001Good evening everyone. Welcome to December 10th, 2025 Hamilton Township Board of Education meeting. This 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, Misanding Post Office, Misba Post Office, Atlantic County Library, as well as the schools of the district. This meeting is being recorded. Roll call, please. Miss Anker, Miss Bachelor >> here, >> Dr. Serena >> here, >> Mrs. Burks >> here, >> Mrs. Jackson, >> Dr. La, >> Ma >> here, >> and Mrs. Bar >> here. Okay. Can I please have a motion to convene an executive session? >> So move. >> Motion by Miss Bachelor, second by Miss Perto. All in favor? I. Resolve that pursuant to section seven and eight of the open public meetings
002act. The public shall be excluded from that portion of the meeting involving discussion of legal matters, attorney client privilege, personnel matters, 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 at 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. Good evening everyone. Welcome to the December 10th, 2025 Hamilton Township Board of Education meeting. Can I please have a motion to close executive session? Motion by Dr. Sino, second by Miss Jackson. All in favor? >> I. >> This meeting is being held in compliance with the sunshine law
003having been advertised in the press of Atlantic City and notices posted at the township clerk's office, Maze Landing Post Office, Misba post office, Atlantic County Library, as well as the schools of the district. This meeting is being recorded. 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 opinions 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
004and you are not permitted to yield your time to another. The public comments 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. We please stand for the flag salute. Please take a moment of silence for private reflection. Thank you. At this time, I will turn it over to Dr. Zitto for presentations. >> At this time, I'd like to ask um Carol Russ from Ford Scott Associates to come up to do the audit presentation. Good evening. It's nice to be back for another year. I first and foremost want to thank um Chris and Mike as well as everyone in the administrative offices while we're here doing the audit and all throughout the year. Um complete cooperation which
005definitely makes our job easier and this year was a very easy audit. I will will give you that. Um There are no findings in the large report, the ACFR. We do however have a finding and recommendation in the smaller management report and that finding and recommendation is related to the community education program. Um although they do include with their deposits uh copies of checks, there's no other supporting documentation to take that one step further as far as how those checks are being posted in the system and also it's not giving um good reconciliation controls between the two departments. So Chris I know has been working with that department in order to get things going on the right track and to make not only his job but our job easier as well and the community at
006depos uh department um a little bit stronger. Um your overall budgetary fund balance increased about $600,000 over the past year. um you did receive increases in state aid in pretty much all of the different categories. Um your expenses were you were able to hold the line on a lot of the expenses, but they did go up primarily because you do have those fixed costs such as salaries, health benefits, um certain maintenance costs that um are contractual. Um but you were able to hold the line on other um expenses such as supplies. Um your budgetary your fund balance for budgetary purposes is about $15 million. However, about four million of that is tied up with um capital reserve, maintenance reserve, and your excess surplus. um the excess surplus that you do have that you are required
007to budget now for 2627 was fairly consistent with the prior year. So you are able to keep that pretty stable um for budgetary use. Um your food service department operations did quite well over the past year um much better than the year before. Uh we do report that you the program has excess cash. Um according to the state you are only they like to see no more cash than enough to cover three months worth of expenses. You are limited on certain things that can be purchased through that program. Um there is no finding or recommendation related to that, but we do put a suggestion to management. Just letting the state know and the district know that you do have that excess cash, but you have a plan moving forward in how those funds are going
008to be spent. Um going back to the community education program, it did grow quite a bit over the past year. So the results were significantly better than the prior several years. So finally rebounding from I'll say the COVID you know going back five years. So hopefully moving forward we'll continue to see that trend. Um again I want to thank everybody in the administrative office and congratulations on an excellent report. Questions? Any board members have questions? Thank you. Okay. Again, thank you and I want to wish everybody a happy holiday. >> At this time, Mrs. Bryant, would you come up to announce the reading challenge winner for December, please? Good evening. Okay, so December's reading challenge winner is Daniel Percy, a second grader in Miss Elliot's home room, who is also a teacher of the year.
