Good evening everybody. I'd like to call our meeting to orders. Would everybody please rise for the flag salute to the flag of the United States of America and to the fors one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice
for all. I didn't like the pledge of >> Mr. Could you do a roll, please? >> Yes. Mrs. Van Horn, >> present. >> Mr. Serg, >> Mr. Jess >> here. >> Mr. Carlson >> here. >> Mrs. Sherwin is absent. Mrs. Kra is
absent. Mrs. Dale >> here. >> Mr. Kimick >> here. >> Mr. Garcia >> here. >> Mrs. Shaw >> here. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Boyce. Uh public notice, adequate notice of this meeting in compliance with chapter 231 of the public laws of 1975 entitled the open
public meetings act has been provided by action of the board of education at its regular meeting on January 7, 2025. Notices of the corer news and star ledger circulated in the school district and a posted notice to this effect on the board of education website and building bolden board administrative
headquarters 51 West Cliff Street, Somerville, New Jersey. And before we um get into a number of student activities that we're very excited about tonight, I do want to open the floor to public comment. Um at this time, comment is invited on agenda items, non-aggenda items, or any matter related to the
school district. Uh when permitted, public participation shall be governed by the rules that are stated on the agenda itself. Is there anybody who would like to make public comment? Please state your name and your address. >> Hi, I'm Elise Robbins. I live at 130
Mountain Avenue in Somerville. So, um I did speak to the superintendent so he knew I was coming up here. Um I just wanted to say something because um we have our wonderful teachers here and I wanted to make sure they heard it too. Um we are only a year into this district
and we have our beautiful Maya sitting up front um who is brand new to the district. She started this year in our um life skills class. Um, and you know, I just I know we get a lot of complaints. I'm sat on the board of education, so I know exactly what you
guys get. Um, this has been life-changing for Maya. Um, we our last district, we were told that anything that happened at home happened at home and was not their problem. Um, our teachers here are amazing. They have
absolutely helped Maya's transition. They've helped her to grow. Um, she absolutely loves going to school every day. She loves her friends. She loves her teachers. Her wonderful teachers showed up at her birthday party. Um, the
look on her face was priceless. Um, something we will never forget because Maya never really had a birthday party before. Um, she just moved in with us full-time. Um, we had a three-year plan here till my son graduated and now we are definitely going to be buying
something here and staying. Um, this program is incredible. Um, I've now become friends with Mrs. Riley. Cannot wait for Maya to continue into that program. We are going to do everything we can to support it. Um, and I just wanted to say thank you to the teachers
because I do know that complaints happen. Um, compliments do not, which was my email to you. Um, so that I knew he'd read it because I'd said compliment. >> It was in the subject line subject line. Um, but I do want to say thank you because I know you guys work really hard
and and especially in the peer-to-peer program, Maya comes home all the time and tells me about her friends. Um, it permeates through the school like the fact that these kids are included in things is I've never seen anything like it before and I've been in we have four
different last year we had four different districts so we we know what goes on in other schools. So, thank you guys very much. >> Thank you for your comment. Would anybody else like to make public comment? >> 138 Avenue. Um Luke,
it's my turn to talk about you. You've had the chance to talk about me for many years. So now it's my turn to thank you. And you must mean an awful lot to me. So I just want to acknowledge your tireless dedication to the community and
the schools for the past 12 years. It's been greatly appreciated. from working the chains at football games, hauling band equipment, building sports programs, supporting endless high school and middle school sports events, plays, extracurricular activities. You
are the fifth grade DJ, the unofficial member of the pack. Um, I don't know if they voted you in or not, but you are the field day DJ and entertainer. You were the dancing Santa at the holiday hop. You created Mayhem in the cafeteria
dressed as the Cat in the Hat for many ReadAcross America days. And you were a guest reader for countless classrooms dressed in all sorts of various getups. All because you love being in the schools and being present in the community and giving back.
As Luke read to my class one year, he sat down and he had them fully engaged and he asked them a question and every child raised their hand and he goes, "Oh, don't raise your hand. Just shout it out. So, in two seconds, four months of work.
But 12 years is a very long time, Luke. It was long enough to see classes graduate, buildings change, and policies evolved. But through all of that, one thing remained constant, and it was your steady commitment to doing what was best
for our students, staff, and community of Somerville. You celebrated graduates, athletes, and all students in the bill with really lengthy reports, but it was because of your passion and you wanted to make sure they were all recognized
and highlighted. So, thank you, Luke, for 12 years of dedication. You are a role model and you define what it means to give back to your community and to truly be allin. Your service has left a mark that will last far beyond your time
on the board. I applaud all your accomplishments as a member of the board of education. And while you may no longer be your my boss, I am honored to say that I can still call you friend. So enjoy the time with your family and everything the future holds.
Congratulations. Are >> there any other public comments? >> While we're on the hoop train. Um, so as this marks the final meeting for several of our board of education members, I want to express my deepest gratitude for everything you guys have
given to this district and for the various programs that I have the privilege of working with. I especially want to thank Luke Sergio. Uh Luke consistently highlighted the arts and the robotics in his student activity reports. Every month he would proactively reach out to me for an
update on the robotics team and no matter how lengthy my response was, and some of them were pretty lengthy, um he would uh find a way to include our achievements in his report. Our team works to spread awareness of the vast opportunities within STEM for young
people. And by sharing our work at these meetings, Luke has become an invaluable partner in that mission. And by sharing these accomplishments with the rest of the board, all of you have become essential partners, spreading the word of our initiatives and your own interactions outside of these meetings,
an impact that I have personally witnessed on uh many occasions. Your time has created ripples and formed connections you may never fully know that you had a part in shaping. A couple of years ago, the SHS drama club performed a show called The Theory of
Relativity. It was a show that explored the interconnectedness of all of us through life's shared experiences. One powerful song from that show speaks directly to the legacy and lasting impact you leave behind. And it goes because there's a footprint you left
there indelible and deep. It's the core of your identity, the principles you keep. Still, there's a footprint you cling to. It's something you can't shake. A need that won't diminish. A bond that will not break. Yes, your footprint goes with you. It's something
you don't lose. From the family that you're born with to the family that you choose, your footprint, your history, it's who you are. And the universe gets larger. And the The cosmos will expand, but one thing never changes. The footprint is right where you stand.
You've left many footprints in Somerville schools, deep, indelible marks that will never fade. And while this chapter closes, I know you will continue to leave a powerful mark wherever life takes you next. Thank all of you for all of the support you continue to show and the support
Thank you, Tyler. Are there any other public comments? >> Welcome to class. >> Um, hi. I'm a senior at Summerville High School and I'm the drum major of our marching band. >> Hi, I'm Doran. I'm also a senior at
Summerville High School and I am a section leader in um we're just here to give you a brief update of our instrumental music department. Um we wanted to first thank you for acknowledging us at a state championships at um your last meeting.
Um none of the what we accomplished this season, we've had an incredible season. None of what we accomplished this season could have happened without your support. So, thank you. Um, and we also just wanted to acknowledge our staff who helped us on our journey this season. Um, our band director, Mr. Ferguson, our
assistant director, Megan Major, our color guard director, Brianna Frenzy, Nate Cohen, our assistant color guard director, Starin Lopez, our wings coordinator, Kyle Flynn, our visual coordinator, and our interns, Caris Cachula, Kirstston W, Ryan Landrew, Sean Mazelle, and Selena Bvanz.
Um, I'd also like to take a moment to highlight our ensemble. This past month, the Summerville was found out that they'll be able to perform in the New Jersey music. So, New Jersey Music Education Association
state conference in this February. Um, this is a really big honor because only select schools um get to perform at it out of like all the schools in New Jersey. Um, so it's an honor to to represent Summerville once again. We'd also like to invite you to come out to
our winter concert at Summerville High School auditorium. Um, this will also be our last performance in that auditorium due to like any renovations. So, we'd like you to like yeah to enjoy that um
final experience there. The concert is this Thursday, December 17 at 7 p.m. Um, it's been an incredible season. our marching band and our music program. None of what we've achieved this season could have happened without support from our community and our board of
education. So, thank you so much for all that you do to support the arts and summer. Thank you so much. Are there any other public comments? Okay, seeing none, can I have a motion to close public comment? >> Mr. Jess, I have a second.
