001We're good. All right. All right. Thank you for your patience. Uh we are now up to the student representative reports. >> Hello. Um I introduced myself last time. I am Matt Harrison. I'm a senior at Bridgewwater. Um, and so today I got a couple things to talk to you guys about from the student perspective. Um, this has been a really big week for the RHS athletics. Um, the football team won the sectional final last week and that was awesome. Everybody was there. Um, the kids were hyped up. I mean, it was a great time. Everyone was really excited. It was It's been a while. So it was really great to see that see the program actually come to fruition and developing very nicely. So that was a great time. Everyone uh everyone had a blast.
002Um we also got other school teams that are doing great things. We got two uh girls cross country members that are in the state final for the first time. Um and yeah, girls soccer just made it to the state finals as well. That was also very cool. Um and now winter sports are starting. I had my first hockey practices this week, uh, triyout season. And being a senior, I mean, it's kind of freaky. Everyone, you go you go your whole high school career is always upper classman there being older than you like, oh, beating you up. But yeah, now now now we're doing it to them. So, it's a great time. Um, yeah. So, that that's that's really exciting. I'm very excited. Um, also since since last time, we had the golden pumpkin competition for
003Halloween. That was a new addition, I think, two years ago. That was It was so fun. It's basically where the teachers decorate the hallways. Um and then they they they're really going all out. Like it's it's really cool to see. The teachers are getting really into it and the students love it. Um I know the 600 building, the math department, they were uh the boardwalk, so they had they had a lot of games going on where you students could play and it was it was really cool. They had like a golf competition. Everyone was having a great time. Uh the 400 building, they were history teachers. They actually won. Um there was they were Mario Kart, so their hallways were fully decked out in like mushrooms and you know every Mario Kart kind of thing.
004The the roof was Rainbow Road. It was really cool. >> Yeah, it was it was really awesome. Um I last week I went to or I think two weeks ago now uh all the clubs are very up and running now. Everything's kind of developing. Uh the finance club, my club and um the career [clears throat] concentration committee had a event for a guest speaker event from Satan Hall. There was a two deans that came and spoke uh for us. They were talking about different financial topics that kind of their journeys through their careers and what brought them to actually becoming a dean now and um how they can kind of help us and where we can go with a desire for a career in business, economics, finance in the future. Uh and then also recently
005a big thing for a lot of high schoolers, a lot of seniors, um the November 1st college deadlines. That was a big day for me. Uh me and me and Crystal had very different experiences. She could talk about hers after this, but I mean I I kind of I didn't delay all mine, but it kind of it seemed like less work than it was, but it it was a lot more work than I thought. So, I was I was up late, but it's okay. I got it in. Um I applied to a good amount of schools and yeah, now now we're just waiting. So, hopefully I have good news for you guys next time. But yeah. All right, Chris. So, you got it. >> Okay. So, like he said, we kind of had different experiences
006about this whole college thing. Um, like I think it varies person by person especially and based on like how their schedules work and how like maybe their planning is, but for me, I kind of was done maybe like two weeks in advance. And I had submitted to them like maybe like the 20th, so like 10 days in advance. And I think like I just it was like a huge relief cuz like I was stressing about it like all throughout the summer and like that kind of just got me to like really motivated to just like get it done, get it done. And even so much that like I like some people might take a break after November 1st and like kind of let it like simmer down and then just like work on regular decision
007stuffs. And like um actually today I was meeting with my college counselor and I like finished everything like like all my regular decisions it's probably around like like 18 schools or something and I'm I I feel like just like a lot less pressure and I think I can finally start to like enjoy my senior year like I see the light at the end of the tunnel you know that stuff like yeah apart from that um I want to talk about a little bit about like the updates in um National Honor Society like I'm the secretary of natural honor society and two of the things that we've been working on recently are first the club fair which was last week and it was in the gym. It was during lunch and it was basically a bunch
008of the clubs at school like cure quest, garden club, mock trial, knitting and crochet and like everything you could think of. They kind of filled the tables in in the gym and there was trifolds and the club the club leaders kind of got to show other students what their club was about and it was a good way for students to learn and join different clubs see what see what they're interested and it was ran by national honor society and we organized the event. We assigned the tables and we oversaw it and I think overall it was a good event and like I the kids were engaged and there was candy and like I think it was a good good way for underassman to kind of see what kind of clubs there are out there and
009what they're interested and start like brainstorming and what what they want to do throughout high school. Um another thing we kind of just started just last week is tutoring. And I know this is like at NHS tutoring happens every year but we're just starting in the beginning. And like last week I sent out like must been like over 30 emails to different tutors just being like you're assigned with these students and like you have so basically the tutors they have to um work with the students on any subject that they got paired with. It could be the most popular one was honors bio because that's a very ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch challenging class and it's a I think it's a really good way for students
010at BR to to get one-on-one help not necessarily with student with the teacher or with like a real tutor, but instead it kind of it's like students who've taken this class before know exactly what's going on and they can kind of share how their perspective from the students end. Um, some other good things around the school are the renovations, the library and the auditorium. Um, they're well, the auditorium is done and the library is kind of getting worked on these past few days. It's been closed as they moved the furniture in. And I think these are both two good things that are happening that can just like make our school like a little bit more ambient and like um a better learning environment. I we had some presentations in the auditorium and I could immediately
011notice that the auditorium was definitely looking better. There was like more lighting and I think the seats were better and I think this will be just a good addition for years to come. Um just like finally I just wanted to mention the NJSLA testing last week because I know at the last um um board of ed meeting you guys were talking about the field test and I think well for us seniors I think it was a good idea good chance to catch up on sleep with the delayed opening. Um but I think that it went smoothly. I don't think there were many delays. there's only like one day of delay and I think it'll be a good idea for um good chance for um them to see how the the questions are working and how
012the test itself is working. Um and just like for another future thing that's happening, the the BRHS theater program is putting on the play The Outsiders um on December 4th through 6th. And I think it's a cool play especially because The Outsiders is a play that many of like BRHS students have read. It's a book that they read um when they were in middle school and I think it's kind of nostalgic and I think a lot of students really like that book and I think this play will be a really really entertaining one. So you guys should check it out. >> Thank you both. Uh best of luck on your applications and it is good to have it behind you. So good luck. Uh as always you're welcome to stay. Um, but we understand if
013you have studying and homework to do. Uh, but before you leave, does any of the board have questions for our student representatives? >> Thank you very much. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. Awesome job. >> Um, we're up to the president's report, which is going to be incredibly brief. Um before we came onto the video, uh we had the pleasure of uh recognizing our uh staff that attained tenure. I believe that was 41 staff members, correct? Um and uh staff that have attained 25 years of service to the district, uh which there were 32 of those, correct? I pay attention. Uh so I want to congratulate those who uh have uh attained tenure and uh thank those who have been here for 25 years for their service to the district. We really appreciate their uh their
014being here and sharing with our kids and uh really helping our kids grow up. So we appreciate that. Up next, we are at committee reports. The first one would be Mr. Josh and academic committee. >> Okay. We met uh yesterday, November 17th at 5:00 pm virtually. In attendance were myself, Miss Ouna, Mr. Pepe, Mr. Singer, Dr. Jones, Mr. ERS, Mrs. Madia, Mr. Morello, and Dr. Silva. Sylvia. Uh, first item on the agenda was the special education update. Um, Dr. Dr. Sylvia provided an overview um an update of the special education department and programs including student enrollment by specific classification number and roles of staff members including related services and programs offered at each building. And along with that he continued um item number two was the nursing um services plan. Um Dr. Sylvia reviewed the
015district nursing services plan which is annually approved. The plan is completed by the school nurses in conjunction with uh oversight of the school physician. The plan includes the number of district nurses assigned to each school, the number of students with specific conditions, and the services provided by nurses during the year. Um any questions on those two items? >> I don't have any questions. I just want to note that for board members that were not on academic committee meeting at the meeting uh those two uh presentations and information are all available on the committee drive in the committee folder. >> All all the information is uh >> just wanted to make that clear. >> Item number three was K3 K to three and four and five uh grade four and five schedule updates and highlights as
016part of the curriculum and instruction updates. Dr. Jones, Mrs. Madia and Mr. Morello uh shared highlights of the K through third grade and fourth and fifth grade schedules that were presented to staff in October and will be implemented for the 2026 2027 school year. Um the presentation is uh linked in the academic committee folder as well. Any questions on that? Okay. Item four was the curriculum and instruction update. Dr. Jones, Mrs. Madia, Mr. Morello shared progress related to one uh new state requirements such as NJSLA pilot and literacy legislation and screening. Number two was district referendum preparations, specifically new schedules, professional development, curriculum and technology planning and full day um kindergarten pilot. Um and number three was the ongoing uh district priorities as it relates to all these items. Um any questions on that? Okay.
017And the presentation as mentioned before is linked in the folder and we adjourned at 7:21 p.m. Our next meeting is December 15th. >> Thank you, Mr. Jooshi. Up next is community relations with Mrs. Lachan. No, >> I'm sorry. Up next is FF I I went in alphabetical order. >> Sorry. Up next is FFT with Mr. Walker. >> Thank you, Mr. Singer. We met on November 11th at 5:30 p.m. at the Wade building in attendance. Myself, Mr. Lee, Miss Laughron, Mr. Singer, Mr. Lomsky, Mr. Beers, um, Patricia Rogers, Bob Swisser, our one of our auditors, and Wayne Miller, also one of the auditors. First item in the agenda is review was reviewed by Slept Clooney, who are our auditors. Auditor Bob Swisser and Wayne Miller from Slooply Slupley and Clooney were presented to review the results
018of the audit in the district financials. The financials are fairly stated and the district is in compliance with all state statutes and regulations according to standards. The we discussed one recommendation as part of the audit regarding the excess of net cash res resources in the cafeteria fund which the district is preparing a corrective action plan to upgrade the kitchen up a corrective action plan and will be upgrading kitchen equipment using these extra funds. The recommendations the final a report is expected to be after the federal compliance statements are released to complete the report. It will be on will be up for the BOA approval either in December or January meeting dates on the release of the updated federal audit. Are there any questions? Business agenda review. The business administrator reviewed the draft business agenda actions
019for for the the meeting this evening with special attention to the purchases and change orders of the section. Consensus was to approve the actions. Are there any questions? Seeing none, policy update. Um the business administrator shared two Strauss estate policy updates and one regulation up for second reading. Policy policy 1570 regulation 1570. The recommendation was con consensus to approve both both policies and the regulation for final reading. Any questions? Other matters. A discussion took place regarding the new legislative bill that mandates full day kindergarten for the 2030 school year and codifies the preschool funding formula. It's discussed that the district will be in compliance with the mandate and will explore the preschool expansion grant when the time comes. Also discussed was the update to share the service agreement with the township for use of the
020commons way fields that will be likely to which will likely be a summer construction project for field improvements. Lastly, the construction happening at the former Ethicon site behind the high school was discussed and the possibilities of having a way for high school traffic to exit the property exit the property and there were no recommendations. Any questions? Our next meeting is December 9th at 5:30 p.m. at the weight building. We adjourned at 6:15. >> Thank you, Mr. Walker. We are now up to personnel with Mrs. Kalistri. >> Okay. We met on October 28th at 5:15 virtually. In attendance was myself, Mr. Jooshi, Mr. Singer, Dr. Fonder, and Mr. Beers. We started out by reviewing the personnel addendum. The committee discussed the personnel addendum and supported the action items. Next, we talked about full day kindergarten and
021the reconfiguration staffing pro uh projections for the 2627 school year. Dr. Fonder and Mr. Beers presented the committee with information regarding staffing for the 2627 period. Given the significant changes of districtwide full-day kindergarten and the reconfiguration of schools in grades K to 8, staffing discussions are occurring early, our projected staff needs for full day kindergarten, as outlined in the referendum planning, are on target with a total of 10 additional kindergarten positions required. The committee supported the administration's advanced planning. Next, we discussed workers compensation. Dr. Fondonder reviewed the workers compensation process with our insurance carrier New Jersey school insurance group and how individual and how individual cases are processed. No action was taken. Any questions on any of that? Sorry, I should have stopped sooner. >> No, I which >> No, no. Do you have one
022now? >> Okay, I'll keep going. Next up, uh we reviewed Oh, the employee work status discussion. Dr. funer reviewed a recent update regarding employees with non-permanent work or certification status. Um, no action was taken on that at this time. Next, we reviewed um the substitute teachers um Dr. Foner reviewed the current substitute teacher pay structure in Bridgewater Ritan and how that compares to the surrounding districts. The committee discussed ideas on how to continue making Bridgewater Raritin competitive and a desirable workplace for substitute teachers. No action was taken. Uh other matters. Finally, we discussed um Dr. Fer uh briefed the committee on the process of determining which elementary teachers would be approved for the voluntary transfer day of pay for summer 2025 per the new contract uh the bar contract. um as well as how we
023would be it would all be handled in the future. Uh we adjourned at 6:12 and our next meeting is December 2nd and it's moved now. Um it was supposed to be virtual. It will be in person because we have a um Thank you. a retreat right after. So we'll be meeting in person at 5:15 done by 6 because then we have a retreat. Any questions on my report? >> Yes, I do have a few questions. Um, thank you for your report. Um, relating to I guess like non-permanent work versus certification status, I guess it's helpful to know like what are some of the key differences between those two categories and I know you mentioned there were some updates related to that. What were some of the major updates related to those two groups of employees
024quickly if you can? >> Sure. Um, yeah, for certification the state has done a number of different things. Uh, the there's a program called the limited CE that where you can wave one requirement. U that allows districts to hire someone that wouldn't otherwise be able to achieve the certification. Um we didn't talk that much about that because that's been in place for a couple of years now. What we focused on primarily would be um people who don't have a permanent work status in the US. So, this would be someone on a J1 visa or an H-1B visa or somebody who's looking for their uh to secure a green card that those individuals uh can work for schools if the school district uh has the capacity to kind of support them in that and uh do
025the applications with them. Um, Bridgewater Raridan historically has not had many individuals uh that fall into that category and recently there are increased costs for employers for um non-permanent workers and so it pretty much prices um school districts out of being able to you know have an H-1B candidate. Um and also this doesn't affect people who already have the the H-1B and uh have it expiring at some point in the future. This would be people who are applying for it now. Um similarly, the uh complication and the fees associated with green card applications would be also uh cost prohibitive for our school district and probably for many school districts. >> Um that's helpful. And I guess on this other part of your agenda, you know, you talked a little bit about the substitute teacher pay.
