001Mhm. >> Mhm. >> I would like to call this meeting of the Evesham Township Board of Education to order. Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice adequate public notice has been given by the secretary of the Evesham Township Board of Education in the following manner. Posting written notice on the official bulletin board at the Board of Education office. Emailing written notice to the Burlington County Times and the Courier Post. Filing written notice with the municipal clerk of Evesham Township. May I have a roll call, please, Mr. Yates? Roll call, Mr. De Marci. Here. Mr. Fisher. Here. Ms. Ainelli. Here. Mr. Conant. Here. Mr. Mason. Here. Mr. Pearlman. Here. Mr. Wilson. Here. Ms. Bucci-Mellits. Here. And Mrs. Knoll. Here. For the first time in a long time, we have a full quorum. Thank you.
002It's very nice. And Drew, for his first official public meeting. Okay, at this time I'll ask for a motion to go into executive session and a motion to approve items 2.1 through 2.4 whereas in NJSAA 10-4-12 allows for a public body to go into closed session during a public meeting and whereas the Board of Education of Evesham Township has deemed it necessary to go into closed session to discuss certain matters which are exempted from the public. And whereas the regular meeting of the Board will reconvene following the end of the closed session at approximately 7:00 p.m. >> [clears throat] >> Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Education will go into session for the following reasons as outlined in NJSA items 2.2 through 2.4. Do I have a motion? Mr. Massing, second from
003anyone. Ms. Butcher-Amolits. Thank you. >> [sighs] >> Board secretary, roll call, please. Roll call on executive session. Mr. DeMarzo? Yes. Mr. Fisher? Yes. Ms. Ainello? Yes. Mr. Contan? Yes. Mr. Massing? Yes. Mr. Pielman? Yes. Mr. Wilson? Yes. Ms. Butcher-Amolits? Yes. Mrs. Knoll? Yes. Motion carries. Thank you. See you all at 7:00 p.m. >> Mhm. >> Evesham Township Board of Education. For what? We were supposed to do that in executive? We got to do it right now? Okay. May I have a motion, please, to enter to exit executive session and return to public session. I need a motion. Motion. Mrs. Iannelli, second, Mr. Masson. Thank you. I would like to resume this meeting >> in favor? >> Oh, I'm sorry. All those in favor? Aye. Aye. Thank you. I would like to resume this meeting of
004the Evesham Township Board of Education. >> [sighs] >> Please rise, if you can, for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I will ask Mr. Fisher, please, to read the district's mission statement. The mission of the Evesham Township School District is to promote excellence in an environment that engages students in a meaningful learning experiences. In partnership with students, dedicated staff, families, and community, the district provides a strong educational foundation that will empower our students to achieve their unique potential, embrace self-directed lifelong learning, develop the skills necessary for appropriate risk-taking and responsible decision-making, respect themselves and others, problem-solve individually and collaboratively, become contributing members of a diverse global
005society. Thank you, Mr. Fisher. At this time, we're going to be moving into presentations. We have many of our wonderful students to honor tonight. So, we'll we will proceed with that. Thank you. All right. So, it's fantastic to see so many folks here, especially so many students. We've got our art award winners first. And so, um, and thank you all, by the way, for for waiting patiently, um, for us to come back from exec session. I We greatly appreciate it. Um, the uh, this is one of the maybe the best board meeting of the year because we get to recognize so many students across so many different areas. So, we're we're going to call up some students, and this is for outstanding artwork that was created in the 2024-25 school year. Uh we had our
006the opening of our ETSD eyes on art gala at the Township building a little while ago and these students were not able to make that. So if they're here tonight, we want to make sure they're recognized. So if we could have Purvi Agrawal come up. Jornella Booker Cristiano Consoli Conselli Conselli Owen Coley Owen >> [applause] >> Fantastic. So just And you get to stand here with us for a little while until we have all the students, okay? So just keep hanging out up here. That's great. And then um [clears throat] Latoya Hennan Liliana Hibbard Adam Kalinowski All right. >> [applause] >> And then we've got Clara Mancuso. >> [applause] >> And then we have um Shanaya Nabel. >> Siyani Patel Jules Paul Thanish Thanish uh Shek- Shekhar? Vivian Vukovich Vukovich? >> [applause] >> So that
007these are our three art students. So once you come stand in the middle since you're what it's all about and then we'll stand on around you, okay? Four four students. Fantastic. I can't count. Thank you so much. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. And just as a little plug, tomorrow is the last day of our current Eyes on Art Gala at the Township building. So if you haven't gotten there yet you still have tomorrow till 7:00 p.m. to go check out the amazing artwork of our students. Uh number two is going to be the um Elks which is uh Oh, here we are. Perfect. Oh, yeah. That's perfect. That's perfect. All right. Moving from the arts to the academics although they overlap. This is the Elks essay contest. And if we have any members of
008the Elks, come up and join us. Fantastic. It's always fun to see every year our students do so well in this contest and we appreciate the Elks providing the opportunity. It's it's really motivating and powerful to write for a a real audience, right? And they're they're they're writing for the real audience of of the Elks and um so I don't know if you want to say a little bit first about this contest or I'll say a little bit about it. Each year the national lodge in Chicago, they sponsor an essay contest for our grades 5, 6, 7, and 8. Uh this year those students who participated wrote their thoughts on the theme what the service to my country mean to me. Some very interesting comments from our students. It was really great to read them
009all. Um Evesham Township schools submitted essays to our lodge, one of 113 lodges in the state of New Jersey. First, second, and third place were selected for each grade and then if chosen, they went to district and they went to state and they went national. Now, we didn't get to national. We didn't get to state this year, but we did last year. Uh but next year, we're going to take it all the way. All right. So, I'll give that back. Thank you. So, we'll read the names and maybe um as we get to the names that are on those plaques, well, then we can give them the plaque and the certificate. And I saw Dr. Dare over there taking pictures. She She had many students win this year, so just I don't know if you
010if you want to come up Are you taking pictures or you want to come up and join us, too? Oh, fantastic. Please come on up. That'd be so nice. So, you definitely have students here, definitely. >> [snorts] >> So, we'll call up first uh Sophia Dean, honorable mention. >> [applause] >> And then we have Mackenzie Fardella. >> [applause] >> William Hewlett. >> [applause] >> Frank Prieto. >> [applause] >> Um Vianne Sangani. >> [applause] >> Ria Senthil Kumar. >> [applause] >> Frank Wilke. Honorable mention. >> [applause] >> Then we've got Minnie Jain, honorable mention. >> [applause] >> Oh, very nice. Quinn Johnston, honorable mention. >> [applause] >> Abigail Orengo. >> [applause] >> Annie Reagan >> [applause] >> Rita Ushtalenka >> [applause] >> Dean Koya >> [applause] >> And Dean, just so just hang out here for
