WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=YZ5E_0xNoi8

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: YZ5E_0xNoi8):
- 00:00:22: Watung School Board Meeting Opening, Pledge, and Roll Call
- 00:10:12: NJSBA Presents Master Board Certification Plaque
- 00:14:42: Corrective Action Plan Overview and Absenteeism Data
- 00:27:09: Chronic Absenteeism Trends, Impact, and State Indicators
- 00:30:29: Development of Corrective Action Plan, Surveys, and Goals
- 00:33:54: Questions and Discussions Regarding Attendance Surveys
- 00:41:19: Principal Reports: Bayberry and Valley View Updates
- 00:47:32: Building & Grounds, Payroll, Health Care Cost Resolution
- 00:49:10: Superintendent Updates: Staffing, Memorial Day Events
- 00:52:57: Committee Reports: Curriculum, Finance, and Policy
- 01:01:03: Personnel Committee Report and Summer Program Staffing
- 01:02:09: Board Liaison Reports: MUJC and Enrollment Growth
- 01:04:32: Community Engagement: WE Fundraiser and Upcoming Events
- 01:06:26: Executive Session and Director of Special Services Vote
- 02:09:23: Public Comments and Action Items: Administrative
- 02:11:49: Action Items: Personnel, Approve Staff Appointments
- 02:16:39: Action Items: Operations, Finance, Transfer of Funds
- 02:18:25: Action Items: Curriculum, ESY program, Evaluations
- 02:21:12: Action Items: Policy and Procedures Discussion
- 02:22:38: Board Business: Handbook Review and Committee Minutes
- 02:29:31: Public Comment Opportunity and Meeting Adjournment


Part: 1

1
00:00:22.000 --> 00:08:31.440
It's like and welcome to a regular meeting of the Watung Burough School District School District Board of Education. Uh it's May 21st at 7 p.m. Let's all stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the

2
00:08:31.440 --> 00:08:52.560
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. First thinking, did I say it wrong? No. >> Welcome to a meeting of the board of

3
00:08:52.560 --> 00:09:08.000
education of the Bureau of Wong. Please be advised that this and all meetings of the board are open to the public and media consistent with the open public meetings act chapter 231 laws of 1975 and that the adequate notice and that adequate notice was provided by written

4
00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:25.040
by written notice on February 4th 2026 and sent to the courier news star ledger and tap into watch as well as posted on the district website. This is a regular meeting of the board of education of the bureau of watching at which formal action may be taken. This meeting is being livereamed on the district website

5
00:09:25.040 --> 00:09:40.160
where a recording of the meeting also will be posted. The public will have an opportunity to be heard as shown on the agenda at points in the meeting provided for the public to address the board. Uh recording or photographing other than for private personal use requires the

6
00:09:40.160 --> 00:09:56.800
consent of parents, guardians whose children may be included in the image. Can we have a roll call, please? >> Yes. >> Mr. Desaniano, >> here. >> Mrs. Harvey >> here, >> Mr. Craft >> here, >> Mrs. Maddox

7
00:09:56.800 --> 00:10:12.399
>> here, >> Mrs. Marcellus >> here, >> and Mrs. Emado >> here, >> Mrs. Aglaro, Mrs. Santos, and Mr. Trika are absent. >> Okay. Um, Dr. Glazer, we have Kathy first, I think.

8
00:10:12.399 --> 00:10:29.040
>> Yes, we do. Okay. So, Kathy Purier from the NJSBA, would you like to present Let's do this. So, hi. Nice to see everybody again. I'm Kathy Pory. I think I've met all of you

9
00:10:29.040 --> 00:10:45.200
at this point from New Jersey School Boards Association. And tonight, I'm not here to give a training. I'm here to celebrate all of you in your commitment to board training and board governance. As um we found out at the most recent Somerset County meeting, all of you

10
00:10:45.200 --> 00:11:01.920
earned your Carol Larson Master Board certification and congratulations. Couple years ago, you started your board certification. So, you made a commitment to group CH training together, effective governance, and advancing student achievement in your school districts.

11
00:11:01.920 --> 00:11:18.240
It's something that you do together as a board with your superintendent. Uh the Carol Larson master board certification is an extension of that. So you had to earn 10 more credits of group training within two years of getting your board certification and you did that and it

12
00:11:18.240 --> 00:11:33.600
was a pleasure to come out and help you with some of that. I came in towards the end but we did norms, we talked about ethics, we talked about board's role in finance and student achievement and I really appreciate your dedication. Uh

13
00:11:33.600 --> 00:11:50.240
it's really something that you all choose to do that goes above and beyond um your role as board members. So I commend you and we appreciate your dedication. I do have a plaque for all of you from the New Jersey School Boards

14
00:11:50.240 --> 00:12:05.680
Association Board Member Academy and it says the Wong Bur Burough School District Board of Education. Your board being among the elite group of school boards that has met with distinction the high standards of effective board governance is hereby awarded the Carol

15
00:12:05.680 --> 00:12:24.160
Elaren Master board certification in spring 2026. So congratulations. Does anybody have any questions about the board certification? >> No, I just want to do a photo. >> Wonderful job. Like I said, it was a pleasure working with you and I, as I

16
00:12:24.160 --> 00:12:39.680
worked with you, I really got a sense of how engaged you are, how important your district is to you, and how dedicated and committed you are to your students and the education of all the students in your district and supporting your administration. So, I appreciate that

17
00:12:39.680 --> 00:12:57.240
and it's I hope we get to do a lot more training together over the years and I look forward to it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> Okay, everyone. We're going to do a quick photo op. So, let's all stand up. Kathy, do you know where you want us? Do you care?

18
00:13:18.800 --> 00:14:04.480
>> All right. Sorry everyone. We'll be >> brief. >> I wish I was that good. Am I in this picture? >> I was in the >> stuck my finger on that.

19
00:14:04.480 --> 00:14:27.600
There you go. >> Thank you. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> You're the board. You have to be >> No. Thank you so much, Kathy. >> It was perfect. I was in it at the county. >> Um I als Thank you so much. Thanks for being here.

20
00:14:27.600 --> 00:14:42.959
>> You're welcome. Anytime. I also just want to shout out to um Jen Agliero who really kind of made this happen, made sure all the all the trainings were booked and pushed us to get this done. So to her

21
00:14:42.959 --> 00:15:09.920
right? >> Yep. Okay. So on to the corrective action plan. >> Yep. There we are. >> Hi. >> So, um this evening we are presenting

22
00:15:09.920 --> 00:15:27.839
um a compliance piece, but we're really kind of excited to find out um how it can support the whole district. So every year um the state gets our attendance.

23
00:15:27.839 --> 00:15:44.480
They get daily attendance. They get yearly attendance based on the 180 school days. Schools that have more than 10% uh students are considered to be chronically absent. And um although this

24
00:15:44.480 --> 00:16:00.000
law has been on the books for maybe 2018, in the last year, a decision was made that a school that is labeled chronically absent must develop a

25
00:16:00.000 --> 00:16:17.839
corrective action plan. Um the plan is there to identify any barriers to student attendance. we um Denise her school so you'll hear from her in a minute but has the responsibility for um gathering the

26
00:16:17.839 --> 00:16:35.920
input and developing that plan at the June board meeting. Um the plan the actual corrective action plan is presented and voted on by the board. Now, all of the data is so this plan is

27
00:16:35.920 --> 00:16:52.480
based on the current year, even though we're in May, which seems strange, but that's how it works. Today, the Department of Ed was supposed to open the performance reports for the next school year. The last time I looked, the message still said soon. So

28
00:16:52.480 --> 00:17:09.600
full disclosure, if for some reason um and hasn't happened so far, but if for some reason Valley View trends above that 10%, we would also have to do the same process for Valley View um a corrective action plan on attendance. So

29
00:17:09.600 --> 00:17:25.280
as soon as we get that information, we'll make plans for um hopefully not but working on next year's. So Erin, if you could go. Thanks. So, chronic absenteeism

30
00:17:25.280 --> 00:17:43.679
um I think people often um misunderstand it is missing 10% or more of school for any reason. Doesn't matter if it's excused, doesn't matter if it's unexcused, right? All of those absences

31
00:17:43.679 --> 00:18:01.039
if it's 10% or more chronically absent. That's an individual student. And then collectively that is the um school designation. So we put up there's 180 school days. If you miss 18, you're

