001meeting for the month of April. Uh, as always, very excited to honor all of our students of the month and educators of the month. So, uh, hoping we'll get right into that. We'll start with just a couple of administrative items. Uh, and we'll do the pledge of allegiance and then we'll get right into the awards. So before we get too far along, just have to let everybody know that the New Jersey open public meetings law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advanced notice of and attend the meetings of public bodies, at which time any business affecting their interest 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 bureau of bound has caused notice of
002this meeting to be posted in the board office and at Bound Brook High School and mailed their facts to the Courier News Bound Brook clerk, Southbound Brook of Education and any person who has requested individual notice and paid the required fee. At this time, please stand for the pledge of allegiance. Mr. Gorski, a roll call, please. Certainly. Mr. Bal, Mr. Dawson, here. Miss Gazino here, Mr. Inc. Incalcera, Mr. Zupco, Miss Musen here, Mr. Minhas here. Thank you, Miss Hy here. Mr. Bulmer here and Mr. Board President here. You have a quorum present this evening. Thank you, Mr. Gorski. At this time, I will turn the mic over to Dr. Freeman for our student of the month recognition. Good evening everybody and welcome to our April board meeting. It's glad to see everybody here tonight. At
003this time, I'd like to call up for our first recognition, Dr. S. to introduce the students of the month for Lemon [Applause] School. [Applause] Yep. Check. Come on up to the learning centers. Her favorite center to play is in dramatic play. Love likes to watch videos on her iPad. She also likes to go to Target. career plans. When love grows up, she wants to be a police officer. Congratulations, love. [Applause] Y Another round of applause for love. [Applause] Congratulations to Victoria Sagura. [Applause] Victoria's school subjects. She loves music class because she loves to sing. Her favorite hobbies, she likes playing with her brother. And her career plans, I want to be a teacher because I love to read. Congratulations. [Applause] Congratulations. [Music] Another round of applause for [Applause] Victoria. So, congratulations to Oliver Ludwig. Oliver
004loves gym and math. favorite hobbies to play soccer at his grandma's house and his career's plan is to become a famous soccer player. [Applause] Congratulations. Another round of applause for And next up we have Miss Cahas for Lafayette [Applause] School. Our second grade student of the month is Landon Cardinal. [Applause] Landon is in Miss Patel and Miss Reese's class. He has eight siblings. His favorite school subject is math because he likes doing math equations. His favorite thing to do is watch TV and he watches a you a YouTuber that plays Roblox. He wants to be a firefighter because it's better when you can go in a firetruck and spray at the fires. Well, Landon, come on back for a picture. Landon, you're going to hold that. We're going to take a picture. Another round of
005applause for [Applause] Landon. Our third grade student of the month is Dominic Januzi. [Applause] Dominic Dominic is in Miss Espazito's class. He has three siblings. His favorite school subject is every subject with Miss Espazito. He likes drawing and imagining things. And when he grows up, he wants to be a teacher. Congratulations. Hey, do I do a good job? All right. Congratulations. Another round of applause for Dominic. And next up from Smallley School, we have Mrs. Winter. [Applause] Congratulations to our fourth grade student of the month, Steven Navas Zapata. Yeah, Stephen. Stephen has two sisters, younger twins. His favorite subject's math. That's a popular one today. His hobbies are playing soccer and he also wants to be a famous soccer player or a YouTuber. Yeah. Another round of applause for Stephen. Congratulations to our fifth grade
