What was in front of the commons, we had to do that in the hallway to separate construction from students. Um wasn't as big of a deal in the commons, right? Cuz you have tons of space. And as we found out at the middle school a year ago or for 2 years ago when we were doing our office right now and now at the high school, right when you take another section out of that hallway, that hallway gets pretty small. Students will figure it out, right? They'll start going around the other way. Um these poor kids at these lockers, Sarah, found out real quick. Yeah, I'm going to re- I'm going to re-home them or offer to re-home them to our middle hallway by the library. We do have extra lockers there. So I have about 25 kids to meet with tomorrow just because it's so awkward.
Are there any questions or comments? Uh comment. Uh we just had a really good executive session talking about some of this and Mr. Reese provided excellent explanations. Um could you take maybe just a moment to explain to the public briefly that we're not approving right, we're just approving the possibility of these things happening in the future because of the uncertainty of SEA 1. That's correct. The implications of SEA 1 will take effect over the really up until 2031. Uh even within this last legislative session, uh the major impact was in 2028 due to the income tax provisions at the county level. Now, uh with the change, they pushed those back to 2029. So now we see 2029 as being the big year. Not really knowing what the legislature's going legislature's going to do over the next 5 to 6 years as they work on Senate Enrolled Act 1.
Um so, we were right on target with where we should be for February by month end. Um and so, we're ending balance there at a little over 14 million. Moving on to the um debt service fund, no activity in that um as we will see activity in that in June and December. And then moving on to the operations fund, this one is much better than it was last month um as we had a large expenditure come through last month. Um so, for this month, we ended um with about 1.7 million um in the fund balance. Um however, we did make a transfer from the education fund to the operations fund to help offset some of that that large expenditure from last month, um which is part of our approved transfer that was done during the budget process. Um still something we need to watch in the operations fund, but it is still um fine.
Hope I got your last name correct. I'm sorry if I mispronounced pronunciated your last name, but please proceed. >> Good afternoon, Chair Elephante and Kim and members of the committee. My name is Kylie Adam. I'm an 11th grader at Kalle Hill High School and I'm in strong support of House Bill 1890. As a public school student in Hoy who hopes to become an elementary school teacher, this bill is very important to me. Right now, when adjusted for cost of living, Ho's teachers are among the lowest paid in the nation. The high cost of living makes it very difficult for teachers to stay here, which also leaves many teachers forced to choose between staying in their home or leaving their passion. We are already seeing the impact. Nearly half the teachers leave within 5 years. When that happens, student lose stability and consistency in their education.
And whereas the Somerset County School Board Association in collaboration with New Jersey School Boards Association recognizes unsung heroes from each high school in Somerset County. And whereas the Unsung Hero Award honors students who make outstanding contributions to their schools and communities, but are often overlooked by other traditional student recognition programs, these students have overcome difficult academic and personal challenges, modeled good citizenship, or a spirit of quiet strength that has inspired others. These unsung heroes may have organized community nonprofit programs, selflessly supported others, or achieved academic success despite disabilities, language barriers, or other significant challenges. And whereas Joel Orana has overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to reach his full potential, has served the school community and the community at large, and stands as a beacon to inspire others. hand. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Bound Brook Board of Education recognizes Joel Orana as an unsung hero of Somerset County and the Bound Brook School District.
They can go anywhere. They could be successful anywhere. They choose to be here every day for our kids. So, so thank you very much in progress. Okay, so let's student of the month. Mr. DeMicco, I don't know if you wanted to I know that I think Miss Casey's going to do it, but uh Miss Casey, come on up. Hello. I have the pleasure tonight of presenting Hillary Peralta Trinidad as our student of the month. I have had Hillary in my AP literature class. She also works with Miss Marino and I as a National Honor Society member. Despite being new to Garfield last year, Hillary threw herself into the Garfield community. She was accepted into our chapter of the National Honor Society having been inducted at her prior school and became an important part of our program. She's helped us organize events, fundraise for charities, and develop our leadership program.
She acts as an important bridge between the school and community, connecting students to the services they need. As stated by a nominator, an is always putting the needs of others ahead of herself, and she deserves to be celebrated for all she does and for the amazing character she shares with each of us. Congratulations, Ann. Next up, Josh Brooks. Josh has made an impact on countless coral and music students, inspiring them to grow in their skills. He sets an example for others, serving as both a teacher and mentor to students. His dedication goes far beyond the classroom as he dedicates countless hours of leading plays, musicals, and the holiday choir. A former student shared, quote, "He was the best, most impactful teacher I've ever had." Congratulations, Josh. Next up, we have Laura Dappa. Laura plays a most crucial role as a building nurse. She handles student needs with patience and compassion.
