May 1, 2025 - Clifton Board of Education Meeting

001did. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the regular meeting of the board of education this May 1st, 2025. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to theublic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Roll call, please. Mr. Shahada. Miss Bassford, here. Mr. Brunette, here. Mr. Kenova, here. Dr. Danny. Mr. Mr. Mahia. Mr. Mahia will be about 30 minutes late. He said Mr. Ciano here. Mr. Suarez here. Vice President Santiago here. President Paris here. We have a quorum. Thank you. Commissioner Danny also is a little late. She's running. She said the mission of the Clifton School District in an open and reciprocal community partnership is to

002provide 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's meeting 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 interests is discussed and 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 message will

003be this meeting will be tape recorded in accordance with policy 0168. I would like to invite our student representative if he is in the house this evening. He is okay. Looks like we're missing Mark. I hope all is well with him. We do have a student here for public comment if we want to let her go. And um Okay, Dr. Robert Toi tells me there's a student here who would like I just I think I think you're here for public comment, but because you're a student and you have to go home and study tonight, Mr. Paris might let you go first. I would absolutely let you go first. Come on up. Thank you, Mr. Paris. Anytime. Good evening, Dr. Roberty. Commissioners and administrators. My name is Emma Betar and I am a 10th grade student

004at Clipton High School. I take all honors classes and I'm a three sport athlete. I play volleyball, basketball, and softball. I'm also a proud member of the student superintendent ambassador program and Hero and Cool Kids Club. I'm here tonight to speak in support of the school budget because I know how much it impacts students like me. The honors classes I'm in challenge me every single day. They've helped me grow academically and I know that they're preparing me for college and beyond. But those classes only work when we have the right resources, the dedicated teachers, the up-to-date materials, and the support that helps us stay on track. Being an athlete is just as important to me. Through volleyball, basketball, and softball, I've learned discipline, leadership, and how to handle adversity. Programs like Heroes and Cool Kids

005give me the opportunity to use those lessons to help others by mentoring younger students and setting a positive example. But none of that would have been possible without our coaches, our adviserss, the uniforms, the equipment, and the safe field and gyms to play and connect in. That support only exists because of the budget you're considering. This budget affects so much more than just numbers. It affects opportunities. It gives students like me the chance to push oursel, find our passions, and be a part of something bigger. I hope you support this budget, not just for me, but for every single student who's trying to make the most of their time here at Clifton. Thank you for your time and for continuing to support our future. Thank you. Okay, we'll be moving on to presentations and the

006first presentation this evening I believe will the be the labor management collaborative uh by by Mr. Joerger and Miss Marola. Hi, how are you? I'm Shah Morola, vice president of um the C middle school. Um we have a little fun thing for you guys because we don't want to just give you an we can't have fun at these meetings presentation. So this is a bingo card, an LMC bingo card and you're going to fill it out using the words on the bottom audience involved too. So you guys are more than welcome to play bingo. This way you can play. You don't have to. Anybody else? Bingo, everybody. Bingo. No, we're not allowed to have fun. All right. So, the rules of this bingo card is you can pick whatever words on the bottom to fill

007up your bingo card. So, those are our vocabulary words for the day. All right. So, make sure that you fill out your bingo card with every word that you think that Sher and I are going to say today. We do have some prizes. We do. If you need a pen, I have some pens, too. Yeah, me too. All right. Mr. McConey, can you bring Mr. Jagger and Miss Morola a microphone, please. Never mind. He has it in his hand. I'll take I'm not loud enough. I can't. He's coming out with another one. All right. Does anybody else need pens? That' be kind of hard to play bingo without a pen. Right. So, we're going to just take a minute, fill it out. What words do you think we're gonna say during this presentation and have

008a little fun? Sure. Of course. You can fill out whatever words that you think we're going to say back there. Come on. I got I got Should we fill every space? Yeah. Fill every space. Okay. Thank you. Except for the free space in the middle. Exactly. I could see you're having fun already. I can see it in your faces. People are smiling. People are laughing. I see it. I see you. Normally that's not allowed at a board of education. That's why we push this back to May, you know, lightening the lighten the load a little bit. And that's why we brought a game. Right. I'm so glad you said that. Okay. So, we're going to give you like another minute to fill that out. There's plenty of words. There's definitely enough words. If there isn't,

009I'm going to leave. Sweet. You do. You do. You totally do. We got the party. We're going to give you another 20 seconds and then we're going to get the party started. And we're on the honor system. There's some words on there that if you choose, I know I'm not going to say. So, we just wanted to make you laugh. But I am craving a snicker doodle. I'm just saying. Does that count? That counts. There are 25 words in 25 spaces. So, I'm missing a word. Oh my god. No pressure. No pressure, but hurry up. Oh yeah. All right. Uh so again, uh I'm Andy Jagger. This is Sher Morola. We're the facilitators of our labor management collaboration um in the Clifton Public School District. Uh what labor management is and this is the only

010slide that we're going to read just that first part is labor management collaboration brings teachers, educators, administrators and central office staff to focus on student centered goal. Basically what that is is everybody's working together. Everybody has a voice in our district and at the forefront of every decision that we make is our children in this district. Um, it ensures that all community stakeholders maintain their voice and influence, helping to build a consensus, consensus, facilitate district-wide cooperation and communication. And Clifton Public Schools is committed to harnessing the benefits of collaboration to create a thriving educational community. Basically, we're trying to open up lines of communication from admin to all the other stakeholders. And it's it's been absolutely wonderful, we have to say. So why do we do this? Um in the the words of a a

011mentor Mr. Jingaro, as an administrator, as an educator, we have to admit that we do not know everything in this world and we don't know everything that happens within our buildings, in our classrooms, in our hallways, within our district. What our collaboration does is allows us to get all the information we possibly need to be successful and be the best professionals possible for our students. One thing that it doesn't say on here because again we are not going to read every single slide to you. So look out for those words you need people. Um but one thing that is not on here is that we are really trying to harness the creativity of a valuable resource. are teachers instead of seeing a problem. We want teachers to see solutions and come to admin, teachers, teacher

012leaders, coaches come to us to say, "Hey, I have this great idea. Let's try this." And then admin gets really excited because they can put things into place to make teachers excited to get the teachers, you know, stoked about, you know, teaching, right? So, it's it's really been incredible. I can't say that enough. What what we what we our ultimate goal is to just bring out everyone's creativity starting with the administrators, teachers, and eventually our students. Absolutely. Here are some quotes from Lori Lama, our CEA president, and Danny Robertazi, our superintendent, speaking about the collaborative and what it's meant to them throughout the four to five years that we've been doing this. Again, we're not reading these to you because we just don't want to be those kind of people. Miss Morola, we have a

013question. If somebody gets bingo, are they supposed to yell it out? Bingo. One of the premises of our why and what has been shown through Lori Lana's presidential run as well as Dr. Jose leadership is the trust and and that is the one of the biggest things that I feel as as lifelong learners being trust your boss your your colleagues and being that is going to bring out that creativity and the best decisions possible for our students. Um, our our district collaborate uh collaborative team is is quite large. Um, I'm picking you up though. Go ahead. Awesome. Um, so again, every every stakeholder in our district is representative. Um again we have central officers, we have administrators. By the way, happy principal day, happy vice principal day to all our APS and VPs and principles

014in the district. Um we have our power professionals represented. We have our secretaries, our custodial, we have our teachers. Um so we started off as a group of about 10 to 15 stu uh uh employees. We are now up to close to 40. So, it's a fantastic group um which meets um on a local level in our in our local buildings uh once a month and districtwide we meet four times a year. Don't forget to yell bingo if you got it. There's plenty of prizes. I also can't forget the school nurses. The school nurses are represented as well. So, the how um what what does this look like? So throughout the course of Sher and I's tenure, um we've always had certain buildings have had certain things in place. Um essentially we've had schools that

015have worked together close with their faculty for whatever reasons, whether it's being a school in need of improvement, uh or whether it's just that creativity of that that teacher and administrator relationship. Oh yeah, look at that. You're going to be busy. There has been. So most of the work that's done through our labor management group um is done at the local level which is in every school. I'm happy to report that every school in our district follow schedule do it in two trucks. That was good. Well done. Well played. Um most of the work that is done um is done on the local level in every school building. Um Clifton Public Schools has a local team in every building in our district um where we find any type of idea or problem and we create

016that solution which is there it is. You got two up there Shar. Um so this is like an umbrella and I'll show what that umbrella is. So again, we have our local teams and then we have that district team. And this is what our district collab team looks like. So again, we have our union president and our superintendent who are are are at the very top. But then we break down um into each individual school as well as um you know uh labor group. Throughout the throughout the course of my career here, I've been I've been in the district for 22 years. Sharon's been here for about 15 years. Um, we've seen a a tremendous change over the course of our tenure where a lot of decisions have become twos and threes and threes and

017fours. Um, there's always going to be that administrator centered decision like snow days. Unfortunately, Dr. Robert Totosey has that task of making that ultimate decision and he's right or wrong 50 to 50% of the population. However, with our weather watchers, which is one of our success stories, we've been able to get our information and we've been made better decisions for our our students. So, where that was solely a one is now more of a two and a three and we're even moving into the fours and fives. So again, this all comes with our wonderful work of working together with our faculty. It's really lovely as a teacher, especially I don't even want to say that out loud. A as a teacher, it's lovely to have a voice. It really is. So some of our accomplishments,

018we've been Shar and I have been with at this together as facilitators for two years. Um um these are some of our major accomplishments that we've accomplished at the district level. Um we're not going to highlight all of them, but uh there's certain ones on here that are absolutely fantastic. For example, at the high school level, we have cost-free summer school. We've reduced failure rates by 20%. Um and again, that just came up in conversations that we've had with our teachers. What is working? What is our best practice? We've also allowed or we've allow, you know, thanks to Mr. Shahada with we allow uh food on half days. We're feeding students that never had, you know, food on half days before. And those are all things that have come up through just having our our

019our quarterly meetings. They just started out as ideas, simple. A teacher would come up and say, "Hey, what if we did this?" And we were able to do it. It's it's really incredible what we've been able to accomplish. And again, every one of these um that success stories that we have on here benefits our students and there really is a lot more at the local levels. There's so much at the local levels that we didn't even list for you. So, there's been a lot of research and this started out um at the at Ruckers University and we have now um joined hands with not only Ruckers but the NJA as well. Um and what we're finding um or as as our our groups and other districts have progressed in this journey, we're finding that collaboration

020is bringing out better educational outcomes in both language arts and math. Um we're we're seeing that uh districts that do participate in labor management are getting more applicants and are not suffering from the teacher shortage. I'm not saying that we are not short teachers, but we're getting more applica uh applications on a regular basis than some of our colleagues in other districts. So, it's just a wonderful thing to share and broadcast out there that we have a partnership and a vested interest in both not only our students but our faculty as well. the teachers that are um involved at this at the local level also they're knowing that they have a voice that they can speak to their local admin and also they can reach the district collaborative with their ideas. It's been a gamecher

