And whereas students today face more complex and life-threatening health problems requiring care in school. And whereas school nurses have served a critical role in improving public health and ensuring students academic success for more than 120 years. And whereas school nurses address the home and community factors, eg social determinants that impact students health. And whereas school nurses are professional nurses that advance the well-being, academic success, and lifelong achievements of all students by serving on the front lines and providing crit a critical safety net for our nation's most fragile children. And whereas school nurses act as a liaison to the school community, families, and healthc care providers on behalf of children's health by promoting wellness and improving health outcomes for our nation's children's. And whereas school nurses support the health and educational success of children and youth by providing access to care when children's cognitive development is at its peak.
So, we hope to have to continue to see that trend um at the conclusion of this second semester for the 2526 school year. And then we see graduation rates again trending all in the right direction. We see the graduation rates for all students going back to 2223 and then our plural students. If you go if you go back to 22 23 the gap was about you know close to 12% that gap between our our um students who were graduating under the category of all students versus our polingal students. If you go back to last year we closed that gap and is now down to 5%. Okay. And you see again trending in the right direction. You see a similar trend with our A throughg completion rates. Um so again going back to 2223 there was about a 33% gap between all students and our proingual students completing A throughg rates.
I agree with you. No motion was made. No vote was taken. It was just a declaration of our president and an agreement of our clerk. Okay. I'll whatever the board would like to do, I'm I'm reading right now from Robert's Rules of Order and it says in most formal proceedings, including Robert's Rules of Order, you must make a formal motion to table an item. Uh it does not happen automatically. The chair cannot decide to table something just because the discussion is getting long. Um it gives examples, processes. So, whatever the board would like it to reflect. Um I just ask that whatever it is is consistent for me to be able to follow for the future. Um what type of of comments I'm expected to put in. Uh right now our board bylaws says actions of the board. Um so, any direction would be helpful on expectations.
And whereas school nurses are members of school-based teams, eg school health services, 504 IEP, disaster emergency planning, providing health care coordination to address a school population. And whereas school nurses understand the link between health and learning are in a position to make a positive difference for children every day. Therefore, be it resolved that the National Association of School Nurses celebrates and acknowledges the accomplishments of school nurses everywhere and their efforts to meet the needs of today's students by pro by providing and advocating for quality student- centered care and offers gratitude for the nation's school nurses who contend to our local communities by supporting students to stay healthy in school, safe, and ready to learn and keeping parents and guardians at work. not just on this National School Nurse Day, but in every opportunity throughout the year. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Clifton Board of Education encourages all district students and staff to observe Wednesday, May 6, 2026 as National as School Nurse Day.
Um obviously both groups are moving in the right direction and we've cut that gap down to about 24%. So again moving in the right direction and we hope to continue that trend as as we move forward. Again going back to the equity transformation cycle we also want to bring in some some map and street data. So this was a question from our senior exit survey. um this past uh uh uh for the graduating class of 2425 and the question reads as do you feel that you were supported in the development of your college career and life readiness? Please explain. So this was an open-ended question. Okay, so an opportunity for us to analyze some street data. Here is what we would like to see less of. Okay, this is a reclassified student who um was had completed their A throughG requirements for AP classes. Okay.
Um so, I just like to um have an accurate history of what's happening on this board. I know we record a lot of things other than actions. We record we record um our our comments. Uh we record um any things we say. Um so, this would just be in reference to that. It wouldn't necessarily have to have a motion or a vote, but just clearly recording what happened uh that evening. Are you asking to amend the minutes? Um yes, that would be great. I mean, if we're able to >> I'm not saying that I'm doing that. I'm asking >> No, that would be great. >> You have to remember that this is just a synopsis of the of it. It's not a verbatim. The verbatim is that you want to go watch the tapes. That you bring up a lot, but the fact that it's this is synopsized in condensed version of what happened.
>> Thank you, Commissioner Bronziac. Commissioner Ciano, Special Education Week. >> Thank you, President Bassford. Resolve that the Clifton Board of Education accepts the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools to recognize special education week in New Jersey from May 10th to the 16th, 2026. Whereas the NJSBA theme for this week is planting the seed of education. Whereas, we would like to take this opportunity to recognize the achievements of our state's 232,000 students with special needs and the dedicated collaborative work of their teachers, school personnel, parents, and other professionals. Whereas our many teachers, child study teams, par profofessionals, administrators, school personnel, transportation, staff, and board of education provide ongoing support and assistance for our students. Resolved. We in Clifton are most fortunate to have such amazing staff to help our students with special needs reach their potential and become successful citizens. Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioners uh Commissioner uh Vice President Santiago for mental health awareness month.
