001Good evening everyone. I would like to call to order the May 7, 2025 Hamilton Township board of education. 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, Maze Landing Post Office, MISPO Post Office, Atlantic County Library, as well as the schools of the district. This meeting is being recorded. Roll call, please. Mrs. Anker here and Mrs. Bachman here. Dr. Serino here. Mrs. Jackson here. Dr. Lou here. Mrs. Per, Mr. Rogers, and Mrs. Bar here. Thank you. Can I please have a motion to convene into executive session? Motion. Motion by Dr. Sino, second by M. Jackson. All in favor? I opposed. Resolve that pursuant to section 78 of the open public meetings act, the public shall be
002excluded from the portion of the meeting involving discussion of legal matters, attorney client privilege, personnel matter, and HIV. Be it further resolved that the discussion of such subject matter in executive session can be disclosed to the public and 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. Therefore, be it resolved, the board will be in executive session for approximately 30 minutes. Good evening everyone. Welcome to our May 7 2025 board of education meeting. We have a motion to close by. All in favor? Thank you. 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, Maze Landing Post
003Office, MSA 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 action items that some 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 comments portion of the meeting during both sessions
004will not exceed 30 minutes. Upon being recognized, persons wishing to speak should stand and identify themselves by name and address. Can we please stand for the flag salute to the flag of the United States of America to indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Please take a moment of silence for reflection. [Music] Thank you. Can I have a motion to approve the minutes of regular and executive session meeting April 9th, 2025? Motion by Mr. Rogers, second by Dr. Sino. Any comments or questions? Call Mrs. Anker. Yes. Mrs. Bachelor. Yes. Dr. Serena. Yes. Mrs. Jackson. Yes, Dr. Lahawk. Yes, Mr. Rogers. Yes, and Mrs. Bar. Yes. At this time, I will turn it over to Dr. Zita for presentations. Thank you, Mrs. Bar. At this time, um, I would like to allow Mr. Bernstein, Mr. Divibo
005to talk to us about the William Daves Middle School, um, current events, global sports, and activities. Before I begin, I would like to thank all the amazing teachers in our district. You make a difference every day and your students are grateful for you. Happy teachers appreciation week. TDN students have been everywhere capturing photos and videos of district events. Just before spring break, the Dragon Network live streamed an inschool volleyball match featuring commentary by Andy Cologne and Benjamin Bar. Last night, our team covered the spring concert on location, photographing and live streaming the performance for all to enjoy. We were also out and about at the Hamilton Township Resource Fair on Saturday. It may seem like small news, but it's major milestones for us. TDN students now wear custom embroidered polo shirts featuring our logo, their
006names, and titles, giving our broadcast a more professional look than ever. Mr. Kowalsski and the Davies media students extend their sincere gratitude to the Hamilton Township Board of Education for their ongoing support of our growing program. Your commitment makes all the difference in our program's core mission of connecting a community. Lead from the front. Mr. Thomas came in person for our last lead from the front session. He led the students through a series of team building activities and discussed the importance of resilience and perseverance. Mr. Thomas also took few topics like social media and peer pressure and had the students discussed their thoughts on each. His final talking points stressed the importance of looking to adults that are there to help and acknowledging the sacrifice that they make to be there for them. He gave
007each student a certificate of completion. Kindness club. Our kindness club meeting was yesterday. Students continued their good deeds by making teacher appreciation cards and delivering to mailboxes. We also celebrated their hard work for the year and set for east team. In April, East team students submitted four video submissions to the NJ student challenge. Last Saturday, Ay's east team students held a showcase at the community resource fair. They had a great time displaying projects from the year, including NASA natural disaster drone challenge designs, eco home models with solar panels, wind turbines, and social powered composters, and climate park. The students also raffled off insect hotels that they designed and constructed to help increase biodiversity and help solitary pollinator species. Lastly, they contributed herb planting kits. Wildflower seeds, environmental stewardship books, and stickers. It was a lot
008of fun. East team has three more events planned for the school year. This Saturday will be the rescheduled field trip to Estelle Park to finish installing a rain garden adjacent to the Warren E. Fox Nature Center, a grant-f funed project in partnership with the Pinelands Preservation Alliance. On Thursday, May 29th, NJ Autobon is hosting them at the Kate May Point Science Center for a day of community resilience activities with other area schools. And on Saturday, June 7th, they will be visiting Stockton University for tours of the sustainability features around campus, the farm and the Maple Projects Farm and Sugar Show. [Music] The boys barbecue is a male mentorship and career day at the William Davies Middle School. It is it it's in the 11th year in the first year that it was named in honor
