001I'm seeing seven. Is everyone else seeing seven? Okay, good evening everyone. Um, I know this is a little bit of a throwback, but um hopefully everybody is home safe and sound. Um, we did this out an out of an abundance of caution. So, thank you to all of our um esteemed public service workers who are getting our roads straight and keeping them clear so that we can have a delayed opening tomorrow. Um we will jump right into the agenda. Please bear with us as we navigate, you know, getting back to a virtual world. Um okay, so calling the meeting to order. Uh pursuant to the open public meeting act, public notice of this meeting has been given by the board secretary in the following manner. Posting written notice on the official bulletin board at the
002Vorhees Township Public Schools Administrative Building on August 4th, 2025. Sending written notice to the Courier Post on August 4th, 2025. Filing written notice with the clerk of Vorhees Township on August 4th, 2025. And posting on the Vorhees Township website on August 4th, 2025. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag, the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Board secretary, will you call the role, please? >> Mr. Bryce. >> Miss Ktover, >> here. >> Miss Ktover. Mrs. Munan. Mr. Rosen >> here. >> Mr. Rosner >> here. >> Mrs. Ruer >> here. >> Mrs. Smite >> here. >> Mrs. Stewart >> here. >> Mrs. Watson >> here. >> For Mrs. Munion, was she able to
003log on? >> Think she's still trying. >> Yeah, you'll adjust the record when she joins. Perfect. >> Yes. >> Wonderful. Um, okay. Uh, I don't believe we have an executive session. We are moving right into the board minutes. Can I have a motion to approve the minutes of the November 17th, 2025 regular board meeting? >> So moved. >> Second, Roder. Online voting is open, but I can call your name if if you'd like. >> Okay, Mrs. Munan probably isn't here yet, so I'm put not present. Mr. Rosen, >> uh, yes. Okay. >> Or I >> I And Mrs. Stewart >> I. >> Okay. Motion carries. Um, eight yeses, one not present. >> And get a motion to approve the minutes of the January 7th, 2026 re regular board meeting. >> So moved. Roer. >> Second.
004Rosner. >> Online voting is open. I would like to correct what I said before. We have one absent. So there was seven yeses, one not present, and one absent. Okay, Mr. Rosen. Hi. and Mrs. Mon. No, not here. Okay. All right. Let's see. Two. Six. Yes. One abstain, one not present. Motion carries. >> Great. Thank you. No president's comments. Um the fire drills and safety drills are on the attachment. Harassment, intimidation, and bullying report also on the attachment. suspensions on the attachment and there is a revised enrollment report that is also on the attachment. We have four um four OPER requests. They've all been closed. Um you can see those on the attachment as well. Moving to board secretary report. >> Uh thank you. Um we'll start with the audit. Our audit has been finished
005for the 2425 school year. We have no audit findings or recommendations. So, we're very happy about that. Um, it was a successful audit. Uh, what's attached for, um, the public is a copy of the summary audit report. That's something that we need to present tonight. Anyway, so included on the audit summary report is a balance sheet that shows the general fund which is our main fund that we use, the special revenue fund which reflects um grants and the capital projects fund which represents um any kind of long-term capital project which we currently have three rod grant projects which are two boilers and an HVAC system that's wrapping up now and also um the ECDC was in that as well. So you'll see the balance sheet there and it goes through you assets, liabilities, fund balance
006detail and then it goes on to the um income statement which is called the statement of revenues, expenditures and changes in fund balance and again it shows the three funds and how they operate. So really that's just these are like summary financial statements. And then the very last page just shows that there's no audit recommendations. Another part of the audit is um the audit report itself is called an acter and that is also on the on the agenda later for approval. Um included in that they also report on enterprise fund. Enterprise fund is like it stands on its own meaning food service and CER. So CER the goal is always to break even. Uh we ended at a little bit of a loss this year and CER is self-supportive. So both of those are included
007in the audit itself. And the audit also um categorizes like you're seeing on the report that the summary report what's in fund balance. So it shows our reserve balances and what can be applied to next year. So it was a clean audit. We're very happy about it. And I'd like to thank um the assistant BA Miss Cury for all of her work because she pretty much oversees the audit, deals with the auditors and I just kind of do a little bit of it. She does most of this. So, I thank her very much for this and also our staff for all their hard work. Um, we don't like audit recommendations and we do our best not to get them. So, everybody in the business office and everybody in the schools that do a good job
008with their purchasing, we're we're very happy about that. So, thank you. The next item is the ASSA and that's the application for state school aid. Every year on on October 15th, all school districts have to count their students. So back in the information section where you see the revised enrollment report, that's really an internal report that kind of reflects the ASSA. So it shows what our enrollment is and state aid is based on enrollment and there's various categories of enrollment that have different dollar amounts attached to them. So it's very important for us to get that right as right as possible on October 15th. Uh which we did. We did fine. And our auditors also review that to make sure they don't see make sure we didn't miss anything. So that was also clean. But
