001I call this meeting to order. Mr. Edwards, roll call. >> Miss Pala, Miss >> Misty. Benedictus >> here. >> Mr. Henry >> here. >> Mr. Maljeri >> here. >> Mr. Master Master Serio >> here. >> Sorry there. That was a mouthful. Miss Kennedy >> here. >> Mr. Mesmer. >> Mo. Can I get a motion to go into executive session? >> Motion. George. >> Second. Fran. >> Mr. Edwards. >> Miss Pala. Oops. She's not here. Sorry. Misty. Benedictus. >> Yes. >> Mr. Henry. >> Yes. >> Mr. Malerie. Yes, >> Mr. Master Serio. >> Yes. >> Getting better at it, Mr. Kennedy. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Kennedy. Sorry, I said Mr. Sorry. >> Yeah, sorry. How's it going? All right, we're back from executive session. I'd like everyone to please rise for a salute to the flag
002and a moment of silence. to the Republic. Okay, we're going to open up with the student represent representatives. Dr. Frell, >> uh, from Brick Memorial, Michaela, you're going to go first this time. On behalf of Brick Memorial High School, I am proud to share several highlights that continue to showcase the strength, talent, and con connectiveness of our Mustang community. We would like to extend our heartfelt thank you to our visual and performing arts department and our talented students for an outstanding district arts festival. The music, artwork, and photography on display were truly impressive, and the pride felt throughout the evening was something our entire community can celebrate. Thank you to everyone involved for your dedication to bringing the arts to life and providing our students with such meaningful opportunities to showcase their creativity. Earlier this
003month, our Brick Memorial Bowling staff hosted the fifth annual district staff and family bowling tournament. With 27 teams and 108 participants and thanks in part to the generosity of Ocean Lanes, nearly 1,000 was raised for student scholarships. It was a fantastic event that brought our community together for a great cause. We also want to congratulate our STEM seniors on an exceptional senior showcase. Our students delivered impressive capstone presentations that reflected their passion, growth, and innovation developed over the four years in the STEM Academy. It was an inspiring evening for students, families, and staff alike, and a true celebration of the class of 2026. Congratulations to our BMHS senior STEM presenters Dylan Bower, Ka Conano, Jack DeForge, Anthony Derek, Braden Heisy, Tyler Hudach, Jake Nara, Allison Kennedy, Jack Kennedy, Joe Mcclin, Brenda Dondo, Zack Rodak, and
004Mackenzie Vampel. Also, a big thank you to our Miss Michelle Pierce for her leadership and facilitating all of our hard work and to all for who supported our individual event. Additionally, thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of our Brick Memorial and Beyond event. It was a great It was great to see so many meaningful conversations taking place as staff, coaches, and advisers connected with students and families. Events like this continue to strengthen our Mustang connected culture by fostering communication, transparency, and shared pride. A special thank you to Mr. Kevin Mcnite for his leadership in organizing such a successful event. Last Friday, our Mustangs were proud to participate in Crazy Socks Day. As part of our Mustang March Madness activities, we proudly recognized World Down Syndrome Day. And thanks to some help from
005our PTSA and support from our unified program and promoting and motivating participation, over 70% of our staff joined in on the fund. More importantly, there is such a small example of our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and school community, one that values acceptance, understanding, and celebration of every individual's unique abilities. Brook Memorial High School successfully administered the LA the New Jersey guardian proficiency assessment to our 11th grader students last week. The state required assessment English language arts and mathematics represents an important milestone on our students road to graduation. We are proud that the process ran smoothly with minimal disruption to the school day. We extend our sincere appreciation to our entire staff, especially those directly involved in testing for their patience, flexibility, and professionalism throughout the process. Their collective efforts ensured a consistent and
006supportive testing environment, allowing our students to approach the assessment with focus and confidence. This week, we are administering NGPA makeup exams while also offering the PSAT to our 10th grade students. At the same time, we continue our preparations for the upcoming NJSLA assessments with 11th graders scheduled for science and nth graders for English language arts and mathematics. As we remain committed to supporting student achievements across all levels, looking ahead, we are excited to host our career day on April 1st. Over 60 professionals scheduled to speak with our students. We encourage all students to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to explore future career paths and make real world connections. Thank you for your continued support of our students, staff, and the entire Mustang community. Please be sure to stay connected by following us on our
007social media, turning into our Straight from the Mustangs Mouth podcast. Thank you. >> Thank you, Michaela. And from Brick High School, Erica. >> Good evening. I'm Erikica Bakornney, the president of the BTHS student government. I'm excited to share this month's BTHS Dragon Report with you. BTHS hosted the district arts festival earlier this month. It was great to see all the school's art and talent on display. On March 19th, BTHS also hosted the annual special education resources and transition fair. This was an excellent opportunity for families to explore post-graduation resources and support available to their children. Career Day was held yesterday. Over 50 guest speakers in the fields of business, law, public service, science, technology, vocational, real estate, medical, and health came to present their jobs to students who signed up to hear about specific fields.
