001Just a minute once the picture changes. There we go. Right. Good evening. is a public meeting of the board of education Clark Public Schools. Adequate notice of this meeting has been given in accordance with PL 1975 chapter 231 and that a special notice was b in conformance with section 13 of the act. >> At this time, can I get a motion to return to public Mr. Small followed by Mrs. Hickman? Roll call. >> All in favor? I >> I. >> All right. And at this time, we rise for the pledge. United States of America >> here. >> Mr. Breedy >> here. >> Miss Harrison >> here. Miss Hickman >> here, >> Mr. May >> present, >> Miss McCarrick >> here, >> Miss Melnik >> here, >> Mr. Sorl >> here, >> and Mr. Dunker >>
002here. >> Having 10 board members, we have a quorum. >> Thank you. So, at this time, we're going to do the board of education showcase success. I'm going to ask everybody to stay after your presentations just for pictures. We'll then take just take a brief break for pictures and whatnot and then we'll resume the meeting. So, I don't want everybody to think you need to sit here for the next three hours with us, but you're more than welcome. So, we'll do the show the showcase. We'll take a brief recess for pictures and then we'll dismiss. Mr. Grande, >> good evening everyone. We have so many outstanding educators here in the Clark schools and tonight it's such an honor for us to be able to honor a small handful of them. Early each fall, the New
003Jersey Department of Education puts out an appeal for each school throughout the state to nominate two individuals. A teacher of the year, just what the name says, a classroom teacher who's done extraordinary work with his or her students the school year. And the second award is an educational support professional. Someone who has an important role in the school outside of a traditional classroom teaching role such as a school counselor, child study team member, a school nurse, a par professional, someone of that nature. A nomination process goes out throughout each school community, each individual school community through which teachers, staff members, administrators, parents, and even members from the larger community can submit nominations. And then each principal convenes a committee that consists of a cross-section of those different stakeholder types. And those nominations are then evaluated
004with a rubric. And the state is very specific in the guidance that they provide us that we cannot bring external biases and information into the process. We have to go by what's written versus the rubric. And that journey brought us here this evening. And we're going to begin the process tonight with Arthur. Johnson High School led by Principal Tara Olive. And there's a little bit of an echo. Hello everyone. Good evening. Uh tonight, as Mr. Grandandy said, we gather to celebrate our educators. Those whose dedication, adaptability, and passion have left laughing left lasting marks on generations of students. The educator of the year for Arthur L. Johnson is Mr. Freddy Reyes. For 27 years, Mr. Reyes has been a cornerstone of the social studies department at Arthur L. Johnson High School. Over nearly three decades,
005he has not only witnessed change in education, he has embraced it. In fact, over the past five years, his teaching journey has been transformed entirely. While many might look toward a retirement after such a long and accomplished career, Mr. Reyes has found something different, renewed energy and purpose. As he he has shared with us that he enjoys teaching more with each passing year, driven by his love for designing lessons that truly engage and excite his students. Mr. Reyes describes himself as e easygoing, especially when it comes to adapting to new assignments and challenges. But behind that calm demeanor is a deep commitment to growth and excellence. When his schedule shifted dramatically in recent years, he approached every change not with hesitation, but with enthusiasm and a belief that success comes through meaningful student engagement. A
006pivotal moment came when he was asked to teach our Holocaust and genocide class. Though he already had a strong academic background and personal interest in the subject, Mr. Reyes went even further. He returned to Kane University to earn a specialized certification in Holocaust studies. What began as a new teaching assignment at our high school quickly quickly became a gateway to extraordinary opportunities not just for him but for our students as well. Through his dedication, Arthur Johnson students have benefited from four significant grants including a trip to the New York Jewish Heritage Museum, two trips to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the creation of a Holocaust resource center in our school's media center. In the summer of 2024, Mr. Reyes was selected for a prestigious fellowship through Centropa and Metro West, allowing him to
007study Holocaust studies in Berlin, an experience that undoubtedly enriched his teaching and brought powerful and realworld perspectives back to our classrooms. Not one to stand still, Mr. Reyes has most recently taken on our challenge of teaching tomorrow's teachers, a course that is designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of educators. He has approached this class with the same care, creativity, and attention to detail that he has defined in his career. His students are not just learning about teaching, they are living it. From observing real classrooms to leading lessons themselves, they are gaining invaluable hands-on experience at all of our district schools. Now, as they step into field placements across schools, Mr. Reyes gets to watch with pride. when he visits their classrooms, he sees what he's worked so hard to cultivate, their engagement, their
008confidence, and a genuine love for learning. Mr. Reyes shared with us that he hopes these students will carry forward with the same passion and positivity in their own classrooms. As I said, our educator of the year exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding educator. Not only through his years of service, but through his willingness to grow, to take risks, and to continually put students at the center of everything that he does. It is with great pride that we honor tonight Mr. Freddy Reyes, our Arthur L. Johnson educator of the year. You get all sorts of fun toys now. Here you go. Get this fancy thing. >> Oh, sorry. >> Thank you so much. >> This is the lock. You got it. >> I got it. >> Thank you. Congratulations, Mr. Ray and good job,
009Tara. Next, we'll move to Carl Hump Middle School principal, Mrs. Amanda Clark. It is my pleasure to present the governor's educator of the year award to Joe Rodriguez. He is deeply committed to his profession as a science teacher and has taught with the district for over 20 years. He has gone above and beyond in his daily activities as a teacher at Kunk Middle School. He is exceptionally skilled and is able to handle a multitude of tasks on a daily basis. This year and every year for that matter, he is the go-to person for the entire science department. Joe connects with each and every one of his students and all students feel comfortable going to him for extra help. Joe's has amazing amazing leadership skills which shine through in his numerous events that he plans through
010the work with the sixth grade team. He is always able to juggle multiple things at once and never complains about it. He covers classes when needed. He's always saying, "How can I help?" or "What do you need?" when any situation arises. Outside of the classroom, he demonstrates his leadership with the science olympiad, being on the negotiations team for the Clark Education Association as a vocal member of faculty council and actively working as one of the PTA liaison to strengthen the relationship between educators and parents. In addition to these positions, Joe is also a member of the achieve together advisory committee led by Christine Broski. All of these positions that he volunteers his time for shows his level of commitment to his school students and colleagues. Even with his busy schedule, he is a staff member
011who constantly demonstrates kindness, helpfulness, and a and a positive attitude. He is someone who can who who can be whoever you need him to be, whether it's just someone to listen, someone to offer solutions, or someone to handle a situation altogether. Overall, I cannot think of a better teacher for this award. It is my honor to present Joe Rodriguez with the Governor's Educator of the Year Award. Congratulations, Mr. Rodriguez. Great job, Mandy. Moving on to Frankie Henley School for Principal Shirley Bergen. Good evening everyone. I have the pleasure this evening to introduce two of these uh award winners for Henley School. First, I'm going to introduce to you our teacher of the year, Cindy Terrell. Cindy is an exceptional teacher who inspires students to think critically and creatively, encouraging them to explore ideas beyond the
012obvious. Her willingness to bring new things to the students of Clark is impressive and commendable. The STEM program, Girls on the Run program, and Camped Invention are a few of the things that Cindy uh stepped up with willingness to say yes because it was about the students. Her dedication and enthusiasm for teaching and her fun personality have impacted the lives of many students as a classroom teacher, a coach, and currently as the steam enrichment and G&T teacher. Through engaging and thoughtfully design lessons, she challenges students to ask questions, make connections, and find innovative solutions. Her Steam classes are a place where curiosity is valued and learning feels exciting and meaningful. Whether it is in steam class, G&T classes, or one of her enrichment classes, she maintains a strong rapport with students and motivates them to
013do their best. She finds ways to include and empower all of them. As director of both PA camp invention and the district social studies camp, Cindy ensures that students are learning over the summer. With these camps, she shows her ties to the community, but more importantly fosters students love of learning beyond the school year. The students arrive excited to learn, explore, and use their cur creativity. The parents in Clark are grateful to have these opportunities for their children over the summer and value Cindy's ability to motivate them. Cindy has written the elementary curriculum for STEM and the G&T program. She is an active member of the Union County NAG, which is the National Association for Gifted Children, collaborating with county gifted uh county gifted program leaders. She has facilitated NAG conferences for students around the