026Um, you know, kind of comparing our district to some of the other districts that are out there. Um, do you feel like we are more or less competitive in general when it comes to probably attracting substitute teacher talent? And, you know, if you know, have you experienced any difficulties with finding substitute teacher talent? You know, what's that kind of experience been like? So, um, when I started as assistant superintendent in Bridgewater Ritan, which was in 2021, so not that long ago, um, our rate for a substitute teacher was $85 a day. And so, I've said it a couple of times that, um, when I started substitute teaching before I got my first permanent job as a teacher in 2001, I got $85 a day. So, that was uh, very much below market. And that was
027a time during COVID when it was also hard to find substitute teachers. So since then, the board of education has raised the substitute rate a number of times. So now we have a rate that isn't the best around, but it's a competitive rate. Um, in past years, a personnel committee, I've said a lot of substitute teachers, they're not going all over the state, but they're probably looking at two or three adjacent towns, and we were everyone's third, fourth, or fifth choice. And that's not where you want to be as a as a school district. Um, so right now we have a good pool of substitute teachers. Um, and what we don't have is a high percentage of certified teachers who are the substitutes. Uh, to get a substitute credential, you need to have some college
028credits. There's a minimum age requirement, but you don't have to have a four-year degree. You don't have to have a teaching degree. Um, but a lot of our sub there are substitutes who have a teaching certificate and those people in addition to being able to do daily sub jobs, they could also work in jobs where the teachers out for a longer period of time. And so, uh, other districts have a pay structure where they sometimes will pay a different rate to people who are certified teachers. And that's something that Bridgewater Riden hasn't done in the past. um that we talked a little bit about uh this in the committee as something that we might want to look at in the future. >> That's great to hear. Thank you. >> Any other questions for the personnel
029committee? >> Thank you, Mrs. Kalistri. Are you now ready, Mrs. Lockin? We're up to committee uh community relations with Mrs. Lin. Uh we met on November 17th at 4 pm virtually. In attendance was myself, uh Miss Sununa, Miss Lee, um Mr. Beers, and um Mr. Singer. Sorry for the order. Um so we uh the the committee discussed the potential for a community calendar. This came up, you know, um, back in October, uh, to minimize potential conflicts with the school calendar. Uh, and the result of this discussion was that there would be an internal document that is shared with administration. Um, just to fill in a little bit of the blank, there are a lot of holidays, so it would be really hard to to publicize a new calendar every year. Um, and then also maintain
030it. So, uh, this was more in an effort to make sure that, um, administration was communicating holidays that were coming up. Um, and, uh, the other topic was Mr. Beers frame the timeline for the transportation updates and school schedules, which will be presented to the public in January. We we anticipate receiving a report from our consultants, which will be shared with the committees in December and with the public in January. I forgot to ask if there were any questions. The first bullet I don't have any questions. I just wanted to note that there was a a more wholesome um discussion with regard to school calendar and uh addressing uh issues that happened this year and uh assuring that they're not going to happen in the future. So I appreciate the administration for uh working on
031that and and and addressing that. >> Same uh the committee discussed parental communications and that outreach will begin in January, February. that was in relation to um the transportation topic uh and discussion of utilizing CSA meetings as a vehicle for community outreach and two-way communications. Um we discussed the potential for some topics for future meetings. Uh one one of the topics was communicating all these changes that we're going to see districtwide. Um like at our I guess our CSA meetings will be um online now and so more people will have access to it. Uh and another topic that came up also was um potentially like the calendar issues maybe that could be discussed during CSA meetings also. And the committee discussed the process for proposals to the delegate assembly. Um we also discussed the mental
032health resolution um that uh Mrs. Suna had um presented to the board and at this time we were we were going to wait to discuss it further in the future. Um but I did promise to see what was on the books. So I just wanted to let the board know that that wasn't being lost. Um and finally there was a walkin topic. Um I didn't ask if anybody had questions but since this is on topic I'll finish this. Uh as a walk-in topic, the committee also discussed the um nonpartisan school boards resolution that we sent to the delegates assembly. Uh if you haven't heard, it was rejected. Um and as of now, we have a pretty good reason like why it was rejected. But um in addition to that, uh there's been discussion which I
033I've sent an email to the board. uh I don't think we need a full discussion today but uh ongoing where we can consider some other avenues to reintroducing this resolution to the delegates assembly with um more of an action that they can take and and you can see that I I had provided like some information around you know ballot design but there were some other questions that had come up not only from board members but from um NJSBA members um asking asking about topics like April elections and um and whether or not that's something that um we would consider as a board to discuss also in relation to nonpartisan school boards. So that was what I had. Did anybody have any questions? So many words. Mr. Beers, maybe you could just explain just because we
034were talking about the community outreach and the CSA for people that might be watching. just explain what the CSA exactly is and how that would work with the PTO meetings and who attends. >> Sure. Generally speaking, the uh and correct me if I'm wrong, the CSA is is comprised of PTO leadership from all the different buildings and they come together on a quarterly basis to to meet with us and one of the areas is the superintendent report. So we started la the last uh meeting by presenting on some of the programs that we have for character education [clears throat] throughout the district and and it I believe it was wellreceived. So, what we're what we're trying to do is brainstorm a series of topics that we would share with the CSA and and it really
035is a time for back and forth and and that two-way communication. And it's just another way to um to enhance a meeting that we already have on on the calendar and and we do have a captive audience there. So, at least we know that that there'll at least be 20 or 30 people there who can hear whatever it is that we're saying. And and they are leaders throughout the district. Again, they we always throw around the term stakeholders. They are some of the stakeholders in town who represent their buildings and their their organizations. So that's the idea >> and and the benefit of doing it at CSA is that they can then turn key to their PTO meetings where they can inform their you know their schools how they've spoken to administration and what they
036what news they get from the administration. I think that's helpful too. >> Any other questions for Mrs. I I had just had one thing. Oh, wait. You had a question. Go for it. >> So, for your um proposal, are you going to are you asking us to give you some input? Um um how would you like us to help you with this? >> Um >> that's a that's a great question and I and I think it ties back to the original uh topic of like you know the the method that we use to bring these things forward which is I I think it's it's It's it's prudent that we uh now have the opportunity to discuss this as a full board because as you as you've seen if you haven't read it yet um potentially
037we could put forward something where uh NJSBA would be advocating on behalf of of fairer ballots or or you know more more nonpartisanesque elections. Uh sorry for the >> less partis Thank you. Um, so I guess one I was going to say, um, in regards to like how we handle these kinds of things, I think we have a community relations, um, committee. Um, we used to have a legislative committee. I I don't see why we can't discuss this further, but to answer your question, yeah, I I I would like board input. I think this is an important topic. Um and and I would like to know where people stand on it. >> So to that end, it might be better it might be beneficial if people review that document and individually get back to you
038um so that it's not a uh it's not a back and forth within within the board discussion. Um or we could discuss it at a future meeting. >> Absolutely. And um >> next delegate assembly is in May. it in the next delegate assembly is in May. And also uh I I've gone the avenue of of reaching out to the appropriate people at NJSBA. They can help us shape this into a policy that we're not on an island here. So like it's it's not gone unnoticed. It wasn't rejected um on principle. It it was rejected because I think there was just the potential to put something forward that >> was actually on form. >> What? >> It was on forum, not on substance. >> Yes. that what he said but but yes I I think to
039answer what you were saying again not rambling um I will happily take um input and if we want to have a conversation about fine too >> I have a question >> uh kind of circling back I guess to the community calendar um like is there any there's just so I'm aware there's no plans for specific community calendar that'll be circulated or anything like that correct? >> Not beyond the calendar that the board approves. Um the this is more addressing um it's not addressing a huge it's addressing some specific areas where maybe more calendar information needs to be communicated. But no, it wouldn't be something distributed to the board. We we approve that calendar and have the access to that publicly. And there's also a state calendar that actually uh a state uh department of ed
040calendar that lists all uh recognized holidays. >> I also think it's it's helpful just as part of this conversation if we're we we don't just have a calendar like this but we have a dynamic calendar I think ideally a calendar where like we're not just including the different major holidays but we're also including things about major school events that are happening. Uh maybe there's something like graduation. Uh any sort of student events that the board's welcome to attend, you know, putting them on a calendar along those lines, right? I think that's possibly something helpful, but >> I think we're talking about different calendars at this point. You're talking about a calendar for the board. Uh that's not what we were talking about at the >> meeting. Never mind. Okay. Um, and then I guess you
041know I I know you discussed CSA meetings as you know kind of an opportunity for more two-way communication between the board and the community. Did you guys kind of look at some other opportunities as well or do you feel like um, you know, one step at a time essentially beyond before doing anything more? >> Thank you for the question Jeremy. we did bring up at the meeting uh and I did propose to the committee and when we meet in our retreat in a couple weeks maybe this is a topic for conversation and also um when we when we have our new board in in uh January that could be time for followup but my question always is I I'd love to hear from the board as to what two-way communication looks like in your eyes
042because I am a little bit confused about that at times. where a lot of people say we need to enhance two-way communications and it's not a it's not a conversation for now, but I believe it as a topic at our retreat to say let's really boil that down into specifics on what we're talking about. >> I think more specifically I was referring to the two-way communication between kind of the district, the board and the community. Um, not not that of a suggestion. >> No, I I think we're talking about the same thing. And if I miscommunicated, I apologize, but um we're absolutely talking about the same thing about two-way communication between this public body and the public. That was that was the context of my comments to you. >> All right. And I just want
043to elaborate on that in that if if we're talking about two-way communication, one of the best avenues for that is our parent teacher organizations because they are the leaders of our community programs and and that was discussed. So I just wanted to clarify. >> Any other questions on community relations? >> You returned to a time and next meeting. We ended at five o'clock and the next meeting is to be determined. Thank you. >> Are there any leazison or delegate reports? >> Mr. Pepe, >> one brief thing from the Burough of Raren. The burrow is hosting their second annual treelighting uh festivities on Wednesday, December 10th, uh from 6:00 to 8:00. And that's at the Nevia Street Bridge. If you're not familiar with that, it crosses the Ritan River. It's a beautiful setting. With any luck,
044there will be a light, very light, but not uh keeping anyone away uh snowfall to uh make that even a a better event, but they'll be be lighting a tree. Uh there usually a lot of student groups um I'm not sure if it's an official capacity or just um through the burrow, but there are a lot of performances and they will be featuring white bows to honor veterans this year. So, those will be available, I assume, to either purchase or to donate uh to make that even it's a really nice spot if anyone's ever been there. So, Wednesday, December the 10th at six o'clock. >> Thank Pepe. Any other lay on the delicate reports? Muna. >> I just wanted to mention upcoming meetings for Somerset County School Board Association. Uh Monday, January 26 at 6:45,
045there's a virtual meeting about building fiscal clarity and strengthening the board VA partnership. And then, I know I already mentioned, but mark your calendar. Monday, May 4th for the teacher of the year, county teacher of the year celebration and other And last night there was also an SCSBA meeting where they provided the uh the rules, regulations and responsibilities. >> Three Rs. >> I know but those three Rs are >> rules regulations. >> Thank you. The three Rs presentation uh for new board members or board members who wanted to uh be reminded of them. Uh and it was very well attended. Uh so uh thank you as always to the SCSBA uh and to uh the ELF for providing uh great food via our vote. So thank you. Any other lesson on the delegate reports Dr.
