001All right, good evening everyone. I'm going to call the meeting to order in compliance with the open public meetings law of New Jersey. Notice that this May 19th, 2026 meeting of the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional Board of Education was posted electronically on the district website and provided on January 14th, 2026 by sending the annual written notice to the Courier News, Star-Ledger, Bridgewater Township Clerk, Raritan Borough Clerk, and by posting on the bulletin board in the Harmon V. Wade Administration Building. At this time, I ask that everyone please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance 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. All right, Mr. Olmscheid, would you please call the roll? Mr. Singer.
002Here. Ms. Lockert. Here. Dr. Lee. Mr. Lee. Here. Mr. Maloney. Here. Mr. Joshi. Here. Mr. Walker. Here. Mr. Suna. Here. Mr. Pepe. Here. We have a quorum. All right. Everyone, we do need to go into closed session very briefly to start the meeting, so I apologize for that, but we should not be back We should not be out much longer than 10 minutes. Uh so, at this time, whereas discussion by the board is required on matters that are exceptions to the requirement that a public body hold its meetings in public, and whereas the topic for discussion is personnel, and whereas is it is expected that details of discussion may be made public as soon as the issues may be acted upon publicly, be it resolved that the board enters into closed session at this time.
003Do I have a motion? >> So moved. Is there a second? Motion and a second, all those in favor? Aye. Anyone opposed? All right, the motion carries. We are in closed session. We'll be back in about 10 minutes. Thank you for your patience. >> Mhm. >> Oh, hold on. One moment. We're going to give you a little bit of a bear time here as the All right, we're up to section five of our agenda, the student representatives report. Hello everybody. This is our last student representative meeting. It's so sad. Well, I guess we'll start with the report and then we'll carry on with everything else. I don't really know what's intended, but um this Friday for seniors, it's prom. Wow, big night. Um I'm very excited. It's at 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Westmont Country
004Club. I'm very excited. Um I just picked up my suit today actually. Got the corsage with me and near all that kind of stuff. Um I'm excited. Um And then >> Wearhouse? Men's Wearhouse, yeah. Yeah, yeah. Pretty good. And then Yeah, it's going to rain. That sucks. But then we're going to the Poconos after. Um It's going to be fun. I'm excited. So, great great weekend ahead for all seniors. Um Also the week after is the junior dinner cruise. They're kind of labeling it as like junior prom almost this year. Um great event for the juniors. That's next weekend on Friday. Um, and then PE Partners Prom. I'm in PE Partners with Ishan, actually, Mr. Joshi Sun. Um, great program. We work with special needs kids uh in their gym classes, and they're also hosting
005a prom as they do every year. So, I will also be attending that on June 12th. Okay. Um, some other things I want to bring up are the past 2 weeks we've had a bunch of like AP tests. And I know it's been a lot of work like trying to study for them. And I took three this year, and they were both like all right. And it's just like kind of hard It's kind of like a good way to like for all the kids just to like take this test and see how they've been doing for the past year and see what they've learned. And it's good for your college stuff, too. And I'm just really glad I never have to take an AP test again cuz cuz they're not the best. Um, other things
006to look forward as like we wrap up wrap up the year, we're preparing for graduation. We have like the senior awards on June 10th, which I'm pretty sure there's going to be a bunch of like scholarships and like awards for kids. And I'm excited to see who gets what. Um, also the NHS induction on June 9th. Um, um, we're going to be like cuz I I'm secretary of NHS, so like we're going to be like introducing the new class the junior class this year who will be seniors, and they'll be kind of the new members of NHS. I think it'll be really exciting. It's like a good moment for them and like, you know, it's like this new step for the juniors. And then last thing like graduation's coming soon. We're going to be getting
007our caps and gowns soon, and then we're going to be practicing for graduation. [clears throat] And then, you know, we're going to go to like the Rockers, and it'll be fun. So, yeah. All right. Good evening, everybody. Uh, thank you so much for having me as usual. I'll just be wrapping up a couple of arts programs and overall just language and uh range-related programs and events. First up we have the world language honor society induction happening this Thursday in the high school auditorium where the honor societies for French, German, Chinese, and many more are going to be recognizing new students that have had a lot of accomplishments within the language. As the president for the French honor society I'll be speaking and having a little ceremony just like all the other honor societies to kind
008of recognize the rising students that are doing really well in their respective languages. It's a really great cultural night there's a lot of food respective and music and music that's respective to each culture. A very fun night from the time I attended two years ago. Additionally there are a couple of arts programs events. For example today as we speak is the orchestra concert which I will be going to very briefly after this. So that's a great event to kind of wrap up the orchestra season. It's been a very fun and memorable year and I would not have want to end my orchestra career any other way. Additionally we have the band concert on May 28th which is next week and the day before that is the choir concert. So all the arts programs are going
009to be wrapping up their overall events for the year and then closer to the end of the year in early June each program will respectively have their end of year banquets. We also have a visual arts exhibition at the high school on June 4th from 6:00 to 8:00. So they'll be displaying different student works in like 3D models or even paintings, oil paintings, etc. So overall the arts are going to be flourishing and having a lot of great events from now through the end of the year. And lastly the theater arts program will be having a showcase on June 5th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Kind of like a final goodbye to the overall theater program. I attended their spring musical it was really great and overall I think that it's been a great year
010for every single arts program in the department in the entire high school. So it's great to see all the success across the board. Thank you. And then I'll hand it off to Matt I guess for some final remarks from us as the reps. Okay. Well it's been a pleasure this year. This was definitely an experience I would did not expect to have going into my high school career but I'm very grateful that I did have. It kind of gave me insight into what decisions have been going on and shaping my education through my entire my entire education history. I've been attending Bridgewater High School. And so to see how it really works but like behind the doors, you know, it's cool it's cool to see. Um and I hope that every single year we can
011continue to keep getting closer and closer to, you know, achieving more and more, right? I see the community as you were talking about a couple of the meetings like it's growing. It's definitely growing. Bridgewater is becoming more tight-knit community. I feel that and it's it's exciting. Especially for you guys where you guys can continue to keep making decisions. Um I'm graduating now and I'm I'm very excited to see where Bridgewater goes in the future. I take pride in this town in this education system. I think it's put me in a good place and I'll be able to carry that that base of knowledge with me for the rest of my life and I'm very grateful. So, um thank you guys. I appreciate it. >> [applause] >> Okay. Yeah, I just wanted to add on to
012that and say that this has been a really great year and has given me a lot of experience in just like the world of like um politics a little bit and just like what goes behind the scenes from like when I was in first grade to now just like what so much of what we don't we aren't able to see that so much time and effort that you guys put in into making sure that our district is is running efficiently, that our students are like being put first and I'm just really like it's been a really fun experience to get to watch all the like all the magic behind and like I'm excited to see like in the future how how far Bridgewater can become. Uh like my fellow representatives here, I'm also a homegrown
013student. Uh started back in kindergarten and I'm still now up to the high school. It's been a really wonderful ride. I'm really grateful to be a part of a district and community as strong as this one. I've really seen like how much the community has evolved and I'm honestly so fortunate to be able to say that I'm from the Bridgewater-Raritan community. I'll be carrying that throughout the rest of my life wherever I go. I think that it's I'm really grateful to also be in this position to be a student representative speaking on the board. At the end of the day, I believe that education is going to be for the students no matter what it is, whether it's today, 10 years from now, or 100 years from now. So, I think that it's really important
014that we have voices like ours on here and I'm very grateful to be able to share my insight over the past academic year. I hope that it could have added some more nuance and more I guess dialogue to the conversation because at the end of the day, students are the foremost most important part of the district in my opinion. So, I'm very grateful for this opportunity. I thank you all for being wonderful board members and I'm grateful for everything you guys have done for the district. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Thank you so much. Well, for my president's report, I just want to say it's a little bit wild to hear these three individuals tell us that we spent a lot of time on something cuz the number of activities that they're involved with in
015the schools and beyond is really impressive. And you know, one of the great things about serving on the board is that we get to hear a lot about the great things that students are accomplishing every day. And um sometimes board members even get to you know, see some of it, whether it's like a big chorus or a big game or the opening night of a musical. But what we don't always get to see or experience is everything that goes into making those moments happen, which is why these student representatives are such a vital element of this board. Through their reports, which have touched on every facet of the student experience here at Bridgewater-Raritan, the rest of the board and the public gets a window into everything that goes in to everything our students are achieving.
016It's the hard work, the teamwork, and the learning that that takes place each day. And their feedback, good or even bad, is something that I know our board and I think the administration values very, very much. So, Crystal, Paritosh, Matt have been you've been outstanding members of our board. Um your messages haven't just touched on a list of sports clubs and routine activities, though that is always exciting news and very useful information for everyone here and in the public, but they also expect express, in my judgment, your genuine care and concern for every student that you represent at the high school. Uh we heard a little bit of that in in your most recent report. So, you're exemplary representatives of our district, of the board, and of our community. So, Matt, Crystal, and Paritosh, it's
017been an a privilege to serve alongside you. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Um and I know we have something for you. So, uh Mr. Beers, can we do that now and then take comments for the rest of the board? >> Let's do it. >> All right. Let me >> right here. >> Yeah. One more round of applause applause for Crystal Chen. >> [applause] >> These all read in recognition of service as a student representative for the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional Board of Education 2025-2026. Thank you so much. CONGRATS. WITH THE SAME COMMENDATION, MATTHEW HARRISON. COME ON MATT. >> [applause] >> ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU. CONGRATS. THANK YOU. CONGRATULATIONS. And Paritosh Bolay. Come on up. >> [applause] >> So, I hope I got your last name right. I apologize if I did. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks. Congrats.
018All right. Would we like to now I know you may have to run. Uh do we We'd like to get a picture first to make sure everyone's here? >> front, we we can have the board members and kids in front of us here. >> So Crystal and Matt Paradosh, I understand you you you may have to run. If you do, we understand, but I did just want to open it up to the board if anyone had any uh brief things they'd like to say and in recognition of your service. Paradosh, so long. Thank you. Well, round of applause for Paradosh. Thank you. >> [applause] >> So long. I actually did have a question. Mr. Lee, go ahead. Thank you. Um I usually am the one who asks questions here, but you know, from your experience
019being student representatives, what's a piece of advice that you have for future student representatives who want to be in the roles that you're in today? Um I could go. Uh I'm very grateful that our district actually has Okay, so I I have a friend that goes to Ridge, and I told him that I was on the board of education. He's like, "Oh, that's sick. Like I I even know if we have that." And I was like, "Oh, well, you you definitely do. Like every every school in the state has to have that." And so, we looked at his his board meetings on YouTube to see who his board rep was. And it was the president of the school. And while that's cool and all that they also get this position, um I think that it's
020cool that we have it separate and that we also act as like kind of kind of like a different position that we wanted to be in, right? So, I would in knowing that like that I put myself into this position, that shows that I want to be here, right? For future board members, this which I wish I did, I would have looked more into what each meeting is actually talking about and probably open up a student perspective to you guys about this meeting is actually going to be about before coming to you, before like rather than just telling you what's going on in the school. Cuz it's great what's going on in the school, but you guys could also look up on the website and see headlines if you really wanted to, right? So, I
021think it would have been more beneficial if my role was more tailored towards actually talking about the things that the board is talking about. Um But that's something that that we can work towards and definitely in the future start talking about cuz I know we have meetings with Mr. Hamburger before each meeting. And like in those in those meetings that we have, we can talk about, you know, what the board is going to talk about, our takes on it. Maybe, you know, oh, we talked to him about, oh, we might think this is it should be this way, it should be that way. And he's like, "Well, you know, you might not know the back story and that's okay, right?" But just providing little insights to different issues that you guys may be talking about
022in the meetings may be a little more beneficial and just, you know, taking the interest that we did take to apply to a position that I wouldn't know was highly competitive to get into with an interview process and all that. So, that like applying yourself would would be a lot a lot better if that was also kind of a route that we could take. So. Thank you. Anyone else? Miss Cena. Oh, I'll go. I just wanted to thank you both all three of you, but the two of you who are still here, um so much for everything that you brought to the meetings. And I know I have seen a lot of talk on Facebook about the memory walks, and I hope that that's being shared with the students, like with all the seniors, cuz
023I know the parents have set up memory walks at all the elementary schools in June. Um so, if you don't know about them, call get in touch with me. And I want to make sure that all the students are aware of them because it's We had hoped to do this years ago, and it's really great that it's a little bit official now. And have a great time at prom. Mr. Singer. Thank you. Um Matt, to your point, I just want to say that um over a number of meetings, all three of you you didn't just report. You really added your voice. You were involved in discussions. And that is probably the greatest achievement that you guys can do here is when you add that perspective. We really do appreciate that. Um and you guys did
024it very well, and it was always appreciated. So, thank you. I wish you all the best. Um the reports were excellent. Um it is a way for us to remain invested in the schools. Um but your voice is just cannot be replaced. So, thanks. Can I have some final words? I'm just going to go with Miss Lockren first. Thank you, Mr. Lee. Miss Lockren. Yeah, I'll I'll echo what Mr. Singer said. But but also I've been here since they first uh added student reps to our board, and every year I tell them they're my favorite, but every year there's just an element of contribution that just ups the game. And and quite honestly, I I just respect you guys so much for not not just coming to report, but the it's kind of it's it's
025a bravery that to to share your opinion and and and put your thoughts forward before this board, and I think your parents must be incredibly proud for a lot of reasons, and I hope this just adds to their list, and I wish you guys the best of luck. You got it. Yeah, I know the same thing. I wanted to thank you guys, all three of you, for putting in the hard work. And uh hopefully you know, in the future you stay engaged. Right? And the meetings are online, so any comments, any suggestions you may have, stay engaged. You know, you leaving here doesn't mean you're leaving this, right? Um so, thank you, and Matt, stop by, don't be a stranger, you know where we are. Yeah, of course. All right? Thank you. Thank you. And
026then Mr. Lake. And then I guess since you guys gave some advice as well, you know, I do have a little bit of advice for you guys. Um not like I'm the most successful guy in the room or anything like that, but um one piece of advice that I always hear from people, but I always want to just reiterate is you know, whatever part of your educational career you go through, or whatever you do from a career perspective or anything, you know, just always be curious, always ask questions, and and question everything, because that's the only way you're going to learn and grow as a person, so always remember to ask questions, and don't feel afraid don't be afraid to ask even the dumb questions. So. Thank you. Anything else? Yeah. Mr. Walker. Thank you.
