WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=dcKCF4X4RMg NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: dcKCF4X4RMg): - 00:00:00: Meeting Start, Pledge of Allegiance, and Meeting Announcement - 00:01:46: Roll Call, Minutes Approval, and Facility Use Approval - 00:03:21: Financial Report Approval and Superintendent's Report Introduction - 00:04:10: Superintendent's Report: Website, Turf Field, and Performances - 00:07:15: Superintendent's Report: Operation Laptop Drop and Curriculum Fair - 00:09:23: Superintendent's HIP Update and Public Agenda Items - 00:09:54: Public Comment Period (Agenda Items) - First Call - 00:10:47: Adopting Board Rules and Committee Reports Introduction - 00:11:41: Athletics, Buildings and Grounds, and Finance Reports - 00:14:23: Instruction Report, Negotiation, Policy, and Legislation - 00:16:17: Human Resources, Safety, and Residency Committee Reports - 00:18:45: Consent Resolution Approval and Other Committee Reports - 00:20:11: School Board Liaison, PTA Liaison, Library Reports - 00:21:47: Old/New Business, Budget Presentation, Appreciation Picnic - 00:23:44: Public Comment Period (Any Topic) - First Call - 00:24:22: Budget Approval and Budget Presentation Announcement - 00:25:11: Public Comment Period (Budget Only) - First Call - 00:26:50: Approval of Payment of Bills and Executive Session Part: 1 1 00:00:00.080 --> 00:00:19.320 for the pledge, please. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 2 00:00:20.400 --> 00:00:37.920 >> Thank you. Good evening and welcome to the South River Board of Education regular meeting of Thursday, April 30th, 2026. In compliance with the Open Public Meeting Act, chapter 231, laws of 1975 3 00:00:37.920 --> 00:00:55.039 of the state of New Jersey, adequate notice of this meeting of the South River Board of Education was provided in the following manner. On April 17, 2026, the notice was delivered to the office of the South River Burrow Clerk and 4 00:00:55.039 --> 00:01:12.320 posted at the Board of Education Administration building. On April 17th, 2026, the notice was faxed, mailed to the following newspapers: Home News Tribune. On April 17, 2026, 5 00:01:12.320 --> 00:01:29.920 the notice was posted on the district's website, sriver riverj.org, and delivered to the Department of State. Notice has also been provided that as of March 1st, 2026, all future meeting advertisements are 6 00:01:29.920 --> 00:01:46.399 posted on the district website, sriv.org, or and are no longer advertised in physical or online newspapers. Mr. Rosa, would you please call the role? >> Mr. Basak >> here. >> Mr. Budson >> here. 7 00:01:46.399 --> 00:02:01.520 >> Mrs. Bush. >> Mrs. Bush has been excused. >> Mrs. Laauo >> here. >> Mr. Nielsen >> here. >> Mr. Anway >> here. >> Mrs. Satowski >> here. >> Mrs. Youngo >> here. >> Mrs. Urbanic >> here. Shiza Hussein 8 00:02:01.520 --> 00:02:17.040 >> believe she is excused for the evening. >> We have a quorum. >> Thank you. All right. Um our business of tonight, the first is to take a look at the minutes. Mr. Rosa. 9 00:02:17.040 --> 00:02:33.040 >> So we have the premeating minutes for March 19th and the regular meeting minutes for March 23rd. >> Board members, what is your pleasure on these minutes? >> Move the reading of the minutes into the record. Is there a second on that motion? >> Second. 10 00:02:33.040 --> 00:02:50.319 >> Second by Mrs. Saddowski. Motion by Vice President Nielsen. Were there any questions on the minutes? Seeing none, all in favor? >> Thank you. We have some use of facilities. Mr. Rosa, could you tell us about them, 11 00:02:50.319 --> 00:03:06.159 please? >> So, we have number 1139, number 1143, and number 1146. Board members, what is your pleasure on the use of facilities? >> Move the use of facilities in accordance with board policies. >> We have a motion by Vice President 12 00:03:06.159 --> 00:03:21.680 Nielsen. >> Second. >> There is a second by Mrs. Saddowski. Any questions or comments on the use of facilities? All in favor? >> Thank you. At this time, we have our financial 13 00:03:21.680 --> 00:03:38.319 report. Mrs. Low. >> Thank you. Be it resolved that the board of education hereby certifies that it is in receipt of the financial reports which indicates that no major account has been overexpended and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district's financial obligations for 14 00:03:38.319 --> 00:03:54.000 the remainder of the fiscal year. The finance committee recommends that the report of the board secretary and the treasurer of school monies for February 2026 be approved and I so move. >> Thank you. We have a motion by Mrs. Low. Second. 