May 14, 2026 Board of Education Meeting Recording

001This is Rex. Good evening everyone. We're going to get started. In accordance with in accordance with the provisions of the open public meeting acts up open public meetings act. The Asbury Park Board of Education has provided adequate notice of this meeting by sending a notice of the time, date, location, and to the extent known in the agenda of this meeting to Asbury Park Press and the coaster on March 27, 2026 via email. Copies of this notice have also been placed at the administration building, bulletin board, district schools, Asbury Park Municipal Building, Asbury Park Police Department, and filed with the city clerk on March 30, 2026. The mission of the Asbury Park School District is to provide all students with a comprehensive and progressive education where everyone possesses the skills and character to succeed in a

002diverse, evolving global society. Roll call, please. Miss Lassman. Miss Gman, >> here. Mr. Laraka >> here. >> Dr. Matsu, Miss Morris, Miss Ramos, Miss Ricks, Miss Lassinski, Miss Acriman >> here. >> Thank you. We're going to begin tonight with a presentation by Mr. Ruiz and Dr. Perry Medina, the principal of the Asbury Park High School, um regarding graduation and um an update about the senior class. So, All right, good evening everyone. I want to thank you guys for coming out. I wanted to um this idea came to me by one of the board members, but more importantly is from a conversation that I had talking about some of the great things that going on in the district that we have not really had a chance to share with everyone. um that conversation we talked about

003we would be a good time to kind of just start to talk look at the future of what uh we're doing here in Asbury Park. Um and as you know the high school is always the crown jewel of any district and um there just a lot of great things happening and um I thought it would be a great idea for us to kind of just go over and talk about some of the things you see up there. graduation students, uh, student pathways, some of the expansions, we're we're working on the arts, teaching, the future of teaching, and of course, if you don't already know, next year will be the one uh we'll be celebrating 100 years of Asbury Park High School. So, with that said, I'm going to pass the microphone over to our high

004school principal so he can go over some of these great highlights, some of these great things that we are doing. Mr. Dr. Medina, thank you very much. Uh, good evening. Uh so as Mr. Ruiz intimated uh we're I'd like to cover a few things tonight to express some of the great things we have going on at Asbury Park High School. I realize that certainly at this time of year and some of the things that we've been experiencing, we sometimes maybe sidestep some of the great things that our staff and our students are doing. So I I believe this is an excellent opportunity community for the board to see what it is we have uh accomplished so far and where we're going. So, I like to start with graduation and student pathways. And you'll see there

005are three columns. You'll see there are three columns. We No problem. On the left column, we have our graduation tracker, center column, student pathway survey, and some of our purpose. And watch. So, I'll start with the graduated seniors. Currently, as it stands, they're on track for 95% graduation rate, and that is a testament to the teachers of Asbury Park, the student dedication in Asbury Park. And this is not something that just occurred this school year. This has been a two-year process. uh the guidance team and myself worked really diligently on identifying students based on tier, identifying what their needs are, creating interventions that really tackled some of the things that have plagued some of our students in the past. So there's no magic, there's no silver bullet, but there is grit, determination, and realizing that

006not every student has the same pathway to success. So on top of that 95% projected graduation rate, 14 of our seniors so far have scholarships. 44 have been accepted to colleges, 20 to trade schools, two to the military, and 10 are committed to the workforce. uh students during their course of their high school career and kind of get closer to their senior year uh identify certain that they have and that center column explains that. >> Sorry, Dr. Medina, can I interrupt you for one second? So on our 95% what's our total graduate our total senior class right now? So how does that 44 and you know 20 going into trade school? How does that compare to >> 85 seniors? >> Okay. Thank you. >> And I'll be more than happy to answer any questions that

007we have as we go. Uh this next slide is a quick preview of next year, next school year. Uh September 2026. We are celebrating 100 years at Asbury Park. Um it's, you know, the hope is it'll be a communitywide celebration. um historical bits, storytelling, recognition of the legacy of Asbury Park High School along community. We'll have a week of celebration and the one of the things we're really really proud of right now, this has been uh a year and a half in making is our student created, student produced documentary on the history of Asbury Park. Um we do in a couple of weeks we have uh some trailers that will be uh shown to the board and uh select community members and um this is something that we're extremely proud of because it's not something

008that we've done in the past before and this is completely student produced. If you recall that initial slide, it it noted access, opportunity, and expansion. And we have a a great history with a partnership between Brookdale Community College and Asbury Park High School in which even today we graduated uh several of our students with an associates degree even before they got their high school diploma. But in today's day and age, that's not enough. We still need to expand into different fields, different industries. We have a partnership with Georgian Court University and we are currently working on a partnership with Thomas Edison State uh University in the field of trade. So right now carpentry. Um so an example of that would be a student will take select course work at the high school, they will earn

009college credits or they will earn hours to an apprenticeship. So they would have two pathways if they go into that dual enrollment program. One would be getting a management degree in construction and the other would be entering the work under an apprenticeship carpenters union. And so that you all know today was the uh Brookdale graduation for our dual enrollment students at Brookdale. Uh we graduated about 15 students I believe. Um and it was amazing. And then we got to meet someone very special. I'm not sure if she's the board of trustees. she came off the stage. So, she obviously was somebody important, graduated at Aspbury Park High School, 1955, and she came down and greeted me and uh Dr. Medina and was just so proud of the work the kids are doing and she just

010wanted to to show her face, talk to us, and we invited her to the 100 uh year celebration. So, it's just one of those things moments that like today is a very special day for our students and I just wanted to share that with everyone. >> Thank you, Mr. Ruiz. So part of this ecosystem of universities and colleges that we are partnering with designed again to create multiple pathways. You know it it the theme is do do a lot more with the little and we've been uh fortunate to have partners who are committed to the students of Asbury Park. So, I the Carpenters Union, but there's also we would be um if uh Garden State Esports is able to secure uh the necessary credentials, we would be the first high school in New Jersey to

011be able to offer arts, entertainment, and design credential um in the state of New Jersey. So, obviously with Netflix coming in, preparing our students in a career um and and preparing them at Asbury Park High School where they have a leg up against the competition. Uh, one of the things that I've, uh, been committed to, uh, since becoming the high school principal is making sure that the weight and of an Asbury Park diploma is equal or greater than our neighbor. And that's something I'm committed to. That's something I believe in. And I think that these partnerships begin to illustrate that. This is just some more information on what some of these partnerships can do with internships, workforce development. Um it is our hope that we will connect with local businesses to enter in uh enter

012our students in paid internships in which they'll be able to obviously be paid and also gain skills necessary to enter some trades. So things like auto mechanics, plumbing, etc. The long-term goal of this would be increasing our high school experiences, industry credentials as I mentioned, apprenticeships, post-secondary opportunities, and uh very importantly employment readiness. This has all been possible for because we are modernizing learning at Asbury Park. On the lefth hand column, you'll see edgenuity expansion. Now this is a virtual excuse me a digital platform in which students are have now access to AP courses that they previously haven't had. They have access to electives that we have not had. Uh obviously with limited staffing with uh limited resources we have to be extreme innovative and creative in making sure students have so I as I

013mentioned before the weight and value of a Asbury Park High School diploma has to be greater or equal to our neighbors. And this platform is allowing for that access for students that center college. We are currently uh myself along with Miss Nancy Estrada and the guidance team are working at academy models to ensure that we have an ecosystem of content areas in which students are getting great exposure to certain interests or certain industries in which they can they can enter. We we do have a CTE program in engineering but we are looking to expand that in academy is a is an easier way to do that while creating greater access. >> Sorry Mr. Dr. Media could you could you expand on that a little bit more when you when you say an academy model could

014just a little bit of parameters on it? >> Sure. So as as we look and forecast into the future uh what is it that will make sure that our students are uh their their their development their academics are safeguarded? We are looking into the future to make sure that we're preparing them and in the academy in in the system we can create environments in which students are are exposed to different things that they are interested in. So if we s back to a previous slide in which students display their interest um post postgraduation this connects to that this is in an academy students will be able to to obviously it's going to be a a comprehensive uh education which they'll have access to every uh content area that is required by the state of New

015Jersey but they'll be able to be in environments that they flourish. >> Sorry. So it would be like the dream academy, right? Where they're going through the normal curriculum, but there's additional classes that they can take within a specific area that they're interested in. So along those lines. >> Yes. And I'm going to just go back second. Uh this is also when we look at these dual enrollment expansions, this is kind of where it it can germinate, right? Where it really grows and fosters. Um so for instance for Georgian court there can be three areas in which students can develop some more interest. One will be in arts the other one will be in public speaking and the other one will be in the esports ecosystem. So media production um casting um producing uh shows.

016Virgin court is an example of where that academy model floors are. um honestly in the beginning phases of that, right? So certainly um more planning needs to happen, but this is an indication of where we can go with Asbury Park High School given our you know limited resources as it stands. And I wanted to touch on that column future focus AI integration digital literacy uh career readiness. The AI one is particularly interesting. that one isn't going anywhere and the the we have to safeguard against is teachers and students losing agency losing their voice. So there is a commitment right now to make sure that agency that voice is retained, maintained and we we we dabbled a little bit with professional development for our teachers to make sure that they are not just plugging in and

017pressing play but they are using AI to supplement to deliver robot and excuse me and making sure that we are using AI as a tool to prompt learning and not necessarily just do the learning and teaching. So, this is one that will that will certainly expand some opportunities and also quite frankly bolster teacher practice, bolster student learning and and right now, especially at Park High School, we're really prepared to take that step. So, um we're excited about that that opportunity coming. And this is a significant slide. There has been a concerted effort to commit ourselves to arts education at Asbury Park High School. Being that we are in Asbury Park, the cultural hub of Mammoth County, um there are a lot of opportunities that have um in the last year and a half or year

018and a half plus, we we I mentioned very quickly the student documentary. So expanded offerings um has led to things like uh media production um student showcases. We have our second art magazine that will be released in a couple of weeks. We have uh student art galleries that are coming up. We have a spring and uh early summer art gallery. Um multimedia projects. Uh I talked a little bit about the strategic partnerships and the vision is to increase student engagement, strengthen our student identity and reconnect Asbury Park High School to the culture of Asbury Park. And one of the last slides here uh tonight in this presentation is if many of you all of you have been inside of the theater that space extremely unique um is unlike any high school in New Jersey. The

019architecture in there, the feel, the the atmosphere um is really something. And with that theater being renovated, and I want to kind of just focus on the the right hand column really quickly, um there are going to be great opportunities for community re-engagement, revenue generating opportunities, student career develop, regional arts destination, expanded partnership, and we can connect that to that center column and it's going to stem from and be grounded potential uses. So when we talk about students learning AV audio visual, we start to look at how to learn to do a live production, how can it production these are things that we haven't had access to um in a little bit and with that renovated theater students will have a large platform to develop those skills and again connecting and forecasting to what New