009uh the the notable increase is in preschool. So um our onroll number went from 3,231 I mean it is 3231 this year it was 2976 last year. So we had an increase of 255 students on RO which 227 relate to preschool and at the preschool providers we had an increase of 26 students. So overall, our increase is 281 students for the year, but the bulk of it really relates to preschool. Okay. The next item is the Burlington County Insurance Pool joint insurance fund awards. Every year we're part of what we call the GIF. It's a it's an insurance pool of many school districts and that helps to like smooth out risks and um it's it makes the insurance more affordable. So, every year they hold an awards dinner and they give out um dollar amounts
010based on claims and how quickly you process your claims and that type of thing. So, we were awarded $3500 this year which we're always happy about and Mr. Rosen attended the meeting with us, the dinner with us and there were also al also people from our staff. But the best part of the night is Mr. Matthysse won the safety star of the year award. So, we're very proud of him and all of his efforts to keep our school safe. Yeah. So, that was a that was a really nice night, too. So, he got an award. He got a little trophy and um we were really proud of that. And then leading to the next information with Mr. Matthysse. Um every year, as I always mention, whenever the schools are closed, the buildings and grounds department
011is very very busy doing things as fast as they can while the buildings are closed. So during winter break um some of the projects they did um at Signal Hill they there was a section of concrete in the front of the main entrance that was demolished and repoured to address a tripping hazard. VMS an expansion tank was installed on the backflow preventor to address a water pressure issue. Two rooms were painted for future classroom use. Uh the wood gym floor was refinished at Crescent. A gutter and drain were cleaned and completed. HVAC work was done on two units. at ECDC uh that the back ramp or the buses go through had ponding of water. So there was a there was work that was performed then to put in a a drain along the whole length
012of it. So that was completed actually on January 7th. Uh wiring for a playground light camera to oversee the playground. Um playground light was installed, electrical panel, ET Hamilton intruder locks were being installed. We're doing that throughout the whole district. So each school is being uh addressed during breaks and an Oage and expansion tank was installed on the black on the back flow pre to address water pressure issue and alarm systems were tested at all sites to make sure everything was working. So that's a lot of stuff in you know short amount of time. Um but they do a great job as usual and uh one thing I really want to point out is um there's something on the agenda a little bit later under retirements and we're we're very sad for us but we're
013very happy for him. So Mr. Matthysse has announced his retirement and that is on the agenda. So, um, this is a good time just to mention it because of all the wonderful things that have taken place over the last, I guess, 25 years. And, uh, we were really happy that he got that safety star award this year, too. The timing was perfect as well. So, Mr. Matthysse, congratulations. And, um, we look forward to the the months that we still have with you, but we're very happy for you, and we'll miss you. The next item, uh, Acme gift card donation. We've been fortunate since 2020 to apply every year for a grant to get money from Acme Gen Youth and it's typically in the form of food gift cards. And so this particular time we got
014$1,250 worth. They're $50 $50 cards for $25 each and they're divided up amongst the schools and then the schools hold on to them and then they give them out to families in need. So that's been really nice and it's been happening since co um the next thing is school board recognition month. So we would like to acknowledge all of our school board members and all the time and effort that you put in all the time, you know, throughout the the years and many years some of you have put in, but we really um we would like to recognize you. We plan on doing that in person today, but there is a resolution attached acknowledging all of your hard work, dedication, and effort to the district and we're very thankful. So thank you. That's all I
015have. >> Thank you very much. Um, I will save reserve my comments about Clark later. Um, well, I'm sure we have lots of them. Um, and quite frankly, I don't know if I'm going to move to pass it. >> Um, so that's what Clark gets. Um, but moving on to superintendent report. >> Okay. Thank you. Good evening everyone. I just want to start off this evening just by saying it's with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of Avorhees Middle School custodian John Dilks on December 24th. U Mr. Dilks began working for the district in 2019 and upon the district's return from winter break, we put memorial bunting um in front of VMS and it remained there for a week and the bunting served as a symbol of our mourning and a
