001Uh if you could please find a seat. Um I'm going to call this meeting to order at 7:02. Um please take a moment of silence with me. Please stand for the flag salute 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. Okay. Good evening. In accordance with the provisions of the open public's meeting 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, the 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,
002town hall, township library, and all district schools. Roll call. Miss Francisco. Mrs. Rano >> here. >> Mr. Sid >> here. >> Mr. Lippy. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes. >> Mr. Green >> here. >> Miss O'Brien. >> Mrs. Lockwood >> here. >> Mrs. Van Dyke >> here. >> Mrs. Romeo here. >> Thank you. First, I'd like to ask uh Dr. Anam for the superintendent report. >> Yes. Good evening everybody. Welcome. We're going to go a little bit out of order tonight. We have one of our students at Macin Middle School here to pres talk to us about her silver award. So, come on up, Miss Swan. Good evening. We're ready when you're ready. Thank you. >> Hello, my name is Marie Swan. I'm a 14-year-old eighth grade student at Mac Middle School. I moved to West
003Milford in the summer of 2019. I've been a Girl Scout for 9 years, and this year I'll be accomplishing my silver award. Unlike the two bronze awards I've done, one with my current troop and one for my old west miler troops, a silver award must be completed by one scout and not her gold troop. My idea is to give the Highlander Academy a peace corner in this media center to help them with their mental health and concentration during school. I'm calling this Highlander Academyy's Peace Corner. The silver award is the highest award a Girl Scout cadet can earn. This award shows the scout can prove they are a leader who is determined, organized, and dedicated to improving their community. My project originates from a tool my old school used to have where there was a
004space in the classroom for students to help calm down or regain their focus before resuming their life skills. The project will create a space for students at Highlander Academy to go and take time to either refocus their brains or just an environment for students have access to. As a person who struggles with mental health, I know the importance of having an area that you can go to and find the balance between mental health and my work. I believe that my project will help students while at school and will help with feeling less stressed and learning to maintain a healthy balance between mental health and work. A cadet silver award must be completed before the start of 9th grade when a scout will advance to a senior in Girl Scout. I'll be starting 9th grade at
005the start of fall. I'm aware as as Oh my gosh. I'm aware that as the current school year goes on, I will not have access to the building during the months of April, May, and early June. However, during these months, I will focus on collecting donations for this project and reaching out to Fins community for materials for this hope project. I I am unable to fund raise, but I am able to donations of funds and materials. During the summer months, I will have access to the building and the space I am working with. I have proposed a budget of $1,500, which I've attached here. I've set up an email specific to the project for anyone who wishes to know more or reach out about what is needed for the space. A Venmo has also been
006set up for this up specific for this project to manage any donations I may receive. Any and all donations will be used towards creating this space at Highlander Academy. Thank you for letting me introduce my idea. >> Excellent. Miss Miss, I think I have your paperwork. Would you like to share that Venmo account right now? >> It's on camera. Well, but >> read it into the microphone because there's a lot of people watching at home. >> Yeah. Wait, what do I do? Sorry. >> Just just spell out the Venmo account. Um, for anyone that's watching us at home that would also like to donate. >> Hold on. I have to pull it up. >> No problem. You are doing amazing. This is very, very cool. Thank you, >> Marie. You said you're in eighth grade.
007>> Mhm. Correct. >> Wow. >> We're ready when you're ready. >> Sorry. All right. Um, the Venmo's at hap peacec corner and the same goes with my email. Uh, it's just hap peacec [email protected] and at venmo is um hap peace corner and then I have handouts. >> So the venmo is h a horner >> p e a c e c o r n e r. >> Correct. >> Okay, cool. And hopefully one day we can have a peace corner in all of our schools. It sounds like a really good idea. Thank you for this idea and for sharing it and um continue to share it with all the other Girl Scouts so maybe we can have more of them. I'm excited to see it. >> And I do have these. >> Yes, please. Um if
008you can give them to Mrs. Dwire, she could or whatever you'd like. >> Thank you, sweetie. [Music] >> Thank you. Good job, Marie. Thank you. >> Next up for our student representative student reporter, Miss Mesa. >> So, the student council's donation of $1,300 to the Alzheimer's Association from their annual volleyball tournament will be published in their national newsletter. May 1st was senior decision day, so the seniors were clothing to represent their post high school paths. We started off the month with teacher appreciation week. The spring choir had their concert on May 14th. The band had their concert on May 18th. Senior field day was last Friday. Freshman and juniors had NJSLA testing this week and finished yesterday. AP testing finished last Friday. Today we had our war and remembrance ceremony to honor those who served
009in our military. Highlander day is on Friday and the senior choice awards will be next Wednesday. Doors will open at 6:00 and it lasts till 9:00. Also, senior prom is next Thursday. And as this is my last board of education meeting, I wanted to thank everyone for this opportunity as student representative. I'm so glad I was able to experience a role like this, meet all of you, and also work on my public speaking skills. After graduation, I will be attending Drexel University as an interior design major in the honors program and living learning community. Thank you all again and have a nice day. >> I have one question about your report and then um what is Highlander Day on Friday? So, Highlander Day is basically when all the clubs within the high school and sports
010teams and just basically everyone, they can set up a booth and during I think we have an early dismissal schedule on Friday, but then from 12:19 to 1:57. Um, it's actually Highlander Day, so everyone can go out and there's just a bunch of boots. Like I know PAL is doing cotton candy and then you can just bring a few dollars of cash and you can buy like food and little items and everything and participate in games and activities. Very cool. Thank you. Good luck to you. You've been a wonderful addition. Um thank you for your report and you have a lot to be proud of. Your public speaking has come a long way. Great report. Very good job. Thank you. >> We do have a plaque for you. has not arrived yet, but I will
011deliver it to the high school once it comes in. So, thank you on behalf of the board. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. >> All right. Next up, we have our school district grade report for HIV grades. This is for last school year, 2122. Uh this is on a scale of 1 to 78. West Milford High School scores with 76, Absua 75, Makipin 74, Maple Road 78, Marshall Hill 76, Paradise Null 77, UGL 76, and Westbrook School 75. So this gets done annually and again it's one year looking back one year. We'll do this again one year from now. Uh and the last part of our superintendent report is not on here, but we do have a presentation for Mr. Strians at the high school and his team anywhere. So, we'll move over here and uh
012I'll dim the lights a little bit. There should be copies of the presentation on the uh on the media specialist desk. All right. Good evening everybody. Uh first I'd like to start off by thanking the board and Dr. Ano for uh allowing us to put this committee together. Um, our committee members are Serena Laya, Chris Bonales, Melissa Welch, Dana Lambert, and stand by. A lot of the members are here tonight. So, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule and coming for this presentation. >> Mr. Sh. >> Yes, I'm okay. I'm all right. Thanks. >> I don't I don't think they can hear you. I can't hear you over here. >> Sorry, but all right. The purpose of this >> push the button up. >> Hear me now. >> All right. The purpose
013of this presentation is to examine the ranking systems and analyze the data related to our academic achievement. The goal is to partner partner with the board of education to develop policies and procedures that will foster academic growth. There are three uh top ranking systems. US News, great schools, and niche. The um one that we decided to focus on was US News because it actually uses um real real time data and not anything that's self-reporting. So, we're going to focus on US News tonight. Last year, a high school ranking was 295 out of 406. The reason for this committee is because we can do better than that. If you look at it, uh, how it's broken down is AP exams of 26%, passed at least one AP exam 18%, mathematics proficiency 29%, reading proficiency 54%, science
014proficiency 22%, and graduation rate was 95%. 80% of this total score comes from assessment data. So, it's our NJ, SLA, and our AP scores. College readiness 30%. It's the percentage of 12th graders who took one or more AP tests. College curriculum breadth 10% is the percentage of 12th graders who took four or more AP tests. In these categories, three4s of the scores dependent on students passing the exam with a three or better three, four, and five. State assessment proficiency proficiency 20%. scores come from the school's performance on math, reading, NJSLA scores compared to the state's overall scores. State assessment performance, the score comes from expected math and reading NJSLA scores based on our demographics. And then 20% of the overall score comes from the graduation rate, 10% and underserved student performance this year. 2023 2023
015AP exams administered at the high school. Just finished last Friday. We had 116 students take the exam, means we had students that took more than one exam. Also, of all those students that took AP courses, 13 did not take an exam at all. That affects your score. you actually um you actually score points for your ranking on how many students not just take the class but take the test and then get three four or five. So when you don't have people taking a test it it hurts your uh it hurts your rank. Here's the AP score table. Five would be an A+ a four very wellqualified A minus B plus or B. C qualified B minus C plus there goes my mic or a C. Um and that would be the college uh grade equivalent.
016Now schools do accept some schools will only accept a five, some will only accept a four, some will only accept a three. They're all different. That's some of the reason why the kids don't take the test because they don't know what that school is going to accept. Here, here's a breakdown of last year's AP exams and where our kids fell. We had 10 take it with a one, 40 take it, and then we have a number of 46 exams, 38, 45, which means they took more than one with a three, 51, 63, and 24, 33 score of 5. So 72% of our scores were proficient. That's pretty good. Um, our goal is we want to increase that to 80%. Recommendations for improvement in this category. So, these are some things that the committee came up
017with when we brainstormed. Require all students enrolled in AP courses to take the exam. Consider covering a portion of test fee for lower income families, students taking multiple exams, and families with multiple childrens. We have I know we have a parent with triplets and they all took the AP exam multiple ones. So that that was a big expense for that family. Um expectations for AP course rigor must be made clear prior to enrollment so that pacing and depth can meet college board requirements. Um the AP um course the southern schools get a head start on us because they go back to school before we do and they test in May. So, our kids are about a month behind. A lot of the teachers start in August, and I know some of the kids are out
018there tonight, they they can attest to that. They'll they'll reach out to you uh in August to get you going. Um so that you're not behind the eightball uh and you have the same opportunity as as the rest of everybody else does. Um we could also consider reestablishing an entry requirement prior to enrollment to AP course. As an additional incentive, we'd like to offer a partial refund of the exam fee for students who earn a passing grade. And we break it down 50% if you get a five, 40% if you get a four, 30% if you get a three. Um, celebrate the AP culture. Reward those students with a breakfast with some sort of activity. It actually worked out good this year. The last day of AP test, we wind up having the senior field
019day. So, we kind of got to celebrate uh all of that. highlight the success of the AP program and share our stats for graduates who have earned college credit. Additional recommendations: increase our dual enrollment opportunities, expand our senior initiative program, advertise the senior initiative program options to both students and parents. Not many people know we have a senior initiative program. Some of the examples are our class meetings, our website, back to school nights, hometown prides, and is a really good night to do it. We really showcase our athletics and our clubs. What we'd like to do there is also highlight our academics. Obviously, this should come up at school conferences. Here's our current dual enrollments. Creative writing, advanced creative writing, journalism 4, tomorrow teachers, anatomy, physiology, digital art 2. Coming next year, criminal justice, women's
020studies, auto world cuisines, and intermediate computer science. Now, interesting uh stat is of the 53 kids that are enrolled, 22 of them, so less than half um pay to to get the college credit. So, in order to score more points in the ranking, they have to be enrolled into a school. Not just pass the class, but also be enrolled in that school. Whether it's Satan Hall or Rambo, whoever, whoever's partnered, there's all different schools there that we're partnered with. Expansion of our senior options can include an internship, dual enrollment, school work, or volunteer. Typically, uh, a student has to carry 30 credits. We have seniors that by the time they get to their senior year, they need English, fizzed, maybe personal finance, and then the rest is pretty much electives. So, what we would like
021to do is allow those kids to leave early and some can enroll maybe into uh Pay Community College and take a course there. Go to work. I have a kid that wants to be a plumber. He's met all his requirements. He's got to take the basics cuz I just met with him last week. He's going to go work once he's done with his four classes. He's going to go out and start getting his hours to be apprentice plumber. volunteer work or internships. So, it kind of it kind of gives our kids more more options. It also will help um it also help by these kids going out and doing this. It also gives us room in our electives to to offer to the other students that are still in the building. Suggestions for improving our
022proficiency and performance and scores. We'd like to increase the vertical articulation between the MACPA and the high school. Review recently released 2022 NJSLA scores to determine whether current placement procedures for acceleration in algebra 1 geometry in grade 78 are appropriate and successful. We want to set these kids up for success so that when they come over to the high school they'll do well. Consider establishing a minimum grade requirement to advance from accelerated courses in acup. Consider making prior year's NJSLA scores a data point in determining if they can if they're ready and they can go into those classes. Culture and climate, student time in class. What can we do to support and motivate students academically? We'd like to take a look at our frequent flyers. Those who are late to class, out in the bathroom,
023absent. If you're not in school, you're not going to learn. You're not going to do well. We want to take care of these kids. We'd like to use this data to analyze these students in their grades in their test scores. See if there's a correlation with not being in school and how you performing on tests. How you doing in class? We'd like to work with student organizations utilizing our PALS, Heroes, and Cool Kids, National Honor Society, sports staff to help mentor these students. We also must inform students how testing impacts them. And I have to say, um, and I got to give, uh, kudos to Karen Johnson, it was probably the best testing we've had that I can remember in a long time. Super organized. Um, from the get-go in our faculty meetings, um, how
