WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=wpbok1oCvYE

Part: 1

1
00:00:03.360 --> 00:00:19.199
meeting of the board of education of Somerset Hill School District. Please be advised that this and all meetings of the board are open to the public immediia consistent with the open public meetings act and that advanced notice required therein has been provided. This is a meeting of the board of education of Somerset Hills at which formal action

2
00:00:19.199 --> 00:00:34.480
may be taken. The public will have an opportunity to be heard as shown on the agenda in accordance with the open public meetings act. The public notice of this meeting which included the time, date, location, and to the extent known, the agenda of this meeting was distributed at 3 p.m. on July 9th, 2025.

3
00:00:34.480 --> 00:00:50.160
Can we have roll call, please? >> Miss Ballard >> here. >> Miss Clark Emory. >> Ms. Cooper >> here. >> Mrs. Gomez >> here. >> Mrs. Hoppy >> here. >> Mrs. Hunt >> here. >> Mrs. Lera >> here. >> Mrs. Santoro >> here. >> Mrs. Ry >> here. >> Mrs. Frenda >> here.

4
00:00:50.160 --> 00:01:05.920
>> We have a quorum. >> Wonderful. Thank you. The Open Public Meetings Act authorizes a public body to exclude the public from that portion of a meeting at which specified topics are to be discussed under circumstances where the public consideration of such topics will clearly endanger the public or where the personal privacy or

5
00:01:05.920 --> 00:01:21.280
guaranteed rights of individuals whose activities or affairs are to be discussed would be clearly in danger of unwarranted invasions and the matters about to be presented for discussion clearly meet the circumstances test of such act. The board of education of Somerset Hill now adjourns its public session to reconvene an executive

6
00:01:21.280 --> 00:01:37.360
session for the purpose of discussing the following. The superintendent evaluation and student matters. Um, can I get a motion to go into executive, please? Miss Ry and Miss Hoppy. And can we get roll call? >> Miss Ballard? >> Yes.

7
00:01:37.360 --> 00:01:56.000
>> Miss Cooper? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gomez? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Hoppy? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Hunt? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lera? >> Yes. Most. Mrs. Santoro. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ry. >> Yes. Yes. >> Thank you. >> To the flag of the United States of

8
00:01:56.000 --> 00:02:11.599
America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay. Okay. Um, Miss Ballard, if you would

9
00:02:11.599 --> 00:02:37.040
like to read the retirement recognition before we go into Dr. Broil's update. Sure. Just give me a second here. Okay, here we go. Thank you for your patience.

10
00:02:37.040 --> 00:02:56.160
Um, Recognizing a retiree. Um whereas Soan Shandara has been employed from July 1999 through June 2026 as a custodian. And whereas he exemplified expertise, commitment, and professionalism in his duties. And now

11
00:02:56.160 --> 00:03:10.720
therefore, be it resolved that the Somerset Hill School District and Board of Education recognize Sukan Chandara's retirement effective July 1st, 2026, and extend to him Congratulations and best wishes for a happy, healthy, and

12
00:03:10.720 --> 00:03:31.040
enjoyable retirement. >> Brushel, >> thank you, Mrs. Brenda, and good to see everybody. Tonight, uh we're going to talk about a our um fiscal year 27 budget, our proposed budget. Uh tonight

13
00:03:31.040 --> 00:03:48.720
is, uh the end of this process. Uh we spent some time with the board on a Saturday in March to kind of give uh the board and the community a deep dive into our u our intentions for the next budget and our priorities and that was uh

14
00:03:48.720 --> 00:04:04.879
certainly time well spent and um you know we certainly like to keep uh board committees apprised of those developments as well. So, uh, tonight, uh, signifies a, um, a final or an official budget hearing, uh, regarding

15
00:04:04.879 --> 00:04:22.000
our intentions for fiscal year 27. And, um, this budget has been reviewed and approved by the New Jersey Department of Education and then adequately uh, noticed uh, to the community. So, here we are and uh, happy to talk about um,

16
00:04:22.000 --> 00:04:38.560
our intentions here. Uh so the first uh first thing that we want to highlight are our priorities for the budget uh for the coming year. So our first priority was to mitigate operational impacts to our programs. Uh certainly maintaining

17
00:04:38.560 --> 00:04:55.199
uh their integrity uh ensuring that we're able to offer our current academic and our current extracurricular programming was a priority for us. uh we have specialized populations that we've served uh and continue to serve and want to make sure that um those enhancements

18
00:04:55.199 --> 00:05:11.759
over time are honored and uh continued into the next budget. Uh we wanted to uh be respectful of board policies around class sizes. Uh that was a a very big priority here uh in all of our structures and also to support our uh

19
00:05:11.759 --> 00:05:27.680
bilingual programming. Uh we also had a priority to support academic leadership uh and to also continue some of the uh what we're calling our stakeholder uh experience initiatives around climate and culture. That was a really important

20
00:05:27.680 --> 00:05:44.160
priority here. We wanted to be able to uh be innovative and to influence teaching and learning. We want to improve the outputs of teaching and learning. That's why we're here. Uh so we want to have mechanisms and structures in place to ensure that um

21
00:05:44.160 --> 00:05:59.120
the classroom level is well attended to is well led uh and uh certainly is collaborative. Uh so that was a priority and maintaining our infrastructure and our operations uh our operational foundation uh is also a priority. Uh we

22
00:05:59.120 --> 00:06:15.680
want to be able to implement and support a long-range facility plan uh that speaks to all the things that we hold true teaching, learning uh and efficiency. We have students in our school district here that we're serving. Um we're seeing

