001Good evening everybody. Um we are going to get started with our legislative advocacy and community engagement uh committee meeting. Um so I figure we have someone new here. So I figure the board members could each just maybe go around introduce themselves um and you can introduce yourself and what you do real quick and uh then we'll get started. Go for it. >> Okay. Gail Jane, >> Vanessa. All right. Nice to meet all of you. Sher Vic, staff developer for the district. That's where I heard the name. Yes. >> Right. And I'm Kate Rner. I've actually known Terry for number of years. So many years, but I'll introduce myself anyway just for fun. Um anyway, so we are going to get started with our lease agenda. Um I do just want to thank the committee for
002um agreeing to separate lease and citizens advisory committee just because I feel like right now at this time of year is a crucial time for the lease committee. And so I felt like there's a lot of work that we need to do that's sort of separate from what we'll be doing with the citizens advisory citizens advisory committee a little bit later on. Um okay so the first thing on our agenda was a review from the um materials that we I was given for the legislative committee meeting from school boards. Um so we had that meeting this past Saturday. Um and there was some some good information there. Um, just really quick brief, we had the new chief of staff for the department of education attend. Um, his name is Chris Williams. He actually, um, grew
003up in East Brunswick and his parents had lived in Rossmore. So, he's pretty familiar with what we're, you know, dealing with to an extent. like the two things I had brought up were full day kindergarten and the way the formula sort of doesn't calculate accurately our local fair share because of the high seniors um and sort of talked about like where we'll get into a little bit more later that the senior stabilization supplemental aid um but it was nice for him to be there he was a teacher prior to working with the department of education so he sort of has seen it you know on from many perspectives Um and he'll be working with our new commissioner who was approved um and confirmed officially um and you know for the next four years at least
004or you know hopefully because we have had some turnover in the last few years where we finally just had the interim commissioner appointed and I don't even think he had a full year by the time he was appointed. Um but hopefully we'll have some stability there now to get things done and make our our points. Um so anyway this is um I had shared with the committee and I believe this was also shared for the public um document that we received. Um there were two documents I had shared. So the first is just the update which is sort of just sharing um some changes with the legislations that have been happening. Um there have been several things that have been presented but not necessarily approved. Um there haven't really been a lot of things that
005were signed into law different than what we've already gone through. So I won't want to go into that too much. Like the first thing it lists is the November separate proposals which we already knew. Um, one thing that they were sure to mention is that there has not been any new legislation regarding school funding because this meeting happened, you know, two or three days after the school funding numbers came out. Um, and so obviously that was a big point of discussion during the meeting. Um they did share that there's um they're g there's going to be a special education or at least a proposal for a uh special education transportation task force which I thought was interesting. Um I know we've discussed sort of that cost before. Um so hopefully you know we'll see something
006good come out of that. Um, I can sort of go down the list, but you know, again, like there wasn't a lot of things. The other thing that they mentioned did not make it from last year was the pilot revenue sharing. >> Um, so I do think that's also something that we, you know, should try to work with, you know, our fellow elected officials on to seeing what we can do. Um because especially if we end up having more housing required, I think it's important for us once if that is to happen to have something in place by that time. Um so that we don't have to deal with sort of what we've had to deal with in the past. Um let's see the other things that they mentioned the district consolidation. There's been a
007lot of push back on that and school board mentioned that they also have concerns um because it's obviously a good way to save costs but it um you know there's a lot of concerns over how it would happen um you know districts don't want to necessarily lose their local control. Um you know there's certain districts that may have programs that they don't want to see cut if they combine with another district. Um and then um the other thing they mentioned that hasn't been discussed was the reform of the state health benefit plan. So there was discussion I think at the end of the year regarding the cost increase and if there was any changes that can be done. Um but as of now unless something's changed I don't believe there's anything that has been brought
008up by the legislature. Um, yeah. So, I guess aside from like I can keep reading through it, but is there any bills that anybody saw that like they want to discuss that's on here? Because if not, we can sort of move along and you know um talk about some of the things specifically for for our district. Um, so the next thing that they did share was the transaction team education report. Um so this the governor had created different action teams of various people that deal in those groups right so there was you know an action team for healthcare an action team for you know all these things there was one for education and so um Jonathan Kushman who is the govern government governmental relations um department chair at schoolboards was the person um that one
009of the people appointed to that team for the governor. Um and so he had you know shared this report that was published um regarding some of the different things that they've made recommendations to our new governor about. Um so the first one that they suggested was implements implementing a comprehensive third grade literacy strategy. Um I didn't know that that's like a a concern. I'm not sure if you've heard anything about this, Dr. Leman. Um, I know that she's very big into literacy, um, the new commissioner, so I don't know if that's partially one of the reasons. Um, but I guess is it just to help improve the literacy, um, throughout the state or is there something >> Yeah, I mean, I think there's more to be determined as she rolls this out, but uh, educ
010the high impact tutoring was focused in that greyband area as well. So, um there's something to the effect of that's coming out of the learn to read, read to learn kind of transition, right? So, you're learning to read versus reading to learn. So, um you know, I think that's a critical time frame for you know, students in the in learning their literacy. So, we'll see how she kind of proceeds with this. >> I have a question about even a comment co babies. >> Yes. >> Third graders. Mhm. >> I I have a grandson grandson that's in first grade and I was reading an article the other day. It was on television too. They were saying that um the children born during the COVID time. I don't think and they promised us they were going to
011help us catch up. >> And that might be something with this literacy program to help those third graders because I figure if they were born, they're in third grade. What are they? Seven. Seven. He's in first grade. >> So third grade is nine year olds. First grade. So they were born during that time and they and anybody >> I got one of each one third >> everybody during that time and the kids were brought up on iPads and and desktops. That's how they did their work and they didn't have that you know camaraderie with with children in school and everything else. So maybe the literacy has a lot to do with trying to get them to get off that read more and bring different programs in that would be of interest to the third graders.