009of Michael J. Maldun. This special event allows young men to engage with positive role models, explore various career paths, and build meaningful connections in a supportive environment with other male leaders from the community and inquire. This week was the Davies spring concert on Tuesday and the Atlanta County Teen Arts Festival. The Davies Band and Choir performed at both events. On May 29th in the Davies cafeteria, the music department will host its annual pizza awards party. All students that participated in this year's spring concert will be presented with a participation. We will also award a number of students with trophies. On June 3rd, Davies Pepin will play for the final time this year for the annual pickball event. I would also like to congratulate all of our retirees that are here tonight and thank them for
010all they have done throughout our schools. That is everything. Nice job, Rex. Thank you so much. We got it now. This person, you got to get out of here, please. No worries. Thank you, buddy. This time, can I please have Mrs. Stecker come down to introduce uh Mr. Disc? [Music] Good evening. I'm here this evening to introduce Mr. disc who has worked really hard with the teachers and the students and some of our classes at the high school to start a business that he would like to talk tell you all about. Wait till you see what Mr. Disc is [Music] wearing. This isn't starting off well. Okay. Uh, thank you for having me here tonight. Um, not one that particularly enjoys speaking in public, but tonight I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to talk to
011you about two of my favorite subjects. The staff I work with and the students that I work with. I want to begin by thanking Dr. Zitto, Miss Stacker, Mr. Cartrite, the board of education for allowing me this opportunity to celebrate such an incredible group of individuals that you see seated in the audience tonight. I've been fortunate enough to have dedicated the last three decades of my life to working with students with special needs. I'll spare everybody the corny jokes about how young I look or how it's impossible for me to work for 30 years with these kids since I was only two when I started. Um, I'm old. We can all see that. In addition to dedicating 30 years of my life to this population, I've also donated a lot of my hair color and
012beard color as well. I'm old enough and I've been here long enough to have grand students in the school district. I was hoping one would be here tonight, but unfortunately I guess they couldn't make it. Um, but seriously, it's been it's humbling and it's stressful, but it's also incredibly gratifying to work with these these groups of people each and every day. During my 30 years in the field, I've been honored to work with many talented, caring professionals. To be honest, I didn't realize tonight was a retirement dinner. I probably would have saved some of the comments in here because I've worked with many people who are in the audience already. To the board of education, to the parents out there, and to the families of the staff members sitting here in support of their person,
013I say this with the utmost sincerity. I have never, and I mean never, worked with a more compassionate, caring, empathetic, innovative, creative, loving, intelligent, and energetic group of people as I have this year. The staff members in the four classrooms that I work with have been nothing short of stellar in just about every aspect of their jobs. They have laughed, cried, hugged, and smiled with these students without reservation, without hesitation, and with every ounce of energy and sincerity in their hearts. I mean, no disrespect to anyone I've worked with prior, but this group of of professionals are the gold standard of what staff should be like. There has never been an idea, a change, an addition, or anything that I've come to them with that has been met with a response other than, "Okay, what
014next?" Not what now, what next. As I speak, I'm sure Heather Andrews is busy thinking of a t-shirt to celebrate this occasion. I'm sure that Miss Muth is thinking about how to incorporate some type of movement into my boring speech. Miss Schulman's probably thinking of a creative way that I could be doing this a little bit better. And Mr. Glazer, if he was here, would be counting the number of thumbs that I'm sending. They set the bar extremely high. and your children, our students have each made noticeable, appreciable, and enjoyable gains due to their talented and compassionate approach. Thank you for allowing me to have the opportunity to work with them. Thank you for sharing your family member with us. And staff, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do. My
015first supervisor in this district, Mr. Glenn Martins, used to always say, "I just want my staff to love our kids. Mission accomplished with this group. In fact, mission surpassed. Now, on to my favorite subject, the kids. That's the reason why we're here. I've never enjoyed working with a bunch of students more than I have this group. And I'm sorry. Um, this group of students have worked harder with more effort than any group I've ever seen. They continue to show resilience, effort, energy, and positivity. They have each made gains in their lives and in their own ways. They have each brought a smile to our faces each and every day. They provided me with stories or funny anecdotes throughout the school year. Anybody needs any, just see me after the speech and I'm happy to provide
016them. They have each touched my heart. And if you ask my wife who's sitting in the audience or my kids, I'm sure they can give you a vague idea of how many times I've gotten choked up talking about them. I am unbelievably proud of all they have done. Each student here in their own unique way has contributed to the betterment of the H school. Whether it's a smile, a bagel delivery, a funny quip, a look, or doing something new that we've been working on all year, all of your kids have made a difference in our lives. For that, we owe you. Your accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, kids. And what are those accomplishments? Well, we began a bagel business called Buzz and Bagels. I see. We maintain clientele throughout the year due to and due
