001Good evening everyone. Thank you all for being here tonight. I apologize for the short delay in us getting started. We did open our meeting in an executive session to discuss a few different matters that are in front of the board. Um so with that being said, we have already um gone through all of our opening motions and the first item on the agenda um will be our student representative. >> Yes. Hi, my name is Aiva Mantina and I'm a current sophomore. For old business, students have been testing for the past few weeks between NJSLA, science testing, and AP testing. We also have the class of 2027 senior portraits. Retakes will take place in the fall. Our prom ticket sales are over and we sold 350 tickets. We also had a green slit pancake breakfast which
002was on May 13th. And new officers for both class office and student council will begin their term this September. For new business, don't text and drive safe driver of the month for May is Cameron Tub. Don't text and drive is also going to Six Flags Great Adventure on May 21st. Student council is also going to Six Flags on June 1st. Along with that, student council donated $2,500 to the NJC state charity. That's all from us. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. The next item on our agenda is agenda item F. It is the public forum. This is the public forum that is for agenda items only. Was there anyone from the public wishing to comment on an agenda item? If I could get a show of hands so I can get an idea of
003count of anyone. Okay. Seeing no public comment on agenda items, we will move on to what's going to be the most fun portion of our night. It's the our recognition and presentations um for this evening. Uh there are two items on that agenda. I believe we are going to start with the um governor's teachings of the year. >> Okay, Dr. Hey, good evening everybody. Um, it's a proud moment as a superintendent. I've got the opportunity to stand before everybody to celebrate your teacher of the year and your traditional uh service person of the year. And tonight, I'm excited to do that. There is no more important work happening here in this district than what takes place in our classrooms every single day. And tonight, we have the privilege of recognizing the very best among us.
004Teaching isn't a job. It's a call back. It asks you to show up. It asks uh show up fully every day for children who are still trying to figure out who they are, trying to figure out where they're going to go with their lives and what they're going to do. It takes patience and hard work. It takes creative uh creativity, not curricular rigidity. And it takes the ability to believe in every child. And the people here tonight embody all of those characteristics. On behalf of our board of education and our administrative team, our families, and most important, our students, I sincerely say thank you. You have chosen one of the hardest and most important paths that a person can walk. And I can tell you that I believe that you walk it with grace and
005excellence every single day. Bordontown Regional School District is what it is because of the people who are being celebrated here tonight. I'd like to call up Jenna Chie, the high school vice president, who's going to introduce our high school teacher of the year. Good evening. It is a privilege to stand before you tonight to recognize a teacher whose impact on the students and families of Bordingtown Regional School District has extended beyond the walls of the classroom. Tonight we celebrate the governor's educator of the year for Bordontown Regional High School, Miss Ellen Kirk. Ellen, please join me. For more than 30 years, Miss Kirk has dedicated herself to the music arts and to the students of our district. Across both middle school and high school, she's built a program rooted not only in musical excellence, but
006compassion, inclusion, confidence, and belonging. Students consistently describe Miss Kirk as someone who sees them, values them, and encourages them to discover both their vocal voice and their personal voice. One student shared that Miss Kirk pushed them to audition for honors choir, something they never thought they could accomplish, and that encouragement led to success and newfound confidence. That is the mark of an extraordinary educator, someone who sees potential in students before they see it in themselves. Colleagues describe her as collaborative, compassionate, and unwavering in her beliefs that all students deserve the art the opportunity to participate and succeed. Whether adapting instruction, working alongside support staff, or finding creative ways to meet the individual needs of students, Miss Kirk has always led with empathy and determination. Her philosophy has always been simple and powerful. Let them sing
007if they enjoy it. The spirit of inclusion has become a part of her legacy. For many students, choir has been more than a class. It's become a home, a place where they're accepted, encouraged, and empowered. Her influence extends beyond students, beyond the students as well. Through initiatives like singing Scotties, she founded ways to bring the staff together, strengthen the sense of community through the district. She reminds us all that music has the power to connect people and create something greater than ourselves. As this year marks Miss Kirk's final year before her final year of retirement, it's especially meaningful that we honor her tonight. Her legacy will live on in every student whose confidence she's built, every voice she's helped strengthen, and every life she's touched in her dedication to education of the arts. Tomorrow night
008at 7:30, Miss Kirk will have her final concert right here in the pack. We encourage you to attend and observe firsthand the countless number of students that have been experiencing throughout the years. Miss Kirk, we thank you for your dedicated years of service, your unwavering commitment to our students, and the countless ways you can reach boarding regional school district community. Your work has mattered deeply, and your influence will continue long after the final concert ends. Congratulations on being named the Governor's Education of the Year for Boytown Regional High School. This recognition is richly deserved. Also, we'd like to honor someone we recognized whose dedication, professionalism, and compassion exemplifies the very best of what it means to serve students. It's my honor to celebrate the governor's educational service professional of the year for Bordome Regional High
009School, Mr. Robert Zack. There are some people in a school community whose impact is impossible to measure because they quietly make everything around them better. Mr. Zach is one of those people. Colleagues describe him as dependable, professional, and someone who continually goes above and beyond expectations. In a profession where reliability matters deeply, Mr. Mr. Zach stands out for his commitment to being present for students and staff alike. As a one-to-one aid, Mr. Zach always places the need of his assigned student first. He understands supporting students is not simply about supervision. It's about dignity, encouragement, accountability, and helping young people become confident participants in their classrooms and school community. He balances compassion with high expectations, creating an environment where students feel supported while also being challenged to grow and succeed. One teacher reflected on working with
010Mr. Zach in both middle school and high school setting. Shared how he helped a student become an active and valued member of the vocal technique class. Mr. Zach anticipated the needs before anyone had time to ask, helping that student participate in rehearsals, assisting with classroom activities, and ensuring that he was engaged alongside his peers. Through his support, patience, and encouragement, he helped create opportunities for success and belonging. What makes Mr. Zach exceptional is that his charact beyond the students formerly assigned to him. Whenever his student is settled and independent, he immediately looks for ways to assist others. He helps stu students through the classroom, supports the teachers however needed, passes out materials, rearranges rooms, makes copies, and steps in wherever he is needed, all without hesitation or seeking without recognition. He is also deeply committed
011to the safety and well-being of our school community. Every morning, Mr. Zach checks the cafeteria doors and windows to ensure building safety secure and takes the initiative to address concerns and communicate with staff when things need attention. These quiet acts of responsibility speak volumes about his character and the pride he takes in caring for the school environment. Perhaps most importantly, Mr. Zach's approach to every task, whether it's large or small, with humility, professionalism, and genuine kindness. He understands that supporting students requires teamwork, flexibility, and heart. He is the kind of person college trusts completely and students feel comfortable around. Mr. Zach, we thank you for your dedication, your reliability, and your compassion, as well as your countless ways that you support others. Your commitments to the students and staff represent the best of educational service.
012Congratulations on being named the governor's education service professional of the year for Bord High School. This is welld deserved as well. Okay, at this time we're going to call Mr. Spray, principal, please. Um, thank you. Uh congratulations to all of our teacher of the year and educational services special of the year. Um been a board in town for my whole career. It's it's uh Dr. Al couldn't say any better. It's the staff that makes this place go the culture that we have and uh how much people just genuinely care across the district. It's uh it's remarkable. So um for the middle school, the teacher of the year for Mortontown Regional Middle School is Mr. Tomi. Tom is definitely not one for the limelight, but we're going to make him suffer through it. So, um, not
013to show Tom's age, Tom's been teaching for 28 years based on the information I got, and he's one, right now, he's one of our eighth grade math teachers. He did spend some time in the social studies department, a lot of time in the social studies department, but now he's one of our eighth grade math teachers. Um, Tom's a tremendous asset to our BRMS team, and he's the type of teacher who works tirelessly to his students to perform to the best of their ability. Um he will work and work and work with kids to the point where they get annoyed with him chasing them down and uh they they the students respond to that eventually. Um he challenges the students um but he also supports them through these challenges and helps them and helps them to
014understand the value of hard work. It's one of the biggest takeaways I I've seen Tom's work is that the students really learn what it means to to push yourself and try and put forth effort. Um a student said this about Mr. Rolf. I think it's pretty important to to take into consideration what our kids say about our staff. And the student said this about Mr. Golfie. This nominee inspires students to push them, push themselves to be their best, whether it's on the field or in the classroom. He never fails to encourage students to perform to the best of their abilities. And we're just thankful to have Tom be a huge part of our middle school team. And congratulations to be our best teacher here, Mr. Rudolph. All right. Our educational services professional of the year
015for Bordontown Regional Middle School is Kristen Kelly. Kristen is also not from the limelight, but she definitely does so much work behind the scenes. She deserves deserves all the attention she's getting right now. Um Kristen works on our child study teams and case manager as well as serving as our learning disabilities teacher consultant. Uh Kristen works extremely hard to provide our staff and students with the support they need to help help the students become successful. She's a valuable resource for our staff. She always works and providing the best opportunities to learn and grow. A staff member said this about Kristen. Kristen is dedicated to her student success. She helps give staff data driven interventions to help instruct her students. She collaborates with many different schoolbased team to improve education at PRMS. We're thankful for all
016that Kristen does for for our staff and our students and and for all the resources that she provides. And congratulations to our VRS educational service professional leader, Kristen Cal. Hey, they always schedule these nights when we have an event like field day. I look like myself. I would have I I just haven't gone home today. So, this is my field day out. That's uh they say the loudest voices in a room often get the most attention, but tonight we're here to celebrate someone who proves that the quietest presence can make the biggest impact. It's an honor to present the McFarland Intermediate School Teacher of the Year Award to Jennifer Parkinson. Jen has been an important part of our Mortontown School community for some time now, but it wasn't until this past year that I finally
017had the privilege of working with her directly. And let me tell you, getting to see her in action every day, I can tell you she embodies what it means to be a great educator. If you know Jen, you know she isn't one to seek out the spotlight. She's quiet, unassuming, and humble. While the hallways of an intermediate school can often be loud, hectic, and chaotic. Jen is the steady anchor. She doesn't need to shout to be heard. Her dedication, her teaching skill, and the success of her students speak volumes. The world of education throws a lot at us. Curriculums change, schedules shift, and every day brings a new surprise. Yet, no matter what is thrown her way, Jen accepts each challenge willingly. But what truly sets Jen apart isn't just what she teaches. It's how
018she teaches. No matter how stressful the school year gets, it's been fairly stressful lately. Jen maintains a positive attitude and a remarkably calm demeanor. Her composure is contagious. When a student's frustrated, struggling, or having a tough day, Jen's right there beside them. She has an incredible gift for lowering the anxiety in a room and replacing it with confidence, turning daunting moments into triumphs. Jen, you model what it means to be resilient, thoughtful, and an outstanding professional. You meet every challenge with grace, every student with patience, and every day with a smile. I'm pleased and proud that you're this year's recipient. You are deeply deserving of this honor and McFarland Intermediate is fortunate to have you. Please join me in a round of applause for our teacher. There are certain people who form the very heartbeat
