provide intended benefit and targeted English language instruction sheltered academic instruction and individual individualized literacy support may be more appropriate. These interventions are designed to build foundational reading and writing skills while supporting access to grade level
content. For this reason, this introduces a range of instructional approaches, including bilingual tutorials, support shelter instruction and intensive English language development and targeted literacy interventions to meet students where they are and support their long-term academic success. Mr. Review
the status of explorers, our full-time bilingual program in kindergarten first grade. We truly encouraged by the progress of the students in this program. Kindergarten students have made substantial gains in September have demonstrated significantly greater progress at the January assessment than
students enrolled in kindergarten prior to the maination of externals. Historically, students have showed um strong growth in listening and speaking but more limited growth in reading and writing due gaps in foundational literacy. This year however students are are developing strong literacy skills
alongside or world language skills building much stronger academic foundation. Similarly, our first rate students have just demonstrated above average growth across all domains. While our listening speaking growth has been slightly more gradual as expected when students are developing proficiency in two languages, they have demonstrated
stronger growth in reading and writing graduate and then prior first grade cohorts who do not have access to this program. These early results provide encouraging evidence that the explor program is achieving its intended goal. Um and in
addition to these academic outcomes, um Mr. Italy also shar shared very positive feedback from families with 90% indicating that they would recommend the program to to others to the friends and families and remaining families and they knew they might recommend it. Families
report that students are increasingly confident, engaged, and proud of their bilingual abilities. Um the district will continue to monitor closely monitor student needs, demographic trends, and student outcomes to ensure that all multi language
learners will receive the instructional support that best meet their individual needs. Then Dr. Roel provided a preliminary overview of the uh Bernard High School review process. These reviews provide valuable insights into instructional practices and will help
guide future improvements in the high school. In addition, we announced the formation of a master schedule task force at the Burnsville Middle School. This group will evaluate the current schedule and identify opportunities to better meet the academic and developmental needs of finally there are
no concerns regarding professional development or future requests. That loses motion to it. Okay. Is there any discussion with regards to um explorers for next year? Does it look like I I don't care
if it's early because we're still in the process of registering. Will we be able to accommodate all families that are interested in being in the programs in first grade? Yes. Okay. And then I obviously we have to wait and see what happens with
kindergarten registration. Okay. Great. And then I just wanted to note I am so happy to see the field trip with our best buddies through I think that's um such a wonderful trip over the
mountain and um you know I'm so excited to see that. I know we used to do that. I think made it difficult but I'm thrilled to see it back on our agenda and excited for all the kids that are involved.
I just add there's one thing I didn't they mentioned that I wanted to just point out in our um regarding teleport report to us which I thought was particularly exciting was that um in the surve the survey of parents in the
explore program they also said that um that they are I don't know if I mentioned proud of their culture and I just thought that was really really exciting and you know just they're interesting learning I just I'm really grateful to the uh the administration,
Mr. Kelly and Bedwell folks for for uh this really incredible program. Yeah, it's it um it's been a lot of hard work and it seems like it is so beneficial for the kids. So, it's fantastic. Every time you report to us, it just, you
know, it's it's provided pictures, too. Yes. Okay. Uh, anybody else? >> All right. Can we have roll call, please? >> Mrs. Hunt. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lber. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Santoro.
>> Yes. >> Mrs. Ry. >> Yes. >> M. Ballard? >> Yes. >> M. Yes. >> Miss. Cooper. >> Yes. Motion passes. >> Okay. We're going to move on to Miss Bard and personnel. you start business
attendance for person agenda. We also discuss this year in terms of lacrosse and coach has been hired coaches professional coaches who is high
teacher social studies coach this year at TCJ which is to be a great resource for the district. Um as search process is underway
first applications that I have to Any discussion? Oh, I got a secondary. Thank you. Any discussion?
>> Okay, let's do roll call. >> Mrs. Hunt, >> yes. >> Mrs. Liberer, >> yes. >> Mrs. Santoro, >> yes. >> Mrs. Ry, >> yes. >> Miss Ballard, >> yes. >> Mrs. Argomery, >> yes. >> Miss Cooper, >> yes. >> The motion passes. >> Okay. No business for personnel
business. Okay, moving right. So our policy committee review 55 Such as an example
situation necessary. policies previous motion to move policy agenda items. We have M and Mrs. Hunt. Any discussion? No. Okay, we're going to do all
>> Mrs. Leber. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Santoro, >> yes. >> Mrs. Ry, >> yes. >> Miss Ballard, >> yes. >> Mr. Clark Emry, >> yes. >> Miss Cooper, >> yes. >> Mrs. Hunt, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Okay, so I will do the last report on
student services. Um, okay. very um was in attendance and uh join us to provide an overview of our special education services. Um we spent
a lot of time talking about the overall program and the differences between 504s and IP. Um and I'll just give a brief overview right now. Section 504 is a civil rights law ensuring that students with
disabilities have equal access to all school programs. IEPs in contrast are governed by the federal funding law. Um the focus on supporting a student's individual educational progress. Um they
have different eligibility requirements for student has a physical or mental impairment that substantially substantially limits a major life activity. Um and it provides access for
the student IEP the student has one or more of the specific disabilities in the disability significantly impacts educational performance. um and therefore the student requires specialized education services. They
discuss the evaluation procedures, how the staff is involved, the plans development, revisions and reevaluations and planning distinctions between the IPS and the viral.