006student of the month, Eric Alonzo Maha. Eric, I guess Eric couldn't be here, but I'll share a little bit about him anyway. He has one brother at CMS and he has a sister at Smallley. His favorite subject is math, a popular one at Smallley. He likes to play with his toys and he's not quite sure what he wants to do when he grows up. Yep. Our sixth grade student of the month is Sophia Oario Oario who's joined here by her teacher who nominated her, Mrs. Kadabid. Sophia has one sister. Her favorite subject is math. She her hobbies are playing volleyball and when she grows up she wants to be a flight attendant. Nice. Another round of applause for Sophia. And next up from Community Middle School, Dr. Santa [Applause] Surma. Hello everyone. The Community Middle
007School is proud to recognize as its seventh grade nominee as student of the month, Martin LE Torres. Martin. Martin was nominated by his teacher, Mr. Marcus. Uh, has one sibling. Favorite subject is math. Very good. Enjoys cycling. And when you grow up, you want to become an engineer. Nice [Applause] plans. Another round of applause for [Applause] Martin. The eighth grade selection for student of the month, Daniels Herado Gorotita. Daniel. Okay. Daniels was nominated by Miss Caesar Boyd, his math teacher. Has one sibling. Favorite subject is math. Good job. We're going to kill it with math scores. I'm just telling you, it's obvious. Enjoys playing and watching soccer. Favorite team, Barcelona SC. And grows up. Wants to also become an engineer in construction. Nice. Congratulations. Another round of applause. Good job. Next, we have from Brown
008High School, filling in for Mr. Smith, we have Mr. Ross. [Applause] Congratulations to our ninth grade student of the month, Sonia Hanawi. Sonia. So Sonia has one sister. Her favorite subject is a STEM subject. So we're still in the math science area, right? Science. Yay. And then we're looking at Oh, your hobbies is building Legos. And with that, you're going to go to college and probably do something. Yay. Thank you. Congratulations. Where are we going to college? Yeah, here we go. This is for you and we're going to see you about where you go to school. Remembering. All right. Next, our 10th grade student of the month is Ela Vasquez. Elsa. Elsa. So, the favorite subject is math. Math. Thank you. We are doing very well on our math this year. Um, your favorite hobbits
009are being uh athletic, working out, doing runs, and spending time with people she loves. She's planning on going to Ruckers and entering the synography program. Well done. Nice. Another round of applause for [Applause] Elsa. Our 11th grade student of the month is Lilith Contraras. Lilith, Lilith, come on down. All right. So, Lilith's favorite subject is music production. A variation on that harmony of things. Good stuff. Favorite hobbies are drawing, listening to music, and baking. So, you're going to be um an artist. No, you're going to take it to be a college uh student for dental hygiene. Yes. Take a picture. [Music] Congratulations, Lilith. All right. Sorry. I'm just selling selling classes while we go here. All right. So, our just trying to make sure people are getting their right education as they move forward here.
010Our I don't believe he is here. I don't see him, but maybe he is. Our 12th grade senior um of the month is Diego Escobar. Diego, are you here? Diego. Hello, Diego. receiving on his behalf. On his behalf. On his behalf. That's okay. All right. That's okay. Okay, Mr. Ros. So, you had to work. So, Diego, I know a very special soul. Uh, strong. He has a sister. He is going to Gettysburg College. Um, to he will be doing pretty much a free ride there. So, congratulations to him for going to Gettysburg. I had the pleasure to work with him and see him succeed to get there. He's uh history and math and anatomy are his favorite subjects and he's into soccer which he's very good at and he spends quality time with his family.
