001I'd like to call the January 28th Board of Education budget regular meeting um to order. We could have a moment of silence. Lax, it's over there. >> It's over there. I pledge algiance 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. In accordance with the provisions of the open public meetings act, a public notice that this meeting has been sent to board members, all district schools, the Herald News, the suburban trends, the record, the messenger, West Milford town hall, the county superintendent's office, the board attorney, cable vision of Warwick, and West Milford TV77 and posted in the administrative building. Copies of the board meeting calendar resolution were provided to all media, local media, town hall, township,
002library, and all district schools. Roll call, please. Mr. Schultz, >> Mr. Stovich >> here, >> Mrs. Dwire >> here, >> Mr. Jurgensson, Mr. Lippy >> here, >> Mr. Lockwood >> here, >> Mr. Mark >> here, >> Mr. Rakana >> here, >> Mrs. Van >> here, >> Mr. Bino >> here. >> Thank you. Superintendent report of the kitchen. >> Uh, yes. So, for my superintendent's report, uh, we have another recognition ceremony this evening. So, um, with that, I would like to turn it over to Mr. John McCarthy from the West Milford Lions Club, and he's going to, uh, do a presentation with, uh, some of our award winners here. >> Thank you, Dr. kitchen and to the board of education for allowing us to be here tonight to present our Lions Peace Poster contest winner awards.
003I am the peace poster contest chairperson for our local club. Presenting together with me is Suzanne Pawa. You can stand up with me. Thank you. who is currently our vi our first vice district governor for northern New Jersey and also the peace poster contest chairperson for both our Lions district and for our entire state. We also have several club members here tonight for this special occasion. Lions Clubs International is the largest service organization in the world with more than 1.4 million members in over 200 countries. The West Milford Lions Club has been serving our local community since 1956. Within our numerous charity works and service projects is an important connection to our schools. This includes free eye screening for children prek to first grade, our West Milford High School scholarship program, the Lion Chuck Entering
004Health Fair and Wellness Family Festival, the Student Council Spooktacular Trunk or Treat, and of course, our peace poster contest for students ages 11 to 13. For over three decades, Lions clubs around the globe have been sponsoring this very special art contest in schools and youth groups. We are so proud and grateful for Makapin School's longtime involvement in this meaningful program where students express their visions of peace and inspire the world through art and creativity. On behalf of our entire club, I would like to extend a sincere thanks to the West Milford Public Schools administration, Makipin Middle School staff and students for their fantastic participation in this year's contest. Our special thanks go out to Dr. Fernari, Mrs. West, Dr. Matlo, Mrs. Poet, and Mrs. Rezman for their work that reinstated the peace poster contest as
005a class project this year. As a result, 144 works of art were submitted to our club. [Music] [Applause] This year's contest theme was peace without limits. Our young students were asked to create a poster that speaks to our world's infinite potential for kindness once we commit to pursuing the idea of peace without limits. It is our great pleasure and honor to present our Makapin School winners of their awards. Our runnerup winner receives an achievement award certificate and a $25 check from our club. Congratulations to Andrew Vasipolo from the sixth grade. [Applause] >> And I'm going to present you. Oh wow. >> Right behind you. >> Turn it around. >> Photographers, why don't you go on this side? You got a big view of this one. >> Excellent job. >> Amazing. >> Great job. >> Just
006stand right behind me. >> Stand right behind him. >> Andrew, if you want over here, we're just going to present this to you as well. And then you're going to stay here. There's your certificate for runner up. And there's the check from our club. [Applause] >> Our first place winner receives an achievement award certificate and a $50 check from our club. Congratulations to Noel Reaver from the seventh grade. [Applause] >> There we go. >> Yep. All the way around. Oh my god, >> that's beautiful. >> You can go a little bit closer, too, because special >> Everyone needs to see these posters because they're just beautiful. >> That's amazing. Wow, that's great. Show it to the camera. >> Wow. >> I can tell you it's so hard to judge this contest because I'm an art
007teacher myself and it's just incredible the the work we get every year and the amount of work we get from West Milford is amazing. It's very It's a wonderful thing. It really is. We're thrilled to share some really good news with you that Noel's poster was submitted to New Jersey Lions District 16 and judging where she also won first place. >> So, so she represented us for the state as well. And Noel will be receiving a special award at our Lions District 16N meeting this coming April. So, thank you and congratulations again to our two winners. Thank you. >> Thank you very much and congratulations to our winners. Uh I know I speak for everybody at this table when I say these type of type of uh recognitions are our favorite part of these meetings,
008right? There's a lot of things that we do as a district to keep ourselves functioning and there's a lot of action items that we pass each each month. Um, but you know what we really care about is the impact that it's having on the community and the and the students that we produce. So, thank you so much. I would actually ask real quick before you put the posters away, can we get our uh our two recipients to come up here and take a picture with the board as well as our reps from the from the Lions Club. Would that be all right? >> Yes. >> Just kind of stand up this way and we'll we'll stand behind you here. >> Mr. Winston, can I get you to take a picture for us? >> And the
009parents do. Dr. Come join us. Yeah, we have like >> Can you come back towards us a little bit? And then maybe like the slightest little lay down. >> Come on. You know my way. >> Very good. Thank >> you. Thank you so much. Good job, guys. Thank you very [Music] Uh up next, I would just like to also uh announce that this month is schoolboard recognition month. Uh there is a motion that we will be reading a little later on in the agenda. I don't want to take our focus away from our award winners here. So, um just want to make mention of that with more to follow later on. And with that, I'm gonna pass it over to Megan Sidner for our student representative report. >> Good evening, everyone. So, this is very
010fitting because mid December to late January has been a key time for awards and accomplishments. So, this fits very nicely with the lovely accomplishments that we saw here today. So, here is the debrief. Starting strong, a tremendous congratulations to our West Milford High School teacher of the year, Mrs. Burns, and our West Milford High School educational services professional of the year, Mrs. Lambert. West Milford High School students had the opportunity to enter a local oral essay contest, the Voice of Democracy for the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. The winners are Lauren Harmon, who advanced to the district level, Amber Okconor, and Rachel Crumper. Congratulations and continue to write with passion. We have more incredible news from the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. Mrs. Petraillo is crowned the 2025 Veterans of Foreign Wars New Jersey State
011Teacher of the Year. The VFW citizenship education program recognizes the educator's passion for teaching about the America's traditions, Americanism, civ responsibility, and citizenship, honoring the flag in our nation's history, and instilling a sense of patriotism and national pride in students. Congratulations in the English department. Congratulations to the journalism and modern media class who took second place national award for the American Scholastic Press Association for their 2024 literary arts magazine black and gold the Highland Review. If you'd like to submit any art pieces or literary pieces for the 2025 edition, please see or email Mrs. Petrailla. For the final literary award, yours truly will be representing uh West Milford High School for the annual poetry out loud competition on February 6th at P County Community College for regionals. Now for our musical competitions, accomplishments at competitions
