Second event, Miss Brock. Wow. Mr. Maggley Mr. Cino Mr. Fischer here Mr. Krauss here Miss Pellet here Mr. Sweeney here Mello
here Mr. are in. We have a recommended that the board enter close session for the purposes of discussing legal personnel and student matters. A motion. So moved. Second. Second. All in favor?
very close to going to call to order. We're going to uh it's recommended that the board return to open session. I don't know how to make Did I get an Good evening everyone. We're going to get started if you don't mind quieting
down just a tad. Thank you. It's great to have you all here tonight. All right. It's recommended that the board return to open session. Can I get a motion? So moved. Second. Okay. Can I get a roll call?
Oh, all in favor? I'm sorry. I roll call. Oh, do you want to do all in favor? I just I get all in favor and I got a couple eyes. Did I get five? I Okay. Now, um but we do need to roll call for the record who's here.
Miss Brock, Mr. Smagia here, Mr. Cino here, Mr. Fischer here, Mr. Krauss here, Miss Plet here, Mr. Sweeney here, Miss Aarella here, Mr. Zimmerman, Miss Ganella here. We have a quorum.
Thank you. Please rise and join me for the pledge to the flag of the United States of America, to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Thank you. Item G, Mr. slam a reading of the meeting notice. The New Jersey open public meetings law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advanced notice of and to attend the meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting their interest is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with provisions of the act,
Vernon Township Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting to be published. Inadequate notice has been provided and notice this meeting has been properly posted in accordance with the New Jersey Open Public Law. Uh just a quick note, our next public session will be Thursday, June 12th. Thank you. Item H, approval of the
minutes. Can I get a motion? So moved, Carl. Second. Second. John, I get a roll call. Mr. Smaglia. Yes.
Mr. Cino. Yes. Mr. Fischer. Yes. Mr. Krauss. Yes. but abstain from the minutes on the meeting from April 16th. Miss Pallet. Yes. Mr. Sweeney. Yes. Miss Varela. Yes.
Motion carries. Um we do we do need to call Mr. Zimmerman and Miss Bra, right? Because she we haven't announced yet. Uh since they're absent and I stop I usually stop calling them if they're absent. Got it. Thank you. Unless they comment on
circle. Excellent. Thank you. Okay. Item I, uh, president's report. Tonight, we're excited to be recognizing our educators for professional awards and for milestone years of service, as well as thanking those who are retiring this year. Mr. Rogers will share details. So, I'll just say that the board is grateful
for our dedicated staff members years of service to our schools and students, and look forward to these recognitions. I'd also like to inform the community that one of our board members has resigned for personal reasons. We thank Melissa Brock for her service and wish her the best. The board of education is
now seeking candidates to fill this vacancy. Uh interested individuals should email a letter of intent along with the resume if they wish to our board secretary Ray Lamb. U preferably by June 10th as we're hoping to do interviews at our uh June 12th board
meetings. Um our superintendent search is moving along well. We received 30 applications including 12 from candidates with superintendent experienced. We've already completed first round interviews with 10 candidates and we'll be holding second round interviews on May 27th. As part of
this process, we also gathered feedback through a community survey and held input sessions with middle and high school students, staff, and community members. The goal was to better understand the opportunities, challenges, and priorities for our district so that we can align our search with community values. A big thank you
to board members who dedicated their time and energy to this important work and also to our school board rep Kelly Mitchell who handled logistics for us in the process. Finally, I want to give a heartfelt thank you to our student representative. We've appreciated her thoughtful perspective throughout the
year and wish her very best as she heads off to college. Thank you. All right, now for the fun parts. Item Jet, my my favorite packed board meeting of the year. Uh first I'd like to recognize our our governor educators of the year. Uh we
already uh celebrated them in Perona Farms recently. Um, again, it's it's excited to see so many extraordinary educators who put their life's work into into such a noble profession. And uh, I enjoy just looking out at the crowd and and and when I look and see everyone, I
see everyone uh, in your role in your classroom, whether it was in the 1980s over here with some of my uh, retired teachers or some of them some of the new teachers that I see that will be here in years to come. So, the Governor Educator of the Year award um in Walnut Ridge
with more than 20 years of dedicated to dedicated to special education, Mrs. Cook has been an incredible asset to countless students and families. Her knowledge, her guidance, and the way she consistently lifts up her colleagues have made Mrs. Cook such a vital part of Vernon Township preschool team. Full day
preschool team. Yes. Thank you, Mrs. Cook. Congratulations. Cedar Mountain Primary School. Miss Penny excels as an educator at Cedar Mountain, actively advancing inclusive education through the New Jersey Inclusion Project, creating
supportive and engaging classroom environment that incorporates multiensory techniques and practical activities tailored to diverse learning preferences and unique student needs. I know you'll remember tonight and you'll tell you'll tell your uh your new child
about this in years to come. Rolling Hills. Miss Weber is a gifted special education teacher who consistently demonstrates a genuine passion for teaching struggling students teaching struggling students to read in her role as a Wilson reading program practitioner. Maybe I need her a little
bit too. Her ultimate goal is to encourage each of them to become confident lifelong learners. Mrs. Weber, congratulate Lamsbury Hollow School. Mrs. Jensen is a credit to the teaching professor. first class educator. She works tirelessly to help all of her
students meet with success. Mrs. Jensen, congratulations. Glenn Meadow Middle School. Mrs. Pap Andrea's caring and compassionate nature allows her to create an environment where every student feels valued and capable. She works tirelessly to build
confidence in each of her learners, empowering them to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Mrs. Papadre is not here today, but I'd like a round of applause for Mrs. Papadrea. Fabulous Vernon Township High School. Mrs. Discarfano Kantana is a
dedicated, kind, and humble educator whose commitment and compassion make a profound impact on her students every day. Her hard work and genuine care create a supportive and inspiring learning environment, shaping the lives of those she teaches in the most meaningful way. If you're in her classroom, you know she inspires her
students. Mrs. Darfano Cana exciting. Now, our educational services professional award, Cedar Mountain Primary School. Mrs. Emnick, sorry, Mrs. Zimnick creates a nurturing and educational environment that supports her students academic, social, and
emotional growth, collaborating with colleagues and parents to share her expertise to build strong support networks that enrich her students learning experience. Mr. Emnick Rolling Hills. Miss Stokes, our school counselor, has a wonderful rapport with our students, staff
members, parents, and guardians. She consistently goes above and beyond for anyone who needs her assistance and has quickly become a significant asset to the culture and climate of the Rolling Hills school community. Miss Stokes, it'll be for everybody. Lounsbury Hollow School. Miss
Revlon is a champion for our struggling readers and writers. She brings passion and enthusiasm to all of her classes because those students believe that they can achieve and be successful. Miss Revalent Clen Middle School Dr. Konopisky is a highly skilled and
knowledgeable professional who consistently advocates for all students, demonstrated a deep commitment to their success. Her dedication to supporting each child, coupled with her expertise, ensures that every student receives the guidance and resources they need to be successful. Dr.
Kopisky, Vernon Township High School. Miss Pisco is a dedicated and empathetic school counselor who tirelessly supports her students, ensuring their academic and personal success. Her unwavering commitment and advocacy go beyond expectations, making a profound impact
on the lives of her students and those that are hers. Mrs. Pisco. Uh, next I'll be giving years of service awards. Wow, there's hundreds of years of service tonight. Thank you all. Like I said, it is it is a noble
profession. And as I as I invite and recognize your years of service, I do I do see every one of you in in your classroom in front of your students. So, uh, the first for, uh, 45 years of service, Dr. Robert Chryney,
Vernon Township High School. Congratulations Dr. Thank you for joining. Thank you. Mr. Foley is overseeing the uh golf championship right now, so he couldn't be here, but he's being recognized for
his 30 years of service at Vernon Township High School, class of 87. Mrs. Kristen Goodenoff for 30 years of service. Dr. Christopher Jensen for 30 years of service. wrote this. Congratulations.
Jennifer Mosovitz for 30 years of service. Cynthia Thomas for 30 years of service of 87. Mary Anne for 25 years of service. Mark Bray for 25 years of service. Clara Carlson for 25 years of service. Bernie Casemiro for 25 years of
service. Edward Flannry for 25 years of service. Diana Flores for 25 years of service. Harry Frolley for 25 years of service. David Fryfelder for 25 years of service. Kelly Fry for 25 years of
service. Janet Gola for 25 years of service. Cindy Gazda for 25 years of service. Shannon Irish for 25 years of service. Shannon Jenkins for 25 years of service. Pam Quisher for 25 years of
service. John Loi for 25 years of service. Susan Lopez for 25 years of service. Ann Marie McCabe for 25 years of service. Joanne Seagull for 25 years of service. Chad Cisco for 25 years of service. Thomas for 25 years of service.
Scott Trevento for 25 years of service. I'll now uh honor their retirees. Whereas the retiree has dedicated themselves to the Vernon Township School District, displaying an unselfish commitment to our children, exemplifying the ideals of
professionalism and the standard of excellence has requested retirement. And whereas the Vernon Township Board of Education together with its citizens wishes to acknowledge exemplary service that the retiree has provided to our
children. And now, therefore, be it resolved that the Vernon Township Board of Education does hereby extend its appreciation and gratitude to the retiree in recognition of their exemplary service to our school district. And be it further resolve that
the Vernon Township Board of Education spread this resolution in full upon the minutes. It's almost as long as a list of the years of service. uh and and you know in in giving this many years of service in in a profession like this um
it it is a uh an honor to acknowledge these these retirees. First, Angelina Williams, Rolling Hills Primary School. Miss Jennifer Smith board office. I'll announce where they retired from as sometimes people have been in many buildings. Janet Gola,
Glenn Meadow Middle School. Yes. Norine Everly, Cedar Mountain Primary School. Brian Burke, Vernon Township High School. Karen Logus, Lounsbury Hollow School. Diane Smoldone, Glenn Meadow Ministries.
