001I'd like to call the meeting to order. If you could take a moment of silence, please. Please rise for the flag salute. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. In accordance with the provisions of the open public 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, 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 resolutions were provided to all local media, town hall, township, library, and all district schools. Roll call. >> Mrs.
002Romeo, >> she's Mrs. Stevenson. >> Mr. Con >> here. >> Mrs. Dwire here. >> Mr. Bino >> here. >> Mr. O'Brien >> here. >> Mr. Fer here. >> Mr. Stillman >> here. >> Mrs. Van >> here. Uh before we go into executive session, we're going to let um our student representative read her report. You're not going to be here. >> No, I'll do mine after executive session. We can let Miss Weiss go. This will be her last meeting with us. >> Our next board event meeting will be after high school graduation at which point she'll no longer be a student. She'll be an alumnist. >> You could come back if you want. >> We do have a plot for you. Unfortunately, there are some supply chain issues. We do not have it tonight, but I
003will walk over to the high school when it does come in. Um, so Miss Weiss will be graduating in a few weeks at attending Ruckers New Brunswick and I believe she'll be majoring in biomedical engineering. >> So, thank you for your service. [Applause] >> Yes. So, at the high school right now, our boys lacrosse team just made history in their recent game in the county finals against Wayne Hills. For the first time ever, the 2022 boys lacrosse team was named county champs. And we wish them good luck in the first China states tomorrow at 4:30. We'd also like to congratulate AJ Galanic for being named the class of 2022's valadictorian and Val Gerella for being the name uh the class of 2022's saludiatoran. They both worked super hard throughout their high school journey and their
004title is welld deserved. As the end of the year is approaching, we have many events planned at the high school. We have our Highlander Fawn preschoolers graduating next Wednesday, May 25th, in the high school auditorium. Also on the 25th, is the annual community scholarship and awards program at 600 p.m. in the auditorium. Highlander Day is scheduled for next Thursday, May 26th, on the field behind the high school starting at 12:00. It's been a while since we've had a Highlander Day, but along with the high schoolers, we're inviting the eighth graders to come over and check out what our high school has to offer. And the annual Senior Choice Awards is scheduled for June 1st in the auditorium starting at 7:00. Senior prom is scheduled for June 2nd at the Tides 5 to 9 and yearbooks
005are being distributed on June 9th. So we have lots of fun stuff coming up for the end of the year and that's all. So thank you. Well, we love having you and we wish you all the best and hopefully we'll hear about you come back on alumni day and and we'll get to see you. But but we'll also see your graduation. Thank you for coming. >> Thank you. >> Yes, she can take her name. at 8:06 p.m. I make a motion to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing um HIV's negotiations, HIV appeals, and matters of attorney client privilege. The executive session minutes will not be released until such time as a privilege or confidentiality is no longer applicable and we will be gone for 60 minutes, but obviously we'll come back. >>
006Second. >> All those in favor? I So, we'll we're going to go into executive session and we'll be back in an hour. Thank you. [Music] >> I need a motion. >> I'd like to make a motion to extend executive session for an additional 30 minutes until 9:41. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Any opposed? >> We'll be back in a half hour. [Music] cut your hair. I feel that [Music] was close and [Music] >> I'd like to call the meeting back to order. Uh, roll call [Music] here. Mrs. here. >> Mrs. >> Here, >> Mrs. O'Brien >> here. >> Mr. >> Here, >> Mrs. Lwood >> here. >> Mr. Con >> here, >> Mrs. Here. Okay, we're going to Dr. Annone's report. >> Good evening, advis members of the board, members of the
007public. We have a brief update tonight uh from on my ends. At the last board meeting or two two board meetings ago, we announced that we'd be starting starting a restructuring committee uh for to re to look at our district to see if we are presently in need of eight schools essentially. So we did ask for parent volunteers, staff volunteers, administrative volunteers, community members, obviously a board of education members are all on the committee, but we had about 75 to 80 people who are interested in serving on this committee. So we broke it down into five subcommittees. We posted this on our website as well. The subcommittees will be instruction and personnel that will be chaired by Mr. Novak, special services. That subcommittee will be chaired by Dr. McQuade operations and transportation which will be
008chaired by Mrs. Francisco. Our fiscal subcommittee will be chaired by our assistant PA Mr. Schultz and there's a building usage subcommittee which I will chair myself. So the board members and community members have all been balanced out between the different subcommittees. We've tried to get a good mix of everybody on all the subcommittees, all the different stakeholder groups. And we did open up a spot in our website at our homepage for the structured committee. This will be a repository of all documents that we have throughout this process uh meeting agendas and minutes any kind of studies whatever we have to share with the public. So if we can't make a board meeting if we can't make a subcommittee meeting we'll just post on that on our website. So it's one-stop shopping for everybody. I I
009did want to ask it's going to be different times of day like it's not going to be all daytime, there's going to be night time because >> there'll be both. I think everybody's schedule is just going to be very difficult to to find one time for 20 people to meet. So, we'll be moving them around. There'll be some perhaps at 4:00, some at perhaps 7:00, some on a Tuesday, some maybe on a Wednesday or Thursday. Uh we will mix it up throughout the course of this process. So, um, similar to what we did with strategic planning, uh, they'll just move it around. So, if you have a conflict one day a week, that doesn't preclude you from attending all the other meetings. >> Thank you. Anything else or that's it? >> That's it. Um, Mr.
