001All right, good evening everyone. We are back from executive session. We thank you for your patience. Uh at this time, I would ask that everyone please stand and 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. >> Right. Up next is our superintendence report, Mr. Beers. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Pepe. And and um tonight is is a special presentation that we're going to kick the meeting off with. And um so everyone, good evening. And and tonight I I'm honored to celebrate the accomplishments of the Bridgewater Raritan High School girls cross country team with you this evening. All right. It's an honor because of the excellence
002our athletes display, but also on on an aside because cross country is actually my favorite sport. So I know I'm probably the only one in the in the room besides the girls, but it's okay. So, for those of you who don't know, in cross country, the lowest score wins. All right? And and scores are calculated by by adding up uh the places of the top five runners on each team. And what makes this a a truly remarkable sport, it's that your fifth runner is every bit as important as your number one runner. Right? So, so it really is a a true team concept. And uh look, anyone who's seen these kids train and perform, uh it's like any endurance uh athletics, um most of us don't don't understand and and can't fully comprehend the dedication
003and daily commitment, all right, that's required for success in this area. All right, there there are no overnight successes in this sport. um your success and and and your uh you know the the quality of your season many times is predicated on on the summer that you put in prior to that season. So I want to take the uh the time to commend all all of the ladies here for their accomplishments but the sacrifices and commitment that are made over the summer and fall. So, uh, before I get into their accomplishments, I I want to leave you with a quote, uh, by the greatest marathon runner of all time, uh, Elliot Kipchig. If you don't know who he is, you should look him up. And, uh, it's true that he says over and over, only
004the disciplined ones are free in life. And that's true. Only the disciplined ones. So these folks who get up every every morning, put in the work, do it again over and over and over are really the ones who who are free. So once more, I'm humbled and honored to be with you tonight. Uh before I turn it over to Mr. Pile, I want to just give some highlights uh of the season had by these young ladies. So they were the state section champions, North Jersey Section 2, Group Four. This was the first title in 19 years. uh which is quite an accomplishment and and for those who are in athletics that group four section in any sport is really tough to win. Uh we had two meet of champions qualifiers um in the Skylands Conference.
005Uh the young ladies finished third in the Delaware Division and overall they were fourth at the Somerset County Championships. So please join me in celebrating these young ladies tonight. Now I'm going to turn it over to Mr. pile the uh cross country coach who's going to call the ladies up individually and and each member will receive a picture plaque funded by the board of education. So I hope you find a spot for it. Believe it or not, when you become my age, you actually do look through at these things and say, "Wow, I I looked young back then. I remember this." So no, I I hope you put it in a safe spot and save it for years to come. So thank you and I'll turn it over to my colleague. Appreciate that. Well, you
006said everything I was gonna say. Thanks. [laughter] >> No, no, you did a nice touch with that one. Oh, yes. Oh, yes. So, a quick story for you. The girls are out doing their cool down. We knew we did well. I don't think we realized how well we did. Coach David turns to me and goes, "I think we won." I said, "Coach David, what did I say?" I don't remember. >> Oh, yeah. >> Sounds about right. And then for the next 20 minutes, I'm calling Mr. Denise. I'm letting him know we won. Coach Paul and Coach Louie, I'm telling them we won. And the girls still don't know yet. And I think most of the alumni already knew by the time they got back from their cool down run. And by the time we told
007three or four of them, there's still some that are still out on their cool down run. And they don't know that we won. They also didn't realize that it had been 19 years since we won our title. So to them, oh wow, we won. Great. And for us, I mean, Coach David was a part of them. She was one of them. And to come back on the coaching staff to then be part of that is something really special. When I took over the program, and it's always hard to talk about for Coach Martin, it was always one of my goals is to show success in this way. We show success in a lot of different ways. volunteering. We show success with our individual athletes, those who then go off to college and run for different
008programs, those who go out into college and do different things, those who go into the workforce and do wonderful things. But to have this, to have the banner, to have the reminder of their work ethic, their commitment, and all the times that the parents and guardians drove them to and from, and all the pasta parties, and all the fun stuff that comes with the work ethic, that's what makes this worth it. So, this is nice. This is fun, but it's the memories. It's the fun. It's having athletes come back into the program. It's learning from a uh coaches who were once athletes who are now continuing to coach and educate the coaches. It's a group effort and that's what's so special. So, couldn't do it without you. Couldn't do it without all the parents and
009guardians. Couldn't do it without the coaches. Couldn't do it without you, Mr. Be, Mr. Moran, and the board. Without you, we wouldn't be approved to do what we do. So, thank you. Appreciate that. Um, at this time I'm going to call out or call up the athletes and then I'll call up the coaches. Um, Mr. Denise, do you want to hand the plaques to me? Okay. Uh, not on my list, but I think I can be able to make it work. Don't worry. All right. So, Dalia, come on up. >> [laughter] [laughter] >> Next up should be Gia. Next should be Caitlyn Chu. who is also Somerset County champion, might I add. >> And I think she's planning to come back next year and do it again. She is very good. Confirmed. Uh, next up
010should be Leah with the knee. Sophia Daniels. Ella and Sophia Rosari. She was unable to make it tonight, but Annabella >> [applause] >> and alumni Lorena David, Coach David, [applause] and the legend himself, Coach Paul. [applause] and me. So now I'm gonna ask all of the members of the team. Dr. Fonder, we're all set. >> Okay, >> everyone. We're we're back again and continuing on. Uh, if you're ready, Mr. Beers, with the superintendent report. >> Yes. If you bear with me for 30 seconds here, we'll be up and running. Okay, thank you everyone for your attention. My name is Robert Beers. I'm the superintendent of schools. I'm here tonight with uh both Mr. Michael Vorhees who are who's our coordinator of district security, Mr. Ted Lewis, who's our assistant coordinator of district security. and we're
011going to give just a a brief over overview of of um security within the Bridgewater Raritan District, where we were, where we are right now, where we'd like to go. So, after we go through this um you know, I'll open it up to the board of education for any questions that they may have and then the public can obviously ask questions during the public comment section uh of our meeting. I will share this presentation with everyone as soon as we're finished and then um as part of Bruce's news article, we'll attach it to to the news on the district website by tomorrow morning. Thank you. So, so a brief outline of what we want to discuss this evening, who we are, all right, uh who are these folks that that uh we call the Bridgewater
012Security Team, what are the challenges over the past few years that that we've faced? how how our security team enhances the overall operation and safety of our district, right? So, we've made this investment in safety and security. So, so what does it look like at this point? What's the impact on our student safety and school culture, right? And and we do have some statistics, some measurements that we could share with the board of ed and the public. and and finally looking ahead to say what are the things that we need to improve on what are what are we exploring etc. So just a brief overview of Bridgewater Raritin Regional School District we are a massive operation we are a small town in itself 11 schools 1.2 2 million square feet of space. All right. So
013that's every school through throughout the district. We're spread out. I I know this as superintendent. These guys know this as security. If and and it took a lot of getting used to once I started here. I know that if I have to be in Bradley Gardens, I've got to leave 20 minutes early um to get there on time. Sometimes 25 minutes depending on how Route 22 is. So we're spread out. We have hundreds of doors throughout the district, right? All these entrances, all these exits that have to be monitored, hundreds of cameras, right? Because now the board of education made made quite an investment in security cameras throughout the district. We have thousands of swipe cards. All right? And for those who don't know, most of our doors u when you enter the schools there
014there is a little swipe card mechanism. You swipe your ID, the door unlocks during certain hours. High school students have have a swipe card, faculty members have a swipe card, uh other employees have swipe cards as well. And and look, one of the challenges that we have in Bridgewater Raritin is our high school is an open campus, meaning that we have 10 separate buildings. Um they're spread apart. So, our facility was not built 40 years ago whenever it was built with uh school security being being an issue. It's more California style campus, so to speak, where things are spread out and there's open air. It's a beautiful campus, but it's a challenge from a security standpoint. So, now I'm going to turn it over to uh my colleagues, Mr. Vorhees, Mr. Lewis. this this uh
015this um this is not just about all the pensions that we're all getting now. Um this is about uh the the the lack of uh qualified people that we have. Okay, you can see the dis the the uh the diversity we have from our local police departments, um state police, um inner city north police departments. Okay. Um we had to go out on a campaign and hire, you know, the best for for uh for Bridgewater. uh there's a it's working in uh in a police capacity for all these years and trying to transuse those knowledge at you know into a to a school um and then hiring the right people in the school working in the um elementary level to the high school level. Um when I came into the system it was it was
016a it was a challenge. There's a lot of things that just just were not supervised properly. I'd say u people would have you know there's a lot of hands in on on getting things done. um phone systems weren't utilized to their proper procedures. Um weren't utilized to their total capabilities with the 911. Um so now we use 911 in all the all the um house phones and any building has 911. Um all the phones also can initiate um uh drills or the security uh could activate a security that needs to be done on all the phones that we have in the in the district. Um, when I came into the high school, there's only two phones that could use as an intercom system. Two phones, one in the 900, one in a thousand. Now, every
017phone out of the 500 phones, we all can pick up a phone and we can initiate whatever we have to do. We can we can utilize the the systems. Um, the uh the swipe card system, it the system we did have, it was it was inadequate. It just wasn't doing what we needed it to do. Um, we now we went with another vendor. They're intertwined with the camera system. So the swipe system, the camera system are are one and the same. Um you swipe in also the camera, you know, interacts with with it with with both of them. Again, it is one of the biggest things. Um you know, it is one of the you're just security is just so dependent on it and it you know they we use them all the time. We
018did a visit to Westfield uh school district which is very very IT dependent using all these processes. We brought uh IT director down there and she was like I think we could do all this and and We have we have done it all with her um our IT maintenance making this all work. Um the informal cast system basically the informal cast system we could use besides using the house phones to initiate a a security drill or anything else we could also use our our cell phones. Also the inform cast blast us and if a 911 call any school district any school that dials 911 we get the call. Um it is so fast that the uh sergeant phones and the bridge bridg PD and the rant PD will also get the call. Um they will
019get it and they'll be like they'll ask us what do you have? What's going on? Because the time it goes to dispatch there's there's a lag time. So we're instantaneous for all this stuff. So all this IT technology has been made things a lot uh faster. >> I just want to add one thing for everyone's knowledge as well. part of part of the uh systems upgrade throughout all of our buildings was part of the referendum, right? It was PA systems, clocks, etc. And it's really an all-in-one system uh that we use both for for emergencies and for day-to-day operations. So, this was part of referendum 2023, which we're putting to use with our security uh personnel and making our schools safer. Um the other thing with the traffic audits, I don't know if anyone who
020goes to the high school, the high school students can drive there. You know, we have we managed the senior lot which was never really managed. Um we have a Kevin Broofphy over there. He kind of gives a lot of talking to as I was told to a lot of students, you know, the inappropriate the inexperienced driving. We'll say it so so to speak. Um our incidents down at the at the senior lot since five years I've been here, Dan Dan Hammer can attest to this. It was like an email every three days, you know, about something going on at that thing. And now it down a lot. Um, >> and and just for and and it's not to pick on our uh esteemed seniors who are here. >> Um, all right. And and look, I'm
021the father of two 17-year-old drivers as well. Um, it's always a recipe for disaster when you have a parking lot with 550 17 year olds pulling up at the same time with different levels of experience. So although we're joking about it a little bit that real things happen, little fender benders, things like that. So we have our folks there to help mitigate help uh keep people safe and and I say it in justest, but it it's anyone who has a teenage driver or had one recently uh knows what I'm talking about. So anyhow, >> one of the easiest one of the most vulnerable spots um in the school um you know for for accidents to happen for actually fatalities is drop off and pickup. um you're bringing a lot of people on your campus. Um
022so we in the high school we changed a lot of things. We changed the the loops the loops the buses drop off in the front, not in the back anymore. Um the parents come in the back. Uh it's pretty organized chaos the way we have it. You know what I mean? We have we cover all the crosswalks. We make sure all the lighting is all proper. They're all have proper equipment on. Um we bring everybody in and as all my security guys come and they you know when they see the operation, it's a light like light like a light switch. 7:20, you know, everyone's in class. There's no one really usually walking around anymore because we we have a pretty good process. And it's not only us. It's with all the teachers that help us
023with that. This is our security uh office. We monitor. We have about under a thousand cameras in the district. When I came in the district, it was again, it was nobody was really monitoring the cameras. It was doing IT stuff, you know. Um, I came in here and we had a look at a lot of the cameras and cameras were put up not with security in mind, more like, hey, we need one here, we need one there. Um, we filled in a lot of those holes in in the last five years. We added a lot through referendum money. Um, and we we made a more operational. Um, we do a lot of the camera work at the high school and it basically takes away from a lot of the system principles. Um, we help with
024a lot of the cameras and also throughout the whole district. We monitor them every day. We want to make sure they're all working, they're all operational, and they're doing what they're supposed to be doing. Um, the camera system is also accessible to the police department. It's one of those things that under the memorand of understanding that all police departments need to have access for emergency situations, access to our camera system. The cloud system has gotten a lot better with the vigilon, which is our Motorola system. Um, so they have uh laptops where they could, you know, pop on the system whenever they want to to see what's going on any of our buildings at any time. Rarenboroough and Bridgewater, they've also have capability to look at all our cameras at any time. Um, and we
025we want them, you know, not to wait just for an emergency. Let's, you know, use the cameras. You know, we're not trying to hide anything. We just use the cameras when need needed. Um, and access control. We we use the access control for a lot. Uh, the high school use it actually for attendance. Um, and actually access control sometimes, you know, like where students are. um you know, hey, my student, you know, left for school today. And then so we this accident control gives us another opportunity to see they they didn't come here today, you know, not that it happens often, but we use it for to to track, you know, who's coming in and out of our our populations. So look, four four years ago, uh we started building our team and and this
026is a a photo of of the gentleman who comprised this team and we were looking for for people who would be excellent around kids, around young people and and really be be able to integrate with with the uh school community. So we wanted to build this culture of professional school-based security and right now we have 14 members. Um, every single one of those members is a retired law enforcement um, officer. All of them have 25 years plus experience and and their their background is varied from state police to local PD detectives, county forces, etc. Many of them have specialized resumes as leaders and members of of SWAT teams, firearm instructors, and as we said, detectives, and we have several veterans who are members of of our uh staff as well. And the advantage is that
027we're able to take our staff and and let's remember these are school employees, right? We hire them as school employees to Bridgewater Raritton Regional uh school district employees and we're able to blend their law enforcement background and their skills into the school environment in a coherent way. >> How are you Ted Lewis? Uh this slide comes up because uh I I help out with a lot of our training. So what you see there is uh our standard response protocol. This is what all of our schools have all the way down from the primary schools to the high school. One of the things that we do is our monthly drills. Uh we try I work and we work uh directly with our administration and with our staff and students. So when we do these drills, it's
028seamless. Uh this way as far as for when our our little guys are in the primary schools and as they get older, it's the same concept. So as they get older, they're doing the same thing. And then once they get to the high school level, uh they've already heard it for all those years. So they know exactly what to do uh during that that different type of event. Um, we also have our annual certifications. Uh, all of our members, even though we had law enforcement experience for our CPR, AD, first a day, stop the bleed and whatnot. Uh, we went then and adapted to the district. Uh, this way all of our security officers are through the district training. Uh, and we do that uh on an annual bianual uh measure. Also with there is
029our threat assessment, our K- through2 behavioral threat assessment. All of our members, our security officers also work with the administration and counselors. So if there was any type of threat or some kind of behavior that we had from a student, staff, a parent, whoever uh that would come on onto our campus, we have that training. Uh so we work with uh with our administration counselors and so on with that. Um the reunification training, one of the things that we did uh is as far as for if one building, one of our schools had to leave that building for one reason or another. Uh could be a gas leak, whatever the case may be, we would know how then the staff would know how to do a reunification where they would then go to this other
030site and then be able to relocate and reunify their loved ones, their their sibling, their their students with their parent guardian. Uh so we did that training with our administration, our support staff in this past month, in this past summer in August. So, uh, that was really good and we'll continue that training with our staff. Uh, so won't be the first time if we ever had to move our population. >> Um, we're in the schools every day. Um, all my security guys, we basically cover, we have some holes with, you know, unit lunch. We have to bring, we're feeding 3,000 students, so we have to bring back some of our security back for just just basically maintenance. Um we're we're concerned about controlling our population. Um we do have an open campus so students are
031allowed to leave. We we allow them to leave and that's really not the problem. But the problem is we don't want anyone to come back on our campus that doesn't belong there. So we uh have we're pretty much on post to about 11:15 for that. Um this is our uh our attendance. Um you can see they're waiting in line. Those are some of our late students there. So we man um we have uh all the attendants. They take it in three different spots. It's the 900. This is the thousand building and also on the 100 building. So, we're just there, you know, for support. I mean, usually this is a good interaction for us. We get to talk to the kids. We kind of, you know, um it's just a good interaction for us to
