001Good evening everyone. Welcome to the reorganization meeting for 2022 of the West Milford Board of Education. Um, please silence your cell phones or turn them off and lo note the locations of the emergency exits. Um, going to call this meeting to order. Um, I'd like everyone to just take a moment of silence to think about all of the people in West Milford and and in New Jersey that have uh been dealing with CO. And please especially keep in your thoughts Nick Oronin, our bus driver who passed away on Christmas morning. He worked for us for about 20 years. He and his wife have both been very loyal employees and um our condolences to their family. Thank you. Um in accordance with the provisions of the open public meetings act, a public notice of this meeting
002has been sent to board members. >> Oh, I missed that. Sorry about that. I pledge allegiance 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. Do you over in accordance with the provisions of the open public meetings act, public notice of this meeting has been sent to board members. District Schools, the Herald News, The Suburban Trends, The Record, The Messenger, West Milford Town Hall, County Superintendent's Office, The Board Attorney, Cable Revision of Warwick, West Milford TV77, posted in the administration building. Copies of the board meeting calendar resolution were provided to all local media, town hall, township library, and all district schools. At this time, I would like to read the results of the election that was
003held in November of 2021. um elected for a three-year term was Terresa Dwire with 3,628 votes, Kate Romeo with 3,559 votes, and Claire Lockwood with 3,335 votes. Fourth place was Kimberly Landulfi with 2,665 votes. Henrietta Henrietta Schaefer with 2483 votes and Tammy Sloan with 2397 votes. There were 55 writings. At this time, the oath of office will be administered by our board attorney, Andrew Brown. like you're all ready for it. >> One at a time and all together. I >> I >> solemnly swear or affirm that I will support >> solemnly swear or affirm that I will support >> the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. >> the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> that I will bear
004true faith and allegiance to the same. >> And that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> and to the government established by the United States and the state. and to the government >> under the authority of the people. So help me God. >> Under the authority of the people. So help me God. >> I Teresa Dwire >> Imearess qualifications prescribed by law. to do so or affirm that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law >> for the office of member of board of education >> with the office of member of the board of education >> and that I'm not disqualified as a voter pursuant to RS1944-1 >> and that I am not disqualified as a voter pursuant to RS194-1 >> you are disqualified for the conviction of a crime or offense
005listed in NJSA 1884-1 nor qualified due to conviction of a crime or offense listed in NJA 18A 12-1 and I will faithfully and partially and justly perform all of the duties of that office according to the best of my ability. >> And then I will faithfully impartially and justly perform all the duties of that office according to the best of my ability. So help me God. Amen. [Music] [Applause] >> Congratulations. Um, at this time, um, if our newly elected board members would like to make some comments. Um, Mrs. Dwire. >> Um, yes. Um, there. Um, >> well, I'd like to thank the voters of West Milford for putting their trust in me for another three years on this term. Um, we have a lot of things that are broken in the district that have to
006be fixed and hopefully with a collaborative board acting as a board and not as individuals, we will be able to accomplish this. Um, and I look forward to working with everyone again. We're wonderful people. Thank you, Mrs. Romeo. I am honored and I have tremendous gratitude. I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming support from the Westmoker voter. I have a special thank you to my husband and son who support my volunteer work and acknowledge the need for passionate board of education members who spend time making the West Milford educational system the best that it can be. Thanks to my mom who taught me how to work hard and why volunteering to assist in the community is important. You're the best role model ever. Sorry, this is an emotional speech, but I really
007feel like it's important. This year was beyond hard with the difficulties that co brought not just as a board member, but professionally and personally. I've said it many times, my family and friends are absolutely second to none. I couldn't be who I am without the support from many. Without this unwavering support, I could not continue this work. This election taught me a lot about myself. I also learned a lot about our community. We have amazing people here in West Milford. We also have some troublemakers. The troublemakers are often loud. Tonight, I not only want to thank all of the amazing people, but I want to thank the troublemakers for the suffering. I was once told that pain and suffering create a strong leader. And I know I'm going into this term stronger and more resilient
008than the last. And for that, I thank everyone for what they brought to the table. I'm honored and humbled that you've trusted me to help bring best practices to our school district. I will work hard making our schools what this community needs. I will prove my dedication and uphold my commitment to achieve the most effective outcomes for our children's education. West Milford is great and together with this administration, my other dedicated and incredible board members, and the impressive teachers and staff, we can make our school system even better. I will continue to listen and advocate, and I will I will continue to listen and I will continue to advocate to those who feel misunderstood or unheard. I will continue to not stand for status quo and push for excellence. I want to extend my congratulations
009to Claire and Terry. I'm excited to work alongside all stakeholders to move our district forward towards that excellence. Thank you. [Applause] Okay. I would like to thank all the people who supported me during the run-up to the election and after. The calls, texts, and support I received around town, whether at a game for my sons or just at a town event were very much welcome and much needed. To my husband, Ken and my boys, Robert and AJ, thank you. Without your support, none of this would be possible. My fellow trustees, I look forward to working with you all in ensuring this district continues in the right direction of providing the best, safest, healthiest, inclusive education for all the students and staff while staying fiscal, fiscally responsible to all the residents of West M. Thank you.
