001I'd like to call the meeting to order. Do you have a moment of silence? To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. In accordance with the provisions of the open public meetings act, 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 Mford town hall, the county superintendent's office, board of training, cable vision of Boick and West Milford TV77, and posted in the administration building. Copies of the board meeting calendar resolution were provided to all local media, town hall, town township, library, and all district schools. Roll call, business officials. >> Mr. Stovich >> here, >> Mrs. Wire >> here, >>
002Mr. Jurgensson >> here, >> Mr. Ly >> here, >> Mrs. Markart >> here, >> Mrs. Romeo >> here, >> Mrs. Van >> here, >> Mr. >> Here, Mrs. Lley >> here. Uh, the interim superintendent board, Dr. [Applause] Thank you. Uh this evening I'm going to um preface my comments just uh I see that our our student um word attendant is not here this evening but we do have a plaque for her and we'll be making sure that before the end of the school year that we give it to her. Um so the plaque reads uh presented to Mia Harrison in appreciation for service to the board uh West Milford Board of Education as student representative for the year 2023 2024. So we'll make sure she gets this because school will be out by the time
003we have our next meeting. >> Sure. Now the um main body of my report is um a required report that we give annually and regarding our HIV grade report. Um so uh during the spring board of education meeting held on October 30th 2023 I shared the HIV self assessment scores for each of our schools for the 2022 2023 school year. Tonight I will share the results of the NJOE review of our data and scores for each of the schools as verified by that review. To remind everyone, the schools are rated in the following categories. HIV programs, approaches, and other initiatives. Training on the BOE approved HIV policy, other staff instruction and training programs, curriculum and instruction on HIV and related information and skills, HIV personnel, school level HIV incident reporting procedure, HIV investigation procedure, and
004HIV reporting. Maximum number of points that a school can earn is 78. In October, I reported HIV self- assessment grades as follows. A show scored themselves with 76 out of 78 points. Maple Road scored 78 out of 78 points. Marshall Hills scored themselves 75 out of 78 points. Paradise Null scored themselves 75 out of 78 points. Upper Greenwood Lake scored themselves 76 out of 78 points. Westbrook, which was open in 2223, um scored themselves 76 of 78 points. Mathan scored themselves 74 of 78 points and West Milford High School scored themselves 76 of 78 points. The New Jersey Department of Education has confirmed these grades and has issued the district with a grade of 76 points, the average of all the school grades. Official grade report for the 2223 school year will be posted to
005the district website tomorrow, May 22nd, 2024, as required. That concludes my report for the evening. War members, if you have any questions, please let me know. Any questions? Okay. Thank you, Dr. Fenari. Mr. Novak, director of education report. >> Thank you. Uh, a couple uh exciting um exciting hand carries tonight that I want to point out and and talk about some end of uh end of a a process that I've been talking about all year. uh our um pilot our language arts pilot program committee um met yesterday to talk about the um process we worked on all year. We had some uh culminating discussions where we compared our two pilot programs which one was um magnetic by curriculum associates and the other program is uh called wonders by McGroill. uh we met as a group.
006We spent um about an hour and a half talking and um you know talking about the pros and cons for for each program and that led to a vote for uh from our uh from our committee from the staff members who participated in piloting both programs and we arrived at the decision for adopting the Wonders program which is the uh hand carry that you have um here tonight. Uh just to give you I know I've talked about a lot just to give you a a quick recap um about the process. Uh we began this uh in the summer of 2022. We uh met as the district literacy committee and talked about what the future of our language arts program could look like. Uh the staff members on that committee did some brainstorming, made some charts
007and um you know talked about what their ideal program could be. At that point in time, we had um you know, just come out of the pandemic. We had no real um vision for what funding could look like because we were in the middle of uh or near the end, a few years left in in S2. So, we know that budgeting for a massive program replacement um was challenging and also knowing that um math was, you know, in our tier of priorities, math was the was the program that we knew needed to be replaced first. So, uh when we sat and uh sat and met and talked about it, there was uh little hope that we could get to where we are um today. Luckily, uh we've been able to capitalize on stabilization aid the
008last two years to replace our um math program last year and now looking forward to a new ELA program in in K through 5. Uh when I finished working with the group yesterday, we described it as a uh transformational decision. it is going to be so far um head and shoulders above what our current program offers that um you know we're all very excited for for what it looks like. So we arrived at the decision um we have it for your um approval tonight. uh looking forward um we are looking at what next steps would be and that that's another um when I met finished with the committee yesterday um the discussion was this decision that took us a year with multiple meetings volunteer time all the things that our staff have been doing have
009been wonderful that was the easy part uh the hard part is now with implementing the program and and putting it into action. Uh so this the staff has been great and and ready to work uh at the June uh at the June education committee. I'm going to be talking about um summer curriculum writing for this new program and a summer committee uh for taking a look at um the new program and you know developing a I guess a userfriendly approach for what uh a first year of implementation will look like. Uh we talked to other districts who use this particular program and and that was some of the advice that they gave us was you know um don't wait until your staff has returned to unpack this program and um get some um professionals you
010know people who can become experts with this in advance. We have our group who piloted the program. That's um that's not typical in a lot of districts to actually do a pilot. That's more of a um you know that's more of an older sort of um process, but we were able to to pull it off this year. Um the um process will be um the committee will be something we'll we'll approve uh hopefully next month and I'll have uh names for for those people. Um, looking forward, uh, similar to what we did last year when we presented a new math program, um, I'm looking at the September 14th board meeting to present the new program to you. So, we'll have, um, we'll have full training under our belt. You're um, hopefully looking to approve tonight
011our we have 85 staff members um, who have agreed to come in on June 20th for a day of training. um that full day of training will get them ready for this new program. They'll leave with their materials in hand in June and then be ready to um implement that program for our students uh come September. So, at the September 14th um board meeting, we'll present the entire program to the community to you. Yes. >> September 14th is a Saturday. >> Sorry. September 17th. I have my glasses on, Mrs. Dwire. That's new for me. September 17th. September. That's the new BA. We're coming in on Saturdays. >> There you go. >> So, thank you. Thank you for clarifying. >> I just want to make sure. >> Yeah. I wrote 17. It looked like before my
