001Good evening. I'd like to um call the meeting to order. Uh and the first order business is can we please have a moment of silence? >> Please stand for the flag. I pledge to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. In accordance with the provisions of the open public meetings act, a public notice of this meeting has been sent to board members, all district schools, the Herald News, the suburban trends, the record, the messenger, West Milford town hall, the county superintendent's office, the board attorney, cable vision of Warwick and West Milford TV77, and posted in the administration building. Copies of the board meeting calendar resolution were provided to all local media town hall township library
002in all district schools. Roll call. Miss Francisco. Mrs. Rico >> here. >> Mr. Sidowitz. Mr. Lippy. Mrs. Dwire >> here. >> Mr. Gino. Ms. O'Brien >> here. >> Mrs. Lockwood >> here. >> Mrs. Van Dyk >> here. >> Mrs. Romeo >> here. Thank you. Um, I'd like to first ask our student representative, Jennifer, forgot your last name. I'm sorry. >> Scout. >> Jennifer Scout to give her report. >> All district arts f All District Arts Festival was held on March 29th. On April 2nd, the student council and the West High School is >> the red light on the red light. >> We're having problems with some of them. Some of them are not going on at all. All district arts festival was held on March 29th. On April 2nd, the student council and the West
003Milk High School PTSO hosted a food truck, craft vendor fair, and car show. Before spring break, the student council held a food drive. All items were donated to the local food pantry. The week of April 17th, we celebrated Earth Day with a spirit week. The World Linguist National Honor Society induction was held on April 19th. WFHS participated in the National Day of Silence on April 21st and collected money to donate to the Trevor Project. Today, the senior prom packets were released. In honor of Senior Decision Day on May 1st, students will be wearing clothing to show what colleges they will be attending. >> Thank you very much. All right. Would you agree that? >> Sure. I make a motion at 6:33 to approve the following resolution that the board immediately go into executive session for
004approximately 30 minutes for the purpose of conducting a grievance hearing. The executive session minutes will not be released until such time as the privilege of confidentiality is no longer applicable. >> Second. >> All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? >> Good evening. We're returning from executive session. Mrs. Francisco, roll call, please. Mrs. Ricell >> here. Mr. Sidwood, >> Mrs. Whippy, >> Mrs. Joy >> here, >> Mr. Bino >> here, >> Mrs. O'Brien >> here, >> Mrs. Lockwood >> here, >> Mrs. Van Dyke >> here, Mrs. Romeo here. >> Uh, next is the superintendent report. >> Good evening, board of education, members of the public. Welcome to our April meeting. Um just this past week the department released the school performance reports for 2021-22. This is the new school uh school report card. It's now called
005the school performance report. We have I provided the board members with a free copy just elementary, middle, high school. Um I'll give you one elementary as opposed to all six. Members of the public, we do have a link on our website where you can go right to the department of ed and search by district, by school. Um, it's a pretty comprehensive document, about 40 pages, over 40 pages. So, I'm not going to go over the whole packet, but it gives us our demographics and each school, our testing information, uh, school finance, a whole lot more. However, the unique part of the school report for this year is it's always a three-year look back. So, the three years look, it looks back, it only looks back to 2022 testing data. That would have been a year
006ago. Spring of 21. At spring of 20, the state assessments were cancelled. So, it's a sort of a wonky school year um or a wonky school performance report. There's really nothing to compare it to. Nonetheless, the department did give every school a summitive rating and a sum of score on a one to uh one to 100 scale as well. But um so these documents form the basis of many of our goals for next school year. How we're doing now, how we can get better. But here is what I focus upon. So again, members of the board, you have copies of this. Members of the public, please go to our website and you'll see a link for the Department of Education school reports and then you can search uh for West Mil. Um, can someone make
007a motion for special reports? I make a motion I make a motion to approve the following board of education meeting minutes. March 15, 2023 preliminary budget hearing special action meeting. March 15, 2023 executive session March 28th workshop regular meeting March 20, 2023. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? >> I abstain on on them. I was not present. >> I abain on March 15th. I was not present. Thank you. My president's report. Um I've been asked to share some announcements. On May 13th at 9:00 a.m. at the um rec center, formerly known as the PLA building, there's an event um Scots Fun Run. And Scots Fun Run is um uh for prevention for substance misuse. An amazing activity to raise money um to help those in our community. Uh another event on Friday,
008May 19th is baseball little league family night at 400 p.m. at Pilgen Field. I've been asked to share that uh with the board of education members that you're all invited to both of those events. Um, I'd like to give a shout out to Eagle Scout, uh, Francisco Petrailo. Um, congratulations and there are a lot of Eagle Scouts, so um, send me an email when you, um, complete and have your award ceremony. Um, we're very proud of all of you. And I did attend, um, for a short time the actual wrestling event at St. Joseph's. That was extremely exciting. Um the cool the most interesting thing for me is I heard grown men in the um parking lot discussing the crowd of West Milk. So it see I don't know these people. It seemed as if
009they were wrestling um you know uh fans and the one guy says to the other well you know it's always the crowd that makes the event and these kids are good. Um, and so I was like, "Wow, that's, you know, I don't know who these people are, otherwise I'd give them a shout out." But it was really cool to hear that our kids were a great crowd at a wrestling event. Um, it was like a not as WWE, but something with, you know, serious wrestling. Um, and I also just I really I think we all want to say thank you, um, to our fire department, uh, to our mayor, uh, and Councilman, uh, Matt Conlin, who was very involved during the fire, um, and just everyone that really worked hard to keep West Milford safe.
010Um, that was an emotional time. [Applause] Um that was a really emotional time and that's something that in the history of West Milford that none of us have ever gone through. Um being the granddaughter of um someone who started one of the first fire departments ever uh in West Milford. I am extremely proud of our fire department of our fire men and women um and our administration and our board members pulled some money together. We donated items uh and brought cards. I'll let you know. Um I did go to all six uh firehouses. Um two of them at the current time there was no one there. Their trucks were out and they were busy. Um and four of them I spoke with people. I gave them our appreciation. Um and they really were very thankful.
