Monroe Township Board of Education 01.24.18 Regular Meeting

001responsibilities. I feel like that could be a stumbling point. And that as a community, I think we should have that discussion. Maybe somebody needs to talk to them. Good evening. The meeting of the Monroe Township Board of Education will come to order. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. Turn it up. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I don't know. Isn't he a weird? May we have a roll call? Mr. Gorski. Certainly. Mrs. Armeno here. Mr. Braverman here. Mr. Cherella here. Mrs. Deo here. Mrs. Kolapanovich here. Mrs. Lang here. Mrs. Corino here. Mr. Ryback here. Mr. Russo here. Mr. Rudsky here. Madame Board

002President, you have a quorum present this evening. 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 by having the date, time, and place thereof posted January 19th, 2018 at all schools, the Home News Tribune, the Cranberry Press, and filed with the clerk of the municipality. Thank you, Mr. Gorski. At this time, we will go to the approval of minutes for the public board of education meeting of December 13, 2017. So move. So moved by Mr. Ryback, second by Mr. Ritzky. Any additions or corrections to the minutes? Seeing none, all in favor? Opposed? Abstain. I abstain. Miss Armeny abstains. Mr. Braverman abstains. And Mr. Russo Mr. Russo is recusing. Anyone else? Okay. Then we will have the

003approval of the minutes for the close session meeting of December 13, 2017. Mr. Ryback. Is there a second? I'll second it. Second by Mr. Ritzky. Again, any additions or corrections to the minutes? Seeing none, all in favor? I opposed abstains. Miss Arminino, Mr. Braverman, Mr. Russo recuses. And I'm recusing. I recella recuses. And I think I have to go back to the regular meeting minutes and recuse myself from the first half of the meeting. Exactly. Okay. So, notice I was watching. Okay. Okay. At this time, we have three really um really great presentations this evening. Our first is a recognition of Graham Kak, no relation to Dr. Kak, right? That's right. Uh joining the US Army All-American Marching Band. And Dr. Kak, you can do this. All right. Thank you, Madam President. Uh in a

004minute I would like to call Graham Kak up to the front uh of the um of the you know to to receive a certificate on behalf of the board of education. And we actually have a short video clip that we're going to show of his performance as well. But I wanted to give you a little background of why Graham Kak is being uh recognized tonight. The US Army All-American Marching Band performs each year at halftime of the nationally broadcasted US Army All-American Bowl. By becoming a US Army All-American, Graham Kak joined an elite group. Only 125 high school marching band members among the millions in the United States are selected. The band members are chosen not just because they excel musically, but because they are mentally and physically agile. They know the importance of teamwork

005and they they are able to adapt to challenging situations similar to US Army soldiers. For 18 years, the US Army All-American Bowl has been the nation's premier high school all-star event and football game, serving as a a preeminent launching pad for America's future college and NFL stars. I know we have Giants fans somewhere. Odell Beckham Jr., Andrew Luck, Eric Bry, Patrick Peterson, Tim Tibo, and Sam Darnold are Darnell all each made their national debut as US Army All-Americans. A total of 351 US Army All-American alumni have been selected in NFL drafts. Last year's bowl drew an all-time record crowd of 40,568 to the Al Alamo Dome. So, with that, um, I would ask if we I would like to show a it's a one minute video of, uh, Graham performing. And actually, if Graham could

006come up to the front and you want to come up, we'll give him the certificate. And maybe he could explain, um, a little bit about the piece that we're about to see. And hopefully Graham is here right at He's right there. Oh, there you are. Okay. I don't know where he is. We're going to go up there first. [Applause] Yeah. In the front. Yeah. No, just play it. Just play. Just go. Just go. Yeah. Let's just go. Let's just go. Okay. So, if you look over your screen here, we're up at the front. [Music] Congratulations. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Graham, on behalf of the board of education, certainly your teachers, music teachers, and everyone else, uh we're certainly proud of of what you have accomplished. And in recognition of your selection to

007the US United States Army All-American Bowl, this certificate is issued to Graham Kak of Monroe Township School District. Congratulations. Calling my mom. I'm sure wants to take a picture. So, I want to know how long did it take the band to learn those moves? Because sometimes we practice for months. Have to use the hours. Yeah. No. Okay. We'll take a picture first. So I was asking Graham because sometimes it takes marching bands a long time like a whole summer in order to be able to march on the field in certain formations. So how long did it take your band? Because how how you were only together very short time, right? We were together I guess I'll take it. We were together for a combined five days and we rehearsed for about 24 25 hours in

008total and just to make that all make that all happen and it was it was just truly outstanding. Yeah, it was very seamless. It was great. So, it's a very honor for Monroe to have someone like you represent us. So, congratulations to you and um wonderful wonderful job. Thank you. [Applause] Oh, I think there was a presentation by the high school. Okay. Going to skip around the agenda for a little bit and right now we're going to do the soccer awards of Mr. Byer would come up and help us. Dr. You want to come up? This is a good time for me because I get a little bit of a chance to not only brag about our athletic program, but our boys soccer team. Um, last month I received some news from NJ.com and um,

009the Star Ledger that the Monroe Township athletic program was ranked in the top 50 in the state. Can clap about that. We were ranked 18th overall out of over 400 schools. We were ranked number one in Middle Sex County. Woo. And we were also ranked 257th in the nation, which I think is pretty impressive. Obviously, getting that ranking, our boys soccer team had a major major impact on that. Our boys soccer team won their 17th division title this year. They won their sixth overall GMC title this year. On top of that, Matt Ho became the all-time assist leader in school history. And we also earned the number one seed in the GMC tournament. And thanks to coach Steve McKenzie and his staff, we had an outstanding [Applause] year. To add to our excitement tonight, um,

010we have a volunteer announcer who does Rucker games. So, Gordy Deal is going to announce everybody tonight just like he does for games. And Coach McKenzie, if you could line your gentleman up here. And Gordy, if you could come up, he's going to announce each young man. Absolutely. Just for for the sake of making sure that everyone's name is heard, uh I would ask respectfully ask that we hold applause until we get all the members brought up and everyone's handed a certificate. And at that point, then we'll ask for a round of applause for uh all the members of the team. And uh and that's also if the for the guys coming up if you would just take your certificate maybe stay over to the side then we'll get a nice group picture at the

011end. Okay. All right [Music] there. All right. So, welcome to all the boys and everybody who's here tonight. Standing room only crowd tonight, huh? Is there something going on? So, just a quick correction for uh to to Mr. Byer. So, I'm the stadium announcer for the New York Giants and for Army football. So, uh, one of the things that I do at the boys soccer games is do player introductions, which sometimes are audible in Spotswood. We I'll give you one example as we get toward the end here. All right. So, uh, our first player is, uh, sophomore I don't think he's here tonight. Devin Gunther, also on the list, uh, Brendan Ryan, who's not here tonight. Sophomore defender Logan Hoy. George Halivopoulos Joey Fjordiso is here. He's got a wrestling match. Akshhat Gupta here. Tommy

012Hamer. We should explain some of these kids. They're all doing Tommy is not here. John Rici, a senior, not here. Brandon Amplo, one of our seniors. [Applause] one of our freshman of influences, Jonah Diaz. [Applause] Junior Declan Safi, a lot better than I am. I feel like I'm in a stadium. Congratulations. Senior defender Nick Turk. Sophomore defender Matt Pascal. Senior Kevin Sinis. Junior defender George Olenick. Junior Aditia Pelikar, senior Mike Tfano, who's not here tonight. Junior Ad Sophomore Adrien Delasio, senior Matt Hoy, Senior Allesio Myello, junior Michael Mansanelli, not here. Senior Chris Gretzig. Senior David Zorski not here. Another freshman who had a big year. Christian Bernol, junior. Brendan Deal. Congratulations. Freshman Daniel Tanzy is not here tonight. Senior Nick Rios is not here. A junior Victor Park, sophomore Bobby Hunter, and last but not

013least, so this is way we do it at the stadium. At midfield, a senior number 10, the maestro, William Craver. [Music] [Applause] Yes, Kathy might want to go around front. Okay. Nothing scary. transformation they go through. It is scary watching your own son go through that. How old your son? I think he was a little ahead of himself. Yeah, it happened like he's he grew like he's an inch short of me. Like he just sprouted up by like six inches last year. Other than the cat, I'm the shortest person in the house. [Applause] Rose challenge day. Let's do challenge. Oh yeah, right. That's right. You've been Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Since you you've got the bigger fast. You want to just get a picture of me? [Applause] So, as much as that kid went last,

014that was very cool. He was rewarded for I I hope they're all going home to practice because I expect to see them back here again next year. So at this time we will go to uh B which is a student presentation on I think it's a high school presentation on challenge day and I believe this is part of the mtea grant program. So as a another presentation from mtea pride grant um we have the high school Mrs. Ielpi and Mr. Comey are coming to present about challenge day which is a wonderful program that I have had the privilege of being a part of. Um that's a great program for our students. So I will let them explain to you what it's all about. A person loves nothing more to perform in front of a standing

015room only. So thank you all for showing up tonight and we'll start from here. So um I am I'm coming back. got reprimanded already, which is not unusual for me. All right, so good evening everybody. I'm Kathy Ielpi. I'm a school counselor over at the high school, and I am also a very proud coordinator of two of our diversity clubs, the GSA and the Peace Ambassadors. Um, the primary goal of the MTHS Peace ambassadors and GSA are to help foster a school environment that honors diversity, peace, and respect for all of our students. And every year these two groups come together and sponsor a whole bunch of events. Um, one of these events that they sponsor is Challenge Day. This is a really important event at our school. So, we're going to talk a little

016bit about that as well. Um, I'm going to quote from the challenge day website. So, this way, um, without having to give you a, you know, educational view of it. I'm going to give you a very emotional view of it from the website. This was written by kids. Imagine a school where everyone feels safe, loved, and celebrated. Imagine enemies finding common ground and making peace. Making friends. Friends healing past hurts and making amends. People igniting their passion for service and leadership. Adults and youth working together to create a school where everyone is included and thrives. This is challenge day. Um tonight you're going to hear from several members of the uh two diversity clubs. They're going to uh talk to you about how the um night has the day has a really big impact on

017them. Um they're a little nervous, so please give you them time and kindness, please. But here they are. We're going to start off with Noel is going to talk to you about what the family groups mean during challenge day. Um hi. So, one of the events, one of the activities that we do during challenge day is called the family groups. And um one point during the day, you are put in a group of about four or five students and one teacher. And you start off in this family group by playing little like bonding games and just talking about anything that you want to get closer to your group, your favorite food, your favorite color, whatever it may be. Your group talks for a little and then after that, after you've gotten to know each other,

018after you talk about whatever, um you get to learn about each other on a more personal level. Um each member of the group gets about two minutes to talk about whatever that has been on their mind, whatever has been affecting them or just anything they want. Um a lot of the students and the teacher um choose to talk about something very personal. Um both years that I have went I have been brought to tears during the family group events. It's a very hard-hitting thing. And my favorite thing about it is that it really brings you to a personal level, especially with the teacher in the group because you're not in an environment like you are at school where it's teacher and student. You're at a level where you realize that they're a person, too. They've

019been through things just like you have and you can share these things. And even with the other students, it helps us realize that no matter how diverse we are, we've all been through things. We're all people. And it helps us realize that we're all equal. We all need to be more compassionate to each other and it really helps spread the message of kindness and peace and that we're all people who have been through things. So that's definitely one of my favorite parts of challenge day. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause] Okay, so Parthia and Ria are going to explain this messy little mush over here and I'll just show you really quickly. This is drop the water line for those of you who have been to challenge day. So, they're gonna explain to you what this

020activity means to them and uh and how they got what they got out of it. So, come on my young people. Um so, drop the waterline is basically where the speaker will have like something similar to this up on the poster board and they will talk about how there's that 10% mask that people show to others like at school like they're walking through the hallways. That's only the 10% they see like their friends. But there's another 90% that they don't really let anyone else see. They kind of hide it. It's like their true thoughts, their true feelings, who they really are, and what they don't want anyone else to really know. So, the students together put to put together a list of the things they hide and the things they show to other people. Some

021of the strengths we um some of the things we show are like strength and um our masks that we put on and some of the things we hide are our fears, our weaknesses, things that we don't want other people to see about us and we share the things that we go through every single day which is a very good activity. Yep. Drop the waterline. All right, we're going to talk about So Elias is going to share an activity that the peace ambassadors did during challenge day as well. During lunch, members of our club handed out slips to the members of the groups who came out to participate. And on these slips, we asked them to write suggestions that they have for our school and things that they would like to see the ch they would

022like to see change. Their input was astonishing. It was clear from this alone how much they cared about the members of their school and how everyone was feeling. We would like to see this type of motivation, this type of devotion to our school all year long. We would like to see this we would like we would like to see the spirit of challenge day pervade all year long even after it ends. seeing everyone be so kind to one another, caring about one another, and letting their true selves show. [Applause] And Gia is going to come up and talk about what some of the long-term effects are after challenge day. This is just a one-day event. So, this is Gia. Hi, I'm Gia. And I'm going to be talking about what happens actually after challenge day.

023Because I know we've been talking a lot about what happens in school and what happens during challenge day. We don't talk about what happens after. And for me, it was really emotional because that challenge day, it affected me a lot. I cried a lot. And right after it was over and we had to go out to the buses, I felt so much better. All the stress that I had for that day for even like the past month, I felt go away and I felt truly happy cuz I know that a lot of the students because of the mask that they put on, they go home and then all of that stress just comes bubbling back to the surface. and they have to deal with it at home. So when we had to deal with it

024at school, it felt so much better and you could I could focus on my homework better. I just felt emotionally better. And even the next day at school, the teachers and the students that I was with, I felt closer to. I felt like I could trust them a lot more and that I have someone I could rely on in times of need. Thank you. and Parth is going to uh come up and tell you about one more activity that bonds the teachers and students together so you can hear about it and that's called crossing the line. Cross the line. Cross the line is actually a very very emotional activity for anyone who uh participates with challenge day. Um but as emotional as it could be, it's actually very helpful. Um, basically the speaker would tell

025you to cross the line if the scenario stated had or has a relation a relation to you. For for instance, they'd ask anyone who's maybe had a disease in their family or if they have a disease that's life-threatening or if maybe they've been made fun of or harassed for anything like their beliefs or their looks or if maybe someone they've known has tried to take their own lives or has taken their own lives or if they've tried to. Um, and those students would cross the line and face the other students who didn't cross. and the teachers would cross as well. And um when you'd stand out there, you'd face the students and the memories would start to flow and tears. It was always so emotional for everyone, but you're comforted cuz the kids you didn't

026cross line would be holding up the love symbol and you'd see how many people are standing with you and also going through the same pain as you. And you see other people who are there being supportive for you. And the teachers, especially when with the children who are crying a lot, they'd come and help you out a lot and you'd have like some friends by your side. They come give you a hug. Is always very very supportive. Um during cross the line, um on a personal note, I've crossed the line for things that I didn't expect anyone else to cross the line, but I was never alone. There was always other people with me and I'd be crying and there would be like my best friend next to me who would be hugging me or

027someone else who'd be hugging me. I'd always see someone looking me in the eyes like doing the love symbol and I knew that they cared about me. It was always so amazing and it was always emotional for everyone and it always helped me get out my emotions cuz I never knew that there were some emotions that I thought didn't exist but they were building up inside of me and when I just let them all out across the line I felt so much better and I felt so much support and cross the line really just helps you see that you're not alone and that people care about you and support you and that you can talk to anyone really and challenge day in general just helps prove [Applause] that. Okay. So, we're going to end this

028uh this presentation with two gifts and an offer. So gift number one on day one of our school at the high school um we uh did a day one project where we asked the entire school to take a moment and across the entire loudspeaker we spoke uh this this uh message to the whole entire population of the school that we are claiming our school as a safe space in the summer. These young people showed up there's a lot more of them that showed up to put posters in every single classroom and every public space in the entire school. and um the principal got on the speaker and announced that they were claiming this space. We'd like you to hear this um message. Please come up. On this campus, we will not tolerate the use of

029any words or actions that put people down because of race, culture, religion, appearance, clothing, language or accent, sex, gender, sexual orientation, family, physical or mental ability or disability, or for any other reason. So, we would like to give this Go ahead. See the young the the man with a really nice suit with the what's sitting next to the lady. We would like to challenge you to put this up in the district office. Oh, wonderful. Be my pleasure. Thank you. Thank you. Our second uh thing that we'd like to do is challenge you to come to challenge day. We know that uh Dr. Alvik has come and it has been a very nice experience and we would have had board members in the past come. So when we put out the invitation this year, we hope

030that one of you say yes. It's a very important event and we'd like to have you there. And in closing on this day one activity with not only the posters and with the message sent out there, we also thought we would give out something to every staff member and every um student in the entire school a reminder so that every day they can say to themselves what's important and what's important. So we would like to also gift you with a bracelet so that you can remember around the table that kindness matters. So regardless of what you're doing, and we know you're dealing with a lot lately, we'd like you to remember kindness matters. [Applause] A thank you so much. Thank you. What a wonderful program for our students and our our faculty and a powerful

031um a powerful message to all of us. Thank you so much. Thank you for doing this. Thank you. I look forward to coming to the next challenge day. Yes, you'll be there. We'll send you the invitation. Is the date established yet? Do we have a date? We're asked I'm sorry. Do you have the date yet? Uh do you usually do it early on in December, but we don't have it yet? Okay. We usually have to wait for our budget to pass. Wink wink. put it in the budget and then we go and challenge it and you guys will come with it. Thank you. Oh, and and again I I would like to thank the MTA for supporting these kinds of programs in our schools. Very important. Thank you very much. [Applause] Yes. Um okay. At

032this time, we will go to a student board members report. We have a student with us today. Um, Monor Township's drama club held their annual murder mystery show last week. Additionally, a few weeks ago, several students attended the DECA regional conference and will be attending states in Atlantic City. The conference had 50 finalists from Monroe. Also, the model UN conference was also held a few weeks ago. Okay. Thank you. At this [Applause] time, at this time, we're going to have committee reports. Are there any committees that need to report this evening? Mr. Mayo? Yes, we had a curriculum meeting tonight. Use the microphone, please. We had a curriculum meeting tonight and um we got a update on MAP. The MAP assessments are giving three times per year during one class time for 45 minutes. There's

033a baseline done in the fall. In the winter, they check to see if the kids are on track. And in the spring, they use multiple points for tags and cluster grouping and determining accelerated math. Um, we've got we got a lot of positive feedback about MAP. the teachers overthought over excuse me the teachers felt that it was user friendly for teachers and students it was um what it would do is a child would take a map test and then the next day immediately the teachers get results these results are aligned to the standards they give val they're valid and reliable measure and what happens is at that point teachers can use the results to help kids who may be faltering in one area. Um, so the data is actionable. For example, you know, it is

034so fine-tuned that they can determine if a seventh grader is reading on target or if maybe their literacy is off and they can um adjust the curriculum and the way they're teaching for these kids. Um, and that's pretty much it for math. We also learned about the first T program. The First T is a nonprofit organization that promotes golf for you youth. We have been using First T since 2012 at Barkley Brook and Brookside. It's very successful. Um but we've received a new donation of um equipment. We've got wedges and putters of all different sizes. I'm not a golfer, so I don't know. We have TE's and balls and mats and bullseye targets. Um, a lot of really great stuff. And so this donation is going to go to Oak Tree where we will start

035this program. We also got an update from Dory about the homework committee. And I'm going to let her talk to you about what the homework committee has done because she um can give you a better in-depth analysis than I can. Okay. Um so after uh the board meeting in December, I reached out to staff and we have 36 teachers, guidance counselors, learning consultants, and administrators on a committee to look at our current homework policy and regulation. Um, we spent a couple of hours on January 17th looking at the current policy, talking about why we give homework, how it's assessed, how it's being used in the classroom um and research of where, you know, what does the research say about the effect of homework um on our student learning. We then broke the the entire group

036broke up into some committees. So, our next meeting in February is going to be to create a parent student survey to get input from the community. Um, also to create a teacher survey, to create a presentation of all of the research that is out there that will guide any of our recommendations to the board of education to change the policy and a committee to take a look at our current policy and see what things need to be um revised. Once we come together and we get all of that information back, then we will come together as a whole group again and we will make recommendations to the board of education policy committee and the entire board on a change in the homework committee. So, our goal is to have those um policy revisions to the

037policy committee by the end of the school year. So, we um I think we had a really great meeting. I'm I'm seeing some teachers out there who I see were on the committee with us. I think we had a really great meeting. I think we got a lot of great ideas um and we're moving forward with it. Thank you. Dr. Alvik, could you please um address the issue about parents looking for homework assignments on for their children because I I know that has come up in in um in the past. So currently our grade book where our official grades go is found in Genesis. So any student who's getting a grade is going it's going to be posted in Genesis. Parents at the middle school and high school can see these grades on an ongoing

038basis. Um at the elementary school, you can just see the progress reports or um and and or the report cards um at the end of the marking period. So all homework is probably not posted there because not all homework is assessed and given a grade that would go in a grade book. If you're looking for your child's homework, the teacher may be using Schooly, they may be using Google Classroom, they may be using a wiki. That would be where you would go to find any assignments that are being offered to your child. If you would like access to that, I would suggest you reach out to the teacher and the teacher will be able to provide you with how they're assigning homework and where that information can be found for their particular class. Thank you.

039Okay. Any other comm or is that any questions for Jill? Okay. Any other committees? Mr. the Turella. I hope I hope you guys don't fall asleep for this one, but this is we had a buildings, grounds, and transportation meeting on the 16th of January. Uh we reviewed the integrated pest management plan. So the administrative the administration presented that to us and um we decided as a committee to accept that as it was provided. Then we also had a review of our written IAQ indoor air quality program. So, another very exciting topic and we uh the administration provided that copy. We went through that and we decided to also accept that as it was provided. Um the lead in the water testing program reimbursement was closed out. So, uh we will get $14,397 uh back for

040that program. And then uh the Barkley Brook, we discussed the Barkley Brookside roofing and paving uh closeouts and um the everything is pretty much done. What the committee recommended was that uh we go we we keep that open in order to caul the masonary joints and do some of the followup small things that had to be done before we could totally close that out. So there's some uh cracking in the caulk, not not because of this project, but because of the age of the caulking on the building. And um we're going to repair that before we close that out with the same vendor. That was it. Okay. Would you like to talk about the ad hoc committee also or I'll I could do that during other board business. Okay. Okay. Mr. Do the finance committee.

041You can do the finance committee. Fantastic. Since Ken just finished talking about the Barkley Brook roofing and paving projects, I will say that in our finance committee, um this all becomes sort of full circle. Um, we're it was proposed that we look at replacing the boiler and HVAC units over at Brookside School because those date back to 1989, which has exceeded the estimated life for that equipment. And so, while there's no money necessarily budgeted in this year for this project, the Barkley Brook roofing and paving project, there was about $100,000 under budget. So savings, let's say, from that project. So what we're looking to do is pull 80,000 of that over to get the boiler and HVAC project started. Um, that's a good amount of money to get all the necessary procurements of the engineer

042and the design and all the initial work ready to go. And the remaining 810,000 approximate cost for that project would go into next year's budget. and that would be sort of one of the main projects for the uh 18/19 budget for facilities. So the finance committee thought that would be prudent. We then talked about uh a food audit and Mr. Gorski upstate updated our committee uh on this process which goes through MET's culinary management system and Mr. Gorski and Miss Allen um have provided the auditors with everything requested with only certain rebate documents outstanding which those things are the responsibility of Mets to provide so the audit can be completed and everything looks to be uh in good order there. And saving the best for last. Oh shoot before I get to that um budget

043update uh with regards to the county budget efficiency review. Also good stuff. So, Mr. Gorski informed our committee that the status has been very successful via the county budget efficiency review. Uh the super county executive superintendent of schools and the county executive uh BA offered many accolades to Monroe for some best financial practices in the area of controlling costs, handling growth uh and the design of the proprietary program for Falcon Falcon Care and ECE, which earned about $1.1 million over the first two years of operations, which was fantastic. in which we were then able to use some of that money to help pay for the incoming trailers for next year. So, very good stuff there. Now, saving the best for last. Uh, as the Jamesburg representative, I was thrilled that we got to the point,

044uh, God bless you. It's good timing. Sneeze means everything. So, uh, for the 2016 2017 tuition agreement, um, for the first time under the agreement, it came out where Jamesburg actually overpaid tuition as compared to the actual charge calculated on the special form A41 A42. So, that's great news that the the tide finally turned in favor of costs coming down and us paying more. So where we are now on top of that and what I'll say again representing Jamesburg of course everything is subject to further disclosure by the Jainsburg board but we have every hope and intention to continue to tweak up the number of students we're paying for and tweak up the uh tuition that we're calculating for that payment. So we should continue to move in this direction even more favorably as the

045years go on. So that concludes my report. So the Jamesburg and Monroe agreement that was about three or four years ago, three maybe four years ago, three years ago I think where we had um hope that Jamesburg would pay their share of the costs of um the everything that goes on at the high school, right, is now working and Jamesburg is paying their share of cost. Is now working and Jamesburg's paying their fair share of cost and then some, right? So that that's fantastic that that happy to report that um agreement worked and I know that that agreement is now being used by other districts in the same um situation that we were other send receive relationships. Yeah. So it's now a template for the state, right? So that's that's a great thing. Kudos to

046you and Rob Zerneski for putting that together. Thank you. It was a lot of work, but it it worked out and we're really happy about that. Just a clarification. May I Mr. Rutsky, when you're saying that that you're paying over that there's a there is a a debt that is still on the books and so that is helping pay down the debt instead of in years past where we were increasing that debt. Correct. Where now this was the first year where we got on top of it and we're decreasing that debt. Right. I I just and that's the schedule we believe will stay on going forward. Right. We believe that that will that trend will continue where it won't be too long hopefully where they will be able to pay off the whole debt and

047right so then we'll have a zero balance. Thank you. We look forward to that day. Anyone else have a committee report? No. Okay. So we will go to the public forum. Anyone wishing to speak to the agenda, please come to the microphone and give your name and address for the record. And this is just for agenda items only and we will adhere to the fourm minute time limit. Good evening. Betty Sabaro to Barrymore Drive. Um we just saw a presentation on challenge day which is done by our educators. And so as a parent of a child with special needs, I wanted to say thank you for doing that and trying to make us more inclusive. I also wanted to bring up again with the MTEA clearly we have a problem board. Can we settle on

048this contract? Give our educators what they are entitled to. This has been going on far too long and we really need to get these people what they deserve so that our children don't suffer and we don't suffer as a district by losing some of the top qualified people in the state. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause] Good evening. Chrissy Scurby, 21 PNIS Drive. I see in the agenda that you will be asked to vote on a resolution regarding the upcoming referendum. I would like to express my concerns as it relates to the land. The township, as explained a few weeks ago at the last board of education meeting, does not have ownership of the land yet. In fact, they have asked the county courthouse for a 60-day adjournment on the order to show cause for eminent

049domain. 60 days brings us to March 22nd, which is nine days after the vote for the referendum. This board needs to be prepared to address why we are seeking a referendum when the land is not a done deal and can wind up in litigation at the cost of the taxpayer to acquire the land. Further, we do not know the cost of the land to us prior to voting as taxpayers. Here's a question. Why don't we take the land from the from the land the builders own by eminent domain? Why are we taking land from a taxpayer when there is so much land out there in Monroe right now owned by builders waiting to be built on that will increase our enrollment. Further, I would like to address some comments that parents are hearing. It is

050being said by some that if this referendum does not pass, it is at the fault of the parents and specifically me. We have been hearing for years that we need a high school addition, that we need a new elementary school. Look at the student enrollment in the agenda tonight. We have 133 more students in the high school today compared to last year. We have 39 more students at Applegarth now than we did last year at this time and the numbers keep climbing. Parents including me supported addressing the needs across the district with the addition to the high school, middle, and elementary schools. The very people telling us for years that this is needed did a 360 degree turn and now say the need is only at the middle school and we are okay now for

051a while at the high school and elementary school. That creative scheduling is working at the high school. No, it is not working. Now every time we ask a question instead of spending time answering it you badmouth the person asking and say that we are against the referendum and that is not true. I am not against the referendum. I am, however, for providing all of the information, not part of it. I am not about scaring the parents into voting yes. I am I want all the taxpayers to have all the same information to make an informed decision on election day. Do not blame me and others for asking for this information. And Mr. Gorski, please do not call and leave me any more messages wishing to discuss information or opinions that I'm posting on Facebook. It's

052inappropriate and it's unwelcomed. Also, Also, I would like to make a plea to Dr. Kak. Our district is at a pivotal moment. We need leadership here during the referendum and beyond. I hope you will realize that parents are upset and confused by your resignation, and I'm hoping that you will consider rescending your resignation and staying here to lead us as a district. [Applause] We need stability here in Monroe, not chaos during this time. Look at this room. This is chaos. Shame on us for not giving our teachers the contract that they deserve. We We sit here. We sit here and we celebrate our student achievements, both academic and sports. Our students absolutely deserve the recognition they get, but so do the teachers and the coaches behind them. You can do that by giving them a

053fair contract. It is not okay that they are the third lowest paid teachers in our entire county. You need to do the right thing. You need to figure out how to settle the contract and give the teachers what they deserve. [Applause] Now my time starts. So Praash Parab 33 Dana Drive representing Monroe Indians for civic action. First of all in November meeting I was very disappointed when Dr. Kak to you know submit his resignation and within 20 minutes that resignation was accepted by five board members rejected by two. So I don't understand we request BU to approve extension of Dr. Kak's contract. Dr. Kak has been instrumental in introducing new technology, STEM program and has been supportive of sports and special education. He has introduced digital learning in our high school and his vision is

054to have same thing in middle school and elementary school. Dr. Kuzak cares for our children to be selected in best colleges ready to be for global competition. Now we have ordinance we have many challenges. We want this talented superintendent to be remain here. So I request to do that with respect. Thank you. And we are fully supportive of our teachers. They are underpaid. So make sure that they have take-home salary which is increases every year. I'm talking about take-home salaries for our teachers. Okay. The next thing is about ordinance. We care for the education. So, middle school is crowded. We want to make sure the middle school ordinance goes. And please promise pro not promise, please give a statement on the district that once the middle school ordinance is passed, we are going to go

055to the high school because we have only one high school, one middle school. So, it is nobrainer. Next priority is the high school which is already overcrowded. So we need your statement. If you want to win this or you know referendum for middle school, please tomorrow state in your meetings as well as put on your district that once this referendum is passed, middle school referendum is passed within 9 months we'll have referendum for expansion of high school. Thank you very much. Do you agree with that? My question is, do you agree with the expansion of the high school once the referendum for the middle school is passed? That's my question, sir. I am going to have a statement to make on that. So, I I'd rather go through the whole um public forum and before

056I make that statement. Okay. Thank you very much. [Applause] Hello everyone. Um my name is Hannah Tori. I live at 20 Hemlock Drive um in Jamesburg. I am the senior class president at Monro Township High School. Um I'd like to start off by saying how confused I was when I first saw my teacher standing outside till 7:14 and wearing the same gray shirts that you see them wearing now every Friday. I asked around and got some knowledge on why they were taking these actions. The minute I heard about what was happening with their contracts, it broke my heart. To see these teachers who come in every single day and show us nothing but love and support and teaching us new things every single day was heartbreaking. There are a handful of teachers here who have

057contributed to making my high school career the best years of my life. From Miss Jod and Mr. Mr. Gambino helping me apply to my colleges and showing me the right path to take. To Mr. Comey and Miss News for sticking by my side all four years and teaching me how to be a leader. I'd like to thank every teacher I've come to know and love. If it was not for these teachers, I would not be the person I am today. They have shaped me into a confident and motivated young adult. I I decided to think of ways as a student and leader of my peers to make a difference. So before winter break, I had gone around to a bunch of classrooms and talk to students and the teachers allowed me to do this and

058asked them to be a part of us and come here tonight to speak to you guys and let you guys know that this is not fair and they need a better contract. They need better rights. I the original goal was to get 50 names, but I said I could beat that. 100 names. No, no problem. I got 250 names. Thank you. Something needs needs to change and it needs to start with this contract. They deserve a lot more. Thank you. Thank you. Hi, my name is Alyssa Harrington. I live at Five Jessica Drive. Um, I'm a senior this year and I'm a member of multiple clubs and I hold a vice pres president position for National Honor Society. Being a part of these clubs and societies, I continually see the extra work teachers put in

059for their classes and clubs that they run. Not only do they put in early mornings and late nights to form the best class and lessons plans possible, they also spend extra time looking for things that'll help all the students in every one of their classes on top of all their after school activities and clubs that they have to run. The time and work they put into making sure our day-to-day classes run smoothly and that extra work that they put in into helping students that are struggling after school or in class or even at home over email. This does not go unnoticed by our student body and should not go unnoticed by the contract. Thank you. Hi, my name is Kira Sears and I live at 104 Pineville Road. As a senior reflecting on my high

060school experience, I can tell you what I valued most has never been the modern facility or the up-to-date iPads, but the teachers I am lucky enough to know. Sophomore year, Mrs. Hart taught me not only everything about commas but also how to find genuine excitement and passion in myself for the works we were reading. Mrs. Hart, I can never thank you enough for introducing me to Zelda Fitzgerald. Furthermore, Mr. Kala and his infectious laugh showed me where to find unadulterated humor in the annals of American history and still never fails to bring a smile to my face when I see him in the hallways. Thank you, Mr. Kella, for teaching me how to find joy everywhere. Last year, I had the honor of having Senora Labelloo, who brought me to Peru with Senora Kinz and

061showed me just how expansive the world truly is. Even though laughing children, whatever country, have the same effect on your soul. And last year, for the first time, I had Mr. Varles as my teacher whose unwavering faith in my ability to create and constant reminder that there are only happy mistakes in both art and life has brought me the confidence to start doing and not just planning. And in AP language, it was Mrs. Sunstrom who taught me that to get a five on the AP exam, I had to break all the previously learned rules of essay writing and be brave enough to think. She also taught me to find the strength I was looking for in others inside myself and not to allow such a heart harsh world to steal my beating heart. And this

062year, I look forward to 2B every week because I get the absolute pleasure of being around Miss Santoello, who inspires me every day with her warmth and acceptance. She has taught me to be able to look realistically at the world and still see such immense joy in all of it. I just want to thank all of those who I mentioned and those who I could not because I don't think it would thrill any of you if I stood here for hours um and talked for the hours it would take to go into each of them. Each and every teacher in the school who I have had has gone above and beyond their contractual obligations to shape who I am. All I can say is I will be forever thankful for all the teachers at the

063school and I think they deserve everything we can give them to show them how much we value them at this school. Thank you. [Applause] Um my name is Fra Khan and my address is five Tall Oaks Drive. Um, thank you for allowing me to speak here today. After arriving to the last board meeting, I was appalled by what I saw. Teachers scattering the room fighting for better compensation. At first, I thought this was of no issue. But after hearing Miss Trust's emotional and wellspoken speech, I came to realize that her teachers don't earn what they deserve. Ever since I walked into kindergarten 11 years ago, I've encountered the most qualified teachers who have truly empowered me to become the person I am today. The impact these very teachers have had on my life is of

064great magnitude. For instance, my physics teacher, Mr. Francis, has dedicated over a decade of his life at Monanchapai. Although his class may be challenging at times, Mr. Francis teaches with great passion. His desire to deeply enrich his students has fostered a love for physics in many including myself. Mr. Comey, a passionate and competent language teacher, opens the door through for creativity through his overwhelming participation in extracurriculars, making my experience at Monachapai enjoyable. Teachers such as Miss Krisco, my eighth grade language arts teacher, made me the advanced writer I am today. These are just a few of the many teachers who picked up the small bits of clay and molded me into the person I am today. With property taxes on a rise and New Jersey being one of the most expensive states to live in,

065these teachers need a fair and reasonable wage. I urge this board to comply to comply with the demands these very teachers have set forth as if you don't you risk stripping us of the worldclass educational services they offer. Thank you. Okay. Um, my name is Jessica Ford. I live at 196 Graal Hill Road. I attended Challenge Day for the first time this year. And it's kind of upsetting because I'm a senior. I won't be able to do it next year. And it was an unbelievable experience. The connection with other students and the teachers was an unbelievable feeling. It shows how much our teachers really care about each and every student. And I've made so many connections with teachers over the years. When I was younger, I'll be honest, school was just school. Throughout middle school

066and high school, I've had teachers that have changed that for me. I've learned so much more than just the curriculum. One teacher who specifically means a lot to me is Mr. Varelis. I've had him all four years of my high school career, and he's not only an art teacher, nor is any other teacher I've ever had, only a teacher. They care so much about their students, and this is proven every day at the workplace. I um I know a teacher who has had three jobs at one point while his wife was working at well as well. The fact that multiple jobs is necessary for someone with such a meaningful career is such an upsetting idea. In regards to the poster claiming that this school is a safe place that we put up in every classroom,

067the it is our teachers who make the school so welcoming and accepting and all they deserve is a contract. Thank you. [Applause] Good evening. My name is Suresh Kumar. I live in 17 Carly Coat. I'm here today not only as a community member but also as an educator. I've taught at Columbia University and currently with uh Rutgers University. So I know one thing of my experience with uh education which is that the teachers are the foundation of any good institution. So you just have to look around u and as several of my community members have emphasized we really need to put to rest the matter of the contract of the teachers and we need not only to raise their take-home salary but also look into their benefits because there are many cases of teachers leaving

068because of the benefits not being competitive enough. So uh in addition to that I also wanted to support some of my community members who have voiced support for Dr. Kak's good work that you have done. Uh and it's not only plans and words but through actions related to STEM. So we would really like Dr. Kak you to reconsider and the board to also uh reconsider that decision. Thank you very much. [Applause] Okay. Um, hi everyone. My name is Morgan Gellberg and I live at Six Lily Court in Monroe. Um, I'm a senior here at the high school and I've been in the school district since I was 9 years old and throughout each year. Um, throughout the years, each and every one of my teachers have been amazing. They go above and beyond in what

069they do for the students and I really wouldn't be where I am today without them. My guidance counselor, Miss Mirnoff, has been so helpful in my college applications. My high school social studies teachers, Miss Granite, Mr. Hudach, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. Bruises, have helped me so much for my future major, and I couldn't be any more thankful to have such qualified and amazing teachers. I'd like to mention how amazing Miss Granite, Mr. Comey, and Miss News have been throughout my high school career. I've been lucky enough to spend time traveling to Europe last year with them, and I couldn't I can't wait to do it again this summer. They took the time out of their break to expose us to new information and different cultures that we wouldn't really be learning about in school. This

070is just one example of how the teachers go above and beyond for their students. The issue with the contract should not go unnoticed and the teachers here deserve better. Thank you. [Applause] Raguchi, 23 Green Street. I've been into this uh township two years back and uh my son's school progress has been tremendously increased compared to what he was before as a parents. The homework what we do at home is same like that did not change. I attribute that growth in his career or in his education is because of the hardworking teachers. Some of them may be here and some may not be here but uh they are working really hard for our students. I started attending these meetings probably from September and that's when I first saw that their contracts were not done. It's like

071almost four months or five months now and still open. A question to the board is is there a time limit for these negotiations or are these open-ended like until you get to a common conclusion? There is no time limit to conduct negotiations. That's very sad and unfortunate like you know we should have we should take some kind of an action. they've been fighting for an increase in the take-home salary which is very very genuine with the increase in the cost of uh expenses and the cost of medical care. So I would request um I'm told that there will be some kind of an arbitration. Um when will that come into picture? I believe we have a date set for February 15th. Okay. So what if if the arbitration doesn't work like you know what kind

072of action will happen after that? um we will have an arbitrator come in. They will talk to both sides. We will try to come up with an agreement through the arbitration process. Okay. As somebody said like you know the they're already the third lowest uh I mean in terms of earnings in the entire country right under New Jersey. So we should and we should help negotiate properly and get them a proper pay. And second is regarding the uh Dr. Kuzak's resignation. We were not sure if he resigned on his own or is it like a termination li or is his position has a limit of one year or twoear contract or if that's if that is what is ending um I mean was he given a chance to continue his position or like you know

073was he asked to res resign the contract of Dr. Kak is a confidential personnel matter and we cannot discuss that in public. That's fine. Thank you. Thank you Krishna 11 Jake please. Um I have a few points to make. Um I don't expect any answers right away but one u this is January right we're looking at the last week of January. Um, park is a few months away, couple of months away. We're closer to park than the starting of the year and we still do not have a contract for our teachers. We need to take that into account. We need to work make sure that the our teachers and the MTA professionals have their contracts. Uh, going into arbitration is does not look good on our school district. We are actually when we are trying

074to expand our schools, we need better and well-qualified teachers coming into our schools. Teachers make a large percentage of our children's education. What the teachers teach in the class, it takes me longer to teach my son at home. Having said that, that is one. The second point I wanted to make was about Dr. Kak's resignation. For a school board that prides itself on making financial fiscal financial decisions, looking for a replacement and trying to get that new replacement on board and tell the overcrowding that is happening in different school schools, different uh middle, high, elementary schools, getting them up to speed. It's going to take time. Why should we be paying money to look for a new replacement when we can actually extend the contract of Dr. Kak? That's the second point I wanted to

075make. The third point I wanted to make is again ties back to the um is the initial rankings that we have. Our rankings have gone down and that is not surprising because our teachers are leaving. Our teachers are leaving. Our schools are overcrowded. The student teacher ratio is really bad and we only have a plan for middle school and I'm waiting to hear what we have for high school. A lot of me me and my friends when we discuss we will support the middle school but what about the high school high school is at capacity and we are adding students every year to high school we're adding students every year to elementary schools how come that overcrowding is at the middle school I can understand middle school again the middle school is being built at

076capacity we need to have better plans and I'm hoping to hear something better this evening thank Good evening. My name is Mary Celeste Misaro and I'm a veteran teacher. I'm also a member of the MTEA. I'm currently in my 25th year of teaching and have worked in the Monroe Township School District for the past seven years at the middle school as a teacher of Italian. Being a teacher is not a job that one randomly chooses. It is a profession to which the educator is called. When I decided to follow my calling to teach, I knew that I would never make millions. However, I never thought that with the passing of each year, I'd be bringing home less and less pay. My colleagues and I are well educated, hard-working, dedicated professionals who do not leave the

077job behind at dismissal. Our workday starts early, ends late, and carries into the weekend. We spend our prep time and or lunchtime making copies, correcting papers, reading our school emails, and contacting parents. We've also been known to squeeze in lunch or a bathroom break. Some of us teach an extra class in order to earn a little bit more to counter the health insurance costs and do not even have a prep time. Those of you who have taught or who have educators in your family know that outside of school hours, teachers are quite often correcting papers, doing lesson plans, designing bulletin boards, looking for new ideas for lessons, emailing or calling parents, and purchasing materials for lessons to motivate students. We also spend time working with technology in order to incorporate it into our classrooms, stay

078current, and we currently reinvent ourselves, continually reinvent ourselves, excuse me. During the school year, we just don't get to spend the time that we would like to with our families and friends. And during the summer, we continue to plan, research, and improve upon our curriculum. Teachers have been vilified by politicians, talk radio, and other media, and adults who have no idea what it takes to work in this field, nor what we deal with on a daily basis. Taxpayers complain about the school taxes, unless their children attend the schools. We know that when schools are excellent, and the Monroe Township schools are, property values increase. We also know that society benefits from well-educated citizens who can appreciate the diversity of the people who comprise it. We gladly make this happen. That this is why we have

079to teach. We do however need to be appropriately compensated for our work. We need to be able to support our families, pay our bills, and not have to work two or three jobs to make ends meet. Summers without pay are dreadful, but saving for July and August is almost impossible. It is demoralizing to have to beg for what we rightly deserve. How can we expect those outside the field of education to respect teachers when our own employers don't value us? Excuse me, your time is up. When employees feel valued in any field, they work harder and better. The teachers and MTA members are dedicated to professionals who work hard, love the children who attend their schools and go above and beyond for their students. Could I just have one more minute, please? I have the

080best line of people behind you, if I give you a minute, they will need to have a minute also. It would not be fair. We've already had we've given everybody the same amount of time. [Applause] So, at this time, your time has you've had your four minutes. We'll go to the next person. My last paragraph was really good. The future of excellent education in Monroe is in your hands. Please make it a bright one. Hi, my name is Sarah Aziz. I live on Three Lawn Drive. My son is in Miss Pep Andrea, Miss Penduli's first grade class. I'm here tonight to support our teachers in their effort to get a fair contract. Monroe Township has many outstanding teachers who are committed to our students. They come in early, they leave late, they take home work

081with them, and they do not get compensated for these additional hours. Many of them have second jobs, not just during the summer, but year round. For example, my daughter works with a really outstanding teacher, Ellie Bartis, who is a full-time teacher at Mil Lake. But my daughter worked with her after school as part of Alli's second job. Not only do many of our teachers have second jobs, but they also often purchase school supplies out of their own pockets. To add insult to injury, under the proposed contracts, teachers who get a raise also have to pay a disproportionately high percentage of benefits costs such that they experience an overall reduction in their pay. This puts our teacher in a demoralizing position of having to work hard every year for raises that are actually pay cuts. This

082is com this is a completely unfair way to teach our treat our teachers people who play such a critical role in educating our children and helping us raise them to be decent and productive members of society. Manur Township teachers are already the lowest paid in all of Middle Sex County and failure to provide our teachers with a fair contract will result in a brain drain such that the best and brightest teachers will leave this district. I would also like to take a moment to recognize all the teachers who have done such a fantastic job with my two teach my two children including Lisa Papandrea, Danielle Pali, Gene Bar, Susan Huie Kuchi, and Mary Ferguson who has really gone out of her way to make sure that my son is getting the services that he needs.

