Board of Education Meeting - January 12, 2026

001I need to begin by reading the statement of adequate notice. The New Jersey open public meeting law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advanced notice and to attend the meetings of public bodies of which any business affecting their interest is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of this act, the Mountain Lakes Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting to be published by having the date, time, and place thereof posted in the Mountain Lakes Municipal Building and sent to the following newspapers, the Daily Record, the Citizen, and the District website. Can we please rise for the pledge of allegiance? Pledge allegiance 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

002justice for all. >> Before we call roll call, I need to read following. Resolve that the Mountain Lakes Board of Education hereby appoints Ivon Sesi to the board secretary prom for its meeting on February 2nd, 2026 and March 2nd, 2026 as recommended by the superintendent. Now, roll call, please. >> Mr. Jenga, >> here. >> Dr. Don, >> Mrs. Foreman, >> here. >> Dr. Hersfeld, >> yes. Here. >> Mr. Johnson >> here. >> Mrs. Coy >> here. >> Mrs. Parker, Dr. Chef >> here. What's up? >> Here. >> This is our second time seeing each other tonight. >> Yes, it is. >> Aren't you? My lucky day. >> Yeah. >> All right. We don't have executive session. We're going to go right into our meeting this evening. Um, great. >> But first, we don't have a

003student government report. And is there a Mountain Lakes School District student comment at this time? Oh. Uh, is there a comment and request from members of the MLEA co-presidents? No. Well, then we get to roll right into our presentations and I will turn the meeting over to Dr. Seagull. Thank you very much. >> All right. So, we're very excited today and uh honored to have our new uh field service rep from school boards uh Dr. Paul Padera who is joining us tonight and he is going to undertake the process of giving us his our ethics or annual mandated uh ethics review uh through presentation and uh just the latest and most uh critical information that board members need to understand about their roles uh and everything ethics related and gives us a chance to meet

004our new field service rep and uh get acclimated to him here too. So we welcome you here to Mountain Lakes. I know we had an opportunity to meet uh prior to this meeting, Miss Barks Kiss and I and uh welcome to Mount Lakes. Thank you and turn it over to you. >> Sure. Thank you so much. And it is my pleasure to be here and thank you for meeting with me a couple weeks ago. You and Miss Barcowskis and um yeah, I thought that was a great way to get to know a little bit about your district. Um I would also like to congratulate those board members who were reelected. I think we had Dr. Hersshfeld. I think we had uh Dr. Silva Mark McIntyre >> and uh I believe we also had um well

005you Mos so I don't want to take that for granted. So I guess what that leads us to a little bit is um you've all been through ethics training before but as Dr. Seagull mentioned uh there are new cases every year. So there is a refresh. Although I I will share that last year when Charlene was here, she was probably telling you how there was a you know sort of a cases dump in December, meaning that the SEC, the uh ethics commission was behind a little bit in in uh going through their cases and they got it last minute. Sort of happened again this year, but we did pull out uh and our legal team has spent a lot of time looking at the cases. So, I've picked some to share with you today, and

006that's that's can be fun sometimes. Uh, also, I want to um say it's nice to meet all the other board members as well, and to um recognize you all because it is January is a school board appreciation uh month in New Jersey. So, >> that's our celebration. >> We appreciate you. >> We did it last meeting at Reorg. We did the uh celebration, the whereas uh >> Oh, that was that was our >> But don't you feel like working together every day is a celebration? >> Every day is like a dream. I do think so. We're delightful. >> Paul, what's your Were you pre prior to this? >> Oh, okay. Sure. I can give you a little bit of background. So, prior I I just began with school boards in October. Uh, prior to that,

007I was in public education for 31 years. So, I I everything from I was a high school English teacher, then administration, then central administration for the last like 15, 18 years of my career. So, retired from that. Um, did some interiming inter can that be a word? Uh, I did some interim assignments and that was great. Got to get back in the schools and then when I saw the school board's opportunity, I've always appreciated the school board reps that came out while I since I was an assistant superintendent for many years. So, uh, I always appreciated when school boards came out and, uh, I always felt comforted to get reassurance and and it always helped me feel that the board and the superintendent and and the whole team was able to really have an opportunity,

008you know, to to discuss ethics and expectations. And anytime the board and the administration gets together on that, it's a good thing. I can hear that, just so you know, and I apologize in advance, my throat's a little scratchy, not because I'm ill. So, for those of you whose hands I've sh For those of you who I've greeted with my hand, um we've been doing uh a search. So, uh over the last four days, interviewed 19 people. So, uh I've lost a little bit, including eight today. So, I didn't realize it till I stood here, but I do have water. Thank you. Thank you. All right. So, let's start with the disclaimer, though, because while uh I'm your rep, I'm not an attorney, and even our attorneys ask us to make sure that we make

009it clear that ultimately, yes, this presentation is absolutely guided by our legal team and uh we present it and we're trained to present it. Uh but when all is said and done, because each district can be a little bit different, have different policies, etc., your board attorney is uh ultimately the uh person that should give you the direct advice. So, while you'll have a starting point after tonight for all kinds of different topics, as you you've learned in the past, um your board attorney is is the person to turn to uh you know, when when you really need uh a direct and accurate answer. Okay. So, tonight we're discussing the school ethics act of 1991 and its requirements. So first and foremost, uh it's essential that the conduct of members of the local boards of

010education and local administrators hold the respect and confidence of the people. So the people have already expressed confidence in you because you're here, you're elected officials. Um so it's important to honor that respect and the confidence they have in you by receiving the ethics training, which is uh always great to refresh on. And sometimes there are circumstances that might be tricky to know whether or not it's an ethical issue. I'll share one. when I was in so actually you set me up for this Dr. Hersville back when I was an administrator uh in a high school um we used to play basketball on Thursdays a lot of the staff and the athletic director would play along as well. He would play and he um he had in his budget the ability to buy t-shirts for

011the basketball team, the boys basketball team and the girls basketball team uh title nine. And um what would happen is there would be overage. So if there were like 15 boys on the team in the case of that uh there would be maybe 19 t-shirts left over. So he he had a habit, the athletic director of uh sharing those. Hey, you know, I got an extra shirt. Why don't you wear it when we play? You know, and I remember the business administrator would not accept one. He's like, I won't I won't take one. And I was like, why? It's it's a t-shirt. It's, you know, um there's not an ethical issue here. It's it's over. It's an overage. They made extras because when you do a run, you don't necessarily say do 17. You do

01220, 25, 30, 50, whatever. But, and this is the key, uh, a reasonable person might say, you know what, maybe that vendor is purposely making extra ones for them. And there you go. It's those gray areas. So, when we talk about ethics, we're not necessarily just talking about provable um causes and provable issues on complaints. It can also be a situation where the ethics commission uh might reprimand and say no that doesn't look good. You should avoid that kind of thing. So we'll talk more about those levels of um you know comment the the levels of um not punishment but the way the commission talks uh about things that are okay and not okay. We'll talk about that in a few slides. Um yeah so I think that covers that one pretty well. All right.

013And there are nine members of the commission. So it's the school ethics commission and uh they're charged with enforcing that act from 1991. Uh there are nine members. Um a challenge though is that two school board members are supposed to be on it and two school administrators and it's been hard to get those folks on the commission and that's why they t tend to have a backlog. At the moment, um there are six on the committee, uh when there really should be the nine and there's one seat vacant from a school administrator standpoint and two school board members. Um there is a note here, I guess it's in a in a sense from our team or from the commission. We're we're not affiliated directly with the commission. Um but it says, hey, if anyone's interested

014in um applying for one of those seats, um you can reach out to the commission and find out how that works. So, they're the body that, as you'll see, um, enforces the act. Okay? And then there are, and you're all familiar with this because again, you're you're not new. Um, but board members are accountable for adhering to the prohibited acts and disclosure statements. Those are on the right. And then board members are also responsible for the other two. Oh, and by the way, school officials are too. So, disclosure statements and prohibitive acts. But on the left hand side, the mandatory training is something and we'll talk a little bit about that in a slide or two is required uh by law for all board members. There's governance 1, two, three, and four. And then there's

015the code of ethics. this this training each year and your sign off each year. Uh, by the way, at your at each of your seats, you'll see a list of the tenants for the ethics and then a signature sheet that if you could sign those probably at the end of tonight would be great and then hand those off uh I I guess to the acting board secretary or whomever might make sense, but ultimately they have to sit with the board attorney, right? So, Dr. Seagull knows he's done this. Yeah, we got everybody should have them and I see some are signing them uh at your table as long as with some other materials. >> Yeah, great. Uh I'd also like to just mention, we'll talk about it in some detail as well, that the disclosure

016statements are important. You've all signed those in the past as well, so I'll I'll talk about those too, but there's even a case or two that go along with the importance of filling those out accurately, etc. Okay. Again, there's the mandatory training I just mentioned. you're all familiar with it, but if you were new first year, you'd have 90 days to get through governance one. And for the sake of the record, I'll just mention that uh that that covers basic knowledge and skills of being a board member. New Jersey QAC, which is the um quality single accountability um >> continuum. So that's the accountability. Sorry, I'm finding that funny. Uh HIV, CSA evaluation, that's your superintendent. You'll see CSA a few times in the presentation. It's interchangeable with the words with the position of superintendent,

017CSA, chief school administrator, the open public meetings act and code of ethics. So um the law determines that those are the key elements for foundation that new board members have to uh learn about. By the end of year two, finance and student achievement that was uh mixed up a little bit, meaning it was switched around, revised. So governance 2 would then be that. I think two years ago it was different. Governance three, policy, labor relations and governance four is for those of you who are reelected. In your reelected year, you would do governance 4. And in that there are legal updates that are probably fresh for you that are different than what you might have already experienced. Uh so hopefully governance 4 is still uh something that feels very valuable. Excuse me. I mentioned the

018disclosure statements. So I have filled those out having been a school administrator. You've all filled them out having been school board members if you were new. And I actually think I should check this. You might know though. Um, Miss Bowus, what >> do you have to fill those out again if you're a new if you're reelected? Um, >> we do it every year. >> But I mean, I think I was going to say >> I mean within 30 days. >> no. So, you have until April as well. Okay. So, >> yeah, I I can double check that. It just occurred. That's the one question I had while I was looking through this. >> It's always April 30th. Yeah, >> unless we're doing it wrong. I think >> what I'm thinking is if if you're reelected,

019does that count as being new again? I don't know because >> I think it's you're more returning than you are new. >> I I think it's the April 30th. >> Okay. Why don't we just go with that? >> Okay. Uh very good. And so uh again for the sake of the record the disclosure statement is something where uh you disclose you not how much money people board members don't have to disclose how much money they make um but they disclose um sources of income and other uh bits of information that might be important to demonstrate there's no conflict of interest >> in any way. It's always fun when they all >> uh Yeah. And so it's timely. It's important. Um >> as I said, there's been a case where uh just being late was a

020reprimand. And uh yeah, here a board member inaccurately completed her 2024 disclosure statements when she did not include a business organization in which she and her spouse had an interest. So it's a fairly simple form, as you know, to fill out, but it's important that it's accurate. It it might be easy to say, "No, I don't think I have to put that here and not put it there." Maybe you should have. And that's what's bitten a few board members according to the commission at times. >> I have a question. So, >> if I was elected to a three-year term and I'm in my second year now, right? Do I have to >> Yes. So, every year, regardless of if you're >> Yeah. The April 30th deadline, >> you usually like right about now is when

021you'll start to get the uh notifications about it. >> Okay. And the one thing I always warn people like you have to be very careful about how you fill these out. Not like that case there like someone omitted a business interest but let's say for example like on the website an organization like I've seen this before where like west would be abbreviated to W period they will kick it back. So if it's not the official address of the organization so you have to be very careful about how you enter all the information. But you get a reminder. >> You'll get a reminder. >> Make sure I didn't miss it. Okay. >> Well, that's something that our BA usually the BA usually handles. >> We can actually do those. I'll I can I'll send them out

022this week and I'll sign get assign everyone their pins. So, that's fine. Okay. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Thank you. >> No, I'm glad that there you go. Now everybody has information that they needed. Thank you. >> Um Okay. Yeah. So, let's jump in. So I'll I'll read the tenant again for the record and also as a refresh and then in some cases I might mention a case that it would be anam an example of it and in other cases we'll move to the next one. So it'll be like sort of a quick walk through. So for a the first tenant it's a through j uh I will I will uphold and enforce all laws, rules and regulations of the state uh of the state board of education and court orders pertaining to schools. Desire

023changes shall be brought about only through legal and ethical procedures. So, uh, I think what that means is, uh, failure to enforce school law or attempts to bring change through illegal or unethical means. So, there's you're here to help foster, uh, and make sure the schools are run to the best of their abilities and to also uh support in implementing anything that's great for all students. Um, so that's that's lawful, but if there's something that a change that one board member somewhere were interested in and then took some action in some way, that would be considered in violation of this one. So if you took action that was not part of the board and the administration uh for your own personal interest that could be that would be problematic. B. I will make decisions in

024terms of the educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools that meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex, or social standing. Um, so the bottom line here is when decisions need to be made with regard to one or uh one or another, board members are required to consider uh how their decisions impact all students. So, it kind of goes back a little bit. It's an echo of what I had just said that um you're you might have campaigned on a specific issue that affected a certain population of students and that's 100% ethical and expected and and typical. Uh but once on the board, you're a singular group and um your focus is all students, right? C. Uh I will confine my board action

025to policymaking, planning and appraisal and I will help to frame policies and plans only after the board has consulted those who will be affected by them. Well, first let's highlight just what is meant by policy, planning and appraisal. Boards are primarily uh responsible for setting policy and then the regulations come from the from the district administration. Um but so policy involved in policym and planning. Appraisal refers to the evaluation of the superintendent. So those are the three main functions of a board and um the work that you do in framing policies and planning um is to take into consideration those who are affected by them and that's you know good leadership etc. By the way again I know you know this but those standards on the bottom those refer to the evidence someone would need

026if they filed a complaint. So if someone were to file a complaint and suggest C is the violation, there's description there and that's it. You know, you can find that on the code of ethics page. There's a description of what the standard would be for that or the facts that would need to be um identified for it. >> Okay. D I will carry out my responsibilities not to administer school administer the schools but together with my fellow board members to see that they are wellrun. So the board does not run the schools. It makes sure that they are wellrun and how do boards do that through policy planning and appraisal as per the last slide and also by acting as a team. Board power comes from acting as one unit and when board members are

027effective in this they can help make sure schools are are run well. So your sort your superpower is when you're here together in a quorum. Um and when you're individual, you get to be just a citizen again. >> But of course, we'll talk about being mindful of representing the board as an individual, too. That'll come up. >> Okay. >> E I will recognize that authority rests with the board of education and will make no personal promises nor take any private action that may compromise the board. Uh that may sound sort of nefarious. Um, but people I imagine approach you on a regular basis as board members and they have interest, concerns. They look to you for some kind of support or maybe even advocacy. Um, but in in those cases, you you can't make promises.

028It's not that would be considered a violation of E and certainly can't take private action. We'll see some of that in some of the cases that I'll share. Um so the the best mode is to say um for the most part if someone's speaking with you about a concern, have you spoken with me and you know chain of command type stuff. We'll talk about that a little bit later briefly but you know have you spoken with so and so um I you know and then up the line teacher uh principal etc. But right you you don't want to even if it's somebody who's close you say let me take care of that for you because you care you know but it's not part of uh ethical board membership. Okay. I will refuse to surrender my

029independent judgment to special interests or partisan political groups or to use schools for personal gain or the gain of friends. Uh again, sort of an echo of the prior one. Um the bottom line, you're here to for the students and the schools. The students in the schools are not here for board members. I guess that's a blunt way to say it or at least not for the personal gain of board members. All right. Confidentiality. Uh super important. I will hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools which if disclosed would needlessly injure individuals or the schools. In all other matters, I will provide accurate information and in concert with my fellow board members interpret to the staff the aspirations of the community for its schools. Okay. So, what does all that mean? Well, um protecting

030the rights of students means um sticking to confidentiality and keeping all those matters confidential. There's an example where um and I could see this, you know, everybody's human. A board member was home at dinner, maybe was concerned about a particular student and uh shared what a student was going through. Maybe it was part of a hip. Well, one of the I guess one of the children at the table wound up making some reference to it in social media. So, that was that was an ethics violation. And it was unfortunate because I'm sure there was well I I can't say I'm sure, but I can imagine there was no malice intended. Um but as much as the dinner table is a place where people share their day, board members unfortunately have to really be careful even

031with family of not sharing uh sharing something that's specifically confidential. Um yeah. Yeah. Another part of this tenant is to make sure that uh when you do share information when it's appropriate in your in your function as a board member that it's accurate um and consensus. Okay. H is I will vote to appoint the best qualified personnel available after consideration of the recommendation of the chief administ uh chief administrative officer. So boards don't hire fire. Recommendations come from the superintendent. Um and uh the board certainly can ask questions. Um but the the recommendation is what dictates action on personnel matters. Uh nothing outside of that. Okay. I >> You're not obligated. >> Pardon? >> You're not like obligated. I'm sorry for the interruption. You keep going. >> No, no, it's fine. Uh obligated for >>

032to like recommend someone just because they're recommended. >> Uh no, I I know what you mean by that, right? The whole Yes. You don't want to feel like you're a rubber stamp, but that's where good questions come in from. And um you know, working with your with your superintendent on that. Yeah. And yes, I I'll leave it at that, but it it's an important question. >> Sorry for the interruption. >> It's not an interruption. Um, yeah. So, I will support and protect school personnel in proper performance of their duties. Um, so an interpretation of that might be based on a case, for example, where uh a board member had a blog, which we'll talk about social media later. Maybe that wasn't a great idea to begin with, but you know, if the blog is within

033the the ethics, but it was um I guess you could call it uh first amendment, but there was a lot of discussion, negative discussion about a teacher, and so that could become an ethics uh issue for sure, but let's just call it what it is. It's making it difficult for that teacher to do his or her job to begin with. So if there's a concern, rather than put it on a blog, it should be discussed with uh the superintendent and then uh board board president, superintendent um rather than putting it online. So um I feel like that's that's an example of because supporting and protecting student personnel. Your your job is not to make sure you know everybody's life goes smoothly and that they can get away with anything. I I I don't want it

034to imply that. But the point is to not make it um an unsafe space for someone to do their job that they've been hired for. Okay. Jay is I will refer all complaints to the chief administrative officer. Uh so that's the U superintendent and we'll act on the complaints at public meetings only after failure of an administrative solution. So what does that mean? Pure chain of command type stuff. So what uh and I kind of got the ball rolling on that one to begin with. Um if there's a complaint, it starts off with talk to the the source. So let's just say again my example, it starts with the teacher. So a parent has a concern, a teacher did something. Even if it sounds uh like you know something um that is a bigger deal

035than maybe just speaking with a teacher. It has to start with the teacher. Then it'll typically go either the principal, the supervisor of the subject or the or the grades span. and it would work its way up. The only time the board gets involved with a complaint like that would be if there was um maybe an appeal of the superintendent's decision and then by policy typically I I haven't read your policy. Typically the board would then be able to uh hear an appeal and that's when uh from the person who feels they haven't gotten satisfaction along the way. Um but other than that um chain of command stops with the superintendent board gets involved if there's an appeal after that. I think that's a safe interpretation. Okay. Ethics complaints. So after someone um experiences something

036might not have the day of it maybe they feel they don't necessarily feel they have they have 180 days to file an ethics complaint uh which is pretty much almost a a school year. So um they have to site the section of the act that we've been talking about this evening and then factual evidence comes from those standards I mentioned. So you had those tenants see thing on the bottom there that would be it. So they would have to build build a case so to speak. Now ethics vi ethics charges can also be something that maybe seems vindictive or to disrupt someone because you're mad at them but it should be a valid complaint. So, this the commission recognizes that and there can be a fine up to $500 for imposing a frivolous filing. I

037think it's also worth noting um that if a complaint is not um filed correctly or doesn't provide the evidence or doesn't point out which of the tenants, you know, J, I etc. um is it's referencing, then it could fail. The ethics complaint might fail just on on the way it was submitted. So, um, that's important to note, too. All right, these are the sanctions. That's the word I was looking for before. Penalties, not punishments, but penalties and sanctions. It starts off with a slap on the wrist. Um, the commission would uh file it as requiring a reprimand. And that is uh the commissioner that would provide the reprimand violating standards, but doesn't result in a formal resolution. Uh, what what does that mean? The formal resolution version of a reprimand that comes from the commissioner's

038office is a censure. So formal disapproval by the commissioner is publicized and adopted at a board meeting by resolution. So that's certainly um something that would be difficult for a board member to have to sit through and certainly uh I think a motivating factor for you know um listening attently intently at these ethics presentations and trying to avoid it. you don't want to wind up in the presentation, I guess, is what I'm saying. Um, but, uh, suspension is more serious. That's when you're barred from engaging any activity matter for a designated period of time, 30, 60 days, etc. Then removal, which is of course the most serious. Um, it's immediate termination from a board from board membership or employment if you're an administrator. Okay. And then there's advice of council. So, if someone is uh

039brought up on a complaint and uh they're providing their side of the case, uh it's not a easy get out of jail free card by saying, "Well, I was told by the board attorney that um you know, I followed the advice of counsel." So, there's a couple tricky things about that. First, it can't be after the fact, right? So there would have to be some form of evidence that a board member inquired before taking an action that whether or not it was appropriate. Um so those are the four conditions. Approval advice was received prior to the action. The individual who afforded the advice or approval relied upon the possessed authority or responsibility that they were in they were uh of the position authority to give the advice and and for it to be considered um

040legal advice. all pertinent facts and circumstances were fully disclosed. So if a board member um shared half the story and then it went to a complaint and and then the board attorney provided some guidance in it but they didn't have the full picture. It could it could go wrong. There could be a problem there and that the individ individual actually complied with the advice that they received. All four factors of the advice of council defense must be met. So if someone's defending themsself by saying, "Well, I had I I checked with counsel." Those are the four things that have to be true. All right. So here are a couple of cases. Um I won't read all of them. There's a lot and especially since you know you you all have some experience. Um but um

