001Oh, let's try that again. Good evening everyone. >> Good evening. >> All right, we have a full house tonight. We're excited cuz a lot of times we're here looking at the chairs. So, it's good to see everyone tonight. I'd like to welcome our public to our regular business meeting um for May uh May 12th, 2026. I'd like to call our meeting to order. >> On Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, notice of this meeting was emailed to the press and the Daily Journal. Notice was also delivered that day to the A corporate Township Clerk and posted on the bulletin board in Township Hall. >> May I have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Byrd. >> Present. >> Mr. Byers. >> Here. >> Mr. Della Barca. >> Here. >> Ms. Hyman. >> Here. >> Mr. Ireland. >> Here.
002>> Mr. Seppi. >> Here. >> Mrs. Sloggy. >> Here. >> Mr. Price. >> Here. >> Mrs. Gilbert Ford. >> Here. At this time, we're going to have our flag salute. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Like to have a motion to approve minutes, items 4.1 through 4.3. >> Motion, Ireland. >> I'll second the motion. >> Any discussion? Seeing none, roll call, please. >> Mrs. Byrd. >> Yes. >> Mr. Byers. >> Yes. >> Mr. Della Barca. >> Yes. >> Ms. Hyman. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ireland. >> Yes. >> Mr. Seppi. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sloggy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Price. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gilbert Ford. >> Yes. You
003got that stuff. here. Okay. Good evening everyone. A little something different tonight regarding the superintendent's report. All right, kids are going to help me out. And we'll we'll get to share all the great things that we're doing in the district. But tonight's a very special occasion, so that that's what comes first. And it's important that we realize how important that our our teachers are to us. So um I know that you guys want me to show the video first, but we'll do that. Um superintendent's report real quick always has a video and Alan put this together the great things going on in our district, so we're going to share. >> Mama said fulfill the prophecy, be something greater. Go make a legacy, manifest destiny. Back in the days we wanted everything, wanted everything. Mama said
004write your biographies, rewrite your history, light up your wildest dreams, using victories. Every day we wanted everything, wanted everything. Mama said, "Don't give up. It's a little complicated, all tied up, no more love, and I'd hate to see you waiting." >> Okay, so just showcasing all the great things that go on within just a month and kids are having a great time. You can see smiles on their faces, learning in the classroom, outside the classroom, in the programs that we have. Um so we're very very proud of that and we like to show that off and you know, the supporting all that are very very special people and that's our teachers and staff. So with that, I'm going to turn over to Dr. Charlton who's going to um MC tonight's program. >> Thank you, Dr.
005Gurcio. On behalf of the board and Dr. Gurcio, welcome. This is our annual Teacher of the Year and Educational Service Professional of the Year recognition and tonight we are honoring 14 exceptional individuals from seven different schools. And so, the way this is going to work is I'm going to call up the principals and they are going to introduce both of the recipients, say a few words about them, and then they're going to receive a plaque and a certificate and a bouquet of flowers from Mrs. Gilbert Floyd, our board president, and Dr. Gruccio. But, before that, what a great way to set a tone for a Teacher of the Year and ESP Recognition of the Year is to have the Atlantic County, the current Atlantic County Teacher of the Year here with us. And her name
006is Krista Delaney and she's a science teacher at our high school and is the current reigning Teacher of the Year for Atlantic County. So, Krista, come on up and share some words. >> Thank you so much, Dr. Charlton. I have a short presentation of my year as County Teacher of the Year, as well as what I'm doing in my classroom. Um so, bear with me. >> So, while she's getting set up, we're so proud of Krista. Um she just recently spoke at the Teacher of the Year for Atlantic County and did a wonderful job. I was so very proud of her and and she'll be speaking to the student group soon. All right? >> Yes. >> But, we'll give you a little practice. So, you go. >> Yes. Thank you. Okay, so I teach AP
007Environmental Science at the high school. Um this is a little bit about me, but the biggest things to know about me is that I am a graduate of Egg Harbor Township High School and that my sons attend Egg Harbor Township schools. So, I'm also a room mom at Slate Ball Elementary, my most important job in the district. Um so, in the classroom this year, we've had guest speakers. Um we've had a Zoom call with researchers in Antarctica that was set up through a program with Rutgers LTER program, as well as Zoom calls with shark researchers at the University of Miami. We've had watershed ambassador presentations the current Atlantic well, the current great Egg Harbor watershed ambassador is a former Egg Harbor Township student Jacob De Rose and he came in to do presentations that focused
008on what a watershed is and also stream macroinvertebrate identification. A big push that I have in my classroom is literacy in the science classroom. So I ran a workshop at our March professional development on literacy in the science classroom and how science teachers can incorporate literacy and to make sure that our students are leaving college ready from any course related to science. And these are some ways that I do that. As well as when we are on our experiential learning opportunities, the students use different things to write their answers. For example, this is a Google slide that they were able to use when we're on a field trip around the back base of Atlantic City on a boat tour. Also on campus, we do carbon sequestration labs. We've grown grow dune grass in our greenhouse
009as well as planted many vegetables in our greenhouse. We have students working from the Environmental Action Club all year in the greenhouse. That is an examples of eco columns that we were running in the greenhouse and then that picture a student sent to me with the rainbow over the greenhouse, which I really appreciated. Off campus, we've gone to the ACUA every year for many years and the students get to tour a landfill working landfill as well as look at water treatment facilities and see how our water is treated. We also went to the Wetlands Institute and did on the beach water collection and water sampling. And then our big project that we've been doing for the past 2 years is dune grass planting in coordination with Ocean City Public Works and the American Littoral Society.
010And this was from a grant a lot of everything we went on was from a grant from the DOE. Um so it was a grant focused on climate education. We were able to secure funding for next year to continue our dune grass planting with another community partner American Water. So really excited about that that we can continue our project. Just recently we went to the nature reserve and did a bio blitz with all different science teachers there with our biology students teaching our students about soil sampling, about albedo effect, about water sampling and identification. We also focus on cross-curricular highlights in our grant writing. And so this is an example of how we worked with different classes how to incorporate climate education into their classrooms and this is just an example of that. Another focus
011is to incorporate it from as many classes as we can. So we did dune grass planting vertical articulation with our first grade classes. We have we were able to bring one first grade class up to the greenhouse to see the greenhouse to help us plant the dune grass where we maintained it for a month before we planted in Ocean City in March. And we went to every single first grade class in the district Davenport and Swift and did dune grass lessons and let the students know why you shouldn't climb on a dune, why are dunes important, why do we want to leave them alone during the summer. So it was giving them real world application of a science-based concept. The STEM bus is also something that I work with with my students. So our science
012supervisor Rodney Velardi upcycled a bus from our transportation fleet into the STEM bus also known as the cool bus or the fun bus around the district. And then my students are the ones who actually go out to the elementary schools and bring the STEM bus and the students work on robotics and coding in a fun environment. So all told we saw 640 students this year. We also going to Alder Water Festival with Miller, so it'll be even more than that. And then the high school preschool is coming on the STEM bus in June. So, again, it'll be even more than that. But there was a lot of students who were able to experience the STEM bus this year. That was also through grant money that we received from the DOE. In the state, I am
013a member of the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment Science High School Science Advisory Committee. That's a mouthful, I know. Thank you to Dr. Gruccio for when I asked if I could apply, she said, "Yes, you can." And allowing me to attend these meetings where I helped to write the science state testing questions, which our juniors are taking the science state test next week. I'm also a New Jersey Teaching Fellow for Climate Education, and I've written lesson plans for Subject to Climate in the New Jersey Learning Hub. So, Subject to Climate is across the country. New Jersey Learning Hub is specific to New Jersey's learning standards and specific climate aspects to New Jersey. And then we've also were participant in the Empowered Schools program. We had students, some are here today, make a video about how
014to reduce our energy usage at the high school as part of our Empowered Schools program. And then in the country, we have achieved many different awards, but one that was recent last year, we were in Eco-Schools Green Flag certification award winner. I've also helped the National Wildlife Federation write their eco cards, which an example is there, so that other schools can earn green flag certification. And this is an example of what that card looks like in action. And this These were my students from 2 years ago. We went to the Cape May Nature Center. And then what have I done as County Teacher of the Year? I've been able to attend professional development days in August and October and work with my cohort, and I'm very excited to help our next cohort of County Teachers
015of the Year with whatever they're planning to do in the future. I was able to speak at Stockton's Future Teachers Conference, which I loved, and I presented at Angie, which is Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education Conference, as well as the New Jersey Coastal Climate Resilience Conference in coordination with Department of Education. And then, the fun part is you get to attend sporting events across the state as County Teacher of the Year. In the future, I would love to continue working with my cohort. I have been noodling an idea around of having a free seed library outside of the greenhouse so that community members can come and take free seeds and grow things at their house. Um, so I think this summer I'm going to try build that free seed library. Luckily, we've been able
016to secure funding for our dune grass project. I want to continue to coordinate lessons between grade levels in the district, including with the STEM bus. And then, most recently, for the past 2 days, I've been working with the LATIC cohort working on incorporating technology-infused classrooms and problem-based classrooms. So, thank you to the Board of Education for supporting all of my endeavors this year. It's been a whirlwind of a year. Thank you to central administration, Dr. Gruccio, for helping support me on everything I asked for you to help me with. And then, also a special shout-out to my high school for always supporting everything that I do, including all of the teachers and staff who agreed to be a part of my projects. So, thank you, everyone. >> And thank you, Krista. We're so proud to
017have you on our staff. When you think there's thousands of teachers in Atlantic County, that's an amazing distinction to be the County Teacher of the Year. So, let's meet our recipients for tonight, the 14 people. There's going to be a brief video introducing them. Hopefully, students in here you reconnect with some people that you used to have in class in your earlier grades. We'll bring that up right now. >> The Harborcreek School District wishes to congratulate our teachers and educational service professionals of the year. Bargetown Preschool Teacher of the year, Michelle Simon Educational service professional of the year, Caitlin Skalise Swift SL 8 ball complex Teacher of the year, Krista Bernardino Educational service professional of the year, Elizabeth Ritchie Davenport Complex Teacher of the year, Jennifer Adamczak Educational service professional of the year, Justina Mischkowski
018Miller Elementary School Teacher of the year, Brian Corcoran Educational service professional of the year, Katie Snyder Alder Avenue Middle School Teacher of the year, Carrie Watts Educational service professional of the year, Cheryl Jenkins Fernwood Avenue Middle School Teacher of the Year Rosanne Carey Educational Service Professional of the Year Miguel Crespo Egg Harbor Township High School Teacher of the Year Danielle Ulmer Educational Service Professional of the Year Joshua Lesser Congratulations to all of our recipients. >> So again, Mrs. Gilbert Floyd and Dr. Grichuh are going to be presenting on behalf of the board a plaque, a certificate, and also a bouquet of flowers. So we're going to get started right away with our first principal, and that's Mr. Joseph Marinelli from the Bargaintown Preschool. >> Good evening, everybody, and congratulations to all the winners. Preschool is
019very proud to recognize Ms. Michelle Simon. Why don't you come on, Michelle? Michelle Simon is our 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year, an exceptional preschool disabled teacher. Michelle creates an inclusive, structured, and nurturing classroom where every child is supported, understood, and celebrated. Through individualized instruction and her thoughtful supports, she builds confidence, communication, and independence in each of her students. Michelle's innovation shines through in the system she designs to help students fully participate in daily routines and school-wide activities. Her visual supports, her communication tools, and the sensory experiences including her independently developed Friday century program. Well, that's a mouthful. All right, carefully aligned to meet her students' needs and families. Deeply value her consistent communication and home activities which extend learning beyond the classroom. A dual certified BCBA, Michelle is also a trusted collaborator who generously shares
020her expertise with colleagues and administrators. Her calm professional approach brings clarity, stability, and all situations. Through her dedication, leadership, and commitment to inclusive education, we're truly proud to honor you tonight. Congratulations, Michelle. Miss Caitlin Scalise. Our preschool is very proud to recognize Caitlin Scalise as our 2026-2027 educational support professional of the year. Chosen by her peers, Caitlin exemplifies the very best of our school community through her compassion, professionalism, and dedication to both the students and her colleagues. As a speech pathologist, Caitlin blends expert knowledge with genuine care to support each child's communication and their growth. She develop She develops individualized plans, collaborates closely with the staff, and provides meaningful guidance to her families ensuring that every student feels supported, and nurtured, and empowered. Caitlin's leadership and positivity extend throughout the building. She goes above and
021beyond through continued professional learning and in every day. Her kindness, her enthusiasm, and her commitment truly reflect our mission to embrace, engage, and educate, making her a very deserving of this award. Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> The principal of our Davenport Elementary Complex, Mrs. Letizia White. >> Good evening, everyone. Miss Adamshack. >> WOOHOO! >> ALL RIGHT, SO I'M HONORING OUR TEACHER OF THE YEAR, Jenny Adamshack. We proudly honor you as our 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. As we affectionately know her, Jenny. So, I'm going to stay with Jenny for now. Jenny is one of our very first smiling faces that our students see each day in the morning as they go to breakfast, and that smile never fades throughout the day. Whether she's greeting students in the hallway, supporting them in the cafeteria, or working
022beside them in the classroom, Jenny brings warmth, kindness, and encouragement everywhere she goes. Fun fact about Jenny, she was raised in EHT, she attended EHT schools, she graduated, and she's obviously been here for 19 years. So, she loves it. Jenny is one of our three ML superheroes in our building, and she plays an important role in helping students transition from different backgrounds to learn a new language and feel welcome and supported in their new environment. She not only supports the students, but their families as well, helping to create a true sense of belonging within the school community. Jenny hearts for others extend far beyond the classroom. We honor her commitment to continuing her brother's legacy, John Elliot's legacy through the Hero Campaign, showing her dedication to the safety and well-being of our community and beyond.
023One co-worker shared that Jenny is a pleasure to work with and makes every day at Davenport uplifting with her contagious laugh and positive attitude. That's true. Jenny, thank you for your dedication to our students and school each and every day, and congratulations on being named the Teacher of the Year. All right, just seen the Mischkowski. All right, our ESPY Justina. Uh It is truly an honor to recognize this year 2025 2026 ESPY. As you can see, she's full of love and light. Um Miss Justina Mischkowski, as we know her as Miss Ena, so I'm going to continue to call you Miss Ena throughout this speech. Miss Ena is truly a ray of sunlight in our school community. Every day she walks through the doors with a smile on her face and a high level of
024energy, ready to tackle the day. No matter the situation she's dealing with in the classroom, you can always always count on Miss Ena to bring gratitude, encouragement, support, and positive vibes to everyone around her. She's also one of the most sought-after paraprofessionals in the building, personally requested year after year by her partner teacher because of her dedication, reliability, and care. In challenging situations, you never see Miss Ena sweat. Well, maybe physically when she's running behind the kids, but never emotionally because she's always handles everything with grace and a huge smile. One coworker shared that Miss Ena remembers every student and every face because she truly takes the time to connect with them. Miss Ena has a genuine heart for students she serves. She builds deep and lasting relationships with them. So much so that family
025still remember her. Miss Ena, you're more deserving of this award, and thank you for all you do. >> I love you, Ena. That's so kind. Thank you so much. I really love your energy. Thank you for stopping by. I have no picture. I'll smile anyway. Thanks, everyone. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Just so everyone knows, we'll also be taking a brief 5-minute break after everyone's done so you can get some good pictures with everybody up front. The principal of the Swift School Play Ball Complex, Mrs. Rachel Kassenback. >> Just a side note, I grew up going to church with Miss Ena, and she has always always been like that since she was about 5 years old. That is very genuine. That is who she is. Uh so, I'm going to start out
026by getting stood up. Um Mrs. Bernardino had a prior obligation tonight, but she is our Teacher of the Year. Um she is not here, but I want to say a few words about her. Uh she is our self-contained special education teacher at the of Play Ball Complex. Krista is a phenomenal educator that makes a difficult job look easy. She genuinely loves what she does and cares tremendously for her students. Krista's classroom is a place where every child is valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. She meets meets each student exactly where they are and provides individualized instruction with unwavering patience. Krista truly has a gift when it comes to special education and she is very deserving of this honor. So, wherever you are, Krista, congratulations. And now, I would like to invite up Ms. Liz Richie,
027our Educational Services Professional of the Year. Hi, Liz. So, Liz is our second and third grade librarian at the Swift School Complex. Liz is an exceptional educator whose dedication, compassion, and professionalism consistently elevate our school community. Her commitment to students, families, and colleagues makes her a model teacher and an invaluable member of our school community. Liz's rapport with students, parents, and colleagues is built on kindness, trust, and genuine care. Students feel safe and valued in her presence. Parents appreciate her open communication and guidance, and staff members know they can rely on her for encouragement, teamwork, and a positive outlook. Mrs. Richie makes everyone around her feel heard and respected. When students were asked about Mrs. Richie, they said, "I love how Mrs. Richie takes the time to listen to our questions. She doesn't go too
028fast through things and I feel supported by her. Mrs. Richie is very kind and patient. She makes everything interesting. She's also the best because she's a hockey mom and I like to see her at the clam bar in the summer." She doesn't just eat there, she manages there if you need to need to stop by. "I like the pretty highlights in her hair." >> Liz, our school is honestly a better place because of you and we are all lucky to know you and work with you. Congratulations and thank you. >> The principal of Miller Elementary School, Mr. Jim Battersby. I'd like to introduce uh Miller School's Teacher of the Year, Mr. Brian Corcoran. Brian, I I usually like to start off by just sharing you obviously were nominated for this, so I wanted to start
029off by just sharing some of the things that your peers said to you in your nomination form, some of the things that were said. He creates engaging hands-on student-centered lessons, makes his students feel valued and supported. He brings positivity and enthusiasm every single day. Builds connections with students, not only in the classroom but outside the classroom as well. He's always seen supporting his students that are involved in community activities. He serves as a positive role model for not only for our staff but our students. So, those are some of the things that your peers have said about you, but I know from my eyes of being with you for now 7 years, I do appreciate your leadership and your role role how you're a role model for our students. You're a good person, you're a
030good man, you're a great teacher. And to be in your classroom and see how you integrate different things in into the lessons that engage students and get them excited. I remember seeing Super Mario Math earlier this year and fantasy football math at different times and how you engage kids throughout the year and being creative and and really hooking them into what they're learning about math. Um So, I just I want to say thank you. It's It does not go unnoticed the leadership and the role model you are for our students and staff. I try to equate Brian as I'm a sports guy. I played and I coached for years and when I think of Brian, I think of Brian as that guy on my team as a coach that I would say, "This is the
031guy I need to go in and guard the toughest guy. He's the guy that would go in and get that last yard that's needed." And And that's that's how I I That's That's legitimately how I think of Brian cuz I know he's a sports guy, I'm a sports guy, and that's how I cuz he's such a good person and he works so hard with our students and our staff that he goes above and beyond. And I I really appreciate everything. This is well deserved. Congratulations. Miller School's SPY of the Year is Miss Katie Snyder, Mrs. Katie Snyder. Katie, along the same lines, I'd like to pull information from your nomination from the people who shared with us to get you here tonight. So, Katie's a power professional at Miller School. She helps run behavior plans,
032organizes and preps instructional activities, helps run academic centers, and collaborates with her team on new ideas. Katie is always learning and growing in everything she does. She recently earned a her behavioral technician certification along with her bachelor's degree in social work all to help her students and further her career. Katie is always the first to step up to the plate and assist. She has the ability to stay calm in tough situations. She works with her team to figure out solutions and parents appreciate Katie and what she has done for their children at Miller. Again, my eyes for the 7 years that I've been with you, I have seen some amazing things that you have done with you and and your staff uh in in Ms. Falco's room. Um your your patience, your professionalism, your dedication,
033always has a smile in even the toughest situations, always willing to crack a joke with me in those tough situations, and it's appreciated. Um but to see how you care for and transition kids from fourth grade, how they enter the building, and then what what you've created and help establish as they leave as fifth graders, it's phenomenal and it's it's greatly appreciated and noticed. Thank you for all you do. >> Mrs. Cunningham, principal of Alder Middle School, had a family engagement tonight, so stepping up to the plate as assistant principal Mr. John Mason. >> Thank you, Mr. Jonathan. Could I welcome up I'm sorry, could I welcome up first uh Ms. Carrie Watts, our teacher of the year at Alder Avenue Middle School. So, it is uh my pleasure to recognize Ms. Carrie Watts as
034Alder's teacher of the year. For the past 16 years, she has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching, leadership, and service to the school community. Her 7th grade ELA classroom is welcoming and an engaging environment where students feel supported, encouraged, and most importantly, develop a genuine love of reading. Through meaningful literacy experiences and strong relationships with students, she creates a classroom culture where learning is rigorous and enjoyable. Outside of the classroom, she is a coach and advisor, a mentor, and a big member of our community. She lives here, she works here, she is everything we have here at EHT, and she exemplifies our engage, embrace, and educate uh here at Egg Harbor Township. Um she also mentors uh novice teachers and student teachers. She's active on our school leadership team, and uh honestly, like whenever anything comes
035up, sorry, this is off the cuff, but like she's just like, "Yeah, let's do it." Like, she's not only doing it, but she's doing it to a T. She is game, and we are going full force. Um she is a shining star amongst our 7th grade team, continually motivates and supports her colleagues, and uh on Friday mornings, if you would like to hear some music, if you walk by Ms. Watts' room, uh I would Taylor Swift maybe? Yes. Yes. Uh blasting over there, and the kids and and sick as well. They want to come by, see, hear, they always want to come back to Ms. Watts' um classroom. And um you know, it it is something where uh you know, we've been here, you know, myself for a few years, and uh when you walk
036into Ms. Watts' classroom, um it it is hard to put words to the feeling that you walk in, and it is just a place that you truly want to be. The kids want to be there. Um and um you know, you walk in, the kids are engaged, it is fun, um and um you know, it it's on like I'm like, "Can I stay? I want to stay in that room." cuz uh she does such a great job. Uh congratulations, Carrie. Thank you uh much for everything that you do. You've been awesome. All right. Can I get Miss Cheryl Jenkins come up as our ESP of the year, educational service professional? Come on up. So, it is with uh great pride that I recognize Miss Cheryl Jenkins, paraprofessional, as our educational service professional of the year.
