001Good evening everyone. At this time I would like to call to order the June 25th, 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, Mainland Post Office, NISBO Post Office, Atlantic County Library, as well as the schools of the district. This meeting is being recorded. Roll call, please. Mrs. Here. Mrs. here. Dr. Serena here. Mrs. Jackson here. Dr. L here. Mrs. Proto here. Mr. Rogers. Mrs. Clark. Here. Can I please have a motion to convene into executive session? Motion. Second. Motion by Miss Jackson, second by Miss Ferto. All in favor? I opposed. Resolve that. Pursuant to section seven and eight of the open public meetings act, the public shall
002be excluded from that portion of the meeting involving discussion on legal matters, per attorney client privilege, personnel matter, CSA evaluation and HIV. We have further resolved that the discussion of such subject matter in executive session to 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. Thank you. Good evening everyone. Welcome to the June 25th, 2025 Town C Township Board of Education. Can I please have a motion to close executive session and reconvene in public session? Motion by Miss Petta, second by Dr. Sino. All in favor? I opposed. This meeting is being held in
003compliance with the sunshine law having been advertised in the press of Atlantic City and notices posted at the township clerk's office, baseline post office, MISBO post office, Atlanta 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 discouraged. The public comment portion of a meeting allows the board to listen to the 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 action items is when residents may address the board on any school related issue. Each speaker is asked to limit their
004comments 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. When please stand for the flag to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please take a moment of silence to try the Thank you. And at this time, I will turn it over to Dr. Zita for presentations. Thank you. All right. Our first presentation is our Davies music department. I did see Mr. P here. Mr. P, you want to come on up? I'd rather you say it than me. I'll be quick.
005I'll be brief. Want to give a quick introduction. Hello, my name is Andrew Pomier. I'm one of the two music teachers here at the Davy School. And this is the third year in a row I've made a recap video of all our performances. And if you didn't know, Mr. Stokes who was at the test school for over 20 years started with me in September but we would go way back cuz we were in college together. So and when we started the year I showed him last year's video that I I think was shown at this board meeting and I think it was a little overwhelming. He was like what what we do we we do all that and I said yes this is what we do and so I tried to explain it. He was
006like, "It's easier if we just learn as we go." Cuz certain groups do different performances and whatnot. But overall in the Davy music department this year, we had over 100 students, 106 in choir and 135 in band and about 20 students crossed over in both groups. So um this video is from all the performances this year and I asked Dr. ZTO secretary to email all the board of ed today just so you guys can see the list of videos I send out to parents. I actually send it to all the students in Google Classroom so they have a record if they want to go back and watch the performances in future years. Maybe not right now but oh I want to see that spring concert again or whatnot. So and for my eighth graders since
007this was the third year I've made the videos. I made them a special video of all three videos put together. So, and I showed that in class yesterday and sent that to them. So, that's going to be a nice tradition at the end of the year to so they can see themselves in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade as they, you know, as they grew up in middle school in the music department. So, without further ado, here's the video. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat up here. [Music] [Applause] Mr. B, thank you so much. I just want to say you and Mr. folks and the whole music department is just so talented and to see that many students in your program is just so
008astonishing. We thank you for all that you do, your creativity, your talent, just been amazing. Thank you for just providing inspiration. You're welcome. Thank you. [Applause] All right, Rex, you got a little you got something for us tonight? Yes. All right. the William Davies Middle School Department of Media and Technology. This year, the Dragon Network didn't just make waves, it made history. With over 13 million impressions and 1.5 million views across YouTube and Instagram, our studentr run media program has shattered expectations and reach audiences far beyond the walls of William Davage Middle School. Built on a mission to connect our school and community through storytelling, the Davies Media Department empowers students to become the voices behind the camera. telling real stories through news, photography, videography, and digital journalism. What began as a bold idea has
009now caught the attention of ESPN, National Geographic, CBS News, and the Associated Press. National recognition that speaks to the professionalism and passion of our students. This year, the students of the media program achieved the title of the most watched middle school news team in New Jersey. Mr. K and all the students of TDN and Davies Media. Thank the board of education, Dr. Zto, Dr. Homestrom, Mr. Lavine, Mr. Dioro, Mr. Brown, and all the incredible administrators for putting their faith and support into the innovation center. We are looking forward to an incredibly incredible 2026. As always, good media judgments. Through the school and community projects that East team accomplished this year, the school achieved green flag certification from the National Wildlife Federation's Eco Schools program. Green flag certification is the highest level that the NWF offers.
