He was instrumental in launching Orange View's first ever community schools program, a transformative initiative that has strengthened the connection between our school and the surrounding community. In his first year as a community schools teacher lead, Shawn helped implement a health grant that promoted vaccinations of all kinds to members of our community. He embodies the qualities of an exceptional teacher, leader, and community advocate. His tireless efforts to inspire students supports his colleagues and enhance the Orange View community. Congratulations [Applause] Yeah. And the one person that is here tonight, Jeff Cornelius. Come on forward, Jeff. Come on [Applause] forward. Jeff is from Ball Junior High School. He teaches science, 26 years in the uh district, and his special contributions. Mr. Dr. Cornelius creates an atmosphere of joy and excitement that makes coming to school memorable. Whether it's through creative assemblies, engaging lunchtime activities, or schoolwide events, he ensures that students feel pride in their school and look forward to their time on campus.
What meaningful changes are being made? And who is responsible for this huge shift in such a short amount of time? But arguably the most important point I want to make tonight. I and thousands of other families send our own children to school here because we believe in what this district stands for. I'm growing more concerned that their education is at risk. Not because of curriculum or class size, but because we're going to keep losing talented, dedicated teachers and support staff to surrounding districts who can simply afford to treat them better. Our kids deserve stability. They deserve experienced teachers and support staff who want to stay. But unless we address the financial reality, we're going to lose exactly the people whose students need most. Thank you for your time. [Applause] Thank you, Candace. Uh Rhonda. Yes. Thank you. Good evening, board members. I'm so grateful for the services and support that the district offers our community.
And you can see the most densely populated area by Clifton student enrollment is down here in the schools 11 12 15 13 and 11 3 and 11 area. That's our most densely populated student population. Now what did we was done with all of that data? That data was used to make these enrollment projections for the next five years. And there are two sets of enrollment um projection. One that is what's called the baseline and the other one that is projected for the housing growth which includes those new developments that were listed on one of the maps. These enrollment projections also assume a preschool universe of 1,500 students, which is a number derived by the New Jersey Department of Education based each year on our current first grade population. It's a doubling of first grade that we are that we need to plan for as rising preK3 and preK4.
I came up with a million. I thought I thought of every possibility. And I know someday it'll all turn out. You make me work. So you work to work it out. I promise you that I'll give so much more than I get. I just haven't met you yet. I'll never give up. I tiny wherever you are and bright. I know that we can be so amazing. And baby, your love is going to change. And now I can see that we [Music] possibly they say oh there in love I want to fire you by you. [Music] I know that we can be so amazing and being in your life is going to change. And now I can see every single [Music] possibility. And I know it'll all turn out and I'll work it out. I promise you, kid. I'll get more I get I get I get I get you [Music] know you make me work so you work it out and I promise you get so much more than I haven't met you yet.
We are overjoyed that the judges recognize the incredible culture that has been created and maintained consistently by our staff, students, and the community at large to earn the distinguished A+ designation. Please join me in congratulating our outstanding Rattlesnake Ridge team for being recognized as one of the very best in Arizona. We do a photo. We going big banner and we'll go little certificate. Slide. Will you slide that way a little bit, Matt? That's great. Congratulations, guys. I need the rest. force communications. Anybody comments I do. Um I was fortunate enough to attend the 2340 L uh lunchon which we honored our uh district support staff, teacher, and administrator of the year. It was a wonderful presentation. Uh plus all of our wonderful students that received those scholarships. Um, I had the unfortunate experience of having to go to physical therapy for breaking an arm and it turned into a great one because my physical therapist was telling me he went through the sports medicine program at Morirana High and his teacher who was Ashley Dicki at the time set him on his path for his career and he's now a doctor of physical therapy and that was very exciting.
Um, before coming or even entering high school, I didn't really know what I wanted to do in life. But something that I really value about our school here is just the endless amounts of resources and opportunities that they've granted for each and every student to prosper outside of high school. Like for example, the job fair that was hosted here today. Um last maybe like a few months ago, they talked about new core for people that didn't want to go to college after school and like the thousands and thousands of emails I've achieved from my counselors about specific and just like um just college offers for my major that I wanted to do. Um whether that be, you know, a student's specific major or their ethnicity or groups that they um you know identify themselves with. And to uh dig deeper into ethnicity, I am a proud Haitian and Bahamian student here at Crawfordville High School.
