001Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the general board of education meeting for the city of Clifton. No, uh, sorry, October, no octo December 4th, 2025. Boy, time flies. Uh, please rise for the flag salute 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. >> Thank you. >> Uh, roll call, please. Mr. Shahada. >> Miss Bassford, >> present. >> Mr. Bruniac, >> here. >> Mr. Kenova, >> here. >> Dr. Danny, Mr. Mahia >> here. >> Mr. Ciano here. >> Mr. Suarez >> here. >> Vice President Santiago >> here. >> President Paris >> here. >> We have a quorum. >> Thank you. >> Uh, Commissioner Kenova, could you
002read the mission statement, please? >> The mission of the Clipton School District. in a in an open and reciprocal 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 an everchanging world. >> Thank you. 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 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,
003administration building, senior citizen nutrition center, on cable TV, in the local press, on the district's website, and mailed to presidents of parent teacher organizations. This meeting will be recorded in uh in accordance with policy 0168. I would like to welcome our student representative, Jenna. Welcome. >> Good evening. Thank you for having me. I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving break and would like to congratulate all the students honored at last month's special awards ceremony. As the first marking period has ended successfully, students have not noted any major problems or issues and are prepared as we head into the second marking period. There have not been many events in the past few weeks. However, some upcoming events. The home and schools association will be hosting a Grinch night on December 12th that will feature activities and
004crafts for younger kids as well as the movie being displayed in the auditorium. Admission is $5 and we invite Clifton residents to bring young kids and come out for an exciting night. The CHS Orchestra will also be having their annual winter concert on Thursday, December 10th at CHS at 7 p.m. And we invite everyone to come out and support the program. And finally, the National Honor Society will be having their induction ceremony at CHS on December 11th at 6 p.m. where we will honor eligible juniors and seniors. And that is all for this report. Thank you for your time and happy holidays. >> Thank you, Jenna. >> Um, we have one presentation this evening. I'd like to invite up uh Miss Donna Papowitch from the Clifton Little Free Pantry program. >> If the green light's
005on. Is the green light on? >> Oh, okay. Now it works. I'm thinking the green light's not on. Okay. >> Hi, good evening. I'm Donna Papawitch. I'm with the Clifton Little Free Pantries. Uh Barbara James was supposed to be here. Unfortunately, she's under the weather. Um the Clifton Little Free Pantry program is a supplemental food program to help our local neighbors in need and to end food insecurity. The program's theme is take what you need, leave what you can. This exemplifies the community base of this program where all community members drop off food to help others. The Little Free Pantry movement is a grassroots crowdsource solution to immediate and local need. Whether there's a need for food or a need to give, Little Pantries help feed neighbors and nourish communities by activating neighborhood engagement and
006food insecurity. While there are community resources in Clifton such as St. Peter's Haven and Catholic Charities. The Clifton Little Free Pantries want to create a more grassroots communitybased way to help out our neighbors as 29% of those experiencing food insecurity do not qualify for federal nutrition programs. Currently, there's two little free pantries in Clifton for food operated by our group uh and one little free pet pantry. We have uh the currently have two new pantries winterized and ready to be installed outside of schools 11 and 17. And I was just talking to Mr. Doctor about um figuring out when we can put them in and we will have a ribbon cutting, but I think we'll wait for it to get warmer in the spring because it's a little cold to stand outside right now. Um,
007it's through the generosity of others that we're able to continue our work of helping to eliminate food insecurity in Clifton. So, I'm here tonight to thank the three middle schools and Clifton High School for holding food drives to benefit the Clifton Free Little Pantries. Maple Valley Middle School, Christopher Columbus Middle School, Woodro Wilson Middle School, and Clifton High School collected a phenomenal amount of quality food to help end food insecurity. You have provided the resources for the Clifton Littlefree Pantry program to fill the pantry for quite a while. And we thank these schools for truly being part of one Clifton. And we have some certificates of appreciation for them. Let me just take out my pile of certificates >> which I spent a whole day putting together. Okay. And um what I have is I'll
008just Which way? >> Who do I who's looking? Which camera? That camera. Okay. So, these are the certificates for the cit I gave them citizen of the month from those of you who know that I'm from Donavville. This is exemplifying the community we want to live in. For the outstanding contributions of the city of Clifton and service to those experiencing food insecurity with many thanks for your efforts conducting a huge food drive to help feed those in need through the little free pantry program. Your dedication to helping others shows that one Clifton is not a logo but a life goal and to thank you. Now, before I give these to you, since I don't want to keep getting up and down, um we added a few certificates, we also want to thank uh Dr. Roberto,
009Mr. Shahada, and Jessica Tremble for their meals program. Without using tax dollars, you were able to feed 3,500 plus meals to families in need. I cannot tell you how excited people were. between your first and second, we were getting emails and and and and people asking is this happening again and when is it happening? And I don't know why people are telling me, but they were telling me they were like crying at how excited they were. It was absolutely moving. During a time when the safety net failed our community, you created a new safety net out of the dream of one Clifton. We at the Clifton Little Pantries are also appreciate you and your work to help feed the families of Clifton because I'm going to tell you at that time we were so underwater.
010We really were. We could not keep the pantries filled. We were filling them twice a day and they were always empty and people were calling us up and people were waiting for us at the pantries. And if you just want to sit in your car and cry, it's pulling up and people walking over and just begging for a jar of peanut butter so they can feed their kids. And you did something absolutely phenomenal. So I have certificates for Dr. Robosi, for Mr. Shahada and for Jessica for your outstanding contributions to the city of Clifton and service to those experiencing food insecurity with many thanks for all your efforts conducting the free meal distribution to help feed those in need. Your dedication to helping others shows that one Clifton is not a logo but a life
011goal and we thank you. And I'll just read one more. We have one more which we have to give to Joe Ciano for his unending support of the Clifton Little Free Pantries. He is always there with a willing heart and a bag full of food. He probably has given more food than anyone else in Clifton. He's constantly filling the pantry. He has supported our program financially and opened his office doors for our organizations numerous times to collect food and donations. Joe, you and your wife wife Ricky are the living the One Clifton ideal. We thank you for truly being part of one Clifton and we have a certificate also for you. I just want to say these certificates are meaningless next to the generosity all of you have shown. Okay, we can't thank you enough
012and we look forward in the future to working together. And just so you know, our next endeavor is next month for Chewy's birthday party. We're collecting for our pet pantry and you have volunteered your elementary students to help us. We are internally grateful. Our pet food is the one thing we constantly run out of and it's the one thing people want. They will come and get food for their pets and not feed their themselves. So, thank you so much. and >> it's not it's not it's all of us and >> I'm really Thank you. I can't thank you enough so you have been so supportive. Mhm. >> Okay. Um, we're going to move on to our board committee reports and for education. Um, Commissioner Suarez, please read, uh, education's minutes. I'm sorry, Commissioner D. Oh,
013she's not here. So, in her absence, please read. >> Yes, Mr. President. Absolutely. Um, all right. We have education and special education committee minutes on November 12th, 2025 beginning at 6 pm. Present for commissioners Dr. Lucy Dany um myself, President Alan Paris and um administration, uh Miss Cuselovich, Mr. M Michael Doctor, Heather Routollo, and Karen Mero Drew Caldwell intern. Uh for general education updates, the district participated in the NJ DOE NJSLA adapted field test. There will be no results from the field test, but data will be used to norm data from the first official implementation of this assessment in the spring of 2026. Once the new assessment is given in the spring, the NJ DOE will benchmark and correlate the data with to measure growth. This is a process that has taken place when assessments
014changed from ESPA to P park to NJSLA and so on. The elementary report card has changed to align better with current standards. These changes have just been completed in real time. As a result, the elementary report card will be distributed one week later than middle and high school. Just make my screen a little bigger. Thank you. For SE special education update, uh Mr. Rao provided an update on special education. The first CPAG meeting of the 2526 school year will be held on 111825 with SPAND representatives. This meeting will be held virtually. Referral numbers were provided. There are currently 67 referrals for grades K through 12 and 69 for preschool age students. The district utilizes the deescalation approach known as handle with care. Mr. Rullah provided information about this program in the transition o away from
015crisis prevention institute. The district has trained three teachers to implement this new highly recognized training to our staff. This is a specific process to reduce behaviors and maintain both student and staff safety while using a standardized practice yearbyear since the district adopted of h adoption excuse me adoption of handle with care has reduced the number of times it has been used by nearly 50% from the two 2023 2024 school year to this school year. Out of our 2500 students with IEPs, only a very small number of students have required such interventions for redirection and behavioral management. When surveyed, all staff that have been trained, 99% of staff preferred handle with care to the formally used CPI intervention strategies. Handle with care provides staff with ease, flexibility, and more verbal strategies and follow-up techniques. transition program
016and other workforce opportunities for students. Mr. To provided an overview of the many transition program opportunities for for special needs students which are listed here. We will continue to work with the community to increase the number of opportunities um such opportunities uh for that exist through the Clifton High School special education department workbased learning partners. There are unpaid work experiences weekly at Allwood Library, Barrelhouse, Bruno's Pizzeria, Clifton Early Learner Academy at Brighton, City Green, Clipton Board of Education, Clifton Boys and Girls Club, Clipton Memorial Library, Monontlair State University Arena, Mr. Cupcakes, Pmptonian Food Services, schools number 1, 2, 6, and 17, Sports Domain Academy, and Stop and Shop. For paid work experiences, they're at Spectrum Works. Currently and in the past, Clifton High School students with autism have participated in this 14 to 21 week
017paid job skills training program. Paya County Workforce Development Summer Program at Clipton High School. Every summer, Clifton High School special education students are paid for a minimum of five weeks through this county program for their work throughout our district. Hundreds of students have benefited from this program. Post-secondary paid appren apprenticeships stage technicians and auto workers paid appren apprenticeships clipton high school seniors who meet all testing site visit application and interview requirements are accepted into paid apprenticeships with these unions which include full-time pay medical benefits paid sick leave and paid tuition. We currently have over 20 graduates employed in each union. Next, we discuss adult evening school pilot and the next steps. Miss Cusvich provided an update on piloting piloting a fully feed driven expansion of adult evening school. Aspiring administrators academy cadets have volunteered to