23
00:06:15.680 --> 00:06:33.680
a lot of consistency in our year-to-year uh enrollment across our three schools uh and across our special education students and our multilingual students. Uh we are noting a uh one-year decline of um high school students specifically

24
00:06:33.680 --> 00:06:48.720
from Bedminster. There's a bit of a dip uh in the Bedminster enrollment for 2627. We are projecting an increase for 2728. Um unclear why that has transpired as far as the uh

25
00:06:48.720 --> 00:07:05.199
the parents choices um in Bedminster, but uh we're seeing a little bit of a dip now. It seems to be a one-year dip. Uh so we're expecting for 2728 for that to go uh back in. Um our ML population, our multilingual learner population has

26
00:07:05.199 --> 00:07:22.720
decreased. Uh we are seeing most of those decrease if not all of them at the high school level. So there's um some enrollment projections for us to consider there. Just a bit of review from our uh budget retreat uh back in March. Uh our

27
00:07:22.720 --> 00:07:38.000
curriculum budget uh does have an increase of $129,930. Uh the curriculum budget speaks to curriculum writing salaries, curriculum program development, uh our contracted services and teacher training and uh

28
00:07:38.000 --> 00:07:54.919
textbook uh replacement, textbook adoption, and um there's a sign there's an increase there. Um primarily you're seeing that increase due to the implementation of capturing kids hearts uh at uh Burns High School.

29
00:07:55.840 --> 00:08:13.280
In the area of student services, uh we have a host of student services that we provide. Um the various programs uh range from autism, communication impaired, uh emotional regulation impairment, multiply disabled, uh other

30
00:08:13.280 --> 00:08:30.560
health impaired, which is our um our highest category, specific learning disability, which is our second highest category. Uh we have a preschool program, and then we have students that are in speech only IEPs. Uh so we develop uh programs here that support uh

31
00:08:30.560 --> 00:08:47.519
those students and uh we have a desire to maintain our our multi-year expansions that over the past four or five years have uh been realized in prior budgets. So we wanted to maintain preschool. Uh we wanted to maintain our

32
00:08:47.519 --> 00:09:02.880
in-class resource sections. Um, we have sections for in-class resource at Bedwell, at middle school, and at high school. We wanted to, um, continue to have, um, an LLD program, um, assisted technology, mental health support, and

33
00:09:02.880 --> 00:09:19.440
an on-site behaviorist in the budget. Uh, we also wanted to continue to utilize uh, the idea grant to assist with our out of district um, tuition matters. Uh we wanted to have an extended school year program uh for students to ensure that they have

34
00:09:19.440 --> 00:09:34.800
continuity of services all year long. Uh continue our various mental health uh initiatives, CPR training and certification, first aid training and certification. Uh we have a variety of assisted technology that we wanted to

35
00:09:34.800 --> 00:09:49.519
certainly continue home instruction um inclass resource our translation services that we utilize for our bilingual populations. Uh one-toone nursing services and our safety care uh training services which is a model that

36
00:09:49.519 --> 00:10:06.640
we use for our uh crisis prevention um initiatives. So certainly we wanted to ensure uh that those areas continued to be honored uh in the budget. Um that budget uh comes in at a little

37
00:10:06.640 --> 00:10:23.920
more than $ 8.4 4 million. And uh student services budget uh comprises areas uh like salaries uh tuitions for particular placements, transportation, extended school year and supplies and um a variety of services

38
00:10:23.920 --> 00:10:41.200
that we provide to students. So that is spoken for in the budget as well. Uh in the area of personnel enhancements and program enhancements, there's uh uh support for bilingual students at Bedwell uh built into the budget. Uh

39
00:10:41.200 --> 00:10:56.000
there's a new administrative position at Bernard's High School at supervisor of athletics, health, and physical education. Uh the intention there is uh for it to result in greater instructional leadership at Bernard's High School. Uh what we're doing is

40
00:10:56.000 --> 00:11:12.399
retitling a current administrator as an assistant principal and this will incorporate uh more opportunities for instructional leadership and innovation from the principal. I believe we need to drive instruction and we need to drive innovation and uh this will allow that

41
00:11:12.399 --> 00:11:30.560
at uh Bernard High School and it is built uh into the budget. Uh we also have some modifications uh throughout the district. Uh this budget uh was a challenging one to craft uh due to economic conditions uh that I'll

42
00:11:30.560 --> 00:11:45.839
discuss and describe. Uh and some of those modifications require us uh to operate differently uh as we move into fiscal 27. Uh and essentially we uh have a a few reorganizations in the business

43
00:11:45.839 --> 00:12:03.040
office uh and then uh in the administration. So, the business office has a an assistant business administrator for operations and purchasing. Uh, we do have a reduction in our operations personnel uh moving into next school year and the business

44
00:12:03.040 --> 00:12:20.880
office reorganization will allow us to uh continue uh to ensure that um there's no uh pause in the implementation of our services. The business office also has a senior accountant uh which closely represents what um the the former

45
00:12:20.880 --> 00:12:37.519
position in there uh was doing and has been doing. Um, so that position does have a high level of accounting required to it and we wanted to be able to establish structures inside of the business office that will um enhance our

46
00:12:37.519 --> 00:12:53.279
programming as we move forward and ultimately uh protect the board in the district um as we move forward with um these titles. Uh we've also retitled a payroll and benefits um uh support position inside of the business office

47
00:12:53.279 --> 00:13:10.079
that exists also uh currently exists in payroll only and we're also adding benefits to that. Uh there's an administrative reorganization that eliminates a central office position uh while redistributing uh those responsibilities from Dr.

