It just simp simply allows us to apply. When May 1st comes, if everything is as it is today, my recommendation is going to be that we rec that we increase the tax levy by 2%. And if I could ask Jack please to read that proclamation. Thank you Mr. President. Whereas autism awareness month observed in April seeks to celebrate and promote the acceptance of autism spec spectrum disorder a condition affecting one in every 35 children in New Jersey in 2025. And whereas individuals with autism spectrum disorder can lead independent purposeful lives when provided with the appropriate support systems and opportunities they rightfully deserve. And whereas for many individuals and families impacted by autism, acceptance remains one of the greatest obstacles in finding and establishing a strong supportive network. And whereas policies must be put in place to eliminate barriers for individuals with autism, enabling them to thrive in their chosen communities.
I'm good. Yeah, I'm gung-ho about downtown hotels, so I'll do that. You guys may not like it and we'll see what happens. I think this is great. Thank you, Keith, for putting this together. I mean, it seems to me like we've done what we can for today on it. By the way, Airbnb short-term rentals, the sense I got from this board when we talked about it relative to ADUs because a lot of communities handle these things together. The sense I got was that this was not the time for Ashlin to do an Airbnb short-term rental bylaw. So, I kind of dropped it from my purview. I I think it when we're at a time with the state where we have we're short of housing to create short-term rentals to me is just That's what I just said. You guys were not interested. But guys, this was the opposite.
Any discussion? Secretary Den. Will you call the vote? Hold on a second. Yes. Uh, Chair Johnson, yes. Member Stan, Vice Chair Saxon, yes. Secretary Den, yes. Member Goodwin, yes. Member Childs, yes. Mayor Disorder, yes. And member Martini, yes. Motion passes unanimously. Okay. Um, for our next item, I have um prepared some comments which I'm trying to find right now. They were here not too long ago. Here we go. So, our next uh agenda item is um redistricting. And we've reached a c crossroads where our redistricting plans are coming up against new data and new financial challenges. As a school board that is always focused on the best interests of our students and our citizens, we need to be able to adjust in these fluid times. In light of the mayor's proposed reductions in the school budget, the superintendent met with school committee members individually to discuss the impacts of this reduction.
Is it their entire time here? Is it certain grade levels? So, typically when students come in with an IEP, that's maintained until they they graduate. There are times where based on student need, they may acquire the skills in the area that they were deficient in that skill set to the point where they no longer need that support. And that's great. But typically, students require they have a learning disability, they have a speech and language disorder, they have a processing disorder, and that's not something that really goes away. But that's why the supports and services within the IEP can and should change over time because hopefully we're building those skills. And so they don't need the same level of support as they get towards their high school graduation. Got it. And then um you said there was 3,420 high school students uh with IEPs. Is there um uh what would you say is the some of the sites that have the highest if you have that information?
So, we'll leave it at that. So, and that's all I have. So, thank you. Turn, you're up next. Um, I had several of the things board members have already stated, but I do want to share about a couple other um, award winners for um, scholarships. Cadence Hayes, Rotary winner, runner up for the ethics um, essay contest scholarship, and Sophia Fernandez, who was the winner of the eth ethics essay contest and scholarship earner, and she'll move on to the regional contest. And I believe the regional contest may have already happened, and I don't have the information yet. Um but we were excited that um two of our students um received that. And then I I know that um we did classified employee of the year in Apple Valley this year. Currently the nominations for certificated employee of the year for ABSD is out. And hopefully we can get some great um representatives.
And whereas self- advocates, family caregivers, professionals, and others dedicated to expanding opportunities for individuals with autism should be acknowledged and celebrated for their invaluable contributions. And whereas one of the primary goals of autism awareness and acceptance month is to raise awareness, foster acceptance, and empower individuals within the autism community with the resources necessary to live full and meaning meaningful lives. And whereas the ultimate goal is to create a world where everyone in the autism community feels accepted, supported, and connected to the resources they need at every stage in life. Now therefore, be it resolved in recognition of the increasing prevalence of autism diagnosis, the Clinton Board of Education proclaims the month of April as a time to celebrate the uniqueness of individuals with autism, learn more about autism spectrum disorder, and empower those affected by it. We encourage all to wear blue this month in recognition of and solidarity with our autism community.
This was saying, should we make it that you can't do it because people, it has an impact on the community. You can put regulations on short-term rentals in your community. Other communities have Yeah, you can limit. You can basically say you're not allowing it. I got you. Or limits or the other way. Yeah. So, that was that was the flavor of this. I don't see it yet as a problem in Ashland. If you guys want to talk about it, we can. Um, I mean, I think it's potentially an issue, but I haven't seen enough public interest to say shut it down. Okay. Yeah, I thought you were I thought you were looking to allow it more. I was thinking you could do it in in a variety of ways. You can regulate it. You can do in some communities, they're making money off of it.
