001All right. Good evening. This is a public meeting of the board of education Clark Public Schools. Adequate notice of this meeting has been given in court with PL1975 chapter 231. The special notice remain in conformance with section 13 of the act. >> Can we get a motion to return to public? >> Existon Mr. And if we can just in favor to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all >> here. >> Mr. Mr. Binger >> here, >> Mr. Breedy >> here, >> Miss Harrison >> here, >> Miss Hickman >> here, >> Mr. May present, >> Mr. McCarrick >> here, >> Miss Melnik >> here, >> Mr. Sorl >> here, >> and Mr. Doug >> here. 10
002board members, we have a quorum. >> All right. At this time, we'll hand it over to you, Mr. Rudo, for the tenative the presentation of the tenative annual school budget. >> All right. So, on tonight's agenda, we have the tenative budget for board approval so we can submit it to the county uh superintendent for their review and approval. Uh total budget for this year uh for the general fund is 49 million. Taxes to be raised is 39 million. Special revenue is 1.3 million. Debt services 2.8 million for total budget 53 million. Uh taxes to be raised is 42,298 628. We will be using a um healthcare adjustment because our health cost went up about 22%. So when the the health benefits go up, you know, in in those increments, the state allows you for adjustment.
003So the adjustment that will be taken is 1.5 million, which will raise the tax levy to 61 to 6.1%. That's that translates into average home tax impact of 324 on average home assessment of 528,000. So we are taking the uh the committee and hopefully the board will approve uh the tax value is 6.1%. Does anyone have any questions? >> All right. So at this time uh we'll open the floor to the public for questions or comments regarding the tenative annual school budget um at this time. So anything about the budget now would be the time. >> Yep. Just >> just come right up here. >> Just state your name and your address. Hello. Good evening. Uh John Greavves from uh Clark 30 Parkway Drive. Um so I just had some questions about the budget. So
004from what I saw, the total levy is going to be 422 42.3 million roughly. Is that correct? 42298. >> Yeah. 39. There's still going to be 39,420,000. >> But then you have debt service on top of that. >> Uh yes, but that's part of the state, too. >> Okay. So, but on people's tax bill, they're going to see 42 the total school levy >> with what does that service include? Yes. >> Okay. So, the year before that, that's 384. So, it's like almost $3.8 million higher that line item is going to be. Well, the debt service has gone up about a million because now the old debt comes off at June. >> Yeah. >> With the new bond refund that we passed. Yeah. >> So now you're going to be paying more in interest in
005the front. It's just like a mortgage. You pay more interest in the front and less interest at the end of the the bond payment. So that's why it's going to be an increase about $2.8 million. >> So all right. So I guess >> I'm sorry about $1 million. >> Yeah, I saw that too. So the two parts that I had were paying the the line item on our tax like the the total tax budget before last year was 38.4 4 million roughly and this year it's 42.3 so it's like almost $3.8 million increase that's almost 10 that's like 10%. It's where where does 6.1 come from is basically I guess >> 2.2 is on the general fund. >> Yeah. >> And then you have another million on on the debt service. So that's where you
006get a 3 million plus. >> All right. So all right. So we're getting $3.8 million increase which is by far the highest increase ever. Right. Well, because of the uh our health premiums went up 22%. >> Yeah. So that's that's understandable, >> right? Salaries are going up, you know, every day on transportation. >> So in order to provide that efficient education has to go up to 6.1%. >> But that diff that's that's the question I really have is you're saying 6.1, but that difference in numbers is about 10%. >> If that's what you're getting, yes, that would be correct. >> It's like 38. It was 38,400 roughly. And then now it's 423. So it's like 3.8. >> Well, just 2.2 is from the operating budget. >> Where does the 6% come from is the question
007I have. >> Sorry. >> Where does the 6% come from? Cuz you're saying 6%. >> Yes. >> And but when you add the numbers, it's like 10%. >> Well, 6% is first. We're talking about you're talking about two different things. >> Okay. >> You got the operating fund and you got the debt service. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, let's stick with the operating fund first. 6% is coming from the 2% cap. >> All right. >> Plus another 4.1% increase from the health benefits cuz we're we're allowed to take a $1.5 million adjustment to the tax levy. >> Okay. >> So the regular 2% and then the adjustment of 1.5 which gets added to the tax levy. That gives you another 4.1 plus 2% that gives you 6.1%. >> Because you separated the the the health
