001Let's call this meeting to order. The flag to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Mr. Here Mr. Aspen Mr. Aspen >> here. >> Mrs. Miller >> here. >> Mr. Pender. >> Mr. Peny >> here. >> Mr. Cesleberg >> here. >> Miss Williams. >> Mr. Giannakis >> here. >> Mr. Cassio >> here. >> In accordance with the terms of sunshine while adequate notice. This meeting was posted in all school buildings, the administration building, Burst office, public library, three newspapers on January 8th, 2026 and tap into on February 2026. Please be advised there's not smoking on school grounds inside or outside at any time. Please silence all electronic devices. And pursuant to district policy number 0167,
002each statement made by a participant shall be limited to 3 minutes duration and no participant may speak more than once on the same topic. >> So I have a little clerical corrections. >> Thank you superintendent report. >> Thank you Mr. Casio. Um Sante, would you like to go on to the podium? This evening we have the presentation of the winter athletic awards. Athletic director Linda Ayanto will be presenting certificates to the student athletes and their coaches for all of their amazing accomplishments during the season. You might notice names will be called, but some of the athletes are not here. Many of our athletes uh participate in more than one sport. So they could be either at a game or practice or wherever their coach is sending them for the night. So, Santa, when you're ready.
003>> Good evening and welcome to the South Planefield School District recognition of our winter sport athletes. Tonight, we gather to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and commitment shown by all of our student athletes and their coaches throughout the winter season. Their effort, teamwork, and perseverance have made our community proud. We encourage you to take a moment to review the board of education agenda where you will find the individual honors and achievements earned by each athlete. Once again, congratulations to all our winter sport athletes. We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and look forward to your continued success. Okay, we'll start with boys basketball. We have Andrew Bennett. Mr. Wala and Justin Ba come here and walk all the way through the board members down to the end and then head over to Mrs. Maska. >>
004Congratulations. Next we have girls basketball McKenzie Harris, Jazelle Lennon, Samantha Mench. Next we have girls bowling Lily Chavez Leighton Angelica Cesco Grace Anne Farrell Juliana Gorg Allison Porga Caitlyn Singh and Alexander Zapata Hernandez. Congratulations to you. Congratulations. >> Girls swimming. Genevie Pope and Kennedy. Swimmings, Nathaniel Bush, Brandon Calderon, Corey Calderon, Cooper Haspel, Tyler Fan, Noah Sodto, Joshua Wilson, and Alex Wurle. Winter track for boys. Ryan Ayello, Dylan Parales, Becket Griette, King Hills, James Katzingress, Isaiah Penny, Kyle Rosen, Crance, Alexander Rollins, >> Winter Track Girls, Madison Pavlani. Cindy Rol Josephine Syster Natalie Travers >> Boys wrestling James Birmingham, Justin Culver, Aaron Edward, Anthony Labella, Alex Pigna, Joseph Stanzion, Logan Stockley, Alexander Teal, and our coach Shane Shane Raymond, who is the district 14 assistant coach of the year. And next we have girls wrestling which we
005have availed which I think she's still outside playing softball so she's not here. I would like I would like to congratulate Samantha Mench and James Katzingress. They representative uh represented South Planefield High School today at the GMC sportsmanship banquet. So, we're really proud of both of them. Congratulations to our outstanding athletes. We have a second presentation this evening and I'm going to ask uh if Dr. Hayek, principal of Kennedy School will go on up to the PODIUM along with four of his outstanding students, three students from student council and one from the fourth grade Tiger Tales leaders um will be highlighting some of the great things that are happening in Kennedy School. Dr. Heidi. >> All right. Thank you, Dr. Tandy. Uh so I have the distinct honor of uh being with uh Kenny school
006principal for quite some time now and uh seeing some of these athletes now so big leaving our school so small makes me nervous. Either I'm getting old or they're getting they're growing up too fast. Um but um basically I want to just uh first introduce four like Dr. Kenzie said four of our leaders of our building. They have a lot to talk about, but um the mo number one thing they want to talk about is their leadership. And at Kennedy School, that's something that we promote. Uh these four individuals after they speak, you'll understand what I mean. We're appreciative of the opportunity. I think this is a special moment for them personally, for our school, and for our community to see what Kennedy School offers. And uh I'd like to call them up at this
007time. First, our co-presidents. This is Bradley Mega and Alexis Chin. Vice President Stella host and >> Good evening members of the board of education, administrators, teachers, and families. My name is Riley Vega and I am proud to serve as one of the student council co-presidents at Kennedy School. This year has been full of exciting events that have brought our school together. From spirit days to fun events like multicultural night, we are all working hard to make sure every student feels included and has something to look forward to. One of my favorite parts of being in student council was helping to plan activities that made people smile. Because let's be honest, school is important, but it should also be fun. As Kennedy school leaders, we learned that being in charge isn't just about working with Dr.