15 00:03:54.000 --> 00:04:10.319 >> We have a second by Mr. Bezac. There any questions on the financial report? Seeing none, all in favor? >> Thank you. This time, we're going to turn the meeting over to our superintendent of schools, Dr. Zer. 16 00:04:10.319 --> 00:04:27.120 >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Vanic. Several items um on my report today. A few reminders about our website. We do continue to have our chatbot and encourage our families to use it in order to get to um different locations on our website to 17 00:04:27.120 --> 00:04:43.440 answer their questions and retrieve information. Um it's the quickest, best way to get to the information that you need from our website. I also want to remind the public that we do have a comment section. This is where we ask the community, our school community and 18 00:04:43.440 --> 00:05:00.639 otherwise to please um send us feedback, questions and so on. We do answer those within 48 hours and those comments can be sent directly to my office uh but also to different departments and schools as um parents and community 19 00:05:00.639 --> 00:05:18.000 members need. So please we encourage everyone to continuously provide us that feedback and questions through that um forum and where we can get you accurate quick responses. Um I also have a um an update on the turf heel. It is now 20 00:05:18.000 --> 00:05:34.560 completed um fully functional. We um have been using it throughout the season. We continue to use it for PE classes who are starting to go outside again for PE classes um as the weather has allowed. Um our elementary recess 21 00:05:34.560 --> 00:05:52.479 uses it. We have, you know, over 150 kids on that field every day using it for recess. So, I know it was a big investment for our um board uh and for the district, but it definitely is getting used every day and we have 22 00:05:52.479 --> 00:06:07.840 received great feedback on just its its potential in uh performing and visual arts. We continue to um to reinforce the district goal that we set for this school year in this area. Our grade five 23 00:06:07.840 --> 00:06:24.960 students and some members of our middle school chorus will be attending a program called American Young Voices. And in this program, they will be going to the credential center along with hundreds and hundreds of other schools who will be coming together to sing uh 24 00:06:24.960 --> 00:06:40.400 songs that they have been practicing and learning throughout the year. It's a really really great program that we're happy to participate. This is our first time participating. Um so we're really excited about that and our students will be doing a little bit of that 25 00:06:40.400 --> 00:06:58.080 performance during our curriculum fair of course to give uh just a taste of what they've learned to uh to our community. And then our high school um also just came back from a trip to Washington DC where they were able to perform as well as really benefit from 26 00:06:58.080 --> 00:07:15.120 uh just getting to know the the most um important sites in Washington DC and experiencing that together. So that was really exciting and this is the first um the first year that they've had the opportunity to do that as well. I want to remind the community that we have 27 00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:30.560 operation laptop drop going um where we have taken our um Chromebooks that are no longer in um in our regular fleet of use and we are um aligning those 28 00:07:30.560 --> 00:07:47.199 Chromebooks with families who um who have a financial need and can't necessarily afford that technology for themselves at home. But we know that having a device at home um is really important and having access to a device at home is is extremely 29 00:07:47.199 --> 00:08:02.400 important and helpful for our students. Uh for example, I just read uh some research about the importance and the connection between having computer access or or device access and health. Um you probably have experienced 30 00:08:02.400 --> 00:08:18.319 yourself that many people now feature their health portals through an online system right to get test results um to get access to appointments and so on. So something as small as that can really improve the lives of our families who are the medias. And so we're really 31 00:08:18.319 --> 00:08:34.240 happy to continue um this initiative and put those laptops that are no longer in our fleet and usable for us into the good use of of our families. And of course, we have our curriculum fair coming up. Um, I continue to remind the the