Nancy Ultimar, Vernon Township High School. Mark Gray, Vernon Township High School. Mary Rose Cummins, Cedar Mountain Primary School. Veronica Dden Corbett, Glow Middle School. Dr. Christopher Jensen, Glenn Meadow
Middle School. Hey, one second. I'm sorry everyone. I know it's a long list, but I just got to say that uh it's an honor for me tonight because I'm going to go and shake the hand of the teacher who was primarily responsible for me being a teacher who I didn't know was going to be here
tonight. Miss Maryanne Long Champamp, Vernon Township High School. Oh, remember to smile. Miss Susan Lopez, Lansbury High School. Miss Deborah Lynch, Rolling Hills Primary School. Mr. Brian McCarthy, Vernon Township High
School. Laura Scovel, Rolling Hills Primary School. It's Joanne Seagull, Vernon Township High School. Thomas SM, Glen Meadow Middle School. Kathy Tooth, Vernon Township High School. Maryanne Vincent, Cedar Mountain
Primary School. Kathleen Wyatt, Vernon Township High School. Amry McCabe, Lansbury High School. And I know who the person is, so I'm going to recognize him. Employee number 5127. Congratulations. Now, at this time, we'd like to
celebrate everyone and and what you've given to this district. Uh again, when I think of Vernon, I think of our students, our community, and the people who make a difference in their lives throughout their time here um at Vernon, the the teachers. So, uh at this time, we'd like to take a short break, recess,
to have uh some some cake and desserts to celebrate each other. Thank you. Too many people. We're going to move on to item K in a moment. So, if everyone could settle down. Oh, you can't hear me. It's not your fault.
I think they got the gist of it. We're going to move to item K if everyone can settle down a little bit, please. Wait another minute or two. No, they're not. Oh, can I use my gabble? Don't make me use my gavl, please. Now you're leaving.
No, we're good. I'll stick brace on every Okay, Kelly. Um, we're we're ready for your presentation. Item K. else. Kelly Mitchell was going presentation on CSA evaluation and committee effectiveness.
Okay everybody, so in your packet oh you have um two sides. It is on I know but I can't hear you. There you go. Ah you can't hear me. Okay. Okay.
That's why we don't meet healthy. All right. Awesome. Thank you. So, in your packet, you have we're going to do two different presentations today. So, we're going to do the CSA evaluation. Um, and we're we're going to start with best
practices for uh committees. So, um a little discussion based. So I encourage you to um just chat about you know different things about your committees and um maybe we can come up with some best practices for
it. So um it's my understanding that you were going to now take the workshop meetings off the schedule and just have one meeting a month and that's great. So but then you have to have effective use of the committees themselves. It's really important that you do that deep
dive of information and utilize them because now you're not going to have that workshop meeting to have those group discussions on that. So you're really going to count on the committees to make recommendations so that you can move forward. But the great thing about that is it lessens the load for the full
board. So the committees are there to lessen that load to have uh the committees do that deep dive into information and then come back with that recommendation. So um can anybody tell me like what what do you think would make an effective committee? Carl,
you're always chatty. Come on, tell me. Okay. I think an effective committee functions when it collaborates with staff and with administrators and with members of the community and you have that environment
where people don't feel as restricted as they would in a public board meeting. They're able to have more intimate conversations. They're able to bring up things that they wouldn't want to bring up in front of everybody. Um, and when you have fewer people there, so it
creates a more collaborative environment. Yeah, that's great. Right. So be you have you do feel comfortable. You're not in that fishbowl of of board meetings. So that's helpful. It's more convenient because a lot of times we can do them online, right? And they're virtual. Yeah. So you have been doing a
lot of uh Zoom committee meetings, right? So that's that's really helpful too that you're not driving someplace that time that you're utilizing just for the committees itself. Anybody else? I I think Carl touched on this already, but engagement with the um the people on
the administrative side, more more back and forth and discussions with them because in our board meetings, it's all kind of us talking to each other. So those committee meetings are opportunity to really get uh information from staff. Yeah. So um you have your liaison, your
administrative liaison on the committee. A lot of times as board members, you don't get an opportunity to talk to those people. So, you're getting that information and that understanding of how the district is running um from from hearing that. So, that's really helpful with the committees,
too. So, we we're going to go into exactly what makes the committees function really well and and some of the structure that we should have with our committees. So, they should be clearly defined. You should have uh rules and regulations to those committees. You
should have a really strong committee chair. And um you know when a lot of people like say that they want to be a leader on the board, the best way to start if you're thinking about board leadership is to be a committee chair because you don't really realize how
much work goes into that. You have to actually do the agenda, run the meetings, uh take the notes, do all that. So, it's really setting you up um for success as far as board leadership goes. Um and then also you should really
have a a really specific reporting process um for your committees. And I I have that in your packet. We'll go over that in a little bit. But that should be clearly defined and every committee should follow that exactly. So, you don't want to have policy committee
doing one thing and then curriculum and instruction doing another thing. And you want definitive role for each person. Um a lot of times I see that uh boards do quite well in the beginning when the president gives everybody their chair uh
you know position they have a chair meeting and they uh talk the president will talk about the expectations of those committee chairs. I think that's really helpful too to define that role um and and that way you know whether you want to even accept
that committee chair and then also you know what your role is going forward. The other really good um best practice I've seen is when all the uh the meetings for the committees are ahead of time. So you you have that reorg meeting, you're given the chair, and
then that chairperson comes up with the schedule for the committees so that you have that well ahead of time. Another really great thing to do is to make sure that all the board members know when those committees are meeting and um you
know exactly what they're doing, what the agenda is. Sometimes we only send the agenda out to our committees, uh, the members on our committees, but when you send it out to the full board, that way the board is in tune with what's going on with each committee, um,
because you're not having that workshop anymore. That's going to be really important going forward. So, we have different types of committees. You have committee of the whole, the ad hoc. We did that um years ago with food service if you could remember and I think you did that with
the uh cell phone um policy as well. Uh a couple of different things you could do that as a temporary measure and then you have your standing committees and that's what we're really going to um talk about today and the structure of those because that's what's going to
drive you going forward. Um, when we talk about committee of the whole, I've had boards um, switch to that because they may be a newer board and they all want to learn at the same time. They all want that same information at the same time and that's really important to
them. So that's why you would see a committee of the whole or sometimes a committee of the whole is just for one subject matter. They might decide that during budget season you're going to be committee of the whole for for finance and and that's okay. Just know that
there's no like hard and fast rule for committees. Whatever works for the board works for the board. So there's no committee law in any way. There's no, you know, like regulations that you have to follow a certain way. Whatever works for the board is is the
best. So when we talk about um committee of the whole versus standing committees, again the committee of the whole is when everybody wants to hear the same information at the same time. The standing committees is the one that saves you all that time at board meetings. So, you're going to come
prepared to the board meeting with already knowing what those committees talked about, what the recommendations going to be so that you can move forward with voting. And then when we talk about um what committees you have, uh I have a
really good um handout in your the first part of your handouts um from Long Township uh Long Hill Township. They have a great way of spelling out their committees and then exactly what their uh responsibilities are. So I put that in there. They have that up on their
website and they do a great job of that. So um that's something maybe to think about. But when you think about your board, do you think that you have the right committees or do you feel that um they should be restructured in any way? Well, we we did restructure a little bit
in the beginning of the year, but I don't know if anybody is feels that there's any gaps there. Um we did lose the leaison committee uh and replaced it with Carl the community relations committee. So, are you are you finding that's working out well for you?
I'm finding it works pretty well. The only thing that I think is missed is that the liaison was more a direct relationship with the town council where community relations is more a relationship with the community. That doesn't mean that we can't collaborate
with the town council. It just has lost that priority focus. Um but that's something I'm debating whether or not it's really missed. I think it depends on the members of the board, the members of community relations and the objective that community relations is pushing for.
Yeah. So when um you sit down and we can do this at our uh July meeting when we do uh the board self-evaluation and the goals, we can um we can go over some of this data again. And when you sit down to figure out the responsibilities of
that committee, maybe you want to revisit that and see if that's something that um the committee wants to do. add that that component in. You know, I've thought at times that it might be especially once we have a more consistent membership to community relations, it might be a good idea to
ask one of those members to be a lelayison on to the town council. But again, something worth looking at down the road like you said. Yeah. And um Carl, I I I saw the uh ad for for the state of the state. It's that's fabulous work and that's coming from your
committee, correct? It is in collaboration with our principles in particular, Miss Van Norton. she's been integral to that. Gosh, it's just it's so great. I I think that's going to be an amazing event. So, thank you for the work on that. Thanks. So, um when we think about uh you know having that
guidance as far as policy and regulation for your committees, I did put into your packet you do have a bylaw for your standing committees. I did not see though a regulation. Um, so Charles, you're on uh you're the chair for
policy. Yeah. So I I I took a look. I I didn't see it. Maybe maybe I was missing something, but um if you don't have a regulation for your standing committees, when you do go to put like exactly what detail the each committee has, then you
might want to do um a regulation on that and add that in. Um, and like I said, uh, I gave you a handout for Long Hill, um, Township. They really spell out their committees quite well. So maybe you can use that as a template. Yeah, we actually when we started, uh, Jen sent
out some, uh, um, requirements for us to do as a committee, but it would be actually better, I think, to put it in as a regulation. Yeah. Because then it's there and everybody knows, can refer to it at any time. Yeah. Yeah, we just created guidelines and um we created a kind of a template for committee reports
that every that the chairs could all use to do their minutes. Um but that and that just lives in our drive in the board drive, but maybe it makes sense to make that more formal. Yeah. So, um, again, you have, uh, you have it in your
bylaws, um, and that's kind of an overarching type of, uh, you know, policy feel to it, but then in the regulation, it would really spell out all those details for those committees. So, here's a sample um, in in your packet, there's a sample of uh,
a regulation so that you can have that as a guideline um, when you sit down to do that type of work. And then um you know when when you're thinking about some considerations to assignments I I know that it used to be
that the board president was a member of each committee. I don't know if you still have that as part of your bylaws um or whether you're following that or not or not but it however you have that structured you might want to put that into your policy as
well. Oh and then also make sure that you have an administrative leaison. I I believe you do for every single committee. That's important to have as well. Yes. So then scheduling um committee uh
meetings. So how how do you handle that? Is it we did we did uh we did ask everyone to schedule meetings for the year. Um some of our meetings are monthly and they're the same day like you know the Tuesday before the public
session or something like that. Um and then the for the meetings that are not monthly, the um chair the cherish is the partnership is four times a year three times a year and those dates were set in the beginning of the year. Um so that's
what we've been doing. Um yeah, that's that's the best way. So that way um you know when the the chairperson submits that to you then you know and the rest of the board knows when all you know when that's happening. Oh, and yeah, we also have it a
calendar, district calendar where all them all the committee meetings are, so any board member can see where when they are. But we were not sharing the agendas with the full board. So I guess that's something we could do. Yeah, they say best practice is to share them with the full
board. And then um speaking of that agenda, so then when you do your agendas for your committees, are you doing it in conjunction with that administrative liaison? I am. Is everyone else? Yeah. Yeah.