And um it the I'm going to go ahead and read it. It's going to take a little bit of time. So, no, I don't feel that I was always provided the right coursework or experiences to fully prepare me for my goals after high school. Some classes felt more focused on passing tests than teaching real world skills. I wish there had been more hands-on learning, career exploration, and opportunities to take courses that match my interest and future plans. While I did get some support, I think more personalized guidance and relevant experiences would have helped me feel more prepared. So again, we see the importance of street data, right? Versus just looking at numbers and percentages, we now start to see a trend, a story to be uncovered and that's going to inform our practice and our next steps as we reimagine the experience. What we want to see more of here's an RFB student also completed their A throughG requirements.
So, if there's a word missing, Ms. Longshore, it's not falling on the uh Kylie's side to just to chastise her for this. So, you're way out of line bringing this up because you know darn well that this is not a verbatim transcript. No, I understand. >> you know, you're asking her that. Why is this word missing? Why is the word motion not there? You know, it's you're being very petty. And I think you're doing it on purpose. And I know the reason why I'm doing it on her. I I need to step in and make a comment that um our board meetings have gone in excess of midnight at times. Um this particular meeting was a very long meeting. Kylie spent over 40 hours in review of the information to get a a set of minutes. And having been the superintendent for now 7 years, um that is not the norm for her to have to spend that amount of time because the motions, the seconds, the then a second motion and a second and no vote taken.
>> Sure. President Bassford, thank you. Whereas May marks mental health awareness month, a time dedicated to addressing the struggle the struggles experienced by millions of Americans dealing with mental health conditions. Whereas since its establishment in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has played a crucial role in combating stigma, providing support, spreading public awareness, and pushing for policies that prioritize the welfare of those affected by mental illness. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Clifton Board of Education recognizes the month of May as mental health awareness month. >> Thank you, Vice President Santiago. Um, Commissioner Suarez, Asian-American and Pacific Islanders Month, please. >> Thank you, President Basford. Whereas the people of the United States join together each May to pay tribute to the contributions and generations of the Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders who have enriched the history of this nation. And whereas the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community is an inherently diverse population composed of more than 45 distinct ethnicities and more than 100 language dialects.
Again, this kid was this student was reclassified three AP classes, nine dual enrollment classes throughout high school. The opportunities I was given greatly contributed to both my academic growth and social emotional development. Participating in programs like dual enrollment allowed me to take the college level courses and built confidence in my academic abilities. AIM, EAOP, and ETSs offered mentorship, guidance, and resources that helped me stay on track with my goals and navigate the path to college. These experiences not only challenged me intellectually but also taught me valuable life skills such as time management, self-discipline, communication. Through the support of these programs, I learned how to overcome obstacles, connect with others, and stay motivated. So, obviously, that's what we want to see more of and that's our intent. Through the support of our our DAC, our DACA board, all of our ELAs at our sites, this is the tension that we want to put on ourselves as a district, on our sites.
And so, she does have the requirement under her job description to make sure that the motions and the recorded actions are taken. Um and so, she is following the bylaw. She is following what is expected of her. And um I think that the criticism that continues to come up about the minutes, um if there is an issue that needs to be addressed, I supervise her. And I would like those things not to be done in public session. Um and rather be addressed to me if there is an issue. Um okay, if I can address uh Mr. Rowley, um and then I'll I'll I'll come back to you, President I mean, Superintendent Nelson. Um This is not a word a word. This is a series of comments that happened on this dais. Um, it's seriously something that should warrants some sort of record. Um, I'm not chastising when I bring things up that concern me.
And whereas it is imperative for the good of our nation that schools continue to build awareness and understanding of the contributions made by Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. And whereas celebrating Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month provide the students and school community an opportunity to recognize the achievements, contributions, and history of and to understand the challenges faced by Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. And whereas the Clifton Board of Education through its core values and implementation of culturally responsive practices demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within our school division. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Clifton Board of Education officially recognizes the month of May as Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. >> Thank you, Commissioner Suarez. Uh, Commissioner Estra Barnes. Um, Jewish American Heritage Month. Thank you. >> Yes. Thank you, President Ambassador. Whereas May is Jewish American Heritage Month established by the United States Congress to recognize a more than 360ear history of Jewish contributions to American culture.
