001In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, NJSA 10 colon 4-6, adequate notification of this meeting has been provided and by advertising in the record. Please rise for the flag salute and remain standing after. I pledge allegiance to the flag of America to the republic for it standice for all. >> Please remain standing for a moment of silence in honor of a departed employee, Miss Rico. Thank you. Uh Mr. Libu, we will uh commence with the swearing in of Mr. Diaz, our newest board member. >> Did you do a roll call? Uh roll call before >> I think we'll include him in the roll call after you swear him in. >> Okay. If the family would like to join the ceremony up front that has >> Yes. How you doing? >> I swear that I
002will support the Constitution of the United States. where United States the Constitution of the State of New Jersey I will bear truth and I will bear truth and allegiance to the same established government establish this state this day and the authority of the people authority of the people. I I do solemnly swear and swear that I possess the qualification prescribed by law and I possess qualifications by law for the office for the order of your office and that I am not disqualified as pursuant to disqualify RS19-1 no disqualify no disqualified New Jersey 1812 just performance best. >> [applause] >> Okay. Mr. Leu, a roll call, please. >> Mr. Diaz, >> here. >> Mr. Taylor, >> present. >> Mr. Oto >> here. >> Mrs. Assan >> here. >> Mr. Ramos, >> present. >> Mr. Killis, >>
003present. >> Mr. Gaba, >> present. Mrs. Petiri >> present. >> Mr. Focarino >> present. >> Our student representative Miss Arabanos is out um excused for this evening. And Miss Martinez Cherry. >> Do a test. >> Thank you. >> Do a test. >> A motion to approve the minutes of the last meetings. >> Test. >> Make it. Make it. It's working. >> I second. >> Mr. Auto. >> Motion by Mr. Autoto. Second. Mr. Auto. >> I'll make it. Mr. Peter. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Diaz. >> Abstaining 3.1 3.2 as I wasn't on the board. Uh, yes to 3.3. >> Mr. Taylor. I >> Mr. Roto >> I >> Mrs. Assan >> I >> Mr. Ramos >> abstain >> Mr. Killis >> I >> Mr. Gaba >> I >> Mrs. Peter >> I [clears throat] >>
004and Mr. Fino. >> Hi. >> Uh, Dr. Tomco, you want to start with 5.2? >> It's not working. Thank you, Mr. President. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Let me start by saying I wish uh all of you happy Thanksgiving. Um again, one of the most incredible things I've seen in my career happen in Garfield. Um happens in Garfield on Thanksgiving morning. I'm looking forward to it where um probably close to 200 people get together in the cafeteria and uh at the high school and just I don't know supply joy to to those individuals that need us. So, um I wish all your families um you know an incredible incredibly thankful holiday. Um I think a lot of a lot of uh us concentrator are harp on some of the things that we can't control in
005our lives. Uh and I think this is uh the one time of the year that me for a very long time um I come together with my family and uh and my work family and uh I I I'm thankful for all the things that we do have all the all the relationships and the partnerships and the things um that we know we're here for a certain reason whether you're you know a par professional custodian teacher principal doesn't matter. Uh I I know that regardless of any of the disagreements that we may have or um you know some of the different views points with regard to education, uh we're all here for the same reason and it's the it's the kids in this incredible. So So again, uh thank you for everything you do. Um this
006board has been working extremely hard um making sure that every penny, every everything is uh going towards the kids, the programs, um the faculty, the staff, and I can say that because I'm the one that um they're coming to every uh it's not even every day, it's like every hour or so. So, uh I believe it or not, uh I appreciate that. I think that's why um each one of you represents a constituency and I always say that each board member, there's nine board members now still um with Mr. Diaz joining us officially. Um it's one ninth of the population. So, uh I always look at it that way. We always listen. We try to do what's best. There are a lot of things that you'll see coming forward with regard to facilities um with
007regard to um trying to utilize some of the the grant monies uh moving forward in a few in a few days. I shouldn't say a few days, in a few weeks, you're going to see some real real strong developments at the new school 5 site. Um you're going to see some structures going up. And when that happens, it's it's real. It's for real. Right now, it's like a pile of dirt, but it's not. But once the that steel goes up, um you know, it's the new future of this district. So, uh again, uh there's a lot of things coming down the pike and I I want to uh tell the board that I appreciate them. I know you don't hear it enough. I give thanks for you as well, um for keeping us uh on
008that straight and narrow path, that vision. Uh I know we have to work on a new strategic plan, uh that's coming up in the new year. Um so, looking forward to all the feedback from the parents. Uh I had the honor of being here for the first strategic plan. So now we can just kind of you know piggyback off of that um you know uh for the for the next 5 years uh of this great city. I also want to thank Mr. Leu. He and I have been working together now for the past month or so. Um really uh you know really working hard to make sure that you know we incorporate a lot a lot of the programmatic piece. um he's he has a lot of historical context that I just don't have because
009I haven't been here. So, it's really helping us put some stuff together. So, I really appreciate that. Thank you so much. Uh and our teachers and our students, our faculty members, our everyone, our security guards, everyone's working really hard. So, uh I'm I'm proud to say that as we end this uh well, not the school year, but say the fiscal year. Um again, everyone's doing everything we can to to move the district forward. And I always say and I and I hope the student representatives here um well we kind of talk and I need to get out to you guys more um and I know we've been doing that but my job is to make sure that our students have what they what they need or what other districts have. Um there should be no
010kid or no student in Garfield that wants for anything that a student anywhere else has. So, as these unions and as these teachers and these parents keep bringing us ideas, my job is to try to get them get them uh bring them to fruition. That's what we're trying to do. It's not easy. It's not easy. We're writing some of the wrongs um financially. Uh we've had some impact uh with regards with regard to past u some past practices years prior years prior before anyone sitting up here was here. And it's no one's fault. Things happen, right? COVID happened. There's a bunch of stuff. So, um, hopefully, uh, we are we are now getting on the right track and, uh, moving forward to make sure those things happen. On the agenda tonight, you see something called
011Brisk. Uh, it's a program we're bringing. It's an AI uh, uh, program to help teachers and faculty members. Uh, it's really an incredible thing. If you, if uh, you have five minutes when you get home, uh, or if you're at home now watching, uh, just just plug it in. It's really an incredible tool and it's and it's going to help not only our students in the aggregate with scores and and doing well, but it's going to help our faculty members um when we're bringing lessons to students uh coming up with supplemental materials that are that are uh second to none. So, uh we had uh a a cohort of teachers using this on their own on their own their own fruition. When I found out I said we got to bring it here and that's
012what we did and I appreciate this board supporting that tonight. That's on the agenda. We also were I know the board's really strong in this bringing what we call an animage tables. We had a we had a uh uh an incredible demo the other day. I think if we get these here, Mr. Leoo is trying to work out the financing right now. Uh if we get those here, it's going to be one of only two or three high schools in the state that have it for our kids, for our academy kids. So just incredible stuff. Uh we're going to be hearing about esports tonight. Uh they did they did really well this weekend. Um you know, again, things are just happening here that I'm really proud. I'm really excited for uh and again I appreciate
013the board allowing me to serve this community um and uh progress. Thank you. So with that, sorry I needed a drink of water here. Um, I don't if we um we missed one of the students of the month, so we're going to honor two of them tonight. So, is it Mr. Miko or you going to do I know you have two other um we have some staff members that are going to introduce them, but maybe you can start off. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Good evening everyone. At this time, I'd like to invite uh Mr. Stapen to present our October student of the month. >> [applause] >> Good evening. So, I had the pleasure of working with our October student of the month last school year in AP Calculus. She is an exceptional
014student and was a leader in our class. Her grade for calculus for the year was well over 99. In fact, it rounded to 100 if you like math. She scored a five on the AP Calculus AP uh AB exam. And to give you some context on that, last May is about 250,000 students globally that took that exam and only 20% of them were able to earn that five grade that that this person did. Just as impressive were her regular daily contributions in class. She's always asking thoughtful questions that that evidenced a real deep thinking, higher level thinking. She's always willing to contribute to the to the discussion and answer questions even when she wasn't sure the answer. She brings that same level of dedication, hard work, and intellectual curiosity to all her classes. Across her
015time at Garfield High School, she's been on the superintendence role every term. In other words, she's pitched straight A's. On top of that, she's got a perfect GPA at Bergen Community College where she's on track to earn her associates degree this spring. Now, that's another achievement that that calls for a little context, right? So, this person has taken a full load of classes at high school, the hardest courses the school offers, AP classes, honors classes. On top of that, she's very involved in extracurriculars. I'll share a bit about that in a moment. And on top of all that, she's been taking college courses, not just a couple of courses, but by the time she graduates, the equivalent of two full years of college to earn an associates degree. Really remarkable stuff. She's an out she's
016a leader outside of the classroom, right? A member of the math and Italian honor societies, president of the GHS National Honor Society, a TI peer leader ambassador, and editor-inchief of our yearbook. She's generous with her time and talent in terms of volunteering. She's accumulated about 200 hours of service. That's with places like GHS summer arts, uh, a summer day camp, which he's volunteered the last two years, GHS afterchool visual arts program, Garfield Public Library book sales, uh, the Garfield Boys and Girls Club, the Thanksgiving food drive, the Interact Club, and the math tutoring center. She's also the first place winner of the VFW of Garfield um, Voice of Democracy essay contest. And for that, for those efforts, she earned a $1,000 scholarship. On top of those impressive accomplishments, she's fluent in Albanian and her free
017time, although I can't imagine she has a lot of free time, she's in the process of developing what she calls a passion project to help fellow teenagers that are get navigating um mental well-being issues. She's right now busy applying to an impressive list of four-year colleges. She's interested in studying neuroscience and psychology and has the intention of becoming either a radiologist or a physician's assistant. I personally can't wait to see what she'll do with her many talents in college. And beyond that, please join me in congratulating the Garfield High School October student of the month, Dea Muselari. [applause] >> [applause] >> Good evening, members of the board of education, administrators, teachers, and families. I'm truly honored to receive the student of the month award for October. I want to sincerely express my gratitude for Mr.