011a second. So So Dean got third place first place at the local level and third place at the Southwest District level, which is very impressive. And you're going to need to start a you're going to need to find some wall space, I think. But congratulations for that. >> [applause] >> Then we have Alexander Werner. >> [applause] >> Sankalp Jaiswal >> [applause] >> Malaysia Bui >> [applause] >> Third place in the contest, Malaysia. Fantastic. And you were Hold on, you're going to need wall space, too. You got You got extra. Okay, cool. And then we have a couple more here. Oh, they weren't Yep, got it. So, let's have all of our winners come to the middle. You're what it's all about, and we'll stand around you will get a picture. >> [applause] >> Yeah, we're
012going to Yeah, yeah. Kind of kind of shift this way. Awesome. Congratulations again to all of our Elks winners. >> [applause] >> Uh Historical Society next year, so Fantastic. Now we're moving on to um And and students, I hope by the way, as you're seeing like these different awards, it's giving you also ideas about other other areas that you might try out and be interested in cuz there's so much out there, right? So now we're moving on to this is the multimedia part of the presentation. So we've got our winners. This is our first time ever contest, the Declaration of Independence Art Contest through the Evesham Historical Society. Um and I've got DST teacher Angela Masson who facilitated so wonderfully this first time contest, right? There's no It's a new recipe, right? It's always like
013um and then if if we have anyone from the Elks, Connie Evans, come on up. It's great to see you, Connie. So fun. So I'm going to let uh Ms. Masson talk a little bit about it. Sure. Hi everybody. This is Connie Evans. She's the president of the Evesham Historical Society. Um she and Kathy Devlin and I have been kind of working through this project together to bring it to the community. Um so really the idea was born out of having the 250th anniversary of the Declaration, the American Revolution coming this July. And the the historical society across the state has really been working to create opportunities to recognize this historical event. Um and this is part of that. There's going to be some other things like a reading in town you'll see aired in
014July. We're going to have an open house on June 20th. We'll be having some panels coming to the school district in April of next year. That was also brought to us in partnership with the historical society. So we've done great things together. Absolutely. Yeah. And I just want to make a note to all the children who entered because we had about 40 kids who entered and only 10 of those won. But we saw an enormous amount of talent. So we are incredibly proud to see all of the work that we received and are looking forward to acknowledging all of our entrants on June 20th. So um I believe that's it. So congratulations to all of our participants. So it's now my honor to begin recognizing those students. So when you hear your name, please come
015on up and receive your certificate. Okay. So our first winner is in the fourth grade, Reina Bhatt. Please come up. >> [applause] >> Great job, Reina. Congratulations. You can go ahead and sit right here and face forward there. Perfect. You can stand right there. Great. Okay, our fifth grade winner is Haley Adriano. >> [applause] [applause] >> Congratulations, Haley. Sixth grade winner, Caitlin Masson. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. Go to the other side. There we go. Seventh grade, Victoria Vitale. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. Our eighth grade winner is Derek Bowen. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. Now we have winners by media type. Our winner for the best drawing was Valentina Ramirez Robeiro. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. All right. Next, our mixed media winner, Naya Thathancady. >> [applause] >> There we go. Congratulations. Maybe a little bit more tape
016on that would be good. I'll step forward tiny bit here. Next, our painting winner, Evleen Bandal. >> [applause] >> Congratulations, Evelyn. Our sculpture winner, Frederick Williams. >> [applause and cheering] >> Well done. Congratulations. Our written winner, Penrose Black. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. Okay. Do you mind here? Let me see. Do you mind taking a picture for us, Mom? Thank you so much. Thank you. Let's give a ro- Sorry. What Let me get the parents' pictures here. Good? Any more? Moms? Good. I'm sorry. Okay. Great. All right, let's give one round of applause. Congratulations to all of our winners. Thank you. Let's see who they're going to athlete next. Athlete of the year. >> It was too bad. Uh it is um elementary school is great. Yeah, Demarco. That's good. Do you mind calling her up?
017No, no, no. Glad to do that. Yeah, when she comes back. Oh, that was me. Latoya? I didn't personally Did she forget her? Uh eyes on her. That was the fancy ones. Oh, eyes on art? Yeah, the fancy ones. Yeah, yeah, that was on Yeah, Danny's Okay, okay. We'll do it again. Okay, all right. All right, so moving on from first-time contest to a long-established math league contest. Uh this is we're going to announce winners from various schools and grades. So, Dominic Demarco, highest fifth-grade score, Beeler. >> [cheering and applause] >> Adya Gupta, highest fifth-grade score, DeMasi Elementary School. >> [applause] >> Gabriel Herlem, highest fifth grade score Jaggard. >> [applause] [applause] >> Landon Wool, highest fifth grade score Element Martin Elementary School. >> [applause] >> Next one, Zoe Bond, highest fifth grade score for
018Rice. >> [applause] >> Also highest fifth grade score, Adri- Adriana McGuire. >> [applause] >> Then we've got highest fifth grade score in our district, ETSD, Timothy Weiker Jr. >> [applause] >> Then we've got highest sixth grade score, MMS Blue House. Ayanash Shrivastava. >> [applause] >> Highest fifth grade score in ETSD and second highest sixth grade score in the region, Heath Whitaker. >> [applause] >> Next, highest seventh grade score, Martin Middle School Blue House, Declan Crocker. >> [applause] >> Highest seventh grade score, MMS Blue House, Logan Geroux. >> [applause] >> Highest seventh grade score, MMS Yellow House, Mason Pion. >> [applause] [applause] >> And he's got his MMS shirt on, very nice. Next up, highest sixth grade score, MMS Blue House, Gianna Norcia. >> [applause] >> Then, highest sixth highest eighth grade score in ETSD, Ashvik
019Gupta. >> [applause] >> Highest sixth grade score, DeMasi Middle Now, Red House, Ethan Zeng. >> [applause] [applause] >> Highest sixth grade score, DMS Green House, Arnav Sahoo. >> [applause] >> Next up, highest seventh grade score in ETSD, and fourth highest seventh grade score in the region, Terrence Lim. >> [applause] >> Highest seventh grade score in Demarest Middle Green House, Cameron Modishig. >> [applause] >> Next up, highest eighth grade score in Red House, Luca Colangelo. >> [applause] >> Highest eighth grade score, Green House, Lucas Reed. >> [applause] >> And that brings us to Is there anyone out there whose name I didn't call? That might have missed or missed me? Okay. All right. Cool. So, let's have all of our amazing winners kind of like It's a math problem. We got to figure out how to