012handwriting. Um, so September 17th, we'll present to the community and to the board the new program. And then we will also be offering a district-wide family literacy night. Uh we typically do those in our individual schools. Next year we're going to do a um districtwide event following our back to school nights um similar to what we did last year when we presented uh Eureka Math Squared. So we'll do a full night. We'll have all the program materials out in full force. We'll have a large um um portion of staff members who are using the program to ask questions and um we'll have a presenter to talk to parents and and talk about the differences between what we're moving away from to the program that we're we're um getting our hands on. So uh again very
013exciting transformational um you know we've been I think the year was um it was 2014 possibly 2013 2014 when we um put the current program into place. Uh one of the things that the um the board of ed has requested over the years regardless of who's been sitting here has been asking for um unity in our schools and in our programs. So I think we have that now in math and I think for the first time in a long time we're going to have that in in language arts going forward where the third grade in one school will be doing what the third grade is doing in the other school. Uh another component of this that I haven't spoken about yet is the um there's a component of the wonders program called wonders works. Um
014wonder works is the um tier 2 intervention part of the program. So all of our our all of our staff members will be trained in wonders on June 20th. Our staff members who would be considered interventionists, whether it's the our uh resource center teachers or our encore teachers or reading specialists, anyone who'll be working with a um pull out or small groups of students in the room will be trained in what's called Wonder Works. That's included in the um um approval that you're uh the hand carrier that you see tonight. Uh, so we're very we're very excited about the process. I can talk for another hour and I know you don't want me to. So se Sep September 17th I'll present the the program in full. >> Yes. >> I I just want to thank
015Mr. Novak because this was a a lot of work that went into this program. I want to thank the staff members too who put in the hours because they spend a lot of hours on these programs and hopefully proof will be in in in the work and the fact that you have a summer training happening way ahead of time is kudos to you because you heard the outcry and you addressed it and I'm really and the family literacy night sounds exciting because I know that the math night went very well. So, I want to thank you for all the hard work and please thank the staff. We should definitely send off a letter to all those staff members and thank them because it wasn't just months of work. It was years of work for all
016of them. So, I I think they should be recognized for that. Thank you again. >> Thank you. No, I I couldn't agree more with the this it doesn't happen without the group of staff that that put this together. >> Sorry. >> Um just a quick question. And I remember when you were presenting both programs, one of the programs um integrated well with I Ready and the other one didn't necessarily. Which one was the one we chose? Was it the I Ready one or >> No, the uh Wonders is the So, um Magnetic was the one. It's also parent company Curriculum Associates is the same company that presents um I >> So I Ready is a program that um that many districts use in isolation. They also present their own curriculum which is the one we
017which is our runnerup situation. >> Good. Just out of curiosity, how how was it close or was this the runaway? >> It was uh runaway >> good. >> 9 94%. 94% of the vote went to uh wonders. 94. Okay. So for for comparison when we selected our math program it was 65%. >> So to hear that's good right you have big buy in that's good to hear. >> Any other all right uh the next item which is another hand carry is talking about the um middle school math club and and summer program. So uh the first comment I want to do I want to especially thank um Dr. Belzer, Dr. Dr. Matlo, uh Jill McKinnus, and Melissa Welch, and um the Mackaban staff who put this uh process together. We, if you're not aware, we
018have a math club running at Mackabin right now. The reason I point out one club over another, it's the first time we've had a um after school academic club that wasn't the AIM club um that has had such uh tremendous participation. Um we're having on average 25 27 students attending each session. uh the outcomes that we are uh that the staff are reporting have have been tremendous. Um that led to a discussion about what could we do over the summer. Uh Mr. Citro, the former uh Makipin principal, and I used to sit down and brainstorm like how cool would it be to get um kids coming in in August to get ready for high school uh high school math, high school writing, that those types of things. Um so we we are looking to capitalize
019on the current excitement of this club and we want to offer uh a summer program. So um the proposal that you have is for uh a twoe pro twoe program with two high school math teachers who are currently running the midman math club. uh one week would be a um introductory uh introductory al algebra course which would be appropriate for students entering math 7, math 8, algebra 1. The second week would be an advanced concepts appropriate for students entering algebra 1, geometry, algebra 2. Students are able to participate in both programs and the teachers already said that they could differentiate to the students they receive. We have I Ready data. We have student performance data. We know the skills and standards where they need to work. So that's that's going to be um that's going
020to be part of the program. We're going to utilize the um super successful process for registering for STEM camp for this process. So we're going to we're going to hype it up. We're going to advertise this to all the classes. We're going to share all the information. We're going to entice with um uh some reward, tangible reward types of things like uh students who participate in this program could enter the year with um extra credit towards their math course in the fall, similar to what we used to have when we when there were um summer assignments in in every class that they can come in with a with a quiz grade or that type of thing. So, uh the staff is working on what that extra credit process could be like. Students who don't participate
021won't be penalized in any way. Students who do participate could be looking for a um looking for a uh extra credit assignment and also uh take possession of one of our um graphing calculators for the for the year. Um I'm able to do that through title one funds. That's what's that's what's running this program. Makabin is a um you know title one targeted assistant school. So that affords me the ability to do that through title one funding so we can get a grapher in the hands of every kid who participates in this as well as um potential for um that extra credit. I had a great idea for a raffle, but Mr. Schultz shot that down earlier today. He likes to keep me out of the out of jail, so I appreciate that. Um but