018drive this pilot. Registration will be advertised in early winter with selected courses running midyear. The program will be examined once the pilot concludes the to determine next steps. Next, we discuss staff planning. Staff planning for 2026 2027 budget. Miss Cusvich reviewed preliminary data gathering for positions to be requested for potential inclusion in the 2026 2027 school budget. Over the next two years, Maple Valley Middle School will need to increase office and building based staff and those cycle teachers who will not be able to be shared as more grades are added. However, core content staff each year will come from existing middle schools as teams are transferred with the addition of grades seven and eight. Special education class needs for both teachers and par profofessionals continue to grow PK through 12. The impact of potential federal
019cuts may significantly affect staffing needs. Next, we discussed updates on coach grants. The district received a $150,000 grant for a literacy coach in grades 5 through 10. This is a position for up to one and a half years which will support teachers in the area of literacy instruction in grades 5 through 10. The position will enhance and collaborate with our existing elementary and middle school literacy coaches. Next, we discussed federal funding updates impact of proposed federal budget cuts. Miss Sevilich shared an update on federal funds which were initially withheld by the US DOE in title 2, title three, title 4, and 21st century learning centers. While the titles were reinstated, reductions to title one and title 4 led to a total reduction of $645,066, resulting in an allocation of 5,87,327. In the 2026 2027 federal
020budget, title 2, title 3, title 4, and 21st century learning centers have been budgeted as zero. The staff impacts may be follows depending on which areas are cut. Title one pays for 50% to 100% of 22 BSI teachers, two clerical positions, title one summer school, and afterchool tutoring totaling 3,865,340. Title 2 pays for 50% of three instructional coach salaries, ELA, math, and technology totaling $387,2819. Title 3 pays for 25% of an ELA, excuse me, ESL reading teacher. and for ESL summer and after school programs totaling $215,714. Title 4 pays for 50% of a counselor and of a general ed education teacher, excuse me, general education behaviors totaling 167,28. Next, we discussed updates on NJDOE mandated literacy screening and balancing electronic versus paperbased assessments. In response to parent questions, Miss Cusvich provided an update about legislation
021PL2024 C-52 that requires school districts to administer valid, reliable literacy screeners to students in kindergarten through third grade. The online star early literacy assessment will be given several times a year. If there is a discrepancy between this one point in time assessment and weekly classroom paperbased assessments, the results will be compared and assessments may be repeated. Some data from the first round did not correlate due to students lack of familiarity with the program or not spending the minimum amount of time on the assessment. This has been re rectified and no single assessment is used as a standalone. The mandatory state assessment will simply be one more data point used together with weekly assessments, paper-based activities, and general student classroom performance. Parent information sessions about early literacy will be offered virtually and in one and in
022person in January and February. The meeting concluded at 6:50 p.m. >> Thank you, Commissioner Suarez. Are there any questions? Yes, Commissioner Bzier. >> Thank you, Mr. President. M kissv it's just about the title one the summer school and the after school total 3.8 8 mil 3.9 mil approximately. >> Yes. >> So the after school tutoring does that include something called homework club for for the for the grade schools too or is that something different? Is that title one? >> This this is additional um after school tutoring at the title one schools. But every school has a locally funded homework club that is that comes out of our local budget. And this the majority of the money you see there is for the teacher salaries. There's a small amount for some additional afterchool tutoring at the
023title one schools and for the title one summer school. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> Okay, moving on to uh our minutes from the last municipal alliance meeting. Commissioner Ciano, please. >> Thank you so much. Municipal Alliance met on December 1st at city hall. started at 5:36 ended at 6:34. In attendance for the Clifton Public Schools was President Paris, myself, Dr. Robert Toy, Michael Doctor, and Dr. Danny. In attendance from the council was Councilman Leona, Councilman Colloj, and city manager Gary Demarzo. Discussion items and action plans. So, talked about the traffic issues by sila A and CILA B. We discussed the need for trafficcoming measures. Gary said he would contact the traffic department regarding the installation of signs, preferably flashing signs, possibly solar powered, to slow traffic during school hours. Next was road
024markings at school 13 and CILA S. Uh we noted that the lines near the schools require refreshing. Gary stated he would investigate options for refreshing the markings. Next was traffic deterrence at CHS raised the need for a police car to be stationed at the bottom of the hill at Clifton High School to deter speeding and regulate traffic. Gary will contact the chief of police to determine the feasibility of this request. Also loading and offloading restrictions on KFax A. We discussed the necessity of posting signs on Kfax Avenue by businesses to prohibit standing, loading, or offloading during peak school hours from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. No specific action was recorded for this item. Sewage bills, this was reviewed and confirmed to be resolved. Unclaimed funds was discussed. Noted a need to