008Hero Awards run by the mayor Student Advisory Committee took place last Friday. The event is a way to recognize people around the community who have made a positive difference. The PTA craft fair on March 14th was a huge success. We've already begun planning the next year's event. Congratulations to the girls track team for their results at nationals. The sprint medley team, Kira McHugh, Caitlyn McHugh, Emma Canfield, and Olivia Russell set a new record of 41640. Spring sports have begun. Our teams are practicing hard and playing well in their scrimmages. We are looking forward to seeing them succeed in upcoming games. The Dragon Drama Club will present its spring production of Little Shop of Horrors on March 27th and 28th. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. A special preview performance will take place
009tonight for members of our senior community. In partnership with the township, several local senior centers will be provided transportation to attend this evening's show. Junior and senior prom bids will be on on sale in the upcoming weeks. The junior prom will be held on Thursday, April 23rd at the Jumping Brook Country Club. The senior prom will be held on Thursday, May 14th at the Southgate Manor. BTHS is excited to host Dragon Destinations Road Map to the Future on March 31st from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This informative evening is designed to help students and families explore post-secary opportunities and begin planning their next steps after high school. That's all for today. Be sure to stay connected to BTHS events and inside information by accessing our school website, SGA Instagram at BTHSS SGAA, and our school Twitter
010at BTHS Dragons. You can always see our happenings monthly through Dr. Kajun Dragon Review. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you, Erica. Thanks. Um, next, every year, twice a year, we have our district HIB harassment, intimidation, and bullying uh coordinator report out on our HIB numbers. Uh, so without further ado, uh, Mr. Rabone. All right. Be on here. There we go. Maybe. All right. Good evening. There we go. All right. Good evening, members of the board of education. Dr. Farrell, community members. Like Dr. Farrell mentioned, u I'm here to present on the first half's work uh with regards to HIVs that were investigated and found to be affirmed. Um the requirement comes part of the New Jersey Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act. Uh obviously it's in place to uh provide a safe, supportive, and
011respective environment for our children, but also there's requirements in there that uh if we have any type of reports coming from staff, students, community members, and parents, uh it is our right, our duty to investigate those and take action as needed. Um before I get into some of the numbers, and it's uh they're all good. I do want to acknowledge I call them difference makers, our anti-bullying specialists, which are pretty much our counselors in all of our schools. Some have more than one um who are designated as ABS's in our school who are the primary uh the primary function when it comes to HIVs is to be the lead investigator. Uh these are appointed by the school principal. Um it does allow the princip the law allows the principal to designate other people to assist
012in the investigations. But I really want to uh send out some some thanks and kudos to to these staff members because uh aside from their their primary duties of counseling and working with children, they do tremendous work um with the kids, with the families to investigate these uh these alleged HIP investigations. So really want to thank them all. I work handinhand with all them and they do a great work, great job uh so professional. Obviously, thank you to all the principles who are involved in the uh in the process as well. But uh just want to make sure that uh these staff members are recognized. Uh on to the data uh for the first half of the year. Uh data here showing uh the number of HIV confirmed uh which I report to the board
013in close session uh each board meeting. Uh broken down by by grade bands. Preschools uh did not have any at either one, which is understandable. If we did have HIPS, we'd have a little bit of a problem. Uh elementary schools, we have six elementary schools in the district. uh for the most part, the exception of one that we had at Osborneville, we've had zero for the first half of the school year. The state breaks it down from August through January for the first half of the school year. And then I'll report on at a later time from those that run from February through um through July uh because it could happen during the uh during the offseason. All right. Uh during the uh in the middle schools, we have seven total confirmed HIPS so far
