001No, we don't like I think it's a good I don't see Good evening everyone. The executive session of the Wayne Board of Education regular meeting of February 19th, 2026 was convened in the conference room of the Wayne Board of Education, 50 Nellis Drive, Wayne, New Jersey. Statement of compliance setting forth date, time, and location was read in accordance with the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act, and a roll call was taken. The meeting was recessed and is now being reconvened. Please stand for the flag salute followed by a moment of silence. I pledge algiance 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. >> Thank you everyone. Please be seated. Mr. Sadino. Thank you, Mr. President.
002First, before I begin, I'd just like to send out my heartfelt thank you to uh the tremendous outpouring of support we as a district received yesterday um for a relocation of uh staff and students from Randle Carter Elementary School. I was so grateful for the incredible members of the Wayne Police Department for their steady presence and partnership. Uh the entire Calvary Chapel uh church family, including Pastor Mack, Pastor Jordan, Pastor Carlo. They opened their doors to our staff and students without hesitation. Also want to recognize our transportation team, our maintenance team, our school safety department, our district leaders, and our educational support professionals from around the district who immediately mobilized to ensure a safe transition. A special acknowledgement must go out to the remarkable leadership, preparedness, and resilience of the Randall Carter Elementary School staff.
003Their calm professionalism and unwavering focus on students exemplified the very best of our district. Dr. Thompson and her crew were rock stars. Thank you. Thank you to our board president, Mr. Pavlac for also coming to support our students and staff at that time. While we prepare for unexpected experiences, uh this clearly demonstrates extraordinary level of commitment, dedication, and care about the greater Wayne School community brings for the children that we are privileged to serve. The collaboration, compassion, and teamwork were on full display and truly inspiring. Please accept my heartfelt appreciation for everyone and their partnership. For those of you who don't know, uh yesterday prior to noon, we had um some brownouts and transformers going on fire in the area. And just as we're navigating through that, a water main break broke right in front
004of the school as well. And so we went without didn't have electricity, water or plumbing uh in the school. And we had to get the students to a safe warm location uh where they could use toilets. And um we normally would move next door to the church. um on next to us, but they were experiencing the same utility issues that um Randall Carter was. So, in a moment reaching out to Calvary Church, which I formed a great relationship with, um they said yes within moments and we were very happy to take our students to a warm safe place. So, thank you to everyone. I also now this is the I'm I'm so unfortunate that that the governor teacher of the year won but maybe we're going to move this next year that twice a year
005by law I'm required to report to the public um the annual instance of violence, vandalism, weapons, substance abuse and harassment, intimidation and bullying. Um I think next year we'll do it at the January meeting. Um and this is all that took place during the period period one which September 1 2025 to December 20 December 30 31 2025 um so we're talking about last year but by the time the state culminates and they bringing together all the data this is when we report it pursuant to the statute I'm required to report to the board of education two times per year at a public meeting all the acts of violence vandalism harassment intimidation and bullying that have occurred the previous reporting year. Tonight I'm reporting the incidents that took place from September 1, 2025 through se December
00631st, 2025 through the New Jersey Department of Education Student Safety Data System, SSDS. The SSDS reports include all removals for suspensions for disciplinary reasons and HIV alleged uh cases. It is important to note that the school will continue to maintain excellent record of investigation, documentation, reporting, handling all of these incidents in an efficient manner. So for this period, there were three incidents of violence that includes all fights, assaults or threats or simple assaults. Six incidents of vandalism, two weapons offenses, seven incidents of substance abuse that includes substance possession, suspected refusal to examine or confirmed or of sale or distribution. 10 confirmed HIVs out of a total of 52 investigations. The alleged HIV ca of alleged HIV cases, including previously mentioned and confirmed cases for this reporting time period. The 10 confirmed HIV cases were from
007the following areas. Three were from race, one one was ancestry or ethnicity or origin, one was for gender, one was for orientation identity and four were for other distinguishing characteristics. These cases are investigated by our school anti-bullying specialists with the guidance and support of principles and our district anti-bullying coordinator. They all do a terrific job. Consequences and remediation efforts for offending students include individual counseling, student and/or parent conferences, discipline in accordance with the district code of conduct. Remedial measures for targeted students include counseling, support services, parent conferences, schedule changes, safety plans, and other monitoring measures. In addition, each school must initiate uh school-based programs which are intended to reduce bullying and improve school climate. And then now to the good stuff. It is an honor that we acknowledge our governor's educator of the year recipients
