001That's what happened. Hallelujah. I don't know. [Music] I forgot. [Music] So it's this one. I don't know why you had that muted, but doesn't hurt. So that if you need to like if they want to cut it off, you would have to probably but you'll read the room like if someone's losing it like you'll be using the timer at that point. All right. Here you go. Three people from every state right This is our job as the association. Go ahead. Oh, Mary, I do love you. Where's my little kidding? Okay. I don't know where my phone is, so if it rings and you hear Angie, we'll grab it. We'll grab it. Keep it close. So, he called me out and he goes, "What's going on?" He's my local district. Hold on. Let me just shut
002my phone off because I was late because that was the phone call and he had called me up and I said, "Well, I'm going to a meeting. I'll tell him about it. I hope I remember." I said, "I will call him back and I will tell him to his aid who will call Ready? Like to bring the board back to session. Did Jim read what he had to read? A motion. A second. Motion second to read that. Roll call. Yes. Mrs. Kennedy. Yes. Miss Benedict. Yes. Mr. Henry. Yes. Mr. Maleri. Yes. Mr. Mesmer. Yes. Miss. Yes. Please stand for the salute [Music] to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands nationy and justice for all. [Music] Miss McNamera. Thank you, Mrs. Zyaneron. At this time, we would like to recognize
003our superintendent of schools, Dr. Thomas Frell. Dr. Frell has been recognized by NJASA as the regional superintendent of the year. Please take a few moments to watch this very, very awesome video celebrating our superintendent as the NJASA regional superintendent of the year. [Music] There are great things happening in the Brick Township public schools and it's because of the chief education officer at the held. Hi, I'm Richard Baza, executive director of NJASA. I'm pleased to introduce Dr. Thomas Farrell, the region 3 superintendent of the year. Dr. Farrell's journey started in the private sector, but his passion for coaching and working with young people led him to education. He began as a business education teacher, quickly rising through the ranks, assistant athletic director, director of technology, assistant principal, high school principal, and now superintendent. Dr. Farrell is
004a proven strategic leader with a steadfast commitment to providing student centered instruction. He prioritizes supportive and engaging learning environments that foster academic growth, interpersonal relationships, and community involvement. Under his leadership, brick schools have navigated challenges, expanded prek, and advocated for fair school funding, all while keeping students first. He believes great schools aren't about big budgets or trendy programs. They're about people, especially the relationships between students and teachers. He says students need an adult advocate who truly cares. Beyond his district, he's making a difference, too, in NJASA professional groups and as an adjunct professor. For these accomplishments and more, we congratulate Dr. Farrell on this welldeserved honor. Follow NJSA for the latest news and information on New Jersey's public schools. Until next time, thank you for watching. This is like a gift that keeps on. I
005promise that's the last time we would hear about superintendent of the year. It's been going on since last May or June that was recently in Atlantic City. I thought it was nice and it is great for school but actually I'm here to talk about someone near my heart a little bit and I know we're going to be talking a lot further August but recently Miss Mcame recognized by Georgia University as distinguished partner if you don't know Miss Mcame helps as an adult professor and as mentor and working with the student teachers and teachers future teachers We have many court students that come here because of this near and dear heart that I can't say a word in her future retirement actually on tonight's agenda for retirement September one more I'm still in denial. I don't
006know anybody. I'm not just talking. Tonight we're here to recognize as a distinguished partner. [Music] All right. Approval of minutes for May 27th, 2025 executive session. Approval for minutes May 27th, 2025 regular meeting. I'm going to need a motion and a second. Motion George. Second, Fran Mary. I didn't hear the first one. Motion was by George. Thank you. Miss Polliff, yes. Miss Kennedy, yes. Miss Benedictus, yes. Mr. Henry, yes. Mr. Maleri, yes. Mr. Mesmer, yes. Miss, yes. Reports. This is Jim. Jim, you have to go first. All right. You're last. First and last. Uh, first I'll start with the facilities committee. Facilities committee met on June 16th. The attendance, Mr. Mesmer, Miss Kennedy, Dr. Farrell, myself, Mr. Ptorio, Steve Seagull from Speasel Architectural, Jason Dubuch from the FBHD Architectural, Olivia Cashman from Speasel Architectural, Melissa
007Garly from Speasel Architectural, Daniel Chhatone from FBHD, and Jeff Williams from Speasel. Uh, first item of discussion was the Lake Rivier Middle School air conditioning project. I informed the committee that this project is still pending some final closeout items. Uh, all the systems are operational there. Graduates Memorial Middle School. I informed the committee that the project is scheduled to restart after the last day of school on June 19th, which as an update to everyone, it did. Uh electricity was shut off on Monday and the new transformer is being installed uh with along with the new switch gear. Midstream's air conditioning. Miss Cashman informed the committee that the site visit originally scheduled for the 16th was pushed to the 23rd. Tassy Mechanical is going to start working on the unit demolition by the end of the
008week and the duck work fabrication for the AC is complete and ready to be delivered. Osmerville Osmorville Elementary School air conditioning Miss Cashman informed the committee that the site visit originally scheduled for June 16th was postponed till the 22nd, I'm sorry, 23rd. She indicated that the contractor is starting demolition at the end of the week and that there's a change order credit in the board's favor in the amount of $11,000 which is on this evening's agenda for approval. Warren Wolf Elementary School, I'm sorry, Warren Wolf Early Childhood Development Center air conditioning. Mr. Ptorio informed that light preliminary work had started on site and that due to limited space and congestion in the Warren Wolf parking lot, the contractor has been staging equipment and 24 foot box over at the maintenance yard. Um, Herbertsville Early Childhood
009Development Center air conditioning. Mr. Poro informed the committee that Jersey State Controls has begun their preliminary HVAC controls work. Uh the rooftop unit for the gym was inspected and determined to be in good working order and therefore there will not be need to be replaced resulting in a cost savings that can be retained for potential unforeseen expenses. A change order credit is currently in the works. Uh site visit with Chappelle Mechanical occurred on that Friday to coordinate clearing of the rooms and uh discuss space availability for scheduling the summer cleanup. Osborneville kitchen edition. Miss Cashman informed the committee that the site visit originally scheduled for June 16th was postponed to Monday the 23rd. Midstream's kitchen. Uh Mr. Pakori informed the committee that the food services completed the last day of hot food prep on Thursday
