WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=XHkca7aJNl4

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: XHkca7aJNl4):
- 00:00:05: Meeting Opening, Election Results, New Board Member Swearing-In
- 00:07:44: Roll Call, Board President and Vice President Nominations
- 00:14:26: Code of Ethics Acknowledgment and Announcements
- 00:19:45: District Administration Report: Welcoming New Board Members
- 00:21:42: Board Committee Reports: Curriculum, Finance, and Governance
- 00:26:51: Policies, Personnel, and Governance: Meeting Report Postponed
- 00:27:06: Public Comment on Agenda Action Items Only
- 00:28:49: Reorganization Agenda Items A Through Double N Approval
- 00:30:41: Approval of April 14th Meeting Minutes
- 00:30:57: Personnel Items A to M Approval and Retirement Recognition
- 00:32:57: Finance Items A Through B Approval and Briefcase PSA
- 00:33:59: Curriculum, Instruction and Programs: Tamakquas Field Trip
- 00:34:18: Public Comment on Any Topic, Meeting Adjournment


Part: 1

1
00:00:05.200 --> 00:00:20.160
Notice is hereby given of the reorganization meeting of the board of education of the town of Westfield in the county of Union, New Jersey at 700 p.m. on the evening of Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 in CA cafeteria B of Westfield High

2
00:00:20.160 --> 00:00:36.960
School, 550 Dorian Road, Westfield, New Jersey. The purpose of the 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

3
00:00:36.960 --> 00:00:54.480
231 of the public laws of 1975 entitled the open public meetings act the Westfield school board on Thursday April 30th 2026 caused to be posted at the office of the board of education located at 302 Elm Street Westfield New Jersey

4
00:00:54.480 --> 00:01:10.479
and delivered to the Westfield Leader NJ.com the Westfield library town clerk of Westfield. Tap into Westfield, the district website, and patch.com. A meeting notice setting forth the time, date, and location of this meeting. Can

5
00:01:10.479 --> 00:01:43.280
we do the flag salute? And Rob, can you lead us? Okay, so now we have the results of the schoolboard election. At the annual election held on April 21st, 2026, Kent Diamond, Patrick Duffy, and Anthony Tessatori were all elected for

6
00:01:43.280 --> 00:02:00.200
three-year terms. So now we'll swear in the three new board members, three board members. All right, we're clapping now. So if you guys could come up and meet me in the middle and then I'll do one at a time. Yep.

7
00:02:10.239 --> 00:02:27.920
Kent, I guess we'll go first with you. >> Yeah. >> Yes, you're fine. >> You ready? >> Yeah. Ready. I K I do solemnly swear >> I Kent Diamond do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of

8
00:02:27.920 --> 00:02:43.120
the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> and I will be bear true faith and allegiance >> to the same and to the governments established >> to the same and to the governments established >> in the United States and this state

9
00:02:43.120 --> 00:02:58.560
>> to the United States and this state >> under the authority of the people. So help me God. >> Under the authority of the people, so help me God. >> I state your name. I, Kent Diamond, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law >> that I possess the qualifications

10
00:02:58.560 --> 00:03:12.319
prescribed by law >> for the office of member of a board of education >> for the office of member of board of education >> and that I am not disqualified as a voter >> and that I am not disqualified as a voter >> pursuant to RS194-1

11
00:03:12.319 --> 00:03:31.200
>> as a voter pursuant to R- RS19-4-1 >> nor disqualified due to conviction of a crime >> nor disqualified due to convention of a crime >> or offense listed in NJS18A12-1 >> or a crime or offense listed in NJS18A12-1

12
00:03:31.200 --> 00:03:48.159
>> and that I will faithfully impartially and justfully justly perform >> And that I will faithfully impartially and justly perform >> all duties of that office according to the best of my ability. So help me God. >> and justly perform all duties of that office according to the best of my abilities. So help me God.