The discussion focused on two things primarily. First, what is the best path forward for the 202526 school year considering the timing of this change? And second, what is the most efficient and sustainable path forward beyond 2025 to 26? We are fully aware we need to pivot as the landscape is very different. Now we have two needs this evening. How to best move forward for the 202526 school year considering the current budget realities. We recognize any changes could significantly impact our students, staff, and families. But we also want to be cognizant of the decisions today having continual impacts into the 202627 school year. Considering all that has changed in the past few weeks, we may need to entertain an option that minimizes disruptions to students, staff, and families while maintaining support and services aimed at meeting the needs of all GPS students. Secondly, um so I guess I'll stop there and make a a motion um that we can discuss and then um you'll see depending on what comes of this motion, there's um another motion around um and some other framing around redistricting and reorganizing ad hoc committee.
Well, you know, our larger schools just by nature are going to have larger special ed departments. Um, so I can get you specifically by school those numbers if if you'd like that information. Um, but we, you know, our high schools had 3,482 IEPs last year. Um, some students may have more than one IEP during the course of the year. So that number isn't necessarily reflective of a a onetoone. Okay. Go ahead. One to Okay. Yeah. Yes. But yeah, if you can get that data whenever you have Absolutely. Yes. Um and then uh on the trustee side uh congratulations for being elected a delegate uh for CSBA. Um I'm I was also elected so looking forward to taking up some of the uh causes that you taken. So thank you for all your work in both capacities. Thank you and congratulations to you. I'll see you in Sacramento.
And while the county process is much different for certificated um if they are nominated this year and win as Apple Valley, we're hoping to encourage them to apply as a um county teacher of the year or certificated member of the year next year because it's a quite a lengthy process. Um Dana Beller, who was recognized tonight as a um county classified employee of the year, has been on the um award circuit. She's been collecting um recognitions since the beginning of the school year this year. And she's not done. So she will be at the end of the month receiving the MDCP profound impact award at the um gala. So, I know some board members um attend that have attended that in the past and I wanted you to know that she has been notified that she's a winner. Um the CTE competitions at Victor Valley College I attended for video production, welding, automotive, and construction.
Thank you, Commissioner Brunak. Autumn. Oh, April. Thinking of my granddaughter. Uh, April is also uh ArabAmerican Heritage Month. Commissioner Santiago, I mean, Vice President Santiago, could you please read that proclamation? Sure. Thank you, President Paris. Whereas the Clifton Public Schools Board of Education recognizes the importance of honoring and celebrating the rich heritage of Arab Americans. Whereas Arab Heritage Month provides an opportunity for students, educators, and community members to learn about and appreciate the contributions of ArabAmericans to our society, culture, and history. Whereas the celebration of Arab Heritage Month fosters inclusivity, diversity, and understanding among students, educators, and community members. Whereas it is essential to promote cultural awareness and understanding to combat stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. Now therefore, be it resolved that Clifton Public Schools Board of Education hereby proclaims the month of April as Arab Heritage Month in Clifton Public Schools. Be it further resolved that Clifton Public Schools shall incorporate educational activities, programs, and events highlighting the history, culture, contributions, and achievements of Arab Americans during Arab Heritage Month.
You can tax them. Do all kinds of fun stuff. So, I mean, I can remove from the list. I guess the the overview is have another retreat, right, with the new board and update the list, find make assign the clerk to keep it up. This wasn't really assigned to me. I just did. No, no, no. I get it. I I think that we've made enough progress. It sounds like I'm stepping up to say I'll own number five. Trisha is saying she's going to take care of number six at her own time frame. Um Deepa and Trisha both are looking at number 18 more. And I'm, you know, going to do my best with 14 and 15. And then we're going to have a new board and we're going to see what else the board is willing to do. Hopefully for the next meeting when Kate is still with us, we can make some more progress in number 18.
So the motion would be to continue with redrawn lines with a hold on moving any grades out of their buildings for the 202526 school year. So and this is bas based on um that we did do significant work on two areas of re redistricting. one was the grade changes, but the other really significant and important one was re redrawing the geographic lines for greater equity. Um, so I would like to hear a motion uh for us to consider continuing with the redrawn geographic lines with a hold on moving any grades out of their current buildings for the 202526 school year. So moved. Is there a second? Bring it up for discussion. I'll second for discussion on that. Okay. Um I'll say a little bit more. It's just that I think that the um if we we're not expecting uh enormous increases in funds for the year after this one.