011So to his family and to him congratulations very much. Good. Come on up and take a picture. Let's do a picture. You come on up. Mom, you can come up. Gracias. Hello. Thank you. Congratulations. Congrats. That's it. Okay. And next up, we have one more student. This award is a little different um other than our student of the month. This is an award that was um given by the NJA most improved student night winner. So, if we could have Miss Winter come up to recognize this student. [Applause] So, I'm going to ask that the student we're honoring come up and join me, Cameron Riddick. And I'd also like her one of the two teachers who nominated her for this honor to come up as well, Miss Fondees. [Applause] It's a true privilege to recognize an
012exceptional student today. Cam, as I like to call her, our Somerset Patriots most improved student. Cameron exemplifies the very spirit of perseverance, growth, and resilience. Her journey is a testament to what can happen when determination and the will to succeed meet opportunity and support. Her transformation shines not only through her academic progress, but even more impressively through the remarkable shift in her attitude and mindset. Improvement isn't always about dramatic leaps. Often, it's about the quiet, steady choice to show up every day, to listen, to learn, and to keep going, even when the path feels difficult. Cameron made that choice. Throughout her time at Smallley, there were moments when frustration could have taken over, when giving up might have seemed easier. But Cameron didn't give up. Instead, she steadily moved forward. She took great responsibility for
013her work, embraced challenges, asked thoughtful questions, and engaged in class with a growing sense of confidence and curiosity. And her progress didn't go unnoticed. Her teacher saw it, her classmates saw it, and today we gather to celebrate. Growth is one of the most powerful accomplishments we can honor because it reflects true strength of character. It shows with the right mindset and supportive community and belief in oneself, there are no limits to what can be achieved. Cameron, we are incredibly proud of you. We believe in you and we are excited to watch all that you will continue to accomplish. Keep pushing, keep believing, and know that this is just the beginning. Congratulations, [Applause] J. You must smile for the picture. All right. All right. Congratulations again. And next up, we will have our educational service educational
014service professional of the month come forward. Miss Winter, you're on again. [Applause] At this time, I'd like to invite invite Miss Jessica Craig to come join us up here. [Applause] With great appreciation, we recognize Miss Craig as the Bound Brook School District Support Staff of the Month. Miss Craig's outstanding dedication and tireless support of our students, especially those on her case load, have made a true difference in our school community. She is an invaluable resource, not only for our students, but also for parents and staff alike. Miss Craig consistently shares her expertise and guidance, ensuring that everyone she works with feels informed, supported, and empowered. What truly sets Miss Craig apart is her proactive approach. She doesn't wait for needs to arise. She anticipates them, making sure her students receive the very best support. She
015is a strong advocate for them, always going above and beyond to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed. Her commitment shines most brightly during IEP meetings where her collaboration and insight leave a lasting impact. Staff members consistently share how grateful they are to work alongside Miss Craig, appreciating her dedication, professionalism, and the positive spirit she brings to every interaction. Miss Craig, thank you for being a true champion for our students and for all you do each and every day. We are so fortunate to have you as part of the Smallley School family. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor. [Applause] Did before. Another round of applause for Mrs. Craig. And next up from Community Middle School, we have our district educator of the month who will be announced by Dr. Santa Surma. [Applause] Congratulations to Miss Victoria
016Espazito for being selected as employee of the month of the Bound Brook School District. Miss Espazito, come on down. That's you. [Laughter] Miss Espazito is the eighth grade science teacher at CMS. Her fun and innovative approach to lessons and labs not only challenge students but make learning fun and exciting. For example, earlier in the school year, Miss Espazito uh organized the second annual speed and acceleration lab at the high school football field. Students analyzed the data from this activity, made predictions, evaluated the results, while at the same time had fun trying to beat Mr. Binder in a 50-yard dash. Another recent lab, Miss Espazito, led a series of experiments in the CMS parking lot gazebo area where students evaluated chemical and physical changes of various objects. What I call the Cheetos experiment, students hypothesized what