011Uh it was just like I said a very very emotional time but um you know thankful for them and we are through it and safe. Um and that is my report. public comment. Oh, yes. Thank you. I'd like to go back to uh Mr. Novak Novak's report. Uh director of education. >> All right. Uh thank you. I just have uh brief uh brief announcements tonight. Uh one, I just want to update everyone on uh our two uh two large summer programs. One being the uh summer explorer STEM camp. We did our registration about two weeks ago. We met capacity in a matter of minutes for both weeks. Uh what we found is the uh I guess the process now with the how fast it sells out. We have multiple parents who sometimes log in just
012to make sure that their child gets in. So, we did find some uh duplicate registrations, which made it great because we were able to um anyone who signed up or looked to get on the waiting list was able to um be registered into the group. So, at this point, we have everybody who has shown interest registered into uh into our STEM camp. Uh but we are still taking uh students for the list if possible. our summer learning camp uh registration went out recently and our numbers are our numbers are going up. We are um we're probably near about 100 students which we typically get between 150 and 180. So we are in a uh in a good place for that. Um and the middle school and high school scheduling update and I'll have a more
013uh elaborate update at our uh next meeting. There's nothing nothing to report on that front. Any questions? >> Yes. How many do you know? Capacity. What's the best? >> So, our capacity is 120 >> for for the STEM camp. One. Yeah, we do two weeks, right? Each week we do 120. We only allow students to participate in one week so we can uh get as many students to opportunity. >> And that's great. What? >> Incoming uh incoming 1 through five. So, our current students grades K through four. Thank you. Okay. Um the next part of this meeting is public comment. Um and tonight is our first night on the agenda. You can see our public comment um portion has changed and um there are five governing rules for someone that is going to um speak
014and I no longer need to read all of that. Um, but you do, if you would like to speak on pages three and four, please review the rules to speak. Um, with that, I will let you know that 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 and give their full name, group affiliation, and their address. All statements shall be directed to the presiding officer. No participant may address or question board members individually. All speakers are expected to have read the statement within the agenda regarding the
015regulations concerning public comments. Members of the public are reminded that they are legally responsible and liable for their comments. I do know that we have a number of people that have signed up to speak about agenda items only. Um, any non-aggenda items are the people that have signed up so far? Is there anyone else that would like to speak on agenda items? >> Hi, my name is Jess Cohen. I am one of your first grade teachers here at uh West Milford. Um, I'm actually speaking about um number two under personnel regarding Doug Haburn's retirement. Um, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for all that Doug Haburn has done for the district of West Milberg, myself and so many others. His unwavering dedication to his students and his passion for teaching
016has made a profound impact on many, but especially in my life, which is where our story kind of began back in sixth grade. He became a mentor to me and then ultimately a colleague as I became a teacher here in West Milberg. My first memory of Doug was in sixth grade as a representative from UGL singing the national anthem at the high school homecoming football game. Extremely nervous and lacking any confidence, I met Doug who immediately made me feel calm and gave me nothing but praise and kindness. He even said to me, "I can't wait for you to come to the high school and be in the choir someday." And as silly as it sounds, I never forgot it. And sure enough, I spent four years in the choir and at that high school. Doug
017filled my life with music and ultimately guided me to the musical where my love of theater began. One of the greatest moments of my career was being able to take over the high school musical program, a program that Doug had carved into something nothing short of exceptional. Huge shoes to fill and it's taken two of us to do it, Heather Burns and myself. But it has become my home, my pride and joy and the greatest love for the last 12 years. It has not gone unnoticed that Doug has never missed a show that we have produced. And while I know that he comes to support his current students, it means the world to me that he continues to work and come and support not only students but us because he values what he created here
018in West Milberg and he wants to see it continue to grow and be bigger and better every year because roots truly do matter. I thanked Doug today publicly because as teachers we do not get to hear when we have made an effect on people in our lives, students, adults, colleagues. His kindness, his humor, his guidance has never gone unnoticed. Doug, I thank you for 28 years of service. You will truly be missed. And again, you have left a huge and very important shoes to fill. [Applause] Do we have another speaker? Go ahead. >> I have my mic on. It's okay. >> Yes. Uh Nathan Bedford, 457 Cyber Road, New Jersey. I just want to reiterate and I was very sad to hear about uh Doug Hurns, but I'm sure after 28 years he'll be enjoying
019his retirement. Um I also was a student of Doug Hurns during choir. He gave me an opportunity to be part of the musical for two years. a solo can. And uh we'll be live streaming his last concert on Thursday, May the 4th at 7:00 p.m. Uh we'll reach out and uh send the link through George Jordan and the center. Thank you, Doug Haven, for uh giving me the opportunity of being a master singer and uh hope to see you there. Anyone else? >> Seeing none, I'd like to close public comments. Sorry. >> All in favor? I >> Any opposed? >> Any uh changes to the agenda? Can someone make a motion to adopt the agenda? >> I'd like to make a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Second. All >> in favor? I. Any
020opposed? Mrs. Lockwood, education. >> I make a motion to approve agenda items 1 through eight on education. >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? >> Miss Francisco. >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Mr. Greeno. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mrs. Rico, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwer, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke, >> yes. >> Mrs. O'Brien, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> yes. >> Mrs. Blackwood, >> I make a motion to approve the following agenda item. Um, incident report Oh, nine, sorry. Incident report number 2023E E5 as substantiated. 2023 M11 as substantiated. >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? >> Roll comments. Mrs. Francisco. >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Mr. Greeno. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Drier. >> Yes. >> Mrs. O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rico. >> Yes. >>
021Mrs. Romeo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Van Djk. Personnel with student affairs. >> Yes. I'd like to move items one through one through 32 and hand carry uh 33 through 36 second questions and comments and then I have two comments. One is um one is that Judy Thomas at the high school, our special ed teacher, um is an incredible human being. She has she's always had a heart of gold. She has respect for the students, respect for staff, the administration respects her. She's going to be lost to the district. The other is um Cynthia De Antonio. And um I'm very sorry to see Cynthia go because she had a lot to do with even my own children and speech and I thank her for her years of service and the district will sorely miss both of