010and as such uh meeting after lunch fired appliances were disassembled and removed from the kitchen and will be placed on gov deals. And after the last day remaining, the kitchen equipment will be removed and equipment will be stored at a later date to be installed back in the new kitchen. And long-range facility plan update. I informed the committee that the last major amendment was August 25th, 2020. So, the new LRFP is going to be due August 25th, 2025. And the committee established the next committee meeting for July 7th at 4:30. Next, we had the finance committee. Finance committee met at 5:00 on the 16th of June. Mr. Mesmer, M. D. Bendictus, Dr. Farrell, and myself. Um, first item of business was talking about the 2526 budget. I informed the committee that the tax levy incentive
011aid application is still pending. the community solar project. I informed the committee that the RFP opening uh was June 26th, which was today. Uh request for proposals and competitive contracts. Myself and Dr. Farrell discussed the district process for RFPs and competitive contracts. I informed the committee that we had one response from Will in the uh in regards to the bond council services and they will be on this the agenda this evening for bond council of record. I informed the committee that we had two responses from the state aid litigation RFP that we did, one from Porzio and one from Hartman. Um the committee decided to do interviews of both firms and those so they've been established I believe for the 29th of July. Uh informed the committee that we had three competitive contracts uh that
012were being evaluated by the competitive contracting committee which as a side note, Miss Kennedy just found out that she was on when I sent them to her. He was very excited about it. Um those were the substitute teacher and teacher aid provider, the workman's comp broker and the grant writing services. Uh workman's comp has been completed and is is on this evening's agenda for approval. The substitute teacher and the grant writing services uh are still being reviewed by the committee. BTSA and BABL shared service agreements. I informed the committee that the shared service agreements with both entities for the use of facilities would be on this agenda. Uh, Drum Point Elementary School playground discussed with the committee the communication from the Drum Point PTA expressing interest in making playground improvements. Uh, we discussed that it
013was not included as part of the 2526 budget. Uh, the other playgrounds I discussed with the committee were supported by either preschool grant funding for the two early childhood development centers or through township grants. Um, I informed the committee that I would try setting up a meeting with the PTA president and the township in order to support fundraising efforts andor township grants that may be available. Best budget. I informed the committee that there is there any questions on the budget information that was shared prior to the meeting? Um, committee didn't have any. So, that's on this evening's agenda. Same for the cafeteria budget. Excess workman's compensation. informed the committee that the workman's comp broker has us changing the excess workman's comp to carrier Midwest employers uh safety nationals proposal would have increased us to 84,466
014where Midwest employers is at 77436 and we budgeted 78,000 so Midwest is within budget capital reserve transfer informed the committee that the projections are about 450,000 to be able to be transferred into capital reserve so that's on this evening's agenda New Jersey school in short New Jersey school insurance group premiums informing the committee that the property and casualty premiums through New Jersey school insurance group came in less than the prior year and less than budgeted. Uh so that's on this evening's agenda. And then two advertisements we have uh the community I'm the society sorry society prevention of teen suicide purchased one stadium banner at both high schools and ocean partnership for children renewed their stadium banner at Brick Township High School. Uh and again the date of the next meeting is July 7th at 5:00
015pm. This will be our first opportunity for public comment and will be for agenda items only. The board invites thoughts and reactions on agenda items. Each participant is asked to give his or her name prior to making a statement. All statements shall be directed to the presiding officer. Comments shall be limited to five minutes. The board will not during the public portion of this meeting discuss matters involving employment, appointment, termination of employment, negotiations, terms and conditions of employment, evaluation of performance of promotion or disciplining of any specific or prospective or current employee and or students. Anyone like to come up? Okay. Right ahead. You're it. The only person who put their hand up. Vic Finelli. I wasn't here last meeting, so I have twice as many questions. No, I'm only kidding. I don't even have
016a lot of questions. Uh, some comments, some observations. Nothing bad, nothing tough. Could be easy night, I hope. Uh the first one, operations number 12. Uh that's the best budget. I just curious, the last item on there is an item of rent, $121,000. I'm just curious as to what's rented in the best program. Okay. Okay. My next one is just a comment. Uh I looked at the number of non-tenured teachers and 146 on the list. That means that they all were hired in the last four years or less. Four years in a day, I guess. Oh, congratulations. That's a lot of hiring to do. I hope they're all good people. Which by the way, I used to teach management courses in Xerox. And one of the things I always drummed into people is surround yourself
017with really good people because they make your job easier and they make you look good. You too. Okay. Um item 12. There's like four, five, six new positions. It's just a comment. No notes required. It looks like all the people were hired from within. So I always think that's a good idea that you don't have to make every hire from within, but if you make most hires from within, people have a career opportunity and they're happy about it. So that's two out of boys you get already, which is one more than I usually give. All right. My first question, item 37, and we always have one of these. optimal, comprehensive, universal screeners. Somebody tell me what that is. Um, item 22. My second question, we we have 15 security offices in the school district. I
018was just curious is do they work all the time or do only some of them work and how are they assigned to schools? Because if you look at the whole thing, that 15 people times 180 days comes out to like $526,000. And and the last one also has to do with the security staff. Just I don't know whether there's a mistake on the agenda or not. Item 30, the security staff for ESC. I'm assuming it's the same people, but that says they get paid $185, but the backup documentation says they get $195 per day. Do they work for less money during the summer or is that just an error? And that's it. Thank you, Mr. Finelli. Um, so the best budget, uh, Mr. Mr. Edwards, uh, I think it's an enterprise account and the rent
019actually comes from the best program to the school district as revenue. Can you add that? And it'sundred I think it's 120,000 where the best program before and after actually pays the district for use of the facilities. So, okay. Was that a law or something? H is that a law that they have to do that? That's the way it's been that's just the way it's been set up from the beginning that they they pay rent for the space being used. Oh, okay. Because it it just seems like it's coming out of one pocket and going in the other. It's a revenue to the general fund, so it helps reduce local tax lo. Okay. Yes. Um the um optimal comprehensive screeners, Dr. Anderson. Yeah, sure. That's a uh screener for students. Can you hear me? It's a