32
00:18:01.039 --> 00:18:16.799
chronically absent. 38 days, which you would think seems like a whole lot. You'd be surprised. 20% of your school year. And believe it or not, we have students that miss in

33
00:18:16.799 --> 00:18:34.480
excess of 50 days. 30% of your school year. So when we're talking about this, it's really important in the context that everybody has the same understanding. And when we learned about this, it was pretty clear that people

34
00:18:34.480 --> 00:18:52.160
didn't, right? Understand that it wasn't um you know, oh, I have all excused absences. It doesn't matter, right, for this designation. There is a district attendance policy and regulations. number 5200. Um, parents get it at the

35
00:18:52.160 --> 00:19:08.000
beginning. It's also part of the handbook, the student handbook. And our students in grades K to8, right, are all held accountable to that attendance policy. Um, and again, not just a

36
00:19:08.000 --> 00:19:23.280
district policy. It is part of the New Jersey administrative code. Um, so it's legislated by the state. We're going to talk about some specific data in a minute. Again, 2324 school

37
00:19:23.280 --> 00:19:38.400
year is the data that we currently have from the state that we're working on. I think you might be surprised to know that there were 40 students who were considered chronically absent at Bayberry. Um, and even though the cap is

38
00:19:38.400 --> 00:19:54.320
focused only on absences, I thought you would be really surprised to know that we had students with 25, 40, 60 more um, tardies during the school year.

39
00:19:54.320 --> 00:20:10.880
We have, right, Miss Donardo, Miss Vargas, they're they're doing that attendance daily. They're the first people parents hear from um regarding attendance issues. But beyond those first days, right up

40
00:20:10.880 --> 00:20:27.760
until those 10 days, there is um a required response and we want to talk about that too. Erin, could you Thank you. So between four and nine unexcused absences, we have to obviously make an

41
00:20:27.760 --> 00:20:43.760
attempt to notify the parents and to figure out the cause of those um absences unexcused or otherwise. Again, most of you have that um with um Miss Donardo, Camille. I saying that like they don't know she's Camille. Um Miss

42
00:20:43.760 --> 00:20:58.480
Vargas Marlin um at the base school level, right? That's that's the the first response. >> That's any kind of absence, not just unexcused. >> She they are calling about the unexcused. But I but we're saying that

43
00:20:58.480 --> 00:21:19.440
the designation is excused or unexcused absences. >> You have 18 days. >> I mean, right. I understand. If they're calling to check in, that's unexcused >> abs. Go ahead. So what we we use um Genesis too, right? So sometimes the parents

44
00:21:19.440 --> 00:21:34.240
will actually put in the reason. So then it does not require a call um unless we're confused about what they wrote. Um verified absence means we know the reason for it. Unverified is we don't know the reason for it. Um and it can be

45
00:21:34.240 --> 00:21:51.120
excused or unexcused, but they all count towards that chronic absenteeism figure. Yeah. So at 10 absences, a letter is automatically generated from Genesis,

46
00:21:51.120 --> 00:22:09.440
right? Um 20 absences, there's a different letter. Bayberry, Miss Pickner, is going to conference with that family, right? To to start to identify the areas and patterns. At 30 days, an action plan gets developed.

47
00:22:09.440 --> 00:22:25.919
concerns are addressed with the family not just about learning but that the continued absences can result in retention staying in the same grade level. Right? Those are those are um serious patterns and serious

48
00:22:25.919 --> 00:22:43.039
conversations that happen again at the building level but administratively. If you see on the slide, it's it the state law designates after 10, right? That all of these things go into place

49
00:22:43.039 --> 00:23:00.559
and that is true. We do have some school discretion. So, we talked about the consultation with the parents. if there's an action plan needed, right, to look at a pattern of absences, maybe um some other support is needed

50
00:23:00.559 --> 00:23:15.360
for the child to have regular attendance. We need to look at if we've done other things at 10 or 20 days, what what did those actions result in? Were they appropriate? What else could

51
00:23:15.360 --> 00:23:31.440
we be doing? Again, an action plan um to look at outcomesbased, right? Not just, hey, how can we do better? Do you understand? You know, can I just add? Yep. You please.

52
00:23:31.440 --> 00:23:48.720
>> I will say um most of the time when we are sending a letter or meeting with parents, most of the time they'll say, "Oh, I didn't realize, you know, there were so many or you know, that counted towards whatever." Um especially when we say 40 or more absences is retention.

53
00:23:48.720 --> 00:24:06.000
Um, and that usually kind of helps, but it's always about supporting the families. If they're telling us that there's an issue with why the child, you know, is not wanting to come to school, then we start with a lot of supports and how can we get them here? And what is it

54
00:24:06.000 --> 00:24:20.799
that we can do to hook them and make them want to come? >> And and that's also what we're going to see in the action plan. >> This is very general, believe it or not. Um, we have people like Miss Fickner

55
00:24:20.799 --> 00:24:37.840
said who don't really know that I'm taking 10 days, right, to go away or to see my family. It's elementary school. It doesn't count, right, or whatever. It does count. We also the school avoidance piece, right, is a piece for some

56
00:24:37.840 --> 00:24:54.240
students and a different kind of action plan and pathway with resources. Importantly again with this cumulative absence right that pattern of

57
00:24:54.240 --> 00:25:10.480
unexcused absence prolonged repeated absences from class from school where it's really impacting the education or the classroom experience. That's where the state requires us to

58
00:25:10.480 --> 00:25:29.120
take um more significant consequences. So beyond the action plans, beyond conferencing, Erin, if you could just go to the next slide, specifying those interventions, as Miss Fner just said, that's going to support

59
00:25:29.120 --> 00:25:46.720
the students return to school, regular attendance, right? If what we're doing isn't working, we need other strategies. It might be a referral right to the intervention and referral services team, our IRS team. And beyond that, again,

60
00:25:46.720 --> 00:26:02.799
the next um category, and this is obviously beyond Bayberry, the law, it's for any child age 6 to 16. based on the policies, based on the law

61
00:26:02.799 --> 00:26:19.440
and that compelling attendance at school, the compulsory education, we're required to make a determination um based on the information that we have. if there's a need for a court referral for truency, if there's a need

62
00:26:19.440 --> 00:26:35.600
to um refer to maybe um child protective services under neglect. Um if there's a reason for that and other circumstances, it's important for people to know the

63
00:26:35.600 --> 00:26:50.559
parent can be referred to municipal court for these absences and counting towards truency. It is the parent that that bears that responsibility for the student being in school.

64
00:26:50.559 --> 00:27:09.440
And I think that that um again is something that we hear unknown. So we want to make sure all of that's clear. I know you want to. >> Okay. So here are our schoolwide chronic absenteeism trends. So we're looking at

65
00:27:09.440 --> 00:27:24.960
in red from 23 24.9%. He's just over that 10%. Um, and the other years were higher as well, the 16.2 and 12.1. Um, as we spoke about, I mean, this is

66
00:27:24.960 --> 00:27:42.799
an issue that affects learning, student engagement in school, overall school performance, and even their connections with peers. You know, they're missing out on a lot. Um, some prolonged or repeated absences, like we were talking about, excused or unexcused.

67
00:27:42.799 --> 00:27:57.360
deprive students of the educational and classroom experiences that we know are essential to learning. So our priority is getting the students to school but also you might not be aware that attendance is one of the five core

68
00:27:57.360 --> 00:28:13.919
quality indicators the NJOA uses for performance reports. So in addition to the academic performance, they report on our attendance, which we know that impacts the academics, right, and student learning. Um, so a high

69
00:28:13.919 --> 00:28:34.559
absenteeism rate pulls down a school's overall score. And as we spoke about, missing just two days of school per month will put a child at chronic absenteeism. All right, next one. Aaron. So as a result of this, we'll be

70
00:28:34.559 --> 00:28:51.279
developing a corrective action plan and these are the different components. So first we have to identify the problems and barriers to school attendance. I have a lot of information on that so I can get started on that right away. Um and our school secretaries, they talk to

71
00:28:51.279 --> 00:29:08.000
the parents. Our school counselors, they talk to the kids and the families and find out what's going on. Um we'll develop recommendation to recommendations to address the problems and any barriers to school attendance that we identify and we'll do again we'll gather information through that uh

72
00:29:08.000 --> 00:29:23.760
survey um for the parents outlining some communication strategies and again like I said a lot of parents just don't know they don't know the policy they don't know you know what impact it's having on their child and the school and

