001Uh, okay. Good evening everybody. I'd like to call to order uh for the committee of the whole um meeting of the board of education September 3rd, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the boardroom of the administration building at 70 Connor Road Col New Jersey. Uh if I could have a roll call, >> please. >> Yes, you may. Mrs. Cameron >> here. >> Mrs. Harowitz >> here. >> Mr. Ro, Mrs. Ramirez, Mr. Retta, Mr. Scales >> here, >> Mr. Scarpa. >> Yes, here. >> Mrs. Vulpi >> here. >> Mr. Walsh >> here. >> We have a call. >> Great. Thank you. Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act Act chapter 231, this meeting has been duly advertised in the Asbury Park Press in a schedule of meetings dated January 16, 2025 and March 4th, 2025. Notice of
002which has been filed with the deputy cler clerk for Colts Township and the requirements of posting of notices have been met. Uh if everybody can please rise for the flag salute. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay. Just gonna uh recognize Mr. Rico uh arriving. All right. Okay. Uh let's uh move on. Uh we have no information items this evening. I'm going to open the floor to public comment at this time. If anybody would like to get up and make a comment or have a question, you could do so at this time. Please uh say your name and address for the record. >> Would you like Yeah. Come up. >> Before that,
003should we read the mission statement? >> Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot. Yes. Miss Ryan, can you hold on one minute? I skipped over the mission statement. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Go ahead, Brian. Thank you very much. >> The mission of the Colts Township Schools is to empower and inspire students to be confident, creative, self-sufficient learners who maximize their strengths and talents and contribute as responsible participants in an everexpanding world. >> Great. Thank you so much, Brian. Um, okay. Sorry, Mr. Ryan. That was my error. Uh, please come on up. Uh, >> Alan Ryan, 24 Streets. Uh that was just great. I love it. The national anthem. Uh man, that's just sends me flying. Uh I'm here tonight. I uh contacted uh Phis Camera, Dr. Garbe, uh Angelie Gopy, and uh Kevin Walsh, and we all
004had conversation. And I'm here about the uh Tunnels to Tower, the 911 program that they offer. And I know that there was an email uh uh back in August on August 19th and I realize that it's late in the game as far as anything for this 911 and all that, but I really uh would love to see the the program in here and uh let these kids know what's what went on that day, the sacrifice uh that all those people made. Um and uh I want them to know because it's important to know where we were and where we're going. all this stuff about wanting to take statues and all that down. Not to get into a political thing or anything like that. What are you taking it down for? We should know. You know,
005if somebody had a slave or something, that's all right. We deal with it. But they should know. And it shouldn't be erased from history. And I don't want these kids anything being erased. And it disturbed me to be perfectly honest with you. I was talking to a couple of my nephews and I was asking about some dates and all that. And I'm just like, really? You didn't know when VJ day was? E day. Then I knew uh uh this one little girl, the grandmother of somebody in town and the granddaughter of somebody in town. And I said, "You know what December 7th is?" She didn't know what December 7th was. So I want these kids to know what's going on in the world, what they need to know to understand the history and understand and
006appreciate how great this country is and how great the opportunities are for them that these people fought for. the people fought for them. All right, those th those those people that day on on 911 alone, the sacrifices, the stories are incredible. I mean, if if it doesn't bring a a lump to your throat and a tear in your eye, I mean, it's just it's incredible. I'm wearing one of the shirts by a fighter Timothy Mcweeny. He was with three truck and their captain was legendary Patty Brown and he made this really really amazing rescue and he was there and he got up to the north tower the 38th floor and he called the fire dispatch because the radio was off they couldn't dispatch and he says this is Captain Brown I'm on the 38th floor
007north tower there's many injured were sent down and they continued up and then I just found out recently that they were on the 42nd floor or 44th They were told to evacuate and he said no. All those guys went down. But that's how and all those people that's the the sacrifice and these were all fathers. This guy has three kids. Three kids. They're growing now. But nonetheless, whatever. That's what we got to make sure that they understand the sacrifice of that day. And even in this town, I had two kids in my CCD classes that had direct uh hits. One a father and one an uncle. Two out of eight. a direct hit from that 911 and uh I just saw one of them and uh he's doing well but you know it's still something
008that's there and never forget and that's what I want to make sure because I always say that never forget never the sacrifice made the sacrifice made by our service people that day these kids got to know and I understand and I fully understand the parents wanting to watch what the kids get as far as far as information because you know you don't want to be but bring them along and this is a smart community and thank God for this community and this board because I know that we'll be brought along the right way where your people are not going to be stuffing stuff down these kids throats and all that they're going to you know be afraid or anything or turned off you know you don't want to overdo it but you just want to
009make sure that they understand and then they can go and they can figure it out themselves that's what it's all about and any help that I can be on that or whatever. All right. Uh Jim Safer and uh his wife Kathy. Kathy had a brother that died on that day and uh whatever I can do. And the fire department definitely wants to be involved. I spoke to uh EFC last week and we want to get them involved and whatever you're going to do. And uh I understand that things take a bit of time to get there and 911's a week away. So, you know, I mean, nothing's going to happen now because they're preparing for 24 and uh can't believe I said that. 24 and uh that's it. So, you know, any help, I want
010to see it. Uh I know you guys are going to do the right thing. I know these kids will appreciate it. And last year when I was at Cedar Drive, one of the girls that spoke, her father was a retired FDMY >> and she stood up there so classy. I don't know what the father saw. I don't I don't know the dad. And uh she held herself real good and she was a real credit to the father. I mean he survived and all that but nonetheless or whatever you know just but what class little girl little girl 12 13 but nonetheless you know that's something and that's something he brought to the table. So I thank you for listening I thank you for the time if you need if if you need anything we'll be
011in touch and everything the whole bit. So uh you have any idea how long this process could be or whatever or >> Yeah. I'll have her address you and then when she's finished I I'd like to address you as well. So with regard to time after R14, Mrs. Cameron and I spoke, we have 40 copies of each one of the resources from the tunnel towers that were delivered paid for and they're in hand in the district. We've shared the free curriculum with our with our district as well for a resource for this September 11th. I've been in conversation communication with Edith from Tunnel to Towers and we are coordinating a speaker that will likely take place in November of this year as a followup to our existing ceremonies. That said, Mrs. KMA referenced in the
012spring that the department of education put a series of free trainings together for the 911 museum. >> Nice. >> Um and they were all free resources that were through that and so a team of social studies teachers Dr. Reynolds participated in that training and they have a whole day of activities at Cedar Drive play of the videos and whatnot as well as the morning flag salute that we've done as a schoolwide meeting for for many years. So I know that Dr. Please, I'll get some fire in there and everything too. >> But keep in the other thing to share is that we don't just reserve that for Cedar Drive. We of course um infuse it chronologically appropriate and and sensitive to the age development of children and for years we've done um highlighted books like
013for example at primary school um I have the list we've done the one that that really went over uh was the very tree. This very tree was a story of 911 resilience and regrowth. Um, this year they're going to be doing 3,000 stitches, the inspiring story of the national 911 flag. Um, or Fireboat, which is the heroic adventure of the John J. Harvey, uh, of of the of John J. Harvey story, excuse me. So, I think that, um, you know, those are things that we always do and reserve on that day. We reserve, we have a schoolwide um, red, white, and blue, district-wide red, white, and blue day. >> You guys do the right thing. You guys have done the right thing. There's no doubt about it. is just expanding now and making sure that
014these kids understand and they know. >> Yeah. >> Because I can guarantee you that any of these guys I was I was just talking to my son. I was saying, you know, Aaron Judge, >> he's up there and he's hitting home runs. >> He's not he's not a hero when he knows he's not a hero and he knows and he doesn't even consider himself a hero because he's hitting baseballs. These guys were taking people out. What? Whatever. They're putting a gun on their shoulder and they're getting rid of people that are not do not have good intention for us. Sure. >> Without getting too crazy. We even have a staff member who highlights that shares um her experiences as someone who participates in the tunnel to towered run each year. >> That's great. >> Yeah.
