001This meeting is being held in compliance with the sunshine law having been advertised in the press of Atlantic City and notices posted at the township clerk's office, maze lining post office, MISPA post office, Atlantic County Library as well as the schools of the district. This meeting is being recorded. Roll call. >> Mrs. Anker, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bachelor, >> here. >> Dr. Serena, >> here. >> Mrs. Dirks, >> here. >> Mrs. Jackson >> here. >> Dr. La Hawk, >> Miss McQueen >> here, >> Mr. Rogers >> and Mrs. Bar >> here. Thank you. Can I please have a motion to convene an executive session? Motion by Miss Anker, >> second by Miss Dirks. All in favor? >> I opposed. Resolved that pursuant to sections seven and eight of the open public meetings act the public
002shall be excluded from that portion of the meeting involving discussion of legal matters, attorney client privilege, personnel and HIV. Be it further resolved that the discussion of such subject matter in executive session can be disclosed to the public when formal action is taken on such subject matter or any other appropriate time. Be it further resolved, the board may take action on items discussed in executive session. Now therefore be it resolved the board will be in executive session for approximately 30 minutes. >> Public session. >> Motion by Miss Anchor. >> Second by Miss Jackson. All in favor? >> I opposed. Thank you. Can we please stand for the flag salute? The flag of the United States, the Republic, please take a moment of silence for private reflection. Thank you. Can I please have a motion to
003approve the minutes of the regular regular and executive session meeting of May 6, 2026? Motion. Motion by Miss Bachelor. Second by Dr. Sino. Comments or questions? Roll call. Mrs. Anker, >> yes. >> Miss Bachelor, >> yes. >> Dr. Serino, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dirks, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jackson, >> yes. >> Dr. La, >> abstain. >> Miss McQueen, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Bar, >> yes. Can I please have a motion to approve the minutes of the special meeting of June 11th, 2026? >> Motion by Miss Anchor. Second second by Miss Bachelor. Comments or questions? >> Roll call. >> Mrs. Anker. >> Yes. >> Miss Bachelor. >> Yes. >> Dr. Sino. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dirks. >> Yes. >> Miss. Jackson. >> Yes. >> Dr. La. >> Yes. >> Miss. McQueen. >> Yes. >> And
004Mrs. Bar? >> Yes. Thank you. All right. At this time, I will turn it over to Dr. Zitto for tonight's presentation. >> All right. for our first presentation. Can I have the leads for the agents for change program, please? Never used the microphone before. That's my fault. Good evening, everyone. My name is Ian Brown. To my right is Amanda Fortune, one of our lead teachers for Agents for Change. To my left is Rachel Feifer, one of our lead teachers. Mr. Scott Seroko, one of the other administrators for Agents for Change, and Nicola Tanzio, who was our junior counselor coordinator. We want to thank you again for your continued support for our Agents for Change program. We love having it here and it's making a great impact on our kids. We're really excited to kick off
005our agents for change summer program on June 29th at the Hes school. Tonight, we are proud to introduce our outstanding junior counselors. These students earned their positions through an application and interview process, demonstrating responsibility, leadership, and a commitment to helping others. Throughout the summer, they will work alongside our teachers, support our students, and serve as a positive role model for our younger students. We are confident that they will make a meaningful impact and exemplify what it means to be a leader. We can't wait to see all the great things they accomplish this summer. Please join us in welcoming our junior counselors. When I say your name, please come down to the adults the podium. Amelia busy. >> I will say I spoke to some families. There are a lot of people who are at the
006Oakrass graduation. So there's some that won't be here. Ammani Busy, Messiah Busy, Ryan Bachelor, Blake Crompton, Charlie Paz, Estrada, Ariana Elum, Peter La Hawk, Jonathan Le, Peter Elijah, Eddie Sealman, Michaela Williams and Colton Zto. Thank you again for your support and congrats to our junior counselors. I saw him. Mr. Pom, are you still here? Will you come up to talk about the music program, please? Good evening. For those of you who do not know, I'm Mr. Pomiri. I'm one of the music teachers here at the Davyy School. I run the band program. And each year at the end of the year, I put together a video of all our performances in the Davy School throughout the year. And before I show the video, I thought I'd bring some students just to tell you a little
007bit about their favorite performance. So when you see the video tonight, you're like, "Oh, I heard about that performance tonight." So they're each going to introduce themselves. I wanted to make a quick football analogy. You think of a football team. There's, you know, many, many people on the roster, just like our band has over a hundred students, but there are a few people who stand out like the quarterback and the wide receivers and whatnot who score all the points. So, these students I brought tonight either were auditioned and accepted for all set Jersey band or choir or some of our younger students rising up the ranks. They were nominated and selected for elementary honors band or choir. So, these are the students I brought the stars of the team and they will talk now before
008the video. >> Hi, my name is Samantha Bofile and this year I participated in the Ols jersey choir as a soprano too. My favorite performance in the Davies music department was when the band and choir went to Shainer. This was my favorite performance this year because not only did the band and choir perform and sound very good, we got to see the kids joy and excitement about watching the Davies music department perform for them. Hello, my name is Isaac Germo. I play the trumpet and I was in the All South Jersey Junior High Blue Band this year. My favorite Davies music performance was the teen arts music. The teen arts jazz performance. My name is Charlotte Fe and I was in the all south Jersey choir as an altitude. My favorite performance was at the
