001Salute the flag, please. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Roll here. Mr. Here, Mr. Gats here. Mrs. Miller here. Mr. Pender here. Mr. Here, Mr. Here, Mr. Chapman here. Mr. Casio here. In accordance with the sunshine law act of this meeting was posted in all school buildings, the administration building, burough clerk's office, public library, green news, papers, and cap on January 7th, 2025. Please be advisers spoken on school grounds inside house at any time. Please silence all electronic devices and pursuant to district policy 0167 each state may be participant shall be limited 3 minutes duration and no participant may speak more than once of the same topic. Thank you, Mr. At this time
002I open the uh public hearing the proposed new employment contract for superintendent Dr. Noring Ty Lee. Any public comments on that just that issue seeing none any board member comments on just that issue. Very well. Roll call please at this time Mr. B. Uh, this is voting on a contract. Yes, sir. Abstaining conflicted board. Mr. Espen, approved. Mr. Ganakus, abstain. Mrs. Miller. Yes. Mr. Pender. Yes. Mr. Peny. Yes. Mr. Celberg. Yes. Mr. Chapman. Yes. Mr. Cassio. I have to abstain. Okay. Very good. Next is superintendent report. Thank you. Sorry, boys and girls. I'm going to celebrate with the softball team. Enjoy. Have a good night. This evening, we are wishing some of our longtime South Lanefield School District family members best wishes on their retirement. Over the years, these dedicated educators have served as teachers,
003par professionals, bus drivers, transportation aids, administrative assistants, supervisors, directors, principles, and mentors to both our students and their colleagues. Our district would like to take a few moments to play a video acknowledging their many years of dedication and hard work. So, we're just going to take a moment to play the video. Good evening. I wanted to take a few moments to wish a happy retirement to everyone's favorite, Mr. Sam Fierra. Sam joined our team seven years ago. First, as our director of guidance and most recently as principal of Roosevelt Elementary School. And the time has flown by. Now, if you know Sam, you know he is a presence to be reckoned with. He is vivacious, funny, fair, and welcoming. He has been a beloved member of the South Planefield School District family, loved by all
004who've worked with him all through co. You would see Sam on our televised updates, making people feel comfortable during a very uncomfortable time. You might see Sam on one of his guidance department infomercials on Tiger TV or as an MC for more events and assemblies than I can count. When we started to hear rumblings around the district about Sam thinking about retirement, we all hoped it wasn't true for our own sake. Seeing him every day has always been a joy. Even when he was upset, he always came across with a bit of humor. Sam was able to cut any tension in the room with laughter. He addressed difficult situations with compassion and understanding while ensuring he was always doing what was best for the students. Over the past few years, as teacher recruitment was tough,
005we knew we had our own search firm in Sam Fierra. He would try to fill open spots by any means possible, recalling teachers who had accepted other positions, letting them know what they were missing by not working for him. He would do anything to get the job done. I know the faculty and parents of Roosevelt Elementary are sad to see him leave. Sam has made such an impact on the community, opening the doors for programs and special day events. I would often see the Roosevelt School parking lot filling up for some special event and just knew Sam had planned something wonderful that students and families would love. I asked the faculty of Roosevelt to send me one word to describe Sam Fierra. Here are just some of the words his faculty and staff use to
006describe him. Kind, jolly, outgoing, understanding, passionate, animated, spectacular, helpful, funny, approachable, authentic, personable, and so many other positives. Way too many to list. Sam, if that doesn't say how much you are loved and admired, I can't imagine what will. On a personal note, Sam, I will miss you as a colleague and a friend. You have completed almost 29 years in education and seven years here with me. You and your wife Debbie deserve a long and happy retirement. Sam, I wish you nothing but the best health and happiness in your retirement. Good luck and don't forget us while you're enjoying the sunshine in Florida. Good evening everyone. It's my honor to speak to you tonight regarding Mrs. Joanne Ryan, who retired from the South Planefield School District in January 2025. I want to take you back
007to approximately May of 2018, um, which is the first time that I met Joanne. I I had just been hired for this position. Hadn't um actually started uh in the district yet, but I was given a list of people to interview for the supervisor of special services position. Obviously, that's where I met Joanne and that's where our journey together uh began. Um so, it's been um a great ride for the last 6 and a half years uh from 2018 until uh through December of uh 2024. Uh Joanne has had an significant impact on um helping to expand and build new programs based on individual student needs, always with the student and their needs uh and their strengths and weaknesses uh in mind and and she was very thoughtful in how she went about uh and
008supporting the district in in creating and expanding those programs. Joanne also made every teacher, paraprofessional, and staff member that she came into contact with seen and heard. Uh that was, you know, a mission that she had and somehow she magically made it to all of the buildings in the district pretty much every week. um spoke to administrators, talked with staff uh and really gathered information uh that we would discuss in order to move uh the district and things forward uh in in a positive and meaningful way. Um the two of us spent countless hours together um yes planning, staffing, updating programs, also talking about family, um laughing together, um talking about all the of the positives and negatives that were going on with us. In fact, Joanne used to tell me that I remind her
009of her father. She'd ask me one question expecting to get one answer and I would give her at least five different answers to the question. Uh, and then we'd have to go through all the answers and we'd have to, you know, select the best answer and she just kept reminding me. I just wanted one answer. Um, and you know, that's an example of, you know, you know, the two of us working together. um you know, we really balanced each other out. Um you know, Joanne came with um many many years um as a a classroom teacher, special education teacher, uh and and we really, you know, had a nice uh balance and and and give and take and we brought, you know, different things to the district in a very positive way. Also, Joanne and
010I both had the opportunity to be the director directors of our preschool program uh when the program uh the preschool expansion program started in the district. Um I spent a lot of time ordering furniture. Joanne spent countless hours working with staff on curriculum. Uh her office was over in the Riley annex. uh she spent the a large amount of time uh with oversight in the building uh mentoring staff, answering questions, and really pointing our preschool program in the direction that it needed to go in. Uh Joanne also um since retiring has become a first-time grandma and has been spending many many hours um and and a lot of time um you know being a grandma and and and supporting her family. Um, she's also had the opportunity to do some traveling and, um, I think
011she's just, you know, enjoying what retirement has has has brought to her. So, Joanne, I just want to end with this and wish you well in your retirement. As you retire, may you always find new roads to travel, new horizons to explore, and new dream and new dreams to call your own. Joanne, you are really missed here, and I hope you continue to enjoy retirement, and I look forward to seeing you soon. Good evening, Dr. Tany, Miss Melissa, board of education members, and all in attendance this evening. My name is John Fiscolo, and I proudly serve as principal at South Planefield High School. Before I speak about the retirees from the high school itself, I'd like to take a moment to congratulate and thank all of our retirees this evening for their years of service
012and the incredible legacy that they have left on our students, school, district, and community. Now, for the retirees at South Planefield High School, my first that I'm going to recognize this evening is Dr. Melissa Bowman. Dr. Bowman has been a mainstay of our counseling department here at the high school and has been a pillar of our high school community since her first arriving here to South Planefield. Few people have that inherent gift of true empathy, the true care towards a student's well-being and putting the needs of a student before anything else. Dr. Dr. Bowman in her time here was a fierce advocate for all of her students and has a way of showing kindness and compassion like no other person I've personally encountered in my entire life. Students and staff were naturally just gravitating towards
