001Good evening and welcome to the Simmenson Board of Education annual youth and board service meeting. >> Mr. Rmhall, can I have a motion to reconvene the public session? >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Opposed? >> Back in public session. I will now call the meeting to order at 700 p.m. Please join the members of the board in a moment of silence. Mr. Colin Kohler, will you please lead us in the flag salute? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I will now call the role. I am Evans working, eighth grade class president. I play lacrosse, basketball, flag football, and I am in the National Junior Honor
002Society. Mr. Matthew Kenny present. My name is Matthew Kenny. I'm the student council board of education leaison. I'm in boys club, cross country, wrestling, soccer, and baseball at CMS. Miss Riley Flack here. My name is Riley Flack and I am the eighth grade secretary. I'm a member of NJHS and the Simmonson basketball team. >> Mr. Colin Kohler, >> present. I am Colin Kohler and I am active in my school and community through sports and NJHS. Mr. Anthony Braco present. I am Anthony Broco. I like to fish, golf, and play soccer. I do Battle of the Books here at CMS and I'm part of NJHS. Mr. Daniel Scher, >> present. My name is Daniel Scher. I am a member of student council and I'm involved in NJHS and swimming. >> Mh. Montasano. Present. I'm Montasano and
003I'm a part of eighth grade student council. I'm also a part of NJHS and lacrosse here at Sincl Middle School. Miss Katie Donaldson. Present. My name is Caitlyn Donaldelson and I am part of the student council. I play soccer and basketball and I'm a member of NJHS. Mrs. Vina Patel present. I'm Aina Patel. I'm the eighth grade home and school leazison at CMS. I'm involved in CSS, the theater productions. I'm also in NJHS. >> Mr. Logan Kachches. Present. My name is Logan Machesy. I play lacrosse and flag football. I'm a part of student council and NJHS. >> Mr. Carter Shearan. >> Present. I'm Carter Shearan. I'm the eighth grade vice president. I'm a member of NJHS and I play football and basketball. >> Miss Sophia Anderson. >> President. My name is Sophia Anderson. I play
004soccer, lacrosse, and basketball. And I am a member of the New Jersey National Honor Society. Public announcement by President. Statement is hereby made that the adequate notice of the meeting was given by submission of the said notice of the Burlington County Times. The core the career post the Simmonson township clerk and the district website on January 8th 2025 and in November 12th 2025. An executive session of the board of education was held earlier this evening. Mr. Broco, would you please share with us section 4 routine business of business administrator. Thank you Mrs. Zerkin. I recommend the following items for approval under section 4 routine business. 4 A board secretaries report for September 2025. 4 B receipts and appropriation adjustments for September 2025. 4 C treasurer's report for September 2025. 4 D monthly transfer report for
005the month of September 2025. 4 E high school activities report for the for October 2025. 4 F, food service management cost performance statement for October 2025. 4G, certified bill list. 4 H, approval of minutes for the regular meeting which took place on October 14th, 2025. Thank you, Mrs. Work. And this concludes section 4, routine business. Thank you, Mr. Bronco. Miss Flack, may I have a motion to approve section 4, routine business of the business administrator? Some moved. Thank you, Miss Flack. Mr. Kohler, may I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Kohler. Are there any questions regarding the routine business reports? >> Hearing none, members of the board, all in favor? >> I opposed. >> Okay, we just have to back up a little bit. Um, we have to do roll call. Mr.
006Kenny >> here. >> Miss Eileen Blstein >> here. >> Miss Kate Blstein >> here. >> Mr. Brown >> here. >> Miss Falcanero >> here. >> Mrs. Con >> here. Mr. Mer >> here, >> Mr. Trump, Miss Fitzwwater here. And we're gonna back up to where you guys were. All right. Um, Miss Iek, can I have a motion to approve section 4 items A through H? >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss Blstein. Uh, comments or questions from the board? hearing none. Take a vote. Stock and arrow. >> I I >> I motion. >> Miss Flack, would you please share with us section five, routine matters of the superintendent's office. >> Thank you, Mrs. Durkin. I recommend the following items for approval under section 5, routine matters. 5 A, Enrollment Report for November 20, November 14th, 2025.