009brandall states. It's my favorite performance we've done because it showed the importance of what we do as a choir. It showed that our music isn't something only we enjoy as musicians, but something we can share with others. Performing there reminded us that our work is valued beyond our own experiences. Bringing that appreciate bringing that appreciation and excitement for music is an essential part of why we perform. My name is Bla Grimmo and this year I was part of South Jersey as a flute. My favorite performance was Teen Arts because I got to hang out with my friends and I got to see the choir performance while also visiting the arts and saw all the artwork of all the people who worked really hard to perform and make all those cool drawings and like 3D like
010sculptures. My name is Ethan Russell and I play the French horn. This year I was accepted in the elementary honors band. My favorite Davies music department performance this year was the Oakrest football pep band because of the energy and community. Hi, my name is Vivian Djento. This year I was part of the elementary honors band as a clarinet. My favorite new Davies music department performance this year was the teen arts festival. Hi, my name is Ella Thompson. This year I was in the elementary honors choir as an alto. My favorite Dave Davies music department performance this year was Teen Arts. I loved walking around with my friends and I loved the judges answers. I think we did great. Hi, my name is Belle Tuber. This year I was in the elementary honors choir and I
011was soprano 1. My favorite Davies music department performance this year was when we went to Rowan University because I liked how we were able to see other people our age perform and how we got the judges advice. Hello, my name is Ellie Bonitez. I play the trumpet. This year I was in elementary honors band. My favorite performance from the Davies music department was teen arts because of all the diversity on and seeing like all the different forms of art was so cool. This year's video is called Our Rhythm, Our Story. I want to see everything. And I wonder what life will bring. And you got to hold my heart. You got to hold my heart. You got a hold of my hand. You got a hold of my heart. You got a hold of my
012fly where the skies are. I will try to find all that. I'll try to find you. You know where to start. I found something I was searching for. I found something. I was searching for the found. And now I want more. You are a Heat. Heat. Heat. Thank you, boys and girls. Thank you, Mr. Pom. That was wonderful. Lovely. All right. Is Mr. K, can you come down and talk about You have two things on here. the clap out and the model schools recognition. Yep. I've also not used a bike before. Good evening, board members and administrators. My name is Mark Wolski and I have two presentations this evening. This is kind of like a culmination of what the media department has done this year. So the Davies media department, we've had an extraordinary year
013and that credit belongs to our students. Uh whether they're enrolled in the media program during the school day or they volunteer their time in our afterchool club. All 130 of them have poured their hearts into something that is truly special. Every broadcast, every story, every photograph, and every event they cover is a reflection of their dedication, creativity, and willingness to work hard, not because they have to, but because they believe in each other and they take pride in representing our school and our district. The program is certainly teaching career ready industry standard technical skills, but the lessons extend far beyond cameras and computers. It is teaching students how to work together, how to lead with humility, overcome challenges, and perhaps most importantly, how to celebrate the successes of others and contribute something to something greater
014than themselves. In just a moment, uh we have the uh eighth grade clapout and shortly afterwards, our administration and I will present the 2026 model schools recognition video. Be before we do that though, um I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to thank the board of education uh Dr. Zitto, Mr. V, um for believing in this program and in the opportunities that it creates for our students. I also want to thank Dr. Holmstrom for her unwavering support as we built this program from the ground up. She didn't just trust me, she trusted the kids and that made my life a lot easier. um that confidence empowered them to take ownership, to rise to the occasion and exceed every expectation. I sincerely thank Dr. Holmstrom for her patience in me because God knows
015you need it. Um her guidance and unwavering support of student journalism uh and uh student press. Uh this program has grown beyond anything I ever imagined. Um, and I know it would it would not it would not uh be where it is today without uh the unwavering support of Dr. Holmstrom, Mr. Lavine, Mr. Dioro, Mr. Brown, and Miss Jones, my first year here. Um, so to each of them, thank you for believing in our students and in the vision behind this program. Even if Mr. Dioro does manage to give me the worst duty, I do appreciate it. Uh, and Mr. Lavine always seems to find something for me to do before 9:00 a.m., but you know, I appreciate them anyway. Uh without further ado, please enjoy the 2026 William Davies Middle School clapout. >> Stand
016by. >> We begin with our top story. >> You're watching TDN, the flagship program for the Hamilton Township School District Media Department. Javier Ortiz still coming in. Unlike the presidency, there are three candidates. >> Hi, my name is Jamal. Today, we're going around asking people pineapple and pizza or no pineapple. >> Showing her deep care for others. her passion and financial savvy >> team >> for winning the think day competition at Mainland High School. This is a big accomplishment for our team and for our school. It also marks the first >> D. Where are you going to high school? >> I'm going to Cedar Creek. >> What is some advice that you have for seventh graders going into eighth grade? >> Um, some advice I have is to just be involved in like after school
017activities. >> Don't get involved in the drama. Focus on primarily work. Just have fun. >> Stay confident and be nice. >> Mind your business. Do your work and keep your grades up. >> Just stay confident and always bet on yourself. >> Just be kind to everybody. >> Be polite to your teachers. >> Enjoy it. It feels like a party every day. >> Try out for sports and have fun cuz this is going to be your last time with your friends before you have to go to high school. Have fun. Get good grades. Make lots of friends. >> Give me some advice for seventh graders going into >> Get good grades. Hang around the right people. And Just like focus on things that you have to focus on >> and just be nice and kind to