041this how about this one? Yeah. So the top one the story with this one is and so when it says C, by the way, that's case. So this is an actual filed uh ethics case. Uh later on you'll see something called an advisory AO. So we could talk about that then. Um but in this case the superintendent had explicitly told uh a board member numerous times uh that there shouldn't be public discussion about whether or not they were going to uh reduce instructional time because one it wasn't a fact. It was being discussed by the board and you're should be able to have those conversations. it was negotiations year as well. So that all could complicate the process of negotiations. So um the bond took action that by its nature may compromise the board and

042where they stood with all that. So the action was outside the scope of her duties as a board member. it wasn't um you know again you're an individual you represent the board though when you talk about board me board matters and in that case she wasn't authorized to do it and it was actually um something she was told not to do so uh there was a censure for that one so that's that was um uh something beyond just a reprimand that would be something publicly noted um the second one I'll keep it simple and just say that uh devil can be in the detail so to speak um somebody who was a board member who was uh on the special education parents advisory council or what the G stands for in this particular case um

043and used their uh official board email for interacting and so um that can complicate things because the people on that committee might be thinking that you're uh speaking on behalf of the board. So it's just one of those little details. I don't think there was again it's easy to imagine there was no malice involved. Uh autopop populate comes up all the time when you're sending emails but nevertheless there was a reprimand in other words don't do that and be careful of it. Okay so this one is um let's go with this the second one in particular the the bigger one in the bottom. So, a 15-year board member, 15 plus years on the board, took an inappropriate action that was beyond the role of the board member. The action of the board member usurped the

044authority of the superintendent who was responsible for making disciplinary recommendations. The board member took it upon themselves to go to the employees home, pick up a letter, present it on behalf of the employee, directed the BA to not give a copy of the letter to the superintendent, and then instead of recusing herself from the matter in which she had a personal interest and personal involvement, the board member advocated on behalf of the employee and questioned the superintendent's recommendation of of an of an of an employee. So, um, as you can imagine, that's as involved in undermining as you could picture really. Um, and the story that what what's so interesting in some ways is it's implied that there was never a problem with that board member. So, 15 years doesn't necessarily mean that, you know,

045you never go astray. Sounds here like there was an emotional connection there that was being pursued. Either way, it wound up in a 60-day suspension. So, that's a pretty harsh penalty, but that's a pretty harsh behavior. So, um I'm glad there was some, you know, head shaking at the table and some snickering because oh boy. Right. >> Uh okay. Recusal versus abstension. Again, you're all experienced seasoned um board members, but we can just review that real quickly. Recusal is a formal um way of disqualifying or removing oneself from participating in a vote because you're conflicted for the most part. like there is a reason by law that you should not be voting. That's recusal. Abstension is more like you weren't at the meeting so you can't vote on, you know, approving the minutes. So abstension

046isn't something really that should be invoked. Uh I hope you don't mind me saying. Um but abstension, if there's a topic maybe that is uncomfortable to vote on, it's not really meant to be abstained from if you're ready, willing, and able to uh to vote. Yeah. that's why you're here. So, that's the difference really between recusal in a small nutshell and abstension. Let's see. Am I covering all that? Yeah. Oh, okay. I like this. I want to add this as well from my notes that board council should advise based on particular facts and circumstances where a board member should recuse or abstain. So, if you know votes coming up and you're not sure about what to do, but you know in some way you might be conflicted. Again, reach out to the board attorney. You

047can consult this presentation. By the way, I'll make sure I send it over in the morning if you might already have the PDF version. And there are hyperlinks in it. So, if you wanted to go and dive deeper into any of this, you have them handy. Or you can even file it and come back around sometime when you say, "Whoa, I I need to look into that. I'm not sure if I should be abstaining or recusing." and then eventually you'll perhaps wind up speaking with your counsel. Okay, relationship definitions. I don't know about you all, but um that can get really confusing when it comes down to well, what level of relationship would make me conflicted and what circumstances, etc. So, we're going to talk a little bit about that tonight, but I'm going to

048continually default back to uh you know, click on the link that goes to the ethics commission directly to see explanation. I have a great chart in there, etc. Um but if you think that there may be some Okay, let me read them first though. Sorry. Immediate family member. The definitions are important. Spouse, civil union, domestic partner or dependent child residing in the same household. A relative can be defined as spouse, civil union, domestic partner or parent, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, grandparent, grandchild, sonaughter-in-law, steparent, stepchild, step brother, sister, half brother, sister of the individual or the individual spouse or partner. So, um I think if you don't have any family or what you might suspect as a relative in the district, um then maybe it's not so much of an issue. But if you

049think you might based on, you know, a recent marriage in the family, etc., then I think that's when it's time to take a deep dive into some of this material and also um you know, again, consult someone else, uh your counsel. Uh and then once you know you know um we'll cover a little bit more of that so I'm not just sort of punting it but um it starts with the definitions of uh rel relationship relatives etc. All right so we talked about the cases a little earlier now I want to talk about advisory opinion. So, um, a board member can ask for an opinion, get advice from the commission as long as it's done before the act. So, if you know you're going if if something is coming up and you're not sure, you've

050looked at the presentation, you've talked amongst yourselves or somebody, you've you've um, you know, you've had a conversation with the board president, you say, "Gee, I don't know what can you do." You can ask the commission and hopefully that they'll get back sooner rather than later. Um but the idea is they can give you an advisement on it. So um you can request the advisory opinion. It's on a future conduct. You can't do it retroactively for obvious reasons. Um and if the members if six members of the commission, which is all they have at the moment, by the way, but um if they feel it's a really important question, they'll publish it and they'll say, "Geez, I'm sure a lot of people would be interested in in hearing about this." There'll be a little bit

051more on advisory opinion. Oh, there it is. There's our little uh officer friend. So, an advisory opinion is an opinion as to whether any proposed activity um or conduct would in the school ethics commission's opinion constitute a violation of the provisions of the ethics act, which is what we've been going over. So, um maybe cut through it and just say that if you are so if a cop were to pull you over uh for speeding, let's say, and give you a warning, it would be a bad idea to then speed away, right? you've gotten the warning, you don't then go and do it again. So, that's sort of an oversimplification of saying if the advisory has said, here's what you should know about that. Um, because it hasn't been a violation yet, you don't want

052to then go and do it anyway and say, I don't agree with their opinion because it could come back and bite you again if somebody decides to file a complaint. Um, so that's important to keep in mind. Yeah. All right. So, how about these um advisory opinions? There are a lot here. Again, if you're the kind of person that really likes in uh the law, which I know many do and are interested, you can, you know, take a deeper dive. Those are hyperlinks when you get this presentation if you don't already have it. Uh and you can uh look into each one of them if you have an interest. I tried to spread them out a little bit in the ones I picked. Again, these are um so for example, day 21, the second one

053down, 2125. Can board members volunteer for businesses who donate to the district? That's a that's a tough question. I mean, I don't know. There's there might be circumstances when you can or when you can't. I'd like to know more about that. So, I'll I'll read to you and once again, our legal team went through these. So, I'm actually going to read to you what they say rather than get it wrong or interpret it in a way that maybe not be to to what they were expecting. So uh in the case of can board members volunteer for businesses who donate to the district, their response was um their advisory was none of the board members in that ca in the scenario that was shared if you read that more deeply you know if you clicked on

054it but none of the board members in that case uh hold held any ownership interest in local businesses participating or conducting fundraising for the district or school and they do not have leadership officer trustee managerial role in a notfor-profit school-based parent organization or local foundation and it goes on and on a bit. So in this case um because there wasn't um a direct connection as far as leadership being a leader officer trustee managerial role in that that they are able to do that. Um but there would be scenarios where there might be a conflict. Yes. Can you just explain that case a little bit more because um I mean like I have a business and I donate to >> I don't donate to the >> Yeah, you do. >> school. >> You do >> to

055like >> you support sports team. >> Sports teams. That's true. >> Like if I make a donation I don't understand like >> u well it comes down to benefit or financial gain. So >> he gets none from doing that >> right. So it it would come down just nice. Why don't we we'll go with that for now. >> It's just a nice thing. >> Yeah. >> I can connect you with one of our legal team if you want. >> I mean, it's just I don't like I was there an implication that some these businesses were getting there. >> There's another scenario that I'll share um where there was somebody involved with a non forprofit who promoted it by after say I'm a board member, how are you? Oh, I want to tell you about my

056not for profofit and there was some kind of gain uh interpreted there. So that would be a scenario where it might not be okay. This is a scenario where it the advisory was that it is okay. Um your case sounds fine because I don't see ultimately it comes down to a personal gain that no other person would be able to to uh have access to because you're a board member. So anyone can donate. You know it it depends on the Okay. I I won't share that one in the future, but um it's a really complicated one. That's why. So, it goes back. Yes. But I believe um I think we covered it really well for you for now, but we can always I can ask my legal team. It' be good for me to know.

057>> I just I don't want him to stop donating to the teams. >> I know. So, like don't give that kind of a legal opinion. >> I'm like a walking advertisement for my own. >> We can look into it because I want to be careful. >> I should talk afterwards maybe and we keep going. Is that okay? >> Yes, that's a good idea. Okay. Does a board member, Another one I h have here is does a board member who was denied employment have a conflict related uh to the superintendent? I'll read that one. It's brief um and not as technical. Um the answer was no. The board member is not. So I'll say it again in case you missed it. The board member who has been denied employment have a conflict related to the superintendent

058who was part of the denial of that. Let's say so the answer is no. The board member is not conflicted and therefore can participate in the evaluation of the superintendent. The board member had withdrawn his application for the position due to a raised potential conflict. However, the board member must remain objective and exercise independent judgment and must not allow the fact that they were not considered for the curriculum coordinator position to affect their decision-m >> is bizarre. >> That's such a strange one, but you could kind of see that happening. I guess what it comes down to there is if it starts to seem vindictive in some way, well, then you'd have to file a complaint or have a conversation about that. Um, like you find a dead fish in your bed. >> I I

059I think we should just stick with the presentation. That'd be good. Let's just stick with >> Okay, thank you. And then, uh, the last one on that page, I feel compelled to move on. Uh, can a board member hire a district teacher to tutor their child? Again, I think that's a scenario that that you could see happening. So, I wanted to share that one. uh the teacher that would provide the tutoring is not uh board member's teacher but this is part of the scenario but is the teacher but is a teacher in the child's school since the board member had already employed the teacher as a tutor for their child the commission will not render an advisory opinion on the situation because it was already happening. Um but in terms of future actions uh for

060the board member uh it was expressed that they should recuse themselves from discussions and voting on matters where such tutoring would be seen as either a financial involvement that could reasonably be expected to impair objectivity or independence of judgment or involvement that creates some benefit to the school official or member of their immediate family. Um I want to skip down because reading this must is not a good way for it to be retained. Um yeah, the the board member should not be a member of the negotiations committee while their child is being tutored by that teacher regardless if there are many uh any currently pending any currently pending board related actions. So that goes back to that idea that if you have um if you have a conflict with whether it is a relative who

061works in the district, you have to recuse yourself from being involved in either negotiations or actually voting on the on the contract itself. Particularly the negotiations committee. >> Okay. >> All right. So again, I'm not going to go through all of them. In fact, um >> there's so many. I just encourage you to take a look at any that might be something that you see that you see might apply to you. Um, I'll do one last one. The first one, A1225. Can a board member advocate for their child? I mean, that's >> that's a oversimplification of a more complicated scenario, but the board member has a child placed unilaterally. So, can they advocate in the circumstance? I'm going to read for you. It's just a few sentences. The board member has a child placed unilaterally

062out of district in a private school. The board member has not participated in any board discussions or vote related to their child's placement or special education services and will recuse themselves from any such matters in the future to avoid the appearance of a conflict or impropriy. Bottom line, board members are able to advocate for their child without violating the act, but should refrain from certain activities in order to avoid running a foul of the act. the board member should not participate in discussions or votes related to the employment of the director of special education. To me, that was like the real bottom line there. So, um if if I were a board member and my child were uh out of place out of district, I would look into what your policy might say about voting

063uh on anything regarding the employment of the um director of special education. So again, these are scenarios that could come up and there is a place that you can look them up and certainly you can look um work with your council on it. >> Here's a question. >> Yeah. >> So if a board member is not uh you know can't rely on advice of council as a defense. So um maybe that was back a couple slides. So in that scenario where a board member because we actually had this come up in this district not that long ago you recall Joanne. >> So to whom should you rely upon like if you get it is there is there someone you know from whom you can uh solicit advice that will you can take to the bank.