Yes. Thank you. You had mentioned that the student is reevaluated every three years. Mhm. Why not every like every two years? So they you can adjust their their their training, their educational process. So they have an IEP every year, but the IDA, the federal law that sets all of this up, um dictates that every 3 years a complete assessment is done. With that being said, we do re-evaluations or additional assessments as needed for a student. So, it may not be at the three-year mark, but if we see that a student is um struggling in a certain area, maybe having some social emotional issues that weren't there when we did the last assessment, we can do updated assessments throughout that process. We don't have to wait till the three-year mark. Okay. Thank you. Lauren, is there any vertical alignment with higher education? So, we um that's a really great question.
Um we took awards in automotive for an individual and a first place team in welding. So, it was wonderful to see that outcome. Um today our um construction trades um were down in at a CEI competition that involves high school and college students. Um they took the architectural award design as winners this time and I saw a picture of what they had because I couldn't make it down to Long Beach and back in time for the board meeting. Um but they designed a little like playhouse that has a Dr. Seuss kind of flare to it. So, strange angles, um, offset windows, and they took the design. So, that's I'm I'm proud of them for that. Um, field day. I just want to make a call out to Mr. Schlutter, Mr. Pal, and everyone that behind the scenes made that happen. And what a wonderful event for our students of exceptional needs.
Be it further resolved that Clifton Public Schools encourages educators to integrate lessons and materials about Arab American heritage into their curriculum throughout the school year. Be it further resolved that Clifton Public Schools Board of Education encourages the observance of Arab Heritage Month through various activities such as cultural performances, guest speakers, art exhibits, film screenings, and community discussions. Be it of further resolve that Clifton Public Schools encourages students, educators, and community members to actively participate in and support the celebration of Arab Heritage Month. Thank you, Vice President Santiago. And April is also school library month. Uh, Commissioner Ciano, could you please read that resolution? Absolutely. Or proclamation, I should say. Whereas the month of April 2025 has been designated nationally as school library month by the American Association of School Librarians. And whereas school libraries with Clifton Public Schools strive to provide equitable access to resources and instruction for all students.
Sounds like Trisha had some ideas of taking it and fiddling with it a little bit. So, I personally feel like we made sufficient progress for today. I'd agree with that. Is there anything else in our agenda? I think I think you moved everything up before this so that we would wouldn't have anything. Great. Appla. You want a motion to adjurnn? I'll make a motion to adjurnn for 8:40 p.m. I'll second it myself. Right. And a roll call vote. Anna Tesman. I Katherine Jersey. And Trisha Kendall. I 8:40.
We're actually expecting it to possibly be even harder. Um, I think that there were many problems that I had with the mayor's statement and certainly with the number that she put forward to us. But, um, I think it it is true that given the these numbers, uh, the concept of keeping all five schools open looks pretty untenable to me. Um, so that's why I will I think we need to take a fresh look at redistricting um in light of the new economic realities uh that we're faced with and um the enrollment trends. Any other discussion, questions, comments? Um member Denife. Um, so I am the current chair of the redistricting and reorganizing ad hoc committee and we are pulling for a meeting to happen shortly with the mayor, myself, vice chair ston, superintendent patode, and Steven Sullivan. So I believe that it is the correct practice according to our handbook and our policy manual to have those discussions begin in their subcommittees and then bring them to the full committee.
So our adult transition program, so these are students who are currently on the alt pathway and previously on our certificate track. They spend a lot of time in the four years they're with us in adult transition working collaboratively with our community colleges. They take classes concurrently over there. They um learn all about the opportunities. They take field trips over there. And we do that with our students their senior year as well. So, through our transition to work class, which is an elective that our students can take, um they learn all of the skills, uh employment skills, filling out, um job applications, interview skills. They go to disabled student services at Fullerton College and Cypress College and actually have appointments with those counselors learning what they need to do next in order to make that transition after high school. So, we do a lot of prep work on that.
And they don't know that they have exceptional needs. They are just a student. They're having fun with everybody else. Um the first year that we did it, a young man walked up to me and he said, "You want to race?" And I he was little and I knew he could beat me. Um so I raced him, got in a lane, and he is now a sixth grader. And came up and um they made sure I knew who he was. And I said to him, "Do you want to race?" And of course he said, "Yes." We didn't, but um it was fun. And then I also attended um the SBA City Bull Academyy's Once Upon a Lily Pad um very near and dear to my heart because both my boys performed in that um play many many years ago. Um and they're now 24 and 20.