022anyway, so we're going to have we're going to have I I I I believe we're finally going to get um a summer club with um you know, math uh math preparation for our uh for our freshman or or students entering seventh and eighth grade. So um we'll I'll be sharing that. You'll see the uh you'll see the advertisements for it. We're about to release the information about it. I'm going to release a date that the registration um is going to be released. We have to cap each class at 25. So, there is limited um limited availability. Uh and then we'll you know, we'll take it from there. And if we get to the 25, we'll have to see if we maybe add a um you know, add more opportunity. So, uh you know, for me,
023that's it's an exciting uh an exciting new thing that we've talked about for years and we're finally going to um get off the ground. And then the last item >> I could ask one question on the cap off 25. Is that going to be first come first serve or is it going to be prioritized by the students who may need it more? >> It'll be in the beginning it'll be first come first serve. Um it'll go like a registration form. And like I said once we see um what the registration looks like then we can we can take a look. If I can get 25 we can reach the cap. Be very excited. Um, and if we, you know, if I say 25 and we end up with 75, we'll then we'll adjust. Uh, I'm
024I'm pretty good typically about not turning away students. So, um, we'll figure it out when we get that registration. >> And what time frame they take? Like a 1 hour club, 2 hour? >> It's going to be cuz we're um I'm able to offer transportation. Um, so it's gonna probably uh we're looking at the week of the maybe Terry is going to get me on the dates here. Um, whatever the Monday is of the second week of July and that would be week one the 8th. So the week of the 8th, the week of the 8th would be the introductory week and then the following week would be the advanced and we're looking at uh four days a week, three hours a day. So, it's going to be, you know, there there'll be a lot
025of um, you know, a lot of hands-on activities, a lot of, you know, when you're talking about summertime and putting kids in a bathroom for 3 hours 4 days a week, that's a challenging um, thing to do. So, um, Jill and Melissa have got great ideas for how to make it fun and how we're going to make sure that people are aware that it's going to be fun and engaging and really be a tremendous support for students for when they when they they go into their next uh math class next year. But that'll all be in the the first flyer that goes out, which we should the firstformational um f flyer should go out this week to um everyone all um families at night. >> I mean, I guess the only downside to it, I
026guess, would be the kids that have already signed up for camps, you know, um not being able to access it. a lot of the sports camps take place in July. So, I guess that would be the only downside to, you know, some students not being able to access it because um they've already signed up for camps. That's what it is. >> It's not stone yet. >> Yeah. Oh, I mean we can >> well in the summer I think right >> you are you >> and just the like looking at the costs for the uh trans we're already running buses all over town >> for ESY and summer learning. >> Um so in order to offer transportation which we think would allow us to get kids >> timing of 8:30 to 11:30 >> that runs with
027our our buses. >> Yeah. No, it completely makes 75 kids signed up to several sessions during the day. >> You want to volunteer for the evening? The evening, right? Here you go. >> That sounds even. >> Well, I I'll bring that feedback back to the team and and uh see what >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean, you see what the the feedback is when you send it out, you know, when you send out the initial uh >> or even a survey of um you know, maybe a question on the survey can be interest for people who already signed up and maybe >> Yeah. Yeah. It's great. Thanks, Dan. It's a great thing. summer program update that is in reference to uh I always like to talk about STEM camp and how fast it sold out. So
028uh week one of STEM camp was the registration was closed in approximately 3 minutes and uh week two registration I left open for 20 minutes and that's when we we reached our uh we reached our maximum capacity. So both both weeks are at maximum capacity. Um, as many of you are aware, this was the final year of ESSER funding. So, the the final year that this is um going to be a free program at the education committee. Last week, I shared the um price per pupil that we um that we broke down when you consider transportation, staff, location, ice pops, uh all those things. And it was about $227 per student to run for a single week, which >> very reasonable considering what >> to be honest with you, it was lower than um than
029I thought knowing what we spend. Um so that was um that was positive I believe. Um but it is also it's four four days a week, 3 hours a day. Um >> the busing helps. >> Absolutely. So those are conversations to have if um you know survey to the community about possibly keeping it forward going you know keeping it going uh in the future. Um but that's conversation. Uh summer learning camp uh is also um receiving uh high registration as it always does. Excuse me. Uh, we're probably in about 150 registrations at this point in time and I've been talking too much. So, I'm going to stop right there. >> That's it. Finished. >> Don't cry. >> Thank you. Uh, Mr. Novak. Okay. Mr. Special reports and correspondence. >> I'm sorry my reports not minutes
030for the April 30 24 public meeting and the April 30th 2024 executive session minutes. >> Could I have a motion? >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Any opposed? Uh president's report. I have nothing uh this month. So we'll go on to public comments. So all speakers will have five minutes to speak until a period of 30 minutes transpires. Before speaking, please state your name, group affiliation, and address for the record. Members of the public who have requested to speak prior to the meeting will be recognized by the chair first. After speaking, all speakers are asked to sign the register provided and give their full name, group affiliation, and their address. All statements shall be directed to the presiding officer. No participant may address or question board members individually. All speakers are expected to
031have 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. Is anyone signed up, Mr. Schultz? >> No, there's not. >> Okay. Would anyone like to speak? >> Move to close public comment. >> Second. >> All those in favor? I. Any opposed? Okay. So, Dr. Fernari, any adjustments to the agenda? So, board members, you already know and I hope you all have copies of the hand carry motions that were provided to you. Um, there is also on page I get this right. My glasses need to be updated, too. Um, page nine of the agenda. Uh, if you move close to the bottom of the page, you're going to see motion number 15. And there is a dollar
032amount in that motion. And it should be corrected. The dollar the correct dollar amount should be $55. I believe that's all the questions I have. >> Thank you. Could I have a motion to adopt the agenda as presented? >> I move to adopt the agenda as presented. Second. >> All those in favor. >> Any opposed? Okay. Education. Mrs. Dwire. Move to um approve items 1 through nine and number 10 on hand carrier. Second. Any discussion? >> Question on number nine. Just back to your house. Sorry. The number nine. The miles rate established by the board. How are we establishing the mileage rate? Is this set by the state or are we using where does it come from? >> So the mileage rate that >> Yeah, that's control. actual that was just >> I couldn't find
