001All right, we're back in open session. I apologize for the lateness. Um, and appreciate your patience. Uh, up first is our superintendent report with Mr. Beers. Okay, thank you. First, I wanted to start with a brief history of our transportation here at Bridgewater Ritton School District and and I'm going to go back to when I started in 2021. [music] We should know that that every day our transportation takes approximately 7,500 uh students to and from school on a daily basis. Right? There are a few hundred kids who do not get transportation. There are very few because we're really not a uh pedestrianfriendly town for those who obviously live here and and know the roads a lot better than uh than me. So in 2021 we faced a crisis. If if we take a walk down
002memory lane, we were coming off of COVID. We were ready to um open up all the schools full-time and we had a bus contractor drop out I I believe somewhere around August 20th. And we had to replace 17 drivers and and 50 routes within two weeks. So obviously at that time we did not have 17 drivers that we could hire and start up. So we went at that time in in September of 2021 and we changed the school start and end times for for every school in the district. We had to reteer our buses. I want to uh give accolades to Dr. Fonder. All right. And Jason Mariello who who really sat and and we were in this room for for a good week trying to figure out how to make these routes work. And
003and it was an adjustment really for the whole community. And during that we we did um we did lose some instructional time. So we changed these routes. We changed the arrival dismissal times. But really as time went on we found that this solution although it worked at the time it really had several constraints that that we had to take a look. So then it continued as to why we are doing this. We know next year due to referendum 2023, we are going to implement full day kindergarten districtwide. Grade four moves to the intermediate schools. And really the the major change from an operation standpoint comes from grade six being added to the middle school. So now instead of transporting two grades to the middle school, you're transporting three. And really in in rough terms, you're
004talking about 600 additional kids that will be arriving at the middle school on a daily basis. And and what our goals were when we went into this transportation analysis, we're looking to regain the instructional minutes that were lost in 2021. And and we wanted to create some efficiencies within the system. And that's a fancy way for saying we want our buses to be where they're supposed to be at the time they're supposed to be there. So if school gets out at 320, it would be nice if all the buses were there at 320, right? And when we did this analysis, we really realized that there were some bottlenecks just just due to the way routes are designed, etc. Uh that were causing problems down the line. And um just a a crash course on on
005transportation. When you have three tiers of buses, let's say the buses start at the high school, then they go to the middle school, then they go to the primary schools. If you have an inefficient run, let's say at the high school level, well, now that's going to back up two more routes, right? Going down the list. So maybe that bus is five minutes late for the second drop and now it's 20 minutes late for the for the third run. So those were some of the things we wanted to take a look at logistically and try to figure out a way that that would be more effective for the for the district to move forward. Part of this is is also to conduct an analysis for cost savings. We know there are certain routes in town
006that did not have a high ridership. So we wanted to see how how we can maximize the the resources that we have. And and then finally it it's something that's been on the board of education's mind for for years. I know prior to to me starting as superintendent. I believe the school uh school the board of education at that time passed a resolution uh to address later school start times. I believe that resolution was 2019 or 2020 sometime in in that um in that time frame. So we we want to take a look at all those issues and that's what we told the consultants when they came in and and really looked at all of our routes. So here is here's a diagram a rough diagram of of our system uh that's in place right
007now. We've got 83 buses that are in service every day. Now included in this 83 buses because you'll see some difference in in the numbers in the chart coming up. We have 16 special education routes. Now, that doesn't mean that only special education students uh ride on those buses, but they are the buses where we accommodate students with special needs. Sometimes it's just those students, sometimes it, you know, it's uh they're co-mingled with uh regular ed students as well. But we do have 16 special ed routes. Those are largely handled inhouse. We have five tiers. You see there starting the high school, the middle school, primary one, primary two and the intermediate and and with five different tiers, it really constrains the efficiency of the whole system. So publicly we we proposed a few options
008on September 9th at the board of education meeting and this is one of the ones that was proposed. So option two was the middle school would start earlier. Now before 2021, the middle school did start at 7:35. This would move the the middle school back to to a time that that uh traditionally um they had the high school would move to 8:00 a.m. to from 8:00 a.m. to 3. Primary schools 9:20 to 3:40. the intermediate schools from 8 am to 2:25 and and the major the major uh revisions here are obviously the the high school has a later school start time. Primary schools are pushed back. The intermediate moves earlier, but with this system, we're able to be again more efficient in our routes where when we look at these times, the buses are more
009likely to be where they're supposed to be at the at the provided time. Here's a breakdown of the analysis that that was done by by the transportation consultants and and reviewed by us as an admin team. What this is is a graphic demonstrating how many buses are on the road at a given time. So, if we're to look at line one that's in the yellow, all right, at 210, there are going to be 32 buses at the middle school picking up students and and you see when dismissal happens right at 210. And then as you go along, you notice that after 30 minutes, two buses come off, then another four, then another eight, then another eight, and then another seven over those 5 to 10 minute intervals. So that's the graphic. And and then you
010notice that the high school lines up where it's it's essentially right after the middle school. and the high school having four grades. That's our largest Rome where we need 42 vehicles to uh to transport all of our high school students. And and right and and you see you see the time intervals from pickup to to drop off and and again you just follow that with the primary schools and also the intermediate schools being Eisenhower and Hillside. And why the uh why the bottom numbers are important is is it shows you how many buses are are out on the roads at a given time. So we see here within our system that right around 230 to really between 225 to 235 we have 63 vehicles on the road. Right? And then we have different combinations later
011on in the day. it spikes up to 62 again right right around 3:00 and then we see it it declines and then finally if we look at at 340 when the primary schools get out we see it jumps up to 62 and 61 so you can kind of figure out we thought it was a nice visual to really show the three tiers of buses going middle school then it's a combination of the intermediate high school and then everyone goes to the primary schools Now now remember the the difference as I had said earlier in the numbers is that these are regular education buses right these don't include these special education routes right so a after we presented this this um after we presented this option I'm sorry we provided this option we received feedback to
012say look Can we can we explore moving the the uh high school dismissal time back a few minutes? Can can you show us what what that would do? Can you show us what dismissing at the primary schools a little earlier would do? And that's what gave us this option two modified what it what it shows and it and I'll share this uh presentation. and the board already has the presentation, but I'll show it uh publicly after this presentation is that really all of these tiers move together. So, let's say hypothetically we wanted to move the high school schedule back 10 minutes. Well, then the middle school dismissal time gets moved back 10 minutes as well, as does the primary, as does the intermediate school. They're they're really locked in together to make the system work.
013So you you can't just take one group and and shift it over. But but anyhow, we ran the analysis just to see what what would this look like. And we see those three blocks in red. If if we were to just move the high school uh dismissal time back to 240. Well, that would require 103 buses, 99, and then 91 buses. So significant increase in in the fleet to uh make that happen. So after we looked at this option two modified, we said, "Well, this is really a non-starter." Not to say that we couldn't move all those times that we couldn't adjust um the whole system back a few minutes if that's the way we wanted to go. So the conclusions, we're going to proceed with option two for next year, and it's based on
014the following. We're going to, you know, redesign transportation for the 2026 uh grade reconfiguration. We know as part of this grade reconfiguration, a number of of students are going to be changing schools. Faculty are changing schools, right? So, so it's a time where where there is significant change throughout the district K to 12. So, we figure if we're going to change things up, now's the time to do it. So, option two is going to provide us with enhanced reliability, potential for significant cost savings. We initial estimates it could seem like we can save somewhere between five and seven routes. We should know that a triple tiered route is somewhere between $100,000 and $120,000. So a rough estimate you're looking anywhere between a potential $5 to $800,000 savings in our transportation budget. And and the high
015school start time will will be uh become more conducive for the health and wellness of our our students. And I know that's a topic that's been out there for quite some time. Um I'm not here to to debate that necessarily, but uh but that was one of the factors as well. So it's not one item that that uh made us choose a certain, you know, option one or option two, but really a whole host of things that led us to to make the decisions that we made. So now it we know that going into this there are going to be challenges, right? and and and change always presents challenges. Challenges that we can prepare for, but there are also challenges that we may be unaware of at this time that we that we have to
016uh deal with when the time comes and and make changes. So, we know this new schedule presents a disruption to the current schedules of students, parents, teachers, and staff. Right now, kids move grades anyway and and we know when they change schools that times do change. But we know that that there are some parents that that may be inconvenience. Student schedules will change. I know that there are faculty members whose days are going to change by approximately an hour, right? And and we acknowledge that and and we're going to look to to work with people, see how how we can best accommodate those. Um, but there's no getting around it. If if your work time changes by an hour, there there's a disruption to your typical routine. We know that logistics for after school programs
017will change. That's recreation. Um, that's some of the activities that are that our kids participate in. Now, as we go through this though, we do have to remember we we do have a group of schools that start at 9:15 currently, right? And that's our intermediate school started at 9:15. and and we know this is espec this is specific to the high school. So with a dismissal time at three, any home games are are no problem, right? Starts at 3:45 or 4:00, you're there. Even away games that are close, really don't present a problem. You'll have to hustle after class to get where you want to go. Um but but I think a lot of us have have lived in that world in the past. Uh, however, when there's an away game at at a place
018that's farther away, students will be leaving class early, right? And they'll be dismissed to get on their bus to go to their context. And and that's that's part of the equation. So, those are some of the challenges that that we have to deal with. I'm not m I I don't mean to minimize any of them, but um but I can say that we're not the first district to to go with a a system like this. And finally, this is what it's going to look like for September 2026. Tent, and I'll say tentatively where things may change by a few minutes here or there, but this is really what we're looking at. Middle school with a start time of 7:30 and dismissal at 2:10. High school start time at 8:00 and a dismissal time at 3:01.