018your teachers and also miss them more. Be kind to him. Be kind to everybody every single day. >> Isaac >> secret is to treat everything as if it's important. You have to really try your hardest on every subject, you know, like really put the work in. Make sure aim for the hundreds on grades and really broaden your learning. Uh keep grades up. Um, do lots of sports. Um, sign up for media club. Just be involved with like anything in the community like media or just go to different events. >> Kindness pays off in the end because if you kind of someone now, they can help you in the future with something you need help with. All that I am, all that I ever want is feeling your perfect night. They're all I can see. I
019don't know. feels about these things change for us at all. Just know that these things will never change for us at all. lay. >> You got to lock in and cherish these moments that you got. If I just lay here forget >> Thank you for watching, Dragon. See you on the next episode of Dragon Student News. >> So, this was definitely tough to make. Yeah. So, this is the first class that I've had since like going from sixth to 8th grade. Like, I've had all these guys. Um, and it was this was this was a tough one to edit. So, I'm like sitting there like at like 9:00 here. I'm like, "This is so sad." So, um uh thank you for taking the time to watch it. Um at this time, if uh Davey's admin
020can join me on the stage so we can present this. Yep. Yep. This microphone's going to fall. Do you want to go? >> No. Okay, I'll do it. Um, so, uh, we have a 2026, uh, model schools recognition and a part of that, we got a bunch of kids together, um, and we we asked them one simple question. Uh, why is um, like what does William Davies Middle School mean to you? what what about William Davies Middle School uh is important to you amongst a bunch of other questions after I interviewed them and it it really came out amazing. So, this is what you're going to watch. >> Great. This is awesome. Three, two, one. >> Hi, my name is Mil and I'm a seventh grader at William Davies Middle School. >> Hi, I'm Mackenzie
021Winfish. I'm Kylo Roberts. Hi, I'm Angelina Bika. >> Hi, I'm Eddie Felman. Hi, I'm Connor Kyan. >> Hello, my name is Mikey Rose. >> Hi, I'm Aia Donaldson. >> Hi, I'm Mas Bard. Hi, I am James Harvey. >> I'm Ken Ramlish and I'm a seventh grader at Roland Davis Middle School. >> All right. So, what is your favorite thing about William Davies Middle School? Um, my favorite thing about William Davies Middle School is getting to walk into school with all my friends and being able to go into first period happy. I >> think a lot of the kids here are very nice and sometimes they make everyone feel very included and I just love seeing everyone's like positive faces and everyone just like feeling so warm and welcome when they come to school. >> It
022feels like it's a giant community that can like all connected. >> It's a great environment to be in. >> I guess the environment around it because like it's a really nice school. There's nice teachers. I think it's just a really good environment. seeing my friends and going to media. >> The sports that they provide like track and basketball, the events like field day, kickball frenzy, the flag football frenzy. It's just nice, welcoming. >> Um, what makes me proud at William Babies Middle School is my teachers. Um, like they're really nice to me and they got me through the school year. >> They greet me every day. We have conversations and everything. They're very like welcoming. They compliment me. They're nice to me all the time. They greet me with smiles and they help me out
023when I need them most. >> There's so many teachers that are always so supportive, so nice. My favorite teacher is Miss Marshall. Miss Martina. >> My favorite teacher is Mark Anthony Kowalsski. >> She's like kind of like my safe person. Whenever I come to school, she's very like she notices the small things and that makes me feel very included. And I noticed that she's a lot of kids favorite teachers as well because just the way that she welcomes everyone and she's very understanding and I just appreciate that and I like whenever I feel notice and Miss Marshall's like the perfect person to do that >> because like I just like how she invites me into her space even though she may be busy sometimes and she like she's very helpful when like you may need
024it. >> Mr. K kind of taught me social life and how to like talk in front of people. He's just like a very nice like kind teacher. Like he's just been there for me when like I need help or anything. Just like he's always been there. >> Probably Miss Beck because she like every time like before my baseball game, she wishes me good luck and everything. And when I'm in her class, I just feel like I'm comfortable. >> Um I don't know. She's always someone like to talk to. And then Miss Lar would be she just helped me with math and how to like do everything. Mr. Roder, he's like one of my best friends. He's always been there for me and always just so supportive of me. >> Um, I think we went out
025of school because like we have a lot of great things. Like some schools don't have like a media club like how we have a media club. Like >> it's like a big giant friend group. Not really a friend group, but like it's kind of like a community. Like anybody can come in and be a part of this. Like some kids who are going to take the class take photos and I'll go talk to them outside of school just because they have a camera, just because they have like to take pictures. >> Yeah. just the media is really different from all the schools and it really helps students out. It's probably going to help me throughout my whole life. >> I think one of the most positive things about William Davis Middle School is how a
026lot of the administration and a lot of the teachers make the students like the student body feel heard and definitely take our opinions into consideration and make big changes with the student body's voices. >> I think the administrators have a big part in changing the school. I think they cuz they they will make the clubs, they make the plans, they that really connect the community and really make the school like one big giant family. >> It really helps to know that my teachers are there for me in the toughest moments. >> One of the things that makes our school so special are the opportunities that we have. >> Everyone shines in a different way. Davies is a place where students can discover their strengths. >> It could be in academics, technology, sports, music, or art.
