001[Music] I'd like to call the board meeting to order assignments [Music] of United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. [Music] In accordance with the provisions of the open public meetings act. A public notice of 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 administration building. Copies of this 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, >> here. >> Mrs. Dwire, >> here. Mrs. Jurgensson, Mr. Lippy >> here, >> Mrs. Markwart,
002Mrs. Romeo >> here, >> Mrs. Van Djk >> here, >> Mrs. Rakano, >> Mrs. Lockwood >> here. >> Thank you, Mr. Schultz. Uh, the interim superintendent report. Dr. Fenari. >> Thank you, Mrs. Lockwood. Uh, this evening I'm going to um begin with a report on that's from our academic success committee. So, u I'm going to ask Mr. Stryens to come up and join me at the uh the podium and we'll begin the presentation. Okay. All right. So, thank you everyone. Um the presentation that we are making this evening is the culmination of quite a lot of work by a number of our high school staff members and Mr. Stryens who led the committee. So, I'm going to turn the microphone over to Mr. and I'll pitch in when when necessary. >> All right. Good evening
003everybody. Um just to highlight these are our committee members um that worked on this throughout the year. Um our academic success committee um what we try to do is make a commitment to aligning with the the strategic plan goals. Um the committee met we met numerous times throughout the year. um to the custom various um school rankings, reporting tools, program alignment, scheduling improvements, assessments, and a variety of other stuff that was important to the high school. So, we kind of met with a wide breath of of stuff picking up on last year where we um kind of started last year focusing on school rankings and kind of broaden that. Uh this year uh the work accomplished this um school um culminates in the form model success consists of five strands that will be implemented simultaneous
004in order to lay groundwork for the attainment of our goals. Um these strands are aligned with specific strategic action plan goals indicators as I said with um school rankings, US News and World Reports and the ranking system. This is an example of our models for success. Uh pathways to graduation, additional credits, data driven decision-m communication, public relations, lock scheduling, and professional development, pathways to graduation, additional credentials. Um this is aligned with our uh strategic plan. Um go 1.3A. You can see all the rest of them up there. I'm not going to read them. um school rankings there to address the college readiness, college curriculum, breath, and graduation rate. One was to celebrate our comprehensive high school by highlighting its unique features. We're one of the few schools that still has offers shop and autoshop. Um
005very very there's very very few schools that um still offer autoshop and and and graphic arts as well. We're we're one of the few. Identifying pathways to graduation expand opportunities for students to earn both their high school diploma and additional credits for college credit. Um examples are graphic arts, music, computer science and programming, automotive, tomorrow's teachers, biomed engineering and design dual enrollment classes and our courses as well. Continue to use Navian supportive planning students future. That's where all the kids college stuff where where they communicate um with the counselors and then everything that's put in there when teachers do recommendations and stuff can get uploaded into the common app. So it it communicates very well. Uh our higher academic and career readiness. The HACCR programs at West Milford are specifically designed to set curriculara for
006highly motivated students that seek academic challenges, a specific focus of study and dedicated faculty that engage students with not only enlightenment but also the real world relevance. HCC curricular devised around a set of common themes including collaboration, problem solving, critical thinking, research, technology. These represent hallmarks of modern 21st century education. Preparing students not just for college but also life beyond. With teachers using creative and innovative approaches to lessons, students will be engaged in their studies. We'll analyze information from multiple perspectives and will be capable of developing solutions in the real world. This is an example of the traditional pathway at the high school. Students have to earn 125 credits in various courses. This is example of additional pathways. So you have your traditional pathway with tomorrow's teachers. Those students take child development. And then tomorrow's
007teachers as seniors, that's a dual enrollment class through Ryder University. Traditional computer science program. The list of classes that they can take there. Um I want to thank Mr. Novak because he was able to get us a grant for we have cyber security next year. Um so thank you for that. Um and our traditional with automotive is our or our automotive classes which go all the way up to auto 4. Um we did have students take the uh ASSE certification two years ago. Um that's automotive service excellent. That's if you're uh going to be a mechanic. If you're ASSE certified um it's that's that's basically says you're really serious about auto mechanics. And if you go to any dealership or stuff, you'll see a sign on the on the wall there, ASC certified mechanics. That's
008that's a shop you're going to want to go to that has that. Um traditional visual uh graphic arts. Um our list of classes are up there. Um and then a dual enrollment was at Rambo College as well for uh digital art. Um I want to go back to we are trying to get auto uh dual enrollment with uh Pay Community College as well. Our decision making is data driven aligning with the strategic action plan. Again um school rankings we address state assessment proficiency state assessment performance and underserved student performance local and state assessments diagnostic and formative assum summitives. Uh departmental approach and common assessments. Just about every department now is doing a common assessment. something that um the supervisors work really hard on this year. Analysis of quantitative data using a dashboard tool like link
009it that houses all our students test scores in there so people can refer to it to see where their strengths and weaknesses are and drive instruction that way. Analysis of qualitative data through use of these assessment surveys students, staff and parents analysis of metrics of program outcomes including extracurricular programs, athletics, clubs and activities. I Mr. Trenasa does a great job of tracking what activities and clubs and and and sports that our students are doing so that he can um keep the enrollment up and and he does a great job of um promoting those and and and also seeking um students that uh recruiting students to uh to keep those um going as well. These are our data system um making is uh Lincoln which is like I said is our warehouse that that houses all
010our data. Um surveys provide qualitative and quantitative data for us to use and our NAVAS which I spoke about before is for college and career net readiness that um houses that's where the teachers put all their um letters of recommendation and they can go out to um the colleges that the students apply for through the common app. communication and public relations aligning it again with our strategic action plan. Um school ranking areas addressed our annual state of the school report each spring. Our branding plan expansion um strategic use of infographics branded reports school website social media line exposure offormational and event videos. Our TV science uh Mr. Jordan does a great job. They pretty much stream just about everything that we have if we have an event at school. um they're they're live streaming it.
011Uh Mr. Jordan's done a great job and has actually reached out to Mac and well has a a TV science program there and they come over to the high school and they've actually broadcast stuff here at the at the middle school as well. Uh centralized use of social media improve and and reach school initiatives news etc through tools such as uh Thrillshare and um the district website. Um I I believe there's a possibility that we're going to Thrillshare. I'm not 100% sure. So, we are So, I I think that will change on our website. So, um which basically what Thrillshare does is it gathers everybody's basically everybody could post in one area and it sends it out. It's probably the simplest way I can see it through through one source. So, everybody everybody sees rather
012than having different posts all over the place. Um my annual state of school report. This is just an example of a proide um the high school's progress and goal attainment areas contained in the report be student achievement uh exam results classroom success stories uh challenges faced action plans teacher and student support programs school data and statistics program overview and just general information future goals parent community involvement um the report you kind of attended uh for our school and the community know about what's going on at the high school besides what you're seeing on a daily basis. Communication and public relations. Why are we going to use infographics? They quickly communicate our message. Uh it's a simple presentation of data. It makes information uh present, memorable, and eye-catching and communicating um using the district's branding plan.
013Um most profile is is supported and I have an example of it. I'll show in a minute. uh leads the reader to what they want to see and draws us to the uh to the data and the information that we have. This would be an example of of an infographic for the high school which tells our enrollment test scores, graduation rate. It could vary from from things national, you know, state school of character. Um things like things like that, what kids are taking, who's how much has got accepted into college, things like that are just an example of what you can put into a report like that. Okay. block scheduling. This uh this addresses our um strategic action plan and also um part of our school rankings. Um the block scheduling is going to allow
014us to offer more. So in order to do that, we need to work with uh MBIman's academic committee as well because we share teachers back and forth. So it's important we're on the same schedule and by having a block schedule the middle school, it would get them um ready for the high school as well. Um I believe it was in 2018 we did extensive visits to schools um to see different types of schedules. Um we have all that data still we saved from from those years back and it kind of just um with co went by the wayside. So we're kind of getting back to to that to where we were. Um we want to backwards map our plan for the creation implementation of a block schedule um for the 2526 school year. We need
015to address curriculum and instructional needs obviously operational needs and financial needs as well. Uh the purpose of any schedule is to manage use of time in order to create an optimal frame within and execute a multifaceted plan. The creation implementation of alternative schedule must accommodate current programs and be flexible enough to allow future growth. There's a ton of different blocks there um that are out there. Some of them are really really I'll be honest with you really really confusing. Um but that's all the different types of block schedules you could have. Um a drop block with a skinny really all it's a block schedule and then with a normal day attached to it. Um why they call it a skinny? I don't know what that's that's really what it is. Um so you'd have your
016block and then one day you would have your normal strain uh schedule. Okay. The three-year implementation plan 23 24 um the academic success committee was probably about mid year asked to start looking at block scheduling. So, we started to do that and go back to the data we had from 2018 and years ago and and most of those people on the committee were here when we did that um years ago. Um so, we all had the notes and started going back and and looking at the needs and and things have changed. You know, the high school's changed since back then, but uh next year we need a needs assessment survey, collaboration, do some more school visits, um education, operations, and facilities, you know, communication and what we're going to do. Be open and honest of
017what we're thinking and how we're going to try and do it and just listen to people and take people's input. Um and then later 25 26 run the block schedule, monitor it, see what works, what doesn't work. like when you do something new all the time, you're going to have your your successes and failures, then at the end of the year, look back at how we can make it better. This um I put an example of a of a block schedule in here just so you can kind of see what it is. This is just an example. This is I'm not saying this is what exactly we're going to do, but um this is a 4 day with a drop. So you so you basically you'll have four periods in the morning, four periods in
018the afternoon. So the kids can take eight periods. You drop one in the morning and you drop one in the afternoon. So that's why in the first day you see 1 2 3. You don't see four cuz that's the period you drop. Then you see five six seven and then you drop period 8 and then it rotates. Um one of the things we wanted to address was um our kids can't take everything they want. This gives them eight periods to take classes. So they can right now they can take seven and it gives everybody a lunch. Not all our kids get a lunch. Um sometimes they want to take a class and they're giving up a lunch or or or um for example lab might come out of lunch for some of the kids. That
019won't that won't have to happen because we'll marry a lab class. Um so that's um that's an advantage and then and then the whole and then everybody would get a lunch at the same time. The periods would in increase by 10 minutes. So we go from 45minut periods to 55minut periods. Um there are some things we would have to uh look at for example um tomorrow's teachers because they meet with those students specifically usually uh Wednesday Thursdays. So if they if they drop they wouldn't they wouldn't have that. So we have an idea for them for that. Um and there's just little things like that. Also um auto lab um would would be the same. So we would have we the option for that is when their auto period matches up with lunch. They would
020that's what they do now is they give up after lunch and then that's when they get their extra auto. So we could we could do something that way. So those are um that's is just an option an example of a a type of block schedule. Um MA High School runs this block and our day is actually our day matches up really well. They start 15 minutes later and then they go 15 minutes later. Our day is actually 3 minutes longer than theirs is. Um so uh it was just and their demographics. They have a they have a shop. um they have a good band. So all those things they kind of they matched up well with us. So that was kind of why we looked at that was one of the reasons why we looked
021at that schedule. Uh professional development um the school rankings address would be college curriculum breath and graduation rate. So designing a block scheduling teaching in the block. Um, I went to a uh a seminar this year about about block and I thought I thought it was going to be how to come up with a block, how to make a block schedule. It really was for teachers teaching in the block. So, I I got the gentleman's contact and he would be a great resource um for our teachers to use um because it bas basically tells you how how to break up there's all different ways and multitude of ways you can break up your your class um to teach in a block. um databased uh decision making and creating common assessments which I talked about our
022dual enrollment programs advanced placement and teacher training model for success. Uh the efforts uh described are intended to serve our students through throughout their high school career while providing them with tools for their future success. Celebrate the uniqueness of our comprehensive high school. partner with colleges, universities, local, state, and national organizations and other entities so that our students have an expansive high school experience. Share the story of West Proud programs accomplishments to the wider community. Is there any questions? Yes, Mrs. Dwire. >> Hi. Um, thank you, Mr. Strians. I think it's a wonderful report, but I would have liked to see statistically I would have liked to see some data as to how we compare with districts that are similar to ours and if we are weak in certain areas, what are those areas and
023how are they going to be addressed? The other concern I have is how is this going to affect the students at Highlander Academy? So they have they're going to run they have to run a block too because we share students. >> Okay. Well, >> I kind of consider them half of the high school. So whatever we do they they do >> because we have most of them are shared days with us and then and the goal is to get them full days to the high school so that we have to run the same schedule. >> I should I I probably should have told you that but I'm telling you that. Thank you. >> First, I'd like to work. >> I'll just have to talk loud. Uh first, thank you Dr. Canari to sticking to the
024strategic plan and making it a core feature going throughout this uh school year. Thank you so much. Um the question that and thank you to the committee for continuing this uh process. I think this is going to be great. My big thing that I'd like to see more of in the future, obviously not tonight, is what is going to be in the needs assessment? Who are the stakeholders in the needs assessment? And will how much of a focus will be on the students taking that needs assessment in order to understand what they need? That was just a point. I don't even know if that was a question. get a hold back to let me know. >> I I took it as a point. So, >> so just just to kind of talk on talk a
025little bit to your point, Mr. Stovich the um the committee was very um it it really wanted to make sure that everything that had been discussed this year is able to be shared with students, parents, staff and that's what the year in between. You know we have we had the now next and later. So that year it's intended to make sure that all of the stakeholders have the opportunity to share important information not only about the block but about the pathways how you know are they are they being implemented with fidelity in a way that our students are attracted to them. And then the other thing is, you know, and we talked about this all the time that a schedule is a framework of time that's supposed to support your vision and mission. So the
026schedule that gets built has to be able to accommodate all of the pathways that have been identified, all of the needs that have been identified. And by by tying all of that together, the committee and and the administration are really committing themselves to making sure that the data that you're talking about, you know, when we talked about database decisionm, it's really about the things that you're asking for. And so, you know, that's that's part of the plan, but I wanted to make sure that I I shared that with you. >> Mia, great presentation. Um, I have a question about the infographics. Um, are those current numbers? Is that >> Yes. >> Okay. And I can't I just can't read it on the screen or on my paper. 59. The second one on the right down.
