Notice is hereby given of the regular meeting of the board of education of the town of Westfield in the county of Union, New Jersey at 6 PM on the evening of Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 in cafeteria B of Westfield High School, 550 Dorian Road, Westfield, New Jersey.
The board will move immediately into private session to discuss matters rendered confidential by state and federal law, including harassment, intimidation, and bullying. The public portion of the meeting will resume at 7 p.m. Purpose of this meeting is to transact the regular business of the board and to transact any other business
to come properly before the board. This is to advise the general public and to instruct that it be recorded in the minutes that in compliance with chapter 231 of the public laws of 1975 entitled the open public meetings act the Westfield school board on Thursday April
24th 2025 caused to be posted at the office of the board of education located at 302 Elm Street Westfield New Jersey and delivered to the Westfield leader the star ledger the Westfield library town clerk of Westfield tap into Westfield and patch.com a meeting notice
setting forth a Time, date, and location of this meeting. Patty, may I have a roll, please? Rob Bonaccio here. Kent Diamond. Brendan Gallagghan here. Charles Galinus. Leila Morelli here. Sonol Patel here. Kristen Sonic Schmeltz
here. Julie Steinberg here. Mary Wickens. We'll now move to a flag salute. Kristen, would you mind? Um, I uh I make a motion for the board to approve the following resolution. Resolve that the board of education move
into private session for the purpose of discussing matters rendered confidential by state and federal law, including harassment, intimidation, and bullying incidents. And be it further resolved that any discussion held by the board which need not remain confidential and the results of the discussion will be made public as soon as practicable. Do I
have a second please? Second. So I'll second. Uh could we do this by voice vote? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? We are in executive session. All right. Uh, apologies for the significant delay. Um, sometimes board
business is done swiftly, sometimes less so. So, thank you all for the extra time. Thank you all for staying here. Thank you all for coming. Um, and I want to start on a very positive note. Um on behalf of the board, it is my honor to welcome so many students for recognition
of their musical and athletic skills and talents tonight. This is one of the best things we do here on the board. Um thank you very much to the families and staff members who support our students and who are here tonight as well and for and for spending the time to be here. Uh we had planned to uh to recognize the
exceptional talent and members of the chorus. My apologies. I know they had rehearsal afterward and this uh you know the delay we had kind of put that in a different spot. Um our choruses earned prestigious honors in regional, state and national coral competitions. Uh unfortunately most had to leave for a
prior commitment. Uh but some members of the chorus did stay. So what we're going to do to sort of fix that, make it up is we're going to recognize the chorus at another meeting as a full group. But um I do want to make sure that the four members who were able to stay uh do get recognized today as well. Um, so I will
call each of you up in alphabetical order. Uh, please accept a certificate of recognition from Dr. Gonzalez and proceed to the stage for a photograph. I guess you get two photographs. That'll work out nicely for you guys. Uh, first, Emily Bailey, Region 2 Treble [Music] Chorus. Uh, Nikita Bot, Region 2 Treble
Chorus. Uh, Ella Hart's region 2 mixed chorus and Lella Mockby doing double duty 2025 all state treble chorus and region 2 treble chorus. Okay, so we'll take a picture with you folks. Thank you uh for coming
and saying All right. So, as I said, thank you for staying. We owe you guys one. So, uh, so next I want to welcome members of the Westfield High School Band and Orchestra whose hard work and dedication to their music have truly paid off. Through hours, days, weeks, and even
months of practice, they have earned recognition for their excellence in state and regional performances. As the chorus did before you, please come up when your name is called alphabetically to accept a certificate and proceed onto the stage. Uh we'll start with Ana Oiello, region 2 band and
Orchestra. Christian Bonapane, region two band. Lucas Shelfont, region two band. Ethan Co, Region 2 orchestra, Bana Crispino, Region 2 Band. Uh, Nathan Doul, uh, All State Symphonic Band and Region 2 Band and
Orchestra. and Liliana Lincoln, region two band. Uh, so as we speak, band directors Chris Vitali and Gabriel Batiz are holding an interest meeting for the next generation of marching Blue Devils. Uh, so they were unable to attend. Uh, as was orchestra director Craig Stanton,
who had a prior commitment. Uh, so I invite our intermediate band and orchestra directors up to read remarks from Mr. Vitali, Mr. Batiz, and Mr. Stanton. Thank you for stepping in. We're honored to recognize a group of exceptional students from our band
program who are in placement in the region and all state bands through rigorous audition process. These students dedicated countless hours outside of school to practice and refine their skills, which demonstrate a level of commitment and discipline that truly sets them apart. Their achievement not only reflects their individual talent
and perseverance, but also sets a powerful example for the peers of what is possible with time and dedication. We are incredibly proud of these students and grateful for their continued support that allows programs like ours to thrive. Um, this is for Ethan Co, who I know had
to go to the uh band interest meeting, but anyway, from Mr. Stanton, on behalf of the WHS orchestras, we extend our warmest congratulations to Ethan on his remarkable achievement of being accepted into the prestigious CJMEA Region 2 High School Orchestra. This accomplishment is
a testament to his practice, um, a dedication, talent, and countless hours of practice. We are incredibly proud to have such a gifted musician representing Westfield High School and we eagerly anticipate celebrating his continued success this evening.
