001Good evening. Welcome to the January 7th reorganization meeting. Uh we're going to stand for the flag salute 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. [clears throat] >> Going to read the sunshine statement. In compliance with the New Jersey open public meeting law, commonly referred to as the sunshine law, the violent board of education has caused for notice and posting of this meeting to be sent to the following announcing time and place thereof. agenda, etc. Daily Journal, SNJ Today, the Press of Atlantic City, New Eststerad, Vista, Weno, and the Clerk of the City of Violin, and the Administrative Office Public Bulletin board. Uh, we're now going to go through with the swearing of the new andor returning members.
002If we can have Mr. Fio along with Senator Ta. >> Left hand on the Bible, right hand in the air. >> You could face out that way if you want to. So for pictures purposes. Yeah, that's perfect. >> Isn't your mom coming up? >> Folks, this means I'm getting a little bit old. I've known Nick since he was a very little boy and it means that I'm certainly not young and this is truly an honor. So, >> thank you. >> Nicholas, if you can repeat after me. >> I state your name. I, Nicholas Fio, >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> and the Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same
003>> and to the government established >> in the United States >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people. So help me God. >> So help me God. >> I state your name. I, Nicholas Fio, >> solemnly swear >> that I possess the qualifications >> prescribed by law >> for the office of >> a member of the board of education >> and that I will faithfully >> justly >> and impartially >> perform all of the duties >> of that office >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. So help me God. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Congratulations. Senator, if we can trouble you for one more, Miss LSE Vasquez, please. >> Thank you. >> Do you have your own Bible? There's one here. Trying to
004position the mic so everybody can hear me. >> Good evening. >> I state your name. >> I, L. Vasquez >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> and the Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same >> and to the government established >> in the United States >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people. >> So help me God. So help me God. >> We have to continue. I state your name. I, L. Vasquez, >> solemnly swear >> that I possess the qualifications >> prescribed by law >> for the office of >> a member of the board of education >> and that I will faithfully >> justly >>
005and impartially >> perform all of the duties >> of that office >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Francisco Santiago, please approach with your representative. >> Want your parents up here? Well, Francisco's parents are coming up. Um, we met on the campus of Stockton State College 35 and a half years ago and some of our fraternity brothers and friends are here and uh 30 years ago I roped Frankie into running for student senate along with his wife on the campus. Um, not only are you getting an educator here for your uh, board of education and for Violin City, but also a wonderful human being. So, it's my honor to swear you in. >> I state your name. >> I, Francisco Santiago,
006>> do solemnly swear >> that I'll support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. >> The Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith >> and I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same. and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> and this state >> under the authority of the people. >> So help me God. >> I state your name >> I, Francisco Santiago Jr. solemnly swear >> Solemnly swear >> that I possess >> the qualifications >> qualifications >> prescribed by law >> for the office of the member >> of the board of education >> and
007that I will faithfully >> justly >> and impartially >> perform all the duties >> of that office >> according to the best of my ability >> so help me God >> congratulations Francis [applause] Thank you and congratulations to all three of you. I'm going to perform the roll call now. Mr. Bono, >> Mr. Fio >> here. >> Mr. Harris >> here. >> Mr. Holmes >> here. >> Mrs. Perez >> here. >> Mr. Rivera >> here. >> Mr. Mr. Santiago Jr. >> here. >> Mr. Silva here. Mrs. Vasquez. >> Here. >> Thank you. I'm going to ask that Miss Graves, the board solicitor, now explain the nomination and voting process. >> Certainly. Pursuant to district policy 0152, the election of board officers uh will be conducted for president primarily first and then the vice president. uh
008we'll begin by taking nominations. Once all nominations are closed, then uh there will be roll call votes on uh each and every single nomination that is [clears throat] posed. So, if you could please open up uh the nominations for president at this time. >> Are there any nominations for board president? >> Superintendent Yano, would like to nominate Cedric Holmes for president. >> Second. Are there any other nominations for president? >> I think we have to vote on that one first, right? >> Get all nominations first and then you vote. >> Okay, >> Mr. Bono, bear with me. Um, as a member of the school board, I believe it's my duty to uphold the highest standards of transparency, respect, and integrity on behalf of our student, staff, and community. Transparency is our board's actions, excuse me.
