001In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, NJSA 104-6, adequate notification of this meeting has been provided by advertising in the record. Please rise for the flag salute. We're going to remain standing for a sil m moment of silence and then we're going to have a playing of the national anthem thereafter. So, pledge of >> allegiance please stands one nation under God indivisible and justice for all. Thank you. Please remain standing for the national anthem. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat [music] [music] up [music] here. >> [music] [music] >> Heat [music] [bell] up here. [music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat up here. [applause] [cheering] Thank you. This morning, Mr. Libu, roll call, please. >> Mr. Taylor, >> Mr. Roto, >> present. >> Mrs. Assam, >> present.
002>> Mr. Ramos is absent. Mr. Quillis, >> present. >> Mr. Gaba, >> present. >> Mrs. Peteri, >> here. >> Mr. Focino, >> present. >> And we have student representatives, Miss Sarah Balanos. >> And Miss Darlennis Martinez Cherry, >> present. >> We have a qu Calling for a motion to approve the minutes of the last meeting. >> Make it. >> Mr. Doto, >> I'll second. >> Mr. Garin, roll call, please. >> Mr. Taylor, >> I >> Mr. Roto, >> I >> Mrs. Assan, >> I >> Mr. Ramos, >> it's absent. >> Mr. Quillis, >> I >> Mr. Gaba >> I >> Mrs. Petiri >> I >> Mr. Friino >> I >> Dr. Tomco >> thank you Mr. President. Good evening everyone. This is an incredible site. We have so many of our students here, their families,
003our our band, our color guard. Um just incredible stuff. We're we're uh celebrating tonight. Apologize for the uh for us being a few minutes late, but um in a district as incredible as Garfield, sometimes it takes a little bit longer to uh get the right stuff done um for our kids. And that's what this board is all about. Uh and that's what this administration is about. And that's what we're seeing tonight. So, so I welcome all of you. Uh, a few quick things and then I want to get going. I'm going to move the agenda around a little bit in area five there so we can get our our band uh maybe a seat so they don't have to stand stand there the whole time. Uh, but just a few important things I want to
004I want to tell you. Um, again, we continue to work together in this in this district. I'm in awe every day when I when I walk um some of the halls. I'm not getting out as much as I want to. Hopefully that'll change. you know, we're getting up on uh budget season, different things happening, but just the incredible things that we're doing here with um with our academics, our athletics, our extracurriculars, uh some of the things the kids um you know, every day that they do and they have some challenges as well in their own lives. Um and uh it really is an incredible place. So, I appreciate every coming here. Uh and I just want you all to know as the families of this incredible city um that that it really is an incredible
005place. And and I and I do want to say this because we won't meet um until after again, but um one of the most um fascinating things in my career over 30 years is uh what these kids and our teachers and administrators do during Thanksgiving when we feed hundreds hundreds of families here um Thanksgiving morning. Uh my wife and I were were so happy to be invited to that and be part of that last year and I can't wait to do it again this year. So, um just a great season coming up and uh and we really do it right here in the city. So, um very very uh excited for all of some of the all the new events um that we're working on. We have a new schedule for the high school that's
006going to be coming in next year. Uh we put something out to you already, so please mark your calendars. We're have a scheduling workshop on November 19th at the high school at 6:00. Um we invite everyone to be there. Uh we want your input. Uh I know I see Mr. DO in the back all the way in the back. She's usually up front here, but knocked her out of the box. Uh, but I know she's excited to hear. We want to hear your ideas. We want to hear what, you know, what you think your students, your children should have. Um, this this isn't actually uh developed yet. It's in the it's in its, you know, it's an infancy. Um, the board and I have been talking about it since I' I've got here. Um, we
007had a consultant prior to me uh who worked on uh some different ideas. There's a million different types of schedules out there, but they don't they don't all fit us. But we want to hear what you're said, what you're thinking. We want to al also teach a little bit as to why we can't do certain things, right? Like why does it work in this town and not in this town and and uh again, come on out. We'll have some coffee and cake there. Um so that's on November 19th. Love to see you there. Another program that we're working on is something called degree in three. It's something that we're hoping um you know to put in place for next year. Uh it's going to be an elite uh academic program where students work uh throughout
008the year and in the summer to finish their degree in three years uh and then move on and get a um an associates degree as the same time as we do have students get that now and then in their final year move on to college either a year early or get some kind of internship program help there. So that's called degree and three. Uh we're also looking at working uh with Mr. Leu and myself and uh and the uh some of the administrators on something called an animage tables which would be great for our academy students. These are basically virtual cadaavvers which I know that sounds weird but you know for anatomy fizz and just different things you can do. They're really incredible really incredible um uh it's really incredible technology and even AI advanced.
009You can actually look at uh the body and actually take things apart um through a virtual means. Uh and our kids deserve that. our our future doctors and engineers deserve stuff like that. So, we're working really hard. We're going to bring a proposal to the board on how to get these here uh for the students in Garfield. Uh and then we saw a little bit of it tonight, but we continue to build on the music program. Uh we brought some programs this year. Um we're looking to work with the fourth grade next year. Uh we try to build up third grade a little bit this year. So, uh we're working to expand that. So, this is just a little piece of that. So, a lot of great things happening here and we're going to continue
010to hear some of that tonight. Uh, so let's move forward and let's first bring up we're going to go to 5.4 with the band recognition. So I don't know if that's Mr. Mo or Mr. Alfonso or Coach, all of you come on up and let's recognize this incredible band. Uh, second place, uh, Midland Park competition, Palaski Day parade, Unico Columbus Day parade participants, all the stuff they do every halftime of football game that I'm here. Um, and I, uh, you know, get to get to see the work that they do. They work hard every day. So we appreciate you. So let's celebrate them tonight. So Mr. De Mo, >> thank Tomo. Good evening everyone. I would like to call Mr. Gets and Miss Gear to the podium, please. Um they are the reason that the
011band and the uh color guard are as um passionate as wonderful [applause] growing. And when we we talk about teams and teams being like family, that it perfect example of what it means to be a family at GHS. So um the band every year does participate in a few different festivals. Um and they usually come home bringing some some type of plaque certificate. Um and they come back excited and ready to face their next event. Um, so I'm very proud of them. I'm very thankful to again our directors, uh, both Miss Gear and Mr. Gets. So I would like for you to call their names, please. And also, if you want to say a few words, feel free. [applause] Get [applause] ready. There it is. [applause] Elena Eisen, [applause] Alysa Smith, [applause] Anna Austo, [applause]
012Ariana Austo >> [applause] >> Ariana Hernandez Monero, [applause] >> color guard captain. >> Rihanna Gear, color guard captain. [applause] Danica dronesfield [applause] Norel Hoda Elgarni, [applause] Emma Alvarado, [applause] drum major Melanie Flores, >> [applause] >> Antonio is not here, but he'll get one. Antonio L Piccolo. Give him a round of applause. [applause] Save for Miranda. couldn't make it tonight, but she'll give it [applause] artist [applause] Eva Baragola, [applause] Jolene Sabando [applause] aka Navis, Ethan Hernandez Mado, [applause] Yan Bendzu, [applause] >> Sebastian Gutierrez, he's not here tonight. [applause] Rez Matthew Tulia >> [applause] >> Xavier Molina, [applause] >> Caesar Gertarius, [applause] >> some guy. Oh, okay. I won't do those. >> Mr. Ducks. [applause] pictures. >> Yeah. Now it's a picture time. >> If the board could stand up. >> [applause] >> Yes. Thank you very
013much. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Give him a big one. >> Yeah. [applause] >> All right. One more time here for the band color guard. Congratulations. Great job, guys. I also forgot to mention they had a silver rating at the NJ MEA state festival and for color guard and trumpet for color guard and trumpet soloist. Excellent job. >> Excellent. Thank you. >> Good job. All right. I I think I want to call up um uh Miss Alonso. Are you here? Miss Alonso, please. I I did try to get you before. Unfortunately, my fault. Um, so we are now going to recognize students that had either near-perfect or perfect scores on the state standardized test. Now, I talk about this stuff all the time. Standardized tests are important. I'm a one you know. >> Okay.
