was uh published in the uh Trenton Times newspaper and the Hunter County Democrat and advertised on the website. Uh let's rise for the flag to the flag of the United States of America to the republic for which it
stands. One nation under God, indivisible for all you call, please bachelor here. Mark the Dennis here. Gina Pachetti here. Brian Key here. Kevini
here. Aaron Olri here. Michael Shout here. Ronnie Conorino here. And Jim Gallagher here. Uh so we've got a couple of presentations. Mr. Tubo, you want to? Yes. So we have some uh exciting entertainment tonight for you. We're going to kick off first. I'm going to
introduce Mr. Ford who's our band director and also Mrs. Alum who's our coral director. And we have some entertainment for you this evening. Everybody, I'm Mr. I'm the director of bands here at South High School. Uh that is our sax quartet. Our sax quartet is
uh made up of four students that are they do all this extracurricularly. They either be after school or during flex uh to put this music together has just pushed themselves to to learn some new stuff specifically for their instrument saxophone. So that was and max on
saxophone on center saxophone and then very sax. We hope you enjoy. your head. Now it's time to sleep.
May you find great adventure. as you lie and dream. If you're scared of the darkness, I will come your countless
and everything will be not alone. You are right and good. Oh, good enough
forever, but I'll still be here. We all love you. You can sing this song.
There's a light in the burning all night long blessings It makes the monster. You are not alone. You are right at home.
Good night. Good night. Good night. for our holiday when you heard Christmas and the ring while people sing
Christmas here. without silver is here to young and old people sing songs of good cheer. Christmas is here. Dadding to every home.
Thank you so much. Thank you. So, the next part of our agenda, um, I'm really excited about as well, and again, thank you to our students who did an amazing job to kick off the meeting. that was just a continuation of the amazing concert that they had last Thursday night. So, thank you. We also
have a bunch of other students here this evening that we would like to recognize. Uh we have had discussions at the board level specifically in the policy committee and last summer we took a look at our policy on honoring student achievement and specifically we looked
at honor role and within that um we had always had honor role as a district but we decided uh as a committee and then eventually as a board to approve a policy with what we call high honor role. So that's an amazing accomplishment for the students that are
here this evening because high honor roll is for any student who basically had a 94 average for the first marking period and didn't have below a 90 in any of their class which is an amazing accomplishment. So, we felt it was necessary to bring them out this evening
and to recognize them and to start off the board it will be adopting a resolution tonight u which President Gallagher will talk about a little bit more and then with that um then we'll be calling up our students and recognize them individually. Okay. So, uh I do have a resolution
here. I'm going to read this. Um whereas the board of education recognizes the importance of academic excellence and is committed to celebrating outstanding student achievement. And whereas students in grades 9 through 12 who attain high honoral status demonstrate
exceptional dedication, perseverance, and commitment to their academic studies. And whereas high honor roll distinction is awarded to students who achieve an overall average of 94 or higher with no individual course grade no lower than 90 during the first
marking period. And whereas such academic achievement reflects credit upon the students, their families, the instructional staff, and the whole school community. Now therefore, be it of resolved that the board of education of the South Island Regional School District hereby recognizes and commends
the following high school students in grades 9 through 12 for earning high honorable status during the first marking period. We'll read those names. Um shall we make do we need a motion to um yeah just want to read those last?
So yes be it. So it says, "Be it further resolved that the board of education extend its sincere congratulations to these students for their exemplary academic performance and encourages them to continue pursuing excellence in all future endeavors. And this resolution
shall be entered into the official minutes of the board of education meeting held on December 22nd, 2025. Um, could I have a motion from the board to adopt this resolution?" Yes, sir. So moved by Michael. Can I have a second, please? Secondly,
second by Aaron. Thank you. Um, any discussion? This is something we can do with a voice vote, I believe, is correct. All in favor? Anyone opposed? Okay. So, now I'd like to call up
principal right to the podium. Just so you know, this evening what the board decided to do is to give each one of our students that are being honored and the actual resolution with their name on it. So, you'll get a nice certificate with your individual name on the resolution for you to keep. Right. Thank you. Okay.
It is my honor this evening to recognize the following students. Leah Bachelor, Danielle Brewer, Amelia Carluchi Isaac Der, Julia Dorman, Luke Freeze. Ian Harbison,
Junipe Horses, Addison Kovaleas, Alexander Kakowski, Deacon Man Freddy, Zachary Nun, Erin Oor Rick Puli and Bren getting
Charlton Phillips, Nathan Pigeon. Sydney Powell, Ava Sierra, Aiden Stephanelli, Abigail Titus Green Jason topi. Rihanna Tissson James Wood.
Thank you guys very much. Thank you. And what I would ask is we have a couple more things we're going to do and then we'll take a short break. When we take a short break, I'd love all my honores to go out in the hallway and Mr. Right, if you can get a picture for us so we can post on social media.
Okay, great. Um, so next up, uh, we have anybody here from the POT? I I said PTO. Sorry. Yes. PTO. I came straight here from Manville where the middle school boys basketball team won in double.
Oh, wow. So good. And it they played straight for like two hours. So go out. All right. Um, first we would like to extend our sincere thanks to Kevin Kovaleeski and Jim Gallagher um for their time and dedicated service to the district. Your
contributions are greatly appreciated. Our holiday shop at South Elementary was a great success um as was our prek shopping and craft night. And a heartfelt thank you goes out to our amazing committee members, our shopping volunteers, and everyone who attended craft night or supported the holiday
shop. Um, last week we were delighted to donate candy canes and hot cocoa to STEM night at the middle school. And this morning we surprised the middle school students with cookies and hot cocoa to spread some holiday cheer. Looking ahead, we'll be we'll be we will be
providing welcome back to school treats for South Elementary on Friday, January 9th. similar to what we did um at the middle school. And we are still seeking club leaders for the spring semester. Currently, we have eight confirmed clubs. We're looking to add a couple
more, maybe two more, so we can keep it five and five. Um so, anyone who's interested in leading a club, just email us, please. And then finally, our next kids night out will be held on Friday, January 23rd. Um the registration form will go live after we return for winter
break. That's all I got. Thanks, Okay. Uh, do we have an LEF update? Okay. Uh, then we will go to our student representative B. Thank you. Um, yeah. So, I just have a little
update about, you know, what's been going on and also like what to look forward to. sat in at a committee meeting last Monday. So, we had some conversation there as well. Um, so as December comes to a close, students are getting ready for the break. Let's take a quick look at what's been going on at South and what's going to come in the
new year. So, South fundraisers have been drawing in a lot of students. We've had the volleyball pickleball tournaments. Um, we had the candygrams. We've had a lot of activity from the clubs helping us out. We've done Panera fundraisers linked up with the junior and senior classes. Seniors are uh
obviously trying to raise money for the Florida trip to Disney and everything. So that's been happening a lot too. Clubs have been very active. The key clubs been holding the toy drive, wrapping presents, giving out cards, etc. Beer leaders held a lunch for senior citizens, watched the um holiday
concert uh which was performed last week. Uh GSA also got active. They were handing out candy sleds to administration uh all last week as well. Athletically, students staying active, of course. basketball, wrestling, bowling, all in full swing, going great.
