001[snorts] I know you do that. >> That's it. >> I know. We talked about it. Thank you. What am I doing? All right. Good evening. Good evening everyone. Um, Pasc Valley Regional High School District Board of Education. It is February 2nd, 2026, and we are going to be commencing our meeting um at 7:31 p.m. I will that we are typically livereamed on YouTube. However, we are having some technical difficulties and so um we will be recording this evening's um um board meeting and it will be publicized on YouTube tomorrow. During this regular meeting, there will be two opportunities provided for citizens to make comments. In order for a citizen to make a comment, they must be physically present at the meeting. During the first opportunity early on the agenda, comments are regarding agenda items are
002invited. The second opportunity will occur just prior to adjournment when residents may address general comments to the board. Persons wishing to speak must upon being recognized rise and state their name and town of residence. Comments shall be limited to issues. If personal remarks or discourteous statements are made. The presiding officer shall require the speaker to sit down. Well, I said that already. So, we are going to have a call to [snorts] order and we'll call Mrs. >> Mins present. >> Miss Calderon >> here. Miss Guzman >> here. Mrs. W. Meller >> here. >> Mrs. Martin, Mr. Senis, Mr. Weaver >> here, but I just wanted to note that I have to leave at 8:50. We're not done. >> Thank you. >> Mrs. Thank you. Um, flag salute. Please rise and also [snorts] adequate notice of
003this meeting has been provided by mailing copies of said notice. to the record, filing copies of said notice to the municipal clerks of Hillsdale, Montville, Riverdale, and Lake and publishing said notice in the record on July 2nd, 2025. Go right into routine matters and the first is the monthly reports and that would be starting with the board president's report. I just wanted to say a couple things. What's going on? We have a new governor, Mickey Cheryl. Um, she was sworn in uh in January and she has a few executive orders that she's put into place and one of them more specific to uh our local school boards that is aiming to protect kids online and to improve children's mental health. Right. Creating a new office with the Department of Health to a pool of government
004efforts to keep kids safe online. In addition, what I think is also really very relevant um is on January 15th um the New Jersey Department of Education released guidance for schools on student use of internet enabled devices. Um and it's going to be called uh adopted belltobell policies. So all of our school boards are going to be adopting polic regarding student use of cell phones during um during the school day. We already have something in place, but with this new legislation, we're going to have to take a look and um at our policies and um need to modify as such. Um I also want to take this opportunity, although it's February 2nd, um to recognize our wonderful school board members. Um, last month was school board recognition month and and I just want to um
005say thank you and um let you know that you are all appreciated. Um this is a lot of work. Uh board members oversee 580 school districts um which in turn operate 2,500 public schools. They provide educational services to nearly 1.4 million children. We set policies for schools, make important decisions affecting curriculum, financing, and staffing. So, I just want to congratulate all of you and thank you for your service. >> Thank you. >> And that concludes my report and um thank you. Um I first want to congratulate Passac Valley High School health and physical education teacher Ron Balone who has been nominated for the life changer of the year award. Uh that award is a national recognized program that honors K through2 educators and school employees who make a difference in students life by exemplifying excellence,
006positive influence and leadership. So congratulations to Mr. Malone. On January 19th, our district hosted its annual beloved school community and this was the first time I had an opportunity to participate and observe the event and it's a was a truly experience outstanding experience observing staff and students giving back to our community. I want to send out a big thanks to Dr. Mark Russo and his staff for organizing the event and to everyone who contributed to that day. After careful deliberation and consultation, the district has decided to move forward with dissolving park academy and region 2. Um these are two separate uh enterprises that uh work with students with special needs. Uh we are deeply [snorts] grateful for the staff who have dedicated uh and nurtured and supported these individuals throughout the years. Um both programs
007will continue to serve the children through the remainder of the school year and individual school districts will coordinate their services for next school year and beyond. We at our reorganization meeting we discussed committees uh the committees were formed so we are going to start having committee meetings now. Uh we did meet with the policy committee last week. Uh governments and personnel are meeting later this week. Finance and facilities curriculum and negotiations are all meeting next week. The board of education meeting calendar is on the agenda. We are transitioning to a board of education calendar based on the calendar year as opposed to the school year. And the reason behind that is um when we elect new calendar uh board members, they come in on January. We want them to have a say on um the