Here's just one more example of some street data. This is from um uh an an e pluralingual student um that is that came to us their junior year. So was a newcomer to us non a throughg and this is translated from uh from Spanish to English via Google Google translate. Yes, I received support in high school to prepare for college and my career. Counselors and teachers guided me through academic options and scholarships with extracurricular activities helped me develop key skills. Additionally, his experience has taught me to become more independent and face challenges which prepared me for the future. So, we would love to continue to see more of this data come in both satellite map and street trending in the right direction. We I feel super confident in our DAC board, the one that is outgoing, the one that's incoming that you'll meet in a bit um with all the work that they're doing to support our sites and all of these um uh efforts districtwide.
Uh, that's a judgement of me. Um, I'm bringing it up for clarity. I think it's important that as a board we have an accurate record both written and in a video. Um, I'm not being unreasonable to bring up something that concerns me. Uh, and Superintendent Nelson, um, as far as these board meetings going on, I understand I'm here too. We're all going through it. This idea that we could possibly have split the board meetings up so we didn't have to go so late into the night was brought up and refused uh, to be considered. Um, I just for the record, I'm in favor of it. I think we're here to do a job and until that job gets done, we do need to stay. So, if our uh, content of our board meetings are so large, uh, might we consider coming back to that idea of considering two board meetings a month?
And whereas Jewish Americans in the face of unspeakable discrimination and adversity have fought tirelessly to realize the promise of the nation's freedom and continue to teach us empathy and compassion inspired by their parents and grandparents. And whereas Jewish Americans have helped bring about enduring progress in every aspect of society, shaping our country's character and embodying the values we hold dear. And whereas Jewish communities continue to confront hostility and bigotry. And whereas determined to confront racism, many Jewish Americans found a cause in the civil rights movement in a call for freedom and justice. And whereas we recognize the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, which acknowledges the achievements of American Jews in the fields ranging from sports and arts and entertainment to medicine, business, science, government, and military service. Now therefore, be it resolved that Clifton School District Board of Education affirms May as Jewish American Heritage Month.
So with that said, I'm going to go ahead and turn over to Arasel Chavez, our manager for family and community engagement to continue on. >> Thank you, Mr. Saliviver. Good evening. I have the pleasure of introducing our DAC board. But before I do so, I want to make sure that we understand what their role is. Um, and here we have the names for our DACA board. Um, this is our current board. They're actually finishing their term, their two-year term. This is going to be their last board meeting um as our DACA board. Um so we have Nativ Nativida Deoya, our current president, Julie Ramirez, our vice president, Sonia Moran, our secretary, Guadalupe Bas our parliamentarian, Marcelina Hernandez, our community outreach, and we have a second community outreach position and that would be Sophia Romero. Thank you. And to better understand um what our amazing board um does um there are some requirements that are mandated um through the state of California.
Um, but I do think that it is so important to take accurate record and that's not a word. It was a It was actually a conversation and I entered it, Ms. Tucker entered it, um, Ms. Buchanan entered it and so did Ms. Akpara. Um, a conversation, not a word. So, you still didn't answer the question when Ms. Nelson asked you not to bring this these allegations, these conspiracy theories that she's misstating things in public. Are you going to address that or you just going to ramble on about the um, uh, the meetings running late and you want three meetings a month or how many meetings? Are you going to address what she asked? Are you going to argue that you don't need to? Um I you know Mr. Raleigh I'm not sure why you think it's okay to say that I'm chastising people or that I have conspiracy theories.
Thank you, Commissioner Estri Bonds. Can I have a motion to approve EA1 through EA12? >> Motion by uh Commissioner Brunzak, second by Commissioner Ragstell. Discussion. Roll call. >> Mr. Brunzak. >> Yes. >> Miss Eric Barnes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Paris. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ragsdale. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ciano. >> Yes. >> Miss Suarez. >> Yes. But I'm sorry. I did have a question um about B9 or is it too late to to ask? I know you asked for this question. I apologize. >> I'm sorry. >> I had a question about um the grant that supports immigrant families. I just wanted to know um how does it support? But if it's too late for discussion, I apologize for that. >> What item are we talking about? Uh M. Suarez. It is >> number >> DA9 agreement with World Church Services. >> I was just curious.
And so they are outlined here. Um and we do this we cover these topics at every one of our meetings. Um so the seven requirements are uh to develop or to advise a superintendent or their designate on the following topics. One is the development of a district master plan uh for educational programs for our purilingual students. Um there's also um a district-wide needs assessment that is done on a on at each school site. And so um overseeing the development of that uh needs assessment um the establishment of district pro programs, goals, and objectives um for our plural students. And you'll notice that um the language here, we're still using English learners. that is the mandate from the state of California. Um we see our students in a more um positive and assetbased mindset. And so we refer to our ELS as prolingual students because they come with us with so many assets, right?