083I also want to rec recognize the outstanding staff that has worked with my fourth graders including Ariana Lombardi, Douglas Dale, Jim Bo, Bualipati, Cody Vas, Casey Valville, Britney Adelino, and Mrs. Miss Bril. Finally, I also want to recognize one of my own former teachers from Monur Township High School, Mr. Robert Burns, who I think may still work for the district. I had Mr. Burns for English and drama over 22 years ago, and he helped me overcome my fear of public speaking. The lessons our teachers teach our students truly do last a lifetime. I urge our community to provide our teachers with a fair contract and not just support our teachers with words and rhetoric, but with actual action. Thank you so much for your time. Denise Quinn, Three Evergreen Terrorists, Monroe, and also a second

084grade teacher. I come in peace and I have a bunch of nerves right now. Um, what I would like to tell you is I am at the top of the guide, having started in 1984. I have 25 years taking a break in between to raise my children. On the weekends, you can find me deicing my car on Saturday mornings as I go off to waitress. One of the former board members lives on my street, frequently passes me, and one day rolled down his window and said, "Good teachers like you should not be cleaning your own car." to which I unzipped my jacket, showed him what I call my monkey suit for uh waitressing and said, "Good teachers shouldn't have to waitress all weekend just to make enough money to pay the bills." I I am

085a victim of receiving the raises and really not receiving a raise at all. And um I was feeling kind of low the other day when I realized it will be a long time before I retire. And I think God has a way of lifting your spirits because I received this letter two weeks ago through email. Hello, Miss Quinn. To start off, I hope I have the right Miss Quinn. My name is Usman Chowry. And if you're the right Miss Quinn, I was a first grade student of yours many years ago now. I forget how old one is when they are in first grade, but I'm almost 35 now. I'm emailing you today as I was having a conversation with a colleague about teachers, professors, and we felt we had to discuss those who had an

086impact on our lives and I felt compelled to reach out to you even if just briefly in an email. Back then, I was a shy and very nervous child and I remember how you were encouraging, inclusive, and always kind. You were able to pull me out of my shell and you made something that I dreaded school very fun. Today I'm a cardiologist training further for heart failure and transplant medicine. I'm also hardly shy anymore though I'm sure with the amount of talking I do more people wish that I was. I don't say it lightly when I say that you along with my parents are one of the single greatest reasons I believe I was able to academically achieve any of what I have. I am not sure how often teachers hear back about the impact

087they've had on their students, but I thought in the least you should know how you impacted mine. I hope many more students are as privileged as I am to have you as their teacher in the coming years. Happy 2018. P.S. You are not responsible for any of my grammatical errors above. I I know my colleagues behind me could raise their hands if they've been told by former students or parents how much of an impact they've made on their lives. And yet, I struggle to pay my bills. I waitress on the weekends. I tutor. I do anything I can for extra money, making bows in people's basements for cheerleading practice. And it is demoralizing. And it is embarrassing sometimes when I'm waiting on people to even admit that I am a teacher. I think it's an

088embarrassment to our district if they ask me where I work. So I would implore you, I love teaching in the district. Our teachers love teaching here. Please treat us fairly. Thank you for listening. [Applause] Good evening everyone. Um the when I look at these two topics the contract renewal negotiation. Can you please give me your name and address? Oh yeah sorry Ram Rangnut 6 drive Monroe New Jersey. I thought you might already know my name. I almost hear it but we still need it every Thank you. Uh I just thought I'll save a minute uh and use that the both on the topic of the contract uh renewal and negotiations as well as uh the BOE accepting the resignation or not renewing Mr. Kak's contract. I think most people here will support me. We give

089a grade of F to the board of education and to you the president miss Kathy Kalponovich. You have you bear a lot of the accountability to that. It's an Fgrade. But that being said, I think you have heard from the parents who are the taxpayers. Ultimately, we are footing the bill for this. Two, you have heard from the second important constituents, the students who have spoken in length about the the beauty and the talent of our students and the impact on their lives. I think with these data points in addition the data points saying that this they have the lowest coms or salaries in Middle Sex County and other things impact on our scores. I think I hope last time we got the surprise after the BOE that Mr. Kak had resigned. I hope we

090get a pleasant surprise this time that you are committing to by Valentine's Day to sign and execute the contract that our teachers are asking for. Um I hope that happens. Second point um and same thing with Dr. Kak uh you know please reconsider this and I know there are egos involved people are thinking we already voted for that but the township is speaking the people are speaking Mr. Kak has truly influenced our students the education the digitization arts everything my daughter speak volumes about Mr. Kak she's in the seventh grade. So please reconsider that. Put egos aside. We don't have money to waste. We don't have time to waste. We have the referendum coming up. We need lots to be done and we are behind Mr. Kak. Okay. Other topic Mr. Gorski I had a

091question and a followup. I think at the last BOE many of us had requested for some more details on the construction or the expansion plans for the high school. I believe if I'm not mistaken you had mentioned that at the February meeting you will be providing us with the details. So one I want to confirm whether that is on track that at the next meeting we will get the details and two as some people have I I'd like an answer for that and two as many have said for this referendum to successfully pass it's important we get some clarity information on what is the game plan for the high school expansion. I think that will convince a lot of voters to say yes for the referendum. So, Mr. Gorski, can I ask the status? I

092I will be making a a statement about the high school, the referendum, the high school, the middle school. I have a statement to make in place of Mr. Gorski. Okay. And I hope it will touch base on the plans for the next meeting. Thank you. Hi, Cororey Masters and I'm Michaela Court. I'm going to try to get through this without being emotional. I just want to take a minute with having four children in the district to thank um the teachers that my children personally have had and have made a difference in our home and in my children's lives. Um I'm sure I'll forget a couple of them so I apologize if I forget you. But um we're having three children who play musical instruments. The instrumental music department in the district is beyond wonderful. Um,

093Lauren Cur, David Ratner, Schmeedimemer, um, Mr. Cherella, Mrs. Palmer, Mr. Snyder. They they deal with my kids forgetting their instruments, remembering their instruments. They take them on these band trips for, you know, entire days. Um, you know, I've done the Hershey, the I done the Dony Park trip with the with the band and I've done the um greater adventure trip. It's a lot of work and it's a lot of pressure and it's a lot of stress for them and I I can't thank them enough. Um, and then as far as you know, just teachers in general goes, Denise Casill, Cynthia Hills, Ben Howard, John Gleason, Ashley Lizio, Casey Walton, Susan Pace, Mrs. Barry, Dena Dale, Kate Tolen, Christina Peterson, Mrs. Bfukco, Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Dawson, Miss Dioria, Miss Coniglio, Miss Constantino, um, Carol Lang, Laura

094Marionelli, Miss Pooch, Miss Pre. These are names that are occur every day in my home. There was a, you know, a topic at we were talking about the bus stop the other day and with my two little ones and the kids were talking about teachers that they had, you know, three years ago about how they would, you know, Ben Howard would pick the kids up from gym and my son went on and on about how he how he still remembers this and it was such a great thing. And, you know, he had Ben Howard four years ago, but this is these are just the moments that um that they remember and without this wonderful staff here, we they make our district. So, I just want to thank you all very much for all that you

095do for our children. uh Dar Patel uh 61 Green Ash Street. I'm also a senior at Monro Township High School. Like many of the kids who spoke before, I think the issue of teachers long-term contracts comes down to a matter of perspective. I don't know how many members of the board have ever had to fulfill the requirements of their job under the cloud of financial insecurity, but the disturbing lack of eye contact tonight while members of the community have been speaking suggests not. Therefore, I'm led to believe that those on the board suffer from a lack of perspective. I'm fortunate enough to have been shaped into the person I am today by a handful of teachers in the room at Monro Township. I have not been met with mere teachers. I've been met with mentors.

096I've been met met with lifelong friends. It is absolutely embarrassing that these hardworking men and women need to spend even more hours at the place where they tirelessly go above and beyond every day to fight tooth tooth and nail for what is inel inlyably theirs to begin with. As such, I hope a resolution is reached quickly and to give these teachers what they want and what they deserve. Hi, my name is Renick Betty, 15 Adam Court and I'm also a senior here at the high school and I'm here to talk about the value of education and how it relates to these teachers. And several times in my life I've heard the one thing you can always take with you and no one can take away from you is your education. Where have I received this

097education? Well, simply if you look around you, it's the educators here today. But I use that word sparingly, educators, because these are not simply educators who surround us. These are facilitators of opportunity. The people in this room have not only stood in front of a class and and taught us from a textbook or a PowerPoint. They've given us opportunities to grow and expand our minds and our thoughts and our world views and quite possibly one day change the world. And we hope the board recognizes that this this sacrifice that they make, they should be compensated for it properly. Every day, teachers stay after answering emails. They come in early before school to help their students. They offer us opportunities that we could never imagine. I' I have personally at this school been offered an internship,

098been offered after school and before school help. I know teachers who who once teach the lesson in class and then go home, make videos to retach it to students who do not fully understand it. So the the care that these teachers express for their students is insurmountable. For example, Miss Ielpie, my great guidance counselor, helped me navigate the college process like no one else can. How many times did I email her? I I lost I lost track asking her if she could send my recommendations to this school. And then just a few hours later, I decide I want to apply to this school as well. And she would she would without without even um flinching send it. So where did I learn everything I've known to this far? Where have I got these opportunities from

099is simply these facil facilitators and not just educators. So I hope the board recognizes they need they need to be compensated appropriately. Good evening guys. Uh my name is Ai Rajaali. I am from One Walker Court. I have a couple of points to make. Um the most important point is about the teacher's contract. Uh I just wanted to make sure that I uh I just wanted to talk about it. Uh I just wanted to request BOE to approve the teachers contract. We are lo losing good teachers to other schools as the salaries are very low here. So I really request everybody to think about raising the salary and giving the contract to these uh wonderful teachers over here. Um the other point I want to make is m about Mr. Kak. Uh I have uh

100heard great things about Mr. Kak from my kid who is uh uh right now in the middle school one one is in the elementary school as well. And uh you know Mr. Kak has supported the steam program all the sports and special education programs. uh Dr. Kak uh wants our childrens to be selected for the best colleges and uh be ready for the global competition. So we really really uh would like to bring it to the BOE that you should uh you know consider extending his contract if if he is uh you know willing to do that. Uh the third point I wanted to make was about u the referendum. Uh our high schools are already over capacity. Uh if BOE wants uh the yes vote for the referendum for the middle school, we request

101you to announce officially that once the referendum for the middle school is passed, we'll have a next referendum within 6 months or 6 to 9 months for expansion of the high school. This will give assurance and trust to our community that we are planning for the future. Another thing you can do is also announce it on your website. Uh then there is a falcon newsletter and also there's a community talk that goes to the senior community. If you can put not only the plan but also the amount that is going to be uh required for that that will really really help all of us. Thank you. [Applause] Good evening. My name is Victor Cooper. I live at 525 Abbott Court. Um I don't have children in the school. I have grandchildren who have graduated college.

102So I've even got a couple of grandchildren still in uh high schools but not here. But the reason I wanted to speak is that I've been a member of the ad hoc committee for about a year and a half or so since it was formed. And I have been working at that time occasionally with Dr. Kak. I was working more closely with him over the past six months. And his resignation and approval by the board startled me. I didn't know about it. So, I called him and talked with him and I want to ask if Dr. Kak would sincerely consider re re uh retrieving his resignation, rescending it, and the board encourage him to do that with an approval of a new contract. He's a wonderful, wonderful board uh director. He's done great things, and

103I think we surely will miss him if he leaves. [Applause] Uh, hi. My name is Mahin Sha. I live at 2 Elliot Drive. I'm going to be very honest with you guys. I don't have a prepared speech. I came here to support a friend who was speaking. Um, I came here, heard everybody's speeches. And I really believe that this board needs to see how hard the teachers are working. There are so many teachers here that I look at and I see that they have changed my life. I'm a senior here at the high school and all the things that I have done in my life is thanks to these teachers and they deserve respect and honestly these contracts they deserve it. They work hard for all of us all of us students to reach our

104goals. So please consider it. Thank you. If the board is lucky, I'll be the last speaker. Uh my name is Donald Isacson. I live at 39 Lakehurst Way. Uh just one sentence about I taught in New York City for 30 years and I live in an adult community, but I'm very sympathetic and I do hope that the teachers get what they deserve. Okay, but that's not what I All right. very quickly what I would like to ask the board and I hope I get an answer. There was an article in the stall leedger a week ago saying that the governor has promised to fully fund public schools but a group of New Jersey school districts won't wait to find out if he sticks to his word, declaring themselves overtaxed and underfunded. I think that's our

105district, too. 10 districts announced legal action Friday, saying they will petition the state education commissioner to fix inequalities in state school aid in a potential precursor to a lawsuit against the state. I see the 10 school districts. One is Jamesburg. I did not see Monroe Township in this list. [Applause] Did you give it back? Um I I we are not as part of that lawsuit because we do not have we do not meet the criteria. So I'm going to let Mr. Gorski because he has the criteria explain the situation. So we do nothing. Yes, I did. Good evening. I spoke with Mr. Ken Green who is the superintendent in Newton public schools ne and Dr. Kak and I know Mr. Green quite intimately from all of our testimony that we've we've provided at the Senate

106Education Assembly hearings and the Assembly hearings and and I asked Mr. green. Um, what what are the two criteria that he designed to include and filter districts to join in this lawsuit? There are numerous underfunded districts across the state, including Monroe. How did he design this criteria? And he told me it was unscientifically designed. Um, that he came up with two items. one for districts receiving 70% of their state aid under school funding reform act 2008 and two being taxed above the state calculated local fair share. Monroe meets one of those criteria but not the second. So therefore we could not participate in this lawsuit. Certainly doesn't mean we're not doing anything. There's an ad hoc committee that's very active that the Madame board president formed and this district has done more than any other

107district I'm aware to fight for funding equality. And I I believe Dr. Kak would like to add to that. Yeah, just to add about the state aid. Um not yet. Yeah. Oh, I'm sorry. Just to add about the state aid. Um Ken Green is one of the superintendents of many that that I was fortunate to work with for the past probably year. Uh his district as well as many other districts and and people from Monroe did come go to Trenton to speak on behalf of Monroe or to speak on the idea of underfunding. Uh Ken Green did send out something this afternoon asking other districts to join in petition. They're the criteria. I realize they're going for districts that are of a lower socioeconomic status that that can argue that their districts aren't unable to

108meet the thorough and efficient education requirement. Monroe can meet that, but we are still working together and we're going to go back to our video um conferencing with all the superintendent and certainly with Mr. Turella and the ad hoc committee. We want to continue that fight uh in Trenton to ensure that this district does receive the amount of funding that this district deserves. So, it's been a long battle and it's going to continue and I think I speak on behalf of the board as well that the board is interested in seeing that fight uh continued. You All right. Well, I guess we're still at public forum. So, please go ahead. Hi, my name is Lindsey Gber. I live at six liilligor. I came to Monroe when I was seven years old. not learning not knowing

109how to read or do math. I would like to thank my teachers, Miss Chin and Miss Poland, for helping me throughout my elementary experience. I came to high school scared. My freshman year was truly a blessing to have the teachers I had. They are truly amazing. Thank you to Miss Lines and Mr. Develis and many more for helping me to get where I am today. As a student with disabilities, there are teachers that have seen through past that, seen through that, and help me achieve the goals I have set for myself. It's a shame to see these teachers not work here next year or at many years to come. I love my teachers and I support them. Thank you. [Applause] Hi. Um my name is Ira Nelson. I live at 87 Crescent Way. Um I

110had two two points uh regarding the bond issue. Um, I think I heard something earlier in the conversation that we still don't have the land for the uh intermediate school that's supposed to be built. At the last board meeting, if I recall correctly, I was told like that's a fade of comple that that was imminent. It was going to happen in a week or two and uh that was the end of that. Now I'm hearing that this is not so and I'd like to know what has happened to that scenario. And two, the other thing is with the um the um referendum coming up on March 13th, what happens if this referendum does not pass? What is the plan B? We kept hearing at previous meetings about plan. We only had one plan as to

111what we can do with that. We needed this land and that's where we had to put this this school. And now I'm hearing that we don't even have the land and this this the the referendum is coming up on the 13th. What are we voting on exactly? A after we close the public session or the the public forum, I have a letter that I would like to read in regard to the land because we the township owns the land. I also have a statement to make in regard to the high school and the referendum. So when we close close uh the public forum, I will read both of them. I wait to hear what you have to say. Hi, my name is Victoria Diujo. Um, I live at 24 New Street. Um, I didn't have

112time to make a fancy little speech, but I just came up with something real quick. All right. Um, the teachers at the school spend basically their whole day to make the best lesson plans and activities to please and meet the needs of the students. What disappoints me is the lack of respect. From the board of ed members to the boy in the suit that picks up his phone every two minutes to the woman that rolls her eyes at the students. I truly believe none of you care hard enough. So many of these teachers have taught me so much. I can name and tell you all the teachers that I've had from kindergarten to my senior year. I don't have time for all that, but I want what I do want to say is how much

113the teachers care about their students in the school. What they deserve is a contract and respect. These board of educa the board of education does not deserve these [Applause] teachers. Is there anyone else from the public who wishes to speak during the public forum? So then at this time I will close public forum. And the first thing I'd like to to respond is to um regarding the township and the land for the referendum. I received a letter on December 21st and I'm going to read it to you. Uh the board members have each gotten a copy of this letter. It is from um the township attorney and it says, "Dear Miss Kalipanowich, as director of law and township attorney for Monroe Township, I am pleased to provide you and the board with an update on

114the township's effort to acquire the captioned property for a new middle school. Mayor Tamborl, Council President Delina, and the Coun then the Township Council have been eager to help the school district acquire the land in an effort to plan our community's future, support our students, and ensure that Monreal continues to be successful and desirable community for many years to come. As you know, we received the resolution from the board dated August 23rd, 2017 requesting that the township acquire the property for a muchneeded new middle school. At the direction of the mayor and business administrator, I have been working to secure an agreement to purchase the land. We have made what we believe to be reasonable offers that are fair to the owner and to the taxpayers. For example, we have proposed to let the owners