020get everybody in one picture. But, let's let's bring it in. >> [applause] >> Maybe two levels. Maybe two. Maybe uh yeah, maybe maybe two levels. Two levels. >> All right, one more round of applause for our math league winners. >> [cheering] [applause] [screaming] >> Fantastic. Fantastic. And last but not least, we have right from math, sticking with the M's to music, we have orchestra. All right, so Okay, awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Okay. All right, so we have Victoria Lee 25 26 All South Jersey Orchestra. Oh, that'd be that'd be nice. Yeah, yeah. And then And then uh Oh, here she comes. Here she comes. Congratulations. Next up In In Mosey uh Kalai Kalich His name is Hian. I'm so sorry. >> [applause] >> All right, all right. Congratulations. And can you can you say your your
021name for me? Inmarie Kalicharian. Inmarie Kalicharian. Beautiful. Beautiful. Har Harshitha Promod All South Jersey Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Next up, Connor Lukyanovich. Hey, Connor! >> [applause] >> Fantastic Connor, great job. Great job. Oh, did you just go right down the nominating yeah, awesome. Maria Ibrahim. >> [applause] >> Cameron Mudshieg for the second time, come on back up Cameron. >> [applause] >> Cameron was up here for math. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. Awesome. Along Wang. >> [applause] >> Jackson Hunter. All South Jersey Orchestra. >> [applause] >> It might be a uh It might be a double duplicate, yeah. Yeah. Great job Jackson, yeah, nice. Adarsh Arun for All South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. Yeah, yeah. Jacob Badger. South Jersey Honors Orchestra. Jake. >> [applause] >> Henry Cunningham. All South Jersey
022Honors Orchestra. Nice. >> [applause] >> Sophia DeGiulious. South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Faith Fisicaro. South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Yeah, I know. I know. She's like it's like it runs in the family, doesn't >> [applause] >> Congrats, babe. Yeah. Then we have Charlotte Gomez, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Austin Lu, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> And Justin Lu, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> All right, listen. I love your first name, by the way. All right. Awesome. Awesome. Then we have Elizabeth Miller, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Hannah Wang, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> David Yang, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Arnav Sahoo, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. Coming back up a second time. >> [applause] >> Jeffrey Stork, South Jersey
023Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> All right. Megan Kotch, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Nice. Asmita Ghosh, >> [applause] >> South Jersey Honors Orchestra. Naya Fatik Fatikhandi, Naya Fatikhandi, coming back up. >> [applause] >> You got it. Awesome. Oh, yeah. Braden Akbar, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. Congratulations. [cheering] Owen Kite, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Vansh Malhotra, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Great job. Great job. Ian Tyler, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Sashwin Balasundaram, >> [applause] >> South Jersey Honors Orchestra. Sophia Hazim Ayad Ayad, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. Come on up. Congratulations. [applause and cheering] Alina Irizarry, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. Lena Chow, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. Nick Solarzano, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Gabrielle
024Herlem, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. Aspen Hines, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> You want to come up the middle. I get it. I get it. I get it. I would do it, too. Claire Casper, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> And Anna Skrodas. Sk- Skrodas. Skrodas. [applause] Kelvin Small, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Ava DeYoung, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Avery Gooch, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Owen McGrath, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Ingrid Stall, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. Ava Fleetwood, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> James Galambos, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> Aridhana South Jersey Honors Orchestra. >> [applause] >> And Samantha Skaggs, South Jersey Honors Orchestra. And I And I When we do So, we're going
025to do pictures now. We're going to have to scrunch together, but I also I see Mr. Lightfoot over there if you want to come on up from our music Oh, we missed one. We missed one. Who did we Who did we miss? Oh, we missed Oh, come on up. Who did we miss? Come on up. Who was it? Who was it? Who was it? Victoria Miller. Oh, was it in there? No, I I don't That's okay. We'll look, but we need All right. Victoria Miller, right there. >> [cheering] >> She's She's going to get a cert hand delivered by me because we don't seem to have one or it's back there, but say Victoria, fantastic job, okay? So, yeah, any other I just [laughter] wanted to shout out Mr. Lightfoot from our music program and
026any other music teachers that we may have here that I didn't see if they want to come on up, but I don't know how we're going to get this in the one picture, but let's try to make two real uh two real levels. So, kind of move in more. That's pretty pretty close, maybe. >> All right, one big round of applause for our amazing musicians. >> [cheering] >> Awesome. So, that wraps up the student presentations part of the evening. On your way out, if you want to see the work from the um historic society contest, it's back there on the tables. Um Is Is this one it? Is this one it? >> will get a shout out in tomorrow's ETST update as well, and everyone is welcome to stay if you want. We are going
027to move on to the the business portion of the agenda, uh but which is fun, too, but maybe you people have something more fun they want to get to. All right, thanks so much. >> [applause] >> Thank you. All these. This is so great. I knew it was It was just a guy. I have not been there. I have been down there. >> [snorts] >> Hi. At this point in time, we are going to be moving into public comment. Just in case anyone is not aware, we have two public comment periods. One now on agenda items only, and one which happens later on any items of interest. The meeting will now be open to the public referencing agenda items. However, if your questions pertain to student or personnel items or negotiations, we ask that you
028see the superintendent after the meeting since we do not discuss these matters in public. We ask that you limit your comments to 3 minutes per person. Also, please when you step to the microphone, state your name and your address. Is anyone who wants to comment on agenda items tonight? Okay. Seeing none. Okay, we'll close um public comment now and we're going to move forward with the approval of Let me say, I'm sorry guys. Uh the annual appointments uh item 6.1 to 6.2. Do I have a motion to approve item 6.1 to 6.2? Motion from anyone? Mr. DeMartine and seconded by Mr. Wilson. Any questions or comments related to the annual appointments and approvals? >> [clears throat] >> Seeing none, roll call, please, Mr. Yates. Roll call, Mr. DeMartine. Yes. Mr. Fisher. Yes. Ms. Iannelli. Yes.
029Mr. Contant. Yes. Mr. Masson. Yes. Mr. Phelan. Yes. Mr. Wilson. Yes. Ms. Bucher-Moits. Yes. And Ms. Knoll. Yes. The motion carries. Okay, thank you. Now we will move on to the approval of meeting minutes. Do I have a motion to approve item 7.1 to 7.3? Mr. Fisher seconded by Ms. Bucher-Moits. Are there any questions or comments on the meeting minutes from April? No? Okay, Mr. uh roll call, Mr. Yates, please. On the meeting minutes, roll call vote, Mr. DeMartine. Yes. Mr. Fisher. Yes. Ms. Iannelli. Yes. Mr. Masson. Yes. Mr. Contant. Yes. Sorry, guys. Mr. Phelan. Yes. Mr. Wilson. I don't think I can vote on the minutes, so. Cuz I wasn't here, so I'll just abstain. Abstain, yep. Yeah. Your abstention is noted. Ms. Buchholtz? Yes. Mrs. Knoll? Yes. The motion carries. Thank you. Next
030we'll move on to the superintendent's report. And before I hand it over to Dr. Smith, I need a motion to approve items 8.1 through 8.6. Do I have a motion? Mr. Masson, second? Mrs. Iannelli. Any questions or comments on the superintendent's report? None right now, okay. Dr. Smith, do you have a report? I do, and it's short because it's fantastic to celebrate kids and less than fantastic to hear from a superintendent, but the [clears throat] just want to highlight as this year winds up, not down, our staff for their continuing efforts [clears throat] to make every day count for kids. The care and creativity, you saw that on display tonight with the awards, the classroom family atmospheres that are fostered throughout the year. They're on consistent display in classroom after classroom, grade after grade, school
031after school. It's truly inspiring. This rings true and strong through each of my classroom visits. It is the relationships and connections of students with their teachers and all staff built day by day, all year, that make the difference now and always. Thank you, Dr. Smith. So, we can move on to a vote for the superintendent's report since we don't have any questions or comments at this time. Um Mr. Yates, roll call, please. Roll call on administrative items. Mr. De Marsi? Yes. Mr. Fisher? Yes. Ms. Iannelli? Yes. Mr. Canton? Yes. Mr. Mason? Yes. Mr. Pielman? Yes. Mr. Wilson? Yes. Ms. Buchermoeits? Yes. Mrs. Knoll? Yes. The motion carries. Thank you. [clears throat] Now we are going to move on to curriculum and instruction. Items 9.1 to 9.5. Do I have a motion for approval of the
032curriculum instruction items 9.1 through 9.5? Mr. DeMarce. Thank you. Do I have a second? Ms. Buchermoeits. Thank you very much. Does anyone have any questions or comments on anything under curriculum and instruction? I guess the one comment I will make um is just happy to see all the students so far that had the opportunity to take the first field trip in many years. Um just taking the bus ride, the camaraderie of friends, and pictures, and different things, and just having a great time, and uh it's nice to see us getting at the more normalcy in the in the students' education world. Ms. Knoll, can I also comment on that? >> Go ahead, Ms. I actually had the luxury of going to Muddy Paws Farm with the first graders, and it was it was awesome. The
033kids were so excited, so it was really nice to experience it as a parent, but also to see all these field trips come to life, and um it it's just really great, and the feedback that we're getting from the teachers and and the parents and the students has been really positive. Thank you, Ms. Iannelli. Seeing no other questions Oh, I just need one in that same vein. I just thought about it, but we came up in curriculum that it was the goal, and it was achieved for field trips for K through 5. Next year preschool and the middle school is on the agenda to add field trips back for those grades as well. So, lots more to come on the field trip category. Thanks, Mrs. Noel. Thank you. So, um we still need a roll
034call for approval for curriculum and instruction. On curriculum and instruction, Mr. DeMarti. Yes. Mr. Fisher. Yes. Ms. Iannelli. Yes. Mr. Conton. Yes. Mr. Masson. Yes. Mr. Pielman. Yes. Mr. Wilson. Yes. Ms. Futrell-Mowatt. Yes. Mrs. Noel. Yes. The motion carries. Thank you. We'll move on to finance and operations. Do I have a motion to approve finance and operations 10.1 all the way, let's see where we go to tonight, 10.27. Do I have a motion? Mr. Conton. Second, Mr. Pielman. We have quite a lot on here tonight and there's many, many things. So, does anybody have any questions or want to make a comment in any of the finance and operations? Yes. Ms. Thank you. Um I just had a question in regards to 10.15 and if there's any member cabinet which has the answer to this.
035Um why how come this is going on the agenda to approve this item as far as, you know, replacing the phones in the in the district. I My understanding was that this was being paid for out of the curriculum bucket of of the budget. That was money that was already approved. Um so, if there's any clarification on on why this is being presented to us above the bid threshold, I'd appreciate that. So. Sure. I can comment and then I'll turn it over to Frederick if I'm missing anything. So, what we talked about at board technology committee and then I also reviewed it at our board curriculum committee as well. So, we currently already have costs associated around $52,000 that we pay annually for the phones regardless. Um what the technology department did, which was amazing,
036um they went out, they researched because our phones are approaching end of life in a year. Um and basically, we also budget for and it's in the budget for additional phones every year cuz our phones are obviously, as you've heard before, pretty old and coming to end of life. So, since we're already budgeting for new phones to replace like replacement phones, and we also knew when we're budgeting for EPC cuz we knew we were going to have to have phones over there, the cost was pretty much cost neutral in terms of it's a $30,000 difference, right? So, we're already paying 52, then we already were having it to budget for new phones as well as Evans being added to that. Really, the cost becomes almost neutral in the fact that we're getting brand new phones
037across the whole district. And then what the technology department did as well is if we and we go to the end of life cycle with the current contract that we have, just for phones alone is about $100,000 on top of the services that you already have to pay for cuz you have to pay for the services regardless. So, we're saving money in the long well, in the short term, we're saving money and getting all new phones now rather than waiting next year and having to pay even more for all phones. This um agreement, because it was above the threshold, which is why we had to put it on the board agenda, um because we also thought it was kind of like a done deal with the updated contract. It looks like it's costing us $86,000
038in what I would say new money, but it's not because again, 52 was already budgeted. The other part was budgeted for replacement phones as well as Evans, and we're getting all new phones in every single school in the district or or facility in the district. Did I miss anything? >> [laughter] >> Okay. Pretty good. Quite Does that answer your question? Yeah, yeah, and I guess just how does the like how do the terms of this work? Right, so you say we were we were paying $50,000 each year as like I guess just is that for like the the cell service or do we lease this equipment or how does that work? Yes, sir. I'll let you in. That's that's just for the licensing for the phones for them to to function. Understood. Okay. And then
039just because it's like you know, it like looks like it's like okay, well we're spending more on the phones, right? But you know, I guess how did it work out that we're getting more for less? I I I don't know if that's like it my question's coming clear, right? Like what did the terms of the contract change or Yeah, this is a new Sorry. This is actually a new contract, which is why you're approving it and because it's over that threshold. But with this contract, this company that partners with Mitel or Axtel, which one? Axtel, sorry. Which partners with Axtel, they include in their contract in addition to service that every five years you get a replacement phone, which we said was a gift because otherwise with our current contract, which is with Mitel and
040Axtel, see? Okay. We don't get the phones included. It's just for services. So that's the difference. Yeah. So so basically just so I have it clear, it's new company, new deal, better contract. Yes. >> That's the change. Okay, got it. Thank you. >> budget it for, yes. >> Right, right. So I I appreciate that clarification cuz you know, that's just for the public to see, you know, obviously there's a sense and a logic to why there's this money's being spent up front, right? To make it financially responsible long term. So thank you. You're welcome. Is there anyone else who have who would have questions or comments? Mr. Masson. So, I have a question on 10.10 EPC playground approval or proposal, excuse me. And taking a look at this proposal here, I guess the couple questions
041I have and I'm assuming it's probably from Mr. Yates. Is is this covered under the grant? Or sorry. I can take that one, too. Yes. So, under the preschool grant, we actually put in $75,000 for non-instructional equipment. And it covers the full fee. So, it's all covered under preschool funds. Okay. And I guess the other question I have is is is the proposal itself. I'm not an expert. I don't do construction on, you know, playgrounds in different areas. But you look at certain some of the items and things and involving with it, especially one line item really sticks out to me is the amount of mulch and the cost of the mulch. Why is the cost so exuberant for us where we can probably pick up a local vendor and get mulch at a much
042more affordable option. Yeah, it's certified playground mulch, um which is what we're required to use. It's what we've done before in the past. It's inclusive in the the proposals themselves. And the only thing I would say, too, there's certain requirements that particularly preschool, you're like connected to Eckers, you have to have a certain like inch level and all the different rules that go with it. So, it has to be done by the installer to kind of be in alignment and I guess proof that we're following all the requirements per per preschool. And the onus of liability would be on them if they Correct. Yes. >> have to certify all areas of the playground once it's installed. So, they'll provide us with that certification saying, "Hey, this playground meets all you know, New Jersey state standards."
043Just being a good steward of taxpayer dollars, making sure we're on the right track. Thank you. Mr. Wilson. Hi. Uh I just have a quick question about 10.22. Uh the contract for the Ever Alert um clock and notification system. This may very well be deeply needed, but I just genuinely don't know too much about it. So, I'm wondering if you guys can just give us a little bit of background uh just before we vote on it. It's It's interesting to me. Sure. I'm going to give that one to Frederick. Over the past many years, um one of our pain points are is our PA system. Um it's it's fairly deprecated and it's very difficult to manage maintain. Um so, one of the things we need to do is how do we address that in the
044economical way? Uh we can't go through every speaker in every hallway and rewire every every speaker. Um that would not be uh cost-effective. So, um the Ever Alert Dynamic Display Dynamic View Ecosystem allows us to um do and put it put a non-destructive uh PA device in every classroom um and and allow us to use our the network to to to facilitate these these PA announcements. Um In in short, um it's it's just a way that can we we can we can set it up for the next person in an understandable manner. Is it like its own system where we're putting like, you know, kind of like wireless devices in every room and they kind of talk to it that way or Yes. Yes, so we would use the phones uh extra phones hopefully um
045that would use uh network uh our network to to make calls to classrooms. So, then we can actually uh have better control over the sound it plays in every room and every large area. So, um it it would cost us less money to to do that than to again rewire every every every speaker and and uh that we have in every classroom and every large area. And I would just add to that just having seen and had different demos. Um obviously, the old system that we have is a Telecenter system which is very very outdated um and replacement parts aren't even available anymore. Uh Um, but this is very I would say we were impressed as a technology team when we looked at it as supervisors, when we looked at it as board tech, um,
046because it is not just going to be like the what traditionally now is a speaker up on the wall that you would see. It's actually, um, a monitor that's going to go above every active panel in the district for all the classrooms that will give you a visual signal as well as being able to hear with the speakers. So, it really does enhance and you'll have more from a PA system than we've ever had before. Um, some of the different features that can go up there would be like, you know, if there's fire drill, if it was truly a lockdown. So, you'll have a sound, you'll have a visual that everybody can see and alert when there is going to be a visual. Um, and I feel like there's one other thing. Oh, and then
047in large group areas, same thing. So, in a gym, you have the amplification speakers so that you'll actually be able to hear it. Um, and different features like that. Hallways and the ability to zone different, um, different messages or announcements. Did I miss anything? That's great. No, I I appreciate the background. Do we have any indication as to when this will make it to some of the other schools? Are they going to be slated for this coming up soon or Yes, so because of the large cost and we knew this was going to be the longest project. Sure. So, that's why we went with website first >> [laughter] >> of the three big technology initiatives that we talked about. So, website will be happening as of July 1st is our goal. Um, that phones are
048already scheduled, pending approval tonight of course, um, to be done this summer. So, those two big projects will be finished. This will be the start and we knew this is going to be multi-year so this would cover four of the schools and then hopefully we can do another four. It'd be great to do it in two years, but just given the cost it might take three at most. But, we are trying to plan and, um, do it like Frederick said in an economical way, um, but also the size of our district knowing that it's not something you'd ever be able to do in one summer or one year. That's great background. I I appreciate you both. Thank you. And then Ms. McCulloch, not to interrupt, but during curriculum you said you were being very strategic
049as to where you were starting. So, you were kind of starting at the places that were in most need of updates and then kind of working your way. So, I think that's an important note there. Thank you. Yeah. I was just going to say just for the matter of procedurally because I know Mr. Wilson's new. Frederick and Mario, they came to technology which you'll be a part of and did a full demo for us. So, this isn't neces- I mean, this isn't necessarily new tonight. You wouldn't have known that. I just wanted to let you know that they did a full technology review for this committee for um I think curriculum we did it, too, right? I just kind of took their words and kind of did it myself. >> I know. And then you
050remember but I did okay, right? The PCA PTO parent groups, too. So, >> I talked about it there as well. Yeah, just to clarify the just the procedurally um they went through all this with with I I don't doubt it. >> No, no. I know. I just wanted to let you know. I appreciate it. No, it sounds fantastic. I'm all for it. >> Yeah, it's going to be great. The website's super cool, too. Yeah. Further clarification for the board, that proposal from RFP Solutions which is 10.22 that you're asking about, that was received May 11th. So, that's why it's on this agenda for approval. 10.23 is you authorizing me to solicit bids and award bids for a lease purchase of the same. So, that lease purchase is for 10.22. Just to clarify [clears throat] that.