027>> What does that say? 59 higher level. >> Oh, courses. Meaning that we offer 59 higher level courses. >> I just wasn't sure what that mean. What that meant? I think it's combining um AP honors and adding those. >> Thank you. [Music] >> Anything else? >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> I just want to once again thank Mr. Stry and his committee. uh they were very gracious in letting me crash their meetings this year and it it really was great to have conversation with people who were so committed. So um thank you to all of the committee members and to the administration for all your hard work. >> Is this handout available to the public if they wanted one? >> Is this handout available to members of the public if they wanted one? >>
028Okay. We don't have copies of it tonight though. >> No, not tonight. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. [Music] >> Um okay. So the uh the next part of the superintendence report is going to focus on our update to the um strategic plan. For those of you who may not be familiar with the process, uh this year we were able to take the um goals and objectives that were developed two years ago by the district uh as part of a strategic planning process as well as the year 1 activities that were accomplished. um in order to put dates and responsibilities and and you know different aspects of the plan so that we had some real hard data to take a look at. So uh in November I believe we presented the framework for this
029strategic plan action plan and uh I'm going to ask Mr. Novak and Dr. Russa and Mr. Schultz to once again join me in this presentation. We're just going to sit. There's nothing to look at. Uh we're going to talk to you. Um so board members, I have a copy. I apologize. There's so much in this report. The print is very tiny. Apologize, but [Music] So just to give you a sense of any one more is there an extra one on this side. >> Thank you. [Music] Okay. So, just to remind everyone of the goals um in between each of the reports for this particular uh document, I'll just read the full statement and the objectives to you. Uh and then I'll ask my colleagues to fill you in on where we are. Um for those
030who are either new to this report or for our audience members who you know may be curious, we have broken out these activities into several task areas. Um those task areas include exploration, planning, creating, implementing, monitoring, analyzing, evaluating and each of these tasks has been identified under one of those task areas. Then we also identify the lead on that whatever the particular item is. Um what the the human and fiscal resources are attached to that goal uh task item and what the expectations for our outcomes are and then the current status. So what we're going to do this evening is to give you a general overall impression of where we are with each of these goals. Um, and my colleagues are going to speak to what some of the highlights are, but board members, you
031have the entire report at your disposal. Um, for the public, um, know that tomorrow once this report is given and this meeting is over, what we typically have done, and if you go to our district website, you'll see those, um, we've posted these reports. So you'll be able to see these reports that we're talking about on the website in case you want to learn a little bit more. Um so the district uh strategic plan goal one is to continue using a different approach to all academic areas and the objectives um included increasing staff capacity for the use of instructional practices that address the needs of all learners through the provision of meaningful professional development. You're going to hear a lot of the same words that we just heard in Mr. Strian's report um to expand
032the use of data analysis and database decisionm to inform instruction to improve academic outcomes for all students including increasing local, state and other um formal assessment and uh also to continue to review and revise and implement curriculum to uh to ensure rigor and alignment to the state and national standards And finally to encourage opportunities to increase student um students self-confidence and um their thirst for learning and self-awareness. So and self- well-being. So so this goal is really focused on teaching and learning. And I'm going to ask Mr. Novak to um go through some of the things that are really highlights to these goals and objectives. >> Thank you Dr. Fari. Uh so I'm going to just comment on a few of the goals that I've been talking about all year when we've been looking in
033this u in this area. Uh some of the um most successful uh parts of this goal was the year one implementation of our K through5 uh math program. I just had a uh end of the year um conference call with our reps today just to talk about our first year of implementation successes uh next steps for professional development going forward. I believe we've had pretty um uh decent feedback from our staff, our community, and our uh and our students in regard to the first year. So, we're excited for that implementation. Um along those lines, that began with a commitment to professional development and we started that process a number of years ago with Conquer Math and Nancy Schultz and um you know, a process for best practice um math instruction and that has really uh
034helped us um carry through with with our goals in that. Um one other area I'd like to point out is the implementation of I Ready. Uh I'd like to give a shout out to um our staff and our our students for um our results this year. We just recently received our uh end of year results for um the the third diagnostic in all of our elementary schools K5 tested into the range of high performance and high growth and I will be able to have a more um elaborate presentation on that uh in July when I have our navigator reports from Lincoln. So it was a uh you know a great first year implementation where we had um you know where we had you know great areas of success. Uh we're in the process now, you
035know, looking forward, we completed the replacement uh investigation process for um our language arts curriculum in grades K through 5. And we have adopted uh our program wonders, which will be a new program for students um next year. So that's um again that's a a commitment to one of our goals and and making sure that we're staying, you know, cutting edge with the type of instruction that we offer. Can I ask a question? Um, the I Ready, when can parents get their child's report? >> Should be available already. >> So, it's on the I Ready account? >> Yep. >> Okay. Thank you. And we could see if it says on grade level, high growth, high performance, like what? So, so I get district level reports where I was able to see, you know, I I
036get a scattergram that shows where our where our schools land or where our grade levels land, that sort of thing. Individual parent will just see where their student landed, right? Okay. >> And where they are in relation to um grade level expectations. >> Thank you. >> When you do the report for us for the I read, we're going to see by school district. How's that going? I will probably do publicly district report and then with our admin team we're looking when we meet we meet as an admin team uh July 16th for our um for our annual you know leadership retreat and that's the time where we'll drill down onto the specific schools grade levels that sort of thing. >> Okay. Our second goal uh is hometown pride and the goal was to increase a
037sense of pride and unity across all schools in the district. Um the objectives were to develop consistent branding across all schools to upgrade technology to create greater awareness of um township events and using a variety of technology apps and tools. um the um to empower individuals to impact their community through volunteering and uh mentorship to increase student interactions with student to uh with I'm so sorry this is very tiny with alumni to facilitate transition from schools to community and the workforce and to continue the process for um recognition on a um on a dis on the as district of character. And so this year you uh probably either read in the newsletter, heard from your school principal, or um may have heard it in other places. You'll see that our schools are able to use
038the uh graphic that is only able to be um it's a copyrighted graphic that is only able to be used by schools that are part of character.org Oregon and have been recognized. Two of our schools, uh, Marshall Hill and West uh, West Milford High School were recognized as New Jersey schools of character. And then, um, Marshall Hill was also recognized as a national school of character this year. Some of our other schools are in the rotation and are already in, I believe it's a three-year um, process of continuing recognition. So, they were recognized prior to this. And then we have uh some schools that will be applying again next year as schools of character. So you know that is um something that all of our schools are pretty committed to. Um some of the things
039that uh we've been trying to do this year is are you know related to the whole notion of branding. Now board members, several of us uh when we had the um the uh school board's convention attended workshops on branding and brought back information and shared that with the rest of the board and administrators who attended. We came back and we kind of shared some of the things that we thought we could probably either emulate or at least look into with our uh with colleagues who were were not in attendance at those workshops. Um, the district prior to my coming to the district was already engaged in, you know, um, as floor tiles were replaced, the colors of those floor tiles were moving to gold and black. As um, as publications were put out, there were
040icons that were common across the district that are being used. And so, you know, a branding is really for a school district is kind of the same as branding a company. You know, not everyone is exactly the same. We obviously know that each of our schools has its own personality and culture, but we we strive for similar things. And so, through mods, through um mascots, we often will see some individuality. But when we come to goals, these are district goals. when we come to use um you know themes, they are district themes. When we're working on projects, we're trying to make sure, for example, when Mr. Novak is talking about um professional development and program improvements, we're trying to make sure that all of our schools receive the same training and that all of our
041teachers are provided with the same professional development to use the same curriculum so that your experience in one school is the same as it would be in a classroom in a school across town. So branding is more than just colors and a picture, you know, that's the that's the surface of it. So I think this district has really done a lot of thoughtful prep for that and we've been working on um things that hopefully will will carry through and and also allow for the individual individuality of each school's culture. Um as far as technology is concerned, you know, this district has committed to technology in a big way. um you've been onetoone for a number of years now. Uh the projects and programs that you've initiated that are tied to curricular aspects and instruction. Uh
042we talk about class link which I think is is something that has really allowed our elementary students, you know, all the way down to our youngest learners um have the ability to with with one link are able to then access the other applications that they're using in their classrooms, make it easier for them. Um, you know, I think that there's been a lot of forethought and the district's technology uh improvement plan is something that, you know, it spans multiple years and it's an ongoing project. So, all of that is important. Um, when uh we talk about the notion of community, we also look at how um how we reach out to our community. So, one of the things that we did this year was we developed a quarterly newsletter. The final issue of that will
043be coming out on the 28th of June. And um that that issue that last issue for this school year is going to be one that's celebratory of all of our schools um end of year activities uh promotion and graduation events and really something that that provides information for for those who are in our school community and who are not that um that may be interested in what's happening in our schools. And there is a lot of great information and and events going on. So, you know, you have an event called Hometown Pride, and I really think that that is something special. Um, you celebrate, you truly celebrate your school district. You truly celebrate your community. There are a lot of events that the school and community organizations partner with. We'll be hearing about some of
044that later on this evening. So, I really think that with Gold 2, um, we're pretty well down, you know, we're going down the road in the right way. and I I will not be with you after this week, but I'll be keeping my eye on West Milford because I know great things are happening here. Um board members, do you have any questions about Hometown Pride goal 2? Okay. Um let's see. Okay. So, we are on goal three and that's facilities and operations. So goal three is to maintain and update district facilities by fostering a safe and secure learning environment in and out of the classroom. uh things like providing multilevel uh use turf field for for school and community use upgrade um and maintain district technology opportunities to provide modern, safe, secure and aesthetically pleasing
045facilities and to continue to investigate um modernization of buildings for the future. So Mr. Schulz, I'm going to leave this one in your hands. >> Thank you, Dr. Fener. Uh, one of the parts of the goal was to evaluate the feasibility of installing an artificial turf field to be used by the school and the community. Um, one of the agenda items tonight is um a $60,000 grant that the township of West Milford obtained for uh to put lighting at Daigo's field. So, that was one step of the first step of putting the turf up on the field was getting the lighting procured and $60,000 will not be the full amount of the lighting needed, but that'll be at least a portion of it. Um, and obviously we're still working with the township and working with
046the town our uh district professionals and our architects of updating our our long-range facilities plan that needs to be updated to include a project like this. So, we're working with them as well to find the funding for that. Um, some of the technology upgrades that we've done, um, previously our Chromebooks for all of our students has been funded through the ESR grant which expires at the end of this year. So, one of the priorities of the 2425 budget that goes into effect next week for next school year was to loc uh locally fund the purchase of the Chromebooks so we could keep up with our replacement schedule for all of our students so we could have new new devices for all our students and keep recycling the whole process. Um, as as well, Mr. Winston
047has been involved in the updating the instructional lap laptop program for our staff. So, that's been complete and everything's been updated as well for that. Um, another thing we do is we utilize the -ate program, which is a federal program for uh refunds for technology and other uh devices that we that the district uses. We use that whenever we can to get uh discounts on other items that we purchase. Um, one of the other aspects was HVAC upgrades for our buildings. Um, through the ESR funding, we installed air conditioning and improved ventilation in some of the large common areas at Marshall Hill, Maple Road, and at Macapin in the cafeteria. Uh that was all funded through the SR3 grant and we are also currently working on updating all of the rooftop exhaust units at the