024important it was for the kids to do good and the teachers relayed that to the kids in school. Um, plenty of communication back and forth to the parents. We have very, very little kids that have to make up the test from last week. So, I was super impressed with the way our uh students took it seriously and also our staff as well. Um so, I'm optimistic um for this next round. It's really now we've been in school almost two full years, we should see we should start seeing results. So, I'm optimistic to see what our scores are this year, but um an outstanding job this year. And then another thing we'd like to do is revisit policies for late and absences. um things that we had um there were things that we did in the
025past that seemed to work better than things are now. So that's that's what I mean with uh partnering with the board and and maybe changing some policies and having a discussion. Um obviously as we were working on this presentation, the um the uh school um report card came in. So, what we'd like to do next is is analyze that data, continue to analyze the data we're working on here, and then maybe in the fall, uh, we could come to an an educational, um, committee meeting and go over some of the our findings with you and try to, um, fine-tune some stuff. And, uh, if we're going to change some policies, I'm going to need to work with you on that. Um, does anybody have any questions? >> Thank you. Um, Mr. strands. I have a
026question where you say 72% of exam scores are preset, right? >> A score of three or higher. >> Um, can you I I know you can't do it now, but can you provide us a breakdown of the scores for history, math, English, and science because this is a total total of everything. Correct. >> Yeah. And I would like I mean me as a >> I mean >> English >> as an English teacher um I would have liked to see um where our kids are in each of those subject areas that they're tested. >> So we can get that and then we can bring that to that committee meeting. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yep. >> Yes. Um, just when students take the AP classes, what is the reason or the various reasons why they wouldn't
027take the test? Is it cost mostly or is it some I've heard that um here >> that that if they won't if they take the course and then it doesn't they're not sure what college they're going to, they don't always accept that that credit. >> Mhm. So, um, some just want to take the class and they're not worried about getting the credit. We've had kids that have taken taken advantage of that and knocked almost a whole semester. I guess really to answer your question better, I could probably survey the kids and ask them. >> Yeah, >> cuz I'm just speaking for conversations have with kids, but I don't I'm not going to speak to the whole body. Do you think that possibly they could be intimidated by uh that those two letters like a a
028take it >> they took the class? >> Well, they're they're recommended they can and they can choose to take it on their own. So, um it's usually our higher end >> yes >> students that take that. So, I think they're up for the challenge. >> And that um right there in lies the problem as I see. >> Um how many students with an IUP are taking a current AP course? >> I couldn't tell you off the top of my head. >> Okay. Um, I think as a community, parents, grandparents, neighbors, friends, staff, administration, board, we need to encourage all of our students to take AP exams, to take an AP class. Um, our students do not need to take an AP class to take the exam. Um, they can choose to take any exam. So,
029even if it's a class that we do not offer, they can still take the exam in our building. Um, it's also something I don't believe we've ever done. Um, and I I'm perturbed a little because although I'm happy with some of what was presented, it's not exactly what I expected or what I thought. Is anyone else in agreement with me? what maybe the board thought we were going to get, which was how do we improve our scores on slide three. Um, the US News, the great schools, the niche, like we talked a lot here about scores, right? And people buy homes in the community based on those scores. Um, so I love some of these ideas, you know, um, vertical articulation with Makipin. I mean, if that's not happening, that needs to start tomorrow cuz
030it should have been going on yesterday and always, you know, we're one school district. We're not a regional school. These are our kids from most of them from preschool, kindergarten all the way up through 12th grade, you know. Um, so that's just disappointing to see as the top recommendation because I just assume that that is like an on I would think that that is uh happening. >> It is happening. That's why the recommendation is to increase it. Okay. >> We need some more seamless transition is what we really need to happen um with the content that's being covered, you know, coming from Macin over to the high school. And to be honest, there's not a lot of time for that. So, we do try to have that type of communication, but we need more. >>
031Yeah, Jill, thank you. That makes a lot of sense, too, because um classes have changed, >> right? So, students at Mackin are now taking pre-alggebra and algebra where >> geometry >> and geometry. >> Okay. So, time and that's something that we could definitely talk about. I would love for Matt and anyone that wants to come to the July committee meeting for education. Would anyone else on the board be okay with that rather than wait till the fall? >> What about June? >> Oh, I'm open to June. Yeah, I have June and July meetings. >> June is probably busy. July you going to be able to turn That's kind of >> June is kind of busy. Yeah. >> Um, any other questions or comments? I do have other questions, but I want to open it to
032anyone else first. >> I I was just I'm just wondering if Let me get the playing off what you just said. Go ahead. As far as that is it doable for July, >> will we have the numbers like when you're comparing the report card to what we're looking for? Are you going to be able to put that data together and have it ready for July? >> Am I going to be stretched? >> So maybe June's shot would be >> Yeah, I know. Maybe August would be more of a realistic. >> Barb, what's the um D on our uh July committee meeting? >> 11. >> Yeah. >> And it's right before >> and a lot of people might be want to have a committee where you know it's hard. >> Yeah. >> So we will figure
033this out later, >> right? >> August should be what? the 22nd meeting is >> the 15th in August and then in September it's the 12th. >> Do you think August uh the only reason I'm saying August is because September you're getting ready for again you're going to be up against a lot of opening stuff. I think August is a downtime for us and it gives you like three months kind of two months to get everything together and maybe be able to look at September be able to look at something for September so that we're we're on the right track for what you're looking for. I'm just suggesting um >> I mean it would all depend on their availability. You know, >> we're obviously in committee, but this summer vacations, >> Mrs. Romeo, I was not
034here when this committee was impanled last year. Um were they given a charge to have a followup? So I guess that's kind of the problem, right? Is that as a board we have committee like we need to be in committees together because as a board we have committee meetings and then there's it always goes through people, right? So I don't know who gave the charge and I don't know how it was given. Um but I know as a board we specifically were looking to like what is it that we're graded on >> and how do we improve those scores. So what you told us tonight is AP test scores, how many AP exams are given, those two things matter. I did hear a great request which has been discussed and and I am in full
035support of it which is paying for the exams. An AP exam is $93. So, uh, yes, I I personally I don't know how anyone else feels, but we should be paying for those exams. Um, and what that will do is make the value of our homes worth more. It will make people want to live here. It will make our school a better school. And I hear this from everyone. Wow, you want to, you know, do this, but you're worried about AP. AP matters because it is graded by everyone worldwide. It is a worldwide exam. So, I didn't make it up. It's not my opinion. Like, it's the fact that it matters how many exams were giving. So, my question to everyone that has a high school student in their life is this. Those kids that
036are the frequent flyers who are late to class, out of class, have we asked them if they'd like to take an AP course next year? Has someone told them that we believe in them, that they can do it? And I know there's a lot of teachers, Terry was just the first one not to pick you out, who will roll their eyes at me because it's about them differentiating instruction. And if you go to College Board, which I brought my computer in case anyone would like to see it, College Board says that AP courses are for all students, every student, not the elite upper uh academic students. It's offered to everyone. And we as a community need to push this. It will help all of us. And then when that frequent flyer gets a three on
037an exam, but yet we couldn't get them to stay in regular English or regular that self-confidence that they would build and the shock they would bring us as an educator. Um I know I'm upsetting some people because that's a difficult thing. Um, and I'm not here to stay status quo as a board president and my opinions are strong and I know I have seen this done, you know. Um, so I will stop. But my last question I guess is um, how many AP classes do we offer? >> it depends on how many run >> 27 I thought >> 24 >> some run every other year 27 run if there's not enough >> I think 27 were offered and you had 24 >> and when's the last time we ran seminar >> I caught that class
038awesome >> um the only year that we ran AP seminar um was 2017 to 2018 18. Um, Cheryl Bot Soloulless and I went to be trained. She was trained in AP Seminar. I was trained in AP research. Uh, we ran AP Seminar the first year. I believe we finished the year with four. Um, one of whom graduated. So, she was out for research. That left us with three possible kids to take research. And um two of those three wanted to take AP stats and they did not have room in their schedule to take both and so they chose to take AP stats and the other one it was kind of a I couldn't teach a class of one because I was needed to teach other classes so it would have had to be an independent
039study and she was not interested in doing it independently. It never ran again. The problem with the that AP course is it's a two-year commitment. >> Um, and the students because they're interested in taking all of the other classes we offer from every student and we pulled Charlotte and I pulled sophomores, juniors, we pulled as many kids as we could and a minimum 90% around 90% that was their answer was I can't commit two years. >> Keep pulling. What I can tell you is that not many schools I don't know today but >> not many schools offer it >> right >> we've made the map by offering it by having it in our curriculum we were one of the first to approve it in the top I think 10 schools to have it approved >>
040um so keep pulling if we graduate to that pass that take the two years it's a big deal >> so keep doing that thank you >> I have one question because You you said um you said that you're going to survey the students about why they don't take the test, >> right? >> Yeah, that was good question. >> Okay. So, when you do that, will you also survey them and ask them about the cost? Is the cost a factor? Because that makes a big difference for us. And if there in that survey hopefully there will be something in in it asking what we could do to encourage them to take the test so that this way they get the credit that they do deserve from taking the course. Don't you think though there has to
041be standards that the kids have to meet before they go into the classes because I don't want to see some kids go into a class and set them up for failure. That's my biggest concern. Um, so I think that's something that has to be considered also, you know, that they >> Well, I think I one of the things I think that we've talked about here multiple times is that the one way of encouraging them is putting honors and AP together so that this way the they won't feel as uh overwhelmed because they are learning the same things and and maybe that increases the pool of the candidates that are going to take the Mhm. >> But we haven't although we've talked about it, we don't seem to ever get there. >> True. >> Uh these
042aren't this isn't our curriculum. These aren't our courses. We get to teach them from College Board, >> right? So to make our own prerequisites would be pretty unfair to our students considering that there are other high schools not just in the whole entire world but just in the state of New Jersey just a few miles away that are allowing all of their kids to take as many AP courses as I'd like. So I will read off of my Google right here on my computer where I said who can take an AP class? College Board says the AP program believes that all motivated and academically prepared students should be able to enroll in an AP course. We strongly encourage all high schools to follow this principle. Some high schools let any student enroll in an AP
043course as long as a student has taken the recommended prerequisite courses acquired from college board. So there are some college level students that may be very hardworking but we don't consider them at the level of AP because here in West Milford we have always considered AP to be the elite and I am begging you to change that thinking. >> We have open enrollments. Anybody can take any class they want. Yeah. >> But on your recommendations, >> anyone can take any class that they want. >> The teachers will recommend them for what they think they can take. But if someone wants to take, say, I'm recommended for a college prep class and I want to take an honors, I can do that. >> We've had that for like three years. >> Good. I think one of
044the other things I'm curious about is if every like say we have a large group that takes takes the you know takes AP okay >> does that impact the rankings that like would that impact what we're trying to address in the >> score impact ranking so if you load up your AP classes and >> let's say twos >> people get ones >> that's going to it's great everyone get but that's going to that's why that was in there >> three4 of the score in that category is coming from kids getting threes, fours, and fives. So just putting kids in, but if they're not prepared for the test, that's not helping. >> Okay? >> And then also, if they don't take the test, right, that school is correct. >> So if you double the numbers, then
045you could lower your ranking. >> That's great. You could add there's more kids taking AP, but >> your rankings may your rankings may go up. those if those students don't take the test >> or they do poorly on the test then we're you know do a one or two then we're going in a different direction. >> My my understanding is that since a quarter is coming from students actually just taking the exam. >> We need everyone that's enrolled needs to take it >> but we don't want kids that aren't are going to take the test and not do well because 3/4 of that category is coming from students getting at least a three on that exam. So the score does matter. more than just taking the test. It's going to be a negative impact on
046>> and then people are going to say, "Why is your ranking so low?" >> Well, it's it depends on which ranking you're looking at, >> I guess. >> Right. So, >> I don't know how much you got to like if you look at each one, they each look at different things. >> They all were are pretty dependent on test scores that test scores. Test scores. Yeah. And we're focusing here on AP, but NJSLA scores are a whole another that >> we need to deal with. >> That's right. >> Yeah. And so the recommendations where we discuss what you just said about um setting up prerequisites don't just apply to AP, but it's more of like a global of making sure that like for instance, I teach AP stat. AP stat has requirements of algebra 2.