032see these kids in a different light. Um uh talked about the handle care. We do the special needs. We have the handle care. We're all trained handle care um for our special needs population. Um again, Unil lunch is just we just manage the walkways. We manage the people coming in and out of here. Uh we also do a lot of the investigation process um that that that possibly goes on to our campus. Um lost cell phones, lost AirPods, you know, we will handle all that. We we will get they'll do an incident report. We'll get the incident report. U back before I got here, they just would call the police or the SROS would just handle it. Now, this is a time, you know, our guys get to use these your their old security uh
033police skills and investigating some of these uh getting these items back. A lot of times they're misplaced. I put it in a locker. It's not I went in a locker. Usually put it in the wrong locker and we we find we go to the cameras. No, you didn't put it in locker 101. You put it in the this locker. So, again, we investigate a lot of this stuff. Um and we do the proper mandatory notifications to the police that need to be done. There's six mandatory u notifications we do to the police um through our investigative. We don't automatically go to go to the police. We have to substantiate that it's something actually happened and we could take in consideration the age um the ability of the child or whatever else you know if if
034actually a crime occurred within our school system. Okay. So there's a lot of things that we take. So again, where simple incidences were just handled by the police, now we're kind of handling that in in house. Um we uh we basically um there's a lot of rules that we have to comply with. Uh the special three was one of the components that was thinking about for the school system. Uh we did that for ourselves. We we had did our own training um of of what needs to be done for the proper procedure of how to run a security force. Uh we had a meeting at the county prosecutor's office and basically the county says, you know, the superintendent has the right to manage the security in his in his school district, which we do. Um
035we have the boots on the ground. Um we know what's going on in all these schools um all the time. Um people will come to us, tell us information from students to to staff and we try to solve problems before they become problems. Um the priority of the active shooter preparation is basically the drills that we do. Uh we do tactical training. Um unfortunately we we do have series events that happen throughout the country. It's something that we always have to prepare for. Um even in our district here. Okay. So for serious incident management again the these folks are are on the front line. They're the first responders. Along with that, we're working closely with uh PD and with other agencies on things such as suicide prevention, violence, investigation of of uh potential crimes and
036and and this last part about control. It's really managing all of your visitors. And there are quite a few on a day-to-day basis, right? 8,000. You're thinking you have nearly 8,000 students, probably 12 to 14,000 parents, plus any visitors that may come come on a given day. That's that's quite a bit to control. So, these are are really the things that we take a look at. And uh and look uh in the next couple of slides, we're going to be able to show you the impact of um really all of our efforts. And that's a lot of the significant incidents that we have in in our schools are down. There's there's right obviously we have professionals throughout the uh throughout the district and uh I say over and over these folks are are district employees
037and form relationship relationships with the kids, parents, the entire school community. They're familiar faces. We we really haven't had much turnover at all. Out of all the folks who have joined us, only one person ha has left for another position in that time. So, we're happy to hang on to a lot of our our people. And that's a testament both to to these two gentlemen here in front of you and the culture they've created, but also how they're treated by the board of education a as far as how we treat our employees. So, that's really important for the board to know. And we have consistent standards for for visitors, vendors, etc. We really have to train all the people who come onto our campus on where they can go and where they can't go. So,
038then finally, we'll finish with this. This this is pretty these are some pretty impressive statistics. When we started this in 2022, we had a number of law enforcement responses. So this in a nutshell means how many times did the school system contact the police 2022 650 times. That number is steadily decreased to where it's 220. And and what does that mean? It's a more orderly place. We we have people were monitoring the situation. We're acting on things. And many times what what Mike and Ted didn't hit on, but what I see as a superintendent is they act on things before they happen, right? And and that's demonstrated through the statistic. Then another stat and and we had shown this last year but I think it's it's a systemic view that even when we look at
039HIV cases they they've dropped exponentially. All right. And why is that? Because there there's more people monitoring students. All right. there there's more of a standard of what we expect from kids and from from the adults and um and overall it's become a more orderly place at least that that's our view and finally that's it for us here tonight. Thank you. We appreciate your time and um once I sit down I can answer any questions from the board and certainly we can uh get any questions from uh from the community during open session. One of the things just finally where we we are heading towards we've we've discussed about uh expanding our footprint as far as personnel and um I appreciate the support of the board of education on that. I know that's something we'll
040discuss more when it comes to budget time. We continue to update our camera systems, our swipe systems, etc. just to make sure that th those systems are not just in place, but now that they're maintained and and utilized properly. And and look, finally, we we're working with the township on a few ordinances for parking, etc. Uh, one of the if we we go back a few months, there was an incident that occurred at Hamilton School where where a car was parked on school grounds and no one quite knew why these folks were there. So, as a school, if we have a clear ordinance where we can ticket vehicles or at least address that in a more coherent way, it would go a long way for us as a school. And it would also help us
041for some of the areas such as like in the senior lot where you do have members of the community and uh who park their cars and leave them there on school property and they really can't do that during the school day. So, we want to mark things, get the ordinances going and then just uh work from there. So again, thank you. Thanks, Mike. Thanks, Ted. We'll answer any questions. >> Thank you, Mr. Beers. You take questions from the the board at this time. >> Absolutely. >> Board, can we open up to the student members as well? >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. Any uh questions or comments from the board? Mr. Lee, >> I have a few questions. Thank you for the report. Um, I know that we have school resource officers as well that are
042a part of the security apparatus and I'm just curious, I guess, what kind of role do some of our resource officers play in collaborating with our in-house security? What's that relationship like specifically? Because it's kind of interesting how we kind of have in-house security, but we also have, you know, school resource officer. And so I was wondering what kind of that collaboration looks like if you could provide a little bit of color into that without you know obviously breaching confidentiality. Thank you. >> Sure thing. It's it's a cohesive effort and uh when we initially started this security plan we talked about a hybrid system where absolutely we utilize our local police department and we have school resource officers from the Bridgewater Township Police Department. So there are two gentlemen. One is stationed at the middle
043school, one is at the high school, and they're really the vessel for communications between our folks and the local PD. So, that's really where the relationship happens. Um, I can tell you that um all the feedback I receive and what I observe, uh, Mr. Lee, is that the the collaboration and the relationship is excellent. And I'll say it's excellent from top to bottom from the chief of police. Both chiefs of police and Raritin and um and uh Bridgewwater, I'm sorry. Thank you. No problem. I'm losing my words. >> Have been excellent and there really clear lines of communication between both and um I I think we're we're all very happy with the way things have uh have grown over the years. So, thank you for that question. >> Yeah, of course. And >> actually, if
044if you don't mind, I know you said a couple questions. Do you mind if I pass around and go one at a time? Thanks. We happy to get to them all. Does anyone have any other questions? >> I just want to say I have had a child in the district for the past 18 years. Um, but I specifically had two daughters who went through the high school for the past eight years. Four years graduated in 21, four years graduating this year. And I also drop off every single day until they got their license that are in the senior lot. Um, the difference having dropped off for four years to going to my second child. We drove onto campus, I guess, when you all started. And the first thing I saw was all these guys in
045tan pants and black jackets and I was like, what's going on here? And I had no idea. And even the teachers that were running, you know, directing outside had tan pants on. Maybe it was a coincidence, but it was such a marketked difference as a parent coming on and seeing I didn't know what was happening, but I knew there was control. And the difference that I've seen in terms of incidences on campus and just what I hear from my kids is night and day compared and and dropping off even in the front how dangerous it was the first four years and how much better it is now. So, I just think this has been a tremendous um positive change. >> Yeah, I' I'd like to add to that, too. >> Oh, you looked at me.
046>> Sorry, Miss um I don't have any questions. Um I also just want to uh commend the administration and our and our campus monitors and our workforce because um it's been uh a fantastic uh change to our district and and seeing the growth over the past couple years. Um but more importantly, seeing how they interact, how the our campus monitors uh and our security force interact with our staff and our children um is is just a joy to watch because whenever I go, you know, I've gone to Miltown School, for example, and the the campus monitor there always talks about how much he enjoys being around the kids. Um, and that's what they they've really taken an affinity to the kids uh in a protective role above and beyond what they might otherwise have because
047they have an actual relationship with these kids. Um, so I do appreciate that and and allow you know utilizing uh our own staff has uh I think been a great benefit to the district in that uh things can change in a minute and our staff can adapt to it. Uh so whatever the circumstances call for our security force is is ready to to to handle it. Uh, and I really appreciate the flexibility that g that that gives our staff in our district. So, I think it's a a job well done and um I will I will say a job well done, but I don't think it's done yet and we're always talking about ways to improve it. Uh, and and I think that that's uh commendable both by the administration and our staff is that
048they're always looking for ways to improve it. So, that's >> Miss Lockan, thank you for >> So, I I get to jump on the thank you train too. Um, I'm also a parent in the district. a elementary school kid and a uh and a child in in one of the intermediate schools. And a couple things that I wanted to note. One was that I remember postcoid uh there was a lot of anxiety about from parents and also from students about uh lockdown training and and um drills and and I have to say I never hear from my kids that they've done a lockdown ever. Um, I usually get the email. I see that it was done. I'll ask about the May and as as you may know like I for a while I was working
049over in Bradley Gardens and I actually saw it real time what what you had spoken about to the board about these kids come out and they stand online and they're just like wave to me or you know they're just standing there chatting but they're all calm. They're all collected and I'm I'm actually pretty impressed with how organized because uh my house does not not look like that when I try to get kids in motion from point A to point B. So So in in that sense, I'm I'm really grateful not only because you're there and you're protecting our children and and looking out for our security, but you're their security, but you're you're also um just doing a really good job of preparing them for for these kind of events where it may not be
050this huge enormous emergency event that we're all talking about. It could be it could be a a flooding, but they're they're able to respond in in a way that you don't typically see um with with young children on their own accord. Uh so so thank you for that. A and and the second part of what I wanted to add is that I I go to all these events and and I see your guys there. Um they're not just there as part of their job, but they're clapping for the kids when they score. They're invested in what they're doing. and they're talking to um the CSA about coordinating these events. It it's really it's really great. It's a community resource as much as it's a a security force and and and I I I appreciate that
051so much. Thank you. >> Anyone who has not had a chance to ask a question yet? >> Mr. Lee, another question. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Um obviously we have a very big vast district. So, I'm just wondering, you know, how does the security team kind of handle the realities of, you know, making sure they're able to go from point A to point B quickly, especially if there's an emergency? I know there's a lot of different uh technologies and resources out there, but, you know, how have you kind of mitigated the realities of, you know, sometimes someone will be 5 minutes away from here, someone's 10 minutes away from there. How do you guys sort of I guess prioritize that and you know make sure you get kind of boots on the ground first responders
052as soon as you can because there's just obviously a bunch of schools spread out across the town. >> I don't quite understand the question. >> What I what I can tell you is that um there is a presence throughout the district and any anything specific to our operation would have to be in close session. >> All right. >> Yeah. Just a reminder, we planned on continuing that that conversation of course >> and and anything and and we do have to know even with the board of education, we don't divulge the rotation of our people or anything to >> to anyone, the chain of commander, those two gentlemen and me. >> So, no offense to anyone, but that's not shared. >> All right. No problem. Thank you. >> Any other questions from the board? Right. Thank
053you very much. I appreciate that. Mr. Beers, is there anything else? Oh. Oh, I'm sorry. Yes. Go ahead. >> Okay, I'm on. Um, >> apologies. >> The security, I feel like my freshman year, I didn't really notice it. My sophomore year, I also didn't really notice it as much, but junior year, I mean, you're not supposed to leave if you're a junior for open campus, right? But every junior comes springtime, you know, you're getting a little antsy. You want to leave for lunch. Sometimes you may happen to wander over to the junior lot, but these guys, I mean, um, they I would see them sometimes standing at the end of the junior lot, making their presence known, trying to keep us in. And ultimately, I mean, I'm not saying I left ever, but like if
054I happened to, I was a little nervous, but it's okay. Um, but this senior year especially, their presence is completely felt. Every day when I walk into school, they're there. Um, and then if I'm if I'm a little late, they have those new posts which I think were great addition. Um, it sometimes they kind of mess me up if I'm if I'm two minutes late, they they ding me even when my teacher wouldn't. But I mean, just just going in and talking to the security guards when I uh get to school is just a really nice addition. And even like at the football games when they're there and I'm all dressed up and they're like, "Oh, I love the outfit, man." And it's just it's fun. I I really enjoy their presence. So yeah, thank
055you guys for that. We appreciate you. Thank you. >> That was great. Any other questions or comments, Mr. Beers? Anything further for the superintendent's report? >> That is all for tonight. >> All right. Thank you very much. >> You're welcome. Right. We're up to the Oh, I'm sorry. The student representatives reports. >> Okay. I'm going to kind of keep my portion short because I kind of was only here supposed to be here for the photo, but I just want to stay. >> Thank you for sticking around. [laughter] >> Yeah. Um, so a couple things, uh, especially like I know more about is like the swimming. I kind of want to give everyone an update. Um, I know the guys are doing super well and we're doing a little bit we're doing we're doing good as
056well. Uh, we're five and one and the boys are currently undefeated and I'm pretty sure they're ranked number one in the state which is a pretty big deal. I'm kind of excited to see how their season plays out. Today they have like meet against Del Barton and tomorrow we have a meet against Ridgewood and those should be pretty good. Um and this past weekend actually was the Skyland Conference. The boys placed first, which was their fourth year in a row um with getting the Skyland Conference title and we placed third, which is a pretty good accomplishment for us, too. And I'm really proud of everyone. And it just shows how hard um our community has been working and like the swim all the swimmers and like um like being a team and working hard and
057I just think um that the swimming program is has been really developed and I'm excited to see like how far they can go. Um something else is recently last week was the psych fair which basically like all the AP psychology classes a bunch of um all the kids work together in groups to research a couple of like psychology terms or different concepts and during lunch they um display their um projects to the whole school so that everyone can come in the gym and it's a it's a huge thing. There's like there's so many different boots and there's candy and it's it's just like a really fun experience because you as a as a freshman sophomore you kind of walk around you get to learn about all these different psychology concepts which are are actually really
058interesting once you once you learn a little bit and it's like how the brain works and for example um this year um I one of my one of my topics was like encoding failure which is basically how your brain um like processes memory and can sometimes forget things. And I just think showing other people and um getting to experience that is just really interesting and it teaches a little bit more about just like unique concepts that you might not have known about before. So yeah. >> All right. Uh good evening members of the board and the audience here tonight. I thank you all for having me. I'll first be talking about the performing arts department uh including the orchestra and the band. So both of those programs had a winter concert earlier this month with
059the orchestra concert happening on January 8th and the band concert happening on January 13th. Both are really great successes. I personally played as a part of the orchestra as a chist and overall I would say that the audience retention seeing both staff members um even high school alumni parents students obviously it was really a really great event because it's a chance for the overall performing arts program to kind of show what they've been working on the entire year. like half the year spent just preparing the materials and the music just for the single performance. And overall, I'd say that both of them went really well and it was great to see all that success across the orchestra and also the band. Additionally, there's going to be uh there was a eighth grade visit where the
060eighth grade band program actually visited the high school on like a sort of pseudo field trip and they basically play aside alongside the high school members of the band and kind of understand the process of how um like band works in the high school compared to the transition from middle school. And the same thing is gonna be happening with the orchestra this upcoming Wednesday, which I will be a part of as well. So overall, I think um in my experience in being part of these events, it's great to kind of see how the high school is kind of welcoming in and uh making it easy for that transition to happen between the middle school and the high school. And overall, I think it keeps people keep students more engaged in these programs so they continue
061with their passions and continue with music. Uh additionally, in the performing arts section, there's going to be a jazz event at the high school on February 13th, which is one of the um I guess newer events. I don't think this has been established for too too long. So, it's good to see some new, I guess, creativity with what our performing arts program can do and I'm really looking really looking forward to attending that and seeing all the types of jazz music that our talented student population has to offer. Um, in terms of general community events, there was the 11th annual poetry out loud which took place on December 18th and this is one of the I guess more popular arts kind like class- centered events that happened at the high school. Basically, there is a