014Thank you. All right. So, my spiel on standardized tests. Standardized tests are very important. You want to see where students are. We want to see um, you know, where different rankings are, etc. I know it's important. I think it's really important for those districts that have the ability to to uh do certain things that other districts don't. It's very important for places like where where I am now in this city. What's important for us is growth. We want to see students grow, right? I have four children myself. I say it every year. One of them's a really good reader and one of them's not a really good reader, right? They're they're two separate kids, right? But every day I struggle to get them better, right? No matter what it is. I know you as parents
015do the same thing. Our teachers are incredible. They do the same thing. So do our administrators. And this board works 60 hours or more a month in volunteer hours just to make sure we have the programs and stuff in place. So we're all doing the best we can. However, our kids, I'll put our top kids against any top kid in this country, right? And this this right now shows the hard work that our students, our teachers, and you as parents and guardians have done to get perfect and near-perfect scores. That's incredible. So, let's give everybody a round of applause before they come up. [applause] Incredible stuff. So, I'm going to pass it on to Miss Alons, who's going to call up, I guess principles, and let's really honor these time. Any principles or vice principles
016that are here, welcome. You're the next contestant on the price, right? >> [applause] >> I want to say that we've been doing this for approximately four to five years honoring them and this is the biggest amount that we've ever had. So the improvement that we're doing is miraculous and our kids are just achieving more than you ever know. So, we're very proud of our students, our staff, and especially the parents that never get to thank. So, thank you for supporting your kids. [applause] >> And it's Mr. Wilson's birthday, too. So, [applause] >> we're gonna let him go first. didn't necessarily need all that information out there, but >> I could have saying it could have been worse. >> But I have to second that. What a wonderful uh achievement this is uh to get a
017perfect score on this test. It's not an easy test as we all know. Uh so congratulations not only to the school board students but all the students who are who uh had achieved this great milestone. So first on the list, Salamia Sinoka. [applause] When you come, you're going to go behind the board so that when we take the picture, we could see both >> because Okay. >> Israel Cabanius. [applause] Uh, and Dante Yo Blanco [applause] number six school. >> Good evening everyone. I am so happy and proud to present this certificate of achievement to our very own Jayen Alcantara. Come here darling. [applause] I have to I went she had no idea this was happening and we had a little assembly for her at school and I'm like you got a perfect score and she's
018like huh? She had no clue. [applause] >> Miss Misola couldn't make it tonight. So, I'm going to be presenting for her. So, her two students are Sophia R and Sarah K. [applause] Sophia number nine school. Good evening everyone. This is absolutely a fabulous um moment to to specialize especially take a look at these students and honor what they've done. This is truly an outstanding achievement. The first award goes to Nicole Kowalc. [applause] She's currently a middle schooler. Alexia Laura [applause] Adrien Jacka Mowitz. [applause] Some of my middle scores, Adeline Guavado, [applause] >> Brie Waldman, Casper Rogala, [applause] Ariana Lozano, [applause] >> Sophia Muentes, Lender Board, [applause] up. Nope. >> Look different. Middle school. >> And from number 10 school, a nearperfect score is Norah Hadad. [applause] >> And with perfect score is Maria Del Marugo.
019>> [applause] >> And you were hiding from me. Look, she hugs her kids. So there Gustafo uh Gustafo Presets [applause] and Samantha Zulada, [applause] you want a hug? [applause] Do you want to give me a hug? >> Now, Garfield Middle School. >> Good evening everyone. On behalf of Mr. Regaloso and the Garfield Middle School administration, I'd like to call up Sappa Kali. [applause] Gian Bendazu. [applause] Audrey Kitchen. [applause] Again, congratulations to all. [applause] And now, last but not least, Miss Tamiko in the high school. [applause] >> Thank you. Once again, congratulations to everyone. Parents, thank you. Uh the test at the high school, I think it's the same for most of the elementary and middles is about um two sessions, two units each, 90 minutes. So that's four days basically of a long test on
020a computer. I give the kids a lot of credit. Standardized tests are never fun. And for these kids to do so well and have that determination, it's just a wonderful quality to see. So at the high school, I would like to bring up Adrien Quano. High achiever. [applause] William Castro, perfect score. [applause] Isabella Soriano Peneda. [applause] Dea Muselari, I know she couldn't be here, but she was very excited to find out. Steven Papowski, [applause] Favian Mascarinas, [applause] Vanessa Parappi, and Julia Jascott. [applause] Hey, congratulations. Thank you. All right, ladies and gentlemen, one more round of applause for this incredible group of young men and women. [applause] [cheering] Yeah, excellent job. >> [applause] [applause] >> Everybody smile. >> Everybody say Harvard. >> Everyone say scholarship. >> [applause] >> All right. Once again, congratulations. Thank you so
021much. Good job. Keep up the good work, guys. [applause] Incredible stuff happening here. All right, Miss Christristani, are you here? I see you here. There she is. One of my favorite students. Here she is. And we're now going to talk about the student of the month. So, thank you. [applause] All right. I've had the pleasure of knowing Jackie. Oh, wait. I've had the pleasure of knowing Jackie since she was in diapers. She's an outstanding student who challenges herself inside and outside of the classroom. She is in the early college program where she will graduate with her associates degree before she even gets her high school diploma and in her junior year alone completed an impressive 40 college credits through AP classes, dual enrollment, and Bergen Community College classes. She does this all gracefully while balancing
022being a three seasoned athlete and volunteering. She is part of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and the Lindsy Meyer Teen Institute, where she is a member of the Youth Advisory Council, also known as the Yak. These are students that are leaders in the organization. They took the commitment to be drug and alcohol-f free. At the summer leadership conference this year, Jackie was a star Yak who was quick on her feet, enthusiastic, and always ready to go. Her Yak coordinators describe her as a very strong leader who is always helpful, responsible, and enthusiastic about life. and she was very well-liked and popular among the campers. You will always find Jackie studying for an upcoming test or helping in the guidance office for the trend club. Beyond her academic and extracurricular achievements,
023Jackie has a friendly and outgoing personality. Her kindness, leadership, and ability to connect with others sets her apart, making her a role model for her peers and is a serving recipient of this recognition. Jackie plans on attending college next year where she intends on majoring in civil engineering. Our ghs September student of the month, Miss Jaclyn Ortega. >> [applause] [applause] >> Yeah. Okay. Um, sorry I'm in my volleyball outfit, but um, good evening members of the board. I would like to preface this by thanking Miss Christristani for not only supporting me, but for believing that I'm worthy for student of the month. It is an honor to have this opportunity and privilege to serve the community of Garfield. It took a lot of dedication to get to where I am now, but I did it.
024I'd like to thank my friends who have stuck with me since the start of high school. We keep each other at a high standard, and it's really helpful, especially through the tough times. It is amazing. Is it an It is an amazing feeling to be up here right now, but I couldn't have done it without my best friend, Issa. She is a true friend who is always there for me when I need help, not only in school, but out of school. I'd also like to thank my teachers who have pushed me to be involved and seen my academic growth. I want to give a special thanks to Miss Caldera who has been there for me through thick and thin all four years. Last but not least, my family has been there um to to make
025sure I have the educational opportunities I have now, and I'll forever be grateful. Thank you, Mom, for being my inspiration. I don't know what I do without you. Thank you, board members, for taking this time to recognize me as September Student of the Month. [applause] Excellent job. [applause] Thank you very much. Great job. Keep up the good work. So, I now want to call up the um Gford Middle School steam team, steam tank team. Come on up. Now, we the board the board uh Mr. Leu and myself uh had the uh the honor of seeing this team compete at basically um actually it's the first team I've ever been involved with that's made it this far. So uh so every year there's a schoolboard convention where all the board members and many of the superintendents
026of business administrators uh meet and network um for a week and we talk about education and different things. Um every year for the past I don't know how many years don't even quote me but there's been a steam tank challenge started with the um the US Army Reserve and uh kind of um now it's taken on its own own life and it's a really big commitment. There's regionals, there's all different um rounds that they have to go through. Our middle school team made it all the way to the finals, one of the top three teams in the state to get there. And yeah, [applause] and uh we had we had the honor of watching them uh perform um this invention that they made. Uh uh I want to thank the teachers for doing an incredible
027job. uh our talented and gifted program, everything here. Like I said, there's really incredible stuff happening inside these rooms and inside these hallways. So, we're we were really proud to stand next to them. We came in third, which was really incredible. Uh and I'm going to give it to you and we'll we'll see what you what you guys can uh maybe you could sell some of these things and we all could retire early. Hello. >> Hi. Thank you. Thank you. My patient Okay, this is the Okay. Good evening, uh, members of the board, administrators, uh, teachers, parents, students, and the Garfield community residents. Uh tonight it is our great pleasure to recognize and congratulate our outstanding Garfield Middle School gifted and talented students for their incredible achievement in the New Jersey School Board Association Steam
028Tank Challenge. [applause] Uh these remarkable students competed against over 26 middle school teams from across the state and 520 teams overall. And not only did they advance through preliminary, district, and regional rounds, but they went on to the state finals in Atlantic City, where they proudly earned third place and brought home a $1,000 award for the Garfield Middle School program. [applause] The steampunk challenge is facilitated by dedicated teachers, specialized professionals, and advisers across New Jersey. It encourages students to work collaboratively to design innovative solutions to re real world problems from climate change and environmental challenges to issues affecting our schools, communities, and beyond. It is an open-ended challenge designed to spark creativity, innovation, and awareness of how our actions and inventions can impact our environment and our future. Our GMS steam tank team known as
029team in sync has been hard at work for over a year applying the engineering design process to develop their project. And what a project it is. These young inspired innovators began their journey as sixth graders and have continued to refine their invention as seventh graders under the guidance of myself and Mr. Pella. Teamman Sync tackled a real world problem that affects us all. How to reduce the spread of colds, viruses, and other infectious diseases through better hygiene practices. Their solution, a portable, collapsible and eco-friendly handwashing station. It brings hands, excuse me, it brings clean hands within everyone's reach. Equipped with a filtered water system, biodegradable towels, eco-friendly soap, and even a built-in light for visibility, this design is both practical and sustainable. But what truly makes their work stand out is the heart behind it.
