001Good evening. >> I'd like to call this meeting to order and we're going to start with uh a moment of silence, please. Please stand for the flag salute. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. In accordance with the provisions of the open public meetings act, a public notice 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 the board meeting calendar resolution were provided to all local media, town hall, township, library, and all
002district schools. Roll call. Miss Francisco. >> Mrs. Rico >> here. >> Mr. Sidowitz >> here. >> Mr. Lippy >> here. >> Mrs. Dwer >> here. >> Mr. Gino. Mrs. O'Brien >> here. >> Mrs. Lockwood >> here. >> Mrs. Van Dyk >> here. >> Mrs. Romeo >> here. >> Superintendence report. Dr. Enmone. >> Good evening. Not a lengthy report tonight, but um just some words of appreciation. Uh 7 years ago came to West Milford, never having stepped foot in the community, at least I don't think I did. Uh and you all welcomed me with open arms. Um the community, the board, the parents, the students, the staff, the administration. Um and I just want to say thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I've I've enjoyed every day I've worked in the district.
003It's been a pleasure and I will miss this community and this district very much. So, uh, once again, thank you very much and I wish the board and the community and the district the best of luck moving forward. [applause] >> Thank you. Director of Education's report, Mr. Novak, just want to comment. Thank you. Uh, thank you, Alex, for um your time here and [clears throat] everything you've done for for the West Milford Public Schools. Uh, it's nice to be able to say set you off in front of a in front of a nice big crowd. Um, so I just want to transition to saying thank you and and welcome to all of our uh district retirees and and loved ones and family members who came to uh to uh say congratulations. Uh we started this
004tradition last year and it was uh something that we all enjoyed having our uh having our retirees come to the meeting and and you know get to bring their families and and um you know have some light chitchat. This year we've provided u some refreshments. So after we uh after we present our um token of appreciation to all of our retirees, we're going to break for you know 5 10 minutes and let give everyone a a chance to um enjoy some of the refreshments that we have here. Um you know so I wanted to say retirement as I know is a a new beginning. That means closing the book on one chapter in order to begin the next. So, uh, I just want to say, you know, from the bottom of our hearts, our appreciation,
005um, you know, and and any good organization, the, you know, every every member of the organization knows that they're valued, feels that they're valued. So, that's, uh, part of what tonight is about, letting you know that your time here has been valued and that we appreciate all the work that you have done. Um, and as I walked around and and shook some hands and and said hello, those of you who have already been retired, you know, you see that the years kind of come off the further you get away from the work. Uh, recent retirees, you got that to look forward to. Um, so it's nice uh nice seeing you all out there in the crowd. Uh, at this point, uh, Dr. Enmone's going to go over by the plaques and I'm going to, um,
006read our, uh, retirees in attendance. Please come up and and um you know get a nice round of applause. >> Can someone take pictures? >> All right. So, family family members feel free to come up and take pictures as we um as we call them up. Uh first up, Cynthia De Antonio, speech language specialist. [cheering] >> [applause] >> 36 years this way. Thank you. >> 36. Sorry. Someone say [applause] >> Claudia Nye, social studies teacher, high school, 35 years. [applause] [applause] graduation. [laughter] >> I love you. >> Congratulations. >> I don't know if I was even laughing in Alaska. >> That was my high school teacher, so I jumped right in. >> Judy Thomas, special education teacher, high school, 34 years. [applause] Kathleen Cosgrove, art teacher, Mapin High School, 33 years. [applause] >> Kathy, look
007over here. Look over here. >> And there, where am I supposed to look? I'm just going to >> Colleen Weiss Magis, supervisor of STEM, 32 years. >> [applause] >> Doug Haburn, music teacher, high school, 28 years. [applause and cheering] >> Thank Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Farice, special class aid. Makipin, 27 years. [applause and cheering] >> Thank you, Josh. They're going to miss you. >> Yeah, they are. [laughter] Yes, they are. >> So, so far that's the code of the night. We're going to miss the kids are going to miss you. And response, yes, they are. [laughter] >> Kim Faries, [cheering] >> Colleen Mills, special class aid, UGL, Marshall Hill, [applause] 26 years. [applause] Colleen, are you here? Very nice. Thank you. >> Alice Susa, grade four teacher, Marshall Hill, 26 years. [applause]
008>> Congratulations. >> Karen Barrerero, transportation supervisor districtwide, 25 years. >> [applause] [applause] >> that. >> Congratulations, guys. Thank you. >> Laura Desenna, English teacher, high school, 25 years. [applause] Bob Weedman, industrial arts teacher, high school, 25 years. [applause] >> Jennifer Cupcho, special education teacher, Makipin in the high school, 25 years. [applause] Sandy Hefron, English teacher, Makipin, Marshall Hill, 25 years. [applause] Fran Kulac, principal secretary McAfee, 25 years. [applause] >> Thank you. >> Karen Grill, principal secretary, Paradise Null, 25 years. [applause] Jacqueline Addis, special class A, Maple Road, 24 years. [applause] >> Look at your husband. He want [laughter] >> Sorry. Who's he? Who's he? We'll get to know [applause] >> Barbara Heinig, special class aid, Makipin, 18 years. [applause] Diana Haggett, principal secretary, Upper River Lake. [cheering] [applause] my shop right connection. >> Yeah, but