037She has 14 years of experience um with compassion and an unwavering dedication to supporting our students with diverse learning needs. She has made an extraordinary impact on our school community. As a dedicated paraprofessional, she plays an essential role in creating an inclusive, structured, and nurturing learning environment. And she is a beacon of light each and every day, even in the most challenging moments, bringing calm, understanding, positivity through everything that she does. Uh she has patience, empathy, and uh honestly does such a great job building relationships with all of our kids. Um our school is all the better for having her in it. She works closely with all the teachers in the building. Um and again, actually, similar to Miss Watts, if we're doing something, she's doing it. And she is going all the way, and
038she's game. I'll say always ready, enthusiastic. She is committed to being uh collaborative, and uh she is so focused on the success and the well-being of the kids. You can see it in each and everything that she does. Um outside of school, she's an avid runner. Right? Um and uh she brings that same energy, perseverance, and determination into her work every day. Her professionalism, teamwork, and genuine care for all of our students continue to leave a lasting impression on everybody around us, and I can say again, just walking through the hallways, like she's always there. She's excited. She's bringing that positive energy for um each and every one of our kids, and and again, Alder Avenue is uh and Elk Grove Township was all the better for having her there. So, thank you. Thanks. >>
039Rolling right along, the principal of Fernwood Middle School, Mr. Frank Lockentour. All right, can we please welcome Ms. Rosie Carey on up to the stage. So, when we talk about a model teacher, we usually are describing someone who possesses that rare mix mix of deep experience and even deeper heart. Today, we recognize someone who embodies that definition perfectly, Ms. Rosie Carey. Rosie is what many of us call a teacher's teacher. Her knowledge of phonics and literacy is so profound that she doesn't just teach our students, she has instructed other master teachers and has served as a as a lead trainer. But, what truly sets Rosie apart is her work within the walls of Fernwood Avenue. As an RTI teacher, Rosie wears many hats, often switching gears every single period to meet a new group of
040learners. She She has a legendary reputation for turning over every rock to help a child learn to read. She doesn't look at at a student as a data point on a rubric. She meets them exactly where they are. Providing that specific tool that they need to succeed. Her dedication to our most at-risk learners and willingness to share her mastery with all of us makes her a key part of Egg Harbor Township. I am very proud and honored to call you our Fernwood Avenue Teacher of the Year. All right. Miguel Crespo, come on up. All right, it is a privilege to stand here today and celebrate an exceptional member of our of our educational community, Mr. Miguel Crespo. Miguel is more than just a staff member. He is the consummate professional. Whether he is navigating a
041challenging situation with poise or using his interpersonal skills to reach a student in need. Miguel's presence is a benefit to every classroom he enters. He doesn't just support his assigned students. He steps in for any child, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and caring environment for all. His dedication extends far beyond the traditional school day. Through his tireless work with his Aspire and Talents programs, Miguel has become a vital mentor and role model. He is someone who our students look to for strength and consistency and is someone the staff relies on for his insight and collaborative spirit. Miguel, your kindness, patience, and commitment represent the very best of Egg Harbor Carter We are so proud to call you a colleague and now our educational services professional of the year. >> And last but not least, the principal
042of our high school is Mrs. Jackie Krugno. >> Good evening everyone and thank you for coming tonight. Congratulations to every all of our recipients. Um I also want to send a special thank to thank you to Miss Delaney. She provided um flowers for the entire district last week, her and her students. So, um I I know I have new marigolds at my house um because of that, but thank you very much. So, off to Miss Olnick or Diz as we all call her at the high school. So, Miss Olnick is escorted by um Summer because Summer is her right hand little girl here. So, Miss Olnick is um has been with us for 14 years uh as a special ed math teacher. Um Miss Olnick, you you know, anything that we ask of her, she
043always says, "I got you." That is her I I think that's what she says all the time. She is in charge of Wings with her two other wingmen that are with her. She does amazing things in the classroom. Anytime you pass by her room during talent time, it is completely filled. Miss Olnick has helped out with um flag football, the powder puff, um and most importantly, unified. She has influenced the lives of so many of our students that I could do a whole doctoral thesis just on what Ms. Olnick does on every single day. So, to Ms. Olnick, or Diz as we know her, I got you. Congratulations on this, and we you so it's so appreciated. And they aren't twins, but they almost could be. Next up, we have Mr. Lesser who's our educational
044service professional of the year. Mr. Lesser has been with the district for 11 years. Again, he was a special ed teacher. He was also in math. He was also part of our Renaissance program for many years. Him and Ms. Olnick, I think, did almost everything together. Just last week, we had Mr. Lesser flipping burgers for our staff members. Mr. Lesser is now our interventionist here at the high school. He does an amazing job. There is not a spot that is better for him. It he is a round hole in a round in a He is that peg in the round hole. I I could not live without this guy. We talk all the time. He has been instrumental in making sure we have our STARS program after school to give every one of our students
045extra help. Give every one of our students another opportunity to find themselves. He's also instrumental in our talent time program, our before our official academic day starts, in making sure that our teachers are available for our students and our students are getting what they need. He's instrumental in our PLTs in in meeting with each and every one of them to make sure they have everything that they need to be successful so that their students are successful. I owe Mr. Lesser more than he'll ever know. I appreciate him so much and there is a competition because his wife, Holly, was also teacher of the year. All right. So, Mr. Lesser, she's also in our Hall of Fame. So, I'm going to nominate Mr. Lesser, although we don't have a you know, a teacher Hall of Fame
046yet. I'm nominating him for the decathlon of interventionist for athletics Hall of Fame so that they can also be in there together. So, congratulations, Mr. Lesser. >> Let's give a big hand for all 14 of our recipients. Before Dr. Gruccio gives some closing comments, I just want to acknowledge some people without which this ceremony wouldn't be possible, the unsung heroes, if you will. Uh the first is Victoria Bordonaro. She's our HR coordinator and she is a decorating committee of one and she is responsible for everything you see and hear tonight. So, thank you, Victoria. Dr. Gruccio's secretary, Ms. Sandy Ferriola, who is here tonight as well. Sandy is responsible for organizing all the plaque certificates and flowers that you see. Also, the video, Mr. Alan Vargas, who's right behind that screen. And also, Communications Academy
047student Nicole Velez, who did the narration for the video. And last but not least, our wonderful custodial crew that descend on this room all the time and just make it whatever we need it to be. They're awesome, so thank you to them as well. >> And thank you to Dr. Charlton, who heads this Yeah, give him a hand. Who each and every year leads this process that comes out through the state. He communicates to the principals who run through the process where teachers are nominated by their peers, and then there's the teachers meet in, you know, together, and they select their Teacher of the Year and their educational specialist of of the year. So, it is a process. We thank everybody involved. Congratulations. Congratulations to family members, parents, spouses, children, summer. Um thank you for
048all attending tonight and celebrating, celebrating our teachers. Very, very important to us, important to the educational process, and it's noble profession, right? It's we It's about passion and care for kids. So, we appreciate all that you do each and every day, and congratulations. It's well deserved. So, we have about a 10-minute break, so there's pictures that you can take and stories you could share and folks you may want to see that might have been your principal, but we'll take care of that during the break. All right? Thank you. >> to come up here and take pictures. >> Mhm. >> my trial team. Not going to give it away, but you know our student reps. >> They're part of it. >> Dr. Buccio. >> Okay, here we go. Very another exciting part of our evening. And
049uh we have some proud uh moments tonight. This is really, really proud. I know these students are so excited to share um their experience and um their advisor here, Mr. Michael Mattera, who's a social studies teacher at our high school. And he's been at this for a while being the advisor. And uh this is uh first time in a while that Atlantic County, yeah, um has had Egg Harbor Township High School as their champion mock trial team. So, amazing. Can I play the video? >> Yeah. >> All right. So, I want to share a video that was sent. Hopefully it has sound. >> I ask for unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks and to have them placed in the permanent congressional record of the United States of America. On February 3rd, the Egg
050Harbor Township High School Mock Trial Team won the Atlantic County Championship defeating Cedar Creek High School. This competition challenges students to take on roles of attorneys, witnesses, and jurors in front of New Jersey judges. This victory marks the first time in 6 years that a new school will represent Atlantic County in the statewide competition. These students have worked extremely hard meeting multiple times each week since October to prepare their cases, develop their arguments, and sharpen their skills. With the support of the Atlantic County Bar Association, they have built strong skills in public speaking, writing, critical thinking, and leadership. We are proud of this team and the way they represent our district. God bless the Egg Harbor Township High School Mock Trial Team, and God bless our United States of America. >> Hey. We too as
051well stand here very, very proud that you represent our high school as champions in Atlantic County. As you saw that the time and passion, but educationally the real world experience that they have received by participating in a in a opportunity like this, if you will, is outside education outside the classroom, which is so valuable and have prepared them for the passions that they want to follow in college and career. So, congratulations from my bottom of my heart. I am so proud. I remember seeing Eva with the trophy the other night at the history event. I'm sure you probably probably got it in your car, right? Did you bring it? Bring it. All right. >> Where is it? It's somewhere. All right, they're going to surprise us, but they're so proud of of their efforts and
052rightfully so. So, congratulations and I'll turn it over to Mr. Martin >> Thank you so much, Dr. Gruccio. Can I have the binder? Sorry. >> Plan. This was rehearsed, right? >> This is how this team really runs. All right. So, you heard from Congressman Van Drew who honored us and tonight not only are we being honored by the Board of Education, but our students are receiving wishes and letters from Governor Sherrill, Senator Andy Kim, Congressman Van Drew has sent a congressional proclamation. Dennis Levinson has sent county-wide proclamation and they're going to be honored next week at our town committee meeting. And it just really signifies just how truly remarkable these young men and women are. So, just a little bit about mock trial. The New Jersey State Bar Association creates a problem each year and
053this year was a criminal case. So, we had a student play the role of a defendant who had allegedly, cuz we got her off, allegedly uh called the 911 SWAT in case. Um we compete from September to February and we practice roughly two to three nights a week and I just finished our end of the year report. We logged that I counted 196 hours. And that's 8-hour practices on Saturdays and that's in- excluding the work that they did on top of all their AP electives, on top of all their crew and other activities that they're involved in. So, this is a pretty dedicated bunch. Um and our team has become like a family. Uh I did this program when I was in high school back quite a while. Um we've had a lot of distinguished
054alumni. Uh Melanie Gallatti is our alumni coach. Uh we've had uh yes. And she was on our 2020 championship team. Um we have two prosecutors that help us out, Paige Jedlicka and Seth Levy, um whose mom taught women's studies in the social studies department. So, again, we're bringing it back home. Um kind of keeping it in the family. So, where have our students gone? Uh we've had students that provide that have, you know, pursued a variety of careers. Uh we've had in the 17 years I've been coaching, we've had students attend every single Ivy League. We've had students attend the Naval US Naval Academy and our former board rep, Chinaza Ezebuiro, not only went to Harvard, but she was the first EHT alum to go to Harvard Law School. So, our kids go on and
055do really remarkable things. Um we've had uh Ethan Saul who's been published as an undergrad in law reviews. We've had uh Nabila Sanda who has is working at the Pentagon. We've had several of our uh students practice um law uh abroad and we've had two alumni that have served as members of our Board of Education. Who's currently, who next year will be this fall going to law school. So, Nick Lessepi. That's right. So, it's a remarkable program from the bottom of my heart and uh I just want to take a minute. We're going to uh call them up to present them with their with their certificates and proclamations so you get a chance to see them. But I really for the teachers and educators in the room, I really want you guys to see really
056the output of of the result um of your time, effort, and energy. Uh they're a remarkable bunch and and I'm going to miss our seniors, but uh we've got a healthy team and we're going to be vibrant for the next couple years. So, without further ado, it is my privilege to present to you the 2026 Alachua County Mock Trial Champions. So, give them a round of applause. All right. So, put your hands right there. So, with Maya. All right. So, 196 hours when Coach Davis saw the trophy, he's like, "Man, you you guys should get varsity letters." I said, "Your lips to God's ears." So, I'm going to call out what I would call our our JV squad. These are our understudies. Eva has a motto and she says, "In year one, we watch it.