48
00:13:10.079 --> 00:13:26.800
Butler to the superintendent to the director of school counseling and wellness and to a subject area supervisor uh level. Uh so there's uh some reorganization there. uh and um we certainly will will have um the

49
00:13:26.800 --> 00:13:43.839
appropriate levels of supports uh for all involved on the administrative side to ensure that uh we are moving forward. Um and we are continuing to move the needle in the area of teaching, learning and student achievement. Uh the budget does have elimination of

50
00:13:43.839 --> 00:14:02.639
positions and operations in administration and in instruction. Um that is primarily due to enrollment. That's two positions. Uh the budget has some enhancements uh in facilities and

51
00:14:02.639 --> 00:14:18.639
operations. Our paging and bell systems, our door access and our emergency notification systems upgrades uh will take place in all four buildings throughout the district. Uh and we have budgeted a,350,000 for that. And we've also budgeted for

52
00:14:18.639 --> 00:14:36.000
phase two of the tennis court project at Seni Drive at $600,000. Um the um the latter comes from maintenance reserve and the former comes from our capital reserve accounts. U believe it or not, we are starting construction on the tennis courts on

53
00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:55.040
Monday. Uh so we're moving forward there. The tennis court project was a two-year um commitment where we essentially budgeted half for current budget and the remaining half for fiscal 27. Um so remember we have a budget here

54
00:14:55.040 --> 00:15:12.480
that uh balances revenues and expenses and I'll talk uh with the board as a reminder for its revenues. Uh so you have um a spreadsheet here. Uh we are moving forward with utilizing a budgeted fund balance which is essentially

55
00:15:12.480 --> 00:15:30.320
surplus. Um we're using um a little over a,600,000. Uh we're we're reflecting a decrease in the reliance in our fund balance which is important. Um we are taking a uh reserve withdrawal uh from capital

56
00:15:30.320 --> 00:15:47.199
reserve in the area of safety and security that's at a million 350. There's uh the notification systems that I uh spoke to on the slide prior. Uh and the maintenance reserve withdrawal is in the amount of 600,000. Uh so um that

57
00:15:47.199 --> 00:16:04.959
gets put into the revenue side of your budget. Local tax levy includes a health care uh adjustment. Uh so we took a health care adjustment due to um the extraordinary escalation in health care costs uh of a

58
00:16:04.959 --> 00:16:24.639
million um $5,396. Um so that is included in a local tax levy. Uh local tax levy is 38,296,420. Um that's an increase of 1.7 million. Uh and that also that 1.7 million includes

59
00:16:24.639 --> 00:16:44.639
an increase of 2% on your tax levy uh which equates to 731,197. Uh we bring in tuition from uh primarily Bedminster. We're seeing a $783,000 increase. Um and so that income is a

60
00:16:44.639 --> 00:17:00.560
little over $5.4 million. Uh that increase historically is paid over uh multiple year um period of time uh that Bibminster typically um utilizes uh that any increases in

61
00:17:00.560 --> 00:17:20.199
tuition. Uh but that is uh part of our revenue. Uh we have 655,000 dollars of other revenue. Um, state aid is $2.5 million and our total general fund um amounts to $50,453,334.

62
00:17:21.679 --> 00:17:38.080
Um, that is a 4.6% uh increase in revenues. Uh we have entitlement grants that we utilize. And entitlement grants are typically those that uh come from uh the federal government um and they go through the

63
00:17:38.080 --> 00:17:53.360
New Jersey Department of Education who serves as the steward of uh federal funding. Uh we're projecting a 22% decrease in that uh funding. Uh so we're looking at approximately $736,330

64
00:17:53.360 --> 00:18:09.520
there. Um if we realize that we're going to receive more than that then we then we budget that appropriately but that's our best estimate based upon what we are um projecting. Our revenue budget also includes our

65
00:18:09.520 --> 00:18:25.760
debt service funding and as uh virtual experts in the area of debt service now since you've gone through the referendum process um we also have a debt service uh budget that is decreasing. Uh we don't utilize any uh fund balance in our

66
00:18:25.760 --> 00:18:40.960
debt service budget. Uh the local tax levy uh for our debt service is just over $2.8 million. Uh we do receive state aid uh for this and that's essentially what um what Mr. Lori would

67
00:18:40.960 --> 00:18:58.320
refer to as the coupon, you know, when we were explaining um the world of referendum to the public and to the community. And so the state aid is $175,000. The total debt service fund is just over $3 million. Uh so we have a total

68
00:18:58.320 --> 00:19:15.520
revenue budget of 54.1 million when you look at debt service and um the remaining parts of your revenue. Um so our total revenue budget reflects an increase of 3.4%. Uh remember it's an

69
00:19:15.520 --> 00:19:32.320
increase of 4.6. Um and then the debt service uh did go down by uh we saw a 7% um decrease. So our revenue side of the ledger reflects a 3.4% increase.