027You guys have uh represented yourselves well. Um you are you you came here fearless and smart, and you showed us what what what what what our students are like in the district. And and Mr. Hamburger said I picked some great candidates for the Board of Ed, and he was completely right, and so it's been a pleasure. And every year you you um even likeness, and genuineness, And I carry that in life. You guys are going to be successful. You know, you can always run for the Board of Ed, too, if you want to. So, that's another option, also. Stay in touch. I wish you all the best in what you're doing. Have a great celebration the last couple weeks. Enjoy yourselves. You know, the rack is fantastic for graduation, so we'll enjoy that in this
028weekend. But, thank you so much. You've done it You should be proud of what you've done and what you served your your students. So, thank you. All right. Thank you very much. Anything else before before we move on? As always, you're welcome to stick around, but as we've heard, there's a lot going going on, so feel feel free to peace out whenever you're ready. Sorry to use the phrase peace out. Great. Thank you, guys. All right. Thank you. Thank you. One more round of applause for Matt and Chris. >> [applause] >> All right. Just to continue on with my president's report, I have one more brief item, and it's just um Just I do recognize that earlier this month our community faced a challenging couple of days as a law enforcement operation responded to a
029dangerous situation in a neighborhood where many students live and near school buildings. I know that I cannot begin to properly thank law enforcement for their response in in containing and resolving the situation. And I I couldn't possibly name every agency involved, but of course, I start with the Bridgewater Township Police Department and their chief, John Mitsak. Um for their efforts to keep all of us safe, particularly our students and our school buildings. Um I thank them for being great partners, you know, along with the Raritan Police Department every day, but particularly during that um challenging period. And for being great partners with the district in assuring that schools were able to open and uh to run on a regular schedule. Um I particularly thank Chief John Mitzak for acknowledging the the work of the officials
030of the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District in his statement um after things settled down and he thanked um um you know, everyone in the district for working closely with the Police Department to safely reroute buses and then we I'm quoting him exactly here, to safely reroute buses and students around affected around the affected area without disrupting the school day uh that Friday. Uh their cooperation helped maintain normalcy for our children during a difficult time. And I certainly um echo the same sentiments from the administration um to the building principals, to the counselors, to the teachers who uh not just during this um unfortunate event um make the schools places where our students feel safe day in and day out. And the police and our law enforcement that make all of us more safe day in and
031day out. So, I just wanted to acknowledge uh them in the good work done um on behalf of our students at a difficult time. And it shows our schools at their best and our students at our best too. I give them a lot of credit, particularly everyone who was directly or indirectly impacted. Uh that is it for my uh president's report. Uh with that, we'll move on to the superintendent's report, Mr. Beers. Oh, yes. Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Beers. We are going We're going to move uh one item up. Do you mind if I grab that since you're looking at it? Thank you. Right. At this time, I would like to move one item up in our agenda and that is personnel 2632 which is approval of the personnel addendum. Is there any
032is there motion? Motion. Second. >> There's a motion and a second. Any discussion? Any Any discussion that wouldn't be in close session? Uh seeing none, Mr. Lomsky, would you please call the roll on personnel 2632. Again, this is not the entire personnel uh agenda. Mr. Singer. >> [clears throat] >> Yes. Ms. Lockrin. Yes. Mr. Lee. Yes. Mr. Maloney. Yes. Mr. Joshi. Yes. Mr. Walker. Yes. Ms. Asuna. Yes. Mr. Pepe. Yes. The motion carries. Okay, thank you. I I'd like to take a a few minutes here to to introduce the the Board of Education and the community to two new members of the administration team. The first person, I shouldn't say is a new member, but he's in a new role. So, it's David Guglietti. And it's my pleasure to introduce him here tonight. And um
033Dave brings a wealth of experience in health and physical education leadership to Bridgewater-Raritan. He's no stranger to our district having served as our health and physical education supervisor since 2022 where he's already made a a meaningful impact on curriculum, instruction, and in the culture of our schools. Prior to joining Bridgewater-Raritan, David served as a vice principal at Saint Leo the Great School in Lincroft where he helped earn that school the prestigious National School of Character designation. And before that, he was an educator in the Orange Public Schools. Kean University graduate who earned his master's in educational leadership from Concordia University, David is a passionate advocate for student achievement, character education, and innovative instruction. We're thrilled to have him continue growing as a leader in our community and are excited about the contributions he'll make to
034the students and families of Bridgewater-Raritan. So, Mr. Guglietti, if you could stand up and take A BOW. >> [applause] >> THERE YOU GO. >> [applause] >> SO, AND THEN afterwards I have to torture these folks with taking a picture for the website, etc. But, Bruce is on that. Next is uh Matthew Moon. So, it's uh it's with great enthusiasm that I introduce uh you to Dr. Matthew Moon, who's an accomplished educational leader whose depth of experience and commitment to student success makes him an exceptional addition to the Bridgewater-Raritan team. Dr. Moon most recently served as an assistant principal at Roxbury High School, where he led a school of over 1,300 students and founded an innovative aviation academy that earned national recognition as an ITEEA STEM school of excellence. He holds a doctorate in curriculum and
035instruction from Liberty University and brings a strong background in instructional leadership, data-driven school improvement, teacher development, and grant writing, having secured over $100,000 in competitive funding to expand learning opportunities for the students at Roxbury. A recognized leader at the state level through his work with NJASS SCD, NJPSA, and multiple county and state committees, Dr. Moon is also an active presenter and thought leader on topics ranging from AI in education to school culture and student support. We're proud to welcome Dr. Moon to our community and look forward to to the energy, expertise, and vision he'll bring to our students and staff. If you could stand up and be >> [applause] >> And And I really want to give kudos to Dr. Mon's wife who is here tonight with uh with two little ones, one who's really
036little and and gosh, thank you so much for taking the time to visit us and be with us tonight on this special day. We really appreciate you taking the effort to uh to do that because it's not easy. So, again, welcome and um if you could bear with me just for a minute or two I'll do the photos with uh Mr. Moran and we'll go from there. Let's go outside. And then I'll come back for the Right. We just need Does anyone need like a 2-minute break before we start? Yeah, we'll do a 2-minute break. We'll come back in in 2 minutes. >> We're good? Okay, everyone. Thank you and um And really this this is my favorite presentation of the year. Where um every year it it in case the public wonders the Board
037of Education and the district we set annual goals. And um our annual goals are are based off our long-range plan. If you remember a few years ago we had community come together. We set up four major goals and and our year-to-year goals are based on are based on the major themes from from uh that time. So it's always fun to take take us through the pathway uh that we've traveled this year and really make that comparison from a data standpoint as far as where we stand now versus where we were. So uh so I'm proud to to uh give to you the state of BRRSD progress, promise, and uh performance. Sorry, I'm just So our four district goals um were were based in in four specific areas: climate and culture, student experience, finance facilities, and
038communications and engagement. And and there are some smaller goals that are attached to to each four. So we'll go through these uh during the presentation. When when we start off with academic achievement, this is something we're really proud of. And uh and there there's no getting around this. There there has been some real progress made in specific areas throughout the district. >> [clears throat] >> Specifically our AP progress has been incredible. 27% uh gain in the number of AP students since 2021 and 41% more of those students scored three or above. Our dual enrollment has really exploded. The numbers have gone from 40 uh 40 students a couple of years ago to 288 students. And then finally the career concentrations that we approved and implemented two years ago continues to grow. So so in some
039of these key data points we are certainly pushing the envelope exposing students and and it's obviously what the students are asking for and what they're looking to do. Another part and and this goes to our whole idea of of equity and and building a a system for every learner throughout the district. One of the things that that that I'm especially proud of is the rise in our graduation rate. No offense to anyone at our graduation rate here was embarrassing for a long time. There's no way a district like us should have been in the low 90 in the low 90s for graduation rates. But that's where we were. So 92.7 in 2022 and and it's risen to 97%. Right? It's not exactly where we want to be. We believe there's more growth. But if we
040look at the average class size of approximately 700 students in Bridgewater-Raritan a 5 4 and 1/2 to 5% gain means you're talking about 30 to 35 students who are getting across the line on a year-over-year basis. Right? That those are real kids with real futures and we've done a lot to to help them because as we know if if you if you do not graduate high school and you drop out it's it's really a struggle for quite some time to to get back to that level. NJ SLA we've gone through these presentations throughout the year. We're consistently 15 to 17% above the state averages in ELA, math, and science. We experienced 5% year-over-year growth in ELA. Our mathematics achievement is stable year-over-year, and we have targeted some specific areas that can be addressed for additional
041growth. And and um >> [clears throat and cough] >> one of the initiatives that's been taken on by by uh the curriculum department as well as the high school administration is really uh it is really pushing kids to to take the Seal of Biliteracy. And those numbers have gone up almost 100% over a 2-year basis. Coming off of COVID Bridgewater-Raritan was no different than a lot of other places. We were experiencing student behaviors that were atypical for an institution like us. All right? And and uh the spikes in in things like HIB and disciplinary referrals, it was a trend nationwide, statewide, et cetera, where where student behaviors you know, who who would have thought that being isolated in your house for a year to a year and a half would have a negative effect on
042um student interactions, but it certainly did. Um but with that being said we we put in a number of programs. Uh and we've seen an HIB decline that's that's really uh impressive. 78% decrease in investigations and a 77% decrease in founded incidents. That's from 2023-24 to the present. And and I've got listed here a few of the uh the programs that we initiated. Some are related to HIB, but otherwise it's it's related to wellness, the Lifeline Suicide Prevention curriculum, the LEAD program in the fifth grade, and the character education programs that are implemented consistently and and um >> [clears throat] >> It they're implemented consistent consistently and with fidelity the primary and middle school levels, right? We build values, responsibility, community, etc. And it's really had a positive effect on student behaviors. One of the
043other things that's not listed here, which has helped with HIV and the reduction in student behaviors, is really taking a look at our code of conduct. Right? And and making sure that there are are clear consequences and standards for student behavior. It took some time, but I really applaud the efforts of the administration in all the buildings and the teachers who are involved with that. Um to to bring us to a better place. Another part of improving improving discipline, improving climate is with our safety and security team. We made a large investment in in people. Right? To And and this works for the community, for the students, and for our faculty. We've made a a number of capital improvements in physical infrastructure. And and I think the major change that we have is that investment
044in personnel. Right? Although things like your your secure vestibules, all of these things, they're they're nice to have, but you need people on the ground to make sure that it's used with fidelity, that we maintain certain protocols, whether it's visitors, etc. And and this group of of people we've hired really do an excellent job and they're visible throughout the district, and I know there's a positive positive feedback we continually receive on our security team and what they bring. And as as Mr. Pepe had had mentioned a few minutes back, we have really dramatically improved our communication with local PD since the time I came until now, and these people are are a part of that. And it really came across loud and clear 2 weeks ago when there was an incident uh locally. We were
045in constant communication, and it wasn't just through me, it was through some of our contacts, whether it was Mike, whether it was Ted. Um and we were able to keep everyone safe, route our buses, and do what we needed to do to keep school open. So, look, here here is the big the big thing we've been working on this year, and and and it's going to be awesome next year when when this happens. So, I'm finishing up my fifth year. And I know that these conversations about full-day kindergarten have been going on for at least a decade before I got here. Well, when I started, I I believe the Board of Education had just completed the facilities analysis, and we were sorting through this this enormous list of projects to figure out what we wanted
046to do. And and I do want to go back to the process, and I I I give the board a lot of credit for this, and and you can't forget it. Before we did the community survey, we all had in our minds what we were going to spend spend money on. But there were there was no avoid avoiding the the results of the survey. Really to a T, full-day kindergarten was at the top of everything. So, when we looked at at our charge to to really have a successful referendum, we knew that we had to include full-day kindergarten in that. And and it's occurring in September, but I think the the whole board and prior boards of education need to give themselves a pat on the back because they started the process to do this
0475 6 years ago. And um there was a lot of patience. There was a a lot of things we had to figure out, but but we're here, and we're ready to implement it. The classrooms are ready, the spaces are ready, um and the kids are ready. I I'm sure the families are ready as well. >> [clears throat] >> Gifted and talented uh services are are implemented across all schools and are going to be expanded next year. We've gone through this uh debate before, and this is a great thing for all kids. We've increased instructional time for for science and social studies. World language program has been expanded into the fourth grade, and we we're meeting our physical education requirement of 150 minutes per week. So when we look when we look at what we've done
048for the primary schools, it's not just adding full-day kindergarten. It's adding a program that is enhanced to what existed 3 to 5 years ago. So it That was a heavy lift from curriculum, from the supervisors, and for the teachers, right? Who who um right? There are going to be changes, and there's some adaptation. People are moving around. There There are big-time changes, and I want to just uh give kudos to everyone involved in this process. As we continue with uh equity and access, >> [clears throat] >> um how this relates to to equity is now a musical all fifth grade music classes are during the school day. There's not band or orchestra practice before school. All right, and that's incredibly important. Because if a kid didn't have a ride or parent who could get him