010We earned it through engaging the local community, forming an action team, creating an action plan, collecting data, and taking solutions based actions. These steps led to the Dragon's Nest thrift shop, the rain garden at snow film park, and continuing the No Food Left Behind project. All designed to provide opportunities for youth leaders, raise environmental awareness, connect students to the natural world, and drive positive environmental change. I want to sincerely thank you for the incredible opportunity to serve as student representative to the board of education this past year. It has truly been an honor and privilege to represent the voices of my peers and to contribute to the important conversations that shape our schools and community. This experience has taught me so much about leadership, responsibility, and the value of listening to others. I've gained insight
011into how decisions are made and the many moving parts that go into supporting students and staff across the district. I'm especially grateful for how welcoming and respectful the board members were and how seriously he took student input. Thank you to Dr. Zto for your continued leadership and support throughout the year. Your dedication to student success does not go unnoticed and I'm proud to have been a part of this team during such an important time in my education. I will carry everything I have learned with me as I move forward in my academic journey and hope to continue finding ways to make a positive impact in my school and community. Thank you. I'm just going to say out loud, there are some children that you look at and you go, "These kids are really going somewhere."
012And Brett, you're really going somewhere. I'm really proud of everything that you've done. We do have a little something for you. I'd like Miss Barter presents to you, Bryson, on behalf of the board and the whole district. We are so proud of you. Um, and thank you coming back as an alumni now to Davies to do one more board meeting and actually our first year with board reps. We've been talking about this with student reps. We've been talking about this for years. So, I'm so proud um and I made sure to share with board members who aren't here anymore but have been part of the discussion that we have some awesome students contributing now and having their voice heard. But in honor of your outstanding performance as student representative on the Hamilton Township Board of
013Education, this certificate is presented to Brexton Demo. Your leadership, dedication, and thoughtful contributions have served as a valued voice for your peers and a reflection of the excellence of William Davies Middle School. So, thank you so much. [Applause] Miss Martine, you want a picture down here real quick? No, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Feel free to not have to sit there anymore if you want to go back up by mom. It's up to you. Okay. Yeah, that's fine. Okay. All right. Okay. As we bring the 2425 school year to a close, I want to share a brief reflection on what has been an energetic, heartwarming, and at times downright chaotic in all the best ways finish to a year. Our end of the year calendar has been packed with joyful events, concerts, moving up
014ceremonies, art shows, field days, retirement celebrations, and enough pizza parties to keep the local shops in business all summer. The celebrations were meaningful and well-earned and were true reflections of the dedication and care our staff brings to every student experience. Our students have grown tremendously academically, socially, and emotionally, and the progress is a direct result of the outstanding commitment of our staff, the ongoing partnership with our families, and the strength of our school community. It's hard to overstate how proud I am to work alongside such passionate educators, remarkable students, and caring families. I'd also like to sincerely thank you, the board of education, for your steady leadership and ongoing support. Your commitment to our district's mission, strategic goals, and st student first mindset provides the foundation for all of our success. You've helped make this
015year a meaning meaningful growth, innovation, and progress. I wish each of you a restful, healthy summer. We'll blink, and it's going to be August again, but let's not try to think about that right now. For your review board of education members, please see the registration and transfer statistics for the month, the enrollment, the discipline, and our HIV reports. The following are dates to remember. Friday, July 4th, the school is closed uh for a holiday. Monday, uh July 21st is a virtual PTA meeting. Miss Mr. Bush, you still here? Yes. There you go. Our links in there for you. Wednesday, July 30th, that is our board of ed regular scheduled board of education meeting. Um and then Tuesday, August 5th is National Night Out at Lake Renee Park East from 6:00 to 9:00. Wednesday, August 20th
016is our um next board of education meeting uh right here again at the That's the conclusion of my superintendent report. Thank you, Dr. Zia. At this time, we will accept public comments on tonight's agenda items. Okay, seeing none, I will close public comment and turn. Sure. So, good evening everybody. Um, going to go ahead and open up for public comment on the superintendent's contract, which is on the agenda tonight. Under New Jersey law, uh, New Jersey school boards must provide public notice at least 30 days prior to the superintendent's contract being pre negotiated, extended, amended, or otherwise altered. Um, this has been provided. Tonight is the public's opportunity to go ahead and um make any comments that they would like the board to consider prior to the vote on the contract. Let the record reflect
017that we are now open up for public comment on the superintendent's contract. Seeing none, you can close the public comment. You can move forward item. Thank you. At this time, can I please have a motion to approve the employment contract for Jeffrey Zto, superintendent for the period July 1st, 2025 through June 30th, 2030. Motion by Dr. Serena. Second. Second by Miss Jackson. Comments or questions? Seeing none, welcome. Mrs. Angry, yes. Mrs. Bachelor, yes. Dr. Serena, yes. Mrs. Jackson, yes. Dr. La, abstain. Mrs. Prader, abstaining. Mr. Rogers. And Mrs. Bar. Yes. Thank you. Congratulations, doctor. Thank you, everyone. I appreciate it. Thank you. All right. At this time, can I please have a motion to approve the minutes of regular and executive session meeting of May 7th, 2025? Second. Motion by Dr. Serena, second by Miss
018Johnson. Any comments or questions on a call? Mrs. Ed. Yes, Mrs. B. Yes, Dr. Serena. Yes, Mrs. Jackson. Yes, Dr. Launch. Yes, Mrs. Pre. Obstaining. And Mrs. Clark. Yes. Thank you. Okay. At this time, I will turn it over to Miss Jackson for personnel policy committee. Good evening. Um the personal and personnel and policy committee met on Tuesday, June 17th at 6:15. It was a virtual meeting. Um those in attendance were myself, uh Mrs. Bar, Mrs. Bachelor, Dr. Zto, Mrs. Leitzki. Um some of the items that we discussed were updates to regulations, new policies, um and some job description updates. Um, our next meeting is scheduled on July 22nd. It will also be virtual. And I'll make a motion to approve um items 91 through sorry 923. Motion by Miss Bachelor, second by Dr. Se.