[Applause] Uh, next, the foundation of musical talent often begins at a young age with skills and passion blossoming as students progress through their intermediate school years. It is during this time that our students take their musical abilities to new heights,
earning prestigious honors and representing our schools with pride. Uh to that effect, we are pleased to welcome members of our intermediate bands and orchestras from both Edison and Roosevelt schools. Please come forward as I call your name in alphabetical order. Uh Logan Chen,
Intermediate Region 2 Band. James Fu, Intermediate Region 2 Orchestra. Gabriel Garfield, Intermediate Region 2 Wind Ensemble. Filipos Kvocus, Intermediate Region 2 Symphonic Band. Zayn Nasser, Intermediate Region 2
Orchestra. Arav Sheth, Intermediate Region 2 Band. Uh, Annabelle Tao, Intermediate Region 2 Wind Ensemble. Emma Wang, Intermediate Allstate Orchestra and Intermediate Region 2 Orchestra. Emilyn Young, Intermediate Region 2
Orchestra. Uh, these students have shown remarkable dedication to their craft and we're excited to see their continued growth and success in the years to come. They could not do that without the skilled guidance of their instructors, all three of whom I invite up to the podium now. James Doyle, the Roosevelt band
director, Amanda Gant, Edison orchestra director, and John Scazaro, Edison band director. Uh, thank you so much. Uh just to echo a lot of what we already heard from in previous speakers, uh it takes an incredible amount of time to achieve
what these students have achieved. And I think it's all the more impressive that you've done so at such a young age. By the time you get to high school, you have a better idea of the things that you love and the things that interest you. And it might be a little easier to spend a lot more time practicing. Uh, but I know that many of the students up here not only work really hard on the
instruments they were accepted for, many of you are multi-instrumentalists as well as doing a myriad of other activities that take up a lot of your time. So, I think it's even more impressive and you should all be extremely proud of your accomplishments. We're obviously proud of all of you, but
to speak to my four um to say that I'm proud of you is definitely an understatement. You all worked incredibly hard to achieve this goal. Several of you while in the midst of preparing for Edison's production of Shrek. So there was some a late night uh show and then the next morning they had
to be at a 5-hour rehearsal/con and I saw them at that concert and it was truly truly amazing to see what what you guys could do in that short amount of time. Um, you have all grown in your musical endeavors and maturity because of this experience, and it shows. And it has been amazing to
watch you all develop into such talented, well-rounded young adults, and I'm really excited to see what the future holds for you. Congrats. Uh, just like they said, uh, we are super proud of you and, uh, maybe the audience doesn't know that all of this preparation goes on outside of
school. So, it's a lot of independent practice that they do. So, it's a testament to their hard work and their dedication. Um, also you probably don't know, again, we talk about how competitive something like this is. Uh, I would say probably only about 10 to 20% of the students that audition for this actually make it. Uh, so it is
really truly a high achievement that you made and we are super proud of all the work that you've done as are the parents and I'm sure the board of ed and the whole community. Thank you. Is it? [Applause] Tell the girl I said hello. I certainly
will. Yeah. I'm just going to read off this one. Be done with it. I'm going to read off the names of this one. Okay. Um, lastly, uh, last meeting we didn't have the opportunity to recognize the Westfield High School boys swim team.