Good. So that's that's really important too so that everybody can bring the data that they need to bring to that meeting because you are doing that deep dive into that information. So it's important that you partner up with that uh that
member. And then this is just a flowchart on um how it should be as far as discussion. So you have that preliminary discussion um from a uh from you hear it from the community or you hear it from board member some subject
matter. Then you determine where it would go, what committee it would go to. Um you would speak to your uh liaison, your administrative liaison on that and the superintendent and like be be sure that you reflect it on the goals. Um, a lot of times when we're in committees
and we're working on a certain subject matter, we need to be focused on district goals as well. So, how does that tie into that district goal? And then, um, it goes down to the committee. The committee would then come back to the board, have their findings, and
then, uh, decide what the recommendation is going to be, and then the full board would weigh in on that. And then the goal of the um committee leaders, they're the coordinators. And like I said, like when you're thinking about board leadership, it's super important to be a committee
chair first because you're going to see what those tasks are that that coordination with the agenda with getting everybody there, making sure that everybody has what they need and um just like driving that uh that conversation um when you're there. Make
sure with committees as when you're sitting there as chair that you're uh making sure that you have that minority opinion voiced because that's really important that all voices should be heard at those um committee meetings. And then also communicate um
between the superintendent and and the uh committee uh chair as well. Make sure that you arrange that. Make sure that you just even though uh the the superintendent might not be that liaison, it's important that you get um the agenda over to the superintendent
and also get their input as well. And then um some guidelines as as far as running the meetings. So just give me an example of how some of your meetings are are run with uh with your committees. How do how do they open up? Um, how do you determine how does a
board like say a board member wants to have something um said at at a committee meeting like I just want to look into some type of information. How is that that asked for? On Zoom or Google Meet right and if
somebody has a question they just raise their hand raise your hand thing so nobody talks over each other. We start the meetings when everybody's there and just say okay let's begin. It's not like normal thing and then anybody wants to raise a question or has anything to say
in the meeting just you know how the Google meet raise a hand is open and then they get recognized ask a question. Great. And in advance of meetings anybody can email something for the agenda if they want to cover uh they want to add something to the agenda they can email the chair and
the chair um discusses adding it with the leas the administrative leases. Good. Good. And if you share that agenda then everybody will know all the board members will will And then that way they could, you know, weigh in if they wanted to like add something or have a question on something. Usually post it to Charles
made up this really good folders. So we just post it to folder. Everybody has access. Yeah. We have now um we have a tri do you want to tell it's Charles Sp. Yeah. And actually have to give a shout out to Nick there for helping us out and
uh and Russ and we uh but we have the board drive now and um for the most part I mean everybody's using it um and we're putting our notes in there and uh there was a little confusion in first about not confusion but we worry about um
having a quarrel right if we have Google not uh Google Docs in there you can all share so it's limited who can write to and insert in directly so board member uh committee members can write to those files but everyone else on the board can see them unless it's you know there's a
conflict or something but and does every everybody feel comfortable um with the technology of that they're able to do that do you feel or are you or do you give like a little tutorial in the beginning he did give some people some tutorials yeah and we all we do every
now and then he has to remind uh somebody like myself to put the data in the right folder, but instead of just emailing it like I used to do. Yeah. But now things live there. Like we have a folder for um sort of background material. We have a folder
for all the minutes. Um so it's working out pretty well, I would say. Does anybody have any issues with it? Anyone who's using them? They've been great with it during the committee meetings because if there's issues, we'll solve it there and the teaching will happen during the committee meeting as well.
And and like I said, it's really nice to have accessible to everyone now in the fold. Yeah, that's great. It's great. So, good word, Charles. That's awesome. So, um this is in your packet. This is a reporting um document that we
use at New Jersey school boards. Um we feel that that's best practice if you wanted to use that for your reporting. If you already made up something that's working well, like I said, um there's no bipart rule on that, but um if everybody could use the exact same one, it's
usually helpful. So, this actually has um so where you could write the recommendations of the committee on that and then send it out to all the board members so that they know what recommendations are coming so that when they come to the meeting, they're very much prepared uh for the meeting. So I I
think that that would be helpful, but anything like that, you could just use it as a template, right? Is this template available to us? Not until you have to drive. There is a template in the drive, but I'm going to look at it and see if I need to tweak it
now that I've seen this. But I created the template that's in the drive. Yeah. Under Yes, it is. You have to get on. You clearly have not looked at Thank you for outing yourself on that.
But I think that when you have a template and everybody's using the same one, it's it's really super helpful. So, yeah. So, uh I'll have to get on that. And then, um as far as the minutes go, who who is in charge of the minutes? Is it the chair that does the minutes?
Yes. Okay. Yeah. And um so you're you're running the meeting and you're doing the minutes and you're you're doing all that. Okay, that's a lot. Do you have a better idea for us? I can tell you that a lot of uh you know boards say that
they have another member actually writing the notes while the committee chair is running the meeting because I mean if you think about it so you're running the meeting, you're trying to be engaging, you're trying to call on everybody and have all the voices heard
and um you know follow the agenda, but you're also taking notes. That's that's a lot of that's a lot of work. Someday we will have a policy that allows us to use AI to take notes for us, but we don't have that yet. So, well, if you're if you're on Zoom, it
does that. I wasn't sure. Meets. Doesn't Google Meet have it as well? I don't know if we have um that Gemini turned on yet, but is it on for us? Yeah. Yes. Yes, we can start doing it now. It's like a little star button. We have it. Is there any
issue with doing that from a confidentiality or or No, right. No. All right. Great. Do we have to store that information though? What do you mean store it? So like if if AI takes our notes for us, do we have to then download it and store it because or is
it just like if I recorded it and then took my notes later on? Yeah, you could just take it later on. You could just copy and paste from it too. I mean, right? Like you could just do it. student certain things in there. This is one of the problems with our meetings too. you get me and Nick start
talking about technology and it makes it but it clearly says do not deviate from the agenda. So um just something so that you can just stay that the chairs can stay engaged. Um, also in your packet, I put
this little assessment so that you can, you know, after, not today, but you could just look through this. Um, it asks you questions about how you feel about the committee structure and and um, how effective the committee structure is. And I would just take this
as a little test. Um, and then if you see where you need help with something, we could actually work on that right at our uh, board retreat date on July 24. And then um this just speaks about what we all spoke about. Start on time,
follow the agenda, make sure all voices are heard. It's super super important and then it allows for that accountability for the board. So um so good stuff, right? That's exciting. Yes. So um if you have your administrative
liaison and it's not the superintendent, does the superintendent also have to be at your meeting because you're engaging with the staff person or the liaison is considered um part of the superintendent. So the superintendent doesn't have to be at every single Right.
I've been at most of them. You haven't? No, I've just had any. No. So didn't know that before, right? Yeah, it's actually good. you know, thinking, "Darn it, superintendent. It feels comfortable, but no."
So, um, so good. Uh, so we're all set with that. And like I said, like we'll circle back on that when we go through the board self-evaluation. Are you going to provide that uh slideshow to us as well? I think um Rey said that he
already received it, so it might have been emailed to you. I didn't receive it, I don't think. I have a copy here that I can share with everybody. Told me he's like, "I saw your presentation." I'm like, "Okay, try."
He That's what he told me because he said to me, he's not going to be here. And I said, "Should I take it personally?" And he said, "I already saw your presentation. I I have it." So, I thought maybe he got an email to him. Okay. Unless he was the only one. I didn't get it. Maybe he just he just wanted to get me off the phone. Maybe
he's maybe he went to one at New Jersey school. So Ray will said it. Thanks. Um yeah. So uh yeah, I'll have to talk to that reason. I mean I think he was just trying to get out of going to the meeting. Um okay. So we're going to go
move on to uh any questions on committees? No. Good. Uh we're going to move on to the CSA evaluation. And this is something that pretty much all of you have done except for Stephanie and Brian. Um, in your
packet there, that uh colored uh flyer there, that's the exact uh CSA evaluation that you're going to see as you go. I'm just still a paper person, so I like to see it as I'm doing it and not have to like you're going to of course have to look at it online, but
it's really helpful to just see what the expectations are. Um, so I just want to make it uh like abundantly clear that even though Russ is retiring and we're we're excited for
you, Russ. Yay. Um, you still have to do the evaluation and it still has to be done by July 1. You're legally required to do that. And um, no, it's not a QAC year, but you're still legally required. That email that says it's okay. doing
that. He has to. Yeah. So, um he has to finish it first. So, we have went in today and put all the goals that we had talked about. I need to I put in attachments for all the indicators and you should have that earlier sometime next week. Okay. Yeah, usually we get an email that says, "Okay, it's time to
go." Yeah, you'll absolutely get to do that. Um but Russ uh Russ needs to do that first and we have one board meeting before July 1. Yes. Yeah. So, so we're really going to have to get on that. It did the tool did open in February, but no worries. Um, we're a little bit
behind the eightball, but we'll be able to um to catch up. So, when you think about the the calendar, Charlie. Yeah. So, if the tool opened in February, so then when when would you recommend that we start evaluating? You
know, like not when when the year start, the new year to evaluate the superintendent would start. Yeah, great question. So we open it in February so that the super and the sup all the superintendents in February get an email saying that it's open. Do they have to start it in February? No, that's very
early. But we like them to feel comfortable in the fact that they can go in and upload all their data because it takes a long time for the superintendent to post all the evidence then, you know, make all the remarks. It's it's not something that you could do in two hot
seconds. So it's something that we open it in February with the expectation that um the superintendent start it in midappril. So yeah. So if if Yeah. So I I if if I was if I was here next year, I'd probably set a date
probably in May to have it due. Like this board meeting would have been a good day for that to be due so that it was open and everyone was able to access it. The difficulty is is a lot of the goals are set. what accomplishes throughout the school year. I can get a lot of it in in April, but either either a late April or a May board meeting
might be a good uh date to set on the calendar to to talk about at a board meeting before it's due in July July. So, I'm just understanding though that um if we want to finish it in time for the deadline, then we all have to have our evaluations done before the next
meeting so that we can discuss it at the meeting. And the next meeting, guys, is June 12th. So, you are going to need to get all the all the goals were easy for me because I had gathered that all throughout the year in that document I shared with you. So it was a it was an easy cut and paste today. The the part is is putting all
the uh the uh evidence for the uh standards in which which I will have in probably by early next week and I'll send the board an email saying that it's been completed on my end. Okay. So, when you guys get that email that it's been completed, if you could hop in there real quick, just so that we are we have
enough people who've completed it so that we can do the um conversation on June 12th uh and not have to have a special meeting because I know you guys don't want to come up with I mean, none of us want another meeting, right? We have a lot going on. So, we each do that on our own. Kelly's going to talk about
how to do it now, right? Yes. And then you can whip right in there and take care of it and then we'll be good to go. Yes. So when you when you look at the calendar, so we're, you know, we're like I said, we're behind April, but that's okay. So let's say Russ gets done next
week. So he'll have a 48 once he hits complete, it'll be a 48 hour period where there's a lag time. So that allows the superintendent if they said, "Oh, you know what? We forgot something, what have you, they can go ahead and upload it." So, um, we we build that in there
because it's, you know, with there's no way to reopen it. Um, we would have to call it. It would be a big disaster. So, we allow that 48 hour period. Once that 48 hour period is done, once Russ is done, then you'll get an email from me and it'll say, "It is your turn now to
do your portion." And it'll have a link. So, you'll just go right from that email, click that link, and it'll bring you right to that document. and then you'll be able to go through. Um, so then once that is complete, I watch over it because I have to compile it once
it's all done. So once all the non-conlicted board members are done, then I compile it. I send an email to Jen with a password protection and then she can access all the compilation reports and then she has to have a meeting with all of them. He sits down
in an executive, she goes through all that. That's the opportunity for you to um you know speak your mind, speak how you feel, revisit the goals, talk about the direction that you'd like to see the district in. That's all those conversations that go on and based on
those conversations and the compilation report, you're going to decide what the majority opinion is of the board. So is it that um the goals were achieved? Is it that uh you know Russ was exemplary? and I'm sure it is Russ. Uh, but so then
we would be doing all of that. You would then decide what the majority opinion is. Jen is going to have a word document from me and it's a summarization report where she's going to put in the summary and what the majority opinion is. And
then Russ will sign that and Jen will sign that and it will be done before July one and it'll just be put into a file. And it's super super important because it's uh about six points for for a QAC that you will lose if you go past
them. Um and it's an easy a you know I I always say that with QAC governance is an easy a if you follow all the the calendars. So um having said that uh next year I would say build this right
into your calendar. So, with your board calendar, just build it right in. Say, "We're going to have a like a pre-conference." A pre-conference is a great time to let all the board members know the expectation for this task. And so, you would have a pre-conference.
