And whereas the board of education of Eve Township has seen necessary to go into a closed [music] session to discuss certain matters which are exempt from the public. And whereas the regular meeting of the board will [music] reconvene following the end of the closed session at approximately 7:30. Now therefore be resolved that the board of education will go into session for [music] the following reasons uh as outlined in those statutes. Do I have a motion? Mr. Fischer. Mr. Pelman. Second. All in favor? I see at 7:30. So there we go. So when I call your name up, please come up, get your certificate, and then stay up here with us so we can get a photo at the end of everybody. All right. Uh, so Karen Guo could come up please for successfully earning placement in the Olympic Conference Honors Band. [applause] Then we have Teddy Carmod for successfully earning placement in the All Burlington County Honors Band.
WOW. WOW. [laughter] Where did you find that picture? I got a friend of a friend. >> That's gorgeous. That's like 100 lb ago. >> [laughter] >> It is pretty beautiful. >> I love it. When in Rome. When in Rome. Dance break. Just need you to sign the front. And then the back. Who am I signing it for? For Mr. Jennings. This seems like a setup. Now, can I ask you a question? >> My brother wearing a fart shirt. >> going to say what is what is that say? >> It says fart like four times kind of it's kind of a shadowy thing. It says Z fart maybe. Z fart? It's kind of French. This is a blast from the past cuz that's not even me. It doesn't [music] look like me at all. >> No, it doesn't look like you. How are we doing today?
>> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Next, we have our superintendent's opening remarks. >> All right, good evening. I don't have a ton to say since we've only been uh 15 days since our last board meeting, 13 school days. So, not a lot has uh has happened, but uh we are uh officially on spring break in district 230. So, our kids uh uh I'm sure reluctantly left the buildings today at 1 p.m. and and will not come back until a week from except for clearly all the softball players, lacrosse players, band, and everybody else. um >> wrestling >> and wrestling and all sorts of things going on. But uh very proud of the efforts um in this past couple of weeks um with uh with what our schools are doing to get prepared for what is very often uh a sprint to the end after we get back from break, including uh within the week that we get back our our ACT test.
They also wanted someone who understood early childhood and also the diverse staff that's at White Oak, that it's more support staff and therapists than it is certified teachers, which is very unique from our other buildings. So, we began by reviewing applications for this position. We had 31 applicants. We did first round interviews with five candidates and then brought the top two to an interview committee where they got to meet about 25 Avon teachers, White Oak teachers, support staff, administrators, and parents. And at every step of the process, Mrs. Obradovich came out on top. So, we were thrilled that she was interested in this position and will just be a perfect fit. She's worked in a neighboring district and has led their early childhood program since 2019 supporting both developmental preschool and a community-based preschool program. And then prior to moving into administration, she spent 18 years as a kindergarten teacher.
Right here. No comments from patrons. So, we'll go to new business. Uh, first on there is the board policy review updates. We'll turn that over to >> Okay. >> So, we have two tonight. The first one is the second reading of update one, the February batch. And when I label them that, that's the first month that we received them. So tonight, if you guys are ready, you can take a vote to accept the first batch that we had um in update one. The only change that's been made to the update one since you saw them last month, which I shared with you, is policy C25, admission to the corporation legal settlement. It had language in there that said we would not provide any transportation to anyone who lives outside of our school district. We do have some pickup locations where people can meet our buses who live outside of our district and they can transport in.
Our first call to order is to have the pledge of allegiance. And I believe we have some from Middle School Central if you'll introduce her. >> This is U. Maddie Wade and she is a seventh grader at Middle School Central and she's going to start us off by leading us in the pledge. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Maddie, if you'll wait. As you can see, there's only three of us here this evening. Uh, Mr. Alexander Alias Armstrong has a business meeting and Mrs. Counts had a family situation, a good one. >> So, next order of business is the adoption of the agenda. Do I have a motion? >> I move that the agenda for the March 19, 2026 board meeting be adopted as presented.
Um and uh we've just never really implemented it. So um Chief Cooper brought this kind of back and saying hey we really ought to doing this. And so we we've updated the policy that aligns with our uh our kind of the SOPs from the the police department, but they also align with our Centerrove School um corporation policies as well. And then the selection process and I think that's a critical piece because we want to make sure that um that everybody that we have I can pull this up. I forgot. Not used to this. Never let me drive. So this is the policy that I sent out to the board. Uh it aligns with our the format and everything of our policy. Um and then the selection criteria which I think is is some interest has a high bit of interest from from the board and our intent is is to have the same high standards for our reserve uh force as we do for our regular force.