019Any comments or questions? phone call. Mrs. Anker, yes. Mrs. Ben, yes. Dr. Yes. Mrs. Jackson, yes. Dr. L. Abstain from 9.2 and 9.3. Yes. To the rest. Mr. P. Abstain from 9.2 93. Yes. To the rest. Mr. Park. Yes. Thank you, M. Johnson. Welcome. Doctors now operation. Take a minute to introduce yourself. I'm so sorry. Come on down. Who's doing it tonight? Both of us. All right. Come on down. As you can see on the agenda, we have a lot of wonderful people joining us for the upcoming 2526 school year. And tonight I'm going to welcome joining the Shainer Sharps, Miss Cassidy Kemp. [Applause] And joining us in the central office is human resource specialist, Miss Samantha McConn. Mr. Cartright's going to introduce the new Hornets. Good evening. just uh after just yesterday saying goodbye
020to beloved staff members who are enjoying their first day of retirement today. We are pleased to welcome our newest team members through the half school beginning with Amanda Conley. Amanda will be second grade special education. Emily Hall. Emily will be teaching first grade. Emily Manzo. [Applause] Emily Manzo will be teaching fourth grade. Evan Panagotitis. Evan will be teaching basic skills. And also with us this evening is Stevie Hunger. [Applause] Stevie will be teaching fifth grade. And if I could just all the new mayors step out in the hallway with me for a moment to get a picture, that would be awesome. Thank you so much. Congratulations, everyone. My apologize for almost skipping that part. It's one of my favorites. All right, Dr. Serena. Okay, so this is a report for the finance and operations committee.
021Uh we met on Tuesday, June 17th. Um members are Harry and myself, Harry Rogers and myself. Um in attendance it was myself, Dr. Zto and Chris B and Ian Nelson. And we talked about the Duberson building update, all the end of the year school projects that were the building projects going on and all the summer building projects that are going to be happening. You are going to be amazed at what's been done and is going to be done. and then uh just some discussion on the budget. So um I I guess our next meeting is scheduled for July 22nd and uh I guess I am asking for a motion to approve 10.1 through 10.23 23 motion by Missto second second by M for comments or questions on 101 through 1023 Miss yes yes Dr. yes
022M Jackson yes Dr. L yes Mr. Yes. Yes. All right. Dr. Yes. So, the curriculum committee met on Tuesday, June 17th, and we discussed um the MAP growth presentation um that was um given by the curriculum department. And we also talked about the summer curriculum writing and professional development. At this time, we have no agenda items and I do not have anything to move. Thank you, Dr. I am going to go back because I want to order and I will open board member comments. Are there any members of the board that would like to come comment on an item of interest pertaining to Hamilton Township School District? Dr. Sri um a lot has happened since we last met. Um, so I want to talk about the eighth grade uh awards night and I want to
023talk about the National Honor Society. Um, and and uh the induction. I think that was an amazing night. I loved seeing all the kids and how excited they were and it was just a a good time for the parents and the teachers and and the students. So, I appreciate all that's done to put that together and um I just want to say congratulations. Uh the next thing I want to talk about is graduation. Amazing job. Um it was done in such a way that we did not well not all of us got rained on. I myself got rained on but that's another story. Um but but we got it done in a tasteful, great way that everyone got an opportunity to to feel special on their special day. Um I thought the speeches were amazing.