013her. And there's no possible way for us to ever quantify the actual impact she had in the lives of countless students and staff on both the long and short term. On behalf of the SPHS students, staff, alumni, and as a member of the community, I want to thank Dr. Pal Bowman for her time with us, and I hope she's enjoying her retirement and all the fruits of life that come along with it. Our next retiree is Miss Donna Helguson. Mrs. Helguson has been a mainstay in our school community for as long as I can remember. In her time here, she served in multiple roles as a duty, a power professional, and finally as a secretary in the main office at South Planefield High School. as building principal. Your secretaries are the people who you're working
014in your day and day out with. Uh Donna was outstanding in her role uh as a secretary in the main office. Uh Donna, I have never known a more sweet, hardworking, and fun-loving person than you. You're just simply light up a room when you come in. And your laugh, I will never forget. It is infectious. When I get to make you laugh, it lights up the entire room and everyone in it. It it is impossible to be in a bad mood when you're in a good mood, especially when you're laughing. And the couple times I really got you pretty good, that was a that was a lot of fun. Although we are so happy for Donna as she moves on to the next phase of life, we want to sincerely thank her for all that
015she has done and helped making this a more efficiently run building, for the countless hours she put in working with our students and staff, and just how much we miss her and her presence over at the high school. Our next retiree is powered professional Miss Susan Hill. Now, Mrs. Hill in her time throughout the district has moved in a couple different schools and worked with a bunch of different people and she's been merely just a team player in all aspects of the word. I know Mrs. Hill is a power professional over at the high school and it's been an amazing working relationship I've had with her as her time here. She makes incredible bonds with her students as well as any staff member she works with. any situation we'd ever put her in, she's done
016an outstanding job with. It's actually a double-edged sword with someone who's as great as Mrs. Hill because we can put her anywhere and she does an amazing job and we know that if we need someone in a special situation, we could put her there, but at the same time, she does such a great job in what she's doing, we don't want to move her. So, it's a really great person to have and we we love to have more people like her. Mrs. Hill. In reflection of your time and working with us, I hope you're able to cherish the bonds that you formed with both students and staff throughout your time here and remember the impact that you had on countless students, teachers, and community members. Our final retiree for this evening is Mrs. Monica Leman.
017We've been so fortunate to have Mrs. Lehman with us as a teacher and member of our school community, as an alumni, and a school record holder in the 5K. Now, she is so humble and with her many accomplishments, but it's important to remember she has been such a mainstay of our community both as a teacher, a staff member, and as alumni at the high school. She taught science and has specialized in chemistry and AP chemistry. In her time here, she she's a true professional in all aspects of the word. If you were to show up at the high school and you wanted to see an exemplary run classroom, one of the first names that would come to my mind is Mrs. Leman and I would send you up upstairs to the science labs and tell
018you to take a peek in the classroom and observe everything that goes on there and you would see consistently the best practices you can see. You would see active students and you would just you would actually be learning chemistry even if you didn't realize it was going on there at that time. She pushes students to their maximum potential and she sets them on paths not only in the sciences but in life because the lessons that they learn in her class are not only applicable to the classes that she taught but to all classes in general. They come out better students after working with Mrs. Lehman. We could not have been more fortunate to have Mrs. Leman with us and I want to thank her for all that she's done for this school as a teacher,
019alumni, and a member of our community. In closing, again, I would like to thank and congratulate all of our retirees this evening for their time and service to our community and wish them all the best in the future. Go Tigers. Good evening. I'm Kevin McCann, principal of Grant School. I want to start by congratulating all of tonight's retirees. It is both an honor and a privilege to recognize the incredible contributions of Kathy Pompilio as she retires. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to our students and school community have made a lasting impact, and she truly will be missed. I also had the privilege of coaching her two outstanding sons, an experience that further reflects the values and strength of character she instilled at home and brought to our school each day. We are grateful for all
020she has given to Grant School and wish her nothing but happiness and fulfillment in the next chapter of life. Enjoy and congratulations, Mrs. Pompilio. Good evening. I am Shannon Kawuchcci, principal of Franklin Elementary School. Tonight, we celebrate the retirement of Amy Restelli, who was a part of the Franklin School community for nearly a decade. Mrs. Restelli started with the South Planefield School District in September 2017 as a before and afterare aid. About a year later, before getting hired as a part-time PAR professional, Mrs. Restelli worked in the district as a substitute duty aid. In 2020, Mrs. Vistelli became a full-time PAR professional at Franklin School, where she dedicated her time to our general and special education programs, including preK, kindergarten, first grade, fourth grade, Project Inspire, and STEP. As a PAR professional, Mrs. Restelli brought
021patience, dedication, and genuine care to every classroom and interaction. Whether offering quiet encouragement or stepping in to support students and staff, she made a lasting impact, often in ways that cannot be measured, but will never be forgotten. Her most recent first grade students still speak fondly of how she made them feel better about their work and helped them do hard things. She even created custom bingo cards for class parties, adding that thoughtful, fun touch that students love. Mrs. Restelli consistently treated every student with the utmost kindness and respect. Now, after eight years of service and care, Mrs. Restelli has stepped into a new chapter, one filled with family, special moments, and adventures. Retirement brings a chance for her to soak it all in and enjoy life outside these Franklin walls. Thank you, Mrs. Restelli, for
022your years of service. We wish you all the best as you enjoy family gatherings, explore new places, and create wonderful memories yet to come. Congratulations and happy retirement. And to all the South Planefield retirees, best wishes as you move forward into the next chapter of your lives. Thank you. Subrio has been an unwavering beacon of light in our youngest classrooms. She hasn't just taught the ABCs and 123s. She's nurtured curiosity, sparked imagination, and laid the foundation for the love of learning of countless children. For many years, Miss Patrico's classroom has echoed with laughter and learning. Thank you, Sue, for all the tiny hands you have guided, the tears you have dried, and the joyful discoveries that you have witnessed. Every giggle, every triumphant block tower, every wobbly first step across the classroom has been a
023testament to your dedication. Miss Patrico, your classroom has always been a place of wonder and warmth. You've had a magical way of making every child feel seen, heard, and valued. Your patience, your creativity, and your boundless energy have touched not only the children but also the families who have had the priv privilege of working alongside you. While we we will deeply miss your presence in our hallways and classrooms, we are incredibly excited for you as you embark on your new chapter. May your retirement be filled with all the joy, relaxation, and new adventures you so richly deserve. Congratulations, Sue, on your retirement. We will miss you here in the preschool program. Good evening, everyone. This is Lisa Cook, the transportation supervisor, and tonight we have the privilege of honoring five retirees from the transportation department.