027>> There is always something happening to get students involved. I'm proud to be a Davies dragon. Our teachers push us to do our best while also helping us feel supported. What makes Davies so special is the people. Our principal might even ask you to show off your art skills by painting a mural on the wall. I mean, look, our friends at other schools, and opportunities like that don't happen. >> It's pretty simple, really. >> Our teachers and our administrators see our talents and encourage us. >> Davies is building something incredible. I just wanted to say thank you for your support and allowing us to make all these leaps and do everything that the kids want us to do. We meet with the students throughout the year like they shared. The clubs that we have were
028because they wanted it. Uh the student board representatives was something that we brought on because it's they wanted that extra voice. We meet with our student council and JHS. All of those things so that they have a voice. Um we are excited and thank you for supporting us as we head down to model schools. We just got word that they moved our session to two rooms. We were in a room that held 300 people. We just got moved to the big rooms, so we'll have about two two to three thousand people in our room. So, we're excited. So, thank you again. All right. Thank you guys. All right. Student council, your final We would like to we would like to thank Dr. Zitto and the board of education for giving us the opportunity to attend
029board meetings and share the great things happening at our school. It has been a rewarding experience to represent our fellow students and we are grateful for the change to have our voices heard. Thank you for your support and making us feel like valued members of the school community. And now these are the past events for June. On June 1st, student council members traveled to Six Flags Great Adventured for a leadership conference and an incentive field trip. students had so much fun and it was a great being reward for all of our hard work this year. Our eighth grade cove trip on June 4th was a huge success and so much fun for both students and staff. This year students had the exciting opportunity to use kayaks built by the talented students from Camp Blueestar which
030made the experience even more special. It was amazing to see everyone enjoying the outdoors trying new thing trying new activities and making lasting memories together. June 10th was Mr. K's birthday, but it was also our eighth grade awards night where we celebrated the hard work and achievements of many students throughout the year. Me and the fellow Eboard welcomed a new group of seventh grade students into the National Junior Honor Honor Society recognizing their dedication to scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. It was a great night of recogniz recognization and a celebration for our school community. On June 11th was our eighth grade clapout ceremony and it was such a special day. One of the most emotional parts was getting to visit Hess and Shainer. The schools many of us attended when we were younger. Walking
031through those hallways again and seeing our old teachers reminded us of how much we've grown and how far we've come on our journey to high school. Last night was our eighth grade graduation, and it was a special way to celebrate all of the hard work and accomplishments of the class of 2026. Congratulations to all of our classmates. I'm excited to see what the future holds for each of us as we begin our high school journey. >> All right, nice job. And to the moms that made sure they got them here every week, I want to say thank you so much. It was very meaningful for us. Thank you. I want to thank the student council for their dedication and their commitment and for showing up each meeting. I have two board members that would like
032to present you guys with something. We really enjoyed and loved the kid letting us know the updates for William Davies Middle School each year. Your journey is just beginning and we wish you all the best. Okay, as we close out the month of June and move toward the end of another school year, I want to take a moment to recognize what a special and meaningful time this is across the Hamilton Township School District. I first want to take a moment, this one's going to get me, uh, to recognize Mrs. Marilyn Stker, our supervisor of special education and child study team. She's yelled at me three times today to keep this very short and sweet and say only nothing, so I'm going to do my best to honor you. Her over 30 years in education speaks
033for themselves. She has led with compassion, caring, and a true love for all students, and her impact will be felt for years to come. Please, let's stand and give a nice round of applause to Mrs. Decker. June is always filled with emotion. It's a time of celebration, reflection, gratitude, and transition. Across our schools, we've watched students move up, move forward, and prepare for the next chapter in their journey. Our youngest learners get ready for their new grade levels. Our has students are preparing for their new opportunities. And our eighth graders are preparing to leave Davies and take the next step into high school. One of the most powerful moments this month was the eighth grade clapout. There's something so very special about seeing the students walk through the halls one final time surrounded by the
034staff members who brought them who taught them, encouraged them, challenged them, and believed in them. It's a reminder that school is not just about programs, schedules, and assignments about it's about people. It's about relationships. It's about the adults who show up every day and make a difference in the life of their child. And for those of you that are our teachers here, now let's please give you a round of applause. Thank you. I also want to recognize our music department and student performers throughout the year years. They have uh continued to show us the power of the arts in our schools. Their performances aren't just concerts. They're evidence of dedication, discipline, confidence, and joy. When our students perform, we get to see the work that has happened all year long, and we're reminded how important