009[laughter] Um, Miss Elliot has to say about Daniel that he is quiet and hardworking. He loves reading and has developed excellent reading skills. Congratulations to Daniel. [applause] Daniel, >> good job. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Daniel, and thank you, Mrs. Bryant. Uh, Mike, can we now play the video for the staff member for the month of November, please? of the month. Staff of the month of the month of the month. All right, guys. You know why we're here? It's that time of the month where we are going to recognize our staff of the month. Can I get a big round of applause? You know who we're appren November. And there are many kind words that have been written by Miss Brenda's team of adults that she works with. They say that Miss Brenda is very
010hardwork and very caring. She has wonderful relationships with the students and she's always a smart shark modeling her smart shark habits. She is an amazing role model, adult role model for our students. >> She is patient. >> Yes, Junior. And she is supportive and she is willing to help out at any time and people are very thankful for her every day. So, congratulations first and third. Excuse me. First and third, I want your attention, friends. >> We are >> Let's try one more time. We are >> awesome. I am so happy you guys are here. Right now, we have a super special announcement that all of you guys are going to get to be a part of. Okay. Um, we are actually here to recognize one of the teachers in the room as our of
011the month. Okay? So, I want you guys to be excellent listeners, hear who it is, and after Mr. Carrite explains why this person is receiving it, we can give him a big H round of applause. Okay? So, listening ears right on Mr. Carr. We want to thank this person for creating a warm and inviting lunchroom experience. of course along with her colleagues. Students have shared their excitement for lunch and look forward to it every day. This person provides resources that are a great asset to our school community. Please join me in giving a big round of applause to Mrs. Gold. [applause] Hi. >> Hi. >> Good morning. Hello, Mr. River's class. >> Hi. >> So, I wanted to let you guys know that every month our staff votes one person in your staff will be
012a month. So, I'm going to read a couple of things to you. The first thing is this person said that Mr. Rivera is always looking out for the whole. She cares about the staff, her community, but mostly her students. She reaches above and beyond to make sure that all students feel welcome and shows that she cares about things that they enjoy and like to do. She is always well prepared. So that's one person, but somebody else said, "Put you in again." So, Mr. Rivera is not only a great dependable friend, but she's a wonderful teacher who is always willing to help her students. That's the second person. And not only a second, but a third put in and said that Miss Rivera is absolutely dedicated to helping all staff succeed. She reaches out with updates
013and make sure she has sixth grade staff when things are coming up, when she communicates what's going on with kindness. She's always so friendly and respectful. And whenever you talk to her, you end up happier than you were before. Plus, everybody adored her. Were you guys great? >> So, congratulations to our south of the month, Mr. Vera. >> YES. >> CONGRATULATIONS. [applause] >> Oh my gosh. So wonderful. >> Thanks, Mike. At this time, can I ask my William DB student council to get their report? Past events for November. The annual 8th grade flag football frenzy was a huge success. Congratulations to Miss Marshall's mountainous mashed potatoes and Mr. Mory's memorable cranberry sauce on their hardearned v on their hard-earned victories. It was a great day of hot chocolate football and friendly competition. On November 29th,
014the Davies Band and Choir performed at the annual town treelighting. This cherished community tradition brought families together to kick off the holiday season and our talented student musicians shared their music and represented Davies at their festive event. The academic team competed in their annual noetic math counts competition on November 24th. Congratulations to our winning team leaders, eighth grade, eighth grader Isaac Jerem, seventh grader Ariana Stevens, and sixth grader Leon Leon Gonzalez. Okay. And these were the upcoming events for December. The winter choir and band concert will be held tomorrow, December 11th. Students have been working hard to prepare this special event performance, and it's sure to be a fun evening of music. Come enjoy holiday songs and celebrate the talents of our choir and band. The student council is collecting winter coats and jackets to
015help families in our community stay warm this winter. Students and families are encouraged to donate new or gently used coats of all sizes. Every donation makes a difference and helps ensure that everyone can stay comfortable during the cold months. Davey's 10 days of December is in full swing. Each day features a holiday themed spirit day, giving our students and staff a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season together. On December 17th, select eighth grade students will walk over to Oakrest for an opportunity to learn about the culinary and art programs offered in high school. December 19th is our big schoolwide basketball showdown against Hamilton Middle School. Redwing students will get the chance to cheer on our te our team in person and the whole event will be live streamed by our amazing Dragon
016News crew. Four buses of Hammond kids will also be there to cheer on their school. And I just wanted to add to that. Um, this past weekend we partnered up with Hamilton Cares and I want to thank you guys for coming. Um, it was a wonderful event. We had hundreds of toys donated uh to our district through Hamilton Cares and some donations that we had received and uh through the uh National Junior Honor Society which um they took time on Sunday they came and they created classroom full of toys that look like a toy store now um and we're going to be able to uh provide families in need that may not have uh gifts for for Christmas with the opportunity to come in and shop for free and get um what they need to