024Juliana Costco, who was the assistant supervisor, April Sterno, who was a driver, Lisa Rosio, who was a driver, Sasto Palacios who was a driver, and Jennifer Ola who was a bus aid. We'd like to say congratulations to all and enjoy your retirement. All right, as Dr. Ty said, I'll read the names and if you're present, we'd love for you to come up and shake hands. Dr. Melissa Bel [Applause] Yeah. Yeah. Great. Thank you, Donna. Alison. don't have anything. That's right. I need a stool. There's usually a back student. All right, Mr. Sam Vier. [Applause] You don't need a school. I don't know. All right. She's very strict here. Very strict. Thank you. I'm sorry. Kathy Rambilio, Amy Relli, Mommy, Suzanne Rodrigo, Joanne Ausco, Jennifer Ola, [Music] Basco Palasio, thank you. Lisa Ross, this reading, Joanne
025Ryan, and April Solerno. [Applause] Okay. Congratulations again to all of our retirees and thank you for everything you've done for our district and our students. All right, this evening we have our student representative, Jody uh Brody Raldi. This is Brody's second time um visiting us uh here on the on the day. Brody serves as the freshman class president as well as being a member of both our boys soccer and winter track program and a member of Jersey and history club. Ready when you're ready. Good evening, Dr. Tanzy, Miss Melissa, and all members of the board of educ education. My name is Gordon Maldi. I'm freshman class president. I was recently reelected as class president for the upcoming 2025 2026 school year. I participate in sports teams like soccer, track, and I'm a member of the
026Jersey History Club, Investment Club America. Also before beginning I would like to say a special thank you to all the retirees for their hard work and dedication that they put into this community. So final exams final exams began on Monday June 9th and continued Wednesday June 11th through Friday June 13th. Seniors picked up their yearbooks after school Monday after school after school today and tomorrow any underassman can pick them up after school. Prom was held on June 5th at the Mary Gold in Somerset from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. All the seniors had a very special time. All the seniors also picked up their captain gowns and other important items such as tickets for graduation this past Monday. The building administration in collaboration with the seniors have also set up senior walkthroughs of the respective elementary
027schools in the coming days. So, thank you to all the elementary principles for opening their doors for our senior one last time. All information was emailed to the seniors and their families. The senior class will also have their annual picnic on Monday, June 16th following their school graduation practice prior to their field graduation practice on June 17th. The senior class will be having the graduation kickoff where food truck will be serving breakfast to them. Seniors are reminded to continue to check their school emails for important information concerning graduation. Graduation will be held Wednesday, June 18th at 10:00 a.m. on Josfield. The day of service was a huge success here at the high school. We had many events planned for the day of service such as breakfast with the senior citizens and musical performances for them
028as well, charity cornhole, charity color run, a walk-athon, campus/town cleanups, a beautifification project at the recycling center, as well as in-class service based activities. The days of service was held on Friday, May 30th, and our school altogether raised over $2,500 for the following charities. $1,531 for Kyle's crew, $396 for Marissa Turfo Turo Tafaro Foundation, $431 for the tunnels to Tower Foundation, and $251 for the Jersey Girls Animal Rescue. The walk-athon event had students bring in canned foods and other non-p perishable items to be donated, which was also very successful. Today also, the food was donated and dropped off at the senior center during the day of service. Cit senior citizens enjoyed breakfast and music hosted by the music department and national honor society. The seniors enjoyed a very special moment and interacting with students. The
029cafe was open later in the afternoon for our town first responders and distinct custodians for lunch. The class of 26 2026 will be in the building to take their senior pictures June 23rd through July 1st. Emails have been sent to students and parents to schedule an appointment. the junior class of 2020. Sorry. The pep rally was held on May 20th. All the classes came together throughout the year to compete in a series of competitions as well as to honor all the senior athletes of each sport and even for some clubs to show what they've been doing. This most recent pep rally, the robotics club showed off a robot that they have been working on for the past four months and what they were able to program it to do. The last pep ride of the
030school year was recently held and the class of 2026 came out on top receiving first place out of all the classes in this series of competitions. They were able to receive $500 which was poured which was put towards their class funds. Last night was our annual senior letter winners dinner sponsored by the athletic booster club at Pines Manor. It was an outstanding event to honor our senior athletes. The varsity baseball and softball teams both won the NJSIAA section championships this past week. We congratulate both teams and their hard work. Congratulations to Evan Brown and Mackenzie Harris for qualifying for the NJSIA meet of champions where they both competed incredibly well. McKenzie Harris who took first place at the sectional championships and then seventh place in the state in the state at the group championships breaking