018Stafenbach, who took the time to nominate me. His constant support, encouragement, and dedication to teaching has tremendously influenced my my academic and personal growth. From the time I was his AP Calculus student to now, I've always appreciated Mr. Stafenback's belief in me, my efforts, and my potential to exceed the limits of my own expectations. To me, this recognition is more than just the title. It is a reminder of and a testament to all the wonderful people who have always supported me. I want to thank all the teachers I've had, Mr. Chella, Mr. Burns, Mr. Foso, and Miss Calderio, just to name a few, for helping me grow both academically and personally. Today, I am a determined, passionate, and curious student because of their impact, not just as teachers, but as role models in our district.
019And of course, to my family, thank you for being the found the foundation of all of my actions. I'm here today with the identity I have, the values I follow, and the education I pursue. All because of your sacrifices. For that, I am forever grateful. I appreciate you all for taking the time to recognize me this evening. And once again, thank you for the from the bottom of my heart. [applause] Again, congratulations, DeA. At this time, it's my pleasure to welcome Miss Caruso, who will present our November student of the month. [applause] Uh, good evening board members, community. It is my honor to present our student of the month for the month of November, Miss Victoria Adalgo. Victoria is an exceptional student whose achievement and character truly stand out within our school community. Victoria excels
020both academically, athletically, consistently demonstrating leadership, determination, and maturity beyond her years. She approaches every challenge with a positive attitude and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her strong work ethic, compassion for others, and willingness to go above and beyond make her a dependable and inspiring role model for her peers. Victoria embodies what it means to be a scholar, a leader, and a community member, and she's truly deserving of this recognition. It is with great pride that we honor her as student of the month, Miss Victoria. [applause] >> [applause] >> Good evening members of the school board and everyone in attendance here tonight. I just wanted to say thank you for recognizing me as student of the month. This truly means a lot to me. I'm also so grateful to my teachers for always supporting me and
021to my mom who constantly pushes me to be the best version of myself. I'd like to give a special thanks to Mrs. to Miss Caruso. Um, thank you for not nominating me. Without you, I wouldn't be standing here up here tonight. This recognition given given to me tonight is not only appreciated, it continues to motivate me to keep working hard and to continue improving every day. I really do appreciate it and thank you again for your time. [applause] Congratulations again. Just some more of the incredible stuff our students do. Um, incredible. Excellent job. All right, student government. at all. >> You hold it down until it's >> Oh, can you hear me? >> Hello. >> Okay, perfect. Thank you, Dr. Tomco. Student government does not have a formal presentation for November. However, we're working harder
022than ever. During the fall, we had a lot of fun. We had spirit weeks d um all these activities. We had our big homecoming dance, but now again, we're working harder than ever to bring the student body and the district more events. We're working on a workshop to include all the student governments from the elementary schools who have been very active recently and to bring back our career night and collect um connect alumni with our current students. And we have more events. Thank you. >> [applause] >> EXCELLENT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. All right. So, we have a presentation for our esports program. Mr. Durr, I think Mr. Durr was the first. There he is. All right. [applause] I think Mr. Durr was the first person I met here in the summer. I think you just
023came just came back from Japan, right? I did come back from >> and we met for a while and we talked about esports and and I said, "We're going to really blow it up here. We're going to try to get a theater coming and we we filled out a couple grants but we're we're getting there. So happy to have you here hear what the team did. I know you had a big weekend so >> yeah. Do you mind is it cool if some of them do they can they come stand if you guys want to come stand up? You guys are more than welcome. You know this without them you know. SO [applause] >> all right. Yeah it was a you know they can attest to it. It was a crazy weekend. Uh, as you
024guys have saw, I posted on social media. We came back from Georgian Court University on Saturday uh after participating in the semi-finals and the finals of the Garden State esports um division 3 league for Marvel Rivals. And you know, we fell short in the finals, but uh you know, I'd say, you know, given our first season ever, um first time ever having a program like this, that's honestly the second we stepped off that bus, that was a success. So, um, you know, I'm very proud of everything they did and it was an exhausting weekend going back between Philly and Jersey three or four times, but honestly, I wouldn't have spent my birthday weekend doing anything else than having them do that. Thank you. All right, so uh, esports, right? As Mr. Tomco Dr. Tomco said,
025I've been trying to get this started for about four years now. I've been involved in esports practically my entire life, um, playing video games. So, it's something I wanted to give students the opportunity of doing that I didn't have myself. you know, growing up in Garfield as well. Um, so we're going to kind of go through just talking about a little bit what esports is, why it's important, how it affects our students, um, and then talking a little in how it actually is working at our school and how we can go on to continue to grow it to be larger. All right. So, so what is esports? It's essentially just competitive organized video game, right? It's structured just like any other sport that anyone would play at any time. There's league, seasons, playoffs, and championships.