046Lee >> I would like to report as the delegate to the delegate assembly. Uh I think we've earlier talked about uh who delegate assembly is. It is the the New Jersey School Board Association's uh policy arm. Um our school district had passed uh two resolutions on the September 30th meeting uh and re recommended uh two resolutions coming from our board to be uh pres presented at the fall meeting which will occur on November the 22nd. uh we submitted those uh true resolutions to the uh NJSBA uh by the deadline which was uh August 3rd and uh I later heard back about the STEM resolution. Uh so NJSBA uh had council uh talk with me and work with me and Dr. Tim Thihan uh was um working with me in doing the uh background research and
047uh further refining the scope uh and the uh focus uh which appears uh to be uh in need and uh they also invited me to appear at the uh subcom subcom meeting on October 28th which I have. So um uh I appreciate the work that Dr. Tihan has done uh to look at a background of uh the need and the rationale to enhance them education and the subcommittee had unanimously agreed to uh recommend uh this resolution. So on October, so on November the 22nd uh delegate assembly will have uh four uh resolutions to be on the agenda and uh the STEM resolution from our district will be one of them and I appreciate everyone on this board for supporting this and I look forward to the delegate assembly meeting where Bridgewater Ritton leads in the
048uh academic and in uh science education. Thank you. >> Um just a curious just curious. You are uh the delegate is voting on how many resolutions? How many? I thought it was three because one was removed, one wasn't accepted. So there's three you're voting on. >> Yes. So So the subcommittee considered four and then three was recommended to go to the delegate assembly. >> Correct. So that you have to vote on three of them. Right. >> Which is the criminal history, universal free schools and STEM >> and STEM. Yes. >> Okay. >> So I am the delegate to from our board. So I will be voting and I will uh I I think that the NGSBA personnel will actually like talk about them but but I will be one of the people who can vote
049and who can speak I will speak the same language that I have spoken uh at the board meeting that we had. Um I think that uh uh anyone is welcome to attend that meeting. One person from each district can vote. Their district's delegate can vote and but everyone can appear. And I would actually like to invite everyone to join this particular one. Uh if not in person, you can also do it remote. And if you have anything that you would like me to say on your behalf, please email to me >> or any of the other restrictions as well. Okay. So, do we have to discuss how the district is voting? >> We can if you wanted to. Uh I think we can probably discuss that at the during the new business meeting time if
050the board wanted to talk about that. >> Okay. Well, I don't know if everyone agrees but >> I have a question related to that. Um you indicated that some changes were made to the resolution that we had agreed uh to last month or whenever we >> in the background sir research because Dr. Tihan had uh researched into what are the uh the instruction times >> but hold on hold on I don't want to know the details just like you know how Miss Lan just sent us an email >> saying hey you know this is what needs to been did you do that or no you just took it upon yourself to >> work with them to make the changes did we see the changes at all or no >> um because I didn't see anything
051that's why I'm asking So what are we approving if we haven't seen it? I wish you had sent it to us so at least we would be prepared today to talk about it. >> Right. There was an email that was sent to every board member I believe from NGSBA directly >> and in there there's a link to all the resolutions. >> Uh I thought that since that is sent to every board member I suppose everyone on this board has also received it. Uh I can send it again as well uh if that's needed. uh that has the content of all the resolutions. >> Yeah. Can you send it because I >> I can certainly >> because we got a lot of emails. So, you know, I wish I had known that changes were made um
052that we could have seen before today. You know, I'd like to see it like to note that the that the handbook is is published. Um if you just search do a search for NJSBA delegate assembly right at the top of their website you can open up the handbook which it has the resolution probably the one that we submitted and then the changes that were made too and those are available if you go there as well. >> Actually the handbook doesn't have our resolution it just has the final resolution. >> It does just have the final one. I thought you usually had what was submitted but thank you. >> So what is the final resolution Lucy? What's the final statement happen in the delicate assembly? Can you share that with us? >> What what are what
053is asked? >> So you met with the resolution subcommittee which is the first time I'm hearing of this but besides the communication. What was the final language that's going to the delegate assembly that's being voted on >> and that's what I'm asking for? >> Well, we're going to discuss it tonight because it's a board decision, not a not a individual decision when you go to delicate assembly. I'm correct. >> You're you're there representing this board. Am I correct? I'm just asking you. >> The language we can read if you want. >> No, I'm just asking you when you go there, whose decision are you making? Your decision or this board's decision on the resolution? >> I did not make any decision during that meeting. I went to present the uh resolution which our board has
054had passed and Dr. Tihan uh provided the background research that was presented at the resolution subcommittee and then the committee considered the background research from Dr. Tihan and the language uh of the resolution itself and decided to uh recommend it to these that was the process of that subcommittee meeting. >> This Dr. Tan >> uh that was appointed by NGSBA. >> No, I see >> he was in Somerville and now he's >> he's a field service representative. So the job that had done >> Tim Tim's a field service rep. So then if we put this resolution I'm looking at the handbook next to the one we approve they're not the same or they are the same. >> Um I think there is a suggested language change based on the um based on the uh recommendation
055from the committee. Uh my understanding was that they um there was a specific scope of how much uh enhancement that our board is actually uh discussed has actually discussed. Um that language specifies how much basically to bring it on par with the other subjects. Yeah, the language is is is No, that's >> the resolution that we did. >> So, the resolution we did does appear to be in the handbook if I'm reading it correctly. >> Oh, look, >> this is the resol >> uh page 72 >> is what we submitted. And then just above that on 71, the recommendation for the resolution subcommittee, which happens every time. I think every time there's a resolution that's submitted, if the resolution subcommittee adopts it, they distill it into something that they can insert neatly into their um
056their policy book of policies that they're advocating for and then um the delegate assembly votes on that substitute reserve clause. I mean there there have been times where the district that submitted the resolution doesn't really wind up agreeing or doesn't wind up loving what the resolution subcommittee comes out and that's always a discussion that takes place there. Sometimes it's not an issue. Sometimes they don't the district that submitted that submitted it doesn't love it or at least their delegate doesn't. Um so it's sort of out of our hands to some degree once we give them a resolution. >> Yeah. Sorry Mike. I was looking at the resolution at the at the committee report, not the handbook, which is >> Yeah. And it takes a little while to go through. There's a lot in that handbook.
057So, >> all right. So, I'm understanding that we're going to talk about that during the business. >> Sure. >> Are there any other delegate or leazison reports at this time? >> Seeing none. Well, I did have something interesting to report on and it came out last night is um at theord at the board of directors meeting. Um there's a new online governance one module coming out and um as we talk about AI and embracing it. So they have um had a module and uh they call her Carla who has been using the the langu the the the data from all the NJSBA training for governance one. you can ask a question of Carla and it will go back and give you an answer in the format that will help you educate it in the new
058online training. So it's got ask Carla that's coming coming in in January or February or so. So something new coming out. So they're redoing some of the governor's one work. So something new. There were also um at the delegate assembly Lucy did not mention there are two um candidates up for office um one for president and one for vice president of legislation. So Mike Mike um Mike Jacobs from Bergen County and Bernardet Delisaro from Morris County. So two of the things that will also be on the the docket for the deleg assembly. Just a little follow up on that. So and I think actually we need to report out on our activities at workshop as part of what we do because it was paid for by the district. So maybe at new business, rural business,
059we should share some of the things that happened at that. That's actually required. We needed to report on that. Am I right, Kevin? Something needs to report needs to be filed. Postconference report. Yes. >> Yeah. So that can be done here or you can write it up. So something to think about later in the meeting maybe. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Any other delegate reports? >> Last call. All right. We're up to item number 10, the public comment section. Individuals in their 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, the members of the public are allotted one opportunity to address the board for a maximum of five minutes during this period of the meeting. Please be advised that
060a video recording of this meeting will be posted on the district's website. We ask that you state your name and municipality of residence for the record. [snorts] Going once. >> Good evening. My name is Margarita Yosifakis. I'm at um Braar Place in uh Bridgewater, New Jersey. This is my third meeting that I'm speaking about the district accepting exchange students. I have emailed all the members of the board a couple of times and I want to say thank you so much to Mr. Robert Beers the superintendent for his replying to my email. Um I understand that the board and the district are extremely busy. So all I'm asking for now is some feedback and to understand the time frame of when this will be brought up within the committees um in order to change the policy
061to accept exchange students and also want to understand the process how it works. if a member of the public requests something from the district and the BOE um when do they obtain feedback or if they do and I understand I'm one person asking for something and I know there's many people that ask for um different things but I've been working with an exchange student agency this particular one is ASSE international exchange student programs and they provided some processes and information on exchange student pro programs which I forwarded to Mr. Beers as well as to Mr. singer I um copied you. The agency tells me that the department of state oversees the program and it really is not ownorous for a district to have an exchange student and sometimes I think when we we work through
062things even in companies we over complicate processes sometimes and it's hard for me to say because my job is actually testing controls but sometimes I think we put in too many controls or too much red tape which I hope this is not the case but we need to in my opinion focus on the the substance over the form and the end goals. I mean, I brought this matter up in September and I have hopes of hosting an exchange student in the coming year. It's only for 10 months or for me, it's not forever, but I have been paying for school fees for over uh not school, but school via taxes for over 15 years with no kids in any of the schools. So, I believe I've already contributed to the school district. I hope it
063was helpful, but I sent a few nearby school district policies regarding exchange students, um, including Somerville High School, Morristown High School, and that might also be helpful to the board to review. They're fairly basic. They're very short. Um, it's just a simple process in my mind, but just to go through the steps as I understand it. So once hopefully the district policy is changed changed as soon as the students application is reviewed and approved they enrolled tuition free just like any new student would be but they don't require extra services and they are treated as the student body. These are J1 visa students and the agency in this case ASSE would send the exchange students application to the superintendent's office for the school to review. Then once they give the green right, the superintendent and
064or principal would sign off of the application and the school approval form and then the rest is up to the host family which would be me if it happens to register and enroll the student just like they would their own child. So the ASC agency tells me that regarding the US government, the exchange pro programs are all operating as normal. The government considers these programs public diplomacy and the high school J1 visa program will continue on without any issue. There are so many benefits to the existing student body and school and district for hosting an exchange student. I went through those benefits at the previous BOE meetings. If you feel there are disadvantages and this is holding up the process of changing the policy, I would like to know what these are. I can only
065see this in this global world how beneficial it is to our young ones. How beneficial having an exchange student would be. It opens young minds to understanding different languages and cultures and the roles they will play in their future college and career experiences. And I do want to say thank you for all you do. I know come here and I'm nagging. I feel like I feel like I'm nagging, but I really do hope that you will consider uh changing the policy and soon and please do get back to me on the timeline of discussing changing the policy to allow exchange students. Thank you. Good evening members of the board, superintendent and administrators. My name isAua and I'm the parent of a Bridgewater Ren Middle School student. I believe in this district and its diversity, its
066excellence, and its potential to lead with fairness. Our community is often described as a jewel of Somerset County, a place families move to because they expect better, including mine. But I've recently seen how easily that promise can be undermined. My son was recently disciplined under the middle school's guidelines following a physical assault where he defended himself and this case was later um reviewed through the HIP process. I fully support accountability when appropriate. However, the handling of this case revealed serious concerns. Requests for clarification were met with dismissiveness and bias instead of professionalism, reinforcing the need for transparent and unbiased communication from leadership level. The school's investigation ignored essential context and dismiss and dismissed a child witness who confirmed that hateful anti-Chinese remarks were part of this incident. That alone should have raised immediate concern. Instead,