017make it a magical Christmas. So, thank you for doing taking your own time and doing that. And I appreciate that you uh gave of your time and did something really spectacular for our families. Thank you. [applause] All right. As December arrives, it's been a rewarding close to the calendar year across Hamilton Township School District. this past month continued to showcase the dedication, creativity, and collaboration that make Hamilton such a special place to learn and work. I was pleased to join our families on the PTA movie night, an event that once again reflected the strong partnership between the home and the school. Within our buildings, the staff's feast Friday's climate and culture initiative brought warmth and connection to our Friday, celebrating the hard work and spirit of our incredible employees. I also attended the parent conference
018night across our schools which was a valuable opportunity for parents and teachers to connect and reflect on student progress and strengthen shared commitment to academic success. Throughout the month, I led a series of administrative meetings focused on reviewing our district strategic priorities toward this year's initiatives. Together, we continue to refine and focus our instructional excellence and the systems and support success of well-being of every student in Hamilton Township. As the holiday season approaches, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our staff, students, board of education and families for their continued support and dedication. And for those who celebrate, may your holiday break be peaceful, filled with joy. And to everyone, I wish you a wonderful, exciting new year filled with new opportunities and continued growth for our district community. Dates to remember. December 11th
019is the Davies Winter Concert for Davies Band and Choir at the Hess Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. December 24th through the 31st, school will be closed for winter break. January 1st and 2nd, we will remain closed. Uh on January 7th will be our next board of education reorganization meeting and regular meeting with a uh beginning at 5:15 uh right here in the Davy School Cafeteria. Um, next I'd like to ask uh board president uh Nancy Bar to give a quick presentation. >> Sure. Thank you, Dr. Zto. This evening we would also like to recognize and extend our heartfelt appreciation appreciation to Mrs. Beverly Perto for her four years of dedicated service to the Hamilton Township Board of Education. Bev is a lifelong resident of Maze Landing and her commitment to our schools is grounded in advocacy,
020equity, and the belief that every child deserves access to highquality education. For more than 15 years, Bev has also worked as an educator in the preschool inclusion teacher and most recently as a preschool instructional teacher, mentoring her colleagues in [clears throat] early childhood education. She brings the same passion to her volunteer as a parent, a sports manager, and an advocate out in the community as well. During her years on the board, Bev has worked tirelessly to increase student achievement, to elevate our instruction in this district, and to advocate for opportunities for all of our students. She's been a thoughtful voice in policy, a trusted resource on our curriculum committee, and a steady advocate for the needs of our students, our staff, and our families. This year, Bev chose the book Wonder to be presented in
021her honor. This special copy placed in the Hes library will be labeled in recognition of her service which reflects her compassion, inclusivity, and belief in every child's potential. On behalf of the Hamilton Township Board of Education in the district, we thank Mrs. Beverly Perto for her service, her leadership, and her dedication to our school community. Her impact will continue to resonate across our schools and through the lives of the students that she has championed for. Thank you, Bev. >> [applause] >> Yeah, she also has some of her biggest fans here in the audience, I believe, back here. Her three boys and her husband are all here. So, thank you for sharing her with us for you guys. Come down and we'll we'll get a nice picture. Come on, boys. >> [applause] [clears throat] >> All
022right. At this time, we will open public comment on tonight's agenda items only. Okay. Seeing none, we will go to board member comments. Are there any board members that would like to comment tonight? Go ahead. I always do it. >> Um, I just want to say thank you to all the teachers, the administration. Um, I know it's been probably it's a rough time right now with the getting near the holidays, but thank you for all that you've done this year to keep our students moving forward and growing and learning. Um, I want I'm gonna tell you all to have a wonderful holiday. get some rest because you're probably going to need it. Um, and I just want to thank Dr. Zitto um for all the work he's done as well uh to keep us become
023to becoming one of the best townships and the districts in the in the world. So, um, thank you. Any other board members? just um I would also like to want wish everyone a very happy holiday season. Hopefully you get time to rest and do all of your favorite things, but um kudos to our business office on another great audit. Um the riveting presentation is just, you know, the tip of the iceberg, but there's a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. Um and to just have one finding. So, thank you. I know they spend like weeks here, so it it's a lot of work that goes into that. So, um, so thank you to Chris and that whole team that worked together with that, our teachers and staff who put together so many