020what? It's a screener. It helps us assess students. Um, we use something called Dibbles, which is a dynamic indicators of basic early literacy skills. And so, the state offered a grant for $22,500 for us to provide professional learning and support for teachers to respond to the data that we get from that Dibbles screener. And what it does is it assesses students early literacy, their foundational skills like phonics and phmic awareness. You didn't come up with this name, did you? I did not. Oh, okay. It It's Yeah, it's a We wrote the $22,500 grant. I'm I'm all for grants. I know. I am, too. Mm. So, all of our security are considered substitutes um because they don't all work every single day. Uh we currently have uh two security at each of the high schools. We
021have one security person at each of the middle schools and then we have three security uh people who rotate between the elementaryaries and the preschools, but they're not constantly the same person. Sometimes they have to take off for they're they're retired, right? So they they have other obligations. So we have a list of people who then fill in uh but they're all qualified to do so. Um as far as the pay is concerned, that is a typo. Uh the new budget uh we went from 185 to 195 a day and we do have all of them approved to work our extended school year. So depending upon their schedules and their availability we will put them into extended school year and not all at once. And not all at and not all at once. Correct. So
022the most work on a regular basis of four, three and two. So you have two two at each high school. So that's four, right? You have one at each middle school. So now we're at at six. And three that rotate between the elementaryaries and the preschool. So that's nine. Okay. And that's during the school year. It's actually 182 days that they work um because we do um have to train them. So they come in during our training sessions. Okay. Thank you. Probably it was going to be Did you get my trivia question? Here you've got one public comment, right? Okay. All right. Anyone else? No. Okay. Dr. Anderson. Thank you, Miss Sanaron. Under curriculum instruction, the superintendent recommends that the board approve the following items one through three. I'm sorry. I'm gonna need a motion
023and a second. Motion, Aliy. Oh, second. Victoria, I need a vote, please. Mala, yes. Miss Kennedy, yes. Mr. Benedictus, yes. Mr. Henry, yes. Mr. Miri, yes. Mr. Mesmer, yes. Missy, yes. Mr. Edwards, operations, please. Thank you. Uh, the superintendent recommends items 1 through 42. I'm going to need a motion and a second. Motion, Victoria. Second, George. Vote, please, Mary. Miss Pollo, yes. Miss Kennedy. Um, I'm going to vote no on number 18. Yes to everything else. Benedictus. I'm sorry. I'm going to check our number 18. I'm going to abstain on all. Yes, on all. Mr. Henry, yes to all except for number 18 and it's an abstain on number 18. Mr. Mesmer, um, sorry, Mr. Miri. Oh, no, that's okay. Thank you, Miss Carrie. Uh, I vote no on items 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,
02423, and 24. And yes to all else. Mr. I'm going to vote no on items 18 through 24. Yes to everything else. Yes, I am. I abstain on U 4235. No on 18 through 24, and yes on the rest. Um, madam matter, if you just bear with me a second, I want to check. I don't know that we have enough votes for 18 through 24. Uh, so no, we do not have enough votes for 18 through 24. So, those are for the professional services. Um, that will trigger a request for proposal that we'll have to put out to uh because that those items failed. So, we have to put a request for proposal out and have them hopefully put back on for the July agenda. Yes, please. I would like that. Thank you. Okay. Is
025that it? Okay. Human resources. Mr. Kler, please. Thank you, Mrs. Ian. Tonight under human resources, the superintendent is recommending items 1 through 50 for approval. I need a motion and a second. Motion Ali. Second, Fran. Um, I need a vote, please. Mary, Mr. Paula. Yes, Miss Kennedy. Um, item number 12, line number three, I'm going to abstain. Yes to everyone else. M Steven Addictus. Yes. Mr. Henry. Yes. Mr. Miri. Uh, yes. Mr. Mesmer. Yes. Miss. I need to abstain on 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 and 24 and the rest on Yes. Miss Mctoary need uh policy and planning. So, at this time, we would like to recognize our new hires. Uh, we have some pretty exciting news here in Brick. So, bear with me. Um, first and foremost, up to
026bat is Jackie Janick as the new principal of Warren H. Wolf Early Childhood Development Center. Miss Janick, please take the mic. [Applause] Hello. I did write something because otherwise I'd be all fluxed. Um, I am honored to accept the role of principal at Warren H.Wolf Early Childhood Development Center. I am excited to lead a school rooted in strong early learning foundations, dedicated educators, and a supportive community. I want to extend my thanks to Mrs. Goodfellow and Mr. Hersenko for their guidance, encouragement, and belief in my leadership. To Dr. Frell, Mrs. McNamera, Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Iwaru, and the board of education for entrusting me with this opportunity, and most importantly, I want to thank my family for their unwavering support and love. Your belief in me means everything. Since starting in bricks six years ago,
027we've laid a strong foundation and I look forward to building upon what we started and continue to grow and strengthen this exemplary program. Thank you. Our next addition to our amazing administrative team here in Brick is Miss Jerry Ballas and she is being appointed as the principal at Lanes Mill Elementary School. Miss Balis, [Applause] how about my lane blue? Good evening. It's with such gratitude and excitement that I accept the position at Lanes Mill Elementary School as the principal. I'm truly honored to be entrusted with the leadership in this remarkable school community. I believe that elementary education lays the foundation for a child's lifelong learning, confidence, and character. Every child who walks through our doors deserves to be seen, supported, challenged, and inspired. And every teacher deserves a leader who listens. collaborates and leads with
028purpose, but most of all leads with heart. So, I come to this role with 33 years in education, a deep commitment to fostering safe, inclusive, and thriving environments where students flourish. One of the greatest gifts that Brick has bestowed on me are the mentors that I have had along the way and that I will continue to have on my journey. So, I'm grateful for Dr. Anderson, my first mentor in Herbertsville Elementary School as a principal. Miss McNamera who was my mentor through Georgian court for my superintendent certificate and also Dr. Farrell for taking this chance on me and the board of education as well. I thank you for this opportunity. I there are so many people who make brick schools amazing. Some of whom are in this room tonight most of whom are in this
029room tonight. Um I look forward to working with our principles and our vice principles my colleagues my friends. Ryan Blessing, thank you for our time at VME. Um, a special place, dedicated teachers, caring professionals, and they've been my family for several years. There is no greater gift than to come to work every day and love a place so much that you just want to be there. And that's what vets was for me. So, once a Mustang, always a mustang. And Dr. Okone, who's not here, but called me on my way in. I began my administrative journey with him and his guidance at Lane's Mill. So, I look forward to continuing that tradition of excellence, having my own jar of Tootsie Rolls, which stood behind him. And I'm very grateful for him always being my coach.
