001Call to order the January 22nd, 2026 meeting, 7 p.m. All rise for the flag salute in 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. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Shahada. Roll call, please. Yes. Mr. Brenc, here. Mr. Kenova, here. Mr. Paris, here. Mr. Ragdale, here. Mr. Ciano, here. Mr. Suarez, here. Vice President Santiago here. President Bassford here. We have a call. Mission statement. Mr. Bronia, would you mind? Thank you, Madame President. The mission of Clifton School District in 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
002contributing to a democratic society in an everchanging world. Thank you, Commissioner Brunac. Um, Vice President Santiago, could you read the open public meetings statement? Thank you, President Bassford. 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 has called caused 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 presidents of parent teacher organizations. This meeting will be
003tape recorded in accordance with policy 0168. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, Vice President Santiago as our student rep here, Jenna. Good evening. I would like to wish everyone a happy new year and congrat congratulate President Bassford and Vice President Santiago on your positions. I would like to start off this year by reporting from last month's superintendent ambassadors meeting that was held at CHS with Dr. Obertozi. CHS students have been reporting long wait times to enter campus in the mornings, noting a lot of early morning traffic. Remedies such as requesting police to help patrol and guide cars in the morning have been a main way to address this issue. Students have also been continuing to support the idea of Chromebook free days in which students would not have to use their Chromebooks the entire day. However,
004teachers would be able to use technology such as Smartboards. These days have been proposed following a noticeable increase in reliance on online instruction in the classroom. Referring to Chromebooks, students have also proposed expanding Chromebook hours and/or days. Currently, Chromebook support is open on select days of the week and only for a few hours with many students reporting not being able to receive Chromebook support when they need it. Finally, now that the new cell phone policy has been instituted for almost a year, I am happy to report students have noticed an increase in intention in classrooms and have gotten more used to the policy with more teachers continuing to strictly enforce it. Next, I would like to report the SCA had their first available office hours last month, which gave students the opportunity to speak with
005myself regarding issues, concerns, and/or suggestions they had regarding the school. One consistent issue that had been brought up included again finding better solutions to the morning drop off traffic with some students and student council members proposing to institute specific dropoff locations around the campus rather than parents cars entering and driving through the school. Mr. Hamda and Dr. Roberts have been made aware of this issue and we hope to continue working out the kinks of it in the future. To finish sub some upcoming CHS sports events include tomorrow the ice hockey team having a game at Montlair State and the bowling team has a match scheduled Saturday. Both boys and girls wrestling have matches. Boys basketball has a game against West Essex and girls basketball have a game against Hoboken. Thank you. And that is all
006for this report. Thank you Jenna. Um next we next we're going to move on to presentation reports from administration advisory committees and special committees. Uh we have our um director of operations and student services Mike Delta to report on him. Thank you brother. President Bassford, commissioners, Dr. Roberto, and central administration. As required by the state, I will be sharing our district SSDs and VVSA information for the district. Twice a year, uh, I'm required by the state to present to the board of education and to the taxpayers of Clifton information concerning our violence, vandalism, and substance abuse numbers and our harassment, intimidation, and bullying numbers. Uh, we present in January for period 1. Uh, period 1 runs from July through December. Uh, for HIPS and VVSAs, September through December. And uh we also present July August
007once we have our numbers set from the state uh for period 2 which is January 1st through June 30th uh for both HIPS and uh incidents that we have. As I mentioned, our SSDS numbers, our student safety data system, um consists of all of our data for incidents of violence, vandalism, and substance abuse and our harassment, intimidation, and bullying information. Uh violence, vandalism, and substance abuse, as you could see on the list, is just that incidents which occur within our schools that deal with arson, assaults, uh hibs, both alleged and confirmed, um robbery, trespassing. There's a myriad of situations that uh that we have to report to the state. As you could see uh with this information, our violent offenses uh fights uh altercations such as that have dropped uh from last year to this
008year. Uh and our substance abuse cases have been cut uh more than half. uh which leads us to a drop in uh 37 total cases from 92 down to 55. Uh a lot of that has to do with our security specialists and the help that they've provided in the hallways and in the building with the students making those connections with kids so they deal with deal with situations once they get information before it turns into a fight before uh it turns into something greater. And we see that um education uh about substance abuse uh vaping um taking illegal substances has helped in our downturn as well. It's not for not looking because with the extra security in all of our buildings, it's much easier to find people who are doing things wrong. And even with
009that extra help, we're seeing a downturn. uh restraints and seclusions and that's just what we have to call it because that's what the uh state requires us to report. Uh we had 50 restraints uh starting all the way uh down at preK all the way up to the high school. The vast majority are in our younger grades uh for students who uh just need assistance to steady themselves, not uh hurt themselves or anyone else uh when they're having a moment. Uh those numbers are very consistent with last year. Uh we do not have any seclusions. Uh we never have had seclusions. We don't do that in our district. So that number has been and will be zero moving forward. Uh HIPS harassment, intimidation, bullying. Uh as I mention every year and I mention to nearly
010every parent who I have to talk to about uh harassment, intimidation, bullying, you have to have two things in order uh in order for it to be considered harassment, intimidation, bullying. First, you need a distinguishable characteristic. Okay. Um, race, color, religion, uh, sexual orientation, and you could see the list, and it's essentially anything that you could identify someone as, and that's why they're being picked on, that's why they're being bullied, that's why they're being harassed. You also need a substantial disruption. And I'm very sorry to say that if a child is sad and might be crying a little bit, while it's terrible and it's something that we can deal with as a code of conduct violation by state statute, it's not a HIV. It's not a a case of harassment, intimidation, bullying that we could
011find. It has to be something much larger. uh missing school or wanting to miss school or class, uh drop in grades, uh changing of routines, not eating at home, not sleeping right, not having friends that they used to have, withdrawing from people. Okay, those are all things that would basically necessitate having a substantial disruption. And we could see from our numbers that for period one compared to last year, we've had a drop. Uh our numbers are low to begin with for founded. We had 10 founded. Um this past year we had 16 the previous year so we went down there and our unfounded the same thing. Uh preliminary determination we have at five. That's when at face value when we get information right at the beginning if we deem that all of that information to
012be true an administrator can look at the information as I said at face value and determine this is not going to be a hit. More often than not it's because it's evident that there's no substantial disruption. They've spoken to the alleged victim and they're absolutely fine. They don't like that it happened. They want it to stop, but nothing has changed with them. Um, we don't have to go through the whole uh investigation. We could just deem that it's a preliminary determination and we notify the parents of the alleged victim and the alleged offender. Doesn't mean that there won't be code of conduct violations, possible discipline, but it does mean that it does not qualify as a HIP. And finally, we have to report our HIP trainings and programs. And for the first half of this
013year, you could see that from last year, um we've gone up uh 66 trainings. Um a lot of that has to do with additional meetings that we're having uh where we work with our staff and our students on harassment, intimidation, and bullying. And the drop in programs is mostly because some of our principles have pushed off uh their couple of programs to the end of the uh school year to the second half period too. Uh doesn't mean that those numbers uh that those programs aren't going to happen. It's just they they shift things around for scheduling purposes. Finally, uh the reason why we've had these improvements, uh we have regular communication and regular professional development with administration and with the building anti-bullying specialists. Those are the people involved in the cases. So, they're up to