Had a good game tonight. Um, recently on Monday, sat in at a committee meeting. So, this is kind of looking forward. We Well, I had I'll backtrack a little bit. We had watched um I watched a little movie documentary last two weeks ago
about uh social media, how to talk to parents, how to talk to kids, discussions about that. And so we talked about how to present this in a way that's going to be both informative and productive to kids and parents. So the middle school is going to be watching like a documentary this similar to what
I watched I think. Um and then the guy's going to come in and speak to um them of course. But we also talked about maybe expanding that to um the high school in some sort of way. We don't have exactly a plan yet but we've had some conversation about it. also talked about, you know, there was the uh AI
survey went out. So like yeah, just thinking about how students are using AI in productive way that's not just like chat GPT and a whole essay and whatnot. Um so yeah, very very productive month and a lot of things coming for the new year.
Thank you. Very good. I'd like to I just want to thank Val if you if you heard and this is something we had not done in the past. he sat in on our school community board meeting last week. Um, and you know, for him to come in a room with what, five other adults, right? And
and to get his input on things and get the students perspective, I think was extremely valuable for all of us. And I love the fact in his update that he used the word we because that is really truly what it's all about. That was exciting to hear. So, thank you, Val. No problem.
Any questions? Any questions for Val from the board? Okay. Um, let's see. Correspondence. Yeah, we have no correspondence, right? If we did, it would be posted on the website, but there was none. So, at this time,
why don't we take a uh we're going to just call a fivem minute recess, and that will give uh folks an opportunity to uh take a picture in the hallway and all of that stuff. Yes. Um, so we will go into recess at 7:24 and we'll come out at 7:29. You're welcome to stay after that, but I
realize it's the holiday season and I probably have things to do. So, your call. Well, we'll meet all the kids out in the hallway. All right, too. Am I good? Not you. Not me.
I said we needed I said we needed a quick meeting. You're good. Thank you very much. Happy holiday. Happy holiday. Bye. I didn't a resolution to approve the minutes of our November regular meeting and our
executive session. Someone make that motion for me. So moved by Martha. Thank you. Could I have a second, please? Second. Uh second by uh Jen, I believe it was. Uh any discussion on those minutes? Uh all in favor?
Anyone opposed? Okay. Uh next up, our superintendent reports. So, I just had a few slides to share this evening. Um first of all, hopefully you saw this that went out to uh all of our community on social media, but we
did uh announce our governor's educators of the year for each one of our buildings. So, I have that up here and we're really excited about that. We will recognize those individuals um at our March board meeting and then in May they will also be going to the Hunton County
teachers of the year lunchon. So, congratulations to all of our folks from each one of our buildings. Um just a few other things I wanted to highlight. I did want to give an update on our school of performing arts. So the application deadline was December 15th
and which was last Monday. And I'm happy to report that we have 16 students who've applied. We have eight students in dance and eight students in theater. Um out of those 16 students, we have five that are from South Hunan and then the other 11 are from other districts
and outside of Hunton County. So we actually have applicants from Warren, Huned, Mercer, and Burlington counties which is pretty cool. So, um, the next steps for that auditions will take place on Wednesday, January 7th and Thursday, January 8th, and then we need to offer
seats by Monday, January 12th, um, to all the individuals who we deem fit based on the audition process. Um, but this and just to kind of give some background so everyone's aware, we are partnering with Hunton County Polytech. We are hosting a school of performing
arts. Um and we will be kicking off the inaugural year next year for 26 27th school year. So when students audition in January, that will be a seat for next September. Um they will come in as ninth graders next year. So we're talking about basically students that are in
eighth grade right now. Um and then they will be with us as full-time students um for their four years and going through our program with the goal of when the time they graduate they will re um receive a CTE. So, a career technical education diploma in the area of either
theater or dance. And along the way, we'll have some amazing experiences um out in the industry for each um depending upon what their pathway is. So, I'm really excited. We landed in a good place. It's kind of right where we thought we would for year one. And um we
know that as applicants come and then join our program, um word of mouth, there's a buzz out there. We've been getting emails from seventh grade parents who are interested in finding out more information for next year. So when their child is in eighth grade. So we're really excited about that. So just
wanted to give an update on that part where we stay. Couple other things I wanted to give an update. I had sent some information out about the sale of the West Annuel School. So unfortunately, you know, the sale did fall through during the auction
um with our buyer which was back on October 8th. But um the district did keep the non-refundable deposit. You can see there of 155,787. We did have to pay some legal fees out of that. So the balance is 145,636
and51. So we we have another buyer um who has made an offer on the property which the board countered. Um we are waiting for a response. And then we do have a few other prospective buyers who are also interested in the property. So, we'll
continue to move forward. It's unfortunate that we weren't able to close um on the auction winner, but obviously we did keep the proceeds of the non-refundable deposit and hopefully in the next month or so um we'll have another buyer and be able to report that back out at our January meeting. So, I
wanted to give an update on that. And then I did want to just kind of follow up with what Val said before. Um you saw this go out hopefully. Um, I know it's around the holidays, so people miss things. I'll be doing a lot of reminders when we get back from
winter break, but we are having an assembly program for our students in grade 5 through eight. Um, it's an individual um by the name of Max Staceil. Some of you may remember John Staceil from ABC News. It's his son. All
right. So, following in dad's footsteps, um, a little background on Max, he started out his career in Silicon Valley basically designing the apps that are used by our kids today. And then about seven or eight years ago, he made the
decision that he was going to go in a different direction and really focus on educational components and specifically how the apps are built and what they do to our students brains. um and the addictiveness of it in nature as far as
what our students do on a daily basis on the cell phone. So we will be having that program on January 27th and then that evening we partnered with the PTO and we will be having a watch party called let's talk about tech. We're hoping that we can get as many parents
as we can. We'll be here in the auditorium. There is a link to register that you'll be seeing going out a QR code as well. It just went out in news bites today. Um, but we're really looking to bring parents together, watch an hourong video together in the
auditorium, um, and then be able to have facilitate, which I will do, a conversation about just the challenges that parents deal with on a daily basis, when should we give kids phones, what age, what grade, what does that look like, and then how's the school
addressing these issues as far as devices during the school day. So hoping you can come out again registered just so we have an idea of the headcount and um Val was nice enough just to give some background. I literally pulled him out of class one day two weeks ago and said you're going to come to my office and