030Their invention is more than just a hygiene tool. It is a symbol of innovation, compassion, and responsibility. With every wash, team in sync reminds us that small actions and big ideas can make a world of difference. Congratulations once again to our students and a heartfelt thank you to our Garfield Middle School Administration, Principal Richard Rialoso, Vice Principles Amy Sabani and Christopher Kayazo, and our dean of students Todd Williams for all their support. We also thank the GMS teachers for their flexibility and kindness because the students were taken from their classes from time to time in order to work on this project. We would also like to thank Superintendent Dr. Tomco and business administrator Jack Leu as well as our board of education members. You made this event happened for the team. We greatly appreciate President
031Focino, Vice President Peter, Miss Assan, Mr. Otto, Dr. Tomco, Mr. Leu, Mr. Mr. Ricoloso, Miss Sabani, Miss Kellendrillo, and all parents, family, and friends in Atlantic City for supporting and cheering on our steam tankers who are Garfield's next generation of innovators. On behalf of the Garfield Middle School, we could not be any prouder of these students and their accomplishments. This was not a small feat and it was an experience the team will never forget. their first time in Atlantic City and their first time in a competition of this magnitude. Please join me as we congratulate team and sink, six talented young minds who are truly helping to save the earth one hand wash at a time, sparking a green handwashing revolution. Let's give a big round of applause for team in sync as they will
032now present [cheering] [applause] team and sink uh will now present to you their portable handwashing station. Thank you. Welcome to Garfield Middle School's presentation in the insync revolution. We are also honored to be here and showcase our idea. Let us begin. The National Center for Disease Control states that many diseases and conditions are spread by not cleaning your hands properly. The CDC also states that clean hands save lives. Diarrheal diseases and pneumonia are the top two killers of young children around the world, killing 1.8 8 million children under the age of five every year. Research shows that hand sanitizer is not as effective as using soap and water since it may not kill the germs. Baby wipes leave unseen residue on your hands and some folks don't wash until they return home. >> And that's
033why we created >> Insync, an onthe-go portable hand washing station that allows users to clean their hands properly using an earth friendly soap and water when traditional options aren't available. Sit back, relax, and enjoy our commercial explaining it all. >> It is. Yeah, Shark Tank. >> No, it's okay. I have my hands at the time. Ew, this is so sticky. >> Oh my gosh, I'm getting all over me. I'm wasting the weight. I still see that on my hands. >> Miss Sabani, when I eat this, like it gets inside of my food and makes my taste weird. It stinks. And my lips are so ling I still see it on my hands. Hey, what's that? It's Insane, an onthe-go portable handwashing station that allows users to clean their hands properly using an earth friendly soap
034and water. Those traditional options aren't available. Look, we'll show you. It's quick and easy. We just set it up while you both work. >> Yep. >> It's easy. Simply squeeze the water bottle. The water will travel down and be collected in a reusable disposable shower. Then wet your hands and use castle soap to wash. A second squeeze of the water bottle will rinse your hands and dry with a biodegradable disposable hand towel. And voila. Say bye bye bye bye to germs and have clean hands in as little as 20 seconds. It's about the time it takes to sing happy birthday. >> Wow, that's amazing. And when you are done, simply remove the top of the station and conveniently dispose of the dirty water. To store it, remove the shower cap. Release the leg locks underneath
035to fold in the legs. Take off the top piece and pull up the soap dispenser is removable if necessary. Lastly, slide it into the back. You can set it up or pack it up into the on the-go backpack easily within seconds. It is perfect for schools, parks, and outdoor activities where traditional handwashing facilities might not be available. Wait, so what about portability and size? Good point, Victoria. Insync is a game changer. Unlike other portable sinks that are bulky, and difficult to transport, it's lightweight, compact, and collapsible structure allows users to easily carry and store in spaces such as a car trunk or a compact T. And the Alina is designed to be basic for young children, families, couples, and groups to use, and good heights of any age each. You can order your unit today
036for only $65.99. Visit our website at handy cleaning solutions to read all about it. And remember, order Insync to wash away all those germs that stink. [applause] >> So, what happens if we don't have access to clean water? It's no, it's no problem. >> That's right, friends. The Insync system is designed to address the common challenge of accessing clean water by including a filtered water bottle that can hold 20 ounces. Another substantial benefit is that InSync is designed to conserve water using just the right amount needed for effective handwashing without unnecessary waste. With InSync, users not only cleaned their hands, but demonstrate that hygiene and environmental care can go hand in hand. We hope that our concept sparks a green handwashing revolution. An engineer from FNG Mechanical Engineering Company helped us make some important revisions
037to our working prototype. As you can see, we have progressed from our original prototype design. We have tested, evaluated, and improved our device multiple times. Here's how. The small size was not functional for all your hands, and the device was not as steady as we would like. Guidance addressing these issues has led us up to some redesigning and rebuilding of this collapsible innovative prototype as pictured in our blueprints and seen here. We addressed the clean water issue by replacing the disposable water bottle for a reusable water bottle with a filter. We also improve the structure for more support. The shower cap can hold the entire capacity of the water bottle if needed. The dirty water can be dumped out. The water bottle can be refilled and the device can have continued use for as many
038people as necessary. We upgraded our final model with triangular legs since they are the strongest geometric shape engineers use when building for support. We attached hinges that lock in place and supported our standing water bottle at the top to handle the weight of the water. We eliminated the funnel as we felt it served no purpose with our improvements. We took all of the judges feedback and our engineers advice into consideration while we were making our improvements. Also for convenience, we added a soap dispenser for castle soap, a pack of biodegradable towels, 10 disposable shower cups, and a push button light for when it gets too dark outside. Insync is also cost effective. At a price of $65.99, it is an economical option compared to other bulky portable sinks which can cost upwards of $500. This
039affordability does not come at the expense of quality or utility, making it a wise investment for individuals and families alike. In a world where affordability can prohibit access to essential products, it becomes imperative for companies to prioritize inclusivity over profit. We have adopted a compassionate approach for individuals experiencing financial hardship by offering insync at a budget friendly price point of $40. This initiative is not just a business decision, but a reflection of our commitment to community support. In conclusion, Insync is the only portable sink that truly meets the needs of modern users by combining portability, affordability, and innovative design. Say goodbye to cumbersome, costly sinks, and hello to the future of the low convenience with in. And remember, click on our link so you can wash away all those germs in a blink. >> [applause]
040[applause] >> This is our website. We'd like to give them a certificate of achievement for um earning third place in the state competition. Sappa [applause] Kida [applause] Victoria [applause] Refia Basa [applause] Emmelia >> [applause] >> and Ernest, [applause] thank you so much. >> Can we get the board members come back behind so we can take a picture? Come on. First Amazing. Nailed it again. Again. >> All right, one more round of applause. Did an incredible job. Excellent job. [applause] We're now going to shift to our incredible student government organization and >> do you guys have a right and uh their their uh monthly presentation. >> Thank you. Great job. >> Good evening all. I'm Darla Martinez, president of student government at Garfield High School, and here is our October recap. >> We're going to um
041go into the student government. >> Mr. President, >> you can't hear me? >> Okay, I'll adjust. >> Shall I begin? >> Can you hear me? All right. Perfect. Good evening all. I'm Darla Martinez, president of student government at Garfield High School. And here is student government recap of October. So in October, student government released a nomination form on our team's page totaling 25 nominees for homecoming court. Out of those nominees, eight made the official court. Elana Henry and Ethan Maxwell were our king and our queen. Donna Williams, Helina Bahan, Maya Mendes, Andrew Bonnan, Victor Malik, and John Picket were our court. We did announce them at the senior night football game. And here's a picture of that. Next, on Saturday night, October 11th, we hosted the first outside venue homecoming dance for GHS. We had
042over 315 guests attend catering along with teacher volunteers who helped the night the night go by very smoothly. Here are some pictures from our homecoming dance. I wish I could have included videos, but we the Canva didn't let me. Here are some pictures of the dance. And then here are some pictures of before the dance when we set up. And here are student me government members um giving out food and taking photos in the photo booth. For our upcoming events, we have freshman and sophomore elections. We're adding new additions to our team. We have career night and we have a few other events that we have not publicly announced yet. Um, thank you so much to my entire team and our adviser, Mr. Burns. Every single person on our team and our adviser puts in
043so much work outside of school for student government and I just want to thank them for that. Thank you mo first and foremost to um the Garfield High School students for putting your trust in us and purchasing your ticket and I hope that it was worth it. Um, thank you so much to the GHS admin, Miko, Mr. Cameron, Mr. Khan, Mr. Annibal, Miss Botton. Thank you so much for helping us. Um, thank you so much for the to the security the security guards, Mr. Zangara, Michael, Oscar, Angela, and Willie for allowing the night to go by smoothly. Um, thank you to our photographers, Mr. Kim, and our student photographer, Helina Bahan. Thank you so much to George Ed and the entire staff at Threain Center for working with us the entire summer. Thank you so
044much. The parent volunteers, the Hidalgo family, the Peralta Trinidad family, the Henry family, and the Serrano Panetta family. These are families from our student government team who put in hours of their um time outside of school and work to help us decorate for student government. Um thank you so much for to our staff volunteers, Miss Casey, Mrs. Doctor, Miss Yogardi, Miss Eggbert, Mr. Garcia, Mrs. Gillicanin, and Mr. James. And lastly, thank you so much to Dr. Tom Go and Mr. Labu, right? Right. Mr. Leu. Um, and the entire Garfield Board of Ed. Um, uh, sorry, Mr. I'm just saying thank you to Dr. Tomco and Mr. Leu because, um, the message came from them, but thank you for the entire to the entire board. Um, because the board donated $500 to student government for um,
045our homecoming dance, which is amazing. And this it's the entire purpose to help us. Um, our team starts at zero. Like the first student government team started at zero and we fund raise all year. So that donation was amazing. It helped us cover a lot of the catering costs and it just helped things go by smoothly for us. So thank you so much. That is all. Thank you, [applause] >> Bob. That many that's an incredible thing the 300 people. That's great. Very successful. >> Check in 300 people, but >> wow. That's okay. Great job. And all I know you put a lot of time into it. So congratulations on that. Um okay let's go to some of our um mandatory presentations for QAC review dynamic learning map presentation this techo no one just all right
046let's go to the next one uh NJSLA score report Miss Ballinger I guess How about now? >> Yes. >> Good evening everyone. Um, I'm somewhat excited to present data after all the nice presentations that you just saw that led up to this because we see how successful the students are in this district with the support of their teachers, their parents, the board, and the administration. Lots of goods going on here. It's been going on here as long as I've been here, which is longer than I like to admit. Um, but you will see in this presentation, which we're required to present annually, um, that we have shown some growth. As Dr. Tomco said, it's it's about the growth. It's not always about the scores and how high everybody's doing. Um, so we see some growth,
047some room for improvement. I don't mind room for improvement because that means we can better. And district is awesome at working together to do better for their students. So, the presentation you're going to see, the DOE actually requires you to use this template. It wasn't a template. I personally would choose to use lots of numbers on a screen, which I'm not going to read to you. But this NJSLA was administered in the spring uh for grades 3 through 9. In science, uh science was grades 5, 8, and 11, and ELA and math was grades 3 through nine. So any student who has not yet met expectations for their grade level is at a one. Any student who's partially meeting expectations, meaning they're on their way, is at a two. So this slide basically is showing
048three years of data from where we are uh as a district compared to the state level one and level two. And again, I won't I won't read all this to you and it will be posted on the district's website tomorrow. Next we move to ELA. We have three. Level three means approaching expectations. So that means we're on our way. We're growing. And level four means those students have met their expectations. And we're looking at ELA for grades 3 through nine. And there there's some good positive things happening here. If you look, our fourth grade is outscoring the state in level fours. Um we had 45.5% of our students meeting proficiency level. the state's at a 37.8. So, that's a nice positive thing to see. Um, and in most other areas, we're pretty pretty close to
049the state overall. Then we have level five for ELA exceeding expectations. These are students that are not only meeting their their grade level proficiency, but they've they've surpassed it. And as you saw tonight, we had students that had perfect and near-earfect scores. So, those students data is reflected in this page. And you could see where the district is at. Again, our fourth grade is is doing amazing this year. We're at a 25.1% proficiency level in fourth grade versus the state's 15.8. Uh we're pretty close. Seventh grade's not too far off. 18.6 to 25.1. And we have a little bit of work to do when we get to the upper levels with the the older students, but we're we're getting there. If you could see, only 15% of the state was proficient um at a level
050five for grade nine in ELA. Then we go to the math level ones and twos. These are the students over the course of the past three years. We're measuring who was at a not prof uh not yet meeting proficiency level and a partial proficiency level for grades 3 through eight. And then for algebra again I'm not going to read all the numbers to you. And then we go to the math uh levels three which are the ones uh that are I call them like the cusp students. They're they're almost there. they're just underp profoficient and they're growing. And that's when we get to the force which is which is our proficiency level. And you could see how we're doing. Our um fourth grade is higher than the state. Our fifth grade is higher than the
051state. And even if you look at kind of our our middle school, we're we're get we're we're on our way. We're we're showing we're showing growth. And then there's your level fives which again were the students we saw this evening. Science is only done in grades 5, 8, and 11. Um if you look uh this only goes from a level one to a level four. There is no level five. So below proficient a level one, near proficient level two, proficient level three and advanced proficient level four. And what kind of interests me that grades 5, 8, and 11, for those at a level three, which is proficient, only 22.2% of all fifth graders in the state were proficient. 14.1 eighth graders and 21.2 11th graders. So, this is the best part. It's my favorite part.
052And the county usually suggests that we lead with the notable achievements. I like to save them for the end because you looked at all those numbers, then you're going to forget all the good stuff. So, it's better to put it at the end. So our fourth and fifth grade levels four and five. So those are our students that are meeting and exceeding expectations. Garfield outscored the state by 17%. In levels four and five, our fifth grade proficient and advanced proficient for ELA outscored the state by 13%. Our fourth grade levels four and five for math outscored the state by 7%. Our fifth grade for math outscored the state by 11%. And I'm happy to say that our eighth grade honors algebra 1, we outscored the state by 45%. That's pretty incredible. And we did notice
053this year because we have to look at all subgroups of populations, our ELLs, our special ed, there was an increase in proficiency levels in the science test, which is usually the most challenging for our ELLL and our special ed students. And we had an increase in proficiency level for ELA for our ELELLL population as well, which is incredible. So that means there's good things going on in the ELLL program and they're transferring over into their what they're learning in ELA in the regular classroom. So what are we doing to kind of help our students and push them along? We're targeting uh students Lexile and independent reading levels to make sure that we're meeting them at where they can read. We have lots of digital programs in place. We've been using Renaissance learning. We're in our
054second year now, which gives us a baseline for where our students are at for math and ELA. And then we adjust teaching and in curriculum and instruction according to that. We have Albert, we have Discovery Ed. We know all our students have one-to-one devices. We've got a lot of professional development going on since Dr. Tomco got here last year. We're fortunate enough to have five extra PD afternoons built into the district. PD meaning professional development. So, our teachers get five extra opportunities to have afternoon workshops specialized for their department throughout the school year. I had begged for that for years and it was so nice to see that that actually was able to come to fruition last year. We have supervisors this year. We started something new. We Garfield, as we know, our um mission
055is the vision of champions. It's on the board the the board of eds tablecloths here. We started something called vision walks. So, they're non-evaluative walkthroughs that all the supervisors are doing. I think they're doing four a week uh just to see what's happening in the classroom, what's going on, talking to kids, talking to teachers, and we're getting some good data with that and seeing where we can make some adjustments to what's happening. We've got common assessments happening across all grade levels and subjects. Plenty of extended day tutoring enrichment and mentoring programs for our students. MTSS, which stands for multi-tiered system of support. Last year we were calling it RTI. We have that in place for our tier 2 and tier three students. Those are our our at risk students and it's not necessarily at risk
056of academics. It could be at risk of behavior. It could be attendance issues, social emotional learning issues. So we are supporting them. And then um my new role as data director, I'm excited to be spending more time looking at data and having those conversations not just with the supervisors but with principles and teachers as well to see where we're at and where we could go because we know there's always room for growth. I just want to take a minute to thank the board because without your support, I know there's there's lots going on and sometimes we look at, oh, another program, but everything is is not thought of by one person. Everything's done by a committee or by a team. We have awesome administrators. We work together. We talk things out. Um, Mr. Leu and
057Dr. Tomco are very supportive with rolling out programs and what we want to do. These are some of the things we have going on. um how do I go? Thank you. Professional development workshops, different uh textbook programs that are in place. There's just so much amazing things that are happening. So, I would ask that you kind of focus on the positive things, the growth that we've seen uh with plans to of course do better. And I think this year doing the walkthroughs and those kinds of things, we're definitely going to see a difference when we take standardized testing this spring. Thank you. Excellent job and you're doing an incredible job in your new role. So, and I appreciate the board support on that. Uh there's a lot of things happening um a lot of those
058interventions, but great things happening in the classrooms. Um I think it's also important to to recognize that the testing is different this year. Now, it's more adaptive. Um meaning that, you know, students are going to be given um different questions as they answer questions. So, it's the first time the state's going through this. So, so we're going to see a little bit of a of a change in in some of the testing, but but again, thank you very much. Are you are you also doing the SLA report? I'm sorry, the um NJ uh the GPA and stuff or is that Miss D? >> Uh that's not me. >> Okay. >> Or >> Oh, so we're just putting up there again, right? Okay. So, Okay, perfect. All right. Now, we have um one of our uh
059attorneys uh from the Bush Law Group, Mr. Mandel, here, Aaron, is going to do a quick compliance ethics training for the board members. So, hold on to your seats. This is earth earthshattering the uh the stuff. How about now? There we go. All right. Uh All right. So, board member ethics. There's we we could spend hours talking about this stuff, but we're not going to. We're going to try to do the real quick highlights of what uh ethics responsibilities board members have and what are some of the uh most often complaint issues and things to be aware of. So when we talk about board member ethics, we're usually talking about two laws that are then reflected in different board policies that you have uh here in Garfield. So the laws are NJSA18A12-24 which is deals
060with prohibited conduct of school officials which includes board members and 18A2-24.1. So same exact uh site just the point one in the end which is the code of ethics for school board members. Uh the first one the prohibited conduct I I'll just it has lots of different subject subsections. I will read one which is the one that we most often deal with as attorneys and board members which is no school official shall use or attempt to use his official position to secure unwarranted privileges, advantages or employment for himself. members of his immediate family or others. So that last that last bit or others is kind of the catchole catchall phrase and the school ethics commission which is the body that's in charge of enforcing these codes has interpreted that to mean everybody. So what then
061does that actually prohibit board members from doing? Um and it it the way it plays out in practice it it affects a few different things. Number one is uh when relatives work for the this district or another district. So uh as you I'm sure as most board members know, you can't hire a family member to the district once you're on the board. Uh so your family members are not eligible to become uh uh employees of the board while you're working or at least the immediate family members. Um, also if you if you have a a family member who's already working for the board when you become a member, there are certain things that you cannot do um because they would create a basically a conflict of interest or an appearance that you're giving you might
062be giving an unwarranted advantage to your family member. So for instance uh if you have a if a board member has a family member that works in the district, you cannot the board member cannot vote on things having to do with their supervisor. So if they work in one school then that would procl preclude a board member from having anything to do with that the principal in that school including perhaps the not perhaps but including the collective negotiations agreement for the principal unit administrators union. It would also preclude the board member from having anything to do with the superintendent overseeing evaluating the superintendent hiring the superintendent. Um, also if a board member's family member is a union member in another district, so it doesn't even need to be within the same district, there can be
063restrictions. Uh, most importantly, you that board members with relatives in a union, another district can participate in the actual negotiation of uh the union contract for the same union in here. They can vote on it and discuss it after the MOA has been signed. Um whereas if your uh relative works in the district, you probably can't even uh do that. Um the other area that that uh prohibition comes up often is when we deal with students. So board members often have children in the district and uh board members can are allowed to still advocate for their family members even though that they're a board member. What they can't do is use their position as a board member to try to gain some kind of unfair advantage or special treatment for their family member or their
064student. So what we often recommend for board members is if you are going to be contacting the administration on behalf of your child as a parent, not as a board member or it's important that you do it as a parent and not as a board member. You need to follow the chain of command, the typical chain of command. you need to start with teachers and work the way up through the administration, which is not to say it's never appropriate to contact the superintendent. But where board members get in trouble is where they have a question about a a homework assignment or an issue with the teacher and the first thing they do is they pick up the phone and they call the superintendent because you all have Dr. Tomco's cell phone number and say, "Hey,
065can you help me out with this? I need um and not suggesting that anyone here has done any of those things, but that's the type of thing that we see in the cases from the student school ethics commission is when board members um use kind of their the connections and their familiarity with the district instead of going through those proper channels and the channels that everyone else is supposed to go through. Uh turning now to the code of ethics for school board members. Um, this one I think is actually is is really important for the public to hear as well because it it references the limited role that board members have and the limited uh powers that the board members have. So, um, one of them is that it a school board member shall abide
066by the following code of ethics and I'm not going to read it all but I'll just a couple highlights. I will make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children. I will confine my board action to policymaking, planning and appraisal. I will carry out my responsibility not to administer the schools but together with my fellow board members to see that they are well-run. Uh so this has to do with board members are supposed to be a policymaking entity only. They're not supposed to and they're not permitted to get involved in the actual administration of the schools, the day-to-day administration of the schools. uh as board members quickly learn as when they come on board uh there they almost everything they do has to come from the superintendent and start with the administration whether it's