049there, him or her there before school, then they couldn't participate. So we've worked out the schedule to make sure that that these things take place during the school day, so all kids have access to that activity. Fourth grade choir was added to student schedules, where students are not going to be pulled out of academic subjects to take choir. We've added new AP courses, multiple pathways uh for students to to uh access advanced court coursework. And um uh the next bullet is about the structured learning labs and and the bright program. So, I'll take you through really quickly as far as what that is. The structured learning labs essentially it I mean, different schools call them different things, but if we have young people who are struggling in their uh academic subjects, what we do is
050they get referred through guidance. It's an MTSS um uh accommodation. In order to make that young person successful in their coursework, we pull them out of their study hall and they go to there's a room off the library where they get tutoring in in the subjects that they're struggling in. So, when we hear about high-intensity tut- tutoring, that's kind of the buzzword, we do it. And and it's really had quite a bit of success. So, when we track students who who get placed in the program who have two or more failures in their their uh coursework, at the end of 6 months, we've got nearly a 70% success rate where kids are failing zero classes. So, a lot of times it's it's the tutoring, but also it's helping kids with executive functioning and and giving
051them a lifeline and a connection at school. Now, the bright program, that is our alternative program. These are the kids who are in danger of not graduating um for a variety of of reasons. They may need they may need credit recovery and and bright is more of a therapeutic program. It offers kids the supports to be successful, offers them a pathway forward versus just saying, "You fail and and you're done." And uh and again, we have close to a 100% success rate with the bright program. Then finally, for next year, with full-day kindergarten, one of the one of the uh major initiatives with the state of New Jersey and and we've been ahead of the the curve on this. But the multi-tiered systems of support, the enhancements are going to focus on providing supports to
052the youngest learners. So, what that means is when kids walk in the door in kindergarten, not too long after, we do an assessment on where they are with things like first sound fluency, etc. using a dibbles assessment. And then we see where these kids are, what's the skill that maybe they they need help on, and we offer them that extra support right there. And there are plenty of there's plenty of research and study that shows that if you can get those kids when they're 4 years old kindergarten 5 years old, that's the time you really want to want to uh assess them and and offer that that enhancement because that's when you're going to see the greatest result. And and there's this other thing that's been going on while we're improving the curriculum, and that's
053our $155 million referendum. We continue to change the face of Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District. Um I I don't think people at the table would agree with me. And I remember the walk down memory lane 5 6 years ago, even during my interview process, I think Mr. Walker asked me what did I think of the facilities, and there was a little bit of a pause. Um but it's true. Our facilities were a disaster. All right, we needed the funding to update things to really create learning environments that we could be proud of and that are conducive to student learning. And and this referendum I believe was constructed the the right way. It took a a bunch of iterations, but but now we've been working through things with our architects, with with different contractors. And we do
054we have been able to keep construction on time and on budget, and we address changes in the field, and and we resolve them as they come up. It's quite an effort, and and I want to really commend the business office, as well as Mr. Letso, who gave us a tour of the um the site today, because this is like a second job for Mr. Lomsky, his his department, as well as other people within the operation. So, we've provided regular public updates on these times at these times. And as part of the referendum next year next September is really when when we make this enormous shift of reconfiguring the grades. We took a tour today of the middle school. So, sixth grade is going to transition to the middle school. Fourth grade's going to move to
055the primary schools. And and September 2026 is really going to be an exciting time for all of us. Because we've been planning for this, planning for this, planning for this, and now it's going to happen. So, I can't With that, I can't promise you that everything's going to be smooth. All right, but whatever does come up, whatever bumps in the roads are going to arise, we're going to be there to address it, smooth it out, make it right, and go from there. And here's another area >> [clears throat] >> that I really want to commend the Board of Education, the business office, and all of the the admin team. Our our budget was especially challenging this year, and we're not unique. It was challenging for schools all across the state of New Jersey. And and
056look, there there's no getting around this fact. The rise in health care costs is an existential threat to the education we provide on a day-to-day basis. I'll say it again. The rise in health care costs are threatening the entire system. And and that's not just here. It is everywhere. It's not just in the education sector. It's everywhere. So, it's one of those issues that's coming in our doorstep and we have to find a way to deal with it. So, over the past year we were able to really find some efficiencies. We ended up with a 3.04 tax levy increase. Third lowest amongst all 17 school districts for 2026-27 budget cycle. And we also compare that to the local municipalities. I believe Bridgewater Township was 10%, Raritan Borough was 12. So, when we we can talk
057about fiscal conservatism, but we we're really the ones that are demonstrating a level of fiscal conservatism here. So, this budget was maintained, right, with the difficult cycle that that we talked about. And within this, we redesigned our transportation and spent executed simultaneously with the reconfiguration of grade levels. Okay. School start times. This is one of the issues that that was at the forefront when I started. I believe the the district was close to to going in this direction and then COVID hit in 2020. So, this was something that we we made a promise that we would explore when we were shifting grades. And and we took a look at everything and decided to move in this direction of a later high school start start time. And um it's a commitment we we've made. You know,
058I know the board you know, was behind this. And uh along with this, it required a complete redesign of our transportation. And and it's not just to the high school, but it's to every school in the entire district. And again, Mr. Lomsky's office, transportation office, and everything. This has been quite an undertaking. And community engagement was central to the process. We did have a a public forum on one evening. Uh I believe the Board of Education, we asked for every single person's input before we made this final decision. Um and and here we are. So, we're moving we're moving towards in this direction next year. And I do believe overall it's going to be a better shift for everyone involved. And and along with that, we know that that it is going to inconvenience some
059people. Right? You can't make a shift like this and say everyone's 100% on board. There going to be people who are vehemently against that. Right? And and uh and we have to be cognizant of that as we uh move ahead. So, investing in third spaces, we know that the most critical thing for kids, and and I hate to use the words COVID, but coming out of COVID and even now, look, there is a lonely a loneliness epidemic in the United States and across the world. It's well documented. We need to create these spaces. And what we mean by third spaces are areas where kids can interact with each other in a positive way. Whether it's a club or activity, whether it's music, the arts, athletics, etc. I'm really proud of the the programs that we
060have here. I'm proud of the ones that we've added, the ones we've supported. And I want to thank the Board of Education for for sharing that view. That I don't think there's a single time where we've said, "Hey, we need this for kids. This group wants to do X." I I've never heard the word no from this group. And and you have to we should be proud of that. All right? That that we're working with your right whether it was the group last week talking about the model UN. Hey, well we'll find a way to fund it a a little more effectively. All right, can't promise I'll give 100% but we're we're going to make inroads just to make sure that that uh people have access to to to uh the clubs and activities that
061suit them. And look, one one of the positives we have as a as a large school district is that I really believe there's an activity or club essentially for any kid in this whole system. Right? For any interest you have, there's a little niche that you could potentially find. And and uh the Board of Education has done an excellent job in in supporting that. And look, connecting with with our community we have a district newsletter that what the new format that was launched in 2025-26. Uh Mr. Moran does great job getting that out every month. Uh it's a team effort. >> [clears throat] >> Again, uh the website's been enhanced. Again, Mr. Moran, uh Dr. Fonder you know, lined up uh a uh you know, a company that came and took took shots at every
062school and I think it's a far more professional looking uh landing page that we have now. And and look, we've had multiple in-person uh communications throughout the year. Obviously, it's something we want to enhance as we go along. And and what we've really tried to do is set up our Board of Ed presentations for clarity and that are accessible for all uh community members. And um finally this is just my my uh uh conclusion and this one and all that that that's been the motto since before I got here. I I know people came up with the symbol and and I I don't like the poem but I I like the saying. I think the poem's a little much but that's me. Um but I I want to take a a moment to really express
063my gratitude not not just for this year, but for 5 years of sustained work uh from from all the people up here. School improvement's never easy. Right? It requires all of us to look honestly at our organization with clear eyes and with a genuine level of property. All right? And And in that, we've got to see ourselves and what we're doing the way it is, not the way we wish it to be. And then having done that, we have to have the courage or the audacity to challenge people, our practices, and the status quo in the service of something better. All right? And And it's hard work. It's difficult conversations. And that's a great deal of everyone in this room and across the district. See, the the the largest misnomer, the biggest misnomer school districts
064have, and I've told people this, they want change, but when you get down to the real nitty-gritty as far as changing things, like everyone wants change and they want to change the results, but they want to keep the status quo in their process. Well Well, that doesn't line up because systems produce the results they're designed to produce. All right? So, it takes a lot to look at it and be truthful and honest and move in a different direction. So, look, I want to give kudos to to the uh to the cabinet, to the And And it's not in any particular order. To the teachers, to the staff, principals, administration, the Board of Education, and uh for the willingness to make these difficult decisions. I'm profoundly grateful to the Bridgewater-Raynham community for placing their trust in
065us year after year to do right by their children. Uh And it's been a heavy lift, and I don't use that phrase lightly. But I'm thankful every day for the opportunity uh to have been a part of reshaping this district, building a culture of excellence. We're not where we want to be, but we're getting there. And creating a climate where every student has the chance to succeed. All right, and our promise, and the promise we make to every student who walk through our doors, is captured in these three simple words of one and all. All right? This isn't collectivism, this isn't some political thing. This is a belief that every student who walks through the door deserves a fair shot. And it doesn't matter if they're from JFK school, Crim school, etc. And and I'm
066going to fight for that every day that that I'm here. So again, it's not a slogan, it's a standard. And and as we look ahead, let let us all continue to rise to meet it together. So thank you for your time. Appreciate it. Thank you, Mr. Beers. Anything further before we move on? No. Okay. All right. We are up to committee reports. Wait. Section of the year. >> Wait, I have some questions. Excuse me. Um Were you planning on taking any questions or we move on? >> Uh if if it's for clarification. If you have a question or two, real quick. >> Sure. Um I know that you mentioned that there were an increased number of career concent- or there's been an increase in the number of career concentrations and students participating in these career
067concentrations. So, I'm just curious, you know, how are we leveraging these career concentrations and these new programs uh to build effective, you know, potential public and private partnerships with businesses or organizations um to give some of these students the opportunity to maybe gain some real-world real-world experience or perhaps any sort of shadowing experiences um because they have some of these career concentrations. It's a work in progress, but it's something that we're continually working on to to add those real-life experiences. We're taking this from from nowhere to somewhere. So, again, we're going to continue to make different iterations, improve on it, do what have you, but we share the same goal, Mr. Lee. Thank you for the question. Um Did you have one more question, Mr. Lee? Well, I have a few questions about different parts
068of the Yeah, I just want to if it's a discussion, fine. If it's for clarification, fine, but it We gave a presentation on really the positive things that are going on in the district. >> Yeah, I would like to talk about that. >> All right, thank you. Um I do want to say I think it's great to see that the graduation rate has gone up to 97%. So, I do want to commend our staff and our teachers for helping us reach that milestone. But, I'm also curious as well, how does the district track long-term student outcomes beyond our classroom and beyond the graduation? Um looking at where they are in terms of maybe post-secondary education or career um earnings, anything like that that the district tracks in particular relating to our students? It We're not
069unique where any institution right? The data that you can get is how many kids are still enrolled in a in a two- or four-year college or or uh trade school, etc. I I believe it's 18 months after you could get a certain interval. Um after that, it's it's survey data, which we know survey data is really not accurate because most times in a survey, you get 10% etc. So, are we tracking our students afterwards? No, we track our students when they're here because we want to set them up for success after it and and give them the springboard. So, I understand >> that if I could just interject on that, the the school I work at, I think there was a a federal study that was being done that had one grade level that they
070were going to follow throughout their lives wherever they went. So, they came to our school and um started the study to see where they are and see where they went in their education, whether they stayed in our district or wound up in California, or I think they said they would even try to go across the world. Um I think that the funding for that was was recently cut. So, uh un- unfortunately, cuz it sounded like a really interesting study. But, I think that uh data is hard to find once they're out of our uh hands. But, it's a good question. It's a good topic for people to think about. >> Has the district considered doing any sort of surveys, even if they're not necessarily 100% reliable, has that been something that the district has considered?