025address unclaimed funds. Michael Doctor was informing uh Mr. Shahada talked about bus cameras for stop arm violations. Proposed the installation of cameras on buses to ticket drivers who illegally pass a red stop sign. The city would cover the cost of the cameras installation and viewing and would recoup expenses via summones. Um the action on that was the city will gather more information on that initiative. New apartment complex was discussed at the corner of Clifton and Paulison opening its first 100 units in 15 days. Um, I lost my splice. Necessitating a decision of the best school placement for new students, which would be 3:13 or 15. The group will review the best school placement options for incoming students. Next meeting is scheduled for February 9th, 2026 at 5:30 at the board of education building. >> Thank
026you, Commissioner Ciano. Any questions for him? >> Yes, President Paris. >> Yes. Was there um uh an estimate on potentially how many students uh would be part of those 100? >> Oh yeah, there was. They said none. >> None. >> That's a ridiculous number. >> Well, the developer says none. >> Correct. But it's impossible. Like we discussed before, 600 square feet could fit four people. So you're going to have many students in that school. I don't care what they say. >> Thank personal opinion. >> Any other questions? Yes, commissioner. question about the uh the unclaimed funds. So I know how that works personally. If you have a bank account and it goes dormant or something, the state takes it over. How does that work on our our >> Shahada is uh investigating that. I believe
027>> unclaimed. >> Yeah, I'm looking I'm I'm excuse me, I am looking into it. I'm not sure how unclaimed funds work for a corporation or a government entity. Uh we are in the process of um trying to recoup that. think I sent you guys like one or two that I found offhand. It's like $60, but there's a boatload of paperwork that has to go behind it because it's it's going to take >> you have to file a claim on the site and then there's some followup. >> Yeah, there's like 10 legal documents they need and it's it's a lot, but we're working through it and I know President Paris has shared some as well and that's on our list of um claimments. >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Anyone else? Okay, thank you. Okay, we'll be
028moving to public recognition. This portion of the meeting is open to the residents and non-residents of Clifton for the purpose of addressing any subject matter pertinent to and or directly related to the operation of the Clifton Public Schools District. Residents and non-residents are requested to sign the register provided for this purpose and 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 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 the rights of other individuals when speaking. Specifically, comments regarding students and employees of the board are discouraged and will not be responded to by the
029board. Students and employees have specific legal rights afforded by the laws of 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 the legal rights of those affected or identified in their comments and be aware that they are legally responsible and liable for their comments. Um, due to a technical difficulty, we do not have our online portion up this evening. So, I would I would uh there's nothing to open or close at this point for that. Motion to close. >> Motion to suspend. >> This is motion to suspend B virtual um public recognition. >> Motion by Commissioner Bruncak. Seconded by Commissioner Mia. >> Um I would now invite anyone here who'd like to
030come forward for public comments, please approach the table. Take a seat. >> All right. Seeing no one >> close. >> Second. >> Uh motion to close. >> Second. >> Motion to close by Commissioner Bassford. Second by Commissioner Mahia. >> Um next is the adoption of minutes. If uh we're going to adopt both together, the minutes from November 13th and the minutes from our awards meeting on November 20th. >> Motion to adopt. >> Motion by Commissioner Mahia. >> I had a question on one of these. Oh, let's second it first, then we'll discuss it. >> Second by Commissioner Ciano. Yes, Commissioner Kenova. >> The executive session shows that we went in at 6:40. I think we went in at six o'clock. That's I think time's just wrong on this. >> Okay. So, we will have that
031corrected. Mr. Sh, >> we'll correct the timing on that. Thank you for pointing that out. Any other concerns on that? Okay, roll call, please, Miss Bassford. >> Yes. Um, but I'm recusing myself on the earlier session on 1113. Yes to the rest. >> Mr. Brontek, >> yes. >> Mr. Kenova, >> yes. >> Dr. Danny, >> no, she's not here. Sorry. Uh, Mr. Mahia, >> yes. >> Mr. Ciano, >> yes. >> Miss Suarez, >> yes. abstain on session one and agree for session two. >> Uh, Vice President Santiago, >> yes. >> President Paris, >> yes. >> Uh, Dr. Robert Roberto could not be with us this evening, so in hisstead we have assistant uh, superintendent Miss Janina Kusalevich. So, I'll turn it over to her for commentary. >> Thank you very much. Good evening. It's quite
032an honor to be sitting on this side of the days this evening um representing Dr. Robert Hosey who is celebrating his 50th birthday. So Danny Clifton wishes you a very happy birthday. His celebration fell right in line with the holiday season which began with the high school fall play uh and of Green Gables. Our students did an outstanding job putting on the show. Thank you so much to our talented students and staff. We then moved on to celebrating giving thanks with our loved ones and now we're prepare preparing for the year end. As we do so, our faculty and staff continue to work hard to provide everything that our students need to feel safe, fed, seen, heard, supported, and most importantly, learning in our schools during this stressful yet festive time. The holidays bring mixed
033emotions, joys, as well as struggles. And our schools and amazing one Clifton staff provide a constant safe haven for our students throughout the year. Each school year is celebrating each school is celebrating by holding their holiday and winter concerts and shows over the next several weeks. Christopher Columbus's concerts are on December 8th and 9th. Clifton High School orchestra winter concert is on December 10th. Maple Valley Middle School concert and the Clifton High School National Honor Society induction are both on December 11th. Woodro Wilson Middle School concerts are on the 15th, 16th, and 17th. They really like their music. And the high school choir dance winter concert is on the 17th as well. The elementary school concerts are being held throughout the month. Personally, and on behalf of the uh Department of Curriculum and Instruction, I'd