033it. That's all. Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Seeing none. Roll call, please. Mr. Schultz. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes. Everything abstain on number three. >> Mr. Jurgensson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rico. >> Yes. >> Mr. Stovich. >> Yes. Mrs. Romeo, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke, >> yes. >> Mr. Lippy, >> uh, yes. And congratulations on number 10, Mr. Novak. >> Mrs. Markwart, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Lockwood, >> yes. >> Personnel, Mrs. Bund. Okay, I'd like to move items one, two, let's see, 1 through 41 in the agenda and then hand carry 42, 43 and 44 besides the second. Any discussion? >> Uh, couple. >> Yes, Mr. Delippy. >> Couple questions on this one here. Uh, just out of curiosity, number four. Is this for the position that we just talked about last
034time where we started advertising May 6th that we filled in record time or is this an additional for the uh PE teacher from AC High School? >> Yes, that's the the position for next year, the new position. >> Oh, so it was filled in record time. >> Yep. they were they were ready. They had um were jumping at, you know, at the uh button on front line to make sure that they had all of their reviews of candidates. Um, and we were fortunate, just so you know, I know that this is something that not every board member may be aware of, but the candidate, um, successful candidate is a former Highlander and, uh, was a star member of our softball team and has been, um, very highly, um, spoken about in her reference material. So,
035we're really happy to bring somebody home that that really has their heart in this book. Mr. Lippy, anything else? I know you said you had a couple. >> I just wanted Can I just >> Yes, you can. May May is a very popular month for education candidates to come forward. I think everybody is out there when they're looking for a job in education. They're waiting for those those uh releases to come out. So, I'm I'm not surprised and I'm not surprised that um we got a great candidate. I happen to remember Jessica as a star softball player and she definitely has a lot of West Milford pride and was an excellent student. So I'm very excited to see that it's going to be one of our own. >> Just to to clarify, I'm in no
036way questioning that at all. >> Yeah. It's just it was boom boom right here. >> Lucky I guess. I know you said you had more list. Mr. Lip, you want me to come back to you? You're good. Okay. Anyone else? Yes, Mrs. Markwart. >> I have a question on 31 and um while I saw the hours aotted for the summer curriculum development, I was just curious if there's any possible way the education committee could see the agendas that were submitted for the curriculum writing so that we have an idea of what they're going to be doing. So maybe tableabling this till next month so that we just know what's going on for each one. Like I understand the hours but you had mentioned about them having submit an agenda before they were given the hours.
037>> That was I said that refers to committees summer committees. Summer committees aren't summer committees will be here in June and I'm I'm collecting all of those proposals and agendas now. Typically we haven't done that for like curriculum writing. >> Okay. Would there be a way for maybe us to to discuss in education meeting next month March is June um and we still have time what they're going to be doing it for the curriculum writing for these hours just so that we have an an idea of what the goal is um because there's a lot and you know I'm not I I understand that we need it. I just think it would be good for us to know what the goal is for each of them. So >> so I is it okay that I
038make a motion to to table this for June? >> I would need a second. >> So my concern our June meeting is until June 25th. Some of our um I'll just for in particular I know all of the um the math curriculum that's on here. This is contingent upon them working with Nancy Schulz and um Nancy Schulz is very like I don't know if they're going to want to schedule their time with her if their hours are not. So they they have to schedule with our um just like I said last summer we paid Nancy Schulz to create with our staff the binders that I I shared here. part of that process was a year two that we're not paying or that was included was a year two revision of what we did last year.
039So that's what everyone on the first two um the first two almost all of the first two pages front to back for that um for that process. >> I I think and I could be wrong Mrs. more tell me. I think what Stephanie is asking is that we see an agenda of what will be um going on. I don't think >> No, I I understand what she's asking for. I'm just saying that if we don't approve those staff members tonight, I'm asking them then to schedule time in July with Nancy Schultz 3 days at her facility for time that's not approved. That's all I mean, >> you know. So, I'm good faith that they're going to be approved on June 25th. which is fine, but I know in past past situations that >> we have
040that information even if we vote on it tonight and we did that know what we >> so I can if you want to vote on it then I'd appreciate that and then I will come prepare at committee in June with a description of every project >> and I will draw a motion. >> Okay. Thank you. And just to be clear, so the math that's on there, the curriculum writing for the math, they're going to be meeting with uh Miss Schultz for those hours. >> Is that what you said? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Anyone else? Yes, I have a question. Okay. Um number 29 in the committee notes it does say that um staff transfers were discussed and the increment withholdings were discussed. Were these each of these um discussed in committee meeting? Um yes
041I believe they were all on Yeah. Thank you. [Applause] Right. Yes. Okay. Anyone else? Okay. See a non roll call, please. Mr. Schulz. >> Mrs. Van Dyke. >> Yes. >> Mr. Stovich. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Densson. >> Yes. To everything except for number 29, please. Thank you, [Applause] >> Mrs. Rakano. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo. Recuse on 20, abstain on 29. >> Yes to everything else. >> Mr. Lippy. >> Uh, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Markart. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Okay. operations and finance. Mr. Lippy, >> can I just make one comment on yes request? So, we could at the June meeting after a discussion, we could make revisions at the June 25th meeting after we um after we take a look and talk about it. >>
042Great. Thank you. >> Back to you, Mr. Lipy. Operations and finance. >> Yeah, operations and finance. I'd like to move numbers one [Applause] broken up here somewhere through [Music] 66. >> I get there eventually. >> There's a lot a lot for you today. Any discussion? >> Yes. I still want to use my outside voice. >> A couple of questions on here. Um, sorry, this is a big one here. I have a lot of questions here. Um, I'd like to look how to put this. Um, I know we're at at like M. Novak was talking about things are coming up to the wire. we have to vote on certain things. Like to find a way where next year we're given a little more of a heads up so we can review certain things. Um Mr. Schultz
043and I did speak about a few of the things on here. We don't need to get into the details of it, but just if we're going to be renewing and all these different contracts, all these different um uh programs and you know really millions of dollars. I'd like to sit down and go over it with time to prepare if we have to put something on the bid or go and look and readjust certain things so that we're hopefully in a better position. Um, I'm hoping that we can hire people for the transportation for as quick as we were a PE teacher. That would be a great thing. Pick up a couple people um and be able to go and see where we can do it. Is a down here where where my brain works and