community about this. We are so 32 00:08:34.240 --> 00:08:50.880 excited uh and really have just great opportunities for families to come in, see all of the wonderful things that students have been learning and doing in our schools all year. Um, our robotics team will be present again. We have our petting zoo, which is backed by popular 33 00:08:50.880 --> 00:09:07.120 demand, even though we had a rainy one last year. We have our health fair uh and food trucks over at the ELC and our art show happening at the elementary and middle school cafeteria. So, we really encourage we always have great attendance uh at this event and we know 34 00:09:07.120 --> 00:09:23.920 this year will be um just as well attended also. And just a a reminder that we did have to change the date to that and it is Friday, May 22nd from 5 to 7 p.m. and we encourage everyone to attend. Also on my superintendence 35 00:09:23.920 --> 00:09:38.720 report, uh we are asking the board to take action on a confirmed HIP and that information is um is for your viewing as well. And so conclude my report. >> Thank you, Dr. Zer. Do any board members 36 00:09:38.720 --> 00:09:54.640 have any questions or comments on Dr. Zer's report? >> Okay. Sorry, Vice President. >> None tonight. >> Okay. Thank you. At this time, we are now going to open 37 00:09:54.640 --> 00:10:09.760 up the meeting for the reception of visitors. This is so the public may address agenda items only. There will be another public portion later on in the meeting to address any items of interest 38 00:10:09.760 --> 00:10:25.839 to the board of ed in addition to a special public session for the uh budget once that is on the agenda. So, if anyone from the public would like to address agenda 39 00:10:25.839 --> 00:10:47.760 items, please come to the microphone, state your name and address, and please keep your comments to a three minute time limit. And this is on first call and on second call and third call. 40 00:10:47.760 --> 00:11:05.600 Seeing no one, we will move on in our meeting and close this public portion. Under president of the board, there are a few items adopting the rules for the governing board for the 2627 school year. uh the approval of designated 41 00:11:05.600 --> 00:11:23.839 newspapers for the 2627 school year and the designated tax shelter annuity companies for 2627 school year and also I believe all the board members got a chance to look at the updates on the 42 00:11:23.839 --> 00:11:41.040 progress toward the board goals for 2526 you had an opportunity to comment on them uh or maybe we're moving in the right direction. Are there any questions or comments on any of that? 43 00:11:41.040 --> 00:11:57.920 >> Okay, then uh moving on to our committee reports. Our first committee is our athletics and extracurricular. Mr. Budsen, >> there's nothing on the agenda, just a report that uh Michael Woodpor became the winningest baseball coach in South 44 00:11:57.920 --> 00:12:13.920 Rivers history. Uh, the boys baseball team won their division and looks like the girls has a shot at it, too. >> So, that's all I have. >> Thank you. Sounds that way that they are doing great what you said. >> Uh, buildings and grounds, Vice 45 00:12:13.920 --> 00:12:28.959 President Nielsen. >> Thank you, Madam President. Mr. Johnson's report is uh in the monthly report and other than that, I have nothing to report this evening, Madam President. >> Thank you. Uh, finance, Mrs. Low. >> Thank you. Uh, I'd like to provide a 46 00:12:28.959 --> 00:12:48.800 brief summary of all of our items and then I need to ask Mr. Rosa a question based on what was written here because it says 8.1 through 8.25, but I should say 8.2, correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. I want >> You're recommending the whole thing as 47 00:12:48.800 --> 00:13:03.360 the finance chair. You're recommending the whole thing, but we're not voting on it till 8. >> Okay. So, I could still say 8.1. All right. I just want to make sure. I wrote my notes here and then I looked at that and I wanted to make sure they they were in sync. >> I won't say it on the console. >> Makes perfect sense. Thank you. Uh so 48 00:13:03.360 --> 00:13:19.440 for finance um the agenda includes key financial actions including health benefits plans, tax requisition and line items and continued partnerships for food service, professional services and staffing. Additional items support student services and programming through 49 00:13:19.440 --> 00:13:34.720 contracts for special education evaluations, bilingual and related services, dual enrollment, professional development and technology upgrades, including