008Haida to make decisions schoolwide. It's about listening, helping others, and sometimes even solving problems we didn't expect. We also learned that teamwork is everything. Without working together, none of these events would have been possible. Mrs. Stevens, our adviser, has taught us that working as a team can be difficult at times, but it makes us appreciate each other even more. In just two months, another school year will end. As we get ready to leave Kennedy School, we feel proud of what we've accomplished and confident about what comes next. We know we are ready for new challenges, even if we might get lost in a bit bigger building at first. I want to personally thank you for supporting our school and helping make this year so special. Before I ask Alexis to come to the podium, I
009want to say that the new playground you helped us get is so awesome. Everyone is having so much fun at recess. We really appreciate you all helping with that. At this time, I introduce you to Alexis Chin. Thank you, Bradley. Good evening, everyone. My name is Alexis Chin and I'm honored to serve as the co-president of the Penny School Student Council. This year, one of the many goals that Dr. Haidok and Mrs. Stevens had for the student council was to build school spirit and create opportunities for every student to feel connected and seen in our school. We helped organize events like themed spirit days, the Veterans Day program, and special fundraisers that brought our school together. It was really rewarding to see the students excited, participating, and showing our Kennedy school pride. We have a
010school mascot named Kenny the Tiger, and he made a lot of appearances this year to help us with our goals. Kenny stops by each month in our school to learn good character from the students. He has definitely found the right school because each month we focus on a new character trait that helps the students make smart choices. Being part of the student council has helped us grow as leaders. We learned how to communicate clearly, take responsibility, and res represent our classmates in a positive way. Sometimes that meant stepping out of our comfort zones, like speaking in front of groups like you tonight, but it helped us become more confident. As fourth graders, we know our time at Kennedy School is coming to an end. While we are excited to move on to grade school, we
011will always remember the friendships, lessons, and experiences we had in our school. Kennedy School has helped us prepare, not just academically, but as leaders and role models. I want to personally thank you for volunteering your time as a board of education member. We understand that your sacrifice as a board of education member takes you away from your family time. As a kid, we love when our mom and dad are with us. So we thank you for your service on behalf of the students. I want to thank you also for giving the Kennedy school students so many great opportunities to grow, to learn, and most importantly be a Kennedy school tiger. Now here's Stella. >> Good evening. My name is Stella Booth and I am the vice president of the Kennedy Student Council. Being a part
012of student council this year has been an amazing experience. The executive board worked together this year to plan events, help others, and make our school a fun and welcoming place. Whether it is helping with activities, or supporting schoolwide events, we always try our best to lead by example. One thing I learned so far this year is that leadership doesn't mean being the loudest person in the room. It means being responsible, kind, and willing to help others. It also means staying organized which is which is sometimes harder than it sounds when you're four when you're in fourth grade. It is also as a competitive cheerleader. It is also sometimes sometimes very hard not to be the last person in the room as we prepare to leave Kennedy school soon. We feel ready for the next step.