035it is to provide students with opportunities to shine in many ways. I want to thank our teachers, staff, administrators, secretaries, custodians, par profofessionals, counselors, nurses, transportation team, and every employee who helped bring this year to a strong close. The end of the school year is exciting, but it's also demanding. There are ceremonies, schedules, deadlines, emotions, and countless moving pieces. Our staff has continued to show up for our students and families, and I'm deeply grateful for that. I also want to thank our board of education for your support throughout the year. Your commitment to our students, our staff, and the future of our district matters. The work of a school district is not always easy, and the decisions before us are not always simple, but I appreciate your continued focus on doing what's best for children
036and supporting the continued growth of Hamilton schools. As we finish the school year, I'm proud of our students. I'm proud of our staff. I'm proud of the direction that we're moving as a district. I have a great deal to celebrate. And we also have important work ahead. But I believe in this district. I believe in our people. And most importantly, I believe in our students. To our students moving up, congratulations. To our eighth graders, we are proud of you. We believe in you. And we will always be cheering for you. As always, take care of one another. Make good choices. And great job, Hamilton Township. Now that I pull myself together, Friday, July 3rd, our schools will be closed uh for the holiday. Uh Wednesday, July 15th is our next board of education meeting at
0375:15 for executive, 5:45 for regular session right here in the cafeteria. Monday, July 20th is the PTA meeting. There's a link in the agenda at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 4th will be our national night out. It's back to Lake Lannipe Park East from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. And Wednesday, August 19th, the board of education will be uh 5:15 and executive and 5:45 for the regular session again right here in the Davies cafeteria this >> Thank you, Dr. Tino. Hey, at this time we will open public comment. There are two opportunities to address the members of the board. The board values and welcomes comments and opinions from residents as long as remarks are not personal or discourteous. The public comment portion of the meeting allows the board to listen to community members and to hear their
038opinion on school policy and operations. The first public portion is reserved for persons wishing to speak about agenda items only. The second opportunity following the action items is when residents may address the board on any school related issue. Each speaker is asked to limit their comments to three minutes and you are not permitted to yield your time to another. The public comment portion of the meeting during both sessions will not exceed 30 minutes. Upon being recognized, persons wishing to speak should stand and identify themselves by name and address. How about now? Okay. I'm going to um expand on Dr. Zitto's remarks if that's okay. I'm going to speak directly about agenda item 10.8. Um unlike Dr. O, I was able to avoid Mary Lynn like the plague today, so she couldn't tell me to limit
039my uh speech. Um, I did write it and timed myself reading it. It was just about 3 minutes. So, if I go over a few seconds, I'm sorry, but I just hope you'll indulge me. I do this simply for the with the goal of letting all of you and the public know the type of individual that our district, our staff, and our students will be missing beginning October 2nd. I do this not for any reason other than the fact that Mary Lynn is deserving of our praise and our deepest gratitude. I've had the privilege of working with Mary Lynn throughout my career here in Hamilton Hamilton Township. First as colleagues and then in a different capacity when she became our supervisor. I shy away from using the term boss when it comes to Mary Lynn
040because that is the furthest trait from her her supervisory style. She is a true leader in almost every sense of the word. A few years back, I drafted an email to Maryland regarding the child study team and what a metaphor for a dysfunctional family we are. Crazy, dramatic, emotional, and sometimes embarrassing at public events. But the underlying feelings were always compassion, love, acceptance, support, and empathy. Ready to throw down over the last turkey leg at Thanksgiving, but the first person at your door to give you a hug after tragedy. Mary Lynn was our leader in that regard, and she led by example. She was our matriarch in this lunacy. So what was her leadership example? Allow me to expand. To paraphrase the line made by Joe Peshy in the great movie with honors. If you
041haven't seen it, go out and look at it. Mary Lynn knew one thing that all great leaders should know, and that's that she didn't know everything. She sought out opinions rather than issuing mandates. Mary Lynn strived for camaraderie rather than seeking to sew division. She relished calmness and normaly while weathering chaos rather than the other way around. She pushed people to achieve more and reach their potential rather than seeing those with ambition as a threat. She sought out differing viewpoints as a means to make the best possible decisions for our students rather than surrounding herself with similar views in an effort to support her own perspective. Marilyn continually year after year put students and staff first regardless of what that meant for her. She trusted us. She supported us and she looked for ways to