022them. So thank you. I'm going to uh piggy back on the first two comments made by Mr. Haver. Um, you don't know who, when, why, and how a teacher makes a difference in your child's life. And to this very day, um, he has done a phenomenal job with my youngest son, Dan. And I could I could go on and tell stories, but I I will just share this really brief thing with with the the community. Um, when it came time for Dan to look for colleges, he wrote a letter of recommendation that was probably one of the finest letters I ever read. And the reason I say this is, yes, it, you know, teachers do a phenomenal job in writing letters and they and they talk about the accolades of, you know, of the the
023student that is asking for for this information for their, you know, college. But what he did is he totally in a very short 3 to four paragraph form gave the essence of my child to George Mason University which is where he ended up going to school. And to this very day I will never forget that. Mr. Hayurn you are you are truly a gem. uh what you've done in in for the music department, for all the students um past, present, and future. It will will just I can't thank you enough. I truly cannot thank you enough for all that you've done. Um and then this other comment I'd like to make about Diana Hackett. Why Why are you leaving? Why? Why? You are a sweetheart. I'm going to miss you dearly. I torture her. I
024mean, I I work with her uh at UGL as far as um going to to do things over at UGL um on my own time and I will miss you very much. She's a great lady and and I will miss I will miss and and happy retirement to all of those who put in their time and their their blood, sweat, and tears. Um we truly appreciate everything you've done for our students. Thank you. [Applause] I I want to speak also about uh Cynthia. I knew her when she was Miss Cinderella >> and I I think back and I know what a difference she made even for my own children and it is a great loss. But I hope you enjoy your retirement and I thank you for all the service and time that you've given
025to West Milford. As far as Doug, I there are no words. He's touched so many lives that it's, you know, it it's hard to understand when you've seen something for years, but he truly does epitomize a teacher who has students that keep coming back to say thank you and and they're excited to show him where they have landed in their life. So, he will be there will be a great hole in our department there and they're going to be big shoes to fill. And I just want to say thank you to all of these retirees that are on here. Some I know, some I don't, but I I wish them well, and I hope that they enjoy their retirement years. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause] I just want to piggy back on I guess everybody
026else and wish the retirees um the best retirement, but I want to speak specifically about one, Mrs. Antonio. Um, she touched my life for so many years. She, um, helped my son to become the student that he is today. She thought outside the box. She worked together not only with her students but with all the students and the staff and the parents to really try and give every child that needed speech the speech that they needed. I wish you luck in your retirement and joy. You so deserve it. But I'm sad for all those students that aren't going to get to meet and have you in their lives. Thank you, Mrs. Donio. Any other comments? Come on. Um, following the sentiments of my colleagues here, I would like to wish everyone on the list, uh,
027when you look through the list of retirements, there are like hundreds of years of service there. Um, and one that I don't know all of them. Uh some of them I worked with and have already been, you know, thanked for their time and their dedication to our children. Um Patty Roberts has been a bus driver in our district for I don't know exactly how many years. Um 27 I was going to say, but I know that she was there when I was a child. Um 27 years. And um you know when you put your kindergartener any you know even when you pick your eighth grader or your freshman on a bus no matter what grade they're in um to put them in the hands of someone else and trust them um is is a big
028feat you know as a parent. Um and so thank you for 27 years of service. Um the other person uh that sticks out to me is Tim Strug at custodian PK. U Mr. Dubal is a fireman in town along with I believe his entire family um and have been in this town uh for a very very long time. Uh two of his family members were with my grandpa when they started the fire department. Um and so Mr. Stubel has a wealth of knowledge um in how to run, you know, a building and a furn whatever it is that it takes to do that job and for safety. Um and so thank you for for your time here. Um but good luck to all of our retirees. Um any other comments or questions? >> Uh can
029I comment? >> Yes. >> I just want to remind everyone uh last year we began the process of inviting our retirees back at our June meeting. Um so we will have the opportunity. You know it's hard to it's hard to pick and choose which retiree we want to you know we're all passionate about. Um you know all some of these people who are all these people who are retiring. So, we'll get an opportunity again in June to invite them back and, you know, give them the plaque, give them their round of applause, and, you know, once again say some kind words. So, Diana, um, be ready cuz I'll have a I'll have a nice long paragraph. >> Diana may not be there that night. Who knows? >> That paragraph's coming regardless. >> We got a
030busy night. I don't want to >> pick her up. So I have a question on number 25. Uh does anyone know the date of the um scholarship night? >> Thank you. >> June 7th at 6:30 um at the high school is the 2023 distinguished scholars and community scholarship night. Thank you. Okay. Any other questions or comments from the board? Seeing as none, please. >> Mrs. Van Dyke, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rico, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood, >> yes. >> Mr. Greeno, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwer, >> yes. >> Mrs. O'Brien, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo I'd seen on 17 and 18 and yes on everything else operations and finance Mr. Greeno >> uh so I can make a motion to move item one under operations and finance >> second. >> Any questions or comments? Same
031cool name, cool new >> haircut >> place. Yeah, nice for one. I'm glad you're here. I'm a great anyone else. >> Mina, >> yes. >> Mrs. Ric, >> yes. >> Mrs. L. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Wire. Yes. Mrs. O'Brien. Yes. Mrs. Van Dyke. Yes. Mrs. Romeo. Yes. >> I like to make a motion to move items 2 through eight under operations and finance. >> Second. Any questions or comment? Roll call. >> Mr. Green. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ricardo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lford. Yes, >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes, Mrs. O'Brien. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Van Dyke. Yes, Mrs. Romeo. >> Yes. >> Like to make a motion to move item number nine under operations and finance. >> Second comment. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bino, >> Mrs. Rico, >> yes. Mrs. Yes. >> Mrs. Flyer,
032>> yes. >> Mrs. O'Brien, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke, >> abstain. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> and I would like to make a motion to move items 10 and 11 under operations and planning. >> Any questions or comments? >> Roll call. Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Van. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ricardo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood. Policy, please. I make a motion to approve agenda items one through 19. >> Second. >> Any questions or comments on policy? Ro the silver iron. Hold up for a second. >> Come back here, >> Mr. Garina. >> So, I'm going to abstain. >> Oh. Mrs. Rico, yes. Mrs. Van Dyke, yes. Mrs. Dwer, I'll abstain no. Mrs. Lockwood, >>
033yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, yes. Mrs. O'Brien, yes. Committee reports on parks and rec. We had a meeting um last week. Um highlights uh Bubbling Springs day camp registration is now open. Um the registration packet and for sure are available online. Um they Bubbling Springs is hiring lifeguards, day camp counselors, and swim instructors join team bubble. All applicants must be 16 years old, 15 years old for lifeguards. Um they um also um have a new story at the Nenzo Park story walk, The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt. Um so go check that out. Um the floors in gym 1 and two were rough sanded and got new polyurethane. And the floor in gym 3 is getting um new rubber on the floor to repair and paint. Um it'll have lines for basketball, volleyball, and