13
00:03:48.159 --> 00:04:05.920
>> Congratulations. >> Thank you. All right. >> All right. Patrick Duffy. >> I state your name. I, Patrick Duffy, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States

14
00:04:05.920 --> 00:04:20.959
>> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and to the governments established in the United States

15
00:04:20.959 --> 00:04:36.720
>> and to the governments established in the United States >> and this state >> and this state >> under the authority of the people. So help me God >> under the authority of the people. So help me God. >> I state your name. I, Patrick Duffy, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I possess the qualifications

16
00:04:36.720 --> 00:04:53.520
prescribed by law >> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law >> for the office of member of a board of education >> for the office of member of a board of education >> and that I am not disqualified as a voter >> and that I am not disqualified as a voter >> pursuant to RS194-1

17
00:04:53.520 --> 00:05:09.919
>> pursuant to RS194-1 >> nor disqualified due to conviction of a crime >> nor disqualified due to con conviction of a crime crime >> or offense listed in NJS18A12-1 >> or offense listed in NJS18A12-1

18
00:05:09.919 --> 00:05:25.199
>> and that I will faithfully impartially and just justly perform >> And that I will faithfully impartially and justly perform >> all duties of that office according to the best of my ability. So help me God. >> and justly perform all duties of that office according to the best of my ability. So help me God.

19
00:05:25.199 --> 00:05:49.759
>> Congratulations. Welcome. I state your name. I, Anthony Testori, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith and

20
00:05:49.759 --> 00:06:03.919
allegiance >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and to the governments established in the United States >> and to the governments established in the United States >> and this state >> and this state >> under the authority of the people. So help me God. >> under the authority of the people. So

21
00:06:03.919 --> 00:06:19.840
help me God. I state your name. I, Anthony Tesator, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law >> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law >> for the office of member of a board of education >> for the office of member of a board of education

22
00:06:19.840 --> 00:06:34.319
>> and that I am not disqualified as a voter >> and that I am not disqualified as a voter >> pursuant to RS194-1 >> pursuant to RS194-1 >> nor disqualified due to conviction of a crime >> nor disqualified due to conviction of a crime

23
00:06:34.319 --> 00:06:52.080
>> or offense listed in NJS18A12-1 >> or offense listed in NJS-18A12-1 >> and that I will faithfully impartially and justly perform >> and that I will faithfully impartially and justly perform >> all duties of that office according to the best of my ability. So help me God.

24
00:06:52.080 --> 00:07:25.039
>> And all all duties of that office according to the best of my ability. So help me God. >> Congratulations We don't have two of them. >> Can we do the three of them? Can I get a picture of three of them? >> Sure. >> Who do you want?

25
00:07:25.039 --> 00:07:44.720
>> Just the three of them. >> Oh, do you want to come? >> Dr. Why don't you do the three of them first and then >> Okay. >> Just so you know, >> personal collection. >> I got to get a smile. What's happening?

26
00:07:44.720 --> 00:08:39.599
>> All right. Now, >> I can't do anything without Congratulations. >> Thank you. Thank you. It's good to be back. All right. So, now I'll do the roll call of all the board members. So we have Rob Bonaccio >> here, >> Kent Diamonds >> here,

27
00:08:39.599 --> 00:08:55.560
>> Patrick Duffy >> here, >> Leila Morelli >> here, Sonel Patel >> here, >> Kristen Sonic Schmeltz >> here, >> Julie Steyberg, Anthony Tessator >> here, >> Mary Wickens >> here.

28
00:08:58.000 --> 00:09:13.360
Okay, now next we will do the organization of the board. I will now take nominations for the position of board president. This process is governed by policy 152 and will proceed as follows. I will take nominations from the board members which must have a

29
00:09:13.360 --> 00:09:28.959
second to move forward. If there is more than one nomination for the position, I will record all of the nominations and seconds. After I've received all of the nominations, I will ask if there is any discussion. After discussion, I will call for a vote on the nominations in

30
00:09:28.959 --> 00:09:44.800
the order they were received. When more than one person has been nominated for a single position, the board will vote on candidates in the order in which they were nominated. The person with the majority vote of the members of the board pre present and constituting a quorum shall be elected. In the event no

31
00:09:44.800 --> 00:10:01.440
candidate receives a majority vote of the board members present and constituting a quorum, the procedure shall be repeated until someone receives a majority vote of those board members present and constituting a quorum. Officers shall serve a term of one year.