014county to bring accelerated learners together, further empowering them and advocating for parents and other professional professionals of talented children. On the request of the superintendent, Cindy and a colleague created and co-chared the RISE program to enrich elementary students following the COVID pandemic. Another testament to her leadership skills. In addition to being an exceptional educator and leader, Cindy Trello is a valued colleague and trusted friend. Known for her professionalism, kindness, and wisdom, she is someone others naturally turn to for advice and a guidance. She has served as a mentor over the years for several teachers, sharing her knowledge and experience with new hires. Cindy has dedicated years of service to Clark, helping to shape its future. She opens the minds of our learners making them as excuse me making a difference in their lives touching their
015hearts and believing in them as the future of our world. She is well deserving of the title Governor's Educator of the Year. Congratulations Cindy. I also have the pleasure of introducing our educational support professional of the year, Denise Laari. Denise is a valued member of the staff who makes a difference daily as a collaborative and dedicated par profofessional currently as part of the fourth grade team. Denise's exceptional work as an educator support specialist has made her an indispens indispensable part of our school community. Denise maintains a positive and supportive rapport with students, demonstrating patience and understanding of their diverse needs. She effectively meets the needs of students academic, behavioral, and social needs with encouragement and guided assistance throughout their day, whether in the classroom or at lunch and recess. She is instrumental in creating a
016productive and inclusive environment, working with the teachers to ensure that all students are successful. Denise is always flexible, willing to learn, and contributes ideas when working alongside the classroom teacher. She is willing to help with coverage in a pinch as well. Miss Philip Pacus, who whose class Denise currently supports, creates, excuse me, credits the success of her students due in part to Denise's positivity and approaching demeanor. She ha she has a calming and reassuring presence in the room. Her work is grounded in her belief that every student deserves structure, routine, and environment where they feel supported and respected. Denise's understanding of these needs allows her to create an envir atmosphere that fosters learning and growth. Denise embodies the spirit of teamwork and the dedication that defines the heart of Henley School. Her work may not
017always be in the spotlight, but it is essential to the to the success and well-being of our students. for her tireless efforts, her compassion, and her unwavering support of students. Deni Denise is more than deserving of the title educational support professional of the year. Congratulations, Denise. Congratulations, Mrs. Trrella and Mrs. Leari. And thank you, Shirley. Great job. Valley Road School Principal Joseph Belch Champa. It is my pleasure to honor our teacher of the year at Valley Road Elementary School, Miss Carrie Kennedy. Upon her arrival, Carrie quickly earned a reputation as an exceptional art teacher. She engages students across all grade levels with her humor, energy, and willingness to go above and beyond whenever she is needed. From serving as set designer for school plays to contributing to its beautifification committee and hosting paint nights, Car's
018creativity and enthusiasm ex uh exceeds far beyond the classroom. Parents and staff alike are drawn to Mrs. Kennedy's appreciative nature, approachable nature, uh, positivity and talent. Her lessons remain fresh and innovative year after year. While students look forward to favorite projects, Carrie continually evolves her curriculum, always striving to grow as an educator and inspire her students. She also introduced Art Sonia, allowing families to view and celebrate their child's artwork while supporting PTA fundraising efforts. Car's impact can be seen throughout our school. From the New York City skyline displayed during our Thanksgiving parade to the costume she helps create. Her artistic vision enhances our community. As a testing coordinator, she demonstrates exceptional organization and the sensory path she designed has become a valuable resource for students. Even beyond the school day, she dedicates herself to supporting
019community initiatives. At Valley Road Elementary School, we are continually amazed by the work Carrie accompanies accomplishes with her students. Her lessons are filled with creativity, connection, and joy. She brings a sense of fun into her classroom while maintaining clear expectations and encouraging students to set and achieve goals. Carrie understands that art can be a powerful outlet, especially for students who may struggle academically or behaviorally, and she nurtures their ability to express themselves with confidence and pride. The culmination of Car's work is her annual art show, an incredible event she manages entirely on her own. Beautifully curated and thoughtfully displayed, it showcases multiple pieces from each student, allowing families to fully appreciate their child's creativity. Designed with the elegance of a museum, the art show reflects Car's professionalism, vision, and deep pride in her students. What
020truly sets Carrie apart is not just what she creates, but what she inspires. She helps students see themselves as artists and as individuals with something meaningful to share. It is for all these reasons that we are proud to honor Carrie today. Please join me in celebrating Valley Road Elementary School teacher of the year, Mrs. Carrie Kennedy. Should I give it the right point? Next, we'd like to talk about our BRS support person of the year, Kathy Fatty. She's out there somewhere. Kathy's an exceptional member of our VRS school community whose dedication, professionalism, and compassion makes a daily impact on students and staff alike. In her role as paraprofessional, Kathy goes above and beyond to create a welcoming and supportive environment. Whether assisting teachers, helping students with academic or emotional needs, or ensuring that our school
021runs smoothly behind the scenes, Kathy always approaches every task with a positive attitude and a genuine desire to help others succeed. In her role as a parah, she shows exceptional care, patience, and dedication not only to the student she is assigned to, but also to any student who may need support. She ensures academic, social, and emotional needs are met. She's always willing to provide extra study time, encouragement, or simply a quiet moment of listening. Kathy has always been a tremendous asset to firstear teachers. We often put her with a first year teacher and staff that's new to the district. She helps them learn the school routines, get organized, and feel confident in their classroom. Beyond the school year, Kathy plays a key leadership role in the summer colonial American history camp, which is one of
022my favorites, spending countless hours planning and coordinating and setting up the program. She assists with preparing itineraries, daily schedules, crafts, activities, and even seeks out fundraising to keep the camp thriving. She and I have worked on this camp together for many years. We both love the camp. So does Cindy over there somewhere. She's our director. We both love the camp and the camp probably would not be as good as it is without her. Her dedication also ensures a meaningful hands-on learning experiences continues outside the school day during the school year. She makes a difference in the community. She volunteers many, many, many hours at the American Legion. Kathy is also an active member of the VRS social committee, helping to plan many events which keep the staff morale upbeat and fun such as the holiday
023party, Friendsgiving, and special theme gatherings. These activities greatly contribute to staff morale by creating time for connection, community, and support among colleagues. Puts a lot of time into that with the committee. Kathy also has seen at many events outside of school supporting students from the past and the present. They love seeing her and love her support at games and activities in the town. These are just few of the many things that Kathy does, showing her dedication to making a positive impact both inside and outside the school. She's also a leader among her paraprofessional peers who many look to for guidance and support. One of her most resp remarkable qualities is the comfort and belonging she brings to students. Parents feel an immense sense of reassurance knowing that when their children arrive at school, even if
024they're having a bad day, Kathy Ster meets them where they are that day emotionally. She listens when they need support and celebrates right alongside of them. Kathy can also be seen walking in the halls with a student, giving them a moment or two to refocus, sometimes with a staff member, or helping our students who need a little extra love. Kathy embodies the spirit of service and teamwork that our school strives for each and every day. Her hard work, passion, and community involvement make her truly deserving of the school support person of the year. And in the spirit of the Colonial History Camp, I would like to give her a big huzzah. Those of you that know me know I always got to squeeze in a history comment when I can. And Mandy and Christine are
025gonna say, "There goes Joe again with his eyes." But I think every one of these people deserve a huzah. So I will go hip hip. Could you go huzah for all these winners? Hip hip. >> Hip hip. >> Kathy, she's there cuz I got her hat. Thank you. >> Yeah. Congratulations, Mrs. Kennedy and Mrs. Fatty. And thank you, Joe. And I'd like to introduce everyone to Miss Pam Pamela Miller, who's been our acting elementary assistant principal for the past few months and who's done a great job and has really melled into our school community. And now we're going to cap it off with our youngest learners led by Mr. Joy Donaldson, the Clark Preschool. >> I always make a joke like I'm going to keep this short like my population, right? Preschoolers are short. Okay.
026Good evening, members of the board. I got one laugh. Okay. Good evening, members of the board of education, Superintendent Grandandy, administrators, members of the public, students, families, and our well-deserving celebrants tonight receiving the New Jersey Governor's Educators of the Year Award. Tonight, I have the special privilege of presenting Lisa Kicta with the Educational Support Professional of the Year Award. Lisa is currently a par profofessional in our preschool program working with our exceptional students in our PSD classroom. To work in at preschool, you basically have to be an athlete. You need strong joints and back muscles to lift and carry. You need lightning quick reflexes. You also need things like eyes in the back of your head and the stamina of a superhero. Lisa Kika has all of these qualities. And she also has the personal
027qualities needed of anyone in education, but most especially in her position. Kindness, patience, tough love, soft love, attention to detail, and tenacity. As Lisa works with her students, the goals are always the same. Keep them safe, let them know they are cared for deeply, and help the students achieve their instructional goals. In fact, feedback from her peers is stellar. Quote, "Lisa always puts the children first, sincerely wanting the best for each student and recognizing that their needs change." This theme continues the more you talk to people in her orbit. Quote, "Lisa recognizes and celebrates each achievement, no matter how small, understanding that these milestones represent meaningful progress in her students developmental journeys. She works collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and families to ensure consistency in instructional practices and to support student success across all settings. Through
028her interactions, she serves as a model of best practices and offers thoughtful guidance and encouragement to families. End quote. And if that's not enough, Lisa also has a fine sense of humor and keeps her attitude positive and her mindset towards growth. As you can see, Mrs. Kika is most deserving of this accolade and truly represents what it means to be the New Jersey Governor's Educational Support Professional of the Year. Congratulations, Mrs. Kane. Thank you, Joanne. Another great job. Could we give all the recipients one final round of applause? And we're going to ask if you could come forward so we could take a grip a group picture. As our tradition, we'll be posting on the internet on our website. >> Yeah. Can you sign something for me after this? >> Yeah. like get them here
029and move here. >> Here. >> Do you want to go behind? We do here. >> Can we go behind? I think it'll be cleaner. Is that okay? Remember, we should move this one. >> Yeah, let's go here. >> Don't you think I think it's going to be cleaner? Do >> you guys just want to go behind the fence and then take it from here? Jump down. Be ready. Smile. Hi, I'm within you guys. >> Oh, sure. Sure. Go ahead. >> Yeah. >> Yes, we do. >> I think it's going to look better. You just don't do it. >> Yeah, it's going to look better. Can I get one from you? You already are. I'm going to do one. So, no moving. >> One more. >> Congratulations everybody. Tonight, we're thrilled to be doing a second
030part of this honoring. The Com Middle School science Olympiad team recently placed at the state level, and I'd like to call Mrs. Clark back so we can honor that team and their adviserss. >> I can take no credit for Science Olympiad at all. So, I'm going to call Mr. Rodriguez up as our co-advisor of Science Olympiad and he'll introduce everybody else. Good evening everyone. Good evening members of the board of education, administration, staff, parents, members of our community, and most importantly our students. I am honored to stand here before you this evening as one of the coaches of our science olympiad team representing a group of students who have demonstrated extraordinarily level of commitment, perseverance, and a passion for learning. Over the past 12 years of coaching the science Olympiad team, I've had the privilege
031of working with many talented and dedicated students. However, this particular group stands apart. What makes them exceptional is not only their achievement, but the mindset they brought with them every single day. A mindset built on effort, resilience, and a shared belief that improvement is always possible. This year's regional competition was unlike any we had experienced before. When the results were released, we saw a second place finish, our best regional finish ever, surpassing le last year's previous best of fifth. Our students recognized something special was within reach. finishing second just behind the team that ultimately went on to win the states and head on to nationals. Further confirming that this group was capable of competing at an exceptionally high level rather than just being satisfied. They became more focused, more determined, and more committed to push
032themselves even further. As the state finals, our students compete against many of the top middle schools in New Jersey, programs that often have extensive resources and dedicated time during the school day to prepare for this competition. Historically, our strongest finish at the state level had been 22nd place. This group set a goal, break the top 20. They set a target that felt ambitious yet attainable. What they ultimately accomplished went far beyond expectation. When the results were finally released after what felt like countless refreshes of the results page, our team achieved a 10th place finish in a field of over 30 of the strongest middle school programs in the state. And this wasn't simply an improvement, it was a breakthrough. What makes this accomplishment even more meaningful is the context in which it occurred. Our students
033met after school voluntarily giving their time, energy, and focus. They stayed late to build their devices, prepare for exams, test their ideas, revise their designs, and support one another. They take their work home, balancing their commitment with the science olympiad alongside numerous other activities, including music programs, athletics, academic clubs, and their community involvement. They didn't simply participate, they invested. They showed up consistently. They supported one another. They took ownership of their learning. They embraced challenges. and they represented our school community with integrity as well as pride. I would like to recognize our team captains, Chiro, Leon, Gretchen, and Dakota for the leadership they demonstrated throughout the season. As student leaders, they helped guide their teammates, maintain focus during presentations, assist with the organization, and model the level of commitment necessary to compete at such a
034high level. Their ability to support and motivate their peers played an important role in our team's success. I would like to thank our coaching staff who generously volunteered many hours of their time beyond the school day to support our students. I would like to recognize my co-head coach Henry Lambertie along with assistant coaches Andrew Callow and Thomas Pets for the countless hours spent scheduling, organizing materials, supervising events, and managing the logistical components that allow this program to operate successfully. Their dedication and behind the scenes work provide the structure that makes opportunities like this possible for our students. I could not be more proud of the students seated and standing here today. Each one of them contributed to our success and each one of them played a role in creating something truly truly memorable. At this
035time I would like to recognize each member of our team. As I call your name, please stand or wave if you are standing in the back and please stay standing. I will start with the eighth grade going out to seventh and the sixth. Chiro, Leon, Gretchen, Dakota, Ka, Maya, Suani, Gabriel, Fiona, Justin, Jake, Ronald, our seventh grade members, Cashlin, Rosanna, Isa, Ramona, Vivian, Cassie, Jake, and Mason. A round of applause for our team. At this time, I would like to ask our sixth and seventh grade members to please be seated and ask our eighth grade members to remain standing. I would like to recognize our eighth grade members. As they move on to the new chapter of their academic career, we thank them for their leadership, commitment, and the example they have set for the
036younger members of our team. At this time, we would like to present each of them with a certificate of recognition for their contributions to the Science Olympiad team. If I can ask the other coaches to please come to the front to hand out their awards. When your name is called, please accept your award. Chiro alphabetical order by last name. Alphabetic word by last name. >> Leon if you want we'll take a picture later. Gretchen, Dakota, Ka, Maya, Suani, Fiona, Justin, >> Ronnie, and we have our two other members that are not here this evening, Gabriel Kai and Jake Gersonner as To our students, we thank you for your effort, your dedication, and your willingness to challenge yourselves in pursuit of excellence. The knowledge and skills you have developed will serve you far beyond this competition.
037But even more importantly, you have demonstrated what is possible when curiosity, perseverance, and teamwork come together. You have represented our school community with pride and we could not be more proud of what you all have accomplished. Congratulations on an outstanding season. The future is so bright for each and every one of you. Thank you and good evening. >> You want them who you want them all? >> Okay. If we can get you all to the front, please. >> Behind the bar again. >> What do you want to do? >> Behind the bar. I don't like standing up. >> Can you grab a picture, too? Can you grab a picture too? Just so you have it. You actually get emailed out though. >> I do. I'm not usually the one also. I just go email me.
038>> I'm like exactly >> but I if I do it I >> do that. Nice job. Congratulations team and adviserss and can we give them one last applause? Thank you. And that concludes our showcase of success. >> How are you? >> Thank you. I'm here with him. Funny that I got right there. a little bit. I don't want to get deserves the sweet wonderful Hi guys. Hi Yeah. Very nice. Awesome. >> All right. We're >> We're gonna uh we're going to start the meeting. >> Can I have everybody's attention? >> I don't have one. Miss Olivera, >> we're gonna start our meeting. We're gonna We're gonna If you can help me out, we're gonna I can't get everybody's attention. We're going to start our meeting. >> We're going to scooch you guys this way because
039they're going to want to get started on the next technically you're going to continue. How'd I do? >> How'd I do? >> All right. So, as the room exits, we will continue our meeting. So, anybody that's staying, if you guys would just like to grab a seat. All right. Good. So, we'll move on. Uh, congratulations to all the recipients of the showcase of success. So, at this time, can I get approval of minutes? Can I get a motion? Miss Harrison, followed by Miss Melnik. Questions or comments? A roll call on that, please. >> Mr. Beningga, >> yes. >> Mr. Rey, >> yes. >> Miss Harrison, >> yes. >> Miss Hickman, >> yes. >> Mr. May, >> yes. >> Miss McCarrick, >> yes. >> Miss Melnik, >> yes. >> Mr. Smarl, >> yes. >> And Mr.
040Dunkerson, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Mr. Marson, can you close that door, please? Thank you. Okay. So, at this time we will open the floor to the public for agenda items only. So, if there's something on the agenda that you would like to address, now would be the time. If not, at the end of the meeting there will be a spot for non-aggenda items. Okay. You can just state your name, your address. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. Mallerie Applebound, the assistant principal of the elementary schools. Oh, thanks. The applause is not needed for me this evening. I just want to take a moment to honor Mr. Bel Tromba, his service, and his true devotion to the Clark Public Schools. Joe B, my mentor, my confidant, my colleague, and my friend. We've worked together
041for the past 11 years. So, I could go on and on, but given the threeinut time parameter, I'll simply share a few highlights and save the rest for your retirement celebration. First and foremost, Joby will be remembered for the family environment he has cultivated at Valley Road School. He is the type of administrator who takes the time to get to know his staff, their interests outside of school, their families, and he is there to support them during the wonderful and challenging times in both their professional and personal lives. He is thoughtful and generous, and he's never too busy to listen and offer advice at any time of the day. And I do mean any time as he often responds to emails well after midnight given the long hours he stays up working with the students.
042While he may not be able to tell you their name, he is always kind, fair, and supportive. He believes in and strives to reward good behavior, often encouraging teachers to use visits to the office as positive reinforcement. Though, don't be fooled by his Mr. Nice Guy side. He does an incredible drill sergeant routine when necessary. Nothing gives Mr. B greater pleasure than working with his office helpers to prepare for an upcoming assembly, shooting hoops with students who earned a reward, or dressing up for a reading incentive activity or holiday event. He's such a good sport and always a willing participant. On a personal level, I am truly grateful for everything I learned from you, Mr. B. And while I'll miss you terribly, I am so happy for you and so excited to see what lies
043ahead in your next chapter. I wish you days filled with relaxation and sleep. Sundays when you can watch the Giants live instead of recorded since you won't have to worry about writing the weekly memo. uninterrupted lunchtime so you can enjoy your warm soup and special time with Julia in your favorite historical travel destinations. Thanks for everything. Congratulations. You have certainly left your mark on Valley Road and your Clark School community. I guess I'll say a few words. >> Mr. B, >> we won't hold you to three minutes. >> I wanted to wait to the end in case you didn't approve it. >> Um, >> mostly I wanted to say a few thank yous um to the board of ed. I usually say this at meetings at our school, but I'm not here. You folks do
044a lot of work for no pay. So, you're volunteers. I don't know if the public knows that. So, let me tell them they do this for no pay. They put in hours and hours of work and they really care and that's great. Everybody doesn't always agree, but everybody always cares. So, I thank you all for that. Um, for Mr. Grandandy, he's always been helpful and supportive. He's easy to talk to. We joke around a lot and even if we have a conversation or argument over an issue, we can end it and be friendly and end it with a Dr. pepper. >> So, like we've had some tough arguments, but we've always walked out as friends, and that's a great way to leave a place. Um, Mr. Vizuzo's always been supportive with the finances. Sometimes he's
045a little picky with the money. We try to get a little few things from him and we can't. But I noticed that since he's been here, the budgets have been really smooth and we usually hit our marks on the budget. He's the kind of guy that will help you. In fact, today he helped me with a problem. We spent over an hour on this disclosure that we couldn't get to work. He said, "We are not going to give up till this works." After about an hour, let's give up. Just do it again. But he really took time and stayed with me and tried to help me with it. He twice or three times got off the phone with me and went on the websites to try to figure it out. So, thank you for that
046and all that you've done with the budget. People don't realize how important that is. Um, central office staff, they've always been great in every which way to us, to the administrators, the elementary administrators and all the administrators. So, I thank the central office staff, all the staff members up at central office, this administrative team over here. Wonderful. We're just so supportive to each other. Even today, two people were talking to me. This made me feel better because this is a shaky day. You know, I never did anything for 24 years. except for this job like that's a quarter of a century so it's a little tough but they were very helpful and said we'll do anything to help you out and the whole administrative team is like that my K to5 administrative team we're just
047super friends together we have our meetings every month it's always fun uh so thanks to my K to5 administrative team to all the PTA members all that they've done for kids in these towns it's amazing uh the PTA presidents especially when when I know Shirley and I get to really really tight with our PTA presidents because they're like part of the staff and once again they do that for no money. The one thing I always thought about PTA presidents, you know, at the time of the year when the time picks its person of the year and sometimes it's a generic person, I often thought it should be the PTA president because they do so much. So, round of applause for PTA and then some of the key people, the teachers and the staff. First at
048Henley for my first five, six years. I always have to ask Shirley how many years were we out here or there because I can't remember but she knows. So she said we were there for six and seven years before we switched. So for those FKH teachers, thank you for everything. That was like a family over there. And a VRS staff members, some of them are here today. Bugging me. But great to see some of them here and they're great people and I love them and that's what makes it a little hard to leave because they're like family. But I have to wait six months, but then I can come back and visit. Um, that's a pension rule, not a board rule, by the way, or not an Ed Grand Randy rule. That's the pension. Uh,
049the pension's tough on us when we're leaving. Um, and I just want to say my first mentor, who's no longer with us, he always told me, success is simple. If kids want to come to school every day and they can learn and have some fun, that's success. I think the staffs did that. But thank you actually. photo. >> Can I get a photo with the staff? You okay with that? Photo with the staff. behind the table. >> Should we go behind? >> I don't know how we're all >> trying to get as close as you can. Oh, I can't go that way. >> Yeah, Joe, go around. Go. >> You lifted him up. That's a good idea. Now, >> going home tonight. Ready? One, two, three. >> Your three minutes are up. One second. By
050the way, my clock stopped in the office and I thought it was 6:20 and then I looked at my watch. It's 2 minutes to 7. I better go or they'll think I'm up to some funny business. >> So, we were watching the cameras. We knew you're late. That's why we came in. Hi, I'm Steel Patella. Um 18 Sweet Brier Drive and this was not planned. Um but the feelings are the feelings are coming out tonight. Um Joe, your staff. Um I don't know if you sense it, but things are changing. We all feel it at this time of the year. You typically are like, "Who?" Not that we're counting, but 48 days and you see summer and Joe, we don't want to see summer. So, just know that we thank you so much for the
051support you've given us, the guidance, the laughs, the tears, everything. Um, Joe, there's not one of us that does not appreciate all the years that we've had to work with you. So, thank you so much from the bottom of all of our hearts. And know this is tough, Joe. From all of us, too. We love you, Joe. All right. Is there any other comments from the public on agenda items only? Well, if not, then I'm going to ask for a motion to for personnel items 1 through 10, which will formally approve Mr. Belchama's retirement. So, congratulations. So, can I get a motion on personnel? Mr. Benzena, Miss Harrison, any questions or comments? Roll call, please. >> Winga, >> yes. >> Mr. Breedy, >> yes. >> Miss Harrison, >> yes. >> Sickman, >> yes. >> Mr.
052May, >> yes. >> Mr. McCarrick, >> abstain from items 1 through three and six through eight. Yes. to all others. >> Thank you, Mr. Melnik. >> Yes. >> Mr. Smurl. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Duncan. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Mr. Belcham, you still have two months, though. Okay. You still have two months. >> All right. So, moving on, we have uh curriculum items 11 and 12. Can I get a motion? I see Mrs. Hickman and Mr. Small. Any questions or comments? A roll call, please. >> Minga, >> yes. >> Mr. Breedy, >> yes. >> Miss Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. Hickman, >> yes. >> Mr. May, >> yes. >> M. McCarrick, >> yes. >> Melnik, >> yes. >> Mr. Smurl, >> yes. >> And Mr. Dunkerson, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank
053you. Board governance. We have items 13 to 18. Motion, Mr. Breedy, followed by Mrs. Melnik. Any questions or comments? Roll call, please. >> Benoa. >> Yes. >> Mr. Breedy. Yes, >> Harrison. >> Yes, >> Sikman. >> Yes, >> Mr. May. >> Yes, >> M. McCarrick. >> Abstain from items 14 through 17. Yes. To all others, >> excuse me, 14 and >> 14 through 17. >> Thank you. >> Miss Melnik, >> yes. >> Mr. Smurl, >> yes. And Mr. Ducker. >> Yes. >> Mr. Car. >> And then finally, we have finance items 19 through 29. I have Mr. Smurl, followed by Mrs. Melnik. Any questions or comments on those? Roll call, please. >> Mr. Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Breedy, >> yes. >> Miss Harrison, >> yes. >> Miss Hickman, >> yes. >> Mr. May, >>
054yes. >> Mr. McCarrick, >> abstain from item number 21. Yes. To all others. Thank >> you, M. >> Melnik. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sorl. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Dunkers? >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Right. At this time, we're going to hand it over Mr. Grande. >> Good evening and thank you, Mr. Donut. I got to share a story about Mr. Belrama that I think exemplifies his care and commitment. So before we go on the winter break each year, obviously it leads up to the holidays and I go around the district and I drop off the Christmas gifts. I like to wait until the last day because I never want people to feel obligated to have to return. So Mr. Belram is always working and he always does return regardless. He works late into
055the evening even that last day. And this past year it got late into the evening even for me and I had to get in and get him his gift. So I'm talking to him and trying to distract him and I leave the gift on the pile and he doesn't see. And as I walk out I realized the label dropped off. So I had to go back and try to now he's like a little bit his senses are up. So I had to go back and put the label on the gift. And I know I'm acting awkward and he says to me, "Are you okay? Do you want to diet Dr. Pepper? Joe, how beloved you are. The crowd you drew this evening is a testament to that and that care and commitment made Valley Road
056School a family and we wish you the very best of luck on your life's next steps. And I know you want to stay a part of our Clark School's family. I know you're welcome to. We're excited to have you back for the bus tour. You got to wait. I know. But next summer, the bus tour, the summer camps, know you always have a home here and we're looking forward to you continuing to be a part of our good work here. Thank you, Joe. On this evening's agenda, we're approving the extended school year program known as ESY to run during the month of July for our students with special needs. We also are approving a donation from the ALJ booster club for a sound system for the ALJ sports complex. And we'd like to thank the
057booster club for all that they do to support our student athletes. I know you're going to be talking more about our highlights in your speech, but one I want to point out is our district-wide band Bonanza was on March 31st. And many thanks to Mr. Marson, his music teachers, and especially our mu our student musicians for capping out the month of March with Arts in the School. And as an update from a question that was posted as at our last board meeting, the debt service amount for next school year is approximately $2.3 million. Our debt service aid from the state for next school year is $585,230. This number was inadvertently added instead of subtracted from the from the debt service amount of 2.3 approximately $2.3 million. The correct debt service tax levy amount is approximately
058$1.7 million. The minutes that were approved earlier this evening reflect this amount. As promised, there is no tax increase as a result of the referendum and we'd like to thank the Clark community for supporting that referendum. that's really going to allow us to do much needed upgrades to our schools. And in terms of that bond referendum, on our district website under the bond referendum tab, there's going to be and there already are periodic updates. And Mr. Vizuzo, thank you for preparing the one today that's posted. Thank you everyone and have a great evening. >> Thank you, Mr. Grandandy. Uh at this time, we'll do report of the committees. Seeing none of that, we'll either do unfinished or new business. All right, so at this time, we're going to hand it over to Maddie. >> Okay,
059this is the April board report. At the preschool, students are engaging in seasonal hands-on learning activities, including a spring themed 3D umbrella project. They will also participate in a safety presentation from the Brain Alliance focused on safe street crossing. and they will celebrate Earth Day through a special crossroom project. At Henley Elementary School, students are actively participating in spring themed events. In celebration of Earth Day, the school will host its annual walk or ride your bike to school day on April 22nd. And in recognition of Arbor Day, students will take part in beautifying the school grounds by planting flowers along the perimeter of the building. Additionally, students will enjoy performances by the Comf Band and Chorus, participate in the poetry and motion cafe, and attend several class trips, including visits to Jenkins's Aquarium and the
060New Jersey State Theater. Grade 5 students will also complete NJSLA science testing at the end of the month. At Valley Road School, March highlights included visits from guest readers, a successful reading incentive program celebration, the annual Tricky Tree fundraiser, and the PTA book fair. Students also enjoyed events such as mystery night, grade five fun night, and the school's production of Madagascar. April continues this momentum with weekly robotic sessions, a jester gym assembly, and a brain alliance presentation on bicycle helmet safety. Students will also celebrate Earth Day through a walk to school event, participate in in the grade three book swap, and attend class trips such as to the Turtle Bag Zoo. At Comf Middle School, the Science Olympiad team earned 10th place overall at the state competition. Upcoming events include Take Your Child to Work
061Day on April 23rd, a sixth grade assembly on brain injury awareness and helmet safety, and the Adams competition on April 30th. Looking ahead, NJSLA testing will begin on the week of May 4th, and the sixth grade orientation for incoming students and their families will be held on May 7th. At ALJ High School, students participated in Lincoln benchmark assessments and the NJGPA retesting while remaining active in spring activities, including home openers for all of the spring sports teams. Student engagement continued through events such as a district bambonanza. And following spring break from April 3rd through the 10th, students returned to begin marking period 4 and took part in enrichment opportunities including the UCCC sportsmanship summit and a live open heart surgery field trip. Thank you. >> Thank you, Maddie. All right. So, at this time, we
062will open it to the public for non-aggenda items only. So, if you have any questions or comments that were not on the agenda, now would be the time. Please state your name, your address, and you have three minutes. Thank you. >> Hello. Uh, John Gre, 30 Parkway Drive. Um, so I'm glad to see that that million-doll discrepancy we saw last meeting turned out to be just a clerical error. That's great. I'm glad things worked out like that. I did have another question regarding um the residential uh pilot agreements that some of the developers get where for 30 years they don't have to contribute anything to the school budget. Um the developer at the Walnut Hill for example, they have that agreement in place and they're contributing students to the schools. Um I believe the last
063time I checked it was 26 students which if you look at the per pupil cost is about $450,000 maybe a little bit more. Um, I was just curious because I keep hearing that it doesn't affect the schools, but I was wondering how does the school absorb that burden without increase in taxes on the residents. And then also in the future, it seems like we're going to have a few more of those. We have a 39 unit apartment building that's already been approved for a pilot. And we also have the new AMP apartments that are going up. It's going to be about 130 apartments. Uh, it seems pretty likely that they're also going to get a pilot. So it's basically about as many units as is in the Walnut Hill. So could be 900,000 maybe about
064a million dollars a year that is not being contributed to the school that is burden added to the school in the form of students and um how do we how do we make that work without um adding burden to the taxpayers? That's it. I miss Mr. Graves, the pilot program with the township, they have unlike many other towns made us whole in terms of the revenue that we're receiving through those pilots would be equal to the revenue that we're Yes, sir. that we would be receiving if those were not pilot programs. And that's not the case with all townships. And in fact, the township has reached out to us and said that if we were ever in need of more monies that they would even go above making us whole to help us. But at
065this point, we don't need that. I'd like to also point out they've given us the preschool in the municipal building since 2009, I believe, for rentree. So there's a lot of good partnerships with the township that I just want to make sure are highlighted and brought to light. Um I just wanted to point out um when you say that they are giving you the money that you would have received that's not fully correct in that it is the money you would have received before the development was put there. So you're getting about $50,000 from the Walnut Hill apartment area be when there was zero students coming to the schools. you're getting $50,000 from the Walnut Hill apartment area now that there's 26 students going to the schools. So that's not equal. >> As a result
066of the pilots, we have not lost money to the school district. And again, the township has told us that if we wanted if we were ever in a need for additional funds, they would be happy to help us. the I I think I think the the misunderstanding is it's not about lost revenue, it's about additional burden. So you may not be getting less money from your taxes, right? But you have 26 additional students that didn't exist there before. So while the money is the same, the burden has increased. So somehow that burden has to be dealt with. That's that's the part that I'm worried about. It's I I I see what you're saying. the total bottom line number didn't change, but the topline burden of the number of students that are going to school increased
067and it seems like we're going to get maybe about as many more um uh from these new apartment buildings as well. So, whatever it is right now, it's about it's going to be twice that probably in the next few years. So, um that's that's the that's the clarification of the issue that I was um concerned about. And that could be in your opinion, but I think we're talking about something hypothetical versus something that's rooted in actual that actually happened. And again, I just want to stress that if we ever were in need of extra funds, the township said that they would be happy to help us. And to this point, they have always done that. >> But again, either way, that still puts burden on this the taxpayer to come up with that money, whether
068it comes from the town or the school. >> I realize I've used a lot of time. So, um, >> our time is up on this topic. As we get more population, we'll address that with the the township. Thank you, Mr. Grande. You're gonna be next. I promise. >> Yeah, you're next. Right after Mr. Drag, the veterans are next. Mr. Drag, how are you? >> Pretty good, thank you. Bill Draggy, 40 47 Post Road, Clark, New Jersey. Um this uh March 31st, 2026, the Supreme Court, United States Supreme Court ruled against Colorado's conversion therapy ban program. So they said you can try to convert a transgender child uh from the sex that they wanted to be. Now, Governor Murphy's law says you can't do it. So that makes governor's law unconstitutional. So you cannot force the
069teach you have to allow the teachers to con to convert try to convert uh the students if they want to if they want to convert from say a girl to a boy the teacher is allowed by the Supreme Court March 31st 2026 to uh try to convert them because it's free speech. You cannot stop free speech. Um, and going back to the Supreme United States other Supreme Court on June 27, that said they have the right to opt out of uh uh transgender courses that are trying to teach the kids that they can become a girl or boy when they're not. Uh they can opt out of them. The parents have the right to opt their children out. uh they also said that uh you have to make it clear what courses are teaching transgender
070to kids and I have found that that that isn't that hasn't happened here. Uh so I would suggest that you tell us what courses that you will not have have any uh transgender teaching in and abortion teaching because because uh Murphy's law says you also have to teach abortion to the kids. So you have you have to tell what courses don't have any of this in it. And this way the parents can opt out of them. If you don't do that, it's hard to tell what courses they can take and what courses they can't because a teacher can come in and and like have a little story about a child with two moms and uh talk about say even a math lesson which uh is allowed by which is actually instructed by Governor Murphy's law.
071They have to they're supposed to teach this. So, if they can do that, by Governor Murphy's law, then you have to really uh make a a statement for certain courses that they can't do it. Otherwise, it you would never know what courses are going to be transgender teaching and abortion teaching. That's the only way to do it. Otherwise, they can't opt out. And the Supreme Court did say you have to do that. You have to tell what courses are not transgender and abortion teachings. Well, it was actually just transgender, but abortion is the same because it's also on religious beliefs. >> Thank you. >> Your time. Thank you. >> We're off the educ agenda, right? >> Yeah, this is this is your time. Just state your name, your address, and >> my name is Ed
072Drowski. I'm the vice commander of Clark pro 7363. I live at road engineers to be sent to Iraq to operate trains. Since I was a former locomotive engineers for the Jersey Central Railroad and New Jersey Transit, I volunteered. The commander accepted me when I was ready to leave for Iraq. The Army Defense Department contacted me and said of my age, I was unable to accept me. With me today is Dave Broadwit, the commander of Clark American Legion, reserve that 500 members of the Clark VFD and American Legion. We're here today to request that the board of education considers closing schools on November 11 Veterans Day and not during a teachers convention. They will explain that both posts held schools, sports, and many other agencies of the state. Other towns in New Jersey respect Veterans Day
073by closing their schools, but not Clark. Clark observes other holidays that are not as important, but closing schools. Veterans are unseen higher because of their commitment to serve in our country and therefore should receive the same respect and honor. The VFW was started in 1892 to protect our veterans. The American Legion is honors all who served. And as junior vice commander of the VFW, I gave a speech on Veterans Day in front of Arthur Jefferson High School. There were no students outside attending the ceremony. If you had or had a memory family who served in the armed forces, you should think about what that person gave to our great nation. And as an Army veteran who loves our country, I'm asking that you consider us by closing our schools on November 11th. Thank you, >>
074Mr. Broski. I want to thank you and your your entire group for their service. I come from I come from a family that had several veterans. My my father, my grandfather, and going back many generations, I'm a member of the S, which is the Sons of the American Revolution. I'm very proud of that, and I'm very proud of your service. And um so again, I want to thank everybody. And I also want to say that several of the board members here ran on the slogan called traditional values. And I believe that this falls under that category of traditional values. When this calendar was presented to me, inadvertently I missed that and I apologize for that and I'm going to make every effort to see if we can switch a different date. We do have to
075account for this date what being off to switch it with a different date. I'll ask the committee that would work on that if we can make any kind of adjustments for the 2026 2027 year because I feel that I agree with you that it's very important to have veterans recognized. If for some reason we're not able to do that, we will in the future and we will make sure that on this Veterans Day that there is some sort of recognition throughout the entire school district that honors the veterans so that if we do have school, we will be able to uh recognize that appropriately. But we'll make every attempt to to meet your request. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. >> I'm Dave Broadwell, 78 Westfield Avenue in Clark. I am the Union
076County Commander for the American Legion. I'm also the post 328 commander for the American Legion. I've been a member for 38 years for the American Legion. I served six years in the United States Navy. I volunteered to join the Navy uh during a time where it was the Cold War. Um and I have passion for what our veterans have, our community. And I'm going to go off script because I talk a lot. So, but listening to today There's a lot going on with Clark and I'm very proud of the things that you're doing. Mr. Boa is one of our supporters that has always been a supporter of the American Legion. He actually is one of our probably eight years ago u a recipient of the American Legion um um >> both you know the American
077Legion um educator of the year for the American Legion. So thank you both for your support. Um, what I'm here to ask for is some more support. You know, in a time that we're changing in our history, and I'm going to talk a little bit more, so I apologize, but again, I like to talk. Um, one of the most valuable things that we can give our students is not just information. Um, I love the things about the history, about the Holocaust, uh, you know, uh, curriculum. I love things that we're doing here, but we're forgetting about living, breathing veterans here. You know, in Clark, we truly right now have living World War II veterans. We have a 102y old veteran still living at home. And I I do a lot of buddy checks. Um and
078he was one of them the other day. And when I when he was 100 years old, I talked to him and he said basically, I'm a little upset. And I said, "What's the matter, Leon?" He goes, "The state of New Jersey took my license away at 98 years old." And I was like, "Took me back?" And I was like, "Do you really want your license back?" No, it's the point of things. At 102 years old, he's still talking about that. He still has all his faculties and he's still a vibrant, you know, member of the community and our our post. And I look at those things and that's history that we are going to lose one day. We have living veterans from the Korean War. We have veterans from Vietnam. Most of our community right
079now is the Vietnam era. Our post is probably the average age is about 73 years old. all serving in Vietnam. Um, we have returning uh Iraqi freedom. We have uh you know the global war and we need to capture all of this history. A lot of we haven't had a draft since Vietnam. So all of our soldiers that are coming back to the United States after serving are volunteering. It's not an honor to get your name on a street um post. It's not an an honor to get your name on a pl a bra a bronze plaque out in front of the high school. That is not an honor. That's noble. And that's that's basically you you you volunteered for something or a greater cause. And so I want basically to under, you know, to
080let you know what the American Legion does. It's not a not a facility to drink. Many people think, oh, we're just a bar. We drink that. No, we do so many other things for for the community, for our children. We are known in Clark as the children and youth um post, which means there are things that we give. We we charted last year the bus for the the history camp every year. Kathy Fatty is a member of our post. Her husband is a son of an American Legionnaire. Um we give generously to those programs. We give pro, you know, uh money to the scholarship programs. You know, we just gave a lot of money to the Key Club uh with the Kowanas and that soccer, football, any any charitable event, whether it's a school, whether
081it's a charitable event that's that's outside the the youth, they come to the American Legion, if it's a Clark thing, nine nine out of 10 times we are saying yes and we are giving a lot of money to that. So we want to make sure that people understand that, you know, it's not we are not just here to serve ourselves. We're here to serve the community. Again, nine times out of 10, we all voluntarily raised our hand. We said we will serve and we will honor. And the things that we have today, our freedoms, are things that our children are lacking. And so when I look at things and um our students are given a chance to meet veterans, you know, hear their stories, ask questions, you know, Mr. Belchamman, I I I'm going to
082pick on you again because he's proactive and you can't retire. I'm sorry, you know, but very proactive in calling us and saying, "Hey, I need a veteran down to your to my school on Veterans Day to talk about re um real life, you know, let the kids ask questions, real life experiences." That again is history. You can't teach that. And sacrifices become personal. Gratitude becomes meaningful. Um these are lessons that cannot be taught in a classroom alone. They must be experienced and we have to let our children do that. Um when we talk about Veterans Day and Memorial Day, saying thank you during Veterans Day is a courtesy. You know, a lot of times when somebody comes up to a veteran on Veterans Day and they say thank you, we all stumble. We're not used