017happens when a Cheeto burns. Students predicted color change, the properties of the resulting flame, recorded observations related to smell, burning duration. I think that's all correct, and more from what I saw. Not to mention, they had fun burning Cheetos. Uh, Miss Espazito also works with members of the science department to conduct virtual labs with our partners from students to science. Several times throughout the year, lab kits are delivered to the community middle school and scientists deliver labs from their headquarters in East Hanover, which are facilitated by our CMS teachers. Conversely, Miss Miss Espazito and members of the science department organize several class trips for hands-on experiments at the students to science labs up in East Hanover. Engaging activities such as these bring science to life and create memorable and lasting learning experiences. Outside the classroom,
018Miss Espazito is the CMS student council adviser. She plays a pivotal role in organizing numerous whole school projects, fundraisers, and initiatives to improve the overall climate and culture of the school. Plans are currently in the works for end of the year activities at CMS, including the eighth grade celebration and barbecue, sixth, seventh grade move up dance, the CMS open house, which is next week, February 7 or February, May 7th. uh which includes our CMS openhouse, art show, concert, food festival, and of course our science fair. Miss Espazito's student council conducts conducts fundraisers such as the recent green bagel sale and the upcoming CMS car wash, which is Saturday, May 10th. Mark your calendars from 10 to 2 in the CMS parking lot. Only $5 per car if it's board approved tonight. Miss Espazito's unwavering dedication
019to her students, creating creative teaching methods, and commitment to enhancing the atmosphere at CMS are greatly valued and appreciated. Congratulations once again for being our teacher of the month. Another round of applause for Miss [Applause] Espazito. Another round of applause for all of our award recipients tonight. And if all of the teachers who came to support their students would please stand. We just want to give you a round all the teachers who came to support. I see you. All of you please stand. So yes, teachers, educators who was came to support, I just want to give them a round of applause. It shows their dedication to our students and and their colleagues. Thank you. Okay, at this time we are going to call all of the the students of the month as well as their
020families up to take a group picture. Thank you. Come on down. Congratulations. Why don't you come forward a little more One more [Music] push camera. [Applause] Can't do it. Thank you. Don't No, no, but I need Miss Miss Craig, could you come forward, please? Miss Espazito. Mike, if I could get a picture All right, everybody. At this time, we'll resume the meeting and uh hand over to I believe Mr. Gorski for item four do sorry 2.4 adoption of the 2025 2026 final budget. Thank you Mr. Januzi. Um, the board of education after our committee meetings decided that they were most satisfied with the tenative budget construction and they recommended that tonight we roll out the same exact budget that we did for the tenative adoption as the final adoption. We've had no proposed changes or
021recommendations that have come from any administrator or member of the public. and we believe that this is a very comprehensive solid budget that provides opportunity for the most vast amount of students. So, just um procedurally, we're going to just go through some of the presentation highlights quickly from last time just so you're refamiliarized uh with the budget. Uh I'll read the resolution. We'll open it up for a public hearing where any member of the public has a right to comment on the budget only. Then the board will deliberate and then we'll take a vote and then we're done. So this year's budget was constructed constructed uh with the vision from Dr. Freeman in accordance with the board goals and district goals and the district's mission and vision statement. This budget is designed to support all
022of those goals and initiatives with financial resources that we were provided by the state and local taxpayers. So that's the DNA of the budget and we are providing education now for about an increase of 75 students each year. So the district is solidly growing which is unusual in the state of New Jersey. Many are shrinking. We are still growing and that's favorable for a district's financial health because with student growth comes additional revenues. in theory. Um it's uh providing a lot of additional resources for programs and instructions uh that has been underserved in prior years. the last two years for 2425 and 2324, we had a bumper crop of state aid and the budget grew to a more responsible um figure and uh it's closing the gap for our under adequacy which is our comparison
023to a state model determining how much should be sent on a school district. We are still under adequacy financially but we have made a lot of progress to close the gap. Um some of the highlights in the budget are we are incorporating in the budget a modular classroom addition to Lamont school which is part of the pea grant. It will be ready, believe it or not, by January 1st of 2026. And that's going to be very strategically advancing the size of the building, posting more students, and in theory bringing in more revenue from the pea grant because we're serving more students. We're able to fit more in our program. We have six additional staff. There was an error before. We don't have seven. The assistant superintendent was already established and then it's in the budget.