021because they actually are feeling heard and we're really we've really been trying to spread the word and this is another reason why we're here is we really want to spread the word and let everybody know what has been going on and what we're doing which brings us to our next part is sustaining the collaborative. So we have a great idea but how do we keep this idea blossoming? How do we get this to flourish? And what we need is everyone's help. you know, we would like to expand our group of 40 in into into more. Um, so we would like to branch out and have board representation um at our quarterly meetings, sometimes even in our local meetings. I think it's important that you guys see the collaboration, the collaborative efforts that we have uh

022between our building administrators, our faculty, our power professionals, and the partnerships and relationships that have fully blossomed. And that's all we have. Any questions? Thank you. I have uh Mr. Paris, mayor. Yes, sir. Dr. I just have no no questions but two comments. First, thank you so much uh Miss Morola, Mr. Jagger for outlining um what our district collaborative looks like. Two comments. Mr. Jagger mentioned that um teachers are more likely to apply to work in a district that is known to be more collaborative. There's another piece of that. We have shown that we are better at retaining those teachers, right? This is not the beall end all, but that is a factor, right? When teachers feel heard, there's a better chance they're going to stay um in in that district. And the second thing

023is when we started this work, and we started it when I first got here six years ago, it has obviously evolved into something um much bigger and better than we anticipated. But the goal was when Lori and I, Lori, Mr. Lam and I sat down, we said, "We want to make sure that we start this work that we do good things, but that it doesn't end whenever Miss Lama leaves or whenever I leave or whenever Sherry leaves or Andy leaves." And the goal is to build structures that maintain this beyond the personalities, right? And one thing we are asking of the board is that for next year we're going to formally request Mr. Paris a board representative to our district collaborative team which would almost be like a a committee report where that board member

024would give a report at the following board meeting about what they saw at the district collaborative. The only requirement would be that these these meetings are during the day. There's only four a year. So we would need somebody that um has a flexible enough schedule that they would be able to attend four meetings during the year. And I think that, you know, since Mr. Llama's decided to retire on us already and um, you know, and who knows, you know, I I was out for three months with uh with the medical issue this year. We want to make sure that this sustains beyond us and one way we do that is is getting the board involved. So, thank you guys. Really, very, very Thank you so much. [Applause] Thank you so much for that very enlightening

025presentation. Okay, we're going to move on to our next presentation of the night which is uh by Mr. Shahada. It's our an update to the budget presentation. Alex, I don't mind waiting. The student representative is here. Oh, is he here? Oh, okay. Mark, we'd like to invite you up. We We uh started without you before. Where is he? Oh, come on up. Good evening all. Thank you. Um, as I told Mr. Jingerro in the walkway, I do not have uh anything to report. I believe Mr. Olive was here about a week ago. uh that kind of nothing has happened nothing has changed since then that's noteworthy uh Mr. Mr. Hamda personally asked me to come just so that I could potentially give my input or uh see how the budget and the proposal new proposals

026to the budget can and will affect the students. So he just wants to get a student's eye view uh regarding that. That is why I'm here tonight. So I appreciate it but there is nothing uh of importance to say. Thank you. Okay. Thank you Mark. Mark, can I ask you a question before you leave? We only have a couple more meetings left before you graduate high school and just like to know if you could share with us if you have made plans what and what your plans are after high school. Uh yes, of course. It's a great question, Mr. Roberts. So, uh Dr. Robert, rather, please. Um yes. So, uh some of you uh may already know, but I don't believe I've told the board specifically. I'm personally going to Rice University in uh Houston,

027Texas to study business. Um, I did receive a full scholarship for uh four years through QuestBridge. Uh, which by the way uh if anyone in this room is a parent with a student going to college in the near future uh and is low to medium income, QuestBridge is a great um scholarship that you can apply to. It's a full ride scholarship. So, I I completely strongly recommend uh anyone and everyone that is eligible to apply to that. Um, and I will likely be staying down in Houston um, after uh, I graduate. There's a lot of great opportunities there. There's a lot of energy companies. I've heard there's great pipelines. Um, and other than that, you know, I haven't really made any other plans, but I haven't gotten too deep into it. But that's that's about

028as far as it goes. That's great news, Mark. Congratulations on a full scholarship. And I I know that no university is cheap, but I think Rice University is on the more expensive side. So to get a full ride is outstanding and just an example of the kind of education that you can earn at Lynen High School when you work hard. So congratulations, Mark. Thank you so much, Mark, for all your time this year and all your input this year and all the best for your future future at uh at Rice. Thank you very much. Uh it's been a pleasure to work with you guys. I know I still have one more meeting, but it's been an absolute pleasure. Uh and I'm very proud to represent Clifton. Very proud to uh be a Clifton High School

029alum. So, thank you very much, Mr. Paris. Apparently, I said Lynden High School. I don't I'm going to go back and look at the the the uh the the tape. Obviously, um that's my hometown where I grew up and graduated from, but um I meant Clifton High School. Yeah. Thank you, Mark. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, now I believe we can move to Mr. Shahada and his update to the budget presentation. Thank you, Mr. Paris. Welcome. Thank you. Won't be my day. [Music] Good evening, commissioners. As we gather tonight for the final budget presentation, I want to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation for your partnership, your trust, and your shared dedication to the mission we serve. Budget season is never easy, and this year brought more than its fair share of challenges. But through

030every uncertainty and every difficult situation, one truth has remained clear. The work we do matters. Not just in the abstract, but in the daily lives of students, families, and educators across Clifton. This is more than a budget. It is a reflection of who we are and what we stand for. It is a testament to the belief that every child deserves opportunity, every educator deserves support, and every dollar should work toward a more promising and stronger and more equitable school system. I remain humbled by the responsibility of helping steward this district's resources. And I remain proud of what this team has accomplished under these circumstances. What I present tonight is a plan grounded in our values, driven by need, and shaped by vision. It protects the classroom, uplifts our staff, and strengthens the foundation for tomorrow.

031Above all, it ensures that even in times of constraint, we lead with purpose and always with the students at the center. Here is the district at a glance. We have 25 facilities, 1,800 employees, and almost, excuse me, and almost 12,000 students. And of those, 3,500 are transported daily with 57 buses and vans in circulation and over a thousand student athletes and 160 clubs and activities. This is the budget schedule we followed this year. The preliminary budget was approved on March 13th. It was sent to the paper on April 25th and the last day to hold the public hearing is May 5th. This is the district's total budget for the 2526 year. All in, we are at $32 million. Roughly 270 million will come from the local tax levy and state aid. In addition to the

032revenue we get from the city and state, we also receive money from the federal government for specific programs. This totals an estimated $23 million. Here is how the revenue for the 2526 year will be spent. As you can see, our largest expenditure is salary and benefits, which equates to roughly 80% of our budget. Now, it's no secret that charter school numbers have drastically increased year-over-year. Here you will see a 5-year look back. In the past 5 years, we have seen a 17% increase in tuition and roughly a 10% increase in enrollment. Now, in collaboration with the facilities committee, these are the capital projects that we have slated for the 2526 school year. And just to clarify, these projects are not impacted by the proposed tax levy. Currently, we have one debt we are repaying and

033it is supposed to end in 25 uh 4546, excuse me. Now, at the direction of the finance committee on this agenda, you will see a proposed 3% increase. And based on the average assessed home in Clifton, this would equate to roughly $12 a month or $150 per year. This 3% also encompasses our legal amount of 2% and 1% of the new legislation allowing districts to go to their local fair share that was not utilized in past years. But it is extremely important to remember the 3% increase for the taxpayers is only based on our piece of the pie. It's crucial to highlight that the proposed 3% increase translates to only a 1.1% uptick in the on our piece of the pie. As of now, we stand at 49%, but this number will decrease when the

034city and county finalize their budgets. What has happened since March 13th, our preliminary budget hearing? Well, on March 28th, we received an email from the DOE stating that districts who are under their local fair share, such as Clifton, can now raise their taxes to recoup that entire amount without triggering a public vote. Our total amount that we could have recouped was roughly 40% or $54 million. And I want to be clear, at no point did this board or administration even entertain that thought. On March 31st, we received a press release from the governor's office indicating 20 districts that applied for late liquidation of CO money would have those funds rescended, leaving those districts on the hook. Clifton was one of those districts, and our amount was $11 million. But it is important to note that

035New Jersey has entered in a multi-state lawsuit seeking to recoup those funds. And finally, on April 15th, our insurance broker reached out and informed us that our prescription premium increased by an additional $1 million. This is on top of the $4 million increase that I reported to you guys back in March. Currently, our claims to premium ratio is 205%. In simple terms, this means the insurance company is spending more than $2 for every $1 collected in premium. Now, each district in the state is placed into a cohort that allows a state to compare district spending. Clifton is in cohort K through 12, 3500 plus. This means we are compared to other K through2 districts with a population of 3500 students or more. There are currently 96 districts in this cohort. And as you can see,

036Clifton in almost every category is in the bottom third in spending. Now, let's take a moment because I highlighted a few here that I think are really important and noteworthy. Per per pupil budget cost, 63 districts spend more than us. Classroom salary and benefits, 60 districts spend more than us. Total administration, 76 districts spend more than us. Administration, salaries and benefits, 77 spend more than us. Maintenance, 82 districts spend more than us. Ratio of students to classroom teachers, 45 spend more than us. Ratio of students to educational support personnel, 46 spend more than us. Ratio of students to administrative personnel, 42 spend more than us. And ratio of faculty to administrative personnel, 44 spend more than us. Now, what I find most interesting and something that I do want to highlight is that we have

037seen our below average spending on the pre on these slides. And I think we can all agree that we are below average in our cohort. But out of the 96 districts we are compared to, we are the 12th largest district in the entire state. Not just the 96, all 560 some odd districts we have in the state. What does this mean? This means that year overyear we have done more with less. We are in the bottom third in spending but in the top 10% in population. Based on the state's metrics, we should have more teachers, more administrators, and spending more in each category previously shown. Now, if the board proceeds with a 3% increase, we can maintain operations while preserving all programs and services. However, a 2% increase will require a cutting approximately $1.5 million

038impacting student programs, essential services, and the stability of our health benefit program. Let's just take a moment. I know I showed you guys these slides last time, but I want everybody just take a look one more time. A 1% increase would require $3 million in cuts. Everything mentioned up to and including staff. opting for a 0% increase would necessitate cutting roughly $4.5 million significantly affecting our ability to sustain the current level of operation and student support. Now, every year I meet with department heads, principles, and supervisors and discuss their needs for the upcoming school year. This year, understanding the financial constraints we would be under, our central administrative team had to unfortunately deny the pos the addition of these crucial positions. This was not because we wanted to say no. This is because the budget

039would not allow the inclusion of these positions. I'm just going to read them out loud so everybody can we're on the same page. Paraprofessionals, autism teachers, resource room teachers, speech teachers, behaviorists, child study team members, secretaries, preschool disabled teachers, content coaches, bilingual teachers, basic skills instruction teachers, music teachers, media and reading specialists, registration and doicile investigators, and assistant principles. All in, this is about $14.6 $6 million. Now, here you will see some of the districts across the state and how much they are proposing to raise taxes. These uncertain times are not Clifton specific. Nearly every district in the state is hurting right now. And as we conclude tonight's presentation, I want to thank you again, not only for your time and attention, but for your continued commitment to the children, families, and staff of Clifton