083to that. our Vietnam veterans that returned home were especially not used to that. Um totally different from World War II. Uh the Korean and the Vietnam veterans were met with a lot of hostility, a lot of anger. Um and so they're still harboring, you know, pain and and in that. So when a child, you know, a school, a community says thank you, we embrace that. Um, so Veterans Day is a time to say thank you who served. Recognize their courage and their commitment and their willingness to step forward when the country is called. A simple thank you may seem small, but to a veteran, it carries profound meaning. Memorial Day, on the other hand, is not a day to say thank you. It's a day to be a to have somber to be to have
084sympathy to re self-reflect on the freedoms that our soldiers the people that are on those plaques that are on those street posts uh have done and the ones that are on the street. Bill Duffy has done a great job to recognize those hometown heroes that are true Clark High School graduates that graduated here within the last 10, 15, 20 years and they gave the ultimate sacrifice. Um again, Memorial Day is for those soldiers, those memories and that uh honoring them. And so when we have events, we we really would like our children, our youth, our our executives basically to come out and support that. You know, it doesn't have to be all day. It's not always about hot dogs and hamburgers and parades going down the shore. It's more about those type of things. I'm
085almost done, sir. I I apologize. Um, unfortunately, the American Legion and the VFW have felt the growing sense of disappointment when students from our own community do not participate in Veterans Day uh ceremonies. We do. I have to say the principal, you have done a great job this year. There were students there. Um, you know, it's been cold and a lot of times in November it's hard to get that thing and Memorial Day it's on a day that people are off. Um and so you get people out there the parades and this is not only in our town but in other towns participation is dwindling but we do appreciate that and it does mean we would like to see more kids involved just to take 15 20 minutes out of the curriculum ring the bell
086and have them come out to really hear to to understand and feel the passion that's coming through during those ceremonies. That's what it's all about to you the education community development. It's profoundly um provides funding to many more school related initiatives and community programs. We support again as I mentioned all a lot of the sports programs from recreational to high school to elementary um the uh the history camp, the enrichment programs, the scholarship programs. Um and we we will continue to do that. We are here to help build youth. And as I heard today, you're building youth. The science program is building youth memberships. You know, that's team building. Our soldiers who who again volunteered to go to war, to volunteer to serve our country. Not only our soldiers, but they're connections. They're an example
087of building strength, building teamwork, building commitment, and they come back to the community, and they don't stop there. Um, so I I I you know, um, I I want to emphasize that that it's not an obligation. It's an opportunity, an opportunity for students to learn firsthand what service means. Um, and as an American Legion member and as a BFW member, we have opportunities. We would like to be, we're asking to be involved. You know, I would have loved to be able to present one of your students today or all of your students an acknowledgement from the American Legion, not just from Clark, but from the county, from the state, you know, to come here and recognize those students because that's a lot of work. That's a lot of commitment. And I heard that today that
088giving up sacrificing their own personal time and and that's something that we we don't acknowledge a lot. We're asking to be involved. We want to be here. Um, so again, an opportunity for students to learn firsthand, an opportunity to build character, empathy, civic responsibility, how to help us, you know, as we get older. There's things that you can do as a child that can help a lot. Getting involved in doing community service. You know, one of the things that I'm very proud of at the American Legion is, you know, we do food drives. We one of my favorite stories is we have a sandwich uh program started with two two people of vision. It's now up to 21 to 30 people every month that make sandwiches for three different community um services for shutins for
089veterans for for homeless um veterans and nonveterans or community uh uh building. We do um a lot of advocacy. We call upon people not only veterans themselves. And that's what we're trying to build with our youth. We want them to understand that too. So in closing, I I uh I want to I want to extend the knowled branch and build the bridge an opportunity to create more opportunity for students and ask questions to meet our veterans to be, you know, there to participate in activities important that has ceremony. Let's make sure that Veterans Day and and um when Veterans Day comes, our veterans feel appreciated. When Memorial Day comes, we give uh thanks and praise and and we we say we're sorry and we reflect on the lives that are honored with dignity and not
090just call off names. And our students are our future. Let's make sure that they understand they understand the past. While we still have those here uh among us help shape them to great uh into grateful, informed and respectful citizens. I thank you very much for that. >> Thank you. M So, I I think Mr. Birdwell, I think uh I think the rest of the board would agree with me. We we will vow to uh form a a better relationship with the veterans. Uh there's a lot of opportunities within our schools um from all our schools, elementary, middle, and and high school that we can get involved. And I think it is valuable as as you stated. So, thank you and thank you all for your service. Thank you. Also, if I could uh add to
091one other thing, um it's important, I think, that people recognize that this town and this board is named Clark, Clark Board of Education. Clark was, I'm sure you veterans know Clark got its name from someone who signed the Declaration of Independence. And this year is the semi-quincentennial of the United States. Um being born in 1776 on July 4th. And every July 4th, there's a reading of the Declaration of Independence at the grave of Abraham Clark, which is in Rawway Cemetery. I think it's kind of something important for the people in the community to know about how your origin started. Maybe take your children there. In the past, there's always been about 30 to 40 people there every July 4th. And this year, they anticipate there being about 4 to 500 people because the S has
092promoted it. So, anybody that wants to go to a nice event early in the morning on July 4th, Rowy Cemetery is a few blocks away to honor the namesake of Clark. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. May. >> All right. So, any other comments from the public? So, yes, sir. Name, your address. >> David Warmarmac, 24 million drive. um past commander of VFW, past senior vice, junior vice of the American Legion. I just want to iterate, we have several programs where the students can participate. Uh Patriots pen, voice of democracy, uh boy state, girl state. It seems the guidance counselors don't want to get involved. They have they don't have enough time to get to pass the paperwork out to the students. There's scholarships that are awarded to the winners of all these categories and
093I several of our past governors have gone to boy state sponsored by the by the American Legion. It's a stepping stone if they're ever looking to get into a political career. That's something that has to be investigated and find out why. We we could get teachers from mother seat to do it, but our high schools and junior highs don't want to get involved. That's it. Thank you. And as I stated, we'll work together with you guys to integrate us better. Thank you. Any other comments from the public? Now would be the time. Right. So seeing none, I'm going to close that portion of the call and I get a motion to adjurnn. All in favor? >> I read Mr. Smorl. Sorry, Mr. Breed and Mr. Smorl. Sorry. Heat. Heat.