071I I mean, as are you saying that we should do a survey? I'm just asking if that's something that the district has considered. >> Um All right. And then Mr. Lee, this is a pretty broad-ranging presentation on a lot of topics. >> that I think the public would like to hear a little bit about it. Just Just a moment. This is a pretty broad-ranging uh presentation on just about every facet of the district. So, I think the board, I think anyone could probably pull up any slide um and ask Everyone could come up with 20 questions that they have. And I'm not saying you don't have good questions, but I'd rather not get bogged down in that right now. Yeah. Am I allowed to ask questions though? And and I do want to I do
072want to offer a an invitation, which I I believe I do after every meeting. And that's if if you want to go into any of these appointments in uh topics in depth, make an appointment, come by the office. We can really get into the weeds a little bit. But, don't you think the public should hear about this as well? They just did. Yeah, and and I'm trying to get some more clarification on those topics that you discussed, cuz there's a lot of important things and I think it's worth considering and discussing. Thank you. How many questions do you have, Mr. Lee? I didn't count the number of questions I have, but I have questions. Because I I will say this, I and I know it's it's right. Let's keep them on topic and moving because
073I I will say this. We're talking about student achievement. We're talking about that. >> they're high level. Yes. So, I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I object and say that this this is the superintendent's report. It's not an action item. There's not There does not have to be board discussion. Uh Mr. Beers did offer to take a couple questions. So, may I ask more questions? >> I'm in the middle of a a sentence, respectfully. Thank you. Right. Um like you just said, you have quite a quite a few questions, but that wasn't um planned for the evening. There was not a question slide on there. It's the superintendent's report. He's given his report. Is there anything further on your report, Mr. Beers? Okay. Uh if there's anything else you want to If there's
074anything you'd like to bring up in new business and or old business, that's appropriate. You can You're off We can address a little bit of it later in the meeting if there's one or two pressing things you have. But again, if we went down the rabbit hole of looking into every single thing on that slide, which did talk about a lot of the good things that are going on. >> why not talk about it? >> be here for quite a while. So, uh the superintendent's report >> I think there should be some questions that should be answered. I think the [snorts] public deserves to hear about them. >> made your You've made that point and I respect that point. For the moment, we're going to move on. Mr. Beers has invited you and anyone else
075to talk more about it. I'm happy to be part of that of of of those discussions with you. But we do need to keep the meeting move moving on and you're welcome to here or elsewhere. Uh give us your thoughts about Give us in the community your thoughts about that. So, uh we are going to go to committee reports starting with the academic committee and Mr. Joshi. Yeah, so the committee met um on May 18th, yesterday, at 5:00. In attendance were my were myself, Mrs. Hasoun, Mr. Walker, Mr. Pepe, Dr. Jones, Mr. Beers, Mrs. Madia, Miss Edge, and Mr. Hamburger. The first topic was the overview of explorations. Uh Ms. Mrs. Mattia, director of elementary education, reviewed the implementation of the new exploration module modules for students in grades 1 through 5. She explained that
076the period is designed to provide learning opportunities beyond typical or tier 1 curriculum uh tier 1 curriculum-based instruction and will take place daily within the student's schedule. Mrs. Mattia noted that the program is intended for all students and will focus on exploratory instructions and engaging learning experiences that spark curiosity and creativity. She also emphasized that the exploration period is designed to be interactive, meaningful, fun, while encouraging students um interest and participation. Any questions on that? Uh question on that. So, you know, we have the explorations. I'm just curious, are there any other districts that also offer explorations? Yeah. Do they? Dr. Jones? Yes, it's it's a form of school-wide enrichment. So, people call it all different things, but many other districts do offer a period for students at the school-wide enrichment, yeah. Is that a
077Is there What other Are there What sort of specific districts offer it? You know what, Jeremy? I I honestly don't know off the top of my head. It's things we've looked at and then I don't remember them unless I'm Okay. Well, I I'm just curious what What What's like what kind of, you know, I'm just from my background because I I didn't get to see the minutes until very recently. I don't know the depth of the discussion that was had at the academic committee meeting, but what sort of discussion did you have about like how this would improve student outcomes and hopefully improve you know long-term student success and academic achievement? At academic committee you're asking? >> Yeah, you talked about any sort of research. We gave an overview of what it actually looks like
078and it kind of explained here are modules and we showed some samples of what the modules are so that people would be able to kind of visualize it. >> Was there any kind of research that you guys did maybe that's kind of illustrated >> Right, it's the school wide enrichment model. Yeah, so actually I'm just going to I'm going to interject because it's a lot of questions that I think you that it seems like you have your own thoughts on. So if you have your own thoughts that you would like to express, I can give you some time later but again I'm not going point by point and saying let's name 10 other districts in New Jersey and what do they do? And let's I mean unless No, I just want to say so it
079so it is research based. I do want to point out that this we just met yesterday at academic committee so we had to turn this around quickly but the actual slideshows that we used which should have links and stuff in them are in the board driver ready in the committee folder so I know you wouldn't have had time to look at them today because like I said the turnaround was quick but you can certainly look through them if you have questions you can email me if you'd like. Okay. Any others? Nope, okay. Item two was the overview of title one summer learning program. Mrs. Madia provided an overview of the summer learning program which will be funded through title one. The program is targeted to approximately 100 students from Adamsville and JFK in grades K
080through two who are currently receiving intervention services. The program will run through July. Any questions? Yeah, I have a similar question to before. um, I know the Title 1 and I'm sure this is something that, you know, obviously it's good that it's grant funded for students that get intervention, uh, but, you know, what sort of when you look at maybe other districts or sort of the research out there, what sort of research has shown that, you know, some of these programs work or has that is that something that you guys looked at? No, why would we ever look at research, Jeremy? What do you think we're professionals or something who know what we're doing? No, let me fill you in on it. >> Okay. There are programs that run that are research-based. And and if
081I can respectfully say this, every point we we can't have an interrogation here. Summer programs, if you put it through your computer, summer programs and enhanced instruction and tutoring is one of the best interventions you could do for any student. Thank you. I'm just curious if I could ask a specific question. >> to to walk away from the condescending tone where you're like, "Have you thought of it?" I don't know. We have a director of curriculum with a doctorate. I don't know. I I didn't say that. >> An assistant superintendent with a doctorate. No, but your questions are condescending and quite frankly they're getting bearish. So, have have we looked at research? Of course we have. I'm just curious which research. So, if you have a question, like I say all the time, on the
082actual program to get into the weeds of this, you can set up an appointment and and do it. But, anytime I send you that, you say, "Yeah, I want to discuss it here in public." So, now we're discussing it. It's inappropriate. >> I don't think so. And and I I Yeah, that's your problem. So, what we've got to stop doing, I'm not going to tolerate condescending questioning and behavior towards members of the cabinet. >> Can you explain how it's condescending? Okay. I'll explain. the air. Mr. Singer, go ahead. Mr. Singer has a question. Go ahead. No, I don't have a question. I I can explain how it's condescending cuz we have professionals here who have gone through I agree. tiers upon tiers of education and are experts in their field. And you come and ask
083questions with no intention of actually getting the answers because while they're answering, you're still talking and formulating your next question. If you actually want answers to your questions, we have a board norm that says, "Provide your questions to the administration." And the reason that we do that is so that our administration has the opportunity to investigate the questions. And you complain that you didn't have the time to review this today, but you've got the time apparently to make questions about materials that you didn't review. So, I'm kind of curious how how that works out. I I'm just I'm not Mr. Singer has the floor, please, Mr. Lee. We are professionals who work in this field. This is what they have dedicated their lives to. And it's not for money. It's not for you know, the
084adulation. It's because it is a calling for them. And this is what they want to do with their life. And to sit here and have someone say, "Well, I mean, is it research-based?" I mean, I didn't ask that. I can't imagine >> that. Yes, you did. I asked what sort of research was looked into and anything that the committee discussed. I can't imagine asking a professional suggesting in this manner that they're not doing their job I never said that. It's It's really >> Yeah, but that's I never said that. I never said that. That's That's certainly the implication, Mr. Lee. No, it's not the implication at all. You don't have the floor right now. So, that's the implication as I see it. And if that continues to be the line of questioning, I'm not going
085to recognize you at this stage of the conversation. >> Well, I I it's fair to ask what kind of research was observed. Can I just make one comment, please? Just so that everybody understands how we do the application process when we are applying for these grants. So, when we do Title 1 2 3 4, right? And we're completing the grant, one of the requirements, other than that you have to have a need for it and state what your need is and how you're going to identify students, it must be research-based. It's a requirement of all the programs. So, when we submit something, it's approved at the county superintendent level and then it's approved at the state level. So, they approve it at two levels. They review all your work and everything you do must show
086that it's evidence-based and you have to actually cite it and provide the the links to the evidence right in your application in order for it to be approved. So, I would be able to provide it if I looked up our application, but I don't have it all memorized, but that's just a requirement of all the title money that you see. It's checked on us in two places. Okay. I mean, I was just asking what kind of research. I wasn't saying did you do research. I know you did and I know you guys are the experts, that's why I want to learn exactly what came into making it a specific decision and why the committee discussed what they discussed and what they discussed cuz I think the public deserves to hear that. >> And and I
087think what the public also deserves is answers. is a level of respect Yes. at this board and one of the board and it's also respect for this public body because one of the board norms And honestly, board norms are made up. Excuse me, Mr. Lee, you don't have the floor. Board norms are approved upon. It's how organizations run. Nope. It's no surprises. If you have questions and we have access to information, make an appointment. Come and see come and see me. Come and see Dr. Jones. We can figure this out. Doesn't the public deserve the Mr. Lee, please stop interjecting. That's our board norms. If you don't respect them, which which you don't Well, the board doesn't either. Is the public sending you questions? >> to stop because it's like I'm back teaching eighth grade
088again. >> No, no. I I just have before I continue >> people that Mr. Joshi, if I could interject real quick. Is there Let's try to stay on track here. I think this could be a discussion we could have another time. Mr. Joshi, you were on Yeah. Um summer title one summer learning programs. Is there anything else you'd like to say about that or any questions from the board on on that? I'm going to move on to number three. Okay. The high school AI committee recommendations. Uh Mr. Hamburger, uh high school principal, and Miss Edge, social studies supervisor, provided an overview of the Bridgewater-Raritan High School AI committee structure and outcomes. And AI is in artificial intelligence, not the other AI. The committee which included teachers uh representing a variety of content areas work collaboratively
089to develop a clear vision, guiding principles, and the Bridgewater-Raritan High School generative AI usage scale. In addition to committee work, focus groups, and multiple opportunities for stakeholder feedback were incorporated throughout the process. The AI usage scale was developed as a guide for students and teachers to use artificial intelligence purposefully to enhance learning and critical thinking rather than bypassing the educational process. The framework provides clarity regarding when and how AI tools may be appropriately integrated into instruction while maintaining academic integrity. Item number four was textbook recommendation for science. The final phase of 2025-2026 grade 6 through 8 science textbook pilot, which included the collection and review of student feedback was shared. Feedback was gathered from 176 students and included both uh quantitative survey results and written comments regarding their preferred science textbook resource. The student feedback
090served as the concluding component of the pilot process. Savvas is the final textbook recommendation. We adjourned at 6:20 and our next meeting is on June 8th. Can I have some questions that I'd like to ask? Mr. Joshi, it's your report. Would you care to take questions at this time? Can I ask questions? Oh. I'm sorry. Ms. Lockard. Ms. Lockard, we'll we'll go to Ms. Lockard, yep. Can Can we respectfully keep our microphones off so someone else I'm not talking. So, I had a question about the survey. I don't remember >> I have a point of order. I've gotten feedback from the community that are listening in and watching our feed, but the extraneous noises from microphones that are on from people who aren't speaking is actually distracting and they can't hear the speakers who are
091speaking. So, if we could all keep our microphones off. Okay, thank you. Thank you. >> Ms. Lockard, I'm sorry. I know you've been waiting to get in for a while. I apologize for not calling you on the initially. Go ahead. >> fine. Um I can always save it for new business if I want to. Uh so, my question was about the um I'm sorry, what was the last thing that you just Yes, textbook recommendations. I don't remember in the past that there was a a survey before was this a new initiative or has this been done before and I just don't remember? Okay, go ahead. Um we always try to survey students. So, when we do pilots of textbooks, not we don't always have like every classroom. So, generally, you know, you seek volunteers and
092you get a cross-section of teachers and that's actually in the board drive from last time because that's when they did the overall presentation. But what happened was um you know, we had the presentation explaining the committees, the what they had looked at, the two finalists they had after having four initial, you know, possible textbooks, they had narrowed to to two. They were leaning towards the Savvas actually, the teachers. So we already had that. We just didn't have the student feedback yet. So we did go back and collect the student feedback from the students who had been involved in the pilot. Um, so we we typically do. It is typically, you know, something that we would have. >> And also the textbooks are not um, you know, purchased on a, you know, every year or two-year
093basis. Some of these books go for years at a time. So when that rotation comes back, the surveys are done. So I do remember a couple of years ago we did, I forget which subject, I don't remember, history I think it was, that we did the the similar thing. I thought it was really helpful to see the commentaries, so thank you. Yeah, I have a question about the AI committee. Um, it's good to hear that there's something that the high school is considering. Um, but, you know, obviously it seems like students and teachers were involved. What are maybe some specific uh, areas of feedback that you heard from students and teachers that you thought was maybe common between all of them and how did that funnel into the actual framework that you guys built and
094discussed and maybe talk a little bit about what that framework is um, and how that applies to some of the learning standards for students right now in the high school and even across the district potentially. So one of the things um, that was and I believe it's in our folder as well is uh, and this was very innovative I think in that there are scales as I said in my report where certain um, certain usage of AI will be accepted. So you know, the teacher may say there is zero usage, you know, scale of zero, that means no AI support will be um needed in classroom or being used by the students. And so on and so forth, you know, level one, level two, where you can use some AI version of it. But basically,
095you know, the the purpose of this is to have students, you know, like the old days, you know, think for themselves instead of relying basically on the AI a component of it. Um you know, there is such a thing, this is my opinion, there is such a thing as it now, you know, too much technology, right? Kids stop thinking. So, I think what this does is basically teaches them that look, yes, it is a tool, um and it can be useful in certain extent or or in certain cases, but not all the time. Um the other thing that is very interesting is the um you know, the last item I read, maintaining academic integrity, right? So, a lot of the the reports that kids may be using, you know, AI for or ChatGPT or what
096whatever it may be. So, this is you know, showing kids, you know, limiting the the use of AI um and having them think for themselves instead of having uh you know, AI do the work for them. So, this is what it it's based on. >> Would you mind if I just add >> Yeah, yeah, go ahead. Um so, this actually probably was initiated by the teachers at the high school because, you know, the use of AI suddenly became um so widespread that um I think people were concerned, teachers were concerned that you know, people were handling it in all different ways and they wanted something that was consistent, so that everybody had the same they were creating a common understanding across the school, so across teachers, across students, common language that they could use to
097discuss it. And when they So, part of the work was initially done with the English and history departments at the high school. And then what happened was they worked with the building principal who created really a steering committee across all the content areas. And so this way they got feedback of how AI looks and how it could be used across different content areas. Um and then they provided opportunities to get additional feedback from teachers. So like during the lunch periods they had focus groups or stakeholder feedback groups. Um the steering committee presented things at faculty meetings. And basically what they came up with was their mission, kind of what their vision is for how to use it, some guiding principles. And this is on the document that's also in the board drive. Again, it was
098put there today. And then the most exciting part was really this AI usage scale that they created. And the idea is that people are going to be really intentional about intentional about how and when they're using AI. So a teacher might be a zero on the scale and say for this particular project you can't use AI at all. So the teacher will be able to explicitly say that the students will know and have an understanding of the expectations. Someone else might be working at level one and you'll use it for brainstorming or creating outlines. But you shouldn't be using it to clarify or to assist in editing which would be, you know, at a level two. And it goes up through um four levels from zero to four. And this way there's this really um
099explicit common understanding for students and teachers so that they're talking about this. And And everybody understands when it's appropriate and to to use AI as a tool for something. In the uh folder, if you look, um there's a colorful the scale. The second page is the vision for, you know, gen AI in teaching and learning. So take a look at that as well. That's very informative why this is being implemented and what the mission of this goal is. Is this Is this presentation something we can make public potentially for or make make publicly available? I think I think the tool will absolutely be publicly available because they'll definitely have it on the district website and you know, create it to connect it to the student handbook and yes. >> that's what I was going to
100say that will be added into the student handbook as well. >> Okay, got it. Um so I guess my understanding is that from a going back to the scales that you discussed uh this is up to teachers, teachers can decide to what extent AI is used. Is there any kind of limit on the extent to which there is where it's like regardless it shouldn't be used to this extent? I I I think this might be getting a little bit when when we're delving into the classroom itself and what limits teachers have >> think people deserve to hear about it. I think the public deserves to hear. what teachers have and don't have. I think that's going to I think this has to filter its way down to the teachers and then the administration will kind
101of put those barriers and at that point I think if we have any questions this isn't hasn't been implemented yet officially at least I don't think so. So I think >> a case-by-case basis. So there's not going to be an answer. I'm I'm just wondering is there any sort of limits that were agreed to by you know, the stakeholder group? >> on the bottom of the document. It's prohibited like when you use it without editing so you're using it like in its entirety just to solve a problem or write a paper. >> Got it. >> It's always prohibited in those instances. And I'm I'm just curious as well, you know, there's obviously a lot of guidelines here in scales that the committee and you know, the stakeholder group also talk about any sort of enforcement
102framework um for how they would enforce these scales and how they'd look for certain things that show that per- perhaps whatever guidance was provided by the teacher was being violated by student. Yes, so we have already an academic integrity um procedures, right? And there's a document that explains what happens at each level when someone breaks academic integrity. This is the same. Using AI is like a different way to, you know, um Got it. Right, but but it's not like Thank you, Barry. I was trying to think of the best word. Cheat Cheating is it. But it's But it's not new to us, right? In education, I mean, I've been in education for like 30-something years. And when I taught middle school, I had to tell students that they were writing the papers in front of
103me cuz I didn't want them to go home and have somebody else write them. Um and so this is not new to us. So it will still be aligned with our current academic integrity policy. Is there any kind of like, I guess, maybe training that teachers have done on sort of how to really look out for the signs of AI? Is that something that Do you Do you Do you want to Look, Mr. Lee, I'm I think I'm asking perfectly appropriate questions. >> To the point that was made before about kind of the about not asking questions. >> Do you seriously think that the teachers are not going to be trained in an appropriate way to use this new tool? I don't think that's what I said at all. That's what was implied, though. That's
104what you think is implied. >> Singer's point before about courtesy and about not being condescending. >> Your idea of courtesy is not asking questions. >> and the assistant superintendent of curriculum, well, are you going to teach Are our teachers going to know what to do? The answer is of course teachers are going to know what to do. It may not That was what That was how I interpreted it. >> what I said. That was a That That was my takeaway from your comments. >> that. >> And that's what I think what most people think what Can we move on, please? So, is there anything else on AI from somebody else before we move on or anything else on the academic report? I'm done. I'm I'd like to ask about the textbooks. Can I ask about
105the textbooks? >> Ms. Asuna. >> I'd like to make a comment. Go ahead. Can you please turn off your microphone first? Thank you. Um first of all, if you would bring the questions forward, I understand that you'd like the public to be aware of all the things that you're thinking of. But, if you would give them the questions in advance, we could all move through this quicker and the public could hear all the information because there would be time to include it in the presentations as opposed to this back and forth thing that we're going through. And in addition, this isn't a back and forth. Turn off your mic, please. In addition, there are 12 other people at this table and if 12 people are giving you feedback that what you're saying is condescending or
106coming across the right wrong way, take that feedback personally because you are amongst peers here and we are telling you what you are saying is condescending. Can you explain how? >> but you have 12 adults saying it is condescending with a lot more experience. So, take that information back and work on it. Well, I I'd like you to explain how, but Okay, with that we are going to move on to the uh finance, facilities, and transportation committee with Mr. Singer. The committee met on May 13th at 5:30 p.m. In attendance was Mr. Maloney, Ms. Lockrin, Mr. Pepe, Mr. Olmsky, and Mr. Letso was also in attendance. Up first was a referendum budget update. Mr. Letso provided an update to the status of the referendum budget by reviewing some some completed projects including the newly completed
107windows phase one and intermediate toilet renovation projects which were closed out with a $22,000 and $53,000 allowance credit respectively. Also discussed were that the exception of the windows replacements, I'm sorry, also discussed were that with the exception of the windows replacements and HVAC upgrades, projects have been coming in very close or to or below budget. The district is overall under budget 1.7 million and it's currently in the design phase for the high school gym and district-wide multi-purpose room HVAC upgrade bids. There was no recommendation at this time. Are there any questions? I have a question. Mr. Lee, go ahead. Um I'm just curious looking out. I know there's a good chunk of HVAC work that's already been done, but how much more on the HVAC side do we have from a referendum perspective? In general.