044how how I where I go on things. Um, I just like to bring that to the forefront. Um, and in that same motion, I believe in June, we're going to have to vote on there probably personnel actually vote on the summer coaching and everything like that. And just like last year, we haven't seen it. You give it to us the day before and we still don't have those information. It's the same same process. give us a month or two to look at so we can ask questions and make the proper decisions as opposed to just going this is what we've always done this is what we're voting side I can just comment just coming back to the curriculum I we collect that starting in February so I can certainly have that for review a month
045prior to the May vote so >> that would be fantastic Yeah, I just want to say um number 66, thank you to the Maple Road School PTA for their donation. Um I think that's incredible. Very I haven't seen the playground, but I know they have a really nice playground. So um thank you. I haven't seen it in years. I haven't seen it in like five or six years. That's what I was. >> Anyone else? Any other discussion? Seeing none, roll call, please. Mr. Schultz. >> Uh, Mr. Lippy. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rakano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Densson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes. >> Mr. Satovich. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Marquart. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Van Djk. Yes, >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Okay, Mr. Let me back
046at you. >> Have to go. >> Are you ready? >> I'd like to move under operations and finance number 67. >> Second. [Applause] You uh can do 682, right? >> No, we have >> No. Oh, you're right. Yes, you're right. Oh, wow. That's a long one. That's a long uh This is Oh, this is okay. >> Any discussion, >> but um I make the assumption you can't vote for yourself on this. >> Yeah. So, that's why >> I want to make sure that's you all know that. >> I didn't know that. >> Yeah. So I think you say no. No for myself. Yes for everyone else. Right. >> Right. >> Whatever. >> Whichever one you want. >> All right. Roll call, please. Mr. Schulz. >> Mr. Stovich. >> I abain for myself. Yes to the
047rest. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> I abain for myself and yes for everyone else. >> Mrs. Jurgensson. I will as well abstain for myself and vote yes for everyone else. >> Mr. Lippy, >> I will recuse for myself, vote yes for everyone else. >> Mrs. Lockwood, >> I will abstain for myself and yes for everyone else. >> Mrs. Markart, >> um, I'll abstain for myself and yes for >> Mrs. Rakano, >> I will recuse for myself and um, yes, >> Mrs. Romeo. Miss Sarah recuse for myself. Same as yes for everybody else. >> And Mrs. Van, >> I abstain from myself and yes for everybody else. >> Okay, Mr. L. You are >> okay. Number 68. Uh, operations finance. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Seeing none. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Lippy. >> Yes. >> Mrs.
048Rakano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mr. Jurgensson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwire, >> yes. >> Mr. Stovich, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> recuse. >> Mrs. Markart, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke, >> Mrs. Lockwood, >> yes. >> Okay, Mr. Lip. >> Okay. Uh, under operations finance, I move number 69 through 72. >> Second. Any discussion? Seeing none, roll call, please. Mr. Schultz. >> Mr. Lippy. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rakano. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Jurgensson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes. >> Mr. Satovich. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Markart. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Van Djk. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Okay. Policy. >> Get together if I could. >> Yes. Uh, Mr. Schultton sent out some information to us this week regarding what our governor has decided to
049do in terms of helping fund schools and things like that. Are we going to bring that out to the public record to let them know? >> Well, we could probably bring that up in new business that up in your business. >> I figured finance [Applause] >> um policy Mr. Mr. Tvich >> like to move items 1 through 7 under policy. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Seeing none. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Stovich, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jurgensson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwire, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rakano, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Djk, >> yes. Mrs. Markwart, >> yes. >> Mr. Lippy, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood, >> yes. >> Committee reports. Uh, Mrs. Dwire, Parks and Wreck. Uh, the meeting was cancelled for last week and the meeting before
050that was postponed, so I have nothing. >> Thank you. Safety, Mrs. Rakano, and Mrs. Dwire. We had a meeting last week. Um, I've come to find out that there are only two meetings a year. So, this was our second one for the year. And um it was a really interesting meeting um because it was really a post-mortem of everything that happened during our terrible bus accident we had a few weeks back and um Mrs. Miller from PK um Chief Somerville um Dr. Fernari. Um, everybody sort of um discussed what worked, what didn't, what we could do next time, maybe what policies we need to change. Um, it was a really productive discussion and meeting. Um, other things were discussed, but I would say that was like 90% of the hour and a half meeting. So,
051it was really a robust conversation. Um other points of interest from uh the meeting were um that they are going to um assess um safety at the football game coming up um and all the football games, the home games going forward because we had some incidents last year. Um and our next meeting is October 2024. Thank you, Mrs. Rano. Superintendent Roundt, Mrs. Ricano and Mrs. Van Dyke. Um, our next meeting is Thursday. Uh, Pay County School Boards. Uh, that's me. The next meeting is next week, May 29th. Um, it's at 6:00 in Riverdale. Uh, New Jersey School Boards Association, Mr. Satovich. Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to go to the delegate assembly. So, I don't have a report for school boards or actually anything that I listed with. >> Uh so, I did
052go to the delegate assembly. Um very eye opening. Um it was interesting um to see all the conversations that uh happened there. It was a very lengthy process. Um definitely a lot of um I wouldn't say a lot of different districts, but a lot of the same districts brought forth uh some changes that they would like to see be made. Um it definitely um some of the things I mean I don't know if you want me to say some of the things that they brought forth, but off the uh my memory um there was a lot Tom's River brought a lot for the S2. they're seeing significant um deficits in their budget. So, they were trying to uh bring that to the forefront. Um another uh district brought forth a hip um change where they
053wanted to make um uh a a category a new category. Um, I believe that that was voted down, but intent, they wanted to add intent, which I thought was a little broad and could definitely be um definitely a conversation. Um, some of the other things I know I did take a couple of notes. Sorry, I'm going to bring up my phone so I don't misspeak in my notes. Um they talked about AI um artificial intelligence districts and um actually uh the uh delegate committee member who came forth to say was saying that um Governor Murphy actually gave $2 million for the task force for them to discuss and come up with policy. Um and in the whole um only seven states out of the whole country put out policy to help the boards negotiate that.