012I I just think co did a lot to destroy education and they had said we were going to help you bring back the grade maybe I think it was when they went back the first half of the year we're going to go as a review and then we're going to start again. I don't think they did truthfully. I really don't think anybody did that. >> Has I'm I'm curious like from the assessment perspective because obviously there's also like the mental health >> right >> component but are you still seeing that learning loss like overall or have >> I mean I I think what what we did coming out of uh the pandemic was we uh made a focus on especially at the elementary level a really structured literacy program. So just talk about my view
013and things like that. So that's one of the tools that provided very structured um sequence of lessons uh clear high rigor activities and standards for our teachers to hold our students to and uh implementing that coming right out of COVID um just provided a strong foundation instead of coming back to a real uh open classroom where you know teachers uh maybe drawing on lessons that had worked in the past we had a kind of a structured piece. So, um, our assessment scores have been solid. Um, we see growth. Um, with the MTSS piece, that's another thing we put in place coming out of, >> okay, >> you know, the the pandemic era or >> three or four years into evolving that. And, uh, we've put interventions, tiers of interventions in place, not only academically, but
014for students mental health. And at curriculum, you'll see we're bringing, uh, another mental health support tool to the district. Um again it's a no charge tool which is great but we're going to highlight that. So um I think having the right supports for students who are struggling in different areas but also having a higher standard uh to challenge and uh I guess hold our students up to in terms of rigor. Um you know we we've seen really good growth really strong growth and um you know >> well it seems like Monro took care of the issue right >> we don't know across the state >> right I mean all the district we don't know that >> there's always room for growth right there data points >> tell them and I was reading to them during
015read across America I was telling them to read and me being there that day I was learning something about them or the book and it's every day there's a learning process. You come across somebody, you have a conversation, you know, when you talk to your grandchildren. >> I mean, my one grandson knows everything about ice hockey. I don't know about ice hockey. And as soon as I say ice hockey, the kid talks for 25 minutes. >> Yeah. >> And I learned so much from them. So that's why I was trying to relate like the literacy, read, you're going to learn. And and at my age, you never stop learning, right? you know, so >> but some kids read, they know the words, they just don't they're just reading words. They're not really paying attention >>
016and that's where we have our supports, right? That's where our NPSS comes in and you know, we work individualized needs and >> all right. So, um just you know going through this quickly um because I do want to get to our last topic. Um the next thing that they had discussed which there's some really good information I think in here about the school funding formula. like they put things in there that I haven't necessarily seen documented at the state level before. >> We'll see what I know you're giving me that look, but like ultimately, you know, it does mention that school funding reform act no longer reflects things like the updated learning standards, greater mental health needs um as it was in 2008 because all we really heard for so many years is like, well,
017the formula does work, right? But now they're saying it it doesn't at least and it's in it's in there. Um, and it also does suggest that there should be an external study done, which I think is really important because what we sort of saw happening was the people who created the formula were then the ones reviewing the formula, but it was like their baby, right? So, they sort of felt like their baby was perfect as it was. >> Um, so hopefully by having, you know, an external group reviewing it and saying like, "Wow, this makes no sense at all." optimistically, you know, resistantly hopeful, if you will, that maybe we'll see something. Um, because otherwise, what are we doing, right? >> What type of external group did they mention? Did they say where they're getting
018the people from to go over it? >> Um, >> nobody from 2008, I hope that put >> No, it just says that they suggest that right administration commission external study to make recommendations to modernize it. >> That's what Yeah. Okay. I just want to know where they're coming. >> The hope I'm not going to like bring the former commissioner who created the form. >> That's what I want to hear. These are all new people maybe that you know >> they didn't define who's going to do that. >> Okay. Thank you. Well, and then the other thing that it mentions, you know, the other two topics I would say is early childhood learning, which we've obviously touched on a lot, um, and addressing the teacher shortage and like sort of modernizing streamlining certifications to sort of
019expand access um, and reducing administrative burdens and supporting leadership pathways. And also, one thing they brought up on Saturday was student teaching and how, you know, and this is something like I mean I I know I did. I'm sure everyone who's gone through education, but essentially you're paying to be a student teacher. You can't really work during that time and it becomes, you know, a challenge. Um, so talking about other states that have stipens and things available for student teachers to sort of make that time easier so that more people are successful in getting into the workforce as teachers. >> Um, but it it really is a good report. So, I'd say like if you have a chance, definitely look at it. there's there's some good things that are in there that I think we