Um currently in our um special services we have 29 special education teachers, seven child study team members, five nurses, three speech pathologists, one
occupational therapist and one DCA or 15 paraprofessionals. Um, we review the continuum of student services which emphasize providing the least restrictive environment for our
special education students. And we discuss programs and services offered. They include preschool our preschool inclusion program which was recently expanded to full day. Uh we have two classrooms and potentially down the road
the board could consider adding a third which would potentially allow for all of our um students that participate um by lottery to have a space available. So that could be something we consider down the road. Uh we provide inclass
resources starting in grade one resource room grade K through 12. um the language and learning disabilities program at Bwell and a multi-disabled program at Burners High School. Um additional supports include related services which
is speech occupational therapy and physical therapy such as study team behavior consultant nursing assisted technology consultants bilingual evaluations and translation services. So um the committee expressed our
appreciation for the overview and reiterated the priority of providing strong services for our students and supporting our parents that are seeking um support in this area and evaluation for their kids. Um next we discussed the
um the NJCI climate matters review the climate data dashboard Dr. commercial shortages. It is a robust tool that they spend many months digesting. Um, so we really appreciate
the opportunity to see what they're going to be working with and we expect the full analysis and report by next October. They are going to be working with data and implementing things as they go. Um I
believe one of the first things they'll be um implementing some programming based on these results is at the respect coming up. um capture kids heart. We are excited and happy to hear that middle school has advanced to the next level of
evaluation for the national showcase school distinction and um the committee review follows from the 24 20 sorry 2024 2026 kids parts implementation report.
And finally, we just briefly reviewed and touched on a possibility for continuing the work um that we're doing with Catherine Kids Heart in our athletic area. Um and the district is considering participating in a program
through Catherine Kids Heart called Coaching for Greatness. And again, you know, the committee really supports all the work we're doing um to make sure that the athletic experience for our students is positive. Um
and that is the conclusion of my report. So if I can get a motion. Okay. Any discussion or questions? And I will just mention sorry Dr. Ro did review the students AD. This
is a report which mentions in our Yes. Um, I just want to say this is a community since I've been on board and um, I really appreciate the focus on student services and on
the culture of the school about capturing kids and the fact that we're going to get to do some training on that just like for his support of all these initiatives which is where are so important. All right. If there's no other comments,
we can do roll call. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mrs. R. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ballard. >> Yes. >> M. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gerber. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Hunt. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Liber. >> Yes. >> Okay. Board announcements. The views
that are expressed by individual members of the city of the city board of education report announcements are solely those of the individual board members and do not reflect the views, opinions, policies, regulations and positions of the summer hills board of
education and any other individual members of the board. any announcements this evening. Yeah. Um I was lucky to be able to attend the research symposium for eighth graders last week. Um and if far
exceeded my expectations in little information and what to expect. The students work spoke for yourself. I was impressed with how the grade were able to approach complex and culturally relevant topics thoughtfully with curiosity and maturity. uh they show off critical thinking, research and
public speaking skills and design and created visually relevant presentations. As I walk through, many students were asked to respond to questions about their topics and think on their feet and do so thoughtfully and with voice. Um I just want to say great job to everyone involved from the eighth grade team, administration and students and their
parents who showed to support them and that they're really proud because they just really did an awesome job. To piggy back on that, I also got to attend the eighth grade um research symposium and it was incredible to see the topics that these kids came up with. Um they were diverse topics. Um I
learned about a meme quite never even knew what existed. Um so I was really educated and it was really great to see that the eighth graders take on complex topics and be able to speak about them knowledgeably. Um, I think that they did
a really great job and I really commend that eighth grade team for working with our students so closely. Okay, thank you. That sounds like a wonderful experience for everybody who got to attend and then of course all of our work to make it happen and the
students. So fantastic. Anybody else? No. Okay. So we will move on to public comments. All comments are welcome at this time on any topic. Please state your name and address. Comments are limited to 3 minutes. At 3 minutes, you
will be interrupted and ask to allow any other members of the public who might be 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 after. 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 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 or interrupt with the
speaker's comments. Thank you in advance for your input and public comment this evening. This feels strange. to say thank you. Um, and I want to thank for getting the lights in the
parking lot directly correctly so the neighbors are happy. I'm happy is is a population statement over 65 and for the referendum I'd like to address the positives for this referendum because um
touched on one item but uh there are a lot of other items that I think the public should be aware of 25% of our population is over 65 Um and I remember kind of summarizing this. So a lot of
people wonderful. So, um, so anybody watching this video to just make sure they understand what what's available to people over 65 and why because um, you don't house your own
buildings. It's going to fall apart and then when it gets so bad, it's going to be more expensive and we want to continue our education making it better. So those are two trying things in space
uh impact and make education better. Please make property tax less harmful tax. You can have your property tax back up to $13,000. So your tax is $13,000. You
get $6500 back. and on tax. If you're single and you're retired, the first $75,000 of retirement income is excluded from New Jersey tax. So those are huge benefits. So I don't I work with senior
citizens doing taxes all the time and most citizens do not pay any tax anymore. So um I'm always I encourage everybody to vote positively. Yes. And um I look forward
to seeing a good China. Thank you very much. Thank you for your comments, Mr. If there are no more public comments, I have a motion to close. All in favor?
Any motion? Okay. Looks like it's time. Can I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? I'd like to make motion to the meeting. All right. Thank you, Mr. Hey.