017to our elite level of service. We have been enormously successful. We prepared and distributed approximately 50 dozen bagels this school year. Each and every student has participated or contributed in some way to the success of this business. We have continued a biscuit business that Miss Andrew started making natural dog and cat treats. Similar to the bagels, all students helped prepare, package, and distribute the biscuits during our Christmas craft show. We have helped revitalize the Some of the slides are out of order, so I'm just going to read the rest and I'll go through the slides. We have helped revitalize the courtyard garden. Students helped move garden beds, weed, plant, and move and paint stones to beautify the garden. We have helped to deliver and distribute central office supplies to offices within the building. We have
018assembled breakfast bags for the cafeteria and we continue to facilitate reverse inclusion activities that allow general education students the benefit of working and interacting with several of our classrooms whether it be through readalouds, lunch bunches or recess activities. From the proceeds of our business, we are able to accomplish the following as well. We have funded several field trips for all students in the four classrooms at zero cost to the parents as funds paid for any necessary expenses for the activities. We have purchased items needed by the Atlantic County Animal Shelter which will be delivered by some of our students next week. And we are going to donate our remaining funds currently that stands at $275 to the Save the Children organization, an A+ Better Business Bureau charity that donates 93% of every dollar donated directly
019to their programs. The money will be used to help furnish classrooms within the US and abroad with necessary educational materials. These accomplishments are exemplary regardless of who is completing the tasks. The time, effort, and diligence with which our students and staff accomplish this should serve as an example to all of our community on what can happen when we're able to work with our students strengths, push their abilities as far as possible, and pair them with incredible staff who are dedicated and focused on helping our students achieve their full potential. I'm honored to work with such a great group of people. Parents, please take a bow and be proud. You are raising some incredible humans. They are changing the world one piece at a time and in their own way. Thank you for allowing us the
020opportunity to work with them. Thank you again staff for all you do. And thank you again Mr. Dr. Zitto, Miss Decker, and Mr. Cartwright for the opportunity to have this time. With that, I'd like to call down the staff and the students who are here. If you're able to, could you just come down front real quick just so that we can be recognized? So from Mr. Glazner's room, I have Mr. Eric Glazner, Miss Denanishia Passley, Miss Sharon Campolo, Miss Michelle Slack, and Miss Melissa Vines. Students in that classroom are Jackson Canrell, Zakai Ridley, Aiden Johnson, Jasmine Montalvo, Nves, Tariq Smith, Jamar Longo Johnson, and Tas A. In Miss Heather Andros's class, we have Miss Heather Andros, Miss Grace Hixon, Miss Brandy Lezy, and Miss Michaela Luchia. Students in that room are Matthew Cologne, Meadow Jensen,
021Logan Pinter, and Troy Steel. If you want to come down, that's fine. If the kids want to stay seated, that's fine, too. Miss Chelsea Scholman's room, I have Miss Chelsea Scholman, Miss Ariana Bernard, Barbara Hernandez, and Eric Toa. Students in that room are Hunter Ballinger, Charlie Clark, Carter Ferrar, Marquee Gails, and Jordan Jones. And finally, the last classroom, but not least, Miss Andrea Moose's room with Mrs. Melissa Caparelli, Miss Glaris Rodriguez, Danielle Wagner, and students Amir Bethl, Highland Jones, Adonis McKenzie, and Logan Noah. And I just wanted to finish up by showing you the rest of these slides. So, this is our buzzing biscuits. This was our fun trip to Donado's bowling alley. We did not know the uh brake strength of the ball returns are 18lb bowling ball. So if you launch that from
0227 ft away, it will break the Brunswick on the front of that. Just so you know. Disclaimer, this was the field trip to the Hamilton Mall and Starcade. Great time had by all. This was our trip to the Atlantic City Aquarium. Half the price for half the fish, but it still worked out well. probably the coldest spring day that we encountered. And this is us beautifying the Hes garden. Obviously, the two students down on the left had a really rough day. They moved a lot of stone that day. I think that's it. Thank you very much. [Music] Sorry. [Music] Thank you very much. You guys [Music] Thank you so much, Mrs. Stacker, Mr. D. Thank you so much for bringing everybody down. Parents and staff members, what a wonderful job. Thank you for all that
023you do. do not let you stay with us. I totally understand. Um like would you kind of pop the video on Mr. K? Would you talk really quick about um what you guys did for the research fair? Got it. Got it. Go ahead. All right. So, um my name is Mr. Kowski. I'm the media teacher here at Davies. So, I have like a little spiel. I promise it's not long. Uh so students recognized support uh not just from their teacher but from administrators, the community and the board of education. Uh the resource fair took place on Saturday. Yet 12 of my students on a Saturday and that is a big a Saturday is a big deal for a middle schooler. Um they showed up to take photos, videos, and dress as the mascots. And as
024as a teacher, seeing my seventh graders in mascots was the best moment of my life. Um, two of them edited a video on Saturday within like 2 hours of getting home and emailed me. Uh, the final edit, um, and the reason why they did it, seventh grader Lucas Brochard put it, uh, they believe in TDN. It feels like we're part of a big family and I wanted to give back and show them how much their support means to us. And that is a direct quote from him. Um, so every a lot of my colleagues who are here know that I'm like super emotional. So I was like, "Oh, that's awesome." So I had to share. So um, this is the way that seventh graders Lucas and Kale wanted to give back and, uh, supportive of
