001I don't realize his car has an app. >> You got a new car? >> Yes. >> I was thinking that last time you're here. He's in a big time now. He doesn't have to worry about the thing. >> Welcome to the February 5th board of education meeting. Everybody rise for the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence. I pledge algiance 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. >> Okay. Roll call. Mr. Shott. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Mr. Mr. Brunia >> here. >> Mr. Kenova >> here. >> Mr. Paris >> here. >> Mr. Rangdale >> here. >> Mr. Ciano here. >> Mr. Suarez >> here. >> Vice President Santiago >> here. >> President Basford
002>> I'm here. >> Um we're going to do the rest of the meeting when we come out of executive session. So I'm going to need a motion to go into executive session. >> Motion for the second >> for the board to discuss the board vacancy. Um we will be return at 7 p.m. to start the rest of the meeting. >> Motion. >> Second. Motion by uh Commissioner Suarez, second by Commissioner Ciano. Roll call. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> See, we'll see you back at 7. Uh, Mr. Brunia >> here, >> Mr. Kenova >> here, >> Mr. Paris >> here, Mr. Ragdale >> here, >> Mr. Ciano >> here, >> Miss Suarez, >> Vice President Santiago >> here, >> President Paris, we have a quorum. >> Uh, we return from executive session.
003Um um Commissioner Kenova, can you read the mission statement, please? >> Hold on. Log me up. >> Election issues. Sorry. The mission of the Clifton School District and an open and reciprocal community partnership is to provide all students with a quality education to develop the skills necessary to become literate lifelong learners who are responsible and productive citizens contributing to a democratic society in everchanging world. >> Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Kenova. Um, Vice President Santiago, the uh, Open Public Meetings Act. >> The New Jersey Open Public Meetings Law was enacted to ensure the right to the public to have advanced notice of and to attend the meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting their interest is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of this act, the Clifton Board of Education
004has called notice of this meeting to be publicized by having the date, time, and place thereof posted at the city clerk's office, Clifton Public Library Administration building, senior citizen nutrition center on cable TV in the local press on the district's website and mailed to the pre to presidents of parent teachers association. This meeting will be tape recorded in accordance with policy 0168. Thanks. >> Thank you, Vice President Santiago. Pleasure. Um, can I call up the student representative Jenna to give her report? Good evening. I would like to start off my report by noting that as we enter the third marking period, students feedback regarding academics and support in the first half of the year has been extremely positive, citing an increase in afterchool support offered by teachers and growing availability of instruction and support outside
005of class. As we move through the year, we are continuing to encourage students to check their emails every morning as it is now more important as many coverages and classes have been relocated to the auditorium. Next, last month, the history department hosted a 250 Revolution concert. The musical performance were amazing and CHS students once did a great job. However, many students and staff were not aware of the event and in the future wish to see more advertisements for it or other similar events in the future. Next, the CHS musical production this year is Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. The show will be hosted on March 6, 7, and 8, and we invite all Clifton residents to come out and support. Next, the annual staff versus students basketball game will be held on
006March 27th, and it'll be held in the CHS gym. This event is highly anticipated, and we hope to see everyone come out. Lastly, the Student Council Association will be hosting culture night on April 18th. The SCA has recognized that one of CHS's strengths is the cultural diversity we possess. And in an effort to highlight this, the SCA will grant teachers and students to assemble displays reflecting their cultural heritage as well as hosting cultural performances. We hope to see as many students and staff participate and would love for people to come out and support. That is all for this report. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you, Jenna. As always, next we're going to move on on the agenda to presentations of reports from administration advisory committee and special committees. Our audit presentation. >> Dr.
007Robotazi, should I hand it over to you or >> uh Miss Mr. Basser, we'll hand it over to Mr. Shahada for the introduction, please. >> With us, we have uh Mr. Alex Pice from our audit firm, Vincy Lurch Higgins. Uh Alex, it is all yours, my friend. Bliss Higgins. >> Alex, could you just make sure that microphone's on? >> Thank you. >> Uh, thank you, Alex Pice from Lurch, Vincy, and Bliss. Uh, uh, I'm here to, uh, present your 2425 audit. Uh, everyone should have received a copy of the annual comprehensive financial report. Um, this report is, uh, contains three opinions, right? All three opinions are unmodified. Unmodified meaning it is the highest level of attistation that can be achieved. Um and there was no instances of any material weaknesses or any significant deficiencies. As
008far as your uh general fund fund balance, usually we talk about your general fund since this is your operating fund of the district and we go over your fund balance of your general fund. Um the general fund at the end of June 30th, 2025 ended with approximately $42 million. And I'm just going to approximate the numbers here. Um however, the 42 million has certain restrictions. The first being your your capital reserve. In your capital reserve, you have approximately 20.1 million which is restricted for capital projects. And these are the projects that are in your long range facilities plan. So only for capital projects. Your next restricted fund balance is your maintenance reserve which is restricted for uh expenditures that are in your comprehensive maintenance plan and that totals approximately 6.4 million. Uh unemployment compensation reserve
009approximately 268,000. This is restricted for any unemployment claims. year-end incumbrances. These are your o open purchase orders at the end of the year which roll into your current year where your goods and services have not been rendered and that totals approximately 7.3 million. Assigned designated approximately 1.1 million that was utilized in your current 2526 budget. And lastly is your unassigned unrestricted amount of approximately 7 million. This is the 2% that the state allows you to keep plus any any allowable adjustments, which is usually um unbudgeted extraordinary aid and non-public transportation aid. So, you're at your 2% max and you're unassigned. Um and you also deposited approximately uh 2.9 million into your maintenance reserve. So this was in excess of the 2% that the state allows you to keep. Um every June you do a resolution
010where you approve any excess monies into your various reserves which you know one one being your capital maintenance uh emergency reserve. Um so in 2425 you were able to deposit approximately 2.9 million into your maintenance reserve. Um as far as any recommendations this year in 2425 uh we had three recommendations in this year's audit. Um none of them were repeats from the prior year. So prior year's audit 232 24 uh recommendations were corrected in 2425. Um so there's three recommendations. their initiative audit which um tonight you're going to have a corrective action plan that you're going to vote on um that will then address the implementation to correct those three recommendations. Um and we consider these three recommendations not to be any you know anything material in nature. Um, so if there's any questions about
011uh fund balance or any of the three recommendations, I think that's the time. >> Yeah, I have a question. Um, do we have any caps on any of these fund balances like capital reserve or maintenance reserve? >> Yes. So your your cap on your capital reserve >> is approximately 40.2 million. So you're at 20.1 million. So you're about 50% on your capital reserve. >> All right. And what about the maintenance? >> Maintains reserve. Um you're at approximately 6.4 million and your cap is 8.2 million. >> Okay. >> And that's based on your comprehensive plan. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> Mrs. Bassford, if I may. Alex. Hi, Danny Robertsi, superintendent. Nice to meet you. >> Nice to meet you. >> Alex, you mentioned the recommendations are not um material or substantial. Could you just give