019Intermediate schools with a start time at 8:00, dismissal time at 2:25. and the primary schools with a 9:20 start time and 3:40 dismissal time. Now, some of the things that that we will work on are just, hey, when can parents drop their uh students off at school, right? Uh typically, it's 10 minutes, but I I believe we'll be able to extend that to to accommodate uh parents as well. and and knowing that that when uh when students get on a bus, generally speaking, the first bus stop is 30 to 40 minutes before school drop off time. So, hypothetically, when we're looking at primary schools, the start time of 9:20, all schools are all the buses should be at the school by 9:10. So, that would mean that the first bus stop for a primary school
020is closer to 8:30 or 8:40. to get them there at at uh at 9:10. So, that's something to keep in mind also that it really depends on your place on the route, you know, where your neighborhood is and and that would dictate when parents would take their their kids to the bus stop. But, but those who ride the bus, right, the parents will have hypothetically an earlier uh drop off time at that bus stop than than the ones that are posted here. Okay, so that concludes my presentation. I'm going to go to the uh other side of the table here and I'll open it up for if if I could start if the board of ed's okay. Can I can I start with student feedback first >> and then we can uh kick it over
021to the board of education and um and we'll go from there. Thank you. So, first of all, just to start off, thank you so much for that um great presentation. I think it's very informative. In terms of my perspective on this plan, I think that there are a lot of great parts to it that do bring improvements, especially speaking from a high school perspective. I think that shifting the start time to something later is definitely going to leave an impact on almost the entirety of the high school population because just having a later start time to the day gets students more set into the schedule. I think that we'll see a lot of better mental health and more physical health benefits throughout the population. I think that overall across the district, I think it'd be
022fairly well handled and if we're able to maintain this structure um successfully for the course of 2026 and onwards, overall I feel very good about this change and I think that it's going to do a lot of great good in terms of supporting high school students to be prepared for every single day. >> Thank you. >> Um yeah, I just want to say like this is like I I can clearly that you guys put a lot of effort into trying to figure out a way to make sure that this kind of works for everybody. And I'm hoping to see like this improve the efficiency cuz I remember a lot of the times like from personal experience in middle school like I remember my bus after school would be late like almost every single day. I'd
023have to like we we would all just wait there for like 10 minutes or something just like cuz like it was just like at that point we all knew like oh every day our bus is going to be late. It's like just that's a given. So I'm hoping to see this kind of like make things a lot more smooth and just like the make I'm sure there's going to be like certain logistics that everyone needs to like figure out. For example, I know for me like for like after school activities I know for like the YMCA cuz I'm on the swim team like there's like certain like logistics cuz they have their own team that has practice at 4 and then shifting our practice later would probably impact the way their team works. But I'm
024pretty sure like moving forward, I think there can probably be ways for everyone to like make adjustments cuz I think this will definitely benefit like high schoolers since I know from also from my personal experience that like every minute counts in the high school when like I'm trying to get to school on time. So just like even like 40 minutes can do a lot for just like just overall mental health. So thank you. >> Thank you. I appreciate those comments. Now I can open it up to board of education. >> Yeah. So I can say the first period I think in high school everyone is completely like zombies then they're all half asleep if not all sleeping. But um regaining the instru instruction minutes how much did we lose? Four or five minutes I think
025it was or was it six minutes? >> It depends. It was 20 approximately 20 minutes at the high school. 15 minutes >> on both ends. Um, no, just overall >> overall >> 20 minutes at the high school, it was 15 minutes at the middle school, then I believe it was five minutes at the intermediate. >> Okay. So, the current schedule >> [snorts] >> uh time that shows that the high school is at 7:20 um and ends at 2:03 and the length of day is 6 hours and 43 minutes. So, it should be longer actually, right? In reality, it should be almost seven hours >> under option two. >> Yeah, that's what we are, right? >> Under option two, it's seven hours in 1 minute. >> So, so what I'm getting at is currently when you
026look at it, it seems like, oh, it's only 643, but in reality, which the option two shows, that's what it should have been for the last four or five years. So, we're catching up to that. Um, so that's, you know, I want everyone to know that, uh, we're going back to what it was or what it should be currently. So we're gaining instruction time. Um, and secondly, um, and so in that end, kids are actually getting out earlier than they should have been, you know. So, in the old >> in 2000 in 2000 before 2021, >> the high school dismissed at 2:20. >> 220. Exactly. So, that's what I'm trying to get at. Um, and also our neighboring schools have quite a few of them end at 3:00, right? I believe >> I believe the
027one with the closest schedule to to uh this would be U Ridge High School. >> Ridge. >> They have an 8:00 start there. >> Yeah. So, it's doable is what I'm getting at. Yeah. So, I'm glad. Option two. I think uh you're going to see a lot of improve improvements in the um at the high school for the students and their grades and their um academics. So, I'm good with that. Thank you. >> Uh I have two questions and I've I've asked these questions before so they won't they won't come as a surprise. uh one one of the schedules is more conducive to late buses than the other. Can you just explain for at least for the public I mean the board has heard it why that works for one and not the other >>
028and thanks for bringing that up because I failed to mention that in my presentation. I must have been a little nervous. Okay. So, in the analysis and and I know it's getting into the weeds a little bit. If you look at this last row here, gosh, if you look at this last row where and and even at the primary schools that are in blue. >> This is option two. >> Yeah, option two. So if we look down here, you see the number 59. It's all 59. So this opens up the potential for late buses at at the you know the priority first would be the middle school because if we look at our highest volume we're talking we're at 63. At the highest volume we're at 63 and that number drops down to 59. That
029means there are at least four buses on the road that could circle back and um and go to the middle school for potential late runs. But that's one of the things where we want to say to regain efficiencies, if we make the system more efficient, we we're once we design all these routes, we are going to look to see how we could potentially um uh you know add that service that people enjoyed here for for quite some time that was was taken away, I guess. during the COVID years. I I'm not sure. I think it >> Yeah. >> So, so I don't know. Did I answer your your question? >> That was in part I guess um also that frees up a little bit of money. Um which sort of leads me into the second
030question which I also had asked at FFT. Um and it's really more based on an observation when I first got on the board. Um I guess the budget was somewhere around $9 million and I was like whoa. and and what >> we're transportation. Sorry, clarify. Um and um and you began to tell us year after year that it's it's not sustainable. Um, and I guess how I asked it was one of the only other ways that we could look at to reduce the number of buses or to reduce the number of routes would be to change the distance, the radius from the schools that the that people would be able to take buses back to the early years of like two miles for elementary through middle and 2.5 for high school. So, it wasn't really
031a question. I just wanted to make it uh to make it hurt for the public, but I assume that you would confirm. >> No, that that's a good point where where in our policy our radius for transportation is is closer u than the state mandated, right? So, so that two and a half miles, I believe it's one and a half for uh high school and middle school. So, so that's correct. Another way to reduce buses would be to expand that radius. But but I I will say municipalities who have done that and it hasn't been received. Well, but >> I just wanted to clarify. I wasn't advocating for >> No, no, I'm not advocating. We're on the same page with that one. >> Uh just wanted to touch on what Jen was just saying with
032the late buses. I don't think it's We've had late buses recently enough for younger students, parents, and families to understand how important it is and how hurt it was and how inequitable it was, especially in the middle school when we dropped them and all the opportunities that these families are going to be open up to to have their kids participate in activities that they really have been locked out of for five or six years now. I don't think that what we're talking about is we're not making a big enough deal about the potential of bringing these buses back. >> Thanks. I agree. >> Um I guess following on to Jen's question about late buses. You know, you spoke a little bit about how we could potentially do late runs with middle school. What about the
033high school potentially? there there's potential but the middle school would have priority just just due to the ages of the students and and the time of day etc. So we figured that would be priority but but as we design the routes we'll have a clear we will have a clearer view on what that could uh potentially look like. >> Do you have a specific timeline related to that that you're expecting? We we're going to receive another update from um from the firm as soon as we get back from winter break. So, right around the first week in January, that's where we're designing routes and then we'll really be able to take a look and and conduct an analysis, look at ridership and things like that, see where we are. And then uh as well kind
034of looking at existing traffic patterns in town. Has the consultant and the administration looked at how the new option two would impact existing traffic patterns within the community? >> I mean there's really no way for us to do that. Um it's going to have the same impact that it has now just at a later time. And then >> all right, Garrettson Road is going to be it's going to be very busy at 8 o'clock versus 7 o'clock. So, you know, but but did we conduct an an official traffic study? No, that would be through the DOT. >> Where can uh the board find this presentation and the public? >> What was that? >> Where can the board and the public find this presentation? >> Find what presentation? >> The presentation you gave just now. Oh,
035the the board has it. >> Board has it. What about the public? It >> it was shared. I as I had said before, I'm going to share it with the public when we're done here tonight and Bruce and I post the news article. There'll be a link to it. >> Was there a draft that was released to the public for this meeting? >> No. >> Is there any reason for that? >> Um, can I can I ask uh if if this is going to be evaluative, I'm going to ask to go into private session because I wasn't racist. >> No. So, if we if we'd like to have that conversation, I can >> I I have no problem going into private session. >> I don't think that answers my question. I was asking why. >>
036I think because we're falling from >> No, I I'm just asking a question. >> I'll answer it because it's the decision. It is the decision I made. >> Any reasoning behind it? >> Not that I'm prepared to share with you. >> So, you're not going to answer? And can I ask the board to go into uh close session because out of protection for me as an employee of this district, I'd like to go into close session and discuss this matter. >> Of course, I would never I'll >> entertain a motion. I would never talk about anything. >> I'll make a motion to go into close session. >> Second. >> I object. I object to the consideration of this question. >> You can object, but you get to vote. >> All in favor of going to
037close session. >> I No, I want to voice. >> I want a roll call. >> Fine. Mr. Blowski, could you please? >> We're in close session now. Right. Motion passed. Well, >> point of order. >> No, >> we're in close session now. >> I I made a point of order. I made a point of order. The motion and it's been voted on and taken and it passed. >> There was a voice vote and enough of them enough voices. >> That was the opinion of the chair. But I appeal to the opinion of the chair. >> If there's objection, a roll call have to be called. >> Where do you base that on? >> Robert True. >> Correct. I have no objection to a roll call being vote being called. >> So, Mr. Lumsky, could you
