No, it goes back to the 3% that's on this agenda. Okay. That is the superseding. That is our baseline for the time being. Thank you. I just want to be clear what I'm voting on. Okay. Any other questions? Roll call. Okay. Roll call. Oh good. Um Miss Bassford, I'm okay with three. My water bill's going up 5%. We don't know what the county is doing. We don't know what the city's doing. So I vote no on four. Mr. Bruniac, no. Mr. Kenova, yes. Dr. Danny, no. Mr. Mahia, no. Mr. Ciano, no. For Miss Suarez, yes. Vice President Santiago, no. President Paris, yes. Motion does not carry. Okay. Now we would revert to item seven, the original motion to adopt the final budget with modifications, uh, which would be a 3% increase year-over-year.
Any discussion? Motion moved by Commissioner Bassford. Second. Second by Commissioner Mahia. Any discussion? Okay, roll call. M. Oh, Dr. Danny. Uh, yes. Um I just you know just keeping taxpayers in mind and um and everything that um you know again we had uh the second meeting and I know things happen and I feel like you know things will happen again and so with my my conscience and everything um I I just have to say I just wanted to put there that I have to go with 2%. Okay. We're voting right now on three. No, I know. But I just wanted that, you know, out there. Okay, roll call. Um, quick another question. Just want to make 100% clear. 3% is just to make sure we get by. Correct. Correct. Just to get by. Just to get by. Like said, just to get by. Okay. Real cool.
Miss Bassford. 3% is that we just lay flat with stable water. Correct. Just to make it to another just to make it to July 1st. Right. With no no razzledazzle in the future. I vote yes. Mr. Bruniac, no. Mr. Kenova, yes. Dr. Danny, no. Mr. Mahia, you know, last time we voted, I had trouble just voting in general whether it was going to be two. And I was willing to go down to one, but then having these new explanations told to us if we were to go down to two, these are all the things we'd be cutting. Can I read read the list? Assemblies, field trips, robotics, athletic supplies, um supplies, stipens, C from CHS, CCMS project, graduation, academic awards, summer enrichment, Wilro Wilson stipens, CHS club activities, dues, the band, the band, the band, care of grounds, health equipment, security specialists, security specialists that we voted for two years ago to make sure our schools are being safe.
And now we need 3% just to have all that. 2% would have helped us, you know, before, but now we need the 3%. And I know before I didn't want to vote, um, but today I'm voting yes for 3%. Mr. Ciano, no. Mr. Suarez, yes. And um you know I I just you know I'm sorry that for everyone who wanted a 4% um because in in doing 3% we're turning down paras to teachers for autistic students uh resource room teachers speech teachers behaviorists child study team bilingual teachers and the list goes on. So I apologize to the Clifton community that we are unable to have those things but I am a for 3%. Vice President Santiago So, Commissioner Suarez, I appreciate your motion. Um, we we have the prescription benefit usage that went up. Um, if if you look it up, there's a lot of districts that are facing that same prescription benefit increase many, many, many districts.
Um, look, the truth is 4% might not be enough. Um, we have on the record the federal government who all of our title funding may be going away. They named Clifton specifically with the COVID funds. This is 20 $30 million. So, um, yeah, I mean, we we have to prepare in case of that worst case scenario, and there's lawsuits, but who knows what what that outcome is, but I'm I'm Yes on three. Thank you, President Paris. Some meetings ago, we had a member of the public speak and really suggested we look at the definition, at least our definition of thorough and efficient education. That definition, unfortunately, when it comes to a monetary point of view, is determined by the state of New Jersey. They determine what we should be allocating for allowance for each student and they determine how much the taxpayer uh figures into that equation.
Uh to Commissioner Bassford's point, it's no one's fault on any previous board that this situation exists. Every board member has voted and supported what was in the best interest of the of this district. But the the fact remains that Clifton by our own state's definition is probably the poster child for efficiency. There are 70% of the districts, not even never mind in our class, that spend more per pupil than us. And within our own class, we're still in the lower third of spending. So we certainly are an efficient organization. Um the 3% helps us maintain the thorough I'm knocking on wood for the at a bare minimum. Um so absolutely yes on the 3%. Thank you President Paris. Uh motion carries. I would just like to say on behalf of central administration, the students, the staff, we thank you guys. We know this is not an easy decision but um you guys are making a difference in the students lives.
