001In 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 trend, the record, the messenger, West Milford town hall, the county superintendent office, the board of attorneys, cable vision, war cable vision of Warwick, and West Milford TV77 and posted in the administration building. Copies of the board meeting calendar resolution were provided to all local media, town hall, township library, and all district schools. Go forth. Mr. Romeo >> here, >> Mrs. Stevenson >> here. >> Mr. Conway >> here. >> Mrs. >> here, >> Mr. Green >> here, >> Mr. O'Brien >> here, >> Mr. Oinsky >> here. Still >> here. >> Dr. Ann, your report. >> Good evening. >> I think we're on. >> Oh, there
002he is. I'm not [Music] done. 90% of the problem >> genius. >> Good evening everybody. Welcome to our regular meeting for March 23rd, 2021. I wanted to start off superintendent report. We do have a resolution we want to approve later this evening. I'm going to read from it now and then make a few comments. I think Dr. McQuade wanted to make a few comments as well. And then we do have a a plaque and some nice words of appreciation for our our district nurses. So, uh the resolution we'll be voting on is going to be on page four if you want to follow along. And it reads, "Whereas the CO 19 pandemic has emphasized the essential role school nurses and substitute nurses play in student health, school safety, and academic success. And whereas school nurses
003and substitute nurses act as a liaison to the school community, families, and health care providers on behalf of children's health by promoting wellness, improving health outcomes for our district students, and keeping our school community safe. And whereas during the global pandemic of 2020 2021, our school nurses and substitute nurses served with great distinction in the West Milford schools while the school district implemented in-person learning. And whereas our school nurses and substitute nurses held uppermost the welfare of our students and staff in their decisions while serving with great skill, dedication, and expertise. And whereas their commitment allowed for schools to remain open safely as they work together to meet the needs across the school district during unprecedented times. Now therefore, be it resolved that the West Milford Board of Education, on behalf of a grateful school
004community, publicly celebrates and acknowledges the accomplishments of school nurses and substitute nurses everywhere and their efforts to the needs of today's students and offers gratitude to our district's nurses and substitute nurses for their outstanding contributions to the West Milford Township Public School District. And be it further resolved that this resolution be spread upon the official minutes of the board of education meeting held on March 23rd, 2021 and presented to the school nurses and substitute nurses who were present during the global pandemic. So that's our official resolution. Uh my own personal opinion is very few people are irreplaceable. We hear that word a lot, but most people are replaceable, but our school nurses are truly irreplaceable. Um, we're one there, there was a great there was a long period of time this year when West Milford
005was the only school district in Paya County that was open for in-person learning and we could not done it could not have done it without our school nurses contributing each and every day, early morning, late night, weekends sometimes. Um, so I just want to thank you on behalf of the board of education and on behalf of all of our students for all your work this year and I think Dr. McCoy wanted to say a couple of words too. >> Yes, I'll just pretty much um go after Dr. Anamo and he I thought said it very very well. It's been a challenging year and the nurses know that best. But what I will say is that my sincerest thanks for whether you're a substitute nurse for us or you have been a district nurse that's pitching
006in in another building and backing up things. These nurses have been working around the clock. We can't tell you know you the amount of time and effort that they have put into each day and never once since the summer when we started having weekly summer meetings just to stay, you know, on top of everything. So, I'm just I'm very thankful and very proud of this group of people because they really have been carrying us through this entire time. So, just thank you very much from myself and I know on behalf of the community and I know the board is grateful as well. >> Yes. So, uh we do have a few we do have a nice plaque for you. We'd like you to call you up one by one uh to receive your plaque and
007perhaps take a picture with Dr. McQuade and I. >> Wow. Riley. >> You should have practiced clear masks. >> I know, right? She was in my daughter's class. [Music] You want to defend us? What is that noise? Another one. So yeah. Thank you. >> You got it. I know. >> Oh, I would have liked to see her. >> All right. Thank you again. Thank you very much. I took care of that. >> Yeah, I was just thinking that was wonderful. I have to say there's so many there's so many moments but also a proud member of the community and that's like a perfect example of it. >> Thank you. There's a a million people we can give plaques to tonight was the nurs's chance but there's a a million other unsung heroes. >> It was