038please call the RO? Mr. Lee? >> No. >> Mr. Sunna? >> Yes. >> Mr. Jooshi? >> Yes. >> Miss Lockan? >> Yes. >> Dr. Lee? >> No. >> Mr. Pepe? >> Yes. >> Mr. Walker? >> Yes. >> Miss Kalistry? Yes. >> Mr. Singer? >> Yes. We are in close session. We will return. as soon as possible. You had this conversation. We had this conversation. Thank you. We're back in open session. I appreciate your patience. Are there any other board questions on the transportation analysis? >> I have a question. >> Dr. Lee. I think that uh since we started talking about in September and later again in October, we've heard uh the younger students uh lower grades um about how this will impact their uh learning and their families uh schedule. Uh I wonder like what
039kind of uh um actions were um uh investigation was taken to kind of mitigate that. Thank you. Can you explain what you mean by investigation? >> Like has there been an effort to try to look into whether that's a possibility? Because I think that there has been uh families as concerned about that. >> I I'm still not understanding the question. >> The question is is there anything down for trying to figure out whether the primary schools can start a little earlier than 920? >> We're not able to with with this um with this system. It'll be a 920 start right around there. >> I have a question about following up with Dr. Lee's question related to the primary school starting at 920. Has have you considered different options where another set of students starts at
0409:20 or does that seem unfeasible and it didn't really make sense that process? >> Can you tell me specifically what you're getting at? >> Just to clarify my question. when you looked at what sort of schools in one tier versus another tier versus another tier, have you thought about maybe the middle school starts at 920 or the I don't think that it would make sense for the high school, but for you know sort of other grade levels to start at that 920 versus the elementary shuffled around the school. >> Sure. when when we when uh I mean when when we conducted the analysis not not us but when when our our consultants did they're looking at hey how you can make this whole matrix work and this was was the best way to do it
041>> can I ask a follow-up question to that where are the largest numbers of buses and what kind of impact does that have on making the decision on who goes first and who goes last. >> Yeah, it's the primary is is really the most challenging um the most challenging because it requires the most buses for a single tier. So that's one of the reasons why that is that is last because you really need all all hands on deck to um to you know to make sure everyone's picked up at the right time and gets to where they're supposed to be at at the time that's advertised. >> There's seven schools in seven different areas. So >> correct. >> Yeah. And that's, I think, even more important when you have younger students, even if the times
042aren't necessarily ideal or what we'd envision them to be, that consistency and not waiting 20 minutes either at home or potentially on your own or at school. Um, I think that consistency is even more important for the youngest students. I think it's also worth noting that two benefits of the second option that we're going with is that all the primary schools do start at the same time now as opposed to having two different times. I think that consistency across the district is a positive. And again, 9:20 is a little late, but it's worth noting that there are three primary schools right now that start at 8:55, 9:00. So, we're not talking an hour, an hour and a half later than something that's already happening along across a uh large percentage of our district. And and
043to that point, Mike, you're you're uh getting at something which which helps us by having all the primaries on one tier, and that's that a lot of our our specials teachers, and that's your your art, your music. Some of those at the smaller schools especially, they may travel, let's say, from Bradley Gardens to Van Holton or from one school to the other during the course of their day. and having them all on the same schedule versus two separate ones really makes scheduling um more efficient as well just for for people to plan their day. >> Any other board questions? >> Seeing none, thank you for uh that presentation. >> Thank you. Appreciate the questions. >> We're going to now move to our student representatives reports. The floor is yours. Thank you. >> All right. Thank
044you so much for recognizing me. So, I'll cover a couple of topics that have been pretty prevalent to overall the district and the high school. First, starting with the college updates. In terms of the timeline, we're sitting at around the time where a lot of early applica early uh early application early action and early decision results came out. So, a number of students that I personally know and some others from our school were accepted into universities around this time and some of them have committed, some are waiting on other decisions, but overall it's great to see that a lot of these acceptances are coming in and students are beginning to see kind of like the start of their college journey and search. Additionally, uh there was um at least one student from to my knowledge
045from our high school that was actually accepted into a QuestBridge program. QuestBridge is a basically a full ride scholarship for students with u I guess low-inccome resources that are able to attend any university that they match with and fortunately enough one of our students at the high school was able to match with their college and it was great to see that um they were able to get that recognition for all their achievements and hard work and overall it's been a great atmosphere obviously there's a lot of tension happening with people waiting on their decisions but I think overall the climate's very healthy and students are very supportive of each other in terms of whatever the decision is whether it be um deferral acceptance etc. Uh, additionally, there was a early college planning night that happened
046at 6 p.m. today at the high school in the large cafeteria. And this was actually geared towards juniors and underassmen in order to better prepare them for the future college process. And I think it's a testament to the overall success that the high school counseling department has done in terms of preparing us for the overall high the overall college process. Overall, the resources have been very strong and as someone applying to college, I think I've been well supported by all the faculty in the counseling department and faculty across the high school, I think events like those definitely help students in the future that will be applying to college next year or in future years to feel more comfortable with the whole process. Uh, moving on to extracurriculars, a couple of major highlights came from our
047speech and debate team who competed at Bridge Debates and Summit Hill Topper this past weekend. A couple of our students broke as finalists those categories and also u a couple of us also received a national qualification to a national tournament. So overall they've been doing really well and it's great to see that the school as a whole is getting recognition on that part. Additionally the DECA and FBA teams also completed regional examinations which help students move into the next rounds into state and national levels and overall they're moving into their main kind of major major part of the season. And lastly, there is also the um events in terms of the excuse me, the community blood drive happening this upcoming Monday, December 22nd. That's going to be run by the physical education department of the
048high school. And it's following up a pretty successful blood drive that happened, I believe, earlier this fall. And I think it's overall representation that both students and faculty are getting involved in important community causes. And overall, it's going well in terms of what we're seeing with the whole community coming towards a major cause. Finally, I'd like to close with mentioning that there's also a bias, stereotypes, and prejudice assembly that was hosted for freshman student students of the high school. I believe happened either early this week or is happening later this week. But I think one of those the main purpose of that assembly is to help work towards a more inclusive and positive environment. I think that having assemblies and programs like that at the high school specifically is definitely going to help out with
049that. So overall, I think there's a lot of great updates and a lot of great things happening within our school community and I'm very proud of that fact. Thank you. Thank you. >> Um, adding on to what Paradash was just talking about, I just want to kind of talk about in more other news. Um, some of the arts programs at our school have been putting on what they've been working on for the past couple months. So, um, I don't know if any of you guys went to see the play, The Outsiders. It was a huge success and it was a huge display of the hard work that the theater program has been putting in for the past couple months. And it was really cool to see um that this year the lead roles were given
050to um the underassman which is just really cool to see and I think they did super well in front of a large crowd at the high school. Um, it was also a great new use of the new auditorium which is which has just been done with the renovations and I think going forward it'll be a great use. People will be able to use it for multi multiple various reasons. um such as the choir concert which was actually yesterday and I just think that all these different art programs are putting on such great shows and that I think it really ele shows that our district has like an elevated art program and that people are really taking the time and energy to put more energy into these arts and developing music and theater and acting. Um
051another kind of renovation is the library. Um um the layout is split into different sections and I think it helps to design. The design is for helping to foster um healthy learning environments. I went actually went to the library today and I there are different sections. One area is like a more collaborative setting where there are a bunch of like couches and casual um seating and there are more um like focus on learning and studying. to the quiet zone. And I think that based on what a student is trying to do that day, whether it's they're trying to like work on a group project or they're really just trying to study for their test or maybe they're just trying to read their book or anything they're trying to do, the library has a lot of
052different resources that can help students in whatever they need. Um just in another thing to talk about um the new the winter sports that have been going on. Um the other representative, Matt, um he can't be here today because he has a hockey game against Summit. Um so I'm hoping that went well. He is assistant captain. It's really cool to see um like my fellow classmates kind of take on leadership roles in sports. That was kind of cool. As a freshman, you watch all these captains and you kind of look up to them. And now at our age, we're kind of being the captains and getting these leadership roles. Um, with the hockey, they had a big win on Friday against Wong, 8 to3, and I'm and I wasn't personally there, but I did hear
053that there was the attendance was very good. I'm sure it was a great match. Um, they're currently sitting at a 3-1 record, so hoping that continues. Um, in a more personal note, um, with the swim season, um, I just had a meet today against Mount St. Mary's and we did win. That was good. Now we're 3 and 0, which is really cool. I think our coach said this is like the first time we've been um three and 0 in like at least four years. So, I think because the addition of a bunch of freshman who are really talented, I'm excited for that to see how far we can go. Maybe like I don't know, it could be really good. Um I'm looking forward to it. And as a captain, I think it's really interesting to
054kind of have more of a leadership role in like motivating my teammates and getting um just like everyone hyped up. and I'm really excited to see how it goes. Thank you. >> Good for you. And and this shows how modest you are. And people both swim teams, am I correct here, Mr. Moran? They're ranked in the top five of the state, are they not? >> Girls number four in the states. So, that's an awesome job uh by you and all of your teammates and and congratulations and good luck on your season. >> Hockey games are a little cold, but they're fun. Swim meets are really loud. >> Have you ever been up there? They're really loud. If you go watch, >> they're fun. >> Um, just a quick question on the on the blood drive.