012because we are very skilled here. Prepare your pink outfits. The West Milford Theater has chosen Mean Girls for the spring musical and has been very busy rehearsing. We have a very star-studded cast as Sophie Gazuti is Regina George and Jillian Ras is Katie Herren. Shows will take place March 13th, 14th, and 15th with the Senior Citizen Special on March on March 12th. Very nice. Tickets will be available online and good luck to cast break a leg. Two of our West Milford's band members have been accepted into New Jersey Allstate band. Congratulations and best of luck. What an incredible accomplishment. On January 18th, the indoor color guard held their preview show. With the theme of cathedrals, they're looking forward to a successful competitive show season. On January 24th, the West Milford High School PTSO held a
013brilliant test of knowledge with their second annual Mike Rose trivia night. MCED by our very own physics teacher extraordinaire, Mr. Mike Rose. Roughly 70 people were in attendance and team junior geniuses won the esteemed goat trophy. It was an actual goat and prize money. Congratulations and stay sharp. Now, on to our sports news. Get loud for the lacrosse team. For only $25, you can purchase a loud cup and and help support the boys and girls lacrosse teams at West Milford High School. These purchases directly fund uniforms and equipment for both teams. If you'd like to order one, please see a lacrosse player. The boys basketball has won seven of the last five games, including a 6445 win over Lakeland. The team has earned their first win against Wayne Valley in six years with a final
014score of 6556. Augie Ljusk leads the team with 147 points. The girls basketball team is also off to a great start with a record of 92, beating Lakeland with a final score 5042. Laurel Space leads the way with a team high 119 points. Both teams are seated for counties for the first time in many years. Beautiful accomplishment. The wrestling team had a tournament against Kinlan, Vernon, and Butler. The Highlanders were able to bounce back from a rocky start to their season and beat all three teams. >> Our female wrestlers also competed in a first ever invitational tournament at West Mulford on Sunday, January 26th. Beautiful work and keep it up. In boys fencing, the team has started a two four record. The boys have a big wins over Butler and Morris Catholic. Gavin Janets has
015led the way with a team high 11 wins. The girls fencing team has a 1-5 record with their lone win coming over Indian Hills by a score of 1512. Victoria Vanasel is leading the team in wins with a record of 153 in the Saber event. The winter track athletes had a great showing at the county championships. We had many personal records and we placed eighth overall. The winter track athletes had a fantastic showing at conference championships at Ocean Breeze. We have a lot coming up for this one. So Tyler Maner won both the high and triple jump and took fifth in the long jump in the 55. Accompanying him in the 55 final was Kyle Gloria who took sixth in the 55 and first in pole vault. Colobby Scott also made the final placing himself
016eighth but took sixth in both the 200 and the long jump and he took second in the triple jump. On the distance side, Evan Lynch took fourth in the 800 and seventh in the 1600. Sierra Clinton took first in both the one and two mile, while Arion Moran took third in high jump. Emma Carson took sixth in shot put. Incredible athleticism all around. For boys and girls bowling, in the first BNC preseason tournaments, the girls took first and the boys took second. In the PCCA tournament, the boys took second and the girls took third. The boys are currently 7-2 and the girls are 4-4. Good luck to all bowlers as they continue to advance in their season. The ice hockey team is well into their season currently with a record of 5101. The team has
017upcoming games against Ramo, Siktech, and Wayne. Keep up the great work. Unified basketball is back. The team took on Bloomfield basketball where they lost, but the team showed great sportsmanship and perseverance, and they won at Pmpton Lakes. Lastly for our sports, Unified Swim held their first ever meet and performed beautifully, showing incredible support for their team teammates, respect for the game, and determination despite their loss. Good luck. Now for a brief look into the future. The West Milford High School choir is holding a mattress fundraiser on Saturday, February 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Makipin Cafeteria. There will be 25 different styles of beds on display for customers to try. The beds are new, brand name, made to order, available in all sizes and cost less than retail stores. In addition to beds,
018there will also be luxury pillows, premium sheets, mattress protectors, adjustable power bases, and corduroys, convertible chairs. Coziness awaits. In other organization news, the National Honor Society will be sending out letters to the eligible juniors and seniors as soon as the second marking period grades have been entered and the GPA have been calculated, which is tomorrow. As long as a student has a 3.75 or better, they will receive a letter of eligibility inviting them to apply to the society. Accept these letters to be distributed by the middle of February. Freshman, sophomores, and juniors, this one is for you. Make sure to select your desired future courses. Meetings with your guidance counselors will be held within the first weeks of February. The meeting times are posted on the bulletin boards on the first floor. Prepare for an
019incredible night. Coming on March 8th is the Wizards basketball game sponsored by the Highlander Education Foundation. Save the date for this fun event featuring great skills, teamwork, awesome dribbling, alleyoops, and crazy slams. Thank you very much for your time. I look forward to updating you on West Milford High School next month. Please enjoy the rest of your night. [Applause] >> Megan, I know I say every month, but you're the best. It really is amazing how thorough you are. I cannot imagine how much time it takes to put that together. Um, so thank you. Um, and that's it for my report for now. Again, I'll go back to the board recognition at the end of the agenda. >> Thank you, Dr. Kitchen. And thank you, Megan. Amazing job as always, and you took two of my
020points again. It's okay. I'll still say that when it comes to me, but uh, Mr. Novc, assistant superintendent, >> reports. >> Thank you. I'm still juggling how to use the microphone and the device. just for now. >> Yeah. Uh so I just wanted to uh at the um workshop meeting last week, we talked about the um opportunity for us to apply for the uh esports grant that has recently been put out by the uh put out by the state. Uh so I just wanted to comment on a few activities that we've um that we've started. Right now is a exciting time with the start of the third marking period. Uh if you remember, we won the computer science grant at the end of last year, which led us into the to, you know, a big
021shift in the way we're talking about um computer science and computer programming and the types of things that we're doing here in West Milford. Uh this with the third marking period, our new cyber security course has started. Uh we have a number of kids who were a part of that program who have never um taken a computer science course before. This was a you know the idea that it was a high interest um to to give more students access to uh to the computer sciences. Uh in addition to the launch of the cyber security course which is part of the grant uh we are also in the process of um sending out information about our computer science club which is a it's a middle school club and it's being run by our computer science teachers.