034like to take a moment to congratulate and wish a healthy and happy retirement to Cecilele Gowski. Seal has been a member of the One Clifton family for 37 years, beginning in the transportation department in 1987 and joining the curriculum team in 2007. She has been a dedicated, quiet, constant support ensuring that all matters in the curriculum department run smoothly from preK through 12, supporting not only me but all the curriculum supervisors, all of the content areas, all of our schools and serving as a liaison to the many nonpublic schools in Clifton. Not to mention the 187 curriculum guides that had to pass through her hands every single year. She's always stepped up as the responsibilities of the department grew and her role continued to change and grow. You have left your mark on Clifton Seal
035and you will be greatly missed. I would like to also wish our community a healthy, peaceful, and happy holidays. As we close out the year and welcome the holidays, let us remember that the true spirit of the season lies in the connections that we build, the support that we offer one another, and the bright future that we are building together. Please be reminded that we have a slightly longer break this year due to the way the calendar fell. Schools will be closed from December 24th through January 2nd and reopening on January 5th. We look forward to the opportunities that this new year will bring, the new adventures, new challenges, new successes, new faces, and a new board member with sincere congratulations to the incoming recent Clifton High School graduate, Elias Ragsdale. And finally, tonight is
036Commissioner Richie Mahia's last board meeting. A board works together, becoming a family, and Richie has been part of that family. On behalf of Dr. Robert Toy, myself, and our administration, it has been an honor working with you, Commissioner Mahia. Together with the rest of the board, you have worked tirelessly to move this district forward with foresight and fiscal responsibility, but always keeping students at the heart. And achieving this while as a team of this entire board, you have all achieved together what only 1% of boards have done, earning the Carol E. Lararsson Master Board Certification. We thank you for your commitment, Commissioner Mahia, and with great thanks to the entire board. All the best. And now to President Paris. >> Commissioner Mahia, I'd like to read a resolution that's on our agenda this evening. Be
037it resolved that the Clifton Board of Education recognizes Richard Mahia and expresses its gratitude for his dedication and service to the community and students of Clifton. serving as a board member since 2023. From 2023 through 2025, Mr. Mahi has served on a on the diversity committee as a chairperson, the legislative and policy committees. He was also a member of athletics, our HSA liaison committee, our municipal alliance committee, our finance and negotiations committee, our student liaison and judiciary committee as a chairperson and on our security committee. Um, we owe you a lot, Richie. Appreciate the service that you've given to our students here in town. We wish you all the best uh for your future. And I have something I'd like to present to you on behalf of the board and administration. >> Okay, I'm going
038to read I'd like to read this. Presented to Richard Mahia in appreciation for your years of service to the children of Clifton for your leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence as a member of the board of education from 2023 through 2025. The Clifton School District applauds you for your unselfish devotion and loyalty. >> Yeah, let's go. >> Can we get the whole board? >> And Richie's family. >> We do the board. I'd like to know each other. on the other side. Richie Okay. Where was I? Okay. Any unfinished business? Okay. Seeing none, we'll move on to um under section B, education administration. Um looking for a motion to approve items number one through nine. >> Motion. Motion. Motion to approve by Commissioner Brunac, seconded by Commissioner Mahia. Any discussion? Roll call, please. Mr. Shahad. >>
039Miss Bazford. >> Yes. >> Mr. Bruniac. >> Yes to everything except EA3. No on EA3 and EA4. No to everything except 611. Yes to that one only. >> Mr. Kenova. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mia. >> Yes. And I believe I had to abstain to EA1. >> Um, not really, but yes, >> for yourself as well. >> Yeah. >> Mr. Ciano, >> yes. >> Miss Suarez, >> yes. >> Uh, Vice President Santiago, >> yes. >> President Paris, >> yes. >> Move carries. >> Thank you. under uh section C personnel. Um the chair seeks a motion to approve items number one through 21. >> Motion second. >> Motion by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Mahia. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. Mr. Shashad. >> Uh Miss Batzford. >> Yes. Abstain on my name only P18. >> Mr.
040Pontiac. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kenoga. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mia. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ciano. >> Yes. >> Miss Suarez. >> Yes. Yes, Vice President Santiago. >> Yes. Abstain on P6, P18, my name only, and P19. >> And President Paris, >> uh, yes. Abstain on uh item six, please. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Under finance and facilities, um, chair seeks a motion to approve items number one through nine. >> Motion by Commissioner, seconded by Commissioner uh, Vice President Santiago. Any questions? Any discussion? Roll call, please. Mr. Shahad, >> Miss Bassford. >> Uh, yes. Recusing on check 224778 and 22466 two. Yes to everything else. >> What was what was lasting? 2246. >> Sorry. 224662. >> Got it. >> Mr. Bruniac. >> Yes. To everything except F9. abstain on check number 224804. >> Mr. Kenova, >>