009Transparency in our board's actions is fundamental to public trust. I'm troubled by the lack of open communication and clarity regarding the terms and handling of our now former superintendent's contract renewal. In my view, the manner in which certain information was withheld did not meet our ethical obligations for transparency and accountability. At an important school event, I witnessed behavior I believed that did not adequately honor or respect a fallen military hero from our community. I was deeply disappointed by the lack of acknowledgement and reverence shown. I believe leadership must set an example in honoring those who have served. During board discussions, the nominee before us made statements regarding class privilege that I found concerning and divisive. The role of board president requires a commitment to impartiality. Comments that suggest otherwise undermine our mission to board's trust.
010Taking together, these instances reflect broader concerns about leadership style and trustworthiness. I must have confidence that our board president is acting in the best interest of everyone and can be relied upon to make fair, ethical decisions. At this time, I do not believe that Mr. homes has demonstrated the qualities necessary to earn and maintain that trust. After careful consideration, my vote is no. Thank you. >> Mr. Fio, >> yes. >> Mr. Harris, >> yes. >> Mr. Holmes, >> yes. >> Mrs. Perez, >> no. >> Mr. Rivera, >> yes. >> Mr. Santiago. >> Yes. >> M Mr. Silva. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Vasquez. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. [cheering] [applause] >> [cheering] >> Oh my god. [applause] >> Congratulations, Mr. Holmes. >> We can now move on to uh the vice president nominations. >> Thank you.
011And now we'll take nominations for the office of vice president. >> I nominate Dennis Rivera for vice president. >> Are there any other nominations? >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bono? >> Yes. >> Mr. Fokei? >> Yes. >> Mr. Harris? >> Yes. >> Mr. Holmes? >> Yes. >> Ms. Perez? >> Yes. Mr. Rivera. >> Yeah, I think so. >> Mr. Santiago Jr., >> yes. >> Mr. Silva, >> I'm going to miss you sitting next to me. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Vasquez, >> yes. Motion [applause] car [applause] name. Mr. Rivera. Thank you. This time, public comment on agenda items or any other matters. Please limit yourselves to three minutes. That's it. >> First yellow sheet I have is Diego Maya. >> Good evening. President, superintendent, and members of the board. My name is Diego Maya. I'm
012the founder of Latino Spirit Media and Diverse Voices Link. I'm the founder of this company that focuses on bridging the gap of information into Spanish. So we right now are doing the interpretation of the board of education meetings into Spanish for the community in Vinland. My work focuses on language access, making sure and taking advantage of the communication platforms so that families are not able to are now able to follow board of education meetings in Spanish, but also they're able to understand the broader context around them. Through interpretation, we add and communicate district activities, calendars, announcements, and key updates so that parents can stay informed and engaged beyond the board meetings. For the past three years, it has been a privilege to do this work for Violin. The impert the the interpretation provided here does
013more than translate words. It helps parents understand what is happening in the district, what events are coming up, and how to stay involved in their children's education. That added context is essential for meaningful engagement. This evening I'm also sharing a copy with you of the Spanish language resource uh statewide resource called success latino ex exto Latino. It features your proceed your pioneering effort while it highlights statewide Latino leaders and trusted resources and connects families to our digital platform called the Latino index which lists all the Latino centric nonprofits throughout the state. The violent school district is featured because of its forwardthinking efforts to communicate in Spanish and to treat language access as an additional strength. That commitment matters. Nearly 40% of the New Jersey public school system now is Latino. Spanish remains the primary language