067the racial dynamics that shaped what happened and how discipline was applied were minimized. We know that incidents We know that when incidents involve students of different races, they're often review um viewed through different lenses and racism toward Asian students is too often softened or dismissed. If my son belonged to a different racial group, I'm confident that this situation could have been handled differently with more attention on the harassment he and less focus on punishing him for defending himself. What's even more troubling is the allegation that my son made a racial an allegation that's false, retaliatory, and unsupported by any evidence. Yet, it was still allowed to influence process. I grew up in an entirely white town in the middle of Vermont, of considered the whitest state in the union, and I've never encountered the kind
068of blatant racism that my family has experienced here on school grounds in one of New Jerseys most diverse communities. That contrast is really heartbreaking and it's unacceptable. HIP policies exist to protect students from discrimination, but when bias shapes discipline, those protections fail. I urge this board to take action, review how investigations are conducted, require meaningful bias training, and ensure accountability when procedures aren't followed. Bridgewater RAID should be a model of fairness and not a reflection of the inequities our children are taught to stand against. And I hope that by bringing these concerns forward that the district responds with the integrity and equity that every child in this community deserves. Thank you. Is there any other public comment? Seeing none, I'm going to close that section of public comment. Um I'm just going to reiterate that
069um if the administration uh wants to respond uh then they will reach out to uh the individuals who uh are have raised their concerns. Um, and I'm aware that the uh administration has already uh addressed some of these uh topics in in previously. So, but thank you very much for your comment. We appreciate it. We're up to item number 11, the approval of minutes. >> Second. [laughter] >> Are there any changes that need to be made to the uh minutes? Seeing none, Mr. Lumsky, please call the RO. >> Mr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sununa, >> yes. >> Mr. Jooshi, >> yes. >> Miss Lockan, >> yes. >> Dr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. Pepe, >> yes. >> Mr. Walker, >> yes. >> Miss Kistri, >> Mr. Singer, >> yes. The motion passes. We're up
070to the action items. Up first is personnel 2617 and personnel 2618. >> So moved. Are there any questions which would likely need to be addressed in close session? >> On which one? >> Uh 2618. >> Uh well, if you want, we can table it. >> It was just a point of interest. >> I mean, is it something that can be addressed? >> Well, um so generally this would be a close session topic. If the point we can talk about it in close session, but if it's something that would determine whether you'd vote yes or no, then we should wait on voting. But if not, you're shaking your head no, then I can still answer your question later on. >> Um I I do have a few question not about the side sidebar. Um but actually
071about the personnel addendum. Um so I actually noticed that you know we hire a couple of student teachers. So, um, is it am I correct in saying that the u they're it's like kind of like more part-time, so they don't really receive pay. It's more of like a learning opportunity for student teachers. >> We don't for in Bridgewater Riden, student teachers aren't paid. So, there are a couple of districts around the state that have done some kind of pilot programs with paying student teachers a stipen. Um, but generally, uh, student teaching is an unpaid internship. And so, in Bridgewater, Raran, when you see student teachers, they're There's not a dollar amount because they aren't paid anything. Okay. It's part of their their teacher training requirement and the placement is in Bridgewater. >> But that's a
072typically normal practice for most district districts in the surrounding area. They typically don't get paid. >> Correct. Right. I mean that it's uh almost it used to be that no one ever paid student teachers and now there's only a couple of exceptions around the state of of districts who are doing programs where they have stipens available for student teachers. Nobody pays them a salary, but like it would be some type of a stipend for the couple of districts that I'm aware of. >> Got it. No, >> their mentor gets paid. >> The perk, right? >> Uh well, >> not mentor. >> Mentoring is for first. >> No, student teachers. You have someone not mentor. >> Yeah. The cooperating teacher, they don't they don't get paid. Um again a student teacher generally speaking it it's a
073nine credit gig that you have from a university. Generally it's six credits for for the student teaching part the actual coming to to work and being a student teacher and then there's typically a seminar that that's a part of that that they would get three credits for as well. Typically that's that's what happens. So it it's a new thing down at West Winds or Plainsboro where they're trying to recruit people by providing a stipend as Dr. Fonder said to people, but >> we don't so to answer the question, we don't offer salary benefits or anything for this type of >> work. And out of out of just curiosity, do a lot of those student teachers, they become full-time teachers? Is that kind of like a pipeline that way or >> uh Well, right. So, um,
074most of them do become full-time teachers somewhere. And, uh, certainly one of the advantages of having student teachers in a school district is you get a chance to see the person as they're learning to become a teacher. And so, if you have an opening that matches their certification and they're doing a really good job, uh, they have a comfort level with the school district and then the school principal oftentimes has a comfort level with the person. So, um, on the other hand though, if a student teacher doesn't do a good job, they don't they're not entitled to any job in the school district. So, uh, generally it's a it's a good thing to have student teachers. >> Got it. And I guess one last quick question. Um, out of curiosity, who are like mentors and
075what do they do in the schools? >> Uh, so, uh, what, uh, Miss Kistri was talking about was that, um, the there's a cooperating teacher assigned to student teacher. So, all of them are working with one of our Bridgewater Ryan teachers. the district doesn't pay them. A couple of universities um have in the past done like a an honorarium of like a hundred dollars or something like that. Um right but they even that that's that's really decided by the university and um is I would say more commonly not done than done for first year teachers. There's a state required mentoring um program for people who are working with their provisional certificate towards their standard. It's a 30week mentoring and um that's paid by the new teacher. So it's actually done where the district collects it
076through a payroll uh deduction and then it's paid to the mentor at the end of the mentoring. >> So that's a mandatory program by the state where basically like a new teacher that's teaching for their first time for 30 days has a mentor that essentially is getting >> 30 30 it's 30 weeks. So it's >> oh 30 weeks. All right. All right. So it's not the the school year is generally 40 weeks and so it concludes within one school year the men the mentoring um >> and it's a requirement and then whoever's the mentor would get paid essentially >> right and the um there are some districts who don't take it from the new teacher and the district pays for it but u most districts do the state program where the the person pays for
077their own mentoring and so in Bridgewater and in most districts it's a payroll deduction from the new teacher that then uh pays their their mentor at the at the end of it. >> Got it. All right, that's all my questions. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Any other questions? >> Seeing none, Mr. Lumpski. >> Mr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sunna, >> yes. >> Mr. Jooshi, >> yes. >> Miss Lan, >> yes. >> Dr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. Pepe, >> yes. >> Mr. Walker, >> yes. >> Miss Khali, >> yes. >> Mr. Singer, >> abstain on personnel 2618. Yes. 2617 and the motion passes. We're up to curriculum 2628 through curriculum 2632 >> for which I will entertain a motion. >> So move. >> Are there any questions or comments? >> Uh I have a
078few >> Mr. Lee. Uh I just want to say that uh on 2632 which is going to be the nursing plan annually uh I intend to abstain on that just because I wasn't able to find the nursing plan in my board agenda folder and until I guess the start of the meeting. I wasn't aware that it was actually in the academic committee folder. So I I haven't had the time to honestly review the nursing plan. So I'm planning to abstain on that. You said you had a few. >> You said you had a few. >> Question. >> Never mind. Are there any other questions or comments? >> Just just off the nursing services plan. It's amazing when you look at the numbers how many students our nurses help on a honestly the numbers indicate it's
079a not even a day-by-day basis, a minute-by-minute basis. >> So, thanks to everyone who supports them and the nurses themselves. >> Every year it's an it's a reminder of how much we appreciate our nurses. Yes. >> And how much they accomplish in our district. >> Certainly. >> So, with that said, Mr. Lumpski, could you please call the RO? >> Mr. Lee, >> yes on everything except um uh recuse myself on 2628 and abstain on 2632. >> Mr. Sunna. >> Yes. >> Mr. Jooshi. >> Yes. >> Miss Lan. Yes, >> Dr. Lee, >> I have a question regarding 2628. Um, do we need to actually can we can still vote on that even though it might cover some of those uh travel expenses that we all incurred >> for the Atlantic City meeting curriculum? >> Uh,
080that's not part of curriculum that you mean the bills list. >> Okay. Right. >> That would be in business. >> Okay. So, just trying to understand. Yes. Mr. Pepe, >> yes. >> Mr. Walker, >> yes. >> Miss Kistri, >> yes. >> Mr. Singer, >> yes. The motion passes. >> We're now up to business 2653 through business 2663. >> So moved. >> There any questions or comments? >> I want to Thank uh Johnson and Johnson for providing a donation to the Hamilton Primary School and for the class of 1975 BHS West for their gift to the high school library. With that said, Mr. Lk. >> Yes. >> So, I was wondering like have you seen a lot of I believe there was a three-year license payment for um either the access card readers or the camera
081or the cameras, one of those two items which would fall under security. So that's probably what it looks like a big expense. So, it's a three-year license payment. >> Correct. >> Um, >> and and can I just chime in just as always? I mean, at a public meeting like this, we don't always have the answers at our fingertips and it would really be helpful. I mean even even for the sake of our fellow board members time that if you have little questions like that that we can easily answer but please get that that to Kevin or to me and and we'll get the answer where in in a public forum like this we're quizzing on small things and and we may not have it at the fingertips. So the issue is right a we wouldn't
082waste everyone's time and b we'd be able to get you more accurate answer if we could follow basic protocols >> and our board norms uh do express that there are no surprises. So like our board norms say if you have questions like that that please get them to the administration. I think it even says by Tuesday at four o'clock, right? Like >> yeah. >> So but that being said, Mr. was able to answer that question. So >> I just want to say this is not related to questions, but I'm allowed to ask questions. >> You are allowed to ask questions, but you've also signed a document that says that there will be no surprises and that you will try to ask questions in advance of the meeting so that our administrators are prepared to answer
083them. When you ask a question to the administrators without giving them the opportunity to actually know what you're going to ask in advance, you're not actually asking them a question for their answer because if you wanted that answer, you would have asked it beforehand. The financial bills have been available online for you to review since Friday. >> And are you on the FFT committee? >> I am. You are. >> Okay. This is where I I get confused. point of order. >> I'm just I'm just confused. >> What's your point of order? >> I think that uh uh the way that we're conducting our meeting right now, we're should stay on our agenda first of all. Second, uh, for items that's on agenda, I expect our, um, agenda to be put together with ability to answer
084questions related to stuff that's on the agenda. >> So, when you signed the board norms, it said that we were going to ask questions in advance. So, that there were no surprises. >> I don't think there is surprises for asking any questions that's on the agenda. >> Okay. >> I'd just like to add too that like we've always operated from a capacity of respect for each other's space and time. And if you ask the question in advance, you'll find that it's not really one of those things that necessarily needs to be asked in public. The answer might be so simple that you could have just asked via email and gotten your answer and and we could just go about business. >> I didn't get to ask all my questions yet. >> I haven't called for
085>> and no one is no one is suggesting otherwise. What we are suggesting is that you give the administration the courtesy to be able to fully respond to your question by asking it in advance, which is something that you've agreed to do and is something that NJSBA during our training has recommended that we do. How many times during workshop did they say no surprises repeatedly? I believe every single board member here has heard that. But instead, that's not what we're facing here. So that's you you do what you want and again to to put it as if the public is not being informed is not the case at all. So >> because the thing is you still can ask your question in public just so you know you can ask it in advance so that
086they know it's coming and then you can ask it in public so that the public knows you asked your question. No one's telling you not to do that. We've done it people multiple board members on this board have actually done this. I've asked this in beforehand. I would like to ask it in public so that the public can hear the answer. So no one's saying don't do that. No one is saying don't let the public know. That is never said on this board, but the fairness is to let them know the question's coming because it does seem like it's a it's a very specific question that you're trying to like make sure that they you trick them. I'm going to be honest. That's what it feels like. I'm going to be honest. It does. >>
087Are there any other questions? >> Yes. Um >> Mr. Lee, go ahead. >> I just wanted to ask so I know that there's expected workerendum because I noticion. Yes, certain roofs in of the high school are part of the referendum and this summer we're expecting to replace sections of the roof on the 100 building. So, and there will be more roof bids to come in the coming months. >> Kevin, we have 22 buildings. So, we do about a roof a year, right? Give or take. >> Yeah. >> And so, you can guarantee and and how often the roofs leak. We get a lot of rain, right? Roofs leak. >> Yes. So you're going to have maintenance, repair, and roofs and that's been actually we had the comprehensive equity plan last week, didn't we? >> I
088think roof pairs repairs mentioned in there, right? >> Yes. >> So it's part of the expensive maintenance of every Just checking. So it's been well documented. It's gone through quite a bit and yeah, we do a roof every year at least >> just about. >> Any other questions? Just one last related business agenda talk about these new laws what's going to happen if they break >> we'll discuss that later on in old business I think >> but can I can I say this it would go a long way if we just treat each other with decency and respect I don't think anyone's arguing with that. So is it I mean the board norms exist so we can function as a group. Now are you is something going to happen if you don't? Well, no. But
089is it really something you should be doing? Well, that's for you to figure out. >> Mr. Lee. >> Yes. on everything except the uh yes on everything except for 2655. >> Mrs. Recuse myself on 2655. >> Mr. Sunna, >> yes. >> Mr. Jooshi, >> yes. >> Miss Lan, >> yes. >> Dr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. Pepe, >> yes. >> Mr. Walker, >> yes. >> Miss Kistri, >> yes. >> Mr. [clears throat] Singer, So move. >> Mr. Lee. >> Yes. >> Muna. >> Yes. >> Mr. Jooshi. Yes, Miss Lan. >> Yes, >> Dr. Lee. >> Yes, >> Mr. Pepe. >> Yes, >> Mr. Walker. >> Yes, >> Miss Kistri. >> Yes, >> Mr. Singer. >> Yes, the motion passes. We're up to other 2607 through other 2610. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any questions
090or comments? >> Seeing none, Mr. Wy, could you please call the role? >> Mr. Lee. Yes, >> Mr. Sununa. >> Yes, >> Mr. Jooshi. >> Yes, >> Miss Lockan. >> Yes, >> Dr. Lee. >> Yes, >> Mr. Pepe. >> Yes, >> Mr. Walker. >> Yes, >> Miss K Street. >> Yes, >> Mr. Singer. >> Yes. Motion passes. Finally, we're up to policy 2609 through policy 2610. >> So moves. >> Any questions or comments? Seeing none, Mr. Ly, can you please call the RO? >> Mr. Lee, >> no on 2422 and yes on the other policies. >> Mr. Sunna, >> yes. >> Mr. Jooshi, >> yes. >> Miss Lan, >> yes. >> Dr. Lee, >> uh, no to 2609. Um, yes to 2016. >> Mr. Pepe, >> yes. >> Mr. Walker, >> yes. >> Miss Kalistri,
091>> yes. >> Mr. Singer, >> yes. Motion passes. We're now up to old business. >> Is there any other old business that other people would like to talk about? First, >> I just had a small question. Uh, I don't know if this is 100% old business, but uh, I was just curious, um, because I know it's been brought up several times already, I guess, like [snorts] out of curiosity. I don't have the exact policy in front of me, but like are we do we are we allowed to accept J1 visa students? Is there a policy against that or for like exchange students or >> policy is 511 >> 511? >> Nope. Thanks, Rebecca. No. Uh, under our policy, J1 visa students will not be admitted to the school district. >> Sure. Since you mentioned it
092before, since there is no other old business, I'll mention the fact that we all sign board nor dorms and the uh sixth one that says at all times no surprises. It says that [snorts] before a meeting, the second one, submit questions, concerns, ideas to administration by 4 p.m. the day of the meeting to superintendent and to the board president. Give a heads give administration a heads up on any items that may arise during a meeting that are not on the agenda. We all sign this. We all try to live up to it, I would like to think. But perhaps that's a discussion that we will have uh at our board retreat in a couple weeks where we discuss our board evaluation. >> You read that right that there's not on the agenda. So I think
093for the items that is on the agenda, there's no surprise. >> Before a meeting, submit questions, concerns, ideas to administration by 4 p.m. the day of the meeting. >> So it right there case. >> I I mean, >> okay. >> I think what it really comes down to, and I don't know why there's this like it's all kind of silly to me. um like if if we want an effective working relationship, these are some of the codes that we should live by to support each other, right? So people don't get the wrong impression of what folks may be trying or not trying to do. And um yeah, that that's all. I mean, it's rather benign. I don't I don't think this is anything out of the ordinary for most boards of ed and and what
094I will challenge people at this table to do is look why don't we follow best practices. Why don't we try to do things to be the best team possible? And we've got to know and and this is the old coach and me as part of a team no one gets 100% of what they want. That's the whole definition of a team. There's give and take. So even though we may want to do something you say, well the norms of the group dictate otherwise and and maybe it's a way to keep all of us in bounds and I know it's going to fall on deaf ear fears and there doesn't need to be a comeback. I I just hope I'm not if there is a comeback, I'm not going to get into a back and forth,
095but I think we're talking about common decency here, folks. And and look, as an old man, I I'm telling you, the most precious commodity we have is time. Let's not waste each other's time because to me, there's no greater insult. Thank you. Can I >> And just one thing for for my part, I don't want our administrators spending the weekend and Monday and Tuesday pouring over every inch of the agenda and every one of these attachments prepared to answer any question on the spot. That's not realistic. They have better things to do. I don't expect anyone at this table to know, hey, how come we're uh going with Soleian Health for staffing services and SS26, SS 2615 and why are we paying our speech therapists 110 an hour up to $85,000? Why where are those
096numbers coming from? It's a completely unrealistic question to ask and yours was maybe a little broader than that. But just because it's on the agenda, do I expect everyone at the table to know where it's coming from? No. It came from Dr. Sylvia's office, who I'm sure could give you a a very full answer if he looked and consulted his notes, but I don't want anyone at the table wasting a week memorizing like they're going on Jeopardy just so they could be uh ready for a couple of people to ask anything and catch them off guard. >> Can I can I can I add one last remark? >> Thank you. Listen, I admit it. I came up with these questions last minute. It wasn't really something I was thinking too much about. You know, it's
097it's not like I I I I expected to ask these questions last minute, but I will make an effort to make sure that the administration is aware of the questions I ask, but I also ask the same thing as well. If the administration is going to bring up something, you know, I'm hoping that as a board member, you know, I'm getting materials earlier. I don't want to be receiving materials for, you know, agreements that are 100 pages long one hour before meeting. So, I think it's a two-way thing. You know, I'm hoping I'm hoping as, you know, I'm being more proactive about making sure that any questions I ask are addressed. You know, I'm hoping as well that as a board member, um, you know, hopefully I can get materials earlier, um, especially, you know,
098day of, even a couple more hours earlier goes a very long way, um, in helping me be a better board member. And, you know, that's something I strive to do. So, >> So, in other words, >> can I can I just interject for a moment, AJ? Yeah. Because if you're discussing academic committee, in this particular case, it was because we met yesterday. So, it's very unusual that we have the meeting the day before the board meeting. So, it's a lot to, you know, turn that around in one day. I don't know if that's what you're referring to or not, but >> No, not at all. I'm just saying in general I think uh you know we we we as a at least I get updates for for I usually get the agenda on a Thursday
099and a Friday and then about two hours before the meeting two or three hours or so I get a final update and I'd like to see that a little bit earlier because I think that just helps me better understand what I need to be voting on um and to make sure there's proper oversight. >> Right. And so maybe two meetings ago, I think we spent about 40 minutes on the phone prior to the meeting, right? Discussing things. I don't mind answering questions ever. As Mike pointed out, though, I really do like to know them in advance because I research things and I think you've probably seen that in my responses. And it is true that when you're just getting like hit with questions at meetings, it actually does feel like you're on a hot seat
100and you're being quizzed and it it's very uncomfortable. >> No, I totally understand. >> Yeah. And also, you know, what you said before is for the public. So, it's not really for the public, it's for you. So, you had these questions. You said, you know, for the public's edification. Can you clarify this? So you just said it that this question came to you just now. So it's for your edification. It's not for the public. So those questions can be asked ahead of time for your information, not for the public. >> So it's kind of misleading. >> Even giving information that's misleading. >> I actually am fine. I like giving information to the public. I'm fine with the questions, but I would like to be able to give the public like comprehensive, accurate, wellthoughtout, articulate answers.
101>> I don't want to beat the bush around here too much, >> but no, I just it's got to be said like if I'm going to be asking questions earlier, I'm hoping that >> okay, >> more information is brought to the board earlier than we typically get it for our last minute changes. comment, >> Mr. Suna. Go ahead. >> Just for clarification, I mean, I've been here for two years. I think we get about 95% >> of everything on Friday. The only things that change on Tuesday are a few things just so the public knows like there's we're not being hidden from information. We get it on Friday. We have the weekend to pour over it to prepare questions, to get answers. Um, and then anything that comes up like we had a meeting last
102night, any little may get a change, but we have the whole weekend to go through this. >> The personal. >> So, this goes to a conversation. Who was at the school association meeting last night? >> I watched it. >> I was there. Were you guys there? Who else was there? >> Jeremy, were you there? >> Just it's a yes or no question, Jeremy. >> I've been waiting to comment. Can I Can I comment? >> Go ahead. I I think one of the important things about the discussions that we have and this is for the public. Uh one of the important things about why we have discussions in committee is because we go at length on topics and bring questions before the committee which is why say if you'd brought some of these things up in
103FFT then Mr. Walker would have reported on that and then you would have had an opportunity to either comment or question but but bringing it before like the full board first we have a full agenda and and further like it's not really for the public like the the discussions we have in committee and the report is for us and it's before the public. I just wanted to make it clear that that's our role. >> So I'm going to go back and ask my question. Who was at the NJSBA county meeting last night? Raise their hand. >> Lucy, are you there? >> This is not on the agenda. I don't feel I need to respond to this, please. >> Oh, you want to do a point of order? >> Go ahead. Point of order, man. Let's
104move along. >> So, no, I'm just saying, but there was a very good discussion last night topic about board superintendent relationship. >> Correct. And it went over this. The trust, the integrity, the honesty, the no surprises. Those were all topics last night. Correct. And if you don't have it, I can send it to We got a link this morning that was sent to us with the whole zoom in if you want to watch it again. I'm just indicating we sat through this last night. >> Okay. >> It's got to be a two-way street here. >> Can I raise a point of order now? >> Um I feel it inappropriate for another board member to ask me about an activity that is not on our agenda. Yes, I was at our NGSBA meeting. However, I don't
105believe that I should be asked that on the spot. It's inappropriate. I would like our board member in the future to stop asking particular board members on that order. Thank you. >> And interestingly, that's exactly what administration is asking of the board members. >> As there's no other old business, can we move on to new business? Is there any new business to discuss? with go ahead. >> I just wanted to bring up um the discussion about delegate assembly and the resolutions. [snorts] Um in regard to how we as a board want to vote on this, I have a question about the science one because of the change. I'm concerned um that the new language where it talks about having equal time or equitable time among STEM or not STEM science which I think the resolution
106that we voted on was about STEM but now it seems to have been distilled down to just science that it needs to be equitable to other subjects and then I'm wondering if we're you know if we have 90 minutes on language arts do we now with this have to provide 90 minutes of science and if so, where are we taking it from? So, I have a real problem with the language as it now stands in this resolution. >> Yeah, and that's what I was uh going to mention as well that um this is due what on the 22nd is going to be discussed this coming up Saturday. >> So, let me explain the the work in process of this. >> The answer to your question, AJ, is yes, the 22nd. >> 22nd. So, I I
107wish I had seen this earlier and I did not get that email. that you just sent. Uh, for some reason I did not get that email. >> So, >> let me explain like you know the work in process. But after that committee meeting there is not a requirement for this to come back to the board. I was not told that it needs to. And if you look at the other resolutions, I think for any recommended changes, I don't think any of those needs to be uh referred back to that board. And uh the way that this process is set up, it's the subcommittee meeting recommends a change and that goes through delegate assembly. The delegate will vote on that. That's the normal working process. It's not like there's nothing that was, you know, not followed
108here. >> No, no, I understand that. about my point is that I wish I had known the changes that were made from what was presented to us. >> That's all >> to if I may just go ahead. >> Thank you. Just just to be transparent about how the like how the process played out. I got the at least I received an email from NJSBA with the report of the resolution subcommittee for the upcoming assembly and I got that on November 14th. So, I don't think there was a huge amount of time um between this before when this was officially sent out and today I mean there may have been decisions made before that. >> And then if I can just piggyback on what you're saying, Mike, >> um there's someone sitting at the table here.
109It's Dr. Karen Jones. She's the director of curriculum. She was not consulted on this. My name is Robert Beers. I'm the superintendent of schools. I know I'm an unelected bureaucrat, but some people call me the superintendent and I run the place every day. So, we've got a resolution talking about instruction and we totally circumvented district administration. I I I don't know if it's possible, but I really think the board of education should have some type of motion here to resin this. And if we're going to put something through, let's get everyone on board. Um, and I and I will say, and I try not to get into a back and forth. I'm trying to be positive, but what was presented at the last meeting versus what was presented on campaign materials were two different things.