062competition between classes for students to memorize a poem and they have to recite it off of memory and they are ranked based on their performance and overall speaking ability and overall we had a number of school finalists and um after our champion was crowned Noel Sap who was a freshman which is obviously great to see the sex to them. So kudos to Noel she will be moving on to the u Mayo pack or the next level at the Mayopac clinic uh I think sometime in the coming weeks. So it's good to see some more representation in the high school in this pretty prestigious event which happens at both a state level, a local level and also a national level. So um wishing all the best to Noel and kind of seeing how we have poetry
063as a forum for creativity and student expression. Additionally, that same night there was the Harlem Wizards PTO event which is a fundraiser for the high school PTO. Um personally I went to I went to see the poetry out loud but I also saw the big crowds mostly younger students and parents attending that Harlem Wizards event. Overall, it seemed like a really great success. And I think that it's one of those events that you kind of see the way that the community comes together in a overall passion and overall common ground. Additionally, at the high school, um during this week, two charity drives are being run. One by the animal shelter shelter club, which is working in collaboration with the Somerset County Animal Shelter, and they're basically collecting any animal related goods to donate to the
064Somerset Regional Animal Shelter. Additionally, the colors for coats club at the high school is also running a coat drive, especially important in this time of year in the winter. So, it's great to get to see these studentled initiatives working towards actual community impact. And I'm really grateful to be a part of the student population and seeing my peers um I guess champion these types of causes. And lastly, I'd like to mention that our Bridge High School was awarded the AP Honoral Bronze Award recently. And this is a award given by the college board organization uh who runs all the AP tests to top per top top performing schools in terms of students participation in AP exams and also their success rates in terms of scores. So overall it's great to see this recognition being given
065out to the high school and once again I'm very proud to be a part of that population. Thank you. Okay. Um so I have a couple things. There's an elective fair coming up on Wednesday. I am being a representative for government and politics, AP government and politics by Mr. Delissi. It is a great class. I really enjoy it. Very interesting. Um, and so I'm going to be presenting that during Wednesday on lunch. And then on February 10th is the eighth grade parent night. So there are going to be eighth grade parents that are going to have the opportunity to visit the high school. Also kind of looking towards scheduling. So, with the elective fair coming up and the eighth grade parent night, students can start to look towards making their schedule, especially eighth graders coming
066to the high school um for next year. Um sports right now are going really well. Crystal touched on that. The hockey team's 11 and two. We're doing great. Um basketball team's 10 and three. Sports are really successful. I went to the unified game today, the unified basketball game. The varsity team won. I think the JV team lost by a little bit. They played Hillsboro. Uh it was it was a great time. I'm a PE partners, so it was really cool seeing all my all my friends from that class in the in the game. Um, student council recently went to TCJ for the statewide council convention that they hold. They won three awards. Um, one of which was for one of the top 10 new events, and the addition was the freshman Olympics, which I participated
067in. It's where groups of two or three seniors are paired with two or three freshmen and then they compete in games kind of like what's in the pep rally, the silly like balloon popping, relay races, those kinds of things. It was it was a really fun time and I think it this year was kind of small, but next year I think it will start to grow and it'll become something that's pretty cool. Uh summit of assessments will be this week or next week depending on the class. That's really for halfyear courses. I'm not in any personally, but I remember taking them years back. And so those are coming up. And then the midyear reports should be out by the end of January following those summit assessments. And that's what we got. >> Thank you all
068very much. There any uh comments or questions from the rest of the board? >> I just have a few remarks. Um you know, I I think what we're doing is really great, especially with sports. Um, and you know, we saw tonight with the girls cross country that was really, really great. Um, and you mentioned swimming. I think we've always been known for having a really good swimming team. It's just a year-over-year thing. It's just, it's incredible. Um, and even in the arts, you know, I used to be a formal former cello player myself. And, you know, getting to see Miss Griggs continuing to teach is something that's just incredible. I mean, the orchestra program has evolved so much. And things are always changing. They even have all the people playing all at once. We just
069I'm like, I don't know how you guys do that. It's incredible. And really just seeing the evolution um of a lot of our music programs, seeing uh a lot of our athletics programs continue to perform very well um is really great. And I'm very pleased with, you know, what I'm seeing on that end. And I also want to say, you know, good luck to whoever's taking summitative assessments. Um I definitely don't miss those. So that's all. Thank you. Anybody else? >> I actually had a question. Um, can can you repeat what the clubs were that were doing the fundraisers? >> Yes, of course. Um, well, the second one, the coats drive is being run by Colors for Colors for Coats. Um, it's a driving a chapter at the high school and then the other drive,
070which is the I believe the animal shelter club. So, that's working in collaboration with the Somerset County Animal Shelter. >> Thank you for reporting on that. Right. Thank you all very much. As always, you're more than welcome to stay, but as we can, as we just heard, everyone's busy, so no worries if you need to head out. Thank you for being here tonight, and uh thank you for coming. Thanks. Thank you. A lot of good stuff going on. All right. Uh the president's report, one or two bookkeeping things, but I'll try to be brief. I just wanted to thank the girls cross country team and their coaches for coming out tonight and giving a recap of their championship season and uh to Mr. Borhees and Mr. Lewis for their informative report on school security along
071with Mr. Beers. Um I wanted to thank the committee's chairs and liaison for coordinating their first meetings and starting to talk with some of the groups that they're uh representing the board to. Uh I just wanted to note there have been a few appointments that I did make um as president uh that were not vote that were not voted on at the reorganization meeting. I just wanted to for the record let everyone know that Rebecca, Steve and Jen will be serving as liaison to the council of school associations and uh AJ and Barry uh as trustees to the ed foundation. So thank you all for doing that and if you have questions about those organizations or want to know what they're doing um those are great people to to talk to. Um, we have a
072set of board norms that I'm going to be emailing out to the board. I think everyone has signed their current version except for Mr. Maloney who was not on the board when we drafted them. Um, so hopefully we could sign them again to start the new year at the next meeting. Um, and if there's anything that's that's missing or that um is not there that you think should be, we can always talk about that at a future a future retreat or a future meeting at a time that works for for everybody. but I'll get those out soon. Um, speaking of retreats, I wanted to let the board know that we are planning on holding retreat to discuss the planning for the 2026 2027 budget, even though we're still very much in the middle of this
073year. Um, and the planning that's going on across the district and to take board feedback before the preliminary presentation of the budget a little bit later on in the year. Uh, we currently have that schedule. Correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. Beers and Mrs. Cissuna. uh fee Monday, February 23rd at six o'clock was the time we tossed out. Does that still does that still work? I'll send out an email confirming that to everyone and uh let me know if you're hopefully everyone's able to to make it. Um so I'll send that email out shortly. >> Monday the 23rd. I'll send that out right after as soon as the meeting's done. If anyone has any major conflicts they absolutely can't do, let us know and we'll we'll see if we can move something. But we're the
074hope is to have the whole administrative team so we could see um kind of across the board what's going on with that if I don't want to misspe but >> Oh no no it would be an excellent exercise we we believe to to engage the whole board. It's an opportunity to to ask questions. Obviously, we'll keep things uh directed and on task and uh the budget is just one of those details where where I believe that everyone should have a clear understanding of what we're trying to do, what what the uh difficulties are, what the challenges, I should say, what the challenges are uh looking ahead. And and a lot of times we know going into this the most difficult part of of of any school budget preparation is we're we're going to debate the
075hypothetical a little bit because we don't have our actual numbers until the first or second week in in March. >> New governor. So there there are a lot of moving pieces. So we we take all those parameters and say let's just pretend that everything's going to be flat and you work from there and and then build your parameters around that. And if we get, you know, a small increase in state aid like we we have like we did last year, then we can adjust. >> That's always a plus. >> Six o'clock is what we were going with. Um, but we'll send out an email for that to that effect soon to lock it down. >> Um, can you repeat the date? >> Uh, yes. Monday, February 23rd. >> Monday. I will that's >> I will
076I will say um I believe for at least this year for the 2526 budget we didn't have a whole board retreat before correct >> I believe we did I think it was I believe it was before meeting but we there was there was a discussion I don't know if it's the same thing you planned for this year if it was like a abbreviated version of that but I think we did a trial run last year Mr. Singer or Mr. Beers can correct me >> oh we we definitely had had a some type of of a forum where where we met as a group and and people were allowed to ask questions and saw the the parameters, etc. as we're heading into that preliminary budget. >> All right, no worries. Yeah. >> And just finally from
077my report, I I understand that a number of fifth and sixth grade students from Hillside School spent their day off on Monday volunteering out in the community in honor of the legacy and the service of Dr. Martin Luther King. I'm sure the whole board uh joins me in commending them for that. and to all the students and staff. You know, we heard that the cross country team was doing some of that and I'm sure it's happening across our district. So, just commending all the students and staff um who who do take their time to volunteer uh whether it's directly tied to school or otherwise for uh both for their example and for making our community a great place to be for everybody. Uh and that's that's all for my my report. Great. That brings us
078to section nine of our agenda, committee reports. Starting with the academic committee with Mr. Johi. >> Our next meeting, the first meeting of the year, January 27th, virtual. >> Thank you. Uh, finance, facilities, and transportation with Mr. Singer. >> Thank you, Mr. Pepe. We met on January 14th at 5:30 p.m. In attendance was myself, Dr. Lee, Mr. Maloney, Mr. Pepe, Mr. Lumsky, Mr. Beers and Mr. Leo. Uh, first we talked about a referendum budget update. Mr. Leo, the referendum project manager, began the discussion by informing the board about the emergency situation that occurred on December f 21st in which there was an electrical transformer failure which affected the 400, 500, and 900 buildings at the high school. The failure was caused by a cooling fan within the transformer that became dislodged and uh severed electrical
079wires. Crews were able to get a replacement transformer installed, tested, inspected, and up and running by January 7th. A committee member inquired about the preventative measures that can take place and the status of our remaining transformers. Mr. Lutzo responded that the district is looking to have our transformers tested and that uh another one is due to be replaced at the high school this summer as part of the referendum. U Mr. Chester also informed us that uh while the district owns the transformers at the high school uh the transformers that are uh installed at the uh other buildings are actually owned by JCPNL and PSNG. Is that correct? >> Yes, that's correct. >> Uh so they have responsibility for maintaining and replacing them if anything happens to those transformers. Uh Mr. Mr.O then reviewed the status
080of the referendum budget by reviewing some completed projects and the phase one window replacement project that is nearing completion. Uh that um that budget update is available to all of the board members in the FFT committee folder. Also discussed were the HVAC upgrade projects and their continued rise in cost. Uh overall the district uh the referendum is still under budget at this time. There were no recommendations from the FFT committee uh at this time. Are there any questions? Not up next was the business agenda review. Mr. Lo discussed the project change orders to be approved at the at the meeting tonight. The business administrator then reviewed the remaining draft business action items for tonight's meeting with special attention to the emergency purchase for the electrical transformer work at the high school which I just discussed
081the three anticipated bid awards and the withdrawal of a maintenance reserve for a door lock replacement project. The recommendation of the committee was to approve the action items. Any questions? We then had a discussion on the SR agreement and a softball field draft agreement. The business administrator shared a draft SR agreement with the township uh with the committee uh from the township of Bridgewater and discussed the reasoning for the increase in cost which was due to the district being assigned a more experienced SRO. The business administrator then shared a draft shared service agreement with the township in which the district would have rights to use the commons way fields located next to Buzz Loanfield for high school softball practice and games. The cost to improve the fields were discussed as well as the conditions of
082the current fields used at Prince Rogers Field. The recommendation of the committee was to uh add both agreements to the board meeting agenda for full board approval, but it's my understanding that the the softball has been uh withdrawn at this time for further consideration. >> That's I believe that's correct. Yes. Thank you. >> Any questions? Next, we took on some policy updates. Discussion took place regarding stress as may recommended policy and regulation updates for policy and regulations 611, the special education Medicaid initiative and policy and regulation 6220 budget preparation. A committee member uh suggested removing language from policy 611 and regulation that stated that uh this uh submission to the state could be done without parental consent. Discussion ensued on whether the language is required by statute, which then was identified as being explicitly set
083forth in NJAC 6A23A- 5.3 parenthesis D. Discussion then took place on policy and regulation 6220 and a committee member questioned the impact to the district regarding the change to the regulation on how budget needs will be prioritized. The business admin administrator responded that the change would have no impact on the district's budget preparation procedures. The recommendation of the committee was uh it was determined to support the changes recommended by stress Esme to both policies and regulations. Are there any questions? >> I have one brief question. >> I was wondering who the specific committee member in reference was during discussion of the policy updates for second reading. >> Um actually there were two different uh members. Dr. Lee recommended removing the uh language that said this may be done without parental consent and Mr. Maloney uh
084asked the questions regarding policy and regulation 6220. >> Understood. Thank you. >> Other matters. The FFT committee schedule was discussed and it was determined that the committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the monthly scheduled board meetings for the remainder of the year. A committee member requested the committee to explore the possibility of switching district policies from stress ESME to NJSBA and a discussion took place as to the benefits of changing and the reasons to remain with the current provider. The recommendation of uh FFT committee. The proposed FFT schedule was agreed to and the committee will discuss further at a future meetings the advantages and disadvantages of switching from stress ESME to NJ SBA for policy review and updates. Are there any questions? Our next meeting will take place on February
08518th at 5:30 p.m. We adjourned at 7:43 p.m. that time. >> Thank you, Mr. Singer. Next up, personnel committee with Mr. Walker. >> Our next meeting will be on February 17th at 5:30 p.m. Virtual. >> Thank you. >> Uh, next up, community relations with Miss Locker. Uh we did have some discussions about opening that committee up to potentially cover issues of with your approval Mrs. Laran uh issues of board governance either issues that come of a legislative legislative nature or things that might become come come before the delegate assembly as kind of having that be a first spot. Would it be all right with you if we kind of sent things that way as they come up? >> Well, that was going to be my question to you. So my answer is yes. And there's
086uh no meeting on the calendar at this moment, but we will get on that. >> Thank you. And I got some suggestions from some different board members for that kind of committee governance. So we thought folding it in with community relations would be a good um could could be a good option for that at least to try it out. >> I look forward to it. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I have a question. >> Yes. Uh I know it's mostly focused on community relations, but shouldn't there be a specific separate governance or separate, you know, for example, delegate assembly committee versus putting this all through community relations. >> Um so that that certainly is an option and the board can create whatever committees it likes. In the past, we've had a legislative committee when
087I first came on the board that I think almost never met. Um probably should have. we had things we could have discussed but it didn't but it didn't meet regularly. So instead of creating a new committee I I think that that um think folding it in to to the work of that committee is something to at least try but it's something we could discuss move moving forward if that's not adequate. >> Uh correct correct me if I'm wrong but as president you are able to create the committees. Correct. >> I can appoint members to committees. I think there might be a way for me to create an ad hoc committee. Uh I'm not sure if I can create a permanent committee. Uh that may be very well within my uh purview, but that's the way
088after discussions with the administration. Um that's the way we're going to handle for now. >> Understood. Thank you. Thank you >> for clarification in policy 0155, you're able to create ad hoc committees. >> Thank you very much. That that's that was my general understanding. So I appreciate that and thank you for your question, Mr. Lee. We are up to liaison and delegate reports. Are there any liaison or delegate reports? I have >> Mr. >> Thank you. Uh Mr. Maloney and I met with uh the town the Bridgewater Town Council liaison to the district uh Andrew Bucko this afternoon uh to establish uh open and proper lines of communication with the uh municipality. Um I think it was a a fairly good meeting. uh you know, we went over uh past practice um and really just
089uh made sure that if the council has any concerns, they can come to us uh and same uh in in reverse. Uh we did uh discuss uh some items including the the softball fields. Um and uh overall I think it was a good meeting and uh if there's any issues uh we we definitely will be able to resolve them. Uh we also discuss you know special services um and you know collaborating further going forward. Um the other thing that I wanted to raise as a liaison to the town council along with Mr. Maloney uh the town council will be um recognizing the board of education on Thursday at 7 o'clock during their meeting which is Thursday at 7 o'clock. Uh this month is schoolboard recognition month and as such the the uh the town council
090will have a proclamation recognizing our school board. Uh so we appreciate uh their thoughts and and uh if any board member wants to be there 7 o'clock on Thursday. >> Thank you very much. Mr. Singer, >> I just have a question. Is this the first time that because I never even heard of school board recognition month. Is this our first recognition? >> It is. Uh it's definitely not the first schoolboard recognition month. Um, >> I didn't know about it. >> I I [laughter] This is the first time I recall a proclamation being read at a town council meeting. Um, so we appreciate it. >> Okay. Um, >> so there is a um Ed Foundation Club at the high school and they will be having their very first event on March 19th. It's a volleyball tournament.
