001Okay, everybody's here. It's >> You could try. >> Can we all >> Where's >> He's not. >> Can we all stand for the pledge of allegiance, please? >> I pledge algiance >> to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [clears throat] Roll call, please. Yes. Um, Miss Alvarez >> here. Mr. Depay >> here. >> Miss Forest >> here. >> Mr. Marazine >> here. >> Dr. Peek >> here. >> Mr. Piro, >> no. Miss Ratner >> here. >> Miss Chararma >> here. >> Mr. Tufufano >> here. >> Mr. Zikner, no. Um, we have a quorum. In accordance with the provisions of the New Jersey open public meetings law, the Monroe Township Board of Education has caused
002notice of this meeting to be published and electronic notice provided by having the date, time, and place thereof posted May 8th, 2026 at all schools on the district website and filed with the clerk of municipality. Pursuant to S4654, a public notice specifying where board of education meeting notices are posted can be found on my central jersey.com. Thank you, Miss Allen. You're welcome. >> Close session resolution. Whereas the Senator Byron M. Byer open public meetings act NJSA 10 col4-6 at SEC. The act provides that the Monro Township Board of Education may hold an executive session from which the public is excluded to discuss matters that are confidential or are one of the nine subject matters listed under section 12B of the act. And whereas the board hereby declares that its discussion of the following subjects will
003be made public at a time when the public's interest is in disclosure is greater than any privacy or governmental interest being protected from disclosure. Now therefore for be it resolved by the Monroe Township Board of Education that the board shall go into executive session to discuss the following items. Additional items may be determined and announced as needed. >> Motion second. Wait, I have to read the um matters that we're talking about. Next page. Pending or anticipated litigation in matters covered by the attorney client privilege matters involving employees in terms of their employment and contract. Hib investigation involving students, HIP appeals, and other acting superintendent evaluation. Be it further resolved that said discussion may be disclosed to the public when when reasons for discussing and acting upon it in close session no longer exist. Action may
004be taken on any of the items stated above. >> Motion second. >> Second. >> All those in favor? Any? I >> I >> just for the members of the public, the board's retiring into closed executive session. The board will not be taking any formal action in executive session. to the extent that any formal action is going to be taken, it will be out done out here in the sunshine. Thank you. >> We're going to continue the board meeting right now. Uh the approval of minutes public board of education meeting April 27th, 2026. >> Is there any discussion? >> We don't need they we don't need motions on this. Um, >> yes, >> we do. >> Okay. All right. >> We don't need discussion, but we need >> motion. Second. >> All those in favor? >>
005I opposed. Abstain. >> Close session meeting April 27, 2026. Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. There >> any discussion? Abstension. I'll >> I'll abstain on the portion where conflict exists. >> Okay. Student board members report, please. >> Hey everyone, hope everyone's doing well. We're going to get started off with Oak Tree Elementary School. May began with a schoolwide writing celebration. The week began with Mrs. Dinsmore reading the book of Perseverance is my superpower. Templates were provided as well as the students began to write about their own superpower. Finished products were framed and hung around the building on May and the children walked around the school to place positive theme post-it notes on writing samples that were on the hallways. Teacher appreciation week at Oak Tree was full of food, decoration, and positivity thanks
006to the amazing PTA. Each day was a different theme and the staff felt appreciated and valued. Additionally, the first week of Mon uh May was also their annual World Cup soccer tournament in which classes competed against each other and demonstrated their soccer skills. And now we'll be moving on to Mil Lake Elementary School. Mil Lake school students and staff have embraced opportunities to learn, celebrate, and connect through a variety of engaging activities and special events. They celebrated Earth Day on April 22nd with hands-on activities focused on environmental awareness and caring for our world. They also welcomed many little and big guests during bringing your child to work day which concluded with a fun schoolwide pizza celebration. They ended April with their seal assembly and they were thrilled to officially welcome back their wonderful assistant principal
007Mrs. Cine. On April 30th, the preschool kindergarten unified day brought together students in their blue tire for exciting gross motor activities led by their outstand led by our outstanding unified high school students promoting teamwork, inclusion, and school pride. The Mac and Cheese Domino Challenge continues to grow with more than 2,000 boxes already collected for local veterans and community members in need. They are looking forward to an exciting domino display on May 15th that is sure to outdo last year's cereal box challenge. >> Now moving on to the Woodland Elementary School. NJSLA was administered to students in fourth and fifth grade. In addition, all fifth fifth grade students were also assessed on the science portion of the NJSLA. In celebration of Mother's Day, the Woodland Mill Lake PTO coordinated a special flower and herb sale for
008students. Students had the opportunity to purchase flowers and herbs as thoughtful gifts for their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and other other uh loved ones. Students who participated in the club code proudly showcased their projects and talents at the Monro Township High School showcase event. The student council at Woodland organized a successful trash-free outdoor lunch initiative. During this activity, students learned the importance of recycling, reducing waste, and making environmentally responsive responsible choices. [clears throat] >> And now we'll be moving on to Barkley Brook Elementary School. On April 30th, Barkley Brookke welcomed members of the MTHS Unified program for their annual unified preschool field day. The students facilitated a variety of structured activities in their school gym for their preschool students. The preschool students had so much fun and they are grateful for their continued unified partnership with
009the high school. Barkley Brook and Brookside schools also hosted their first combined art show on the evening of April 30th. The event was extremely well attended by students and families from both schools. Students were excited to locate and show showcase their artwork displayed throughout the Brookside hallways and cafeteria. They have a special thank you to the Barkley Brook art teacher, Miss Dalia Laj, and the Brookside art teacher, Miss Lauren Nu Nunan, for making this wonderful event possible. Now, moving on to the Brookside Elementary School. Band rehearsals started in April, and the students are working hard to prepare for their spring concert, which takes place on June 2nd. Marking period 3 report cards were issued for fourth and fifth grade students on April 30th. NGSLA took place last week for third, fourth, and fifth grade students.