>> Mr. Carlson, all in favor? All opposed abstensions. Okay. Public comment is now closed. Uh I do want to thank everybody for um just again acknowledging Mr. Sjil, but we also have a few other board members that are that are um you know stepping off this year and and we we do
want to make sure that we acknowledge them as a board and we'll do that in just a little bit. But I think um you know Luke did set an example for all of us. So thank you for your work around that. I I before we um before we move on to our performance which we do have and I I want to thank all of you for just
just waiting patiently out there. I want to thank the students that met us here today uh outside and uh part of the sips cafe and the SMS coffee card. um you know it's really our pleasure to be able to interact with you to be able to be served by you and I want to thank all of
you for everything you do for our community because um as our public commenter said I mean you are a very very important part of our community and just in the interactions we had outside we could tell how wonderful all of you are and how wonderful the program is. So applause to all of you for your effort tonight.
Thank you so much. So, we're gonna go a little bit out of order right now. What I'd like to do right now is >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, why don't we do you want to take that? >> Uh, so we just have to go a touch out of order. Uh, again, I appreciate
everybody's patience. Uh, but I'm going to invite up Dr. McDonald. Uh, if she could come up. Oh, she's over here. So, uh, since my first days uh, in Somerville, it's been very special to team with Dr. McDonald and uh the earth folks that are represented here uh to
really uh support you know our students and uh I love coming and visiting you uh during your open coffee times and sips cart uh and it's really special uh to see some folks I've worked with previously uh you know continue their great work here with our students uh and
it was really nice to get that phone call uh you know about a week ago. Uh, it's nothing like seeing in your subject line compliments, not complaints. I'll take those all day. But without further ado, I want to turn things over to Dr. McDonald and her very
special guest tonight. >> Thank you so much. We are so honored. Um, it is such a privilege to be able to come here tonight to show you in action some of the wonderful programs that we have um under the special education umbrella. One of which um we're so proud of that we have a developmental model starting at Vandervir in third grade
where students start learning a lot about life skills, how to function independently, how to be um as as much a part of the community as possible. Um so tonight we actually have with us members from our summer middle school multiple disabilities class as well as our 9 through 12 multiple disabilities class
and our transition program. Um, we have members of the SMS has a SMS coffee cart and once they transition into high school, we have something called SIPs, which stands for Somerville's Independent Professional Skills Cafe. So, basically, we do a very developmentally appropriate model where
students start with very basic skills in the in the younger grades, learning how to um handle food safely, how to prepare um drinks, and as they get older, they learn about baking and cooking and supply demand. they reg they work on cash registers. So they're applying a lot of those um reading skills and math
skills into the day-to-day activities. So without further ado, none of this would be possible without these amazing staff members and the most amazing kids. Um so I just wanted to recognize them because they all work so hard. Um so starting with our Summerrville Middle School program, we have Miss Stannic and
representing today from the her class is Maya and Michael. It's okay. It's okay. Sit down. Beautiful. >> You did wonder. Good job. >> And then from our high school program, we have a lot of staff members here
tonight. So, um, from our 912 program, we have Mrs. Shiferano. From our transitional program, we have Miss Riley, who honestly has been the spearhead of our SHIPS program. Um, and with her we have Mrs. Vale. We have who's Mrs. Gerero. Oh, where is she? She went outside. >> Oh, she went outside. So, she's actually
with our middle school. She's very important part of that. And our students from our high school programs. We have Maverick and we have Sophia here. These are the individuals that make all this programming possible. Um, you guys are the reason we come to work every
single day. So, we hope you all have an amazing holiday and staff, thank you for all of the work we you do. You are amazing, wonderful. I could not echo more. Um, and of course, let me not forget the parents. We have a lot of parents here. Thank you for sharing your kids with us. They are amazing, wonderful. They
>> Thank you. Thank you all. >> Thank you. >> Okay, so again, we're we're very uh >> fortunate to have so many students here with us tonight. Uh part of the agenda tonight is our Summer Somerville High School Chamber Choir is going to perform for anybody who wants to stay here. This
is always a little tricky. I think as a board we're going to go over there and they're going to face that way. So, uh, give us give us a minute just to move and then you're good to go. What am I going to do? >> How's it feel? Christmas.
It may bring parties or devoted style. In the air, there's a feeling of Christmas. Children laughing, people passing,
meeting smile after smile. And on every street corner you hear you hear all those silver. It's Christmas time in the city. You can hear them
saying it will be Christmas day. Strings of street lights, >> even stop lights up bright red and green. As the shoppers rush home with
their treasures, hear the snow crunch. See the kids bunch. This is Santa's big scene. And above all this, you hear you
silver. It's Christmas time in the city. You can hear the women Christmas day. Soon it will be
Christmas day. Good evening to the Somerville community and the Somerville Board of Education. Thank you for being here tonight. My name is Mr. Noah. I'm the director of choirs at Somerville High School and I have the privilege of working with these students who are part of the Somerville High School Chamber Choir. Part of our
mission statement at the high school is to go out and to give back to the community. And uh we have a short set for you today which includes some carols and partial of our winter concert set as well which was last Thursday with a uh a nice 24 songs. So it was a very
fantastic last Thursday concert and we have two more carols for you before we go into our part of our concert set. So without further ado, here is Santa Claus is coming to town. Oh, you
better watch out. You better not cry. I'm telling you why. Santa Claus is coming. Santa Claus is coming to town. He's making a list and checking it twice. Got
to find out who's naughty and nice. Santa Claus is coming. He's coming to town. Oh yes, he sees you when you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake.
He knows if you've been bad or good. So be good for goodness sake. You better not cry. Better not pout. I'm telling you Santa Claus is coming. He sees you when you're sleeping. He
knows when you're awake. If you feel bad or good, so be good for goodness sake. Oh, you better watch out. You better not cry. Better not pout. I'm
tell you why. Santa Claus is coming. >> He's coming to town. Oh honey, oh Hanukkah. Oh, Hanuk shining
the candles. Candles are candles are burning. They're burning. They're one for each night. They shed us of days long ago. Oh harmon and while we are playing the candles The
candles are burning. They're burning. One for each sh of days long ago for each remind us
of those days. Our final two songs were part of our winter concert. We're going to begin with the world for Christmas and then go directly into children go where I send thee with a solo from Emma March senior
and Jack Kern Junior. Christmas is not even a mouse. The stockings are hung by the chimney
with care. But hopes for St. Nicholas I wish I could share. I am new to this world. I arrived here
this morning to this beautiful planet. The beat of I don't need a gift. Need no more. Hear the unspoken
wish from a tiny tiny dog. I only want the world for Christmas. The blue green forever turning world for
Christmas. Nothing more, nothing less. I want it for peace and I promise to share so that everyone
who wants can cuddle and care. I only want the world for Christmas. A blue green for ever turning world for
Christmas to restore to repossess. Please make it last. My faith is in your hands.
Give me a present for the future. You could follow your heart, but you follow a wind and fill up your stockings
over the brim. Ignoring the signs in our frail crystal ball. You wish away, wish away, wish the moon on the
new fallen snow gives a ler of midday to objects below. Why your eyes won't see when they're
given all this light? I wonder, I wonder this very special night. >> I only want the world for Christmas.
A blue green for ever turning world for Christmas to restore to repossess. Please
make it last. My faith is in your hands. Can you also ask me that present for the future? D. Where I send thee,
how shall I send thee? Children, go where I send thee. How shall I send thee? I'm going to send thee one by one. One for the little baby wrapped in a swaddling clothing lay down
in a manger that's born in Bethlehem. Children, go where I send thee. How shall I send thee? I'm going to send thee two by two. Two for Paul and Silus. One for the little bitty baby wrapped in
a spot lay down in a manger that's born in Bethlehem. Children 10 by 10. 10 for the ten commandments. Nine for the nine that rest so fine. >> Eight for the eight that stood at the
gate. >> Seven for the seven that went up to heaven. Six for the six that never got fixed. Five for the gospel preachers. Four for the four that stood at the door. Three for the Hebrew children. Two for Paul and Silus, one for the little
bitty baby wrapped in a sw that's burnheed, everlasting to everlasting. And you know it's under heaven. You get the guide message and the aim is a lesson. Everyone puts it in the mess and the message is a vessel softening in our hearts and it's reaching all the people. We do this in the streets and underneath
the steeple rather talk and talk but they always want to walk. They are crawling in the dark but my voice it is the torch. Drink the milk the meat falling at the feet. The sinner take a peek. Everybody take a peek at the heart of the matter. He's the king of the kings. Married to the church. I got the lord of the rings. Gold streets where
I'm dancing. Father got mansions and beauty and god. Imagine what do you fathom? Hey, good story to grow. So, it's time to go. So, it's time to go. 10
to the n so fine. Seven went up to heaven. Six for the six never got fixed. Said he never got fixed. Said he never got fixed. >> Said he never got fixed. said he never got fixed. >> Five for the gospel preachers.