010[Applause] Thank you. Um, at this time I'll call the role. Mr. Stillman >> here. >> Mr. Conquin here. >> Mrs. Stevenson >> here. >> Miss O'Brien >> here. >> Mrs. Van Dyk >> here. >> Mr. Gino >> here. >> Mrs. Dwer >> here. >> Mrs. Romeo >> here. >> Mrs. Lachwood >> here. >> Okay. At this time, we would I would like to take nominations for the office of board president. Mr. Stillman. Are there any other nominations off the floor? >> I nominate Linda Van Dyke. >> Are there any other nominations? Are there any other nominations? >> No. >> I'm sorry. Is there any other I just I appreciate that, Jay. Um, but I'd like to just kind of politely decline if Can I do that? >> Yes. >> Okay. I just feel like the
011time commitment um is pretty big and I don't know that I would necessarily have the time to do that. I can't get to the board office and sign things when I need to sign things and go to the superintendent around all those. So, apologize. Thanks. But thank you. Okay. >> At this time, are there any other nominations? Uh, I need a motion to close the nominations. >> Motion to close nominations. Second. >> All those in favor? >> Okay. So for the uh nomination of Linda Van Dyk um >> All right. Um Mr. Conklin, yes or no for Mrs. Vander? >> Mrs. Dwer, >> yes. >> Mr. Greeno, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood, >> yes. >> Miss O'Brien, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> Mrs. Stevenson. >> No. >> Mr. Stillman. >> Yeah. >> Mrs. Van
012Djk. >> Yeah. >> Okay. This point then, um, Mrs. Van Dyke did receive six votes, which is the majority of the board. So, Mrs. Van Djke. Um, congratulations and please come and take your seat. I'd like to thank those that supported me and the ones who didn't. I can I look forward to working with you. I've always been open to the conversation and this is a very uh I think we work well as a board. So, I look forward to that and thank you again. Next is nominations for vice president. >> Okay. >> I'd like to nominate Terry Blair. >> Any other nominations? Courtney nominate Pete Rome. >> Pete nominate Okay. Any other nominations? >> Um, if not, um, I need a motion to close nominations. >> Motion to close nominations for vice president. >>
013Second. >> Okay. >> All those in favor? I >> opposed. Okay. Now I go for the B first. >> Does Barbara do that or do I do? >> Okay. Those voting for Terry. Um Jason. >> Yeah. >> Oh, you want to do it? Okay. >> I'm sorry. You told me to do it. I misunderstood your question, >> Mr. Conklin. Yeah. Say again. >> Mrs. Dwer, >> yes. >> Mr. Greeno, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood, >> yes. >> Mrs. O'Brien, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> yes. >> Mrs. Stevenson, >> Mr. Stillman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Djk, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Congratulations, Mrs. Ber. Thank you. I look forward to working with everyone, even those who did not vote for me, because it I understand it's nothing personal and we're here for the
014sake of our children and not for each other's egos. So, I thank you all very very much for being so concerned and being such good advocates for our community kids. Thank you. Okay, I need a motion uh to adopt the agenda. >> Make a motion to adopt the agenda. >> Second. >> All those in favor? I >> think board organization reorganization. Um motion number one. How how that's why I was wondering about the consent. >> Huh? >> Oh, okay. >> Okay. Can I say that? We could do it as a consent agenda where we don't have to move each item individually. Um, if the board is okay with that, there isn't discussion on each individual item. If you're okay with that, um, can I ask for a motion for a consent agenda? Sure. >> Uh,
015I need a motion for the consent agenda so that we can move all of the items as one. I'll make a little device. >> Any discussion? If not, then we need a roll call. Right. >> Right. >> That's on the motion to make it the consent agenda. >> Right. Exactly. >> Mr. Compton. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes. >> Mr. Go. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Stevenson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Stillman. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Van Djk. >> Yes. >> Now, I need a motion to move the 12 items for the consent agenda. No, there's a >> I'd like to make a motion to vote as one for 1 through 12 on consent agenda. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >>
016I want to give you time if anybody has something. Okay. If not, >> Mrs. Romeo, >> yes. >> Mrs. Stevenson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwire, >> yes. >> Mr. Stillman. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lockwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gino. >> Yes. >> Mr. Conklin? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, now we're moving on to old business. >> Anyone have old business? Mrs. Stevenson? >> I do have something for old business and I I kind of want to bring it up tonight because I think it deserves public attention and I just want the answer publicly said. So, I apologize for not for talking about without giving you a heads up, but the busing situation when we get the letters from transportation that the bus is going
017to be 25 minutes late or 25 minutes early, how much leeway time should we be given? Because the elementary schools start at 8:35, correct? If the bus is not there at 8:40, like how is this how's this working? How much time are should we be giving our students and our children >> before we drive them to school, I guess, is what I'm asking. >> So, we try to keep as accurate to that what we're telling parents as possible. So, some reruns may be 20 minutes late, some could be 10, some might be 25 minutes. So, it's different. You know, parents don't all get the same exact letter. But even if that's not true, like even if your student is outside waiting for a half hour and the email said 25 minutes, >> should we be
018driving them to school then? I guess that's what I'm >> a half hour is a long time to wait, but if it's 5 minutes late, that's sort of about the little traffic. It it could it could possibly be five minutes late >> later on than the email. >> Yeah. On a normal day, if your bus pickup is 8:10, it could certainly get to your stop at 8:17 or 8:18. It's ne not that out of the norm. Uh we try to stagger the reruns so that today it's the chipmunk bus. >> Next month it'll be the sun bus. Next we try to rotate it so it's not the same bus over >> what if it is always over and over and over again and the times keep getting changed every you know 3 4 months >>
019at this point because I understand this is happening >> this is happening and that's why I'm bringing it up publicly because I kind of just want it to be discussed at how much time should a mom or dad be waiting before they're driving their child to school and if school starts at 8:35 and they're still outside waiting until 8:40. Obviously, they're not going to be marked late, but at what point do we just say to our children, "Get in the car. Let's go." Because it's it's a problem. >> Ray has one thing and then we'll talk. >> So, uh I just kind of want to add to that because I've had some people recently throw up a similar issue, but some of them they don't they can't drive their child to school, right? So they
020have a neighbor, you know, maybe the neighbor would be able to help do that, but you know, the idea is the neighbor, you know, is kind of helping them getting their child to the to the bus stop, not getting them to a school, which might be five or 10 minutes away >> or or 30, right? If Yeah. So >> best advice for a parent is to call their school. You know, if you're at the bus stop for 20 minutes, call the school. The school can call transportation. Transportation can contact the bus and let you know that where exactly we know exactly where our buses are on the roads at all times. So, if a parent calls from the stop, which I've done as a as a parent, as a principal, I've been the taker of
021those phone calls. And even this morning, I was in a role to help out where, you know, I dealt with um a few situations where a parent did call the uh called the main office and was given the accurate information and they were allowed to or advise the parent to either stay at the stop for another 5 minutes or to drive them here because there may have been a may have been an issue. So that would be my my advice to a parent is, you know, I think uh we advise in in normal times, you know, get to your stop 10 minutes before the time that's on your the time that's on your sheet. So I think if you get to that 15 20 minute thing and it's not a not a weather event, think
022there's a weather event, you you kind of take into account some some things that could happen, but to call call the school's main office. There is always somebody there to answer the phone and those people can connect directly with transportation. >> Thank you for saying that. I appreciate that and I think a lot of parents appreciate that. Um I would like to us to investigate Dr. Anamone if you're saying they're being mixed up, please look into that because they're not. And I would really appreciate as a parent and a community of parents speaking for a community of parents who's dealing with this that they are changed because they're not being changed. Um, the other question I had about this is, am I correct in saying that buses are coming at 8:40 and school has already
023started? That's a problem where these kids and teachers are being interrupted. So, like, how can we fix this? I know there's a bus driver situation, but now we've been in it for a while. Is there anything else that we can do to fix this? Can we have another open house? Maybe. What else can we do? >> I I don't believe that there's anything that we can do at this point in time. Yes, we have some shortages. However, we have a lot of people out sick right now. >> And um we even have our office staff um driving. So, I can say that the dispatcher and the transportation supervisor are doing everything that they can to minimize the impact um when they do the reruns. But unfortunately, too, there's only certain buses that can absorb the
024rerun without making it an extremely late event for the students. And I think that's why they're probably not being, >> you know, we're limited. It's it's basically basically Westbrook school and some Marshall Hill buses are the only ones that we could really um draw on um because Jordan does the other runs for us and we can't ask them to do reruns because outside the scope of their contract. >> That makes more sense. So, um I can tell you that they're doing everything they can to minimize and hopefully by next week we'll have jumped this other hurdle. But, um you know, we're doing the best we can and uh >> to speak for the uh Westbrook rerun um from this morning. It was the first time of a rerun with um an entirely new group of
025students who were getting a rerun. So, I think the driver who um from what I understand had been doing a tremendous job up until this point getting this the rerun students here by 8:33 um typically leading up to this point. Today was a little bit uh a little bit later than that time because it was a new new year for students. >> Yeah. Ray, you had something? >> Yeah. So, I know Courtney said that she wanted that in public. I think a good thing to do would also be maybe to include what you mentioned, Dan, in that letter to the parents also because I don't know that everybody will watch this meeting. >> So, I think that's really important. Again, I I just think it's important for them to know and feel like there's a