042make our jobs and lives more manageable. She gave us gifts to brighten our spirits and let us know we were seen and valued. And she gave us hugs to dry our tears. She was a good matriarch, too. We heard no and I'm sorry that won't work. There were even a few timeouts. We were denied things we asked for. it comes with the job. But she stood there and told us she took the feedback from us and she did it with a smile and a laugh. And it was never personal. So there were rarely if any hard feelings. Marilyn made you want to come to work each day and that in this day and age is no small feat. While I know all good things come to an end, I just felt it I just felt
043it necessary to let all of you know how grateful I am to have had the chance to work with Maryland. I welcome Miss Nemik with open arms, a positive outlook, and a full bottle of ibuprofen. But I'm really going to choke up for a while whenever I hear someone say, "Yikes." >> Thank you. Any other public comment? now. Yes. Thank you, Dr. Zita. Thank you, Andrew, for all your kind words. Um, it really has been my great honor to work here, and I'm going to try not to get upset. for 34 years. Um, I'm always amazed by the level of dedication, knowledge, wisdom, and empathy of our staff and Andrew speaks to that. It's really been a joy to work with the students and and I have to say our staff is so wonderful because
044they always put the students first. Um, and it's a joy to work with the students, the families, and the staff here. I'm grateful for all the wonderful memories and friends made here. And Winnie the Pooh said it best. How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. So, thank you. Okay. I also wanted to say congratulations to Ian and Sam, the future of the district, and we're really excited. And of course to Holly, we welcomed her a few weeks ago. Um, and I know we're leaving the district in good hands. And it's amazing. This district is amazing. And we saw that tonight. Look at all the presentations. This is an amazing place to be. Um, Mark's doing an amazing job with the media. The the choir and the and the band.
045I can't say enough about. My favorite is when they come to the board office, of course. But I'm always so touched that they go to Brandle where my mother-in-law lived for a long time. Um, and they did an amazing job at graduation yesterday. So, we have so many wonderful things going on. I've got Heather out here in the audience who put together an entire field day just for our special education students. Mike who had his son dress up as Cookie Monster to help with graduation yesterday. Ju just so many people who go above and beyond every day and it's amazing an amazing place and so thank you for allowing us to do all the things that we are able to do here and thank you for the time I had to spend. Thank you. Okay.
046Any other public comments for agenda items only? All right. Seeing none, we will go to board member comments. Are there any board members that would like to comment on any item of interest pertaining to the district? >> Uh, first I want to thank uh Angelina and Vienna for showing up every month for keeping us informed and um just being a part of of our meetings. So, thank you so much. Um, the next thing I want to do is thank Mr. K for making those videos no more than five minutes because it stopped me from breaking down because they were very emotional. So, thank you so much. Uh, congratulations to the band and and all the good work that they do. Um, and lastly and certainly not least, um, I want to thank our teachers and
047our administration. It's been a fantastic year and it's because of you. It really is. You make a difference in lives and and I see it every day and I just thank you and and I just I I don't know what we do without you. So, thank you. Have a good summer and come back rejuvenated for those of you who aren't working this summer. And uh I just appreciate you. So, thank you so much. >> Thank you, Dr. Sina. I just want to um just extend another congratulations to all the graduates yesterday at the graduation. It was a really nice ceremony and I just want to wish them all well in high school. >> Thank you. Um I do want to say yesterday's ceremony, I know there's a lot of planning that goes into that. It
048went off without a hitch. But that is because of all the prep work that the staff does for that with those students. I know my son came home after the first day. He's like, I already know like they say this name, I stand up, I walk this way, I turn that way. So it it all paid off. Um they they were very good. So congratulations on the model school and the band and the choir. Um last week we were able to honor honor society and eighth grade awards. There's just like everyone else has said, there's so much great going on. kids and the staff and the parents that support them, the clap out. Um, we also are well aware that Agents for Change is fun and all, but you do give up your summer. So,
049thank you to everyone that's involved in that. It really is such a important program to keep our kids coming to the buildings in the summer and learning, but also making those connections with each other and with the staff. It's such This is the first year my children will be involved in it since it started. So, it's um bittersweet, but it's a wonderful experience. So, thank you to everyone that's involved in that. And we've also heard all of the fun summer maintenance projects that are happening in the in this very short summer in all of our buildings. So, to everyone who plays any part in that, thank you. Um your summer fun is just beginning apparently as well. Um but we look forward to all of those updates. And to everyone else, enjoy your summer. Take
050some time for yourselves. We'll see you back in September. All right. And personnel, Miss Bachelor, our personnel policy committee report. The personnel and policy committee met virtually on June 9th at 6:15 p.m. In attendance were myself, Mrs. Dirks, and Mrs. Jackson. Also, uh Dr. Zitto, um Mr. Veniani, and Mrs. Litzki, sorry. During the meeting, the committee reviewed personnel and policy items including job descriptions, transfers, new hires, leaves of absence, substitutes, separations of employment, summer programming assignments, homebound instruction, fieldwork, and internship placements, and policy and regulation updates. The committee also reviewed routine personnel matters necessary to support staffing and district operations for the close of the school year and preparations for the 2026 2027 school year. All items were reviewed in detail and are being recommended to the board for approval. I motion to approve items