040Public Schools. This budget is not perfect. No budget ever is, but it is intentional. It reflects difficult choices grounded in fairness, equity, and a steadfast belief in the power of public education to transform lives. We are facing one of the most uncertain fiscal environments in recent memory. But even in the face of rising costs, unfunded mandates, and unpredictable aid, our priorities remain clear. Keep students first, protect the classroom, and support our staff and act responsibly with taxpayer dollars. The road ahead will require vigilance, flexibility, and collective resolve. But I truly believe that with the leadership of this board and the strength of this community, Clifton will continue to do what it always has done. Rise to the challenge, serve with purpose, and deliver on the promise of public education. Thank you for the opportunity to

041allow me to speak tonight, guys. I look forward to your questions and discussion. [Applause] Okay, I'll open floor to questions. Commissioner Bassford. Um, thank you, Mr. Shahada for a very outstanding and very comprehensive deep dive into the information that we all requested. as um we know on this board that we have the ability to go to adequacy if we wanted to as a board. Um I'm going to ask you to please explain what that is to the to the um community what adequacy would be and in order to reach adequacy how much would this board need to raise taxes and the amount with our authority? Yes. Uh so adequacy is the number that the state derives based on a plethora of of facts of what the locality should be paying in conjunction with what the

042state aid they get. So ours I believe is around $197 million is what we would be completely adequate on the local side. Uh turns out to I believe 38.34% or $54 million. Okay. So we technically as a board if we wanted to get to adequacy we'd have to raise taxes 3 8.34%. Thank you and Miss Bassford for the first time ever the state has given the board the authority to do that which is the community doesn't right the community doesn't know that that's why I wanted to bring it that we're allowed to go up to 30 38%. Could you imagine? I couldn't imagine what we could do with 38%. But I I I know that the nine people that I serve with or the eight other people that I serve with, we are phys we

043are fiscally responsible. From your presentation, look what we have done. We have done more with less since the 14 years that I've sat in the seat because May of 2020 14 is is uh 14 years ago. Um we're sitting here 14 years and and I know what it was like. I think it was like $8,000 a student. Look where we are now and our children look at our student representative. And one other thing that I'd like to know, Dr. Robotazi, before the end of the year, if you could, this has nothing to do with the budget. If you could give us a list and and a figure of how much our kids have gotten in scholarship because I think the community needs to know that as well. Absolutely. Happy to do that. I do get

044those figures and I will share with you. I'll share with the board and the community. That's it. Thank you. Anyone else? All right. Okay. Then we'll move on to um committee reports. Uh the first is facilities committee. And can we please have uh Commissioner Brunak read those minutes? Thank you, Mr. President. Facilities committee convened on April 9th, 2025. Those present were myself, Commissioner Bassford, Commissioner Ciano, President Paris, Mr. Jenger, Mr. Shiada, Mr. Capi, Mr. Ovido, Mr. Toronto, Mr. Watkins. Referendum update. Carpet at CCMS is complete. PSC is going to fix the panel on spring break and the contractor will be removing the boiler. School 8, new power was installed. New electrical panel was also installed. School 9, we are waiting on PSENG for power switch over. School 15, during the spring break, ceiling grid in

045the gym will be removed and the boiler will be removed. School 2 and 12 awaiting PSEG to hook up new power. School 13, April 1st, new power is to be connected. PNG updates at Columbus on Monday, April 14th. Methusac flooring will begin refinishing on the stages wooden floor. Cost was $16,918. Bloomfield Japery will install the flame proof fire retardant stage curtains and side windows curtains to be completed on approximately April 28th, 2025. High school sidewalk outside of the new music suite will be replaced the week of April 21st. Rooftop seven and eight that control science room, computer room, TV studio, and control room have been completed and are up and running. In the administrative building, due to the agent upgrade to the district, Hutchkins upgraded the HVAC system in the district server room. Cost was

046$44,630. Does anybody have any questions? Mr. Brun, I would just like to say that the sidewalk at the high school was repaired. Thank you. So that's already done. Thank you. I walked on them Tuesday night and they're wonderful. Um, any other questions for Commissioner Brunzak? No. Okay. Uh, next policy, please. Commissioner Suarez. Thank you, President Paris. Uh, the policy committee met on April 16th. Board members, uh, present were Commissioner Bassford, myself, Comm uh, Vice President Santiago, and Commissioner Mahia. Administration and attendance were Dr. Robert Totosey, Mr. Shahada, and Mr. Jen Garrow. The meeting started at 4:15. Um, we didn't discuss much. There's just one thing on the the report. The committee was in favor of the policy verbiage update. All other organizations or persons granted the use of school shall make payment within 30 days

047of use, and the CBOE has the right to revoke the permit if payment falls outside the 30-day period. The committee was in favor in a first and second reading due to the minor change proposed. The meeting ended at 4:30 p.m. Thank you, Commissioner Suarez. Any questions? Okay, seeing none, moving on to uh the minutes from residency, security, and technology, Commissioner Ciano, please. Thank you. The meeting took place on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025, and began at 5:03 p.m. In attendance from the administration were Marching, Michael Doctor, Megan Zenola, and Eric Mountain. Board of Education members in attendance were Vice President Santiago, Commissioner Kenova, Commissioner Ciano, and Commissioner Suarez. Mr. Doctor explained that 14 non-residents have been identified and removed from the district since the committee's last meeting. He also updated the committee that preK seats for

048next school year are quickly filling up. Once full, a waiting list will be created if additional spots become available. Finally, Mr. Doctor shared information about a company who specializes in recruiting a district students back to the district from charter pario and choice schools. It was a broad overview and additional information needed before further committee discussion. Mr. Mountain updated the committee that all technology items needed for the new middle school have been ordered and are being prepped for installation. He also explained that referendum technology upgrades are almost completed with just some finetuning being done. Miss Anola explained that the drill of the month was completed this month with fidelity throughout the district. She also discussed the potential expanded use of our weapons detection system. More discussion will be forthcoming at future committee meetings. Mr. Null will

049also discuss potential additional responsibilities for security specialists. More discussion will occur at future meetings. The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m. Thank you, Commissioner Ciano. Any questions? Okay, seeing none, move on to uh finance minutes. Uh, Commissioner Santiago, please. Thank you, President Paris. Finance committee was held on April 28th. In attendance were Commissioner Bruniaak, Commissioner Kenova, President Paris, and myself, Dr. Roberts, Mr. Jenaro, Mr. Shiada, and Mr. Usi were also in attendance. The meeting started at 4:00 and ended at 5:00 p.m. First item was budget update. The finance committee convened to review and discuss updates and preparation for the upcoming budget presentation. The committee engaged in a thorough and thoughtful discussion taking into account the developments and fiscal considerations that have emerged since the preliminary budget hearing. This included updated increas increasing operational costs that continue

050to impact the district's ability to maintain essential programs and services. The committee weighed various options and scenarios with a focus on balancing fiscal responsibility with the district's commitment to deliver delivering highquality education. After careful deliberation, the finance committee is recommending that the board consider a 3% tax levy increase in the proposed final budget. This recommendation reflects the committee's assessment of the district's long-term financial stability, the need to preserve staffing and student programming, and the economic realities facing the community. The committee will formally present this recommendation to the full board today, May 1st, uh for further discussion and potential adoption. Thank you, Commissioner Santiago. Any questions, comments? Okay, seeing none, I'm going to move on to the naming committee. Uh the naming committee met on April 4th and its purpose was to make a recommendation for

051uh our new middle school name which is at the former Paul V 6th high school site on Valley Road. Um the committee was made up of four board members, myself, Commissioner Bassford, Commissioner Brunac, Commissioner Santiago, uh an administrator each from Christopher Columbus and Woodjo Wilson Middle Schools. Uh two faculty members, one each from Christopher Columbus, one from Woodjo Wilson Middle School. uh two parents from sending districts that will be uh sending their students to the new school and a student from CHS. Um a number of names were submitted for consideration. Uh Bob Foster, Jen Lucas had three submissions. Uh Mark Teen, Thomas Mullen, John Samra and also there were two names uh nonrelated to people. one was Caring Valley and and three recommendations for Maple Valley. Um although the nomination committee uh felt the individuals

052note uh that were proposed were noteworthy and exemplary Clifton School and community members. The committee felt that Maple Valley would be a timeless and Clifton community connected name in accordance with the facility uh our new accordance with the facility naming precedence. The ad hoc committee consist I mentioned who they were. Sorry. Um all applications meeting policy guidelines were reviewed and considered according to our policy 7660. Um, several notable school and community members which I just mentioned were nominated. In addition, two names other than individuals, Maple Valley and Carring Valley were submitted. The committee noted that this facility is a leased facility by the district and would most likely sometime in the future revert to another use. It was also noted that there were no schools named in the district currently that bore the name of

053a local individual. Only existing facilities within schools currently bear an individual's name. For example, the Shersin Media Center at Clifton High School, the John Greco Auditorium at Christopher Columbus Middle School, the Robert Morgan Band Room at Clifton High School, Joseph uh the Joseph Greco Field at Clifton Stadium, and soon to be uh Coach John Ponty's track at Clifton Stadium. The committee unanimously chose Maple Valley Middle School as it represents the geographic and historical connection to to the community and the symbolism of the maple trees association to strength and endurance as well as the reflection of a student's journey through the seasons of learning roots and foundational knowledge and broad branches of growth representing a students expanding opportunities and aspirations. Uh the recommendation was respectfully submitted to Dr. Robert Toysey uh who approved and currently in

054later in uh on our agenda the formal resolution will be voted on. Any question board members? Okay. Thank you. Um this takes us to the public recognition portion of the meeting. 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 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 a response will be forthcoming if and when appropriate. The board asks that members of the comm uh members

055of the public be courteous and mindful of 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 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, do we motion to close online? Okay, so motion to close online. No one's in in the room. By Commissioner Bassford, seconded by Commissioner Brunak. Um, now would like to open the floor to anyone here

056in person who'd like to approach our table and make their comments. You have five minutes. There we go. Good evening to all. My name is Lori Lamman. from the president of the best union here in the state of New Jersey, Clifton EA. I was very happy to read tonight's agenda that the finance committee wrote a resolution for 3%. However, I would like to make an another percentage up. Since this is my last budget discussion, I'm going to advocate for and speak in support of a necessary response for 4%. I'm going to up the ante a little. This is an important increase to our school budget. An investment that will move us closer to meeting the educational needs of every student in this district. To understand this increase is essential. We first must understand the concept