034two pickle ball courts. Um and they got two new portable basketball nets. So the gym 3 is going to practically be brand new. Um and they are looking for someone to be a te caretaker at the teen center. Um and in exchange, um you get use of the second floor apartment. So if you're looking for a place to live, that might be the job for you. Otherwise, >> do they say what grades or age the story book is for? >> Um, I think it's for any age. I mean, the story the day the crown I feel like some people in the audience might know better than I do, but I feel like it's early elementary. >> No, if you've if you've never done the walk across the street on the story book walk, it is
035amazing. >> Um, it's a cool field trip. It's nice for all ages. This is really fun. Thank you. Safety. Nothing to report. Superintendent's round table. Go ahead. >> Um Claire went for me um last month and we have a meeting on Thursday. So Claire's going to report on. So these are the minutes from um February 23rd, 2023, which seems like so long ago, but I guess these are them. So there was a question in regards to Italian for the seventh and eighth grade students. Um and the answer was there is a possibility of more cuts due to budget constraints. However, there is no definitive answer. Potential cuts are still in discussion and there should be an answer in a month. Uh question on drug testing. Um for suspected drug use, the district pays as long
036as the family opts to have the test done at the district referred testing site. Families have the option of having the testing done privately at their own expense. Random tests are administrated administered in the nurse's office at the high school level. There was a question on transportation and complaints and the order is you go to your principal first. Um and then if you don't um get anything resolved, you can go to the next step which would be the uh transportation um department. Media specialists um was one of the topics um high school sports clubs um was also brought up. Elementary homework um and kindergarten enrollment numbers. When elementary homework was brought up, did she was the new policy discussed? >> Um, no. I mean, it's been an ongoing I feel I feel like I haven't
037been to um superintendent round table in a long time. I feel this has been a discussion for quite a while. The elementary room um what was brought up is what I feel is always brought up. The homework should be thoughtful assignments, math, reading, vocab. Families are welcome to request more enrichment work for their student if they feel necessary. >> Thank you. You're welcome. Back to you, Miss Valk for Christ County School Board. >> Sorry. That's okay. So, there is a meeting May 8th. Um, it's a Monday. I will be attending. It's at 6:30, I believe. Yes. And any of us are welcome to go. You just have to respond. >> I'm sorry, Claire. Did you also get an invite to a dinner from them that I just >> Yes. You want me to speak to
038that? >> Is that for all board members or just >> I didn't even look at it cuz I didn't even >> I'll look at it. We are invited then to a dinner um at the Brownstone. Did everyone get a letter invited to that? >> We got email. We got an email then. Maybe >> you got a letter. I got I think >> I did get a letter. I will pass around and share it with all of you as board members. We were invited. Um I cannot go. So I gave to Claire as vice president and I wanted to make sure that everyone knew about it. If you're all invited, >> I just handed it to her. >> It might just be the president >> an hour ago. Okay. I mean it is >> I don't
039remember getting this at all Kate. So and it is just it was addressed just to me >> and I'm inviting Claire to go as the vice president. >> Is that the scholarship? Is that the bell of Victorian? >> No, you could see it after. I you could pass it around now if you guys want to see it, but it is county school board. So I wanted to make sure that you guys knew I did get that. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. It's black tie. It is black tie event. Yes. Then I'm definitely glad that actually made me want to go. >> Okay. Um, New Jersey school board. >> I I I was asked to be taken off of this. I think Will was handling all of that. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Because
040I was away for a while, I bought groceries. >> No problem. Mrs. O'Brien, legislator. >> All right. As long as my voice holds out, um really there isn't that much to report as far as um what's going on with the in in our legislative world because the um report that I did last month kind of covered everything as far as the you know the uh the funding, the S2, the lung disease prevention instruction. I mentioned that last month. um the uh social media impact study and the suicide prevention train that I brought up in in great detail back uh a month ago is is just basically what's going on in our legislative world right now. So there's really not too much you know more report at this point. >> Thank you. You're welcome. Technology oversight
041district right now. >> No report. >> Okay. Um, Township Board of Education joint committee meeting. You guys want me to have the report? >> Sure. Okay. Uh, we did have a meeting. I don't recall the date. Um, April 3rd. >> April 3rd around. Um, and uh, we will be having another meeting soon um, with the mayor and the um, the uh, council men and women and the township. We are in discussion about Hillrest right now. Um it's an eyesore and we're just talking about ideas. Um Municipal Alliance Claire's going to do this too. I have to thank her. She covered my >> I know. Thank you, Claire. Back to Claire. >> I have to thank her because she covered my spot while I was away and I thank her very much. Um so this is
042from uh the West Milford Third Municipal Alliance met on Monday, April 10th. Um Dustin Barack from the Hope Institute which is based on Khill Cross presented about his program and services in West Milford. He decided to join the alliance as a voting member which is wonderful. discussion about the WMA fact sheet, future programs and funding, including youth leadership grants. Future events include Scott's fun run, which is on Saturday, May 13th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the West Milford Parks and Recck Building. Next meeting is on Monday, May 8th at 7:00 p.m. at the West Milford Public Library and is also on Zoom. Thank you. I didn't think of this earlier um in my president's report, so I'll add it on right here. Um Miss Papis is here. I believe she's a teacher at UGL and
043she started Scots Fund Run for our community as a prevention um activity and like I said before raises quite a bit of money to help our community members. So, I just want to thank her very much [Applause] comment. >> Yes, go ahead. So, um, without sounding old, which I probably will be sounding old in a second, um, I've known Miss Papis since she was a little, uh, rugrat over at PK school and has turned out to be a phenomenal, uh, person, a phenomenal teacher and a phenomenal asset to our community. And um as an employee of Highlands Family Success Center and the Center for Family Resources, uh we work in in in uh tandem with Scott's fun run as far as bringing supplies and and coordinating uh the the activity itself. Um my only beef
044at this particular junction is not Sunday. Uh so I can't scream Sunday, Sunday, Sunday. So, it's on Sunday, Sunday, Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, May 13th over at the West Milford Parks and Res. And I really hope to see you there. It's a worthwhile fun event and it's um it is tied into um um a stigmafree it's a stigmafree run and it's and it and it supports our community members and it's it's it takes a village to help everybody and let's you know I'd like to keep it that way to the best of our ability. >> Thank you. and the special education parent advisory committee. You know, they uh met on April 4th. Um it was actually a well attended meeting both uh from parents and from administration. Um Dr. Anamone was there, Mrs. Miller was there,
