001I'd like to call the meeting to order. If we could have a moment of silence. 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 rooms, the suburban trends, the record, the messenger of West Milford town hall, the county superintendent's office, the board attorney, cable vision of Warwick and West Mulford TV77 and posted in the administrative. Copies of the board meeting calendar resolution were provided to all local media, town hall, township library, and all district schools. Roll call, please. Mr. Schultz. Mr. Stovich, Mrs. Dwire >> here,
002>> Mrs. Jurgensson >> here, >> Mr. Libby >> here, >> Mrs. Markart >> here, >> Mrs. Romeo >> here, >> Mrs. Van Dyke >> here, >> Mrs. Ricardo >> here, >> Mrs. L >> here. >> Uh, superintendent's report of the kitchen. >> Yes. Uh, not much this evening. Uh, just a couple of things I wanted to highlight. So, uh, we had our on-site decision day. I believe it was last week. And um for those of you who are not aware, on-site decision day is a day that our students have the opportunity to sit down um with uh individuals from several different colleges uh and their admissions team and they find out in the moment whether or not they're getting into those schools. Uh it's something that our guidance office puts on. It was an unbelievably
003uh well attended event. Uh kids were super excited. Kids were super nervous. I've got a feeling our um our student rep is probably going to be getting into some details on that because of how thorough she is. So, I don't want to steal any of her thunder. Um but uh but yeah, it was really a great event. So, it's great to see uh I wish they had something like that when I was in high school and really was great. Uh I also wanted to announce uh these next two are kind of combined. So, our governor's educator of the year and governor's educational uh service professional of the year. for the past few years that is not something that West Milford School District has participated in. Really excited to bring it back this year. Um, you
004know, it's really important that we have we have the opportunity to honor our teachers and recognize them that we do so. Um, so we did we have a teacher of the year from all of our buildings. We have an ed service professional from I believe I believe all but one of our buildings has an ed service professional. Um, so it really it's a great opportunity. Mr. Novak and I got the chance to bounce around to all of our schools and um congratulate the individuals. I think we might have one or two left we have to pop into. Um but we were there for most of the actual presentations and um they were so excited, blown away by uh the recognition from their colleagues. So um really really excited to bring that back. The other thing
005that I wanted to share um is something that we're doing that is is I think pretty unique. I'm not sure of any other districts that are doing this, but I spent the past couple of years on the uh county selection board for Sussex County, obviously. And in the process of doing that, I've gotten to see firsthand how unbelievably uh timeconsuming the application is for county teacher of the year. I think it's in our district's best interest that we have people that are interested in putting in for that. Um, but I actually I spoke to for the former winners uh because they were on the selection committee and they said it took about eight or nine hours for them to write their application and that and and the individual who shared that with me said that
006she's not somebody who really spends a lot of time second guessing and going back. That's just how long it took her to put it together. So, while we were brainstorming and Dan and I really felt as though if we have teachers who are interested in applying for county teacher of the year that we should be giving them the time to do that. So, the plan is if they choose to apply and some of them may not um but if they choose to apply we'll be giving them a comp day to uh put uh to work on that application to become uh hopefully considered for county teacher of the year. and uh if they choose not to apply, they won't get that comp day. But I do think it's something that's pretty unique, but it also
007hopefully encourages our staff to take that recognition beyond just the district. And uh hopefully we have some some county teachers of the year at shows professionals of the year. Um and then last but not least, I'll turn it over to our student representative, Megan Sy, who can take it away. >> Thank you. Good evening. Here's a debrief on all things West Milford. This December, West Milford High School's Women's Equality and Empowerment Club held a toy drive for Oasis, a safe haven for women and children that began December 5th and ended today, December 17th. The women's club raised 133 toys across the home room, with Mr. McKinnus' philosophy home room winning a donut and hot chocolate breakfast, which they may enjoy on Friday, December 20th, due to their donations of 34 toys over 14 students. Mr.