009we got to take all these pictures. >> He's fine. >> He's doing good. [applause] >> Food services. Betty Stish, head cook, manager, Westbrook School, 26 years. [applause] >> [applause] >> Transportation. Patty Roberts, school bus van driver, 26 years. [applause] Cheryl Shavo, school bus driver, 24 years. [applause] Deborah Hatchie, school bus driver, 20 years. >> [applause] >> Mildred Van Mildred Degro, school uh special use driver, 18 years. [applause] Andrew Fostic, school bus driver, 14 years. [applause] In operations, Keith Wuk, assistant head custodian, Apo and Westbrook schools, 26 years. >> [applause] >> Timothy Strugal, assistant head custodian, Paradise Null, 15 years, [applause] >> as I know is Damen's grandpa. >> Turn around this way. [clears throat] >> And last but not least, Tom Stapleton, assistant head custodian, Westbrook School, [applause] 11 years. [applause] >> Wait, we got
010to get over there. Get in there. [laughter] You got it. Enjoy. [applause] All right. Can we have one last round of applause for all of our retirees? Again, [applause] just want to say thank you for thank you for all you've done for the West Milford public schools and all of our students. Uh at this time, we're going to take a 5minut break and see if um anyone wants to have some refreshments, finish off the coffee, and then we'll um reconvene. >> 188 combined years that you've all given service to us. Um, [applause] and I'd also like to thank Mr. Brown for adding that up while we're saying. So, thank you. >> I'd like to call the meeting back to order. >> Mrs. Francisco, special reports and correspondence. >> Yes, thank you. Uh, we have the
011board minutes from May 2nd, [cough] May 15th, and May 23rd for your consideration. like to make a motion to approve the following board of education meeting minutes. May 2nd, 2023 budget public budget hearing, special action meeting. May 2nd, 2023 executive session. May 15, 2023 special meeting. May 15, 2023 executive session. May 23rd, 2023 workshop regular meeting. May 23rd, 2023 executive session. >> All in favor? I. Any opposed? >> Uh, I must abstain from May 23rd and my president's report. Um, last night at high school graduation, I talked about gratitude. And, um, coming to the close of this school year, um, I personally have a lot of gratitude for our students, for our families, our parents, for our teachers and staff, and our administration. Um it really really takes a lot um to educate children and
012I'm just really thankful for everything um for my uh board trustees and all the work that you each put in um for just truly the love of this district and um I'm just extremely thankful right now at this time of year. Um my president's report could go on and on and on with the amount of celebrations and incredible things that have happened in the last few weeks. Um but I will just leave it with um McIn uh 8th grade promotion um was amazing and um the high school graduation last night uh was beautiful and uh an incredible ceremony and clapouts and kickball games and awards ceremonies. Um, I wish everyone, every student an incredible summer. Um, [clears throat] be safe, make good choices. Um, and STEM camp starts next week. So, um, we're always busy
013and doing new things. Um, so that is my president's report. And now we'll move to public comment. 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 comments. Do
014we have anyone signed up to speak? >> I don't think so. >> Is there anyone that would like to speak? I guess me. >> Okay, come on up. [laughter] >> This is not a great introduction. >> This I was hoping someone else was going to do this. >> It's okay. We don't mind. Okay. Hi, my name is Shannon Trap. Um, my daughter's going to be going into kindergarten at Maple Road this fall. Um, I live I have to see my dress. >> You do? Oh, 18 Baldin Drive here. Um, and I just was curious on like what is going on with the um, ratios in the Maple Road kindergarten and where we're at with that. And my I guess my main concern is obviously this is my first child going to public school, but I'm
015also one of six kids growing up and went to a K through eight. And I went to school with three kindergartens where I felt I was emotionally and educationally paid attention to and felt I got a great education. My main concern is my child's emotional well-being as being a 5-year-old. You know, half these kids, she went to school, but some of them may have not even ever been in a school setting. Um, so I don't know how I care for two kids sometimes emotionally in a day, let alone 30. Um, and my other main concern is in town. My brother lives in town and his child is going into kindergarten in Paradise Null. And why are we not getting an equal education? and educa attention for these children when we all pay taxes in this
016town. So, those are my concerns. Did I do this right? >> You did that very well. Thank you. >> You just now have to sign the paper in front of you. Good job. >> Sorry, I'm like shaking. >> It's okay. You did a great job. >> I was >> You did absolutely fine. >> Thank you. Sorry. >> Oh, don't be sorry. >> You want me to go? Glad you came. >> There's been much discussion and I've just asked Dr. I wanted to make an announcement. >> Okay. >> So, there'll be a recommendation to open a third section at Maple Road for kindergarten this fall. >> Spoke to Mr. Kane. He's got a classroom picked out already. Um, we just have to It probably won't be a new hire. Maybe a transfer from within the district