045and Dr. Resza came um who will be the new um director of special services um to sit down on the full meeting and listen to the parents. There was a lot of discussion. It went very long. Um uh I know they gave updates on summer programs. Everybody listened and um there's no meeting in I think so far for another meeting. There's nothing on the agenda. So, >> thank you, Mrs. Lockwood. No one's phoning any other um I don't I can't find >> Oh, that's fine. >> You didn't have to. >> You could have let us think it was great. >> Um, old business. Does anyone have any old business? >> Will's not here for old business. Does anyone else want to fill in? I was kidding. >> Move to close all business. >> All in
046favor? I. Any oppose? >> Does anyone have any new business? >> Move to close new business. Second. >> All in favor? >> Any oppose? >> All right. This is a portion of our second public comment. All speakers have five minutes to speak until a period of 30 minutes transpires. Before speaking, please state your name, group affiliation, and address for the record. Members of the public who'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 and give their full name, group affiliation, and their address. All statements shall be directed to the presiding officer. No participant may address or question board members individually. All speakers are expected to have read the statement within the agenda regarding the regulations concerning public comments.
047Members of the public are reminded that they are legally responsible and liable for their comments. Our first person signed up is on everyone's agenda, Sher um good evening. I'm Sherado 15 East Birch Road in Oakidge, New Jersey. Um I'm here tonight on behalf of the West Milford uh National Day Prayer Task Force. We have a group of churches, local churches that have gotten together to um organize um the National Day of Prayer, which is on Thursday, May 4th as well. It's going on with another function the same night, but it's it's good. But I'm here uh to invite all of you, and if I may, can I just pass a plate? Thank you. >> And and just to explain a little bit about what we're going to be doing that that day, we have three
048events. The first event is going to take place at the Veterans Memorial Park uh in front of town hall. That's at 12:00 noon. We'll do a half worship and prayer for the for the uh country uh and for our community. Then at 4:00, we're going to be meeting at the board of ed to pray for our schools and our teachers, um our students, all of you. And um we take this very seriously. You're very important to all of us. And um we would love for any of you to attend. We would love to be able to pray with you. Um we're also going to have our main event um at the Makin Middle School this year where it's opened up um to the public as well. Uh we're going to have worship in the beginning.
049We're going to open up with one of our students from the high school for the national anthem. Um we're going to have worship. Then we're going to have prayer um available. We're going to be praying uh for all of the seven what we call the seven mountains of influence and uh education. It's things like education, government, military, church, family, arts, and entertainment. Those are basically the ones, but there's a few more. And um the pastors uh from these churches that have gotten together will be praying for those seven influences and education courses of big one and um Miss Romeo has agreed to come and represent all of you. Uh so she will be attending. We hope that you won't be able to attend and of course the public is invited as well. So um we're
050looking forward to it. It's a it's a opportunity to uh join our nation because the the entire nation is involved in this one day. Unity and prayer is very important. It's very powerful and um we're hoping that there is going to be um opportunities to pray for the problems that our nation is facing and our community faces. So, it's just our way of being to give back and join in unity with each other uh to pray for each other. So, we invite you all there. We hope you can make it. Thank you. >> Thank you. So, the trustees know I can go to the 7:00 p.m. that night. I cannot go to the other events. >> Thank you, Terry. >> I will probably >> Great. Thank you. Um, and so the public knows if I
051get invited to something, I do try to come to all as many things as I can um and be involved with anything that affects our community. And I know my trustees are the same. So, thank you for the invites. Our next speaker is uh Liam Mora. Hello, I'm Leam Mora. I am a student at 18 Lincoln Avenue in West Milford, New Jersey. Good evening. My name is Leam Mora. I am a junior at West Milford High School and I'm currently enrolled in the Italian program. I have taken Italian since I was in seventh grade and I am now a junior in high school planning on taking a level five AP Italian next school year. This Italian program has taught me so much about culture, history, and the language itself. As someone who already speaks Spanish,
052I wanted to immerse myself into a new language. This Italian program gives me the opportunity to achieve new goals. I want to succeed in school and I want colleges to see what I've done throughout my academic years. I plan on attending a 4-year competitive college that would like to see consecutive years of a language. Colleges are attracted to students who take those four years. Getting rid of this program will put me at a disadvantage because colleges will not know as to why I stopped taking Italian my senior year. Taking a language in high school is so crucial because it prepares you for the global marketplace. I would like to study in the area of business and knowing languages enhances one's opportunity into the business world. This will affect my chances into getting of getting into
053a college that I want. But we cannot forget about the rest of the students that have also dedicated their time into the Italian program. Those students that have taken a year or more of Italian will have to switch languages, which is not an easy thing to do. I believe that you should be doing what's best for students and putting them first. It is disappointing to see that all the hard work that I have put in for the last 5 years is being dismissed. Venza Zerosimo has been one of my greatest inspirations and she has helped me reach so many of my goals. Mr. Tossimo has been with the school for 23 years and has grown in the Italian program more and more. She is truly an amazing teacher and most importantly she cares about her
054students and puts them first. It was earlier last week in my when my classmates and I were inducted into the Italian Honor Society. Now we will not be able to do anything with that program. I'm worried about how this will affect the my last year of high school and the rest of the lower Italian classes. I hope that a program as important not only to me but to our school is not removed and that consideration is given to restore. Thank you for listening. [Applause] Uh, Tiffany Santa. >> Hi, I'm Tiffany Santaia. I'm a junior at West Milford High School and my address is five circle Boulevard. and I came here today to speak about the same thing that Leah did, which was the possibility of the Italian program being eliminated from our education here. Um,
055I just like Leah, I've been taking Italian since I was in seventh grade, and my sister before me went through the Italian program throughout high school. Um, the Italian program lets us learn new things about our culture for those of us who have Italian ancestry and just the culture in general, not even if it's ours. Um, I've learned so much and it's really opened my eyes and all my classmates eyes to the beauty of a different country. Um, and without it, I am upset that younger students would not be able to have that same experience, especially freshman who are just starting and really getting into it. And then they likely I said they would have to switch into a new language because you have to complete two years consecutively or more for colleges and other