It might be someone who has a history of historical performances and bringing in last month. Uh the one this last week we had a full house. Um but it's free and we'd love to have people come and enjoy that. Learn about local history, learn about the house. Um and I think it's a you know good way to bring together people that have share that commonality of enjoying history. >> Yeah. And if you're new in town, you should check out the Ocean House because it's got a lot of great uh examples of Ashland's history. I've seen that's where I first stumbled on history at play where she just does some amazing and I saw one's coming up on April 12th and it's a Wildwood the Wildwood. >> Yeah. So that'll be local historians giving us a talk about that. And while we're on local history, just want to make sure we mention that we We hope, we think Jim Hannah is still here as a co-host in spirit, honoring we that we're trying to honor his uh his caring about standing up for things you believe in and even if it isn't what maybe you're hearing from town hall kind of things.
Um want to pray for strength, for comfort, for peace. And to those living through these difficult times, um please know that you're not forgotten. We are thinking of you and we pray for your safety. So please join me in a moment of silence. Thank you.
Um I know there's been a lot of comment about uh spending in town, especially it's being budget season. Um but uh my hope is that uh the public can become more educated as to why we need to uh spend money on replacing the turf uh hopefully passing referendum next November. Um, so, uh, hopefully the new numbers will be coming out soon. Do you know soonish? Maybe a couple months >> for the turf. >> Yeah. >> Um, hopefully. Hopefully. Pretty soon. >> Okay. Pretty soon. Or possibly this meeting. >> Possibly. >> I think we won't have the numbers. We'll have a better idea. >> All right. All right. Great. So, anyway, yes, I just wanted to come out and support the turf and uh and support your efforts and I'll be there to help the efforts. >> We appreciate general citizen. And because >> thank you for your time >> and because I've never run a meeting where I've actually had public comment.
I'll turn it over to Mike. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Almita. Everybody see my screen? Yes. >> Yep. >> Okay. Oh, nope. Not share >> slideshow. There we go. All right. So, uh, thank you everyone. Um, we have really just two big items on the agenda today. General community and district updates. There's a few little things that, um, I'm I'm going to talk about in here. Um, and the other one is just an overview and a plan of how the board of education meeting is going to go at Hasttown next week. I just want to make sure everybody feels good about where to go, where to park, where to go in, and all the all that kind of important information. So, um, I asked Anme, uh, Anme wasn't able to join us, uh, tonight, so she she gave me all the big updates. So, I'm going to go through these and, uh, forgive me, I don't have all the depth of detail that an would have.
He has shown growth as a learner by actively engaging in spelling lessons and activities. He is very deserving of this recognition. Congratulations to Tiger. >> Our first grade student of the month is Rita Adam. Rita is a great role model in the classroom. She's always following our classroom rules and expectations. When needed, other students can look to Rita for help and guidance. Rita works well with others and is a kind friend. So, congratulations to Rita. Our second grade student of the month is Santino Durr. Santino is a kind and respectful student that always focuses and gives his best. Having him as a part of our group has been a pleasure. Congratulations to Santino. Our third grade student of the month is Kaden Santos. Kaden has come up. There you go. Congratulations. Can you stand here with me? Kaden has demonstrated perseverance and good character. He is always willing to help a classmate and has a positive attitude toward learning.
And then Emily Cummings for placement in the all Burlington County Honors Band. Then Karen again. Where's Karen? You get Come on over. You get second certificate for Karen Guo for successfully earning placement in the all Burlington County Honors Band. [applause] And then Ashvvic Gupta, [applause] All Burlington County Honors Band. Congratulations, Eva Seis. Uh Seesmir for All Burlington County Honors Band. Luke Ver, all Burlington County Honors Band. Congratulations, Adeline Eatman. All Burlington County Honors Band. Terry Carmodi, South Jersey Honors Band. He's already up here. [applause] Triple Threat Karen Guo, South Jersey Honors Band. and Abigail Kernney, South Jersey Honors Band. Abigail, come on up. [applause] >> And then behind. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. We're behind you. We we practice this a lot. So, uh [applause] >> congratulations again, Mustangs musicians. All right. Next up, if Miss Maddie Goldman is in the house and wants to come up, there she is.