026plan out there that's it's working. >> And I think our first thing like my first thing is transportation. And if right if you're saying transportation is completely overridden like I I feel bad to call them but to call you might you may not get anyone >> I think is really good information >> you always have somebody answering a phone more likely to answer their phone the school may and the school may may not have to relay that to transportation they may already know the answer >> right >> but you might not find anybody in transportation because everybody's that can drive is driving even bringing our mechanics in at 6:00 in the morning so they can go out and drive. So, um they're doing the best they can. >> I think we've done a a great
027job with um um our office staff in the elementary schools especially and at Macken just just boosting the people we have on uh on hand. I know our building aids while while we have the shortage of staff going on, our building aids are coming in full-time to help out in this role. So, there is someone to answer the phone. there is someone there to um additional person to go out and deal with a car that may pull up 10 minutes later than normal or that sort of thing. So, it's um you know all hands on >> is next. And then >> um this is not only an elementary concern. I mean, I've gotten several calls from parents at the high school um in my neighborhood who have said that their children are and other children
028are getting to the high school to their first period class sometimes 20 25 minutes late. and and McAnin and and you can't have that at that age level. Those kids, you know, they only have that 40 minutes. School is not going to start later for them. And um I think that's a problem. The other problem is from what I'm understanding is that some of the buses on pickups are showing up to the schools at 30 minutes later and 25 minutes later. So there there's got to be some kind of a plan. I I know we're not the only district because I've been talking to my friends in other districts and they're telling me that they're facing the same problems. There are bus driver shortages. There's a lot of COVID, but some of the other schools
029that have these problems have a had a plan ready and I I don't believe that as a district we were ready for this today and I think that has to be addressed. So, thank you. I I can say that the transportation supervisor, Mrs. Wilm, has been working on this since before Christmas because she was very much aware of the fact that this was going to happen based upon the people that were out sick and and the the people that have retired. Um, so, um, I think with her years of experience, she has done everything that she can to to lessen the impact that it has on on the students, but sometimes there's just nothing that you can do. >> Hey, um, I wanted to mention at the high school level, this does raise a concern
030different from the other buildings. Um, I heard high school students joking with each other in a situation that happened before Christmas. They are on the same bus and two of them waited for the bus while another one got a ride to school. The one that got the ride to school was late to school because she was waiting for her bus. Her bus didn't come. Mom drove her to school. She now has a late. But the ones that waited for the bus got there 25 minutes after her. almost missed all of first period, but they didn't get a late cuz they came on the bus. So, there was these kids are laughing saying, "Oh, well, now you have a late. >> If the bus is late, it should not be count as a tardy. I think
031we can clear we can clear we can clean that up." >> They were waiting for the bus and then their parents drove them because the bus didn't come. And so, what I'm saying, my point in bringing up this story, it's specific, it's real, it happened here. We need to have flexibility at our high school level and understand we know what bus that student was on or should have been on. You know, flexibility, understanding. The other thing that goes with is these attendance letters that are coming. I'll tell you as a parent, I've already, you know, it's like when your kids's been quarantined three times or close contacts or this and that, whatever, and you're sending the attendance letter for the lose credit attendance letter, it's nerve-wracking, >> you know. So maybe we could hold up
032on some of those things and be a little more flexible on that. >> Because parents want to send their children to school. We all know that. But when you get the call from the nurse that they have to be out until the PCR comes in, you can't send your child to school and then a week and a half later the attendance letters, you know. Um so I I just wanted to mention those things, too. Be aware of the flexibility. I know that you guys are. It just really needs to be said. Yeah. Now, I have a question about that because if they're getting an attendance letter, aren't if they're home quarantine, aren't they going remotely? >> Correct. So, they're >> they should not be getting attend if someone's quarantined or due to the New Jersey
033Department of Health or waiting for a PCR. It's not counted against them. They are marked as um present attending virtually. However, I believe what Miss Romeo was talking about is I think our system automatically is generating letters, but then it gets reviewed, but I can see how then for a parent maybe it doesn't >> and my kids only been out for >> Right. But I don't think >> like I'm one of those parents. >> I think administratively we can kind of look into that and just see like maybe we can >> there should be a human element. It's all right to generate the letters automatically, but there's got to be a human element where we're looking at this letter and saying we as we asked this person to quarantine, >> so it's not a a
034real absence. Yeah. >> Is there a way of correcting that in in Is there a way that we can correct it in in in our uh >> system in the intended? >> We can talk to >> Let's see. Let's because that probably because it's probably multiplied by even if it's multiplied by 20 kids, that's a lot of letters that are being generated. If I mean I I do know some parents that have told me their child has now had to quarantine twice. >> Stress on everybody, right? Yeah, that would be great. That could be red, too. >> Uh Courtney, you have >> I was just wondering is is that how happening at the elementary level as well where are they streaming virtually at the elementary level? >> So then are they getting the attendance because