010The PTA's celebrating their staff for staff appreciation week all of this week with theme days. And the PTA held a very successful dance thawn fundraiser on April 24th between Barkley Brook and Brookside. And the students raised approximately $12,000. >> And we'll be moving on. [applause] and we'll be moving on to the middle school. Now, next year's electives were opened for the parents of current sixth and seventh graders so that they can help their child begin to make their elective choices for the next school year. Guidance counselors will be working on finalizing elective choices as they move into the summer. On April 29th, the NJMEA festival at MTMS was a huge success. Schools from around the area came to perform with their students. The talent was endless and as always, the MTMS students shined. May 7th,
011MTMS held their annual art show. They had a great turnout and the students were able to share their wonderful artwork. MTMS is highly skilled in the visual arts. Monro Township Middle School placed second of all schools in Middle Sex County for the number of pounds of food drive items donated during the replenish competition. They will be recognized by the board of chosen free freeholders and will receive a proclamation for their school on Wednesday, May 27th. On April and I apologize in advance for any mispronounced names. On April 28th, the technology student association spent the day at the college of New Jersey for their state competition with they walked away with many winners. Great job by all TSA students for their hard work. Sanvi Turanga, Ki Civiveram, Rachel Levit, and Darcy Sivakumar won third place in
012biotechnology. Nihalodi won third place in flight. Gaka Bacharia received third place in digital photography. Dia Dvali um placed second in web design. Arouch Baru received second place in flight. Ishan Sam and Rayan Sappa were awarded with first place in coding. >> Now moving on to the high school. The high school had a lot of stuff going on for like the past month. So the spring band concert takes place tomorrow uh Thursday May 14th. Junior prom is scheduled for Friday May 15th and will be a half day for the high school. Also, reputation, an event presented by the South Asian Student Association, was a major success and took place in the high school pack. Freshman Arjun Bora placed third at the National Geographic B in the junior varsity division at Princeton University. Also, the class of
0132027 is hosting a crumble fundraiser that will be held on Tuesday, May 19th at the pack concession stand after school. The boys track team finished third overall at the GMC tournament and are currently ranked eighth in the state. The 400 meter relay the team consisting of Nishant Tamina, Shashank Kappa, Adultan, Arbitage, and Aayo Sago placed first and set a new school record 42.3 seconds. AO Sago also placed first in the long jump and set a school record with 30 24 feet and 7 in. And he's ranked first in the state and 20th in the country for the long jump. Additionally, Monro Township's very own Miss Vidalan has published another article in the USA Today network. The article consisted of information about the economic impact of immigrants, both documented and undocumented. The high school's National Honor
014Society also hosted their induction ceremony this past week. Also, the short film Spirit Morality won the award for best direction, best drama at last month's New Jersey High School Film Challenge. The film was produced by MTHs seniors TJ Relle, Dennis Lewis, Jesse Wanger, Gabrielle Lawless, Owen Ross, and Dylan Knight. with the contribution by MTHS alumni Georgees Lour. This annual contest features submissions from both high school media programs across the state. Additionally, AP exam testing started on May 4th and is currently taking place with the last of the AP exams ending on May 15th. This does not include any makeup exams. And that wraps up our student board report. Thank you everyone. >> Thank [applause] you. >> Thank you guys. another another great student presentation letting us know what's going on and especially the high school
015with the athletics and the track. It's really really nice to hear. So congratulations to all. >> And now we have presentations. >> Yes. So uh this [clears throat] is the time of year where we begin to recognize both students and staff. So tonight, um, as we do every year, we hosted a, uh, a dinner recognizing all of our what we were calling our shining stars for this year, uh, whether it's teachers, support staff, pair professionals, bus drivers, maintenance staff, um, representing buildings throughout the district as well as departments in the district. So, what I'd like to do is invite Mr. Payne, Miss Alvarez up front. Uh, Mr. Mr. Moraldo, if you could take the mic and he will be uh calling the schools and the recipients in the same order we did in the dinner.
016So, if you guys want to prepare yourself for coming up front and uh we'll join you for a photo op if you choose as well as we have a plaque for you. >> All right. Good evening once again everybody. Thank you for joining us tonight. This is a very special moment of the school year where we get to pause from all of the discussions on state funding and everything else that we love to talk about at the board meetings and remind ourselves what we're here for and that is to celebrate the staff and their accomplishments and contributions to the organization. So, [clears throat] uh, as Dr. Layman stated about an hour and a half ago, two hours, we celebrated them formally on behalf of the uh district. Thanks to the support of our high school's
017family and consumer consumer science program led specifically by Miss Amanda Doerty and Miss Desire Farah and their students. This dinner was uh created and served and everything was prepared by students participating in our culinary program. In addition, we had the uh pleasure of being serenated uh by a vocal jazz ensemble led by Mr. Shawn Nagpal from our high school's music department. And in addition, on your way out into the media center, you were able to enjoy the elementary contributions to this event from the elementary honors percussion ensemble led by Mr. Jonah Knack. So, this was a full contribution in celebration of our staff and we look forward to this rare moment in time when everything gets to be about teachers and learning. So, here we go. This year's event was once again sponsored by our