014this year. six at Lake Ribb, one at Vets Middle and at the high schools we had three at Brick Township High School and one at Brick Memorial High School. For our total for the first half of the year is at 12. Do want to do a little comparison uh to our prior years uh in 23 24 school year we had same period for the first half of the school year we had 30 confirmed HIVs. uh the following year which was last year for the uh 6-month span we had 21 confirmed HIVs and this year we're at 12. So our numbers are going down. This is this is a good um good marker right to to show us a lot of the work. Uh you know the board members have asked me in close session you
015know why it's it all comes down to the people the hard work of our ABS's our counselors our teachers uh it's a concertive effort by by the principles um character ed programs from start to finish. Uh we we spent a lot of time talking about HIVs, the process, the law, the difference between what an HIV is versus what's conflict. Uh lots of training went on the beginning of the school year with staff including all brand new staff uh instructional non-instructional. So a lot of work behind the scenes has gone to it gone gone to uh has led to a reduction in the numbers, but again it could it could increase, right? So but again it's the bottom line is it just comes down to to the work of um a couple people, right? obviously the
016staff members but the students also right the students uh to to be informed and make those have those conversations with a trusted adult in the schools to report or report to their trusted adult at home and then they report to us uh but again very meticulous process in some cases the reports that are submitted uh to me and to Dr. Farah go could range anywhere from 15 pages to over 30 pages for one investigation. So there's a a lot of work uh behind the scenes and right now we're on average we're about for every three investigations we have one confirmed HI across the district. So again uh great work by by all the uh stakeholders at the building level and then uh great support obviously from uh central office and and and from you from
017the board. So um that is all I have. Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Thank you Mr. Rabone. Um Mr. Elicott I know is in the back. This presentation will be put up when will we could get it up on the website by tomorrow right because we always put it on the website under our HIB. So you have Thank you. >> Can I please have a motion and a second for the approval of minutes at the February 26th meeting? >> Motion George. Second, Fran. >> Mr. Edwards with the vote. >> Misty Benedictus. >> Wait, I can't do that one. I wasn't here. >> Okay. >> Got it. >> Mr. Henry. >> Yes. >> Mr. Malieri. >> Yes. >> Mr. Master Master Serio. I don't know why I'm having a hard time with that one tonight.
018Sorry. Mike Abdane. Miss Kennedy. >> Yes. >> I got that one right. Mr. Mesmer. >> Yes. >> And point of order. Mr. Edwards, uh, we have, um, member Pala on the phone. Could you please call her name? >> Oh, Miss Pala, are you there? You might still be on mute. >> We're not hearing anything on our end. Okay. >> All right. Moving on to committee reports. Uh Dr. Frell, CNI. >> Sure. Uh Dr. Anderson is not here this evening, but um we had a CNI committee on March 10th. In attendance was Mrs. Pala, our chairperson, Mrs. De Benedictus, Mr. Henry, uh Miss Munos, Miss Yui, our super soups, Dr. Anderson, Dr. Itaru, and myself. Uh the committee reviewed upcoming CNI items for our March agenda approval. Updates were shared on the integrated science course, the
019reading pilot, and on a special education goal to expand mainstream and least restrictive environment and co-curricular opportunities for classified students. Uh lastly, Dr. Anderson outlined a schedule of some of the upcoming academic milestones, including the NJ GPA testing, which already took place. uh progress reports and various community engagement initiatives like title one family night and parentmies. I know we had one just the other night I think or last night for a special education department as well. CNI uh the policy and planning uh committee uh met on March 19th in attendance was Mr. Philippone, Mrs. De Benedictus our chair, Mr. Master Serio and myself. I think Mr. from Algeri called in very late right at the end towards that and we updated him as well. Uh the committee always starts off reviewing the action items for