047has that student taken algebra 2 and I don't always know if they have right away but I know they need to know logarithms and so that logarithmic base that algebra 2 prerequisite that's also mentioned on the college board has to be met first and so when we think about just careful placement in general and intentional placement that the kids are placed in an environment where they are set up to succeed and where the kids can thrive because I think the culture of academia has to be a place where every student can thrive. And that's more of like in any course >> versus just the AP conversation we're having. So, some of those recommendations span past that AP specificity. >> Thank you. >> Does anyone have any other questions? Go ahead, Ray. >> Yeah, appreciate all
048the stuff on AP, but it seems like we maybe glossed over, didn't spend enough time. I really found it important to know about the dual enrollment >> and the internships school to work program. There are lots of schools out there across the country that will allow a student to go to school for those first half of the day and then either go to work somewhere or take a class like I know students that have they want to be nurses, right? so that they go that track, they be like they become a licensed CNA their senior year. Like I think those are important things that maybe should be focused on even more than the AP just my opinion. >> So I love that you're I love you're talking about that and kind of >> it's an
049alternate route getting kids to have advanced >> education. AP is one thing but dual enrollment is another and if we work on increasing that we also get >> and you're limiting your flyers you're finding their purpose. So we're trying to look at a global approach as to what fits like you said what fits the best needs of each individualized student. >> Each one of those ideas is going to fit >> yes someone trying to take care of them all find something. Yeah. >> Right. So that's what I'm saying like I like it seem there's this talk about a singular focus on AP but there are other avenues for you've got you if I don't know how many you have 200 and something seniors you got to find something for everybody AP is not going to
050be for all of them >> so where else can they fit in >> right I >> I love you're looking at that >> I think we started with the AP because it's something that's already established in our school whereas the internship the working. We don't necessarily have that program established yet, which is something we want to build and model after other schools that do that. We have many students who leave early, seniors who don't, they're not in school for eight periods, but they just leave early. And I think that's our goal is to come up with some type of program almost like a choices like, hey, yeah, you can leave early, but you have to be doing one of these four things. >> How many seniors do we have this year, man? I don't remember
051the number. >> Like 237. Yeah, 23. >> You have 53 that are dual enrolled, >> right? >> That's that's a pretty fair amount. And I think that could be more, you know, when you focus on that, but it doesn't necessarily have to be an AP realm, right? You could be >> dual enrollment is more than just seniors. So dual enrollment is a great depending on the course. >> Love it. and the fact that very few of them are even paying for, you know, the credits, >> the credits are more expensive for dual enrollment than is for an AP test. That that's the problem. >> And the other part of that is some of them, at least in the anatomy class, I know it's um some of them are going to go to college for a
052medical field. So, dual enrollment doesn't work for them because they aren't going to pay for the credits here because when they get to college, their college is going to say, "We need you to take our anatomy." >> Right? So they're not going to pay for the credits. We're not going to get them. It's the kids who are going into English but can count anatomy as their science class. Those are the kids we'll get. >> But the school to work thing in that instance could work, right? Because they could become a licensed CNA and then when they go to nursing school, >> that helps and makes it easier because they're already ahead. >> There are also students that are not going to pay for the AP exam because their college is not going to take it.
053But if you're paying for it, they will take it. My sister is in college to become a pediatric oncologist. her high school paid for her to take her exam. She took all of her AP exams, but her college didn't accept any of their credits, so she has to retake those classes. But her school got the credit for her to pass those, >> you know, and so our students are not going to pay $93 for a score that doesn't benefit them. I I do I know I've had students in calculus that are taking my test but saying well I'm going to be a bio major so I'm not going to take the AP bio test even though I'm in the class because I have to retake it. My college already told me I'm going to take
054their bio. So yeah, you're right that those kids would pass those tests. >> Um so if you know Mr. Novak's not here but I am going to quote him anyway. If you know Kate Romeo and in the Kate world, um, dual enrollment is extremely important to me. However, I did not bring any of my stuff for dual enrollment, nor did I I didn't anticipate it being in this presentation, nor did I think that volunteer or work experience would be in this because to really I guess go back to Will's question, I thought the charge was really to evaluate how we as a district, as a high school are evaluated. So, I do not think, and please correct me if I'm wrong, work experience, volunteer service, um, none of those things are going to up our
055scores on News and World Report. The dual enrollment, I think that's how we got there because we started talking about dual enrollment and looking at other schools in the area, what do they offer in terms of their dual enrollment? And then that got the ball rolling where other schools say, well, kids can leave early, but they're going to either go to, you know, Pay Community and take a speak. Some of them actually look at dual enrollment. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. And so then their option was dual enrollment or school to work or that's how we got to that being included in this. >> Do you know which ones look at that? >> They mentioned a lot they we yeah a few of them mentioned dual enrollment as being part of the college experience
056getting that experience for college readiness. >> And so then we looked at like other schools had more dual enrollment options. So we were like, "Oh, that would be a great way that's like doesn't really cost us anything to to offer that to the students." >> And also in terms of reaching not just your most academic students, you know, you can have other students in their areas of interest that maybe aren't calculus or advanced biology, but by dual enrollment can take an art course or, you know, something that's important and interesting to them. And I think it's overall working on the academic culture. That's something I know we spoke a lot about that we really need to work on improving our academic culture. Mr. Strants, you mentioned um you gave kudos to uh Mrs. Johnson as
057the testing coordinator, and I I could not agree with you more. We have needed a testing coordinator in the building of the high school for years and I am so glad that that finally happened this year. This is her first year as the co-coordinator, right? Um, and to make it smooth, the high school has more tests than anyone. There's no other building that has the AP exams. There's no other building that has the PSATs. There's no other building that, you know, they have more testing than the whole district combined. And so, um, >> we have more testing than all the elementaryaries and >> MAC combat. That's right. That's right. And so, um, thank God that the board decided that this year finally that that was done because, uh, it really was needed for years. So,
058um, I could not agree with you more that, you know, a coordinator must always really be in the high school. Thank you guys. I mean, this is this is great. I'm not disappointed at all. I'm just It's not what I expected, you know? I thought I guess that I was getting more of like a syllabus of of each of the things. Do you know what I'm saying? Like, and I say syllabus because you're educators, so you are you know what you're teaching. You hand out a syllabus. So, I thought I was getting like a syllabus of like this is what US News and World Report does. So, if we do this and this is what Nichu is looking at, you know, not as much of the volunteering work stuff. I feel like that's another presentation
059and I love that too. So, thank you so much, >> Mrs. Stryans. The entire board appreciates what you've done. Thank you very much. You're welcome. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Director director report. >> Yeah. Are you here? >> Yes. >> Go ahead. >> So, this is uh under a director report for our elementary math textbook selection committee. This is something we've been discussing for probably a year now. Um, so since September, a committee of dedicated teachers and administrators representing all grade levels, schools, and student need worked together to re select and review a new math series. As many may remember, this process began in the fall of 2019, but was derailed by the ensuing CO 19 pandemic. Our math textbook selection committee was enthusiastic, engaged, and eager to work together to choose the best
060instructional materials to meet the needs of our students and capitalized on best practice standardsbased training that began last year with Nancy Schultz and Conquer Math. Our committee volunteered their time and energy to attend math text vendor presentations, practice using sample materials in their classroom, and visit other schools to see these potential programs in action. Robust and spirited debate was often a hallmark of committee discussions as our staff demonstrated a thoughtful and thorough approach to this process. Tonight, we are happy to recommend that Eureka Math program as a math series best able to meet our student needs and capitalize on our experience through significant math training. We anticipate a full implementation of this new program in the fall of 2023 in all grades K through 5. District parents can expect a variety of parent education opportunities
061to gain familiarity with the new program and learn how to best support our student needs at home. It's been said that it takes a village and transitioning to our new math series is no exception. We want to thank our committee participants for their commitment to West Milford students and for a job well done. This is going to be the hand carry replacement uh the white one. So um total cost is $300,000. This is going to be funded through the stabilization grant that was received in the fall um I guess November October November of this past year. So, uh, we earmarked that money when we applied for the stabilization grant in, I think, September. It was approved by the department and we're now just getting around to spending the money. So, um, >> Dr. Around, could
062you just remind us how much that grant was for? >> The 1.1. >> We received 1.3 just under $1.4 million. That's what I thought. >> This is the one. Yeah, this is the original one in fall. We just received about 770 maybe. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> The second round >> and 300 pieces being used for these books >> for this program K to five. >> Good. So the uh budget is for the maximum. The different programs came in at different price points. Obviously the committee is recommending Eureka math. >> Thank you. >> Oh sorry one more thing for >> very brief. Yes. >> Thank you, >> Dr. Deino. I apologize. >> Thank you. I just wanted to recognize two of our special education students. Um on May 11th, the Payic County Association of Special
063Services Administrators held a recognition for students and students all over Pose County applied for scholarships. There were actually about 30 applicants from Pose County. There were five recipients and two were actually from West Milford High School. So, two of the five were from West Milford. Um, I had the absolute privilege of having a nice breakfast with um, Tyra Rocky and Khloe Olsen and their families, and I just wanted to congratulate them. They both received $1,000 scholarships each. Exceptional students who really, really represent our West Milford High School students extremely well. So, I just wanted to congratulate them once again. Wonderful event. Thank you. Good news. Um, is there someone that could make a motion for special reports and correspondence? >> I would like to move to approve the following board of education meeting minutes for
064April 25th, 2023 workshop regular meeting and the April 25th, 2023 executive session meeting. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? uh my president's report tonight. Um if you're a music parent, it's been a very busy two weeks. Um concert season is over, but it was absolutely amazing. Um I'm really proud of our music department and um attended many most of the concerts. Um absolutely, hands down, we know that we're topnotch. Um it was so good. And um one thing that I want to point out to the board that I just like learned this year in going to concerts is that our music department is having pieces of music composed for each of our bands by composers outside of West Milford. Um, one of the composers came to Makipin and met with each of
065the like sets of students, you know, all the saxopones, all the flutes, all the and worked with them on pieces that are written for our students. >> I believe the composer is an alumni of West. >> Yeah. And he was commissioned for the work. >> So, that is separate from actually what I'm discussing. Um, that was one. Yes. Uh, from Montlair, an alumni. Yes, that was one. There are others um that it's like they're volunteering, they're working with the and they're composing. Um yes. So each band that I saw had a original piece. Even our jazz band, our high school jazz band had a piece um written for them and I saw it at a jazz competition. The first time it's ever been publicly played. So that's just really cool. You know, other high schools
066don't don't have that. That's very cool. Um, oh, another dance thing. I did attend the fundraiser, the pocketbook bingo. I cannot wait to go again next year. Um, and um I apologize uh after the last meeting. I got very very sick that week. I wasn't feeling great the last meeting. I did miss the day of prayer, but I heard that it was amazing. Um, and I I apologize I could not be in attendance to that. And the last thing on my president's report tonight is um I wanted to just thank um everyone, the the PTSO from the high school, um the administration, Mr. Novak, um and all of the administrators, the teachers, uh the parents that put into the dance for our Makipin students, um that helps to fund our senior celebration for our high
067school seniors. Um when you care about children, um unique things work to give them experiences. And this experience was just so beautiful. Um it looked so fun. The pictures I I saw a lot of pictures and um a lot of people came together to give that experience and I would like to thank them. Um that's the president's report. Next we will move on 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've 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 give their full name, group affiliation, and their address. All statements shall be
068directed to the presiding officer. No participant may may address or question board members individually. All speakers are expected to have read the statement within the agenda regarding the regulations concerning public comments. Members of the public are reminded that they are legally responsible and liable for their comments. Mrs. Francisco, is anyone signed up for um public comment number one on agenda items? >> Yes, Dr. Goff. >> Dr. Goff. Marissa, you can just write your name. It's okay. Thank you. Okay. I want to make sure this is on. Can you see? >> Is it red? >> No, it's green. Hit red. >> My Okay. Okay, good evening everyone. Dr. Merc, resident at 34 Center Street. There are a few points that I want to make and a few questions that I want to ask per usual. First
069off, I'm sorry that most of my comments have been reactive. My plan has been to come in here and present facts to you, but you already know them. You know that the demographic study wasn't perfect and that class sizes may be more than what was originally projected. You know that clo closing the largest and most centrallylo school has left us little wiggle room for fluctuations in enrollment. You know that our most recent annual financial report shows that West Milford's population has increased and an uptick in home sales as well as new builds on pockets of build during CO. I took that directly from the most recent annual financial report. Why play the shame and blame game? I know how hard your job is as a board and that tough decisions have to be made. Making