022So um everyone should be on the lookout for that. uh middle school parents at home, you'll have opportunity to sign up. That's something that Dr. Matlo and Dr. Bzer will be sending out at the end of the week. Um we are also hopefully approving tonight the uh Makabit Esports Club and that is something that we are uh anticipating as a good precursor to the completion of the of the esports grant. Um within both of these clubs for the middle school, we are hoping to you know increase opportunities for students to get their hands on programmable devices uh access to computer science access to the uh expertise of our computer science staff at the high school and the middle school so we can encourage a more um you know a more robust entry into the into
023our high school programs. Um, so I I teased at the um workshop meeting that in February we're going to be presenting something um different for what we've what we've done in the high school before. Um we're going to be talking about college and career pathways. We're going to have a um a pretty decent presentation here at the at the February board meeting. Uh one of those pathways that we're going to identify is a is a computer science pathway. um you know which which is going to you know hopefully put the cap on a lot of the things that we're building towards as we build that that interest in in Makipin uh for our middle school students our current students in the high school to just you know really bring our kids into that uh into
024that next level and and access to those uh to those programs. So, you know, be on the lookout for, you know, middle school parents, be on the lookout for, you know, those club opportunities coming up, uh, at the end of this week. And then I'll, you know, continue to check back with everyone and let you know how our cyber security course and our, um, progress towards the esports grant goes. >> Uh, there any questions about esport? I know sometimes we talk about esports, you know, there there's sometimes a perception that it's just, you know, video gaming. >> Why do you, >> Right. So, so in um within, you know, within esports, it's not just about um access to gaming. Um so, what what the research behind the grant and and the research behind what esports
025does, uh it brings a you know, high interest activity that all of the you know, so many kids are are involved in. So many kids find themselves in successful social environments also engaged with with gaming and it brings gaming, you know, out of the individual student sitting in their home to a um to a club activity with, you know, physical togetherness in a classroom. And it's not just about gaming. It's about all the aspects about event planning. Um so in an esports competition you have students who are participating not only as um highle gamers but there are students who are involved in the marketing the advertising the broadcasting the um the color commentary during the events there are uh students who are you know behind the scenes doing the recording doing the sound understanding the
026I guess the networking capabilities of the devices so that's the that's the premise behind an esports program. It's not just students playing Smash Brothers. That's fun. Mario Kart, you know, those types of things. That's great. But it's about the the background of it. And when you when you look at what we're trying to do with our pathways, we're trying to give our students access to, you know, highly engaging content that can have a payoff for a high wage, uh, highinterest career down the road. And you know, I don't every every time we talk about esports, I feel like every month the the billion dollar number on the industry of what it creates goes up, I feel like every time we talk about it. So, um, we're going to be providing our students access to that
027opportunity and that career path. And, and, uh, you know, we we're at the beginning of something really fun. And we believe just like the computer science grant, if we hadn't won the computer science grant, we still could have offered the computer science club and the computer science and the cyber security course. And I believe that we are able to offer an esports club and the um foreseeable future of an esports program even if we don't win uh the grant. the grant will be great just like it was with computer science, but we're seeing now just the the discussions that we're we're going to be moving forward and looking to to bring that process to West Mford with or without the grant. >> And I'll keep everyone in in the >> Thank you, Mr. Nove. Um,
028special reports and correspondence, Mr. Schultz. >> Sure. I have the minutes for the December 17th, 2024 workshop regular meeting, the December 17th, 2024 executive session, and the January 2nd, 2025 reorganization meeting. >> Here we go. >> All right, read it again. December 17th, 2024 workshop regular meeting minutes. the December 17th, 2024 executive session minutes and the January 2nd, 2025 reorganization meeting minutes. >> Could I have a motion? >> I'd like to move the December 17th workshop regular meeting, December 17th executive session, and January 2nd reorganization meeting minutes. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I. Any opposed? >> I'm going to abstain on uh January 2nd because I was not present. >> Okay. And I will obviously abstain from December 17th. Okay. >> Because I too was not president. >> You got that, Mr.
029Schultz. >> Got it. >> Okay. Okay. President's report. Um, thanks to Miss uh Sidner. You took two things that, but I will still mention them. I just wanted to congratulate Mrs. Petraillo and the journalism students for being awarded a second place award in the national contest for the American Scholastic Press Association for the 2023 2024 West Mulfett High School literary magazine black and gold the Highland Review. Congratulations. And again, Mrs. Petraillo was selected as the VFW's high school teacher of the year. U Mrs. Petraillo was selected from over a dozen other candidates for this honor. The VFW teacher of the year award contest recognizes exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patri patriotism in their students. I just wanted to congratulate Mrs. Petraillo for those two um amazing achievements. And that would
030end my president's report and we can go on to public comment. Is there anyone wishing to speak on agenda items? Move to close public comments. Second. >> All those in favor. >> Any opposed? >> Okay. So, now we move on to Sorry, coming down the agenda. Any amendments to the agenda about the kitchen? I'm assuming not. >> Uh, no. Anything that is in there is is visible to you. So, >> okay. >> It should be >> Yep. >> ready. >> Yes. Yes, you can view it. >> Okay. So could I have a motion to adopt the agenda as presented? >> I move to adopt the agenda. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Any opposed? >> Okay. Education. Mr. Satovich. >> I'd like to move items 12.2 >> through 12. >> Your mic. >>
031I'd like to move. No, just kidding. I'd like to move items 12.2 2 to 12.11 and also hand carry 13.2. >> Any discussion? >> Don't all jump in at once for a second. >> Oh yeah, second. Sorry. Any discussion? >> I actually had a couple of questions. Um, one was Hold on. And I just want to make sure I get the right um um the out of district 8 contract 12.7 and 12.8. I noticed that the amounts were a little bit different but it was for the same um uh out of district placement different students. I was just curious why there was a different price for the aids. One was for 30,805 and the other one was for 32,330. I just I guess I just found it a little strange that it would be two
032different numbers for the same academy. I'm not sure. >> So often the um the uh aids come with their own professional background and experiences as well as the the types of services they provide those students depending upon the programs. Um, so that that may be a reason why that there is a difference in salary just like our staff have the backgrounds that they have whether it's certain degrees or qualifications that may affect their their salary overall. >> Okay. Okay. And that's what I figured it probably was. I just wanted to ask the other one was for 12.9 the speech city. Um, I just was wondering if you could explain why. Um, so this one is um an increase of almost $20,000 from last month. I was just curious if you could just >> So what
033what has occurred at um uh UGL is that we when we began the school year, we had a speech therapist that had a schedule that um became um untenable with the amount of needs that we had. So what we did was is for the months of September through January, we were seeking a speech therapist agency to provide those services as a way to supplement the needs that were on the schedule that she had. Uh we weren't able to find one right away and what resulted in that was a backlog and a logging or uh services that became compensatory in nature. So we had to um continue to find someone when we located speech city as the vendor. Uh they began in I believe February and then what has been revealed over time the last few
034weeks has been the need for those compensatory services being made up in order to stay compliant for the upcoming school year. If we weren't able to add this we would be facing a backlog possessions going forward. And so the goal for this additional is to make sure that by the end of the school year there is no compensatory services that are required. >> Okay. I just I just find it striking that it went up by a third in a month. You know that that was the only reason. I figured it was probably because of compensatory. So thank you for explaining that. >> You're welcome. >> That's it for me. Any other discussion or questions? >> Seeing none. Uh roll call, please. Mr. Schultz. >> Uh Mr. Stovich. >> Yes. Mr. Dwire, >> yes. >> Mr.
035Lippy, >> yes. >> Mr. Lockwood, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mark, >> yes. >> Mr. Dano, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke, >> yes. >> Mr. Corino, >> yes. >> Uh, personnel, Mrs. I would like to move items 14.1 through. Sorry. Um for 14.22 and um 15.1 >> second >> um any discussion? But before we go into the discussion, I just wanted to speak to the retirements that are on here. I wanted to congratulate uh Mrs. McCort and Mrs. Neba for their upcoming retirements. Mrs. Mccau has given a little over 38 years and 31 of those in this district. Mrs. Neba has given almost 38 years to our district. We wish you both all the best in the next chapter of your lives. Congratulations on your retirements. >> Any other discussion? >> Mr. Dwer. >> Yes.
036Um, >> you have to do your mic. >> God technology. Um I I'm I'm very sorry to see very sad to see both of these women leave. Mrs. McCort was a phenomenal um kindergarten teacher when I was young and I subbed at um at Apua. I just remember her smiling face and her love of the children and it's sad to see that um that time end with Mrs. Neber. I I I can't say enough good things about her. The kids absolutely adored her. She was there for them. She helped so many teachers through so many rough times. Um, I'm talking as a person. She's loving, giving, and just such a loss to this district. And I hope we find someone as good as she is to replace her at the high school. All to say.
037>> Thank you, Mrs. Dwy. Any other discussion? Seeing none. Uh, roll call, please. Mr. Schultz. >> Mr. Stovich. >> Yes. >> Mr. Dwire. >> Reluctantly. Yes. >> Mr. Limpy. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Markwart. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rico. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Van Djk. >> Yes. And >> Mr. Gorino. >> Yes. Operations and finance. Mr. Lip, >> I'd like to move operations and finance 15, excuse me, no 16.1 through 16.10. It appears there is there is no hand carry there. Correct. >> Correct. >> Second. >> Any discussion, Mrs. Stovich? This is just a note that I think the board should also consider in reviewing the audit and the management report that our surplus and what gets designated into the future year's budget is still decreasing. So despite the fact that
038we had the unfortunate circumstance of raising taxes again twice in one year, uh we still have issues that I'm sure Mr. Schultz loses sleep over. So let's all be considerate that this has a lot of findings that we need to consider in the future and this upcoming budget cycle. >> Thank you, Mrs. Stovich. Mr. Van Dyke, >> we're we're going to have a presentation from the auditor next month. >> Yeah, they're going to come at the to the February meeting. >> Okay. So, they'll talk about >> Yeah, they'll talk about the audit and everything and the usual presentation that they do. No, >> just a point to the members, uh, we we talked last month about the possible recommended abstensions, but I'm noticing that in the payroll line it's not in there. So, uh, please
039be advised that you're responsible for your own abstensions and we will make sure that it's on the upcoming agenda. >> So, that'll be next month. Yeah, I apologize that it's not on this month, but uh just I noticed it. I wanted to point it out so that you were responsible for your own abstensions >> and it's 16.6, correct? >> 16.6 is payroll and then any other thing you would be abstaining from. >> Oh, so Oh, it's all okay. I didn't see that. >> Any other discussion? >> See a non roll call, please. Mr. Schultz. >> Uh Mr. Mr. Stovich, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwire, >> yes. >> Mr. Corino, >> yes to all and abstain from 16.6. >> Uh, Mr. Lippy, >> yes. >> Mr. Lockwood, >> yes. >> Mr. Marquart, >> I will be
040responsible and abstain from 16.6. And yes to the rest. >> Mrs. Rakana, >> yes. >> And Miss Van Djk, >> yes to all. and I will abstain from 16.6. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Policy, Mrs. Mquad. >> Okay. I'd like to make a motion to move items 18. 2 to 18.4. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Mr. Mr. Tovich, >> sorry for being so chatty tonight. Um, if Miss Dr. Kitchen wouldn't mind explaining how we're handling uh certain motions on here because we are adopting essentially the first reading. >> Yes, for the uh which one is it here? What's the number? It's >> conduct >> spectator code of conduct on 18.3. So, uh, if you remember, we, uh, were notified by Strauss, I was notified by Strauss estimated training back in the fall of the
041requirement to adopt a spectator code of conduct during this school year. We collectively as a board decided, I think coming from the committee, we decided to uh, adopt a policy immediately because there was a policy that existed through school boards, although Strauss estimate did not yet have their policy. Strauss estimate came out with their policy um in the most recent policy alert. It is nearly identical um to the one that we had previously adopted. But obviously we want to adopt the STR estimate version. So um in terms of functionally what it's replacing is is more or less the same. Uh which is why we've already gone through um the first and second reading with that initial policy. So, we're going to for this one um just be adopting it in a single reading and abolishing
042the other one. So, that same basic policy uh is up there, but it's through Sesame version. >> Thank you. >> Any other discussion? >> Seeing none. Roll call, please. Mr. Schultz. >> Mr. Stovich? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dwire? >> Yes. >> Mr. Lippy? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Markwart? Yes, >> Mrs. Rakana. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Van Dyke. >> Yes, >> Mr. Gorino. >> Yes, >> there is no hand carry for policy. So, committee reports, ladies, on parks and recreation, Mrs. Dwire and Mr. Gino. >> Nothing at this time. They'll probably start up in February. >> Thank you. Safety, Mrs. Rakano and Mrs. Wa, >> for the first time in probably eight months, I have a report. >> Yay. >> Oh, why did I miss this? >> Um, we met and
043um the reason why we haven't had a meeting is because um the district was waiting for the state police um to go through all of our buildings and provide us recommendations. Um and we had a wonderful presentation from um the state uh police um Sergeant Bambara um who just went over high level of some of the um things that they found going through our buildings. Um one of the things that he said that was most striking to me is that only 31 districts out of the whole state take advantage of this service. And you know, it's completely free and and I understand a lot of um districts use their u local law enforcement to handle this sort of a thing. But um I think it's um a feather in our local police's cap that they
044said, "Hey, bring them in. Let's see what they have to say, too." You know, let's not do this in a vacuum. So um um they have every school was given a report of things in their building that you know could be an issue. Um we are tackling them. Um Mr. Glenn from our um facilities is tackling them as um we can. Um there's some lowhanging fruit um that can be done immediately. Um there's some things that are gonna happen over spring break. Um one of the simplest things that um I don't know why nobody ever thought of this before was on some doors we had double doors with um looped handles that someone could essentially chain and lock people in the building. So those those um handles have since been rectified um and fixed. Another
045thing um was that um when looking on the outside of a building um we have room numbers and they should always be in the upper leftmost window of um the classroom so that you know if the fire, police, whoever when they go into the classroom from the outside they know where the one room starts and the other starts from from the exterior. So those are just like simple things that we can fix right away. There were some things that um you know they're going to take some time um and budget. So uh we have to plan for them. But um it was a great meeting. Um Sergeant Bambber was awesome um giving us the feedback. Um other things that they spoke about uh were you know the monthly school drills. Um, and I really, one
046thing I really love about this meeting is seeing all of the principles there and be them being so engaged in this. Like they really want their students and their staff safe and um when they talk about their drills and they say, "Well, this worked for me, but maybe it won't work for you." And they they collaborate, it's really a cool thing to say. Um, so the next uh meeting is going to be March 12th. >> I didn't know about this meeting. I think um Miranda was initially on the committee. >> Okay. >> Yes. I I don't think that you were added prior to this meeting. I think it was it was at the very beginning of the year. >> Um and Miranda originally, Mrs. um Jurgensson was originally um yeah on there. >> Now you're
047added. >> I do want to echo some of the things that Mr. Caner was saying. It really was an amazing process to go through all of our schools. um the state police's willingness to not just do, you know, high school, middle school, but do every single school. Um we we got Mr. Schultz and I were part of most of the walkthroughs. We couldn't get to all of them. We got to be pretty good at starting to notice some of you know, you start to view it through a different lens. So getting the the the uh administration involved, the police or the uh our local police involved, getting the uh principles involved, you start to see things. So, so we would walk into a room and spot something in another in the next school that we