008tonight. We gather to recognize an exceptional group of educators. We proudly celebrate our teachers and educational support and service professionals who are honored tonight as a governor educator of the year award. This recognition reflects the powerful impact they make of our students, our schools, and our community. Through their dedication, passion, and belief in every learner, they create opportunities for students to grow. Their influence extends way beyond a school day, and they represent the very best of our profession. On behalf of the board of education, our district, congratulations for this well-deserved honor, and we are proud of all of you, and we're grateful for all the work that you do. And I'm sure you'll hear more from me again when we actually the actual ceremony. Thank you, Mr. President. I'm going to move the agenda a
009little quickly tonight. Um, a little out of order. Our uh, two student reps have to get someplace, so I'm going to give them the opportunity. Folks, I apologize. They'll be brief, Zack, Kate. >> Okay. February has been an exciting and accomplished month at Wayne Valley High School with students continuing to excel in academics, athletics, leadership, and the arts. Wayne Valley's Relay for Life held its official kickoff on February 4th, raising over $300 to support the cause. We were honored to welcome both the superintendent and the mayor to the event as we begin our fundraising efforts for the year. in academics and student achievement. We are proud to recognize Victoria Stevenson for placing fourth at the New Jersey HOSA Northern Regional Conference in Nursing Assisting. This is an outstanding accomplishment and we wish her to wish
010her continued success as she advances in the healthcare field. We would also like to congratulate Benadetto Cooper, our January athlete of the month. Benadetto was named captain of the Wayne Valley football team in the fall and captain of the wrestling team this winter. He achieved great success in both sports, earning a young man of the year nomination for football and now being recognized as athlete of the month for wrestling. His leadership and dedication truly represent the best of Wayne Valley athletics. Looking ahead, Wayne Valley will host its annual college fair on March 5th, providing students with the opportunity to connect with representatives from a wide range of colleges and universities. Additionally, Saturday academies will begin on February 21st and continue for 5 weeks. This program allows Wayne Middle School's residents to experience an exciting preview
011of high school through nine dynamic technology electives, including music perspectives, 3D modeling, and many more. Or Valley High School Tribe members recently visited our elementary schools to celebrate reading, leadership, and athletics in honor of the second and seven program. This initiative promotes literacy by providing free books to children in need and encouraging athletes to give back. Wayne Valley athletes read read to all second grade students, inspiring them to become future leaders and lifelong readers. The arts continue to thrive at Wayne Valley. Congratulations to art students Alex Catz and Hannah Casim, whose works Shattered Sweetness and Fish in a Lamp were selected to be exhibited at the Morris Museum. Additionally, Valley Photo has reached an incredible milestone with by earning 130 Scholastic Art Awards. This includes one Gorp gold portfolio winner, 23 gold keys, 33 silver
012keys, and one honorable mention portfolio. We are extremely proud of our talented artists and our dedic dedicated faculty. At the beginning of February, Wayne Valley's Rock Climbing Alps leaders took a field trip to New Jersey Rock Gym where they were able to test their climbing skills that they have supported and developed throughout the year. To celebrate Valentine's Day, the Executive Student Council hosted a schoolwide hidden hearts event from February 9th through February 13th. Students searched for hidden hearts throughout the building for a chance to win a gift card, bringing fun and school spirit to the week. In athletics, it has been a championship season for several of our teams. Boys basketball won Big North Independence Division Champion for their sixth year in a row, and right now they're currently playing Hills across the street. Wayne
013Hockey defeated PCTI to become 2026 county champions as well. Our competitive cheer team also won both the county championship and the Big North Independence Division Championship. Additionally, both the dance team and cheer team recently traveled to Florida to compete on the national stage. We are incredibly proud of all our athletes for their hard work and dedication. With so many achievements across all academics, arts, leadership, and athletics, February has been another remarkable month for Wayne Valley. Hello everyone. So for our good news from Wayne Hills, the Wayne Hills competition cheer team won their sixth consecutive national title at the next level nationals in Houston, Texas. They not only won the division, they were also named grand champions for having the highest score of all school teams across all divisions. The Wayne Hills Executive Student Council hosted