008good. It was welld deserved and uh we'll certainly get put the think caps back on tomorrow. But uh next up a return to school update. Um, so next Monday, 6 days from today, we welcome our first few batches of students back for 5-day instruction. Parents have been notified they have an option to select in-person instruction for 5 days a week or virtual instruction for 5 days a week. So letters went home probably, I would say, two weeks ago, and we do have responses back for our kindergarteners, our first graders, our 12th graders. It appears that almost all the elementary students wish to come back or at least a large percentage I would say somewhere between 85 85% maybe 90% of the elementary students high schools it's a little bit lower than that but it's significantly
009higher than what it's been to to to this date this year. Um so we are ready for that and then we welcome other cohorts of students back for 5 days instruction each of the following three Mondays notwithstanding spring break week. So, um, just want to reassure the board, the community, all of our existing protocols will remain in effect. Um, we still have extra time for to allow for handwashing, masks. Uh, we're going to social distance when possible. Uh, the CDC released some guidance on Friday, uh, lowering the 6-foot requirement to 3 feet. So that is going to be we believe an update to as early as tomorrow from the New Jersey Department of Health. Um there's supposed to be a press conference tomorrow with the governor. So we'll wait and see on that. Um but
010we are going to do our best to maintain as many feet as practical between students. U we do have some small class sizes where children can still be 6 feet apart even though they're all back. So we we are blessed with some very small class sizes. Um, and we are optimistic and looking forward to getting our students back on Monday, starting on Monday. And then uh this will be a great trial run for September when we don't believe there's going to be a fully virtual option available to uh to parents. So um we're not going to go from zero to 100 in September. We'll have taken many smaller steps between this past September and next September. Um so this is really the next step in our in our plan back and uh we are looking
011forward to it. So, um, more to follow on that next week. And we have our student report now. Miss Gerald, >> excuse me, just Alex, I just have one question. Um, some of the parents were a little concerned that that third option was not there. Can you explain why you decided not to put that in >> to the hybrid? Yeah. >> option. Um, well, we're trying to support our staff. Um it's very difficult to teach to two groups of students to have one group of a certain number in your classroom, another group at home. You're essentially teaching two classes at the same time. >> Okay. >> And we feel we can do this safely. And we did offer the 5-day virtual option for people who are not comfortable coming back to school. So there is
012always that option, but uh we believe our staff can manage this. And I think it's been very challenging. We gave flags to the nurses tonight. We could probably give one to every teacher, but obviously, >> yeah, that'll have to be something we >> I think custodial st we have a lot of >> support staff that deserve kudos been in the building >> before anybody else. >> Yeah. So, our our teachers are looking forward to getting back to a uh a regular classroom environment. Um I did we had Dr. week probably two weeks ago and one of the classes I read to uh was a kindergarten section at PK and it was a small group of students so they were 100% back already and the teacher was very happy that the she was not having to
013teach to the camera and the students and the camera and the students it was all just right there which is uh a lot easier for our staff. So um >> thank you. >> Okay, thanks. It it sounds like a lot of the virtual children students are coming back 85 or 90% right. >> It's Yeah, I believe so. We've had more students coming back that are going out. So, >> students are ready, parents are ready. We because we have um multiple deadlines for notification. We anticipate that that virtual number will continue to come down as each grade level we've only had notification from K and one to this point. So, as those additional grade level notifications come in, we anticipate it going down more. >> Thank you. >> All right, Miss Gerald, >> nice to see
014you again and good luck in softball this year. >> Thank you. >> Very nice article. >> Thank you. >> Everybody needs to get a chance to read the article about Amanda. >> Thank you. Um, so as most of you know, my name is Amanda Gerald. I'm president of the student council at the high school. Uh, as the end of the year is approaching, so is the senior's graduation and prom. So, following the footsteps of last year's senior class, our class also voted to have the drive-thru graduation this year on June 15th at Warwick. So, we're excited for that. We're also glad to hear recent news that the school will be having our senior prom on June 3rd at the Valley Regency in Clifton. So, we're all like really looking forward to having a fun night
015there as a whole class finally all together. So, that's really good news. Um, the National Art Honor Society and Art Club is also beginning to work on the senior wall again this week. Uh, now that the weather has improved that from the winter we had. Uh, in addition to that, they hosted two virtual events already in March called Art Connects Us Schools. Uh this event allowed for students of all ages to draw virtually together and at the end of the event they'd share um all their drawings together and their last session occurs March 31st from 6 to 7:00 p.m. They have so far had 15 high school and about 85 elementary school artists in total participate in the event. So congratulations to them on an accessible event. Uh the second group of winter sports have
016been going on for close to a month now and the teams have been working hard and embracing the chances they get to play with a shortened season. The swim team is currently 1 and one and look forward to winning a few more meets to make that tide record a winning one. The wrestling team has been doing well with a 3-0 record, planning on continuing their winning streak throughout the season. Gymnastics so far has only had one meet, but their last one they won against Sparta 97.2 to 96.5. So in a tight competition. Girls volleyball has also has a even record of 2 and two. So they hope to pull through the winning season as they compete in their next couple of matches. the winter track. Both boys and girls impressively finished third in their conference.
017So big big kudos to them. Uh Ryan Cooper being the conference champion in the 400 and Colette Metaf being the high jump conference champion. So congratulations to both of them. Uh and last but not least, the cheer team has also been successful so far with a record of six and two. The uh winter season's coming to an end, but we also want to wish the approaching spring sports good luck on their seasons as well. The student council has also met together and talked about their plans for senior choice. As of now, it's virtual, but we are also pending a future decision and hope to be able to do the event live. So, we are planning for both. Um, and that's all for today. Thank you for allowing me to speak. the head. Any questions, feel
018free to ask. It's good to see you back. >> Yeah, I'm glad to be back. >> We'll see you on Monday and good good luck in softball. >> That's it. >> All right. Um, at our last meeting, I mentioned that we were uh going to be pressing on with the district arts festival that we've come to really enjoy and love in this community. Uh tonight I'm able to announce that we are you know it is a um it is going to be a go and the uh date that we have on the calendar on the district calendar now is April 29th. Um families can expect to start getting communication this week in regard to um well one about um their participants the the students who are participating in the event times to be there practice
019schedules that sort of thing. um our elementary band. We're we're real happy that the fifth graders are going to have um are going to have their time in this festival as as they had in the past. Um as we know with the pandemic that our bands have struggled to, you know, get inerson time and practice time with their instrument. Um so our expectations um you know are are going to be a little different this year for what our fifth grade has been able to perform in the past. Um but we're excited they're they're going to be able to come together and play. We are um going to put together a uh large outdoor in-person practice for our fifth graders so that all all fifth graders from the six elementary schools can come together safely in
020an outdoor environment and practice for that night and and rehearse what they work on between uh between now and then. So families can expect to get communication this week in regard to this event. We are also in the process of sharing those um you know advertising flyers for the community. Um and we are um developing now what our rules are going to be in terms of participants, how many um you know parents andor spectators can be present for for each kid, but it'll be similar to a number of the guidelines that we use for our um outdoor events. So more more to follow the end of the week. We should have um you know our families of participants informed with with as much information as we can get out right now. I also wanted to
021I'm sorry it's not on the agenda. Um but I also wanted to give Dr. Mcuade a chance to follow up on we had a really exciting uh PD day last week where we were uh focusing on um mental health supports and um for for our staff and in a turnkey sort of um process for how they can um take care of themselves in order to take care of our students. So uh Dr. McQuade, you want to jump a little update? >> Sure. Yeah. Um, so our professional development day, we did run it similar to a traditional professional development day. We had sessions throughout the afternoon. So the feedback that we got from staff was that they wanted some updates with COVID and a better deeper understanding of different practices we're doing in the district and
022resources. So we sent that to them and allowed them to utilize their own time to access what they felt they would need. Uh we then transitioned into a time and this was across the district for our staff that also included our custodians and our and our secretarial staff as well and our administration to focus really on self-care. So different at the different levels they focus on different things. So at the elementary um they ran a a workshop for staff obviously. And then we had two either a social worker or child um mental health provider or LB participated in running those and it really was focused on the staff in smaller rooms giving feedback and working them through it and then as well as other types of activities and more hands-on things for the staff. middle
023school brought in some remind focus and then the other sessions was more a survey and more routine more kind of supportive. The high school did a um self-care support in the way of dare to share and then a share to care. So they did an opposite thing where they first gave grant in smaller groups um that that were obviously led by the mental health professionals and then their second session allowed for teachers to pick what they felt they would benefit from. So it might have been anything from I know we had a lot of teachers that also volunteered for different stuff like um cooking, mindful walking, um what might end up like how you can then apply self-care in your life and taking care of yourself. Um, and there were different vendors and different people
024that came in versus also teachers that volunteered their time to do, you know, even something as simple as like greeting cards and what therapeutic part is behind that. So, it was the feedback that we got was very positive from the staff because it was very focused on them. Um, and it was run and led by their colleagues instead of it being like a top down from administration which I think gave it also a different type of >> That's good. Okay, good. Special reports of correspondence. Mrs. Francisco, >> I believe the minutes from the February meeting are going to be review and we did not have an executive session that night. So, it's only >> Okay, I need I need a motion to make a motion to approve the uh from February 23rd, 2021 board meeting.
025Second, >> Terry. All the Any discussion about the minutes? All those in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Okay. Motion carries. Uh, president's report. I really unfortunately during this time there's not a whole lot of things that I could intend or go to, but you know, I'm thankful that we were able to do what we did tonight for the nurses. And I do hope that we will look to do it for all of our staff because they've really put a year in. And I I I feel very um I I feel that a good word and a thank you goes a very long way with your staff. and let's we've been very fortunate that we've been able to be open since October and that everything has gone on and that reflects back on the staff
026and our support staff because of following all the protocols and everything else. So, um I look forward to that and I think that's about it. I'm happy to hear about the drive-in graduation. I think it was a wonderful thing and I I in the bits and pieces that I have heard I think we're going to do our our car cavalcade through town again and I think it it's a wonderful thing for our seniors to be recognized but I also think it'll be something to uplift our community again because I think it was it definitely was a a very uplifting day that day. So I look forward to that also. Um okay now we have public comment. Now this portion of the meeting is open to members of the public for the purpose of addressing resolutions
027on the 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 5 minutes for a period of 30 minutes and 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 this public comment during the public comment period are asked to address topics listed in the agenda. All speakers are asked to sign the register provided to give their full name, spell their last name, group of 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
028and 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. The board is 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 and identified in their comments. Members of the public are reminded that they are legally responsible and liable for their comments. Anyone wishing to speak? If not, >> Dave, >> ready? All those in favor? I >> Any oppose? Okay, we need a
029motion. Oh, we have to you have uh to adopt the agenda. >> Uh changes to the agenda. First will be on page five, personnel student affairs resolution number three. After where it says for the purpose of retirement, we're going to add a new sentence retirement deferred until May 1st, 2025. >> That is >> that's number three, Lori Kelly. >> Okay. And then we are going to pull personnel student affairs resolution number eight from the uh agenda entirely. Okay. And that's it. >> And then we have the hand carries. Correct. >> We have hand carries as well. Yes. >> Okay. You have hand carries for personnel and for operations and finance. I need a motion to uh adopt the agenda as it's presented. I move to adopt the agenda as presented. >> Dave. All those in
030favor? >> I. Any opposed? Okay. U Mrs. Dryer, you're up first. Okay. Um here I am. Okay. I'd like to move items one through three for approval. Any discussion? >> Okay. If not, roll call. Mrs. Francisco, >> yes. >> Mr. Gino, >> yes. >> Mrs. Stevenson, >> yes. >> Mr. Stillman, >> yes. >> Mr. Oshinsky, >> Mrs. Romeo, >> yes. >> Mr. Conklin, >> yes. >> Miss O'Brien, >> Mrs. Van Dyk, >> yes. And I did not mention, but thank you, Liz. I'm glad to see we have another tuition coming in for the Highlander Academy. Move on to personnel. Deputy there. Uh, did daddy vote? >> Uh, Dad, did you hear us vote? >> Dad, why is this? >> Maybe we lost her. >> Dad, did you hear us? >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you.
031>> You're welcome. >> Personnel student affair. Mrs. Stevenson. Approve it through7. [Music] >> Okay. Discussion. >> I I have one. >> Okay. Ray had his hand up first. Let me go to Ray and Okay. >> Go ahead, Ray. >> Go ahead. I I congratulations [Music] and one of my favorite. >> Okay. I was I wanted to say the same thing. My kid's favorite teacher, Colleen Orao, and I taught with her at McAppin for a while. She's unbelievable. The energy is is just amazing and she's going to be sorely missed. >> She is going to be missed. I >> And I I do have another question. Why are we deferring a retirement until 2025? >> We're not deferring it. The individual is >> withdrew. Okay. She withdrew at that. Okay, I get it. >> No, it's
032not withdrawn. An individual isn't entitled to defer their retirement. They don't have to. She's still leaving, but she's not retiring. She's resigning, >> but she's not technically retiring until 2025, >> but she's not teaching anymore after this year, >> right? Okay. Not here. >> Got it. >> Oh, boy. >> That was a little confusing. Courtney, >> can we have a replacement? >> So, this just came through today. um he found positions district I believe. So >> they are we'll have to go back to the drawing board tomorrow. >> Yeah. >> But that is a replacement on a leave, right? >> So that's a leave replacement. Correct. >> So there will be some missaw. >> Any other questions? If not, roll call. [Music] Mrs. Stevenson. >> Yes. >> Miss O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Mr. Go. >>
033Yes. >> Mr. Oshinski. >> Yes. >> M. Romeo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Conklin. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwer. >> Yes. >> Mr. Stillman. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke. >> Yes. >> Operation definement. Do you have the hand carried? >> The agreements are closer. >> Yeah. Do 1 through 11 first. Yes. Because they have to be separate. Yes. Thank you. Who second that? J. Any discussion? Any discussion on the items under operations and finance? If not, >> thank you. Uh, roll call. >> Mr. Oinsky, >> yes. >> Mrs. Stevenson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mr. Gino, >> yes. >> Mrs. O'Brien, >> yes. >> Mr. Sil, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwire, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, Mr. Conklin, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke, >> yes. >> Number five. >> Second. >> Thank you, Dad. We
034got it. Um, >> any discussion? If not, roll over. >> Mr. Oshinsky. Yes, >> Mrs. Stevenson. >> Yes, >> Mr. Greeno. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes, >> Mr. Stillman. >> Yes, >> Miss O'Brien. >> Yes, >> Mr. Conklin. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Romeo. >> Miss Van Djk. [Music] >> 13. Any [Music] any discussion? >> Mr. Oshinski? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gino? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Stevenson? >> Mrs. O'Brien? >> Yes. >> Mr. Stillman? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwire? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romeo? >> Yes. >> Mr. Conklin? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Van Djk? >> Yes. I think we should move these second. >> Yeah. Second discussion. >> Mr. Oshinski. >> Yeah. >> Mr. Garino, do you have a question? >> Mrs. >> Yeah. um we have to go out to bid for this through a
035consortium and so it's all um the time frame is all designated by the state and yes this is a continuation of the current services because you really don't have much in West Milford and uh but we do have to go out to bid for it because of the the value of the contract. >> Thank you. I thank you very much. Yeah, >> their name chang >> Mr. Oshinsky. >> Mr. Gino, >> Mrs. Stevenson, >> yes. >> Mrs. O'Brien, >> yes. >> Mr. Stillman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwire, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> yes. >> Mr. Conklin, >> yes. >> Mrs. Van Djk, >> yes. We can't move that till after executive session, right? >> Do do we need an executive? >> And carry three. >> Yeah, it does say that, but we don't need
036one. >> Oh, okay. discussion. >> Robo >> Mr. Oshinski, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mr. Greeno, >> yes. >> Mrs. Stevenson, >> yes. >> Miss O'Brien, >> yes. >> Mr. Stillman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwire, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Conklin. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyk. >> Yes. >> Okay. Policy. Mrs. Romeo. [Music] Mike, any discussion? Roa. >> Mrs. Romeo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Stevenson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Oshinsky. >> Yes. Mr. Stillman. >> Yes. >> Mr. Conklin. >> Yes. >> Mr. Greeno. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Swer. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Van Dyke. >> Yes. >> Committees and reports. Uh, parks and recreation. Uh, Mr. >> Stillman [Applause] different [Music] kind of What was the last one about rocks? >> Oh, >> wow. Yeah. You're you
037met on Zoom or you met in person? Zoom. >> Okay. Well, that's good. I'm glad to hear Bubbling Springs is going to be up and running this this summer. That's great. uh safety no meeting uh superintendent round table uh I don't have a report from the last one and the next one is this Thursday yep okay the eight county school boards that would be Terry did you log on Nope don't have they didn't have anything that was >> yes they >> oh Debbie did Debbie would okay go ahead >> all right there was a Zoom meeting that was held on Monday, March 15th. Topics discussed, we're looking for nominations for several positions on the P State County School Board Association. Deadline is April 15th. The moving of the educators up the priority list for vaccinations
038was also uh uh discussed. The unsung heroes program, which is which the county is looking for nominations from each of the school districts, and the deadline for nominations is March 31st. teachers of the year. >> Kathy Haw reminded everyone that the superintendent's evaluations are due on July 30 uh July 1st. Trisha Jones, legislative advocate, spoke about the state aid situation, which we know very well about. Um 10 billion is going to New Jersey from the federal government. Uh which is broken down to 6.2 billion to help the states, 1.8 billion to the counties, and 1.7 billion to the municipalities. He also talked about the re revitalization bill which at this time is a voluntary is voluntary with the school districts. >> Good. Um, I had sent everybody on the board the uh notes and the
039presentation from Seth Tippen from um who spoke about the legislative history and overview of the law of mar for marijuana and Caitlyn Pletcher also spoke about the policies and procedures in school settings based with the new law on marijuana. So, I sent you all that information. There's a lot of stuff to cover. Um, and there's a lot of a lot of moving parts, a lot of things going on um that pertain to uh legal matters and board policy. >> Thank you, Debbie. >> No problem. New Jersey school boards. I don't really have anything for that. >> Oh, I think did you you and I and Debbie attended the board the um what was it? Governance for training online. Um just a reminder too to everyone if you have governance training that you have to do
040please make sure that you sign up and get that taken care of. Um it was like an hour and a half online very you know that was the last thing we had legislative >> technology. Yeah. So um just some old business we started the yearbooks and there really wasn't any policy put around that. So come the start of next year there will likely be something more formal with regards to parent handbook. So come next year we'll be a little more prepared for uh for that the uh library for everybody has has been better and has gotten better. Uh you might have noticed uh we move to a camera system of the entire group as we say social also. So we received proposal. We're working on getting those proposal too. We change our sound system. So