73
00:29:23.760 --> 00:29:40.000
establishing protocols for informing and engaging parents when a child begins to show a pattern of absences. Um, my school secretaries are amazing at that and they will often bring those things to my attention like, "Oh, I'm seeing, you know, this child is absent every

74
00:29:40.000 --> 00:29:56.640
Monday. Like, do you think something's going on?" But we'll do more of that. Um, and reviewing our school policies to ensure that they support improved school attendance. Um, okay. And just in summary, we know that

75
00:29:56.640 --> 00:30:13.679
students who feel safe, supported, and engaged in school are more likely to attend school consistently. So that is what we strive for. Um especially when they have a strong connection to their teacher. Um and again, my teachers are

76
00:30:13.679 --> 00:30:29.840
amazing at that is connecting with the students. So all right. Oh, this is yours. >> The easy part, right? So um we will be using our thought exchange survey tool again because to

77
00:30:29.840 --> 00:30:45.039
develop the plan we absolutely need the input of the parents right the parents of the students currently attending the school. So the survey I'll have questions um um about parental beliefs, maybe the

78
00:30:45.039 --> 00:31:02.480
reasons why they think their students are considered chronically absent, recommendations maybe on um what they think are best ways to improve attendance. the idea, right? Not just having that opportunity to give input um

79
00:31:02.480 --> 00:31:19.039
but back to um what Miss Fner just said, identifying those causes of the high absenteeism rate, right? finding those possible solutions so that we can bring those numbers down um and make sure that

80
00:31:19.039 --> 00:31:37.200
the things we can control that are you know impacting those test scores, education, social, emotional and classroom learning right we are trying to control that survey um it goes out tomorrow and it will stay open again the

81
00:31:37.200 --> 00:31:55.519
um development of the survey will happen between this board meeting, the next board meeting, that corrective action plan um comes into place next between the next board meeting and voted on at the final board meeting, right?

82
00:31:55.519 --> 00:32:10.480
Good. >> Yep. I'm sure everyone's looking forward to doing an attendance survey over Memorial Day weekend, so get started. I know I'm seizing. I know. All right, so next one, Aaron. All right. So, we spoke about the

83
00:32:10.480 --> 00:32:25.360
corrective action plan a little bit, but here's a little more on the goals. So, the first one there is positive engagement. So, instead of taking a punitive approach, um we are going to center on belonging and engagement and

84
00:32:25.360 --> 00:32:41.760
help everyone understand why daily attendance matters in the K to2. Well, for us, K8, right? and then strengthen those partnerships, strategic partnerships. Strengthen and expand partnerships between the school, the district, the community, the parents to

85
00:32:41.760 --> 00:32:59.640
make sure we're using a full range of resources that we have to improve on attendance. Engage any outside partners that can help us in this charge of improving attendance. All right, next one.

86
00:32:59.760 --> 00:33:17.840
And resources. um identifying resources um and making sure that the students have sufficient resources if there is a problem that they need support with or even the family. Um sometimes we do find that attendance issues are a result of something going on with the family and

87
00:33:17.840 --> 00:33:35.279
we try to support them as well. Shared responsibility absenteeism um is a crosscutting issue and cannot be solved by any one person. we really need to be collaborating and working together um with the families, the school, the different resources. So, everyone will

88
00:33:35.279 --> 00:33:54.399
have a role to play to help students show up to school. We love to see their smiling faces. And I think that's it. >> I think I have a few questions. Um so, will the survey go out to families of chronically

89
00:33:54.399 --> 00:34:11.520
absent children only? the whole Bayberry school community. >> Okay. >> Wonder if that might skew the results. >> The guidance that we have from the state is parents of the children currently in

90
00:34:11.520 --> 00:34:27.119
that school building. >> So, so okay. Okay. Um and you're sending it out tomorrow. >> That's the We can hold it. We don't have to. The idea was that and again we're told this all the time. People want more

91
00:34:27.119 --> 00:34:43.359
not like just weekday time. It's a long weekend. We were giving more time. But >> consider sending a reminder next week. >> What? >> Consider sending a sec like a reminder. >> I was asking, do you want us to hold it until Tuesday or still send it tomorrow?

92
00:34:43.359 --> 00:34:59.520
>> Would you would any of you open an email tomorrow? >> Would any of you open an email tomorrow from the school? It's it's a combination of and >> Maril Smid, would you open an email from the school tomorrow?

93
00:34:59.520 --> 00:35:15.440
>> It might get bur I would say it will get buried. It will get buried. >> But we do send them just a direct >> just just make sure you send a second one on a different day and time, you know, send a reminder. >> Either way, well we'll come to a

94
00:35:15.440 --> 00:35:31.760
determination. Um I would be very curious to see um if you look at those 40 some odd kids um that are chronically absent the information that their parents are

95
00:35:31.760 --> 00:35:48.480
putting in Genesis. Um are some saying more things than others? Are there any trends or patterns in that that would be helpful in determining some of the strategies that you develop? will say just my observation because you know I'm always right there when most of them are

96
00:35:48.480 --> 00:36:04.400
not coming really really late it's like five minutes late 3 minutes late >> it's a tardy though >> oh I'm sorry I thought you were talking about >> 40 students that are identif oh I'm sorry about that never mind >> no you're fine but and I will say that

97
00:36:04.400 --> 00:36:20.240
we do have a lot uh more information from the state as part of the performance report that'll inform our side, but for the most part, you know, when we have the small um identifiable groups, right, we aren't able to share

98
00:36:20.240 --> 00:36:36.720
that data publicly, but it is broken down by grade level. It's broken down by demographic. So, we we are able to look at it in multiple multiple ways. >> So, will the plan that you develop come into curriculum committee for review and

99
00:36:36.720 --> 00:36:51.839
then get >> Okay. So, maybe you could bring that demographic data that or that data be able to share that if it's >> not the not not information on the students but at the high level how are these >> absenc it has to be

100
00:36:51.839 --> 00:37:08.640
determining the direction of the plan >> okay um any other questions from anyone >> the is the survey anonymous >> I'm sorry >> the survey anonymous >> so yes in thought exchange everything that goes in is anonymous your answers

101
00:37:08.640 --> 00:37:23.760
are anonymous we do not track, right? You need the district registered email through school messenger, but we don't track it. >> Okay. So, so we have no way of tying survey response to an actual family that has

102
00:37:23.760 --> 00:37:41.839
>> So, that that's a different piece of the corrective action plan. That's something I do think um Miss Fickner was talking about. We do have that ability to see excused, unexcused, what was the reason. We have all of that already to be able

103
00:37:41.839 --> 00:38:02.079
to tie back for those 40 40 students. >> Any other questions? >> I guess if it's a state thing, it's I I just don't see the point then >> of >> of the survey if we're not going to know who it's going to. >> So don't focus on the 40 students. Maybe

104
00:38:02.079 --> 00:38:19.520
we shouldn't have highlighted that because the reason for the but the reason for the corrective action plan is because the schoolwide number >> is above is above 10%. So even though you have 40 that are um chronically

105
00:38:19.520 --> 00:38:36.240
absent, it's your cumulative building. >> Totally understand it. I just if we get a hundred responses from people that have really good records and they're all like, "We love coming to school. That's why I >> the questions are are um >> I'm not putting it on you guys.

106
00:38:36.240 --> 00:38:53.680
>> No, no, I'm just the questions are very specific, >> right? So, I think that we will get the data we need. But I would also say again um we're we're being charged with creating a plan for a school year that

107
00:38:53.680 --> 00:39:11.680
not only is over, right, but >> now we're waiting for data for a second school year over and we'll have to do it again if the numbers aren't lower. So I think we have to look at it as an exercise, an overall exercise in that

108
00:39:11.680 --> 00:39:30.280
inclusive, welcoming educational environment, that positive, not punitive that uh Miss Fner talked about because we're always going to be a year behind, right? A year behind. >> Karen has a question if that's okay.

109
00:39:36.079 --> 00:39:53.640
So I think that I think >> No, I understood what you were saying. Not this year. >> They're babies. >> Sweet. Would you do you want only fifth grade included?

110
00:40:09.920 --> 00:40:27.520
RK doesn't get surveyed. It's >> they do count. They do count. And I think that it's also important, right? The reason that they label it K12 is to set that tone, right? to set that expectation for the whole school

111
00:40:27.520 --> 00:40:43.280
experience. So, I think it's a great idea to have prek even though that that's that's not the mandate. We will >> we'll just we'll just put a um extra bow on inclusion of that one. >> I I think our I think our prek has

112
00:40:43.280 --> 00:41:00.680
really good attendance zones. >> They do. The parents always want to drop that one. It's that it's that orientation into kindergarten where you've got to play on the education then. >> All right. Any other questions from anyone?