020Jersey can become. I think we're all right. >> Yeah. And I know that the question is renovated theater. I hear renovated theater. I hear funds. Just so you know, we awarded some SDA funds which are specifically geared towards um improvements in our facilities and this is one of the projects among many that we're working on. So I just want to make that clear. Well, this last slide kind of just sums it up. Uh this the theme or or where we are grounded is access, opportunity, innovation. Um, we take great pride at Asbury Park High School to creating experiences in which students are going to leave us better. Um, and uh, I think uh, Mr. Ruiz, if you have anything else, but that concludes my presentation for tonight and I'll take any questions. >> For the

021questions, I want to just first of all, thank you Dr. Medina um, for great work and just for us to see this vision of what the high school could look like. A lot of this work as the director of curriculum instruction I've been engaged in with Dr. Medina and some of the other principles over the last year, the last two years. Um, and some of the some of these things were germinated by some of the people sitting right in front of me. Um, just conversations um connections that some of you guys gave us and said, "Hey, talk to this person. See what this person can offer as Bay Park people in the community." And a lot of this was born of that. So, some of the things you're going to start hearing about coming in

022the future, especially the 100 annivers um year anniversary of the Highest Bay Park High School, just started Germany. You're going to start getting invites to some of these meetings. Um some artwork, some art shows coming up um that are again bringing um timelessness into the community, but more importantly bringing the art shows here so the community can come to the district and see what our students are doing. And walking in here today to see this was amazing. Um so, I just wanted to point out to you that this is not something that just started happening. It's been germinating for a while, but it's nice to see the progression and where we're going. We got a long way to go, but we're I think we're making all the right taking all the right steps and uh

023even considering all the challenges that we're having right now. Mr. Medina, you have any questions? >> Yeah, I I have a question. Um, so what can we do? Um, as I think about this, you know, I'm I'm pretty much don't don't start anything from scratch. go find somebody that does it really great and then uh collaborate with them so they could help you. Um and as a board member uh obviously I know people in a lot of different districts and things like that. Is there you know as you look through the collaboration and you're working on uh a lot, right? Um, is there one or five programs that you want to pick and say if we could just find somebody that's really great at this? Um, you know, I guess what I'm asking is we

024I could help. Yeah, we could help. I'm going to say we we could help. Um, the community could help find uh other districts that are already doing it really well instead of trying to reinvent the wheel. So, you know, I guess if you have anything like that or if you have any ideas, I'd be more than happy to hear them. Sure. Thank you. I I you know that I think that's critical to the success of the district collaboration, shared vision. Uh this is really as Mr. Ruiz intimated to start and you know it is truly an honor to kind of just present some of the things that are that are happening. So I think this is you know you know kind of connecting back to that comment. This is where the ideas can happen, the

025connections can happen, the networking can happen and that helps us identify who exactly it is that can come in to support us practice. >> Um, sorry, did anyone have a question? Jesse, did you want to go? >> Dr. Medina, how are you? Um, I appreciate your presentation, but my question is as as my my question is as uh the administrator of the middle of the high school and I know our funds are limited, but if you had a wish list, what will be on that wish list to benefit our kids as they take a step in the outside world, outside of school? Um certainly facilities um you know as Mr. Rey's mentioned unfortunat fortunately the SDA funds could help us with that. So facilities would be one um granting physical access to different things for

026our kids give them those tactile experiences but the other would be programming and I understand where we are and that slide on egeneuity which then for a fraction of the cost of some of those high you know higher price ticket items we can do that along with the current staff that we do have um it is I'll simplify it a little bit you can think of it almost like the new co-eing model right our expert teacher who is a master in teaching and learning with students accessing content that we normally couldn't offer right but being that we are in 2026 we have these platforms now that can give that access and with a live teacher um the great teachers that we have at Asbury Park High they can facilitate that learning and make sure that

027that access isn't wasted. >> Dr. Medina, could you go back to the very first slide? So, so one of the things that made me talk to Mr. Ruiz about about this presentation was I wanted to hear about our graduating class, right? I want to know that this is me speaking on behalf of myself, but I thought it would be great for the board to know, right, where we stand, where our our graduating class stands, and if we can help in any way, where does that land? Right. So, sorry. Um, if you go back Oh, yeah. So, no, that's right, Eden. Sorry. So, we've got 44 of of our kids going to college already accepted. That's fantastic. Thank you. Um, and we've got 20 going to trade school and then we've got 12, two going to

028military and 10 into the workforce. So for those going into the workforce, I guess well actually for all of them, I I would offer up myself and I think most of the board members would also volunteer to speak with any of them about anything going to college, um their first year in school, in college, any of it. Um, but then also what what I really wanted to try to offer up was to try to find ways along the lines of what Miss Grossman just said, ways for the community to help maybe our our 10 who aren't sure what they're going to do next or maybe they're not doing exactly what they want to do and want to try to talk to people to try to help them find their way to what it is they

029really really want. Um, and I realize we're late in the year. Um, but whatever we can do, I'll offer myself up and I'll open it up to the rest of the board members who would be willing to help, we can do to help our graduating class succeed as they leave Asbury. Um, I I wanted to offer that up and that was one of the things and I think these statistics are great. I think this is really incredible. So, thank you very much to you and everyone at the high school and the whole district who has worked so hard. Um, and then the other thing I wanted to kind of to it's going to sound like I'm putting more on you, but it's not really what I mean. Um, what I would love to see and

030I think all of the board would probably love to see is your vision for the 100redyear celebration so that we can kind of get in ahead and help um, make sure that everybody knows and everything else. Sorry, before I go there, when's graduation this year? If we could just let everyone know. >> Uh, June 23rd, 5:00 p.m. >> Great. And it'll be will it be in the high school this year or do you think do we think it'll be outside >> Stadium. Awesome. Very excited. Um so June 23rd 5:00 pm for graduation. Um so for the for for for both the 100redyear celebration and also your vision for the duel moving forward. I know you mentioned that you're working with the carpenters union already and we're going to have a presentation tonight from Maplewood. Um

031but whatever whatever even the highest level you know even just a five deck slide set of slides of this is what we're looking at these are you know what your anticipation anticipated timeline would be what your goal timeline would be and where we can all start bringing the community in to help and we as a board can help you. So, I think if we can get a plan from you whenever you're able, I think that would be the next best step and we can start divvying up work and and doing that. But that's what I would love to see to the extent you're able whenever. >> That that'd be awesome. I could do that as early as next week. Um, you know, if I can comment on that, it's, you know, I I do prefer

032and like to come with something a little bit more materialized so that it isn't just kind of an idea, right? It's something that we can kind of see and figure out. But I think we are at a point where it is no longer premature and we're in a spot where I think people can sink their teeth into it, right? And then help use the board strength and interest and network to make sure that the opportunities for our kids exist. >> I I will say when I was campaigning um and even now when I run to pe sorry when I was campaigning and even when I run into people on the street now literally 100% of the people in Aspbury Park asked me what they could do to help. So I and I I say this

033all the time. I think we have a community that has a characteristic of helpfulness and so we I think we just got to figure out how to tap into that. >> Absolutely. Thank you, >> Dr. Medina. We've talked about these programs for a few years um and I've had conversations with you about one issue in particular. These are great programs, but this district has done almost nothing to bring students back in by promoting all of these programs. No one knows these exist. No one knows these are in the plans. And with about a hundred students per grade, it it's not enough. You all know it, but it's for the administration of this district and the staff in this district to do something to get the word out that this is a great school district, that

034the programming is great, that the environment is great, and literally we have failed. And so maybe you could talk about what plans you have to get the word out to use this as a magnet to draw kids into this district. >> Thank you. Uh, Miss Glassman, I think, um, you know, certainly if if this was the same time last year, it would have been a little premature. Uh, we we we we didn't have enough traction. Uh, our kids do great things. They do great work. We have staff who are set them up awesomely. Um, one of the things that we've in my humble opinion that we've we've may have had challenges is defeating the ghost of Christmas past. everybody. We're we're a soft target. We're an easy target. People love to say things about Asbury

035Park. So before I felt comfortable as a principal to put that out, I wanted to make sure that we were we had a strong enough foundation that no one could knock it down with hearsay or anecdotal evidence to say the otherwise to say otherwise. Excuse me. So you know I have taken steps um along with uh Mr. ruins and I do thank the board for allowing me this opportunity to to share but taking steps and engaging the community networking with them and as Miss Gman suggested making sure that the community understands what we are doing. I I'm a I'm from Aberdine. I'm a taxpayer myself understand where and what our investment should be. You know, educator. This is what I'm supposed to be doing. So, I want to make sure that the taxpayers can be

036proud in what we're doing. So, I agree and I think that it is time to be a little more aggressive in promoting some of our stuff and I'm hoping that in working with the board and as uh Madame President suggested really helping to to leverage some of the network of the board to make sure that the work gets out of all this great great stuff going on at the high school. verify the the SDA money that they've committed or haven't committed yet. And if they've committed, is it enough or will that be part of our role to go out and get uh alternative funding to help with the facility? Because I think you're right, you've got to we've got to have the facility microphone. We did receive the funding and we sent the form to

037the SDA authority listing what we were doing. So we listed the high school auditorium and the first and second floor bathrooms. Um, Monday, Tuesday, I had a meeting with the architect so they are working on the bitspecs for me so we can, you know, do it properly and make and they're going to go in and pretty much just the bitspecs so I can put it out and get the work work going. But the funds are set aside already for part of the 2627 grant, not the 2526. >> 2526. Okay. Mhm. So the money is already here. >> We already have the money. >> It's the million from last year that we got. >> Yeah. So we received that money is set aside just for the high school project. >> And just >> All right. Wonderful.