019of school. The ones who keep things running smoothly, keep our children safe, and bring a sense of comfort just by being there. A school nurse is one of those people. Tonight, we honor someone who represents the very best of our community. And I ask that you please join me in celebrating our McFarland Intermediate School Educational Services Professional of the Year, Linda. Liz has been a dedicated person for many years. It's hard to believe how much time has passed because she still brings the same exact energy, warmth, and dedication to work every day as if she were just hired yesterday. It feels like just yesterday, Linda. It's been been a lot of years for us both. Time flies when you love what you do. And Linda truly loves our school and the entire district. As our
020school nurse, Linda's primary focus is keeping our students safe, healthy, and cared for. She goes far beyond the standard duties of her job. Her follow-through is amazing. When a student walks into her office, Linda just doesn't treat the immediate need. She follows up, checks in, and ensures every child and their family have exactly what they need to succeed. Linda is also a team player. She works well with other district nurses, collaborating seamlessly to ensure that our health standards are topnotch and our entire community is protected. Her hard work behind the and her hard work behind the scenes has helped our school community tremendously, especially during times when we needed that steady expert hand most. But what makes Linda truly special is the giant she brings to the department every day. That fierce, care and nurturing
021spirit come naturally to her. She's a wonderful mother and proud grandmother, and she brings that same deep maternal warmth to every student who walks through her door. To Lyndon, these aren't just students on the roster. They're kids who deserve to be safe, listened to, and cared for. Lyndon, dedication toward talent, your strong work ethic, and your love for our school community are inspiring. You're deeply deserving of this award and we're very grateful for everything that you do. Congratulations. Good evening, members of the board of education, staff, families, and honored guests. Congratulations to all of our recipients tonight. Um, it's an honor to be in your presence tonight and every day. Um, tonight, it's my privilege to recognize and celebrate an extraordinary educator, Mrs. Leona Stanton on being named Clara Barker's Governor's Teacher of the Year.
022Mrs. Stanton has been a valued and respected member of the Bordontown Regional School District learning communities for decades. We'll leave it at that, Leona. Throughout her career, she has positively impacted the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues throughout her unwavering dedication, compassion, and professionalism. Leona is the kind of educator every school hopes to have. She's dependable, collaborative, and deeply committed to the success of every child. She consistently gives 100% of herself to her students and to her profession. Her work ethic is unmatched and her commitment to excellence is evident in everything she does. What makes Mrs. Stanton truly exceptional is her ability to balance high expectations with genuine care and support. She firmly believes in maintaining rigor and keeping the bar high for all students, especially for our special education learners. She never underestimates
023what children are capable of achieving. Instead, she works tirelessly to provide the nurturing support, individualized instruction, and endless instructional strate strategies necessary to help every learner grow and succeed. Leo Leona always puts students first. Whether she's advocating for a child, collaborating with colleagues, or finding creative ways to meet individual needs, her decisions are always grounded in what is best for her students. Her classroom is a place where children children feel safe, valued, challenged, and celebrated. In addition to her impact on students, Mrs. Stanton has mentored and inspired numerous staff members over the years, myself included. Her guidance, wisdom, and steady presence have helped shape the practice of many educators in this district. She leads not through recognition or praise, but through quiet, consistency, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to do what is right for kids.
024Mrs. Stanton represents the very best of education. She embodies professionalism, compassion, dedication, and excellence. This recognition as governor's governor's teacher of the year is not only welld deserved, but a reflection of the profound difference she has made in the lives of so many. Mrs. Stanton, thank you for your decades of service, your commitment to our children, and the countless ways you have strengthened our school community. We are incredibly fortunate to work alongside you, and we are proud to celebrate this well-earned honor tonight. Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Stanton, CBS Governor Dra. It is also my honor tonight to recognize an exceptional member of the Clara Barton learning community, Mrs. Jennifer Gordon. I'll be named Clar Barton today. Mrs. Gordeno is truly deserving of this recognition because she exemplifies what it means to serve others
025with compassion, dedication, and heart. Each and every day, she brings positivity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to support students and staff. Jennifer is someone you can always count on. She is not only dependable, but also very conscientious and consistently willing to go above and beyond to meet the needs of the students she serves. She cares deeply about her students and works tirelessly to ensure they feel supported, encouraged, and valued each day that they walk through her door. What makes Jen especially remarkable is the way she approaches her work with kindness and humility. She is a true team player who supports not only the students in her classroom but also the teacher, her colleagues, and the administrators. No matter the task or challenge, Jennifer is always ready to step in and help wherever she is needed.