113
00:41:01.359 --> 00:41:19.040
>> Okay. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> All right. I see our enrollment numbers on the agenda for anyone who's interested in that. Do you have any notes on that or should we move on? >> Any what? I'm so sorry. on enrollment. I just think people can look at the agenda if they want to see that detail.

114
00:41:19.040 --> 00:41:35.319
>> And I was going to say it's very stable again this month. >> Okay. So let's move on to remarks. Dr. Glazer, >> you have the principles. So let's start your principal report.

115
00:41:45.280 --> 00:42:02.079
You need them? >> No. For you. >> Oh, I thought >> All right. Good evening. Time for the principal report. We have lots of fun, exciting stuff going on. On April 29th, families enjoyed our third grade recorder concert under the direction of Miss Kansky. Students demonstrated their

116
00:42:02.079 --> 00:42:18.960
musical growth and dedication through a wonderful performance that was well attended by families and staff. From May 4th through May 8th, we celebrated teacher appreciation week with a fun-filled '9s themed week organized by our PTO. Staff members enjoyed

117
00:42:18.960 --> 00:42:35.520
thoughtful activities, treats, and celebrations throughout the week. We are sincerely grateful to our PTO for their continued support and for making our teachers feel so appreciated. Um, at Bayberry also, our early act club also did some nice things for our staff,

118
00:42:35.520 --> 00:42:51.920
which that was appreciated as well. On May 6, our teachers and related service providers of the year were also honored at a county recognition breakfast held at the Elks Lodge in Somerville. Bayy's art show and glee club performance took place on May 6th,

119
00:42:51.920 --> 00:43:08.240
highlighting the many talents within our visual and performing arts programs. Families had the opportunity to stroll through the hallways and enjoy an impressive display of artwork created by students from preschool through fourth grade. A special thank you to Miss Higgins and our parent volunteers for

120
00:43:08.240 --> 00:43:25.440
creating such an engaging and immersive experience for our families. In addition, Miss Kensky and the fourth grade glee club delighted the audience with an enjoyable musical performance. This spring, the district successfully completed NJSLA testing. It was so fun,

121
00:43:25.440 --> 00:43:41.119
right Karen? >> Yay. Including the new adaptive assessments in English language arts, math, and science. Students also completed their endofear I Ready diagnostic assessments providing valuable data to measure academic growth

122
00:43:41.119 --> 00:43:56.640
and progress. Yesterday we welcomed our incoming kindergarten students and families for new card kindergarten visitation. It's one of my favorite days. I just love it. Students participated in a variety of engaging activities with our teachers while

123
00:43:56.640 --> 00:44:14.240
parents met with administration to learn more about Actually, that's just me. I don't know. Not administration. Yes, I know. To learn more about the Bayberry community and school experience. We look forward to officially welcoming our newest students in September. We want to

124
00:44:14.240 --> 00:44:29.520
start. This is Valley View. You want to start there? Okay. >> At Valley View, in addition to participating in NJSLA assessments, students in grades six and seven were invited to complete the algebra 1 readiness assessment. This assessment is designed to evaluate students

125
00:44:29.520 --> 00:44:46.079
understanding and preparedness for algebra 1 and serves as one component of the math placement process. My friend, I don't want to talk about algebra, that's for sure. This month's Mountaineer Monday theme focused on honesty and the importance of being

126
00:44:46.079 --> 00:45:02.079
truthful even in difficult situations. These lessons were thoughtfully created and led by our principal leadership team comprised of seventh and eighth grade students who continue to demonstrate leadership and positive character within our school community. They actually wanted to know like how do you tell

127
00:45:02.079 --> 00:45:18.160
somebody when they're like, "How does my new haircut look and it really looks bad?" They wanted to know the right way to respond to that. It was pretty interesting. So anyway, this week at Valley View students and families enjoyed our spring coral concert, spring band concert, and a two-day spring art show. All of which highlighted the

128
00:45:18.160 --> 00:45:35.040
incredible talent and creativity of our students. This concert season was especially meaningful as it marked Mrs. Morrison's final middle school concert before her retirement. Right now, she's enjoying her retirement party. Uh Mrs. Morrison has had a tremendous impact on our music program and school community

129
00:45:35.040 --> 00:45:51.520
over the years, and she will be greatly missed. We are also proud to share that both our Valley View softball and baseball teams will competing be competing in the league championships next Thursday at 4:00 on our fields at home. So, please come out if you can. We

130
00:45:51.520 --> 00:46:07.760
congratulate our student athletes and coaches on an outstanding season and wish them the best of luck in their championship games. Yes, Julie, they were rescheduled. Thank you. Because of the weather. Mhm. In addition, seven of our Soore students attended the Junior Solar Sprint Finals in Pmpton Lakes this

131
00:46:07.760 --> 00:46:22.960
past Tuesday. We were proud to have two teams qualify for the finals. The sixth grade boys car called Velocity X and the eighth grade girls car Audi the Otter were in those finals. The Junior Solar Sprints is a STEM competition in which

132
00:46:22.960 --> 00:46:40.079
students design, build, and race solar powered model cars while applying engineering and problem solving skills aligned with NGSS standards. Qualifying for the finals was an accomplishment in itself, but what was especially exciting to watch was our students compete in

133
00:46:40.079 --> 00:46:55.839
their heats, troubleshoot issues, and make real-time adjustments to improve their cars throughout the event. Their teamwork, perseverance, and creativity were on full display, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts. We are also excited to share that Valley

134
00:46:55.839 --> 00:47:11.760
View students Queenie Zhao and Rohan Patel will be attending the upcoming United States Naval Academy STEM camp next week. This is an outstanding accomplishment, and we are very proud of their achievement, and I'm okay with their absences. Thank you for your continued support, and I hope everyone

135
00:47:11.760 --> 00:47:32.480
enjoys their Memorial Day weekend. Thank you. Thanks ladies. >> Karen. >> Okay. So, from buildings and grounds this month, um all the state inspections such as right to know, elevators, fire,

136
00:47:32.480 --> 00:47:49.119
etc. were um passed. We passed everything. The chillers in the buildings are on. Our shed is arriving on June 1st, which we're really excited about. Um that's it from buildings and grounds. Uh right at school flyers went out for

137
00:47:49.119 --> 00:48:05.839
summer camp and wraparound care before and after ESY also as well as pursuit of excellence. Before care will be at Bayberry as it has been for the last five to six years. Very similar. Um and from the payroll department uh

138
00:48:05.839 --> 00:48:23.040
payroll department has been very busy these past few weeks. successfully completed open enrollment and are working through summer pay applications for next year. They recently attended a helpful New Jersey ASBO workshop to stay informed on the latest payroll and business office updates. As always, we

139
00:48:23.040 --> 00:48:37.680
continue working to ensure everything runs smoothly and that everyone gets paid accurately and on time, which we know is always appreciated. On the agenda tonight, there's a resolution urging relief from reli rising public school employee health

140
00:48:37.680 --> 00:48:53.119
care costs. This resolution, um, basically what we are doing is we're joining a call to the governor and the state legislature to provide immediate short-term relief from the unsustainable increased health care cost experienced

141
00:48:53.119 --> 00:49:10.000
by school districts in recent years. And that's it. >> Great. Dr. Glazer, do you have any updates? >> Sure. Maybe. Hi. It's been um very very busy. You hear what's going on in the business

142
00:49:10.000 --> 00:49:26.079
office. This is the time of year. I don't know why the New Jersey Department of Education feels that during testing is also the time to make every other deadline for the state um happen. So, we've been very busy with that. Getting

143
00:49:26.079 --> 00:49:42.160
ready for um the reappoint of staff on the agenda. also tonight which is very exciting and um interviewing at just about every level of the organization. We are very excited um by all the

144
00:49:42.160 --> 00:49:57.599
possibilities um coming. We are looking forward um already right with our reappointment tonight. Um hopefully appointments this month and next month to having our full

145
00:49:57.599 --> 00:50:12.480
teams in place and hitting the ground learning July 1st. Reminder, tomorrow is a half day of school. We are also closed on Monday in honor of Memorial Day. Um, there is a Memorial Day ceremony Monday

146
00:50:12.480 --> 00:50:28.800
morning at 9:30 a.m. in front of the textier house. Mr. Avitz and our choir students will be participating. May 30th is the 100th birthday celebration um of the bureau. There will be the

147
00:50:28.800 --> 00:50:45.760
concert benefiting the schools, the fireworks. It proves to be a a lot a lot of fun. I know that um WE and the PTO are doing fundraisers those days. So if you can come out, it should be a

148
00:50:45.760 --> 00:51:01.119
wonderful celebration. Um the district is also closed June 2nd, election day. We had made that um decision last year to be closed on the election days to make sure of the safety and security of

149
00:51:01.119 --> 00:51:16.240
our staff and students. June 13th, Founders Day here in the burough. It's also um the mayor's riata. There'll be a parade in the morning and the canoe races. I'm still looking for a partner. I know I keep putting it out there.