70
00:19:32.320 --> 00:19:49.120
Uh when we look at where do our revenues come from, you'll see um in our pie chart uh the the primary color there uh is through our local tax levy. Uh so the much of what gets done in this district

71
00:19:49.120 --> 00:20:05.760
is done due to uh the taxpayers. Um so that comes in at 75.9% uh or from the taxpayers. Uh almost 11% uh comes from tuition. That's primarily from Bedminster. Uh 5% comes from state

72
00:20:05.760 --> 00:20:26.000
aid. Uh 3.2% is from fund balance. 2.7 is from our capital reserve. Um and then um the small slitters from our maintenance reserve. and from other revenues. When we're looking at our expenses, um

73
00:20:26.000 --> 00:20:43.039
we are proposing a $ 48.9 million budget in expenses with an additional $1.4 million almost $ 1.5 million in capital outlay for a total general fund of $50.4

74
00:20:43.039 --> 00:21:00.799
million. Uh we have uh grants and entitlements that we are projecting at $736,000 and a total debt service uh fund of just over $3 million. So our expense budget uh matches our revenue budget

75
00:21:00.799 --> 00:21:19.919
at 51 or 54.1 million. And when you examine our expenses, 55% of our expenses are salaries. That's the big chunk there. And our benefits uh to cover uh not only our employees but um

76
00:21:19.919 --> 00:21:38.000
their eligible uh family members uh also equates to just over 21%. Uh that's approximately $39 million and um 77% of the general fund budget. Uh the remaining parts of our expenses

77
00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:54.960
um student services um coming in at 6.5% our maintenance projects our supplies and our utilities just under 5% uh instructional supplies uh 4% and our capital budget capital project budget at

78
00:21:54.960 --> 00:22:15.440
3% and then transportation at 2.7. So there's the spread of expenses, the tax impact, uh we're looking at a 3.74 increase uh in our taxes. Um as you look at the budget overall, uh general

79
00:22:15.440 --> 00:22:39.480
fund is $ 38.2 million, debt service at 2.8 for a total tax levy of 41,127,447. for the calendar year. Uh tax levies by town. Uh Burnersville's tax levy for calendar year 2026 is 31,511,717.

80
00:22:41.039 --> 00:23:03.280
Peak Gladstone 6,82,442 and Far Hills is a,91,236. And we have tax rates for each of those towns uh as well. And they range from uh 1.119 per $100 in Bernard'sville uh to

81
00:23:03.280 --> 00:23:20.799
0.365 u per $100,000 in Far Hills with Pepac Gladstone right in the middle there. Uh some examples for school tax estimates in Bernardsville. A $1 million home uh times $1.119

82
00:23:20.799 --> 00:23:42.640
divided by 100 uh comes out to 11,190. And out in Peepac Gladstone, $7,260 on a million-doll home in Far Hills on the same value home is $3,650. uh taxpayer guide to educational spending was released for the 2425

83
00:23:42.640 --> 00:23:59.440
budget which gives some nice context to the board regarding um kind of where we stand budgetarily. Uh there is a way that the department groups students and we're grouped as a K to2 school district that has between zero and 1800 students.

84
00:23:59.440 --> 00:24:15.760
Um, Bagota, Creskill, Midland Park, Walwick, Florence, Otterban, Haden Heights, Wildwood, Glenn Ridge, We Hawkins, South Hunter and Dunell, Spotswood, Manisquan, Mountain Lakes, Point Pleasant Beach, Manville, and Kennallorth are all in those um in that

85
00:24:15.760 --> 00:24:32.880
cohort with us. And uh we're essentially um we're a district that has a high property tax reliance in order to support our programming. Uh there are low allocations from state sources, low allocations from federal sources. We

86
00:24:32.880 --> 00:24:51.200
have above cohort average for uh pupil support costs. That includes classroom costs, salaries, benefits, textbooks, and purchase professional services were um above the cohort average there. Uh we have generally lower administrative costs, salaries, and legal costs. Um,

87
00:24:51.200 --> 00:25:05.520
our operations and maintenance rankings were influenced by a recent increase in costs uh for capital projects on Olcott Field, the performing arts center and the media center at the middle school. And we have cohort average uh

88
00:25:05.520 --> 00:25:20.480
studenttoteer ratios and um student to ESP are uh educational support professional ratios and we have low student to administration ratios. um our our standing in the cohort is relatively

89
00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:36.720
unchanged um in in uh the 2425 but but it does uh indicate that we are spending money and allocating money um where it should be in the area of student support our curriculum programming

90
00:25:36.720 --> 00:25:57.120
extracurriculars and we are realizing uh savings in our administrative costs u as We were able to um deliver a host of different priorities in this budget. We were able to adhere to class sizes. Uh we were able to support special

91
00:25:57.120 --> 00:26:11.760
education students, multilingual learners. Um our curriculum and instruction and PD uh offers a significant increase uh in the budget there. Uh the area of school security is spoken to in our um in our capital

92
00:26:11.760 --> 00:26:28.559
programming. Um and you'll see um enhancements at at at all four uh district buildings. Uh we're maintaining the level of school uh special law enforcement officers at each of our schools uh that offer us a higher level of connectivity with local law

93
00:26:28.559 --> 00:26:42.559
enforcement. We are maintaining our hazardous routes. Uh currently we also have courtesy busing maintained in the uh in the budget as well. Uh trying to acknowledge the needs of the taxpayers here that do

94
00:26:42.559 --> 00:27:00.159
bear uh significant part of the uh of the onus here uh in our programming. But we're also trying to balance like what the needs are for the district and really moving um teaching and learning uh forward in student achievement. Those are non-negotiables.

