001All right, good evening everybody and welcome to our board of education meeting for the month of January. Uh we will start with a call to order and a reading of the open public meeting statement which says the New Jersey open public meetings law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to advance notice of and to attend the meetings of public bodies at which time any business affecting their interests is discussed and acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of this act and board of education policy 0162, the board of education of the Burough of Bound Brook has caused notice of this meeting to be posted in the board office and at Bound Brook High School and mailed or faxed to the Courier News Bound Brook Clerk, Southbound Brook Board of Education and any
002person who has requested individual notice and paid the required fee. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. All right. During our reorganization meeting earlier this month, we had the opportunity to swear in some of our board members who were reelected. Uh at that time, we were still waiting for the official appointment for our representative from Southbound Brook Board of Education. Um and since then we are pleasantly surprised that uh Mr. Incalcutatera is back with us for another year. So at this time I would ask our board secretary to help swear him in for the year. All right. Um, please raise uh your right hand and repeat after me uh after me. Okay. I >> I Nicholson and Calcater >> do so solemnly affirm >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States,
003the Constit Constitution of the State of New Jersey and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and to the governments uh established in the United States and this state under any authority of the people. So help me got Okay. So I'm going to uh read the uh uh next sentence and then um you can repeat after me. I >> Nicholas and Calcitara do solemn I'm sorry do affirm that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law for this office of member of the board of education and that I am not disqualified as a voter pursuant to RS19 4-1 who are disqualified due to convictions of a crime or offense listed in NJS 18A semicolon 12-1 that I will faithfully, impartially, and justly perform all the duties of the office in accordance to
004the best of my ability. >> Thank you. Congratulations. >> Welcome back, Mr. Inc. Calcater. We'll give Miss Lee a chance to return to her seat and then we will resume with a roll call to record which of our members are here this evening. here. >> Here. Thank you very much. Um, we are coming up on our recognitions, but before we get to our students and educators of the month, I just want to read um some special recognition that we received notice of uh since our last meeting. Uh so the National School Public Relations Association is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 2026 Superintendent to Watch Award. This year 30 superintendent from across the United States were selected for the honor, a national recognition program honoring superintendent in their first five years of outstanding
005leadership in fostering meaningful two-way communication and strengthening community engagement. This year's honores are shaping stronger school systems by recognizing communication as a core leadership priority and leading with clarity, consistency, and community connection. Across their districts, honores led efforts ranging from launching student and family advisory councils and district-wide listening tours to modernizing websites, newsletters, and social media platforms to ensure timely, accessible communication for all families. The recipients were from a variety of different states including California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. Um, from New Jersey, there were actually two only two superintendents. Um, I don't recall how many superintendents are there in the state? >> Sever several hundred. Several hundred. Okay, >> we are extremely fortunate to have one of those superintendent sitting on
006our board of education. So, on behalf of our board of education and our community, I just want to thank and recognize Dr. Freeman on this outstanding recognition and accomplishment. It's only the tip of the iceberg. I'm sure they only got to see a glimpse of the fantastic work that we get to see on a daily basis. So, from us to you, thank you very much and keep up the good work. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, that's it for my president's comments. Now, Dr. Freeman for the student and educator recognition, please. >> Okay. Um, good evening everybody and welcome to our January board meeting. Before we move to the students, we did it at the first the reorg meeting, but I just wanted to take a second to recognize our board. As uh many of you
007know, this month is schoolboard recognition month. So, I wanted to take a minute just to thank them for the outstanding work that they do. Um the their dedication and commitment to the community. I can tell you in working with boards for the last 20 years, I've never seen a board that was more about the kids and dedicated to the community than I've seen. Now, I'd like to give them a round of applause. Okay. At this time, I'd like to call up Dr. S. from Lamont School to recognize our students of the month. Okay. Good evening. Um, congratulations to Tennyson Johnson Bell and Mrs. Chaparo's class. Um, Ten Tennyson's favorite subject is writing. He loves to play with his trucks and when he grows up, he dreams of becoming a train driver. Way to go, Tennyson.