We're doing okay. Oh, no. I didn't want to be interviewed. Can you just sign right here? Sorry. Oh, wow. This is back in the day. How did you get this picture? We hired somebody. A little context or a little bit Yeah, I was going to say what was the theme? I loved watching them back in the day but it's the MTV dance performance thing and um I think I'm in the parking lot like Walmart or something. I don't know but you know, I just was repping Jabbawockeez. Fun fact, I named my cat Jabbawockee and then we call him Jab so I need you to sign this and then the back. >> and the back, yeah. >> [music] >> The front and the back. Yeah. Oh, no. >> [laughter] >> I feel like my partner was outshining me on that one. Can you give me a little backstory to [music] that picture?
So, I know our schools are really bustling with getting kids prepared, both uh uh emotionally prepared and academically prepared as well. Uh, and the only thing I'll say is I'm a little bit bitter tonight because the biggest upset of the W of the uh, basketball tournament is my alma mater. So, uh, I'm a little unhappy tonight, but I I will hope that the what somebody referred to my tuition paying alma mater where my son's going wins tonight. So, at least I have some win today. But other than that, >> Wisconsin is no longer my favorite school. So, there you go. >> All right. Do we have any any amendments to the agenda? >> No, we do not. >> All right. At this time, we do need a motion. We need a secretary prom. I make a motion that member Casmir is our secretary prompt tonight.
So, her passion for early childhood and supporting the youngest students just came through in every step of the process. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Indiana State, a master's in education from Ball State, and a second master's in administration from Butler. So, thrilled to recommend Mrs. Obradovich to lead White Oak Early Learning Center. Board members, I will entertain a motion. I move that the Board of School Trustees approve Mrs. Jackie Obradovich as preschool coordinator effective July 1, 2026. Second. Motion by Mike, seconded by Kim. All All those in favor?
So, I just changed that language to reflect our current practices that we have in there. Otherwise, no other changes to them. Um, happy to answer any questions about them. If not, I said you guys, if you feel comfortable, are able to make a vote to accept those tonight. >> That's for the February batch. >> That is for the February batch. Okay. I have no other questions, Alex or Lena. >> No. >> So, so we can go as any other questions. I'll make a motion to accept the update one February batch. I'll entertain a second. >> I'll second the motion. >> All in favor say I. I. >> I. >> And when we put those in the minutes, we will have all of the policy numbers listed out. So, that will be reflected in there. The second one that we have tonight is just the first reading of them.
>> Second. >> Thank you. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. All those opposed? Motion passes three to zero. Next is our recognitions and presentations. We have CG spotlight of the middle school central. >> All right. Good evening. Um uh just a second. I'm gonna start with Mrs. Ritter. Actually, >> we'll get to you up. >> Um my name is Jason Wisman. I'm the principal at Middle School Central. And first, I want to invite up uh Mrs. Ritter. She's a teacher in Middle School Central. This is actually her first year at Middle School Central. And before you were at Center Grove Elementary, right? Yep. And she's a sixth grade special education teacher. So during this process, it's very very difficult to select one student and one staff member and one support staff member from 1300 students and over 125 staff members. So I did um ask for the assistance of our staff and said hey give me some recommendations and they sent me some recommendations on a Google form and then of course the admin team went from there.
they have to go to the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy or the Sheriff's Department has a reserve program that they can attend that as well. Fortunately for us, chief's, you know, already done that. Um, we would do the same kind of ride along and I'm still in Coup's uh thunder here, but they would do the same kind of ride along and training that we would have uh for any regular police officer as well that we that we would hire. Um, I don't know if there anything that you want to say about either one, either the policy or the qualifications. >> Uh, no. I think that the the verbiage that we wrote up here is very similar to what we would put out if we were hiring a full-time person. Um, the expectations and what the state would make us do is very similar outside of going through a full course of uh the law enforcement academy, which is 600 hours.
>> Yeah. Yep. Thank you, Jen. Um, okay. So I'm going to talk about the umbrella topic today will be democracies need checks and balances to sur to thrive and survive and should I do the quote? >> Sure. >> Okay. So, uh, Kate, do you want to read one or both of these quotes and then we'll talk about >> So, we like to have references to some quotes and historical things and a couple that we found on checks and balances. The American system of checks and balances is only as strong as the leaders who have the character and courage to enforce them. From near a tandem, next one's interesting. It's actually from our James Madison, fourth president of the United States. It may be a reflection on human nature that such devices meaning checks and balances should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself?