001I'll start the meeting. >> We're going to start our meeting this evening. >> I pledge 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. >> Thank you. She texted me. Okay. All right. Okay. Miss Miss Alvarez here. Miss Aziz >> here. >> Miss Bora >> here. >> Miss Depay >> here. >> Dr. pack. >> No, >> she texted me her sus her son was hurt at >> Oh, no. >> at um play soccer. >> Yeah. >> Yes. And she didn't know if she'd be at the ER on time. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. Um Mr. Piro >> here. >> Miss Ratner >> here. >> Miss Chararma >> here. >> Mr. Tufano >> here. >> Mr. Zikner
002>> here. >> 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 notice of this meeting to be published and electronic notice provided by having the date, time, and place thereof posted October 25th, 2024 and September 12th, 2025 at all schools on the district website, Home News Tribune, Cranberry Press, and filed with the clerk of the municipality. [Music] closed session resolution whereas the senator Byron M fire open public meetings act NJSA 10 col4-6 at sequential the act provides that the Monmo 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 section 12B of the act and whereas that the board hereby
003declared declares that its discussion of the following subjects will be 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, 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. And the two items are pending or anticipated litigation and matters covered by inter attorney client privilege and matters involving employees and terms of their employment and contract. >> Okay. >> Motion to go into second go into close session. >> Is there any discussion? >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> Okay. We'll go into close session until 7:15 where we'll come out to the public meeting. Thank you.
004Good evening again everyone. We're going to uh start the rest of our meeting. I have number six, approval of minutes. Uh can I have a motion to approve >> second for both that are on the listed on the agenda or just the executive board public board of education meeting August 27th? >> So the first one >> first one. Thank you. >> We need a roll. Yeah. >> Roll call. Miss Allen. Was there any discussion? I'm sorry. Any discussion about this? >> Roll call, please. >> Miss Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Miss Aziz. >> Abstain. >> Miss Bora. >> Yes. >> Mr. Piro. >> Yes. >> Miss Rner. >> Yes. >> Miss Chararma. >> Yes. >> Mr. Tufano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zikner. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mr. Payne. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Is there
005a motion on the close session meeting August 27th, 2025? Motion in second. Is there any discussion? >> Miss Allen, can we have a roll call, please? >> Miss Alvarez? >> Yes. >> Miss Aiz? >> Abstain. >> Miss Bora? >> Yes. >> Dr. Oh, sorry. Mr. Piro, >> yes. >> Miss Ratner, >> um, yes. Abstain on the portion where conflict exists. Okay. >> Miss Chararma, >> yes. >> Mr. Tufano, >> yes. >> Mr. Zikner, >> yes. >> Mr. Depay, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Okay. Thank you very much, Mr. >> You're welcome. >> Um, tonight our student board members report for it. We have our returning student. I would like you both to give your names when you before you speak and then uh I know you're a senior and the gentleman is a junior,
006but please tell us a little bit about yourself and then go into your report just for tonight if you don't mind. >> Of course, don't worry. Um, hi, my name is Tiona Patel. I'm a senior this year in high school and I I'm hoping to pursue a law degree once I graduate from college and continue on to law school in the US, but I'm also looking at colleges abroad in the UK. So, I guess that introduces myself and I'd like to pass it over to Aditia before we begin. >> Hi everyone, I'm Aditia Aurora. I'm a junior studying at Monro Township High School. Um, I like to play guitar. I like playing cricket. Um, and I want to pursue a degree in computer science when I attend college. Okay, great. And with that, we'll begin
007our student board member report for tonight. So, beginning with Barkley Brook, Barkley Brook has had a wonderful opening to the 2025 2026 school year. It is so wonderful to have the classroom and hallways filled with smiling children excited for the year of learning ahead. On Thursday, September 11th, we held our first school spirit day. Students and staff were invited to wear red, white, and blue in recognition of Patriot Day. The school day began with a moment of silence to remember and honor the sacrifices made by the men and women of our country as well as those made by the veterans and military. It was truly beautiful to see the school filled with patriotic school spirit. Barkley Brooks back to school night will be held Thursday, September 18th. We look forward to meeting the families for
008thisformational evening. Barkley Brooks Great Kid initiative is up and running for the new school year. They use the acronym great to represent the core values of growth mindset, respect, empathy, acceptance, and trust. We held an assembly for our grades one and two students to review the great character traits that they expect from the students at Barkley Brook. They were truly impressed with how many students remember the acronym from last year. They truly look forward to a great school year ahead. Now, moving on to Brookside. Now, moving on to Brookside Elementary School. They had an excellent start to the school year. third grade has done an exceptional job transitioning to Brook uh to Brookside from Barkley Brook. The fourth and fifth grade students are continuing to meet their expectations and have settled nicely into their new
009grades. On 911, Brookside School acknowledged Patriot Day with a special dress day. It was a patriotic day with so many staff and students wearing red, white, and blue. Brookside also held back uh held back to school night yesterday night and held their picture day today. >> And now we'll move on to Mil Lake Elementary School. Mil Lake School is off to a wonderful start. The staff and students are excited to be back and have jumped right into the new school year with great enthusiasm. This year's theme, dreams do come true, inspired by fairy tales, has set a positive and magical tone. To kick things off, staff proudly wore the school's brand new lake is great baseball caps on the first day of first Friday of school, showing off their school spirit. On September 11th, our
010the students dressed in red, white, and blue to honor Patriots Day and to pay tribute to the heroes. We have many exciting events ahead. Back to school night will be held also this Thursday, September 18th, f followed by a fun pajama day for the entire school. In recognition of pediatric cancer awareness month, the student council is organizing a go gold for childhood cancer fundraiser throughout September. All proceeds will benefit happiness is camping, a summer camp for children with cancer. Picture day is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8th. On Wednesday, October 23rd, they are thrilled to host the very first family fun game night from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mil Lake School. This year, one of Mill Lake's primary school goals is to f foster executive functioning skills in the young learners through activities such as
011family fun game night. Students will practice decision-m, adaptability, and critical thinking. Skills that help students stay focused, navigate challenges, and succeed not only in schools, but also in life. The Mil Lake School community in partnership with Woodland School is looking forward to an amazing year school year filled with learning, growth, and joy. >> Now moving on to Woodland Elementary School. Their first day of school went very smoothly and was a major success. They also observed Patriot Day on 911 with thoughtful activities and reflection. Also in collaboration with MTHS homecoming, Woodland is joining in on the excitement by celebrating spirit week from September 15th to September 19th. They also um had a back to school night yesterday night where they welcomed families and provided insights for the year ahead. Zero period band will begin on September
01222nd and zero period chorus will begin on September 25th. >> And now we'll move on to our middle school. On Wednesday, September 17th, 15 middle school students who were part of last year's history happened here program were invited to attend a pre-screening of a miniseries about the American Revolution. The miniseries was produced by famous historical filmmaker Ken Burns, who discussed the movie with the students. NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams and NJ Governor Phil Murphy were also in attendance at the event. The trip was the culmination of the students year-long involvement with the history happened here program and was held on the anniversary of the writing of the US Constitution. The history happened here program was coordinated in Monroe by Christy Visco Vizaki, my MTMS grade 8 teacher. Thank you for your contributions. September 10th
013and 11th were the school's picture days. All students had an opportunity to have their photo taken for the yearbook and their ID cards, which are now required at MTMS. MTMS also held a very successful sixth and seventh grade back to school nights. And the eighth grade back to school night will be next week on September 29th, and information will go out to parents next week. A date was chosen for our sixth grade Halloween dance, October 24th. Information will be sent to sixth grade parents soon. MTMS is proud to announce that they have been selected by the US News and World Report as a top middle school in New Jersey, ranking 87th out of 1,432 eligible middle schools, putting them at the top 6% while also being the fifth largest middle school in the state. We
014thank the hard work and dedication of the exceptional staff and our and the students district supervisors as well as the collaboration of the parents to make this possible. Now, Oak Tree Elementary School. They had an amazing beginning with kindergarten orientation on August 2nd. On September 3rd, the first day of school, all students met their new teachers and classmates. They also held an ice pop social on Patriot Day sponsored by the PTA. Back to school night is on September 18th, and they look forward to meeting all parents and guardians. >> And now, finally, we'll be moving on to the high school. um for a happy start from Monroe Township High School. The school is happy to announce that they have three semi-finalists for the National Merit Scholar Program this year. Nina Bacharia, Arv Kumar, and Ana
015Patel. Best of luck to them on their application process to hopefully becoming a national merit finalist and scholar. Attention seniors and senior parents and guardians. Class ranks and beginning of year transcripts are now available through the Genesis parent portal in the grading section. Congratulations to every senior and the school is immensely proud of its senior class and wishes it the best of luck in the future. >> Thank you very much. Your reports are very informative and keep everybody up to speed on what's going on with all of our schools and we really appreciate that you coming here and doing that for us. So thank you. >> Thank you. >> Next our committee reports. We will be reporting on comm and Mr. Gunman's not here tonight. He asked if we could have committee reports read at
016the meeting. So I asked all the committee chairs to do a very brief five minute committee report about what happened highlighting all of the top things that we discussed at all the committees. So uh Miss Ratner, would you like to start? >> Yes. And thank you for allowing it and I will try to keep it under five minutes for just for you. Um so I have two reports to give now which I remember today. Um so the first is the legislative advocacy and community community engagement committee. We met on September 9th. Uh the board of education members present were myself, Miss Depay, Dr. Peek, Mrs. Aiz and Miss Sharma. District administrators were Dr. Leman and Mr. Moralda. The committee focused on three different topics. Um so just a quick highlight, the first was a review
017of the district website. Um, and they shared some of the modifications that have been made, including the addition of a new section featuring our partnerships, um, including those that we currently have to feature and spotlight some of them, as well as ways to get involved. Um, as well as an update to our advocacy section. We also discussed the calendar feature and we're going to go more in depth into that next month. Um then our second topic was the discussion about the creation of a district advocacy calendar to help ensure that as a board and as a school district we are advocating at the appropriate times for certain things during the year. So this way as prepared as we can be we know what's coming and we can plan ahead for that. And then finally we
018had a very brief discussion about current legislative issues. Um there really hasn't been a lot of change because the legislature has been on summer break. Um, but we sort of just hit one or two highlights there. >> Thank you. >> Did you want to do your second report, Miss Ratner? >> Oh, I do. I just know if there are any Yeah. questions. >> Does anybody oppose to that? We should finish our reports because I know Miss >> All right. I might go over five minutes for them both though. Um, so then the second one was the citizens advisory committee which also met September 9th. Board of Education members present were myself, Mr. Depay, Mrs. Ziz, and Miss Alvarez. The district administrators in attendance were Dr. Dr. Layman and Mr. Moralda. It was really wonderful to
019see our committee members back here um after we had taken a break for the summer. Uh during the meeting, Dr. Layman and Mr. Morala provided a summary update about our strategic plan as well as some additional details about a few of the points that are mentioned in the strategic plan um including full day kindergarten. And Dr. Layman shared with the committee that we would be getting a more detailed presentation that would be available at tonight's meeting. Thank you very much, Mr. Piro. >> Uh, building grounds transportation. >> Uh, we met on September 10th. Present was myself, Mr. Depay, Miss Bora, Miss Ratner, uh, Dr. Layman, Mr. Tay, and Miss Martyr for transportation. First, we talked about the Applegart uh, RA grant project, the roof projects, electric service, HVAC. uh administrators provide us with an overview
020of the roof projects, noting that they're near substantial completion. Uh there was some structural support issue with the 1960 roof wing that they have to make some changes to to fix that. They're also investigating a part of the 1983 building roof, which will likely come back with a structural revision and a related change order as well as that because once they open a roof, sometimes they find a little more damage than expected. So we have to make the changes. That money was still in appropriation with the RAW grant that there was money for changes cuz they anticipated them. Uh the HVAC work continues within the building and due to the delay with the electrical service, it provides the HVAC contractor with an opportunity to work on better uh on a daily basis without having to
021restore the building after every night. So, uh, since the kids are now at the middle school, the HVAC guys instead of open roofs cuz they were going to work at night and closing roofs, they're there constantly trying to get this done before we open the school. I believe Dr. Layman's going to talk about the part that had shipped and um, let me go into ESAP. So, the ESAP project administration provides us with a two-eek look ahead report from Honeywell. Progress on the lighting upgrades has been a little slow and uh administration has been pushing Honeywell to increase staffing to get this work completed. Uh work for the HVAC projects however may be proceeding ahead of ahead of schedule as they're attempting to complete the boiler installations and undertake some HVAC work in the coming month.