018friends in the community at Country View Farms um who uh we are very grateful for all of our community partners to help put on these events and celebrate everyone in our organization. We will begin by thanking the board of education once again, Mr. Depay and Miss Alvarez, and everyone on the board, including our student board members, and we can't forget Miss Laura Allen sitting back there quietly. And Mr. Weiss, why not shout him out as well? [laughter] So, here we go. Beginning with Appleguard, uh, led by Miss Dr. Don Graziano and her assistant principal, Katie Wyn, we would like to recognize our teacher of the year, Miss Radika Patel. [applause] OUR [applause] ed services professional of the year, Miss Marin Borquist. [applause] Most recently featured on our district's Facebook page for the terrific job she's
019been doing with our literacy initiatives. And our ed support professional of the year, Miss Leslie Smith. [applause] The Abagarth Elementary School Educators, Service Professional, and Support Professionals of the Year. [applause] Heading down Buckloo Avenue to Barkley Brook Elementary School led by Miss Aaron Mahoney, Principal Aaron Mahoney, and Assistant Principal Maggie Fedora. Our teacher of the year, Miss Noel Batistelli. [applause] Ed services professional of the year, Miss Britney Reguzza. [applause] And our ed support professional of the year, Michaela Ramandi. [applause] Barkley Brook Elementary School staff members of the year. Applause for Miss Mahoney. Thank you very much. [applause] And as we move on to Brookside, I owe Mr. uh I'm sorry, Principal Scott Sidler an apology. I told him to arrive at 5:30 today for his remarks and we started without him. So, I apologize and
020I also apologize to Miss Fedora for putting her on the spot. But Brookside School is led by Principal Scott Sedler and is also assisted uh by Maggie Fedora. And our teacher of the year at Brookside is Miss Anne Ratcliffe. [applause] Ed services professional of the year at Brookside, Miss Jill Deleo. [applause] And our ed support professional of the year, Miss Robin Junisk. [applause] One more round of applause for Brookside Elementary School. [applause] Now we're on to Mil Lake, the pride and joy of Mammoth Road, led by Principal Pam Garcia and assisted by welcoming back our assistant principal, Vicky Sassin. Come on up, Vicki. Stand up there. Our teacher of the year, she's not here tonight, but she is a legend in the district. She will also be retiring, I believe, this year. Uh, Miss Susan
021Huie Kawuchcci, otherwise known as Miss HC, [applause] and she did email uh her regret her regrets for not attending, but we will applaud her nonetheless. Our ed services professional of the year, Miss Michelle Os. [applause] And our ed support professional of the year, Miss Garishan Quir. [applause] All right, I'm jumping the gun. [applause] Heading to the south side of town, Oak Tree Elementary School, led by Principal Patty Dinsore and assisted by Vice Principal Katie Win. Our teacher of the year this year at Oak Tree, Miss Samantha Southern, [applause] our ED services professional of the year. You know her as Booksie, but her real name is Kathy Anastasio. [applause] And finally at Oak Tree, our ed support professional of the year, Miss Juel Erida. [applause] All right. [applause] Back to the north side of town with
022the wonderful Woodland Elementary School led by Dr. Lena Chedetta and assisted also by Miss Cassine. Our teacher of the year, art teacher, Miss Jennifer Hyer, [applause] also known for her assistance in the elementary theater program. Our ed services professional, Miss Dana Kenzian. [applause] Sorry, Dana. And our Ed support professional of the year also uh works here at the high school and our Falcon preschool. By the way, Miss Linda McCaulay, [applause] she's not here because she works so hard that she has to get ready for tomorrow. >> [applause] >> Changing gears, no pun intended, we move over to the transportation department's ed services professional of the year. >> I can't >> nothing. Miss Sally Fod [applause] all right. This year central office where uh again Dr. Mr. Layman lamented this gentleman very appropriately inside. But uh
023like we said, Mr. Tommy Ellum all over town and [applause] literally the country sometimes helping us anytime our district has a major event out of state. You can count on Tommy being there with the truck getting our stuff where it needs to be. So, thank you to Tommy. And that brings us back over to the Monroe Township Middle School where uh we are led by Dr. Jim Higgins. He has several fantastic assistant principles, Mr. Eric Lorie temporarily, Miss Gabby Guerrera and also of course, Miss Jackie Bruie. Lithgal, our teacher of the year, Chef Laura Kleti. [applause] Uh, word on the street is we had to tie Miss Kleti to a chair to prevent her from working in the kitchen this afternoon. Uh, our ed services professional of the year, Miss Nicole Gomes. >> [applause] >>
024And finally at the middle school, our ed support professional of the year, Miss Terresa Rapasari. [applause] Congratulations to the middle school. >> [applause] >> And now we it brings us to the Monroe Township High School led by Dr. Kevin Higgins assisted by Miss Terry Weiss, Mr. Michael Collins, Mr. Anthony Arcaro, and Dr. Jeppe Kella. Uh, our teacher of the year, before we call her out, uh, you should be checking your emails as Armed Forces Day is headed our way. Uh, our teacher of the year is the spine, nervous system, and motivation behind the event, Miss Jocelyn Gaddat. >> [applause] >> And of course, uh, the mortar of our district, the central, uh, child study team. We'd like to, uh, honor our ed services professional of the year, Miss Vanessa Hartzanis. [applause] Sorry, Vanessa. And we
025have her picture up there. And finally, anyone at the high school knows the value that this gentleman brings to the organization. our ed support support professional of the year, excuse me, Mr. Mark Palumbo [applause] also had to be told not to work at the dinner tonight. Your high school uh winners in 2026. [applause] Of course, we'd like to recognize our acting superintendent, Dr. Adam Layman and once again Laura Allen, all of our directors, [applause] our administrators, you can meet them in the back if you're that interested. And uh I know we want to delay these meetings longer than we we have to, but we're going to move on to the next portion of our meeting. Thank you uh Mr. Payne, Dr. Layman, and I wish all of you a fantastic spring. Congratulations. [applause] You don't
026need it. >> Have a good night, guys. No, I told her that we didn't do it. >> We don't have to do it. We don't >> Allan, >> I always recommend you do it, >> but apparently it's a practice you're not always I'm not going to go back to. >> Okay. >> I think they did, didn't they? I think they did tonight. made a motion second. >> Okay, we're going to pass through the committee reports because we didn't have any committees this week reporting because it was a short time between the last meeting and this one. [clears throat] We're at number 10 public forum. Anyone can come up to the podium and speak on any agenda items only. Please leave your name and where you are from. >> Oh, can we wait until >> they're