057and Mr. Shahada, thank you very much for your um definition. The concept of adequacy is defined by the state of New Jersey under the school funding reform act SFR. Each district is given an ade adequacy budget which represents the state's estimate of what it costs to provide a thorough and efficient education which is a constitutional right for every child in the state of New Jersey. This adequacy value isn't a guess. It's a calculated figure based on real measurable factors. a base per pupil amount, student needs such as economic disadvantage, English language learners, special ed, grade level weights, and even regional cost of living adjustments. The state then calculates what local taxpayers should reasonably be expected to contribute, known as the local fair share, and the difference is ideally made up through state aid. But here's

058the challenge. In 2023, report by the New Jersey Policy Perspective found that Clifton's funding was below adequacy by about two $2,275 per student. That's a significant shortfall when you multiply it across the thousands of students in our district. The same report attributes this gap to two main causes. the state not fully funding its own formula and the formula itself not being adequate to reflect today's educational realities. So if we multiply the $2,275 by 11,000 students, it's only a merely $25 million rounded down a little. Dr. Robert Toy at the previous meeting highlighted that Clifton has historically contributed less in local school taxes than many neighboring districts. At the same time, May 2024, Clifton Times article reported that Clifton spends less per student than 70% of the districts in New Jersey. We were not being efficient

059when we were still underfunded, but for our students, a 4% increase isn't about luxury. It's about adequacy. It's about moving closer to the baseline of what our students should be getting. It will help us close funding gaps, support essential services, and retain highquality educators, provide students with the resources they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. I truly thank you for the 3%, but the state has given us a possibility to increase this number. I'm not going for the 30, 30, or 40%. 4% I'll be happy with. So, I urge you to view the proposed increase not as a burden, but as a step toward educational equity and responsibility. Let's make sure Clifton students get the education they not only need but deserve. And in addition, so everybody's getting named. We have Maple Valley for

060the middle school. How about Lori Lama elevator? When is that coming? I don't want to see Otis written on that elevator. It's going to be Lori L O R I Lama. So, I'm just saying hopefully it's done before I will go to PSNG personally and make sure there is. Thank you very much. Have a good evening. Thank you. Welcome. Come on up. Hi. Uh, my name is Virginia Sheen Mickey. Uh, known to Miss S to the kids I teach at school 11. I'm here with my mother and both of us are Clifton residents with no children in the public school system. Actually, everyone in my family attended Catholic school. everyone except my brother Jay, who was diagnosed with autism when he was four. Jay's Clifton School career was challenging as back then communication and impulse

061control were hard for him. The Clifton Special Education Department partnered with my mom and helped give him the things he desperately needed like smaller classes with modified curriculums, a oneto-one paraprofessional, and the tools to transition from school to the working world. Jay graduated in 2008 and we are so grateful for all the opportunities Clifton gave him, many of which may not have been available at every other public school. That said, it wasn't all perfect. And when I became a special education teacher, I wanted to build on that foundation of respect and compassion that Clipton had shown my family and do even better. As it turns out, so did Clifton. In my blessed and lucky 13 years working in the same district that educated my brother, I have found a culture of collaboration and growth. I

062have been trained in programs such as nurtured heart which builds students inner resilience while redirecting their intensity in positive ways as they learn to manage their emotions and increase their self-regulation. I use the secondstep social emotional learning curriculum which teaches my young students to recognize their feelings, develop empathy for each other and give age appropriate coping mechanisms for handing handling difficult emotions. I find myself often saying if only my brother had this. The good going on in our own backyard does not stop there. I am a proud member of our PBIS team of which school 11 is the district model and we have databased evidence of growth from our efforts with plans to improve. Our media specialists provide our students not only with wonderful books, but literacybased lessons and maker space opportunities that help students

063develop realworld skills such as problem solving, collaboration, and creativity. Through hard work and commitment, our Clifton cheer team has won three consecutive state championships while demonstrating athleticism, enthusiasm, and teamwork. Our Mustang band is award-winning, and video of their performance coupled with a science lesson on sound made even our most distractable students interested. We're we've even served as a model for other school districts both through school 11's PBIS rare day celebration and our district level collaborative team which have been highlighted as examples of effective practice. So it's no wonder we were named number 12 on 100 best places to live and that our schools were number three on that list. Our world is changing. It's not the same place it was just a short time ago. Just as there were glows and grows from when my

064brother was in the district, we need to recognize both our good and strive to do better. We need growth, not stasis, and definitely not cutbacks. We need the 4%. As a property owner and taxpayer, I do not say this lightly, but our one Clifton children deserve to be prepared to thrive in the world we're handing them. They're going to be us one day. The people that bag our groceries, fix our pipes, teach our children, perform lifesaving medical procedures, and also take care of us when we're in retirement homes. Do right by them. Thank you for your time and your hard work. Thank you. Is there anyone else who would like to speak this evening? I may need a little more. I'll try to do my best to make sure you understand. Uh, first of all,

065I'd like to say thank you to Mr. Shahada for his presentation. Uh, I do have a couple questions before I'd like to say something. So, uh, first of all, I wanted to ask what the transportation hub expense was, that $535,000 expense. Can I answer? I like it. Normally, we don't do question and answer, but go ahead. We may all be We'll make an exception since it's budget week. Go ahead. Uh so that transportation hub that is money that we allocated from capital reserve from last budget to this budget. So we purchased a property right next to our current transportation hub 94 Silven A. Uh we are we are closing on the building actually Tuesday in that back room. Uh so the money we need is because it's not going to be done officially through all

066the lawyers and all that legal ease stuff. So the money is going to go past July or rather June 30th. So we have to repull it back out because that money reverts back to our account after June 30th. Okay. I understand. Um my second question was regarding the adequacy. Uh how do we know how long the board will have this power to uh raise the taxes? Is it only for this year or will that uh extend over the course of the next couple years? I'll answer that. It's only for this year right now. It they may choose to redo it in the future, but right now it's just a oneshot opportunity. Okay. Thank you so much, Mr. Paris. Um, and I think that just kind of adds to the urgency and I'd like to thank

067um, Miss Lori Llama for uh, bringing it up, but uh, I'd like to give my view as a student of the proposed budget increase. Um, and I would like to advocate for the 4% increase. Um, I'd like to take a look at some of the stats Mr. Shahada presented. Um, other districts are increasing their taxes 4% 8% 30%. We even saw our neighboring um district pake. I believe they increased it by 4% or whereabouts. I think it would be a completely warranted uh increase and I'd like uh to implore you all to take a a look into some of the successes we've had uh in investing in our students. I believe it is uh an utmost concern to invest in our students. I'd like to uh bring up Chewy. Chewy and the service dog teams

068uh were a very recent investment into our student body and as Dr. Roberts as Mr. Jenger will tell you it has been a tremendous success uh in improving the quality of life of our students. Uh and it is it's really important to to make sure that students uh get all the resources they deserve. Uh it helps to build a community within the high school and taking away uh clubs or grants um will break down what is already a struggling uh community within the high school. Um and some of the proposed cuts for the 1% or 0% or 2% are are quite frankly uh outrageous to me. I would hate to uh see clubs get defunded, sports get defunded. Um, and it it's I just I would like to say that um I firmly and strongly

069stand uh with the 4% increase and if not from a teacher, if not from an educator, if not from a parent, I would like you to hear it from a student. Uh I believe that it is necessary. Thank you very much. Thank you, [Applause] Mark. There anyone else who would like to speak this evening? Motion motion to close by Commissioner Mahia. Second, seconded by Commissioner Brunak. Uh, next is adoption of minutes. We're going to I'm going to bundle these two items together, the minutes of April 8th and April 10th. So, I'm looking for a motion to approve both. Motion by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Mahia. Uh, roll call. Mr. Shashad, Miss Bassford, yes. Mr. Brunac, yes. Mr. Kenova, yes. Dr. Danny, yes. Mr. Mahia, yes. Mr. Ciano, yes. Mr. Suarez, yes. Vice President Santiago,

070yes. President Paris, yes. Motion carries. Thank you. Um, Dr. Roberts, your report time. Thank you, Mr. Paris. Good evening, commissioners and members of the one Clifton community. uh very brief tonight because we did have two presentations. I just want to publicly once again thank Miss Morola, Mr. Jagger for the outstanding presentation on our district labor management collaborative. Um it has I believe transformed our district in many ways and quite frankly we're only scratching the surface of how um good it can be. And second um a big thank you to Mr. Shiada uh for that outstanding presentation tonight. It was he took what was very is very difficult material to understand. He made it clear. He made it concise. Um and he made it authentic to uh to our lives. So Mr. Sha, outstanding job with

071the presentation tonight. Um you've done all you can do. administration's done all we can do to express um you know what we believe is necessary and ultimately board of education members will will vote and will make a decision that they believe is right and we absolutely respect that decision whatever that decision is so um that's all I have for tonight Mr. Paris, thank you very much. Yes. I don't have the numbers. Could you share? You want Mr. Shahada to share? Yeah. Mr. Shadow, could you share? Um, we discussed at our last board meeting um the meals that we fed students over spring break. Okay. And um I I was supposed to put it in my report and I didn't. So, I know Mr. knows the numbers and I will say this, it was much more

072successful than we ever dreamed it would be. So, Mr. Chowder, please. Uh, so for that week of spring break when we were piloting the lunch program at school 17 and I believe Christopher Columbus, uh, 1,400 meals were distributed to students in our district and 238 were sent to the code blue warming center for the unhoused population. So, I just want to thank the board for being on board with this. Um, you guys are changing lives and we sincerely appreciate it. Thank you, Mr. Shahada. Um, I'll reserve my comments for the end as I usually do. Um, any unfinished business? All right, seeing none, we'll move on to uh, education and administration. We have a lot of special recognitions this month. Um, so we're going to start with May 5th is teacher appreciation week. Uh, Commissioner

073Brunac, please read that. Thank you, Mr. President. Whereas teachers mold future citizens through guidance and education and whereas teachers encounter students of widely differing backgrounds and whereas our country's future depends on providing quality education to all students. And whereas teachers spend countless hours preparing lessons, evaluating progress, counseling and coaching students, and performing community service. And whereas our community recognizes and supports its teachers in educating the children of this community. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the CL Clifton Board of Education proclaims May 5th, 2025 to be teacher appreciation week. And be it further resolved that the Clifton Board of Education strongly encourages all members of our community to join with it in personally expressing appreciation to our teachers for their dedication and devotion to their work. Thank you, Commissioner Brunak. Um, next is May 7th

074is National School Nurse Day. Commissioner Suarez, could you please read that? Yes. Thank you, President Harris. I do. Okay. Whereas students are the future and by investing in them today, we are ensuring our world for tomorrow. And whereas families deserve to feel confident that their children will be cared for when they are at school. And whereas all students have a right to have their physical and mental health needs safely met while in the school setting. And whereas students today face more complex and life-threatening health problems requiring care in school. And whereas school nurses have served a critical role in improving public health and ensuring students academic su success for more than 120 years. And whereas school nurses address the home and community factors such as social determinants that impact students health. And whereas school nurses

075are professional nurses that advance the well-being, academic success, and lifelong achievements of all students by serving on the front lines and providing a critical safety net for our nation's most fragile children. And whereas school nurses act as a liaison to the school community, families, and health care providers on behalf of children's health by promoting wellness, improving and in improving health outcomes for our nation's children. And whereas school nurses support the health and educational success of children and youth by providing access to care when children's cognitive development is at its peak. And whereas school nurses are members of school-based teams such as school health services, 504 and IEP plans, disaster emergency planning, providing care coordination to address the school population, and whereas school nurses understand the link between health and learning and are in a position

076to make a positive difference for children every day. Therefore, be it resolved that the National Association of School Nurses celebrates and acknowledges the accomplishments of school nurses everywhere and their efforts to meet the needs of today's students by providing and advocating for quality student centered care and offers gratitude for the nation's school nurses who contribute to our local communities by supporting students to stay healthy in school safe and ready to learn and keeping parents and guardians at work, not just on this National School Nurse Day, but in every opportunity throughout the year. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Clifton Board of Education encourages all district students and staff to observe Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 as school nurse day. Thank you, Commissioner Suarez. Uh, special education week starts um on May May 11th through 17th.