015And that's at Cedar Drive. So we we certainly embrace everything and all the resources that can come our way to expand the >> whatever help I can be or whatever I want to be there or whatever. I want to make sure that these you know that everybody knows because it's important. We can never forget the sacrifice ever. and coming up to the 250 and that flag all the people that went for that >> but before that it's important so thank you >> of course >> Mr. Ryan Mr. Brian, before you go, I just I I just want to address you as well. Uh, first off, I I commend your uh passion um and unwavering dedication to continue remembering 911. I could rest assure you every single board member um that's seated now uh shares your
016passion. I also want to thank you for sharing uh Cap Captain Brown and um Mr. Sweeny's uh brave efforts that day and I certainly will remember them on 911. Um I also want to you know thank Mrs. Cameron and Dr. um Garbay. I know you know it's been your mission. We these are these are some of the books that um we are hopefully going to incorporate. Just so you know we uh Phyllis says we are. So if you want to during our meeting take a look at these. I I just want to let you know that uh we are definitely you know serious about um you know continuing >> Yeah. the right direction and I don't want to >> Yse I'm sure the district we will always use appropriate measures when teaching this. Um I
017know uh my daughter and you know Phyllis's kids being of the older uh you know students they are well aware of what happened. Me and Kevin make sure that you know we instill everything uh the bravery and loss of that day. But I just want to let you know these are the books. You're welcome to come up while you're here uh to look at them. And um >> yep no problem at all. So, and just for the record, you know, all that you said about the, you know, history and taking down statues, uh, this board certainly doesn't, uh, you know, support any removal of any history content, and that will never happen here. So, um, >> but yep. So, here, if you want to look through these and then return them to Phyllis because she
018she's going to go over them. >> Okay. All right. Good enough. >> And I just want to let you know that I'm glad you're saying because in my curriculum update, I don't want to be redundant. Um I'm going to go into a lot of the information that you were just asking about in more detail. >> So one other point. First of all, thank you very much for for participating tonight. Uh the program is excellent. As you know, they tunnel towers is incredible. The JOTC program goes on an annual basis to support this. It's nothing short of remarkable. I participated the past two years. So watching these young cadets support the runners there is is remarkable. And believe it or not, this touches home. former board member was Joe Camarada. His son, his brother is Michael
019Camarada was Michael Camda. >> He was the youngest FDNY to pass away in 911. So >> there you go. Yeah, it resonates well with this board and we will work we're going to look to work with the JOTC program as well to expand their efforts to help our school district over here. So more to come, but thank you very much for your voice and support of the school district. >> Great. Thank you, Mr. Ryan. I I I just want to recognize Mr. Ragnetta. He's been here for a while, but I just want everybody to know he has arrived. Um, okay. We are going to close uh public comment at this time. The first public comment of the evening. And I'd like to get a motion to approve the uh action items for approval. Um, if
020I could get a motion to do that now. >> Motion. >> Okay. Any questions or comments? There's quite a few of those tonight. Anybody have questions or comments about any of that? All right, moving on. We'll get a roll call for those items one through six. I'm sorry. >> Yes. Okay. Action items one through six. Mrs. Cameron. >> Yes. >> Thank you, Mrs. Harlowitz. >> Yes. >> Mr. Or, >> yes. >> Thank you, Mr. Reignetta. Yes to all the rest. >> Thank you, Mr. Scales. >> No to number four. Yes to everything else. >> Thank you, Mr. Scarpa. >> Yes. >> Uh, Mrs. Vulpi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Walsh? >> Yes. >> Thank you. The motion did carry. >> Okay. Uh, great. Moving on. Uh, no communications. We're going to go right into our board
021liaison reports. Uh once again, since the school year uh hasn't started yet, I can't see much of reports tonight. So, if Sarah Harwitz wants to start with the parent advisory committee? >> So, I have no report at this time. >> All right, that's uh fine. Anything going on with the PTO? >> Yes. Um they're having their member drive right now. So, please make sure you sign up for the PTO so you're aware of um all their great activities and events that they email about weekly. Um, back to school night is the 9th for the primary, 10th for elementary, and 16th for the middle school. The PTO will be there as well. And trunk or treat, it's crazy. It's already talking discussing October, but that will be October 25th. That's it. >> Great. That sounds like
022fun. Um, okay. Moving on to the Cold Neck Township uh schools newsletter. Mrs. Camera, >> uh, no update since last week. All right, moving right into the uh school arts, sports, extracurricular activities. Mr. Agnetta, >> again, no updates with me uh since last week. Um just want to wish everyone luck who's starting soccer this Saturday, all the uh prek through 8th grade. Good luck, everyone. >> Can I add one thing? >> Yeah, sure. >> Um that this Sunday, September 7th, um the Colts Neck Business Association is holding its 25 Polo Classic. It's at 2 PM at Buck Mills Community Park in the upper field. >> Okay. Uh, great. Anything else from either? Nothing. Okay. Um, moving into the Coulseneck Township Committee liaison, uh, Mr. Scarpa and Mrs. Camera. >> Uh, no updates and I just
023encourage if anyone's interested, they could, um, go back to last meeting and it was a very lengthy report. Great. Uh, anything? Yep. Okay. Moving on to the uh, Colts Township Planning Board and Subcommittee. Mr. Scales and Mr. Walsh. >> Nothing to report on my end. >> All right. Nothing. Yeah. >> Uh, yes. >> Oh, okay. Yes. Um, during the welcome, I uh, briefly spoke to uh, Mrs. bus. Um she's going to be reaching out to uh you know have a meeting with me. U more than likely going to appoint the two liaison um Mr. Scales and Mr. Walsh either to attend with me or represent me. Okay. Um I'll let you know as soon as I find out. >> Thank you. >> Um moving on to the Cold Neck Township Senior Centers, Mr. Walsh. >>
024Okay, great. Uh Naval Weapons Station Earl, Mr. >> Scarpa. question. >> I think we had that framework that we shared in the spring that we're looking to possibly do something in the spring of next year. Yeah. And we're just waiting on I think I have an email to you for some potential dates in October that were floated out. So, I will resend that from for you and Mrs. Ramirez if you were still looking interested in touring >> for a tour. Yes. Yes. Absolutely. >> Okay. Moving right into my report for the State and County School Boards Association. Um the agenda for the workshop, uh the October workshop is now available online. There's only two weeks left to reserve a hotel. Uh just so everybody's aware, Tuesday, October 7th, is the first meeting of the 202526
025school year. Uh the Mammoth County School Board Association is having their hybrid meeting. uh they're welcoming all schoolboard members to join uh to join them for the AI K through 12 uh seminar which will uh cover how schools are handling the AI and uh that will be held at 6 pm at the Renaissance in Ocean Township. Uh there is a virtual option as well. Uh they reached out to me. I'm planning to attend but uh so far out I'm not sure uh if I will, but I will uh keep everybody posted on that. That concludes that report. Uh we are going to start the committee of a whole work session at this time. We're going to move right into the um there's nothing under affordable housing. We're going to move right into the buildings and
026ground safety and security. Mr. Walsh, if you want to uh start. >> Yeah. Make sure you're Yeah. Make sure the mic's on before you speak. >> U Good evening everybody. We had a great workshop meeting a last um meeting the meeting before our prior board of education meeting with our ad hoc committee members was a great um collaborative round table with our administration Dr. Vince, Rasco, and we basically studied their pressing needs for a district as far as infrastructure um buildouts or switch gear room at Conover Road Elementary School, our roofing, discuss what vendors and who would be best suited to uh whether you know update our roofs, make them 100%, you know, no leaks. I believe we have uh the majority of the roofs have been upgraded through the DCO and the solar um
027infrastructure project, but we do have a substantial sections of the schools that need to be addressed the roofs. And we had a couple different vendors that we're looking at. TMCO would be a a vendor where we would would be restoration instead of a whole replacement. So, we're looking at different vendors and who would be best um best way to go forward, I would say, as far as the roofing, whether it's a full um replacement in those sections or just a restoration. We have some competitive bids that are that we have received. And Vincent, maybe you want to add some >> Yep. Exactly. uh you know we're going through that process to first get a sense of um what what uh the one vendor's opinion is on the roof whether it it is our roofs are
028even a candidate for restoration and then we'll go from there and we'll be able to from that uh meeting which we anticipate having next week we'll be able to see how much of an area is you know in need of full restoration and one of the solutions that we've talked about or you know a solution to uh replace it. >> I want to add Nicholas Nick Morettto is there our facilities manager. Thank God we have a great guy there really taking care of our school and looking at do the best we can for our schools as far as making our facilities superlative and looking at cost factors and I value his input as chair of the building and grounds and I'm sure probably speak for the whole board. He's very honest, very straightforward, and I
029really value his recommendations as chair and I'm sure Vince and Dr. Garvey as well. So, I'm going to take his recommendations seriously as far as what vendors we're going to select and make recommendations to the full board. Our pressing need really is our biggest thing that we have coming up is a switch gear replacement at Conover Road Elementary School. It's 1967, I believe. It's outdated. It's falling apart. So, we're looking at one particular vendor that um Nicholas and Vince and the board came to agreement on was which is B FV here FVHD and we're looking at them because they replaced our switch gear room in Cedar Drive Middle School in 2021. The proposed cost for this replacement is about a million dollars. The spenders, this is their lane building switch gears, switch gear. It's a
030major >> just just to clarify, sorry to interrupt, but they they are the professional architects slashengineers who are who are going to oversee the project who are going to uh submit the application to the state who are going to oversee the bidding specifications and the bidding process. Then a vendor to construct and replace will be selected. >> I got that wrong. At least at least the FED is >> just the one they're going to go with >> correctly. >> At least we're making recommendation to the board to approve >> and we really dove into the details as far as the cost. >> We want to be on track to get this approved >> and replaced in a year time table. I believe like June of 2026. That's the goal. >> It's a big big project.