027out here? >> Almost done. [clears throat] Good evening. My name is Cheryl Quitner and this is my colleague Marissa Shapiro. We've been ECE kindergarten teachers for the last nine years here in the Monroe Township School District. Many of you have no idea who we are, but tonight we're stepping out of the shadows into the spotlight to let you know who we are and what we stand for. Because, as I said, you have no clue as to who we are. These last nine years have been a true labor of love for us, marked by tireless devotion, fostering a nurturing environment where our students felt valued, safe, empowered, and excited to come to our classrooms on a daily basis to thrive. We are pleased and excited that kindergarten students will finally be afforded the opportunity of full
028day kindergarten. It's long overdue and it's vital to academic achievement as well as social and emotional growth. With that being said, we stand here before you this evening wanting everyone to know how we have been treated during our nine years at ECE. How we've been undervalued, underpaid, overlooked, all because we were a tuitionbased program thought of as a daycare. We're here to tell you tonight that our program was anything but that. When we both started at ECA, Miss Shapiro and I joined forces and combined our strengths. Through close collaboration, we learned, we grew, and we evolved this program into what it is today, a hands-on interactive program designed to encourage creativity, independence, critical thinking, and self-confidence. We cultivate a love for learning every day by expanding education beyond the curriculum. In a world where most
029classrooms are centered around curriculum, grades, and academic achievement, we've turned our enrichment classes into avenues of exploration exploration, which making learning fun, exciting, and motivating. Our students are curious, eager, and enthusiastic to learn. We had high hopes when Dr. Layman stepped in, thinking we would finally be seen and acknowledged. Sadly, this was not the case. Dr. Dr. Layman and other higherups would have no idea what amazing things were happening at ECE as I can count on one hand how many times Dr. Layman has even been in the ECE building yet alone in our classrooms to see in fact what we do. I know recently Barkley Brook and Mil Lake put on an art show for families to come into school to view. Guess where the concept of an art show originated? with us ECE, but
030we never got any credit and nobody from the district ever came to view it. But I bet higherups went to the art show at Mil Lake and Barkley Brook this year. Throughout our years at ECE, we have heard from countless parents saying how their child enjoys coming to their EC class over their other class and how their child learns so much more with us. In fact, we're often told by parents that they have no idea what their child is learning in their other class. I think that says a lot in itself. Last week, we received a letter from Dr. Layman with the following sentence. Please be advised that the board of education will be informed that you're not recommended for employment come the school year and your contract will not be renewed. Even though it
031stated that we would receive a follow-up letter, it was done in poor taste and received during teacher appreciation week. Why not send a letter accompanying that saying, "We're thank you for all of your years of service. No empathy for teachers like us who are losing their livelihood. No mention of perhaps helping us find another job within the district. We were thrown to the curb with not a care in the world. Shame on you. We stand here before you not wanting anything in return. We stand here before you with our heads held high knowing that this district just lost two amazing educators. Teaching is our passion and purpose and every day we choose to teach with our heart and soul. We're confident that we have made a difference in so many of our students lives over
032the last nine years and helped shaped who they are and we will continue to do so with our future students wherever our next chapter takes us. Thank you. My name is Marissa Shapiro and I have proudly served as a kindergarten teacher in the EC program for the past nine years. During that time, I have dedicated myself wholeheartedly to the students and families of this district and it has been truly an honor to be a part of the Monroe community. While I understand and respect the district's decision to move towards full day kindergarten, I would be dishonest if I said the closing of our program has not been deeply upsetting. Beyond the loss of our positions, what has been most difficult has been the feeling that the educators who helped build and sustain this program were
033not treated with the level of support, communication, and respect we deserve throughout this process. Over the years, our staff worked tirelessly to create a meaningful and successful program for students and families. We organized events such as our annual student art show for seven years, showcasing the creativity and hard work of our students while fostering community involvement. We constantly invited district administrators and school leaders in hopes of the strengthening connections and demonstrating the value of our program. [snorts] I have also been fortunate to receive heartfelt support from families in the district, including parents who have spoken and written about the positive impact I have had on their children's lives. Those relationships I experience are something I will always cherish. However, despite our dedication and contributions, many of us often felt overlooked. We are certified, passionate educators
034who devoted years to this district. And during an incredible difficult transition, many of us felt unsupported and uncertain about our futures. Tonight, I am simply asking that the district recognized the commitment, professionalism, and impact of the teachers and staff who gave so much to this program and this community. We deserved transparency, guidance, respect, and a fair treatment throughout this process. Thank you very much. >> [applause] >> I just wanted to say thank you for your commitment to the students. Um I don't know if you're aware, but my my children actually participated in the beginnings of those programs and uh we certainly are proud of what you did. We appreciate what you did. You are definitely on our radar for every opportunity that you uh that you have the opportunity to fit in with the district.