070you admit that is not going to make me feel better. At least not really. My objective is simple. Let me help you. Before that though, I need the board to review with us one more time why class sizes are being changed so quickly after closing the school. Is the current enrollment for next year more than what was originally projected? The community still seems to be confused and frustrated by this. It would put a lot of us parents minds at ease. The information presented in policy 2312 does not help much. It is very vague. If there is no immediate danger of lack of space with our current class size policy, I need you to table it until our new superintendent sits in that seat. I need you to reconsider before making more cuts and increasing class
071size that will directly affect our students path to success until the grant writing committee has had an opportunity to help you. I want to make sure our state and local legislators are listening to our cries for help. You'd be surprised what a couple of West Milford parents can do. Let's be on the same team, a team that actually cares about these kids. [Applause] Thank you, Dr. Goth. And I will comment, um, I did get your email. I'm sorry. I got a lot of emails in the last two weeks and I have not responded back to all of them. um if you'd like to have a meeting and the email that you sent to the you can have a meeting to write letters. You just need to um put in with the board office to use
072a space like a building use form. Okay. Um and anyone and then we would advertise it and I would speak about it here and if anyone wants to go with Dr. Goffin write letters to the state and anything in her plan then you can attend that meeting. Um more to be continued on that. Is there another speaker? Yes, Mrs. Flurry. Hi, my name is Christy Flory. I live at 60 Upper Greenwood Lake Road in Pewitt. Um, I'm here on behalf of the parents of a the current third grade uh class at Upper Greenwood Lake Elementary. Our class is already a large one with 18 and 19 students respectively with additional children pushing in for various lessons from the LLD program. Next fall we are estimated to have approximately 57 students in fourth grade with the
073additional Marshall Hill students coming in. Um that would right now mean class sizes of 28 and 29 students. I understand that these numbers may change and are not permanent. By contrast, Marshall Hill is slotted to get about 34 students and that's just a huge difference. We are very concerned about the large class sizes and are asking for a third section class for the 2023 2024 fourth grade class at Upper Green Lake Elementary. We have already seen that class sizes over 25 are very difficult for teachers, students, especially at this elementary school level. Thank you in advance for helping us to do what is best in the best interest for our students, staff, and our families. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Next, >> I only have I have two letters that came that um like
074to be read. However, I don't know if anyone else in the audience wants >> And those are on agenda items also. >> Uh well, yes, sir. about the vocal music teacher. >> Both of these um >> which is >> so we can talk on the agenda second time. >> That's right. Second time. >> I thought the vacancy was Didn't we list the vacancy >> 34y old teacher? >> It's not an agenda item, right? >> Agenda? >> No. >> Okay. It's on the minutes. Okay. >> Just checking. >> Is there anyone that would like to speak about an agenda item tonight? Mrs. Stevenson. I wasn't going to speak tonight. My name is Courtney Stevenson, 307 Ridge Road, West Milford, New Jersey. However, sitting here listening to Mr. Shi's speech, um, I had some thoughts. It's considered
075an agenda item because he was speaking, correct? So, I just want to make sure. Okay. Just want to make sure. >> Last year, sitting on this board, I was shocked by the um, US News and World Report scorecard. Our scores are not good at all. Sitting in the audience tonight, I have more thoughts and many more questions. The NJSLA scores need to be highlighted more. No one mentioned them as a point of concern, and quite frankly, it is a big concern. I understand AP scores help improve our school's ranking. However, the majority of our students are not taking AP AP classes or taking the test. The majority are in the mainstream classes and all are taking the NJSLA test. How will you improve the NJS NJSLA test scores while imple implementing more AP classes and
076tests? The NJSLA performance proficiency scorecard is the following just to highlight it for anyone who may have missed. Math prof proficiency 29%. Reading proficiency 54 son science proficiency 22%. That's it. That's shocking when you really think about it and look at it. Um it really needs to improve. Actually this has to be improved to see that your US news ranking will go up. This can be done if Mr. Try and his wonderful committee really analyze the data which I'm sure they are but also motivate students to meet their full potential and we can do this. Teachers have the power to motivate students. I want to know how will you encourage your administration, your teachers, your parents and your students to do better? How will you schedule freshman and sophomore students to take the AP classes
077that you're talking about uh when they can't get the required classes? Just as an example, my sophomore can't schedule personal finance, which is a requirement. Um and the reason she can't get it in for her sophomore year is because juniors and seniors still have to fill this requirement first. How are you going to offer AP classes when you're cutting teachers and programs? Mr. Cheyenne said that the AP classes are open remote enrollment. As a parent of a as a of a high schooler, this is the first time I ever heard of that. And even sitting on this board, I don't remember it ever being brought up as open enrollment. Perhaps a parent education night to explain all of this would be helpful. It would also motivate the parents to encourage their children to do better
078on NJSLA tests. The dual enrollment program, as Mr. Go stated is a huge asset to our district. Again, that needs to be highlighted in a parent education night. The alternate path of taking students from the high school to the workforce would motivate so many students. There's so many layers to this, but I think going in and focusing just on AP needs not to be your highlight. I think you really need to look at every single aspect and every single layer of it. and I'd really like to hear more about it in a parent education night. Um, as well as more administrators coming to speak about it. >> Thank you. Thank you. Is there anyone else that would like to speak on an agenda item tonight? Coming up. here. >> You could speak first and sign
079it right after you speak if you'd like. >> I don't break any rules. Um, my name is Teresa Lynholm. I live at 41 Summerville Road. I want to talk about the class sizes. Uh, as we unpack from the day, my kids argue back and forth for whose teacher is funnier. And as that discussion comes to an end, it begins again at dinner time while my husband is now the judge between all the details of the kids of details of the kids class. But now the details of previous year's teachers come into play because then now how lucky the kindergarteners are and the memories of how fun those classes were. And I share this because kindergarten was three years ago for for my daughter and a distant a distant memory for her, but it was so
080important to her. And second grade will quickly be here for my son. And the adventures of second grade are now becoming a Oh god, I'm so nervous. >> You're doing great. >> Second grade will quickly be here for my son and adventures of second grade are now becoming a daily part of discussions as well. Those teachers are not just teachers. They're teachers that become members of our family and our daily lives. People that my children love. These teachers know my children and they make my children feel loved. These teachers go out of their way for my children by differentiating instruction and seeing things in my in my children that would just go unnoticed in a bigger classroom. My daughter could have easily missed a being could have easily missed an opportunity to be in the
081accelerated learning unlimited program because she was on the cusp because her second grade teacher analyzed her test scores and went to bat for her to make sure she had the opportunity to get in. Knowing this teacher, no matter how no matter how many teach no matter how many students you put in her class, she's going to do that for all of them. But it would be a challenge because there's only 24 hours in a day. I ask you, how many children are going to be left behind or not challenged enough or not given the supports that they need because class sizes are too big? How are these teachers are going how are these teachers supposed to address the needs of all their learners with a class size so large? And it makes me wonder when
082the last time any of you were in anyone on this board were in a classroom. Was it this year? Was it last year? Was it 5 years ago? Because honestly, school is completely different than when we grew up. And I'm afraid that you're making policy decisions based on your learning experiences 20 years ago. You're making decisions based on the fact that all learners are exactly the same. 28 different learners in one classroom is a lot. And before you make a policy to increase class sizes, I urge all of you to spend some time in an elementary school classroom and see how children learn. See what's happening. See what is actually feasible. see if 28 is feasible and see with the teachers. And I understand you want to increase class sizes. And you know what? This
083time of year is a great time of year to see what's going on. Before you go ahead with your your decision, I want you to imagine this example. A teacher's addressing behavior. She raises her voice at a behavior problem. She's not yelling. She's just raising her voice. Now a student with a sensory issue is set off. And what's that child to do? And now imagine another student in the same class with anxiety issues. This student is just trying to learn and do their best and be on their best behavior, but the teacher just used their loud voice and now he or she is upset because they're never the good class. But they perceive that they're always getting yelled at even though this student has done nothing wrong. While the teacher's addressing these issues, a few
084stu a few different students start to talk. And now all of them are talking. And now the anxious kid is more nervous. And the cycle continues. And the teacher needs to circle the room, calming the students down, addressing all the students before she can even address learning or teaching. With smaller class sizes, teachers and students can build stronger relationships and help social emotional learning. Building upon social and emotional learning, a smaller classroom will allow both the student and the teacher to build a community where all students feel welcome and free to make mistakes and easing that anxiety, easing those anxious learners. As we know, when students feel included, they feel open to learning and they're likely to retain when they're likely to retain what they've learned and apply what they learned. Applying learning to >>
085Yeah. Okay. >> Applying what they learned means that they will apply what they learned and increase their test scores. In smaller classes, students get a chance to participate, get called on more, and have a high a hard time hiding, forcing them to engage in their learning and taking ownership of their I have to stop you here. >> Go ahead. >> Can I just make a motion to let her continue? >> Yes, I >> All in favor? >> I'm almost done. >> Any opposed? >> It was just a formal. >> We just have to do the formality. I can't let you go on without it. So, go ahead. Continue. Listen. >> In smaller in smaller class sizes, students get more of a chance to participate, get called on more, and have a hard time hiding. It
086forces them to engage in their learning and take ownership of their education. In a smaller classroom, teachers can provide more direct feedback, and students can work on their feedback. Teachers can differentiate their learning and hold smaller learning groups. Students can work in smaller groups and provide each other with direct feedback. teachers can get to know their learners better and build a relationship between home and school. And we know a positive relationship between home and school is a direct correlation between how a student will do in school. You are a board of education. You love West Milford. You are here for our students. This is your time to step up for them and show our students that they matter and that you care for them and that people that matter to them, they're that you that
087people that matter to them, they're teachers. Vote no to increasing the class sizes to 28. This is your time to show West Milford you love this town, this town. This is your time to show our students that their education matters. [Applause] Thank you. [Applause] >> Do we have another uh speaker on an agenda item? All right, last none. Move to close public comments. Second. >> All in favor? Any opposed? >> I move to adopt. >> There's there's a change. >> Sorry. I just want to make a couple minor adjustments on page four. >> Education. We're going to pull resolution number four. There is no textbook uh cost to this new program. It's included in the short seat price. So, we'll pull education number four. And then we're going to pull and replace education numbers one
088and three with one and three on the hand carry. The white copy hand carry hand carry number one. Pull number one. >> We're going to pull and replace number one. Pull and replace number three with >> the addition to the hand carrier. And number three, it just has the um the name of the program and the cost. >> Number one is the title money that was supposed to be posted today. As of now, has not been posted. At least as of when we left the office, it was not posted. This is the type of money we have to accept for for next year's next school year federal money. Um, which is important part of what we do. I'm going to pull operations and finance number eight. >> Okay. Page 29, full operations and finance number
08954. [Music] And the last one we have on page number 34. It's been discussed already, the class size policy. You know the board has expressed an interest in revisiting that in committee. So we could pull policy number two that is class size policy number 2312. We could discuss that in committee in greater detail and then revisit it at a future board meeting. There's a second reading now. So if substantive changes are made, it'll probably go back to being a first reading and then a second reading or not. But we'll pull number two from policy as well. And that's it. All right. Well, would you like to make the motion? You're started. >> I move to adopt the agenda uh the amended agenda. >> I need a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I.
090>> Any opposed? >> Mrs. Lockwood, education. >> Okay. So, I make a motion to approve agenda items 2 through 13 and hang carry 1 and three under education. Second >> hand carry. Can you say that again? 1 through 13 and >> no number two through >> two through sorry >> notwithstanding four. two through 13 notwithstanding four and then hang carry one and three cuz hand carry one and three replaced one and three on the agenda. Got it. Thank you. >> Any questions or comments? I have a comment. Um number five, um the curriculum adoption. Um I did ask Dr. Ann to um speak with Dr. Resza who is um going to be our new director of special services and make sure and he said he was familiar with that second step elementary and middle school
091program. Um because being in a classroom every day, sometimes one administrator purchases something and then the next administrator comes in and never heard of it. And so I wanted to make sure that it was a seamless um >> transition. Thank you. And uh Dr. Resza says he is familiar with that program and um I would hope that our principles and administrators get familiar with that program over the summer um as it will be really important to have that same social and emotional language in every classroom with all our students. So that's exciting. Something I don't think West Milford's really ever had. And an example I always give at, you know, in my career is, you know, does anyone know the universal sign for choking? Does anybody know it? What is it? Choking. Does anybody know
092the universal sign for feeling depressed? >> Or wanting to hurt yourself? There is none. So, we need proper language to teach our students and how to communicate when they don't feel well. You know, things like that is really important. So, I'm excited about five. Does anyone else have comments or questions? Seeing as none, we'll go to roll call. >> Mrs. Laughwood, >> yes. >> Mr. Sitz, >> yes. >> Mr. Gino, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwire, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyk, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rico, >> yes. Mrs. Romeo, >> yes. >> Uh, 14 will take place after executive. >> Yes. Um, personnel and student affairs. Mrs. Van Djk, >> I'd like to move items 1 through 37. second. >> Second. Any questions or comments? Linda, did you add the hand carry? You said 1335.