026It's recognized statewide, nationally, and internationally. Some of the international events actually outperform some of the most famous American sports finals, such as the NBA Finals, World Series, and the Stanley Cup. And some even rival the Super Bowl. The viewership for esports is about like 500 million people around the world. So, it's it's pretty large, you know, half a billion people. Um, right. And there's obviously scholarships and opportunities. I actually coached the Bergen Community College program and I can tell you there are scholarships for our students. So, why does it matter? Right? It builds teamwork and communication just like traditional sports. It develops leadership and critical thinking such as, you know, having in-game leaders, having a team captain, critical thinking skills, analytical skills, etc. Um, it also u it's inclusive for all students that are not
027in traditional sports. The GSSE actually did a study recently that showed that 45% of student athletes within the program have never participated in a single school club, activity, or sport until they joined esports. So what this is essentially doing is it's reaching a population of students that otherwise would not do anything within the school community and it's very sad and you know Dr. Tomco was talking about having opportunities for our students that other schools have. So I'm glad that you know this is finally one that you know we kind of caught up to. Maybe a little late but better late than never. Uh connects it also connects to the career fields such as design, broadcasting and STEM fields. We have a bunch of students uh in the um computer science program in Garfield that you
028know take classes with uh Miss Caldero that are very interested. They're in the program and they're they want to go on to you know working in that field in the future. [snorts] All right. So esports is also a varsity activity. Um so the school board association does support the lettering for esports. Um this was a resolution passed by them in May 2025. Um and actually our board thankfully you guys uh went ahead and adopted this earlier this year um when in August when we established the program. So you know I appreciate that um giving students a sense of meaning and opportunity and achievement um right hundreds of New Jersey schools also recognized at a varsity level and it creates an equal um standing ground with traditional athletics as well. So the Garfield High School esports
029program this was the first competitive season. It was launched this fall. Um, the titles that we ran were Marvel Rivals, which was a varsity sport. Uh, we had Rocket League, which was JV, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. You know, that game's been around for I mean, since I was like probably 2 years old, so probably about 30 years now since on the Nintendo 64. Um, right. So, we have a championship league, which is the varsity level, and league, which is junior varsity. Um, we currently have more than 70 students on teams page, and it's growing every single day, every single week. more students are reaching out, joining, um especially because it depends on what game is in season. Um and that's like where the level of interest is. Um right now we nearly have 30
030students that are actively playing in the season and this could have been more and I'll explain a little bit uh um how so uh later. Um and it teaches them strong attendance and accountability skills. You know, having we've never forfeited a game. Um the kids are communicating with me perfectly. You know, they they take this as a serious commitment. They literally show up every single day every single week to practice. So um it really shows that they have a really strong work ethic and are really serious about this. Um so the program values that we tried to um kind of have here right it's academic and its attendance based expectations. Um we also did a study um from Dr. uh Eric Raj of Monmouth University and he's basically just suggests that u scholastic esports keeps
031kids motivated connected and future ready students reported higher and stronger attendance uh motivation. you can see like a 20% almost a 20% increase. Um they also said they would work harder if their GPA was tied to eligibility consistently building new friendships and nearly all players uh viewed their coach as a trusted adult and building school pride within their community. Um it also entapulates the same sportsmanship conduct standards that um all other ghs sports have. It's very teamwork focused environment. working with six people non-stop is not an easy thing. There's times where, you know, they want to, you know, fight each other and yell at each other, but, you know, it's having a cool head and like approaching a conversation and trying to understand what went wrong and how can we can fix it. And the
032collaboration amongst these kids has been phenomenal. Um, and it's also a very uh it's a safe and inclusive space for students. Uh they also have a Valkyrie for girls and other marginalized communities. So um you know gaming does have a negative um turn um so gaming has had historic issues um in terms of like gender inequality and things like that. So where uh girls are typically discriminated against. Um so Valkyrie League kind of solves that problem. And we have the unified league which is for our MD aces and gap students and I'll elaborate that um in a little bit as well cuz I'm really excited to get that going. So, the competition success we've had this fall, our Marvel rivals team here, um they uh made the state division 3 finals, which was absolutely awesome.
033And our Rocket League JV team and our Super Smash Bros. team, they were uh 6 and0 undefeated. I wish I, you know, I wish I moved them up to varsity. [laughter] Um right, so we had a strong performance. They showed excellent sportsmanship. Um I'll just tell a brief story at the f um leading up to the finals. We were looking for partners to scrim with the week before and we matched up with Planefield in another division. Um, we beat them so bad. They reached out to our kids constantly asking for help and can they give um tips on improvement. um our captains spoke to their coach and gave them some advice that ultimately, believe it or not, when we uh went to the event on Saturday, we met the team, we met the students, they
034ended up winning their division and they actually came up and thanked us because they learned how to play as a team from losing to us. Um so I I thought that was a really awesome story and that alone like just kind of shows the testament of like what these kids are able to do even though we didn't win our finals. It it shows that friendship, that community building that's very important. And we received very positive uh recognition from the league staff and our opponents. We were voted as the dark horse of the tournament. And we were so close to fulfilling that prophecy. That would have been so cool. Um you know, so it was cool walking in there and people already recognizing Garfield as a you know, a town that's never had esports before and
035like who are these guys? You know, where do they come from and why are they here? And you know, we showed up and we played hard. So I have some pictures uh from the state championships um in Georgian Court University in Lakewood. Um as you can see this is the on the left is the whole entire esports team and then on the right we for the fall season and then on the right we have them in our in their semi-finals match against Morris Hills. Um so we we were behind the scenes. We got to watch um we made them some um brief little shirts and jerseys. Um and this was the finals match. Um ultimately it I think it was very successful. It was a lot of fun. Um they made a lot of friends.
036They met a lot of people. There was a lot of things to do. There were colleges there recruiting for uh college scholarships for esports and it's a huge networking event. So, you know, it was definitely an overall net positive for us and you know, it was nice getting to actually see it for myself. So, now going into winter when we hopefully, you know, we will make it um you know, we'll get to do it again and we'll be veterans at this point. So, what's the student impact? Right. So what this really does is it expands the participation for previously uninvited students. Um uninvolved students, I apologize. Um it also helps to build life skills. It demonstrates accountability, attending practices, meetings, weekly competitions, practicing on their own. Um reliability, communication, teamwork. Um and it's all grown
037through a structured set of roles and in-game collaboration and also with their coach. Um and it helps them grow in communication. And you know, we know that communication nowadays is very difficult because of social media and uh kind of this decay that's kind of been going on. Um but it helps to actually help them practice clear communication in very fast-paced competitive environments, right? You need to make split-second decisions. Um and it hopefully needs to be the right decision, right? I I always told them that I'd rather you guys act on the wrong decision together as a team than fight over what you think is the right decision. Um and I think that took us pretty far. Um so for example, Anoriel couldn't be here tonight. He has a physics exam tomorrow. So, he's a little,
038you know, he's home studying. Um, but he was recognized as the GSSE MVP for the Marvel Rivals season, which is a huge accomplishment. Um, you know, being a he's an 11th grader, you know, and um this vote actually comes from the opponents in our in our league and our division. So, they all unanimously pretty much voted for him, which is pretty cool. Um, so what college pathways are available, right? Scholarship opportunities do exist. Um, there's a low ball and a high ball. Um the the small ones are typically from a,000 to $6,000 per year. But you know, I'll you know, from a personal experience, um what made me have to leave college was just a difference of $2,000. I couldn't afford my first ever year of college. So even a small $2,000 grant or scholarship
039could be the making difference between whether or not a kid can attend college or not. Some colleges even offer up to $20,000 like um uh uh Robert Morris University. It's like the leading college in in the nation in esports uh where students can get full rides. Um and we've seen just with just between the years 2015 and 2019 uh we saw six times the amount of scholarships um up to $15 million in in um college collegiate esports. Um there's recruitment by college programs and also it also just helps with career readiness, right? It's a kind of a workforce pipeline. 64 to 69% plan to major in STEM fields. 50 plus percent are eyeing tech and digital media careers and leadership roles like captains, casters, um content creators, um that even grew about 10% as well.