32
00:10:01.440 --> 00:10:16.000
So I would like to now ask for a nomination for board president. Mary, >> I'd like to nominate Rob Bachio. Okay. Can I have a second? >> Second. >> Second. >> Oh, Leila. I saw Laya.

33
00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:33.760
>> Oh, Laya is the second. >> Just write it down. >> Okay. Um, do we have any other nominations for board president? No. Any discussion? Yes. Yes. I've been waiting all day.

34
00:10:33.760 --> 00:10:51.200
Okay. I'm nominating Robinio for board of education president, a role for which he is uniquely, enthusiastically, and verbosely qualified. Few candidates demonstrate such a deep commitment to communication with his fellow board members as well as

35
00:10:51.200 --> 00:11:08.959
with the community as a whole. Rob has an impressive ability to ensure every perspective is thoroughly explored, revisited, and occasionally given a sequel. This gift for elaboration means no stone is left unturned. No point is left

36
00:11:08.959 --> 00:11:25.600
unmade and no agenda item escapes a thoughtful and sometimes extended spotlight beyond their wellde beyond his well-developed vocal endurance over the past year. And now I'm being serious.

37
00:11:25.600 --> 00:11:41.920
Um, Rob has brought genuine passion, strong opinions, and a clear investment in the success of our schools. He has guided discussions with energy, insight, and transparency, taking into account every person on the board's perspective.

38
00:11:41.920 --> 00:11:58.959
In closing, if we look for a board president who never runs out of things to say and always finds a little more when it matters most, Rob is someone who will always show up and speak up for the best interests of our schools. Thank you.

39
00:11:58.959 --> 00:12:14.880
Okay, seeing as there were no other nominations, I'll now take a roll call vote. Rob Bonacio, >> I better yes. >> Kent Diamonds, >> yes. >> Patrick Duffy, >> yes. Leila Morelli, >> yes. >> Sonel Patel, >> yes.

40
00:12:14.880 --> 00:12:30.000
>> Kristen Sonic Schmeltz, >> yes. >> Julie Steinberg. Anthony Tessatori, >> yes. >> Mary Wicens, >> yes. >> All right. And now I will turn the meeting over to Rob Bonacio as president. >> Thank you. I I accept that. I have an

41
00:12:30.000 --> 00:12:47.519
acceptance speech in 14 pages. Uh, no. >> Did you hear me? >> No, I did not. >> You did not. >> No, I did not. Um, generally, thank you very much for the votes of confidence. Thank you very much for the nomination. Um, we've done a lot

42
00:12:47.519 --> 00:13:02.880
of great work together in the past. Looking forward to doing that in the future. Um, so let's get ourselves a vice president. Um, we are going to, uh, proceed with the election of the vice president. I hope you paid attention to what Patty said because we will be proceeding in the same manner that was not written out for me. So, I hope

43
00:13:02.880 --> 00:13:17.839
whatever you just said was right. Um, so I will open up the floor for nominations for board vice president. Leila, >> I'd like to nominate Kristen Sonic Schmeltz as vice president.

44
00:13:17.839 --> 00:13:40.399
>> I'll take Kent second. >> Any other nominations? >> Any discussion? >> Yes. So, um I didn't have a chance to prepare a speech. Um but, uh as Rob said, we've done a lot of good work together and um under this leadership

45
00:13:40.399 --> 00:13:56.399
team and I think that Kristen is a team player, um and is always willing to talk and show up and do the best for the majority of the community and the schools. And that is why she makes an

46
00:13:56.399 --> 00:14:11.920
excellent choice. Any further discussion? >> All right, we'll move to a vote then, please. Patty >> Rob Bonacio, >> yes. >> Kent Diamonds, >> yes. >> Patrick Duffy, >> yes.