051in section 10 101 through 1013. Second motion by Miss Bachelor. Second by Miss Jackson. Any comments or questions on section 10. >> Okay. Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Edgar, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bachelor, >> yes. >> Dr. Sino, >> yes. Mrs. Dirks, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jackson, >> yes. >> Miss McQueen, >> abstain from 10.5, but yes to everything else. >> And Mrs. Bar. >> Yes. >> And right, you're up. Congratulations and welcome. Congratulations everyone. >> Okay. Dr. Sino, finance and operations. Finance and Operations Committee met virtually on June 9th at 400 pm. Uh, in attendance was myself, Mr. Rogers, President Nancy Bar. Also in attendance was Superintendent Dr. Zitto, Assistant Superintendent and Business Administrator, Mr. Videnziani, and Director of Facilities Ian Nelson. During the meeting, the committee reviewed the monthly financial reports, budget transfers,
052bills and payroll, tuition contracts, transportation related items, facility updates, summer project planning, use of facilities, and items connected to the Shainer preschool edition project. The committee also reviewed additional operational agreements and routine business items that support the continued operation of the districts. All items were reviewed and are recommended for board approval. I motion to approve items in section 11. Second. Motion by Dr. Sino. Second by Miss Bachelor. Any comments or questions on section 11? Okay. Roll call. >> Mrs. Anker, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bachelor, >> yes. >> Dr. Serino, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dirks, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jackson, >> yes. >> Miss McQueen, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Bar. >> Yes. Thank you, Dr. Sino. Um, Miss Ankor, curriculum committee. >> Yes. Um the curriculum committee met virtually on June 2nd, 2026 at 5:10
053p.m. In attendance were Dr. La Hawk, um Miss McQueen, myself, Dr. Zto, and uh Miss Bryant, Miss Bryant, yes, sorry, and Miss Bar, sorry. During the meeting, the committee reviewed instructional planning items, including the inservice in service day plan, summer curriculum work, and summer professional development. The committee discussed the the district's continued focus on preparing for the upcoming school year through curriculum alignment, professional learning, and support for teaching and learning. The committee recommends all curriculum items. I'm sorry, there are no curriculum items for board approval this week. Sorry. Thank you, Miss Ankra. >> At this time, we will have um open old business if there's any members of the board that would like to comment on an item that has been previously introduced. Is there any new business to be introduced this evening by any
054board members? At this time, we will open public comment and receive comments from the public in accordance with the board policy on participation at a board meeting. I think it's on. Um, my name is Jennifer Holmstrom. I live in M landing. Um, I first want to congratulate Sam Wilson on her appointment. Uh, Sam has dedicated herself to the students and families of our district and I wish her continued success success in her new role. Tonight, I would also especially like to recognize Ian Lavine on his appointment as principal of the William Davies Middle School. I was unable to attend last week. Um, as a current principal of Davies, I have had the privilege of working alongside Ian and watching him develop into an exceptional leader. Over the years, he has earned the respect of students,
055staff, and families and in our community through his integrity, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to always doing what is best for our children. Ian is the type of leader who understands that schools are built on relationships. He listens. He supports others and he approaches challenges with a calm and thoughtful demeanor. He has a unique ability to bring people together around a common p a common purpose while never losing sight of the students that we serve. Leadership is not always about having the answers. It's about building the trust, inspiring others, and creating opportunities for success. And he does that every single day. For the Davies community, this appointment represents continuing the stability and continuing into the bright future that Davies has trended towards. I know our students, staff, and families will continue to thrive under his leadership
056because he cares deeply about the school and the people inside of it. Ian, congratulations on this well-deserved appointment. I am so proud of you. I'm grateful for our partnership and excited to see all that you will accomplish as the next principal of William Davies Middle School. Thank you. I don't know if you set that up or not, but good good move, Sam. Good move. Uh, good evening, ladies and gentlemen and board. Um, I want to say thank you so much. Thank you for this opportunity to continue doing the work I started with Dr. homestrom and continuing to prove not just to myself but to my family, this community, and you that I am exactly who we need to continue moving on in this role. I can't tell you the number of hours I've spent and
057how much passion I've dumped into Davies, but I can promise you this. It's not even half of what I'm willing to over my tenure here at Hamilton Township. You guys have always always supported us and quite frankly, hands down the best board I've ever even heard of coming from other districts. Um, some of the projects I've proposed that you said yes to, I was often shocked about, but because it's in the best interest of our kids, it was always a yes. And how can we make it work? I want to say thank you so much to the community. Um, the love I received once hearing this news last week was overwhelming. Um, it was intense actually and I can't tell you how much that means to me and my family as well. Um to my