091Um, and again, this is an arm of the Ed Foundation and um they're looking for teams. I believe it's uh [laughter] >> I think we know where this is going. like volleyball >> and six six I believe it's six people >> yeah per team so more the marrier and this is the the first first event that these kids are holding so it would be uh great if people can participate >> I [laughter] was going to say is our non- studentent bracket so we could maybe survive for longer than five minutes >> why not I'll be there cheering for [laughter] >> so please mark your calendars [laughter] I just want to make everybody aware I am available. So there we go. Excellent. Excellent. Sign up. I think more information will be forthcoming. >> I think the
092first leadership position I had on the board was the captain of the dodgeball. >> Dodgeball. I remember >> motion to dodge to dodge was the name of our team. So that that was a lot of fun while it lasted for two minutes. [laughter] >> And I'm sure that'll be a great event, too. >> Well, well, we got a buy to the second round. So technically we outlasted some teams. She did. She's like >> AJ, is there a time for that? >> It's uh six o'clock. Yep. Six six >> uh March 19th. It's a Thursday. Right. Uh real briefly from the Burrow of Raren. The Burough Council held its reorganization meeting uh January 6th. uh Councilman Agrial and uh new member Councilman Harwood were sworn in. So congratulations to them and uh Councilman uh Don Tazzy
093was elected uh by the council as the interim well not the interim mayor the mayor for uh this year. So I look forward to working with him and everyone on the council in Ritton. any other uh liaison or delegate reports? >> I'm not the I'm not the delegate, but I was on the website today. And just to add to your calendars, um March 2nd is the unsung heroes at Somerset County Votech. It'd be nice if everyone's there. And you got this. >> January 26th is our next Somersa County School Boards meeting, and it is virtual. [snorts] So we don't get to enjoy the good food at the uh at the VTEC. >> It's a good topic. Building fiscal clarity >> toward VA partnership. Is that correct? >> Yeah. Every county meeting in the winter is
094virtual. So please feel free to attend as many as you can if you'd like. So that's an option for everyone. Just so you know, but they're all different topics. You know, one thing I've learned that every county in the state of New Jersey is a little different. So it's kind of neat what they have. >> Any further reports or comments? All right. that we are up to section 10 of the agenda. 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 public are allotted one opportunity to address the board for a maximum of 5 minutes during this period of the meeting. And just please be advised that a video recording
095of the meeting will be posted on the district's website. Hello. Hope everyone's doing well. I want to congratulate the cross the girls crunch cross country team as well. Um especially Adam. He was one of my students when uh he was in ninth grade. So that was kind of cool. I worked at the high school for a couple of years and um it's really nice seeing him like you know grow up makes me reminds me how old I am. Okay, so listen I've been watching these board of ed meetings for the last 22 years as either the grievance chair or the president and I've been in the district for 26 years and after last month's meeting I feel compelled to say something. Um so just in general typically new board members begin their tenure by listening
096um listening reading information asking other board members questions. I think it's a rule of thumb really in most cases uh to learn about any organization or entity uh one becomes a part of um especially when you feel like you're going to be attempting to initiate changes. I've also noticed that most of those who joined the board in the past with their own personal agenda quickly realized that one needs to um gain an understanding the of the roles and the workings of the board um including getting to know people's personalities. Uh you know, you're going to be working with these people on really important topics and we should all get to know each other a little better. Um, and mostly what I think is the key to success in life is obviously hard work, but the
097having the ability to read the room. I think reading the room is just as important as the hard work. And I do that with my students. I've been doing that for the 26 years I've been a teacher and the two years I was a teacher. And actually, I learned how to do that probably the best of all as a high as a teaching assistant in the Bound Brook High School emotionally disturbed class back in 1996 because that'll really teach you what's going on in the world. And that helps you to connect with people. And my goal as a teacher is education, respect, and collaboration with my students. And the same goes true for my involvement in the Bridgewater Ronin Education Association and Leadership role. When one believes that their ideas or suggestions are more important
098or urgent than the others starts to get ugly. Last week I felt like ugly might have reached the pinnacle here. I've been watching, the staff has been watching from home some of the students make comments in my classroom over the last year of some of what goes on in this room. In the in the 22 years I've been coming to these meetings and in the 26 years I've been here, I have never seen seven board members in all of the past iterations of the board say less and appear to be on the same page as a board. And from my perspective, it appears that the sometimes angry barrage of quest questioning the other members, the administration on rules, their views and beliefs on almost every topic from the very serious to the minutia has naturally
099created the appearance of the rubber stamping they are being accused of. And I just think it's strange how that's all coming around. So, thank you. I hope things improve. Thank you for your comment. Are there any other comments from the public? Hello, good evening. Uh, my name is Megan Simone. I am a Bridgewater resident. Um, and I'd just like to start by providing uh just a little bit of my backstory in the hopes that my message is more impactful. Uh, my husband and I were both South Jersey kids growing up. We were introduced to central Jersey during our undergrad years at Ruters. Uh we bought our home here in Bridgewater really without any uh firsthand knowledge of the town. But we truly feel like we hit the jackpot. We love Bridgewwater's outdoor spaces, our wonderful
100library, our recreck department, but most importantly the quality educational experience our daughter has received in district since second grade at Adamsville. Dr. Singalisi spearheads a truly wonderful group of intrinsically motivated professionals who truly care about the important role they play in their students development. And even though our daughter has only been at Hillside for a few months now, uh in just that short time, it's proven to be an equally special place to grow and learn. Uh, additionally, I've been impressed with the decisions made by C the central office team uh, including the communication uh, throughout the referendum and most recently the thoughtful decision to adopt option two for next year with a later high school start time. I try to be an invested parent and contribute to the district. I am a member of the
101mentioned Bridgewwater Raritan Ed Foundation, a group that fundraises to provide grant money to teachers whose lesson plan ideas exceed the traditional budget. I also attend board meetings when I can and speak when a current topic feels particularly pressing or hits close to home. And this is why I'm here tonight. I've been a proud member of this community for the last 15 years. However, as I watched last month's board of ed meeting via the live stream, I felt shocked and surprised, but mostly disappointed. It wasn't the topics that were discussed, but the manner in which the discourse occurred with certain board members truly showing their age. And to be clear, I'm not referencing our wonderful high school representatives. Now more than ever, we need leaders that are able to disagree but maintain their professionalism with regard
102to how they communicate with one another in a public forum. This is what we teach our children. So as adults, we must model the process. Moving forward, I strongly suggest all board members act as the figureheads they are in their elected positions. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you for your comment. Are there any other comments from the from the public? Thank you. Sorry, my name is long. Almost there. Okay. Hi, I'm Margarita Yosi Fakis, a resident of Bridgewater. So, you have these once a month open to the public sessions where members of the public can present their concern and request to the board me board of education for any matters. Yet you never acknowledge the resident speaking or act on the concern. So beginning to lose faith here. Since September 2025, that's last
103year, my husband and I have attended five board meetings and spoken at each one regarding the district's policy on accepting exchange students. Over the past four, now going on five months, I have advocated for the benefits of an exchange program and shared the policies of neighboring districts such as Somerville, two miles down the road and Morristown high schools to demonstrate how manageable and beneficial these programs are. Despite these efforts, we have received no formal response to our public comments or our emails. As residents and taxpayers of Bridgewater for 15 years, we wish to host an exchange student. We've actually picked one out, Marta from Spain. However, current district policy does not allow for this. While we expected a new policy to be implemented by now, there has been no visible action or status update. It
104remains our position that any school age child residing at our address should be permitted to go to school. Furthermore, neighbors, my next door neighbor who has had previously hosted an exchange student at Bridgewater Beritton High School, she has expressed concern regarding this policy change and would like to understand who was responsible for this modification and why. So, we look forward to a prompt response regarding this matter. And unfortunately, if this remains unresolved, we intend to escalate the situation to the local government. But before closing, I would just like to read something from the New Jersey government education website in the hopes that this will motivate you. So there are some school related state and federal requirements pertaining to immigrant students and families. I know this is not the same situation but it may apply. So
105the NJE mandates that all LEAs that is local education agencies enroll students regardless of MAT immigration status in line with federal law and state state regulations. In a particular case, this was Ply versus Dole. The United States Supreme Court held that a state may not deny access to a basic public education to any child residing in the state whether president present in the United States legally or otherwise because all students have a right to be in school regardless immigration documentation and status. So under current regulations, any child residing with me must be permitted to attend school. Well, we intend to follow the proper procedures for this process. It's almost been five months that have passed without any action from the board of education or superintendent. We don't know where we stand. We are law-abiding citizens
106and we want to do this legally. But this delay is unacceptable. I urge you to act in the best interests of our schools and our students, not adhering to any bureaucratic agenda. Processing and approval for an exchange student should be straightforward. It should be a straightforward matter. It shouldn't be stalled for another 6 months. Please provide confirmation immediately that my exchange unit is approved to attend high school this summer. We need to start planning for her. Thank you. >> Thank you for your comment. Good evening. Uh, my name is Katherine Trola. I am a Bridgewwater resident and a current first and fifth grade parent. I want to preface by stating as a full-time working parent in financial services, I understand the pressure to manage costs. But changing primary school start times from 8:25 to 9:20
107solely to save money shifts a real and immediate burden onto families. And it directly contradicts Mr. Beer's publicly stated beliefs about student wellness, learning, and family life. If cost savings are the primary driver, we need to be honest about that. and equally honest about the trade-offs being placed on families. Articles circulating boast how the district is giving teens much needed extra sleep but fail to highlight the change impacts the middle school students quite oppositely. Mr. Beers has stated time is our most precious commodity for working families that time matters too. A 920 start time removes morning structure, complicates child care, and forces many parents into unpaid time off, added expenses, or impossible scheduling choices. That is not preserving family time. It is fragmenting it. For many elementary families, mornings provide essential structure, consistent routines, drop
108offs, and early connection with teachers and classmates. A late staggered start disrupts that rhythm and stability. Mr. Beers, when your own children were younger at ages similar to ours, it's worth considering how your family might have navigated these changes. The reality for many dual working households is this. Older children will need to be ready for a 650 pickup while younger siblings will require morning care so parents can arrive to work by 9:00 a.m. if not earlier. Families will also need afterare due to full work days. Teacher le after school clubs will become non-existent, limiting our children the chance to explore new interests and talents, social and emotional growth, and a connection to a positive school environment. How are we creating an effective learning environment and giving students breathing room by reducing daily pressures? Later start
109times for young children don't reduce or eliminate pressure. They simply transfer it from the school system to working parents, caregivers, and before school programs that are already stretched thin. As a member of this community and a parent to both an elementary and future middle school student, I'm asking that we align decisions with our stated values. If student wellness, family balance, and effective learning truly come first, then this change deserves reconsideration or at a minimum a solution that does not place the entirely on working family. Thank you. >> Thank you for your comment. Any further comment from the public? Okay, seeing none, I'll close the se the uh section of public comment. >> Mr. Beers, anything from the administration at this time? >> Uh not at this time. No. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you everyone
110for your comments. We are up to section 11 of the agenda which is the approval of the minutes. >> So moved. >> Second. >> A motion and a second. Is there any discussion or amendments? Corrections. >> Tip of Mr. Lee. Did you your mic was on? I don't know if you have anything. Thank you. >> Tip of [snorts] the cap to Mr. LSKY for keeping the minutes the last meet the last two meetings which were a lot but thank you very much for uh keeping track of that for us. There's no uh discussion. Mr. Lomsky, can you please call the role on the minutes? >> Mr. Singer, >> yes. >> Miss Lockan, >> yes. >> Dr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. Maloney, >> uh abstain on the December 16th meetings
111and yes on January 6th. Mr. Joshi, >> yes. >> Mr. Walker, >> yes. >> Mr. Sunna, >> yes. >> Mr. Pepe, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Motion passes. >> Right. Up next, it's section 12, approval of action items, beginning with personnel. Personnel 2620 and 2621. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Mr. Lumpsy, can you please call the role for personnel? >> Mr. Singer, >> yes. >> Miss Lan, >> yes. >> Dr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. Maloney, >> yes. >> Mr. Jooshi? >> Yes. >> Mr. Walker? >> Yes. >> Mr. Sunna? >> Yes. >> Mr. Pepe? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. Next we have curriculum 2636 through curriculum 2638. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. Any discussion? Mr.
112LSKY, can you please call the role? >> Mr. Singer? >> Yes. >> Miss Lockan? >> Yes. >> Dr. Lee? >> Yes. >> Mr. Lee? >> Yes. >> Mr. Maloney? >> Yes. Mr. Johi, >> yes. >> Mr. Walker, >> yes. >> Mr. Sunna, >> recuse on 2636. And yes to the rest. >> Mr. Pepe, >> yes. Motion passes. >> Right, we are up to business. That is business 2676 through 2689. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. Right. Motion and a second. Is there any discussion on the business agenda? Dr. Lee, >> for public information, um I would like to um hear some clarification about the change orders. I know that u uh Mr. Ramsy has answered it in committee. >> Sure. The first >> about 2681, correct? >> Yes. >> Thank you.
113for the first change order, the HVAC upgrades at JFK, Van Holton, and Hamilton. That is for the cost to temporarily temporarily back feed the new Univvent units that have been installed in all the classrooms. Um they currently are waiting for PSEG to or JCPNL to upgrade the power. So until they do that, this temporary back feed was needed. Uh the next change order, it's actually a use of allowance is for the Bradley Gardens edition, cafeteria edition and classroom renovations. There was some water damage to hallway tile um certain tiles and we this change order is to replace the entire hallway rather than just replacing a few tiles here and there. Uh the next change order is for the electrical upgrades project. This is a use of allowance. This is the fee to uh return the
114transformer that was initially uh procured by the vendor. Um there was a change to the brand and make and uh the manufacturer of the transformer. And the last one for the window replacement phase one, this is a use of allowance. This is to correct the courtyard doors at Eisenhower so that they swing uh in code compliance with the local code. Um because based on the old way it was not um in standard with fire code >> and that's it. Um for the same uh reason of public information, could you also comment on >> the withdrawal for maintenance reserve? >> Yes, withdrawal of funds from the maintenance reserve account. >> This is to fund um because this would is an unbudgeted item. So we're going to withdraw from maintenance reserve. This is to replace door locks
115on uh bathrooms. They currently have electronic swipes and they've been causing issues. So, this is to replace all the locks with functioning um tumbler locks. >> Thank you. >> That sounds like it'll be an improvement for everyone over there. [snorts] >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Any other >> discussion? I do, >> Mr. Lee. >> Thank you. Um, I know Dr. Lee addressed some of the change orders and uses of allowance related to some some of these projects. Uh, I know for the Venus Tile project for that change order, there was some water damage. Correct. >> Correct. >> Um, and I I forgot to ask, but like what what was it caused by something like environmental like flooding, building related, construction related? Are you aware of the specific reason for it? >> This was during
116the summer. Um, Bradley Gardens, that whole wing was under heavy construction. It was open to um there were a lot of trenching going on, replacement of sanitary lines. So, I don't know if there was a pipe leakage, but there was damage caused by the construction. So, that square footage area was replaced. Um the pricing is for the remainder of the hallway. So the contractor acknowledged the the issue that occurred over the summer, replace those tiles and the prices for the difference. So, just kind of I know you don't have it off the top of your head, but for that specific project and I guess our bid specifically in our contract with Venus Tile, um are they supposed to be do they and this so this seems like this is more construction related. Um perhaps was
117there an issue with what Venus tile did which kind of maybe exposed it to rain or water damage or a uh a pipe burst which would have led to uh this change or use of allowance. >> This was not new tile installed that's being replaced. This is >> Old tile that's being replaced. >> Correct. Uh this was existing tile. Uh, I'd have to look into the specifics of exactly what caused the water to come in, whether [snorts] it was environmental or if it was work being done with pipes. Um, but I could get that information for you. >> Kind of my understanding was that the construction kind of happening on top of it exacerbated whatever on whatever the underlying issue was that exposed some of it. And didn't we also get a pretty good deal
118on the tile? >> Yes. And um also the problems didn't surface until after school started. Um everything was fine in the summer. Um I guess as everything got closed up and started being used the the tile started uh raising up off the floor and it became a safety issue. >> So this so I guess >> so so we kind of backtracked it to this must have been what happened over the summer construction. >> So sir All right. So, it's not like 100% clear if this was necessarily I guess either extraneous or if this was caused just because perhaps Venus kind of maybe exposed the tiles to too much. >> Again, this is damage. >> Venus didn't do >> correctly. We couldn't cause this was um we kind of came to a mutual understanding that >>
119replace the damaged tile and we'd also just like the entire so that everything matches and that whole wing, majority of those classrooms got renovated. So, in order to, you know, kind of match with the newly renovated classrooms, we have a new brand new um hallway floor tile. >> All right. Got it. Um >> and and can I just because we're talked about this topic for a while and I certainly don't want to belabor it but when whenever you do a project that's large in scope you come upon upon conditions in the field there are things that come up and there are things you have to address in real time and and I think everything's been 100% transparent straightforward etc. uh due to the heavy construction in that area uh the condition w was created where
120tiles were popping up. It needed to be fixed. We got a quote from Venus Tile which was better than than uh uh any other uh quote that we got and we went ahead with it. So I mean that's a story we we can ask a 100 different ways what happened. I mean the a condition arose and we had to mitigate it and u thanks to the work of Mr. Mr. Lomsky and Mr. LSO, we were able to to uh secure an excellent price for the district. >> Um, moving on to 2682. I reached out about this before, but out of curiosity, just for the behalf of the public, um, what was the reasoning behind having a contract A and a contract B related to toilet renovations? >> So, these renovations are for all the primary
121schools with the exception of Miltown. So that would be six school locations I believe. And if we were to package it all as one bid, that might limit the pool of contractors that would entertain bidding on it because it might be too large for some contractors. So it was split up to try to encourage competition and get better pricing. So that was the reasoning for it. >> Got it. And then for 2686, which is related to the SRO agreement, I noticed that the invoices are due on a two-eek basis. Uh but the board meets monthly and obviously we have our bills list that's approved, I guess, on a monthly basis. So how would we kind of be able to pay those bills between BOE meetings when they're doing on a two-eek basis? >> So as
122the board, the business administrator, I'm authorized to release payment of claims in between board meetings. Um so this would fall under that and historically I believe the township uh bills annually. So uh unless this agreement they change and they do it bi-weekly um we can certainly accommodate and make payment timely. >> Awesome. Thank you. Those are all my questions. >> Any further discussion comments? I just have a quick >> Yes, Mr. >> I just have a quick comment on business 2688, the approval of nonpublic security and technology aid. I just want to clarify this is this is all pass through money from the state. Correct. This is not correct >> out of our budget. This is >> this does not come out of our budget. The state allocates uh grant money for all the non-publix
123located within the township and burrow. And we outsource the management of these funds to the Somerset County Ed Service Commission. So this >> kind of an idiosyncrasity of >> correct >> of how the state budgeting works. >> Correct. So they um coordinate with all the nonpubliclix, consult with my office um to make sure they comply with purchasing law and um the guidelines for these non-public grants and they'll manage the ordering, delivery and all that with these nonpublic. So, it's a pass through money from the state, goes through us, and it's spent on certain items for these non-publiclix. >> Thank you. [clears throat] [snorts] >> Seeing no further discussion, Mr. Lumpsky, can you please call the role? >> Mr. Singer, >> yes. >> Miss Lan, >> yes. >> Dr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. [snorts] Uh,
124yes on everything, but abstain on the Venus tile change order on the basis that I'm not 100% sure about the exact cause. So, I'm going to abstain on that, but yes on everything else. >> Mr. Maloney, >> recuse on 2678 and yes on everything else. >> Mr. Jooshi, >> yes. >> Mr. Walker, >> yes. >> Muna, >> yes. >> Mr. Pepe, >> yes. Motions pass. All right, we are up to special services. Special services 2617 through 2619. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Motion and a second. Any discussion on special services? Uh yes. Uh 20 uh 2618 and 2619 would have to be in closed session. Any discussion? Right. Seeing none, Mr. Lowski, please call the role. Mr. Singer. >> Yes. >> Miss Lan. >> Uh, yes to wait. No, I'm sorry.
125We're on special services, right? Not other >> special services. >> 26 said yes. >> Dr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. Maloney. >> Yes. >> Mr. Jooshi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Walker. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sunna. >> Yes. >> Mr. Pepe. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> All right. We're on to other 2613 and other 2614. Do I have a motion for other 2613 and 14? >> So moved. >> Motion. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> There's a motion and a second. Any discussion? Would need to be in close session. Seeing none, Mr. Clansky, please call the role. >> Mr. Singer. >> Yes. Miss Lockan. >> Uh yes to 2613 and I need to recuse myself from 2614. >> Dr. Mr. Lee. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lee. >> Yes.
126>> Mr. Maloney. >> Yes. >> Mr. Jooshi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Walker. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sunna. >> Yes. >> Mr. Pepe. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> All right. That brings us to policy 2613 and policy 2614. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. There's a motion and a second. Any discussion on policy 2613 and 14? >> I would like to be recognized. >> Mr. Lee, go ahead. >> Thank you. I would like to move to amend [snorts] policy resolution 2613 with the proposed amendments that I've created and shared with the board. Um, and I'd like to second. >> Are we in first reading? >> Disagree. >> Reading. I believe an amendment would be Well, it's there's a motion. So, >> second. >> There's a motion and a second. Uh, does
127everyone have the uh Thank you for uh the administration for printing that out for us. Uh, does everyone have that? >> All right. Is there any discussion on the motion to amend policy 611, which is about the uh special education Medicaid initiative program or the semi program? >> I would. >> Mr. Lee, your motion. Go ahead. >> Thank you. Um, as the author of these amendments, I am speaking in support of these policy amendments that will represent a significant step forward for our district's financial health, compliance, and public trust. The changes are not simply procedural, but they are commitment to implementing smart, pragmatic governance that ensures long-term stability and accountability to our taxpayers. The policies before you deliver two crucial benefits. They stabilize and strengthen the revenue stream from our semi program and they establish
128a modern transparent framework for financial planning. First, we're strengthening the integrity of the semi program and this is a critical program that brings federal revenue directly to our special education services and protecting district compliance must be a priority. For too long, the program has operated without any robust internal audits according to the policy existing in place. And that risk is being mitigated today before risks become potential problems. And this amendment introduces a mandatory annual internal audit, replacing informal reviews and trust with rigorous oversight and internal controls. This audit will verify claims, confirm professional qualifications, and reconcile financial data to ensure that we're maximizing every dollar while preventing costly compliance errors. This change establishes ironclad fiscal integrity for taxpayers. Equally important is the clarity we are introducing regarding family rights. The language suggesting student data sharing
129may be done without parental consent is being removed from the policy. This policy striketh through ensures that the district's actions fully respect the authority of our parents. And while our process must identify all eligible students, the [snorts] district should be committed to a clear and transparent process for families, eliminating any ambiguity and strengthening our legal and our ethical standing with our community's families. Furthermore, the new semi program performance report will be delivered to this board annually under this new policy. This report will provide clear datadriven metrics on our revenue performance and audit findings, replacing complexity with transparency and ensuring mandatory administrative accountability. Second, we are introducing stability and prudence into our budget process. The old method of single one-year budgeting is simply inadequate for responsible financial management in today's economic environment. Policy 6220 now demands
130a rolling three-year financial plan supported by a long range planning financial forecast. This is prudent financial stewardship. The plan requires that every new spending proposal be evaluated not just for its immediate cost, but for its long-term impact on the tax levy in years two and three. And this strategic action protects the district's financial future against unexpected costs and fiscal cliffs. Finally, the new community engagement and transparency amendment ensures the public's investment is respected. Public input is no longer a formality, but it is a structured and essential component of our budget process. We are guaranteeing the taxpayers's perspective is heard through formal digital surveys and public workshops which culminate in a community budget priority report for this board's review ahead of budget adoption. This ensures the administration is actively incorporating the community's priorities into the final
131budget. The process is capped by the administrative certificate of compliance requiring the superintendent and business administrator formally attests to the budget's legality, accuracy and incorporation of community feedback. This is accountability and community representation at the highest level, making Bridgewwater Riden a shining example of fiscal discipline and family-driven education for all districts to follow. These amendments establish a foundation of fiscal conservatism, oversight, and public accountability. And there are promise of better management and a triumph of pragmatic principles that will ensure that our district remains fiscally secure and focused on the education of its students. And I hope this board will join me in adopting the amendments and voting yes. Thank you. >> Any further discussion on the amendments? Mr. Singer? >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Pepe. I find it necessary to raise the fact that this
132policy was sent to members of FFT committee on December 9th and was subsequently discussed at that committee meeting that same evening. This board discussed these policies on December 16th during first reading at which I reminded the board that FFT would be discussing this again prior to second reading tonight. A month passed without any suggested revisions of this policy being sent to the FFT committee or the board for review. Only this morning were these suggested revisions sent to the con board for consideration last minute. In the meantime, FFT had another meeting wherein this policy was discussed again. The suggested revisions to policy 611 make it clear that there's a fundamental misunderstanding of the intent of that policy. Policy 611 comes directly from law. Law that this board is required to abide by. New Jersey state law
133states that parental consent isn't required for that purpose of notifying the state of the evaluations. This policy doesn't change that. The policy is intended solely to ensure that the board participates fully in the special education Medicaid initiative program to the greatest extent possible. The suggested policies, the suggested changes send policy 611 in a whole new direction, which diverges completely from the law on which this policy is based. Language about detailing financial outcomes in a policy whose sole intention is to ensure participation in a program to receive federal funds, not dictating the use of those funds, demonstrates a wholesale lack of understanding as to the purpose of this policy and the law. The language in the regulation is similarly divergent from the law and offensive in that the administration already has fiduciary duties requiring them to
134perform these functions in compliance with state and federal law. Moving on to policy 6220. The suggested changes to policy 6220 include returning language that Straesme has suggested removing and that the FFT committee has recommended abiding by that suggestion twice. The state has enacted detailed law regarding budget development which includes public notice and inspection as well as county superintendent review. The state code pertaining to fiscal accountability and budgeting procedures is over 300 pages alone. We have professionals who are trained on developing a budget and I have every confidence in their ability to do so. Thanks. If >> I could just say for my piece and Mr. Beers or Dr. funer. Please correct me if I'm incorrect about this, but there is parental consent throughout this program. If a child has an IEP and is receiving services
135in the school, the parents need to consent to that. Is that is that correct, Mr. Beers? And >> yes, that's correct. >> And if the school district is submitting those claims or those hours, which I think can sometimes be session by session by session to make sure we're able to get something back. um parents need to consent in order to for the district to recoup that money. Is is that also correct? >> That is correct. >> So this the the only element that doesn't require parental consent is just looking at our universe [snorts] to make sure that we're meeting their threshold and participating enough. >> That's correct. And that's a common practice amongst I believe every single school district in the state of New Jersey. >> And >> this is not something that's out of
136the ordinary. I mean I to my knowledge and and uh Mr. Lomsky will know more. It's a matter of this. The state maintains a database of of students who are eligible for Medicare or I'm sorry, Medicaid. We take our student role and we do a cross reference and then we see which students come up and are eligible for additional services uh etc. I mean that's it. I think this whole issue of parental rights it's it's nonsense uh in this case. Not to say the whole thing of parental rights is nonsense, but in this case, we're trying to take words and make it into something that it is not. It is not that. >> And I it is a matter of delivering services to the kids who need it the most. >> And based on a
137conversation, I think we all agree on that. Someone who does this for a living, the state has very specific rules for the way this program runs. We can't really wing it. I think if we took that out, >> I don't know enough, we'd be eligible for it. >> As Mr. Singer had uh illuminated to all of us before. I I would prefer being that as sticky as it is from time to time, and we've been down this road before, um it it's my job as the superintendent or otherwise known as the the unelected bureaucrat at the table. Um I our job is to follow the law. We want to keep we want to keep the district out of legal hot water. And the best way to follow the law and and Mr. Singer, I'm not
138an an attorney. Would wouldn't it be to cut and paste the law [snorts] into your policy and not amend it? >> Certainly seems better than interpreting it. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any further discussion on amendment? >> Question, >> Mr. Coup of them. How long has this semi program been in existence? >> Oh my gosh, I wouldn't know. Every year since I've been an administrator. And how many times have we not met the requirements of this program? >> You have to get 90% that I I believe that's the thing. So anytime you you fall underneath you do a corrective action plan, etc. >> And and we've never been flagged. >> Not that I know of. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Which which tells me that parents are being notified about and giving consent. >> Sure.