008as like a number not a percentage. Okay. That's what All right. I need to quick get that. And then the other question I have um is um the debt service is like basically an extra million this year than it normally is. Is that something that's going to be recurring? It's going to be 2.8 moving forward. >> Well, we're also getting death service aid from the state too. So that number is going to be a little bit less. >> So So it's 2.8 like do you know what it might be? Is it 2.8 or is it going to be a little less? >> Well, it's 2.8 for now. Yes. >> Okay. >> For next year for 26 27. Um, >> if you like I can I can get I can send you a debt service schedule
009each year what the payments are going to be. >> I think everyone >> if you send me an email I I can send that to you. It's public information. >> I think people So the question about that is is that you know we did the bond referendum and a key element of the way you guys advertised that was is that there would be no impact on people's taxes and now we added a million dollar debt service. If >> I wrong but I don't believe any of the increases has anything to do with the bond. No, >> it has primarily to do with the did you say 20% increase in health benefits? >> 22%. >> But Mr. G's like so I just I want to be clear before you say the increase of this of this
010budget has nothing to do with the bond referendum. >> I'm talking about the debt service. >> I know. But you just correct me, but you just said the community was told our taxes would not go up because of the bond referendum. >> Right. >> Yeah. You said that, right? >> Right. >> So I'm telling you that's not true. But a portion of that is debt service, right? >> Yes. >> All right. But the debt service went up a million dollars, >> right? >> So that's an increase. >> I mean, it's a million dollars. I'm just asking like if a million more >> on the flip side, we can decide not to pay our teachers their health benefits and bring that down. >> Is that part of the is the health benefits debt service? >> No,
011hold on. But what's important? >> I'm I'm just asking. I mean, but where where are we going conversation? >> Where are we trying to get to? So, we can just answer answer. >> I'm trying to be clear as to what's going on with the budget, right? So, >> the budget's gone up by >> He said 6%, but I saw the numbers and they looked like it was 10%. >> Explain to you the difference of why it was >> and I just found that out. That's what I was trying to clarify. And then the second part was >> if debt service is going up by $1 million, >> right? Mhm. >> What's >> What is the What is the What is the The reason is that is that for the the referendum? I don't know. I
012don't know. I mean, >> the one the $1 million is the increase of debt service because new debt is coming out. >> Where's that new debt coming from? >> The referendum we just passed. >> Okay. >> Last September. >> Is that >> right? >> That's so that's a direct effect of the referendum. >> Correct. >> We were told that that wouldn't happen. >> Mr. Z, what's the approximate impact on a house for a million dollars? uh off top of my head that I can get you the explanation. Send me an email that you want an explanation on debt service. I I'll be happy to break it down for you. >> Okay. Right. >> All right. Um >> but but the operating fund the tax lever that one has to be approved is a 6.1%. Debt
013service is completely different from the operating fund. >> Yeah. The debt so the debt service part of the debt service is increased as a result of the referendum. >> I'll be happy to explain that to you if you >> and then the other part was the health benefits plus normal It's on the operating side. Okay. That's where 6.1 >> and together it ends up being about 10% but the the the operating portion is about 6%. >> So you want an explanation on it. That service is going up a million. >> It was both. Yeah. But I it seems like >> I can offer that to you. If you send me an email, I I'll send it to you. All right. >> Okay. Um I guess the question is is we were told that it wasn't
014going to go up. We weren't going to see an impact on our taxes as a result of the >> when you when you replied to Mr. degrees. Can you just tell them what the impact on that debt services would be? Cuz I'm think it's around like $9. >> $9 on a million dollars. You're talking about we took a $30 million bond referendum, >> right? >> No, but it's a million dollar in tax less. >> Sorry, I can explain to you in an email. We don't have I don't have the information right now. So, you're asking questions which we I'm not prepared. >> I understand that you might not have everything. >> Send me an email with your question. I'll be happy to respond in writing to you. >> Okay. >> Is that fair? All right.
015Um, I think there's still some things I'd like to understand a little better, but I appreciate you clarifying what you could right now. Thank you. >> Yeah. Is there anybody else that has questions about the budget at this time? >> Okay. Seeing none, >> please state your name, your address. >> Mike Schulman, 382 Carolina Street. I just maybe we'll be clearer. 6.1% increase is the usage of the 2% of the cap, >> right? Plus 4% with the >> 4% which is the health insurance bet increase >> adjustment. Yes. >> So people that are watching and listening understand that increase gets to be done separate from what you guys are maxed out at at 2%. I think it's nice to clarify sort of why people see 6% or 10%. You can only raise the budget 2%.
016by law. >> By law, without a referendum and a vote, >> by law, but the state gives you adjustments to be able to go over the 2%. >> But we haven't been in that adjustment period for being under. We get the adjustment because health insurance benefits have gone up so much. >> Correct. >> That's the other 4.1%. That's the 6.1% of the operating budget that's going up. >> Correct. >> What I believe Mr. Greavves is getting at is that the debt service on the referendum also gets passed along to taxpayers. And I understand if you divide 1 million additional dollars cuz we went from 1.8 to 2.8 that I guess that's somehow $9 a household. >> I I estimate please don't hold >> right about but I >> what's and where are we going? What's
017the question? What's >> that? There is a between the operating expenses, the health insurance and the bond that we are seeing a 10% increase in the overall cost to run everything you are in charge of running. >> Okay. >> Fair. >> Paul, is that a fair statement? >> 6.1. I'll explain. You're asking the same question to the other judge again about the debt service. And I'm going to repeat what I said. >> Send me an email and I'll break down the debt service by the penny. So you you guys could understand a little bit better. >> Understood. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I don't have that. Unfortunately, I didn't have the information >> and the budget's not due yet. >> You sent me an email earlier today, right? Or last Friday. So, listen, I'm coming.
018I want this answered. I would have the answers for you. >> Sure. >> All right. All right. Thank you. >> Are there any other questions from the public about the tentative budget? All right. So, seeing none, can I get a motion to approve the tentative budget for 26 and 27? Miss Melnick, followed by Mr. Breedy. Roll call, please. >> Miss Akalius. >> Yes. >> Mr. Devain, >> yes. >> Mr. Breeny, >> yes. >> Miss Harris, >> yes. >> Mr. Hickman, >> yes. >> Mr. May, >> yes. >> Mr. McCarron, >> yes. >> M. Uh, Mr. Mley, >> yes. >> Mr. Swirl, >> yes. >> And Mr. Derson, >> yes. >> Mr. Carrie, >> thank you. And now, can I get a motion for the approval of last month's minutes? M. Harrison, followed by Miss Hickman.