We're shifting it really fast and we're seeing progress. So, thank you for the dibbles and the core and allowing us to do that. Um um but uh we are starting to get really excited about our end of the year. So, we can't share all of that yet. It's not all in, but we are very excited to be able to share that with you. So, thank you so much. And finally, I know I told you I have a lot to be proud of. So um I have one more thing that I really want to share with you and that's about our intermediate readers. So our second through sixth grade students, they uh participate in our AR point clubs. Um is through the program accelerated reader. We began it last year as a way to recognize and motivate students to read independently. Um we we have lots of prizes that um from trinkets, candy bars, sodas launch from town, privileges around the school.
Um was there any questions on the draft? No changes for me. Everybody's nodding no. So I'll make a motion to approve that letter as is. Second and a roll coat. Tesmanitzki I. Kathy and Trisha Kendall I. So we'll need to Was that just me signing that? Yes. Is that Did we talk about that? I don't remember. We did. Okay. I used the draft from or the sample from last time. Okay. I'll take care of that. Making a note here. Next on our agenda is 100 Chestnut Street, the Asher Development. This was um the approval letter memo um for the sign um that we talked about um at the last meeting that would list the various businesses, the tenant directory sign listing the v various businesses at the entrance of 91 to 100 Chestnut Street, which I believe is the the main entrance. Um I think that letter also went out to the board.
She has two master's degrees including one specifically in public school administration. If you ask anyone who has worked under Superintendent Pat Node or any student who has had her in their life, they will tell you that she is truly a remarkable leader. She is smart, compassionate, unbelievably dedicated, has incredible management skills, and is deeply devoted to our community, a community where she lives herself. Miss Patnon has a rare talent that we are fortunate to have leading our school district. Yet, what I have witnessed at these meetings is Miss Patnode's leadership being questioned and undermined. She is more than qualified to make difficult budgetary decisions, which we all know need to happen. She is thoughtful and deliberate in how she communicates to staff and families when changes need to occur. Unlike the sudden and unsettling proposals to alter the redistricting plan and possibly close Greenfield Middle School that Mayor Dorger has recently made.
Solen, Mr. Parisino and even Mrs. Murphy, you can give her a little shout out. Um, they helped us achieve that successful transition and it's really appreciated. Um, we know that town administration is not easy at all, especially during budget seasons and it's important for you to see the positive impact of your decisions. Um, you don't always get that from people and you've expanded the opportunities for so many boys and girls. Uh the transportation has afforded fencers access to the competitions. The funding um for coaches and equipment has allowed us to grow the program overall. And the kids experienced firsthand that advocating for themselves and following the process, you know, as we attended these meetings actually brought wonderful results. So, thank you. Um, we've had many successful seasons over the last 20 years, but this season w was historic like John was saying, and we truly appreciate all of your support and hope to see you at some of the matches.
His leadership as ASB director with over 25 years of experience at two schools has tr fostered a culture of inclusivity and connection that leaves a lasting impression on students and staff alike. Mr. Cornelius's impact extends far beyond the classroom. He is a champion for the community, organizing meaningful initiatives such as coin fundraisers to feed ball families and hosting large-scale events that bring students, parents, as well as community members together. His work reflects a deep pass compassion for others and a commitment to addressing real world needs, making him a role model of service and leadership. His creativity, enthusiasm shine in every project from developing engaging lessons to adding fun and energy to teaching teacher meetings. He leads by example, showing what it means to dedicate oneself fully to students and colleagues. Congratulations, Jeff. [Applause] Okay, next. We have a lot of recognitions this evening. Uh, and I'm high school district counselor of the year.
I know each Friday families pick up food from the district's food pantry. A father of a student at my school site was also offered supports the family center to help his family's financial struggle. With inflation and the rising cost of living, this family is quietly struggling to make ends meet. As educators, we go above and beyond to make sure our students and their families know they're not alone. We connect them to the resources through the family center, our discrete assistance, and remind them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not shame. How do I know this? I'm talking about my family. I'm a teacher with over a decade of experience. And like many of my colleagues, I'm I am dedicated to my students, their growth, and the well-being of their families. But behind the classroom door, I too am navigating the harsh realities of rising costs and stagnant wages.
So our baseline projected growth is an increase of about 404 students over the next five years. Our baseline adjusted our adjusted growth is just over 500 additional students over the next 5 years. Now here we have our projections by grade configuration. The top line is what is our total current enrollment in seats in Clifton Public School buildings for the elementary, the middle schools, and the high school. And then you see the enrollment, even though it's a small decrease in some of the sessions, when you look over at the adjusted enrollment, the adjusted enrollment takes into account the new housing starts and the developments. Now, this is the most telling slide. See all that red? Anything in red represents that we don't have we're over capacity. This looks at the capacity of our buildings based on our long range facilities plan which is based on two different numbers.