016reflection on his life and service to our school community. So please keep uh his family in your thoughts and prayers. will truly be missed and we always want to acknowledge when one of our own has has passed away and we will just definitely keep that family in our thoughts. So, as we celebrate board appreciation month to my dear board members, um I'm reminded of the powerful words by author and educator Dr. Steven Kovi. Dr. Kovi says, "Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge." This quote perfectly embodies the selfless dedication of our school board members. Your leadership and volunteer service are a reflection of your unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and the entire school community. Thank you for giving of your time, your expertise, your energy
017to ensure that our district continues to thrive and evolve. Through your guidance, we are able to create an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. Your efforts play a key role in shaping the future in Vohees Township and for that we are truly grateful. This is a volunteer job and we are so happy that you have chosen to do it and to support our students. So happy board appreciation month. You appreciate it now but you also appreciate it always. So I hope you enjoy this time. Uh on the agenda this evening, we do have several staff resignations and I want to thank those individuals for their service and wish them well in their next steps. As a routine practice, exit interviews are conducted with the immediate supervisor when a resignation is submitted. These
018conversations help us to understand why staff are leaving and allow us to address any concerns related to working conditions or retention if needed. Based on our exit interviews, none of the tonight's resonations were related to individuals working experience in the district. The reasons range from career advancement, including one staff member who with the support of the district earned certification to teach high school science, also salary opportunities and personal decisions. We are already in the process of filling several of the positions and I'm happy to share that we extended offers to fill four of the eight positions including three classroom teachers. Again, I wish all of them very well and I thank them for their time and effort in our district. I'd like to um honor and recognize Mr. Kramer, Osage principal. He was honored by
019the Vohees Breakfast Rotary Club on January 22nd as a recipient of the service above self award. This recognition could not come be more fitting for a leader who consistently goes above and beyond championing students, supporting staff, and partnering with families. Congratulations to Mr. Kramer. I'd also like to acknowledge two of our VMS teachers, Julie Elliott and Tara Dark. They have been selected to participate on the mathematics content development review committee for the state's assessments. They will be invited to join fellow committee members and New Jersey Department of Education staff for important mathematic assessment development activities. This is a great honor and the selection process was very competitive. We are very proud of Miss Elliot and Miss Dark. We are excited about our upcoming march in service and has been thought as it has been thoughtfully
020designed in response to staff feedback and suggestions. At this time, I'm going to ask Mr. Moscowitz to prepare to give it just a brief overview of the inservice and I also like to announce that ET Hamilton student presentation has been moved to our March meeting. Mr. Moscowitz, good evening members of the board of education and members of the public. I'm excited to share that based directly on teacher survey feedback, our March uh 20th in service will offer energizing academic sessions and rejuvenating wellness options. So educators have uh leave both equipped and recharged. On the academic side, we're offering engaging, gifted, and talented presentations, plus hands-on workshops for our kindergarten to two and grades three to five offered by our wonderful instructional coaches. An insightful University of Florida literacy session with one of our distinguished educators
021from Osage. Practical classroom behavior strategies from our district board certified behavior analysts. augmentative and alternative communication supports and strategies from our speech therapists. And the NJA is going to have a presentation on who we are and what we bring. These sessions target the exact literacy behavior assessment and equity support teachers have asked for in our surveys. For wellness, teachers can choose from yoga, meditation, stress management, nutrition education, crafts, pickle ball, or chair massage, which will all be held at our middle school. These activities are all designed to restore energy and focus. This in service blends high impact professional learning with meaningful self-care. So, our staff returned to students inspired and better focused and better prepared. We're thrilled to offer this and we're grateful to the survey that input and shaped it. Thank you, >> board
022president. That ends my report. Thank you very much. Um, moving to audience particip participation. Anyone wishing to address the board, please appro uh please raise your hand. Um, uh, you will when you once you raise your hand, I guess we'll see who it is so that we can log it. While the board is limited in its ability to respond to the public on matters involving personnel, litigation, negotiations, and attorney client privilege, the board will now hear comments from the public relating to the items on the agenda for this board meeting. Comments are limited to 3 minutes. The board will not take action this evening. You will be notified at some later time by letter, electronic mail, telephone, or in the context of a later board meeting of any action the board does take. Mr. Pett.