012us a perspective in a a budget our size with 300 plus million dollar budget? Um can you just give us a general overview of the the fiscal state that that we're in? we're in or is it we're in a good state and these recommendations are relatively just minor clerical type things that are easily taken care of. >> Yeah, I think finan you know financially just going through the reserves and you being at your 2% you know uh maximum amount um you know we feel that you're you're in a healthy position financially. Um the recommendations you know for example the first one being um has to do with you know uh classifying accounts payable and incumbrances a certain way. Um you know the the purchase order for example we found uh was listed as an incumbrance
013which means that the services were not rendered. Um but then we looked at the invoice we saw that the services were rendered before June 30. So just a matter of just reclassifying something from an incumbrance to an accounts payable. So I mean the recommendations that we have here like I said are material in nature. So we don't feel that um you know nothing material to make decisions. >> Thank you. I just wanted you to repeat that for sure. I appreciate >> Mrs. Bassford. If Alex is done I'd like to give a little state of the district myself. >> Sure. Um for for the Yes. Dr. >> Um so so I did have another question. Um last year they had similar like like small ancillary things. We don't have those again, right? Like we looked at
014it and and now we don't have I think one was like if we could have checked to a vendor and they never cashed it like we had we were supposed to go back to them and pull it from them or something. >> Yeah. The recommendations that were in 2024 were corrected. The three this year were not repeat. No. Okay. That's what I want to Okay. >> Yeah. >> Anyone else? >> Or an asterct. >> Has an aster. >> Commissioner Axel, did you have >> No, I was just putting up. >> Does anyone else have any other questions? Do you want uh the representative to stay during your >> uh not necessarily. Thank you, sir, very very much. I appreciate your time. Thank you for your efforts. >> Thank you very much, sir. Thank you. >>
015Um for my fellow commissioners, the recommendations on the last page of the small booklet, so you can look. Um, with that being said, uh, Dr. Robotazi is going to give us a state of the district for everyone out there because there's been a lot of, uh, communications from other districts and, uh, we were all concerned about where we are financially. So, we want to hear the state of the district. So, we want him to give that to you tonight. >> Thank you, uh, Madame President. Good evening, members of the board and community. First, I want to, uh, congratulate, uh, Mr. Shahada, the entire business office on an outstanding audit. Um, three recommendations, no substantial issues, obviously. No fraud, no theft. These are all things that we want to hear every year, but um, it because
016of the way it's managed. It's because of the oversight, and I just want to commend Mr. Shada and the entire business department for all that they do. Great job. >> Thank you. So, we've just heard from the auditor who is an outside independent firm that works directly for the board, not for the administration. And half of what he said went over my head. So, I would imagine there might be people out there who would like a little breakdown of how are we doing fiscally? And I think it's important, especially in light of some things that happened this week, that I speak to the fiscal health of our district. Lately, we've heard in the news about neighboring school districts facing sudden, massive deficits. These situations don't happen overnight. They're typically a result of repeated mismanagement over
017many years, neglect, or ignorance. A neighboring district laid off 100 teachers and staff as of December 31st. Another neighboring district was threatening to lay off 90 teachers and staff until just last week they received an emergency transfer of $6.5 million from their from the city. which is unheard of. Another district found a $20 million hole. I want to be very clear that is not the case here in Clifton. We are fiscally stable. There's no emergency. There's no shortfall. As tonight's audit demonstrated, we run a tight operation. Our controls are in place, our oversight is active, and our financial practices are sound. We are a district that consistently does more with less. If you look at state data, districts of our size often employ significantly more administrators and instructional staff. We choose to operate lean, ensuring
018we meet every obligation to our students while remaining mindful that every tax dollar we spend represents the hard-earned money of our residents. Stewardship of these dollars guides every decision that we make. However, while we are stable, we are not immune to the economic pressures that are impacting every school district and every municipality in New Jersey. There are two specific areas that are driving recent current adjustments. The first is health care costs. Rising health benefit costs are a statewide challenge, if not a national challenge. This year in Clifton, our usage has significantly exceeded projections. Increased claims and higher utilization have driven costs well beyond normal growth trends. In January of this year, the state health benefits plan went up 30%. 30%. That is money that's not budgeted and it's not something that we can just take
019away. Okay, we're not going to have prescription benefits anymore for our staff. So, while you're not in danger of losing that, if we have to pay a significant amount of money more for health for our health care, then that money has to come from somewhere. So the second area that has significantly um drive uh driven our current adjustment is substitute coverage. So to ensure instructional continuity, to make sure our teachers have had the time that they are contractually obligated to have, but more importantly to help with morale and to help teachers be able to do their job well. For the past couple years, we have been filling nearly every absence, every vacancy with a substitute teacher. Just two and a half years ago, when the district hired our own substitutes, our absences were covered at
020a rate of about at its height 44%. The board hired Kelly Education, Kelly Services, and Kelly was able to bring that coverage rate up to almost 98 plus%. 98% of the absences were covered in this district by a substitute. However, this coverage rate has exceeded $500,000 a month. This year alone through December 31st, we have had 1,000 more absences than we did in the previous year. In December, we had 500 more staff absences than we did last year. So, while supporting our classrooms is absolutely a priority. That level of spending, it's not sustainable. It's sustainable if we want to be like another district and take money from our savings and plug a hole right now and say, "Let's worry about it next year." Then we could sustain it. So because of this, we're making responsible
021adjustments now to reduce use where appropriate. We have not eliminated substitute teachers. We have reduced the number of substitutes. These are not meant to be cuts to the quality of education. They're are exercises in fiscal discipline. We're acting early to avoid long-term stress. We're acting now so that a year from now, you don't read about the district is $15 million in the hole and have to lay off, you know, 150 staff members. That will not happen under my watch. I will not unless there is some catastrophic financial disaster. We will not be laying off staff due to financial reasons. We have to keep a close eye on this. Up until a couple up until yesterday, we didn't know what our federal funding was going to look like. We were facing a potential $23 million shortfall
022in federal funding. However, we re learned some really fantastic news. Not the best news, but really good news that Congress passed the bill, president signed it, and federal aid will be at least level. We're told that is significant. But we didn't know that three days ago. This just happened. Financial decisions are never made in isolation. They're collaborative. They're reviewed through multiple layers and are designed so that we could have long-term stability. Next month, during our public budget hearing, I will share even more details so our entire community can see exactly how our resources are allocated. The bottom line is this. The state of our district is strong. Our finances are stable because we are acting early and responsibly. We cannot predict what future state aid funding looks like. We don't know that. We won't know