056things which would be very difficult for them. Um but even though Italian by itself is just a really good class, the teaching is really what puts it um above and beyond. Senora Sakasimo has been a teacher here for 23 years and she is an excellent teacher and she has all those years and a bunch of former students that like to come back and say hi to her to show with. Um her teaching style accounts for all the different students which is much different from a lot of other teachers that we have. she um helps everybody individually and has a teaching style that is that the whole class can be receptive to. As someone who kind of struggles in this department cuz I don't speak any other language but English, she has really helped me and
057she has become a very good role model to myself and my classmates. Um she inspires us to do the best that we can and even travel and study abroad one day. And I would just like for um students after me to be able to have that same experience and to keep the Italian program for them and for everyone [Applause] question. Would you be in the same level as what Leah said that she's going in next year? >> Um yes. I'm trying to change my schedule so I can actually get into that class again because I had to um change some things in my schedule to >> and that's a level five. >> Five. Yeah, it's an 18 class next year. >> Thank you. [Applause] Um my older daughter Teresa had sent she's away in school
058right now. So she had sent email. Um, so this is Teresa Santoia. Um, she's a former student who live at five Boulevard. Um, so she wrote, "As a former student of Senora Serasmo, graduated 2019, and a future educator, I would like to speak on the impact that she has had on my life since graduating four years ago, I cannot say that I have much relationship with any of my past high school teachers. However, Senora is one of a few that I can say I feel cared about by and close to. I can also say my time in Sierra's class is still the time that I value and remember fondly. She's a teacher that we all hope for and I personally hope to emulate. Her dedication to the school district as well as her students has
059left an indelible mark on me and I can only hope to achieve all that she has in my future career. Moreover, she has helped me learn more about the culture and the language that I have a very special connection with. as an educator, she is amazing and even more remarkable is her character and passion for making education meaningful. Um, to further the remarks of both my daughters, um, having a teacher like Sierra to educate both my children was and continues to be a privilege. When I was young, the only time that my family ever spoke Italian was when they didn't want us to know what they were saying. >> Um, we learned those words only. Um so um Senora has made Italy and the Italian culture come alive for my children. Unfortunately my family came
060from Italy are no longer alive and there's no one who has that knowledge like she does. Um she's that link to them. To lose that resource is not only detrimental to my children but this entire district. She brings a beautiful language and the entire country of Italy to our township. Um, I hope that you guys would consider all of those who speak tonight and how much dinner means to all of us and to allow their consider to educate our students. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause] Um, Rick Brazi. >> Rick Rosi, 28 Starite Road. Sophie Krisi, we want to introduce >> Sophie 28 Starlight Road. >> I think we have five minutes together. So, here we go. >> Actually, you have five minutes each. You're each You're each signed up. Mr. Kazudi, you were signed up
061first and then Sophia signed up next. That's just how the emails came in. Can we switch it? She wants to go first. >> You can let her go first. >> Yeah, no problem. >> Hello, I'm Sophie Guti. I'm a freshman enrolled in Italian, too. I'm here to voice my concern regarding the school budget cuts, particularly the foreign language program. The study of foreign languages is a nec necessary aspect to students learning. These programs open up students to more than what they as an American student have experienced. Foreign studies broaden students perspective and teach them different ways of life. Again, apart from the American lifestyle, cutting these programs restricts what I and my fellow students observe about the world around us. Throughout my years of education, I have been taught very little about other cultures. And
062I now finally, my freshman year, was given the opportunity to understand another culture. It is so important to learn from these other experiences. Language is communication, and in limiting languages, it limits who you can connect with. I'm worried as a student that these cuts won't stop here. I've heard many of my previous West Mover peers apply and attend alternatives high alternative high schools due to the higher rate of opportunities they offer. Students find their way through these programs and they find a community and those who they can connect with. I and many other students I know were excited for the opportunity of reaching Italian or even AP levels. These students want the experience of these highle classes as well as the college opportunities that come with them. I've spoken to my guidance counselor and she
063has notified me that I won't have the option to take any other foreign language next year due to the unavailability of spots and the fact that French one will not be offered next year. It is unacceptable to allow students to enroll in a program with the promise of it benefiting them and take it right out from under them. I've been made aware to a friend I've been made aware that a friend of mine has now realized that many of the colleges she was planning to apply to are no longer an option now due to the lack of language experience she will be faced with if this cut is made. My Italian class has shown me a different way of life and has sparked an interest in me regarding exploring different cultures. Learning the language itself
064has taught me patience and persistence. Not giving future students this option to have this experience is unacceptable. Cutting academics isn't the isn't an option. We must find alternatives and creative ways to keep this program alive. [Applause] She helped more than I did help her with hers. So, thank you for this time to address the school board and Dr. Moon. Both of our children have an awesome experience in the district. They've had some tr truly great teachers. They've taken greatly to the wonderful I didn't know Miss Burns was going to be here and Miss Bone theater and art program in the district. Uh and please do not make the either proposed or discuss budget cuts. Please find a way not to make this a bare bone school district school experience eliminating such beloved programs and teachers
065as you've heard Mr. Tasimo who truly inspires and instills a love of language and culture in her students as an example of what schools do at its best. Our older daughter graduated this past year. She was a student of Mr. Tasimo's all four years. AP Italian inducted into National Honors Society. The work she does with them is fantastic. Sophie Gette, I'm not going to say what I was going to say about her. She said it uh you know she spoke about the word. So really also all the other cuts are really unacceptable as well, you know. Um we all want a proud staff who are awesome and schools. How are we going to attract families to the community? You know, how will students want to stay? You know how many kids are going to PCTI,
066right? um all those cuts if it's true media specialist the ELA at the middle the one math the security social work at the middle school ELA high school math fizzed security guidance the language you know children what a time for mental health these kids lives are hanging in the balance social workers it's the wrong move it's ethically and morally wrong as board members I know you got a tough job and you got to figure out budgets like we all do you know but it really is you're building a community for all of us, all of them. So, please make it, you know, make it your drive to support not, you know, how these students grow. Um, you know, I'm not on the board. I really have any ideas, you know, like make these positions finalized.