010Novak, director of education, >> I just want to provide a brief uh update on testing. We are um finishing this week uh with our um you know main testing all the buildings. Uh I just want to comment on uh how smooth everything has run this year. Um you know I I see some of our building principles in the room. I just want to thank you know everyone who is part of this process. Our building test coordinators in each building uh the middle school and high school our guidance staff our administrators teachers who had to implement. I mean it was a it was a tremendous uh team effort across the board. I just want to say thank you to Dr. Matlo publicly who you know worked with our building test coordinators in each building to work
011on a um staggered approach to our uh to our assessment that gave um you know the feedback we're hearing is that the students felt and seemed a little bit less stressed, a little bit under the gun. They had um fewer test sessions during the day. There was more flexibility. We had uh we had a number of um situations throughout the uh administration reassessment where we were maybe short on staff that we didn't expect on a particular day. We had a delayed testing. You know, the the schedule allowed for flexibility which which allowed us to get through it. So, I just want to say thank you for everyone's involved. Um it was uh you know great great implementation and for the most part we're done. Makeups will be done uh over the next uh next couple
012weeks. >> Thank you. Um, also everybody received an email from uh, Mr. Novak about the end of the year programs at the different schools and if you get back to him and see which ones you can make and which ones you can't, I know they are in their I printed a copy too that I'll I'll give to all of you before you before you >> and if you get back to him then he can coordinate everything with the building principal so that they know who's going to be there for the um, Thank you again, Dan. Uh special reports and correspondence, Mrs. Transisto. Uh yes, we have the April 26 meeting minutes from the U regular public budget hearing and the executive session from that evening. Okay, we need a motion motion to approve the following
013board of education meeting minutes. April 26, 2022 regular public budget hearing meeting. April 26, 2022 executive session. Second. >> All those in favor? >> Any opposed? >> Okay. No. I favor report last week. Um I I don't think I've done anywhere this past week. Uh public comment. This portion of the meeting is open to members, excuse me, of the public for the purpose of addressing resolutions on this agenda only. Members of the public who have requested to speak prior to the meeting will be recognized by the chair first. Each speaker will be given five minutes for a period of 30 minutes. Then time permitting other public comment limited to 5 minutes per speaker will be allowed until the 30 minute time period transpires. All members of the public speaking during the public comment period are
014asked to address topics listed in the agenda. All speakers are asked to sign the register provided and give their full name, excuse me, their uh spell their last name, group affiliation if appropriate, and provide their address. Issues raised by members of the public may or may not be responded to by the board. All comments will be considered, and a response will be forthcoming if and when appropriate. The board asks that members of the public be courteous and respectful of the rights of other individuals. Specifically, comments regarding students and employees of the board are discouraged and the board and the administration will not respond to them. Students and employees have specific legal rights afforded to them by the laws of New Jersey. The board is not responsible and is not liable for any comments made by
015members of the public. Members of the public should consider their comments in the light of the legal rights of those afforded or identified in their comments. Members of the public are reminded that they are legally responsible and liable for their comments. Anyone wishing to speak under public comment? >> Seeing none, I'd like to close public. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Okay. We need a motion uh to adopt the agenda as before. Motion to adopt the agenda as presented. So >> any discussion um all those in favor? >> Education. Mrs. Dwire >> like to move items one through six for approval. >> Second. >> Any discussion? [Applause] If not, Mrs. Francis, Mrs. Dwer, >> yes. >> Mr. Green, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mr. Stillman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood, >> yes. >> Mrs.
016Romeo, >> yes. >> Mr. Conklin, >> yes. >> Mrs. O'Brien, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke, >> yes. I'd like to move number seven. Um the recommendation of the superintendent to approve the following HIGS 2022 E6 we need more information 2022H9 as unsubstantiated and 2022 H10 as unsubstantiated second discussion roll call >> Mrs. Dwer yes Mr. Mr. Reno, >> yes. >> Mrs. Laughlin, >> yes. >> Mrs. O'Brien, >> yes. >> Mr. Stillman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> yes. >> Mr. Cofflin, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke, >> yes. Personnel student affairs. Mr. Gino. >> I'd like to move items 1 through six under personnel student affairs. >> Second. Any discussion? If not roll, >> Mr. Green. Uh, >> yes. 1 through five. I'm standing for six. >> What did you say about number six?