023>> Uh, good evening. Hope everyone's doing well. Um, congratulations to uh, Mr. Clark, I'm sorry, Clark Matthews, um, on his retirement. Um, also to them on the snow. I drove by today. I was just doing errands and the, uh, schools look great. Um, I just had two questions um, on policies. Um, I really didn't chance to look at them, so I probably normally wouldn't have the question, but on the nepotism policy bylaws, um, on page two of three, and I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing, we're now revising it that a district, um, board member or a superintendent um, uh, can have a position in the district, a relative or something. I was just wondering that was what's happening. And once again, it always seems strange to um to keep out somebody who is
024a just because they know somebody. I just was curious that that was a change. Um and then I felt bad asking it. Uh but item two for the employment of the chief administrator because I know Dr. Hackett um gave her notice to leave but not till next year. Um I noticed on the criteria, it just said criteria established by the board of education. I was just curious um when that when that is uh done what who would have the input on that um if it was current board members I'm sorry current board members administration etc whatever criteria you're looking for when Dr. Hacket retires. Um, those are my only two questions. Thank you so much. >> Excellent. Um, I mean I can I can answer as as uh as it relates to the superintendent search.
025I've been involved with quite a few. Um, we will be taking input from for criteria from both the board obviously administration as well as the community. um we usually do um several different uh processes to gather that input and create the criteria overall. So it's input from all different facets um within the district. >> Thank you so much. >> Okay. Uh I don't I don't see any other hands raised, but I want to make sure that I'm looking at the tool correctly. Is that right? Okay. Um, great. Moving on to the business portion of the meeting. We moved into the business portion of our meeting. We want to recognize that it may appear as if the board takes action with very little comment and in many cases a unanimous vote. Before an item is placed
026on the board agenda, it is thoroughly reviewed by the superintendent and administration. The superintendent then presents the recommended action to the appropriate board committee and works with the committee to ensure that the members fully understand the recommendation. Once the committee is satisfied, the item is placed on a board agenda for discussion and action at a public meeting. Board agendas are made available to board members several days in advance of the meeting, giving us ample time to review the agenda and have all of our questions answered. Further, we are kept up to date between meetings on the ongoing work of the administration and the important issues of the district in the district. All of these efforts ensure that we are well informed and prepared to take action at our meetings. Okay, moving to policy. Miss Branch
027Stewart, can you please provide the policy report? >> Certainly. The policy committee met on January 20th for an hour. Dr. Hacket, Mr. Mosquitz, and board member Crystal Mayan and I were present. The committee discussed and recommends full board approval for all of the policy items on tonight's agenda which include for first read policy 0142.1 nepotism policy 1220 employment of chief school administrator policy and regulation 1552 sexual harassment staff policy and regulation 2530 resource material and policy and regulation 2535 library material. For second read, uh, we reviewed policy 9280 parent conferences and I do note that there is a typographical a minor typo in the fifth paragraph that will be corrected. It's a spelling error. The committee also discussed abolishing policy and regulation 3362 and 4352, our current sexual harassment policy and regulations after second read
028of policy and regulation 1552, which I mentioned just a moment ago. Our next meeting is scheduled for February 17th. Thank you. >> Thank you. Can I get a motion to approve the following policies and or or regulations for first read? >> So move Stuart >> second. >> Online voting is open. The motion unanimously passes. >> I get a motion to approve the following policy for second read. >> So move Steuart. >> Second. Rudder. >> Online voting is open. The motion unanimously passes. >> Word solicitor. Um, can I can I move for a second motion under a motion that I'm asking for? >> Meaning, can you make the second? >> Yeah, >> you can if you wish. >> Okay. I just wanted point of clarification. Thank you so much. I'm the one that's off mute trying