030And to the incredible staff at Laneville Elementary School, I look forward to learning alongside you, supporting the work you do every day for our children. To parents, guardians, I promise transparency, collaboration, and a shared vision for success. and to our students. They are the heart of everything we do. I can't wait to cheer you on, walk the hallways with you, and watch you grow. So, finally, I want to thank my family for their support and encouragement. My three children, Louis, Giana, and CJ, who made me a proud dragon mom, and continue to be my whole world along with my new addition, my granddaughter, Harper. I'm fortunate to have two supportive sisters, one who wanted absolutely zero to do with education after we had the Filipini sisters and grew up with them. So, she got out.
031But my youngest sister, who's a colleague and the counselor at Brick High School, my journey in education began because of my mother and father because they fostered a love and a value of education in my home my entire life. So, for my dad, I hope you're looking down because I did it. Together, we as partners continue to build a school that feels like home, where excellence is nurtured, there's joy in learning, and the center of our work continues with the tradition and pride of brick schools. And now it's hashtag coltsup. So, thank you for this opportunity. I'm ready to get to work. And Mr. Finelli, you're absolutely correct. We surround oursel with amazing people, and that's what brick does. Thank you. And so as Miss Bis leaves Veterans Memorial Elementary School, we have an opening
032for an assistant principal and we are pleased to join have joining the team there, Miss Janette Wner. Mr. Janette Wner. Hi. Um, I want to thank you all uh for giving me this opportunity to serve as the new assistant principal at Vetsel. Throughout my time in Brick, um, I'm a Brick Township High School graduate. Then I became a special education teacher, special education coach, and my last role was the supervisor of special services. So each role that I've had in Brick has deepened my commitment to the students and the staff here. I'm so excited to start working with Mr. blessing and the staff at Vetsel. And although I have been a dragon in the past, I am looking forward to becoming a Mustang. Thank you. [Laughter] [Applause] Two members of the team uh who are
033being promoted this evening could not join us. Uh they had family vacations planned and had really wanted to be here. I know that they're listening wherever they are in the world. uh at this point because they promised me they were live streaming this. So, let's put our hands together for Britney Buo, the new principal of Lake Riviera Middle School. And congratulations to Jennifer Lane. She is the new assistant principal at Lake Riviera Middle School. [Applause] Joining us this evening in the audience, we have a new member of our supervisory, our super soups. Uh Allison Munz is here. She is going to take the role of supervisor of ELA social studies and ELLL K to2. Miss Munz, you're welcome to come to the mic if you'd like. Go ahead. Hi, just want to say I'm really
034really excited um for this opportunity just hearing how wonderful brick schools are um from your new principles that are starting and I am just super excited to get um hit the ground running and I was a former literacy coach and ESL bilingual head teacher so I think those roles have prepared me to step right into this one. So thank you for the opportunity. We have, I believe, some other folks that have been hired and are new uh hires for Brick. Um I know we have uh Brooke Gance is in the audience. Brooke, can you stand up? She is going to be a new teacher at Brick Township High School. Anyone else that I miss that we hired this evening? I know that some of you brought family with you tonight. We can take a couple
035of quick pictures before we proceed. So, um, we'll start with Jackie Jan. You want to come up and take some pictures with Dr. Frell and with Mrs. Diana Ron? Okay. fellow take this picture. Great job. We're in the principal here. Good job. [Applause] Congratulations and welcome everybody. [Applause] Nice job. One second. Thank you, Mrs. Ayanone. The superintendent recommends that the board approve the following items under policy and planning one. I'm going to need a motion in a second. Motion, Ali. Second, George. Vote. Mary. Miss Pala. Yes. Miss Kennedy. Yes. Miss Steven. Yes. Mr. Henry. Yes. Mr. Maleri. Yes. Mr. Mesmer. Yes. Miss. Yes. This is our time for our second public comment section section. This is the second opportunity for public comment. Each participant is asked to give his or her name prior to making
036a statement. All statements shall be directed to the presiding officer. Comments shall be limited to five minutes. The board will not during the public portion of this meeting discuss matters of employment, appointment, termination of employment, negotiations, terms and conditions of employment, evaluation of performance of promotion or disciplining of any specific or prospective or current employee or student. Anyone like to get up? You're it tonight. Go ahead. I forgot what my first thing was going to be. Oh. Um, the second thing I used to teach in management courses, careful what you ask for, you might get it. Only kidding. Uh, I'm at a loss here. I don't think I've been at a school board meeting in the last 15 years where the majority of the school board voted down seven items on the agenda. And I'm
037I'm not I don't even know what what those seven items are. So, could we either put them up on the board or tell us what items 18 through 24 is that got voted down today? And if somebody like to give a reason why That that that's my only question. I have comments, but that's my only question. Okay. Why don't you go into your comments like we've been doing for the last year. We take everybody. I don't like that. Okay. I'll try to keep it light, but it's one of my favorite topics. Two board meetings ago, if you remember, there were a lot of teachers here wearing their shirts and everything, and I went over the absence report and got a lot of cheering and applause and everything when I mentioned that absence improved by 2%.