025education. The Hamilton Township Resource Fair on Saturday was a tremendous success. Hundreds of students and families from across the community came out to enjoy a vibrant day filled with exciting experiences and valuable resources. Dozens of vendors were on hand offering information giveaways and interactive exodus with I'm Lieutenant Michael Berga with the Towns of Hamilton Police Department. What does your table bring to the research fair? Well, we have kind of two tables. We have one we're just discussing what the police department does and any questions that the community has about our services. But we also have the police athletic league here as well. and um we're giving information to the community about uh the basketball program and the dance program that we have there. That's really awesome. Really nice to meet you. [Music] So I'm part
026of a company and uh we teach an enrichment class uh basically forensics class for students. Uh we teach about fingerprinting, about fingerprint casting, uh processing crime scene and all the science that goes into solving crimes. That's what this class is. Yeah, that's really cool. Nice to meet you. Who am I here with? Hi, I'm Melissa Bush from the Hamilton Township PTA. I'm president. Uh, what did the table bring to the fair? So, this year we brought stencils for to hand out. Um, but we're also trying to get people to sign up for the PTA for next year. What is it? What is the PTA? The PTA is the parent teacher association. We do all different events throughout the school with fundraisers, trips, different activities like movie nights or the auction. That's really cool. Nice to
027meet you. Nice to meet you. From the Atlanta County SWAT team to rodeo horses to arcade games, food trucks, community programs, and more. There is something for everyone. The event showcases the strong partnership between our schools and the greater community, making it a memorable day for all who attended. I'm Luke Scard for the Dragon Student News. [Music] All right. Um, sorry. There you are. Mr. Bryan, can you please come up with the uh reading challenge winner for the month of April? [Music] Okay, so our final summer reading challenge winner is Miss Molly Dirks from Miss Garner's home room in first grade. Miss Ger says, "Molly is a wonderful student who loves reading. She has grown multiple reading levels and continues to make progress. Congratulations, Molly, and thank you to the board of education for supporting
028this. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] He's a dragon. All right. At this time, Mike, if you could roll the staff of the month for the last for the year. [Music] Woo! We were on the hunt for our staff of the month. We were just walking around looking for a staff of the month. And guess what? Mr. Yeah. Heat. I know. Thank you so much. Yes, you know there. So, uh, we we're we're all here to recognize a really really awesome member of our community here, right? And that person is your lovely teacher, right? So, we do a crown character for the members each month, right? were voted on by other teachers and adults in the building for outstanding staff members this month. Miss says Alex is very thorough and planning for her student. She understands their needs
029and helps them in every way she can. Alice is dedicated, inspiring, and compassionate. She is always going the extra mile. Alice makes very engaging. Every student respects her because they feel valuable. Everyone really this person everyone and Heat. Heat. And for nothing. [Music] This person we know that they sit and sad for Yeah. Heat. Congratulations to all of our staff. If any of you are here, I just want to say thank you. I know there's a lot of you guys here, so I'm not sure if anyone is here, but congratulations if you are. And now, while this place is packed for tonight, we need to start talking about our retirees and congratulate them. I'd like to start off with Miss Lamiter. Would you mind coming on? [Applause] You have no one. Sorry. There you go.
030Done. Never mind. All right. There you go. Let's go to the high school, Mr. Carr. [Music] Good evening, Dr. Zto Board of Education. It is such an honor to recognize a long list of very uh amazing people when I arrived back at the high school after being gone for 13 years. Uh I was most excited to be able to spend time again with many staff members with whom I had worked previously as a teacher. And as I share a little bit about the staff that were that were losing through retirement this year, um the HES tradition, I'm proud to say after arriving back at Hes uh this year is alive and well because of the work that this group of people have done to continue that tradition. I want to go way back in time
03126 years ago when I was a student teacher at the high school. There were several staff members there who showed me and all of the people there uh what it meant to be a HES future. And people like Lisa the Treasurer who was a Hess staff member when the building opened its doors in 1992. um people like Dave Nef who was a teacher at the time and had lunch with me and um a few other teachers every day when I was student teaching and kind of taught us what it what it meant to uh work in this special place. Uh teachers like Bonnie her who started just a year later after the school uh was opened. Um and when I be began my time as a teacher short a short uh few years later a
032paraprofessional across the hall was uh became a great mentor to me. For example, uh I decided that I would take her students on a scooter around the hallways and she advised me not to do that. I learned after uh those few moments that uh Sue Wolf is is very wise. people like Jackie Burke when she started uh she invited me to play guitar with her. I couldn't keep up. She's actual actually a musician. Um and then this year Jackie would not allow me to join the band. So I waited till after she was gone and and joined the band. The students let me join the band after that. Um it didn't last long. almost three three total times that then they kicked me out again. So Jackie again of a wise teacher beyond 100 years.