013We are excited and maybe just a little nervous to to start a brand school next year, but we know that everything we've learned in our elementary school years has helped us prepare to succeed. Thank you to our great teachers, our number one principal, and everyone who supported our school this year. this especially this board of education. We are proud to be to be Kennedy school students and we carry all of the character treat stuff we have learned with us wherever we go. At this time I would ask Tessa Cla to come to the podium to tell everyone about our next schoolwide event and how you can be a part of it. Hello everyone. My name is Tessa Krak and I'm possibly proud student at Kennedy School. I am here tonight to share one of the
014most meaningful events we celebrate each year at Kennedy School, our autism acceptance event which will take place on April 24th. This special event was started a year ago by Mrs. Lewis, one of our amazing special education teachers, and it has become an important tradition at Kennedy School. During during the event, we celebrate and learn more about autism while promoting kindness, understanding, and inclusion. One of the most memorable parts of the day is when we blow bubbles together because bubbles represent hope, joy, and the unique and beautiful differences that make every person special, just like the individuals on the autism spectrum. This event means a lot to me personally. I have a developed passion for working with children with autism and other disabilities. And that passion comes from the very that comes from someone very important
015in my life, my mom. She is a teacher of students with disabilities at Kennedy School. And I want to thank her for inspiring me, teaching me and my sister, and showing us how important it is to be patient, kind, and supportive of all learners. Because of her, I have learned that everyone deserves to feel accepted and valued. As I also get ready to leave Kennedy school, I will always remember events like this that taught me lessons outside of the classroom. Autism Acceptance Day is not just about one day. It's about how we treat one another every day. Thank you, Dr. Hawk, and each member of the board of education for allowing programs like this to take place in our school. It helps make Kennedy School a place where everyone belongs. As a token of our
016appreciation, we have some bubbles for each and one of you so that you can participate with your families on Friday, April 24th, just like we will be with our community. Thank you. >> Okay. So the the uh our fourth graders is going to come to the board and just give you a token of our appreciation for allowing us to come and speak on uh our school's behalf. We're very excited about our event. So we hope that you take your bubbles on the 24th. That's next Friday. Just blow them outside. Remember us at Kenny School, how we support every child in our school. Uh and we're a very diverse community. So thank you so much for your time. Great job, guys. >> Great job. >> What an amazing job. >> Thank you, Dr. Heidi. paparazzi waits
017for you. >> We have another presentation uh this evening. This presentation is from our student representative from Southville High School. Uh this evening is Brianna Liberato. Uh this is Brianna's I believe. Is this your second time here? Yeah. >> Okay. This is Brianna's second time here uh joining us here on the day. Uh and I am sure she has plenty of wonderful information to share with us. A little information about Brianna. She is currently serving as the junior class president and is an active member of the school community. Briana is a member of the girls volleyball team, the Spanish honor society, the humanitarian club, and the spring track team. Thank you for joining us and we're excited to hear what you have to say. >> Thank you so much and good afternoon. I'm Brienne Oro,
018class of 2027 president, and I will be giving you updates on the beginning season of spring for South Lango High School. So, South Lango High School has multiple sports that are held in the spring such as girls lacrosse, boys tennis, track, baseball, softball, and golf. The girls lacrosse team is having a great start to their season as they just won three games in a row against Serville, JP Stevens, and Edison. The boys tennis team record is 2 and2. The Zar Caliber and Marcus Serrano won a match against Stevens. The whole team won against Spotswood. They have an away match against Edison today and a home match Thursday against Woodbridge Mad Soul. So, let's wish them good luck. The track team has many branches of groups and events within itself. Altogether, they are starting strong within
019their season. Many people have qualified for the upcoming meet of head realized where only top people in each event get to performance. In the varsity divisional meet, the girls throwers came first, second, and third in discus and went first in shot. In Javelin, they came first, second, and fourth. The top three throwers, Josephine, Natalie, McKenzie, all were qualifiers for pen relays. The baseball team is having a great start to their season with a 5 and3 record and recent wins over STA and the girls softball team had a victory against STA and Morris Nolles and are on to more exciting wins. There was also a spring success of the drama production The Wizard of Oz. Talking to some of the cast members, stage crew, and all who were involved, the play ran smoothly. Speaking on behalf