029to figure out how to speed us along. Okay, >> understood. >> There we go. Excellent. Moving to academic excellence. Miss Ruer, can you please provide the academic excellence committee report? >> Absolutely. The academic excellence committee met on Tuesday, January 20th um for over an hour. It was Dr. Hackett, Mr. Moscowitz, myself, Miss Kettover, Miss Smi, and Miss Branch Stewart. We had conversations about the um the literacy program training that has come from the state for administrators and teachers. Um administrators found value in the training and teachers will receive the training in the spring. We talked about the summer learning academy attendance for 2025. We had a conversation about the transition meeting that h that took place between um Eastern Vorhees, Gibbsboro and Berlin Burrow. And then we talked about new information that is coming out
030about the impact of technology in classrooms and the possibility of um looking at new ways to reduce technology in classrooms. And that is all. Thank you. Our next meeting is February 25th. >> Great. Thank you. Can I get a motion to approve all of the items under curriculum? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Online voting is open. the motion unanimously passes. >> Mr. uh Rosner, can I please get a personnel committee report? >> Yes. The personnel committee met on January 22nd in attendance myself, Mr. Rosen, Miss Watson, Miss Ruer, Dr. Hackett, Miss Donnelly, board counsel, Mr. Moscowitz. We heard um an HIV appeal um and we're recommending the action list on the agenda. In 15.26, we revisited uh a conversation about a homeless residency appeal. there's no action to be taken at this time. Uh
031we discussed Mr. Matis's retirement which we were sad about um and choked that it was our fault because uh we stay late after the meeting sometimes. So my apologies Mr. Matthysse um we love you. Thank you. And we talked about the resignations in preschool and the IAS and discussed the various reasons for them. And as Dr. It said um all the exit interviews indicated that there was just other opportunities there and there was nothing wrong with the district. Um and we discussed the current practice of substitute teachers and lunch aids working in the same school as their children and what the uh parameters around that are and should be. and we're going to recommend writing a policy to memorialize the current practice. So, I'm sure there's more coming on that. We discussed the Thompson Reuters
032um clear ID which will assist the district with identifying when um residents move out of the district. Um so, we asked for more information on that. Um, no action and we've discussed the reasoning uh for the school year for ET Hamilton and Osage. >> That's everything. Thanks. >> Great. Thank you. Can I get a motion to Can I get a motion to approve all of the items under personnel as recommended by the superintendent? >> So moved. RER second. >> Rosen. Okay. is open. The motion unanimously passes. >> Miss Manion, can I have the finance committee report, please? >> Yes. Um the finance committee met on Wednesday, January 21st. Uh present was Helen Haley, Danielle Kerry, Dr. Hackett, uh Richard Rosen, and myself. We discussed the items um on the agenda under finance, transportation, building and
033grounds, and recommended for approval. We discussed the change orders at the VECDC at sewer extension. No further action at this time. Um we are exploring options to decrease overcrowding at ET Hamilton. no action at this time. Um we discussed increased enrollment planning, additional housing approvals and that my roto field um topics and communication with the township is ongoing. Uh we discussed the 2425 audit being completed and the 2627 budget planning has been started and we discussed the clear prolex program for residency verification. Um, the next finance committee meeting will be on Wednesday, February 18th. >> Great. Thank you. >> Can I get a motion to approve all of the items under finance? >> Some move. >> Second. Rosen. >> Online voting is open. The motion unanimously passes. >> Can I get a motion to approve