064>> So you can it can be a defense that you're you received uh counsel from your board attorney. But those four conditions are important. >> Yeah. But even then, it's not like an absolute. So, my question is like if you're doubting the board attorney, I mean, can an individual board member go to the county superintendent to get advice? Like, like if you're getting advice from your board attorney and you're not sure it's accurate, like then what? >> That kind of sounds a little bit like you want to either make double sure, there might even be a trust issue, which can happen. Um, yeah. So I want to say on the front end just that as that slide said if you cover all those four you you are safe if that's the right word. >> Not

065really. That's what it said. >> Yeah. No, >> it said you can use it as a defense but you can still be reprimanded. >> But that's only if you didn't do all four. So if you did, let's say you sent an email with your question to the council to legal counsel and they provided an answer and then you did it. um that shows that you uh in advance of the issue before you took the action, you checked in that this person was in the position of authority to be able to give you that counsel and then um the other two so that you gave them all the information and if if if that one email had all of that in it, you would not be reprimanded. Um and then it would be up to I

066suppose, you know, the the board and the superintendent to discuss whether or not they thought that was good. Yeah, that would bubble up anyway if if the advice didn't hold up. >> I guess our situation was was a little bit different. But anyway, >> but you know, to then to your second point, I can I can I'll just ask that back home when I get to work tomorrow. I'm I'm happy to do that because I it's an interesting question. You know, what if what if you're like, h I want a second opinion, which is really, I think, the the heart of your question, not to put words in your mouth. So, I'll look into that. Okay. Benefit. Uh, okay. So, this has come up a couple times. The the ethics regulations de definition of a

067benefit is a direct or indirect advantage, profit, privilege, or gain, whether personal, financial, or otherwise. So, there's the definition. The the determining factor is the perception of the public, not the school officials belief. I think that kind of goes back to let's just use the t-shirt example I gave that um while it could absolutely 110% be true that there was no intent um you still could be held accountable for something that might have um hurt the public's trust in you or as a board member and by proxy the whole board. Okay. Okay. Okay, so this is a list of prohibitive acts. Um, you should recuse yourself if there is a benefit to you, school official or your immediate family. Do too, I'll just read through them quickly. Business interest or professional activity in is in

068conflict. Uh, use of position to secure unwarrant unwarranted privileges, advantages or employment. And this extends to others um in quotes meaning uh not just yourself but uh people in your family. Financial involvement that may impair objectivity. uh service or employment that may prejudice independent judgment, gift favor, etc. offered with intent to influence uh a financial gain. Other considerations could be um that it should not you should not represent any person party other than the board district in matters in a in matter before the board and not a conflict it's not a conflict if uh not acrewing a greater gain than any others. So, um, uh, if, well, I hate to go back and use that example, but, um, if you were donating to a cause and you didn't receive personal gain and anyone else can

069do it, then that might be an example of why it's not a conflict. >> May I just I'm so sorry to interrupt. Um, but we have members of the public who are coming at 7:30 for other consultations. Is it possible that you can just send us the rest of this and if we have questions, we could always get back in touch with you or even come up with another night to bring you on back. But I feel um and I'm sure everybody agrees we have all these people out there. I'd like to stay on target. >> I we budgeted an hour. We thought that we enough time, but this is all such good information that we went over aboard a little bit. Could we maybe contact you if we need you to come on back?

070>> I do need to. the credit can't be extended. So, I I'll need to come back. Um I'll find out if I can just finish it up in another time. >> Okay. >> Yeah, normally it would be 40 45 minutes. >> Carrying on later. Should we wait or what do you guys think? >> What do you all >> How much is >> how much more time is left? >> There's 22 slides left. So, I'm just trying to gauge >> slides. That's a lot of slides. >> I'm trying to gauge. I just felt like the people out there. >> Can we do 10 minutes? Is there like a better breaking point that you think? Like is there a better point to break? >> What do you mean by that? >> Or we just go into speed

071mode? >> Um, yeah. All right. I I can do that in good conscience by just suggesting this. >> Go ahead. >> Um, all of these cases are worth a review. So, you can look through those and they're all they have the hyperlink. >> I would only have touched on a couple more of these anyway, probably because of time. Um, >> sorry. >> And so please read through those and click on any that are interest in part particularly interesting to you. Uh, and then in in quick mode, hiring personnel. We touched on most of that if the relative already works in the district. Consider the uh the following. So you may not hire the relative of a board member or a chief school administrator. If they're already there, one, two, three. You look at those. Okay.

072Uh impact on committee assignments. the same kind of conflict we were talking about um could impact if you're assigning committee. So, uh somebody's fam uh family member is uh works in technology of a technology committee that you wouldn't put them on the committee. Um we the best thing to do there is when you if you click on that and we've talked about this a lot already. So I' I have no problem with suggesting that um whenever you have a family member or somebody that is on the cusp of what you consider a family member, you need to talk to somebody and do the research. Campaigns a collective bargaining. That just means it's okay if people um help and campaign for you on your behalf. um and like in this case the union but um if

073they supported you you wait a year before you participate in negotiations volunteering that just means if you're imshed in the school you that's too much so if you're involved the way you have been probably typically volunteering you're there periodically you're reading a book on Dr. you stay, that kind of thing, you're okay. And then authority means if you give and receive directions, you're probably slipping into a point where you're imshed and that wouldn't be okay. So, if there's a question about whether or not you go into school, you look at that. When visiting a school, um you you uh you it's a good idea to tell uh Dr. Seagull, hey, I'm going to go over to that school if it's not part of your regular leaisonship. Uh social media, don't do it. Um, if you

074if you do do it, there's a disclaimer and it helps, but you you still can't do things that violate what we've talked about. Meaning, you don't speak as we if you're posting or something like that. And also be careful for comments you make on someone else's. Here's a couple cases. Good idea to look at important information. Don't text from the table. It's an open public records act issue. Ethics complaint will need to show. Okay. Um, the next we talk about that at at length. Uh, you can advocate for your child. Um, but you don't say you're a board member. You, you know, it's parent teachers night. You sit with the teacher, you're you're a parent. Um, they may bring it up, but you can avoid it. Uh, okay. Yep. These are the resources. So, I

075I always encourage you if you have a question that you can click on those links. Uh, thank you for serving your committee, uh, your community. Uh and I do again I I join you in celebrating yourselves for January being uh school board's month. Okay. >> Yes. That was great. Yes. Question. Uh just you commented on the advocating for your student. If you had to send an email, do you have to put that statement in? >> You know, you you talked about the statement for social media. Is that a social media statement or is that a I have an I have a question for XY and Z about my child. >> So if you're contacting a teacher as a parent, >> anyone. Yeah. No, then then you're you're just a parent. You're just you. >> Mhm.

076>> Yeah. It'd be important not to state anything about the board in it. >> Got it. >> Right. >> Anyone else? >> Don't send it from your board email. That's a good one. >> Yeah. Very important. >> Okay. Thanks. Sorry if I went a little long. >> No, you were great. I'm sorry that I interrupted. That was really helpful. Thank you so much for being here, everyone. Nice to meet you. Very glad to meet you. Should we um pause a moment while we ask everyone to step on in and then we can begin again? Is that >> motion for >> All right. Are we ready to jump back in? I know we took like a quick little break. >> Yeah. >> Okay. We we we took a short break because we had to let some

077of the best people ever come on into our meeting. I think you all were being so polite in the hallway waiting for us. But honestly, we've been waiting for you. So, we're excited for this part of the meeting. So, thank you for being here. Um, John F. Kennedy once said that a nation reveals itself not only by the people it produces, but by the people it honors. in Mountain Lakes. Certainly, we produce some wonderful students, but tonight we get to honor some of the educators who help them get there. This is an an opportunity for us to recognize all that you do and to truly find a moment to say thank you for that. I think in many ways on this board we we try to find an opportunity to show our gratitude but tonight

078is special because not only do we get a chance to express this you're here so we get to express it to you. So with that I'll turn the meeting over to Dr. Seagull and then we'll get to hear a little bit more about all of you. >> Yeah. So this is uh formal acknowledgement of our eight educators of the year and educator specialist uh Mount Lakes. four schools, two from each school who are being honored. Um, for me, now that I've been here for a little bit of time, you were all individuals I've had the opportunity to get to to know, and when the names were put forward to me, I was just so excited and honored to see the group that was before us tonight. Um, we have staff members that have been here

079for a very long time and we have staff members who have been here for a very short time. and the impact that you've made uh in a variety of roles. We have traditional classroom teachers, we have special education teachers, we have specialists, we have people who work in all sorts of environments with many different ways in supporting our students. And being an educator of the year is is an honor um that you could take away for a lifetime. And it's one that you deserve. And tonight what we are doing is recognizing you formally uh in front of our board of education, front of our public. I know that in each individual school, department, grade level, uh special recognition is given. Um and I know that all of our educators uh deserve recognition for the hard

080work that they do, the commitment you make, the passion that you show for kids. Uh but this is your year to be chosen. uh and many of you here have brought family members and I'm I'm so excited that they could be with you uh during this honor. So, thank you for all of you done over the last year. For some of you who are brand new, we have uh brand new faculty and staff members who are here tonight and that represents um the impact that you can make in in such a short time. Uh, and then we have those that have been here for a much longer time and this is uh an accumulation of all the good work that you've done and you are deserving of that recognition. But like I said before, maybe

081it's just that I've gotten to know more people now and I got this list and I'm like, "Wow, this is just an amazing list uh of diverse educators who uh offer such exemplary work in the classroom, in the field, in the offices. And I just want to say thank you." So um I'm going to turn it over to Mr. to say a few words. She oversees the governor educators of the year and then we will formally announce and recognize each individual here. Um and then we'll take a short break. Board members can make some comments if they choose and we have uh cookies and snacks just so that everybody can for all the the young people are here at least get to leave with a cookie uh or a canoli. I found out um >>