95
00:27:00.159 --> 00:27:17.039
uh when I recommend a budget to you all and uh continuing to examine um professional development for district climate and district culture matters uh which is a similar non-negotiable for me. We have district goals that serve as

96
00:27:17.039 --> 00:27:33.360
our compass. Uh we have um done our very best to ensure alignment with those goals whether it's in student achievement um understanding climate and culture uh STEM robotics and CTE curriculum uh to support long range

97
00:27:33.360 --> 00:27:50.720
planning and to um support different levels of stakeholder engagement. We're also in the process and believe it or not that begins tomorrow to plan for fiscal 28. Uh the fiscal cliff has indeed arrived. You know, we saw it in

98
00:27:50.720 --> 00:28:07.360
soaring uh health care costs, uh utility costs. Um the fiscal cliff is here, as they say. Um particularly in this budget. We're moving forward uh with less heads in the district than than we have today. Uh so the cliff has arrived.

99
00:28:07.360 --> 00:28:22.720
Um and I think it's important uh that the board uh understand that. We certainly do in all of the discussions that we've had. uh we will be determining student interest for future programming uh and connecting those interests to the curricular offerings to

100
00:28:22.720 --> 00:28:38.240
ensure that we are meeting the needs. Uh we're also going to be continuing to examine our class sizes and our impact uh to any growth uh there. uh we have to determine the the economical landscape

101
00:28:38.240 --> 00:28:55.760
of the ability to uh continue to move this district forward uh and keep our finger on the pulse of different mechanisms here. Uh we will be discussing that more in in greater detail as early as next month regarding how uh we would like to mitigate some

102
00:28:55.760 --> 00:29:10.880
costs um in future budgets. Um particularly in in our highest level um expenses. If you if you recall on the charts, you know, um you know, the way that we administer our benefits, you know, we certainly are in the process of

103
00:29:10.880 --> 00:29:27.440
taking a deep look at um so um while maintaining uh the level of service and quality that we currently have. um going to examine our transportation services and our budget for student activity experiences to make sure that

104
00:29:27.440 --> 00:29:44.000
um for student activities that um the money that we're investing in that which is significant is being well invested with uh clubs that are well attended. Um we have a lot of kids that participate in our clubs. We want to make sure that

105
00:29:44.000 --> 00:30:00.159
the investment is matching the interest. So we're going through that as well. We will examine all of our transportation services and routes uh etc. uh throughout probably the summer. That'll be a summer task that we'll engage with the um business operations committee on.

106
00:30:00.159 --> 00:30:16.080
And we will continue to acknowledge the taxpayer and we will also continue to acknowledge that we have a parallel role here in supporting um our various programs. So Mrs. friend that does I'm sorry

107
00:30:16.080 --> 00:30:41.440
Holly. Sure. So that that's the security work that we're going to be doing um in the summer. So that is um right uh the paging systems, bell systems, our access notification systems. Uh there

108
00:30:41.440 --> 00:30:59.039
there will be enhancements at all four buildings including old cott bless you. Um so that is that comprises that and the tennis courts um also comprise that. You're welcome. On your agenda there will be a a host of motions here and

109
00:30:59.039 --> 00:31:16.000
approvals from the board as they relate to the budget uh after uh Mrs. Friender runs a a budget hearing. Uh however, one of these areas uh memorializes a withdrawal from capital reserve and maintenance reserve. So that's a that's

110
00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:31.120
built into the agenda. So the board anytime we withdraw from maintenance or capital, the board approves that. Um it doesn't have to be at budget adoption. It can be tomorrow um also, but the board has to approve that. Yep. Good

111
00:31:31.120 --> 00:31:48.320
question. That concludes And as you don't have to feel pressured as we open the I'm about to open the hearing. There can be further discussion and questions regarding the presentation. So that's what we're going to do right now. The

112
00:31:48.320 --> 00:32:05.200
budget hearing for the 2627 budget. Um Dr. Brochel outlined the process at the start of his presentation. Um and that we have already submitted on um March 21st the uh preliminary budget for the operation of Somerset Hills.

113
00:32:05.200 --> 00:32:56.080
27. Um, so if anybody has any questions, discussions related to the budget at the board table, now would be the time to engage in those. Oh, >> thank you. um between the referendum and

114
00:32:56.080 --> 00:33:11.840
our budget retreat and the budget hearing, you know, I think hopefully the public has gotten a crash course to some degree in um budgeting and you know, I we're facing a lot of challenges, increase operational costs, increase in

115
00:33:11.840 --> 00:33:29.039
healthcare and prescription. So, um I appreciate the fact that you take seriously that this community prioritizes education for our kids and um you know that certainly what was was to me what

116
00:33:29.039 --> 00:33:45.200
was prioritized in the budget and um you know thank you. It's it's challenging and I think it's going to be challenging going forward, but I would also second, you know, you do a great job educating us and the public on how and why we're

117
00:33:45.200 --> 00:34:03.279
doing things. So, >> yes, I just have a question on the tuition part. Uh the increase in the tuition is due to the cost, right? Because the enrollment is less.

118
00:34:03.279 --> 00:34:19.520
I can explain that. Okay. So, I'll take a step back. The uh Somerset Hills Board of Education and the Bedminster Township Board of Education, they have a contract with each other on how they um we will

119
00:34:19.520 --> 00:34:36.320
function and coexist and cooperate. And it's been it's it's been really fruitful to both sides. Uh inside of that agreement, uh both boards agreed to have a third-party auditing firm u that's not

120
00:34:36.320 --> 00:34:54.240
connected to either district um serve as an independent auditor um specifically to assist in the development of tuition costs. Uh the Bedminster tuition has gone has risen since I've arrived here.