031It needs to support all the upgrades we have as far as the building management system and the solar project and if you took if you took a look at the pictures uh that Vince shared it's really literally falling apart. Um I'm on building and grounds we approved the not approved we did a paving at Cedar Drive Middle School was fantastic and that was a cooperative agreement with Mammoth County >> Transportation I believe >> Department of Transportation. Well, just >> Mammoth County freeholders >> commissioners. >> So, we saved a lot of money with partner partnering with them and the school looks great. I >> think I covered most of the topics. Another big thing for me is safety part of building and ground safety and security is my recommendation, strong recommendation to have cameras on all
032our stop, all our buses, stop cameras when the stop signs deployed. camera is going to be operational and record any cars cars that are passing stop school buses. >> Um proposal >> something we're add that's something we're going to be adding. We don't have that yet in any of our buses. God forbid >> car goes past >> one we capture right away. We can use that share with our police department to prosecute that. >> So, we're going to be purchasing that. >> Yeah. The bid is about a few months. >> The bid is proposal is for about 20,000. Okay. >> And that 20,000 would supply cameras to not only the school buses, >> the big buses, but also the vans to support transportation vehicles. >> So, I'm making a recommendation to the board that we
033don't wait. >> School starting tomorrow. Let's get those cameras installed in the buses. I'm open to you guys want to discuss this. >> Um Oh, go ahead. No, go ahead. >> I just wanted to um let the community know if they if they didn't receive the email today that um the school district along with the um CNC Township Police Department did send out a message about bus stop safety. So, please make sure you read it. Make sure you're cognizant of stopping behind the school buses. I'm kind of just um repeating what Mr. Walsh said and knowing that we will be voting most likely yes. I'm gonna assume yes on these safety cameras. I know I will be. Um so just just make smart decisions and protect our children. >> I want to give credit to
034Nicole Rusco. >> Pronounce her last name. Our transportation coordinator. She's spent a lot of time gathering research, >> looking at different vendors, and she's recommending as transportation coordinator coordinator to that vendor. >> I believe it's on the agenda for discussion that stop cameras, but no, I correct. >> Right. Right. It doesn't it doesn't necessarily have to be. We're just going to be moving forward. We'll keep the board informed, you know, where we are in the processing and purchas >> back and forth. you know, everybody with their input, suggestions, pro or con was very happy with the meeting. I definitely want to have future meetings discuss any projects that we're maybe implementing in our district. So, kudos to administration and our board members. >> I want to second that. Uh I was in that meeting with
035Mr. Walsh and thank you Dr. Garvey and thank you Mr. Morasco for facilitating that meeting. Uh one thing about the switch gears is that it's a lead time. It doesn't take a year to build it. It takes a year to get on their schedule. So we're entertaining opportunities and bids as Mr. Morasa said to even get on their schedule so that it can be done at the right period of time. We have limited timeline so we can do it largely summer related. So we have to act now for the future. And to to Mr. Walsh's point, we are 40 60 years with these, you know, goes it goes way back. >> Put that into like the New Jersey Museum when we're done or something. like that's a long time over. We're also being very proactive
036in planning for a year. We're not waiting and then kicking it back another year. And uh as it relates to the school bus um cameras, we're not alone. There are a lot of videos out there from some very angry parents and and initial staff and teachers about this and there have been too many accidents. So this is a proactive measure for our community. It's money very well spent in this And hopefully that word will get out there that hey there are cameras here. There are repercussions for violating a very real law. God forbid we have any injury or fatality to in this situation. So this is why we are being proactive and stand behind this effort and we want to communicate this great work because it needs a lot. >> Yeah. >> Kevin, >> I
037just want to go over one last point. Uh fee schedules we need to look at as a board. We need to update them. We spent a lot of money upgrading all our all our schools >> fee schedules for people that come in and rent our gym >> sports association groups um we need to collect some money all the money we're spending out outside organizations not our kids obviously but we need to really consider appropriate fees to reflect our our investment >> and get a some return for all the upgrades that fit the the floors, the roofs. >> That's what I would ask our police department too, like the, you know, we're we're now have the ability to share that footage, especially from a a bus like publicly, right? So, not only, you know, court of
038public opinion is usually the best, but from a revenue sharing perspective as well, like >> that's an eight point to 12 point >> and then it's a thousands of dollars if they ever do it. So, you know, we're bringing that revenue to the police station. I'm sure the the police would allow us to maybe send some of those funds back to this the school. >> I found in my police career, you know who's passing the school buses? Moms. >> Yeah. >> That live in our town and have kids. >> Oh, thanks for calling everybody out there. >> And it's not me that's doing that. But >> be the person that runs over a kid getting out. >> That's right. >> So listen, I'm just going to be real real about it. >> But we'll have
039access to that footage. It's like a police blotter. Every month you're able to report what you know arrests have been made in town. will then have the ability to report those videos of those perpetrators. >> Um, Mr. Walsh, I have a question. Uh, when somebody passes the bus and it's captured, what happens? It goes right to the police department. The bus driver has to Oh, I'm sorry. >> No, that's No, it's fine. It's a great It's a great question. Um so what winds up happening is currently right now um it's file you file a complaint if it happens in a it's a visual complaint and right now currently in New Jersey there the there is while there's proposals that are out there we are one state that doesn't require cameras on bus arms. Um and
040we don't allow camera footage or can't be the sole way that the police can go after someone who has done that. It has to be submitted as evidence as part of a complaint. So that complaint is detailed. You have to have the license plate, the make of the car. >> If the bus driver is the person making the complaint, does the the video uh help in his >> complaint? Correct. It actually is submitted right now. Correct. It's submitted as evidence. And I know that there are many transportation coordinators, boards of education, if we wanted to look at it through a lens of advocacy who are really pushing mandatory uh cameras. It's not mandatory yet. So I know that there are for cameras to be added to bus arm cameras for that purpose, you know, because
041obviously funding is going to be something if you mandate it to be. But that being said, I think it's it's a good investment for the board because it provides the vis the visible evidence to support the complaint that's currently going to be underway. Uh that would you know that what our bus drivers already do when it happens but it is detailed and it's difficult to actually get because the bus drivers are in the moment of stopping the bus the safety. We have the internal cameras, but with the external cameras, there's a lot of information required for complaint in order to be able to capture who actuality. Police remain extremely responsive and will, you know, go to places and locations and they do their best to partner with us, but these will greatly aid in our
042ability to identify vehicles that break the law is quite honestly break the law. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. >> Prosecute. If I were to, let's just say, go down to Trenton and advocate uh for this um you know, and it miraculously gets passed, the state would supply money to fund this for every district because it's mandated. >> So, in a perfect scenario, that's exactly what would happen. Sounds like a great and that's another great thing to bring to the conversation of it. um because there are uh you know throughout the years there have been known unfunded mandates and how a district spends their uh funds you know looking at it but I think we are wise by looking at this in advance of something being mandated not just because of we want to get ahead of
043the game but also because it's the right thing to do for the safety of our students you know and letting parent we are being diligent about it and we want to keep our students safe when they're on the roads it's it's a very vulnerable time and that's why we worked years ago um to put that letter together and thank you this camera for calling it out is an important letter and it'll be posted on our social media and just reminding people there is a heavy penalty which can include jail time if needed. So I think that's something that we take very seriously and what happens to the person who breaks the law is far less serious than what could potentially happen to a student in that moment. So I think that that's the most primary
044concern of ours and we cannot emphasize and stress the importance of our buses being on the roads paying attention to yellows. Yellows means it's slowing down. Red means it's stopped and when a bus is stopped in red it means a child is moving around. >> So do we are encouraging everyone in Coulsnik to share that message very loudly and clearly with regards to us actively and aggressively pursuing anyone who breaks that law. to the fullest extent. >> Question, >> but I think is it retroactive? Oh, sorry. Is it retroactive? Like let's say from a funding perspective, if the advocacy is approved, could we then, you know, use those funds to retroactively pay for the cameras we put in? Do you know if that's >> So, I can give you a I would love to say
045yes, but I will give you a very real scenario. A few years ago, we did uh CGI mapping of our schools. Uh right, that was another called the mapping, internal mapping. And we did that proactively in partnership with the police department so that we would have accurate mapping that we update digital things that we do for security reasons. And a couple years later, they came out a grant and it specifically said that you could not retroactively do that. >> So, it depends. It sometimes, yes, sometimes you can go back. It depends on what what funding comes out and how it's allocated and what you know how they deem it to be. >> Well, because I'd leave that to the finance committee financing a solution versus cash payment. So, if we have the ability to finance
046it, then you have the ability to pay for it. So, >> correct. So, it it depends on when they release it. >> Thank you. >> Don't leave it. It's on. >> Sorry, Vinnie. >> Yes. He sent it through traffic safety to see if there was any there were any opportunities in partnership and they explored and he got back to me pretty quickly with a response that there was nothing known at this time but they would keep their ears open >> even the town too because if you think about the the giant increase we all received on our property taxes there's extra funds >> well I I think there's always an opportunity to talk about if there's obviously any kind of um fiscal penalties or things like that are imposed upon people you know there's always
047a conversation that's open >> yeah we should definitely ask the town too because that's it's within their best interest. So Vinnie, did you discuss >> Yeah, Mr. Rugetta wants to >> Well, um, just so the public knows and everything, will there be uh cameras on the front and the back of the bus to get better views of both the front and the back of when they're going around as opposed to see them in the back as well too when they're stopped to be stopped? >> Great for the question. The right now the the um plan is for the stop arm. >> Okay. which has I I do believe it has a 360 on it. So, right now it's not in the process of >> Right. Right. >> Okay. And then also is there is it
048possible to put maybe like a sign or sticker on on the bus to let people know that they are being filmed when the buses stop uh as a further deter deterrent because we have stop signs. It's always had stop signs and that's not a big enough deterrent unfortunately. So maybe that could be a deterrent as well too even knowing they're being filmed. Yeah, and we have notifications and things like that like just we have here that it's being live streamed. We have them investig, you know, that is being recorded. So, yeah, we would definitely >> um message that a lot too to let people know. Absolutely. >> Great. Yeah. >> Okay, great. Uh anything else for Okay. Uh let's move on now. Nothing under communications. We're going to go right into curriculum. Uh Mrs. camera.