008Rose sophomore English home room did donate the most with 49 toys over 29 students. Thank you to all who participated. Alex Shamlin's second annual memorial toy drive began on December 4th and ends tomorrow, December 18th. Alex Shamblin was a child who was chronically ill for many years during his life, causing him to spend a few hospital stays before Christmas. He was always upset for those who didn't get the chance to go home to get a Christmas gift. You can still donate unused wrapped toys to Wesnoler Pharmacy. West Milford High School, Milford Manor Rehab Center, or West Parkway Medical in his name. Onsite decision day was held on December 5th. This event featured 28 different colleges from across the state of New Jersey, many of which offered free applications for those who participated. This was the
00929th anniversary of on-site decision day at West Milford High School. There were 100 seniors who participated with a total of 280 appointments. So, a big success. West Milford High School held its December SAT on the 7th. Scores for those participating will be released 2 to 4 weeks after the testing date. December 11th was extremely eventful across Wesford. For the middle school, this was the day of the holiday concert band whose footage and sweet music is publicly available to enjoy again on the Wesn TV Science YouTube channel. For Wesburg High School, this was the day of the seasonal reclaim led by award-winning Mr. Jordan and his numerous TV science classes. This featured various skits and edits of the athletic and academic accomplishments of the West Milford High School students thus far. Lastly, on December 11th, West
010Milford High School hosted the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery or the ASVAB testing for students interested in pursuing careers in the military. This assessment provided a valuable opportunity for our students to explore their skills and aptitudes as they consider their future goals. To further support these students, a career workshop and post- test interpretation event will be held on January 8th during the school day. This follow-up activity is designed to help students understand their ASVAB results and guide them towards aligning their strengths with career pathways in the military or other fields of interest. Our guidance department is proud to offer these opportunities as part of their ongoing commitment to helping all students achieve their goals and prepare for success beyond high school. On December 13th, West Milford High School's Heroes and Cool Kids program as well
011as the middle school sidekicks program visited the elementary schools and taught their first lesson on resilience. It went very well. Dawn your festive gear and school spirit. December 16th to December 20th is the West Milford High School's holiday spirit week. Monday was supposed to be PJ and comfy clothes day, but this was made a reality when school was cancelled due to the wintry mix and we wore comfy clothes at home. Tuesday was wear red and or green day. Wednesday is ugly sweater day. Thursday is Grinch day. And Friday is holiday headgear day. Today, December 17th, the Marines visited the West Milford High School cafeteria. During lunch and or free periods, students were able to speak with Marines to learn about their experiences and to be exposed to further career options. Students were also able to
012earn a free lanyard by doing pull-ups with the provided bar. It's very nice. from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. tonight at the high school auditorium. The senior class council is hosting a movie night featuring everyone's favorite creative Christmas film, Home Alone. Admission is $3 and all profits from entry as well as from food and drinks sold will go towards the class of 2025's prom this spring. Now for a brief look into the future. Grab your loved ones and prepare your hot chocolate. The holiday break is to span from December 21st to January 1st. Elementary school parents and staff, this one is for you. As the middle school and high schoolers already had theirs, get ready for parent teacher conferences for K through 5 across across the district to be held on January 6th and January
0137th. Start the new year prepared for college. On January 8th at 700 p.m. in the high school auditorium, the guidance department is hosting its annual financial aid event. A representative from the NJ Higher Education Assistance Authority or HESAA will speak to us about types of financial aid, differences between public and private post-secary institutions, options for saving for college New Jersey, and more. This event is appropriate for all high school grade levels, as it is never too early to talk about financial aid, and parents and students are both welcome. Lastly, get your fun facts and quick answers ready. The PTSO will be hosting a trivia night for adults in January 2025 and will then hold one for students in March. Thank you for your time tonight. I look forward to updating you on our beloved resume
014for next month. Please enjoy the rest of your meeting and happy holiday meets. Megan, thank you so much. That was excellent as always. Um and I know last meeting you were talking about um finding a way to sort of share out your report since it is so thorough. Um, so more recently than that, we were having a conversation. Um, so our board is aware that we're we're looking to roll out a new uh website. We're still hoping that January 1st is a feasible start date, but we want to make sure it is perfect before we roll it out so there isn't any uh flaws in that. But within that, what I would like to do is on our board of ed page, um, I would like to put a little a little spot where we
015can take the reports that you put together and we can put them on there and link them so that people have the opportunity to go back and follow up as long as that's all right with you. So, >> that sounds fantastic. Thank you. >> Yeah, thank you. That's it was really great. Um, the only other thing that I did not have on here is just a reminder that we're looking to roll out our board docs um, platform in January. And as of this morning, we now have all of our board members um, uh, that will be on the board come January. We'll be trained. Um, I didn't want to make uh, Mrs. Romeo spend a bunch of time getting ready, but uh, we are trained. we are prepared and uh we're ready to go for
016a January roll out with the tentative plan being to do it in the January 2nd reorg meeting which a nice light agenda in case we have any hiccups. >> That's all for my report. >> Thank you. Um assistant superintendent report Mr. go back. >> And I want to echo Ryan's comments of, you know, how thorough Cider is every time. Uh so many of the things that that uh I want to talk about are in your report. So, thank you. Um but I was going to keep it brief tonight and just talk about the uh update to our conference uh conference schedule for this year. As was mentioned, uh we had a successful process on uh November 25th and 26th for our uh middle school and high school conferences as uh was um I guess typical
017to past practice. Uh during that time our elementary staff were um uh they had a uh early dismissal but we didn't they didn't have conferences and during that time they worked in their classrooms and they uh put together some uh information for parents to go home. Uh so those uh that information went home prior to Thanksgiving and now we're looking forward to uh parent teacher conferences for our elementary students on January 6th and January 7th while our middle school and high school staff uh have early dismissals on those days on those days. And I've explained in the past what um that the the rationale for early dismissals on on u all sets of days are due to our transportation. So, in order for us to accommodate uh in order for us to accommodate the process
018for our elementary staff to be able to sit at a parent teacher conference with the end of term uh report card, which is one of the reasons for this change, we had to be able to do uh early dismissal for uh for both sets. Um, one of the, I guess, processes we're going to follow through with after the 6th and the 7th, we're going to release a survey to our staff and also a survey to parents just to get uh feedback regarding um, you know, how that uh, how the how the change went and and feedback on the process. So, uh, we are tentatively planning for that process to take place again next year. uh but we are going to take a look at the feedback to see you know you know if it's if