022As for the solar project, HS is pursuing interconnection approval from JCPNL which they anticipate uh receiving by the end of December 2025 and at that point they are looking to approximately 6 months to complete the solar installations on site. Mr. They advises uh we talked about use of buildings in the annual summary administration provided handouts which include accounts receivable statements for 2425 school year as well as a three-year look back at the uh quantity of use of building events. There is a 28% increase in the quantity of uh building events during the past three year period. The facilities department's reduced to three full-time employee positions uh this year, which is tough balancing the work they need to do within their budget along with all the building needs. Um administration recommended that policy committee review the
023rate schedule and utility costs since we only uh charging like a rate for security, custodian, whatever. But we don't take into account the use of the building, the electricity, the gas, the water, the sewer. That's all coming out of taxpayer money. So, um, we asked Mr. Tate to go back with administration and review the rates to make sure that, you know, we're not the district itself isn't paying for outside agencies, taking money away from the kids. So, we want to look at this and see where we're at with this. So they were supposed to talk to administration and then we will look into the policy and make any changes that are adequately needed to make. Uh we also talked with transportation with Miss Martyr uh for an overview. She said it was generally successful opening
024of the transportation department. There were a few issues with some bus stops that will be investigated to determine if changes are necessary. Also five contracted bus will be using uh our radios they're going to provide them with. so they could have direct communication with the buses. Uh she said there was some issues with some of the um kids that go out of district with their bus stops and she said they were talking to the commission and this week they should hopefully be able to resolve them and get the bus stops to where the children need them to be. Um and then we also had a a post meeting discussion in relation to PSENG. Um they advised the district that Brookside schools gas meter was not functioning properly and administration with uh Energy for America uh
025confirmed that the usage may be um accurate. However, suggests we're going to engage with a company Troy and Banks Utility and Telecommunications uh to challenge the utility bill once they figure it out. Um what they're saying is that the gas meter wasn't properly working and we were being built for way less than the gas we're using. Um this company Troyan Banks uh has been used in the past and what they are is like a broker firm. It doesn't cost us anything and they'll actually be able to dispute once public service tells the district what we owe them and how long this has been. Um, this group usually comes in and does their own research to try to dispute it and get our bill lowered for us, but as of right now, we don't know because
026we haven't been given the how much gas or how long it was. We weren't given an answer yet. And uh, Dr. Layman, if you want to throw in the Apple and anything else, >> so we're excited to report that uh, the missing part or the part we've been waiting on is end route to Applegarth School. Um, we were notified that late this afternoon. We don't have any more details other than in terms of like exact arrival dates. Um, but what will happen next is the electrical contractor will update the installation schedule, recoordinate with uh JCPNL for any opportunities that they need to have them come on site and do uh the power on and shutdown of the building. And as soon as we have all those appointments coordinated and the electrician updates his installation schedule,
027we'll communicate an anticipated uh return date for Applegar students. But you know, we certainly have been anticipating information about when this part is finally end route to the Applegarth and we got word that it's in route today. So um it could have been on the truck at the beginning of the week and we just found out today it could have been put on the truck today. Again, we uh were notified by the contractor that they confirmed that it is end route and on the truck on our way to the Appleore school. >> Thank you. That's my report. >> I had a question. Go >> ahead. First. Yeah. >> Um Pete, you said to bring the facilities use policy to policy committee. Is that the I just want to clarif >> the use of facility >>
028looking at it and see with the rates the schedule the use um there's a question Mr. T brought up about um like say a group comes in and says they're having a thousand people and he sends them the rates, they then send him an email back saying, "Oh no, we're only having 500 people >> reduce the rate and then 1500 people show up." >> So it's actually um so I suggested that I know some other districts do that is they provide a counter like I'm pretty sure East Brunswick does it. If you go to an event and you say you're having a thousand people, you have to pay for the person at the door and they count a thousand people and once you get to a thousand, >> they buy security and building and and
029that's it. >> So just to clarify, I was this is about what he was saying. It was just correct me if I'm wrong, but I think we were going to have it go to finance and then to policy. Did you want us to go straight? we were going to find out. He had to get us the prices. >> So, >> and the adjustments to let us know where we stand and what we should be charging. >> So, I think um and and I did think a little bit more about this after the um committee meeting. So, I had some more thoughts here, but I think one of the things that we all agreed on during the meeting was that >> we don't charge a security deposit and we definitely should. So that should probably already
030become part of the policy that we do a percentage of the total amount as a security deposit because we've been in situations where they said 500,000 people showed up and then when we went back to them post the event we there was no way to make them pay more. But if we had a security deposit we could have used that. So that was definitely something discussed during the committee. But um one of the thoughts that I had post the committee meeting was that like you mentioned there's been a 28% increase in the number of events that we're doing. I think we need to bucket them into um what what is it that we're doing to which organization? So these paid private events, how much have they gone up versus our shared services agreement events and
031you know other other tier one you know institutions. So because that'll give us an idea of where are we spending our tax dollars as an institution is it on those private events or on these and I know we I did mention it briefly during the committee and we are obligated to through the shared services but it there's no harm in keeping tabs on what we are spending because we know the amount we've gotten through shared services and it is easy to keep tabs on where we are just for our information purposes for a future shared services agreement. when we have to, >> god forbid, go in for one, we know what it costs us. >> And um one more thing that I wanted to say is I thank God the part is on the way.
032So that's good news. And um there's a light at the end of the tunnel for us. Mhm. And and >> one other thing, you know, we we spoke about a lot of different things with that and we talked about last year of them moving like Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and stuff from the elementary to the high school since we already have security here and they could use a classroom here. And um I don't know what happened with that, but it was never nothing was ever done. We talked about it. It was supposed to be done and I believe the groups were never advised. Nobody ever said anything to them. So it it's basically uh somebody dropped the ball last year and we are still continuing to use all the schools when we could centralize and
033you know save money. People are here, security's present and that's something that we brought up but it never happened. >> Okay. >> So we need to look at that again. >> Right. So I I think I had brought that up at the meeting because I had to put in for Girl Scouts and because I I know what we're trying to do. I had put in for the high school. don't know if somebody in the facilities office is then reaching out on the back end to try to move them. But I I do agree like if we can streamline that where they're only able to use the other schools I guess as an exception to the rule instead of being able to apply I think that would help cut down. Um my other question regarding the
034facility usage um and I I believe that we had brought this up last year. There are a lot of times where um certain organizations and I believe it's a lot of the in town ones because the ones that are out of district are usually a one-time two-time things. They'll put like a blanket request in for you know 6:00 to 9 every day for the gyms for sport or things like that. Um and my understanding is whatever is on that facility uses usage calendar we need to provide services for. Um is there a way for us to sort of ensure that it's only being used like the I guess the calendar is only showing it when it's actually being used as opposed to somebody reserving all of these rooms for all of that time that we
035are then possibly spending money that we don't have to do. I I think the reserves for them are wreck and it's like sports. So like wreck basketball or whatever they reserve like lacrosse they reserved across the street for certain hours and whether they practice or not I'm not sure how the scheduling works but I know that my understanding is the blanket ones were basically like wreck programs wreck basketball because each team could practice or whatever. So then they have to make a note of where they're going to practice and how they're going to do it. But I I'm pretty sure most of the blanket ones as far as I know were for rec sports. >> Can I just want to mention something too because I being at that meeting and just listening to everything with
036the amount of people that say they're coming and then so many the in cost for the liability >> is really going to go high. God forbid something happens. So, I really think we have to be strict with that, strict with the policy to make sure that we don't have any more. I'm sure there's capacity signs all around the schools and the facilities that, you know, this room holds so many people. And I don't know if the state can come in >> and say, well, you know, I think it's somebody can come in and say something building capacity. >> It's just they're they're telling us that they're only coming with so many, right? Right? >> So, say the pack is 2,000, >> right? >> They'll say they're having a,000. He'll send them price. They'll come back
037and say, "Oh, wait. We're only going to have 500. Send us the price." And then they have 1500. So, they're still under the capacity. >> But that's why I suggested that, you know, we need to and and it's a cost to the taxpayer. You know, it's lighting, water, electric, gas. It's >> and as everybody knows, electric's gone up pretty high. So >> just to just to clarify because I don't know if there is a a liability issue above it but I believe if there's an outside organization they have to provide their own >> their own insurance. >> There's definitely an insurance piece. Just to comment on a couple things >> the reason the number of people attending an event is important is because we base how many of our staff we would employ >> to
038either clean the spaces, provide security and things like that. So if it's underestimated, we would have potentially not enough security. We certainly have be understaffed in terms of postevent cleaning and things like that. So that's why the how many people >> you're requesting to use the building for, that's really the the piece. We do have room capacities and building capacities, but that uh that would become an issue if you're trying to squeeze a thousand people in this room or something like that. And and that would be managed on site at the at the event. um if it was done on the front end, we wouldn't let you use this space if you were going to try and use with too many people. Uh second question regarding the blanket use. Um I I agree probably for
039the most part they're you know the woodland gym for wreck basketball for you know whatever period of time and things like that. Um in those cases though we're not staffing that with our security right that's the wreck. they are monitoring and uh using their own staff to uh ensure the safety and we had that exchange in protocol. We went through that process um and had that expectation with them. So we still have a staff our custodial staff on site um you know on a Saturday you know for an example all day to make sure the building's open AEC or the uh you know HVAC is running and and then do the post cleanup. But um in terms of you know our security team and things like that that's a different piece. Um but it's worth
040looking into we would be constant we are constantly you know managing that event calendar if it was you know so and so's team for the 45 minutes to one hour practice is on then it's off then it's on then it's off. I think that's not realistic which is why the the chunking of those events makes sense because they can internally move the teams around who's going to be where uh you know shift practices from the morning to the afternoon and things like that. So that's why the you know chunking makes a total total sense in terms of either on our management side of things. Um if it was a consistent issue of we're showing up on Saturday and we're not being notified that everything's canceled. um we're handling that and not to say we've experienced
041that. Um we have a very good relationship. Um but that would be where my concern comes into is if we're showing up and now the building's empty. Um those chunked events are overwhelmingly uh occupied by you know what we expect them to be occupied when they're on the calendar. But we can dig in and see if there's you know specific time of year or whatever that's you know can be tightened up a little bit. Um, but I think it's worth the conversation on the policy to make sure our costs reflect the increase in utility expenses and we can better have a a way to recoup expenses when either more people show up and we need to have our staff spend extended amount of time here cleaning and or so we can avoid putting ourselves in
042a safe uh position where we feel like we're we are unable to provide the security that we expect to provide. the the group and or and or ourselves and protect our building. So, um that's why I think we need to revisit this. It's not about preventing certain groups and making things so people can't use it. It's really about how can we support our facilities, protect our facilities, pro protect the people who are renting our facilities from um you know themselves you know for to to sake and also protect the taxpayers from spending money um that could be recouped you know through these fees. So, >> and we we also talked about because right now I believe our facility use is for anybody. Um, you know, we could even have a discussion as whether it should
043only be for groups and residents of Monro Township. A lot of school districts do, you know, it's township, >> right? >> so that maybe could be done in in policy. >> Yes. This >> I just had a separate thing aside from the um the facilities about transportation um that I know Mr. Pero had mentioned that there were requests from parents and I did see that um we were copied on some of of that correspondence. I know we've received additional requests. Um I guess my question is are these stops being changed based solely on the requests from parents? Is there so I know like in the past there was I don't know if it was security if it was the police department going out to ensure whether or not they were safe and then are we
044reviewing all of them or only if a parent expresses concern? >> So they've been any any of the requests that have come in are being vetted or have been vetted and the last I spoke to her um which was late yesterday afternoon for an update specifically on this um she was uh caught up. We did receive another one today from one of the magnet schools um you know asking to review the bus stop. We have sent the director of security out to review uh different bus stops. Um and we're also she's also been out looking at bus stops as well. So um each one is being taken seriously and uh significant change you know many many many changes have been made. Um but there she's vetting each request um just to make sure you know
045it's it's uh based on what they're you know representing in terms of a safety issue or something like that. >> Yep. >> Yeah. She also told us that they're using a new system this year so >> it automated some of the bus stops and then parents called. So she said that's what they were reviewing that you know with the new system put the child on the bus here. Well the parent called and said well they got picked up here which is closer. and she said that that's a lot of what they were doing was the >> parent complaints about that and and that they were going to look at it. >> Yep. And rever reverting back to previous bus stops and things like that. Yep. >> Yeah. >> Mr. Payne, if I may make a
046comment. So, um this I heard this after the BG&T meeting. So, I just wanted to give some kudos to Miss Martyr. >> Uh what I heard was this year's initial few days, the delays in buses was one of the best managed. So, and this was her first year starting the year. So, Dr. Layman, feel free to add anything, any data that you have, but I feel like credit for that. >> Committed to memory, but I can say the high school was a couple minutes later than their normal dismissal. Um, and that's kudos to them to make sure everybody got on the buses. The middle school was 10 minutes earlier in terms of their first day dismissal than previous first day dismissal. So, that's outstanding. And why that's important is the high school buses overwhelmingly go
047to the middle school. The middle school buses overwhelmingly then distribute themselves to the elementary school. So any delays, especially in the first day of school, stack on top of each other. So the fact that the middle school was uh 10 minutes earlier than their traditional first day of school dismissal put all of the elementary schools at a significant advantage than they typically are at the end of the at the end of the first day of school. Um, not to say there weren't uh delays andor um students that we had to double back and drop off at their stops and things like that. That was a standard first day um hiccups. Uh second day we had a tremendous, you know, increase in efficiency. And as we move through, again, we're tweaking stops where she's still doing
048it, you know. Um like I said, we we received one email today. Um so she will review that if she hasn't already and uh you know, vet that and take a look at it. And like I said, that's a East Brunswick Magnet School uh you know, request. And a lot of the magnet school runs when you have students because they're there for four years. Typically, if someone graduates, that stop maybe no longer needs to exist because they may be one of a couple students there. So, that's why we see a lot of potentially more movement in those because they're not necessarily those community neighborhood stops that will always have kids at the same location every year. Um it's much more specific and targeted. My compliments to the transportation team for a smooth start. Thank you.
049>> Next um committee report, Miss Alvarez. >> The policy committee met also on September 9th. We uh discussed 0143 and the committee decided we needed some legal feedback on the revisions to that policy. So we did not move it forward to the agenda for tonight. And then the other discussion we had was a discussion on how we would chunk the policy wellness check the comments and highlights that we received back from New Jersey school boards and how would we discuss those in what fashion and we came up with the schedule for that. So that will be starting at next month's meeting. >> Thank you. >> I have two reports. I'm going to start with the curriculum. I'm going to skip the attendance for the sake of time. The committee was given a presentation by Dr.