038Thank you, Dr. Medina. Appreciate it. Um, so we're going to, so next up we're going to be discussing our we're having our committee discussions. Um, I'm going to have the curriculum and instruction committee go first because we have a presentation from Maplewood. Um, if that's okay. Okay. Test test testing. Okay. So, um uh President Arian, uh Superintendent Ruiz, uh uh fine folks at Asbury Park hear me. Is this better? Okay. Thank you so much. Um, so my name is Mike Schllo and I uh created a company called Maplewood Shop 10 years ago to help all children develop life skills using woodworking as the medium. Better. Yeah. Oh, this way. Okay. Thank you. So, my name is Mike Schllo and I founded Maplewood Shop 10 years ago to help all children develop life skills using woodworking

039as the as the medium. And uh when I was a boy, I was that kid who could not sit still. My parents got a letter in seventh grade saying, "You should be ashamed of your son." And it wasn't that I was smart or I was dumb. I just couldn't sit still. And the school system was not set up for kids like me. today. Everyone knows a kid like that, right? And so, um, I volunteered at a maker fair and, uh, 11 years ago and and had the idea of realized working with kids that I'd found my passion, my calling. And so, I created a storefront woodworking school. And then very quickly met a teacher who said, "Boy, I wish I could do this in my classroom." And that's when I invented a portable workbench that

040you'll see and a training program for teachers. So similar to what Dr. Medina was talking about, how do we take our existing wonderful teachers and enhance them, give them more skills so they can bring back an an old way of teaching which was hands-on learning, project-based learning. the initiatives uh that were just discussed are things that we can help enable without having to reinvent the wheel as I think uh Miss Glassman said. So um what we're really trying to do and I should mention that um we're we partner with the carpenters union. While I am a union carpenter and my company is a union shop, I can't speak for the carpenters union, but I've worked with them long enough to to relay a number of points. So, the biggest thing is our goal is like

041it says, help your children get interviews when they graduate. So, that why? Because they're going to know math. They're going to know how to collaborate with other people. They're going to know how to ask for help. They're going to know how to give help. They're going to know um critical thinking, how to solve problems on the job, and the list goes on. And ultimately, again, how do we keep students in district and and the you know, how do we start early so that before our students are psyched out and thinking, "Oh, I'm bad at school." You know, help them realize they have a gift in their hands. They may not be good at sitting still, but there's a lot of jobs that require you to not sit still. And AI is probably going to replace

042a lot of the jobs where you do sit still. So ultimately, how do we help these kids take a pathway starting in middle school into high school and beyond and get the good jobs that are happening on the shore, all these developments with Netflix and and keep generational wealth here in Asbury Park. So, what we're talking about are some um pilots uh this school year in the middle school. Uh then introducing a more robust program in the fall in the middle school which can act as a feeder into the high school where there's an incredibly talented teacher uh who's already teaching engineering but help enhance what he's doing, Mr. Gould, and then other teachers so they can teach and bring woodworking in. Um, the high school program is the Carpenters Union pre-apprenticeship program and it's

043worth up to 16 college credits while they're learning these valuable skills. Our programs don't use power tools, which is interesting uh for a few reasons. One, it removes any teacher credentiing because there's no power tools. It's just viewed as project-based learning. I should mention um well, I'll mention that in a sec. Uh second, we can upskill any teacher. So we've trained probably 500 teachers around the country in the last 10 years. 10% of which had any background in woodworking. So your existing fizzed teacher, math teacher, science teacher, English teacher, as long as they're curious, a little, you know, visual spatial, they make wonderful teachers. Um then um our bigger vision is starting young you know well you know through covid and so many other reasons social media our kids haven't learned math facts we see

044reading scores are in this decline and so how do we engage kids our program is basically about starting with something that's concrete you can hold it you can feel it you understand why something math doesn't work because the parts don't fit a worksheet and and helping your your youth learn those math facts, learn those social emotional skills, learn that critical thinking early, then carry that through through middle school and high school along the way. Um, giving them uh ex exposure to real world jobs. you know, under 18 is a different story, but still you can observe and and setting up ways so that people can, you know, practice these things and get that job experience. We've seen tremendous results from the districts that we're in, uh, from attendance to behavior to interest in CTE. And

045then on the math side, it's all math, but we just don't call it that. And so the students, even they say, "Oh, I hate math, but you know, you're doing math all the time in this class." Yeah, it's different. It hits different. Uh, and then it helps with their self-image. I wish I had it the good fortune of going home and fixing bicycles and it gave me that self sense of self-worth and and the mechanical ability, but man, I wish I had that in school. So, I'm proud to say that over the last 10 years, we've launched over 250 pro around the country and uh 500 teachers and have seen tens of thousands of of youth go through our program and and it's just been it's been wonderful. Um it's really been life-changing. And people

046go on to do all sorts of things. Some become, you know, go into the trades, some become engineers, some become computer science. And one kid I talked to recently uh who who's going to go into computer science, he said, "Yeah, you know what helped was it was all the problem solving." So it's they're really transferable skills. It doesn't put you on a path. It doesn't track you. It's to say kids should have multiple options. And so we're trying to give the youth purpose and then as many pathways as possible. So um for the middle school, uh actually let me show you one quick thing. This video uh will really describe what it's like because I can sit here and talk, but let's see if we can get the sound to work, too. People in schools

047across the country, well, it's making a comeback these days. CBS 2's John Elliot took a trip to PS130 in Queens to check out the return of Wood. He talked with students and teachers, and here they are in their own words. We need as humans opportunities to work with our hands together and this engages students all students the hard to reach in ways that working on tablets or worksheets can never achieve. >> I didn't think that in sixth grade I'd be able to be working with wood like this. So having this opportunity I think is a cool. >> This is so important. It's so different from the normal schooling. The more you do it, the easier it gets. >> It's like that same goal. >> They were very tentative and nervous and personal. They're a little

048bit more outgoing. They're friendlier. They seem to want to help each other out more. >> Never give up cuz it's going to be hard. You're going to be working hard, but it's going to get easier the more you do it. >> Looks like you've really got this nailed. >> This is something that the kids need. >> Cut here, right? We can get up higher. >> It's tactile. It's engaging. like engineering, topry, mathematics, geometry. >> It's fun because we can learn without looking at textbooks and stuff. >> In math class, they're writing it all out. They're thinking about it, internalizing it. I don't hear they're um applying it. It's great. >> It also increases their executive functioning skills because now they're focusing more and they have to manage their time. >> Victoria, why is this fun?

049>> Because when you start a word, it feels so satisfying. It's nice when kids can see things happen in real life. It comes alive with them. Kids can't wait until 11th grade to learn about the benefits of career and technical education. So, we're pushed it down into sixth grade by making it safe, and easy to implement. Maple Wood Shop is an East Orange, New Jersey company. They've come up with these brilliant wood shops on wheels and they have all of the gear that the students need to construct dozens of unique projects. >> You have to come come and see it. You have to feel the excitement in the room. >> Something is fun. >> It's something that was missing in the school and now that it's here like the kids just love it. >> At

050Russell Sage Junior High School, this is John Elliot, CBS 2 News. So that's that's what it's like in a middle school. And you know in that there was the phys teacher and the math teacher and there were some kids that are in a gifted and talented program. There's some kids that are in a special education program. You can't tell the difference. So it's a great equalizer as well. Um and um then for the high school, we've taken the Carpenters Union pre-apprenticeship program which they created 20 years ago. It's incredibly well thought out. It's approved at the federal level and we've adjusted it to work again without power tools so that any teacher can teach it. And um you know around New Jersey, we have probably 60 programs around New Jersey. Um and uh >> sorry

051Mike, how many in New Jersey do you have? >> 6. Oh great. >> And about 250 around the country. Um so like in Camden uh it was the physical education teacher and then the head of the math department wanted to take over. in um Carterette it was a engineering teacher in Hillside it's a science teacher and so the list goes on of like you know who we can train but the students like even you know what the vice principal said in this from this school the Camden's Promise Charter said um you know these kids like made me lose sleep they took years off my life in middle school but now you'd never know because they're so engaged and we'd also like to help the the school district have a leg up on all the charters

052that are around here um to help keep kids in district and you know so instead of losing kids to either a charter or vocational that can offer this you know you keep six kids and it pays for itself. So um uh and then you know it's a three-year sequence where they're starting with uh you know small projects then going to larger projects. Some of the larger projects, they're not make and take, which by itself is wonderful because they're contributing to their own home. They're creating furniture and other items that, you know, their family can use. The larger projects are make and donate. So, a little free library, furniture, things to, you know, help strengthen the community. And then the third year, the capstone year, they're learning residential construction, making a dog house, but enormous dog

053house. So, learning framing, sheathing, everything. um roofing and then uh also a staircase and each year they're getting certificates of completion from the carpenters union that are accredited by Thomas at State University which Dr. Medina mentioned earlier. So everything's kind of tying together and then um the carpenters are coming in doing visits helping the high schoolers understand what life can look like afterwards where there's highpaying jobs you know worker protection health care pension um and then also coming center in Edison and seeing what uh what's ahead so helping kids understand what might be uh possible again as many pathways as possible Uh finally we can help track uh I know it's a lot of words I won't read them all but tracking the data so we can understand what's the impact whether it's math or

054behavioral or interest in future careers you know with the goal of keeping kids engaged and then helping them see a future here in Asbury Park uh and and creating generational wealth here. Um, so I think I'll stop there and happy to answer any questions. >> So Mike, I just had a quick question. I know you're not necessarily speaking on behalf of the carpenters union, but with the dual program where they could get credit and then also hours, is it a set number of hours towards their apprenticeship or is it based on how many hours they're able to actually contribute through high school? >> Oh, that's a great question. So in the high school, it's a pre-apprenticeship. And so in the pre-apprenticeship uh each level the project based learning is uh like 50 hours in year

055in the first year another 50 in the second and 100 in the third. But if it's offered the more hours given uh the more time there is for math and and and you know other uh education around it career exploration in the apprenticeship after high school. um to get into the apprenticeship. It's it's competitive. Um and so uh they have to pass a a math test, which they should be able to pass after these three years, a drug test, have a car, which is often a barrier, and and there's various groups working on these wraparound services. Um and then uh pass the interview. and the interview. It's interesting. The carpenters would rather hire a young person who doesn't have has the aptitude and the interest and the personality, someone you want to work with than

056someone who's really skilled, right? So, they don't mind that they don't know power tools yet. They're like, "We'll train them our way. We like that." But they know how to measure. They know how to collaborate. They know math. Uh, and so with the apprenticeship, I think it's um eight, is it? I forget if it's 900 hours a year. I forget the exact number. >> That's okay. Yeah, I didn't mean to put you on the per apprenticeship. And then once they become a journey person, um, you know, they can be earning uh in construction upwards of like $58 an hour plus benefits. So, it's a really incredible it's like a golden ticket. But the idea here is this gives them a leg up on getting into the apprenticeship post post postgraduation. >> Yes. Because they also

057have a relationship with the local union rep and unfortunately there was an event tonight they couldn't join but they're going to know the union rep and the union rep can vouch for them and so it's not a it's not direct entry. However, it definitely helps definitely gives a leg up. Thank you. So a as your program I is offered in in the high school 11th 12th grade, you view it as competition to a vocational carpentry program that might be that or that is offered at least in this county at the uh county vocational school. But you argue you would beat that competition through the connection with the unions that you just discussed and the college credit that's offered. Do I have that right? >> That's a good question. So there's a couple overlapping things. The

058idea is if our strategy is to keep kids in district um and not lose them to charters. So yes, all the things you mentioned about college credit, relationship with the carpenters union are true. With the vocational, I'll be transparent. I will find out what relationship uh exists already with the vocational school. For all I know, they may already have a relationship with the carpenters union and and are thus getting college credits. So it may not differentiate. However, what I think is really valuable is that right now we're asking ninth graders to choose their path. Do you want to go to a half day at the comprehensive and then a half day at vocational or with with our program it can be much more flexible where you can stay at the comprehensive and get some of

