001Liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. >> Roll call, please. Mr. Shahada. >> Miss Passford, >> here. >> Mr. Brontac, >> here. Mr. Kenova, Dr. Danny, Mr. Mia, he is running late. Mr. Parson, Mr. Ciano >> here, >> Miss Suarez >> here, >> Vice President Santiago >> here, >> President Paris >> here. We have a quorum. Thank you. The mission of the Clifton School District in an open 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. 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
002any 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, Administration 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 tape recorded in accordance with policy 0168. Do we have a report by our student representative this evening? >> Please come forward and welcome extraordinaire. >> Good evening. I hope you all had great summers and I thank you for your time. I would like to start off by acknowledging some changes made at Clifton High School. We started off the year
003by using scanners in the morning logging each students and faculty's entrances. It has been very successful and students are saying that it is getting quicker and more efficient by the day. We then had a successful back to school night on September 11th led by CHS faculty and student volunteers. And some upcoming events are the football game at Clifton this Saturday on the 20th. Soon the school will host senior sunrise, the annual CHS open house, the homecoming game, the homecoming dance, and the Halloween extravaganza. This year I hope to make myself more available to the student body. I plan along with other student council officers to be available outside of school hours to get feedback, concerns, and comments with the plan of expanding access and opportunity to students for students voices to be heard. Along with
004this, I will be closely working with the student union to get as much feedback as possible. Along with working with clubs, I plan on working with other groups such as the superintendent ambassadors to gain insight across all grade levels. And as the school year just started, there hasn't been much opportunity to gain feedback from the student body, but I'm eager to reach out to as many people as possible to represent their concerns adequately. Thank you all. And that is all for this report. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Right. This evening, we have a presentation uh by Mr. Michael Doctor, our director of operations and student services. uh entitled period two and end of year HIV presentation. The floor is yours. >> Do you want the lights? >> No, it should be
005all right. >> Mike, just make sure that microphone's on. Okay. Good evening, commissioners. Um this evening I'm here to report the uh HIB and SSDS and VVSA information for period 2 and the 2425 end of the year. As you've heard before, twice a year we have to present um all of our numbers that we supply to the state for uh violence, vandalism, and substance abuse and harassment, intimidation, and bullying. uh harassment, intimidation, uh and bullying programs and trainings. Uh period one goes from July 1st to December 31st. Period 2 goes from January 1st to June 30th. Uh as far as incidents go for HIS and VVSAs, it's a little different. Um it goes from September 1st through December 31st. We obviously aren't here for uh the summer. And then January 1st through June 30th. All
006of our information is uploaded to the state database, uh, the student safety data system. And for violence, vandalism, and substance abuse, it's pretty much what it says, anything that revolves around um violent acts such as assaults, fights, vandalism, arson, um, specific vandalism to a building, substance abuse issues, um, all fall under that category. And we'll start with uh elementary. Uh as you can see, elementary for last year uh for the total year uh dropped significantly. It was almost in half. Um, a lot of that is due to um the work that our uh staff and administrators have been doing to try to identify situations earlier and try to uh deescalate them before they get to a point where um it's a case of violence, vandalism, and substance abuse. Uh middle school at Christopher Columbus, uh
007you can see that that dropped as well from 52 to 38 for the year. Uh Woodro Wilson also had a uh decrease. There was a slight increase at Clifton High School, uh much larger population, but we noticed that a lot of that was because of some changes that we made to policy when it came to the code of conduct where we were categorizing information. So now it's categorized a little bit clearer so we can um access that data a little bit better. It isn't in uh vague uh holding areas for the discipline. it's actually uh more delineated so uh easier to report and cleared up uh some confusion a few of them the next uh information that we have to report are hibs uh harassment intimidation and bullying most of us know what bullying is
008from when we were kids uh but thinking you know what bullying is and what it actually is is very different bullying is a uh harassment intimidation bullying is very specific when it comes to the state in order To be a founded harassment, intimidation and bullying case, you have to have two things and both of them have to be present. One is a distinguishable characteristic. You have to have a reason why someone is picking on you. Okay? Your hair, your weight, how tall you are, how short you are, um your sexual orientation, your gender, where you're from, something to that effect. You also need a substantial disruption. Unfortunately, a child being sad about someone picking on them isn't considered a HIP. It's a code of conduct. It's something that we'll address with counseling and potential discipline,
009but wouldn't be considered a HIP. You're talking about a change in behavior. They're trying to skip class. They don't want to come to school. They stopped eating at home. Um they're not doing their homework. They're more distant. Okay? Things like that. Um and when both of those are present then it's a founded harassment, intimidation and bullying case. Uh you could see for elementary schools very consistent numbers from the previous year we had 17 confirmed cases and 49 alleged cases. For Christopher Columbus Middle School um again very similar numbers from the year before. Nine confirmed cases and 13 additional alleged cases. Woodro Wilson um pretty stagnant when it came to the founded, but the alleged cases increased. That's fine. When someone wants to bring it up to us, we'll investigate it. We have no problem with
010that. Um if something is there, that's how we can address it. And then the high school older kids, you'd imagine, hey, there'd be more bullying. It really isn't the case. Uh year after year after year, uh the numbers are quite low at the high school. And you could see we had two founded hibs and uh no other alleged HI cases. If we know that a case is not going to be a HIB just from the straight facts that we have when it's first brought to us um somebody calls another child a name um which could be a HI. But when we talk to the alleged v uh alleged victim in the case, they're like, "No, we're friends. He was just fooling around. It's not bothering me at all. We still have to document it. It's
011documented a preliminary determination. Uh it's a policy that we have that the state requires us to have if we're going to go that route. And last year we had 18 cases throughout the district that were um finalized through a preliminary determination. We did um a small investigation when we looked at the facts. Uh it wasn't going to be a HIV. let both the parent of the alleged victim and the alleged offender know in writing that that's what's going on. Doesn't mean that it's not a code of conduct violation. Doesn't mean that counseling and meetings with the family and potential discipline didn't occur. It just means it wasn't going to meet the requirements of a hip. Uh restraint and seclusion. Uh we don't have seclusion in uh in Clifton. However, restraint, this doesn't necessarily have to
012do with discipline. Uh this has to do with all aspects of uh restraint. Uh the majority for our elementary students or prek students. Uh some special needs students also fit into that as well. Okay. Trainings and programs. Every year we have to offer programs for our district and for our buildings and then trainings uh for those programs. And you could see um through the chart that we do that for all of our buildings throughout uh and with the exception of a few outliers who go above and beyond. Uh most of our numbers are commensurate among the uh among the schools. We also have to grade ourselves. Bless you. >> Bless you. >> We also have to grade ourselves each year and the state gives us a self assessment uh that we have to do for
013our anti-bullying uh grades. Once those are made official by the state, we have to post them on the district website and on the website of each of the schools. Um, you can see the 2324 official scores. Um, those are posted and then once the 2425 numbers are sent to us by the state uh later in the school year, we will post those as well. But what we submitted to the state uh is listed. And you could see except for a slight deviation here and there uh because of um various issues, most of the numbers are pretty solid between the buildings from one year to the next. >> And as usual, we always uh look at what's going on and how we can improve um identifying some areas of improvement. uh working on collaborating with the
014principles and the anti-bullying specialists. We are working on uh moving our harassment, intimidation, bullying platform uh into a different platform into real time which we currently use for all of our uh data. We look to do that and that will streamline the process quite a bit. uh always offering professional development for our staff as a whole and also for our new um anti-bullying specialists and administrators so they're up to speed on all of the requirements. Um we're obviously implementing uh MTSS throughout the district and we're hoping that some of those interventions um and assistance that these students get will help lower our numbers. Um, we routinely uh review the discipline matrix, make sure that the discipline matches the offense and that it matches what we see in the buildings. Uh, we're always tweaking that and
015trying to adjust it to make it um more streamlined for the staff to report incidents and also to be able to categorize what's going on to try to alleviate it moving forward. Anybody have any questions? >> I do. >> Yes, Commissioner Bastard. >> Thank you. Um, >> where do I begin uh regarding the restraint and seclusion? I am not um Danny, you love my word that I'm going to use. I am not a proponent of adversives that are used to special ed ch children. So I want to know if there is any deescalization or preventative strategies that are done prior to the restraints or the seclusion methods and what what what program are you using for that restraint because I I I'm against it. >> We utilize uh CPI training uh handle with care but
016I can tell you that it is a last resort. Okay. It is to uh keep the child safe. not just uh the child who may be escalating, may be having an issue, but also the staff and and students around that child safe. Uh it is not a first measure. It's a last resort. >> And are they they're supervised and there's more than one person in the in the area that when these are restraints are happening that the person's not alone doing the restraint. Correct. >> Correct. >> All right. Um when we have an incident where things are happening, we have multiple people coming in to help whether it's administration, security specialists, uh teachers, behaviorists, there are people available um to try to deescalate the situation if a uh restraint has to happen. It's handled properly.