watch this video for an hour because I want to get your perspective. So he did that, he watched it and then we debriefed. He talked to our committee about what he thought would work well with our students and how it would receive compared to what would work well with our parents based on his experience. So, we did definitely want
to get a student's perspective on the video as well. So, I am excited about that. So, again, spreading the word. I know PTO will be spreading the word. We'd like to get as many folks out as we possibly can to have this important conversation. That is all I have. Okay. Very good. Uh,
next up on our agenda, um, well, this this is part that should be on the agenda. This is a recognition of Kevin Kovaleeski, board of education member who served nine years on his board of education and is uh is stepping
down after the end of this uh at the end of this term. So obviously we have two special individuals who'll be recognizing tonight. Um I did prepare something that I'd like to read about Kevin. Kevin has served on the board of education for nine years. During this
time, it was a period of significant growth and important decision-making for the district. He was the board president at a pivotal time, including when the board hired me as a superintendent. I am personally grateful for his leadership, trust, and support during that transition. Kevin also served as board
president during the referendum and facility p planning process. This work was complex, challenging at times, came with a lot of community pressure, and required steady leadership and thoughtful collaboration. Throughout every decision, Kevin
remained focused on what was best for students, even when the choices were difficult. He played a major role in advancing the district's facilities, including the new soccer field, the referendum, the new softball field, and the soontobe new turf field. These will benefit our students and our community
for many years to come. He also played a pivotal role in leading our board negotiations team that resulted in labor peace during his time in that position. This included working with our administrators on establishing a bargaining unit which they had not had in the past. Kevin's leadership style
was grounded in careful decision-making perspective and commitment to the long-term health of the district. On behalf of the board, administration, students, and staff, I want to thank Kevin for his nine years as a dedicated service and wish him the very best whatever comes next. Thank you,
gentlemen. I want to add a couple of I will be brief if I promise but but there's a lot to say, right? So first Kevin when Kevin joined the board uh one of the things that Mr. didn't mention is uh he joined the board in
like 2015 2016 at a time in this country when we were having it what felt like a school shooting every week and he was the obvious choice coming from a police officer background to be in charge of a security committee which we created at that time and he led that security
committee and it's because of that the work of that committee that we have security cameras we have better processes we are much more thoughtful full about about how we keep our kids safe. This is a safer and a better place because of the work that you did in that
committee. Okay. Um then as as Mr. Suz mentioned um becoming president of the board of education at a time that after 2019 it just felt like we had stalled and when you took over as president two months after that the world ended
because we went to co right and we couldn't you had two meetings in person and then we were you know and we were still trying to do things we were still looking at we looked at the C school we were going you know what I mean we but it was very hard to operate and you and and we had an interim superintendent at
the time we we went through a superintendent search and we we found uh Mr. Suzo which was a fantastic find. Um you were the leader of that um in that period right uh superintendent search and then revitalizing our process
getting this thing to referendum and getting that referendum passed. I just this school, excuse me, this district is a better place for what you do and I'm uh you are a profile and courage and I
appreciate your courage and your leadership and it's been an honor to work with Say a few words. Get emotional. Morning now. I didn't even get a word out. I'm just start with this. You know, I lost my brother a few weeks ago, and
that's one of the big decisions why I couldn't run again. I knew I couldn't I couldn't do the job 100%. And that's what this district deserves, for it to be done 100%. I knew I couldn't do that, so I had to
step down and now run again. But I have confidence in in the board and in the processes and huge confidence in Tony um to take this district to the you know to the next steps and even continue even better what we did. Now
when I got on this board nine years ago wasn't quite sure I was kind of lost had kind of two people that took me under wing. one with being Jim looked up to him and saw how he operated and I said, you know, that I've been the model actor of how he was with the community,
students and and staff and and Lou Maker, he took me under his wing and he gave me some important tasks and it changed my view of how I approached the board and the job itself um and everything and all the stuff that was
mentioned. So, it's been one of the best nine years of my life having this experience and do this. If you sitting back in college right now, if you told me that I was going to be on the board of education for nine years and president for three, I probably would have tapped you through the wall. They said, "You're nuts because of, you know,
just never even saw that." But it it's definitely one of the most rewarding things that I ever done. And I'm going to miss so much. And I just know that I needed to focus on family because of what was coming. And it was cut a little short than we thought. Um, so I got to
focus on some family now. I know I know this school district is in good hands that you know and the one thing I can offer to uh to future board members current you know like like Jim and Tony said that no matter what I had no agenda
I never felt political bull crap pressure I always did what was best for the students and staff this district and that's what everybody lived by should be doing if they're on the board you know always put the students first and then the staff too because they're the one
have to come and educate our students and the students have to have a great place to learn. So, if you live by that, I I think everyone will do good and you know, there are going to be ups and downs. There's going to be arguments, but at the end of the day, you know, that's what it's all about. Do what's best for the students of this district
and uh confidence in the hands that it is in and going forward. And I'm not going to disappear. I'm going to be watching. I'm going to be watching. So, you know, I still I'm going to miss it so much. Um, I miss all the time we spent. We spent a lot of time. Um, just, you know, thank you to all the board
members and and past 10 board members that have seen me on. It's been a great ride and, you know, I wish I could have stayed on, but like I said, I knew that I wouldn't be able to do it 100%. I don't want to do a job this important if I can't do it 100%. Um, so just want to
thank everybody, Tony, Jim, all the all everyone, all the newcomer, everybody that comes to the audience and yells at us. You know, I don't I don't hate you, but you know, but watch out. I'm off the board in a week.
Watch out. And to all the administrative staff and all the friends that I've made here. It's just been an amazing experience and I just I can't thank everybody enough. And I know I know this is a great place and it's going to continue to thrive. It takes some time, but it it will it will thrive. And we we
have an unbelievable leader. And uh that's another thing like I was I hired a superintendent. Really? I remember you hire a superintendent one day. I'm like no no no chance. Um but still to this day when I'm around my hope well my old stomping ground, you know, I hear can't
believe you stole from us. I can't believe you got him. So, I know we uh you know, I don't know if I've ever said this publicly to anybody, the board, whatever like that, but you know, right from the get-go, it was clear as day that he thought Tony was the choice.