035they're not there? >> No, they can. They will be virtually present. >> No, but they're not virtually present. They're not streaming in. They are there is a virtual for a student. But at the elementary level and and even at the high school level, but the high school, I think we explained I forget if it was in a committee or publicly, but that the elementary there could take the district up to one day to set it up. >> Middle school and high school is a little different. They're a little faster just because of >> But the elementary are receiving virtual instruction. It looks different and that's what Mr. know that can kind of go over but it's of course it's going to look different for an element >> what we did last year >> is that
036new >> that's how we've been since and that counts as attendance right >> so it's it's a day of attendance for the child they should that should not be marked absent they should be virtually attend virtually present >> present attending virtually It just look the instruction looks different K to 5 versus 68. >> Well, I I'll check for attendance letters. I I can't imagine it would been generated K to five, but who knows? We'll see. >> Right. >> So, but that can't happen in if they're waiting for the test results, right? >> Oh, yeah. >> They can't technically they can't stream in virtually if they're waiting for a test result, right? If they have symptoms and they're sick. So if if a child is sick, we we as a district since the start of the
037pandemic have always given it up to the parents to determine if the child's too sick to participate or not. So there are some students that are ill that the parent says I don't want my child to attend virtually. So instead then they're just marked absent and sick like a traditional sick day. And if the child's well enough and in many of the childhood cases it's more mild. So then most of our children are participating in some way virtually. >> So then doesn't that bring up another can't we just do that forever then and then the kid would never be absent >> but but does but the state would have to approve that. >> I think the parents want their kids in school for the most part. >> I get that. But if they're waiting for
038the test and they right I just heard that if they're waiting for the test, they can attend. If if the parent feels like they're feeling well enough, they can attend. Like there's no need to >> I I think I think we definitely should be doing it for any any student that is out waiting for them because they've lost so much already. I >> verification process. There's a verification process in place, but at this point we we have to do that because of many people around the table probably know you could be waiting up to five days at this point in the lab at this point. So, >> so we had a nurses meeting this morning, made sure we were on the same page of listen, we're going to let those children, you know, stream in
039or come on because some of them may be waiting a whole week until they get the result back. >> And in the middle school and the high school level, it's a little easier to do it than of course on the elementary. So that that should absolutely be happening when that and the middle and high school are where the attendance issues are the are the most important. You know, I don't want to but it it's important that they're not losing that time. So, uh, anything else under under old business? Yeah, I just, you know, I I know we had the transportation plan. Um, but I would like to see a plan in writing for um what happens with what you're saying, Liz, and what Dan is saying. I would like to see that outlined if that's
040possible, >> like what our protocol is for what we're doing because this is back up. I understand the transportation part of it but I don't understand the classroom part of it and I would like to understand that. So thank you Ray. So I think the idea is right what's our SOP right what's our standard operating procedure if X happens we do Y right or in this particular case here's the standard operating procedure for that like like that makes a lot of sense and the I think the reason is because some have kids that are in school some of us get phone calls and our answer is we don't know >> I mean >> I'll be I'll be honest for this past weekend. >> My my phone blew up all weekend with texts. >> Are you
041are you going virtual? Are you going virtual or are we got you know people that because they're trying to accommodate their you know their their schedules like as a parent that's working. What am I going to do if you go virtual now? So I and some districts when they closed for break they gave an outline of what would happen if they had to close. So they had that and we we felt we didn't have that. Go ahead, Kate. >> You're right. Until the emails came out from every single principal and as a board member, we saw only a few of those. >> As a parent, I saw another one. Right. So, um I will say the three out of the eight that I saw, I mean, out of the eight that we have, I saw
042three and they were exactly the same, which I could could tell was written by administration, very well outlined, very self-explanatory when you read it in when to quarantine, what to do. So, that was wonderful. Um, but I think everyone was waiting for those emails, you know. >> Well, I think I think unfortunately we were on break and people people now have been off from work for a week and they're like, "Oh god, what do I have to do if my kid now has to go virtual?" And if I get the call on Sunday night, that's going to be a tough one for me to turn turn it around. That's what I was getting, you know. So, and I I I did get, you're exactly right. I did get three schools emails about it. Um, but