054New Jersey was not one of them. They didn't say who the seven states were, but I thought that was interesting that New Jersey didn't take a stance on that. Um there was another um motion to make kindergarten mandatory. Those that don't know, kindergarten is not mandatory in the state. and they were trying to make that um obviously there is something in Senate that they kind of spoke about briefly where I guess they're trying to also make it through the state but um I thought that was an interesting conversation because we think about um how they're trying to really push the preschool and make that a requirement. It's very interesting that kindergarten is still not a requirement. So we're pushing the preschool but um kindergarten I guess you wouldn't have to come. you could just skip
055and come back to first grade. Um, and there were others. There was a lot. It was definitely a long day. It went till like 1:30. It was only supposed to go to 12, but you know, people ran over. Um, but I could bring a more detailed report next month um on what some of the or even talk about in committee. Um, but definitely it was definitely eye opening and definitely a great experience. I'm glad that I went and more districts I think should attend and maybe bring forth you know changes that they want to see there into that forum. Um definitely um kind of band together too on some of these things. So sorry I didn't mean to steal your thunder. I didn't have one. >> It was far though, I have to say. It's
056all the way down in Mercer County, so it's a long drive. Um, so anyway, uh, technology oversight, Mr. Lip >> and M. >> Oh, legislative. You said you had nothing for that, too, though. >> Do you have anything for legislative? >> I'm not legislative. >> No. I thought you said you had nothing. It does say there in there. Technology oversight. Mr. Leipe or Mrs. Mquad? >> We have nothing right now. >> Township board of education joint committee. We have nothing for that. We haven't met. West Milford Municipal Alliance. Mrs. Van Dyke and Mrs. Jurgensson. Um, the Municipal Alliance met on Monday the 13th. I was unable to attend because we had our committee meetings, but Mrs. O'Brien sent me the minutes from the meeting and they discussed the success of the paddles for prevention which
057was very well offended um about receiving the uh health grant from Atlantic Healthc Care, the stigmafree grant which was uh paid for the medals and the t-shirts for stops fun run which was uh this past weekend. the Junior Police Academy uh meeting and collaborating with other alliances in the county. Uh they also discussed the 2025 budget and the WMA and New Jersey 4S interview which was on West Milford 77. Uh it was taped on May 7th. If anyone had a chance to see it, it was very informative about what NJ4S is and how they can serve our community. Uh the movie Angst, which will be shown for adults and teens on Tuesday, May 28th at the Highland Family Success Center. It is about uh anxiety and for our young uh our young students and the
058rise in anxiety which is um on the rise and I think as um a board of ed we are seeing more and more uh students that are facing this headon. Uh I did have a conversation with Mr. know back about maybe getting a few administrators to be able to see this film because it's only about I think it's about 40 minutes but it really does address what you know it interviews some people and it explains some of the anxiety that these young people are going through and how it can be addressed. So I I'm hopeful that that you know will be able to help with that. Um let's see uh uh say food uh and that night at May 28th at the Highlands Family Success Center they will be be presenting it. Um food will
059be provided and registration is required. Uh finally, instead of the wellness family festival this September, uh they are working with the West Milford uh West Milford Health Department and the Highlands Family Success Center and other organizations on having workshops this fall for our community members. They thought that they might try something a little different than the health fair. So, um that's all I have for my report. >> Thank you, Miss Van Djk. uh special education parent advisory committee, Mrs. Mquad. So, we had our meeting on May 8th at Makipim. Um and the I say this right, we had two counselors from the New Jersey Division of Vocational and Rehabilitation Services there. It was an extremely informative uh presentation. Um and I know it's going to be posted on the website soon. Um, I do implore
060any high school parents to read that information because there are a lot of things available for your your 18 to 21year-old and beyond um that you wouldn't necessarily know um that I mean it was very eye opening the services that are provided um and uh you can actually request to have your case worker work with them. So I it it is definitely information um that our parents uh should look into. Um we talked about the supervisor special services opening that it was posted and interviews will be starting soon. They probably already did at this point. Um we talked about a Q&A document that's going to be put together for transition. Um they're going to and if I mess up any of this you can correct me. uh reach out to parents to gather feedback and
061put together a Q&A document that will go out uh to parents and guardians um which should help answer a lot of the questions that you know we have when our when our children transition um elementary to middle school, middle school to high school. Um and I I know that that that that was those emails were supposed to go out. >> Yes. >> Like the last couple weeks, right? >> Yes. Yeah. there have been that have gone out or will be going out. >> Okay. >> Y >> um we talked there was clarification about the the new K through1 MD LLD program at Maple Road. It is one or the other. it there's not going to be two, but that the suggestion was the LLD program because it does provide much more flexibility for the children
062that are there um and and providing sensory learning that would service all of them. Um >> that's correct. Yes. >> Um we had a presentation from the Highlander Education Foundation. Uh Christina Duffy and Lisa Johnson were there. Um, and they talked about the different programs that Highlander Education Foundation is doing. Um, their experience and what they're bringing to the foundation being special ed parents. Um, it was a it was a good presentation. They did talk about their 5K that they're going to be having on September 22nd. Um, people should definitely go on the website and look at information and support the foundation because they are supporting our our children um in our district. >> Sorry, >> September 22nd. >> Does that mean run or walk? >> So, right now they had said it was run,
063but I think that would I I think if you reach out there was enough people who wanted to walk. Um, they were excellent at answering questions. There was a lot of questions asked. Um if you have questions you should definitely reach out to them. Um they give a very thorough presentation. >> I think they discussed it at the HF on Monday too that it would have a walk component. >> Oh so if I remember correctly >> um we talked about the fence at PK which as of that meeting was being measured and installed. Um, we talked about IEP meetings and how the transition meetings work and and um draft versus live IEPs. Um, you know, and Dr. Resa and his department are doing an excellent job at making sure that we get to a point
064where everybody has the same experience, that it's not it it's not different based on what school you're going to or or what case worker you have. Um, we talked about a school tours process for whether your student has an in district placement or an out of district placement. Um, making sure everybody has the same access to that. Um, the dyslexia um, training. Um, Dr. Reza talked about having a presentation for CPAC um next year um regarding the reading program and that um and I think that was about it. >> I can just thank you and all the board members that have come out to this year's CPAC all the meetings. I want to thank the parents as well. I think it's been a really fantastic year. We've had a lot of great conversations um also