019it has value and if we're going to continue it and also uh if it needs to be adjusted in some regard. So just wanted to fill in everyone on that uh on that process. >> Before you go on, can I ask a question? >> Um I haven't seen the elementary school report card, but is it the same for prek to grade five? >> The report card? >> Yeah, >> the report card varies by grade based on the standards. It's a um it's we we call it a hybrid report card. There's there's a variety of report cards that are out there. We have >> So we have a standard piece report card. So every grade level is different. >> Yes. Okay. >> Our fifth grade report card is the only report card left in the elementary
020schools that still has the um the classic uh grading with ABC etc. Uh grades kindergarten through four. students are rated on a scale of 1 to four that um correlates with language that is geared closer to these standards meaning approaching grade level standards um meeting grade level standards exceeding grade level standards etc. >> Okay, thank you. >> Thank you Mr. Novc. Um special reports on correspondence, Mr. Schultz. >> Sure. I have the minutes, excuse me, for the November 19th, 2024 workshop regular meeting and the minutes for the November 19th, 2024 executive session. >> Could I have a motion? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Okay. Presidential report. Um, so just a couple of things. Um, I'll go over the uh one thing that is on
021here first. So, the results are finalized. Um, just a quick update, myself, Cla Lockwood, uh, Teresa Dwire, and Raymond Garino will be the, uh, three incoming board members sworn in at the relog meeting next month on the 2nd. Um, I just also wanted to say a big thank you to Kate Romeo. This is her last meeting. She's outgoing. There'll be more in new business on that, but just an acknowledgement of um the results u have been finalized finally from the county and the state and um those were the three that will be coming on um to the board in January. Um the other thing I wanted to say was uh two things. uh Frozen um the uh new play that Paradise Null put on um last week and over the weekend. It's new for that
022elementary school to put on a play and I was had the pleasure of going on Friday and it was amazing. I feel like I just compliment the plays all the time no matter where they are. Magapin, um the high school and now uh the elementary. I mean, there were seven, I think a little over 75 cast members ranging in age from, I think, kindergarten up until fifth grade. It was a filled um allpurpose room with parents and children and it was just amazing. So, great job and looking forward to what you bring next year. The other thing that I just wanted to mention was I had the pleasure of going to the recent volleyball tournament in honor for uh Julian um who for those that don't know he's a student in one of our elementary
023schools who's um you know gotten sick again for the fourth time. And um I just want to say and I guess I can feel myself um tearing up on this because that night to me as an audience member was amazing to see the staff, the students and everyone that just came out to support this little boy who's again going through such a terrible thing. But the atmosphere, it was amazing. and I heard they raised a little over $4,000 for this family. And Julian, we're thinking of you and we're wishing you and your family all the best. And it was just a great great night. Um I also want to give a big shout out to our student representative who played a huge part, I understand, in organizing that. And um it was the night after
024the board meeting where you blew us all the way with your your report as you always do every week. And then you blew me away too by just off the cuff grabbing the microphone at the end and giving this amazing speech um from your heart and and thanking everyone and and just kudos to you because I think you're going to be here one day. Um you definitely do it much better than me. But I just I just wanted to point that out um about the volleyball tournament. Um and on that note um that's it for my report. So we'll move on to public comments which is anything um that is on the agenda. Uh so before I go in to see if I have to speak the um you know the verbatim what I have
025to is anyone signed up >> Mr. Schultz? >> No, nobody signed up. >> Is there anyone that is wishing to speak? >> Okay, seeing none, can I have a motion move to close? I'd love it. Second. All those in favor? >> Any opposed? Um, so Dr. Kiten, um, can we adopt the agenda as presented or are there some, >> uh, two very minor changes? Uh, they're almost identical to one another. So, under personnel numbers five and seven, uh, the words prorated should have, uh, been listed in there for this. >> Okay. I have a motion >> numbers five and seven >> under personnel should say prorate >> instead of retro >> well just prorated for the time period with that they are um applicable to >> I'll make a motion to accept the agenda as
026presented with the two changes on five and seven under personnel >> second all those in favor >> any opposed um education Mrs. Mr. Dwire, >> I'd like to move items 1 through 12 for approval. >> Second, >> any discussion? Seeing none, roll call, please. Mr. Shaw, >> Mrs. Dwire, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jurgensson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rico, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> I'd seen on 12 um because I can't really remember what each one of these are. Um and yes on everything else. >> Mr. Mindy, >> yes. >> Mr. Libby, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mark, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lwood, >> yes. Uh personnel, student affairs, Mrs. I I'd like to move items one through uh one through 27 and then hand carry motion 28. Can I have a second? >> Second. >>
027Any discussion? Seeing non roll call, please. Mr. Schulz. >> Mrs. Van Dyke. >> Yes. >> Mr. Jurgensson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Okcono. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Whippy. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Markwart. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Abstain number two. Yes. To everything else. Operations and finance. Mr. Del, >> I'd like to move operations and finance numbers one through eight. >> Second one. >> Any discussion? >> See non local business. Yes, >> just real quick. Um, on number one, it talks about the cost for the electricity and the school run. I just want to thank our administrative staff, our custodian, our maintenance. It's just an amazing accomplishment. You don't know exactly what they did. To me, it's impressive. >> Note on that is that those
028things are also all being submitted to insurance for approval. We don't anticipate any issues there, but um we we'll see and if it were an issue, we would fight it because obviously um something we feel strongly should fall into that category. So, but the primary thank you does give Doug Glenn. He put in a lot of effort into coordinating all of this. So, uh while we were all putting in uh you know, effort from our own seats, he was the one that was sort of boots in the ground dealing with most of it. So, he deserves most of the credit. >> Thank you. I have a question. >> Sure. Number two, um if this is approved, uh what's the timeline on that? Like what do we foresee as a special education audit? Does that take
0292 months, 6 months, a year? >> It just had to be about 10 weeks sporadically. I think it was a total of 55 hours over the time. Uh I'd love for it to run uh kind of during the budget season for the planning so we can incorporate maybe some of the findings into the budget for next year, find some savings. >> Great. Thank you. I'm pretty sure that that was put in your packet too, right? At the paperwork. >> Yeah. Yeah. And I showed the proposal with my minutes. >> Yeah. So, it's all um in that too. >> Anyone else? >> See n roll call, please. >> Mr. Whippy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Rico. >> Yes. >> Mr. Jurgensson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo. >> Rick is on seven. Yes.