017[clears throat] >> from a grade that's a little bit undersubscribed to Maple Road kindergarten. >> So, you did a great job. >> Yeah. That's a recommendation, but then will that be approved before the uh school year? >> So, I'm not allowed to answer the question. Um, you could come up and state your name and speak if you'd like. Um, I could just say that the superintendent just made an announcement that he's making a recommendation for a third section at Maple Road. Um, I couldn't imagine that that wouldn't be approved by the board. hopefully on the next agenda or or August. We'll see. I don't know. I can't foresee the future, so I don't know what's going to be on the paper for July. Okay. But I would imagine hopefully it will be there. >> Add
018something. >> Come on out. >> Sorry. >> I think we're Sorry. Sorry. I'll go ahead. and then say this doesn't happen and these you know not including the kids that will also be in class with them as I'm like I don't know how to politically say this correctly so I don't want to offend anyone you know there's school inclusion kids who come into the classroom who also not to their own fault but can be a distraction as well so that's another concern is you have these 30 kids then you're adding more and yes they have their aid but that's like now we got 30 kids plus a distraction. There's like a whole lot going on. If there isn't a third added, is there going to be a full-time aid with that teacher, not including the
019school inclusions aids? >> So, I can't answer any more questions. We've actually spent more time on this than we should have. Um, I will leave it at that that the superintendent has made an announcement tonight. Um, and we will look to the next agenda. Um but I I think if there's anything else you could you could come back and communicate or send emails or something but I think um we will leave it with the superintendent's to come recommendation. Is there any other speaker? >> Seeing none like to close public comments second [clears throat] all in favor. I any opposed? >> Um, are there any changes to the agenda or >> a few changes tonight? So, uh, I'll go in order on the agenda. Uh, under education, page four, education resolution number five is going to
020be replaced. It's going to be pulled and replaced with the hand carry which is the white hand carry you have. We'll pull number five on the agenda. Add this number five. [clears throat] Okay. Under personnel page 12. Resolution number 28. We're going to add a substitute bus driver at the bottom. The name is Bruce Letterman. L E D E R M A N. That's a substitute bus driver. On the following page, personnel resolution number 33. We're going to add one other name, special class aid for extended school year. The name is Rosemary Jansen, J A N Sen. And the amount is 1,398.40. >> I'm sorry. One, how much was it? >> 139840. Uh personnel page 20 resolution number 50. We're going to strike through one assistant coach for football. The name is Gary Stole. He
021is will not be coaching this year [clears throat] and operations and finance page 24. Page 24, operations and finance resolution number 10. We're going to delete the words and water treatment. Sure. So, it should read the recommendation of the superintendent to approve a maintenance service agreement with Train New Jersey. And finally, resolution number 55, Operation Finance. We're going to pull the resolution. Operation of finance number 55 will be cold. >> Thank you. When you guys are ready, I need a motion to adopt the agenda. >> Motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Second. >> Okay. All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? Education. Mrs. Lockwood. I make a motion to approve 1 through 12 with the replacement of number five with the hand carry under education. >> Second. Any questions or comments? Seeing as none,
022roll call. Miss Francisco, Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ricano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sidowitz. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwyer. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyk. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lippy. >> Yes. >> Mrs. O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo. >> Yes. >> Personnel and student affairs. Mrs. Vand. I'd like to move items one through 56 under personnel. Second >> questions and comments. >> I'd like to uh propose that we hold uh line item 50 further review. That >> motion to table. >> Is that a motion to table? >> Yeah. Yes. Second. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> I have questions about that, too. >> Okay. Um I have Wait, >> I'm sorry. >> So, Peter just made a motion to pull item number 50 for further review. >> I second. >>
023Will seconded it. >> Okay. and welcome. >> And then I did a voice vote and only two people said I >> Okay, I said you had to give me a second to I'm sorry you fast. You're on the speedy Gonzalez me that I ain't >> I apologize. I slow down. >> Is that a voice? >> I thought it was a voice. Okay. All right then. >> Sorry. I didn't realize it was going fast. Let me slow down. >> Okay. So, you want you want to ask again? I'll I'll answer this time. >> All in favor? I >> any opposed? >> All right, then we can move forward. Terry, go ahead. >> I have a question on item number 21. Was this position posted? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Internally and externally. >> Okay. And then