014their second annual intern for a day. Instead of heading to their usual classes, interested students stepped into the roles of staff members across the building with 46 mentor intern pairings. Every department was represented. English, social studies, math, fizzed, science, world language, art, business, band, photo, auto, child development, TV, foods, and even the main office. Every corner of Wayne Hills had a student turned intern learning, leading, and lending a helping hand. It was a successful day and the perfect opportunity to celebrate the hard work of both students and staff at Wayne Hills. The model UN club participated in the Bergen County Academy model UN conference. This competitive environment allowed club members to make meaningful connections with other students at the or in the NJ model UN circuit and develop solutions to real world problems ranging from
015prison reform to sustainable technology and even drug recovery services. A particular shout out goes to our two participants Tia Musala and Azna Begaz who received verbal commendations for their work in the social, cultural and humanitarian committee that focused on prison reform. They represented the country of Saudi Arabia. Wayne Hills Athletics has had a productive winter season. 392 students registered to participate. And here's some of their big accomplishments. Wrestling won its first ever league championship. Boys and girls bowling both won league championships as well. Boys fencing were once again the P County championships. Pay County Champions along with our co-op ice hockey team. Currently, both our boys and girls basketball teams are playing in the county semi-finals, and good luck to the two teams. Wayne Hills also held two Patriot for a day events last month
016where we invited middle school students to attend classes with a current high school student. They were able to see what it's like to be a Wayne Hills patriot. The French National Honor Society of Wayne Hills has raised $750 for the charity foundation foundations foundations that I'm not good at French. Sorry, guys. Which will be sent to Milun Matz, I'm sorry again. An organization dedicated to enriching the early language and speech development of underserved children in France and other French-speaking countries. The Wayne Hills Leo Club has been busy. In the past month, Leos have made and distributed a 100 origami hearts to residents at Sunrise of Wayne, led a class in origami for a dozen residents at Bright View of Wayne, made and decorated 80 bookmarks for the children's room at the Wayne Public Library, and
017collected over 1,800 menstrual products to create menstrual equality kits for Flow Forward to distribute to local unhoused women and girls. photographs from Wayne Hills photo were recognized by the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards this month, including 89 gold keys, 114 silver keys, and 164 honorable mentions. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards evaluate student work through a jured process at both the regional and national levels. Regional Gold Key recipients advanced to national review with national award announcements scheduled for March. Last year, Wayne Hill students Lexi Guvarez and Eva Eva Robels earned gold national medals and both have work among 89 among the 89 photographs advancing to the national consideration again this year. The program is proud of the work students have accomplished to this point and looks forward to the national results this spring. Chad Thompson
018was represented with the Art Start Award for photography by William Patterson University yesterday, earning top recognition in this medium. The award was presented as part of William Patterson's William Patterson University's Art Start event, which recognizes student artwork across multiple artistic mediums. Chad's work was selected as the winning photography submission. He has worked hard to earn this recognition as he is a member of the Wayne Hills AP Photo 4 class, part of the internship team and the photo editor and chief of the Wayne Hills yearbook squad. The exhibition was held at the P Art Center in Wayne, New Jersey, providing a public setting for the representation of student artwork. Five other photographer photography students from Wayne Hills also had their work on display including Reed Martins, Lexi Gvarz, Gabriel Morales, Eva Robels, and Jake Raposa. Receiving
019the Art Start Award marks a significant achievement for Chad Thompson and highlights his accomplishment in photography at a competitive jured event. That's all the good news I have for Wayne Hills. And I'd just like to say thank you to all of you that are here being appreciated. Um, I've had some of you as my teachers, administrators, and I appreciate all the work that you do to get to this point. Thank you both for your contribution. I just want to say a few things to both of you. Caitlyn, great job the other night at the Relay for Life kickoff. Uh, ah, >> Daisy and I were happy to be there. Um, when is the actual Relay for Life event? >> It's May 2nd. >> May 2nd. So, if we put a link uh for teams to