033Um [Music] I was also excited this year to reunite with two teachers uh who we spent I think 11 years together. We often go and and Cheryl I was called your nickname. turtle's nickname was Lucy. Because of our many trips up to New York City on Saturdays, uh, one time they may recall, we got lost. Actually, we got lost every time, but this particular time we took a detour as they were setting up a flea flea market. Cindy, you remember that? Well, and we we drove directly through the flea market and Cindy and Cheryl were in the back waving to all the the vendors as we as we as they were setting up and we were planning our way to hear about reading and writing. But that that is a testament to their commitment to
034being outstanding uh reading writing teachers and teachers. Um, people like Diane Esinger, Don Delli leaving our library who were fierce advocates for books and schools. Your advocacy uh is so so important for our kids. So, I want to recognize all of these people and just ask that you come up here and join our team after serving here for 23 years. Jacqueline [Music] [Applause] Burke here for 26 years. Susan Wolf. [Applause] When I asked Mrs. Goner, we wrestled with this all year. No, please don't retire. Dan, I think I might. It finally came down to she when I said put you over the edge here. She said I need a year away from Jeff. Darthy after serving 27 years [Applause] at 29 years of service. Joan with 32 years of [Applause] service with 36 years of
035service. Cheryl Mishley with 37 years of experience. Lisa the [Applause] treasure I didn't see them but with 25 years of experience Cayenne has 32 years of service here 31 of them here at the Davies Middle School Donelli And with 32 years in district, David [Applause] [Music] Christmas. Merry Christmas. [Music] Good evening everyone. We are very lucky or very lucky for them to retire but we are sad that they are leaving us. We want to start with a true legend Mr. Craig Sanford, 25 years of service. [Music] [Applause] So when I go and I listen to these retirements, I go into their files and I would have brought them, but they were thick. They were very heavy. So I I just pulled a couple papers off. So I I went digging, archived digging, digging. Let me
036tell you, receipts going back to 2005, Kate Brook wrote that Craig had established a positive rapport with the students, a supportive atmosphere. And that right there is still true today. I'm going to rewind back a little bit further to 2004 when Michael Maldun noted Craig's enthusiasm. He had an active classroom environment and how students were not just learning, they were comfortable while doing it. And even back then, he was ahead of me because it said he was using PowerPoint like a pro when the rest of us were still figuring out how to turn on the projector. So, in 1999, Mr. Mold made a special note of Craig's professional appearance. He said his classic bow tie combination and said that it didn't go unnoticed in his paperwork, but it was more than just a stop cuz
037Craig backed it up with substance. He coached soccer. He led the red team. He ran the geography be the brain student government and he made the students feel like that they were at home because the students didn't fade. He he anchored them. They were seen challenged and empowered. In 2003, Mulun doubled down praising his leadership, his deep knowledge of social studies, the ease and trust that existed in his classroom because he wasn't just teaching content. He was teaching kids how to think, how to lead, and how to believe in themselves. He's retired. was just at our boys barbecue a week ago. So even though he's left us, he never truly leaves us. And here's the funny part. I didn't even realize it until halfway through the year that Craig and I actually went to high
038school together. We've hung in the same crowd and didn't realize it. So I'm pretty sure I'm going to go back and day out my yearbook. But that's just the kind of guy Craig is. The kind person you meet and instantly feel like you've known each other forever. In my case, I actually did. He brings energy to every room. He is welcoming, funny, real, and that's why this thing's so hard. So Craig, we miss you already. Your leadership, calm, your humor, both eyes overflowing, your ability to make any hallway feel home. Thank you for all you have done. [Applause] [Music] So the next rose moment we are going to celebrate is pure maze landing is from Michelle Jina. [Applause] Can't wait tomorrow to show you. But I went digging very deep and what I found was
039her original resume from 1993. One of her earliest jobs was working at kids place in Trump's castle which existed a while ago. But even back then, Michelle was working with kids and creating experiences that matter. I went through I found some things written by Michael Mulun describing her as creating a quality learning environment full of creative projects with engaging strategies. And that same spirit has carried her through decades of service here to our district. She even wrote a heartfelt I found this to Sharon Rearen asking to be considered for a seventh grade math position. Who [Music] knew? Oh, clearly always thinking about how she could grow and support students in tribute. When I met Michelle, she was teaching science and then in true fashion, she dove into computers, taking a whole new subject with the
040same energy, care, and enthusiasm she brings to everything. That flexibility, the drive, and the heart that makes her so special. She coaches softball. She does our academic team. She has very big shoes to fill. I don't think we'll be able to do that. We have laughed so hard because our path, funny enough, had never crossed. I'm still not sure how that's possible because Michelle is quite essential landing. Everybody in Landing knows her. She's a part of the heartbeat of this place and her impact runs so deeply. I thank you for your years of dedication and the care you've shown your students and the kindness you brought to this building every single day. You have left your mark and we're better because of you. So enjoy the next chapter. [Music] Now we are going to celebrate
041Miss [Applause] Hopkins 34 years. She is steady. She is stylish. She shines a light in her willing. So now you know I'm I'm a diver, so naturally I'm Doug. And one of the first gems I found was an observation from 1999 by Rob Baker. He wrote that Miss Hopkins was always ready to assist. She was constantly at her duty post advising the school book store if you didn't know. And my favorite part, motivating students by promoting it positive self-imaging image and empowering them. she was doing social emotional learning before we even knew what it was. And I found a 2009 observation for Melanie Cox who noted that Miss Hopkins positive rapport with both teachers and students, highlighting how she mastered the art of inclusion through teaching as a team and meeting every student in her