014date, up to speed on everything that's new. Um and refreshers on what to do. Uh we have district-wide professional development for all staff about harassment, intimidation, bullying. uh we're required to have that by state statute and we do that each year. And finally, uh we've increased our counseling for both the alleged offenders or founded offenders and our alleged victims or uh unfounded victims to help them resolve their issues with what has gone on, whether they've been a victim or they're causing the issue and uh trying to lead them away from that uh moving forward. Thank you, Mr. Doctor. uh questions that I can answer. Would anybody would like to ask any questions? Commissioner Suarez. Thank you, President Vasford. Uh thank you, Mr. Doctor. I was just curious the kinds of training it seems like it's
015very supportive of students and teachers. So, what's being learned from the staff um that you believe is creating or contributing to the decrease in HIPS? So, there are several things. First of all, looking at the data. Uh where have we had hibs in the past? Why have we had them? What has helped them not to occur again? Goes a long way in determining what we need to do to move forward and make sure that they're not happening in other situations. Um, training the students um for different things. We have our heroes and cool kids program, uh, our sidekicks program where older students work with younger students to explain to them that bullying is not something that we want to do and the trainings that those students receive. Uh and then just going over information that
016we get from the state from different professional development to try to uh curtail any any sort of bullying that we have. Excellent. Thank you so much. Um who else over here had a question? Commissioner Canover? No. Uh Vice President Santiago. Thank you, President Bass. under substance abuse on the slide you had. Is that um where we think a child is under the influence and we send them out or is that a a student who is found potentially with something or is it both? What is that specifically? Substance abuse. that data um consists of students who have had uh items on them that they've been found with items or that they have come to a point where they were getting help and they no longer are taking that help uh by an outside group. Um if
017we have a student who is under the influence uh we get them treatment and get them help. If they refuse that either in the beginning or if they refuse later on, they're just tired of it. are not going to finish the program. Uh those numbers would count in there. Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing none, thank you so much for your report. Thanks, Doc. We have no uh committee reports. I just want to check in with our committee chairs. Uh you have um your assignments. Is everyone uh scheduling their um meetings through administration? If anybody has anything any issues, just let uh myself or Vice President Santiago know and we'll we'll assist you that way. Uh the other thing that I wanted to say is we're leaving the fourth seat open as a rotation. So if
018anybody would like to um join that meeting, please contact the chair. The one thing I want to stress this year, and I did speak to Danny about it, if you have an absence, some, you know, things happen, we have conflicts at work, something happens, one of our children gets sick or things like that, let us know so we can fill it. Um, it's really not a good uh way to have a meeting with just two board members present because, you know, if you have to, you know, make a decision about something, you need three people. It's it's just better uh for the whole committee. So, just let us know and we'll we'll get somebody to fill in. Um, as you know, we're gonna the the assignments may change a a little in the next couple
019of months, but we'll have a discussion about that in the future. Okay, I'm going to move on to public recognition. This portion of the meeting is open to all residents and non-residents of the Clifton of Clifton for the purpose of addressing any matter pertinent to to and directly related to the operations of the Clifton Public School District. Residents and non-residents are required to sign the register provided for the purpose and to state their name, 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 comments will be considered and a response will be forthcoming if and when appropriate. The board asks that members of the public be courteous and mindful of the rights of other individuals
020when speaking. Specifically, comments regarding students and employees of the board are discouraged and will not be responded to by the board. Students and employees have specific rights afforded to them by law of New Jersey. The board bears no responsibility nor will be liable for any comments made by members of the public. Members of the public should be considered should consider their comments in light of legal rights and those affected or identified in their comments and be aware that they are legally responsible and liable for their comments. Do I have anyone that wants to speak? Please approach the deas. Um we'll do in person. Thank you. Thank you. Do you want me to say all that again? Okay. Sharie Morola, I'm the CEA president. I'm also a sixth grade art teacher. Um, and I'm really happy
021to be here. Um, don't blame the system. Realize you are a part of the system. Good evening. My name is Sheri Morola. I am the sixth grade art teacher at WWMS and the president of the Clifton Education Association. I chose to serve in this union because I believe that if you want to see change, you must be willing to step inside the system and do the work to shape it. I won't sit here tonight to list the countless successes of our district. I won't spend my time beaming about our incredible student artists and musicians or the vital work our new communications director is doing to share our story stories. Um, you already know those things. You see that excellence every day. Instead, I want to talk about service. First, I want to congratulate our new
022board members and Judy on your presidency and Anthony on your vice presidency. Thank you for your commitment to this district and for choosing to be part of the solutions in Clipton. We are fortunate to have a labor management collaborative. This isn't just meetings. It is a partnership where administration and union members work side by side to excuse me, identify problems and solve them together. Improving a district for our students and staff can be daunting. It is easy to get lost in the noise of ne negativity. But progress is a matter of perspective. When we stay positive, act with integrity, and remain active participants in the system, we gain the power to create the changes we want to see. Let's continue to do good work and serve the students of Clifton together. Thank you so much.
023Thank you. What do I do? Would anyone else like to address the board? Seeing none, motion to close. Motion. Mr. Bruniac. Second. Second by Mr. Kenova. virtual. Is there anyone in the virtual room? There are not. President Bas. Okay. Motion to close virtual. Second. Motion to close by uh Commissioner Paris. Second by Commissioner Suarez. Could I have a motion to adop uh for the adoption of the minutes from December 4th, 2025? Motion. Second. Motion by Commissioner Suarez. Second by Commissioner Brunak. Any discussion? Any revisions? Any changes? Okay. Roll call. Uh, Mr. Brunac, yes. Mr. Kenova, yes. Mr. Paris, yes. Mr. Ragdale, abstain. Mr. Ciano, yes. Mr. Suarez, yes. Vice President Santiago, yes. President Paris, yes. Motion carries. Motion to adopt the minutes from January 6, 2026. Motion. Second. Second. Motion by first motion by Commissioner
024Paris, second by Commissioner Suarez. Discussion, changes, edits. Roll call, please. Miss uh Mr. Bront, yes. Mr. Kenova, yes. Mr. Paris, yes. Mr. Ragdale, yes. Mr. Ciano, yes. Miss Suarez, yes. Vice President Santiago, yes. President Bassford, yes. Superintendence report. No, D. We'll finish. Okay. Philip, are you watching the storm for me? Yes, I am. I know you are. I'll be expecting updates uh every eight hours. Okay. Good evening, members of the board uh and the one Clifton community. Uh welcome to our first full uh board meeting of the year. Superintendent uh report. I'd like to begin um by highlighting some academic achievements. Um for example, this uh just recently at Christopher Columbus Middle School, we had a visit from Dr. Amuta, who's the statewide data manager from the office of comprehensive support at the Department of
025Education, visited Christopher Columbus Middle School because of the exceptional student performance on the algebra 1 NJSLA assessment. What to be more specific, all eighth grade students who are identified beforehand as at risk, that means mean a variety of things, but they're at risk of dropping out of school, they're at risk of failure. Um, all identified at risk grade 8 students scored proficient or higher on the algebra uh assessment. Um, Dr. Mr. Muda came in, met with teachers and administrators to discuss the program structure, wanted to know what the secret sauce was. We weren't giving it up because we're keeping that for our kids. Um, and really wants to learn how we're doing things so that they can share those practices with the rest of the state. I'd like to wish a big uh happy birthday