048high school, middle school and elementary schools. The elementary schools have been completed and the high school and Macpin are in progress right now. Um as always we are working on removing and abading uh asbestous floor tiles. Our buildings and ground supervisor Mr. Glenn he is working on a schedule for that as well to continue that cycle each budget each budget cycle. And on top of that, of course, is the school security measures in all the schools. We're always looking for new projects and updating our LRFP to include some of those uh security projects at all our district uh schools. Um, another aspect of the plan and the goal here was to rehab and renovate the athletic fields and our fine and performing art facilities. So, we the district maintenance team is great. They've been updating
049all of our fields. They've been taking on more responsibility this year of maintaining our fields for all of our sports and also township sports. So, they've been they thought the fields look great this past spring. And uh one of the big items that we have going on that the project should be starting hopefully before the end of the summer would be the UGL window replacement project. That was included in last year's budget and the district applied for a ROD grant which they didn't we didn't receive. So, we funded the balance of the project through the 20 2425 budget. Uh we're working with the architect and the engineers now. Um we're hopefully get that project advertised and bidded out soon as we can get that project off the ground. It's been things been dragging on since
050about 2018. So, we're excited to finally get that project moving. And uh one of the other projects that's always been going on for a long time now in West Miler, anyone who lives here knows that is the Hillcrest property. The district um working with the township commissioned a uh a feasibility study with an engineer who's currently going on right now. They're doing a feasibility study to see what can be done at that pro at that property and what it would look like and costwise and they're that project is currently going on. We're waiting on a report from them for that. >> So, I have that. >> Thank you, board members. Any questions for Mr. officials. Okay. Okay. Our next goal has to do with well-being. The goal uh goal number four is to create positive,
051inclusive and connected school environment for uh the promotion of lifelong health and well-being. Um the objectives are to increase opportunities for extracurricular activities um K12 that address um student needs and interests to foster individuals to create and collaborate um all really this is very tiny I am so sorry school culture to uh acceptance in all schools and to promote mental and physical um involvement for students and staff and together um to strengthen peer-to-peer um relationships and the school school home connection in order to build and a more uh supportive school environment. So uh I'm going to ask Dr. Russa to handle our um achievements and goal for >> Thank you Dr. Fenari and good evening everyone. Uh the the goal of well-being is covered by three particular areas. The first is co-curricular activities and in
052that particular goal this year we have been able to create a lot of opportunities for schools to offer clubs that really emphasize uh acceptance and inclusiveness and that includes uh in terms of success indicators uh plans for clubs uh approval of club advisors and uh clubs that have meet specific criteria have been implemented. Uh, one particular one that we're going to hear a little bit later about is the tremendous success and pride that we get from our unified uh, clubs and athletics. And so you're going to hear a little bit about that in a little while. Uh, also we are very big on the developing middle school intramural athletics program. Uh, there's a plan for that program uh, approval of team coaches and as of uh, this month a plan is in place uh, for
053continuing that success moving forward. Uh the second area in this goal is me mental and physical wellness. We want to make sure we're creating opportunities for our community members to develop social emotional wellness for our staff uh first and then we look at really through the New Jersey employee employee health benefits program. Uh they have a lot of programs and wellness activities and supports available for our community, our staff community and we're going to be looking at that going forward into the upcoming year to support our staff in the area of mental health wellness. Also, there's professional uh development opportunities for staff in this area. Uh we've had a number of wellness PD sessions and specifically a suicide prevention course uh was provided to staff this past school year uh where faculty meetings were used
054to provide some training and understanding on suicide prevention and how to look for the warning signs and supporting not only our staff but our students and our community in this regard. And we'll be looking at other organizations uh to look at uh presentations in this area for the for the upcoming school year. And the last uh area is supportive school environment uh where we're fostering programs and practices that support students that uh are dealing with issues of peer conflict uh family changes, social emotional challenges. Uh we have a number of programs that we've been able to implement throughout the district through all of our schools this year. Uh, one highlight program that I'll speak to is our NJ4S partnership that we board approved back this this past year. And a number of our schools have
055really engaged with this outsort outside organization through the department uh of children and families and uh the state um the state of New Jersey to provide support groups for students so that they can talk about a variety of topics that are of of importance to them and address areas of concern like bullying um conflict and uh anxiety and other types of mental health needs. We're also looking to create opportunities to host therapy animals in our schools. That has been a big hit this year. We've had a number of therapy animals come in uh to meet with students. Uh we've have have those recorded visits and that's been really a wonderful thing to see students that maybe are a little bit shy or reserved. being able to read to animals, being able to interact with them
056and seeing the beautiful things that happen as a result of that therapeutic support um is is has really been special to see. And lastly, uh we are also continuing our exploration of uh mental and physical wellness activities for students and staff like yoga and meditation, things of that nature. And those events have continued have happened this year and will continue to happen going forward into next year. So, as it as it pertains to well-being, I I feel like our district is doing a lot of wonderful things in this area, especially what we've all been through over the last few years. Uh, this is couldn't be more an important topic for our community. So, thank you, Dr. Fernari. >> Okay. >> Board members, any questions for Yes. >> Um, I just have a concern with the
057current status of everything under well-being. Um, I think maybe it was I I think it was probably an oversight and a mistake to be honest because as I look through the rest of the report, a lot of it says ongoing and Dr. Reser, I just heard you say that some of these were ongoing even into next year yet the the current status for everything under well-being says complete. >> I I could speak to it. So, and I spoke about this with Dr. Fenari. So, as you look at the different uh layers uh of the the plan, you'll see explore, plan, create, implement, monitor, analyze, and evaluate. So as it pertains to the stage that is it is in this report that's why the based on the activities that have been done this year that uh
058for example if you look at the first one co-curricular it says create so that part has been completed so the next step in the process would be implementation and so >> okay so um very specific the first one like you said create um the opportunities for all schools to offer clubs that emphasize acceptance and inclusiveness so I know I've definitely seen this at Makipin in the high school which has been amazing. Um really good job and thank you. I just am unaware is this also happening K to 5. >> So in terms of the unified I know that a lot of the activities that we are trying to promote is we start we look at the high school we look at the middle school and a lot of the activities what we were doing our
059unified week that we had a few months ago. um that was really spearheaded throughout the district in terms of there was a lot of theme weeks. There was a lot of great uh celebrations each day that the entire community engaged in. So those are those are activities that while we had a pep rally at the high school, we we definitely uh let those activities and the enthusiasm trickle down into the into the uh elementary levels. >> Great. Thank you. I guess I would I mean it's not my report but if it was I would request that it said completed unified at McAfee in the high school did weeks like in that current status explain a little bit more like each other one did. Sure. >> So that when it does get uploaded to the website
060um as a parent when I read it I know of some things but I didn't know of all of those even you know and and even as a board member reading it. So, I think it would be nice for the community when it gets uploaded to see >> um >> Yeah, thank you. I It's awesome. I just >> Sure. >> everything. Thank you so much. >> You're welcome. >> Okay. And our final goal with the strategic plan has to do with um financial stability. So, goal five is to um to achieve financial stability in light of state aid cuts under S2. And I'm going to ask Mr. Schultz to speak to that goal. >> Uh, one of the most obvious ways to try to achieve that goal is to limit spending in the current budget
061year. Uh, we did that, we shut the budget down in January to much to the dis dismay of most of the staff in the district. But, uh, when we shut it down in January, all purchases that came through had to be requested through me and my office in order to be approved and they had to justify what the purchase was and the justification for it. So doing it that way, it helps us generate some fund balance for the save for the end of the year to support future budgets and also hopefully generate money to uh deposit into some of our reserves, our capital reserve and our maintenance reserve accounts, which is actually a motion on the agenda for tonight. Um and another way to do it is just to become more efficient in uh analyzing
062our enrollment and staffing with an eye on the efficiency. So I know uh we've always shared the enrollment reports. So the staffing when we worked through the budget the budget cycle this past year was working on finding staffing based on the projected enrollment for the 24 25 school year and being as efficient as we possibly can with how we use those funds. Um another aspect of this was finding alternate funding sources for the district. So back in the fall I completed the application for the stabilization aid which we were awarded 405,996. Um that went a long way towards our ELA program that Mr. Novc has been working with. Um, also I know we bought the Marshall Hill uh playground equipment for the prek program over there and also the fencing that will be done at
063uh Paradise Null School. Um, also we manage the ESSER grants and the entitlement grants. I work closely with uh the director of ed's office with Mr. Novak and his and his staff to uh work on spending that money efficiently and also the handling the final reports and we're on track to uh spend all the funds that we've been allocated through the ESR grants and also to uh complete all the final reports to the state to the federal and uh state government. And another aspect to try to save some money would be to um return completed capital projects to their original funding sources like capital reserve. That's also a motion on the agenda tonight to put money back in capital reserve for the recently completed uh high school and middle school security vestibial projects and also
064the middle school uh kitchen floor project that was done last summer. Those projects came in under budget. So we have money going back into capital reserve uh once approved tonight. >> Board members, any questions for Mr. Schulz about financials? >> Okay, thank you once again. Um, with the recommended additions, we will be able to post this for the public by the end of the week. Anything else? Well done. Okay. Thank you, Dr. Fenari. Director of Education's report, Mr. Novak. Thank you. [Music] This is always one of my uh favorite moments uh of the year when we're able to um honor and and invite our uh annual uh retirees back to to come and get a round of applause and and be acknowledged by the district. Uh we have a number of retirees uh who are
065um who we're going to acknowledge here tonight. And we have we have some of you that I'm grateful that you that you came here so we can um hand you >> hand you a token of our um a token of our respect. Uh one of the quotes I always uh love uh Dr. Suda's quote is a uh don't don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. Uh I don't see any retirees crying. So it's um it's usually that's a quote I won't use going forward. Every retiree I see is much happier. I see Lisa Lions and Colleen Chelada. They're happier and younger. It's 10 years now. So, I just it it's exponential and how better you're going to look uh as time goes on. Um so, Dr. Fenar is going to come around and
066I'm going to read our um our retirees and years of service. The years of service that I'm going to announce are years of service in public education, not necessarily just here in West Milford. Um, so I'm going to start off with Barbara Francisco, board administrator and um, business administrator and board secretary at the board office, 25 years of service. One of our honores in attendance, Dr. John Highland, mathematics teacher, high school, 27 years. Mrs. Lynn Dhy, special education resource teacher, Upper Green Lake School, 24 years. Mrs. Helen Frank, administrative assistant in the board office to the director of special services, 17 years. Edy Raldi, Special Class A High School, 26 years. Christopher Kelly, operations supervisor, board office, 40 years. Linda Connelly, Special Class A, Makabin, 25 years. Mark Noaki, Special Class A High School, 13
067years. Linda Jacobs, special ed resource center teacher, Makaban School, 28 years. Dr. Brian McLaclin, music teacher, high school, 26 years. Marie Baldini Doyle, social studies teacher, Mackaban School, 30 years. Allison Perry, grade four teacher, Maple Road School, 25 years. Wendy Whitman, grade three teacher, Marshall Hill School, 25 years. Jennifer Medcaf, social studies teacher, high school, 28 years. Janelle Pine, grade 5 teacher, Upper Gum Lake School, 30 years. Miriam McCarthy, special class 8 high school, 18 years. And here in attendance, and going to Alaska soon. And I know when I said don't cry cuz it's over, they didn't know what I was talking about. And that's from our um teaching and and aids. And now we're moving on to other our other services, our food service. Pam Pascowski, head cook, manager, Apua School, 25 years. And
068next is uh Alana Katowski, vehicle aid transportation department. It says seven years, but in vehicle aid years it's 21. >> And then even Lori Pulcowski, vehicle a transportation department, 19 years. That's 57 in vehicle 8 years. So she's not here tonight. in operations. Henry Cox, custodian, high school, 30 years. I want to say once again, thank you uh for all of your time and service to all of our retirees. Uh those who are unable to be with here tonight, hopefully you're watching at home. Uh Nate's uh Nate's got it rolling. So, uh, know that we, uh, value all of your time here in West Milford and truly appreciate what you've done, not only for our students, but for the lives you touched, uh, not only in the board, but but also in your colleagues in