017>> I'm seeing. >> M O'Brien. >> Yes. >> M. Mrs. Lley. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo. Yes, >> Mr. Conlin. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes, >> Mr. Stillman. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Van Dyke. >> Yes, >> operations and finance. Mr. Stillman [Music] >> No5. >> No, we can't 75. Yeah, it has to go to 75. >> 75. >> Did you second that >> discussion? Hey um 24 and 25 I see that we are um renewing our agreement for real time and um let's just say we looked into other operating systems to see the price information system. Yeah. You're questioning why we're have why we have >> no >> I'm questioning fan is what I'm asking look to change it this year look for other bills >> and I say that only because we
018discussed it in education of different operating systems we've talked about them >> student information >> well there are a lot of competitors for real time is going to the student information system is real time, there's Skyward, there's a lot of other components. >> I think that I think you're referring to we we had a conversation about link um when we were trying to create the parent portal for link that link didn't work naturally with real time at this point. Was that >> that was last education? >> Yeah, there was multiple things to stuff. So you talked about different operating systems and and other things. Yes. I'm not sure. Do you >> Okay. Yeah. When you say operating systems, it just kind of >> I think it's SIS student information >> 24. Yeah. So, I mean,
019for instance, like Genesis or something that fits with our link system, our IEPs with front line and whatever. I was just curious if there were prices or ideas like other ones. So, >> well, we do with link uh we they take customer feedback. So, we've recommended they are working on a real time patch. Patch is the right word. I think I think better, but um >> well, real time had some problems this this particular school year. We we we lost real time for a certain amount of time where it didn't go down for was that real time? >> No, it wasn't glitched. I think that they actually had some kind of an event that um where it was compromised or something. >> One of their hubs came down. >> Yeah. So I think that that's
020when we had the discussion, right? >> So two things. One and I think we don't know what Genesis costs, right? >> Okay. Um and then I'll just bring up the second piece and then we talked about getting bids for food services. I went with Ponttonian again. Did we not get any other bids? No, we did not. >> That's right. I just want to double check. >> And then you did I know that you we had some conversations >> four requests. >> They sent out the request for proposal >> and nothing came back. >> Nothing came back. Only one. >> Do we do we know I mean like Vern uses someone different than Falconian. So I know others. >> Well, they have to want to come here. >> We have to want to request. >> They
021clearly come up here. I mean, there's a public notice in the newspaper, >> so we don't send things out to people randomly. We had four companies request the proposal and only got one response. >> Okay. So, we did get more. >> Yeah. Any other discussion? >> Okay. Roll. Mr. Stillman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwire, >> yes. >> Mr. Gino, >> um, no one 24 and 25. Yes, I'm >> Miss O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Mr. Conklin? Yes, >> this is Romeo. >> I'm also No, I'm 24 and 25. I just wish we had more info. And yes, I'm rest. >> This is Van Dyke. Yes. >> 7796. [Music] I thought it was terrible. I think people would like to get married. >> He wanted to be anxious. >> Anticipation. >> Any
022discussion? >> Welcome. >> Mr. Stillman. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes. >> Mr. Greeno. >> I see. >> Mrs. O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Mr. Conlin. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo. Excuse [Music] >> discussion on >> so I'm just reading 79. Are we paying Bloomingdale to transport a Bloomingdale student to Butler? >> No. If if Bloomingdale was transporting for us, they would have it on their agenda. This is a student that attends school through Bloomingdale Board of Education, attends a part-time program here, and then our transportation department is bringing them to their high school for the second part of their school day. So, we're entering into a transportation contract with them and they will pay us $6,000 from now until the end of the school year. So, it's a revenue
023source. Any other discussion? Roina, do you have any other questions? Did you puzzle? It doesn't read that way. And if it doesn't well it's not our student we're entering into the contract says that we're >> a totalale board of education one Bloomingdale student toler >> yeah because they're attending a program here and then we're taking them to butler high school >> doesn't say anything about our >> appointment I think that was previously approved at a prior board meeting of a student attending students come out of district attending one of our in district programs that a tuition student. >> No, there's several resolutions that district >> Wait, wait a minute. Go ahead. >> That district is paying us tuition to send that student, but it's not a full day program. It's a half day program. >>
024So instead of transporting back to the house, the student is being transported midday to his home high school. >> It just doesn't say who's paying who. If if if they were paying they're paying us otherwise it would be on their agenda that they would be entering into a contract with us. We were entering into a contract with them. I think the pimp I I I agree. I I have spoken to Barbara. I this is how they're saying it has to be worded but it is a student that is that go attend school here. We're getting a tuition on that student and then that student is being transported from West Milford half day to Butler for the second half of their day and Blooming Deal is paying us to transport that student. Correct. And due to
025the confidential nature of the student, that's why nothing else is noted in there. But I do just want to um reference for the board the minutes from the April meeting and education committee where we talked about the shared services with Bloomingdale. So if you go back to those minutes, we talked about the special education students and us going into some shared agreements with them. So this is as a result of the prior tuition that you guys already as a receivable coming in. So, how do I know this is receivable and not a >> Well, I guess Mr. Brad, can we note something in there to make it? [Music] >> Can we note that in there some would that make sense? But if we're transport, it says for us to transport somebody else. So, for us
026to transport someone else, then they have to pay us to do it. But nowhere in here does it say your transport. >> If you want this, do you want to note the student ID? I I I mean I could not. >> Right. That's the thing. But there wouldn't be a transportation agreement otherwise. Can we wasn't >> Can we just add uh Wes Milford into this um resolution to clear it up for people? >> Yes. >> Can is there a way that we can note that the student would be transported from West Milford back to Butler per agreement with Bloomingdale Board of Education for a fee for the fee? Is that how it would it sound better? I I know that it has to be a certain way. I can't write it, but you know, I
027I I understand what you're saying and I did call Barbara and I because I knew it was a revenue. I knew it was >> Andy, why don't we just add uh after agreement pupil transportation agreement between West Milford Board of Ed and Bloomingdale Board of Ed. >> Well, why don't you just put one Bloomingdale parenthesis tuition student? If you put tuition, >> it's Yeah. Okay. >> It's not wanting to know the student. Like if you read it, it sounds like we're driving to Butler to Bloomingdale, picking up the student, taking them to Butler. That's how it reads. >> And it wouldn't be out of it wouldn't be out of our way to do something like that because we haven't done that in. >> Yeah. No, I I do know that >> we've entered into transportation
028agreements with other districts transport students. But this one in particular is coming like we're it's it's coming from us when we're like we're not going down coming back and going down again. So I get is that okay it's okay appropriate for everybody. >> Yes. >> So how's it going? Andy, how's it going? >> We're going to insert the word. >> You're not even on Bloomingdale tuition student. >> Bloomingdale tuition student high school out of New Jersey and that's acceptable. >> Is that accept acceptable for the board? >> Any other discussion? Roll call. Mr. Stillman. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mr. Reno, >> yes. >> Miss O'Brien, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood, >> yes. >> Mrs. Swer, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> yes. >> Mr. Conlin, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke, >> yes. >> Mrs.