026uh albeit belated, although he got a hug and a kiss yesterday to Chewy. Chewy's birthday was uh yesterday. Uh Chewy was born on January 21st, 2023. And as the board knows and most of the public knows, Chewy is our first um therapy dog who's handled by assistant superintendent Mr. Jingaro. And Chewy's success in the district has led to the launch of Team Chewy, which now comprises of four therapy dogs serving our students and staff. In celebration of Chewy's birthday, students and staff collected food and supplies for the Clifton uh Little Free Pet Pantry. Happy birthday, Chewy. Happy birthday. Yay. Is he there? He's there. He's tired. He had a rough day at work. Um I also like to highlight something I saw on uh on our district Instagram and social media recently about our Clifton
027High School students participating in the Satan Hall ACE Health Program. Perhaps you you saw this uh this program is led by uh Don Caraffine and Eric Camponaut and it's a year-long program that introduces our students to health science and physician assistant careers. These students had an opportunity to really participate hands-on in an operating room to learn about operating room protocols, how to sterilize equipment and the procedures that go along with that. They they gowned, they gloved, they learned handwashing techniques, they learned suture not tying and blood how to measure blood pressure. These are high school students are getting this experience and just a wonderful wonderful thing to see highlighted. So I wanted to start off tonight with highlighting some of the really outstanding academic things that are going on in our district and there's so
028many more that there's not enough time to talk about all of them. Also want to give a quick sports update. I'm a big believer um that intercolastic sports can change lives. It has changed lives. I've seen it. I've experienced it personally. Um so I'm a big fan of all of our student athletes. Our girls basketball team is having a turnaround season. They won seven games so far, which is um really outstanding considering that previously we hadn't hadn't won that much. So, um it's a significant significant difference this year. Uh girls wrestling is the first season that we have girls wrestling. Um and we have a wrestler at every weight class, which is really outstanding considering it's the first year that we're doing this. Um and we have had several team wins and lots of individual
029wins. Uh our cheer team is picking up where they left off uh last year. They're defending three-time state champs. And I'm looking for the uh what do you call the fourtime? The the the the quadruple. What do you call? Does it have a name? Four time win. We got to go for the we got to go for the four the four pete. Got to go for the four pete. Uh hockey skating. Well, track has some really outstanding individual results. Um boys basketball, bowling, swim, boys wrestling. They're they're young. They're young teams. They're only going to get better as the season goes on. and next year we're going to expect to see a lot of progress. So, look forward to honoring some of our um scholars and some of our student athletes at a future board
030of education meeting. I'd also like to give a public staff commendation to uh one of our staff members, Laura Conboy, um with profound gratitude on behalf of the district. Laura uh who is a teacher at school 5 um heroically and professionally responded during a medical emergency yesterday at school 5. Um she was supervising a fourth grade lunch period. She observed a student who was in significant distress who was choking um without hesitation. She has assessed the situation, immediately jumped in, applied life-saving techniques. Um, and she, it's not an exaggeration to say, she saved a life yesterday. Um, the student's mother could not have expressed more gratitude for her quick thinking and the care that she provided. So, I'd want to thank Laura publicly on behalf of a very grateful district and look forward to recognizing
031her also in the future at a board of education meeting. And then finally for tonight, ladies and gentlemen, um there's a storm coming. I mean, they've been talking this storm up all week. So, it's either going to be nothing or like 3 feet. Um the latest I saw, and it changes, you know, every hour, but the latest I saw was potentially um which is a big range, 8 to 16 inches. Right. So, um, we do I just want to remind the board, remind the community, we have two snow days built into our to our schedule. Obviously, making a decision on closing school is one of the more difficult decisions that I have to make. Uh, I hate it. Uh, I was so happy that it snowed last weekend when we were off. Um, it's just
032you're you're making a decision that impacts thousands of people's lives. But know this, know that we'll make the decision that we believe is best for the safety of our staff and our students. And uh if we do get uh you know, the amount of snow they're talking about, looks like we might be using a snow day Monday. And just hoping it's not a a two-dayer or a four pete. We don't want a foreat. Um so we'll we'll we'll we'll keep everybody informed. Uh if there are any changes to our schedule, uh the community will be notified by phone, by email, by text message, and uh social media. And just a a thank you in advance to our custodial maintenance staff who've already done an outstanding job coming in. I think the last two times at
033Snow were on weekends. Um coming in on their time off to make sure that our buildings and grounds are cleared. They do an outstanding job. So, thank you to our team. That concludes my report, Madam President. Thank you. Thank you, Superintendent Robbitazi. I have a couple of things for president report. As you know, uh Commissioner Ragdale is our newest member. Uh he has gone through last week and this week his onboarding process from the uh the the administrative team in the district. I sat in um and he also went on a tour. I didn't go on the tours, but I sat in on the uh district's um very very comprehensive onboarding process. And I just want you to know that they don't do this in other districts. And it's uh amazing to see from my
034start 15 years ago. I was handed a book, handed a piece of the agenda and I said, "Go to the meeting. This is the time to show up." It just how how it's evolved and the questions you were asked, how responsive the team was to you. I was very pleased to see that. On that note, um he Elias posted a general comment on Facebook with a teacher from school 5. From that post, I got two out of districts commissioners that contacted me from other districts saying, "What is on boarding? What is that?" So, I explained it to them a little bit and then I emailed Danny with an idea. The light bulb went over that I would like if we could do this as a group, as a administrative and the board of education, um,
035present that module in New Jersey school boards as something that we do as a district. But I think a lot of districts can benefit by it. It does prevent board members from doing the wrong thing, knowing their role, their responsibility, and it really enhances their ability to serve in a better way. So Danny is going to run with it. And we we will all have an opportunity to participate in some way so you don't break the Open Public Meetings Act, but to to do it that way. And then I can speak and some of us can speak to not having that and the benefits do it. and the newer members can speak to actually what the how it's enhanced what they've done. So that was one thing that I wanted to bring. I also want
036to let the rest of the board know that uh Commissioner Paris has been assigned as uh Commissioner Ragdale's mentor for the year and I know they've coordinated their meetings and they're going to meet I think monthly you said right? Thank you Allan for Commissioner Paris for doing that. That's really wonderful and uh uh Commissioner Ragdale couldn't be in better hands. that also doesn't happen and that doesn't happen in other districts as well. So, we can actually include that in the mentoring programs moving forward and I think we can really use that to promote our district in a positive light. We always see the negative, we never see the positive. So, we're going to move forward. Um, we talked about committees. Um, I just wanna, um, as we move forward, you like like I said before,
037um, if we could get a way to get all the HSA and the booster clubs events somewhere, I got to figure out how to harness this so the board members know what going on so we can actually get out in the public. Allan, I'm going to use your um Commissioner Par, I'm going to use your um your uh Excel Google sheet from last year for the HSA meetings and we're going to republish that to the group. So, if anybody wants to sign on and go to meetings, you're more than welcome. Um and then this week, the other thing, and I'm sorry I'm jumping all over this, is the band's beef steak. I hope to see some people there. Um, Commissioner Ragsdale is attending uh, New Jersey School Board's um, new board member weekend this weekend
038with the exception of Sunday because I know they cancel Sunday. So, good luck. Um, make sure you network, make because those are the the relationships that you're going to use going forward when you have a question or, you know, things like that. So, good luck to you and I hope you bring back plenty of good things. That's all I have to say. Um, do we have any unfinished business that any would like to bring up? Not yet. Any unfinished business? Okay, moving on. I'm going to move D. Personnel, could I have a motion to move D? Motion. Second. Motion by Commissioner Suarez, second by Commissioner Brunak. Questions, discussion. Seeing none, roll call. Mr. Bruniac. Yes. Mr. Kenova? Yes. Mr. Paris. Yes. But abstain uh on my name only on 32 and abstain on 33 also.