038My way of thinking, and this is just my way of thinking, if you remember, one of the schools actually improved by 8%. They dropped it from 20 to 12, which to me is means it's doable. It seemed like everybody was happy with the 2%. And I'll tell you right now, if you're happy with 2%, you set your target too low. Because if you can improve absence by 2% a year, it's going to take you five years to get down to 10%. And even in my way of thinking, 10% absence problem is still too much. So, you really need to rethink that and go to the school and improve by 8% and find out what they did and try it out everywhere else and see if you can get that number down a lot faster and
039get all the results of everybody showing up because the chronic absence is going to kill you until you fix it. and u the heck with the rest of it. Just answer the question about 18 and 24. Any ain't nobody else had their hand up. Anybody else have any comments or go right ahead. All right. Good evening. I'm Cheryl Dyer. I'm a resident of Brick and I'm entering my second year as the president of the Brick Women's Club. So, I'm here from the Women's Club. I just want to congratulate Dr. Farrell on being regional superintendent and um wish the school district and your new hires well. Um, I also want to say that we were happy again to be able to give three $1,000 scholarships uh to brick students and we sent two students to girls
040career institute. As I mentioned at your scholarship meeting, about half of the money we raise every year goes to the brick schools, either in the form of scholarships, Girls Career Institute, school supplies for children who need them, and other ideas that come up, which is why um we've decided to come to board meetings so that we can hear what your needs might be and look for ways that we can continue to support you. Um, since my nickname is Shameless Cheryl, I will also mention that we are entering fundraising fall and so we do raise a lot of our money um during this time of the year. So, please look on Facebook and Instagram for ways that you can support us so that we can support you. Thank you. Anyone else like to come up? Okay.
041Okay. First of all, thank you to the Brooks Brick Women's Club. Uh Mire did not tell you that she is a former superintendent many many moons ago right over at Wall, I think it was. And uh I met her one of the first times at our Mammoth County roundt. So, thank you for that and and grateful for the scholarship money at both graduates at both awards nights at the both high schools for giving out that amount of money. Um, Mr. Finelli, I don't think anybody's happy with the 2%. You're right. We've said that moving the needle and we agree and uh it is still a goal again this coming year attendance. So, we're slowly moving that needle. Not at the rate I think any of us want. Uh, it's tough and we really need some
042parental involvement for that especially with the younger uh students on the absentee and we're doing a myriad of things uh for that. Uh, numbers 18 to 24. So, do they're all the professional services. So, in this district, I think there's a pretty good process. Every few years, uh, they renew the professional, they go out in RFP, they go out for three years, and then those are renewed each year in June. Um, so, as Mr. Edward said, which I think was by not getting enough votes for the approval of it, that triggers a new RFP to go out for all of those uh, professional services. That's the process. Um, obviously, I can't comment on the votes. every board member has a right to vote how they want as you've said many of times uh you know
043they come in here with questions or review or something they want to do so I'm sure maybe at the end comment section or something they would comment but that's what they are all the professional services every year at June so what happens is it's a three-year renewal but one year renewals Does that make sense? So, three years ago or two years ago, this was put in place and every June these professional services come up and by it not being voted in the positive tonight, it will trigger an RFP tomorrow, meaning Mr. Ed will send it back out, which means everybody that was not renewed can also apply again and that would start another process. that what's that kind of problem that you um going to be any problem because we've gotten this through this before.