110I was told right here at the last meeting that no, this has nothing to do with Bridgewater. We just want people in the state to do what we're doing. Well, that wasn't the message that was posted in campaign materials. So, as a matter of respect for the administration, I I'm asking the board of education, Barry, you would know how this works more effectively. Is it possible to resend this resolution, do it the right way? >> So, >> and then maybe have something that we owe because here we are. We're supposed we've been asked members were asked to go and support this. We're not in support of it. >> So, there's a couple ways this can be done. I've actually been in the loop. So, a little bit more about this conversation so I can inform
111you. I was called by Carl Tansley who is the chief counsel for the NJSBA to ask about this resolution. I said I I couldn't speak to it. I said you need to go through Kevin Lomsky and have him contact. Is that correct Kevin? >> Just to verify that I did this >> Correct. And I at that time I also informed Steve that I've been contacted and didn't feel comfortable speaking on it. I abstain on the on the resolution because it at that time I didn't have enough information on and felt that it didn't actually apply to the delicate assembly's handbook that went out under that. So that's what I want and and um my question is we you spoke at the resolution subcommittee. Did that resolution subcommittee Lucy give you an outcome what they were
112going to say when you spoke to them there when you worked with Dr. Tianne? Did he So you spoke so can you tell us a little more how the process worked and the time frame that you talked to Carl Tansley Mr. Tan and the resolution subcommittee and the outcome of the subcommittee because I'm concerned in the areas that went on here. There was I mean literally I I found out about it when it was posted on a campaign website which I was very disappointed. You know that I knew about it that I knew out from my internal because of my role. I I find some things out as vice president a little sooner than others. Um, but you know, I I wish the board had been informed of the information and maybe even asked to
113help input for that conversation with the subcommittee and asking Karen, you know, Tim Tihan's a very good administrator, too. But I have Karen is amazing, you know, and I got to say, you know, having the information, can you tell us a little more about the story? >> Yeah, I mean, it's a pleasure sitting here. It's like I get the a little bit I feel a little bit smarter sitting next to Karen. Yes, it's Los. Can you tell us a little about the process, Lucy, and how it so you can explain to the board so we know what happened? And I I'm very much in favor of reciting this motion. I'm not sure we can, but we can go to the delegate assembly and say we would like to pull this motion down. You can make
114that statement motion as the board, you know, and then and maybe someone can, you know, Kevin could call the bar and say, hey, the the board would like to resend this motion. What are the process? So that's some of the things too. That's another way to do it. But I feel I think the technically the the motion is now in the hands of the de the delegate assembly. So they've made that motion which is completely different than the motion I think we had originally and but I want to hear a little history Lucia about how it how the time frame went on if possible. And if you feel I'm a point of order I'm out of order here asking a question like this tell me. Okay feel free. I would like to add to that
115like who how were you contacted because I I thought that um that it would go through administration. So I'm just curious >> why was I contacted? >> Oh oh oh oh sorry sorry. >> Let me start with this. I feel when the notion of camping material come up, I feel like this conversation is taken to a direction that's not really related to >> point of order. We're talking about new business and in the resolution. >> Yeah, because I was responding to something that was referred to about this resolution. >> I also found out about it on your campaign site. >> That's fine. >> Like I didn't even know that it was approved until I saw it on your campaign site. So to bring it up is on point with the topic of conversation because the
116board did not know until it was published on that site. >> Can I interject here for a second? This is a totally inappropriate conversation. We should be focusing on talking about student achievement, not what's on campaign flyers, campaign websites, and making a big deal about schoolboard campaign drama. Let's make the focus on STEM education and this resolution. Jeremy, I'm not trying to go over you, but this is what it's about from my vantage point. We have an assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction who's sitting here at this table. This whole process was blatantly disrespectful and it was not transparent. So if well I I don't even know what to say about that because it just goes against against the pale. I hope the board members conduct themselves more effectively. And I will say the statement
117that was made at this last board meeting and we're coming again to a a common thread was not truthful. because I know it was said at the meeting and I know it was stated publicly. It was not truthful and this whole motion was done in a way that was clandestine and it was made to circumvent the entire system including including the people in charge of curriculum and instruction in this district. >> Who's lying here? Who's >> lying? You said You said there You said >> I didn't say lying. >> It's basically the same thing. Who Who's not being truthful? >> Mrs. Lee had two separate statements. >> You did not accurately state what this resolution was versus what was posted on your campaign. You were not truthful. You also circumvented the entire administration. >> Can
118we stop right here? I think I think >> I'd love to stop. >> You mentioned something about decency. Let's keep that. >> Let's keep that. >> But when people when people are not truthful >> decency, please. >> I I'm trying. And And I I'm really holding back here, but we've totally circumvented the leadership structure of this district. And I hope that the board of ed passes some type of resolution to resend this because it's not supported by any of us here at this table. >> Can I can I say something quickly? As a board, we act as a board in the interests of the community. Right. While I respect and I hope uh and I hope the rest of the board respects the opinions of administrators and the staff in our district, at the end
119of the day, we make a decision on the behalf of our community and not off of anything else but the stakeholders that we serve. >> Actually, I will question you on that training. I think we make a decision based on the recommendation of the superintendent on the agenda. Isn't that what the agenda items say, Steve? Do you help me here? >> Yes. Just checking. Okay. I was just double checking. That's what we're vote on this evening, right? We did our business in public at the recognation of the superintendent. >> Is that the only thing you can do? You don't have to have the recommendation of the superintendent. You can act as a board to do what's right for the community. >> Okay. But now we're Let's go back to the resolution, shall we? And the
120process. >> Hold on, AJ. AJ, hold on. >> Dr. Lee, you were talking about the process. I I have a question about the actual resolution. Um I'm looking at the delegate handbook and in the recommendation from the resolution committee, it recommends substitute language and I'm not seeing that substitute language in the resolution that is in the handbook. So I'm confused as to uh what resolution is actually going to go before the delegates assembly. >> I'm looking at it now. if you'd like me to. >> So if you look at page 68, if you Well, I'm looking at page 68. >> So on the bottom of page 71, the last thing is the recommendation says the resolution subcommittee recommends adoption of the proposed resolution with the following substitute language that would revise the policy language in
121their code. Uh that to say the NJSBA believes that local boards of education should dedicate an equitable amount of instructional time to science education in elementary and middle schools relative to the amount of instructional time allocated to other subject areas. >> Right. What page are you on in the handbook? >> That is on page 71. >> 67. >> Oh, it's page 6 there. Page 67. Thank you, >> Miss >> and that also is in the language from the subcommittee report also. So, it's been two places we received. >> All right. >> I have some more remarks about the resolution if I may. >> And why don't we let people who haven't already spoken three or four times speak if they want to. I think Mr. Jooshi cut you off before. >> Yeah. No. So the
122again you can explain the uh process but for the past 3 years I've heard a lot about transparency from you right and I feel like you were not transparent in this regard you should have just like what Miss Lan has done let us know right away hey you know these are the changes that they recommended and these are the changes that were made I don't have and I didn't get the email by by the way and thanks for sending that. Um I didn't get the email so I didn't see it. >> There's no need to make to see it. >> Huh? >> There's no decision that anyone here >> but it's different than what we discussed at the last meeting. Right. >> That's what the subcommittee is recommending. >> But that's what I'm saying. I
123didn't see it. So in the spirit of being transparent, you should have let us know. I say the same time that email was blasted out to >> fine then when you had a discussion with whoever you should have said hey I had a discussion with XYZ person and this is what they recommended being transparent that's all I'm saying >> I think the accusation of me not being transparent is false I followed whatever >> did you let us know that you had did you let the eight of us know that you had a discussion with this individual >> or the subcommittee did you let Mr. Beers, no. Dr. Jones, no. No. And it's fine. You had the conversation. You were moving it along. That's great. All I'm asking is I wish you had let us know
124in the spirit of transparency. That's all. >> This is a conversation that's initiated by NSBA. I believe they if they wanted to reach out to anyone else, they will. >> That's fine. But you should have let us know the progress of this resolution. That's it. Are you >> I believe that rest in JSBA. Well, except for you're our delegate. You're our liaison. So, it's not for the NJSBA to talk to us. It's for our liaison to talk to us. >> Right. As soon as I heard from the resolution subcommittee, which the same time NJBA has sent out to everyone else, which I saw that it was sent to everyone else. I don't believe that I have to >> the day that Mike has mentioned >> it was blessed out to everyone. Was that before or
125after you went and testified before the delegate committee or the >> So can we again focus on the resolution here but I what I would like to discuss personally and you guys can do what you want to do is there are three resolutions before the uh delegates assembly and I'm curious how this board uh would like to direct direct the the leaison to vote on these three resolutions. >> Can I say something? >> Mr. Lee, go ahead. >> I think it's up to the liaison to decide how she decides to vote on these resolutions. >> She's representing the board of education of Bridgewater and Ridan. She's not representing Lucy Lee. >> So the liaison is representing our board. So shouldn't the liaison vote the way that the board wants them to vote? The board has
126not considered either of the other two resolutions that are on the table until tonight. So how can our liaison go to delegates assembly and vote without knowing how the board would like to do it? >> Are there any official rules that say that do we have to vote on the way or >> I'm not going to read the handbook to you Jeremy. If if I could just interject as I've held that role for the last two years. I'll be honest, I didn't always I always offered to the board. Hey, I always sent along the resolutions and offered feed and accepted any feedback. I'll be honest, I almost never got any. I don't think once someone reached out to me to say, "Here's how I'd like you to vote." Um, I went in to most of
127the resolutions with an open mind and very often they were easy. They were ones you didn't have to think about too much and they passed overwhelmingly. Um, that said, my decision was always informed by the debate and the discussion, especially um, of the other delegates and especially the NJSBA um, representatives who discussed it. So just for my part, just want to be honest, I didn't always have >> No, I I understand >> the exact directive from the board to vote a certain way. >> A and I'll be frank with you that I've had people discuss with me whether or not uh the delegate liaison should bring that up to the board. And in light of that, that's why I'm asking for that tonight. >> Un completely understood. >> And there are different resolutions. When there's
128a resolution that says, for example, everyone should get free lunch, >> I think that that's something that can be universally agreed upon. But when there's a resolution that talks about uh how criminal past criminal activity should be dealt with, that's something that might want to a board might want to actually consider. >> Completely understood. And we did and we did at least a couple times have discussions on certain resolutions. So I'm not saying we shouldn't. No, I'm just telling you what's happened in the past. >> I understand. did offer it up. It was put out there. Even if no one responded or no one gave you feedback, you did put that information out there. So, >> he he did do that. Yes. So, with that said, is there any like if if you don't want
129to do it, I'll then then I'll do it. But like there's a resolution uh from Deleran proposing new language uh to add the belief that when board members and charter school trustees seek to demonstrate evidence of rehabilitation upon finding a disqualifi disqualifying criminal offense before the commissioner of education in assessing such evidence, the commission should consider the date the offense was committed. I don't know what the board feels about that and I would like to know what the board feels about that before having someone go and vote on that. I would like to say that I disagree with that resolution. >> I disagree with that. >> I'm I'm not the biggest fan either. And um you know, I feel like we have a code of conduct for a reason and I don't love when things
130come down from the state dictating how we operate unless it's mandated. Anyone else have a comment on that? I I agree. I I'm not >> I'm not in favor number one. >> I'm sorry. >> I'm not in favor of that resolution. >> Okay. >> I mean, I think we already I've heard from five different people so far. Yeah, that's one I would have a hard time voting for and having attended, I can't imagine that gets a very warm reception in in the room. That's just my gut. >> Would you like me to continue, Dr. Lee? Resolution three, because number two uh got got rescended, proposed new policy supporting the belief that there should be universal free school meals for all preK through 12 students in New Jersey. Anybody want to comment on that? >> I
131do. Um this is just my very brief thoughts. I haven't really read the resolution or thought about it too much, but I don't know what the cost looks like, but I'm skeptical that this is something that we can just funnel down from the state to the min to the school districts and enforce every school district to pay for these school lunches. Um, I haven't read it at all, so I don't really know what the language is like here, how much anything costs, who's paying. Um, but I'm skeptical of this resolution. Yeah, I'm not I'm sorry. I'm not skeptical of it. I just um again it it comes back to like you're asking the state to mandate something without paying for it. So I I don't see how it's a feasible ask. And I do think
132that there are lunch programs [snorts] based on socioeconomic need whether it's at the school individual or the uh district level. Um, so I'm not particularly in favor of this. >> Um, just note that it does say that the school meals would be fully funded by the state or federal government. Um, that's on page 55. Um, and I but I would recuse myself from voting on this just because my personal my personal business. >> I think food insecurity is a big issue with our students. If they come in hungry, they're not going to be able to learn. They don't have a good lunch, they're not going to be able to learn. Um we did have free lunch during COVID for everyone and for a time a year after that and Kevin I mean we have a
133reers on people what are our rears now on >> that not funded through federal >> that is from the US department of agriculture is that correct >> right >> and there's been conversations about having and many other states have free lunch for everyone correct >> Colorado does >> yeah so there are states that do have it it's a federally it's a federal program we're at about 13% free reduced lunch correct in those range change. So food insecurity is and that has I think has gone up almost six five or six% over the last four years for us Kevin. Are those numbers correct? >> It's about steady every year. >> Yeah. But it's been it's moving moving up because they had some new classifications. >> Yeah. >> So >> I I will say that the recommendation
134of the of the subcommittee is that the free meals the free school meal program would come at the expense one way or another of the state or federal government. So, that's what they're voting on. Um, obviously that's not going to make it happen, but that was would be what the NJSBA would advocate for. I I do know that at least in some schools that school lunch is really a lifeline for a lot of families. Um my sense is and this might be different everywhere depending on the quality of the meals but usually the students who are I know that there will be some schools where the students who are buying the school lunch and having the school lunch and eating the school lunch are not 100% but very often the kids anyway who need that
135lunch to make it through through the day and need that food. >> Yeah. And I just want >> I I would >> in an ideal world I would like for you know universal freelance to be the case too. I just I am concerned about the lack of language about how it will actually be funded at the state level >> right >> when we're having state budget cuts >> to >> right. >> Yeah. I I think this is fine. I'm I'm okay with this one. It's not going to go anywhere, I think. But legislation. >> There's been legislation. >> Yes. I mean, none none of what the NJSBA is doing is changing anything like other than unless they're voting on their bylaws. This all comes down to Trenton, the Department of Education, or the federal government.