Three for the Hebrew children. Two for one little baby. I sing for children where I send thee.
How shall I send? Thank you so much for letting us spread some holiday cheer with you all. Um, we have two more events in our carolling season. One, we're going on a field trip tomorrow. Don't forget. And two, we have a carolling festival at the First United
Methodist Church right on the other side uh by Somerville Middle School from 4 to 5:30 on Thursday, December 18th. So, we hope that you have a happy, safe, and healthy holiday season and we'll see you soon. Thank you so much for letting us join you this evening.
>> Thank you. Great job. All right. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, we're we're kind of bouncing around here a little bit, but in the interest of um
having our students be able to go do other things, uh Tay, do you want to do the student report? >> Yeah, of course. So, um well, I can't really top that. Um but I can tell you some things going on in the high school. Um so, we did have our um governor's education of the year. So, our
educational services professional of the year was Miss C in the counseling department. And then we also had our teacher of the year who was Mr. Williamson who's in the history department. Um going based off of choir they have um on Thursday they have a carolling festival at 4 and then it follows um at 700 p.m. for symphonic
bands and win ensemble as well. For some of the clubs we have Genesis club. They're doing a winter drive for the homeless. Um that's going through January. There's not a certain date right now but if you have any clothes toiletries feel free to drop that off in the room 305. If you have any questions email Senora Waba. And then we also have
Genesis Club, sorry, Key Club. They're hosting a holiday cookie showdown at which is tomorrow at 2:20 in room 101. So, they're just going to have a cookie contest, coloring, and some music going on. Um, the late bus offered to students who live in Branchburg and are staying after school. So, make sure you just um
sign up for the bus prior to 1 p.m. in the office. Um, we also have senior yearbook ads. So, if any parents want to get a ad for the yearbook for a senior um make sure to do that. And then your books are still on sale and they are going to go up after February I think to
105. So hopefully you guys can get those in. Um the Valkyrie. So just try to stay in loop with our Valkyrie. Um they have articles covering the latest in the school. Um with all different types of topics. And then we have our winter sports that started up. Some of them
have their first games tonight. Um but tomorrow we have a wrestling match where um girls are at East Brunswick at 4. And then the boys are going to be um JV at 5:00 followed by varsity at 6 at Somerville High School. We also have basketball. So Thursday the girls are at
Immaculata at 7 o'clock and the boys will be home at 7:00 as well. Same thing for swimming. We have boys and girls swimming. Um and then on Thursday they have a meet at 2:45 at Immaculata. And finally we have fencing matches for both boys and girls which will be in the cafeteria at 4:30. Um we have spirit
week this week. Monday we have pajama day. Tuesday we have tinsel Tuesday as you saw some of our teachers. Tomorrow we have winter wonderland. Thursday is ugly sweater day. Friday is holiday headewear and then we follow back with Monday performative Monday and Tuesday we have our peppermint rally um which
will be again on Tuesday and it's just when the classes go against each other. So that's really fun for all the students. And lastly we have winter break which starts on the 23rd. We have a half day and then we are off the 24th through the 2nd. So, that is all I have, but happy holidays and happy new year.
>> Thank you so much. All right. >> Of course. >> We're gonna give you the opportunity to >> Hey, you know, you're you're more than welcome to stay for the whole meeting, but I know you have things you have to do. So, but thank you for being here and happy holiday. >> Everyone has >> Okay. Um,
we bounced around quite a bit here. Um, >> let me just do my portion of board president's report, then we'll do approval of minutes. I I do want to extend everybody um just happy holidays and just appreciate for everybody that was here tonight. I know a lot of the students already left that are outside. Um but again, that's just a real treat
for us to have Mr. Noah come out and to bring his students and to have that choir perform for us and that's happened each year that I've been on the board for a few years now. Uh students just so talented and it's just a great way to kind of bring in the holidays for us. Um, I do want to point out a couple things that are on the agenda tonight uh
because uh we'll move forward with the consent agenda, but I want to just mention that uh we have a motion for construction management services tonight, which is pretty important because that's related to the referendum and the ongoing work that's taking place there. So, uh that person will basically be um managing all the projects that are
going to be taking place over the next few years within the district. It's an important addition uh something that was a part of the referendum itself. And then uh very exciting that work on the playground at the at Vanderbeir is ongoing right now. So I know Miss Peppers had a bunch of people kind of u
sharing ideas and getting excited about that. But uh there's some there's a motion tonight about uh really kind of moving forward with uh the installation and the pouring of the of the surface area that's going to be out there as well. So we're very excited about that. But those are two highlights within the agenda tonight as well. Um so I'll keep
that short. Um, and that'll be my board president's report, but we still have to do approval of the minutes. So, uh, >> motion to approve the minutes from November 11th, both regular and executive session. >> Second. >> All right. And Mr. Carlson, was a second or who was that? Mr. Carlson. All right. Mr. Boyce, do a roll, please.
>> Yes. Mrs. Van Horn? >> Yes. >> Mr. Sergal? >> Yes. >> Mr. Jess? >> Yes. >> Mr. Carlson? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dale? >> Yes. >> Mr. Kimick? >> Yes. >> Mr. Garcia? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shaw? Obstain. Is that over? >> Yes, I am.
>> Okay. All right. Thank you. Okay. All right. So, uh, as I mentioned before, Mr. Sil is not the only person leaving the board. Uh, we have, uh, three members that are current that are going to be, uh, finishing up with this meeting tonight. This is their last meeting. So, um, in honor of the work
that they have done, do you have something to add? >> No, I'll wait. >> Okay. uh in honor of the work that they have done uh we have a presentation of a proclamation and a plaque to each member of the board. Uh this is something that uh may be a little bit different than we've done in the past, but we do want to be able to acknowledge the work as a
board and and and thank everybody for their work to the district. So I'm just going to uh read the proclamation to Miss Shaw. Uh this is about her work toward the board and and for those of you in the public that may be watching, Miss Shaw is our our rep from Branchburg. So proclamation honoring Bindu Shaw for her extraordinary service
and leadership on the Somerville Board of Education. Whereas Bindu Shaw has faithfully and diligently served as a distinguished member of the Somerville Board of Education for two years. And whereas during her tenure, Bindu Shaw has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to the educational success, growth, and well-being of all students
in the district. and where she has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to our educational community by devoting extra time and energy to serve simultaneously as a member of both Branchburg Township Board of Education and Somerville Board of Education, acting as a vital bridge between our districts. And whereas Bindu Shaw has
exemplified strong leadership and dedication through her involvement on the key committee of the communications committee. And whereas her advocacy for student inclusivity and access resulted in tangible benefits for our community, most notably through her instrumental role in connecting the district to the
Bridgestone Adaptive Sports Grant, which significantly expanded athletic opportunities for students with diverse needs. And whereas Binu Shaw has earned the respect and the admiration of her peers, staff, and community for ability to listen carefully to all perspectives, thoughtfully evaluate issues, and foster collaboration, support, and
encouragement among all stakeholders. And whereas her steadfast leadership, wisdom, and service have left an undeniable mark on the Somerville Board of Education and a greater school community. Now, therefore, be it resolved that Somerville board of education expresses its sincere gratitude and profound appreciation to
Bend Shaw for her years of exemplary leadership, service, and dedication to the students, staff, and the families of our district. And be it further resolved that Somerville board of education extends its heartfelt best wishes to Bendy Shaw for continued health, happiness, and success in all future
endeavors. So >> thank you so much. >> You want to stand? You might as well just stay there. All right. And Mr. Jess is going to read a proclamation for Mr. Sergil. >> So, it's my honor to read this proclamation. I don't think that anybody
could say app could express her gratitude, appreciation better than Miss Joel Kesler did. You hit every I know she's upset because I said her name Joel Kesler because she doesn't like when we say Joel Kesler, but >> which is why we do it. >> Which is why we do it. But we must say that Joel, your comments tonight were
spot on. And Luke, it's been an honor to serve with you on the board for nine years because you're an awesome board member, but more so you're an awesome friend. So, and I love you like a brother. And I'm going to read this. So, what Bill said, Luke Sergio has faithfully, like Bill said, Luke Serg
proclamation honoring Lucen Luke Jr. for his extraordinary service and leadership on the summer of a board of education. Whereas Lucian Luke Sergiel Jr. has faithful and diligently served as a distinguished member of the summer of a board of education for 13 years and within those years served as vice president of the board of education for
three years. And whereas during his tenure, Lucen Luke Sergiel Jr. has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to the educational success, growth, and well-being of all students in the district. And whereas Lucen Luke Sergiel Jr. has exemplified strong leadership and dedication through his
involvement on numerous key committees, including 12 years on the athletics and student activities, serving as chairperson for eight years, and co-chairperson for three years, eight years on the finance committee, three years on the curriculum committee, four years on the buildings and grounds
committee, four years on the communications committee. And whereas beyond his committee duties, he distinguished himself as a true supporter of student life, delivering spirited monthly reports to the board and culminating each year with a beloved celebration video he helped curate to
highlight student achievements. And whereas his commitment to the whole child was evident in his volunteerism as a dedicated marching band parent supporting the arts and as a steadfast advocate for incorporating character education into all student extracurricular activities. And whereas
in addition to his local contributions, Lucen Lutheril Jr. has provided exceptional service to the board's liaison to the burough council for eight years, New Jersey school board association for four years, and the Somerset County Association of Board of Education for one year. And whereas
Lucen Luke Jr. has earned the respect and admiration of his peers, staff, and the community for his ability to listen carefully to all perspectives, thoughtfully evaluate issues, and foster collaboration, support, and encouragement among all stakeholders. And whereas his steadfast leadership,