47
00:14:11.920 --> 00:14:26.320
>> Leila Morelli, >> yes. >> Sonel Patel, >> yes. >> Kristen Sonic Schmeltz, >> yes. >> Julie Steinberg. >> Anthony Tessator, >> yes. >> Mary Wiggins, >> yes.

48
00:14:26.320 --> 00:14:47.199
>> Congratulations, Kristen. Thank you. >> All right. Next item up on the agenda is the acknowledgement of receipt of the code of ethics for schoolboard members. Uh for the public certification, school board members are subject to a set code of ethics and uh it's part of our job at

49
00:14:47.199 --> 00:15:03.199
the beginning of uh of each reorganization meeting to read through that code of ethics. Uh there are 10 items. Uh each member will take one item. I think if you don't mind, Mary, if we can start with number one and we'll just follow 2, three, four all the way around. So, Mary,

50
00:15:03.199 --> 00:15:19.199
>> I will uphold and enforce all laws, rules, and regulations of the state board of education and court orders pertaining to schools. Desired changes shall be brought about only through legal and ethical procedures. I will make decisions in terms of the

51
00:15:19.199 --> 00:15:34.959
educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools that meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex or social standing. I will confine my board action to policym, planning and appraisal and I

52
00:15:34.959 --> 00:15:51.920
will help to frame policies and plans only after the board has consulted those who will be affected by them. I will carry out my responsibility not to administer the schools but together with my fellow board members to see that they are wellrun.

53
00:15:51.920 --> 00:16:07.600
I will recognize that authority rests with the board of education and will make no personal promises nor take any private action that may compromise the board. >> I will refuse to surrender my independent judgment to special interest or partisan political groups or to use

54
00:16:07.600 --> 00:16:27.759
the schools for personal gain or for the gain of friends. I will hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools which if disclosed would need needlessly injure individuals or the schools. In all other matters, I will provide accurate information and in concert with my

55
00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:44.320
fellow board members interpret to the staff the aspirations of the community for its school. I will vote to appoint the best qualified personnel available after consideration of the recommendation of the chief administrative officer.

56
00:16:44.320 --> 00:16:59.440
>> I will support and protect school personnel in proper performance of their duties. >> I will refer all complaints to the chief administrative officer and will act on the complaints at public meetings only after failure of an administrative

57
00:16:59.440 --> 00:17:15.679
solution. >> Excellent. Thanks very much. Uh the board also signs off on this document again for public education which uh which we've done and in the process of uh next we'll move to announcements and recognitions. Uh I'm not sure who has

58
00:17:15.679 --> 00:17:32.880
it. Do you have an announcement Mary or Okay. >> It's one of my faves. Happy teacher appreciation week. This week we celebrate the incredible dedication, patience, and passion of our teachers

59
00:17:32.880 --> 00:17:49.679
that they bring to the classroom every day. Thank you for inspiring curiosity, encouraging growth, and making a lasting difference in the lives of our students. >> Patrick, last week, the World Language Honors Societies inducted a total of 66

60
00:17:49.679 --> 00:18:05.280
students to their respective organizations. 24 inductees for Spanish, 23 for French, 10 for Chinese, and nine for Italian. This annual ceremony recognizes the academic and service achievements of our world language students as well as their commitment to

61
00:18:05.280 --> 00:18:21.280
global citizenship. Congratulations to our inductees. >> Thank you. Uh father of Mary, congratulate want to honor Mary and Sonel and Ila who are teachers. Congratulations for their work. Thank you. >> Now, my announcement, coffee with the

62
00:18:21.280 --> 00:18:36.880
superintendent will continue throughout May as an opportunity to learn more about the referendum projects and ask questions. Upcoming sessions will be held on May 7th at Mckenley, May 11th at Lincoln, May 21st at Democrus, and May 27th at Washington. And we invite you to