057In year two, we learn it. In year three, we do it. And in year four, we teach it." So, this first group um these are the kids that have watched it, learned it, and next year they're going to be doing it. So, we're going to start with uh Maya Alexachna. We have Brian Catelli. You can have my >> You can go ahead. You can have my >> We have Ms. Casey Kramer. We have Dean Eastwood. We have Isabella Gutierrez. We have Moise Iftikhar. We have Artan Lazarian. We have Emma Lynn. We have Grayson Muchler. And we have Santana Rajesh. If you guys want to kind of file in over there. So, file one. All right. And next up on our defense, what we like to call the girl boss squad, we have our defendant, Gunjan
058Nag. We have Malina Patel. And not with us tonight, we have Cassidy Robbins, who's at crew practice getting ready for Nationals. On our state side, we have Ms. Amanda Divine. Also on our state side, we have Emily Hager, who's also preparing for her crew uh uh Nationals. And we have senior Paige Pakuin, who'll be attending Drexel University. Paige has been our expert witness uh for the past 4 years. And then finally, we will recognize our four lawyers. So, we have our defense lawyers. We have Ms. Aleah Hamid. And we have captain Eva Nai. Eva Nai, who'll be attending Rutgers University. >> See, you shouldn't leave home without it. >> She doesn't. You've earned it. Bring it up. We have junior Anastasia Mitnick. And we >> but not least, we have co-captain Carter Chew, attending Princeton
059University. So, I'd like to say heart, commitment, and grit, these kids have it all. So, thank you so much. Our 2026 mock trial champions. >> This also is how Eva did it. >> Take control, Eva. >> No, it's the kids. >> Okay. Come on. >> Thank you, Mike. >> Where is it, George? >> Here? Here? Here? >> Okay, taking care of more business in the Superintendent's report, we have a presentation, um, bridging the attendance gap by Assistant Superintendent Mr. West. >> Thank you, Dr. Gurchiek. I heard the golf clap in the back, so thank you. I appreciate it. We We We don't get many claps in our positions, so thank you thank you so much. So, uh real quick um I'm going to give a quick presentation on chronic absenteeism and how we're here is
060that is Q-SAT came to visit us a couple weeks ago and one of the indicators for this year uh schools that um that are over the 10% threshold of chronically being absent have to present to the Board of Ed and show them all the interventions we're putting in place uh for our for our students. Um I will tell the Board of Ed that this is from the 2022-2023 school year. So, you're thinking that's right around the pandemic time, right? And that's when numbers are really high in regards to students being chronically absent. Uh with that being said, I want to tell you as I stand here today, we have improved immensely and uh we actually celebrated with our our principals who have done an outstanding job, our vice principals, our IRS team, our true our
061truancy department uh to get our numbers uh in a place that we've been successful. We still have a lot of work to do, but with that being said, we are trending in the right direction uh to reduce chronic absenteeism. So, you might have seen this on our district newsletters and our principals have put this out sporadically over the last couple of years. It's just a note to say, "Hey, you missed 2 days a month, that's 20 days a year, that's 30 hours of losing math, um 60 hours of possibly losing reading and writing." Um and and if you do that every year, that's 1 year of school lost before graduation, right? And then if you miss 4 days a year, um it's 40 days missed, 60 hours of math lost, 120 hours of reading and
062writing, and 2 years of uh school lost before graduation. We can't stress enough the importance of what I like to say stacking days, students coming every day, one concept builds off of the next, and it's important to show up every day, even when you're not feeling good, right? Um you do what you need to do to to to to maximize your potential as a student and take in the engaging lessons that are that our teachers produce. And we have some wonderful teachers, as you saw earlier this evening. So, 2023-2024 school year, on an average 94% of our student body came to school. Right? We see at the elementary levels 95% that they're uh they're they have that injury and they're coming. Secondary schools at 90-94% um early childhood, so that's a transition time, right? You
063have pre-K, they're still trying to find their way, that number is down a little bit in our alternate our alternate education. Um I will say the year before we were at 93% and you can see the 2023-2024 we're at 94%. As far as chronic absenteeism, that's missing 10 plus days of school, um we've seen that it peaks in the earlier stages of pre-K and kindergarten and in our alternative high school settings. Uh so, we've um what we have learned in this process that um transition from one school to another can be difficult for our students. So, an example would be Davenport, Swift Slay, right? Where are they going next? They're going to Miller, right? And your Miller students are going to uh middle school of Fernwood and Alder and then you have Fernwood and Alder
064coming to the high school. So, those transitions can be difficult for students. Uh we're going to work uh diligently with our principals uh to improve that, ease that transition. So, obviously at the end of the day our we want our kids to come to school, right? Kids coming to school, engaging with their teachers, we hope raises student achievement. So, we have our baseline policy of 5200 and in our policy meetings we work we work on this routinely, if not every year, every other year. Um state and board excused absences are medical, you have civic and legal, educational, and you may have family or personal reasons. There's a 10% threshold. If students are excused or unexcused, we will flag them in the system and we will identify that 10% and then we got to get into
065an action plan, right? And I'll talk about that in a little bit. At the end of the day, when our if our students hit 20 total absences, you face the potential being retention. And we don't want that. We try to nip that in the bud sooner. We try to be proactive and address those students and we do that through our IRS team, our PERT team. We do that through our our truancy and central registration office to get the students where they need. They may need some extra support. The families may need some extra support inside the school and outside the school. So there's resources that we put together for our families. So the attendance escalation pathway, this is these are our attendance protocols that we abide by. Okay? And you see that automated calls go
066out no matter what when someone's absent, right? And then you get into day four and you see it's separated by pre-K to third and fourth fourth grade to 12th grade. Attendance letters go out, emails are sent home. When you get into that day seven and nine, that's when our guidance department gets involved. That's when our social workers get involved. That's when our child study team gets involved. That's when our vice principals get involved with the IRS team to possibly put action plans together for our students, right? Cuz we're trying to get our students ready for the real world, right? And what that means is showing up every day, being productive cuz at the end of the day you're going to become a student or you're going to work and the best the best accountability is
067availability, right? And I've always said that in my career and it's and it's important. Get into day 11, administration starts to call the families. We refer the truancy. They'll go out to the home, do a check, uh, support our action plan to help our students. Obviously, we're trying to keep students off of no credit status and if they do, they have to make up time uh, within our school buildings. Um, and then when you get into day 15 and 20, they're mandatory parent meetings, um, individual uh, corrective action plans for students, um, cuz at the end of the day, right? We don't want to retain. Right? We want to get them to the next grade. Our truancy uh, officer process and court mediation uh, in a nutshell, if there's three consecutive days where the uh,
068students are are absent, uh, truancy officers will initiate an attendance call and do a home wellness check. Um, if we get into 12 plus unexcused days, um, we may set up a formal uh, mediation hearing um, and schedule with the parents and appropriate staff. Um, step three, we'll put an action plan. During this mediation, we'll put an action plan, an attendance action plan, signed by the parent, signed by the student. Um, obviously, every all the important school personnel are there and we're trying to obviously avoid going to the court system, right? That's not what we want to do. Um, we'll do a 30-day check-in, right? You have to progress monitor, you have to see where everyone's at, see how you know, check and see if they're coming to school. If there's no improvement, you know,
069a court complaint may be filed. Right? And we try to avoid that with the Aiea Intermediate School Police Department and then the last part, if we're not getting anywhere, there could be legal action. Could be legal action. So, listening to the community, uh, I like I put this in here because we do surveys of the community at large. Some of the things they've said, you know, um, my student gets sick a lot. They're coming to school for the first time, right? So, we may we may run into that. Um, anxiety, could be mental health, um, you know, in school and then some folks just like to go on vacation and visit Mickey Mouse. I don't recommend that, but that really could put you in a bad spot. You only have 18 days to play with.
070So, obviously, uh, you have to be very careful of the time that you take off from school cuz like I said, one concept builds after the other. Being here is half the battle. Okay? So, you can see our framework, and a lot of people have seen this triangle before. This is tier one, tier two, and tier three. Universal supports, what we expect a welcoming environment produced by our our administrative team and our teachers, where they provide engage engaging lesson plans where students want to be there, right? Communicating with families, putting school wide incentive incentives in there. We have soar, um you know, where where people work to where our students work to to be productive in this in the in the school system. Tier two, this is where we're getting into small groups. We're identifying
071that student there might be some barriers that are going on where students are missing school, and we may have to set up credit recovery for those students to get them back uh what we say on credit and on you know, and and and on time to graduate. And then tier three is just upper echelon, doing more um to to to make sure that our students are supported. Uh could be partnerships, could be outside agencies getting performed care involved, um chop, um you know, effective school solutions, teen center, Atlantic care, you know, we're all pulling on the same rope to support our kids to get them to the finish line. Um this is just a blueprint again of tier one, welcoming environment. We have our ACE program in a lot of schools, attendance commitment for excellence.
072Golden tickets, rewards, being recognized at events, um automated early warnings was I said earlier with the phone calls going out through Parent Square um and Infinite Campus. And then, you know, our security guards, right? And our class three officers, and our liaison with the police department. They're in our buildings all the time to support our students, to help them, right? It takes a village. It takes a village to be successful. Tier two, like I said, are targeted interventions, IRS team. Um we're now going through formal attendance appeals of students who may be chronically absent. Um so, that that is coming up soon where we try to put action plans again to get our kids to the finish line. And then students are attending credit completion. They're coming in on Saturdays uh to come in to
073make up time. Um and that's important because again every the state is recognizing that uh this is a chronic absenteeism is an issue across the county. When they came to visit us, nine schools were being evaluated by Q-SAC. Um all nine have to do what I'm doing this evening. You know, because this is back to 2022-2023. Tier three again is just more more of, right? Spending more time. You may have to develop individ- individualized action plans for our students. You may have to get them hooked up with mental health and community partnerships. Um and you can't have enough administrative conferences and truancy involved. Again, to help our families. To help our families. So, here's a a matrix for our pre-K through fifth grade. Um nurses get in get involved as well. Uh they're important part
074of our school district and they're able to paint a picture for us and our administrators. Free breakfast, high five Fridays. Um You know, you saw Mr. Battersby here. Can you imagine trying to high five him? You know, 6'10" and you got to jump up. Um golden tickets, you know, and again our teachers are creative. Um they they they know how to get the most out of their students and uh there's a lot of folks in this room that they you know, they run to see their teachers because they know they care about them. They know they're the driving force behind all this. There's the sixth through 12th grade. Um credit completion Saturdays, vice principal interventions. Uh convocation lessons is a big part. Um uh it's an it's an it's a way for the students to
075ease into their day. I know Talontimes at the high school, it's a great way for the students to come in and ease into their day. They don't feel that anxiety, they don't feel that stress. They go where they can uh work on their assignments. And at the end of the day, um you know, I'm a big person on student accountability and accountability at large. You know, when people are held accountability, uh good things will happen. Um you know, from from from the whole school community. So, we we we stress accountability and like I said, showing up every day is half the battle. So, obviously we're going to continue to monitor this. Um the new progress reports, the performance report cards, they're going to come out soon for the um I believe it's the '24-'25 school
076year. Um so, we're going to see where we're at with our attendance and see where we're trending. I will tell you that we've improved, like I said, and uh we'll be looking for those scores and uh we'll monitor where we're at and we'll make the necessary revisions or changes um if we're not meeting if we're not meeting the appropriate numbers. With that being said, uh to conclude, attendance is a shared commitment um from the teachers to administrators. We're all here to bridge that gap, look at data, um create school policies, engage our families uh to create interventions or provide interventions uh for our community at large to make sure every student is here, doing well, being successful. And at the end of the day, um if anyone has seen our graduation, it's pretty impressive. And
077at the end of the day, that's what we do. We want to get our kids to the finish line. So, I would like to uh thank the board for allowing me the time to present this and uh pending board approval, we will receive eight Q-SAC points uh to our score. So, uh yeah, I wanted to share that. So, thank you so much. >> Questions? >> Any questions for me? >> Madam President, may I? >> Yep. >> Uh Mr. West, great presentation. >> Thank you. >> Very very thorough and laid and well laid out. But I do have a question. How do we come up with the 18 days for excused absences? Is the formula like what do you do? Multiply 10% of the total enrollment? >> 10% of 180 gives you your 18 days. >>
078I'm sorry. 10% of the 180, that's where you got. So that's the average cuz people will say well how So that that answers that question. Very good. And it's a it's quite a process, truancy mediation and so on and so forth. Um How many How many approximate figure actually have to go in into a court before a judge here in in the corporate township? Not many I hope but >> No, it's it's not. So it's a great question. I mean I I meet with Ms. Henderson I speak to her weekly. Those numbers are really low. We don't have many conversations in reference to to being in court for attendance issues. >> Great. That's good to hear. >> Yes. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you Mr. West. >> Thank you folks. >> Okay, something
079a little different. I'm going to call up Carter and Eva. Come on up here. Been dedicated student representatives to the Board of Education. Uh they represent uh the high school very well in many capacities and they report district wide. So the superintendent's report tonight I'm going to hand over my mic to these young individuals and I am very confident that they will deliver good news. So here we go. >> Yes. >> The mic is yours. >> Okay. All right. We've never done this before so Good evening everyone. My name is Eva and I >> Good evening. My name is Carter Chew. And um well first of all we want to start off by saying happy Mother's Day. I I can see that there's plenty of mothers out there in the crowd and plenty of mothers
080on the board. Um we see all that you do for us all of the time all all effort all of the care that you've provided us all with over the years. And though some of us may not understand all of the sacrifices you've given, just rest assured knowing that you are well appreciated. All right, I hope everybody had a very relaxing Sunday. Additionally, uh last week was teacher and staff appreciation week. So, um thank you for all of the teachers and all of the staff here in EHT. Um as students, we know that it's important to have a very, very good foundation of education and experience in order to fuel our futures. Um all of our learning, whether it's academic or ethical or moral, um it's all life lessons that would not be possible without
081this district's wonderful, wonderful educators. >> All right, so now about our kindergarten. Just the other day, the EHT STEM bus visited our first graders and kindergarteners throughout the district. The kids were able to engage in hands-on activities with all things STEM related, from robotics and technology to simple physics. The kindergarten class especially made a giant marble run, and students were able to race these marbles in a comically overcomplicated machine with dominoes, pulleys, and many more elements. >> Uh moving on to Slaybaugh. Slaybaugh is very excited to host their annual preschool spring festival this coming Thursday from 5:00 to 7:30. All families are invited to attend this wonderful, wonderful celebration of the new season. Um Miss W's class has also recently been conducting an insect study where they actually watch butterflies transform from the the what's
082it called? Cat- caterpillars into metamorphize metamorphosizing into the butterflies. Um these students also visited local aquariums near EHT where they got to explore and learn all about sea life. Uh oh, Eagle Academy. All right, so Fridays from 9:30 to 10:30, uh, Eagle Academy is hosting what's called Eagle Brew. Um, Eagle Brew is a student-led, uh, coffee and breakfast shop for all staff and all faculty to come and enjoy. >> So, at Miller, EHT's very own and Carter and I's former teacher, Mr. McClain, was recently nominated and recognized as an All-Star Teacher of the Year by the Philadelphia Eagles. And he was actually honored and congratulated at a recent Phillies game. And Mr. McClain, he's one of the teachers that prioritizes their students and gives their all to education. And it's people like him that make
083our school district genuinely amazing. >> All righty. Oh, Titanic projects. Okay. I have something to say about these. So, recently students have been crafting and building their own models of the Titanic, right? From household materials of Styrofoam, cardboard, paper, tape, etc. And and they've actually been testing these models to see whether or not they'd survive an iceberg hit. Uh, this is just truly incredible as it's it's it's a cross-curricular project, right? Students are able to learn about engineering from the building. They're able to learn about art and design from actually painting and sculpting these boats. And uh, even the physics behind how the fluids of water actually work. And and how flotation of boats functions. >> So, classes at Alder have been celebrating Cinco de Mayo with inclusion fusion. Students were creating sombrero cookies and
084learned about the historical significance and the celebrations of Cinco de Mayo. Seventh grade cellist, Christie, earned fourth place in the Charleston International Music Competition recently. She performed Tarantella Opus 23 by Squire and represented both Alder and Egg Harbor Township as a whole in this international competition. >> Y'all want to know who also represented EHT? Our very own Miss Eva Nai. She represented EHT uh this last week in Ocean City at the OC Pops competition. She won first place with a total prize money of $1,000. I And she played a prelude in G sharp minor by Rachman- Rachmaninoff. Rachma- Rachmaninoff. You You got it. >> Rachmaninoff? >> Thank you, Carter. Sorry. All right. In sixth grade, our gifted and talented program students competed in a series of 21 mock trials. Each student had a chance to
085present their case as an attorney in one of the trials and many also got to serve as jurors to determine the outcomes of each of the cases. I can't see that. Sorry. Carter and I write these together, but sometimes he writes his own lines. Um all of the attorneys gave fantastic performances and the audiences were equally attentive and respectful and we really hope that a lot of them do continue to do mock trial in high school. >> All righty. AP testing. So, in the next week, this current week, last week, and then 1 week after, um high schoolers from across the country will be taking their advanced placement tests. Uh the AP exams are a culmination of a year's worth of academic studying and learning, and they range in all sorts of disciplines from math
086and science to the social studies and even the humanities. We wish all of our high schoolers the best of luck as they take their exams. Uh senior Kaylee Pascalides uh recently completed an outstanding civic engagement partnership uh with the New Jersey Department of Education and the Atlantic County Board of Elections. This project was absolutely incredible. I got to see it myself. Um Kaylee designed and led six engaging presentations across multiple grade levels on how elections work and how voting works. Uh our students were even able to participate in like this mock election right with real-life voting booths provided by the Atlantic County Board of Elections. >> And we mentioned at our last meeting the history showcase, and that happened this past month. Um it was a little less than 2 weeks ago, and the turnout
087was amazing. Students and staff from every one of the schools in our district as well many as well as many members of our board were in attendance. We enjoyed an incredible night of historical exhibits by both fellow students and the Greater Egg Harbor Historical Society. Music by our fine and performing arts students and food prepared by our incredible Culinary Academy. >> Now, speaking of the Culinary Academy and food, uh um they also recently catered for a very special screening of the documentary Facing the Wind right here at our very own high school. Uh this movie focuses on Louis Body Dementia and was actually inspired by the real life experiences of a former staff member, Linda Seppala the Seppala Seppala and her husband. The movie was incredibly informative and there was actually a Q&A set up
088right afterwards moderated by our very own high schooler Cassidy Steed. >> And in line with the arts a bunch of our students here in Egg Harbor Township have recently been accepted into the 2026 New Jersey All-State choirs. So a big congratulations to Samuel Leonardo Michelle I'm so sorry if Podrazik Angelina Calcese and Layla Perez. >> Oh recently just just less than 2 weeks ago our English Department actually hosted an open mic night in celebration of national poetry month. Students and alumni shared poems music and personal stories creating an evening that was highlighting the wonderful creativity and talent of our students. I actually was able to attend myself and I was able to sing was it upside down with my friend Eric. All righty last week our pace manufacturing students toward the New Jersey American Water
089Plant in Egg Harbor City. The students had a full tour of the entire facilities as well as comprehensive lectures on how water is obtained stored transported the importance of quality water and its utility. This experience provided truly invaluable insights on the importance of the utilities and how engineering ties in with our communities. >> And in our March meeting we mentioned how the Egg Harbor Township School District's Heritage Spanish program for grades 5 through 12, Hispanohablantes, was named a model program, and this month it was formally recognized by the New Jersey Department of Education as a model program. So, EHT is one of only five New Jersey school districts recognized by the NJ Department of Education for exemplary dual language immersion and world language programs. And EHT will serve as a model of best practices for