050Higgins and Mr. Eric Lurri of the middle school of a pilot MTMS MTSS behavioral program that was run last year for groups of students from every grade. Seeing the success of this program, it will now be offered to all sixth graders this year. This requires parent and student consent and the hope is to continue in one more grade level in future years in more grade levels in future year. The committee then reviewed seven curriculum documents that were worked on over the summer. These documents were presented in detail by their supervisors Miss Russ, Miss Dr. Rosselle, Mrs. Gasco and Mr. Snder. The documents were drama and acting one ESL math transition which is a brand new course which will help bridge the fundamental gaps faced by life students limited or interrupted formal education students to do
051better with math subjects required for graduation. Holocaust and genocide. Honors geometry. Introduction to computer science which was formerly formerly known as computer programming, honors piano which is also a new course being offered starting this year and rhythmic movement. There was some discussion on the enrollment capping of the introduction to computer science class and the committee requested more clarity from the administration on the availability of this class to all interested students. We currently run two sections of this course and this is the most basic of the computer courses being offered to our students. Next, the athletic director Dr. Dr. Brandica gave an update on the vault sports and how well the things were going across the district. He also shared the MTHS emergency action plan which was up for annual approval. No changes have been made
052in this document since last year and once approved tonight, it'll be shared with all concerned staff members and coaches that were expected to follow it. Next, Mr. Marietta uh Mrs. Marietta shared um update with the committee about the special education Medicaid initiative, also known as SEI. The committee was relieved to hear that despite the reduced compensation from the state this year, which is expected, our district services to the students will not be impacted in any way, the business office was given credit for their foresightedness on the semi- a cut and inputting lower numbers on this revenue item in the 202526 school year budget. Lastly, the committee discussed the work that needs to be done for a curriculum from a curriculum perspective in preparation for full day kindergarten. Dr. Layman shared that for all core subjects
053currently being taught, our curriculum documents will not need any change as they meet all relevant standards. The teachers will get extra time to do more with core concepts for the students once we transition to a full day kindergarten. Mr. Schneider shared that a curriculum document for fizz and music will be prepared over the summer for full day K as those are not currently offered in kindergarten in Monroe and the staff has already started professional development to work towards a full day schedule and will continue to do that at every opportunity through the course of the year and that concludes the curriculum report. >> Any questions miss more? No, >> the next one is more more shorter. I'm going to u share the finance committee minutes now. Uh the committee reviewed the bill list for August
054for a total of 1.147 million. The amount was typical for the lean months of summer and addendum was expected before the meet meeting and I think the addendum we have brings it to over $7 million. Um the committee then reviewed the attorney fees for the month of July for a total of $19,827. There was a discussion about the OPRA fees in this bill bill which amounted to 57% of the attorney invoice totaling to 11,37. The committee through discussions made the following recommendations. We would like to urge the community members to be more responsible in using the Freedom of Information Act. As a first step in their approach, they should reach out to the district administration and board president for more information that they're seeking. If they're unable to get what they're seeking, then they can
055use their right to OPRA information. When submitting a request, they should be more specific so that the data being shared is more manageable and the sheer volume does not bring up the cost. The committee forwarded a request to the policy committee to review regulation 8310 and revisit the part about cost of OPRA. Specifically, define the threshold when the costs will be transferred to the requester and define how those costs are going to be calculated. Lastly, the administration was tasked with obtaining an RFP from the few tools available in the market that are used by organizations like us to handle OPRA requests that will help alleviate the internal resource time and attorney fees for this service. We hope to continue this conversation in future comm community committee meetings. This concludes the finance committee report. Any questions?
056>> Any questions, Mor? >> Yes, Miss Rner. >> Um, I just um wanted to ask I don't know, Mr. Otherwise, if you might know other districts that you've worked with, how do they typically handle their OPRA? Is there someone in house who does it and then it's sent out? I guess if you have any because I know we were looking to see surrounding districts, but if there's anything that you have. >> Yeah, sure. So, I'm not aware of any program that's out there that responds to OPA requests. Um, and and quite frankly, a lot of times it's it's legal calls that are made in terms of whether or not something is to be released or not. So, if there is a program out there, I'd love for you to find it because OPRA's take a
057lot of time from my office and they can be tedious. Um, with that being said, um, to the extent that you have staff that I will say this, Monroe Township Board of Education receives an inordinate amount of OPRAS. Many of my school districts that I represent and that my firm represents do not receive the volume that Monunroe receives. Um, when there's volume like that and when there are, you know, thousands of pages that are potentially responsive to an OPER request, it takes staff time. And in addition to that, if if something is denied, it potentially opens the district up to liability. And so, it's a balancing test. um for routine OPER requests. Some of my districts handle all those in house and it's only when there's one that's kind of out of the ordinary or
058different um that then it gets handed over to our office. Um I could tell you that the volume that has been in this district and I've had the discussion with Dr. Chanley uh and Dr. layman along the way that it is um taxing the business office who's the custodian of records and it's taxing the superintendent's staff. Um and so as a result of the sheer volume and the unique nature of some of these requests more or less I think many if not most are coming to our office. Um there is some training that can be done. Um but a lot of times given the unique requests that come here um staff is not necessarily equipped to to respond on their own. Um again we we can do it as an on an as needed basis
059and so it's really up to the district staff to determine whether or not they're comfortable with the request and or whether or not they they seek additional input from us. Sure. >> Anybody? Yes. >> Can I just add to that? So, Mr. Rice is right that there is no way to avoid the attorney fees. We definitely when it when it comes to legal matters, we don't want to be open for litigation. We do want to run things that need to be run by the lawyers. Um, it's just about taking care of all the, you know, manual aspect of it. Like you said, when the volume gets too much, we send things over to the attorney because our business office is swamped. Um I do want to highlight that Monroe has there is a procedence of
060asking the requesttor for money. It happened recently and when the requesttor was told how much the OPRA would cost they decided not to Oprah anymore. So um the one of the recommendations of the committee is to formalize our process and we will now start to see more of these charges being made transparent to the requesters because there is you know there is a cost to this ask. So if you if you cannot be judicious in asking more specific things or trying other channels before you use Oprah, we would have to then pass the buck back to you when it crosses the threshold. the policy committee will sit down to determine what that's you know acceptable threshold and a lot of districts do that. Um I did my research talked to a lot of other board
061members in other districts and this was mentioned that you know all districts pass the cost back to requesters when it goes above a certain threshold. So we will have to do that because we cannot afford to continue paying that much money for OPRA. This is money taken away from our students. This is money taken away from our programs. Thank you. Thank you. Any anyone else have any questions? Okay, seeing none, we'll move on to the next section. It's public forum. Anyone would like to speak? You have four minutes. Um, speak only on the agenda this evening. I don't know if they put a pad and pen up there. I requested that if it went past four minutes and you still wanted your question answered to write your name and phone number and the question. Uh,
062if there's no paper, we'll try to get paper up there and we'll try to get back to you as soon as possible with the answer to your question. So, is there anyone else anyone that would like to go up get up and speak? Yes, please. >> Good evening. Uh, Chrissy Scurvby, Monroe Township. Um, that was a lot with the committee meeting, so I'll try to get through everything now. Um, one thing, uh, Miss Bora, that I I just like to, um, comment on what you just said about, um, the Open Public Meetings Act. That is a way for residents and really anybody to request information not readily available to them. So, I would not like to see the district uh, make it harder to get information. It already is hard, and I think that's why
063a lot of people did use Oprah. Um, perhaps now that Mrs. disease is on the board, you'll see a reduction in the cost because I don't think she'll have to Oprah round the clock like she's been doing for the last four years. So hopefully the attorney's fees go down for that. Um I also wanted to address the uh use of policy or use of the facilities. Um and I'd like to get Miss Allen's opinion on that. When I was on the board of education, the board asked the administration, tasked the administration with coming up with ways to drive more revenue into the district. One of the initiatives was through advertising. One was through our use of facilities. Uh Dr. Chanley and the administration did a extensive research into other other districts and saw that we
064were charging significantly lower than districts like East Brunswick. Um, I know Miss Allen's office was instrumental in putting together figures, working with facilities, and we revamped the fee schedule. Um, our fees are in line with other districts right now, and I know there are districts that bring in significant revenues from outside groups. Uh, Miss Ratner brought something up during the committee meeting. she was on her computer and she asked a question about the number of um events that were on there and it sparked me to go on to the community use calendar and take a look at it and I did and I did email the board um and the administration. I had some questions I haven't gotten answered. Uh but what I saw right now currently in there of outside groups were a few
065um events that are being held by outside groups that are actually paying. There were five Garba events. Um there was one group that is using the buildings on Sundays, Oak Tree School. That's been going on for multiple years. Um those were two of the outside groups. Uh as well as a CJMEA um music group that uses the building, too. Other than that, the only thing I saw in there were all use of the buildings by groups that are not currently paying. Um so that's something that you need to look at. We don't have a large use of our facilities by outside groups. And this was we did increase the cost. A and if you look on there, outside groups are paying $400 an hour. They're paying security. They're paying custodians. They're paying an application fee.
066If they want to come and see the building prior to renting it, they have to pay a touring fee. They have to provide their own insurance. Um, so this notion that outside groups are are costing us money, that's not true. We revamped that a couple of years ago to make it revenue, to bring in revenue. And to sit here and try to say we should change that and not allow outside groups would be decreasing our revenue. And I got my tax bill. It's the highest school tax that I've ever seen in Monroe. You didn't lower taxes. To say now that you want to stop bringing in the revenue that we're bringing in is outrageous. I I don't think that's something that that you should be looking to do. Um, as far as um Applegarth, one
067question I do have, how much of the $5 million that the town was giving uh for that project has been paid to the district yet? That's one of the questions that I I have. I think I have that because they didn't give us the five million up up front. >> It's what happens is once we pay the vendor, the contractor, we submit the bill to the township and they reimburse us. Um and it but it's not only the township that reimburses us. We we are getting money from the state as well um under the rod grant and we had our own share that we have to kick in as well. So whatever we have submitted to the township for reimbursement they have paid us. >> Do you know approximately how much that is? >> I
068can look that up. Yep. >> And I only asked that because the township gave us the $5 million. >> Yep. For use of the buildings. Mhm. >> So that's that's something to also understand that that that is tied together um the money that we've gotten from the township. And if you look at that when we were negotiating that shared services agreement um with Dr. Chanley and the mayor, uh Miss Allen's office prepared a document that showed that the township was getting $14 million worth of use of the building had they been paying that to give us the 5 million upfront. So, yeah, we do lose money on that if you want to if you want to call it losing money, but we needed that $5 million from the township now to fix the building. And
069that was the agreement that the district made was to give them the free use. And yeah, there is a cost to that, but we can't go back on that. And we shouldn't be going and saying that people that are paying shouldn't use our buildings. That that's revenue into the district. >> Okay. Um Okay. I believe it's about almost 1.9 million so far that we have asked for reimbursement on and that has that's what they've paid us. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Sure. >> Anyone else who would like to speak during this portion of the meeting? Seeing none, um I'd like Mr. Weiss to make a statement, please. >> Yes. I'm going to read a resolution with regard to the doctrine of necessity. Whereas Dr. Sharie Chanley serves in the capacity of superintendent for the 24-25
070school year and whereas the board must consider personnel matters related to 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 school ethics act. Whereas, pursuant to 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 the
071board policy further provides that it shall read the resolution invoking the doctrine of necessity at a regularly scheduled public meeting such as this one. 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 NJSA18A12-21 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
072have discussions concerning Dr. Chanley this evening in close session. Whereas the members of the board have conflicts of interest that would prevent their participation 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. Number two, 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
073the board's deliberation of and the public vote related to Dr. Chanley and be it further resolve that a copy of this resolution having been read at a public meeting of the board of education on September 17, 2025 be posted in accordance with the board's standard procedures for not less than 30 days and that the board secretary reflect the same in the minutes of the meeting and be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the school ethics commission. Is there a motion and a second? >> Motion second. >> Questions discussion. >> Questions or discussion? Just a point of clarification. If we are this, we still vote yes or no, right? There's no there's no conflict on the doctrine of necessity itself. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> You can vote. >> No,
074>> Miss Allen, could you take the vote, please? >> Yes. Miss Alvarez, >> yes. >> Miss Aziz, >> yes. >> Miss Bora, >> yes. >> Mr. Piro, >> yes. >> Miss Ratner, >> yes. Miss Chararma, >> yes. >> Mr. Tufufano, >> no. >> Mr. Zikner, >> yes. >> Mr. Deayne, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you, Miss Allen. You're welcome. >> Assistant superintendence report. >> Sure. So, if we could put up the uh strategic plan PowerPoint. So the uh bulk of my report tonight will be uh sharing an update on our strategic plan and embedded in that is uh an update on our full day K project that we're working on. So uh next slide just as a refresher um when we developed the strategic plan we referenced it as our northstar. It's something
075that will uh drive the district in terms of its goals and its direction for the next several years. Uh we had several goal areas uh under facilities and operations leveraging technology and students excelling and this comes directly from our strategic plan. Uh again, this is a snapshot of what we developed last year in terms of uh action initiatives and what our initial projections were in terms of projects we would tackle over the uh next series of years. Um you can see at the bottom that's the timeline. Again, this is a snapshot from the uh current plan. So I'm not going to get into details, but you know, some of the highlights. We have the ESAP project. We have our LRFP, our long-range facilities plan, a demographic study. Um, on the transportation side, we were going
076to uh over the next couple years take a a snapshot and a look at uh the electric vehicle uh piece. Um, next slide. Under leveraging technology, these are some more of our initial uh thoughts and projections. We're going to update our district technology plan, look at our tech refresh at the high school, take a snapshot and look at the middle and the elementary school. Um, again, these are not one-year projects. These are multi-year projects in many cases. Um, we doing a website refresh. We're updating our communications and notifications system. Next slide. Again, that's directly from our current strategic action plan. Students excelling. We have uh several projects that are again multi-year projects here. Uh, portrait of a graduate is one that we uh will be definitely a long-lasting project for us. Multi-year project. Um, we
077will continue to look at expanding programs, everything from the arts to the computer science realm. Um, we're looking at expansion of partnerships. Um, and I'll highlight what we're looking at uh with a specific lens in a minute. Uh, regarding our post-secondary partnerships, our MTSS program is a been a few project along the way and it will continue to evolve. um we are seeing fruits of the of the labors um throughout the uh K12 realm in terms of uh interventions that we've provided with students and uh different paths that those students have taken if they have haven't had those interventions. So that's been one of the most successful pieces uh of our uh educational reform in the past couple of years. Full decay is a large uh chunk of what this update will be about. Um,
078we did update our Genesis human resources module and uh, that's something I'll also highlight as well. So, here are some of the projects that we completed over the past year. So, um, and an update of where we are. So, EIP, that is a multi-year project. That's our energy savings improvement plan. We give monthly upate updates at our uh, facilities meeting. What we've done in the past uh year in terms of completion is the building envelope uh that's the outside building uh door stops, door sweeps, windows, seals. Um that part of the project is complete. Um another part of the project that is well underway and is uh proceeding as expected is the uh lighting upgrades. So we are you know deep in that. We have several schools that are almost completed and uh the teams