067The, uh, admin, uh, adjuncts, that's money. Save it. You know, there's so many things I think you guys could do and we'll be able to figure out. I don't have any answers. I'm sure you could figure it out. Please find a way. Staff is fantastic. Let's continue to be proud of the academics and services everyone provides. Thank you, [Applause] >> Maria. Maria just get backlo. >> I don't see Maria. Um Chloe, [Applause] >> my name is Chloe Briag. I am a student and my address is 47. Hello, my name is Chloe Bribag. I am in the 11th grade and I'm currently enrolled in Italian for honors and planning on taking Italian 5 AP next year. This evening, I will be addressing the consideration of discontinuing the Italian program and the reasons why doing so would
068not be beneficial there. 5 years ago, I went to Italy with my family and I had an amazing time. The only thing I regret is not knowing the Italian culture and language. At the time, I was jealous of my brother um because he could communicate with others and involve himself um more with the Italian lifestyle. This is all because he took six years in Italian. And since then, I'm aspired to do the same. The chance of my opportunity being cut short is one that I do not want to take. Even more so, the decision to cut the Italian program would be detrimental to 60 other kids in the high school. They would have to relearn a language for the graduation requirement and doing so could make the language seem more like a chore since that
069was not their first pick. People choose Italian because they want to learn about it or else they would have picked a different language. To cut Italian out of the high school curriculum but limit our academic understanding. I think it is agreeable that learning about new cultures is something we should do more of, not repeat. Colleges look for students who take four years um and four years of a language and cutting off our time can affect us especially since I and other students are considering uh competitive colleges. I not only want to take the take Italian because of my future but because for my love for it as well. I want to take the bi literacy test next year and pass it and I want the other Italian kids to have that opportunity as well. I've
070always enjoyed the environment of the classroom and it is honestly the class I look most I mostly look forward to. I know that the other students who came here today can agree. These opportunities are ones that I could not have without taking Italian including being taught by a great teacher as well. Um I want myself, my classmates, and other students to strive for greatness in this language by reaching our fullest potential. And we can't do that without without your help in keeping this program in our town. In two days, 140 people have signed and supported us in our cause for keeping this program alive. Hopefully, you can support us as well. Thank you for your time. [Applause] >> Kim Cook. >> Hi, Kim Cook 64, New Jersey. Uh the young ladies pretty much expressed everything
071so beautifully. And Rick, I think you stole my notes. Uh my daughter is a freshman in high school and she started with Italian in middle school and she came home in tears the other day that she would have to start over. Having a child with a learning disability can learn the difference, finally excited to take a class that they want to take and now they can't and having to start over. And as I expressed earlier, it becomes a chore when it's not your choice. To do that to the kids is just unthinkable. and the fact that now to get into college to have your consecutive course of of at least language it's going to be a detriment to so many children in addition to the fact that this uh Satismo is just an amazing individual
072an amazing teacher and what she does for the kids and accommodates them so that all children can learn the language that they choose to learn is just phenomenal. In addition to uh my daughter taking accounting, she is also uh currently in entrepreneurship, she took marketing as well and loved the business program which I hear is also one of the things that is going to be cut or you're thinking of cutting which I hope is not going to happen. By cutting just one teacher, you're losing almost an entire program. That teacher you plan on create on cutting, she also creates an environment in the classroom that all children can learn, which is something that a parent of a child with a learning difference. You want to have those opportunities. Business sense is needed in all kinds
073of professions. Tech trade schools require students to have courses in basic business. Our ninth and tth grade students, their elective options are dwindling. I have always stressed to my kids, have options. Make sure whatever you do in life, give yourself choices and options. We are taking those options away from our kids by removing all of these electives. You're going to be forcing children out of the district. People are not going to want to move here. Honestly, full disclosure, I have one child already at PCTI in the STEM Academy because the options were not here for him with his learning difference and he's excelled and I want my daughter to be able to excel here in West Milford where she wants to be. Please allow these children to excel and stop cutting all these classes. Thank
074you. [Applause] Next speaker. >> That's all we have signed up. Is there anyone else that would like to see Dr. I have to run to the bathroom. I'm not being rude. You can start without me. I leave my nose. >> So, Marissa Gooff, resident at 34 Central Street. I just wrote my notes like 10 minutes ago, so bear with me. Um, at the last board of ed meeting, it was kind of brought up to my attention that apparently there are all these grants out there that we have the capability of potentially getting. So, of course, I went down this big rabbit hole. I started to ask people in the district, out of the district, that are on the board, that are not in the board, wherever it may be, that are that are teachers. And
075I said, "Please tell me more about this because I am just learning what grant about all these grants and what we have access to as a public school." So, I asked that the board of ed, admin, teachers, parents, residents help us take on the task of writing grants. We need to write letters to other towns, senators, companies, and entrepreneurs. Just to name a few, Derek Jeter who had a house in Greenwood Lake. Lorine Jobs who lived in West Milford. Red Man, I don't know if anybody goes on social media, but the big music producer that frequents our Thai restaurant in town. There are so many different options out there. I have taken a deep dive on this since last month's meeting. Grant writing works if it's done right. The message that I keep coming across
076is to be proactive. I use this in practice daily with my patients. Grant research should not be crisis instigated or responsive to an emergency. It should be an ongoing process. So, how we're not doing this already blows my mind. The why and the what. Why are we asking for money? What will this investment of x amount of money over x amount of years help our district with has to be clear, concise, and comprehensive. What else I've learned is that there are millions of dollars out there in grants. I can take this upon myself and put yet another subcommittee together. But why not get a prone to do it? There are individuals who do this for a living. If I if if done right efficiently, it would only be a success. If you ask parents to