63
00:18:36.880 --> 00:18:56.400
join us during morning drop off from 8:30 to 9:30 to enjoy a cup of Joe. Thank you. Uh, let's you have one. This one's near and dear to my heart. My daughter is in the chorus and we were at Carnegie Hall last week. So, the the Westville High School

64
00:18:56.400 --> 00:19:11.200
Trouble Chorus and Concert Choir reached a rare milestone in any musical career, taking the stage for a headline performance at the worldrenowned Carnegie Hall. This achievement was the result of the incredible dedication as our students spent the weekend in intensive rehearsals alongside the

65
00:19:11.200 --> 00:19:25.840
Thurman White Academy from Nevada. Their hard work culminated in a powerful Sunday performance of Dan Forest's Recquam for the Living where they delivered a professional caliber rendition of this complex and moving work in one of the world's most iconic

66
00:19:25.840 --> 00:19:45.200
acoustic spaces. >> Spring concert season is here. A full list of performances for the month of May can be found on the district website on the visual and performing arts page. >> And the next regular public meeting of the board of education will be on

67
00:19:45.200 --> 00:20:03.440
Tuesday, May 12th in cafeteria B at Westfield High School beginning at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be livereamed via the district YouTube channel, which viewers can access on the board tab on the district website. All right. Next, we'll move to a report by district administration, Dr.

68
00:20:03.440 --> 00:20:19.679
Gonzalez. >> So, because I have, I don't know, seasonal allergies or something, I'd rather not cough my way through my report. So, instead, I just want to welcome uh Patrick as well as Anthony to the board. I want to welcome back Kent

69
00:20:19.679 --> 00:20:37.200
to the board and just acknowledge that the work of the board of education uh has been instrumental in getting us to the point where we are today where we have um work uh that has proven when you have boards and administrators aligned

70
00:20:37.200 --> 00:20:54.159
in a common mission to move this district forward, you see amazing things happen. Uh full day kindergarten is two years down the road. Amazing curriculum instruction uh advancements have taken place in this district that have propelled us forward. Uh and and work to

71
00:20:54.159 --> 00:21:10.799
develop and and innovate um the programs and services and supports is ongoing and all because of the work of all the members um assembled around this uh day. So I I just want to say thank you to everyone for their service, for their interest, for their commitment, for

72
00:21:10.799 --> 00:21:25.760
their dedication and for their support of our work as administrators. um looking forward to getting to know Anthony and and Patrick and certainly uh looking forward to to continued conversations, tough conversations that are waiting for us, but important

73
00:21:25.760 --> 00:21:42.640
conversations for the students um and this community. So on that note, I will close my uh report this evening. >> So thank you very much. Um we'll move now to board committee reports. Uh start with uh curriculum instruction and programs. Kristen,

74
00:21:42.640 --> 00:21:59.039
>> the SIP committee met yesterday. The committee received an update from the visual and performing arts supervisor Shauna Alongo who presented revisions to the curricula for the Phil Philarmonic Orchestra ceramics 3 and marching band color guard. These updated courses are

75
00:21:59.039 --> 00:22:13.520
scheduled for the full board's consideration on May 12th. Mrs. Longo also provided the committee with information regarding the department's planning to modernize visual and performing arts offerings at the high school to better align with student

76
00:22:13.520 --> 00:22:28.320
interests and participation trends. Proposed updates include new and revised course offerings designed to strengthen and sustain enrollment and a change to the sequence of courses in the areas of art and drama. Planning for these new

77
00:22:28.320 --> 00:22:44.400
courses will begin during the 2627 school year. The committee also reviewed elementary enrollment projections for the 2627 school year, received an update on the new asynchronous financial literacy course, reviewed the AP

78
00:22:44.400 --> 00:22:59.840
economics textbook, which will be up for adoption at the May 12th board meeting. The committee also reviewed the proposed overnight field trips for 2627 school year including intermediate intermediate school steam