network improvements, and IEP management systems. And the agenda also includes acceptance of grants and 50 00:13:34.720 --> 00:13:50.639 donations, facility and infrastructure upgrades, and operational enhancements to ensure the district remains well resourced and responsive to student and community needs. Having said that, the finance committee after reviewing all items on this month's agenda and upon 51 00:13:50.639 --> 00:14:07.199 recommendation of the superintendent recommends approval of items 8.1 through 8.25 with additional items 8.26 through 8.35 on the agenda as listed including routine items and I so move. 52 00:14:07.199 --> 00:14:23.920 >> Thank you, Mrs. L. Do any board members have anything to discuss for the finance items? Seeing none, would you please continue with the instruction report? >> Yes. Thank you. >> Um, as uh Miss Bush does, I'd like to 53 00:14:23.920 --> 00:14:41.360 stay in sync with her um process. So, for instruction, the agenda includes Oopsies, hold on. instruction. Uh, this agenda includes items to be approved such as professional development, travel, field 54 00:14:41.360 --> 00:14:57.440 trips, a partnership agreement with Ryder University, student observers and interns, and the adoption of new high school business textbook to support our curriculum and instruction. Ongoing district efforts continue to strengthen teaching and learning through targeted professional development for 55 00:14:57.440 --> 00:15:14.720 multilingual learners, enhanced safety training, standards align instruction, and the use of small groupoup data-driven instructional practices. The district is also preparing for summer programming, future professional development planning and the upcoming school year through course development, 56 00:15:14.720 --> 00:15:30.560 scheduling, and expanded academic opportunities to support student achievement and readiness through Dr. Travisano's uh department. Having said that, the instruction committee after reviewing all items on this month's agenda and upon recommendation of the 57 00:15:30.560 --> 00:15:45.680 superintendent recommends approval of the items 9.1 through 9.4 with additional item 9.5 on the agenda as listed including routine items. And I so move. 58 00:15:45.680 --> 00:16:00.959 >> Thank you, Mrs. L. Any item any uh items to discuss under instruction? >> Thank you. Uh there are no items under negotiation. Our next report will be our policy and legislation committee. Mr. 59 00:16:00.959 --> 00:16:17.040 Aludway, >> the policy and legislation committee after review on all items on this month's agenda and upon recommendation of the superintendent recommends approval of the items 11.1 through 11.2. 60 00:16:17.040 --> 00:16:34.639 with no additional items on the agendas listed, including items. >> Thank you. Any discussion on any of the policy and legislation items? Okay. Thank you. Our next committee report is Mr. Bezac, human resources. 61 00:16:34.639 --> 00:16:52.240 >> Thank you, Mr. Bann. The human resources committee after reviewing all items on this month's agenda and upon recommendation of the superintendent recommends approval of the items 12.1 through 12.16 with no additional items on the agenda as listed including routine items 62 00:16:52.240 --> 00:17:09.600 >> board members. Anything on the human resources? >> I have uh >> sure comment. the um retirement teachers. Um if you read their letters of retirement, they speak highly of the staff uh from from the top on down and 63 00:17:09.600 --> 00:17:24.799 how much they enjoyed working within the district and the camaraderie that they have with um with within it and you know how they were helped along their careers and everything. And it it really is nice to read um that they enjoyed working 64 00:17:24.799 --> 00:17:41.600 here for some 21 years, some 34 years, whatever it was. >> It is nice and I I think we should let the public know that they did enjoy their time here and we thank them and congratulate them and I I hope that their retirements are healthy and long. That's all I have. 65 00:17:41.600 --> 00:17:56.799 >> Thank you. Our next uh item on tonight's agenda is our safety and risk management committee report. Mrs. Saddowski. >> Thank you. The safety and risk management committee after reviewing all items on this month's agenda and upon 66 00:17:56.799 --> 00:18:13.200 recommendation of the superintendent recommends approval of item 13.1 with no additional items on the agenda as listed, including routine items. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any discussion on the safety and risk management items? 