139And we we do have an audit every year. When we have an audit, the these folks come in, they look through all the books, they look through all of our work, things like >> we haven't failed. We we've passed. >> Uh we've passed. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. I think the recommendation this year was that we had to spend more of this cafeteria fund. That was the recommendation. >> Spend more money. >> I'm sorry. Any No, I apologize. Any further discussion on uh Mr. Lee's amendment? >> Just one question. Ma, >> um just to clarify, Mr. If you can give us an idea of what percentage semi is to our general budget. >> It's a it's less than a percent. >> Mr. Lee, would you like the last word? >> Yes. A lot of people at
140the board, I would like to address policy amendments. It's unlawful community engagement analysis of a program or procedure doesn't go against the law and this policy minimally strikes through any portions of the existing policies in Asence. This may be done without Mr. Singer, you're right in the statute that you referenced, but the statute doesn't require usual On top of that, I'd like to note that yes, while we do, as a matter of fact, have a requirement to submit information to the state to screen. I would also like to note as well [snorts] and it's not good for parents. Also want to react. I'm not saying there's any problem. We haven't [snorts] certain audits but internal audits layerant and that we are reactive but we are proactive as a district. >> Mr. Singer, I know I
141said the final word, but I jumped the gun on that. Mr. Singer, go ahead. >> Thank you, Mr. Pepe. While I appreciate the attempt to mischaracterize my prior statements, my comments regarding legal compliance were directed to policy 611, specifically NJAC6A23A-5.3B. I did not say anything about compliance with the law with regard to public input on budgets. Just want to make that clear. >> Mrs. Asuna, >> I have a question for Mr. Lee. Can you tell us what difference it will make if we strike that line out because it's in the statute? Um what what actual difference will it make if we have that line in [snorts] the policy or not in the policy? >> Simply unnecessary policy. Mr. >> would change though. >> It's unnecessary policy. It's unnecessary policy language. >> I feel like though
142that you want this struck out because you're trying to make a point or maybe to deceive people about what it will do. when having it in there or not having it in there will make zero difference. I I may be wrong. Maybe you know something else. >> As a matter of fact, I would argue that we could even have language that replaces this may be done without parental consent to include this may be done with parental notification so that parents know that their students are being submitted. >> Well, is it against the statute? Does it say that we're not allowed to notify parents? >> But our policy doesn't say we're not allowed to notify. >> Correct. It doesn't. But perhaps it should. Perhaps that's what we should be debating. >> But in the end, it
143makes no difference. Just so that we're clear with the public. I want to be transparent about this. Whether we have this line or we don't have this line, the policy remains the same. The effect will be the same. Well, as you know, if you look at the statute, which is NJ, you know, 6A, 23A, 5.3 and all that, the reality is that getting rid of this language would not have a material change because we are submitting names into a state state database and that is required by the law. However, I think that the language is redundant and it's unnecessary and that's my reason for not having it. Understood. But just to be clear, it will not make a difference. That's fine. >> I won't add to that question. >> All right. Um I'm sorry. So,
144thank you for that. Dr. >> Lee, >> I tried to, but >> I I didn't hear the word motion. I apologize. Was there a motion? >> I did not hear that. So, >> obje objection to consideration. >> I'll second that. If that's a thing, >> I'll make a motion to close call the question. >> Wait. >> Okay. Let's pause. Let's pause for a second. >> There was a motion right around the same time Dr. Lee started to speak >> because it was mentioned that this was the last comment. So, I think we should [snorts] move forward. >> Okay. Mrs. Lan, uh, you have the floor >> for a motion. >> I to move the question or whatever. I motion to call the question. Motion to call the question. >> I will second [snorts] that. >>
145There's a motion to call the question and a second. There's no debate on that. >> I had a motion to object to consideration of that motion to call the question. >> Proper motion. >> Motion to to object to consideration is a proper motion >> to object to consideration. >> Motion to object >> to the consideration to call the question. >> Motion to call >> On the motion to amend. That's correct. [snorts] Thank you, Mr. Singer. >> Okay. Improper matter. All right. So, that's a twothirds to object to the consideration of the motion to call the question and is not debatable. Thank you for your cheat sheet, Mrs. Cissuna. So, this is to object to the um consideration >> to to the call of the question. Mr. Lonsky, can you please call the role on the
146motion to object to that motion to the call to the call of the question happening which in my mind would have the same effect as vote taking the next vote but we have one >> point of clarification. Was there a second the motion to object? >> There's no needed motion for that. >> Okay, we're ready. Yes, >> this is to object to call the question. So it would resume discussions >> presumably correct >> and if it's a no vote then we'll move ahead to the call of the question. All right. Thank you [snorts] Mr. Lansky for explaining that. Thank you for the question. >> Mr. Singer, >> no. >> Miss Locker, >> no. >> Dr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. Baloney. >> No. >> Mr. Jooshi? >> No. >> Mr.
147Walker? >> No. >> Mrs. Sunna? >> No. >> Mr. Pepe? >> Yes. No. No. I apologize. No. >> My bad. >> Okay. The the motion to object has failed. >> So now we have the call the question >> requires a two-thirds majority. >> Mr. Mr. Lumpsky, would you please call the role and the motion to call the question? >> Mr. Singer? >> Yes. >> Miss Lan? >> Yes. >> Dr. Mr. Lee. >> No. >> Mr. Lee? >> No. >> Mr. Maloney? >> Yes. >> Mr. Jooshi? >> Yes. >> Mr. Walker? >> Yes. >> Mr. Sunna? >> Yes. >> Mr. Pepe? >> Abstain. >> Motion passes. >> I think it's 62, which is 2/3 majority. >> I think it was 62. Am I correct? >> Correct. 62. >> All right. So, we have a call of
148the question on Mr. Lee's amendment to policy 611. Mr. would you please call the role? >> Just to clarify, this is for the amended proposed resolution. >> This is for the amendment to the policy that Mr. Lee submitted. Everyone has that. All right, Mr. Lumpsky. Thank you. >> Mr. Singer, >> no. >> Miss Lockin, >> no. >> Dr. Lee, >> this is a vote on Mr. Lee's Jeremy's amendment that he emailed and we have in front of us. >> Yes, >> Mr. Lee. >> Yes, >> Mr. Mr. Maloney, >> no. >> Mr. Jooshi, >> no. >> Mr. Walker, >> no. >> Mr. Sunna, >> no. >> Mr. Pepe, >> no. >> Motion does not pass. >> Okay, that brings us back to uh the main motion, policy 2613 and policy 2614. Any further discussion? >>
149I do, >> Mr. Lee. Go ahead. >> Thank you. Uh this is related now to the personnel policy, which is the evaluation of the board secretary. I do support some of the changes as it seems that some of the older language did seem to conflict directly or to some extent with the schoolboard ethics act where we're supposed to follow the chain of command in terms of reaching out and I completely understand that. However, I am concerned about the change in the date from April 30th to the December 1st. And out of curiosity, you know, did we do the evaluation of the board secretary in 2025? >> No, we did not. >> Is there any reason why we didn't? >> Uh when I brought this policy up for revision, uh it was less than it was
150about six months into Mr. Lumpsky's tenure. Uh otherwise, no, there was no other reason. >> So >> when did >> I'm sorry, Mr. Mr. Lee. Sorry, I wasn't calling on people. Mr. Lee, and then Mr. Walker, you're next. >> Thank you. Uh, just a couple other questions. I know that we received our audit report a little bit later than usual because of the federal shutdown. Uh, and correct me if I'm wrong, but if we had to do an evaluation December 1st of this year, we wouldn't even have the audit port to review in time for the evaluation of the board secretary. >> So, just to be clear, I believe that steps into Mr. Lomsky's role as the business administrator. That's correct. The board does not >> evaluate Mr. Lomsky or any employee >> on on
151that role. We had >> and on the audit report, >> Mr. Lee, just to be clear, >> Mr. Lomsky's uh evaluation is done by me. >> So, this is for the board secretary. >> What about my question was evaluative? >> I don't I don't know what >> No, no. So, just want to let me just clarify, Mr. Walker, I'm sorry. I'll get to you. So, Mr. LSK has two different roles. He's the board. He's the business administrator and the board has to appoint a board secretary. It's usually the same person. It doesn't have to be. So the board evaluates him in his capacity strictly as board secretary. Um preparing minutes, things like that. Uh service of the meetings. There are other responsibilities, I'm sure, that are in policy and in statute. But none of it
152touches on >> the audit report >> on the budget or the auditing or is I'd say the bulk of his day-to-day roles. What about the the annual comprehensive financial report? I don't think that's Mr. Walker. Go. >> I can answer. There was one question you had why this was not done previously. If you read the current policy which is on the on the website if you want to pull it up. It says it supposed to be done by April 30th. That's why Mr. Singer did not do it. So it was done by April 30th. So that answers the question why it doesn't done previously. So if you'd have you read the policy that's currently on the website, Jeremy, >> I do. And you I guess might have answered your question on the date if you'd
153looked at it right. As elegantly as you as you speak I wish you could um you know I'd like you know policy is important. So maybe you know read the current policy for the changes. So that'd be my kind of good it was red line before it actually showed the changes right in the first reading. So it would have showed the changes right just double check. >> So just so we have a process in place to show changes and help answer questions in those areas. So it the reason why Mr. Singer didn't do it was because it said April 30th, Steve, am I correct? >> Yes. And that was three months into Mr. Lumpsky's turn. >> So So okay, uh in that case, let's say that we were not allowed to take into consideration the
154audit or the ACFR. >> Yeah, we're not allowed to do that. >> Understood. Um like I said, this is tricky because two, you know, one person running two roles here. Then in that case, wouldn't it make more sense though to keep our evaluation process aligned with the other evaluation that we do for the superintendent and have that on a similar timeline like the original policy? >> I'm sorry. >> I I personally I don't see a link between the two. I think coming to the end of the board year, everyone will everyone on the board will have had a a full year to do that. The superintendent's evaluation is set by statute. we have to have it done by a certain date by by law. Um I think that this role is more tied to the
155rhythm of the board year rather than >> the school year or the budget year. >> I I I have a clarification but I don't want to interrupt Mr. Lee. So when he's done I'll clarify for the board. >> Sure thing. Mr. Lee, anything further before I anything further? >> I'd just like to have a little bit more clarification on this date and why specifically has changed. >> Sure. So again, there's there's no legal requirement that we actually evaluate the board secretary. And you'll note that because there's nothing in our policy that refers to a state statute requiring that. It's something that the board has elected to do. Uh and in this circumstance, given the timeliness of of Mr. Lumpsy's hiring, it was determined that maybe we should postpone it. Now, given that Mr. lumps started
156in January. It makes sense to continue on that time frame if we're going to evaluate in that circumstance. I also don't think that there's any issue with a board that is reorganized in January taking a full 12 months to evaluate the board secretary because otherwise you have someone who's been on the board for three or four months evaluating someone on their full year. Any other comments on pol on policy? >> I have comments, >> Dr. Lee. >> Um I think that I have a comment about policy um 6220. Um, where's my there's a propos proposed language change uh in this policy uh that I believe uh is not a mandatory or out of a legit or necessary alert from Strauss May. Earlier today, I had asked for what alert was and uh the um I'll
157read a excerpt of that. Um so the um the policy alert by Strauss May says that the internal budgetary process used in a school district are not governed by any statute or administrative code. Therefore, a district may revise these procedures to meet local needs. Now if if we look at what the policy was, the policy has the important uh sentence in the first paragraph, it says the annual budget is the financial plan for the effectuation of the education plan for the district. The immediate next line says its preparation is therefore one of the most important functions performed by the board of education. This language is proposed to be removed at this language update. I do not believe that this removal of this language serves any role uh that is mandated by any law change and
158it really have set the priority for our board uh at our budget process that this language should remain. So they um I believe that this this this sentence is important um to remind our board of our role and responsibility. The very thing that we are trained to do when we first got on the board. Every one of us have gone through the three-hour training and this sentence does not conflict with any of the law or update that needs to be removed. So, I think I'd like to uh keep this sentence in this policy. If I could make a motion to amend uh to restore this sentence back in this uh policy. >> Seconded. >> Thank you. >> Dr. Lee, would you mind just uh reading the It's just one sentence you said. >> Yes, it's
159one sentence. This sentence was in the language to begin with. >> Sure. Would you just mind just letting everyone know what the sentence is so we know what we're voting on? >> Yes. Thank you. >> So in paragraph one of the existing current policy before we change it today. It says the annual budget is the financial plan for the effectuation of the educational plan for the district. Its preparation is therefore one of the most important function performed by the board of education. This language is currently in. I would like this still to be in. This is not in the draft today. So I'd like to make a motion to amend to add this backing. >> Okay. There's a motion, a second to add that uh verbiage back into the policy. Yes. >> Um and amend
160it accordingly. Any discussion on that? >> Yeah. So, I'm I have no objection to including this uh language back in there. Uh I think we all know that budget is one of the four uh things that that the board is responsible for. Although I would argue that uh the budget isn't prepared by the board. It is prepared by administration. So perhaps that's why the language was originally um struck. My objection is that uh this was discussed at FFT last week and I would have appreciated this discussion having taken place there because we discussed this policy and the committee made a recommendation and Dr. Lee was on that committee and was there for this discussion. So, I'm not sure why uh why why this needs to be revised at this point, but I have no objection
161to keeping that in otherwise. So, it's fine. >> Okay. Any qu quick discussion on that? Dr. Lee, I'm sorry, Mr. Lee. >> Thank you. I would like to say that I wholeheartedly support this policy change and I think that it'll be important in affirming as Mr. Singer said some of the important cornerstone roles of the board. I know that there was some concerns raised that this wasn't discussed in committee, but as possible, we should be discussing things as a board in public for everyone to see. We should be doing this because it's transparent, because this is how real government should work. And I understand some people like the committee process a lot more, but I think that things should be out in the open and being spoken about here upon this whole board because that's
162real transparency and that's real quality governance. That's good government right there. Thank you. Okay. All right. No more discussion on that. All right. We're going to call the role on on Dr. Lee's motion to amend policy 6220 by adding in the verbiage uh that she read before. Mr. LSK, if you can call the role in the amendment. [snorts] >> Mr. Singer, >> yes. >> Miss Lan, >> yes. >> Dr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. Maloney, >> yes. >> Mr. Joshi, >> yes. >> Mr. Walker, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sunna, >> no. Mr. Pepe. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Right. Which brings us back to policy uh 2613 and 2614. [cough] Anything further? >> Right. Seeing none, uh Mr. Lumpsky, can you please call the role on the main motion?