024Um and I I just thought that the weather held out. It was great work done by the Davies team, um Dr. Zto, the board of education, everyone. We had towels to dry the chairs. It was just an amazing time and it was so well done. So, I just want to thank everyone involved in that. Um, and the last thing I want to do is just echo uh Dr. Zto's comments about the student council and having him here. I think it was amazing having him here to tell us each week what's going on. Um, I was really impressed that Rexton showed up because he he's graduated, man. He's out of here. So, I just thought it was so good to see him and to have him like present tonight. And uh we will miss him, but
025we know there's other good students that are going to be joining us and we look forward to welcoming them. That's all right. Um I just wanted to kind of go off of what you said. Um I was invited also to the eighth grade award nights and national honor society induction. Um, I love that admin and the staff find a way to find the best in all of our students. Um, my son was one of those eighth graders a couple years ago that received an award and he's going into his junior year and he still likes to point out that his teachers recognized him. So, it's a lasting impression for the students and I just think it's amazing. Um, and also with graduation, this was my fourth year attending as a board member for graduation and
026every year we've um, one upped ourselves. I would say this year was the best year. Um, we've done it four different ways so far. Even with the roller coaster of what's going to happen, um, we've really pulled it off and I just want to remind myself a heartfelt thank you to the admin and all of our teachers, staff, and um, board members. It's just, it's amazing. Davies has turned around so much. Our whole school district has turned around so much in the last couple years. Um, there's a lot of happy faces. These students really love the school and I just think it's it's from all of you guys. So from me, thank you so much. Well, I will echo everyone's comments about all the wonderful end ofear events. It is such a nice perspective to
027see those things happen as a board member, but then also to have your student experiencing those things. My son graduated this year and it truly was the best one. I agree, Beth. And you know, I was on the phone with Dr. Zto at like 8:30 that morning like, "Well, we're going to change. We're going to we're going to adjust our" and like, "Okay, let's let's do this." So, like up until the moment, that team was figuring out how to best celebrate the kids. And I know that's all they were focused on. We want all the kids to celebrate and be recognized. So, how can we make sure it happens with the threat of the storm? Um, it really was incredible. I was, you know, always talking to people afterwards. They're like, "Everyone had a role
028and and it was so organized and the kids were amazing." And I'm like, "It is true. All of those things are true." So, thank you. It takes a huge huge effort to make any of those events happen and to do it flawlessly or no one saw the flaws if there were any. Um, it it's such a great end of the year. from the cove trip to the pizza parties. All of those little things mean a lot to the kids and to the families. So, thank you. And now everyone can hopefully rest this summer. Get ready to do it all over again next year. Um because now you have to one up yourselves. That's just how it goes. But I do wish everyone a really happy, restful summer. Um there's a lot of work happening behind
029the scenes. I know that. But it's going to be an even better year next year. So, thank you. Then old business. Any members of the board have any old business you would like to discuss as it? Okay. Seeing none, we will go to new business. Any board members would like to introduce any new item to discuss this even. Seeing none, we will reopen public comment. At this time, we'll receive comments from the public in accordance with the board's policy on participation at a board meeting. Seeing none, we will close public comment and we will go on to our interview for board member candidates. We'll have our interview for board member candidates. So, I will turn that back over to our solicitor. Good evening again everybody. So the regular portion of the meeting is over. If
030you would like to stay, you're more than welcome to, but if you would like to go, you certainly can as well. We have a board vacancy. So what that means is we had put an advertisement out for anyone that was interested in applying to become a board member. The position would be set until the next election. So we had two applicants. Tonight, we're going to interview those applicants in public. We'll be asking them questions from the board president, and then afterwards, the board will go into executive session to deliberate and determine um if they're going to select a candidate tonight. I would ask that the two successful candidates um that are here tonight to um go ahead and be interviewed step outside into the hallway right here and then we will come out and let
031you know the process who's going first and when you're here we ask that you remain outside so you don't hear the questions and then when you're finished asking your questions you can go back outside while the other person comes in and answers their questions and then we will go into executive session. Thank you. We're going to try, you know, don't be nervous. Thank you so much for coming this evening. We have six questions. We're just going to be jotting notes. Um, so feel free to keep talking. Even if I'm not looking at you, we're we're jotting some notes down. So, question one, give a brief introduction into your background and your interests. Okay. My name is Ashley Anders. I am an occupational therapist. I worked for back previously and I've been since background. Um interesting
