meeting to order. Can I get a roll call, please? Men >> here. Mrs. Deli is not here. Mr. Gio >> here. >> Mr. Little >> here. >> Mrs. Morocco here. Mrs. Simmons here. >> Mrs. Malone here. >> Mrs. Oi here. Mrs. Space
>> here. We have a quum. Thank you. Please join me in the flag. >> I aliance 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. The New Jersey open public's meeting law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to adv have advanced notice of and to attend the meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting their interests is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of the act, the Sussex Regional School
District Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting to be published by having the date, time, and place there uh posted in the school building and notice of said meeting sent to the New Jersey Herald and the Starlighter. The Sussex Mage Regional School District is a responsive, caring, child- centered
community. Our mission is to educate each individual to become a competent, competent, long life learner and productive, responsible citizen by providing challenging opportunities in the safe environment through a partnership of families, schools, and communities. We will now move on to the
report of the Superintendent of Schools. >> Thank you. And we have a short presentation by uh public health nursing on BMI. I'd like to invite Moren up. Good evening everyone. Thank you for having me here this evening. My name is
Moreni. I'm a public health nurse with Sussex County Division of Health. I'm also the coordinator of the Sussex War and Chronic Disease Coalition and a member of the Sussex
County Child Health Crisis Work group, which was originally called the Child Obesity Work. So, I just wanted to give you some information on the work we did. Um, some handouts for you did have them. Um,
so in October 2019, some organizations came together through Atlantic Health System at the time and we formed the nurse North Jersey Health Collaborative. Um there was a lot of duplication and um
with different departments, entities doing health assessments and planning and implementation activities across the county. So the group set out to coordinate efforts and resources of
public health, healthc care, and other organizations to maximize our impact to improve the health status of our communities. In 2015, for the first time, we pulled together partners to conduct
conduct the first shared community health needs assessment in Sussex County. Obesity was one of the health issues identified in the needs assessment. We complete the needs assessment and this is something the state health
requires. We do a community health improvement plan. So we're not just going to say where problems are but we have to start actively working on making change and improvement in health. So this is called community health
improvement plan or the chip. Child health obesity was brought up and chosen um because we're you know in able to be able to look at your work and show whether you're making a difference, you
have to have and we knew that the school nurses collected heights and weights every year. So um We developed a um an Excel sheet that was taken from the CDC and were able
without any names. It was, you know, it was just children's age, you know, the date of birth, the date the screening was done, their height, their weight, and it would calculate the BMI percentage, the obesity, you know, we know obesity
epidemic is one of the greatest public health, social and e economic challenges of the 21st century. It's a serious health condition. Um and and it it it impacts not only the child
as as children but into adulthood. Um you know I have one of the handouts is preventing um cancer in adulthood and healthy way is one of
the recommendations they make. So and and also childhood obesity can lead to poor self-esteem and depression which can become a factor in substance use disorders.
So we begin our mi our mission to combat the obesity epidemic with the childhood obesity concentrating on grades K to six where we are seeing about a third of the children in this category are overweight
or obese. We've been collecting annually the BMI data from the school nurses. it's it's not not required to do it but you know we
in order to do this work we need um the cooperation of the school district. So, as a school board, I'm reaching out to um ask for your support of this program
as we um did a study in 2023 utilizing all of the BMI data we had collected through the years. Our first was uh 20 16 and 17.
Um after we had an analysis done after the 20 22 to 23 school year uh we had it professionally analyzed and we found that obesity
starts at 8.3 years. So we're now concentrating on our preschool um to start early >> and Um, we also have a program for the teachers.
It's called teachers in the garden. And we've had the elementary school teachers come and do it twice a year. Now we're concentrating on preschool teachers and trying to give them some ideas on how to implement implement nutrition into
everyday curricula. So, you know, it's it's important we all work together as a team um for the health of our kids and and our, you know, future adults.