020the board agenda tonight uh like our mandatory policy revisions, the revised 2526 school calendar, which thank I don't want to ever look at again this year and the latest HI reports for upcoming board approval and the HIP presentation that was reported out tonight. The group also discussed updates um to an emergency remote instruction plan and the potential for board members to participate in meetings virtually and that is still ongoing. >> Thank you Dr. Frell. Um Mr. Edwards, finance and facilities. >> Yes, thank you Mr. Memer. On March 10th, the facilities committee met uh in attendance for Miss Kennedy, Miss Pala, Mr. Henry, Dr. Ferrell, myself, Mr. Picorio, Mr. Williams from Spiesel Architectural, Mr. Dubovich from FBHD, Mr. Chaton from FBD Architects, Mr. Kapor from DMR Architects, and Mr. Y from Neta Architects. Uh, first project
021we discussed was the midstream's elementary school kitchen. Mr. Yur informed the committee that installation of the remaining kitchen table is scheduled for the upcoming week. Um and following the installation and a final walkthrough and punch list will be completed to finalize the project and submit for final payment and close out. Warren Hwolf um early childhood development center air conditioning. Mr. Yur informed the committee that the project close out still pending minor is still pending due to minor testing and balancing issues being addressed by the contractor. Herbertsville Elementary School Early Childhood Development Center Air Conditioning Project. Mr. Yur informed the committee that a change order for additional electrical work was reviewed. committee discussed previous credits associated with electrical the electrical relocation and the discrepancy created by the additional charge from the subcontractor. The architect is uh
022indicated that he would review further with the contractor and he also indicated that final documentation and closeout items are expected once the remaining work is test remaining work and testing are completed. Osborneville Elementary School kitchen edition Mr. Williams informed the committee that the Osborneville kitchen project is nearing completion, that the closeout documents documentation, including warranties and final paperwork, has been delivered by the contractor. Midstream's Elementary School Air Conditioning, Mr. Speizzel informed the committee that the HVAC punch list repairs and inspections are still outstanding from the contractor and we're waiting for a final response from the township regarding uh the biards that may be required around groundmounted HVAC units. Osborneville Elementary School Air Conditioning. Mr. Williams informed the committee that the project inspections are scheduled for the April spring break and coordination will occur with the
023HVAC contract to to complete the remaining testing and balancing work for the exterior units once weather conditions allowed. Brick Township High School ADA chairlift. I informed the committee that Speizzel was the only one thus far that has proposed a fee for the ADA access compliance at Brick Township High School. VFHD and DMR agreed that they will visit the site in the next week to evaluate the existing chairlifts and assess conditions. Uh the next meeting is scheduled for April 21st. Uh the next was the um Oops, I closed out the wrong one. Sorry. it to me. It was the finance committee meeting. Uh first item, I'm sorry, it was also March 10th. Uh in attendance was Mr. Mesmer, Miss Kennedy, Dr. Farrell, and myself. Uh first item of discussion was the state aid litigation. Dr. Dr.
024Farrell informed the committee that he has provided the attorney with parent and students names so we can discuss being them being added to the litigation on behalf of the district to support uh the district's case for lack of state aid. We next discussed the 2627 budget. I informed the committee that the budget process is ongoing. Dr. Farrell reminded the committee that the budget submitted needs to balance and with the various cost increases uh that will ultimately result in reduction of staff. I informed the committee that the tenative budget is not the final budget as there is information from the actuaries that is not provided until the end of March and therefore there will be changes to the budget submitted in April and the next committee meeting for that committee is on April 21st. >> Thank
025you let out. So uh I'm sure people have seen on the agenda that uh Mr. Edwards is retiring. I say effective July 1, not June 30th, but what's a day? Um, Mr. Edwards has been in this district 16 years, 19 years. I was going to say almost 20 years. I actually worked with him many moons ago in New Egypt when he was the business administrator and I was a teacher and a coach and he I actually would invite him into my business classes many times and go over some of the functions whether it's accounting and some uh business philosophies. Um I'm starting my seventh year here and uh we have a great relationship working together. I joke that Jim is not black and white, he's black and black. I mean it is what it is.