67 00:18:13.200 --> 00:18:28.559 >> Okay, we're going to turn this over now to Miss Yong Yao for the residency. >> Thank you. >> report. The residency committee after reviewing all items on this month's agenda and upon recommendation of the superintendent recommends approval of the item 14.1 with no additional items 68 00:18:28.559 --> 00:18:45.120 on the agenda as listed including routine items. >> Thank you. Any questions, comments, or discussion on the residency report. >> All right, then we are ready for the consent resolution. Mr. Rose, >> the South River Board of Education by 69 00:18:45.120 --> 00:19:00.720 means of a consent resolution adopt various resolutions of a routine and non-controversial nature at one time and whereas the below listed resolutions are hereby adopted by the said board of education and whole as if the same were individually acted upon and those are 70 00:19:00.720 --> 00:19:20.559 under superintendent 3.1 to 3.2 under president of the board 5.1 to 5.4 under finance 8.2 2 through 8.35. Under instruction 9.1 through 9.5 under policy and legislation 11.1 71 00:19:20.559 --> 00:19:37.919 through 11.2 under human resources 12.1 to 12.16 under safety and risk management 13.1 and under residency 14.1. >> Thank you. Is there a motion on the consent resolution? >> Neielson move the consent resolution is 72 00:19:37.919 --> 00:19:54.240 read. We have a motion by Vice President Nielsson. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second by Mrs. Le. Are there any additional questions on any items on the consent resolution? All in favor? 73 00:19:54.240 --> 00:20:11.600 >> Thank you. All the items do pass. We are going to continue on with our other committee reports at this time. The first being the school board burough council liaison committee. Vice President Nielsen, >> I have nothing to report, but Mr. Dazi 74 00:20:11.600 --> 00:20:26.960 is in the audience tonight. Hank, I'll be going through Mr.'s report here and I'll send you some things that maybe you can talk about at your meeting next. >> Have a good day, bud. That's all I have, Madam President. >> Thank you. PTA lia is on. Mrs. Saddowski, 75 00:20:26.960 --> 00:20:42.720 >> thank you. I do have some updates um for the primary ELC and the annex PTA. your spring um yearbooks are on sale. Um the book fair did occur this week. I believe the last day is tomorrow. Um everybody's already planning for funday at both 76 00:20:42.720 --> 00:20:58.159 schools, both at primary and at elementary. And the primary ELC and Annex PTA are looking for donations to stock the teachers lounges for teacher appreciation week. Um again, elementary 77 00:20:58.159 --> 00:21:14.799 books are on sale, planning for fun day, and I do believe they're having a flower sale next week for Mother's Day. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. And our South River Public Library liaison, Mr. Budsen, >> the Friends of the Library had your 78 00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:32.000 semianual book sale last week and they raised $1,700. Oh, >> and they'd like to thank the board for putting in the RAM. Uh upcoming events, just today we're having a trivia night. May 4th is Star War Star Wars Party and 79 00:21:32.000 --> 00:21:47.760 an adult plant bingo. May 14th is a mindful reading. May 19th, the silver spoon cooking demo. Uh you're also starting your master plan and if you 80 00:21:47.760 --> 00:22:05.200 look in the Facebook for the uh there's a link to for residents to take part in it. That's all I have. >> Thank you, Mr. goes in. Uh is there any old or new business to come before the board at this time? >> I have one thing um if you don't mind. 81 00:22:05.200 --> 00:22:19.760 No. >> On um on May 15th, uh we have an early release day for our students. The staff will be convening on that day. teachers and staff will be convening all together where I will do a presentation uh 82 00:22:19.760 --> 00:22:36.960 regarding our budget for 2627 school year as well as um an introduction to new initiatives and our direction for the upcoming school year. Um but then also on that day we will be holding our um appreciation picnic um where we are 83 00:22:36.960 --> 00:22:53.520 inviting members of the community um our first responders for example who work with us throughout the supporting the needs of our students in our schools as well as um the council is invited as well. Um our PTAs and we do want to 84 00:22:53.520 --> 00:23:10.080 thank um SA our PTAs and Nashios for the donations that they have provided towards this pit. Um it's a great event. We hold it in our high school courtyards and um the board of course