0075B, health report for October 2025. 5 C, fire alarm report for October 2025. 5D, crisis drill report for October 2025. Now we will have the superintendent report read by Mr. Kachesi. Superintendent Major Report November 19th, 2024. On behalf of the board of education, I'd like to thank all of you for attending tonight's regular board meeting. My name is Logan Kachesi. I'll be reading the superintendent's report for this evening. This meeting will recognize youth and board governance day. Yesterday, my colleagues and I had a chance to visit Cinnamon Memorial School and learn about the district operations. We had a chance to visit with the central office administration and learn about the function of the central office administration as well as the role and responsibilities of the board of education. Also last month, a group visited the
008Cinnamon Township building to learn about town governance. These practices in civics's education are a highlight in the district and many and many thanks to Miss Beth Green and Miss Allison Pallet for organizing these efforts. As we approach the quarter mark of the school year, there are many great things to reflect back upon. November 18th through 22nd is American Education Week. This is a chance for all of us to reflect on the wonderful educators we have here in Cinnamonson. Also, it is a chance for parents to catch a glimpse of their child's day with a visitation to to the classroom. ERS parents visitation will be November 17th and NAS parents visitation was today, November 18th. We would like to take an opportunity to recognize the student staff from Cinnamonson Middle School who held the annual Veterans
009Day ceremony and breakfast on November 10th. The well-attended event was a special chance to honor those in Cinnammenson community who served. Congratulations to Mr. Will Welger who was recognized as veteran of the year. Also on November 10th, Cinnamona High School dedicated the new military wall of honor CHS class of 2001 graduate Lieutenant Colonel BJ Kramer who was the keynote speaker for the event. Thank you to Mr. Gorman and Mr. Wilkinson who conceptualized and worked to bring this important in installation to CHS. Congratulations to Rush School October student of the month. Sophia Rodriguez Marquez, third grade. Sammy Mortimer, fourth grade. Angela Angelo Carvello, fifth grade. Casey Rogers, special nomination. Congratulations to Jenny Perano, who is named the new Albany Elementary School staff member of of the October. Board members are reminded that the annual induction ceremony
010for the National Honor Society is scheduled for one week from today at CHS. As a point of reminder to parents and the board, both New Albany and Rush School are preparing to host parent teacher conferences will that will take place from December 2nd through 5th for grades K through 2 and December 3th for grades 3 through 5. NAS will run a single session schedule during the entire week and ERS will run a single session schedule every day for Tuesday, December 2nd, which will be regular day. The New Jersey Department of Education has partnered with a new company to administer the annual NJ GPA and NJSLA test to students in our state. Last week, students in grade 4 through 11 participated in a field test on the new testing platform. This gave students an opportunity to
011experience the new looks of these tests prior to them officially counting in the spring. Work on upcom work on the upcoming ratif school year. Mr. Capella and Miss Mrs. Wilki met with his district architect this week to review timets for the upcoming months. Board members and the public can anticipate an update from Mr. Capello and the December board meeting. Speaking of December board meetings, board members and the public are invited to come back next month where the Simmons and Middle School select singers will form selections from their holiday concert. The performance will begin slightly ahead of schedule. Meeting time start time of 7:00 on December 16th. Mrs. Ain, that concludes the superintendent report. >> Thank you, Mr. Pesy. Mr. Shaker, may I have a motion to approve section 5 routine matters of the superintendent's office?
012>> So move. Thank you, Mr. Scher. Mr. Broco, may I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Broco. Are there any questions regarding the routine matters of the superintendent's office? >> Hearing none, members of the board, all in favor? >> I opposed. >> Miss Katherine Blstein. Can I have a motion to approve section five items A through E? >> So move. >> Second. >> Thank you, [clears throat] Mr. Maker, for comments or questions from the board hearing. None. We'll take the vote. Sign >> I I >> I motion approved. >> Next on the agenda is a report from high school representative Carly Champa. >> Good evening. [clears throat] The Golden Apple award for October was presented to Mrs. Marrior Fenos by Mattie Denowski. The athletes for the month of October are two standout
013athletes who embody the spirit of CHS's Red and Black. JJ Strob, senior football captain, and Gabriella Petti, junior field hockey captain. The students of the month for October are the following. Seniors Jackson Machado, juniors Madison Mosy, sophomores Caleb Bush, and freshman Senita Sun. The fall sports team seasons have ended and winter sports teams have started their interest meetings. The varsity football team finished its 2025 season with a record of 4-6. The boys soccer team ended the season with a record of 125 and one. The team was defeated in the second round of playoffs. The girls soccer finished with a record of 17-4. The team defeated Mana Squan in the quarterfinals. The field hockey team finished with a record of 11-8. The girls tennis team finished the season with 8-8 and a record of 7-4 in