043I I do think that we need to do a little >> So, I know the board gets my emails when I send out to all district. >> You got yours? Yes. >> Do you get from each school principal or just the principal where your child is a student? >> I get from each school principal that sends if they send it out on school messenger. >> I got nine. >> I got I got three. I >> I think I have to You should be getting eight. We're not we're not getting eight. >> If you want to be on >> is then uh I got three also. >> I'll tell you there's two elementary schools that as a board member uh >> my child who go to those two elementary schools and I get all of their
044notifications. Their newsletters, >> their emails. I think we all do. It is wonderful to know what's happening in those schools. The other the other four elementary schools we don't get >> and nothing. Um >> so this this is an easy fix. I can work I can speak to Mr. Winston tomorrow. we can get the board members added to each school. You'll probably start seeing more emails, phone calls, text messages, whatever. >> So, brace for that. But we can get you on all school school messengers from each eight school. >> I I I must be low on the popularity poll because I'm getting nobody nothing from nobody. >> I apologize for that. I don't know how some are, some are. It's a >> seems like something we have to tighten up. I just have one more
045thought about the busing situation, Barbara. Um, are the buses full? I mean, are we packing them in because of COVID or like how's that? I'm just curious. >> You have no no way of knowing how many students are on the bus because there are still parents that are driving, but you have to have a seat for every student that is assigned that bus. So there might only be 20 students on that bus, but you're not going to know that if it's a 50 passenger bus. So it's >> it's a double-edged sword. I can't have, you know, >> is there any way we can have a the parent that are driving like sign off so that you know that you have that seat? So maybe we could eliminate the rerun. >> I think >> because not
046a bad idea kind of Yeah, that wouldn't be >> I'm just wondering what happens the day that the parents car breaks down and they can't >> hard to sign off your seat. >> Huh? >> It it it's a it's a >> difficult situation, >> right? >> So, um Alex, thanks for getting Robert to fix that so we get all the principles. But I think to the point that I heard from some others and and you know the reason that I was getting phone calls was some of those principles sent that either on Sunday or maybe late Saturday night and really it would have been nice if we heard from you or those principles on the 23rd to know now again I understand that right things can change midstream so like the virus knows if you're
047a healthcare worker, so you only have to quarantine 5 days. Those kinds of fun things. Um, but if things change midstream, then I think right, it's incumbent on the administrator to get that out quickly. So I mean I just so parents I think feel a little more comfort in what the plan is >> that that too >> for parents as far as because if you have a if you have a co issue you can't send your kids to daycare even if you're you know >> Yeah. But to be clear to the board and to the whole community the schools are going to remain open. >> Oh yes. >> No we're we're not saying that. We're just saying that in a communication that said the schools will be open. I know the districts were sending letters
048about we're bringing home your Chromebook just in case. Dr. sent a message that said the schools will be open. The underlying board will pretty much clear. >> Well, so that's the plan. >> And and then on Sunday when you find out maybe you don't have enough bus drivers, right? or you don't have or you don't have enough teachers, then what happens? Then the kids don't have their Chromebooks and then all of a sudden, right, the the plan goes ary like so >> or the governor makes a decision, right? Right. >> We'll do everything we can do to make those good like >> I think we do that. >> Yeah. >> I mean, we're hearing about some of the um you know, some of the ties in the I think that you know collectively we were
049very open that we were recognizing you know personally >> Debbie did you have something? Yeah, as far as the busing is concerned, I think is it I don't know if it's a state or federal mandate, but you have if it if your child is to be bus, that seat has to be guaranteed for the entire school year that your child is in the district. So, um, as far as knowing the numbers and stuff like that, it's good to know, but that it, like Barbara said, numbers do change because of circumstances. So, you have to give that kid a seat, no matter if he or she shows up to the bus or not. I just want to make one comment for the public just to make sure as we're talking about making sure that the public's
050aware and transparency that our plan has stayed the same as far as anyone that's quarantined or excluded. They have always been given virtual instruction and will continue to be given that. So, I just want to make sure because there's been a lot of talk back and forth amongst the table that the public knows that does happen across the board, prek up to 12, 12 plus, and it happens within, like I said, a 24-hour period. Over the break, I want to also assure you that those that had to quarantine, they would have known they had to quarantine because we didn't exclude any contact tracing because they were then exposed outside of school. So they were actually notifying us that they were not coming back and it was more a matter of giving them back dates of
051how long they were going to be out for. And the last thing I just want to assure the board and make sure that the public is aware is that there is a lot of planning that goes on behind the scenes. So Dr. Anamon and I, Mr. Novak, Barbara, we were probably on the phone if not daily, every other day throughout the entire week. Karen Wilm called me about five times going over COVID dates, people making sure we were going to be able to open certain principles that were mostly impacted and could see it kind of coming as staff were going to be out were were reaching out to us and coming up with plans. So, I just want to assure you like with what Dr. Enamone is saying that we plan to be open. We