163>> Mr. Singer, >> yes. >> Miss Lan, >> yes. >> Dr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. While I support Dr. Lee's exist, >> board members, please, please, at this point, we're we're just on the vote. So, uh, we've had the chance for discussion. Uh, let's just call go along with the roll call. I think it's a good precedent to set for the year. >> No. On 2613? Yes. On on 2614? >> Thank you, Mr. Lee. >> Mr. Maloney. >> Yes. >> Mr. Jooshi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Walker. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sunna. >> Yes. >> Mr. Pepe. Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Right. [clears throat] Brings us up to item 13, old business. Is there any old business that the board would like to discuss, Miss Lachman? >> So, I I don't know if you've
164noticed that over the past few meetings, I may have appeared to be a bit frustrated. Uh, you know, a normal, quiet, stoic disposition was not easy to maintain. Um, and while I would love to address point by point the broader tone and substance of some recent public statements made here in public and also on social media. Uh I'm not going to and I'll tell you why. Because it just does a disservice to this school district and this community. I object and denounce any reference made that degenerates the Bridgewater Ritan School District. I am honored to represent students here. I'm honored to be a product of this district. >> Mr. Lan, I'm sorry. I have a point of order. >> Okay. >> A point of order for Mr. Mr. Singer. >> I'm not sure that this
165relates to actual old business and so that's why I feel the need to interrupt as there's no business that this refers to. >> Okay. >> I'm sorry, >> Ler. And is there a link to anything specific that has come before the board >> already or is it something potentially wait to new business? it board norms. Uh I >> I I >> since the point of order seems to be withdrawn, Mr. Singer. All right, continue. >> Um you know, as we discuss these issues, a lot of times there are comments made like one that was made today about making this school district a shining example of education. It is a shining example of education and the people that work here are shining examples of educators and staff and the parents and students that go out of
166their way to to make programs and opportunities for our our youth to to participate is commendable. Um and and I want to recognize that because so often there's commentary amid um these discussions that say otherwise. And you know, we as a board, I think that I can look across the table and see that we've had some heated discussions, but it's never disintegrated into this sort of atmosphere of discourse that is honestly an embarrassment to how we operate. And that's that's really all I want to say. >> Is there any further old business? [snorts] >> We do have some old business. I have a motion related to old business. >> Okay. Miss Mr. Lee, >> thank you. I know um Miss Yosakis, if I am pronouncing that last name wrong, I sincerely apologize. But I would
167like to move that the matter of J1 visa student admissibility under policy be referred to the academic committee and that the committee is instructed to analyze the merits of a such a policy change as to allow or to decide not to allow J1 visa students in her schools and to provide a written determination to the board and to Mrs. Aasa Fus by February 3rd after the academic committee. She's come here multiple times over multiple meetings and to addressed >> ju just you've made the motion to refer to committee um >> and to have a response uh be delivered to to Miss A. >> Well, that I think is an administrative function. >> Well, it's not it's a board. >> No, I'm going to correct you. That is an administrative function and no >> you you
168as a single person you you don't act as the boss >> to either me or Dr. Jones. >> Correct. >> So it's being referred to committee. Um actually it's already been referred to committee. >> Um so thank you for this suggestion. Um I guess brilliant minds think alike because it's already been referred. But thank you. No, I I would like to just clarify that I'm not just making this a motion to refer policy 511 to committee. I'm also asking because this is a board issue related to a policy. The board currently does not allow J1 visa students. I'm not advocate. I'm not saying we have to change the policy right now, but I would like the academic committee to provide detailed report on why or why not a policy change is permitted and to deliver
169that to the rest of the board and to uh Miss Aos. Thank you. And I would like a second if someone would like to second that. >> What's the motion? >> I will repeat it. I move that the matter of the J1 visa student admissibility under policy 5111 be referred to the academic committee and the committee is instructed to analyze the merits of such a policy change provide a written determination to the board and to Mrs. Aosafus by February 3rd. >> I I'd like to say that we refer it to committee and then we'll take it >> before I need a second. >> Okay, Mr. Lee, there was a motion I think. So, it's a motion to refer to committee, right? >> Well, and there's more than that. So, Mr. Lee has made a motion.
170Is there a second? >> To make a motion to amend the >> There's no We're still sitting on that motion. There's nothing to amend. Thank you, Mr. Singer. >> Okay. So, we have a motion. >> I'll second that motion. >> Okay. There's a second. >> Motion to amend the motion. >> Okay. Motion to amend. Mrs. Sunna, >> I'd like to just be committed. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Okay. Right. I think that this kind of everything speaks for itself. So, Mr. Lonsky, can you please discuss question? Okay. >> I'm sorry. >> No, that's okay. >> I don't want I believe it's been referred to committee. We haven't met since the last time this came up. >> So, we're meeting next week and it shall be discussed. >> And I have a question. >>
171Yes. And as part of that discussion, are you going to explain to the board why you decided or decided not to make a specific change to the policy? >> Our committee structure works in a way, and I know that you don't appreciate the committee structure, but this is how the board works. The board is works through committee. The board committees all put out written minutes to our board members and then those minutes are read at the board meeting. So I don't know that there's a reason that we should have to do anything different than what is usually done. Moreover, your original motion which has now been amended is inappropriate as the board committee cannot speak for the board. The board needs to take action as a whole once the committee makes a recommendation. So a
172the minutes speak for themselves and b I appreciate the the amendment. Any further discussion on the amendment? >> Anyone else who would like to speak? Thank you. Right. Seeing none, Miss So Dr. Lee, are you looking to get in? Your microphone's on, so I wasn't sure. Mr. Lee, go ahead. >> I think any of us would be frustrated if someone said, "Oh, we'll consider it in committee." You're not. And then when you do your committee report, you just say no recommendation was made relating to a policy without knowing what was being discussed. It's just not transparent for board to operate in such a vague manner. And I get it that this board really loves the committee process and I understand the efficiency and the the purpose of it, but we need to go further and
173we need to make sure that we're actually legitimately addressing the concerns of our residents and perhaps the superintendent or perhaps even the board president who can speak on the behalf of the board in the district can explain clearly the reasons why we don't allow J1 visa students. I'm not saying we should change the policy right away. I'm not making a motion to change it. I would simply like someone who's frustrated with the system to understand why a certain decision to or not to change of policy should be made. This is about doing what's right for the public. Making sure the public is aware of where we stand rather than putting out vague statements >> for committee meetings that don't happen excuse me I'm speaking that that don't happen out in public view. >> All right,
174Mr. Beers, >> I'm sorry and I I don't I don't want to get into this back and forth. There have been no vague statements. We said we'd take it up. I I know you're rolling your eyes at me. There have been no vague statements. Anytime we take up an issue, there is a thought process that goes into it. You may disagree with it and I think that's the problem, but there is a thoughtful review of things and then it's reported out. But I I would just wish I mean we're at this point multiple people have talked about this where there just has to be a better way forward here. There just has to be Excuse me. >> I'm not interrupting. Go ahead. >> There has to be a better way forward. And I ask you,
175Mr. Lee, can we please try to devise a better way forward? On multiple occasions, I've invited you to come to my office. We can hash it out. We can have these conversations. And I know we we may have differing views, but right now there there are just constant lobs as far as things being done in some type of clandestine way. And that that couldn't be further from the truth. And and I'm not going to say I I'm insulted because I'm not that thin skinned, but I do have to point out when people say things that are factually incorrect. And for you to say that we'll we've given vague answers. No, we haven't taken up the issue yet. So that statement is factually incorrect. >> Okay. Is there any other comment on the >> and I'm
176not going to go into a back and forth. >> All right. Is there any other comment on the amendment the motion to amend? [snorts] >> Just assuda >> just one comment that when our committee chair people give their reports they after each point ask if there are any questions which allows for transparency and allows for educating the public about our committee process and any of our conversations that we've had. So nothing is ever vague or hidden. There's always an opportunity to discuss it in public. So >> any other comments? I apologize. >> Mr. Everyone, is there any other comments? >> One last comment. >> Mr. Lee, >> thank you. Um, it's really not that complicated. This is just about making sure that residents are getting not necessarily the answer they want exactly, but at least
177a clear explanation of why they're getting the answer that they're getting. This is all it's about. It's about making sure that people are aware, hey, the academic committee made a decision. Here's why. Rather than just saying, we just decided not to change it. No recommendation was made because that's just not transparent. And we refuse to believe that is transparent. >> That's not what happened. >> And my response, just my response to that in general is that [snorts] the administration's is always available to answer questions. >> I have a point of information. >> Yes. >> Um because it's already been referred to committee and is on the agenda for the committee. Should I withdraw my motion because this is an unnecessary vote? >> Well, then they then then we would go back to the original motion.
178So that's your >> that that's your choice. >> And if everyone wanted to withdraw and leave it to the academic committee, that's certainly what I would like to see happen. I'd like to see >> what happens at their next meeting um before moving forward. But uh at the moment, we do have a motion to amend uh Mr. Lee's resolution if I'll take it as that or motion to a motion to to refer to committee. All right. Seeing no more discussion. >> Point of information. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sununa's motion is to remove the second part of my original >> yes >> motion. >> That's my understanding. >> Yes. >> On providing a detailed explanation and written response to Mrs. a fake correct? >> Yes, that's correct. >> Understood. Thank you. >> Okay. Any other discussion
179on the amendment to the motion? Mr. Lomsky, please call the RO. >> Mr. Singer, >> yes. >> Miss Lan, >> yes. >> Dr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. Lee, >> no. >> Mr. Maloney? >> Yes. >> Mr. Jooshi? >> Yes. >> Mr. Walker? >> Yes. >> Mr. Sunna? >> Yes. >> Mr. Pepe? Yes, >> motion passes. >> All right, we're back to the main motion to refer which is now a motion to refer uh the matter of J1 students uh visas to the academic committee. Any discussion on that in general, >> right? Nonetheless, there is a motion on the table if it's I guess this it could be on the agenda twice as far as I'm concerned and get double the discussion, but there is a amendment unless uh there's unless the maker of the
180amendment wants to withdraw it. Mr. Lee. >> Okay, understood. >> I want to make a comment about the motion to refer to committee. Okay. >> I believe that there's no redundancy really about it. Uh if it's uh referred by the board, that's a a board action for the committee to look at it and whether the committee chair also decides to do it as well. that's irrelevant to reflect the board's intention to push the motion to push the uh the agenda item onto the the committee. So I I think that I think it should be um reflecting each of of our intention whether this policy should be looked at in the committee. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I intend to vote that yes. Thank you. >> Okay. Any other comments? >> Just a qu I just
181want to clarify that this is already on the academic committee agenda. All right. and and this discussion is >> yes. Thank you. >> All right. Anything further? >> Right. On the motion to refer this matter to the academic committee, Mr. Lomsky, could you please call the role? >> Mr. Singer, >> Miss Lan, >> no. >> Dr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. Maloney, >> yes. >> Mr. Jooshi, >> yes. Yes. >> Mr. Walker. >> So I'm referring to something that's already going to committee, right? >> Yeah, we've established that. It's your vote. >> I'm just going to vote yes so it gets done. >> Mr. Sunna? >> Yes. >> Mr. Pepe? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you, Mr. Lomski. All right. Is there any further old business? >> I
182have a old business. That's >> Dr. Lee. Go ahead. >> Thank you. Um, if I can change a vote on what I just voted on today, uh, policy um, 13. I intend to vote yes on a budget preparation policy and a no on the other one and I group them together. I said I would vote yes. It's just a change of record that I would vote yes to the budget 622 and no to the 611. >> You can't change your >> Mr. Lansky. I'm not sure. Is is it too late to to to do that or I know Miss Dr. He's made the statement. I don't know if we're able to change it officially. >> The vote has been counted. Yeah. >> The motion has passed. >> Well, yes. >> Actually, >> your your intentions,
183>> right, >> after the fact >> are irrelevant as you voted. >> The motion carried in. >> Well, I think that >> you can't then go back and change that. >> Okay, that's fine. >> My personal opinion >> if if the board tell me that's the thing. My intention was clear that I'm going to vote yes to 20 622 but no to 6111. That's all. >> Okay. >> Thank you for mentioning it. Any further old business? >> I I have more old business. >> Dr. Lee, further old business. >> I actual old business. Uh I think I emailed the board about the science resolution, STEM resolution, however you call it, that's uh sent to the uh delegate assembly. Um I believe that through a few discussions at their board an intention was to try to
184bring it to May delegate assembly again the deadline to send that is March the 5th. Uh so in in order to not wait until the last minute to do so, I believe we need to take advantage of this meeting or next meeting to try to look at it. And then the delegate assembly meeting this year in May is May um I have a date for it >> 16th. Yeah. So um I have sent this resolution to our board uh and noted uh some updates as needed. One of them is the date of the meeting itself. So instead of uh November 2025 that new date is now uh May 16 26 2026 and then there's a one word that was changed uh from increasing to equitable that was suggested last round by the NSBA. there was
185uh a change of um uh one word that's from me because um when I first brought up this resolution uh the state learning standard review was anticipated but hasn't happened. I don't know when it's going to happen but now I know that is underway. So it changed from anticipated to ongoing or um so with those changes um I would like to invite our board to look at this matter again. I think uh STEM education is so important. We all agree that uh STEM drives our society's future and as education institutes our district, we need to make sure that we deliver quality STEM education to our children to prepare them for a future world. And I recognize the science education particularly is the short plunk in it. The S in the stem needs attention. And when
186we fix the S, we also are working closely with the M and we enhance STEM entirely. And if we look at uh our state proficiency level of 27% that really is about the same as before the pandemic, it we can't blame it on the pandemic. We got to do something that's different. So I would like to invite the whole board to commit to the importance of enhancing STEM education and look at the resolution. We may or may not have to vote on it today. This is a sincere invitation to collaboration. And uh if we wanted to look at it the next meeting, I can bring it up at next meeting during our old basis again. And during this time, I welcome anyone who wants to talk to me about it. And I would like to
187also reach out to our administration to seek any feedback, comments, inputs. Uh so this is out there for you to consider. Um I I can get a few of you if you wanted to support it today or otherwise I'll bring it next month so that we can catch the deadline of May. >> My my recommendation would be to give people a chance to look over and have those discussions with you. >> That's fine. >> Okay. So, I will not move today, but I will look to have this discussion at our next meeting. >> Okay. If the board wants to, it's certainly welcome to. Um, Mr. Jooshi, go ahead. >> Can we email you our comments? Absolutely. Suggestions and then perhaps I have a um just couple of >> um items. >> Yeah. >> That I
188may share with you, >> but I also have a recommendation. You know, one of the things that I looked in here, you know, it said in item two that um it's equitable, right? That's one of the things that you changed in here. >> Um Okay. >> So, there's been a what I'll interpret as a point of order that this has been referred to committee. >> Which one? >> I thought it was referred to committee and then >> the academic >> academic, right? Yeah. So, that was one of the recommendation that >> Yeah. or was it ad hoc or resistance? >> So I think when we made it, we hadn't um made that determination yet. So I think it was to refer to committee which I would interpret as the academic committee. I mean honestly I
189think when a a resolution comes like comes up like this that could impact the entire state in theory if it were to go through. I think it might make sense for every committee just to give it an eye. >> That's fine as long as we have the the time law in mind, right? And bringing up the first reading at our at our new year, right? so that we all have a chance [snorts] >> to to work on. >> So, is this something that the academic committee could could take a look at, Mr. Joshi? >> I know it's it's been referred. So, I would hope that you'd be able to >> because one of the things is that it's coming from the Bridgewwater Ren Board of Education, right? So, as such, I think we should look