059the benefits of the vocational and it also takes away the cost of uh you know losing the money out of district plus the cost of transportation. So yeah, so some so some some some are competitive and some are might be the same. >> All right. Thank you very much. Appreciate it. >> Okay. Um Mrs. Ricks, is there anything to discuss for curriculum and instruction from the committee? Nothing to discuss from me unless Mr. Ruez would like to add something. >> Yeah, we don't have anything but one item that we wanted to vote on only because it's going to happen uh the date of the next board meeting. So, I figured today would be a good day for us to look at it and that is um for uh G Funk Entertainment uh to our interactive

060event to serve families. Um um I think this is part of the our preschool program. Um and it's just an event that's coming up. It's going to happen on May 27th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Bradley Elementary School. So I just wanted to put that on the agenda. Thank you. Any questions for Mr. on that? All right. Um, should we move on to athletics? Mrs. Rex, good evening. Um, for spring sports, the US the high school track and volleyball as well as the middle school athletic programs are doing very well. Their participation numbers are high and it makes competitive um competitive in most matches or games. and also the short conference meeting scheduled all of next year's winter sports and were honored with plaques and division championships in boys soccer and wrestling. And that's

061the report. All right. Thank you. Next is communications, Miss Ramos. So, um we had um you and I and Nen had a um conversation and I sent an email for a parent engagement event which we're going to connect with um Miss Morris, Miss Ricks, you and I to hopefully um go out into the community and meet our parents out to hear what they're looking for and improvement in our school, how we can help them, as well um as pick up with um our community advisory group and continue exploring that. Um, as well as um just adding in anything else that you may want to add in. I I was out the last meeting, so I'm just catching up at this point. >> That's fine. I think the next step really should be that we we

062start to get some locations and dates together to propose to the committee. >> So, I sent out that email. Um, just waiting for some responses and then I'll follow up with you guys. I'm also going to add in Miss uh Mgood so cuz she's a parent. see what we can um figure out and get those locations um set up. Okay. >> I just have a question. Uh did we do two readings on the uh addition to the um uh bylaws uh public meetings with uh cell phones? So do we two readings or just the one? Remember about the use of cell phones at the DS during uh public board meetings. We had two, right? Or one. So we have to add one add this to the agenda. That's the only update I have. Okay. buildings

063and grounds. >> Um, okay. For the uh the sale of the maintenance building, um, I sent out a uh the proposal uh from our contracted uh realtor on Tuesday at 153, something like that, 2 o'clock. uh Ivy uh distributed. I was just wondering if anybody had any questions >> person I I am also reviewing that as well. I may have some comments later later on. >> Yeah. And then we forward you I was going to say in step two was we sent you the purchase sale agreement that would kind of as a preview not the exact purchase and sale agreement but >> yeah my recollection and I'll have to double check but my recollection is that there was a purchase and sale agreement uh within the bid specs. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> And I

064think the only other thing is for council to review the broker agreements. Right. >> Yep. Um so we're there. Uh the proposed uh auction date is uh July, middle of July. Uh the majority of that is just so that we could get the building empty. Um there is some concern about the cost of emptying the building, which I talked to legal counsel today about how we could go about and maybe mitigate some of that uh cost. And so uh you know, we'll kind of brainstorm on that. And if anybody has any ideas on how to do it, I'd be more than happy to hear. >> Are there any are there any restrictions on us disposing of or selling materials or properties that were purchased with district funds? >> Uh yes, there is. Um depending on

065the value of the item, uh there is a process by which the board would have to authorize the disposal of certain um equipment and and property. >> And is it the $2,000 limit as well or >> I think it might be 500 um but I'm not certain. >> No, that's okay. I won't hold it hold you to it. I was just curious if it aligned with the >> if we could get that amount as we're getting organized that would be great. >> Yeah, there's there there is some thresholds where you could throw it out. You could donate it to another district or pro or nonprofits. There's some opportunities there. And then beyond that, there's auction options. So you could do it by pallet, you know, and just get rid of chunks of things that way,

066too. >> That's great. Thank you. >> I have a a question uh regarding the Magnish Center. I know the Magnes family is interested in the plaques and anything uh that would lift their mom up. So, what procedure would they have to go through to to get those items? >> Can I Gman has because they came a couple meetings ago. M Miss Mcnish's daughter, Jesse. She She That's That's okay. No, so she Gan drafted a letter that we'll send to Miss Mcnish. And the idea was that we will if they want to take them, obviously I I think we would probably have to just vote. That's fine. But we also would offer to keep them in the building in one of the buildings as sort of a a a thank you with the plaque in the

067building and >> anything whichever they would like. So I I think Jean maybe if you want to update your letter to reflect that we'd be willing to set it up here in one of the district buildings or return it to them. >> Okay. So we are in touch with the family. We'll stay in touch with the family. >> I I'm going to distribute the letter >> tomorrow. So that yeah the letters hasn't been reviewed by anyone. Gan drafted it. So, it's just we're going to we're moving it through the process, but that it's on on the list >> on on the I'll move off the uh maintenance building to the Dorothy Mcnish building the sale. Uh so, uh we really have to think about our options to maximize income on the Dorothy Mcnes. It's uh

068zoned R1, which is uh residential single family. There's no parking um at all on the corner. So, I believe uh that it was budgeted to sell at 650,000. I think we just have to confirm like officially what the zoning is. And so, I think we can ask what is that the zoning map of Asbury Parkin? So, I guess the question is is if it's zoned as a residential single family, how are we not using it as a residential single family, right? I think that's the next step is to check and see if there's a variance. >> Well, and then can we pass the variant? And you know, I'm just trying to figure out if we could sell it for the amount we needed to. Yeah. No, I think we just need Adam to take a

069look. Mr. Weiss, if you take confirm whether or not we have a variance >> and then maybe we can look at next steps and maybe it's something where we can reach out >> to city council so that we can do something good. are the next steps and then the evaluation of um as we get the evaluations done with all the buildings, we'll make a decision on on >> and that's the facility assessment, right? So that that's what you mean there. facility assessments scheduled. Um, and we'll get a list of all the facilities, the state that they're in, the amount of money it'll cost to uh get them up to uh standard and then uh we'll move on from there. And that's being done by just in case people didn't know, it's that's being done by

070a third party that we've contracted with. That vote was taken a while ago. And so that's going to get started the end of the school year. That's correct. Yes, they're going to start with Barack Obama first and they're going to start before school ends. Um because that school has no air conditioning. So before it gets super hot, they're going to start there. Um when I met about the high school auditorium, we discussed that as well. >> Yeah, it's our architect and engineer of record. So >> thank you. Um did you want to give an update on the mini pitch or Yeah, you can go ahead. You want me to do it? You want to do it? Okay. Um, so the board was approached by I think everyone recalls the the US Soccer Foundation. I always

071say federation. That's supposed to be the foundation. Um, we as a committee have had the athletics committee and buildings and grounds have had conversations with um council there. Our council has reviewed the contract, sent back comments um and we're in agreement on the contract at this point. the federation um we made it very clear from the beginning that to the foundation that we didn't have any funding to contribute to this um they've agreed to cover the costs for the underground lighting which is the only thing that would really cost the district money um so where we are now is we have two open items and I think most of them fall to you Mrs. Brown and Mr. Goldfarb. Um the first is to find out what we need how what it's going to cost to

072take down the basketball courts. Um if you have an update I don't have a cost yet. Um Mr. Goldarb is working on that and our electrician can do the lighting. He was going to go further. I'm like no no no. If anything's going to cost us more we're we're going to tell them no. But he was already moving forward. I'm like nope. Pump your brakes a little bit. You know but I'll follow up with Mr. golf about knocking the the basketball. >> Yeah, the pole. Just the the the baskets down. The poles. Yeah. >> And they can move the bleachers and put them back. He said, >> "Yeah, the bleachers we we'll we'll put on the other basketball court." Yep. >> And then the on the electrical though, what you were saying, he was ready

073to start trenching it. >> So, does that mean that do we have any light? So, do we have any lighting on the stadium side that could negate the need for any of the electrical? Because the way they explained it, they could bring in the pitch, put it in with or without the light pole. So, I guess that was the only other open question, but um we can, you know, depending on what that is. So, he said we can install lights to the existing wood poles that are in place. Yep. I think we wouldn't need to do that. We would just put the electrical in the pole that already comes with the pitch from the foundation. So, um, so it sounds like we don't have existing lighting. So, we're going to have to do something. So,

074they'll cover that cost. So, we can get back to them, I think, on that. And then I'm sorry I have to ask a question because this is what this board voted on last month with objections was simply >> that's totally different Wendy that's it's a totally different thing >> that the board discussed and and this board discussed this contract, this proposal from the US Soccer Foundation several months ago. There were several people who came in from the community and talked to us about it and we engaged in >> Kevin Strickland. The mini pitch. It'll be a mini pitch. Do you know where the two basketball courts are at the high school? >> So, you're talking about the the That's what I'm asking. This is about the middle school area. The pitch there, not the high

075school. >> No. So, we're talking about the mini pitch that would replace one of the basketball courts at the high school at no cost to the district by the United States soccer Foundation. So, we have been going through the contract with them with council and their council to get the contract to a place that was in align with our policies, procedures, and resolving the cost for the electrical. So, this is totally different than the friendly soccer match from last month, last meeting. >> That's what I want to know. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. So, I think the next step then is for us to get back to the to the to council. We'll let Hope know that um we've resolved the two open issues and then I think we can move forward with presenting

076the contract to the board for a final vote. Correct. >> Yeah. and the foundation agreed to all our terms that we put forth the last the uh foundation agreed to all the terms that we put forth for them last meeting. Right. Thank you. So I think we're in a good place so we can get that going and construction will start this summer. Anything else for buildings and grounds, finance, uh moving ahead with finance, uh one thing based on some uh board member feedback, starting in uh July, I'd like to begin to put together in light of what uh the balance budget is for 2627 begin to report on the projected deficit for 2728. As uh some of you might know, anytime a oneshot contribution of of revenue has been made, there's been some structural changes,

077but there's also been some oneshot uh revenue added in order to balance the budget for the year we're going in. That means immediately as of July 1, we're in something of a deficit for the next year. And it sounds like the um there's there's interest in the finance committee beginning to report that as we move on. And then uh everything from October census date and we see what enrollments are at the charter schools compared to what the budget is. are we up? Are we down? That those estimates continue to be reported on a regular basis and we know uh where we are on the proactive side. We'll just be working with buildings and grounds as we look at uh facility costs and usage and that sort of thing. also like to uh look at uh

078the funding outside of the operational budget and have a more comprehensive report as we go into the year as to what those the amount of those funds and where they are planned on being spent throughout the year. As you notice this past year, many times an issue will show up on our agenda and it'll be the these are funds that are outside of operating, but in the context of what overall plan were those uh funds committed? Uh on a more minor point, uh bills and claims. Are are you okay? Uh Ivy, if I just put together some or uh Gan and I might put together just a list of questions from the last uh it's really going to be two or three presentations of bills and claims where we might not know what a a