108We have the intermediate schools, so Hillside and Eisenhower. That's still um being designed. Uh the multi-purpose rooms as uh Mr. Singer stated and the high school gym. Um I believe that's all. That's yeah. Air handling units to be installed, right? We need to have the air handling units delivered and installed or not? The The AC units? For most of the schools? Some of the schools are already in place. Um the ones that are currently under construction um this summer we'll be starting the middle school. That'll just be starting and Adamsville. Crim has been ongoing throughout the year um and is mostly complete. Um so a a lot of the work has been completed. Um but what still needs to be awarded and designed to go out to bid are the intermediates and the multi-purpose rooms
109and the high school gym. Got it. And I'm just curious as well. I mean, looking at sort of our expectations and our maybe there's any leading indicators. Um maybe there's been any changes. I feel like I know there's been a lot of adverse economic effects on the cost of HVAC, HVAC material, but are there any indications or you know, expectations on how much over budget or you know, probably unlikely under budget uh you know, the multi-purpose uh room HVAC upgrades in the other uh HVAC projects you discussed that would be coming up for bid. Any indication on that? My understanding is that as a a referendum you can't go over budget. You have a certain amount of money to spend and you can either then supplement with capital reserve or you can make hard decisions
110that we're going to have to look at. Right. So for the HVAC projects, they've been coming in consistently over budget. Sometimes 30%. Uh we we don't anticipate that going down. So what as we design them and we're actually have walk-throughs tomorrow in the multi-purpose rooms. Uh we're going to look at if we need to scale back um so that it's still completed but maybe in a different capacity. Um so that we can accomplish all the projects that were approved in the referendum. Once all the funds of the referendum have been spent then we can utilize um district funds, capital reserve, budget it, however. So I I know you guys have been >> I'm going to I'm going to acknowledge Ms. Lockridge. Can Can you just give an update on on the overview of the budget
111because I believe that when that that there was room where if you're over here and under Can you just give an overall update of where we stand? Right. So although we're over on you know the windows and HVAC projects, we have been coming in under on renovation type work. So that is offsetting. So as we come in under on all all those other projects, we can then help offset the increases in the HVAC bids. So I have an a follow-up question. Is it on Is it on a specific >> It's on what was discussed during the committee. Um and I know there we've been considering uh or at least the administration has obviously worked on figuring out how we can modify some of the bids. I'm just curious, you know, what kind of bid modifications
112are being considered or potentially being considered relating to some of these upcoming over budget potentially HVAC projects. >> I think it's a very specific question. I I don't know if Mr. Lomsky is going to have all that information at the at his fingertips. >> That's all right. Whatever information he has. >> I'm in the middle of a sentence, Mr. Lee. Mr. Lomsky, would is that a question you'd like to field now or get back to Mr. Lee on? Microphone's on, Jerry. I could shed some light on one example for a particular one particular HVAC project. We instead of choosing to completely replace the exhaust outlets that come out of the roof. Um we chose to keep the existing ones and just put certain adapters on them which um was a significant cost saving. So >>
113[laughter] >> we're looking at areas where if it's calling for something brand new, but if it's in good shape, we're going to change the specifications to keep what we have to help trim down some of the cost. So that's one example. Um if I don't know any other specifics really. All right. Thank you. Anyone else on that item? I'm sorry, Mr. Singer. I interrupted your report. Not at all. Up next was the business agenda review. The business administrator reviewed the draft business action items for tonight's meeting with special attention to the general education transportation bid award for the upcoming 26-27 school year which came in slightly over budget primarily due to rising fuel prices. The recommendation of the committee was to approve the action items. Are there any questions? Up next was the review of
114the policy 6200 and 6300 series. The committee discussed their review of these policies with brief discussion on the budget related policies as the committee felt it was relevant considering the board had just adopted the 26-27 budget. Consensus was to leave the policies as they are and the committee will review the policy review of the will continue the policy review of the 6400 series for the next committee meeting scheduled in June. There were no other matters discussed and the next they adjourned at 7:15 p.m. with the next meeting at on June 10th at 5:30 p.m. All right, thank you Mr. Singer. Now we kick it over to Mr. Walker with the personnel committee. Thank you President Pepe. Um we met on May 12th here at the Wade building at 5:30 and attendance was Dr. Founder, Mr.
115Beers, myself, Mr. Maloney, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Pepe. The first item on First we discussed the personnel addendum for this evening. Discussion the committee discussed the personnel addendum items. Dr. Founder reviewed specific sections of the addendum and answered questions. The committee supported the action The recommendation is the committee supported the action items. Next on the agenda was the re-appointment of non-bargaining unit staff members. The committee reviewed the non-aligned staff staff list and the and the work and the work that informs the re-appointment process. The committee also reviewed the central office administration contracts that were approved by the county circuit superintendent. Recommendation the committee supported the action items. Next we discussed the administrative structure of the district. Discussion. Mr. Beers and Dr. Founder discussed the administrative structure changes moving to next year including those related to
116the elimination of positions. Recommendation the committee supported the related action items. Um item four on the agenda was BR R BRSA sidebar agreement. Dr. Founder discussed the rationale for the BRSA sidebar agreement in relation to the next year's administrative structure and the recommendation of the committee was to support this on the action items. Fifth, a personnel legal update. Dr. Founder reviewed a confidential legal matter. The committee will discuss it discuss the issue further at the next meeting. Um item six was substitution rates of pay. Mr. Beers and Dr. Founder outlined the rationale for increasing some of the substitution rates. The recommendation the committee will discuss these issues further at the next meeting. Seven, other matters. Dr. Bonner updated the Board of Education about the district's job fair and the overwhelming success we have had because
117there were many hires that came on the evening. We adjourned at 7:02 and our next meeting is June 9th at 5:30. Thank I have some questions. Thank you very much. Can I ask some questions? Mr. Walker, would you like to take any questions at this time? Sure, I'll take one. Okay. Mr. Lee. Well, I know we we discussed this in committee, um, but maybe can you talk a little bit about how raises are determined for some of the non-bargaining unit employees which is going to be on the agenda tonight. Mr. Beers, go ahead. If you were at the committee wouldn't you be able to let us know how that's done? This is where I get confused. Like where Like there are such things as dumb questions. And I think the public deserves to know. >>
118When When you're at the committee, if you'd like to comment, there's a time at that at the end of of the agenda, but Wait You were at the committee, right? You You were there. >> Yes. Okay, so you have a question about the committee that you attended and were a part of? On behalf of the public, I think they'd like to hear about that. >> a comment on your webpage or whatever, but let's get on with business. So I mean, it's not a difficult question, but I like I think the public would like to hear about how that's determined. How How do How do Well, you'd like me to answer? So, you're welcome to give your thoughts, Mr. Lee. You're a member of this question and answer. I I You're a member of this board.
119We would love to hear your thoughts. >> Actually, I just have a point of order. Are we allowed to talk about the methodology for Yeah. Exactly. Exactly. So, I can't even really talk about raising You were asking Dr. to talk about it. I didn't ask Dr. I'm asking you to talk about it publicly. Yes, and we have not voted on it yet, Mr. Singer. That's a good point. So, we should probably uh move on from here. Uh especially cuz that could give you know, negotiations that had So, let me Let me ask >> Thank you, Mr. >> Let me ask Can I talk about something to pay rates? We are going to move on. I can't I can't ask questions. Okay. No, you had your one question at this year's Can I ask my question?
120Can I ask my question? So, we're going to move on to the Community Relations Committee with Ms. Lockrin. Please don't yell at me. >> [laughter] >> It's pretty ironic. How is it ironic? Hey, ladies and folks, >> is not ironic. let's folks, we can please pause the cross talk. If I've done any, I apologize, but let's stay with the agenda. Ms. Lockrin, Community Relations. Uh we have not had a meeting since our last board meeting, uh but I would really like to get one on the calendar before the next one. [clears throat] So, we'll make that happen. That'd be great. Thank you. All right. Uh we are up to Liaison and Delegate Reports. I'm just going to jump in with one item from the Borough of Raritan. There was a uh maybe there still is
121a club at Bridgewater-Raritan called uh Pinoys of today, which is a Filipino cultural club that um uh went before the uh Borough Council in Raritan to ask them to consider opening up or closing down, rather, a part of Somerset Street to host a Filipino uh festival. And that was I'm very happy to say that that was approved uh for next October. So, uh I'll be saving up my appetite for that, but it looks like an exciting event. And it's good to see that our uh students are continuing to be involved in our local community, not just the broader community, after they graduate. And there might be some students involved with that as well. So, I wanted to uh let everyone know about that cuz All right. Any other any further uh liaison or delegate reports?
122Mr. Singer. On uh On May's uh I'm sorry. On May 4th, I attended, along with uh Mr. Pepe, Ms. Maloney, Mr. Joshi, and Ms. Asuna, the Somerset County School Boards meeting uh at which they honored uh Hillside's Karen Masoud as Somerset County Teacher of the Year. Uh and they also recognized our own A.J. Joshi for his 15 years of service to Boards of Education. >> [applause] >> Um A- As an aside, I just want want to thank the board members for attending that meeting because as we were walking up um to take a picture with Ms. Masoud, I heard another board member comment how nice it was that we came out to support Ms. Masoud. Um so, I appreciate everyone's being there. In addition, uh news on the Somerset County School Boards Association level, uh
123our own Ms. Lockrin has been appointed as the Somerset County School Boards second vice president for legislation. So, congratulations to you. >> [applause] >> Uh I don't think there's another meeting until September or October. So. Uh and I also want to recognize we had a number of um every time we have an in-person meeting at Vo-Tech, uh we're treated to uh excellent food that our Vo-Tech students um uh prepare and serve. And I recognized a number of them there and uh just want to say that our students are doing a great job there and of course in all facets of the Vo-Tech. On May 16th, uh myself and Mr. Pepe attended the Delegates Assembly. >> [snorts] >> I previously sent out a summary of the resolutions, so I'm not going to go over them here.
124Um With the exception of the ranked choice voting resolution, all of the other resolutions passed. And uh otherwise that was that's it. If anyone has any questions about those resolutions, please come see me separately. Thanks. All right, any further uh liaison or delegate report at this time? All right, seeing uh seeing none, we're going to close uh that section of the agenda and move on to item number nine, open to the public. Individuals and or groups are invited to present their concerns, comments, and requests to the Board of Education at this time for any matters. In accordance with board policy, members of the board are allotted one opportunity to address the board for a maximum of 5 minutes during this period of the meeting. And please be advised that a video recording of this meeting
125will be posted on the district's website. And if you could just please uh let us know your name and town of residence, it would be much appreciated. Good evening. Hey everyone. Um Stacey Friedlander, um longtime resident, past board member. I had to come out of retirement to be here tonight because I really want to address the continued political grandstanding that we're seeing during board Board of Education meetings surrounding such things as insignificant budget line items like therapy dogs, cheerleading choreography, and even piano tuning. These comments are being presented as fiscal responsibility, but they are not serious budget analysis. They're performative distractions. They create outrage over minuscule expenses that directly support students while consuming valuable meeting time that should be focused on meaningful district business, student achievement, educational priorities, and the actual needs of this community.