031her own school record in the process. Evan Brown received all greater middle sex conference all red division and at the sex school state championship he received first place and then qualified for the group three north two state championship and received sixth place. He is currently NJ top 20. Denny Carales received the all division all red division as well as he came first at the sectional championship making him the state sectional championship where he then moved on to compete at the group championship. Many other individuals on the track team were able to compete extremely well and proceeded on to the state championship which was held here in Southfield at Josfield. The golf team played well throughout the season and some players placed very well at the greater Middle Sex Conference tournament. The boys tennis team had
032an extremely well season going 9 to4. They made it to the first round of North Jersey Section 22 NJSIA tournament. During the spring season, all sports teams worked extremely hard and it truly showed off. I appreciate all your time and like to thank you all for this opportunity to inform you on all the success successful achievements and events here at the high school this past month. Thank you. Great report. Um, let me just piggyback on that. For the day of service, we had so many wonderful charities that our uh, students supported throughout the uh, the district. And, um, I just would like to acknowledge that the SPEA also donated to all eight of the buildings a total of $2,000 to be split through whichever charity they would like. If you'd like to see what charities
033were uh, supported, that's all available on our website under the day of service tab. I'm going to turn this over to Mr. Casio for a moment. He has something um, important to read. Yes. Thanks for giving me a heads up and I left my reading glasses in the car but I'm going to give it a shot. You want mine? I'm good. Thank you for the uh font 12. Whereas Katherine Fifer, Maria Fetti, Sophia Lake, London Thomas, and Brody Raldi have served with distinction on the South Lia Board of Education. And whereas through their leadership, the South Lia Board of Education has gained fresh insights into student concerns, student priorities, and what is on the mind of young people in the community. And whereas they have further contributed to the community by serving as a valuable
034spokesperson sharing the student perspective at board meetings. And whereas Katherine Feifer, Maria Vashetti, Sophia Vab, London Thomas, Roni Raldi, exemplary commitment to fellow students in the school district has promoted clear communication between the board, district administration and student body. And whereas Katherine Feifer, Rivet, Silia, London, Thomas, and Gordon Elli have maintained professional decorum at board meetings, shown respect to board members, and strive to learn proper etiquette of serving on a school board. And whereas they have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the education of all students without neglecting their own responsibility to strive for success in the classroom. Now therefore be it resolved that the South Board of Education recognizes Katherine Feifer, Marie Fetti, Sophia, London Thomas, Broady Maldi's dedication and commitment to advancing the educational opportunity and open communication between the board, district administrators and
035student body. And be it further resolved that the members of the South Board of Education extend their sincere appreciation to Katherine, Maria, Sophia, London, and Brody for their dedicated service on the South Board of Education. and be resolved that the members of the suffering board of education extend their best wishes to Katherine, Maria, Sophia, London, and Brody and all their future endeavors. Thank you for all you've done. You did a great job. Can I ask um Mr. Pollo to uh come on up to the podium for our civil literacy? Our final presentation this evening uh will be given by Mr. Piscolo Es presents the certificate to the students who have earned the seal of literacy from the state of New Jersey. Thank you Dr. Thank you Dr. Tany and members board of education. Um the
036New Jersey state seal by literacy is an award that recognizes students who are proficient in at least one language in addition to English. Not only will the Department of Education recognize accomplishment with a certificate, but also with a seal that will be embossed on the students transcripts. The state will release the certificates in June. So, I have them now. Uh, but uh we're here tonight to recognize them and hand in those uh certificates to them. So, um I also doing so want to extend my gratitude and appreciation for all of our world language teachers and ESL teachers for helping our students along the left. And uh if you're in attendance and I call your name, please come forward to receive your certificate. Alexis Altaria. Ariel Catalani, Kai Co, Jasine Guzman, [Music] Carla Kas, [Applause] Tiffany
037Melgar, Betsy Morales, [Applause] Jazelle Pana, Jasmine Cortto, [Applause] Natalyia Quincia, Guerrero, Congratulations. [Applause] Well, we're just going to hand them to stand this way. Erin Valdez and Sylviana Valdiius. Congratulations. Yeah. No, you're ahead. [Music] [Applause] Thank you again for recogniz [Music] reminders um for those that uh are in the audience and those that uh will be watching from home. Um all of our graduates should have already picked up their uh cap and gown. If they haven't, you need to reach out to Mrs. Gustoson in the main office of the high school. Um as of right now, weather permitting and the weather app says we should be okay for graduation on uh on Wednesday, sunny and the high of 85. The high school graduation ceremony is scheduled for June 18th at 10 a.m. at Joe's Field.