115stay on the land until the board of education is ready to begin construction. And we have suggested that the school or some component of it could be named in the landowner's honor subject to your approval. Despite what has been over six months of effort and great deal of patience and flexibility, we have not yet reached an agreement. To be clear, I was instructed by the township to take great pains to avoid eminent domain as mutual agreement is always the better route, which is that is why negotiations negotiations have gone on so long. I spoke to the property owner's attorney this week, which is the um week before uh December 21st, and he indicated that his client was willing to keep negotiating while recognizing that we would be moving forward with eminent domain to ensure that

116the land is in place for the board's referendum. The condemnation occurred today. The township is now the owner of the land. The appraised value of the land, $2,380,000, was deposited into the Superior Court trust fund. As stated above, we will continue to negotiate with the land owner in good faith. Per our previous agreement, we will be transferring the land to the board of education in coordination with your council. I hope you recognize that these actions are focused surely to help advance our students and the community success and assist the board's continuing effort to provide an excellent education for our children. I know the mayor and council see themselves as your partners in planning for a better Monroe and I am optimistic that we may reach a settlement soon, a settlement in regard to the cost

117of the land. Um on December 29th, I received another letter. Um this is to a copy of a letter. This is to do Judge Rivas from um township attorney. We represent the plaintiff in the above matter. The parties are engaged in discussions toward amicable resolution of this matter. Plaintiff therefore respectfully requests that the return date on the order show cause be adjourned for 60 days from January 22nd, 2018 to be returnable on or after March 22nd, 2018. Be advised that Council for the Property Owners has consented to this request. So at this time, in short, the township does own the land. The purchase price is still being negotiated per both parties. The $2,380,000 has been deposited into the Superior Court Trust Fund for the property owner. The township will turn the land over to the

118board of education through a township resolution and we have that letter of intent to do so. We have been conducting engineering fieldwork on that property and I believe that all that engineering work has been completed and when the when we get that um the letter of um that they're the township is turning the land over to us we will have to accept that resolution. So um the township has the land and they have um indicated through the letter of intent that they will be giving it to the board of education. Therefore, we we have the the referendum for the middle school on that piece of land. So, the other the other um question that has come up many times is why is the high school not on the referendum? So we go back to the

119student growth advisory committee which comprised of many people throughout the whole community, board members, parents, students, um township representatives, um seniors. They met for six months and at the end of the six months they came up with the following recommendations. To build a new elementary school, build a new middle school, add an addition onto the high school. When the board of education or the administration gets any recommendation from add any ad hoc committee that is it board related we have three choices. We can go with the entire recommendation. We can change the recommendation to fit our needs at a particular time. We can do nothing and stay status quo. After a lot of discussion with administration, the steering committee, the buildings and grounds committee, the finance committee of the board, it was recommended to the

120board of education that we go with the building of the middle school for the following reasons. The growth of the student population is having a major impact at the middle school right now. The core facilities, the gym, the media center, the cafeteria can no longer accommodate the students without a lot of difficulty. The hallways are crowded and getting to class on time is getting much harder. Locker rooms have been converted into classrooms. The meteor center has been inverted in in converted into classrooms. We know that class sizes are rising. And at this time, 10 portable classroom trailers at the middle school next year we're going to have in the budget at a cost of $1.5 million. Redistricting has created parody in the elementary class sizes throughout the district. So at this time we have time

121to to um wait for the elementary building. The high school is using creative scheduling, all available instructional space, and the senior option program to help with student population in that building. And the principal of the high school says that we can we can go for the another few years without having to put an addition on. Statistics have shown that referendums over $80 million generally fail, and we have an urgent need right now to get some buildings built. We are continuing to fight the state for more funding for Monroe and any money that we do get in the future, we hope will help to lower any future referendum costs. The administration looked at 20 sites throughout Monroe and found this perfect site at the Golf Driving Range for a middle school. And we've mentioned many times

122why this has been um the perfect site, so I'm not going to go into that now. It has been turned over to the It has been It is in the town. Excuse me. It is in the hands of the township. So, the land is ours for the referendum. And we've mentioned, like I said many times, why this piece of land best suits our needs. The board understands also that no matter what direction we take, there will be supporters and detractors on both sides. When the referendum passes on March 13th, the board of education and the administration will work right away to start the process of a high school and a elementary school referendum. That process will take a little while. We don't have the the numbers. We have to do a demographic report to make

123sure everything is well. We don't have the cost yet. um we need a a lot of information and it also takes the state at least um six months to get all the paperwork needed and signed in order for us to have a referendum. So my guess right now is that it would take approximately 9 to 12 months before we can put another referendum on the ballot. We want to make sure that what we do we do right and that we do fairly. We have expressed throughout the community including the adult communities that this would be a multi-phase plan that the middle school would be coming first and that more than one referendum would be needed. So, um, at this time, the middle school is what we need to help alleviate the the the, um, overcrowding

124at the high schools, and that is the plan we have gone with. And I guarantee that when it I guarantee that when it passes on March 13th, we will start the process for the next referendum. Uh, I don't know if Dr. Kak or Mr. Gorski would like to add to either one of these regarding the land or the um high school referendum or is it good? I believe it was very well said, Miss Scanovich. So, no, I do not have anything to add to that. Thank you. Nor do I. Nor do you Okay. I just I need I have a dry throat. I'm going to take a sip of something. Excuse me. Dr. Kak and Mr. Oh, a point of clarification. Dr. Kak and I felt that Mrs. Kolaponovich's overview was most comprehensive and we

125have nothing to add. Okay. And I have one more statement and this is about negotiations because every one of us sitting at this table and the administration wants this to uh um happen. We want this to end. We want a fair contract to our um staff. So I just want to read this statement. The negotiating committee of the Monroe Township Board of Education and the MTEA uh have met on 15 separate occasions since March of 2017 to negotiate a successor collective negotiations agreement which expired on June 30th, 2017. After negotiations on on October 30th, the association advised the board that it was declaring impass and petitioned the New Jersey Public Employment Relations Commission to appoint a mediator to work with both parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the board informed the association that the board was committed

126to continuing negotiation with the negotiations with the association and the parties met again on November 13th in an attempt to arrive at a settlement. Thereafter, a mediator was assigned and the board and the association are now scheduled to have their first mediation session on February 15, 2018. It is important to note that while the board and association work towards negotiating a new agreement, the previous contract with its guarantee of salary and benefits and other protections continues to remain in place. During this time, all members of the mtea continue rece to receive their full salaries and benefits without interruption. The board of education is committed to settling the mtea contract in a fair and equitable manner. The board values the hard work and dedication of all of the staff members in this district and has been

127committed from the inception of these negotiations to reach a fair settlement as quickly as possible. During the negotiations process, the board is tasked with arriving at a settlement for MTEA members, which provides these staff members with fair compensation while also giving due regard to the financial strains our taxpayers are experiencing in these challenging economic times. This task is not an easy one, especially in view of the fact that our district is faced with continuing significant student growth, facility needs, and is receiving limited state aid. However, the board remains committed to negotiating in good faith with the association with shared goal with the shared goal of arriving at a fair settlement as soon as possible. I am confident that the parties we be successful in achieving the goal of negotiations and a successor collective negotiations agreement

128that is in the best interest of our staff members, our students, and the taxpayers of Monroe Township. Um, sometimes these things go quicker and sometimes they don't go as quicker as we'd like them to do. And I believe every one of us here at the table supports everything that that our students and our um public members have said about our teachers. We truly respect what they do. We know how much time that they give into this district and we are we're looking to get this done as soon as possible. So that in that includes that. Um Miss Armenio, I just a point of clarification for the public. Um uh even though the contract has expired, the current contract continues in full force. Is that correct? Yes. It is important to note that while the board

129and association work toward negotiating a new agreement, the previous contract with its guarantee of salary and benefits and other protection remains in place. Thank you. Until a new contract is signed. Mr. Russo, uh, a number of speakers, uh, at least imply that teachers are leaving. Is that the case? We have resignations probably on every agenda for different reasons. And I know that when the personnel committee meets, we we talk about those um those the reasons that people are leaving. Um, I don't want to go into it now because it's it's personnel. I mean, just numbers. Um, you could see on your for that reason. Um, I I couldn't tell you today. You you could see from your agenda how many people have resigned. I can't tell you how many of them resigned for um money

130issues or moving issues or a better position. I I can't tell you that because I don't know. Okay. Mr. video. We're not We're not allowed, right? Isn't we are prohibited as a board from taking um an exit poll of the teachers? No, I thought we were a personnel. No, I think we can we can we I thought there was something in the fir my first term that I understood that the teachers uh that the board can't do a um an exit. We cannot do an exit interview, but you can. Okay. I'd like that to be We do for every person that leaves, we ask them to fill out a survey, and it's voluntary, so they don't have to. Many people do. And uh I do try to share that with the personnel committee. There's a

131lot of very uh favorable comments to what people like uh you know, that they like working in the district. And as Mrs. Kalpanovich has stated, people leave for all different reasons. Um but you know we do ask them to fill that out understand the you know and and certainly if people don't if people don't fill out the survey then we don't know that can't sure but on a on a on on a regular basis it would be interesting to understand what's going I I don't even know if it would matter I'll have to check with our board attorney but I don't know if it would matter if a person's conflicted or not because this is just a survey of people leaving uh be great. I I think it would be, you know, it would behoove

132us to understand exactly and if we could do that on a regular basis, I understand presenting it to the personnel, but then you could put it that into the notes that would for everyone that would be absolutely that would be great. I know it's like just one more thing on on the referendum. Um I know you said that uh residents I guess they don't like referendums that are over 70 or 80 million million$85 million is like the cut off. Okay. And when a lot of people look at that uh estimator that you have on the website, it said the cost would be around $3 per 100 of assessed value per month, I think it was. So, a lot of people are asking if it's only $3. If it's really only $3, then why didn't they

133include the high school at the same time? And then to follow up on that, I know because we always talked about the interest rates going up due to the uh Trump, President Trump economy, you know that the economy is growing. Uh even the International Monetary Fund said the global economy is growing because of what President Trump has done and that growth will be at in excess of 3% and we should expect at least three, possibly four interest rates this year. That's going to change that calculator big time. Is that right, Mike? Mr. Dorski. Okay, um first the calculator on the website calculates I believe $41 uh per $100,000 of assessed value annually. And that is an average assessed cost over the life of the bonds. That will not change that. That's fixed once those bonds

134are sold in the denominations that are planned. So the rate is but it's based on a rate, isn't it? It's based on an average interest rate of the bonds of 3.5%. And I and I remind you that the bonds have numerous different denominations anywhere from a couple months before they mature all the way out to 30 years. And obviously the longer you go, the higher the interest rate, but the average over the 30 years is 3.5%. It is a very advantageous interest rate right now. Um and and I want to just mention to one point that you made. I wholeheartedly agree that this is a very affordable referendum and the calculator demonstrat demonstrates that on the website. However, there's also not just the financing of it every year through the individual tax amounts that are

135going up, but the price tag itself. Our financial adviser, our bond counselor have strongly warned that bond referenda over $80 million has a very low probability of success, even if it's something that the district really cherishes. We're cognizant of that and time is not on our side here to gamble with such an an item. We have to get a shovel in the ground. We're past due for construction. We need to do something immediately. And the and the reason that the middle school was again, as Mrs. Kapanovich said, the the priority project was because the most complex piece of all three of these projects was the middle school piece of land. And once we got that on target and we that we could attain that that put that project to the the forefront as well as

136the overcrowding that is in the core facilities that Mrs. Coloponovich said and those are very important to be to be defined as the cafeteria, the gyms uh and others. You're saying the rates are favorable now. When would we take advantage of the rates? Three month. say assume they go up three times or four times over this year and this referendum is not going to be done till September, we may see three rate increases. Are we going to be impacted by that? Um, as as much as I'd like to, you know, consider myself on top of this topic, uh, I am unable to predict interest rates in the future, but I will tell you that the bond sale will commence immediately after the successful referendum is passed. So, we're talking September or later. And you're and

137and whether it's a couple weeks after or maybe even a month after, you're locking into historic public low interest rates. Um and and and it's an extremely advantageous time. We're talking about March, right? Not September. Correct. March. Yeah. So, in September, if we experience three rate hikes, because it seems like there will be um by September, will it still be favorable? Will that calculator still be in the ballpark? Yes, because I believe that the bond sale will occur before then and it will lock us in to fixed rates at historic low numbers. Okay. So, when do you expect the bond sale to be executed? Few weeks after the successful referendum. Whenever that is. Okay. We will go out to public bid for the underwriter and and all that stuff. And uh it'll be a very

138quick process. We want to lock in as quickly as possible. Mr. Russo, you work in this field. I have a bigger pardon, Mr. Rudsky. I You work in this field. You're an expert. Would you care to comment on that? Expert's a strong word, but what I would say is this. So, if we get, let's say, four rate hikes this year, right? Or early 19, that doesn't that only controls the short end of the market, right? So, you see your savings account at the bank or CDs or have increased with every one of those rate hikes. The long bond is by market condition. So, you have a 10-year bond at 265 right now. You have a 30-year 29. So there's compression there. So just because the Federal Reserve raises short-term interest rates, it doesn't necessarily mean

139you're going to see that same move on the long end of the curve. So and it it is forecast that we'll continue to see those tighten on the long end. So you might have a flat yield curve. That said, it's market conditions that will dictate that. But they should still be a year from now historically favorable. But right, I don't think they would go up a point. Let's put it that way. So, well, you'll pay the difference. Okay. Okay. Add it on to our T. You're the expert. Okay. Any other questions about what I've read? Okay. So, before we do the superintendent report, would somebody like to make a motion? I definitely make that motion for three minute recess. Oh, five. Five minute recess. Um, is there a second to that? Second. Who's Who second

140it? Patty seconded. All in favor? I opposed. Okay, then we will take a fivem minute recess. What's public display of the motion? I don't know what's going on. I'm going to turn those cameras right on YouTube. And I believe that to be true. We're going to make a notes recipe. These are my things I have to do. I have to roast my donut squash. I have to caramelize my little over there. So, you know what? I have to write a letter. I hope you don't mind. Thank you. Let us go a long way. You going to handrate that? From the board or for them? Well, it's for Okay. So, I'll turn it on. Don't worry. I You know what? I did not what you were doing yesterday. So I always if you don't mind. Okay.

141Well, when I I'll be quick. Okay. So, at this time, the board will come back into um public session and we will go I think we're only to the superintendent's report. Dr. Kak. Thank you, Madam President. He's going to be doing his report from behind the scenes today. Okay. So, I um have a PowerPoint presentation. It's review of the district goals. And Dr. Kosak, do you want a microphone? Yeah. Do you want this one? So, I have a PowerPoint presentation. Uh, I promise to be quick. I know it's been long and the meeting's not over. Uh, and the, uh, so I'm going to go through that first and I'm going to try to find a way to balance this so that the public can see this as well as the board of education. And I

142have a poster here that Mrs. Kalapanovich, you already know what the poster looks like. So, I'll sit next to Mr. and hopefully the rest of the board can see the poster from there. Uh this is a report. It's a uh report on the It's a mid-year report on the district goals. The contributors to this report are Dr. Albick, our assistant superintendent of schools, Mr. Michael Gorski, our CPA uh business administrator, board secretary, and Mr. Gerald TG, who uh is not here tonight, but our director of facilities. Of course, I'd like to recognize our board of education. On the next slide is our district vision statement and our district mission statement. Actually, both. Yeah, they're both the vision statement. My apologies. I think I copy and pasted both. One was supposed to be the mission statement.