008Congratulations to Sebastian Hernandez and Miss Jorge's class. Sebastian has one brother named Hunter. He enjoys math and puzzles and his favorite hobbies are bo bowling and going to the arcade. He hopes to be an engineer when he grows up. Congratulations, Sebastian. All right. Congratulations to Estrea Mendoza Menavar. She's here. Come on. What do I need? So, Estrea's in first grade. Estrea has three siblings, Adrien, Alejandro, and Jesus. Her favorite subject is math. She loves to color, read, and play with her Barbie dolls. She dreams of becoming an artist when she grows up. Congratulations, Estrella. Second one. Congratulations. Okay, next up from Lafayette School, we have Miss Cahes. Good evening. Our first our second grade student of the month is Kaden Esival Espinosa from Miss Romero and Miss Hennington's class. Come, Kayen. Kaden has one younger
009brother, Dylan. His his favorite school subject is math and PE. He likes to play basketball and build with Legos, and he wants to be a basketball player when he grows up. Congratulations, Kayen. You're going to take a picture. Okay. I'm going to hold this. >> Congratulations. >> Our third grade student of the month is Ariana Dominguez Serrano. Ariana is from Miss Aloe Vivero's class. She loves art and her favorite hobbies are play. All right, I'm going to say it and you wrote it in Spanish. Play with her capibatas. Did I say it right? Okay. Stuffed animals and call her best friend Scarlet. When she grows up, she wants to be a teacher. Congratulations, Ariana. We're gonna take a picture. Okay. Congratulations. >> Ariana, >> another round of applause for our Lafayette students of the month.
010At this time, I'd like to call Mrs. Morgan up to introduce the students of the month from Smallley School. I'm a little taller. Um, okay. So, our fourth grade student of the month is Ethan Abrau. Do I see you out there? So, Ethan. Okay. Um, so Ethan is an only child. His favorite subject is um reading because he actually wants to be an actor and thinks that will help him. His favorite hobby is watching movies. and he describes himself as very courageous. He's very proud of this because this is going to help him be an actor when he grows up. Okay, so congratulations to Ethan. Um, now our here you are, Ethan. >> Come on down, Ethan. >> I knew you were going to come. I was like, where is he? >> Can we read
011again for him? >> I'm going to read again because Yes. because we talked about this. So, Ethan, turn around so everybody could see you. >> All right. Because he's very courageous. He wants to be an actor. He um wait, let me bring go back. So, he is an only child. He loves to read. It's going to help him be an actor when he grows up. He loves to watch movies and he's very courageous and he's very proud of that because it is going to help him when he becomes an actor. He's also the first one to school every day, right? That I get to say good morning to every day. Okay. It'll help for you. >> Yes. >> Congratulations. I'm happy. All right. That made me happy. All right. So, our fifth grade student of
012the month is Anthony Ruez Lopez. All right. Now, Anthony has three siblings. He is the youngest. His favorite subject is reading. He thinks he's good at it. He loves to play soccer, and his favorite part is halftime so he could get a drink of water, which I thought was the best reason to love soccer. I was with him on that one. Um, and when he grows up, he wants to be a firefighter so he can help people and not be afraid of fires. So, congratulations, And then our sixth grade student of the month is Samantha Solless. And she has four siblings. She's right in the middle. Um her favorite subject is math because she likes her teacher. She loves crafts and enjoys making pipe cleaner flowers. That's her thing right now. And she wants to
013be a a designer when she grows up because she likes to be creative and she wants to make her own clothes. Congratulations And next up we have Dr. Santa Surma from Community Middle School. Hello everyone. So our first nominee from the Community Middle School is Ian Gittens. Yay! Ian Ian was nominated by his teacher, Miss Cassabian. Ian has three siblings, two brothers and one sister. Favorite school subject is language arts. And when Ian grows up, well, actually favorite subject or favorite hobby is writing with language arts. And when Ian grows up, wants to either become an author or a computer coder. Good job. T-shirts most important right that way. >> Congratulations. Good job, buddy. Well done. >> Oh, mom. I didn't see you there. Next up from the community middle school is Messiah Shaw. Messiah