038There are more than enough seats for uh for any outside um ceremony in at the field. If something were to change, however, please keep in mind that the ceremony will then move inside. It'll take place in the high school gym with uh six tickets provided for uh to each graduate for the gymnasium seating and three additional tickets provided for the simal cast that will happen in the auditorium. Uh we also have um our middle school promotional ceremony which will be held on Tuesday, June 17th, again at 10:00 a.m. That is scheduled for the for outside at the middle school field. Keep in mind, as of right now, the weather says it's going to be great as well. So, our ceremony is planned outside. If there's some if something does change and we have to make
039a change to the inside, that's a little bit different. Uh right now, you're given four tickets to attend the uh middle school promotion outside. If it has to move inside, we only have the capacity to allow two people into the uh into the ceremony. So, if that happens, um the tickets for the uh middle school promotion will be handed out tomorrow. So, if you have a middle schooler, please check that that you receive the tickets when they get home. And a reminder, even though it school has not ended yet for summer break, our summer assignments are already posted up on the website so that the uh students might want to get a jump on that if they want to over the summer, they go ahead and take care of that. Um any other information that
040you will need in regards to our summer programs that are uh running is also up on our website. So, please check that. if you have a student who is being um is participating in either the title one uh program, credit recovery or our um enrichment program and I wish you all a very very happy uh break. Thank you doctor. At this time any board member comments on presentations at all? Bill? Yes, thank you Brody for uh and the whole team of everybody who came and kept a surprise what's happening in the high school and uh we'll probably see you next year. Um, also congratulations to all those students with the biiteracy program. It's very in the the world today. It's the more language you can use, it it just helps in in careers. And uh,
041congratulations and good luck to everyone who retired. Uh, whether you're here or not, Sam, you're a great opening act. We're going to miss you. We're going to miss everybody, but the contributions uh of all of you are appreciated and you will be missed in this district and thank you for all your help. Sharon, congratulations to all all of our retirees. We are truly grateful and thank you for all your years of service, hard work, knowledge, inspiration, mentorship, kindness, and everything else you have done for the children of Staff Planefield. As you begin the next chapter of your lives, I hope all of you have an enjoyable, fun, relaxing, and healthy retirement. You all truly deserve it. Also, thank you to Brody for giving us the high school update. It was very informative, and we really
042appreciate hearing everything that is happening around the high school. Um, thank you also to all of our student representatives from this year. You all did an exceptional job providing us with high school updates. I wish you all an enjoyable summer. And to our seniors, I wish you much success in your future endeavors. Um um our day of service was inspirational and successful as all our students and staff raised money through various fundraisers, all of which was donated to various charities of the individual school's choice. I want to thank Dr. Norine Tanzy for her insightful and imaginative idea she had three years ago to implement our day of service and all of our hard work to actually execute it. I want to thank everyone involved who helped make this event a success. All of you helped
043to instill in our students what it means to give back and help others. And just want to also congratulate all our students who received the seal of literacy. This is an accomplishment to be very very proud of. Thank you. Anybody else? Devon, I'll be quick. Uh great report, Brody. Thank you for keeping us well informed and congratulations on your reelection. That means you'll definitely be back next year. is so excited to have you. Um, and and all of the student reps, thank you for for your services. Um, and just coming and keeping us well informed. To all of our students that received the seal of bi literacy, again, that's an incred that's an incredible accomplishment. So, so be proud of yourselves because we are truly proud of you. And to all of our retirees, Sam,
044uh, Mrs. Helguson, uh, Dr. Bowman, thank you. those are the ones that are in the audience and and all of those that are retiring. Uh thank you for all of your your years of service that you put into the district. Um you've made the experience better for for everyone involved. Um I just want to say Dr. Bowman specifically, I wasn't one of your students, but you welcomed me like I was one of your students. you went above and beyond to make um your your space um welcoming to to everyone. And so that's something that that that just speaks to the to the work that all of our um our staff go above and beyond to make sure that that all of our students feel like they belong in this space. So again, enjoy your retirement
045and don't be strangers. Thank you. Anybody else? Go ahead, J. I really just want to piggy back on everybody just said. I mean, congratulations on that seal of literacy. Fantastic accomplishment. You're really proud of yourself. Our 10th board members over here on the edge. You do a fantastic job. Like I said, you next year, I'm sure. Congratulations to all the retirees. I mean, we've hands down the best faculty in the state. We are phenomenal. But I would be remiss not to mention Sam one one last time. Sam, you have been for the really relatively short time you've been here, it's felt like you've been here forever. you're part of the fabric of this district and you have done such a tremendous job and you will be great and missed and I just wanted to say
046so congrats to everyone and uh thank you s um I just would like to congratulate our own Devon Pender on graduating and getting receiving his master's degree from the University of Maryland. Anybody [Applause] else? I guess I'm up. Brody, I apologize for calling you your brother's name earlier. Aiden is his older brother. Uh, retirees, congratulations. You those that are in the audience. I, you know, I I personally uh thank you for what you've done for my children over the years. And um I wish you best of luck. And I'm jealous. Thank you. Enjoy. All right, at this time we're going to take a quick two-minute break. So, anybody who wants to get out of here, please run. I call this meeting back to order. All right. Any public comments on agenda items only? Seeing none,
047resolution to approve a prior board minutes. Thank any discussion. Seeing none, roll call, please. Mr. Both. Yes. Mr. Chakus. Yes. Mrs. Miller. Yes. Mr. Pender. Yes. Mr. Peny. Yes. Mr. Cesleberg. Staying. Mr. Casio. Yes. Curriculum and student activities. So move. Second. Any discussion? Seeing none, please. M. Both. Yes. Mr. Gakus. Yes. Mr. Miller. Yes. Mr. Pender. Yep. Mr. Peny. Yes. Mr. Celberg. Yes. Mr. Casio. Yes. Yeah. You're on policy. So move. Second. Discussion. Mr. Both. Yes. Mr. Ashley. Yes. Here. Mr. Shanakis. Yes. Mrs. Miller. Yes. Mr. Pender. Yes. Mr. Pissy. Yes. Mr. Celberg. Yes. Mr. Casio. Yes. Personnel. So moved. Second. Any discussion? Yeah. Yes. Yes, sir. Just want to Oh, that one's still on probably. I got it. B. There we go. There we go. Just want to congratulate Jamie for uh I was
048excited when I saw your name on the agenda. Uh couldn't be a better pick. I know you're going to do a great job, you know, and just excited for you. Congratulations. Anybody else? Yes, Sharon. Congratulations, Jamie, on your position of director of of people services. Jamie's been a guidance counselor in our district for 8 years. I thought it was longer, but her father said no, eight years. But you are very deserving of this position, and I wish you best of luck in your new position. I know you will be highly successful. Anybody else? Mr. Roll call, please. Mr. V. Yes. Mr. Giannis. Uh, yes. Abstain on C1. Mrs. Miller. Yes. Mr. Pender. Yes. Mr. Py. Yes. Mr. Celberg. Yes. Mr. Casio. Yes. I'm stayain on any family member. All right. Down to finance. So move.