You'd go over anything, any questions that anybody would have on doing um the actual process, and then you would just move forward. The other really important thing that I think that you should do is um best practices to build in some updates for the superintendent to update
you on the district goals. So when you do that and you're hearing that about three times a year, when you go to do this process, it's not going to be as cumbersome because you're going to say, "Oh, I remember the January meeting when we talked about that district goal and
the superintendent said that, you know, we were close to achieving it." you're going to be able to have that top of mind. So, build that right into your calendar um right after reorg and say like this is what we're going to do. We're going to build in those updates for the superintendent. I think that's
best practice. I noticed that when my boards do that, they come very prepared to finish this and they breeze right through. So, just something top of mind. Any questions? So, you're legally required to have uh
the goals on this evaluation. Uh and like I said, the evidence will be uploaded for you. This is an actual um feel of what it looks like. So, the superintendent is going to put in the supporting comments saying whether the
goal was achieved and then um having an opportunity to put the evidence in for that. And then also the same with the standards, same type of formatting. And here's just a little copy of what it would look like. Then uh the
superintendent would do the self-rating and then the board member would in turn do the same type of rating for the goal. And then there's two components to the the CSA evaluation. There's the goals and then the standard. So uh
that's what Russ is going to work on this week. And the standards also will have some evidence for you. And these are the six buckets for that. There's a new rating system. So on top you're going to see what the rating is and it's going to say it's going to define what
exemplary means because a lot of board members were saying that when they were trying to rate uh the superintendent, they were struggling with the definition of those ratings. So you'll see on top there where the rating uh scale is and the
definition for that rating. And then you would just go through with the prompts and and just check the box that you feel is appropriate. This is what um Jen's going to see when I send her the uh the email. She'll be able to pull those uh compulation reports out. There's two of
them, part one and part two, the goals, the standards, and then at the bottom there'll be that word template. But if if I know you haven't done it before, Jen, so you could just certainly call me if if you, you know, come into any kind of issue. And then on the population
report, this is an example of what a goal would look like. So it really does spell out what the majority opinion is, but you still need to have that conference. So I know that, you know, most say, "Oh, well, you know, it already spells it out." But it's important to talk about it, especially with the goals, to revisit those goals
and have them as top of mind. Again, with the standards, it will spell out what the majority opinion is, but during that conference, please let the minority voice be heard. And then um just the the
requirements of that um the document itself. Sometimes uh board members decide that they don't want to use New Jersey school board's tool. You don't you're not obligated to use that. You could just have a rendering of, you know, five different um paragraphs on on
what your assessment is of the superintendent, but it does have to be legally required to have all these components to that if you do decide to do that. And like I said, the the conference is to hear that majority opinion to make sure that you're talking
about goals, you're talking about the standards, and you're talking about the indicators of student achievement. That's really what it's all about. Another part about um and I I know that is retiring, but it is a great time to have that really close relationship that
you need to have as a team with your superintendent. So, it's it's telling the superintendent like this is the direction that we really want to go. This is how we feel that we achieved it and this is where we think we need a little bit of work and it's really important that to have those
conversations. So, Jen, this is the template that you'd be filling out. you could see where there's a signature for you and for Russ and then that would just be proof that you did it on time and that would go um sometimes it's held in the attorney's office and sometimes
it's locked in um you know our our business office but it should be locked up. It's very confidential and please know that um board members if you have any hard copies of anything please give that back after the conference. It's it's highly highly confidential.
And again, we just um go over, you know, what uh what needs to be done, but we I I think we really hit all the uh the buttons there on that. And um yeah, so thank you so much, guys. I'm sorry I a lot of your time, but I do I do want to
just uh let the community know how hard you you've all been working. You spent 12 hours I I I calculated it today. 12 hours in the past four or five days you spent on that superintendent search and I can't tell you how heartwarming it is
to see such a collaborative cohesive group how much you've really like spent so much time and attention to that and and that active listening that you have is amazing because I don't see that with all boards and and you've really done that and it's so important to the
students of this district. So, I just uh I wanted the community to know that um as volunteers to spend 12 hours a Saturday that was six, seven hours. My goodness, right? That's dedication. And you should all really be proud of yourselves because you've done an
amazing job. So, thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you, Kelly. And thank you for all of the time with us that you've put in. you put in as much and probably more because you did all of our logistics and collecting all the documents for us and all of that. So, we really appreciate
your help. Thank you. Thank you. And and the presentations as well tonight. Thank you. Thanks. I'll see you guys on Tuesday. That's you right public or no? Yes. Okay, we're on item L. Uh, so this is the
public hearing on the refunding bond ordinance. Uh, just a little bit of background information for everybody. Uh, if you, uh, missed one of the prior presentations, uh, but the district is pursuing an EIP. Um, that's essentially a plan that allows us to pursue energy
savings. Uh then instead of using those funds in our budget to pay for things like essentially electricity in this case, uh we would then divert those funds to paying the bond payments over the term of the bond. Uh what this is allows us to do is make improvements, energy efficiency improvements primarily
uh to the district. Um and then once that bond is paid off, obviously those energy savings are still there, which will provide consistency for those future budgets after the bond is there. Um just a quick note on some of the items just very top level. Uh right now, um just to give you some examples, uh
we're looking at being able to replace nine rooftop units, um upgrading all lights to LEDs, uh sealing all building envelopes, uh upgrading the building management system, and then uh one of the things that we've spoke about previously is the solar PPA. Um so
that's a purchase agreement, uh for the high school, which runs 100% off electricity. Uh we're hoping that'll be about 85% of our electricity use uh through that solar. That provides great consistency for future budgets spelled out what you'll be paying per kilowatt. Um as we I think we've all seen
recently, there's been pretty big fluctuations in the cost of electricity. So having that consistency moving forward once the solar panels are in place, uh I think will provide a lot of value for the district moving forward. Uh so this is just an opportunity for anyone in the public uh that may want to uh comment on the bond
ordinance uh to do so. Thank you. Okay. Item M, public comment. Can you read the nice long? During the course of the public meeting of the learning board of education, the public is offered the opportunity to
address the board on agenda items and any issues regarding the school district. The board remain reminds those individuals who take this opportunity that they must identify themselves by name and section of town and limit their comments to agenda items and or issues that directly relate to the operations of the school district. Issues that are raised by members of the public may or
may not be responded to by the board or administration at the time of the meeting or at any time. All comments will be considered and response to be forthcoming if and when appropriate. The board requests that members of the public keep their comments to a limit of five minutes, be courteous, respectful, and mindful of the rights of other individual other individuals when
speaking. Specifically, comments regarding students and employees of the board of education should be thoroughly considered by the speaker and may or may not be responded to by the board administration. We advise that students employees have rights to confidentiality and other protections under the law. Student names
should never be used. The board bears no responsibility nor will be liable for any comments made by the public during the public portion of a board meeting. Members of the public should consider their comments in light of legal rights of those affected or identified in their comments and be aware that they are personally legally responsible with
potential liability for the comments that they made to the board. Thank you, Mr. Slam. Do we have any members of the public who would like to comment at this time? Seeing none, none online. No. Okay. Item N, student representative
report. She's chewing. Okay. Hold on. You want me to stall for a minute? No, I'm good. I'm good. All right. Okay. Sorry. On my cookie. It was really good. So, worth it. Worth it. Okay. Hi, everybody. Um, even though the school year is winding
down, there are still so many exciting things happening at the high school. Um, just last month, we had students get inducted into the honor society and our orchestra had their final concert, the string symposium. Um, AP tests are finally done as of
today with the AP Lang makeup. Um, and we're very proud of all the students who sat for their various exams. Most of my friends and a lot of people I know sat for two or more exams, which is definitely a thing that we something we should all be proud of. Um, and something to recognize. We celebrated our
achievements and hard work with an AP breakfast where pancakes and bagels were served. I had pancakes. They were really good. And um the band also had their final concert of the year and so did choir that was just the other day. Um we had so many students artwork displayed at
art standing with performances alongside by choir theater jazz express and hair tensling courtesy of Cosmo which I have in my hair. Um the spring sports season is winding down too. Um we just had hosted the state track meet which was a big event.