008board meetings uh during that reorganization meeting in January. So tonight, um we will need to uh also with the school calendar, we will need to set a date for the award retreat. Construction projects, we have a few of them going on. Um it's it's been a little bit frustrating as anyone who has experienced construction can probably attest that is the norm. Um but we're seeing progress at milestone. The footings have been poured and the rebarb have been installed for the ramp. Um the extreme cold and snow prevented us to continue our progress there. Um on the outside ramp, but permits were issued for the interior work and demolition has begun on the second floor. Um at PB uh cafeteria, the HVAC project uh all the work is done and has been done um late by
009uh I think it was late December. We are just working on getting the inspections done which have um been a little bit frustrating from our point of view. We have fire inspection later this week and if all goes well we'll have the final health inspector done. Uh the PV auditorium the carpet is installed in the seating area this week. They're going to begin working on the sta uh stage flooring. Um there's been a delay with the new screen coming in. Um and there's some minor additional work that needs to be completed. Uh our goal is to have the auditorium partially operational when we return [snorts] from the President's Day uh break. Uh, as mentioned, UL Governor Murphy did sign into law a new bell-to-bell cell phone ban for the 26 27 school year. I I
010think the district has done a good job of addressing cell phones uh in the classroom, in the hallway. Over the last couple years, but um in the uh uh upcoming weeks, our administrative team will be talking about what the new mandate means for next year and develop strategies on how we're going to meet that mandate. Uh at our next meeting on February 23rd, uh there will be a presentations on school ranking and on chronic student absenteeism. And we're also going to be sending out a parent survey about student absences uh this week to help us collect some data um on that topic. And that's my report. Thank you, >> uh James Stanis. um was going to be giving the policy report. Uh however, he is um sick today. Um so I will be giving that
011as well. Um we met on January 26 um uh and we discussed a couple of um new new policies u that were recommended by Strauss Esme Associates. um sexual harassment uh and nepotism and employment of chief school administrator. They are on our agenda for tonight's meeting as a first reading and there are very minor changes to uh definitions and um it was a great meeting. It was pretty quick. So um if anyone has any questions regarding that we can talk about it later if you have All right. So, now we can go into our student reports. Uh, first up is Pasc Hills High School, Stephanie Young. >> Okay. Um, I'll start off with classroom items. So, classroom item number one, our Spanish students recently stepped beyond the classroom and into the heart of Cuban culture
012during immersive learning experience in New York City. They began in Time Square where students gathered in at Havana Central to enjoy an authentic Cuban lunch. Following lunch, the group headed to Broadway for a live performance of one of social. Through powerful music and story time, the musical brought human history to life, highlighting daily life and quality expression both before and after the human revolution. Students recognize familiar themes they have studied in class and saw how music serves as a voice for history, identity, and emotion. Number two, during the midterms, the AP Chinese class was assigned a performance project in which they created or performed a skit on the on the novel of completing a traditional writing test. Students were encouraged to demonstrate their understanding more creatively and interactively. As part of their assignment, they worked
013together to write an original script inspired by the book and a performative from the class showing both their comprehension of the story and their ability to use Chinese in an engaging collaborative performance. I'll be moving on to cocurricular items. Co-curricular item number one. On Thursday, January 29th, the Hills mock trial team competed into in the state bar foundation Vincent J high school mock trial competition in weather case. In round one, the team represented their defense in this year's criminal case, state of New Jersey versus Ransom, which concerns the false reporting of emergencies at a local coffee shop. Tonight, February 2nd, the Montreal team continues on in round two with our team representing the prosecution against Bergen County. Please cross your fingers for our team. >> Item number two. On Friday night, January 23rd, 26 at
014Pacific Hills, Camp Bradbury hosted another successful meeting celebrating a stressfree night and getting neurological developments general education students. During this night, kids had the opportunity to dance off their energy as they play just dance, use their creativity as various artwork and find their inner baker as they baked lunch. With all events, it was a nice of laughter and fun for the campers cocurricular. The Jewish student union has been busy for these past couple weeks. On Friday, January 20, sorry, on Friday, January 2nd, 2026, the students play a Jewish edition of the president's right while they ate pizza and participated in In the following weeks, the JSU commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day held on January 27th, 2026. Students took took the time to curate the spite outside the library for others to reflect and remember the