024memorable experiences while trying to still deliver instruction during these weeks. Um, in December, I did also get to come out to conferences and so many families out. It's just um, thank you for everything that you do for people that are here tonight. Um, and of course, Dr. Zto for for leading the district. we've we've done so many great things, but I'm, you know, always looking forward to a fresh start in January to continue to work towards those goals. So, happy holidays to everyone and um thank you for a great year. Okay, at this time, can I please have a motion to approve minutes from the regular and executive session from November 12th, 2025? Motion by Miss Perto. Second. Take your pick, Chris. Second by Dr. Serena. Roll call, please. >> Miss Anker, >> yes. >>
025Miss Bachelor, >> yes. >> Dr. Serino, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dirks, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jackson, >> yes. >> Miss Perto, >> yes. >> Mr. Rogers, >> abstain. >> And Mrs. Yes. Okay. Personnel and policy committee. Miss Jackson. Good evening. Um personnel and policy committee met on Wednesday, December 3rd at 6:15. Um at our meeting, we discussed policy changes for pediculosis. We also discussed a new uh secretarial position for community education. We discussed the retirements and uh some personnel issues. There is no new committee meeting scheduled until a new board is appointed. Um and I'd like to motion to approve items in section 10. I have a second. Second by Dr. Serino. Comments or questions? Section 10. Roll call. >> Mrs. Anker. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bachelor. >> Abstain. >> Dr. Serino. >> Yes. >>
026Mrs. Dirks. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Jackson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. PTO. >> Yes. >> Mr. Rogers. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Bar. >> Yes. >> At this time, I'd like to call Mrs. Lzitzki to come up and introduce Oh, Mr. Cl's coming up. All right. introduce our new staff members, please. >> Good evening, board members. It is my pleasure to introduce to you two of our newest teachers. First, who both of whom, by the way, have spent past few months with us, so we've gotten to know their work, their exceptional work. Uh, first, Julia Lay. Julia [applause] Julia will be joining the Hes team as a basic skills instructure instructor and she's just spent the last few months as first grade and currently is in a second grade classroom. Welcome Julia. And second, uh Stephanie
027Feldman. [applause] Stephanie is joined by uh by her parents this evening. and Stephanie spent some time in a first grade classroom at Hess and will be going to kindergarten at Shainer. >> So, welcome to both of you. >> Welcome. [applause] >> Okay. Thank you, Miss Jackson. And welcome to our new staff members, finance and operations. Dr. Excuse [clears throat] me. Finance and operations committee in attendance at the meeting uh was myself, Mrs. Bar, Mr. Rogers, Dr. Zto, Mr. Venenziani, and Mr. Nelson. The Finance and Operations Committee met on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 at 4:00 uh p.m. At our meeting, we discussed the audit report that was being presented tonight. We discussed the need for a new position in community education as a result of the one audit finding. We discussed the Shainer addition and the
028upcoming meeting with the planning board. In addition, we discussed the preschool plan and the Hess fire system upgrade. There will be no new committee meeting scheduled until the until the new board is appointed. Motion to approve items in section 11. >> Second by Miss Jackson. Comments or questions? >> Roll call. >> Miss Anchor. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bachelor. >> Yes. >> Dr. Sino. Yes, >> Mrs. Dirks. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Jackson. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Pto. >> Yes, >> Mr. Rogers. >> Yes, >> and Mrs. Bar. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Curriculum committee, Miss Petta. Curriculum committee met on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 at 5:10 p.m. In attendance was Dr. Leok, Miss Ankra, myself, Dr. Zitto, and Mrs. Bryant. At our meeting, we discussed changes from the Department of Education to the process for using
029a universal screening screener for all students and upcoming changes to cut scores and benchmarks for the 2026 school year. We also discussed technology enhancements, plans for next year, and curricular issues across various departments. There is no uh new committee meeting is scheduled um until a new board is appointed. Motion to approve items in section 12. There are there are no items to move. So nothing to approve there. Just a report. Okay. At this time we will I will open old business. Are there any members of the board that would like to comment on a topic that's been previously Any new business for any board members to introduce this evening? At this time, we will reopen public comment. We will receive comments from the public in accordance with the board's policy on participation at a board.
030State my name right. My name is Jennifer Holmstrom. I am a resident here of Maze Landing, an employer of the board. I just wanted to thank the community and all the different schools um throughout on December 5th. We had uh PJ day for CHOP and our community um chipped in and we raised over $2,000 for CHOP. So, I just wanted to say thank you to everybody in Maze Landing and all the schools, teachers and staff and everybody that donated. It's amazing to be able to give them $2,000, especially at this time of year. So, thank you. >> Awesome. Thank you. [applause] >> At this time, we will close public comment. And can I please have a motion to adjurnn? Motion by Miss Jackson, second by Miss Dirks. All in favor? I. >> Thank you everyone.
031Have a great evening.