>> I will second. >> Yeah. Great. Thank you everybody. We will see you on the 16th. >> Have a good night >> everybody. Great night. >> Have a good night. Thank you. Go on.
I do invite you and I think it's important if you can attend the closing convocation on June 17th at 1:45. I think that's an important event. Some of you have attended that before. We will recognize our teacher of the year. We'll recognize our pair professional of the year. And for the first time, we will be giving out a staff member of the year. And we'll also be honoring uh teachers for 25 years, 30 years in retirement. Wow. >> Which is pretty special. And as you know, and I think some people forget, and I need to keep saying this, it worked really hard on a a retirement incentive plan. Um, and we're losing some really good people, but it also generated savings for us of $250,000. So that that is creative in what we did, but it is your opportunity also to thank the the teachers and the staff on the 17th and bid farewell to our five retirees which is quite a high high number um for a small district.
He consistently goes above and beyond to create meaningful, engaging learning experiences that inspire students to grow as musicians and artists. Justin is not only a talented educator, a complete an a complete an accomplished artist, but also a genuinely kind and supportive presence within the school community. His commitment to his Excuse me. His commitment to his students' success and his passion for music education make him a valued and deserved recipient of this recognition. CONGRATULATIONS. >> [applause] >> MARCH EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH FOR THE high school IS MARCELO MONTI. >> [applause] >> CONGRATULATIONS TO MR. MARCELO Monti for being recognized as high school employee of the month. Marcelo Monti is recognized for his years of dedicated and thoughtful teaching and his unwavering support of both students and colleagues. In the classroom, he fosters a respectful, supportive, and motivating environment where students feel valued and are encouraged to thrive.
>> Okay. So, um, what's weird to me is the fact that it doesn't matter what I say, you guys turn it into something controversial when it the intention is not controversial. um my in so what kind of initiated this is several meetings ago um I believe it was Mr. Glover that said he had it was when we were looking at curriculum adoption and Mr. Glover said, you know, I I contacted superintendent and I asked a bunch of questions related to to this item. [sighs and gasps] And then afterwards, I was like, okay, well, if he asked a bunch of questions, why weren't his questions shared with the rest of the board? Because maybe um coming from a teacher's perspective, maybe those questions and answers would have been helpful to me. Um, and the answer that I received from Mr. Latenheiser was that the questions if the questions come in by phone or in a one-on-one meeting, then those qu those questions and answers aren't shared with the board.
There's a lot that the schools are trying to get done and so um we also have uh June 22nd we're going to be doing a lot of policy review policies that are coming forth from the policy subcommittee. So there's some things that might have to change in the handbooks al together like our volunteer procedures and quy checks and different things like that. So um >> so you'll you'll save it to do all at once >> right. So, um, it's very hard to hand in the handbook now, but we wanted to make sure that it was sent forward so that everyone can can review it. And if there's something else that needs to come forward, I just actually said through the chair if there's other comments or different things. >> Sure. And, um, I also I don't know if this is for us to know or not.
I'll take any questions out of the superintendent's office at this time. Any questions for the superintendent? Okay, hearing none, we'll move on to the assistant superintendent report. Mr. Bishop, >> thank you very much. It's uh it's June 2nd and teaching and learning continues to take center stage in the public schools. Uh but as we've heard tonight, this is effectively the Super Bowl of celebrations for uh our community at the end of this year. And we know that we would not be able to be so successful in our academics, so successful in our community building if it weren't for the the work of an amazing staff, an amazing community. So, the opportunity to be able to celebrate together uh and be able to enjoy that time is is absolutely phenomenal. It looks different at different schools, at different ages and stages, but the work that our kids and staff have done this year has really been uh impressive, and I look forward to celebrating outstanding academic growth with you all come this fall.
Beyond his instructional role, Marcelo consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to service, volunteering with Key Club, supporting initiatives such as praise baseball and the Caring Pantry, and generously contributing to the school community in thoughtful ways. His compassion extends well beyond the school day through his work at Vander May Funeral Home. His active involvement in his church and his everyday kindness and ability to connect with others on a personal level. Whether sharing a conversation about sports, offering a recommendation, or simply brightening a colleague's day, Marcelo brings warmth, generosity, and authenticity to all he does. He is deeply respected as an educator, colleague, and community member who exemplifies the values of Clifton High School and is truly deserving of this recognition. Congratulations, MARCELO. [applause] CLASS OF 2019. ALL RIGHT. IN THE BOOK? THANKS, ALAN. You really make me look good. Well, he really did. He's audible all the way over here.