044It's just going to be a little delay now. So, we're not losing anybody until the RFPs come back in. The attorneys, the architects, and everybody will still be working until the RFPs come back in. any understanding right now this month June 30th June 30th so the some of the some of the things that if I could sorry some of the things that were not approved this evening are of record so it wasn't like they were actually doing work so so I'll give you the example the architects get approved as of record In other words, they're the three architectural firms that are of record. When we actually go to use them to actually perform work, we have to approve a separate contract. So, the separate contract for Neta that's doing the kitchen and the two HVAC
045projects, that will continue. The separate contract for Speedel for their uh HVAC projects, the kitchen, that will continue. Uh we'll put an OFP out for architects. Architects are going to respond. We're going to evaluate them. I'll make a recommendation to the superintendent in regards to three firms. I think it is a good good idea that we keep three on uh on record because that way we can use all three for different purposes. Uh and then the board uh Dr. Farrell make a recommendation to the finance committee and to the board and it will be on the July 17th agenda. So there's no impact on the district by doing that. It just they're not we won't have architects of record as of July 1. Same is true with the engineer financial adviser. Um my list here
046uh legal there's um the the labor and the um general counsel. Uh we don't really thankfully wood don't have a lot of labor issues right now that we need a labor attorney until hopefully after then. Uh and in general counsel um we do have the services of New Jersey School Board Association that we could use for emerging basises if we need to. now between June 1st, I guess it was July 1st and July 17th. So there is an emergent basis for general counsel. Uh and then the auditors the auditors don't usually start until November. So we've got time on the auditors as well. services. Thank you for your comments. Thank you for your comment, Mr. Vanelli. Yes, please. Thank you very much, President Diana. You don't want to answer my question. Actually, thank you very
047much, President. In reference to uh that, I actually would say candidly, I'm looking forward to this uh new process of uh request for proposal. Candidly, um I just graduated I just graduated with my masters in business administration. So, anyone who's ever been in college or is a college student at any point in time, past or present, always knows you try to budget as much as you can. C is expensive. Uh, so you go out and try to find a bargain. Bargain hunting, it's exciting. I do it all the time, whether it be for groceries or for clothes, whatever the case may be. I had to get a new vehicle recently. Tried to get a good deal on that. This is the same thing, but it's for the district. Uh, the board of education and central
048administration facilitate this and frankly, it's exciting because in the end, by the grace of God, you hopefully end up with a good deal with what you have at the moment or a better deal in the future. It's just a matter of going out and searching, but you won't know until you actually do it. And we're able to do that now in this process by going forward with these new requests for proposals. Um, I can't necessarily speak to the specifics at the moment because we have to look first. But I'm looking forward to the process and uh I'm hoping and I have faith that we will uh as a board and a central administration get the best deal possible for our parents, for our students, for our residents, for our taxpayers uh all in one fashion
049or another. And in that spirit, I would like to uh congratulate everyone who graduated recently from the high schools uh Brick Tan and Brick Memorial, the middle schools and the elementary schools. I apologize as I um for the middle school promotions, I intended to go I got stuck in traffic first on the way on my way from work to uh Veterans Memorial and then in the process to Lake Riviera. And in that spirit, I'd actually like to uh really congratulate um in particular Mr. Campbell, a retiring principal of Lake Riviera Middle School, who uh frankly was very supportive of me when I was a student there, when he was my assistant principal, uh along with Dr. Anderson when you were there, uh as the head administrator. Uh thank you both. Uh I had a number
050of different fascinating adventures in that school with both of them and I will truly miss Mr. Campbell, but I'm sure that I will still see him um certainly at my job because I see him quite often there. Um so that's very enjoyable and uh I'm sure it's not the last of him. I would hope not. Anyway, and uh I'd certainly like to congratulate Miss Buco uh Felicida Porqu uh she was my Spanish teacher uh in eighth grade and seventh grade as well. And it certainly is an asset to a district with a growing Latino population that we have someone such as herself in that position because it's a growing need for that in this district. And I think that she will facilitate items in that school very well as she has done already in her
051administrative and teaching capacity. Uh we have that and uh once again congratulations to everyone who graduated and uh to our retirees. We thank you very much for all that you have done. Uh Miss Best of Considering we mentioned best program, Cheryl Best of Brick Tang High School. She was my drama director when I was in plays and musicals and she really helped me to get out of my comfort zone. Otherwise, frankly, I don't think I'd be able to sit in a position like this um and speak before a public on a regular basis. and I really appreciate the opportunity and I certainly wish her well and I'm sure we'll be seeing her again in one fashion or another. I look forward to that and thank you so very much just in general to all of
052our teachers and staff members, administrators, uh nurses, child study team, social workers, psychologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists. You all do the work. custodians, bus drivers, you all do the work that we need to be done and you do it graciously and you really just embrace our students and our parents and our community in a fashion that we cannot express enough our appreciation. We truly thank you for that and we hope that we can do something in one fashion or another as a board to make things easier for you and to make for a better community overall in this town uh through this district. Um I'm not sure what else to say. I'm sure everyone else would like to say something. So, thank you. Thank you very much, President Nay John Henry. Thank you,
053George. So, in reference to the um the services, I voted yes on everything and I abstained from 18. So, I understand that I well, this is me personally. I tend to take the recommendation of our superintendent and our BA. They're in the trenches. They've met with these people. I have not. All right. I abstained on number 18 because, you know, the architects, I'd like to learn a little bit more about what they've done and some of that information was actually brought up here tonight about what they do. They're on record, but they might not be doing work at the moment. So, RFPs when they go out, I mean, it's a request for uh proposals, as George said, it might be an interesting process to see how that works, and I'm looking forward to that as
054well. doesn't necessarily mean that anybody who's doing the services currently are no longer going to be doing it. It's just up for review. And so I'll be looking forward to that as well. So that being said, congratulations to all of the new hires. It's going to be excellent. It's brick is mentioned several times tonight as being an incredible school. I think so or I wouldn't be here. Um I had the opportunity to attend the graduations and the promotions and the tributes. I went to six in total, but my favorite was handing out some of the diplomas on the Brook Township High School football field where I graduated in 1977. So, I had the opportunity and I also found my 1977 tassel on my cap. So, I actually pinned it on my my gown when we