039Uh Mr. Ragdale. Yes. With abstaining on P32 my name. Mr. Ciano. Yes. Mr. Suarez. Yes. Vice President Santiago. Yes. Abstain on P32 my name only and P33. President Bassford. Yes. Abstaining on P32 my name only. Motion carries. Thank you. Dr. Roboti. Would you like to do the honor? Thank you, Madam President. One of my great honors is the opportunity to uh welcome new administrators to our district. And um as the board knows, uh recently we hired Dr. Chavez to replace Heather Routolo, our director of special education, who retired. And Dr. Chavez is in that role now. And um we had to find her replacement. So I know it's a cliche, but you know, big shoes to fill, but really, really big shoes to fill. But I'm really excited to welcome to our district uh Miss
040Jessica Saunders. Jessica, do you want to say something? Okay. Good evening, members of the board of education, superintendent, administrators, colleagues, and community members. I want to start by sincerely thanking the Clifton Board of Education for the opportunity to serve as supervisor of special services. I am truly grateful for your confidence and support. Special education has always been more than just a job. It's been my passion. Working with students at the elementary level, where early support can make such a lasting difference, is especially meaningful to me. To step into this role in a district like Clifton, which is committed to inclusion and meeting the needs of all learners, is something I'm very proud of. This position represents a goal I've worked toward for a long time. Along the way, I've learned so much from dedicated colleagues,
041mentors, and teams who believe, as I do, in collaboration and putting students first. I'm excited to bring that experience with me as I move into this new role. Throughout this process, I have already experienced the strong sense of support, collaboration, and professionalism that defines this district. I look forward to working closely with administrators, teachers, child study teams, and families to continue strengthening special education services, and supporting students in the best ways possible. I'm motivated, ready to learn, and eager to get started. Thank you again to the board for this opportunity and for your continued support of students and staff. I'm honored to be here and excited for what's ahead. Thank you. Congratulations and welcome aboard. A small example of that collaboration is her supervisor colleagues are here tonight to support her. So that's really very
042very nice to come out and support a new colleague. Thank you for being here tonight. If you guys want to take a picture, you can take a picture. What about a group picture? Yeah. Yeah. Take a group picture, Matt. Take a picture. He's got the nice camera with the, you know, he's got the big lens out. Oh no, he's got the big lens out. out. Yes. Oh, well, we would love to hear her say a few words. So, this is a treat. So, this is Forgive me, M Madam President. May I This is your current boss in the district that you're leaving. Wow. Cuz she knows you're getting a promotion. Would you, Ma'am, would you introduce yourself, please, and say a few words? No pressure. Wow, that's interesting. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you very
043much. Welcome to the district and thank you to your former um supervisor. Thank you. That that says a lot about an employee. That really does. So, I know that we're going to be in good hands in our special education department. Before we move on, um, before we move forward, I would like to take a moment on behalf of the Clifton Board of Education to recognize and thank Lucy Danny for 15 years dedicated service to our school district and to the Clifton community. Serving on a board of education is not simply a title. It's a commitment to stewardship, to sound governance, and to placing the needs of students, staff, and taxpayers above all else. Over the course of her tenure, Miss Dany has carried responsibilities with seriousness, care, and clear understanding of the fiduciary obligations entrusted
044to every board member. Board service requires a countless hours of preparation, difficult decision-making, and the willingness to serve during moments of challenge as well as progress. Miss Lucy served as our uh Miss Danny served as our president during COVID, which was a very challenging time. Her long-standing dedication reflects that reality. The board extends its sincere appreciation for her contributions to the governance to of this district and to public trust. As board president, I want to affirm that while transitions are never easy. This board remains steadfast in its responsibility to ensure continuity, transparency, and compliance with all applicable laws and policies. Our focus remains and always has on what's best interest of our students, the staff, and the community of Clifton as a whole. With that understanding, I will ask our board attorney to weigh in
045on the legal requirements and outline the process this board is required to follow moving forward regarding the vacancy of a board member. Thank you, President. Um, a board vacancy must be filled by the board within 65 days of the date of its occurrence. Um, in this case, it was January 12th. So, we have 65 days as a board to fill that vacancy. If the board itself does not do that, it turns over to the executive county superintendent to make an appointment. Um, I believe already, um, as of January 15th, the posting went out for interested candidates to apply for the position. Um, we ask that, um, or the board asks that you submit a letter of interest outlining why you wish to become a a board member. We want to limit it to one page,
046correct? Um, as long as well as a resume. Um, those should be submitted to Mr. shihada for consideration and they'll be distributed to the board members. Um once we know how many candidates there are, we will have further details as to the process to fill the role with regard to interviews um and whether that'll be done at a regular board meeting, a special board meeting. Those details will be forthcoming once we have additional information. Um the posting for the position can be found um where all your other public notices are posted or it's on your website as well. It's also on the website. Um the posting closes by February 2nd if I didn't say that. Um am I missing anything? Um do you want any additional information at this time? Um no. So I want
047the public to know that each board member that is sitting on this day is has uh had ample time with our attorney to know the process. We have to come together as a board to actually define that process on what the interview process is going to look like. So do you want to wait till new business to discuss this matter? What we can discuss in public and then we will take the things that we have to discuss in private and in confidential back in executive session. So, do you want to wait or do you want to move on with the agenda and do it under new business? I I wanted to be transparent because I'm sure you everybody's been bre you know people have been reaching out to all of us about it and I
048just wanted the community to know that we are really taking this very seriously and according to uh Dr. Robbituzzi that you know people have been reaching out to him and I also know Miss Miller that you have been meeting with our board. I can add some some more information too as to if you want as to what has to be public, what has to be private. So there is re a recent appellet division case that hopefully clarify some of the process as well. I think that was either in October or November of this year. Um the board is permitted to do the interviews either in public or private. That is permitted by law. There's pros and cons for doing each. Um, in that same regard, the board is allowed to discuss the appointment of the
049new the new member and deliberate over the appointment in executive session outside of the public view. However, if they do so, they are required to advise the public of what was discussed in executive session, what the determination was, and allow um the public an opportunity to comment on the process, comment on the candidates, comment on the information they were pro that was discussed in executive session. The decision as to the appointment of the the new board member cannot be made in executive session. That vote must be public. The nominations must be public. the decision, the actual decision- making must be done in public. So, the public has an opportunity to see that process since um the the board is filling a role that is normally filled by the by the citizens, the electorate. So, that
050process is meant that part of the process um is meant to be transparent and in the public view. There was an issue about the way the vote happens and I know uh Commissioner Kenova brought this up about how the actual vote goes. Could you explain that correct everyone? Hope I remember this correctly. Um your current pol there's a board policy that governs the way vacancies are filled on the board. And if I'm correct, if I remember correctly, the um the every the nominations are made and then you vote in the order in which the nominations were made. Um m and it stops. So the first person to reach um the majority vote um gets the appointment without maybe getting to the other candidates. Uh Mr. Kenova suggested, if I if I may speak for you,
051and you'll correct me if I'm wrong, right? um that we should probably look at the policy and do it in the same way we vote for president and vice president where um there's that not that opportunity that once the first person's voted on if that person gets in that they're you know that they're automatically elected that everyone would do their their ballot I assume in the same process and that way all the candidates are um voted on at the same time Mr. Canova. Uh, Commissioner Kenova, would you like to weigh in on this? Cuz this you were very very adamant about this. So here here's my concern. We have we have eight members up here and there may be two stellar people that come out of this and you know it's headto-head against these two
052people and seven of eight might vote one way and then eight of eight might vote another way because one was really stellar and you might have that other person. But really, it's just a battle to the first person to say motion for so and so because once that vote comes up and those seven go, that person would then be inducted onto the board. That's my only concern. So, I feel like the same way this used to happen years ago when we voted for president, vice president, and we change it because of that. You know, the first person that gets on all of a sudden that person's likely to get, you know, nominated or whatnot. So, I'd like to look at the way we do it now for president, vice president. I think it's a better
053ballot system and you just read the names out and whoever it is it is. So, Mr. Kenova, um I was on the board when that actually happened and u it's to me it's not a fair election. My vision my vision right now is if say we had seven people that applied I we have 11 10 more days to go to the um we close the um actual submissions. My if we have let's I'll give a facicious number. say we have five people that are are put in and we're going to interview all five and we're going to vote on them. My vision is to have the five names listed on it. We go into we do our um due diligence. We do the the interview process. We deliberate. We come back out and then we
054have to explain what we talked about and you'll have to give us guidance on what we're allowed and not allowed to say because that's you know that has to has to be uh taught to us. Um but every everybody's name listed on a piece of paper and like we go around the room for president and then you check off who you want. You sign your name and you pass it down to the board um uh the uh board the BA and he goes through the roll call and whoever went you know whoever has the majority of of the eight wins the ballot. So that's my that's what I'm seeing. I don't like the other way. It was always not fair because the first person out of the box was the person. Yes, Mr. uh Commissioner
055Brunzak. Thank you, President Bassford. So, so if we change this policy, it's we we could suspend, you know, the second reading and all that stuff to to change this policy if we review it. Like, how how much time do we need in order to change this policy to have it parallel to how we decide for president, vice president? Cuz I'm receptive to that what you're describing. Can you So you can suspend the policy if you wish, but looking at the timelines and when the meetings are, we believe we have two uh two board meetings in between where the policy can be revised and we can do that tonight as a first reading. Um but it has not gone to the again procedure. You can do this however you wish. It hasn't gone to the policy
056committee yet, but if you're all in agreement and you want to do the policy for the first reading, we could do that tonight on, you know, it's on the fly. So, I don't know. Excuse me. I was going to ask that if it if it's got to go to policy committee because I think the first policy committee is February 12th. Just saying. I I mean, that's that's an issue. I mean, timing is of the essence here. So if there's something we could if I I do believe February 5th is our next meeting. So they'll meet afterward. Um I would prefer um making a motion to um give an ad admin like an ad hoc policy revising uh revising. If you wish um I understand what you want to accomplish. I can send the policy. I
057can make the revision, send the policy out. Everyone just needs to not reply all. Right. Um and we can then have it on for first reading at the next meeting if you want wish to do it that way. We can we can also suspend that um policy to just have one reading at the at the uh meeting at the 5th. Um, yes, we can also just do it right now, first reading, add it on to that board president policy, and then abolish the other one at the next meeting because it's the same guidelines. It's, you know, put everybody's name in a hat, pass it around in a circle, and, you know, there's not much to it. I just uh, Vice President Santiago had something else to say and then we'll make the decision. I, you
058know, I I agree. I agree with it in theory. I'm just saying that um, as Mr. shadow is just going to say so we so we vote but I kind of like what what what's the detail of it what does it look like what do we do it's simple you know there's a list it's similar to president vice president I'm I'm actually supportive of that I just want to make sure that we have the language or whatever it is detailed be before we vote I guess so somebody can make a motion to amend the policy saying that it mirrors the way that we do our board president and vice president um elections now and then what we can do that's the first reading, right? We can send it to policy and they can come up
059with a second and then by the time we get to our next meeting we can vote on it and then we're fine. This this is not going to h we're not going to pick somebody by our March meeting. We're going to have to have meetings and that's the other thing that we need to sit down is discuss when we're actually going to have those meetings, what they're going to look like, what the how they're going to uh the criteria of them are is how many how long we're going to interview someone. this board really we're going to roll up our sleeves. We have a difficult task in front of us, but I'm confident all eight of us can come up to some kind of consensus. Who uh Commissioner Brunak wanted to speak? Oh, I just
060want to make a motion to mirror the Does anyone else want to weigh in? I want real quick. I'm sorry. So, just for clarification purposes, we have until March 17th to appoint somebody um and you'll go through this whole process. We have a meeting on March 11th. uh committee of the whole of the budget meeting and 12th is or the 13th is the procedural vote to send to the county. So all of this would need to be done by then and kind of hashed out. Sorry. Um and I just want to make sure if somebody just keeps me honest that I said the policy committee is February 12th. So if we could do this and not wait for the 12th, however, we can do that so we can expedite it. Okay. All right. Motion. I
061I I have one question about that date, that 17th. So, does it mean that the person has to be put on by the 17th or are we just voting for that person? It says the vacancy must be filled. So, we have point them and then they go through their background and so we have to pass by the 17th. Okay. Before the motion is made, I have one other question and actually I miscalculated. It's the 18th. 18th. Okay. It's okay. I have one other question. So the public knows when we file our petitions we have to go through a background check. We have to go through certain various things. So on the 18th we say by the 18th we appoint person B and that person we tell them when do they actually sit when how long
062does it take with the process because they have to go through a background check. So so my understanding is the fingerprinting is like a twoe turnaround right now thankfully. I guess it's a good time of year. Um, so they can't be sworn in until their fingerprints come back. Okay. So that the community knows that there is a background check as well and um that we will do our due diligence to get it done. So you're figuring maybe April the person will say April meeting. April meeting. Okay. So by the April 15th meeting. All right. So yes, Commissioner Paris. Thank you. Uh just clarification. And so we're talking about doing the process the same as we do for our officers, which would mean any commissioner would nominate anyone they felt would be best to fill a
063position. We could have as many nominees as we have commissioners. Correct. Right. Okay. Interesting. And then we just Right. We vote we write the name down and then um um Mr. Shahada will tally the votes. He'll announce it. If we come to, you know, consensus, if there is an a majority winner, is it is it the majority of the board sitting? It should be majority of the board. So, how many votes will that with eight? Five. It's five. So, we need five affirmative votes for that individual. And uh I just want the process to be, you know, everybody's comfortable with it because I know everybody, this is a big task and uh I went through it. It's not not an easy thing to do and I just want to make sure that everyone understands that
064we're going to do it the right way. Sorry. And that we're all we're all on online and we're all in uh sync. So, can I just add one more thing because I just I just don't want to forget. Um, I believe your policy, I haven't looked at it since since beginning of January for electing officers doesn't require a second, but you need do need a nom. You do need a motion and a second for the the board vacancy. I So, that would be the only thing that would be different. So, I just wanted to be clear about that. I'm sorry. Okay. So, we're all clear. Whoever nominates, we need a second and then we move on from there. Yes. Commission. Sorry. Last thing. Thank you. Thank you, President Bass. Um, since we're just speaking about
065it, uh, you know, this this appointment, the person will be appointed and be on the board through December 31st of this year. That's it, right? And then if they would like, then there would be a special election that they would No, no special election. So, they would they would serve for this entire year and then there would be on the ballot a um a one one-year unexpired term. Correct. So, then they would have for that specific slot. So we appoint and they would remain just for this year just to be clear. Thanks. So notification has gone out. We are in compliance and we're going to move forward all in compliance in the right direction. Is everybody comfortable with what they've known the knowledge that they have? Okay. Do I have a motion from the from
066the anyone? Motion to amend bylaw 0143. Last paragraph to mirror the the same um nomination and voting way that we do for president and vice president at a reorganization meeting. With a second with a second. Okay. Do I have a second? Second. Okay. So, it's first with the with the um with the verbiage from Commissioner Brunac. You have it down. You're good. Y Okay. And a second by Commissioner Suarez. Any discussion on the motion? No more. No more. Roll call. Mr. Brun? Yes. Mr. Kenova? Yes. Mr. Paris? Yes. Mr. Ragdale? Yes. Mr. Ciano? Yes. M. Suarez? Yes. Vice President Santiago? Yes. President Paris? Yes. Thank you everyone for that discussion. I wanted to get out of the way. I know we've all been getting a lot of phone calls, so I wanted to do our