015lives of the laws. This month, the JSU is honored to welcome Saman to our school. Sam is a child of the Nazi labor camp of medical experimentation. His unique perspective reveals the bitterness of these times yet on personal responsibilities and the power of standing up for oneself. I'll be moving on to athletic items. Athletic number one, the Pass Valley dance team has an outstanding experience at the Hillsboro dance team competition, delivering strong performances across multiple divisions. The team earned first place in both team performances along with the second place hip hop and is energized as prepares for the showcase of skills at the national stage. At the dance team regional competition valley also turned impressive showing facing fourth in small varsity palm fourth in large hip hop and third team performances. The team recently celebrated
016celebrated its annual senior sendoff giving supporters a chance to prehead of the national championships with just two days remaining for two nationals. looks forward to these final performances alongside the seniors. Athletic number two, the Pas wrestling team has had an outstanding stretch of the competition for both the boys and the girls. The boys delivered a strong performance at the Crusaders Classic highlighted by Max winning his class [snorts] second. team also received the county title, their first since 202 finishes, Max taking fourth and Patrick Patel placing eighth alongside contributions from several other wrestlers. Individually, Han Sat reached a major milestone becoming the 15th wrestler in Paseration and [clears throat] supporting for the girls. kept up her strong performances the cutter tournament and also later finishing as the finals of the 26 Elizabeth lady man classic became
017two returning state medalist before fall to a nationalally ranked also had a strong performance going 2 and 4 overall together the girls went 9 and1 including dual meet victories and valley Number three. Over the course of the winter, one sports team that has exemplified inclusion and teamwork is the unified world team. Students with specialies in general education students participate in the unified team, bringing together individuals of all abilities as teams build genuine friendships while learning from one another, breaking down barriers, and celebrating differences. Success is measured not only by scores and wins, but by sports, confidence, and personal growth. The team will compete in six matches against other schools with unified bowling programs showcasing their skills and teamwork in a spirate [snorts] atm where the students will participate in the NJSIA bowling state championship as
018part of the special Olympics championship represents the hard dedication and unity of the team and serves the proud celebration of inclusion perseverance and the true spirit of sport. I'll now be moving to the academic awards. Academic award number one. So in DECA, a national a nationwide business competition designed to prepare high school students for careers in business. 38 students from Pas High School have placed in the northeast division region was held at college and be heading on to the next round city from March 3rd to March 5th. We have 50 different opportunities to keep whether it's role play, research presentations or paper. Students had the opportunity to showcase their marketing, finance, hospitality, and management skills. Students who will be moving on to the state round include Kalahana Shan Cruz Nina Senia Kelly Isabel Rose Murphy
019Bonor Ethan Jones Sabrina Lucy Hson Abby Lazar Ashley Schwarz Tony, Noah, Gor, Andrew, Chloe Carly, Alex, Aarl, Alex, Carson, Buffalo, and Robert Malcolm. We'll be now moving on to the second. Moving on to the next had a successful start to the 2026. After the junior varsity team competed at Indian house high school and varsity competed at high school, students were awarded for their efforts this past year. Sophomore Dylan Wal and junior play second team in the debate. Freshman Carala and Car de Adams was able to place the speaker and Justin was able to second place as speaker. together also to earn first place in the entire varsity debate. This week, the varsity debate will compete at Indian house on Thursday, February 5th, 2026. And the following debate will compete at Ry High School on February
0209th, 206 academic award led by junior hill student. Safe is a new public initiative at Cast Hills that will contribute to or being awarded the highest honor of Girl Scouts, the Girl Scout the Girl Scout School Award. The project focuses on opioid overdose prevention through education of Moxone, a licensing medication that is used for emergencies. With the help of Dr. Advisor, she wants to spread awareness about the necessary emer responses and harm reduction. Alison looks forward to going beyond the classroom, becoming official distributor of the New Jersey harm reduction coalition, but presenting the project at an upcoming local event. So now for my fun track my joke of the day is how do I travel and byicycle you got to give us time to [snorts] >> Oh sorry. Um thank you Stephanie. Um We'll move
021on to Pasc Valley High School. Maline >> for Valley's monthly report. I'll start with classroom items. Classroom item number one Scott author and parent of two valley um students visited the P creative writing class discuss publishing the publishing industry and their own career path. Students were able to ask questions about her writing career, how to handle editor feedback, and much more. This discussion was a perfect compliment to the ongoing children's book unit that creative writing students are currently working on where their clients are the PB preschool children. Um next month the students will have the opportunity to meet with the preschool and share their books that they've been crafting for them. Moving on to co-curricular items. Co-curricular item number one is the PB club welcomes local beekeepers Jillo and Lisa to lead a workshop for