143My apologies for that. The elements of the all students achieving plan are there's basically four elements or columns. One is to improve student achievement. The second is to improve school facilities. The third is to increase community involvement. And the fourth is to improve management and operations. By the way, all of that is right on this poster right here, which the public probably can't see, but the board can. And we have green, green, yellow, and red to indicate the progress for where we are for each of these goals. And I will go through that in a PowerPoint so you'll be able to see. So the first column is to improve student achievement. Uh in that first on the column on the left, the first part of that is to continue to develop innovation through real world

144and projectbased learning. And I just have a couple pictures here to indicate because sometimes well oftentimes a picture speaks a thousand words. So we we have students there engaged in project-based learning. Oh, let me go back. On the left is a uh pi a couple of our students at the Barkley Brook School where we're engaged in a project with Google. It's a pilot project on augmented reality. And what you see are two children there holding what looks to be a cell phone on a selfie stick. What you don't see is what they see when they look through that. And it's pretty amazing. There were different scenes they that the kids saw. Everything from a hurricane to a dinosaur to um there was a few other things that they got to see. And it's a three-dimensional

145and 360 degrees. So, at some at some points the kids would lay on the floor and they would look underneath. Other times they would look up or stand and look down as if they're looking into the eye of the hurricane. and it was all augmented reality and Google um is piloting this project in several districts and we are fortunate enough to be one of those districts. So very very uh innovative. The kids loved it. I was in the classroom when they did it and they were excited and giggling and laughing when they saw it. And I just thought of the potential. Suppose you know they come out with this and we have this in maybe a um everything from elementary to middle school to high school and you have students who are maybe interested in

146going into the field of medicine and can look at the human body and look at organs and and other factors and be able to look at it from different angles and with the the assistance of their teacher to look to see how this would work. So it's one of the fascinating ways that technology is really enhancing education. And on the right side of that picture are just students again engaged in project-based learning. Uh these pictures are from the middle school. Just various pictures of what our students are involved in. The next part of that is to explore programs and partnerships to advance STEM initiatives. By the way, I have yellow up here because these things are in progress. We're not done. It's mid year. the uh one of the several projects but the one I

147picked was a project that our middle school students are involved with with Lheed Martin. It's we brought the program into the school. It's a contest uh about a habitat for Mars that the kids are involved in. It's not actually taking place in the school. We realize that. But we did bring it to the school and with to the parents and we had an evening meeting with Miss Castileto, our supervisor of science. introduced it to the parents and to the kids and we're waiting to hear the results. The results will be out in the spring. Uh but it's a pretty exciting project for the kids to be involved in. The next is to you utilize data to continue to improve proficiency in language arts, math, and science. And this is an area that uh Dr. Alvik

148uh contributed to multiple areas, but this one in particular. And earlier in the curriculum uh committee meeting, we you know, we talked about using the MAP program uh which is a short assessment that's used basically three times a year to help teachers understand where where students are at their academic levels and to meet them there and to help advance them uh from their individual levels and beyond. And that's just one of many different ways that we use data as an ongoing way, a systems type of thinking, if you will, to continue to look and to see where students are and how we can best meet their needs. The next is to develop the whole child through cultural awareness, character development, and an emphasis on a healthy healthy lifestyle. Uh there's many elements to this, but

149one in particular is, and maybe Dr. Alva can speak to it a little bit tonight as well is um there is a mindset that we're looking our mindfulness. We're trying to develop the whole child through many different programs. One of the areas that we're concerned about is the amount of stress that students are under both in um K to 12 and and moving beyond. And we're hoping to look to help students develop strategies and techniques that they can use throughout their life to uh deal with uh situations when they they encounter stressful situations. Um and I know the sign is blocking you, Dr. Alvik, so I'll take that down. But would you like to speak to that at all? Because I know there's a committee that uh we were both a part of the original

150committee and now they've continued to meet. So, a part of our um school that we've had for the last couple years is a is something called a behavioral support team. It's made of of child study team members um overseen by the director of special services and our supervisor of special education and they're they have created a team to look at when there's a crisis in the school, when there's a student in crisis, how can we respond to them? what are resources that we can offer to parents um to help to get that child the help that they need and the family the help that they need. So that's been an ongoing um process. This year the state um gave us uh title four funds for the first time. The title four funds are are earmarked

151for safe schools whole child. Um, so every school district in the state of New Jersey got $10,000 to be used toward the title four toward the whole child. So when I had spoken with um the principles and the supervisors, it became apparent that middle school just because of the nature of the students in middle school and Mil Lake school seem to have u more issues with HIV, more issues with students having anxiety, um more needs. So, we decided to start there with the $10,000 and I brought a committee together of the guidance counselors, the principles, um our title, our our grant supervisor and our supervisor of guidance to take a look at what can we do to provide support for the students, not just the students in need, but all of the students. And that's

152where the mindfulness and restorative justice training is coming in. Um, these are the areas that the schools through the guidance counselor and the administration have identified that they would really like to learn more about, teach our teachers ways that they could utilize brief short activities within their classroom to help students that aren't going to take a lot of time but are going to provide some help for some anxiety issues that may be that students may be experiencing in school. Um, then uh Dr. Kak and I met with uh Mrs. Ruela and the uh middle school uh administrator and a middle school um school psychologist I believe she is. And we decided to kind of put those two committees together. So now those two committees are working together. They are in the process of creating um

153a list of resources for parents for staff. We're looking at increasing parent um outreach and parent education to provide um programs for parents. We're looking at a as a part of the mindfulness and the restorative justice. What can we provide for all teachers and for all students? What can we provide for small groups such as families that may have a loss in their family and that student needs a little extra support or a divorce in the family or anything like that where the child need where those children need some extra extra support. Supporting the guidance counselors and the child study team members in pulling them together. And then also for um students in crisis, what do we do for those individual students? If they need to go out or come back to the school, do

154we have a plan to go in? So, we're we're we we're working in smaller groups now to identify all of the resources and ways that we can assist the students in all of these different ways. Thank you, Dr. AIC. Continuing, the next section is to improve school facilities. So the um first part is installation construction of 10 temporary classroom units trailers at the middle school and has has been discussed tonight. Uh that process is already in place and will be established and and set to have the trailers at the middle school for September of 2018. This is a picture of the what the trailers a very basic outline of what the trailers will look like. uh they will be housed at the front of the school, most of the uh temporary classroom units. And then

155this, it's hard to see, but that is what the cardio section uh that'll be attached or close to the where the gym is to help ease the overcrowded in the middle school gym. The next is the development of land donated by Monroe Township to be used for expanded school bus parking, not to be confused with the middle school. This is across from where the board offices are and um the township has offered to donate land to the district so that we could expand our parking for the buses and that is moving along. Uh Mr. Tag has been very involved in that and there is information on that point uh on that section there about that process. That's actually a a picture, a drawing. And again, not to be confused with the middle school. This is

156across from the board office where um right now there's just trees. There's a one of the fire companies has some of the land there as well. Continuation of the Monroe Township School District capital improvement plan. And again, capital being the building and the uh renovation work throughout the district, whether it be roofs, parking lots, or other things. And again, that details uh the work that has been done this year, application for safety grants to fund specific safety improvement projects. And this um excuse me, the board of ad applied to the New Jersey school insurance group safety grants program for a safety grant. We were awarded a grant in amount in the amount of $31,272.81 which uh was used toward a towards a playground surfacing project at Mil Lake School. And we're going to apply for

157the same grant again this year. And oh that's a picture. It's very nice over at Mil Lake School of the playground project or the playground, not the project. The next bullet point on this is to develop a and present a referendum which will satisfy the needs of a needs of a growing student body. I think everyone knows now that March 13 uh 7 am to 8:00 pm is the date of the referendum for the middle school. The next section, increase community involvement, broaden parent community engagement and communication. There are several of the ways that we uh go about doing that from a Monroe newspaper which we do in collaboration with the township to the Falcon Flyer and other ways. Our PTO and PTA certainly is involved in keeping the community engaged uh as well. And

158um we're always looking to increase efforts. Our special education parent advisory meeting. Uh Miss Lang, I know you've been very uh you know involved in that process as well and handed out a flyer. Do you want to talk about the meeting date for that? Sure. Just want to mention it. Not to put you on the spot, but Oh, so Monica Hines has been working with a a very great group, a core group of parents of our classified students to get our student our special education advisory group off the ground. And on January 29th here in the high school media center at 6:30, uh Stephanie Babettz from SPAN, who's in charge of the START project, is going to come and present on how to get this group off the ground. And with the support of um

159the Department of Pupil Services and the parents who are very active and interested, it should be a great group. We ask that all parents within the district, you don't have to have a student who's classified, but parents who have students who are 504, parents who children are involved in response to intervention, and even parents of our what we call neurotypical students, we'd love for you to come. This is that when the parent advisory group gets off the ground, the hope is to invi involve the community as a whole. So, please join us on January 29th. Thank you. And we also have a new district app which we probably haven't advertised for enough, but it is free. It's downloadable. Uh it's on our district website. You can get information for to get the exact name. And

160it also has uh many more features than our previous app with push out notifications. So the more that we can get people to download the app, the easier it'll be to get information out uh to the community. Next is to engage a community in discussions regarding the need and importance of passing the referendum. Many meetings from the adult communities to our meetings in the schools to the the township library. Uh an upcoming meeting at the rec center. All of those meetings are listed on our website as well as uh print and digital notification as well. and to collaborate with community stakeholders in implementing the next phase of the onetoone technology integration program at the high school. We had a group meet uh back in the fall and we invited uh we took information on the

161needs of what the the students and the staff need as far as technology at the high school and we had a focus group. We brought it out to parents. We had it actually here at the in the evening. uh we invited vendors to come out to present. We had four different vendors come out. out of that we have invited two back and right now we have a pilot project occurring in our high school with the new iPad and we also have the um HP device utilizing uh Windows 10 Microsoft um you know Windows and the goal is to have two groups of teachers to utilize this also to make it available to students and we have a day in February ruary, which I know is up there. I think it's February 7th, right? Um where

162the vendors will set up near the cafeteria so that the high school students can come in all day long or at least during their lunches, not coming out of class, uh coming out of their lunches and and whatever time they have to really play with the devices to see it. We really want a good um you know a a strong um group of students you know a larger group I should say to really uh take part in this and make an informed decision on what they feel best meets their needs. Lastly is to improve management and operations to continue our efforts to seek fair and equitable state aid funding. We talked about this a little bit tonight. That's going to continue. Mr. Cherella, I know you're very involved in that. You just had a meeting

163with the ad hoc committee. Um just Yeah. And um um the superintendent, we're also going to be back in discussions and doing our Google Hangouts to talk about how other districts can get back in involved. Even though that lawsuit only involves I think nine or 10 districts, there's discussions of how we can get the rest of the districts involved with that. This is long. Uh to produce a basically a budget which meets the needs of 300 to 500 additional students, supports the curriculum, addresses aging school facilities, adds new quality staff required for growth while staying within the tax levy cap. We've gone through the budget defense rounds with our administrators and we're in the process. Mr. Gorski is working on the budget now and we hope to continue um producing a budget that is fiscally

164responsible while still meeting the needs of our students. Mr. Gorski, do you want to speak to anything of this or should I move on? I I think you covered it quite well. Okay. All right. This will be available on our website as well if you would like to say it. Uh to continue to pursue spending efficiency and best fiscal pra practices. Again, pretty much what I just said. We're hoping to continue that and move uh along with that. Are there any questions or comments from the board? Okay, seeing none, it's a long night. I know you want me to wrap it up. Uh I do have one se about six or seven quick things I would like to show you because a question came up I believe it was in November or December about are

165the the niche the niche ranking why the ranking has gone down and I want to show that I don't know what the rank the ranking is using data from two years ago and I checked that again today and I printed out the ranking I want to show that what the current data shows and if I could can Hey, would would you mind not Okay. Uh we have an Elmo here just to switch it over and Oh, that's wonderful. The tech group here is is fantastic. Uh basically what you can see on the first group there is uh it's it's a little hard to see, but it's our district the last three years. So each from grade three right up through um grade 9, 10 and 11. Uh we have the based on the test scores,

166the park test scores for the last three years in language arts, ELA language arts. It shows how our students have done. And you can see that for I guess it's the light purple on the on the far left side. That's where we were three years ago. 1415 I believe. The next one is 1617 and the next one is uh or I'm sorry 1516 and 1617. Look at my slides here. And that is the percentage of students meeting or exceeding the uh standards for what they need to meet. So 1415, 1516 and 1617 in language arts. And you can see for most of the grades that has it has gone up every year there are some concerns grades three and grade uh six from last year it came down a little bit but I'm going to

167show you in a minute even though it came down in our district in those two grades that were still well above other districts and I'm going to show you that in another slide or so. Do you mind? I hate to That's wonderful. Okay, just flip over to the next one. This is our math. The same idea but math. And again, you can see that for every three years from grade three and moving forward how much it has increased. Okay, these are the students who are meeting or exceeding levels four and five out of five. So grade three from 65% to 74% this year. Um and it goes through grade algebra 1. You can see a significant difference. 38% three years ago, 74% two years ago, and 69% this past year. The Thank you. The next

168slide is ELA achievement by grade and on the first three columns it's Monroe Township. Uh if the audience members if you can see that if you have trouble seeing let us know and we'll focus it a little bit but um Monroe Township on the left. The next says DFG. And what that basically is is a district factor group. That's how the state divides districts on socioeconomic matters. So we the Monroe is considered an FG near the top near not the wealthiest but near the top the wealthier districts. I believe I is the is the wealthiest. So Monroe uh township for district factor groups if you look at the first three columns you can see that we're well above the district factor groups during those three years. Okay. And this is ELA. So for the entire

169district 67% and our district factor group their highest is 58%. The next three columns there is similar similarly sized districts. So districts between the uh I forget what the uh it was either 3,000 to 7,000 or 5,000 to 7,000 but around the same number of students that we have. Again, well above Monroe Township is well above those districts. The next column are the districts in Middle Sex County. Again, 67% for ELA compared to 55%. And then of course the state at the end and we're well above that in ELA. So we take that data very seriously. We look at that. If we see it go down one year in language arts, we're looking at all that data to see how and how we can improve things, but it doesn't mean that we're slacking overall. Overall,

170compared to other districts, we're still doing extremely well. And that speaks volumes for the what the teachers are doing, what our administrators are doing, certainly Dr. Alvik and everyone else uh working for that and the programs that we have brought in and will continue to bring in. The next is achievement by grade. And I'm sorry, this is math. And this is I I split the math out by grade for a couple grades because I just really wanted to point out a couple of uh specific grades. The first is eighth grade math. Monroe Township over the last three years are the first three columns in some sort of blue color. Um 52% two years ago down to 49. So, we're looking at that. But when you look at district factor groups, 32%. So, we're well above

171that. The similar size districts, 28%. Thank you for making it for adjusting the focus there. I wasn't sure. Couldn't see if you could see it. Middle Sex County, well above that. The state well above that. That's eighth grade math. The next is algebra 1 again Monroe Township 69% last year overall. These are the students who met or exceeded the um you know what's expected of of students to meet the standards for algebra one. Well above our district factor group, well above other size, similar sized districts, well above Middle Sex County, and well above the state as the math gets more difficult. Geometry 49%. Certainly, we want that to be higher and we're going to continue, but the the test in the past few years have really raised the bar for students. They've made it much

172more difficult. And you know what? That's okay because we want our students in the best colleges. We want our students competing globally and globally across this country. We have been behind other countries that are industrialized nations. There's no excuse for that. Our students are just as smart. So, we raised the bar. So, we're not at 90 or 100%, but we're getting there. And you can see the increases and how we compared to these other districts. So, we're not perfect. We have a lot of work still to do but certainly I believe that it's you're seeing a positive trend in what the students are doing. The next is should be algebra 2. Algebra 2 again the same thing again this is where the math gets much more difficult for students and the math at all levels

173is the very uh last if you can flip it one more time. Thank you. I you didn't realize you're going to be in involved in this process. Uh math overall achievement uh these are the percentage meeting and exceeding and uh again 63% uh compared to all those other factors. So certainly we have a lot of work to do. Um but we our students are doing well and uh I think that speaks well again to the delivery of instruction that's occurring uh in this township. So again, going back to the the niche or the niche and and the other Zillow and all the other things, I understand what they're doing. They're also selling real estate. Understand that when you go on their sites, it's all about no offense that the real estate u but the the

174data they're using is two years old. And I looked at it again today and they're still going back to the 145. So when they see that we're down rankings or whatever, it's it's not applicable to what's occurring today. So, uh, thank you for allowing me to take the time for that. And, um, I just I'll come around to just speak about what's on the agenda. Okay. Okay. Uh for the board members on the actual agenda, I just would like to point out two things. Um the first is under policies under board action. We did correct this today and Mr. Ryback brought this to my attention. It was a it was a typo basically. So if you had the printed sheet before tonight, you might see that there was a regulation 5460.01 called student tracking devices.