020of the audience, it was a great show. It was funny, entertaining, and all their hard work definitely paid off for an incredible experience. As you know, or as I got word of cultural heritage day was last Wednesday, and it was another massive success. We thank all the students and staff for their outstanding contributions in terms of running and participating in this very special event for our school and community. As someone who participated in the eventful day, there were so many smiles and people who maybe just wanted to cut class but learn and observe other people's cultures as well. um knowing some friends that performed in the fashion show and just performing to represent their cultures. Um they said it was fun and a new experience and they like to watch new cultures, people, food and
021more come in every block. Um as a student myself, I know break was definitely needed to restart and regain that school-like balance that can often get overruled with sports, school, and other factors all while maintaining our personal lives. I know the staff enjoyed spending time at home as well on spring break with their families and friends as well as hopefully having a week off with no work chaos. Um, college and career day is upcoming for the class of 2027, my fellow juniors, on April 22nd at the high school and is facilitated by the high school counseling department. Throughout the day, junior students will participate in a series of rotations designed to help them explore their post-secary options. Students have the opportunity to get a feel for over 50 different representatives from different career paths like
022colleges, trade schools, programs, and universities and more. Also, there will be alumni panel that students will be able to hear former students share their experiences, hear a presentation on personal branding and preparing for life after high school and have opportunities to ask questions and gather information as they begin finalizing their plans for after graduation. Later that same day at 6 pm, the high school will host a college and career fair open to all middle and high school students and their families. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with the over 50 representatives from colleges, universities, trade schools, and various career fields. In addition, a financial aid workshop will be offered in the auditorium to help families better understand the college funding process. I know I'm ready to start really looking into my future because I
023only have one year left, and I know my fellow juniors are, too. I'm overly excited for myself and others for this day to hopefully spark career opportunities that we could have in the future. The next event, Take Your Child to Work Day. We are going to hold Take Your Child to work day on April 23rd coming up. So, you know, everyone can bring their kids. Um, there will be a form going out for any staff member who wants to bring their child to the high school. Throughout the day, we wanted to hold scheduled and planned activities for the children to make the day more eventful and run smoother. Students are encouraged and reminded to always check their emails for any important updates for the school, grades, events, and more. For example, scholarship opportunities, which are
024now available to the senior class of 2026. The Slingfield High School local scholarship application is now live. All graduating seniors are encouraged to apply by sending their resume in. The deadline will be 3 PM on April 17th and may only and they may only use their students are reminded now because it's literally next week that the end of mark period 3 ends on April 20th. I know for me I'm very academically motivated so the end of the marking period is always a critical time to get all my work in and check my genesis as all students are encouraged to do as well. If students, parents or guardians have any questions regarding their grades, their teacher or counselor should be contacted. Parents of all underassmen should be sure to check the Genesis portal to review all
025courses selected selected tentative for next year. There should be emails regarding scheduling procedures. Any student who are planning to take the SAT on May 2nd. The high school's offering a free SAT prep boot camp. This class is in person from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. from April 27th to May 3rd. And students can start with either math or reading and writing on Monday. They will continue with the same section on Tuesday. and then on Wednesday switch to the other section. They will stay within the section till Thursday and then on Friday they can go to either section math, reading and writing. I went to this SAT prep in the beginning of the year for my first time taking the SAT definitely needed and it truly did help me like get to ask personalized questions on how