023what state aid we're getting until sometime next month. And a significant portion of our budget is based on state aid. So, while we cannot predict what we're getting, we're prepared today. We're prepared for the future. And I need our staff to know that we care deeply about them, about their peace of mind. We understand that their job is their livelihood. That is why I never want this district to be in a position where we have to let staff go due to financial challenges. So it might be a little difficult with reduced substitute coverage. It's a sacrifice that we have to make now because there are few other areas where we can sacrifice. And finally, to protect that sense of security that we want our staff to have in their jobs, we ask people to try
024to find out the facts. I know sometimes facts are not welcome, but if you hear something concerning or if you're not sure or if there's been a miscommunication, because that happens, did happen. Please reach out to the people who should know. Please reach out to the administration. We're here to provide the facts and support you. Mrs. Bassford, due to um the fact that I'm conflicted >> um on the substitute uh on Kelly education, um I'm going to ask Miss Kusalevich to just give a little more detail on the substitute coverage reduction. >> 100%. Thank you, Dr. Roberts. >> Much Levich, >> thank you. As Dr. Roberts just shared, Kelly has done an outstanding job for us in filling substitute coverage for nearly two years to a level that we have never been able to sustain
025when we manage substitutes on our own. So what they've done is do too well because they not only provide our substitutes for our perdeium short-term absences, they also provide long-term substitutes in areas where we cannot find a teacher until we can find the appropriately certified person. and they're currently providing nearly 80 para profofessionals for our very hard to fill special education program. We have many paras that work for us but there are also many that we cannot find or fill whom have been filled with Kelly. So when you put all of those com components together, PEDDM subs, long-term subs and paraprofessionals, that has increased the amount of money being spent with one vendor. There are not, as Dr. Dr. Robert Toy said many places that we can cut from and unfortunately that high fill rate
026for the perdm subs is one of the very few places where we can scale back in order to recoup some savings. We are not eliminating our usage of Kelly. We are not eliminating our usage of subs. But we are scaling back very much as a stop gap measure for all of the reasons that Dr. Robert Toy just outlined. We are not looking to make life more difficult for our teachers because this has been something that we've worked towards for many years. We finally got there and unfortunately due to all of the other financial circumstances, this is the one place that we do need to pull back. That being said, we're going to continually monitor every week and every month revisiting the scale back. We've made interim plans that we've used in the past for grades
0276 through 12, which does include having our um students going to the auditorium working on Chromebooks, which we never had before. In the past, when students would go to the auditorium in the absence of a teacher, they just sat there. Now, they can access through the Chromebook the substitute plans and lessons and activities in their Google classroom. So we are hopeful that this process that has been used previously is going to be used again in a better more effective way for our elementary schools. We are still providing substitutes in many areas and we'll be providing as many alternatives as we possibly can. We do understand that teachers still get coverage payments, but we're still recouping a savings by doing these drastic cuts. At the same time, we have done this before and it h and
028we have gotten through this and we will be able to do this again. It's not ideal, but as Dr. Roberts shared, this is a way to ensure that we don't have further problems moving forward. Thank you. >> Does any of the board members have questions for administration? Commissioner Ragsaw. >> Thank you. Um, so since there is no teacher and no sub, like who's literally posting on Google Classroom, who's actually assigning those assignments? >> Our teachers always, whether it's on Google Classroom or just for a a human coming into this um to substitute have to leave substitute plans. So the expectation is that there are lessons and activities left on the Google classroom for those students to be able to log in and have be a have work to complete and that's something that teachers are
029expected to do in advance. Teachers provide sub plans. They may not be the same activity that they're working on currently. Many teachers provide some sub activities that are prepared at the beginning of the year that are um activities to fill those spaces where there may be an unexpected absence. Okay. Do you know like how many of these are long-term absences versus like a teacher leaving for a day? Because a teacher leaving for a day I can understand, but if it's like if we have a large amount of long-term absences, that's where I kind of question like how effective I guess um just posting on Google Classroom. >> The the component that we're talking about is for the PEDDM subs. We're pulling back on the perdm subs because that is one of the few places that
030we can pull back on. That's pdeium, meaning the short-term absences, a day here, 3 days there. The long-term absences, we post and hire those long-term positions, whether they're for a long-term leave of absence, an FMLA, a maternity leave of absence, we post for those and we hire for those. When we can't, we have used some Kelly subs. We're we're using about 20 of those right now for those longterm positions and we are continuing to do that. those are not being cut back on for exactly the reason that you say >> and that's in all grades or uh >> that those 20 those 20 positions are prek through 12. They're scattered all around. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Uh Commissioner Kenova. Uh, so are they going to be in the same classroom they
031normally would be in or are they going to like like a gym room or some sort of unified room where there's like one or two instructors that are covering that whole area for a grouping of students just like we've done in the past. That's going to vary. Um, at the upper grades 6 through 12, it is in many cases going to be going to the auditorium, but in some cases there is still someone available to cover them in their own classroom. And that's um determined daily um as a team by each um administrator working with their secretaries looking at who is absent, where, when, and why making those daily determinations. So some students 6 through 12 may be in auditoriums, some students 6 through 12 may be in classrooms. And at the elementary, some students
032will be covered in their own class, other students may be split between two classrooms or three classrooms. And and my my one biggest concern because I just know kids especially teenagers always forgetting to do things. Um if they bring their Chromebook or they don't have their Chromebook or it's not charged. How are we accommodating those situations? >> Uh we do have extra Chromebooks. We do have extra chargers and there we are working on options so that students who do forget their Chromebook or their Chromebook is not charged to work on that. Will that address every single child 100% of the time? you know, it's possible it won't, but the goal is to be able to provide um replacements or charging opportunities for students. Um it is also an expectation already for students to have a
033charged Chromebook in every class that they're attending. So, I'm I'm going to be anticipating similar rates of kids, you know, the rates of kids that forget to charge or bring their Chromebook for a regular class will most likely stay the same even on these days. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Okay, so >> I have one more. Okay. >> Um I also cuz I think a part of what made this such a big issue too was just the miscommunication that kind of started spreading. Um so this is only 6 to 12, right? That this scale back is happening. >> No, this No, the scale back is is prek through 12. >> It is pre Okay. >> Yes. >> Um >> it's just that the solutions are different. PreK through 5 versus 6 through