069the in the building. So, thank you for your time and greatly appreciate it. And my favorite thing to do with the director of education report is to introduce someone else. So without further ado, I'd like to call up Mr. Joe Treniccasta and Miss Debbie O'Brien. Mr. Joe Treniccasta is our I just assume everyone knows Trent. Uh fizzed supervisor, athletic director, um all world kind of kind of activities. And then Mrs. Uh Debbie O'Brien, former board trustee, also um with the Highlands Family Success Center and also the um what's your title? Director >> Coordinator for the West Milford Municipal Alliance. [Applause] >> Good evening everyone. Uh thank you um Dr. Fernari. It's been nice working with you. Congratulations and good luck in um wherever your future uh ends up. And Dr. kitchen. Good luck with your
070new career at West Milford. Thank you, Mr. Novak. Um, and also Dr. Resa and Dr. Schultz. I'd be remiss if I didn't say thank you to all of you, the board for the few things we're going to talk about tonight. Keep it very brief. I know I I don't want to lose a bet, Mr. Novak. Um, but we'll make it very, very brief, but we do want to highlight the the accomplishments of some students that we have here and coaches as well. Um, but first, while I'm here with Mrs. So, Brian, we want to talk about um some of the programs that we are continuing to work with uh at the high school, heroes and cool kids, which is also dovetailing into Sidekicks at the middle school um which all falls under our committee which
071is called 4C. Ultimately, it's our it's our climate culture and character education committee that we're starting this summer and getting off the ground. And ultimately, when you see all the different programs and all the different district goals, you see that it all starts from the ground up where and I know that Debbiey's going to speak more about the program itself. Um, but we're planning a meeting this summer and really just to jump in head first and see what uh you talk about school character, where our are areas of growth and areas of strength and really build upon them. So, without further ado, Debbie, over >> like Mr. Novak said, I'm the coordinator of the West Milford Municipal Alliance. The alliance has funded Heroes of Cool Kids over the last seven years. Through the hard work
072of Donald Dockerty, Joe Jordan, Lauren Rebrandt, and the support of Coach T, as I affectionately call him, and your administrative administration, Heroes and Cool Kids has had a positive impact in our schools. Heroes and Cool Kids, for those who don't know, is an evidence-based student leadership program. Trained high school students work with fifth graders fifth three times a year on building resilience, character, and strength. The mentors work with their mentees on dealing with various situations such as mental health, bullying, drugs, and alcohol. Feedback from the students and teachers have been extremely positive. Over 90% of our fifth graders found this program to be bene beneficial in decision-making, goal obtaining, and intra and interpersonal behavior. They appreciate the high school students sharing personal experiences which help them think about things differently. Every year we get a
073survey back which helps because it's is a grant-based program. So, we need feedback from both the mentors, mentees, and the teachers. One particular comment that stood out from the one of the fifth graders. Heroes and Cool Kids helped me connect with my older sibling more and helped me understood why she was so stressed. And now that I can finally talk to her like we used to, the high school students enjoyed being mentors and role models. Many of them realize that they are making a difference in the life of fifth graders. 100% of her fifth grade teachers want this program to continue. They are impressed on how well the mentors are prepared and the influence that they make with their students. One of the comments from the staff, this is one of the most important programs
074we have in this district. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the positive experience I have had over the years. It is so rewarding and beneficial to all involved. The West Milford Municipal Blind Alliance had applied for and received a grant from the Atlantic Health Systems to uh establish a sidekick program which is very similar. I quote like a precursor to Heroes and Cool Kids. But the mentors are eighth grade students who will be working with fourth grade students. Their focus is on important life skills that lead to good choices including goal setting, anti-bullying, and anti-substance. The alliance most appreciates the support and help from our school administrators, faculty, staff, and the board of education in their cooperation in the application of this grant as well as for their support in its implementation. Thank you.
075Can't say thank you again uh enough to Debbie O'Brien who has uh successfully um gotten us awarded grants for both heroes and cool kids now sidekicks as well and the work that you do on docking is just really fantastic. Thank you so much. Um at this time I'd like to call the families um of our unified track team and I know we have a few here today. Um, Coach Blade is gonna is going to come up with you. And up in front here, we have um something to celebrate tonight. Um, come on up, guys. Are you ready? Straight up front. Get a picture in a minute. Winning championships doesn't come often. It takes hard work, determination, character, dedication, and sometimes a little luck. This is true for championships on every level, and we've seen them
076in lacrosse and cross country, at the county level. We've seen them at our at our conference level with track. We've seen them throughout our uh our our athletic programs. Um, but let's talk states. The highest achievement the team can reach in New Jersey Intercolastic Athletics is a state championship. I wanted to take a few minutes to acknowledge and congratulate the unified track and field team on their NJSIAA group B state championship back on June 6th. The student athletes are led by Coach Cla and Coach Rocky. Please, let's give them a big round of applause. So, thank you, Coach Clay, for your leadership and all that you do. Thank you to the families. Um, you heard a lot about branding and character and a lot of different things tonight. And I think that the unified program,
077as you'll see now in this video, very short two-minute clip, um, you'll see how unified to me and to all of us, really exemplifies unity and and, um, and all the things of character we've talked about so far. Not only did the uh, track team win the state championship, many of which these student athletes and coaches work with, our basketball and bowling teams, and you'll see that highlighted here as well. So once again, thank you again for your continued support for Unifi. [Music] There's no time to waste. No time to waste. Won't stop. I don'tesitate. I don't hesitate. I got in my eyes. The future's looking bright. Take no time to waste. No time to waste. Let's make it better. Better better than it ever was. Let's make it better. Better. Yeah. Heat. [Music] Yeah.
078[Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] the better days will come eas better better than it ever was. Let's make it better. Better. [Music] Thank you everyone once again and thank you so much to the students and the families and the coaches. What a great great job. Congrats on state championship. But I'd be remiss without saying thank you to Joe Jordan, our TV science teacher, who did an amazing job on that video. Uh thank you to Mr. Winston as well. Um, and thanks for your time. Have a great night. [Applause] [Music] Okay. >> All right. Uh, thank you, Mr. Trennicosta. Thank you, Mrs. O'Brien. Uh, I can't think of a better way to wrap the uh 2023 2024 school year than with that video. Fantastic. Great job, Ben. Who hit that three? Who hit that
079deep three? >> Oh, of course. >> Of course. Basketball in the blood. All right. Thank you. We're going to take a um few minute break. >> Oh, okay. Amazing. [Music] Amazing. Yes. >> I'm not sure why we needed a minute, but I was actually going to ask if we can move just to public comment so that these poor children could get through. I think that's what probably they're here for. Is that true, parents? Yes. >> So, I don't know why we're I can make a motion to go to public comment so that these children could have their comments and then go home and then we can finish the rest or am I >> This is public comment. Um we're not an agenda item though, right? So, we'll just make this one. >> I I have
080absolutely no clue. >> We We have typically taken a break at the retirement um >> meeting. I'm saying >> that's the only reason there was no no reason other than that to allow our retirees and the and the presentation >> just looking around I just don't see anybody else that we need to break for other after public comment maybe and then we could continue I just I think that I agree with Peter those children parents good job they've been so well behaved and I know we all agree up here so so we'll move to public comment right now >> public comment >> thank you >> all right so we need a voice all those in favor >> any opposed Okay. So, public comment and this is going to be on anything, not just an agenda
081item. Um, because I don't believe you're speaking on an agenda item. Correct. >> Correct. Okay. So, public comments. Uh, hold on. I got to go to the second one. Sorry. Well, it says for the first opportunity to plan C invited to comment on agenda item as well. during the second uh blah blah blah. 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
082question 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. And again, this is this is the second opportunity for public comment where we can speak to anything. Um so go ahead >> on we're good. Ladies and gentlemen of the West Milford Board of Education, good evening and thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today. My name is Travis Lazat. I will be representing the parents of all the incoming second graders for the 2425 school year. I am here to address the proposed class size for the second grade class at Upper Greenwood Lake School for the 20 2024 2022 school year. The current proposal suggests a
083single section with 28 students. I stand before you to advocate for the division of this class into two sections. Research consistently shows that smaller class sizes, especially in the early grades, yield significant benefits for students. According to a study conducted by the National Education Association, smaller class sizes in kindergarten through 2 grade are linked to improved student performance. The Tennessee Star student teacher achievement ratio study, one of the most well-known and comprehensive studies on this topic, found that students in smaller classes performed better academically, and these benefits persisted throughout their academic careers. In the STAR studies, students in classes of 13 to 17 performed better in reading and math compared to their peers in larger classes of 20 to 25 students. specifically students in smaller classes. An 8 to 10 improvement 8 to 10% improvement
084in test scores. For our second graders, a difference of 10 to 14 students per class is significant. By maintaining a class size closer to 15, we'd be giving our students a stronger foundation in these critical early years. Smaller class sizes allow teachers to provide more individualized attention. With fewer students, teachers can better understand each child's unique learning needs. Offer personalized support and foster a more engaging and interactive learning environment. This is particularly crucial in the early grades when students are developing fundamental skills in reading, writing, and mathemat ma mathematics. Additionally, classroom management is easier with fewer students. Teachers can dedicate more time to instruction rather than discipline, creating more positive and productive classroom atmosphere. This leads to a reduction in disruptive behavior, allowing for a more focused and condu conducive learning environment. Furthermore, smaller class
085sizes have been linked to long-term benefits. According to research from the American Educational Research Association, students in smaller classes have better attendance records, fewer disciplinary issues, and a greater likelihood of pursuing higher education. This sets a strong precedent for their future, not just academically, but in life as well. The benefits of small class sizes extend to teachers as well. Teachers in smaller classes report higher job satisfaction and lower stress levels. They can implement diverse instruct instructional strategies and engage in more meaningful interactions with their students. This positive work environment can reduce teacher burnout and turnover, which is beneficial for the school community as a whole. Considering the proposed class size of 28 students for next year, we must ask ourselves if we are truly setting up our children for success. While 28 students might seem
086manageable, is at the higher end of what the site suggests is optimal for young learners. By splitting this into two sections, we can provide an environment where every child is seen, heard, and given the attention they need to thrive. In addition to these reasons, the current third grade class at UGL is put into one section to being of 2022. By October, there is a dire need for splitting this large class into two sections, creating chaos among students, relocations of staff members, and headaches for parents and administrators alike. As George Santana has said, those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Let's learn from the past and not repeat this tragic history. In closing, I urge you to consider the long-term benefits of smaller class sizes for our second graders at Upper Grand
087Lake School. By investing in two sections, we are not just matching numbers. We are investing in the quality of education and the future for our children. Let us take this opportunity to create the best possible learning environment for our young students. Thank you for your time and consideration on behalf of the parents of the UGL 2425 uh second grade class. Thank you. [Music] >> Anyone else wishing to speak? >> Miss Lockwood Jim Foody actually signed up. [Music] >> Hello everybody. Jim Foody. Um, been a long time since I've been in uh sitting in in this day and uh there were good times, there were bad times. Some of the bad times it just re relived when I was reading a newspaper article recently about this new bullying incident that the district is facing. And it
088reminded me so much of a young lady who had to sue the district. The district and insurance was like 900 97,000 to settle the suit and that didn't go to court. I'm sure if that went to court it would have been a lot worse. To still see this stuff going on it it blows my mind. I remember conversation with Mrs. Dwire when she told me about her son being bullied in the school and she went in everybody the riot act and it got taken care of. And and that's what we need to strive in this district is to not have any kids bullied. You talking about culture and climate. What we need are kids not being bullied. Now, it's a suggestion. I don't know how far you can go with it, but I know when
089my son was in the school and there was a young man being bullied, he went up, spoke to the kid who was both due to the bullying and it continued. It stopped when the entire football team went around him at lunch and said, "You're picking on our friend." And this and they said, "This needs to stop." And you know what? It stopped. So you want to talk about a culture and climate in and camaraderie and and teamwork. Maybe getting some of the sports teams like football, baseball, soccer, getting those kids to look out for the other kids who are getting bullied and maybe we can stop this. You know, some of Coline for crying out loud that started because kids were getting bullied. Parkland, kids getting bullied. Are we setting ourselves up for something like