026the numbers are what they are, but when you look around the state the last few years and uh you see people in dire fiscal situations, a lot worse off than we are. And listen, we've had just awful budget wos and then we continue to have those budget woes. But it's no secret that we've navigated those tough times because of Mr. Edwards. No secret. Uh nobody understands this job better. Hence why people across the state are already looking for him for things to do and help in his retirement. Though I know he wants to be on the golf course a few days a week too. Um but this district is indebted to his service. He really has moved the district forward and he really has kept us in a situation where uh we haven't been that
027dire. We've increased programs. We're always asking him to get more grants, to expand prek, to do all these lastm minute things to help us with the budget. And Mr. Edwards and his department, uh, doing a fantastic job doing that. Uh, he's going to be missed not only by me and our administration, but this district, I know, and the board of education. Um, but he promised me he is because I will not let him go anywhere until this budget is done. he promised me is here to the end to help with the budget and he will not be a stranger and I do have his number on speed dial uh moving forward. But thank you for all your time and service. I know when we get to June we'll probably have something a little more ceremonial
028but I just uh thought it would be important that I say that and I know you wanted to say a few words as well but thank you. You want me to say something now? Oh, there's Victor. >> Yeah. So, it's it's uh you know, since the announcement went out, it's been um really nice and pleasant. I've heard from some um I actually this morning got a phone call from uh the board president that hired me. Uh Brian Duca reached out. So, you know, that was seems like yesterday. We were reminiscing over that. Um, so it's been nice. I've heard from past board members, um, text messages, phone calls. Um, it's it's nice to know that the work that I've done here has been appreciated. I'm going to miss there's mixed emotions. I've been telling people,
029you know, I'm excited to enter a new chapter, but at the same time, sad to be going. Uh, I've got a great office staff. They've been tremendous. They're the backbone. They let me, you know, uh, be able to do the things that we do in this district is I couldn't do without their support. They've been great. Um, of course, working with Dr. Farrell has been tremendous. Uh, he was on the job for maybe a week, two weeks before we had to shut down schools. So, that was an interesting thing. And, uh, you know, countless number of superintendents. He, uh, he, I don't know, he he's a sucker for it. He stays. So, he's still here. So, it's been nice working having that consistency that we didn't have for a long time. So, uh, I thank
030you guys all for your support over the years. Truly will be missed. So, thank you. Okay. Okay. This is the first section, the first opportunity for public comment and will be for agenda items only. Each participant is asked to give his or her name prior to making a statement. All statements shall be directed at the presiding officer. Comment shall be limited to five minutes. Anyone have public comment on agenda items? Seeing none. Okay. Uh moving on, Mr. Edwards, please introduce curriculum and instruction. >> Yes. This evening, the superintendent recommends items 1 through six. >> I need a motion and a second. Motion joined. >> Second, John. >> Mr. Edwards with the vote. >> Sorry, that was M. Who was that? Um, >> John Henry. Got it. >> George and John. >> Thank you. >> Is
031Miss Pala on the phone? >> Sounds like you. >> Miss Pala. >> Yes. We hire you. Thank you voting. Yes. >> Okay. Miss Misty Benedictus. >> Yes. >> Mr. Henry. >> Yes. >> Mr. Malieri. >> Yes. >> Mr. Master Serio. >> Yes. And very good. >> Miss Kennedy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mesmer. >> Yes. >> Moving on to operations. >> Oh, that's me again. Yeah, I think they're all you. Just >> uh this evening, the superintendent recommends items 1 through 19. >> I need a motion and a second. Motion George. >> Second, Fran. >> Ready for a vote. >> Miss Pala. >> Oh, just a point of order. So, the feed is 15 seconds. I'm trying to wait. I think finally ready. So, hold on, Victoria. Hold on. Go ahead, Victoria. Yes. Thank you, >>
032Misty. Benedictus. >> Yes, >> Mr. Henry. >> Yes, Mr. Malerie. >> I actually need to abstain on item number seven, but I do vote yes on all remaining items. >> Okay. And then, yes. >> Um, Mr. Master Serio. >> Yes. >> Miss Kennedy. >> Yes. Mr. Mesmer. >> Yes. >> Um, Mr. Edwards, human resources. >> Yes. This evening, the superintendent recommends items 1 through 30. >> I need a motion and a second. Motion, George. >> Second, John. >> Ready for a vote. >> Miss Pala. Yes, >> that was a yes. >> Misty Benedictus. >> Yes, >> Mr. Henry. >> Yes, m Mr. Maljeri. >> I'm sorry. One more abstension item 29 and then yes to all else, please. >> Uh, Mr. Master Serio. Sorry. Uh, I have to abstain on 30. I have a conflict