03412. PreK through five is a much more intensive continuum of care where students must be with a with a teacher at or an adult at all times from the time they walk into the door until the time they walk out of the door. Um at in 6 through 12, kids move from period to period. There's the um the auditorium option is something while not ideal has been done for many years in the past. Again, while not ideal, it is still an option with more mature children um monitored by a group, a small group of teachers and administrators. There'll be administrators, security specialists, and teachers in those larger scale um opportunities for coverage. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So, one other question. The auditorium, we don't use that for any other purpose right now. It's not
035being used as any kind of like I pull a student out and I bring them into the auditorium because we don't have classrooms for that. I know we're stressed with space now to begin with. Is there anything else that now has to bump because of this situation? >> No, the auditoriums are currently if anything there there may be in the two middle schools um or the three middle schools the audi um at Maple Valley it won't be the auditorium it'll be the cafeteria because the auditorium is also the gym. At the other two middle schools, the auditoriums are sometimes used because the stage itself is being used for music classes. But the seating in the auditorium, unless there's an assembly, is not being used for any other purpose um during most instructional periods. Um and
036at the high school, similar idea. There may be something going on on the stage, but in most cases, unless there's an event or an activity planned for the auditorium, the auditorium will be available. If the auditorium needs to be used at any of these locations for a different purpose, then alternatives will be found. >> Okay. Thanks. >> Anyone else? >> Okay. So, I have a question. >> Yes. So as as fiduciaries and as as board members and we know our role ethical role if there's chatter going on on Facebook that something came out and we get tagged in something are we allowed to comment Dr. road because uh be strongly advised not to um engage in in anything. Remember, you're you're a board member at a board meeting, >> correct? >> Outside of that, you
037are a citizen who can comment as a citizen with, you know, we recommend that disclaimer, but um you're you're not to speak for the board. You're not to answer uh back and forth. And and people people know how to contact us. So, if they want answers, they they can contact us. Social media is not where you're going to get your answers most of the time. >> So you the district we approve the contract for Kelly. Okay. I'm not going to put you in a in a bad way. That is a that is a vendor that we hire. >> Yes. >> The only time the board votes on is if we want to increase the contract. Correct. >> We vote on that. >> We don't we don't we don't vote on to decrease. >> No. The
038board voted on a contract with this company to allow the administration to utilize this company to fill vacancies. >> So that's how the how the administration utilizes those vacancies is day-to-day. >> Correct. >> Um >> having said that, >> this could have been communicated better with the board. >> And I just want to be public with um with my conflict so people don't think I'm like a stock. My daughter is a substit my daughter is at Monontlair State University studying to be a teacher and she's a substitute teacher who works for Kelly Education. Um, so that's why I I'm conflicted and I don't make any recommendations or discuss uh Kelly education um except for in general terms. Not I wish I was a stockholder. Um so uh yeah, Mrs. Ambassador, so that it was day-to-day
039operations, but be because of the impact that the decision was going to have, it could have been communicated better to to the board for sure. Uh we thought the communication that went out to staff um it was I I know Mr. Shiada and and Miss Kusalevich spent a lot of time working on it. We thought that it was well thought out. We thought it was carefully worded and then um Kelly Education sent out >> I can comment on that if you like. Um so we sent out our notification to the staff and then Kelly sent their notification to the substitutes working for them. Um there was one sentence in there that was erroneous. We stated very clearly that we are reducing not eliminating. Unfortunately, they there was an unfortunate use of language with one sentence
040in their communication that said that we were eliminating the it should have said that we are not eliminating. We were reducing and that's where the miscommunication came um overnight because that message went out. Ours went out at the end of the school day. Theirs went out after hours in the evening. First that was immediately rectified as soon as they realized it. they they notified their their subs um immediately and then sent out a clarification the next morning. >> Thank you. So So just for my fellow board members and the community, next time if you have an issue, please contact administration. Dr. Robbituzzi has been always very welcoming to people calling him or emailing him with answers. The board members cannot respond to anything on social media regardless if they tag us. as a citizen, I
041advise you not to without thorough communication with the superintendent. So, I thank every one of you for restraining yourselves and for doing the right thing. So, to that being said, I really appreciate you guys all doing doing your job and then reaching out to uh the administration to find out what was going on. Um we we do apologize to the community for a hiccup. That's what I like to call it, but it was rectified. But um I just wanted to to get that out there so we can um clear the air. Uh with that being said, any other questions? Okay. So, we're going to move on um to um board committee reports. We don't have any. Seeing none, I'm going to go to public recognition. Uh this portion of the meeting is open to residents
042and non-residents of Clifton for the purpose of addressing any subject matter pertinent to andor directly related to the operations of the Clifton Public School District. Residents and non-residents are requested to sign the register provided for the purpose and to state their names, addresses, and subject matter. Comments are limited to five minutes per person. Issues raised by members of the public may or may not be responded to by the board. All comment should be considered and a response will be forthcoming if and when appropriate. The board asks that the members of the public be courteous and mindful of the rights of others when speaking. Specifically, comments regarding students and employees of the board are are discouraged and will not be responded to by the board. Students and employees have specific legal rights afforded by the law
043of New Jersey. The board bears no responsibility, nor will it be liable for any comments made by members of the public. Members of the public should consider their comments in light of legal rights of those affected and or identified in their comments and be aware that they are legally responsible and liable for their comments. Matt, do I have anyone online? >> There are not this evening. President B. >> Motion to close online. >> Motion close. >> Second. A motion by uh Commissioner Bronziac, second by Commissioner Kenova. Anybody in the audience would like to address the board. Now would be the time. You have five minutes. You'd step up and you can speak to the board. >> Um see first by Commissioner Ciano, second by Commissioner Brunak, then we'll move on. Thank you for the public
044for coming. All right. Uh, adoption of minutes. Can I have a motion to the adopt the minutes? >> Adopt minutes. Second January 22nd. >> Motion by Commissioner uh Paris, second by Commissioner Brunia. Any discussion? >> I just I had a um I had to correct something. I did not abstain on the Clifton Recreation. I emailed uh superintendent and um Mr. Shahada and they took care of it right away. So, that should have been noted and I apologize for that. Anybody else? Roll. Roll call. >> Mr. Brunzak. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kenova? >> Yes. >> Mr. Paris? >> Yes. >> Mr. Rexdale? >> Yes. >> Mr. Siano? >> Yes. >> Miss Wararez? >> Yes. >> Vice President Santiago? >> Yes. >> President Paris? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Superintendent report. Do you have any more?