019Any questions or comments? >> Roll call, please. Miss Aloy >> abstain. >> Mr. Mes abstain. >> Mr. Brady. >> Yes. >> Miss Harrison. >> Yes. >> M. Sick. >> Yes. >> Mr. May. >> Yes. >> M. McCarron. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Swirl. >> Yes. And Mr. Dunson. >> Yes. Motion carry. >> Thank you. Now, at this time, we'll open the floor to the public for agenda items only. So, if there's something on the agenda other than the budget, now would be the time to come up. And at the end of the meeting, we'll have a time for non agenda items. So, seeing none, we'll close up. >> I'm sort of slow to get up. That's all. >> You got to We're trying to get through this here. >> I appreciate
020it. >> State your name, your address. You have three minutes. >> Once again, Michael Schulman, 382 Carolina Street. I'm just trying to pull up the actual agenda item, but it's for the BA's Atlantic City Conference. There's a I guess a an allocation of $3,000 for a 4-day conference in Atlantic City. and I didn't see in the attachments sort of the breakdown details. So I was wondering if the board could expand upon the breakdown how much the conference might cost and you know >> we we don't have the information yet because that asked not to be given to us by AJ Asso nor do we know what the hotel rate is going to be at this point but as soon as we find out >> it's a cost not to exceed would that be a fair
021way to put it >> 3,000. >> Okay. >> So basically the cost involved with that is hotel >> Mhm. mileage reimbursement >> and the cost of the conference. >> Some food for you. >> I have to eat, right? >> Very scarcely. But uh >> No, I I appreciate I just >> a hot dog maybe. You know what? >> No, just just I didn't see the details. >> Can of Coke maybe >> for for the trip to Atlantic City. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Is there anything else from the public on agenda items only? >> Oh, yeah. All right. So, seeing none, we'll move on to uh the next section. We have personnel items 1 through 14. Can I get a motion? M. Sickman and Mr. May. Any questions or comments on personnel? Roll
022call, please. >> Yes. >> Mr. Spencer? >> Yes. >> Mr. Breeny? >> Yes. >> M. Harrison. >> Yes. >> M. Hickman. >> Yes. >> Mr. May. >> Yes. Mr. McCarron. >> Abstain from items 2, 5, 6, 11, and 12. Yes. To all others. >> Thank you. Miss Melnik. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sorl. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Derson? >> Yes. >> Mr. Car. And now we have curriculum items 15 and 16. Make a motion. Miss Aonus by Miss Hickman. Any questions or comments on those? Roll call, please. >> Miss Aonz, >> yes. >> Mr. Bess, >> yes. >> Mr. Green, >> yes. >> M. Harrison. >> Yes. >> M. Hickman. >> Yes. >> Mr. May. >> Yes. >> Mr. McCary. >> Abstain from item 15. Yes. To item 16. >> M. >> Yes. >> Mr.
023Smurl. >> Yes. And Mrs. Doug. Yes. Motion carries. >> Thank you. And now on policy, we have item number 17. A motion Harrison followed by Mr. Breeding. Questions or comments on those on that? Paul call please. >> Mr. Aonis. >> Yes. >> Mr. Pess. >> Yes. >> Mr. Breedy. >> Yes. >> M. Harrison. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sikman. >> Yes. >> Mr. May. >> Yes. >> M. McCarrick. >> Yes. >> M. Mundick. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sorl. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Dun. >> Yes. >> Mr. Car. >> Now we have board governance. We have items 18 to 25. A motion. Miss Melnick followed by Mr. May. Any questions or comments? Roll call, please. >> Sonis, >> yes. >> Mr. Vera, >> yes. >> Mr. Breedy, >> yes. >> Mr. Harris, >> yes. >> Mr.
024Hickman, >> yes. >> Mr. May, >> yes. >> Mr. McCarrick, >> abstain from items 20, 21, 23, and 25. Yes. To all others. >> Was that 20, 21, 23, 25? >> Correct. >> Thank you, >> M. Melnik. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sorl. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Duncan? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gar. And then finally, we have finance items 26 to 44. Mr. Small, followed by Mr. Breedy. Any questions or comments on those items? Roll call, please. >> Miss, >> yes. >> Mr. Yes. >> Mr. Breedy, >> yes. >> Miss Harrison, >> yes. >> Miss Hickman, >> yes. >> M. Mr. May, >> yes. >> Mr. McCarron, >> abstain from items 28 and 29. Yes. To all others. >> Thank you, >> Miss Mel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Smurl. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Dun.