041everybody will have a goal to have everybody have a mic in front of them and to uh hopefully be able to hear us a little bit better. With regards to some new stuff, uh the teachers, you know, they they get some new laptops. There were a few problems with some laptop, Wi-Fi cards that they're going to have a fix for that need to fix. Uh class uh class one roster and ST Math uh like the integration roll down. We're going to work on expanding that to harder applications where slash possible. And then uh the phone system replacement or housing a committee committee that's been formed with representation from our schools and those typically people that are going to use that phone system the most. Um so there'll be more to come on that in the
042coming months as we really work to get an old system updated. I mean this how old is the system like? >> Well, I'm just trying I feel like I feel like when I was on the board last time, we approved the purchase of some of it. >> I believe it was a a secondhand system when it >> was it was Yes, I agree. I do remember it. Yeah, >> it was end of life when it was bought. Well, we're very good at keeping everybody on on extra West Milford uh Alliance. >> Is that Kate? >> Oh, or sorry, >> Kate. Kate or Courtney? >> Debbie was here. >> Oh, go ahead, Deb. >> Showtime. >> The woman behind the screen will speak once again behind the curtain. >> The meeting was held on March the
0438th. Nina Rams from the family support organization presented information on a training called connections matter which is funded through the New Jersey department of children and families. It focuses on ACES which stands for adverse childhood experiences and trauma. How trauma affects brain development and the community connections and resiliency that is needed for a child um and people overall. The training is geared towards schools, parents, and basically anyone who works or lives with children through the Highland Family Success Center. A training has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 27th and Wednesday, April 28th from 6 to 8:00 p.m. Unfortunately, on Tuesday, April 27th, we'll be at a board meeting. The Hope One van is back in West Milford. They will be at the Utopia Deli on March 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and at the
044Highlands Market on Monday, April 12th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. They provide they provide a location certified peer recovery specialist and mental health professionals. They'll be there to provide peer recovery support for individuals and families, mental health support, um information, uh lineage to substance use and mental health treatments, Narcan kids, harm reduction supply strategies, and general support. Um West Milford Municipal Alliance is also looking for high school students as well as parents from the community to be on their on their uh comm uh on their committee. Anyone interested, please reach out to Kathy Mcgur at wmma westmford.org. >> Debbie, how how would somebody know about that that that uh vehicle that's going to be at the Utopia deli and that? >> I I have no idea what you just said. >> We shared it
045as a virtual uh community backpack. >> Oh, okay. I It's a resource, but Go ahead. Go ahead, Kate. I haven't seen it anywhere. So, good question. But, um, I also wanted to add that tomorrow night, I just got this email, so it wasn't mentioned that there's uh session for grandparents, uh, Wednesday, March 24th, tomorrow at 700 p.m. It is called the state county power of grandparents. Um, the committee will be hosting a Zoom webinar uh, entitled drug awareness overview. Um, and the presenter is from the outreach coordinator of New Jersey. >> That's tomorrow night at what time? >> 700 p.m. >> Okay. >> It looks like it's a full update of trends, girlfriends, and all those things. >> Thank you. Okay. Um, old business. Does anyone have any old business? If not, >> okay, ready?