Lots of help from HOSA and the snack stand. So, parents, volunteers, students from our school, they were helping out. Um, also congratulations to boys baseball. They've had lots of good wins and I think they just won something. They won a lot of stuff. Um, they have a
guaranteed share of the league title. There you go. That's what it is. I was looking for it and I was I couldn't find it, but I definitely wanted to say something. Um, it's also senior night season, so congratulations to all the seniors playing spring sports. And if you're around tomorrow at 6 PM, um, be sure be be sure to support girls
lacrosse seniors. It's their senior night. Um, I played lacrosse for three years, so I'll be there. Um, I'd also like to recognize culinary three and four students for their hard work on their final exam. They made a whole barbecue spread for teachers and faculty and staff at the high school to enjoy,
and the food was delicious. Um, also tonight's junior prom. So, everybody at junior prom, I hope everybody's having a fun time despite the rain. and I just saw a video of it. So, it looks like lots of fun. Um, and there's so many more things to come at the high school
in the next month. Graduation is 28 short days away. Um, I also want to thank everybody because this is my last board meeting before I graduate. Um, so here come the waterworks. Um, I wanted to say thank you so much to everybody who given me
this opportunity to sit here and work alongside everybody. I know I just come to the meetings, but still I still think it's a wonderful thing and I'm so grateful for the opportunity. Um, I feel like I've got to embrace this school community so much more. I look forward to seeing things that are going on so I can report on them in the next month.
And I feel like it's just um I've been able to use this to transcend through like my daily life and the things that I take away from going to school. Um, and also like I'm graduating so it's pretty big. So, I just wanted to say thank you to all
teachers, faculty, staff, and administrators that I've had since kindergarten. I've been here my whole life. So, um I have lifelong friends from Vernon. I don't want to grow up anywhere else. So, yeah. Oh, I wish I could say so much more. I think I'll
just cry. So, but at the end of the day, just a big thank you to literally everybody. Um I don't think I would be the person that I am today without everyone in Vernon. Okay, you're making me cherry, so we got to stop now. I'll stop. I'll stop it.
I'll save it. Yeah, right, Stephanie. And I all um No, but it's just such a great opportunity to be up here and to live in Vernon and to go through the school district my whole life. So, um yeah, at the end of the day, I'll always be a Viking. So, go Vikings. That's what
it's all about, right? So, thank you and thanks for explaining about the thought I was seeing things because her hair was cleansing and now Yeah. No, that's my that's my tin soul courtesy of Cosmo. So glad M was here too.
Okay, great. Um that follow up to you, Christina. We we appreciate your your positive uh input to the board and uh your pers your student perspective on uh what happens at Vernon uh because we often looking through it a different lens and it's
very nice to hear it through the lens of a student here. Definitely. Thank you. Uh Vernon Township High School hosted the state NJSIA sectionals on May 16th and 17th. 41 teams and over a thousand athletes from across northern uh New Jersey competed. That same day,
Lounsbury Hollow School hosted its annual arts standing program on May 16th, showcasing student talents in music, visual art, theater, dance, robotics, and technology. Families enjoyed interactive activities at the festival, which were made possible by the generous support of VTEA and their
NJA pride grant, as well as the Executive School and Community Associations financial aid and events assistance. It's nice to celebrate that as well. Congratulations to the seniors who will be honored at the academic excellent lunchon at the high school on May
27th. Junior prom. Again, I get to repeat all the nice things that that Christina talks about. You won't cry. There you go. Uh May has been a significant month for assessments. She talked about that with NJSLA testing for grades 3 through 11 and AP exams for the
high school. We hope to build on last year's strong AP results with 278 exams taken and 78% of the students scoring three or higher. We reported out on a AP scores in October. We're hoping to do the same next October to celebrate all
the results that the last couple weeks has uh as will give us this year. 278 students took 15 different AP exams. The SATs were administered at the Vernon Township High School on May 3rd. Last year, our SAT average score was 30 points higher, higher than our previous
year's average and 36 points above the New Jersey state average. Um, a small group of engineering students competed this past weekend in several competitions at TCJ against over a 100 other New Jersey high schools. And the results are in Connor Dunigan, CAD
engineering against first place. Olivia Wood, CAD architect architecture fifth place. Riley Berner and Alex McCarthy manufacturing prototype sixth place. Congratulations to these students and their accomplishments. She Christina already
talked about baseball. Uh they're also the number two seed in the state tournament. Softball, the team has had another successful season. The state tournament begins May 28th and they'll host a first round game. They're the number seven seed. Volleyball made it to the conference semi-finals. They will be begin state tournament play on the road
Thursday, May 29th. Track and field for the fourth year. We hosted the North One group two and three state sectional finals. Standing room only. uh with the with the delay uh there was I think there wasn't a space at at the high school uh with people from all around
competing in track and field. Uh it was a great showcase for Vernon to show off our beautiful facilities. Uh hats off to the athletic department track coaches, parents, student volunteers for preparing and managing this large event. Boys lacrosse, both goalies, seniors Luca Vzini and Abby Sakulowitz set new
school records for career saves. There's much more to see if you'd like to more look at more details in the superintendent's report. Um, forformational matters, we're pleased to announce the district articles of the month for May. The BTH students artwork can be displayed at the board office and the Cedar Mountain Primary School
students is display on display at the municipal building. Item 1B, harassment, intimidation, and bullying reports for April 12th to April 30th is an attachment A. C, the random drug testing and school safety reports for April 2025 is an attachment B. Letter D, the
harassment intimidation bullying reports for May 1st to May 15th is an attachment C. Um, this time of the year with you saw the long list of retirements before, we have many appointments as well. So
2A, it's recommended that the board approve the following faculty, staff appointments, etc. in the table below. Letter B, it is recommended the board approved the updated district curricula for the 202425 school year. The curricula have been developed and reviewed in alignment
with the New Jersey student learning standards and reflect the district's commitment to providing a rigorous and comprehensive educational program that meets a diverse needs of all students. The public can access the curriculum through the following link on the district website as a VTSD back/vtdurriculum
back/home. Letter C. It is recommended that a board approve the following appointments to the 202425 CCLC federal funded program all to be paid with the 21st century community learning grant funds effective 527 2025 through June 30th
2025. Letter D. It is recommended that a board approve the final appointments for the 2025 ESY extended school year program over run Monday through Fridays commences on July 7th, 2025 to July 31st, 2025 for a total of 19
days. Letter E, it is recommended that the board approve the following staff for summer CST members at the rate of $40 per meeting. Letter F, it is recommended that a board approve the following staff for summer evaluations at the rate of 400 per evaluation as per the
contract. Letter G, it is recommended that the board approve the following staff for summer case management not to exceed 20 days. Letter H, it is recommended that the board approve the following appointments for the Glen Meadow Middle School summer CCLC program which runs Monday through Friday, commences on July
7th, 2025 to July 31st, 2025. all to be paid with the 21st century community learning center grants funds. Letter I, it is recommended the board approve the following summer clinician appointments which commences on 6202 2025 to 8:30
2025. Letter J, it is recommended that the board approve the following stipen positions for the 202526 school year. Letter K, it is recommended that the board approve the following stipen positions for the summer 2025. Letter L is recommended the board approve the following professional
development that's to be paid for with the title 2 grant funds. And then the second table uh just without the funds it's a conference convention training. Letter M is recommended that the board approve the travel for board members
after per policy 0147 in the table below. Letter N, it is recommended the board approve the random drug testing and school safety reports for April 2025. Letter O, it is recommended that a board approve the 202526 Vernon Township
Board of Education organizational chart attachment D. Letter P, it is recommended the board approve the following resolution. Whereas a comprehensive equity plan must be submitted by June 23rd, 2025. And whereas a district affirmative action team consisting of the superintendent,
Vincent Gagliaso, Karen Deere, Raven Slam, and Nancy Schultz are involved in the needs assessment and if necessary, write a corrective action plan. Therefore, it be resolved that the Vernon Township Board of Education approved the submission of the comprehensive equity plan covering 2025-26 through 2027-28 school years.
Letter Q, it is recommended the board approve the following job descriptions and attachment E for nurse coordinator and the help desk employee IT department. Letter R, it is recommended the board approve the following policies for first reading P5460 and
P6163. Letter S, it is recommended that the board approve the following policies to be abolished. P1360, P1405, P1405.1, P1405.2. Letter T. It is recommended that the board approve the HIV harassment,
intimidation, and bullying grade report beginning with September 201 uh 11 through 2012 school year. Our school district has conscientiously implemented the requirements found in anti-bullying bill rights act. All the Vernon Township public schools have met or exceeded every requirement for the 2023 24 school
year and has been posted on our website and is attached. The schools are rated on a scale from 0 to 78 and attachment F. At this time, are there any questions regarding the 2023 24 HIV grade report? Letter U. It is recommended that the board approve the following
resolution. Whereas a vacancy in the position of building principal at the Vernon Township High School will exist beginning June 19th, 2025. And whereas it is necessary and to ensure continuity of leadership and administration during this period. And whereas the superintendent of schools has recommended that Mr. Nicholas Demsac be
appointed to serve as acting principal during the period from June 19th, 2025 to July 31st, 2025. And now therefore, be it resolved that the Vernon Township Board of Education hereby appoints Mr. Nicholas Demsac as acting principal at Vernon Township High School for the
period of June 19th, 2025 to July 31st, 2025 and approves a stipen in the amount of $100 per day in addition to his base salary or services rendered during this assignment. Letter V. It is recommended that the board approve the employment contract for Raymond Slam School
business administrator or secretary for the 202526 school year with an annual sal annual salary of $185,954. Letter W, it is recommended the board approve the following resolution. Christina, this is a long one for you. Whereas Christina Gianella
has served with distinction on the Vernon Board of Education and whereas through their leadership, the Vernon Board of Education has gained fresh insights into student concerns, student priorities, and what is on the mind of young people in the community. And whereas they have further contributed to the community by serving as a valuable
spokesperson sharing the student perspective at board meetings. And whereas Christina Gianella's exemplary commitment to fellow students in the school district has promoted clear communication between the board district administration and the student body. And whereas Christina Chianella has
maintained a professional decorum at board meetings, shown respect to board members and strive to learn the proper etiquette of serving on the school board. And whereas they have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the education of all students without neglecting their own responsibility to strive for success in the classroom. Now
therefore, be it resolved that the Vernon Board of Education recognizes Christina Chanel's dedication and commitment to advancing educational opportunity and open communication between the board district administrators and the student body. And be it further resolved that the members of the board Vernon Board of Education
extends their sincere appreciation of Christina Chianella for the dedicated service to the Vernon Vernon Board of Education. It be it further resolve that the members of the Vernon Board of Education extend their best wishes to Christina Chianella in all of her their
future endeavors. Thank you. This week, it's been really nice to serve with you this year, Christine. It is recommended that the board approved permitting the following student to attend Vernon Township public schools according to board of education policy 5110. child of
employee number 6723 be permitted to attend Cedar Mountain Primary School as a kindergarten student for the 202526 school year. Thank you. There's also several uh that's right in the front several addendums there. There's recommendations
on 2A with a resignation on 2D. Uh there's another approval for ESY. I just wanted to make that noted before we vote on this or ask questions. Okay. Can I get a motion to approve the superintendent
resolution 02A through 02X as above? Second. Second. Thank you. Um, roll call. Oh, questions or comments? I'm sorry. We're all I'm just a little Yes, Brian.