020join on the website, that's where they can join and sign up a team. Okay, we will do that. And Zach, please tell everyone what language you took in high school. >> Spanish. >> I'm Spanish five. >> Spanish five. That's why French. He didn't do well in French. Don't take the leading. It's not our staff. It's didn't take French. Um but Zach also um great job and the the um Patriot for a Day program. Programs like that are so important. Uh because I actually we just met with a parent the other day whose daughter was thinking about going to another high school and after going to the event uh is really considering now just coming staying home to be a patriot as as we should do because I don't know if you heard we're way better
021in Wayne. There's no reason to go anywhere else. So thank you very much. >> THANKS GUYS. OKAY, now for the big event. If you found out anything about me, I'm big on themes. And when I was looking for a theme for this year's governor governor of the year, educator of the year award, it was the recent passing of Robert Dval who was a legendary actor um one of my favorite actors um from movies like The Godfather, but see phenomenon. Not a lot of people move phenomenon. I think Robert Deval was great in phenomenon. um that said to me, "Well, these actors, they're wonderful and they takes they take us and they lift us up places in our homes and in theaters, but you know who else does that? Educators. They do that." So, we're going
022to shift our our theme tonight around the Oscars. Tonight, as we gather to celebrate the educa the governor's educated year recipients, I cannot help but think about this iconic another iconic award, the Academy Awards, better known around the world's Oscars, taking place March 15th in your homes on TV. The Oscars were first presented in 1929 at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. Since then, it's happened every year. When we think of past Oscar winners, we think of performers who transcended the screen. We think about Meryill Streep and the depth of her work. I always think about Denzel Washington and how his body language, the way he used words could tell a story. I think about, you know, Training Day. Um, such a um, such a great movies. And then I think about there's those actors out
023there that are co-stars that just deserve so much credit for the work they do like Will Farrell and John C. Riley. Come on, that's a great movie. If you didn't see Step Brothers, go see it. These individuals did not receive Oscars just for simply showing up. They earned them for their preparation, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to their craft. And of course, there's the pomp and circumstance, too, with the red carpet rolled out and the flashing lights and the limousines. So, if you have never been in this room before, there's not normally a red carpet here. This red carpet was rolled out tonight for our recipients, our Oscar winners, our true academy. Uh in the back, I was able to get um red carpet rentals. That's Juan back there. Make sure you you take an opportunity
024tonight to take a picture with your loved ones. Take a picture with your certificate, your flowers that you're getting. And your principal maybe would go back there with you. I know a lot of the principles look great tonight. They're all dressed up. They look great in a picture with you. Um, so take take advantage of that opportunity. But tonight, I would argue that the work honoring that we do to honor our actors is surpassed by the work that you do beyond the screen. Tonight, our governor's educators here will walk down a red carpet. Well, maybe not in Hollywood. They won't, but you walk into your classrooms every single day prepared to inspire. I can only think of a few professions that refer to their work as a craft. Now, think about that. You know, a
025lot of great professions out there, police officers, firemen, you know, doctors, lawyers, but they don't say this is a craft. Only actors and really educators think of this as a craft because what do you do? Educators may not they may not memorize scripts, but they craft lessons every day. And sometimes they have to craft them on the fly. Sometimes a lesson's not going the way you planned it, and you got to switch it up. And you got to do what actors do. You have to improvise. And that's what makes it a great calling. They may not accept a golden statue or in front of a global audience, but they receive something far more enduring. The gratitude of their students because you've changed their lives. Like Oscar winners, these educators represent the best of the profession.
026They are innovators. They are mentors. They are artists. And they embody patience, resilience, creativity, and heart. Their stage is a classroom. Their audience is our children. Their legacy is measured not in box office numbers, but in the amount of confidence they build. Curiosity they spark in the dreams that they ignite. The Academy Award recognizes those who define excellence in film. Tonight, right here in Wayne, we recognize those who define excellence in education. And just like the Oscars, this award is not given lightly. It's earned through years of dedication, through countless unseen hours, through a commitment to something greater than oneself. So this evening, let's bring our own version of pop and circumstance. Let us celebrate with pride. Let us applaud with enthusiasm. Let us honor our Wayne educators as the true stars that they are.