049Second. Any discussion? Roll call, please. Mr. Vote, yes. Mr. Yes. Mrs. Miller, yes. Mr. Pender, yes. Mr. Peni, yes. Mr. Sber, yes. Mr. Casio, yes. Any public comments on anything, any matter? Yes, ma'am. Please state your name and address, please. Just press the button. Just press the button. My name is Nancy Maldonado. I live here in South Lake View. Um I'm the parent of a special needs child. And that is that's one of the items that I would like to address tonight. Um the major issue that I have is this district being so disrespectful to us parents of special needs children when it comes to an IEP meeting. When we come to request meetings, we are ignored. Okay? And that is needless to say almost like a slap in the face if I want to
050put it mine. I can tell you that I'm not the only parent in this school district that is disappointed on the South Planefield Board of Education and the fact of how you teach our children of how you treat us parents because you feel just because you have or the teachers have an education certificate whatever you know we're ignorant okay I'm sorry but we're not because from the time our children were diagnosed with whatever it is that they have. We have gone heads in to learn everything about it and to find out how we best we can help our children. But when this school district ignores us and basically flat out tells us, "No, you can't have an IEP or yes, we're going to have the annual IEP." But guess what? that meeting there's no annual
051IP for you to see for you to even browse through it you'll get it a couple days later and then when you say can I please have an IP meeting so that I can finally ask my questions because oh finally I got the IP when I ask to see what the behavioral plan is oh it's in the IP well guess what it's not in the IP okay and when you ask again year after year to year. How do you think it makes a parent of a special needs child feel? Again, we're not at every point. We have to put right in everything. We send letters to the director again. I sent the letter for another IP as a respondent. The one I request at the beginning of the school year, I got denied. Okay. the
052repeat of the same level again and again for my child's education. That's a slap. So, you mean to tell me that you're going to take my child from the time he was elementary school all the way through 8th grade and you're going to teach him second, third grade material for all those years. So, you tell me what's the value of my child? How does this school district values my child? It doesn't value my child. Because as far as this school district is concerned, you wrote off my child. So, how is my child supposed to earn a living in the future and be able to provide for himself? No. The parents, we parents have to step in and we have to provide for them for the rest of their lives. Why? Because this school district failed
053them. and fail them every single way. Maybe the other parents are not here tonight because they're at home right now dealing with their children. Okay? Because you know what? It's not easy. Ma'am, ma'am, I'm going to interject. First we're hearing of this, I'm hearing of it. I can reassure you that someone will reach out to you tomorrow to discuss this matter. The board does not get involved with student related matters or other piece. No, I just want to make you aware. That's that's fine. But I I can assure you, doctor, you will reach out to M. I will reach out to you tomorrow and take the specifics of what you're talking about and I will personally speak with the director, find out what happened. I have taken this other levels even to the county board.
054Okay? They have contacted him. He has basically done nothing. Okay? I have already contacted the state. I even contacted the a governor of the state. Okay. I have also contacted the military because guess what? My husband was in the military for 23 years. Yet his thumb cannot get a quality education in the school district where we have live for the last 23 years. At this point, Dr. Lee said she'll reach out to me tomorrow, discuss it, okay? Because that's where it would be addressed properly is through the chain of commander. Again, the board is not privy to that information. Okay. Ask the person speak. Can I just say one more thing? Sure. Okay. The next thing that I want to say is you guys need to look at the middle school where children are getting
055naked or children other children are pulling other people's other kids pants off in special needs classes. Okay? Cuz that's not acceptable. Okay? I have a close friend who's not a very happy career. Okay? And I want to make you aware of it. But I want to do it in this sense. Thank you. I appreciate it. Thank you. All right. The last thing that I would like, you're only allowed two minutes. We have other people that need three minutes. I'll give you to speak. We reached the topic. Okay. We'll have an address tomorrow. Okay. Before you leave before, do you have her number before? I have her name. Okay. I know. I will call you first thing in the morning. Is this where the board approves for me to get my refund for my child graduating
056last year where I've been trying to get that money now for the whole year? Again, Dr. Lee will disc Tanzani will discuss this with you tomorrow. We have no idea what you're talking about. I'm talking about a senior who graduates out of high school. I understand, but you're you're in the wrong box. You're in the wrong venue. Okay, no problem. I'm just walking out because No, she will address time. You don't address it. I got to deal with the state. Very good. But this is a waste of my time here. Any other comments? Yes, sir. Hello. Okay. I don't want to take up too much of your time. My name is Peter Harrison. I live on 1591 Persian Place. Long story short, we tried to get our son into preschool, the lottery. My wife and
057I have been residents here for the last 7 years. We were told that we did not upload a deed to the house. Now, when my wife and I reviewed the information that was there, then we were told, "My son's not in the lottery because you guys didn't upload the deed to the house. So that's what somebody said. Anybody could just say, "Oh, we never got it." Fine. You never got it. So be transparent about it. We ask that you send some kind of screenshot or something that you guys see on the administration end that says clear beyond a fraction shadow of a doubt or whatever that you guys didn't send it in. We'll walk away. But the fact that somebody just says, "Oh, well, we never got it." Well, we know, but we turned it
058in is BS. And I'm here, okay, just like that other resident was here cuz that's something that needs to be made known. People need to be made known about that. And when you try to log in, it it conveniently just says, "Oh, well, it it doesn't show you what was locked what was sent in." Just all I'm trying to say is just be just be transparent about it. That's all. Send my wife and I a screenshot or reference number, confirmation number that says definitively that you guys did not upload the document. That's what I wanted to bring here to your attention tonight so that other residents who may have gone through that, who may feel alone, know that they're not alone. Now, thankfully, my son got in somewhere else around here, but that's not the
059issue. I'm here on principal alone. I don't even have to be here. I'm here to make that known. That's all I have, sir. Thank you, Mr. Harris. Anybody else? Scott. [Music] Hello. Scott Miller, live at 19 Drive. Um, I I came here today for for for two things. Um, first thing, middle schools have their eighth grade dance on Monday. Um, went over well. We had almost 200 kids come this year, more than last year. Um, we just, uh, as a board wanted to come forward and thank you for letting us operate the school. Um, yeah, allowing us to be the student support center that we are with the staff. Um, to let you know that Mrs. Murray could not be a better partner with the PTO. Um, she shares everything we sent her. um from
060the smallest little flyer to the biggest bunders that we're doing. Um and with that, we were able to put on a very successful dance for the eighth graders coming up in here, the high school next year. Um so with that, we wanted to thank you. The other thing I wanted to say was in about 2 weeks, um my partner in crime over here, we're starting up our summer drama program and we want to thank you once again for allowing us to use the facility here to put on another great show. We're doing newsies come August and we hope that uh everybody sitting here, everybody sitting home, all of you up here come out and see. It's basically the entire grant school uh middle school and high school drama kids. We had what was it Bill?