026Jen consistently puts the needs of others before her own. She leads with empathy, patience, and understanding, creating a positive and caring environment for everyone around her. Her grateful spirit and genuine appreciation for each day are contagious. She spreads kindness naturally and reminds all of us of the powerful impact compassion can have within a school community. Mrs. Gordeno's dedication does not go unnoticed. The relationship she builds, the care she shows, and the support she provides make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and staff alike. Mrs. Miss Gordeno, thank you for all you do for the Clar community. We are grateful for your dedication, your caring heart, and the countless ways you make our school a better place each day. This recognition is welld deserved, and we are proud to celebrate tonight. Please join
027me in congratulating Mrs. Gordo on Okay, Mr. >> Good evening, Dr. I've developed members of the Bordontown Regional School District Board of Education and community. Through my career in this district, the one thing that has stood out and inherited from all the other presentations is the exceptional quality of our staff members. While I extend my congratulations to all educators through the district who earned these awards tonight, I am thrilled to introduce two of my colleagues from Peter Mutual as the recipients of the Governor's Educator of the Year Awards. So, I'm going to first call up Mrs. Ashley Morac. Miss is was voted on as the teacher of the year for Peter Mutual Elementary School. Miss Morup is a passionate educator who establishes strong routines in her classroom, fosters a caring, nurturing, loving environment for her
028students and their families, and continuously works to learn more and hone her craft. From the parent who nominated Miss Mar, she stated, "All of her work speaks for itself through her students. She is amazing and will do great things. From how she sets up her structure and with the students and models things for other teachers, Miss Mar is a genuinely great educator. As Miss Mor's colleagues have noted, as she has become a leader in the preschool at Peter Mutual. She has worked hard to earn the respect of her co-workers, administration, par profofessionals, and parents. She has a warm, loving, and well organized class. Her structure and routines in the room create an environment in which any student can succeed and any teacher can help step in and see what needs to occur. Miss Ruff offers
029to help in any way she can as well within her grade level and throughout the school recently becoming a member of our INRS team using her new reading specialist certificate um to help us all. I just want to congratulate Miss Ashley Rock is Peter Mutual's teacher of the year. Next, I have the pleasure of introducing Peter Mutual's educational services professional deer, our child psychologist, Miss Valentina Summer. Miss Summer is a dedicated member of our child study team and the Peter Comm. As one colleague nominated the summer stated, Val has been an amazing addition to the Peter Mucil family. She works exceptionally hard every single day to make sure the students have what they need. She steps in when needed and not only supports the students but also the staff. There have been many, many days
030where she could have said, "I am busy and have my own work to do." But she never does. She always puts others first and does so with a smile. Miss Summer fills in whenever needed to ensure her students have what they need. Another colleague also shared, "Valentina is someone who goes above and beyond every single day. Truly showing dedication in every detail. Whether she's helping a teacher, making sure students are cared for, or walking them through a crisis, or simply make simply making them feel safe and comfortable with her warm smile. She does it all with grace. Val anticipates the needs of her colleagues, supports parents with kindness and clarity, and steps in wherever she's needed. She is truly the total package. Congratulations to Miss Valentina Summer, Peter Mutual's educational services provider of the Okay,
031thank you. Uh and congratulations again to everybody. What a great night. At this time, I want to call the board because we do have one more recognition that I'll once again start by saying thank you again to all of our teachers and our um service specialists. Um our children are very blessed to have you in our lives. Um there's one other person in the audience with us tonight that um I also wanted to take the uh opportunity to thank. As a board of education, much of our work focuses on future budgets, policies, curriculum, planning, and countless decisions that shape what comes next for our students in our district. But every so often, we have the opportunity to pause and reflect on the people whose leadership and service have helped make the future possible. Tonight's one
032of those moments. We're here to recognize someone whose impact of Gordon Town spans not one chapter, but two. someone whose leadership, institutional knowledge, and unwavering commitment to community have helped shape the course of this district over many years. Tonight, we're here to also honor Dr. Edward Forster. Dr. Dr. Foresttoer first served Hardentown Regional School District as a superintendent from 2014 to 2021, helping lead this district through important periods of growth, opportunity, and progress. His leadership helped strengthen the foundation of our schools, our support staff, and create opportunities for students that continue to influence this district today. long before many of us sitting here um became involved in the district. His leadership left meaningful and lasting impact on Gordon Hill. When the district once again found itself in need of an experienced leader during a period
033of transition, Dr. Forsuffer answered the call to return. He stepped back into service not for recognition but because Gordontown needed him. When he returned as interim superintendent, he brought exactly what the district needed in that moment, experience, perspective, and stability. He helped guide the district with professionalism, thoughtfulness, and care, while maintaining a clear focus on students and supporting the work happening throughout our schools. His deep understanding of district operations, school finance, and educational leadership provided proved to be invaluable. He worked collaboratively with the board, the administration, the staff and community, helping to ensure continuity through thoughtful decision-making during the period of this transition. But perhaps one of the most important parts of his interim service is something will continue long after his tenure has ended. Dr. Forsaw helped prepare the district for its next chapter.
034Um through his ste steady leadership and thoughtful stewardship, he helped assist the district for uh the future lady. a an important groundwork to support the success of our current fellow. Great intern leaders understand that their role is not simply to guide the organization enrollment but to help ensure those who follow our position to succeed and Dr. Forestto did exactly that. Many of you may not know this but when the board first learn first reached out to Dr. Forstoer about returning as an interim we learned something that many of the community may not know. Um he had decided to take on in his retirement years. See, Dr. Forstoer had found a new stage quite literally. In retirement, Dr. Forstoer embraced a passion for acting and theater by getting involved in the performing arts. He has had
035roles in numerous productions. And I think for many of us, it offered another glimpse into who he is beyond the superintendent. Someone who values creativity, connection, storytelling, and community. The more we learn about this part of his life, the more fitting tonight's recognition began to feel. Because in many ways, theater and education are not all that different. Both are built on collaboration. Both require patience, preparation, and trust. In both, success comes from people working together to help others grow, discover confidence, and become something greater than imagined possible. For someone who has spent so much of his so much of his life helping students find their path and who has also spent part of his retirement helping stories come to life on stage, it feels especially appropriate that we recognize him here in the theater. I
036actually have a few more things to say, but I think it might be appropriate Dr. Paulo I think has a few remarks as well. So I will hand the mic over to And I believe there's a saying here and given that tonight you are being honored feels only appropriate to one the show must must go on Dr. force operator who has spent his career proving that to be true in every sense of the world. As you know, I'd served as the district superintendent for seven years. Seven years of budgets, board meetings, late night phone calls, early morning crisises, fighting for kids, and fighting for this community. And at the end of those seven years, most people in his position would have taken a very well-earned bow, closed the curtain, and headed for the exit. Not