014the division. Also third in singles with second team BCSO. The girls volleyball team ended their season with a playoff record of 13 and 14. The team defeated Delran in round one of the NJSIA playoffs. Congratulations to Izzy Guthrie for breaking the school record for most most kills in a single season with 218 kills that same night, surpassing the previous record of 212 kills set by Kristen Henry in 2009. Congratulations to Mia Hartley for earning the second team all division honors for girls cross country. The boys cross country team won central sectional group two as Jake Wickers Sham defeated a sectional title to become Cinnamonson's first two-time champion. The team finished fourth at states and moved up to moved up six spots from last year. Jake Wickerssham had an impressive day running6002 for the fourth place
015in a huge homeale personal record. This moves him into fourth place in sentiments in history at homeale. National Honor Society me members hold tutoring sessions every Tuesday from 2:15 to 2:40. Students are able to get any academic help that they need. NHS induction will take place on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025 at 700 p.m. in the CHS auditorium for current and new members. The interact club made over 150 sandwiches for Cathedral Kitchen this month. They'll also be visiting Urban Promise to help distribute Thanksgiving meals to the residents in Camden. Simmonson DECA has been busy recruiting 63 student members and initiating chapter campaigns, including fundraisers to earn allocations for the 2026 DECA ICDC in Atlanta, Georgia. The fifth annual students versus staff basketball game is scheduled for this Thursday, November 20th at 6 p.m. Doors open at
0165:30 in the CHS commitment gym. And congratulations to Leila Hobba, who represented Cinnamonson at all state choir concerts this month. She performed in Atlantic City on Friday, November 7th, during the teachers convention and again on November 16th at the beautiful New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey. Well done. Thank you, Miss Che. Thank you for providing a report of activities and events at the high school. Next, we ask Matthew Kenny to provide a report for the middle school. Good evening to all of you. The student of the month for October are sixth grader Kate Scarpa, seventh grader Ally Rosen Garner, and eighth grader Santo Orbasili. The teacher of the month for October is Mrs. Laferty. The student of the month core value for November is integrity. We are encouraging students to make more
017honest choices, stand up for what's right, and treat others with respect. October was a busy month. During the first week of October, our middle school students participated in Week of Respect, a week full of activities geared toward building character and preventing bullying. Our seventh and eighth graders Harvard dance was held on Friday, October 10th from 6:00 to 8:00. The students had a great time dancing, playing volleyball, basketball, and eating snacks. On Monday, October 20th, our six selected student council representatives participated in Youth and Government Day. During the day, students visited the municipal building and learned about functions and roles of each department. The students ran the township council meeting at 6:30. They did a fab fabulous job. We celebrate Red Ribbon Week for October 27th through October 31st. The theme was life is a puzzle,
018solve it with drug-free. We dressed up all week and showed a lot of school spirit. Stop and student council teamed up with initiative more meaningful. Our annual take your veteran to school day was celebrated was held on Monday, November 10th. CMS students were encouraged to invite a family member or friend who is a veteran or an active member of the military. We had breakfast in the cafeteria for our guests, followed by the veterans recognition program, which included speeches from eighth grade patriots pen winner Dean Kasakis and Jasmine Fa. Mr. William Walter, a sixth grade social studies teacher and a US Air Force veteran. user group performances, presentation of colors, and rifle salute by visiting VW VFW members. There were approximately 80 veterans and family members in attendance. [snorts] Yesterday, members of the CMS student council
019visited the central office for a tour of the building in order to learn more about the behind thescenes operation of running the school district. Students learned about the roles responsibilities of the district leader in the Cinnamentson board of education. We also ate pizza which is always a highlight. It was a great day. A successful fall sports season of cross country field hockey and soccer has come to a close at CMS. Our student athletes have made their coaches very proud with their efforts during the this fall season and we look forward to more success in the upcoming winter season. Thank you and I hope everybody has a wonderful Thanksgiving with their families. >> Mr. Kenny, thank you for providing report of activities and events at the middle school. Mr. Shearan, will you please introduce tonight's presentations?