Um we have the Sussex County Child Health Crisis Work Group is collaborating with more than 17 county agencies and organizations. We have recre university
um is working with us. The nursing um PhD students have been coming in and doing some classes or programs in the schools. Um
so you know again it's great work we're doing and it's all for it's all for you you the community. Um, we also need to see that childhood obesity rates were higher in the
communities with families living with lower income levels. So, um, you I know you have the data related to your schools. I just want to state that um
in the Sussex Wantage District, Wantage School is at 44%. It's one of the highest in county. Um so, you know, we we've implemented a
preschool newsletter. I believe a copy here for you to see that we send out. It goes to all of the private daycarees and it goes to all the schools with the preschool program and also recommend it goes out to kindergarten and first graders. So, your school nurses have
received it and I've heard back from some of them and they're including it. Um it's it's something else other work that they don't have to do because we we send it to them once a month. Um with this um
we partner with Weiss Markets which has a registered dietician who does all the the work to uh put put the handout together and it addresses nutrition and physical activity just easy to read
ideas for families. Um sorry try to keep it short. So looking through um so you know members of the work group also include school nurses, physical
education teachers, the Sussex County Hunger and Health Coalition, New Medical Center, Sussex County School Superintendent, district superintendence, I mentioned the Rutgers University
School of Nursing, Zall Health SNAPED, which by the way is kind of a chopping block with with some of the changes in funding a concern um for our community. We're trying to figure out how to keep
it going. Pop-up markets, you know, we're trying to make healthy foods and the knowledge to use to use it accessible to families. Uh we have on October 28th a workshop
coming up for teachers in the garden. Um through the work group and we work with the representative of agriculture um at the county fair and also the state agricultural
representatives. Then I have this one hand out about cancer prevention begins early a healthy diet. Um so I know know there was you know some
talk about birthday parties and celebrations and you know of course you support non food incentives. I have some information about that here. I have a little form. So even if it's not
birthday celebrations, if it's food focused, at the very least instead of celebrating individual birthdays doing the birthday, in some schools they have parents come in and do an activity with
the, you know, with the kids. Um, so This is our healthy news. It's nice and bright. You know, we just want to, you know, some say why through the schools we have
enough to do, but we also know that the kids they all go to school and we have access to parents and families. So any questions that I can
what does that news get sent out? >> It it usually gets sent out in the beginning of the month. So >> does September been sent out? >> Yes. I know it went out to another school word and
>> school prek >> prek and kindergarten and first grade included in their newsletter. So it's you know something else that they have for families that they don't have to provide. So you again you get a chance
to see it and um yeah just here to give you another another thought another idea. It's always good to have different views perceptions to make a decision. So
>> thank you so much. >> I want thank you for having me and I only have 10 copies. So somebody Thank you. >> And there's also the food allergies and concerns with that
consideration. >> Thank you. >> That's all I have. [Laughter] All right. At this time, we will move on to audience remarks. Members of the audience are invited to make brief
comments about items on this agenda and matters of interest to the district. Do you have any public comments 898 Green Hill Road? Um, I went to back to school night last night and I found out from I have a third grader and a fifth grader and I
found out that we are getting limited to one field trip per grade per year. Is that accurate information? >> I think defining field trip as like we have to go out for a commercial bus. Yes. Um, and that's because
transportation is very constrained. But if the teacher um submits information in advanced notice, the transportation coordinator is going to work diligently to try to arrange more local trips. So for example, like our school came through with
I want to say Apple thinking Yeah. Right. >> So we have buses available right now. I think we're down to three units. So it's very >> So are they are are they district class buses or they >> those three are so they and they're committed to also doing transportation runs for like going home coming school.