150
00:51:16.240 --> 00:51:33.200
What? Don't laugh like that. Um really, um but it's also a really fun day. That is um in town as part of the hundth celebration. You heard, I think last month, um, Councilwoman Eid talk about

151
00:51:33.200 --> 00:51:51.200
the projects that the students did at Bayberry and here at Valley View. Those will all be displayed um, down by Best Lake by the Village Green. There will also be um, the time capsule opening.

152
00:51:51.200 --> 00:52:07.200
They have a time capsule from 1976 that's being opened and then a new time capsule this year that um students all of our students in grades 2 to 8 um participated in what they thought should

153
00:52:07.200 --> 00:52:21.760
go in there and what people 50 years from now should know about um the community. So that will also be um exciting June 13th. And that leads us right into the windown to our school

154
00:52:21.760 --> 00:52:38.800
year. So all exciting things coming. And thank you for everybody who's been making sure that it um stays energetic even when we're even at this time of the year. >> Great. Thank you. >> Very very selfish question. Did you say

155
00:52:38.800 --> 00:52:57.040
tomorrow's a half day? >> Tomorrow is a half day, sir. >> And you said one on Tuesday, too. Monday is closed. Your wife is aware. Don't worry. >> We've had discussions about it. >> Okay, let's move on. Um, committee

156
00:52:57.040 --> 00:53:14.559
reports. Before we dive in, uh, there is likely a lot of overlap in these because of all the reappoint um, items on the agenda tonight. So, if possible, if you hear someone else talk about a topic, please try not to duplicate just to keep the meeting shorter. Um um Mrs. Marcellus, are you

157
00:53:14.559 --> 00:53:31.119
able to read the curriculum reports this evening? >> Sure. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um the curriculum committee met on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 4:30. And the committee members in attendance were Fatima Santos, Leticia Marcellis, Rich Desaniano,

158
00:53:31.119 --> 00:53:47.119
uh uh BOE President Daniel Almeido, and um Dr. Glazer. Um the committee discussion um again was about the attendance cap and that was presented this evening by Dr. Glazer. Um and then a question came

159
00:53:47.119 --> 00:54:03.119
up about tutoring a tutoring club in Valley View and the challenges that come up with that. No board action required and a parent proposal will be drafted to Dr. Glazer to review with Karen Kid. Um board agenda items uh were also

160
00:54:03.119 --> 00:54:19.280
discussed minimally and that's also in the the board um the board agenda. That's pretty much it. That's it. Okay. Um administration and finance. Uh that's

161
00:54:19.280 --> 00:54:41.920
usually Miss Igliero. Did she ask someone to read that for her? No. Okay, I can pull that up and read that quickly. Hold on. Uh bear with me for one second. Okay. Um so the the admin and finance committee met on May 14th at 5:00 p.m. In

162
00:54:41.920 --> 00:54:59.599
attendance were Adam Craft, myself, Danielle Amado, Dr. Glazer, and Karen Bishop Johnson. Um committee discussion. Um the property insurance we discussed um potentially changing that in the future and Karen's interest in um

163
00:54:59.599 --> 00:55:17.040
perhaps getting quotes from a larger um fund. Um but they can't quote competitively at this time and a costbenefit analysis would be needed here. So there's no action needed at this time. The maintenance reserve um administration requested to remove double layers of old carpets that are 15

164
00:55:17.040 --> 00:55:34.000
years old in Bayberry. There's 12 rooms there and three rooms in Valley View. Um, and on the Valley View gym floor, uh, the total cost, um, for the work would be $142,000 for removal and then to replace the floors. Um,

165
00:55:34.000 --> 00:55:49.040
and is that on the agenda for tonight to approve that? >> Yes, that's on the agenda tonight. Um we are hiring a Genesis consultant um from Keystone and that's also on the agenda for tonight. This consultant will be

166
00:55:49.040 --> 00:56:05.359
hired on an hourly basis with Genesis work until a a new secretary is hired to cover uh work previously handled in the executive assistant role. Cost will not exceed $3,000 and is likely to come in well under that number. Um,

167
00:56:05.359 --> 00:56:23.680
the NJSBA is uh urging us uh to sign a resolution. You already talked about this in your BA report, so I'll skip that. Um, uh, the admin team is searching for a new architect of record. Um,

168
00:56:23.680 --> 00:56:39.839
uh, after several disappointments with DRG, we've interviewed two firms. Um, I can name them. Yes. No, I should not name them. I don't know. We've interviewed two firms uh during last month's meeting. Um and administration

169
00:56:39.839 --> 00:56:55.760
has since reached out for referrals and recommendations. Um I think we're ready. Oh, oh no, next month we'll be hopefully putting somebody forward for the board. Um our SRO contract needs to be renewed for next year as well. There's no action

170
00:56:55.760 --> 00:57:10.799
needed on that today, but discussion is in progress there. Uh and then um agenda items to be included. Um reappointments as discussed uh all of the reappoint items, employee professional

171
00:57:10.799 --> 00:57:28.720
development, payments of bills, um donations from WE. Thank you very much, WE. Um special education, special education placements for ESY. um the FY27 auditor, uh the Genesis

172
00:57:28.720 --> 00:57:44.480
consultant, as I said, and uh a transportation agreement. And that's it from finance. Thank you for bearing with me on a site read of that. Um next up, policy committee. Mr. Desaniano, do you have anything?

173
00:57:44.480 --> 00:58:00.319
>> Uh yep. We policy committee met virtually on Sorry, my eyes are I forgot my glasses. >> Want my cheers? I don't know. It's fine. Working through it. Um on April 27th, uh virtually like I said,

174
00:58:00.319 --> 00:58:17.119
um myself, uh Jessica, Dory, and and Danielle were there along with Dr. Glazer and Karen. Um the first similar to the other ones was um I guess no because this was prior to the budget vote. Um we this was the last committee

175
00:58:17.119 --> 00:58:31.920
meeting before the budget vote. So we had budget adjustments in the healthcare waivers but sorry the budget topline update from Karen was about the budget adjustments in the healthcare waiverss. Uh the finalized budget presentation and hearing reflecting the changes that will

176
00:58:31.920 --> 00:58:49.839
was held Tuesday May 5th. Um we had a document review. Um Dr. Glazer and Karen answered committee members specific questions regarding fixed costs programming and future staffing in preparation for the final budget represent presentation and hearing. Uh

177
00:58:49.839 --> 00:59:05.680
in terms of policies uh we followed up on uh P2419 school threat assessment and that's been moved to first reading for tonight. R2419 school threat assessment which is the regulation for that policy uh which has

178
00:59:05.680 --> 00:59:22.000
also been uh moved to for first reading tonight. Uh so when it's time to review the policy and regulation again it can be reviewed at the same time. P8454, management of pediculosis. Um it does which doesn't require

179
00:59:22.000 --> 00:59:37.599
regulation which we're moving to first reading um P9241 which is classroom observation. Again no regulation regulation just a policy and we're holding that to review uh the June 1st committee meeting. Um new policies that

180
00:59:37.599 --> 00:59:55.200
were discussed R2510 sorry policies or regulations adoption of textbooks um Dr. Glazer will update roles and refined language and we'll hold for that also for the June 1st meeting and then policy and regulation 5533 which is student smoking uh which

181
00:59:55.200 --> 01:00:11.839
is moved to the first reading incorporating the accepted changes from the committee. Um uh in terms of other um policies we reviewed, we followed up about the AI policy language suggest suggestions that the committee had made at the prior um

182
01:00:11.839 --> 01:00:30.960
uh committee meeting and we're postponing that discussion also to the June 1st meeting and then follow up to P2365 acceptable use of generative artificial intelligence which is the the policy um not the regulation Sorry. Um which uh we

183
01:00:30.960 --> 01:00:46.960
didn't discuss any further besides the the previous language um uh what I mentioned about the previous uh language changes. And then finally um P5701 academic integrity was um which is called plagiarism. There's no regulation

184
01:00:46.960 --> 01:01:03.040
um and was not discussed. So uh that's it. >> Okay. Personnel committee. Mr. Maddox. >> Mine is going to be very short. Um, we met on May 13th from 5:45 to 7 o'clock.