020>> We will now hear a presentation from the superintendent of schools, Mr. Capello, regarding the student safety data system. [snorts] [clears throat] members of the board, other members of the board. Uh, part of my responsibility as superintendent of schools, and we talked about this a little with some of our students yesterday. Um, part of my responsibility is to report some of the data that comes across the New Jersey home room data collection system about some of the things that are happening in our schools. And bianually, uh, the superintendent offers a report of the student safety data system. And essentially what that highlights, um, are incidents that happen throughout our schools related to, uh, incidents of harassment, intimidation, bullying, and also things like violence, vandalism, substance abuse, and other causes that lead to removal from the
021academic program, things like a suspension. So, uh, it's important data for the board to keep track of and the board to monitor, uh, both in a short cycle and also longitudinally over time to see where our trends are because this information helps to inform programs. Some of the programs that you as students experience, uh, are the result of some of the numbers that we report at meetings like tonight. Uh, so the first piece of data that's available in the agenda for anyone in the public to be able to see is the 2024 2025 harassment, intimidation, bullying, training, and programs. Now, I'm reporting right now specifically on report period 2 from last school year and we are presently in the report period 1 uh for this school year. So, uh by a point of just reporting
022where we're at in terms of training programs, uh there's some information provided up there about various different programs we have. Each school has uh programs. They have training for staff. There are training for students. Uh some of the folks from our front row of board uh may remember some programs that happen at the middle school and all the way dating back to when you were uh first and second graders over at the New Albany school. Uh so listed here, if you look at report period 1 verse report period 2, something to keep in mind uh just contextually, report period 2 is about 20% more of the school year. Report period 2 runs from January 1st through whatever the last day of school is. Uh June 30th technically is the report period we ended school last
023year sometime in the middle of June. Whereas report period 1 that we're in right now runs from September 1st through uh the end of December. So about 20% more of the school year happens in report period 2. And you can see our totals from our programs there would track that uh there were slightly more trainings that took place in the district in report period 2 than in report period 1. Uh whereas programs uh we tend to frontload our programming um based on the school year. If you think about we had a fall break last year uh with three professional development program uh days that happen in the beginning of the school year. So, a lot of our programs happen uh towards the beginning of the school year. Uh and this information is there. The other
024part of the information um is definitely very telling uh as to where we are at with a district. Uh I've stood up here at this podium before and say that we own our numbers. Uh our numbers don't necessarily define where we are at as a district, but they're very important to understand and contextualize uh in terms of both the student and staff and well quite frankly family experience here in the district. So, uh, what we're looking at here is a justosition, uh, between report periods 1 and two and also report period 2 from the 2425 school year versus the, um, the prior school year. I do apologize where you're sitting. I see some of you squinting. This is available if you click through the agenda online and might be a little bit easier to see.
025Uh, one of the things we started doing though was highlighting areas in red where we are seeing an increase. This is data uh, unlike our student academic performance where we want to see increases. Uh this is an area where we love to see the green which represents a decrease. Uh I know for me when I look at this my eyes immediately go to areas that I see any level of sign significant spike and of course I want to deconstruct that data and learn what is it that I'm looking at. So anytime we hear the word violence uh it gives me a moment of pause. It should give our students a moment of pause and certainly our parents a moment of pause. Uh the word violence there can relate to a sliding scale of offenses uh
026for uh ranging from a simple threat uh all the way up to students engaging in in a fight, right? Two students get into a fight. There's a couple incidents um of violence there. Um and also included in there is something like an assault, which can also be a sliding range of uh a trip in the hallway to, you know, what we, you know, typically emote when we think of uh an assault. Uh some highlights, right? um uh one for me and I'm going to have to unfortunately do a little bit of scrolling here again if you have access uh on your phones or at home. Um I'm actually going to point in the direction of other incidents leading to removal. So one of the things that uh we reported previously was an uptick of of
027incidents that led to removal. Anytime a student is removed from the educational or academic program, uh it's not a great thing, right? So these these can be the result of uh disciplinary measures. Uh, also we gave an opportunity for some of our principles to work with their staff to take a look at some of their practices to see if we're trying to encourage students to do better in the classroom and to make better choices, removing them from the program truly is a last resort. And what things can we do to look at some alternative discipline to ensure that our students stay a part of the academic program. Uh so we're really proud that uh in almost all of the columns there uh the number of incidents that led to removal uh were down and in
028some cases uh significantly particularly as I look at our data coming from Cinemas and High School. So uh I have stood here and said this before even one incident of violence is one too many. Uh we are you know constantly looking at this data to help inform uh not only practices uh for discipline but also some cultural issues as they impact uh the school things that are pervasive among students and staff. So, uh, I would certainly welcome any feedback from the board. As I mentioned to board members, uh, earlier, uh, we're going to have an opportunity to take a look behind, uh, the data and see the information that, uh, was reported to the, uh, New Jersey Department of Education. Again, uh, we are compelled to report this data two times a year, but that