048wouldn't have even it wouldn't even have crossed our mind before all of this. So, it really was great. We learned a ton. Um, there's so many things we can do to keep our our students safer, things we would have never really thought of on our own. Um, and even our local police were, like you said, they were kind enough to to, you know, no egos there. They were more than happy to receive the information and they've kind of adjusted some of their procedures with us as well. So, it was it was excellent. And I'll just add to that um uh Mr. Glenn and I yes yesterday met with uh Mr. Sanino working on the long range facility plan and we're going to provide the findings from the security walkthroughs to him so he can incorporate
049some of those projects into the long range facility plan as he's updating it. >> Thank you superintendent round table. Mrs. Van Djk and Mrs. Rico >> I'm back again. So um we met on um January 16th. Um the committee brought uh forth some issue um some concerns, some questions, some issues. Um the first was um how transportation communicates. Um they expressed some concern that the communication to parents is a little delayed um when there's an issue on the bus. Um and that you know sometimes the communication comes about 30 plus minutes from when the issue happened. Um but what uh Dr. Kitchenen and Mr. Novak um expressed was that um sometimes uh the PE we are so thin in the transportation department that sometimes the people who would be sending out those communications are actually
050driving and we can't have them pulling over to send an email or a voicemail. So um in because of that um and because of this issue that was brought up, some of the the principles have taken on some of the responsibility of communicating that out um they were they were referencing a particular instance where um the bus had been in an accident and the but the notification went out as soon as possible and um they followed all of the procedures that they needed to do before the communication went out. So you know we have to make sure the students are safe. we have to you know get everything together. So um in the particular instance that they um referenced everything happened as it should have. Um there was a question on um field trips and
051when is there a cuto off date and the short answer is yes. Um they typically avoid June based on end of year schedules and trips should be booked as early as possible. um and try to get them scheduled before May 1st for planning purposes. Um as we all know there is a new math structure at Makipin and the parents wanted a um like an update on how that's going. Um especially with some of our eighth graders taking geometry at the high school and uh Mr. Novak gave us the the positive um info that the current structure is working and the plan is to keep it the same for next year. Um there's now an evaluation process in place to ensure students are placed appropriately and next year's 8th grade geometry students should be the last
052cohort to go to high school for the first period geometry class. Um some follow-ups. There was additional um discussion about wonders. Um Mr. Novc has a meeting with the literacy team or he must have had it already um to discuss a spring doover for the presentation that they had in the fall um for parents to see what Wonders is and how they can better support their children. Um there was an update. Um it's it's a common theme with this um group of uh parents at SRT. They want to understand the lice policy and the communication of lice outbreaks in schools. And kudos to Dr. Kiten who attempted to call the county health department and everyone under the sun trying to figure out what the proper guidance was to this. And um as of then he
053was awaiting an update from uh the meeting with the nurses the >> I have a more recent update than what you were about to say. So maybe I can can in here. Um I >> I reached out to the health department who asked me to reach out to the county superintendent of schools who asked me to reach out to the health department. So then I reached out to the CDC and um got an answer that because I all I was trying to find out was what can we appropriately share out if there's an outbreak because you know there there's guidance that you want to help try to avoid spread but also we have to be mindful of of not violating anybody's rights. Um so at that time I was told that like well it's appropriate
054to help try to communicate information so that you avoid spread. Um and then following that I received an email last week from the health department where they shared a case that was cited where we are only permitted to communicate with the individuals who are found to have lice. So uh we at that time had planned to uh go with a a uh broad email just being like your child could have been exposed to lice. please be mindful of of these symptoms and here's some of the procedures you can follow if you have any issues. Um, but after re reading this latest update and the information that came through and I believe uh it was cited in the National Nursing Organization of which I forget the the acronym or the name for but um anyway but
055that information was then shared back out with the principles, nurses and so on. So the procedure that we are it was a long way to find out that what we are doing is the correct thing for us to be doing. Um, but I wanted the I wanted the backing of knowing exactly why that was the procedure. So, we now have information from the health department that tells us we cannot share um because there is there has been legal precedent set on that. >> And then a couple um more things and again I'm going to give kudos to Dr. Kitchen because he um followed up on SRT agenda items that he said, "Hey, I'll get back to you on that." he actually got back to them which is like the first time since I've been going
056to SRT that that's I think that's ever happened. So um the late late bus will not run for the remainder of this year sadly. It's due to funds and it can be re-evaluated for next year depending on budget. The UGL septic is progressing. Uh Mr. Glenn is looking into every option to get the septic project started and completed ASAP. Um, and >> I have more information on that one as well. >> All right, let's go. >> Uh, the other day, uh, Mr. Schultz and I and Mr. Glenn met with our architect and the engineers that they work most closely with to go through the project. Um, what we learned, well, cuz keep in mind that all three of us have stepped into our role midstream on this discussion cuz this has been dating back to
057like 2018 that this project uh, first started. >> I was just going to say that I feel like Yeah. So, we learned a few things. Um, one of the things we learned was that the recommendation to replace the septic came from a local health department inspection, but not an engineered inspection. Um, we've been digging to try to find some more information on that, but at this point it appears that the most appropriate course of action is for our architect and the engineers they work with to design an inspection that tells us what is truly wrong with the current system because it could save us a lot of money if we find out we don't need an entire system to be replaced. In the meantime, some of the concerns is the backup um, and the frequency
058that we're needing we're finding we need to pump. And in meeting with them, we learned more about our current system and some of the different tanks that are there. Um, former UGL principal, Mr. Novak probably could have helped to uh to to expedite some of this conversation cuz some of this information he had just on top of mind from his time in the building, but we did need some details on it from the engineers. Uh, there is a more effective way for us to pump the system. It's more significant pumping, more tanks to be pumped, but it can ensure that we're not having the backup. There's not odor associated uh with it is is the hope. And it buys us a little more time in in trying to get this whole thing assessed. Um but
059the goal is to learn exactly what's wrong because there's possibility that not replacing the whole system is is still appropriate. It doesn't mean it will be. We might have to replace the whole system, but we want the information to know for sure. Uh the only other thing I would mention is the the engineer that we have been working with on this project is uh remind me the name of the >> engineering. Yeah, houser engineering. So they don't spec things out for bid. Um our architects express some concerns with with with that. So there's the possibility that we'll be um sort of looking to to adjust partnerships on how we're working with some of these things here moving forward. So, to be discussed um how we're going to handle it, but uh just know that yes,
060it is progressing, but we're taking a deeper dive into it because it sounds like there may have been some things that could have been handled more um effectively in this process. And now that we're taking the lead on it, we want to make sure we're doing it right. So, um again, hopefully we get the news that we're going to save a whole bunch of money. >> Um two more things. Um, and this is something that's been in the news lately. Um, there may be a policy guideline coming from, um, the district regarding cell phone usage, particularly at the secondary level. I know our, uh, policy committee has talked about it. Um and the final thing which was something really cool is the district is looking to do virtual job fairs for all um positions not