79
00:22:59.840 --> 00:23:16.559
experiences and athletic trips. These trips will also be found on the May 12th board agenda. Finally, Dr. Bolton provided the committee with an overview of current and emerging inter internship opportunities for high school students. During the past year, students enrolled

80
00:23:16.559 --> 00:23:33.120
in AP government and politics as well as in the student government participated in structured internship experiences through the partnership with Downtown Westville Corporation. These placements offered students realworld exposure to local government operations, community

81
00:23:33.120 --> 00:23:48.320
planning, and civic engagement while allowing them to apply course content in authentic settings. Dr. Bolton noted that these initial efforts have been wellreceived by both students and the community partners, serving as a strong

82
00:23:48.320 --> 00:24:04.320
foundation for future growth. Looking ahead, he outlined plans to expand the internship opportunities to students involved in additional high school clubs and extracurricular programs to broaden access and align placements to a w to a

83
00:24:04.320 --> 00:24:21.200
wider range of student ins um interests. The next SIP meeting is scheduled for June 8th of 2026 and anticipated topics include current full day kindergarten planning, a review of draft homework and grading policies and a new course

84
00:24:21.200 --> 00:24:40.720
curriculum. Thank you. >> Thank you, Kristen. Um, next we'll move to finance and facilities. Kent, >> thank you. Uh we met this past Friday and as usual a good time was had by all with the health benefit update for 2025 2026 school year has been stable for the

85
00:24:40.720 --> 00:24:55.440
past three months which is a plus. If you recall early in the school year was it was up high so expenses constant now which is good and we're hoping this trend continues through May and June the end of the fiscal year. Uh but you know the work didn't stop looking at

86
00:24:55.440 --> 00:25:11.279
insurance for 202627 school year. As you know we're self in self self-insured. The states uh insurance plans are calling for 30 to 35% pre increases for next year. So Patty shopped our our insurance our medical our debt toll and

87
00:25:11.279 --> 00:25:28.159
our stop-loss insurance with our broker. And we came back with some some changes. We didn't do prescription because we're entering year three of our contract with Capital RX. But health will remain the same with Etna with admin fees increasing by 5 a.5% but with a

88
00:25:28.159 --> 00:25:42.720
guarantee of 0% for the next two years for the admin fees. So they won't grow. Uh stop loss was shopped out to over 15 vendors with Blue Cross coming in with the lowest rate which will actually be a reduction of 6% from this year's expenses which given this environment is

89
00:25:42.720 --> 00:26:00.000
a huge huge plus. For dental, the broker got about 10 quotes and we are switching to Edna Dental with a savings of $150,000 for next year. For health benefits, we did not receive many quotes since our experiences this year have not been that great. We are staying with Edna and expect claims to come in at

90
00:26:00.000 --> 00:26:16.159
about a 20% increase next year if the current trends continue. But as I said, compared to the state you insurance plan increase of 30 to 35%, it's really a fabulous job that Patty and her team have done. Uh, moving on to referendum updates. Well, everyone's favorite topic

91
00:26:16.159 --> 00:26:33.120
is soil testing. Well, that's happening again where the elementary editions will go. This work is being done by Sophia Soloulless Management LLC, which will be appointed at next week's uh meeting as a professional service. The environmental consultant RFP responses were received

92
00:26:33.120 --> 00:26:51.679
and evaluated by the referendum team, and we will be awarding the contract to Garden State Environmental at next week's meeting. Stay tuned. Thank you. Thank you, Ken. Uh, next we'll do policies, personnel, and governance. Son, >> sure. Due to scheduling conflicts, uh,

93
00:26:51.679 --> 00:27:06.480
we met tonight prior to this meeting. So, we'll give a report next week and our next scheduled PPG meeting is on June 3rd. >> Excellent. Thank you. Uh, now we'll move to recognize the public. This is on