061The most we've had um audition in 5 years with 61 kids come out um to to come play with us this summer. So, we just want to thank you for the use of the facilities and we're going to put on one heck of a show for us all. Thank you. Thank you. August 1st, second, and third. Yep. Perfect. Thank you, Mr. Miller. Anybody else? Mr. Kitro. Good evening. My name is Jim Colipro. I'm 11 Harris playing field. Most of you know me. My son graduated in 2015. We lost my daughter in 20145. We graduated in 2019. Came here to uh last week to do her scholarship. snuck upstairs to take a look at the memorial that her class of 2019 did. Lo and behold, nothing's there. I'm sitting there going, "What happened?" I saw Sharon
062give her a little earful. She took it as usual. And I found out that, you know, according to Mr. Poscolola, who was very been very helpful in this, that the lockers were changed. Okay. I'm glad they finally got some new lockers. About time. But in that regards, when they were removing the lockers, some of the memorials or some of the murals were damaged and they had to be removed. And it was decided that all of the murals would be removed. That's understandable. Out with the old, in with the new. But I'm sitting here today as a father. father of a lost child. The mor memorial of 2019, class of 2019 wasn't a mural. It was a memorial for not one, two students lost for that graduating class. Both my daughter and a young lady by
063the name of Analise was killed in a fire. I believe it was during their fifth grade classroom in their middle school time. I also look back and notice that the class who also lost a child uh young man Selene uh passed away in August right before his freshman his senior year. There was also a memorial for them or excuse me that young man and I see white walls now. Mr. Mr. Fascola I talked to at the scholarship presentation. He told me exactly why about that. He was kind enough to call me today and say Jen this is what's going on. This is what I have planned about putting up some memorials on the website about putting up something here in the resource room for other students to look at. in regards to the memorials that
064we see for the students that passed while in the school system. I'm not talking ones who passed after they graduated, things like that. To me, that's not enough. These students, these young people, young men and young lady took the time, the effort to create something that was done to memorialize people they lost. They showed empathy. They showed sympathy. They showed emotion in these. I mean, the picture, the memorial for my daughter, it was a tree with two butterflies attached to it. It was a beautiful piece of art. It's now somewhere in a dump. I do know that pictures were taken. I understand they were professionally done. What I'd like to know is what's the board going to do? There are blank walls here, folks. They're white. Walking. And you look looks like we're walking in
065a prison. We have the opportunity. You have a hall of fame right in when you walk in. You're honoring the people that were a great part of this community. You've lost students that could have been and were a great part of this community. We don't know what they could have been. We know what they were. So what I'm asking you is what would you people do? Is there a thought in your mind about hey let's take a wall. We have these beautiful these pictures. Let's present them. Let's make something for the students that we've lost. And in case I also know another one uh passed away two years ago that was he was they were unable to make a memorial to him. Why? Not because the class had already done. He passed away while he
066was in his senior year. We need to do something, folks. We're doing more than educating the kids about a ABCs and one 123s. We're teaching them at home how to be people. We're teaching them how to get along with everybody else, how to respect everyone else. That has to be carried along here. So, how or what? And if you even thought about if you haven't thought about it, just say, "Jim, haven't thought about it." So, Jim, I can tell you this. I I was made aware of your request this morning. I can tell you that some of the murals that were up. Uh I I I can tell you the board did not know there was memorials, but there were some murals that were up inappropriate. There was a lot of uh subliminal language, metaphors,
067whatnot in those murals. And when it was brought to the attention back then, that's why the remainder were taken down. Uh I spoke to Dr. Tany this morning and she informed me that her and Mr. Fuscola are in the works of trying to come up with something to memor memorialize these students. So I can tell you it's a work in progress. All right. And I'm sure someone will get in touch with you once something comes to fruition. I'd like to be a part of it. I mean, as a parent who's lost a child, I'd like to be a part of it because these are important things. These are a part of our healing. I mean, I used to sneak in here on occasion. I mean, it's been 2 years since they've been down. I've been
068here in 2 years because we no longer have my track and field meetings here or other meetings that I had here. I used to sneak upstairs, look at it, or pop over to my daughter's locker, which is gone, and just put my hand on it knowing it was hers. it was only her three months but that was my way of seeing her. So these things are important to not just myself but also again I speak to prior to a couple years ago I used to do a presentation on bullying to the middle school and I get spoken to now some by some of the kids or excuse me some of the young adults that I have been who I've taught on in this presentation and how it affected that. So these things have been affected
069and these things do affect I apologize. I I want to let you know that the moment that you spoke with both uh Mrs. Miller and Mr. Fiscolo, I received a phone call right away. Um and I I asked them I didn't I also did not know that within the the murals were any type of memorial. It wasn't listed. It wasn't listed anywhere that we would that I would know. And in uh Mr. Mr. Fiscolo's defense, he most likely didn't realize it either because over the years principles have come in. So we had a conversation both uh Mrs. Miller uh Mr. Fiscolo different times and spoke with Mr. Casio and we had said uh one of the options we talked about is having a special place on our website so that the photos are professionally done
070that we would post them on our website so that anybody who went on our website would be able to see uh the artwork and would be able to u then recognize and um acknowledge uh your daughter and and other students. We also talked about because again the the photos are professional that we would have them printed and we would have a book made and the book would stay here in the media center so that anybody would have the opportunity to take a look at that as well um and and hope that um you know that that there would be people that would take uh take advantage of looking at Mr. Pascola expressed that to me this morning. He called I can't applaud man enough. He's expressed to me everything that you've just explained to me
071and I understand that but there's more. There should be more done. I mean, these are students that were lost at the prime of their lives prior to graduation, freshman year, during their senior year. I mean, we we as community should do more. I mean, we recognize Christ Mor granted she should be. And you've got a locker that's blocked off before her. My wife and I were discussing this before I came here and she made a statement. I was not thinking about using it, but maybe I'll just say it anyway. Christa was valuable part of South Plankfield. Tragically lost. Why is she more valuable than my daughter for having something present at the school? It's an interesting question. I'm not looking for an answer for it. I'm just something to think about. You know, I believe
