Gwennneth Bernett and Sam Sus. Good evening. The Muriel Brown Award is awarded to a female student athlete who has represented ELHS with outstanding sportsmanship, leadership, scholarship, athletic performance, and integrity. Congratulations to Kenna Marino. [Applause] The Red Stewart Award is awarded to a male student athlete who has represented ELHS with outstanding sportsmanship, leadership, scholarship, athletic performance, and integrity. Congratulations to Porter Carroll. The Marilyn Baker Scholarship is a monetary scholarship given to members of the boys and girls swim team who have demonstrated team leadership and spirit. Congratulations to Ellie Hutchkins and Daniel Kersner. [Applause] Good evening. Uh, it's an honor and a privilege to present this year's Virginia D. Schindler citation. It's awarded to a senior for citizenship through services in memory of Mrs. Schindler, for spouse of the former principal at East Long Meadow High School. This year's recipients are Dusilla Wamala and Colton Bishard. Congratulations.
This was not because we wanted to say no. This is because the budget would not allow the inclusion of these positions. I'm just going to read them out loud so everybody can we're on the same page. Paraprofessionals, autism teachers, resource room teachers, speech teachers, behaviorists, child study team members, secretaries, preschool disabled teachers, content coaches, bilingual teachers, basic skills instruction teachers, music teachers, media and reading specialists, registration and doicile investigators, and assistant principles. All in, this is about $14.6 $6 million. Now, here you will see some of the districts across the state and how much they are proposing to raise taxes. These uncertain times are not Clifton specific. Nearly every district in the state is hurting right now. And as we conclude tonight's presentation, I want to thank you again, not only for your time and attention, but for your continued commitment to the children, families, and staff of Clifton Public Schools.
also presented the uh this year's key club award. Uh this achievement award is in honor of Mrs. Marilyn Burke, longtime key club adviser for ELHS. And this year's winner is John Burns. [Applause] Good evening. I'm here to re to present the last scholarship award of the night, the student council scholarship. This is an annual award which is given to a graduating senior who is a member of student council. This year's recipient is Abigail Ped. [Applause] Okay, so one more round of applause for all of our award recipients this [Applause] evening. This is always such a great night to be a part of and a great way to kick off our spring as we really acknowledge some of the great things that our students do here. We have such an exceptional group on stage. So, I'm so happy to be your principal, guys. I'm so proud of you.
This budget is not perfect. No budget ever is, but it is intentional. It reflects difficult choices grounded in fairness, equity, and a steadfast belief in the power of public education to transform lives. We are facing one of the most uncertain fiscal environments in recent memory. But even in the face of rising costs, unfunded mandates, and unpredictable aid, our priorities remain clear. Keep students first, protect the classroom, and support our staff and act responsibly with taxpayer dollars. The road ahead will require vigilance, flexibility, and collective resolve. But I truly believe that with the leadership of this board and the strength of this community, Clifton will continue to do what it always has done. Rise to the challenge, serve with purpose, and deliver on the promise of public education. Thank you for the opportunity to allow me to speak tonight, guys. I look forward to your questions and discussion.
So, congratulations again one more time. So, one more round of applause for our [Applause] group. Now, before we conclude our evening, uh we do have to acknowledge one more person, and I know she hates this, um but uh Miss Kayla AOA uh for all the hard work that you put in to put this night together. Uh it is amazing how many hours are spent coordinating the scholarships, the awards, uh communicating with all the different um participants. So uh so Mr. Choa couldn't do this without you. Thank you so [Applause] much. So thank you all again for coming this evening. Uh have a great evening and uh drive safe. [Applause] favorite part, right?
[Applause] Okay, I'll open floor to questions. Commissioner Bassford. Um, thank you, Mr. Shahada for a very outstanding and very comprehensive deep dive into the information that we all requested. as um we know on this board that we have the ability to go to adequacy if we wanted to as a board. Um I'm going to ask you to please explain what that is to the to the um community what adequacy would be and in order to reach adequacy how much would this board need to raise taxes and the amount with our authority? Yes. Uh so adequacy is the number that the state derives based on a plethora of of facts of what the locality should be paying in conjunction with what the state aid they get. So ours I believe is around $197 million is what we would be completely adequate on the local side. Uh turns out to I believe 38.34% or $54 million.