Um, which then prompted me to look at our communication protocols, which it doesn't specify how the questions come in. It just says if the questions are asked, then it's shared the information shared with the board. Um, and all I'm asking is that we follow our protocols. um that if questions are asked, share it because it could be beneficial to other board members. And so I never said you're doing something wrong. Um I never accused you of anything other than the fact that if these are our protocols, let's follow them. Um, and if we if you don't want to follow our protocols, >> excuse me, I'm talking. Um, if you don't want to follow the protocols, then maybe um we change that. Um, but to make this a bigger issue than than it actually is, uh, is mind-boggling to me because that's not what I that's not what I'm saying and that's not what I'm asking.
Um, I'm curious if the temporary kindergarten teacher is staying. I know her name is still in there. Is that something to share in this space or not? Not right now. >> No. >> Okay. >> That's a personal matter. >> That's fine. That's fine. Um, okay. Mickey, is there anything on the handbook you wanted to point out for us? Thank you. Okay. The school futures update. I will go through. Um, Seth, are you able to put this on the screen for folks? Um, not easily. Give me a second. >> Wait, I maybe I can. >> Oh, if you could share your screen, that would be a lot easier. >> Yeah, that works. >> Perfect. >> Great. Okay. Um, okay. I'm not going to read to everybody, but I want to just go through kind of high high level. Um there's a lot of conversation about this being a big year for Pelum and it is it is a big year for Pelum and also what we are finding as we look at um the finances and kind of where we are is this has been an ongoing trend for quite a long time there.
Um, I'd also like to be able to remind our community about a uh message sent on Monday. It's a transportation survey that has been sent out from the district. Again, we're working to rightsize our transportation efforts. U, it is helpful. It's incredibly helpful for us to be able to know your transportation intentions ahead of time. We're hoping to be able to have this information within two weeks. and we'll be building new, renewed, rebuilt uh trans transportation routes that will be optimized for the the students who really need it. We'll continue to do work throughout the summer to be able to share that information, but it may come at a different time than may have than it may have in the past through past school mailings, but we'll be working directly with the schools to make sure that information is is shared out and made available.
CHRISTINE LUCAS. >> [applause] >> CONGRATULATIONS TO MS. Christine Lucas for being recognized as District Employee of the Month. Christine was recognized for her outstanding leadership, dedication, and unwavering support of both students and staff throughout the district. She is highly knowledgeable, dependable, and compassionate, consistently creating a unified and supportive environment within the nursing department. Under her guidance, the department operates safely, efficiently, and with a strong sense of care and professionalism. Christine is also an exceptional mentor who leads by example, always taking the time to listen, teach, and encourage others. Her accessibility, wisdom, and genuine commitment to supporting her team have made a lasting impact on the professional growth of the district's nursing staff. Christine's hard work, integrity, and dedication make her truly deserving of this recognition. Congratulations. >> [applause] [applause] >> We're next celebrating for elementary school, Mary Solensky. >> [cheering and applause] >> CONGRATULATIONS TO MS.
I'm just simply saying this these are our protocols and let's follow it. Um, that's it. And as I stated already, I don't believe we need to change the protocols. I'm just asking that we follow them as written. >> President Wade, in 2 A, it says we'll call or email. >> Yeah. >> Did [clears throat] Did you have a followup for that or Okay. So, I just here's what I want to say. First of all, you have made an issue, board member Van Hook. So, um here's what I think you don't understand. >> [snorts] >> um how do you know it wasn't how do you know my questions weren't presented? So when I bring something to the superintendent then uh the staff then might adjust their presentation and mention the points that I wanted to mention. I don't need I'm not the type of person that needs credit for asking a question.
We're we're not at so much of a tipping point. We still have a decent amount of money in the revolving choice fund even as we dip in more than in the past. Um some of the big things I want to highlight are here which is um the committee and the finance committee and other folks were given a quote or an overview of about $6 million of expenses that would need to be spent in five years. in digging in and I'm still doing some digging, but in digging in on that with Shannon and with MSBA, um it looks like we'd be spending as a town 2 and a half to $3 million over 10 years, which is a very different scenario. Um and will significantly change the outlook for us. Um so I wanted to just point that out. Um the other things that in terms of trends and understanding is that this this year's kindergarten and first grade have significantly low enrollment, but they are an anomaly among the school and there have been other years over the last 25 years that had dips in enrollment.