046Dave, you want to second that? Or all those in favor? I >> I >> New business. Courtney, >> I'm wondering if Stan, if you can give us a little bit of an overview of the digital workshop that you sent out, via Honeywell and I just kind of give you for finding that and sending that out. Um, about parents and the digital age and >> I signed up. >> Oh, great. Good. No, I'm glad you I'm glad you brought it up. Um so as as the community um is aware uh many people know that uh digital citizenship is something near and dear to my heart. We've hosted the congressionally acknowledged event here in West Milford. Um and I'm kind of you know chomping at the bit to start getting back into that discussion. Um, knowing that
047our, you know, children have now been a year of all digital, you know, I think the the conversation is more important now than it's than it's ever been before. Um, so that um that presenter, Josh Oaks, >> that's the person that I had planned for last spring's digital citizenship night that was canled. So we I created a relationship with him last winter when we started planning for it and we're on his email list for upcoming events and that sort of thing. So now as I get um events from him, this is the first of of many um that are probably going to be free uh parent webinar um opportunities. Um so if people who are not familiar with what Mr. Stevenson just referred to. I sent a Honeyal email uh end of last week. That
048is a free sign up for parents to um get a live presentation by Josh Oaks. Um I think it's Smart Media. Sorry if I'm quoting the name of his company company wrong. Um but he's going to speak live about the dangers of many of the things that our kids are very popular with right now. Fortnite, Tik Tok, >> YouTube, you know, all of all of those goto, you know, all of those go-to apps that kids are, you know, streaming around the clock. Now, he's going to give parents some tools to, you know, how to set how to set limitations, how to set safeties, and be aware of of some of the dangers that exist on these platforms. You know, I think there's the world's very complacent right now with children on devices and you know,
049the conversation is more important now than it's ever been before. So, thank you. Thank you for asking that. >> Yeah, I think it was wonderful and kudos to you for sending it out to the community. I think it's such an important topic, especially right now. Thank you, >> Kate. Did you have something? >> Yeah, two things. versus um I got to email their spring story on history walk at um park >> that yeah that was in I think it was in the paper >> yeah that's exciting um >> that's a cute it's a very cute walk it's very very nice for younger kids >> and the second thing is um I am really excited and we we didn't talk about it about number 10 under operations was the uh acceptance of a gift um and
050I just wanted to say thank few uh brown ears statue. Really >> life size ear. >> We're going to have our own Highlander. >> I just thought I'd say that's really cool. >> It's a very generous gift. Yes. >> Very exciting. >> Oh, okay. Any other new business? If not, I need a motion. >> Second, Terry. All those in favor? >> Any oppose? Public comment. This portion of the meeting is open to me 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 operations of the West Milford Public School District. Members of the public who have requested to speak prior to the meeting will be recognized first by the recognized first by
051the chair. Each speaker will be given five minutes for a period of 30 minutes and then time permitting other public comment limited to five minutes per speaker will be allowed until the 30 minute time period transpires. All speakers are asked to sign and reg 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 the response will be forthcoming if and when appropriate. The board asked that the members of the public be courteous and respectful of the rights of other individuals when speaking. Specifically, comments regarding members and employees of the board are discouraged and the board will not will the board will
052and the board and administration will not respond to that. students and employees have specific legal rights afforded to them by the New Jersey. the board is not responsible and is not liable for any comments made by members of [Applause] 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. Does anyone wish to speak under public comment? >> I want to record it. Can I let you >> and we can just insert it? I mean uh uh if not, we need a motion. I'll make a motion to close. >> Dave second. >> Okay. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Any
053opposed? If not, executive. We do need an executive session for legal update. >> I have already. >> Okay. But we're not going to take action. Okay. Uh 7:54. I'd like to make a motion going into executive session for the purpose of discussing personelations education matter negotiations and client privileges. The executive session will not be released or confidentiality. >> I need a second. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Okay. We will return to adjourn from when we return we will adjourn. >> I'd like to call the meeting back to order. Roll call for >> here. Mr. Stevenson >> here. >> Mr. Sman >> here. >> Mrs. Wer >> here. >> Mrs. O'Brien >> here. >> Mr. Reno >> here. >> Mr. Here >> we need a motion to adjourn. >> Second, Courtney. All those
054in favor? I. Good night. Good night.