025>> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. At this time, we'll hand up Mr. Grande for reports. Good evening and thank you, Mr. John Christie. I'd like to begin by congratulating our new Carl Hump Middle School principal. Thank you. Can's been a longtime middle school language arts teacher and for years has been an assistant principal at Carl H.com from school and has always done beyond a superior job. And I know that myself, your administrative team, the board of education has every faith as to the parents and students that you're going to continue comfortable on your path to greatness. And a fun fact about Mandy, her mother makes the best pistachio cake. >> Congratulations, Mandy. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH. WE ALSO APPROVED THE tenative budget for next school year and many thanks to Mr. Vizuzo,
026the finance committee led by Mr. Smorro with Mr. Breedy and Mr. May as members, the entire board and the administrators for their support and their input. On this evening's agenda is the approval of next school year's calendar and that calendar will be sent districtwide early tomorrow morning through school messenger in addition to be posted in addition being posted on the district website. We're also approving the camp cougar program which is there's two two-day sessions from August 20th to 25th for incoming grade six students at a cost of $50 and more details will follow. And the camp cougar's whole spirit of that program is to engage the students and acquaint them to comp in a fun way through um activities that they'll enjoy while learning about the school. And we are also approving the return of
027the CHK inter mural track program again at $50 per students with more details to follow. I'm thrilled to report that the referendum is moving along nicely. Bids were accepted this evening for roof replacements at the four schools. the KMF canopy and sidewalk replacements and the Comf Valley Road school fire alarm replacements and updates will be posted to bond referendum tab on the district website. And we're looking forward to continuing with the bid approval process for um a host of other projects that um the voters we were thankful for approving. Now that we have received our state aid numbers with the new governor and that release coming out last week, we were able to approve our 10 new budget and our preschool placements will be going out by weeks end. National Day of Unplugging took place
028two Fridays ago and this is a day where the students really and we're looking to make this more of a wide more widespan district goal next year. the students are disconnected from their devices for the day. And instead of having one day of this, next year we're looking to while still having all of our technology in place, going back to in many cases old school approaches where kids are talking to each other and using p pencil and paper. In addition to the technology, the NGPA, the new high school graduation testing, which this year is adaptive, uh like the GREs, depending on how you perform while you're taking the test, the questions get harder or easier. Uh the juniors began that testing this week and just to be fully transparent, um it was kind of rolled
029out a little bit half from the state. And when I went to our county meeting last week on Friday, um, a lot of the districts were scrambling and thanks to Mrs. Olivera, Mr. Amandola, and your team, we were ahead of it. You already talked to me on Monday and 5 days later, people were still, you know, scrambling. So, thank you. Wellness week is this week and across the schools, we're having activities to engage the students in wellful wellful living. Um, for example, uh, Mayor Albaneseise was at the Valley Road School today and was working with the students on her version of karate. Read across America week was the first week in March. Um, for example, guest readers were at Frank Henley and author visits and a vocabulary parade took place at Valley Road School. Thank
030you and have a great evening. >> Thank you, Mr. At this time, do we have any report of the committees? Is there any unfinished or new business to be discussed? So, seeing none, pass over. >> Um, so start with the preschool. The preschool recently celebrated Valentine's Day and the 100th day of school. Sorry, hold on. And 100th day of school with a combined theme, 100 Reasons I Love School, highlighting what students enjoy most about learning. Students also participated in a book themed spirit week for ReadAcross America Day featuring favorites such as if you give a mouse a cookie and green eggs and ham. The preschoolers have also begun a new thematic unit focused on pets and veterinarians where they will learn about caring for animals. Then over at Valley Road and Henley School, they hosted
031several literary focused events this month. On March 2nd, CHK readers visited K through2 students joined by Cat in the Hat, Thing One, and Thing Two. An author and illustrator also visited on March 4th for student assemblies. Students who completed the reading incentive program celebrated with a dance party on March 6th, and the PTA will host a trick-or-treaty fundraiser at Arthur Johnson High School. Additional events include a PTA book fair on March 10th through the 13th, mystery night for grades 3 through 5 on March 10th, and a fifth grade fun night. And then over at Cub Middle School, they recognized their students of the month, Jake Miller, Olivia Mhan, and Ronnie Miller. Recent events included a sixth grade family feud night on February 12th, a soldout PTA candy bingo with 150 attendees on February 19th, and