029doesn't mean that we can put it up on a shelf and just let it go. uh this data as we look at it longitudinally over time we're looking for downward trends realizing that at any given year in any given class as population shift through our schools uh we're going to expect a little bit of an eb and flow and some spikes here and there uh so that said I would encourage anyone in the audience anyone watching at home to familiarize yourself and certainly reach out to your building principal or to me and central office administration uh if you have any specific concerns as to where we're seeing any upticks or uh certainly areas of concern that said uh members of the board the back row board uh are There are any questions that I can
030answer for you based on the information is presented this evening. All right. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Capello. Has any members of the board received correspondence that they wish to share? >> Uh, anyone want to share correspondence that they received this month? >> [snorts] >> I know that we've gotten as a board um a couple of emails from community members uh which with issues that are being handled by the appropriate administrators within the district. >> Anything else? >> There are no committee reports this month. We will have a public comment on agenda items only. Mr. Coler, will you please open public comment? >> Thank [clears throat] you, Mr. Zerin. Members of the public are reminded that comments should be limited to items appearing on this meeting's agenda. There will be another opportunity during
031this meeting to com comment on non-aggenda items. All members of the public wishing to speak on agenda items only should raise their hand to indicate their wish to speak. When called upon, participants should state their first and last name and address clearly for the record. In accordance with the Cinnamonson Board of Education policy, comments will be limited to a maximum of four minutes per person. The comment period will be limited to 30 minutes in duration. Are there any members of the public that wish to speak? >> At the podium, please. >> [clears throat] >> My name is Danielle Freeze, 2813 Somerset Drive, Cinnamonson. Good evening. I'm here to address the district's recent decision to to terminate its contract with Care Options for Kids. the nursing agency that was supposed supported our son Oscar since he
032was four months old. According to the board minutes from September 25th, that contract was approved for the entire 2526 school year. Yet without cause and before any school board vote, the district voted ended, sorry, the district ended the contract and hired their own district nurses. We learned of this only because the agency, the nursing agency, notified us this past Wednesday. This action was not communicated to us, nor was it included on the agenda of today's meeting. We were told that it was not supposed to we were not supposed to find out until after this meeting that my son's nurses were being discontinued. We were told the change was due to money. If that's the case, we ask what amount of savings justifies putting our medically fragile child at risk. The district already budgeted for these
033services in September for the year. Any shift in how they are provided appears to have been made without transparency, without board involvement, and without consideration of Oscar's health. Oscar has a complex congenital heart condition. He has undergone two major surgeries. He continues to be closely monitored for signs of heart failure and faces another operation which I was told is probably going to be in the very near future. See, his nurse today sent me a text message and a text message last Wednesday saying that his oxygen levels were dipping. Now, signs of heart failure can be sometimes subtle and these nurses have been with him since I like I said he was four months old. They are there in the morning. They get his vital signs. They know his baseline. They know when to push him
034when he's eating. My son was to fed for a year and a half. He um he needs encouragement when eating. So, I got to meet with Mr. Capello and Miss Llewellyn today. And um it I was told that um we here in Cinnamonson like to not [clears throat] contract employees and we um want employees within our district. Um I would just like to quickly speak on the nursing department here in Cinnamonson because in the last my oldest daughter is 10 years old and in the last six to seven years the nursing department has had eight nurses both permanent and substitutes leave many over concerns of working condition support and staffing practices. The district has had some nurses experience in pediatric settings who have been identified who have identified district as unsafe and have declined assignments
035or stopped working for the district. New Albany school recently got a letter from an overqualified sub with her concerns. Has this board has the board seen that letter? As the district grows in size, we have acuitities just like my son and there's no lunch coverage, etc. I'm encouraging each board member to reach out to the certified school nurses in the district. I'm going to end with the mission statement of the Cinnamonson School District that's posted on this website. In partnership with the family and the community, we will foster achievement and we will model excellence and responsible behavior. Not only did you not consult with Oscar's family on this decision, you made a unilateral decision without seeking input from not only medical professionals but your own school board time. >> Thank you. Miss Donaldson, would you
036please share with us section 11 personnel certificated and non-certificated? >> Thank you, Mrs. Akin. The certificated and non-certificated personnel recommendations are as follows. 11 A, Appointments and Reappoints 1 A through D and 2 A through I. 11 B resignations and retirements 1 through 6. 11 C leaves of absence 1 through 3. 11 D teaching overloads 1. 11E extra duty appointments 1 through 12. 11F transfers 1 and two. 11 G advancements on salary guide none. 11H mentor teachers none. 11 I student teachers 1 through 7 11 J substitute teachers non-certif certificated volunteers 1 through 4 11K tutors 1 through 3 Thank you. >> Thank you Miss Donaldson. Miss Monosano, may I have a motion to approve section 11 personnel certificated and non-certificated? So moved. Thank you, Miss Montisano. Mr. Mr. Shaker, may I have a second?