029O'Brien, >> top of the evening to you, kids. Uh, under negotiations, I'd like to make a motion to approve items one negotiation. Second >> discussion. I I I just I have a comment. Um I am going to vote yes on this and it's a reluctant yes because we are in such dire straits financially. Um and I was hoping that our administrators would have stepped up and perhaps even taken a freeze this year. We have families who who are having trouble putting food on the table. We're in danger of losing um more staff. Um I I just think it's just a bad bad time and I'm a little disappointed. So that's it. Thank you. >> Any other discussion? >> Roll call. >> Miss O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo. >> That's good. >> Mr. Con? >>
030Yes. >> Mr. Still? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwire? >> Yes. >> Mr. Greeno? >> Abstain. >> Mrs. And I abstain parks and recreation. Um Mr. Conlin meetings. >> Oh, good. Okay. We'll get to the meeting. >> Thank you. Safety. There's no meetings on the agenda. Superintendent round table. Mr. Blackwood. >> Yeah. So, these are the minutes from April 29th by Kellis Cyniano, the president. Uh there was a question about the coordination of calendars. Uh just making sure that um the dates between schools and activities are shared. Dr. Anamone asked all PTA PTO's to meet with their building principles to coordinate calendars before the admin coordination meeting in July if at all possible. Um there was a question about students out of district. um about the current eighth graders, how many
031will be attending a high school out of district. Um and I know Dr. Animone said that PCTI informs the district of the numbers in May. Um and then I guess they know the uh the the ones that are going um to private high schools as the parents let them know. Um, there was a question about Kilgallen and the bathrooms and stat stands that are not usable. The bathrooms will be open May 1st, so they should be open. And Dr. Anamon did a walk through with Chris Kelly and some uh BOE representatives, me and Linda, just to walk through the uh snack stand and the bathrooms. Um there was some follow-ups about Highlander Pride and uh the clarification and the PTA PTO's are going to provide shirts for the incoming kindergarteners uh black and gold. So
032I guess every elementary is going to provide that t-shirt to the incoming kindergarteners. Link it. We had an update from Mr. Novak already. Um and then just the updated numbers on the kindergarten registrations and the next meeting is next Thursday. >> Thank you. Uh the state county school board, Mrs. Ber um we attended a meeting that celebrated um the the positions this year and we look forward to the workshop in October. New Jersey school boards. Nothing um legislative. Mrs. O'B. >> All right. I'll try to keep this as relatively as quick as possible. On Monday, May 9th, the Senate Education Committee met and advanced the following measures. Uh again uh S2481 which is the transparency in sex and health and sex education curriculum would establish several requirements related to the adoption of curricula implement implementing
033the New Jersey student learning standards for comprehensive health and physical education. Um, just want to bring uh bring to the board's attention that they're recommending that the board of education post information on their website regarding board approved um curriculum and information regarding the process for parents to excuse their children from any part of the instruction and health, family life education or sex education that is in conflict with their conscious or moral or religious beliefs pursuing to the existing laws. Uh S1221 is access to female hygiene products requiring school districts to ensure that student that students in grades 6 through 12 have direct a access to feminine hygiene products in all school bathrooms free of charge. The state would be required to pay for the cost of providing these uh products. Um, emergency bonding uh authority
034S1892 would create a streamlined process for school districts and certain municipalities to issue bonds to finance repairs to facilitate and equip to facilities and equipment damaged by natural disasters for which the state has declared a state of emergency. Learning loss reports S2268 requires the commissioner of education to prepare two reports regarding the impact of COVID on schools and students. The first report learning loss report is due May 1st 2023 and would identify and qualify the impact of COVID on student students academic outcomes. The second report would summarize the continuation of student school services during CO would be due September 30th, 2023. Uh S2323 school counselor uh requirements would establish several requirements related to school counseling counselor certification and employment. Two of the points I'd like to bring to your attention would be uh that the
035counselors would spend at least 80% of their staff time during normal school hours providing certain school counseling services and school counselors to pro uh to complete professional development in relevant areas. Um, the New Jersey School Board Association expressed concerns about this bill being over prescri uh uh prescribed and and inappropriately restricting local flexibility to utilize school counselors. This bill is headed to state budget appropriation committee for further consideration. Um, a big topic of discussion is uh A 3816 S 2462, which would require certain public schools uh receiving state aid to begin regular instruction for high school students no longer uh no earlier than 8:30 a.m. And finally, S46 464 revises conditions for use of virtual or remote instruction to meet the minimum 180day school leader requirement. And that passed the Senate. >> Is that so
036we could use it for snow days? >> I believe so. >> That would be wonderful, wouldn't it? But then our calendars could be set. >> Yeah. Well, I'm looking forward to hearing that because that that that would be just great. Thank you, Debbie. >> No problem. >> Um technology. >> Uh so I cannot attend, but I have minutes from uh Robert Winston. The um Chromebook collection and redistribution plan uh for the end of this year and the start of next um were presented there. So again, just like every other year, will be turned in. Um, some of them will be put out of service. Um, some classes will get new ones. I think it's grade six. I'll get new ones now get new ones from that side. Um, and then everything will just carry over.