>> Okay. >> So she can't let those out in mass. So if you can I I forget the time frames. If you can have your trip back maybe before like 1:30 that kind of thing um then we can give you access to it. And I think I think she can accommodate 90 students for those types of things. But
it's got to be local >> and it has to be local. >> Yeah. for those. Everything else we're going to have to go out contracted buses. So that's where the limitation comes from. >> Like did has Well, I guess I should have um has there been any like reaching out
to like other buzz companies or like right this is like the first time I've heard this and I usually come to most meetings obviously. You all know me. Um, so is this like the fir Like I was shocked. Like I'm not gonna lie. I was I was shocked. I was like what? I was like
one like one field trip and um so I'm just kind of surprised as to why like this wasn't discussed or why it wasn't brought up to the community, you know? Like I know for fifth grade like KDfield like that's a big like family thing. Like we went with Ethan. Like I
know I have an eighth grader who talks to his siblings and was like, "Oh, wait till you go to this." last year. I don't think Tyler went to the Wolf Preserve. I think that was fourth grade. I don't know. I get them all messed up. Like I know space farms because that's like museums that go there. So, it's like I don't mess that up. But, um like they
didn't go to like the Wolf Preserve and they didn't there was just certain things that they didn't do. And then my other fear is that it's okay, you get the bus lined up, but then what about I called two field trips of no nurse? So, is there a way that we can reach out to
like our substitute nurses and say like these are our field trip dates? Like maybe get those dates done in the beginning of the year and get them booked so that then you can get your substitute teacher or your substitute nurse booked or whoever has to go on the trip like >> and kind of go like that. Like I think
if I'm not mistaken I believe like Sussex Tech and Charter like they do a thing where like the kids have a fundraiser then they have like a little fund where like some of that money goes to different things and that's how they pay for stuff. Like if we're in a financial strapping to where we have to
cut field trips, then I feel that maybe we need to like look at other options, you know, kind of like be a little more proactive with stuff, you know, like for example, like we everybody got an email about like the TAs and there's a shortage for that. Like I'm not sure why
they didn't go out like say maybe during the summer like to give people ideas like oh hey like you know yeah like a part-time job that wouldn't be bad you know now it's like gets it and then it to me it kind of looks bad out in the community that like oh must be like they're sending it to the parents now like what's going on. >> Yeah.
>> You know like and I'm substitute teacher and I have like I'm not trying to knock the district. I'm just saying if we could be proactive and maybe get more people involved and get like, you know, different ideas, you know, did we reach out to, you know, another bus company,
you know, did we um a parent said last night in classroom like what happens if a family wants to donate money, you know, like how do we go about in doing this? Because I know that like, okay, fine, middle school, like they have their big trips, but they're big trips, like they're big field trips for them.
Um, but for the little kids, like that's a big thing to one of the field trips. Like some kids don't ever ride buses. Like they get to ride a bus going on a field trip. I know it sounds dumb, but it's all a part of school, too, >> you know? Like some kids can't go to the stadium because their parents don't have money to go to a baseball game, so they
get to do it through school. So like for those kids, like it's kind of a big deal, you know? Like for us it's like oh okay well you know field trips or oh we don't have busing but why can't we call up maybe a bus driver that did retire and say hey like do you want to drive a
bus for our field trips you know like I mean that's just I don't think they should be limited to one that's just my second >> are there any other public comments Glenn, Sussex, New Jersey, Grove Street.
Um, I just wanted to thank Moren again, fiance for coming and talking to you guys. Um, and just, you know, I wanted to give you my perspective. I've been here, this is my 27th year, and, um, you know, I really have found that the birthday celebrations have become a real
issue in our district. and looking at the BMI data, you know, and looking at the data really at my school at Wage. Um, you know, we're really I really want the board to consider doing non-food items. We have Sparta Township and Vernon who are the two biggest districts
in the county. We're third. Um, they don't allow any food at all. They do all non-food stuff for parties and celebrations. You know, we can encourage the teachers to have a birthday celebration a month. Celebrate everybody's birthday. Go out and have a game of kickball. one team against another class. You know, there's, you
know, go out on a scavenger hunt, have them find things outside while they're doing something active. I mean, we announce their birthdays in the morning. They sing happy birthday in the classrooms. It just doesn't have to involve food. I mean, I have two parents that, you know, came to me that said they were very
extremely worried every day about their two boys coming to my building at third grade and they have such severe allergies. They're allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, and egg. One kid has an egg allergy and most of my egg allergies they can eat baked goods but this kid can't have anything that has an egg ingredient and there's a lot of
stuff out there that have egg in it and his mother's like what if somebody brings in something and I don't know about it then my son has to be excluded he has to sit there and watch everybody else eat and you know and I if I knew about it ahead of time you know I could send in something special for him but you know parents don't always give us a