017>> Um you didn't clarify how of these numbers how many restraints or and seclusions. Are there definite numbers? Maybe on down offline you guys can get that to me. >> I I can get that. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay, any other questions? Okay, seeing none, we'll move on. Um, >> Thank you, Mr. Doctor. Um, Mr. Shad, please note that Dr. Danny and uh, Commissioner Mahia have arrived. Okay. Board committee reports. Um, we'll start with facilities. That'll be uh Commissioner Brunak, please. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Facilities committee meeting occurred on September 10th. Those in attendance were myself, Commissioner Bassford, Commissioner Ciano, Dr. Robert Toi, Mr. Andarrow, Mr. Shahada, Mr. Maldonado, Mr. Marion, Mr. Oido, Mr. Toronto, and Mr. Watkins. Meeting start time was 5 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. The meeting end time was
0185:55 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Items of discussion, the referendum update. There are punch list items now being worked on. Christopher Columbus gym and auditorium. The AC is complete. Starting up new boilers next week. CHS BMS hiccups are being worked on. Normal programming issues. Package three will be turned over to the district to others to follow. The elevator at Christopher Columbus is done, needing final company and state inspection. B&G updates. School 8 due to water damage and temporary repairs, removal and replacement of the new gym floor was completed by Methusc August. Cost was $181,700. School 12 will be scheduled for a full gym floor replacement this year. The cost was 132,000 $73. School Maple Valley, a pine oak tree close to the school is in advanced stages of decline and a double trunk red oak at
019the entrance to the parking lot is in poor health with decaying fungi of the root. The licensed arborist report was provided by Rich Tree Service. Removal of the tree will be approximately $5,980 and new trees will have to be planted in the spring and the dascese has been informed. The trees are nearing the end of their life and are hazardous. School 12 outside a new rubberized flooring youth playground was installed age appropriate for for all the students. This grant was funded. Turf. The district is looking into re reting the stadium as a shelf life is coming to an end. Maple Valley Middle School was mentioned as a possible new turf location. New turf is on the market with a 12-ear shelf life and has a different type of pellet. The district will look into it.
020Maple Valley Middle School need will need drainage and will likely cost millions. New business on the agenda was discussion held regarding the stadium concession stand. Items have been purchased. Bathrooms at certain elementary schools need additional cleaning. Does anyone have any questions? >> Okay. Thank you, Commissioner Brunette. >> Thank you. >> Next is the Education and Special Education Committee minutes. Um, Commissioner Dr. Danny, please. Miss Suarez, would you mind reading that? Thank you. I don't feel very well. >> You got it, Dr. Danny. Uh, the special education the education and special education committee minutes. Um, the meeting was held on August 13th and it began at 6:05 p.m. Present were board of education commiss commissioners Dr. Danny and myself. uh for administration uh Miss Cusvich and Marching Garrow um Mr. Shahada, Heather Routollah and Dr. Valerie
021Cropniaak um for special education updates given by Heather Routollo. She reviewed some of the current activities that are taking place right now in the special services department. She provided an update on the Sesy program which ended on 812 2025. Referral numbers 264 for PSD and 289 for K through 12 for the school year were discussed. Integration and publicizing the multi-tered system of support which combines intervention and referral services and positive behavioral supports in schools PBSIS should help support more students in the least restrictive environment of general education and lower these numbers. Handle with care training is taking place for staff. 32 staff, including 29 special education teachers, participated in week-long certification in Orton Gillingham to increase the number of teachers certified and providing explicit multiensory phenomic instruction and reading interventions. Hiring continues for special education
022teachers, temporary teacher replacement and paraprofessional vacancies. Collaboration between Clipton Health Department for autism parent support groups will be held at school 16 in September and October. Extraordinary aid funding has been received. General education in new New Jersey Department of Education mandates literacy screening uh given by Dr. Valerie Cropniaak. Dr. Cropniaak provided information about new legislation PL 2024 C-52 that requires school districts to administer valid reliable literacy screeners to students in kindergarten through four to through third grade. This initi this initiative aims to identify students at risk of reading difficulties early and to provide targeted interventions and notify parents or guardians of screening results within 30 days of the screening period. Clifton will be discontinuing the use of existing early literacy card and implementing star early literacy assessments obtained through an NJDE grant to meet this
023mandate and serve student needs. Instruction and intervention is built into the district foundational reading program funds and intervent intervention support will be provided through fun and focus kits and by basic skills and reading specialists. Dr. Cropak is currently completing application for NJDOE coach grant to fund a literacy coach for ga grades 6 through 12, the NJ DOE rise grant to provide literacy intervention to the neediest subgroups 6 through nine and the NJDOE impact grant to provide highquality literacy material for kindergarten and the NJ DOE lift grant to support preschool literacy through community engagement. Next, we discussed NJSBA proposed resolutions. Miss Kisovich shared that NJSBA takes proposals for areas on which to focus for the year. Proposed resolutions which have been drafted for review and submission include universal free lunch and special education out of district
024placement fully funding tuition transportations including costs and oversight of out of district tuition rates. The committee reviewed the two resolutions to format and began discussing a possible resolution to address recent and future future cuts to federal funding including ESA and IDA for 2026 2027. A draft will be discussed at the next meeting. Next was EPATH model demonstration project from Miss Qich. Uh she shared information on EPATH. This is a model demonstration pro project funded through the office of special education programs to address the need for equitable family partnerships between schools and underserved families of children with disabilities by leveraging a school's existing multi-tiered system of support framework to center the voices and needs of these families with specific focus on and establish equitable partnerships across school and home eath is a collaboration between Northeast PBSIS
025Yukon on parent centers spam and NJ PBSIS schools 8 14 and 17 are all participating. Lastly, federal funding update. M Miss Cusvich shared an update on federal funds which were initially withheld by US Department of Education in Title 2, Title 3, Title 4 and 21st Century Learning Centers. New Jersey filed a lawsuit to fight this withholding which would have been over one $1 million for Clifton. While these funds have been restored, our full ESA allocation was still reduced. We anticipated receiving the same 2024 2025 which was 5,732,393. While the titles were reinstated, reductions to title one and title four led to a total reduction of $645,066 resulting in an allocation of 5 million 5,87,327. In the 2026 2027 federal budget, title 2, three, and four and 21st century learning centers have been budgeted as zero.