067personnel decision decisions um or other types of almost anything the superintendent is recommending that to the board and the board can kind of guide and evaluate but they're not the ones who on a daily basis are managing the schools. Um, another part of the ethics uh code is I will recognize that authority rests with the board of education. I will make no personal promises nor take any private action that may compromise the board. So where we see this often come up is uh actually on social media is is the is the latest place and real real quick history lesson is we the um the cases with this area started with with uh board members writing letters to the editor of newspapers something we don't see anymore. I my daughter's uh in fourth grade on the
068softball team and one of her coach the other day said uh you're going to read about that in the paper and she said what what's that? He said, "You're going to read about on NJ.com." And then she understood what it meant. But um uh so it it started with writing letters to the editor and the issue was if a board member was writing about an issue that affected the school, they there was a perception that this that the board member may have been speaking on behalf of the board or in their official capacity as a board member, which you're not permitted to do. So what the um solution is is that when a board member wants to speak publicly as a uh as a as an individual as a private individual you need to give
069a disclaimer first. You need to say I'm Joe. I'm a member of the board of education. I'm making this statement as on my own personal capacity and I'm not speaking on behalf of the board. And then once you do that, you can go ahead and speak and you won't need to worry about this code of ethics, which is the that I will recognize uh that the authority rests with the board and make no per personal promises or make personal statements, but it doesn't give the board members cart blanch to then say anything they want. There are still restrictions. For instance, uh one of the code of ethics requires that I will hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools which if disclosed would needlessly injure individuals. It keeps going. Uh so for instance even with
070a disclaimer a board member is not then free to disclose confidential information to the public. Um one of the other uh code of ethics is I will support and protect school personnel in the proper performance of their duties. Again, even with a disclaimer, a board member then cannot go and uh speak negatively about a uh a district employee, whether it be a principal or even the superintendent uh because doing so would be a violation of that code of ethics that the board members must support and protect school personnel in the proper performance of their duties. So the what that might look like to the public is silence from the board member even when in some districts you have kind of uh very public personnel issues that everyone in the audience might know about but the
071board doesn't comment on them. That's not to say they're not doing anything and it doesn't uh it's not to say that they don't take those seriously, but it's the but the reason is because they are bound by the confidentiality and they're bound to not publicly um speak negatively about any employee of the district. Um and uh just to wrap it up, uh the board's your board policies that reflect the code of ethics are uh district policy 0142 which has to do with which kind of summarizes everything we just spoke about the board member qualifications, prohibited acts and code of ethics. There's also district policy 0142.1 which deals with nepotism and specifically uh um making sure that you don't violate the prohibition on giving uh unwarranted benefits to others or family members. District policy 0146 which
072talks about board member authority and the limited authority of board members and to stick to just the policym and then also policy 0169.02 O2 which deals with board member use of social networks and talks about some of the disclaimer uh requirements. Any questions for all right so uh board members when they come on the board they're required to do undergo mandatory training every year they have to go undergo training and then even if they get reelected after the first three years they go through additional training. Um, but every year it's important boards like to have a refresher during the public meeting to remember remind everyone about the ethics acts and that's what we did here today. So, thank you very much for having me. It was good seeing you all again. Thank you. >> Thank
073you, Mr. [applause] >> And with that progress, thank you for your time tonight. Appreciate it. That was long. Thank you. >> Dr. Mr. Tom, district program update. >> Okay. Uh Mr. Leu, the business administrator's report. >> Thank you, Mr. Focarino. Um so we the uh the October 15th um date came and went with uh with boilers and heat turning on in the schools. Um I want to thank the board for their you know support and being proactive. Um our facilities director Stephanie Randazzo and the work that she did with her team um to make sure that things turned on, things were were fixed. we we reviewed the certification from from the city um and we we put everything in place. So, not to say that everything will be perfect forever. We hope um but October
0745th came and went without uh many complaints, many problems. Um also, um Dr. Tomco and I were able to uh receive word from our county superintendent about the SDA grant for 2026. Um a million-dollar grant towards capital projects. Um we're currently reviewing um the projects that were assigned with the 2025 grant and making now determinations knowing that we'll have additional monies um to prioritize things and make sure that we address some of our urgent issues um here in the next coming weeks and months. So um that's it for the report today. >> Thank you. Committee reports. Uh we did not have a personnel meeting this month due to conflicts with the school board convention. Uh unfortunately we're still receiving limited communication from the board president. And I'm very unhappy that in my opinion I think
075words are being twisted to suit personal agendas especially as those poor choices and lack of leadership affect the progress and well-being of our students. >> Any other committee reports? Hearing none, I'm opening up the comments to the public for agenda items only. Any comments from the public? Hearing none, we're moving on to personnel. Motion to approve personnel. >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> Motion by >> Mr. Terry. First, Miss Eissan. Second. >> Discussion. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Taylor. >> Hi. >> Mr. Roto. >> I >> Mrs. Assan. >> Hi. >> Mr. Quillis. >> I Mr. Gaba. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Peteri. >> Hi, >> Mr. Fino. >> I >> finance a motion. >> Mr. Taylor, >> a second. >> Mr. Gava, >> uh, 10.1 through 10.24. >> 10.24. >> Roll call. Mr.
076Gaba, excuse me, Mr. Taylor. >> I, >> Mr. Roto. >> Yes. 10.1. >> 10.1. 10.4. >> Uh, no. On uh 10.1. Correct. >> Correct. It was to uh check number 0200072. >> Zero. Just one more time, please. tip. >> Thank you. Thank you. Uh Mrs. Assan abstain from 10.1 check number 0200072 I to the rest >> Mr. Kles >> I >> Mr. Gaba >> abstain from check number 0200072 for more clarification on either of the rest. >> Mrs. Peteri >> no to uh 10 uh 10.1 and 0200072 because of more clarification and yes I to the rest >> Mr. Foc I >> motion for education resolutions 12.1 through 12.24 >> Mr. Taylor >> second >> missan Mr. Taylor son >> discussion roll call >> Mr. Taylor >> uh abstain 12.59 I to the rest >>
077Mr. Oto >> I >> Mrs. Assan >> Hi >> Mr. Quillis >> I >> Mr. Gaba >> I >> Mrs. Petiri >> I >> Mr. Mr. Fino >> I >> facilities 14.1 through 14.2 motion please >> Mr. Gaba second >> Mr. S with the second >> M EN discussion roll call please >> Mr. Taylor. >> Hi >> Mr. Royo. >> Hi >> Mrs. Assan. >> Hi >> Mr. Quillis. >> I >> Mr. Gaba >> I >> Mrs. Peteri >> I >> Mr. Focarino >> uh 14.2 number two abstain. >> I the rest. I'm now opening up the uh comments to the public. Are there any public comments? Hearing none, I'm opening up comments to the board. I have a comment. I have a comment, >> Mr. Terry. >> Little trivial, but apparently a picture was
078put up on Facebook. Again, no big deal, but I need to explain myself as an Oh, okay. Little trivial, but a picture was put on Facebook, and I just like to explain myself. As an elected officer, I believe in maintaining an open communication with everyone, past, present, and future board members as well as our residents and taxpayers. It is important to listen to all perspectives and gather input from access across our community about what's happening in our schools and what people would like to see improved. together we can make decisions that are truly reflecting the needs and values in other districts. So I just felt I had to explain because I was questioned why. Thank you. >> Any other comments? >> Thank you. >> Yes, Mr. >> I know the vast majority of people left,
079but I'd like to highlight some of the amazing stuff that went around here. Um from the which is 33 of them. The instinct presentation, students of the month are banned. Enough of that stuff. I don't I don't think enough of that gets spoken about, especially it doesn't garner much attention when it's posted on social media. So, I think that stuff needs to be highlighted a lot more. And it was incredible to see. You got some very young stars in the making. we got some high school stars that are definitely going to shine. It was really it was kind of mindblowing to to see where they where they've gone at their ages and where they're going and and what the future could hold. So, just to want to give them a shout out and and give
080them some more acknowledgement stuff that really really makes an impact. >> Thank you, Mr. Taylor. Um, I too was going to and I still am going to congratulate uh the parents and the families of the 32 33 students that received a perfect andor nearperfect scores. That's just an amazing accomplishment for them, the students themselves as well as the family. Uh, in addition to the Garfield Middle School steam team, uh, we watched them. If I was a judge, I would have made them come in first place on that particular competition. Uh but anyway, I wasn't the judge. Uh congratulations to the Garfield High School band, the band leader and the color guard. They did a fantastic job. Um I was at the rededication for the Columbus Park and the Columbus statue and they were kind enough