022students and staff to make their own beeswax bomb. The workshop started with a presentation about the different ingredients and ended with students mixing their own creations. Item number two is the Pacific Valley National Society has been providing drop in tutoring for fellow students to prepare them for midterms which have just passed. Um on Martin Luther King Day members of the National Society volunteered to make 13 month blankets which have been donated to the Valley Hospital for their pediatric patients. Our number three is the theater is proud to announce that four senior students earn top honors at the speech and theater association of New Jersey governor awards competition. Seniors Ethan Mai and Jake Far placed fourth in scenes while seniors Kayla class six in the same category. Moving on to its number one. I know Steph
023and stuff for upcoming competition. So, the Valley Regional Dance Team will compete on February 6th to 8th at the Dance Team Union National Championship in Orlando, Florida. Performances will take place on Friday at 3:30 p.m. for calm and then for team performance. Um, semiinal and final performances will be announced following the comp completion of all the preliminary rounds and live stream access to the competition will be available for purchase on the dance website um during the week of the event. Um, it number is congratulations to the PAS regional girls swim team for placing third overall at the burn county champs. This is the best finish in school history. Um also congrats to Valley's Amanda Brown for being the burn county 100 champion for the second year in a row. Amanda is now the first in
024school history back annual blood drive will occur on March 6th. Um annually the valley drive high school drive in North Jersey and council is proud to drive and also my joke. Yeah, my joke. Um, what bites that doesn't have teeth? >> Frost. >> Thank you so much. All right. Um, moving on to minutes. Resolve that the Pasc Valley Regional High School District of education at the recommendation of the interim superintendent approve the following Pasc Valley Regional High School District Board of Education minutes. Can I have a motion, please? >> Any discussion? Seems that there's no discussion. Um, roll call, please. >> Miss Gman, >> yes. >> Mrs. W. >> Yes. obstain. >> Mrs. Mara, >> yes. to comologize. >> You could always watch it. >> Yes, you can. >> Okay. Um, next comments from the
025public. Citizens are invited to make comments regarding agenda items and are limited to three minutes according to the Pasc Valley Regional High School District Board of Education policy number 0167. Persons wishing to speak must upon being recognized rise, sign in, state their name, town of residents, and which agenda item they're referencing. Are there any comments from the public? Okay, moving on to policy. There are six consent agenda items um regarding policy item number four. Um the hyperlink list has been replaced with the committee assignment um that was provided that you should all have in front of you. So can I have a motion regarding consent agenda items 1 to six? >> Any discussion? >> Yes. >> Miss Keller. >> Yes. Mrs. Yes. Mr. Weaver. >> Not to four. Yes. >> Miss Stephins. >> Yes. >>
026Moving on to education. There are four consent agenda items. Can I have a motion, please? >> Any discussion? Miss Kurt, please. >> Yes. M. >> Yes. >> M. Yes. Miss Keller. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mar. Yes. >> Mr. Weber. >> Yes. >> Miss Evans. >> Yes. Moving on to human resources. There are 13 consent agenda items. Can I have a motion, please? Any discussion? Mrs. Roll call, please. Miss >> Gman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Wong, yes. >> Miss Keller, >> yes. >> Mrs. Vy, >> yes. Main >> 10. Yes. >> Yes. >> Moving on to finance. There are 21 consent agenda items. I have a motion, please. Any discussion? We thank the people who have donated. There's a pretty long So, we appreciate the donations. >> Yes. Thank you. Anyone else? Um, Mrs. Kirk. Um,
027roll call, please. >> Miss, >> yes. Miss, >> yes. >> Mrs. W. Yes. >> M. Keller. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mr. Weber. >> Yes. >> Miss. Yes. Okay. Moving on to old business. Okay. Is there any um new business? >> Yeah. Um is there any new business? >> Uh I would like to thank Mr. Phillips for setting up table to table which is uh where we take the food from our schools that are not uh used and we donate it to the uh pantries and so Mr. Phillips set it up with the uh food vendor and so I really appreciate that. Thank you Mr. Phillips. >> I I will give credit to uh Mrs. Kurt also for doing a lot of the labor. Great use of our resources. >> You're welcome. I just want to
028thank also Ponian specifically Teresa from Ponian. She really did all of the work and working table to table to set that up. So, thank you Teresa. That's awesome. And then I just would like to say to Mr. Phillips and Dr. uh we really appreciate your efforts to make sure that the school that the students have the maximum amount of and we really thank you for looking into that for making the necessary uh adjustments and thank you. >> Um okay, I think um under new business um we should discuss the um uh the board retreat, right? Um I think we were given dates, possible dates. Uh we we need to discuss if we want to continue what you did last year or was have it on a weekend in the fall or previous years you had