040So, what growth did we see from fall to winter? We have 70 interested students that are active and involved in the program. Even if they're not playing in the fall season, they still come to hang out and play video games. Um we're anticipating the number to grow for the winter season and especially the spring season. Kids are waiting for the games that are in the spring season. So, that's uh you know, we got to get through winter first. Um, and then the inclusion of the unified league. This is what I was trying to say before. Um, I work very closely with the MD classes. I often involve them in a lot of the historical stuff that I do at at school. I invite their classes to hang out with my classes and and do uh
041hands-on projects. Um, Marie Marks and I we we do um boxes for museums and we invite them to come hang out and do that stuff. Um, so I'm very happy that after speaking with all of the teachers and the the students of the MD ACES and GAPS programs, they're very excited and actually participating in the winter season. It doesn't mess up their schedules. They don't have to stay after school. It's during the day and it's integrated into their normal um programming for for their schedule for the day. So, um it's it's literally it's a huge thing. I'm very very excited to get that going. Uh so, program needs and next steps. That's the that's a prototype uh jersey I'm working on. I'm still trying to figure it out. I was kind of curious what you
042guys thought before I kind of, you know, pushed that forward. Um, but uh, we want to talk about equal recognition with other sports, right? So, in Garfield, we've seen things such as like girls flag football go from a club activity to a varsity lettering sport. So, kind of along with like an equitable coaching stipens, right? Like a head coach and assistant coach, right? Despite not being an officially sanctioned NJSIA sport, it shows that Garfield really does like to do this stuff. Garfield likes to go above and beyond and challenge things that aren't normally, you know, the norm or what's accepted with other districts and stuff. Um, uniforms. I'm currently working with our athletic director on kind of getting it ironed out so that the kids can have something really nice and something they can call
043their own, something they're proud of wearing, you know. And then also, we're looking to expand the spring season opportunities, just trying to accommodate all of the interests that we've had, which was kind of one of my big issues with the fall. um we only have um 10 of the 12 computers set up and Marvel Rivals is a six player game. So if you do the math, you know, you can only run one team. So unfortunately that was 6 to 12 players I wasn't able to uh uh have. Um so our long-term vision, right, I I really want to build a premier program in Bergen County. Um when I do something, I really want to do it well. Um and these kids, you know, they know I do everything for them, so they deserve nothing but
044the best. Um, you know, we we would like to look for a dedicated esports room in space as you know, Dr. Topco and I have been talking to Ednauseium. Um, we want to support like a healthy technological infrastructure for them. Um, and reduce any unnecessary limitations and complications that do exist. I would like to eventually get them to start streaming all of the games via Twitch, which is the popular streaming platform for gaming, so that our community can watch and support the team if like, you know, parents can't make it or the kids love sharing with their friends so that they can watch what they're doing or, you know, maybe they have family in another state and they want to watch them play. It's it's you literally just log on and watch. Um, we'd like
045to also like host local esports tournaments and fundraisers. We're planning one actually for our varsity Overcooked game uh which is like a teacher student um uh teamup game and we're going to do a tournament like that and see which teacher student combination is the best in the school and overcooked at cooking stuff. Um and then we're going to grow some partnerships and some community involvement as well. So our current space we have 10 out of 12 computers set up. Um right like I just kind of explained it just kind of limited a little bit of our engagement for the fall. We're looking to you know hopefully going forward change that. Um, we have some really nice desks and chairs that we'd like to also set up that we u we haven't been able to, but
046that's, you know, that's the next step. Um, and unfortunately, room 217, I love Miss Caldera to death. She's, you know, helped me allow uh out with a lot of things. We run interact club together. Um, but the room's very small and it's there's a lot going on in that room. Um, there's almost a meeting in there every single day of two to three clubs and it gets pretty packed and it's a little rough. We have the interact club going on, friends of the animals club uh with Miss D and Miss C. Um the esports program as well as the math uh national honor society tutoring program as well. So it's a little crowded. So our learn long-term vision, we'd like to kind of set this up. Um we have a technology room in the back
047of the media center. I remember when the media center was originally being built, there was supposed to be like a back room and I talked to Misty Amo about the there was a divider wall that was planned to be put. I I this is a couple years ago and the wall was never put up but um I would like to see you know it move into like a dedicated space so you know the you know the computers can be maintained and protected um and you know during the day there's no obviously not going to be any students here um and it just kind of shows where we can set up all 12 computers uh without any issues um you know and provide us with a very nice space. If you've been in the media center
048on the outside of that wall, there are two massive um Prometheian panels or boards and a bunch of chairs so students can come and support their friends and sit down and we can actually stream the games to those monitors as well. Um so it just seems like a perfect environment to run an esports program long term. Um so uh with that said, yeah, I could I just pass it over. I have my senior here, Jose, who would like to just kind of speak on his experience uh in esports. Good evening evening everyone. My name is Jose Mi and I'm a senior at the Garfield High School and I want to thank everyone for letting me be here. I just want to say how amazing this year has been so far. This year was our first
049year ever having an esports teams at Garfield High School. And we made it to the state finals through hard work. That alone is awesome. But what also really matters is what this team has become for us. A lot of us join esports because some of us are really shy. Some of us don't have uh don't love big crowds. And some of us were looking for a place where we could be ourselves without feeling judged. Through esports, we were given that place. It gave us a team where we could show up, feel safe, and feel like we actually belong. It helped us make friends we might never um met otherwise. and it gave us confidence not just in the game but in ourselves. So, thank you to our coach, Mr. Durr, and other members of the
050esports club, our team, and everyone who supported us. This is only the beginning, and I can't wait to see where esports ends up next. Thank you. [applause] And just really briefly, I would like to thank Amy Lee Figureroa here. She is our student uh team manager. I honestly don't think this would be possible like without all the help. All the social media stuff you see is literally her. She taught me how to use Canva and everything. So, it's all her. It's not me. I promise. I'm not going to take credit for that. And I would like to thank Mr. Bishoff as well uh for helping us with the jerseys and showing up every day to help and support me because I'm telling you right now, this is not a oneman job. It was it was
051very hard. Um and his help was immensely appreciated. So, um I just wanted to thank them especially [applause] Thank you very much. Excellent. I can I I look forward to what the future is going to bring. I know we're going to keep talking about it. Um there's also crossover. You know, I know some of these events there's announcers and there's, you know, playbyplay and stuff like that. So, even getting some of the communication um classes involved. It's it's a really incredible thing. So, thank you very much. Congratulations, guys, on an incredible first tournament. Um and uh we look forward to the uh Mr. Demo uh come up for um our um our last presentation which is just an incredible thing that we had last year too. >> Yeah. >> And uh I won't steal your
052thunder, Miss Bizuchi's thunder. >> This is Miss Basuchi's thunder. So um with that, I'd like to invite Miss Basuchi, one of our art teachers to come up. [applause] So we have been doing this project for a few years. Muchi, how long? Three. three years. Um I think it's grown and uh walking through the art room one day. Um it it just touched me in a way that it's never touched me before. Um because of the students reactions and because of the pictures and and the quality of the work um that I saw it it just for whatever reason it it hit a nerve and um it is this is the perfect time of year to to talk about this. So, um, it's called the memory project, and I'm probably holding this upside down. There we
053go. No, maybe not. One more time. There we go. Thank you. Um, and the memory project was designed to uh connect art students with students in other parts of the world that are in orphan orphanages. They might be in orphanages due to the fact uh due to war due to other situations. Um and with that these children in other parts of the world that are in orphanages don't have many personal effects. So with that um the students in our school are I'm usually technologically pretty advanced. Not tonight. Okay. The students um once the art, the renderings, the portraits are received, they do communicate with the um homeschool to share the um expression, the love, the excitement of just something so simple, so touching, so heartfelt that was created by a stranger on the other side
054of the world. So this is the perfect way to make our our big lonely world feel a little bit smaller, a little bit more connected. So what you'll be seeing in the next few slides are um the students, our students photographs along with the renderings of uh portraits that they made of orphanages um around this year it was Armenia. Um, so you could see just the the quality, the expression. Some of them include maybe um, you know, likes to play soccer, likes the color pink. Um, and they're just um, very very special. And all in all, I think we had 30. Correct. Correct. >> Yeah. So um, all 30 students are not here. You'll be able to see these photos in our next uh Bolmaker blog that'll be going on out soon. Um but I
055just again would like to recognize Miss Bizuchi for uh being dedicated and um seeking out projects such as this and um the students who are going to make somebody um on the other side of the world smile. Miss Bizuchi mailed the the um portraits out today. Correct. Yes. So those are our students and again this will be made available on our world maker blog as well and they also include a tracing of their hand write a little message and then you have a little person who feels the connection. So it's incredibly special and again congratulations um and thank you Miss Bushuchi for seeking this out and also to our students who participated. I will call up everyone's name. Uh if I call your when I call your name, please come on up. Wner Alejandro Lopez,
056Alan Kinonis, Alexander Beosski, [applause] esports and a good artist. Well done, Helen Bruno. Alex Ashley Garcia, Nor Elgarnney, [applause] Safhira Espinosa, [applause] Anatoli Fedunka, Christian Garcia, Zahara Gonzalez, Andreana Guzman, [applause and cheering] Eveina Konovska, Nielli Mendes, >> [applause] >> Johan Morel Mora, [applause] Victoria Nestlo, Nestloi, Samantha Paleoa, Mariana Patino Palasios, Candace Patterson, Jada Regalosa, Jasine Rodriguez, Angel Rodriguez, Sophia Romero, Dan Dana Simone Flores, [applause] Andrea Sautioska, [applause] Natalia Chuchel, [applause] Nazari Williams, Magdalena Vlogic, [applause] Gloriana Zeleleski. Okay, once again, thank you to the students who did such an amazing job and thank you, Miss Bizuchi. Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] >> Thank you. All right. Thank you everyone. Okay. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, so as we know, the um the winter season brings upon us cold cold weather and temperatures um where the heating
057system in our in our school is challenged. Um we've addressed some issues as they've arised as they've come up, excuse me. Um, I have to first say, um, thank you to Mrs. Randazzo, our director of facilities, um, the maintenance team, our custodians, um, for being responsive, for identifying issues as soon as they're hap they're happening, being able to address them and communicate what's wrong. Um, so that we can work to correct them. Um, I want to thank the board for their collaborative effort. um their willingness to to prioritize important projects to make sure that we do what's necessary to complete them uh is going to to to be a big difference um over the next couple of months as these challenges arise uh and making sure that we can find um an appropriate solution um
058to those issues. Uh also in terms of um on the treasures report side, I wanted to speak to um completing of the audit of last year and working with our auditors and and business office team to make sure that we're making smart fiscal decisions. Um collaboration with with our collective bargaining units, our GFTR560 principles um and and making sure that we identify issues as they arise. Again, um the teamwork um that we have in this district uh is incredible. Um so I want to thank everyone for their contributions um and making sure that we we run a successful operation. >> Mr. President just through the chair if I could just mention one more thing. Um so we are uh planning on um having the uh annual ACT for report which is the audit presentation December
059meeting. Um Mr. Pari from Lurch Vincy uh Bliss uh will be here. That's our plan. Uh meet with the finance committee prior to that. I think we're working on a date and time uh and then uh you know we'll be able to report that out uh December 15th. >> Thank you. Is there a personnel committee report? >> Uh so I just want to touch briefly on personnel. Uh we did have some questions about the previous special meeting and that was just to address some uh necessary long-standing positions uh that we needed to fill. Um and also um you know I think uh Dr. Tomco's been working very hard to fill the in-classroom position openings that we have and you know some of those will also be on here tonight and at the previous meeting. >>
060Thank you. I'm now going to open up the meeting to the public for agenda items. Please state your name and address. Good evening everyone. Uh my name is Sean Rezio, 96 Farnum Avenue. First and foremost, I know most of them left, but congrats to our students because time and time again they really never failed to uh surprise me. And Mr. Durr in the back, he's an absolutely phenomenal teacher. And I will say that this idea has been around since I was a senior when I had him in 2024. So it's absolutely amazing to see this idea actually manif uh manifest. However, I'm speaking tonight because as you probably all know, I did grow up in this district and because I care about what happens here more than anywhere else. I'm going to be honest. I
061actually plan on speaking about this publicly, but on some point pretending not to notice who what everyone else clearly sees, that simply doesn't sit right with me. What I am here to talk about is something bigger and a long-standing pattern in this district that I have watched unfold as a student and now as an adult and alumni of the Garfield High School and candidate for board of ed when budgets got tight or when budgets got tight when programs were stretched and when teachers didn't have enough time and time and again students heard we there was no money for anything yet time and time and again I'm seeing an increase in spending despite the fact that enrollment has declined uh increase in more positions administratively as well and this is a lived experience for myself for
062my former classmates and the current students of the Garfield High School. At the same time, year after year as a student and still currently as we see in the current budget, the central office simply keeps growing. Administrative spending kept growing and the system felt heavier at the top while the people on the ground like the teachers, support staff, and students carried more weight with less help. That disconnect is what pushed me to run in the first place because I don't believe in a district gets stronger by growing the top faster than the classroom. And I don't believe that students should feel like they come second to everything happening behind the scenes. That's why the very first policy I ever put forward was an administrative hiring freeze moving forward. Not because I'm against the administrators and
063definitely not because I'm against our hardworking people in the district, but because I believe our priorities as a district need to be crystal clear. Before we create future administrative positions, before we expand the central office any further, the community of Garfield deserves full transparency on the justification, the need, the benchmarking, and most importantly, the student impact for all new positions and all new spending. Yet, time and time and again, that has not actually been shown by the district. The district should be able to show parents and taxpayers here is why the role is necessary and here is how it will directly improve student outcomes within our actual schools. That's fair in my opinion. That's responsible and respectful to the people who pay these bills and the kids who actually feel these decisions day in and
064day out. I'm not here to protect adults feelings, nor am I here to pick a fight either. I'm here because I know what it feels like to be a student sitting sitting in an underdourc under resourced classroom while everything else seems to grow except that that is what you actually feel. So my message tonight to the board is fairly simple. Firstly, we need to realign our priorities so they're actually focusing on students across the district. Secondly, we need to put the classroom first again because time and time and again over the agendas I've seen the last couple months, you guys all failed do that time and time again. We need to make sure that every future dollar, especially the big dollars like the multi-million dollars we're seeing spent tonight actually benefits students before anything else.
065Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any other public speakers on agenda items? hearing none. Okay. >> To the chair. I just need to respond to that if that's okay. >> Yes, Dr. Um again, regardless of the reasons I think I stated prior that you know our our focus is on the students and I think clear um just just for the education of everybody in in in Garfield uh specifically as I'm here now, this is year two. um you know when a budget is struck by a board and and this board this reorganized board will strike its new budget uh well we're working on that now we're working on that now uh that's where the pure savings is is made so there's no overspending once a budget is struck so if we if the budget's
066$100 overspending would be over $100 so that's that's that doesn't happen just to be very clear because I think it's very easy to kind of misspeak not that anyone did that here tonight uh and just to be really crystal clear right now we're minus three positions in central office. So, I'm just trying to make it clear. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Tom. Without clarification, are there any board member items that want to be discussed regarding the agenda? If not, we'll move on. I'm going to ask for a motion for personnel 8.1 through 8.22. 8.22 22 is an addendum for the approval of an employment settlement agreement. >> Motion, >> Mr. Ramos. >> Second, >> Mr. Gaba. >> Roll call, please. Is there any discussion? Roll call, please. Mr. President, >> it's on there.
067Yeah. 1289. >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. So for clarification, thank you. Uh it's a approval of employment employee number 1289, a settlement agreement. Uh so again, I'm going to ask for another motion again. Motion is that Mr. Ramos >> and Mr. G again. Second. >> Correct. >> Roll call. Mr. Loo, >> Mr. Diaz. >> It's going to be a no for 8.4 and 8.5. Yes. For the rest. Mr. Taylor >> I >> Mr. Rodto >> 8.4 8.5 is a no yes on the rest >> Mrs. Assan >> abstain from 8.4 and 8.5 uh yes to the rest >> Mr. Mr. Ramos, >> no on 8.4. No on 8.5. Yes to the rest. >> Mr. Quillis, >> no. On 8.4, 8.5. Yes to the rest. >> Mr. Gaba. >> No. 8.4. 8.5. Yes. The rest. >>
068Mrs. Peteri. >> No. On 8.4. 8.5. Yes to the rest. Mr. Fino I >> for finance resolutions 10.1 through 10.2 motion please. >> Motion Ramos. >> Excuse me. Um 10.1 through 10.20. >> Yes. >> The entirety. Okay. >> Thank you. >> Sorry. Motion again was by >> Mr. Ramos. Mr. Ga second. >> Kez >> Mr. Keles here. Okay. Roll ready. Mr. uh Mr. Diaz. >> I'm going to abstain from 10.1 through 10.18. It's going to be a yes for 10.19. >> And then 10.20. I'm going to stand for that one too. Okay. So, yes, for 10.19 >> only. >> Everything else. >> Thank you. Um, Mr. Taylor, >> I >> Mr. Rodto >> 10 101 10 5 10 11 No. Yes. On the rest. >> 101 5 and 11. No. The rest. Yes. Mrs. the
069sun. >> Uh, no to 10.1 through 10.5. Yes to the rest. >> Mr. Ramos, >> I. >> Mr. Quillis, >> I >> Mr. Gaba. >> 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.11. No. I the rest. >> Mrs. Peter. 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 No. Yes to the rest. >> Okay. So that's 10. I just want to clarify 10.1 through 10.5. >> Correct. >> Okay. Mr. Fino. >> Uh abstain on 10.1 check number 020210. >> Say that one more time. The check number >> 0210. I on the rest. >> What is the check number? >> 02 0210. Thank you. Resolutions 12.1 through 12.20 for education. Motion please. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Mr. Ramos. Miss Peter >> Ramosi. >> Discussion. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Diaz. I >> I'm sorry. Could you >> I Okay, Mr. Taylor.