030on anything else. >> Mr. Mark, >> yes. >> Mr. Van Dyke, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood, >> yes. >> Okay. Under operations and finance, I'd like to move number nine for >> I have a second. >> Okay. >> Any discussion? See none, please. Mr. Shaw, >> Mr. Philippy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Rico, >> yes. >> Mr. Jurgensson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwire, >> yes. >> Mr. Romeo, >> Mrs. Mark, >> Mr. Van Dyke, >> Mr. Blackwood. >> Yes. Operations and finance. I'd like to move 10 through 13. >> Second. Any discussion? [Music] >> See no roll call, please. Mr. Schultz. >> Mr. Ly. >> Yes. >> Mr. Rico. >> Yes. >> Mr. Jensson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Dwire. >> Yes. >> Mr. Stovich. >> Abstain. >> Mr. Romeo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Markwart. >> Yes.
031>> Mr. Van Djk. >> Yes. M >> yes >> policy Mr. Sovich or I can ask Mrs. McCart to to do it also. >> I like to move item number one uh one and two under policy. >> Second. >> Thanks Will. >> Any discussion? >> Just that both of these very happy to see these And hopefully the the new policies, the expectations of conduct that their scholastic competitive the second will um be read and followed by parents and visitors alike. >> Great comment. Um, I'd like to add to that and say, um, please make sure that your administration knows that number one is now a policy as this is the second reading because we didn't have a policy before. And also, um, policy committee, if you would please add that to be reviewed for what
032you want it to be because remember that we we're approving what they already knew. Um and so it really needs to be reviewed again very soon. Um but also the administration needs to know that it's now a policy. So yes. >> Yeah. Thank you. And just point of clarification, so there was a policy in place that said that we would honor student achievement, but but there wasn't a regulation in place that identified how. So, uh, and to to Kate's point, the the goal of the policy committee was not to figure out how we wanted to honor student achievement, but just to get something that supported what we were already doing, knowing that it could be revisited, but for now, we wanted our our regulation to support our current practice. >> Thank you. >> Any other
033discussion? Seeing none, roll call, please. Mr. Schultz, >> Mr. Satovich, >> yes. >> Mr. Jurgensson, >> yes. Mr. Dwire, >> I I don't like the averages, but yes, I think they're low. >> Mrs. Rico, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mark, >> yes. >> Mr. Ly, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood, >> yes. Hank carry. Number two, negotiations. Mrs. I would like to move items one and two under negotiations. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Seeing none local, please. Mr. Schultz. >> Mrs. Rakana. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes. >> Mr. Jurgensson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lippy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Stovich. Yes, >> Mrs. Romeo. >> I'm seeing >> Mrs. Mark. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Van Djk. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >>
034Committee reports liaison parks and reps. Mrs. Wy, >> there was no meeting because there was no quarum. So, we had to cancel this. >> Thank you. Safety. Mrs. Shano and Mrs. Dwire. We have had a meeting. We will have one in January now that we finished all. So, we just got the final report for um all of the individual site audits and we're planning for a meeting uh more information and I know that uh Mr. Glenn was working on that being scheduled cuz he wants to make sure um that Jim Bambar from the state police is available to join us. Uh I think he's looking at the possibility of scheduling that that second week in January, but hopefully more information to follow within the next 24 to 48 hours. >> Great. >> Thank you. Superintendent
035round table, Mrs. Rano and Mrs. Van Dyke. That would be me, I guess, because I was at round table. Um, we met on uh the 12th. They on the agenda there were items about the calendar which we I think already approved tonight. Um, they did ask a few questions about next year that we'd get some information ahead of time so that we're a year ahead with even though we're approving two-year calendars just so that we have year ahead of information. Yeah, I think the request was that we approve one calendar each year. You know, obviously this year we're approving two, but that we were always two years ahead, which I really don't see too much of an issue with. So, I think that uh that's really appropriate. So, as long as we're prepared to do
036so, you know, a year from now, you'll see the counter for, you know, 3 years from now. >> Um they discussed the progress reports um and Mr. Novak and Dr. kitchen uh said that they're going to be looking at the progress reports moving forward for next year after the they see how everything works out with the conferences and see the feedback from the parents and see if the conferences will work out continue to stay in January. uh on the they just asked about the presentation nights if like when we have big events if we can try to make sure that we're not backing them up with other things when there's other things going on. I guess that's another calendar related uh issue. Uh kinder they asked about kindergarten res registration. Um we're trying to get
037as much information out as possible uh in anticipating opening of the registration is in January like in the past and that we hope that uh with thrillshare that's the new website. So, so APG, >> oh, aptag is the host of the new website. Thrillshare is the communication tool that is uh packaged with that >> and that if maybe we could ask the mayor to post on her social media when the reg when uh registration is open for the kindergarten. Um see we talked Dr. Dr. Kitchen and Mr. Novak talked about the um upgrade to the website. They were asking about the timeline and Dr. Kitchen shared that the goal is to have it up for January 2nd, but that it's not a hard hard date to January 2nd because we want to make sure that