Thank you. Okay, that takes us to um board board member comments, I believe. So, if I remember who we start with, uh I believe it's Dr. Danny this week. Uh just one thing. Oh, sorry. Today I was uh getting legislative updates and there is um a thing there is a case in the Supreme Court which would um obviously if it passes it would um decide whether funding could go to religious charter schools because it's um I don't know if you know about that but it's a St. is a door of uh civil Catholic virtual school in Oklahoma. And then therefore, if that did um actually pass in the Supreme Court, then religious schools could get um religious public charter schools could get public school funding. So, it's just an um side there. Um other things says uh happy teacher appreciation day. Thank you to all the teachers for all you do to the school nurses.
Thank you for all you do. Um, Mark, the student representative, I want to say congratulations on your scholarship and I'm sure that you will do great things. Um, happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers out there. And, um, happy birthday cuz today is actually my dad's birthday. Um, to the man who make me who helped to make me the person that I am today. And that's all I have. Thank you, Commissioner Danny. Commissioner Mia. Um, thank you and good evening everybody. Um, I just want to mention one thing really quickly. I was talking to a few parents um, this past week about our upcoming special awards meeting um, in June. They're mentioning that a lot of that day is going to be like the county senior awards dinner and that a lot of the people who are going to get honored that day wouldn't even be able to make it to our special meeting and they actually they want to be there.
So, is there any way we could possibly change that date to another date? Okay. All right. Thank you. Because I would really enjoy for those kids who are also getting honored to be there as well. Um, I want to give a huge congratulations to our flag football team. They're doing really great this this spring. Um, as well as our lacrosse team and our track team, which always does great. Um, in terms of that, I know a lot of students say they're committing for their um their next journey. whether it's community college, trade school, um the arts, or whether it's just going to college in general. A huge shout out to all them. I know I had a couple students from C from CHS visit St. Peters University this past week. He gave them a quick tour. Tell them, hey, this is one of the I like to, you know, tell them, hey, this is a really good school.
I like to give them opportunities. Um with that said, I know this past budget vote, it was definitely hard for me. Um, but that same day from I think I probably talked to over I don't know why a lot of people like to stop me and talk to me and I probably get a lot of people and sometimes I do get harassed. Um, unfortunately I do. So I probably talked to over like maybe 100 people telling me no like you can't do this, you can't do that. Um, we can't fire this many people. We don't want to lose all these cool things. Um, and it did open up my mind. I know we did have a conversation also about everything in terms of the political environment, the economics of it. Um, and just today when you were mentioning the new budget proposal, a 3% was needed in order to just meet the bare minimum of things.
Um, it's never easy raising these types of taxes. Um, but like um, Commissioner Basser had mentioned in the beginning, we all took the oath to give the best education to our students. Um, and I know even though it is not the most popular thing, I know we're, you know, fully giving our students the best chance of not just surviving, but making it by and achieving great things, whether it's in high school, 2 years, 3 years, four years. I'm trying I'm almost about to get emotional because I do see the way this affects our students in the long run. Um, so hopefully, you know, in 10, 15 years, we have a great student out of CHS that becomes probably, you know, a senator, president even. Um, so thank you and have a great night. Thank you, Commissioner Mahia, Commissioner Ciano. Thank you, Mr. President. I want to begin by extending a heartfelt thank you to the speakers tonight.
Uh, Mark, best of luck to you in your future. I see only greatness coming your way. Uh, I want to take a moment to celebrate two outstanding leaders that we have. Congratulations to our district superintendent Danny Roberts on receiving I'm just going to do the abbreviation here the NJTSON NJBE Superintendent of the Year award. That's like the whole alphabet. Uh this remarkable recognition highlights not only your leadership but also the incredible work being done across our district to promote and celebrate student success. So that's awesome. Thank you, Mr. Uh similarly, congratulations to Commissioner Bassford for being nominated for the NJSBA president. Uh Judy, I couldn't think of anyone better suited for this role. Um we have our ups and downs. We don't always see eye to eye, but you know, your guidance and your friendship have gotten me this far. Uh you are truly deserving of this honor and so much more.
Uh I want to reflect on the success of the spring break food initiative. Uh Mr. Shahada, amazing idea. I'm still backing you on that no matter how far you go with it. Supporting those in need is an essential focus for our community. Thanks to this initiative, I think our numbers are a little off. I have 1394 lunches were provided and 239 meals were generously donated to the health department to support the unhoused. This effort reminds us of the power of coming together to help help those across our community. Uh Tony, congratulations on your son's wedding tomorrow. That's awesome. Many blessings for an amazing marriage. Maybe the reverend over here will give you a blessing later on. Um Mother's Day, obviously, I don't know where I would be without my mother. you know, between, you know, my teacher, Mr. Farrell, who's retiring, and my mother, you know, God knows where I would be today.