082that's right. That's right. I just want to congratulate the educational teachers of the year, the educational services provide pro providers of the year. What a what a an amazing honor. One that has been given to you by your colleagues which is just exceptional. I I know everyone on this list and I have to say that very well deserving. Um, each one of you brings such skill, talent, dedication, commitment to the students and and staff of the buildings that you work in and collectively here in the district. Truly honored to see you sitting here and I'm so glad to see with your family because it is a moment to really cherish and honor and as Dr. Seagull said, one that you carry with you for the remainder of your career and moving forward. So, congratulations. >>

083Great. >> All right. So we we we don't want to get into uh this is not the time for individual speeches about every staff member. I know that that time comes. I I do want to thank uh we have a few of our district and building administrators here to show their support tonight. Uh but also this is done at the ground level too and tonight is the night to do the general public uh and and uh board of education uh recognition. So with that I I'll I'll mention each name that's entered into the minutes of the agenda. uh and this is recognition that the board of education in the district acknowledges you as the governor educator of the year uh award as nominated and approved by your colleagues and administration. So first we will start

084with the lake drive program uh and our teacher of the year is Anthony Carangelo. ANTHONY, our educator, educational service professional of the year is Lorraine Degroup. And don't take anything about the order cuz I can't say it's in geographic order. It's not alphabetical order. It's not by age order. So, we're just going to the high school. Uh, Mount Lakes High School. We have Sarah Gillespie as the teacher of the year. And our educational service professional of the year is Debbie Goldie. Moving on to Brier Cliffe, our teacher of the year is MICHELLE MAJOR. AND OUR educational service professional of the year is Ava Winon. All right, on to Wildwood. Um, our teacher of the year is Alison Murphy. She's not here tonight. She, I think, is driving her daughter to the airport, uh, who's going

085abroad. So, it's a very uh good excuse, but um still recognize Alison Murphy as of the YEAR and as our educational service professional of the year in her first year in the district, uh Franchesca Rosselli. All right. So, those are our educator of the year. Um we will after if any board members any any comments or questions after that we will move on to the cookie tray. >> Would anyone like to make any comments at this time? >> I just want to say something else. >> Mrs. Foreman, >> I know all of you, including Mrs. Murphy. Um Mr. C, I will never forget your amazing grant that you wrote to the MLEF to get the scooters for the Lake Drive students. It's going to go down in history from a previous life of being like

086one of the sweetest, kindest, just absolutely putting students first, momentous things that you could have done. And also those maths. I'll never forget those mats either that you wrote the grants for. But um I want to congratulate you for that. It's really welld deserved. And our high school, I I'm not trying to not shout out Brier Clifford Wildwood, but Mrs. Gillespie and um Mrs. Goldstein, which is weird not to call you Debbie. Um, I just want to say you guys are incredible and what you give to the kids every day is greater than 110%. So, you deserve every bit of recognition that you deservely are receiving tonight. Anyone else? >> Thank you. >> All right. Um, last two two last things. Um, it it's always a a really wonderful moment when the superintendent calls you

087and says, "I have the best news because sometimes phone calls don't always go in that direction." And the best news was every name on this list. And he said, "Jane, you're going to be so happy when you hear these names." And I was I mean, we as board members get to hear all the time these wonderful moments. And um, this was one of them. And and I waited until this was public in our in our agenda. I was so excited because no matter who you know in this school community, there is a child who has been made better because of what you did. There's a family who has had an experience with one of you that they talk about at their dinner table. There are moments that are changed for good because of what you

088do. And I will just share mine. At the dinner table, I was lucky enough to have all of my children there, which is a great thing. And I got to say, "Wow, guess what high school teacher?" Just one one of these teachers of the years. I had four kids yell out, "Mrs. Gillespie." >> Oh, that's so good. >> But it could have been any name because that's who you are to our kids and that's who you are for all of us. So sincerely, thank you for those moments at the dinner table, in the classroom, and beyond. That that's what you give to Mount Lakes. It makes it very easy for everyone out there. Your reasons why I get to say it takes a little more to be a Laker. So, thank you for all that

089you do on behalf of all of us. >> All right. So, how about we take a break, a good five, 10 minutes. We get to celebrate you and get to eat some yummy things over there. Okay. Is there a first for that, please? Mrs. Foreman and second, Dr. Hersshfeld. Thank you so much. Let's take a break. >> We got to come back, don't we? >> All right. Before we um Everyone worked out pretty great. I mean, I have to say, but before we jump into the superintendent and assistant superintendent update, I need to reread one statement. I'm sorry I left something out. Um back on the first page where it says resolved, I'm going to read this statement back into the record. Resolved that the Mountain Lakes Board of Education hereby appoints Ivon Sesi as

090the board secretary prom for its meetings on January 12th, 2026, February 2nd, 2026, and March 2nd, 2026 as recommended by the superintendent. So, forgive me for living out this evening. All right. So, with that, um, after our wonderful presentations, we're going to move on to the superintendent assistant superintendent update, please. >> Okay. So, uh, tonight I actually am dividing up. I I have very few, um, announcements or information, but I am going to put things specifically in communications. I know we always stumble upon that one. Um, the the only report I have to share tonight, uh, it's just an enrollment update with Lake Drive. Um, that number is increasing. So, right now we're in the area of 121 to 124. Um we have um that's that's a it's a high number for those are students

091enrolled in the Lake Drive program uh at our school here. >> Yeah. >> Just in the Lake Drive building or spread out. >> Just in the building. No, no, just in the district. >> Just in the district, not in one. I was wondering where we're putting everybody if it was in the Lake Drive building. I almost had that as well. >> No, but we have um over 100 students that I I it tenerate to. Um, and just to give you as a frame of reference, beginning last year, we were in the 80s. So, right, we're um >> that's where we are. And, um, the trend that we're seeing, interestingly, with Lake Drive enrollment is it's it's on both sides. So, it's, uh, we we're seeing a lot at high school and a lot um, in

092the 3 to five range. Um, we do envision and and this will be incorporated into the BA report, which I will give an overview of the budget. uh we do have a number of Lake Drive students that are graduating seniors. Um so that will you know as part of our future consideration. The other announcement um and this has been uh reviewed uh initially in exact session and um uh through the board of education is the consideration uh and recommendation for a delayed opening on February 5th um which is a special election and that's something I'm looking to move forward with uh with the community. It's not an adjustment of the calendar because there is no change in um days in terms of when students are in school out of school. just a delayed opening. Um

093the special election, uh for those who are not unaware, uh there's a primary special election and a general election. The general election is April 16th. Um I'll get back to that, but for February 5th, which is the primary, we want to have some consistency in how we are uh approaching our security with regards to handling elections. Um we have put in a request to the burrow for consideration of moving away from the uh schools as the primary site uh for security reasons uh and management. Um however you know this was not an election that anyone could have planned for uh at the beginning of the year. So in really evaluating our district calendar, balancing the need for maintaining security and understanding that the election is going to happen at the high school, um we are

094proposing uh we have proposed a delayed opening. Uh that is uh the highest um traffic period, both literally traffic and also uh people coming in to vote between 6:00 and 9:00 a.m. Um so that will ease that a little bit. uh also give us a chance to continue to do some staff development work on that day and we're looking to keep that consistent uh across all four schools with the delayed opening. >> So, it's not under an approval, but it's just an uh part of the update. >> Any comments or questions there? >> Dr. Chef, >> I I meant to send you this article, but there was an article just about another school district doing the same thing, and they were considering virtual. Not that I'm a fan of virtual. Yeah, that's my home district.

095>> Oh. Oh, that was your home. Okay, thank you. >> Yeah, and I did we did we did contact them. Um, yes. So, there are right now Wayne um they had a a resolution to recommend uh as a board that it be a virtual day. Um and if and that article I can pass it along. Uh it is not uh currently a day in which the board uh the department of education would grant as a virtual a virtual day is granted for three or more days consecutive that uh relates to a school emergency or like a like a p pandemic type thing. Uh it's not intended for uh weather related or even things like elections. um the governor can ultimately grant it and I think that's the move that they're making and that's an interesting

096component here because the reason why we're having this special election is because of the governor who's coming in. Um so I I don't know where that's going to go, but that wasn't um a direction that we were necessarily seeking at this point. >> If you were to go virtual um does it have to be approved by the county superintendent? And I thought we can't just decide to go virtual. >> We cannot decide. Yeah, that's so what the board in that town did is they created a resolution to seek approval. Okay. From the Department of Ed, >> I just want to commend you um for the sec for understanding our discussion last time. time. We had a very robust discussion about this and really prioritizing the security concern and making sure that everybody has the opportunity

097to vote and everybody has the opportunity to be safe and that the students disruption to students is going to be minimal. Um you'll have a lot of very happy high school students I know who get to sleep in that day. And also the PD component of this is a very nice pivot I think too to you know add that because I know you guys have been working very hard to try to encourage as much professional development as possible. So I just want to say to the two of you thank you for listening to what we were saying last time. >> You said it better than I could have ever said I but I agree with everything you just said. >> Now are we going to have the coffee cart again? Because last time we had

098PD on an election day. We had a coffee cart. >> I mean, that's actually a lovely idea. Why don't you sponsor it? >> I would get boo coffee. >> It might be an ethics viol. >> Did we just talk about that right here? >> That No, that that was that was um >> Just kidding, James. >> That is a that was a very um >> big undertaking, >> I think. >> But it was also I think it was >> coffee would be easier. >> Yeah. No, >> we have a truck. They have a mobile. >> They have like a thing. >> Well, they spons like they supplied the coffee at the 5K. >> Oh, >> all right. You know what? Something we could look into after the meeting. >> After the meeting. All right. We'll

099carry on. Yes. >> New business. >> All right. Perhaps. >> All right. Then we can move on to the school business administrator update. Is that something else you're going to >> Yeah. I'm I I I wouldn't it's falls under the business administrator responsibilities but I just want to share with again uh with the board reminders um we are in the process of searching for VA we are starting interviews this week uh for full-time VAS um also being uh aware of the fact that um we consider a interim BA as both possibilities so they're going to be happening simultaneously the search process we We have members of our central office staff and administration who are taking part in the interviews. Uh there will be if there are finalists that are recommended, they will be put forward

100uh in front of the finance chair, facilities chair and board president. Um so we'll follow that model and the goal is by the end of the month that we would have a recommendation for to the go to the board level either as an interim or full-time. At the same time, I want to thank uh Dr. McIntyre uh for her support and leadership because we are looking to continue on with the budget process as planned. Uh and Mr. Robinson who is on the agenda or has been on the agenda as our consultant is uh definitely getting us forward moving forward in the budget process. So while you know I don't want to say there's not going to be delays or complications u we are moving forward and in and our finance committee this week we are

101going to look at the budget 20 year 27 looking at our revenues we're going to be um really getting prepared for that. Um so thank everybody for their cooperation. Thanks to our staff who um are in the audience and outside who are navigating this this challenging time. But um you know my philosophy is we you no matter what happens you always got to be moving forward. You can't allow these things to force you to take a step back and we'll just deal with some of the um you know challenges that face us. >> Can I ask a question? Do you have a pretty good slate of candidates? Did a lot of people show an interest or what's that? >> Yes, that's a good question. So we had 13 applicants. >> Um >> it's pretty good.