049>> Um, so before I get to number one, I just wanted to let the teachers know that as they begin the 2526 school year, um, I want to thank them for their passion, their creativity, their dedication they bring into the classrooms each and every day. And your commitment to our students growth continues to inspire us. And we are um I am excited to support you with new resources and opportunities this year. So wishing all the teachers, the staff just an inspiring and successful school year. Okay, with that under curriculum number one, the envision benchmark assessments as our current practice for the 2526 school year. So we um I've given you some information about this before. The SAVIS benchmarks are tests that go along with our SAVIS envision math program used in grades um K through
050five. These tests measure how well students are learning the same skills and topics taught in class following the same order as the curriculum. So the questions are based on state learning standards and are grouped by topic. So the benchmarks are given twice a year in Colts neck schools. The winter midterm covers topics one through eight. The spring final covers topics 1 through 15 or 1 through 16 depending upon how many units. And then the results are entered into the district status system which is link it to track our student pro process pro progress. Um so again this is mirroring the scope and sequence of the instruction and I just I have a lot of notes. just trying to track them, condense them a little bit. So, what's great is though, let's just say we need
051additional data points. Um, there are more assessments in the SAVIS program there. You could do topics one through four, one through 12, and then there's also these progressing monitoring assessments. So, in my opinion, this kind of further demonstrates why we can move away from map testing, especially the map math testing. I should I should be more specific um because we want to have different data points. So, one data point is report cards, last year's report cards. Um, one data point would be our spring NJSLA scores. And then we have the, you know, the SAVIS data point. And all we're doing with these data points is assessing which students now qualify for enrichment, which students qualify for tier one, which students might need tier two or further interventions. Um, so any comments on item number one?
052>> Yes. Yes. And so we've taken that recommendation and Dr. Reynolds and I think we shared with you um previously um we're looking at that and I think it's a conversation we can be having internally and give the board an update on. I think it's not a decision that we can make hastily because NWA is very much embedded into our data points and processes. It provides independent information on students outside of the curriculum resources and I know that you know if we have it we should be using it but you do want multiple points and students to be able to demonstrate their abilities and their assessments on different factors of it. So in I and I I do think this the teacher voice is very important to that Dr. Reynolds and we around the district
053we were working very closely today where teachers wanted their fingertip reports. Fingertip reports include the information from NWA maps and stuff. So those are the things that they are very accustomed to using and using coordinating their groups all the things like that. So it is a big decision it is a large discussion that really we would want to involve our teachers in that point of view so we can put together uh conversations and move forward and we're also looking into potentially exploring something else. Maybe there's other things we had mentioned already or something in looking at that. Um so definitely recommendation thought process taken and we are definitely going to be providing the board an update on where we are with things. I know that Dr. Reynolds is planning on going to a couple different
054districts uh locally to see what they have in place and and visiting those kinds of things. So, we'll provide the board with an update on where we are and then um bring those recommendations. >> They have linkit. Linkit also has >> benchmark assessments. >> They do. They do. We've used them before in uh in certain areas um and then we we've gone, you know, away from them based on teacher feedback. But it's certainly options that we can be exploring. >> Right. just seems again to me if we're spending the money on link and we're spending the money on Savis and they have assessments, why then spend additional money on on bringing in a new assessment? But I I like having, you know, continuing this conversation. >> Absolutely. >> Um and again, what why do we
055want to test these kids? It's really just to have the right data to make sure they're in the right intervention programs. That's, you know, that's really what it comes down to or enrichment programs. Um anyone else for number one? Okay, number two. Um Tunnel to Towers, the 911 Foundation. So again, I want to uh thank Ellen Ryan for really getting this whole conversation started. We're we're here today with what I'm going to be presenting because of you. So, you know, thank you for kind of bringing this to us. Um so it starts with we um under Dr. Reynolds leadership um the district purchased 40 copies of the paperback versions of the books. This is right through the website. So the first one Oops. Sorry. It doesn't look like the K to2 book is my buddy's
056a hero and I didn't even know it. So this is the first book in the discovering heroes series. So that's it really like parallels what you were talking about. We're looking at it from the lens of of heroes, right? That who emerged on this day and we can look up to. So in this book, Grandpa is a retired lieutenant in the fire department of New York City and he shares his brave account of 911 with his grandchildren for the first time. Grandpa helped rescue the last man out alive from the ruins of the World Trade Center. Okay. So again, again I think um Angelique can mention these are developmentally appropriate books for for the grade levels that we are giving them out out for. Right. Then we're moving up to here we go the next
057one. Remembering heroes. Again, the main characters continue a journey to acquire knowledge of the heroes of 911 and the importance of remembering them. Students gain deeper meaning of the hero concept as it is presented and expanded through the chapters. Um, again, it's being reinforced through the use of real people, specifically firefighters from FDNY's Rescue Company one who made the ultimate sacrifice on 911 at the Twin Towers. And then you'll see with each book, I'll go into it that there's like curriculum and activities to do. Okay. The last book that was purchased is um Courage and Tributes, the third book in the Discovering Heroes series. And the main characters continue a journey to acquire knowledge of the heroes of 911 and the important tributes um to their sacrifice so they will always be remembered. So the
058book will be distributed in the primary school at the library, each elementary school home room, and in the middle school, it will be in the um ELA or social studies libraries. So this is right from the website that I'm reading. Um this series of three books designed by educators in the 911 community is known as the Discovering Heroes Book Series. According to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, um the Tunnel to Towers 911 Institute is offering the age appropriate non-fiction trilogy, the Discovering Hero series. The series focus on real events and people who experience 911 to increase awareness of America's darkest day and everyday heroes. The books are intended for kids of all ages, but especially young readers um focusing on 7 to 11. Um it was designed by educators in the 911 community again to
059increase awareness and um the guide includes background for teachers, supplemental social studies lessons and learning activities again that are just age appropriate. Um the second part when I went under the curriculum there's a free curriculum. It contains videos um again broken down by age. a lot more videos for the middle school than than the lower grades. Um, additional education resources and it's broken down exactly as the way our schools are. There's a K to2 section, a 3 to five section, a six to eight section and um, in terms of the last bullet point, the possible guest speaker, uh, Dr. Garay actually just shared that now I didn't even know this that we're now we're going to be looking for assemblies in November. So that's that's wonderful and so exciting. And I don't know if Dr.
060Dr. Reynolds, do you want to add anything else or Okay, >> we were communication back and forth and I think that when the teachers came back and shared with us their plan for what they had already put into place or we're planning anticipating for 911 and looking at the schedule for the day, um Dr. Wigby called back to me and he said, "Can we work on something where there's like a followup, we stress service, a day of service, a day of remembering, all those types of things um throughout the middle school program." And so it would be almost like a follow-up type of conversation. Um Correct. Correct. >> Correct. two. >> Um, any other comments on number number two? >> Okay. And um I just want to um reiterate what uh Mr. Scarpa said about
061um Tunnel for Towers, the actual race and and working with the um JOTC program. I I I really love that idea of of just kind of building on what we're starting. Well, really what the district have already implemented and now we're just kind of adding on. Um all right, moving on to number three. This one is really exciting. The anticipated date for parents to have access to teacher classroom libraries in books source. So, Conover Road Elementary School and Cedar Drive Middle School will have their classroom libraries posted in each teacher's Google classroom by Friday, September 26. This is great for communication, transparency. Um, this is something every one of us up here actually campaigned on and it's just wonderful to see it being implemented as well. And uh, so thank you. Thank you to the
062administration for doing this. I know it was a lot of work. I remember your presentation and just scanning. What? What did you pull it originally? >> Scan and it was something. It was catchy. >> Right. >> Thank you. >> Just know that this year we just because the amount of the classroom libraries the the the enormous volume as you know as classroom libraries. Uh the plan is to work on that for primary school and then have that implemented available for the fall of 2026. So by you know and there's an updating status. So when you get the links for as parents, you know, and you're right by take a look because it is pretty it's it's it's it's comprehensive and it does exactly what's there for which is letting parents see what books are in
063our uh classroom libraries. >> Okay. Any other comments on number three? >> Uh yeah, Phyllis, I just want to uh reiterate for the teacher classroom libraries. I know in the past um you know parents had reached out to me with u questionable books that they were disappointed uh that we were carrying but I'm happy after discussions with uh Dr. Garbe uh that we do listen to the public on you know what we feel is appropriate and what's not for a K through8 district. So I appreciate you um being proactive and uh removing those books and this is a fantastic program. So now it's all transparent. you could actually see every single book and you know read them yourselves and know exactly what what your child is uh learning about in the K through8 district here.