077Um, Commissioner Bassford, could you please read that? Thank you, President Paris. My pleasure. Special education week, May 11th through May 17, 2025. resolved that the Clipton Board of Education accepts the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools to recognize special education week in New Jersey for May 11th to the 17th, 2025. Whereas the New Jersey New Jersey School Boards Association theme for this week is planting the seed of education. Whereas, we would like to take the opportunity to recognize the achievement of our state's 232,000 students with special needs and the dedicated collaborative work of their teachers, school personnel, parents, and other professionals. Whereas our many teachers, child study teams, par profofessionals, administrators, school personnel, transportation staff, and the board of education provide ongoing support and assistance to our students. resolved. We in Clifton and the most

078fortunate are most fortunate to have such amazing staff to help our students with special needs reach their potential and become su and become successful citizens. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Bassford. May is also mental health awareness month. Uh Commissioner Ciano, could you please read that proclamation? Absolutely. Thank you so much. Whereas May marks mental health awareness month, a time dedicated to addressing the struggles experienced by millions of Americans dealing with mental health conditions. Whereas since its establishment in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has played a crucial role in combating stigma, providing support, spreading public awareness, and pushing for policies that prioritize the welfare of those affected by mental illness. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Clifton Board of Education recognizes the month of May as mental health awareness month. Thank you, Commissioner Ciano. May

079is also AsianAmericans and Pacific Islanders Month. Whereas the people of the United States join together each May to pay tribute to the contributions of generations of the Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders who have enriched the history of this nation. And whereas the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community is an inherently diverse population composed of more than 45 distinct ethnicities and more than 100 language dialects. And whereas it is imperative for the good of our nation that schools continue to build awareness and understanding of the contributions made by Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. And whereas celebrating AsianAmerican and Pacific Islander Heritage Month provide the students and school community an opportunity to recognize the achievements, contributions, and history of and to understand the challenges faced by Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. And whereas the Clifton Board of Education through its core

080values and implementation of culturally responsive practices demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within our school district. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Clifton Board of Education officially recognizes the month of May as Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. May is also Jewish American Heritage Month. Commissioner Santiago, please read that proclamation. Thank you, President Paris. May is Jewish-American Heritage Month, established by the United States Congress to recognize a a more than 360ear history of Jewish contributions to American culture. Whereas Jewish Americans in the face of unspeakable discrimination and adversity have fought fears tirelessly, sorry, to realize the promise of the nation's freedom and continue to teach us empathy and compassion inspired by their parents and grandparents. And whereas Jewish Americans have helped bring about enduring progress in every aspect of society, shaping our

081country's character and embodying the values we hold dear. And whereas Jewish communities continue to confront hostility and bigotry. And whereas determined to confront racism, many Jewish Americans found a cause in the civil rights movement in a call for freedom and justice. And whereas we recognize the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, which acknowledges the achievements of American Jews in the fields ranging from sports and arts and entertainment to medicine, business, science, government, and military service. Now, therefore, be a resolve that the Clifton School District Board of Education affirms May as Jewish American Heritage Month. Thank you, Commissioner Santiago. My pleasure. Um, it's my honor to read the naming of newly acquired Third Middle School as Maple Valley Middle School proclamation. Whereas the Clifton Board of Education has recently acquired a facility to serve as

082a district's third middle school. And whereas the board established an ad hoc commi naming committee composed of stakeholders to review potential names for the new school facility in accordance with Clifton Board of Education policy 7660 naming of school facilities. And whereas the ad hoc naming committee conducted its work with transparency and community input ultimately recommending the name Maple Valley Middle School. And whereas the naming process adhere to all technical specifications, requirements, and procedural guidelines as set forth in policy 7660. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Clifton Board of Education hereby approves the name Maple Valley Middle School for the district's newly acquired third middle school facility. And be it further resolved that the superintendent and district administration are authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this resolution, including but not limited to updating

083all relevant records, signage, and public communications. In addition, we have a resolution to adopt a revised school attendance uh zoning plan. Whereas the Clifton Board of Education is committed to ensuring equitable access to highquality educational opportunities for all students and to responsibly and to responsible planning for future enrollment trends and facility usage. And whereas statistical forecasting LLC was retained by the Clifton Public Schools to conduct a comprehensive demographic study projecting grade bygrade enrollments from the 2025 through 20 202526 through 2029 30 school years. And whereas statistical forecasting completed a thorough review and analysis of multiple data sets and trends including community population trends, age structure, demographic characteristics, historical enrollment patterns districtwide by grade level and by individual school. Trends related to race and poverty status. Historical birth counts and fertility rates by attendance area. Student

084yields by housing types, including one to four family homes, town homes, condominiums, apartments. The impact of new housing developments, current and projected school building capacities, student residential patterns based on geocoded address data from the 2019, 2020, and 2024, 2025 school years, and revision of middle school attendance boundaries to accommodate the opening of a new middle school. And whereas the purpose of the study was to ensure balanced enrollment, efficient use of district facilities, and thoughtful planning in light of community growth and the opening of the new middle school. And whereas the board has reviewed the findings of the demographic study and the proposed revisions to the school attendance zones and sending schools. Now therefore be it resolved that the Clifton Board of Education hereby formally adopts the revised school attendance zones and sending school designations as

085outlined in the demographic study conducted by Statistical Forecasting LLC effective beginning with the 2025 2026 school year and be it further resolved that the superintendent and administration are authorized to take all necessary steps to implement the revised boundaries and to communicate the changes. to students, families, and staff in a timely and transparent manner. Right. Um the rest of these, uh I'm sure everybody's reviewed. So, I'd be looking for a motion to approve under education items number one through 12. Uh, President Harris, I would like to uh do a um suspend make a motion to suspend our bylaw 0131 for EA9 um just for this vote and then to reinstate the uh policy 0131 our bylaw to have this first and second reading. That's my motion. Oh, okay. So, this would be considered first second reading.

086Uh anyone second that? Second. Okay. Uh motion to combine first and second reading for the for policy 7510 proposed by Commissioner Bassford seconded by Yes. Commissioner Brunette. Do we do a separate roll call for this line or no or not? No, we're just modifying this particular No, no, it is already first and second reading on the agenda. Miss Bassford is just suspending the policy because we're supposed to have two separate meetings. Yeah. So, yes, we should. The vote would be yes to agree to suspending the policy. Okay. Yes. Vote just to suspend the policy. So that we can so that we can vote first and second reading. My motion was to suspend the bylaw 131 just for EA9 for this meeting and to reinstate it right away so that future bylaw the amendments will go

087the right way with two meetings. Suspended for this meeting and this vote. Reinstated immediately following. Um, roll. Anyone discussion? Any questions? Okay. Roll call. Mr. Shahad. Miss Massford. Yes. Mr. Brunzak. Yes. Mr. Kenova. Yes. Dr. Danny. Yes. Mr. Mia. Yes. Mr. Yes. M. Suarez? Yes. Vice President Santiago? Yes. President Paris? Yes. Motion carries. Um, yes. I'm sorry. Um, Mr. Shahada, I should have abstained from uh B education item number 10, please. Uh, President Paris, we haven't gotten to the formal vote for all of them. This was just Why didn't you get that home? That's next. Okay. I thought we were doing the whole group at this point. No, just the just because you had to do the suspension of the bylaw first. Okay. Yeah, you can do the whole group. Okay, now we're voting on

088the whole group. I'm sorry. Um, so a motion to approve items 1 through 12 under um I'm sorry. Yeah, under B education administration. Motion. Motion by uh Commissioner Danny, seconded by Commissioner Mahia. Any discussion? Okay, roll call. Mr. Shock, Miss Passford. Uh, yes to all abstaining on my name only on E10. Mr. Brentiac, yes to everything except EA9. No on EA9. Mr. Kenova, yes. Dr. Danny, yes. Mr. Mia, yes. Mr. Ciano, yes. Miss Suarez, yes. Vice President Santiago, yes. Abstain on EA10. President Paris, uh, yes. Abstain on uh B10. Motion carries. Thank you. Okay, moving on to personnel. I'm looking for a motion to approve items one through 30. 30. Motion. Motion to approve by Commissioner Brenak, seconded by Commissioner Suarez. Discussion. Hearing none. Roll call. Mr. Shad. Miss Bassford. Uh, yes. I'm abstaining on

089uh P23. That's an abstension on that. That's uh handled with care. I don't like the program because adversives. It's a whole You know how I feel about that, Danny. And I'm abstaining on my name only of P30. P27. Thank you, Mr. Bruniac. Yes. Abstain on P27, my name only. Mr. Kenova. Yes. Dr. Danny. Yes. Mr. Mahia. Yes. Obstaining on P 27. My name only. Mr. Ciano. Yes. Abstaining on my name only. P27. Miss Suarez. Yes. Abstaining on P27. My name only and P28. Uh, Vice President Santiago. Yes. Abstain on P28, P29. President Paris. Uh, yes. Abstain my name only 27 and also on 28. Motion carries. Thank you. Okay. Our next group is finance and facilities. Looking for a motion to approve items 1 through 16. Motion. Motion to approve by Commissioner Brunak. Second. Um

090I want to make a motion to have um F7 as a separate vote. That's the budget. Second. Yeah. Okay. So we'll remove item seven for a separate vote and discussion. So the motion has been second. Anybody second that? Second. Commissioner Mahia second it. Commissioner Bassford made the motion. We will now be voting on items 1 through 16 excluding items seven for followup. We need a vote on P7. Okay. We vote on Okay. going to ask. We need to vote first. I'm pulling P7 for a separate vote. All right. So, this is just a vote to vote on it separately. Right. Right. Thank you. Yeah. We'll have discussion. Vote on it separately. The budget. Okay. Take a quick roll call on that. Miss Bassford. Yes. To have a separate vote on uh P7. Mr. Bruniac. Yes.