051We can't proceed with the project until I can certify that we have an availability of funds. So, those are coupled. So, if we vote no to one, then the other one becomes unnecessary. Just to make clarification for the board. One final question. I feel like you're on the hot seat tonight, Ms. McGolrick. So, I apologize. Um in as far as I the immense pressure that we have, right, in in expenditures and how we're trying to be good stewards of the of the taxpayer dollar. Um I I just want to ensure that we're looking at any ways, maybe with ADA grants and different ways, because this system's now in a total encompassing system. So, it's not just going to be audio. It's, you know, visually impaired and different things along with it, audio impaired, etc. So,
052is there any grant monies out there or any ways that also help support some of these initiatives now and in the future? I think we're always open to them and look for them. Like, I know facilities was looking for a grant. I know the tech department looks for different grants when they're available. Nothing that we found that we would apply for at this time, but certainly we are always open whenever there's a grant opportunity that we as a district would apply for and receive, we obviously would go for that. I did have a meeting with a grant writing firm last week, if I I remember correctly, but it was recent. And Aiden DeMarcy had put it me in touch with them. So, I had a a first meeting with them. I will discuss that meeting
053and that firm at finance and allow finance to decide what happens next. But, just so you know, we have had a a first discussion with a grant writing firm. Fantastic. Thank you. Any other questions or comments? Seeing none, I wanted to comment on a couple of things, Jonathan, for clarification. Um the 10.20, the approval to use Evans for preschool. I know that is a requirement. And so explain to me is that a requirement in order to go along with the amended long-range facilities plan or No, good question. So the county has to approve our reopening of Evans even though Evans has never been closed but it's been closed as a technically a school site under Evesham Township Board of Education. So in order for us to move forward with preschool at Evans in our meeting
054with the county a couple weeks ago they said hey we would prefer to see a standalone resolution where the board authorizes the reopening of Evans for use as a as a classroom space for ETSD students. We did tell them hey you've the board is already approved this in our three school or three-year operational plan for preschool but they said just strip it out put it on the agenda send us that certified resolution and that satisfies the requirements of the county DOA. Thank you. Yeah. So that will not go that's will not go along with that long-range facilities plan to the state? No, that's 10.16. Okay. I do have comments on let me just see here 10 17. I wanted to just bring the attention about the um energy savings improvement plan since we have been
055all along approving to participate in that program through the state and then we did approve DCO Energy and I wanted to let everybody know in finance was it this past finance Jonathan Yates did bring in DCO Energy and they gave us a presentation on all on their work to move forward on areas that we can become more energy efficient and save money and it's a it's a program through the state and they gave such a great presentation. I'm sure the other finance committee members would agree. And so the first step, which is on this agenda, is to go out to bid for a company that is going to assist us in number one, replacing some of the solar panels we have and also build out and continue to add solar panels. Correct. >> at our
056schools. >> Yes. Um and also we're looking into the community solar community as another way to you know, say have get savings for our district. So it's in a very exciting program and I really I think Jonathan mentioned DCO will present to the entire board perhaps in a couple of months as they move forward just to explain everything. Yeah, so just to keep [clears throat] the board up to speed on what finance sat through and they do provide a lot of detailed knowledge and expertise on the energy savings improvement program, but DCO energy is our energy consultant that we went through procurement process um to find DCO presented to finance on um just kind of a timeline and next steps for us. None of this locks us into anything. This just is authorizing us to
057go solicit bids for a solar PPA and then DCO will evaluate and uh present to ultimately the finance committee and then the board as a whole would make final decisions on any projects. But due to timing and timeline, that's why this is on here for tonight. And then the second one is the solar community program. That's separate from energy savings improvement plan. That is solar array structures that would be built a in our parking lot spaces where appropriate. That provides us and then so what we would happen is third-party um solar companies would bid on uh securing uh I guess ownership over those solar arrays. In exchange, we would receive revenue from them, guaranteed revenue stream based on total wattage that those arrays are able to produce um district-wide. And then any community member or
058resident who lives near those solar arrays can apply through their BPU for a 25 to 30% reduction on their electric utility rates. So, it's a it's a big win for the community. It's a big win for the district to generate alternative revenue sources, and it simply puts solar array structures in our parking lots, which I can tell you our facilities department was super thrilled about. So, um that's a you know, that's a triple threat for us. Thank you, Mr. Yates. Thank you for um that explanation. So, seeing no more questions or comments, I need a roll call now, Mr. Yates, to approve finance items 10.1 through 10.27. Roll call, please. Roll call on finance and operations, Mr. DeMarcey. Yes. Mr. Fisher. Yes. Ms. Ainelli. Yes. Mr. Compton. Yes. Mr. Masson. Yes. Mr. Kielman. Yes. Mr.
059Wilson. Yes. Ms. Buchermoeit. Yes. Mrs. Knoll. Yes. The motion carries. Thank you. We're going to move on to personnel now. I would like to a motion to approve items 11.1 through 11.11 personnel items. Do I have a motion? Ms. Buchermoeit, and seconded, Mr. Wilson. Thank you. Does anybody have questions or comments on any of the personnel items? You do? I do, because she's here tonight um as well as some other friends from MES, but I want to congratulate Ms. Tracy Bowles on her I guess reassignment to supervisor curriculum position. Obviously, we know MES is near and dear to my heart and I've worked with Tracy in the PTA capacity and as a parent and she took over for Mr. Feldman, which was big shoes to fill and you did a great job and we're going
060to miss you for sure, but we know you're not going far. So, congratulations and we're excited for what comes next. Mrs. Noel, if I may. Yes, go right ahead. >> On the agenda tonight is Leah Perlmutter. She will be transferring to payroll specialist role in my office. I've had the luxury here in New Canaan of having two excellent administrative assistants in my tenure. So, Ms. Diane Snyder who retired, Leah Leah Perlmutter took over after her. This is a good thing for Leah. We're fully supportive of it. So, happy for her and then looking forward to trying to fill her shoes. Thank you for that comment, Mr. Yates. No other questions or comments? Seeing none, roll call, please. Roll call on personnel items, Mr. DeMarse. Yes. Mr. Fisher. Yes. Ms. Iannelli. Yes. Mr. Conton. Yes. Mr.
061Masson. Yes, abstention to 11.10. Your abstention to 11.10 is noted. Yes to the rest, Mr. Peelman. Yes. Mr. Wilson. Yes. Ms. Bucher Walsh. Yes. Mrs. Noel. Yes. That motion carries. Thank you. Moving on to item 12, policy. We do not have any new policies tonight on the agenda, so we'll be moving on to item 13, committee reports. Do I have any committee chairs who would like to share information on the committees that met this month? No? No, okay. Seeing none, then we will move on to old business old business. We do have old business tonight, and that is um let me check my okay, we need I need a motion to approve New Jersey School Boards Association to assist in the superintendent search for $8,000. Do I have a motion to approve the superintendent search?