079particular vendor name uh consists of. Uh, and then finally, I just went back to uh some state information way back when they first sent out the the state budget. state review referred to their budget for K through 12 education as including investment in evidence-based literary literacy tools and high impact tutoring programs that would be available for the districts. Have any of us seen those kinds of things that we can uh employ going into next year? I think we just got that grant. I just got the email today. >> You just got it today? Yeah, we just got it today. >> Thank you. All right. >> And that's it. >> Okay, great. >> Um, personnel, Miss Max, do you have anything from the committee? Sorry, I can't hear you. Miss Jackson Buyers, is there anything that

080you needed to raise? >> No, ma'am. >> Okay, thank you. Uh, legal will be discussed in executive session. Um, next up is this the superintendent's recommendations and business agenda items. Mr. Ruiz, is there anything you'd like to talk about? >> No, not at this time. Eat like Go. All right, we're actually going to switch the agenda item and move into public participation before we vote. In accordance with board policy 0167, the Asbury Park Board of Education recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and other matters of importance and provides members of the public with the opportunity to express themselves on school members of community school matters of community interest. The public comment portion of the meeting is not a question and answer session and public comments shall be directed to the board president

081of the board president. Members of the public who wish to make public comments must be recognized by the the board president and provide his or her name, municipality of residence, and group affiliation if applicable. All public comments shall be directed to the presiding officer and are limited to 3 minutes in duration. Members of the public who do not follow the foregoing rules and/or interfere with the orderly operation of the board meeting may be removed from the meeting. Good evening. My name is uh Michael Zjac. I reside at 3 Brookside Street, Farmingdale, New Jersey. I'm also the uh vice president of the Asbury Park Education Association. I'm here this evening to talk about the realities of the reduction in force, also known as the RIFFs. While most people on this board show up to a meeting

082a handful of times a month, the teachers, secretaries, paraprofessionals, custodians, security, and other staff members show up each day to serve the children of Asbury Park. I see firsthand the impact each individual has on the students. When you hear it takes a village to raise to raise a child, no truer words have been spoken, especially when it comes to education. When the village gets decimated, the effects are felt throughout the community. Asbury Park is about to feel these effects. While I'm a realist and I understand the burden of higher taxes, I don't think you can truly understand the impact of these cuts. But here we are. The schools the schools will become less safe with fewer security personnel. The children will suffer insurmountably with less adults who have built positive relationships with the students and

083parents of this community. And a year from now, the district will be asked to show me measurable growth in our students. While everyone understands finan understands financial constraints, I don't think you truly can comprehend the detrimental impact these cuts are going to have on our district. I've been a part of the Asbury Park School District for over 25 years and I can honestly tell you these cuts are going to set our district back instead of moving it forward. The district has already had a difficult time filling positions as you can see with the vacancies that have been cut. Do you think potential educators will be eagerly applying for a job when their future isn't guaranteed? As one of the leaders of the union, I fielded numerous calls from staff members who I have built built

084relationships with, and it breaks my heart to tell them they will be without a job. To explain the feeling of telling a staff member there is no viable solution to their loss of employment is indescribable. For that, I want to express my sincerest apologies. So I urge the superintendent, state monitor, and the board to please do everything in your power to make these teachers, staff members, colleagues, parents, and most importantly the students. Please make them whole so we can provide them with an the opportunity to provide a thorough and efficient education. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Victory Duran. I reside at 1752 Raleigh Court East. Oh, can you hear me now? Okay. My name is Victory Duran and I reside at 1750 Court 1752 Raleigh Court East in Ocean Township. Um, I'm here

085to speak on behalf of myself. Uh just a little background because most of you don't know me. In 1995, social services had a program called REACH. And this program offered me a position um as a prodition at the early childhood center in Asbury Park, which was the building across the street from the middle school, the church. That ended in June of 95. During the summer, I walked through the then Bings Avenue School and was informed that they had been looking for a secretary. I applied and was hired and that began in September of 1995. During the blizzard of 96, I had a daughter. She is now 30 years old. I have been employed by the district for over 30 years. I am a valued tenure employee who is versatile who loves this place who grew

086up here and have worked in different capac capacities and buildings throughout the district. I love Asbury Park. As I said, I grew up here. I attended the schools. Not only did I attend, my mom, my my friends, my kids, my grandkids go here now. They attend the schools. And it's it's just a tradition for us to go to this district. I've been happy to have the opportunity to give back to the community. I have seen students grow before my eyes, and even now, I can't can't believe that they are grown-ups now, most of them. and I've always been one who has done my job to the best of my ability. This is what I'm known for throughout this district. Not only from the staff, but also the students know that I'm going to do it

087by the book from being a welfare on welfare and obtaining a position with a pension and holding it for so long. In my opinion, that's a success story. Please reconsider to consider your intent regarding my case. With my versatile, adaptable nature, a move throughout the district and not a layoff will surely benefit all stakeholders. I say all of this because I have been just a few years just I'm touching retirement again and I have been here for 30 years. I'm sorry. I'm nervous. I'm truly dedicated and I'm a dedicated employee. You can ask anybody. Please allow me just a few um more years so that I may have time to plan an appropriate exit. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Saraphina Mugavo. I've been a homeowner in Asbury Park for 11 years and I'm

088a teacher at Redbank Regional High School. I'm here tonight as a parent of three children, all taught by Miss Shannon Celinger. Miss Shannon, two of them are here with me tonight, Rosie and Sammy. Over six years, she shaped each one of them in her preschool classes. When your child runs full speed into their teacher's arms every single morning, you know they're in the right place. That's the kind of teacher Miss Shannon is. She has given 23 years of her life to this profession. 22 of them at Alphabet's Preschool and one here. She's not new to the district. She balances literacy and numeracy foundations in one hand and a child's emotional world in the other. She makes space for dramatic play, for big feelings for the whole child. No matter what's happening in her life or

089in one of her students lives, she walks through the door with a smile and creates a safe place for every child in her care. Miss Shannon didn't only teach my children, she loves them. She still shows up to their soccer games. We still send her first day of school pictures and milestone moments. That doesn't end when the school year does because for her it was never just a school year. Every child who leaves her classroom leaves more confident, more curious, and more ready for the world. As an educator, I urge you to prioritize retaining quality teachers and not increase class sizes. It will be the kids who suffer the most. Teachers and teachers aids are the beating heart of your schools. How many administrators who earn six-f figureure salaries does each school truly need? Pay

090your teachers what they deserve and grant them more autonomy. It's the only way you will see the quantifiable growth that you hope for and access to the diverse pathways that you discussed tonight. Accessing 20 teachers, seven aids, and others will gravely impact the future of this district. Thank you. here. Do you understand me? My name is Samario. I'm the French teacher, but you guys are my name is um Samarus. I'm the French teacher whose her name is in the list today. And um I'm also the translator for the Arabic uh students. I was actually out of my classroom for 3 days translating for students for their testing. The last week I I was in third Marshall translating for other students also um for testing and also I teach for dream academy uh for two years

091now. They started French one this year. Last year they also got French 2 and French one and next year I don't know where are they going to be if they already started French one and this is uh for gym academy although I been in the school for almost 19 years I don't want to be emotional because um I have my daughter here Gabriella she's going to talk in my behalf Good evening, Madame President President Aerman to the members of the board to the audience. My name is Gabriella Armanos. I'm a third-year law student and I am here on behalf of my mother, Madame Summer Armanos. And because ever after everything I've watched her do give this district, standing up here is the least can do. My mother has been teaching as a French teacher in

092Asbury Park since I was a toddler. I'm 23 years old. That means that for as long as I have hadies, this district has been a part of my lifeactly and not concretely at the dinner table on weekends in the phone calls she takes from students who need her outside of school hours. I've watched her build something real here quietly without fanfare year after year. She is triilingual and fluent in Arabic, English, and French. This is not incidental to her value here. That is central to it. And I don't know anyone who can make it look so easy either. She's also the director, the only director of the SAT and ACT administration in this town for many years on end. She's helped the dream academy and has pushed her students to better themselves for a life

093beyond high school the same way she has done with my sisters whom one of being an oral surgeon in residency and a resident in ED in the ED currently a medical resident. She has sat with students for hours on end during exams who couldn't speak an ounce of English translating every word so those students could have a better opportunity at success. She has been a bridge between this school and parents who would otherwise have no voice with their own children's educations, whether that's Arabic or French speakers. That work doesn't show up neatly in a budget line. But I promise you, it shows up in these famil family's lives. The students she taught didn't just pass a language class. A lot of them got an adult who treated them like they mattered. I know this firsthand

094because some of these students are still in our lives today. That's who my mother is. She is also, and I want the board to sit with this, the only French teacher in this district, the only one. My mother would go from one school to another in the same day with little time in between and was joyful doing it. What you are weighing tonight is not a restructuring. It is the complete elimination of French language education in Asbury Park and the removal of the only consistent Arabic and French language, French translator these families have have add have had access to for the past 20 years. For a district that serves such a diverse body of students, that serves non-English-speaking families, and that asks itself how it can better support every child that comes through its doors,

095this is a significant loss to put a number on. Thank you. >> Thank you. Good evening. My name is Allison Wright. I'm a preschool teacher at Bradley Elementary School. Tonight I want to speak about something difficult, personal, and unfortunately very common in education today. Being laid off as a teacher. When people think about teachers, they often think about lesson plans, classrooms, homework, and report cards. But teaching is much more than a job. It is arriving early and staying late to prepare meaningful lessons for students, especially those who may be struggling. It is celebrating victories that no one else sees. A shy student who participates for the first time, a child gaining confidence, or a student finally believing in themselves. What makes teaching truly meaningful though is the relationships we build. Over the years, I have

096worked hard to create strong connections with my students and their families. I have listened to parents during difficult times, celebrated milestones with families, and supported children not only academically but emotionally and personally as well. Trust is built day by day through conversations, encouragement, patience, and showing students that they are valued and capable. Those relationships do not end when the school day ends. They become part of who we are as educators. So when I was informed that my services were no longer needed by the school district that I have called home for the last three years, I was devastated. It is not simply the loss of employment. It feels like the loss of purpose, routine, relationships, and identity. I have been an educator for 20 years and I have proudly served this wonderful community since 2023.