024I had something else. Um, on number 35 and number 36, I see that we have uh people who are being paid to set up Highlander Academy and Highlander Prep and they're moving things around. I want to know what's being done for the teachers who are doing the same thing. They're moving their own stuff. They're they're setting up their classrooms. What are we doing for them? It's It just doesn't seem equitable to me. So, um I have a question about that. What's being done about it? >> What's being done for? >> For the teachers that are moving their stuff also. >> Uh so, mostly it's all been boxed up already. >> By whom? >> Teacher has have been boxing it. The custodians and buildings and grounds have been moving it to you know the boxes are
025labeled. They're actually still in the classrooms here, but they'll be moved very shortly. >> Okay. But I I still have a problem with this not being equitable. I'm just making that statement. >> It's a fair question. I never thought about it. I mean, think of the climb program going from Marshall Hill >> to PK. They really should have some time to set up or anyone that's moving. It's just not something I thought about until right now. That's actually a fair question that we should discuss. >> May I respond? >> Yeah, please. I I think I'm sorry. Thank you. I mean, I think part of the reason that this recommendation was placed on the agenda was that the stabilization aid um money that the district um applied for was granted uh is largely going to outfit
026this building, the two programs, there's a large amount of furniture um and even though it's the custodian's responsibility to put it together in our buildings and grounds people, when I say a large amount, there's a lot. It all has to be inventoried. Um, and to put that on our custodians, we didn't feel was fair when they're they're moving everything all over the district. So, um, and these people know where things will be placed, how they'll set up their commoning rooms, etc. So, that was the reason for the recommendation. >> I understand what you're saying about the the teacher piece >> because they're doing the same thing. They're moving some of the teachers, I'm sure, are moving their own furniture within those classrooms and >> Well, I mean, they shouldn't be. I mean, most of the
027teachers, and I don't want to speak for the teachers, it's not necessarily my area, but most of them have placed labels on where items will go, and the custodians have made those moves. Um, there is a lot to move all across the district. In regard to Highlander Academy, Highlander Prep, the recommendation was really because there's a a large I mean furniture for this uh room and for all of these rooms on this side um of both wings off of the media center. It's a large amount of of items that need to be unboxed and inventoried um to figure out where those things need to go. >> Okay. But it's still inequitable. >> I understand. Thank you. And let me see. Did I have anything else? Nope. Because Mr. Lippy brought up number 50 and I'm
028glad. Thank you, Peter. >> Well, uh, I'd like to speak on number 46. Uh, I will be voting no to that resolution because of the erased GSA advisor position. Um, in 2017, I believe that it was a a club that allowed for >> the possibility of grooming on oppressionable youth. In 2018, unfortunately, I was proven right when [clears throat] the adviser of the program did end up getting arrested for uh lewd behavior and students in particular. [snorts] Um, so I will again be voting no on that. >> That's not the person that's on this agenda. >> I know. Okay. >> But I still think that the program is >> when sexuality is discussed between an adult and a child, my hope is that there's a professional adult involved and professionally trained. Can you stop for
029a second? >> Um, I'd like to propose that I'm going to put a motion on the table that we pull 47 just like we just did. 50 >> second >> 46 47 >> 46 and 47. I would like to Yes. >> Can I have if >> uh I'll make the motion. >> Oh, thank you. >> I'll second it. Will >> you >> uh So, can you just say it? You're going to make the motion to >> I make the motion to uh table uh resolutions 46 and 47 under personnel and student affairs until further committee discussion is had. >> Terry, did you say you second? >> I seconded it. Yes. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> All right. 46 and 47 till after the next and and 50 till after the
030next committee meetings. >> That's right. >> I just want to make sure that >> we're not talking about that. >> That was after executive session. >> You just said till after the last committee. These two I did after the committee. >> I definitely was under the impression that that is also what Peter meant about 50. >> Correct. >> So these will be voted on in July. Yeah, >> it certainly is. Last year, I believe we didn't vote on them until August. Isn't that true? >> Yeah. >> In fact, I think a few were even in September. What was on 50 was voted on in August. >> That's right. Last year. >> Yes. >> Okay. Any other questions or comments? [clears throat] I'm just trying to go a little slow because I'm halfway through my coffee,
031so I don't want to be too fast. [laughter] >> I'm just being fair. Go ahead. I I I just to clarify this what we're tableabling on 50 was voted in August last year, but as long as we vote on 51 and uh 52, I think we're fine because that's what's pending. So, okay. I I because there's a question that's probably >> what people are going to be thinking. We're not we're not eliminating >> we're not holding up any summer programs. >> No. No. >> Okay. We're just having further discussion about next school year. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Seeing as no more comments or questions, roll call. Miss Francisco. >> Okay. So, we're voting on 1 to 45, 48, 49, and 51 to 56. >> Yes. >> Thank you, Barbara. >> All right, >> Mrs. Van