Uh, they weren't able to join us at our last meeting. Um, I don't know that they were able to stay for this one. Uh, but I do want to make sure that we recognize them, get their names on the record. Uh, and we also have a statement from their coach uh to to read as well. So, I want to put that down on the record uh, at
this meeting. Now, uh, our Westfield High School boys swim team is a talented group of athletes. They finished with an undefeated season, secured their fourth consecutive county and sectional titles, and earned the group A state championship for the third year in a row. Their hard work and teamwork also
led to setting new school records in three relay events at the meet of champions. Uh I do have remarks from coach Knight. Uh but for now, I will read off the names of uh the members of that team. Uh first is Dimma Batvski, Elas Chang, Henry
Charles, Alexander Cherankov, Ardam Davski, Michael Fiser, Alexander Fu, Gavin Jimlet, Henry Gould, Spencer
Gosh, Luke Jenner, James Kavanaaugh, Joseph Kylie, Dylan Laggeras, Benjamin Lane, Max Lazcow, Flynn
Martin, Maxwell Mata, Liam Moeen, Daniel Pierce, Clark Cedar, Cole Shy, Logan Swenson, Dren Silage, Alejandro
Villar, Andrew Verrov, Owen Wyel, Logan Welsh, Hudson Wilholmes, Wes Young, and Benjamin Xiao. So, congratulations to each of these athletes and their coach, Jeff
Knight. Uh, Coach Knight uh was would unfortunately did have another commitment for this evening as well, but asked us to read uh this message to the team. Uh, this season culminated with the boys swim team completing the three repeat as state champions and the number one team in the state. For those
unfamiliar with the term, a three repeat in swimming and other sports refers to winning three consecutive championships or tournaments. Along the way, they captured another county title and the fourth straight sectional title. During the course of this season, there were six school records broken. Owen Wayel
finished first team all state in the 50 free and two relays. The 200 and 400 free relays comprised of Owen Wel, Danny Pierce, Hudson Wilomes, Logan Swenson, and Michael Fiser won at the meat of champions and finished first team all
state. This very well can be considered the greatest team in Westfield history. Their success is due to their hard work and dedication. They embody the best of Westfield both in and out of the pool. So, I think a round of applause for for those who are here for them this week.
And that will conclude this evening's recognition of our students and the adults who support them. We look forward to more celebrations at upcoming board meetings. Uh I do know we have other announcements. Um Mary, do you have one? Kent. Yes. Thank you. Congrat
Congratulations to the 10 students who were recognized by the Westfield Public Schools green team as winners of the 2025 Earth Day poster contest. They are, drum roll please, Lincoln School, Llaya Connib kindergarten, Franklin School,
Hazel Bonapart, grade three. Jefferson School, Sha Baker, grade three. Mckenley School, Payton Powers, grade five. Tamakra School, Lara Chandra Sakaran, grade five. Washington School, Maya
Shrew, grade three. Wilson School, Carter Astroski, grade 1. Edison Intermediate School, Emma Duchac, grade six. Roosevelt Intermediate School, Izzy Note, grade six. Westfield High School,
Sarah Richards, grade 11. Thank you to all who submitted a work of art and the K through2 science supervisor Tom Patterson, who leads the district green team and who with many other staff members reviewed the creative poster submissions. Thank
you. Uh Brandon, do you have one? Kristen, I do. There are many state and national observances of diverse religious, cultural, and historical traditions. The Westville Public School District continues to raise awareness of the rich tapestry within its own
community. This month the district marked Jewish Heritage Month observed in New Jersey in April and across the country in May, Arab her uh American heritage month, autistic autism acceptance month along with Passover and
Easter. April 24th was Holocaust Remembrance Day, a time to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust and to renew our commitment to combating hate in all forms. Uh Julie, I think you have one. 21 Westfield High School students signed
letters of intent this spring to compete at the college level. This brings to 34 the total number of class of 2025 student athletes who will play competitive sports in college. Visit the new section of the district and high school website for the full story,
including a list of these amazing athletes. Leila, I don't know if you have one. I thought I did, but it's missing now. All right. So, the next regular public meeting of the board of education will be on Tuesday,