Just a a quick comment. Um, at the very end you said board of education policy 5110 and the itinerary here it says 5111. So uh correction on the uh recommended the
board approve the permitting the following student uh according to board of education policy 511 111 for the student to attend. Yes. Thank you for the correction. Thank you. I any other questions? Hey Russ, I just want to just clarification for everyone.
So the for ESY and for [Music] the oh I forget what the other ones are. The other hire is they're they're you're we're accepting them. So you have like a bullpen to use during the summer. They
may not all necessarily be used and they may not bo necessarily use the entire time. Correct. especially with the substitutes. And uh as far as if uh let me look back here, summer evaluations, it's based on who moves to district. So it's based on
what type of evaluation, who's available at that time over the summer to complete those. Thank you. Any more? Um this is a question more for Charlie. um because policy committee it is recommended the board approve the following policies to
be abolished. Could you just elaborate on why we're abolishing those three policies? Yes, I do know why, but I feel like it should be public. Yeah, no, no problem. Um so, uh we're abolishing them actually. Let me look at which ones we
have. So, we have well 1360 doesn't exist anymore position. Um actually one the 1405 doesn't exist. uh I believe, right? Yeah. And 14051 and
14052 don't exist either. So, and it's there's no reason for it. There's no statute um for for the policy. Um Straesmi, which is our policy u uh yeah consultant, right? They they
told us they said they don't even have a template for it. that they don't normally put the jobs in in policy. Um jobs more come with like Russ actually proposed two changes in the job descriptions which are held with with the administration team and they control
that instead of in policy they've been approved job descriptions that we've approved throughout the year. Yeah. Because imagine if somebody he wanted up we were adding a position it would take two meetings to actually change something or add a position. So, so these were the only positions that are
actually defined by policy. There is one more the superintendent which is mandatory. So, that one stays. Yes. Yeah. Okay. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Oh, yeah. There was nothing else. There wasn't like, you know, teacher or supervis. Yeah. When we had an assistant superintendent,
it makes sense that that would be a position that's defined by um policy because that's a superintendent. But then do you know why we had director of curriculum instruction as something in policy? Because that doesn't really make
sense. Actually, I would say none of them make sense because we we work, you know, the superintendent works for under us. Yeah. Right. And everybody else works under the superintendent. So it would make more sense that the person in charge of them actually makes what the
description is and puts out the rules. So I we don't know the history. We don't know why. It's so interesting. Yeah, somebody had the right idea. Yeah, it was actually by accident. We I we found them. Um we were looking up a different
policy and u actually I think it was for the advertisements and we're like wait a minute what what is all this in here. Uh so we went through it in our last meeting and we're just abolish them because I think it's a good idea. Thank you for your work on that. Nothing. And
if you ever see anything like that in a policy, please let us know because a lot of our a lot of the times that when we'll notice something off is when we're doing research for a situation that occurs and maybe that's when the miniature horses might pop up. Uh Mr. Krauss,
I just have one more question. Yes. Outside of uh these are Q are the two the changes that you made for the job description. They are not new positions. They're just they're just updates to the current job description, right? Uh nurse coordinator and help health help desk
technician. They're they're positions that have been budgeted for next year. Yes. Yeah. And they were already existing prior, right? Um the one because they were changing. They were prior but maybe not one this year. Yeah. Right. But they've been
budgeted for and approved and discussed. Anyone else? I just want to say thank you for all. Thank you. Some things for you. We have to vote first. Oh, should we get a roll call? Mr. Smaglia. Yes.
Mr. Canino? Yes. Mr. Fischer? Hi. Mr. Crrauss. Oh, Mr. Fischer. Excuse me. You have to abstain from 2M. No. 2N. Yeah, that's right. So I with an abstension from 2N.
Thank you. Mr. Krauss. Yes. Miss Pallet. Yes. Mr. Sweeney. Yes. With an abstension on item 2A number 27. Thank you, Miss Carella. Yes.
Motion carries. This is going to be a long one. I know. Sit back. Sit back. Uh so, uh can we um can we can we just give um you know the president.
I think we should take a picture for her parents. Oh, yeah. Want to get up in the front and take a picture or [Music] like we did for the other people, right? Get her name tag in it.
Tag the front. What you said? You know, Christina's aunt received an award tonight, Miss Jensen. Her grandmother was in the audience as well. And her mother and her sister, a future
student represent. Yeah. Sorry about that, Mr. Slam. I almost he caught his brother. Yes. There you go. Rather brace. All right. Uh so uh number one
discussion items uh discussion such information items. Letter A use of votings and grounds as noted below. Letter B field trips as noted below. And now we are down to recommendations. Item A is recommended
the board approve the following financial reports. As noted below, it's attachment F1, F2, F3, and F4. Letter V, approval of board sectors and treasury reports. As noted below,
it's attachment F5 and F6. Letter C is recommended that the board approved transportation is listed below. Have quoted trips as noted in the chart. We have the report of the completion of the school bus emergency evacuation drill to the board of education.
as listed below. Letter D, it is recommended that the board approve the quasi entities for the Vernon Township School District as noted below. Letter E is recommended that the board accept the donation of t-shirts for students to the Vernon Township School District from Lounsbury Hollow
SCA in the amount of $2,24.75 for field day. Letter F, it is recommended that the board approve the ancillate agreement between the Vernon Township Board of Education and Supreme Consultants for the 24-25 school year. Rates for services are included in the
attachment. That's attachment F7. Letter G is recommended that the board approve the ancillary agreement between the Vernon Town School, the Vernon Township Board of Education and the Sussex County Educational Service Commission for the 2526 school year. Rates for services are included attachment at attachment F8.
Letter H. is recommended that the board approve the insight room between the Vernon Township Board of Education and the Educational Service Commission of Morris County for the 2526 school year. Rates for the services are included in the attachment attachment F9. Letter I is recommended the board approve the following list of medical doctors, psychiatrists, neurologists, educational
specialists, and other individuals and agencies who will utilize as needed to assist the CST when necessary and appropriate for the 2526 school year as noted below. Figure you probably don't mean to read all those right now. Letter J. Uh it is recommended uh that
the board approve the resolution for reappoints and related items for the 2526 school year which begins on July 1st, 2025. Be it resolved by the board of education of the township of Vernon that all policies regulations courses of study, curricula, student activities,
textbooks, student records, and personnel systems presently in existence as established by act and practice of previous boards of education are to remain in force in effect until such time as the present board of education necessitates change by the way of resolution. be it further resolved that
the following appointments related items and related items to be approved for 2526 square as indicated. We have uh the depositories of school monies tax shelter companies as noted below. List of approved vendors authorized only to receive exchanges and
transfers as noted below. Board newspaper for legal advertising as noted. Board attorneys. I'm just going to list them off and they're all going to be as noted below. Board of Attorneys, uh, policy service provider, architective record, board
auditor, treasurer, school monies, insurance broker record, that's a risk management insurance, insurance broker record for employee health benefits, financial adviserss, uh, school alliance insurance fund commissioner, uh, board secretary, affirmative action
officer, federal n coordinator, signatures for general accounts, 504 coordinator, integrated pest management coordinator, Indoor air quality officer asbestous management and PIOA coordinator custo records that's for Oprah open public
records act public agency compliance offer that's acco leaison officer school safety specialist senior medical inspector license orderwaste order plant operator chemical hygiene coordinator health and
safety officer right to know officer qualified purchasing agent with the below list um of uh approved activities for the qualified person agent. uh petty cash requirements, athletic accounts, uh and
then related services based off assigned p personnel hourly rates for um we essentially what that means is that we're saying that when someone uh approaches us, they may be an out of district student that wants to come here
based on tuition, we will assign the hourly rates for those services that they may need based off the personnel who's assigned. So it'll be fair to us and the district because it'll be based off the actual individual that they're working that student will be working with. Uh and then tuition which is based off our letter uh from the state which
is always from uh the year before. So that's the 2324 certified rates which we'll be using for the 2526 year. Uh the procurement of goods and services to the state contracts and the cooperatives as noted on the agenda. Participation in the New Jersey state
intercolastic athletic association. Moving on to letter K. It is recommended that the board accept a donation to Vernon Town to the Vernon Township School District for the Lansbury Hollow School SEA in the amount of 1,94.15 for bus transportation for the
fourth grade student field trip to Sterling Hill Mining Museum. Letter L. It is recommended that the board, excuse me, is recommended that that the board accept the donation of the Vernon Township School District from the Lansburg School SEA in amount of $1,800
for an ice cream truck for all students on field day. Letter M is recommended the board approve the agreement between -ate consulting and process manage services and the burned school district in the amount of $3,500 as attachment F10. Letter N is recommended the board approve the software license agreement with Systems 3000, Inc. effective July
1st, 2025. Uh as follows, attachment F11. Uh just a quick note, the first year is what is what is being approved. It does have two additional renewal years um that can be renewed uh based off of the district's path forward.
Right? So, if we want to renew for those two years, we can, but it's a one-year contract with two one-year renewals, uh which got us a bit of a discount on the licensing fees. Uh, letter O is recommended the board approve the rental agreement with a perfect reflection photo booth LLC and the Vernon Township
School District of the SE for the senior prom on May 29th, 2025 attachment F12. Letter P is recommended that the board approve the proposal for one to one plus in the amount of $60,490 effective July 1st, 2025 attachment F-13. Letter Q is recommended the board approve the change order A1
from Wall Group to provide an additional convection oven for the Lansbury Hall school in the amount of $15,72123. That's attachment F14. Uh these next few change orders I'm going to read off. Uh and then also one on the addendum. These are all fund 60 uh funds. So that's the school lunch fund.