heads up I mean I had somebody walk in with cupcakes on Monday and said you know we want to have a birthday celebration And there there were all allergies in the class and it was very difficult. >> So I we just you know I know you know the nurses we've met with the board in
the past and we try to go over our nutrition policy and another part of the policy says it's my job to police the food that goes into the classrooms and to be honest my liability insurance told me never to do that because if something happens I'm liable and it shouldn't be
my responsibility. I have so much going on in the building that if I make a mistake and let something go in a classroom that hurts a child, I would never forgive myself. So, I'm just asking for your support and your help and you know, we know that, you know, we can help these kids. Now, I mean, public
health is going to do another BMI study to see if any of the things that they've been doing, the YMCA opened up, you know, the memberships to the middle school age kids population. You know, there's things out there that this coalition has done. They've had a lot of health fairs and activities for the kids. Um, you know, I think we need to
jump on board and focus on healthy options for these kids. And, you know, I mean, there's 25 27 kids in a class. It's 27 cupcake cupcakes a year. Plus, you add all the holidays, Halloween and Christmas and Easter and Valentine's Day and St. Patty's Day, you know, end of
year school celebrations. I mean, the list goes on and on and on. Um, it just, you know, I just wanted to give you my words and my wisdom and thank you for listening. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Do we have any more public comments? >> Seeing none, we'll move on to the board secretary certification. Pursuant to NJAC 6A23A6.103, 103. I certify that as of August 31st, 2025, no line item count has
incumbrances the expenditures which in total exceed the line item appropriation in violation of the JC 6A 22 a 16.1. Thank you. We will move on to the approval of board minutes for August 28,
2025 regular and executive session. I I wasn't sure if you need to do the motion first. So, there is going to be a correction on the regular session minutes on the attendance. That'll be corrected before they're posted online. Thank you. Can I get a motion?
>> Thank you. And a second. >> Second with the correct. >> Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Larry, >> yes. >> Mr. Little, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jini, >> yes. >> Mr. Gashon, >> same. >> Mrs. Morocco. Yes, Mrs. Simmons.
Mrs. Bone. >> Yes, Mrs. Space. >> Yes. Thank you. On to the executive session. Um, the first one we do have to go into >> say about an hour. about an hour. >> Legal personnel
pursuant to NJSA 104-12B, the SA County Regional Board of Education may exclude the public from that portion of a public meeting in which the board discusses any of the matters described at NJSA 104-12B 1-9. Now therefore it be resolved that
the Sussex County Regional Board of Education shall enter into close session to discuss legal and personnel matters. Now therefore be further resolved by the Sussex Regional Board of Education that pursuant to NJSA 10 boardb the time when the circumstances under which the
discussion conducted in close session can be disclosed to the public is when the need for confidentiality no longer exists. >> Yes. Okay. Can I get a motion? >> Thank you. I have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I know. Um, thank you for waiting. At this time, we move on to the presentation of agenda items. >> Thank you. Under personnel, I'd like to move items 1 through 21, pulling 3, 10,
and 15. They're revised on the agenda. Can I get a motion? >> A motion. >> Thank you. A second. >> Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Oar. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Simmons. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Dash. >> Yes. >> Mr. Little. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Morocco. >> Yes. Mrs. Hi. Abstaining from number 14. Miranda. Short. Yes. To the rest. This is yes motion
under policy motion discussion. >> A second. >> I'll second. >> Any discussion? >> Um can we discuss number two? The anti-bullying.
Is that everything that we got? Is that public? Is that >> Yeah, I think it's part of the attachments on the board on the website. >> Um, it's clear that we need some training because I think in those three
um for each school I think is lacking in that. So, what are we going to do to get a score of three instead of two for the um training needs? and I can pull where >> yeah I I I I don't I mean you're more
than welcome to but I think that uh Mr. Gregory and the ruling quarter is very reflective with the principles when they make these assessments on what we can do uh to enhance things. So it's not necessarily that they perceive a deficiency. There's also the notion that if you start giving yourself perfect scores and things
it prompts questions about you know are you perfect? Should we come in and look at that? So, we're always seeking to grow um expanding our our teacher training through like our anti-bullying specialists in the school probably most effective, but you know, I don't have the figures right in front of me, but if
you remember, the board was very helpful last year or was the year before that, I think it's last year where we modified the policies to give the district a little more discretion over um bullying investigations and some new personnel in particular at the middle
school. we really cut those numbers down substantially and that's something that we look at and say well hey that's great. >> So I just noticed that it was mostly in other staff instruction and training program. So I was just wondering >> does every teacher and staff member in
the building have to do required >> it is so >> maybe >> I mean that that was just me. Yeah, I'll I'll take it >> looking at the other staff and training because that's where it was >> similar in each school lacking.