055That's this coming Monday. You said the 22nd. >> Yes, that's correct. >> And that's at the high school. >> That'll be hosted at the high school. Yeah. >> And do you know which uh organizations uh hosting that? >> I believe they're working in collaboration with the Red Cross chapter of the high school, but most of the organizational planning is done by the physical education department. uh one of the physical education teacher who spearheaded the previous one is continuing to help out those operations. >> Thank you. Appreciate that. >> Uh thank you both. We always appreciate hearing from you guys and we also appreciate the uh the input that you had on the transportation analysis as always. Uh you're welcome to stay. Uh if you need to leave and do some homework or study or uh
056get some more college applications done, we completely understand and best of luck to you on your college apps. I'm not going to press anyone for any uh information. Uh but uh hope it goes well and have a great holiday. >> I hope you enjoy your winter break and get the rest you need. Enjoy. We appreciate you being here. >> We are up to the president's report. >> [snorts] >> Um, I just want to briefly share with the community that um, the board is saddened today by the news that one of our uh, students has passed away last week after a period of illness. Um, I'm not going to go into any details uh, out of respect for the privacy of the family. Uh, but the board wants to extend our sincere condolences to the students
057family and friends, their classmates, and their educators. And I ask that you please join me in a brief moment of silence in memory of the student that we've lost. Thank you. Um I also want to acknowledge uh principal Bowmont and school counselor Deborah Anachello and the supervisor of counseling KA Lisa Leroillo for their efforts during this difficult time as they provided comfort and support to the family and friends who are grieving this loss. So, we thank you all. On to um I don't know if more happier news or not, but uh um different news. Uh at this time, I want to acknowledge uh Emily Kalistri tonight as tonight will be her last night as a board member or her last meeting as a board member. Um Emily, I want to thank you for your dedication
058to our board of education and the Bridgewater Riden Regional School District and in particular the children of our district. Not only have you given of yourself and your time over the past three years as a volunteer in this board, but you've remained an active and integral volunteer in our schools. On a personal note, you've been an incredible help to me this year in your role as vice president. We have often said that you and I might not have agree on everything, which it doesn't happen very often that we disagree, but when it does happen, we do so with an open mind and the willingness to hear each other's point of view and with the utmost respect. And those are the hallmarks of being a good board member, traits that you have truly exemplified in your
059time on this board. You've been a wonderful sounding board for me as we have worked collaborative collaboratively on whatever issues arise. And I cannot thank you enough for your time, your insights, and your support. With that said, it is my honor to give you this plaque acknowledging your service to the communities of Bridgewater and Raden. and you get this uh the gold card, the lifetime member. >> You're an honored member and entitled to all the rights and privileges of being a I don't know the school district. [laughter] >> I told my son I was getting this. I said, "Mommy, is it really gold?" >> It's it's nice and thick, too. So, Emily, uh thank you once again for your service to our school and to uh to our board. I love your [applause] >> by
060myself. >> Oh, my family. Okay. I was not going to by myself. >> That' be all >> Should we all go, >> Bruce? You bring us ice cream. >> [applause] >> You didn't get the leaf so quickly though. >> Not really done. Okay. I just wanted to say something really quickly. Not a lot, just really short. Um, I am deeply grateful to the district, our community, and my fellow board of education members to the for the opportunity to serve over the past three years. It has been an honor to work alongside such dedicated educators, leaders, fellow BOE members, and residents in support of our students. I look forward to seeing the important work of the referendum come to completion and the lasting impact that it'll have on our schools. I hope that this that the
061current and future board members continue to put aside differ differences, work collaboratively, and always do what's best for our children. Thank you to our community for placing your trust in me and for allowing me the privilege to serve. [applause] I'm sure there are more comments to come later. >> Yeah. >> Um, lastly, as this is our last meeting of the year, I want to thank the volunteers sitting around this table for their service to the community. I hope you all have a restful break filled with joyful times with your family and friends, rejuvenating you for a wonderful 2026 year for this district. Finally, [snorts] I want to wish all of our students, families, staff, and community a safe and happy holiday season, as well as a healthy and prosperous new year. With that, we're going
062to move on to the committee reports. Up first is academic with Mr. Jooshi. >> Our next meeting is to be determined after the reorg. So, it'll be sometime in January or February. January. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Jooshi. Next is FFT with Mr. Walker. >> Thanks, Steve. We met on December 9th here at the Way building at 5:30 p.m. and attendance was Mr. Lee, Miss Laughron, Mr. Singer. Here's uh Mr. Lamsky and Mr. Beers. First item on the agenda we talked about was the business agenda for this evening. Um we reviewed the draft business agenda for this evening. Consensus was to approve the action items for review. And next on the um agenda, we talked about the budget calendar and update. The business administrator shared the budget development calendar which highlighted the important dates,
063the deadlines as well as the preliminary preliminary anticipated expenses which exceed the district's anticipated 2% levy cap. We also discussed where the expectations of tax levy cap limit and areas for reducing costs. Um the recommendation was the state aid expect to be received at the end of February and the tenative budget be reviewed at the end of March meeting. Any questions? >> Are you finished with your report? >> Excuse me. >> Are you Did you finish your report or >> No. All right, keep going. >> I ask any question that sectional report. >> Uh refer to bud budget update. The business administrator reviewed the current status of the awarded referendum projects compared to the budget amounts versus the actual awards. Overall, the district is under budget. However, it is known that there are several HVA
064upgrade projects upcoming and we're looking forward to finding the best way to maximize the referendum of funds. Um, there's no recommendation at this time. Any questions? Policy updates for first reading. Um, discussion took place at the ST recommended policy and regulation updates for policy 611, Special Education Medicare Initiative. Regulation 611, special education Medicare Initiative policy 620 um budget pres preparation and regulation 6220 budget preparation. Um it was determined to support the minor changes that recommended by the Strauss Esme to both policies and regulations. These would appear as you can see they're on the agenda to appear for first reading this evening. Any questions on that? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Said one. Does it fundamentally change anything or is it really just verbiage? Because it was a lot of verbiage, but I don't think anything changed.
065>> Kevin can answer that better than I can. >> It was mostly verbiage. It uh doesn't change how we do any of those processes. >> Okay. Other matters. discussion took place regarding the aligning the appointment of professional services providers contracts to the district's budget year versus county year at the upcoming reorganization meeting and what we're doing is most contracts from Kevin's standpoint in his office run from July 1 to June 30th so we reappoint so it'll be a sixmon contract given and then re redone for a fullyear contract in July correct so that what that's being done so um we also um routing and school start times were discussed the based on the results of the transpation consult which were shared with the full board this evening as you know results for renegotiated prescription benefit
066plan manager rates shared with the committee which resulted in approximately net net savings of $150,000 to the district. Any questions on that? And our next meeting is January 3rd, pending the new committee. I guess might change. 13th, sorry, 13th. Oops. We wouldn't be in session the 3. And we adjourned at 6:53 p.m. Um, do you have any questions? >> I do not have any questions. >> I actually do have a question. Um, I guess it would be very helpful, I guess, on the behalf of the public. Um, and I was wondering if it would be possible to release the budget, the referendum budget update, just informing the public as well on the financial status and also the milestones related to the different referendum projects going on in the district. >> That's an internal working document.
067Correct. But wouldn't it be helpful for what I'm asking is I know I understand it's an internal working document, but as a part of kind of referendum updates, I was wondering if you know it would be would it be possible to release the referendum budget update that way people are aware of what's going on in the projects. >> I mean that is something that I think the committee should be that should be discussed at committee and asked at committee which you were there and could have done so. Um, but I suggest you bring that up at the next committee. >> I guess I I'm just asking if it's something that at least can be considered. >> I I I asked you asked the question. I said it can be considered at the next committee meeting.