065presenters that have come out and so I'm very much excited and looking forward to you know next year as well. So thank you. >> Steph I just have a question. Um can you say again what you said about draft IEPs? >> Yes. So when the the process was talked about as far as when you go in for your meeting that the IEP that you're given to review says draft on it. um and and the process for that. So when you have your IEP meeting, your IEP should say draft. It should not be a final document. Um and I know that was some people's experience in years past. So it's something that has been worked on and seems to be um fixed for the most part. Correct. >> Correct. Yes. As many of us know, the
066IMP document is very fluid document. So we really are aspiring to in our department to make sure that when we come to IEP meetings that it's a conversation that is started before that day um leading up to that day and if necessary adjustments and conversations happen after that day so that when the the IEP is final with all the information that's required in it that's when the parents have those days to review uh and consider their their options. But we really are trying to really establish a very collaborative and communicative process across our prek through 12 and beyond. >> Thank you. >> Welcome. >> We're quiet. >> You finished? >> I'm finished. >> Okay. I just want to also say as we talked about the Scots uh the the fun run with HF that they
067also have their food truck and musical festival rescheduled to June 23rd. So, I know they also brought that up in the meeting. So, that would be at the Wallish Estates. It's on a Sunday. I think it starts at 11:00. Um, so that's June 23rd. And that was for the education um foundation um fundraiser. Um so, old business. Anyone have any old business? >> We close all business. >> Second. All those in favor? Any opposed? New business. Any new business? >> Yeah. So, >> there we go. >> Great. >> So, late last week, we received uh the county BA called Dr. Fer and I to let us know that the governor p uh passed two pieces of legislation that could possibly impact our 2425 budget. The first one is very easy and straightforward. They're giving us
068back 45% of our initial state aid cut. So we were cut 81,537. They're giving us back 36,692. So the they're still working out the whole process as to how this is all going to play out, whether or not we need another public uh budget hearing, the advertisement aspect of it. But that that part is pretty straightforward. We'll I'll keep you updated as I get some more information. The second part of this whole legislation that they have is they're allowing a one-time adjustment to the tax levy increase for the 2425 school year for our district in the maximum amount of 4,237,7. It translates to a 9.9% tax increase. You can use up to that amount. You can use nothing. You can use anywhere in between. But that's the option that they're that the state is offering
069to try to help out some of these S2 districts who have had state aid cuts. Um obviously with that there is a public budget hearing that'll be needed. They still are working out the details as to the advertising and the other process that's involved in it. But um the county business administrator call us a heads up. I have a county uh meeting on Thursday morning. I'm hoping to have more information there, but I sent the email out to the board members yesterday to keep you all informed as to what information I have so far and just presenting the options to you of what the state has done. Um, I mean, it's great that they're trying to help the districts, but to put it on the taxpayers's back is kind of is not the >> Yeah,
070it's not a great strategy. So, so that's the information I have as of now, but as I get more information, I'll keep everyone posted. I know it is it would like everything submitted to the um the commissioner of education for the budgets by July 5th if changes are made. So the county recommended if we are going to change anything that everything be done in June but I will of course keep you updated with more information as I receive it. >> Bill, I just have a question. Was this 44 million >> tax? It's called a $44 million tax allowance >> 4 million. Oh, >> it's an adjustment. We have a $4,237,000 t adjustment basically is what they're going to increase our budget by that much. >> Correct. >> And it's on the tax base. >> On
071the tax increase the budget, but the tax people out. Yes. But I just want to make you aware of the options that they presented. And >> this is for his mistake. >> Yeah. >> Of cutting of cutting back. Terrible. And I asked uh the county VA initially in the budget program it showed that you can be used like bank cap and bank being rolled out over the next three years but the county VA was very clear that that was an error in the system when they were uploading everything and they've since corrected it. So it's a one time use it or lose it adjustment for 2425. >> Miss, so it sounds to me what they're trying to do for some of the S2 districts is they're trying to increase their base which everybody had lost
072and trying to give them some funding back. but on the backs of our taxpayers and we will all pay. I I mean I I I don't think that that's a way to rescue where we are. I think we're you're just paying for Peter to pay Paul and >> Well, we should take Peter for Paul. But anyhow, I I I understand what you're talking But this is and they're they're kind of like they're kind of blackmailing us into trying to do something. And I'm I I think that I I I think we have to hear more, but I think it doesn't sound like a good resolution to us. I'm very happy about the $36,000. >> Yeah. I'm hoping that's just give that back to us. There's nothing else we need to do. But yeah, that's the
073information I have as >> I did appreciate your email too because you you broke it down by 1 million, 2 million, 3 and I really did appreciate that. I mean that might be something more that should go out to public and let the public see what the you know what the governor is trying to do because we did re we did get some information on this bill through New Jersey school boards. I I've been reading it right along. So uh you know I I I think it's their answer for election time. So thank you. Yeah, going back to the spreadsheet I put together that you mentioned, just to share some of that information. So, if the current budget was increased, if the tax levy was increased $1 million, our current general fund tax levy was
074a 3.11% increase. If we were to go up $1 million, it would be 4.71. 2 million would be 6.31. Uh 3 million would be 7.92. 4 million would be 9.52. And the full adjustment amount would be a 9.9%. Uh so I just broke it out in different increments so you can see just the individual impact just to give you an idea of what uh has been proposed. >> Mr. Olympic just want to say the second time we just called me out here tonight. You steal from me. There you go. Um so just want to make sure that anyone who may be watching and is listening. This is something that the governor has decided to do in order to cover the school funding without taking money from the state and come from local residents. But this
075is not something at this moment doing because of how hard you work to get the budget and your team to get it really in in on there. So I mean the third the 36 grand is going to help obviously >> of course. Yeah. >> We don't need to. >> Yeah. This this was just something I was uh sharing with the board. This is information that's available. I just want to make sure that no one goes over 4 million more than we're not exactly >> last county and share the information with us. So any further information I'll keep everyone updated on as we receive it but uh that's all I have so far. Thank you. >> I have two things. Um the first is a question. So we receive like current um class sizes. Could we