045You have a lot. >> Three quick things. We got to thank our custodial and maintenance staff for an outstanding job clearing a monster storm. Um, I know it wasn't perfect out on the streets. There was only so much that was under our control. I felt that the the portion of the storm that was under our control, our our staff did an outstanding job. So, public thank you to our custodial and maintenance team for hours and hours of hard work. Thank you. And also chipping in to help with city sidewalks. And just real real quick, we had two um track and field record breakers. I have to announce and we'll we'll recognize these students at a future meeting, but Michaela Francisco broke the school record in the 55 meter dash with a time of 7.54 seconds.
046>> That's life. >> 55 meters like it takes me that long to get out of bed. Probably triple that time, right? And then of Vladimir Koslak broke the school record for the triple jump. So that's really impressive to break a a a Clifton High School record after all these years is very very impressive. We will recognize those students at a future meeting. And finally, January 13th, the Woodro Wilson girls basketball team had an opportunity to scrimmage before a soldout crowd at the Satan Hall vers Yukon game, which was a really uh cool thing. The boys team participated in the official pregame handshake line. They did a postgame shootaround with some of the players on the professional court. And so a big thanks to coach Dan uh Kellendrillo who's a Satan Hall of Famer Satan Hall
047Hall of Famer for facilitating the experience. Thank you Mrs. Bassford. That uh completes my report tonight. >> I don't really have anything but I would like to uh thank Mr. Shahada and the custodial staff for uh deploying themselves to lend a hand. You made a a difference in the lives of people in this district and that means a lot to us. you have been doing a lot of that lately, so we thank you. Um, that being said, uh, do we have any unfinished business? None. Okay, moving on. Um, national uh, school counselor's recognition. Vice President Santiago, would you do the honor of reading that? >> Thank you, President Baser. National School Counseling Recognition. Whereas school counselors are employed in public schools to help students reach their full potential. And whereas school counselors are actively committed
048to helping students explore their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents as these traits relate to career awareness and development. Whereas school counselors help parents focus on ways to further the educational, personal, and social growth of their children. And whereas school counselors work with teachers and other educators to help students explore their potential and set realistic goals for themselves. And whereas school counselors seek to identify and utilize community resources that can enhance and complement comprehensive school counseling programs and help students become productive members of society. And whereas comprehensive developmental school counseling programs are considered an integral part of the educational process that enables all students to achieve success in school. Now therefore, be it resolved that Clifton Board of Education recognizes February 2nd through February 6th as National School Counseling Week. Thank you and thanks to all
049our counselors. >> Commissioner Ragel, would you read EA um two? >> Yes, absolutely. Now, I noticed there's a typo in the third whereas, >> so I don't know what >> we could probably fix that right now. >> Yes. >> Duly noted. >> Okay. noted. Okay. >> All right. Whereas Black History Month celebrated during the month of February originated in in 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson set aside a special period in February to recognize the heritage and achievements of black people in the United States. And whereas since 1976, February has been recognized as Black History Month throughout New Jersey. And whereas this year's theme for Black History Month, a century of Black History commemorations, marking the 100th ad anniversary of dedicated Black History Month observances and focusing on its impact on identity, pride, and equality,
050while also celebrating diverse black cultures and future progress. This theme encourages reflection on black history's contributions and ongoing relevance, especially in light of challenges to teaching black history. Whereas we encourage the celebration of Black History Month to provide a continuing opportunity for all people in the United States to learn from the past and understand the experiences that have shaped the United States. And now, therefore, be it resolved, the Clifton Board of Education proclaims February 2026 Black History Month, and encourages staff and students to honor it during February and throughout the year with interactive research, classroom lesson plans, guest speakers, displays, lectures, practical activities, and cultural celebrations. >> Thank you. >> Commemorations. >> Take the N out. It's the end. >> I can read it. >> So, we are looking for a motion to approve uh
051under education administration EA1 to6. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Motion by Commissioner Paris and second by Commissioner Kenova. Any discussion? No, >> Mr. Shadow, please. Uh, >> Mr. Breniac, >> yes. >> Mr. Kenova, >> yes. >> Mr. Paris, yes. >> Mr. Ragdale, yes. >> Mr. Ciano, >> yes. >> Mr. Warz, yes. >> Vice President Santiago, >> yes. >> President Paris, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> All right. Um, moving on with the agenda. Can I have a motion for C1 through 27? >> Motion, Madam President. >> Second. >> Motion by U. Commissioner um Sio and second by Commissioner Brunak. Discussion seeing on roll call. >> Mr. Bronziac. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kenova. >> Yes. >> Mr. Paris. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ragdale. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ciano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Warz. >>
052Yes. >> Vice President Santiago? >> Yes. >> President Paris. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Could I have a motion for D1 through D15? >> D1 through D15. >> Motion. >> Second. Motion by Commissioner Bruntia, second by Commissioner Santiago. Discussion. >> I have a question. Sorry. >> That's okay. >> Commissioner Rags. Okay. >> Did we miss Oh, >> you want it again? >> Yeah. Um, just a question. When was the last time that we had the architect drawings for school 12 and this high school? >> When was the last time? >> Yeah. >> Uh, >> do we know >> particularly for the roof? >> Yeah. I don't think we have done the roofs for those buildings or that correction that portion of the roof. >> Okay. >> So, we did them when we did
053the um the referendum >> referendum >> but that was just to put the rooftop units on it. That wasn't checking like the structural the structural integrity of the roof especially now years after they referred to that. That was what 2019 Dr. Riy 2020 when you guys did that. >> Yeah. So when you know the roofs have had some significant uh wear and tear since then. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> Roll call. >> Uh Mr. Brunette. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kenova. >> Yes. >> Mr. Paris. >> Uh yes, but abstain number 14 check number 224948. >> Mr. Ragdale. >> Yes. Uh also abstaining on uh F14 check 225696 and 225697. >> Thank you. Miss. >> Yes. Abstaining on checks 225696 225697. Miss Wararez. >> Yes. Abstaining on F9. >> Uh, Vice President