I don't think I'd be sitting here. I don't I don't think I'd be breathing, to be honest with you. It was a rough time for me, and she stood by me, no matter how awful I was. I'm glad I turned into who I am now. Um, just speaking of the spring break food initiative, don't think that I turned down or I voted no on the tax slightly. Um, the spring break food initiative, those are the people that are going to be impacted by the tax increase. The tax increase isn't easy for everybody. It's not just us. It's the city. It's the county. It's the gas tax that was just passed. It's the sewer tax. It's everything that's going up. And I see it more than anybody. So maybe that's why I have such a hard time with it. I see how it's affecting families. I see how it's affecting people in our community.
I see all the nonprofits that I work with for people struggling every day where every dollar matters. That's why it was hard for me to go up that much cuz to many people, hey, it's an extra $100, $150 a year. Who cares? That could make or break somebody. And that's the honest truth. Um, I want to let everybody know that I'm not going to be present for the next meeting. Uh, but I am going to attend via Zoom. So, if we could fix that volume so I'm not shouting at you guys, that would be amazing. Uh, thank you all for your time tonight. Obviously, we're all dedicated to what we do. Thank you all for everything uh as we support each other as members of this wonderful community. Everybody have a good night. Oh, thank you, Commissioner Siana. Commissioner Suarez. Thank you, President Paris. Uh, good evening, everyone.
Um, I too am really happy to be a part of the district that served a total of 1,394 meals. My numbers are of the email as well, Joe, so I get it. Um, during spring break, I think for us for to be able to support our students in such a meaningful way is to be a part of a district that truly cares. Um, it is an incredible way to demonstrate that we are in fact one Clifton and I'm really grateful that we were able to do such a wonderful thing. Um, as for the budget, I want to truly thank my colleagues who voted for the 3% budget tonight. I feel a sense of ease and relief knowing that our students and staff will receive what they deserve and need to maintain the strong public education we have here in Clifton. I also thank all the educators and students who came in support of the budget.
Your voices strongly influenced what informed our understanding of the financial needs of our district budget and your input is greatly appreciated. While I am sorry that we did not get the 4% that was suggested by the people who are in front of the students every single day and that we cannot get the necessary resources for our special education department and school administration teams. I am at least appreciative of the fact that we can service our students well enough for the upcoming school year. And I also want to include um I really appreciate our ability to disagree uh politely and respectfully. I think that's a really important um part of our democracy and I think we are a really good example of that. Um so while I propose the 4% it's part of the process and I respect my colleagues opinions here and their ability to do so.
Um so I just want the community to understand that we work together in a way that's respectful and understanding our disagreements. Um, and that's all I have to say about that. Good night, everyone. Thank you, Commissioner Suarez. Commissioner Bastford, thank you everyone. Thank you Joe. It's only a nomination, but it's uh kind of came as a little bit of a shock. Um, thank you to the district uh for feeding those who have less than all of us. Uh, your care uh for doing this um meant a lot to the volunteers. They were thrilled and they were just happy that they could actually extend that to people that were very needy. So, thank you very much. Want to um thank everyone that came out to speak at the podium tonight. Um we hear you. Your voices matter to us and I'm glad to see that we have more and more uh engagement in the audience than in the past.
Um to all the teachers, uh happy appreciation to you. You we appreciate you. To our um the nurses, we appreciate you. To our special education staff um during special education week and every week, thank you. Thank you for all you do, your voices, your service, and your heart. Um to our superintendent, congratulations on being um named superintendent of the year. Now, we have to work on that county one. We have to get you nominated. Uh this recognition is not only welld deserved. It's a testament to your tireless commitment to the educational excellent ex educational excellence, student achievement, and the well-being of every child, teacher, and staff member in our district. Danny, thank you. Um, congratulations. You make us so proud. Um, to the moms out there, to every mom in our school district highlighting the HSA moms, we see you. We thank you. We celebrate you.
May this Mother's Day bring you the love and appreciation you so desperately deserve. And to those whom uh, Mother's Day is difficult, may you find peace and comfort and healing. But happy Mother's Day to all. Thank you. God bless you. See you at the next meeting. Thank you, Commissioner Bassford. Commissioner Brunac. Thank you, Mr. President.