121
00:34:54.240 --> 00:35:10.400
Um and the reasons it has risen are due to uh capital projects that have taken place specifically at Bernard's High School. So the turf uh field that replacement uh was a driver there. The

122
00:35:10.400 --> 00:35:25.200
installation of the track was a driver. Uh the installation of lights was a driver. And we did a 2-year um enhancement to the performing arts center. Uh that was a driver. And um for

123
00:35:25.200 --> 00:35:43.920
every for every staff member in the high school that takes health benefits, there's also a shared cost there. Um and so as our health benefit costs have risen, like I'm sure Bedminers have that also gets passed on. Um so you are

124
00:35:43.920 --> 00:36:34.119
looking at an increase there. Uh and that's how it comes together if that makes sense. I think 77% of what's left.

125
00:36:53.119 --> 00:37:08.480
Considering all the new programs too and all the different um what we've done for children um kindergarten kindergarten program. Just

126
00:37:08.480 --> 00:37:24.800
considering how rich the curriculum and the programs are in this district, it is mindblowing to me that you did the math that it's 22%. I mean, I sit on the curriculum and I hear what is there and

127
00:37:24.800 --> 00:37:39.760
we visit the schools and we talk to the teachers and we hear from the community and it's just Again, we are really blessed with, you know, the educators that sit in our schools and and work

128
00:37:39.760 --> 00:38:00.400
with our children and just it is amazing how how well you do. >> Thank you. Just to reinforce uh there is no greater determinant in a child's experience uh in a classroom than a

129
00:38:00.400 --> 00:38:15.200
thoughtful, creative, committed teacher uh or educational support provider or paraprofessional. And so yes, there are significant costs in the area of human

130
00:38:15.200 --> 00:38:32.720
resources, but they are the driver in student achievement. They are the number one determinant. It's not the superintendent, it's not the board, it's not the principal, it's not the parent, it's not the coach, it's the teacher.

131
00:38:32.720 --> 00:38:49.760
And so I I express that to folks when they talk about, oh, salaries are benefits. Yeah, absolutely. Like that's the driver. That's the fuel that you put into your car. That gets your car to move. This is what the staff uh produces

132
00:38:49.760 --> 00:39:08.079
for us in this budget. And um it's uh my opinion, money well spent. And um and I think it's important to express that to people that these um you know we're able to retain skilled teachers uh with our

133
00:39:08.079 --> 00:39:23.040
salary and benefit package and we're also able to retain them through that. And um so yes to Pat's point it's u significant fixed costs but um the great things that happen here don't happen

134
00:39:23.040 --> 00:39:38.720
without that 80%. For sure. So, thanks for recognizing that, Mindy and Pat. >> Um, and to, yeah, to close that out, I just, you know, it is a time where obviously everybody is seeing increases to their

135
00:39:38.720 --> 00:39:57.040
taxes and their expenses individually. um for the district to be able to look closely at a budget where you have to do more with less and to be able to continue to um deliver on the the strate the

136
00:39:57.040 --> 00:40:14.640
existing strategic plan, the um goals of the board, the district, the community to be able to continue to drive achievement um for students, to be able to provide the supports that our teachers desperately need, to be able to um maintain and grow outcomes. Um to be

137
00:40:14.640 --> 00:40:30.960
able to do all of that with less to be able the the decision making that goes into it to ensure that everything is being balanced appropriately and that we can still have you know programming at every level that uh is focused on

138
00:40:30.960 --> 00:40:47.040
student success and to identify the areas of growth that we still regardless of where costs are. Regardless of what your budget is, we of work that need to be achieved. So, uh it is no small feat in fact to on behalf of the

139
00:40:47.040 --> 00:41:03.200
superintendent and the business office and all um curriculum and uh supervisors and specialists that and the input of our teachers that participate in how these budgets are developed. So, a huge thank you to everyone involved because

140
00:41:03.200 --> 00:41:22.000
it's something. Um, so if the board doesn't have anything else to contribute, then I would open it to public comments. >> Okay. Then >> then we will close. Yes. Public comments for the hearing. Um, so can I have a

141
00:41:22.000 --> 00:41:36.400
motion to close the hearing? Um, Miss Hunt and Miss Cooper. Thank you. And uh now that the hearing is closed, we will be voting on operational items related to the budget. And um that is in

142
00:41:36.400 --> 00:41:53.839
section B. Action items one and two are what I am presently asking for a motion on as Dr. Brochel indicated. Those items refer to um our capital maintenance reserve um withdrawals and travel related expenses. Yes, Miss Ry. And a

143
00:41:53.839 --> 00:42:11.200
second, Miss Hunt. Thank you. And Is there any discussion? >> Okay, then roll call, please. >> Miss Cooper. >> Mrs. Gomez, >> yes. >> Mrs. Hoppy, >> yes. >> Mrs. Hunt, >> yes. >> Mrs. Labbera, >> yes. >> Mrs. Santoro, >> yes. >> Mrs. Ry, >> yes.