037when this district needed when the district was navigating a turbulent chapter and needed a steady hand, a familiar face, someone who genuinely loved this place, he came back. No drama, no hesitation, a little drummer. He is an I think tells you everything you need to know about Dr. Fors. A lesser person would have let someone else take this stage and put the district on his back again because that's who he is. So tonight we do something that feels entirely fitting for this man, a man who loves the performing arts. We're going to name a row in this very words in this honor. you didn't hear. We are going to name a row of seats in this auditorium in Dr. Fortocker's honor. As a permanent reminder that greater great leadership like great theater leaves a mark
038long after the final curve. Dr. For soccer, you've been a superintendent, an intern, a mentor to me, a steady hand, and yes, certainly a performer. Border regional gives you something no one could take away. A row of the best seats in this house. It is, we think, the least we can do for a man who gave us his best years. Thank you. row and >> Okay, we're going to take a brief intermission so that any of the teachers are here who would like to take pictures outside or Dr. Foroff would like to come up and say a few words, should the stage, but thank you. Uhoh. Yeah, I um I would address that. I um I'm going to I'm going to prove a long-held rumor true that I'm not a great exemplary speaker. Um, I
039also prepare a lot of reports. I did write some stuff down a little fast when I saw my name in the agenda because I was truly coming to see the uh the ed specialist and teachers of the year and help uh to congratulate them. So, um yeah, this is a um a big surprise. So, thank you. I will be uncharacteristically brief. Um I also brag about Boing Town. Everybody knew that the first seven years that I was here. And um I I've said this before, but my uh my daughter moved here. Uh I think mostly because I worked here and that's all I talked about was how great Mortontown was. Um you know, our students and parents, I'll put them up against any student out there. Our parents have always been uh supportive and cooperative
040with me. So I always appreciated that. Tonight, I'm sure it wasn't easy for the schools to choose the 10 people that they chose because there's uh literally dozens in each building. So I I thank the 10 and congratulate you for coming out because um you truly representative of the best of the best uh in our town, our county, our state, and in our country quite frankly. So um I've never ever worried about the quality of education that was coming from um uh you know coming from our professionals here. uh our administration has always been uh one of the top-notch groups to work with uh to move the needle to get things done um within our schools and I've always enjoyed working with them also. uh our board of ed I've worked with you know I
041I've been a superintendent in three different districts so I've I've had a few of my favorite have always been here uh Steve was here who hired me back in 2014 one of the original many of you uh were here obviously only a year ago I guess a little over a year ago uh to bring me back as interim so um but but just boards that are um there's many kinds of boards many kinds of board members Um, and you want a board that has that's going to question you. Uh, challenge you, I'll say, but you know, ask ask the tough questions, those kind of things. And that's what you have in Morton Town. Um, but in the end, they align behind the decision- making. They they align behind what's best for children. And um, and
042that's what I've always found here uh, in Mortontown. So, I've always been appreciative of that. I I'll end by saying this. Um I I I've said this before I think but you pick a winner with Dr. Alfredello I I hope he has a long fruitful stay here. Uh but in 101 15 years when he's made like commissioner or whatever whatever his next step is in the state or the country or whatever I will anxiously be waiting by my phone watching me waiting for it to ring uh hoping I can give you a third step. So thank you very much. Thank you. I think I >> Okay, we're going to take a 5 to 10 minutes. Thank you very >> Thank you everyone for uh for sticking with us um for that brief intermission. Um that
043was the fun part of the evening. The rest is just business. um as usual. So that concludes uh agenda item G, the recognition and presentation section. And we do not have any unfinished business which puts us on agenda item I which is the consent agenda with 16 items. I will ask someone from the board for a motion open. >> I think first and thank you. Any questions or discussion on I on 16? >> Say not. Miss Henry, please vote for board. >> Mr. Jen, >> yes. >> Miss May, >> yes. >> Miss McCarti, >> yes. >> Miss, >> yes. >> Miss Pap, >> yes. >> Mr. Bear, >> yes. >> Miss Zola, >> yes. >> Mr. Chowski, >> yes. Motion pass. >> Thank you. You're welcome. >> We're now on agenda item J, committee reports
044with one report um regarding the legislative delegate. Thank you. Uh on May 16th, I attended the NJSBA delegate assembly on behalf of the district. Uh the meeting focused heavily on three major themes: governance, advocacy, and the increasing financial pressures facing school districts across Spain and New Jersey. NJSBA leadership shared updates on expanded board member training opportunities, new mentoring initiatives for board members, additional legal and ethics resources, and future advocacy efforts around school funding, labor negotiations, and district operations. The delegate assembly also debated and voted on several statewide resolutions, including issues related to ranked choice voting in school board elections, student protections and climate pilot agreements and their impact on school funding, state funding formula equity, instructional purchasing efficiencies and county vocational school governance and tuition transparency. Many of the discussions reflected challenges that are highly
045relevant to our district, particularly around school funding, advocacy, governance, and fiscal sustainability. Overall, the meeting reinforced the importance of continued board development, strong advocacy efforts, and maintaining effective governance practices as districts continue navigating increasingly complex operational and financial challenges. I walked around and left a packet on everyone's desk that has a more detailed set of notes from the uh assembly including uh more details on each of the resolutions and and how they were uh found. Uh if you have any questions after you have an opportunity to read through it, I'm happy to answer. >> Thank you, Scott. Is there any questions from the board regarding the report? Just want to say that a lot of information typically a thankless to do all this. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Any further questions? Okay,
046we will now move on to agenda item K, the superintendent report. Uh there are no motions, so we will hand over to Dr. Good evening everybody. I will uh also be brief like Dr. Forsaw tonight. Um, it's a busy time of year all over the district. We are closing in on 120 days of school left and we are busy. There are a lot of activities that are going on and I think it's this time of year where sometimes we forget to say thank you to all of the parents and PTAs and PTOs and the volunteers who make things like field day happen. I went to field day today. Yes, it was warm, but it was excellent. I went to field day on Monday. It was warm, but it was excellent. And I think I think
047it's important to recognize the commitment of the parents and the community members and the brothers and sisters and who are here to make events like that happen for our kids. So, um, it was a, as a new superintendent going around to those activities for the first time, it was a it was a very enjoyable moment and I just wanted to take a moment to publicly thank all of the community members who make events like that happen because you are making memories for our kids and I I certainly so thank you. I can talk about any questions from the board. Okay, we'll move on to agenda item L, curriculum with 14 items. >> Thank you, Miss Man. And thank you for the second. Any questions or discussion curriculum L1 through 14? >> Um, I just want
048to say that I am really excited that the marching band's going to get to perform in another outing um in their parade. And it's really nice to also see that um the high school students will be able to attend a teen mental health summit as well. It's always nice to see new things added that just bring more an experience to our seeing no further questions or discussion. Miss Henry, please. >> Mr. Jens, >> yes. >> Miss Ben, >> yes. >> Mardy, >> yes. Yes. >> Miss Pat, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. >> Uh takes us to agenda item M personnel with eight items. I would ask for a motion. >> Thank you. management from this point. Uh any discussion on personnel 11. >> See no discussion. Miss Henry, please hold the order.