wisdom, and service have left an indelible mark on the summer of a board of education and the greater school community. Now therefore be it resolved that the summerville board of education expresses its sincere gratitude and profound appreciation to Lucen Luke Sergiel Jr. for his years of exemplary
leadership service and dedication to the students, staff, and families of our district. And be it further resolved that the Somerville Board of Education extend its heartfelt best wishes to Lucen Luther Jr. for his continued health, happiness, and success in all
future endeavors. Love you. >> Thank you. >> I have the privilege of reading the proclamation honoring Dan Carlson for his extraordinary service and leadership on the Somerville Board of Education. Whereas Dan Carlson has faithfully and
diligently served as the distinguished member of the Somerville Board of Education for seven years. And whereas during his tenure, Dan Carlson has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to the educational success, growth, and well-being of all students
in the district. And whereas Dan Carlson has exemplified strong leadership and dedication through his involvement on numerous key committees, including seven years on the finance committee, serving as chairperson for five years, three years on the buildings and grounds
committee, three years on the athletics and student activities committee, three years on the ad hoc security committee, one year on the ad hoc negotiations committee, one year on the communications committee. Whereas Dan Carlson has earned the respect and
admiration of his peers, staff, and the community for his ability to listen carefully to all perspectives, thoughtfully evaluate issues, and foster collaboration, support, and encouragement among all stakeholders. And whereas his steadfast leadership,
wisdom, and service have left an indelible mark on the Somerville board of education and the greater school community. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Somerville Board of Education expresses its sincere gratitude and profound appreciation to Dan Carlson for
his years of exemplary leadership, service, and dedication to the students, staff, and families of our district. And be it further resolved that the Somerville Board of Education extend its heartfelt best wishes to Dan Carlson for continued health, happiness, and success
in all future endeavors. So, congratulations to all of you. You're going to have a lot of free time all of a sudden. So, um, so I guess we have one more athletics and activities update by Mr.
Shil, this is the last one, soak it in. >> Before you start, I'd like to make a motion that we get as much time. >> Thank you for speaking on my behalf because that's exactly what I'm >> There's no time. It never mattered
anyway. >> But still, um, where where do I begin? I think I'm going to pivot and begin here because um Tyler I this will not be the end for me. I still expect to be invited to the
annual launch um in March. So I will definitely be there in any other uh activities that you invite me to. So I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for those kind words. You are um you are a sensei for one of the um one of the largest life skills programs that
we have here. Uh so and whenever there's a direct correlation between um character education and clubs and sports and activities and academic success, you don't need to look any further to the robotics club uh for that. So um so with
with that, I think because I received your note pretty late, so I'm going to go ahead and and your your reports aren't lengthy. They're just detail oriented, which is a wonderful thing. And I'm going to read it verbatim uh here. But so here's an update from robotics. The robotics team was proud to
host two first Lego events in November with approximately 24 teams participating in each. Uh both events were extremely successful and they received honorable feedback. In December they attended several events to maintain relationships with gracious sponsors because that's the key to that's the key
to life skills right there. And these are who contribute to our annual budget of more than $55,000. The events were opportunities to connect with the sponsors and show them amazing things that are helping them accomplish in the program and the community at large. They also attended two different
workshops, one in Philly, one in New York City where the students on the team participated in over six hours of classes each all about robotics effective outreach and team operations. Looking ahead, they'll be kicking off their season on January 10th at which
points they will learn their challenge for the season. and they're very excited to get started on this year's game which I guess will ultimately culminate in their um robotics their robot presentation in March. So I encourage everyone to go to that. It's a wonderfully hosted dinner and where they
get to show all the skills that um robotics teams and all the roles that they take in building this wonderful it's called wonderful instrument with this fantastic robot. So that is the robotics update. I will go back into I'll go back into my athletics report. I
want to thank Sta for for um her reporting because I was able to cross out a few items here as always. But um I'm going to start with boys ice ice hockey. They are off to an 0 and3 start. They will look to rebound against Mount Olive on Friday night. Um this is a triad between Bernard, Somerville, and
Middle Sex for those who may may not know. Um and so with the rest of the sports today's kickoff I call it winter is coming and this is with all Bill sports teams playing most of them playing today um boys hoop squad were playing the girls were on the road
against uh college achieve central and um I want to give a shout out to a um Sienna Sherman Amanda's daughter who was playing in her first game today as a freshman. I guess she was on the bench for the varsity team um which is which they won today. The JV the JV team is
winning right now. Uh girls swimming is off to a one and one start uh and are led by Sophia Ross, Camila Mendes Castillia and Valentina Flores and many others. They handily defeated Miscataway 8480 and on Tuesday um 8480. They'll try to extend that streak to two games
against Fsburg. Today the boys defeated the Scatoway in the same day 100 to 91 and ran a table the 200 200 freestyle 50 meter 500 meter. There's there's there's a lot of them. Um led by Domo Gotti, Braden Yuin, and Gabrielle Menddees
Castillia and Kushai Patel. Girls fencing defeated Oaknull yesterday 15 to 12. Leading the Sabres was Cassandra, Isabelle Petroski, Mariana Visera, and Brchelle Dala took the foils
and Jade Zoo and Paige Dickson with the EP. Boyce Fency came up short against Princeton by one point 1413, but Matthew Sennet and Zachary Gelina and Julian Einhovven came up with dominant performances in the foil and epi respectfully. So um there are so many
examples of the holiday spirit that were taking place today. Um obviously with the wonderful uh wonderful chorus that we that presented today and as a as a member of the FUMC, I'll be there on Thursday as well to listen to that. I want to thank Nick Millah um for
presenting and singing to our church on Thursday. Um but the Vanavir winter concert with December 4th, the summer high school course on December 11th, the Summerville High School band will be for be performing this Thursday on the 18th. And tomorrow my friend Mr. Steven
um will be uh hosting the middle school winter concert as well. um you know highlighting his concert brass chamber and roll down jazz band tomorrow night and at the auditorium. Um I am just going to also add this. I was at the
stars and promises concert by Peter Bayer on Friday night and he did not disappoint in getting us all into the holiday spirit. Um uh I'm going to I'm going to start here. Um you know I could quote Jeffrey Jose
or Dr. Seuss. Well I'm going to quote a little bit of Dr. students because um you know I'm I'm smiling because it did you know it happened right um especially what was experience along the way uh I
want to express my my heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful journey that I've had with the with with you Gary and all the superintendents I had the privilege of working with I learned from each and every one of you um Brian the only thing you're missing is a cape so
hats off to a fantastic business administrator um and and all of my friends of the board of education that I'm serving with now um that I've served with in the past and those I'm looking forward to have coffee with and and sharing conversation because you two are
going to be great and you're going to keep the district going on that upward trajectory and for for you Dan Vu it's been an honor and a privilege and they put us right by this so So we can sneak right out, right? Um
you know the principles and the administration um principal Foley A and Miss Fer um and the schools that you lead all the events that you organize um and those that I was allowed to be a
part of. Trust me, it's going to carry with me for some time um well forever to be honest. and all the club leaders, directors, coaches, assistant coaches, volunteers, um to the booster clubs, um the music program, the pit crew, uh who
unconditionally dedicated their time. Um and this all leads to the teachers um of the district and thanks for their mentorship, positivity, energy, and inspiration. Um this is not chat GPT. So, uh I want to thank athletic director
Tim Davis. Uh this has been seven years that the two of us have been working together in collaboration, friendship, sharing ideas and and vision. Um and you know I one of the things I've I remember most I'll always be proud of
the committee meetings with you Jerry and Tim because I say it all the time. Um, you know, when I joined the board and they asked me what my passions were and I shared that I want every kid to have as many choices as possible so they can make the right choices and the
positive choices. And we're a small district and I honestly feel that we lead um we set an example for a lot of larger districts with everything we have to offer students. I said before there I believe there's a direct correlation between that and academic success um
that comes here with the with some of those school districts. So I I want to also thank the two of you for that. Um everyone I mentioned here, you know, is all a part of giving every
student a chance, giving every student a shot and an opportunity and teaching them those pivotal skills that they're going to need from the day they enter preschool to that great day in June when they walk off the field for the last time. and those skills that they're going to that they're going to acquire
is going to be so paramount in when the way they negotiate life moving forward. And it's going to be one it's always wonderful to see and I sometimes love the 360 feedback that we get from some of the students that come back and share what they're doing. Um you know
can't top it but um the world would undoubtedly benefit from having two or more of this particular person. And I and I'm sure they're out there in the world, but I am honored to say that I
know one and that is you, my friend. Joel Dest, I appreciate you saying everything today, all those things we shared. Um, it's it's uh yeah, I I I don't have words for how wonderful it was, how wonderful of a ride it was. I
think the most important thing or the most important or the biggest memory of mine is student life and everything we're a part of even walking down the hallways and just taking pictures of student life and you know um those are
going to be things maybe one last time we should just walk around the hallways you know and um you know you you you set the bar when it comes to excellence very few people can reach that uh excellence, empathy, sympathy. You know
how to work with every single student at that you teach. I hope you still invite me to read to fifth graders who love to be director, you know, and um uh I lost my spot, but um thank you um for sharing all the passions and
experiences that help shape the students. Um you know, and uh last but not least, she walked out But I wanted to say the best decision of my life was sitting right. >> Hold on. Excuse me for a minute.