Okay. So we technically as a board if we wanted to get to adequacy we'd have to raise taxes 3 8.34%. Thank you and Miss Bassford for the first time ever the state has given the board the authority to do that which is the community doesn't right the community doesn't know that that's why I wanted to bring it that we're allowed to go up to 30 38%. Could you imagine? I couldn't imagine what we could do with 38%. But I I I know that the nine people that I serve with or the eight other people that I serve with, we are phys we are fiscally responsible. From your presentation, look what we have done. We have done more with less since the 14 years that I've sat in the seat because May of 2020 14 is is uh 14 years ago. Um we're sitting here 14 years and and I know what it was like.
I think it was like $8,000 a student. Look where we are now and our children look at our student representative. And one other thing that I'd like to know, Dr. Robotazi, before the end of the year, if you could, this has nothing to do with the budget. If you could give us a list and and a figure of how much our kids have gotten in scholarship because I think the community needs to know that as well. Absolutely. Happy to do that. I do get those figures and I will share with you. I'll share with the board and the community. That's it. Thank you. Anyone else? All right. Okay. Then we'll move on to um committee reports. Uh the first is facilities committee. And can we please have uh Commissioner Brunak read those minutes? Thank you, Mr. President. Facilities committee convened on April 9th, 2025. Those present were myself, Commissioner Bassford, Commissioner Ciano, President Paris, Mr.
Jenger, Mr. Shiada, Mr. Capi, Mr. Ovido, Mr. Toronto, Mr. Watkins. Referendum update. Carpet at CCMS is complete. PSC is going to fix the panel on spring break and the contractor will be removing the boiler. School 8, new power was installed. New electrical panel was also installed. School 9, we are waiting on PSENG for power switch over. School 15, during the spring break, ceiling grid in the gym will be removed and the boiler will be removed. School 2 and 12 awaiting PSEG to hook up new power. School 13, April 1st, new power is to be connected. PNG updates at Columbus on Monday, April 14th. Methusac flooring will begin refinishing on the stages wooden floor. Cost was $16,918. Bloomfield Japery will install the flame proof fire retardant stage curtains and side windows curtains to be completed on approximately April 28th, 2025. High school sidewalk outside of the new music suite will be replaced the week of April 21st.
Rooftop seven and eight that control science room, computer room, TV studio, and control room have been completed and are up and running. In the administrative building, due to the agent upgrade to the district, Hutchkins upgraded the HVAC system in the district server room. Cost was $44,630.
Does anybody have any questions? Mr. Brun, I would just like to say that the sidewalk at the high school was repaired. Thank you. So that's already done. Thank you. I walked on them Tuesday night and they're wonderful. Um, any other questions for Commissioner Brunzak? No. Okay. Uh, next policy, please. Commissioner Suarez. Thank you, President Paris. Uh, the policy committee met on April 16th. Board members, uh, present were Commissioner Bassford, myself, Comm uh, Vice President Santiago, and Commissioner Mahia. Administration and attendance were Dr. Robert Totosey, Mr. Shahada, and Mr. Jen Garrow. The meeting started at 4:15. Um, we didn't discuss much. There's just one thing on the the report. The committee was in favor of the policy verbiage update. All other organizations or persons granted the use of school shall make payment within 30 days of use, and the CBOE has the right to revoke the permit if payment falls outside the 30-day period.
The committee was in favor in a first and second reading due to the minor change proposed. The meeting ended at 4:30 p.m. Thank you, Commissioner Suarez. Any questions? Okay, seeing none, moving on to uh the minutes from residency, security, and technology, Commissioner Ciano, please. Thank you. The meeting took place on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025, and began at 5:03 p.m. In attendance from the administration were Marching, Michael Doctor, Megan Zenola, and Eric Mountain. Board of Education members in attendance were Vice President Santiago, Commissioner Kenova, Commissioner Ciano, and Commissioner Suarez. Mr. Doctor explained that 14 non-residents have been identified and removed from the district since the committee's last meeting. He also updated the committee that preK seats for next school year are quickly filling up. Once full, a waiting list will be created if additional spots become available. Finally, Mr. Doctor shared information about a company who specializes in recruiting a district students back to the district from charter pario and choice schools.
It was a broad overview and additional information needed before further committee discussion. Mr. Mountain updated the committee that all technology items needed for the new middle school have been ordered and are being prepped for installation. He also explained that referendum technology upgrades are almost completed with just some finetuning being done. Miss Anola explained that the drill of the month was completed this month with fidelity throughout the district. She also discussed the potential expanded use of our weapons detection system. More discussion will be forthcoming at future committee meetings. Mr. Null will also discuss potential additional responsibilities for security specialists. More discussion will occur at future meetings. The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m. Thank you, Commissioner Ciano.