029it during the summer months on a weekend or during the weekend. >> No summer. >> I'm going to say no summer. >> Uh so we have been doing it in the past on the first Saturday of September. >> So I'm keep it that way or whatever. Anyone want to about it. after >> I guess the only thing would be if anyone celebrates that tree open to the public. So I think having >> How long is the retreat? >> 2 hours 9 to 12. So then we're moving on to the right. >> What about the Saturday before sort of summer? >> What about a weekday? >> You mean like in the evening? >> Yeah, like evening. >> Try those. It's definitely not as enthusiastic as the Saturday. >> I don't think there is anything wrong. >>
030Can everyone do the 19? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> All right. Great. Um, any other new business? >> Yeah, just uh two things. One, I know I had respondence with uh just regarding climate survey. I know my first couple years in district on the board I know that that was presented to us. It seems like we've gotten away from that and maybe it landed in curriculum committee but inconsistently. Um it seems like a lot of important information comes out of that. So if we could get back to having that be something that's available to the public and all the board members. I haven't seen that information in four years. There was always a very high emphasis on the survey information that comes out of it. So I think we as a board could again have
031access to that information and the public as well. I think that would be a great practice to get back to more than happy to. A lot of work goes into that survey. We're reaching out to students, parents, and staff um to gather the information. They're meeting multiple times after they have the information um to analyze it, but then also come with recommendations. So, um we'll be more the community. Great. Thanks. >> Great. Thank you. Any other business? >> Hey, Mike, did you have something else? Sorry. All right. Um Okay. Comments from the public. Uh, citizens are invited to make comments are limited to three minutes. According to the Pasc Valley Regional High School District Board of Education, policy number 0167. Persons wishing to speak must upon being recognized by sign in state their name and
032town of residents. Any comments from the public? My name is Can you hear me? >> No. >> Yes. >> My name is Bradley Ratu. Uh I've been uh coaching the Hillsdale Hawks. >> I'm gonna stop you for one second. Where are you? What town are you? >> Hillsdale. >> Thank you. >> Been coaching the Hillsdale Hawks uh since my son was six. We started the Mighty Might program in Hillsdale and uh amongst coaches. We started it together and now my son Connor is a sophomore. I'm here to express my deep concern regarding the current leadership of the Pasc Valley High School football program and the respectfully request that the board review the continued appointment of the current head coach. Over the past year, it's become increasingly evident that the head coach has not demonstrated the
033level of leadership, decision making, and professionalism that we expect for the young men in our community both on and off the field. Several of our choices, the choices that have been made have raised serious questions about the readiness to hold such an influential and demanding position. A head coach plays a pivotal role not only in athletic development but also in shaping the character, maturity and responsibility. And unfortunately, these standards have not been consistently upheld. This concern is not mine alone. A pattern has emerged in which parents and players are considering stepping away from the program. I know firsthand that players question his decision making on the field and lack the confidence they need in him as a head coach. With his position, especially with this game of football, if the head coach is not 100%
034[clears throat] trusted and believed in, the chances of maintaining a program that will be as successful is nearly impossible. And I'm not talking about wins and losses in particular. I'm talking about training freshman boys to become molded into young, responsible men. Something the prior coach did very well. A person given this position, especially leading a PB program that is built on two very respectful programs in the Hillsdale Hawks and the Riverdale Raiders, needs to be carefully given to a coach who has proven to be trusted and respectful as a leader to ensure the safety and success of our children. Receiving players from the Hawks and the Raiders is like getting the keys to a Ferrari. The football IQ and passion that we put into these kids gives them the game that they need. They have
035a deep existence within them and their high football IQ exists tremendously and we don't want to hand that off to just anybody. As coaches and parents, we expect the PV head coach to be the absolute best to serve in that honorable position. I am I firmly believe that Pasc Valley student athletes deserve a leader who models integrity, communication amongst his players effectively and fosters an environment built on trust, accountability, growth, and at the same time do not believe the current coach meets these expectations. I respectfully and ask the board to thoroughly evaluate his performance and consider taking appropriate action, including removal from the position if warranted to ensure the well-being and development of our students. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for our continued commitment to our school community. >> Thank you.