079that are working on installing lights and lighting fixtures and efficiencies in those areas will bounce and move to other schools as we uh proceed there. Um some other things we've done is like I said we've updated the Genesis human resources module. Um we completed that upgrade for the end of last school year. We rolled out our contracts at the end of the school year to our staff through that module. And beginning this year, everybody is engaging on ch name changes, health benefits, uh tweaking W9 adjustments and things. We're we're starting uh to see that come through digitally. Um what we are working on and we have started we had our initial setup meeting and we are uh sharing our information systems with Genesis right now is on the payroll module. Um we approved that at
080the last board meeting and we've had like I said we've had our setup meeting. We look to be doing dual uh we call it sister payrolls. So using our current payroll system with a simultaneous payroll uh through Genesis starting in October um which is a herculean effort of getting those dual payrolls uh going and the reason we do that is to ensure that both systems are generating the same information. There are no errors uh because we look to transition to the gener genesis payroll piece for the January 1 pay period. Um and that's when we would start using that. Another piece uh related to the payroll is we historically have exchanged paper documents that have signatures and log hours for additional work uh for a various groups in our staff. This would digitize that piece
081that digital uh we call them digital time sheets that will be uh an ongoing project through the fall and into the spring. So, the priority right now is to get the mirroring the payroll piece um because that has a a firm start of January 1. Uh that digital payroll or digital time sheet piece will uh roll itself out over the next few months and into the spring. The budgeting and purchasing piece um that will be a future project. We're going to take a look at that down the road. Um and that would be a behind-the-scenes piece for us in the business office um and our planning purposes in terms of budgeting. uh that would be the final step in uh syncing everything up uh in terms of efficiencies in the gen Genesis module. Uh demographic
082study is something we commissioned last fall. It was completed early winter and uh we have it posted in the district website uh along with historical uh demographic studies as well. In terms of the dis district advocacy and you'll see that threaded through the next few slides. Um we continue to advocate in various ways to receive extra funding to support whether it's uh the full day K initiative which we were very thankful to receive uh the additional state aid. It was capital specific um and we will be allocating that towards uh anything full day related within the capital umbrella. And then we also completed our long-range facilities plan. Uh that was something that was completed in the spring. The next slide is leveraging technology. So we uh completed and updated and shared our district technology plan
083last winter. Uh that is something again it's posted on the website. We uh we went through it extensively with the director of technology. Uh we actually when we did some of the repairs to the high school generator, some of the uh elements within the district technology plan in terms of emergency preparedness, we were able to implement andor tweak and adjust in terms of protocols. Um because when we power down the high school, the high school is the hub. It's the nerve center for the entire district in terms of internet. So we have a generator. it will always keep that room running. But when you have to fix the generator, we had to have a plan B to keep that up and running for ourselves. So, we did that and we powered the uh the essential
084equipment with a gas generator. So, a backup generator for our backup generator and we're just we're happy to announce that that is up and running. There are some future repairs that will need to be done, but uh it was a it was a very good opportunity for us to um put something into action that we had been planning for. Um and we began to have discussions about what does technology look like uh at the elementary level and the middle school level in terms of um an expanded technology initiative. I don't want to say onetoone but that is generally where the discussion will go. Um you know is it one to one bringing home is it one to one in school in terms of accessibility how close are we? Um and that syncs very closely with
085our tech plan. Uh we've done a lot of work with AI. We've had uh trainings throughout the school year. We have implemented a policy last year related to AI. Um and we're going to uh establish uh clear expectations and foundations uh since the beginning of the school year for staff and students. And uh AI is going to be an evolving uh dynamic kind of situation that we will manage andor explore as we uh navigate the next I guess foreseeable future, not even the next few years. Um, in terms of tech refresh, we updated the high school iPads. That was something that was done over the summer. We've actually sold the old iPads and we received more money than we expected. The tech staff did an amazing job. You've heard us report this. Um, they were
086available, set up, and available for students to pick up before the school year started. That has not always been the case in terms of our availability and and the technologies availability to be on site. So, we were just very excited to have no no worries about whether they were going to get here and and what the first few days of school were going to look like. Again, here's our district advocacy piece that we continue to look at. Um, we have programs in the high school that we regularly engage our community. Um, and that's something that we will continue to do whether it's through capstone projects, whether it's through uh I guess working with and leveraging our professionals. uh we do presentations, we do uh one of the one of the classes it almost does like
087a a pitch in terms of uh you know identifying a problem, creating a solution and then having engineers essentially provide feedback on the student solutions and then they uh they come back and they actually design and build their uh their projects. So, um, we do a nice job in terms of leveraging, uh, professionals in the township, uh, directly in the classroom and we want to continue to do that and expand those opportunities. Students excelling, expanding the, uh, continuum of programming. So, just highlighting a few things, our computer science and, uh, STEM classes are continuing to grow. uh we expand them not only just to meet student interest but we are also expanding them based on the evolving landscape of that field. Um, one of the things that we have seen evolving is there's a cyber
088security piece um that we're starting to uh we have a course now but we're also starting to see uh an increase in more specific not just broad computer science piece but more specific field related uh outcomes. We have our eye on an an AP advanced placement cyber security course that's coming up. Um so we anticipate seeing information on that through this school year. if it comes out, we will prepare something and and most likely write an AP cyber security course next summer for uh implementation the following year. But one thing I wanted to highlight is as we look at college partnerships and post-secondary partnerships, we are expanding and continue to look not just at dual enrollment courses. Um and we will always and continue to work on that. Um we have found ourselves often limited
089by the threshold in which the colleges hold the potential instructors of our staff to in terms of credentials and qualifications. Um and that's something that is uh a challenge we continue to navigate. But what we are exploring and what we are looking to do is increase the certificate opportunities uh and whether it's a cyber security certificate that we can collaborate with a post-secary uh college with whether it's a health food services certificate uh professional certificate that our students could leave with and go and step into a kitchen a professional kitchen right right out of high school and have uh the credentials that they would normally have to seek on their own um to do. So, we're looking not just for a college course dual enrollment piece, but we're looking to expand in other areas and
090other opportunities to provide our students uh you know a head start in the workforce when they step out of the high school. So that's where I see a lot of the evolution um in terms of our partnerships because there are there are opportunities in that in that realm um and we are uh continuing to uh seek those dual enrollment courses as well. Um I'm going to skip full day because I have separate update on that. Um and then the portrait of a graduate. So through our investigation we had four or five vendors that we vetted. we've narrowed it down to one in terms of uh a potential for if we want to leverage something outside of our organization. As we explored as well, we um we went through a school certification process many many many
091years ago and through that process um the part of the process was identifying a portrait of a graduate. Now, um, we went through, we have the the the kind of guide in the in the in the playbook to do that. Um, we actually have an administrator that was a field, um, a field staff member that would go to other schools that were going through the same process we were doing to meet with their staff and and um, evaluate their uh, applications for certifications. So what we will do now is we will find some sort of balance between you know who and what do we need to potentially explore that's outside the district and what can we do inside the district as we take steps forwards in our portrait of a graduate. So we do have
092a playbook related to that. Um but we need to see is there something we need to do if we want to reach out to the community with a survey. Um, are there surveys related to portrait of a graduate that we can engage in uh to collect the data instead of starting from scratch and and uh creating our own >> questions based on the this part before you go into the other components or if you want us to wait till the very end. >> We'll do it right at the end and I can kind of loop things in because you might get things answered as we kind of go along. >> All right, sounds good. Thank you. Um yeah, so that that's kind of where we're at with the portrait of a graduate. What are we
093looking at moving ahead? Um what is the balance between, you know, using someone outside of our domain versus uh leveraging it all internally. And then uh the next slide is a graphical representation of what we've done, what we've done, and what's still has elements that are in the works. Um and then what are some things that are still in the works. So this is like a summary of what we did in 2425. And then our next slide is what we potentially see as things that we're moving forward with this year. So the no-brainer piece in terms of facilities and operations is EIP continues. Um what we would see is a completion of the lighting aspect of EIP and what we will be continually updated on and the uh this will be happening in different stages
094is the mechanical piece. So there are mechanical projects that are in design. There are mechanical projects that are designed and they're seeking uh equipment and we know the lead time on equipment could be 18 months, it could be six months, it could be a month. So these projects will come together based on the the length of time the design occurs when the design's completed and the uh materials are begun to be uh assembled and require and uh turned on site. There are some pro some of these mechanical projects we have in process. Um some will even if we get the parts in time we need to do in summer installations. So they may uh be delayed till either next summer or the summer after. Um, but the ESIP piece is uh something we will be
095continuing to talk to and getting updates in BG&T. Um, we like I mentioned earlier, we're going to continue to roll out Genesis payroll. I'm excited to report in the future about our parallel payrolls and the success of that, but most excited and I think the staff and the in throughout the district is most excited is the digit digitalization of our time sheets. um they're literally hands-ed, dates stamped by hand, driven from building to building for signatures, handd delivered down into payroll, and manually input. So, this is uh a long overdue uh and much appreciated process that has a level of accountability as well. Every time somebody logs in and rehitly moves this through the uh through the the sequence of approvals, there will be a time stamp. So the initial requesttor will be able to
096see where things are and where they get stuck. Uh in terms of leveraging technology, I mentioned earlier uh this year we're going to take a deep dive into the middle school but also the K5 um technology vision in terms of what is a onetoone, what does an expansion look like? Um and part of that will have to look at budgetary timing and uh resource acquisition. Uh we have highlighted this a little bit in our curriculum committee meetings. We're diving into esports. What does that look like? Currently, right now, it's going to go through our our enrichment uh model. Um but what is the long-term vision? What is the long-term look for that as it moves into the middle school and the high school um clubs versus teams and funding and things? AI, like I said,
097is going to be an ongoing initiative. Something we're also excited about is an expansion of uh live broadcasting. Um we're really going to take a good look at expanding our sports live broadcasting piece. Um some other things the EV electric vehicle piece that is something that uh in collaboration with taking a look at the bus app. Um one of the other projects we will begin to look at is uh electric vehicles, electric busing. Um we will read the landscape of availability. We'll read the landscape of uh funding and grants and things like that. But that's something that we were going to keep an eye on and and monitor. Um, one of the things we even talked about was, you know, buses are one thing, but maybe there's, you know, one of our maintenance vehicles or
098one of the other vehicles we maintain another realistic look for a potential dabbling in the electric vehicles. Um, one thing we did in terms of communications is we uh did do the website overhaul that was done last year and starting this school year we've been utilizing messaging XR. Um, that is our new it replaced Blackboard Connect. So we are kind of in the foundational use of it. Expect um improved look of our communication as we continue to explore and expand. Um one of the issues we've had historically is everything we send is a very plain text looking email and you have to open up attachments and or hit hit links to find things and we have the ability to um embed things into emails and communications now. So, uh, keep an eye on that as
099we move forward and we expand our use of messaging XR. That really came online though literally a day or two before school started. So, the priority was to get clean, clear messages out. Um, and now we'll get fancy and uh, glitzy with what they look like. Um, the transportation tracking, again, it's something we have mentioned in BG&T. And I highlighted a little bit before, but you know, we're going to look at expanding our arts programming, whether it's through the orchestra, digital music, audio engineering. Um, that's something that's facilities related, staffing related, um, and budgeting related. So, um, you know, the goal with that would be to take a look at and make a plan for this is what we expect it to cost, this is what we would need staffing-wise. And when we look at
100a strength program, it physically takes up a tremendous amount of space. The instruments themselves are significantly more voluminous than a traditional flute, clarinet, even a trumpet or trombone. So when we talk about facilities, we have a space piece that we significantly need to consider when we look at um you know six or eight large uh cellos and things. So um as much as we say space is an issue that becomes a significant issue when you're talking about a six foot tall 4 foot wide instrument and you got six of them right so um we will be exploring that further exploring that that's been on the tip of our radar you know we really wanted to dive into that but uh you know we will put a plan in place and have things squared away for
101what that may look like so we can pull the trigger when we're ready to do that. And the next slide is really what you can expect to see later in the future where we just like the previous two slides ago, we'll throw our check marks on there as we complete things. We'll keep this little swirl there as it's an ongoing project. Um, and now this is what everybody's been waiting for, our full day K update. So, what do we do for the 2425 school year and what are we doing this year? So, starting in the fall, we commissioned the demographic study. that was the foundation for affirming what we had seen in enrollment numbers and and projections. Um we had seen a stabilization of enrollment uh throughout the district. Um but it was really realizing
102starting at our elementary schools. Um and it has worked its way through the elementary schools and it's in the uh middle school right now. We're about a year away from it starting to funnel into the high school. Um the demographic study was completed in the winter 2025. Uh this past spring, we were able to have meetings with the principles, the vice principles, supervisors, the teachers, the kindergarten teachers um and the staff that interacts with our kindergarten students because one of the other questions on the table was what could it look like? Um right now our schools are uh sister schools with uh prek through three or two depending on the school all the way up to the end of the high school. is there consideration for a uh early childhood learning center ECLC and that
103is a model in many districts. So the question needed to be asked and we needed to potentially explore that if that was something that was um overwhelmingly supported or that was the preferred way. And unanimously unanimously not one uh opinion you know to the other side it was kindergarten belongs in the schools in which they uh the students live at. the students are with their siblings and uh they can progress through and and be a part of the culture that they'll be a part of whether it's K to2 or preK to 2 or pre-K to 3. So um those conversations were important because depending on which path you go we could be looking at different projects right and looking at different structures and setups of buildings. So knowing that that is the preferred way and
104certainly is uh the preferred way on my end um you know we proceeded with a path that would would keep kindergarten in their home schools. So that was uh that was the foundation along with the demographic study of let's move forward. Uh other topics that were talked about was you know what do you need as a kindergarten teacher moving forward and it was a a good conversation. you know, we need some time to take a look at what we have and how do we uh expand, you know, a 40-minute period into maybe a 60-minute period. How do we dig into science, which we don't typically have a ton of time to get into? Um, so we had really powerful and meaningful conversations. Coming out of that meeting, we uh we leveraged our staff development team
105to embed full day K related topics and a professional learning community in our professional development plan for this school year. So all of our kindergarten teachers uh are enrolled in uh staff development related to full day. And this is all done with whether we do it for next year or whether we do it for two years down the road. We're going to start now, right? right? If we don't do it next year, we do it two years down the road, they can continue on what they're working on now and keep digging and digging and digging it for another year. That's totally fine. So, it was a uh something we put in place because we do our professional development planning and enrollment before the school year's over. So, we have everybody uh starting this year and