020can also use to help guide some of the actions we take with the committee for the next few months. Um, okay. So, then the last thing that I wanted to discuss and we only have I'm going to say like, you know, five minutes because we do have, you know, a pretty big group of people coming in for the next meeting is the state budget hearings um and testimony discussion. So, um, Miss Force and I both received notification this afternoon that we were selected to testify, uh, in front of the assembly on Wednesday. So, as usual, we find out two weeks before. I really wish they would streamline or overdo that process, but ultimately, you know, we can only work with what we're given. Um, but I had spoken with Mr. Rald who um, you know,
021had a commitment um, is hoping to join us as soon as he can. Um but I put together a lot of information which um some of which I think was already shared with you. I if not I'll share everything else with the rest of the committee and then we can work on our testimonies. Um in regards to like topics of discussion um but essentially I think what you had suggested regarding um impact fees is really important. I think they need to hear that again. Right. Um, and then I think you know the other thing, and this is what I had brought up on Saturday, was that flaw regarding like the senior supplemental stabilization aid. I'm getting better at saying it without like falling all over myself. Um, and how it's being calculated and how we
022were given a stipend prior to 2008 for every student because of the high percentage. and there's been legislation that's been proposed um because of other districts dealing with a similar thing and asking them when they're reviewing the formula or even before the formula is overhauled, maybe consider adding this because those districts are being unfairly penalized by the current formula. Um and so when I brought this up u Mr. Williams and and Mr. Kushman from New Jersey school boards had said like can you send information to us so we can look at this which you know I felt like department of education chief of staff that seem at least a decent person who's hearing this you know who can hopefully do something about this um so Mr. Aldo was kind enough to put together sort of
023like um I don't know if you have it >> policy brief. >> Thanks a policy brief um that we can then provide to them. Um, and then I think that's probably what I'll end up doing a lot of my testimony about will be that as well as the fact that like last year when I went in, I had mentioned like they wanted to mandate full day kindergarten and it's going to be an unfunded mandate and then we're told like well no if it's going to be required you'll get money and of course here we are and so sort of saying like well saying you lied you know step up right you know what are you going to do for us you know Um but um what Mr. Alder also had sent was um the updates
024to the website so that if other people would like to send testimonies whether it's attending in person or they do have the ability where you can send it into the budget department um giving information for people to testify and like some ideas um and also just the link because there are two hearings for each house. Um, so I believe one of the Senate hearings it used to be at Newark. Now they're having it at Metife. So I'm curious to see what that looks like. >> Wow. >> Um, yeah. Like is it I'm assuming it's not like on the football stadium like football fields >> yet. We're we're going to Trenton. >> Yeah. >> Um, but if anyone in the committee has any like questions about that. Um, I think you know I've been hearing a
025lot of you know descent from the community of course because of you know what happened. Obviously, we can go into details about budgetary things, but I do think the best thing we can do is sort of rile everybody together and try to suggest like this is why we need changes to the formula, right? >> And um you know, work together whether you know you're Democrat, Republican, independent, you know, senior citizen, child, like all of us working together is obviously where we'll get the biggest bang for our buck. Um and I think we can all sort of get behind backing education. So, kind of stay with the same message. So, it's not >> right. Um I mean, is there anything else? We've kind of gone through these topics so many times. Um but if there's any
026other like I know the senior stabilization aid was something newer, let's say, than like impact fees and things like that. So, if there's any other topics that anyone on the committee ever feels like we should start discussing with our legislators, um of course always bring them up. But otherwise, um you know, please consider sending in uh if you if you're able to um testify, um signing up for that or possibly sending in a testimony um you know, by email if you're unable to go in person just because while I do think we need to continue trying to meet one-on-one with legislators, it doesn't hurt for us to send those testimonies in as well. Um and the more people we can get to do it, the better. All right. >> Thank you. All right, that was
027a lot of talking. Anyway, um thank you everybody for um watching the legislative advocacy community engagement meeting and we will be back shortly with our citizens advisory committee.