090that happening in West Milford? I hope to God not. But something needs to be done. And what happened with the case when I was on the board in this, they were so eerily similar when I was reading those that newspaper article, it made me sick to my stomach. And that's why I'm here to to plead with you guys. Now, my kids, they're not in the school, but there's other kids that are in the school system. And I don't want to ever see any of these little guys that came in here going through what I read about in the paper and what I saw with that previous case. Uh Green was the name, Ariana. I mean, this this just we we can't continue on this course. and every Terry should know, Mr. Sid should know and
091everybody else is kind of new and and after the fact, but it's very very eerily similar the things that went on with this young man I read about in a paper or what happened to that young lady years ago. And I I would implore you guys to do whatever you can. You know, it just it's not right. You know, all of us wouldn't want to get bullied. So, why are we allowing it to happen to the kids that we're that you guys and and the teachers and staff are here to protect? It it needs to stop, you know. And I see some of you looking at me and I I hope you're you're hearing me and I see others looking off, not listening to me, but it needs to stop. I I hope that you
092guys can take some action on this that that has a result. I had I had talked about when I was board president, why don't we get these kids who do the bullying to write a apology letter and have them read it at a board meeting? I mean, it might it might help. We got to do something, but you just let this continue to go on and on and on, it's it's it's not right. And so I hope that with this new culture and climate, but more importantly getting the kids to get involved and the great way to do it is, you know, the football team, they're a team, soccer team, you're a team, baseball, wrestling, get them involved and ask them to help. And if you see kids getting bullied, you know, you know, intervene,
093mention it, tell. I mean, we're just are only waiting for a Coline or a Parkland or something like that. I hope to God that you guys really take this to heart and the superintendent. I hope you're hearing me. This this just can't continue to keep her. Thank you very much for your time. >> Thank you, Mr. Foody. Anyone else wishing to speak? Move to close public comments. Second. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> All right. So, now back to um you're finished with your director of education report, right, Mr. Novc? >> Okay. Thank you. Um so, special reports and correspondence, Mr. Schultz. >> Sure. I have the uh workshop regular meeting minutes for May 21st, 2024 and the executive session minutes for May 21st, 2024. I move to approve the
094May 21st workshop radio meeting and executive session meeting minutes. >> Second. >> Any comment? All those in favor? Any opposed? Uh, president's report. So, real quick, um, I just wanted to speak to the end of the year assemblies, celebrations, promotions, and graduations that occurred. It seemed like it was a very successful end of the school year. Um all the students um were recognized at their um fifth grade assemblies. I know um a board member and administrator was present at every one. So thank you for those that attended. Um it's great to see um all those happy faces especially with them moving up to Makipin. And then the promotion ceremony at Makipin was a great success also and graduation at the high school. Congratulations to the 2024 high school graduates. Another hot but a successful night.
095Um so that's it for my president's report. I'll keep it short and sweet tonight. Um we did public comments already. So now we can go to the agenda. Any changes to the agenda? Dr. Fenari. Yes, there are several changes. Um, I will make sure I know my tabs. Okay. So, board members, on page 12 of your agenda, on motion 37, if you go down to the third um staff member named um Chimallesi, uh the hours for that staff member are changed from 60 to 100 and the not to exceed amount changes to 1,900. $1,976. Okay. Uh now we move on to page 14 of the agenda. Uh motion number 39. Um the first staff member on the agenda, the hourly rate was published in the agenda incorrectly. The hourly rate that was approved in May
096is 66,000. Listen to me. $66.80. I apologize. $66.80. Okay. And then at the bottom of the same page, we have um two staff members that are being added to this agenda. And Dr. Russie, you may have to help me with the names. Um Melissa, is it Barian. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um is being added at an V A R I A N. >> Yes. >> And uh the hourly rate for that staff member is $6843. The number of hours is 7 and the uh payment not to exceed is $4791.47. 47901. The second staff member to be added to this list is Elizabeth Msano and the hourly rate for that staff member is $7829. The number of hours is seven and the payment not to exceed is $5483 54803. And the last adjustment that I have
097is on page 15 of the agenda. Uh motion number 41 um for staff member uh Mary Brown. The rate of pay changes to $23 per hour. Anybody need any me to go back? Okay, those are all of the Oh, and um Okay, one more. Sorry, it's page nine. Okay, on page nine, motion number 21, uh we're going to remove that motion due to the fact that we don't have enough staff who can vote on that motion this evening or staff board members who can vote on that motion this evening. We'll try again on Thursday. >> This is awkward. [Music] Okay. Could I have a motion to adop adopt the agenda as presented? >> Move to adopt the agenda as presented. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Any opposed? >> Okay. Mrs. Dwire, education.
098>> Okay. I have to find my page. I'd like to move items 1 through 19 for approval. [Music] >> Could I get a second? >> Second. >> That's all she had. >> I have a question. >> Any discussion? Yep. >> Hey, Mrs. >> Hi. Am I the only one that doesn't remember the hibs and didn't I didn't get to call. So I could either abstain or I could ask to table it. Does everyone else remember them? Number 19. >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh do you have enough votes if I don't vote? >> Okay. I mean if everyone >> I just wanted to make sure before it comes up and then I I just don't remember. That was >> true. We'd have five. >> Okay. Cool. >> I do. you remember 19. You're good. >> Yeah.
099>> Okay. I I do have a question. Um on number eight, are all our staff involved on group hours, right? >> Yes. Um >> is everybody involved in that >> essentially? Yeah. It's where we house all of our uh all of our curriculum documents. Well, I know that, but I just want to know if every staff member is participating in that and putting in their plans and >> No, we don't we don't enter our plans into Rubicon. >> Well, you do objectives and and activities. >> Well, that's part of Yeah. So, I think we're talking about two different things. So, the um curriculum that we house in Rubicon is our those are our like called parent documents. So for our grade two >> history, our grade grade 2 social studies, our algebra one course, that's
100where we that's where our master document is for the, you know, the things we teach in that in that course, the scope and sequence, what time of year they do the pacing. Teachers create lesson plans separately from that and submit it to their supervisor. There was a time where um staff members in the high school were submitting units from Rubicon as their lesson plans. That's not that's not taking place anymore. We haven't been doing that for um I want to say back to 20 2016 2017. >> Okay. >> Um but yes, everyone everyone technically is involved because it it governs all that we do. So for example, this summer we're working on some curriculum projects for our K5 um ELA replacement, the update of our K5 math replacement from last year, and we have algebra
1011, geometry, algebra 2, pre um our advanced courses. Those are being created and then they'll be in Rubicon for for the teachers to access. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any other discussion, Mrs. Romeo? Um, I said we talked to number nine about my ex. I number nine [Music] I I guess I thought we were getting rid of like where do we still use it if we have I ready? >> We have um we've abandoned it and controlled abandonment in our elementary schools. We still have access to for um some subgroups as a tool in some small group settings. Um at the middle school and high school, it's still uh it still has been used for uh for practice items and and supporting the curriculum. >> Even though we have a new math, I mean, okay,
102that answers my question. I'm Thank you. >> The kids aren't being graded on the day. Are they still balance? >> It depends on the uh it depends on the teacher. It depends on the uh >> not supposed to be graded on. >> So the discussions that we've had over the years with were about how it was being graded. So now the grading isn't isn't correlated to the score they get on an ISL assessment. That's one of the things we've talked about over the years is teachers were giving some some staff members were giving a score of a 70. If a kid got a 70 on the ISL assessment, which 70 is mastery, uh so what we have now is participation grade. So if they complete their assessment, if they reach the, you know, the number
103that's considered mastery, it's not getting a a number assignment, it's getting a completion grade. >> But I I don't want to keep going on about it, but >> I never stopped hearing about talking about and I want you to talk to Mark because if if I vote no, how upset like how is this going to affect our students negatively? >> Well, it depends on the votes, I suppose. >> I guess it does, but I'm probably voting no on everyone else voted. No, we'd have no and then we'd have a gap. >> A gap where we have a new math program. We have a new math supervisor. >> We don't have a new math program in middle school and high school. >> Mr. Novak, can I also speak to the LL piece that I know that
104a lot of special education students use it as a tool as well. We do rely on the ISL, but it is a tool that that certain subgroups as you're saying do use utilize it um you know to help with the v the variety of needs they have. >> I just broke my pen out of frustration. So for three straight years I've asked for to show me how show me where I is used positively. Like where is it? And I have seen nothing but frustration. I don't care anything good. So maybe maybe you want to we should table it and I don't know. But I I um personally, it used to be the ELA program. Now it's for me. Um >> for a long time. >> It has been for a long time. Not just for
105me. Um but I just don't know that I see the positive in it. I don't see how um it's supplementing the program >> cuz doesn't this new program, the student program that we're coming have a supplemental aspect to it? So in K5, yes. And that's and in K5, that's where we have uh different uh different tools. We have added a variety of different things at the middle school and the high school. Um you know, Delta Math, for example, we've we've added some some pieces to the puzzle, but until we replace middle school and high school, we need to supplement because uh EXL addresses math standards. It's essentially math practice. And we've I've been talking all year and last year and year before that and before that about raising our um our ability as a district
106district to achieve in math and this is a tool that that helps do that. I would appreciate going forward if we had specific examples of of the you know what the problems are. >> Some of that is my fault. I should have I didn't get to read this until walking in right before walking in tonight. So with that in mind, I will give you one more year. Um, but truly I am very frustrated as a parent and a board member with EXL. Um, and I I need to see how it is affecting our students in a positive light and not hear how much it's stressing them out and affecting their their mental well-being. Um, because that's all I hear in the community. and I have yet to see personally I I mean I'll speak for
107myself, but I think there are other board members that are sure to agree with me. Um so I I because of that my mistake tonight in not being able to discuss this with you sooner, I will I will vote yes. Um, but I will let you know that it's it's on my list this year of something that I would like to see in how it's helping our West Milford students and not hurting them because it doesn't feel good. You know, >> I I think I think um Kate, what >> I'm not sure if this is what you're feeling, but um I feel that it's being used not so much as an aid to improve the math skills, but rather as a punishment. >> So, I'm going to disagree with that. I think it was in
108the past. Um I mean, I has been talked about for many years. is I can go back to being on superintendent round table like um precoid many years and I know this was >> the minute I got this job you guys started going after >> I didn't bring it here >> I never >> just left >> I was there for special education so wasn't really on my topic but what I will say what I have noticed with a a child who was struggling with now that he's gone to the high school, I've noticed that the struggle really isn't there. It's being implemented differently. And I think that's an attestament to you and getting that out there to your staff and your teachers in changing the way that it's graded. Um, and it is for participation
109and completion on a homework grade or that's been the um the way that it my son um was given this year in the high school. So I think just making sure maybe across the board that every grade level uh whether it be a makipin or the high school and every teacher is implementing it the same way maybe just refreshing maybe that's what it is if it's still >> out there in the community. I think that would be a good maybe September October education committee objective to provide exactly where and how because I I mean before I because because we have been looking at numbers and our costs. The digital resources that we are renew we we cancelled quite a few digital resources that we have for renewal are ones that the usage when I look
110on the on the administrative end I can see the usage across the district justifies the cost. So it's it had it is being utilized. is being implemented and I haven't I haven't heard in years uh a concern other than you know some jokes at you know superintendent round table basically going back to like the 2016 jokes um that there was something currently a miss with >> one of the most frustrating things about is let's just say a student misses math in a school or whatever and they get from their teacher do I7 I9 E 15 and a little bit all the letters and the numbers that they have to do. Well, if they miss the instruction, they don't know how to do it. So, every problem that they get wrong, their score goes down and
111down and then they have more problems to do to explain it to anyone that hasn't seen a little bit. Maybe what would help those students is here's your homework and here's the videos to each one or you know or something along the lines because you can't just give a kid and expect them to learn it. It's supposed to be supplement like a supplement you know supplemental. So, um I know that is some of the frustration, you know, um but it's nice to hear that things are changing and I just haven't experienced or seen that yet. Um and so, but I already told you I'll vote yes, so we can move on. I'm sorry. Thank you. >> Any other discussion? >> Mr. Lipe, >> I just got one simple question. Uh you I like my data.