>> Like you were saying. >> Okay. Well, and to Laura Sil, the best decision I've ever made in my life being a board member. um your your unwavering support and encouragement have been, you know, the
foundation that allowed me to pursue what I love to do. Um little tip, Laura and I, uh our our schedules are very dynamic. So, she knows where I am sometimes and then sometimes she said, "Wait, where are you going?" You know,
so and that's about 75% of the time. It's mostly it's mostly my fault. Um, but even with that, you've always supported me unconditionally and um, always cheered me on. You're my biggest fan. And I will openly admit um,
obviously how much I love you, okay? Goes without saying because I don't share it. I don't show it a lot. But what I also don't show a lot is you're right a lot more than you think. And now now I am right sometimes, but but you're right. Yeah. I'm willing to admit. So I,
you know, I look forward to spending more time with you in the future. You'll probably want me to run for something else in the future after seeing it after spending time at home. But um I I I'm at the end, Mr. President, Mr. Vice President, my friends of the board, Dan
Bindu, it has been an honor to serve and I just I just want to tell the district, the community, thank you. Thank you for having me and please remain built by example. So thank you. Before before we move on, uh because you
thanked your wife and everything else and did such a wonderful job, I do want you did a great job. And I want to give Mr. Carlson and then Miss Shaw also a chance that they'd like to say any final words as board members because >> if they would like you if you if you
would also like to thank somebody. >> I think my wife would like to thank the board. I mean, don't feel pressure. >> No, I do appreciate uh I want to say thank you to my family for, you know, giving me the time and the ability to
hang out and and be away from them and pick up the slack at home and whenever necessary. I want to thank all the board members here. It was a pleasure serving with all of you. Really was. I've learned a lot about the school system operations. um as a chairman of the
finance committee for the last six, five, six years. Um I want to say a special thank you to Brian Boyce because he does an outstanding job in just preparation um making sure that we have been on
track not just for the current year but 10 years down the road. So thank you Ryan. I appreciate it. It was a pleasure working with you. Um, now I've had the pleasure of following this man's committee reports and and you know in the first time I got
to tell you I was a little intimidated. All right, because I was like, well, I don't have that much and I realize it's kind of appreciated. So, let me >> let me briefly go over the uh finance committee reports we did. >> Oh, wait, wait, wait. We're not doing that yet. No, >> we're not doing that yet. >> I can't do it.
>> Do you want to do it right now? >> Segue. as well. >> What are they going to do? Yell at you? >> Uh, okay. So, we did have a a qualitative audit with the financial statements and uh everything was was well a couple corrections. Nothing
nothing major, nothing minor. You'll see it in the report over here. Um I we did have uh we approved you'll see it in the referendum today. the uh the approval of the construction manager, legacy construction management. This was
in a pro process that went on. We had eight uh people put in for it. We narrowed it down to three. Well, I say we, I meant you, Brian and Gary, and narrowed it down to one. We're really happy. They have great experience with
the school systems and doing exactly what we're going to ask them to do. Um, we do have an RFP going out for special ed legal representation and all work orders uh have been completed on a timely basis. >> Thank you.
Thank you. >> Miss Shaw, your turn if you'd like to. Uh, I'll keep it brief because I have not served as long as these fine gentlemen over here. But I will say, you know, my oldest is a senior, my middle is a sophomore, and they're boys, they
don't share anything and so at all ever. And so usually I'm writing notes so I can ask them questions when I get back home. But I will say being on this board, even though for Somerville, for as short of amount of time as it was, I really appreciate everything that happens in this town. I mean, I live in
the town next door over, right? So, I come here for dinner and for drinks, but really appreciating the community >> and everything that's going on with athletics and arts and tech is so amazing just to fully be present in that and really see and get full visibility.
So, I very much appreciate that. This board does fantastic work. I mean, Brian, you are an unsung hero, Gary. The work that you've done over the past year has been or more than a year has been amazing. And of course, all this dedication, the work for kids is one
that is always worthwhile. And so I appreciate being here. I appreciate learning so much of what goes on and and building these relationships. They're they're really important to me. And so thank you for that. And um also keep watching and staying on top of things just in different different ways so I
can pester my kids. But thank you so much for uh letting me join this amazing team. And uh you know, it's very awkward at first. Mr. Sergio was the nicest one to me at first, the least intimidating. So, I appreciate the warm welcome from
the start of everyone. That's it. >> Okay. Um, thank you all three of you. I think um I've said this before anybody and for our two incoming board members that you know commits to doing this kind of work um it's something again that it is a commitment and it's something that
you learn a lot you get a lot from it but it also is something that um you know when you I said this to Mr. deal um recently. It's like when you lose, you win because you get time back with your family, you get time back with other things and and you know it it is something where there's a lot of nights
and a lot of committee work and you know we we do thank you all for for your commitment and and just your your efforts around that as well. Um so moving on um we have a before we do the rest of the committee reports uh our superintendent still has his report to do because I'm having a hard time
keeping track of this agenda. >> Yeah. All right. So, we have three motions that need to be approved here, but actually three separate ones. So, go ahead. Go. Go. You're doing a great job.
>> Uh, so, as Mr. Carlson mentioned this evening, the district's annual financial report was uh finalized for the year ended June 30th, 2025. Each board member received a copy of the uh ACER uh which is the audit which is the annual
comprehensive financial report, a copy of the AMR which is the auditor's management report and the corrective action plan the cap for anything that was found to need correction. So with that, I would like to make one motion to approve the uh acceptance and filing of the annual comprehensive financial
report for the fiscal year ended June 30th, 2025. To approve the acceptance and filing of the orders manager report on administrative findings, financial compliance and performance for the fiscal year ended June 30th, 2025 and the approval of the corrective action plan. >> Second.
Mr. Sil was a second. Um any discussion? Mr. Boyce, you do a roll, please. >> Yes. Mrs. Van Horn, >> yes. >> Mr. Serg, >> yes. >> Mr. Jess, >> yes. >> Mr. Carlson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dale, >> yes. >> Mr. Kimick, >> yes. >> Mr. Garcia, >> yes.