027Because if there were an Oscar for shaping the future, every one of our honores tonight would be holding it as they make their way down the red carpet because they make every day way better in Wayne. Thank you. I now turn it over to our board president and president of the WA. Good evening everyone. I have to say it's a privilege to be here tonight. I lead these meetings, but tonight is always a special night for me. I know the weight of responsibility you all carry every day. I know the immense heart it takes to do the job well. Tonight we're here to celebrate your education your governor's education award to both teachers and our paraprofessionals. To our honores, you didn't enter this profession for accolades. You entered it for the light bulb moments, the
028breakthrough conversations, the chance to shape the future of Wayne, one student at a time. Being named teacher of the year or specialist of the year isn't about high test scores, perfect lesson plans. It's about connections. Building a safe harbor for our students who need it the most. Innovation. Finding new ways to ignite curiosity in a challenging world. Dedication. Showing up with passion each and every day, even on the hardest days you face. I'm going to give you a little message tonight from a peer because I stand before you as an educator as well. We see as board we see the extra hours you put in. It goes well after the bell as we all know. The bell ends the day for the students. It starts a new day for each and every one of you.
029We also see your ac your accolades from your students. You are the backbone of this district. You are the reason Wayne remains an excellent education. You represent the very best of all of us. In education, we often talk about outcomes and metrics, but looking at this group tonight, I see something more important than that. I see impact. Long after students forgot a specific homework assignment or the dog ate it or the printer didn't print it or some other reason, they'll always remember how you made them feel and the confidence you gave them to succeed. You aren't just teaching subjects. You're building the future of this town and of young men and women. On behalf of the board, it is our deepest honor to recognize you tonight and congratulations and thank you for all all of
030you for each and every one of you what you do every day. Thank you. Uh hi, good evening. Um thank you so much for being here tonight. My name is Heather Pototts Jacobs. I am the president of the Wayne Education Association. Uh joining me up here we've got Jackie Corolla. She's the president of the paraprofessionals association and next to her is um Tracy Tracy Scriffiniano. I got it right. Okay. Um who is the vice president of the PAR professionals association and Robert Sardi who was president of the WA last year but is now president of the PO County Education Association. So, thank you guys for being here as well. So, tonight we are honoring this year's governor's educator of the year award recipients including both uh teachers as well as education services professionals. Uh this
031recognition matters because it comes from the people who work alongside you and see your commitment up close. These awards are not about one big moment. They are about showing up day after day, doing the work well, and putting students first. To our teachers, you plan, adjust, and problem solve constantly. You meet students where they are, explain things in different ways, and keep going when things don't go as planned. You help students grow academically, but you also help them build confidence, responsibility, and a sense of belonging. What you do matters long after students leave your classrooms. to our ESPs. Schools, they just don't function without our ESPs. Um, this group is going to include paraprofessionals, guidance counselors, child study team members, school nurses, media specialists, secretaries, custodians, and many others whose work supports students in essential
032ways. You are the people who keep students safe, healthy, supported, and ready to learn. You solve problems, manage systems, provide care, and step in wherever there's a need. Much of what you do happens behind the scenes, but the impact is felt by students and staff every single day. What all of tonight's honores share is a strong sense of responsibility to students and pride in their work. You go the extra mile not for recognition, although we're recognizing you tonight, um, but because you care. Being chosen for this honor means your efforts are noticed and appreciated. You represent the best of what education in Wayne looks like. Congratulations again to all of our award recipients and thank you for everything that you do. So the first name I'm going to read from each school uh is the
033teacher educator of the year. The second name I'll read from each school is the education services professional or ESP of the year from that school. from PRNIS Early Childhood Center. This is a preschool teacher with 20 years of educational experience. She loves working with preschool students and celebrating their accomplishments, no matter how big or small. Erin Matisk, come on down. A school psychologist with 15 years of educational experience. She values the opportunity to work closely with young students and appreciates collaborating with families and support students growth and development. Jessica Hatefik, >> thank you Jessica. Congratulations >> from AP. A special education teacher with six years of experience. She loves connecting with her students and making uh connections with her students and colleagues and enjoys working in Wayne because it's a strong community of support. Tiffany
034Dominguez Congratulations. >> A power professional with 14 years of experience. She values the opportunity to support the incredible staff at AP and that each day presents a new learning opportunity. Stephanie Piper from Fallon Elementary, a second grade teacher with 21 years of experience. She loves watching students grow in confidence as they discover they can do hard things and enjoys working in a district that values teamwork. Kathy Gonzalez. >> A media specialist with nine years of experience. He loves seeing students grow in confidence and independence and enjoys guiding students as they build research and computer skills. Joseph Hickwah from John F. Kennedy. A fourth grade teacher with 28 years of experience. He loves being a teacher because he enjoys helping students learn and seeing his students grow and develop throughout their time with him. Scott Wagner.