024So, we have one bilingual math teacher, three high school teachers, a math, science, and social studies, two special ed teachers, and that's a total of six. Health insurance costs are one of the highest appropriation line items in the budget. Our initial projection was 19.5% increase. That's um just doesn't fit and it's unsustainable. We negotiated that from 19.5 to 17.4 4 to 13.5 and we've we concluded when we hit 12.5. So the last three years our health insurance rates have increased 7% per year on average which is significantly under the state health benefits program. Uh we have many new curriculum adoptions, uh many new additions thank to uh Robin Griffin and um special ed programs, bilingual programs especially. We've doubled down on our bilingual um resources in the last few years and we have a very
025respectable program now thanks to Claudia Heist and uh $2 million is going toward capital projects, $900,000 for new equipment. So in summary, without much additional contribution from the local taxpayers, the Bound Brook Board of Education in the 2526 budget is providing for a third year of a very comprehensive budget with significant additional educational resources to support our staff and teachers and students and educators with technology and everything that's needed. So at this time I would like to read the resolution and then open it up for public comment and then board deliberation and then a vote. So, as recommended by the superintendent of schools, be it resolved by the Boundwork Board of Education that the 2526 final general fund budget be adopted in the amount of 58 million 023 282 and a final general fund local
026tax levy in the amount of 14,244,882 and a final special revenue fund in the amount of $3,74,533 and a final debt service budget. budget in the amount of 1,633,263 and a final debt service local tax levy in the amount of $762,773 whereby the final 2526 budget totals 62,731,78 and whereas the bound board of education has been notified of state aid amounts and whereas such state aid amounts are for 2526 equalization aid is 33,43 38,223 and the 2526 school choice aid is $131,835 and the 2526 categorical special education aid is $2,511,744 and the 2526 categorical security aid is $830,194 and the 2526 categorical transportation aid is $137,591 and the 2526 preschool education aid is 1,768,877 and the 2526 debt service aid is $870,480 and whereas the Bound Board of Education has estimated a state aid amount
027pursuant to application and for 2526 the estimated extraordinary aid amount is $200,000 and whereby policy 6471 and NJ administrative code 6A2 23A-7.3 provides that the board of education shall establish in the annual school budget a maximum expenditure amount that may be allotted for travel and expense reimbursement for the 2526 school year. Now therefore, it be resolved that the Bound Brook Board of Education hereby establishes the school district annual track travel man maximum for the 2526 school year at a total of $57,500. and be it further resolved that the school business administrator shall track and record these costs to ensure that the maximum amount is not exceeded. Whereas due to the consistent student enrollment growth, instructional staffing of program needs, facility needs, and other priorities set forth by the superintendent of schools. The board is budgeting
028the maximum spending authority which does not include an automatic enrollment adjustment to cap of 1,552,491 and it also does not include the healthc care cost adjustment of $551,555 both of which will instead be added to the district banked cap. The district is not applying any of the previous year's banked cap. So that can be interpreted as we're storing resources that we receive for future use. Now therefore, let it be resolved that the superintendent of schools and the business administrator board secretary file the requirement required documents with the executive county superintendent. May we have a first and a second. Miss Hy made the motion. Second. Mr. Dawson with a second. Thank you. And now we will open up Mr. Januzi for a public hearing. If any members of the public would like to speak strictly to
029the budget, you're welcome to do so at this time. Mr. Januzi, I don't see anyone. So at this time, if you wish to open that up for board discussion, please appropriate. Any members of the board wish to make any comments or ask any questions? Hearing none, Mr. Gorski, should we do a roll call, please? Yes, sir. This is the adoption of the final 2526 budget. Mr. Dawson, yes. Miss Gazino, yes. Miss Musen, yes. Mr. Minhas, yes. Miss Hy, yes. And Mr. Vulmer. Yes. And Mr. Januzi. Yes. Mr. Board President, motion passes. And at this time, I would like to thank Dr. Freeman for his inspirational vision with the budget. This is a very difficult group process that involves every administrator in the school district, every teacher in the school district to put together a fiscal