072something in the school should be done. And I mean, we can do something that and I know that some of them were not appropriate. You're not going to catch everything. And yes, everybody calls them murals. I call it a memorial cuz to me that's what it was. And if you looked at it and I can show you the pictures of it, you can't tell me it wasn't. So, I understand where you're coming from and I understand the reasons why for them being taken down. But something need more needs to be done. If we're going to educate, let's bring it to the next step. Thanks, Jimmy. It'll be further discussed after. And like I said, I'd like to be involved in the process. Thank you. Anybody else? Seeing none, board member comments. J, it's okay. Uh,
073yes. Uh, thank you. Uh, first I'd just like to congratulate and say thank you. We extended your contract tonight and I think that's a wonderful thing for our district. I think she's done a fantastic job. Um, secondly, I'd like to congratulate Jamie on uh Jamie Moran on all of her hard work and her promotion into being the uh director of pupil services. I think you'll do a fantastic job and I couldn't be any proud of you. And I'd also like to just wish everyone a healthy, happy, and safe summer. Enjoy the sun if we ever get it. And uh thank you. Anybody else? Sharon. Uh, I attended the high school scholarship program last Wednesday. It was incredible to see all the local organizations, individuals, and others who provided our seniors with scholarships to assist them
074with their educational pursuits. Thank you to everyone who provided scholarships. There were 125 scholarships handed out to 62 seniors for a total of $82,000. Pretty good. Anybody else? Um, why didn't you um I want to thank the entire staff for a successful 202425 school year. We greatly appreciate your dedication to the children of South Planefield. Our district wouldn't be what it is without all of you. Um, also congratulations to the softball and baseball team for becoming a sectional champ. And what else I have here? Um, congratulations to our eighth graders on your upcoming middle school promotion. and I hope you get involved and take advantage of all the high school has to offer in way of academics, arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The next four years will fly by quickly, so enjoy your last years
075as a South Plainfield student. And lastly, my heartfelt congratulations to the upcoming South Planefield High School 2025 graduates. You all have the talents and abilities to make this world a better place. Believe in yourselves, be proud of all you've accomplished over the last four years. Remember to make the next chapter of your lives count, and follow your dreams. I wish you so much happiness and success in the future in your future endeavors and remember you will always have a home here and I just want to wish everybody an enjoyable fun summer page five. Thank you. Um congratulations to the baseball and softball teams. even though their journey ended a little earlier than they had hoped, but it was a nice run. It's nice to see the uh support in town for it. Uh also I
076the all the schools had their spring concerts. I was able to go to the middle school one and um Shannon Meline teaches vocal in the in school. She took 135 students a couple weeks ago to the NJ at noon the credential credential center for American youth voices and they were part of a chorus of thousands of people and uh she's done this for a couple years and the kids were really enthusiastic and had a good time with that. In regards to the day of service, I went to Franklin School and um participated in Miles for Marissa for a little bit and they did a bunch of other things there for um artwork and things like that and it was a very nice day and um in the high school the day of service they were
077asked to send letters to people that support the community. and I'm a member of the library board and last night they read a couple of the emails that some of the students from town sent to the librarians thanking them for the assistance they give the students and everything else from the town. So, um the library director, Linda Hansen, said there were a lot of emails. She only gave two for us to read at the board meeting. They were very nice. So, it's nice to see that the students can acknowledge the work of others in the community. And also good luck to uh the graduates whether you're going into college, the military, or right into a career. Uh good luck and uh your time in South Plainfield has set you up for a successful and prosperous
078life. Thank you. Anybody else? Congratulations, Jamie. You deserve this. Um I just lost my train of thought. Um that happens to me all the time. It really does. Um, jeez. Well, there's a million things going on in the district. So, um, great job to everyone involved, whether that's athletics, the arts, um, our community service, our day of service. Uh, thank you to everyone that played a vital role in that, to our students, to our staff. Uh, thank you for for for the hands on um that you all are are playing a vital role in engaging the next generation of of leaders and and those that s want to serve. Um to our students, if you are graduating, congratulations. If you are returning, congratulations on another successful school year. Um we're excited to to see what
079you all have in store. Um, and again to our staff, thank you for for all the amazing work that you do to uh prepare our students for that next step wherever they end up. So, as Foso and everyone around here says, once a tiger, always a tiger. Anybody else? Mr. B. I just want to report from this past weekend, we sent 11 athletes down to Special Olympics, New Jersey. Of the 11 athletes, seven of whom are current students, two of whom are brand new to the team this year. They came home with five gold, eight silver, 11 bronze, and a bunch of participation um awards. So, it was a good turnout. Not the greatest weather, but it was a good time and uh everyone had a lot of fun. So, thank you, Mr. B. At
080this time, go to executive session. Can I get a motion? So, move second. All in favor? I at this point we will uh in this in in the executive session we'll have student hearings and discuss personnel matters. We will take action only on student hearings at this point. Back in about 45 minutes. Thank you. Don't teach this meeting back to orderachi. All right. I got to read I have two motions to read in. They're basically identical but they got different numbers. Uh the first is resolved after consideration of the appeal held in HIV case numbers 28398 and 283974. 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 to the commissioner of education. That's one. Second one is
081resolved after consideration of the appeal held in HIV case number 292011. The board affirms the finding of HIV and direct superintendent to provide the parents with a formal written decision along with information on the right to appeal to the commissioner of education. So those two motions move one second. Any discussion? Please Mr. Both. Yes. Mr. Gakus. Yes. Mr. Miller. Yes. Mr. Pender. Yes. Mr. Peny. Yes. Mr. Mr. Sessburg. Yes. Mr. Casio. Yes. Get a motion to adjurnn. Move. Second. All in favor? I journed. Have a good night.