136It's just what they're advocating for. So, even if our resolution passed, it wouldn't necessarily change anything. It just would be what they were they would be fighting for to some degree. Which is why I think when we kind of had four res four resolutions just kind of appear last meeting, it would have been to Mr. Beer's point a good idea to slow down and maybe wait for the re next assembly because really we're trying to legislate for the entire state in a very very indirect very very indirect way. That's what we're trying to do. So I I think it's I mean I I can't stand it when Trenton does that when they come up with a law in the blink of an eye and suddenly we have to follow it. So, I don't want to
137do that that here either. Um, so in the in the future, I hope we're more deliberative and I don't want to say thoughtful, but more thoughtful about what we're putting forward because it could have, as we're seeing now, could have possible ramifications for a lot of districts beyond our beyond ours. >> So, should we take a quick straw poll as to who is in favor of the resolution and who's against? >> I think that's a good idea. >> Favor. I I I would be in favor as a straw poll. >> Ha, you're in favor of it. Well, I mean, Mike, you're in favor of the resolution? >> Yes. Of a resolution to the with the reserve clause. >> Ha. Yes. Barry. Yes. >> I'm not going to vote against it. [laughter] >> Yes. No. And
138you're proced. So, I think the board would want it to be passed. Yes. And lastly is our very own um number four be our STEM science resolution. >> I just want to say I think it's a great resolution and I do think that across the state of New Jersey it's less so an issue here where we have full day kindergarten. We're already planning things related to science education at that level. And you know, we have a very robust science program. It's honestly one of one of the more impressive programs out there, right? Computer science is really really top tier here. I even remember the governor at one point visited our high school to see what our computer science program looked like. I remember that was that was happening when I was back in the high
139school. Um, and I think we can be a model for what a lot of other districts in New Jersey can do. And so I I I really like the idea of this resolution. Um, seeing science become a key part of the curriculum from the onset of education when students start getting enrolled, I think is a great idea. Um, it's something that is incredibly important if we want to keep advancing and if we want to keep advancing technology and STEM, especially here in the state, here in pharma country with a lot of tech companies in this area as well, we want to make sure that we're at the forefront of pursuing a science education that's worthy of every student whether you're in a small or big district. So, I am firmly in support of this resolution.
140>> Mr. I would like to say I am completely in agreement with Jeremy um that I think we are a model. I mean even just from the curriculum that you discussed and the changes that we're we're having next year, I think we're a model district. Um, but I think that there are other ways to share that and this resolution is not reflective of what the work has gone into our curriculum. And I don't know if it's appropriate to use that new curriculum as the basis of a resolution for the next delegate assembly or if it's more something of um that you would bring to like Atlantic City next year and have a breakout talking about it to share that with other districts. Um, but I would agree I think what we're doing. I just don't
141think that this resolution reflects that. >> Can I and can I ask a brief question of the administration? Does the state give you does the state give us minutes and time that we have to spend on certain things? Is there any when it says equitable distribution, is there a distribution that they would be amending or what might that look like if the state were to consider this? So the only >> not to make you guess but I'm just curious. >> Okay. The only place where the state actually gives time is HP health and physical education that you have to have 150 minutes per week. Um which is reflected in our schedule our new schedule. Um there is a recommendation now for English language arts which is newer. It didn't used to be on the website
142but that's 90 minutes. Um but as Rebecca pointed out earlier um you know our times for the different content area well once you get into high school right it's the same times because the schedules are you know the same but there are different requirements just for graduation requirements so like you know English you have to take four years of it you don't need to take four years of every other content area so it is not even but in the primary schools you have related arts classes that are 40 minutes science and social studies that are 30 minutes. English language arts that's 90 minutes. Math that's 60 minutes. There's there's a you know a variation and some of that is dependent upon the standards and what time you actually need to be able to deliver the
143standards. The big change for our schedule next year is that right now and for many years we've been alternating between teaching science and social studies in K5. Um and it wasn't five days a week. So next year we are going to be teaching both science and social studies every day starting in kindergarten and um you know they'll both be taught at the you know at the same time and we won't be alternating between the two content areas. So it will be an increase in time but none of it's you know the same. So you'd have to kind of look at how you're defining I guess equitable as opposed to equal >> right. I think that's the key word in this is how would that be interpreted? >> At least as far as I can tell.
144>> I would also like to add something. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I I would like to have um the administration take a look at this before I vote on it. So, not at this time. >> I don't Is that even Look, I'll ask the question. Is that even an option at this point? From what I understand is that once it's in the delegates, >> oh how Bridgewater >> this board is going to vote on. >> So there is an option to answer your question too. >> Okay. >> So that can be a motion be made to refer back to committee for further study at the delicate assembly and as Yeah. and as the board that brought it forward if we made that resolution I would imagine that >> motion >> that motion that it would
145probably be accepted with explanation all right that can be done I think that's the appropriate method to do I I mean I'm going to be you know so that's one to answer your question on that so I just wanted to say that's what can be done by the the rules the delegate assembly hand We did that with a bullying. >> Okay. >> Sorry. >> There's some really good discussions. You've been there, Mike. You've seen some really good discussions some of the some of the resolutions, right? So, yeah. So, yeah. I just want to say um you know we talked a lot about like getting approval or a recommendation from the superintendent, but at the end of the day that's optional. The board gets to decide what the board wants to do in the service of
146our community for this NJSBA resolution. as a board, we should be thinking about whether or not as a state we want to be advancing STEM education in more school districts. And I think this is something that we can try and I hope as a board we can at least admit that we can find a way to take what we have done which is fantastic here and I don't want to say it's a strict model but at least encourage other districts to look at how they're teaching STEM especially in the smaller districts and figure out you know how we can improve STEM education. in other districts. Um, and you know, there's a concern that all right 120 minutes here in one subject must mean 100 everywhere. But the word equitable, it's used within the term of
147this resolution, not as a strict delineation of how much time specifically should be put into the subject, but it's simply acknowledging that as a portion of a student's day, STEM should be a core part of the curriculum. >> It actually says science now, Jeremy, not STEM. >> I'm sorry. Science. >> So, get your topic correct here. Sorry. It's science, technology, engineering, mathematics. It's pretty similar to science. >> Microphone. >> Sorry. >> What Barry is pointing out is if it says increasing weekly instruction time dedicated to science education in elementary and middle school, not it doesn't say STEM in the resolution. >> No, no, no. I I'm aware of that. That was a But it like like I've mentioned, I think it's a good thing to encourage across New Jersey. I don't see there's I don't
148see how there's any concern that we are making science education a priority especially in a great state like New Jersey. So >> Jen, >> thank you Miss Kalistry. Um so a couple things. one I think uh there was a comment just made by another board member that it's the board right that puts this forward and not to take anything away from administration because I wouldn't do that but it's the board and I as as as a personal board member uh there's just no way I would go attend a meeting and like the entire board wouldn't know what I was doing like you would know what I was doing right no I'm going to finish what I'm going to Okay. Um, so I don't feel like this is a representation of the board. However, we did
149approve the original resolution and it's changed and it is what it is. Um, I guess my question is do we feel represented as a board at the delegate? Like I do I would like to see Bridgewwater Rarit and recognized as for the many achievements let alone a lot of what has um transpired with science and STEM and the robotic all the stuff that we've done. Um but I'm I'm wondering if the rest of the board feels like that will be represented at the delegates assembly in our current situation. I don't see why not. I think that the STEM resolution. All right, I got to this science resolution highlights that as a district we prioritize it and we think this is a great thing to bring across the state of New Jersey. >> I don't see
150that resonating from this resolution. I see I see I don't see that resonating. >> Dr. Lee >> I think that uh uh the whole process how this resolution have come to this spot this point has followed all known process and no one was bypassed. this board had voted to adopt a resolution that was sent to NGSBA and when the resolution subcommittee met uh for them to make a recommended change to adopt into the agenda is also their normal process and it's being transparently shown in this document that was uh in their uh report. I think that uh this board has not gone through this process in the past to know exactly what's the best practice to follow but as a first step I feel like we as a board had made a big progress in
151recognizing the importance of uh science education in in making a resolution that our board had initially agreed on in going through the process to have our voices heard and represented at the delegate assembly. I think we should all give our give us ourselves a round of applause for having advanced it so far. I think that the way that the resolution is right now, the substitute language is very similar to what original language was because original language was saying to give more time and then the expert at NJCBA said well how much more is more. So they specified how much more that is actually a improvement upon our original language not in a way that is different but in a way that's more specific actually uh less potentially. Um so um my my comment about how
152this has been tied to a campaign was that this resolution wasn't moved for campaign purpose and let me finish please. >> Didn't want that discussed during this. >> Yes. And right now the point of order from before why are we changing that >> right now? Let's focus on the resolution itself. I think that I think that if we look at the resolution itself, let's focus on the essence of it. There were statement reasons that is right in front of you. There was good evidencebased research and reference showing that there is a good ground to consider enhancing STEM education particularly basic science education. And there's like three reasons with references that give us good reasons why this is a good idea to be considered at that body of the delegate assembly. I think it is the
153time for us to all come together, work together and do something great for our kids. do something great for our kids in all the state and present this to the body of delegate assembly where representative from all different districts can have a chance to think about this important matter to decide whether they want to vote to support it as well. >> Thank you. >> I think it's a great conversation to have and we did vote on this at the last meeting. That said, and I voted for it, so I I I I own that this hasn't been, at least at this board table, this has not been like a yearslong discussion like the referendum was. We haven't had in new business, I don't think STEM education has come up once that I can remember. I'm
154I'm sure it's been in the agenda in different spots, but I I can't say I can't go to people that this might affect and say, "Oh, yeah, we've we've had this robust conversation for a very long time, and we've thought about we've really thought about what changes we want to see in our district. What districts what changes we want to see at the state level. I think everyone's on board with the idea of strengthening science education. Mr. Beers and Dr. Jones are as well. So, I guess my ask would be since we only really discussed this once, we have the May delegate assembly. Again, I'm not sure logistically how it would work, but for our purposes, let's have a good discussion. We Let's have a good discussion. Let's aim for something that we can all
155get behind that our administration get be can can get behind for April May because I mean look the school year is not and the even in the best case scenario the state is not making any changes between now and the end of the school year. So, let's put something together or see if we can put something together that's a little bit more specific that we're all on board with and have a a wholesome discussion to borrow a word that was used before. So, that's that that's my ask. If the board isn't totally comfortable, [snorts] do we really want to bring it to the state before we're totally comfortable? I say, "Let's start that conversation because I in all honesty, I voted for it, but I think it was a little rush last time and it
156was one of four things we we we were looking at in all fairness." So, that would be if I were the delegate assembly and again, I'm not telling you what to think or what to do. If I had this resolution, I'd say, "Let's see if we can pull it from this time, pull it from the agenda this time, or make a motion to table it or something along those lines and say we're going to come back with a great resolution in May or whenever it is that we can all get on board with and has the support of of of everybody that we're all confident in because there's not much going to change now between now and June anyway. uh except we can do maybe a little bit better job and by we I mean
157not just you Lucy I mean all of us because I think we all kind of rushed a little bit on this. So that's that's my thoughts on that >> and I guess my ask >> but would this be on the agenda for Saturday? >> It is on the agenda for Saturday. So there might be another way around here is um technically the resolution subcommittee should have given at least 10 days prior notice to the deleg assembly and at that point the the agency can ask for the instant taking an action to override the motion. So technically if we wanted to resend this motion the dele the resolution subcommittee was in violation of its bylaws. So when us rescending it, they violated the bylaws. We could rescend it and move on. So it's it's illegal. Carl's
158gonna go nuts on this. You know, I know. >> Why do we go to that step? Can you look at the resolution? What do you have against it? I feel like we have as a board agreed to to support it >> and I'm going to be honest. It wasn't a transparent process. >> Transparent about it. >> You never gave us any information about what was going on, Miss Lee. What is what's going on? A resolution was sent to the whole board and I presented at the meeting. We voted on it. It was sent to the NSBA. >> And what happened after that? Come on, tell us. >> What's in front of us is not what we discussed. >> It is. >> No, it's not. >> We're going We're going around in circles. >> Recommended language.
159>> So, who's talking now? >> All right. Was there a representative? each district that was um putting a resolution in front of the subcommittee. >> So the way that it worked was the delegates assembly spoke to the persons that proposed the resolutions at the board level. So for example, Miss Lachman was talked was spoken to uh about her resolution and Dr. Lee was spoken to about eventually you spoke to Carl uh and Dr. Lee was spoken to by by NJSBA as well. >> Only I asked because I saw it in the minutes that they specifically commented that Lucy was there but didn't comment to any other districts having representation except >> correct that it's my understanding and I did speak to Mr. Tanksley later on that uh Mr. Tanksley reached out to uh our business
160administrator who then refer uh referred him to Dr. I don't know that Mr. Tanksley spoke to anyone else about their resolution because they didn't need to revise it. >> They did. One of them was revised though. >> I'm just wondering >> I can't speak to what the other what the other uh boards did, but I know that that was how this came about is that Mr. Tensley reached out here and was referred to the proponent of the original proponent of the resolution. Is that accurate, Dr. Lee? >> Yes, I respond when I'm reached out to. I don't know what else is going on, but I responded how I'm asked to. >> So, I've heard a number of different ideas here. Um, I mean, at this point, we need to come to a determination as a
161board as to how we want to move forward with this. So, I mean, I've heard Mr. Walker say that there's the ability to move it to committee and I've heard Dr. Lee suggest that we just vote on you know the resolution as it stands. So I'd like to hear from different board members as to how they would like to vote. So anyone that would like to go first [snorts] >> I would vote no. I support having this resolution. >> Anyone else? >> I I would have a hard time supporting it without the backing of with our district's name on it without having run it by the administration, which is on me because we had this discussion last time. Um, I'm to totally in favor of a science and STEM or STEM resolution that seems to
162be seems to be going back and forth um with their input and with all of our input, but that's how I feel on it. I would have a hard time moving forward. If I were the delegate, I would have a hard time doing that without the district being behind it. >> And same with me. So, I say we save it until May. Let's bring it up in May. have everyone take a look at it, review it, and then >> So, does that mean that you're in favor of moving it to committee then or >> Yes. committee and then bringing it up maybe in the May? >> Mr. Pepe, is that the same? >> I'm not certain that is actually an option. >> I >> Yeah, I'm not sure it's an option this board can make.