026to answer specific formatted questions that are highly likely to pop up on the test. I am half excited and half nervous for my senior year and senior pictures coming up just stirs up the bittersw bittersweet feeling all over again. Senior pictures are going to be held for juniors the week of June 22nd, 2026. Appointment details will be sent at the end of April and beginning of May. The high school spring concert will happen on Thursday, April 30th, and our fantastic music department will do amazing per usual. AP testing also begins the week of May 4th. I personally have my AP psychology exam coming up and I am prepared to hopefully get a four or five. Um, last event is Tiger Farms weekend this week. Tiger Farms is run through the transition academy and are selling
027seasonal flowers, baked goods, and more in South Linkfield High School student parking lot. I strongly encourage everyone to go support and I thank you all for listening to me um, update you about the South Lfield High School. Anyway, one question though. Can I bring my um daughter to school? She's 30. >> Okay. All right. Um, >> one other thing. I'd like to take a moment to recognize the exceptional accomplishment of one of our own administrators. Over the course of several years, through unwavering dedication, perseverance, and commitment, she has achieved a milestone that many aspire to, but few complete. While maintaining a demanding full-time role, often extending well beyond standard hours and balancing the responsibility of raising her daughters, she devoted countless evenings, weekends, and holidays to extensive research and writing. I am proud to share
028just a couple of weeks ago, Miss Mary Flora Melissa success successfully defended her dissertation and was awarded her doctorate degree. Please join me in congratulating Dr. and we are incredibly proud to have you as part of our South Plainfield School District. Uh you are an outstanding administrator, a valuable colleague, and a trusted friend. We look forward uh with great anticipation to all that you will continue to accomplish in the future. Now, back to work. Let me know something about that strategic planning session. >> We'll pretend we'll pretend I'm crying about the strategic plan. >> It's that bad. >> It's uh Thank you so much, Dr. Ky. I appreciate that. And thank you to everyone's support here. It means a lot. So, thanks. Um the strategic plan um I appreciate the opportunity to spearhead the strategic
029planning process for the South Kingfield schools. The planning committee is 30 members strong composed of parents and guardians, teachers, administrators and students. These members were selected from a survey that was sent to the school community requesting volunteers. We had an outpouring of support. So many people wanted to participate which was a really inspiring way to kick it off. Our plan covers five main areas. Student achievement, public relations and community engagement, infrastructure, facilities and finance, student services, health and wellness, and staff professional growth and learning. Subcommittees worked on each of these main areas, specifically identifying six goals that were included in another community survey. The survey was sent out so that all of our school community members could rank them in order of priority and the top three goals for each of those areas will be
030included in the strategic plan. Currently, we're working to create actionable steps for each of those. We have three upcoming meetings to finalize everything. I appreciate the support again of the board and the administration through the process and I look forward to sharing the final draft of the 2026 2029 strategic plan uh with the community in June. Thank you again. Thank you, Dr. Muska. >> Sounds great. >> Thank you. >> Any board member comments on presentations only? >> Yeah. >> Jim, um, as always, our student representative is just so good. Grant, it was great. Great job. >> Those fourth grade students didn't do a bad job either. They were really, really good. Very articulate the way they spoke and they spoke very clearly and I I really have to say they they did a fantastic job.
031So congratulations to them as well. And of course congratulations may get a new placard down doctor. Thanks. >> Anybody else? Sharon. >> I also want to thank Brianna for that excellent update on the high school. It's always fun and and you know appreciative of you updating us and telling us what's going on in the high school. We love to hear it. Thank you. Um the Kenny school students, they did a terrific job. We're so proud of them. We enjoyed the presentation and thank you for the bubbles. Um, congratulations to all our winter sports athletes and coaches on all their accomplishments. A special shout out to the girls bowling team for becoming GMC Blue Division Champions and to wrestling coach Shane Raymond for becoming assistant coach of the year. Um, and to Dr. Blesca, congratulations. You
032truly deserve it. You're a wonderful asset to this um, district. We don't know what we would do without you. You do a terrific day job each and every day, each and every minute of the day. So, thank you for being a part of our district and congratulations. >> We're going to make you cry. >> We're getting there. >> We love you, ma'am. >> Thank you very much. >> Well, we like you a lot. >> Anybody else? >> I love her. >> You guys done? >> Any public comments on agenda items only? >> Seeing none, moving on. A resolution to approve prior board minutes. It would this would be A only B as we pulled. >> So moved. Second. >> Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mr. B. >> Yes. >> Mr. Espen. >> Mrs. Miller.