049>> Mr. Jens, >> yes. >> Miss man, >> yes. >> Mccardi, >> yes. >> Miss Dawson, >> yes. Miss, >> I am a no on number two and yes to the remaining. Mr. River, >> yes. >> Miss, >> yes. Mr. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Uh, we're now moving on to agenda item N, which has 22 items on it. There is going to be an addition. I believe we open first and then Okay. So, I ask for a motion to open. >> So, Thank you, Miss. >> No, that was her. >> Oh, that was Miss >> Okay. And I need a second to open. >> I'll second. >> Thank you, Miss Solar. Okay. And then there is a motion to add an additional item to and it would be item number 23. And I will
050read that motion. It is be it resolved that pursuant to NJSA18A 18A-22, the board of education hereby rejects all bids and determines to reissue advertisement for bids for the HBAC renovation project at Bordontown Regional High School FVHD-5707. Uh the bid opening occurred on May 13, 2026 for the following reasons. The board wishes to substantially revise the specifications of bid documents advertised for the project and the lowest responsive responsible bid substantially exceeds the cost estimates for the goods and services. So that is the proposed additional motion. I just want to mention that you got two information resolutions at 23 and 24. You might want to make that 125. >> Okay. So, we will make that 125. >> Okay. So, so the full so the full motion would be to revise 23 to say that and then
051the motion will also be to make the information 24 and 25. So, I need a motion and a second if we want to adopt that additional resolution. >> Thank you, Miss. Thank you. Hard to see from from this angle. Um, okay. So, is there any This is just a vote on adding 23 to the agenda. So, is there any discussion on the motion I read or discussion about adding it to our agenda? Seeing same, please hold the board on adding item 23. >> Mr. J. >> Yes. >> Miss man. >> Yes. >> Micardi. >> Yes. M. >> Yes. >> M. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Thank you. And so now I will open the floor for discussion on N1 through 23. >> And there was just for full disclosure to the board there
052was a question um before the meeting started about number 13. Um just and really there the that amount is for the school year for the 2526 school year. Um so that's what that provision is for. >> It just caught my attention when I saw I um sorry I I looked at the uh the bills from January to uh April. the first four months and that was 34,500 was 12 grand in uh January about eight and change in February, six in March and eight in April. Um you know which was right kind of in the wheelhouse of where your bills average. Uh you might have one that's 10 or it's 12 or 15 in a heavy month. Um sometimes you do have heavy months, but I just didn't want anybody to think that from January through
053April we burned through the whole 60,000 that was authorized on January one. I do understand the reasons why it's a fiscal year instead of a regular calendar year. any clarification of that but I just wanted to okay thank you any questions or comments from any seeing none please hold >> Mr. J >> yes >> man >> yes >> thank you Uh, we do not have anything in agenda item O for policy. So, I will move on to agenda item P for public comment. Um, are there any members of the public wishing to comment? And if so, could you please uh just do a show of hands so I can see how many people wish to comment? I see one, two, I see two people wishing to comment. So, there will be a fivem minute time
054limit. And um I know your name is Parker. So, Miss Parker, we'll start with you. And then I did see you over there, Sarah. We'll have you come after Miss Parker's done. Thank you. And Miss Parker, I think you know the drill just at your school. >> Hello. Okay. Um, hi again. I'm Parker and I'm a senior here at the high school. Um, one of the goals repeatedly emphasized by this board has been transparency. So, um, during the meet and greet, Dr. out to uh you spoke about making transparency a priority and I want to acknowledge how important that is for our schools and the community. Um so now I'm asking for that transparency regarding the reported changes happening within the arts programs and other decisions that directly impact the students. Um, from what I've
055heard and observed, many community members seem to be learning about potential changes through conversations and speculation rather than through the district communication from the district. Uh, when decisions affect programs that students care deeply about, there should be openness about what is changing, why there um, those changes are being made and how the students will be affected. I just want to say the arts in general is incredibly important um, part. It's like a big part of our schools. Um, programs like choir, theater, bands, and visual arts give students opportunities to grow creativ creatively and find a space where they feel supported and included. For many students, these programs are more than just electives. They are the reason why students feel motivated to come to school and become involved in their community. Um, I also want to
056briefly mention my recent experience regarding with graduation with Melia. After the last board meeting, my mom and I went to the new principal regarding my request to wear a mic Girl Scout cord at graduation. And during that meeting, we were informed that the administration would be upholding the decision to not allow uh scout regalia because it felt that it was felt that allowing certain awards or recognitions could diminish the accomplishments of other students. I'm not going to lie, I was extremely disappointed hearing that because recognition does not erase anyone else's success. Um, but regardless of the outcome, I think students and families deserve clear communication through these processes. At the end of the day, students simply want to feel heard. They want to be respected and informed. I hope the board and the administration continue
057working towards the transparency and open communication, especially when decisions impact programs and experiences that mean so much to the students. Again, thank you for your time. >> If you could please uh state your name, address, and um then address the board. >> Sure. My name is Justin Lee. I live at 37 Willow Road in the township city, which is the street. It's interesting because I'm here tonight to also voice my concerns and continue to advocate for the music program in board of town. That's why I live here and that's why I don't know if you know this but there's countless music teachers that teach in public school that live in this town. It's a great town to live in. I love it here. My kids love it here. They go to Clar Martin and also