014in many households. The Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, right after Chinese mandaring and English being the third language. Preserving and valuing bilingualism is not only just cultural, it's practical. Bilingual students are more employable for the future. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Jane Betti. [snorts] Good evening board members. Mr. Yano. September 2018, I started my first year working at Rossi school in kindergarten. At the end of the day, it was my job to take the children to their buses. After I took the children to their buses, I had to return to the classroom. As I turned the knob to enter the door, I was locked out. no keyless entry pad to that specific door. When I asked the principal at the time about putting a keyless entry pad at
015that entrance door, she told me no. For years, I had to knock on that door, waiting for an adult to open it so I could continue doing my job at dismissal time. Propping the door was forbidden. Knocking on the door and signaling a student was against protocol. So for years I had to knock on the door and pray that an adult would hear my knocks and open the door. September 2025. Mr. Yano was at Rossi school for opening day for the teachers and the staff. I asked if I could speak to him and took him straight outside at the front of the school. I told him my story and the importance of having that keyless entry pad at that specific door on Monday, November 10th, 2025. that keyless entry pad was finally finally installed. [applause]
016Thank you, Mr. Yano, [laughter] for hearing my plea and installing that keyless entry pad. My life and I think the lives of the children at Rosi are worth all that money for that keyless century patent. [applause] Thank you. >> Any other comments? >> Seeing none. >> Thank you, Mr. Yan. And if you didn't do anything in these last five years, you installed an key entry path. Very happy. [laughter] >> All right. Uh recommendations for approval by the uh board from the superintendent. Please. >> On our agenda, we have readoption of bylaws and policies and B, acceptance of the 2025 annual school election results. >> Questions or comments? Motion and second. >> Make a motion. >> Second. >> Roll call. Mr. Bono, >> yes. >> Mr. Fio, >> yes. >> Mr. Harris, >> yes. >> Mrs.
017Perez, >> yes. >> Mr. Santiago Jr., >> yes. >> Mr. Silva, >> yes. >> Mrs. Vasquez, >> yes. >> Mr. Rivera, >> yes. >> Mr. Holmes, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. Uh, board member and superintendent remarks. We will start with Miss Vasquez. >> I just want to thank overwhelmingly everyone that is here tonight. Most of everyone here has something to do with why we are here as board members. Uh Senator Test, I just want to thank you for swearing me in on my very first election. It means uh more to me than I can probably articulate tonight, but tonight is a very special moment for me for many reasons. Uh I just want to thank my family, my friends who uh work really hard knocking on doors uh sharing, helping me out
018with social media, just sending the message uh of of me as a qualified individual ready to commit to three years for this district to bring us uh to the next level along with my esteemed colleagues here. I am so honored. It's difficult to find the words to express the emotion that I feel tonight, but I am confident I work with the finest folks. I am excited about 2026. I am excited about what we're going to do together as a board. I'm excited for what this means for our district and I have nothing but faith in what is in store for this amazing year that I look forward to. Thank you, friends, family, colleagues, people I've known since grade school. Congratulations, Iola. Uh proud moment, I'm sure. Uh just thank you friends and family. Uh without