026We have been informed of potential significant reductions to title one and IDA in the following year as well. The meeting adjourned at 7:15. >> Any questions? >> Commissioner Mia. >> Um, I quickly want to follow up. I know I mentioned it a few times already, but I saw this past month, this past month, several schools in P County and Bergen County have adopted CTE curriculum and programming andus. this to go forth. Um, and I know I asked about it in the summer. A lot of these schools did their findings over the summer. That way they could prepare for these MLUS coming up for next year. Um, depending on who gets into the governorship, I saw that both include bringing NCT programming to our schools. Um, is there any findings on that yet? And then to
027follow up on the Title One grants, um I noticed a lot of schools are not they tried to renew the grant um and they basically said any money that they have left over that they didn't use gets to be rolled over until the following year. So we're just not getting any more GANs. Right. >> Mr. Paris, if I may, um >> I think Mr. Mahia's questions could be answered. Um, we read the August minutes and the September minutes should be on there as well and these items were discussed at the September meeting. Are they on there, Mr. Shahada? >> No, September was um August. >> Miss Kusovich, do you have those available? Because we can uh we can add those minutes on if that's okay with the board and we could read them into the
028record tonight. So, if that's okay, we'll read those minutes and then M Mr. Mayo, we if if your questions aren't answered, we'll we'll discuss it right after. >> Thank you. No pressure. Both sets of medics were attached to the email. We uploaded the J. >> Who's in charge? refresh. >> Miss Kusvich will read it if you'd like. She has a good voice. >> I think you got me to read it. >> Okay. Clifton Board of Education, Education and Special Education Committee meeting minutes, September 10th, 2025. Meeting began at 6 PM. Board commissioners present were Dr. Lucy Dany, chairperson, and Tanya Suarez, commissioner. Administration present where myself, uh, Mr. Jenaro, assistant superintendent of schools, Ahmed Shahada, assistant superintendent of business, Heather Routolo, director of special services, and Ahmad Hamda, high school principal. The first item was
029high school graduation start time by Mr. Hamda. Mr. Hamda shared a proposal to decouple graduation from the last day of school and to host a 10 a.m. graduation the day after school ends. Benefits include increased parent participation, less likely to have severe weather in the morning, allows more flexible scheduling with project graduation. In case of severe weather, it opens the possibility for graduating in the gym by creating a split session. Action. This proposal for new graduation schedule will be piloted for June of 2026. The next item is a feebased electronic registration advertised adult evening school. Missqus Levit shared an update on the recently restarted ESL uh adult ESL using title one and title 3 funds. This program will continue now that title funds have been restored in order to reintroduce a feebased self-funding adult evening
030school. A district-wide survey will be going out to staff to find staff members willing to teach particular topics. A set of classes with online registration will be piloted. Classes which receive sufficient enrollment to sustain their cost will run while others will be refunded. This program will be examined once the pilot concludes to determine next steps. The survey will go out in the fall with advertising and registration through the early winter and selected courses running midyear. Courses will run from six to 10 weeks based on course type. Actionformational special education updates with Miss Ro. Miss Rotolo reviewed current enrollment information. There have been 47 referrals since July 1st, of which 27 were eligible, which is the equivalent of two additional classes had all of these students been in the same grade with the same needs. Most
031preschool classes do have some room since we are starting with smaller class sizes, but the 27 new referrals will soon grow those sizes. We have also filed for our first ever class size exemption allowing one class section to exceed state IDA class size limits by one additional students. We foresee more of these applications to exceed class size by one student this year since most classes with the exception of prek are already full. the district integration of the multi-tered system of supports, new legislative mandates for early literacy. Second step, a focus on multi-ensory reading K through three and targeted math interventions um centers in K5 together with better parent awareness of supports in general education are being leveraged to support more students in the least restrictive environment of the general education classroom. Actionformational General education and
032ELELLL updates. Miss Chris Levit shared the class size updates across the district. Most elementary general education classes range from 17 to 22 students. One class exceeds 27 and is being monitored to determine if it will be split. ELLL multilingual learners continue to be tested with the number of L's expected to remain around 1,500 by the October 15th enrollment count. Actionformational. Miss Gusvich provided an update on increasing CTE programs. The process to add CTE certification is a two-year process with rolling submission. Last year, exploration began to add CTE designations for existing and course sequences. At that time, areas such as STEM and engineering looked like the prime candidates. However, through evaluation, more viable and cost effective clusters seem to include areas such as arts, AV technology, and communication for broadcast journalism or radio and television, which
033would be aligned with our cast sequence and an internship. Arts AV technology and communications for dance. Arts AV technology and communications for graphic design or digital arts. Government and public administration with our ROC JOTC program and informationational technology with computer science. These strands will be evaluated for possible inclusion in the next budget process. The district needs to develop the course sequences that can coincide with internships, apprenticeships, and possible industry valued credentials. Actionformational meeting adjourned at 6:38. >> You want to make sure questions? >> Definitely. Um, I know another big one is the CNA program that they have at PCC. I know they partner up with various um the certification nursing assistant. Yes. And it's a big one. I know they do it with I believe it's PCTI. Um but it's a big program. Um if
034we can hop on that too, that'd be fantastic. And I know that that's the one that the students pay per credit. It's either between 300 and 350 per credit. I'm not sure how many credits it is to get the cert, but it's very similar to how they used to have the CTE program for sublicensures where you had to have a minimum 30 credits and they just give you gened. Um, so I feel like that'd be a great option for our students, especially because I've seen a pattern that we have a lot of students who graduate and go on to nursing schools. Um, so if it's something we could explore, definitely. And then my followup was for the the finances for the grants. Um, is there any um guidance on how we're going to do our
035APRs for title one and title three? Do we even have to do an APR? >> Uh, as of now, we haven't heard anything otherwise. Uh, the funding for next year, I think we spoke about it. Maybe an ed committee last month in August. Um, we were informed that the budget from the White House that is sent to Congress is showing uh we're not going to get any money for any of the titles or the IDAs or anything like that. So, you know, we have to wait for Congress to pass their 26 budget whenever that may be sometime in the new year. Uh, but until then, we just hold our breath until July and hope for the best. And so any money we didn't use would just roll over until we run out of that money
036for >> ideally. Yes. But sometimes the feds take the money back as we saw with uh >> Is the money draw down already? >> I'm sorry. >> Is the money already drawn down or do we wait for them to? >> Uh we get the money I believe in one lump sum. >> Okay. >> For like we got the 25 26 money in maybe August. I think it was like a small delay. >> Uh so we have all of that money already. But the one for that comes out next July or August, I don't know what we're going to get or if we're going to get it or how much. So, >> all right. Thank you. >> No problem. >> Any other questions? >> Okay. We'll move on to public recognition. This portion of the meeting
037is open to residents and non-residents of Clifton for the purpose of addressing any subject matter pertinent to andor directly related to the operation of the Clifton Public School District. Residents and non-residents are requested to sign the register provided for this purpose and to state their names, addresses, and subject matter. Comments are limited to five minutes per person. Issues raised by members of the public may or may not be responded to by the board. All comments will be considered, and 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 board. Students and employees have specific legal rights afforded by the
038laws 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. Matt, is there anyone online? >> We do have one, Mr. Paris. >> Okay, put them through. >> Hello, iPhone user. Are you there? >> Are you there? >> Perfect. Hi. >> Would you like to make This is the Clifton Board of Education public recognition. Would you like to make some comments to the board? >> Hello. Would you like to make comments to the board? You're at the Clifton Board of Education meeting online. >> Looks like she's muted here.