94
00:27:06.480 --> 00:27:23.679
agenda action items only. Uh there will be a time uh once the board action is taken for public comments on uh on more general topics. Uh during this portion of the meeting, district residents and staff are invited to address the board of education on agenda action items only. These are the color-coded items

95
00:27:23.679 --> 00:27:39.120
marked at 13 to 15 on tonight's agenda. As a courtesy, please allow current students and staff of the Westfield Public Schools to speak first. The board requests that individuals sign in and state their name, municipality of residence, and group affiliation if applicable for the record, the specific

96
00:27:39.120 --> 00:27:55.600
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 asked 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

97
00:27:55.600 --> 00:28:11.840
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

98
00:28:11.840 --> 00:28:28.320
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

99
00:28:28.320 --> 00:28:49.520
president may terminate the participant statement. Continued disruptions may result in removal from the meeting or adjournment of the meeting, each speaker statement will be limited to 3 minutes in duration. Seeing none on the agenda action items, I will close public comment uh and I

100
00:28:49.520 --> 00:29:05.360
will move to the reorganization portion of the board's agenda. Um, and I will move uh items A through double N for consideration for the board. Do I have a second? Uh, Kent. Um,

101
00:29:05.360 --> 00:29:22.000
just for quick discussion for the public so they understand what we're doing. Uh, the board has uh certain contracts, certain appointments that it needs to make uh both statutory and otherwise to keep the district functioning. Um, you know, certain items that that uh that we set up for the school district. And this

102
00:29:22.000 --> 00:29:38.480
at our reorganization meeting is when we renew all those things and make sure that all the roles that we're supposed to have filled are filled. Uh all the agreements that we are that we are part of cooperative or otherwise are reapproved and re reset for the upcoming school year and especially over the summer when when you know none of us

103
00:29:38.480 --> 00:29:54.640
will be here at least on vacation anyway. Um again all items to keep the district in in full function. Uh with that any >> Yes. Go ahead. Except >> just just a comment. We're we're voting on the dates for the 26 27 the board meetings for next year and I don't want

104
00:29:54.640 --> 00:30:09.840
to make any changes tonight. I just wanted to point out that we might need to revisit the meeting dates in June. Um so I will send a note to PPG to keep it on the radar. >> Thank you. Uh with that any other comments?

105
00:30:09.840 --> 00:30:25.840
Patty, we have a roll call, please. >> Rob Bonaccio, >> yes. >> Kent Diamonds, >> yes. >> Patrick Duffy, >> yes. >> Leila Mr. >> Yes. Sonel Patel, >> yes. >> Kristen Son, Sonics Meltz, >> yes. >> Julie Steinberg, Anthony Tessator,

106
00:30:25.840 --> 00:30:41.440
>> yes. >> Mary Wickens, >> yes. >> Excellent. That carries. Thank you. Uh, I'll now move uh to item 12, the approval of the April 14th, 2026 regular board meeting minutes and the executive session minutes. Can I have a second,

107
00:30:41.440 --> 00:30:57.679
please, Mary? Um, let's do this by uh I guess we can do by by voice vote. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? That carries. Uh, next, uh, personnel.

108
00:30:57.679 --> 00:31:18.720
Um, Sonel, would you >> I'd like to move items A to M under the personnel section of tonight's agenda. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Kristen. Uh, Dr. Gonzalez. >> So, uh, this evening we do have one, uh,

109
00:31:18.720 --> 00:31:34.559
retirement to recognize, and that is, uh, the retirement of Michelle Bells of, uh, Edison Intermediate School. Michelle has been a dedicated special education teacher at Edison since September 1999, bringing more than 26 years of service

110
00:31:34.559 --> 00:31:50.799
and deep experience to her work with students and staff. She's been a steady and reliable presence in our school community, consistently supporting both students and colleagues with care and professionalism. Michelle is frequently sought out as a co-teer and has served