185
01:01:03.040 --> 01:01:19.119
Myself, Jennifer, Sahil, Danielle, and Dr. Glaze were in attendance. Uh, we discussed the reappoints and renewals of tenur certified certificated staff. Um, you know, um, I'm not, as I mentioned, not

186
01:01:19.119 --> 01:01:36.000
going into a lot of detail, uh, because of confidentiality in regards to conversations. Uh we discussed resignations uh for the board of approval tonight and a lot of that's notated on our agenda.

187
01:01:36.000 --> 01:01:52.640
Uh we also um excited to talk about this but the director of specialist services appointment. So you know fingers crossed we will uh you know we'll we'll discuss that tonight and then um review that in more detail. Uh

188
01:01:52.640 --> 01:02:09.680
then we also discussed the summer and annual staffing uh leave of absence and approvals, extracurricular and summer pro uh summer programs and then student services uh summer support. That was about it. >> Great. Moving on to board leazison

189
01:02:09.680 --> 01:02:26.079
reports. Um I do not have a legislative update for this evening. Mrs. Maddox, do you have a Somerset County Educational Services? >> No update. >> Great. Mrs. Marcelis, >> none at this time. >> Okay. Um, there's no school board's update.

190
01:02:26.079 --> 01:02:40.319
>> Sorry, >> there's no update because uh, Miss Zigglier isn't here. I'm sure she'll have one for us next month. MUJC, Dr. Glazer. >> Yep. We had our regular uh, monthly meeting also going through the same reappoint process, finishing their

191
01:02:40.319 --> 01:02:55.200
budget process. Um, additionally, there was a call from the special education roundt. Um the Department of Education was wrapping up um public input on um

192
01:02:55.200 --> 01:03:11.599
revisions to um code that they'd been working on and we got an update of the areas that were highlighted. >> Great. And I have an update from Miss Glierro on the ad hoc enrollment growth working group. The core working group

193
01:03:11.599 --> 01:03:27.520
members, Dr. Glazer, Karen Bishop Johnson, um Jennierro, and Danielle Amado, myself met on May 7th at 4:45 p.m. We reviewed the new demographic report in detail. On top of natural growth, the report projected a significant number of students will come

194
01:03:27.520 --> 01:03:43.920
from new housing developments. We are um expecting 66 new students from the Bonnie Burn project and 11 new students from the town houses on Drift Road. Um 70 of these students are expected to be in the K to8 range. The increase in enrollment from these

195
01:03:43.920 --> 01:04:00.160
two developments will cost the district approximately $1.5 million a year at our current per pupil rate, which obviously increases every year. Um, as the Bonnie Burn Development has a pilot agreement with the town, we are currently setting up a meeting with the mayor and council

196
01:04:00.160 --> 01:04:32.000
to share the demographic report and discuss options. Um, please feel free to reach out with any questions on that. Uh, okay. Okay. Community engagement. Is there anyone here from the PTO? >> Hi everybody. Um I'm Mel Maldonado with WE and we're excited to share some

197
01:04:32.000 --> 01:04:48.559
wonderful news. Um join us May 30th for the 100th celebration benefit concert and fireworks at Philips Field. And make sure to stop by our wine and beer garden while you're there. It's the perfect way to relax, enjoy some music, and sip something delicious, all for a fantastic cause. We're hoping for an amazing

198
01:04:48.559 --> 01:05:04.319
turnout to support our fundraising efforts, and every drink you enjoy helps make a difference. Whether you're a wine lover, a craft beer fan, or just looking for a great night out, we'd love to see you there. Uh, and to everyone celebrating, happy Memorial Day weekend. We hope uh you have a safe, relaxing,

199
01:05:04.319 --> 01:05:19.359
and joyful holiday with your loved ones. See you on May 30th. >> May 30th. What time? >> 5:30. >> 5:30. >> Mhm. >> Before you walk away, even though it's not on this month's agenda, we did have a meeting this month and you guys were

200
01:05:19.359 --> 01:05:36.880
able to award a a grant. Do you want to talk about it? >> Um, you don't >> I don't have anything right now. >> Oh, wait till next month. >> You can wait. It all What? You can wait. >> Sorry about that. >> No, it's fine. We were just excited. Thank you.

201
01:05:36.880 --> 01:05:53.520
went from kindergarten through fourth grade. So, everyone would be able to participate in it. >> Wonderful. >> Really fun. It was like um it's like an ac capella group and it's cool. So, like they perform on stage and then they show all the students like teamwork and how to like use the certain like things that

202
01:05:53.520 --> 01:06:09.839
they have um and just kind of have them work together. >> Amazing. >> But it looked like a lot of fun. Like I was like going through all their social media feeds like all the kids are into it, the teachers are into it. But yeah, it looks like a lot of fun. >> It's exciting. Thank you very much. And it's happening before the end of the school year, which is even more fun.

203
01:06:09.839 --> 01:06:26.400
>> Wow. Thank you so much. >> CPA, do you have an update? >> Great. >> Okay. So, now we plan to move into executive session. Whereas the Open Public Meetings Act, NJSA 10:4-11

204
01:06:26.400 --> 01:06:42.880
permits the board of education to meet in close session to discuss certain matters. Now therefore be it resolved, the board of education adjourns to close session to discuss one, a matter rendered confidential by federal or state law student matters

205
01:06:42.880 --> 01:06:59.839
and eight specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected request an open session. Uh further resolved, the minutes of this closed session may be made public when the need for confidentiality no longer exists. Actions may be taken.

206
01:06:59.839 --> 02:08:02.719
May I have >> So moved. >> So moved. >> Is there a second? A second. >> All in favor? >> I. All right, >> we'll be back in a little bit. I no I need to say the executive.

207
02:08:02.719 --> 02:08:19.599
>> Okay. Coming out of executive session, I move to amend um personnel item eight. Approve appointment district director of special services. I would

208
02:08:19.599 --> 02:08:35.599
like to include the name John M. Dit into this item. Um and so the new item would read um resolved that the Wong Burough Board of Education upon the recommendation of the

209
02:08:35.599 --> 02:08:51.840
superintendent approves the appointment of uh John M. Dit as the director of special services for the 2026 2027 school year at a salary of $145,000. >> Second. >> Did you get that?

210
02:08:51.840 --> 02:09:08.239
>> Yes. And who seconded? >> Seconded. >> I did. >> Uh, any discussion? All right. Let's have a roll call. This is a roll call to amend the item, not to vote on the item, just to clarify.

211
02:09:08.239 --> 02:09:23.280
Okay. Mr. Desaniano. >> Uh, yes. >> Mr. Craft, >> yes. >> Mrs. Marcellis, >> yes. >> Mrs. Maddox, >> yes. >> Mrs. Harvey, >> yes. >> Mrs. Amado, >> yes.

212
02:09:23.280 --> 02:09:40.800
>> Sele, Mrs. Santos, and Mr. Tricker are absent. The motion passes. >> Okay. Um, so now it's time for comments from the public. We welcome input from the public. There are two times during the meeting when the public is invited to speak. The first opportunity to comment on agenda items only is now. The

213
02:09:40.800 --> 02:09:56.639
second opportunity for public comment is towards the end of the meeting. All comments are limited to 5 minutes. The total time allotted for public comment is 30 minutes. Before you make your comment, please state your name and municipality of residents. In the event it appears the public comment portion of the meeting may exceed 30 minutes. The

214
02:09:56.639 --> 02:10:11.520
presiding officer may limit each statement made by a participant to three minutes duration. Our public forums are not structured as a question and answer session, but rather are offered as opportunities to share input with the board. In instances where the board feels a response is needed, the

215
02:10:11.520 --> 02:10:28.320
presiding officer or superintendent will address the comment. New Jersey statutes do not permit the board to discuss personnel or hiring in public session. Names of students should not be used. Members of the public should consider their comments in light of legal the legal rights of those affected and

216
02:10:28.320 --> 02:10:47.040
identified in their comments and be aware that they are personally legally responsible with potential liability for comments that they make to the board. The board shall not be held liable for comments made by members of the public. Seeing as there are no comments from the

217
02:10:47.040 --> 02:11:01.599
public, we can move on to a action items. Um Dory, Mrs. Harvey, would you mind moving our action item, our administrative items for this evening? >> Sure. I move accept Bayberry and Valley

218
02:11:01.599 --> 02:11:18.079
View school security drill reports to affirm the superintendent's HIP reports. Three, approve revised special education placement for 2526. Four approved special education play placements for

219
02:11:18.079 --> 02:11:34.639
2627. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Okay. When you're ready, we can have a roll call. >> Mr. Craft? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Marcellis?