041yes. >> Mr. Mahia, >> yes. >> Uh, Miss, >> yes. Abstaining on F9, check 224777. >> Perfect. Mr. Suarez, >> yes. Abstain on F2 and F3. >> Perfect. Mr. Santiago, >> yes. Abstain on F9, check 224679. >> And President Paris, >> yes. >> Motion carries. Um, I'd like to invite up we we've have we had a uh retirement in the transportation department and um we just approved uh the the uh replacement uh promotion for Mr. Carabalo and I believe he wants to address the board. Welcome Good evening members of the board, Clifton families and colleagues. I want to thank Mr. Shahada and Dr. Robertoi for giving me the opportunity to serve as the new supervisor of pupil transportation. As many of you know, our district is experiencing a transition with the retirement of my supervisor,
042Elizabeth Nick, whose leadership and commitment have shaped the foundation of our transportation department. I want to acknowledge that legacy with deep respect and gratitude. Liz was not only my supervisor, she was a mentor, mentor, and a friend. She guided me with patience, supported me through challenges, and believed in my potential. Her leadership went far beyond job duty. She invested in my growth, offered honest advice, and created a space where I always felt heard and valued. More than anything, her kindness and genuine care made our workplace feel like a family. I am deeply grateful for the impact she had on both my career and my life, and I wish her a happy, healthy, and fulfilled retirement. Tonight, I am honored and humbled to step into the role of supervisor of pupil transportation. This is a responsibility
043I do not take lightly. Every day, our work begins before dawn and ends long after the last student gets home safely. It is work built on trust, and you guys trust us to protect the most important people in your lives, your children. with my amazing colleagues Lind Linda and Kalin and our wonderful drivers and bus aids. Together, we will continue to run the transportation department with diligence, care, teamwork that keeps everything moving smoothly. As I move into this new position, my focus will remain simple and steady, safety, communication, and care. I promise to listen to our drivers, aids, to our families, and to this board, and to leave to I'm sorry, to lead with thoughtfulness and transparency. Our students deserve nothing less. Thank you for your confidence in me and for the opportunity to continue
044serving the city of Clifton. I look forward to to the work ahead and to ensure that every child's journey to and from school is safe, dependable, and grounded in the values we all share. Thank you. >> Thank you. And congratulations, Mr. Carabalo. And congratulations to Liz upon her retirement. Um, I'm going to start board member comments and we are up to Hold on one moment. >> Uh, Dr. Danny, she's not here. So, that will be Commissioner Mahia gets to go bat first tonight. Thank you very much, President Paris. Um, I want to first begin with inviting the entire Clipton community to our 20th annual Christmas tree lighting over in Botney Village. Um, the Special Improvement District is going to be hosting our 20th um, Christmas tree lighting and I hope all of you can attend.
045We've had a tremendous attendance record the past two years. In this upcoming year, we're gonna have I like to say even better things. Um, so I hope to see most of you there. It's for all ages. You guys don't have to be students. You don't have to be under 15 or anything. Um, it's open to everybody. We're going to have free photos with Santa, um, cookies, milk, face painting, um, some great music, as well as some giveaways, gift bags, and some books for all of our students. Um, since it is my final board meeting, I kind of want to finish it off on a strong note in a way. Um, for that reason, I wrote something down finally. So, I'd like to begin with saying thank you um for all for the honor for allowing
046me to serve our community and our great city of Clipton. It has truly been a privilege to represent all of you. I want to express my gratitude to some former board members as well. Um, former President Jim Smith, Fahheim Abu Draabo, Ferosaw Wad, and all of our Clifton Board of Education current commissioners right now for their dedication, guidance, and partnership. Working alongside all of you has been an incredible experience. um from providing each school in our district with security specialists in my first year to lowering the student teacher ratio in our middle schools to acquiring a third equitable middle school. Our time on this board has truly been everything I hoped it was and that it could have been. Especially when I first decided to run in a crowded race over three years ago. One
047of my greatest joys have been seeing so many young people feel inspired to step forward, get involved, and run for local office. If my time in this role has encouraged even one person to believe that they can make a difference in their community, then it's been all worth it. I want to leave everyone with remember to never give up, never stop trying. Your voice matters and your efforts can shape the future of our community for the better. I'll leave you all with this one thought and quote, I forget who actually said it, so I do not take credit for it at all. Do not go where the path may lead. Instead, go where there is no path and leave a trail a trail for others. Thank you and have a great night. >> Uh, Commissioner
048Shiano, thank you, President Paris. Good evening, everyone. Thank you, Jenna, for the student rep report. I hope everybody had a happy Thanksgiving. Uh Clifton Little Pantries recognizing the schools uh that collected food uh food is very nice of you. Uh very surprised that you gave me uh some recognition. Thank you for that. I am behind whatever you guys do. Um hunger shouldn't exist. I feel very bad for the people that don't know where they're going to get their next meal and don't know how they're going to feed their pets. Uh breaks my heart. So, I try to do as much as I can for them and any organization that collects food or clothing or anything like that. Uh, I want to recognize them for putting these pantries together and all that they do because people
049like you make the world a better place. Uh, Danny Roberts, happy 50th birthday. Happy belated birthday to Joe Kenova. I saw it. I wished you happy birthday on Facebook. I was there. It It happened. Uh, happy birthday to my mother, which is uh the 17th. A lot of birthdays this month. My mother has put up with more than anyone else that I know. Uh, God bless her. Richie, good luck with everything in your future. I was honored to serve beside you and sit beside you this past year. Um, I look forward to seeing what you do in your future. I see nothing but amazing things coming your way. Uh, everybody, tonight, here's a little nerd in me. Take a step outside, check out the super moon. This is going to be the last extreme full