038everything is on there that we want to be on there and that it looks how it should. Um, they asked about the athletic comp if the athletic calendar would be added into that and Dr. Kitchen was going to be following up with them about that. They did ask again about day buses for um the spring and yeah the spring. I think it was the spring. >> Well, the question was about winter and spring. Um which has not been budgeted for. Um but we did feel as though the fall was the time where it was the most impactful just based on activities that were taking place. Um winter seemed to be the uh least needed. Um, and spring obviously would be would be in the middle there somewhere. But it's definitely been something that we've had
039some questions about. Um, so more information to follow there and and as we get into budget season, we can also look at the possibility of budgeting for that. Um, but we'd like to gather some more information on on how much it's been used. So, we're going to follow up with transportation to see if we can get some numbers on how many kids were actually taking advantage of it because my understanding is that as much as we want to make sure we're being supportive, there were not that many students who were utilizing that specific uh late bus. >> And um they also raised the question of the bus drivers during you know getting how we're recruiting new bus drivers and again it was the same conversation. We're doing everything we can. every district around us this
040time and Dr. King talked about maybe putting up us putting up the banners and we're we're open to any ideas that anyone has and how we could recruit some more bus drivers and that was about it. Thank you, Mrs. Van Dyke. Um Pay County School Boards Association. I know I said I couldn't come. Okay. >> Okay. Did anyone else um do that? >> Okay. So, nothing for P County School Boards Association, New Jersey School Boards Association. Mrs. Mrs. Torage, I just want to say that I was right that those who went to the workshop had a great time and brought back a lot of great ideas. And um I'm just going to do a little bit of this. Just kidding. But thank you so much for attending. I really hope that uh we continue that
041as a board to make sure that we enrich ourselves in a professional development sense all the time because when we come to this table and bring those types of ideas to everybody else to see only great things come of it and that's been my experience and I think that that continues to be the experience. So that's the uh only report that I have now legislated. I have no report. >> Okay. I was actually just looking for my notes because I just wanted to mention about the delegate assembly that I did happen to attend. Um I don't have it on my phone, but uh briefly there were seven resolutions considered. Uh six passed, one failed. It's an amazing uh day. It's very long drive. It's about a 2-hour drive, but um it's very eye opening and
042speaking to um you know, workshop, I think it's something that um everyone should do at least once. Um definitely um they do a lot of business there. New Jersey school boards. They work very hard in listening to what the districts put forth and uh giving their feedback. It's definitely um a great experience. So, um, that >> Yeah, it's really it's so professionally run. >> Yes. >> And the structure of that meeting is just what every school board could probably benefit from. >> Yes. Yeah. Yeah. And again, the same as the last time, cuz I did go to the the previous one 6 months ago, it it seems to be the same districts that bring multiple to these. Um, last time, I forget what district it was this time. It was another district that brought three
043this time. Um, but there was some I mean there was some some good I mean I could definitely speak to what the resolutions were when I have more detail. I do have a little notes here but I don't I I guess I'll just not get into it today because I don't have my full notes but um it definitely is worthy uh going and experiencing it at least once. Um legislative Mr. Stovich anything >> no report >> technology oversight Mr. Lip and Mrs. Smart board >> no report >> and township board of education joint committee Mr. Scholes I don't think there's anything on that either right we haven't had a meeting then so no report on that west municipal alliance Mrs. Van Dyke and Mrs. Jurgensson. >> Um that would be me again. Um the the
044alliance met on uh Monday, December 9th. Uh unfortunately, again, they didn't have a quorum, so they could not vote on their um their minutes and things like that. They did discuss the a recent survey that went out to the public on the opioid uh money that uh the community has received and how they they need to they want to utilize it. they were doing a presentation on December 11th to the council about it. Um they we also talked about the they're talking about some changes to the meetings for 2025. Uh nothing was decided. They also spoke about the well uh wellness family fun festival which will be April 5th and it will be at the high school and that's kind of in place of the health fair that they did last time. Um, and unfortunately
045there wasn't much discussion because there weren't a lot of people out for the meeting or online if they're able to do it. And I believe the next meeting is January 13th. And if anybody would like to go, I will not be here. So you're welcome to. >> Thank you. Mrs. Van Dyke, uh, Special Education Parent Advisory Committee. Mrs. Can we know when our next meeting will be? >> January 15th. That was really loud. Sorry about that. >> Very enthusiastic about our next meeting. January 15th, 7:00 at Highlander Academy. >> That's right. >> Okay, that's it for committee reports and liaison. Uh, old business. Anyone have any old business, Mrs. Romeo? Um, under the topic of just communication, I have a question under board business. Um, introducing, sorry, but, uh, Miss Andy Simon Esquire is our
046attorney here tonight. Um, and I'm just curious when, um, was the board told that Angie wasn't Andy Brown wasn't coming and that Nathaniel was going to be here tonight or did we know when did we know that? >> Uh, we did discuss it at committees. Um, >> not on the committees. No. Uh I told I told you in the committee it was told in all the committees. >> Okay. >> Thank you. You're welcome. >> Um but I I found out from uh Dr. Kitchen. >> Okay. That answers prior to committees. Hi. You don't have a name tag so I just introduced you. >> Thanks. I'm happy to be here. >> So I'll make a motion to close. >> Second. >> All those in favor. >> Any opposed? Um, new business. So, we have a motion.