030plan that satisfies everybody for the next year as best as we can predict. Just like any plan, there's modifications that happen through the year that the board of education approves with transfers. But we believe that conceptually this budget provides everything that's needed for success. And we're very excited to see the result of where these dollars are going to make an impact. Thank you, Miss Lee, for all your contributions, Miss Griffin, and all of the administrative team. Uh Mr. Ross, you as well. and seems like every day you're bringing me a check to help offset some of the costs of the CTE, which is most appreciated. Keep them coming. So, thank you. All right. [Applause] Thank you, Mr. Gorski. Uh, I see that our student board member is not with us this evening, so we will
031skip his report for tonight and move right on to committee meeting reports. First up is Mr. Dawson for education. Uh thank you, Mr. President. Uh we met several weeks ago. Uh a few topics we covered were the recent Spanish placement test given to our uh middle middle school students in 8th grade. Um the test was really efficiently done. We were able to get a large number of students evaluated and we were really excited to talk about the options they have at the high school specifically for uh students who are heritage speakers and the programming that's being developed to support those students as they uh formerly work on their Spanish. We talked about our action plan for multilingual students. Um the district has identified some strengths that have really emerged uh with all the work that's
032gone in to support those students in recent years. Those strengths include identification, program description, um and reviewing the exiting process, and the action plan targets uh staff certifications, uh curriculum updates, and evaluation design. So, we're all excited about that work that's taking place. And lastly, we talked about something that's called option two, uh, which looks at different ways for high school students to meet credit requirements um, and alternative pathways, whether they're student athletes or they're looking at online classes for um, health courses. This will be a big benefit for students who are involved in the athletic program and also for some of our multilingual students. So, we're excited about those developments. And that was it for us. Excellent. Thank you, Mr. Dawson. Any questions for Mr. Dawson and the education committee? All right, hearing none,
033we'll move on to governance. Mr. Bal is not with us this evening, so I'll just briefly run through the topics that we discussed. Uh, following on to Mr. Dawson's report, we also have been discussing option two uh, in terms of how that fits into our policies and our strategies. Similarly, we're very happy with the developments. We think it's a good direction for the district in general and we were thankful for the additional ways that that policy could be extended to populations beyond athletes to help us achieve district uh objectives. So that was all really well met. I believe we will be finalizing that between now and the May meeting and hopefully reviewing a final drafting committee and then voting on it at the next meeting. Um we also reviewed the spectator code of conduct. This
034is something that I believe is being driven really by the NJSIA and expected in all districts. It's a new addition to our policies and we will be voting on it tonight. It's agenda item 9.16. Uh and the last thing that we talked about was the board self-evaluation. So, thank you everybody for completing and contributing to that. Um overall the results were very strong. Um we on a scale I think of 0ero to four ended up with an average assessment on uh of 3.63. Um so higher on the uh the scale. There were a few common themes of areas for improvement. They included um communication specifically regarding board policies as well as how we share uh our goals and objectives as well as our accomplishments uh with relevant stakeholders in the community. So that was feedback
035well received and something that we'll start to work on and internalize as we prepare our goals for the next school year. And that was it for governance. Happy to take any questions. All right. Hearing none, we will do human resources. Mrs. Hi, it's going to be brief. Um, you know, every month we go over the the positions needed, the positions that are filled, etc. So, uh, that's an ongoing process. And um one of the things that had happened this year was um the attendance at the college fair visits where there were some really wonderful candidates for for positions. So um we had some administrators Dr. Freeman um and just met with these people really to get things rolling so that we don't want to scramble. We want to you know get people as they're eager
036to come out and just very wellqualified. Um the other thing was we had a a presentation from Integrity Consulting Group and that was for an insurance and it's just looking at um cost-saving strategies, plan um plan management, wellness initiatives, etc. And it was Chuck Grant and Anthony Tanzini who came and just presented um their program to us because one of the things that is happening is the the rising cost is you might could say it was 7% but they were like average is at least it's going to like 12.5. So really exploring our options so that we can get the most for for the plans and that really is it. Thank you Mrs. High. The only thing that I would add is just a thank you to Mr. Gorski and the administration in general. I