067job. With that being said, we're going to move on to B. I'm gonna ask um Commissioner um Paris to read the board member recognition month of New Jersey B1. Thank you, President Passford. Whereas the New Jersey School Boards Association has declared January 2026 to be school board recognition month, a time when all residents can acknowledge the contributions made by our local school board members. And whereas the Clifton Board of Education is one of 581 local school boards in New Jersey, which sets policies and oversees operations for public school districts. And whereas the Clifton Board of Education embraces the goal of highquality education for all New Jersey public school students. And whereas New Jerseyy's local school boards help determine the educational goals for approximately 1.4 4 million children in pre kindergarten through 12th grade. And whereas
068New Jersey's 5,000 local schoolboard members who receive no renumeration for their services act as advocates for public school students as they work with administrators, teachers, and parents for the betterment of public education. And whereas school boards strive to provide the resources necessary to meet the needs of all students, including those with special needs. And whereas boards of education provide accountability to the public. They communicate the needs of the school district to the public and they convey to school administrators the public's expectations for schools. And whereas New Jersey can take pride in its schools which rank among the nation's best in key achievement indicators such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress scores and the preparation for college through advanced placement offerings and SAT assessments. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Clifton Board of Education
069does hereby recognize the services of local schoolboard members throughout New Jersey as we join communities statewide in observing January 2026 as school board recognition month. And be it further resolved that the Clifton Board of Education urges all New Jersey citizens to work with their local boards of education and public school staffs toward the advancement of our children's education. Thank you, Commissioner Paris. Um, Commissioner Suarez, B2, Muslim Heritage Month. Thank you, President Basford. Whereas on April 29th, 2023, Governor Philip D. Murphy signed Joint Resolution number six by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey, designating the month of January of each year as Muslim Heritage Month. And whereas Mus Muslims are the world's second largest religious group practicing the Islamic faith with approximately 1.8 8 billion followers representing approximately 24% of the
070world's population. There are about 3.45 million Muslims in the United States from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. The Muslim community represents 1.1% of the population in the United States. And whereas Muslims have made significant contributions throughout history, including notable achievements in philosophy, mathematics, chemistry, physics, astronomy, medicine, music, architecture, literature, and the arts. Their philanthropy, humanitarianism, civic responsibility, and culture help to enrich the United States socially, economically, and historically. And whereas there are nearly 300,000 Muslim Americans in New Jersey, representing one of the largest Muslim American communities in the United States, their contributions help fortify and strengthen the economy and diversity of the people in our state and local communities. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Clifton School District Board of Education affirms January as Muslim Heritage Month. Thank you, Commissioner Suarez. I'm going to
071read EA3 and then I'm going to move the group. Um, EA3 is the resignation of Commissioner Lucy Danny. This is uh hard for me to do because we started this ride together and I thought we were going to ride it out to the end. So, EA3, the resignation of Commissioner Lucy Danny resolved that the Clinton Board of Education accepts her resignation of Commissioner Lucy Dany effective January 12th, 2026. Can I have a motion to move B1 through B10? move. Second. It was first by Commissioner Paris, second by uh Commissioner Kenova. Discussion. Commissioner Kenova. Um I was looking at the calendar and this year we have an early start and a late end. I don't know if we could do anything about it. Um you know, looking at all the holidays that we have there, they
072kind of are what they are, but I was just curious if anybody had any input on that. Like is that what other schools are doing in Fate County? Is that that a normal calendar? Cuz now we're down to I think 10 weeks of the summer instead of 12. Typically for next year, the way the calendar full schools are starting earlier than usual everywhere. What what impacts our calendar the most is that we we typically have more religious holidays in other districts because of our vast diversity. So that's why we go a little bit later. Um, but it works. I mean, as best as we can. I'm not sure that there's a way around that if that's what we're talking about. Does the staff give you a hard time about starting early, Danny, or they understand
073because of the calendar? So, the staff to the extent that they can have have given input on it, right? Um there was a calendar committee there's input from the unions so survey but never the survey that went out to staff and so we where we can put the stu uh the staff's input in we we do but I think they would rather because if we started any later we'll be here till June 30th and I think they they would rather sacrifice that than be here later in the school year. Anyone else? No. Okay. Roll call. Uh, Mr. Brunette. Yes. Mr. Kenova? Yes. Mr. Paris? Yes. Mr. Ragsdale? Yes. Mr. Ciano? Yes. To all. No. On EA5. Uh, Miss Suarez? Yes. Vice President Santiago? Yes. President, uh, excuse me, President Bassford? Yes. Motion carries. Okay. Okay,
074we did P. That would bring you. Yeah. So, the next item of business is uh under D, finance facilities. Looking for a motion to approve F1 to F13. Motion. Motion by Commissioner Breniac, second by Commissioner Suarez. Discussion. Seeing none, roll call, please. Mr. Shiata. Uh, Mr. Bruniac. Yes. Mr. Kenova. Yes. Mr. Paris. Yes. Mr. Ragdel. Yes to all but abstaining on F12 check number 225273. Thank you. Mr. Ciano. Yes to all abstaining on the same check. F1225273. Miss Wararez. Yes. Vice President Santiago. Yes. President Bassford. Yes. Thank you. Vice President Santiago. Uh board member comments. We're going to go in rotation. So uh Commissioner Brunak. Thank you. President Bassford. Good evening everyone. I want to wish a happy belated birthday to our colleague, Commissioner Paris. Happy belated birthday, sir. Um, prayers up to our former
075colleague, Dr. Lucy Danny, who resigned recently. I hope all is well with you, and I wish you continued success on your future endeavors. Quick reminder, Saturday, February 7th from 4 to 8:00 p.m. Route 3 westbound over at Chipotle fundraiser for the CJAL team praise. They do wonderful work. Shout out as all always can't give enough shout outs to Bobby and Gabby Mel uh head of praise for everything that you do for our community, for all for so many of our special needs kids. And I want to thank everybody for your time and go God bless America. Have a good night everybody. Thank you, Commissioner Broncia. Commissioner Kenova, um just wanted to say Mr. Jangaro. We're glad to have you and Chewy back with us. Um happy birthday to Chewy, but also to hear to Mr.
076Paris. Um the the student ambassador mentioned the uh Chromebook support hours. Is that something we could discuss at tech? Maybe maybe we'll kick it down there and speak about it. Um to to the teacher, Laura, thank you for your quick thinking which saved a child's life yesterday. As scary as that situation was, you acted quickly and became a hero. Um, Miss Danny, I'm wishing you the best in your future endeavors. We'll say more at her next meeting when she uh gets her award. Uh, and that's all ahead. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Co. Kenova, Commissioner Paris. Thank you. Uh, welcome back, Assistant Superintendent Jangaro. Uh, and also my thanks to uh, Miss Laura Conboy for her fast action and saving really saving a student's life. Um, also welcome and congratulations to our new uh, supervisor
077of special services, Miss Saunders. And la last but not least, uh, thank you to Dr. Danny for all her years of service to this community and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors. Thank you, Commissioner Paris. Uh, Commissioner Ragel. Yep. Um, so first of all, just thank you to Jenna for the student representative report. Thank you, Mr. Doctor, for your report and thank you comm uh former commissioner Lucy Danny for your service to this district. Um I thank you and just recognizing Miss Comboy from school 5, my former school, for your swift, heroic action. Um happy Muslim Heritage Month to those that celebrate and uh are part of that faith. And then of course, thank you to administration, to Dr. Bose and your team for the very detailed onboarding. Um and thank
078you to my mentor, Mr. Paris for being so uh quick to to really, you know, get something together. So, thank you all. Be safe and good night. Thank you, Commissioner Reggzo. Welcome. And congratulations on your first public comment. Thank you, Commissioner Ciano. Thank you, Madam President. Why do I always have to talk the most? Geez, guys, think of more stuff to say. All right. Thank Jenna for the student report. Extend my appreciation to Mr. Doctor for the Hib report. Uh, obviously we all owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Lucy Danny. Her commitment to the district, students, and community is commendable. World would be a better place with more people like her in it. On a logistical note, Joe, you beat me to it, addressing the school calendar. I recognize the importance of federal holidays.
079Our current schedule pushes the end of school to June 25th, which feels quite late. I believe this has to be reviewed. I would much rather see students in classrooms learning about the historical significance of these days than simply having the time off and learning nothing about them because they're not studying on these days when they're off. I'm thrilled to see Mark Jingaro back. I'm going to get a little personal with you because we've gotten quite close, you and I. Um regardless of what you may see out there, Mark is dedicated, professional, and a caring individual. The district community and board are lucky to have him. It's important to not judge others until we have walked in their shoes. And you, sir, are one of the best people that I know. Just put that out there.