036>> To sign this. Yes, please. Thank you. Are there any other comments in the public? Hello members of the board of education. My name is Colin McMaro. I'm speaking as a student athlete who played football this season. I'm not only speaking on behalf of my frustration and disappointment, but many of my teammates and fans of Pas Valley football as well. From the start of the summer, there was a lack of motivation and ambition on the field. This is characterized in many different ways. One of these ways is shown at halftime during our game at Multipan. We're all in the locker room is already low and instead of motivating lifting up our spirits, coach Marier states to our entire team and I quote, "We are not winning this game." This is also shown after a final
037game of the year as coach Brerier is seemingly walking by and shouldering our already disappointed started quarterback. Another one of my concerns with the current state of Pas Valley football is the future that it holds. As someone who is a former player and now helps coach the Raiders organization, I have heard my fair share of concerns and complaints about the future of Pas Valley football from not only parents but young athletes as well. From just the Raiders alone, I've heard around six different Raiders players that have committed to parochial schools to continue their athletic careers. It is clear that if the state of Pascal Valley football does not change, the future of this organization will be in jeopardy. I'm not here to change the past and the outcome of my senior year. I'm here to
038change the future to better better the experience of my younger brothers and future athletes passing by football. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any comments from the public tomorrow from River. Good evening. My name is Freddy McMaro and I'm a sophomore at Pasad Valley. I'm here because I care about the future of this team. And right now, myself and many others do not like how the future is looking. In 2024, we were sectional champions. So, we entered this year with high expectations as we had many returning starters and younger kids trying to prove themselves. We knew we had the talent to run it back, but instead we struggled just to make the playoffs and were eliminated in the first round. The struggles we had started with our preparation. Film sessions are supposed to be where we
039gain an edge, but the guidance we got, especially on the offensive side of the ball, was not only unclear, but it was also not in depth at all. Our postgame reviews were much worse. These are supposed to be where we really learn what to do better and how to do it. However, these always turned into an argument of some sort. Whether it be between the coaches or a player and a coach, there was always yelling and fingers were always being pointed at one another. The lack of preparation translated into chaos into chaos on the field. Throughout the season, we were put at a disadvantage by basic coaching errors. For example, during the pan game, we played an entire drive with only 10 men on the field. This isn't just a mistake that can be forgotten.
040That is a fundamental lack of organization. This isn't the only time something like this has happened. Communication was a problem all year. There were times when a player was called with different personnel on the field. This will lead us to using a timeout because you can't run a play if you don't have the right people on the field. Also, there were times when someone was sent out onto the field, but no one came off, which also caused us to use a timeout or a flag would simply be thrown. This lack of preparation and communication led to a total breakdown of trust on the field. It reached a point where during multiple games, players actually started calling their own plays in the huddle because the ones coming from the sideline were either too late, didn't match
041the personnel on the field, or simply didn't make sense for the situation we were in. When players feel they have to take over the coaching just to give the team a chance to compete, it shows a complete loss of leadership. We are the future of Pascal Valley football. We want to work hard. We want to be coached and we want to win. But we cannot we cannot succeed when we are being held back back by a lack of preparation and a lack of leadership. We're asking the board to consider a coaching transition not because we want things to be easy but because we want to be a part of a program that is organized, disciplined, and ready to compete for state titles again. Thank you. >> Thank you. Srira Sedria Fertoic Hills. Good evening. My
042name is Sedria Fertoic and I'm a senior at Pac Valley. I'm speaking as a student athlete who played football this season. I want to start by saying this is coming from frustration and concern for the program and the future athletes. From the very beginning, there was lack of organization. For example, helmet consent forms, physicals, and even basic communication. Constantly unclear or last minute. There was never a clear game plan or practice plan. As the season went on, we didn't develop as players in many ways, but we actually got worse. We were cons we were constantly unprepared for practices and games. As head coach, leadership matters. Why wasn't uh Coach Baneer leading us in stretch lines or even leading us out on the field? How come on senior night, Coach Veneer didn't take photos with any