>> Yeah, >> I'll take that back to the team. >> Yeah. >> Mr. Mr. Chini, >> yes. >> Mr. Gashion, >> yes. >> Mr. Little, >> yes. >> Mr. Morocco. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Simmons.
>> Yes. >> Mrs. Malone. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Space. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Under finance. I like to move by 12. >> Motion. >> Thank you. Second. >> I'll second.
>> Thank you. Any discussion? >> Mr. S. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chini. >> Yes. >> Mr. Geron. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Morocco. >> Yes. >> Mr. Balloon. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Barry. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Yes. Motion carries.
>> Under curriculum, I like it number one. >> Motion. Thank you. A second. >> I'll second. >> Thank you. Any discussion? >> Mrs. Morocco. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gon. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Cheney. >> Yes. >> Mr. Little. >> Yes.
>> Mrs. Simmons. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Malone. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Yes. Mrs. States. >> Yes. >> Motion carry. >> I'm referring to the agenda under personnel. 2013. >> I get a motion. >> A motion
also. >> Any discussion? >> Roel. >> Mrs. Oar. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Simmons. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ger. >> Yes. >> Mr. Middle. >> Yes. >> Mr. Morocco. >> Yes. Mrs. >> Yes. Mrs.
>> Yes. Under finance. I like items 1 through five. Can I get a motion? >> Motion. >> Thank you. A second. >> Thank you. Any discussion?
>> Mr. Geron, >> yes. >> Mr. Little, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jini, >> yes. >> Mrs. Morocco, >> yes. >> Mrs. Simmons, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mrs. Oar, >> yes. >> Mrs. Space, >> yes. Motion carries. Under special services, I like ite.
>> Can I get a motion? >> Thank you. A second. >> Thank you. Any discussion? >> Roll call. >> Mr. Little. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Simmons. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chaini. >> Yes. >> Mr. Dashion. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Morocco. >> Yes.
>> Mrs. Balone. >> Yes. Mrs. Oar. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Space. >> Yes. Motion carries. And under curriculum, I'd like to move. >> Make a motion. >> Thank you. A second. >> I'll second.
>> Thank you. Any discussion? >> Mrs. Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Morocco. >> Yes. Mrs. Simmons. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mrs. >> Yes. Car.
>> And referring to addendum number two, hand carried, Mrs. will read for the record. >> It is recommended that the board approve the following resolution. Whereas on September 18th, 2025, a residence hearing was held by the board of education in close session during which
a carefully considered information presented regarding the eligibility of student numbers 5170,5474 and 5475 to attended schools. And now therefore be it further resolved that following such hearing in deliberation,
the board hereby authorizes the removal of student numbers 51705474 and 5475 from its school for not being doiciled within its school district as required by NJSA 18A 38-1A
and be it further resolved that in accordance with NJAC 6A22-6- 6.1 um and and we would never know what. Thank you. Uh, the board of education
hereby authorizes the assessment of tuition and other costs enforcable in accordance with NJSA2A- 5810 for each day of ineligible attendance for the 2025 2026 school year by student number 5170
at the perdeed tuition rate of 11184 $111.84 84 for the 25 2025 2022 school year and by student numbers 5474 and 5475 at the
perime tuition rate of $12.14 each for the 200 2025 2026 school year and any other costs incurred by the district to educate the students mentioned above and be for the resolve that the board secretary is directed I directed to notify all individuals
affected by this decision of the board's determination. So we need a a motion motion. >> Thank you. A second. >> I'll second.
>> Thank you. Roll call. Discussion. >> Roll call. >> Mrs. Chini. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gon. >> Yes. >> Mr. Little. >> Yes. >> Mr. Morocco. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Simmons. >> Yes. >> Mrs. alone. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ory. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Yes.
At this time, we will move on to unfinished business. Anyone have any unfinished business they'd like to discuss? Seeing none, we'll move on to new business. Does anyone have any new business they'd like to discuss? Seeing none, we'll move on to audience
remarks. Members of the audience are invited to make three comments about items on this agenda and matters of interest to the district. Do we have any audience remarks? >> Nope. >> Sure. >> Yeah.
>> Um, seeing none, we will move on. We do not need to go into executive session. >> Okay. Can I get a motion? [Laughter]
>> Can I get a motion for adjournment? Motion. >> Thank you. A second. >> Thank you. All in favor say I. Any else?