080Uh, I want to throw a thank you out to Alan Paris for his service as board president over the last two years. You were my first president and I learned a lot from you. Thank you very much. Happy belated birthday. But Chewy, happy belated birthday to you, buddy. Um, shout out to the Clifton basketball team. They're having their senior dinner tonight. I'm sorry I'm missing that, but I'm here. Thank you to the Clifton Booster Club for hosting it and providing all the food and refreshments. Um, finally, I completely understand times are difficult. There's palpable tension in our community. However, as a board, as a community, we really got to try to remain nonpartisan. One of the most, as one of the most diverse communities in New Jersey, we need to treat one another with kindness
081and respect even when our political views don't align. I truly believe, and I've said this before, Clifton could set a powerful example for the rest of the county and state if we simply came together. I hope everyone has a wonderful evening. So, I want to be a weatherman. So, here's my prediction. We're going to get between 1 and 200 inches of snow. Okay? I want you to write that down. I'm sure I'm right. But in all hon,, you know, seriousness, stay safe in the upcoming snow. Remember to take breaks while you're shoveling and please check in on your elderly neighbors. Um, be safe, be good to yourselves, be good to each other, and have a good night. Thank you, Commissioner Ciano, Commissioner Suarez. Thank you, President Bassford. Good evening, everyone. It's so nice to be
082back with the new team in this new year. Uh, thank you to Jenna um for when you were speaking, I was so appreciative to learn that the students um it was the students idea to have a Chrome beak free Chromebook free day. That along with the students acknowledgement that their attention and focus has increased with the new phone policy. I really think it speaks to the testament of the teaching and learning that's happening in our school in our high school. So, great job to the teachers and great job to the students. Also, thank you to Mr. Doctor for sharing the student safety report. I believe that it's worth acknowledging and even celebrating the efforts that the district has implemented to curtail bullying and increase the safety in our schools for all of our students. To
083Dr. Lucy Danny, thank you for your service on this board. It was great working with you and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. And lastly, I also want to give a very warm welcome back to Mr. Mark Jingaro. Your absent was your absence was definitely felt and I'm glad to have you back in action. Good night, everyone. Thank you, Commissioner Suarez, Vice President, Mr. Santiago. Thank you, President Bassford. Uh, Mr. Jingaro, welcome back. And happy birthday, Chewy. Good to see both of you guys. Happy birth lady birthday to Commissioner Paris. Um, happy uh, Muslim Heritage Month to everybody who celebrates. To all the board uh, commissioners here, um, you know, board recognition month, thank you for all your service, but to all of the board commissioners out there who do this
084um, care so much for our kids. Speaking of which, uh, Miss Comboy, thank you so much for acting quickly, for caring so much for our children, and to all of our staff who care so much for our children. Uh, Miss uh, Saunders, congratulations. Um, much much success. I was really happy to hear about the CCMS uh, NJSLA uh, uh, scores particularly for atrisisk students, which is amazing. Um, thank you guys for all you do. Keep up the great work. I think that's it for now. Have a great uh, evening. Thanks. Thank you, Vice President Santiago. I'm going to be a little brief because I've been speaking a lot tonight. I want to thank Matt for the very lovely photos of all the board members. I've you don't know how long I've threaded over that photo
085that was in the hall. Wasn't the one I picked out, but I I have to thank you. It was the new one is is great and I appreciate you. Um thank you to Miss Convoy. Um, when you do a small act of kindness and you can jump into that, knowing that your fear is just to save that person and she kept at it until she got it done. That's amazing. And I have to commend her and thank her from one first to another. Thank you. Welcome to Miss Saunders. Uh, great to have you. We look forward to great things you're going to do. Um, happy belated birthday to Alan Paris. Happy birthday. I know you didn't but we have to happy birthday to Chewy and um I just want to say happy birthday to Mr.
086Jinggerro on the 28th I believe right and welcome back to back and we are very grateful that you are back and rise above my friend rise above with that being said I'm going to ask for somebody to make a motion to accept H uh A through one in the agenda and move the item forward motion second motion by uh Mr. uh Commissioner Brunak to move H1 through three forward and to vote and accept them into record because they're the late items and seconded by Commissioner Paris. Can I have discussion? Seeing none, roll call. Mr. Yes. Mr. Kenova, yes. Mr. Paris, yes. Mr. Rdale, yes. Mr. Yes. Mr. Wararez, yes. Vice President Santiago, yes. President Bassford, yes. Motion carries. Okay, just a PSA. Um, we are going to move uh we're going to start our February
0875th meeting at 6:00 for executive session. Does anybody have a conflict with that? Because we're going to go into exec to talk about processes. Five or six. President Basser. Um, six o'clock. It's February 5th at 6 o'clock. Yeah, we good. Good. Okay. My bad. Okay. Perfect. All right. Uh with that being said, um we're going to go into executive session for a security and personnel issue. Uh we're going to talk about HIB. Um the board is going to convene with some of the confidential items on the vacancies. Oh, sorry. I have to resent that. Do we have any new business? Madam B. Madam President, thank you. Um, so like we spoke about and like I was spoken about with administration, um, I guess the two main hires that the board really does is the superintendent
088and then that of our professional services. Um, that's a hire made directly by the board of education. And I think it benefit the board to have essentially a professional services committee where it's like a partnership between administration and the board. Um, of course my first meeting I abstained to all the personal services. I had no idea about any of them. Um, and I guess it's a traditional thing that's done at the very first meeting of every year, whether there's been like a board review or not. Um, so I think it just be good for the board, um, in terms of good governance and accountability for the board to have just that, you know, little input since that is one of the other direct hires that we specifically make. Um, and then there's different ways to
089go about this, you know, periodic reviews of different things. Then when it comes to cost as well, just, you know, constantly or every so often reviewing that um to ensure that we have the best services at a fair price. Thank you, Commissioner Ragsdale. Does anyone would like anyone would like to discuss this because that could be an ad hoc committee as well. Um I've served on several ad hocs. Uh Commissioner Paris has um we had last year we had naming of the school and things like that. it wouldn't be a bad idea just to um get familiar with certain things. So, yes, Commissioner Noiano. Oh, Commissioner Brunac. Thank you, Madam President. The thing is that we used to have so many committees that we've consolidated them as well. So, when I first came on board,
090I believed that for the potential for that, but there are committees that that discuss these matters, including finance, finance and facilities as well. So, I don't think we need to expand to any more committees. That's that's my personal opinion. Um I I know we have, you know, administration runs day-to-day operations. If I have an if I have an issue with administration, I I would let them know. I think our administration is exceptional. I I you know, so if there was something like that, I think we would consider something like that, but I don't think that's the case right now. And and that's that's precisely why. So, I'm I'm against creating another committee. Anyone else with Commissioner Kenova? Thank you. Yeah. So, I'm a little confused because you're you're mentioning administration and you're mentioning services that
091that the board is in charge of. What what exactly are we talking about here? What what services are we talking about? Commissioner Rexel, essentially professional services where, correct me if I'm wrong, but that's a direct for like teachers for example, that's obviously administration hiring and then we do the proven end, but it's off the recommendation of the superintendent. the professional services is the the sole choice of the board. So at least again in my experience at that first meeting you know I'm being asked to vote and I think everyone is on all those professional services but I don't believe there's like a constant actual review of them prior to that voting. Um, so for it to be a choice solely of the board, but to be presented like one one um I guess uh service
092or one applicant for that service that we're hiring for. Doesn't seem like much of a choice. Attorneys um auditor, food service. So we can't do anything. That's a five-year bid. Um bank, architecture, architect. Um those are obviously at will of the board. Okay. All right. you know, however, administration. So, so then I then I have a question because I I understand your point where you come day one and there's all these things on on the agenda there and you don't really know even what they what service they're providing. So, is that something that we have to do at the first meeting at the top of the year or is it something we could do fiscal year like July 1st? What's what's the le uh typically it it doesn't matter. We do it in the beginning
093of the year. Uh we can push the fiscal year. It's just been a tradition here to do it there. most districts. I know in Lynon we did it in the beginning of the year as well. Um only because if we did a fiscal year then whoever gets voted in November and takes the seat on the first they have those six months. You know we always say you're like wet behind the ears the first six months. You'll have those six months to figure out who's what and and kind of go through the paces on next not this July the following July or the following June. We can move the professional services to that meeting if you want because they would have to start July 1. The board could the board could vote on professional services every