175It it is student tracking devices, but the correct number, it's a policy, not a regulation, and it's 55 5516.01. We corrected it electronically and the name is correct but the number wasn't. So I just wanted to make that correction. And then uh before I ask for the approval of the Thank you so much. Yeah, I know that's blocking. Thank you. Um before I ask for the approval of the items, uh when we have retirements, I do like to mention the to thank the people for their service. And on the agenda tonight, we have, and I I I think it's letter B, maybe, uh, Miss Russo, uh, who I I want to say it was 19 years of service. I didn't write the number down. Um, but I would like to on behalf of the board

176and administration thank her for many years of service to the students, staff, and the community. And with that, I would like to recommend to the board the approval of attached personnel items A through double A. So move. So move. Second. M Mr. Braverman, Mr. Chiella, comments or questions for Dr. Kosak? Seeing none, we'll have a roll call. Mrs. Arminino, yes. Mr. Braverman, yes. Mr. Cherella, yes. Mrs. Deo, yes. Mrs. Lang, yes. Mrs. Corino, yes. Mr. Ryback, yes. Mr. Russo, yes. Recuse recuse from E. On E. Thank you, Mr. Rudsky. Yes. Mrs. Colopon, yes. Madam Board President, personnel items A through double A has passed. And uh next is the board action. And I would like to uh ask I would like to recommend approval of items A through R listed under public content. Mr. Braverman.

177Second. Second by Mrs. Lang. Comments or questions. Roll call. Mrs. Arminino. Yes. Mr. Braverman. Yes. Mr. Cherella. Yes. Mrs. Deo? Yes. Mrs. Lang? Yes. Mrs. Corino? Yes. Mr. Ryback? Yes. Mr. Russo? Yes. Mr. Ratsky? Yes. Yes, Mrs. Panovich. Yes, Madam Board President, board action items A through R has passed. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. That concludes my report. And we'll go to the business administrators report with Mr. Gorski. Thank you, madam. Um my business administrator's report contains some very important uh resolutions this evening and first one is letter L resolution for a special election resolution authorizes the board of education to present the following question for the bond referendum and I and I need not read it at this late hour because it's in in the agenda and present it to everyone. There's

178a second resolution and it is letter M as in Michael and that is to accept the preliminary eligible cost schedule submitted from the Department of Education facilities. That is what arrived at the debt service aid that the district is anticipating of $7.1 million and the eligible cost for the project. Whereas Monroe Board of Ed is eligible for a 40% reimbursement for eligible costs from the state. This resolution accepts the the preliminary eligible cost estimate and authorizes me to submit a in a indication of that to the department. The board does have the right to appeal um but but administratively we are satisfied with the results of the preliminary cost letter and recommend the submission. Very proud letter is M I pardon not M N as in Nancy N as in Nancy. This is a recommendation

179to transfer $600,000 from retained earnings, which is a total of about $1.1 million, from the new proprietary fund, Falcon Care Early Childhood Enrichment, to the general fund to generally offset trailer costs in the seven in the 1819 budget. This is a fantastic dividend that comes from that new enterprise fund. And the good news hopefully is that this just will not be a one-time dividend. This will be forthcoming and it will help offset taxes and district needs in the future. Also letter O, resolution approving uh mobile lease modular space for temporary classroom units. This is required by the Department of Education to get moving on the trailer installation. Without this being approved tonight, we would not be able to put the trailers in for September, and we desperately need those. I would like to caution the

180board and the community that this resolution authorizing 10 portable classroom units at the middle school is is has a total cost of about $1.5 million for about 200 students that are going to be housed in those trailers. It is an in extremely inefficient method of delivering education from a facility standpoint. And with the utmost respect, if the referendum is defeated or not passed, this will be the beginning of many more trailers to come. I remind the board and the community that at one point in time we had 89 portable classroom trailer units at a total cost annually, including utilities and and uh related, of about $4 million per year. I I'm I'm very concerned from a fiscal standpoint that if we head in that direction again as the budget is capped in its current uh

181status that this will supplant many program and instructional services offered by the board of education that has been enjoyed by this community for so long and that this board and prior boards have worked so hard to incorporate in the budget. That said, madame board president and members of the Monroe Township Board of Education, it is recommended that board action items A through P be approved by consent. Roll call. All moved. Mr. Mr. Braverman, Mr. Ryback, comments or questions for Mr. Gorski, Mr. Chiella? Yeah, I just have a couple comments. So, great job on N. I think that's wonderful. Um the enterprise fund is going to good use I think with with this and it's going to uh help the taxpayers and uh help us help relieve us of some of the cost of the trailers

182and and I'd also like to mention that that was done with you know prior boards that was set up you know so that that could happen so that you know they they I think those prior boards of education some of those people are not on this board right now um had had a lot of foresight I think in in doing that so thank you to them also as far as L goes I'm going to vote no on that. And the reason for that is not that I don't think we need the school. We absolutely do need the middle school, but for reasons that I've stated prior, uh I'm against eminent domain. I spoke out against eminent domain here. I' I've been warning the board all the way back to January that I thought we were

183going to end up uh taking that land through eminent domain. And I have to stand up for what I believe in. And I believe in, you know, private property rights. And I believe that uh we're doing the wrong thing by taking that through eminent domain. So, but with that being said, I hope the referendum passes. We do need the school and we but I think uh I would have liked to have seen the entirety of our needs presented to the people so that they could vote on that. I understand what everyone's saying about $80 million not passing, but I think when they start to look at it and think that maybe we're hiding the need for $200 million in facilities and upgrades, which is probably what we need, I mean an elementary school uh uh

184additions to the to this school, this high school, and then the uh the middle school that we're not telling the whole story. We have we've been uh hit with a lot of development in this town and that is causing a need for probably $200 million in facility upgrades. And by chunking it down and doing all these things, I don't think that we're we're we're we're do we're doing the right thing. And I think it's going to end up uh in March and April with us having to look at another an alternate plan, having more trailers, and having years of of additional delays. And I don't want to see that. So, I'm going to vote no on L. Thank you. Anyone else, Mr. Mo? Um, unfortunately, I I I also have to agree with um Ken

185and but I am going to vote for it because I I feel that as our hands are tied um for no fault of the districts and and I and no fault of the board of education at this point. Um it's very disappointing that we would have to go for eminent domain and then I think there's some some things that we don't know about what's going on with the eminent domain purchase. Um but one of our astute um members of the public pointed out, I think it's interesting that we can do eminent domain on this, but yet we hear we always hear that we can't ask the builders to give us land um because that's there's something illegal about that. Well, it's only illegal because uh the state legislature has has not really stepped up and

186asked for impact uh fees and asked for land. So perhaps uh if if we have troubles in the future, we might want to take some eminent domain u things even if it's philosophically unjust um from from some of the developers because it's sort of a catch 22. the the the outofcontrol constru uh construction that's going on is causing our need for this and yet we can't go to those very people who are getting very wealthy in Monroe putting these together um and asking them to help out the good taxpayers of Monroe who who all and I know that there are a lot of teachers that are also um having to work double jobs but there are people in Monroe uh who are not teachers who have two jobs to pay the taxes. So, um I

187I agree with you, but my dilemma is, you know, going forward. My other problem is uh number uh letter O. I have been opposed as a citizen of Monroe for trailers, but unfortunately I do see the need for them and I hope we can limit the you the use of trailers because I think also as Mr. Gorski said, Mr. Cherella says, they are not fiscally uh in the best interest of the district. We really need to put that money towards instruction and not toward this. And again, it all goes back to our hands being tied by um forces we can't control and only um other forms other parts of our government can. And unfortunately, we have to pay the price, but I'll have to vote for it for the kids. Anyone else? I see none.

188We'll have a roll call. Mr. Borski. Mrs. Armeno. Yes. Mr. Braverman. Yes. Mr. Cherella, yes on everything except L. No on L. Correct. Yes. Thank you. Mrs. Deo, yes. Mrs. Lang, yes. Mrs. Corino, yes. Mr. Ryback, yes. Mr. Russo, yes. And no for so noted. Mr. Rudsky. Yes to all. Mrs. Kapanovich. Yes. Madame board president. Motion passes. Board action items A through P has passed. That concludes my report. Thank you. Thank you very much. Um board president's report. Uh couple of things. One is um kind of fun. At the next board meeting on February 21st, the school photographer will be here to take our annual picture for the yearbook. So we need to be here by 6:45 so the picture can be taken dressed up in your best clothes and then you know we'll be

189in the yearbook again this year. Second, I have requested through the administration to have a meeting with Governor Murphy, the new acting commissioner of education, Senator Greenstein, and Assemblyman Benson and D'Angelo to discuss Monro's state aid and lack of, and how it's affecting our residents, especially our seniors. Since the state budget is coming out, I believe the end of February, we have requested to have this meeting in early February so they can understand the uniqueness of Monroe and how their lack of fair funding is affecting all of us. And we have tentatively set the date for February 6th. So far, Senator Greenstein has agreed to the meeting and we're waiting to hear from the other um people in the government. And the third thing I have today uh superintendent search when Dr. Kzac tendered his

190resignation in December and the board accepted it then we had we now need to go into having a superintendent search. So um I don't know because it's late tonight if you want to have a discussion because we would need to have a discussion on how we're going to proceed with this. Um, and I know it's late, so we might want to hold off to the next month or we can have that discussion tonight. But the way I see it, um, there's three ways we can go as a board. And and I want to let the public know that, um, we want to be fair. We're going to do a fair and thorough search that there are no candidates that have been picked out to be the next superintendent. I don't think that would be fair

191to the to the public or you know board members too have already um made up their minds. So we're going to do that and the discussions that we have are going to be made in public. So um we we can go three ways. We could do a schoolboard search, we can hire a search firm to help us or we could do it in district. Um so that would that would require a discussion by all of us for the pros and the cons and which way you'd want to go. I don't know if you want to continue that discussion today or think about it and we can start that thought process at the February meeting where hopefully the meeting will be shorter. Um so that that's up to to to you if you want to make

192any comments or suggestions. Not on the superintendent's uh on your meeting with um Oh. Okay. I'm sorry. He's proposing that he's going to legalize marijuana. Uh it's going to impact the schools. So, has the district been thinking about that and how they going to uh approach that? I I think that when that time happens, we're going to have to go through policy and see how we're going to handle whatever laws that he comes out with. Can we be more proactive? Yeah, maybe. I mean, I'm going to go out on a limb and say we're going to ban it from school. Will we have, you know, a marijuana free school zone? I I I think Yeah, maybe you can grow it here and fund the schools. Maybe, you know, unfort Unfortunately, I think that's what states

193look for that that this is a a revenue and and unfortunately, but I look, we've we've sent resolutions before. Before we sent resolutions on park, we said I think the board maybe needs to talk about maybe we should send a resolution as to and and I don't know everybody's opinion, but the board should maybe consider a resolution sending it to the state with our position on it and that we need to have that discussion, right? And that could be a that could be a long discussion. Um, do you want to start that discussion in the policy committee? We can do that. I have no problem with that. Is that all right? We send it to the policy committee and have a discussion. put that on the agenda for next. Okay. And you are the chair

194of the policy committee, so you can do that. So, is there any more discussion on the meeting with Murphy? Yeah, maybe you can also tell them um that we'd like our representatives to propose um legislation to to have um developers. Yeah, absolutely. Why not? I also think that's a good thing to throw to Mr. Cherella's ad hoc committee. You know that that be a way to help us with um some tax relief. It's in our update. It'll be in our upper. Okay. Well, I I think that's that's part of our state aid. There would be very advantageous to school districts if we had some kind of ability to get um developers, especially with this the kind of rapid growth that Monroe's experienced to um to give us some some help. They're making a profit. Mr.

195Ryback, thank you. I'm glad you brought up Mio impact fees for developers because it's long overdue and the taxpayers are suffering. uh because we don't have that. Uh but along with that, I was thinking about something that I think we we might want to support and that's uh giving uh residents um tax credits for the cost of developing a new school in in districts that are building schools. So that just those districts that are building schools, the t tax credits for the cost of the school could be given to the residents. I mean the state giving at the state level. At the state level. Yes. I'm sorry. At the state level. That's a good idea. Yeah. Because then they would have really not a major or no impact if that would work. And I don't

196think that would be um you know a a huge amount of money for the Yeah. Something that I think we need to consider. And I I believe you've already reached out to I did. I did about that. I think there's some interest in it. So, we'll see. Okay. So, now the discussion about the superintendent search. How do you Well, I Oh, first of all, I don't think we should be speaking about it tonight. I'd like to to put that on for ne, but I think we have a fourth option given the public sentiment. I think a fourth option is to re-evaluate Dr. Kosan's um position. And uh I think the board should have another discussion about considering um uh re yeah rescending his um his resignation. Well, I think the public has spoken very loudly

197and I think that it's something that we should at least consider even if we have to go into close session. Um we're here, you know, we're here not for our own egos but for um the best interest of the students and we should be listening to the public. Okay. And I think that's something Dr. Kosak would need to think about, too. Okay. And All right. So, we'll discuss. You don't want to think about it? No, I don't have to think about it at all. I can give you an answer. You want to you want to if the board would like to entertain that, I would certainly welcome that. That's my answer. Okay. [Applause] So then do you want to hold off to the to the next because any any conversation about the superintendent and the

198contract has to be in close session. Exactly. So we should put it in close session for next month. My only point about that is we have a full board here tonight. We don't always have a full board here for executive sessions. So why put off till next month what we could talk about tonight in executive session. Session except that we don't have a resolution in I could add it to the resolution. if you want to add it to the resolution. It's up to the doc. It's up to the Does he need to be raced? Automatically, he's needed now. You don't need to be raced. Okay. Um, do you want to put it on the agenda for Excuse me. We're we're we're conducting a meeting. Um, do you want to put that on the board for

199tonight? I I don't know. Well, I mean, I I I um I I agree. I just don't know if tonight's the right time for that at this point because I think if we put that on the next one, at least then Dr. Kak, I know he's what he's saying, but at least he has time to think about that. Um that's fine. That's that's just ask if everyone can please try to make the next meeting and make the meeting. Well, it would be nice if everybody made every meeting because we all can't do it all the time, but I know we we've had meetings where we're missing two, three people and sometimes it's hard to get something done when we're we have people that we need to approve and and money issues. So, um so then

200you want to hold off the next meeting about how to conduct a superintendent search and meanwhile think about it. Yep. Okay. So then that will conclude my board president's report. That's only for the non-conlicted non-conlicted board members. And meanwhile, think about it. Yep. Okay. So then that will conclude my board president's report. That's only for the non-conlicted non-conlicted board members. And we'll go to any um other board of education business. I have some Mr. Cherella. All right. And I think it's positive. So our our fair funding committee met in November and then we met again in uh on the six on the 17th of this month. Um when we met in November, the uh the the committee decided to form a smaller subcommittee and have that subcommittee be the liaison to uh Senator Greenstein and

201Assemblyman D'Angelo and Benson and to set up regular monthly meetings where they would sit down and talk about funding. um uh reach out to the governor also, but our new governor, you know, obviously he was just he was he he uh he just got in office, but to uh to see where we stood with the with with funding and and the different things that we can do. So, I want to thank um Andy Polari and Pash Pab and also uh Henry Sloan, who's not here tonight, um for doing that and and for committing to that. I think they're doing a great job. I have the minutes of that meeting here, so I'd like to give I'm not going to read them. It's like three or four pages long. I'm going to give the minutes over