037So, the Chromebook you had this year will just carry over to you next year in those other brands. The phone system replacement. Uh, they reviewed several cloud phone system options. uh Zoom phone was selected as the best option for West Milford. They consider um independent industry reviews, uh price, functionality, features, integration, uh carrier status, equipment availability, flexibility, and review of references. Uh with regard to the website, now that um yeah, we can move forward with next year's budget, we did uh sign a contract with Blackboard. So you've heard us talk about that for months now. Um so the development in that website can begin uh and they will reconvene and continue to work on the conte area and planning. And then um for those in the public, we did hear you uh with regard to
038the meetings and the connectivity issues and the the broadcast dropping um sometimes more frequently than it should. So they are returning to hardwired network connection. Um we're hoping that the issue is more Wi-Fi performance than it is anything else. So this meeting tonight I think is hardwired. Is that right, Nate? Yeah. So, we're hardwired tonight. So, hopefully this meeting is consistent. If not, I know that we will hear from you again. So, thank you. >> I did want to just add that with the Chromebooks, we're doing that agreement before they can open up. >> So, yeah, when when they put together um you know, Mr. It's a good idea that to kind of set this up in conjunction with, you know, starting the the home website where um there'll be some things that they'll have
039to read and acknowledge, I think, right beforehand before they go through. When uh student schedules and bus passes are released mid August, uh there will be a series of parents parent questions that um our community will be able to review and check off uh the student um parent Chromebook agreement along with our acceptable use policy, our post student code of conduct uh policy, those types of things. Those will be those are required um annual questions reviews. Uh this year they'll be a little bit more straightforward. They'll appear as a parent logs into the parent portal to access the notification. So that's something that um work >> that helps you to get what you need taken care of right away before you know. So it's it's a very standard thing in a lot of animals. >>
040And it does make it easier for parents. Absolutely. Have it all on which is nice. Is it possible to have the free lunch thing on there too that when they do all these filling out everything? Is it possible to have the free lunch thing there that you know the form that we need to fill out? Would that help with >> sure >> getting it back to everybody? >> You don't do the whole company. >> Well, I'm saying if it's there when they have to sign in and sign the agreement, wouldn't it be great if it was there? Because you'd probably get >> probably almost 100% responses. That and the random test of >> everything that's required for kids to do >> that probably would help us whoever h you know whoever clically has to figure
041it all out. >> It helps parents too because the first one seriously overwhelming >> it's things that they have to do the first day of school shopping. We do get that applicant [Music] applications in order to notify that applications are available. >> I'm just asking because I know that in the past that's been one of the issues is that we don't get them back. You know, that they have to fill out all this other stuff and when if everything comes to you at one time as a parent because you're anxious to see who your kid kids have as teachers, you want to see it all. you can do it all before you log into that portal. I think that's a great idea. >> Be amazing to be a district in New Jersey to get back
042100% of >> I mean I don't know that we would out people get it. It means if they filled out the form, why would we not try to do that? >> We've been increasing our >> our pre-launch application percentage for a while now. So this is maybe something we could do to get it even higher. >> It helps our title. >> It does. the more people respond. Some people may be eligible >> and they're doing it in the quiet of their own, you know, >> no one else is seeing it, >> right? >> We just think it's ease of use for parents. >> Yeah. I mean, we fill everything out online. I'm just just a suggestion. Um, thank you, Mr. Green. Uh, township and board of ed joint committee, we had a meeting last Friday
043and I think it went it went very well. We discussed different um different topics. We talked about the fields. We talked about um joint services. We did discuss about um the web master. The town doesn't have a web master either. And they were saying that you know how difficult you know that is. And they also were we also talked about grants and a grant writer which they don't do not have either. And there were some there were um the uh her administrator he spoke about there's companies that do it and you know it's very cost it's costly because you know you have to give a big piece of the grant to them when you do it. But he had some really good information. It sounds like that they you know that that they they're interested
044in some joint services with us. They want to work on some projects, some that we in the talking stages, but not yet to put out to everyone. But I I want to thank the mayor and the council members that came. I appreciate the fact that the mayor and the and the town counselors working with the board of ed. This is something that our community hasn't had as long as I've been here. So even if we're not in total agreement on everything, we are working together and and I think that's a plus for everybody in this method. So I I just want to say thank you and that we have another meeting for is it scheduled for June 3rd or third? It's a Friday morning. So thank you. Uh West Milford Municipal Alliance. I think um
045all board members were not present at the meeting and we were here together on the 9th. >> Um but in reviewing the notes, I see that um they agreed on a vision and a mission statement and has all been accepted. Um the youth leadership grant has been completed and turned in. So hopefully um West Milford can receive more grant money there. Um, and the biggest thing is that this Sunday is the stock fund run at the rec center. >> 9 to 12. >> Thank you. Me there. Sunday. Sunday. Sunday. >> Thank you. Uh, old business. Anybody have anything for old business? >> You want something? >> Yeah. I I just um would like some information about the progress of our website and the branding of our schools to all have to all be Highlanders. Where
046are we on that? >> The website is on pace for a soft opening this summer. Our current website we have access to until I believe August 31st. uh our new one we just purchased uh at least it was at the last meeting. So it'll be a soft opening where if you look at our current website it's I don't know 10 or 20 years that we've had it perhaps. So it's got 10 or 20 years worth of information in it. The new one will be starting this summer and we'll be adding information to it as we go. So, some of the information that we have on our current website is perhaps a little dated or a little out of date. It's just a little out of date. So, that won't be ported over to the new
047website. So, it may not seem as full as the current website when we open it, but that's cuz we're getting rid of the material that's no longer needed. And then little by little, we'll just add to it. So, we did discuss at the committee meeting last week or two weeks ago, a web master, a district web master. So, it's a position we don't currently have. It's a position we probably need as a some sort of part-time position, community member, somebody involved with technology. Doesn't necessarily have to be someone on staff now because everybody has a full schedule already. Um, but we talked about adding a web master position, a part-time position to essentially keep the website current beyond day two or day three or day four. Um, so we're making progress with December 4th. Uh,