054Santiago. >> Yes. President Paris. >> I mean, President Bassford, I'm sorry. >> Okay. Uh, yes to everything. Abstaining on all my names only on 23. I'm going to a lot of workshops. Thank you. Um, can I have a motion to approve uh D1 through D15? did that. >> Um, >> addendum, Madam President. >> I'm sorry. >> H1. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. I'm sorry. >> Uh, addendum item. I need a motion to accept it into record because >> Make that motion, Madam President. >> Okay. >> Second. >> Motion to accept the uh items H through 1 to six from by Commissioner Ciano and uh second by uh Commissioner Bronziac. Anybody have discussion? Okay. Roll call. >> Uh, Mr. Brunziac, >> yes. >> Mr. Kenova, >> yes. >> Mr. Paris, >> yes. >> Mr. Ragel, >> yes.
055>> Mr. Siano, >> yes. >> Miss Suarez, >> yes. >> Vice President Santiago, >> yes. >> President Bassford, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay, so we're going to go on to board. >> That's No, it's quite all right. It's We're all getting used to it. And my screen's too big. That's why I didn't couldn't see the um got too many positioning, but I'm getting there. I'm going to move on with board member comments. I'm going to start with Commissioner Kenova. >> Sure. Uh good evening. Uh first I just wanted to thank you Mr. Shahada for uh for a budget that was um it was approved perfectly. Not a budget a evaluation audit that was approved perfectly. Um just a testament to you and your team. So I I appreciate that. Um now the state
056benefits in increasing of 30% um you know obviously that's a struggle for us but taking steps to mitigate that and putting us in a position where we're fiscally sound is the the only option at this point especially since we don't really know what's going on out there. Um so I think that was that was a great move by our team. Thank you for that. The snow I did get a lot of complaints about the snow like I'm sure everyone did. Uh but my one idea and I think we should take it to the municipal alliance is that we should have signs there that say no parking when snow is when road is snow covered. So this way you don't have parking on the sides where the the school is and they could just go and
057take all that snow away initially because I think it was the cars that were there that were were causing that pile up and that issue. Um and as long as the city knows and then they plow that whole side, we won't have that problem. And I know you probably don't see it in schools like 16 because they have like pullins. Um, but I know at three we had that issue because we have a dead end and that two-way lane turn now turns into a one-way and it was just a mess. Um, so maybe we could we could talk about that there. Um, and that's really all I had. You know, want to wish everyone a happy Valentine's Day. This weekend is Super Bowl. Um, so make sure you you be careful and pick right numbers.
058So, thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Konova. Commissioner Paris, please. >> Thank you, President Bassford. Uh just want to thank uh Miss Kusalevich for the explanation on our substitute and Kelly services status. Uh thank you to Dr. Robert Tozy for giving us some confidence behind our our finances. Congratulations to Mr. Shahada and his team for a successful audit. U huge thanks to our custodial staff and maintenance staff who helped not only our district but helped the city clear walkways. good example of shared services and working together. Uh and lastly, just stay safe and warm and have a happy Valentine's Day. >> Thank you, Commissioner Paris. Commissioner Ragd, >> thank you, Madam President. Um thank you, Jenna, for your report. It's good to see that the SCA is active and working. Um just again, we're stating
059that board members have high ethical standards and because of that, we often cannot comment on things that are posted online. It's not that we're ignoring it, but often times I think we see it and report it to administration like we're supposed to. Um, thank you administration for the clarification on the Kelly service situation. Um, congratulations to Michaela, uh, my former teammate on her accomplishment in breaking the school record along with Vladimir who broke his record in his event as well. Um, thank you to our custodian and maintenance staff for their work during the past storm. Happy Black History Month and be safe. Good night. Thank you, Commissioner Ragdale. Commissioner Ciano, you're up next. >> Okay, it's going to be a little repetitive, but I already wrote it down, so it is what it is. Uh,
060so good evening, everyone. Thanking the student rep for her report. I'm incredibly happy with the audit report. Thank you to our business office for running a tight ship. Every year that I've been here so far, you're on top of things. Thank you very much. I don't think we could be in better hands. Uh, Valentine's Day is coming up, so happy Valentine's Day to everybody. School counselors month. I spent a lot of time with my counselors, but everybody knows that my time at school was not the most enjoyable. I did not have a good experience. So, I thank all the counselors because without them, I can't even comprehend where I might be today. Um, of course, as everybody else is doing, I want to address the community and make sure they're aware. As board of education
061members, our governance training strictly advises against responding to or entering into discussions on these Facebook group Facebook groups, and the people that are pushing us to do so know better. So, that's just my little gripe that I have. uh we cannot be seen as speaking for the board even when using our disclaimer unfortunately because there's still certain things we could say that might represent us speaking for the board. There's certain discussions we cannot enter into and I hope you all understand that. It has been incredibly cold out. Yes, the snow. Let's all be honest, it wasn't the greatest experience by the city or anything that went on. It's a lot of roads that we have that they have to clear and it's not an easy job. Uh cars do not get off the street and
062especially in my area, let me tell you, there's cars on the street all the time. Uh so my snow I have a big glacier in front of my house that I'm so afraid to hit because it will scratch the heck out of my car. Um but they did the best that they could. Hey, listen. Should we have not gone to school Wednesday? Maybe. Maybe. >> But that's hindsight. You made the best judgment call that you had and that's why you're there. We don't make that judgment call and you made the best judgment call that you could. Um, speaking of incredibly cold out, Margaret and George Carreri at the Clifton Unhoused Initiative have been going 24/7 at the warming center to make sure everyone is fed, comfortable, and getting the resources they need. So, I want