042classroom's need with care, compassion, and skills. And if you know Miss Hopkins, you know she doesn't show up, she shows up. She always dresses to the nine. When we have a dress down day, she has a headband in chammocks and hearts and pumpkins. From head to toe, she is amazing. She brings a smile to our faces. She is always ready with the exact words you need to hear, especially when you're having a tough day. She's the most positive person in the building, truly. And when our students were playing the Lakers game championship down violin, she was sitting in the stands with a smile on her face to cheer them on. Because when you're one of her kids, you are always one of her kids. She is a champion of our PBIS program and a cheerleader
043for all. A support system for us, all of us. And whether in the hallway or in the bookstore, in an inclusion room, or cheering in the stands, she shows with heart, grace, and joy. So, thank you for your years of service, your belief in every student who has walked through this building with your incredible positivity. You are the pride and joy of bees and your legacy is unmatched. [Music] [Applause] [Music] pictures. [Music] Mr. Faith. [Music] So, I figured I'd represent Shainer because nobody's retiring from Shainer except for our food service person. So, um, we wanted to celebrate a special moment that marks the end of a 19-year journey for in the food service for Peggy [Applause] [Music] Fiano, but she's done the whole course. She's been around to the other school as well. But Peggy,
044you've been in Tur. together integral both yet integral part of our team a constant source of hard work dedication to the kids and juggling the 100 different tasks at once. You have always taken pride in your work have gone above and beyond in all your daily task. You've contributed to our success and your energy brought daily which will be missed with more than words can express. You can tell I'm very good at speeches, but uh to keep it short, on behalf of all of us, we wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin your well-deserved retirement. Thank you for your dedication. May your future bring joy, relaxation, and may be a lot more strong. [Applause] I'm sending her back to South. All right, can you guys come around? So, last year we
045did these popper things. They were just people crying screaming. We won't do this. So, I'm going to have the board line up and then you guys can line up the board members picture of all the retirees together. That be okay. You can leave your bags here if you want. [Music] How are [Music] you? Ready? 1 2 3 [Applause] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Okay, at this time we will take a 5minute intermission to celebrate our retirees. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who came tonight. 5 minutes. We're going to reconvene. Thank you. Congratulations again and at this time we will proceed with superintendent staff. Thank you Mr. Bar. What a wonderful celebrate retirement marks combination of dedication service to those teachers who surely it's amazing to see the impact of volunteerism for the
046Va dedication truly enrich the educational experience for students and contribute to the overall wellbeing of the school community. So a big round of applause to our PTA. Thank you for always showing up. It is fantastic to acknowledge the winners of the reading challenge promoting literacy level learning plus our fantastic test team for changing lives for our students. For your review, please see the registration transfer statistics for the month, the enrollment, the discipline reports and the HR reports. The following are the DH member. May 8th is the uh H45 choir concert at the H auditorium. The 9th is the uh fifth grade welcome dance right here in the D school cafeteria. The 15th is the HS concert band at 7:00 p.m. in the house auditorium. The 19th will be our PTA meeting in the D school
047cafeteria. The 30th will be our eighth grade dinner dance in the Davies cafeteria. The 26th school is closed for Memorial Day. The um the June 5th is the Davies 8th grade barbecue at the Cove. The 12th is 8th grade awards night. The 18th is our eighth grade celebration ceremony. And the 25th is our board of education meeting again right here starting at 5:15 for executive 5:45 right here in the Davies cafeteria. That concludes my superintendent report. Thank you, Dr. Zita. At this time, we will open public comment on agenda items only. 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
048members and hear their opinions on school policy and operations. The first 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 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. Any public comment on agenda items? Okay, seeing none, I will close public comment and open board member comments. Are there any board members with Dr. Um I had a great opportunity to go to the battle of the books at Hex. It was amazing.
049Um to see kids so excited about reading was unbelievable. And the kids had signs, let's go. And it was uh like a contest with questions that got answered and there was a trophy so that next year people are going to be really fighting for that trophy. Um it Rachel Hasta from the library put it together. Dr. Zto kind of brought the idea and I I just want to say it was an amazing time. I had a great time. I walked out of there like on cloud9. So well done. I I just loved it. Uh second thing I wanted to say is thank you for the resource fair. The teachers did an amazing job putting that together. There was so much um information there. There was games, there was basketball, and this gigantic slide that yes,
050I was almost tempted to go, but I I didn't do it. Um, plenty of food and you saw some of it, but it was just a wonderful time. So many people were there. There were animals. So, I recommend going um every year. I thought it was really great. And the last thing is, and I think he might have left, but Mr. K is everywhere. Just so you know, everywhere I go is Mr. K. He does a great job taking the pictures, getting the video, the the kids do a great job with the um with the with the network and I just want to say watch it and um thank you to them. Thank you. Any other board members? Um I just wanted to address the Hess admin. Thank you for taking the time on Monday
051to play the game, Mr. Cartwright, that was awesome of you to submit for the basket auction, the basketball game against Mr. Cartwright and his team. Um, I can tell you my son had a blast. Um, it it was a lot of fun. It was a lot of fun to watch the classes, the students that were there that got to watch the game. Um, was it was just it was the cutest thing. They were all cheering for the students, for the principles. It was it was an awesome awesome um time. So, I just wanted to say thank you for for doing that. I thought it was a great idea for the basket auction and I'm happy that um a friend of mine was able to win it and my child was also able to be involved.