048we'll be discussing the position of web master organic committee in June and I hope to have a job description to share with the board that we could potentially look at. And and what about the branding um part the elementary to get everybody on board to be Islanders instead of just Bobcats or Mustangs or whatever they are to have everyone Highlander. Where are we on that? >> Uh well the PTA we discussed an SRT. It's not really a decision I would feel comfortable making for every local PTA. Um, I wouldn't want to tell all six elementary schools what their school color should be or shouldn't be or what their mascots should be or shouldn't be. There seem to be a a diverse group of opinions there. Some were very favorable to it. Some would prefer to
049keep their existing mascots and colors. So, it's going to be difficult in my opinion for me to just make a good >> Well, I I think I think that after Black's SRT meeting, I felt like the PTAs that were there felt they understood why the black and gold was a ne a necessary thing and that we were talking and one of the items that Claire read about the kindergarten kind of brings us to kind kind of we're phasing it in by making the kindergarten shirts black and gold with the name of the school on it. Kind of gives them that high that junior Highlander kind of kind of theme to start and they seem to be to me and Kate I mean uh Claire you were there too. I felt like they were more in
050in favor of it at that meeting. I mean I I can read the I obviously just briefed what was said in the minutes but I can read what was written in the whole minute if you would like and I think this kind of sums it up. So the question was Highlander Pride, can the junior Highlander Pride plan be clarified was the actual question and in the minutes it was written in an effort to start transitioning to black and gold across the entire district, incoming kindergarten classes is a great way to start if PTA PTO's provide shirts for incoming kindergarteners. Another suggestion is to add a black and gold option with the individual school names to spiritware apparel sales. So the PTO's and the PTAs, they were brainstorming about how they could start transitioning to more
051black and gold. So maybe transitioning in instead of just all being Julie Junior Highlanders, just starting with the black and gold and then seeing that where that brings. And I think the first time it was brought up, which was the month before, um I know that there was I think there was only really one um school that really questioned it. Everybody else was kind of for it. And I felt like at the last SRT it was the discussion really started and I think it was where they were all brainstorming and for the most part I don't think there was much um you know I I think they were all pretty much on board. I think they like the transition idea so they could still have their their color the color shirt and their mascot right
052now. But they were offering the black and they were starting with black and gold with the the kindergarteners coming in. And then what they were going to do is they were going to offer a black and gold shirt on their with with their apparel wear that they sell and see how it goes because there are some PTAs and PTO's who already offer a black and gold shirt and they're starting to pick up the um sales. So I think that it's because we do know that some have invested in their apparel wear already as far as gold goes and things like that. So as a transition if it works over a few years then maybe by say four years once your kid if you start with kindergarten once that kindergarten kindergartenner moves into macken by then
053the transition will have happened and the black and gold will happen. I think that that is and I felt like the PTAs and PTO's felt that that's a great way to unite the community itself as making us one instead of being, you know, a district of schools. We're a school district and everybody is united to each other >> and you know that's our team next week. We do a survey about each other. >> Absolutely. >> I don't I um I remember talking about this years ago. We've been talking about branding. Stop adding it to agendas. It's been discussed around and around and around. So, I mean, I think it just if it's something that needs to be voted on, I'll make a motion to wake make Westford the Highlanders. Like, let's go. How many times
054are we going to talk about the same things at a meeting? At a meeting, put it on another agenda. You know, I don't know if anyone else is tired about talking about the same things, but Kate Romeo is. So, I mean, I remember Nicole Fritz was here. We were talking about branding. We talked about our whole district being West Milford Highlanders. So, I'll make a motion to make West Mford the Highlanders. Well, then I I before before we move forward, we I I think we have to we have to give the we have to give them a little time because they have put money into their PTA. >> Oh, I'm not saying like take away their Panthers and their whatever. I'm saying our website should be the Westford Highlanders. >> Our school thing should be
055the Westford Highlanders. I'm not saying kids can't wear their blue and red t-shirts to school. I'm saying that how many years does it take to talk about making something a change when everyone was in agreement on it, right? I mean every school. >> Yeah. If you want to put a motion, >> I think that's what the website could be, man. >> Schools are going to [Music] >> I'm not sure I understand, but uh >> and she I think she wants us to to >> elementary schools. >> The district as a whole is called West Milford and and it's the West Milford Highlanders, >> which is really what we are. >> So the high schools, our athletic team are the Highlanders. Makipin. They don't officially have school sports. The kids play for wreck or travel or
056or something. They're often called the junior highlanders, but not always. But the elementary schools have the different and high school and back to the black and gold. The elementary schools have some different colors. But I think the one thing that did come out of the strategic plan and meetings was uniting this district as one and being black and gold and highlanders and junior highlanders. I mean that that is the one thing that I think was common across all three um strategic planning meetings. And I think the other thing is when when the website is planned the elementary schools and Macken should be included in that one website so that when you link on the school and you see that um elementary school you'll see that elementary school in black and gold and and it's more
057unified. You know, right now every elementary school has their own Facebook page, their own um web page, and it would just be more unified. >> Well, they're all going to be on the web page, correct? >> Every school website. >> They're on there. >> Yeah, they're on there now, but they also have their own >> their PVA. I don't know. >> I just want to say one thing, too, because I just pulled up the goal. So you're right Claire that we did do through New Jersey School Board Association the strategic planning and from there everyone came up with that goal number two is pride increase a sense of unity across those schools and then you set the objectives develop consistent branding colors mascot right upgrade the technology empower individuals so you have those goals and