102I mean it's it's it's a uh it's a there are candidates who are you know definitely worth interviewing. It's a pool that in general it's a it's a job that the number of candidates is not typically high but also in the middle of the year and also there are a lot of districts that have gone through transitions with BAS >> so even the interim pool can be limited. >> Yeah. >> Um but I think it's um satisfactory to me. I wouldn't say it's a great like number, but it's, you know, could have been much worse. >> Anyone else on that? >> Okay, then we will move on. Um, there are no minutes this evening. Um, any comments requests from members of the public? Okay. Um, are there any communications at this time? Okay. No, three,

103but these are truly. So, tomorrow night, I just want to put out there that we uh thanks to the HSA. We have a really important uh program, parent program led by Detective Tom Rich, who is on the national circuit on uh presenting his topic is always connected. And the theme is for parents to learn about the impact and ways to help guide their their children online, specifically with social media. and and and I can tell you that the theme is to say, you know, don't stop your kids from being online or it's not uh you know, out there with a very negative message. It's a more realistic message about how to manage, you know, this very difficult landscape and it it's a presentation that's wellreceived. We have it uh all of our students in grades

104six, seven, eight, and nine are going to hear Detective Rich tomorrow in the morning and then at the high school in the afternoon program and then at night um 700 p.m. here at the high school in the auditorium any everybody is invited uh to attend from the public. also want to announce um not that this is open invitation to everybody but just acknowledge the fact that our MLEA is having a scholarship program uh dinner uh fundraiser which I think is a great event. I don't think I'm violating any ethics here in promoting it. Um, but it's I I I just think it deserves cuz it's uh just something that was new to me as a superintendent and I think it's great that the that the educational association does this and and I also appreciate all

105the support that people are giving. So that's a big event this Thursday. And then lastly, uh because of the Tom Rich presentation, the HSA has canled the superintendent assistant superintendent coffee talk which is supposed to be the next day and we will just have the one that's in February. So that although it was initially published is not taking place. >> May I add one thing to that please? >> Yeah. >> Um just a reminder to all board members, you guys were everyone was generous. We gave contributions to the basket or the the the raffle item that we're going to bring to the MLA scholarship party. So I meant to have pictures of that this evening, but I didn't finish putting it together. So maybe tomorrow I will send you pictures of all that I created

106with your event. So sorry for the delay, but it will be on time for the event. All right. So thank you very much. Um Okay. Anything else? Okay. Then we move on with the boot township report. And I mean really, let's just take a moment and say Mr. Johnson, you've been reelected to be with us in the congratulations. >> Now report. >> All right. All right, we've had two meetings uh since we I was last able to give an update. So, first uh Mr. Pini, our superintendent uh at the December meeting discussed the socialization of the RVS referendum. Um so there's going to be many community touch points, connections, ad hoc communities are being created, live stream sessions. So he went through the the um the different touch points. Uh he also discussed the implementation

107of an Orton Gillingham training um and how basically the great results we've seen. We've seen a dramatic improvement in literacy scores which is fantastic to use through the OG training. Um our BA Mr. Murray provided an overview of the upcoming 2627 budgeting just as we discussed here um including timelines on the RVS referendum. Um and at our reorg meeting the big news we have from the last one is we have a new board president. Mrs. Lauren Bardock is our new president uh of the board and Barry Brittner will uh remain on as vice president >> and that's it. >> Any comments or questions there? >> Welcome back, Chris. >> We're pleased to have you. >> It's for the um board to know. >> We are pleased with everybody. >> No, we are pleased with everybody.

108Oh my god. Dr. does not speak on behalf of the board. >> Do you know? No, I I mean I just mean compared to some of the reps we've had in the past. >> YOU DID NOT SPEAK FOR EVERYONE. DISAGREE. >> DISAGREE. Come on. >> Disagree. I I wanted to say >> nothing on anyone else. >> I've like I've enjoyed all the reps that I've sat with. >> Let me add I'm sorry. EXCUSE ME. ONE MINUTE. LET ME ADD THIS. >> IT'S A HORROR. >> I don't know what YOU SAID, BUT I'M NOT LISTENING. JAMES, I'm not listening. May I say one thing, please? >> Sure. >> Thank you. Um, in addition to >> disagreeing. Um, every year I go to the last Bin Township Board meeting to publicly thank the Bhutin Township Board for

109working with us so well and so cooperatively, but also to take a moment to publicly thank the Bootin Township rep who has worked with us so well for a year. And I I I sincerely mean that, Mr. Johnson. We're This has been a wonderful year. We continue I know where we're headed is just even more good work together. And I mean that sincerely. So, in case any of you didn't know that I went to publicly say that, I did. >> Much appreciated. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> You've all been very welcoming. It's It's great to be here and great to be a part of Steve. >> All right. Come back, Joanne. Like, he clearly likes us. >> I know. So, let's keep going. Um, committee and leazison reports. Um, since we just reestablished, do

110you have one? >> I just want to send just I have a little um announcement for finance. >> Sure. I want to make sure everybody's clear on when our next meeting is. So, we normally meet on Tuesdays. It's on Wednesdays. This says the 13th. It's going to be the 14th at 6:30. >> It does. >> I'm not good for >> because we changed it just like now. Like, >> no, I know. But >> on this on your just while I have all >> cuz we were in it. We were in a meeting and we talked about cuz it's tomorrow night is the night. Yeah. >> Of the presentation. >> Correct. Where's the list of >> um >> I will be late, but I'll be there. I can move it to president. >> Well, here's the

111thing. Sorry, I don't mean to >> No, I think you're right. You didn't. You didn't. But there are new committees or new configurations. So, reestablishing some of the dates and understanding the the meetings is what we need to do. And if for one or two there's a little bumps along the road. We're going to work it out. We're going to work it out. >> Well, 7:00. Okay. >> 7 much better. I think >> Yeah, that's fine. So 7:00 Wednesday will be the finance meeting. Virtual >> virtually. >> It's virtual. Okay. >> And Steve Robinson agenda >> Steve Robinson will be there >> 14th >> At 7 p.m. >> So you can come too. You're fine on >> I think sometimes good at >> So the Yeah, that one >> I have to cuz it was

112all at night. Sorry about that. >> No, that's right. Little housekeeping. >> I'm so glad. Let me add Let me add one more thing. you >> for the configuration of committees in case I didn't speak to everyone directly. I >> I tried very very hard. I think I I think I honored everyone's first choice. I might have honored everyone's second choice as well. And and and there were a lot of third and fourth choices in there. I really um the expertise and the willingness to work together of this board is unparalleled, but sometimes interest overlaps. So, I did my best to make that all fit, but it really is only possible because everyone is willing to jump in and and give of themselves. So, thank you. And if there are any questions or or considerations,

113let let me know. But honestly, this was driven by trying to honor all of you and your work and your interest. So, hope it hope it fell the way you wanted. So, just in line with I know we're going to approve the committees in a future motion, but just if before we leave, even if this is done informally, we have a facilities meeting that has been on the schedule for the Thursday the 15th. >> That committee has minor changes, but the chair is the same. Um, we have a policy committee which is on the 16th. That one >> new chair. So if we need to do it and then we also have a special education student services committee >> new chair >> on the 16th. >> So if we if you if we can try

114to um make any adjustments especially the special education committee we have um a number of administrators that participate in that. I just want to get them all squared and um just take note of it. what I left on your folder was I I highlighted the committees that you're specifically on just so you have that we will update the uh Google calendars. So some people will be taking you'll get declines with committees that you might not be participating in but then you also get new ones and then we have a whole new committee um that we're going to have to schedule meetings for. May I just throw something just at facilities is typically on Fridays but this week is on Thursday >> just because like we're all being different like this is our >> this one

115was this one has been on >> we planned it different we plan to be different >> all right >> but it's typically on Fridays but if there's a if there's a conflict of multiple committee chairs also having Friday committees like policy meets on Friday >> is always on Fridays has been >> we will we will figure out how to adjust make it work Yeah, >> Fridays is a popular day. >> Yeah. >> So, I'm not sure if this is a private matter or I can speak out in public, but I know that one of the committees from last year is not here uh being established. Uh well, a the traffic safety burough committee, >> the liaison. >> Yes. Um who should notify the chair of that committee or has that? So, so if you guys

116will notice traffic was a liaison, but now it's not we're going to have um any concerns about that go to to Dr. Seagull directly. So maybe between the two of us we can make sure we we communicate. >> I think the chair would like to know that. >> Sure. Sure. And and you you you bring up a a a good time to to to just make sure that we're communicating well. Um we'll take care of that. >> Okay. >> All right. Anyone? Yes, Dr. Hers. >> Just related to that, a resident expressed to me grave concerns about the intersection of Powerville and Boulevard. >> So, the next time you um interact with the committee members, you tell them that res >> they need to bring back the crossing guard there. >> It's a horror. >>

117It's a It's some It's an accident waiting to happen. >> It's really bad. >> Okay. And we're not saying that just because we live there. It's >> It's really bad. >> Really bad. When was the last time we had a I never thought there was >> there was a traffic guard there a year ago. >> Oh, really? >> Okay. >> What? >> It's a new change. >> We will um I think we have a few um that may that plus some shared services things maybe we can talk after. >> Yeah. >> All right. So, thank you for bringing that up. >> No problem. >> Anyone else? >> Shared services. >> Dr. Can we talk about liaison yet or are we waiting >> like reporting out? Yes. Can I just see if there's any other committee

118before any other committee? >> Okay, so some liaison business. Dr. Sha, >> uh, home and school had a meeting on the 9th and they started their talk uh, talking about the Tom Rich presentation which Dr. Seagull already went over. They're starting a kindness fundraiser. It's a kindness bond which will run from January 30th to to February 13th and they're using an online platform uh, to raise money. They're going to uh students are going to ask friends and family to donate money while students commit acts of kindness. Um the goal is to have each student participate to do four kind acts. Money goes to home and school. Sign up is online and it's a district-wide movement to celebrate selfless service. That's the plan. Um at the high school, uh they had volleyball mania. The teachers won

119which thank you for clarifying that because nobody know who really won. Um and Dr. Seagull already talked about the pack meeting. Um wellness planning oh wellness planning wellness summit planning be uh began. It'll be on April 2nd. Uh for Briercliffe um aviation club has started. Um it's been a success so far. Um Brier Cliff students and Bin Township um students at middle school level were participating. 8th grade will have a dance in early February. uh Wildwood uh shopping spree and the family fun night were a success that ended 2025. Um they're still working out the kinks with having the you know the chaperones um having chaperones for the parents who come into the building and how they're now escorted. So they're still kind of working out all the uh issues with that which is not