093Great. Thank you. >> Do you have a a brief comment? >> Yes. >> No. No. >> Ladies first. Just ladies first. >> Good role modeling. Alex, >> I I'm I just want to comment on on item number one under personnel. Mrs. Francisco has served our district well. I wish her well. We've become friends and she she's always taken the best interest of our students. I have watched her do many things here. We didn't always we don't always agree, but I know that her heart and her concern is always for West Milford and it will be a loss to lose her, but I know she's going to have a very busy future ahead of her. >> So, we wish you well, Barbara. >> Thank you. >> I I would like to also comment on that. Um,
094Barbara has been um a lifeline for me as far as um technology because when we have to fill out the ethics thing, I just can't do it. I mean, my computer just says, "Go get help." And I go right to Barbara's office and in 2 minutes she fixes it and she's been wonderful. And I know she works hard because um I travel through the back way to get to different places and I pass the board office sometimes 10:00 at night and Barbara's still here working and I don't think I've ever met a business administrator who has worked this hard and who has she's a magical calculator. I I don't know how she does it, but Barbara, you're going to be missed and I love you very much. Thank you for everything. >> Thank you for
095joining us. Well, I just want to add a >> I so I just want to echo not just what you two said, but also the fact that um of all the business administrators across the entire state, there's a handful that had to deal with what you've had to deal with and endure um these past six, seven years. and specifically right what has happened with um state aid reduction and for you to be able to um I think you said masterfully um figure that out and give us some tough news and deal with some some of our tough questions and some of us probably more honorry than others I know that um it's greatly appreciated so congratulations on your retirement So, Mrs. Francisco, I just want to thank you uh from the bottom of my heart.
096You've been a wonderful partner uh with me my entire time here. Um you've been a shoulder to lean on. You've been a wealth of information for me personally, professionally. I can't remember the last time you've given me bad advice. Um I hate it when you're right, which is why once every three or four months when I'm right, I let everybody know it. I make a big deal about it, but we all know that 99% of the times you win the argument. A lot of people don't know Barb was the only person I know to go from being a grandmother of two to a grandmother of seven in about a week and a half, which is an alltime record, I think. Um, and and a little secret about Mrs. Francisco, um, West Milford means the world
097to her, and she is going to, uh, miss this place more than anybody knows. Um, she is, it reminds me of something Mr. Sidwood said a couple weeks ago to me. Um, you are a true Highlander and you will be for the for the rest of your day. So, best wishes on a happy and healthy and uh, retirement. >> I still owe you a street sign from the end of my block. I'm going to borrow one day. I live on Francisco Avenue, >> so there could be a missing street sign at some point and it may wind up on your porch. Um but thank you so much for everything and best wishes in retirement. >> Thank you. Thank you everyone. [Applause] >> I also wanted to add about Mrs. Francisco I had to go last.
098Um, there are very few people that have rolled their eyes at me as much as Barbara and gotten away with it. Um, or raised their voice uh to me and my questioning of like, are you kidding me? Um, but I do appreciate um all like your wealth of knowledge is beyond um and I couldn't um be the person I am and learn what I have um without you. So, I thank you for that. Um, and you know, I often do compare to other districts to see what we have. That's really good. Um, and you're one of those things. Um, other districts have had six or seven bees in the last 5 years. So talking about stability and understanding and our budget and when we had the audit come a few months ago to hear that
099we did not have not one mistake. >> Um it's it's priceless. So thank you. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> Um okay. Any other comments or questions on any other agenda items? >> No, you can go. Uh under number 515 um I'm going to be voting no on this not because of the raises but again through the years I've asked that everyone is not grouped into this this motion and I I feel that it's unfair to us as board members to have to vote that way. So rather than, you know, I I I I can't I can't vote for it because there are ones that I might not feel the same way about. So I feel very strongly that I'm going to have to vote not know on number 15. And it has it really
100is not against the people. It's how the motion was put together and not giving us the ability of choice as board members. And um um I will be piggybacking on that. I will vote no also for the same reason. I will also be voting no on number 14 because um you know say what you want. Um I don't like the way the um transfers have been done. I don't like the way the cuts have been made and um in good conscience, my conscience at least, I can't I can't go along with this. So I'll be voting no on 14 and 15. Thank you. >> Are there any other comments? Because I have a question for the board. Go ahead. >> I just wanted to say congratulations to Barbara too and also congratulations to Dr. Jared
101Fowler who's going to be the new [Applause] excited for you to come on board. >> Welcome. you know, as far as 15, I never thought of this and I I happen to agree with Linda that I think it should be separate numbers. Um, it is different positions. It is, you know, I don't understand really now after thinking about it why it's one agenda item. Um, so is that something that we can table and revisit as different agenda items or is that something that the board would want to do? I mean, I think that that is a good idea. uh rather than vote on this as one and have some yeses and nos and whatever. I'd rather um t I can't like I'd need someone to if you guys agree I would need someone to table
102it and second it and then we can move forward and and ask that they be presented differently. Um what what do you guys I I think it's a good idea. I like what Linda said. I I think that that's fair. There's very few items that all get jumped together like that. It would then be on the >> June agenda >> or we could um it could be on the June agenda >> or during the executive. I don't know how if this is a possibility because essentially if you vote for say a resolution that has four four paragraphs in it, you can as a board have a motion to vote for it or rather vote for it by paragraph. I don't know if that's something that a personnel matter can do also. I I think that
103might be a Mr. Brown question if we're paying Mr. Brown. And I don't know why we wouldn't just table it and have it come back. It's for right like >> Go ahead. >> No, you can do it. You can table it. It's breaking up for next board meeting. You could. There's no harm in, for example, making it 14 A through L, whatever the letters of the alphabet are, and then you can vote yes on whichever ones you want and then no on the ones that you don't, and then it's done tonight. It's the board's discretion in that regard. Okay. Then >> either way, I table it until after table. Yes. Table it till I move that we table it till after executive session. >> Second. All in favor? >> Any opposed? >> Any other questions
104or comments? Seeing as none, roll call, please. Miss Francisco. >> Mrs. Van Dyke. >> Yes. >> Mr. Silence. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rico. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Mr. Greeno. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dryer. >> Oh, you're going to love me. Um, >> yes. >> One through four. No. On number five. Um yes on 16 through 13, no on number 14. Um abstain yes on 19 through 27. Abstain on 28 and yes on the rest. >> Did you get that? >> Three times quick. >> Okay. >> Yes on one through four. >> Yes. No on number five. >> Right. >> Yes. On um six through six 7 8 9 10 11 12 and 13. Yes. >> Okay. >> No. On 14. Okay. 15 we tabled 18 through um 18 18 through 27.
105Yes. Abstain on 28. >> Okay. >> And then yes on the rest. >> Okay. I left out 18 on the first one. >> Did you have 17 in there? >> Yeah. 17. Yeah. 17 in the first time. >> And I got 18. All right. >> And then we always go to the video table. >> Yeah. I'm ready when you're ready. >> I have seen on 18 and yes on everything else >> with that we'd like to >> All right. Uh welcome aboard Dr. [Applause] He brings a 2-year-old to the aboard event. >> Wow. No, >> she's adorable. She has more patience than us. >> Man, she's got some energy. It's way past her bedtime. >> So, I just want to I'm Dr. Fowler, Jared Fowler. Uh I just want to thank Dr. Anamone, the board,
106the hiring committee. Um I've told people that was one of the the most fun interviews I've ever had. I felt so comfortable and I I just felt welcomed even in the interview. Um I see the uh the turnout of the staff and the parents and and I know that on July 1st when I when I start I'm going to be welcomed and it's it's a really great feeling. Honestly, it's a really great feeling um to have that transition and I know that there is some transition this year with the schools and there's some new students coming. I just want everybody to know that you know I look forward to the opportunity and the challenge that that represents. I look forward to the opportunity and challenge of replacing um Dr. Matlo. And I know those are
107big shoes to fill, but um you know, as you could see right now, they're not here. They're probably in the car with my wife. But when when when when your students enter enter the building under my care, under the teachers care, I'm going to protect them as much as I would my own kids. They are my kids during that time. And that's the way I look at it. So, I just want to say thank you and and I I really look forward to July 1st. On behalf of the PTA, I want to welcome you. [Applause] Go ahead. You go home. Don't stay. Just Just know that uh UGL has the best fireworks. Sorry. Um and so UGL day is in the summer and if your family likes fireworks, find out the date of that. >>
108Um >> thank you. Thank you. [Applause] >> Um All right. Next is Mr. Karina with operations and finance. >> Okay. So, um think I got this right. I like to make a motion to move items 1 through 68 uh notwithstanding number 54. >> Second. >> Questions and comments? >> Go ahead, Terry. Um on number 36 um what is the Camry County district license plan? What is that? >> How is software used in the classrooms? >> It's software. Is it for elementary or is it districtwide? >> I believe it's K8. >> I think it's believe Mr. W Mr. Winston can answer that. >> Okay, Mr. Winston. >> Cabi is an application for Chromebooks. It's basically PDF capability. Provides PDF reading and uh editing capabilities in Chromebook. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome, >> Linda. I'm
109sorry. Go ahead. I was thinking how much I hated here. Okay. Under operations and finance motion 14 of the Westbrook School Alumni Scholarship Fund. I'd like to thank the PTA for being considerate enough and for having the forethought to honor these students as they go forward through the school system. And I think it that that it it is good kudos to the parents and the staff here for wanting to do that. And I want to just say thank you for that. Also, I just have a, you know, I'm looking at, you know, it's not that I'm going to vote no, but I I have a question about all of these items like 24 through 33. Like, are these the different things that we picked up through CO where um they were like applications that teachers
110were using and we were looking at? The reason I'm asking is I'd like to see maybe like an audit done of these if they're really being utilized because some of these numbers, you know, every year for something that may not be utilized by enough to to warrant that. I I understand that we're in the situation with this, you know, like this is on here for now and and there there are other things, but I I'd like to see like some kind of order of them and see if there's any way we could save some of them. We have we have done that. >> Um cuz I question Mr. Winston about it and he speaks to he can tell what's being utilized and what's not. >> Um and um but also with software when something is
111successful it gets bought out by somebody else. >> Okay. >> So um where we used to have you know um front line is bought out you know bought out but you know bought out at other companies that we were using. uh real time was bought out. Um, so we went to a we're using school messenger, but we're also using another company for our our website now because a certain portion got bought out, but the other one >> so because we don't see the technology all the time like that. >> Well, and Cam is a great example. >> You know, I would love to see how many teachers are are you using Cammy? Is it a success? Do you like it? >> They use more and maybe we can >> cheaper or free. I don't know
112because I don't know but I know how there are apps and stuff for everything and sometimes you you use something to begin with and then you find something better or you know and you and you kind of you know gravitate away from it. The other question I had is about number 37 with the Zoom video. I didn't know if we did Zoom anymore. >> That's our telephone system. >> Oh that's okay. Sorry I shouldn't have asked then. Okay, that was the other thing that I saw. I have another go. >> I have I have another question. Um, Atlas Rubicon, what software, Mr. Winston, supports that program or is it is it a software program on its own? It's >> its own application. >> Okay. And it's not listed here though. Is there a reason for
113that? >> I don't know why. It may have been on a previous agenda. It may >> I don't recall it. Okay. cuz I think we need to list that. >> I think part of the problem for me is I mean I agree with exactly what Linda just said, but the problem for me is and Barbara, I know you won't be here next year for this meeting, but we didn't get to discuss these things in committee because they didn't come on the agenda. >> Exactly. >> So, um you know, personally, I wanted to table all of them or pull them because I'm I don't know what how I don't know what they all are, >> you know, and I did review the agenda with Alex. That's how I know that that Zoom is our phone system.