068>> Okay. >> Thank you, Mr. Walker. Up next is personnel committee with Mrs. Gestri. We met on December 2nd virtually at 5:15 p.m. In attendance was myself, Mr. Jooshi, Dr. Lee, Mr. Singer, and Dr. Fonder. Uh, we started out by discussing the personnel addendum. Um, we discussed the items, and the committee supported the action items. Next, we discussed policy 1331, the evaluation of the board secretary. The committee discussed policy 1331 and the proposed revisions to the policy. The sentence with a strikethrough is recommended for revision as it may present a conflict to other board policies. The date revision is to align with the calendar year. The committee supported bringing the proposed policy revisions for first reading which we have tonight. Next, we discuss substitute teacher rates of pay. Dr. Fonder shared updated information about substitute
069teacher rates of pay which will be further explored in future meetings. No action was taken. Any questions? >> Do have a few questions. Okay. >> Uh I know that it substitute teacher pay rates were discussed and I'm not asking if there's any decision to change it. Obviously it doesn't seem that there is. This was simply an idea that was explored. So you know I was wondering if the committee had an opportunity to as a part of this analysis of substitute pay rates perform some sort of compensation comparable analysis comparing a lot of our pay rates to maybe neighboring districts or districts that look similar to ours here in Bridgewater. Yes, I usually do this for the committee and so I'm continually monitoring trolling other other districts and and uh what what their what their pay
070rates are and and what changes are. So, we're in the the the middle with our our base regular substitute rate of pay being $155 per day. There are districts who have less than that. There are districts who have more than that. Um, at one point we were the lowest paying district in the area, which is not necessarily a great place to be. Um, so there's not an urgency now. Um, and then as mentioned at the last meeting and and we talked about the personnel meeting, um, there are districts who pay a different rate for someone who has a teaching certification versus the substitute teaching credential. And that's something that hasn't been done in Bridgewater Ryarden before. So the discussion would be the pros and cons of doing that, what that would potentially do to our
071substitute pool, and then also u what the exact rate would be that that would be something that would be something we could afford and would provide the benefit that was uh that we're looking for. Do >> you keep track of the different rates that the other districts are paying out for substitute teachers and uh other sort of substitute? Yeah. I don't I don't have like every district from the state, but yes. >> But you have a some sort of doc maybe a running document or something like that. >> Yeah. And a lot of other uh people in a position similar to mine and other districts are interested in this. So every once in a while somebody will say, "Hey, can I put it together a spreadsheet, >> shared spreadsheet? You just put in your substitute
072rates." And so it is something that a lot of people like to keep track of. Is that something that could possibly be shared with the board um so that we're able to better understand where the substitute pay rates are and we can of understand how competitive our rates are? >> I'm going to remind you again that if the committee would like to see that then that can be asked at committee but no single board member is able to make a request to the administrator. The entire board would need to do that. >> I was just asking a question. I wasn't making any request. Yeah, I think it would be uh that would be part of the personnel committee discussion for sure. Um especially in establishing if you were going to recommend a change what it
073would be. So in any of the when uh since 2021 since I started in this position whenever there's been a discussion about this the leadup to it has been personnel discussions and presentation of some information that board members would need to know to kind of know what type of change might be necessary. So that certainly would be part of the personnel committee discussion. >> Got it. That's helpful. And I think that would >> I can speak that they also watch >> I'm let me speak for a second. >> You also work for all all rates. You worked with bus driver rates salary guides. You keep an eye on it for the complete operation district. I I was just going to say I think this would be helpful to have that that way at least the
074board is aware and everyone's aware of you know the com the competitive rates that we're paying so that when we're looking at the personnel addendum you know we can sort of ascertain what needs to change what doesn't need to change and I think that would be generally very helpful >> well I can say that whenever this topic comes up at personnel committee the committee asks Dr. founder for that information. He provides it willingly and quickly. Um, and the committee then makes a recommendation based on that discussion. So, I'm not sure how helpful it'll be to the rest of the rest of the board. Um, personally, I don't feel that that's necessary. I also think that this information is generally available to the public and that you can go to all the different districts and get
075that information. Correct. >> Yeah, some some districts uh it's easier to find than others. Um, but it's but it is it is publicly available information. Any other questions? Okay, we adjourned at 5:55 p.m. Next meeting is to be determined. >> Thank you, Mrs. Kistri. Up to community relations with Mrs. Lachman. >> Uh, our next meeting is to be determined in the new year. >> Are there any leazison or delegate reports? >> Mr. Three quick notes from the Burough of Raridan. Uh last Wednesday there was a tree lighting ceremony at the Nevia Street Bridge. Uh there was a good crowd considering that it was absolutely pouring rain and chilly outside, but uh there were a number of students from JFK who were there with Mr. Russo and Mr. Chuchino and they gave a great concert. Um
076six or seven songs. Um the entertainment was outstanding and warmed everybody up although we wish it were snowing instead of raining. Um but it was a really nice event. It was the second year it happened. And I think it's going to become a nice um tradition in town and a beautiful setting. Uh so >> is it a 67 song? >> It was not a 67 song, but there was one song it was like the the the two sides were going seven seven. They were saying not seven. He got it in my head. It was snow back and forth and the kids went absolutely nuts when Mr. Chino said that was the next song. So it was a that that I thought was the best part. No, it was not a special 67 song. There was
077nothing none of that at all. So that was a nice event. Um the reorganization of the Raron Burough Council will take place I think the same night as ours January 6th and that will be at the new municipal building. Um the old TD Bank on I'm sorry the old um what is it? Pro not Provident Bank. What am I missing? >> The old Ted Bank on um Somerset Street is will be the new municipal building. Uh that'll be their new um every department will be headquartered there. the old mun the current municipal the current municipal building will be exclusively the province of the uh police department at that point. So that's exciting. And I did want to just pass along to the board news that just came today. Uh that is the um mayor Nick
078Hara of Rarden who served for two years has uh resigned effective today. Um I thank the mayor. He's always taken a great interest in the schools. He's been at events at JFK. He's been part of our strategic planning. Um he's been at a number of district events and um I wish him all the best. That's my report. >> Thank you, Mr. Pepe. >> Dr. Lee. >> Um so I will report about the delegate assembly. On November 26, the Ninja SBA has sent a update on the delegate assembly email to all board members. And here's a brief from that report. The New Jersey School Board Association uh short as NJBA held its delegate assembly meeting on November 22nd. Uh there were a few things that was done. There was a new president was installed and then
079uh there's a three resolution I was talking about. Uh resolution one um the Delan board of um proposed new policy language for adoption by delegate assembly. The proposed resolution requested that the NJSBA support a limitation on the period of time for which a board members and charter schools trustes criminal history could be reviewed in that it support language that what consider the nature of the crime committed before a board member or charter school trustee could be permanently disqualified from service. This resolution was postponed. And resolution number two, uh the Clifton Board of AD um proposed new policy language that supports they believe that universal free school meals should be available to all preschool preK through 12th students in New Jersey and this resolution was adopted. Resolution three uh the Bridgewater uh board of s um
080proposed new policy language supporting the belief that science, technology, engineering and math um short as STEM education should be important aspect of preK through 12 curricula for all New Jersey students. The resolution subcommittee recommended adoption of the proposed resolution with substitute language that would revise the language in policy file code number 6142. Uh this resolution was postponed. So that is the uh gist of the delegate assembly meeting. Thank you. >> Thank you Dr. Lee. Any other lesson on delegate reports? >> Seeing none, we're going to go to the open public session. portion of our meeting. 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
081board for maximum of five minutes during this period of the meeting. Please be advised that a video recording of this meeting will be posted on the district's website. We ask that you state your name and municipality of residents for the record. once, twice. I'm going to close that portion of public comment. Then we're up to item number 11, the approval of minutes, for which I will entertain a motion. >> So moved. >> Are there any changes to the minutes? Seeing none, Mr. Lumsky, could you please call the role? >> Mr. Lee? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sunna? >> Yes. >> Mr. Jooshi? Yes, Miss Locker. >> Yes, >> Mr. uh Dr. Lee. >> Yes, >> Mr. Pepe. >> Yes, >> Mr. Walker. >> Yes, >> Miss Khalichi. >> Yes, >> Mr. Singer. >> Yes. The motion