037think we continue to be impressed as a board by the creative thinking that is brought to the table from all of the district staff. You know, we're driven from the top down. And so the idea that we can explore, you know, consortiums or group buys or even self- insurance are concepts that we wouldn't have even thought of uh prior to you guys coming on board. So, just our thanks for continuing to bring your best to the table all the time. Other comments or questions for Sue. All right. Thank you, Mrs. High. Um, so Roger also not here tonight briefly on operations. We too sat in on the discussion regarding uh health insurance possibilities. I won't recover that, but just know that operations was briefed on that as well. Um, we were also in receipt of
038a brochure regarding bus safety rules and regulations. This is something a resource that hadn't existed up to this point. Uh, and the business office was instrumental in creating and hopefully will um both help our uh families understand how important we take safety for um people that are riding the bus as well as make sure that there's uniform knowledge of expectations as people are participating in the bus rides. And then uh as we moved already, we reviewed uh the 2526 budget noting that there were no material changes uh prior to the meeting. And that was it for operations. Comments or questions? All right, back to Mrs. Hive for Somerset County ESC. So, at Somerset County, um, one of the things that they're doing right now is they're negotiating presently with, um, the Security Guards Association. This
039is a new addition to their, um, bargaining unit. So, that's that's just that just started. So, that's it'll take a little time. Um, at the last meeting, it was really nice. We took a tour of the building trades program. And in that program, they have a huge area. And in that they framed out a little house, um framing, plumbing, electric, uh siding, roofing, everything. And this is from the kids. So they they put all this up, they um then take it down at the end because it's, you know, it's a a semester. So they go through it and then another group of kids comes in to do it. They love the program. And to be involved in that program, you have to earn your way into that program. So it's the the kids who are
040there really are taking it seriously and it's very nice because it is preparing them for some sort of a trade going on. Um we also discussed the new dawn academy. This is a therapeutic alternative um learning c environment where they have preventative care and they also have therapeutic and psychological services and it is being very well received. We went over wellness policies. It was thrilling. Not really, but just as in general, just going over the different um policies. Looked at the renewal of transportation contracts with everybody associated with Somerset County ESC and then did the facility review update where they are taking the second floor because they their population is increasing. So, they are now making three more classrooms and more space for um counseling opportunities for the kids. And they're also they're continue to
041build the ShopRite portion of their program and a cafe where they're going to have where you can order foods etc. So it's really kind of exciting. It's very exciting and they're also starting with the um the automotive program and I'm like pick me because they're like we'll do oil changes and etc. And I was like, really and truly, I volunteer. But it's just nice to see the kids so involved with that and wanting to do it and with direct supervision. So everything that's going on there is supervised by, you know, a teacher and professional. So it's it's really nice. And that concludes my report. Outstanding. Any comments or questions for Sue once? All right. For item 4.6, Six. Since Southbound Brook is currently having their board of education meeting, Mr. Inc. Calcater is not with
042us tonight. So, we will await his updates at our next committee meeting. Uh before I close, any other comments or questions regarding the committees? All right, we are up to item 5.1 now. Guidelines for public participation in board meetings. Uh so this is the portion of the meeting where any member of the public can come down and speak to the board regarding any of the items that are on the agenda. Just come down to the podium, sign in with your name, address, and affiliation. Um we ask that out of courtesy if we have a line of people or a queue that uh each person uh limit their comments or questions to five minutes uh and give others an opportunity to speak. So at this time, anybody to talk about agenda items? Seeing no one rushed