>> Okay, thank you for that. Uh, going to hand us over to you for a few minutes and you can make your comments. >> Uh, thank you all for having patience this evening. Quite a bit to share. Really some great things uh to share with with the public. But happy holidays to all. Uh it really is the season of concerts and performances as you saw
tonight. Um it is also uh bittersweet right now as I say goodbye to some friends here. Uh being uh you know the partnership with the board is very important uh to the well-being of all our school community. Uh but it's particularly easy when you have dedicated folks like uh the three over
here. So I thank you Dan uh Luke and Bindu for our time together. Uh I learned much more from you than than um I could possibly pass on to you. But uh your dedication and service to the community uh is absolutely wonderful. Uh and and uh you know your example that
you set for everybody I hope was heard in the resolutions but in more so in the uh the statements that people made. You can really feel it's heartfelt. It's meaningful and uh you know that your work had a huge impact on folks here and we'll continue to do so. You're champions of our community. I hope if we
uh need some help I can call upon you again. I think I've already done so with Luke and we'll continue to do so if you're willing. Um and uh just know that you'll be missed and that your time here uh was well spent because you made a very big impact on our school community. So, thank you.
Um we had some great performances tonight. So, thank you to the chamber choir and Nick Noah for their performance. if you uh were unable to attend uh last week's concert which was absolutely wonderful. There are many concerts coming up uh tomorrow night at the middle school Thursday uh instrumental at the high school and uh
it's just a great time here. We had a really quick turnaround after Thanksgiving uh being that it was so late and then we have a very long break coming up uh for winter recess. So uh some some uh last second things we have to squeeze in here uh academically and get our students ready but then some
time for celebration and some downtime with our families uh which is welld deserved and needed. Um there's a really important uh note I want to make uh that you'll see on the board in in which we're accepting a donation of $25,000 from Bridgestone for the ex uh the
adaptive sports programming grant. Thank you, Miss Shaw, for uh helping us uh secure that and that is going to help our unified uh teams in the district uh and and support their expansion and uh you know some of their hopes and dreams that they've been pushing for and it's
really truly special program and I thank you for that. Uh so that's an important one to point out and uh selfishly there were two folks here uh along with all of Dr. McDonald McDonald's great uh programming. Uh we have the uh Sips Cafe and the coffee cart that if you ever
have an opportunity to uh to see or stop by, you got to meet them today. But these uh students and our staff uh do a wonderful job in preparing our students with real life uh experiences uh like they did. And uh I knew coming into the district that we had some special folks
uh because I've worked with them previously. But Miss Riley and Miss Vale are just two examples of the uh completely dedicated folks. And when Miss Robbins called me uh after that email, uh she gushed about uh the experience her child was having after having uh some pretty tough experiences
in four or five other districts. So uh thank you and kudos to everyone uh in Dr. McDonald's uh department and in those great programs that we we service. Um so thank you everybody. Have a wonderful holiday. Hopefully I didn't forget anything, but uh I know we've uh
had a lot of great uh presentations and I don't want to take up any more of your time. So, thank you and uh have a great holiday. >> Okay, thank you. Uh moving on to additional committee reports. Uh Miss Dale, do you want to report on technology?
>> I have a very quick report. Just two quick things I'd like to say. Uh so the curriculum committee met on December 10th and just two things. The first is that we had a discussion about the NJ Sky climate survey. This was developed by Ruckers and it was sent out to
students, staff and parents, caregivers. Uh many people took this which was wonderful. Uh students had the options to participate or not which I think was was great. If they wanted to skip questions, they could so they didn't feel pressured. And the committees will
review the results when we receive them. This is done by an outside company by Ruckers. So uh when they receive the results they will review them and the administration will see what to do next. And the second thing is that we had the privilege of just the people on the
committee had the privilege of touring the new preschool classrooms at the YMCA and they are beautiful. They are beautiful. So more about preschool in January. We will have a lot of information about preschool then, but I just wanted to share that and um you
know I look forward to everybody being able to see them in the future. Thank you. >> Thank you for that report. Um Miss Kra is not here. Uh I was at the policy committee meeting so I'll just give a brief update. We had a a meeting uh the
other night. Uh what we did talk about were the first reading of the policies and regulations that are item 37 on the agenda tonight. resource materials, library material, and uh procedures for public complaint. Those are new items that were issued by Strauss Esme. So, uh
those items will be available to the public on the district website. Uh and we will do our second reading of those policies um actually at a reorg meeting uh when we meet in early January. Okay. Uh Miss Van Horn, you look like you have some writing there. Do you have a report?
>> I do. Couple of meetings that I went to. I went to the Somerset County School Board's Association meeting on the 17th of November. Um, as usual, the meeting started with dinner and I was joined by Kate and Lauren. They had to attend a
workshop prior to the meeting. So, you had a very rushed dinner. It wasn't the the true effect. You have to go to a real one. Um, they went to the roles, responsibility, and resources workshop. The business meeting ran as usual. They discussed um ELP New Jersey, which is
the educational leadership foundation of New Jersey that helps to secure resources to promote NJSB. County Superintendent spoke about the midyear budget reviews and matrix. Um reminded everyone to read current schoolboard
notes about the DOE and hopefully its upcoming guidance. Uh the board of directors said that we have an audit being done and advocated for in-person governance one training whenever possible. Talked about the possibility of leaving the school health benefits
plan. Uh government relations stressed keeping up with capital watch to see what's happening with the DOE. We have questions in legislation now on a charter school bill and pilot revenue sharing as well as school funding.
Manville board of education received the school leader award for its collaboration with Duke farms for the learning comes to life program and Dukes is very interested in working and in collaboration with other school districts. Um there was a panel
discussion on some board superintendent relations with Roger Jinx, Dr. J Maroon from Manville and Alvin Freeman from uh found brook. how to set expectations at the beginning, how to establish trust,
the uh importance of communications and mutual support. And unfortunately, I left before the meeting was over because I had a coughing attack and couldn't sit there anymore. So that was the end of that meeting. But then the following Saturday, I attended the New Jersey
School Board's delegate assembly meeting in Monroe, which was supposed to be a very quick three resolution meeting. And uh Dr. Pernell was giving his annual update on to where we came from, where we've been, where we're going. Um, some
of the things that are coming up are three policy manuals for everyone, a planning dashboard, an HR hotline, an executive coaching addressing nonpart stability among boards, A1 governance training, employer spark, employer spark
tanks, and then the fire alarms went off and we were outside for over an hour. Luckily, the rain had stopped waiting for the fire department to come. Uh we did get a thank you to all board of ed education members for the tireless volunteer work they do. Uh resolutions
Deleran pulled their resolution. It was regarding criminal offense that would disqualify a person from being a board of ed member. They were trying to be no more nonrestrictive on who could or could not run as a board member.
Resolution two was submitted by Clifton supporting the belief that free school lunch programs should be offered to all students at the expense of the state or federal government. That passed 75 yes, 25 no. Resolution three was submitted by
Bridget Wooden. It was that the local board of educations should dedicate an equitable amount of instructional time to science education in elementary and middle schools relative to the amount of instructional time allocated to all
other subject areas. After a very lengthy discussion, the resolution failed. 33% yes, 67 no. And as soon as the new officers were installed, the meeting adjourned.
And last of all, real quick, the S uh I am less on for the uh safety committee meeting and author officer Chudy attended to discuss a grant he received uh for pedestrian safety and we're getting more into that at our next
meeting. Um, there's been discussions regarding a town emergency shelter, but because of all the restrictions that are put on everyone at this time, the only thing that really can be done is having officers stocked with blankets, hats,
gloves, and warmers. If there are any concerns about safety regarding schools or children traveling to and from school, please address them to me and I will certainly bring them to the committee. We have a meeting this Thursday and then we're done till next year.
>> Okay. Thank you for those reports and for attending all those additional meetings. You've been a busy person. So um okay, moving on to the consent agenda items. Uh we are going to put in place a practice um starting in
this meeting then moving forward where uh board members can have the option of requesting that an item by number um be removed for separate consideration. Uh just to clarify this, there's not a second required on that. A board member can make a request that an item be pulled and we would vote on that
separate from the consent agenda. So it would be a separate motion that would take place. Uh we'll do this for the preschool through 8th grade um items and then we'll do it again for the 9th through 12 items since those are two separate consent items. Uh so that being
said, are there any items in the preschool through 8th grade that a board member would like actually pulled from that consent agenda for separate consideration? >> Hearing none, I'd like to make a motion to approve items 1 through 5 for preschool through 8th grade. that
they're 1 through 25, excuse me, for preschool through 8th grade moved upon the recommendation superintendent schools where appointments and salaries are contingent upon verified documentation. >> Thank you, Mr. Second is Mr. Carlson. Any discussion? >> Okay, Mr. Boyce, can you do a roll,
please? >> Yes. Mrs. Van Horn, >> yes. >> Mr. Serg, >> yes. >> Mr. Jess, >> yes. >> Mr. Carlson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dale, >> yes. >> Mr. Kimick, >> yes. >> Mr. Garcia. >> Yes. >> Okay. Motion passes.