090the state of New Jersey for the 2025 to 2028 school years. And we wouldn't have been able to achieve this title without the hard work and dedication of all of our world language teachers, and as well as our world language supervisor, Dr. Schreiner. Now, moving on to sports, our boys and girls crew teams also had an incredible showing at the Garden State Scholastic competition, bringing home a total of six state medals. Congratulations to our boys track team for winning their 11th consecutive Atlantic County championship. And congratulations to Mariah Newman for being selected to compete in the 2026 WJ Flag Football All-Star game. This is a game that recognizes the top flag football athletes in South Jersey. >> All righty. Uh Egg Harbor Township High School has recently received $10,000 to support a student-led coastal resiliency
091project from the New Jersey American Water. Additionally, our very own Carrie Sutton was actually awarded the Atlantic County Association of School Administrators Performing Arts and Education Scholarship. >> In the amount of $1,000, may I add. And Lauren Trenewell was actually also selected as a recipient of the Atlantic Cape Principals and Supervisors Association Academic Scholarship and will receive a $500 award. Both of them will be recognized at the Atlantic County Academic Excellence Recognition brunch luncheon. Yeah. All right. Biggest congratulations to the both of them. >> All right, and that's all we have for tonight. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Carter and Eva. Excellent job. Appreciate you delivering the information about our school community. And you know, these folks have one more month, right? On to serve at a board meeting. So, great job. And
092as Eva said, I don't think I've ever done this before. So, you did great. Thank you so much. Uh Madam President, that completes Superintendent's Report for this evening. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Gruccio. And that was a very healthy uh Superintendent's Report uh filled with a lot of great um events tonight. And I just have to say to our um student reps, you always, you know, they encourage us. They set the bar for the energy of our meetings. And I always say, you know, board meetings don't have to be boring. We can still have a great time, you know, and enjoy our time while we're here with each other. So, thank you so much for your energy. We appreciate that. Uh at this time, we're going to have um public comments for agenda items
093only. Again, we're going to have public comment for agenda items only. And I'm going to read a statement. The board values and welcomes comments and opinions from residents. This meeting will now be open to the public comments, 3 minutes per person on agenda items only. If your question pertains to litigation, student, or personnel items, please see the superintendent after the meeting as the board does not discuss these matters in public. Depending on the nature and the complexity of your questions, the board secretary, Mr. Smith, may ask for your contact information so that someone can get back to you with a response. As a reminder, this is a public meeting and all comments should be appropriate for a public setting and made in a respectful manner. Please come up to the podium. Please state your name,
094state your full name, and your city of residence. There's also a button that you will push right on the bottom. For agenda items only. Seeing none, we're going to close our public comment section for agenda items only. We'll have We have another session for public comments coming up for non-agenda items. So, this is for an agenda item. So, if you're talking about an agenda item, something that is on the agenda, now would be the time to talk. If you're here for um music, that would not be an agenda item, so that would be after at our regular public session. Okay. You're welcome. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> At this time, uh, we will have, um, our finance and operations committee report. Mr. Smith, are there any updates at this time? >> We did
095receive two questions on two purchase orders, so the answers were sent out. Uh, we didn't receive any other questions on agenda items. >> Thank you, Mr. Byers. Please share your report. >> Okay. So, uh, we had, uh, finance meeting on May 5th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. We lasted 57 minutes, so we're getting a little shorter. Uh, attending were Mrs. Byrd, myself, Ms. Gilbert-Floyd, and Ms. Logie. Uh, administrators attending were Dr. Gruccio and Mr. Smith. Uh, first thing we discussed was transportation departments. The department has completed programming the school bus panic buttons with the HPD. Uh, EHTPD, sorry. All the buttons are fully operational. Transportation continues to work on the ESY routes and is advancing an authorization for lease purchase of eight school buses for 2026-2027 school year. Uh, Mr. Smith noted that the building administrators
096have been instrumental in helping bus drivers with curbing student discipline issues. And, uh, many of the administrators are riding buses on a weekly basis. Uh, to food services, the department applied for fresh fruit and vegetable program for Davenport and is awaiting response from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. Uh, several assets are on the agenda for disposal. Final set of cafeteria tables are being delivered to Slaybaugh Elementary on May 7th. Uh, this should already be there. Uh, the department eliminated all cafete- cafeteria products that included red dye. Uh, facilities, uh, committee reviewed the outside use of facilities linked to the agenda and the process that's being implemented to report out what fees are billed and collected for use of those facilities. Uh Mr. Smith noted that the air conditioning startup issues have been resolved. And
097the Alder parking lot should be complete by the end of this month. Uh referendum. Uh also a topic this year. The bond sale was completed on April 22nd, 2026. District received nine bids. All with excellent interest interest rates. The winning bid was 3.646%. Uh purchase purchase orders have been issued to the district engineer and architect to advance the first phase of the projects. Uh groundbreaking is slated for July 1st, 2027. The business office is working on a large security grant application with facilities, IT, and security departments. Uh recommends the reappointment of the district auditor for the upcoming June 30th, 2026 audit. And they're coordinating a meeting with the township regarding pilot funds. Uh Mr. Smith also discussed a change in school photographer for the preschool through eighth grade buildings, noting that Maverick Photo Studios Sorry,
098Maverick Photo Studios will be handling those buildings. There was also a discussion on upcoming professional development trip to the PLC Institute. Uh several items on the agenda were reviewed for approval, including monthly reports, various tuition and transportation contracts, and professional services contracts. Uh we also discussed the final approval of the 2026-2027 budget. Uh Mr. Smith noted that administrators administrators will be meeting with staff affected by budget reductions this week. Uh Dr. Gruccio discussed riffs that were in the budget, noted that all reductions were made in an effort to increase efficiency. No programming was being eliminated with the exception of Latin at the high school, which was common. Um we as a board continued to put pressure on them to keep as uh uh few uh losses to staff as possible. And they have continued to
099work hard with us. Uh conclusions reached were to move forward with the committee's recommendations. Uh possible topics to be discussed in the future are ongoing pilot discussions. Uh next meeting will be June 9th, 20 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the board office. Did I miss anything? >> Nope, I think you got it all. >> Thank you. That is all, Mr. >> Yeah, thank you, Mr. Byers. Were there any questions? >> Comments? >> Well, I just have a comment also, but the question is do we have to do >> Hold the comments until you >> Yeah. >> I'm going to do a motion. >> Hold comments? >> Mhm. I'd like to have a >> You have your statement. >> Okay. I'd like to have a motion. >> I'll make that motion. >> To approve I'd like
100to have a motion to approve finance item 8.2. >> She stopped. >> Mr. Price, I'll make that Mr. Price, I'll make that motion. >> Second Ireland. >> Microphone's just a little bit. Mr. Price, I'll make that motion. >> Any discussion? >> Mr. Ireland, go ahead. >> Okay. So, I just want to say thank you to the administration for um last year and the years prior, we always had issues with uh photographers or or photos. Um and we've always had the public come up to us and always had issues. They put it out on social media and everything else like that. So, thank you for hearing those problems and trying to fix that with the new vendor. So, that's all I have. Thank you. >> And Madam President, my comment is also on item number five,
101the photography. Um It's just a question, I guess Mr. Smith might be able to answer just quickly. Um is it a regular contract or is it just going to be billed per use, uh so to speak? Is it a blanket contract, a flat rate, or are we only going to actually be billed for what we what we use? And how's it going to work? >> No, there there's no cost to the district. So, the the vendor works with the building principal, sets up their their photo days, and then the parents pay the vendor directly, and and back and forth. So, the district does not receive any funds directly. >> Yeah, that that's pretty much what I what I was what I thought. So, I just wanted to clarify. Thank you. >> Um Okay, so we
102we had a motion reference to 8.2. That's what we were the motion that we're on. Uh I think the one you all were referencing is the photography. So, we're we're going to get to that next. Now, can I have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Byrd. >> Yes. >> Mr. Byers. >> Yes. >> Mr. Della Barca. >> Yes. >> Ms. Hyman. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ireland. >> Yes. >> Mr. Seppi. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Logue. >> Yes. >> Mr. Price. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Gilbert-Floyd. >> Yes. >> Now, I'd like to have a motion to approve items 8.3 through 8.19. Show made. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Seeing none, can we have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Byrd. >> Yes. >> Mr. Byers. >> Yes. >> Mr. Della Barca? >> Yes. >> Ms.
103Hyman? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ireland? >> Yes to everything except 8.3 PO 600722 which I'll abstain. >> Mr. Seppi? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Salahi? >> Yes. >> Mr. Price? >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Gilbert-Floyd? >> Yes. >> Next we'll be moving to our curriculum committee. Uh Ms. Moss, do you have any updates? All righty. Thank you, Mr. Seppi. Could you please give us your report? >> Thank you, Madam President. Good evening, everybody. Uh we had our lovely curriculum meeting on the 5th of this month and it was an hour and 18 magical minutes. Uh in attendance were myself, Mr. Price, uh Mrs. Gilbert-Floyd, Mrs. Salahi, and our administrators attending were Ms. Moss and and Dr. Gruccio. And we had in that hour and 18 minutes a a few subjects discussed. Uh as I said in
104the previous report, we discussed our norms. We want to be an efficient committee and we're trying to to work forward with time and and other circumstances with that. Uh field trips and professional development were shared with the committee. Uh discussions around different funding sources for trips and professional development were discussed also at length. Uh annual surveys for staff, students, and parents were shared. Uh committee contributions around world language options including ASL, career pathways, uh public safety, fire, police, EMT, and associate's degree attainment were all added to surveys and I'm proud that they were added to the survey set that were put out yesterday. We encourage you to answer them. Uh we put forward I encourage my colleagues to support this and approval for a doctorate dissertation for one of the members of our staff. Uh
105partnerships with Rutgers for MTSS and IDE, innovative design for educators, were shared and these partnerships will certainly enhance instruction practices and improve both student engagement and achievement. Uh chronic absenteeism, which we all heard about earlier, was shared as a presentation and set for uh this board meeting. Uh Escape the Vape from EHT wreck and through Atlantic County Prevention Services was shared and we're very pleased to hear that we're partnering with both to address this important issue in our schools, that the vaping. Um in addition to that, the committee discussed educator committee work within curriculum and instruction including our grading, our gifted and talented, and of course, as we will come to discuss Omega Scholars. Uh changes to instruction will be shared with the committee in the coming months and as the plans are solidified through
106the end of the school year, we will gladly keep you updated. Uh summer programs, camps, and clinics were shared. Uh a helicopter will be landing at Alder on May 21st, so that's an exciting thing I think we'll all be prepared for. And finally, an update on the associate's degree pathway with Atlantic Cape Community College, excuse me, was given and since our committee meeting, I'm happy to say that we're going to have a a meeting set up with them for May the 28th, where Miss Moss and Miss Elco will be in attendance. Uh for our follow-up situation at the next meeting, we'll go over, as I said, the discussion items that are in process and then our summer programs, training, and work. Uh our next meeting will be June the 9th at 7:00 at the central
107office. Uh Ms. Morse, do you have anything you care to add? Now? Well, thank you, Madam President. There is my uh report for curriculum. Thank you. >> All I can say is I don't know if there's anything else to add. That was a very wonderful report. We're on fire tonight with our reports, folks. Uh we have a little healthy competition between the committees. You know, the policy says they're the best, curriculum says they're the best, finance. So, just a little healthy competition. So, I feel like the energy is definitely in the room tonight. So, with that being said, I would like to have a motion to approve uh curriculum items 9.2 through 9.4. >> Motion by Ms. >> Second. Any discussion? Ms. Byrd? >> Yes, I'm very excited that in such a short time we
108already have added to the survey um information for a first responder pathway. That's very exciting to me. I am also glad and um that the ASL has been added. I really hope our community seeks more information, fills out the survey if that's something that they're interested in. Um and finally, I am also very pleased that in such a short time already ACC has been contacted with a date. Um great job. Thank you. >> Any other discussion, questions, comments from board members? All right. Can I have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Byrd? >> Yes. >> Mr. Byers? >> Yes. >> Ms. Dalabarka? >> Yes. >> Ms. Simon? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ireland? >> Yes. >> Mr. Seppi? >> Yes. >> Ms. Logue? >> Yes. >> Mr. Price? >> Yes. >> And Ms. Gilbert Floyd? >>
109Yes. >> All right. So, we're moving on to policy last but definitely well, almost last but definitely not least policy. Um, Mr. West, do you have any updates? >> I do not, Madam President. >> All right, thank you and we will go to Ms. Hyman for our report. >> Good evening, everyone. Policy Committee met on Tuesday, May 5th at 202026 at 5:00 p.m. The length of the meeting was 20 minutes. Board members attending was Mr. Lewis Della Barca, Mr. Patrick Ireland, Ms. Tamika Gilbert-Floyd, and myself, Waneta Hyman. Administrators attending, Dr. Kimberly Gruccio, our Superintendent, Mr. George West, Assistant Superintendent, and our Board Attorney, Ms. Amy Halc-Elco. Subjects discussed was number one, policy 4411, placement on guide step bus drivers and bus aids. The policy was reviewed and discussed by the committee. The committee agreed to
110revise the salary provision for bus drivers and bus aids, add a salary guide for aspire runs, and add a safety driver incentive. Policy 4411 is up for one reading and pending board approval. Policy 4250, hours and days of work. The policy was reviewed and discussed by the committee. The Policy Committee agreed to revise the salary provisions for support staff, add a shoe allowance for security guards, and add temporary leaves of absences for security guards. Policy 4250 is up for one reading and pending board approval. Policy and regulation 7510, use of school facilities. The policy and regulation were reviewed and discussed by the committee. At this time, the Policy Committee agreed not to change this policy or regulation. Policy 7320 lease of school premises. The policy was reviewed and discussed by the committee for abolishment because
111the law allows us to lease property without this policy. The committee is in agreement of the of the abolishment. This policy is being presented for one reading and is pending board approval. Mr. West informed the committee that on Thursday, May 21st, a helicopter will be landing on the grounds of Alder Avenue Middle School for the proud to be an American event. Proud to be an American event. Um the next policy committee meeting is Tuesday, June 9th, 2026. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Miss Hyman, for your report. And I want to say Miss Hyman is is kind of clear that the policy committee came in first place this time with 20 minutes. So, congratulations to you all for getting your work done in a quick uh time span. So, at this time I
112would like to have I need a motion to approve policy items 10.2 through 10.5. >> Motion, Della Barca. >> Second, Ireland. >> All right. Any discussion? >> Uh I have a quick item on discussion. >> Sure. >> Going back to um policy 7510, use of school facilities. Is that where the fees are uh in that policy also? Are there any changes to the fees or anything? >> No changes up or down? That the fees stay the same, right? >> Yes. No change at all. >> And that would have been that policy, right? >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. That's all. >> Any other discussion? Questions? Comments? All right. Seeing none, can I have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Byrd? >> Yes. >> Mr. Byers? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dellabarka? >> Yes. >>
113Ms. Hyman? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ireland? >> Yes. >> Mr. Seppi? >> Yes. >> Ms. Sloggy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Price? >> Yes. >> Ms. Gerwig-Ford? >> Yes. >> All righty, at this time we're going to have uh personnel, Dr. Charlton. >> I do not have anything additional, Madam President. Thank you. >> All right. Have a motion to approve personnel items 11.2 through 11.5. >> Mr. Price, I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Seeing none, may I have a roll call, please? >> Ms. Byrd? >> Yes. >> Mr. Byers? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dellabarka? >> Yes. >> Ms. Hyman? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ireland? >> Yes. >> Mr. Seppi? >> Yes. >> Ms. Sloggy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Price? >> Yes. >> Ms. Gerwig-Ford? >> Yes. >> All right, at this time we
114want to move new business. I would like to have a motion uh to approve new business items, new business item 12.1. >> So made. Need a second. >> Second, Ireland. >> All right. Any discussion? Questions, comments, and discussion? Seeing none, may I have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Byrd? >> Yes. >> Mr. Byers? >> Yes. >> Mr. Della Barca? >> Yes. >> Ms. Hyman? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ireland? >> Yes. >> Mr. Seppi? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sloggy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Price? >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Gilbert-Ford? >> Yes. >> For old business, I'd like to have a motion to approve item 13.1. >> Motion. >> Hyman. >> Second, Ireland. >> Any discussion? >> I have a new another piece of old business after this one, Madam President. >> So, um I'm going
115to have a >> Roll call vote. >> Oh. Seeing none, I need to have a roll call. No discussion, can I have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Byrd? >> Yes. >> Mr. Byers? >> Yes. >> Mr. Della Barca? >> Yes. >> Ms. Hyman? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ireland? >> Yes. >> Mr. Seppi? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sloggy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Price? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gilbert-Ford? >> Yes. Um also I'd like to put out we might be on the same page to do a motion um Well, not to motion yet, but we want to talk about the fact that we want to do a um for a pilot our pilot update. We want to do discuss our pilot update. And it's going to cause for us to have a motion to authorize Board
116of Education members to attend the New Jersey School Boards Delegate Assembly for a pilot testimony um to be sent to the state. Um that will be this Saturday, um May 16th. I'd like to have a motion. >> I question or comment? >> I need a motion. >> Well, I need to clarify the motion before I'm not Is that also going to be a resolution tonight? >> This is for the authorization for board members to attend the New Jersey School Boards Delegate Assembly for the pilot testimony. >> And to submit the test >> And to submit it to the state. >> Because that testimony was already approved, wasn't it? That we had people that were going to go up on Saturday or no? >> We have to have members attend the meeting in person um this
117Saturday. >> Right, but I mean we do need to do a um an agenda item to do that? Or I thought it was going to be for a resolution in support of the pilot bill that we were doing tonight. No? >> No, we're doing >> I'll make that motion. >> I'll second. >> Thank you. Any discussion? >> Yeah, I have a a question and a discussion. Um are we looking to put the pilot bill in the form of a resolution on the agenda anytime soon? I know we had discussed putting it on there in support of of of the bill. Is there any um movement on that? Are we going to put that resolution back on? >> We We are moving forward. >> So, I just want to clarify for Saturday's purpose for the delegate
118assembly. We already board approved in February um the addition of a new policy under New Jersey School Boards. So, they are going to present it to the delegate and on Saturday we will have representatives there who will be representing Icarus Township and we have already approved that in February. Um we had eight votes saying yes, one was absent. Uh we have in addition to that, we were discussing submitting testimony regarding pilot advocacy for uh, the bill in question. And so that is a separate thing. And that is what we were kind of that that's the piece that that's the old business that we are revisiting right now. So it is a separate. >> Okay, so that's part of this motion then. Is that right? >> Yes, this is the motion to do the testimony this
119Saturday in person. For I mean the testimony is in addition to it on this Saturday and board members will be attending. >> What about the resolution though? Are we putting a resolution on the agenda tonight in support of the bill going to the state? >> Yes. That's what the testimony is. But the testimony won't go to the delegate assembly. The delegate assembly we already board approved. They have the policy. It's been submitted. Um, it's been worked on and it's been submitted. It's already on the agenda for the delegate assembly. >> So we're just kind of memorializing it then at this point? >> So the testimony is separate. That's a separate pilot discussion that we've been having. That was provided last month. And that is what we're right now discussing if we want to move forward
120to present that testimony at the state level. >> Okay. Yes, that's what I would like to do. So okay. >> Yes. >> the motion. Was there a motion? >> Yes, so I just want to make sure we we're clarifying the testimony is going to be sent. It's going to be sent to the state. Okay? Chad, you had Mr. Byers, you had something you wanted to share? >> Uh, no, Chrissy. Uh, Ms. Burke had >> Any any more discussion? Or clarification needed? Okay. All right. I almost forgot where I was where we were after all that. Uh, All right, So, seeing no more discussion, can we have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Byrd? >> Yes. >> Mr. Byers? >> Yes. >> Mr. Della Barca? >> Yes. >> Ms. Hyman? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ireland? >>