014was nominated by her teacher, Miss Peterson. Uh has one brother. Favorite subject is math. Probably because Miss Peterson said that. Favorite hobbies are basketball, wrestling, and football. And when Msiah grows up, wants to become a police officer. Congratulations. This is for you. >> Where's mom? >> Think she last but not least, Mr. Smith from Bound High School. Good evening. Our first Crusader Citizen of the Month recipient goes to Keshan Sherman. Come on down, Keshan. Keshan has three siblings. His favorite subject in school is modern world history. He enjoys playing video games, watching TV, and hanging out outside. His main goal is to become a rap artist, but his backup plan is to become a trade school electrician. So congratulations for the picture. Our next recipient, Emily Lynch. Emily has two siblings, Nicholas and Isabella. Her
015favorite subject in school is biomedical science. She enjoys playing the guitar, the violin, and the trumpet. And her future plans include becoming a pediatrician. Congratulations, Our next recipient, Adrian Adrien Lopez. Adrien has one sibling, a brother Justin. His favorite subject in school is ESL. His favorite hobbies include sleeping and playing games. And his future career plans include a robotics engineer or an automation engineer. Congratulations, Adrian. And last, but certainly not least, our final recipient, Stephanie Reyes. Stephanie has one sibling, her twin sister Emilyn Reyes. Her favorite subject in school is math because it gives her the ability to solve a full problem. Uh her favorite hobbies include drawing, writing, singing, and listening to music. And her future career career plans include becoming a forensic psychologist or therapist. Congratulations, Stephanie. Such a dramatic response up there.
016Jeez. >> Let's have another round of applause for all of our students of the month. And next we have our district employees of the month. We will start with our educational service professional of the month, Miss Casada. Would you please come forward? Let's give a hand for Miss Quesada. I am proud to recognize Miss Esther Quesada as staff member of the month. Esther serves as a guidance counselor who balances a nurturing approach with clear expectations, consistently holding students accountable while making them feel supported and understood. She is always welcoming, positive, and ready to lend a helping hand to students, staff, and families alike. Esther goes above and beyond in her support of our school community, particularly in her willingness to translate for families without hesitation, ensuring clear communication and meaningful partnerships between home and school.
017Her work ensures that all families feel heard, respected, and included in their child's educational experience. As a counselor, Esther demonstrates exceptional skills in working with students who struggle with emotional regulation. She approaches each situation with patience, empathy, and intentional strategies that help students reset, refocus, and return to learning successfully. Most recently, Esther launched the conversation cafe, which is a collaborative social group for our STAR program students and ESL students that promote connection, communication, and confidence in a supportive environment. Esther's initiative, compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to students well-being well-being have a lasting impact on our school community. She truly embodies the values of our school and is highly deserving of this recognition. It is for these reasons among so many others that Miss Quesada is recognized as staff member of the month. We are thankful
018to have you part of our school community. Congratulations again. Congratulations. >> Thank you. And next up, I'd like to call our educator of the month, Miss Tiffany Kiss. Would you please come forward? Congratulations to Miss Kiss, our K1 art teacher, Lamont Annex, who's been selected as a district employee of the month. Miss Kiss was chosen for this recognition because she's always hands-on, supportive, and ready to help whenever she's needed. She puts so much care and thought into her afternoon enrichment program, planning engaging activities that students truly enjoyed and look forward to. One recent highlight was when Miss Kiss invited parents to join their children for a painting activity after school. She created a warm, welcoming, family-friendly afternoon complete with hot chocolate that made everyone feel connected and value. It was the kind of experience that
019brings our school community together and leaves a lasting impression. Miss Kiss is always a true team player. She's dedicated many hours before and after school decorating both the annex and Lamont building for the holidays. Thanks to her creativity and hard work, our building is festive, inviting, and full of joy for students, staff, and families. The special team share that Miss Kiss is truly dedicated to her craft. Her passion for and love of her students shine through every day her in her daily work. She's a valued member of our specialist team. Her time, energy, and positive spirits do not go unnoticed. We are so grateful to work alongside such an amazing colleague. Congratulations again, Miss Kiss, and thank you for everything you do for our students and our school community. Oh jeez. Got it. >> Congratulations.