037>> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Scher. Are there any questions regarding personnel and certificated and non-certificated? >> Hearing none, members of the board, all in favor? >> I opposed. >> Mr. Maker, can I have a motion to approve section 11, personnel, certified, non-certified, items A through K. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you, M. Mr. Kenny. Comments or questions from the board? >> Hearing none, we'll take a vote in secondary. >> I >> abstain from item J2. Otherwise, I >> um abstain from A. Otherwise, I >> I motion approved. >> Mr. Sheeran, would you please share with us section 12, curriculum and instruction? >> Thank you, Mrs. Orin. The curriculum and instruction recommendations are as follows. 12 A, professional development, item one. 12 B, field trips, item one. 12 C, Instructional materials, there are
038none. 12 D, disposable of textbooks, item one. 12E, curriculum, there are none. 12 F, HIV report, item one. 12G, suspension report, item one. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Sheeran. Miss Patel, may I have a motion to approve section 12, curriculum and instruction? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Miss Patel. Mr. Kenny, may I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Kenny. Are there any questions regarding curriculum and instruction? >> Hearing none. Members of the board, all in favor? >> I opposed. >> Miss Eileen Blin, can I have a motion to approve section 12 curriculum and instruction on items A through G? So >> second. >> Thank you, Mr. Maker. Comments or questions from the board. >> Hearing none, we'll take a vote. Maneer. >> I ab number seven and I >> I
039abstain from number a number eight. and I >> I motion. >> Miss Montasano, would you please share with us section 13 special education? >> Thank you, Mr. Work. The special education recommendations are as follows. 13A contracts item 1. 13B student placements items 1 and 2, 13 C, consultant agreements, items 1 through three. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Moses. Miss Flack, may I have a motion to approve section 13 special education? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Miss Flack. Miss Donaldson, may I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss Donaldson. Are there any questions regarding special education? >> Hearing none. Members of the board, all in favor? >> I opposed. >> Miss Falconero, can I have a motion to approve section 13, special education items A through C? >> Second. Thank you, Miss
040Ike. Comments or questions from the board? >> Hearing none, we'll take a vote. Silstein. >> I >> Miss Patel, would you please share with us section 14 policy and regulations? >> There are number There are a number of policies on this evening's agenda that are being presented to the board on second reading. We ask the board to approve said policies as listed by policy number in the agenda. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Patel. Mr. Kenny, may I have a motion to approve section 14, policies and regulations? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Mr. Kenny. Mr. Coler, may I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Coler. Are there any questions regarding policies and regulations? >> Hearing none, members of the board, all in favor? I >> I [clears throat] opposed. >> Mr.
041Kenny, can I have a motion? Big Kenny, can I have a motion to approve section 14 policy item A? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss Icon. Comments or questions from the board. Hearing none, we'll take the vote. Miss Falconero. >> I >> No. >> I motion approved. Uh, moving up again. >> Miss Anderson, would you please share with us section 15, business and finance? >> Thank you, Mrs. Workin. The business and finance recommendations under section 15 are as follows. 15A, grants items 1 through 3. 15B, finance items 1 and two. 15 C, operations items 1 through 4. 15D, contracts items 1 through 3. Mr. Zerkin, that concludes the item recommendation recommendated under section 15, business and finance. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Anderson. Mr. Broco, may I have a motion to
042approve section 15, business and finance? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Mr. Broco. Mr. Scher, may I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Scher. Are there any questions regarding business and finance? [clears throat] >> Hearing none, members of the board, all in favor? >> I opposed. >> Mr. Bramhol, can I have a motion to approve section 15, business and finance items A through D? >> So moved. >> Second. Thank you, Miss Blstein. Comments or questions from the board? Hearing none, we'll take a vote. Miss Scott Canerero. >> I I >> I motion approved. >> Mr. Sheer, can can you please present section 16 other businesses to the board? >> Thank you, Mr. Zurkin. Members of the board are asked to approve the items listed in the agenda under section 16 other business.
043>> Thank you, Mr. Shaker. Miss Patel, may I have a motion to approve section 16 other businesses? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Miss Patel. Mr. Kenny, may I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Kenny. We are now open to public comments. Miss >> Patel. >> Okay. Miss, can I have a motion to approve section 16, item A? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Kenny. comments or questions from the board hearing. Now, we'll take vote. Sil >> I approve. Okay, go for it. >> Thank you, Mr. Kenny. We will now open the public comments. Miss Patel, will you please introduce public comment? >> During this public comment section of the meeting, the board will seek public comment on any item. Members of the public are reminded at if they wish to speak.
044When called upon, participants should state their first and last name and address clearly for the record. In accordance with Cinnamonson board of education policy, comments will be lit limited to a maximum of four minutes per person. The comment period will not exceed 30 minutes. Are there any members of the public that wish to speak? >> Excuse me, sir. Promise you're next. Good evening. Before I start, you guys are doing a terrific job and I can't wait to see you guys next year at the high school because I'm a teacher there. So, be looking out for you. Um, thank you for allowing me to take the time to speak to all of you. Um, I am incredibly proud to be a teacher here at Cinnamonson School District. and um watching board meetings in the past and
045after hearing so many negative things about teachers in our school district, I felt I had to get up here and go on the record to highlight all the positive things that my colleagues and administration do on a daily basis to make sure that our kids are successful, confident, and just all around good humans. In my 32 years at the high school, I've seen many changes, including the steady growth of our special education program. Watching it develop into the strong supportive program it is today has meant a great deal to me both professionally and personally. One aspect of that program is the study skills program. This program is a vital class that is designed to help students become the vest best version of themselves. Most of these students struggle with organization due dates or basic functional
046skills that are impacted by their disabilities. study skills gives them that essential structure by giving these students the tools they need to be successful while also building their confidence so that they can thrive in all of their subjects. So why am I telling you all of this when I'm not even a special ed teacher? Because my son, who is a freshman, is a study skills student. He was diagnosed with high functioning autism very late in elementary school and has struggled over the past few years. Despite having to pay tuition, my husband and I knew that Cinnamonson would be the best place for him to become the best version of himself. His study skills class has been a lifeline, and I cannot imagine him not being able to see just what a great kid he is.