121I'm going to abstain for the reasons outlined in executive session. >> Mr. Seppi? >> I'm going to respectfully abstain as well. >> Mrs. Sloggy? >> I will abstain also. >> Mr. Price, yes. >> And Mrs. Gilbert-Wood? >> Yes. >> Okay, it's getting late, but um I'll I'm going to start off by saying based on the number of people who are still in attendance tonight, and I applaud you for your patience. Uh we understand that many of you are here because you deeply care about our music program, and I want to ensure want and you want to ensure that music programs continue to thrive in our schools. On behalf of the Board of Education, I want to begin by saying clearly, we share that commitment. We truly do. Music is an important part of a well-rounded
122educational experience. And personally, as someone who comes from a musical family, my father is a professional musician, and And play instruments instruments myself to my grandchildren every Sunday. I understand firsthand the value that music brings to student lives. I was also in the high school band. So I get it when I hear when I see that band is life and save music. And it's what it's important to you. I get it. I also want to recognize there's been a great deal of misinformation circulating in the community regarding next year's music program. So here are the facts. And as I speak for the Board of Education, we want to assure parents, students, community members that our music program in every school is not being eliminated or reduced. Students will have access to music instruction, ensembles, and
123performance opportunities. These will all continue. In fact, I have met with my administrative staff, with principals over the last 2-3 weeks, and the supervisor of fine and performing arts to closely review schedules in every school. And I'm assured and confident that all programs are in place in all of these schools. At the same time, we acknowledge that staffing changes are sometimes difficult and deeply personal. And we are sincerely grateful for the dedication, the talent, and the contributions of all our staff members for the positive impact that they have had on our students and our school community over the years. I'm especially proud of that. Because personnel matters are confidential, we cannot discuss individual staffing decisions publicly. It's the law. However, to clarify that the process when looking at reducing staff, we are required to reduce
124non-tenured staff first prior to tenured staff. It's how it works in education. Therefore, we ask for your understanding as to why this Board of Education will not be discussing personal matters in public. Our focus remains on continuing to provide these students, our students, in the Harper Township, with strong educational opportunities, including meaningful and enriching music experiences both now and in our future. So, I hope I clarified some misinformation that's out there. There's been no reduction, no cancellation of any music programs. It's very important to us. With that, I'm going to turn the meeting back over to you. >> Thank you, Dr. Gruccio. Um at this time, we're going to open up for our public comment on non-agenda items. Um we're going to allow everyone to who would like to come to the podium to make
125sure that you state your full name and your city of residence, and you may have 3 minutes um at the podium, and we're going to allow you to everyone to speak first. >> Hi. Good evening. >> Yep. >> There we go. Hi. My name is Amy Seaman. Um I'm the proud mother of two sons in this district. Um Charles Seaman is here tonight with his friends supporting the music department. My son William is your salutatorian. He is at home right now studying for his APs. I have to tell you how these two boys have benefited greatly from the school district and I brag about EHT with They both have diverse needs. They've have Rosie Carey who's here has greatly enriched my one son. Um all these teachers are fabulous. They started in the music program
126in fifth grade. That was their first music lesson. Have you been to the fifth grade concerts at the end of the year? What these kids are able to do in just from starting in the fall to the end of the year is amazing. And that is setting the groundwork for these kids that then as they build their resumes, as they build their activities, they continue to build from where they were in fifth grade as those sponges and the work they do, the concerts at the high school when they get there are beautiful. Now I know you're saying you're not cutting back. However, my senior who does everything. He's in sports, he's in academics. Again, like I said, he's your salutatorian this year. He could not do band this year because the band program was cut
127from three classes last year to one. So it has been reduced. So this kid who's been playing trumpet with the band since fifth grade was not able to do so his senior year. So I understand, I mean, thankfully he still has jazz band because with the academics, with the studying, music is the joy. That's the release. That's where these kids fill their soul. So sharing faculty members, you might not be cutting the program, but it's reducing the opportunity. It has affected my family, but I have to tell you, overall, the district has done everything for my kids, and I'm so grateful, but please help support these kids that are still coming up. Thank you. >> Dr. Gruccio, members of the board, good evening. My name's Dale Reck, Esquire, and I reside in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but
128I was a faculty member. I was the teacher of vocal music at Egg Harbor Township High School from 2018 to 2020. Um this district hires talented and dedicated faculty with whom I miss working dearly, and whose commitment to students endures long after they've graduated. In that spirit, I've traveled here tonight to advocate for one of my former students. Um I know you can't discuss, but Mr. Sutton was the rare student who leaves uh a lasting mark. When I arrived to the district as a second-year novice teacher, Mr. Sutton was quick to welcome me into the school community and provide a student perspective into our music department, even before he was my student. Um next year, he enrolled in one of my choirs and quickly established himself as a leader in my classroom. By the time
129he graduated, I knew he was destined for a career as a leader in the music profession. So, it's no surprise that my former colleagues tell me Mr. Sutton now brings the same warmth and enthusiasm to all of his students as a band director. Now, allow me, the a former faculty member, to speak like an administrator for a moment. Music education allows students not only to embrace the material being taught, but also to embrace each other and the community. It creates a container for connection and teamwork in ways that the other core subjects cannot replicate. And music is inherently interdisciplinary, requiring students to engage with math, language arts, social studies, and science simultaneously. Finally, through performances, students educate audiences, enriching the public through song and story. In this context, the music educator is more than just
130a teacher. They are a curricular anchor and an integral community builder within the school district. That is why the planned reduction in force is so concerning to me. Eliminating Mr. Sutton's position will remove a talented music educator, a curricular anchor, and a community builder. One who grew up in this district's music program and chose to return home to serve it. To lose him would be a grave abandonment of the district's stated mission. I respectfully ask that you embrace the support that this community will show for Mr. Sutton tonight, engage him with a contract for the coming school year, so that he may educate the students of Egg Harbor Township. And finally, I'll just add as well, I'm an attorney and I hope that the administrators in the room and in the buildings in this school
131district, um, consult with the board attorney to make sure that they're not violating any of the employees' First Amendment rights when it comes to what they and their family members are allowed to say, um, to their students and to community members and to their own families about their jobs. Thank you. >> This place is filled with passion and patience, and I am impressed with everybody who's seated here before me. I'm especially impressed with these young people. I had young people at one time. They're older now. My name is Cindy Justice. I live in Egg Harbor Township. Thank you. Thank you. I'm sorry about that. Um I just I don't know a lot about what's going on. As I said, I don't have children that are engaged here now. But I um suspected well, I I
132have some conversation with fellow Egg Harbor Township residents at my work. I heard the word riff. That's something that I'm very familiar with. I'm a government employee. I know those things aren't fun. And I can't help but wonder if the reason that a riff is being considered here is because of the overdevelopment of Egg Harbor Township. It's off the charts. I'm here to tell you everybody in this room can take your passionate feet to a planning board meeting at a committee meeting or a committee meeting. Planning board in particular. In particular, June 15th planning board. That's one that that one of the developments that I'm most concerned about. PB number 2025-016. Just in case you're wondering which one. But come to any of them. Let your concerns be known there. They need to know how
133we're being impacted with this constant development and overcrowding in our schools that would force a riff. That's just absolutely ridiculous. As I understand our code, we have the ability to say this is not good for us. It doesn't support public safety, public health. All those things are in our code. But I know from the few planning board meetings that I've attended, thank God for that thing over there cuz I can talk. I just I'm really sorry to say that truth, but um it's it's just something and I lost my train of thought. I just want to acknowledge the commitment of every person, like I said, in front of me and in this room because I'm encouraged that if people can come out like this in force for something that you love, you can come out
134and make sure that you've got a place to continue to love the things that you're doing and have a seat in a classroom and we as taxpayers aren't tripled, quadrupled in the amount of taxes that we pay. So, please consider coming to join us and and the meetings are held at the administrative building. I'm not saying that right. It's right beside the the police station on Bargaintown Road. Planning board meetings are the third third Monday of every month and again, the one I'd love to see you at is on June 15th. Thank you for listening. Thank you for your service and God bless us everyone. >> I see the button. Um That's it. Um Good evening Good evening everyone. My name is Jasmine Sarflo and I am a resident of Egg Harbor Township. Um also
135a mother in this district, a founding member of the EHT Preschool Parents Club, a director and secretary of the Egg Harbor Township Law Enforcement Activities Program, a Girl Scout troop leader, and someone who has consistently invested my time, energy, and heart into my community, our community. Um also someone my children's teachers know they can turn to for support because I understand that my children's success is directly tied to the success of the educators standing in front of them every day. I believe strong schools require strong community support and because I care deeply about this district, I took the time to review the budget clearly closely. Uh what I found is that overall spending increased, instructions spending increased, extracurricular funding increased, and yet we are still eliminating student-facing positions like my daughter's band instructor. I understand
136the district has faced the loss of temporary federal COVID relief funding. I understand operational costs and employee benefits have risen significantly, but what I'm struggling with is if we knew years ago that funding would expire, what were the long-term plans to protect the programs and educators directly impacting our children when that day came? Uh because now families are watching the consequences fall onto the students. In a growing community where families continue to shoulder rising housing costs and substantial property taxes, mine alone being a hefty $14,000 a year. Uh it is difficult to understand why the burden of these financial pressures is falling onto student-facing programs and educators. Uh my daughter has developed a genuine love for music because of band instructor at Miller. She doesn't just practice what's assigned in class anymore. She goes online
137at home, finds the notes to her favorite songs, and teaches herself how to play them on her flute. So, I would like to take a second to thank Mr. Sutton because she's playing uh music that I actually LIKE TO HEAR. UH AND IT'S TYING WITH MY CULTURE, and that kind of passion doesn't happen by accident. It happens because an educator ignited something in a child that made them want to learn beyond the classroom walls. And all while positions like his are being eliminated, parents are simultaneously watching top-level salaries and administrative costs continue to rise. So, respectfully, I'm asking for transparency, accountability, and foresight because if this funding cliff was anticipated years ago, what are our elected officials sitting before us doing now to ensure that we're not standing here again next year having the same
138conversations with more student while more student opportunities um not necessarily disappear because Thank you, Dr. Gruich for confirming that, for clarifying, but with the uh staff that our students love obviously so much. Uh a growing budget should not come at the cost of the very educators and the programs that make our schools worth investing in. Thank you for your time. Uh good evening. My name is Samantha Cook. I am a resident of A. C. Moore Township. I am currently the a high school band booster president. I have no musical ability whatsoever. So, if you would have told me 9 years ago that I would be so invested in this program, I would have laughed at you. Um all three of my kids started in fifth grade band and orchestra. As fourth graders, every one of
139them came home so excited to start playing an instrument the next year. Um at that time, my oldest started orchestra in fifth grade. Music lessons were not an option for us. Financially speaking, we could not afford it. So, for us, the rental was 45 a month and the lessons were included. Uh that low entry cost for us led to us having between three kids, a cello, a harp, a piano, drums, clarinet, saxophone, and multiple guitars. Um and that's thanks to the teachers back here. The elementary band program is the starting point for our students in A. C. Moore Township. As a member of the high school marching band boosters, we see every day how committed these students are, how compassionate they are, how competitive, how intelligent. These music students are the most welcoming group of
140kids I've ever met. The friendships and camaraderie they have built with the other students, they might not have otherwise even interacted much with. Every student benefits from music in their lives. I am 100% convinced that for my kids personally, that 8 years of orchestra for my daughter contributed to her getting a full tuition scholarship to Syracuse. I'm convinced that my oldest two excel in school, honor society, Tri-M. I'm convinced that it helped my youngest learn to focus, help her ADHD, and improve her grades. I'm concerned about the future of the the The speculation, and this is the speculation that we're talking about online, right? Is that the middle school band teachers are we we're splitting responsibilities either across the middle school or one will be moved down to the lower school. Also speculated is that
141with two anticipated terminations between uh Miss Sarah and Mr. Sutton, Miller will lose completely the fifth grade orchestra program, which my oldest started in. If this is true, removing this program will directly affect the middle and high school band orchestra. Miller is the feed It is the feeder program into the music program at at the upper levels. If you've seen a band or orchestra concert, you've seen the strings playing. We hear at every orchestra concert that EHT is the largest or only symphony orchestra in South Jersey. We get that We're told that repeatedly. That starts with fifth grade. Having a middle school teacher be pulled down to Miller damages the middle school program. The middle school students go to band class during WIN or convocation. If the teacher is only at their school half of
142the time, the students are going to miss opportunities to improve their playing. If we want to keep playing at the highest levels with marching band, all south, all state, jazz, and our vocal ensembles, we need to keep the fifth grade music program in place. And finally, Mr. Joe Sutton. My youngest had Mr. Sutton last year. My son has him as his as his assistant band director this year. Um For both of my kids, and if you have multiple kids, you know they never agree on anything, both of my kids love him. Um it's the only thing they ever agree on. I've seen from both age groups the impact that he has on these students. His ability to inspire all of these students, all these students out here, is rare. Please seriously take the demands of
143our students and families into consideration and review the decision to let the performing arts teachers go. Thank you. >> Good evening, board. My name is Robin Sodden. I am an EHT resident. I am also a music educator for over 25 years. Over that time, I actually worked in this district for 2 years from 2017 to 2019. So, I have a unique perspective. Um throughout my career, you can't be an educator, a music educator for as long as I have and not been in this exact same position a couple of times. I was last man standing in my last district. And there's there's a workload that we're not discussing right now. Yes, I know you said that it'll be covered, but at what cost? What cost to the colleagues behind me that they'll make it happen
144because they love what they do and they love the kids in front of them. And because they love the music program that has carried on for decades in this district. You are known statewide for having an excellent music program in this district. Thank you. But how is that sustainable when you start cutting off at the ankles? And that's exactly what you're doing. You cannot have a solid foundation if you start cutting from your beginner program. And like I said before, I fully understand that you think you have it covered. But that is at the cost of the colleagues behind me. There is time, there is workload that I don't think you are properly taking into consideration because as music educators, we often make it look easy. You don't know all the hours that we put
145in because we don't tell you. You don't know all of the time and consideration that it takes to pick music that is perfect for the in- for the boys and girls in front of us. You don't know the extra time that we take during the day in the prep, during our lunch to make sure that our kids know their parts and that they're comfortable on that stage because we don't tell you. But when you start cutting and you start pulling and you start putting one staff member in multiple buildings, it's just too much. And they're not going to say it. But I've been there and it's exhausting and is un- and is not sustainable. And you will maybe not see it next year, but in 5 years this program will go down if you continue
146to do this. Thank you. >> Yep. Good evening. Uh Ben Song. I'm uh EHT resident. I'm also a retired band director uh for over 30 years of uh public service. And uh I'm also former president of the South Jersey Band and Orchestra Directors Association. And uh presently right now for the past 9 years I've been the pit orchestra director for the high school musicals. Now last spring between January and June I had the honor and privilege of working with Mr. Sutton over at the Miller School. Uh and I mentored him and uh I want to tell you that losing a such a talented uh educator as Mr. Sutton would be a complete shame uh for this district. And I can tell you firsthand that through my experience of working with Mr. Sutton he is actually
147a better educator than I was when I first started. Thank you. >> GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS LILIANA MARTINELLI AND I'M A resident in Egg Harbor Township, also a junior at Egg Harbor Township High School. I'm here on behalf of Mrs. Sullivan, the Egg Harbor Township High School Librarian. I've heard that she's getting moved back to slave all along with several other teachers in the district. Miss Sullivan has been such an impact on students and staff at our high school. During recent years when book challenges became a major topic in New Jersey, she stood firm on the importance of maintaining a library offers a wide range of perspectives, ensuring that students have the right to access information. If you talk to the students that have previously graduated, they will tell you that mention her as
148a mentor and a safe adult. Miss Sullivan has made our high school media center a sanctuary of learning, inclusivity, and creativity. I personally have known Miss Sullivan since I was in first grade. She got me to read my first Harry Potter book cuz she knew I was a strong reader. Pick me first for a book club, too. These past 3 years of my high school life have been a full roller coaster. I've always had Miss Sullivan in my corner. School next year, which is my senior year, would be absolutely heartbreaking if I didn't have Miss Sullivan there to watch me grow even more than I already have. Please take this into consideration along with other students and staff just like me who have had a connection with her and other teachers. Thank you for your
149time and save the music. >> Uh good evening, members of the board. My name is Amanda Divine, and I am a resident of Egg Harbor Township. You may know me from mock trial, but I'm here today to advocate for bringing Olympic weightlifting back to our high school as a co-ed sport to sub um provide for all students. In the past, uh Olympic weightlifting was a program mostly linked to male football players, but today Olympic weightlifting is much more than a um off-season training for males. Uh it is both a competitive sport on its own, as well as one of the best sports for athletes of other sports to improve performance. Olympic weightlifting builds explosive movement, speed, power, coordination, and discipline. These skills help athletes in football, basketball, soccer, softball, baseball, along with others. It helps
150athletes become faster, stronger, and keeps them training in a safe and structured environment. Olympic weightlifting is also growing rapidly at a college level. Um scholarships and competitive opportunities are being given to students in high school, opening doors for students in this program for after high school. I also believe that this program could be supported responsibly through fundraising and USA weightlifting memberships, which can cover tournament fees, meet fees, as well as possible equipment fees. Schools like Atlantic City High School already have Olympic weightlifting teams in place alongside programs like ACIT powerlifting, which is not Olympic weightlifting. However, this team travels and competes successfully. I have also completed the necessary paperwork for this proposal, gathered over 300 signatures from students at EHT High School who are interested in this program, and secured faculty advisor signatures along with
151a coach in this room who would be willing to help lead the team. Bringing back Olympic weightlifting would create a more inclusive athletic program, not only for women, but for students who believe clubs and sports already in place do not meet their needs. It will give students another way to compete, improve, and succeed. Thank you for your time and consideration, and also save the music. Um hello. My name is Nina Placino. I am a resident of Egg Harbor Township, and I am a student here at Alder Avenue Middle School. Um, there isn't much left to be said about why we should save our music programs here, but to start, I would like to say that I'm sure many of the people here feel the same. But the fine and performing arts program has kept us
152as a student body grounded. Not only here, but at Miller, Fernwood, and the high school. In a place where hectic things happen and homework is piled onto our backs, music is a place where we can tune out the negative. This is thanks to our incredibly hard-working directors, including my director, Dr. Catherine Wyatt. She is not here today because she previously, earlier in this night, was graduating with her doctorate. Um, for 4 years I've known her, and for 4 years she's not only helped me, but many other students in the Egg Harbor Township community. This also holds true for the other wonderful educators in the artistic atmosphere of our district. In the past, budget cuts have gone to the extreme with teachers lost and programs gone. These situations have affected our artistic programs more than any