163I still think it's what I think should happen and what I would like to see happen personally >> as a board member and as someone who, you know, I wouldn't want my schedule changed necessar changed in a way [snorts] that unless it was by my principal and by my district um telling me to do something different that they were behind. That's just me. All for science, but [laughter] Mr. >> I would support it moving forward to the delegates assembly. My issue is that I don't feel represented as a board member at the delegates assembly. Um so I will concede to >> so that's why I'm asking for this board to explicitly state what is their desire >> or hopefully that's nullified by that expression. [snorts] >> And I guess that's my point like it's it's
164gone through the process. So in in any other world, I guess I would I would support it going forward in spite of my objections to some of the language, but because I feel like it doesn't have the support of administration, I would want to feel like um that this board as a whole is represented before the the assembly. Not necessarily via the the resolution itself because it's been compiled, but I mean at the actual assembly. So on that note, I will defer to the majority of the board and I may abstain on it. It wasn't an official vote, right? >> I'm asking board members to state their opinion at this point so that the leazison has directed. >> Yeah. I just think it's it's very hard for me to say that like there isn't a
165benefit to more science somewhere in the world. I just again back to what I said I would like to feel represented at the delegates assembly and that's my objection >> Dr. Go ahead. >> At this point, had any of of us read what the resolution is? >> Yes. I don't know why the objection for the rice now and I feel like I feel like this board had put their support behind supporting science education and it is absolutely a area that will benefit our students in the reasons that was outlined that was done by NJSBA background ground research the evidence is clear the benefit is clear that going this direction will benefit the students. Um I feel like this sense of the board not being represented is not the case when our board had voted to
166support it. This has also gone to the level that other district have already seen it as well. I think they might have put in the time and thoughts into considering science education. I think it is it is a topic that's worth discussing. I think it's it it's worth raising the awareness of the importance of science education in all the districts at earlier time and at the the at at equitable amount of instruction time. I think the the consideration has already started to pull it right now. I'm not certain that's to the benefit of the students or all the district have put into consideration of it. I also think that the the district and and our uh resolution committee members they have put in their expert opinion and I think that support also means something. I
167feel it is time for for for the delegate to have the chance to consider it and vote on it. If they decide that they don't want to support it, that's a collective decision. But at this point I feel Bridgewater shouldn't be the factor to pull it just because um the amount of time that some board member here have put on it is is is is not long enough that they feel so delegate have a chance to look at it. I mean >> no I was just thinking like for the same reason that I mean I don't want to defer to the experts on the subcommittee before I defer to our own administration and if we don't have the support of our administration why do we think that we know better >> I I think the
168thing is that the the the chain that uh the order in which things should have been done weren't done and I think that's what board members are questioning like as we said it should have been talked about probably more than one meeting it should have went to committee and let the committee decide and then it should have went to the whole board but unfortunately that's not what happened right before us I think we got the email right before the meeting and we were asked to vote on it and I'm going to be honest with you voting no to science I don't I I do support science science. So, it's hard for me to say I would vote no to that just so it was like a I felt like I was in a position where
169I either had to support science or it didn't make sense. And that's why I think some people felt like they wanted to move forward because they do support science and STEM in our schools. But now it's come to a place where when we when we actually have the time to sit and think about it and talk about it, we hear that we don't even have administration support. >> So, I think that that's why people are questioning it. That's my opinion. >> I I think Sorry. >> Oh, >> I think the other thing to consider is just having been to a couple of these and I've said that a couple times so sorry I sound like a broke broken record. I I think it's unlikely to find a whole lot of support at the at the
170delegate assembly because of that equitable [snorts] word. What does that mean? Just my guess. I have no idea what what would happen. Which brings me to my earlier point. Let's [snorts] see if we can do a better job and be a little bit more specific with something that's positive for everybody that more people can get more delegates could get behind, more boards could get behind. >> Mr. Lee, >> make a motion to resend. >> I'll second that motion. [clears throat] >> Mr. Lee was going to speak first. >> Mr. Lee, go ahead. >> I just want to say that this STEM resolution was shared with the board. Sorry. This science resolution was shared ahead of time with the board, unlike another resolution that was shared literally seconds before it was about to be introduced. >>
171The one that didn't pass. >> No, the one that did pass was I mean the one that's not going forward to the delegate. >> I have the floor. >> Okay. I want to make a point that I find it very difficult that this board is using transparency, this vague term that you guys are using and now using as a weapon to go after a board member who is trying to improve science education in New Jersey. And then, you know, we we talk a lot about, you know, getting permission from the administration, getting their support. Well, this board acts in the interests of the community. We don't act on anyone else's interests. We do not need a permission slip to do what we need to do as a board to stand up for our students, our
172parents, and our taxpayers >> except for our students. >> And and and and finally, >> going back to this whole thing about surprises, um it's pretty obvious that a lot of these questions concerns could have been brought up to Dr. ly ahead of time, but I feel like that there was an effort here to undermine a resolution. >> No, okay. We're not all going to speak at the same time. >> I'm not finished speaking. I >> I think that your comments are heard. >> Okay. >> Mr. Sunna, >> there was a plan in place to derail this resolution and it's pretty obvious. >> Mr. I'd like to make a motion to withdraw this resolution >> seconded. >> I don't know is that again. >> So seeing the bylaws this be a call you have to
173make tomorrow if it passes to say this board would like to remove the resolution from the del assembly. They may say it can be or can't be done. And in that conversation, it might say they can refer back to committee or it can't be, but that we didn't have 10 days to go to the resolution subcommittee. So in their bylaws because the notification of the resolution subcommittee only came in the 14th and that's the 22nd when the meeting is. So being that their bylaws are not being adhered to, you know, the leisurers can be superseded or referred to committee. So whatever with a proper we could do is a question to be asked. But there's a motion on the floor. [snorts] >> I >> Mike, go ahead. >> I I don't think that this is
174the fault of one person. I I think this is on me. I should not have voted yes on on, frankly, any of the resolutions that came up last time because they were the day of or the day before, whether it was a minute or a day. It's just not the right way to go about this sort of business. And they came from a lot of different members and I think we maybe learned a lesson. But I think that we should move if we have a chance to move forward in a way that's uh more thoughtful and can yield a better result and actually get something done. I I think we should um I I'll be voting yes on this. [snorts] Dr. Lee It is really unfortunate to see the effort that's trying to stop something
175great to be considered for the benefit of this of the children for the benefit of the education. I think that I look forward to work with our board in a collaborative way for the benefit of the kids. I think this has been a resolution of a prime example that we're able to do that. I think that the message that we're sending if we do resend this policy is negative one. I think it it it doesn't set us up for a board that will support each other that will work towards a goal that advances education. I feel like at this point for all reasons, for the benefit of the children, for our board to work as a team collaboratively, for our Bridgewater Ritton Regional School District to present in a positive way to the whole school
176community, the best option to move forward is to actually let it play out, let it be voted Let the awareness of science education be raised. Let all the school boards consider what can be done that benefits the children. I had something. This was an obvious attempt, an orchestrated attempt to undermine a resolution that intends to do good for the state of New Jersey by pushing this resolution through the NJSBA delegate assembly. It is obviously an orchestrated attempt and I don't see this as anything else than a political attempt to undermine a board member's efforts to do what's right and to promote STE science education here in New Jersey. Sorry, I should uh you said STEM like 15 times. I was behind STEM. I think even Mr. Pepe had said at some point in the last
177meeting which swayed me quite a bit that yeah, he would like to see more STEM programs. We were talking about STEM and then now this new this new resolution is about science. science, not STEM, not the thing that like I was really un really on board, but I I wasn't willing to vote against because I do think that more school districts that that you can't vote no to it. But um you know, like I I don't think this is this is some concerted effort against one board member. I think that there's a lot of tension when it comes to that particular topic, especially since this was used on a political platform. Um, but I don't think that that's the core issue. I think at the core issue is that we had voted on one thing
178and and now we're being asked, not even asked, we're not even being asked, but but but we aren't being represented as a full board with this. one. And that's that's all I'm going to say about it. Again, I'm gonna Can I >> I I just wanted to go on record that I fully support STEM and steam and science and I take offense that it would be implied that because I want to resend this that I don't support science. I do. Putting that out there. >> So, that was a great political speech by the way, Jeremy. But let's review. We all voted for this. That's why it got to the delegate assembly. Okay? We made it so that it went to the delegate assembly. You're missing the point. The point is we were not told of
179this process. The words that are in here are different than the ones that we sent to the delegate assembly. >> What is the difference? >> That's what we're saying. >> What is the difference? Hold on a second. Secondly, our administration needs to look at it. Okay. Yeah. And don't roll your eyes. And what I said is in May we can send it back. Let them take a look at it. So that was a great speech by the way, but you're missing the point. No one is not supporting STEM or science or this resolution. We sent it there. remember that. That's why we're here because it was sent over there. Okay. What I'm proposing is let's take a look at it again and we'll send it back in May. That's it. >> My apologies. Please go
180ahead. >> Sorry. >> And called the question. I mean, we had a motion here already. >> I need a clarification. What is the language is different that you disagree with? >> You tell us. You're the ones. You're the one who worked on it, right? >> Point of order. We have a motion and a second. >> Correct. >> Call the question itself. It's a motion that needs to be voted on. >> You don't need a motion, right? >> On whether we're calling the question, please. Mr. Lee. >> Uh, can you repeat? >> No. >> Mrs. Sunna? >> Yes. >> Mr. Jooshi? >> Yes. >> Miss Lockan? >> I will abstain. >> Dr. Lee, >> no. >> Mr. Pepe, >> yes. >> Mr. Walker, >> yes. >> Miss Kistri, >> yes. >> Mr. Singer, >> yes. The
181question has been called. This is the vote. on the motion to withdraw to withdraw if that's possible to do >> right >> I will attempt Mr. Could you call the role on that? >> Mr. Lee, >> I'm sorry. Like what what I I don't get >> this was the motion to withdraw the resolution. >> But is that even a real thing? >> Well, that is what the leaison will find out at delegates assembly. >> This makes absolutely no sense to me. >> Okay. >> No. >> Leah me. >> Yeah. >> What am I supposed to do? >> Okay. >> We're we're currently taking a roll call on a on a motion. Mr. Lee is a no. Mr. Assuna, >> yes. >> Mr. Jooshi, >> yes. >> Miss Lock, >> I will abstain. >> Dr. Lee,
182>> no. >> Mr. Pepe, >> yes. >> Mr. Walker, >> yes. >> Miss Kistri, >> yes. >> Mr. Singer, >> yes. So the motion is that if possible this resolution will be withdrawn so that it can be further considered in the future. Is there any other new business to discuss? >> Can I just say one thing? >> We are done talking about that. Is there any new business to discuss? >> It it's it's about board norms. >> That's old business. So is there any new business to discuss? >> Yes. Yes. >> Dr. Lee. I think at the uh end of uh October NJSVA conference as well as yesterday's uh Somerset County NGSVA well Somerset County Schoolboard Association meeting. Um it was reiterated that the policy service is going to be provided by NSBA for free
183to all members. I would like to bring this up for our consideration for next year's policy vendor to consider NJB as a vendor because it will save our district money. It is maintained by uh legal professionals that's connected to the school boards. Um I think that it is professional and close to the educators in addition to cost saving. Thank you. Any other new business? Seeing none, I'm sorry. We have to go back into close. That's correct. So, if I can find that. >> Uh, we're still in new business. I would like to say something else. >> Go ahead. I already asked, but go ahead. I think today one of the public comment came talk about discrimination and uh I was uh surprised to hear that I feel like um it has been all everyone's common
184shared belief that we should have our school district to be a safe welcoming environment for all. I would like to make sure that uh What was brought up was followed up upon and reiterate our commitment to a discrimination free, bullying free environment for our schools, for our students. Thank you. >> Any other new business? >> No. Whereas discussion by the board is required on matters that are exceptions to the requirement that a public body hold its meetings in public and whereas the topic for discussion is personnel. Whereas it is expected that the details of the discussion may be made public as soon as the issue may be acted upon publicly. Be it resolved that the board enters into close session at this time. >> All in favor? >> Anyone opposed? >> We are in close
185session. There will be no there will be yes there will be no uh the board will not be voting on anything when we come back out of close session other than a motion to adjourn. Our next meeting is a retreat on December 2nd. Thank you all.