There was no doubt in my mind. He blew everybody away in the whole process. And it was it was just it was easy because it was that he that far ahead of everybody. So, I know we got the right person to lead this district, you know. Just want to thank you for all the friendship and everything, but
I don't know. We're supposed to be friends, but hey, we're friends, you know, like I don't know if that's really what you know, but who cares, you know, but I made a lot of friends and with, you know, Tony and administrator staff and all the board members, you know, it's it's just been an amazing ride and just thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you.
Y this next No, we're skipping. All right. So, we have one other individual that we would like to recognize. uh Mr. Gallagher who's our current board president. So I have a few things I prepared for as well. Um so Jim has
dedicated and I'll say this twice 23 years 23 years of service on boards of education serving both Stockton Burough Board of Education and the South Hunter Regional Board of Education which is just an extraordinary commitment to
public education. Throughout his tenure, Jim is known for his calm, steady demeanor, especially during difficult times, helping the board stay focused and grounded. As board president, he has ensured that all of our board members felt an equal role on the board, which
resulted in the bringing together of all three of our communities. Jim served as a true historian of the district, providing valuable perspective and institutional knowledge, and helped guide thoughtful and informed decision-making. He's a wealth of knowledge to other board members,
especially the new ones when they join the board. In every discussion and decision, Jim constantly focus on what's best for all students. Again, all students, ensuring equity and fairness across the district. He was incredibly supportive of teachers and
administration, always approachable, respectful, appreciative of the work that's being done in our classrooms and in our schools. Jim was visible, engaged board member, regularly president at school and community events, reinforcing the board's connection to the district.
From the first time I met Jim, and still to this day, he has always spoken with great pride about this district, championing its strengths and the people who make it special. On behalf of the board, staff, students, and community, we extend our deep gratitude to Jim
Gallagher for 23 years, again, 23 years of unwavering service and wishing the best in the next chapter. So, before we provide anyone else the opportunity, there's two things that I want to mention. Um first the board will
be um approving a resolution and I'm going to read that resolution. So it says that board of education resolution recognizes Jim Gallagher. Whereas the board of education of South Regional School District which is to formally recognize individuals whose service and
dedication have had a lasting and positive impact on the SC school community. And whereas Jim Gallagher has served with distinction on the Stockton Burough Board of Education and South Hunter Regional Board of Education for a combined period spanning 2003 through
2025. And whereas throughout his years of service, Jim Gallagher demonstrated unwavering commitment to public education, thoughtful leadership, and advocacy for all students, staff, families of the district. And whereas his contributions help guide the
district through years of growth, change, and continuous improvement, and always with a focus on student success and the best interest of the school community. And whereas Jim Gallagher's service exemplifies the values of integrity, collaboration, and civic
responsibility that stren strengthen public education and local governance. Now therefore, we have resolved that the board of education of the South Hunter Regional School District hereby expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Jim Gallagher for 22 years of dedicated service on the Stockton
Bureau of Education and South Hunter Regional Board of Education. And be it further resolved that the board of education extend its best wishes to Jim Gallagher and his family and acknowledges his lasting legacy of service to the students and community of South Hunter. And be it further resolved
that the resolution be entered in the official minutes of the board of education meeting held on December 22nd, 2025 as a permanent record of the district appreciation and recognition. And I also have something else that I
want to provide, Mr. Gallagher. This is a plaque um that I'd like to present to you that says, "For over two decades of dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to the student, staff, and community of the Stockton Burough School District and South Under Regional School District,
your guidance and integrity have left a lasting legacy, and your service has shaped the heart and future of our schools. I know that there's probably a lot of other that want to speak, but I'm going to take the opportunity to go before you do and I'm going to keep it brief as a
gift to Kevin because Kevin always want you can you can be as long as you want for Jim. For Jim for Jim. For Jim. Yes. It's always fun when you're planning a celebration for somebody who's really humble. Um, and Jim, you're one of the
most humble people I've ever known. Um, but the best leaders are really the people that lead with their heart and not their ego. And I think people who know Jim, that's like him to a tea. The biggest heart and the most generous
spirit. And um, it's really that's what's brought what you brought to the board. and that's how you've been such a huge asset. I want to thank you for all of the wisdom that you've shared with us over time and your calming perspective
and presence, but also, you know, the that calming presence has gotten us through really hard times and your no BS sense of humor has gotten us through even harder times. And it's been those laughs that we've shared that have been it's it's it's about, you know, just
keeping the perspective and and doing what's right and working really hard as a team. Um, so I've been so incredibly grateful to me for that. I would like to call you an MVP or team South, but I know that you would probably bulk at
that. But that the board did want to make sure that we had you recognized that you are always President for And I would just like to say before we open up the public comment, which we'll do next, I have one other thing that I'd
like to read. I received an email today actually from a former board member that asked um that I read tonight, and it is from Megan Warner. Okay. Tonight, we're here to recognize someone whose name is inseparable from the history of this board in this district, Jim Gallagher. Serving on a board of
education is not glamorous work. It requires time, patience, and a deep sense of responsibility to people you may never meet, but whose lives are shaped by decisions made at this table. Jim understood that from the very beginning, and for more than 20 years, he lived it. Jim's leadership has always
been steady, thoughtful, and rooted in listening. He is someone who hears every voice in the room, especially the ones that don't always agree with him. And then he works to bring people together. Consensus building isn't easy. It requires humility, restraint, and trust in the process. Jim has consistently
modeled that kind of leadership, and our district is stronger because of it. I want to speak personally for a moment. When I was first elected, Jim and I didn't always see eye to eye. Like many new board members, I was finding my footing and Jim and I had to feel one
each one each other out. But over time, what developed was something far more important than agreement on every issue. It was a mutual respect. Jim showed me again and again that disagreement doesn't have to mean division and that good governance depends on principal
dialogue and good faith. The district is where it is today because of Jim, because of his decades of service, his institutional memory, his willingness to do the hard work year after year, and his unwavering commitment to the students, families, and educators we serve. His impact isn't tied to any
single vote or moment, but to the consistency and integrity he brought to his burl over time. Jim, thank you for your service, your leadership, and the examples you set for all of us who have had the privilege of serving alongside you. Your legacy will continue in the district long after your final meeting,
and you leave this board better than you found it. It's truly been an honor. Right. Um, just want to say thank you everybody. I uh appreciate um all of this. You didn't have to do this.
As I said, I I would prefer you not actually. Um but I'm truly I am honored and humbled that that you did and I thank you and I am truly honored and humbled. I mentioned profiles encourage and Kevin is a profile encourage because he he
made some really challen hard hard decisions that the community didn't love and there's I I'm honored that I see four or five other people here like uh Lauren and an uh Diana and Tracy who also you know that we all went through it together
right and so means a lot to me that you guys showed up and I thank you and and for every one of you guys on the board I Look, 23 years. I mean, I didn't in in that time I did nothing. Boards that I was on did great things, though, right?