126At some point, taxpayers should ask themselves, what is costing this district more? A therapy dog visit or the endless speeches designed to manufacture controversy and generate political sound bites. What makes this even more frustrating is the hypocrisy behind it. Public records have exposed that a board member has sought financial reimbursement from the district for travel and conference expenses connected to board service. Despite this being a volunteer position where other members routinely absorb those costs themselves. Meanwhile, same individual likes to publicly lecture everyone else about fiscal conservativism. Like people with the piano tuning and student activities. We simply cannot have somebody position themselves as the sole guardian of taxpayer dollars while simultaneously being the only person submitting expenses back to taxpayers. And quite frankly, this person needs to spend less time staring at his computer, drafting
127rebuttals, and preparing theatrical responses for social media clips. And if he was paying attention, he might actually hear and comprehend the comments being made by members of the public and even fellow board members. This board was elected to serve students, families, and the district as a whole. Not to audition for political relevance through manufactured outrage and performative attacks over microscopic line items in a multi-million dollar school budget. The constant dramatics are exhausting. They're unproductive and beneath the level of seriousness this community deserves from its elected officials. I am seriously concerned. It's a bad look. And I want to thank those of you who are looking at me, who are paying attention, who are hearing me. I want to thank those of you who look at each other during meetings, who listen to each other, and
128engage professionally. You are true colleagues. You are the representatives of this community. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Freelander. >> [applause] >> Good evening, Laura Kress. >> President, soon to not be, of the Bridgewater-Raritan Education Association. And now, and I really just probably the last time I'm going to say anything at a meeting, so I mean, I can't follow that up. But, I can add to the fact that, yes, it has become much more controversial. The meetings last longer. Uh I don't find that productive This is These aren't productive conversations that are happening. Um and I think that probably emailing questions to the board ahead of time, like used to be done or still is done by other members, really will get to the message out to the public in a much more streamlined, less argumentative,
129aggressive, and condescending manner. Now, having said that, I would like to move on for a second and just think, you know, it's been great working here for the last 26 years. I have to say that I've learned a whole lot about myself and other humans um that I will take with me. Um and you know, big change, right? Doing something else, moving on. So, I appreciate all of you. We don't always agree on everything, but I appreciate all of you. I think great things have happened, are and continuing to happen here. Um and, you know, Frank Er will be uh the next president, and he'll probably show up sometime after watching Well, no. Uh he's supposed to show up sometime in July. But, um yeah, so just thank you and uh Oh, one last thing
130I need to bring up. Just real quick, I need I'm I mean, I think that our building has did a good job in the heat wave the last couple of days, but I'm just kind of reaching out and saying if we could you know, if we have another one of these heatwaves, if there's a way we can >> [snorts] >> which I know is not a popular quest a popular statement, but maybe shorten the school day because it does get to be near 100° in the upper wings. And um although, you know, it's coming and I just knew I wouldn't be here when it happened. I just have to say but I did get new windows. I will say that. And they're beautiful windows and there's no breeze coming through my windows that moves my
131overhead projector anymore. So kudos to that. Um but I will say the one downside to the windows without air condition is they don't open as much. And that is just the nature of the beast that this happens now, right? So, I mean climate change is real. It's happening. It's hotter now than it's been in the last 26 years I've been here. So, um I was just throwing that out there because nobody's really learning anything when it's 100° and miserable, but I do understand it's a pressure on the parents, too, right? To sort of you know, make that leave that balance there. So, um anyway, that's it. Have a great night and uh you know, my phone now goes off now that I'm almost 60 at 9:00 to remind me to go to bed. So, I'll
132be here for a little while longer, but thanks everybody. Thank you, Mrs. Crest. Miss Crest, best wishes. Good evening. Starting my timer, sorry. No, it's fine. All right. Hi, my name is Carrie Jensen. I'm a Bridgewater resident, a mom of four students in the district, and a former employee in the district as well. And I want to thank you for allowing the public to share their thoughts. So, I just typed out a bunch of stuff, so I hope I don't run out of time. Um I really appreciate the way that the district and the board handled the day of the shelter-in-place. I have a child in four building I have a one child in four separate buildings, and I did receive a text from Eisenhower. I received a text and an email. All the parents
133of students at Eisenhower did at 7:33 a.m. explaining that there was some event going on. I would encourage the district to have a plan in place for a district delivered communication for any kind of events if they happen in the future. Uh that would avoided the social confusion that was on media social media all day. Uh I do want to point out that this meeting did conflict with the high school orchestra program, um and that was really heartbreaking for me as an orchestra teacher, and I really wanted to go, but I thought this would be more important. So, um I don't know if it if the board meetings set their meetings ahead of time and then the concerts were scheduled, but if that could just be um thought over for next time when the schedules
134are made so that there's less conflict and more people can come and speak. Uh lack of communication, um especially around and that um it does increase the frustration and it causes more opacity and less transparency. So, I'm not sure how that can be improved, but there was a lot of frustration from parents who have children in the AI program that this was blindsiding them, and that's not fair. >> [snorts] >> Argumentative persons in certain meetings, um do waste time to piggyback on what Stacy said. And it does increase hostility amongst the board members and the public. And in-fighting on camera looks terrible. It's embarrassing for our district and it teaches our children, our students that this is acceptable and it is not. So, that does need to change. I would encourage, um, adding a thorough
135typing component to the district curriculum. Our students, as of right now, get one-to-one Chromebooks in fifth grade. That will change next year, they won't, I believe, until sixth grade. But, my children have a hard time typing because they don't know how. They've never been taught how to type. They still hunt and peck. And when state tests are administered through the computer and they have only certain number of time certain amount of time to type things out, if they don't know how to touch type, it takes them a lot longer. So, I think that before we give them that Chromebook, or when we give them that Chromebook, part of that process is incorporating a teaching typing part of a class. I'm not sure which class, it would probably technology. Um, regarding Chromebooks, we had mentioned the,
136um, AI generative AI features. There are still AI features on the Chromebook and my own children, though they do have academic integrity, like to play around with AI because it's fun. When they get done with their schoolwork and they're with their friends, they like to, you know, write silly stories and whatnot using AI to see what it can do. But, it is not appropriate for those students to be able to have such access to generative AI. And hopefully the technology department could find a way to get rid of that generative AI in the Google homepage when they open up their Chromebooks. Because I do not think Oh, I'm sorry. Um any programs by the district faculty that are in use should not be collecting student data or student behavior that is used to train AI
137models because it exploits our children's information and their intellectual property. There are some programs out there that have been dealing with this. I don't think our district uses it, but I want to point that out just in case we haven't double-checked. In terms of clubs, there are wonderful clubs at every building in all levels, especially the enrichments at the intermediate schools. Teachers are often reticent to commit more of their time and responsibilities, especially if they are not financially compensated. And even if they are financially compensated, it's time. So, um I don't know if there's a process to volunteer to help sponsor these kinds of activities, but I know the middle school in the past has had a D&D club. And my son has been trying to get it off the ground this year, and there
138are no staff members willing to take on that task of advising. So, that [snorts] is one question I have. Um quickly, I a curriculum recommendation. I recommend that starting in 2027, chorus be offered at the third grade at all primary schools, and fourth grade chorus should be offered weekly at intermediate schools, and then education instrumental education should begin halfway through fourth grade. >> much for your comment. I'm going to have to I'm going to have to I'm going to pause you there just to be fair to everyone. If you have any further thoughts, you're welcome to email them onto the board and we'll pass them along or to ask the questions at the school level. But thank you for uh thank you for those thoughts tonight. Is there any further public comment this evening? Thank
139you. Good evening. My name is Mary Robbins. I live in Bridgewater. Um I came here tonight had some observations as as where I was as I was experiencing tonight and what I uh watched the video of last month, I did enjoy the reports. Mr. Joshi and Dr. Jones, I I really appreciated the answers cuz I really do like some of the questions. I really do. And I know that um one of the board members that everyone is talking about did receive 9,071 votes out of this community. And I think it's important to at least be kind with each other, have some compassion. Um I like to hear other points of view and argument I mean arguing is not always bad. Um Um I just like to just kind of mention that and just I it
140is kind of disheartening sometimes to just see people go at it. Um and shut and shutting communication down, so. Um and and I'm thinking too that as I was sitting there that maybe there's a process gap. You know, in terms of maybe there's too many questions, but we want we would like to see answers and it's always good to know that there are references um to any of the material that is being um presented, so. And that's it. Thank you very much for your comment, ma'am. Any further public comment this evening? Hi, good evening. Um my name is Andrew Bako and in addition to being a resident of Bridgewater, a parent of a child in Bridgewater schools. I'm also uh Bridgewater Township councilman and uh the uh Bridgewater Council's liaison to the Bridgewater-Raritan Board of
141Education. Um uh unfortunately, time uh did not allow uh me to attend other uh meetings until until tonight. Um but I would like to um uh reiterate the uh uh uh proclamation that the council was able to issue earlier this year in uh support of our uh school board here uh for uh school board appreciation month in January. Uh and since it was um 2 weeks ago uh teacher appreciation week, I'd also like to reiterate uh our appreciation of all the teachers within the district. Um and and and to make sure uh that uh the um uh the recognition is is uh universal to everyone. Uh not just uh homeroom or primary class teachers, but the uh as special uh class teachers as well, such as art and um technology and music uh and the
142school librarians. Um they all uh work extraordinarily hard to make uh the educational experience for the uh students in our district uh a very positive one. Uh so I'd like to uh make sure that the the thanks uh is is passed out. Um uh and um as I said, I'm also a parent of a a child in the school and um since um uh therapy dogs have apparently become a a hot topic, uh I I would like to um uh convey a message that I've heard from other parents um at uh at Adamsville school where my child is a student that they are very helpful for these students who uh who need them. So, just like to to point that out and again thank you very much both for a successful school year as we
143wrap this up and look forward to even better next year. Thank you very much. Thank you very much councilman and thank you for serving as liaison to our board this year. Thank you. Is there any further public comment this evening? Good evening. Uh my name is Jo My name is Joyce Lynn. I'm a Bridgewater resident. I kind of agree because the time of the meeting is short. So, a lot of time you cannot have a question that go in so detail that but my question is let's say that if he the member make appointment with another member say, "Okay, I like to have a detail." Will that information be made public or that just a private conversation? Okay, that's my question. So, so ma'am at this time this is uh strictly public comment. So, your
144thoughts or concerns or ideas you're welcome to present the board but we're not able to go into a question and answer. If you have specific questions, you could always email us and we can answer them as appropriate if appropriate. But for for this section of the meeting we would love to hear your your thoughts and your comments. Thank you. >> Thank you. On that or anything else? Okay. And so, if uh the board members make appointment with another member say, "Okay, I like to go through the details and uh I whatever the detail information regarding the subject, right? It's a very important. I think every every item every subject is important for the community. So, I would like to see that kind of information, the private conversation will make public. So, people knows that exactly
145what the question and what the answers are. Okay, that's my idea. And and it my second thought is it's just my personal feeling because of it e uh Sometimes you ask a question. And then another party would uh interpret it as a condescending, okay? And but the person that asked the question might not have the intention, okay? So, in order to have the good relationship between human beings, um the uh presumption of the intention of the other party should not put into the picture. Otherwise, the hostility will expand. Okay? Because I would like to see the board works very peacefully and for the public of Bridgewater public uh residents public. So, maybe it's just you know, that's that's my own personal personal philosophy, okay? Somebody asked me a very could be a little bit hostile
146question, but I don't want to assume that that's very condescending because the person might not have the intention. That's just my personal suggestion. Thank you. Thank Thank you for your comment, ma'am. Any further uh comments from the public this evening? Right, seeing none, I'm going to close the portion of public comment, and we are going to move on to section 10 of our agenda, which is approval of minutes. Do I hear a motion for the approval of the minutes? Second. There's a motion and a second. Any discussion? Seeing none, Mr. Lomsky, could you please call the roll on the minutes? Mr. Singer. >> Yes. Ms. Lockrin. Yes. Mr. Lee. No on the regular session meeting minutes, yes on closed session. Mr. Maloney. Yes. Mr. Joshi. Yes. Mr. Walker. Yes. Ms. Suna. Yes. Mr. Pepe. Yes,
147the motion carries. We are up to uh approval of action item section 11. Uh we're up to personnel. We uh earlier in the evening approved the personnel addendum 2632. So, do I have a motion for uh personnel 2633 through 2635? So moved. Motion, is there a second? Motion and a second. Any discussion on the personnel addendum? I have a motion. Um well, it depend on the it would depend on the topic and we'll um we can handle that as we need to. Dr. Finner, jump in if it's a question that needs to be in uh closed session if if you wouldn't mind if or if I rule the other way. >> [laughter] >> I have a motion. >> Mr. Lee, go ahead. I move to postpone definitely personnel resolution 2635, approval of administrator agreements, to
148the next regular Board of Education meeting during old business, and to publicly release the administrator agreements with the personal address information of administrators being redacted for public transparency and scrutiny, while protecting the private information of administrators pursuant to bylaw 0164 conduct of board meetings, which requires a public agenda and public materials to be posted for the community. There's a motion on the floor. Is there a second? Okay, seeing no second. Point of order. Yes, Mr. Lee. Under our parliamentary authority, Robert's Rules of Order section 49 colon 21 clearly outlines procedures for small boards of fewer than 12 members, and under those specific rules, motions do not require a second to be debated and voted upon. Since this board has only nine members, my motion is properly on the floor, and I would like to discuss
149it. Okay. Um so, looking at Robert's Rules, I mean, I haven't read the entire thing, but there is a section at the beginning that does talk about small boards, and it gives small boards considerable latitude as to how to run their meetings within, while still abiding by the precepts of Robert's Rules. Um I I saw the section that you that you're referring to. I don't consider it a mandate, and indeed, this board, and I think every board of education, and probably every uh town council and borough council across the state, requires a second to move forward with business. That's to ensure that there is sufficient support before taking the time of the community. Parliamentary inquiry. Parliamentary inquiry. Well, I'm sorry, I I haven't finished I haven't given a ruling yet. So, I'm going to rule
150that >> Turn your mic off, please. I'm going to rule that out of order at this time. Um this board is always has always operated under the bulk of Robert's Rules that a second is required to conduct business. If you'd like to bring that up at another time, we could um talk about it, but I'm not going to undo 100 years of precedent um just because there's something that you found uh in in that. We could talk more about it if you'd like, but for the moment, um that requires a second. So, is there a Parliamentary inquiry. I have a parliamentary inquiry. My parliamentary inquiry is that is it correct or not that according to Robert's uh that according to bylaw 0164, conduct of board meetings, that we follow Robert's Rules of Order in the
151newest newly revised version. Is that correct? Yes. Okay. So, I just cited a portion of it, and you said you read it. Okay. And I would like to know what specific aspect All right. of Robert's Rules are you making your ruling as a chair based off of? I have made a ruling. Motions for this board have always run that a second is required. So, unless there's a second, that motion is defeated. >> the decision I appeal the decision of the Is there a second on the motion to appeal the decision of the chair? Seeing none, we are moving on. Is there any further uh discussion on Is there any discussion we haven't had any yet on the personnel addendum? Okay. Mr. Seeing none, Mr. Lomsky, can you please call the roll? Mr. Singer. >> Yes.