070>> I >> Mr. Roto. >> I >> Mrs. Assan. >> I >> Mr. Ramos. >> I >> Mr. Quillis. >> I >> Mr. Gaba. >> I >> Mrs. Petiri. >> I >> Mr. Furino. I >> facilities resolutions 14.1 through 14.2 motion please. >> I'll make a motion Mr. G >> and Miss Ean second. >> Okay. >> Discussion >> Mr. Diaz. >> It's going to be a no for 14.2. Yes to arrest. Mr. Taylor. >> Hi, >> Mr. Oto. >> 14.1 number two is a no. Yes to the rest. >> Okay, Mrs. Assan. >> Uh, no to 14.1 number two. Yes to the rest. your 14.1 number two. >> Uh to clarify, mine was also 1412 number two. >> 14.1 >> I'm sorry, Mr. Auto, can you clarify yours as well? Is it 14.1 number two
071as well? >> Said 14. >> 14 number 14.1 number two. Mr. Ramos. Uh 14 number one. Number two. Uh no. Uh I under arrest. >> Mr. Quillis. >> 14.1 number two. I under arrest. Number one and two. >> 14.1 number two again. Okay. Mr. Gavin. 14.1 number two. No, I the rest. I need more clarification on that. >> Yes, sir. Mr. Mr. Focarino, excuse me, Mrs. Peteri. >> Uh 14.1 number two. No. Yes. On the rest, >> Mr. Fino. >> I policy 17.1. Motion, please. >> I'll make a motion. >> Mr. Gava, >> second. >> Mr. discussion roll call please >> Mr. Diaz >> I >> Mr. Taylor >> I >> Mr. Rodto >> I >> Mrs. Assan >> I >> Mr. Ramos >> I >> Mr. Killis >> I >> Mr. Gaba >> abstain
072>> Mrs. Peteri >> I >> Mr. Folkino >> uh 17.1 number two is no I on the rest. Uh with that I'm going to open up the meeting for public comments. Are there any members of the public like to speak? Please uh state your name and address. Good evening everyone. Danielle Marcelo, 66 Krakco Street. Um I'm just here for uh two brief points. Uh the first one is to express my gratitude uh enduring gratitude quite honestly not just for this time of year but throughout all of the days that my child is in this district. It is impressive. It is astounding and it is heartwarming when your child wants to go to school every day sick and all. And so, uh, that is the first portion of my comment. But the second portion of my
073comment is really surrounding looking at the opportunities that I myself was given throughout the district in all my years, but also looking at my own child's education and the extra mile that some of these educators are going to to make sure that our children are not only wanting to come to school, but the content in which they're learning is creative. It's interactive. It's fun. and they're taking things away. When you hear your eight-year-old talking about fossils and dreamcatchers and Indians and all of the things Native Americans, I'm sorry. I apologize. Um there there's a a pronounced understanding as a parent that your child's retaining and enjoying the education they're receiving. So with that, I'd like to suggest that and this may exist in the district and I'd love to hear some of that feedback back
074from the from the educators, but really understanding from the parents what exactly is it that occurs in your child's education that makes them want to go to school. The things that they found as a as a student to be the most important things of their education. Seeing my child go through Jurassic Park day at number 10 school with Mrs. in March last year. She was telling me about dinosaurs that I probably learned about 30 years ago. But did I retain it? Maybe when I heard of it. But to see the joy and to see that portion of their education come to life really is something that should be shared throughout all teachers in the district so that it could be afforded to all students. So whether that be a a poll informally or it be
075a you know request for suggestions, I think it's important for everyone to understand outside of the core curriculum, how do we make the educational environment fun and enduring for our students? Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there anybody else that like to come up to speak from the audience? >> Why don't you state my name again and address? Yeah, one more time. Sean Redzio, 96 Farnum Avenue. Just one last thing. I just have a quick question regarding agenda item 1019, which uh is creating the CUPA, otherwise a corruptive pricing system. So, it does sound nice on paper, but I do have a concern. Uh, given the fact that our district or given the fact that our district has a history of not struggling with transparency with communication and basic clarity on purchases inside of our
076own district. Uh, and now we're ex we're expanding our purchasing power to other contracting units. So, just a couple questions. is uh I assuming superintendent but uh whoever would like to answer. First and foremost uh what oversight will exist for the CUPA? Uh secondly, who approves vendors? Thirdly, what safeguards prevent conflicts of interest? Thirdly, how does this benefit how does this benefit goal taxpayers? Uh specifically, not theoretically. And then lastly, and most importantly, in my opinion, why now? Because if we haven't earned local trust, we shouldn't be building regional empires. In my opinion, nobody in this room should be rubber stamping new power structures without explaining the plan behind them. And lastly, happy Thanksgiving, guys. >> Thank you. >> What resolution was he speaking on? >> He had cooperative >> 1019. Okay. >> Yeah. 1019.
077Yes. There any other public comments? >> Hearing none. Um before I go to the board comments, I would like to ask the board to reconsider resolutions 10.1 through 10.5. Uh failure to pass those resolutions will prevent our district from submitting payments to our staff and vendors. I I'd like to answer that the cooperative is you want to get to this but what just to clarify just to the board certification of funds whatnot basically is is how we basically uh if I could just for transparency purposes um is how we pay month um >> I'm sorry Dr. one. You want to continue with your comments? I'm sorry. >> Yeah. If I can cooperative just just so just so the education of the public because there's a lot of >> there's been a lot of terms a
078lot of throwing out and I understand we're we're I guess we're getting close to election cycle again, but there's the transparency piece. Um you know, uh that's not a word I throw out easily, but this co-op is something I bring to the board and I appreciate the board's support tonight. Uh when I was first hired by this board, um one of the main things that they talked about was trying to create revenue streams to help uh offset the local tax impact. Uh I have experience with successful um cooperatives. Cooperatives can be run by any municipal government agency. Um most tend not to do that because it is timeconuming and it's uh could be a lot of work um for a for a board especially. Um this basically uh and you had some very good questions
079here about oversight uh etc. Uh again I consider this passive income for the for the taxpayer. Uh the board has to go through a process of bidding on projects anyway. um why not invite other municipalities to go to to to come together um to work as a cooperative to get the best pricing and then to open up um open up those uh those those purchasing streams to other municipalities, other districts throughout the state. Um if we have uh one of one of the uh the ideas I put forth is that this board hopefully would choose a uh a starship or a flagship product that only we would be the cooperative for. So everybody in the state comes to us and then the board would realize a significant um revenue off that um basically for the
080work that we'd be doing to uh to bid that project out. Um there is oversight conflict conflicts of interest would only be uh if a board member owns a company or whatnot. So obviously we would stay away from that. Uh these would be vetted companies uh that members of the co-op meaning if neighboring towns want to join the co-op that they would have to ask us to bid like we need toilet paper for example. So we would go out and bid toilet paper. Uh and then for every roll of toilet paper this community this city would get a few cents for every roll of toilet paper. Uh it's an incredible thing. I appreciate the support on it. And you know, if it gets to be too much, which I don't think it will, then we
081then we taper down the we taper it down. To me, it's after some of the cost of the startup, which would be basically legal fees, etc. Um, and then someone overseeing the co-op. Um, that's basically it. So, I appreciate the try on that. And then, uh, that's basically as transparent as as I can be, but we'll continue to give you uh updates on that. >> Thank you for that clarification, Dr. Tonko. Um again, I'm going to um ask the board members to reconsider uh 10.1 through 10.5. Uh failure to approve that particular resol, those particular resolutions will prevent uh the district from uh funding payroll and vendors. and it would be a hardship upon our staff and vendors during this holiday season. So, I'll request a motion to reopen that voting. >> Uh, Miss Ean,
082>> but how would it affect the people? >> I'll second. She She made a motion. I'll second it. Who made a motion? >> Miss. >> Yes. Yeah. >> And I second. >> I just want to know how would it affect the payroll. These payrolls were already paid. >> We have to approve the payroll, >> but they already went out also. It's not like we're holding up the payroll. This is from October 15th, October 30th, and uh November 20th. So, they did already go out. They were already paid. I just want to make that a clarification. We're not holding back payroll. This has been paid already. Their checks are out and cashed. Well, we didn't approve it. >> Well, they're out in cash already. Tech >> technically that's correct. >> I do have a question. I
083do have a question attorney. Give me a second. >> Yeah. If we don't approve, they get the money back. Go ahead Dr. Dr. >> Is there any discussion? >> Go ahead. >> motion from Miss Ean and Mr. Quillis to reopen 10.1 through 10. >> Again that has been done. >> All right. So, so roll call to reopen >> the finance section. Correct. The entire section. >> 10.5 >> to 10.5. >> 10.1 to 10.5. So that's what this is. Mr. Diaz. >> I This is to open. >> This is to open. Yep. >> Just open the discussion to have another vote. >> Mr. Taylor, >> I. >> Mr. Rodto. >> No. >> That's no. Mrs. Assan, >> hi. >> Mr. Ramos, >> Mr. Quillis. >> Hi, >> Mr. Gaba. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Petiri. >> I
084>> Mr. Fino. I. So, I'm going to ask for a motion to approve 10.1 through 10.5. >> Second, >> Mr. Ramos and Mr. Quillis. >> Is there any discussion? >> If I may, there's to the chair before everyone. >> Yes, I may, Dr. Tomco. >> And maybe Mr. Gler, if you can just read her and just clarify. I just want to put it out there. So, because I think everybody's probably confused. what's happening right here. So, so yes, this this payroll is C is a you certifying the payroll that individuals received it. It's peruncter. I know I use that word, Mr. Gel doesn't like it, but it's peruncter measure, meaning it's one of the only things that a board actually does uh approve post because usually the board meetings lie um after payroll >> after