May 6th in Cafeteria B at Westfield High School beginning at 7 p.m. The meeting, which will be a reorganization meeting, will be livereamed via the district YouTube channel, which viewers can access on the board tab on the district website. The complete agenda will be available on Friday, May 2nd, also on
the board tab. Okay. Uh with the announcements done, we'll move to a report by district administration. Dr. Gonzalez, thank you. Just uh as a note um because of unfinished business at the executive level uh we do want to just uh
acknowledge that the governance portion of tonight's agenda will be held uh until after a second executive session. So I just wanted to make sure that that was known to the public. Um as for my report this evening, I I really just want to take the opportunity um just to
reflect on uh something that took place a couple weeks ago. uh that thing called a referendum and budget vote. Um it it really uh it felt surreal for a while, but I I think as superintendent of this amazing district, you know, I I can't
tell you how proud I am and excited um that the Westfield uh public schools referendum passed. Um it truly marks a a transformative opportunity for our district and a lasting investment in the future of our students and our schools. This wasn't just a proposal developed
behind closed doors. Um, as with our strategic plan, it was shaped directly by our community through ideas, feedback, and conversations. Your voices as a community built this plan, and now your votes have made it a reality. To
everyone who participated in the vote, whether you voted yes or no, I just want to thank everyone. Your active engagement made this a historic moment and continues to reflect just how deeply our community cares about education and the future of our schools. Because of
that support, we are now able to move forward with learning environments tied tying um to our neighborhood schools, our youngest learners opportunity to start their environment uh educational journey as early as possible.
more room for small groupoup instruction, student support services, and inclusive programming throughout the district. Upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to create healthier, healthier, safer, and more energyefficient schools.
While today is a day to celebrate, we know the real work begins now. Our focus shifts from planning to action, and we're fully committed to continuing the same level of communication, transparency, and partnership that got us here. As we move toward the final
stages of developing the next school budget associated with implementing this um this endeavor, particularly the staffing plan required to launch full day kindergarten. We'll continue to keep our community informed at every step. At the same time, we remain focused on our
broader day-to-day responsibilities. We take seriously our fiduciary responsibility to manage our regular operating budget with great care and continue to deliver the highquality education services and programs our students deserve while also attending to
the ongoing operational needs of our school district as well as the ongoing maintenance of our buildings and grounds. So importantly, all of this work from the projects funded by the referendum to the careful stewardship of our daily operations, everything we do
is fully aligned to our strategic plan. A plan that was informed by the community and objectives that are setting in place the motion of that plan. Our mission remains clear to create supportive, safe, innovative, and inclusive learning environments where
every student can thrive. I want to thank everyone for believing in our schools and supporting our schools. Any questions? All right. This has got to be the shortest report from administration we've had for what? No slides, nothing. Wow. No videos, no.
Wow. That's That's impressive. I don't I don't actually don't know what to do now. This is great. Um I guess I would like to echo that. I think that might as well be as good a time as any. I'd like to echo that on behalf of the board as well. Um, you know, a vote like this in
the in the turnout that we had and at the at the percentage of success that it had uh speaks volumes about our public about um their interest and their their ranking of the importance of the educating of educating our students. Um, and it says a lot to us about the faith
that you're putting in the district, which is certainly how I read the vote. Um there was a lot of work put into communication but now the real work starts. Um and I can tell you I think we started at we had a finance committee meeting what about a week after and we already brought our architects in and said well when can you give us a
timeline and when can we start? And I'm fairly certain that our architects were not expecting that at the time. But I'm glad we did because you know the the least we can do as a thank you for supporting these plans is to get down to them right away. Um and I want to be sure to thank our administration uh Dr.