052know our community values inerson learning and we are working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that that can happen. So, I just want to assure the public of that because I think we've done a good job since we've the pandemic happened and I just want to make sure everybody knows we're still following our road forward back that's on the website. We're still like implementing what we said we were going to do. >> Yeah, it's business as usual. Like Dr. Mcuade said, we know the month of January it's going to be difficult. All the signs point to this is the ocron surge, but like all other surges, it will pass at some point. a week from now, two weeks from now, three weeks from now. Nobody really knows, but we can guess. So, we know
053there's a surge now, we know we'll get through it. Um, today, we didn't look at today as a reopening. It was just vacation ended. The kids go back to school, the grown-ups go back to work, and we're back what we're doing on December 23rd, on December 22nd. So, it wasn't the grand reopening we may have had in the fall of 2020 when it was like really a a first time back. We had a nice vacation, got some RNR, some welldeserved rest and relaxation for our staff and for our kids. And now we're back in business with some hiccups with transportation. Um, with some subs. You know, you may ask your child, "What did you learn in social studies today?" And they may say, "Well, we had a sub, we did a worksheet, and we know
054we're working through that." Uh we have some staff members coming back tomorrow from their quarantine because they tested kind of early in winter break. We have some more coming back on Wednesday, on Thursday and Friday and every day. Obviously, we may lose some between now and tomorrow if somebody tests positive tonight. They're out tomorrow, but um it's just a surge we have to get through and we will and then we'll come out a little stronger. Um like what Kate said, we'll come out stronger in the end. Whenever the end is, we don't know, but we'll get there. So, um, we hope you had a great first day back. Um, I think we did. I sent out a little letter late this afternoon. I think we had a good first day back and we're looking forward
055to tomorrow. >> I I just have a thought. I don't know why it came to me, but what happens if we'll say tonight a teacher tests positive? What happens to all those kids in her classroom? Do they have to be tested also? >> How does that work? >> We don't test students. No. So, >> Now, the teacher, this would be it's 10 days from the date of the test. Today is day zero. >> So, it would be tomorrow's day one, two, and you count forward 10 days. >> But those kids don't have to be tested in the classroom. >> If they're close contact, then they would be contacted by Liz or a nurse. >> Going back to the very beginning of close contact. >> Okay. And then well used >> they're wearing masks. >> Yeah.
056So traditionally in in if a teacher tests positive then that teacher is asked for today are there any like did you come into any close contact. So today you have somebody positive then that principal reaches out >> like sorry the principal reaches out says this teacher tested positive. Did they have any close contacts? We then go over the distance, all of the other guidelines that come and then if those students were a close contact, they would be notified actually tonight. >> Okay. >> If and then tomorrow, starting tomorrow, then the teacher's out for 10 days. >> But do any the children have to quarantine? >> So they would have to only quarantine if they were close contact. But we've tried >> and not vac exposure, especially with like teachers to students as best we can.
057And most of our teachers, you know, are vaccinated. Although, as Ray said, right now, healthcare, you know, not really making a complete difference, but we take it one day at a time. >> So, I think that the difference is the CDC is recommending 5 days. We follow New Jersey Department of Health regulations. They usually are synced up, but right now they're different. We anticipate the Department of Health following the CDC and changing from 10 days to 5 days for asymptomatic individuals. They just haven't announced it yet. So, I would think we're told soon. >> And then when it does, we'll have to put out another message. But for right now, although we all read the headlines last week, 5 days for New Jersey public schools, it's 10 days, but we think it will be five
058eventually. And hopefully as early as this week, but that's just beyond our reach. >> Right. >> So, I heard Dr. McQuade earlier There's a plan. They're executing the plan. I know that you guys were even busy over the break and I know your time is valuable. I would just say, right, Linda is our board president. If you you can't, right, because you don't have the time, if you don't have the time to get that information out to all of us, if you get it to Linda, I think that Linda then can at least get it to us. >> Um, and Linda, you know, I'm hoping right that that can >> Yeah, my phone, you could always call me. Any of you can call me anytime. I'm I'm always, >> you know, and >> yeah, >>
059I mean, I wouldn't put it out on a, you know, >> no, but I think >> we could talk. Yeah. >> So, that's my point. So, individually, you can get that information out to us. This way, at least you >> have one point of contact if you need that because I heard what you're saying, right? You >> It was rough because it was the holiday break and we're normally I would call. I didn't I don't want to bother you during your break and and we I had spoken to a few board members who had told me that they were getting calls, >> you know, and it the call was is school going to open on Monday, you know, and of course I'm sure all of our answers were to the best of our knowledge, we're