032Dyk. Yes. Uh uh I abstain on 43 and 49 and yes on the rest. >> Mr. Sidowitz, >> yes. >> Mr. Lippy, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rico, >> yes. >> Mrs. Laughwood, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwer, >> no. On 35 and 36, yes on the rest, >> Mrs. O'Brien, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> hang on just one second. >> I'm a yes. I just need to make sure there was nothing I had to abstain on. That's >> Yeah, I'm a yes on everything. >> Thank you. >> All right. Well, just if I can take a moment, we have a new supervisor of special services just approved moments ago, Mrs. Pashnik. She's here this evening. Thank you so much for taking time right now. [applause] A couple more days left in their district. Uh they're
033going over there to me, but she just come uh to a board meeting. So, welcome to West Milford. Um we're so happy to have you. >> Thank you so much. Um it's my pleasure to be here and I'm so excited to join this community. Um I was drawn to West Milford because it was just such a special environment. Um I spent a little bit of time in Meccapin school when I was studying to um get my principal in supervisory research and I left just wowed the community that that you built. It was just so positive. The emphasis on character really impressed me. Um everyone was so wonderful. So when I heard that you guys were um in search for a supervisor, I said, you know what, that is the type of district I would love
034to be part of. Um I grew up in Pmpton Plains right down 23, not far. I used to spend my summers up here swimming in the lakes and um so I know it's a very special community that you have here and I'm very excited to be a part of it. Um I have spent my career as a special educator. Um I've served on child study teams as learning consultant. Um I've worked as an instructional coach in the math and science departments. Um, so I'm just very excited to um get to be part of uh your community and um I'm excited to see how we're going to move special education forward. So, thank you again um for your gracious welcome. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Um Peter, can you move operations and finance tonight, please? >>
035like to move operations finance 1 through 6. >> We pulled 55. >> Okay, >> good job. Thank you. Second Any questions or comments? >> Yeah, Terry. Um, on number three, this this deal, this feasibility study, was the whole board informed about this, did I miss something? Um, >> I believe it was in the minutes for the um operations and finance committee. >> Okay. And we've been working on this, but we haven't really discussed it. you know, in committee. Well, I mean, I wouldn't be because I'm not on operations and finance. >> That's fair. Um, so I we had the meeting last Monday. >> Um, today is Tuesday. I have had a meeting for West Milford every single night since Monday of some type. So, I did not get to call all of you and tell
036you probably about this. I apologize that that is probably something that I would have done on a normal week. Um but we did have a township um quarter of meeting last Monday night. Um and there is nothing new on the table that we haven't already discussed. >> Okay. >> Individually with each that you all already know. This is the first step. if it gets approved tonight. I I have a statement um that I will read about what's happening, what we already know. >> Okay. >> Um there's nothing new that you don't already know. This is just the first step. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Does that make sense? >> Yes. >> Okay. And I do apologize. I have been out of the house every night since that meeting. >> I was just curious. >> Yeah.
037No, it makes sense. Debbie, um I just I just want to comment under number one um that we have the nicest group of teachers and support staff here in the district that come to help each other out, especially when there's issues of medical leave. And I u I just want to commend our our community in helping each other out because it's it's it's just great. And it and I'm I'm sorry for this employee who who's going through some some issues obviously u but I'm I'm thankful that whoever this person is they they have the you know the support of their fellow teachers and admin and staff. So I just want to say thank you. >> I I just want to say thank you to Menum Township School District [clears throat] for donating that oven to
038us. That's quite nice. How did that come about? >> Uh they're also serviced by our food service management company. Oh. Oh. Oh, great. Okay, that's wonderful. I'm glad to hear it. >> Thank you. Sure. >> I just want to um comment also on what Debbie said. Everything that you just said is 100% correct. That is community um and taking care of one another. And I just want to thank our our teachers for giving to each other and caring about one another. >> It's really important. >> Absolutely. >> Anything else? >> Seeing as none, roll call, please. >> Mrs. Rico, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwire, >> yes. >> Mr. Sidowitz. >> Yes. >> Mr. O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lippy. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Van Djk. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo.