Any questions? Okay, seeing none, move on to uh finance minutes. Uh, Commissioner Santiago, please. Thank you, President Paris. Finance committee was held on April 28th. In attendance were Commissioner Bruniaak, Commissioner Kenova, President Paris, and myself, Dr. Roberts, Mr. Jenaro, Mr. Shiada, and Mr. Usi were also in attendance. The meeting started at 4:00 and ended at 5:00 p.m. First item was budget update. The finance committee convened to review and discuss updates and preparation for the upcoming budget presentation. The committee engaged in a thorough and thoughtful discussion taking into account the developments and fiscal considerations that have emerged since the preliminary budget hearing. This included updated increas increasing operational costs that continue to impact the district's ability to maintain essential programs and services. The committee weighed various options and scenarios with a focus on balancing fiscal responsibility with the district's commitment to deliver delivering highquality education. After careful deliberation, the finance committee is recommending that the board consider a 3% tax levy increase in the proposed final budget.
This recommendation reflects the committee's assessment of the district's long-term financial stability, the need to preserve staffing and student programming, and the economic realities facing the community. The committee will formally present this recommendation to the full board today, May 1st, uh for further discussion and potential adoption. Thank you, Commissioner Santiago.
Any questions, comments? Okay, seeing none, I'm going to move on to the naming committee. Uh the naming committee met on April 4th and its purpose was to make a recommendation for uh our new middle school name which is at the former Paul V 6th high school site on Valley Road. Um the committee was made up of four board members, myself, Commissioner Bassford, Commissioner Brunac, Commissioner Santiago, uh an administrator each from Christopher Columbus and Woodjo Wilson Middle Schools. Uh two faculty members, one each from Christopher Columbus, one from Woodjo Wilson Middle School. uh two parents from sending districts that will be uh sending their students to the new school and a student from CHS. Um a number of names were submitted for consideration. Uh Bob Foster, Jen Lucas had three submissions. Uh Mark Teen, Thomas Mullen, John Samra and also there were two names uh nonrelated to people.
one was Caring Valley and and three recommendations for Maple Valley. Um although the nomination committee uh felt the individuals note uh that were proposed were noteworthy and exemplary Clifton School and community members. The committee felt that Maple Valley would be a timeless and Clifton community connected name in accordance with the facility uh our new accordance with the facility naming precedence. The ad hoc committee consist I mentioned who they were. Sorry. Um all applications meeting policy guidelines were reviewed and considered according to our policy 7660. Um, several notable school and community members which I just mentioned were nominated. In addition, two names other than individuals, Maple Valley and Carring Valley were submitted. The committee noted that this facility is a leased facility by the district and would most likely sometime in the future revert to another use. It was also noted that there were no schools named in the district currently that bore the name of a local individual.
Only existing facilities within schools currently bear an individual's name. For example, the Shersin Media Center at Clifton High School, the John Greco Auditorium at Christopher Columbus Middle School, the Robert Morgan Band Room at Clifton High School, Joseph uh the Joseph Greco Field at Clifton Stadium, and soon to be uh Coach John Ponty's track at Clifton Stadium. The committee unanimously chose Maple Valley Middle School as it represents the geographic and historical connection to to the community and the symbolism of the maple trees association to strength and endurance as well as the reflection of a student's journey through the seasons of learning roots and foundational knowledge and broad branches of growth representing a students expanding opportunities and aspirations. Uh the recommendation was respectfully submitted to Dr. Robert Toysey uh who approved and currently in later in uh on our agenda the formal resolution will be voted on.
Any question board members? Okay. Thank you. Um this takes us to the public recognition portion of the meeting. This portion of the meeting is open to the residents and non-residents of Clifton for the purpose of addressing any subject matter pertinent to andor directly related to the operation of the Clifton Public School District. Residents and non-residents are requested to sign the register provided for this purpose and to state their names, addresses, and subject matter. Comments are limited to five minutes per person. Issues raised by members of the public may or may not be responded to by the board. All comments will be considered and a response will be forthcoming if and when appropriate. The board asks that members of the comm uh members of the public be courteous and mindful of the rights of other individuals when speaking. Specifically, comments regarding students and employees of the board are discouraged and will not 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. members of the public should consider their comments in light of the legal rights of those affected or identified in their comments and be aware that they are legally responsible and liable for their comments. Um, do we motion to close online? Okay, so motion to close online. No one's in in the room. By Commissioner Bassford, seconded by Commissioner Brunak. Um, now would like to open the floor to anyone here in person who'd like to approach our table and make their comments. You have five minutes. There we go. Good evening to all. My name is Lori Lamman. from the president of the best union here in the state of New Jersey, Clifton EA. I was very happy to read tonight's agenda that the finance committee wrote a resolution for 3%.