064So I want to thank the district uh for coming coming you know um around and you know listening to the community. So thank you very much. As a follow-up to that, just very quickly, in our handbook, we actually did include policy, the process for if there are parents who have questions about different books and the policy for the review of that and the process that takes place if and when the administration and board of education want to revisit whether or not a book should be in circulation. So, there is a complete pol practice policy and it is uh it was linked in our handbook this year to our parents. So, they have access to that. >> Great. Thank you. >> All right, Mrs. Cameron, next. >> All right, number four then. All right. Um 25
065202526 assessments. So the NJSLA, we're starting with the adaptive fields test in October of 2025. So the purpose is to try out this new adapt adaptive questions and technology. The field tests are intended to sample and evaluate various types of test items for future future potential use and to provide educators and students with an opportunity to just become familiar with the assessments and their administration. So the fall results, they're not scored, no scores are reported. It's just a practice for schools and really the system itself. And it's a sampling of items. It's not a complete test for any subject. So, it's not being used to measure student achievement the fall. Um, students will see different questions because the test is adaptive. So, if they're getting questions right, it's supposed to be getting more difficult. And
066if they're not doing as well, the questions are supposed to be getting easier. That's the idea. Now, this year, now in May of 2026, this will be the new test. So, it will be a little bit harder now to compare last year's NJSLA scores with this year's because it's a totally new format. So, we just want to be aware of that when Dr. Reynolds is presenting that down the road. Um, so what's really new again is the test adjusts to each student's level in real time. Um, why it's the state saying it's you're going to get more precise results, a shorter testing time, and less test fatigue, which all sounds very positive. And in May, the um students will receive um the reports, the score reports. Okay. Any um other comments on number four? Oh,
067there's one other part for number four. Do you want to talk about this? Anything about the NJSLA? >> Go ahead. You're here. Um and just with the October the field test, we have to do that. So, and I also we as a district, we don't know how long that will take yet, but that will be in my assessment letter that is required to be sent out by October. So, we'll have general kind of like markings on the assessment calendar for when that will be and then when we get more specific dates hopefully in the next couple weeks we'll be able to put that in there and then we'll be able to share the assessment calendar out. We're kind of waiting right now until we have definite dates and how long the field test will be.
068How many days? >> I have a question. >> Yes. >> Test administered by the state. Does it help the other test students? Which other >> NJSLA? >> Which which other >> not the test be given to the students test questions? Do they help the students prepare in any way for the other tests we administer in the district? >> I Yeah, I think so because it makes it not as difficult, right? So if you're doing really well, you're going to get as Mrs. Cameron was saying, you're going to get questions that are in that that will be a little bit harder for you. You're going to feel successful. If you're struggling, it will be easier for you. So, it's going to make it not as difficult. So, as a student, their their anxiety and how they
069feel about taking a test, it will be a little bit easier for them. And we we do our our the map assessment that we take right now, it actually is adaptive. So, it does it does do that. But, as Mrs. Cameron said, we probably won't be able to compare our data from when we do the data presentation. We probably won't be able to compare that. >> See a lot of the similar questions. I have no idea. I'll let you know after we take the field test. Stay tuned. >> I'll let you know. I don't know if that >> The state hasn't released much information to anyone on this yet. >> Well, that's what that's my question. When they say we have to do it, what does that mean? >> So, that means every district is
070required to take the field test to make sure that our infrastructure can take the test. It's called proctor caching where you download the assessment to make sure our devices are up to date, our devices can load. We have to put an app on there so it it opens up. So it's like a a really big test for us and for the state to make sure that their product works. >> It's a new company now extra money. >> No. >> So >> it's a new company. So it used to be through Pearson and now it's through a company called C AIM or Yeah. CI. >> Yeah. >> We don't know what I don't know what it looks like. I I'll I'll address the have to because Dr. Reynolds is the the compliance >> the is a
071sense where the the um state law gives the authority to the department of education to dictate and mandate what happens in school districts. State testing is a required field right where there as you know there are student parent refusals but there is no opt out that is the curriculum for today. So it is part of the monitoring process for the state. It ties back to federal funding that is a requirement. So when it is imposed upon us as a field test, the way we received the information, Mrs. Cameron's 100% right, very limited. It was like, "Oh, by the way, you're getting a field test in October. We'll give you more information." So Dr. Reynolds is and I are we are still waiting as to what this whole thing is going to look like. Um, so
072and then it the fact that it's changing over in the year. So we are very interested in it going back to actually what Mr. Walsh said as well in saying is it a is it a better >> test because there elements of it. We would like to think so. We would like to hope so. We'd like to hope that the state is listening when we share our concerns about NJ. >> We do take a survey at the end of the assessment. We give our feedback. So, I don't know if this is a >> because of that. >> Think about it. Like we like like I get it, right? Like it makes sense where we like adaptive things are great. Like Amazon pricing is adaptive, but why would we make things easier for kids? >> I
073think if I were I mean, and this is Mary Jane Gabby speaking off, you know, just off the in my opinion, in my personal opinion. Sure. >> I don't know if the state is also trying to assist and and know that adaptive testing is a good way to progress monitor students, right? You're meeting them where they are and then being able to prescribe an active academic program for what best suits their needs and how they need to grow in comparison to their chronological peers or expected grade level standards by the end of the school year. >> Well, because so let's let's take the the common sense approach, right? Common sense. And again, this is my own personal view, but we're we're struggling with like just test scores in general, right? Just as a state, right?
074So, what do you think is going to happen if we make it easier? Then it's g this the test results are going to go up and then everyone's going to be grandstanding about how oh wow, look at the the New Jersey state test scores overall are being so much more successful and students are doing so much better. But >> that's that's fake data because we've made questions easier for children. But even in okay even in the even in the prior NJSLA not every student gets the same question either. So then they're compared on standards and levels of questions with everyone. So I'm hoping that that also does that as well. But I don't >> it's manipulation of data just to say like well you know and think about you know I hate to bring up
075like negotiations and things like that but when you now now now we're giving the state the ability to manipulate test scores and manipulate data and have the ability to then now present and say well listen we've done great accomplishments over the last years and our test results have our test results have changed from a you know XYZ to an ABC look at this progressive growth that we have So I would just my red flag is to alert everyone that if we see from now from two years and everyone is grandstandated about how what a great increase the state of New Jersey has seen it's manipul it's what we call dirty data in the data technology world. So just my own two cents to be aware of. >> From that adaptive piece though, I think I
076don't know whether they're trying to support districts that don't have adaptive >> things in place, you know, where they're not they don't have like a map or or whatever the case may be that are adaptive in nature. >> Yeah, Lincoln link is not adaptive. It's a data warehouse in the bench, but it doesn't adapt to meet them where they are for for action planning and academic programs. But that said, we already have data that tells you if a students remember how it's reported out. It's like um not meeting, exceeding, approaching, those are the levels of achievement that are in there. So I don't know where we are anxious to find out what is their plan for reporting out how the results come out or is it going to be that they still maintain that standard
077and we're still they're still able to predict based on the type of question the leveling of the question as to whether or not you know you have this many meeting or exceeding still are those still going to be this and the majority of questions that were answered were in this realm so we're I I don't if they're planning on implementing it this quickly I don't anticipate it being that different as opposed to kids remaining to your point and scoring but you scored this high in the approaching level. Do you know what I mean? So I think it may be something and if it's that >> so hopefully there's a more detailed science behind it. >> Correct. So wait and see and be really optimistic department as educators though like what do you like your best
078friend as an educator is time right? Like you you need the time to be able to digest things, learn things before you distribute all that knowledge to our children. Why would they tie your hands behind the your back and wait till the last minute and go, "Okay, have fun with your field test." >> An excellent question, Mr. Scale. >> I'm just curious. >> I don't have We're not going to have an answer for tonight. So, Mrs. Cameron, >> curious though. Yeah. >> If you could resume um the next point. >> So, the other assessment that I'm going to present today is um the timeline for fontest and panel, which is our um our reading level. So the district is looking into assessing students twice a year instead of three times and I'm I'm a proponent
079of that. Our current reading program being a reader uses phonics assessments for our K to2 to place students appropriately in the uh sets the small group instruction and the fontis and panel assessments. They don't align with our current program. So, um, we really want to now, well, what am I looking at? Sorry. Um, so we're just going to move to two of these a year and kind of piggybacking on all these new assessments. I I love this idea because it keeps students from being overested. >> It aligns better with the being a reader. It frees up more instructional time. I couldn't see any any negatives with this ones and it just ensures our assessments again are being meaningful and targeted. >> So, um, I love this idea. >> Great. So that will also be reflected
080in the assessment calendar once I can include more information with our adaptive new NJSLA. But just so you know, you won't see that those coming home in the beginning of the year. That will be assessed in the spring and we're looking to start to phase that out possibly. Okay. >> And um any questions on four? >> And we had our trainer here again today for so it was great. >> All right. And the last thing is Dr. Reynolds will be presenting on October 15th, the 2025 assessment results presentation. So per my request, she's going to share the presentation with us ahead of time so that we can review it. We can give feedback any questions we have and that way the presentation, you know, can be a little bit shorter. >> Yep. >> She can
081be prepared for the questions. And um I guess we'll be um the district will be providing the student reports and scores. will be uploaded in Genesis and Dr. Reynolds will notify parents via email when the 2025 NJSLA scores have been released and are available. >> Yep. >> Perfect. And that spring presentation will include NJSLA, the DM, and the WEDA assessment. And so we'll keep that nice and short, but we'll send it to you and then you can answer any questions and we'll we'll keep it a little bit condensed for you. >> Great. >> That's wonderful news. I can go on for hours about data >> and believe me I I listen I I definitely don't want to cut anybody's voice short but sometimes you know the meeting >> there's mandatory things that I have to
082report on that are required so those will all be in there about the extra >> Okay questions for Dr. Reynolds or myself, but she's here, so might as well direct them to her. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you so much for staying late tonight and uh coming tonight. We appreciate that. >> Um okay, we're going to move right into finance. I know we covered some of this already. So, um Mr. Moras, if you want to >> I can take it if you want. >> Oh, I'm sorry, Dr. >> No, we did it in tandem together and but Mr. Walsh actually already covered it. We just put these on for uh the board to review. Can bring it through Mr. Walsh if we're going to be meeting in a small group. I know that Mr.