We did some good things in Stockton. Um, we regionalized our districts and I think we've we've done some good things here to put hopefully put this district on a great footing. And I have high hopes and expectations that this board that you seven that are still on this board and the two newcomers are going to
do amazing things and way do way more than I ever did in the last. So I thought future is bright. Um you're getting an upgrade from the stocking guy. I tell you John is going to be fantastic and u so I'm excited for you and again I thank you all for for everything. I'm not going away like
Kevin you know you call me you can text me. you will see me at sporting events happy to talk anytime and uh you know but I know that it's time for as I've said it is time for fresh ideas it is time for new perspectives and it's time
for new energy and you guys have it and I know you guys are going to take this district a long way I'm excited Uh with that, let's move to the period for public comment. Um as always, uh we
have procedures. Um and everybody knows the procedures. I try to keep your comment to about three minutes. Um just if you if you have something you'd like to bring before the board, um come to the podium and uh uh just mention your name and the community that you're from. And with that, we'll open the first
public comment period. Good evening. I'm Taylor Leau and this is Deb Lamer and we are the co-presidents of the SHEA. On behalf of the South Hunteran Regional Education Association, we would like to take a moment to thank Jim Gallagher and
Kevin Globali for their many years of service on the board of education. Serving in this role requires an extraordinary commitment of time, thought, and care, and both of you have demonstrated a deep dedication to this district and most importantly to the students we serve.
While board work often happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt daily both in the classrooms and in our school community. We are grateful for your leadership, your willingness to engage in difficult conversation and your
sustained service to public education. As you move on to your next chapters, please take with you our sincerest thanks and appreciation for all you have done for this district and its students. Thank you. knew I wasn't going to keep quiet,
right? Tracy Puli, West Animal Township. So, I just want to take an a moment and honor a dear friend, a respected colleague, and a fellow board member whose service to this community has left a lasting and meaningful legacy. For many years, as you've heard, Mr.
Gallagher has given his time, his energy, and his heart to this board and this community and the children of this district. He did so quietly and selflessly, never seeking recognition, as you hear tonight,
but always focused on what mattered most, doing what was right for this school. His commitment was not occasional or convenient. As a man with three children, he it was steady, dependable, and rooted in a genuine
desire to make a difference. As a board member, Jim has brought wisdom, integrity, and thoughtfulness to every single discussion, both behind closed doors and here in this public forum. He listened carefully, spoke with purpose, and never lost sight of the broader mission. Even when challenges arose, and
you heard some of them this evening, he approached them with patience, respect, and a collaborative spirit that makes this forward function better. Beyond his service and leadership, what many of us will remember most is the kind of person he is. He has always been generous with his time, encouraging to others, and
deeply invested in the success of those around him. He believes in this community and in the power of people working together for the common good. The impact of his work will be felt long after today. Policy shaped, lives touched, and opportunities created
because of this dedication will continue to benefit this community, this school, and these students for years to come. That is a remarkable legacy built not on titles or accolades, but on service, characters, and cares for others. On
behalf of my family and the entire community, I want to express our deepest gratitude. We are a better district because of your service and I am grateful to have had the privilege of working alongside of Jim and to call him a friend. Thank you for your years of selfless leadership, your unwavering
commitment to this community. Your time in the SHRSD school board will be remembered with respect, appreciation, and heartfelt thanks guys. Diana Purcell West. Um hopefully I can keep it to three minutes. Um so first I want to take a moment to
congratulate Kevin. Um congrats on your retirement from the board. Um and your nine years of service. It was a pleasure serving with you and um I hope that you enjoy your well-deserved break and don't drive Julie crazy. Um and just enjoy
your your I know you already do, but try to keep it to minimum. Um Jim, I know this makes you uncomfortable, but you did it for me. So now it's your turn. Um, so next I want to thank Jim for his dedicated service. Serving on this board of course calls for time, patience,
objectivity, and a deep commitment to the students. And Jim, you brought all of that um with warmth and humility. I had the pleasure of serving with you for six years and truly valued your collaborative spirit, your unwavering integrity, and the way you helped us all find common ground during many
challenging moments by bridging our different viewpoints with respect. If you know Jim, you know him to be very involved, whether it be in youth sports, his local community, his church, or the local school district. But you also know he doesn't do it for the recognition, but
because he truly and genuinely wants to help and be involved. If anyone has attended a high school graduation here at South and had the pleasure of hearing one of Jim's addresses to the graduating seniors, you can just hear in his words and voice how much he genuinely cares.
and you may have gotten a little teareyed like I always did. I think it goes without saying that the board is losing a great wealth of knowledge, a collaborator, student advocate, and overall asset in Jim. But he absolutely deserves to step back into
the civilian world now. We all owe him a debt of gratitude as we do for all the members of the board of education who step up and give of their time to have the hard conversations and make the hard decisions. Some of us, some of us just don't stick it out as long as Jim did.
So on behalf of my family, which also happens to be your family, thank you Jim for your time, dedication, and your fine example of public service. Our district is stronger because of your leadership, and you've made a lasting impact. Hi there, Ann Nicholas Lambertville. Um
Kevin, congratulations. I remember back when you started. Um, Jim, I don't remember when you started. I was an actor then. All of us had started. See, um, and we we all had children who were much much younger. Jim, I don't I think you had one at that point, right?
Actually, when I first started, uh, he was not even born yet. And now he's drinking age. So, so you have been, you know, sewing the seeds of growth for our children, giving up your time, Kevin, giving up your
time, all of the board members. The time away from your family has has been spent making the lives of the children of the district better. Um, thank you to the families. um as a former board member, I know you all also contribute to the success of all of the board members,
which contributes to the success of um all of the the district. So, I um just want to say thank you to both of you. Um we've been through a lot together, the three of us. Um and uh have done it, I think, with with grace and class and uh
kindness. And I think that's incredibly important. I also think through your 23 years and nine years um you've been you know planting seeds all along the way um and those seeds have been growing and the work that you've been doing will continue to grow even as you leave the
board um and help making the district and continuing to make the district great and amazing place. So thank you very much. Great. Thank you. This is fun to be on this side. So, um I'm Lauren Bronze from Bell's Lambert Bell. Um I was so many
wonderful, poignant, accurate, you know, um thoughtprovoking things have been said in honor of our retiring board members tonight. So, um I won't reiterate. So I was thinking actually selfishly about the time that I was on the board and reflecting um Jim you had kind of alluded to that right that it
was really a time of great turmoil and crisis um uh you know we had stalled really as a district um in terms of the the larger plan to serve our students with our facilities. Um I think coming together as our various communities was also still really a major um challenge
that we were confronting. Um, we had a labor contract that was a year out that we were in arbitration. Um, we had administrators that were underpaid for their service and their skills. Um, then we had COVID. Then we had a flood that
devastated one of our towns. Um, I can go on, right? We um we had um a referendum that was some of you may recall a tad bit contentious. Um and uh and throughout all of it, right, I think that the work when I recall the work and
to honor, right, the uh the retiring members, I really think that we um uh uh did the thing that it's so hard to do, which is just do the work, right? You know, just show up right for each other.