019you, neither none of us would be here tonight. And for that, I thank you. And most importantly, I thank the Lord and Savior for bringing me this far. And uh I just thank you, Jesus, for where I'm at today and for where he's going to be taking me. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Mr. Harris, >> just want to say congratulations to the new board members. I know an election is difficult sometimes putting your name out there, but uh job well done uh to the president and vice president. Served with you for a year now. Want to tell you congratulations. Uh, I would ask that you keep all your board members in the loop. Uh, we are a team in the end. We have to make tough decisions and I count on you guys keeping us
020together and keeping everybody uh, informed on the decisions that have to be made. So again, congratulations to the new board members and thank you to the family and friends who came out to uh, watch them get sworn in. [applause] >> Mr. Silva. >> Yes. like to congratulate all the uh elected board members, Mr. Fogi. Welcome back, M. Vasquez, Mr. Santiago. Looking forward to working with you guys. I'd like to congratulate Mr. Holmes, meet our president, and Mr. Rivera. I'm truly going to miss you in that corner, but we'll talk about that later. Um, Senator, thank you for being in attendance. And, uh, good night, >> Mr. Fio. >> Yes. Good evening. Uh, Mr. Senator Ta, thank you for swearing me in tonight. I truly appreciate it. Uh, Mrs. Vasquez, Miss Santiago, I really look forward
021to working with you both. I know you'll both be a great asset to this board. Uh, also like to thank my family for being here and all the voters in Vinylon that helped me get back on the board. Thank you and have a good night, [applause] >> Mr. Santiago. >> Yes. I'd like to thank um God first and my wife who said yes and the pastor who backed her, Pastor Ben Okasio from Rock of Salvation, u my family, friends. Um I've had tw over 20 years of of being an educator and um it's the first time I've been able to kind of look on the other side and be able to support students and parents in a way that's beneficial broadly as opposed to just in my classroom. So, I look forward to working with
022this board in particular. Very diverse, um, smart people. So, I'm excited about it. Thank you again. God bless. [applause] >> Mr. Bono, >> congratulations to our new newest board members. Welcome. I look forward to working with you all. Thank you, >> Miss Perez. >> Good evening. I just want to share some thoughts on recent events and then um I want to throw out some congratulations. We're aware that Mr. Yano was applying to other districts yet this information was not shared with all of the board members. I'm not upset with Mr. Yano. Listen, he he's acting in his best interest as we all would. But I'm concerned that others of us had to learn about this decision via Facebook. Other board members had to learn about it via Facebook. The lack of communication is a lack
023of transparency, but more importantly, it's a lack of trust to your other board members. I was asked to vote in favor of the president and the vice president to preote present a unanimous front to the community. While I understand the desire for that unity, I believe my responsibility is to vote based on research and conviction considering the impact on our students, staff, district, and community. Voting for show would be a disservice to those who elected me. Furthermore, if I'm not trusted with information regarding the superintendent situation, that does not reflect unity either. I believe everyone on this board that I have served with wants what's best for our district. We simply differ on how to get there. It's like a GPS. You put in your GPS to get from one destination to another, but what
024does it do? It gives you multiple routes. There's multiple routes to get to where we want to be. We just differ sometimes on how to get there. In my opinion, keeping some board members in the dark shows a lack of respect. I hope we can learn from this and commit moving forward to full transparency and trust because those are the hallmarks of a productive and unified board. I want to thank you very much for giving me the time to speak. I want to congratulate our president and vice president. Looking forward to working with you moving forward. We don't always agree, but we agree to move forward. I am very very pleased to welcome Mr. Santiago, to welcome L. Vasquez, Nick. Welcome back. I look forward to serving with all of you. Have a great evening.