220
02:11:34.639 --> 02:11:49.040
>> Yes. >> Mr. Deiano? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Harvey? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Maddox? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Amado? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Aglierro, Mrs. Santos, Mr. Tricka are absent. The motion passes.

221
02:11:49.040 --> 02:12:06.159
>> Okay. Mrs. Maddox, would you mind moving uh personnel items and please remember the adjustment to number eight? >> Do you want to stop? Would you want me to read it for you when we get to that one? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, why don't you move items one through seven?

222
02:12:06.159 --> 02:12:23.360
>> Okay. So, I move to approve um reappoint tenure certificated staff. I move to uh approve reappoint non-tenure certificated staff. I move to reappoint district aids and paraprofessionals.

223
02:12:23.360 --> 02:12:42.880
Reappoint central office district staff. Reappoint custodial grounds and maintenance staff. Approve appointment of secretaries. Approve change in assignment and reappointment. you do a roll call if you're stopping.

224
02:12:42.880 --> 02:13:00.159
>> So, yeah, we'll stop here. So, is there a second for these? >> Second. >> Okay. Any discussion? All right. Let's roll call on these. >> Okay. Um, Mr. Desaniano, >> yes. >> Mr. Craft, >> yes. >> Mrs. Marcellis, >> yes.

225
02:13:00.159 --> 02:13:16.400
>> Mrs. Harvey, >> yes. >> Mrs. Maddox, >> yes. >> Mrs. Amado, >> yes. >> Mrs. Agliero, Mrs. Santos, Mr. trick or absent. The motion passes. >> Okay. I move um personnel item number

226
02:13:16.400 --> 02:13:32.719
eight, approve appointment district director of special services. Uh and to read it again with the change resolved that the Wong Burough Board of Education upon the recommendation of the superintendent approves the appointment of the director of of John M. Dit as the director of special services for the

227
02:13:32.719 --> 02:13:55.040
2026 2027 school year at a salary of $145,000. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Okay, let's have a roll call. >> Okay. Um, Mr. Desaniano,

228
02:13:55.040 --> 02:14:10.880
>> yes. >> Mr. Craft, >> yes. >> Mrs. Marcellis, >> yes. >> Mrs. Harvey, >> yes. >> Mrs. Maddox, >> yes. >> Mrs. Amado, >> yes. >> Mrs. Aglaro, Mrs. Santos and Mr. Tricker are absent. The motion passes.

229
02:14:10.880 --> 02:14:27.360
>> Congratulations, Mr. Dit. We're so happy to have you. >> We're thrilled that >> um I'm glad we broke that up because this is a long one. So, why don't we have um Mr. Craft, would you mind moving the rest of the personnel items with

230
02:14:27.360 --> 02:14:41.760
from number nine? >> Yep. >> I'd like to move uh B9, accept resignations. 10. Approve salary guide advancements. 11. Approve appointment of extracurricular positions for the 2526

231
02:14:41.760 --> 02:14:58.800
school year. 12. Appoint 2026 extended school year instructional staff. 13. Appoint 2026 extended school year related services staff. 14. Appoint extended school year par profofessional staff. 15. Appoint summer

232
02:14:58.800 --> 02:15:14.880
pursuit of excellence program staff. 16. Approved child study team members for summer 2026 evaluations, case management. 17 approved approved certificated staff to participate in summer 2026 IEP

233
02:15:14.880 --> 02:15:31.360
meetings and 18 approved summer hours for Valley View Counselor. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> I I'm not sure. Tell me if this is not an appropriate question, but given the

234
02:15:31.360 --> 02:15:48.239
resignation in the child studies team and the case management for the summer, are we understaffed there? >> The position is posted. >> Okay. But that is we would typically have that role part of the summer team.

235
02:15:48.239 --> 02:16:06.880
>> Correct. >> Okay. Question. >> Any other discussion? disappointed to see Mrs. Kaskowski leave so soon. We will miss her. She had a lovely first year here at Bayberry. She did a nice job.

236
02:16:06.880 --> 02:16:23.840
>> Okay, roll call. >> Yes. >> Mr. Craft. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Marcellis? >> Yes. >> Mr. Desaniano? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Harvey? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Maddox?

237
02:16:23.840 --> 02:16:39.760
>> Yes. and Mrs. Amado. >> Yes. Mrs. Aglaro, Mrs. Santos, and Mr. Ticker are absent. The motion passes. >> Mrs. Marcellis, would you please read operations and finance items? >> Okay. Move them. Sorry. Would you move

238
02:16:39.760 --> 02:16:53.040
them? >> I move I guess I move C. Operations finance. Um, one, approve payment of bill payment of bills as follows. Two, approve transfer of funds 2025 2026.

239
02:16:53.040 --> 02:17:12.160
Three, accept financial reports. Four, appoint a professional service providers. Five, approve professional service providers list. Six, approve audit engagement letter. Seven, approve payment application number five for

240
02:17:12.160 --> 02:17:30.399
Valley View Outdoor Learning Commons. Eight, authorized municipal tax levy payments. Nine, approve contract for school five gener general consulting services. Um 10, approve participation in joint

241
02:17:30.399 --> 02:17:48.679
transportation agreement. 11, approve use of maintenance reserve for carpet replacement and valley view gym and value gym floor. Um 12. Resolution urging relief from rising public school employee health care costs.

242
02:17:50.080 --> 02:18:10.479
Is there a second? That's everything, I think. >> Second. >> So, yeah. >> Any discussion? >> Okay. Roll call. >> Mrs. Harvey. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Maddox. >> Yes. >> Mr. Desaniano, >> yes. >> Mrs. Marcellis,

243
02:18:10.479 --> 02:18:25.840
>> yes. >> Mrs. Mr. Craft, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Amado, >> yes. >> Mrs. Aglaro, Mrs. Santos, and Mr. Trick are absent. The motion passes. >> Um, Mr. Desaniano, would you move curriculum items?

244
02:18:25.840 --> 02:18:43.519
>> Sure. Uh, uh, moving curriculum first item. A, adopt program and curriculum. B, adopt evaluation instrument for certified staff. C, adopt evaluation platform for certified staff and administrators. and

245
02:18:43.519 --> 02:19:00.719
D approve the 2026 district extend extended school year program and dates. >> Is there a second? >> Second. Any discussion? >> Yes. I had a question for the extended school year program.

246
02:19:00.719 --> 02:19:17.479
So, it was something that I emailed to you um previously, Julie. If the students have transportation written in their IEP plans for the ESY program

247
02:19:17.679 --> 02:19:34.080
and I just wanted to make sure I understood and I think you said this but I just want to make sure you did say this because I was a bit confused. If they change it to participate in the before afterare program, but they're at

248
02:19:34.080 --> 02:19:50.000
Valley View, they can get bus to and from the afterare program. Is that it >> mostly? So, ESY is our district program, right, for um students that are

249
02:19:50.000 --> 02:20:07.520
recommended with IEPs. If, like you said, you have transportation in your IEP, that's its own thing. Before and after care is a separate program, feebased program in the district. The policy that the board made is as long as

250
02:20:07.520 --> 02:20:23.840
you have a consistent um drop off address, right? It can be Bayberry. So we even have out of district students with IEP who come back for afterare in their transportation se

251
02:20:23.840 --> 02:20:40.960
separate from um afterare. So if a student who has transportation in their IUP is at Valley View, they could do the same rather than the bus home. >> Okay. So yes. >> Yes. But since it was sounded that I

252
02:20:40.960 --> 02:20:57.520
confused you, I wanted to make sure I detailed it. >> Okay. Great. Thank you. >> Any other discussion? We have a roll call. Yes. Um, Mr. Craft, >> yes. >> Mr. Desaniano,

253
02:20:57.520 --> 02:21:12.960
>> yes. >> Mrs. Harvey, >> yes. >> Mrs. Maddox, >> yes. >> Mrs. Marcellus, >> yes. >> Um, Mrs. Amado, >> yes. >> Mrs. Agliero, Mrs. Santos, and Mr. Tricker are absent. The motion passes. >> Mr. Dr. Desiano, would you also move

254
02:21:12.960 --> 02:21:28.000
policy items, please? >> For um policy I for the policy items, uh for first reading, uh as mentioned in the report, it will be P8 4 54 management of

255
02:21:28.000 --> 02:21:44.960
pediculosis, which is also just lice. Um says it this time, so I felt comfortable saying that. E2419, school threat assessment teams. R2419 school threat assessment teams the regulation and then policy and regulation 5533 student

256
02:21:44.960 --> 02:22:07.439
smoking >> and there are no policies for second reading second any discussion okay let's have a roll call okay um Mrs. Let's see Mrs. Harvey >> yes >> Mrs. Maddox.