But, uh we do ask our families please to be able to take a look at that survey. It's very quick. It's through powers school which will continue to be a primary mechanism for communication.
MARY Solensky for being recognized as elementary employee of the month. Mary is recognized for her except her for her exceptional dedication, compassion, and positive impact as a self-contained kindergarten, L L D S hybrid teacher at school 14. She creates a structured, safe, and supportive classroom environment where students feel valued, respected, and encouraged to grow both academically and personally. Since the start of the school year, her students have made tremendous progress, reflecting her patience, expertise, and passion for teaching. Mary is deeply committed to helping her students navigate challenges while teaching important problem-solving and life skills that support each child's individual needs. Her kindness, professionalism, and willingness to collaborate with colleagues make her an invaluable member of the school community. The strong connection she builds with both current and former students are a true reflection of the lasting impact she has each day, making her highly deserving of this recognition.
I want to make sure the information goes to by fellow board members and to the community. So sometimes when I bring something to Superintendent Lsonheiser's attention, maybe he brings it to Mr. Armstrong and maybe I say to him and I have said to him that should you should mention that during your presentation which then covers the thing that you're you're saying. I just don't think again you know I don't mind the what where and who questions but I don't really want to know because I would rather have this discussion publicly. Um, I I don't I just don't I don't want to know how people are voting on things. And that's what the questions and the communic and the comments and the running commentary that we get. I already feel like I know too much more than I should know. And I'm really only supposed to know or talk to up to one person.
It's not clear yet if that's going to become a trend um or not and is something that we're looking at as we do a fuller analysis. Um, this is a long list, but we are exploring 12 different options. And I gave a a overview of where we are on some of them. The big things I want to point out for folks is that becoming a K through five school looks like it would be a costly endeavor and not save money. Regionalizing with Ammerst is complicated because of their new school and and the associated debt. Um regionalizing with smaller schools, when I wrote this, we didn't have enough data. We we still don't quite have enough data, but is complicated because smaller schools are also small. And while we have a small um Palum resident population, it still would be a significant increase for a nearby school.
I'll take any questions. >> Any questions for the assistant superintendent? >> Hearing none, we'll move on to the student representative reports. Luc, you want to go first for your last report? >> Yes, sir. Um, a quick general report is that as Dr. Gen mentioned, we have started filming the final students at the center. focus on the great K community that surrounds our school and those really helpful Kon Kent public schools that may work outside the walls of our actual district. All right, the middle school CMS track had their final meet, Woodbury Invitational. Eighth grade promotion will be on June 17th at 6 p.m. Their last day of school is the next day, June 18th. And seventh grade has a field trip to Lake Compounds this Friday, June 5th. In terms of the high school, on the 27th of May, all participating physics students went on a field trip to Six Flags and learned about gravitational forces created by roller coasters can apply that to daily life.
Thank you, Ms. Zelinski. >> [applause] >> Oh my goodness, I think I'm losing my senses now. >> I have the honor of reading the April Employee of the Month for Elementary, uh for Amanda Marion. ARE YOU HERE? >> [cheering] >> CONGRATULATIONS, [applause] MS. MARION, FOR THIS recognition as Elementary Employee of the Month for April. Amanda is recognized for her outstanding dedication, professionalism, and positive impact on both her students and Seal the Bay community uh school community. Since her first year as a self-contained PSD classroom teacher, she has shown tremendous growth and an unwavering commitment to meeting the diverse needs of her students. Amanda consistently goes above and beyond the by thoughtfully implementing and adapting strategies to provide individualized support that helps each student succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Her willingness to learn, reflect, and take initiatives has created a classroom environment where students are supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow in confidence and independence.
Sometimes we don't even do that just because to air on the side of caution. So again, uh, I soon ready to make a motion to move on because we're we're at this point beating a dead horse because we're just not going to view things the same way. >> President Wade, I'm sorry. I have one thing I would just like to add. >> I'd like to add that [clears throat] um, Superintendent Hires have brought this up um, that if we're following if we're asking to follow communication protocols, we should all follow all communication protocols that are listed um, and not pick and choose the ones we want to follow. Thanks, Miss Schultz. Okay. Um, so again, I I hear the concerns are we follow protocol. Again, from my perspective and the questions that I have because I can only speak to the questions that I have.