033of interest and yes on everything else. >> Miss Kennedy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mesmer. >> Yes. >> Policy and planning, please. >> This evening, the superintendent recommends items 1 through 4. >> I need a motion and a second. >> Motion. George. >> Second. France. >> Mr. Edwards with the vote. >> Miss Pala. >> Yes. >> That was a yes. Okay. >> Misty Benedictus. >> Yes. >> Mr. Henry. >> Yes. >> Mr. Malerie. >> I promise this is the last abstension. Item two. Yes. To all else. And actually, I apologize. I messed up the numbers on human resources. I meant to say 30 like Mr. Masterio had a conflict. I'm sorry. Thank you. >> 30. Got it. Okay. Uh, Mr. Master Serio, >> yes. >> Miss Kennedy, >> yes. >> Mr. Mesmer, >> yes. >> Okay,
034moving on. Uh, this is the second opportunity for public comment. Each participant is asked to give his or her name prior to making a statement. All statements shall be directed to the presiding officer. The board is not required to respond to comments during the session, but may address them during the board comment portion. Comment shall be limited to five minutes. Anybody have public comment on any other items? Seeing none. Okay, we're on to board comment. Um, I know Dr. Frell, you said Miss Miss Pala had a comment that >> is she on too, so she can hear. >> Yeah, she's on. >> Sure. >> Okay. I I'm going to read your comments, Miss Pala. So, with reference to curriculum and instruction agenda five, uh she wanted to say that Brick Township High School is sending
035that grant application for the 10,000 to sustainable New Jersey um for for schools. It's PSEG grant money um for shades uh facing classrooms for we have always had award-winning teachers and students who regularly apply for these and receive these grant monies for brick schools uh to support uh our sustainability efforts and it's part of curriculum mandates as well from the DOE and she wants us to know that she supports all these teachers and students as do I and would like to say uh that these dedicated ated students and teachers uh deserve a BOE that's committed to sustainability and climate change education as they are. Thank you, Miss Pollo. >> Okay. Thank you. Um >> All right, Mr. Masterio, any comments? >> Yes. Um I want to thank everyone who's been working with me in the
036first these last couple months. It's been started a new job, so it's been a little tough to get here and all that kind of craziness, but um I got to thank Dr. Farrell and all the administration and members of the board. Uh it's great to see all the work that everyone's doing here and how much effort they all put into it and and their dedication to the students and the families of worked out. Thank you. >> Thank you, George. >> Yes, please. Thank you very much, President Mesmer. Thank you all very much for coming out this evening. I hope that you all are doing well. Thank you for being willing to listen to me. I'll try to make this I have a number of notes, but I'll try to make this not too long because
037you all probably would like to enjoy the life lovely weather and the fact that this is the first meeting we've had in a while. It's so funny you're me you're doing that. I have that mentioned in my notepad. I actually Let me do that now before I forget it. Mr. Henry is showing me a note about um the Well, I'm sorry. Thank you. The STEM and families event which is right across the parking lot actually at Veterans Memorial Middle School. As soon as this meeting finishes, if anyone would like, you're more than welcome to join us. We will be there. It lasts until 8:00 p.m. in the multi-purpose room at Veterans Memorial Middle School. Uh facilitated through I'm sorry, Mr. Thank you. through the um PTA. Uh our thank you to Kristen Stirz uh and
038Dana Triophilus and all employees and staff and members of the PTA uh related to VMMS and throughout the school district. Um, speaking of reading, actually, I'd like to thank um, uh, I'd like to offer a thank for the opportunity to read, uh, in this case specifically at Evaven's Young Elementary School. I got to read to the same class I actually had last year, same teacher, I should say, Mrs. Golden, who I believe was the educator of the year in that school last year. And it was so funny because uh, on Friday I was at Lake Riviera Middle School and um, which actually that was my middle school growing up. And uh there was this young little boy, a second grader, who came up to me, uh Elijah, and he had this shy look on his