020>> Another round of applause for our educators of the month. That shows you why she's educator of the month pictures. So, at this time, uh would all of our students of the month and their families come forward to take a picture? I actually think she'd be good. >> I always move, but I feel like I actually get I had I had him in middle school for sure. Yeah, >> I feel like I the first time I never s We might Want to slide in? >> You guys can slide down this way. Congratulations again. Keep up the good work. Can I have the employees of the month come down? Employees of the month come down with your certificates. Miss Kazada. Miss Kiss. Got a refresh. You can always say unless you All right. >> Thank you.
021>> Like, it's too long. We can't ask. She's like, I just said I know. You know, Nicholas, that's good enough. >> Coach, congratulations. Great job, Emily. >> A little nervous. Yeah. >> Mhm. >> Let's see. I wish I had took all the lifts out from um garage. It's just going to be for his business. It's going to work out as a garage. So, >> we always said with that garage, it would be a very specific buyer. That's not something that or something. >> It's not something you would. >> All right, everybody. We are now ready to move on to our next agenda item, which is our student board member report. Harrison, take it away. So for our sports teams, the winter track and field team has participated in many meets so far, including New Jersey
022State Relays, the Bill Bruno Invitational, and Somerset County Relays. At Somerset County Relays, the boys team took third overall. Many athletes took home PRs and many athletes even placed. Some highlights of the meet were Jazelle Delgado who placed sixth place in the 55 meter hurdles, Dylan John Baptiste who placed first in long jump, Dawson John Baptiste who placed first, and Dylan John Baptiste who placed third in triple jump, and Jake Marky who placed second place in pole vault. The team also has a field only meet today at the bubble in Tom's River. The boys basketball season has been pretty successful with a 10 of five record. So far, they've taken the win over many schools, including Bernards, Belvadier, Roselle, Denellan, and College Achieve. Their next game is against College Achieve tomorrow at 700 p.m. um
023on Thursday. This season, our athletes have put in very hard work with some athletic highlights being Titus Goodwin, who's a junior. So far, he scored 240 points total. Dorian Roundtree, a senior who scored 291 points this season. And Jashawn Canary, a senior who scored 182 total points, but also had 180 rebounds so far this season. The girls basketball season has also been very tremendous with a 13 to1 record so far. They've secured the win against Manville, Belvadier, um, Columbia, Scotch Plains, Staten Island Academy, College Achieve, South Hunteran, Lawrence, Rosel Catholic, and South Planefield. Their next game is tomorrow, January 22nd, against College Achieve at 5:30. Some athletic highlights of their season are Tha Ferguson, a senior who scored 178 points this season. Payton Pew, a freshman who scored 239 total points this season with 95
024assists and 105 rebounds. The boys and girls wrestling team has competed in many tournaments so far with the boys competing in the Ricky Memorial to tourn tournament, Hunter Central Invitational, Sam Cali Battle for the Belt, and Somerset County Tournament. They've also had many individual matches, and they've won against South Hunter and New Providence. Our girls wrestling team has competed in the Ladies Line Classic and Lady Minute Man tournament. Their next match is against Monroe on Sunday, February 1st. Competition cheer has been practicing hard all season and their first uh competition will be January 31st. For our school news, Lafayette is participating in the American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge. Students got to learn about how to keep their hearts healthy while also supporting the American Heart Association nonprofit. The challenge will run until January 30th.