039>> Okay. Um, may you are muted. You want to unmute yourself so we can hear you. >> Okay. >> I think at this point um is there anyone else Matt online? >> There is not Mr. Paris. >> Uh motion to close the online session. >> Second >> by Commissioner uh Ciano, seconded by Commissioner Mahia. Okay. Okay. Now, I would like to invite anyone here present here to approach the mic if you'd like to address the board. >> Okay. Seeing no one. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion to close by Commissioner Bassford, seconded by Commissioner Mia. >> Uh, next is adoption of the minutes um for the August 21st, 2025 regular meeting. Motion to adopt the minutes. >> Motion by Commissioner Bassford, seconded by Commissioner Mahir. Roll call. Mr. Shahana. >> Miss Bassford. >> Yes. >>
040Mr. Brunt. >> Yes. >> Dr. Danny. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mia. >> Yes. >> Miano. >> Yes. >> M. Suarez? >> Yes. >> Vice President Santiago? >> Yes. >> President Paris? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Dr. Roberts, you have the floor. >> Thank you, Mr. Paris. Good evening, commissioners, uh members of the one Clifton community. Happy uh back to school time. Last uh about two weeks now, September 4th, we welcomed back um a little over 11,000 students. Uh could be more. We'll do our official count on October 15th. And um despite some of the typical obstacles of opening up a new school year, it was I have to say it was a pretty pretty smooth uh opening. And I'd like to welcome everyone back, especially our students and our staff. For more than four
041decades, Clifton has celebrated our all city band and our all city orchestra. It's one of my favorite events. However, we've never had an all city chorus. That is until now. >> That was that for effect. Was that good, Mr. Bronziac? >> That's excellent. >> Good enough. >> Thank you, sir. For the 2526 school year, I'm proud to announce the inaugural All City Chorus, which will take place on April 1st, 2026, and bring together singers from across our schools to a district-wide performance. Uh, this expands our all city tradition and gives vocal students a stage equal to their band and string peers. goal in Clifton has always been to broaden access to the arts to high quality arts experiences for our students um and to showcase the excellence of our music program. So, this is just
042another uh added opportunity for our students and thank you to our vocal teachers for really championing uh championing this uh this addition to our uh district. Looking forward to it. I want to give a shout out to school 15. Um the their HSA held a back to school meet and greet on September 3rd where uh in conjunction with the principal Dr. Batten Walker, they gave out 80 backpacks uh courtesy of Power of One and the principal uh as well as dozens of other school supplies courtesy of the HSA and it was a very well attended event. So if I could make a general statement to our uh community and our parents, please attend your local uh schools HSA meetings. Please support them by becoming a duespaying member. Uh they do so much extra for our
043children that goes above and beyond what the district does. Um related to school 15, but now more schools. Um happy to announce the return of our girls on the run program. This will be our ninth season at school 15. And we now have this Girls on the Run program at school 12, 11, and Woodro Wilson Middle School. Girls on the Run is a physical activity and positive youth development program. It's designed to empower girls with essential life skills. And on November 17th, 16 of our students from grade uh excuse me, from school 15 um who have been training and will continue to train hard will be participating in a 5K race um at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. May God bless you, Janina. So um I love that program. I love the emphasis as as as
044a father of four but two girls. I love the emphasis on girl power. Makes me makes me happy. Uh speaking of running and track, um there is a resolution on the agenda tonight um to honor Coach John Pontes uh officially with naming the Clifton Stadium track uh in his honor. and I and several of the board members, actually most of the board members, uh had the opportunity to attend an event um a couple weeks ago where we honored him. And I was just so impressed with how many uh alumni, former students, uh former student athletes came out and and family members to support Coach Pontes. Um it was really it was really a nice evening and a well welldeserved recognition for the coach. Um I'm sure somebody's going to read that resolution later. It's there's
045a lot of accomplishments there. So, congratulations, coach. Um and and finally, um our supervisor of custodians, Sean Smith, wanted me to uh let the world know that he's off the market and he wanted to share the positivity that he married his wife Lori, who is a teacher at school five, and they met here while working in the district. They were married at the end of July and uh apparently life is good. So, congratulations to Shawn and Lori on their wedding. And uh love, as I feel like I've said this before, love happens in mysterious places. Um that's all I have tonight, Mr. Paris. Thank you so much. Thank you, Dr. Rabatossi. Um any unfinished business? Okay, hearing none, we move to our first expression of condolence. Um Commissioner Ciano, please can you read that for
046us? Absolutely. Whereas on August 22nd, 2025, the community noted with sorrow the passing of Gerald Waller. And whereas Mr. Waller had served the Clifton Board of Education and the children of Clifton faithfully and conscientiously for over 30 years. Mr. Waller was a business teacher until his retirement in 2000, leaving behind a legacy of compassion. His warmth, humor, and commitment to education left a lasting impact on generations. He proudly served in the New Jersey National Guard for four years. Jerry enjoyed traveling, sitting by the water, soaking in the sun, and the sound of the waves. Be it further resolved that the contents of this resolution be noted in their entirely entirety in the official minutes of the Clifton Board of Education for future generations to peruse dated September 18th, 2025. >> Thank you, Commissioner Ciano. Uh
047our second expression of condolence uh will be read by Vice President Santiago, please. Thank you, President Paris. Sure. Whereas on August 23rd, 2025, the community noted with sorrow the passing of Sandra Hartman. And whereas Miss Hartman had served the Clifton Board of Education and the children of Clifton faithfully and conscientiously for over 35 years, Miss Hartman was a social studies teacher and at CHS and was the supervisor of social studies until her retirement in 20 in 2004, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and commitment that touched countless lives. Sandy was also a member of the Dizzy Dames of Unknown Fame Red Hatters Club in Clifton. Miss Hartman will be missed deeply by all who knew her. Be it further resolved that the con that the contents of this resolution be noted in their entirety in
048the official minutes of the Clifton Board of Education for Fun future generations to peruse dated September 18. >> Thank you, Vice President Santiago. And we have uh a third and last expression of condolence this evening will be read by Commissioner Back. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Whereas on August 25th, 2025, the community noted the sorrow with with the passing of Anne Bachis. And whereas Miss Bakis had served the Clifton Board of Education and the Children of Clifton faithfully and consciously for over 22 years until her retirement in 2010. Miss Bakis was a social studies teacher at CCMS, leaving behind a legacy of compassion. Throughout her life, Ann joy and enjoyed traveling, taking trips to the Jersey Shore, watching Jeopardy, attending Broadway shows, and loved reading. She also enjoyed spending time with her dear grandchildren. Be