032the annual student versus faculty basketball game on February 26th where the faculty took the win. Looking ahead, registration for Arthurell Johnson High School took place during the first week of March. The Kung Flight Annie will be performed on March 12th and 13th at 7 p.m. and March 14th at 2 p.m. And other upcoming events include the Teen Arts Festival and a PTA sponsored dance on March 27th. It's also been a very busy March at ALJ. The winter sports teams all ended with incredible seasons with the boys basketball, girls basketball, bowling, cheerleading, and wrestling teams having banner years. In the world of academics, ALJ has begun scheduling for the 2026 to 2027 school year. And there were visits to eighth grade students in both Clark and Garwood, as well as meetings with the current crusaders, students
033who have been selecting primary courses and electives in preparation for the schedule development. The Honors Academy selection committee is preparing to welcome the Honors Academy class of 2030 with acceptance being sent out and a preview program set to be held tomorrow after school. And also, wellness week is currently underway and a calendar of events including karate, mindfulness workshops, and various giveaways can be accessed through the Crusader calendar. running code currently is the NJGPA assessment where 11th grade students have begun this graduation requirement. Thank you. >> Thanks. All right. So, at this time, we're going to open the the the forum back up to the public for any non-aggenda items. So, if there's anything that was not on the agenda that you'd like to come up and discuss, now would be your time. Come to the
034front. Come to the front. State your name, your address, and you have three minutes. by Bill Dry, 47 Post Road, Clark, New Jersey. Um, first I'd like to apologize. Last week I said, not last, last month. Uh, that Mikey Cheryl uh said in her in heration address that she was for she was for u abortions up to 9 months. Somebody questioned me about it and I went home and checked the actual thing on the internet and I couldn't find that on there, but I did hear it on the radio. I have a feeling they took it out, but I wanted to just apologize for that since it wasn't actually in the thing I read, although I did hear it on the radio. And uh uh since uh Governor since Michael Cheryl has not uh made
035an executive order against the teachers uh teaching in the health classes about LGBTQ uh uh people and actually encouraging some students to do it if they they showed a desire to have the sex change. uh since uh she didn't have any since Michael Cheryl didn't have anything against that in her exe didn't make an executive order against Governor Murphy's which said you have to teach that in the te health classes and even against parental permission they have to teach it according to Governor Murphy's executive order I know you people said you wouldn't go against the parents but since uh that uh was not rejected by or or changed by Michael Cheryl that is still in the law. Correct. >> Yes, that has been updated. >> So our our students have to be taught that in
036health classes. The parents have an option to get out of it, which I believe they should definitely. uh and uh talking about the LGBT the trans people that that are changing their sex. On February 16th uh in Portucket, Rhode Island, a trans woman shot at an ice skating rink at a hockey game. He shot five family members and killing two before taking her own life. That was a trans person on February 16, 2026. Uh on August 27th, 2025, a trans person, Robert Westman, changed Robert Westman change the name to Robin Westburn at Annunciation High School in Minnesota. She was a former a former student there. opened fire uh during a during a school mass at an adjoining church, killing two children and injuring 21 others. That was a another trans student. That was August 27,
0372025. On February 10th, 2026, another trans woman, Camila Jesse Van Root Seller, killed >> Mr. killed 10 people, Mr. So what I'm trying to say is this is like by you make Bobby you tell the people going teaching this teaching some people to change their sex you some of these murders. >> Mr. Dy your time is expired. Thank you. >> Are there any other comments from the public on non-aggenda items only state your name and your 59 Mildred Terrace address. >> 59 Mildred Terrace newly appointed principal of Middle School. Just want to officially thank you yet again for this opportunity. Uh never in a million years when I stepped foot in comp in 1998 to do my junior field did I ever think that I would be running the building one day. And I'm couldn't
038be prouder to be running festival. So thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Hard act to follow, but is there anybody else in the public with any other comments? >> Seeing none. All right. We'll close that portion of the meeting out. Uh at this time can make a motion to adjurnn second. Mr. uh Mr. Smor all in favor. >> Thank you.