035Um, you know, we wish we could have slid you right into another position, but that that's not the case at this moment, but your resumes, your work doesn't go unnoticed despite the way you feel. And and I'm I'm sorry that that's the way you feel. Um, it's not the way I intended you to feel. It's not the way the district intended you to feel. Um, we certainly spent a lot of time, and I know you spent a lot of time aligning that kindergarten program uh in the buildings with the ECE program so they were in sync. So the program one led right into the other whether it was morning to afternoon or afternoon into morning syncing those activities. Um so I appreciate you. I apologize that you did not feel that way. Um and you
036didn't see that in your uh daily operations. Um so but I want you to be assured that your resumes, your work, your your nine years, your seven years did not go unnoticed. um and is certainly, you know, at the top of the pile for opportunities that we have um that would align to what your experience has. Okay, you're welcome. >> Hi, Denise Shay, second grade teacher at Mil Lake School. Shout out to my peeps out there. Mil Lake, [applause] I am here speaking as a veteran teacher. For those of you who forgot, 1984 is when I started and I am still here. I mentioned last time I'm still here because we have an awesome work environment. I have worked under many principles. I have been under hostile work environments where I actively looked for another
037job in the past. It was very difficult because you have to give up your tenure. And I stuck it through, prayed a lot. And Pam is an answer to our prayers. Most of us uh walk around smiling all day because she's smiling. She makes us do things we don't want to do, but we do them because she's our boss and she has the best interest in mind for all the children at that school. I want to just one second say that the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee pertain to my conversation with you. The Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee have been compared many times. Dead Sea is dead. It's full of salt. Nothing's alive in it. I've actually stood in it. I visited Israel. But on the other side, the Sea of Galilee
038constantly gets fresh water. It's thriving. There's life. That's us at Mil Lake. We're thriving right now. We are the Sea of Galilee. We have been the Dead Sea. And for those of you who've been around a while, you know that because the union's been involved and teachers have complained. And something about me is I never speak up if I don't believe in something. People will say, "You could sell flat tires." And I'll say, "Only if they're good ones." Well, we have an awesome, awesome principal. And in two years, my grandbabies start coming to the Mil Lake School. And the thought of her not being there to lead the school scares me because I'll probably be retired by then. and she runs an awesome school. The meeting started with our speaker saying everything's about the teachers
039and learning. I think about a big bus, beautiful seats, really good people sitting in them. Maybe they're serving snacks and drinks, but who's driving the bus? She's driving the bus. And you would make an awesome mistake to take her out of that driver's seat. Our kids are learning. our teachers are happy to go to work. I'm not speaking just for myself. Think of me as one of those people who calls up a company to complain about something. You know, they write it down not as one person. They write it down as there's so many that are not speaking up but believe the same thing. I've got people here with me from Mil Lake School because they believe like I do and many more who couldn't be here tonight. So, I implore you to please keep
040our morale at Mil Lake School high. Let's keep the kids learning. Let's make that work environment and learning environment wonderful for these children. Let's keep it that way. Please don't make mistakes that others have made that I have seen made because you're going to be sorry at the end. So, please consider keeping our wonderful principle. Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> Um, good evening uh board members. My name is Sue. I am a parent of uh Mil Lake Elementary School. I might be known in the district maybe as a difficult parent, but I am here today in support of Principal Acriman Garcia and to respectfully urge the board to vote in favor of her continued leadership at Mil Lake Elementary School. My family, including many other families this school year, were concerned due to last
041year's um uncertainty. As a parent of children with special needs, I can't overstate the importance of consistency, trust, and understanding in a school environment. Principal Acriman Garcia has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to meeting the unique needs of every student, fostering a supportive atmosphere where children feel safe, valued, capable of success. Her leadership has made a meaningful difference not only in my children's educational experience but also in the confidence of me of me as a parent and many other parents also giving us a piece of mind. Um, [sighs and gasps] I want to go on to say with this with this situation current in mind currently in mind again due to what happened last year, a lot of families have been extremely um stressed and overwhelmed due to what is going to take place tonight. I
042urge you again to please vote yes for Mrs. Principal Acriman Garcia to keep her in our district and keep families um feeling trusted with the current leadership that we have in our schools because I have been in other schools in the same district and it is absolutely not the same. Again, I want to thank you and um have a good evening. [applause] Does anyone else wish to speak at this time? Hi, I'm Carara Francis. Um, I'm a first grade teacher at Mil Lake School. I've been in the district for about nine years now. I've had the pleasure of teaching in Woodland School, Mil Lake School, Brookside School, and back at Wood uh Mil Lake School. When I received the phone call last May that I was going to Mil Lake School, I cried to my
043husband. I was very nervous, as I'm sure anyone mom coming back from maternity leave would be, and going to a new school and a new grade. When I had reached out to Mrs. Garcia about joining her school, she welcomed me with open arms. She took me around the building, introducing me to new staff and reacquainting me with staff that I had previously known. As a mom, my goal for my child is to want to go to school every day. Mrs. Garcia makes that me feel that way as a teacher. She's very warm, welcoming, has an open door, and I hope you consider that when you do your vote. Thank you. [applause] [applause] >> Anyone else wishing to speak? Seeing none, we'll continue on the agenda. Assistant superintendent report, Dr. Layman. >> Yep. So, assistant superintendent
044superintendent report will be combined as usual. Um, a few highlights, although our student board uh members did an outstanding job as they always do, highlighting some of the ongoings and going ons in the district. Um, just a general reminder, our MTSD spring concert series is kicking off. It's that time of the season. Last night, uh, we had, uh, performance at the middle school. Um, and then we also have coming up on May 20th, uh, the chorus concert here, uh, or at the middle school. Um, what's exciting about that chorus concert is it's a collaboration with Jamesburg. Uh, the Jamesburg chorus students will join the middle school students in a combined piece. This collaboration was put together by Mr. Schneider, uh, Miss Dunc from Jamesburg, Nina Schmeeder, our coral director at the middle school, as well
045as the Jamesburg music staff. So, we look forward to this continuation in collaboration. Uh, last year we brought the band students together. This year it's the coral students. Um, and we were always uh looking for every opportunity for our students to join together and interact and have a great experience. >> Thank you. >> Appreciate it. >> Of course. Of course. It's a it's a great night and it's a great performance. So, in terms of the superintendent's report, it's recommended, this is under the personnel 10 member vote. It's recommended that the board approve the attached personnel items A through Z. A through Z. >> There a second. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? Miss Miss Allen? >> Yes. Miss Alvarez? >> Yes. >> For me? >> Yes. >> Dr. Peek. >> Yes. >> Miss Ratner.
046>> Yes. Uh, abstain due to conflict on letter T number 13 for Mr. Snider. >> FMA. >> Yes. >> Mr. Jupano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Payne. >> Yes. >> Under personnel nine member vote, it's recommended that the board approved the attached personnel items AA through AS. AA through AS. >> Second. Is there any discussion? Roll call on Miss Allen. >> Miss Alvarez. >> Uh, yes to all. On AM, I'm abstaining on number three and I'm a no on number nine and a n I am a no on number 49. >> Miss Forest. >> Um, yes, >> Mr. Marazine. >> Yes. Ms. Ratner. Yes, I need to recuse due to conflict on AK. Number 15 for Mr. Ratner. On letter AM, I need to recuse on number A amration. Number one for U Miss Abusei Lifkow.