060opening on Monday. We're going to be open. So, you know, but I think that there was a little confusion. So I think we have to do better on that. Any other old business? >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I do new business. Pete, >> I have three things in new business. Um, two are things that I saw in the community. One is I was really excited to see um and would love to hear more about this. I don't really know much about it, but that there is a new National English Honor Society at the high school and that they are currently collecting uh used books. Um and they are collecting used books up until January 20th for all ages. Um, and I believe that then they are going to have each elementary school
061look through them, donate them to the schools first and then to students and families. Um, I'm excited about that. >> Sure. >> Absolutely. >> And it was Yeah, I think it I think it was also in the paper. >> Yeah. >> Uh, my second thing is um the high school has this amazing giving closet. I first heard about it from students um and have asked many like questions about it. Um it is a closet of clothing and snacks and water um that students can uh take home if needed and it's free to all high school students. And they have current needs of some snacks and some hoodie sweatshirts. I believe there's a bin outside um the front of the high school at the main entrance where you can drop things off. And I just think
062that is amazing. Um that our students are going there for hoodie sweatshirts when they're cold or if they were cold at the bus stop, they go in um and um things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, clothing, granola bars, snacks, things like that. I think that's awesome. And my last thing is um I'm confused about an email that was sent to coaches that just came to my knowledge. Um I'm curious. I I'd like to see who knew about it, the thoughts of the board and the administration. An email requesting that our coaches go to get their CDL license. Um, it clearly needs >> the email. >> Um, >> I didn't say it. Did anybody else? >> So, who sent the case? >> Um, >> did he come from the district? >> Yeah. Yeah. No, I can't I'm not
063going to say it. Thank you. Um, >> no, I I don't mean >> whoever's in charge of the coaches. Uh, it was asked of their coaching staff if they would go to get their CDL license. Um and um it it seems to me like the gut is that people didn't know and so I think this needs further discussion before our coaching staff steps up to do that as I would really hope that this would be a discussion of the board first. >> Right. So, I I just on that note, Kate, I I know that, you know, years past, I'm going back a little bit, but I know years past that there were coaches at different school districts that had CDL licenses because they drove their team. Now, again, I don't know what how that works
064today from a legal perspective, right? I'm I'm about mitigating risk, so I don't know how that works, but that has happened. >> Yeah, that has happened. and other school districts have done that. Especially like if you're taking a small contingent of wrestlers to Atlantic City, you don't need a 54 passenger bus for 3 days. You can get an SUV or something like that and they can drive down or to attract me for the meet of champions, things like that. Um but there would need to be something in the um the collective bargaining agreement regarding compensation. I I'm off looking at what other schools do, but there's also discussion and a discussion we first >> but there are things to consider. Uh so I'm not quite sure about that email, but I'll look into it and
065uh it's something that we've discussed um as an idea. I've looked into it >> had stopped it a number of years ago >> and that's why I think Kate was saying to >> so um that we didn't talk about it >> think about if I wanted to bring this up publicly tonight or talk about it in committee but it went out and so I would be very concerned if it was a coach right now paying to get their own CDL and it wasn't board supported so I did want to bring it up publicly and say, "I didn't know about this and I wanted to see how many of you did." And obviously, it wasn't something that any of us have discussed in committee or in public. Now, we have, and so if there's someone out
066there paying to get their own CDL or taking the test or whatever, it probably should be board approved first. You know, >> I don't think that anyone would take that initiative on their own. Uh, especially since we do have training here. So, um, right. >> You know, but we'll look into it. >> Any other new business? All >> those in favor. >> Oh, my favorite time. Public comment. This portion of the meeting is open to the members of the public having a legitimate interest in the actions of the board for the purpose of addressing any subject matter pertinent to andor directly related to the operations of the West Milford Public School District. Members of the public who have requested to speak prior to the meeting will be recognized by the chair first. Each speaker will
067be given five minutes for a period of 30 minutes time. Then time permitting other public comment limited to 5 minutes per speaker will be allowed until the 30 uh 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. 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 the members of the public be courteous and respectful of the rights of others individuals when speaking specifically comments regarding administration will not be responded to. Students and employees have specific legal rights afforded to them by the laws of New Jersey. The board
068is not responsible and is not liable for any comments 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? >> If not, I make a motion to close public comments. I >> all those in favor. >> Oh, we need a mo. We don't have anything, right? We need a motion to >> adjourn. I'll make a motion to >> What time is it? >> 834. >> Seconded by Ray. All those in favor. >> Everyone have a good night.