106our first uh staff development day is coming up. They will be engaging in uh various activities, planning, uh diving into the resources um starting this school year. This summer uh we had our summer administrative workshop and I was able to meet with uh the primary principles, assistant principles and what we did is we uh began to simulate what it would look like if we implemented it now because we wanted to look at are there enough rooms with bathrooms? Is the space acceptable? What does it look like? You know, do what would the config potential configuration of your building look like? Um, so we got them started on that and I cycled back to them uh towards the end of the summer because that was one of the projects they engaged in over the summer and
107uh we were able to determine that we can have we do have the space and we could move forward if we needed to for this coming school year. Um, we began to prepare for tonight's update. Um, what did that look like? We looked at two different pathways. P we call it pathway 2026, pathway 2027. So if we can get it done for the fall of next year or if we can get it done for uh two years down the road. And then regardless of the pathway, when we looked at the buildings, um, and we've talked about this for many, many years, there are still things that are going to need to be done to the buildings to get them back into their, uh, their standard operating setups. Um, and I'll give you an example. So,
108at Oak, we have a classroom constructed in the media center. We have a classroom constructed at the back of the stage. We have classes that are taking place at the back of the stage. Those are things that impact the operations of um the full total use of the media center, the full total use of the stage area at Oak Tree. I'm just using that as an example. So regardless of the path we take, we still have some things to do to uh make room to put everything back to where they need to be. Uh in many cases there are class uh first, second or third grade classes that are in art rooms or in music rooms and that's happening today. That is um happening today. We want to restore them back, you know, the buildings
109back to where they are. We can move forward and then have a project move forward with full AK and have a project to set things back. um we don't need to do that project in order to do the full day. That's kind of that's what we've come up with in terms of the potential options. We could wait and do the project and do it all at once, but that is a multi-year uh delay in terms of the planning of that project, the financing of that project, the construction of the project with the whole variable of would that project even pass a referendum. So pathway A and pathway B get us there without the referendum in our current spaces. So what are we going to continue doing? We're going to continue working with an architect and
110actually have a meeting tomorrow. Um he our architect of record is on site for many of the ESIP projects. He's going to stop by and we're going to have a conversation and I'm going to show him um where we kind of stand. Um and he's familiar with our buildings. many of the buildings have projects that are have already been designed. So, he would be able to see what we're looking at, take a look at what what's already designed, and then also apply whatever regulations need to be on there. If if we uh we need more small groupoup instruction rooms based on the ratio of classrooms we have, then he'd be able to identify if we're going to add two classrooms here, we need two more small groupoup instruction rooms. Um, so we're going to meet
111with him and what he would do is he would put together a proposal for a design study. So that would be the next step. This the meeting tomorrow doesn't cost us anything. Um, but it would be a design study for these additional projects. Um, again unrelated to pathway 2026 and pathway 2027. We will go through the budgeting process this fall as if full day K would be happening in in uh fall of 2026 because what what would prevent us from rolling that out is um not being able to pay for it embedded in our budget if we can't and you'll see this in one of the pathways. we can't get through it, right? We're looking at whether it's health care costs or um you know significant reductions in state aid or whatever variables um that
112are significant. Um we would potentially look at putting this on as an additional proposal question because that's another pathway we could do this, right? Doesn't mean we have to go down this road, but we could put it as additional proposal question um during the next November election. Again, the election wouldn't cost us like uh like we would be running our own election. That's why I would recommend or I would suggest the November piece if it went on for a question there. The costs of it, which we again, we would have all the costs associated with it as we go through the budgeting process. And we have a fair a fairly good um we have a very good idea of what the cost is right now. Um but we will refine it through the budgeting process,
113especially on the staffing side. we would be prepared uh for that November piece and we would spend the springtime this year getting ready for the additional proposal next November. It would be voted on and then we could implement it for the following 2027. So if you go to the next slide, you'll see pathway 2026, pathway 2027, and additional project referendum. I wanted to note down at the bottom on the right for the additional project, it is in the summerfall 27 time slot, but it doesn't necessarily have that as a as a fixed date. Um, what we would talk about there is we would talk about the kindergarten related projects, but then we could take a look at is there an HVAC unit that EIP was unable to cover? Should we include that as a potential
114addition to this project? Um, we could take a look at some other district related uh projects. Again, that would be something that would restore the buildings back to art rooms being art rooms, classrooms out of media centers. Um, it would take us back to the standard operating uh expectations for our buildings. The timeline on the left is something similar to what I reviewed. So, that's pathway 2026. So, we're looking at budget development this fall. that's really going to be the lynch pin and the in the key piece here as we go through the budgeting process. Um, we'll integrate curricular materials. Um, I can tell you that right now we have about 70% of our first we're using first grade enrollment numbers for our projections for full day K. 70% of our kindergarteners are on site
115relative to the first grade numbers. So, we would have about 30% of um new students coming to visit us for full day K. What does that translate in terms of expenses? It means we have 70% of the curricular materials we need. So the 70% of the books, 70% of the pens, pencils that we would need. Um so we would need to budget for approximately 30% more. Um we would include and that in terms of the scale of expenses is uh very manageable inside a budget. The most expensive part of curricular materials are actually teacher materials. So we would have to allocate depending on how many new sections we had we would have to allocate uh new teacher setups. Then uh additional expenses that we are considering is um with the implementation of full day we
116would be no longer running our ECE. So we have uh last year we transferred $190,000 from ECE to our general fund. So, we would through the budgeting process uh account for that $190,000 differential. And again, this is why we are cautiously optimistic that it potentially could happen in 2026, but we need to go through the budgeting process to identify whether it's going to be a reality. Um, in terms of staffing, where we stand today, we are about six or seven in the need of about six or seven teachers. Um, but that was with a staffing analysis of the K3 buildings. um we go through the budgeting process and we look at staffing across the district. So that number could reduce based on how things play out and sort out in the uh in the budgeting
117process as um enrollment changes as enrollment moves its way through the district. In terms of what's after that, we will make a call. we make the decision uh early winter because we need to give ourselves if we're going to go through with this, we need to give ourselves time to recruit and advertise for full day. We want to make sure we can capture that other 30% and know that they can come uh and we would be rolling out this program. Um we would then register students in the spring and the summer and one thing what we would do is obviously we'd manage and monitor enrollment and if our projection to hit the first grade number if we come in under that projection we would certainly not hire the staff and be you know one teacher
118above what we expected. So we would hire based on what our numbers in terms of enrollment are. And then the goal with that pathway 2026 would be open full day in the fall of 26. So 2027 pathway 2027 the way that looks is when we make the decision this winter whether we can uh absorb the cost of full decay within the operating budget. If we can't we would then begin to prepare for an additional proposal question in November and we would have clear uh numbers in terms of cost and that's what we required as we went through that last additional proposal question. You have to have specific identifiable staff with with staff assignments. you need exact costs. So, we would have that prepared because we just went through that with the budgeting process. We would
119follow the timelines in the spring and the summer for submittals for a question. It would go up to vote in November. We would hopefully pass it at that point potentially and then we would begin to advertise and recruit for students and then open full day. Again, that's not the preferred path, but if we're looking for options, right, options to implement full AK, this is an option to do that. Another thing we could do is not choose not to go for a additional proposal question. We could choose to integrate it in the budget again for the 2027 school year. We could go through what we went we were going to go through this year and try and uh embed it in the budget for the 2027 school year to implement in 20 in the fall of
1202027. So this doesn't have to be the second step. We could again try and fit it in the budget, but this is a pathway if we uh if we don't integrate it in this year's budget for next year. And then again on the right hand side, it's just some timelines about what we would do in terms of identifying and planning for an an additional referendum project. The real tight timeline related to that is going to depend on the project, how much design has to go into a project. before you do a referendum, they also uh take that initial design, they fully expand it and get uh everything priced out for bids and that takes many many many months. So the reason I have kind of a disclaimer about future referendum, it's not necessarily summerf fall
12127. It could be sooner. If all these projects that are identified are already planned and designed and we just need to go out and have them uh estimated essentially that's much quicker than starting from scratch with a plan going through the planning process then going through the estimation process and then putting together a referendum. So um and again this is additional projects to restore the building. When we get enrollment and we get this up and running we could always twe tweak and adjust what this project looks like as well. So I just wanted to give you a total snapshot of realistic pathways to get to where we uh ultimately have to be uh by 2028 2029. But this get these are just realistic pathways to get us there. Um but the most important piece is
122for this year, for right now, we're going to go through the budgeting process as if full day K would be implemented and we will see um ultimately what the cost would be in terms of updated curriculum materials, updated uh costs for staffing. Um we'll layer in our health benefits information, all those variables and we will make a decision whether we can pull this off or not. Now um one other kind of caveat here is when we look at projects for that additional referendum we will have building specific pieces but we will also be doing things with the capital money we receive that needs to be expended this year uh as additional state aid. So that capital umbrella that we'll look at this year that would pay for the design study if we were to go
123through with a referendum uh design study that will pay for it this year. So we can use that money that we receive as additional state aid. We can use that towards desks and chairs if we need if we need something like that as we outfit a room for uh for full day. We would also identify is there a part of the building where the kindergarten programs are going to exist and do they need a new rooftop ventilator unit for HVAC? and we could allocate the money we have now uh to do those projects because they would be impacted and and uh related to our full day initiative. Um, additionally, we could do a control system that controls part of a building which includes part of a wing that would have kindergarten. So, we have money
124to spend on this project this year that is state aid that actually needs to be expended. Um, so we will regardless be expending it minimally on capital projects, but we would if if we are in a realistic um situation to get this done for the fall 2026, I would anticipate if we need desks and chairs, we're using that money to get desks and chairs. If we need um, you know, anything capital related to those rooms, that's what we're spending the money on now. So, and that concludes my strategic plan update with a focus on full day. I I just want to Yeah. I just want to thank um Dr. Layman for the quality quantity of the information that he gave us tonight. I know he's been giving us at different committee meetings bits and pieces
125about the uh full day kindergarten. It's like he wants to come he wanted to come to this meeting tonight and surprise everybody with his results, but it looks promising. Um he as you can tell he and I know Mr. Morald have done a lot of work on the strategic planning and reporting and they reported to the CAC the other night. Um so I want to thank you Dr. Layman. I don't know if you took a breath in between that. Um now that you're done please do and uh thank you for all your time. And I know Miss Miss Allen he keeps reporting to you for budget going like and then our budget. So, um I know she's taking notes on what budgetary issues we're going to come across in order to fulfill the I guess
1262026 kindergarten. We like we'd like to aim for that one. Um >> pathway A. >> Yes. >> Pathway A. Right. We're all in agreement. >> We call pathway 2026. >> Pathway 26. Pathway A. Whatever. We like that pathway. >> Option one. No. >> No. Don't make it more difficult. Option one. Miss Ratner, you had a question. >> I do. Um, so I fully concur with what Miss Depay said. This was, you know, I really appreciate the update on all of the aspects of the strategic plan. Um, I had a couple of questions about full day kindergarten and then I also just had one about stuff that was earlier. So, I'll I'll do that one first. Um, just the uh the dual enrollment when you mentioned about possible also certificates. One of the things that I
127know has been brought up um by you know other parents or I think it was possibly brought up at curriculum meetings was um the ability in other districts that they are able to graduate with an associates degree and I know you had mentioned like specific courses that there's you know certain thresholds that our teachers have to meet. Um, is there any way of I guess providing that type of a program whether it's bringing the college teachers in or I guess providing instead of AP training additional training for our own teachers um to get to something like that. >> Yeah. So we actually have some model course sequences from a few other districts >> and the so it's very similar to some of our tracks. You know it would be a commitment from a freshman year
128and many students would do that and some of the schools have like a nursing track or science track or you know a STEM track. Again, it comes down to those districts have had staff that are grandfathered into their current certificated programs that their dual enrollment pieces. We don't have the staff that would support the uh the amount of course requirements on the collegiate end to award the associates degree. And I'm looking at the course sequence of one of the samples. That's why I'm kind of hesitating because I'm looking down. Um and part of the kind of path and commitment they make is they're also taking college courses in the summer through and I'm looking most of these are with Middle Sex with Middle Sex >> that will be something that we will continue because that
129is something we want to do um when we have a pathway that we can have the staff uh with the proper credentials and the dual enrollment all synced together. And this isn't a fault of anyone. This is just a the reality of many of those dual enrollment courses have a threshold of which it's extremely difficult for a public school teacher to have that to meet that. You know, whether it's a, you know, a specific highle chemistry degree. Um, most of those staff members are working in the private fields, right? They're they're not in our schools. Um, so we were able to uh expand in the science realm this year to offer chemistry as a dual enrollment course. One thing we haven't had in the past and that's directly related to uh one of our staff
130members uh and their work at one of the colleges that we have the the dual enrollment piece because there is a lab requirement that also comes to a lab science and uh >> they're able to fulfill that lab requirement because of that staff member's um credentials and you know their employment with us. So, we're adding things every year. When we get to the point where we can weave a full associates program in there, we would 100% jump on it in a heartbeat. Um, but again, it's a it's a significant core sequence and uh it really comes down to our ability to get staff in the right slots in order to fulfill that. >> Okay. >> So, we we have we have some model and samples. Um, but I'm confident that when staff start to retire
131in some of the areas, my guess is many of those programs will fall away. Okay. >> Um, and we'll we'll see, you know, kind of what we have a smattering of dual enrollment. >> But the real focus and a strong focus now is that certificate piece because that is something that is tangible. Our students can walk out with something that they can use in the workforce tomorrow. >> All right. Thanks. And then I have two questions regarding full day kindergarten. Um, and I I think I'm not going to speak for everyone on the board, but I think we would all love to see that pathway 2026. I've been, you know, I have a first and a third grader, so I've been hearing this a lot. And, you know, I think it would be fantastic if
132we can get this. Obviously, there's certain restrictions. Um, but my my first question for if the potential if we needed to go out for an additional proposal question, and I'm going to try to put this accurately, Mr. Otherwise, if I'm wrong on any of this part of the law, let me know. Because when we were looking at this last year when we had our legislators here, I know we had been advocating for them to pass one of the proposed bills, which was to allow for an additional spending proposal where it can then be used in the following year in November because right now you can only use it for programs that you currently provided. And now they had passed the law that allows it for the special elections and I remember this was a conversation
133um I think Mr. Deain and Miss Charmer, you were there with the legislators where it's allowed for the following year for those special elections, right? Rachel, it's like I actually just wrote it. So like the fourth Tuesday in January, second Tuesday in March, those can still can now be done for the following year. From my knowledge, they have not passed that part for November where we could do it for the following year. Um, so I agree. It obviously better to save money and do it all in November, but would it be that we I'm assuming by doing that, the suggestion was then that we wouldn't offer until it was, you know, approved by the voters. I guess I'm sort of just not totally understanding if we have to have it approved first and then we