061just open positions to try and entice interest in our district and help uh college students get interview practice. So and that concludes my SRT report. >> Thank you Mrs. Rano uh Miss County School Boards Association, Mrs. Van Djk and myself. Um, the meeting is tomorrow. Yes. And it is a virtual meeting. So, anybody, >> yes, >> is welcome to sign on. You probably all got an email from Robert about it. >> Yeah. And it's on the transformative power of charter schools in New Jerseys public education is their topic. So, if anyone is interested, um, so New Jersey School Boards Association, Mr. Satovich and myself. >> Thank you. So, the New Jersey Department of Education, I I'm reading this off of the school board's website. Um, they issued a gentle reminder for slackers like me that
062our 2025 disclosures are due. So, let's uh let's hand them into Highlander headquarters and get ourselves in compliance. Uh, >> the New Jersey School Boards Association is introducing Capital Watch to inform and empower members. Capital Watch is a new quarterly online newsletter designed to support one of its three organizational pillars, advocacy. So, I look forward to reporting on that in the future. Should I just flow right into legislative? >> All right, >> please do. So last year in 2024, the legislature and the governor signed a law or the governor signed a law that the legislature passed to eliminate practice basic skills testing as a requirement for teacher certification and that went into effect on the 1st. And secondly, this is a more touchy topic, but it is important to note that the New Jersey Department
063of Education updated its school protocols for immigration enforcement to safeguard the well-being of undocumented immigrant students. But it also said that schools must honor valid judicial search or arrest warrants and that it is vitally important for school officials to obtain a copy and to present it to your district legal council before taking any action in response to immigration officials. So, it is a subject that I'm sure we're going to have more and more uh items happening in our news broadcast and the point is to be informed as school board members as this continues. And that's my report. >> Thank you, Mrs. Stovich. Uh technology oversight, Mrs. Muard or Mr. Lee. Uh we have we have nothing at this point but I'd like to thank the technology department for giving us all these services for the
064official start of a voting process here. Other than that we'll have one next one. >> Perfect. Thank you. Township board of education joint committee. We have had no meeting but is there any update at all Mr. Schultz? No, the only update I have is that the uh the township, as you already voted on, is applying for a grant for fencing up at the Dagos fields as part of the phased in project. That's really the only update I have as of now. >> Okay. Have they reached out at allen or the township? >> Uh no, they haven't reached out to reached out about this. I know uh Mr. Kjaki came and met with Doug when they when they got uh walked around the area for the fencing, but that's the only communication I've had on it.
065>> Okay, great. Thank you. West Milford Municipal Alliance, Mrs. Van Djk, I have no report. and special education parent advisory committee, Mrs. Mark McKard. So, we had our last meeting right here on January 15th. Um, we had presenters from the academic success consultants. They did a dyslexia presentation that was amazing. Um, the presentation will be up on the website um along with the minutes from the meeting um coming soon. Um we also had we talked about the um blue envelope program. Um so the blue envelope program um is for individuals um with autism spectrum disorder. Um they have um an envelope that you can get that um lets an officer know if they're verbal or nonverbal um and other information. This is a really really great program and if anybody wants more information on it
066um they can reach out to our SRO uh Sue Novacowski um at the high school or they can reach out to the West Moford Police Department. But um I encourage anyone who has family or friends that could benefit from that service to look into it because it could actually potentially save a life. Um, we talked about um goals and objectives in our IEPs and what we could do to um improve them and maybe uh decrease the amount and and aim for more success with achieving them um going forward. Um our next meeting will be March 12th at Apua. And that's all for me. Thank you, Mrs. McCoy. Now, I'm going to hand it over to Dr. Gin who wants to give a little bit of an update on a little change that we're planning on
067doing next month to this section. So, >> so for this section for our committee reports and liaison, uh, one of the things that I think might be helpful to us is with the shift to school boards and our ability to set up SE, you know, separate sort of governing bodies within school boards is one thing we can do is set it up so that our committee reports. Uh, we can take those minutes and you're you're writing up the minutes anyway. We take those minutes. We can enter them into school boards so that they become an attachment to the agenda. So you have the chance to sort of review that information. So rather than us going through all the individual reports and it's it's presented publicly and verbally, but you have the information readily available to
068you. So my guess is that it would turn this portion of the meeting into more of a other questions about the reports because you've had a chance to see it, review the information. Um, so I think it it gets that information for you, but it also makes sure the information as it's recorded is then part of public record because it'll go out as as an attachment to these meetings. So I think it'll make this part quick and and also more effective uh way for us to share information with one another. So uh that's the plan. Uh once we roll out this like once the the the updated version of uh of board docs is uh is available to us which should be here sometime here in the next week hopefully. Um we'll make that shift.
069So my guess would be that next month we should be able to do committee reports that way. Um so stay tuned but I'll obviously touch base with all the individual uh leaison to make sure you know how to enter any information and so on. >> Anyone got any questions on that at all? >> I think it's a great idea. >> I agree. I like that it's going to be available on record too for the public so that they can >> send our minutes I guess to Billy >> I don't think we we can we can we can upload to the actual agenda >> we will be able to with the way it's going to be structured right so so if you remember one of the things that we one of the benefits of this is
070we can create separate governing bodies for like individual committees so we will just create one that is you know committee liaison reports and the committee leaison would then have appropriate access to just put that information in there. So it' be super simple before you just put it in. We'll have to figure out what what's the easiest way. I want to make it as convenient for you as possible. But uh it should be super simple and then as we're creating the agenda, it'll just get attached. The only potential issue which really isn't an issue is let's say for example the agenda closes out you know like last Thursday or Friday. So let's say you had a meeting yesterday. Well, you're you're it wouldn't make it to uh the report wouldn't make it to this month's meeting,
071but when we get to that section of the agenda, you could just say, "We had a meeting yesterday. Obviously, you don't have this in front of you. You'll see it on next month's, but I wanted to just highlight this one thing from the meeting." So, I I think that's easy enough to be like, "Look, if you didn't get it in by that date, no big deal. Goes on the next one." >> Uh so, looking forward to that. I think it'll it'll really be a nice way to communicate. And will this work? So you can give like permission to specific people for specifics, right? >> Yep. So we can set it up. So we we we we have unlimited number. >> Yeah. We have an unlimited number of like they they call them like governing bodies,
072but like we have an unlimited number of governing bodies we can put in for different committees or whatever. And then within those we can change any you all of you have login for this. So, with the login, we can just change what your permissions are for that specific area. Uh, which will be really, really helpful because you'll just be able to edit it and then we'll be able to pull it and put it onto the agenda. So, it should be super straightforward. We'll we'll work through it if there's any issues, but it should be easy. >> Perfect. >> Thank you, Dr. Gen. Um, old business. Any old business? Um, Miss Style, >> do we have any updates on our new website? I was under the impression that it was going to be done a few
073months ago, and I still don't see it. >> So, our our hope was to roll out January 1. We knew that was a little bit ambitious, but it was our it was our target. Um, it's done. Like, it's we can we can go on, we can view it. Everything is rolled over. It's done. The website itself looks very similar to our current website, which there's nothing wrong with our current website. it's just being bought out by a new uh company. So, we'd have to migrate. Anyway, the the switch was not related to the website itself. It was related to the communication piece that goes along with it. And uh Mr. Winston's been working with the individuals from Apt, which is the the mother company, and then thrillshare is the communication tool that goes along with