055went out. So, that was a real treat. So, um that was a real treat and also an honor to be there and to be up front and see the smiling faces of these students who walking up. their major league accomplishments and all the awards that they've achieved. It's just incredible. And I said this at one of the other meetings is it's, you know, we could look at the scores, the test scores all day long and if oh, we're only 30% or 40%. That's great. But the real academic achievement and and the creativity and all those things that are occurring. Go into the schools and see what's going on. It is simply amazing. And it it blows me away every time I get invited in or I attend a a play. There's so much talent going
056on here. And academic performance and achievement is not just measured by a test score. It is measured by talent. It's measured by kindness. It's measured by the creativity that occurs in our schools. So if and again I said it in one of the last meetings, I encourage you to go in when you have the opportunity and go see what our students here in Brook Township are doing. So again, have a nice summer everyone. Thank you for coming out to the meeting. Okay, Dr. Frell's going to speak for a second. I just wanted because you talked about the graduate our valadictorians at saludiatorum this year out of the four um three are Ivy League schools Princeton, Cornell, Colombia. Uh couple of really prestigious tech schools. I know we got Stevens Tech and Ruckers represented a group
057just and to hear them speak if you I think they're on video artist both both graduations this year. Just tremendous speeches. Um just so so proud. So, I wanted to add to that. Um, really two great classes from both high schools and both principles would tell you that some of the best I've seen realistically. They were so professional Victoria. As a board member on Brick, today I attended the spring law conference that the New Jersey School Board Association holds twice a year. It's for lawyers and board members to help understand recent um court and case law and legislation passed that affects our school children in our district. Um it was very very informative. Um I'd like to say thank you to the prison president of the women's uh club. It's such a big deal when
058our civic organizations commit uh money to support our students and I appreciate that very much. Um thank you for your efforts on behalf of our our school students. Um as a member of the BOE um I see it as my role to look for the best opportunities for our kids and our districts. as a former superintendent said to me when I said to the public when I was on my first year serving on the board, he um he was describing hiring processes and the uh cost of salaries in our district. and he said he made a commitment to not hire the cheapest teachers or the least expensive teachers, but the best ones for our kids and our district. That made a huge impression on me 10 years ago. I still feel the same way. I
059think if we bargain hunt for uh curriculum programs, administrators, teachers, support staff, professional services, we'll get what we pay for. That's all. It's just my opinion. I enjoyed all the graduations. It was great to see the kids again and I really commend all the principles and assistant principles who ran those ceremonies um with every detail, crossed every tea and dotted every eye. They were really amazing. Once again, thank you Ally. Okay. Um, first of all, I want to say to Miss McNamera that uh I don't know what is going to happen around here. Who is keeping Dr. Frell in line? In line. That was a nice way. That was wasn't where I was going, but yes. Um, so not it. Right. So, um, gigantic shoes to fill. Gigantic. and some of my first encounters with
060you. Um, I think I left crying. Um, and it had I it I did it did because it had to do with when my kids were at Vetsel and we were taking like 94 students and we were moving them to a different elementary school. And you said the phrase to me 397 times. Al, just rip the band-aid off and send them to the other school. and I was like, I can't send them to the other school. So, um, we've come a really long way because you don't make me cry anymore. And, um, you just, it just made me cry though when I saw that you were retiring. So, it brought me full circle. So, congratulations. And I'm glad we still have two months with you. Um, I'm going to think of some other Miss Max
061stories, but um, okay. So, um, congratulations to all the new hires and all the, um, internal promotions. I love that. It really says so much about our team here in Brick and um how amazing you all are and really the training and the professional development that we're able to provide and how our administrators believe in pulling up from from below them. I just I just love that. It says a lot about our district. So, congratulations. Um, Miss Balis, I understand your love of that building because I myself, that is my heart is in that building, which is why I could not go to another elementary school. I was like, no way. I'm green and gold. Um, so I get it. And I'm Miss is it Wernner? Your new assistant, what's weer? Um, you are gonna
062love it over there. Um, it is it is such a building and the kids and Mr. blessing and it's just such a fantastic group of people. You are going to love it. Um, Miss Bis, you know what Mr. Blessing did when he came to Vetszel and started as the principal. Did he Did you already tell her this is he really put his stamp on the building and changed the colors from blue and white to green and gold. Just saying, you know, just saying. Um to the Brick Women's Club, thank you so much for supporting our kids. We truly appreciate you. I would love to be able to put you in touch with some of our PTAs and maybe they can promote you guys and you can promote them and you really could cross, you know,
063go back and forth. Um oh, Kristen VMMS right there. That's your VMs president right there. Um so we have amazing amazing PTAs in Brick and um PS. Kudos to you guys out there. really busting your humps to get some money for the schools. We love you. Thank you for that. Um, graduation season is my absolute favorite. I feel like um the year that I ran for this seat, they send you to graduations and then they ask you if you want to run for the board of education and I'm like, I just handed people their diplomas. I love this. Of course, I'll run for the board of education. So, it is my favorite season of the year. Um, congratulations to all of the graduates. I want to bring up specifically Kristen McUade who was our um,
064our student representative from Brick Memorial. I because they were at the same time. I was only able to attend Brick Memorial's um, graduation. Her speech was absolutely amazing. Like Kristen, if you're watching, you killed it. Like she was amazing. And I'm going to tell you, poor Dr. Farrell had to follow Kristen and he's a pretty great speaker, but he it he fell a little flat. Like Kristen was just you could not follow that kid. She was amazing. And Gabby Goodman then gave her speech. They all spoke about the grit of the brick students and the brick community and it was it was she did she did quote and give a quote which we all know Dr. Ver loves to give his quotes. So, um, oh my god, I'm running on. Thank you. See you in
065July. Bye. Thanks. Sorry. I'll be quickish. Um, thank you to the women's club. Yes, please get in touch with our amazing PTO's, BTAS, like they will help you out. But thank you so much for supporting our students. We literally couldn't do it without amazing humans like you guys. Um and um thank you to all the new hires and those who have changed positions. You guys are amazing. And again, we couldn't do this without you guys. You guys are just what makes us move. We are so grateful. Um, and I'm with what our little bestie over here says, I am going to explain why I voted the way I did. Um, I totally agree with Miss Pala and we do not need to short change our students. We do not want to just go for the