144
00:42:11.200 --> 00:42:26.800
>> Miss Ballard, >> yes. >> Miss Clark Emery, >> yes. >> Mrs. Brenda, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. So, um, we would move into public comments for actionable agenda items. We very much welcome public input. Um public comments are welcome at this time on any actionable agenda item. Towards

145
00:42:26.800 --> 00:42:42.480
the end of the meeting, there is a second public forum on any topic. Um 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

146
00:42:42.480 --> 00:42:58.480
in accordance with New Jersey statute. The board will not discuss matters regarding specific personnel. Public comments are limited to 30 minutes in this section. Is there anybody public comment at this time. Okay. Can I get a motion to close public comments, please? Miss Labber and um

147
00:42:58.480 --> 00:43:14.720
Miss Hoppy. Thank you. Okay. So, then we are going to move on to business operations. Before I move into a motion for the action items, do our business operations? >> Chairs have anything they want to report? >> Okay. >> Okay. Thank you so much. So then at this

148
00:43:14.720 --> 00:43:31.560
time, um I would like to ask for a motion to approve action items number one through five on the agenda. Can I have a motion? Yes. Miss Cooper and Miss Ballard is a second. Is there any discussion related to the um items for business operations?

149
00:43:31.680 --> 00:43:47.599
>> Okay, then roll call, please. >> Mrs. Hunt, >> Mrs. Labbera, >> yes. >> Mrs. Santoro, >> yes. >> Mrs. Ry, >> yes. >> Miss Ballard, >> yes. >> Miss Clark Emory, >> yes. >> Miss Cooper, yes. >> Mrs. Gomez, >> yes. >> Mrs. Hoppy, >> yes. >> Mrs. Brenda, >> yes. Motion carries.

150
00:43:47.599 --> 00:44:03.680
>> Okay. Is there anyone that has anything for new or old business for business operations? No. Okay. Curriculum. Um, Miss Cooper, there waited me. Yeah. Okay. So, I'm going to ask for a motion to approve action items number one and two on the

151
00:44:03.680 --> 00:44:19.760
agenda. Miss Cooper and Miss Hans second. Is there any discussion related to those items? >> Okay. Then, roll call, please. >> Mrs. Labber, >> yes. >> Mrs. Santoro, yes. >> Mrs. Ry, >> yes. >> Miss Ballard, >> yes. Miss Clark Emory. Yes. >> Miss Cooper. >> Mrs. Gomez.

152
00:44:19.760 --> 00:44:34.880
>> Yes. >> Mrs. Hoppy. >> Mrs. Hunt. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Frenda. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Anybody for new or old business for curriculum? >> No. Okay. Then we have an we have action items for personnel. I am just going to throw it over to Dr. Brochel for a

153
00:44:34.880 --> 00:44:50.720
moment. >> Okay. Uh thank you, Mrs. Frienda. We have a few items that I want to bring to your attention on in the personnel section of the agenda. First is we have the approval um for the renewal of staff members and their salaries. Uh there are

154
00:44:50.720 --> 00:45:04.560
variety of different motions there based upon uh the school. So I know that Gabby, you know, you know the drill on on your voting. Yeah. So um items um one through eight are uh one through nine

155
00:45:04.560 --> 00:45:23.440
are those reappoints. Um there is um on item number 10, we have three teachers that I'm recommending for appointment at the high school. Uh they're replacing retirees. Um and number 11 is the replacement of a

156
00:45:23.440 --> 00:45:41.680
retiree at the middle school. Um there are a host of um modifications that I want to talk about inside of the personnel agenda uh for you. Um so we have a um inside of the budget

157
00:45:41.680 --> 00:45:58.480
we are in the position to abolish particular positions. Uh there's a teacher of social studies, teacher of phys at the high school due to enrollment, assistant superintendent for curriculum instruction and PD, a custodial foreman, a maintenance foreman, and an administrative assistant

158
00:45:58.480 --> 00:46:15.440
uh to the director of operations. Uh those positions are abolished from the uh position control roster um due to um not being able to be absorbed in the following budget. There's also an addition two additions

159
00:46:15.440 --> 00:46:31.520
to a position control roster. Uh the first is the supervisor of athletics, health, and PE. That's a new position. And the second is a director of curriculum, instruction, and professional development that will be merged with pre-existing

160
00:46:31.520 --> 00:46:47.839
personnel. Uh so those are new positions. Um obviously I'll work very closely with both of these roles. Um in item number 14 we have some current titles that are current positions that

161
00:46:47.839 --> 00:47:04.160
are being retitled. First in item A on 14 uh we are retitling the director of guidance K to 12 to the director of school counseling and wellness. Uh we have an accounts payable clerk that's being retitled as

162
00:47:04.160 --> 00:47:19.280
assistant business administrator operations and purchasing. We have a business office assistant payroll confidential that is being retitled as business office payroll and benefits analyst. We have a business office assistant confidential that's being

163
00:47:19.280 --> 00:47:36.560
retitled as business office senior accountant. And we have a an assistant principal athletic director that is being retitled as assistant principal. In item 15, we have job descriptions to

164
00:47:36.560 --> 00:47:52.960
um to these actions. Uh we have a job description for a supervisor of health athletics health and PE, a director of curriculum instruction and PD, director of school counseling, um business office senior accountant, business office

165
00:47:52.960 --> 00:48:09.760
payroll and benefits analyst, assistant business administrator operations and purchasing and assistant principal high school operations. Uh, in item G, the assistant principal high school operations was formerly the assistant principal athletic director.