091Mr. Kenova? Yes. Dr. Danny? Yes. Mr. Mia? Yes. For a separate vote. Mr. Ciano? Yes. M. Wararez? Yes. And thank you, Commissioner Bassford, cuz I I was pausing before cuz I also wanted to do that. Wasn't sure what the protocol was. So, thank you. Vice President Santiago, yes. President Paris, yes. Motion carries. Okay. So, could we um we're going to vote on the rest of them at this point. Um so, a motion to approve 1 through 16. Uh accepting item seven for now. Motion to move the group except for seven. Commissioner Ratford, seconded by Commissioner Dr. Danny, any discussion? Roll call. Mr. Shahada. Miss Bassford. Yes. Mr. Brent, yes. Mr. Kenova, yes. Dr. Danny, yes. Mr. Mahia, yes. Mr. Ciano, yes. I'm going to abstain on F3 because my company made a donation an F-16

092check 222038. [Music] Miss Suarez. Yes. Vice President Santiago, yes. President Paris, yes. Abstain on 15, item 5431. Motion carries. Thank you, Mr. Shahada. Thank you. Okay, so that brings us to item seven. So, do we want to discuss first or or make a motion first before we start discussion? Motion to um move seven. Motion move seven by Commissioner Bassford. Second. Second by Commissioner Brunak. discussion. Commissioner Suarez as a group um I guess is this the time to bring up the potential uh I'm even going to propose like going up doing the 4% as um CA suggests is this the time to discuss that because this is the once and on potentially once in a lifetime opportunity to take advantage of the um higher tax rate. So, I just wanted to bring that up as an

093option. Yeah, you can modify the F7 that Miss Basker did and make it four, five, six, 22. Okay. So, you would need So, your motion would be to I guess I I want the discussion, right? because I mean I'm not going to make a motion for a specific percentage without input from my colleagues. So I guess I I think the discussion this would be the time to discuss. Okay, that's what I thought. Thank you. So would you like the floor? Um well I just I sure I'll have the floor. Um you know I I think it's worth entertaining a 4% increase just because this is the opportunity to do so. We're talking about future generations here. um not just next year but the impact that it can have going forward. Um I I appreciate every

094educator, student, community member that has spoken about this um from weeks past and until today and I hear them and I really understand their needs and concerns. Um and just currently right now public education is in jeopardy and if we can have a safe space to say we have an opportunity to increase money for our district right now, I think it's worth taking advantage of. Um, and um, I would just love that's my opinion. So, I just wanted to share that with my colleagues and bring that up for discussion. Okay. Anyone else? I have a question. Yes, commission. Motion it. Bring it up for a motion. Um, um, I did have uh, one more question. U, basically when I was driving here, I was listening to the presentation. Um, the 3% is basically just to

095get us by, correct? Nothing else basically added on except for what you mentioned before. Correct. That is with the increase in the prescription that I informed you guys about on the 15th. All right. Thank you. Any other discussion? Yeah. But we did know about the the prescription increase in the last meeting. We knew there was an increase of about $4 million at the March 13th preliminary hearing. Uh I got another email on the 15th of April. So two weeks ago that it increased an additional million dollars because we were running really really bad. We it got worse rather. So they revised their their renewal to us and it was an increase of a million dollars. Any other? Yes, Commissioner Bford. Okay. So I wrote something because uh it's been a rough week in my house.

096Um, so in order to get to adequacy, you told us it was 38%. Okay. Um, for those that are supporting an increase 2% zero, zero, I mean 0, 1, 2, 3, or four. I sincerely hope that you are organizing fundraisers that are needed to preserve the services for our children and staff that they deserve. Because whether we support this increase or not, each of us took an oath to to be responsible stewards of the taxpayer dollars. I am not here to assign blame, but I am making observations based on repeated discussions we've had on this day this year for this budget. For clarity, I just want to say that it has been repeatedly said that past boards are to blame for the not raising the tax levy. Let me be clear. You cannot sit here

097and point to that sole reason we're in the situation. That board, like the current negotiating committee, made decisions based on information and asurances provided at the time. We have always been fiscally responsible with our budgets here in Clifton, making decisions carefully and thoughtfully based on the information we were given. The decision not to raise taxes the tax levy in the previous year uh was not made in a vacuum. It was made with deliberate consideration with guidance just as you made decisions to u the negotiating committee to approve approximately 4% reason uh raises for various bargaining units in the last year. So um to the negotiation committee I asked this question directly. Were you given solid assurances that the district could sustain those raises through through state and federal aid as well as the tax levy?

098Did you receive accurate accurate credible information that supported your recommendation to this board? Now in 2025, we are faced with a financial bind due to many factors well beyond our control. But before we continue to blame past boards and before I want to blame any committee for what has been given and some of inexperienced decisions, an overgenerous decision, let's pause. Let's stop uh uh focusing on blame. Let's be cleareyed about what we look for look ahead and what we can give and what we have to cut. Let's remember before we ask our students to pay to participate in extracurriculars. Often the very things that keep them engaged in schools. Often the very thing that saves their lives in school. Often the very thing that they make them motivated to go to school. We must exhaust

099every other option. It's time to work together. Take this opportunity to move the district forward and not blame anyone. Blame will not fix the problem. As the author Douglas Adam once wrote, it is a mistake to think that you can solve any major problem just with blame. So I make a motion for 3%. That is already a motion on Can I make a motion for 4%. So it would be a motion to modify the modify that motion to to change three to 4%. Right. But the actual forgive me as the resolution actually says 3%. Okay. So my my motion is to move seven at 3%. Sorry. Wants to modify F7 to 4%. So it'll be first. This is I got my RA rules chart out. I got my rabbit rules chart out. So the motion

100would be a motion to modify the motion to say from 3 to 4%. You're just voting on the modification, not whether you're passing the motion. If that makes sense. Okay. Mhm. So, oh, you need a second. A second. Uhuh. So, I motion to modify the 3% to 4%. And so, what we're voting on is for this motion. Correct. Just for the motion. Is there a second, not for passage of the board? Seconded by Commissioner Mahia. Okay. Any more discussion? I have a question. Yes. If the modification passes, then we vote on the 4% the next round. If the modification fails and we don't raise it to um does it stay with 3% that's on the then we if that fails then it goes back to the 2% that we sent to the council. No, it

101goes back to the 3% that's on this agenda. Okay. That is the superseding. That is our baseline for the time being. Thank you. I just want to be clear what I'm voting on. Okay. Any other questions? Roll call. Okay. Roll call. Oh good. Um Miss Bassford, I'm okay with three. My water bill's going up 5%. We don't know what the county is doing. We don't know what the city's doing. So I vote no on four. Mr. Bruniac, no. Mr. Kenova, yes. Dr. Danny, no. Mr. Mahia, no. Mr. Ciano, no. For Miss Suarez, yes. Vice President Santiago, no. President Paris, yes. Motion does not carry. Okay. Now we would revert to item seven, the original motion to adopt the final budget with modifications, uh, which would be a 3% increase year-over-year. Any discussion? Motion moved by

102Commissioner Bassford. Second. Second by Commissioner Mahia. Any discussion? Okay, roll call. M. Oh, Dr. Danny. Uh, yes. Um I just you know just keeping taxpayers in mind and um and everything that um you know again we had uh the second meeting and I know things happen and I feel like you know things will happen again and so with my my conscience and everything um I I just have to say I just wanted to put there that I have to go with 2%. Okay. We're voting right now on three. No, I know. But I just wanted that, you know, out there. Okay, roll call. Um, quick another question. Just want to make 100% clear. 3% is just to make sure we get by. Correct. Correct. Just to get by. Just to get by. Like said, just

103to get by. Okay. Real cool. Miss Bassford. 3% is that we just lay flat with stable water. Correct. Just to make it to another just to make it to July 1st. Right. With no no razzledazzle in the future. I vote yes. Mr. Bruniac, no. Mr. Kenova, yes. Dr. Danny, no. Mr. Mahia, you know, last time we voted, I had trouble just voting in general whether it was going to be two. And I was willing to go down to one, but then having these new explanations told to us if we were to go down to two, these are all the things we'd be cutting. Can I read read the list? Assemblies, field trips, robotics, athletic supplies, um supplies, stipens, C from CHS, CCMS project, graduation, academic awards, summer enrichment, Wilro Wilson stipens, CHS club activities, dues,

104the band, the band, the band, care of grounds, health equipment, security specialists, security specialists that we voted for two years ago to make sure our schools are being safe. And now we need 3% just to have all that. 2% would have helped us, you know, before, but now we need the 3%. And I know before I didn't want to vote, um, but today I'm voting yes for 3%. Mr. Ciano, no. Mr. Suarez, yes. And um you know I I just you know I'm sorry that for everyone who wanted a 4% um because in in doing 3% we're turning down paras to teachers for autistic students uh resource room teachers speech teachers behaviorists child study team bilingual teachers and the list goes on. So I apologize to the Clifton community that we are unable to have

105those things but I am a for 3%. Vice President Santiago So, Commissioner Suarez, I appreciate your motion. Um, we we have the prescription benefit usage that went up. Um, if if you look it up, there's a lot of districts that are facing that same prescription benefit increase many, many, many districts. Um, look, the truth is 4% might not be enough. Um, we have on the record the federal government who all of our title funding may be going away. They named Clifton specifically with the COVID funds. This is 20 $30 million. So, um, yeah, I mean, we we have to prepare in case of that worst case scenario, and there's lawsuits, but who knows what what that outcome is, but I'm I'm Yes on three. Thank you, President Paris. Some meetings ago, we had a member

106of the public speak and really suggested we look at the definition, at least our definition of thorough and efficient education. That definition, unfortunately, when it comes to a monetary point of view, is determined by the state of New Jersey. They determine what we should be allocating for allowance for each student and they determine how much the taxpayer uh figures into that equation. Uh to Commissioner Bassford's point, it's no one's fault on any previous board that this situation exists. Every board member has voted and supported what was in the best interest of the of this district. But the the fact remains that Clifton by our own state's definition is probably the poster child for efficiency. There are 70% of the districts, not even never mind in our class, that spend more per pupil than us. And

107within our own class, we're still in the lower third of spending. So we certainly are an efficient organization. Um the 3% helps us maintain the thorough I'm knocking on wood for the at a bare minimum. Um so absolutely yes on the 3%. Thank you President Paris. Uh motion carries. I would just like to say on behalf of central administration, the students, the staff, we thank you guys. We know this is not an easy decision but um you guys are making a difference in the students lives. Thank you. Okay, that takes us to um board board member comments, I believe. So, if I remember who we start with, uh I believe it's Dr. Danny this week. Uh just one thing. Oh, sorry. Today I was uh getting legislative updates and there is um a thing there

108is a case in the Supreme Court which would um obviously if it passes it would um decide whether funding could go to religious charter schools because it's um I don't know if you know about that but it's a St. is a door of uh civil Catholic virtual school in Oklahoma. And then therefore, if that did um actually pass in the Supreme Court, then religious schools could get um religious public charter schools could get public school funding. So, it's just an um side there. Um other things says uh happy teacher appreciation day. Thank you to all the teachers for all you do to the school nurses. Thank you for all you do. Um, Mark, the student representative, I want to say congratulations on your scholarship and I'm sure that you will do great things. Um, happy