081to provide their services to uh play the national anthem as they did tonight and they did another fantastic job just like they did this evening. So thank you to them. In addition, I do want to thank uh the staff members who have resigned as well as those who have retired. Um that we really appreciate their service to the district and uh they they certainly deserve it. Thank you. Uh with that uh we're not going to adjourn at this time. Uh we are going to have uh interviews with the candidates who have submitted applications to fill the vacancy that we have with Dr. Pivorc who has resigned and again I would like to thank Dr. Pivorc for his service on the board of education uh during his tenure. >> Mr. Gisler, would you take the lead
082on this? >> Yes. Um Mrs. Miss Luchiani is is there. She's going to direct our applicants. Um there's going to be a waiting room uh just next to her. And we um Mr. Redzio was our first candidate. We did we did a drawing this morning um and it was at random this morning. So Mr. Redzio will be first. The rest of the applicants will be in the other room so that they don't hear questions and hear statements and so that everybody comes in on a fresh read. Good to go. >> I'm sorry, Mr. Libu. Pardon my interruption. Uh, I didn't hear you said you mentioned somebody had withdrawn their name from the uh >> He did that already. >> No, I didn't. >> I didn't hear. >> They they were drawn at random. So, we
083did a randomizer. We v we have a screen capture of it that was sent to >> I'm sorry, we misunderstood. >> Oh, no, no, no. I mean, I know we did have somebody that was here expecting to start at 7. Um, and when they found out that we would be delayed, they may or may not have have gone home. Um, so I I can't confirm that just yet. Um, but we'll we'll proceed with with the um the order in which we drew this morning. >> Thank you for that clarification. And Mr. Gesler, if you could just explain the process and then we'll move forward. >> Then we'll have the opportunity to question the candidates ask questions. At this time the board will most likely executive session to deliberate vote. At this time no majority is
084reached there'll be a second election or second nomination process the two highest vote getters in fact opportunity for one candidate to resign. discussion. >> All good. >> All right. Good evening, members of the board, Mr. Leu, Dr. Tomco, and most importantly, the public. My name is Sean Redzio. I grew up here in Garfin, New Jersey, and graduate from our schools not too long ago, just a class of 24. I'm applying for this seat because I believe our students deserve more than buzzwords and big budgets. They deserve results they can actually feel in the classroom. Too often we add layers and titles while the real work like coverage, attendance, and facilities all fall behind. My focus is simple, and that's getting back to the basics. We make every dollar traceable to student learning. Support our teachers
085so classrooms can actually run smoothly and tackle facility issues with a clear plan room by room. No politics involved. And I'm not the youngest voice in the room by accident either. I'm here because I believe where Garfield was headed and I'm ready to shoulder some of the work myself. The challenges we talk about aren't abstract to me. They're the same halls I just walked, the same classrooms that shaped me as a kid. So, if I could bring the perspective to the table for the board members and the board and help this move move move this district forward, then that's exactly what I intend to do. At the end of the day, this isn't about politics or age. It's about whether we're willing to do the steady unglamorous work that actually makes a difference for the
086kids and teachers. I'm talking about the budgets, the meetings, the late night calls. I'm sure all of you are aware. And that is where trust is built in the progress happens. If appointed, that's exactly where you'll find me. You will find me doing the work, listening first, and keeping the focus where it belongs, which is on Garfield's classrooms and the people in them. Thank you. >> Are there any questions from the board? I I'll ask you a question. The question uh will be um normally we select we are selected by the public v-election. Um since we must act on behalf of the public today, why should we pick you to serve? Give examples behind your reason. >> I believe me being a student who has just I believe that me being a student who has
087just graduated offers a very valuable perspective that I think the board can work well with so to speak. Coming from a student who was just affected by the policies many of these members just passed a couple years ago, I know how these policies come into play. I know how long the email chains can be when you're trying to answer a question. I know the frustration teachers have felt. And I believe me being a student, a recent graduate, and a current college student provides a very unique perspective that I believe would uh much better represent the uh public of Garfield. >> Thank you, Sean. I very good but the amount of hours that you are in school and I see you also work and are on a couple of clubs. Do you realize the hours and
088the time and the reading and the thought that has to go into a board member? It's not just a once a month meeting. It's many nights of reading back and forth with the superintendent and the VA and the other board members. There's countless hours that are put into this and going to college and having a job. I'm sure you want to keep up your grades for this. >> So, Miss Peter, I'm not here by accident. I'm here because of the hard work that I've put into my life since I was probably 17, whether it be in politics or my education. And time and time again, I've even surprised myself with the amount of work I've been able to take on. And I'm ready to take on this responsibility for the people of Garfield. >> Thank
089you. Uh I want to know how do you handle conflict as in like if you come across uh an angry family or conflict with other members of the board. >> So I think the key to conflict is always having big ears and luckily I have pretty big ears. I think the most important part when it comes to actually handling handling conflict is actually listening to the other party out because I firmly believe that we can always reach middle ground and I think this board is no exception. I have if the board has decide to pick how would you support teachers and staff in their work? So I think a very big part of supporting teachers and staff is simply by listening to them and hopefully if I am if I am selected tonight I'm hoping
090to start listening sessions with the teachers start actually sitting down and hearing their concerns every single week and I I think by through listening to the teachers we can pass more beneficial policies where we can actually I guess we can actually posture teachers and actually provide them the proper support simply through listening. Thank you. >> Any other questions, >> Mr. Redzo? Thank you very much. Appreciate your >> Thank you. I appreciate >> application. [applause] This is cool. Super quantum sound. after that. Good evening. My name is Dr.Wamina Marray and I'm a family uh I'm a board certified family nurse practitioner and also studying for my psychiatry boards very soon. So, I have about 18 years working with families and children, and I have a uh a passion for education and great education in general. I'm
091passionate about ensuring that children start school at the appropriate age with resources and empower families to get involved in their children's learning and making sure that teachers have the needed resources and support from the board of education. If I'm deemed eligible and receive the support of the board and the good people of Garfield, I will work diligently every day to ensure that um the children are able to get everything they need and to be able to have higher score in the standardized test. Thank you, >> Miss Peter. >> I have a question. I see you do work full-time. You have a family. I don't making of the board is many hours going over work. It's not just only meetings. It's a lot of hours that are put into this. >> With your work schedule and
092going to school and children, do you really feel you could fit this all in together? >> Yes. So, I completed school um my for my psychiatry in February of this year. And I currently work 8 to 4, but my hours are also flexible. And I have a family. I have two children. I'm married. Yes, I believe. So, >> I want to know how you handle conflict uh either with families or amongst board members. >> I usually my I always say my superpower is listening. So I usually try to listen first to every sides and then try to find common ground because at the end of the day we all here for the common goal of making sure the children have everything they need. They're able to get to where they need to get to in
093life and the families also feel supported. So I usually listen first and try to find common ground. At the end of the day we all have the like I said the same goal. So I tried to focus on that because at the end of the day we owe people and we you know conflict arise from anything right in general and when you're able to kind of see the bigger picture of why we're here we don't waste time and we could just focus on that everything else you know things happen but just focus on the common goal of why we're here Mr. President. Hi. >> Hello. >> And welcome. >> Thank you. >> Uh normally we selected by we are selected by the public via election. >> Since we must act on public on behalf of
094the public. Okay. >> Why should we pick you to serve? Please give us an example behind your reasoning. >> Okay. Um so I deal with the public in general every day. In my practice I deal with patient that are um being transplanted like I work in the transplant department for lungs. So I deal with the families from the time they go the we meet them the first time to go through the process of testing selection and then to deem the appropriate candidate to be able to get to the other side of having a transplant and then we also follow them post transplant whenever they get sick. We so we get in touch and become familiar with their families, their grandkids, their aunts, their aunties, their neighbors. So we have to kind of learn to navigate
095everything. Most of my patient takes about 30 to 40 medication. Do you think it's just oh I have the procedure and then I'm I can walk away and be well. But it's also the afterare support the free therapy and the just for them to call and say oh I just wanted to call and say thank you. Oh I'm feeling well today. I'm okay or just to check in and different things like that. Also I'm required to have to pass a um background check every year in my profession. And then I'm also required to have like a drug testing random drug testing and all that stuff. So I think that that alone kind of like empowers me to kind of be on the forefront, speak to the public, and be able to know that okay, when
096I speak to someone or when I'm doing something, I'm coming from an expert point of view. >> Thank you. >> Good evening and thank you for your time. >> My question to you is, what's one goal you would like to see our school achieve in the next few years? First of all, um when um the board was presenting earlier and they mentioned the early um program where the students are able to start college in high school, I was very very happy about that. Um this is one thing that I've been kind of like for myself always wanting to mentor young children even in my church, right? And then talk to them about different things that you can do even before you finish high school. have in mind that as soon as you even before you