114It does say telephone there. We have a new system, but but when I saw Zoom, you know, I asked the same question. Um, so I would like that agenda to really have the attachments like the other ones if possible so that we can go over each thing. I know that that's annoying and you can roll your eyes, but I you know, we just we want to know, right? >> Yeah. I I guess, you know, in coming into the next next school year, we just automatically put all of the applications and things like that that we're going to need in order to make things seamless. And I think the difference I would I'll only speak for myself the difference for me is budget and looking and you know so when we are cutting positions and when
115we are in a difficult situation we want to look and have what's necessary and only necessary you know so that is why I want to know what everything is and ask questions about it and you know >> all of this is listed in the budget >> that in the budget books >> so probably Um the discussion should have been months ago. >> Yeah. I my I I I will say that my reasoning is not to cut anything here, but to look forward I'm looking forward >> and yes, there was a number of things that we ended up having to um procure simply because of COVID and the remote learning, >> right? >> And some of the things were beneficial and other things weren't. So the things that weren't beneficial, we've removed >> and and that
116that's my point is looking forward to in order in ordering it. I want maybe there's some programs on here that we could because there are going to have to be cuts again and maybe some of these will help you know a position or what you know I I just think you know they might not be you utilizing them the way they should. So maybe we could do without them or whatever because that's a cut that maybe we won't feel as deep as if we have to get rid of a person. So that's why I'm asking. Um that's it. >> I'll see you too. Um another thing for me is the real time in years past when this agenda would come up. I mean past board and myself have talked about other systems. Um and I
117know we've talked about like just I don't know what Genesis costs. I don't know what you know. With all due respect though, it's the people in the district that are using these programs. So, >> well, I I'm a parent in this district and I use real time every single day. Um, so I am someone in this district. Every parent here goes into their parent portal using and if their child does an IEP, they look at the goals, they look at the So, um, with all due respect, I absolutely would have an opinion on that. But it's also a system that has evolved um compared to what we had when we first went through this mechanism of trying to look at we looked at three other three systems and this was the one that was chosen
118by the committee. Um they've been responsive. we've been able to um have it evolve to be user friendly and um we have never gotten any direction from where we had direction from our staff that the system that we had was not helpful. report cards, it would crash. Um, there was no interface that they could utilize. It was it was just a big waste of money. So, we have a system that's been utilized and we've never received any direction or questions where we would need to do an investigation to change it. So, that's where we are. I mean, there's no reason for us to change because of the costs involved with changing a student information system. I mean, just to re >> I'll ask a very specific question and I don't know that anyone at this
119table could ask um or could answer, but real time I know our students at the high school, they they um sw uh swipe in >> and out of classrooms and bathrooms. >> Mhm. So, when a teacher does their attendance on real time, can you see that the student's in the bathroom on there? >> What? >> Thank you. So, when you're doing your attendance, it comes up Joey's at the bathroom. So, then you're not or Joey's at uh the counseling guidance. So, then you're not marking him absent. He's or whoever. That comes up in real time. So, it's questions like that that you know I'm curious how it how those things I wouldn't I don't know that end. I know the parent end. Um and there were problems with IEP. We looked to you know that's
120been resolved. Right. >> Right. >> And we had to hire we had to pay for a separate >> we've added modules >> added modules. So there's a base model, a good, better, best. We we've kind of added modules over time to expand our front line or our >> and they also and they also will tweak things to make it work for us. So when we needed to do report cards because the report cards changed, they worked with us in order to tweak the report cards so that they could be utilized. So you don't change student information systems frequently because of the cost involved. The setup cost alone is is pretty significant. I I think that one of the things that I've learned about real time is that there are multiple things that it can do
121that maybe when we first started with it we didn't utilize but now we're starting to see and there are ways maybe maybe the staff needs some more training on it. I mean >> I mean I think we've had it 10 at least 8 years 10 years >> what I knew you know some of the systems are pretty expensive so I guess maybe we should >> I just I >> go ahead Terry um you know when you talk about Barbara when you talk about getting direction for change the direction should come from the faculty and the staff correct >> correct >> okay and this board has nothing to do with it we're not micromanaging it's their decision Okay. >> And and we knew that the other pro the the other system that you had when you
122were a teacher, >> right, >> um was problematic because when you went to put your grades in, everything crashed and it never came back up again. >> That's correct. >> So, we knew that that was a problem, right? And uh the frustration uh was apparent and that's why we looked to try to make that better by reviewing three different systems and this was the simplest the most economical and um the thing that was so good about real time at the it wasn't a a national system it was specifically for New Jersey >> uh school districts. So that's why uh a number of school districts went with it because um where I I was previously we had Sassy and Sassy got bought out by another company and then we had Genesis and it became so problematic
123cuz it was like a one-sizefits-all >> and so it wasn't working and it wasn't retrieving the information that you needed. So there's a lot of tweaking that goes in and once you start to work with that and you know what you need, you don't push it on the side and and try something else. >> I'm glad the the faculty and the staff is involved. That that makes it that makes me happy. >> Any other questions or comments? >> I just want to piggy back off of uh what Linda said on number 14. I mean, you think about that, that's that's 8 years worth of students that are going that are going to be going through the high school. That's a lot of money. >> Yes, it is. >> That Westbrook raised >> to keep it
124going. And it it it really is to their credit, Dana. And you you need to let your your staff and your parents know that that is that's a very generous thing that they're doing for for their for their kids. But, you know, to have the forethought to do it. I truly agree. My last question is on 27 and 28 for real time. When Alex, when you say that we've added modules, so these two are the only two in the budget for real time, including all the modules. >> So yeah, this is real time. Yes. >> Okay. >> Mhm. >> Thank you. We just separated out the uh >> and it's separated out because um the point of service is paid through the cafeteria fund. >> Oh. Oh. Oh. >> Okay. Anything else from the word?
125Okay. Seeing as nothing else, roll call, please. >> Mr. Greeno, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rico, >> yes. >> Mrs. Laughwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwyer. >> Yes. On everything except no on number 41. >> Mr. Sid. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Van Djk. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo. Hang on one second. I'm sorry. >> Yes. >> Whatever. Mr. Green, >> I'd like to make a motion to move item number 69 under operations. >> Second of that, >> that's great. You beat me to it. >> Any questions or comments? >> Okay. So, we'll vote twice. You abstain on yourself and then vote for everyone else. Welcome. >> So, Mr. Silitz, >> I abstain for myself and yes to the others. >> Mrs. Dwer, >> uh, abstain on Mrs. Dwer and yes on everyone else. Mr. Gino, >>
126I abstain from myself and yes to the rest. >> Mrs. Lockport, I abstain from myself and yes to the rest. >> Mr. O'Brien. Oh, no. Mrs. Rico, um, abstain from myself, yes to the rest. >> Mr. Romeo, abstain on Mrs. Romeo, yes for everyone else. >> Mrs. Van Dyke, abstain on myself and yes to everyone else. Good. She's ready for you. >> Can I get everybody? >> So, I just I know you're right. So, that's >> I'd like to make a motion to move item 70 under operations and finance. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? >> Roll call. >> Mr. Dino. >> Mr. Rono? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood? >> Yes. Mrs. Dwyer, >> yes. >> Mr. Sidowitz, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke, >> abstain. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> abstain. >> And finally, we
127have four. >> How many do we do we need? >> Go ahead. Keep going. >> Okay. >> Majority here. >> Under um I'd like to move items 71 through 76 under operations of finance. >> Second. Questions or comments? >> Roll call. >> Mr. Greeno, >> yes. >> Mr. Sidowitz, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwer, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rico, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> yes. >> Mr. Sytoit, policy. I'd like to move items 1 and 3 through 19 under policy. >> Second. >> Questions and comments. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Sidowitz. >> Yes. >> Okay. Mrs. Mr. Greeno. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rico. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dryer. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo.
128>> Yes. >> You should do it by motion. Amen. Public comment. Go ahead. Um, I would like to make a motion to amend the agenda so that we can have public comments before we do committee reports. Old business and new business. Motion. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Thank you. I just see a lot of students that have AP homework and need to probably go to sleep. Um, so I really appreciate that, Mrs. Lockwood, and everyone in agreement. Um, with that, I know Mrs. Francisco probably needs a moment, but we have some people signed up for public comment. >> No, we don't have anyone signed up. I just received a couple of letters in the mail that >> we definitely have people signed up. >> They got Mrs. Pritchard, I got
129yours today. Are you here? Okay. There's a few people ahead of you. That's okay. Go ahead. >> There should be a few people ahead of her. I got hers today. Oh, no. Jason was first. >> Jason was first. >> And you're here for Jason. Go ahead. Sorry, Melissa. [Music] [Applause] >> Your pen works. I'm >> not using my teacher handwriting. I >> So, Mrs. Pett did send us an email today requesting to speak instead of her son Jason who had a prior engagement. That's why you see his name on the agenda, but she'll be speaking. Thank you. >> Um, dear administration and board of education members, my name is Melissa Pritchette, and I'm a proud mom of four West Milford High School performing arts students, both current and alumni. Illinois. My boys perform with the
130Highlander marching band, the indoor percussion, the Highlander pipes and drums, the fall play, the spring musical, the concert choir, and the Highland Jazz Choir. So, as you can see, the arts are a very huge part of our lives. These last few weeks have been very emotional for our family as we felt the lifeline for our boys slipping away due to district budget cuts. We are very pleased to see a replacement choir vocal teacher position posted to fill the very large shoes being vacated by Doug Haburn upon his retirement at the end of this school year. I'm not sure if you realize how the band, choir, and theater programs and students are all intertwined at West Smolford High School. They are all interdependent on one another. This unique relationship between these very dedicated individuals could be
131seen on the night of the spring choir concert. Every teacher and director in the performing arts department for the middle school and the high school attended Mr. Haburn's final concert. Not only was he joined in celebration by his colleagues and current students, but if you were in attendance, you saw a crowd of alumni of over 100 that returned to sing for Mr. Haburn one last time. That effort was spearheaded by his colleagues to pay him a proper tribute for his dedication to our students and our district for the last 28 years. During this concert, the seniors were asked to step forward and share their future plans with the audience. As they stepped forward, so many of them proudly stated that the performing arts are the path they have chosen to pursue in the future. Vocal
132performance, music education, and musical theater, my son, are just a few of these chosen careers. This should be no surprise to anyone who truly knows West Milford. West Milford School District has long been recognized for its excellence in musical education in the arts as a whole. For over a decade, recognized by NAM as one of the best communities for music education in the country, the performing arts students of West Milford have been recognized on the local, state, and national levels. I have emailed you all a copy of this impressive list, all seven pages of it as it would be impossible to read. And that's only the last 10 years. I could have gone back further. That was just the last 10 years. The only one I do want to touch upon is one of the
133most recent nominations that we have received. The high school theater department has received a Papermill Playhouse Rising Star Theater for Everyone Inclusion and Access Award. Not sure if you realize in the performing arts, it is a truly inclusive group. No one is cut from a program. Everyone sings in a concert. Everyone plays an instrument on the stage or marches with that instrument on the field and everyone dances and acts on the stage during the musicals. Yes, there are elite groups for students who have higher caliber of talent, but no one is cut. Everyone participates. Everyone has a place. So, I just like you to please keep that in mind in the future when decisions are being made about our music and performing arts programs. So, I do want to thank you for supporting our students