Not say, I'm going home. This is not my problem. You fix it. You solve it. you know, or devolve into just chaos, which very easily, I think, could have happened with the the the wind that we were um facing. So, I just wanted to honor particularly our two presidents
from that era. This was not um easy work by any means, but it's absolutely essential to American democracy to do it and to keep doing it. And I think the example um also um Jim that you set with your incredibly long tenure of service
and Kevin you know also with your dedication particularly to the well-being of our district's staff and administrators um uh through your you know work with the negotiations and the contracts. Um I think that that legacy
is particularly profound um and will I know carry on. Um I'm going to say one more thing and that has to do with one thing on the agenda and that's the calendar. So, I'm going to say that as a person who is meant to benefit from the Jewish holidays being days off, please don't do that anymore because my kids
hate the fact that every other kid gets to hang out and get a day off of school and they have to go to synagogue. No, I'm serious. It's not fun and they hate it and I have to argue with them and so actually it would be way better if everybody else had to go to school and then I got to take them out of school. They would love that. So, it would be
much better. So, as a person who is actually probably the subject of the policy, I say, "Please stop. Please, especially Friday and Monday next year. Oh god, it's going to be terrible." So, no more Jewish holidays off. Thank you. Fell signal west. Well, I was not
planning on saying anything, but seeing the hearing from retired board members, I'm a I'm an incoming board member, so seeing the appreciation for Kevin and Jim, um, is impressive. think since I've been getting involved with the
orientation meeting each one of you guys sitting down and then this I'm getting a feeling that it might be an over my head which I think is a healthy a healthy you're not attitude but um I might have to leave early I've got young kids at home so and
a and a wife who's during the holiday season so it's a bit stressful at home but I wanted to say that I will certainly be reaching out to each one of you to get advice before I start and certainly during So, thank you for your service and I'm looking forward to working with you guys going forward.
Absolutely. Okay. Any other public comment? Uh, anything online? No. Okay. With that, we will we take a um we need to do one thing first. We actually
didn't approve the resolution. All right, I guess we got All right. So, we're going to close the period of public comment. Yes. Then I we will open the floor if somebody would make a motion about that resolution thing. And second, Ronnie and second by Brian
and uh all in favor um and uh so now could we just take a five minute recess and then we will come back and actually get some work done. Yeah, that's okay. We'll just take a recess at 8:10. We we will reconvene at 8:15.
And again, I thank you everybody. Thank you for that one. All right. And then Not this one. It's not the most recent one. No, the most recent one that I was busy
did, but then Yeah. Well, that's what just happened. It's really hard. Hello. There is always some sort of he there is a just I I don't know
and I thank you for the time of the recess and all of your patience and all of your thoughtfulness. Um, but let us uh let's get some work done. Okay, we'll start with the curriculum and technology uh Betty Mr. Strauss.
Well, thank you. Uh the curriculum and technology committee met on December 10th in C101. Um we got a lot of technology updates. It's all in the um in the minutes, but the the big thing is that next year we will have to replace
the teacher and staff laptops. So we're looking at that from a budget standpoint. Um as our student representative and Mr. Suzu both talked about, we reviewed the middle school assembly. We also talked about the middle school
accelerate um period. So uh that was evaluated with the staff and um based on the discussions there are changes that were recently made to the middle school at the middle school level. Um coming into the year students were grouped in
with their ELA and math teachers for Accelerate um as a home base. And the thinking was that that would put them in very close proximity so they could have more student interaction. What actually evolved out of that is that they became a little too involved in the logistics
of it and um now it has been flipped so that the ELA and math teachers will be completely freed during that time and um will have the opportunity to be working with students during that entire period.
Um, we are also going to be adding in a five minute check-in based on um the current middle school population to talk about executive functions, meaning basically how to get homework done, how to keep track of things um and that will
be the responsibility of the person who is within uh who is moderating their accelerate period. We also got a per a report that the m school choice lottery would be happening the next day. Um so it has already taken place. We had 35
applicants for nine seats this year. We heard about STEM night which was last week. Um and from what I hear very successful um and also high impact tutoring is going to be returning. Uh letters did go out last week. I got one
myself. So, uh, I am excited to see that it will be happening in both ELA and MAT this year. Um, and this year it is something that was budgeted by the district. In years past, it was done by a state grant. Um, but we did put it into the budget this year and we are
funding it because we do believe uh it's necessary in in that middle school population especially. And then the final thing is that elementary school report cards. Um, Miss Lennon talked about the start of that process and I just want to make sure that that I I say
that it is the start of that process because uh no final decisions have been made but we are going to go to standardsbased reporting for the elementary school meaning that there will not be letter grades at any level in the elementary school and they will
be graded on their um attainment of a standard. So um that will be part of our um PLC meetings uh or Miss Lennin's PLC meetings in um the coming months and they will be deciding on how to focus
those standards, how to make them understandable for not only the teachers but also the parents who are receiving the report cards and um we will be rolling that out next year. With that, I have nothing to move.
Excellent report. Thank you. Uh personnel shedding. We uh the personnel committee met uh last Thursday, I think it was the 18th. Um at 7:30 p.m. It was a virtual
meeting. At that meeting, Tony went over all of these action items that are on the agenda tonight, including personnel appointments, resignations, of absence, as well as the extracurricular and siphon appointments for the 2526 school
year. Um, additionally, we were uh we discussed the governor's educator of the year awardees that Tony put up on the projector earlier today. Uh just to reiter reiterate for the elementary school, the uh
awards go to Lee Weaver and Don Rhodess. At the middle school, Caitlyn Wesner and Shannon Hill. And at the high school, Kyle Hart and Ashley Williams. And then finally, uh, we talked about the current openings in the district, which are for a middle school band, week of absence,
um, fulfillment. I don't know. And, um, also same for a middle school ELA, uh, week of access. I don't know if they're they're later in the year. Um,
springtime. Um, and one other thing I just want to mention on the agenda, and we'll recognize him later in the year, um, is the retirement of Eric Zimmerman, who's one of our bus drivers who's been here for 33 years. Um, so a long, long time. We will invite him to our May
board of ed meeting when we recognize our retirees, but he will be retiring as of March 1st. With that, it move item AR. So move. Can I have a second, please? Second. Second by Aaron. Thank you. Any discussion on items A and B?