047Um, would you like me to read the motion? Uh, Dr. Hitch. >> Sure. >> Okay. So, this motion, I guess, do we have to uh move it first or can I read it and then we can move it? We read it and then it um this motion uh whereas Mrs. Kate Romeo has served as a prominent member of the West Mulford Board of Education from January 2015 until December 2024. And whereas Mrs. Romeo has diligently chaired the policy committee, served on the education committee, personnel committee, operations and finance committee, and policy committee, and was a liazison for the West Milford Municipal Alliance Committee, formerly known as CASA, the Legislative Committee, and the Township Board of Education Committee. And whereas Mrs. Romeo also served as the board president from January 2023 until December 2023. And whereas
048Mrs. Romeo held up most the welfare of our students in her decisions and served with great skill and dedication. And where has her service on the board has brought the respect of her colleagues on the board, the administrative staff and the teaching and support staff. Now therefore, the resolve of the board of education on behalf of the grateful community publicly acknowledges and expresses its sincerest appreciation to Mrs. Romeo for her outstanding contributions to the West Milford Township Public School District. And be it further resolved that this resolution be spread upon minutes of the workshop regular meeting of the board of education of December 17th, 2024 and presented to Mrs. Kate Romeo. [Applause] I'll just read really quick the plaque. Um, so it has Kate's name on there, years of service and it says, "In grateful
049appreciation for your dedicated service to the children of the West Milford Township Public Schools. Should [Applause] we just vote on that real quick? >> Yeah. So, um, Mrs. Simon just said this. So, we need to I need a motion >> to approve the following resolution and a second. I know you second it. Will >> Thank you. And would you like to speak first? >> that's fine. >> Yeah, we're in the discussion portion of this. I'd like to discuss my colleague, please. >> Well, so no. So again, so um I'm going to open it. Shall we open it up to Mrs. Romeo first? >> No, I'll go last. >> Let all go before me. >> Thank you. Um, Kate, thank you so much for serving the township. It has been so wonderful to see people that
050have passion for things. And when the passion is your township and the passion is the students and you bring all of your passion to the table, we can all agree, right? She brings that passion to the table, it makes a difference in children's lives. and you know that there has been impact during the course of this that you've had in somebody's life in some aspect and you bring so much to the table and it's because you care and it's been a real honor and uh maybe you'll reconsider down the road. >> Anyone else wishing to say anything? Mr. Trapo um I texted Kate earlier today but um I've known Kate for 30 years. We went to high school together and I just want to say I've enjoyed these six years and you know I we
051didn't always agree but we were respectful of each other and I do appreciate um everything you've taught me with your breath of experience. So thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? Mr. Lupe >> just want to say thank you first president ser you are a guiding hand for me. help me. Don't always agree with it, but we disagree well together. Thank you very much for bringing your passion everywhere. Appreciate it. >> I'd also like to say something about Miss Kate Romeo, but when I met her, she was Miss Kate Kelly, and she was one of the best teachers I've ever had. And you are the reason why I'm sitting here. So, I'm going to be really upset that you're leaving, but I'll still call you. Nate, did you get that zoom in? >> Anyone
052else? >> Um, I've known Kate um many, many years. She went to high school with my daughter and I watched her grow up and um it's been a pleasure to serve with you and good luck. >> Yeah, I know we haven't known each other that long, but I feel like in in a very short span, we've gotten uh to know each other pretty well. And I think that uh you know it's always bittersweet when you have a turnover on the board because it's opportunity for new excited voices to come on to here but you lose people that are dedicated to the community. And I think you know again to to echo Will's point I don't think anybody can question how much you care about this this community and these schools. So thank you so much.
053>> Anyone else? Okay. So I just wanted to say thank you Kate. We ran together three years ago um not really knowing each other then. Right. And I think we got to know each other pretty quickly uh run and it was quite a a run. Um no one can say that you don't have passion because you definitely have passion for what you do and we haven't always agreed either but um I feel like we've always listened to each other and heard each other's views and come out on the other side. So um enjoyed enjoy the time you're going to get back. Mrs. Mr. Romeo, would you like to say anything? >> Of course. You know that I'm not even without a little speech. Um, I guess to show all my passion. Um, yeah, it's been
054an experience. Um, and it's with both gratitude and bittersweet emotion that today has said goodbye. After six incredible years on the board of education, this journey has been one of growth, learning, and service. And as I reflect on my time here, I realize how much that I have learned. Not just about our district. Not just about each one of you, but about the world, about others, and most importantly about myself. I have served at this table. I don't know what's going on with that, but I'll just try a new one. Um, I've served at this table with um one director of education, um, one assistant superintendent, um, three superintendent, two business administrators, two attorneys, three directors of special education, and 16 different board of education members. When I first embarked on this journey, I came
055with good intentions, a really kind heart, and a strong desire to make a difference. I remember speaking during um I didn't campaign, but I guess we would call it my first campaign when we were invited to the um place in the woods. >> Camp. Yeah. And I remember telling everyone about a superintendent that I once worked for, a professional who taught me a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my time on this board and throughout all things that I do. She said that when parents send their children to school, a piece of their heart goes to school without them. And with that in mind, I've always tried to honor that responsibility. For the past six years, I've done my best to protect the hearts of our community, the hearts of our students, the hearts