082passes. We're up to our action items. The first is personnel 2619. >> Second. >> Are there any questions? >> I have a few questions. >> Mr. Lee, >> thank you. Um, Mr. Dr. Fonder, uh, I was going through it and this is just sort of for the public and my understanding. I know there's substitute secretaries, substitute assistants, and the substitute teachers. So, between those three, they kind of get paid similar rates, particularly the substitute assistants, and the substitute teachers. Out of curiosity, do the three sort of substitutes need different kinds of certifications? >> Uh, yes. So the to be a substitute teacher, you either need to have a teaching credential or you need to have a substitute certificate. And a substitute certificate is u something that the department of ed has that there's requirements for
083it, but it's not doesn't require a teaching certificate. And so um that is required for substitute teaching. It's not required for being a substitute assistant or substitute secretary or substitute cafeteria playground assistant. Um, but a lot of people have that because it kind of qualifies you and then allows you to do substitute teaching. Also, um, to be a substitute teacher assistant or substitute secretary, there isn't a minimum credential or certificate from the department of education um, with it. And that would be true of our cafeteria playground substitute assist substitutes as well. So then I guess that leads me to my next question which is in that case I notice is it correct me if I'm wrong but our substitute assistants are paid the same rates as our substitute teachers. Is that correct? >> Yes. The
084the substitute teachers uh there in the bar contract there's a preferred substitute rate. So someone who has substituted for at least 30 days the year prior uh gets a higher rate of pay and that's in the the bar collective bargaining agreement. um that doesn't exist for the substitute assistant, but the base rate for the substitute teacher and the substitute assistant is the same rate. >> So just for me to understand and I guess for the public as well, if you need a certification to be substitute teacher, but you don't necessarily need what to be substitute assistant, then why are we generally paying like the same sort of base rate? Uh, so this is something that I don't mind sharing that I advocated for when I was a principal in the school district with the superintendent
085because at the time there was a difference in pay and what would typically happen is a lot of people are approved for both and someone would accept a substitute teacher assistant role and then they would leave that role and and drop that job and pick up a substitute teacher role because it paid a little bit more. and the substitute uh sorry the teacher assistants in our school district do tremendous work. They're working with some of our special needs populations and when they're out those roles also need to be filled and uh the having a difference in pay meant that those almost always were the ones that were unfilled and that was problematic and also uh that sometimes it was last minute that somebody thought that they had someone in their in their position and they
086didn't. So basically um my and the board's strategy for paying would be which positions are most crucial for the operation safe effective operation of the schools in the district and the answer to that is the ones that are most closely connected with students. the teachers and the teacher assistants are the ones who are working with the students uh supervising them in the classrooms. And so those positions are paid higher than a substitute secretary which is also very valuable but which is not as crucial to the operation of a school as having a teacher substitute teacher or a substitute teacher assistant. >> Got it. And out of curiosity I I think it's interesting that we have substitute secretaries. uh when what would what's the reasoning for specifically having substitute secretaries versus like having the other secretaries
087take on the work of whoever's missing that day? >> When I was the principal of Hamilton school, the Hamilton school and all the primary schools only have two secretaries. And so if one of them's out, there's only one person there. And if that person's going to lunch or needs to use the restroom or is helping a crying student or is doing something else in the school, there needs to be somebody else who can answer the phone and can uh get the doorbell. >> Got it. Thank you. >> Any other questions? Seeing none, Mr. Lumy, could you please call the RO? >> Mr. Lee? >> Yes. >> Muna? >> Yes. >> Mr. Jooshi? >> Yes. >> Miss Lan, >> Dr. Lee? >> Yes. >> Mr. Pepe? >> Yes. Mr. Walker, >> yes. >> Miss Khali, >>
088yes. >> Mr. Sing, >> yes. The motion passes. We're up to curriculum 2633 through curriculum 2635. >> So second questions or comments? >> Seeing none, Mr. Lumpsky, could you please call the RO? >> Mr. Lee? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Suna? >> Yes. >> Mr. Jooshi? >> Yes. >> Miss Lan? Yes, >> Dr. Lee. >> Yes, >> Mr. Pepe. >> Yes, >> Mr. Walker. >> Yes, >> Miss Kistri. >> Yes, >> Mr. Singer. So moved. >> Yes, I have a few questions. Um, I've asked this and I emailed this before. Um, and also discussed this in committee, but I think it would just be helpful for the public to know as well. um just what's the general reason for I guess removing the solar panels and then what what's kind of the rationale behind why we're
089you know purchasing uh those two passenger buses as well. >> Uh we need to replace the roof at the 100 building or parts of the 100 building at the high school. There are active leaks and there's currently leased solar panels on there. So, as part of the bid and um to get to complete the project, the panels need to be removed so that we can access and replace the roof. And the passenger bus purchases are part of our annual um replacement of buses. We are legally allowed to keep them for 20 years. This is up from about 14 15 years prior to co um due to long lead times and the difficulty of obtaining buses the state has extended that to 20 years but in reality we see a lot of problems with the vehicles
090at around 15 years. So this is just the ongoing replacement. We have about 20 of each 20 54 passengers and 20 vans 24 passengers. >> Got it. Um, and just for extra clarification as well, um, so the the first purchase is going to be related to the referendum essentially because of the roof replacement, right? And then I guess the buses will be part of coming out of capital reserves. >> Uh, no, the buses are actually just part of the budget, the regular operating budget. >> U, bus purchases cannot come from capital reserve. >> Got it. Um, and then my final question is as part of the middle school renovation bid, um, what are kind of the different parts of the middle school that are going to be renovated that'll, you know, have the biggest impact,
091I guess, for students. >> Um, there are quite a few classrooms as part of that. I could look uh, look it up, but notable, it's the locker rooms, art rooms, a lot of specialty rooms, um, science rooms, and the the two cafeterias. So those probably the biggest impact that the kids would use every day. >> And then my my final question is um could you just briefly go over I guess the opinion that we got from our auditor along with you know what what we're sort of expecting from our corrective action plan as well. >> Sure. As far as the recommendation in the auditor's management report, it was tied to Department of Agriculture regulation that we cannot maintain a certain level of cash in the cafeteria fund. So part of the corrective action is to
092spend that down and we plan to replace a lot of obsolete aging out kitchen equipment. So freezers, refrigerators, um dishwashers we're working on now. So, we're planning to do some one-time purchases so that we don't have any reoccurring costs and that should bring the net cash down. >> So, the uh so the corrective action plan is [clears throat] is involved the corrective the corrective action plan is about us being too frugal more or less, right? >> Yes. >> Thanks. Speaking of frugal, >> if you had to have a recommendation, this is the best recommendation ever, you know. So, that's it's only the second time we've had a recommendation. So, >> this shows the success of the cafeteria operation. So, >> yeah, >> it's not a bad thing. Speaking of frugal, um I wanted to commend
093administration on being under budget and uh you know the forecast for like getting projects like this done like in the future um is is rather dismal for for a lot of reasons that have made you know global and economic news domestically. So the fact that we have passed a referendum when we did and that we are under budget and that we are looking to go into the last two years with a bit of an advantage um is really commendable and I said commendable three times now. So >> I hope it translated. >> Any other comments? >> I would just like to thank the Bradley Gardens PTO and the Van Halton PTO for their donations to their schools. We really appreciate that. With the with that said, Mr. Lumsky, could you please call the role? >>
094Mr. Lee? >> Yes. >> Muna? >> Yes. >> Mr. Jooshi? >> Yes. >> Miss Lockchran? >> Yes. >> Dr. Lee? >> Uh, obstain on 2674. Yes. To address. >> Mr. Mr. Mr. Lumsy, if I may, I I meant to say uh I want to add yes, but recuse on business 2666. Apologies. Mr. Pepe, >> yes. >> Mr. Walker, >> yes. >> Miss Kistri, >> yes. >> Mr. Singer, >> Yes. The motion passes. We have no special services agenda items, so we're up to other 2611 and other 2612. >> If there's any questions or comments, we will need to move that into close session. This this isn't related to the specific um things related to the HIV, but if we wanted to like in terms of like voting options like could we say um like unfounded
095inconclusive like no >> you vote yes no or abstain or accused. >> Okay. >> I would like to move to table this until later when we can go to closed because I would I think there's a need to discuss some of this case. I'll second that. >> Are there any discussion on that? >> This would be the one that we discussed earlier. >> Well, the motion is to table everything apparently. >> So that we can go to close at a later time. >> I I'm satisfied with our discussion. >> I understand. >> Yeah, I thought we had a discussion. >> Okay. I'm going to have Mr. Lumpy call the role then on the motion. This is a motion to >> table. >> Mr. Lee, >> yes. >> Muna, >> no. >> Mr. Jooshi, >> no.