039>> Yes. >> I'm going to read the Hillcrest statement now before we move on. The West Milford Board of Education and the Township of West Milford have agreed to jointly explore the feasibility of converting the former Hill Hailrest Elementary School to a recreational facility. The board of education as the owner of the property is taking the lead on obtaining engineering proposals for the necessary feasibility study. However, Mayor Dale has agreed to request that the township council agree to cover its cost with either open space funds or some other source of funding. The feasibility study will consider the possibility of building swimming pool and a multi-use gymnasium while keeping the existing baseball field. The feasibility study will determine the permitted size of the facility given current Highland restrictions and the cost of such a facility. The
040new facility will be either jointly operated or solely owned by one of the entities. Funding sources for the project such as grant funding will be considered upon completion of the feasibility study. >> Okay. >> Any questions or comments? No. Got it. Okay. the right direction as far as I'm concerned. >> Um, will you move um operations and finance 61? >> Yes, I can. I'd like to move item 61 under operations and finance. >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Rano. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwyer. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sidowitz. >> Yes. >> M. O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lippy. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke. >> I abstain. >> Mrs. Romeo. >> Abstain. [clears throat] >> I like to move items 62 and 63 under
041operations and finance. >> Second. >> Questions and comments. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Sidowitz. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lippy. >> Yes. >> Mr. O'Brien. Yes, >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Van Dyk. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Rico. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Romeo. >> Yes, >> Mr. Sido's policy. >> I'd like to move items one and two under policy. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Sidowitz, >> yes. >> Mr. Lippy, >> yes. Mrs. O'Brien, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rico, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyk, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwer, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> yes. >> Mrs. O'Brien, negotiations. >> Okay, I'd like to move item one under negotiations. >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? >>
042Excuse me. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Mr. O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rico. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sidowitz. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mr. Lippy. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwyer. >> Abstain. >> Mrs. Van Dyke. >> Yes. >> All right. Committee reports. Um, there is [clears throat] no parks and wreck report. Um, is there a safety report? >> No, there is no safety report. Um any idea when the next meeting is? >> They haven't notified us yet. No. >> Okay. Um superintendent round table. Um we had our last superintendent roundt of the year on May 25th. Um some of the things um is is my mic on? Okay. Some of the things discussed um were when families will find out if their school choice request
043is being granted or not. Um the deadline was May 26th. Um and I spoke to Dr. Ammon today. He said letters have gone out. Um so with Junth being a closed day, they should have gone out today, you think? >> Oh yeah, [clears throat] post office was closed yesterday. So they went out. Um the there was a calendar conflict. Um there was a change of date with the community awards and at the high school and it because it conflicted with two elementary school concerts. Um this was the first and only major conflict of the year but hopefully we can avoid that in the future. Um title one with the redistricting. Um the question was how will this change or not change title one? um schools in the district. Um the answer was there is uncert
044uncertainty on if anything will change. Marshall Hill and UGL should still remain title one. Aptua may qualify but is unlikely. Aptua lost their title status this school year. So um they were able to be grandfathered for one school year which was this past school year. Um it was brought up about class sizes for elementary schools closing in on 50 plus. Um and the question was had there been thought um to adding third sections especially for lower elementary kindergarten. Um and I think we talked about that it is being discussed and will be voted on later in the um in the summer. Um um there are some follow-ups on the Italian program. What's the plan? Are all current seventh graders going to be given the opportunity to continue and finish through high school? And the answer
045was the current eighth grade students will be able to finish Italian through high school. The current seventh grade students will have an alternate language next year and going forward. Um and that was that was all from superintendent report. There are no superintendent roundt meetings over the summer. The next one will be um after the new school year starts. Thank you, Mrs. Lockwood for State County School Boards. Um, nothing to update for the summer. There is a tenative date for September 26 to be determined as to where September 26th. >> Yes. >> Oh, that means Duncan attended it then. Good. >> Uh, Mr. Sid, it's New Jersey school boards. >> The next meetings are in September. So, I'll discuss more of that down the line. But uh the schoolboards association is unveiling NJSBA connection which is
046a member onlyly platform designed to connect, engage and empower its members. This innovative digital space serves as a dynamic hub for collaboration, knowledge sharing and networking providing an unparalleled resource for school leaders across the state state. So that's something that I'll check out and report in future meetings. uh legislative uh it's going to be a little lengthy so uh please be patient with Debbie O'Brien. Um during the month of June, the Assembly Education Senate budget appropriations and Senate state government have advanced various preK through 12th grade educational bills, including bills to stabilize the measure of property wealth used in the formula for a district local share under the school funding reform act required students to complete the free application for federal student aid as a high school uh graduation requirement and various bills designed to