190at it. >> Um, and if it is, I think it was academic that we said couple of maybe last month we might have been to send it to committee to take a look. I believe that was the I forget if we specified a committee but that would be the one that would have made sense some of my comments. >> Yeah. So and and anyone even if you're not on academic committee anyone on any any I know like a lot of us are actually interested in STEM right a lot of are interested in making the best out of our kids. So I would like to have conversation get input from anyone and if this is going to to be in the academic committee or in this uh catchall uh community relations committee which one are we
191getting this to >> I think we determined that it was going to academic academic okay may I request that I be in that meeting as well as a additional me attendee for that meeting >> there'll be five people in that meeting so that would be >> how many >> there'll be five board members in that meeting assuming that Mr. Pepe attends. >> Yes. And I believe we have another alternate. So I'm not sure if that would be able to happen. >> I I'll just watch. I'll I'll just watch. I won't speak >> legally allowed to. >> That's a that's that's a violation of sunshine law. If you'd more than welcome to violate it if you'd like, but I would say you don't want to because that's an answer, you know, but that's a violation of
192the sunshine law. >> I I I suggest to gather the the comments and see what it is, right? and then we can take it from there. >> When is your meeting? Uh I'll make sure I do that before >> 27th and then the next one is on the 9th I believe but it may >> we'll do it on the first upcoming of your academic meeting >> thing to discuss as well. >> Okay, sure. [laughter] So, so anyone if you have any supports, comments, anything sent to me before that date and I'll be able to get it all together. >> So, in any resolution, >> Mr. I always look at you need supporting documents and there is nothing supporting anything here at all. You've not submitted any information, statutes, standards, timing, curriculum, air information, test scores,
193data at all. So I I'm have trouble submitting a resolution without anything supporting it. We can say that might be STEM is decreasing. There was some testing data, but what else are you saying? How does the curriculum line? You know, I was going through I wish Karen, Mrs. Jones was here was obvious looking at the actual standards today and where they align and where the standards are used and then sometimes the standards there's not STEM in the standards. You know that right? >> It's a science resolution. >> Well, it's a science resolution. It's called STEM. Just checking. >> Mr. Walker, I suggest you actually read my resolution and then we can have a discussion because I feel like your question really isn't relevant at this point. >> All right, let's let's go one at a
194time. >> I have read your resolution. >> Mr. Walker please asking requesting that there be some supporting data information and documentation support. >> There's nowhere that that's necessary. >> Mr. Pepe, point of information, a point of information. >> I I actually have my hand up. >> I have a point of information. Everyone just I have a point of information. >> We're going to pause for a second, Mr. Lee. Point of information. Go ahead. Then we're going to continue the discussion one at a time, please. >> Thank you. Did or did not NJSBA have robust supporting documentation in support of Dr. Lee's resolution as was the case in the delegate assembly handbook? >> I wasn't at that meeting. There may have been something. >> Well, there's a question for Mr. I think a point of information
195is more about the running of the meeting. So, uh, we're going to continue. Mr. Walker, are you finished with your point? I'm just asking for some more information and I think it's it's the least we can do to do our due diligence on this to make sure it's fully absorbed by us understood and I have read the resolution you know and I'm going to and I feel that there needs to be work to be done and discussion with actually the people that write the curriculum and who actually are involved in the standards because I'm just I look at the standards I'm like there's a lot of science and math integration synergy through there and I'm wondering what needs to be changed about it in the standards that we need to make a better resolution for
196it and I understand that. I would love to see more world language pushed down from a skill standpoint. I would love to see music and arts, music and instruments be brought in elementary schools, you know what I mean? But where do you get the time and effort? So prioritizing and making sure that we let the professionals decide and also link what the standards are there right now and then and then the standards then put into curriculum and I'm not sure this is STEM is curriculum orientation versus a standard but you say science so the word STEM is that and you're also leaving out the arts the arts are left out so the policy could be a little bit discriminatory so we'll leave with that so I'd like some information >> okay any comments any further
197comments comments from the board. Miss Lren, >> can I respond first, >> Miss Lran? >> Okay. >> Uh, so first I would like to to hear back from the academic committee because honestly as a board member I think that I'm not qualified to uh make like a scope huge scope of a resolution that doesn't have the support of our academic professional. So, I I would like to hear back from the academic committee and and I'd be happy to bring it up as a topic in community relations also because I too would like to uh bring back the nonpartisan um uh proposal that I had brought before the board and and discuss that as a potential resolution to bring to the delegates assembly also. Thank you, >> Mr. I know there was some public comment directed
198my way and I'm just going to say that what this board did to Dr. Le >> still talking about Dr. Lee's >> Oh, we are. Yeah. Yes. Excuse me. I'm speaking. What this board did to Dr. Lee's resolution rescending it at a last minute out of nowhere out of surprise is disgusting. I don't take any of my words back. It was a sabotage and this was an attempt to steamroll a sudden motion to take down a good idea. That's all it was. >> All right. Any comments from the board? Mr. >> Um because I was also mentioned um I had an issue with specific verbiage. I didn't vote for the resolution in the first place. Not because I don't support science um but because I had issue with verbiage. I appreciate that it was changed
199the the equitable portion instead of increasing or I believe the first one it said equally which I didn't like um only because I I'm afraid that it's going to take away from other areas um without something being measurable and even the word equitable also is not measurable. So, I don't know exactly what we're suggesting. Um, as Mr. Walker mentioned, I think it's important that we consider steam as opposed to just STEM because there is a lot of documentation and science behind the idea of arts being incorporated at an earlier age assisting with science and I think that we need to include both of those things. So I look forward to discussing this in academic and making this a more robust resolution that will include everyone without taking away because my fear is that if we
200just say we're going to increase science we're not going to reduce English we're not going to reduce math so we're going to have to take away from something I'm still speaking going to have to take away from something and I'm afraid it's going to take away from arts so that's why I disagreed with the resolution to begin with >> and Mr. Singer >> thank you Mr. Pepe. Um, I was labeled anti-science in the literature of some campaign materials last year for voting against this resolution previously. Um, it's it's ridiculous. It cannot be further from the truth. I simply think that this resolution actually adds nothing to our district and is largely, if not entirely, redundant in an exercise in politics. And that was made clear when this resolution was first presented. And during that presentation,
201the statement this does not affect our district operation because that is not the purpose of it was made. If that's not the purp if if we're not impacting Bridgewater in Rididan, I don't know what the purpose of what we're doing is because like I I don't need to tell Toto what to do. I I need to do what's best for Bridgewater and Riden students, not the rest of the state. And I have a lot more to say, but it's already 10 o'clock, so I'm going to cut down and just say that once again, I'm in favor of science education in our schools. My children are both pursuing careers in science, just not in favor of resolutions that have no actual tangible, actionable, and novel directives. I will send the rest of my comments to the
202academic committee for their consideration. >> Mr. Lee, >> I think you bring up a good point that perhaps equitable is challenging, but interdisiplinary exists. We can find ways to incorporate science throughout other subjects that are taught in school as well. So I think the purpose of it is to really increase education and to ensure that it gets that it deserves and it can be taught alongside other subjects as I said manner. However, I do disagree with the idea of of steam because as someone who played cello for many years, played the piano gone through this entire music school program. I've been in the music and arts program. I've experienced it firstand as I said arts and sciences are fundamentally very different. They help create a well-rounded student. However, STEM is kind of its own thing
203and arts and music while they do play a very important role in the education of students they're really kind of a different area and I do think we'll talk about that further as the year progresses but I do believe that STEM arts and music are fundamentally different areas that should be considered separately >> call on Dr. ly than Miss Lran. I would just like to suggest that if we're going to have a conversation, a longer conversation which we already have on this resolution or any other resolutions that are coming up from for the delegate assembly or anything along those lines. I'll reiterate the suggestion that I made I think at the last meeting last year. The board is interested and we want to have this discussion. Let's find a time. let's hold a special meeting
204that the entire administration doesn't need to be here and we could workshop and ward smmith everything and talk this through um kind of on our our own time if it's going to be the board's work. Um, of course I'm happy to have the discussion now, but I think that might be a place for it. I know that's what Planefield that puts forward another of a number of resolutions. That's what they did and they would have been there all night I think if they had done it at the end of a regular uh business meeting. So that's just my suggestion. Um, I'd be interested if anyone is interested in that, let me know and we can possibly put something together if everyone's on board. But for now, Dr. Lee, then Miss Lan. >> Okay. Thank you.
205I would like to address a few questions I heard from our fellow board members. First of all, thank you for your comments. Thank you for your comments even uh Mr. Seager. Although I disagree with you, I'll be happy to have a conversation with you to dispel any of the miscommunication, misunderstanding. This is not a political issue. Um I will leave it like that. I'll welcome further conversation and to Mr. Walker. Um the support documents are in the uh delegate assembly's handbook. The first step like we're doing at the board right now does not need support data. The support data is in Let me finish first. Let me finish. >> I think Dr. Lee has the floor. >> I do. Thank you. the support document and the data is in the delegate assembly handbook. I refer
206you to read it and I would also like to have further uh input from you as well if you don't mind uh before we have our academic committee meeting review. I look forward to that. And then I also look forward to engage with any of you with our administration to talk about any things that we should consider to make it truly um a beneficial thing for our kids and a a solution to address a deficiency that is mainly statewide. But a better aligned system setup will benefit Bridgewater Ritton as a whole as well. >> Thank you, M. Locker and Mr. Walker, did you have something to add? >> Okay. >> I just prefer I prefer not being told what I don't need to say. >> Mr. Walker, I I apologize. I was I was I
207was going to be honest. I mean, I'm looking for information to help with the resolution. So, that's why I'm asking. >> I'm sorry. I should not tell me what I what I shouldn't can. >> Thank you very much. If you wanted, Miss Locker, go ahead. >> I apologize for that. I was >> with with children in the district and a kitchen full of supplies for invention convention that are both art supplies, science supplies. Um, and also as a professional in machine engineering, I can tell you that art is a huge portion works and should absolutely be included with science, technology, engineering, math because if you can't think like an artist, then you can't design the future. You can't function like a scientist. And again, I'm point if behind it, it's going to be very hard.
208>> Nothing I said was on the mic, by the Any other comments, Mr. Jo? >> One last thing and then I'm I'm done. Um, and I repeat myself to you again, Jeremy, >> and I'm going to remind you again, >> that Yeah, roll your eyes, >> but we all agreed to put that resolution to the delegate assembly. Okay, let's not forget that. So, you can say that we sabotaged it or whatever it is. We approved it here and that's how it got to the delegate assembly, didn't it? Did it just go on its own? No, we approved it. >> Actually, you voted to rescend it. >> So, >> no, I voted for it. >> To resend it. >> Okay, Mr. Jo, try to keep your comments directed to the board. >> I voted to send
209it to the other assembly. Secondly, this is what should have happened. Had it happened, guess what? It would have been supported. So now it's happening and now we're working on it the way it's supposed to be and it's going through the process. So nobody tried to humiliate her. Okay. So let's not forget that. Thank you. >> Any last comments? We've been discussing this for a little while. Dr. I appreciate you taking feedback. Do you want to say one more thing? >> If I if I want to thank the whole board for your input. That's my my last word if I >> Right, >> Mr. Um I believe and I hate to bleaguer this but I do have a few more final questions relating to school security before and I know it was mentioned that we
210could ask them and then after >> we're close session as soon as we finish. >> Awesome. All right. Perfect. My my my my questions would be very brief. So >> yeah, I and that's what I'd ask everyone. It's it's been a long night. >> Let's keep things on target, focused >> and go through because we just don't want to ask questions to ask questions. >> All right. So we are we are still old business. So we remain on old business. Anything else for old business? >> Okay. Any new business? >> I have new business. >> Dr. Lee, go ahead. >> I'll try to make it. >> And we try to bear in mind Mr. Beer's very good point about the hour. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. >> Um I think that uh this is something
211that I wanted to say at a few previous meetings and then I think that our board uh can use a little better work in process and working environment. Um I think I have seen too often too many use of the motion called a question in our board meeting and the board culture is negatively affected by this very motion. um this motion has a effect of shutting down conversation and it has there's [clears throat] a place for it. If there's enough deliberation that was conducted and people were satisfied that could be however I have seen this motion being used before a deliberation even occurs. I feel if we are trying to work collaboratively, we should enable our board members all to express their opinions to function as the representative that they're all elected to this table
212that truly reflects the diversity in this community, the diversity of opinion and the representation for whole roton. So this is my call for um a change in the board culture by really use this motion as intended rather than use it as a way to shut conversation and I would like to invite us all right to respect each other's ability to contribute and respect each other and collaborate. Thank you very much >> Mr. singer. >> I think that that's not a proper use of new businesses. There's no motion on the floor, but since it's already been recognized and spoken, I'm going to address it. I think that we've gotten into a habit of having back and forth where someone uh wants to get their point across, someone else says something, and then they feel that they
213need to respond to every single person on this board. And I think it's inappropriate, and it is taking up too much of our board time and too much of our administration's time. So when I use the call the question, everyone that wants to speak at that point has had an opportunity to speak. If you want to speak three or four or five times, I don't know that that's appropriate and I'm perfectly comfortable calling the question at that point. If you have something that you want to get to say, say it and let's move on. That's it. >> Thank you. >> Right. Is there anything further? Okay. Seeing uh no further discussion. >> I just have one thing to bring up, >> Mr. Walker. Go ahead. and we talked about there's um um we have a
214policy 9130 and 9130 regulation public complaints and grievances. So although people do come to the podium and discuss that the policy guides the process for that. So something to think about when someone you know we it doesn't always get referred to committee and there is a different areas under the regulation on where the policy should go. So the proper complaint in areas and and we should guide the the community members to that. So there is a process that can be handled for the change in that and section D complaints about program practice and operations. So I don't know if this individual a complaint directed to a matter of a district or a school policy procedure program or operation including entitlement programs established by the state of New Jersey federal law should be addressed initially by
215the administrator department head most directly concerned with the matter in accordance with A1. A complaint cannot be satisfied resolved at the first level. May it may be appealed to the superintendent and thereafter the board in accordance with the statutes set forth in A3 and A4. So that would be the policy for any grievance in I think in the matter of the J1 F1 visa requirement for exchange students. So I'm just I'm sorry I didn't bring it up before but we do have a policy 9130 policy and regulation. So you policy guides what we do and policy is one of the four most important things we do right Steve policy regulation negotiations and budget and evaluating the superintendent. Anyways, just a little education there on policy. >> Mr. Lee, >> yeah, I know there's a there's
216there's a whole chain of command and grievances and everything like that, but when an issue hasn't been adequately addressed by the chain of command, it becomes a board issue and that's important to note as well. >> I move to go to close session. >> Second. >> There's a motion to go to close session. Let me read this just for the record. Whereas discussions by the board is required of matters that are exceptions to the requirement that a public body hold its meetings in public and whereas the topics for discussion are school security and personnel. Uh and it's expected that details of discussion may be made public as soon as the issue may be acted upon publicly be resolved. The board enters into close session this time. There's a motion and a second. All the all
217all those in favor. >> I opposed. Right. We are in close session. We do not expect to take any action upon return. Thank you everyone for coming tonight. I'm sorry. >> Other than to adjurnn