074it. um that has been it's just taken a little longer than we thought to kind of get the social media accounts linked up to make sure all the everything is is listed in there properly. All the moderated users cuz remember every single staff member, all of our teachers will have moderated user accounts where they could potentially post things that then gets approved by a moderator and can show up on the building pages on the live feed and onto the social media pages and and then become more easily sharable. So the the we could literally turn it on tomorrow if we wanted to. But what I don't want to do is roll to the new website when it's not fully ready to go because what I don't I don't want this is an exciting and positive
075thing and I don't want it to be undercut by the fact that there's like you know certain things that weren't quite ready. Uh the other thing is that we're noticing is is you are aware websites are are they go they're deep and wide. There's a lot of different rabbit holes that you can go down. We've discovered a few areas on the current website that were had outdated information, which means that outdated information is what migrated to the new site. So, I don't want to go changing it in two locations to update it on the current site and the new site, but we do want to try to make sure that it's up to date on the new site when the site goes live because it would be a little weird to say, "Hey, we got
076this brand new site." You're like, "Well, then why is there information on there that's four years old on this specific page?" So, we're kind of trying to go through and really dive into all of that. So, it it it has taken longer than anticipated. We really really wanted it to be out by uh January 1. I know we kind of discussed that as a board. It just it would have been preemptive and it would have come with some hiccups and inevitably some emails to the board or to us as administration saying, "What's the deal with this?" So, I'd rather it be done once be done properly. In the meantime, we're functioning fine. We have a website. We have a communication tool. When this one's ready to be done properly, I'm sure there'll still be some
077thing we missed, but at least um you know, we're in good shape with it. >> Thank you. >> Will you be engaging staff to test it out? I'm sorry. >> Thank you. >> I'm sorry. >> Will you be engaging staff and and administrators to go through the website and and look at content? Because while I understand that, >> you know, you guys and >> Mr. Winston and I are going through it. Our our staff and our principles and our supervisors probably would be able to look at things that pertain to them. Yes. >> And see something very easily that's outdated or that's missing. >> So we actually have done that. So we went a couple departments we we asked them to go through and update some specific areas that we noticed and then we shared
078out with other administrators to be like hey take a look at your building pages and so on. So we have done that. Um, I still like to try to get my eyes on as much of it as possible to be that I feel good about it, but um, but yeah, that that's that's been done and it will continue to be done. >> Yes. So, currently, is anybody upset updating what's on there now or No, >> on the on the current website. >> Yeah. Like, so if I open Highlander Press volume 4, it's June of 2024. So that's on the main page, but if I scroll, I see kindergarten registration for 2425. Like feel like that probably should be on the main page, not the Highlander Press. And you're on the main page. I like you,
079but you're not new anymore. >> Um, yeah. So, so there, yes, there is some stuff there that needs to be updated. Some of it is is should be quick and easy that we can change. Some of it I was like, look, we're not I don't need I don't need to update it on both places. make sure it's current on the on the new website and then the sooner we get to the new website, we don't have to worry about that. The more time it takes to get there, the more outdated the current website feels because it's still >> right problematic. >> I think some of these things you you probably could just pull off in 15 minutes. >> We'll take a look. >> Yeah, >> especially on the main page that like that's where people
080are coming for. >> Yeah. >> Any other old business? >> Move to close old business. >> Second. All those in favor. >> Any opposed? New business. Um we do have Do you want to do the um recognition month? >> Yes. >> First. Okay. >> So, uh again, as I mentioned earlier, it is school board recognition month. Um I know usually Mr. Kennel likes to read these motions, but I feel like since you're being recognized, uh you probably shouldn't have to read the motion. So, sorry to steal this one from you. Uh but I'm going to go ahead and read this motion. Uh whereas the New Jersey School Boards Association has declared January 2025 to be schoolboard recognition month, a time when all residents can acknowledge the contributions made by our local school board members. And
081whereas the West Milford Board of Education is one of more than 581 local school boards in New Jersey, which sets policies and oversees operations for public school districts. And whereas the West Milford Board of Education embraces the goal of highquality education for all New Jersey public school students. And whereas the new uh New Jersey's local school boards help determine the educational goals for approximately 1.4 million children in preK through 12th grade. And whereas New Jersey's 5,000 local school board members who receive uh no reuner re excuse me remuneration for their services uh act as advocates for public school students as they work with administrators, teachers, and parents for the betterment of public education. And whereas school boards strive to provide the resources necessary to meet the needs of all students, including those with special needs.
082And whereas uh boards of education provide accountability to the public, they communicate the needs of the school district to the public and they convey the school administrators uh the school administrators the public's expectations for the schools. And whereas New Jersey can take pride in its schools which rank among the nation's best in key achievement indicators such as the national assessment of educational progress scores and the preparation for college through the uh the advancement through advanced placement offerings and SAT assessments. Now therefore, be it uh be it resolved that the West Milford Board of Education does hereby recognize the service of local school board members throughout New Jersey as we join communities statewide in observing January 2025 as school board recognition month. And be it further resolved that the West Milford Board of Education urges all
083New Jersey citizens uh to work with their local boards of education and public school staffs towards the advancement of our children's education. >> Could I have someone uh make a motion to move that resolution and second it? >> But you have to read it again. >> I'd like to make a motion to move all of what he just said. Everywhere. Second. >> Any discussion? >> All those in favor? >> Any effects? >> Very welcome. >> Here you go. >> Thank you. >> It's like voting on your own. growing raises. >> I think by now you all know me well enough to know I don't mind talking in front of people. I really don't enjoy reading in front of people. So, made it. Okay. >> Thank you, Dr. Kitchen, for that recognition. All right. Any other
084new business, Mr. Satovich? So, every month, uh, we have an administration that brings to the table so many great things that happen in our district. We get these great reports from our young students. We get all sorts of awards ceremonies. And my new business tonight is hoping that we have more press releases that recognize things like awardwinning grants and new programs that are entering the districts because right now I feel that isn't absent but it's not as recognized as it should be. And uh my hope is that in the near future we do have a district that's more proactive in celebrating those moments publicly because folks deserve it. >> Thank you. And and to Mrs. Dwire's point, once we get this new website rolling, it's not just about the website. It is about being able
085to push that information out in publicly consumable forums. And I think that'll be that'll go a really really long way um to getting the word out on on things like tonight's you know tonight's recognition. This was great and it was great for us to see it and take the pictures with the kids and um but our audience is is limited to those who are actively consuming this whereas once we have the ability to push that information out uh we'll get more eyes on it. So that'll be great. And we also um recently provided all of our building principles and a couple uh department leads with access to the um S'more um newsletter platform. Um I I did a few um newsletters with it last year. I know Dr. Schwarz has been piloting it at the