050moon until 2042. I went outside and it is huge and it is beautiful. Things like that amaze me. Uh, holiday concerts. I'm looking forward to attending as many as I can. Uh, happy holidays to all. Remember to give three times as much as you receive. Make a difference in someone's life and it will change yours. I wish everyone a safe New Year. Um, and every bit of happiness and blessings for 2026. Uh, that's all I have for tonight. So, everybody be good to yourselves, be good to each other, and thank you very much. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Suarez. Thank you, President Paris, and good evening, everyone. Um, Richie, it was truly great working with you for these past two years. Um, I really appreciate all you do for the Clipton community, and I genuinely
051just wish you the best in your future endeavors. I too see you doing great things. You have great ambition. You don't stop to for anything and and you have a lot of dreams. So, I wish you all the best. So, thank you for the work we we've done together this year. Um, and then for the Clipton community, I don't have much to say except for happy holidays and I'm wishing everyone a very happy new year and I look forward to seeing you all in 2026. >> Thank you, Commissioner Suarez. Commissioner Bassford. >> Yes, I have a PSA. The uh the Clipton Education Association will be hosting their second uh food distribution next week, 1210 at school 13. Um, please feel free to grab a bag of food on the CA's behalf from 4:30 to 5:30
052at school 13 on December 12th. Um, happy birthday to Joey C. Happy birthday. Happy 50th, Dr. Robotazi. I hope you uh have the next 50 years in good health and enjoy everything you're doing. Um, tonight as we uh gather together to close out 2025, I want to take a moment to speak to you from the heart as a fellow human being. This past year has brought us moments of joy and moments of challenge. Days of clarity and days of overwhelming that felt some days we felt overwhelmed. Highs that lifted our spirits and lows that tested our strength. But yet through it all, we stood together strong. all of us in this in this day as a community, as neighbors, as people who believe in the power of our schools, our children, and each other. Um,
053tonight we enter a season filled with meaning for so many. So, I want to honor every tradition that touches our families. December 7th, Pearl Harbor Day. December 8th with the Buddhist Bowh High Day, if I'm saying it right. Um, December 14th to the 22nd, Hanukkah. On the 21st, the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. The 24th and the 25th, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Um, beginning um the 26th to January 1st, Quanza. On the 31st, we issuing the New Year. Uh the 1st is New Year's Day. Uh January 5th is the 12th night. And finally, January 6th is the feast of the three kings. Each of us, each of these holidays carry its own beauty, its own lesson, its own expression of hope. And together, that reminds us of one simple truth. Peace
054begins with us. In our words, in our actions, and how we treat each other, especially when we disagree, in how we lift our students, and how we serve our community, and how we choose every day to walk forward with grace. Uh, we move into a new year. May we release the weight of the past and carry forward what um only what strengthens us. May we find peace within ourselves and extend peace to those around us. And may 2026 be a year of healing, unity, progress, and purpose for our schools, our family, and every person sitting in this room tonight. Thank you, and may peace be with all of you during the season of light, reflection, and renewal. And on that note, Commissioner Mia, good luck to you in your future endeavors. Thank you for serving
055on this board. You've been an asset to the uh the community, but especially to the students because you're worried about them every day. Thank you. May God bless you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Basser. Commissioner Brunak. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Good evening, everyone. First of all, I want to wish my wonderful colleague and friend Richie Mahia continued success in your future endeavors. You've been exceptional and loyal to me over the past over the past three years, and I'm eternally grateful for that. It's rare to find someone of that um caliber and I again wish you continued success in your future endeavors. Miss QVage mentioned a bunch of stuff going on in the next couple of weeks. Not only that, but Woodro Wilson, they have the 15th, 16th, and 17th. Their concerts start at 6:30 as
056opposed to 7:00 p.m. like the other middle schools and the high school. A lot of those events start at 6. And Woodro Wilson, I mean, they go gang busters. They roll deep over there. It is absolutely incredible. Those parents and all those students, they jam-packed that auditorium. It's absolutely fantastic. My kids and I attended last year for a couple of them. It was absolutely incredible. All the shows are incredible. I never had that skill set. So, it's so cool to see how talented these kids are. And uh highly recommend everybody if you have some extra time, take the time to go out of the way, check some of these concerts out. Also, next Saturday, December 13th, Grinchman's over Grinchmiss, excuse me, over at JK Realy right across the high school, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
057All are welcome. Take a donations for blood cancer if you can afford it. And there will be light refreshments as well. Also, Candyland cuz I've been there the past few years except when they canceled it because of snow, which is crazy but true. They canceled it before, but it's a lot of fun. see a bunch of my colleagues over there, lots of other students there. And that uh the propane g uh sleigh ride is cruel. They they closed down the whole thing. It's very safe over there. Lots of security and uh absolutely fantastic time. Lastly, I want to wish everyone merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, and happy New Year's to all of you who celebrate. Thank you for your time, and God bless America. Have a good night, everybody. >> Thank you, Commissioner Bret, Commissioner Kova.