So it does not affect the operating budget. Uh so those are funds that are based off of the school lunch program. that are was recommended that the board approve the change or AO2 from Walko Group to provide install a new dishwasher in the amount of
$164,34951 which will utilize $150,000 in dishwasher allowance which was in the contract and then add an additional $14,34951 which will uh will be added. So the one the first portion will be deducted from the contract allowance and then the rest
will be added to the contract at 14,000 will be added. Letter S is recommended that the board approve the change or AO3 from WAL group to wall mount and condenser outside uh near the equipment pad and core drill for condensate line in amount $2,267 that'll be deducted from the contract allowance. Letter T is
recommended the board approve Colonial Day at Lensbury High School for students on June 6, 2025. Letter U is recommended the board accept the following resolution. Whereas the Vernon Township Board of Education issued a request for proposals for food service management company services and whereas the board
received uh five proposals to RFP and whereas Airark formally requested that it proposal be withdrawn to an due to an error and such withdrawal is acceptable to the board and whereas after thorough review and evaluation of the remaining proposals in accordance with the evaluation material set forth an RFP and upon recommendation superintendent
schools and school business administrator it has been determined that the proposal submitted by Mashia food services is the most advant advent advantages to the board. Now therefore be resolved that the burn township board of education hereby awards the contract for food service management helping services for the 2526 year school year
with an option for four one-year extensions thereafter at the board's discretion food services inc uh contractual provisions uh which are noted in the agenda. We have further resolved that
the board hereby accepts Armach's request to withdraw its proposal. be further resolved that the board president and board secretary hereby authorized to take all necessary steps to effectuate the terms of this resolution. Letter V is recommended the board accept a donation from Rolling Hills Primary School sea to the burnt
town school district for the Earth Dome assembly in the amount of $1695 and the man science assembly in the amount of $1,000 for students. W is recommended the board approve the application for elevated career and technical education innovation grant for a one-year time
onetime award of $50,000. Letter X is recommended the board accept the funds from the local recreation improvement grant in the amount of $86,000. Letter Y is that the board approve the application to apply for the funding for optimal optimal comprehensive universal screeners grant
in the amount of $8,360. Letter Z is recommended that the board approve the student accident insurance renewal proposal from Ballinger Specialty Group in the amount of $59,649 effective July 1st, 2025. That's attachment F17. Letter AA is recommended the board
approve the administrative fee of $500 to Health Special Risk Inc. to offer voluntary student accident insurance coverage options effective July 1st, 2025. That's attachment F18. Letter BB is recommended the board approve the application for the visions loves educators classroom project fund program
for STEM at Cedar Mountain Primary School with a one-time award up to $500. Letter CC is recommended the board accept the donation of the following items from Agra Environmental as noted in the chart. Letter D is recommended that the board approve the application for the
20252026 New Jersey child assault prevention program grant for all schools with the exception of Rolling Hills Primary School. Letter E is recommended the board approve the meal time turndown agreement. That's attachment F19. Letter FF is recommended that this is a big one. Is recommended that the board
retroactively approve the Elizabeth Town Gas non-residentidential gas extension contracts for the following schools. Attachment F20. So that's Walnut Ridge Schools, Cedar Mountain Primary School, Rolling Hills Primary School, Lounsbury Hollow School, and Glen Meadow Middle School.
So, we're going to get some natural gas lines to those schools, which is a big deal because we're running off of all oil right now. Letter G. It's recommended the board approved the following resolution. Resolution of the Board of Education of the Township of Vernon is in the county of Sussex, New Jersey,
authorizing certain actions necessary in connection with the sale and issuance of not to exceed $5.6 6 million principal mail of energy savings obligation refunding school bonds and authorizing the appropriate officials to do all acts and things deemed necessary and advisable in connection with the
issuance and delivery of said bonds as noted below. Thank you. Right. That was about four pages worth of reading. So I figured everyone has access to it. May have been actually five pages
worth of reading. All right. So, uh, letter, hh is recommended the board accept the donation of 181 gift cards in the amount of $4,525 from the Albertson's companies to the 2024 Nourishing Neighbors campaign
in the amount of $25 per gift card. Letter I is recommended the board approve the disposition of the following items as they're either obsolete or disrepair as noted below. And then we're moving over to the addendum. letter JJ uh that's that last change order I had mentioned is recommended
that the board approved change order AO4 from Walcohol Group and then $29,9963 that an additional steamer to the project at Lunbury Hollow School. This amount will be deducted from the contract allowance that's attachment F22 and then last one letter KK is recommended
that the board accept the donation of the following items from Humble Crew. Uh, as noted in the chart, it is a list of preschool um, furniture that's being donated to the preschool program made it through.
Uh, probably come up with something if you'd like. Yeah. Um, that took two orders. I did. I did make it through two. Yeah. Get a motion to approve the business administrator's resolutions P2A through P2K.
So moved. Second. Thank you. Questions or comments? I have a saw couple. Okay. Who? Okay. John. Hey. I'm just not sure what's the software license systems 3000. What is that software? Uh, so that's our
accounting software. So use it uh for all our um monthly accounting uh also for uh creation of the budget. Okay. One more. Um one to one plus is that the uh the tutoring
thing. The next one, letter P. Um it's recommended board approved proposal from 1 to one plus in the amount of $6,490. What is one to one plus? So I think I know it. Okay.
That's what I thought it was. district. This will allow us to track our district. [Music] Thank you. I appreciate it. I'm not done yet or two more. Yeah. The gift cards in the amount from
Albertson Companies. What's the Albertson? Uh they own Acme. It's an Yeah, it's a parent company. Acne. I have And the plan for that is uh to hand those out to uh families that may be in need uh maybe students that are involved
in the backpack program. Great thing. I just didn't know what that was. Thank you very much. I wanted to shout out all the donations we're getting in particular from the SCA. They raised almost $6,000 for our students. Yes. Just just this time. Just
this time. That is incredible. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I also wanted to thank um the Albertson Companies for their donation and also Agra Environmental. They're donating almost $10,000 worth of stuff. What are we going to use that stuff for? Is that
going to be put in science labs? Yes. Oh, that's awesome. That is awesome. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Does anybody know what what is the 86,000 local rec grant going toward? So that that's going to go towards
replacing the um playground and for our rolling hills. So we uh put in for the full amount we got 86,000. So I need to uh find $50,000 for the savings so we can complete the project.
donates. Okay. And why for DD? Why is it all schools but rolling hills? Just that now asking is on. Oh, sorry. D I just thought that was Oh, they they wanted to
use a different they just want different programming. All right. And I know you want to speak to FF. So, do you want to talk about Elizabeth Town for a minute just to just to Yay? So, um we've been working on this one for about I would
say I'll get it later. Uh so, a little bit over a year. Um and I want to give a shout out to uh Mr. Van Kirk, our director of buildings and grounds. He's been very very persistent uh with bothering the representative over at Elizabeth Town Natural Gas for the last
year. Phone calls, emails, more phone calls, more emails. and then a few pepperings of phone calls and emails from myself as well. Uh and then we're working with Honeywell on the EIEP and we've also had them reach out. So we just been bugging them left and right for about a year. Um so this is pretty big. They're going to run the natural
gas lines um down uh to the five schools that I mentioned. Uh we couldn't convince them to go all the way to the high school. Uh which it wouldn't have mattered that much anyway because the high school's mainly electric. Um so big deal because we're going to be able to move from oil to natural gas. Uh it's probably going to take about a year. It's going to take some time because
there's approvals that need to go on the place and then there's actually going to be the work of them move, you know, putting the lines in and extending the lines down. Uh think it's going to provide some good opportunities for anyone along the way in terms of uh residents along the way if they want to hook up the natural gas that's now going to be available to them. Um because
obviously Elizabeth Town's going to most likely be looking to pick up as many customers along the way as they can uh making it to the schools. Uh and then the other thing we're looking at here is the potential to look at um maybe another round of the EIP uh to try to
take those savings and then use those savings to potentially convert our boilers to natural gas uh because that would be a pretty uh large investment to do that. But we could use the savings and go through the EIP process potentially uh to to cover the actually getting the natural gas into the
buildings uh and converting either either converting boilers or replacing boilers as needed. Um and then the other big thing just before we move on is that with this Elizabeth Town Natural Gas is actually not charging us anything to run the lines to the school. Um so the only
thing we'll be paying for is they're going to run it to outside the building. We have to take care of getting it inside our building. But that's pretty big because normally there's a fee associated with running those lines, you know, up to the building, but we're not going to charge anything for that, which is great. Thank you. Any other
questions? Ryan, [Music] I had a question about R. was curious, does it really cost $164,000 for dishwasher? Uh, it's a it's a commercial dishwasher.
Um, so it's for the dishwasher and the installation and the plumbing. Uh, and this was through the the bid process. So it went through competitive the competitive bid process. It's a lot of money for a dish. Yeah, I
know. Um, unfortunately, yeah, it's a lot of dishes. Lot of dishes. Dishes. Wondering if I should just wash the dishes. Um Charlie uh first easy one uh Ray you gave us the
u the spire drill reports for the buses. Did you I I don't know if it's indicated here but it's that all that's the complete all the buses completed it correctly. Yeah. Every every bus has to complete it. Okay. I'm trying I'm sorry. I'm trying to scroll up to it. Yeah.
Because I don't know if there was a number missing here or not. You don't have to look at it. Yeah. It would take him a long time to find his Charles. Yeah. And then double that. That should be everything. Yeah. Okay. And then double A um the $500 fee. Is
that a yearly thing for the uh that's for the health um the health special risk incorporated, which is for the volunteer student accident insurance coverage. So this is the first time they're actually charging a fee. In the past, it's been
that we approve them and then essentially they offer the option to our students and their families to elect for coverage that they pay for, right? So there's different coverages they could elect for. They could just elect for, you know, during the school day. They
could elect for 247, right? So if maybe uh they need something to supplement maybe their health insurance they have, they could do 247. They could include dental, right? Things like that. So, it's really just I think a good opportunity just to be able to offer that for anyone that that might be interested. Um, usually they don't uh
charge the district, but this last year they're charging $500 is administrative fee uh I guess to I guess recoup part of their costs. Um, I think the $500 though in comparison to the potential benefit it could provide you know students it
makes sense. People and people are taking advantage of it. I don't have the report saying how many people, but I that's something I could look into. I could look talk to our insurance broker to see if he can provide me that information without maybe necessarily telling me who it is.
Right. Yeah. Thank you. Any other questions or comments? Okay. Move to a roll call. Sorry, I'm scrolling down a lot of lot
of scrolling. All right, Mr. Smaglia. Yes, Mr. Cino. Yes, Mr. Fischer. I will vote I on all except bar R, which is a name.
Thank you. Uh, Mr. Krauss, yes. Uh, Miss Pallet, yes. Mr. Sweeney, yes. Miss Varela, yes. Motion carries. You item uh Q, public comment. Do we
have any members of the public? We have one online. Um, Mr. Paringer. Okay. Can you hear me? Yes. Yeah. Okay. Martin Peringer from Highland Lakes.