032outdoors backing. What do you see as the role of a school board member? Um policy and um helping out the community best they can be for the students community. [Music] What specific skills would you bring to the board? I believe that I'm a team player. I can enjoy working with and collaborating with co friends to optimize outcomes and goals. Now question four. What areas would you like to strengthen in our district? Are you aware of the training commitments and ethics law disclosures required for school board membership? Am I aware of that? Yes. Are you aware of the training commitments and ethics law disclosures required for school board membership? The the board currently meets twice a week for committee meetings and board meetings. Can you confirm that you would be able to commit to attending those
033meetings on a regular basis? Twice a month. Twice a month. I'm sorry. Not that crazy. Twice a month. Thought you were getting more. Surprise everybody. Um twice. Twice a twice a month. Anything else you would like to share? I guess young kids already in the district. Thank you. Thank you. Interesting Slowly I get there. Okay. [Music] Good evening. Thank you for joining us. We have six questions um that we're going to go through and we'll be jotting those. So don't think we not listen. Question one. Can you give a brief introduction into your background and your interest? Um, I've done a lot of different things over time. I, as you can see, I'm also a lot of medical issues. I have a bachelor science degree, which I did not get. I'm not a traditional student
034in between surgeries. Um, I live my whole life. I've been for years and my son was initional when he was in which [Music] I did read out there. day and I studied amazing. I had difficulties when I was in school had even more and had a lot of difficult art background but um a lot of art classes over the years I um as far as my work history is a little disjointed because my surgeries. I um started in high school in 1940 employment. I wor daycare program and I and I used to evalate family homes. I had we did insurance for them. We child their homes. to be the set of the chocolate program and um and I ran the research research and then unfortunately I had a bone tumor and I wasn't diagnosed [Music]
035transplant which was interesting. Um I had a solid shop I had surgeries after that and subsequent 20 years ago I had infection and I've been active coalition work. I've done a lot of a lot of volunteer stuff because I was on disability for a while. So I disable service. Um I had I have done work in community for a while. I've done a lot of different things. Um and I um I'm doing I've been involved with sustainable Jersey and the Hamilton Township team for the last 10 years. So environmental stuff has been very important to me always I'm interested in schools and I love I think that's really important. Thank you. Question two. What do you see as the role of a school board member? To support our students, support teachers to be responsible budget
036to work together to create an environment for all I learned. I think you know All kids need to be supportive. All kids need to have a safe environment to thrive. I've been learning about poly theory and fight or flight, you know, different things to help children thrive. There's a lot of things that people do and there's a lot of uncertainty, a lot of people are reactive. Question three, what specific skills would you bring to the I am particularly looking at the whole future? I'm I'm really a resource and um researcher. um you know I've done some websites website um working collaboratively and and again really um working with students I know when I grew up reading um really was my safe place to read for my son when he was in second grade but I
037did a lot of James community supporting kids and making sure you know I know we need to make sure that the budgets um you know our taxes that awesome question four what areas would you like to strengthen our I would love to have you do more of my sustainable schools doing stuff. I know it's not popular right now. I know. So I know I've been about to single jersey for the last 10 years and I know in municipality sometimes it's difficult to do the harder stuff, but they're good at tableling and things like that. But I think that every action and I haven't done school stuff as much. I know person actions in there just are you aware of the training commitments and ethics law disclosures required for board membership and the board currently meets
038twice a month for committee meetings. I just um and board meetings. Can you confirm that you would be able to commit and attend those meetings on a regular basis? Is there anything else that you'd like to say? [Music] Thank you so much. We appreciate it. Thank you so much. You're welcome. [Music] May I please have a motion to convene into executive session. Second motion by Dr. Screener, second by Miss Jackson, resolve that pursuant to section seven and eight of the open public meeting. All in favor? I oppose. Resolved that pursuant to section 7 and 8 of the open public meeting act the public shall be excluded from that portion of the meeting involving discussion of board member candidates and personnel. Be it further resolved that the discussion of such subject matter in executive session can
039be disclosed to the public when formal action is taken on such subject matter or any other appropriate time. It further resolved the board may take action on items discussed in executive session. Now therefore be a resolved that the board will be in executive session for approximately 30 minutes. At this time, can I please have a motion to close executive session and reconvene in public? Motion by Miss Wto, second by Dr. Srio. All in favor? I at this time, can I please have a motion to appoint Ashley JS as new board member for the term through December 2025? Motion by Dr. Second by Miss Breto. Roll call. Mrs. Anchor. Yes. Mrs. Bachelor. Yes. Dr. Serena. Yes. Mrs. Jackson. Yes. Dr. La Hawk. Yes. Mrs. Pre. Yes. Mrs. Buck. Yes. Thank you. At this time, can I
040please have a motion to adjourn? Motion by Dr. Sino. Second by Miss Ferto. All in favor? I oppose. Thank you everyone.