047address the school shortage. Um, stabilizing SFR property wealth calculations would modify the formula for a district's local share in the SFR to replace the current pre-budget year uh equalized valid validation with a 5-year average of equalized validation. And this bill is being headed to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Um FAFSA FAFSA graduation requirements would require students in the class of 2024, 2025, 2026 to complete and submit a financial aid application as a high school graduation requirement. Students could be waved from the requirement if their parents or guardians or school counselors submit a waiver to the school district. New Jersey School Board Associations expressed concern on the bill because they it it opposes a non-academic graduation requirement that could unfairly deny students who have satisfied all state and local academic graduation requirements a high
048school diploma. The bill was approved by the Assembly and Higher Education Committee last spring and may be posted on the uh fourth floor vote. I am not reading the whole thing, so don't don't sweat it out. State board approval of new standardized assessment would require the commissioner of education to receive approval from the state board of education for administration of any new standardized assessment that is not otherwise required by state or federal law. This bure this bill appears to be in response to the strong start strong assessment which districts were required to administer in the fall of 2021 and 2022. It would not apply to standardized assessment requirements that are in place prior to the bill being signed. is now being head to the uh is now heading to the full assembly for further consideration
049and of course this we also had deal with issues of the teacher teacher shortage and I'm sorry I stable uh emergency teacher certification would establish an emergency instructional cert certificate in special education bilingual bicultural education and other highne fields designated ated by the New Jersey Department of Education. To be eligible for emergency instructional c certificate, an in individual must be enrolled at in an education I'm sorry, give me a second on this. Be enrolled in an educator preparation program at a regionally accredited 4-year institution of higher learning in the state. have a bachelor's degree uh and also have achieved a passing score on any applicable subject matter knowledge exam. And finally, ensuring transfer of county college credits to meet EP requirements is to address the teacher shortage as well. And it would prohibit educator preparation
050programs from restricting the number of county college professional education credits that may be used to meet the requirements of an educator preparation program except as it may be required by EP's accredited accrediting organization. This bill would also prohibit the New Jersey Department of Education from restricting the number of county college credits in professional education education that can be accepted towards meeting teacher certification requirements and this bill is headed to full senate for further consideration. >> Thank you. >> Um Peter, do we have a technology? >> No. >> Okay. Thank you. Um I already gave the report for the township and board of education joint meeting. Um West Milford Municipal Alliance. Um the alliance met on Monday, June 12th. The alliance has submitted a grant uh to the stigmafree initiative to cover the cost of custodial
051services for the wellness family festival. Discussions on brochure development locations of the hope one van in our town. t-shirts for the lead program and upcoming training. We recognize Don Dowardy and the heroes and cool kids for coming in third place at the PSA contest through the county. We want to announce that the uh second annual wellness family festival will be held on Saturday, September 23rd from 10 to 2 at McAppen School. The alliance has joined up with the West Milford Lions Club and Highlands Family Success Center to put on a great event to to our community. We will be meeting via Zoom over the summer. Our next meeting is Monday, July 10th at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome. I want to add to that report. Um although this didn't happen at your meeting, I found
052a place in Oakidge over the weekend called Nick's Hope. Um, and Nick's Hope provides free clothing to anyone and everyone. Um, they'll come and do like a pop shop. They'll set [laughter] up. >> Um, they'll do it at schools, community events. Um, in Oakidge, just down the street from the Acne, they have a woman's clothing store where, um, you can purchase items that help them um, pay to set up these pop shops. And so, um, I don't know if that's exactly what it's called, but I think so. And you can bring, um, new or gently used clothing there, men's, women's, children's, and then they provide them to communities. And, um, they're a very big part of all surrounding communities. So, I'd like to see them, you know, >> and and they set up shop at
053Highlands Family Success Center a few months ago, and we put it out to the public for um those that we service through Highlands um to come [clears throat] in and and get clothing for their children for this spring. So, we we do they there is a a collaboration between the two organizations. >> That's great. Mhm. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> And CPAC, Mrs. Blackwood. So, nothing on the calendar, but I would like to take this time to thank Dr. Davino for stepping in this year and being the interim director of special services. Thank you. I wish you luck in your next endeavor. And uh Dr. Reszer will be coming um July 1st. >> Yeah. >> So, I look forward to working with him also. I want to clap for that. [applause] your speech.
054I'm teasing. >> I'll give I'll give I'll give your speech. >> I'll I'll keep it brief. But I listen, I do want to thank everybody and I said to a few people that um I served as director a couple of times in Vernon. that in this position I was like director supervisor and I had the opportunity to work with a lot of families and a lot of teachers a lot of parents a lot of administrators a lot of teachers and um it was a really really fulfilling experience um I learned a lot um about special education you know you think you know everything after you've been in uh education for a long time and you realize that you haven't. So West Milford is a really special place. It was the first interim position for me
055so I won't forget it. But um I thank everybody for the warm welcome and um I wish you all the best. It's a tremendous district with wonderful people. So, thanks for letting me be here. Much appreciated. >> Thank you. Let's move into old business. Does anyone have any old business? >> I do. Go ahead, Terry. >> I I think it's old business. Um, I had questioned our school newspaper a while ago and I was told it was provided digitally. Um, I went online today to see if we had a newspaper for the end of the year that would have the last will and testament for the kids and you know highlights of um the senior class and there was nothing. There was no newspaper at all. If there is a journalism class, um, I want