097Throughout my career, I have consistently gone above and beyond for my students because I genuinely care about their success and well-being. Many times, I have personally purchased classroom materials, snacks, books, hygiene items, and learning resources so students would have the tools they need to feel supported, included, and ready to learn. Like so many teachers, I never hesitated to give from my own resources when it meant helping a child succeed or making the classroom a more welcoming environment. I carry the emotional weight of this profession home with me every day because teaching is deeply personal. Yet, despite this dedication, budget cuts, policy changes, or financial decisions have suddenly placed passionate educators like me in uncertain situations. Initially, when I received the news, many questions began to surface. What could I have done differently? Was I good

098enough? What would happen next? and might being penalized for taking a maternity leave. But the truth is, I have not changed the way that I serve my students and the community. Each day I arrive eager to work with kindness, positivity, and compassion. I look forward to the relationships that I have developed with the children, families, colleagues, and supervisors. I consistently met and exceeded district standards during observation periods while creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing nurturing learning environment for students. I am more than a teacher. I am a mentor, a role model, a counselor, motivator, and often the first person to believe in a child's potential. So today, I encourage you to reconsider these reductions in force and continue supporting educators, not only when they are standing in front of a classroom, but also when they

099are facing challenges beyond their control. Behind every teacher is a person who has dedicated their heart. >> I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. It your time is up. There's so many people. I just want to make sure everyone has time. >> Okay. >> Thank you so much for your comfort. >> Hi, good evening. My name is Ivan Sinea. I'm a par professional and I work with Miss Allison Wright. I would like to say some words regarding the addition regarding the decision for our incredible preschool teacher, Miss Allison Wright. I respectfully ask the board to reconsider this decision because losing her will be truly be a loss for our students, families, and school community. Miss Allison is the kind of educator every parent hopes her child will have and every classroom hopes to keep. She's kind,

100loving, patient, and deeply caring toward every child she works with. Preschool is often a child's very school uh first school experience and she has a special ability to make every student feel safe, value, and excited to learn. At times, some children cry or drop off, but after a few minutes with her, they're smiling, laughing, and ready for the day. Beyond her warm personality, she's knowledgeable, hardworking, and consistently goes above and beyond our students. Whether it's staying late to prepare engaging activities, helping struggling students feel more confident, or supporting classroom meets without hesitation, she gives 110% every single day. She does not simply do her job. She pours her heart into it. What really makes her stand out is the meaningful connections, as you can see, she has built not only with the students, but with

101our families as well. Parents trust her, students adore her, and colleagues appreciate her dedication and positive spirit. She creates a sense of community both inside and outside the classroom that cannot be easily uh be replaced. And as any teacher knows, finding the right co-teer match is not always easy. It's like a little bit like online dating. Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you wonder if you should just work alone forever. But in my case, I truly hit the the lottery with Miss Allison. We work simil together, support each other through every challenge, and create the the best possible environment for us preschool students. That kind of partnership is rare and it's very valuable to me. Great teachers are hard to find and preschool teachers with compassion, dedication, patience, and genuine love for the children are

102very rare. Decisions like this impact our children's and families who have been benefiting from her care and commitment. I respectfully ask you to reconsider this decision and recognize the tremendous value Miss Allison brings to our school community. Keeping passionate educators like her is an investment in our children's future. And let's be honest, preschools preschoolers already run the classroom enough as it is. So we need teachers like her to keep excitement and learning going in our classrooms. Thank you. Um, I'll be also translating for our families. They have some some words to say. She thinks um preschoolers um especially when they first come to school, they need love, caring, and she and she feels that that's what they need for their first um school experience. And they get it from our teachers in preschool. And Miss

103Allison has been one of those teachers that has um made an impact in her daughter's life. U Miss Miss Alice um her daughter Hima, she comes every day happily to school and she looks forward to seeing um Miss Allison even though she had her a teacher um last year, not this year, but she comes comes to school every day happy to see her. She's so happy that she even wants to come to school on weekends to see the teachers. She um she's saying that um her older daughter been with Miss Allison, now her youngest is with Miss Allison and she will really appreciate if you consider the decision and keep her for next year and for years after. and she would like you to reconsider the decision uh because she's been an excellent teacher for

104Ader and um >> and she's a great teacher and she's very loving to Ader. Yeah, you Um she says she brings a message here which she says teaching is an act of love and that's what Miss Allison has done with her son and what she has done with all this um ch children that they come here and learn every day. She is please um asking you to please um read this message even though it's in Spanish. She wants you to really think about your decision and take this in account to touch your hearts and your minds to make the best decision. And please um keep Miss Allison being a teacher in the district. >> Could you translate the sign for us? Sorry. Could you translate? What does the sign say? Could you tell us? >>

105Yes. Teaching is an act of love. >> And then it says my >> Thank you so much. I don't think everyone heard it. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Welcome. Hi, my name is Shannon Celinger and I'm a preschool teacher here at Bradley Elementary School. Um, over the past 23 years, I have dedicated myself to early childhood education through the Asbury Park preschool program. Um, since 2003 I started. I've proudly served the children and families connected to the Asbury Park School District as part of the preschool consortium. Throughout those years, I've built my career, my experience, and my professional growth within this district. Uh, Aspbury Park has invested in me as an educator. My professional development has largely been provided through the district, helping me grow into the teacher I am today. Former Asbury Park

106School District early childhood supervisor Kelly Hart personally evaluated my work and recommended me for my P3 standard teaching certification. Throughout my time in the district, I've been assessed by district staff using eers and teapot evaluations and have consistently received strong scores. These assessments reflect the quality of my classroom environment, my teaching practices, and the relationships I build with my students. I've always worked hard to maintain high standards and provide a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for every child in my classroom. I have always considered myself part of the Asbury Park School District community. I have shown up consistently for students, families, and colleagues. Given my heart to preschool education because I truly believe the early years matter the most. As preschool teachers, they are often the very first school experience a child has.

107We teach children how to communicate, solve problems, build relationships, regulate emotions, and develop a love for learning. The impact we make reaches far beyond beyond the preschool classroom. I respectfully ask the district to consider my years of service, my dedication, my experience, and the investment that has already been made in my in me as an educator by Asbury Park School District. I'm just not I'm not just asking to keep a position. I am asking to continue serving the children and families I've devoted over two decades of my life to supporting. I care deeply about this work, this district, and this community. I hope to continue being a part of it for many years to come. Good evening, board members of the board. My name is Lisa Holloway. I am a parent of a 5-year-old child

108in the preschool program here in our district. I am here tonight to speak about Miss Eevee. My son My son began in this program on his third birthday with an IEP. For the past two years, I have requested her as his teacher because I believe her consistency has changed his life. As a parent of a child with special needs, progress is not just measured academically. It's measured in trust, emotional safety, communication, confidence, and connection. Children like my son often struggle deeply with transitions and change. Having a teacher like her who truly understands him, his strengths, his challenges, his behaviors, and his potential has been the most invaluable. Miss Eevee is not just experienced. She's compassionate, patient, intelligent, and genuinely devoted to her students. She has spent so many years serving this district, and it shows

109in everything she does. She creates an environment where children feel safe, understood, and capable. She treats every child with dignity and care. My child is not the same kid he was when he entered this classroom at 3 years old. He has grown emotionally, socially, and academically because of the support and stability that she provided him. Families remember teachers like this forever because they become part of our children's foundation. When educators like Miss Eevee are cut, you are not just removing a position on paper. You're removing years of experience, relationships with vulnerable students, and the kind of teacher every parent hopes their child gets at least once during their education. I was lucky to have her as my child's first example of how much a teacher can impact a child's entire educational experience. Replacing someone with

110her experience and knowledge is not only going to be impossible, but the impact on the students and families are very real. I stand here before you and beg you to reconsider this decision and do everything possible to retain Miss Eevee in this district. Thank you for your time. I'm missing My name is Miss Eevee Josiano. I have proudly work in Aspbury Park School District for over a decade. First as a par professional and now as a preschool teacher. Tonight I stand before you heartbroken. A few days ago, I was informed that I will not be hired for next year. And honestly, it has been very difficult for me to process. Teaching has never been a paycheck or a position for me. Over the years, these children and families became part of my life and part

111of my heart. Every morning I walk into my classroom knowing that some of my students are carrying much more than backpacks. Some are learning English for the very first time. Some have IEPs and need extra academic and emotional support. Some simply need a safe space where they feel seen, understood, and loved. And no matter what challenges they walk in with, I do everything I can to make sure they feel safe, supported, excited to learn. As a bilingual educator in a school where many of our families are Spanish speaking, I understand how important trust and communication are. Over the years, I have supported families not only inside the classroom, but also helping parents feel heard, understood, and comfortable navigating the school system. More than anything, I have always tried to be someone families could trust and

112turn to. Throughout my years here, I have been trusted to take on additional responsibilities as an educator. I was selected to pilot a Rucker's new bilingual program, and this year, I was chosen to pilot a Kickstart preschool literacy program. These opportunities were given to me because of the work, dedication, and consistency I have brought into my classroom. My observation scores reflect my commitment to my students, and my attendance reflects how seriously I take my job. I consistently go above and beyond for my students and families, helping parents whenever needed, translating for families, making sure every child feels welcomed. Not once have I stepped away from a difficult situation or challenging students. I have always leaned in with patience, compassion, and professionalism because that is what these children deserve. After reflecting on everything I have given

113over the years, the relationships I have built, the students I have loved and supported, and the trust that was placed in me to take the leadership ro opportunities. Receiving this letter was something that not only shocked me, but also many people who know me have worked with me and have seen the kind of educator I have always been. It hurts to know that after pouring so much of myself into this work, I now have to stand here and fight to continue doing something that I truly love. Tonight, I'm not just a name on a list or a start date in a file. I am a person who has poured her heart into this work every single day. Someone who truly loves these children and love what she does. I respectfully ask that my work, my

114dedication and impact have made have made a truly have made truly a impact in your final decision. Gracias. >> Good evening. My name is Shelley Sanders. I reside at 12 Chat World Court in Neptune, New Jersey. I have been in Asbury Park since 1979 as a kindergarten student at Baines Avenue School. I am deeply deeply dedicated to Asbury Park. When you when I say I bleed blue, I bleed blue. I am up here because I want to advocate for one of our math teachers at the middle school. We are currently losing a exceptional math teacher, low on the totem pole, first year not making much. When I look at what he have done for Asbury in the short one year, it has been amazing. Currently, he is also the wrestling um coach and have brought

115us to a numerous championships. If you look at the numbers at the middle school, we'll be short one math teacher next year. We will not have enough math teachers. So, I know you probably looked at the numbers, but please, I'm begging you, look at them one more time because he has currently three offers on the table already since he got his letter. So, we're losing a phenomenal teacher. So, not that I understand we have to cut. I do understand that. I understand you're in a tough situation, but I just don't want to lose somebody and then we want to call them back later and they're not available. So, if you can, please take another look at the math department at the Az Park Middle School and see that we do need him before it's too

116late. Thank you. Good evening members of the board. My name is Chiron Whitaker and I stand before you today not just as a grandparent to Jamaa but as someone who has personally witnessed the impact of one teacher can have on a child's life. My granddaughter attended three different preschools before we found the right fit at Bradley Elementary School with Miss Eevee. And when I say the right fit, when I say the right fit, I mean the place where she was finally seen, understood, nurtured, and encouraged to thrive. Teaching is so much more than academics. Teaching is relationship building. It is patience. It is guidance. It is helping shape confident, compassionate, curious little human beings. And that exactly what Miss Eevee does. My granddaughter has always been bright, eager to learn, and full of energy. One