062Mrs. Miss Iannelli, do I have a second? Mr. Wilson. Thank you. Any questions or comments? Does anyone want to comment on the superintendent search firm selection? No? Yes. Sorry, I'm just >> [cough and clears throat] >> we're approving a firm to do the search once we've selected? Yes. >> Yes. Who who is that? >> You will New Jersey School Boards Association. Understood. Okay. Um But you're You're I just comment on the selection of the firm. Is he allowed to comment on it? Okay. Yes. You can comment in private. We have two two members that are conflicted in anything related to the superintendent search. So, as far as the approval of New Jersey School Boards Association, um I'd like to thank the other members for their consideration of this, >> [music] >> and um it it
063will be a big assistance, especially for board leadership. So, thank you. Uh any other If there are no other questions, go ahead, Mr. Compton. Yeah, thanks, Ms. Snow. Um I think year after year this board cries poor every single year. We say we don't have enough money. We keep going to the taxpayer. Year after year, can you give us 25% more? Um can you give us 2% this year? I think we got an email from a a homeowner this year that their taxes have doubled in the last 9 years since they've lived in this town. Um from a property tax perspective, I to to put it straight, I think everyone understands. Every year we say we don't have enough money. We keep burning the taxpayer with our problems. And every year this board hears the
064same story from our training, from our council, from everyone that a board's number one job is to find a superintendent. Because everything else is done by the superintendent. Like we have one actual job that we do, and it's finding a superintendent, and it doesn't happen very often. So, in a world where one, we cry poor, and two, we have actually one job to do, I cannot wrap my head around spending additional money that doesn't go straight to our students to pay someone to help us do our own job. What is really our only job? So, I'll be voting no for this. Thank you, Mr. Compton, for sharing that. Is there anyone else? So, just to offer another perspective to that, this tonight in my eyes, for me, is a compromise. Like I look at it
065just differently. I mean, no better or worse, just different, that because this is our number one job, I don't know that this is the kind of thing that we want to go to the lowest bidder. However, understanding that it's a board of nine people, and we're here to agree, and we're here to move this forward. I do think some assistance is going to help us get to the is better than nothing when it comes to finding the best person for this job. Every one of us will Every one of us who can will have their hands in this no matter what. This is meant to assist us with some of the administrative process to ensure it's efficient, especially given the timeline. And it is, in my opinion, for me this this decision tonight is a
066compromise between doing nothing and doing everything. Mr. Mr. Maxon, you all I'm already planning on it, yeah. Thank you. I will add that for me, the money is worth it for what they will assist with so that we can they they can facilitate stakeholder input. That is highly important to me. That's top of my list. And so, because, you know, that was not done in the past. And I think it's very important to um you know, build consensus amongst all the stakeholders we have here. This is a decision we want to make to hire somebody for 5 to 10 years. And I don't believe I I believe we should get their input. And then, of course, the seven of us vote on the superintendent. But, we will have their input in our heads as we
067make that decision. So, for me, it's worth it. And I was not willing to go and to vote for one of the other firms that came in at $24,000 and $17,500. I felt that was too much money. And so, and and so, with School Boards, I feel like they will do an excellent job. And that's why I can vote for School Boards at that $8,000. The Okay. So, Kevin Mr. Pielman Oh, excuse me, Mr. Pielman. I just wanted to add into the discourse as well. Um I am a as everyone knows a super big fan of stakeholder feedback and stakeholder input. I think it's vital however we do this that that occurs, that we get as much input from as many of our stakeholders as possible. That being said, I don't see the value in
068selecting this firm to do this job. Thank you, Mr. Pielman. No one else then? Roll call, please, Mr. Yates. Procedurally, Ms. Gifford, am I calling the names of those who are conflicted? All right, on new business, excuse me, old business to approve New Jersey School Boards at a fee of $8,000 to provide superintendent search services to the Board of Education, Mr. De Marsi. On the advisement of the board attorney, I abstain. Your abstention is noted. Mr. Fisher. No. Ms. Inelli. Yes. Mr. Contant. Absolutely not. Mr. Masson. Abstain. Your abstention is noted. Mr. Pielman. No. Mr. Wilson. Yes. Ms. Butrymowicz. Yes. Mrs. Knoll. Yes. The motion carries. Thank you, Mr. >> record, that is a a majority of those who are able to vote. We have seven voting members, four voted yes. The motion carries. Okay,
069thank you, Mr. Yates. So, now we will move forward in earnest with the superintendent search. I'm going to open this up to public comment. This will be comment on any items of interest. Better get back to my script. Please excuse me. Just in case anyone is not aware, we have two public comments where at the end comment on any any items of interest. And we will now open the meeting for public comment referencing any items of interest. However, if your questions pertain to student or personnel items or negotiations, we ask that you see the superintendent after the meeting since we do not discuss these matters in public. Please limit your comments to 3 minutes per person and please state your name and address as you approach the microphone. Thank you. Holly Miller, Marlton Elementary teacher
070and ETEA vice president. I just would be remiss if I didn't make a comment on the reduction of the seven elementary positions. We appreciate that it's not people, but it does still directly affect people and most importantly our children, our students. Marlton Elementary, I'm not aware of what's happening in the other elementary schools, but at Marlton Elementary we are going from four second grades to three third grades, which means that we're going from about 20 21 kids in a second grade class to 27 28 kids in that third grade class. So I just wanted you to kind of, you know, wrap your head around that and know that even though they aren't people, I know that you always say that it's positions, it is still directly affecting those that are most important, our students. Thank
071you. Thank you, Mrs. Miller. No other commenters. We'll close that portion and we I will open it up to any board member announcements before we close. Mr. DeMarzi. I'll start out first. I just want to um say first I think everybody agrees to this. Uh all the students that were here today so great to see all them. We got a lot of, you know, good uh good artists. We got a lot of good mathematicians out there. Um it was beautiful. I know uh you know, some of my family members, they got the chance to participate in some of that. So, it was great to see some of the community partnerships that we utilize there. Um and you know, teaching students, you know, for example, you know, things like what what it means to be an
072American, what you know, what why what why is it these lessons important to them. And um you know, it's just it's just great to see and and showcase that. So, shout out to them. Um I also want to comment and I it was touched on earlier, so I'll briefly quickly mention it. DTE Energy, they did a fantastic job presenting to us in finance. I was thoroughly impressed uh with the plan that they put together. So, shout out to John for, you know, getting them involved. Um so, thank you for bringing them to us and and putting forth the plan that's going to ultimately bring long-term savings into what we spend on our utilities. Um so, you know, and if any of the members of the community has questions about how that works, I I encourage
073you to reach out to member of the cabinet, you know, any anybody and uh get you some details. But, fantastic program. And take advantage of community solar. Go sign up. Go save money on your utility bills. They're not cheap. So, that's my message there. Um but, I I do want to comment uh although I was ineligible to vote on the superintendent search firm, um I I I think, you know, I'm going to say that this is unfortunately not the proper step in conducting this operation. We just raised taxes 2% this year. Um we're already having to make tough decisions when it comes to positions and and that's having a real impact on students. But, to go and, you know, turn around and and, you know, spend funds on things quite frankly we don't need to