is invited as well. You will be receiving your 85 00:23:10.080 --> 00:23:26.400 invitation. Um, and it's a it's a great opportunity for everybody to convene on this day since May 15th. >> Thank you, Dr. Zer. You started this tradition and as everyone knows, South River is just steeped in tradition and 86 00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:44.320 uh it's a very nice one. Thank you for adding to that. Our attorney, Mr. Parton, is there anything to report? >> We have one item for executive session. >> Okay. Thank you. So, uh, as I mentioned before, this is 87 00:23:44.320 --> 00:24:01.919 now another public session and this is the time where anyone in the public may address any concern or comment that they have for the board. Again, please come to the microphone, state your name and address, and please keep your comments 88 00:24:01.919 --> 00:24:22.320 to a threeminut time limit. And this will be the first call. second call and the third call for this public session. This public session is now closed and at this time I am going to turn this over 89 00:24:22.320 --> 00:24:38.640 to our finance chair, Mrs. Lel for item 24, approval of the budget. >> Thank you very much. Be it resolved that the finance committee upon recommendation of the superintendent recommends that the 2627 90 00:24:38.640 --> 00:24:57.039 budget be approved in accordance with NJSA 18A 7F-5 and 18A7F-6 and I so move. So we're going to go into a roll call, right? >> Yeah. Second. >> Okay. >> Okay. We have a motion by Mrs. L. Is 91 00:24:57.039 --> 00:25:11.039 there a second? >> Second. Second by Vice President Nielsen. There any questions on this budget? >> Are we open to the public again? >> Yes. I would like to open this up to the 92 00:25:11.039 --> 00:25:28.000 public. This is for any comments on the budget only. We want to give ample time for public comment. And this will be if you do again if you do come to the mic please state your name and address and please keep your comments to a three 93 00:25:28.000 --> 00:25:45.840 minute time limit uh on first call for the budget. Second call and third call this public portion is closed. We have a motion. We have a second. No board questions. Mr. Rosa, 94 00:25:45.840 --> 00:26:02.240 would you please call the role? >> Mr. Bzac. Yes, >> Mr. Budson. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Laauo. >> Yes, >> Mr. Nielsen. >> Yes, >> Mr. On Woodway. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Saddowski. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Youngo. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Arbanic. >> Yes. >> Motion pass. 95 00:26:02.240 --> 00:26:18.320 >> Thank you. We have a budget. Thank you. >> We do. And I do want to um tell the public that the budget presentation will be posted on our website tomorrow. Uh this year's budget presentation is posted with um a narrated version. It's 96 00:26:18.320 --> 00:26:35.600 a 12minute version um that really gives you the highlights and a summary of that budget um created uh with the assistance of AI. Um and I do want to thank our technology department specifically Mr. Stumpora who um who really helped us uh 97 00:26:35.600 --> 00:26:50.720 put that together and add that to this budget. So that will be posted for the public tomorrow and um we encourage everyone to please visit and uh look at that budget presentation. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh at this time we have 98 00:26:50.720 --> 00:27:08.000 another item on the agenda for Mrs. Lel and that would be the payment of bills. >> The finance committee recommends that all bills presented having been certified by the school business administrator board secretary be paid as listed and I so move. >> We have a motion by Mrs. Low. Second. We 99 00:27:08.000 --> 00:27:25.440 have a second by Mrs. Saddowski. Are there any questions on any of the bills? >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. At this time, the board is going to go into close session. 100 00:27:25.440 --> 00:27:40.159 Be it resolved that pursuant to sections seven and eight of the open public meetings act, the following subjects be discussed at a session of the board of education closed to the public. And these items are attorney client 101 00:27:40.159 --> 00:27:55.520 privilege and personnel. It is presently anticipated that the items to be discussed in close session can be disclosed to the public when resolved. Is there a motion? >> Neielson. >> Motion by Vice President Nielsen. Second. 102 00:27:55.520 --> 00:28:02.000 >> Second by Miss Young. All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you.