058then you have the action plan the step is then to start doing those action plan updates which I think then usually Dr. as we implement this updates the board right over 5 years. So I think that you I don't think anyone Kate is saying we're not going to move to that and I know you want it right now. >> I think he went out and said absolutely to say that he didn't want to move that way. Yes. I took it that way and >> so and that is and that is what is said in superintendent round table. >> Yes. And that was what I heard from parents at the superintendent round table is that that is not the way that administration wanted to move. However, I believe that that is the way that this board
059has discussed it for years. I believe that as Liz just quoted from the strategic planning that that has been in the plan and so if I have to skip forward and make a motion so that it is done within a certain timeline, I'll create the timeline tonight in my motion if I have to because like I've said, I know that I don't want to waste my own time anymore or anyone else's. But then what I guess what I'm just saying to the board and and to everybody, right, is that then you're kind of the whole purpose and you guys know in special ed I'm very processoriented, right? But the whole purpose of doing a strategic plan, having a goal, having an action plan is then to allow everybody that worked on that to carry that
060out. So I I don't I don't think your motion is going to criticize that like, you know, I'm just afraid. >> I think it's just going to run parallel. one or two administrators then saying no that's not what we want to do and shutting down things that I felt were already decided and I say me because I could really only talk for me but I could see head nods that other people are upset about this >> I I think I think one of the things that Kate is saying which came out as we discussed in in round table is that as we're moving into a restructuring where things are going to change this is this is a turning point for the schools. So, this is the time that if we're going to change branding, this
061is when we should do it because we're changing things. So, yes, it could be it could happen. We we understand that it's a transition over time for the shirts. But I agree with what what Kate is saying is that we we did identify in a strategic plan and if we need a motion to say that that's what it is for the district, then that's what it is. And then maybe that answers the question for everybody that that's what we're where we're going. >> And I truly I respect every parent that comes to the SRT. You guys thank you for your time there, but I don't think it needs to go back to SRT. It was there already and it was already above that at strategic planning and it was already above that at a board
062meeting prior. So how many times are we going to take an issue and bring it backwards and backwards because someone somewhere doesn't want to do it. I don't know who the someone or somewhere is, but I'm just going to eliminate that piece and say this has really already been decided. So, if it has to go to a vote so that it gets done, I'm willing to put the motion. That's what I'm saying. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> You want to change the elementary schools to junior high and black and >> and I think um Alex, I think this board would like to see an action plan. would like to see the steps that are being taken to ensure that this is done within the five years that are >> sure that it doesn't have
063to happen tomorrow. It needs to be a transition, but we want we want it on what I think the board is saying is they want it as part of our plan and our and our strategic plan to move forward after we've been advised through the strategic plan to make it black and gold and to make it what the Highlanders that's. That's what we came out of the strategic plan. >> I was saying Liz already said it, right? It is part of the strategic plan. >> It's there. >> So, it's there. We just need >> a motion. >> I just want I just want to comment. I'd be hesitant to say it doesn't belong back at SRT. I think what um Claire referred to earlier was an evolution from one meeting to the next where you
064know there was some hesit hesitency to room two days ago and then when there was the most recent meeting there was a more in-depth discussion what can I finish saying before agrees unanimously. Um there was an evolution in that conversation with what um you know two meetings ago the discussion of the kindergarten t-shirts hadn't come up. I think it was the discussion in that room with the parents with the stakeholders in the district that led to that that evolution. Uh so I'd be hesitant to not allow SRT to continue talking about it. >> That is not at all what I meant. I >> I need to >> I do need to clarify something that this the meeting the first meeting not the last meeting the meeting before where it came up the reason why it
065came up is because somebody had reached out to the PTO and PTAs to ask them for their mascots and their official colors. um we as board members didn't know that that had been done and I started asking the question why were we asking for mascots and colors from PTAs and PTO's when there was the potential for us to potentially go in a different direction. My concern at that time was PTA and PTO's who fund raise very hard for their money spending money to come up with a a unified color and mascot if that was what not what the direction was going in that didn't really come up as discussion in there what came up was going into like Highlanders how they felt going to black and gold so that's how it came up in that
066meeting the said so the discussion was and there was a vote taken. We went around the room and asked how everybody felt. I think there was only one school that was really against it. But by the second meeting, I think when we had the more discussion about it, I think they were the ones that put it on as a followup, >> they were I guess they'd been talking and they were talking after too and came up with the plan of the black and gold. But it came up in the in the fir in the first original meeting because they had been asked for their colors and their mascots to clarify because she wanted I guess administrative administration wanted them to have like cobalt blue. So I'm going to use the Mustangs as a as a
067reference cuz I know they're blue, but give me the actual color of the blue that you're using and the official mascot because obviously sometimes there's more than one Mustang. >> More than one blue, too. >> And more than one blue. So that's how it originally came up in that first meeting cuz we as board members had no idea that that had even been discussed or asked of the PTO PTAs and we were confused because we thought that we were going in a different direction >> further strategic plan at the next meeting where we think this feedback will bring back >> we'll speak to the uh we'll speak to the PTAs and uh it sounds like we're going to have eight schools that are Highlanders or Jew Highlanders. in schools that are black and vote. I
068>> I I think I think the goal the goal is to unite our district and make it one. And that's something that each person here and I believe each administrator also here feels is something that's necessary. rehab. We're going we're going to be going through this restructuring and as we make these changes. This is the time to do it because we're we need to show the community that we are one and that we're one school district that we're not a district of six elementaryaries and a middle school and a high school. We're West Milford and we're West Milford Highlanders and we're proud to be that. And I I I feel that the the committee that that the SRT gave very good input and I think that they ran with it when they came back to