049it further resolved that the contents of this resolution be noted in their entirety in the official minutes of the Clifton Board of Education for future generations to peruse dated September 18th, 2025. >> Thank you, Commissioner Brunak. Um, this month is Hispanic Heritage Month. Uh, Commissioner Suarez, can you please read that proclamation? >> Thank you, President Paris. Whereas Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15th to October 15th to recognize and honor the rich cultural contributions, history, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latin Americans who have played a vital role in shaping the diverse tapestry of our nation. And whereas the Clifton Board of Education is committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and cultural awareness within our school district and acknowledges that our Hispanic and Latina students, families, and staff members contribute significantly to the educational and
050social fabric of our community. And whereas Hispanic Hispanic and Latina Americans have made enduring contributions in fields such as education, science, art, politics, business, sports, and entertainment, enriching our society and inspiring future generations to reach their fullest potential. And whereas through the celebration of Hispanic Hispanic Heritage Month, we have the opportunity to educate our students and community about the cultural heritage, traditions, and achievements of Hispanic and Latina Americans, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and unity. And whereas this observance provides an occasion for all of us to come together as a community, appreciate the vibrancy of Hispanic and Latin cultures, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring an inclusive and equitable educational environment for all students. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Clifton Board of Education proclaims September 15th through October 15th as Hispanic Heritage Month within
051our district and encourages all students, teachers, staff, and community members to participate in events, activities, and educational programs that honor the heritage and contributions of Hispanic and Latina Americans. And be it further resolved that we urge our educators to incorporate Hispanic and Latina history, culture, and achievements into the curriculum, promoting a deeper understanding of the contributions made by Hispanic and Latina Americans to our society. And be it further resolved that we call upon all residents of Clipton to join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by participating in cultural events, engaging in discussions, and fostering an environment of respect and appreciation for the Hispanic and Latin America members of our community. It witnessed the whereof, we, the Clifton Board of Education, do hereby set our hands and cause this proclamation to be affixed on this 18th
052day of September in the year 2025. Thank you, Commissioner Suarez. This month is also prostate cancer awareness month. Commissioner Ciano, please read that proclamation. >> Absolutely. Whereas prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in the United States with nearly 300,000 new cases expected to be diagnosed this year. And whereas early detection through regular screening can greatly increase the likelihood of successful treatment and survival. And whereas raising awareness about prostate cancer empowers men and their families to learn about risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of routine checkups. And whereas the Clifton Board of Education recognizes the importance of supporting health and wellness initiatives that educate our staff, students, families, and community. And whereas September has been nationally designated as prostate cancer awareness month, providing an important opportunity to highlight prevention, education, and
053support for those impacted by this disease. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Clifton Board of Education hereby proclaims September 2025 as prostate cancer awareness month in the city of Clifton and encourages all residents to increase awareness, seek regular medical advice, and support continued research and education efforts to fight prostate cancer. >> Thank you, Commissioner Ciano. Uh, next is a proclamation by the Clifton Board of Education, uh, resolution honoring Coach John Pontes. Uh, Commissioner Bassford. >> Thank you. It is my honor to read, uh, this following resolution into record. Clipton Board of Education resolution honoring John, Coach John Pontes for four decades of excellence at Clifton High School. Whereas coach John Pontis, a proud Clifton High School alumni, joined the Clifton Public Schools in 1981 for 7 years of teaching and coaching at Essex Catholic
054High School in Newark. And whereas he served Clipton High School with distinction as a teacher of health and physical education as a dedicated coach in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track for more than 40 years. And whereas coach Pontes was appointed head coach of the boys and girls cross country in 1984, head coach of boys outdoor track in 1986, and head coach in of indoor track in 2000, leading Clifton athletes with integrity, discipline, and passion. ends. Whereas under his leadership, Clifton teams have achieved extraordinary success, including 53 league championships, 18 county championships in cross country, nine county championships in indoor track, three county championships in indoor track, and three state sectional championships, and one overall state group championships. And whereas his career honors include induction into the state coaches hall of fame in 2007,
055Pake County All Sports Coach of the Year 2009, and being named coach of the decade in multiple sports along with 29 county coach of the year awards. And whereas his athletes have earned countless county, sectional, and state titles. While his own career reflects record reflects sustained excellence, including over 1,100 wins in cross country and track combined. And where whereas coach Pontes has exemplified the highest standard of sportsmanship, mentorship, and leadership, inspiring generations of Clifton athletes, and bringing home to Clifton High School and the entire community. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Clifton Board of Education formally recognizes and honors Coach Pontis for his outstanding dedication, record of achievement, and enduring impact on the lives of students and the tradition of athletics in the Clifton Public School. And be it further resolved that in lasting
056tribute to his extraordinary contributions, the Clifton High School track shall henceforth be named the Coach John Pantis track. Congratulations. Yay. >> Thank you, Commissioner Bassford. And congratulations, coach. Okay, I'm looking for a motion to approve under B, education and administration items 1 through 16. >> Motion second. >> Motion by Commissioner Brunak, seconded by Commissioner Suarez. Any discussion? >> Hearing none. Roll call, please. Mr. Shahad. >> Miss Bassford. >> Yes. >> Mr. Brunak, >> yes. >> Dr. Danny, >> yes. >> Mr. Mia, >> yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Miss Suarez. >> Yes. Vice President Santiago, >> yes. >> President Paris, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. Under C personnel, >> uh looking for a motion to approve items one through 44. Motion >> motion by Commissioner Bassford, seconded by Dr. Danny. Any discussion?
057>> Hearing none. Roll call. Mr. Shaw. >> Miss Bassford. >> Yes. I'm saying on my name only on P38. On P37, I'm sorry. Did it move? >> Yeah, it moved. >> It did move. >> P37. >> I still see P38 on my agenda. >> There was one thing that was removed um before the meeting. So, it is P37. U Mr. >> Yes to everything except P37. Abstain on my name only. >> Dr. Danny. >> Yes to everything. Abstain on P37 name only. >> Mr. M. >> Yes. and abstain on P37, my name only. >> Miss Siano, >> yes. Abstaining on P37, my name only. >> Miss Wararez? >> Yes. Abstaining on P37, my name only, and P39. >> Uh, Vice President Santiago. >> Yes. Abstain on P37, my name only. And it's 39 838 now.