Gonzalez and and Patty and and Maryanne for for putting together such a great uh communication on this. Um you know, this was an election we were all concerned at having this election over spring break. It was probably our best turnout on an April election, even though there were
multiple uncertainties uh regarding what was happening and when and who's going to be here and who wasn't. And to have that level of communication and that level of education and that level of the public feeling that informed just speaks volumes to, you know, transparency, yes, but just to the the time that was put
in. So, thank you all for giving of your time. Um, you know, I hope you got to see your families again. I hope they recognized who you were after that time. But really, thank you all so much for for for doing that work. Um, and next, um, we'll move to,
uh, to James for our high school student report. Good evening. With the force mark marking period underway, WJS students are making the most of the last few months of the school year. The day before spring break, students beat the staff in the annual student versus staff
basketball game. Students packed toiletry kits for St. Joseph's and row cards for senior citizens and service members. While students in the gym during the game wrote cards to teachers for the upcoming teacher appreciation week. Additionally, money was raised for the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of
former WHS principal, Dr. Nelson. Looking ahead, SGA candidates are currently in the process of preparing for this year's election to determine next year's executive board. Candidates will give speeches and present a flyer to the school, which will be posted on our Instagram to get their message out
to students. Freshman, sophomores, and juniors will get to cast their votes the week before Memorial Day. Additionally, this Friday, the class of 1953 will be coming back for their high school reunion. Yes, this is over 70 years ago. The visit by the class of 53 will take
place on May 2nd at 3:30 p.m. with help from student volunteers. This time of year is also full of many activities for our seniors. This Thursday, seniors will celebrate decision day on May 1st. For this spirit day, seniors will will wear clothes
representing their plans for the fall. Faculty members will wear clothes representing their alma modders and all other grades will wear Westfield closing. Thank you. Thank you, James. Uh moving to committee reports. Uh report by curriculum
instructions and programs. Kristen. The Curriculum and Instructional Programs Committee, SIP, met last night. The meeting began with a review of the new curriculum documents presented by Liz D. Allesandro, supervisor of the K through2 mathematics
and computer science. Mrs. D. Allesandro introduced a comprehensive slate of curriculum documents for several high school mathematics courses. Additionally, the committee reviewed a new sixth grade course titled money mindset building healthy financial
habits designed to promote foundational financial literacy in alignment with the NJSLS 9.1 standards. All curriculum documents were developed collaboratively by Mrs. Dislandro and a team of teachers
including course specific instructors and special education teachers. This inclusive development process ensures that the curriculara are both contentrich and supportive of diverse learners needs. The committee also reviewed several high school English
curricula which will be on the upcoming May agenda for board approval. Following the curriculum review, the committee review received an update from Dr. Dr. Bolton on student performance and growth across the district based on the universal screening measures I Ready and
Dibbles 8. Dr. Bolton provided an overview of how these assessments function as diagnostic tools and reported on the gains made by students at each grade level and in each school. The presentation highlighted positive trends in student growth and explained
how the data from these screeners are used to identify areas of need at both the grade level and the individual student level supporting the district's system of academic interventions. Finally, the committee reviewed and approved applications for
several upcoming overnight field trips which are on this evening's agenda for approval. The final SIP committee meeting will be on Monday, June 2nd. Thank you. Thank you, Kristen. Uh now, finance and
facilities. Uh Brendan. Yep. Uh the finance and facilities committee met on Friday morning. Uh we did talk about several topics. Uh mostly had to do with our referendum, but I'll start with the other topics first. Um we did look at our budget for this
year. Uh everything is still within lines but within the guidelines we expected but health insurance is coming back higher than anticipated. Still within our our range but higher than we were hoping. Um Patty talked to us about a meeting that she had with uh Jim Gild at the
town and Chief Baloro uh to go over our SO SRO agreement for the 2526 school year. Uh the police department just settled a new contract and the cost for SRO are expected to increase. We don't yet have a cost for them, but historically we have split those costs 50/50. Um, hoping they don't increase
our cost, but we'll see. Um, they did also talk about changing the rotation of officers. Uh, police officers in Westfield work on a 4-day schedule and schools are obviously open 5 days, so there may be some changes at the middle school level as to how we staff the SRO position, which will put more faces in
front of the students. um give us a larger pool to choose from and we'll allow them to be available for after school activities without additional cost to the district. Uh more on that when we have details. Um the the business office has gone