152Ms. Lockrin. Yes. Mr. Lee. Abstain on personnel 2635, yes on the rest. Mr. Maloney. Yes. Mr. Joshi. Yes. Mr. Walker. Yes. >> Ms. Asuna. Yes. Mr. Pepe. Yes. I make the motion. The motion carries. Moving on to curriculum. Uh curriculum 2649 through curriculum 2651. Do I have a motion? It's a motion, and a second. Any discussion on the curriculum? Seeing none, Mr. Lomsky, could you please call the roll? Mr. Singer. >> Yes. Ms. Lockrin. Yes. Mr. Lee. No to the Carol Washler conference, yes on the rest. Sorry, can you clarify? On the Carol Washler conference, yes on the rest. Yes. Yeah. Fo- folks, it's a vote. Please, no commentary during the vote. Mr. Lee, is that you you've got your vote across? Yes, I have it. Thank you. All right. Thank you, Mr. Lasky. Please
153continue continue with the roll. Mr. Maloney. Yes. Mr. Joshi. Yes. Mr. Walker. Yes. Mr. Suna. >> Yes. >> Mr. Pepe. Yes. The motion carries. We're up to bid We're up to business. 26 127 through a business 26 139. Do I hear a motion? So moved. Second. There's a motion and a second. Any discussion on the business agenda? I have some discussion. Mr. Lee, go ahead. Mr. Lee, go ahead. Just I know this was in some of our notes for the board, but um I'd appreciate if there's any sort of clarification on what the alternatives one and two are for the revised bid for the Hillside classroom renovations. Sure, the alternate one and two in the revision to the Hillside classroom renovations resolution, they're for asbestos abatement of ceiling tile and floor tile. Um they were
154not originally part of the referendum, but in uh designing the classroom renovations, it was um discovered that this work needed to be done. Um as the classrooms would be kind of torn apart during renovations, it would have you know, disturbed the asbestos, so this kind of had to be included. So, I'm I'm just curious like if we Now, this is just me trying to be honest here. Like if the district decided I guess not to in the beginning pass the referendum and to renovate the Hillside classrooms, would we still be doing this asbestos abatement right now? If there were any type of disruption to the floor tiles or the ceiling tiles, then it would have to be done. So, I I mean I can't I can't Yeah, predict or theorize what would happen down the
155road if, you know, we had had issues with the ceiling and tile came loose, then we would have to shut it down and abate it. So, but there's a lot of what ifs. I know we have we build in contingency into a lot of our referendum projects, so was there any contingency built in for any sort of potential asbestos abatement issues relating to classroom renovations at Hillside? There were I know there's contingencies for um there's asbestos wrap insulation around piping for plumbing, um things like that for HVAC projects. Um I don't know the scope [laughter] of how much ceiling tile were included. So, I can't answer that. All right. Um and I guess you know, we look at alternatives one and two here that are part of asbestos abatement for the Hillside classroom renovations. Obviously,
156as you mentioned, it wasn't part of the approved referendum language, but you know, I guess why was it recommended? And I guess at the last board meeting, um when the board originally approved this bid, why was it still part of the referendum back in March? It was just an >> asbestos causes cancer and getting rid of it might be a good idea. No, I'm not I'm not I'm not disagreeing with that. >> I'm not disagreeing with that. >> Okay. I'm just I'm just asking. I know we originally approved this and now this is a revised bid. So, before it was originally under referendum funds, well, why was it originally under referendum funds in the first place in March? It was just an oversight on my part. And as I was looking back at the at
157our purchase order and looking at it I realized that the funds are coming out of referendum which was inaccurate, so that's what the revision is for to clarify that the bid award is not fully funded by referendum and that a portion of it is capital reserve. All right. And um So I I mean, it's Mr. William, I have one more question I'm going to open up to anybody else. I'm just curious um if you happen to talk with the board attorney or bond counsel or even our architect of record uh relating to like formally revealing this and seeing and making sure that it's okay that we're now moving from using referendum funds to now using capital reserve which was not part of the original referendum. I did uh speak with counsel and um got clarification
158that this is allowable. Got it. All right. Um and >> Mr. William, I'm going to pause you there. >> I can I just make a point? Uh I'm going to pause you there and you ask your question. I'm going to pause you there to see if there's any other uh points or questions. >> J- just one thing. >> Josh. As it relates to asbestos, even if it was not part of the referendum and if asbestos is found, it would have to be removed. So, the funds to remove asbestos would have to come from somewhere on an emergency basis. So, whether Mr. Olamsky did did not, the main point is it has to be removed. Um so, if a contingency was in there, I'm sure a lot of the larger projects like this do have contingency
159for some emergency removal and what have you. So, I'm sure it was part of that contingency in there. Yes, we have a general contingency on all projects. Um but this the volume and scope of this one uh it just too large that we felt it's not really part of the referendum. Referendum is for the contin- contingencies for kind of the unknown minor things like that, you know, you remove a wall and you might expose some asbestos or um some floor tile gets damaged during a renovation. But, this was clearly not in that little scope. But, I guess >> I'm going to see if anyone else has a comment first. Thank you. Any further uh any other comment? Any further discussion? Ms. Locker. Uh yeah, you mentioned that the um transportation bid went up. Uh this
160is a point like it's more of a thought and then followed up with a do you agree, but I'm going to assume that like the state of our our our current uh you know, global politics is impacting the cost of a lot of different consumables in the energy world. Is that what is causing the increase in the bus contracts? Yes, rising fuel costs and uncertainty did we believe caused the bids to come in a little higher. Um they're you know, the contractors are trying to build in a cushion in case there is escalation in fuel costs, so that's what we believe caused it. I just I just want to note I mean now this is my belief is that this should be coming out of referendum funds because even if it's a big line item
161the reality is that the asbestos abatement is related to construction related to the referendum projects and this kind of is it's kind of like, you know, buying a car, but you know, the wheels are a non-car expense. Um you know, it doesn't re- necessarily make sense to me. Um, while I do support asbestos abatement relating to any construction projects, and I recognize that it does cause cancer, so we have to address it, you know, I'm I'm skeptical of whether it should be coming out of capital reserve. Um, and I and I I don't think that we should be just taking money out of capital reserves to fund things like asbestos abatement that's related to referendum projects so that we can just come to the public and just say our referendum is on budget, even though
162the reality is that we're actually taking a lot of money out of capital reserve to address things like asbestos abatement. Uh, that's my main concern. Hey, Mr. Singer. Yeah, well, that's not why this is happening this way. That's a ridiculous statement. It's not so that we could just say that our referendum budget is coming in under. It's because this has been deemed to not be related to referendum. And to the point of question I was asked before, you asked board counsel if this is the proper way to do it, and you were informed yes. In addition, I have to imagine, Mr. Lumsky, that you have some experience in business administration here, so maybe perhaps you would be in a better position to know what should and should not come out of capital reserves than say
163me. So, I defer to your judgment in that and I appreciate your informing us of this. Yeah, I think it's also worth noting that this does allow us to stretch the referendum budget not further, but to the things that we committed to the community that we were looking to do. Well, I mean, for the discussion, any further [clears throat] discussion on the business agenda? I would like to go back to my point, and I talking about this referendum, I think it's important because this is, you know, related to finance facilities. This is just related to a district goal. Um, we've been moving interest out of our referendum accounts to the general fund, and you know, I I think that if we hadn't been doing that, we would have the money in the referendum accounts to
164actually cover this project in the first place. And I think that I mean, to bring it to talk about uh Mr. Singer's point about this not being a referendum. This is as I said the same thing as saying we'll buy a car and then we've got to buy the wheels and the wheels are a non-car expense. This is >> weird. referendum related. Yep. You disagree? Any further discussion on the on on the rest of the business agenda? Seeing none, Mr. Lomsky, please call the roll. Mr. Singer. >> Yes. Ms. Lockrem. Yes. Mr. Lee. On business 26 131, abstain on Venus towel and on 26 132 approval of bid awards, no to the CMG bid group bid revision and yes on the rest. Mr. Maloney. Yes. Mr. Joshi. Yes. Mr. Walker. Yes. Ms. Asuna. Yes. Mr.
165Pepe. Yes, the motion carries. Which brings us Sorry, we have a lot of pages to flip through here. So, we just one moment on that. I would just like to go back and thank the Cream Primary School PTO for their donations of tack boards to that school. Very generous gift and thank you to them. Right, moving on I believe to special services 2632 through 2634. Is there a motion? So moved. Motion and a second. Any discussion? Seeing none, Mr. Lomsky, please call the roll. Mr. Singer. Yes. >> Ms. Lockrem. Yes. Mr. Lee. Yes. Mr. Maloney. Yes. Mr. Joshi. Yes. Mr. Walker. Yes. >> Ms. Asuna. Yes. >> Mr. Pepe. Yes. The motion carries. Moving on to other 2623, other 2624. Is there a motion? Is there a second? Second. A motion and a second. Any
166discussion? We need to be in closed session. Seeing none, Mr. Lomsky, please call the roll. Mr. Singer. No on other 2624, specifically 305448. Yes on the rest. Ms. Lockrin. I had the exactly same vote, but I'm just going to vote no for 2624 flat and yes to 2623. Mr. Lee. Abstain on 2624. Yes on 2623. Mr. Maloney. Yes. Mr. Joshi. Yes. Mr. Walker. Yes. Ms. Asuna. Yes. Mr. Pepe. Yes. The motion carries, if I'm correct. Thank you. Right. There is no policy, which brings us to item number 12, old business. Is there any old business? >> I have old business. Hey, please wait to be recognized. Is there any old business? Mr. Mr. Lee, go ahead. Thank you. I have a motion to rescind other 2622 denial of appeal from the April 28th meeting. Hm?