109Mother's Day to all of the mothers out there. And, um, happy birthday cuz today is actually my dad's birthday. Um, to the man who make me who helped to make me the person that I am today. And that's all I have. Thank you, Commissioner Danny. Commissioner Mia. Um, thank you and good evening everybody. Um, I just want to mention one thing really quickly. I was talking to a few parents um, this past week about our upcoming special awards meeting um, in June. They're mentioning that a lot of that day is going to be like the county senior awards dinner and that a lot of the people who are going to get honored that day wouldn't even be able to make it to our special meeting and they actually they want to be there. So, is

110there any way we could possibly change that date to another date? Okay. All right. Thank you. Because I would really enjoy for those kids who are also getting honored to be there as well. Um, I want to give a huge congratulations to our flag football team. They're doing really great this this spring. Um, as well as our lacrosse team and our track team, which always does great. Um, in terms of that, I know a lot of students say they're committing for their um their next journey. whether it's community college, trade school, um the arts, or whether it's just going to college in general. A huge shout out to all them. I know I had a couple students from C from CHS visit St. Peters University this past week. He gave them a quick tour. Tell

111them, hey, this is one of the I like to, you know, tell them, hey, this is a really good school. I like to give them opportunities. Um with that said, I know this past budget vote, it was definitely hard for me. Um, but that same day from I think I probably talked to over I don't know why a lot of people like to stop me and talk to me and I probably get a lot of people and sometimes I do get harassed. Um, unfortunately I do. So I probably talked to over like maybe 100 people telling me no like you can't do this, you can't do that. Um, we can't fire this many people. We don't want to lose all these cool things. Um, and it did open up my mind. I know we did

112have a conversation also about everything in terms of the political environment, the economics of it. Um, and just today when you were mentioning the new budget proposal, a 3% was needed in order to just meet the bare minimum of things. Um, it's never easy raising these types of taxes. Um, but like um, Commissioner Basser had mentioned in the beginning, we all took the oath to give the best education to our students. Um, and I know even though it is not the most popular thing, I know we're, you know, fully giving our students the best chance of not just surviving, but making it by and achieving great things, whether it's in high school, 2 years, 3 years, four years. I'm trying I'm almost about to get emotional because I do see the way this affects our

113students in the long run. Um, so hopefully, you know, in 10, 15 years, we have a great student out of CHS that becomes probably, you know, a senator, president even. Um, so thank you and have a great night. Thank you, Commissioner Mahia, Commissioner Ciano. Thank you, Mr. President. I want to begin by extending a heartfelt thank you to the speakers tonight. Uh, Mark, best of luck to you in your future. I see only greatness coming your way. Uh, I want to take a moment to celebrate two outstanding leaders that we have. Congratulations to our district superintendent Danny Roberts on receiving I'm just going to do the abbreviation here the NJTSON NJBE Superintendent of the Year award. That's like the whole alphabet. Uh this remarkable recognition highlights not only your leadership but also the incredible work

114being done across our district to promote and celebrate student success. So that's awesome. Thank you, Mr. Uh similarly, congratulations to Commissioner Bassford for being nominated for the NJSBA president. Uh Judy, I couldn't think of anyone better suited for this role. Um we have our ups and downs. We don't always see eye to eye, but you know, your guidance and your friendship have gotten me this far. Uh you are truly deserving of this honor and so much more. Uh I want to reflect on the success of the spring break food initiative. Uh Mr. Shahada, amazing idea. I'm still backing you on that no matter how far you go with it. Supporting those in need is an essential focus for our community. Thanks to this initiative, I think our numbers are a little off. I have 1394

115lunches were provided and 239 meals were generously donated to the health department to support the unhoused. This effort reminds us of the power of coming together to help help those across our community. Uh Tony, congratulations on your son's wedding tomorrow. That's awesome. Many blessings for an amazing marriage. Maybe the reverend over here will give you a blessing later on. Um Mother's Day, obviously, I don't know where I would be without my mother. you know, between, you know, my teacher, Mr. Farrell, who's retiring, and my mother, you know, God knows where I would be today. I don't think I'd be sitting here. I don't I don't think I'd be breathing, to be honest with you. It was a rough time for me, and she stood by me, no matter how awful I was. I'm glad I

116turned into who I am now. Um, just speaking of the spring break food initiative, don't think that I turned down or I voted no on the tax slightly. Um, the spring break food initiative, those are the people that are going to be impacted by the tax increase. The tax increase isn't easy for everybody. It's not just us. It's the city. It's the county. It's the gas tax that was just passed. It's the sewer tax. It's everything that's going up. And I see it more than anybody. So maybe that's why I have such a hard time with it. I see how it's affecting families. I see how it's affecting people in our community. I see all the nonprofits that I work with for people struggling every day where every dollar matters. That's why it was hard

117for me to go up that much cuz to many people, hey, it's an extra $100, $150 a year. Who cares? That could make or break somebody. And that's the honest truth. Um, I want to let everybody know that I'm not going to be present for the next meeting. Uh, but I am going to attend via Zoom. So, if we could fix that volume so I'm not shouting at you guys, that would be amazing. Uh, thank you all for your time tonight. Obviously, we're all dedicated to what we do. Thank you all for everything uh as we support each other as members of this wonderful community. Everybody have a good night. Oh, thank you, Commissioner Siana. Commissioner Suarez. Thank you, President Paris. Uh, good evening, everyone. Um, I too am really happy to be a part

118of the district that served a total of 1,394 meals. My numbers are of the email as well, Joe, so I get it. Um, during spring break, I think for us for to be able to support our students in such a meaningful way is to be a part of a district that truly cares. Um, it is an incredible way to demonstrate that we are in fact one Clifton and I'm really grateful that we were able to do such a wonderful thing. Um, as for the budget, I want to truly thank my colleagues who voted for the 3% budget tonight. I feel a sense of ease and relief knowing that our students and staff will receive what they deserve and need to maintain the strong public education we have here in Clifton. I also thank all the

119educators and students who came in support of the budget. Your voices strongly influenced what informed our understanding of the financial needs of our district budget and your input is greatly appreciated. While I am sorry that we did not get the 4% that was suggested by the people who are in front of the students every single day and that we cannot get the necessary resources for our special education department and school administration teams. I am at least appreciative of the fact that we can service our students well enough for the upcoming school year. And I also want to include um I really appreciate our ability to disagree uh politely and respectfully. I think that's a really important um part of our democracy and I think we are a really good example of that. Um so while

120I propose the 4% it's part of the process and I respect my colleagues opinions here and their ability to do so. Um so I just want the community to understand that we work together in a way that's respectful and understanding our disagreements. Um, and that's all I have to say about that. Good night, everyone. Thank you, Commissioner Suarez. Commissioner Bastford, thank you everyone. Thank you Joe. It's only a nomination, but it's uh kind of came as a little bit of a shock. Um, thank you to the district uh for feeding those who have less than all of us. Uh, your care uh for doing this um meant a lot to the volunteers. They were thrilled and they were just happy that they could actually extend that to people that were very needy. So, thank you

121very much. Want to um thank everyone that came out to speak at the podium tonight. Um we hear you. Your voices matter to us and I'm glad to see that we have more and more uh engagement in the audience than in the past. Um to all the teachers, uh happy appreciation to you. You we appreciate you. To our um the nurses, we appreciate you. To our special education staff um during special education week and every week, thank you. Thank you for all you do, your voices, your service, and your heart. Um to our superintendent, congratulations on being um named superintendent of the year. Now, we have to work on that county one. We have to get you nominated. Uh this recognition is not only welld deserved. It's a testament to your tireless commitment to the

122educational excellent ex educational excellence, student achievement, and the well-being of every child, teacher, and staff member in our district. Danny, thank you. Um, congratulations. You make us so proud. Um, to the moms out there, to every mom in our school district highlighting the HSA moms, we see you. We thank you. We celebrate you. May this Mother's Day bring you the love and appreciation you so desperately deserve. And to those whom uh, Mother's Day is difficult, may you find peace and comfort and healing. But happy Mother's Day to all. Thank you. God bless you. See you at the next meeting. Thank you, Commissioner Bassford. Commissioner Brunac. Thank you, Mr. President. Good evening everyone. First of all, I want to congratulate my wonderful colleague, Commissioner Bassford, on her nomination for president for Pay County School Boards Association.

123Commissioner Bassford, you will have earned this. It's going to be so easy. It's going to be like taking candy from a baby. So, um, little pre congratulations over there. Uh, next, I want to congratulate our own Dr. Robert Hosey. I'm receiving the NJBE Superintendent of the Year award. Uh it's based upon outstanding work that all the people who work for the district and he he's the head of the district. So uh shout out to Dr. Roberty, shout out to everybody else in the district for all the outstanding work that they do. Quick shout out to Mr. Shahada on an exceptional presentation that I believe um made a compelling argument to lots of people tonight uh including many of my colleagues over here also President Paris uh for for his comments on on the votes. I

124I think these are powerful compelling arguments uh that have been made today and uh Commissioner Suarez for for us being able to disagree and still have decorum on this day. I think that's uh very important in the committee meetings as well. And um you know, maybe sometimes it gets hot, but usually it's it's club cool down thankfully most of the time. I'd say about 90% of the time. Finally, happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. Thank you for your time and God bless America. Have a good night everybody. Thank you, Commissioner Brunak. Commissioner Kenova, you still there? Yes, I'm here. You have the floor. Yes, sir. All right. Good evening everyone. Um, first of all, I want I commend my fellow commissioners on passing an increase. It will at least allow us to

125continue to do what we do for our students. To me, the kids are the most vulner vulnerable vulnerable group that we have and their education determines our future. It makes Clifton a great place to live. So the better the schools do, the more attractive Clifton is to young buyers and it's really just an investment in ourselves at that point. Um and unfortunately school revenue is tax based which means the only way that we can fund the school is from local taxpayers. Um either either that or the state or the federal government. And as we know they they are not kind to us. So we will continue that route to fight. You know it's something we've been doing for a very long time. Um, and just for clarification, this 3% is really a 2.95 because the

126state is funding the other .05% because that's what they committed to do for anything over 2%. Um, so as others mentioned, the NJSBA nominated committee named this Bass for their new president. So I'm thrilled on that decision. Judy, I know you're going to do great in this role. So congratulations to you. Also, congratulations to Dr. Roberts on your superintendent of the year award. You absolutely get my vote. Uh to all the moms out there, happy Mother's Day and thank you to everyone. Good night. Thank you, Commissioner Kenova, Vice President Santiago. Thank you, President Paris. Um congratulations, Commissioner Bassford. Congratulations, Dr. Roberty. Mr. Shihad administration, thank you again for a great layman's terms budget presentation that the public can understand and very informative. Um the budget, you know, I wanted to add that there are towns

127that are going to be or have gone double digit, you know, above 10, 15. We're not doing that. There are towns that are closing schools. Don't want to do that. And so, um I am also proud of the way we comport ourselves. Um we give a good example, especially literally in front of our students who record and pro provide this feed to you guys every meeting. Thank you for that. But um the way the the especially like a budget should be challenging a strenuous conversation, right? Um it's not it's not something that's light and and it shows that we're listening to each other and listening to other perspectives and being mindful of of such an important thing. So thank you to everyone. Um you saw Mark, he's getting a free ride. You saw him ask