077do it who have no experience whatsoever, there's an obvious learning curve. If I was asked to do it, I would give it 110% and I would try my best to do it right. But you're coming from zero experience. You prepare to fail if you fail to prepare. That was something that I was taught myself in high school. So why set it up for failure? You can pay me $150 to go to a grant writing workshop from what I've read. William Patterson offers one. Or we can hire someone and get someone out there and get us out of this hole quick before we close another school or cut more programs. So with that said, I have another question. I don't know if you can answer directly or even answer off comment is I just wanted to
078know if there was an update on the current enrollment for kindergarten for next year. We have a number if anybody can shout it out number. I don't have the numbers right now. I just wanted to know because um according to Dr. Haber's projection who might I add we hired by the way um it looks like it was 169 was the projection for 2324. So I just wanted to see if that was somewhat accurate. So if someone could get me that number. >> Can you say that again? >> The number that he projected for next year 23 to 24 the kindergarten enrollment was 169 which is um from last year was 188 projection. So I just wanted to see how accurate these projections were since we closed the school based off of his data. So I
079was that the end of your speech. Yeah. So the problem with kindergarten enrollment is that you know we don't have a deadline. you know, hey, you have to enroll by April 15th, right? So, they're still coming in. They can't enroll all the way up until the first day of school. Um, and that's you have to have it open. They could always come in. So, I don't know the act the absolute current numbers right now, but I know that there are probably some kindergarten students that are not enrolled yet, you know. Um, next speaker, Courtney Stevenson, 307 Bridge Road. West Milford School District needs help. We've all seen the decreasing state funding and elementary school closing and significant cuts. All of this impacts our children first and foremost, but it also impacts households without school age
080children. When a school district struggles, its community's property values plummet. Adversely, when a school district thrives, its community also benefits. It is time for the West Milford community to come together and save its school district. We all witness the community work together to give and collect donations for our first responders during the fire. It is time for us to band together with the same urgency because quite frankly, our schools are on fire. Marissa Goff and I would like to lead a town hall style session of meetings, multiple meetings because it will not just take one. Similar to the strategic planning meetings that our district led to create district goals only about a year ago. We'd like our all of our stakeholders involved and we'd like all stakeholders involved um and to be encouraged to attend.
081This would include administration, board of ed members, teachers and staff, parents, students, and all community members. We focus our sessions on grant writing. As Dr. Goff just mentions, they are out there. In my research, I who also knows nothing about grant writing, I found state funded grants and even some from NJI. Another session would be on solicitating donations. Big donations from celebrities who grew up here. Love the red man idea. Businesses whose CEOs have connections to our town. Businesses who wish to grow in our t in our town. Those that are growing and need tax refunds and relief and many others. Finally, a session would focus on writing to our governor, senators, assembly men and women, and others in Congress who have created the algorithm for the S2 funding. Those who are allowing PCI, PCTI
082to double dip and just to get our West Milford voices heard. Marissa and I can and will lead the lead this venture, but we need you to provide a meeting place and dates. We need you to get the word out there for us. We understand your jobs entirely too well and you are in need of help. Let us help you and let us all work together right now. [Applause] >> Uh we're at 30 minutes trustees. So um I guess before we extend, let me ask the public first. Do we have someone else that would like to speak? >> Okay. Yes. Um, go ahead. >> So, I'd like to make a motion to extend the public comment session beyond 30 minutes. >> Second. >> All in favor? I. Any opposed? Next, please. >> Hi, my name
083is Julia Chesky, 22 Glen Cross Road. I am here to speak about my concerns of the safety of my children at our new school, Marshall Hill. I'll give you a little background on my concerns. Many of you were here the last time I spoke. 5 years ago, I was brand new to this district. I came here to our current school, Westbrook, to register my oldest daughter for kindergarten. I was buzzed into the school expecting to see the office when I walked in, but I was in a hall with access to three classrooms. I continued to walk down the hallway, looking into each room until I found the office. I walked past three full classrooms of children before I made it to the office and no one stopped me to ask me why I was there.
084I was a stranger to the building. What if I was not who I said I was on the intercom? This had been just a few days after the devastating Parkland, Florida school shooting. I was so worried about my daughter's safety that I came to a board of ed meeting and voiced my concerns. I was thrilled to see the changes you made to Westbrook. The office has been moved to the front of the building. Another set of doors have been added to create a locked and secure vestibule with a security window leading right to the office. Great improvements. However, today I find myself here again now that we are being moved out of West Bro, this time with two children in the district. I'm upset and disappointed that the improvements to increased security were not made
085at every school. Since the official announcement of our new school, I have been attending the Marshall Hill PTA meetings. When walking into the building, I can't help but notice the lack of security at the main entrance. I would like to see the same upgrades made to Marshall Hill that were made here at Westbrook. Unfortunately, school shootings have not stopped. In fact, they are more frequent now than ever before. Everyone always thinks a mass shooting will never happen to their town, their school, or their family. What if we are next? How will you keep my children safe? I know because of budgets and other factors, renovations to improve safety are not always funded. But I ask you to make this a priority when finalizing the budget because when it comes to school violence, we do not
086get second chances. Thank you. [Applause] We have another speaker. >> See like to make a motion to close the comments. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? No. We do not need a second executive session and so we can adjourn. Clourhead I move to adjourn at 8:17 p.m. >> All in favor? Any opposed?