047He just needs a little bit of help getting there. [snorts] [sighs and gasps] Bringing him to Cinnamonson was the best decision we have ever made. And I'm so thankful for all of his wonderful teachers, Mrs. Soka, Mrs. Bey, Mr. Magnamer, Mr. Merrill, Miss Pallet, Miss Feiner, Mrs. Patel, and Dr. D Salvia, and all of my other colleagues who always look out for him. I'm very fortunate to be in the position of seeing our school district from not only the teacher side, but now the parent side. Thank you. My name is Mike O'Donnell, 17 Emory Way in Deleno. Now, before anyone says you're not in Cinnamonson, I raised four children through this school district and um I've attended board meetings when my children were in this in this district. I'm here on behalf of Danielle and
048Andrew Fes, my grandson. [snorts] Sorry. My grandson Oscar when he was born born with only three chambers in his heart. I was taught immediately by medical professionals how to feed the boy through a tube. I spent the first year of his life holding him and feeding him. [snorts] This is a book of the notes that the nurses keep. And one excerpt. Client has upper to upper respiratory congestion. He is throwing up when he coughs, but if you distract him with a toy or swing him, sometimes that helps him stop. More recently, Oscar had an okay day. He was irritable throughout the day. Ate all of his breakfast and lunch. Did not want to take a nap. But after a little while, he complied and took a nap. [snorts] Most recently, two weeks ago, I had
049to monitor Oscar for 15 minutes before the nurse arrived. >> [snorts] >> I noticed that his feet and his hands were turning color. I went and felt him. I immediately got a pulk socks. My if anyone knows that and I expected him to fight me. No, because it happens to him several times a day. Put it on him. Tried his other hand. Now, those that know that you should be above 90, he was in his 70s. I got very concerned and before I could even call my daughter, the nurse came in. She immediately took action, started rubbing his feet in his hands, had him walking almost running through the house, got the pulse pulse his oxygen levels back up into the upper 80s. At that point, I called my daughter and she said that the
050nurse handled it properly. I don't know how this school district can take the responsibility for a fragile child. take the responsibility away from nurses who've known him for four years and expect someone that does not know him, does not know how to handle him, doesn't understand his behaviors, and take the risk of him having a heart issue while he's in the school. Thank you. Any other members of the public who'd like to address the board at this time? >> We will now have comments from the board members. Mr. Matthew Kenny, can you pre can you begin the comment period? >> On behalf On behalf of the board of education, we wish to recognize and sincerely thank Mrs. Tasmin Monto and Mr. Mark Tindle for their many years of service to the students and staff of
051Cinnamonson. We wish you the best in your retirement. On behalf of all the students in the CMS student council, we wish to thank the members of the board of education for hosting us this evening. Also, we wish to express our appreciation to Miss Pallet, Miss Green, Miss D. Simone and the administration from the district office for providing this educational experience. Finally, special thanks to the members from the Cinnamonson Township Committee, Mr. Cond, Mr. McIll, Mr. Her, Miss CrarAl, Mr. Seagris, and the township administrator for hosting CMS students last month at the township committee meeting. These exercises in civics's education are a wonderful authentic learning experience and we appreciate everyone who makes this possible. >> We're going to go to um board comments. We're going to add to those board comments. Um, last month we had
052mentioned that uh the board goes to a convention uh New Jersey School Board Association convention every year and we thought that it would be a good idea for um some of us over the next few months to share with you some of the takeaways that we um learned while we were at this convention. So, I'm going to start with one of the sessions that I went to um was entitled All Means All Communication and Family Engagement. Uh I attended the above titled professional development session at the NJSB conference in Atlantic City and end up with several takeaways to continue to improve our communication with the public. A few key takeaways that we're going to consider over the coming year include uh adding a communications component to established committees, uh adding a multilingual chatbot to our
053website, uh surveying the teachers to understand the variety of communication methods used within the district um to see if any of those can be streamlined across the district. Uh surveying the public to learn methods of communication that would most appeal to stakeholders. and um maybe even adding a bullet to the township's monthly newsletter specifically about the schools. The session was very informative and we will work as a board to continue to enhance our communication with the Cinnamonson community. I'm going to hand it over to Mr. Mer who also has a summary for us. >> Thank you, Mrs. Um this was my second time attending the New Jersey School Board Association's workshop. Uh my goal this year was to attend an array of sessions um aiming at topics that are directly related to the Minsson's upcoming