153others. Looking out at the sea of schools across New Jersey, why take away the main aspect that allows us to stand out? We are told to express ourselves constantly. How will we do this when our passions are squandered of over hundreds of students? As more and more educators of the arts are being moved from their positions, increased stress is placed on the remaining teachers. Those same teachers are worried that for losing their jobs, as well the quality of the programs that they care so much about. Recently, Dr. Wyatt, the orchestra director for Alder and Fernwood with combined orchestras, who also directs upwards of 250 students, published a study on the conditions and lived experiences of a traveling teacher entitled From Fragments to Function: A Heuristic Inquiry of Itinerant Music Teachers Through Critical Systems Theory. She
154completed this as her doctoral dissertation, including years of research from different schools, not just this district, and from other teachers who have experienced similar things. She describes an itinerant music teacher as someone who travels across multiple schools or programs, and itineracy as a staffing model that requires educators to travel between sites or manage multiple programs, often resulting in fragmented structural conditions that ultimately impact all students and systems within the schools. Many educators are faced with working across multiple unfit locations, like small closets, outdoors, and even in stairwells. Even though the acoustics in stairwells are great, they're not ideal for performing. Additionally, they were presented with schedules that seem set up set up for chaos. As a student who does actively participate in orchestra, I have been to one practice in about the last month because
155of the how conflicting the schedule is, and I tried so hard to get there. I have a lot more to say, and I realize I'm running out of time. So, I'd like to sum this up by saying that all of this impacts not just our teachers with their jobs being jeopardized by budget cuts, but it also risks the downfall of the entirety of the creative programs in the EHT. We will not stand still or lie in wait, not only for us, not for our educators, but for the future of the Egg Harbor Township School District that we as a community here so much about. Thank you for your time, and thank you for acknowledging our concerns. Embrace, engage, and educate. >> Um hello, my name is Sher Sitchan. Hello, my name is Sher Sitchan. I'm
156a resident of Egg Harbor Township. Um before I start, I'd like to thank all the supporters that came today for music because it matters so much. Um I have a little pre-written thing. Um I'm an eighth grade student at Alder Middle School. Today, I stand here alongside many of my peers to bring attention to a growing issue affecting students involved in the performing arts throughout our district. Last year Last year, the entire arts community within Egg Harbor Township School District faced major budget cuts. Many of us continue to ask the same question. Why is it always the arts that are affected first when budgets become tight? We see money being spent on new things such as new lunch table stencils, hallway TVs, and upgraded e-sports equipment. Yet, the programs our district is truly known for
157are struggling to survive. No student should walk into class to see their teacher worrying about whether their jobs will exist next year. No teacher should worry if their jobs are worth less than the next new upgrade. This year, Mr. Joe Sutton became the new band director at Miller. The district's welcome to him was a layoff notice caused by budget cuts. What many people may not realize is that Mr. um Sutton is more than just a teacher. He is an incredible marching band coach, which has developed my love of music so um more. Um he volunteers extra time helping brass students at older, and he creates safe and sup- supportive environment for countless students. Now, because of these cuts, he may be gone and so may the Miller orchestra program. The district's solution is to expect
158one teacher to manage both middle school band programs. We already had this in place at with our orchestra with Miss Wyatt. It is incredibly hard. Uh um managing two ensembles of Wallace Symphony is really hard for a teacher. Um as for orchestra, no solution has been proposed, meaning the Miller orchestra could be cut. This is not a solution. It places unfair pressure on our teachers and weakens the quality of education students receive. These band and orchestra programs have not failed. They have not become unsuccessful. They continue to grow, inspire, and represent our district with pride. So, why are these cuts happening to us instead of programs that are not succeeding? Why should our teachers lose their jobs simply because the arts are seen as less important? At a district that prides itself on inclusivity, these
159decisions put shame and contradict the very meaning of that word. I take pride in being a a part of the arts community, and I will not allow that pride to be diminished. Thank you very much for your time. >> Hello. I'm Shawn Kook. I'm currently a junior at EHT High School and currently a resident res- resident of EHT. Before I begin, I would simply like to say that everything I'm about to say is written entirely by me and without the use of AI. >> Awesome. Um what I simply like to say is that I know it has been said that the program in the fifth grade music program next year will not fall, but removing our teachers is going to knock over the first domino, and that sentiment cannot be understated. Many anecdotal experiences uh
160regarding Mr. Sutton's positive effects on the community have already been made clear, but I would like to focus on facts and logistical reasons on why their job retention is fundamental to the success of our community past social emotional responses. Firstly, according to the NAMM Foundation, a strong music program has scientifically proven to enhance reading and writing skills, mathematics, overall attendance, and general high higher scores on standardized tests. Even when socioeconomic um status is taken into consideration, this data remains true. In tandem, the University of Kansas documented a study proving musical engaged students outperform others in every single criteria of the study, including GPA, the ACT scores, graduation graduation rate, excuse me, and the amount of discipline required for each student. Besides simple simply academic reasons, an article by the University of Southern California demonstrated that
161music education can also benefit young students' mental health. Quote, "Sixth grade students scored higher for overall positive youth development than eighth graders, and scored higher in the confidence domain than both seventh and eighth graders." End quote. Positive youth development is a test made by Tufts University, and it measures adolescent strengths and their potentials to contribute to society. What this means is that music students generally have more confidence and are generally happier. Furthermore, music can have positive effects uh can possibly affect the emotional intelligence of the children, specifically with regard to emotional regulation, ex- expression, and perception. This possibility for education and emotional benefits for our kids granted by music is indisputable fact. For the sake of our kids' cognitive maturity, please do not dismiss these words. The removal of Mr. Sutton and Mrs. uh Samsara's
162job and therefore the elimination of the music program in these grades will have major consequences. Thank you. >> Hello, my name is Lorenzo Esposito. I'm proud resident of EHT and I am in the EHT marching band. To start off, I just want to say I've only known Mr. Sutton for like a year. But I've made so many proud memories with him. Every rehearsal, every game, every competition, he's always just brought so much joy to marching band and he's taught me and this whole marching band so much. And I just want to say thank you for that. So Every every four, eight, or 12 hour rehearsal was, you know, always just so much better with Mr. Sutton and he's always like he boosted the mood of marching band in general. Which is he's always just he's
163a great teacher. We've learned so much from him and our marching band probably would not be the same without him. I can also say the same for the middle band as I know this little trumpet player in fifth grade in Luca. And every I don't see him much but every time I do see him he always mentions how much of an impact Mr. Sutton makes and how much he's a great teacher and he's taught him so much and that's he's he's just a great teacher. So I think that's kind of the main reason why we need to keep Mr. Sutton in two in our school district. So Thank you. >> Good evening. My name is Monica Eskandar. I'm a senior here at Egg Harbor Township. Before I start I'd just like to ask that you
164guys bear with me. I'm really congested right now. Didn't know I was going to make it. Um, so I'd like to just reiterate some of the things that have already been said. Music has been such an integral part of my life, and as somebody who's not pursuing music, but has been heavily involved in the music department, I've been in orchestra for 8 years, I've been in the Tri-M Music Honor Society since I was an eligible member. I'm the vice president, I'm the orchestra president, I was the color guard captain, I was the I was in color guard for 4 years, and I was captain of one of, if not the biggest color guard ensembles we've had, and I was also, um, the captain when we medaled for the very first time at championships. I'd like
165to emphasize just how much As someone who's not pursuing music in the future, I'd like to just emphasize how much of an impact music has had on my life. Um, some of you guys have seen me speak at school. I've spoken at assemblies, I've spoken at the spin clinics. Um, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. West, Dr. Charlton, Dr. Gruccio, as well as I've had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Corina several times. And one of the things that has always been highlighted and emphasized is how well-spoken I am. And while I appreciate your compliment, I would like to let you know just how much I owe music, how much I owe that to music. Um, I was an ESL kid growing up. I had very, very poor English. I struggled so much to
166understand, and I was constantly reprimanded by my teachers because I was off task, but I wasn't off task. I just didn't understand. And it was so incredibly difficult to integrate with my peers because I felt so unseen and so underrepresented, even though I had, you know, graduated out of the ESL programs, and they were telling me I was speaking English just fine, but every time my teacher spoke to me, I had no clue what they were saying. And, um, when I joined the music department, I that wasn't something I had to worry about. But more importantly, I had so much one-on-one time with my teacher then, Dr. Wyatt, that I had so many opportunities to speak with somebody and to actually apply some of the skills that I didn't really understand how to use in
167class. Um and I I can take as many English classes as I want and I can speak in front of as many people as I'd like, but at the end of the day, I owe so much of my success to the music department that has pushed me and encouraged me to play louder, to perform harder, to be more passionate, and to be more audacious with who I am. And I would really just like to say thank you to all the teachers who have pushed all these students here. And I'd like to ask you to reconsider these decisions. I understand that you're not cutting the program entirely by by diminishing it and reducing this one-on-one time that these students could be receiving, you make it significantly harder for so many of these students to succeed outside
168of just music. Thank you. >> Um I'm Alannis Rule and I'm a resident of HT. And first, I would just like to say this is coming right off the top of my head. So, um when I first started music, I was in fifth grade. I started off with the alto saxophone and I thought, personally, it was too easy for me. So, I talked to Mr. Sutton and I started the French horn. And he pushed me to um like learn it and be more confident with it. And honestly, it really made me more confident and build up my confidence throughout my time. And I made so much friends in the music and arts department. It was fifth grade really kicked me off in um it helped me even going into middle school. When I went in,
169I already knew people. I straight went to my band friends that I already knew from fifth grade. And I they weren't any of my classes in um elementary. So, these were people that I met through band and that I truly like grown to love now. My best friend, she always I met her through band and we really connected through our instruments. And I feel as if cutting the fifth fifth grade Miller music and arts, it would affect a lot of people's friendships and would affect how much they are attending school cuz me without band, I wouldn't have many friends and I feel as if having friends in school really does help you become more confident and be able to be around other people and it really does affect how much you go to school because
170without having friends, it's like most people don't feel a reason and having friends from band really did make me have a reason to go and actually care about my education. And stuff like that and that's all, I guess. >> Good evening. My name is Samuel Leonardo. I'm a resident of Egg Harbor Township High School and I'm currently a freshman. I remember being in the cafeteria one day, fifth grade, and watching all the teachers line up and present all their instruments that they could learn. And I remember week prior to that watching a video on just a random violin player playing one of my favorite songs from back then. Can't remember for the life of me, but you know. And I knew in an instant that that's the instrument I want to go for. And for
171the past 5 years of my life, I have dedicated every single moment to the violin and without that I wouldn't even be in choir or band or any of that. And I would really hate to see Miss Sarah go because >> Thank my brother also started with her. He started the viola with her. And he although he doesn't do viola anymore, he does he did love it for the year that he did do it. And not only Miss Sarah, but also Mr. Sutton, who I've only known for the past marching band season. He's had such an effect on the way I write, learn, and go about music as a whole. He's the one who inspired me to write and design a prototype for a marching show with Mikey over there. He's not only an educator,
172he is a mentor. Someone I look up to and want to reach someday. He takes time at the end of pops rehearsal to listen to my songs and give feedback, and not only on the music standpoint. I remember one time during pops, a day after a particularly rough marching band rehearsal, he stopped me and asked about how the students are doing on a mental health standpoint. He is a kind, caring, and amazing teacher, and an amazing mentor. Thank you. >> Hi, I'm Meredith Doughty. I'm from Egg Harbor Township. I'm not I don't play any instruments, but I'm in the color guard. Um and I started on an instrument. I like found my passion through the fine performing arts, and I was with Miss Wyatt at Miller. Um and I personally experienced the distribution of one
173teacher. And I went to probably like three rehearsals my entire eighth grade year because she wasn't there. Um and I ended up failing that year, and I didn't get into AGHS. Um but that's why I think it's so important to save the whole fine and performing arts. But especially Joe. Um he's made an impact on so many lives and opened the door of creativity and made kids feel like they have a home outside of school. Most band kids go to the band room every morning. Some will stay for talent time to practice, but others stay just because the band room is their safe place. Kids will go in the band room to eat lunch, not because they don't have friends, not because they don't have anywhere to sit, but because that's where they want to
174be. The band room is where the bands where the band kids went after losing their teammate and friend Aaron Pan. By cutting Mr. Sutton's position, that would be taken away the opportunity for so many future students to be serving and severing so many opportunities for the students. And please remember that music didn't just fill a class period for so many students, it helped shape who they are. And every student deserves that chance. So, please take it and Um, so I ask you don't remove that from them. Thank you. >> Okay. Good evening. My name is Nicole Velez. I'm a junior at Elkhorn Township High School and a member of the color guard. Protecting music education at an elementary level not only gives students a way to express themselves in a community within school, but it
175also promotes skills like teamwork, attention to detail, perseverance, and a plethora of others. While many kids and parents are drawn to the physical extensiveness of sports, without music the rest of the students would be left to do what exactly? At the elementary level, the only options for extracurriculars are basically sports or music. Stripping young musicians away from that opportunity leaves them having to search outside of school for lessons if they're lucky enough to already have a developed interest. But, not all students have the money for lessons or the luxury of having a prior interest. In fact, many music students join with no prior knowledge or experience, but they grow to love the art. The skills developed in music classes are crucial to young students, especially ones who need an outlet for creativity rather than physical
176activity. At the elementary level, consistency and familiarity with teachers and instructors is crucial to success. As a music student myself, I can safely say that the program relies upon consistency with classes. Without access to these teachers they've grown to love, students would have a harder time developing these skills at an early age, hindering their progress in the future. Music education allows students to be engaged and passionate, and it allows them to make a choice that could very well remain with them for the rest of their life. I, along with so many other students here, started music at a young age. For me, that was choir in second grade, and I've stuck with that passion since then. So many HD students this year are continuing their musical careers in college, and none of them would have
177reached their level of talent or dedication without beginning to play at an early age. Thank you everyone for dedicating your time to the community tonight. I hope you consider all the words and ideas that have been spoken. Thank you. >> My name is Anthony Lozada. I'm a resident of BHD. I took orchestra in fifth grade, and it changed my life completely. I never had confidence before this, and I wouldn't be able to come up here. And I then took I started band this year, and I thought I wasn't going to fit in because I don't have athletic ability, but it was one of the things that changed my life, and I didn't want to come to school at all, but band was one of the things that made me want to to come to school
178and experience all these things that I wasn't going to without it. And I'm glad I'm able to take these classes and experience marching bands and color guard. And as ex- um Sorry. I'm glad to have took orchestra in fifth grade, and it completely opened me to new views of opportunities. Um Sorry. Thank you. Thank you for your time. >> Julia Hunter, at Carver Township. Um, I just want to say, can we hear it for these kids? They have great public speaking skills. So, when my son first started band, I knew nothing about a band. I didn't know what a drum line was. I thought it was just people who drummed in a line. That's not what it is. But, over the last few years, I've learned a lot. I volunteered, I've spent time with these
179people, and I would like to share my family's experience with the EHT band program. In 2022, fresh out of COVID, my son came home from school with a drum pad, sticks, and a xylophone. I didn't want him to pick up a drum. I wanted him to pick anything else, but he picked the drum. Every week, he would lug it on the bus to school. At night, he would come home and practice, tapping out rhythms on a practice pad. At the end of the year, we watched the Miller band perform a series of songs, including Hot Cross Buns. The kids then performed a more complicated song along with the high school band. I thought that was incredible to see the range of talent that this district has. In sixth grade, he joined the band at Fernwood,
180including the drum line. The Through that program, I watched him go from a quiet kid to somewhat to the confident, outgoing person that he is today. Thank you, Mr. Spatz. Band gave him community. It gave him mentors, and it gave him a love of music. Now, I have to listen to the Weezer all the time. It's taught him discipline, teamwork, accountability, and responsibility. Basically, it's taught him to soar. Last fall, I spent many Friday nights sitting on the bleachers at the high school stadium. Often, the team wasn't winning, but the band played on, performing at halftime, rallying the crowd, and playing a humorous wah-wah-wah when the opposing team missed a field goal. The band is just as much a part of Friday night lights in EHT as the football team and the cheerleaders. In November,
181we saw him perform at MetLife Stadium. Watching your kid perform on the same field as Taylor Swift, Metallica, and dozens of other artists and athletes and musicians have played is surreal. But an award-winning band isn't built from nothing. It starts in elementary school with kids tapping out hot cross buns in a practice pad. It starts with kids learning to love music, finding community, and gaining confidence. And all that starts with really good teachers and programs. Diminishing the band program diminishes these kids' opportunities. And I get that this issue is about a lot more than just the band, and it's about but it's also about a district that continues to cut the arts, but celebrate it monthly in fancy videos of Board of Education meetings that I watch, and quite frankly, I'm like, "Why are we
182not funding this more?" It's about leadership, and it's also about the kids, and they are the ones who will ultimately have a chance have to live with the consequences of these choices. On a final note, Jason Kelce, I think we're all familiar with him. Go Birds. Recently said in an interview that being in band made him a better football player. I think about that a lot. How one talent can to can lead to so many others with both being valuable. Thank you. >> Um, hello. My name is Jackson Hunter. So, I'm currently performing in the battery with the marching band, and I just want to say without the experiences that I had in fifth grade learning under It wasn't Mr. Sutton, it was Mr. Isaacson. Without those experiences, I could never perform the level that
183I can now. Without any of that, I don't think we could be successful. These programs are needed for our schools. People like Mr. Sutton help everyone. They help with marching band. They help us learn. Without that, we could never perform at a football game. I would also like to say that making multiple teachers work across different schools is absolutely ridiculous. These people have lives and other things. I've seen through people like Mr. Spatz or Mr. Kraft how much time they spend outside of school. Imagine having to spend all that time you spend for one school for two different schools. It's honestly absurd. That's all I have to say. >> My name is Savannah Irvin and I go to the Edgar B. Township Miller School. I remember in fourth grade Mr. Sutton was I was in
184music and Mr. Sutton was walking around asking if I wanted to sign up for band. The only reason I didn't want to sign up just because I wanted to be in band. I signed up because I knew Mr. Sutton was such a kind and thoughtful person. Mr. Sutton encouraged me to do such fun things and do more things. For example, Miss Shank, my favorite choir teacher, she encouraged me to do a solo in choir. And I just wanted to thank Mr. Sutton Miss Shank for being such awesome teachers. Thank you. >> Hello. Um my name is Christie Tao. I am a H.T. resident and I and Alder Avenue Middle School. When I was in fourth grade, Miss Samantha Sarah um was her first year teaching at Miller as a strings director and a general music
185teacher. When during lunch when Miss Sarah brought out her fifth like fifth fifth grade, now eighth grade, orchestra when they started playing even as simple as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, it had inspired me to join orchestra. And the next year, when I did join, I just only wanted to do it for fun, but the more lessons I took, like the more I grew passion for music. In middle school, like in middle school, orchestra has like improved my social life. I had made more friends. It helps me focus a lot more, which brought me into advanced programs. And I just want to say thank you to Miss Sarah for helping me. Help um Thank you to Dr. White for keeping me in like the orchestra, like help like help me go through all South Auditions, All-State.