058Peter Music School. Um this auditorium is amazing. It's a beautiful space. I'm so happy that, you know, we get to use this as as, you know, families for all the concerts. It really sounds better than the auditorium at JB Stevens High School where I teach and we have a very strong music program there, too. And I will go from border town that this is the best. I mean, you have a pin. Like, this is like a legit serious like investment that a lot of high schools don't have. And I'm so thankful that we live here because of things like this. However, so um I also run Bakan Hilltop Park in the summertime and I include students from board town to play like Leo and all the great kids that that enjoy this music program and
059I want to showcase their talent in on Hilltop Park. We have three concerts and I encourage you to come watch it. It's free. I'm also playing at Joseph Lawrence Park on August 15th. So, I'm very involved with music and music education in this town and um I'm concerned about several things. As a music educator myself, as a taxpayer and a resident, um advocacy is the most important angle and music and arts are under attack across the country. Uh buzzwords like tech seem to always be given by AI. All those things get priority. Over the past three years in Bordontown, several faculty members have moved on and left Bordontown for better opportunities, including someone at this high school who was an award-winning person. He moved on to another place for better pay, for better support, and
060also here school to elementary, we lost two, not just one, but two faculty members that decided to leave because they felt overworked and they felt not supported. Uh these folks are my friends and colleagues. I see them at conferences. I work with them at all state regions. And I'm really sad to see them go because it's a big loss for our community and the other towns are getting that. Um is this the sign of a healthy music program when staff are leaving? The elementary teachers currently are teaching classes that are spread way too thin. the secondary teachers are not only teaching in the middle school, they're also teaching in the high school. How are we supposed to grow a music program or an arts program if our teachers are mult multiple places multiple times? There
061are rumors that the rehearsals will be moved to before the school day. I I can tell you as a music educator myself, when when you move rehearsals to before school or after school, that's the sign of that's a warning bell. That's something saying that music isn't important and should be in in uh before school. And that's going to be a problem for kids who can't get here that don't have the parents have to go to work. They won't be able to come to the rehearsals before after school as soon as the parents can pick them up. But you know, it's really an equity issue as well. Um I urge you as as a board of education and all of you to please please please take this all into consideration tonight especially. is so ironic. You
062are honoring all of these music accolades to people in this program. It is so important that you acknowledge that and it's an important part of the community and we will stand up against any cuts to the music program or any or the theater as parents. Thank you for your time and I hope you have a good end of the year and I appreciate you listening to my comments. Okay. >> If you if you'd like to comment how that's fine. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. I uh I didn't want to jump in and insert myself into the other earlier speeches. I know Ed's gone, but that's okay because he already knows how I feel about him. Um but I did want it to be recorded in the minutes that I wished him well and congratulated him
063personally and professionally myself. Uh it's somebody that I've worked with every day almost every other day for eight years the entirety of the first sevenear stretch and then the intern period and of the five superintendents that I've worked with and I'm just getting to work with Dr. at Bella. Now, um you know, he he's really special. Um everybody's special. You develop friendships with people. Um you know, work in friendships. And I just wanted to mention a couple things. The two things I recall the most about him is how accessible he was in addition to the stability of his leadership and the ability to always make everyone feel they were heard. And the second thing is um you know, how he was never afraid to give it to anybody straight and be straightforward even if the
064answer was nobody. especially with the public. It feels like yesterday when I was telling this board, you know, God, it's a fiscal calamity. But if there's anybody prepared to give it to the public straight no chaser, it's Dr. Fortoer. And uh he should get credit. I think somebody should mention that he was here for the beginning year, the first year in a lot of ways, the most difficult year of that pandemic. Um and that was a once in a hundred year thing. And between that and fiscal crisis, you know, there's not too many things that a school district has confronted that are more difficult than that. There's a few, I'm not going, we never had those. But, um, you know, Ed was a great professional, great friend. I just want to record it in the
065minutes that, uh, I said so long as we have to. Um, so for whatever, thank you, Miss. Okay. Seeing no further public comment, we will move on to agenda item two, board comments. And I will open the floor to any board members. >> So, I will try to go It's been a busy couple weeks. Um, first and foremost, I wanted to take a moment to recognize and congratulate the Bordontown Regional High School History Club. Um, I'm not sure if everyone is aware, but they did partner with the Bordontown Historical Society and unveiled a banner celebrating revolutionary era figures connected to our community. Um, it's a wonderful example of authentic student learning, civic engagement, and community partnership. Through their work, these students help bring local history to life while reminding all of us Bordontown's unique place
066in our nation's history. Their creativity, research, and dedication are something our district and our community should be very proud of. Um, I would also like to thank the Bordontown Historical Society for providing students with this meaningful opportunity. And I'd like to give credit to uh Tapping of Bordontown for covering and highlighting uh this accomplishment for our community. If you haven't had a chance to see it, there the banners are outside of the friends meeting house. And I believe there's one for Francis Hopinson, one for patients love Ray, and one for Thomas P. So if you haven't had an opportunity, I would encourage you to go take a look. Uh it's nice to see our students uh partnering with our historical society to take an interest in the history of our town. Uh the second item