025At Smallley, the fifth grade gifted and talented students completed a Shark Tank unit based on the TV show. They designed, created new products, searched costs, pitched ideas, and pitched them to a panel of sharks, which were administrators and guidance counselors. The whole school is also preparing for an Olympics unit during the first week of February. Um, at the high school, the National English Honor Society has participated in reading buddies for the year where they go to local elementary schools and read to the students, engaging the youth with high schoolers and encouraging them to read. Their next trip is February 13th. The student council and neurodiversity club are hosting a spike it forward volleyball tournament to encourage friendship and fun times with everyone from the school. It will be on February 13th and everyone can make
026their own team. Bombber High School seniors are also starting to commit to many universities. Um, some highlight students are Beatric Aruda who's going to TCJ for early childhood education. Isabella Marusiac who's going to Iona University to play D1 softball and psychology. Rachel Geski who's going to Mary Mack College who is playing D1 softball and also majoring in psychology. And Nomi Moran Martinez who's going to the College of the Holy Cross. Finally, stamp testing for the sealed biliteracy has concluded with both seniors and juniors taking a test to prove their biiteracy in language such as Spanish, French, Portuguese, and even American Sign Language. That's it. >> That's it. >> It's a great report, Harrison. Any questions or comments on uh our student board report? >> Yeah, well done, Harrison. Thank you. >> We have one one
027more. I just want to add one more. I just got um notified that uh coach Meliso, our boys basketball coach, has reached uh his 400th career win with a win. What was it? Yesterday, a win yesterday. He reached his 400th career win. So, uh congratulations to him. Hats off. >> All right. Thank you, Dr. Freeman. Now, we are up to our committee meeting reports. First up is education. Mr. Dawson, the floor is yours. >> Uh good evening everyone. Uh the education team met uh recently. There are two main topics on our agenda. Uh the first was a review of how the new ASI program at the high school is going. It is a program that provides extra support for students in math and English. And the data is showing a really positive impact on kids.
028um increased in not only kids who are passing their classes but um comfortably passing their classes. Um there's also some really great anecdotal data from the kids about what they liked about the program. It was clear that they had formed a good relationship with their instructors um and they saw a value in it. So we're really pleased uh to see the effect of that program. We also took a look at a new course offering uh for our star and comet students um that deals with drones and mechatronics. So one of the things we learned are what mechatronics are which we needed a few cliff notes on. Um so it's a really neat opportunity for expanding kids awareness of potential careers, expanding their uh access to college. It's continued uh evidence of how great the partnerships
029are that are being built between uh the district and uh Rariton Valley. So, we're really proud to see those offerings um especially for um you know that population of students. So, very exciting things going on and uh it's clear that the district is really um pioneering ways to build relationships with other institutions in the area uh to support our kids and their families. So, a lot of exciting things to report. >> Excellent job. Thank you, Mr. Dawson. Any questions for Sid on education? >> All right. Hearing none, we are up to governance. Mr. about. >> Okay, mine will be pretty short. We had uh a few policy updates. There was nothing honestly very material for us. Most of it was mandated. Uh Mrs. Winter did a wonderful job of pairing down the many many pages
030of policy. There was a lot of stuff about charter schools that don't even apply to us and she was very kind to uh work through all of that for us so we didn't have to read through nine pages I think it was. Um we talked also Mrs. Winter gave us um you got it in your agenda, I believe, um from the the um committee agenda for the district uh go the goal progress report and it was really well done. Um if you haven't read it, I suggest you do. Um we got some cliff notes which were great, but the report is in our agenda, the committee agenda in its entirety if you'd like to read the whole thing. Um we had a very brief discussion. I'm sure you saw we've gotten articles in it two
031I think uh two weeks in a row now about the upcoming cell phone ban. Um obviously it's so new that we don't have a ton of information yet. The district really hasn't heard much yet, but the DOE said in within 90 days they were um supposed to be giving us the expectations and then we will uh have to implement from there. So we have some time. It's going to be probably a few months until anything concrete comes out. I will say this, if you hear anything, it's probably a rumor because nothing nothing has really happened yet. Uh, right now it's still an idea more than anything. And lastly, we we briefly just had a question about the use of our wait room at the high school. Um, only because we have some alumni coming in
032to use it, which is wonderful, but we're just we just want to make sure that we're covered as far as insurance and we want to make sure the right people are in there when they're supposed to be in there. So, we're we were, you know, going to look into that a little bit more. And I don't know, >> I spoke to Mr. Steel about it. We'll have concrete information for you at the next committee meeting. That way, we can make a decision in terms of what direction we want to go. >> Okay. And oh, one other thing that we didn't discuss, but sort of falls under governance. Um, your ethics disclosure form, if you haven't done it, myself included, we need to get that done. So, >> thank you, Miss Lee. That's for you. And
033that's all I have. Thank you, Mr. Bal. Any questions regarding governance? >> Okay. Human resources. Mrs. High, take it away. >> Okay. Um, we always start human resources with looking at the positions that uh we need to fill in the district. And boy, am I happy to say that that list is dwindling down. It really is nice to see that these positions are being filled. There are a number of them on the um on the agenda tonight. Um we discussed um job descriptions which have been updated. They've been updated to list all the responsibilities that are included in specific positions. These are also on the agenda tonight. They include the district webmaster, the assistant district webmaster, uh building webmasters because one of our goals too is to get a message out to schools to community
034about the district. Um also uh administrative assistance to the to the BA payroll specialists and accounts payable. So all of these have been updated and they are on tonight's agenda. Um another thing that we looked at was um exit surveys. When people do leave the district, we really want to get a um a good look at what their experience was here. Um any, you know, what's going well, what may need improvement, etc., just to find out, you know, how smoothly things are going. One of the questions was, you know, is is it an an anonymous uh survey? And we are looking at um having an anonymous Google survey. So, that's something that we're exploring trying to get that into effect. Um, also in looking at the exit surveys, just looking for any kinds of trends.