047Number seven for Miss Francis. Number nine for Dr. Higgins and number 10 for Mr. Lur due to conflict. And on letter A for the teachers, uh number 294 for Mr. Ratner. Otherwise, yes to all. >> Okay. Um, Miss Sharma, >> yes. >> Mr. Tufano, >> yes. >> Mr. Depay, >> yes. >> Motion passes. [applause] So, board action, 10 member vote. It's uh recommended that the board approve the attached board action items A through I. A through I >> motion >> second. >> May I just >> Is there any discussion? Yes, Mr. R. >> I just had one quick question. Um Dr. Leman, would you mind just explaining letter H just what it is? Um it might have been something that we looked at curriculum, but it may I wasn't sure. So >> yeah. So that
048you're referencing our partnership with the Entrex Lab for the University of Delaware. >> Yes, >> that's what you're So we've been partners with them for many many years. Not many, so several years. Um it's something that we work through with our uh business department at the high school. Um we also have a uh entrepreneur club that runs that's associated with it. So we uh have an opportunity for students to get dual enrollment with the University of Delaware as well as um there's some staff development that comes with this partnership and opportunities for our students to actually go down and compete at the University of Delaware with other high school students. Um so it's a it's a wonderful opportunity. We've been doing this for probably five years. Um, give or take, maybe more. May may pro
049probably maybe more. [clears throat] Um, but it's a it's a strong partnership. It's just a nice opportunity for us to um expand our duel and keep our dual enrollment program up and running. >> All right. Thank you. >> Anyone else have any questions or discussion? >> Miss Allen, >> Miss Alvarez? >> Yes. >> Miss Forest? >> Yes. >> Mr. Marazine? >> Yes. >> Dr. Peek? Yes, >> Miss Ratner. >> Yes. I'm going to recuse on letter A for Mr. Snder and recuse on letter D. >> Miss Chararma? >> Yes. >> Mr. Tufano? >> Yes. >> Mr. Payne? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Board action nine-member vote. It's recommended that the board approve the attached board action items J through U. J through U. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? Miss Allen? >> Yes.
050Miss Alvarez, >> yes. >> Miss Forest, >> yes. >> Mr. Marine, >> yes. >> Miss Ratner, >> um, yes. However, >> I need to recuse on letter J for I'm sorry, letter K for Mr. Ratner. >> Okay, I need to change mine. I need to recuse on M 306502. Okay. Um, Miss Sharma, >> yes. >> Mr. Tufano, >> um, yes on all, no on M. >> Um, and Miss Depay, >> yes. Motion passes. [clears throat] >> That concludes my report. >> Thank you, Dr. Lane. Mr. Weiss. >> Yes. I'm going to uh in view of uh some bills uh that are being considered this evening, I'm going to read the doctrine of necessity as it relates to Dr. Chanley. Whereas Dr. Sharie Chanley serves in the capacity of superintendent for the 2025-26 school year and
051whereas the board must consider certain financial related matters concerning Dr. Chanley's employment. And whereas upon review of the various conflicts of interest of the current board members, it has been determined that six of the members have conflicts of interest pursuant to the New Jersey School Ethics Act. Whereas, pursuant to board policy 0163, when a quorum of the board has conflicted interests, the doctrine of necessity may be invoked in order to allow conflicted board members to participate and vote only when the board of education has fewer non-conlicted board members than are required pursuant to statute to take action. And whereas when invoking the doctrine of necessity, the board shall state publicly that it is invoking the doctrine of necessity with the reasons for doing so and the specific nature of the conflicts of interest. And whereas
052the board policy further provides that it shall read the resolution invoking the doctrine of necessity at a regularly scheduled public board meeting, post the notice of the resolution for 30 days, and provide the school ethics commission with a copy of the resolution. And whereas the school ethics act NJSA18A col12-21 at SEC was enacted by the New Jersey state legislature to ensure and preserve public confidence in schoolboard members and school administrators and to provide specific ethical standards to guide their conduct. And whereas the school ethics commission has provided guidance regarding the invocation of the doctrine of necessity when a quorum of the board of education is not available because members of the board of education have conflicts of interest on a matter required to be discussed and voted upon. And whereas the board intends to conduct
053votes concerning Dr. Chanley this evening. Whereas the members of the board have conflicts of interest that would prevent their participation in and vote on the matters related to Dr. Chanley are as follows. Carmen Alvarez, Gail Depay, Peter Piro, Usha Chararma, and Charles Zikner are involved in litigation with Dr. Chanley. Kate Ratner's husband, David, is a teacher employed by the board. Whereas, as a result of the foregoing, the board does not have a quorum to vote on matters related to the superintendent's employment, and the board's council and the board have determined that it is necessary to invoke the doctrine of necessity. Now therefore, be it resolved that the above paragraphs are hereby incorporated by reference, and be it further resolved that the doctrine of necessity is hereby invoked with respect to the board's public votes related
054to Dr. Chanley this evening. And be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution having been read at a public meeting of the board on May 14th, 2026 be posted in accordance with the board's standard procedures for not less than 30 days and that the board secretary reflect same in the minutes of the meeting and be further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the school ethics commission. Can I have a motion and a second? >> Motion second. Anyone? >> Second. >> Any discussion? Yes, I have a >> Oh, sorry, Mr. Defono. >> Mr. Weiss, would you kindly just uh repeat that the lack of paying these legal bills that are we are contractually obligated to pay can cause further litigation and could possibly cost the district and taxpayers more money.