through uh genesis training uh for all the purchase orders and requisitions. Um this is the new expanding out on what we manage the student population with is now going to manage our finance operations as well. um integrating all of that into one very user-friendly
platform. Uh and it's supposed to go live for this July 1st, correct? Yep. So, getting everybody up up to speed and no real complaints. Um then on to Roosevelt and the IT classrooms, uh the IT closets. Uh
the Fab Lab at Roosevelt is, uh essentially done. They're waiting on some light fixtures to be installed and that'll happen over the next couple weeks. Uh and then the IT closets or IDF rooms as it's listed. Uh we put it air
conditioning units in each of those uh to protect the investment in equipment we've we've made. Uh all of that is pretty much done. They're waiting on some final electrical connections, but everything will be live by the end of the month, which is tomorrow. Uh, and then really the bulk of our
meeting was spent talking about the referendum, planning, uh, the next steps. I mean, we we spent so much time talking about what things might look like that we didn't really talk about how it's all going to work. And Friday, we spent a lot of time talking about how it's going to work. Um, many of the additions, it's uh, the
elementary schools are going to require relocating some playground equipment. That should probably happen first before anything else so that we're not impacting the students. Um and then just sequencing and how but how the bids are going to be broken up and there no no real decisions have been made but the
conversation has been started and there's a lot of things to decide and uh I won't say that we have to have it done by the May 16th facilities meeting but uh I I'll have more to report on at the May 20th board for
meeting and that is it for right now. Thank you Brendan. Um, next report by policies, personnel and governance. Mary, the policy, personnel, and governance committee met on April 23rd.
Um, we started with a review of the upcoming comprehensive equity plan for 2025 to 2028. Um, as part of the state's requirements, we put together an affirmative action team led by affirmative action officer which is on
the um, agenda for board approval tonight. Um, a final version of the plan along with board resolution to submit it is expected on or before June 17th to meet the June 23rd deadline.
We also looked at the superintendent's job description. Is that me? Oh, thanks. He's helping me. We reviewed the legal requirements, the policy, and the current Oops, I'm
reading the wrong paragraph. Okay. We also looked at the superintendent job description. After comparing neighboring and similar districts, we found that most use the NJSBA model description along with Strauss Esme's policy 1230, which outlines the superintendent's
duties. The committee recommends sticking with policy 1230 and officially adopting the NJSBA job description. If the board and superintendent ever want to add or revise responsibilities, that can be addressed through mutual agreement.
Next, we talked about the superintendent's annual re evaluation process. We reviewed the legal requirements, the policy, and the current contract. Um, as in past years, a superintendent will complete a self-evaluation, and then a draft will
be shared with the board in which board members will be able to submit feedback using a Google form. The final evaluation will be shared before the June 17th meeting when we'll hold executive session. We also discussed policy 1100
on district organization. To make things clearer and less repetitive, we're recommending that we fold in that chart as an administrative rec regulation under this policy and abolish one
1. Regulation 5600 was also on the agenda, the student code of conduct. Some edits were suggested mostly to better address conduct tied to extracurriculars at the secondary level.
The superintendent will bring the final version to our next meeting with the goal of having a first reading on May 20th and then the second on June 17th. Next, we continued our discussion around the inclement weather giveback days for
202526. The committee recommends spacing those days out around spring break and Memorial Day. For the 2627 calendar, the administration is continuing to review start and end dates, particularly in light of the upcoming construction work,
which will need to take place during the summer. And finally, a few reminders. We recommend adding the board handbook to the reorg meeting agenda, and we'd like to remind all board members to wrap up the board self- evaluation by the end of
April, which is tomorrow. I'm looking at you. We'll plan to review the results together at our August retreat and our next meeting is scheduled for May 7th. We apparently have a busy day
tomorrow. That's all right. Uh we'll now move to recognize the public on agenda action items only. During this portion of the meeting, district residents and staff are invited to address the board of education on agenda action items only. Uh these are items that are marked in
color on the board agenda. There will be an opportunity to address the board on general matters later in the meeting. The board requests that individuals state their name and address for the record, the specific action items they are commenting on, and ask that all remarks be directed to the board president or designate, not to
individual members or staff. The board asks that members of the public be courteous and mindful of the rights of other individuals when speaking. Specifically, comments regarding personnel matters are discouraged and cannot be responded to by the board. Students and employees have specific legal rights afforded by the laws of New Jersey. The board bears no