120a lot of issues. Uh field trips are upcoming for grade three and four. There's a planetarium bubble for the entire school on March 31st >> and there's a talent show and coffee talk in February. That's it. I have a question. How are they doing this planetarium? Thanks. That sounds cool. >> It sounds like they're opening. >> Yeah, it's a mobile It's um like a mobile thing. >> That's amazing. So, it's an actual >> bubble. Oh, that's so cool. >> Yeah. Cool. >> Sounded fun. Yeah. >> I'm sure you check it out. >> I will. I'm retired now. I can do a lot of things. >> Are there any other liaison reports or questions? I'm sorry. Should I have said questions or comments first? Any other liaison reports? All right, then. We'll carry on. Um, we

121move to the report and recommendation of the school business administrator secretary, please. >> Okay. I will introduce the what is on the for motions and uh Mr. Reesi will take role and facilitate uh the voting process. So, we have uh our presentation of bills which uh Mr. Robinson was able to help our office staff navigate. Those are that's under number one. We have another tuition student here from Lake Drive. Uh for professional services, we have the uh re uh re-upping of our contract with our attorney for Hara Leira and Cherry. Um, by the way, just of note, we are tomorrow, one of our board attorneys will be doing legal training for our administrative staff for a two-hour program tomorrow. So, that's something that is very wellreceived. Number two, we have the for approval the of

122our architect services for uh his work and planning design uh related to the security vestibules. Um the actual investment in those is for the next budget cycle. Uh but in order for us to move forward, we need to um get >> contract with our architect uh for this year. Number four, we have uh travel conferences um some of which is online, but a great variety here for the district. Uh fundraisers, we do have two fundraisers on the list. Um the first one at the high school is for the basketball program. It is a leading edge uh fundraiser. Um it was not included in the initial uh high school fundraisers. We did ask our sports teams to do uh all of their fundraisers up front, but this one was not included. Um so it's up for

123approval tonight. And then the second one is for our musical cast, a small one uh for the at Brier Cliff. for facilities use. We have a number of uh requests and just as anecdotally I could say compared to last year, we are getting more requests this year uh for facilities use from a a greater variety. Uh but you see here from Heart and Hustle, Laker Sports Club, Mount Lakes Library and also from the Girl Scouts troops for a minor one. We have here under number seven accept the final approval of grant amounts uh for title two um which is under well underway. So that covers our business side our financial components. We need a first and a second in order to hear these together. We have Dr. Hersshfeld for our first, Dr. Sheff for our

124second. Thank you very much. Any objections to hearing these motions together? Any comments or questions at this time? Mrs. Foreman, I saw you first. >> Um, I just want to make sure everybody understands that we had discussed the security vestibules and the architecture issues with this. This is an ongoing thing. This is nothing new. This is old business. Um, it doesn't pertain, Mr. Johnson, to any high school matters, just so you know. So, if you missed the discussion about this, it's it's not anything that can, you know, would impact you. This is for Brier Cliff, Lake Drive, and Wildwood. And um it's the fact that we're getting it for this price is insanely good. So, I just want to say that and make sure everybody understands that this is a good thing. And then I

125had a question about the fundraiser. >> May I just say, does anybody have anything else on the vestibules? >> Carry on. Um, when was this supposed to happen? This fundraiser? Has it already started? Are they I know it says on here start upon upon board approval. Have they already started? Like what's the situation? >> So that it it was about to be started and it was stopped >> until board approval. >> Okay. And what is the purpose of doing this late in the season? Like I'm just curious. >> Well, I think the original plan and again the >> Did they run out of money I guess is what >> No, no. I think that the the pl the assumption was that um maybe wrongly that a number of fundraisers like this were approved and I

126think there was a misunderstanding. >> So they thought they were on the list and they weren't. >> Correct. >> So how many of these were I'm sorry. >> Hold on one second. Mrs. Borman, >> I'm done. I just want I wanted clarification about the timeline on this because >> it's just that making an exception is like such a slippery slope >> because we told all the other people no. >> So that's why I just want to raise that. I just don't want to be unfair to another team who also might realize that they thought they did and they didn't. >> I just I don't want to be unfair. That's all. >> No, I I totally understand. >> How many leading edge fundraisers have we approved >> This year. And what percentage >> do they take?

127>> Are they taking? >> Okay. So, >> because I just want I'm sorry. I don't mean to cut you off, but I just want to give a little more, which is that a lot of parents do not like these fundraisers. They do not like their kids to have to give names. They do not feel that they can complain. So, you have a silent vast majority stifled, you know, worried about retribution, not able to state how much they dislike this. Okay. So, to the questions that you asked, we I I I will get the exact number, but I would say it's between four and six that we approved in the in the summer. And I would say the um percent uh that these companies are taking and I would assume you would put staff raise in

128the same category as leading edge. They're very similar. >> Um is somewhere in the area between 15 20%. >> That's a lot. >> I thought you put on the percent. >> We did. We did. We did. and and the policy. Well, we didn't put a cap. We said that that they would not be approved unless they were approved. So, they would have to and and the big thing we talked about was >> I thought we wanted a lower. >> We did, but we couldn't force the companies to do that. So, we had it on a case by case is what we said. And also, >> I think Mrs. Foreman's right. >> No, no. Well, it's a case by case basis. So, we're looking at this case. And also, I I don't know how everybody feels

129about this. When I look at what they're looking for, it just it doesn't feel like I feel like these things are egregious. They're taking 20% of all of our donations, which is a lot. And it's not like 4% or something. And you know, and if you have some like big outlay like, well, this is a one-time thing and the team needs to buy this equipment and it's so expensive and this is the only way we can do it. But you look at what they're what they're doing it for. It's like a banquet, t-shirts, you know, apparel. It's just like unnecessary to have a coercion style fundraiser for these small, you know, small dribbs and drabs items. I mean, you're having a banquet. Have some tricky trays. Charge for each kid who goes. Do it like

130everybody else. It's not that big a deal. You're you're printing t-shirts. How much are t-shirts? >> Expensive. >> Okay. $20 a kit. I've had t-shirts printed up. It was no more than $20 a t-shirt. >> Like eight bucks, >> right? That's what I'm saying. Not expensive. >> That's expensive. And in there. >> I mean, all I'm saying is I don't think it's necessary. And you have the point that um Sarah made. I mean, if they want to come and make an appeal at the next meeting why they really need it, I'll listen. You know, I could be convinced, but I'm not convinced right now. >> Yeah, I don't think the goal is because I I understand for a variety of reasons. We've been talking about fundraisers for a while. We did this is a similar

131amount of information that was given for the others, but it certainly was not given on the timeline as the others. And that is absolutely your right to express that point of view about whether you feel that the rationale is worthy. Um, I don't think anything that is a fundraiser is is usually essential. Usually that is all supplemental. >> Sometimes it's like, well, we're we're taking a team trip. >> I see. >> You know, >> and we did approve one that was related to a trip. >> Yeah. The baseball one, >> right? >> But that was in months in advance, >> you know. And the other thing is like >> and the football one too was also >> I mean, did they make a really good effort to elicit donations? Like I've been hit up for

132every sport and I'm giving like $500 a sport and that's a lot of t-shirts. I mean, and how how hard did they try to elicit some donations before they said, "Oh, let's just do a leading edge and it's 20% off the top." I mean, I'm very happy that when I donate to the ice hockey that I don't have 20% of the money going to >> ice hockey doesn't negotiate like that. >> Yeah. some other corporate entity that's not part of our district for no reason. >> Can I just add one more thing about Leading Edge? >> Of course. >> And these predatory companies, I just think that they try to get get rich quick and like sometimes a little bit of sweat equity makes whatever you're fundraising for more worthwhile for the team. Especially if

133it's for something like an award or something like, you know what, what does it say on here? Banners for seniors. like, you know, I mean, those things are already printed. They're already paid for. So, they're trying to now recoup for what they have outlied. Like, probably the parents are are recouping what they already laid out for this kind of stuff because it's expensive. And I totally understand that and I get that. I just wish there was a way to do it without having to like >> basically make the kids have to give away personal information. I mean, we're talking about security. We're talking about all these things all the time. We had this policy for a reason to not engage with these companies because we just didn't know enough about them. We don't we still

134don't know enough about them. You know, there's there's still a lot of just uncertainty to it. Now, I also want to just say this because I know how hard it is as a sports team parent. Like, I know how hard it is to try to get people to get up and actually do something. And I I feel for this team parents here because I'm sure they the senior parents probably have taken care of everything because that's that tends to be how this works. Um you know I'm raising this because I think I don't want this to become a slippery slope where every team thinks it's cool to like have something like this happen when fundraising isn't going as well as they were hoping it was going to go to and then to come at the

13511th hour and say here's how we're going to do it. Like I think we need to have a much more in-depth conversation about this. Maybe this goes back to policy, Joan. I mean, I hate to throw a wrench in this again, but maybe our policy needs to be even more refined now that we've had it on the books for one school year. Maybe now we bring some shareholders in. Maybe we bring some coaches in. Maybe we bring like some parent some team parents in and like we we start to understand what what they need, what they want. I mean, Ar, you're now the, you know, like why why we're doing it this way because I know other teams don't do it this way. So, I want to understand better. I'm not going to ruin whatever

136these parents have already done by voting against this. I'm just saying that because I get it. But I just feel like we need to have a really much more stringent policy. And if there's another one of these that comes on, I'm not going to vote for it like in the future. I just want to be very clear and on the record that I just think we need to come up with a better way of doing this. So >> I I think I think the things that you're saying are are both you and Dr. Herschel. I I can really appreciate your point of view. I'll I'll give you mine. I don't have any objection if we're going to revisit this in policy. In fact, I think sometimes that's exactly what we should do. Experience leads us

137in directions, right? And leads us to conversations. But I I do I do look at the things we've done before. I look at the president and how we got here for me. I'm not saying where anyone else falls. To to Dr. Seagull's point. If we've approved this four to six times already with a company like this on >> on time, >> if we've approved this four to six times already this year and it's this same company, I'm not ready to say on the basis of this company alone using this company. I'm ready to say no. If we've done it for this year, I'm inclined to to keep that president. But if we want to revisit this going forward for next year, I think that's reasonable. And whether we land on using these companies again or

138not, I leave that to the good work of the policy committee. So on that point alone of precedent for this year, >> I I can't sort of take this off the table. I think I think your point of timing is a good one and and looking at that. But again, in using Dr. Seagull's explanation. If if there was a miscommunication, somebody thought it was a part of it and then it wasn't, I will take that on its face value and say, "Okay, again, I'm willing to take this here." But Mr. Foreman, I appreciate you're saying going forward, we have to have more attention to this. That's okay, too. So, I I'm grappling with the the the timing, the the issue, but I'll land on the side of supporting this because again, to your point, there

139are things on here that if a team was expecting or that we're hoping to support, we've used these same indicators, these same goals for the fundraising and approved it before. So, I'm just looking at the precedent we're setting. But I have no objection if next school year we collectively decide we have to do it differently. We do that all the time. >> We look at our our experiences all the time. So tonight for me based on sort of the belief that we were had this had already been approved the fact that we've already approved this company before and the fact that we've already approved fundraisers for these very same things. I'll say yes. But I can I can respect and this idea of productive disagreement if that isn't where everybody else falls and and it