117of those busy body toddlers who wants to explore everything around her. Not a problem child at all, just a child who needed the right environment and the right teacher to channel that energy into growth. Miss Eevee did that naturally and beautifully. Since being in her classroom, I have watched my granddaughter flourish emotionally, socially, and academically. She comes home excited about learning. She feels safe. She feels valued. She feels connected. Those things matter just as much as test scores and lesson plans. There are some teachers who simply do a job. And then there are teachers who teach from the heart. Miss Eevee teaches from the heart. In today's world, finding educators who genuinely pour love, patient, and purpose into children is not something we should take lightly. These early years are foundational. They help shape our

118children. They sh they help shape how our children view school learning and even themselves. I understand that difficult decisions have to be made, especially regarding budgets and staffing. But I ask you cons to consider the human impact behind those decisions. Teachers like Miss Eevee are not easily replaced. The consistency, the care and trust she has built with these children and families cannot simply be transferred onto paper or reassigned overnight. Sometimes the greatest value in education cannot be measured in numbers. Sometimes it is measured in the smile of a child who finally feels confident in the place in the peace of a parent or grandparent who knows their child is in good hands. in the relationships that help children become good people, not just good students. I respectfully ask that you reconsider this decision and fight

119to keep Miss Eevee where she belongs, in the classroom, continuing to make a difference in the lives of children like my granddaughter. Thank you for your time. Good evening. My name is Danielle Petruchi. I'm a resident of Middletown and a proud educator here at Asbury Park School District. I've had the honor and privilege of working with every single staff member who's listed on that list on the agenda today and it breaks my heart. I want to acknowledge the weight of the decisions that were made. I understand the budget constraints create circumstances that no district wants to face and I recognize that the administr administration and this board were faced to make painful choices. This week, we were alerted of the fact that 44 and a half staff members were eliminated. There are teachers and teachers

120aids who support our classrooms every day. Their security guards who keep our children safe. They are the bilingual office translators and secretary who bridge the gap between school and home and families who rely on communication in their native language. They are the custodians who maintain clean, healthy learning spaces. They are the maintenance professionals who ensure that our buildings are functional, safe, and dignified places for students to learn. We serve families from many backgrounds, as you know, many of whom speak languages other than English at home. Our bilingual staff are not an option in Asbury Park. They are essential. They are often the direct connection between families and school and children. When these translators are gone and these teachers, secretaries, security, staff, custodians are all gone, our district suffers. Communication suffers. Parents will miss out on

121critical information. Families will feel disconnected. Trust breaks down. I want you to imagine the mother bringing her child to school for the very first time and there is no one there to greet her at the door. She doesn't feel safe leaving her child and there is no one there to speak to her in her native language and calm her nerves. When teachers are lost, class size increases, intervention shrinks and the individualized supports disappears. Our students deserve more than this. When the adults who can no longer provide remediation, consistency, encouragement are gone. Where will we be left? When security staff are reduced, safety concerns increase. In today's school, every family deserves to know their child enters a secure environment. Fewer staff means fewer eyes, fewer supports, and a greater strain on those of us who remain.

122This is not just about losing employees. It's about weakening the foundation of a district in a city that's now known around the world. I ask you, please continue looking for solutions. Explore every possible avenue for support. Advocate for more state assistance. Partner with our community. not divide us. Revisit allocations. Fight for grants. Seek emergency relief. To the board and administration, I thank you for your service. You don't have to be there. You're facing this difficult reality with us. But we need to work together. Our children cannot afford to lose the adults who help them learn, feel safe, and stay connected in school. Please do not let this be the final answer because in Asbury Park, our children need every one of us. Good evening. My name is Christina Rubiano Cleniac, 610 SUL Avenue, and I

123am a preschool inclusion teacher here in Asbury Park and have worked in districts since 2012. I'm here tonight to use my voice as a tenure teacher and as a member of this community and as a voice for my colleagues and especially as a voice for our students and our families. Tonight, I'm here to express my support for my colleagues who received a reduction in force letter stating that their positions will be eliminated. My former co-teers, Jessica Donor, who came into district in 2023 and has since looped with her students to kindergarten and first grades. Allison Wright, a 20-year veteran teacher who has worked in district since 2023. Elie Justiniano, a bilingual teacher hired as a parro professional in 2014 and has since worked her way up to becoming a teacher. and Shannon Celinger, a new

124hireer who previously worked in alphabets here in Asbury Park since 2003. These teachers are beyond instrumental to our preschool and early childhood program here at Bradley Elementary, and it's obvious before you even walk into their classrooms. I've seen firsthand their dedication to teaching, the way they foster a loving, positive learning environment for their students, the way they engage their students inside and outside of the classroom, and the way they build relationships with their students, families, and colleagues. In addition, I'm also here in support of Gina Rodriguez as other as well as other bilingual office aids. In a district where as of last year, 56% of the district was Spanish speaking, losing our bilingual aid will have a huge impact. Gina has been instrumental in assisting our Bradley families and IEP meetings, parent teacher conferences, assisting

125the child study team, therapists, guidance counselors, and teachers. Making drastic cuts when it comes to teachers, pars, bilingual aids, security, custodial and maintenance staff cannot be taken lightly. By making these cuts, it does nothing but cause harm to the community we are here to represent and serve. Class sizes will grow and without Paris, teachers will have to divide their time and attention even more than they do now, causing students to learn out on precious learning time. The number one reason why we are all here are for the kids of Asbury Park. All of them, not just some of them. These kids are our future, and they're counting on all of us in this room to make sure that they receive the education that they rightfully deserve. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Gina Rodriguez

126and I am here not just as a bilingual aid at Bradley Elementary, but as someone who has been a voice and support a support system for our Spanish-sp speakaking students and families every single day. My job is far more than translating phone calls. I I assist the child study team, therapists, teachers, guidance counselor, IP meetings, and families who often feel overwhelmed and unheard because of language barriers. I advocate for children whose parents simply want to understand and support their education. After receiving a rift letter, my heart breaks not only for myself but for the families and students who will now sorry have even less support in the district with a large Hispanic community and a growing need for bilingual staff year round. We say year round. We say no child left behind. Yet decisions like

127these leave many children and families behind. Bigger class sizes, fewer supports, and the loss of dedicated educators will impact this community deeply. It is painful to see money prioritized elsewhere while the people directly serving children are being cut. Our students deserve better. Our families deserve better. in this community deserve deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported. Thank you. Hello, my name is Natalie Syracuse. Uh, I'm a science teacher at the middle school and I live at 307 Dwit F. Um, I received a riff letter, everyone else, and I want to continue teaching at the middle school. After almost two years at the middle school, I've learned a lot about what our students need and how they learn. I've made changes to accommodate the students I have. I'm passionate about science education. My students are engaged.

128They ask questions. They are learning. Students improve significantly as shown by the recent results of a standard-based benchmark. I did that. I don't allow students to opt out of learning. I'm motivated. I inspired and taught children who had minimal science education up until this point. I want to continue working at at teaching the children of Asbury Park. In addition to my role as a teacher, I'm an active member of the PBSIS committee. I have volunteered many many hours outside of school developing a program to foster positive behavior in the school including organizing pep rallies, student surveys, posters, graphics as well as ho hosting a private experience for students. I'm passionate about both science education and social emotional well-being and I want to continue working with the students of Aspbury Park. And one last thing, I

129want to echo Miss Moabro's statement regarding Shannon Cinger. My children were also her students and um I feel exceptionally lucky that they started their school career with her at the helm. She was phenomenal. >> Thank you. Good evening. My name is Sia Kendall and I'm here to speak on Shannon Stilliger. Shannon and I worked together for 18 years. I also worked in the at Alphabet's preschool center with her. Um, she's been she was there for 23 years now. Alphabet's preschool center is a part of the Asbury Park Preschool Consortion. So, I just wanted to say that I feel like her time put in the 23 years should be taken into consideration as she's served the community and the children in Asbury Park. I don't think that I think that her performance should um take account

130and not the time spent in the actual school building at um Bradley Elementary School. Um I just Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So, I just found this out last night. Had I known sooner, I could probably fill the room with all the parents who Shannon, and I won't bring myself into it because I was her co-teer who Shannon whose lives they she touched. We had generations of brothers and sisters that would come back to alphabets to be in Shannon's classroom. We could definitely fill the room. So I just want to say take into account 23 year now 24 is a very long time when you want to hold on to hello you dedicated people um and she's so sincere I love you Shannon and that's Nancy Sappo 18 Hagens Court does it Nancy Sappau

13118 Hagens Court how New Jersey Good evening board members and thank you for allowing me this opportunity to speak tonight. I am proud to serve this district as athletic trainer and I've been in the district for the past 19 years caring for our stu sorry oh better okay sorry about that um for the past 19 years caring for student athletes throughout my career in this district I have treated countless injuries including broken bones sprains concussions tears and other medical emergencies as an athletic trainer is a licensed healthc care professional who specializes in prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports related injuries and medical conditions. Athletic trainers are often the first responders during emergencies involving students, athletes, and decisions to make those moments can impact directly to the students long-term health and safety. The importance

132of having an athletic trainer presented at a sporting event that cannot be over overstated. The past February, Oldbridge female wrestler suffered a spinal cord displacement following a legal pin during a competition. Because of the athletic trainer was present and able to respond immediately, the student received proper emergency care and today is walking back to the school in school. Another incident was last year, girls soccer team in Asbury Park. Two athletes collided, one player knocked out unconscious. Situations like these require immediate medical assistance and proper concussion management without trained medical profession like myself on site. School risk delayed treatment, improper care, and potentially life-threatening outcomes. One of the most recognized example of importance of an athletic trainer was July of 2023 during the NFL game of the Buffalo Bills Dear Hamill. After suffering a cardiac arrest

133on the field, immediately action by the athletic trainer to save his life. This situation demonstrates the entire country how critical and qualified healthc carees that athletic trainers are. Beyond the student safety, there's also significant liability concern for the school district not to provide adequate medical coverage for the athletes. Schools have responsibility to provide a safe environment for the students. Athletes district face many legal and financial risks to delay the treatment improper management or preventable preventing emergencies. Having a certified athletic trainer helps reduce these risks by ensuring the injuries are properly evaluated, documented, treated, and established medical care. It is important to recognize the difference between having a part-time athletic trainer and a full-time athletic trainer. Part-time coverage can simply cannot provide the constant availability to our students deserve a full-time athletic trainer. So, I'm out