responsibility, nor will it be liable for any comments made by members of the public. If a matter concerning a district staff member is of interest or concern to a resident, the matter should be referred to the responsible building principal, superintendent of schools, or the board of education, either by telephone, letter, or email. Although
the board may not respond to items raised during the public forum, all public comments will be considered. Please note that if any member of the public becomes disruptive during the meeting, the board president may terminate the participant statement. Continued disruptions may result in removal from the meeting or adjournment
of the meeting. Each speaker's statement will be limited to 3 minutes in duration. Seeing no one, I will close public comment. Uh we'll move to some board action items. Uh, first I'd like to make a motion to approve the March 25th, 2025 board meeting minutes and
executive session minutes. Do I have a second? Mary, I'll do this by voice vote. All in favor? Any opposed? Any abstensions? That carries? Okay. Uh, as Dr. Gonzalez mentioned, we would normally hit the governance section of the agenda, but we
are going to postpone that until after uh a second executive session. So, we will move now to personnel. I think that's Ila. I don't think so. It's still on the agenda. So, it's not Yeah. Good question, though. Okay. I'd like to move
items A through X under the personnel section of tonight's agenda. Do I have a second? Second. Thanks, Dr. Gonzalez, do you have any comments? There are no retirements. Uh, but afterwards I I would like to make a comment. Okay, if you want to vote,
Patty. Rob Bonacio, yes. Kent Diamonds, yes. Brendan Gallagghan, yes. Charles Galinus. Leila Merlli, yes. Sonel Patel, yes. Kristen Sonic Schmeltz, yes. Julie Steinberg, yes. Mary Wickens,
yes. Rob, if I if I may, I I do want to take the opportunity this evening on the personnel agenda, the board of education just voted on and approved uh the appointment of Katherine Ernst, our new uh communications uh coordinator, school
community relations coordinator. Katherine is joining us this evening. Uh so I just like to officially welcome her uh and introduce her to the board and the and the community. Uh, currently Katherine is a communications media coordinator for a leading technologist
in in the country, supporting national broadcast appearances, assisting at global technology conference events, and producing multi-platform content across social media and the company website. Um, she's also held roles at local ABC affiliates as a news anchor and
producer. Um throughout her media career, uh Katherine has worked closely with uh PIOS, public information officers, uh booked interviews with community stakeholders, and produced anchored uh live news broadcasts and created lifestyle content spotlighting
local stories. So, as you could imagine, much of that has a direct application into the ways that we like to uh engage our community, uh develop those partners, but certainly showcase our uh excellent students, uh and schools. So,
I do want to thank uh Katherine for for joining us this evening and and welcome her to the team. [Applause] Welcome. Uh, next we'll move to finance and facilities. Kent. All right. Thank
you. Uh, let's see. I'd like to move items A through P under the finance section of tonight's agenda. And I have some donations this time, which is great. We'd like to express our gratitude to the Franklin School PTO for a donation of $22,500 for a concrete slab for the
outdoor classroom. Next, the Westfield Baseball League, a donation of $20,000 for the removal and replacement of four back stops at Jefferson Field. Thank you to them. The Jefferson PTO donated $179 for a
document camera for Miss Kelly's second grade classroom. Much needed. And Temple Emmanuel of Westfield donated $2,500 for the Hate Ends Now, the cattle car exhibition to be presented at Westfield High School in May. So, with these donations, our school
year-to- date total is now $149,328.52 in donations. Thank you to everyone. Can I have a second, please? Thank you, Laya. Rob Baconio, yes. Kent Diamonds, yes. Brendan Gallagghan, yes. Charles Galinus. Laya Melli, yes. Sonel Patel,
yes. Kristen Sonic Schmeltz, yes. Julie Steinberg, yes. Mary Wickens, yes. All right. Next, curriculum, instruction, and programs. Kristen, I'd like to ask the board to move items A through C under the SIP portion of
tonight's agenda. The first um A is asking the board to approve field trips. is asking the board to approve um several interns uh two for this year and then um four for next year. And then
also C asks us to approve the new math curricula that we mentioned in the report. Can I get a second? Yes. Okay. Sonel. Um ready to vote. Ready. Rob Bonacio? Yes. Ken Diamonds? Yes. Brendan
Gallagan? Yes. Charles Galinus. Leila Morelli. Yes. Sonel Patel. Yes. Kristen Sonic Schmemells. Yes. Julie Steinberg. Yes. Mary Wickens. Yes. All right. I will call the board's
attention to the notes for the record. Um, we do have one item of unfinished business on the agenda today. That is a resolution in support of Dr. Derek Nelson. Uh, it's been brought in prior meetings. Uh it was referred to committees in the past and was discussed
as well in our finance committee meeting this week. Um but uh to describe that in greater depth, I will turn the floor to Brendan Gallaghan. Thank you. Uh on April 8th, we marked the sixth anniversary of Dr. Derek Nelson's
passing. Um, and as I have every year since, uh, I'm asking the board to approve a resolution allowing me to continue to pursue, uh, recognition from the Department of Defense for Derek Nelson.