083Morasco and Mr. Moretta are going to be putting together some information about current costs that we're looking at. It is time to update, you know, our use of facilities for every reason that Mr. Walsh already mentioned with regard to costs that we are outlaying and based on our fee schedule, the different groups, categories of organizations that use our facilities free of charge. So, I think that that's something that we really need to evaluate. Free is difficult these days. um especially when we just did a massive EIP and the energy savings that we predict is based on just that energy saving savings and non-use of the buildings. So we do have to evaluate as a board passing along some of the additional costs that are not factored into our ASUP savings into our use of facilities
084fees. So that would be something from a timing perspective going back on to what you to what we've talked about the timing of that is important because we opo we operate on the fiscal year many of the organizations or otherwise work on a calendar year so if we're going to be revising we may want to do this in a timely way have things in place by January or February at the latest so if they are in fees and place you know uh organizations such as sports foundation recreation are using our fac or want to be using our facilities and that is a group I'm just using them as example I'm not saying it's definitive. For example, if that is a group we are going to be, we're going to want to give them plenty of
085notification for that if they however they're choosing to um you know uh provide us with the the fee structures of those things in return how they want to accommodate that. >> Dr. Gary, so the facility use fee schedule these three pieces. I'm assume that's might be the easiest one to change with policy and regulation. Is it is it difficult to change 7510 to reflect the fee schedule? So 7510 is is basically it's linked in the regulation. So the regulation outlines the actual categories the classes I guess you would say of of of different groups and the fee schedule is actually something that is separate but actually um um referred to excuse me in in the regulation and policy in accordance with the fee schedule. So the fee schedule is actually one of the easiest ones.
086Remember in the background that Mr. Scales and I are still working on all the transfer of the policies over. So the fee schedule, I am really optimistic we'll have all of those done before December. But in the event of the interim and for this the the work right in front of us, the fee schedule is the easier one because though the actual fees themselves are not populated within the policy or the regulation. >> Fair enough. So safe to say that the policy and regulation can speak to this fee schedule and we have the ability to adjust the fee schedule to reflect >> correct time. >> Correct. Correct. And then the timing, you said you want this in place by January 1, but uh what's like I saw this here. We do need time to digest
087this and go over some of the anticipated uses of our facilities because our opportunity to correct on it when possible. So >> I would think January, February would be an ideal time to adopt if we're making changes. And I I I obviously will, you know, take your recommendation as well that I think it's an appropriate time just because if we're using facilities moving forward and they were operate on a calendar year, we do have organizations that come in in the spring that want to use the facilities. We have summer programs that want to use the facilities. So, it really is a perfect time for us to be giving them even if we are going through this endeavor and we think there's going to even for Mr. Morasco to reach out to put some of our
088regular users on notice that they will be seeing adjustments. You know how we all got those notices via email online when you know things were going to be going up recently that we got those notifications. We may want to put some of the people that we know that the board is reevaluing his fee schedules and they may see fees for things that may not have been. >> Okay. So there's no So even if we have a use of the facility right now on an old schedule they can come back and and say great grandfathered into an old schedule they have to adapt to a new schedule. Sure. Absolutely. Sure. We adopt remember too the timing and the reason why I said January was because we annually at the organization meeting we adopt all of our
089policies and regulations. It's part of our so if we have this in place and it's going forward and it's readdopted ideally at the reorganization meeting which is that first meeting in January you know that could be a sign that could be that could be a goal that we're looking for if it happens after the fact. It's I don't think it'll be detrimental to our process. >> We did ask Nicholas Mora to survey other districts and get us some >> pricing. What are they charging for facilities? >> Is that what this is? Class E is what the he his uh research was >> on the document that you put it on here. >> Go ahead. >> The schedule A. >> No, that's not specifically what Mr. >> Oh, it's just what we have currently. >> Just
090a class of >> Oh, gosh. Okay. >> Say 2,000 for our gym without >> Let's pump that up a little bit. >> Other than the Colts Neck Sports Foundation, >> it's cheap. um are other um I guess groups using our spaces. Okay. So the idea wouldn't be to increase it for the Colts next foundation, right? Because then it would really just then they would just have to raise their fees, right? I'm assuming that's not what we want to do. We would want to >> raise almost every p like as I'm taking this document, class A, B, C, and D are almost anything public we're not charging for. Class E, it looks like it's more private, right? So if a private institution wants to use our >> everything is on the board. I mean everything can
091be convert and I think it's of whatever the board's discretion is because whether they're public entities or not they're still using things that are at a cost to the board of education. >> Yeah. >> So I think that might be just something we want to bring to the conversation. So regardless of whether it's a it's a sports foundation or to and you're absolutely correct they'll navigate the the fees of what we're going >> right to the parent. So >> correct. So, so we want so I think we'll want to be mindful of those conversations and what the board wants to do in relation to what the anticipated monthly spendings will be to the board in addition to and outside of the predicted state. have a common sense approach especially for >> clubs and right like
092our neck groups absolutely I would think would want to you know give them >> help possible that you know that's fair >> way the house though >> no I mean they're they're having fundraisers you know to raise money for dues and for fields and things like that so I mean we have to keep all that into consideration so cool >> thorough explanation >> anything else on finance Anything else? All right. Uh we're going to move right into uh policy. Um Mr. Scales. >> Yeah. Just want to thank Dr. Garay. Um this the policy that we're drafting here, this is uh administration of medication. So what this is stemming from is New Jersey states um or let's say the alert that we have to adopt a sunscreen and sun protection for New Jersey students uh policy
093right so do you want to provide some color on what you did in order to add this because I think this is this is a very intelligent view and then once you share that view I would like to highlight something for the board. >> Sure. So, we received notice in um June, I think June 4th, that by September, we had to have in accordance with public law 2025 C38, the requiring all local education agencies to adopt policies concerning student use of sunscreen and sunprotective clothing at school and school sponsored functions. Um, it takes effect at the start of while there's no date, we're still within compliance because it's the start of the 24 256 school year. Um, and then it gives you the statutory requirements for that. So knowing that we are in transition for
094the policy uh committee rather than um going back to our former provider, I looked at what school boards was recommendation and you know and I monitored that throughout the summer and then I also reached out to our school nurses and whatnot when I had a definitive direction from what schoolboard policies uh was saying and they took the approach of looking at it through administration of medication and rather than creating a whole new policy for it, they added it as the bold revi as the bold language that appears. under um our current policy that we already have um for the use of it that just basically says you know as it's stated students sun uh sunscreen protection is encouraged and it should be applied to students at home prior to coming to school and all the