086Apua School. It's a very professional looking um resource that allows all of our building leaders to create, you know, really great looking newsletters for uh for their schools. We also have one for the guidance department. Uh we have one for uh special services. We have one for um the collect right now because of the number of licenses we have. I have a collective um license for our uh content area supervisors. So building leads guidance special education and our departments as a whole. So we just gave them their access. um they'll be receiving training um probably uh initially in our at our February PD day and then you know we should see a um process where we unify you know how we want these things to go out. We want to get away from the um
087you know the pandemic era quick snippet um you know quick snippet email communication you know with these professional looking resources. >> Dr. Fowler sends out a newsletter every Friday. That's fantastic. So, and I mean, we're new to UGL, but that we've been getting that since the beginning of the school year. I don't know how long he's been doing it, but it's it's an excellent newsletter with everything in it. So, >> any other new business? >> Move to close new business. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Any opposed? Uh, public comments, agenda or non-aggenda items. Anyone wishing to speak, >> Mr. Romeo? >> Y, >> that means you have to read something right now. >> It is, but you have to come up. >> Hold on. >> We're just trying to >> I have
088to pull it out >> because it's on the computer. >> So, all speakers will have five minutes to speak until a period of 30 minutes transpires. Before speaking, please state your name, group affiliation, and address for the record. Members of the public who have requested to speak prior to the meeting will be recognized by the chair first. After speaking, all speakers are asked to sign the register provided and give their full name, group affiliation, and their address. All statements shall be directed to the presiding officer. No participant may address or question board members individually. All speakers are expected to have read the statement within the agenda regarding the regulations concerning public comments. members of the public are reminded that they are legally responsible and liable for their comments. Mrs. Romeo. >> Hi, good evening. Um,
089I just wanted uh to I guess make a few reminders of things that um we've talked about in the past and then some new comments. So, one of the things from the past is um parents are still getting texts if they have children from at different schools. Um, we get texts that say West Milford schools and then it might say the, you know, a bus is running late or it's Gold Stock day tomorrow or it's but did that just come from UGLA or Marshall Hill? We don't know. Um, so when the um texts come out, if it could be identified what school they're coming from, it would be really helpful for parents that have students even if they're at Makipin and Maple Road, you know. Um, so that's a reminder. Um, I'm really concerned um
090that in Terara's report from the um SRT that you're making any cuts to a budget that's been approved on. Um, spring sports is about to bring out I don't know how many students, but I hope that you know and that you're discussing that. Um, but why would we be cutting anything right now? Uh it was never in the budget. >> Yes. So that was not in this current budget. It was in for the fall uh but not um beyond the fall. So it hasn't been cut from the current budget. It was never budgeted in. >> Thank you. So when we budget for a leap bus, we don't budget for the whole year. We budget for a season. Okay. Uh my next thing uh I'm just going to go like kind of in order of what
091I heard. Um is I >> clarification it wasn't budget it wasn't budgeted for the fall. It was approved for the fall having not been budgeted at all. Um and we were able to make it work for that season but not throughout the whole year. And it would be a discussion in the budget. So, I guess what I'm hearing you guys say is that when the transportation budget comes, um, that it's never in the transportation budget, the late bus. >> The leak bus is, but not the leak leap bus, >> the 5:30, >> correct? >> Okay. >> Yeah, that that was cut a number of years ago. We've added it back a couple times the last couple of falls for the need for band and other sports in the fall, but that's the busiest time that
092we've needed it. So, we've used it in the fall the last two years, but we don't have the late leap bus for the other seasons. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, being a high school educator and anyone that's gone to high school, so that probably includes every single one of us here, we know that educators will often tell high school students, well, it's because we're preparing you for the rest of your life or for when you have a job or when you're a professional or whatever it is that you're doing next. Um, and so when we leak policies like the late policy and we say, well, you know, you can't be late or you could be late five times and then you get a detention and then you get a cut and then you get a
093a class drop or whatever it is that you're making policy about with high school students. It's because we're often preparing them for the next thing. Um, and so I could we could also talk about that way with the absence um policy. And so I really hope that um as a policy committee that you're really truly thinking about how we're preparing students um for the future if we're going to take this out of their hands. Um because um I know that in strategic planning we talked about including technology. We talked about success of our students for the future. And um I think that the whole idea is that if mom's calling right now while I'm speaking to the board of education, I'm not going to answer that, you know, because I'm in the middle of something.
094So if you're taking a test, you're your phone should be in your backpack or in your locker or, you know, um but the minute that we start to take these freedoms and these things from kids, how are we preparing them for the future? Um so I wanted to comment on that as you're saying that that's something that you're going to be talking about soon. Um I attended the um CPAC meeting and um there were a lot of concerns that I had. Um I probably should have a Dr. Resa does a great job. The meeting the presentation was phenomenal. Um, I am concerned about some upcoming trainings that are being done. And I wanted to mention, um, there are districts nearby that are, um, that are using programs just like West Milford uses I Ready to
095test our students to get levels. There are districts that are using programs to help write their IPS. Uh, one of the ones right now that everybody's talking about that you can pull up an app, you can Google it. Um, >> I move to extend the speaker's time. >> Second. >> I'm almost done, but thank you. If we will, >> do you have to vote on it? Uh, is goal book G O A L B O K. I see Dr. Rosa shaking his head. Yes. Phenomenal. Special ed. Can I continue? Do you guys have to vote on it? I'm almost done. >> You do have >> You said you're almost done. >> I am. Okay. >> We did have a little bit of a minute. We took a minute of your time. So, >> thank you.
096So golda is amazing. I don't know what it costs. I mean that's not I'm not in that seat anymore. So it's not but as an educator and a parent um it is something that I really hope that the district I live in will look at um programs that will um bring professionalism to IPS to that we know that we're following them and things that we know that kids can reach and then how do we collect that data and so the this is a way of it's not just the human training part but it's the part where I you know in real time u Caitlyn and I were just saying how uh there's drop down menus and then they type in the IEPs, you know, and then this adds a whole different level of um accountability
097and its ownness on everybody communicating and working together, you know, I just think that um having one trainer come in or having someone I really um you know wasn't keen on that personally, but also a lot of the parents were talking about it after um talking about goals and objectives and how we want to work together and and make them something that our students and our staff can work on obviously in the classroom and make this a real important thing with the right programs and the right people you know all of us. So that was it. Thank you. Um thank you Mrs. Romeo. Anyone else wishing to speak? >> Second. >> All those in favor. >> Any opposed? Executive session. Uh, Mrs. Rakano, we need about 30 minutes. >> Okay. Um, at 8:24 p.m., I
098move that the board go into executive session for the purpose of discussing personal appointments, resignations, current litigation matters, special education matters, negotiations, HIPS, and matters of attorney client privilege. The executive session minutes will not be released until such time as the privilege or confidentiality is no longer applicable. The board will be in executive session for approximately 30 minutes and no action will be taken. So we will adjourn from executive session. Second. >> Thank you. All those in favor. Any opposed? >> Thank you everyone.