186And for Mr. Sutton, I haven't really met him. I saw him at the Summer 2025 Band and Orchestra Camp. He is an amazing band director, and I know he'll do so so well conducting the Miller Band. And I just want to say thank you um for listening. >> Hello. Um Is it on? Okay. My name is Christine Silverberg, and I am a resident of Egg Harbor Township. Um I have two children in the district, one at the high school, and one at Fernwood. Um I want to say first thank you to the board for your time, and I really want to acknowledge all of these students who feel so passionately about their music program that some of them have been here since 6:00 waiting to speak. So, thank you all for your dedication. I just
187want to reiterate what others have already said tonight. Saying that the programs won't be changed is a little bit of a false narrative. Asking one director to work at both Fernwood and Alder will not keep our program to the high level of cal- of caliber and talent that we see now. While both the Fernwood and Alder directors are amazing and incredible, and I am sure that they will do all that they can, expecting one person to maintain a concert band, wind ensemble, and drum line at two separate schools is unreasonable. Another thing to consider that has been mentioned is the time dedicated by your directors beyond their school day. My daughter was recently nominated to the All South Jersey Elementary Band, which required her director to give up an entire Saturday with his family to
188come and help my daughter and other students from her school perform in this elite band. Um he also gave up a Saturday to be at a drum line competition with the Fernwood drum line. I don't think we can really expect that one person would be able to do that for two different schools. So, those programs, while they may still be in place, will not be the same as they are today. Um something will just have to give. You cannot expect one person to do all of those things. So, I just please implore and I beg that you find a way to keep the music program intact the way that it is today so that our incredible music program can continue to perform at the high caliber that it does now. Thank you. >> Hi, my
189name is Lucia Dunkelberger. I am an EHT resident. I play the bass in the orchestra program at Fernwood Middle School. And Miss Sarah has been an amazing teacher. She has truly taken our district's mission to embrace, engage, and educate to heart. I think it is impossible for the district to fully realize this mission without Miss Sarah or Mr. Sutton in the elementary orchestra and band programs. Miss Sarah has been a great teacher. She is the reason I picked up the bass. She encouraged me to try even though I was intimidated at first. Since then, she has been an amazing mentor and pushed me to do more with the bass. She helped me get nominated for All South Jersey Elementary Orchestra and successfully audition for All South Jersey Junior High Orchestra. In the audition, she made
190sure I was included. And in the bass hang, she made sure that I was included through Rowan University. At last year's bass hang, she pushed me to do a masterclass with Professor Map in front of high school and college bass players. I was the youngest person selected for the masterclass, and the college students were impressed by the piece Miss Sarah had helped me to select and perform. This year at the bass hang, it was not through the school, and the age level was was higher than my age. So, she made sure to lower the age level so that I could participate again. The music classes run by Miss Sarah embrace the students. They are safe space for students who do not connect through traditional ways like sports or academics. They provide opportunities for success and
191to build confidence, which is important for students at this age who are beginning to form an identity and self-esteem. Orchestra and band provide access to music for students who might not be able to participate in ensembles without the programs. Many families in our district cannot afford private lessons. So, by limiting the programs, that also means limiting their ability to be a part of music. If we want to embrace the students and their families, we should be providing more opportunities to them, not limiting the opportunities to only families who can afford to pay privately. There's currently an epidemic of screen use and lack of connection and engagement in students. Orchestra and band require to work cooperatively to make a good sound. Orchestra and band programs educate students. Many studies have shown that playing an instrument engages
192almost every single part of your brain. That leads to students performing better academically, having better attendance, and more academic achievement. I understand that the district's the district's budget can be a huge concern. However, I would like you to think of the long-term effects that these cuts can have on the students, districts, and communities. Instead of the short-term budget concerns, I want you to ask yourself, are the reduced opportunities for students most in need and the removal of a space where students can feel connected and be themselves, the loss of educational benefits, and the weakening of future arts programs worth saving all the money that we will make but from by cutting these budget programs? Thank you. >> Um hello, my name is Quynh Mai and I am a resident of Egg Harbor Township. Um I
193was Egg Harbor Township alumni and I actually went to school with uh Mr. Sutton. Uh we were in marching band together and we were also in wind ensemble together and from very early on in my high school years I I noticed that Mr. Sutton had um amazing leadership capabilities as a drum major and also as a section leader um for our band. He is not only a wonderful teacher, but he is also a wonderful friend and a wonderful member of our community who really cares about not only his students, but also everyone around him. And um uh one of the things um as an education major that I noticed is that not only to be an amazing teacher, you have to not only do you have to be good at teaching, but you have to
194truly love and um foster and cultivate your relationship with your students. And um Mr. Sutton is a wonderful example of having a wonderful relationship um with all of his students and all of his staff and all of his mentors and also um and many people in this community. Um removing him from the music community not only takes away a wonderful and amazing musician, performer, and educator, but also a person who really fosters and really cares about the growth and relationship of his students. And as a student as a former student of this district that has been through many music teacher changes, it really affects our growth in music and also our relationship with music as well. So, overall um Overall, Mr. Sutton is a wonderful and amazing musician and an addition to the program. So,
195thank you. >> Hello, my name is Clayton Ruffin. Um I'm a sophomore at EHT High School and a resident a resident of EHT. Um a little bit of background on myself. I've been to EHT schools my entire life life up until 7th grade. I switched to go to ACS, Atlantic Christian School, and I came back here in 9th grade. And I remember in 7th grade when I walked past that band room ACS, and I my eyes immediately locked on the saxophones, and I was like, "Wow, that's so cool." So, I really wanted to learn the saxophones, and I'm glad that my band director over there and a lot of my friends that I had over there were were happy enough to teach me how to play the saxophone. And when I heard that ACS wasn't
196not going to have a band in in my freshman year, I was I cried. Um But, I came back to EHT in 9th grade, and my goal was to be in the jazz band and to be in the marching band. And I'm really glad um that even though I joined um EHT late, and I joined the marching band late, that Mr. Mr. Sutton and Mr. Wyckoff were there for me to just keep me up to speed and allow me to be in the marching band. And without them and without all my friends here, um I would not like I would not have the confidence to be up here. Like a lot of my friends that I've built here in the band, they've helped me build my confidence, and they've helped me be the person that
197I am today. And so, without music education in elementary schools, um things like these wouldn't happen where people would be people have more confidence, people become end up smarter, people wouldn't um have all these friends, and if we drop Mr. um Mr. Sutton down, it's going to destroy the education education system as a whole. And it will destroy some of these kids who aim to be in the band. Thank you. >> Hi, my name is Leona Congle. I live in EHT. I am here as a former band student, not from this district. Um I am one of the few people I think up here who has never met Mr. Sutton. Um but I was definitely a band nerd when I was in high school. Um and I have listened to all of these students talk
198and say um how integral band is to their lives. And I can say as a former band student myself that that That very true. We had lots of fun in the band room. We cried in corners in the band room with our friends. Um and where else could in a school can you do that? Um it is a place where students who don't have athletic ability can go. You get your high uh high-performing students uh academically. You get your lower academically performing students. You get your rich students. You get your poor students. You get so many people that would not otherwise be in the same space. Um I think that diminishing a music program, you lose a lot of opportunities for people to collaborate and connect with each other. Um and that is something that
199is sorely lacking now. Um listening to everyone discuss how Mr. Sutton had and all the orchestra teachers of as well, how they have seen them throughout the school their school lives. How many teachers do you get who you've known in fourth and fifth grade and in 12th grade? That is a really, really special thing. Um like usually you get a teacher per year, maybe a teacher for a few years. You never get to see them while you grow up. That is just phenomenal to me. Um we know that we have had budget issues. I know that the budget issue uh that has come up right now is massive uh health care costs, correct? Um I wonder why we have not moved to do anything about that. Um why do we still have that? This was
200a problem last year and that's why we had to cut some positions last year as well, I remember. Um I question if the district has the right priorities when they are willing to sacrifice people's positions in lieu of um pursuing better technology or just chasing the new shiny thing. Really, you want to build community? Well, people are community. The students are community. Your teachers are community. I have only been to the football stadium twice. Once when my daughter was in third grade singing the national anthem with everyone else. And then once to watch the high school band perform and they were really good. So, I hope that you reconsider what you will and will not cut in the upcoming year. I understand that we have to make the budget work, but I think that cutting
201positions is especially well-loved programs is not the way to do it. Thank you. >> Um hello, my name is Shiori Tsuchida and I'm a ninth grader in HD high school. And my experience with music has started all the way in fifth grade. And with orchestra, what I've noticed throughout all the music programs that I've joined, the staff have been like they put a lot of work into their job and they even work outside. They use they take time outside of their job to um benefit our program. They I know several teachers that go to different schools and teach um basically the same thing to other schools. And they put a lot of work into it. And as I've seen, for example, Miss Dr. Wyatt and many other um staff I've seen music, they often go
202to different schools, which is really hard to manage, and it's really honestly impressive that they've managed to keep the kids as well educated as they are in the music program. I think they're actually doing a really good job, and they're really well under appreciated. Um and I think that firing or not firing, but like um removing these teachers from our program would be very detrimental to the program itself because um each of these teachers have a great impact on um many students in the program. Which there is a lot of students. And if maybe even just a few uh staff are removed from the program, this impacts a lot of kids and their overall um performance in school as well. From the reports I've seen earlier, um it was said that kids come um like
203their attendance reports, they've been rising. But if we cut the music program, um from experience and peers that I've seen, they will not want to come to school as much since the the music program has had such a big impact on them. And I think removing even just a little bit of this important um program is uh very detrimental to the actual education of these students. And um I've not really known Ms. Sierra or Mr. Sutton, but I think that their um the work that they've done for this community and this passionate program um is very important, and they should not be removed. Thank you. >> Uh Julian uh, resident of ECHS. I'm also a freshman. Uh, I go to ECHS High School. Uh, I'm going to give a little bit of background first. Basically,
204my whole life I dreamed of being a soccer player. Uh, one of my old coaches is actually in the crowd. Shout out Coach Jen. Um, that was all all up until fifth grade when I saw Mr. Isaacson playing the saxophone. I saw him and I immediately fell in love. And, um, I decided to play the drums. And, yeah. Um, I played the drums and actually didn't like it. So, I continued band into sixth grade and I decided to switch to trumpet and that ended up being one of the greatest decisions I've ever made because that caused me to, uh, meet and have a connection with Mr. Sutton. Uh, Mr. Sutton, uh, has not only taught me, uh, like how to play and all that, but he's also taught me one of the most valuable life
205lessons, uh, which is to dream. Mr. Sutton and, uh, Mr. Krass, uh, they've helped me dream and play, but they've also, like, have made me think about what I want to do after school. Um, uh, Mr. Krass, uh, initially put this idea into my head. Um, and in, uh, in the marching arts there's a, uh, basically the NFL of of, like, marching band, basically. It's called DCI and WGI. Uh, Mr. Joe and Mr. I mean, Mr. Mr. Sutton and Mr. Krass have both put that idea into my head. And, uh, that is the thing that I wish to do. And Mr. Sutton has not only given me, uh, the passion towards doing that, but also, um he's like given me the integrity, the creativity, and the and just the confidence to be able to not
206only like dream those things, but also come up to here come up to you here and say those things. So, I ask you today not only to believe in dreams, but to believe in Mr. Sutton. Thank you. >> Thank you. My name is Dylan King, a resident of BHT. I'm going to be blunt with you guys. You work for the community, and right now the community is telling you loud and clear you're making the wrong decision. Eliminating Mr. Joe Sutton and cutting the band program is a direct failure to put students first. Hiding behind budget cuts, last in first out policy is nothing more than an excuse to justify a decision that is hurting students, family, and the future of this district. Mr. Sutton is not replaceable. He is a teacher who is who has
207inspired students to stay in music, stay involved in school, and believe in themselves. Students are openly saying they would not be where they are today without him. That should mean more than a line on a spreadsheet. The band program is not a luxury. It is not something you cut when it becomes inconvenient. It is an essential part of students' development. It teaches discipline, leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and confidence. For many students, it is one place they feel successful and supported. By removing Mr. Sutton and all the other teachers you have on the chopping block tonight, by re- weakening this program, you are sending a clear message that students that student growth and their arts do not matter. This is unacceptable. Parents, students, alumni, and residents are not staying silent. We are fighting this because we know
208the damage. This is the the damage this decision will cause. We will continue showing up, speaking out, and holding this board accountable for choices that directly harm our children. You were elected to serve this community, not ignore it. Stop making excuses, stop treating music education like it's disposable. Stop pretending it is what is best for the students. Keep Mr. Sutton protected, the band program, and listen to your residents and do the job you're elected to do. Thank you. >> Hello, my name is Tiani Bock. I am a resident at EHT and I am a junior at EHT High School. As also a member of the marching band here. So, to begin, I actually didn't start like everyone else in fifth grade meeting Mr. Sutton and everyone else on staff. However, I came from Absegami um
209playing in percussion just because I used it as a form of escapism. I hated everything. I didn't like anyone I had no friends. And when I first transferred to Egg Harbor Township, the first thing I did was join the marching band because that's the only thing I knew. And I met so many people who have changed me positively and for the better. For example, Mr. Sutton was one of the first staff members I ever met and he has taught me so much. Right now, he is the reason I'm standing up here speaking for him to help save the arts and also just to keep his job. Please don't cut his job or Miss Sarah's or anyone else in the performing arts because there's so much more to the performing arts that gives every student an
210opportunity at EHT High School. The only reason we're all here at this I at this meeting is because we're all here because we love EHT and we want the best for our community. We're all here to support one another. As one person goes down, there's always someone to help them up. Like Like the saying, it takes a village. That's why so many members of the marching band and other fine and performing arts are here to support one another and also to Sorry. Mr. Sutton and everyone else on staff has honestly changed and benefited everyone. By removing one person, it causes more problems. Like my AP Lang teacher has told us, the fish rots from the head down. By removing one staff member, it trickles down to the students who learn from the said staff and
211mentor. With Without the staff member, how are we supposed to learn? Overall, this can affect the performing arts and other activities as a whole. And once again, please take everything we've said into consideration and please appreciate our persistence. >> Good evening board. Um I'm Noa King. I'm a resident of EHT and I'm also a junior at EHT High School. When people look at a band program, they may see instruments, concerts, rehearsals, and performances. But what Mr. Sutton has built at the Miller School and also here at the high school with the band programs is much bigger than music. He's built a program of family and places where students can grow and find confidence and discover who they are. I know that because I'm one of those students. Band is more than a class. It's a
212family. The friendship I've The friendships I've built, the memories I've made, and the people I've connected with all come from the environment Mr. Sutton has created. He makes the band a place where students feel included, supported, and a part of something bigger than themselves. Band is a safe haven for most students, but not for all. Finally, Mr. Sutton and the music program at the Miller School have me have made me the musician I am today. He hasn't just taught me how to play notes on a page. He hasn't taught me how to perform with confidence, how to work hard, or how to push myself to be better every single day. He's grown this program into something students are proud to be a part of, and I can say honestly honestly if it wasn't for Mr.
213Sutton and this music program, I wouldn't have I would have walked away from this music program years ago. And who knows where I'd be today. There were times I struggled, times I've questioned if I wanted to keep going, but Mr. Sutton never gave up on me because he believed in me. Because I stayed, I grew, not just a musician, but as a person. Budget cuts may not may look like numbers on a page, but behind those numbers are students, opportunities, and lives being changed. Mr. Sutton is not just a band teacher, he's a mentor, a role model, and someone who has built something truly special here. I ask you tonight to think about what what would be lost if students no longer had someone like Mr. Sutton leading this program. I know I would not
214be the person or the musician I am today without him. Thank you for your time. >> Oh gosh, all right. It's on? So, I just talk? Okay. Um hi, I'm Megan Donovan. I'm an EHT resident. Um I am also the mother of a fifth grade student uh, who was here today, um, but honestly at about 9:15 I looked at my husband and said "Take her home." Um, she did not want to leave. She made me promise to speak, um, on her behalf and on Mr. Sutton's behalf and on behalf really of the entire, uh, music department. Um, so, also I was a lawyer in a past life, so I do like to hear myself talk, but I'm going to try to keep to this. Um, so I know that we have some district goals, right?