>> And the in 9inth grade through 12th grade items, uh, would anybody like to pull an item for separate consideration? >> Uh, yes, Mr. President. Item 34. >> Okay. So, Mr. Boyce, item number 34 is pulled for separate consideration. Any other items pulled for separate
consideration? Hearing none, I'd like to move uh make a motion to approve under 9th grade through 12th grade districtwide items 26 through 33 and 35 through 58 be moved upon the recommendation superintendent schools with appointments and salaries
contingent upon verified documentation. >> Second. >> Second was Mr. uh Serg. >> Okay. Discussion. >> Okay. Mr. Boyce. >> Yes. Mrs. Van Horn. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sergio. >> Yes. Mr. Jess, >> yes. >> Mr. Carlson,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Dale, >> I'd like to abstain from number 56. And yes to the rest. >> Okay. Mr. Kmik, >> uh, yes. >> Mr. Garcia, >> yes. >> Mrs. Shaw, >> yes. >> Okay.
So, we've had a separate consideration for item 34, Club America. Um, Mr. Jess, can you make a motion for that item? Um, I'd like to make a motion to approve under the 9th grade through 12th grade and districtwide item number 34.
>> Uh, wait, >> you need a motion, then you need a second and then you have discussion. That's how it goes. >> Motion uh to make an amendment to >> motion. The motion is on the floor, right? There's a motion on the floor. Second that motion and then we need to >> Thank you. >> Second is to Mr. Carlson.
>> Okay. Discussion >> about Oh, okay. about >> about item 34. >> Um, I'd just like to make or suggest uh just two quick changes to modify the word approve to acknowledge and at the conclusion of the sentence to put under
district policy 5842. The reason for those edits um are as follows. Student le initiatives need not be approved by the board. They merely need principal approval. So our
approving of it is superfluous. For all intents and purposes, the club is already existing and has received principal approval. Secondly, the additional language of under district policy 5842
ensures that the students and participants of the club are surely protected under that policy and that we specify and delinate uh that they're allowed to coales under that policy. Um and the additional policy that would have been considered um has to deal a
lot with curriculum which at no point the board of education had a chance to review the curricular value of the club and the student organization need not be encumbered with that in order to continue it. >> Mr. voice. Can you give guidance on
would we have to vote on this as written and then reintroduce a new item? >> I think we have to dispose of the motion to amend the resolution first. Um, so I
think we should be clear on exactly what that amendment was again. So >> yes, uh changing the word approve to acknowledge uh in recognition of the fact that the policy does not require us to approve rather it just reserved the principle of the building. Uh and at the
end to write uh under district policy 5842 which is the guiding policy permitting the formation of the organization. >> Right. I I want clarification though on and Mr. Jess you have experience with this as well and Mr. voice. Do we have
to first there was a motion already made and a second already made on that particular motion. We have to first address that motion before we amend and make a new motion I believe. >> Yes, that is yes that been my experience
in doing this as well. But there is still further discussion based upon Mr. Garcia's >> information that he has provided for that. So that the the steps for the board are first to decide >> if we want to move forward >> if we want to move forward with this motion which we do have to actually take
action on in a way that it was there was a first and then a second. So we have to address the motion first >> on motion as the way the way if the wording wants to be changed then we have to vote no on this motion and then we have to reintroduce a new motion with
different wording. Um but I I I want to open the floor forum up to the board around discussion of you know the I guess suggestion for a change. Do people want to change the motion or do people want to leave the motion as it is?
>> So if I may my understanding is that the board can always do more than what our policies call for. So and it's also Mr. Foley please correct me if I don't and I don't mean to put you on the spot. Please correct me if I'm wrong that in the past anytime any club has come
forward the board has always approved that club and what we're doing here is basically following past practice that has happened. >> Correct. >> Okay. So I would think that changing practice now after all these years that we've done and doing something that's
less than or equal to our policy to me is kind of counterproductive. I don't know why we would take away the approval of that club when we've always done that. And while I have no um issue with adding the policy number in here, we haven't done that for any of the other
clubs that we have done and we're doing more so than we need to. So, for me personally, I would not vote to change the motion. >> If I may, I'd like to jump in and clarify some points made by the prior speaker. Uh first and foremost, there is no district policy requiring the
following of past cultural practices. Secondly, policy 5842 under which this club is allowed to be established makes no mention of requiring the board of education approval. The idea that the board can do more is true, but by adding
an additional step, we add an additional incumbrance onto the equal access of student organizations, something that I don't wish to do. Students are free to associate however they want to associate and this recognizes that. Secondly,
uh to say that it's under policy 5842 ensures that it remains uh as an organization to ensure that it is well aware of the rights that are reserved to it like this and any other organizations that this should be a first instance and
that we do this. There's a first time for everything, but past practice of approving clubs that don't get evaluated for curriculum. Uh just because we do it is not reason enough. Uh there is no policy dedicated to that.
>> So I do want to clarify. Um there are two policies that I think we're talking about here. There's a co-curricular policy and then there's a student organizations policy. Um I think where this gets a little muddied sometimes and I'm I'm going to look at Mr. folio only because she has
the most experience in the district on this. Um there's not a policy actually that um explicitly defines how the board goes about working and approving clubs. In
the past, the practice has been when a student brings forward a club to Mr. Foley, it could either be a student organization or it could be a co-curricular activity. Both of them are done with the intent that eventually students typically bring
them forward with a probationary period for no other word than that to say if over the next two to three years we have really good attendance and there are a lot of student interest in this and the club is actually uh something where there is a lot of engagement with
students Mr. forward then can make a decision that that club becomes a site of the club. It could be a student organization or it can be a co-curricular activity. There there are two different policies that govern the idea that students can come together.
One is related to curriculum. One is related to student interest but both of them fall under clubs. So we have we have currently a number of clubs that the board has already approved in process with the idea that once it's approved as a club
that actually puts it kind of on the clock with eventually needing to demonstrate that they have student interest and then eventually have a stipened advisor not a volunteer adviser working with that club which just let me
finish. So those two things and I think this is where it was somewhat confusing to me kind of looking at this initially in these in terms of those two policies. Um they actually in some respects the co-curricular policy references the student organization policies.
>> Um in in neither of them is it explicit about a policy around clubs. It's a policy around student organizations. Um, so while I agree that we don't need to
actually approve a student organization by policy, eventually a student organization may be something that requires us to actually approve a stipend for for an adviser for that. And it's I think been past practice to basically say that those organizations
are in fact clubs that have a I guess a status that's a little bit different until Mr. Mr. Foley can make a determination of should this actually have a stipen tied to it. Um both of them acknowledge that their student um
action around this uh students brought this forward to Mr. Foley. I think the board's approval of a club or approval of any club basically acknowledges that students did what they were supposed to do in terms of bringing something forward to the principal of the school and doing everything that the procedure
says they should do. It also acknowledges that there is an adviser connected. The students had to find an adviser to work with them to be supervised on school grounds. Um so, you know, I I I don't particularly
have an issue with the idea of the approval of the club. If we want to change a practice, um we may want to create a policy specific to clubs. That is currently seems to be something that's a void within our policies right now. >> Correct. That's my opinion. I'll I'll leave this
open to other board members to comment on and to because we we do have to take action on that particular item. >> Mr. Kim, thank you for your input and delineating between policy 2430, the co-curricular activities policy and the policy that I'm advocating for 5842 is
an important distinction and you touched upon the point of it being related to the curriculum. uh in the minutes that were presented for the curriculum committee and the minutes that were presented for the student activities committee, neither one mentioned having discussed this club
and its relation to the curriculum. Additionally, my conversations with the superintendent and other board members have confirmed that this has not been linked to the curriculum and district policy 2430 does require that this must
be related to the curriculum must be and Mr. Go ahead then comment. >> Um, that being said, sponsoring it means that we Excuse me. putting it under policy 2430
means that we're endorsing or sponsoring um everything of that club. But that would preclude controversial clubs from joining such as the one before us. If in fact this club
were to exist, it exists because of the introduction of policy 5842 and it need not prove its connection to the curriculum. But if you wish it to fall under district policy 2430,
then I ask where was the board discussion on this in terms of the relation to the curriculum? None of which ever occurred and we did not do our due diligence. Secondly or lastly I should say um the idea that the club then progresses and then will get
siphoned um you know stipeness or a stipen is not procluded from policy 5842. I can foresee a student activity being paid and having a paid uh instructor uh absent of its relation to the curriculum or not. Uh those are
separate issues and this editing is an acknowledgement that this club has already been approved. We can't approve what's already been approved. It's been approved. It's approved under policy 5842 which says an application
for permission to be a school practice shall be made by shall made to the principal. What does it mean? The principal has already decided. As you noted, we are acknowledging its approval. But we are doing that acknowledging that it's created. I think that the semantics matter because if we
say that we approve and what we're indicating is that this is a board sponsored club which meets our curricular needs and we have not evaluated this club in relation to the curriculum.