097hit high school, as soon as you start high school, start thinking about ahead. Okay, I'm doing these courses, what is my passion and how can I translate all this learning into something that I can that can be lucrative for me in the future. So, I'm very interested in the early college program for students for them to be able to graduate and have an associate. I think it's amazing to be able to start their u field or their career early and you know be able to be fruitful member of society and then just kind of prevent also a lot of recidivism where students finish school maybe they don't have any after school program or they don't have anything and then just kind of like out on the street and doing god knows what. So for me
098it's mostly after school program and early um college programs for students. It's one thing that I'm passionate about. Any other questions? MissWoman, thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Appreciate your application. [applause] >> Abdel Sardennis. All right. Uh, do I have to say my name, address? Where do I start? Or just go ahead. >> You can introduce yourself. We we can introduce yourselves. Let's start. >> Abdelcator Sardenna, 33 Wood Street, Garfield, New Jersey. All right. Awesome. Good evening board members and the community. My name is Abdelcator Sardenna. Lifelong resident. I'm also a coach, teacher on the side a little bit sometimes just for math and as well as a community volunteer. The reason why I'm seeking to serve on this board of education is I want to strengthen the connection between our schools, families,
099and as well as the city as a whole. Over the years, I work closely with local organizations, helping families with food, housing, and education. I've seen how important it is for every parent and student to feel heard and supported. If chosen, I'll bring transparency, accountability, and dedication to every decision made. My focus is simple. Listen, act, put Garfield students first. >> Thank you for your time and consideration. >> Thank you. Are there any board questions? >> I do have >> Mr. Otto. I'm sorry. >> What is uh what would your main goal for the students in this school be? >> One of my main goals is to update uh facilities as best as we possibly can. Mr. together. >> How would you help building a positive relationship between the board and the community? >> One
100of the things that we could do is we could have open conferences between uh between the schools and as well as the board uh meetings between everybody for what it is in a sense that we could establish parent groups at a more higher rate than what it is right now. So we can have a better communication between the accesses possibly even online groups that can hold supporting groups between the both. >> Thank you. >> Uh I just want to clarify where do you coach and teach? Is that um with students here or somewhere else? >> No ma'am teaching on my own. Tennis I'm a tennis coach at Maywood Tennis Club. >> Okay. Obviously, you have a very active life. Congratulations on your baby. >> Thank you. >> And working. Do you realize the time that
101goes into being a board member? It's not just one meeting a month. It's hours of reading, going over things, looking up things, talking to Dr. Tacos, speaking to Dr. Leu, the president of the board. It's not a cakewalk. You seem to have very active life, a job, a baby, and coaching. Where do you think you'd be able to fit this in? >> Very easily, ma'am. I've been doing this for almost 10 years. >> You haven't been on the board for 10 years. >> I haven't been on the board for 10 years, but I've been involved for 10 years. >> Any other questions from the board? >> Mr. Sardena, thank you very much for your application. >> [applause] >> Mr. Diaz will be next. Adrien Diaz. He's on his way. Mr. Diaz. All right, just bear
102with me one second here. I got a little bit of a cold. All right, first and foremost, happy birthday to my wife back there. But, um, good evening everybody and thank you for the opportunity. My name is Adrien Diaz. I am a sheriff officer with over a decade of service, a current student in the health sciences field, and most importantly, a father of two children in the Garfield school system, including a son with autism. My motivation to serve is deeply rooted in personal experience. Last year, my son Colton had a seizure while at school, and I was shocked to learn that our schools do not even have emergency oxygen tanks on site. That moment made it clear we need parents with firsthand insight sitting on that table because when policies are made without real life
103perspective critical gaps go unnoticed. I will be relentless advocate for our special needs students not just in words but in systems. That means ensuring IEPs are not just written but followed. Training staff not just for academics but for medical emergencies and sensory needs. pushing for better communication with parents before problems escalate and making sure that every child verbal, non-verbal, high needs or mild needs is seen, heard, and supported. At the same time, safety is non-negotiable. I bring operational security experience from working inside correctional facilities. I understand internal threats, not just external ones. And I will push for common sense security upgrades based on real world scenarios, not just policies that look good on paper. I also want to prepare students for real careers, not just college. That's why I strongly support expanding technical and trade
104programs so students graduate with immediate pathways into the skilled workforce. And I will do all of this while being fiscally responsible. As a public servant, I understand the value of every taxpayer dollar. And I will make sure we invest where it truly impacts children, not bureaucracy. I bring law enforcement experience, educational training, and real parental perspective allinone. Garfield deserves leaders who don't just care, but live this every single day. Thank you for considering me. I'm ready to fight for our students, especially those who cannot fight for themselves. >> Thank you. Any board member questions? Mr. Thank you. Every decision affects the students in some way. How do you ensure that the uh student outcome remain at the center of your decisions? >> I couldn't hear that, Mr. Otto. I'm sorry. Couldn't >> It's hard to
105hear. >> Yeah. >> Every decision affects students in some way. How do you ensure that the student outcome remains at the center of your decisions? So, like I said in my speech, I have two children that are in this uh school district and I really want them to have the best and all the rest of our students to have the best as well. Um, I mean, my son Colton doesn't speak and I would love for him to one day just come up to me and give me a hug and say, "Hey, dad, let's go to the park." And I'm really relying on this board to make that happen. So, every single decision I make, I'm thinking about that. I'm not the only parent that goes through it. >> Thank you. I want to know how
106you deal with conflict either with the public or amongst the board members. >> Dealing with conflict with the public or the board members. Is that what the >> general >> like in general? >> Yeah. Usually I try to break it down to perspective. I'll let somebody like you have to hear them out, right? Let's say they come at you heated. Try to put yourself in their position and understand where they're truly coming from. After that, you can go ahead and try to tell them your perspective and try to come out with a happy medium. >> No problem. I'll give the same question to everyone. Okay. I understand you do have two children, one of special needs and a job. Do you realize this? Being on the board is countless hours of going over work, talking
107to the Mr. Tom, Dr. Tomco, Mr. Levu, and just a lot of work. Do you feel you could fit that into your busy schedule? >> Yeah, absolutely. >> I have a question, >> Mr. Go. Why do you want to be a part of the board of education? >> What's the reason? >> The main reason is just I saw academic scores going down during COVID. I saw mismanagement of funds and I saw opportunities where things could be fixed. I saw my kids going to the schools and I'm not the type of person that just sits on the sidelines. I like to go ahead and actually get things done. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Mr. Cruz, >> uh, welcome. Um, my question would be, what do you see wrong with the school system currently, and what
108are the solutions that you would bring towards the school system? >> I I see opportunities. I don't see a lot of issues, right? Everyone can sit here and say, "Oh my god, the air conditioning." The realistic fact is that it's very hard to get money for that, right? But I see an opportunity, and one of the big ones is trades. Why not prepare our students to be ready for work as soon as they're done graduating? And you know, there's a high demand for that right now. And trades is a big area where we're going to actually probably make the district money and start coming up with those other repairs. So, if you want to say an actual problem, repairs would probably be a big one. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> Mr. Diaz,
109thank you very much for your application. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> That's the last applicant that's here. >> That's the final one. Yep. >> Is that the last candidate? >> Thank you very much. I'm going to ask a motion to go into executive session. >> I need it first. >> I'll make a motion. >> I can't make a motion. >> Second. >> Uh, Miss Materia, Miss Ean, >> all in favor? >> I oppose. Mr. Mr. Ger, we need a time, right? Come back out. >> Yeah. >> Be back as soon as possible. >> 15 minutes. >> So, we'll we'll we'll say 9 9:45. Can I have a motion to come out of close session, please? >> I'll make a motion, >> Mr. Gaba. >> Second, >> Miss Ean. All in favor? I I >>
110opposed. Okay. Um, based on the interviews that we've gone through, uh, I'm going to ask for any nominations from the board for any of the candidates that they feel would be best to suit for our vacancy. >> Want to nominate Adrien Diaz? >> Second. Is there a second? >> Yes. >> Mr. Throw it out. >> Throw it out. Second. >> Are there any other nominations in the board? >> Hearing none. Mr. Leu, roll call, please. >> Mr. Taylor, >> I. >> Mr. Roto. >> I. >> Mrs. Assan. >> Hi. >> Mr. Quillis. >> I >> Mr. Gaba. I >> Mrs. Patiri >> I >> Mr. Focarino >> I >> uh with that I want to congratulate Mr. Diaz and uh M you're going to be seeing Dr. Tomco and Mr. Leu for further instruction as
111well as Mr. Gesler for further instructions on how we proceed this but again congratulations your fingerprints. >> Congratulations [applause] again. So with that, I'm going to ask for a nominee a motion to go and >> uh to I'm sorry to adjourn our meeting. Thank >> it. Uh Mr. Ty, >> all in favor I opposed. >> Thank you very much.