134have to wait if we're in November. As of right now, I'm I wasn't sure about that part of it. >> Yep. Yep. So what I would do is we had a meeting with our legislators and they said they would work with us and be creative and support us in rolling this out. One of the things I would do is advocate for this potential opportunity. One of the things they threw out is that they could tweak the legislation and the the parameters around some of the prek specific funding and uh we could leverage that for a private partnership with kindergarten and they were willing to work with us on that. We certainly have a pathway and if we can go to the legislation, the legislators and say this is our pathway. This is the most fiscally
135responsible way to do it. Instead of us paying hundred to $150,000 to run a run an our own private election, we can get this done here. Maybe we can leverage leverage that as a pathway to get that done. >> Yep. >> Can can I ask a followup to that? So what what I'm understanding is what Mr. Stratner says that there is no legal possibility to do that and what you're saying is that it would come through conversations with legislators. So we don't know if if pathway 2027 is the way to go. Then we don't know that November 26 is a set in stone for a proposal. >> We if we could get it done for then we would certainly try and get it done for then. Yep. like we would get the have the legal
136capability to put out a question November 2026 like today we don't is that right am I understanding it right today we don't have >> if you >> from what I've understood we can put it out November 2026 but it would only be for programs that are there kindergarten so we can certainly you know and I can put this >> we did last time in the spring for the following school year but we got to pay for it on our own we don't have any special >> election this one would be paid for by the county because it's a it's a regular election. >> Correct. So, that would be the goal. That would be the goal. Again, we're trying to do this fiscally responsible in a in a way that makes sense and time frame and
137we have opportunities to leverage our need. We're one of a few districts in the state and they basically offered to do what it takes to help us get things done. And if we can save a decent chunk of money, we this is certainly an opportunity we need to try and leverage, >> right? You know, and I I fully agree and I remember when they were here and they had mentioned like that legislation that had been passed allowed for more dates and they felt like it provided more flexibility, but there was not necessarily that understanding of like that additional cost. So hopefully, you know, we can certainly make that a priority um you know in the relevant committees um to work on that. Um and then just this is a much more quick question just the
138design study. Can you just sort of share what that is? Does it look at like the current number of students and what might have to change or is it purely based on like the buildings themselves? >> Yeah. So, a design study and we it's the first step in looking at a project. So, the architect would and this our architect of record is familiar with they've built in multiple schools with us. Um we would lay out this is what the plan is in terms of um you know full decay and what its implementation looks like. This is what our classroom needs are. So, you know, if we we were just talking about uh Oak Tree, we have this classroom in the media center. We have a classroom in the back of the stage. We have another
139classroom in the back of the stage. We have um a need for two special programs that are potentially going to evolve over there. Um, this is what we're looking at in terms of the programs that would occupy spaces and depending on, you know, kindergarten has a certain threshold in terms of square footage, uh, you know, distance from bathrooms and everything like that, they would take that information, layer it on top of the building and come up with some different ideas. If we employ them to do that, and it's different configurations, different spots to do projects, different types of projects. Um, and then we would take a look at it. we would make a decision ultimately of what projects made sense, what projects met our needs, which ones were most fiscally responsible and uh go from
140there. And that and that's comparable to what we do when we look at building, you know, a brand new elementary school. There's multifloor versions, there's single floor versions, there's, you know, different configurations and things. So, it's basically different versions, different ideas of how to how to do a project based on your needs, >> right? >> You know, of the project. >> Questions or concerns? Yes. Um I'm also going to first ask about um the strategic plan update and then I'll go to the kindergarten. Um Dr. Layman, you mentioned that we for the MTSD uh portrait of a graduate. >> Uh you mentioned that we have seen the various tools out there. I thought we had already gone through a a PD on that. So we've not have we've already done it. So we identified a
141tool and we did a PD for some staff members on that. >> So no, so the what we did is we went and we met with each of the vendors. So we reached out, we got proposals for how much it would cost to do different versions and variations of a okay a portrait for graduate. Um and some of them are multi-year, three to four year projects that are hundreds of thousands of dollars with them on site doing training and everything down to, you know, minimal cost. Um, and then you can pick and choose from anything in between. >> And you haven't identified one. Yeah. >> No. Well, we've kind of narrowed it down to one realistic, manageably cost piece. We're kind of looking at the survey side of it as opposed to um on-site facilitating
142discussions and things like that. >> Okay. So, there will be teachers and you did mention community surveys and our students will equally be involved in this project. >> Yeah. Well, the port graduate is a community project. So all aspects of our community >> which is why you know I say survey but it's more than just >> students staff it would be a community survey it's input from you know what is the vision what is the graduate of Monoton High School look like you know and it's not necessarily there could be a couple different thoughts about what you know the outcome >> so when can we start to see some work through our committees on this when can we expect some >> I would expect something later this year >> later this year okay all right
143uh moving on to the full day K um the 500,000 that we've received, our due date to use that money is June of 26. We have to use >> the end of the year >> to get reimbured, right? We're going to get reimbured that money or is it already in our account? >> We have it. >> We have the money. >> So, would we need to furnish them with projects that were used to cover it? >> Yes. Um, we have to report to the state. Um, I believe it's towards the end of January about the plan and the timeline of what we're going to do with it. >> So, whatever we plan, we need to let them know about. So you mentioned something about teacher setup. It >> that money cannot go towards that at
144all. >> So that's curricular materials. So we're No, we're talking about um capital would be desks, chairs, technology, >> walls, roofs. >> Is it a conversation for the board to have with our representatives to allow us to use it in a different way? Because >> is it possible? Like I'm I'm trying to wonder like Senator Greenstein was what you know instrumental in helping us you know push this ass forward. I'm not sure if she understands that the money we've been given is with these conditions. Would she be able I'm just wondering out here. I'm thinking out loud. Is it possible to ask our legislators to allow us to use this money differently so that pathway 2026 will be a reality because we then might have enough money to start in 2026 right because we're finding
145ways to use the money >> y >> indirectly in those buildings but not directly towards you know kindergarten and and I I can already see that that 500k is going to at least for the first year that 190 that comes from UC like in some ways in my head I can balance that number. Not that we can use it that way, but for teacher setup or constru, you know, construction we can use this for, but anything else like even if it means going out to an election in March for extra funding, which you said is not money that we have. it would be fiscally irresponsible. But if we could use this money for that, >> you could you could ask the your legislators for possibly some special legislation that would be applicable to schools that
146have those grants and maybe can reccharacterize the way that they might be used. That might be worthwhile to have a conversation about the possibility of special legislation. >> So, Mr. recipient if you could start this conversation with Senator Greenstein that we are being limited in the way we can use this money that would give us a lot of flexibility if >> I did speak to her recently. I saw her at an Indian day picnic that I attended and I I thanked her for the money personally and she said I hope you're using it for kindergarten. >> We want to use it for kindergarten is what you are but I will definitely give her a call. Also, there's um Senator D'Angelo. We can go, you know, and ask him. There are other people in the legislature
147that we can I mean, we can write to personally and say, "I'm a member of this board of education and we are getting this much money, but we could use a little bit more." I mean, I don't I that's what I was going to do. I was going to write my own letter and just say >> we could use more and allow us the freedom to not not only assign it to capital but anything that is going towards kindergarten setup. >> Can I just ask the board is the board okay and is the board authorizing Mr. Payne to reach out to the legislators on behalf of the board? >> I had a question. >> Yeah. >> Before making that decision. Um, first I the way I viewed it in my head that this would work
148is that the administration would identify projects and then rather than using the money they budgeted for for those projects, they would use this $500,000 and then it leaves $500,000 open in the budget for kindergarten. >> No, that doesn't how it work is because those projects are we just taking care of it because we have that money in the bank. We would have otherwise not done those projects. >> Do you understand what I'm saying? Is this something that the administration feels that needs to happen with the legislature or is there a plan? >> So, here here's my thought on it. If we are looking to allocate a one-time state aid award to something that is a going to be an ongoing item in the budget, that is concerns me because we can cover it for one
149year. What happens the next year? Right? So, that would be, you know, a curricular material purchase is not a one-year per it's a it's a one-time purchase. >> Um, >> but it's not an annual expense. A teacher salary is an annual expense. Um, so it would I would not be comfortable taking a one-time state aid award and applying it towards an annual expense because then we're going to be at a disadvantage trying to maintain it, right? So, we're going to be in the same situation next year, which is why we want to go through the budgeting process and embed this potentially embed this in the budget so it it's a sustainable piece. Um, when it comes to curricular resources, >> we have a cycle of replacing curriculum materials and documents and things. >> That's right.
150>> So, as we go through the budgeting process this year, we had a heavy lift last year. we can look at this coming year and it may be a not as heavy of a lift. So that allocation we had last year, we can very very potentially cover any one-time expenditure on curriculum materials embedded in the budget this year. >> But if we got that permission, we wouldn't have to look in our pocket because that lift can be taken by the $500,000 >> that has been already given to us. Right. >> Correct. >> Just just to clarify because I think I understood what you were saying. the the $500,000 that we got, she did hope that we would use it for full day kindergarten, but it was only when like the actual amount was for capital
151projects, right? It was not earmarked for that one thing. Okay. >> It was it was assigned generally to capital, >> right? >> Yep. It wasn't capital. >> So, we clear up, >> right? >> K specific. >> Okay. >> But every time she sees me, she said that's for full day kindergarten, right? And and I say no. I say yes all the time to her. Of course. Yeah, it's going >> and I have a feeling that she probably is not aware of the you know what we're the limitations that we're dealing with and maybe she'll work for us if she becomes aware that we cannot like the very simple statement that we cannot buy any kindergarten related curriculum from this money because it is it is your capital and curriculum >> also it's curriculum is recurring
152so he doesn't want to spend on recurring cost. I get his point, but like he said, it's we can look it look for it in our budget because last year we did a heavy lift. So we might not need that 500, but then we could look for something else in our budget if we could use this money for the curriculum, right? You know what I'm saying? Like that money could go towards another c, you know, another expense at this a software or new technology or whatever it is. we can when they do the budget philosophy they'll have so many needs that are going to get struck out but may something could get lucky because we can you know allocate some of this money. >> My other question I'm going to move on >> Miss Mor
153I just wanted to follow up on that the letter. >> Sorry. Um go ahead. >> So when you mentioned this the special legisl like my understanding is any piece of legislation has to be voted on by the full state legislature, right? It's not just our >> and signed by the governor, >> right? So, this is a it's not just asking like for for our individual legislators, we can ask them, you know, to >> if they would sponsor special legislation. But then I think what we also may want to do is reach out to the other districts possibly that don't have full day kindergarten that may be dealing with similar things because what we've been told also is that there a lot of times there isn't support for some of these pieces of legislation because they
154don't you know affect as many other school districts. So, I think the more statewide support we can garner, whether it's just our representatives, you know, initially sponsoring it, but then talking to the other boards to get their legislators on board, too, would really help in terms of pushing that forward. >> Can I ask you a quick question? I know you checked and are there any other districts in Middle Sex County that do not have full >> no >> full day? You're the only one. >> Not anymore. >> Okay. Not anymore. The um >> uh Milstone is in Mammoth. It's really close to us, but I believe it's technically Mammoth County. >> Yes. I was just curious because I know you always check and check and check. So, I wanted to make sure. So, we're the
155only district in Middle Sex County that does not have full day kindergarten, >> right? But the legislative districts are broken up very uniquely, right? Like East Brunswick a different district and South Brunswick is a different district. So, you know, I think there's 40 legislative districts. Um, so at least getting some statewide support would would really help. I do like the idea um of writing a letter on behalf of the board. >> I have to ask everybody if that's okay. You know, >> let's get a motion. >> We need a motion to have >> to authorize Mr. Payne to contact the legislature with regard to the uh potential use or different use of the funds that have been earmarked to the district. >> I can make that motion. Should I just repeat what you >> prefer
156that I speak to her because I do have her phone. No, but I'm just asking communicate with on any anyway that I have. >> I'm I'm sorry. I just I'm confused because I thought that we can use this for any capital project. So, what's the letter asking? >> Miss Bora asked >> If it could be reccharacterized. Yes. >> So, that we could use it for teacher or curriculum material that we might need any extra whatever extra cost beside capital. >> Right. She wanted to see if we could get permission to use it. cost other than capital. >> So just >> right now we can use it for design studies and tables and chairs and like Dr. Layman said for coolers or HBAC's in that area but we can't use it for any curriculum related we
157can't you know like he said you could use it for teacher salary this year but then >> not we cannot right now we cannot >> Mr. Zikner, he's got his hand. >> Maybe I'm a little bit confused here. I I just I'm trying to to hear everyone, but my understanding is that we're still going to have a bill to pay when it comes to 27. Whenever you implement a kindergarten program, you're still going to have that money to pay. So whether you brand it under something else, you're still going to need $500,000 for capital expense. I mean, so what's the difference of rebranding the thing? I mean, you're still going to need the money for capital. Am I correct here in terms of >> I think I think the idea on the table is to
158provide more flexibility. >> So, you you want the flexibility in it. >> It wouldn't it wouldn't hurt. I mean, if we could pay for curricular materials, that would certainly assist. Again, I would not recommend picking up a an annually reoccurring expense because it's a one it you're you are correct in the sense of saying then that would is going to occur again in the following year and the following year after that. But a one-time expense that's not under the capital umbrella would provide us flexibility of spending it. >> Okay. But not necessarily for staffing. >> No, the staffing is the annual piece. We talked about totally separate issue obviously. Yes. >> Yeah. Okay. Yes, >> I'm fine. Thank So we we we can get a little bit more flexibility by asking >> Yeah, that's what
159you're asking for is a little bit more flexibility with the the money that was given to us. >> So I would like to make a motion to allow Miss Deep Payne to contact our legislators to ask for more flexibility for the money allocated to Monro Township for kindergarten. >> And I'll second that. >> Thank you. >> Fine. I will >> I have a comment. No, we have to vote. >> I know. >> Okay. Um, personally, I think I would want to wait to see what you come up with during the budget. You said that you would have something for January and then maybe make the decision then. >> Can I make a suggestion? >> Um, we're entering a lame duck session. >> Yeah. And this is the time when stuff gets thrown in. And so
160I would suggest that the call or the communication be made sooner than later because the district may want to capitalize on the fact that the the legislature is where it is right now. >> And also by January, we need to tell the DOE how we are spending the $500,000. So we are already, you know, we're if we get to know before that, then we can actually say we're also spending it on some curriculum material. Otherwise, we have to stick to the capital, >> right? >> It still we I want to move on from this. I I'm still not understanding if we use that money. >> Well, we can do a discussion on this, right? So, what's I guess doesn't hurt. I'm just not understanding the the reason because if we use that money for capital
161projects and it opens up something else, opens up money in our budget that we have, then we can utilize that money, >> you know, if we obviously approve it or things of that nature for the use of full day kindergarten. I I don't think this hurts. I just I'm not sure what the the reasoning and the rationale for it is. Um I did want to perhaps maybe modify the the motion if there you know if you're friendly to that because I would knowing that it's a lame duck session like to ask the legislators to move forward on that bill for the November elections that allows us to do additional proposal questions in November for the following year. Um, I can put this on the lease agenda for next month, but it's already September. >> Yeah.