095language that the are the requirements for that state says what I did then in turn was also u made contact and they were gracious enough during the summer our three school nurses also provided their input on it because it is a policy that guides their practice as well as well as our administration. So they are making recommendations the nurses that sunscreen uh staff shall not apply uh be responsible for applying sunscreen. they can encourage it and help facilitate but staff shall not apply it and that they are also requesting that aerosol sprays be ripp we not use aeros spray you don't want >> for that purpose for a variety of reasons so we don't want aerosol sunscreen right exactly and creating you know potential slippery hazardous condition for a many a multitude of reasons those
096were the two pieces that one line that's in there um that they recommended you know the documentation isn't required I know that some districts are putting in this fills ffills the requirement for us to do this to for that as for the state for to make us in compliance of the language that is >> well it's a very again it's a very intelligent approach because the state is now looking at sunscreen >> ridiculous >> as a medication well let me let me highlight something for you ready you are you ready for this let me read something to you because I I'm not going to tell you my view >> the beaches >> I want your I want your thought process >> kids doing so let's just let me read a line from what the state
097is asking us to do. Right? So, the local education board may require written permission from a student's parent or guardian to allow a student to carry or use sunscreen at school. This requirement may be aligned with a specific age or grade level. So, reading that right, you now need parental permission for them to use sunscreen and carry sunscreen. What in our district, in New Jersey state, has the state said you do not need parental consent and permission for? Let's play a little game before I give you the answer. >> Transing our children. >> Correct. So the state of New Jersey looks at sunscreen as you need written permission, but in order to a transition of your child, they do not require that your parent is consenting to the use of different pronouns used in the
098school. So I just wanted to highlight that because that is one of the most egregious things I've seen from a policy perspective. So keep that in your back pocket. >> They know when to when a child needs to change their gender, but they don't know know when they need to wear sunscreen. >> Correct. >> With edification, what is the genesis behind it? Because from a very simple question, where did this come from? Because it's >> it's mindboggling that it's >> it is well so again like when the the state's view on this I think is again intelligent, right? We're taking into consideration any sort of there's a lot of religious requirements, right? that children do not apply because for religious reasons they don't apply sunscreen. They're not allowed to. Right? So what what they're doing
099is they're allowing religious freedom. They're allowing medical freedom. They're allowing the parental rights, parental consent and freedom of sunscreen. Now granted sunscreen you again you are the parent of your child. You do have the right as you see in the parental rights as well too of administering of medication to your child at school. Right. So, they have the right. They're continuing to use that right in order to apply this. So, it's merely for safety concerns and to make sure that we're taking the onus off of the the the teachers and the administration for their need to touch a child and apply sunscreen. So, the stupid mandate. >> Yeah. The intelligence of Dr. GBY and the team is again make sure that that's applied at school. And if you want your child to carry a bottle
100of sunscreen with them at school, we just need your consent. to let them apply that. But so again, this is the common sense of and you know, you think of the balance the balance scales of justice in my name, if you will. It's not it's it's unbalanced, right? So just wanted to highlight that. Any um any questions, comments, concerns of this policy? Again, my my view is that I again and you have taken a request from the state and we have involved everyone in the district in this decision before we're applying this. So, thank you for doing that. >> I support your uh frustration, Mr. Walsh, but the state of New Jersey has done plenty of stupid things in the past eight years, so we could add this one to it. Um, all right. Moving
101on to parental bill of rights. >> I'm sorry. Is everyone okay with us moving forward for first read on the 17th? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Yeah. And if you have any questions about it, let me know. There's there's some weird read both read attachment one and two because you'll see what the state asked us to do and so I digress. Okay. Pretzel bill of rights. So, we received um a legal opinion that we sent out to the board. Um, any questions, any comments, concerns on that legal opinion? I I subsequently sent my what's that >> for the >> Bill of Rights? >> Yeah. Okay. So, never mind. >> We've we've presented that to you for you to review. Please hold your comment questions for executive s. >> Okay. We're going to um,
102you know, move it along at this time for done with the policy. Just a question. Were we not allowed to share a political opinion with the public? >> A legal opinion? I'm sorry. >> No, not not the legal opinion. The legal opinion is saved for um Got just the discretion of us during executive session. >> Yeah, it's considered client attorney privilege. >> Great. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Uh okay. Thank you for uh clarifying. Um nothing under negotiations. The transportation portion we already uh discussed pretty lengthy about the stop arm camera. So I think we could move forward. Correct. We don't need to revisit that. Okay. We're going to move forward right into the personnel. Got three uh items there. Those are FYIs for the 91725. Just heads up that these things are coming as
103well as anything else that may come out will be presented in the updates um leading into the 17th. >> Great. Just a quick question on the chaperrons. What is the chaperron for? >> Uh it is a a chaperon. Oh, okay. >> For um if I remember correctly, actually I can look that up, but is a chaperone for an event. Um I want to say it may have been for the orientation, new student orientation. It may be a retroactive event happening without being required. >> Um I have a question. This just came to mind since I saw Chapron. Years ago, Mr. Walsh had mentioned about um how the district did a class trip to Washington DC. I'm not sure why um you know we uh ended that. I'm curious uh you know to hear the feedback
104on why that was ended and if it's possible to reinstate that class trip for the eighth graders and what that would entail. I'm not sure if that should be in new business, but if we could do some like a brief answer on that. Um is that okay to do it now or do I have to? >> It's it's fine. We can do it either way. >> Yeah, let's do it now. this way we can move it along to executive >> session. So the trip to Washington DC was pre-made. >> Um so I would have to do some research as to when and why it was stopped you know from that sense of point of view. So once I have that information I can bring it to the board and certainly look at it. I know.
105We were we look we um go to Stokes now. >> I was there. I was there and he was there >> and I got in trouble the whole trip. But >> that's hysterical. >> So M chaperoned your eighth grade trip. >> Great times, man. >> That's hysterical. >> Did I just say something? So bring it back. >> We're going to save your comments for public comment. Okay. Just so we can finish. I want to I want to add a comment to that because I I have a Washington trip memory. >> Okay. Yeah, you can. We're just about to close now. >> It's all good. It's all good. >> So, but I can we can certainly bring it back to another cow discussion. >> I mean, they probably discontinued it because of the safety concerns. >>
106Washington or the financial >> Washington DC now Washington again thanks to Kevin's boss. And >> maybe we can revisit the kids going back now. >> Thank you, M. >> All right. So, we'll we'll move on. Uh, we'll move on with that. Let's open the floor. I know Mr. Ryan has u uh an an additional comment. If you want to come up real briefly and add to the meeting, that would be great. >> I had the pleasure of going on this. >> Oh, you got to put the button on. >> Hit the button. >> There it is. Green. Okay. Green means go. >> Green. Okay. I had the pleasure of being on my son's eighth grade trip with Officer Walsh at the time. Officer Goodspeed. >> Wow. We didn't know that. >> I can tell you
107this. You guys should bring it back. >> You as parents, if you get a chance to chaperon it, go. >> I would love to. >> I had the best time with my son and his classmates and Officer Walsh and Officer Goodspeed. We had a lot of laughs. Everything was beautiful. Take it. It's a precious memory. >> Amazing. Because when you're having those lousy days, you can think back, look back on the phone or however you have the pictures >> and uh it's a sweet memory. Absolutely. Bring it back. >> Yeah, we would love to. We were talking about it the other day. So, >> it was a lot of fun. It really was a lot of fun. >> So, bring it back. Just my two cents. >> Great. Thank you for participating tonight, uh, Mr.