058>> 38 now. >> Okay. So, abain on 38. >> Uh, President Paris. >> Uh, yes. Abstaining on 26. Um 37 my name only and 38 please. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. Um >> we have Miss Fieldhouse. >> Yes sir. >> Um we have our newly uh designated vice principal in the high school. >> Yeah. It's on uh that's on A6. We got we got to vote on A6 in in the agenda. Oh, that's on the addendum. >> Yes. I make a motion to move a A6. >> Okay. Very motion by Commissioner Ambassador to move A6. >> Just A6 or we can do them all? >> We just do A6 for now? >> Yes. >> Seconded by Commissioner Ciano. Roll call. Mr. Shad. >> Miss Bassford? >> Yes. >> Mr. Brunz? >> Yes. >> Dr.
059Danny? >> Yes. >> Mr. Mia? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ciano? >> Yes. >> Mr. Suarez? >> Yes. >> Vice President Santiago? >> Yes. >> President Paris? Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Now we would like to invite Miss Fieldhouse up if she'd like to make any comments. >> Good job, Mr. Brunette. >> Yes, sir. Keep us. >> Good evening. I would like to begin by sincerely thanking our superintendent of schools, Dr. Robert Totoy, Board of Education President, Mr. Paris, Vice President, Mr. Santiago, the board of education commissioners and central administration for recommending me for the position of vice principal at Clifton High School. I am deeply grateful for your confidence in me. It is truly an honor to serve the Clifton community in this new role. I look forward to working alongside Mr. Hamda, building administration,
060dedicated staff, students, and families as we continue to build on the proud tradition of excellence at Clifton High School. My growth as an administrator would not have been possible without the invaluable experiences I have gained through the district's administrator academy as well as the guidance and support I received from Steve Anderson and the School 5 family. These opportunities have shaped me into the leader I am today. Once again, thank you for this incredible opportunity. I'm eager to get started and proud to serve this community. Thank you. [Applause] Okay. Next is uh under D, finance facilities. Uh looking seeking a motion to approve items 1 through six. >> Motion by Commissioner Bruniac. Seconded by Commissioner Suarez. Any discussion. >> Hearing none. Roll call, please. Mr. Shah. >> Miss Bassford. >> Yes. >> Mr. Bruniac. >> Yes.
061>> Dr. Danny. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mia. >> Yes. >> Mr. O. >> Yes. Abstaining on uh F6 checks 223628 223 918 223 911. >> Miss Wararez. >> Yes. >> Vice President Santiago. >> Yes. >> President Paris. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> I'm trying to remember. We're going to um board member comments, I believe. Is it Miss Bassford that starts? >> What's that? You want to do the agenda stuff? >> That doesn't >> before comments. >> Doesn't have to be executive order. >> Okay. >> All right. We'll move to We'll get back to board member comments in a moment. Um we'll go to section H uh agenda items one through five. >> Motion to approve. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion by Commissioner Brunak, seconded by Commissioner Suarez.
062Any discussion? Okay. Hearing none. Uh, roll call, please. Mr. Shan, >> Miss Bassford, >> yes. >> Mr. Brunziac, >> yes. >> Dr. Danny, >> yes. >> Mr. Mahia, >> yes. >> Miss Ciano, >> yes. >> Miss Suarez, >> yes. >> Vice President Santiago, >> yes. >> President Paris. Paris, excuse me. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Now, we'll go back to board member comments. I believe Miss Bassford, Commissioner Bassford. >> Uh, good evening and thank you for the opportunity to speak. Uh, happy 40th 44th birthday to our commissioner, Mr. Mark Brunia. [Applause] very on the ball tonight. Age is not getting you. You picked up that little thing. You got your balloons. You're all ready to roll. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Uh first, I'd like to uh extend a warm welcome to our
063new um student representative. She's not here, Jenna. Congratulations on your appointment. Again, I look forward to hearing your voice at the table and wish you a meaningful and successful year in this uh important role. Um, thank you Janina for the update on the adult evening school. I I am very happy to hear that it's getting movement. It's great to see steps are being taken to bring this program back. I truly hope it gets off the ground and becomes a valuable resource we know our community definitely needs. Um, I'd like to take a moment to uh focus on everybody's attention on Saturday, September 20th at city hall from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Um, on the grounds uh Clipton Against Substance Abuse will proudly be hosting a powerful program called In Their Shoes. This event aims
064to raise awareness about the impact on suicide on individuals, families, and the community. There will be um a number of uh mental health providers from across Pay County on site offering resources and support. I encourage everyone to attend. Even a simple presence can make a difference. And I've uh chose this quote that reminds us all the importance of empathy and community. To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world. By Dr. Seuss. Thank you and good night. >> Thank you, Commissioner Ambassador. Commissioner Brunak. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Good evening, everyone. Happy birthday, by the way. >> Thank you. Just want to thank everyone who who wished me a happy birthday today. Quickly, uh I want to give a some additional birthday love. Uh quick bunch of
065shout outs to my twin brother Bob. Um to Laurian D. Simone, bunch of my besties over here in the city, Wyatt Labou, and anyone else I m might have missed. to my brothers and sisters in the belly of the beast over here in Clifton. Uh shout out to Praise and all the hard work that Bob and Gabby Marello and all the other volunteers who helped make those baseball games happen the pleasure of attending on Sunday and some of the parents I I spoke with over there. It felt like we went around the world in those uh two hours that we did. Um so just big shout out was absolutely fantastic. Bunch of parents there. A bunch of bunch of kids over there playing baseball. And some of those kids, they got their swings are insanely
066fast. I get scared for all the kids out there in the field. I mean, some of these kids are swinging like lightning. It's it's amazing. To all the students in the district, I hope all of you are getting back to the grind. And I want to wish you all a continued success at Clifton Public Schools. Thank you for your time and God bless America. Have a good night everybody. >> Thank you, Commissioner Brunia, Commissioner Dr. Danny. >> Uh, it'll just be short because I'm not feeling well today. Um, I just want to say happy birthday, Mr. Brunziaak. Enjoy. I hope it was a good one. And, um, just to all the students and staff, everybody returning. Um, I hope you had a very restful summer and I hope you're just getting into the swing of
067things and, you know, I hope it's a great year for you. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Danny. I hope you feel better. Um, Commissioner Mahia, >> thank you, President Parents. Um, happy birthday, Mark. Um, thank you for everyone for coming today. I know when I walked in there was a few parents who came out, so our email notification system is working fantastically. Um, but I believe if it's possible when we sent out the links for the Zoom and for the YouTube, um, sometimes I feel like parents get misled, like they're picking the Zoom thinking that's where they can watch the the video and they're not really aware the YouTube link is the actual one where you watch it live. I don't know how we can fix that, honestly. I feel like that's kind of
068like a a more so a persona type of situation. Um, but if there's any way we can like maybe highlight it, say this is specifically for if you want to address the board and this one specifically just to watch the video, I feel like that'd be going great. Um, on a sadder note though, I do want to briefly talk about the cancellation of all these various grants. Um, and it only goes to show how, you know, financial sustainability um, correlates to student success in general. Um, as many of you guys know, I'm a scholar. So, I'm working on a huge paper that ties both and both together I'm going to submit to the DOE. Um, so at the end of the day, I feel like this is only going to put the city, our board