112Uh number one, the language instructional education program. Uh that's basically the old ESL >> used to call it used to be called EDSL three-year plan. Now it's the most out of curiosity, how many students do we have enrolled in that? Are they clustered? Are they >> districtwide? We're we're um I believe we're in the 50s now. >> Okay. 50 is pretty spread throughout the district or are they cluster you know people clustered? >> No, they're K they're K12. um our you know we house our program um at the aptua school. So it would appear to be >> after school was for the the K5 >> the K5 pro right but we do have we do have um students throughout uh throughout the middle school and high school. Uh that's why we added uh we've increased
113staff. We had a posting all last year for a 0.5 multilingual learner teacher and that position wasn't uh wasn't able to be filled with lack of candidates and then we were able to um reassign some of the work of qualified staff member at the high school where now there are um teaching Italian and then also part-time um MLL multilingual learner that's a new acronym. Thank you. >> Yeah. So if if you wanted a a concentration would appear at the option school because that's where we you know the entire district's students who qualify get transported there. >> Yeah. I I could just speak to at the county level we had been out this was like last year but almost every district has seen almost a double in in their students and and this >> and it's
114increasing and that's something that has come up now over the last two years. It has really raised its head for us here. So it un unfortunately it is like we went from like 14 to 50. >> Yeah. Pre pre- pandemic our >> primarily Spanish >> only half >> um pre- pandemic we were our numbers we counted in the teens >> steady increase students who qualified >> okay any other discussion seeing no roll call please Mr. Schultz >> Mr. Dwire >> yes >> Mr. Mr. Satovich. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> obscene on 19. Yes. On everything else. >> Mrs. Van Djk. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lippy. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Personnel student affairs. Mrs. Van Djk. >> Um, I would like to move items 1 through and 22 through 74 under
115personnel. Second. >> Any discussion? >> I I have wait 21. Okay, that's right. Okay. I I have um several questions. First of all, um I'm very upset that we're losing a STEM teacher in math and in um yeah, STEM teacher and a math teacher at Mccapin. Um were those resignations because of moving or getting other jobs? >> Both. Okay. And um number 50 on the homework committee. This has been going on for at least three to four years. What What's the movement on this? How much success has been what's in other words, what's going on? Because we haven't heard anything report card. That's what I meant. Report card committee. It's been three to four years and we haven't gotten a report about it yet >> about the report card. >> Report card. So in in
116terms of what they've what they've accomplished. >> Yes. >> Okay. So the report card committee has been um they typically meet in the summer. Sometimes they get together during the school year. This is a K uh K5, >> right? >> So what number see something? >> Well, we I mean yes, we do we have changes every year. They meet to discuss changes based on the implementation that we have. Just for examples, over the year when we shifted from a four marking period um school year to trimester, the report card committee met to look at, you know, what those time frames would be, how the calendar works out, what what you know, because now you have a a shorter time period and coming, you know, the end of the first marking period is typically around Thanksgiving.
117Now the end of the first trimester is more like mid December. So now you have to align the types of things you're assessing students on in a longer period of time. So that's just one example. One year we met to add um our benchmark assessment um letter grade, you know, letter letter reading level to the report card. >> So this committee is ongoing. It's just it keeps going and going. >> It's kind of as as needed. So the the reason it's so valuable this summer is that the standards are changing for implementation starting September for ELA and math. >> Okay. >> Uh we also have two new programs that don't match current indicators on the K5 report card. So this summer's um um process is extremely important. And the the document I shared with everyone
118in the ed committee, you know, we started talking about committees and clubs or or committees and curriculum writing, we prepared information for everyone ex with exactly what the committee's goal was, what their activities would be, what the expected outcome would be. So for this particular committee in the in the notes, the expected outcome is a revised report card and we have a deadline with real time for July uh the end of July. So the committee will be meeting within the next two weeks to make sure that we meet the real time deadline so that we can have a new report card in place for uh for September. >> Okay. Now I have another another question. I don't know if this is a question or a statement, but I noticed in items 52 and 53, we
119have the middle school um counselor who's going to the high school who hasn't been there yet working on the high school handbook and the high school person who hasn't been at McAppin yet is working on the Mccipin yearbook. Wouldn't it make more sense to put those people where they have their expertise? That's a statement. >> That's a statement. >> Yeah. >> Oh, >> you started when I noticed you're the ELA teacher. >> Been a while. >> Part of it is a class going. So part of the reason that you know now that that the staff members have been transferred we want to make sure that they have you know they're able to participate and immerse themselves into any of the changes that they're going to have to implement when they begin in the new school.
120So I'm sorry how would they know? Well they're going to need to know sometime rather than hit the ground running. So if they're part of the development of the of the handbook, then you know that's part part of this is team building >> and sharing their expertise >> and they're not working in isolation, right? >> They're working with the the principal and the um supervisor. >> All right. And now I have another question. On number 57, artificial intelligence, >> shouldn't this be a professional development day for our entire staff led by professionals? >> Yes. So then then why are we limiting it to um >> well there there's um there's a purpose for this uh for this group getting together and it's to talk about uh potential I don't use the word policy because I
121think in this room when we say policy it means something different than when we're where teachers are in the hallway talking about policy. So we're talking about guidelines uh and I think one of the major discussions of this is tools like chat GPT where um a student can create a paper you know using artificial intelligence. So this committee is getting together to talk about types of things that we need and the types of things that we're going to implement. So they're going to bring it back to the entire staff >> eventually when when we know it's because there's also there's a >> I'm going to yield to the Dr. Kitchen like probably going to be a policy discussion >> ward end >> for what artificial intelligence means for our schools and it's something that Dr.
122Kitchen and I are actually attending in the in mid July is an artificial intelligence conference that's hosted by all of the leaders um you know a leadership group in the state of New Jersey to find out exactly what all school districts are doing in terms of how to how to monitor and how to implement artificial intelligence. It has tremendous um benefit and we have to embrace it and and do it safely. There's also a downside of technology, but I think that's what this group is is working on and I have been speaking with uh Mrs. West in terms of scheduling for this to wait until we bring information back to the district from this large statewide event um to help inform what this group does. >> And can I just ask something onto that? The
123committee is is there a reason why it's only two people? Were was it only open to two or only two signed up? I >> I give them I give them guidelines and I I ask for fiscal responsibility. Um so I think uh Mrs. West chose a group um you know that could meet the goals of you know that particular group. >> Okay. And one last thing, >> um I'd like to table number 65 and 66. Um, I'd like to bring that back to committee for discussion because I have a I have um some questions about a position that's on there that looks like it might be a double dipping situation. So, >> yeah, I'd like to move >> like to make a motion. >> I'd like to make a motion to table 65 and 66
124to bring it back to committee for discussion. >> I'll second that. >> Before we vote on it, make sure we don't get the same. There's nothing I'm just give to read. There's nothing that's going to happen, right? did last year coaches, >> right? >> This is for the 2425 school year, >> right? >> For both. >> Okay. So, I have a motion to table and a second. All those in favor? >> Hang on one second. I just look through. >> Yeah. >> Sorry. >> And take a minute. Let me know when you're ready. This is Romeo. >> Yeah. Yeah, I'm actually if I can speak for a second and add on to that. >> You know how I feel about some of the things here. You know, we're spending not only in the clubs but
125in the sports as well. I mean, I'd like to see if we can't get a for one of a better term, a master list of what we have out there and an idea of who of how many students participated in all the clubs. And I know Dr. Fernar, you you and I spoke last time about it's important to have clubs for the for the kids when they're to make them feel part of the community and and do things like this. I'm not disagreeing with that at all, but I just would like to know so we have an idea where the money is being spent and if we can combine things or move things around a little bit. Um, and I think that goes along with um, uh, I know we had we had some numbers
126with the sports as well, but get a 30,000 foot view. Look at it for the 24-25 school year as opposed to this meeting we're talking about fall sports. You know, another meeting in September, October, we'll talk about winter sports. and just to get a real picture of what happens along with the clubs to see if there is times that things are being used and when they're being used and and to make sure that that we're spending money wisely and making sure the kids also have the services and and activities that they should have. That's all. >> Thank you, Mr. Lippy. Okay. So, I have a motion on the floor to table 65 and 66. That was second. All those in favor? >> I. Any opposed? Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Anything else, Mrs. Twire?