166
00:48:09.760 --> 00:48:27.200
Item 16, uh, we're amending job descriptions for, um, the assistant principal high school curriculum, which has been a position that's been long-standing, and there were minor amendments there, and a business office payroll and benefit analyst. Uh so those

167
00:48:27.200 --> 00:48:43.200
are um some of the major um items that I wanted to bring to your attention that uh were outgrowths from a recent um policy and personnel committee meeting. Um Felicia is uh our able chair there

168
00:48:43.200 --> 00:49:00.240
and um I uh yield to her to any particular items that I missed. >> I feel confident that you covered it fully. >> Thank you. I do want for the purpose of the minutes uh Mr. Lori um on the director of school counseling position

169
00:49:00.240 --> 00:49:18.760
as an example on 15C I need that to reflect director of school counseling and wellness uh that's also in 14A uh director of school counseling and wellness so any place you see director of school counseling we need and wellness for the purpose of the minutes

170
00:49:22.240 --> 00:49:42.960
>> um I would like to ask for a motion to approve action items number one through 22 on the agenda. Can I please have a motion? Uh, Miss Labbera, and a second, Miss Hunt. Thank you. And is there any discussion related to personnel items

171
00:49:42.960 --> 00:50:00.440
for personnel? >> No. Okay. Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Santoro, >> yes. >> Mrs. Ry, >> yes. Ballard. >> Yes. >> Miss Clark Emory. Miss Cooper. Mrs. Gomez. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Hoppy.

172
00:50:36.160 --> 00:51:17.599
Sorry. Mrs. Hunt, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lera, >> yes. >> Mrs. Frena, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Thanks so much. Um, and student services. Um, anything for new and old business? >> Okay. So, student services, we did not

173
00:51:17.599 --> 00:51:34.720
need, so nothing to report out. So, again, I'm just going to motion to approve um action items number one and two for student services. Miss Santoro and Miss Labbera, is there any discussion regarding the student services action items?

174
00:51:34.720 --> 00:51:49.760
Okay. So then we can have >> Miss Ballard. Yes. >> Miss Clark Emory. Yes. >> Miss Cooper. >> Mrs. Gomez. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Hoppy. >> Mrs. Hunt. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Libera. Yes. >> Mrs. Santoro. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ry. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Friend. >> Yes. >> Motion carries.

175
00:51:49.760 --> 00:52:06.480
>> Okay. Um, board announcements. We are is our next agenda item. The views and opinions that are may be expressed by individual members of the Somerset Hills Board of Education. during board announcements are solely those of the individual board members and do not reflect the views, opinions, policies, regulations, and or positions of the Somerset Hills Board of Education or any

176
00:52:06.480 --> 00:52:25.920
other individual members of the board. Does anybody have anything for board announcements? >> N the intergenerational prom on Friday evening, I believe, from 6:00 to 900 p.m. Yeah. Um fantastic event. lots of lots of student

177
00:52:25.920 --> 00:52:42.559
participation there and with our most golden members of our community. Um so wonderful event. Look forward to seeing people there. Um anybody else? >> Well, I I just want to say thank you very much for um Brian and for working

178
00:52:42.559 --> 00:52:58.319
on this budget and explaining, you know, I will ask always a lot of questions. So, thank you for the patience to explain all that. And um I really appreciate all the work on this. And that's it. Thank you. >> Um I would also like to say that next

179
00:52:58.319 --> 00:53:14.319
week we're going to start celebrating our teachers for teacher appreciation week. And um I think there's a lot of things planned for all for the teachers at all three schools. >> And I'll have some information in this Friday's um message to the board about

180
00:53:14.319 --> 00:53:30.079
that. >> Okay. Um anybody else? Okay. Um, then public comments would be our next action item. Public comments are welcome at this time on any topic. Please state your name and address. Comments are limited to three minutes.

181
00:53:30.079 --> 00:53:45.760
At three 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 total of two times at the podium. Please understand that our public forums are not structured as

182
00:53:45.760 --> 00:54:00.960
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

183
00:54:00.960 --> 00:54:17.440
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 a speaker's comments. Is there anybody who would like to make a public comment at this time? No. Can I get a motion to close public? >> I like she's gone. I didn't even look

184
00:54:17.440 --> 00:54:32.880
up. There she is. Go for it. Miss, >> I'm just here as she president. So, I do live a resident of PAC. Um, but I just want to thank Dr. Brochrol and Dr. Lori and his office and all of you on the board of ed for such an amazing budget.

185
00:54:32.880 --> 00:54:49.520
I know all the time and energy that you all put into it and all the presentations that Dr. has given about it. It's exhausting to even listen to. Um, we're all, as you said, we're we're all seeing unprecedented rising costs, right,

186
00:54:49.520 --> 00:55:05.119
everywhere in our lives. And the fact that you are all able to figure out and maintain smaller class sizes. The resources that we have in our classrooms are not going away. The supports receive we receive are not going away. And everything is whole child centered

187
00:55:05.119 --> 00:55:21.359
continuing to be whole child- centered if not more so in this budget and we as as a sha rep I want to thank you for all you have done to support our employees. It doesn't go unnoticed and we are so grateful and thankful and look forward to working together more. So thank you

188
00:55:21.359 --> 00:55:38.480
all so very very much. Thank you very much for your comment. Ferrano. Um anybody else? Okay. Now, a motion to close. Miss SA and Miss Hoppy. Um, we are not

189
00:55:38.480 --> 00:55:55.760
going to adjourn at this time. We are actually going to return to executive session. We are going to return to um executive session for approximately an hour um for the purposes of superintendent

190
00:55:55.760 --> 00:56:15.599
evaluation. Um so we are going to Can I get a motion to go back into executive session please? Second is right. Okay. Um and we will come back to public to adjourn from um our extended executive session.

191
00:56:15.599 --> 00:56:27.040
Um so at this time all I really need is a motion to adjourn. Miss Santoro, Miss Ry, and all in favor. >> Okay. Thank you everybody. Have a great night.