162>> So, >> I can second the motion to modify if you want to add both the conversations to the same conversation. >> Um, can I just make a suggestion? I I would suggest that you just withdraw the motion and then we make a fresh one. >> I withdraw my motion. >> And then, Miss Ratner, are you going to make a motion? I'm going to make a motion for um on behalf of the board a letter to be written to our legislators in support of um modifying the um $500,000 um what's it called? allocation that from the budget to be used for full for any purposes for kindergarten as well as for um pushing forward I guess um encouraging our legislators to move forward on its A2784S2548 um which would allow the school districts to utilize
163November um for a separate proposal for the following year. I second that. >> Do we have to take that? But >> Miss Ratner, um it was it you said a letter Mr. Payne um asked for the ability to communicate which would be a phone as well. So if you could just modify and I hate to do this, it sounds silly, but >> No, I understand. I just I mean and I I think there can always be follow-up by phone call, but I I do feel it's important to have a written document as well. I I think >> which I'll do both. >> Okay. Multipleful forms of communication. I I Mr. Weiss, would that be too vague? >> No, I I just >> I understand what you're saying. I would go with communicate. >> Communicate. Okay.
164>> Yeah. And then that covers everything. >> And we had a second by Miss >> No, >> Mr. Zikner, you were the first. You were the first second. I'm sorry. We have >> I'm fine. No, no, it's not a problem. Nope. Nope. I'm fine with it. Do we have to take a vote on this? >> Then we do. I hope I guess. >> Yeah. Real cool. So, yes. Miss Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Aiz. >> Yes. >> Miss Bora. >> Yes. >> Mr. Piro. >> Yes. >> Miss Ratner. >> Yes. >> Miss Chararma. >> Yes. >> Mr. Tufano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zikner. >> Yes. >> Mr. Payne. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. You're welcome. So, I'm going to proceed with uh a few more updates and then uh we will move
165on to the recommendations. So, uh just a notification, we have our second annual Monro Township School District classic car show this Saturday here at the high school. So, we uh welcome everyone to attend. It's uh presented by the booster club and we're very excited about seeing all the classic cars and not so classic super new and shiny cars as well. So, uh, please come out and, uh, support us and our athletic programs. And, uh, in terms of recommendations, personnel member 10 vote. It's recommended that the board approve the attached personnel items A through Z. A through Z. >> Motion. Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> Miss Allen? >> Yes. >> Miss Alvarez? >> Yes. >> Miss Aiz? >> Yes. >> Miss Bora? >> Yes. >> Mr. Piro? Yes, >> Miss Ratner. >> Um, yes.
166Recusees on letter K number five and letter W number 22 for Mr. Ratner. >> Okay, Miss Chararma. >> Yes, >> Mr. Tufano. >> Yes, >> Mr. Zikner. >> Yes. >> Main. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Personnel nine-member vote. It's recommended that the board approve the attached personnel items AA through B D. >> Motion. >> Second. Okay. Is there any discussion? >> Miss Allen? >> Yes. Miss Alvarez? >> Yes. To all. Abstain on AW number two. Okay. Miss Aziz. >> Yes. Miss Bora. >> Yes. >> Mr. Piro. >> Yes. >> Miss Ratner. >> Yes. >> Miss Chararma? >> Yes. >> Mr. Tufano? >> Yes. >> Mr. Zikner? >> Yes. >> Mr. Depay? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. So, under board action 10-member vote, it's recommended that the board approve the attached board action items A
167through L. >> Motion. >> Second. >> I'd like to make a motion to table um item the item related to Dr. Chanley on letter A until after the uh close session. >> I'll second it. >> Any discussion? I have to take them. >> So it's a it's the vote roll call now on the motion to table. >> Motion to table. >> Okay. Miss >> Ms. Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Miss Aziz. >> Yes. >> Miss Bora. >> Yes. >> Mr. Piro. >> Yes. >> Miss Ratner. We're accused due to conflict. >> Okay. Miss Chararma? >> Yes. >> Mr. Tufano? >> No. >> Mr. Zikner? >> Yes. >> Miss. Depay. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Uh there was a I'm sorry. What? >> I don't know. It was tabled. >> Yes. >> We vote on the
168>> I'm sorry. >> It's a board board action nine member vote. >> It's recommended that the board approved. >> Oh, hold on. We didn't do 10 >> for the rest of the 10 member vote, right? And I had a I just had a couple of questions. Okay. >> Um >> so I guess the first one um and this is on the 10 member and the nine member, but I see that there's this the title one school parent involvement policy. >> Um I guess if you can just share a little bit more about that. I I'm assuming it's at all of the schools where we are eligible for title one, but is this involving all of the parents or is it certain parents? I guess just a little bit more about what's involved. So, it's a
169process that they go the title one schools go through. Um the title one schools for this year are Mil Lake, Woodland, and the high school. Um previously, maybe two years ago, Brookside was also a title one school. So, uh annually, what the schools are doing now is they're updating this. It's quote unquote policy. It's really an annual plan uh to engage the community members from the the school in terms of what the potential needs are to support uh the students in those schools. Um and we've engaged anywhere between probably 40 to 50 students per grade level um K to three, a little less in fourth and fifth grade. And then at the high school last year, uh, the title one, uh, funds were allocated towards staffing to support the MTSS process towards the title one
170students in nth grade. This year, we're expanding to 9th and 10th grade. So, >> all right. Thank you. >> Okay. I don't know if we had a motion on that on >> Did we have a second? >> Okay. And tableabling that part of a class. >> Any other discussion on that, >> Miss Allen? Okay. Miss Alvarez, >> yes. >> Miss Aiz, >> yes. >> Miss Bora, >> yes. >> Dr. Peek, oops, I'm sorry, Mr. Hero, which is on my list. >> Uh, Miss Ratner. >> Um, yes. However, I need to recuse on letter A for Mr. Snider. >> Okay. Uh, Miss Chararma, >> yes. >> Mr. Tufano, >> yes. >> Mr. Zikner, >> yes. >> Miss Depay, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> So, now we're at the nine member board action. It's recommended that
171the board approve the attached board items action items M through S. Motion through S. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Zikner. Seconded. >> Yep. Any discussion? >> Miss Allen? >> Yep. Uh, Miss Alvarez? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ziz? >> Yes. >> Miss Bora? >> Yes. >> Mr. Piro? >> Yes. >> Miss Ratner? Uh, >> yes. However, recuse for Mr. Lurri on letter M. Okay. Miss Sharma, >> yes. >> Mr. Tufano, >> yes. >> Mr. Zikner, >> yes. >> Miss Depay, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> That concludes my report. >> Thank you very much, Dr. Layman. Now we have the business administrator's report. It is recommended that board action items A through I be approved by consent roll call under a 10 member vote. >> Motion. >> Make
172a motion. >> Motion. Second. Wait one second. >> Okay. >> Now, I'd like to make a motion to table uh on item B, check number uh 9582 for a discussion in close session. >> Second check. >> Okay. >> I'm sorry. >> It was seconded. >> Yes, I discussion. >> Okay. >> Miss Allen? >> Yes. Miss Alvarez? >> Yes. Miss Aziz, >> yes. >> Miss Bora, >> yes. >> Mr. Piro, >> yes. >> Miss Ratner, >> recused due to conflict. >> Miss Chararma? >> Yes. >> I'm sorry, Miss Charm. >> Yes. Okay. Mr. Tufano, >> no. >> Miss uh Mr. Zikner? >> Yes. >> Miss Depay? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. 10 member. Um, so we have to go back >> to the venue >> to the 10 member. >> I'm sorry. One second. Miss Bora
173has a question. >> I I had a comment and a question. I do want to thank all the uh um organizations that are donating money for different enrichment services, specifically the Monroe Falcons wrestling, which is donating a large sum of money um sponsoring the MTHS wrestling mats. I was just curious, Monroe Falcons wrestling, is that uh the township wrestling club >> recreation wrestling. >> It's incredible that they have been able to make such a generous donation to the high school program. So, thank you. >> Anyone else have any comments, Miss Bratner? >> Um yes. Um in alignment with that, I also did just want to mention the other uh two sponsors which are the MTA and Inc. Therapy as well. There was also a donation from um a resident, Mrs. Joseph's, um for a piano
174to the the high school. Um and then I did just want to um mention the because this had come up at at BG&T um for letter I, the Troy and Banks utilities thing. I did look at the uh document um and it does mention that the amount that they are charging is only for things that we are not automatically receiving due to state statute or statute of limitations or things like that. So um I'm I'm glad to see that and uh hopefully you know we'll have a lot of success with it. >> Okay, any other discussion? >> Okay, >> Miss Allen. >> Yep. Uh Miss Alvarez. Yes, >> Miss Aiz. >> Yes, >> Miss Bora. >> Yes, >> Mr. Piro. >> Yes. I'd like to abstain on uh letter B check number 9562. >> Okay.
175Um Miss Ratner. Um yes, I'm going to recuse on the bill in the addendum for uh due to conflict on any payments, claims, and bills for um Dr. Chenley, Dr. Layman, Dr. Higgins, Mr. Ratner, Miss Francis, M. Bruisie Lithggo, Mr. Lur, Mr. Steiner, Messyl, and Worbble, and Mr. Ruben. >> Okay. >> Um, Miss Sharma. >> Um, yes, but I would like to abstain from for letter B. Um, Mr. Tufano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zikner. >> Uh, yes, except I would also like to abstain for letter B. >> Okay. And Miss Depay? >> Yes. And I'd like to abstain on check number 9562 in letter B. >> Okay. Motion passes. >> Can I also um >> Mr. Zack, you have a comment >> emphasize that uh not just the bill list B, but uh check number
1769582. >> Yes. Y Okay. >> Oh, and M that was tabled. >> Okay. >> Any other discussion, questions? Miss Allen? We this board president's report. Oh, I'm sorry. That concludes my Yes, we did. >> I'm sorry. >> Motion passes and um that concludes my report. Thank you. >> Did we do the nine member board action? Was that just just now? I thought that was the >> It was. Yeah. >> Oh, >> but so we were doing nine member but the abstainment was happening on the 10 member. >> Okay. Wait. That's confusing. >> The letter B was already done. >> Yeah, that's right. >> I thought so. So, I wasn't sure why >> people So, >> I'm pretty sure that we were go because we we did the roll call to table one item, then we
177were doing the rest of the items, which is what I I thought we were doing, right? >> That was a 10 member vote, >> right? So, we're on the nine. >> Now, we're doing, right? See, that's what it was a nine member vote. >> Okay. >> So, do we have them? We'll do Miss Allen. >> Did we have the motion and the >> There was a motion by second. >> Yes. >> Okay. Miss Alvarez, >> yes. >> Miss Aziz, >> yes. >> Miss Bora, >> yes. >> Mr. Piro, >> yes. >> Miss Ratner, >> yes. >> Miss Chararma, >> yes. >> Mr. Tano, >> yes. >> Mr. Zikner, >> yes. >> Miss Depay, >> yes. >> Motion passes. And that concludes my report. Thank you very much. >> You're welcome. Um, my report tonight is
178I just want to thank every everyone in this district who helped make the opening of our schools this year a complete success. um from top to bottom. I spoke at the opening day and to see everybody that came back happy to be here and be back in their positions and we're happy to have them because this school district only runs well because of who is in our buildings. So, I want to thank them. Um I also have from Mr. Ryback, Steve Ryback, who is the chair of the Monroe Ed Foundation. He wanted me to thank Dr. Kevin Higgins for all his support and help with the Monroe Ed Foundation project that's coming up. And it is October 5th. It's the first annual tricky tray. And the money goes to scholarships or grants for um uh
179teachers in order to put things back into their classroom, different ideas. And um I think it's he wanted me to mention it could unfortunately he could not make it tonight. Um I I want to say thank you to Mr. Tig. Uh it seems like he's one of our unsung heroes. He is always here BG&T. He's he's wonderful. I think he was on top on top on top of AFGarth all summer. So, I mean, I was hoping he was here tonight to thank him personally, but we seem to um miss him because all of our buildings run well and things done in our buildings are because of Mr. T. So I want to thank him um for all he does for us and that's my report for this. Oh I wanted to wish everyone a happy
180rashana which is on 9:22 and also um Yam Kapor um we are sending our thoughts for Yam Kapor because I know that it's a day of atonement so um and in the Catholic religion we have to go every week for atonement but um it's nice that you can do it once a year. So, um, our thoughts are with you for your day. >> And that's my report. >> Is there other board of education business to be discussed tonight? Miss I just want to quickly um say congratulations to the entire staff of middle school. Uh, like one of our student board members shared, this is a huge accomplishment, number 87 out of almost 1500 schools in the state, fifth largest school. To be able to rank that high, it is incredible. um it's not one person,
181it's a team of people out there. Of course, the students contribute too, but to run that building, which has been one of our most challenging buildings in the time that I've been in Monroe um so efficiently and to rank that high is a testament to everybody that has worked on that building. So, congratulations. Thank you, >> Miss Alvarez. >> Yes. So, I'd like to make a motion to allow Miss Aziz to revote an agenda item related to HIPS from the August 27th meeting. >> I'll second it. >> Okay. So, if I can, under Robert's rules, in order to change a vote, there needs to be unanimous consent. And so, to the extent that a vote is taken and it's not unanimous, then Mrs. Z's cannot change her vote. You >> want to explain why? >>
182Uh, yes. I I accidentally voted on item C. um a few hour hours after I got sworn in and I had intended to abstain. >> Can you explain what you voted for now you want to change it? >> Yes, it's in a superintendent board action section uh item C related to HIPS. >> Okay. >> Um and I had intended to abstain and I want that to be on the record. >> Okay. All right. Do we take >> any questions, discussion? >> Questions or concern? >> Roll call. >> Okay. on this is so if you vote yes, it's you will it's to allow Mrs. East to change her vote. If you vote no, uh it's to not allow her to change her vote and one no, the whole thing fails. >> Okay. Miss Alvarez, >> yes.