035A power professional with 21 years of experience, she loves making a direct impact on students every day and enjoys working in Wayne because of the strong sense of community and teamwork. HE PULIO HEIDI, something tells me you're going to take great pictures outside. From Lafayette, a third grade teacher with five years of experience. She loves teaching because it allows her to build meaningful connections within and beyond the school community. This recipient has applied also to be considered as the Payic County Teacher of the Year, AJ Allen. >> Congratulations. >> A par professional with 12 years of experience. She loves seeing students grow in confidence and independence, especially when they overcome challenges and recognize their own potential. Dalia Badier. >> Congratulations from Paninac. A special education teacher with 15 years of experience. She loves working with
036students who have diverse learning needs and watching them grow in confidence and independence. CHRISTINA JOSELYN >> a school nurse with two years of experience. She loves being an elementary school nurse because there are no two days ever the same and she enjoys being a friendly familiar face for her students. Andrea Prosperi Barona. Congratulations >> from Pines Lake School. A fourth grade teacher with 26 years of experience, she loves watching her students grow and seeing excitement on their faces when they discover something new. Allison Haraka A speech language pathologist with eight years of experience. She loves building strong relationships with her students by getting to know their personalities and interests while making learning fun and engaging. Emily Tadeshi from Randall Carter School. A first grade teacher with 19 years of experience, she loves creating and maintaining
037meaningful relationships with her students that often span many years. She has also applied to be considered as the Paya County Teacher of the Year, Lisa Carbone. A par professional with 11 years of experience. She loves that her she can help students as they think about school when it's hard and she celebrates every accomplish accomplishment big or small. Janine Hassert >> from Ryerson Elementary School. A fifth grade teacher with 10 years of experience. She loves building authentic connections with her students and positively impacting their lives. Shannon Wilshin. A school counselor with 10 years of experience. She finds great fulfillment in witnessing the direct impact her support has on the students and families. CRYSTAL OLSEN from Tunis Elementary School. I basic skills teacher with 33 years of experience. 33 years of experience. She loves working with students
038in small groups, seeing students grasp concepts and regain belief in themselves. Terresa Mertz A media specialist with 15 years of experience, she loves inspiring students to think independently and enjoys witnessing her students growth from kindergarten through fifth grade. Carrie Delabuno CONGRATULATIONS >> from Anthony Wayne Middle School. An art teacher with 17 years of experience, he enjoys sharing his passion for art with his students and helping them develop strong understanding of the elements and principles of design. Tom Mayor. >> Tom got the memo and dressed like he was going to the Oscars. >> Congratulations. A boardcertified behavior analyst with 10 years of experience. She loves getting to know each student and using the data to drive support and help them grow and become more independent. CHRISTINE SPAN from George Washington Middle School. A physical education teacher
039with 21 years of experience, she finds it rewarding to watch students grow and mature, building new skills and developing meaningful relationships through movement and teamwork. Nicole Deandia, congratulations. A school nurse with 28 years of experience. She loves how each day brings new surprises as she never knows what to expect from someone when they walk through the door. Tony Leehi. So congratulations from Skylar Kfax Middle School. A sixth grade science teacher with 30 years of experience, she loves seeing kids get excited when they are learning science and how to apply it to everyday life. Lori Gina A learning disabilities teacher consultant with 26 years of experience, she finds her role rewarding as it extends beyond the traditional instruction to foster long-term student success. Laura Romana from Wayne Hills High School. >> A special education teacher with
04010 years of experience, she loves building meaningful relationships with her students and staff, finding it rewarding to witness her students academic and personal growth. She has also applied to be considered for the Payic County Teacher of the Year. Britney Sylvestri. A learning disabilities teacher consultant with 19 years of experience, she finds it rewarding to help students understanding their unique learning styles and advocate for their own personal needs. Mary Beth Hulahan from Wayne Valley High School, a technology teacher with one year of experience who said, "I'm just going to win first year because I am that Good. He enjoys working with students and energizing their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Thomas Graasso. She's got 30 more years to win it again. A student assistance counselor with 19 years of experience, she enjoys creating connections with students