025May God bless you all. [applause] >> Vice President Rivera. >> Good evening everyone. Uh first and foremost, I want to thank uh well congratulate Mr. Mr. Santiago, Miss Vasquez, Mr. Fio, welcome to the team. Um, for LSE I've known for quite quite a few years. Mr. Santiago I just recently met and Nick's been here forever, [laughter] but I'm I'm looking forward to working with each and every one of you. Um, I normally say things off the cuff, but I felt it was important for me to write something down. And I'm gonna grab this tissue box. My mind might need this one, too. [laughter] >> Five. We get five. Um, good evening. I am truly honored and grateful to accept the position of vi vice president of the violent board of education. I want to sincerely
026thank my fellow board members for your confidence and trust. I'm immensely humbled to serve. I am reminded of all those that have sat in this seat before me during my time on this board. Megan Spanelli, Kim Katispati, Sedic Holmes, and John Sabrana. I have learned from all of you, and I thank you for your wisdom throughout the years. Violin is home to me. It is where my values were shaped, where I was taught the importance of hard work, respect, and giving back, and where I learned that education is the is one of the greatest equalizers we can offer our children. I truly believe that when a community invests in its schools, it invests in its future. And that belief is what brings me here today. As a parent, I also understand this work on a
027very personal level. Like so many families in violin, I entrust our school system with the matter what matters most to me. The main reasons I decided to run for a seat on this board are sitting right there. That perspective grounds every decision I make. Our policies are not just words on paper. They affect real children, real families, and real futures. As vice president, I am committed to being thoughtful, collaborative, collaborative leader. I look forward to working closely with our board president, fellow board members, the superintendent, administrators, teachers, and support staff to ensure our schools remain places of academic excellence, safety, and opportunity, and I am always here to listen. We must continue to focus on responsible fiscal management, strong academic standards and meaningful support for our educators while also listening to our community and adapting
028to the evolving needs of our students. These goals require transparency, accountability, and mutual respect from all parties. And I am committed to all three. Violence strength has always been its people. When we work together and listen to one another and keep and keep students at the center of every decision, there is no limit to what we can achieve. I promise to serve with integrity, fairness, and dedication. I will listen first, lead by example, and always remember why we are here. To serve the children and families of Vinland. Yeah. >> [applause] >> Thank you to my wife Debbie and my sons Max and Miles for their constant support and encourage encouragement. To me, it is priceless. I can't even imagine being able to accomplish anything in life without them. To my mom who is here as
029well. Thank you for your support and your prayers. Keep them coming. I will always need them. Thank you for instilling in me never to waver in my faith and my convictions. Finally, and most importantly, I cannot conclude without thanking God, by whom all things are possible. My trust in God is not tradition. It is not a sound bite, and it's not something I just do on Sunday mornings. >> Above everything else, it's a relationship. [applause] Above anything else, it is a relationship on who I rely heavily on. It guides me and grounds me and humbles me when necessary. To him be all the glory. >> I try to live my life to the best of my ability, guided by the word of God. So, I'll leave you with this passage found in Jeremiah 29:11. For
030I know the plans and thoughts I have for you, says the Lord. Plans for peace and well-being and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Thank you again for this opportunity. I am proud to serve as vice president of the Violent Board of Education, [applause] the best school district in New Jersey. >> [applause] >> Thank you and God bless you. >> I think we should take up an offering. [laughter] Uh, Superintendent Yano, congratulations, Board President Holmes, Vice President Rivera. Welcome back, Mr. Fio. Welcome, Mr. Santiago and Miss Vasquez. I have uh a prepared statement I would like to read uh this evening to everyone. I want to share this message with you directly and from the heart. I'm going to need those tissues, too. Now, [laughter] don't make fun of me, Scott.