063to thank them. The Clifton Health Department for being right by their side, the Clifton Little Pantries for making sure those who need it most always have a place to go to ensure they could feed themselves, their families, and their pets without concerns. I want to thank Kim Castellano with the power of one for all she does during these times and for also taking such good care of our senior community. I don't know if you guys have had a chance to attend the Clifton social. It's amazing. She does it once a month. And when you see the seniors there dancing, having fun, mingling, getting out of their house, it shows all the work that she really puts into the community. Uh Yina, thank you for the explanation on Kelly Services. So many calls I got like
064it was our decision. Like, hey, you're on the board. Why would you do this? We don't do this because we do not oversee dayto-day operations. Um, when it comes to the dilemma, yes, I would have liked some advanced notice before it went out, but that's also hindsight. Um, I understand the administration makes those decisions, but they are very open to receiving phone calls to explain it. Just like Dr. Roberts said, do not take to social media before you make the decision to make a simple phone call to get to the bottom of what's going on. Hey, thank you all. Have a good evening. Be good to yourselves and each other. You can shut that off now. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> I know. I'm gonna keep going with that look. Hi. Hi, Amed. How
065are you? >> Commissioner Suarez, would you do us the honor, please? >> Thank you, President Bassford. Uh, good evening everyone. Congratulations to the business department for an outstanding audit. That's a great achievement for such a big district, especially considering the turmoil nearby districts have encountered. And shout out to all of the school counselors. Your dedication to our students is deeply appreciated and very very very valuable. Thank you for all the work that you do. And also thank you to Dr. Robert Toy and Miss Cusvich for explaining the issue about Kelly Services and Substitutes. That information was very valuable for the community to hear. And that said, this is my opinion as a firm advocate for our district to be adequately funded to meet all students needs. I will use this opportunity to make the direct
066connection to the consequences of what happens when we as a district do not have adequate tax increases to appropriately fund our school district. While it was a responsible and necessary decision to to decrease the substitute use from Kelly services, circumstances such as these could be mitigated in the future if we had adequate funding coming from our property taxes. Um, and also speaking for myself and not for the whole board, I want to share my heart with all of those who have been worried about or impacted by the presence of ICE in the surrounding community. What once felt like an existential threat that was somewhere out there has now seeped into one to two degrees of separation from people I know. Even so, I can still acknowledge the privilege to even say that as I know
067there are too many people that have been immediately impacted by the presence of ICE for a long time. For all of those who worry, who lose sleep at night about their family members, who fear going to work, or fear bringing your child to and from school, please know that my heart is with you. And I pray for your safety and your loved ones. And on that note, in light of Black History Month, and let's be mindful that Black History Month is also American history, I will quote the great late author and activist James Baldwin. If one really wishes to know how justice is administered in our country, one does not question the policemen, the lawyers, the judges, or the protected members of the middle class. One goes to the unprotected, those precisely who need the
068laws protection most, and listen to their testimony. Thank you everyone. Have a good night. Be safe and enjoy the Bad Bunny halftime show this Sunday. Good night. >> Thank you, Commissioner Suarez, for your powerful words. Commissioner Brunak, you're >> Thank you, Madam President. Good evening everyone. Just want to give one more reminder about this Saturday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Chipotle. There's a fundraiser for the CJ Praise team where 25% of the proceeds go to the team. Big shout out to the business office for another exceptional audit. takes loads of work and dedication for this to happen and for our district to be in good financial condition considering that several other districts are having financial diff difficulties and I don't know if I could have delivered it as exceptionally as Dr. Robert Toy did
069absolute hit a home run with that statement that he made. Um, and it's absolutely correct. So, this the these are the types of things that we do over here with with our business office and we're constantly thinking about these types of things, short-term goals, long-term financial goals. I made a big rant last year about the reserves that we were able to you're only able to max it out at 2% a lot of the accounts. It's absolutely outrageous. We are fiscally we've been very fiscally responsible over here. Yet the state prohibits us from from trying to be even more fiscally responsible. It's absolutely outrageous. But uh big shout out to the business office. Finally, I want to wish everybody a happy St. Valentine's Day to all of you who celebrate. Thank you for your time and
070God bless America. Have a good night everybody. >> Thank you, Commissioner Brunac. Vice President Santiago. Thank you, President Paris. Um, I'm sorry. Now, you got me doing >> Thank you, President Bassford. Um, so, uh, another great audit. Thank you so much for all you guys, you know, what you guys do. Um, there's just so much in the news for some time now. You know, districts, which I, you know, out of nowhere, millions of dollars missing, schools closing. I mean, I can't even think about doing that. And it's just such um a welcome, calming scenario that we have people who are competent and and that we're proactive, right? We don't wait till it's raining. We uh take action ahead of time. So, that's key. And thank you guys so much for doing that. Um happy counselor
071week, school counselor week. I have one at home or not at home, but in my family and he's amazing and they do a lot of amazing work. um we know from career readiness or higher education readiness but to emotional support to um all of it and sometimes just one word or a conversation can change a kid and um you guys do an amazing job. Thank you so much for all you do. Happy Black History Month to everyone. As Commissioner Suarez said um I believe he said is that uh it's American history. Black history is American history. So, um, you know, happy Black History to everybody. Um, happy St. Valentine's Day, Michaela. Breaking a record. Amazing. Thank you so much for, um, repping Clifton. So, so well. Um, our Christopher Columbus uh career club um went
072to I believe uh Newark Liberty Airport and somebody had actually um mentioned you know because we had the marketing uh uh career day as well and somebody just asked how what are all the things that we do that are you know fall under that what else do we do along those lines a lot of people don't even know that we we have these things that our students are exposed to this and something I think we need to promote more. But if we can share like all the various career opportunity well exposure that we do um you because we do a lot of that and it's awesome. We have uh our Wrestlemania scenario. Um right when is Yes, of course. That is Mustang Mania February 28th, Saturday. Come on down. Maybe you'll see, you know, Danny