074spend funds on. We haven't spent funds on in the past when we've done this operation. Um not only does it tell the community that we don't trust ourselves as a board to do the job that we are entrusted to do, but it's also just a mismanagement of the funds that they trust us to manage. Um I understand it would be ideal to have, you know, the top-notch professionals come in, advise us, and lead us to the best candidate for the job, but, you know, ultimately government is about making tough decisions with strained resources, and that is the task that we are charged with. This is a very important task that we should naturally, as board members, include stakeholders in the community on. We should be That's our job. We should be going to different community
075organizations. We should be talking to teachers, parents, and and getting their input on on what they want to see. We should be looking at what we, as a board, setting goals, what we want to see in the next superintendent. That does not necessarily need the New Jersey School Board Association to come and tell us what we want. That's up to us to decide. Ultimately, I do believe that this is a waste of money, and I think we need to get tighter. We need to, you know, not make these kinds of decisions if we're going to continue to cry poor about our budget every year. So, um ultimately, what's most important about the superintendent search is that we find, you know, the most qualified person in the pool for the job. I still believe we could
076do that. I don't think that this impacts it positive, negative. Um so, you know, we're we're we're going to work diligently on that. Um But, ultimately, we got to we got to be smarter with our money. Thank you, Aidan. If there are no other comments, I have to respond to that. Um I have to respond to that. Number one, we never did this before because we always hired from within. How many decades have we hired from within? I I think Dr. Smith was an internal hire. No. That was also COVID number one. Okay. Um and number two I'm not I have not heard from too many people that they are willing to do the heavy lifting. And number two, this is administrative school boards is not coming here to tell us what we want. They're
077facilitating stakeholder sessions. They are doing an online survey. They are collecting the resumes through their portal. Doing all the screening and certs checks, background checks. So, I believe this is an important amount of money to spend. Did you want to comment? >> No, Mrs. Idah, it's Before we adjourn, go ahead. I have a couple side comments related to that. Is that okay? Okay. Positive comments. Um I was able to attend the gala opening and I just wanted to um congratulate all the amazing artwork and it was awesome to see the recognition tonight. Um it was packed. It It was a really nice night. I also want to recognize our amazing teachers and support staff. Um during May, we do do teacher appreciation. So, I just wanted to take a moment to recognize I know the
078dedication, the time that goes into being a teacher. So, I think that's important that we do celebrate our teachers and staff in May as well as our counselors, social workers, and school psychologists. It is mental health awareness month. So, I just wanted to also give a shout-out because I know what goes into supporting our students socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. Um, in regards to class sizes, I did want to comment. This is an ongoing conversation that we're going to continue to have with admin. We want to ensure we're upholding our mission statement. Um, class sizes, yeah, we have to look at the numbers. We have to ensure that our students are receiving the best educational experience. So, I just wanted to comment that that is an ongoing conversation and we are looking at the specific numbers
079in each school and each setting. Thank you. Well said. Thank you, Mrs. Knoll. Um, to to comment on uh, first of all, from from a finance perspective, I I think everyone's super happy with DCO. They came in, they were great. Um, DCO can't do it alone. We also have bond counsel that we approved last year in Tony Salomone. He came as well. He probably won't come to the presentation, but he's fantastic as well. They work hand in hand. And they work hand in hand in a number of districts. So, so, you guys know I'm not really hot on many of our vendors, but but they're actually good, so they're good. Um, so I'm really happy there. Uh, to comment on the superintendent search, first of all, it's illegal to hire from within, right? Like we
080have to post publicly for our things. So, don't know where that came and came from. Um, We posted, but other districts do post. Like we did. Okay. >> The best candidate was somebody from within. I'm sorry, I misspoke. Yeah, okay. Yep. Um, I apologize to the taxpayers of our town last year when we raised your taxes 25%. Uh, Mr. DeMartino's grossly um, incorrect when he says that we're going to have to make tough decisions because whatever the max the state tells us we can raise taxes next year is what we're going to take because this board does not have the stomach to make any tough financial decisions. Um, again, I I feel as if though I'm not sure whether it's an unwillingness of our board and its leadership to actually do our job or if
081it's a incompetency, but I do apologize to our taxpayers again as we continue to mismanage our taxpayer dollars. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Compton. Mr. Pielman. Just want to say one thing in defense of the board that we did leave 4 and 1/2 million dollars in banked capital on the table for this year that we could have used to maintain everything the seven positions that were cut and the one day of transportation after school transportation. There were other things that we were able to do that the board chose not to. In all fairness. The You're right. Yeah, I'll give you that one. But it's banked so we can still take it next year, which I think we might. Could take it next year. >> If I am correct. Are you going to discuss EEEF golf
082outing? Might I add Trying to. to the further expense of the taxpayers. Mr. Massey, go right ahead. >> So, thank you. As I always do in every month, I just wanted to to note my absentees due to conflicts in the district with employment. When it comes to open events again, I I got to also see the gala and I know Miss Annelli stole a lot of the thunder there, but um what an amazing way to show showcase of the talent not just in the arts, but also in music and writing and creativity, you know. It's just great to see what we our students can do from all grades. Even having the orchestra play on the second floor was a nice touch. So, touch of class. Um again, to the comment earlier, um we are very
083closely looking at class sizes continually. This is not something that's going to be just assigned, sealed, and delivered. It's a it's a constantly evolving mission um to make sure we have the right class sizes in the right schools in the right facilities and the right um placements. >> [snorts] >> Um one final thing here, uh on June 1st is going to be the EEEF, Islip Education Foundation. I know our new member, Mr. Wilson, was a a member of uh is the annual golf outing. Um it's a great event. Um we're We're to have roughly 170 plus golfers. Um prizes gifts of high perceived value, baskets, and other fun. Dinner included, etc. So, if anyone has the opportunity and has their calendar opening uh the day before the primary election on June 1st, um please uh
084join us. Uh that's going to be at Little Mill? Little Mill Country >> It's Little Mill, yep. Little Mill. I expect to see Mr. Yates hacking up the course a little bit, so. Listen, the winning foursome's coming back to win again, so. >> [laughter] >> Don't let the proceeds back in the district cuz we need >> To clarify, I was not a member of the winning foursome last year. But, thank you. Okay, thank you, Mr. Massengill. I I think we've gone round robin once enough, so at this time we need a motion to adjourn. Oh, I'm so sorry, Mr. Wilson. And congratulations. Thank you. Uh thank you. Yeah, I know uh I I kind of waited till late to the end here, but I I do want to say thank you to the board for
085uh selecting me as part of the search to fill uh fill the open position. Uh I am genuinely thrilled to be a part of the group. Uh there is a lot of work to do as you guys can hear and those of you that are watching at home, uh there's a lot of work to do. Um this is exactly the pipe of type of public discourse that should occur, and I'm thrilled to hear differing opinions. I I think that's important, so. I am uh I'm thrilled to be a part of the group. I want to thank Mr. Massengill for shouting out the EEF. I spent a number of years uh with them on their board and in their executive board, and uh they do great work for the community, and um yes, if you are
086not already engaged with the Ed Foundation, please take a moment to get involved. Uh use shmedfoundation.org. You can look them up. You can see us on not us, see you them on Facebook uh and other social media platforms. Please take a moment and please consider uh supporting them. They do appreciate it. Uh that's all. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Wilson. So, at this time we'll move to adjourn. Do I have a motion to adjourn? Mr. DeMarco seconded by Ms. Iannelli. Thank you. All in favor? Aye. >> Aye.