257
02:22:07.439 --> 02:22:21.840
>> Yes. >> Mrs. Marcellis, >> yes. >> Mr. Desaniano, >> yes. >> Mr. Craft, >> yes. >> Mrs. Amado, >> yes. >> Mrs. Agliero, Mrs. Santos, and Mr. Tricker are absent. The motion passes.

258
02:22:21.840 --> 02:22:38.960
>> Wonderful. Okay. Is there any board business this evening? Yes. So, I just wanted to uh remind everybody that I had sent out or updated the handbook. I took uh feedback that um I had received and uh did some updates

259
02:22:38.960 --> 02:22:55.120
on our handbook. So, if you guys haven't had the chance, if you can go in um I also posted online um in the folder what those revisions were and what they look like to us. Uh if we want to, we can discuss those f further at another

260
02:22:55.120 --> 02:23:11.600
meeting. We're not going to do that tonight because I think we're probably extended in regards to time, but um you know, this is a live document. So, you know, if we have suggestions in the future or revisions that we need made based on whatever our needs are, we can

261
02:23:11.600 --> 02:23:28.000
always continue to keep uh revising based on whatever needs or whatever we see um changes that may apply at that time. So, I just wanted to share that with you. I think it's worth asking um if everyone has read it and is comfortable with where it is now,

262
02:23:28.000 --> 02:23:44.560
including revisions or if people need more time. >> More time, please. >> More time, please. >> Please. >> Okay, great. >> The only one. Does everyone Does anyone else need more time? Because if not, >> I haven't looked at the revisions. >> So, you need more time. >> Yes.

263
02:23:44.560 --> 02:24:00.640
>> Okay, great. >> Anyone else? >> You know what? everybody. >> Are there any questions about it that that need that people want to discuss this evening while we have a quorum? >> Any questions?

264
02:24:00.640 --> 02:24:17.280
>> Just what I had emailed about the minutes of the meetings because I know that there was a conversation with the chairs of the committee that was supposed to come back to us. So, I figured that could be part of it. Yeah. >> So, that was posted on in that folder as well, the meeting minutes.

265
02:24:17.280 --> 02:24:32.479
I didn't know if anybody wanted to have a discussion later. >> I think I do think um Jen wanted to just report on that and I I don't know if I should since I wasn't at the meeting. Um >> so I don't know does someone who was at the meeting want to share some kind of

266
02:24:32.479 --> 02:24:47.520
the top line? >> I have the the >> happy to do it. You want to do it? You want me to read it? >> It's up to you. >> Go ahead. Read that. Uh >> the whole >> is it gonna be a problem?

267
02:24:47.520 --> 02:25:02.640
>> The whole You want me to read the whole thing? >> Is it long? >> Um the committee chairs met on May 8th uh to dis discuss committee meeting procedures, documentation practices, and the handling of committee minutes and public notes. This disc discussion

268
02:25:02.640 --> 02:25:20.160
focused on creating consistency among committees while maintaining appropriate confidentiality standards, improving clarity surrounding committee documentation and public communication practices. Minute should be created in alignment with Robert's rules of order, which I will just add the the rules in

269
02:25:20.160 --> 02:25:35.680
Robert's rules were very different than what I kind of assumed they were. >> That's the big that's one of the big topline changes, right? Is that that the minutes are now reflecting Robert's rules of order. >> Yeah. >> Uh AI generated summaries may be utilized only as working notes for the committee chair in preparation of

270
02:25:35.680 --> 02:25:50.800
official minutes and are not to be circulated to other board members, including the other members of the committee. It doesn't say that, but I think it was worth adding. Confidential information may be included within committee minutes for internal reference purposes and identified accordingly. Such information would not be included in the public report. Information

271
02:25:50.800 --> 02:26:07.760
determined to be inappropriate for public sharing due to the potential for confusion or harm would also be excluded. Committee minutes are not to be distributed to all nine board members through email distribution. The group discussed that any new process, sorry, going back to that, they're going to be distributed the same way they always are through the packets. Um the group

272
02:26:07.760 --> 02:26:22.720
discussed that they any new process regarding the sharing of or distribution of minutes should be first discussed further before implementation due to the significance of the procedural change. Finally, district goals and each committee's contributions towards these goals may be appropriately be reflected within the committee minutes and

273
02:26:22.720 --> 02:26:38.960
reports. So the only thing So everything's pretty much the same >> except that the AI AI transcripts aren't going to be shared with anybody just the chair. >> Um the I think and I think I think the

274
02:26:38.960 --> 02:26:56.479
top line the main change was the that the minutes reflect Robert's rules of order and I think there are continuing to be questions about AI and whether we should have a policy around that that need to continue to be discussed. I think perhaps the policy committee wants to take up that topic. Um

275
02:26:56.479 --> 02:27:13.600
um because I I don't there's there's almost I don't think there are any other boards that we know of using it and so there's just more discussion to be had there. Um >> we're we're still going to get minutes in the folders. >> Still going to get minutes in the packet. Yep. >> That's what I pretty much wanted to

276
02:27:13.600 --> 02:27:29.280
know. >> Sorry to to lengthen that out for you. >> That's okay. I mean cuz I don't know it changed like we have folders and then we get emails and then it's like so sometimes I feel like I'm looking >> so >> a whole lot of places for us to maybe

277
02:27:29.280 --> 02:27:44.399
just stick to one type of system to make it kind of easier for everybody >> and I think there are questions about um confidentiality and what is and isn't okay for in terms of access things like that and we have our board lawyer

278
02:27:44.399 --> 02:28:01.760
attending our June meeting to answer questions questions about about that that we may have. So, I'll send out an email later on closer to that meeting sort of preparing all of you so so you can so you know what to expect from that and can have your questions ready. And I think that's a good point is that when

279
02:28:01.760 --> 02:28:16.960
the lawyer does come to make sure that if everybody has the opportunity to go through the handbook and just review what we currently have updated um so that way we can ask those questions and make sure that we have you know our AI what we what is available what what we

280
02:28:16.960 --> 02:28:33.280
can and cannot do and you know how it is going to apply to us in the future. So >> where's the process still bumpy? Let's you know let's talk about that. >> All right. Do we do we did you mean like access to just minutes in general or are you talking about the access to AI?

281
02:28:33.280 --> 02:28:49.280
>> I was talking about I was talking about how we access minutes what is available what isn't. I was talking about those bigger questions about access and confidentiality that that you have brought up in the past. I wasn't talking about AI specifically for that but we certainly can ask that too. Can ask all

282
02:28:49.280 --> 02:29:07.359
the questions. >> Okay. Thanks. Any other topics for board discussion? >> No, before we um I just wanted to again congratulate our new director of special services. Uh it's been a year. excited

283
02:29:07.359 --> 02:29:25.800
as a parent in addition to as a you know a board member and uh your skill set and your qualifications are outstanding and um I'm just excited to to bring you on aboard to our school and congratulations.

284
02:29:31.040 --> 02:29:50.080
>> Um let's move on to comments from the public. Are there any comments from the public? >> I know, but I have to you guys, you have to come. >> Wait, if you want, you got to come to the microphone. >> It's live streaming.

285
02:29:50.080 --> 02:30:06.479
>> But I'm always going to give a moment just in case because you are the public as well. >> Um, as are you. Okay. Okay. If there are no comments of the public um from the public, can I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved.

286
02:30:06.479 --> 02:30:17.080
>> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> How fast? I was going to say, how fast can you get out?