034all the items under transportation? So >> moved. Second. Rosen. Online voting is open. >> Motion unanimously passes. >> Get a motion to approve all of the items under buildings and grounds. So move. >> So move. >> Second. Online voting is open. >> The motion unanimously passes. >> Thank you. Anyone wishing to address the board, please uh raise your hand and I will call on you. Um while the board is limited in its ability to respond to the public on matters involving personnel, litigation, negotiations, and attorney client privilege, the board will now hear comments from the public. Comments are limited to 3 minutes. The board will not take action this evening. You will be notified at some later time by letter, electronic mail, telephone, or in the context of a later board meeting of any action
035the board does take. Mr. Pettitage. >> Uh, good evening again. Um, I also wanted to congratulate Mary Thompson for retirement. Um, but I did have one question from Mr. Rosner as far as the reasonzoning. Um, I see Hamilton's um, population is about 539. Um, how many students is anticipated going back to Osage from the reszoning? Um, and is there a cap number for class size at any point? Um, you know, is there is there a number that once you hit so many you would create a new classroom? And my other question is, has any I'm sure thought has been given to it as far as the approved um development over by Osage. I'm not sure the exact completion date, but it's pretty substantial what they're proposing. Um, if it's two years out, I'm sure we
036can tackle that when it gets there. I just wasn't sure um how we have that um you know what our what our ideas are. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. We will get back to you at a later board meeting. I don't see any additional questions. Um, opening up to comments from the board. I have a couple of comments, but happy to hear my fellow colle. Okay, I'm going to dive right in. I just have a couple of comments. Um, the first I want to congratulate Mr. Kramer on his award. Um, so thank you. Second, thank you so much for a successful audit. Um, I know that that is a ton of work. So, thank you to Helen and Danielle and the entire team for all of the time and effort. Um, and what
037a what an amazing accomplishment to have no findings. Um, so it's really a feat, but it's a testament to how financially responsible this district is and how we um take great care of every dollar that we that we have. Um, what I I I'm going to just say briefly, um, I go to a lot of different schools, uh, as part of my daughter dances extensively around all of South Jersey and mid Jersey, Central Jersey, whatever we want to call it, North Jersey. I've been to a lot of schools. Um, and there is something to be said for how clean and safe and beautiful our classrooms are. Um, and that is because of Clark Matthysse and his team. Um, I feel like he is part of my family. Um, I have absolutely loved and adored him
038from the moment I met him. He is willing to do anything and everything for the students in our district to ensure that they are safe and to ensure that their schools and classrooms are safe. Um he is such a gem of a human being and this is such a significant loss to our district. Um I personally am going to feel it, but our district is going to feel it. Um, and I I just there's there aren't enough words to say how incredibly grateful and appreciative I am for his service to this district for as long as we've had him. Um, I'm so happy that he won the the Star Award. He deserved it. He deserves a million more. Um, and uh, I can't wait to say many more beautiful things about him closer to his
039actual retirement. I do also want to congratulate Mrs. Thompson for her retirement. Um, it's hard to see teachers leave. Um and that's why we take it so seriously and and do the exit interviews and ensure that our teachers are happy and fulfilled in the district. And so um it's tough to see people getting other opportunities although we wish them all the greatest um greatest of luck in their next endeavors. That is all from me. Seeing no other comments, I'm going to move again, we do not have um executive session. Again, our next meeting date is February 25th uh at 7:00 p.m. in the administration building. Let's hope that it's in person and not virtually. Um but I do appreciate the district for being so incredibly flexible um and getting everything done in virtual quickly and
040seamlessly. Um and with all of that, can I get a motion to adjourn the meeting? So move Steuart >> second. >> All those in favor? I >> I