041who may not feel valued in the school community. Kim Map. Okay. All right. Well, that concludes our ceremony. Thank you everyone for being here, taking part in this very special moment. There is a group photo up front. >> Correct. So all >> three rows. So if you come on down, >> three rows. Three rows up front. >> We're going to take a 10 >> and we will take a 10-minute recess while the photo's taking. Families can exit after their photo, but make sure you stop by the Step and repeat. Take your photo booth picture. here. County any of the county competition teachers? AJ Allen, Lisa Cabone, Britney Sylvestri. I think Britney Sylvestri was over here. The board bears no responsibility for comments made by the public. Comments regarding employees or students cannot be legally responded
042to by the board. Other comments may be responded to tonight or at a subsequent meeting under old business. Do I have a mover? Mrs. Landry, Mr. Agnes, anyone from the public wishing to speak on an agenda item? >> Seeing no, I move to close. >> Mr. Favor, Mr. Paul, do I have a mover for the agenda? >> Move the agenda to hold. >> Mr. Pacos, >> Keith, Mr. Haymon, Mr. Paco, Mr. Hammond. Any discussion? Mr. favor. >> Yes. Um, could you please explain what the authorization uh to invest funds in the New Jersey Asset and Rebate Management Program is all about? >> That was for the NJRM. It's a investment vehicle that allows public entities like our school um school districts and municipalities to invest uh funds in there kind of like a money market
043for public entities. and uh we uh they yield about a 3 and a half% which is a lot better than what we're getting for TD Bank. So it was my recommendation to put our capital reserves, maintenance reserve funds that we don't use on our daily operating to get some more interest and hopefully generate a little bit of revenue. >> Okay. It is risk-free investment. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Anyone else? Roll call. Roll call. >> Mrs. Lamandry. >> Oh, you called me. >> Yes. >> Mr. Paul. >> Yes. >> Mr. Pacos. >> Yes. >> Mr. Agnes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Eloquin. >> Yes. >> Mr. Faber. >> Yes. >> Mr. Haymon. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Pavlac. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> We have one um retirement tonight. Uh Kathy Diglio is retiring as
044our payroll manager in the business office. Kathy's retirement marks the close of an extraordinary 26-year career defined by dedication, precision, and under unwavering commitment. The work she has done over the years has been critically important to a smooth operation of our organization and she's handled it with remarkable diligence and professionalism. Kathy is known for being meticulous in every detail exceptionally organized on and sometime someone who could always be rel relied upon to get things done accurately and on time. Her strong work ethic and pride in her role set a standard that truly made a difference every single day. She is truly irreplaceable. Beyond her outstanding professionalism and contributions, Kathy has also been a wonderful co-worker and a cherished part of our workplace family. She's brought warmth, kindness, and a spirit of generosity that everyone appreciated,
045including the many times she treated us to her incredible homemade cream puffs, which became something of a legend and tradition. Kathy will be greatly missed not only for her exceptional work she performed but for the positively positivity friendship and care she shared with all of us. We wish her a happy well-deserved retirement filled with joy, relaxation and many sweet new adventures. This time I'll open to the meeting to the general public. This portion of the meeting is open for citizens to comment on any topic. Residents are asked to state their name, address, and subject matter. Comments may be limited to five minutes per person. Members of the public are discouraged from speaking negatively about an employee or a student. The board bears no responsibility for comments made by the public. Comments regarding employees or students
046cannot be legally responded to by the board. Other comments may be respond to tonight or at a subsequent meeting under all business. Do I have a mover? >> Mrs. Landry, Mr. Agnes. >> Good evening everybody. My name is Peter Opahori. As you currently know, I'm still employed at Wayne Schools for 11 years, but without pay or benefits. Today, I'm here because I want the board to be on notice of a clear um violation of the Open Public Meeting Act, also known as the Sunshine Law. a certain member the members of this board on February 2nd, 2026, I waved the right to a private session of the employment matter and requested in writing that the matter be held in public despite the confirmation from the board secretary on this that I have provided you Tonight, my