052But it was um it was great. So, and thanks for not being so easy on them either. You win some, you lose some. And they need to know that. Um, and then also just congratulations again to all of the retirees. Thank you. All right. I also wanted the resource fair is incredible. Every year I feel like it's they think of something else to add and I don't know how it's possible but everyone who has a hand in putting that day together. there are so many students out there and to see the students and what they do every day sharing that with the adults in the community. It's just really really incredible. Um so the families that brought their children even just to volunteer their time. I also wanted to wish a very happy teacher appreciation
053week to all of our staff members. There's a lot of special days this week and although we appreciate you all year, this is the week to really shout out all the wonderful things that you do. and this is our last meeting before the end of the school year. So, wishing you a nice smooth end of the year and a restful summer. Um, and congratulations again to all of our retirees. All right. And at this time, we will move on to our committee reports and start with Miss Jackson, personnel and policy. We met on Tuesday, April 29th at 6:15. Um, it was myself, Mrs. bar, Miss Bachelor, Dr. Zto, Mrs. Lazitzki. We um discussed some personnel issues, statements, non-renewals, resignations, uh changes to job descriptions, some movement for the 2526 school year, as well as new
054hires. So, um, can I have a motion to approve 9, uh, 2 through 9 26, please? Motion. Second. Motion by Dr. Serena. Sorry. Second by Miss Comments or questions? Okay, roll call. Mrs. Anker, yes. Mrs. Bachelor, yes. Dr. Serena, yes. Mrs. Jackson, yes. Dr. La Hawk, for the sake of time, I just abstain from all of it. Okay. Uh, Mr. Rogers, yes. And Mr. Bar, yes. Okay. At this time, can I please have a motion to open the public hearing on the budget? Motion by Dr. Serena. Second. Second by Miss Jackson. All in favor? I oppose. Okay, at this time we will turn it over to Chris for our budget public hearing on the 2526 budget. This is the opportunity for for anyone from the public to um address the board on the budget. Motion
055to close the public hearing on the budget. All in favor? I 10.4. Okay. I would like to make a motion to approve 104 and 10 10.4 and 10.5 as listed. Second by Dr. Serino. Comments or questions? Yeah, I have a question or I I could we at least owe it to the taxpayers to tell them what this is going to uh increase their local levy on an on an average basis. I think the average house is about two and a quarter in the township. So the calculation when I did this um the actual average assessed house was at 165,500 and that would increase uh it would be a $54 increase uh for the year $54 increase. Mhm. Thank you. Yep. Any other comments or questions? Roll call. Mrs. Anker, yes. Mrs. Bashley, yes. Dr. Certo,
056yes. Mrs. Jackson, yes. Dr. La, yes. Mr. Rogers. Yes. And Mrs. Bar. Yes. I would also like to motion section 11 as [Music] listed. Second, second by Miss Jackson. Any comments or questions? Roll call. Mrs. An. Yes. Mrs. Matson. Yes. Dr. Serena. Yes. Mrs. Jackson. Yes. Dr. abstain. Mr. Rogers. Yes. And Mrs. Park. Yes. Thank you. At this time, we will have the Finance Operations Committee report by Mr. R. Finance Operations Committee met on April 29th 4 p.m. and um attendance were Jerry Nelson, myself and Miss Cheryl Serena. Ian Nelson gave us an update on the maintenance items that have been completed and our our in-house maintenance people really do a pretty outstanding job and covered a lot of ground. Uh we talked about the use of the facilities fee and it was suggested that
057we uh make the facilities fee u more uniform so that it doesn't uh no no one group can't point at another and say they they charge more they charge less or whatever and that was that was agreed to um Duberson update we're trying to get the Duberson school off of the school board's balance sheet. It's a slow process. It grinds on. We've made some progress here in just the past week. There was a a walk through today by the potential buyer and didn't scare them. So, uh, we're moving forward and that has a good possibility of closing in mid July, which case the, uh, school gets turned over to a commercial entity who's going to convert it. I believe it's going to be residential. U, but again, that that really hasn't been determined. It hasn't
058gone before the planning board or anything like that. Can't until they have actual ownership. Uh the preschool edition updates were discussed and the Pinelands updates. We have some outstanding uh infractions that go back quite a few years uh to a previous improvement at the U at the Shanner School and it looks like it's going to get resolved. So, uh, I would I would ask for a motion to approve items number 12.2.19. Motion by Mr. Rogers, second by Dr. Sino. Any comments or questions? Okay. See none roll call. Mrs. Yes. Mrs. D. Yes. Dr. Serena. Yes. Mrs. Jackson. Yes. Dr. Lock. Yes. Mr. Rogers. Yes. And Mrs. Bar. Yes. curriculum committee met confus curriculum committee. The curriculum committee met on Tuesday, April 29th. Um we discuss the school schedules, summer programs, agents for change awards day