069into a deeper hole each year. You know, for the past couple years, we've been raising taxes, but I believe the public isn't aware that this is because we are being failed by not only not only our federal government, but our state government as well when it comes to getting rid of grants. Um these are grants that we depend on. At the end of the day, this is only going to affect our students. Um even when certain individuals say they're champions of education, I believe sometimes they are misled because they believe that you can do education without all the finances. And that's not true. If you're not having the right people involved, the right people managing the money, the right people teaching, the right people being paid what they should be paying, there's no reason why
070I would work at a school district that's not willing to pay me what I deserve when other school districts are willing to give me up above and beyond. Um, so unfortunately, I see that in the future we're probably going to be in a deeper hole than we would like if this continues at the federal level. Um, but on a happier note, this Saturday we are hosting the Mexican flag raising at the city of Clifton. Like Commissioner Ambassador said, her event's going to be from 10 11 to 2. After, please stay for our event. It's going to be from 3 until the cops come. I'm kidding. It's not. Uh, we only have a 3-hour permit, so 3 to 6. Um, so if you guys can please come, that'd be fantastic. We're going to have a lot
071of events. Um, a lot of people there, a lot of people coming from Mexico to United States to come speak at our events. Um, and it goes hand in hand together because I always like to say whether you are Hispanic or any other race or ethnicity, we are all here together. We're all human. Um, and I believe unity is our strength, especially in a world like today where we can feel lost, desperate. Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Mia. Commissioner Shiano, >> thank you very much. Uh, good evening everybody. Uh, thank you for the student rep report. appreciate you keeping us up to date and thank you Michael Doctor for the presentation. Uh it's very important for us to stay informed. I hope everyone's having a wonderful start to the school year. We're about two
072weeks in. I'm excited to see what our amazing students and staff accomplish this year. I'm particularly thrilled that Maple Valley Middle School has opened for the first school year. The tour I received showcased something truly beautiful and I'm proud to have been part of bringing this vision to life. Richie, I don't miss many flag raisings and I'm sorry. I'm going to miss yours. I have a wedding from 1 to 5 which is Good for me. So, I won't be out until midnight, but I'm going to miss that one, so I apologize. Um, Mark Brunziaak, 44 years old. So, there's there's something you guys don't know about Mark. All right. >> So, when I had my surgery, not only did this guy pick me up and bring me to the meeting and take me home, but
073he called me every day. When I had my biopsy, he dropped off a care package. When I got in his van, when he brought me here, he buckled me in because I was having I was so uncomfortable. Carried my bag in. Mark, you're one of a kind. I'm very fortunate to call you a friend. I'm very fortunate for this position because we wouldn't have gotten as close as we are. Uh I know you very well. You're an exceptional person, father, husband, and you deserve it all. So, happy birthday. >> That's it. Uh, as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it's very important to recognize and honor those rich cultural contributions. Having recently fought my own battle with prostate cancer and doing incredibly well, thank God, I was honored to read the proclamation for prostate cancer awareness
074month this September. I urge all men to listen to your bodies. If something feels wrong, act immediately. Even though mine was caught early without quick action, which still surprising me to this day, I was told it would have spread to my bones within a year. Please get your PSA checked regularly. Uh, finally, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to my dear friend, Drea Duca, and her family for the loss of her father, Frank. Drea is one of the most caring and genuine people I've ever met, which speaks volumes about the man who raised her. My thoughts and prayers are with Drea and her family. May Frank Duca rest in eternal peace. Have a good night, everybody. Be good to yourselves. Be good to each other. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Sienna. Commissioner Suarez. >>
075Thank you, President Paris. Uh, good evening, everyone. It's great to be back for another school year. Just two weeks have passed into the new year, and it already feels like the momentum has kicked in as both a board member and a parent. Uh, thank you to all the staff who worked on our schools to get them up and running, and thank you to all of our administrators and teachers for being front and center to receive our students and families. Also, thank you and shout out to the school 8 PTO team for hosting a sidewalk chalk event that united children and families the night before school getting all involved. Excited to start the new year off with kind words and positivity. What a great idea and fun event. Happy birthday, Commissioner Brunziaak. I know many of
076us appreciate your humor uh that you bring to our conversations and it's great to be on the team with you. Uh also, happy Hispanic Heritage Month. I hope as a community we get to go beyond the festive cultural celebrations of food and music and go deeper to understand some of the issues a portion of our Latino students face. Discrimination against document documentation status. Let these 30 days serve as a reminder that regardless of someone's documentation status, they are human beings first and foremost who deserve respect, dignity, and compassion. Let's use this month as an opportunity to uplift the diaspora of Latino cultures and appreciate the many ways Latinos greatly contribute to our community and society at large. Have a great night everyone. >> Thank you, Commissioner Suarez, Vice President Santiago. >> Thank you, President Paris.
077Uh, Commissioner Brunak, happy birthday. Many more. Welcome back everyone, our staff, and our students. I hope you have an amazing year. So, uh, earlier this month, we had Maple Valley Middle School family night. Great turnout. The school looks awesome. Thank you to everyone involved with that event, the staff, the HSA. Thank you to everyone involved in getting the school ready for the first day of school. It was a herculean effort, but I'm not surprised by administration and the staff and all the things they get done. Thank you for that. I attended the school three walk uh chalk the walk ice cream social. There were a few of these events throughout the district and it's a really good way to welcome students and families back to school. Thank you to everyone who who held those all
078the schools who do that. Coach Pontis, I want to express my appreciation for your dedication to our student athletes as an educator and also your continued commitment as a coach, which you are still doing. Very welld deserved and your impact was evidenced by the number of people who attended. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month. The city had a great Puerto Rican flag raising. I was honored to be recognized by our Congresswoman Nelly Poe, who is Puerto Rican, and surrogate uh Judge Soila Kasanova, who's also Puerto Rican and Dominican, and my friend Felicia Velasquez, who is responsible for the Puerto Rican flag raising in Clifton. The Mexican flag raising is this Saturday, organized and led by our esteemed colleague, Commissioner Mahia. Happy Mexican Independence Day, which was Tuesday. Uh the Hispanic Heritage Carnival at May Memorial will be
079September 24th to the 28th. The Manhattan Street Fair is Sunday, which is also was always a great time. And the Ukrainian festival is also Sunday. Behind me and around the room is the OneClifton logo, #1clifton. I love that logo. It's the Clifton public schools, by the way. It's not the cities. It came from the school, but it's all of ours now. We know we're one of the most diverse cities and school districts in the country. Our district has students of various ethnicities. We have over 2,000 students with disabilities. We have over 1,000 multi multilingual learners. In terms of the city on my block alone, I have Polish, Irish, Indian, Philippine, African-American, Hispanic, and Middle Eastern neighbors. Just on my block, our kids and families play together. They go to school together. They grow up together.