039face as soon as Honk Jr. was ending the musical they had. And uh he said, "I remember you. Do you remember me?" And I'm thinking to myself, "Well, I read in Brick, but I also read in Lakewood because my mother's a teacher in the Lakewood schools." And uh they asked me to go, she asked me to go read over there for uh her friends in the district over there as soon as I was finished in Brick. And I'm saying, "I'm sorry. Did I did I meet you in Brick or Lakewood?" Because I have a feeling I probably read to you. And um he said, "Mrs. Golden." And I said, "Okay, now I remember." And then his father, I believe his uh uncle Nick, came up and he said, "Well, for whatever it's worth, he remembered
040you." Uh it was very nice. It was very wholesome uh reunion uh as I was sitting next to our uh lovely visual performing arts advis uh department head um our supervisor uh Jennifer Huey. Uh and thank you to everyone in the district um teachers, administrators, um employees, staff, faculty, uh volunteers, donors, uh parents, residents, taxpayers alike. You all have a vested interest in the success of this district which manifests into the kind of community that we have, the kind of town we will see in the next 5, 10, 15 or 20 years. It is an investment in the future that you make today. And we really appreciate uh your questions, comments, concerns, recommendations, requests, what have you. And uh in that spirit, I'll actually share something a little more melancholi. Uh there have been a
041number of deaths both in this community and frankly in my life personally that manifest in the community. Mayor Scarpali, former Mayor Scarali passed away recently. And when my family first moved to brick, so much of us, like many of you, you moved to North Jur, you moved here from North Jersey and uh he was just so welcoming to my family in particular because um I'm on the autism spectrum. My mother did a number of community events and volunteer work through Mayor Scarpelli in his office when he was here. And regardless of your political affiliation, it was just so nice to see someone who would embrace uh newcomers to the town, particularly in a town that has a significant quantity of individuals with a special need with disability. Certainly in this district, nearly one in every
042four students has a special need. Uh and that would have included myself when I was a student in this district. Uh it's very meaningful. And um a dear friend of mine passed away recently right up the street. Uh George Ela Hansen. I actually ran with her for board of education um when I was running in 2024. That was very um unfortunate and uh but unfortunately not necessarily unexpected news. I knew she had been ill for a while. So please keep her and your prayer in her family in prayer. Um I'm trying to think of what else to say, but you probably all would like to go home and do go enjoy the weather and enjoy this event. Um so thank you. Thank you both very much. >> Thank you, George, Miss Mr. Henry. Um, thank
043you everybody for coming out tonight. It's always nice to see everybody in the chairs. Uh, thank you George for announcing the STEM plus families. The unique thing about this event, oh, I don't know if I can hear that, but is they're having a challenge for the students and the students were provided with materials like just, you know, recycled cardboard and can tape and they have to they're going to address a challenge and they're going to be on the spot. So, it's kind of like a hackathon where they're, you know, they have about an hour to solve a problem and and put together their their project. So that's hopefully you get a chance to go over there after our meeting. So I attended the brick memorial uh brick brick memorial and beyond and it was a
044great event. But what I did is I went early and I had an opportunity to walk through the hall to see all the murals over there. I was kind of blown away with the artistic and the creativity and the inspirational quotes that are on the walls in that hall. It's amazing. So hopefully if you have not seen them I encourage everybody just to you know when you know appropriate to go into the school and go and check it out because the kids did just an incredible job over the years. So you know awesome um STEM showcase I also attended that. I think there were 17 teams there 17 uh projects that the students presented incredible uh minds science the engineering the inventions just amazing students. Um they did again I was thrilled to be in
045the seats to watch such brilliance. Um I also had the opportunity and I was honored to be invited to read across America and at the Harpersville preschool. I I have to admit I was a little nervous around preschoolers because I'm used to like high school students. So it was like they're like this big. But I you know I did it and I actually had a good time. So it was a nice event. So thank you. Um, see, oh, I also met with several teams from the steampack. Um, and just listened to their presentations and coach them and gave them some guidance. So, I love doing that. So, hopefully I get an opportunity to do it again. And that's all I have. Hopefully everybody will have a great night, safe travels home, and check out this