>> I'm going to leave this another board member before I comment on it. appreciate the comments in the discussion of it. Curious what Club America is. I haven't heard of it, so I don't know if anyone
knows it. >> Is it an active club right now? >> Is it brand new? >> They they they do organize. Yeah. >> So, they're meeting already. They are already functioning. There is no need for the board to
approve that which is already approved. Instead, we encumber ourselves by adding an extra layer to these clubs by saying, "Hey, the policy 542 is not enough. You still need board approval." >> Okay. >> I'm going to ask um if any other members of the board want to make comment as
well. So, so the club to to answer your question, yes, is meeting and I I guess I would defer to you in terms of process if you can clarif I I don't believe the club at this time has had an official meeting. >> So, it hasn't started necessarily.
>> It it was approved. I've been in contact, >> but our process in the past, Mr. only you would expect the board to make an approval on this because that's been the process for as long as you can remember. >> That is correct. The process is um
interest signatures, securing volunteer advisors, proposals submitted to Mr. Davis and the proposal submitted to me for review and I make the recommendation to superintendent. >> Mr. Foley, if you become aware that the
prince that this policy does not require board approval, would that change your practice to be in line with the policies? >> That's not Mr. Foley's decision. >> Well, you were able to ask him a question. >> Well, I'm the I'm I'm sorry. I'm the president and I am actually the facilitator of the meeting, so I am going to ask you to direct your comments
to me. >> The previous statements about prior practice, I hear, but we can't keep doing something that's not within our >> policy. and you you've made that point and I would like to give other members of the board an opportunity now to make
any comment that they have about the discussion that's on the table right now. Just out of I may ask just out of curiosity. Um the charter >> director comments to make >> Oh, I'm sorry. The the the charter and the club.
>> Let's say that one more time. What was the question? >> The charter. >> What What is What is the club? >> The purpose of the club? >> Yeah. What is the purpose of the club? It's just a curiosity question. We have board members that don't even know the club and we're being asked to approve it. Why would we approve it if we don't
even know what it is? It need not get approval. I don't I understand that there's push back to preserve the practice of the past. But this modification keeps us in line with our policies. It does not eliminate
the club. In fact, it further acknowledges that that it is created and it preserves its right under the policy under which it is established. >> I'm going to um pause for a moment. I'm going to open this up to the for because I believe you were the one that actually petitioned for the club.
>> That is correct. Yes. >> So, can you can you make a microphone? >> What's that? >> Ask her to go up to the microphone. >> Can you go to the microphone, state your name, state your address? >> Absolutely. >> And provide an overview of what you did as a student.
>> Hello everyone. Um I'm Llaya Macy. I'm a senior at Someville High School. Um and so the purpose of the club itself is to educate students about the benefits of limited government, capitalism, free markets and freedom as a whole. Um activities that the club would participate in would be tableabling and
distributing umformational materials and it brings a diverse range of students um and speakers in so we can actually apply for grants um from it's the mother organization is turning point USA and so
they give us um grants $100 and $2,500 to be able to run these events within our first couple of years before we can hopefully get um board funding. Um and to ensure this club does have success if we are approved, um we're going to be
going out and recruiting on a bi-weekly schedule. So, we'll be going out and speaking to students and kind of informing them further on our mission. It's a nonpartisan club, so it does not associate with any political party, but it does tend to lean with conservative values. Anyone is welcome to though I don't want to deter anyone away
regardless of what they believe. I want everyone to have a safe space to feel that they can share their opinions and have um debates and just healthy and good conversation. If anyone has any questions, I would be happy to take them. >> Miss Macy, thank you so much. Just to
confirm, you've received approval from Mr. Fulley, correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. Thanks. >> Thanks for being here. >> Great. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you for your comments. I'd like to make a comment like this.
Um, the motion says approve the creation of Club America. It says nothing about endorsing anything in there and putting the school board behind the endorsement of any club. We have other clubs that we've
done very similar things, namely the Genesis Club, which is basically a Christian organization. But that doesn't mean that u we the board has decided that we are a Christian school. All right. So the
policy um yes pass precedent doesn't mean that we have to move forward but I don't me personally I don't see any problem with moving forward with the language as it is because it does says the approved creation and that's all we're approving.
>> If I may add that's a very good point Mr. Also, you know, the word approved does not mean endorse, but the policy under which >> I I want to but I I I you've said that a couple times. I want to make very clear. We're not I want to I want to make
something very clear though. We are not deciding which policy this falls under right now. We are not deciding does this fall under co-curricular, does this fall under student organization. the term club. What we're what we are endorsing is what has happened whether or not we
agree it should be happening or not in a way that has been happening for more than Mr. Fley's time in the district as far as I know like you can't remember this happening at a different time or a different way. What I would suggest is that if we are going to change that process that we
don't do that on the fly that we go forward with the motion the way it is written. If there is a concern about actually changing the process then that is something that will go live in a committee and either the policy committee or at at this point it's the
student activities committee would actually make a recommendation to the board about what should happen with that process. uh the idea of changing the process on the fly as a board is probably not the best practice that that we could actually implement. Now, you
may disagree with me in terms of what the policy actually says we should do or shouldn't do, but I have consulted with the board attorney. The board attorney has said we can do this and we can always do more. We just can't do less. So the idea that we could do more by
actually acknowledging that students did what they were supposed to do and that this may fall under, you know, a student organization or a co-curricular activity, both of them could be applied here. If we want to make the distinction
between those two things and we want to actually go revisit all of the clubs and identify which one is a student organization and which one is a co-curricular activity, that's fine. But that doesn't change that those are clubs that are actually active within the school.
>> You did acknowledge that we are acknowledging the creation of the club. And you even use the word itself. And to Mr. Carlson's point, >> it's in the name. >> And to Mr. Carlson's point, no curricular activity shall be considered to be under the sponsorship of this board unless it has been approved
by the board on recommendation of the superintendent. If it is approved then we are sponsoring it >> which it means that we have evaluated it based off its curriculum. Again this board has not >> we're just approving the creation. We're not approving its curriculum or
>> we're not defining right now whether this is a co-curricular activity or a student organization you know like like that. >> So at this time Mr. uh president with your permission I'd like to call the question. So basically when you call the question it ends all discussion with
regards to the item that's on the table and we have a motion. So since the question has now been called Mr. Boyce should now vote and to take roll call. >> Mr. Boyce do the roll please. >> What motion as the original number we need to take action on this motion then
we will make a decision based on the role at that point. Mr. Boyce >> Mrs. Van Horn. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sergain. Mr. Jess. >> Yes. >> Mr. Carlson. >> Yes.
>> Mrs. Dale. >> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. Mr. Kimick. >> Yes. >> Mr. Garcia. >> No. >> Mrs. Shaw? >> No. >> Motion passes. I believe that's correct.
>> Okay. The motion passes. Okay. All right. So that being said, I want to thank everybody for the discussion and Mr. Matteo understand the point that you're making. Um I think moving forward
um we can certainly evaluate the process and we can actually have a discussion within the activities committee once that's reconstituted about the process itself and you know really just unpack
that for the board itself. Okay. All right. That being said, are there any old business items like to open up the floor? Seeing none, is there a motion to close old business? >> Move it, >> Mr. Jess. >> Miss Van Horn.
>> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed? Abstensions? Okay. I'd like to open the floor to new business. There any new business items? Okay. Okay, seeing none. Uh motion to close new business move >> Mr. Jess second.
>> Mr. Mr. Gil. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Okay, new business is now closed. And uh before we adjourn, I again want to thank everybody for coming out tonight uh for the work that was done. I think in terms of the u students who were here for the
course and also for just the coffee cart and the treats for the board. We very much appreciate it and I wish want to wish everybody a very happy holiday season. Is there a motion to adjurnn? >> So move >> Mr. J. Second. >> Mr. Oh. Yeah, they all got it. Mr. Sil.
>> All right. Assisted by both of you. >> Um, all in favor? >> All opposed? Okay, we are adjourned at 7:51. All right. Happy holidays, everybody.