055Um, without waving any attorney client privilege, uh, I have addressed the board multiple times, uh, with regard to my position and my suggestion concerning how they should act with regard to specifically the checks for Dr. Chanley's um, attorney. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else have anything they'd like to speak? >> Miss Allen? Yes, Miss Alvarez. >> Okay. Yes to all on the bill list. >> This is on the list. >> No, just adoption necessities. >> Yes. Okay. Miss Forest. >> Yes. >> Mr. Marazine? >> Yes. >> Dr. Peek? >> Yes. >> Miss Ratner? >> Yes. >> Miss Chararma? >> Yes. >> Mr. Tufano? >> No. >> Mrs. Depay? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. Okay. It is recommended that board action items A through AB under the 10 member vote be approved by consent roll call.
056>> Motion back. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> Yes, Miss Ratner. Um, I just wanted to ask I there are a number there are a number of um agenda items on here that look like they're annual appointments and I know we usually do a lot of these in June just because we haven't had a committee meeting this month. I was curious if these are things that have to be done now or if it's next because I know usually these things are on the some of them are on the June agenda. So, I was just curious if there was a reason or we're just splitting this up so it's not as massive next month. I was like I I just wanted to ask what the reason was. [laughter] >> Yeah, that's basically Yeah, we'll
057do a lot um the the majority will be in June, but we do try to do some in May as well. >> Okay. Um and then I did just want to acknowledge the donations um that were made. Um, and I also just wanted to acknowledge the um the grants um and appreciate whoever is working on those because obviously the the more grant money we can come have come into the district the better. So, thank you to everybody who's working on that >> Miss Allen. Yes, >> Miss Alvarez. >> Uh yes to all on the bill list. I have to abstain on the checks related to the learning tree and I'm a no on checks number 15894 through 15898 [cough] for [clears throat] >> yes to all abstain on checks 15894 through 15898 Mr. Marine >>
058yes to all >> Dr. pack. >> Yes to all, >> Miss Ratner. Sorry, I'm trying to move my mic so we don't keep having that happen. Um, yes to all. I need to um recuse due to conflict on letter AB. And then on the bill list and the billist addendum, I need to recuse on checks related to Mr. Ratner, Dr. Chanley, Dr. Layman, Dr. Higgins, Miss Francis, Mr. Lur, Mr. Snider, Messylon, Worbble, um David Rubin, Abruzy, Miss Abuy, Lithgow, Mr. Koi, and Mr. Madden. >> Okay. Um Miss Chararma, >> um yes to all and no to 15894 through 15898. >> U Mr. Tuano, >> yes, >> Miss Depay. Um yes, but um recuse on X page 32 where I'm attending the workshop and no on checks 15894 to 15898. Okay. So motion passes except for
059check checks number 15894 through 15898. Okay. Um it is recommended um that Board action item AC under the nine member vote be approved by consent. Roll call. >> Motion. >> Second. Anybody second? Is there any discussion? >> Thank you again for the donation. >> Always grateful and thankful for any donations. It's wonderful. >> Miss Allen. >> Yes. Miss Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Miss Forest. >> Yes. >> Mr. Marazine. >> Yes. >> Miss Ratner. >> Yes. >> Miss Chararma. >> Yes. >> Mr. Tufano. >> Yes. >> M. Mr. Payne. Yes. Motion passes. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you very much, Miss Allen. >> Um on the president's report, >> I just want to uh wish everybody a happy belated Mother's Day since we're a few days past Mother's Day. Uh congratulations to all the
060recipients tonight of all the awards from the schools. Uh, also Ross I was able to attend a Rossmore concert given by our um ninth to what >> the AC capella group. >> AC capella group. Oh my gosh, they were phenomenal at Rossmore and you wanted to get up and dance and they actually sang songs that I think um Mr. Snider told them to or maybe I don't know who that we could relate to living in excuse [clears throat] me in Rossmore. So it was a very enjoyable afternoon. Uh we have wonderful children that were there and uh I it was a great afternoon for me and I also want to congratulate our vice president, Miss Carmen Alvarez, who's being awarded her boardsmanship certification at the um Middle Sex County School Boards Association's dinner on May
06120th. So I want to thank her for her accomplishment. And that's it for me. Thank you. >> Okay. Other board of education business. Anybody would like to say something? Yes, Miss Ratner. >> I was going to try to let someone else go first, but I'll go. Um, anyway, don't look at that me across the table. So, um, I also had the opportunity to attend the concert. Um, it was fantastic. Um, there was one song, I forget which one it was, but the lady behind me was actually like in tears, like tears of joy, and it was it was really nice to see how moving um it was for the members that were in the audience. Um, I wanted to thank the students and staff members who put together that dinner every year. I look forward
062to it very much. Um, the desserts specifically, but all of the food items, they were fantastic. Um and I wanted to share last Friday I had the opportunity to attend the um school board's uh spring conference um which was really um it was full of a lot of great information. I won't go into too much detail Mr. Tufano just for you but um I did have the opportunity to um learn a lot about um just the sessions that I had attended. One was called statutes regulations and policies. Oh my which was really fun. um for me at least. And then um one thing that I really did and I spoke briefly to Mr. Depay about this um I got a lot of information, this was from our um our rep, our field rep was creating
063an indistrict orientation for new board members. So I know that we do have something that we do, but it really went into like an extensive um creation of a binder with like what information would be would be good to put in there. Um because I do from what I've known at least in my time here a lot of the things are sort of based on whoever is in charge at that time and it might be good just to have like a standard document or binder that we're able to provide um to people as as they come in. Um lastly, just two other things. I know there are a lot of athletic events and music events um and other things um the armed forces day coming up. So I'm looking forward um to attending a lot
064of these. I think we have senior awards next week as well. Um, definitely one of my favorite times of the year. We get to recognize everybody. Um, and then I did just, you know, without knowing too much of the the legal or the nitty-gritty, I did just want to give a shout out to our ECE teachers. I had the opportunity, um, like Dr. Leman, my my oldest was one of the first who had been in that program. Um, but then I actually, my younger are in third and first grade, so they were in there pretty recently. Um, and they both had the pleasure of having Miss Shapiro, um, who was one of the people who spoke tonight. Um, and all I can say is while I'm so glad that we're going to have full day
065kindergarten, there were definitely things they learned in ECE that I'm hoping we can still incorporate, but they're not necess necessarily curricular based. Like they were able to rattle off the names of different artists to me and their style of art or they would do an around the world um program where they learn about things in each country. And so I did just want to thank them. Um, I don't know if there's anything we can do to celebrate the program. Um, because I know it's not just the two of them. I know there are others that are involved as well as the director and the secretary. Um, but you know, it's pro it's not a sad thing that we're no longer going to have a tuition based program, but I am sad that that part of