043of the kids? But Coach Beneer did every time we took the field, we felt unprepared. The Valley tradition is slowly fading away this year. One example is on senior night how all the Riverville Raiders and Hillsdale Hawks players would come and be on the sideline and be supportive. This year they did not get invited so they were not on the field. All in all, I'm speaking up not for myself but the future players who deserves better preparation, leadership and respect. Thank you. >> Thank you. Tyler Kimville. Good evening, Board of Education members. My name is Tyler Kim and I'm a sophomore at Pasco Valley. I'm here to speak about the culture and discipline of our football program. Coming off of a championship year, we were expected to be pushed. Instead, we saw a total collapse
044in the standards that made Pasc Valley a winning program. Coach Preer claims to be a player's coach, but I can tell you that there is no relationship between many of my teammates and him. Your coach is supposed to be someone you look up to. But when many of us haven't had a single conversation with him all season, we started to question if he really cares about us. It has seemed as if he only cared about the players who played during the varsity games. And this has led to kids not the offseason lifts and some kids have quit or thinking to quit the team not because they dislike football but because they no longer respect the person leading them. This lack of connection led to a lack of accountability. We had players showing up late, skipping
045practices and receiving detentions with zero consequences consequences from the head coach. It got to a point where our captain had to be the ones to enforce discipline and make the players run and like accountability for what their actions are. That is a failure of leadership. This isn't just about wins and losses. It's about the environment that we are being raised in. High school sports are supposed to teach us that hard work pays off and that actions have consequences. Currently, the message being said is the opposite. When the expectations are lowered, the whole culture of Pasco Valley football changes from being great to just being average. We're watching a program that took years to build start to fall apart in just one season. If this continues, we aren't just losing a winning record. We're losing a
046family and a standard of behavior that defines what it means to be a student athlete at this school. I am here today because I love this team and I want to see it succeed long after I graduate. However, for that to happen, we need leadership that is present, engaged, and willing to hold us to the high standards that we signed up for. We are asking you to take a hard look at the current state of our program and consider this is the leadership that best serves the students at of Pasak Valley. We deserve a coach who is as committed to our growth as we are to this team. Thank you for your time listening to me. >> Thank you. >> Any other comments? uh Tim Troy Rubel. Uh I am a sophomore at Pasad Valley.
047I'm up here today because my frustration with coach Ber. I expected the season to be a success, especially after last year's sectional title. Because of the struggle we had this year, I figured the offseason could get us back on track. However, however, I feel it's been the opposite. During our off season, less kids are not wanting to show up because they feel they could be getting stronger on their own, but they just don't want to lift because they don't want to play under coach Baneer. I have a personal trainer and I feel myself getting stronger, but instead of supporting me, Coach Ber talks about me behind my back to my teammates and saying things like, "He'll never make it and he's not going to be strong enough." I confronted him about these issues and instead
048of owning up to it, he told me that he didn't say anything. Stuff like this is the reason we are we are here today and what makes the player not want to play for their coach. Thank you for Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Any other comments from the public? >> Good evening. I'm Anthony D. Rosa, Councilman from Hillsdale. Um, just want to introduce myself to some newer members, reintroduce myself because I recognize a lot of you. Um, I was previously for a number of years. Um, look forward to working with you. The leazison's responsibility, as you know, is pretty much a communications conduit. Um, so I regularly report regularly attend your meetings and regularly report to the council. Um, as an aside, I'm a PB graduate. My kids went to PB as
049well, so I'm pretty vested in the school in the town. Uh, look forward to working with you and if I can ever do anything for you, just please let me know. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. Any other comments from the public? >> I would just like to thank all the students. Yeah. because I know it takes a lot for you guys to come up here and speak. Um, and I really, really appreciate you speaking and telling us how you feel. We really love when students come and for the board speak. Thank you. >> I want to echo that. Um, I got the privilege of watching each of you shake up here. So, I know it was hard and I appreciate you coming up here and speaking to us even though your voice shakes. Great job.
050No more comments. Correct. Uh thank you for everyone um coming out tonight, expressing your uh comments um to us. Um we really do appreciate it. as others have seated on the board. Um at this time we are um going to adjourn. Is there a motion? pretty good. Oh, yeah. Yes.