215Those district goals are for student achievement and community involvement. I can't think of somebody more than Mr. Sutton who really embody embodies that. He is homegrown. He is very involved with his students. Um, my daughter had the privilege, um, and honor, I guess, of being selected for the, uh, South Jersey Honors Band this year. She plays the trumpet. Um, we were able to go and watch her. That's where I met Mr. Sutton in person. However, I'd been interacting with him all year long because he's one of those teachers that actually talks to you and and cares and, um, we have been lucky in this district, um, to have a lot of really good teachers and Mr. Sutton is absolutely one of them. Um, my issue is that what is the the narrative that I guess
216is being laid out is that the music program is not being eliminated. It is not being changed. It is still going to be there for our students. However, my understanding is that the instrumental music department in the past 2 years has been reduced by 50%. A year ago there were retirees that were not replaced. Now this year we've got two more that were lost. There were eight, there are now four. That is a 50% reduction in instrumental music education. You cannot sit up there and tell us thank you. You cannot sit up there and tell us that it's still intact. That there's still a music program. You can't take the engine out of a car and sell it to us. We're not I'm not having it. Um just to touch on what other people have
217said, music studies show that success is correlated to music education. We have higher test scores. We have improved attendance. We have better social um and emotional skills of those students. Additionally, lowest reported levels of substance abuse. I think that's super important. Um and just to close, I know I have 20 seconds. Uh um I also am really troubled to hear that the STEM elective in middle schools is being eliminated last next year. My daughter's going to um one of the middle schools next year and I find that extremely troubling. Additionally, I do know that there are retirements going on at Slaybaugh. They are not being replaced either. Um I believe that it's under the assumption that there's a 15 to 1 ratio at Slaybaugh. I I ask any of you to walk into Slaybaugh and
218go into a classroom and show me the ones that are 15 to 1. Sorry, I went over. Thank you. >> Hi. Hi. My name is EJ Shuban. I'm from Egg Harbor Township and I'm an Egg Harbor Township alumni. I currently go to Rowan University and I'm studying physics and mathematics and I'll hopefully get a master's in education so one day I can teach in the future. I want to be a little bit more personal with my experience with music. I got a piano when I was 7 and I could play hot cross buns eventually, but I was like, "Oh, that's cute." and that's it. And then in fifth grade um back when Dr. Kedzierski was the teacher, the band teacher, he invited me to play with the drums and eventually asked me to join percussion
219on marimba and I loved it and I loved music, but I was still this little quiet, shy kid who didn't really know what to do and didn't really have any friends and that's okay, but you know, with the program, I was able to grow, I was able to find myself and if it weren't for the fifth grade like little middle school me saying yeah, sure. Let's let's try drums for a little bit. Let's see if I can do other things, then I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't be speaking right now and then I was able to join the marching band in high school and have the time of my life and make life long friends who I did get to march with Mr. Sutton and eventually I'd follow his lead because he did march drum
220corps and I eventually was able to march drum corps and compete against him. I did lose, but that's okay. Um and I followed in his footsteps and I continued for three more years and I'll be aging out with the Cavaliers and without this program and diminishing it, I wouldn't have the opportunity. I would still be the little scared boy who didn't have any friends and I'm sure there's other people that would still be in that same situation as me without this. So, I really ask you to take in all these words and think about the future and the like the little kids, the little shy kids who don't really speak up for themselves cuz I'm here to do it for them. Thank you. >> As she's coming, we're going to young lady back here was
221going to be our last speaker. For music or for we're going to streamline it. >> Are you saying can someone get behind her or is that it? >> Okay, cuz so we and we want to hear from everybody, but we do have to little put a little bit of in the time frame. So, if you're planning on speaking, maybe you can line up so we know how to gauge our time. Yeah, cuz 11 I believe the building does close. So, I'm going to ask that we that we also do consider time because it is almost 11:00 and our building does does does close down. Okay? We don't want to hear from you, but we we are listening. Yes. And we're not taking action tonight on anything, but it can be your comments and concerns will
222be discussed in our committees. >> Hi. Um, I'm Kim Smith. I'm a new resident of UEHT and also the UEHT Color Guard director. Um, I have had the privilege to work with Mr. Sun as long as well as the other marching band staff for the past year. Um, and also was friends with many of them beforehand. Um, this is a little bit like EJ said, a little more personal. Um, these kids have a community that they have built on their own with their educators. Um, like Meredith Doughty mentioned earlier, we lost a student this year and those the rest of our students gathered together and formed a safe place that they have together. Um, and without having those foundations in the younger grades, we would not have that. Um, we would not have that support
223and as much as we talked about the kids needing it, we also need it. Um, so it's not only affecting the children in the programs, but also the adults, your educators, the people who show up every single day to work hard, whether that's for an hour or 30 hours. And with that being said, I personally was lucky enough to have a very supporting family. I've been in the performing arts since literally I was a baby between baton twirling, being a musician, and then joining color guard, and obviously still teaching for almost 10 years now. I started in band and I will not say I was very good, but without that I would not have found my passion to not only teach but to perform and help these kids grow. And that is something Mr. Sutton
224does as well as the other educators who are being cut from our program. And it has been brought up about the absences. We face that challenge obviously, but the more programs you cut and the more safe places you eliminate, the more absence issues you're going to have. So that is one thing that I saw tonight that was intriguing. Um but without these programs, there's not a safe place for these kids. Not everybody is a football player. Not everybody is going to be a top five student in their school. So I really think it's important to consider the people who are not traditional or the people who don't have the same values as other people's do and just making sure everybody has a safe place and you're providing safe educators like Mr. Sutton to provide those.
225Um On a more personal note, he is not only a great educator but a great human. He continues his education through performing and also teaching the marching band and so many fine arts. So I really hope you take all of these awesome kids words into consideration and really think about next year's budget. Hi. I'm Hazel Dowdy. I live in EHT. I'm a freshman at the high school. Um I don't like talking in front of people. They like this program has like inspired me so much that like I'm just willing to come up here do something that I don't really like doing. Um but a good point that was brought up earlier was that how many people would show up if this was a math teacher or an English teacher or a social studies teacher? Um
226and honestly this program has like given me like a place to go. And when I was in middle school I was thinking about quitting cuz the music is hard. It's not an easy thing to do all the time. But I realized that without band I had nothing. Like band was my entire life. Um and something that I was thinking about earlier when I was thinking about what I should say um is that every single person that I know is somehow connected to band. Um and something that Joe Sutton has taught me during marching band is to play even if you're wrong which helped me a lot with like my confidence and it made me like a better student and a better player. That's all. Thank you. >> All right. How you doing? I'm uh How
227you doing? Um Robert dad Sutton EHT. Um Joe came up through this school district. Uh his love and passion for music started when he picked up his first instrument in fifth grade. It continued on through high school, which included 4 years of marching band, 4 years of college music education, which include 3 years of marching band, also a season of Drum Corps International with the Cadets, and the last 2 years teaching music here, right back in this district. Which also includes teaching on the marching band staff as well. Joe's also been involved with our community band for many years. He's a great young man and teacher. When he was a student, teachers loved him. Now, as a teacher, students, parents, and other teachers love him, too. That's why we're here today. This community that you
228all work for is here today to tell you we want Mr. Sutton to stay here in this district now and for the future. He's the kind of person we want and all of you should want here teaching and representing this district. He's also the kind of teacher the kids want and deserve. We're here to tell you you got this one wrong, and we're asking you to find a way and fix this to keep Mr. Sutton here in the district teaching music where he belongs. Thank you, and thank everybody for coming. >> Thanks. There's supposed to be a button here we're going to press, right? Okay. Um tell facts the follow especially um my name is Alyssa Egan. I am a resident here of Egg Harbor Township. Uh I grew up with uh Cindy and um
229and Robert the parents and family that's all here. Uh we all grew up in Northfield but all of us have traveled here and have made our lives here in uh Egg Harbor Township as uh residents and uh I was able to uh witness uh um the Joe growing up and uh all of us growing up together. Um music is life. Music is the world for everyone in this room. It is the heartbeat of our school, of our life, our community. Um I have two grandchildren uh that are in the Egg Harbor Township schools that have started from the preschool to kindergarten. I have uh my grandson uh Braden Kelly who is in all of the programs uh in the music that started in the fifth grade at Miller School. Miller School is where he started
230his music and he's in freshman year in uh high school. He has all of the teachers that love him and support him and it's just beautiful to see everyone thriving in this music program and it is because of the dedication that you have from Joe Sutton, from Mr. Spatz, Mr. Wyckoff, Dr. Kadesky. I don't want to miss anybody's name, but Joe had learned and is is the epitome of education to to give the foundation that these children love, enjoy, and thrive. And and and and it's it's a testament to that this evening. Thank you, and please please keep Joe Sutton and thriving our music programs in Egg Harbor Township. Thank you. >> I'm only going to need 30 seconds. Um I don't need to say anything about Joe Sutton because it's been so eloquently said
231tonight. Kevin Jones from Egg Harbor Township, with my kids graduating 4 and 7 years, you know, ago. Their combined 15 years of being in this system, one thing I know about this board is you're not afraid to correct mistakes. Okay, you've made a mistake. It's clear you've made a mistake. Now it's an opportunity to correct it. And that's all I have to say. >> Where the button is? >> Hello, I'm Joan Vicary Fulton, and I'm an Egg Harbor Township resident, and I'm asking you to please maintain or in even enhance the music program that you have. My daughter's been a product of this school district, and although she majored in the sciences when she left high school, I was so shocked because she had so many opportunities here. Pit band, honors band, Atlantic Pops, All
232South Jersey Regional. And she took advantage of those in her years here, and learned to play the flute, and Mr. Kadetsky handed her a piccolo. And then she um got to experience learning piano. And when she went to University of Pittsburgh, although she was studying mechanical engineering and robotics with Carnegie Mellon, she was first flute and piccolo in the orchestra. And right now, as we are meeting here, she is first flute in the world headquarters of Google in the Google orchestra. And she goes out to the schools, and they provide instruments and money to the schools, and and go out to the students with their instruments. And none of this would be possible, and I know that she would definitely say what a wonderful experience she had with the music programs here, and that it's
233enabling her to to give that to others. >> Hello. Can you hear me? Um I did not plan on speaking. My name is Melissa Adderly. I'm a Evesham resident. I have two children. One an eighth grader and a tenth grader. Um I didn't plan on speaking today, so I didn't write anything down, but I did not have get to have an experience with Mr. Sutton when my daughter went through the music program. I will tell you the music program program is very important for her in as a fifth grader. Socially, it helped her um she had got she made goals. It was It was a very important thing. Um I think it's safe to say that he's a very loved teacher in our community. I hope everyone understands that and makes the right decision on
234his behalf. Um the other thing I wanted to speak about was our STEM program in middle school. I was told later last week that they will no longer have it. Now, my children won't be in middle school, but I will tell you um I've only been in the Fernwood um middle school with our two children, and the STEM program is extremely important there. The that elective, Dr. Phil, those kids absolutely love it. They They eat it up. They want to do more. They want to set goals. They want to have clubs. They want to apply to the engineering academy in the high school due to that program and that elective with him. His classroom is always packed every time. They have to sign up for it. He's got to let extra kids in. Um I
235think it would be a huge disservice to get rid of that program in middle school in both the schools. Um and I think that's it, but I appreciate all of you and thank you. >> I just wanted to make an announcement. Um Ms. Himeliki, um she'll be our last speaker for the night. >> My name is Mary Geary. I reside here in Egg Harbor Township. To begin with, any of the parent here, I am so proud of your kids for coming and staying. I have the distinct honor of for the last 20 years without interruption having a child in the district. >> But >> For the My children are all special education. And with that, we're going to come to the music component. I asked for music lessons for my son who has fetal alcohol
236syndrome when he was six, and I was told he was too young and not ready. Wait until middle school. In fourth grade, for those of you that can remember, there was a drumming circle. There's not one now. Where did it go? With your not cutting a program, not reducing a program, it's long gone. But I will tell you, with that early introduction, my house now has drums, saxophones, flutes, piccolos, and a keyboard. Because of the early introduction, because it was the hook that kept him going. Statistics show that it improves reading. It improves math. It improves social skills, it improves time management, it is a bonding issue. The first time he walked into the high school band room, he felt so alone. He came home crying. And then it became his safe space, a place
237that was non-judgmental, where the child behind him or beside him or in front of him had him. And that goes for my daughter and my subsequent sons. My I guess 10th child, um is going to Arizona State, and he went on a scholarship based on something he did from the band. Because he was also engaged at fourth grade. So much has been said about fifth grade and about the high school marching band. Statistics and studies from the state of New Jersey show and recommend that music education presentations start in the fourth grade. Not in ninth grade. By that time they have other interests, perhaps not academic, perhaps not athletic, perhaps not even legal. So, you can't sit there and tell me it's not going to be reduced, removed, whatever, because I'll take you back 20
238years. Thank you. >> Good evening. Michael Tosh, um here from Egg Harbor Township. Thank you all for staying this late. Let everybody talk. Um hopefully you've gotten the message. Hopefully you'll understand that what you said before the public speaking started that the programs weren't going to be reduced or diminished. That's not true based on what you're hearing behind you is that when teachers have to split schools, they can't give the same love and attention to the students that they're trying to work with. If they have to split it, they spend two hours a week in the car driving back and forth. The teachers need to be in the schools that they're in. The programs need to be expanded. To all the music educators, you're all obviously loved terribly. Mr. Sutton, ALL OF YOU. FOR THE
239BENEFIT OF THE KIDS THAT HAVE STAYED HERE TONIGHT, I HOPE THAT YOU will correct your opening statement. Thank you. >> Paula Sammy Gonzalez, I live here in Egg Harbor Township. This is the first time that I have ever stood in front of people to speak. Um I everything has been said already. But, we all sat here and watched, you know, all these teachers of the year and one thing they all had in com- a lot of them had in common. I won't say all of them, but they came through the system here in Egg Harbor Township. They graduated, they came back, and they're still teaching here. And I didn't come from Egg Harbor Township. I came from North Jersey, but I'm a gain- I'm a band geek nerd, whatever you want to call us. Um
240and, you know, I did all-state, all South Jersey North Jersey, and all that stuff. And, you know, Mr. Sutton is everywhere. I have pictures with my kids. I have um two sixth graders that wouldn't be in band this year anymore had him and Mr. Fong not picked up the pieces from their retiring fifth-grade teacher that was not available um for whatever reason he wasn't available, but from September to January, there was like nothing. And they were like, "Mom." I'm like, "When are you going to have a lesson?" They're like, "Well." And I And, you know, I just I just kept educating them cuz I play, you know? And then, finally, when they came aboard, it was like a lightbulb and a love and passion and, you know, just for the family and and everything. And
241um you know, I know you guys heard everything, but um he's the past, present, and future of of Egg Harbor Township. And um thanks for staying to listen to all of us and um have a good night. >> Sue Henlicky, resident of EHT and also the union president. So, I had remarks prepared. I'm struck by the the power and the passion in every young person here that spoke today, that spoke about how important this program is in in in their own development. The young adults that also spoke, their parents who spoke as well. Um I was a band geek, too. Oboe and English horn. Woohoo. So, it's and I started also in fifth grade. So, those things are very important to me, but my teacher um needed to know about double reeds, right? Um which
242is very different than a stringed instrument or a brass instrument. So, you need specialists at that level. And if you are cutting, Mr. Sutton and Ms. Sarah, who are specialists in band and orchestra and asking maybe the the um someone from the high school to split their time and go to Miller, go to the high school, then you're taking away from both pro both schools and the programs that they have there. And I understand that we we might just look at class sizes because some of these teachers teach only small small groups because of either their level, are they beginners, intermediate, whatever. But it's important for students um to have that specialized instruction to help them grow in this program and to find that safe space and to know that they're happy in school and
243that they come to school to help Mr. West with your absenteeism rates, too, because I also looked at the stats and Shawn, if he's still here, excellent, sir. There were a lot of the same stats that that I had seen, too, that people who are involved in music have the highest attendant rates attendance rates and the highest graduation rates. And more music majors get into med school than any other um major. So, those having this program and having it having the personnel in place for that specialized instruction at that young level when we all know that learning a language is so important at the younger levels, right? To your language acquisition device, everything is is more open when you're younger. Well, music is another language. You learn how to read a different language written in
244musical notes. And then you learn to technically produce those notes on an instrument, right? And then you also have to make it sound great. So that we can all enjoy it as as the language of music that we love to listen to. That takes time and dedication, that takes small groups. You're you're in the beginning listening probably to a lot of screeching and scratching and I know as an oboist a lot of honking. So, and thankfully, you know, people stuck through that with me. Um itinerant teachers That's interesting doctoral thesis information, but it makes total sense to me. You can't have somebody running between buildings all the time. Also, I will save it steam. steam >> Real quick, your your 3 minutes have passed. >> Okay, I'm sorry. I'm a big talker. I was in
245band and it made me confident. So now here I am. Steam is particularly vital in the middle school because this is the developmental stage when kids are making that connection between math and science. I you know, what is their identity in math and science? And they can use what they've learned in a transdisciplinary way where they actually take what they've learned in their core subject areas and apply it to the real world. And so, we need to also save those middle school STEM positions as well. So, please please look back and reconsider and see where you can save our talent from our own district. And Miss Sarah and Mr. Lee and get those back on to personnel that we need here that I would be proud to work with and you'll be proud to have
246here throughout their whole career. Thank you. >> So, at this time we're going to um close public comment. And um I would just like to say um something really quick. First, um I sound like a frog now cuz I'm a little tired. But, I will tell you this that we we all are, but I will say this um I am very proud um I'm a graduate of Egg Harbor Township High School class of '93. I say it all the time, we're the best class to ever do it. One of my best friends, Dr. Mina Garrett, was one of the first female drum majors in Egg Harbor Township. And I don't play an instrument um I'm a former employee of EHT and I'm a product and here we I'm sitting here today. We have another student,
247Mr. Steppy, um who graduated from the high school. Mr. Della Barca was a former principal. Um Mr. >> Former student, Mr. Price. >> There was no high school. >> Um there was no high school. So, I just want I know and I'm not going to tell you all Mr. Della Barca was my principal, too. When I was in fifth and sixth grade. So, I'm saying all that to say this. I I this is not about me. First of all, I'm really proud of the students that came out tonight and um I am a strong advocate We all are. Our entire board is proud of our students that came out tonight um cuz we do want our students to know that they do have a voice. Our students, parents, and community members, everyone has a voice
248and everyone has a right to express themselves and assemble and come together. So, um very proud of that piece of it. And we we heard every statement took notes, wrote down the names, questions, um couple pieces of paper in her notebook. So, um it didn't fall. It 52 speakers. Thank you. So, it is clear that there, you know, there's a love for um music um in our district and um want to take back questions, comments, concerns, um I'm putting my glasses on. Um just want to let you know like of course we cannot discuss um personnel of course in the public, but um we're going to make sure that we review the comments, questions, and concerns further in our um committees. Um but I just wanted to thank each and every one of you for
249coming out tonight um making me proud as a, you know, EHT resident that we know how to come together peacefully and respectfully. And I understand some people, you know, like I said, this is passionate, it's close to your heart. And the stories that the students shared, I think were amazing. And um to the parents of Mrs. Adams, you know, I could tell you this. I We all have children and we would go through a brick wall for them. You know, so we respect that. And we we understand and we thank you for coming out tonight to share your passion. On behalf of the board, I don't know if there's anyone else that had a any board members? >> Yeah, may I just add um >> Yes. >> Pretty much I echo your sentiments. It was
250a long night. I appreciate everybody coming out. I can feel the passion and I can feel the warmth and the support out here and I heard your message. I heard each and every one of you did a wonderful job presenting the message. And um you know, Township Committee man Pete Castellanos here. I wanted to recognize one of our Township officials. Thanks for coming out, Pete. Um It's my hope that hopefully we can still come up with a solution. I mean, before between between now and the end of the the school year, maybe we'll have some more retirements, maybe there'll be some more ideas, but I'm certainly absorbed in a lot of the information that was presented tonight and you know, I'm going to consider everything. So, thank you. >> All right. So, right at this
251time we're going to have a motion to adjourn our meeting. Can I get a >> I'll give you a motion. >> I second that emotion. >> I'll second that emotion. >> Thank you again for coming out. >> Thank you.