They're trying to open their locker and once they step back to actually look in their locker, like it is a very tight one way there against that wall. I'm also going to redirect and met with some of the PE folks this afternoon and since it's coming into spring and I think we're going to have some nice weather, they're going to depart all classes from the gym doors outside and just come in the front doors like our Eagle kids do in preschool program kiddos do so that they won't be flooding out of there cuz that's about 55 kids a period coming out of the gym directly into that space, too. So I think once we get some flow going, it'll be okay. It'll have to well, the kids worked out at the end of the week, but It'll take a while, but um you know, what what's nice, spring break came at a perfect time to get the really loud demo work done and I'll say uh Performance Services is really really good at working around the kids' schedule, right?
This simply provides you the greatest amount of flexibility so we can manage the school corporation and maintain what we have. Thank you, Mr. Reese. Are there any other questions or comments? There being no further question or comment, we'll move to to a vote. All in favor signify by saying I. I. Nays. And the vote carries 5-0. Uh 2.07, may I have a motion to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting? So moved. So moved by Mr. Vasser. Second. Second by Mr. Angel.
We will see that revenue come in in June um as anticipated with property taxes. Mrs. Babcock. Yes. So, just if I were to like forecast out some stuff here a little bit, the salary items for this month for both the education fund and the operations fund would be a good barometer to look at the rest of the year cuz that would we should be seeing on a monthly basis. Is that correct? For February, yes, that would be a good snapshot to take a look at um other than in July when they'll be three pays again. Yeah, I will be prepared for that shock this time. Thank you. Yes. And then moving on to the rainy day, there is absolutely no activity whatsoever for the rainy day. So, we're still holding strong at 3.9 million in that fund. Moving on to the comparison reports um for the education fund, you can see we're at 14 a little over 14 million in cash balance in that.
Providing automatic step increases gives teachers predictable growth and a reason to stay. Research shows that competitive pay and structured salary growth improves teacher retention and strengthen schools. This bill is not just about pay. It's about supporting students or supporting teachers in investing in our future. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. In addition to that, members, we had 13 folks in support, three in opposition, and three comments. Anyone else that wishes to testify on House Bill 1890, House draft 3? Okay. If not, members, questions? >> Um, yeah. Jay, >> it's good to see you. By the way, you haven't changed since I've seen you last. Um, as far as the negotiation, as it was pointed out, didn't haven't the step increased already been negotiated into the contract? >> This is true. They are in a current contract. However, contracts are a limited term. They expire. There is nothing in any contract that automatically rolls over without it being negotiated in to a successor agreement.
And be it further resolved that this resolution is presented to Joel Oralana as a sincere token of the Bound Brook Board of Education's congratulations and best wishes for continued success. All right, Dr. Freeman, back to you. >> Okay, and next up for our students of the month, we'll have Dr. S come forward to present the students of the month for Lamont and Lamont Annex. Congratulations to Kora Atinson and Miss Taro's class. Kora's favorite school subjects are the dramatic play center and the art center. Her favorite hobbies include playing with her friends, building blocks, and spending time with her family. When she grows up, Cora wants to be a teacher. Congratulations, Kora. Okay, Milo, want to come up? All right. Congratulations to Milo Foot in Miss Peron's class. Milo's favorite subject is math. His favorite hobbies are playing baseball and his career plan is to become a professional baseball player.
Without Hillary, I believe Mrs. Marino and I would not have been as successful as we are in revitalizing the program as new advisors. In addition to National Honor Society, Hillary's also the secretary for the Garfield High School Student Government. Within this group, she excels at organizing their meetings and acting as a calming positive presence. As a member of our Interact Club, Hillary volunteers for literally every event possible from drama club performances to Awards Night. It is rare not to see Hillary helping in one way or another. And if that is not enough, Hillary's also a member of our Spanish Club, our Polish Club, and she's on our yearbook committee. These extracurricular activities has not hindered her academic work and have only highlighted her desire to be part of to be of service to her school and community. Hillary has been a pivotal part of our school community and has inspired so many people, students and staff alike, with her compassion and enthusiasm.