047OPMA rights were ignored and my matter was not given full discourse. I was completely anonymized um contrary to the law. All specifica all discourse I was completely I'm sorry specifies including my own doctor's note were intentionally excluded despite the assurance in writing otherwise. I would ask for the minutes of the meeting conflict by objection in the board secretary to put on the record under mo under under what specific exemption the board believes it has the authority to endise a public hearing requested by employees under the law. The right to privacy belongs to me. And because my waiver, the board loses that shield to keep specifics of the case secret and must follow a full detailed rule. The board actions averted the subsequent and the spirit of the sunset the sunshine law. I would explore members
048of the board and ask the questions and do meaningful oversee if not the school administration's unfair actions will be rubber stamped for all intent and purposes. Additionally, Superintendent Sudano uh had issued a blank statement prohibiting my presence on board property, a copy of which I've provided to you. And I am concerned that such a policy would prevent me from exercising my rights as a citizen to attend public meetings. A rule that bans my process at otherwise public meeting is illegal and as a result in an atmosphere of intimidation. I am also asking this board considering the history of this matter to be in independently review. I support an elimination of my position and the administration's actions that subsequently took place. I would like nothing more than to return to the job I did with distinction
049and pride for 11 years. This matter has been referred to the Pay County Prosecutor's Office Public Integrity Unit for an investigation of violations of the Open Public Meeting Act. Prior to Transparency, I am providing each of you with the same documents I gave them. Please keep asking questions. Thank you very much, Mr. Oporei. Thank you. Anyone else from the public wishing to speak? >> Just to follow up, my name is Howard V. I'm actually Peter's brother-in-law and I'm here tonight on behalf of my brother-in-law, Peter Opahari, who previously appeared before you and submitted a detailed written statement regarding what he believes was an improper reduction in force and a subsequ subsequent campaign of harassment intended to force his resignation. In that testimony, my brother-in-law described an incident that is deeply troubling. Two individuals who assumed
050his former role were sent to his private residence, illegally trespassed into his apartment building and then came to his front door on the second floor to serve a Rice letter. An action he described as intimidating and well outside of any professional norms. As I know this was brought to the board's attention, he appeared before you with the support of his union. they were here at the time and made a clear a reasonable request that the board review his testimony and initiate a full and independent investigation into these actions and just confirm what happened. And so far, he hasn't heard anything. I'm here tonight for one simple reason, to ask whether that request was taken seriously and whether any follow-up occurred. Allegations of this gravity deserve transparency and accountability. They should not be ignored, minimized, or
051quietly set aside. I am respectfully asking the board to confirm what steps, if any, were taken in response to my brother-in-law's testimony and to assure the public that concerns raised before the Wayne Board of Education are addressed openly and responsibly and not just swept under the rug. Thank you for your time. if somebody would just let my brother-in-law know what happened in this case and can assure him that this will never happen again. Thank you. >> Anyone else from the public wishing to speak? >> Seeing no one move to close. >> Mr. Second. >> Mr. Hay. >> Any old business? >> I always like first. >> New business. Board member comments. Motion to adjurnn. Oh, you have a comment. >> I'll make a one quick comment. Uh, it was fun for me tonight. As you
052guys know, I'm lifelong Wayne resident and, uh, one of the teachers that got an award. I, uh, remember her from elementary school. So, I was able to embarrass her in the hallway, which is very nice. But, uh, I just want to congratulate everyone who got the awards and, uh, for all their hard work that they put in each and every day um, to all the students in our school system. Thank you. >> Thank you. Motion to adjurnn. Mr. Faber, Mr. Paul. Thank you everyone. Good night.