080My sons have friends that I consider like my own kids and they are from various backgrounds. We have great neighbors with different backgrounds who have become friends. Why? Because we get to know each other. We actually speak with hang out with and listen to each other in real life humanto human uh not in virtual reality but in reality. We have different cultures but we're not tribal. I'm not about team over my neighbor who I personally know and like. Getting to know one, especially who is different and thinks different than you um is important. They have different perspectives on things you can learn about that maybe you didn't know. Let me share a quick personal story. So, once a a coworker told me, "You don't seem Puerto Rican." It's true. I said, "Do you know many
081Puerto Ricans?" And she said, "No." I said, "So, what's your idea of a Puerto Rican?" And she said, "I don't know." So, she had a perception and an idea of a Puerto Rican, but never really met any. I said, "Yeah, I'm Puerto Rican. My parents, my grandparents, and we worked together and got along fine. Um, but actually getting to know me changed her perception of Puerto Ricans." So, we can't be about our tribe only. That creates group think, divides us, and then we become indifferent. So that as long as it's not happening to me or somebody I care for or I can't relate to it, then it doesn't matter to me. I love #1clifton or that oneclick logo because yes, we are diverse and diversity is our strength, but unity is our power. What good
082is it to be diverse if we're divided and indifferent? I love one Clifton because though we have different backgrounds and customs, regardless of your race, religion, your heritage, we here are Clifton. We all make up Clifton together. #1clifton. Thank you for that extra time. >> Thank you, Vice President Santiago. >> I just would like to thank uh and welcome our student rep, Jenna. Um, also, uh, congratulations to Sean and Lori, I believe it is, on their pending wedding. >> No, done deal. >> Done deal. Well, congratulations on their wedding. Um, condolences to the Waller, Hartman, and uh, Bakis families. Congratulations to Vice Principal Fieldhouse in her new position. Uh, congrats to Coach Pontes. And I think the, uh, Vice President Santiago pointed out, the most significant thing I saw at the dedication was the number
083of alumni that came out. What a huge family uh, he's created over the years. It was wonderful to see that. Um, and happy birthday, Commissioner Brunak. Many, many more. Um, next is new business. Any new business? >> I got you. I got one. >> Yes, Commissioner S. >> Um, when it comes to something happening in the district, there's an emergency or something, I would like a text message. I don't want an email. >> Put your mic on, please. >> It's on. Am I not close enough to it? >> Better. >> I've alreadyated that to the >> Yes. But I think that it was brought up that I have to make a motion here to say that I would rather receive text messages than emails because if I'm driving and there's something happening, I'm not going
084to get that. I have I check my email all the time, but I have many many email addresses, so they all kind of get coingled. Um, I would prefer a text message. And listen, don't reply to the text messages. Don't like anything, that's all. Let's just do that to make everybody happy. But emergencies, I would like to know right away that I'd like to make that motion. change. >> Do you >> I can I say something, Dr. Reptosi? >> I Yes, >> the assistant superintendent received explicit instructions not to send anything via text from you. So, I know some of the board members told me otherwise, but my response to them was Dr. Robert Hosy said don't do it. So, >> so on behalf of the board, I'm going to make a motion. >> If
085somebody wants to second it, we go from there. >> I need it from the boss. >> So, there was Okay. I'm sorry, Mr. Paris. I just wanted to clarify that was our procedure. We stopped doing it due to some concerns and I was recently uh requested by the board president to go back to the text messaging. So >> for emergency >> for emergencies uh notifications. >> We're back. But I I'm perfectly okay if you want to, >> you know, vote on it. That's good with me, too. Um for information purposes, you don't need to. You don't need to vote. >> I got one more quick thing, too. I don't want this. You're wasting paper. You're wasting ink. Email me a PowerPoint presentation. I don't need this unnecessary waste. Yeah, I'm a tree hugger. What are
086you going to do? >> You may not want it, uh, Mr. Ciano, but the administration works at the pleasure of the board. >> Yeah. >> And other board members have requested it in paper. >> I would prefer myself just email it to me. Save the paper and save the ink, please. You can vote on that one. >> Yeah. >> I make a motion to all paper handouts. I would rather have it digital, especially to save the ink and color >> because it's got to be >> You want paper or don't? >> No, I don't want paper. >> Second. >> Okay. So, the motion is to eliminate paper and send us electronic, digital, whatever you want to call it, PowerPoints, uh, >> to save paperments to the agenda. Yeah. Is there anyone does this include I'm
087sorry the folders that I give you guys with the stuff written on it for you? >> I think you could email that to us, right? >> I'd rather not. >> If it's easier for you, one piece of paper I don't care about. It's just some of these things are >> Yeah, >> it's crazy. >> Okay. Anyone not in agreement with that? Okay. Um that brings us to uh we will have executive session. >> You didn't vote. You need a motion. We we got a motion on the floor. >> We have two motions. >> Right. You made a motion. >> I didn't think we needed a formal vote, but fine. We're going to uh >> motion is to eliminate paper. >> Motion. >> Seconded by Commissioner Ciano. Roll call, please. >> Um >> I don't even
088know. Uh Miss Bassford, yes. >> Mr. Run, >> yes. >> Dr. Danny, >> yes. >> Mr. Mia, >> yes. >> Miss, yes. >> Miss Suarez, yes. >> Vice President Santiago, >> yes. >> President Paris, >> yes. Motion carries. We say >> thank you. >> Okay. Um a motion for resolution to convene an executive session to discuss various personal and contract matters. >> Uh action may or may not be taken. Motion by >> motion >> heard a lot of people. Commissioner Mahia seconded by Commissioner Ciano will be about approximately how long Dr. Roberts do you think? >> Uh I don't anticipate more than 30 minutes Mr. Paris. So that means 45 at least. >> I'm going to say an hour. Approximately an hour. Thank you. >> Whatever. I think you got to add 15 minutes and
089then Allan adds another 15. >> Guess what? >> We might It might be longer. >> But it's not Jim Smith. Oh my fancy. [Music] So good at that time. >> How was the time? An hour. Mr. Paris, how did we do on time? >> About right. >> Nailed it. >> 45 minutes. >> I said 30. No, I said I said 30. I said but had another 15. Allen said an hour. >> A little bit. A little bit over an hour. >> You put a for >> Okay. Okay. We're back from executive session. Uh >> roll call, please. >> Miss Bassford. Mr. Bruniac >> here. >> Mr. Kenova, >> here. >> Dr. Danny >> here. >> Mr. Mahia >> here. >> Mr. Ciano >> here. >> Mr. Sant Vice President Santiago >> here. >> Oh, I
090forgot. Miss Suarez. >> President Paris >> here. >> Okay. I'm looking for a motion to approve from executive session items two and three. >> Oh. Motion to approve from executive session items uh two two and three. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion by Commissioner Brunak, seconded by >> um Commissioner Kenova. >> Mr. Bruniac. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kenova. >> Yes. >> Dr. Danny. >> Uh yes. >> Mr. Mahia. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ciano. >> Yes. >> Pres Vice President Santiago. >> Yes. >> Uh President Paris. >> Yes. Uh motion to adjurnn. >> Motion second. >> Motion by Commissioner Mahia, seconded by Commissioner Brunac. Have a good night everybody. >> Press okay. Sim.