She's also quick to share her breath of knowledge with fellow staff members, offering support whenever needed. As stated by a co-orker, I believe her commitment to students physical and emotional well-being makes a lasting difference in their lives and she truly deserves recognition for the positive impact she has on the school and with fellow co-workers. Congratulations, Laura. And now we need Amanda Fil. Amanda's kind heart and warm sense of humor help her cultivate a welcoming class environment. She finds creative ways to make language arts engaging, offering a variety of activities and different ways to learn. She is there to support her students and offer help whenever needed. One student said, "Mrs. Stilk is one of the best teachers I've ever had, and her class made school as a whole feel exciting to participate in." Congratulations, Amanda. And now we need the nurseric administrators to come up front.
Like they're not doing this demo during the day. They're in our most of our buildings uh doing construction work, but they're they're very aware of what's going on and if they are doing something, we ran into it over at the ESC where they were doing some construction um we said something to them and they shut it down while we were working over there. So 100 hall bathrooms, these will have the exact same finishes as the commons bathroom. So this is what they will look like when they are done. Um minus the boys, a few less urinals than what I currently have. Um so looking forward to that. Uh the rest of this work was all work that was supposed to be happening this summer uh but with Performance Services is very grateful for Sarah and the high school for allowing them to get a head start for summer work.
Are there any questions or comments? Okay. We'll move to a vote. All in favor signify by saying I. I. Nays. Vote carries 5-0. Close the public hearing and we'll resume the regular uh late meeting at this time. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Reese. Uh item 3.01, patrons registered to comment on educational issues tonight. We do have an individual. Uh Diana? If you could come forward to the podium, please. Diana is it Harbison? Yes. Okay. Thank you for being here, Diana. Diana, we do have rules. Uh you're allowed to make a comment. You can't comment on uh personnel items, but you do have 3 minutes to make your statements. Ms. Basin will keep your time and at the uh 30-second mark she'll give you a 30-second warning so you can wrap up, okay? If you could please state your name and your address and then you can begin.
Um still a very strong healthy cash balance for the education fund. As compared to the previous year, there was more of a cash balance at that point, but 14 million is still a healthy balance for the education fund um as compared to our peers. Um also moving on to the operations fund for February, um you will see that we're at 1.7 million. It is still an okay mark. Uh it's not ideal um to be at that, but it is still okay. Um as you can see, last year we were just a little bit uh little over 2 million. Um so, there's something that I will be watching closely as well as the team business department team, and I have to thank them for all of their great detail and work in helping in preparing these items as well. So, um that is the financial reports for the district for February.
We're about to enter negotiations. Uh I suspect that this item will be on the table and that they would like similar language perhaps in their next contract. But under chapter 89, there is no such thing as rolling contract language that does not have to be reaffirmed predicated on the the expiration date of the current agreement. So you're saying that every time we negotiate a contract like say negotiate that the teachers get their um vacation upfront has to be renegotiated every year. >> It is subject to negotiated to negotiations every time there's a new contract. The parties would often agree that they would roll the contract language over because we've been doing it since 1971. But that doesn't mean that it automatically happens. That's the difference. >> Okay. So, in the current contract, these step automatic step increases are in there, right? >> There are step increases in the current contract >> and >> that occurred during the life of the contract.
Congratulations, Milo. >> Yay, MILO. Congratulations to Amy Garcia Batista. Amy is in Miss Haj's class. Her favorite subject is math. Her hobbies include drawing and reading. Her career plan is to become a doctor. Congratulations, Amy. >> You guys can Can you get him in there? >> And next up, filling in for Miss Gahas at Lafayette School, we have Mr. Ross. Welcome everybody. So we'll start off with our second grade student of the month. It is Jir Rosato. Come on up. So Jir nominated by his teachers Mrs. Patel and Miss Ree. Um favorite school subject is painting likes to play with the father and wants to be a singer. So the artistic soul is going to shine. Come on. And our third grade student of the month is Abigail Gonzalez. Abigail was nominated by her teacher, Miss Codle, and her she has a sibling in fifth grade, Raphael.
It is my honor to present Hillary as student of the month. >> [applause] [cheering] >> Okay. Uh good evening, everyone. My name is Hillary. Um I want to start by saying thank you to Miss Casey for recommending me and just for always believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself. Um I'm very also grateful for the teachers I've had these past 2 years since I've came here. They've been nothing but amazing and supportive and inspiring. The whole Garfield community, really. Uh next I want to thank my mom and my older sister for all the sacrifices they've made. All the opportunities I have today, I have to say that it's thanks to them. Next, my friends, especially the ones who showed up tonight for just being my greatest supporters and for always being there for me and cheering me up even when I feel like they don't really know that they did.