066it will no longer be here. So, I did just want to acknowledge them. >> Any other board members would like to see Mr. Marazine? Uh so this was my first time I got to attend that uh dinner and it was great like amazing food. I can't believe kids cooked it. Um the uh even the decorations the I know there was other musical performances but I got to hear the jazz band and um the trombone player was I kept telling Mr. Rner how crazy he was. Um uh the vocalist also. Uh so really talented. you forget that they're they're children and it's really it's really amazing uh to to see. >> Yeah. Oh, yeah. The bass player. Oh, yeah. She's the best one. >> Is there [laughter] >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Anyone else wishing to
067speak this evening? Okay, seeing none, we have our public portion of the meeting. Anyone from the public or wishes to speak, please come up and give your name and where you're from. Good evening. Betty Sabrio, Monron Township. I am the parent of two children in the district and I am also the CPAC leader which is the statemandated uh special education parent advisory group. CPAC has long advocated for equity for our special ed students and work diligently with the district to ensure that all learners receive an appropriate education which they are entitled to by law. One of the areas that we have worked on is ensuring programs in district because we were lacking these across the board. With the help of Dr. Layman, Dr. Chanley before him and many of our administrators, we were able to
068open programs at all of the schools so that children could be educated in their community in their home community schools instead of being bus across town. So, we thank you for that. Another area that was specifically lacking was the middle and high school. And there were new programs that were open which are not only beneficial to students but also to the district because it enables us to educate students in district as opposed to sending them out of district which is also very costly. Over the last few years originally under Dr. Chanley and now with Dr. Layman as well as the support of Mr. from Moralda. There were programs created because the district saw a need for what we're considering a bridge program between the middle and high school to accommodate all learners with IEPs that
069we were not able to accommodate in the past and to offer them an appropriate education. The program is IEP driven and it is currently active and students that we were not reaching before are currently thriving. So, we thank you for that. There have been rumors and CPAC has been notified that the program is being eliminated or phased out. And as CPAG, we have asked the district to clarify this and they have. The program will remain with the fidelity needed to ensure that the needs of students continue to be met. Kudos to Mr. Mui and Miss Ang who are the current teachers of that program for the phenomenal job that they are doing with the students and for allowing these children to thrive and ensuring differentiated and appropriate instruction so that they are so that these
070students can continue to be successful. The law requires that certain students with IEPs be educated until they are 21. Programs that focus on life and prevocational skills are imperative to their success. We implore all staff and administrators to support these programs and these students. Dr. Layman, I would ask if you could publicly clarify the plans for the middle and high school programs for the next school year so that parents are aware of what's available. Before that and before I end, I also want to implore again, I've spoken about this in the past, confidential, confidentiality is extremely important when it comes to all students, especially uh special education. So, administrators, please make sure that we're spreading that across all of our buildings that there should be confidentiality with regard to IEPs and any student information. I
071also want to discuss again um the treatment of certain special education students by staff members. And I want every single administrator to hold staff members accountable. Not only is treatment of these students uh sometimes inappropriate and ethical, they are classified which means that they have legal rights and some of these actions could be deemed as discriminatory. Uh Dr. Layman, but if you could clarify please publicly the middle and high school um plans for the next school year and the programs that are available, we would appreciate it as CPAG. >> You good? >> So uh as we have talked uh in our we have a prepag meeting before our CPAG meeting. So, uh, we had a discussion and we wanted to clarify, uh, you know, the the news or the the rumors or whatever that's out
072there. Any program we have currently operating is going to continue to operate. Um, but we have identified because there's an eye in an IEP, right? And there's teams decisions that that uh, you know, every time a student has needs, a team gets together and makes those decisions. The environment isn't always uh working for the students in in the current environment. So for instance, if the timing is not appropriate for the student, if they need accommodations and we can put a program that meets that time frame for that student in another school, that's that's the goal. So, uh, what I'm referring to is the high school starts really early. Um, for some students transitioning from an elementary school to then hop into a high school, you're looking at about almost a two-hour time change. um in
073operating this program for two years now, just about two years, we have uh identified that that environment and that time doesn't necessarily sync with every student's need. The program is great. The program works. Our goal and what we intend to do is replicate that program at the middle school where we do not have to adjust the timing uh for those students at the high school because right now we've made accommodations and modifications whether they're potentially taking the middle school bus in and then going to the high school or um you know simply just coming in late. um we can do better than that for those students and we do that by opening a program at the middle school so they can uh not only interact with peers like we expect them to do but the
074timing and the environment uh better syncs with uh what they need. So again, we look at every student with with an eye, right? The individualized piece and as they're moving out of the elementary schools. Um, wherever they land is appropriate and that could be uh any of our several programs at the middle school andor the bridge program if that's you know the unofficial name for it uh you know at the high school. So, um, to clarify everything, that's why, you know, we look looking at expanding in this agenda, we're expanding, uh, a special program at the, uh, middle school. That's to help adjust and, uh, grow our program, basically expand what we have at the high school to better meet the environmental needs of students at that high school. Timing specifically might not sink. So,
075>> thank you very much. >> Yep. >> Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak this evening? Seeing none, someone make a motion to close the meeting. >> Second. >> Okay. Thank you everybody. Next meeting is June 17th. >> I'm sorry. >> It's okay. Just all those in favor. >> All those in favor? Hi. I when I usually say