127>> I'm done. >> You're done. >> Any other discussion? Mrs. Van Dyke? >> Yeah. I don't remember. Um, I I just want to uh comment on the retirement of Dean Monty. Dean Monty's been with our district for I don't know how many years to be honest. And um I just want to wish him well on his retirement. >> Any other discussion? >> Yeah, we can clap on that. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> um I have two things. One, Mr. Dowardy. Um I just want to thank our volunteer. The Heroes and Cool Kids program, as we heard tonight, um is a great program, not just, you know, for both. I love to see um peer-to-peer programs and cross-age teaching and as of right now it's the only one I know of in our district. Um it's been
128successful for a long time and and um I don't know Mr. Darity but I've seen him when I was on the um when I was the representative for the WMA and he knows those kids well. You can tell. I just want to say thank you to him for volunteering. Um, and the second thing, I know that we'll probably be able to talk about number eight in a minute, but um, just a real congratulations to uh, Mr. Pod. I'm very happy um, and was really excited when I saw her name on the agenda. So, um, I know I always question uh, who's on the committee and who's doing the interviewing and are you doing it right and um, look, I I don't know that you could have I don't even know who was on the interview
129committee. I don't know who he interviewed, but um I've seen Christa from afar for many, many years, and the way that um her strength and her care for our students is unmeasurable, and I think that the high school is very lucky. Um and I think that she's going to work great with with the guys and um I'm excited for all of them. So, I just wanted to mention that, you know, I think she's going to fit really good. So, thank you for whoever put that on the agenda. You know, I'm I'm glad you said what you said, Kate, about the heroes and cool kids and about Don I also want to thank um >> You knew I was saying his name wrong. I'm sorry. >> It's Doc Don Doc. Yeah, that's fine. >> He knew
130who you were talking. Uh, I I I want to thank Debbie O'Brien because she has been instrumental in bringing some wonderful programs into this district as the municipal alliance coordinator and working with her on the alliance. Having been the coordinator years and years ago, this is not an easy task. and the amount of grants that are out there. She has really she has really focused in on on helping our our our kids and th that program and the new program at Makipin. I I I can't even tell you. I got to be there the day that they got the check and the kids that are participating are just wonderful. I I wish everybody could see I they're just so dedicated and they're so caring and and I just I just want to say thank you
131to her for all that hard work and I also reiterate that we are very excited about Kristen coming to the high school and I know that you're going to be a great member of the team there. So congratulations even though the vote hasn't happened yet. >> Linda, I'm sorry. Can you clarify what you said? You were there the day they got >> I as as the alliance representative. They invited me to come when Atlantic Health presented the check at Makipin. So I got to be there and I got to talk to some of the the students who are involved with the heroes and cool kids cuz I I I've known the program but I've never seen the kid. I really I'm not in the classroom so I don't and I I just was so excited
132because just talking with them was I it you know you could tell that they're in the right spot and they're helping our kids and I know from past history from my my grandson he really enjoyed that program in in the elementary building. So it it is and I I'm excited about the K the students from Makipin now with the fourth grade. I think this is a great way of building so that that's going to make a good transition to Makipin for some of for our students to see these kids and know that you know they're going to be there with them soon. So I I I just and it's important that we're so supported from the municipal alliance. So I would just want to thank them. >> Any other discussion? >> Seeing non roll call
133please Mr. Schultz. >> Mrs. Mrs. Van Djk. >> Um, I abstain on 69 and yes on the rest. >> Mr. Satovich, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> I recuse on 49 and yes on everything else. >> Mr. Lippy. >> Uh, yes. >> Mr. Dwire, >> no on number 54, 68, and 71. Yes on everything else. Mrs. Lockwood, >> I'm going to abstain on 69 and 70 and yes to everything else. >> Oh, really? >> What did you say? 68 or 69? [Music] I have this. >> Who else said 69? >> Uh, Mrs. Van Dyke abstained on number 69. >> Terry said >> I My daughter is on 69. >> 68 and 71. >> Mrs. Van said 69. >> I said 69, not 70. >> Claire, are you relieved? >> So, wait. Actually, why don't we
134ask some questions? But there's somebody specific on 69 that you're objecting. >> Yes. Not I'm not objecting, but I can't vote. >> I gave birth to her, so I can't object to her. >> Maybe maybe not. >> There's no one that I'm related to. So, >> no, actually, but if you're if you're if you're abstaining, it's to different people once you >> I'm okay if you just identify in the minutes who you're aband >> Okay, I'm abstaining to Jessica Cohen. And who else is abstaining on 69? >> Kate, you're abstaining. >> Okay, me. So, just me. Oh, because yeah, because we've got two and we need five. So, I'm just extending from Mr. Monaceeli, Michael Monoselli. >> So, it passes. >> Okay. >> Did they both pass? >> Yes, they both passed. >> Well, that
135ends my report. Oh boy. Telling you, it's been a night. Um, could I just make one statement about >> Well, I are we going to Should we invite I just want to also >> So, Christa, can um Christa, can Dr. Fenari just say one thing? Sure. >> Thank you. Um, while she's not here this evening, I just want to congratulate Katherine Blades, who will be our new supervisor of special services. Dr. Resa and his team really did a a wonderful job in going through many rounds of interviews and based on all of the um recommendations that we received, um, we think we've got a a really great new team member to join West Milford. So, just wanted to congratulate her. >> Good evening. I first want to thank the board of education, Dr. Fenari, Mr.
136Stryance, and the interview committee for this opportunity and putting your trust in me with this position. I would also like to thank my family who has always supported me and encouraged me to never give up and encourage and always supported me, encouraged me to never give up. My mom is in the audience with me tonight and my sister and brother-in-law and nieces who are in the school district here in West Milk are at home watching. I would also like to thank all my colleagues past and present. A couple of them are here tonight who have worked with me through the years and who have helped me to become the educator I am today. For there those who do not know me, I am Christa Chapot and I'm a lifelong resident of West Milford. I am
137also a product of the West Milford school system. For the past nine years, I have been a special education right here at Makipa Middle School and prior to that, I taught for seven years in North Halen as a special education teacher. For the past 18 years, I have also been the head varsity cheerleading coach at West Milford High School. West Milford is my home and this is where I belong and it has always been where I want to teach and grow as an educator. So, being able to return to the high school that I graduated from in 2001 is an absolute honor. I am invested in what is best for the students and children of West Milford and I am excited for this next step in working with the students and staff of West Milford
138High School. So, thank you again and I look forward to working with you. >> Congratulations. [Music] >> Moving on. Operations and finance, Miss. >> Okay, let's move forward. Operations and finance number one. [Music] 69 second. Thank you. >> Any discussion? >> Seeing none. I know Kate's still looking through our thing. Seeing none. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Lippy. >> Yes. Thanks, >> Mr. Dwire. >> Yes. >> Mr. Satovich. >> Yes. Mrs. Romeo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Laughlin. >> Yes. >> Oh, I did have one question. >> Can I ask it though? Number 66, the um in health incentives program. Does that mean that they don't use the health benefits? >> Yes, correct. Yeah, they opted out of the health benefits. Uh there was a big motion, I believe it
139was last month, where he approved everyone and this was one who turned in the >> Oh, okay. I was going to say why is there certainly one on the agenda? Okay, cool. Thank you. >> Sorry, I'm not having a game right now. >> Yeah, you turn. >> I'd like to move for vote number 70 on operations in >> second. Got it. >> Any discussion? Seeing non roll call, please. >> Mr. Lippy. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwire. Yes, >> Mr. Stovich. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Romeo. >> Rickuse. >> Mrs. Van Dyke. [Music] >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Hey, Mr. Lipin. >> Okay. Uh, I move operational finance number 71 to 74. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Seeing none, roll call, please. >> Mr. Lippy. Yes, >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes, >> Mr. Stovich. >>
140Yes, >> Mrs. Romeo. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Van Djk. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Okay. Policy >> items one and two under policy. >> Second. Any discussion? Seeing none. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Stovich. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke. Yes, >> Mr. Lippy. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> I move the next one. >> Yeah. I'd like to move number one under negotiations. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Seeing none. Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lippy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Satovich. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo. >> Yes. Mrs. Van Djk. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Okay. Committee reports. Parks and wreck. Mrs. Dwire. >> Um, there hasn't been a meeting. >>
141See, >> there is a meeting scheduled for next week. >> Okay. So, maybe I'll have something next month. Mrs. Rico, Mrs. Dwire, safety. No meeting. No report. >> Uh nothing for superintendent round table, right, Mrs. Van Dyke? Yep. No meetings. Uh Pay County School Boards Association. The next meeting is September 25th. They just announced it's going to be at Mario's restaurant in Clifton, all these new places. Um there was a meeting um where they um announced the P well well the pose county teacher of the year came to speak. The New Jersey superintendent of the year came to speak. Um there was a presentation of the board certifications uh for Clifton. Um the whole board got certified. Um they passed um the adoption of the revised bylaws. There was also a presentation of the milestone
142awards and board member academy certifications and um that was it really pretty uh pretty quick meeting um that was for the Paya County school board meeting um New Jersey school board meeting. >> Mr. Stovich, anything? >> Thank you. So the first thing on this list that Mr. Dar pointed out with extension is nominations for board member of the year are due by July 1st. The second award is the school leaders award and each year the school year awards showcase creative and effective programs and practices from New Jersey school. If your school has a new and innovative education program that adjusts student learning and achievement, the New Jersey School Boards Association wants to hear from you. Entries must be received by 4:30 p.m. July 8th, 2024. Opportunity for school leaders interested in social and emotional learning
143to take part in a focus group. So, the New Jersey Department of Education in collaboration with the Social Emotional and Character Development Lab at Ruckers University is in the process of developing a statewide training series for school leaders on implementing systemic SEAL in school. This asynchronous SEAL leadership course will include five modules, each one and a half hours in length. And once finalized, the course will be available for all current and aspiring school leaders via virtual platform. And the next thing I'm going to say to shorten up this wire is that uh if you'd like to participate in that, I can provide you the link from New Jersey School Boards Association website and they will direct you to the NJOE form to participate in that program workshop 202. >> I'm sorry, I have a question.