058wife um aka St. Danielle and many of my staff members phones um thank you. You are an incredible support and I cannot believe you let me do what I do on a regular basis. You're amazing. Um and finally to my to my kids, not just my biological kids, one of which I'm pretty sure is running around this building right now. Um, but to my larger family, all 2,800 of them, ranging from preK to 8th grade, um, in the last couple years, I probably cried more than I have in the last 40 years. Um, I just can't tell you how much it means to me to be part of all this as a member of this community, as a parent, and now as a leader of this building. Um, it's incredible. And thank you so much,
059Dr. Holmstrom. You are hands down the greatest principal I've ever encountered. You are a phenomenal mentor, obviously, and I cannot wait to see what happens with you over at Hess and me here at Davies and what we are going to continue to accomplish for the district as a whole. Thank you for everything and thank you guys. It's been a lot. It's all I got or I'm going to cry. >> Congratulations. Okay. Is this on? Okay. Oh, I'm really nervous. I've never done this before. Okay. Um, uh, my name is Megan Blackwoman. I live in M's Landing. I'm also a third grade teacher at the H School. Um, I just wanted to, um, say to everyone, thank you so much for your support. Um, Mrs. Mrs. Wagner and myself um want to express our sincere gratitude
060to our entire school district for its participation and generosity um in supporting the fundraiser for our student Javier who's sorry I have to cry um the kindness from everyone was overwhelming um from our students from our teachers um staff and families um community members Um, and yeah, we sold like 380 shirts and we raised um like over $3,000 for the family. Um, many people just sent in extra donations for them and um on behalf of Javier's family um they were very grateful. Sorry, trying not to cry. Um yeah, so thank you. Thank you, >> Megan. Thank you for Thank you for doing that for that family and thank you for setting that up. We appreciate you. >> Hello everyone. My name is Samantha Wilson and I'm the newly appointed supervisor of student services. I would
061like to thank the board of education, Dr. Zto, and the district administration for their confidence in me and for this opportunity. Over the past seven years, I've had the privilege of serving the district first as a school psychologist and then this past year in my interim position. Those experiences have allowed me to work with incredible students, staff, the community, and families who really make this district such a wonderful place. Um, as both an employee and a parent of three students in the district, I'm deeply invested in the success and well-being of our students. I'm honored to serve in this role and look forward to continuing to support our schools and community. Thank you. >> Thank you. My name is Ian Brown. Um, I just wanted to say first off, shout out to Javier. That's awesome
062what everybody did. So, thank you guys for doing it. That's super awesome. Shout out to Marilyn Stker. That's awesome. I'm so happy for you. Congratulations and we're going to miss you. Shout out to Sam. Great job, Sam. We're super excited to be with you. Shout out to Mr. Lavine. Shout out to Dr. Holmstrom. Um, I was actually trying to do the math on this. I think I might be the only employee in the whole district that's worked for Dan Cartwright, Jen Holmstrom, and with Ian Lavine. and I've loved working with all three of them and I'm super excited they're running all three of our buildings. It's just going to keep bringing us all closer together. So, shout out to everybody. >> Thank you. >> Good evening everybody. I'm Mike Dior, assistant principal here at the
063Davy School. Um, congratulations to Mary Lynn on your retirement. Um, congratulations Sam on your new appointment. Mr. Lavine, doesn't mean I want to respect you as the building principal. Nothing personal. Um, and also to Dr. um Holstrom, I want to thank you for the last four years of your guidance, leadership, and everything you've done for us here at the Davy School. Um, it's not going to be forgotten. You're still going to be in our messages when we go out to dinner. Um but Lavine will be taking all of us Dave's admin out to dinner history. Sorry Danielle, but um thank you guys and the new hirees. Mrs. Benois, congratulations on your new hire. You're going to be fit in the Davies family. Thank you guys. >> Thank you. All right. At this time, seeing no
064more, we will close public comment. I just want to take a moment uh just to quickly say congratulations, Mr. Lavine. Uh Mr. Lavine, someone who leads with heart, builds strong relationships, and always puts students first. He's worked tirelessly for our district and has earned the trust and respect of our staff, students, and families alike. Ian, your dedication, character, and commitment to children have that brought you to this moment. And I'm excited to see the impact that you will make. Nice job. And Danielle, you are a sing. I'm just putting that out there. Um, so Samson Sim, you've been a passionate advocate for students and families throughout your career. You care deeply about children. You approach every challenge with professionalism and always work to do what's best for kids. Sam, thank you for your dedication and
065leadership. We're fortunate to have you here in this role, and I know you'll continue to do and make a difference for these students and the families we cons that we serve. Congratulations, and I believe in you. >> All right. Can I please have a motion to adjurnn? Motion by Dr. Sino, second. Second by Miss Jackson. All in favor? I opposed. Thank you everyone. Have a great evening.