054goals. Um topics that piqu my interest and topics that I have little or no experience in. Um overall I was able to attend eight sessions ranging on talks from referendums, ethics, prek programs, and setting curriculum goals. Um, one session I attended was Advancing Your District Goals through Impactful Arts Education, which was presented by Kira Rosuda, a member of Arts Ed for New Jersey. Um, the main goal of this talk was to educate board members and administrators on utilizing arts as a tool to increase all aspects of education. We discussed public research about positive impacts of arts in our schools. Um, a few takeaways. Um, research from Morrison and McCormick showed that students in Virginia who enrolled in art classes throughout high school show between a 32 and 50% lower chronic absenteeism rates than those who
055were denied. Um, the US Department of Education's 10-year review of arts and education found that students in art programming had better attendance, fewer disciplinary issues, and improved ontask behavior relative to the comparison students. Um, in the arts education policy review, EPAS showed that music students are more likely to apply and be accepted into and attend college than their non-m music peers. Rosota asked us if we think our district is artsriched and detailed a six 16 item list on how schools and communities champion the arts. These included items such as dedicated spaces, student enrollments, ranges of course offerings, and accountability metrics such as internal assessments. We spent some time discussing New Jersey's reporting process for our education and the responsibilities of the school board and school administrators um to report data to the state. The decision
056the discussion then followed up into difference between utilizing arts to enhance a subject and how that compares when integrating arts into a subject. The main difference is the intention in which the tasks are assessed. For integration, the content is not only assessed but also how the art is used to convey the topic. The lesson or project challenges the student to meet goals in the subject and the art. Um both aspects are welcome and important to the inclusion of arts and education. The session concluded with an invitation to attend a town hall on December 12th which will dive deeper into advocating arts for our New Jersey space. Thank you. Now we'll go over to Ed to do board comments. Mr. Kenny, >> I just wanted to do one. Yeah. >> I'm sorry I didn't add it
057over there. Ed, um I wanted to say congratulations to uh Mrs. Donna Marie Akone. She is a New Jersey School Board Association certified board member. That actually happened on uh July 31st. So I thought I'd bring that to your attention to put a lot of time into trainings. I also want to say thank you for everyone who comes out to the board meetings and shares um your your stories with us. Congratulations. [applause] >> Okay. Uh, congratulations to all the fall sports teams and athletes, especially Jacob Wickers Sham on a back-to-back sectional championship in cross country. Uh, great job by the middle school student council officers tonight. We hope you enjoyed your day and night. Maybe we'll see one of you guys up here in the future. >> Thank you to everyone who spoke tonight during
058the public comments. Know it's not always easy to share your thoughts. We appreciate Best wishes to Mrs. Monoloto on her upcoming retirement after over two decades of teaching in our schools. And a shout out to Mrs. Khan, the new new Albony new Albany school librarian for opening young learners to non-fiction books in November. K November. And as uh Evan already stated, the next regularly scheduled meeting will take place on Tuesday, December 16th at 7 o'clock right here in the middle school cafeterium. More information is available on the district website. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. County take this out. >> We didn't finish this yet. >> There will not be an executive session on the board. Board members and the community are reminded that the next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for Tuesday,
059December 16th, 2025 with the regular business meeting beginning at 700 p.m. in the middle school cafeterium. Miss Montana may have a motion to adjourn the meeting. >> So moved. >> Thank you, Miss Montasano. Miss Patel. May I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss Patel. Members of the board, all in favor? >> I opposed. Thank you for attending this board of education meeting, youth and board service day. Good night. >> U we are going to take a brief recess. After that, we will have an executive session. We gave him bad information. it's not him. Um after which we will probably take action. Um but before that we're going to take a recess, get some great pictures of these folks up here. And um if you would join me in a round of applause
060for the great [applause] All right. Thank you all for being here. We are going to take a brief recess. So, if my colleagues in the front row can all scooch in as close as you can into the Have >> a motion to reconvene the public meeting. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Or we're back in public meeting. Um Mr. Maker, can I have a motion to approve section 16 item number two? >> So moved. >> Second. [laughter] >> Thank you, Miss Blestein. >> That was the comments or question comments or questions from the board. >> That was funny. >> Hearing none. Uh, Miss Falconero. >> I I >> I motion approved. Uh, Mr. Brahole, can I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank
061you. All in favor? [laughter] >> Opposed? >> I meeting ajourned. >> Wait.