035So, it really has provided us with some useful data and we're just going to continue on that road and that's all I have. >> Thank you, Mrs. Hi. Uh, I just want to um make a quick comment and say how pleased I am to see the stipens and the emphasis on the websites. I think if we, you know, dial it back maybe four years or so before Dr. for Freeman came into the district. You know, one of the things that we had challenges with was getting timely updates made to the website, having it be userfriendly, empowering the staff in each of the buildings uh to be able to go in and manage their own communities. And it's been a bit of a journey and we've had to make some technology upgrades and and um make
036some investments, but it's really exciting to see that finally come to fruition. So, thank you guys. Any other comments on human resources? All right, we're going to stay with Mrs. Hai. In lie of Mr. Zepkco for operations, you get to do all >> I'll finish up. Um for the operations committee, one of the things that was uh well, it was the first item on our agenda and it was health insurance. And as you've heard, health insurance numbers have just gone up and up. Um thank you to Mrs. Lee and Dr. Freeman for really looking into what would best serve the district. They met with brokers. They were really researched what is best for our district. That too is on the agenda tonight and we are switching to um integrity health. We are switching to another
037one. Uh what was really exciting was watching we had a um an update on the preschool modulars and it's happening. If you go down and you look by, it's just so exciting to see the footings being drilled. And kudos to Berto because he keeps sending the the pictures, which is so nice to see because you get this little playbyplay as to what is actually happening there. Um, you know, we had some delays because of permits, because of, you know, uh, they were saying in a flooding zone. Okay. No. Yes. No. Yes. That is all taken care of now. and where our timeline has only been, you know, delayed amazingly by two months. And it looks like we will be done at the end of March, unless of course there's snow. And guess what? It looks
038like we might be getting snow. But all in all, it really is amazing how really timely this is turning out to be. um the 21 on the 21st which is today they um the units will be attached was that done they're get the two they will be attached is what I will say then um we're also looking at the uh sign in front of the bound high school that is going to be done very soon we had a presentation at our committee meeting um with Laura Bishop she did a wonderful presentation What it was was just looking at the goals in the district. So she went goal by do goal, you know, just supporting the district's themes and starting with your story starts here in Bound Brook. And it really she had Google forms so
039that people can submit what you know their experience with Bound Brook has been looking at logo looking at branding all of these things just to bring everything together in the um in the district where they have come they've they have met with the uh superintendent they're meeting with the principles because they want to get noteworthy topics things that are going to be shared out. You have probably seen some already, the shared videos which are just fun to watch. Um, we're looking a bianual newsletter. Um, postcards in English and in Spanish just detailing what's going on. There's going to be a QR code so you can just use your phone download everything that way. And just and this will be coming out in the spring. Um also having monthly e newsletters highlighting um positive stories that
040have happening that are happening callouts from schools uh um looking at alumni stories also uh the second goal was um investing in facilities so it's really looking at our strategic action plan when we did the when we got met together for the strategic action plan it was first of all it was very wellreceived we had a number from the community and our goal as a board has been how are we going to keep everybody informed as to where we're moving on each of these goals and this will help with with that. Again, that will be going out to the community, not just to, you know, the schools, but to to the community. Um, goal three is effective comm and consistent communication. Again, it goes with branding, timely communications, um the migration to parent square. Um
041and this also principles can send out a monthly newsletter um and just new series of uh involving our involvement with Round um Round Valley with Raritan Valley uh Community College. Um also mentioned during our meeting which Mr. Januzi talked about before was superintendent to watch and they brought us delicious cookies by the way with with a Bound Brook emblem on it and it just was so nice. But again, you know, kudos Dr. Freeman. It just was it's an honor for you. It's an honor for Bound Brook. We were just very happy to see that. um with with her uh presentation. It just really was to show off what is happening in Bound Brook. >> The end. >> Thanks very much, Sue. Any questions on operations? All right. Uh the SCESC meeting was an executive meeting