Um I would just note in addition to Mr. Zimmerman uh retiring, yes, been here for a long long time. Mr. Heraldo um was fantastic. I know he taught stuff two of my kids. Um just a fantastic teacher. So
we miss him as well. Um if there is no other discussion then uh let's vote. Mark, yes. Dina Vashetti. Yes. Brian Ke. Yes. Kevin Golleski. Yes. Erin Liry. Yes. Michael Sh.
Yes. Jennifer Bachelor. Yes. Ronnie Todd Marino. Yes. And Jim Gal. Yes. Uh policy committee. Uh policy. Jim Sp. That is my favorite committee. Most important committee.
Oh, you should be on the policy committee in your first term. We met virtually on December 3rd. For first read, we have three items. They are all connected. Policy and regulation 2535 on library materials, policy
regulation 9130 on public complaints, and policy and regulation 2530 on resource materials. For library materials, this is new and mandatory. The policy and regulation were developed in response to New Jerseys Freedom to Read Act, which became effective on
December 9th this year. The act establishes the New Jersey Board of Education's position, the freedom to read is a human right, constitutionally protected by the First Amendment, and individuals have the right of free inquiry. It's designed to protect the
right to read, access information, and further to support the professional judgment of librarians and educators. Importantly, it defines who has standing to challenge materials that's referred to individuals with the vested interest. This includes teaching staff, students, parents of students and respectively.
These persons must be employed by the district, enrolled in the district, will be the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in this district at the time a removal form is filed. Policy 2535 and a related regulation are specific to library materials as defined in policy
and it also sets forth the formal review process. 9130 on public complaints is designed the ch this is an existing policy it's being revised provisions to the policy are designed to align to the uh to
policy and regulation 2535 and they remove the references to library materials policy covers procedures for hearings and for the settlement of complaints concerning district this covers district staff members educational program instructional or resource material and
the operation of district. The policy does clarify that the procedure outlined is not to be used by district staff or members of the board of director unless they have students within the district. There are separate approaches for their
individual complaints or issues. Um, we are making a recommendation as as as for the board to look at as they go into the second read that we consider adopting the definition for individuals with the vested interest or any of the materials
that are are set forth in the public complaint policy for policy and regulation 2530 related to resource materials against revisions and they're designed to align to 2535. Uh they're going to remove any reference to library materials, reference
materials uh for clarity or materials not designated as textbooks. These include maps, videos, other materials and periodicals. Uh and any complaint regarding these items will fall under 9130. So again, that language clarifies you look back to 9130 if you have any
issues with those materials. Um and it's uh also been revised that align with the district practices for second read. These are the items we covered in November. There is policy uh 2624 of grading system. Um this is proposed to
align to the new school configuration. It is a bespoke and differentiative scale for the K K2 and three to five. We also have regulation 5460 on graduation requirements. This was to address the uh
dance program within the performing arts academy so that it could be substituted for the phys physical education requirement. And lastly, policy 1620 on administrative employment contracts. This policy uh aligns us to the New Jersey administrative code which
addresses requirements for the executive county superintendent review and approval of employment contracts for superintendent assistant superendants and school business administrators. These were nonmaterial changes to the language of that policy. And uh I do
want to note uh respectively the policy committee is going to be looking at policy and procedures related to security drills. Make sure those align closely to the needs of our students. And with that for the last time I would like to move, Mr. President, I would like to move items A and B.
Okay. So move. Could I have a second? Please. Uh second by J. Yeah. All right. Uh, any discussion on items A and B? Just pause. If there is no discussion, then let's vote.
Gina Petty, yes. Brian Ke, yes. Kevin Kleski, yes. Ori, yes. Michael Strauss, yes. Jennifer Bachelor, yes. Martha Denn, yes. Ronnie Marino, yes. And Jim Gallow, yes.
Uh, buildings, grounds, transportation, finance, and safety. I was at basketball. I also was at a basketball game. I'm embarrassed to say I thought the committee meeting was on Wednesday and I went to the way basketball game in Beler and so I was not there either, but I'll let you do the report.
Just a couple things to highlight. Letter D contracts. We mentioned about the social awakening. That's the assembly program. We are splitting the cost with the PTO and then being able to use some title funding as well. Um bonfires, fire protection service. are some things that we need to do for our
fire pumps at the new middle school as well as here at the high school. And then Character Strong, um if you followed along with our district goals, one of our goals was to work on the implementation of a character education program in the district for next year.
Um this the um committee last year piloted um five different programs and landed on character strong. So we're going to be starting our training for that for teachers in the spring. So there's a contract on there to start with some professional development. Um
we have some travel and field trips. We did um at our finance meeting in November had our audit and our auditor came in and reviewed the audit um with our finance committee. This is actually the actual audit that's being u put
forth on the agenda for approval. And then just a couple things to keep in mind. We are in the midst of our tariff project. So, the goal is to have our turf project completed by hopefully the beginning of March. Um, there is authorization on here um for our first payment towards the contract to the
turf. There's also a change order. So, as part of the turf project, when we went in front of DRCC, they required that the drainage basin that we have inside the field by the field lately, you'll notice that huge hole that's on
the visitor side sideline. that is for a drainage system to go in down in there. They did require us to increase the size. So, we had to do a change order for that. Um, but that that project is progressing nicely. Okay. So, with that, we'll need a motion
to approve items a major I moved by Bryant. Second by Michael. Any discussion on item items A through I? Um I would note item G is the uh audit
report and so the full PDF of the audit is on is with the agenda online. Um but I believe that this is the first year there is one page of the audit. My favorite page is page J4 and J4 is the
10-year snapshot. No, this is always it's is the 10-year snapshot of of spending of the district. Right. So you can look at say where were we and and you know how have we done what have we you know what have we done and this is the first time that we have 10 full
years of South regional school district data prior to this we we always had to cobble it together from the three separate school districts we are 10 years now more than 10 years down the regionalization road this district has been in it as a consolidated district I
felt like that's something worth mentioning Right. So, as Winston Churchill said, um, after some battle in World War II, I don't know, this is not the end. It's not even the beginning of the end, but it is the end of the beginning. Okay. Regalization stuff is
done. Now, we get to move forward. Any other comments on items A through I If not, then let's vote. Brian Keith. Yes. Yes. Erin Ori, yes. Michael Strong, yes. Jennifer Blo, yes.