Uh, I have a comment regarding the tax increase. And regarding Mr. officials claim that we should do a bond instead. If we do a bond, I would like
him to get into without a tax increase. How we going to pay for the bond? Let's assume we take a 15 mil 50 million bond out. And let's assume we get the 40% from the state. That means they give us
the $20 million. We still have to sell $30 million worth of bonds. And the average yield on the new school bond right now is a is close to 5%. Over a 30-year term, which most of
the bonds are, uh that comes out to about $20 million in interest. So the state would be paying the interest. Now how it works with the bonds is unless you have some normally works is to pay over a 30-year
point you pay a 30th of the principle back and to pay the interest on the rest on everything. So that means on a $30 million bond at 5% we would start off at
about $3 million go to zero and would have to allocate for that service an average of a million and a half over the 30 years. So without increasing the tax base it would be fair if Mr. official
would state what he wants to cut, which $3 million out of the budget he wants to cut in the first year, $2.5 million or whatever, 2.75 million the second year, etc., etc., etc., because those cuts would have to be permanent. Now, I'm not
saying we do not need to fix our schools. We do. And I wish we could do more to fix the schools while maintaining service to the children. And I could I only have five minutes. I cannot go into all the details in five
minutes. But doing a bond might allow us to do everything quickly, but even being able to sell the bond, you got to present how you going to pay for it, how you pay it back because it's
a loan. So we have to have a padding in the budget to make the annual payment payments or semiannual payments on the bond. And maybe Mr. Slam can correct me if I'm incorrect on that. And bond rates
currently are going up. The yield is going up. The rates are tied to the Fed. The yield means if let's say you sell a million dollars in bonds at 4% and people say uh-uh we're not going
to buy it. So you might have to drop the the price to 950,000 to 900,000 or whatever. You're still paying the 40,000 the 4% on the million in interest and you have to pay the million back over the 30 years. So you apply a little bit
of math and you come up with the yield of the bond which probably at that point 4% interest comes out to close to off the top of my head five 6% on the yield and that's what it's actually going to cost you because if you want your $30
million you might have to sell 32 million in bonds to get the $30 million or whatever it works out to or cut down on your budget. So I would like to I
don't like paying taxes either, but I'm very much as it should be known for the education of the children. I'm very much for our children to be educated in a building that doesn't fall apart, where the roof is not leaking, etc., etc.,
etc. I was at the committee a couple years ago walking through the schools and seeing all the equipment that is like from the stone age or from a time when I was a teenager uh which is pretty close to that. And so I would
like everyone who has problems with it especially Mr. Fisher and who wants to do the bouncing say how do we prepare to be able to do it and to make a good showing to get a good rate. You're at 30 seconds
Mr. Purge. I'm sorry to interrupt. Yes, I'm I'm finishing it up. As I say, it's a long problem. So, I would like to get some ideas on that from the people for Mr. Fisher and anybody else who wants to chime in. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Peringer. Do we have anyone else in uh the queue for p for public comments? Posting public comments. Um item R, open board member forum. Does anyone have
anything they'd like to Mr. I just want to mention that the Vernon instrumental parents are having a golf outing on June 5th and if anybody wants to get involved, it's a great thing to to raise money for the music department. Um I know I just put a threesome in. anybody wants to join. I think today was a
deadline to to put to get in there, but if if anybody else wants to get in, I'm sure to give you an extra couple of days to to to join it. It's a really good program. You get golf, you get to dinner at the end, and there's prizes and things at the halls and stuff. So, where do it's being held at Crystal Springs?
At where? Crystal Springs. Crystal Springs. And where would people go to to find um Oh, there's Do you know if it's on the website? I got a text for it. Um I I think that if I could email it. I think Wanda or we could put it. Is Is
there something on our website? Maybe. I don't know. I just got it because my daughter's on one of the Vern instrumental parents and she sent me the the link to to get in there and see. Not 100% sure, but I'm sure you could probably reach out to one of the band. Can I see? Yeah, one of the band teachers or something teachers. Um I I
don't know if you can say the names of mention being. Yeah. So then I won't say Okay. Yeah, let's not mention names. Uh, but I'm sure you could probably call Crystal Springs or the or or the music department music teachers, but they all know about it, you know. So, it's it's it's a it's a big deal. It's a great
thing every year that they that they did. So, it's the music department. That's good. Yes. I want to speak about the state of the district address. Oh, good. Um, yes. So, I'm I don't want to miss anything, so I'm just going to read directly off of the banner that we have. So, the Vernon
Township School District is putting on its first annual say the district address. It's going to be Wednesday, May 28th at 5:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium. There's also going to be a live stream available on the district website. Uh the school district invites
parents, students, and community members to the annual state of the district address. The event highlights the latest updates from each school, showcases student achievements, and provides a deeper look into the district's initiatives and future plans. Um, you can expect a spotlight on each school.
Principles will share updates, student highlights, and future plans for their schools. You'll also hear directly from students about their experiences and their achievements in student presentations. It's going to be themed pride and education for performance,
respect, initiative, determination, and excellence. Um, learn how the district fosters community relations relationships and burning pride through community engagement. Um, and it's also going to be a bit of a meet and greet. You're going to be able to meet a lot of people who work in the schools. Multiple board members are going to be there. Um,
Russ Rogers obviously is going to be speaking along with Suzanne McDougall from Walnut Ridge. Um, Christian Goodenoff from Cedar Mountain, Pauline Anderson from Rolling Hills, Mark Citro from Lounsbury Hollow, Jackie Van Norton from the middle school, and Lindseay
Young from the high school. Is she going to be there? Is she going to be on Well, it's not. She is. She's not on leave yet. Okay, I I don't want to say anything wrong. I want to make sure that I'm saying everything correctly. Um, but I'm really excited about this. It's an
awesome. Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen, including all of our administrators and wonderful educators. So, that's coming up real quick. Um, so how is that being I I know I saw a flyer somewhere, but I I don't think I've seen it, you know, in it did get on to the It's on the district
website. It's on the district website. Is it on the Instagram for you? I believe it is because I got this the flyer I saved to my phone I saw on social media. Excellent. So, I know it's out there. I've been seeing a lot of people posting about it. I know it's
gone home in the digital backpack multiple times, but I'm just promoting as much as I can as well as I know a lot, you know, all the major people there. So, we really want people to come to it. So just just to make sure we're really pushing it out every which way would be great. And in the last couple
weeks, uh, US News and World Report reported out that New Jersey is the number one uh state in the in the country for prek through 12 school systems and our our ranking has been increasing every year. I I was hoping that it would come out in April because
with our increased SAT scores and other assessments, I'm looking for a ranking uh jump for us this year as well. So, I'm actively looking on on a regular basis to see where we're at based on last year's scores. And I'm and I'm even more curious because I've heard some great things about the assessments this
year that the kids took about our results that will be reported out. I think we'll be able to report some of them out over the summer and then hopefully in October all the other state assessment scores as well, but we finally beat out Massachusetts. Now, we're number one. Yes, John. I just want to follow up. I have an email address
I'd like to put out to anybody who wants to get involved with this uh VIP uh golf outing. It's VTSD VIP secretarygmail.com. That's VTSD VIP
secretarygmail.com and I'm sure they could put you in the right direction. Anybody wants to play golf? Okay, great. Thank you. You can just go to the dinner too if you want to. It's another option. For those of us who the grandparents are very active in that in that group as well. Sure.
I'm sorry I missed the very beginning. Did you say it was is it being streamed? Yes, it's going to be streamed. This the district website will have a link to the live stream. So you can just watch. You can't participate. Yeah, you can just watch. You can't participate, but you'll be able to watch it. So great. And then
um say something up. Go ahead. I just want to say um it was pretty amazing tonight. Um 45 years was one of the highest numbers. I can't believe that they Thanks. But we all had a lot of people 25 30 plus just thank you for
sticking around this this long and helping us out and and forcing our children into a better future. and um and also all those that are retired. Um good luck and thank you for your time you spent here helping us.
Thank you. Thank you for saying that on Brian. All right. So, I just have uh two comments. First, you know, I wanted to address Mr. Paringer's comments and and let Mr. parent, you know, you know, we never made it to the
to the point where we would have to figure out what was going to be cut because the board I was in the minority. The board went in a different direction. But, you know, I do want to state this. No matter what it is, I still have the
the best interest of this district at heart. I still have two sons who go to this school. And in fact, we're talking about the state of the district. One of my two boys has been chosen to to
represent Glenn Glen Meadow uh middle school to speak about academics. So understand, you know, my interest is in the best of the district. Uh I will be at the state of the district next week
and I would encourage Mr. parenting to seek me out if he wants to have a conversation uh about the the future of the district and where I stand on matters. As far as uh tonight, just to to take what Charlie said a step further with the highest
number being 45 years, I actually added it all up and it came out to 720 years of service for all the people that we honor tonight, which is an an amazing number. I'm sorry. Let's try one more time.
Thank you, Christina, for your time here. Good luck. Yeah, it's been a pleasure. Can I say something back? Yeah. Okay. No, it's just been such a pleasure to be here. I know I missed a couple of meetings due to EMTT class. I had to leave early. Um
I missed a couple due to swim, but I always wanted to make sure that I at least had something. So, yeah, just thank you so much. I feel like this has been such a great opportunity. Um, this time I won't cry when I say this, but uh, no, it's just such a blessing to be here and to, you know, talk to
everybody, meet to everybody, be able to report on my peers and my teachers and my administrators and staff, faculty, just let every I always wanted to make sure that everybody got recognized in some way. So, I hope that I did that. Um, but yeah, thank you so much for allowing me to sit here and this name
tag and it's just been amazing. So, and I owe so much to Burnon Township School District, the high school, literally anyone and everyone. I really do. Um, and also my parents, too. I don't know why I didn't say thank you to my parents. They do so much for me and made
me the person that I am. So, everybody else here and my teachers and literally everything. So, yeah, just thank you. Thank you to anyone and everyone. Well, thank you again for for being here, sharing your thoughts with us, sharing reports of the students because, you know, we don't all have kids in the
buildings right now. So, it's always good to be reminded of why we're here. So, and if you get emotional, that actually helps us also remind us why we're here. So, thank you for that as well. Yeah. So, okay. Is that it? Is
anybody else? That's it. Okay. Um, item S, adjournment. Uh, can I get a motion to adjurnn? So moved. Second. Stephanie. All in favor? Hi. Hi. This is Varela. So the the baby