183>> Miss Aziz, >> yes. >> Miss recuse from it to recuse from you can vote on that. >> Okay, Miss So you're voting yes. Okay, Miss Bora. >> Yes. >> Dr. Pack. No. Mr. Piro, >> yes. >> Miss Ratner, >> yes. >> Miss Chararma, >> yes. >> Mr. Tufano, >> no. >> Okay. Mr. Zikner, >> yes. >> Miss Depay, >> yes. >> So motion does not pass. >> Okay. If I can, um, board members, I believe that with regard to the bill list, um, some board members possibly may have inadvertently voted no on the entire bill list, and in that case, we may have a problem paying our bills this month. So, to the extent that um, anyone may not have realized what they were doing when they did it, if anyone wants to change
184their vote, we should have a discussion about it. Yes, definitely. >> Um, Miss Allen, can I just get a clarification? The the check that was tabled, what was the that 9 the 9582 >> 9582 62 82 >> 82. Sorry. >> Yes. 9582. And for this vote there was 95 one three people abstained on 9562 >> and one person on the bill list. >> So >> what check was there? >> So is it you said only three people abstained on the one. >> I have three people staying on that particular check number >> 9562 and one person on just B >> on the bill list. I thought it was more than >> right but then and then another person you didn't >> so there's five >> recusals on >> you said three people did you recuse
185on this specific check number >> well I did I started doing it but you had different names >> but you had right so the issue is that one of the concerns of conflict involved which means if there were from what I can understand if there were three people >> this wasn't 956 952 >> is not related to >> you 9582 miss >> 9582 was >> 9582 okay so >> can I ask for clarification like this was the one that we tabled so why would anybody's vote >> no 9562 oh >> 9562 is not the one that was tabled but I am conflicted on 9562 okay >> I abstained okay yeah >> right but then but it There were three. You said there were three obstensions on 9562 on all of B and then myself, >>
186right? So that would be five >> and you need six, right? >> I'm sorry, but did you say just meth? Did you specifically? >> Okay. Cuz on the bill listed said Lennox >> 9562 says Mr. Ruben. >> 9562. >> That's why I wanted to get my double check. It's okay. >> I initially abstained >> and then I went back and I said, "Wait a minute." And then I said, >> "I'm abstaining on that particular check number." >> Yes. You went back after you voted. >> Not 62. That one >> 826. >> We didn't vote on 82. >> Yeah. But that's his mistake. He said, >> that's mistake. >> So, which one was the one that we tabled? 95 82 and 62 is the one is a different >> that starts with 82, >> right? Okay.
187Right. >> Okay. So then there are five, right? One, two, five. >> So it needed it needed six yes votes. Correct, Mr. Weiss. >> Five, right? >> Um, is it a nine member vote? >> It's a 10 member vote, >> but it's a 10 member, >> but he said it's full membership. >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> We'll address it. >> It's done. We'll address it. We'll address it. >> We'll address it. >> Okay. >> Table that. Right. That's table >> 82 is table >> 952 was table 952 >> 72 >> 82 >> do another session. >> Mr. Pain for other board business really quick. Um I just wanted to keep it short. say I it's been a great start to the school year. Um looking forward to homecoming this weekend. Anyone who's
188able to come out on Friday night to support the kids. Um both there and any of our other athletic events. I know Dr. Layman does a great job of providing us with the the schedule. Um I know Saturday there's the car show as well as also the green fair that's taking place here. And then I might have missed some of this when I was asking so I apologize. Um I also know there's a lot of events that are coming up. Um there is the education foundation's um tricky tray um in October. Um and so really just a lot of things that are happening. Um so definitely try and support all of the organizations and the students that are doing things in the district. Any other comments? Okay, we're going to the um public forum of
189the meeting. You have four minutes to get to stand by the podium. And if you have a question, please address the board. Good evening, Roshni Sham Monroe Township. Um just wanted to say very very impressed with all of the work that's been done on full day kindergarten. I think I speak on behalf of all of us when I say it is about time, right? I think we've all been waiting for this for um many many years. Um I would definitely I think the board felt this way as well, but I definitely think we should emphasize um and go towards you know trying to do it in 2026, right? And I think that's really that's really the goal, trying to do it as soon as possible because we're one of three. I'd like to not be
190an end of one, right? Opening in 2027. So, just really want to commend the administration on all the great work. Um, I'm sure many of you know, uh, I'm a candidate running for the board of education next year. Um, and so I, uh, I also commend you all because, um, this whole campaigning thing, I don't know how I feel about it. Um, but you know, I give you guys a lot of credit for um, what you've done because you've you've all uh, you've all campaigned. But, um, one thing I will say is um, I I definitely feel like this meeting um, I've seen, you know, you all work together. I've seen you all um, come to um, a consensus. I think we have new board leadership. Um, and I think that it is a good
191path forward for us to work together, collaborate, make good make great decisions. So, um, I thank you for that and, um, I just wanted to say great job. So, thanks very much. >> Thank you very much. >> Anyone else like to speak this evening? >> Good evening. Christy Scurby, uh, Monroe Township. Um, uh, a question about full day kindergarten. Um, Dr. Dr. Layman, you said this year you moved approximately $200,000 from the ECE. 197,000 something like that. >> 190. Yep. >> How much was the total revenue though from ECE? What what is in that account um as a total? Because I know we don't move the entire profit. I know we only move certain amount each year, but how much does that profit each year? >> I don't have that figure in front of me.
192Um it it we took most of the profit to transfer into um the budget. >> So last year it only made 197 >> a little somewhere around there. So it was Yeah. >> A little bit more because I know previous years it was >> it was higher. >> Wasn't it up to like 600,000? >> True. >> It was it was much higher in previous years. Yep. >> What is the reason for the It's a It's a program that expanded to Oak Tree. It's a program that has a waiting list. >> Falcon Care is full. Why would we go down from 600,000 to 197? >> Do you want to take it? Do you want me to I I So I can tell in general we've seen costs for So Falcon Care and ECE. So you have
193the before and afterare program and the extended kindergarten program are under the same umbrella. >> Okay. You you can ask me. I just want to get through what what I um other questions I had. >> Um and then as far as >> the time frame, I mean, we did a lot of sitting here and talking back and forth and debating with each other and what should we do with the money? What what should we ask for the money to be allocated for this? Should we That is not the role of a board member. That should be coming from the administration. If Dr. Layman and the administration feels like that that money should be allocated for something else, then the administration should really be doing that. um where we go next, what we do next, that
194that should all be recommendations coming from the administration. We sat here for over an hour listening to you guys go back and forth with all these different ideas and and comments, but honestly, those recommendations come from the administration. I think that's where this board goes ary a lot because you think that you run the district and you don't. The administration runs the district. Your job is to see that the district is run well. It's a big distinction that I don't think a lot of you understand at all. You know, it's been 135 days since you put Dr. Chanley on leave. We are paying an administrator to sit home getting full pay. She's attending the NJSBA conference next month in Atlantic City paid for by the taxpayers. That's part of her contract. I'm assuming that those
195check numbers relate to her. Can you tell us what those check numbers who those checks are made out? So, that's public record, right? That's in the bill list. Can you tell me what those checks are that you all abstained on and that you're going to talk about? I'd like to know who they're for and what those payments are. >> Miss Scurby, um my recollection is that the one check uh in particular uh is for, and correct me if I'm wrong, Miss Allen, is for Dr. Chanley's attorney submitted uh some invoices. >> Correct. >> And it's my understanding and recollection that that's the uh item that was tabled >> and you're debating whether or not you should pay for her attorney. That's absurd. That's part of her contract as well that she has legal coverage. Um
196uh you are wasting taxpayer money. You are keeping somebody home that did nothing except do her job correctly here. She's beloved. She's missed. It's a travesty what you're doing. And I understand that I guess at the beginning of the meeting you were all served a lawsuit. Mr. Zikner, Miss Miss Usha Sharma, uh, Mr. Depain, Miss Alvarez, and Mr. Piro. I I'm glad she's suing you guys because what you've done to her and what you've done to our community. >> Time is up. Time is up for you. >> It's a disgrace. >> Thank you for your comments. Anyone else wish to speak this evening? Seeing none, we're going to close this portion of the meeting. We're going into a um close session and then we're coming back out to do some more voting. So, if you'd
197like to stay um we're going to discuss some confidential matters in close and then >> make vote when we come out. All right. Is there a motion for that? >> Motion. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> opposed. abstain. >> So, members of the public, um the board is going to be going into close session for approximately 45 minutes to discuss personnel matters and to receive attorney client advice. The board will not be taking any action in executive session. >> At the end of executive session, the board is going to come back out into the public and take votes. So to the extent that members of the public wish to remain to see the votes as they occur, we'll probably be back in this room in 45
198minutes after executive session. >> Well, we need to appoint a secretary. >> Yes. >> To take notes. >> Yes. >> Miss Alvarez said she didn't like >> I would prefer someone that's not named. >> Yes. >> Miss Ratner. Miss Bor. >> I'm not >> I I can take I I can take the notes. Oh, thank you very much. >> If the board >> Do I make a motion? >> I'll make a motion to appoint uh Mr. Weiss as the secretary for this close session. >> I'll second it. >> All those in favor? I >> opposed. Abstain. >> We'll be back. Thank you very much. We're good. Thank you very much. Thank you for those that waited. Um make a motion to come out of close session. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All those in favor?
199I I >> abstain. >> No. Anybody? Yes. M >> Mr. Payne, I would like to make a motion after the close session on um in the light of the extra expenses that the district is starting to see and also the fact that we it's been over 120 days that Mrs. Chanley has been on administrative leave and we're going to start to see the cost of those 120 days in other ways also. It is time to bring her back. Can I >> I would like to make a motion to reinstate Dr. Chan. >> Can I Can I interrupt you just one minute? I need to make a motion to open this meeting like >> I closed. Sorry, I apologize. >> And then I was like right >> Just to make it kosher. I we may have
200a motion to open this motion. >> Second. >> You could do just voice vote. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any opposed? Any obstac tells me the same. >> So I second in Gazal's motion. >> Thank you. >> Okay. And I'd like to make a motion. >> Do I have to say my motion again? Yes. I would like to make a motion to immediately reinstate Dr. Chanley and save this district from saving any spending any more tax dollars on costly lawsuits. >> Second. I would like to make a motion to table this motion to the October meeting regularly scheduled board of ed meeting. >> I'll second it. >> The motion to table takes precedence. So there's a roll call vote on the motion to table. >> Okay. Thank you,
201Mr. Weiss. >> Got it. Mr. P. >> Miss Alvarez, >> yes. >> Miss Aziz, >> yes. >> Miss Bora, >> no. >> Mr. Piro, >> yes. >> Miss Chararma, >> yes. >> Mr. Tufano, >> no. >> Mr. Mr. Zikner, >> no. >> Miss Depay, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Okay. So, I have two. >> Next item. >> Yeah. Next. The next next item that we're going to talk about or vote on is the tabled item A under the um board action items A through L, page 19. Um it was a personal can I can mention professional development professional development for Miss Chanley. So we need to have a motion on that. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> Okay. >> Uh Miss Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ziz. >> Yes. >> Miss Bora.
202>> Yes. >> Mr. Piro >> abstain. >> Miss Sharma. >> Yes. Mr. Tufono, >> yes. >> Mr. Zikner, >> yes. >> Ms. Depay, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> And the other tabled item is under the bill list and it was for check number 9582. Um, I need a motion to have it. >> Is there a second? Okay. >> What was the mo? The motion was to approve it. Prove that. >> Can you say the whole motion, please? >> I'm make I'm guessing your motion. You said it. >> I think you should repeat it since you made the motion. I just mentioned it. >> It's number 95. >> 9582. >> So, I make a motion to approve 9582, >> right? I just want to make it cois. >> Okay. Is there any discussion on that?
203>> Roll call. Miss Allen. >> Miss Alvarez, >> abstain. Ms. Aziz >> abstain. >> Miss Bora, >> yes. >> Mr. Piro, >> abstain. >> Ms. Sharma, >> abstain. >> Mr. Tufano, >> yes. >> Mr. Zikner, >> abstain. >> Ms. Depay, >> abstain. >> Motion does not pass. >> I think that's it. That's it for our meeting tonight. Thank you for your extra time in the executive session and we'll see you all in October. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Motion. Second. All those in favor? I >> I don't think anybody's opposed.