I [Music] just I [Music] said I just met [Music] you. I just haven't met you yet. [Music] [Applause] Congratulations. All right, we are going to slow it down and we're going to play a ballad for you uh titled To You. It's by Thaad written by Thaad Jones and and he wrote it for his big big band which was another big band of the uh uh like 70s early 80s and it's almost coral in how it's written the the chords and how they move through the piece and very lyrical and this is going to feature our senior trombonist Mr. Lassie Sumo who's going to come up. All right. So, here is to you. [Music] Hello. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [Music] Ever heaven? [Music] 4. Hallelujah. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] [Music] Come home. [Music] Mr. [Applause] President, we have one more vocal chart for you and we're going to bring up our junior tener player, Alex Newberger.
I also had the opportunity to meet with a a student at uh Mountain View High School who was competing in the state FCCLA uh competition for uh public policy and one of the requirements was to meet with a a board member and ask questions and I'm happy to say that he qualified to go to nationals. So, it's been a great experience being a board member. I have a few comments. I want to thank Dr. Strereer and my fellow board members. I too have the pleasure of attending the 2340 lunch with Mrs. Raymond and Mr. Alexander and I attended the National School Board Association National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia with President where I attended many breakout sessions, met with a couple prospective vendors and heard an amazing IB school in the Atlanta school district. I encourage everyone to support our school students and staff. Thank you.
I came from Avon Middle School. So, I had a huge culture shock coming to Crawfordville, but I didn't feel alone for too long because just maybe a month or two of my freshman year here, um former pre I mean, sorry, Principal Melon and current principal Strickland like they were very quick to help redevelop the diversity club here. um that helped um we also started uh celebrating Black History Month more um what was it um or Hispanic Heritage Month and then it also helped us develop um culture night which we'll be celebrating later on this year where the French club and Spanish club and diversity club will come together to celebrate our differences all together. So that's something that's great. And one last thing that I really really value about this school is just how every single student has an opportunity to shine no matter where that is.
Um, the top prize is a $50 gift card sponsored by our PTO. Um, and that's when you reach 250 points in a school year. But I have some over overachieving kiddos. Um, and when we got past 250 points, we were like scratching our heads like how do we recognize that they're really really awesome readers? They're they're going up beyond our highest um goal that we even thought we could set. So, I wanted to recognize those students tonight. Some of them don't even know they're being recognized for that. Um, I wanted to recognize those students tonight with an award to acknowledge how proud we are and the joy that we have um that they have found that in reading. So, um again, 250 points. I know you don't know the program. It's a really ambitious goal. Like a 100 points is like something to be really proud of.
Is that in the It is. It's in the packet. I had no changes. Um I didn't I didn't get a chance to send it in, but we've changed the coding, which I think is good. So AB for abstain. There is no A on the coding and I have an A on my name. Oh, I see. I thought I was an AB. Yep. I thought I thought I if you looked at below um Oh, so we're just going to change Kates to AB AB or keep it on an A. I They should match. You know, I was uh I had changed it to an A for absent and an X for not present. So the B was I didn't know about that until right now because I had looked at it before. It's not absent, it's abstain, though. Abstain. Sorry, just so you don't but AB for an abstain and an X for an AB absence, right?
With respect, Mayor, the way you have introduced potential budget cuts to school to the schools and proposed large-scale redistricting without input from those who would be impacted is irresponsible. Your approach has been destabilizing to our school community and I fear that we may lose excellent educators and families may choose to send their children to other districts because our city appears disorganized. I urge you all to give Miss Patnode the ability to lead in the way that is most beneficial for our community, our students, our family, and the staff of GPS. While none of us look forward to budget cuts, I feel confident in Superintendent Patnode's ability to include all stakeholders in the decision-making process and ultimately make the hard choices in a way that causes the least amount of damage to our schools and community. Thank you, [Applause] Hello, my name is Eric Leaper. Um, I'm here from the high school.
So, anyway, we want all of you Don't set yourself. believe Thank you. Congratulations. [Applause] science team to be honest with you. Okay, great. All right, with that, our next recognition is our Cheshire High School cheerleading team. Yeah. I think anything I say will only be second to Miss Rosenberg's incredible shout out at the beginning of the meeting. Um, all right. The time and commitment put into by our Treasure High School cheerleaders is second to none. Their season begins with the fall sports spirit season in August and runs all the way through the winter competition season into late March. This year's team had an historic run. They consistently worked to improve their routine, getting better with each competition. Their hard work paid off with a second place finish at the Class L state championships, the highest in school history. And they qualified for the New England Championships for the first time ever.