167What was that one? Okay. Can you please just restate your motion one more time, so so we're all clear? Motion to rescind resolution other 2622 denial of appeal from the April 28th meeting. Okay. Is there a second for that? This is something that came up at the last meeting. Is there a second? I second. I understand. Okay. Seeing none, that motion does not move forward, but thank you. Right. I have another motion. Mr. Lee, what is your motion? But at some point I'm going to start to rule these dilatory, which is allowed under Robert's Rules. Well, they're different topics, so they're not dilatory at all. >> Well, no, Robert's Rules specifically spells out that board members using policy and using the bylaws and using Robert's Rules to obstruct and for example, a member couldn't motion
168make a motion to adjourn 10 times in a row when there's not support. So, I think some of these motions are not because you plan on having them enacted, but because we're looking to waste time. So, go ahead and make your motion, but just be forewarned, I may rule these at at some point dilatory. Well, Mr. President, I have a motion and I actually move that the Board of Men Policy 2464 Gifted and Talented Students for first reading with the policy language I shared with the board relating the policy 2464. Um, I just sent this an email of the same copy that I sent multiple times in a row to the board. And I'd like to make that motion. Thank you. Is there a second? I seeing none, the motion does not move forward. Is
169there any other old business? Ms. Lockridge. I just wanted to comment on um, the security response uh, and I wanted to share that like having just experienced for first hand from dropping my my student my my my own students off at two different schools, there was just a palpable difference and um, you could you could feel the seriousness uh, in which they they took that event and I bring it up mostly because I'm just so appreciative that it was responded to in that way with that level of professionalism both by security and uh the principals in the building as well as the police department. So, thank you for that. All right, I just wanted to chime in real quick. I just wanted to chime in real quick. Um I I know we had a lot
170of performances. Uh we heard about some of them here tonight. We've come to the end of the district's um uh performing arts, the plays, and the musicals. So, now that they're all done, I just wanted to acknowledge everyone who was involved in, you know, Little Shop of Horrors and uh Shrek the Musical which just took place at the middle school, and the Addams Family at Eisenhower, and Frozen which was at Hillside. The the time and effort that goes into those must have been um beyond what I could pick up significant, and the the benefit to the students involved and the happiness they had while performing in all those shows was uh really really something, and um I I know the community enjoyed a great number of people from the community in enjoyed them. Particular shout-out
171to I believe Ms. DeFazio with the middle school. This is her 30th production there. So, I think that's worth a tip of the cap um for the great work over there. And a funnier musical you'll never see. Um at least in at least for my money. All right, any further old business? Is there any new business? As new business, Mr. Lee, go ahead. Thank you. I know member of the public uh raised a couple of concerns to us, and I would like to move to instruct the academic committee to discuss a potential or existing uh keyboard typing program or curriculum, and for the committee to report back on any committee recommendations and rationale behind any potential committee recommendations. Yeah, I'm I'm that's a motion I am going to go ahead and rule dilatory. We don't
172get involved at that level. There are state standards, and those recommendations come from the administration down to the academic committee. It wouldn't be appropriate for the academic committee to say we need this, we need that. So, for the moment >> No, to discuss, to discuss, to I'm going to rule that dilatory for the moment. I think Mr. Joshi has heard your recommendation. I'm sure it's something we can discuss, but I don't think that requires a motion. I think that requires, "Hey, Dr. Jones, Mr. Joshi, Mike, Mr. Beers, would you be willing to to take this up?" I'm sure the answer would be yes. >> We'll take down the advisement. Why not? I'd like to It was a good comment. I think it's a good point, but there's no reason for a motion for that. So,
173the motion's dilatory, but the point is well taken. Um, Mr. especially since, you know, tests It It is a It It is a There's a disparity, right? I mean districts are looking at maybe winding down technology, but testing is still on computers. So, and you know, a lot of the world is, too. So, it's an important skill. So, thank you for that. Um, thank you for that comment. I'm another motion. Go ahead. I move to amend Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District Policy 2460 titled Special Education by adopting these revisions. In item four, to insert the following bold text at the end of the clause, to ensure transparent and meaningful parental participation, the district shall provide parents with draft copies of proposed IEPs, including goals, objectives, and evaluation reports at least five days prior to the scheduled
174IEP meeting. And to insert a new item eight reading entirely in bold, parents, guardians are expressly permitted to openly audio record all IEP, 504, and identification meetings to ensure transparency, accurate record keeping, and mutual understanding. The right of parents, guardians to audio record shall be communicated verbally prior to the start of IEP, 504, and identification meetings to ensure transparency, parents or guardians are required to disclose that they are or intend to audio record meetings. To strike and update all of the subsequent numberings for all the clauses so that they make sense numerically. And in the newly numbered item 16, subsection E, to insert the following bold text at the end. These activities shall explicitly include training on parental advocacy rights, navigating the IEP 504 process, and fostering pro-parent collaborative partnerships. And to strike the entirety
175of the old item 18 reading the school district will not accept the use of electronic mail from parents to submit requests to student officials regarding referral, identification, evaluation, classification, and the provision of a free appropriate public education. And to insert a new item 19 reading entirely in bold, 19, the school district will accept the use of electronic mail in addition to physical mail or hand delivery from parents to submit requests to school officials regarding referral, identification, evaluation, Mr. Lee, how far >> classification and provision >> I'm close there. Okay. >> revision of a free appropriate public education, the district shall treat such emails as foreign written requests triggering all applicable statutory timelines upon receipt. And in the newly numbered item 21, insert the following bold text at the end of the clause. Furthermore, the child
176study team shall actively All right, there's a point of order, Mr. Maloney. Turn off your microphone, Mr. Lee. A- According to our bylaws, 0131, all proposed new and revised bylaws, policies, and regulations shall be submitted to the superintendent. The superintendent or designee will review all new and revised draft bylaws, policies, and regulations prior to the board receiving a draft of new or revised bylaws, policies, or regulations for board consideration. Okay. I'm good. >> Has it been submitted to the superintendent? I'm Uh not as far as I know, it just considering it came up to us. It just Well, no, it hasn't come to us. We have this isn't come to anyone in writing. So, I'm going to sustain that objection. All right. Is there any further new business? Mrs. Asuna. I'm sorry. Kind of jumps
177on to what you were just talking about with just accolades for our arts programs, but I wanted to make a special note that Little Shop of Horrors received some um nominations from the Paper Mill Rising Star Awards. Our our program, our actors, our scenic, everything was submitted and we had three people from the Paper Mill Playhouse that came out to review the show on three different nights and it was very exciting for the kids and very nerve-racking. But in the end, we had two mentions. First, Evan Andrews received an honorable mention for outstanding performance in a male-identified leading role. And then >> Stanley, right? Oh, no. >> This is a Rising Star Award. Right, right. That was the the character. Stanley in the play. For anyone who saw it. Seymour. >> Oh, Seymour. Seymour, I'm
178sorry. Suddenly, Seymour, not Stanley. Thank I apologize. Um and then also, even more exciting is Miss Nason, one of our art teachers, received um a nomination for outstanding achievement in scenic design. And that award, I believe, is going to be given on Tuesday, June 10th. That sounds right. I believe that's when and we will find out if we win. Um and in addition, all of the budget that we used to go into the amazing scenery that was put up on the stage, um including the four puppets, are all now for sale. So, we are trying to recoup the money um to put back into the budget. So, we're working on it. All right. Is there any further new business? >> I do have some new business and I >> Mr. Walker. I've talked about this
179before. I'm going to make a motion to move our Board of Elections to the April date. Can you be a just a little bit more specific? >> so moving our elections that have the November ballot will be an April ballot for the Board of Elections. Got it. Um do you do you know if it's as simple I Well, first of all, let me see if there's a second for that. I second. Objection to the consideration of the question. Which does not require a second. I I agree with that. Um So there's a motion on the floor to move the date of our board elections, which is currently in November which are currently every November, to April, which is permissible under law. I don't know what the procedure for that is. I don't know if there's
180any notice requirement or any specific draft language we would need to have. I don't know if it's that simple, but there is a motion to object to the consideration of the question. >> Mr. Lomsky, am I correct that a motion to object to the consideration of the question requires a 2/3 majority? I'd have to look that up. Okay. I can I can thumb through here first. >> That is a I believe I believe that's correct. Thank you, Mr. Lee. So you have to ask for roll call. Yeah, I would just give us a second. We're confirming that that's right before we Requires a 2/3 vote. 2/3. So that would uh kill any discussion at least for this meeting Not debatable. on that. So uh Mr. So there's a motion to move the election date and
181a subsequent motion and a second. Rebecca seconded And Rebecca seconded it. Thank you. And now there's a motion to object to the consideration of the question. So A parliamentary inquiry. Um well, it's actually more of a point that actually So for this is an interesting motion actually because the question is shall the question be considered? So if you vote yes, that means you want to actually consider the question. And if you vote no, that means you don't want to consider the question. So I'm I'm going to interpret as your original motion was to a just to keep it simple, which is an objection to consideration of the question. So, if you vote yes, you want to consider or at least don't object to considering it. If you vote no, it stops. Okay. >> [laughter] >>
182So, there's a Do you Do you understand the underlying motion? Yeah. Okay. That that I think is clear. So, Mr. Lee made a motion to object to considering. I basically basically interpret that as the way we usually handle this. This is a motion to end discussion. Except it's a little bit different cuz there wouldn't be a vote afterwards. So, So, yes continues. So, yes potential yes. Yes continues discussion. A no does not continue does not continue discussion. Um I don't I still don't understand. >> Yeah. But, if it's a motion to if if it's a motion to object to the consider Oh, wait a minute. So, I I think I understand now. Then, I guess it's an objection. Yes, the Mr. Lee, was that your point a second ago? >> Yes, so I object to
183consideration of the question. >> enough. That's on me. He's objecting to the consideration. So, if you vote yes, Yes, you are objecting. It requires 2/3 to Yes. Yeah. 2/3 vote to stop. Yes. Just to be clear. Yes. In this circumstances now, we're going to vote on the motion to objection. Yes. >> Yes kills the discussion. No continues the discussion. Yes, thank you for that clarification, Mr. Singer and Mr. Lee. Mr. Are there any questions about that? Thank you for explaining that much better. Uh no, you cannot. No Excuse me, Mr. Lee. I'll I'll answer the question. It was directed to the chair. Mr. Lomsky, please call the roll on the motion to object to the consideration of the question. Mr. Singer. >> No. Ms. Lockrin. No. Mr. Lee. Yes. Mr. Maloney. No. Mr. Joshi. No.
184Mr. Walker. No. Mr. Suna. No. Mr. Pepe. No. Okay, so that motion does not carry. Mr. Walker, would you like to comment uh discuss your motion at all? Well, I I like it's been in 2012 it changed and I think it it's time to make education a priority in the election process. It's become being on the November ballot a more of a partisan type scenario than an independent focusing on education. And and doing it in the spring, so in the case of the referendum, if we had done the spring, we wouldn't need the fall vote. We could have done everything in the spring if we had the April election. It also allows the opportunity we do around two to five two to three two to five million dollars a year in regular operating budget capital
185capital projects. And there's an opportunity to put that on the April ballot and is in the referendum style of it talked discussed with the Kevin that we could receive the 40% from the state. So, we would be actually getting getting ourselves a 40% plus in our our budgeting from those areas coming to the state and doing it. There's a cost associated with it with the election, I understand that. There's a cost associated in doing it that way, but then we can extend our taxpayer dollars better and also receive more back from the state. I think it prioritizes education on the ballot in April. I have some Okay, it's I I have a motion. Mr. Lee, please wait to be recognized. I know I I and I know sometimes I let you jump in, so I
186apologize if I'm being inconsistent, but you have to give everyone a chance to go first. Microphone, correct. Thank you. I would like to speak. Ms. Locker. >> [sighs] >> Mr. Lee. First, I find it ironic that the same board member that is constantly saying they're being silenced is constantly silencing discussion of others. So, I wish that would stop. Um Mr. Walker, uh is is the deadline for moving the election to April coming up? Is this the last board me- board meeting before that deadline? Do you know? I'm not sure. I know that there's like a certain amount of >> 85 days. It's 85 days. I give or take. I can't remember exactly. I didn't check all the details. 85 days before the scheduled election, right? 85 days prior to the third Tuesday in April. But
187we but we already have an election coming up. So we couldn't Yeah. So we couldn't do it. Like we couldn't do this on November like October 31st for instance. We would be too late to cancel. So we're doing it the the other election. It gives also doing it this early gives all people a warning and heads up. So we're doing be pro be like being more proactive and being more advanced ahead of the schedule. If I could just say for for my part, I intend to vote no on this tonight. I would want to look and do some more research and find out the process to learn a little bit more about the process and the deadlines and the implications. Broadly speaking, my concern as partially coming from Raritan is that if we were to
188move to an April election, Bridgewater would have an election every year. There would at least be two or three board members up. In in Raritan, there's only a board member up every third year. So that could lead to the possibility of of of some voter confusion. At least as I sit here now, especially if we might be putting things up for the public approval of funds. There could be in any given year, there could be an election for a board member, an election for just a just a financial question, no election, or an election for both. And I would worry without so considering that we haven't had April elections in a long time, I think we would need to give a little bit more of a of a heads up for me to feel comfortable
189about it, but I'm interested in learning more about it cuz I hadn't thought about this too much before tonight. Um so those are my thoughts. But thank you for the motion. Mr. Singer. With that in mind, I'd move to table this motion. Second. Jesus. Okay, with have eager emotion and a very eager second to table this. Um Mr. Olomski keep >> Well, before we do that I have There could be discussion on that. Is it I'm I'm not asking you. >> Yeah. Mr. Singer go >> a point of order. Okay. So Excuse me, I have a point of order. >> just take take a deep breath. Stop silencing people. No, I have a point of order. >> You you got You have to hear a point of order. >> You you have not been recognized
190and the chair is the one that recognizes and the chair is recognizing me. Um I am fully open to this discussion. Uh I just would like to have some information on it beforehand uh before so I don't think a vote tonight is appropriate. Rather than voting no on it, I would rather table it until either June or July of uh discussion. Yeah, at the very least I would like at least me personally I would like our attorney to weigh in on it to see if he had any thoughts about the process and anything like that. Um So there's a motion to table. Any discussion on the motion to table? Point of order. Point of order. What's your Yes, Mr. Lee. >> Point of order. The motion to table is not debatable. Okay, thank thank you
191for letting me know. We're But we're having a discussion and this is actually a productive one. I appeal the decision of the chair. Is there a second? No second. Um We're not moving. That doesn't move forward. All right. Um Any All right, Mr. Olomski can you call the roll on the motion to table uh Mr. Walker's motion regarding the election date. Mr. Singer. Yes. Ms. Lockhorn. Yes. Mr. Lee. Yes. Mr. Maloney. Yes. Mr. Joshi. Yes, I'd like more information. Mr. Walker. Yes. Mr. Suna. Yes. Mr. Pepe. Yes. See, we all agreed. That worked out. >> [laughter] >> All right, any any further uh new business? All right. Uh Ms. Lockhorn. I'm I'm sorry, Ms. Ms. Lockhorn you might have to call Mr. Beers he was asked a little while ago. >> no, no, no, no,
192no, no, no. >> Oh, you were pointing at Ms. Lockhorn. Sorry, I haven't turned this way in a while. Miss Lockard, go ahead. I just wanted to um to address the board about a comment that was made by a member of the public where the question was if we ask questions, does the public find out the answers or is it a closed room deal like some imply? >> [snorts] >> Um but uh as I've been on the board for a number of years uh anytime that I've asked a question whether it was via email or phone call all it took was uh a simple conversation and and and it and if I needed it in an acknowledgement in public or perhaps the chair of that committee would acknowledge those statements in public on their own.
193It was a simple matter of asking for or mentioning that acknowledgement. It wasn't this drawn out, time-consuming obsessive-compulsive need to control the entire meeting by one board member. Thank you. Mr. Beers. Thank you. There There's just an issue that's out there in the public that I feel I need to address because it it hints at potential misappropriation of dollars by our business office. All right? And and this has come from Mr. Lee. So things have been posted online uh and it's specific to uh account 110002516100034. Um where he he was commenting on we budgeted $17,000 for he says lanyards. Um but he we failed to talk about the second half of the name of that line item. And it's ID badges. Right? So, it is true in a given year, right, when we give these
194things out to all high school kids, etc., we we spend approximately $1,000 on lanyards. But, thus far we've spent $12,950 on ID badges. They They go for about $5 to $7 a pop, and we use this account as well to uh like we have a printer, so you need replacement ribbon, etc., to print these out and get it done. So, I just want to clarify for the board and for the public that that the information that's out there is is factually incorrect. And I think that's a kind way of of putting it. Um and and likewise, it was a perfect segue as to what Mrs. Lockridge said. Instead of sending Oprah requests and doing all these things and creating this chaotic situation, it it's a simple uh conversation to say, "Hey, look, Kevin or or
195Bob, can you explain to me what comes out of this account?" And and the answer I know I receive from the business office is, "Well, of course. We can go through this and and show you what expenditures uh come from there." So, I just want to clarify that. I I don't want to back and forth at all, but I I'm saying I I'm being incredibly kind by saying that it's factually incorrect because I do believe it's more than that. And um and I I'm here look, one of one of the things uh parts of my job, which I actually enjoy, is I'll take the arrows for the people who work in this department. And and um I I just I absolutely do not like this connotation that somehow we're lying, we're cheating, we're doing this,
196that, or the other thing because it couldn't be farthest farther from the truth. So, Mr. Lee, I I hope you do make the adjustments to your website to make it factually correct, and I'm not looking for a back and forth. Thank you. I would like to address some of the remarks made to me. I deserve to address the remarks made to me because I >> You have not been recognized. We're going to leave it at >> recognized. >> we're going to leave it at that. >> like to be recognized. You're not letting me explain. We are going >> You're just letting him talk, and I can't say anything. >> now, you're not recognized. May be recognized. >> any further new business? Okay, seeing none, we are going to move into closed session, item 6 14
197on the budget. Whereas, discussion by the board is required on matters that are exceptions to the requirements that a public body hold its meetings in public, and whereas, the topics for discussion are superintendent evaluation and personnel. Whereas, it is expected that the details of the discussion may be made public as soon as the issues may be acted on publicly, be resolved that the board enters into closed session at this time. Do I have a motion? Second. Motion and a second, all in favor? Aye. >> Anyone opposed? All right, we are in closed session. We will come back into closed into open session at this point only to adjourn. So. Thank you. Can we head down to the other room cuz you can kind of hear from there.