031All right. [laughter] Earlier today, the New Jersey State Board of Education approved my appointment as a state superintendent of the Canden City School District. As a result, I have submitted my resignation as superintendent of schools. This was not an easy decision. Serving Vinland has been one of the greatest privileges [snorts] >> [snorts] [snorts] >> One of the greatest privileges of my career and a chapter of my life that I'll always carry with me. >> [gasps] >> Now I'm snorting into the microphone. I'm [laughter] sorry. I'm an ugly crier. I'm sorry. [snorts] I'm deeply thankful for the opportunity to serve this community and to work alongside such extraordinary educators, staff, students, families, community partners. To the members of the Venom Board of Education, I offer my sincere respect and gratitude and appreciation. Your trust, your guidance,
032and collaboration made it possible to do this work with integrity and purpose. [snorts] [laughter] I'm sorry. Together, we navigated challenges, celebrated successes, remain focused, though on what matters the most, our students, our children, our community. >> [snorts] >> To our staff, thank you for the heart that you bring to this work. Even if it means snatching up the superintendent as you walk into a school and walking them to a door that needs an electric swipe in so kids can be safe and staff can be safe. I appreciate being able to do something so simple but so powerful. And thank you for recognizing me tonight. I appreciate that. [snorts] [applause] to our to um your your commitment to our students often under demanding circumstances is inspiring. It has been an honor to walk this journey with
033you and to [snorts] learn from your dedication and professionalism. To our families and community members, thank you for your partnership, your honesty, and your belief in Violent Public Schools, the best school district in the state. The strength of this district is rooted in its people who serve up here, who serve in our community, who serve in our schools. And I'm proud of what we've built together, the toil, the struggle, the challenge. But we've accomplished a lot in a few years. As we move forward, please know [snorts] that I'm fully committed to supporting a smooth, thoughtful, responsible transition. I will continue to work closely with the board and leadership teams to ensure continuity and stability for our schools, our staff, our students, and our families during this time. I leave Vinand with deep gratitude, great pride,
034strong confidence in the district's future. Violin [snorts] public schools will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving you with sincere appreciation. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Yano. First [clears throat] giving honor to God who is the head of my life. To our superintendent, our capable cabinet members, Senator Tessa for being here tonight. Uh there's a lot I can say. Our board members have said it all. Um I just want to acknowledge my family and friends who are here. Please stand. all of you that have come out. [applause] Uh, our former board president, Meg Spanelli's here, good friend of mine. Please stand. Glad to have her here. [applause] Uh, mom, please stand. [applause] She thinks she looks like my sister, but she is
035my mom. >> I have to thank her for uh constantly covering me in prayer and supporting me in this. You two are terrible. [laughter] Um supporting me in this endeavor. Uh, even up until this very moment, I was nervous and didn't think that this would happen. If if you ever been to a violent board of education meeting, anything can happen. [laughter] So, you'd understand why uh this is not about titles. It's not It's about the responsibility and we're here to do the work. I believe that it's not about the part you play, but it's about how well you play the part. We're looking forward to a successful year. We're moving forward no matter what and we're closing this chapter by raising the standard. I want to thank our fellow board members, everyone who's uh come
036on board tonight, all of those that return. Uh thank you to Vice President Rivera as well for your trust, confidence, and support. And we're ready to go to work. We have a lot of work to do. And we need to make sure that we stay focused in what matters most, and that's our students. Nothing else. >> [applause] >> Before we adjourn, I've asked my pastor Kent Holmes from the Word and Worship Church to lead us in prayer. Then I'll ask for a motion to adjourn. Pastor Holmes. >> Yeah. Board members, stay up here for the pictures from Gia and TNF camera. Let's pray. Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank you for this day, a day that we have never seen before and a day that we shall never see again. Thank you for
037your grace and your mercy, your power and your peace and protection. Father, we thank you for this board of education. Father, we pray, Father, that you would lead them and guide them. Um, you give grace to the humble, but you resist the proud. And your word tells us if we humble oursel under your mighty hand, you will exalt us in due season. So we say thank you for that. Thank you, Father, for your word says that when brethren dwell together in unity, there you will command the blessing. So God, we command the blessing in the name of Jesus in the city of Vinland. Lord, we thank you, God, for renewed minds and renewed perspectives. We thank you, God, for 2026 and what you're going to do this year. Lord, we thank you, God, for our
038our students and every violent public school, middle school, high school. Father, we pray, God, that you would protect the schools and protect the hallways, protect the buses, protect the principles, protect every instructor, Father, that you would give them guidance, God, that you would give them a peace and God, you would give them a power that they may be progressive, Father, in 2026. God move in us. God move through us. God move to us. God move around us. God never move from us. May the Lord bless thee and keep thee. May the Lord make his face to shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee. May the Lord lift up his countenance and give us all peace. And we pray this prayer in the only name that works and the only name that guarantees complete victory
039in Jesus name. Amen. [applause] Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> Thank you. Have a good night, everyone.