128his questions. You saw Emma Patar, I believe, sophomore, I think she is. Um she talked about her academics, her athletic, um hero and cool kids. Two examples right here of the investment and the return from what we do and from our budget. And that's just two because there's plenty like that. Um our our graduating class is usually like 6 to 800. I don't know what it is now. It's usually like seven. It's closer to eight. We have a lot of examples. Um, and so I just was so happy that they were here so that you can see that's the investment and the return on your money on our property tax paying property taxpaying dollars. Um, really quickly, happy Jewish Heritage Month to all of our students, staff, school, uh, celebrating our teachers. Thanks for all

129you do. Our school nurses, thanks for all you do. Special education week. Kudos to all our special needs students um, and their achievements and our staff that supports them. Mental health awareness week. Um, protect your peace. take time for you um before you can go and try and help somebody else. Make sure you're taking time for you. Uh Asian-American Pacific Islander Month, happy uh Asian-American Pacific Islander to those who celebrating. Um principal appreciation day is today, I believe, right? So, thank you to all of our principles for what they do. We were on break last week and last week was admin assistant or admin professional week. So, make sure that you recognized and shout or did something for them, I hope. But thank you to all of our admin assistants for all they do. They're

130the face of the schools. They um oftentimes the first person the student meets or the per the parent meets. So thank you for all they do for uh helping keep our schools together. Um happy Mother's Day. By the time we meet again, um my mom is in heaven, but my wife is also awesome and have a lot of other moms in my life. Um the cheer banner went up for our cheer team. I'm so happy about that. So our three pete cheer team, your banner is up. Um this is last and just personal most not most important but very personal. My son Anthony Jr. is getting married tomorrow. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Anthony is a Clifton School product Clifton High School graduate. He's a high school counselor

131now. He's amazing. Um his my future daughter-in-law Siobhan is a Clifton School product Clifton High School graduate. So two Mustangs are getting married tomorrow. Oh, it's another great day to be a Mustang. We're very happy. We're very grateful and we wish them lots of love and happiness. Thank you. Good night. Thank you, Commissioner Santiago. I also would like to thank the board and and not just for tonight and how we work tonight, but how you work together all the time. I'm truly proud and appreciate it. Um, happy mom's day to my mom who's in Valley Hospital right now and uh hopefully uh on the on the mend. Um, congratulations to Dr. Roberts to be one of the superintendent of the years for by it's the by literacy award leader. Um, apparently Clifton is generating some

132of the most highest numbers of by literacy on the map where we should be certified students. Um, couple of events that are coming up. Uh, just to remind the public, there's a Mustang band car wash every Saturday in May. So, go to the high school, get your dirty car cleaned. It's it's pretty cheap and um, they do a really good job. On May 17th, the Clifton Community Band is having their annual concert. It's called Lollipops and Roses. It's the 22nd year of this concert. Uh half of the proceeds go to the Clifton Education Foundation, which ultimately ends up back helping our staff here in the schools. Um that's 2 p.m. at CHS on Saturday, May 17th. Uh and on May 30th, the Clifton Education Foundation is having their first uh turkey tray. It's at the

133Boys and Girls Club at 6 PM. It's $25 in advance. Uh, you send your checks to the Clifton Education Foundation at PO Box 2071, zip code 0715, or go to their website for some information. I know every member on this board knows that we're not perfect here and knows that we can always do better and there's always ways to improve. One thing of value that that you can monetize that we provide and often our most needy families in this district is prek for three and four year olds. And I don't know how many people know this, but in addition to just preK, um, students are evaluated and those that are have learning challenges get early intervention and early help that will only help them along in their school careers here in Clifton. And if you

134look at what it would cost if you went out and had prek program for your three and four-year-old, it would be you would spend tens of thousands of dollars. those of you who have done that on on their own, like I have when my daughter was young, um it's it's quite a tremendous resource that we're providing and specifically to our most uh specifically most helpful to some of our most needful families. Um there's something I shared with the board here um a few weeks ago and I just like to share it with the public. It's a and I'm going to take my extra time that I didn't take earlier in in the meeting. Now, um it's a it's a little story. Um and it's written by uh Jamie Wulmer. Jamie Wulmer is a former business

135executive and attorney uh who currently works to increase community support for public schools. Um the title of the article is The Blueberry Story. If I ran my business the way you people operate your schools, I wouldn't be in business very long. I stood before an auditorium filled with outraged teachers who were becoming angrier by the minute. My speech had entirely consumed their precious 90 minutes of inservice training. Their icy init their initial icy glares had turned to restless agitation. You could cut the hostility with a knife. I represented a group of business people dedicated to improving public schools. I was an executive at an ice cream company that became famous in the mid 1980s when People magazine chose its blueberry flavor as the best ice cream in America. I was convinced of two things. First,

136public schools needed to change. They were archaic, selecting and sorting mechanisms designed for the industrial age and out of step with the needs of our emerging knowledge society. Second, educators were a major part of the problem. They resisted change, hunkered down in their feathered nests, protected by tenure and shielded by a bureaucratic monopoly. They needed to look to business. We knew how to produce quality, zero defects, total quality management, continuous improvement. In retrospect, the speech was perfectly balanced, equal parts of ignorance and arrogance. As soon as I finished, a woman's hand shot up. She appeared polite, pleasant. She was in fact a razored veteran high school English teacher who'd been waiting to unload. She began quietly, "We are told, sir, that you manage a company that makes good ice cream." I smuggly replied, "Best ice

137cream in America, ma'am." How nice, she said. Is it rich and smooth? 16% butter fat, I crowed. Premium ingredients, she inquired. Super premium, nothing but triple A. I was on a roll. I never saw the next line coming. Mr. Vulmer, she said, leaning forward with a wicked eyebrow raised to the sky. When you're standing on your receiving dock and you see an inferior shipment of blueberries arrive, what do you do? In the silence of that room, I could hear the trap snap. I was dead meat. But I wasn't going to lie. I send them back. That's right, she barked. And we can never send back our blueberries. We take them big, small, rich, poor, gifted, exceptional, abused, frightened, confident, homeless, rude, and brilliant. We take them with attention deficit disorder, junior rheumatoid arthritis, and English

138as your second language. We take them all, everyone. And that, Mr. Vulmer is why it's not a business, it's a school. In an explosion, all 290 teachers, principals, bus drivers, aids, custodians, and secretaries jumped to their feet and yelled, "Yay! Blueberries! Blueberries!" Schools reflect the attitudes, beliefs, and health of the communities they serve. And therefore, to improve public education means more than changing our schools. It means changing America. And so began my long transformation. Since then, I've visited hundreds of schools. I've learned that school is not a business. Schools are unable to control the quality of their raw material. They're dependent upon vagaries of politics for a reliable revenue stream. And they're constantly mowled by howling horde of disparit competing customer groups that would send the best CEO screaming into the night. None of this

139negates the need for change. We must change what, when, and how we teach to give all children maximum opportunity opportunity to thrive in a post-industrial society. But educators cannot do this alone. These changes can occur only with understanding, trust, permission, and active support of the surrounding community. For the most important thing that I've learned is that schools reflect the attitudes, beliefs, and health of the communities they serve. And therefore, to improve public education means more than changing our schools. It means changing America. So, I will leave you with that little bit of wisdom and ask the board if there's any new business we need to discuss. I I have something. Yes, Dr. Danny. Um, so, um, I don't know if, uh, it it's already in policy or or heading there or something. Um 1548 the

140new sunscreen policy which sunscreen yes we already yeah that has already been approved by us. Okay and that's is there any discussion on like how it will you know uh carry out like um you know because I know like students have out I mean we were just discussing that I mean who's who's responsible for putting the sunscreen on on the children and I was just kind of curious sunscreen policy. It has it has to do with application of sunscreen. You're not but also I guess making sure that kids have availability of sunscreen when they're out uh in open air activities. President Paris, whenever legislation like this is passed, there's usually some guidance that comes out from the DOE supporting it on who, how, when, what, where, why. Well, that and that's exactly what I was

141going to say, Mr. Sha. We're expecting some guidance. haven't received that yet. So, there's the law that's passed and then the commissioner develops regulations to implement that law and then of course the board passes the policy. So, um I have not seen those I have not seen anything yet on it other than than this. Um but obviously we'll we'll make sure we follow the law while while making sure that you know we don't put our staff or students in a in a bad position, right? I mean, it's it's crazy. I mean, and again, another unfunded mandate from the state. Well, thank God we passed the budget because we wouldn't have many sunscreen in the budget now. And I know all about sunscreen because of my my hair. You know, you got to be careful. Anyone

142else? And then, okay, we are going to have executives. Oh, we have one more. Okay. It's it's still about the the next special meeting for the awards if we could look into it by hopefully I emailed Mr. Hamda just now. He's going to check the calendar and get me dates. Okay. Thank you. Yeah, I think um without even looking at the calendar, Mr. Mia, my only concern would be that June is a just a busy month for everything. There's there's probably I think on my calendar we have something almost every night. Um, so I feel like if we change it now, there might be another group of people that won't be able to attend because of a different event. Uh, and I'm not sure what students were recognizing that night. Certainly some student athletes. Um,

143but I do know we're recognizing we'll be recognizing all of our teachers of the year that night. So, there's a lot of staff in there. I'm not sure how many students, but we'll find out. And if we could change it to another night that's better, we will. I know for a fact when we were trying to find this date um it was the only date that was available because uh Clifton High School has something every night using the auditorium because they are hosting something for believe the children who are going to Maple Valley. Uh I believe they're also doing Woodro and maybe Columbus simultaneously. So I know they're booked all of June. So we may have this meeting on a Saturday. I'm joking. I was going to say I'm okay with a Saturday if you

144guys are. All right. Anyone else? Okay. Okay. We will have executive session today. We'll be discussing some uh personnel and legal matters. Uh action may or may not be taken. Will take us approximately how long? 15. Okay. Then we will say a half hour and we'll take a fivem minute break because I know Mr. Brun would like one. Uh motion to adjourn executive session. Second comm uh by Commissioner Brunack. Second by Commissioner Bassford. Action will be taken. Yes. Motion. Motion to close. Okay, welcome back. We're back from executive session. Uh, roll call. Mr. Shada. Miss Bassford here. Mr. Runc here. Mr. Kenova. Dr. Danny here. Mr. Media. here. Here, Suarez here. Vice President Santiago present. President Paris here. We have a quorum. Okay. I'm looking for a motion to approve under G executive session item

145number three. Motion. Second. Motion by Commissioner Ciano and seconded by Commissioner Mahia. Roll call. Miss Bassford. Yes. Mr. Brun. Yes. Dr. Danny. Yes. Mr. Mia. Yes. Miano. Yes. M. Suarez. Yes. Vice President Santiago. Yes. President Paris. Yes. Motion to adjurnn. Motion. Second. Motion by Commissioner Bassford. Second by Commissioner Suarez. Have a great evening everybody.