058Um, first to the Clifton Pantry and the staff involved in food food distribution. Mr. Shahada, uh, thank you for what you do for the community. It's great to see people involved ensuring no one in Clifton goes hungry and I appreciate all the hard works that goes into it. Um, I'm hoping with the acceptance of our resolution that the state will push for free lunchon schools as well. Um, Mr. Mahia, it's been a pleasure working with you. Not many recogni recognize the time and dedication it takes to do what we do here. um being fiscally responsible and wanting what's best for staff, students, and the taxpayers. Um they don't see the traffic you fought to get here. Um but um in the end, you know, you did a great job. You you were an asset to
059our group. Um and I appreciate everything you did moving moving the needle forward in these three years. So So thank you for that. Uh Dr. Robert Totoy, happy birthday to you. Um we have multiple events as everyone was saying for this time of year. tree letings, breakfast with Santaas, various concerts and events at city hall. If you're looking for something to do, definitely get out there and trying to go to some of these events, interact with people in the community. Um, merry Christmas to everyone. Happy holidays, happy new year, and that's all. Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Kenova, Vice President Santiago. >> Thank you, President Paris. Um, unfortunately, I just need to start with something on sad note. So, I just want to send my condolences to a good friend of my wife and
060and myself, Jackie Fesa, who works uh at the high school. She lost her mom last week right before Thanksgiving. She was 104, which was amazing. God bless her. And but it's always still hard to you lose your parents, especially if you uh had them so long. So, just uh sending lots of love to Jackie and her family. Um I was uh honored to attend the school 11 HSA meeting last night. um part of our listening tour or what we agreed to to um connect closer with HSAs. And so um it was an honor to just sit there, listen, and bring any information back to our board. A lot of it really was just getting ready for events that they're they're uh they're sponsoring, which is one is this Saturday, school 11 has um a vendor
061and they're going to have food outside. It's going to be from 12:00 to 3:00. Santa's going to be there as well. Um, looking forward to Honor Society next week. Um, Donna, Barbara, everybody at uh, Little Pantries, thank you so much for everything you do. You guys um, make such a big difference in the in the community. Thank you. Um, merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, happy Quanza to everybody celebrating. Along those lines, school 11 HSA is going to have their tree lighting at 5:00 on Lake View. Then right after is the botany tree lighting. And then Saturday is the Athenia. And then Sunday's the one at city hall, uh 5:00. Lots of concerts to go out and support our kids. Um Clifton High School had instant decision day recently, uh where our students earned rough 1.4 million,
062almost a million and a half dollars in scholarships just on Instant Decision Day. So amazing job by our staff and but most importantly by our students to work so hard to earn those. Happy birthday, Danny. Um, Commissioner uh, Mahia, Commissioner Bassford and myself recently were at the delegate assembly of the NJ school boards um, representing our district uh, and um, was just proud to be with them especially to support the resolution for free meals. And along those lines, Commissioner Mahia going to miss you. You, me, and Commissioner Brunak started at the same time. Um, with the with the rest of the people here, we've done a lot of great things. um been very effective. We've implementmented a lot of stuff all with the students interests at heart. Um you've made a big difference uh in
063the school district these last few years and I'm sure you're going to continue to make a difference in the Clifton community in the future. Um all the best to you. Thank you. It's been a pleasure serving next to you. Thanks. Uh happy holidays everybody. Good night. >> Thank you, Vice President Santiago. Um Richie, I just want to thank you so much for all the time, effort, your concerns for our students and our community. Um we're we're going to really miss you here and and your voice and it was a nice to have a fresh young voice on the on the board. Um so all the best for your future. Um only one event that nobody's mentioned yet, but I have to. Um it's um our community bands holiday concert that's coming up this Saturday, Saturday,
064December 6th. It's at Clifton High School. It's a free holiday concert. Starts at 300 p.m. Uh be done by around 4:30 p.m. Come on out. Um it's usually a a a really good show and we have about 20 plus current high school students that are performing with the community band. So we have every generation represented there all the way from high school through senior citizens. So uh come out and hear us. We even have a few professionals that play with us. So um if you looking for something some a good way to start your holiday season, have some free music with the community band. Um, other than that, I just want to wish everyone a merry Christmas, a happy Hanukkah, a happy Quanza, uh, a happy winter solstice, which is coming up on the 21st,
065shortest day of the year. Um, and a healthy, healthy, and happy new year, and a fresh start in 2026. Okay. Um, new business is next. Any new business? >> Okay. None. So we do have uh some topics for executive session this evening. Um they there are some legal and personnel issues. Yes. >> Yes. >> And action will be taken. Uh they will take approximately how long do you think Mr. Shahan? >> I think >> we're going to say about we're going to say about half hour to 45 minutes. Um so a motion to uh adjourn to executive session. >> motion by commissioner second by commissioner here. Uh, five minute recess for you to do your personal business. >> Everybody mics are up. >> You ready? >> Okay, welcome back from our executive session. Uh, >>
066Mr. Shoko, >> Miss Passford >> here, >> Mr. Brun here, >> Mr. Kenova >> here. >> Mr. Mahia >> here. >> Mr. Ciano >> here. >> Mr. Suarez >> here. >> Vice President Santiago >> here. >> President Paris >> here. >> We have a quorum. >> Thank you. Um motion looking for a motion to approve in section G executive session. Uh items number one through six. >> Motion second. >> Motion by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Mahia. >> Roll call, please. Mr. Shod, >> Miss Bassford. >> Yes. >> Mr. Brontek. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kenova. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mahia. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ciano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Suarez. >> Yes. >> Vice President Santiago. >> Yes. >> President Paris. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. We have one more item under uh
067H agenda. Uh seeking a motion to approve item one under H agenda. >> Motion. Second. >> Commissioner Brunac. Seconded by Commissioner Mahia. >> Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Miss Bassford? >> Yes. >> Mr. Brunia? >> Yes. >> Mr. Kenova? >> Yes. Mr. Media, >> yes. >> Mr. Ciano, >> yes. >> Miss Suarez, >> Vice President Santiago, >> yes. >> President Paris, >> here. >> Yes. Yes. >> Motion carries. >> And yes. >> Um, >> motion to adjourn. >> Motion by Commissioner Mahia, seconded by Commissioner Suarez. Everybody have a wonderful holiday. See you next year. >> On a motion. Good luck.