042this time around. So, we will uh skip that report and head on over to Mr. Inca Incalcatera for our southbound brook report. Okay. During the month of December, because I missed this the last time unfortunately, we had a presentation for the students and then later in the evening for the parents done by the cyber safety cop from Total Safety Solutions LLC. His name is Clayton Cranford. He was a school resource officer for close to 20 years who then went over into cyber security for children and protecting children online. The presentation that he gave to the kids was good. The one that he gave to the parents was riveting. For almost two hours, everybody in the room was paying attention. Other than that, we just want to wish well Mr. Sha Friend and Miss Jennifer Colton
043for their service on the board. And welcome Miss Alyssa Marone and Miss Barb Mrs. Barbara Schuster. to the board of education. Thank you, Mr. Analcatera. Any questions on the southbound Brook report? Any final comments or questions on committees in general? Once going twice. All right, we are up to item 5.1. Open to the public for agenda items only. Uh, in accordance with district policy 0167, public participation in board meetings, members of the public are required to sign in either at the podium providing their name, address, and group affiliation if applicable. When addressing the board, please state your name and address and limit comments to agenda items only uh directed to the presiding officer. That would be me. Each participant is allowed three to five minutes to speak. No individual may address the same topic more
044than once until all others wishing to speak have had the opportunity to do so. Anyone? Okay, we are on to item 6.1. Be it resolved that the Bound Brook Board of Education upon recommendation of the superintendent approves the minutes for the following board of education meetings, regular and executive meeting minutes from December 17th, 2025. I have a motion. >> Thank you, Mrs. High. A second. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Dson. Any discussion? Hearing none. Can we have a roll call, please? Yes. >> Mr. Bell? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dawson? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Encotera? >> Mr. Januzi? >> Yes. >> Mr. Balmer? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. Item 6.2. Be it resolved that the Bound Board of Education upon recommendation of the superintendent approves the minutes
045for the following board of education meeting the regular meeting minutes from January 6th, 2026. I have a motion. >> Motion. >> Thank you, Mr. B. A second. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Dawson. Any discussion? Hearing none. Miss Lee, a roll call, please. >> Sure. Mr. Bell. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mr. Dawson, >> yes. >> Mr. Hy, >> yes. >> Mr. Incera, >> yes. >> Mr. Januzi, >> yes. >> Mr. Walmer, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. Item 7.1. Be it resolved that the superintendent recommends for approval. The resolutions as outlined in district personnel resolutions. This is item 7.2 through 7.35. I have a motion. >> Thank you, Mr. Inc. Calcetera. A second. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mrs. High. Any discussion? I will just say I'm sure it was discussed at the
046uh HR committee, but I noticed on this evening's agenda that uh Mrs. Nasser will be uh retire, not retiring, but resigning from the district. So sad to see her go, but hope she is moving on to something um better. Any other comments or questions? All right, hearing none. Can we have a roll call, please? >> Mr. B? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dawson? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Incera? >> Yes. >> Mr. Januzi? >> Yes. >> Mr. Balmer? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. Item 8.1. Be it resolved that the Bound Brook Board of Education approves the the resolutions as outlined in district education resolutions. This is 8.2 through 8.27. I have a motion. >> Motion. >> Thank you, Mr. Bal. A second. >> Thank you, Mr. Inc. Calcetera. Any
047discussion? >> I >> feel free. Real quick, I just want to say I I love seeing the um the assemblies. I love seeing the class trips. I I I'm so glad that we offer all of that to our kids. I really am. >> Agreed. Well said, Sue. Any other comments or questions? >> Okay, hearing none. Can we have a roll call, please? >> Mr. Bell? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dawson? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hy? >> Yes. Mr. Encotera, >> yes. >> Mr. Januzi, >> yes. >> Mr. Valmer, >> yes. Motion passes. >> Thank you. Item 9.1, be it resolved that the Bound Brook Board of Education approves the resolutions as outlined in board action resolutions. This is item 9.2 through 9.20. I have a motion. >> Motion. >> Thank you, Mr. B. Second. >> Second.