056to know why they're not producing a newspaper at least once a month. So, um, maybe it should be a club then and not a news and not a class. So, that's all I have to say. Any other old business? >> Seeing none, like to close all business. >> Second. >> All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? >> New business. I'd like >> to bring oursel in. Um I forwarded an email to um Dr. Adamone and I believe UK regarding um the EPA's grant funding that they're putting out for the New Jersey Clean Bus Association or New Jersey Clean Bus Program. They are um accepting applications for grant grants proposals in August. I'd like to make sure we get that on our schedule. Uh they're talking about funding 90% of the cost of the bus and
057charging stations. Okay. There's um a lot of research in this and I'm not saying replace the entire system with electric buses, but I think for many of our routes, these buses would be fantastic and would save us money going forward. So, >> thank you. Any other new business? >> If not, >> I'd move to close new business. >> Second. All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? Okay. Public comment. 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 [clears throat] full name, group affiliation,
058and 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. Do we have any speakers? >> Neat. >> Can we just adjust the camera? [laughter] >> Get your good side. >> Everything's my good side. >> [laughter] >> Uh Nathan Bedford uh 457 Lakeside Road here at New Jersey. I am a representative of West Milford TV77 vice president and uh I also am the man behind the camera and uh have renewed my contract. Thank you very much. Under personal I mean operations and finance number five, Highlander Productions. Uh for those that I
059haven't talked to and for the general public at large um West Milford 77 is part of a larger conglomeration of called the Jersey Access Group. It is a affiliation of all the statewide public access stations and uh I have won awards in the past and I have a very good relationship with Joe Jordan and the TV science program. Um I submitted from last year as part of uh the awards show under category sports programming multi- camera production. I entered senior night football, West Milford versus Jefferson and we won the silver award uh which I got copies for the students [applause] collabor collaboration between all of us and uh look forward to working with you guys next year. So, thank you, [applause] >> Nate. That's amazing. And um we're very proud of you and we thank
060you for all that you do. >> And also, I'm I'm proud of the students that helped out, you know, that they helped uh with and Joe Jordan's broadcasting club uh throughout many of the sporting events that I've been contracted by Mr. Tran to work on. >> Wonderful. Thank you. Any other public comments? Oh, sorry. >> Didn't see her. >> Thanks, Courtney Stevenson, 307 Ridge Road, uh, West Mil, New Jersey. I just wanted to let you all know that the Highlander funding committee first meeting was a tremendous success. Um, we talked at length about grants from New Jersey. We talked about starting um a Highlander Education Foundation. Um we are very engaged in making this work. We will be meeting next week to um draft a letter to sedenders um and assembly men and women um
061to try to get our voices heard as much as possible. That grant that you spoke of, we have already researched and very much would like to partner with whomever is going to take the lead on this. We will be having regular meetings and I know last week none of you could attend, but we would very much like you to attend so that this can be a really good collaborative positive for our town. Dr. Goff wasn't here tonight. She had a speech and I lost it because my phone died. So, I'm so sorry, Dr. >> [laughter] >> Thank you, >> Courtney. Did you say when the next meeting was what? The open meeting. >> I will be speaking with Mr. Novak this next week once my school is over and we'll plan it out. Awesome. Okay.
062Any other speakers? Um, I'll let the board know. I people that were in attendance that are not here tonight and even students from the high school were at that meeting. I couldn't be at that meeting, but they've shared their notes with me and have gone through to see what people wrote and what they were looking at. Um, and I'm very excited to attend the next meeting. Uh, it looked like a lot of really great conversation about moving forward and um, you know, I'm I'm very hopeful about that. So, um, okay. Seeing as no other speakers, >> move to close public comment. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? Mrs. Lockwood at 8:18. >> Mhm. >> I don't know. um three minutes. >> Okay. >> So, at 88, I [clears throat] make a motion
063to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel appointments, resignations, current litigation matters, special education matters, tibs, and matters of attorney client privilege. The executive session minutes will not be released until such time as the privilege or confidentiality is no longer applicable. The board will be in executive session for approximately 40 minutes. Um action will be taken. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? >> See you in 40 minutes. Back in session. Uh roll call. Miss Francisco. >> Mrs. Van Dyke here. Mr. Sidowitz >> here. >> Mrs. Rico >> here. >> Mrs. Dwer >> here. >> Mrs. O'Brien >> here. >> Mrs. Lockwood >> here. >> Mr. Lippy >> here. >> Mrs. Romeo >> here. >> Mrs. Lockwood education. >> I make a motion to approve agenda item 13. Um, Pip
0642023E9 as substantiated. If 2023 M14 as substantiated >> second. >> Any questions or comments? >> Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Lachwood, >> yes. >> Mr. Sidowitz, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwer, >> yes. >> Mr. O'Brien, >> yes. >> Mr. Lippy, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyk, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rico, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> yes. Mrs. Blackwood. >> So at 5:54, I make a motion to go 94. 95. >> Did I say eight? Did I say nine? Five. No, you said five. Sorry. >> You were in a different place. >> I was in a different place. Sorry. Sorry. Let me restart. So at 8:55, I make a motion to go back into executive session to discuss the interim superintendent search and interviews. Um the executive session minutes will not be released until such
065time as the privilege or confidentiality is no longer applicable. The board will be in executive session for approximately 30 minutes. No action will be taken. So we will adjourn um now >> from we'll from there. >> We'll adjourn from executive session. Second. >> All in favor? I. Any opposed? >> Good night. Good night.