Uh, back in 1926, I believe, uh, the Army created a what's what they know is what they call the Soldiers Medal. Um, and that's to recognize the heroism of a member of the US Army who dies uh in a
civilian capacity saving another life. And the whole text is attached to the agenda. I have updated it and just emailed it out with with some additional names attached to it. But basically, uh, I'm making the case that Dr. Nelson has satisfied those claims, satisfy the
requirements for the award um and asking the the board for permission to act on behalf of the board uh in submitting this awards package. Again, uh every time there's a change in office, uh there's new appointees and I'm taking
the approach of saturation and hopefully somebody will uh appreciate the effort we're putting in and we'll we'll recognize Dr. Nelson with the soldiers medal. Uh, any questions from board members? I will be updating the minutes just with
the additional names that Brendan did add. It's getting sent to. I do want to say thank you for your commitment to it. He was a great man and uh it's a very small part small act on my part to recognize
what he did. Agreed. Thank you. Care to make a motion? I asked the board to approve uh the resolution that I've put forth uh allowing me to continue to pursue this award for Dr. Nelson. Second. Thank you, Kent.
Rob Bacio, yes. Kent Diamonds, yes. Brendan Gallagghan, yes. Charles Galinus. Leila Melli, yes. Sonel Patel, yes. Kristen Sonic Schmeltz, yes. Julie Steinberg, yes. Mary Wicens. Yes.
Thank you. Congrats and thank you for continuing to to push this. Um there's no new business submitter for the agenda, but we are next up on liaison reports. Anyone? Okay. Uh and then lastly, we will uh recognize the public for
comments. Um this portion of uh public comment members of the public are invited to address the board occasion on a board of education pardon me on any topic. Uh same rules and uh and and process that I described earlier do apply. Uh so I'll open for public
comment now. Seeing none um I'd like to make a following motion for the board. Uh the board adopt the following resolution that the board of education move back into private session for the purpose of discussing matters uh rendered confidential by state and
federal law including harassment, intimidation and bullying incidents. And be it further resolved that any discussion held by the board which need not remain confidential and the results of the discussion will be made public as soon as practicable. Uh at the close of executive session, the board will return to public session and and will be taking
action. Oh, I'm sorry. And will be taking action. Thank you. Do I have a second? Kent. Uh, all in favor just go by hand. Any opposed? Any abstensions? We are back in executive session. All right, the board's returning from
executive session 8:48. Um, we will move uh to address the one action item that was uh delayed, which is the governance section of the agenda. I want to turn it over to Patty. We have an addition to that section. So governance has been uh amended. Item
A, we added number 11, which is 285286 WHhS01092025. And then there is an item B. And item B reads, "Rescend the board's May 21st, 2024 resolution affirming the superintendent's decision
in HI 253833 WHS 10252023 with regard to offender number two only." Okay. So then the So Okay. Um, I'd like to make a motion to move items A and B
under the governance section of tonight's agenda. Can I have a second? Thank you, Kristen. Okay. Rob Bonaccio, yes. Kent Diamond, yes. Brendan Gallagghan, yes.
Charles Galinus. Leila Morelli, yes. Sonel Patel, yes. Kristen Sonic Schmeltz, yes. Julie Steinberg, no to A, but yes to B. Mary Wickens, yes. All right, with that having carried, I
make a motion to adjurnn. Do I have a second? Kent, all in favor? Any opposed? Any abstensions? We are adjourned.