043to the podium, we will move 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 meetings. Regular and executive meeting minutes for March 12th, 2025. We have a motion. Thank you, Miss Mus. A second. Thank you, Mr. Minhas. Any discussion? Hearing none. Can we have a roll call, please? Yes. Yes. Thank you. Item 7.1. Be it resolved that the superintendent recommends for approval the resolutions as outlined in district personnel resolutions. These are items 7.2 through 7.45. I have a motion. Motion from Sue. A second. A second from Miss Musen. Any discussion? I just I just want to say summer's coming because you see all the summer stuff going on. I know it's a lot of work to organize. So, thank
044you. There you go. Something to be excited about. Hearing no other comments. Mr. Gorski, can we have a roll call, please? Yes. Thank you. Item 8.1. Be it resolved that the Bound Brook Board of Education approves the resolutions as outlined in district education resolutions. This is 8.2 through 8.21. May I have a motion? Motion. Thank you, Mr. Dawson. A second. Second. Thank you, Mrs. Guzino. Any discussion? All right. Hearing none. Can we have a roll call, please? Yes. Yes. Thank you. Item 9.1. Be it resolved that the Boundwork Board of Education approves the resolutions as outlined in board action resolutions. This is 9.2 2 through 9.45. I have a motion. Thank you, Mr. Dawson. A second. Second. Thank you, Mrs. High. Any discussion? That's my understanding as well. Dr. Freeman, can you confirm? Yes. All
045right. Any other comments or questions? Well said. Thank you, Mr. Minhas. Hearing no other comments, Mr. Gorski, a roll call, please. Yes. Thank you. Uh, I have received no other matters to come before the board. So, we are currently up to new business. Is there any business that the board members would like to raise at this time that has not otherwise been included or addressed on the agenda? All right, we are up to item 12.1, open to the public for participation. So, unlike item number five, this can be about any topic. doesn't necessarily have to be about anything that's on the agenda. Same general rules apply. Not seeing any commenters from the room. So, we will move on to item 13.1. Resolve that the Bound Brook Board of Education enter executive session as allowed by
046NJSA 104-11 for the purposes noted in the agenda under items 1 and 7. I have a motion. Thank you, Mr. Manhas. A second. Second. Thank you, Mr. Dawson. All in favor? I I We are adjourned to executive. I make one one announcement that I forgot. We have a member of our central office cabinet that just successfully defended her dissertation. Let's give a round of applause to Dr. Claudia Heisterman. [Applause] Well done. Congratulations. Not yet. Waiting for Don. One more to go. Yes. back. Good. Ready to go, Mike? Okay. So, we are resuming our session now. Up to item 14.1. Mike, do I have to read this whole thing? Okie dokie. Settle in everyone. So whereas the board is presently involved in administrative proceedings before the commissioner of education with the Piscatoaway school district in the
047following matters. Bound Brook BOE versus Township of Piscatoway BOE and AS OBO JDO and ADO A I'm sorry, O A L docket number EDU 02006-2000 2022 agency docket number 23-22 uh Township of Piscataway Board of Education versus Bound Brook Board of Education. OAL docket number edu 01361-2024 agency docket number 82-422 and BOE versus township of Piscatoaway BOE and BF OB LF PF and VF OAL docket number edu 082 245-2024 agency docket number 156-524 the proceedings and whereas the parties to the administrative proceedings have negotiated a settlement agreement resolving all of the disputes between them and whereas the settlement agreement is in the best interest of the district and will avoid the cost uh costs and uncertainty of continuing litigation in these matters. Now therefore, it is hereby resolved that this 30th day of April, 2025,
048the board approves the attached settlement agreement and authorizes the board attorney to execute the agreement on behalf of the Boundwork Board of Education. And it is further resolved that with the approval of this agreement, district officials are hereby authorized to take all necessary steps to affectuate the terms of the agreement. May I have a motion? Motion. Thank you, Mrs. High. A second. A second for Mr. Minhas. Roll call, please. Mr. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Thank you very much, Mr. Gorski. On to item 15.1. Be it resolved that the Bound Brook Board of Education approves the resolutions as outlined in approval of HIV cases under high school. This is item 15.2. We have a motion. Motion. Thank you, Mr. Dawson. A second. Second. Thank you, Mrs. Kazino. Mr. Groski, a roll call, please. Yes. Yes.
049Thank you. Item 16.1. 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 16.2. I have a motion. Thank you, Miss Mus. A second. Second. I'm going to give it to Mrs. Hi. Roll call, please. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Item 17.1. I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. No motion. Nobody wants to leave. Thank you, Miss Mus. A second. Second. Thank you, Mr. Dawson. All in favor? I I. We are adjourned. Thank you very much.