134and their dreams of making music. And if you hadn't had the pleasure to see these students perform in person, please find me in the audience and sit with me. more than happy to share what these incredible programs are all about. Thank you. [Applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Younger. That's a tough act to follow. [Music] Good evening. Um, my name is David, excuse me, David Youungren. Um, I live at 17 Windingway. Um, my family, uh, we have two children who are freshman at at, uh, West Milford High School. I'm here tonight to thank the board for a job well done. You were challenged with the difficult task of developing a school year budget for a year with significant impending deficit. You carefully evaluated the impact of your decisions and you made cuts that would have the
135least impact on our students and taxpayers. You balanced the budget with an increased tax rate only when all reasonable choices were exhausted. So, I'm here tonight to ask you to execute that plan just as you voted uh to approve. As you look for opportunities to reduce the budget, please do not make a decision that would compromise the music programs in our high school. Each member of the music staff has a unique role so that any eliminated staff would take away a skill that could not be taught by those who remain. At the same time, the band, the choir, and the musical theater program are interconnected and interdependent. Mr. Dr. Haburn built the coral program to what it is today over more than a 20-year period, and it has had a pronounced effect on the lives
136of his students. Now, I love math, but have you ever seen 100 alumni return to the high school to celebrate a math teacher's retirement? Mr. Haburn will be difficult to replace and I'm glad that you recognize the importance that the search for his replacement begins as soon as possible. A search to find the best possible coral teacher to extend his legacy. The students deserve it. Thank you. [Applause] Hi, my name is Dina Gresuti and I live at 28 Star Lake Road. Dear administrators and board members, I am thrilled and quite grateful that the decision was made to post and fill the position of coral director at the high school. I now make the request of the board and administrators to keep the West Milford Arts program a priority. as part of a well-rounded and rich
137education for our students, even in the midst of debilitating budget cuts. Yes, I'm asking that each of you make magic happen when faced with the cuts, not unlike the magic that our students create and educators foster in the coral, instrumental, theater, and visual arts programs. Our students create beautiful, moving, and inspirational worlds out of their vision, talent, hard work, and exceptional guidance given by their educators. Watching them is truly nothing short of magical. Along with a sense of belonging, fun, and memories that are created, there are many other benefits to arts education. Benefits that are shown to have a dramatic effect on the minds of children and adolesccents. Which leads me to my greatest concern as both a parent and a mental health provider. that cutting the arts programs in any way, such as in
138the cuts made a few years ago to the elementary school coral program, will lead to less enrollment in these programs and therefore give children less access to programs that have been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. Evidence of the benefits of music and art education on mental health and a general feeling of well-being continues to mount. Studies have shown that students report feelings of higher self-esteem and improved creativity. They exhibit better emotional regulation and overall greater academic performance. Studies done on the impact of theater education show that it helps students develop a strong sense of self and identity, build empathy and learning among peers, and broadens the ways that they make meaning of the world around them. These outcomes have been shown to have a direct correlation to good mental health. With
139childhood and adolescent depression and anxiety reaching epidemic proportions in our society in recent years, programs that foster music and creative expression are a lifeline for our children and in many cases are the are only accessible through their participation in the programs available through their school system. And we must not forget that in addition to the incredible benefits on our children's mental health, these programs support a student's passion and interest in pursuing a career in the arts. While many children dream of entering higher education to explore and pursue their interest in academic fields, some students in increasing numbers dream of being on a stage or studio or in a classroom to share their gifts and talents with the world. We should honor these choices and give as equal importance to these programs as we would our
140academic offerings. My kids have participated in elementary and middle school band and elementary, middle, and high school chorus, theater, and visual arts programs. Both of my daughters have benefited in countless ways from being a part of these programs. I have been humbled and I am eternally grateful for the presence of these amazing educators of the arts in my kids' lives. They have gained incredible confidence, learned what teamwork is about, cultivated perseverance, and learned commitment to a project. Our arts programs must not be watered down or tampered with in any way now or in the future. These programs are far too precious in the countless benefits they offer our West Milford students. Thank you. [Music] Thank you. Yeah. >> Should I sign first or >> you could speak first and then sign? >> All right. So,
141dear board members and administrators, who are you? >> I'm Nia Gresi. Um, I'm I'm a former student. So, yeah, I graduated last year and um I just started my studies in musical theater at Montlair State. Um, I'd like to commend the choir program and many other outstanding programs for making my years of school and many other students experiences here worthwhile. So, I'm here to like speak about my experience. Um, my years of choir were filled with lifealtering moments of bonding, exhilarating competitions, and well-deserved wins. Now that I'm going to an arts program in college with many people from the tri-state area, I was astonished by the fact that many of my friends and even professors recognized our school's accomplished legacy in both visual and performing arts. Music is appreciated by everyone on this earth. It's
142a universal power that must be harnessed in an academic setting to teach children hard work, collective action, perseverance encouraged. The many languages used in choir repertoire, the different stories and perspectives it demonstrates allows students to learn the ever useful skill of analyzing various cultural perspectives. When you find a passion in choir or in the arts, it's like a light bulb going off. It's like you finally found the one place in the whole scary universe where you can fit in and call home and have complete freedom of expression. That feeling of elated accomplishment during a performance is the result of process of dedication that can be useful in every child's life. And it's a process of gaining confidence through recognition, individual rigor, and collective cooperation. The most tangible part of this process is the final moment
143when you step onto the risers and throw caution to the wind and just open your mouth to sing. It's a lesson that I wish every person had the privilege to experience. The moment where one surrenders judgment and trusts oneself that the performance will happen in whatever manner that it does and one must decide to enjoy it because of all the hard work that was contributed and it frees themselves from judgment but it frees oneself from judging others as well. It fosters a high level of empathy knowing that they will as a team jump into a performance head first. If something goes ary, they all feel it. And singing at a choir is a matter of a matter of blend and how much you can pull yourself back to make others heard and or allow yourself
144to be heard amongst the crowd. It's it teaches you how to raise your voice while lifting others. I'm left with a sense of dread when I think of the many choir kids who often have trouble finding their footing at a school not having choir as a class that grounds them. Many choir kids are in need of a place of solace, solidarity, and purpose. and they find a community um who will unconditionally embrace them. To many kids, to be left to wander without the resources to discover their true passion or a place of acceptance in the district would be an absolute tragedy. Many music makers also tend to be driven people. The choir kids often have honors classes, sports, and other creative endeavors like theater and visual arts. So to have concrete classes throughout the day
145to ensure that they study their passion is essential to keep the arts alive. This allows choir to be a legitimate subject. And for those who are interested in this career path to see performing arts arts as a viable option. Having choir as a class gives children a creative outlet. And permitting the class of choir will legitimize this career path for many of those who might just see this career as a pipe dream which it's not. For parents or students who are skeptical, having choir as a class allows for structure and foreseeable future um to see how arts is managed on a practical level. Not only did choir inspire my love of performing, but it it inspired me to wish to one day teach my own group of eager and readyy music lovers. As a student
146at Westbrook, the district arts festival was a wonderful place where I connected over music with a multitude of new people who are my age. Not every child has a has the privilege of an arts education outside school. District band and choir became an outlet for us to see our potential as musicians and witness the incredible accomplishments of our fellow peers and middle and high school students who we began to look up to. Watching people my age perform in such a professional and cohesive manner inspired me and showed me that no matter how young and often divided we are as people, we truly have the power to sing and work in harmony. The internet gives children um endlessly abundant exposure to music and to art of any form. And there are numerous ways to be successful
147in the world of art. And there the more it's taken away from school at a lower level, the less it becomes a possible reality in the lives of many children. Just as academia is essential to a children's development, art and music give our lives meaning and it's essential to a child's enjoyment of life, connection with others, focus and motivation. Choir songs preach a world of joy and hope and peace and connection. By singing these things into an into existence for even a glimpse of a second, it makes that world a reality. This power that music bestows is a special unique power and one that cannot simply be taught in a conventional classroom. So, thank you. [Applause] >> Yeah, that was beautiful and thank you. What did you say your um teachers in college. >> I'm
148a musical theater major at Montlair and there are plenty of people willing to take up that position. It's wonderful to see how eager everyone is to get. >> That's amazing. Thank you. >> I believe that's the last of our >> That's me right there. >> Yeah. >> What happened to Dana? >> She went ready. That was her mom. >> All right. So, that is everyone that signed up. Uh do I have someone else that would like to speak? >> Hi. Hello. Um, my name is Bailey Stewart, 14 Kashaka Trail Trail South. Good evening board members, faculty, staff, and fellow West Milford Arts families. As you can see in the back, my name is Bailey Stewart, and I'm a 20 a proud 2017 West Mulford High School graduate, and I was heavily involved with the arts
149throughout my education here at West Mulford. I was in the marching band for all four years of my high school career and I was in concert band from fifth grade all the way up until my senior year. I was also in all the musicals both Mackman and over at the high school. The arts were and still are a huge part of my life and it's all because of the access I had throughout my education here at West Milford. If you take the arts program away, then you are taking away an opportunity from kids who aren't very athletic or have an interest in sports to get involved with the school. The arts program here at West Milford made me excited to go to school every single day. And it it also got my family involved as
150well. My mother was a West Milford Highlander marching band crew mom and she helped out with concessions every time I was in the musicals. The arts is a way to get the families whose children aren't interested in sports to also get involved with the schools here. You would be taking away opportunities for families to get involved with the schools. I have very fond memories of the arts programs here. From winning marching band championships to traveling across the pond to England to putting on such amazing musicals. It gave me a special education student who didn't really fit in, a home and a community who accepted me for who I was. And I was even awarded most improved marching band senior during my senior year. If you take that away, you'll be taking away that sense of
151belonging and all those positive memories that go along with it. eyes with pride and please do not take these art programs away. Thank you. >> Thanks. Is there someone else that would like to speak going up? >> There's two. >> Nope. You can come in. It's okay. You're already here. >> Thank you. Is this on? >> Yes. Chris McCort, uh, 3 Carroll Drive. Um, I am a West Milford Highlander alumni. Uh, served in the marching band 2006 to 2010. Uh, 2010 was when I graduated. Um, many fond memories in the band. Uh, I would like to talk about something that maybe some others haven't really touched upon, and that's the culture of the band, specifically what it does for students who may be more trouble. That was definitely one of them. Uh, my parents went
152through a serious divorce period. Uh when I had entered high school, it was definitely not the best time of my life. It was a very dark time. Um the marching band actually gave me an outlet. It gave me a culture. It gave me a program. Um it taught me a lot specifically about discipline. Uh it it it teaches a lot more than music. There's a lot of people here who have gone into musical programs. A lot of my friends uh who have gone on to make professional careers. Um, I mean, gosh, I I haven't picked up a my saxophone sax uh in about 12 years or so. But it's um it's never really the morals, the discipline that have been engendered in me have never really left me and I've taken that through whatever I
153do in life. Uh I was me I was a member for a time of the West Milford um fire department. That never really I I actually took what I learned in the marching band and took it into applied it to the fire department. Anything that I've done in life has come from the marching band. Music programs go far beyond music. Um, so if you were to downgrade the music program, you end up taking a lot of agency from students, you know, who could really better better their lives. Um, through that program, Dr. McGlaughlin and the rest of the staff have done a fantastic job. I'm very partial to the instrumental program there, but across the board, the musical program, all the teachers have done a fantastic job of creating an incredible program for his students.