048>> Thank you, Mrs. High. Any discussion? >> I apologize. >> Hang on a second. Uh, it looks like we're going to 22, not to 20. So, can we redo that motion and second, please? So, let me start again. Apologies for the mistake. So, this is item again 9.1. Be it resolved that the Bound Brook Board of Education approves the resolutions as outlined in board action resolutions 9.2 through 9.22. >> Can I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Thank you, Mr. Bow. A second. >> Second, >> Mrs. High. Okay. Now, discussion. >> So, I I just wanted to comment on I know it's anonymous, but how lovely that that person, you know, whoever anonymous is. Thank you for giving that money to pay off the debts for the kids in the lunchroom. I just was very
049touched by that. That was just very nice. >> And also, I love seeing the fundraisers because it's getting the kids involved. And then what does that do? That helps support all the community things that you're doing in the schools. So, thank you. >> And I'll channel Roger and just add a thank you to Mr. Ali uh for again contributing to keep our oak trees out in front of the high school happy and healthy. >> Any other comments or questions? Okay. Hearing none. Miss Lee, can we have a roll call, please? >> Sure. Mr. Bell? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dawson? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Incera? >> Yes. >> Mr. Januzi? >> Yes. >> Mr. Balmer? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. Thank you. We are up to other matters to come before
050the board which I have not received any. Uh which means we are now on new business from any of the board members. So this could be items not on the agenda or new items that you would like to bring forward. All right. Hearing none, we are open to the public for discussion. Again, in accordance with district policy 0167, public participation at board meetings, members of the public are required to sign in either at the podium, providing their name, address, and group affiliation if applicable. When addressing the board, please state your name and address and limit comments to agenda items only directed to the presiding officer. Each participant is allowed three to five minutes to speak, and no individual may address the same topic more than once until all others wishing to speak have had an
051opportunity to do so. Any comments or questions from the room? All right, we are up to item 13.1. Be it resolved that the Bound Brook Board of Education enter executive session as allowed by NJSA 104-11 for the purposes outlined in items >> 1378. It says on here >> 1378 it is. May I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Thank you, Mr. B. Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Inc. Calcater. All in favor? I. We are adjourned to executive Mike, we're good. >> You got it. All right, everybody. We're back in session. We are on item 14.1. Be it resolved that the Bound Brook Board of Education approved the resolutions as outlined in approval of HIV cases under high school. This is just item 14.2. Mrs. Le Miss Lee a roll call. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Yes.
052A motion first. >> Motion. >> Thank you, Mr. Bell. A second. >> Thank you, Mr. Incalcera. Now, the roll call, if you please. >> Yes. Mr. Bell? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dawson? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Incalcera? >> Yes. >> Uh, Mr. Januzi? >> Yes. >> Mr. Walmer? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. Item 15.1. Be it resolved that the Bound Brook Board of Education approves the resolutions as outlined in approval of HIV cases under middle and elementary schools. This is item 15.2. May I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Oh my god. >> Not all at once. I'm going to give it to Mr. Bal and then Mrs. High for the second. And Miss Lee, when you're ready, a roll call, please. >> Mr. Bal, >> yes. >>
053Mr. Dawson, >> yes. >> Mr. Hy, >> yes. >> Mr. Incera, >> yes. >> Mr. Januzi, >> yes. >> Mr. Balmer, Motion passes. Thank you. Item 16.1. Be it resolved that the Bound Brook Board of Education adjourns. A motion. >> Motion. >> Yeah. No, we're just going to stay here. Thank you, Mrs. High. A second. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Bal. All in favor? I. We are adjourned.