111
00:31:50.799 --> 00:32:07.360
as a mentor to many, offering guidance and insight shaped by years of thoughtful practice. In her language arts instruction, she has a special ability to make text meaningful and relatable, helping students connect personally to what they read, and she consistently differentiates instruction

112
00:32:07.360 --> 00:32:24.399
to meet a wide range of learning needs so all students can access the curriculum and experience success. Her focus has always remained on what is best for students and she continually reflects and refineses her instruction to meet their needs. Michelle leaves EIS

113
00:32:24.399 --> 00:32:42.480
with the deep respect and appreciation of the many colleagues, students, and families she has supported, and we wish her all the best in retirement. >> Okay, ready, >> ready to go. >> Rob Bonaccio, >> yes. >> Kent Diamonds, >> yes. >> Patrick Duffy,

114
00:32:42.480 --> 00:32:57.440
>> yes. >> Laya Morelli, >> yes. >> Sonel Patel, >> yes. >> Kristen Sonic Schmelts, >> yes. >> Julie Steinberg, Anthony Tessator, >> yes. Mary Wickens. >> Yes. >> Uh that carries. Next, finance and facilities. Kent,

115
00:32:57.440 --> 00:33:13.120
>> thanks. Just a public service announcement before we begin, but someone left their briefcase over by the window. It's been sitting there the whole meeting. Um, all right. I'd like to move items A through B under the finance section of tonight's agenda. Uh, sadly to say,

116
00:33:13.120 --> 00:33:28.799
there are no donations this time, two meetings in a row, but I will highlight the year-to- date total is a whopping $523,000. So, we've had a lot of generous support this time. So, it's okay. We haven't got anything in the last two meetings. >> There's some next week. >> Yeah, maybe. May I have a second?

117
00:33:28.799 --> 00:33:45.279
>> Thank you, son. >> All right. Rob Baconio, >> yes. >> Kent Diamonds, >> yes. >> Patrick Duffy, >> yes. >> Laya Morelli, >> yes. >> Sonel Patel, >> yes. >> Kristen Sonic Schmeltz, >> yes. >> Julie Steinberg. Anthony Tessator, >> yes.

118
00:33:45.279 --> 00:34:00.799
>> Mary Wickens, >> yes. Uh, next, curriculum instruction and programs. Kristen, >> I'd like to move item A under the SIP section of tonight's agenda. Um, it's for a field trip at Tamakquas. Can I get a second?

119
00:34:00.799 --> 00:34:18.079
>> Mary, sorry. >> Your first. >> Yes. >> Kent Diamond. >> Yes. >> Patrick Duffy. >> Yes. >> Leila Mr. >> Yes. >> Sonel Patel. >> Yes. >> Kristen Sonic Schmeltz. >> Yes. >> Julie Steinberg. Anthony Tessatori,

120
00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:33.119
>> yes. >> Mary Wickens, >> yes. >> Uh, there are no notes for the record for this meeting. Uh, no unfinished or new business was presented for the agenda. Uh, so we'll skip right to liazison reports if there are any.

121
00:34:33.119 --> 00:34:50.079
All right, seeing none, uh, I'll open up for public comment. Uh, second round. Uh, during this portion of the meeting, members of the public are invited to address the board of education on any topic. As a courtesy, allow current students and staff of the Westville public schools to speak first. The board requests that individuals sign in and

122
00:34:50.079 --> 00:35:05.359
state their name, municipality of residents, and group affiliation if applicable for the record, and ask that all remarks be directed to the board president or designate, not to individual board members or staff. The board asks that members of the public be courteous and mindful of the rights of other individuals when speaking.

123
00:35:05.359 --> 00:35:20.880
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

124
00:35:20.880 --> 00:35:36.960
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.

125
00:35:36.960 --> 00:35:59.200
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 approach, I will close

126
00:35:59.200 --> 00:36:15.079
public comment and I will make a motion to adjourn tonight's meeting. Do I have a second? >> Uh Patrick, I got you. Um all in favor uh please say I. I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? We are adjourned.