059on July 31st and um students that may be considered prevention. Um I motion to move 13.2. Second motion by Dr. second by Dr. Serino. Any comments or questions? 132. Okay. Roll call. Mrs. Anger. Yes. Mrs. Basher. Yes. Dr. Mr. Yes. Mrs. Jackson, yes. Dr. Lock, yes. Mr. Rogers, yes. Mrs. Bar, yes. Thank you, Dr. L. At this time, we'll open business. Are there any members of the board that would like to comment on a topic that was previously discussed by the board? Seeing none, we will go to new business. And under new business, I would like to motion to accept the resignation of board member Dr. Warren Nelson effective April 21st, 2025. So move. Second. Motion by Mr. Rogers, second by Dr. Serino. All in favor? I I opposed. All right. Motion carries. Any other
060new business any board members would like to discuss? Okay, seeing none, we will open public comment. You will receive comments from the public in accordance with the board's policy on participation at a board meeting. I don't want to talk to somebody's phone. I just want you all to know that we really appreciate your service to the board. And I think I can speak for our group here. We are opposed to Me too. Actually, thank you. Jerry Nelson landing. Um, I had a whole speech and I got approved by the solicitor. just make sure everything is okay in here, but I'm not going to do it all because you guys sat through enough, but I just want to make sure I go over some of the points. Um, I wanted to say that um being on
061school board for 7 years and starting off with co was a rough start and uh really didn't know what I got into. And then uh we did a super search for two of them and in the end we came out with Jeff. So, strike two and then um then under his leadership um he made quite a few changes including finalist Chris me strike three. So, I felt that I needed to walk away cuz I couldn't handle anymore. Um but no, in all honesty, I can't think of a better administrative team, everybody that's here, that was here. And um it shows that you got people retiring after 36 years, 35 years. It it says a lot about the district. And um I just wanted to say that I uh it it was a hard decision to
062walk away. Um so I'm going to stop there so I don't embarrass myself, but I want to say thank you uh to the administration. Thank you to the school board and uh you guys are great members to work with. Now, unfortunately, she's not here, but I promised her this during co and um it was the So, for people that didn't know, um I went out to Beverly one time cuz she was complaining about our school pol attendance policy and uh I said, "Well, who really cares? I mean, the state's not counting you absent, so who really cares?" She goes, "I care." I said, "What do you want a gold star for?" And she says, "Yes." So every year since then she's remind me I owed her old star and so I finally got one and
063in it I wrote like a little I don't know what it's a rhyme but for five long years come and gone since the great meeting raged on and on a policy tweak and a mother's plea let my child be absent responsibly. She stood up proud, made her case clear while I sat back and sipped my cheer. With sass I asked, "Who really cares?" Then tossed, "Want a gold star?" One that glares without a plage, without a link, she said, "Yes, quicker than you think. A gold star for my parent feet for a child whose attendance can't be beat." And from the day from that day through thick and thin, she's reminded me with cheek and grin, emails, view, meetings, hallways, chats. Where's my gold star? She never slacks. So, I'm uh leaving. My time is
064done. But before I ride off to the sun, there's one last task I must fulfill is to honor the iron parent parental will. Here it is. Big and bold, shiny, sparkly, pure gold. It's not for NASA, but it'll do. A celestial tribute long overdue. So, take care of the star and pride and bleed. Become a perfect absentee bless. Um you'll you've earned it, friend, throughout all the years. Now, display it and bring us to tears. So, and then my wife wrote perfect sentence in the back because that's not my handwritten. So, um and then going forward, I want to continue to be part of the district. Uh the mayor has asked me to continue to report on the board and what you guys are doing. And um also if somebody wants to step up and
065do what I used to do and report back to the township on progress um I think it I think it helps and I think we got a lot of things done quicker than we would have without it. So um I look forward to serving you guys in a different capacity um for at least the next 2 months and hopefully beyond that longer at the will the committee to provide for. I'll leave it to you. And Dr. Nelson, I just want to let you know um I did get also this this cleared by our attorney cuz I just wanted to say this out loud. Um the board of education would like to let you choose a book. Um maybe your favorite child book, but we're going to look at it first because I know you and
066uh we'll put a plaque that all the kids can see is so thank you so much for your service to our district. Any other public comment this evening? Right. Seeing none, we will close public comment. And can I please have a motion to adjurnn? So move. Second. Motion by Mr. Rogers, second by Miss Jackson. All in favor? I oppose. Thank you everyone.