073off the turnbuckle or something. No, no, please. I promise you. I promise. >> And uh yeah, enjoy the Bonito Bowl. Thank you so much. Good night. >> Thank you, Vice President Santiago. Um happy um National Counselors Recognition Month. Happy Black History Month. Uh thank you to Jenna for your comprehensive report. Thank you to Mr. Shahada and the business office for your detailed um audit and for a stellar mark on that one. three little tiny hiccups and they're they're fixed. So, it's not even a hiccup. It's not even a little tiny burp, you know. It's really good. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Thank you to Jannina Cuch Levich for your uh explanation. Coochie Levich, I can't say that. I'm sorry. All right. So, Dr. Robotazi, thank you for your state of the union,
074state of the state, state of the district. um when we talked the other day when I was really worried about what we were seeing flying out there, you quilledled everybody's u nerves and you took care of it. Uh and you also assured me that it was a hiccup and we will not that will not happen again. We we really we as a board really appreciate that because um what my other colleagues don't realize is that never happened when I first got here. we didn't know nothing and we would get sidetracked and bombarded when we were out in public and it doesn't happen that much anymore. But to those out there that do think that we can answer on social media to Commissioner Santi uh Cano's uh words, we're not allowed to. Ethics prohibits us from
075that. We don't have the freedom. We don't get paid. We don't get benefits, but we don't have the freedom like they do on the council side to do whatever they want and they can comment. So, it becomes a little overwhelming when all of a sudden your phone starts blowing up that people want you to respond to something and you can't and you want to in the worst way because you want to say, "No, no, no, that's not true." So, you have to wait for everything to just generically unfold. So, to those that are um basically stirring the pot and and trying to like get get us to react, it's not going to happen because we know our role and I'm very proud of the commissioners that sit at this day because you do a very
076very good job. Also, with that being said, this group has worked really hard on the next process that we have to um face, which is the board vacancy, and we're going to be going back in to um public about that. Mr. Shahada, for the longest time, when I was growing up, I thought my name was Billy, Jane, Tom, and Judy because that's the way my mother used to call us. So, I only answered to that for the longest time. I never answered to my own name. Don't worry about it. It's all good. We're all We're building the ship as we're going, and I'm I'm a-okay with everything. Um, do we have any um new business? Anyone? This is Mr. Commissioner Kenova. >> So, actually, I think this is old business. We talked about this last
077time about modifying our policy for selecting a board member and having it be more like a voting process. >> I just forgot where we're at with that. >> Um, we I think we we're going to go in executive session just to discuss it again because we do have a legal question on it. Okay. And then when we come out, we're going to actually somebody on the board is going to actually make the motion to suspend that policy so we can institute our own um our own process. For what the public doesn't realize is that we have a policy on the books of how we nominate the vacancy applicant. It was similar to the way we used to do it years ago. Whoever got out here pressed the button first, nominated that person. We went around
078the room and voted. We didn't have a chance to vote for a slate of candidates. Uh, Commissioner Kenova brought it to our attention. We discussed it last meeting. We have some more tweaks to make on it. We're going to go back in because we're going to be discussing that tonight again. And as soon as a process is finally uh agreed upon with consensus, we will come out or we will notify the public of what what we're doing and how the process is rolling out. Can't do it until the board actually discusses it. We did did discuss an hour before. We're going to discuss again. Plus, we're also going to discuss a contract matter, policy, and an employee matter. So, we have a lot to discuss. So, any other new business? All right. With that being
079said, how long do you think we will be in exec? >> Uh, say an hour. >> Well, an hour for you guys for your stuff. What about us? Um, >> let's stick to an hour. >> I'm gonna I'm gonna say an hour and a half because if we become longwinded, it'll come just out. >> We We have a We have a lot of opinions to vote on this, but an hour and a half. So, uh, could I have a motion to go into executive session? >> Second. >> Motion. Motion by, uh, Commissioner Kenova, second by Commissioner Brun. Uh, Commissioner Paris. Roll call. All All in favor? >> Voice vote. All in favor? I. >> I. >> Anyone opposed? >> Action may be taken at the conclusion of the executive session. >> Action may be taken.
080>> May be taken. >> The eyes have >> to be continued. Thank you, >> Madam President. Fiveminute recess. >> Absolutely. For you, Commissioner. Five minutes. You want six, >> huh? helping him kill himself. That's what he said. >> You got to shred it. >> 23rd Monday. >> All right. Motion to reconvene from executive session. It's 9:28 p.m. Roll call. Uh, Mr. Bruniac >> here. >> Mr. Kenova here. >> Mr. Perez, yes. >> Mr. Ragel here. >> Miano present. >> Miss Wararez here. >> Vice President Santiago >> here. >> President Bassford, >> I'm here. I need a motion to uh approve G1 through six. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion by uh Commissioner Ciano, second by Commissioner Suarez. Roll call. >> Uh, Mr. Bront. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kenova. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mr. Harris. >>
081Yes. >> Mr. Ragdale. >> Yes. >> Miano. Yes. >> Mr. Suarez. >> Yes. >> Vice President Santiago. >> Yes. >> President Bassford. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Any other business? >> Motion to suspend bylaw 0143. >> Second. Motion uh to suspend bylaw 1043 by Commissioner Brun 0143 by Commissioner Brunak. Seconded by Commissioner Suarez. Discussion. >> See none. Roll call. >> Mr. Bruniac. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kenova. Yes. >> Mr. Paris. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ragdale. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Suarez. >> Yes. Vice >> President Santiago. >> Yes. >> President. >> Uh, yes. Just so the public knows that's the um the what we talked about before, the policy 0143 is to suspend the way we do elections for our next meeting. Uh, and then we're going to ask for that
082policy to go back to committee to be re reworked. It's very antiquated. Yes. >> any other business? Happy belated birthday, Commissioner Ragdale. >> Yes. Happy birthday. Early early. My bad. Thank you. Thank you. 20 216. Thank you. Motion to adjourn. >> Motion. Second. >> Motion by uh Commissioner Ciano. Second by Commissioner Kova. Good night. Thank you very much. >> Have a good one. Happy Valentine's Day. >> Good job. 9:30.