046right across Park. All right. Thank you, John. >> So, I want to give a big shout out to all of our athletes. I cannot begin to I don't even know the time and the effort and everything that our kids put in. It is just crazy. We have some amazing kids that are not just in our schools, but all of our our our cheerleaders who are in our brick united just we have some amazing students in Brick and I am just so grateful and so blessed to be part of it. Um and the the decrease in hips like I cannot with how amazing that is. our kids just are either beginning to be self-aware or our our teachers are beginning to understand. Whatever it is, like I love it that we're we're not having as many
047and we're beginning to care and and just be able to understand our fellow students, which I love. Um, and yes, go see the STEM. And I am so grateful for this. And I am so grateful to see all of your little booties in the seats because I feel like us being up here is so important and you guys being out there is so important. There's just something so different with being here in person and able to converse than being online, which is amazing, but just being here and able to to share whatever we're thinking. Even if it's something that's like on the fly or whatever, I just I think that is so important. And thank you guys all for being here, especially our our faculty and our our parents and our faculty over here. Um,
048thank you guys and have an amazing break. I hope you guys get a little rejuvenation. Thank you. And Jim, we're going to miss you. Bye. >> Thank you, Miss Kennedy, if you can see me. >> I'm blind. >> You're up. >> No, I'm good. Thank you. Um, okay. I just wanted to thank Vets Middle PTA and Herbertsville PTA for your donations, the volunteer um, advisors for the clubs at BTHS and the anonymous donor um, who donated some items to Brick Memorial. Thank you all so much. Um, Jim, if I just ignore the retirement thing, then it's not real, right? So, I'm not even I'm not going there. Um, Nandy, thank you and I I wish you the best. Thank you for everything you've given to the district. Um, Dr. Frell and your team, thank you
049so much for the updated calendar. I know that the um, snow is just one of those four-letter words we don't want to say anymore. Um, we start school so early this year. I feel like starting before Labor Day, so it's nice that we didn't have to push past um, and take any more of our summer than we're already losing. Um, so thank you for that. Um, to our class of 2026, April's a big month. If you guys have not um decided yet on your college, um, you know, May 1st is is D-Day. So, I'm wishing you all best of luck. Um, I'm a big fan and we do a lot of pros and cons lists in our house. We have not decided yet. um partner with your parents and any of your people that you
050trust and your friends and ultimately just trust your gut. I can't wait to see where you all choose. I do follow you on Instagram and um the BTHS and BMHS. Look, I get all like I can't even I can't um so good luck and trust your gut and just go for it. I'm so I have known so many of you for so long and I'm incredibly proud of every one of you. have a um safe and relaxing spring break and we will see you in April. >> Thank you. I just wanted to piggyback on what uh Fran said about the Hibs. Uh it's really impressive what the district is doing. Um credit to the faculty, the parents, and even the students. um to go from year-over-year half the amount of reported harassment, intimidation, and bullying
051is a huge accomplishment. So, really just uh really impressive and it's great to see like quantifiable results based on the hard work everyone's putting in throughout the district. So, want to say thank you for that. And also, I got to go to the STEM at the Brick Memorial High School. I saw Alli's son present. Uh did a great job. Shout out to the the uh traffic flow at Brick Memorial High School. I live a block away, so I can totally see where he's coming from. But it was really impressive to see the different perspectives, different projects worked on, different minds, and how everyone they're they're at another level really for for their ages where they're at. Um but it was really impressive. So just all good things and uh that's all I got to say.
052Thanks, All right. Um, calendar of events, April 2nd and 3rd, early dismissal day. And I know Dr. Frell, April, April 3rd. I also want to point out there's no busing, right, for uh for afterare. >> Right. Right. Right. No busing for afterare. Not no busing. No scared. >> Early dismissal there. >> Yes. No, I wanted to point that out because uh I was impacted and my wife's like there's no busing for afterare that day. So yes, for afterare afterare, sorry. Um April 6th through 10th, spring break and uh our board meeting April 30th, that is our public forum for the uh budget. So come out and uh learn about our budget for the year. Um so that's it on that. Uh, can I have a motion and a second for adjournment? >> Motion, George, >>
053second, Fran. >> Uh, all in favor for adjournment, please say I. >> I. I. >> That's it. Thanks. That was