066cheapest. I mean, when you're we're all paying for groceries, paying for all the things right now. Our intake doesn't go as far, unfortunately. And with what our government is giving us, it's even less. So, we need to find out what the best package deal to support our students is. And we need to make sure as we would if your auto insurance went up, if your health insurance went up, you want to just do your due diligence because that's what we all have to do. We have to do our due diligence to make sure that each student gets what they deserve. And these kids deserve all the things. And it is on us to make sure that they get what they deserve and that our teachers get what they deserve and that our taxpayers are not
067just just spewing money where it doesn't belong, where it doesn't need to be. We are doing this because we want to make sure that our kids get all the things that they deserve. Our teachers, our staff, everybody. So that's why I'm saying that's why I voted that and I'm pretty sure that's why the others behind here who voted that way did. It is not it is not because we're trying to short change. It is the absolute antithesis. It is because we want to make sure that we do our due diligence so that we can look ourselves in the mirror and make sure we did everything that we possibly could. Whether it disrupts for a little bit, okay? But in the long scheme of things, we have to make sure that our kids, our students, our
068teachers, our staff, everybody gets what they need, what they deserve. Um, on to a lighter note, the graduations. Oh my goodness. This is I think this is our our little gift, our sweet little cherry on top of the chaotic year of of doing all this board of ad stuff. Um, I was able to attend five graduations or promotions, whatever you call them. I kind of ugly cried at one because one of them was my own kid that I got to give her her um her certificate which was kind of an amazing experience. But I want to say an absolute two thumbs up. Amazing. You guys are so fantastic to the class of 2025. You guys, oh the places you will go. You guys have so much in store and we're so so looking forward. Please
069write us back. Tell us where you're going. Tell us what you're doing. Tell us all the fantastic things. And have an amazing rest of the month until we see you. Good evening everyone. Uh first off on the 18 to 24 uh vote, I voted no. But I I want to uh preface by saying that Dr. Frell and Mr. Edwards have a really good RFP process. Um we I personally voted yes on everything on the agenda that went through that RFP process. They're just certain services that in their contracts they could have automatic renewals where they just renew every year. Every year you don't look at service levels. You don't look at certain aspects of the contract. You don't look at where we are compared to the market. And an RFP is supposed to be a
070fair and open process where any vendor in that space can come in, submit proposals, we can compare costs. So we're looking at, you know, the whole service level as a whole. We're not looking to bargain hunt. We want the best vendor in each situation. So for those vendors, those were just getting um autorenewed without the RFP process. So, I thought it made sense to follow the really good process that brick has in place for those and just go through the RFP and let all vendors have a chance. And if current vendors clearly went out and have the service levels that we expect and we want for our students, then we will continue to use those vendors. Uh, moving on, congratulations to all the graduates. I only got to go to one graduation u because of
071work, but that graduation, the student at Vets Middle School had a phenomenal voice. So, I don't know his name, but I wanted to shout him out in person because I was like, "Wow, he should be on The Voice or something." So, he he's got a future there. Um, thank you to the Brick Women's Club. That's amazing what you do. I think you said half of the money raised through your organization. So, that's that's amazing. So, I just wanted to applaud you for that because that's awesome. And if the board can help in any way, I'm sure, you know, reach out to anyone. Um, congrats to all the new hires, um, rehires, all the new administrators. Looking forward to meeting you, working with you, and I hope everyone has a good summer. Thanks. Okay. Yeah, I'm
072up. So, the women's club, first thing I have to say is Drum Point School, their playground is in dire need of someone to help them fundra. And I'm sure if you got in touch with them, you'd be able to help them there. It's really a mess and they're trying every which way. They're torturing Mr. Edwards, which you have to, right? No, they're not torturing. I'm only kidding. We're trying to figure out a way and if if you're able to do help them in the smallest amount that would be great. Miss Mac, I've known you since my children were young. You never scared me. I was always very impressed by you and always looked up to you and I will continue to and I'll miss you. Congratulations to all the graduates. The gradu graduations were fabulous.
073Unfortunately, I had to miss Memorial because Memorial and Brick High School were at the exact same time. So, I got to miss some of my friends, children that were graduating over there. And I want to congratulate all the new hires. And Mr. Finelli, I knew you were going to ask this question. So, I prepared a whole list, but I cut out some of the things that the other people said. I believe strongly that we have a duty to our students and our staff and the taxpayers to review our professionals contracts annually. This is a common and sound practice across New Jersey. and ensures transparency, accountability and opportunity to consider full range of qualified professionals. Let me be clear, our current professionals are welcome to reapply and provide their service during any holdover period. So, we're
074not going to be without any services during the period, but our competitive RFP process gives the board and the public confidence that these important positions are filled based on merit and best value. I was, if our board did not vote the way it did tonight, I was going to move that we um removed 18 through 24 off the board and then I was going to ask for the administration to issue requests for proposals for 25 and 26. But being that it went the way it did, I didn't have to. So it is for labor council, le legal counsel, special education, legal counsel, auditing services, bond council, architectural services, civil engineering services and financial advisor. This just reflects a commitment to good governance and transparency and I think that's very important here. I think that we
075need to take care of brick. Not saying that this board hasn't done it, but it hasn't been done for years. it's been just rolled over to the same person and the same person. We are having a hard time keeping teachers and giving children the things that they need. So, this board, which I'm very proud of them, decided on their own without any of us getting together, that that's what they wanted to do. And I'm glad I didn't have to move it. They moved it on their own. And that's the answer. There's no hidden agenda. There's no hidden anything. It's for the good of everyone. the school, the town, and everyone is is able to reapply. It's an RFP or request for proposal. They have to show us what they're going to do, what their price
076is going to be, and and that's it. You just should not be able to keep reapplying, especially if there's a big bad egg in there, which I'm not saying there is. You know, it just sometimes falls through the cracks and that's all it was. With that being said, our calendars. July 3rd and 4th, 2025, Independence Day. The district is closed. July 17th, 2025, special meeting 6 p.m. BPDC. And I need a motion and a second for adjournment. Motion. Second. Vote, please. Miss Polla, yes. Miss Kennedy, yes. Miss Steven Addictus, yes. Mr. Henry, yes. Mr. Maleri, yes. Mr. Mesmer, yes. room. Yes. Congratulations.