202though so that they could be added to our minutes. I'll send those to Nancy, I guess. And then um and then they could if they could be added and everyone could read those at their leisure. But I just want to touch on a couple things. And if if I may, if if I miss anything, if they could speak on it, I would appreciate that. But we only have a couple issues here that uh that that Dave been talking about. So the consensus after we we re we had a meeting, we reconvened after they gave us the minutes uh in light of what they were talking about, but also in light of this the lawsuit in Jamesburg. Um and you know, one of the things that I wanted to talk about to them is is what

203they thought, what they heard from our our elected representatives and then what what our next steps should be. Should we should I come to this meeting and ask us to join and sue the state or should we do something else? The consensus on the on our board was for us to hold off, to wait and see what the governor has to offer as far as the budget and and then to uh and then and then to figure out from there where we where we what our what our options are. Um we don't want to but we didn't want to maybe jump too soon when the governor could very well decide that he's going to fund the formula, which would be great. Um but part of their conversation I think was was really good because what

204they did was um they they talked with our legislators about options. So for instance, if they don't fund the funding formula, what what could we do short of suing? We didn't talk they didn't talk about lawsuits, but they talked about um transportation and maybe getting an increase in transportation aid for Monroe Township um to to also look at uh our special education funding. uh and uh what we're what the state gives us for special education funding and maybe maybe doing something in there. Uh they also they also were looking at um supporting Sweeney Senate President Sweeney as he phases out hold harmless which I think is probably very you know important for us. So uh they were also looking at maybe removing the growth growth cap. uh they were talking about deductions for senior citizens

205going up but funding that on the back end for us but having deductions for senior citizens so that they would be able to uh write off more of their the burden that they're uh that they're paying currently. So I thought that was a great thing. The one thing though that was very interesting and they could speak to it also was that our legislators thought that we needed to look at our administrative costs because that was one of the things that they felt were putting us over adequacy to the point where uh we were getting we were getting harmed. So one of the things they said was for us to look at Hamilton and just kind of measure ourselves against them. They're not saying we're not saying we need to cut all of you wonderful people,

206but they but they but they can cut our salary, right? They can cut ours. But they did say that that would that is something that we'd probably want to look at also if we wanted to not impact students but move ourselves closer to adequacy from being over adequate. Did I miss anything on that? Good. Yes. Thank you. Wait, wait. This is this is not public forum. Okay. Well, thank you. So, that's where we're at. So, again, I just want to thank them for doing that and thank, you know, all of you. So, and we'll see what I'm going to do is reach out to the administration probably tomorrow on some of the other things that we talked about at our meeting. Um, not a legal basis for a suit, but maybe some options that we

207might have that could could help us. So, Mr. Can I have one brief 30 second uh uh uh uh address to that? Sure. Uh as as a part of our last budget presentation, I had a slide as well as the previous year on our administrative costs and we are far below the county limit and the state average and administrative costs. So I'm concerned about the address by the state officials directed at administrative costs when before their concern rightly was on unfunded unfunded mandates which this district has many that we uh absorb and uh also um non-required programs and services that the district offers. But I I can say with certainty that our administrative costs and and I'm not saying this because I'm I'm included in this category, but are very respectable compared to our peers

208and we present that every year with the budget. So I'm disappointed to hear that. Yeah. And I I wasn't at the meeting, but I could tell you that, you know, I don't know what they looked at for, but if they if they just opened a book and looked at graphs and maybe administrative costs, you know, stuck out for them. But you also have to remember that we're a district that has a lot of special needs children and things like that that require additional special uh or additional administrative seats or or slots and that could be part of it. I don't know. All all I know is that when you know that was that was one of the things that they talked about. So something that we're you know we're we're willing to look at and

209be open-minded to. That was it. Mr. Russo just a different note. It'll be quick. I understand there was a special accommodation made for a party for a a community group Indian u group to be held at the school. A party uh some type of celebration meeting. Well, I I think um if there was anything held at a school, it's usually done through the building use forms and department. Yeah, I can speak. Oh, okay. um without access to the my school dude program that um is the um reservation system for that. I could tell you that I do have familiarity with a recent application that met the use of building policy and was approved and was a very favorable event uh in terms of the district's outreach to uh this particular demographic group in town. and

210sharing the facilities and and encouraging the the sense of welcome to that establishment. They more than paid the appropriate fee for the pro uh uh for the um uh use and the facilities were left immaculate after their uh use. Uh it it was it was exemplary how clean and how many members they had extra volunteers to clean up and and uh you know we I I was very very pleased. Who was the group? I I don't remember the exact name of the organization. Okay. Would other community members or community groups be permitted the same? As long as they qualify with the use of building policy. Yes. And that means you have pretty much have to have a nonprofit organization doiciled in Monroe Township. And I I ask you to take a look at the use

211of building policy for the specifics. Is it the first time something like this has been done? No. No. No. Mr. Arino. Yeah. Just um also we're talking uh I should have said it when you were talking about meeting the governor but uh Mr. Cherel and I have spoken about it. Um it's been in the paper that the uh training school for boys or the Jamesburg's training school for boys that used to be called um is housed in Monroe. Um and they're going to be closing that as I understand it. state owns all or most of that land and I'm wondering if that could be put on the agenda. Uh Monroe would very graciously accept that land as a donation maybe even in and I shouldn't say this in lie of all the money they owe

212us as a district. Um but if not, if we can't get it that way, I would ask that again we can uh solicit this state and ask for um rights to that land so we can we can have it as in the district and use it as schools, maybe even some passive recreation. But um I would very much think that uh Monroe Township Board of Education would qualify as a rightful owner of that property. So if we can pursue that, I I would be very grateful. Mr. Gorski, madam, may I may I uh ask that we put that on the agenda for when we meet with the state Oh, sure. legislators, including the governor's office, Benson, Dance, Jalo, um Greenstein, and also the commissioner of education was one of the invited. Uh we could certainly

213mention that because we that that has been considered already administratively and we have our we have our eye on it. Can I um may I just say something? Sure. I think that's an excellent idea. Uh Miss Armeno, but and Mike, I think that's a great idea, too. But if you could also invite the township in because I think that if you look at if you look at how big that facility is and how how beautiful it could be. I mean, when you talk about recreation, you could have a campuslike environment with schools, with soccer fields, football, baseball, everything could be right there. I think it would be, you know, a wonderful, you know, wonderful thing to have. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. And I a couple of uh just I'll be brief. There's been a thing

214that I I will save till next month, but I was I was so grateful for hearing about the challenge day because it was sort of part of what I wanted to talk about about getting having community conversations. So maybe we can expand challenge day to the community. Um there was an article in the Star Ledger January 21st 2018 passing the trash school bill advances and they're talking about pass and it's unfortunate I'm I'm quoting from the newspaper doesn't sound very nice but uh especially with my new with my new bracelet it says kindness matters but um there are a lot of times that schools pass uh teachers who are not really up to par and they pass them to other teach uh to other schools because they have complex um uh I guess resignation issues

215and they or personnel issues and I think it's time that we have a real discussion about uh making sure that um and I don't have we don't have any issues in Monroe but I'm saying that we we need to press upon our legislators that if if a teacher is let go for for really unsavory three reasons the other schools should be able to get that information and make sure we we don't hire those kind of people. And the other thing is I think and we're very lucky in this community, but again I think it's a community discussion that we should look towards the future about school shootings and security. Um you know people say it's no time to talk about those. Well, I I think it is a time to talk about it. No amount

216of and we have wonderful security staff and I'm very pleased about that. But no amount of physical security um I think can compensate for a an honest discussion about the society malaise that's going on that brings these kinds of things into our into our country and to our schools. So um you know maybe we can do something on the line of challenge day for the community down the future. Challenge day for adults. Thank you Dr. Jose. Yes, Mr. Marino. If I could respond just quickly on that. Uh first of all, I agree that that the difficult decision or discussions schools are the right environment to have those difficult discussions and and sometimes it's very difficult for all different reasons. People are afraid to have them. So I would I think that's something that would I

217would certainly welcome. the security. Um the prosecutor's office has made some has taken some steps and they have just sent down some suggestions to our uh of course uh Pete Piro will review these uh Mr. Gorski uh and our security department and it's really in light of not only school shootings and again yesterday with one in Kentucky and it's it's just disheartening to hear that kind of thing but they were looking at even the shootings that have taken place in in open events such as Las Vegas and and other places and they've come down with um some suggestions. You know you might not be able to prevent everything but at least you know continue to work on on those areas. I would say that the the district as a whole uh I don't want to

218jinx anything or or appear anything but I think we have very good security measures but certainly it's something that we we would need to continually address ongoing and uh that is something that we will be doing. Yeah. And that's one part of it. My my part of it is community involvement, community discussion concern, you know, why do these things happen? And that's a different issue. So, but that's for the future. That's the other mental health things that we were talking about earlier which was really Yeah, that that's that's needs to that needs to be addressed also. Yeah. Thank you. Anyone else? Then Miss Gino, I just wanted to make sure that you check your attendance with Mike because um I I had my hand up as when Frank said he was abstaining for the December

219minutes, but I don't know if you got me as Yeah, we just wanted to clarify. because I know I didn't call your name out. That is correct. It was not noted in the minutes. Uh there were two minutes. There was the public board meeting of December 13th and the closed session meeting of December 13th. Your your abstension is for both then I assume. Yes. So noted. Thank you. Okay. Are um anything else from the board? If not, we'll go to the public forum. Anyone from the public wishing to speak, please come to the microphone. Give your name and address for the record. We have a 4m minute time limit. I'll try not to be more than two minutes. Okay. Uh Andy Poli, 16 St. James Street. I missed the initial part of the meeting today.

220I'm glad to be here. Good to see some uh really lively discussion here today. First of all, I want to say that uh Superintendent Dr. Kak, he's actually one of the best drummers I have heard in a long time. really relaxed watching him at the middle school. Uh, one of the questions that I have looking at the trailers was the uh, what Mr. Armano just brought up in terms of security is you said 200 students in one of the the trailers. Yes. 200 students in the 10 total trailers. And also budgeted, you'll be pleased, is another security guard to provide security for the trailers. Okay. Just the layout of the trailer makes me think there's one entrance and one exit. and having all those kids in that uh box so to speak is definitely disheartening

221having uh a kid who goes to the middle school. I just want to uh talk about what uh Mr. Cherella kind of brought up with the legislators. Um, I know I heard a different tones on that and I don't think anybody should take offense to the fact that all the legislators are do trying to do, at least the impression I got is that they're looking at lowering the taxes overall and also how to fund the schools and at the same time balance the the senior's requirement for paying lower taxes. So, it's not a a a a knock on the administrative cost, but they want to look at everything holistically to see. I think what's going to be really helpful, not just with the legislators, but also with the citizens, is for the for the board

222of education and the administration to sit down and explain the budget a little bit more clearer. Okay. I for one, I'm want the middle school to come through. I was just explaining to Dr. Kaka a few minutes ago. I want to go on a vacation to ski in Vermont, go to Hawaii and and bask in the sun and go to Florida to do something else. But in one trip, I can't do all three of these. So with the income I have and what I can afford, I could do one thing at a time. That's how I see this. If school is what you're going to give me, I'll take it. So I'm going to take it. But I think there is a uh distrust so to speak that some folks are going around and and

223and kind of advocating that uh this is just a stop gap thing and the budget is really not clear. I think we need to clarify that. I think this has to pass in the first run. I don't think we need to go through these iterations and put have more trailers uh out there to do that. So I just want to make sure that that information gets across and whoever is dis disagreeing with the uh the administration uh should really come and talk to you and get clarification and then get behind the referendum not necessarily just create a havoc within the community. Um imminent domain is something in my business in civil engineering we do for public good. So when we're trying to improve an intersection we're trying to build a road and it is for

224the public good and it's in the way to do it. eminent domain is something that's used uh fairly relatively in the business that I'm in. So I'm I don't see the eminent domain that school is take being taken uh the the township is taking as a serious issue if it's in the good interest of the public. But if there's an alternate site for that that obviously they need to explain that in the court when they're drawn to the court on that. Uh the last but not least is I'm just disheartened to see the amount of time it's taking for teachers to get their contract. I know it's easy for the for a third party to stand here and say it. Uh but I think really we need to find a solution so that it doesn't

225really trickle down to our students and our kids uh that would impact that. So we would really appreciate if we can get that resolved as soon as possible. Thanks for the opportunity. Sorry if I went more than 2 minutes. Yeah, that's okay. Praash Parab 33 drive. Uh thank you very much uh for the meeting today. Please make it clear on the web that um once the referendum passes for middle school please do that. We want that that we will look within 9 months there will be second referendum high school elementary but high school say high school it will be great. Uh please do that. Um uh and another one thing is I know Dr. All which Wilkkey is there we have to go through parents I went requested parents for last 3 months went to

226especially it doesn't happen make it that will key other things are available for the parents only reading only reading okay they can tap see the homework automatically they can log in or register please do that so the parents can look into it okay in order to take permission of the teachers and all that I did it never went through. Uh so please do that. Uh and um uh okay another one thing we had very good meeting with legislators as you are talking about impact fees. Um you know Greenstein she would like to write a bill what you know on the impact fees she wants to give us her ideas. I told her that it was fought in the court and all. So she wants to do that. So impact fee is very much on her

227mind. Okay. We had only thing what she said was what they said was compare the cost the cost per student in Monroe is higher than Hamilton. So what for me the quality of education we are giving in Monroe is better than that school. Okay. So what we can do is even Robin school Robins school cost is high but they are ranked 56 we are ranked 40 140. So we want to go towards Robinsville. Even the cost per school student is high but we are giving a good quality of education good teachers whatever it is good clubs let us do it if anyone is arguing I'm ready to debate okay so thank you very much and it's late tonight let us have con meeting and Dr. Kak all the best please. We want you. Thank you.

228Okay. Anyone else from the public? Hey, seeing no one, I will close the public forum. Close close session resolution. Be it resolved that the board of education of the township of Monroe hereby moves to go into close session in accordance to the Sunshine Law Chapter 231 of the public laws of 1975 NJSA 104-6 through 10 col4-21 to discuss the following subjects harassment intimidation and bullying personnel issue and I'm adding negotiations update that will take only a couple minutes uh following close session action may be taken the discussion conducted in closed session can be disclosed to the public at such time as the need for confidentiality no longer exists. Second, Mr. Ryback, Mr. Cherell, all in favor. I just want to say that again, I have I'm going to say this every meeting. Unfortunately, there's just

229not enough detail on the resolution to go into close session, but that's Yeah, but I It's okay. I'll just keep repeating it because you're going to keep not putting enough information on. we go through the our you know attorney goes over this. Yeah. I I disagree with our attorney and I think the courts do too but um did we get a a all in favor? I I oppose. Then we will go into close session. I abstain. You're okay. Sorry. I'm getting old. So we are back in public session and it is 11:15 16 11:17 p.m. and Dr. Kak will read a resolution. It is recommended that the board of education approve the previously submitted separation agreement and general release between the Monroe Township Board of Education and employee number 3688 and two, accept the resignation

230of employee number 3688 effective at the close of business today, January 24th, 2018. The board president and the business administrator/board secretary are hereby authorized and directed to take all necessary steps to implement the aforce said separation agreement and general release. Mr. Ryback second by Mr. Mayo. Any comments or questions? Roll call. Mrs. Armenio. Yes. Mr. Framan. Mr. Cherella. Yes. Mrs. Deo. Yes. Mrs. Lang. Yes. Mrs. Corino. Yes. Mr. Ryback. Yes. Mr. Russo. I should recuse. I wasn't here last time. So noted, Mr. Rudsky. Yes. Mrs. Colonel. Yes. On the board president. Motion passes. Okay. So the next scheduled board of education meeting will be February 21st, 2018, 7:00 p.m. at the Township High School. Motion to adjourn. Move. Second. Mrs. Lang, Mr. Armenia. All in favor? I opposed. And the meeting is adjourned. Hey