056of our families who trust us to guide their children on their educational journey. I took that role very seriously every single day, knowing that every single decision that we made had an impact, big or small, on someone's future. I'm incredibly proud of the work that we have done together improving our schools, supporting our teachers, and ensuring that our students have the resources and opportunities that they need to thrive. But beyond the policies, the hours of reading, and the meetings, what I've taken away most from this experience is the deep sense of community that we share. This board, our staff, our parents, and our students have shown me the true meaning of collaboration, commitment, and real support. I started this journey before we all knew the really bad word co. And even through the difficulties of
057CO, we were strong as a board. we were resilient and we made great decisions working together. Um it's a time that I'll look back on as stressful but yet um it probably was one of the times where we had the least amount of arguments because it was really everyone was focused on safety and security and and um as a board we were very very strong. Um however as with any journey sometimes the path is not easy. This year, unfortunately, I do feel that a toxic environment was created. Sometimes you enter into something with great intentions, but the people that you work with can make it feel impossible. I want to be clear, no one should ever feel unsafe in a volunteer position. A board like ours should be about building trust, fostering relationships, and working
058together for the betterment of our schools, our students, and our community. even when we disagree. And so I appreciate each one of you um pointing out that we did disagree. And that's part of being a board and that's really an incredible part of leadership and how you grow is communicating through your disagreements. In recent months, I've seen how hard it's become for people to speak freely or to express their ideas without hesitation or fear. That's not what our work should be about here. So, if sitting behind this table is about confrontation for you, then really this is the wrong place. I've always been transparent in my actions here and I know that no one, whether you're behind that screen, you're my neighbor, or you've been sitting on this board with me for 6 years, no
059one is left wondering what Kate Romeo thinks. Um, I wear it on my sleeve. I'm going to tell you. Um, and with that, I've consistently advocated for our students and our staff because that's always been my priority. Another great superintendent that I know, excuse me, I'm sorry, recently said, "When you hold people accountable, it hurts feelings." And while I apologize if my actions have ever hurt anyone's feelings, I was here from day one to do what's right for our community and for the education of our children. And that requires honesty and integrity and an amazing amount of strength that I truly didn't know that I had. Um, I leave here proud of my accomplishments, even through the difficulties, but disheartened by the experience of the last year. I will take all these lessons with me,
060and I'll continue to take the hybrid. Strengthen my resolve to seek out healthy environments where my skills can be used and align with others that have the values of integrity, compassion, generosity, and kindness. all the things that I hope that our children are learning in our schools today. As I step away from this role, I'm also really excited for the relief of stress that my decision to not run again has brought to my family and my friends. I know that while this journey was incredibly fulfilling, it's come with its shared challenges for the people that I love. I'm deeply grateful for their unwavering support throughout this entire time. The number one question I've been asked more than anything is why do you do that? Why do you fit up with that? You know, um and
061it really is about my passion for education. Um and uh back to the thank yous. First and foremost, um I need to thank my husband um who supports all of my crazy decisions in this life. Um and both sound at home when I'm not there. Um and my son, um for revising my first speech because he said, "Mom, that's not who you are. You're graceful and kind, so be who you are." So this is my second speech. Um, and um, really without those two men in my life, um, I wouldn't be who I am and I wouldn't have the strength that I have. Um, and behind them is an entire crew of family, including the 12 children that I need to thank in my family. sorry, seven of them who were moved with the Westport
062change to Highlander Academy. Um, with that, I will say that the children in my life didn't realize that I wasn't the one, the sole person making these decisions. So, aunt Kate and cousin Kate and um you know that I've been called to some meetings uh where I have to sit down next to an elementary student and explain what the board of education is and how and why we make decisions that are best for everyone. And um so I feel like my civic duty for sure in explaining to as many elementary school students of what we do here is the betterment for all students and it's not about making a decision for one child. And I felt with that with my heart from day one. Um, I often voted on things that were not best for
063my own child or the children in my family, but were best for the majority of the children of this district. Um, and that's a role to be in that sometimes feels really crappy. Um, but it's the right thing to do. And again, that is real leadership. And um, I feel like this was just another role in my life to strengthen my leadership skills. Um, so with that, I want to thank my fellow board members. Um, most of you will remain my friends for the rest of our lives. Um, Tara, we got another 30 or 40. Um, where I'm never going to change cuz I'm still that teen girl. I was on the field hockey field with you. And, um, Tara sent me some old pictures today. I was like, remember all these? And, um, I've
064always been passionate about the things that I care about. Um, and I've always been somewhat of a out at school again individual um but always for the betterment of everyone. So, thank you to all of you. Thank you to the district leadership. Um your leadership skills I'm sorry I really need a tissue. Um your leadership skills um are amazing and it's been really cool to watch each of you grow. Although um only one out of the four of you started on this journey with me um I've seen each one of you really grow um I will apologize for all of my hard not that they're hard ever question. Thank you. Thank you. I'll just apologize for my amount of questions. We'll just say that. Um but I can't say that they're not going to continue.