094month if you wanted. You can add you and if you have approved somebody and you just don't use them, you don't have to use them. You could have five architects, I don't know that that's a good practice, but yes, the short answer is if you want to move it to the board chooses to move it to July, you absolutely can. Commissioner Paris had his hand before you did. So, Commissioner Paris. Yeah. If I It's I don't think it's so much when it's voted on as I think what Commissioner Ragdale was saying that there's no one re doing a review an annual kind of review on it and rather than create another committee it seems to me like it would it's primarily financial concern. Um, I think you could put this professional services review as a
095special meeting or an agenda item for the finance committee getting input from others of course as well as we usually do in committees um and serve that same function but the date itself that's not really what commissioner is asked but he's really asked about matter of review right so commissioner I'm trying to count hands I'm all you know listen voice of the taxpayer right I vote no on the budget all the time and you know that's just my own thing that I'm dealing with with what I'm seeing out there. But when it comes down to things like this, the only person that could really review this is administration because you guys work with these people. This is dayto-day. You're working with this. If we're talking about lawyers, if we're talking about Ptonian, if we're talking
096about architects, if we're talking about insurance, I think we have the stellar of everything right now. We're one of the largest districts in the state and I think we have the best of the best right now. Once again, if administration feels differently, that's something that I would also want to know. So, if anybody's going to say, "Hey, we're going to do a report and give you feedback." It's got to be you guys because we are not involved in that. And speaking on behalf of administration, we did have an issue with I'm not going to mention anybody a few years ago with the professional service. We brought it to the board and the board made a change based on the recommendation of Dr. Robert Toy. So, while it is the board's choice and we respect that
097wholeheartedly, we work with these people on a day-to-day basis and if they're not responsive, if they just stink, it impedes on the day-to-day operations. Commissioner Santi, uh, Vice President Santiago. So, I I actually heard a couple things. One was, uh, there was a bit of the date coming in blind, and we all have experienced that. Um and I was thinking that um this committee is not going to change the fact that you come in January and you're not aware, right? So um to Commissioner Kenova's point is moving that date could probably uh alleviate that. But also to Commissioner Paris's point, both of theirs there might be a way to solve what you're looking to do without adding a committee. Um, if I may, also an ad hoc committee isn't like a permanent committee because trust
098me, in high school, I remember one of my most favorite teachers, the easiest way to kill something is to create a committee for it. So, like an ad hoc committee isn't an actual permanent committee. No. Right. It's when it's necessary or um in the event that something wants to be done and it's not like permanent. Correct. And it's at the purview of the president. Um, however, I I I agree with Commissioner Kenova about the date the date and I think we should move that so that we do give the new board member six months of lead time so they can get, you know, form the relationship, understand who they are. Coming in the first meeting, voting on that is really not fair. You you have no you have nothing to base your decision on why
099you're voting on them. Uh I agree with that and I also agree with Commissioner Paris too about putting it on on the committee of the finance and then if we this board tasks about looking into the professional services because we also have to look at costs uh listening to the onboarding. Thank you uh um Jannina Cucha Levage for explaining about the title funding during that on boarding and our fears about maybe losing that title funding and what's going to how it's going to impact the budget. So um I I would feel comfortable tasking finance. Okay. Would you have an issue with that uh Commissioner Brunak and then look into the cost and then seeing if there's a way of Oh. Oh yeah. We do that all the time. President Bassford. I mean each like breaking
100each section down for massive for mass. You're talking about legal or Yes. Yes. Massive categories, right? Because a lot of people, Mr. Yeah, we we do that every time we Yeah. We talk about the price. I know Mr. Bruniac every year asks me for a report of how much we've spent on um on the attorneys. We don't pay the insurance brokers. They get a percentage of our premium through our health carrier. So, we don't give them a penny. uh the architect it's based on the scope of the work. They get a flat fee of a I believe 7 and a half% while the state averages 14%. So we are leaps and bounds saving you know dollars on this. I mean generally our district is proactive over here. No. So we know that you know it's
101like even with something like the the largest line items in our budget obviously going to be wages and benefits, right? So even like the benefits, you know, I'm I'm reading these to we proactively went to a private insurer that matches the state plan. The state plan is is almost insolvent at this point. And these beauties down in in Trenton, they're just going to do patches and stuff like that. Oh, let's put in another 260 mil. Okay, cuz it's not working. But you know what? It works for Clifton cuz we're proactive over here. So shout out to the BA's office. This is something that our committee works on diligently all the time. Thank you, President Bassford. So this is my view and I'm going to task the committee to do to look at each each unit,
102each different service, give a report back to the board. Um there are three members on that committee. The fourth the fourth position is open. Somebody can graduate in and then come back to because a lot of people don't understand in the community what we pay our attorneys per hour. It is min minuscule compared to what on the private market what an attorney Absolutely correct. We currently pay $165 an hour. And you go on the private market, I mean, attorneys I know, some of them not that good. The minimum is $500 an hour and the exceptional ones are $1,200 an hour. So, yeah, we got some good deals. And if I'm ever in a jam, I I'll tell everybody right now, if I was ever in a jam, you know who the first person I'm going
103to call is? Maggie. And then it's going to be Mark Tabakin, our attorneys. That's why I'm If I'm personally in a jam, those are the first people I'm going to be calling. Thank you, President Basford. Okay, so I'm going I'm going to ask uh Well, Commissioner Ragsdale, could you form uh can you send an email to me with your concerns and and give me a little um and then we'll test the finance committee. No, sure. But but that works. Absolutely. I and then we'll take it from there and see if it's working and then we'll we'll we'll craft it in a way if we have to uh we have to form an ad hoc committee to go forward. Well, I I I think um Commissioner Ragdale is using this also as a learning curve. So,
104you know, he's he's really been asking some phenomenal questions and digging in. So, I just want to, you know, give him the opportunity to get that information as well. President Paris, I really like that. Um President, sorry, Commissioner Paris, I really like that um idea that you had about bringing it into the committee. Um maybe during your mentoring you can get some information from um Commissioner Ragdale and we can have a more intense conversation in finance. President um excuse me, President Bazford. So if you look on the taxpayers's guide to education spending or whatever it's called, you will see in uh the per pupil cost of how much we pay for attorneys, right? Uh we are in the bottom third and I can pull up the numbers and send them to the board tomorrow of
105what we spend on attorneys. There is nothing for IMAC. There is nothing for Pmptonian and um what was the other one? Architects. So it would be architects and attorneys are really ones that we pay. Okay. So I can send that to you guys. He has concerns. So I'm gonna bring it to the finance committee just like if a policy if anybody has any concerns we'll bring it that way and we'll move forward from there and this way everybody's getting a chance and getting their voice heard. Right. And then we may learn something we don't know. So that's why you know I have no problem with it. Yes. No. Yeah. If if finance committee, of course, I never been on the finance committee. If if that's like a regularly done thing, then 100% that's beautiful. Okay.
106Absolutely. All right. Any other new business? Okay. Seeing none, then I'm going to we're going to go into executive session on uh security and personnel matter. Uh Hib um and then I believe we do have some confidential information we need to discuss about the um the vacancy. So, we're going to discuss that. Did I miss anything? No, I think that's that's we got everything. Yes. Okay. Motion to go into executive Oh, we have a leave of absence. Mo motion uh personnel matter. Motion to go into executive session. Motion. Oh, second. Okay. So, it was first by Commissioner Suarez, second by Commissioner Brunia. This will be a voice vote. All in favor? I I No, the eyes have it. We'll be back in about how long, Danny? Madam President? An hour and a half. Uh, we
107should be back in about an hour and a half. M. Fiveminute recess. Five minute recess for Mr. Brunac. Anyone else needs to use the restroom? Good. See you in a few minutes. Welcome back everyone. Uh 9:57 roll call. Mr. Pensac here. Mr. Kenova here. Mr. Paris here. Ragel here. Mr. here. M Suarez here. Vice President Santiago here. President Bassford here. Um, this is on uh number G. Uh, can I have a motion to approve uh three and four on number G? Motion. Second. Motion by uh Commissioner Ragsdale. Second by uh Commissioner Brunak. Discussion. No discussion. Roll call, please. Mr. Brunia, yes. Mr. Kenova, yes. Mr. Paris, yes. Mr. Ragdale, yes. Miano, yes. Miss Wararez, yes. Vice President Santiago. Yes. President Paris. I mean, President, I'm sorry. It's fine. It's all no. Take a while. It's
108perfectly all right. I'm going to vote yes on four. I'm abstaining on three. I have a personal uh connection to that person, so I'm abstaining or recusing myself, I rather. Uh any other business? Motion to close. Motion to adjurnn. Um motion to adjurnn by Commissioner Ciano. Second by Commissioner Brunac. All in favor? Anyone opposed? Good night and have a good one. See you in February. And thank you board for doing your due diligence. I'm very proud to be with this group.