085or before payrolls. So, like right now, we just finished a payroll. We wouldn't be able to pay people on November 15th. So, you're usually behind which means it's prefuncter. Um so again it's um if there is an issue or there's something you want to discuss that that might be something we can talk about um off off cycle or or uh because it's I don't know if it's a committee thing but again it really is just a measure of the board um to certify that the payroll was was completed and everybody got paid. Um so at least for that one the other the other ones are a little different um 2 3 4 and five but I will say also the budget transfer these are gap gap accounting principles trying to transfer funds into different accounts
086it's not it's not money that's not there um since you are um dealing with different types of accounts here and accounting principles with regard to SDA funding meaning have a district funding where monies are allotted into one major pot of money and then have to be transferred out to the schools there's a lot of different movement that occurs. So that's part of these transfers. Um and uh and again, we're trying to fix some of those accounting principles uh that are going to be coming soon with some the audit report that you're going to hear about and also um the projection that we just received on Thursday, which we're also going to talk about. Um so so again, um I just wanted to clarify that regardless of your vote right now, I appreciate you revoting on
087that, especially 10.1 because it it actually, as Miss Material did say, did occur. Um and again in November you'll get we just paid two days ago. So [snorts] that's how it goes. Thank you for that clarification Dr. Tomco. Uh with that roll call please. Uh question I have. >> Yes. Uh Dr. Tomco as you mentioned it uh about a payment being held or you pay them three four months later. I have a question on page uh page four. There's a check number 020143. This is dated 4225. It's about 7 months old. Any clarification on that please? Why is it that old? Why wasn't September meeting October meeting? >> Did you say that check number? >> Check number 02 0143. There is two invoices for $18,000 and change. Just >> Just give me one second. No
088problem. You don't mind? It's on page four. Okay. So, so those two checks that you talk about are are specifically for the windcreens outside. um on the high school campus, correct? Was it only for the high school campus? >> So, there were some um there was some back and forth bidding with regard to that back in the um in that time frame. Um so, there could be there could be numerous reasons why the check was delayed. Uh could be procurement reasons. It could be um delay in payment because of the transition that we had moving forward. Could have been something not signed correctly. I would have to do some research on that. I'm not really comfortable even though we we did we did talk about um you know the individuals that were involved here. We
089can talk about the public. I'm not really comfortable right now cuz I don't have an answer um to the exact reason why it was delayed. I can find out for you. Um again those were delivered. Those are up. Um so and and you know that was something that we did uh we did talk about a few times but I can definitely get you that answer. Um, I just I just I would don't feel comfortable telling you exactly what I think happened right now cuz I'm not 100% sure and we have to be pretty careful as to that right now at this point. Mr. Gl, you concur with that? Okay. Thank you. So again, if that's something that the board um if the if the board isn't comfortable with that check, we can we can definitely,
090you know, that's something I would we we'd have to pay next month. we'd have to I I would wouldn't want to hold all of it up for that one check if that's the one check. Um but we can definitely uh make sure you abstain from that check uh if you need more clarification on that. But again that was delivered and that is that is outside. There's another check also on page six. Check number 020167 dated 0429 for the amount of $28,000. six. >> So, so that that is um a software program that we use at the high school in our success academy. Eden, Edenum is that company. Um >> I was just forwarded that invoice last >> Mr. President. So, I just wanted to address that check that we're talking about there. That's a that's
091a software for our success academy at Garfield High School. That was just that invoice was was just forwarded to me last month. Um so again I you know other than that I I don't I can't speak to much more as to why it wasn't paid sooner but that was a software um that we use in this current school year. We are currently using it. >> That's the dates the dates that we're referencing are requisition dates. That's when the when something was approved to purchase. So if it's not delivered for months later, you don't pay that until you get the check date. So that's the the first date that you're seeing. So for example, the BSN date was that was back in well, it's actually before that. It was probably the April, March, April, we started
092talking about that cuz we had an original company and then um you know, Mr. Eric wanted to go with this company. Um so that's what happened. Any other comments or questions, discussion? Okay, with that roll call. Mr. Leoo. >> Yes. Uh, Mr. Diaz, >> I'm going to abstain as I uh came halfway through the month and just need more time to look through it. >> Mr. Taylor, >> I was. >> It was an I vote. Uh, Mr. Mr. Odto >> abstain. >> Um, Mrs. Assan. >> Hi, >> Mr. Ramos. >> Hi, >> Mr. Kles. >> I, >> Mr. Gabber. >> Abstain. Uh, Mrs. Petiri. >> I >> Mr. Focino. I'm going to again abstain on check number 10.1 check number 020210 I and the rest >> okay thank you thank you very much appreciate that
093I [clears throat] want to thank the board uh with that I'm going to open up the public comments again to the board members >> okay through the president uh first of all I'd like to uh thank Mr. dear for all your hard work. Congratulations on going to the states and I'm sure you'll have more kids coming. I was very impressed. I didn't realize that the program also went out to our MD students. I mean that is phenomenal. That's all I could say. Um and let's see what else I got. Uh let me see to to your questions. We hear you. We are doing our best. As you can see, we question everything. That's why we were a little late in the back. We were talking about this co-op. We do did our research and we
094found it to be a good thing to start. Daniela, thanks for praising the teachers. They do deserve it and they don't get enough praise. And I just want to wish everybody here and at home a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving. Um, let me give a quick quick comment. Thanks everybody for coming in my uh swearing in uh over here. I hit the ground running a few weeks ago when I officially swore in. Me and uh Missy Son uh went over to school number nine to talk to uh Principal Bulier to figure out what we can do for the special needs kids. As you know, you saw my son running over here screaming and yelling. This is daily life for me with the uh special needs. I also talked to Dr. Tomco about putting those O2
095tanks at the notion station at every school. So, we're working on that as well. Um, and I plan on meeting with security soon. Uh, happy Thanksgiving, guys. >> There's you. >> Uh, I think they're gone already, but I wanted to say congratulations to both students of the month. Um, also the memory portrait project. I thought that was really nice cuz I'm, you know, it's an art kid, too. So, I think it's really a nice way to connect with people that are in, you know, a different place in a very different situation. Um, esports, congratulations. I remember when all we had was gaming club when my oldest was in high school and I know you've been trying to start esports since then. So, it's really glad to hear that uh Dr. Tonkco was bringing it and
096also really glad to hear that you're going to be uh coaching that club. So, congratulations. I think you guys did a really great job. Um uh again on what he said, you know, we did go and talk to uh the principal at school 9. We both have kids in uh special needs and and also I'm sorry I don't want to go keep going back and forth, but also on the esports. I think it's it's also nice that we have something for uh you know that also our um special needs kids can participate in. It's not you know a regular sport. Everybody's not athletic. But, uh, back to school 9, um, you know, we we want to we're going through a lot of changes right now with special ed. There's a lot of people moving in
097and out and, uh, you know, we definitely have to put a little priority on that to make sure everything runs smoothly there. Uh, and we're looking at starting a committee soon for that group. >> And, uh, Mr. Pos, >> I'll begin by, uh, wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving. administration, teachers, 560, custodian, security, everyone that's part of this administration for the hard work. Uh I'll continue with the rep uh to the rep to the government rep uh uh student. Thank you guys for being here. Uh I do want to say uh what an amazing and remarkable uh young lady uh uh Joanne Caruso and Victoria Hago. The teacher was Johannuso and um Oh, Muselari. Thank you. I mean to have a student and be an AP going to college. She's going to graduate with an associates
098degree. For those who don't know and are watching tonight, um last year we had, correct me if I'm wrong, Dr. Tomco, we had 16 students graduate with an associates degree from if I'm not mistaken. That is amazing. And to see this young lady do an exceptional work besides vol and volunteering to do many other things. By the way, she was the voice of democracy. That's a that's a a essay you write as to why you're proud to be an American or whatever the theme might be. And she won that as well from the VFW, which is important. Uh I want to thank all the veterans. I want to thank Dr. Tomco and the administration and the board for allowing a gentleman by the name of Gary bringing a museum to this middle school here in
099which the veterans came and talked to them about Vietnam veterans and how they came and how they sacrificed and what they went through in life. Uh it was it it was truly uh interesting, informing and education on education. Um I do want to uh the Garfield High School esports. You're right. Not everybody is a sports. They play sports. And to see some of these other children or young men and young lady uh do what they doing right now with you. It's amazing that you got them to the finals is great. And I'm sure that as we go forward uh we can continue to try to support as much as we can to move this program forward. But I congratulate you to all uh students that were with you, Mr. Durr. I congratulate them as well.