065They just won't be from this microphone. They'll probably be from that one or hopefully in an email. Um, and uh, I want to thank the teachers and our staff and our parents for entrusting me with this responsibility. Thank you to the community for your support and engagement. It's truly been an honor to serve you. While my time as a board member is ending, I remain committed to our students and our schools. I'll always be here um, and I'll always be cheering for our district and supporting the work that you all continue to do. I leave with a full heart knowing that together we've helped shape shape a better future for our children. Thank you so much. [Applause] >> Thank you, Mrs. W. [Music] So, we have to uh close, right? A motion >> to close
066and then all those in favor. All those make a motion to close new business. >> Thank you. >> All those in favor. >> Any opposed? Um was there anything else under >> voice? Yes. Okay. [Music] So, so, so, so let's reopen. >> There's a motion to reopen. >> Yes. Second. >> All those in favor? >> Any opposed? Okay. >> All those in favor of the resolution uh from Mrs. Romeo that was on the floor, right? We never closed it. >> Second. All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Okay. Any new business? Anybody new business? >> Closing business. >> Thank you. >> All those in favor? >> Any opposed? [Music] >> Okay. Public comments, which is anything that anyone would like to speak of. It doesn't have to be on the agenda. Anyone signed
067up to speak, Mr. Schulz? I know you're not. >> Anyone wishing to speak? >> Okay. So, I'm going to have to read uh the whole thing while you're signing in, Mrs. uh Stevenson. So, all speakers will have 5 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.
068Members of the public are reminded that they are legally responsible and liable for their comments. Mrs. Stevenson. >> Thank you. Courtney Stevenson 307 Ridge Road, New Jersey. I am here tonight speaking as the co-president of the Highlander Education Foundation just to give you a few great updates with our organization. We had a swap and share event um this past weekend where people from the community came and dropped off lots of goodies. We sorted through everything, laid everything out, and the next day the community came again and we handed them bags and they shopped for free. It was an incredible event. Um, definitely one that we will do again, probably not so close to the holidays cuz that was a lot for this mom to organize, but it was a wonderful event. I also want to
069highlight for you a really incredible um pledge that we recently got from the West Milford Trust. So, I'm going to read you part of this letter. The trustees of the West Milford Trust are pleased to support the Highlander Education Foundation with a current donation of $5,000 to support the administration and development of ATF and pledge an additional $2,500 to ATF annually for the next two years contingent upon the ATF maintaining at least $2500 of revenues from other sources. ATF may utilize these pledges in matching funds program if it wishes to do so. If you did not know, the West Milford Trust was established by the late George F. Echert Jr. for the benefits of West Milford's nonprofit entities. The trustees are proud to support the goals of HF and wish to encourage community support as
070well. This is a huge deal and something that we are incredibly proud of. Um, so I just wanted to share that with you. We also have a brand new, excuse me, Highlander highlight with a multitude of um, people in it. We decided to highlight the firefighters in town. So, we have found a teacher from Ashawa, Sarah Sarah Warren, who is a volunteer firefighter at Ashawa. We highlighted Kevin Claus who graduated in 2015 and is a paid firefighter in Eastern Pennsylvania. We highlighted Dave Vanassel who graduated in 1996 who is a paid firefighter in Patterson. And then we went to the kids. I don't know if you are aware but there are quite a few volunteer high schoolers in our fire departments. Riley Sleick, Joseph Cassella, Glenn Timothy Reinhardt all got parent permission by the way
071to release their names and their pictures. I have copies for you. However, there is one mistake that I did not have a chance to fix. So, please don't publish it anywhere yet. It is for your um review. This is something we are really proud of. We really want it in the hands of kids. We really want it in the hands of the community. So perhaps we can talk about how we can make that happen. We are in the throws of our teacher grants. We already had one, hopefully getting more. Please encourage the teachers to reach out and um talk to us about grants if they have any questions. I am happy to guide them through the process. Um our next public meeting is on January 7th. It is virtual at 7 p.m. And I just
072want to say uh this is not the last you're going to see of Kate Romeo because I am going to snag her right up for my foundation. Not only is Kate passionate, but she is smart and she has such knowledge about the business of education. She has the urgency that is needed to help move our organization forward. And this will not be the last you see of her. Sorry. May I come and bring you a copy? >> Yes. >> No, it's it's because one of the kids um he said he's going to tech school in Rhode Island and I triate area. Um it you wouldn't notice a mistake, but if you see any mistakes, let me know. >> While Mrs. Stevenson is passing those out. I just want to say thank you to her and
073the Ed Foundation uh for sharing all of that. Um look forward to hearing more about updates from the Ed Foundation um and all the great things they're rolling out, especially with the uh the grants being rolled out. But I also want to thank the Ed Foundation for their flexibility. So you may or may not be aware there was a scheduling conflict with a big fundraiser they have upcoming for the Harlem Wizards. Uh the scheduling conflict was entirely the district's fault, not the Ed Foundation. Yet they were so flexible in trying to work with us and and um make sure the date was working. We didn't have conflicting events. Uh I don't think that the Harlem Wizards game and the high school play should be on the same night and uh luckily the Ed Foundation agreed
074was willing to work together dates, which if you're not aware, it's really hard when you're working with an organization like the Harlem Wizards because you know they get booked up. So again, thank you for your flexibility. Thank you for sharing and looking forward to hearing more from you. >> Thank you, Dr. >> Thank you, Mrs. Stevenson. Anyone else wishing to speak? >> Motion to close. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Any opposed? >> And uh Mrs. Wan, you want to lead us into executive session? Um at 8:06 I move to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel appointments, resignations, current litigation matters, special education matters, negotiations, and manners of attorney client privilege. The executive session minutes will not be released until such time as the privilege or confidentiality is no
075longer applicable. The board will be in executive session for approximately 15 minutes. Action will not be taken and we will adjourn from executive session. Second. >> All those in favor? Any opposed? Okay, so we will not be returning. Wanted to wish everyone a happy holiday and a healthy new year. See you in 2025.