067uh on May 16th, I was uh attended the school boards association um county meeting. Um the meeting included updates from MJSBA leadership, government relations, field services, officer elections, board member recognition, um and a presentation from the Burlington County Educator of the Year. Uh NJSBA leadership shared that the association's work for the 2627 year will continue to focus on content connection and advocacy. Planned initiatives include a labor summit to help boards prepare for collective bargaining, expanded member resources, including tools related to emerging technologies such as AI and an advocacy best practices program for county vice presidents of legislation. Uh the government relations update included highlights from the governor's proposed uh FY2027 budget. It includes 12.4 billion in K to2 direct formula aid statewide and 3.1% increase. However, districts may still experience different local impacts depending on
068the state aid formula. Uh recent legislative activity was reviewed including a newly signed law requiring uh that newly installed school flooring has to be certified mercury free. And there's going to be some guidance coming down among uh existing flooring uh requirements for testing to make sure that the ex any mercury that's in the existing older flooring uh is monitored is at a safe level. Um going to skip over a couple things because this has been a long night. Um but I do have to say the meeting also included recognition um of board members for their years of service and the certification. Amy Glats, who is not here tonight, was recognized with her uh new board member, boardsmanship certification. Um, and I was honored to be recognized as a certified board member. Uh, officer elections officer
069officer elections were held. Um, I I have a list if anyone's interested in who they are. And the evening ended with um remarks from Dr. Sean Hawk, who was the Burlington County Educator of the Year, who uh gave a fantastic speech on uh transformational power of education, mentorship, service, and the lasting impact that students have, I'm sorry, that educators have on their students. Uh the last item for tonight I uh in that packet I left for everyone was a summary of all the current legislative that's out versus the schools that could impact us. I'm not going to read through all of them because there are a lot. Um, but I did want to highlight a couple of the ones that might have some significance to our district. Um, S1767, the special education funding reform. Um,
070I don't have the right paper with me, but it it it has passed the House or the Senate. It's passed the education committee. Uh, it's got to go get voted and um, we're hopeful that that uh does pass because our our special education funding system is broken. Um, S3382, School Construction Bond Act. That's a major bill we are continuing to watch. Um, it proposes statewide school construction bond referendum totaling approximately $10.5 billion. Of that, 3.5 billion would be available to nonSDA districts like our own. Um, if approved by voters, this legislation could potentially reopen major school construction grant opportunities and reduce local tax impacts associated with future capital projects. Skip that one. One that's important especially to the board that has potential to be important to the board is S4091, the school ethics act clarification.
071This Senate bill would clarify how school ethics act applies to personal statements made by board members. The legislation appears to be intended to provide additional guidance regarding the distinction between personal speech and official board action. Because of ethics complaints and governance issues can significantly affect board operations. This bill is worth monitoring from a governance standpoint. Um it remains pending currently in the Senate Education Committee. I promise to go as fast as I can. Uh A1646, that's audit for private special education school. Uh it establishes timelines for requiring the commissioner of education to review and approve annual certified audits submitted by approved private schools for students with disabilities. Uh this can help improve predictability for special education tuition rates setting second district budgeting purposes. Um currently it is uh introduced to and uh referred to the
072assembly education committee. A3882S3462 is a financial literacy and school meal access bill. It requires public schools to predominantly post links to subsidize free reduced meal applications on district websites. Uh the goal is to improve participation um which helps the students that need the services but it also helps increase aid and reimbursement to the school districts for those students. Uh it passed the assembly 73 to zero. Um the Senate companion bill attending the state education committee review. I already touched on the S1730 mercury for mercury free flooring requirements. Um, if we're in a position to put in new flooring, it needs to be certified mercury free if this passed. More importantly, I think this did pass actually. I think it's just waiting for a sign off. Um, expanded through a committee amendment. This requires uh air
073quality testing, remediation procedures, public reporting um and public reporting requirements, periodic retesting um and statewide database tracking mercury containing flooring. Uh so that is something we will have to keep our eyes on uh to see when they put out more guidance if if we need to do anything to stay compliant. Um thank you. That is all I have for tonight. They give us that. Okay. Um, some of the board members that wish to comment, I will just follow up a few housekeeping things. Actually, before I do that, I want to just recognize Mr. Rivera and say thank you. Today is her birthday and she chose to spend her birthday here with us. So, thank you Mr. Rivera for your service, especially on a special day. Um, so now just a few housekeeping items. um reminders
074for the board mostly, but just also so the community knows what's going on and the work that the board is doing. Um one of the board goals that we set back in um December or January, I can't remember, they all blend together, was to um focus on board development and one of the goals was a board retreat. So, we will be doing that on Saturday the 30th. Um our start time is 10 a.m. And I promise you, we'll have an email uh with a start time and an agenda from me um later tonight or no later than tomorrow morning. Um, so we look forward to that as well as our next board meeting will be on June 10th where we already had talked about an executive session. We now know that there are two items
075that we need to address um in executive session. So we will have another early start 5:30 again on uh June 10th, but that should position us well to uh um to finish out and get into July. So I believe that is every everything. Is there anything else from any members of the board before I ask any close? Okay, we'll ask for a motion to close. >> Thank you, uh, Miss Nikk. Thank you very much. All in favor? >> I You're closed. Thank you everyone for being here tonight.