069us with the kindergarten t-shirt. I think it shows that they really want to do that. I really do believe it. And and and it's a money issue. There's no doubt about it. People are laying money out for t-shirts and sweatshirts and they don't want to do, you know, we want to make sure that that somebody doesn't get hung out to dry on something like that. So, I agree. I think I think we can clearly go and come back and I think we should recommend we should talk in committee and recommend a motion next meeting to do what we're looking to do. But we'll get the feedback by then. Thank you, Kate. Thank you, Terry. Anyone else under old business? Mr. Glorina. So, uh, I don't know whether or not the public knows this, but we
070do have a baseball field. Um, and the baseball field is in in dire straits, I feel, sometimes, but hopefully, and I I think it will look great, uh, tomorrow night. So, tomorrow night is the league, family night and senior night. And I think maybe that's the opportunity for us to kind of have that field shine a little bit. You're gonna have dunk tanks and food trucks and all kinds of fun stuff from 4:30 on through I think the game starts at 6:30. >> I think we're gonna have hundreds of people there. I really do. We won't be there because we're going to be at a concert but [Music] >> so it should be a good fun time for >> I think it starts at 6:00, right? Game starts at 6:30. >> 6:30 kill. >> It'll
071be live streamed. >> It'll be live streamed, too. But it's always better to watch live. >> Okay. >> Live stream. >> And it it will be a fun night fun night out for your kids, too. So, >> they have done some work there and clear out some hills. So, I think those sidelines. >> Kate, you had something else for old business? No business. Thank you. >> No one else under business. >> Seeing as none can make a motion to close all business. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> New business. >> Anybody have new business? >> Um I just wanted to say last night the high school and jazz band performance concert was amazing. Tonight's Macken Chorus concert was amazing as always. I'm really looking forward to the band concert tomorrow night at um
072the high school auditorium. >> And it is great having him in the high school because it has all the levels together and I think it >> Yeah, it was crowded. I'm really hoping for a much better calendar next year. Um >> so I apologize for not being here at the beginning of the meeting. Um, but also just like a district calendar and hopefully like I don't know all bands on Wednesday night. >> We're going to get a walk at Tuesday board meetings and we have confused for that. Um, all the end of school concerts are >> in the same two really period. So it does get crowded June December's probably crowded. September is crowded with back school. So there's different spots throughout the year. Any other new business? >> Um, I just wanted to congratulate
073Maple Road, um, who just got it was just announced that they were one of 50 schools that got the National School of Character. >> Congratulations. [Applause] Mr. Kane is here wearing his blue. Congratulations. Anything else for new business? If not, I need a motion. >> Motion to close new business. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Okay. Public comment. This portion of the meeting is open to members of the public having a legitimate interest in the actions of the board for the purpose of addressing any subject matter pertinent to and or directly related to the operation of the West Milford Public Schools District. Members of the public who had requested to speak prior to the meeting will be recognized by the chair first. Each speaker will be given five minutes for a period of
07430 minutes. Then time permitting other public comment limited to 5 minutes per speaker will be allowed until the 30 minute time period transpires. All speakers are asked to sign the register provided and give their full name, spell their last name, group affiliation if appropriate, and provide their address. The issues raised by members of the public may or may not be addressed responded to by the board. All comments will be considered and a responsibly forthcoming if and when appropriate. The board asks that members of the public be courteous and respectful of the rights of other individuals when speaking. Specifically, comments regarding students and employees of the board are discouraged and the board and the administration will not respond to them. Students and employees have specific legal rights afforded to them by the laws of New Jersey.
075The board is not responsible for and is not liable for any comment made by members of the public. Members of the public should consider their comments in the light of the legal rights of those affected or identified in their comments. Members of the public are reminded that they are legally responsible and liable for their comments. Anyone wishing to speak under public comment come forward please. >> You know my whole time William Adams back road west mil. My whole time of ever coming up here I never really planned to speak. It just kind of happened. My fault. So um the first thing I'd like to speak about is branding. Now, I know that many years ago when Miss Van Djk and Mrs. Wire and I had attended the branding, the school that was used as the
076model did have different animals under their banner and it was really uh color reflective. I know that bobcats aren't really red, but they are golden. There are black animals like bears. So, you know, something to kind of ease into the transition if uh if it makes sense to um in terms of baseball fields don't skip a baseball field. We have plenty of fields and uh it's difficult to maintain them, but I know that the negotiations between the council and the board of education are still continuing. It may be worthwhile to see if open space grants are available for the board of education. I don't know if there's a limitation, but the township really developed the open space fund, so they kind of have the ability to change the wording if needed. Uh, and at the
077budget meetings, I I know that Dr. and said that it is pretty farfetched to think not for big but it is farfetched to think that the funding for West Mill is going to change. I 100% agree with that but I also agree with Miss Sockwood that you continue to advocate. Now the New Jersey School Boards Association has a delegate assembly uh twice a year I believe and that might be coming up in the fall. Now, at that delegate assembly, all the districts of New Jersey gather together. They send a representative and those representatives have the ability to to propose a resolution to the New Jersey School Board. Now, when a resolution is approved at that delegate assembly, the New Jersey School Board Association will advocate on your behalf to the legislature, whether it be in
078the Senate or whether it be in assembly. And there I feel lies an opportunity for whether this board or all boards or the connection of some boards get together to kind of do something that seems universally acceptable to all boards whether they are or aren't getting funding and that is transparency in the school funding formula which is mysterious might be written in hieroglyphics. I really don't know. But the truth of the matter is nobody has that answer of how schools are funded truly. And if somebody does, they may have whizzed through calculus in high school and college and beyond. And hopefully they could explain it in layman's terms, lay person's terms. So my hope is that maybe there is an opportunity like that where there could be a resolution brought to the New Jersey school
079boards assembly for a transparency of the school funding formula and that is it. I'm just going to finish my >> Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak u during public comment? If not motion second. >> All those in favor. Any oppos? >> Okay. Well, um, we don't have the executive session, so I need a motion to adjourn. To adjourn 10:41. >> All those in favor? I >> Good night. See some of you tomorrow.