096>> Miss Lockan, >> no. >> Dr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. Pepe, >> no. >> Mr. Walker, >> no. >> Miss Khali, >> no. >> Mr. Singer, >> no. The motion to table fails. >> Mr. Columsy, could you please call the role on the motion for other 2611 and other 2612? >> Mr. Lee, >> yes to 2611, abstain on 2612. >> Mrs. Sunna, >> yes. >> Mr. Jooshi, >> yes. >> Miss Lockan, >> yes. >> Dr. Lee, >> yes to 2611. No to 2612. Mr. Pepe, >> yes. >> Mr. Walker, >> yes. >> Miss Kalistri, >> yes. >> Mr. Singer, >> yes. Motion passes. We're up to policy 2611 and policy 2612. >> So, move. >> Any questions or comments? >> I do. >> Mr. Lee, >> thank you. Um I guess related to policy
097uh which is related to the special education Medicaid initiative program. Um are is a district does a district typically notify parents or at least ask for consent prior to screening students? This isn't related necessarily, I know, to the submission of claims, but more specifically to just screening students for what? Screening students to see if they're eligible for semi claims. >> I'm not sure I understand the question, but Mr. Onsky, do you understand the question? No, I don't think I understand. >> Okay. My apologies if I didn't come off as 100% clear. Does the district screen students for eligibility for the semi program without parental notification or consent? There is a waiver that parents that waiver form for parents on whether or not they wish to include their students as part of semi reimbursement claims >>
098as far as any of the services provided. I can't answer that question. I don't know if that's a parents are notified of that. So, I know in the policy it talks about this screening aspect for students. So, I guess my question is less about whether we're allowed to submit those claims with or without parental consent. So, I know a parent obviously should and is allowed to wave themselves from that program, but I was just asking if we if the district screens students for eligibility for the program before they submit the claims or indicate that or get the uh you know parental consent and waiverss. Do they do that without parental notification or consent? So these claims are for services like speech, occupational therapy, um physical therapy which are handled by our student service department. Uh
099it could be through IEPs or other means. So that would best be asked to the assistant superintendent of student services. Um, >> yeah. I and I can comment that anytime anytime we provide services for a student with an IEP that well that's part of their IEP process, there's a meeting. To answer your question, I I don't Do parents sign an IEP? Yes, they're they're at the meeting by law. It it's a it's a collaborative um function. So, I I I don't quite understand what we're going for here. >> No worries. Uh >> I also don't really understand because that language isn't being changed in this. So, this is a mandatory policy with that language in it. I'm not quite sure where that's going. I guess for me to understand just so that we're all kind
100of on the same page. Essentially the process for the semi-reimbursement claims is you'll screen the student, correct? Whether they're eligible for semi for the semi program as part of their IP and then from there >> Wait, no, that's not what I said. >> No, no, no, no. I I'm just asking for >> No, no, no, but that's not what I said. Mr. Please tell me what your question is and then if we can't answer it now, we'll certainly get back to you. But we've been talking here and I I still don't know what you're talking about. >> Let me rephrase it then. There's >> a there is an there's in the policy it says this may be done without parental consent. And so my question is what is >> Can you let me know what
101specifically? in policy 6111. >> No specific line number, but it's related to the aspect where you're screening students to see if they're eligible for semi as a part of an IEP. And my question is, although it says in the policy this may be done without parental consent, do we notify parents as part of the screening process? >> Which paragraph? >> Yeah. Where does that say? Let me >> I think we'll have to get back to you on that message. I mean, we're kind of splitting hairs on this. So, >> it's in the policy or regulation? >> It's in the policy for FFT, >> right? So, what paragraph? >> Which line? Where? >> So, you go to >> Okay, here we go. We We get consent from parents to submit claims. The state tells us who
102is eligible. We get consent from the parent to submit a claim. >> So I guess in the roundabout way the question you're asking is it parental consent? Yes. >> Nope. I was I was what I was asking is districts shall enter all students following their evaluations. >> Again, can you tell us where you're reading from? >> The third the third paragraph in policy 611. The the third sentence, districts shall enter all students following their evaluations into the third party system as determined by the New Jersey Department of the Treasury to identify the district's universe of eligible students. This may be done without parental consent. And so my question is, do we typically in a sense enter or at least that's one sense what what aspect of the policy is that applicable to? Doesn't it say
103that the state does that though? Am I missing it? >> The district shall enter all students following their retirement >> based on the state's list. >> No, it doesn't say it's a lot of stuff for the state, I believe. >> All right. So, this is first reading. This is going This is first reading. We'll have another FFT meeting before the next u board meeting where this is voted on for second reading. >> We can look into it. >> I'm going to FFT meeting. >> I'm going to I'm going to ask my question again. You can ask fifth time if you'd like to, but it's the same question you've asked three times and the administration has already said that they'll look into it and get back to you. >> So, if you're going to ask the
104question a sixth time, >> knowing that the administration doesn't have your answer at this point, I'm not quite sure what you're trying to achieve. >> I motion to call the vote. I'm sorry. >> Second. >> Point of point of order. >> There's a motion on the table. >> I I had I point of order because I had didn't have my answers question >> my questions answered. I didn't have my questions answered and I'd like them to be answered. >> I totally have. If >> there's a motion on the table on the floor >> to call the question, could you please call the role on that? >> Mr. Lee, >> no. >> Mr. Sunna, >> yes. >> Mr. Joshi, >> yes. >> Miss Lan, >> yes. >> Dr. Lee, >> no. >> Mr. Pepe, >> yes.
105>> Mr. Walker, >> yes. >> Miss Kistri, >> yes. >> Mr. Sanger. >> Yes. The motion passes. Mr. Lumsky, could you please call the role on policy 2611 on the motion to accept policy 2611 and policy 2612? >> I'd like to make a motion to table this. >> Second. >> If there's more questions that we can discuss this, why don't we put it back in the committee so that there's opportunity to >> Okay, >> there's a motion on the floor >> to table this Mr. Uh both I guess. >> Sure. >> So that we can have opportunity to discuss it in the committee. >> Wait. >> You want to table You also want to table 2612. >> The motion's been made. >> The motion has been made. >> Yes. >> But I don't know what
106I'm voting on. >> Oh. Uh both of them so that so that it can be discussed in the committee thoroughly. Looks like there's more conversation to have. >> I understand that. But you want to do 2611 and 2612. 2612 where we it's the policy, >> right? Okay. 2611. >> Okay. >> Thank you for the clarification. >> Okay. That wasn't the motion, but that's fine. >> That wasn't the motion. That's why I'm clarifying. >> Mr. Lumsky, could you please call the role on the motion as clarified? >> This is a motion to table policy 2611. >> Before we do that, what's the difference between tableabling this? That means it's not going for second reading. >> It'll go back to committee for first reading. I assume >> it would go back to first reading. >> Yeah. >>
107Ah, got it. Okay. >> Mr. Lee. >> Yes. >> Mr. Asuna. >> No. >> Mr. Joshi. [laughter] >> I know. >> No. I guess I I don't know. No. >> No. >> Miss Lockin? >> No. >> Dr. Lee? >> Yes. >> Mr. Pepe? >> No. >> Mr. Walker? >> No. >> Miss Kra? >> No. >> Mr. Sanger? >> No. The motion does not pass. Mr. Lumsky, could you please call the role on policy 261? >> I would like to make a motion. >> I'd like to make a motion to uh refer this actually to a committee of the whole order. >> Stop. Stop. >> That's out of order first of all because this goes back to committee after first reading. That's how first and second reading works. >> Okay. >> Mr. Lumsky, could you please
108call the role? Excuse me. Point of information. Are we voting on 2611 or 2612? >> Both. The original motion was for 2611 and 2612. The motion to call the question has passed. And now this is the motion to actually affirm policy 2611 and policy 2612. >> I I feel there hasn't been discussion for 2612 at all yet. >> There's a question called. So that's the question. >> This is a motion really to silence debate. You're out of order once again. >> No, I'm not. >> You are out of order. This is not Please go. >> Mr. Lee, >> no. >> Mrs. Sunna, >> yes. >> Mr. Joshi, >> yes. Both 2611 and 2612. >> Miss Lockan, >> yes. >> Dr. Lee, >> no. >> Mr. Pepe, >> yes. >> Mr. Walker, >> yes. >> Miss
109Kstri, >> yes. >> Mr. Singer, >> yes. The motion passes. We're up to item number 13, old business. Is there any old business to discuss? >> I have old business to discuss. [snorts] >> Mr. Lee, go ahead. >> Thank you. At our last meeting, this board made one thing unmistakably clear that the the rules only apply to those who are not a part of the rubber stamping supermajority because you all move in lock step quietly, strategically, and conveniently behind closed doors to humiliate and berate board members. >> I'm taking offense. >> No, no, there's no offense to this. No, I am attacking this process. This process accusing everyone. >> I'm not accusing anyone of anything. Yes, you are. >> I am talking about what this board did at our last meeting. Change your words member.
110>> Taking down a board member. >> I make a motion to move on. >> Taking down a board. That's not a motion. >> No. No. Because people deserve to know the truth behind what this board did at the last meeting, shutting down a board member's good idea on STEM education. I'd be happy to share the truth about the behavior of board members, but I have respect for this process and I have respect for like the work and effort and time that we put in and the knowledge that these people have of how to run a meeting unlike the way you all have behaved in the last few meetings. This has gotten time put in. >> Yes. >> You were sending a motion. No, >> you were sending a resolution on STEM education. Everything that you
111do goes against the standards of how this board operates and you do it so that you can get attention for yourselves and it's gotten to the point of wasting our time. And I'm sick of it. I'm tired of it. And I know I'm not the only one. Like we literally all voted no to you endlessly and repeatedly, but you continue to do it anyway. I'm sorry. >> Okay. So, >> I think we don't need to resort to personal attacks here. We can talk about why the process is wrong. That's what the point is. >> Your resolution, Miss Lee's resolution was approved here. That's how it went to the delegate assembly. Okay, let's not forget that approved at the beginning. >> So it we all approved it. That's how it went to the delegate assembly. >>
112Let's not forget that. Okay. And secondly, once it went to the delegate assembly, Miss Lee had a conversation with someone to change even a word and she did not let the board know what was changed. That's why it was rescended. That is not required. >> What's not required? So, she can put whatever she wants in there >> and we're not required to >> and and hold on a second. And we said we're going to bring it back in May. >> Once this board is not going to bring this back in May if everything is >> Let him go. >> I'm going to continue on because someone needs to hear the truth and the truth needs to be told. >> I just told you the truth. No, the truth is that four days before the delegate
113assembly meeting, there is a recommendation by this board to rescend the delegate assembly resolution that would have enhanced STEM education across New Jersey, despite the fact that, as you mentioned, it had received full board approval. In light of this, suddenly in light of that recommendation, Mrs. Suna and Mr. Walker both moved and they seconded the motion to rescend out of nowhere instructing delegate assembly representative unlawfully to withdraw her own resolution. Point of order. >> I can't do that. >> Point of order. >> No. I'm going to appeal the decision of the chair. >> Actually, you know what? The chair can shut down all business if >> No. I'm going to appeal the decision of the chair. That is an actual motion. I'm going to appeal the decision of the chair >> and the chair will
114consider your appeal denied. The >> No, you can't do that. That's not true. You can't. If I >> How is it unlawful for this board to review its decision? >> The the Delan Board of Registration did the same exact thing. >> I'm going to Google this. >> He's going to Google it. >> I'm I appealed the decision of the chair. >> And who do you appeal the decision of the chair to? >> I appeal it to you. And as long as I have a second, this can come for a vote. >> Do you have a second? >> And what are you appealing exactly? >> I'm appealing your decision to rule me out of order. >> Okay. >> Is there a second? hearing none. >> Second. All right. >> The Delan board also withdrew their motion.