076get very soon the projected class sizes for next year? >> So, I think I attached that to my Friday update. Did I not? >> Okay. >> If I didn't, I apologize. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, and I think that's really going to determine a lot how the taxpayers feel when and if what their children's class sizes are. and they don't know that until September, you know, but um I don't think that we would ever take that full amount. However, I think that looking at class sizes, um parents don't want their kids and and I heard multiple people on this board say things about when we were last year at this time looking at the class size policy Right. Um, so as board members, review those numbers because Peter just said it's not something we're thinking
077about, but we need to talk about some things, you know. Um, >> if if I misspoke, I'm saying it's happening right now. >> Yeah. No, right now we're not. I'm just saying I don't want in September to have a line of people discussing that they have too many kids and a, you know, I mean, that can happen. So I I think we need to review and plan ahead and and talk more. Um the second thing I wanted to say is um nobody mentioned it. Um Claire being the modest. I know that it included her child um who sang an incredible solo last week, but last week was maybe the longest and best week as a parent um of a child in the musical community. Um they had concerts four straight nights in a row. um
078four straight nights in a row out until after 1000 p.m. most of the nights. Um and it just was absolutely every single song, every single performance breathtaking. Um as our musical department normally is topnotch and um if you didn't get to see any of those concerts, check them out next year. The jazz concert is it's like professional, you know, and I know I saw Dr. Fernari at some of them. I saw Mr. Novak at some of them. I saw many of you. It was just really um an incredible free concert. So, um you know, kudos to everyone involved in that really, really long but amazing week of music. It was and the high school. >> I'll let you. >> I I hope that that that everybody could get a chance to see the concert that
079was put on for Dr. Max last concert it was it alumni came back and they did a phenomenal job and again just shows the strength of our music and arts program here and the love that our students take with them and come back. So I I mean I am very sat I'm happy for Dr. back. But I am very saddened. But I am very confident that the person that will fill his shoes will do the same kind of job for us because they have the same love of music. But it really was I I I didn't know about the program happening until that day and I was unable to go. I would have loved to, but I did see it. So I want to say kudos to everybody that was involved on that and we
080will miss you Dr. Mac. Any other new business? I do want to just say one thing that I forgot to say in my president's report and that is in regards to uh the next board meeting which is scheduled for June 25th. It's being rescheduled from the week before because of promotion and um high school graduation. Um we will be having a meet and greet. You should have gotten a notification from Dr. Kitchen. So the meet and greet with Dr. kitchen will take place at 6:00 that night in the Makapin cafeteria and then we'll start our board meeting here at 7. So, one more question I could um Dr. Fener. >> Yes. >> Um Kate raised the question of class sizes. Do you see any class sizes going into areas where we could have a problem
081>> um at this point >> where we could have well there is one class that is already very high but a portion of the day if we split into two sections that class would be very very small each class would be very very small um so we're looking we continue to look at that um the others seem to be well within the boundaries >> I was kind of looking at our Yeah. >> And I that was one question that I had. The other one, do we have the current number on the kindergarten? >> We do. As of yesterday morning, 198 kindergarten. >> Oh, how wonderful. That is we're we're we're almost right on track. So that's that's great. >> That's before the summer. So >> that's really great. Thank you so much. That that's all
082I have. >> Any other new business? Second. >> All those in favor? Any opposed? Public comment number two. So, all speakers will have 5 minutes to speak until a period of 30 minutes transpires. Before speaking, please state your name, group affiliation, and address for the record. Members of the public who have requested to speak prior to the meeting will be recognized by the chair first. After speaking, all speakers are asked to sign the register provided and give their full name, group affiliation, and their address. All statements shall be directed to the presiding officer. No participant may address or question board members individually. All speakers are expected to have read the statement within the agenda regarding the regulations concerning public comments. Members of the public are reminded that they are legally responsible and liable for their
083comments. Anyone signed up to speak in the second comment? >> No, there's not. >> Anyone wishing to speak? >> All those in favor? Any opposed? Mrs. Rakano, can you um add >> a motion for executive session? >> Sure. At 8:15 p.m., I make a motion to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel appointments, resignations, current litigation matters, special education matters, negotiations, tips, and matters of attorney client privilege. The executive session minutes will not be released until such time as the privilege or confidentiality is no longer applicable. The board will be in executive session to start for approximately 60 minutes. Action may be taken. Second in favor. >> Any opposed? Okay, we may be returning. like to call the meeting back to order. Roll call, please. Mr. Schulz, >> Mrs. Van Djk, >>
084here. >> Mrs. Romeo, Mrs. Jurgensson, Mrs. Dwire, Mr. Lippy, Mr. Stovich >> here, >> Mrs. Roano >> here, >> Mrs. Markwart >> here, >> Mrs. Lockwood >> here. Uh, Mr. Rano, can you make a motion to extend executive session? >> I would like to make an motion at 8:13 p.m. 9 >> 9 >> Oh, I'm sorry. 9:13 p.m. um to go back into an executive session for uh matters including attorney client priv privilege um for the time period of approximately 30 minutes. Second >> and we may be coming back to vote. Take action. >> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? I'd >> like to call the meeting back to order. Roll call, please. Mr. Schultz. >> Mr. Sand >> here. Mr. Romeo. >> Mr. Jensen. >> Here. >> Mr.
085Dwire. >> Here. Mr. Lippy >> here. >> Mr. Stovich >> here. >> Mr. Okconor >> here. >> Mr. Smartbart >> here. >> Mr. Lman >> here. >> Uh Mr. Lipe, can you please um read hand carry three under ops and finance? I'll make a motion. >> I'll make a motion to carry ops and finance number 73. And I will read it now. It is the recommendation of the interimm superintendent to appoint David B. Rubin PC as special counsel at the fee structure of legal for legal services of $210 an hour as needed plus reimbursement of all costs reasonably incurred in connection with the engagement in the period of May 21st, 2024 through May 20th of 2025. Have a second. >> Second. Any discussion? >> Seeing none, uh, roll call, please. >> Mr. Lippy, >> no.
086>> Mr. Okcono, >> yes. >> Mr. Jurgensson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwire, >> yes. >> Mr. Stovich, >> no. >> Mr. Mark, >> recused. >> Mrs. Van Dyke, >> yes. >> Mrs. Yes. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Any opposed? >> Thank you.