033>> Yes. >> Mr. Peny. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cessleber. >> Yes. >> Miss Williams. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gianakus. >> Yes. >> Mr. Casio. >> Yes. >> We are curriculum A through D. So moved. Second. >> Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mr. Both. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Miller. >> Yes. >> Mr. Peny. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cesleberg. >> Yes. >> M. Williams. >> Yes. >> Mr. Giani. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cassio. >> Yes. On personnel, we've got A through D. On letter C. And we need to make a uh correction on the title of the position. So C uh one is substance and director. Please note that. Okay. >> And then the 2, three, and four. Two, three, and four. Yeah. >> Two, three, and four as well. Okay. Helps you. >> Okay. So,
034go back to >> Wait a minute. I'm sorry. Number one, don't do anything with number one. Two, three, and four. You're changing BAC co-coordinator to BAC photo editor. Okay. Number one is staying the same. >> It's staying the same. Nothing changes. All >> the same. Okay. >> All right. Let's try that again. A through D. >> So move. >> Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Yes. Abstaining on D number 27. That's my spouse. >> Mrs. Miller. >> Yes. Mr. Peni, >> yes. >> Mr. Cesleberg, >> yes. >> M Miss Williams, >> yes. >> Mr. Takis, >> yes. >> Mr. Gio, >> yes. >> On finance A through R. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Roll call. Mr. B. >> Yes. Abstaining on E myself. If I choose to go, I will pay
035my own transportation. Mrs. Miller. >> Yes. I'm standing on myself. >> Mr. Peny. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cesleberg. >> Yes. I'm standing on my cell phone. >> Mr. Williams. >> Yes. I'm standing on my cell phone. >> Mr. Janakis. >> Surprise. >> Yes. I'm standing on myself. >> Mr. Cassio. >> Mr. Cassu would like to be removed from that uh from E. I will not accept uh taxpayer dollars to attend. >> Everything else I say yes. All right. Public comments and any items seeing any board member comments. Miss Miller, >> I want to congratulate high school senior Miguel Larino and junior Alison Pora for being selected as Minnesota County's unsung hero recipients from South Plankfield High School. They were honored at the Middle Sex County School Boards Association and Middle Sex County Association of School
036Administrators 40th annual banquet and award ceremony on March 26th. 69 well-deserving and outstanding students from Middle Sex County high schools were honored. We are the only county in New Jersey who honors our students with a celebratory banquet. These students not only make a difference in the lives of others but have faced challenges that would hold back many adults. These students make our high schools a better place and we all know will make a difference in our society and the future. So again, congratulations to Miguel and Allison. We are so very proud of you. >> Mrs. Hart. >> Yeah, thank you. We just wanted to congratulate the high school drama club and everybody involved in the production of worship of Oz that was done uh last month. It was uh really enjoyable. They had a good
037crowd and the kids really had a good time and it was a little bit spectacular to have one parent in there who had all types of flashing lights and stuff. It was it was good to see a good crew up there. And also u next week April 22nd, 23rd, 24th, Grand School representing Disney Jr. which will be another exciting uh opportunity for the kids in this town to shine on stage and show what they can do. So uh look forward to that next uh Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Thank you. >> Anybody else? >> I don't. >> Thank you. Good evening everyone. I'm going to second what Bill said. I had the pleasure of attending the high school production of the wizard of Oz. I would like to commend the high school drama club for an
038outstanding production. The cast, music, costumes, set designs were all amazing. Um, the hard work that they put into putting on that production, their commitment, it was evident and as Bill mentioned, the audience appreciated there. There was nothing but positive comments. So, I just want to say congratulations to all. >> Thank you. Anybody else? Seeing none at this time we'll go into executive session. Uh we'll be discussing this related matters attorney privilege and legal update should be about 40 minutes. All in favor? >> May I have action? >> All right. We'll proceed about 40 meeting back to roll call please. >> Mr. Both here. >> Mrs. Miller >> here. >> Mr. Pey >> here. >> Mr. Mr. Senberg >> here. >> Miss Williams >> present. >> Mr. Gianakis >> here. >> Mr. Cassio >> here. We
039have a resolution to read by Mr. Rosselli. >> Yep. And resolved after consideration the appeal held in HIV case number 2026. The board affirms the administration's findings and directs the superintendent to provide the parents with a formal written decision along with information on their right of appeal. That would be the resolution to affirm the HIV. >> Okay. Just going to put a vote. >> Yeah, got a vote on it. We need a motion in a second. >> So, we got a motion. >> So, moved. >> Second. Bill. >> Sure. >> All right. >> I will vote on that. >> Okay. >> Mr. Bow. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Miller. >> Yes. >> Mr. Peni? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ceelberg? >> Yes. >> Miss Williams? >> Yes. >> Mr. Geianis? >> Yes. >> Mr. Cassia? >> Yes.
040>> That's it, guys. >> That's it. >> All right. Motion to adjourn. Most in >> favor I >> everybody >> have a good night. >> Thank you.