108Ryan. Thank you very much. >> Amazing. >> Okay, we are um Okay, we are going to close public comments. We're going to open the floor to any new business this evening. If anybody wants to add or discuss something, now is the time to do so. >> Um, I have one quick comment. >> Yes, Mrs. Cameron. >> I never added it to curriculum. I had forgotten and um I was been busy setting up my own classroom, but any news with the CCAT program? Any updates for us? >> Um, I know that they have a request in to have almost like a presentation or a table available at the Cedar Drive um back to school night for parents. And so I think that that's something that we're working on to facilitate. And I the last time we
109were in communication with each other was about them trying to identify some of their current cadetses to possibly come after school to uh facilitate with chaperone, you know, some some of the activities that they do with our students. So >> this is wonderful forward. This is so exciting. Wonderful. Thank you. >> Of course. >> Great. Excellent news. >> Just note again, I want to thank Mr. Ryan for for joining us this evening. Uh this this presentation is unique. We do have two opportunities to And this board welcomes public feedback. So, and we really embrace it. And that is how we drive to to greater levels of success. So, >> please tell your friends and colleagues about our forum about the opportunity to come out and speak their opinions and engage the board because this is
110why we're here. This is why we were elected. So, we really appreciate your time and attention. And I will say secondly that most students are very well behaved on these field trips with the exception of Mr. Rico. Most most students are very well behaved. So, we really embrace these opportunity. So, thank you very much for a great time. >> Great. >> Amazing. >> I have uh one one thing to uh >> Mr. Scales wants to add to new business at this time. >> I'll be I'll be next, please. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Oh, you want Okay. >> Bring the room bring the room down a little bit. I have some comments to make um regarding recent posts and behavior from the new head of the NJ, Mr. Steve Bey, I believe that's how you
111pronounce your name. And if anyone had saw the first post from the new president was a clenched fist in the air in solidarity always. My question to Mr. Batty is solidarity for what? the democratic policies that have the NJA has contributed over $40 million to is that the solidarity as a result of these policies over 400 teachers the democratic policies over 400 teachers have lost their job in Mammoth and Ocean County because of Democratic policies. The Democratic policies that I am referencing is the state of New Jerseyy's um egregious misfunding of our schools. Okay. So, is that the solidarity that we're fighting against? If you funnel $40 million towards Democratic policy and you have these New Jersey Democratic leaders elected, is that the solidarity that you're fighting to? Now, I'd like to We're all history
112buffs. I'd like to go down history lane of when a clenched fist in the air was used. Mr. Ryan, you've inspired me today with your use of of asking about history and our children have not forgotten history, right? So, I would go down some some memory lane, if you will. A clench fist was first used right in the air in solidarity by the labor movements in the earth 20 earliest 20th century. It appeared prominently in this the socialist communist and the workers groups in Europe and they used that as a collective power against oppression. The gesture the gesture of the counterpoint to the Nazi salute was during the rise of fascism. So Mr. Scarpie, you're a history buff. Do we have a fascist government at the moment? We do not. So again, a clench fist
113is combating fascism, right? You also talked about Aaron Judge, right? And about how he how he understands that he's not a hero. Correct. >> Heroes that I would I would say especially in in athletics, athletics in the mid 20th century was used as a way to to post you know your political oppression, right? So the 1968 Olympics in Mexico, it's most famous for American sprinters, track and field, Tommy Smith and John Carlos. They stood at the podium and they used a clenched fist raised in the air because it was during the national anthem and it was a protest against racial injustice that was etched into the global consciousness. So they took it upon themselves, let's use this forum as a way to fight. They had an obvious fight against their hands and because of that
114political movement, it helped them. Right? The reason I bring this up is because the first article that Mr. Batty put out the title of this article, and I'm I'm enraged when I say this, so I apologize. Teachers are under siege, but we still show up for your kids. That's the title. Mrs. Cameron, do you feel like you were under siege at all as a teacher in the state of New Jersey? Okay, Mr. Batty, your job is to show up for my children. your job as teachers in the state of New Jersey, no, regardless of whatever union it is, you show up for work. Okay? You show up for work. It's within the law. It's within your job duties. You are not under siege and you don't still show up for my kids. You have to
115show up for my kids and you will continue to show up for my kids. The reason I bring this up again is because we do not create fake problems and act like we are the heroes. to create a fake problem that doesn't exist in the state of New Jersey and to try to act like a hero that you are have a clenched fist in the air that our teachers are under siege. You are not under siege and those comments will not be tolerated. I made a comment to the NGAA and they subsequently made a a statement that the headline was probably not correct. So I'm asking them today in the public forum to remove it because it's an egregious and a disgusting comment and a disgusting title to be put on it. So in closing
116again the end the democratic policies that are funded in the state of New Jersey have removed 400 teachers as I mentioned before. How many teachers have we removed in New Jersey in Coleneck New Jersey in the last year? >> None. >> Zero. We had a 0% tax increase dollar-wise and percentage-wise. So my message to all of the unions of New Jersey, especially our our Colts neck union, my I am not anti-UN. I'm anti-manipulation, lying, and corruption at its core. I am here to protect our Colts neck union, which I truly believe is one of the best unions that we have in the state of New Jersey against our government of New Jersey and the NJA. So, I appreciate you indulging me in uh my comments. If you have any other comments or concerns, you can
117send them my way. So, thank you for letting me use this public forum. >> Thank you. >> Um Oh, yes. Uh Mr. RNA, if you want to add to that. >> Yes. Uh I'd like to thank Alan Ryan for coming out tonight. I appreciate we've been friends for a while and uh and bringing uh adding this new materials to our helping add to our curriculum. Thank you so much. It's something that needs to be taught. So, thank you so much. And I want to piggyback on that. This uh upcoming year being our 250th anniversary of our country. I think we maybe want to look into adding more materials uh for patriotism for civics uh that talk about our founding uh 1776. I know President Trump uh when he first came into office signed uh project
1181776 executive order. So maybe we can uh the uh curriculum uh committee and I'll help out as well too can look into that piggyback off that. And 2021 I believe Florida they added more of patriotism to their civics programs in school. Uh so maybe we can look into that as well too maybe add that to our uh curriculum. Uh, and also, um, there's the actor, um, Richard Drifus, who was in Jaws. It was in theaters this past weekend. I saw it my son twice. He loved it so much. He wrote a book a few years back called One Thought Scares Me, which is his thought of losing civics in our country, losing civics in our school. He's seen the decline of teaching civics in our school and how when kids go out into the real
119world, they don't understand the civics that they're given as a right as a citizen. and they don't know how to completely implement that into their daily lives and we're losing that. We're not teaching it well enough in our school. So maybe that we can look into that his book as well too. Maybe add his book to a curriculum added to our libraries for the grades of course that are that it would be more appropriate for as well too. And also um another adding for our 250th anniversary of our country. uh adding to that curriculum also I think would be great bringing back as we said before uh the um the trip to DC be great especially this year being our 250th anniversary. I know I went to DC uh in my school as well too
120when I was in eighth grade and I love that uh remember to this day. So adding those things I think would be great. Uh and of course I'd work love to work with the curriculum committee and in implementing that and Dr. Garbay and all of our >> I love this idea and I I just want to remind the board I'm sure everyone knows but in Dr. Garbay's weekly updates. There's a link to the Mammoth County the 250th commemorative uh committee. So, uh we can look, you know, we could all kind of read through it a little more carefully and see if there's some um books or just other ideas or projects that we could get our students involved in and really make it into a community county sort of um collaboration. >> Great. And and
121what what I we can do if you'd like um if you'd like we can bring forward where civics is identified in all of our curricula and just pinpoint and highlight where it already exists and then we can make decisions moving forward and recommendations for areas to explore further. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Uh anybody else for new business at this time? >> Okay, Mr. Walsh. >> Oops. Get your mic on. Have the board of ed members here consider removing a technology fee? I think it's ridiculous that parents have charged $50 for a Chromebook. >> No, enough is enough. Let's incorporate into our budget. >> That was one thing John Cameron always talked about as well too. And one thing that we campaigned on as well. I campaigned on the civics as well too. Going
122back to that, but that'd be great. >> Uh just to >> the $50, right? >> And explore how we can achieve that. >> I agree. There are students that intentionally damage Chromebooks. So maybe instead of a fee for we remove the fee, but maybe like some kind of damage if if your child not the first time, you know, anything could happen. But if there's some kind of pattern though and we we know the child is intentionally breaking the Chromebook, um they should have to then maybe that family have to have to purchase, you know, fix it because we don't we don't want that either where we're just >> don't take $50. >> Yeah. Because sometimes the kids will purposely take the keys off. I mean, I see this in my own classroom. They, >> you
123know, and and then other times they accidentally drop one. So, I mean, and and the whole screen shatter. So, you know, we we have to be, you know, mindful of when there's an accident versus intentional. >> I understand completely, but to send your kid to school and my kid didn't pay $50, then what? >> No, I I agree completely with removing the FA. I'm total favor of that, but I just think that there should be a repercussion if there is a student who is >> 100%. >> Okay, great. >> U Mr. Walsh, I already addressed um Dr. Garay U, so we're revisiting that now. So, she is going to discuss it. We'll put it on a future agenda um and then go from there. So, we are um the ball is rolling already on that.
124Okay. Uh thank you for bringing it up publicly though. Uh okay. Anybody else for new business? Okay. Before I um ask for a motion to move to executive session, I just want to wish all of our uh thousand something students tomorrow a fantastic day. 1,08. Wow. It was like 109 last time I checked. So 1,08 students. Uh I want to wish you all such a very very good day. I hope you have a fantastic day and uh I hope your moms are not all crying tomorrow. >> Yeah, some will be cheering. I will be crying. Um but yes, I wish all the families a very good day and uh especially our uh teachers and staff here and the administration. Thank you so much for all you do and we hope you have a fantastic first
125day as well. >> If I may add some >> Yep. Dr. Gar Bay, go ahead. >> So I want to thank Mrs. Vulpi for joining in our staff convocation yesterday. It was truly a great community event. It's a celebration. All 270 staff members there gathered together in one place and um Mrs. Vulpi was able there. So, thank you for joining us for that event. Thank you for the I just want to echo we are so excited to for tomorrow. It is one of um days I look forward to just new faces, new sneakers, new everything that everybody brings the day. It's just a great energy in the day and our staff are so excited to receive um their new students. Communication is key. Um we always work through our transportation. You also received an email
126today. We're still making updates to these things. We're encouraging our parents check your bus stops, everything. Um just to make sure because we try to adjust up until the last minute. Um schedules, communicate with us if there are any issues. Um but we're looking forward to a beautiful weather first day of school. um encouraging everyone to take those pictures at home, those first day of school pictures at home because the drop off line at primary school gets a little long. We're asking everyone for their patience, but we are anticipating a fabulous start to our 2526 school year. So, thank you to the board for the support for everything in and thank you to the teachers, administrators, and everyone who um helps to make tomorrow a fabulous day as a kickoff for a fabulous year and
127wishing you know, of course, everyone here a great school year as well. So, thank you. Great. Uh, thank you. Um, okay. Uh, just to let you know, I'll be making a motion to move into executive session. This executive session will cover two items listed there. Confidential student matter and number two, confidential legal matter. No action will be taken. We'll probably uh be in there for about 30 minutes. The live stream will end and we will not be resuming. So, if I could get a motion to move into executive session at this time. All right. Brian Scarpa and uh Jason. All right. >> I Great. Uh, thank you everybody. >> Yeah. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Jones. Thank you, Mr. Ryan. >> Yeah. Go ahead. I'm going to grab a cookie.