134of time. I strongly encourage the board to continue supporting the presence of full-time athletic trainer with our district. Doing so not only to invest in the athletes but invest in the student safety. Thank you. >> Good evening board president Akeran uh members of the board and acting superintendent Ruiz. Uh my name is Edley Victorin, educator living in Union County, New Jersey. I'm here once again to address the cuts made to our staff. I do understand the financial crisis that we're in and how difficult it is to navigate um it, but I can't help but feel like we're losing every opportunity to better this district and to move the needle forward. We're constantly reminded that we are the failing district. But making recommendations to cut the very people who are essential in improving academics function and

135operations in this district is not the answer. To lose bilingual office aids with predominantly bilingual uh Spanish and Haitian creole families just lacks logic. The message is clear to me at least. Our students and families and staff are not wanted or val valued here. But then we don't get to use a failing district as an excuse while actively handicapping and dismantling the district's efforts. Class sizes will increase and so will that learning gap. The demands will grow and so will your expectations. But how do you expect us to meet those demands with such a deficit? We're making academic gains and I loved hearing about all these new programs presented today. But it just feels like with every step forward, there's a concerted effort to appease community members as opposed to addressing how to support us

136in pro improving our district. I can assure you that getting rid of bodies in the classroom isn't it. Again, I do understand the fiscal difficulties we face, but all I see on the list are individuals who have direct impact on the safety and progress of the students we serve. It's sick to say this, but considering the political climate that we're in, I'm not surprised. I'm just disappointed and discouraged because I don't actually believe the goal is to improve. It seems sometimes that the real goal is to dismantle. Lastly, for the people who claim to care about our students, you don't get to claim students first and make every effort to ensure that our students continue to come last. bolstering this argument to stop supporting a failing district. Instead, we should be coming together and demanding

137more from our city council because they have a responsibility to this school community as well. Thank you, Madame President. I have one that was emailed to me if nobody else is coming up. This is Oh, do you want this? Um, are there any other comments from the audience before we read the submitted? Okay. Thank you very much. We're going to close public in-person public participation. Go ahead, Mrs. Brown. Dear Madame Sir, I am writing to express my sincere gratitude, profound respect, and appreciation for the remarkable work Miss Eeliss has accomplished with the students at Bradley Elementary School, particularly with my daughter, Gabriella Henry since they first met. In my capacity as a parent, I have been able to directly observe the positive impact of the teacher on my daughter. Thanks to her teaching methods, patience,

138and commitment, Gabriella has made great progress and has enjoyed learning. Miss Ev's commitment is a valued added asset for our institution and for the educational community. As the school year draws to a close, I wanted to write these few words to tell you just how much we appreciate her dedication. My daughter Gabriella is very lucky to have her as a teacher. Gabriella often comes home talking enthusiastically about her class. She helped her gain self-confidence. Hoping that Miss Evitz will continue to serve the children of the Bradley Elementary School community. I remain at your disposal to discuss in person the positive impact of her professionalism within your institution. Please accept the expression of my distinguished regards and nise Montineard. Thank you to everyone for your comments. We're going to take a five minute recess before moving

139forward with the agenda. Thank you. We'll be back at 8:24. All right, everyone. It's 8:25. Actually, it's post that. Like to get started again, please. Board members. Board members, Miss Grossman, Miss Rex. All right, we're returning from recess. Mrs. Brown, could you take roll call, please? Miss Glassman, Miss Gman here, Mr. Laraka, Dr. Matsu, Miss Morris >> here, >> Miss Ramos here, >> Miss Ricks, Miss Linski, >> Miss Acriman here. The next agenda item is the superintendent's recommendation and business agenda items. Believe tonight there's only three. We'll take them one at a time. Item number one is the reduction reduction in force. Upon the recommendation of the acting superintendent, the board approves the reduction in force of the following employees positions effective July 1, 2026 for reasons of economy in view of the budget that

140was approved by the board on May 6, 2026. Is there a motion to approve the reduction in force? >> I'll make a motion. I second comments and discussion. I'm going to make a couple of comments if that's okay. Um, and also open it up for discussion among the board. But not everyone who was here tonight was here at the meeting last week when we passed the budget. And I I just want to clarify a couple of things that the board did before we got to this point. The first thing is we started with a $10 million deficit. The administration was able to get that down to 7.85 through reviewing on their own. Once we got to 7.85, 85. The first thing that the administration did with Miss Ruiz at the helm working with Miss Brown

141and the state monitor was to look at every single budget item other than personnel and staff. By doing that, they reduced the deficit by a little over $4 million. We were still left with 3.8. And that was at that point was the only point when the administration and the board started to look at the staff and the reductions there. This was not an easy decision for any of us. Um the way that the decisions as to who will not be who who was going to lose their position is based on the tenure structure. And we knew this we knew that this was a part of it. And I personally don't enjoy seeing our younger teachers leaving. I don't it's not my preference obviously for anyone to leave, but having to lose our our younger teachers

142first or those with less experience just based on this structure is something we have to adhere to based on policies and laws. So, I just wanted to clarify that um that we did everything we could before we turned to the staff reductions. Um and so I'm not sure everyone had the benefit of hearing that from us last week, but I wanted to make sure that was clear. All right. Hearing no other discussion, Miss Brown, please take the roll call and vote. Miss Groma, >> yes. Mr. Lawaka, >> yes. >> Dr. Mox. Miss Mars. The motion before the board is to accept the riff. Miss Brown, could you please start the roll call over? And could all of the board members please use their microphones so that we're very clear as to what everyone's vote is.

143Thank you so much. >> Miss Gross. >> Yes. >> Miss Morris. >> No. >> Miss Ricks. >> Yes. but recusing myself from anything that might have to do with the Jones Award ward. Miss Lenski, >> yes. Sacramento. Yes. Miss Glassman, there was a motion for B1 number one. You were away. Miss Glassman, please state your comments into the microphone, please, so that Miss Brown can accurately reflect the vote. Okay. My vote is no. I think that it is a calling. I'm sorry, Mrs. Glassman. You've missed the you you you left the room and so you've missed the discussion. We'll record your vote as a courtesy, but you weren't here for the discussion. Thank you so much. >> The voting had not closed. Wasn't a courtesy. Yes, it was. >> Yes, it was. Thank you. Motion

144passed. The second agenda item is the reappointment list. Upon the recommendation of the acting superintendent that the board approves the attached list of staff to be reappointed and receive contracts for the 2026 2027 school year effective July 1,26 to June 3027 with the exception of principles and supervisors. All salaries are subject to adjustment pursuant to the pending collective negotiations agreement. Do I have a motion to accept the appointment list? I'll second comments and discussion. >> Do we have the >> How do you put this motion forward without providing a list to the board? That's a discussion item that Miss Lazinski just raised with me, Miss Glassman. Thank you very much. Mr. Ruiz, do we have the reappoint list or do we need to table this to the next meeting? >> No, >> it's not in

145our packets, though. >> We got to go in executive session. discuss this in executive session. All right. Well, then >> we will hold it. >> We'll hold the vote until after executive session. Thank you. >> The next agenda item is upon the recommendation of the acting superintendent, the board to approve the preschool family fun night event with Gunk Entertainment LLC here at Bradley, May 27, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The session will be open to all APSD preschool students and their families. Security will be needed for one and a half hours. Total cost not to exceed $1,850 to the district. Do I have a motion to approve? I'll move. >> Roll call, please. Miss Glassman, >> yes. Miss Gman, >> yes. >> Mr. Laka, >> yes. >> Dr. Max. Miss Morris, >> Miss Ramos,

146yes. Miss Ricks, Miss Oinski, Miss Acriman. Yes. Motion pass. Are we the remaining item in the packet is the bills and claims is is for next meeting. >> Yes, this any comments or discussion as part of the committee of the whole meeting on the claims? >> No, I think Mr. Laka raised his questions already. Okay, you'll follow. Great. All right. Um, the next item on the agenda is to go into executive session. >> I make a motion to go into executive session. >> I'll second the motion. >> All right. Um the motion is to go into executive caucus. Whereas the open public meetings act allows for exclusion from discussion at the public portion of a meeting of certain matters as outlined below. And whereas the Asbury Park Board of Education wishes to discuss such matters

147and will make such discussion public when a proper conclusion has been reached. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Asbury Park Board of Education will hold a closed executive session on May 14, 2026 at Asbury Park, New Jersey for the purposes of discussing collective bargaining, pending litigation and contract matters, and personnel matters. No action will be taken. We anticipate being in executive session for no more than an hour, and we'll return after that time. There's a motion on the table. Miss Brown, will you take the roll call, please? Miss Glman, >> yes. Mr. Laraka. >> Yes. >> Dr. Mox. Miss Mars. Miss Ramos. >> Yes. Miss Ricks. Miss Lenski. Miss Acriman. Yes. We'll go into executive session. Thank you. voting for >> one person. >> Miss Gman, >> Miss Brown, could you take a roll

148call, please? I'll make a motion to go back into Make a motion to reopen the meeting. Motion to reopen the meeting. Second. Roll call, please. Miss Glassman. Miss Roseman here. Mr. Laka >> here. >> Dr. Matsud. Miss Morris. Miss Ramos here. Miss Riggs. Miss Lassinski. Miss Lasinski. >> She says she's here. >> I heard her. I heard her. Uh, Miss Lenski. Miss Arian >> here. Right. The remaining agenda item for the board to vote on is the reappointment list. Do we have a motion to uh We have one. Sorry. Do we have a motion to accept the reappointment list? I make a motion to accept the reappoint list. Do >> I keep >> wait the motion to re appointment list has an adjustment though. Do you want to reit you want to amend your motion

149as a cut discussed in executive session? Okay. Yes. So what I'm looking for is a motion to approve the reappointment list as recommended by the superintendent with the amendment to remove the employee number. It's okay. No. Employee at at position 25 on the reappoint list will be will be deleted. Do I have a motion to approve the reappoint list as recommended by the superintendent with the change of omitting number 25 from the list? I'll move it. Second. Roll call, please. Miss Brown. Miss Gman. >> Yes. Mr. Laca. >> Yes. >> Miss Morris. Miss Ramos. I abstain. Miss Ricks. Uh, I wasn't sure if I could vote on it. Well, you could uh could he she um you know classify it as >> Yeah. Um Mr. Ramos, uh what you could do is you could um

150vote on the employees uh for whom you don't have a with whom you don't have a conflict and you can vote you could say essentially yes or no to those uh and that you recuse on anyone with whom you may have a conflict. >> Okay. So I vote yes and I recuse myself with anyone who I may have a conflict with Miss Ricks. >> Yes on everyone but I'm recusing myself on Jones award. >> Miss Linski. Yes. >> Miss Acriman. >> Yes. Pass. Yes. All right. Any other committee business to discuss? Any other issues, comments, questions? Nothing. Hearing none. Do I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? >> I make a motion to adjourn the meeting. >> Then I second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed. >> Abstensions. Meeting ends.

151Thank you.