Martha Dennon, yes. Gina Bashetti, yes. Ronnie John Marino, yes. And Jim Gallagher, yes. Uh, schooling community. Um, as has been mentioned, we were able to welcome the student school board
member to our meeting, which was really um, informative and helpful and was very impressive. Um, obviously a lot of the school community uh, discussion had to do with how to improve the culture of the school and a lot of different initiatives. So, we got his feedback on
on some things including the celebrating student achievement through the student and athlete of the month and um, what because school will change and middle school students have have left this early. Um and also these ways to foster
school pride uh and and get kids to um participate in more social activity instead of their home. So there was a lot of different things that he weighed in in on that um I know we were excited for that information and like he said we
have a lot of good stuff we worked on this year. Um he also watched the the parent video that's for the upcoming middle school program. Um you've been sneaking into your brains. Um so he had a lot of good good things to say about
that. We we talked about the the promotion of it and because this is a student program with a parent component. That's a piece of what we've been um looking to do and that's part of the school and community goals for the year.
So you know that as this is one of those um as a first of a series of parent resources that we really hope that promoting we'll get a lot of um through that promote. We talked about press releases um because it's been a little
while and there's a lot to celebrate um so we talked about different um options community classroom being one digital literacy and maybe four bed members spotlight um so um Yeah, we know that there's this we just
honored the students that made that. So, that will be on social media. Well, we talked about the calendar for the 26 27th school year and starting the Tuesday before Labor Day um this year.
Um and then we also reviewed the board norms and procedures looking at board governance and adopting that we look to implement first. And that is it. But I need to move item A for
B B. So I have a motion. Do I have a second on item B? A second by Martha. Thank you. Any discussion on the calendar? I will say to Lauren's point back in the day and an when if Annne were still here
she would she was on the board at the time she would remember this um Jackie Swornstein used to come to every meeting and say hey I think you should put this Jewish holidays should be on the calendar she doesn't live in Lambertville anymore so
that is a decision for January Right. Jennifer Bachelor. Yes. Martha Denn. Yes. Bashetti. Brian Key. Yes. Stephki. Yes. Eron. Yes. Michael Shroud.
Lauren. My apologies to your kids. They can yell at me at the pool this summer. But yes. Ronnie Marino. Yes. And Jim Gallagher. Yeah. Uh let's see. Routine information items. Um we do have uh to report that we had
four HIB investigations in the month of November and which we discussed at the end of last month's meeting. Two were determined to actually meet the criteria for harassment intimidation bullying. Two were not. Um we also had various
safety and fire drills at the schools as listed here on the agenda. Um and that for and our enrollment report is attached to the agenda online. That brings us to the final period of public comment this evening. Um so once again public comment is open uh for any item
of interest. Um we just ask you to state your name, your municipality and uh try to limit your comments to three minutes and make them a comment to the board. Before we do that, can we just do a voice on A and B item?
Yes. proceeding along here. Yes. Um, all in favor? I. Anyone opposed? We need I not make a motion for it. That's not okay. I do it right. Okay. Can I have a motion
to accept it to approve items A and B? So move. So moved by Martha and a second, please. Second by Brian. Thank you. Now any discussion on that motion? All in favor? Anyone opposed?
Okay, public comment is now over. I'm still Lauren Brunstrom. I still live in Amberville. Um, I wanted to say something about the use of tech in the district, which I know is an issue that is a constant conversation um both as a board, as families, as people in the
world. Um uh I've been noticing um as I'm sure many of you are right that there's been some new policies this year in terms of school of phones. I I have a middle schooler and an elementary school age student. My middle schooler still, you know, is accessing the phone during
the day. There's inconsistencies in terms of the application. Um my my elementary schooler has decided he hates I Ready. Um he's announced that. Um, but I think also one thing that um I'd like to see us do and I'm so glad to see the movie on the agenda is to continue
having discussions because part of what I I sort of see two things um that I'd like to suggest the board explore and the community participate in exploring. One is that it seems like more and more the kids actually want less devices.
They want the human interaction that we had took for granted um in our development. Um and so I I wonder if the schools can become the place right where we really value that and where we consciously cultivate a space that is
focused on the hard interpersonal skills, the relationship building, the just spending time not necessarily occupied but also in creative pursuits as well. That that whole kind of fundamental that the school can be the refuge for that we need as a society.
Um, and so that's something right that's long-term and complicated, but that I open up for potentially for the board to explore. Um, and I'm happy to participate as I can as a private citizen and a parent. Um, um, and you know, in this um, having I read the
anxious generation which I recommend to everyone um, and have designed some questions for discussion around it. I'd love to engage with other members of the community and the school community with um and the other part too I wanted to say about the school is that I was really influenced by um some pieces I've
read recently uh that talk about how possibly it's not even necessarily the the the um COVID that made schools you know or tech like all the things that it's actually our regime of testing that came from No Child Left Behind that we've seen evolve um and that also came
from a an anxious society that wants evidence rate of of things and stakeholders who demand to know what's happening behind those doors. Um, so also the dissolution of trust, but I I want to um mention that I think um you know that this could be again just a
space that schools are kind of the last space where people come together from many different walks of life and with many different experiences and that if we can figure out how to value that time that we actually spend in person together that that could be an agenda to really move our community and our
schools forward. So, I just wanted to set that out maybe as a something that to um ponder and to work towards and that I'm here to help with that if I can. Dave B. We do have one online. Dave Bowmont
Westwell. As a former school board member, I want to congratulate both Jim and Kevin. You soon become members of the retired school board club did on all that Mr. Suzo shared about both you and all the comments from members of the audience. But I would like to add a special
appreciation to Jim for his 23 years of dedication to all of our community students, past and present. I particularly want to acknowledge his key role in transforming our three communities ability to deliver quality education and new opportunities and experiences for our children. Jim was a
founding member of the regionalization grassroots committee which ultimately led to the consolidation of four separate school districts into one single K12 district. And as a member of the initial regional district school board back in 2014, Jim helped make the
transformation successful. It has been an honor to have worked with you over the past many years until July retired. Um, anybody else have anything they'd like to bring this little board?
Um, with that I'll close the period of public comment. Uh, we do have a need to go into an executive session and that is again we discuss uh the HID reports that will be on the agenda for next month and I think
we're also going to talk a little bit about the Westwell school sale. Um, that that executive session will take probably about a half an hour. I don't there will be no no anticipated action after we come out of that session. Um so with that uh I'll make a motion to go
into executive session at 8:43. Well, I'll need a motion. I'm not making by Ryan. Thank you. And second, please. Second by Ronnie. Thank you. All in favor? I. Anyone oppose? Okay.