140doesn't pass. I respect that too. But my perspective is I'm going to support this for those reasons. >> Yeah. If I can ask a question. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Dr. Hersfeld was next and then I'm sorry and then I'll call to you. I'm so sorry. Dr. Hersfeld because you had your hand up. I thought they were supposed to tell us the percentage being collected like at in the proposal and the goal dollar amount >> that's in the policy but it hasn't been enforced yet >> because I I'm looking how much are they looking to raise. >> Yeah, the I think I think the percent um that was going to the organization that is I'm not sure about the actual dollar amount. I think it was more >> part of it explanation. We we will have

141to look at it. But I think that's also very hard. I mean, they establish goals with these like thermometers and things like that, >> right? So, what's the goal? Yeah. >> I mean, they just I'm just asking them to tell us the goal. >> I think that's was part of the policy, too, was to say what the >> we need to know all this information before we approve it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. M >> I guess I to me what I'm hearing is and I think that's probably what we'll discuss and I think it's to do um Mrs. Foreman's point. I think having this discussion in policy is important because I think it's two different things that we're trying to solve for here. Right now we're trying to solve for one specific thing and there's

142a timing >> issue involved and I tend to sort of side with where you're going but I think the bigger picture that I'm hearing is >> do we want to actually have fundraising done by third party yeah >> vendors. It's a good question >> and and I think that's the bigger discussion or do we want fundraising to be organic and handled >> by the students the parents I I think because you it's going to be very hard otherwise I think to to have a cut a clean cut off >> so moving forward that may be something to discuss. >> That's all I was that's totally what I was suggesting. >> I think just one clarification point. So we have a number of fundraisers that are done by third party organizations and in which we really

143haven't examined what percent of money um and those but a lot of those are not from online like major vendors. So even like some like like I don't want to say anything specifically but like something as simple as like a a cookie sale or a cheesecake sale like which are very basic >> wrapping paper >> that's very benign and the >> the wrapping paper is like 10%. But again, >> but that's now so we approved all the HSA, but but the ones that are they are like you say they're benign. They are definitely viewed to be that way, but they do it's not like 100% of the proceeds are going to >> they're not asking for they're not coercive the way these are. Every member of the team has to give 10 people and their

144cell phone numbers and >> Yeah. No, I but I think we should distinguish between it's not just as simple as like the third part. There are other third parties besides >> it's like categories like we kind of need the categories for like what >> I think this is a lot of work for you. >> Sorry everyone. >> We already have a full agenda to >> Dr. McIntyre you next. >> I do think it's a little more nuanced than third party or organic. I think um there because for example, you could have an apparel fundraiser where you have a company that is selling your t-shirts, your sweatshirts, whatever, and then you get a percentage or a $10 per t-shirt sold and they do make money off your shirts, but you get that. >> Um so I

145think it it is going to be a little muddy. Um I think what's what is uncomfortable with this is the high percentage and the fact I don't know how this is communicated. It might vary by team but there is this pressure to basically provide contact information of your family members and friends and then they are solicited for money and I would like to know like how is this presented >> to >> that's a good point >> to the athletes and their families. Is there an alternative if you're not comfortable providing that information? What is the other option? And it shouldn't be mandatory. It is it an option to donate directly and be like I'm not comfortable like I would be I'm tend to be more private like I would be uncomfortable providing names for my

146family members and friends um and and their contact information. Is there is is there another way to satisfy the needs of the team instead of providing that? I think that is part of it and I I do know most people that I've talked to are uncomfortable with that aspect of it. So I think that is an element as to why this >> and do remind me when we approved these leading edge fundraisers in the fall I felt like >> we didn't want to pull the rug out from under the teams then but we were moving away from these. >> Yes. >> Okay. So we have to do that in a way that we're not just saying well we approved it in the past so we have to prove it again and then we're just kind

147of stuck continuing to do that. You know what I mean? So, >> no, I agree. >> I I'm looking at as a school year, like these all fall within the same timeline, but starting in the for the next calendar year, we could make a change. But that's only one opinion. So, if that's not where policy falls or the vote falls, respectfully, that's where it falls. >> So, to Dr. McIntyre's point. >> Um I did make it very clear with our administration at the high school that um the way in which this had to be delivered that it's not mandatory. No, there's no punitive measures. Um I'm I I know that maybe that message is not interpreted and communicated in exactly the same way, but I'm just saying for your understanding that message was clear. >>

148Okay. Okay. Dr. rehearsal >> despite what you say, despite what the coaches say, when your playing time, you know, or whatever it is is like at the whim of the coach, nobody will not give names for the fundraiser. So, I think that's it's it's a nice sentiment what you say, but is completely unrealistic to have any effect and and I completely discount it. It does not not one ounce of that helps this situation. I think it's completely irrelevant. >> I just can I say one more thing? Do you want one more thing? >> I just want to say I just looking at the list of things on here. I know it varies by team like what they use to support, but some of this stuff has already I can tell you some of the stuff

149has already been bought. And it's like my devil's advocacy in this is that I know the senior parents likely shelled it out for the whole team because this is what happens when you have senior captain's parents. Like they just do all this stuff expecting things to fall in a row and everybody to participate and do all these things and then sometimes people don't. So I understand why they would want to do it. Like it's not fair. But maybe we need to just policy again. Sorry, Aru. Like maybe we just need to have a more robust >> and more, you know, nuanced overall athletic fund. I'm not speaking to other things. Let's just talk strictly athletics because that's really where these type of things seem to be coming from. Maybe we just need to like look

150maybe Mr. Wallace can help. Like let's figure this out and have a more robust athletics policy for fundraising generally so that it's not somebody's not shouldering this >> if it's not a full team shoulder effort. I just I feel bad for the parents who are going to get >> for sure that that's >> I mean I I just know from other teams in the past that I do know that the senior parents do outlay a lot the captain's parents >> there's a big responsibility I mean Pva >> it depends on the team because wrestling is very different. >> It's just it's it's just other teams I know I'm not throwing under the bus at the moment. I'm just saying I know that the senior captain's parents outlay a lot >> in advance. It does seem

151like this is an opportunity like we'd said last week there's so much overlap between um committees and the work that we do but we do have a newly formed co-curricular committee. This sounds like maybe a good opportunity to work with co-curricular >> and policy. It overlaps with some finance. I mean this is why I mean we sit on multiple committees because conversations carry from one place to another. So this could be an opportunity um and and and to be fair if we have this many questions we want to represent that information well and get good answers so that it's clear for everyone going forward. And I know we all have experiences we're we're bringing to this at the bottom line of everything. We want to serve children well our staff well and our families well.

152So these these questions and this grappling gets us closer to that point. I think there's a lot of work to be done, good work to support good kids, good people, good families. So maybe that's where the conversation is at the moment, but I don't want to stifle if there's any other comments or questions on this point. Are there any other comments or questions on any other agenda items? and roll call, please. >> Mr. Chang, >> sorry. >> Yes. Mrs. Foreman. >> Yes. >> Dr. Hersfeld. >> Yes. >> Mr. Johnson. >> Yes. For all high school items. >> Mrs. Karnney. >> Yes. >> Dr. Sheep. >> Yes. >> Dr. Silva McIntyre. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Barks. >> Yes. >> Okay. Motion passes. >> Thank you. We move on to report and recommendation for the superintendent, please.

153>> Okay, we have a pretty small uh list here for personnel. We have uh a few appointments. They're just uh revisions to guide based on advancement. Um for coursework under number a 8A. We have additional coverages here um that are anticipated um at the high school um where we were unable to uh find a replacement for a leave a person on leave. So this is actually a very efficient uh budgetarily efficient and also personnel efficiency and I want to give credit to Miss Lazeration and late drive support uh teachers for their cooperation here. This is a big um undertaking for them, but this allows us to continue on with some pretty high level instruction at the high school um at a at a relatively minimal cost. Uh we also have the addition here um for

154an overage that is based on a need regarding student population. We have um a few adjustments to leave those absences based on times out. Um, number 10, we have the approval of um staff for additional services and athletics. Um, we have an advisor for the uh spring musical technical director. We have uh additional compensation here for um a staff member who's being added to time to sore. And as a hand carry number 11, we have two additional compensations for home instruction based upon student needs. That's two students. We have uh subs volunteers and interns. We have a few here listed. Um substitute predium substitute volunteer for basketball uh volunteer for the aviation club at Briercliffe and um an individual who's going to be doing practicum experience through uh Fairley Dickinson. We also have district-wide volunteers,

155smaller list than usual. And we have an adjustment here with how the field trips are represented. Um, as per board member suggestion, uh, but we do have a number of field trips that are at the high school and Briercliffe. We have our tuition reimbursements. Um, we have our calendar under miscellaneous for the summer academy and the lake drive summer program. We also have hand carries here which are the committees and liaison uh that have been discussed and we have also a memorandum of agreement and this is a retro. This was approved and reviewed uh but um did not make it to an agenda. It was an oversight and it was a change in title of a stipen position at Wildwood from an art to a music position just based on student need. that was reviewed

156and approved months ago just was not board approved. So that is the all the personnel. >> Thank you very much. Um we need a first and a second to hear these. We have Mr. Johnson and Dr. Chef. Thank you very much. Any objections to hearing these motions together. Any comments or questions at this time? And roll call, please. >> Mr. Chang, >> yes. >> Mrs. Foreman, >> yes. >> Dr. Mr. Hersfeld. >> Yes. >> Mr. Johnson, >> yes. For all fiscal orders. >> Mrs. Colcarnney? >> Yes. >> Dr. Sheth? >> Yes. >> Dr. Silva McIntyre? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Barkles? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you very much. Any unfinished business at this time? >> We do. >> Mrs. Foreman. >> The um election conversation. I know we took care of the primary.

157What are we doing about the general? You said we could talk about that later. >> Yeah. So the we I I put the formal request in to the bureau manager that we would um we're requesting that the elections are taken out of the schools. Um there is a 45day window. Um I was assured that I would get a response in the next week or two. Um and I asked that any other followup that was needed in terms of anybody who needs to be brought to the conversation that that's our primary interest and it's around security and there was a full understanding there. Um and also I will mention that um the burough manager indicated that on February 5th that we would get um additional security coverage beyond our SRO. >> Okay, that's good to know.

158>> Any other comments on that point? Any other unfinished business? Any new business? Okay. How about any pending any pending legislation? Well, I included it in the report. Um, it was very well documented that the governor uh approved the uh what is being called the cell phone ban. I'm I'm a little cautious to call it that because it's not a ban. Um, what what is actually in place is a recommendation or a law that gives power to the Department of Ed to create guidelines around cell phone usage. And what I can tell you now is what is included in the articles about this. Um the spirit of this is very much in line with the adaptations we made this year at the high school which is beltto bell meaning during classroom instruction that uh no

159access to the phones. How that is uh implemented uh at least for now we we we don't have to make any changes but we will wait and see what the department of ed shares. >> Any comments or questions on that? Okay. Um, any comments from the public? All right. Seeing as we have no executive session, is there a motion to adjourn? You have Mrs. Foreman and we have Mr. Chang. All in favor say I. I. I. Adjourn at 8:53. Oh, I'm sorry. 859. Well done everyone.