154Um, you know, I know that uh there was one particular morning I remember first period band Dr. Mlaughlin had kind of stopped our lesson for the morning and he just said that I I want to tell you a story um where he had uh sort of had a meeting of the minds band directors from I think it was Northern New Jersey. Uh and he was speaking I guess specifically to one of the directors from Wayne at the time who you know they had been going over the marching band uh songs uh and material and Dr. Dr. McLolin asked him what he was doing and said, "Oh, you know, I think he was doing the Beatles that year or something like that." And he says, "Yeah, you know, we're just we're just doing what we can
155on the field." And he asked Dr. McLolin what he was giving us to march for that year. And you know, it was uh you know, he was giving us college grade music to march on the uh field, you know, which is incredibly difficult to do. Uh and the Wayne director looked at him and said, "Why why would you do that? How how how can you do that?" So, um Dr. McLaclin of course looked at us and he's telling us the story and he says I don't I don't understand that response. I don't understand how you can't push why you wouldn't push your students to be better than they were. And that's everything that he really I mean he really pushes you to do better uh to be the best that you can be. That's why
156the West Milford Highland Band is nationally recognized and it goes far beyond music, you know. I mean you you really take the discipline, you take the culture that you are a part of and you put that into everything you do in your in your life. So I would definitely ask this board to consider that. Please do not remove or rather downgrade or make it harder for the teachers at the musical program of West Milford to do their jobs for the sake of the students. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you, Chris. I just want to let everyone know and um that there is no difference to our music and arts program um next year as there is this year. um that we have posted a um coral music teacher position for the high school. Um and uh
157it is on our Apple track uh for applications. Um is there another speaker? Oh yeah, you were next. Sorry. in the back. >> I don't think that works. >> I don't think it works. >> There you go. >> Here. >> You don't have money for pens. I guess joke. >> Keep it a cruel teacher. Get rid of the pens. I think somebody stole the flowers. >> My name is Donna Reaver and I lived at 81 Alpine Ridge Road, West Milford High School, class of 2000. My husband was class of 98, brother 94, sister-in-law 90. Both of my parents taught in West Milford schools for over 50 years cumulatively. I know this district. West Milford is a town you come back to. You raise your family in. I walk through shop and I see five people
158I went to high school with. I came tonight and I'm sitting with people I went to high school with. I've been a Westbrook parent for 6 years. I've been a teacher for 18 years and I've never come to this podium to question or criticize because I know how difficult it can be to run a district. I didn't even come when the decision was made to close Westbrook because I trusted that the board was going to make the best decision for the welfare of this district. But lately, as I hear and read about the decisions being made by this board, I keep thinking about that song that we used to listen to in high school by CNC Music Factory. Things that make you go, "Hm, I remember. You remember?" Like when I see 22 teachers being
159cut, but then two supervisor positions being posted, one of which is brand new and another is apparently being brought back one year after this board said the position was not needed. Hm. Or when I see a nurse and a guidance counselor being cut after a global pandemic, which we are still seeing horrific social and emotional effects on kids. But then I read an article that justifies these cuts because it's balanced. And after all, central office had their turn at making cuts last year. So, let's add two more administrators to the mix because, you know, our kids go to school at central office. Hm. Or when you have three of your top four administrators leaving a district, a district that, let's face it, is in shambles right now. But rather than appoint, actually rather than beg
160Mr. Novak to take the superintendent position, and I'm not talking about an interim position, let's be real. An employee who has dedicated his career to this district and knows the ins and outs and the history of it. You choose to spend money, a lot of money, on an outside agency to do a superintendent search. Sounds like a wonderful way to spend money after closing a school, voting down a budget, oh, and raising taxes. I'm just baffled. To close, I'm not even asking for a response from any of you because there isn't one. Nothing can be said to justify these decisions. These are not in the best interest of our students. Thank you. Thanks, Donna. [Applause] >> She was my student. >> Thanks for bringing her back. >> I figured Mary Daffy 21 War Turnpike. Um,
161I'm here to first of all thank Mrs. Romeo cuz you and I had a little simple conversation and commend the leadership because I had a simple little conversation with Mr. Novak um about what are you doing is all I said about the not replacing Mr. Haber and after a couple I just got to get my thoughts together because I'm after a couple of other cuts, not even cuts, not replacing other band directors who retired and moved on and then to thin out our band program, our theater program and our choir program. But you guys did it. You saw the light. You went out so quickly and steadfast. It was amazing because what the band directors and what the band program and the musical programs and the arts program do for our children is they prepare
162them for life. Um the amount I have two kids both extremely opposite ends of the spectrum and they both light up the confidence that um they have um developed through the arts program. it. There's no way they could have gotten it in an AP class as my son has taken. There's no way um they could have gotten it anywhere else. It's inclusive. Um they teach excellence, hard work, dedication, teamwork, friendships. Um the the kids support each other, the amount of empathy, those are things that can never be done anywhere else. And to quote Dr. Analone, it takes a village to raise a child today. I wouldn't be able to do it myself. Um I I depend on the band directors who know my kids inside out. Um they set the standard really high and they
163come out my son a strong self independent young man. My daughter has grown in a year immensely through Mrs. Burns and the um arts program through um Mr. Grammada and Dr. Mack. When I went in there to have a conversation, he's like, "Mary, we write the music for each individual child. There is no more differentiation than that." So to conclude, I just want to commend Mrs. Romeo for taking action, Mr. Novak for taking action and making magic happen the way the kids make the magic happen on the stage, on the field, in their kilts. Um, there's no other way to show my pride for this program and I hope that next year we just expand it >> and not cut it. So, that's where we're going. I will see you at board meetings and I
164will talk to anybody about any of the programs because it's one of our best programs ever. I go to um I was at William Patterson recently and I had my West Milford Highlander shirt and they're like, "You guys have the best program, band program ever." I was like, "Thanks." And I just walked out like a little extra step. So, thank you so much for making the right choice and um let's expand it is where I'm [Applause] comment. um this was always in the budget. So, I would just like to like really say please be careful what you believe because there's been a lot of um miscommunication from parents quite honestly. Some of you in this room have written some things on Facebook and I've read it and it's not even true. Um and then you
165know requesting that pe like that people fight us on things that are not even happening. Um, so, um, I didn't have any magic. This was always of the plan. They're they're, you know, um, and my second comment is as far as the two supervisor positions, they've been in the budget since last year. They were never ever cut from the budget, neither one of those positions. So, we didn't pay that salary last year. Um, but it was in our budget always. It wasn't cut from our budget. So, neither of those positions are new or added. And it was the same with the music position. It's not new and it wasn't added or taken away. It has always been there. We just had a retirement. Um so I wish I had a magic wand. I'm still looking
166for that magic wand. But um this is just there there have been some rumors on things. Um so it is hard sometimes to find the truth and the reality. Um and you know I don't know exactly what I said to Mrs. Duffy, but it wasn't you know I think I said don't worry. You know don't worry. Oh go ahead. Sorry. I just want to say I feel like I've been a broken record for six years saying you can stop a lot of this by using our website. >> Like we could have pretty easily posted something 3 weeks ago when I think we started seeing things trickle in and then more and more emails from parents. It would have been very easy just to put something on the website to say we're hiring a coral director.
167>> Mhm. >> I get frustrated. I'm sorry. I just get frust like I hear that frustration like I feel the same way. >> Mhm. >> So >> yeah, communication. >> I do too. >> It is. >> Okay. >> Um any other speakers to make? >> No one else wants to speak. >> Are we reading the letters, Ben? Uh, I think that I'll just send copies to all the board members so they can see it because it basically >> reiterates everything that's been said. >> Seeing none, move to close public comments. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> All right. I have to find where we are on the agenda. Hang on. So, we're going back to committee reports, right? >> Yes. Um, would you like to do parks and wreck?
168>> Um, the last parks and wreck uh meeting was last Thursday. Um, it was cancelled because they didn't have enough attendees for a quorum, but Dan Kjaki asked me to relay um four events they have coming up. Um, one is the youth volleyball clinic for girls entering 9th grade. They have an intro to rowing course for um children ages 11 to 19. Um there's a skateboard clinic for ages 7 to 14 and a family frog night coming up. And you can um sign up for all of those through the community pass. There's also something else going on. Um, on June 24th, there's the grand opening of the pickle ball courts on Vinsenzo Road. So, it is um it's going to be great. You know, it's it's a great event. It's a great sport and anybody
169can do it. So, just add that to your calendar. >> Um, safety. U Mrs. Dwire, >> we have nothing to report at this time. Thank you. >> Superintendent round table. Mrs. Ricardo, Mrs. Van Djk. Um, we haven't had a meeting since our last report, but our next meeting is Thursday. >> The S County School Boards Association, that's me. Um, I was just at the May 8th uh meeting and I just want to do a shout out and a congratulations to Will who got to be certified board member certificate and to Linda who got 15 years of being a volunteer board member awards. So, it was a it was a good meeting and um you know that was mostly it. It was just honoring um and giving out those dedications. So, I think that was really
170>> Thank you. >> really it um New Jersey School Boards Association, Mr. Silence. therapy for. >> So, we have uh the option according to New Jersey school boards to do a board self assessment. And this kind of gives us a a rubric that allows us to judge as a board independently. Uh the things that we should start to do, things that we should stop doing, and the things that we continue doing. So, if you want to participate in that, we do that. And then we have a subsequent meeting with a New Jersey school board's rep and discuss our uh personal results. Uh on May 18th, actually this isn't important enough for me. All right. On June 7th, governance 2 and three training will be held virtually. So if you have not taken that yet, even
171if you are a first year member, you can uh take that virtually and it really um speeds up the process. Uh other events that the school board is having is on June 9th, Friday, June 9th, there is a school security and safety conference in Mercer. Uh on 6:13, which is a Tuesday from 9:00 to 4:00 is a spring school law forum. And that is my report for the evening. >> Nice. Thank you. Uh we're going to skip legislative tonight and go to technology. >> I don't have anything. >> All right. Um, Township Board of Education, we haven't had a meeting. Um, >> June 12th is the next >> June 12th is our next one. Um, Mrs. Lockwood, the Municipal Alliance. >> Um, so I wasn't able to attend cuz I was at the CSA County
172School Boards Association. >> So was I, but um, Mrs. O'Brien sent me a synopsis of what happened, what was going, what they talked about. Basically, the alliance is still looking for uh another community member. They need a voting member. Um they reviewed the um a rough draft of a flyer that is being professionally put together for the uh alliance. There was recognition for Janice Garish and Mary Grace Flynn from the center for alcohol and drug resources for uh organization and uh the programs are funded through the youth leadership grant and decisions of what programs and activities to fund for the 2024 fiscal year were being discussed then uh needs to be on for July 1st. And the next meeting is Monday, June 12th, 700 p.m. It's a hybrid meeting. And that's that. >> Thank you.
173>> Um, Mr. Blackwood, CPAC. >> Nothing to record. >> Okay. Um, do we have any old business? >> Move to close old business. Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? >> Do we have any new business? >> I do. I I think this comes under new business. Will, congratulations. Um I'm not sure what certification does for the board, but it sounds like it's a good thing. And Linda, congratulations to you. Um the other thing, um I want to bring up that, you know, a lot of work of board members goes behind the scenes, work that you don't see. And um I want to thank Mrs. Lockwood um for everything she's been doing um you know answering questions, answering phone calls. Um she's just been an absolute asset to this board and I thank her
174very much. >> Thank you. Cheers. Thank you. >> Go ahead. >> So I think this new business too I think at least for me it's been refreshing to see the public here. Um it has been uh and I I think that there are members that are sitting out well most of them aren't here now but there were they were here I know you did the >> so hopefully they're home watching but I think that there are members of the public >> that um are really understanding what the board does and how the school system works and I'm just going to say I encourage them uh you know it t it's like the next couple months you have to apply if you want to run for school board and I encourage them to do that in
175June and July cuz I think right at the end of July that's like the cuto off >> 25th. >> Yeah. So I I think there are great people out there that will bring some great gifts um to this school board in the future. So hopefully um we will have people that that will apply and and will run for school board >> this coming year. >> Any other new business? On that note, if you're looking for an adoring fan base and some high pay, then I recommend that you fill out a school board petition and hand it into the county board of elections by July 31st, 400 p.m. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. And uh I think Thank you. But to give a little explanation on what the certification actually is, uh the New Jersey
176School Boards Association offers schoolboard members throughout the state uh opportunities for professional development. And in that professional development, you get to learn about the difficulties of school world. Uh one of the topics that I've learned about has been salary guides. Other things have been school security and the uh offerings that other districts have. So, it's a place to network. It's a place to understand the legalities of your uh of your school systems. And really, uh the the certifications are thresholds to kind of push you to do more. And that's all I took them for. I thank Miss Lockwood for bringing it up, but obviously you didn't know about it. I didn't bring it up. And um I think it does good by the school district because I learned more about my role as a school
177board trustee and I highly recommend it for everybody else. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. >> All the other >> any other new business move to close new business. Second. All in favor? I >> Any oppose? >> Sorry. >> Um, we're ready for executive session, right? So at 9:40 I make a motion to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel appointments, negotiations, tips, and current litigation matters. The executive session minutes will be 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 45 minutes and we will be returning to take action. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? >> Welcome back. Um, >> roll call. Mrs. Francisco, >> Mrs. Van Dyke >> here. >> Mr. Sidwood
178>> here. >> Mrs. Mr. Roano >> here. >> Mrs. Dwer >> here. >> Mr. Greeno >> here. >> Mrs. Lockwood >> here. >> Mrs. Romeo >> here. >> Um, Mrs. Lockwood, education. >> Okay. I make a motion to approve the following agenda item number 14 under education >> in sorry >> incident report number 2023/6 as substantiated 2020 2023/7 as substantiated 2023/8 as unsubstantiated >> second >> questions comments. Seeing as none, roll call, please. >> Mrs. Lockwood, >> yes. >> Mr. Sidtoitz, >> yes. >> Mr. Greeno, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwer, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyk, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rico, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> yes. >> Personnel, Mrs. Van Dyke, >> I move item 15 A through O. It's 15 A B C. Right. Is that And then you can >> Yep.
179>> You do, but >> someone has to second it. Yes. >> I need a second. >> Second. >> Thank you. >> Why are there >> No, I thought we had to make that the agenda first. Like change the agenda to be A through O first. >> Okay. >> Right. I'm I'm >> Yeah, we essentially do, but >> you got to change it, right? >> Oh, I have to make a motion. >> I move that we divide resolution 15 by name going from A through O. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Okay. Um, >> now I have to move a second. Second. >> Any questions or comments? voice. Do you have to do Did we get Did we get a second? >> Yeah, we're all good. On the two, >>
180now we're down to uh discussion vote. >> Yep. >> Anybody have anything? >> Seeing as non roll call. >> Okay. Mr. Sid, >> yes on all 15. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes. On everything except for H and O. >> Mr. Greeno. >> Yes. On everything except for H and O. >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes on everything. >> Mrs. Mrs. Rico, >> yes on everything except H. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke, >> yes on everything except O. [Applause] We actually know because we have an executive session, don't we? >> Yeah. CL knows. >> It's just a committee report. It's only four people. >> Yes. >> Committee of four. >> Oh, okay. >> Okay. You actually >> I just wanted to steal it from you, right? We need to adjourn. >> We have
181a second. >> Fine. Second. >> Second. >> At 10:37, we're going to adjourn. Uh, any opposed? >> No. >> Good night on midnight.