115Are you suggesting that they're also unlawful? >> Can we have a discussion right now? >> We're having a discussion. Point of order. We have a motion on the floor. We can discuss the motion. >> They made a motion over over a decision. >> There was no second. >> I did second. >> When did she second that? after you said >> so >> after I [laughter] said okay >> so so we need to discuss the motion or call >> discuss the motion is there any comments on the motion >> yeah listen this isn't a personal attack this isn't an attack on anyone this is an attack on the process >> there's a motion on the floor so >> okay >> that's it so there's a motion to appeal my uh finding of you out of order
116>> on what basis what Robert's rule have I violated >> I didn't find you out of order I said that you're wrong that there's no that it wasn't unlawful. >> But what's Robert's rule or >> um I didn't say that you were out of order because if you All right. So, what did what did you rule me out of? >> I didn't. >> There's a motion. >> You didn't. So, what So, what did you say? >> You said you're you said point of order. You've been ruled out of order. That's what you said. >> You said point of order. >> No. >> And you? >> Moving on. >> Guess me. >> There's a motion to appeal whatever mo whatever I said. Apparently, >> you know, I I I rescend it. >> Great. >> I'm going
117to continue on with my speech. Does this have anything to do with kids? Why all >> Yes, it does actually because we're talking about STEM education. You're talking about this over with. >> We approved STEM educience revolution. >> Exactly. It's about science. This isn't about anything else. All right. Because the reality is that this board worked like clockwork. Mrs. Sunna, Mr. Walker both moved and seconded the motion to rescend that instructed delegate assembly representative to withdraw her own resolution. It was a non-binding vote, but it was symbolic of this coordinated political retaliation and to seal the deal. Mr. Jooshi and Mr. Walker both tag teamed to ram through a motion to shut down debate because they were terrified of the truth behind this orchestrated political takedown. You can laugh all you want, but I know
118this was hatched behind closed doors and they're worried that the truth is going to come to light, but it will because the people the people can laugh about this all they want, but this board abandoned common sense. They abandoned a common sense resolution that would have strengthened science education here in New Jersey. No, because this board takes its marching orders >> conspiracy >> from the special interest. >> But the real issues which are related to our students, our parents, and our taxpayers are simply treated as an afterthought. Because the reality is that New Jersey has a chronic and deeply alarming science education crisis. The board continues pretending that science is somewhat optional >> and that it's less essential than math and English. But the New Jersey Department of Education's own data shows that science profici
119proficiency hovering around 27% in 2025 and a stagnate and stagnating at a similarly abysmal levels every year since 2019 because the resolution may not have been the final fix, but it was one small step for students and it was one giant leap for student outcomes. And if we dare to treat science as a serious academic subject it is, then we give our students the opportunity to meet the great expectations of the world and turn student achievement to global achievement. But instead of doing this, this board chose to prioritize the special interests over students. I am excuse me, I am speaking here. I am beyond disgusted by this deliberate polarization. >> This has nothing to do with our student. How does I >> I have a question. I have a question. I'm speaking. No, you don't
120have a question. I have the question. >> I know. I do have a question. No. No. I'm going to speak and you're not going to speak. I'm going to say what I'm going to say because this public deserves to do our board. Nothing to do with our Mr. Beers. How are >> the boards prioritize special interests over student interest? And I'm disgusted by this polarization and the politicalization of STEM education. And you are doing this all to settle petty political stores scores over mailers, campaign websites, Facebook ads. I don't know if this is the sort of example you want to set for our kids because if you know if Dr. Lee was, you know, the failure and the the the that this rubber stamp supermajority claims that she is, then why did the voters of
121Bridgewwater re-elect her to a second term? And I get it. The people here are upset. I get this board doesn't like me. I get you guys think I'm a drama queen and I get it. But guess what? I'm gonna say what I'm gonna say because the people deserve to know the truth behind what happened last meeting when this board retaliated against a board member over such silly things. When Dr. Lee introduced a resolution, she gave every board member ample time to review the language. >> You've gone on quite long enough, I believe. No, I'm >> I will close this old business down now. You can appeal that now. >> No. Okay, I'll appeal that. >> Is there a second to his motion to appeal? >> There is a motion on the floor. Is there a
122second to his motion to appeal? >> All right, I resend it. >> We're going to move on now to new business. >> I have new business. It is customary in the last meeting that we typically like, you know, rejoice in going into the new year and um and there's something I want to say that is a positive note but also kind of sad. Emily, there's there are so many things I want to say to you about the quality of the person that you are, the integrity with which you conduct yourself, and how truly honored I am to call you my friend, and to have served alongside of you. But what I really want to say is that you have the most beautiful signs I have ever seen, ever in an election. beautiful like you inside
123and out as a volunteer in the community and especially through your work with the parent teacher organization which is honestly so much harder than board of ed and in so many ways has way more of a direct impact on our children. I'm going to miss you at this day. I'm going to miss looking over at you and seeing the calm, serene expression, especially when I am very clearly losing my patience. I'll miss the way that you attempt to poker face when we make eye contact, especially when I have Tic Tacs. And I will miss our little chitchats in the bathroom, in the parking lot, and everywhere in between. Your presence has meant more to me than you probably realize. and you've got me through some times and it made this experience better, steadier, and more
124human. So, thank you, Emily, for being exactly who you are. >> If I could just uh second that, Emily, you're one of the uh nicest people I've met working since I've been in this position. Honestly, when I was I was in a writing campaign the first year that I after I'd been appointed and I I didn't know if I we had no idea what the result was, but one of the things I was thinking was, "Oo, it'd be really nice to win. I get to serve with Emily Kistri for a little bit. She's coming on the board and she's really nice and I know she's going to bring a lot of great experience and do a lot of great things." So, I'm glad we got a chance to uh do it together for a couple
125of years and thank you for your talking me through um some issues over the years and and you always had a great point of view. you looked at both sides of things and did what you thought was right. So, thank you. Um, yeah, thank you for serving these students and I'm sure that you'll continue to do that in the community. Thank you very much and all the best. >> And same with me is thank you for being on the board and last meeting I have I just found out something. Even though you're on one side of the political spectrum and I'm on the other, guess what? We're on the same political We have the same political agenda. We have the same political agenda. finally. But it's been great serving with you and being a friend.
126Thanks. >> Thanks, Emma. Enjoy the free time. >> Okay. Don't hit me walking on the road with a dog. All right. And um thanks for everything. Well, well, it's been a pleasure. It's been enjoyable. And uh do we have a motion? >> All right. You're good to make the motion if you want to. >> I would just like to say it's been a pleasure getting to know you. I really enjoyed it. And >> all right, >> I think [clears throat] what you campaigned on this year that you listen to all sides, you truly truly do and we've had great conversations and I look forward to your participating from the other side as I know you will. >> We're on the same team. >> I'll just say best wishes with your future endeavors. >> Okay. Okay.
127And there there actually is one last item of business. And um I we did share in everyone's folder the the uh proposed board of education schedule for for next year. I would just hope that you you take a look at it. I know we're going to take a break here for for a few weeks. Um you know there'll be an election for president, vice president, all those things. But um that that's one of the first orders of business normally with reorg. So even if there are conversations that take place you know uh you know with the president whomever and then we can uh we can discuss what what this should look like but again this preliminary it's not set in stone um but I want everyone to take a look at it go just one
128last thing that reminded me one other thing I wanted to say thank you to Steve and Emily for serving as our leadership at the board this year. >> That's it. >> Thank you. We're very lucky to have you. >> I'll echo that, Miss Mr. Pepe. That >> just to get back to >> Thank you, Mr. Be. But just to get back to Mr. Beers, if you have any questions about the calendar, please do email him and uh leadership for the next week and a half uh with those questions. But thank you. Thank you, Mr. He. Thank you, Mr. Beers. Are there any is there any other new business? >> Motion to >> It's hers. She gets to bang this, right? >> Motion to adjurnn. We are done. >> She gets to hit the >> second.
129>> All in favor? >> I >> Come on. You got it. >> Do you want my computer? >> That was interesting. >> Well, perfect. 9:30. [snorts] >> Hey, I'm just saying I'm just glad it wasn't me.