100You can share that message to Miss Marcelo. You're right. When the kid come home and tell you, "Wow, that's a Tinosaurus or whatever these names are because they so long when you talk about dinosaurs." It's great. Uh uh but at the same time, um as parents, we're happy and and and and you want to be happy that your teacher is teaching that, but the other flip side of it is the teachers. I means the parents, they got to get involved as well. And if the parents get involved, I'm not saying they're not, so don't take this off context. If parents get involved, we know that this is a blue collar community where both parents work two jobs probably and it's very difficult. And this community depends on teachers. They spend more time, our kids, with
101the teachers than with our own family sometimes. And so we I I I uh uh kudos to the teachers, right? That's their job. That's their job. But to become a teacher, you have to be passionate. You got to love what you do. And my wife and my two kids are teachers, by the way. And they love what they do. But to Miss Marcela's point, yes, it's great to see that. And you want more of that and more of that. You feel like, wow, we're getting somewhere. Maybe you felt that we weren't getting nowhere, but we are. It's just sometimes we have to accept responsibilities and as parents we have to get more involved. If it's PTA meetings, if it's coming to a to a presentation that the superintendent which made which he done a couple
102days ago and to be honest with you, if it was 10 people there besides the administration and board member, it was a lot. I'm not saying here to I'm not saying this to say anything negative, but rather we must be involved as parents. We must be involved so we can help and move our children's future, have our children's future better because it depends on us as well. We as parents must do that. And teachers are doing what they got to do. And you know what? Amen. We move forward. Um so I thank you for bringing that up because you're right. It feels good when you when your when your son or daughter comes home. Um I'm sorry. Uh did I miss anyone? If I have missed anyone, I apologize. But uh again, I want to
103wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Please get involved to the parents. Dr. Tomco gave a briefing. He gave a professional development. Not too many people came. So it's important that as much as we are demanded or asked why we're not doing certain things uh then we we need to make sure that we participate so that way we can find the solutions that she brought up more participation the concern we want to hear the concerns. You're not being ignored. You're not. There's a lot going on. It's not easy running a uh 5,000 something students. It's not easy but we're trying. And I thank you, Sean, for coming up tonight. Uh, you said a lot and I get it. Uh, there's a lot of things that you don't get because you're not in this seat. And you will
104see that as you go forward. There's a lot of paperwork that we as board members have to review. And sometimes, you know, it's not it's not as easy as someone might think. Just run and you become a board member and you can change things like that tomorrow. That ain't happening. If you think that's happening, I feel bad for the people that think that's going to happen. Please understand that we as board members work hard. This is a volunteer position and an elected elected one. And I say this because it we put a lot of our time serving this community. And I do it with pride just like I serve my country. So um it's not easy. Sometimes you're going to disagree. Sometimes we don't have all the answers. We are not here full-time employees. We
105are not full-time employees. We depend on this administration and when we see something wrong, we try to find out what's the issue and try to correct it or when we see a a a situation that we have a concern, let me rephrase the word concern is better, right? I want to use the word concern, then we address it. Um, so thank you for pointing out certain things that you might think are wrong. I'm sure this board listened and heard you and I'm sure everyone that spoke tonight, again, I thank you for listening and for coming to this meeting. It's super important. As you can see, the place is packed. Uh, and I'm I'm glad a lot of people came tonight. >> Thank you, Mr. Quillis. Any other Mr. Auto? >> Yeah. Okay. I apologize. One
106more thing. Tomorrow night, November the 25th on Tuesday from 5 to 8:00 at night, the Garfield VFW, Am I? The Garfield VFW will be serving food with Frank Diaz and people in this community who are who are helping serve dinners for anyone in need. To all the teachers that are here, people that are here, share this information. Uh not too long ago, about 101 15 days ago, BFW partnered with the praise church and we gave out over 200 dinners. My point being, there are people with need. And you know what? Garfield is named the city of champion for a reason. We stick together. We try to unite. We need to make our community better. We can we can crit criticize our community as much as you want, but this city has always been a city
107where we try to unite and make things better. Again, tomorrow we're gathering tomorrow to serve as much food as we can. We're preparing for 400 people. Please share this information. Whoever's watching tonight, please share it. No one, no questions asked, no email, no telephone number. We just want to make sure that through our organizations and through the people in this community who are helping us make this happen that there's food for for the people that are in need. Please come. Let's not be shy. We are here to help one another. Thank you, Mr. Terry, for reminding me. >> Mr. Otto, >> uh just like to congratulate esports and Mr. Derek, congratulations on your accomplishments. to the students of the months. Congratulations and uh happy Thanksgiving to all. Enjoy your holiday. >> Mr. President, before I
108forget, December 14th, we give out 1,000 toys at the VFW, all for free. So, please sh please share the news. We we are we will be giving out a thousand toys and approximately 15 to 25 bikes depending who donates to us, but we will do our best to give out as many bikes. the Avengers will be there and there'll be a special guest uh to welcome all the kids and for the volunteers that help us wrap the toys. I thank you which is coming soon. But please share this date December 14th from 11 to 2:00 while toys last. Please share it with all the schools. Thank you. >> Any other board members? Okay. Thank you, Mr. Clois. Uh I want to thank the staff members who have resigned and uh retired. We appreciate their service
109to the district. I want to recognize uh Veterans Day. Thank the veterans who have served our communities. Wishing everybody happy Thanksgiving Day and uh remember Pearl Harbor day on December 7th. Uh congratulations to the students of the months. Uh the I want to congratulate well thank the student government for their service and uh their presentation. the memory portrait project. Uh almost 30 students, their expressions, their creativity, their talent uh did not go unnoticed and uh the way they're connecting with people across the world. We really appreciate that. That was a great uh event. Uh esports, uh I'm not sure, but my brother and I may have been at the forefront of that. Back in the day, we had an Odyssey program and we had to put a static cling thing to the to our television
110screen and it was a white dot and two paddles. Anyway, that was uh before Atari was even invented, but no comment on that. But again, congratulations to the esports team. It's come a long long way. Uh the the team and the coach uh we appreciate their successes on the tournament and their vision for the future and developing the program further. Again, congratulations. And with that, I'm going to ask for a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion, >> Miss Patiri >> and Mr. Otto. All in favor? I I. >> Anybody opposed? Uh, with that, we are adjourned. Happy holidays, everybody.