144>> That scared the heck out of me really fast. Number one. Number two, I just have a question. The first two things that you said is July 1st board member of the year and July 8th >> for the school leaders award. >> And who can um nominate people? Anyone? >> Uh yes. Um for any of those. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. For workshops 20 to 24, the uh early bird special rate will be provided until June 30th. I'm not sure we'll make that cut off gate, but I just needed to present that. And that is my NJSBA report leading into the legislative report. Uh just dropping a seed planting here. Uh at some point, I'd like for us to consider changing the name of it from legislative to government relations. seeing as the
145legislative branch of our government doesn't meet as often as I I mean, you know, I'm not going to go on that one. But really, uh, when we talk about these topics, we don't just discuss the legislature. We talk about the Department of Education. We'll talk about the, uh, government action or the governor's actions. So, maybe government relations is more a an appropriate name for that. >> Well, in order to do that, you would have to change the bylaws, right? >> Yeah. So, why don't you just put on the agenda for July or August um policy committee to look over the bylaws so that you can change that because we have less going on in July and August anyway. >> Well, you're you're the policy chair, the policy guy. Just put it on the agenda. >>
146It's on me. >> Put it on the agenda, Mr. Schulz. >> There you go. said it really well. So on the 12th of June, uh the governor called for an artificial intelligence moonshot to be established in New Jersey as a pioneering state for artificial intelligence powered innovation. The New Jersey Department of Education announced that it is providing school districts with resources to help educators understand, prepare for, implement, and manage AI in the school setting. On the 20th, uh the legislature had action. New Jersey is one of uh one of just a handful of states that does not have legislation outlining how children should be taught to read. But this could change soon as a bill that would require universal literacy screenings for elementary school students and professional development for teachers cleared its first committee Thursday,
147June 20. The bill would establish a working group on student literacy that would recommend best practices to the state department of education. Its prime sponsors are Senate Majority Leader Terresa Bruis, the Democrat from Essex, and Senate Education Committee Chair Senate Bengal, Democrat from Monton. It cleared the Senate education committee unanimously and had widespread support from groups representing students with learning disabilities, teachers, and school administrators. And I will update you if that makes further progress in the legislature. And that is my report. >> Thank you. Technology oversight, Mr. Philipe, >> I promise not citizen. >> Um, Township Board of Education Joint Committee. There's nothing to report. No meeting in there. I suppose that the thank you would be uh should be extended to the township who are applying for these grants that are going to enable
148this joint effort to work out. So I think that um we've collectively done things that in the past haven't happened before. So thank you for that. >> I agree. Thank you to the township for um you know providing those lights and applying for these grants and thinking of us um for sure. And then West Milford Municipal Alliance, Mrs. Van Dyke. Um so I was not here. >> So so I did actually go to the meeting. Um so it was June 11th. Um and the next meeting is July 8th. Let me just say that 7:00 p.m. at the library. It's hybrid. Uh so they talked about a survey that would be going out to the community in regards to how the funds would be utilized for the opioid settlement. Um I know that that's been talked
149about in the past. They gave an update on the Scots Fun Run. Um, the movie Angst, which I know they showed at, um, the Highland Success Center, got a great review. They talked about the Junior Police Academy, which I think is amazing that this town is running that. I'm kind of sad my kids are too old for that now cuz that would have been something that they would have loved. Um, the Hike for Hope, which I believe just took place this weekend. Um, they talked about the Teen Summit, which we heard the update on that from Mr. Trenosta and Mrs. O'Brien talked about the winner of the PSA con contest ALF um you know that I guess they're just discussing whether they'll have a table at ALF and then just tried to talk about more
150opportunities to fund raise to get more money. So um that was with Smilford Municipal Alliance and the CPAC. No meeting for that either. So that closes um committee reports and we can move on to old business. Anyone have any old business? >> Hi. >> Do you feel >> Oh, you were looking to close. >> Um just a question if there's an update on the um realities of the Highlander Education Foundation. I've received no emails. possibly deleting the um anything for for board membership of the Highlander Institution Foundation. We talked about it at the last buffalo >> business. Honestly, I need to go back and check. I thought it >> Okay. If it was sent, it didn't make its way to me. So, um >> it's okay. Uh I just am I guess reminding us that
151that's important. Um because I'll go into new business which if you don't mind it's the same item. Um >> old business. We can't go can't go into new business until we're done with old business. Well then I was >> Okay. >> But you can as soon as we're done with all business. Any other Do you have anything else for old business? >> No. I was just going to talk about the exact same thing. The Highlander Education Foundation had their big fundraiser this weekend. Um, and it was amazing. Um, it was really nice to see, you know, supporters there. It was nice to see the kids having a good time. The food trucks were athletic. I couldn't even count how many. The vans were good. Um, and I helped put the food for the food pantry
152into the cart and it just kept coming and coming and coming. So, that was really cool. Um, just all of it was wonderful. And um I hope they do it again next year. >> I I have something. Um I'm just curious about something. Did we have boy state and girls state this year? >> Does anybody know if any of our kids went boy state or girl state? >> Isn't that something that's usually done through the like American Legion and that? I I don't remember hearing about it. >> I didn't hear anything this year. That's why usually we have >> usually we compliment the kids that go and I haven't seen anything. So I was just wondering >> there were elected roles and I don't believe we had >> we didn't have anybody. [Music] >> They
153apply. >> It's too bad. Okay. Thank you. Any other old business? Um, yes. I have one last thing. Um, I was wondering if someone somewhere somehow could define for us what it means to become a certified board. So, I've heard about this becoming a certified board for 6 years now. Um, and I was just hoping that there's like a document somewhere that there is school board. >> Yeah. And it takes a lot. It's a lot of commitment of hours. Um, I'm sure I I would say like I think they spoke to it there. I want to say that it's a I know it's a a lot. I for some reason 75 100 is is sticking out to me. Um but I know it takes a significant amount of time too. It's not something that's just
154done within a couple of months. Something that um >> right. >> Yeah. >> Over a period of time. >> And I think it has to be the majority of the board. Correct. >> Correct. Typically, >> oh, Mr. S, what do you have to say about it? Um, typically you have a board that's consistently uh going to be together. So, you just said your own members. That's something that'll kind of allow you to approach that opportunity because you have to have a certain amount of dedicated joint hours of training and you have to have a full board retreat and you have to make sure that everybody is trained and honored and honored. But it is a great goal whether or not you achieve or not just to try to build the cohesiveness of a board and
155to build your commitment to professional development on your own accord to uh contribute to the board and all the role that we serve uh our community. So, >> and I know that you've brought that up before which is why it's okay to speak of it in old business. Um, but we could I mean we have a board retreat scheduled so we could definitely discuss it there. >> October at the >> That's one of the things we could discuss there. >> Yes. July 9th. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Any other old business? >> Seeing none. >> Moved to close all business. Second. >> All those in favor? >> Any opposed? New business. So, >> in anticipation for Thursday, I'm not going to be too injected on it, but it's looking like this is a a
156last standing on on something that I feel is crucial to help not bridge the financial gap as much as it is to build bridge the academic gap that was caused by the state, accelerating the state formula full funding. As noble as that goal was, it really left us and other school districts in the deficit because of how accelerated uh that tax burden became on our tax base. Uh this is a is not a golden opportunity by any means because I can't help but think of our fixed income residents and those who are going to suffer as a result from it. But I really do feel strongly as I'm really firmly considering it. And I just want to also thank Dr. Bernardi and Mr. Schultz on their quick and uh Mr. Nova on their quick answers
157to my questions in order to justify in my head why it's probably appropriate to increase the tax base one more time. So, for those that ask me along the way what my thoughts are, those are the start of my thoughts. And I promise I'm making a 20-minut speech on Thursday. >> Well, for those watching at home, Mr. C, what's Thursday night? Thursday night, we have a special meeting in which we are given the opportunity to further increase the general tax levy on our residents uh in order to supplement the gap that was created by our state aid funding laws. So, I hope that anybody who has ears and who's watching and who participates actively in their communities and pays attention and comes out to either speak for or against the property tax levy because deciding
158this in a bubble isn't, you know, fair to them. But um it's a crucial issue and I think that this is a huge measure in making sure that academically we fill that gap and from the budget presentation 80% of it 80% of that budget is claimed by salaries and benefits and that 20% that's dedicated to programming and everything else is less and less contributed to academic programs and expanding things that we as a board have asked for. the math programming that we've asked for and the afterchool curricular activities that we've asked for, we can't sustain that with even the tax levy that we presented in April. So my hope is that there's uh some sentiment towards that and that we have a vigorous discussion and that there's community present to also participate in that. >>
159Well said. Anyone else? >> I think I I plead back on what will set up. I'm not actually sure where we're going with this. Um I maybe floated out to the public that there is a major concern that this is a oneshot deal. And after the punishment that West Milford took on the state aid cuts, not knowing a formula moving forward is the the state has put us in a very bad position and they're asking each one of us to have a crystal ball so that we can see ahead to what's going to happen for our district going forward. So, I think it is really important that people come out if they can to to at least hear what we're talking about with the budget and also get a get an understanding because it's not
160like, oh, we're going to take that money and we're going to spend it tomorrow, but we need to build our base because they have taken away from our base so much. So, I I I'm not advocating that we, you know, increase our taxes by $4 million or whatever. I think we need to have that discussion. And I think it's really important that the taxpayers understand why we're having the discussion and how we've been kind of backed into a corner to try and fix some of what they broke. So, um, I'm glad you brought it up and I'm looking very much forward to Thursday night's meeting to have that discussion for everybody to hear all sides of the argument. But that again, as a board of education, we want to make sure that we can give
161the students of West Milford the best education we possibly can, especially not knowing what's going to happen to our state aid next year. And we did have a cut in our um funding, didn't we? Yeah. >> That we were promised. We were expecting a certain amount and we lost almost $200,000, right? >> So, I think that's important that the public know that they're taking they're giving it in one hand and taking it out in another. >> And that meeting is at 7:00 just to clarify the time. >> Um, anyone else? >> I have something. Um, we had a speaker tonight about um about the bullying situation and um I just wanted to say two things. One, West Milford's not any different than anywhere else. I think that bullying is a problem amongst children in our
162society. Um and um the second thing I wanted to say is it I would really like to see and would support um a committee that is looking to praise the upstander. Um, there used to be and maybe this is something principles can each individually work on this summer research, but I don't know if this program is still out there, but at the high school level, we had um the Jets, the football team, if there was an outstanding, someone reported something, an act of violence or prevented something, um, their school principal reported them and the Jets gave a t-shirt and two tickets to the next game. Um, and I don't want I don't think that kids reported things to get those checks to kids. I think they reported them to keep a safe school. And um
163I I personally know that it's important for those kids that are reporting that are coming to their counselor and saying, "Hey, two kids just talked about fighting, you know, and they're talked about fighting on the way to the bus or they talk that kid needs to be praised, you know, and I've seen many times in in our district that not happening." And um I happened to work in a middle school this year where the upstanders were given every time an act of something like that, their names were put into a jar. And at the end of the um month or the end of the market period, however they run it, they pick their names and those kids get to pick out of the gift cards left in the case. So it's a Dunkin Donuts gift
164card or gift card to Dairy Queen. So acts of kindness can go in bus hitters like we need programs where we're praising the kids that that do stop the bully, you know, um not necessarily the team and and some of that stuff sounds, you know, but there are kids out there that that do the right thing. And um I don't want to say that we're not praising them or we're not cuz I don't know what we're doing, but I know that we don't have at least nothing that's ever come across my desk of a program where where they're, you know, kindness and upstanders are, you know, picked out of a jar or something like that. So there are I could go on and on and on and on and on. There are so many things
165that we can do rather than always focus on the negative things. you know, the discipline of the kids that do get in a fight. Well, maybe that fight didn't happen because somebody helped prevent it, you know, and maybe um they were then they went through mediation or whatever it is is that those things go unnoticed. Um, and I just wanted to to piggyback off the speaker and say, you know, yeah, bullying is an issue, you know, and um, my time here I in this seat um, we've done a lot of work as a board to discuss it to um, work our hardest. I mean, hours of putting in and and discussing how to not, you know, like people say, sweep things under the rug. How to make sure and hold accountable that our kids are
166being taught the right things, you know. Um, and I know that our hearts are in the right place as a board, and I know this administration wants to do the right thing. Um, so I just I can't um have a speaker about bullying and not put in my two cents in that. Um, you know, I don't know that it's something with a magic wand that you can just fix. Um, and personally, I've read the newspaper. I don't know if that ever came across my desk. You know, we get to vote on the information that we are given, and it just sometimes doesn't always match up. So, that's another really important piece to this entire thing, which is if it's not reported, there's nothing the school can do. Um, and so I don't know specifics of
167anything. I'm just being very broad in in that, you know, if your child is being bullied or if you know a child that's being bullied, you have to put trust in the school administrators and the um bully anti-bullying specialists to do their job and then to this board to vote the right way on what we are presented. Um so I just wanted to comment on that. Thank you. Um that's it. Thank you, Mrs. Romeo. Mr. to >> I promise this is my last comment for for the school year. I've said the same thing in almost the same vein every time for every year I've been on the board. uh from the time the lights go on in the morning to the time the lights go off. This place is a hive of amazing activity where
168you know that education is the full intent of professionals that are here. Um I'd like to thank my colleagues. I'd like to thank the tried and trueue members of our audience that come out to form a capacity crowd every time. Um I thank you to all the supporting staff that make all these things happen. It's the further you think about the the ins and outs of just keeping the joint clean. It's really incredible. Um thank you to the administrators that we get to see at every meeting. Um, you have been very, very professional in everything that you do. The responses are quick. You're thorough. Dr. Bernardi, thank you so much for leading this brigade this year. Uh, I love the fact that you carry a notebook. I am a list guy and I know that
169once that pen is at that paper, it's going to be followed up on. I really appreciate everything you've done to keep the charge of the strategic plan and may the future of your retirement be everything that you hope for. And Dr. Kitchen, I look forward to working with you in a week's time. So, thank you all. >> Less than a week. >> Dr. Fari, are you here on Thursday? >> Oh, great. >> I thought it was five. She told me earlier three days. [Music] Okay, >> that's it. >> Move to close business. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Any opposed? [Music] Public comment. 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
170of 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 their 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. Anyone wishing to speak? Move close. Second. >> All those in favor? >> Any opposed? So, executive session. So, at 9:40 p.m., I make a motion to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel appointments, current litigation matters, negotiations, hips, and matters of attorney client
171privilege. 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. Action will not be taken. So we will be adjourning from executive session. Second. All those in favor. >> Any opposed? Thank you.