001I'd like to call the meeting to order and if you could take a take the time for a moment of silence and please remember Chuck Enering a longtime volunteer of West Milford who was very involved in our community who passed away today. Please rise for flag salute to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 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 trend, the record, the messenger, West Milford town hall, the county superintendent's office, the board attorney and cable vision of Warwick and posted in the administration building. Copies of the board meeting
002calendar resolution were provided to all local media, town hall, township, library, and all district schools. Roll call. Mrs. Francisco, >> Mrs. Romeo, >> Mrs. Stevenson >> here. >> Mr. Collin >> here. >> Mrs. Dwire >> here. >> Mr. Dino, Mrs. Fritz >> here, >> Mr. >> here. >> Mr. Stillman >> here. >> Mrs. Ba >> here. Uh, Mr. Mr. Gorino and uh Mrs. Romeo both called their ill. >> Report. Dr. Anna. >> Uh, yes. Good evening everybody. Welcome to our February meeting. Uh, we're going to start off with our local VFW. Uh, Mr. Johnson is here to help pass out some awards for our students who won the essay contest for the either the voice of democracy contest or the Patriots den. They have some nice awards for you. And on behalf of the school
003district, I have some certificates of appreciation as well. So, in case I forget, congratulations and thank you very much. like the BFW uh for about 75 years now has been giving out awards uh for Patriots pen which is a contest a written contest by the junior grades and the voice of democracy which is a um a performance uh uh program where they have to actually record and uh send in recording of them giving their paper. Um, the national over the year spends about $4.6 million on the scholarship uh for these kids and uh it's a great program. This is our first year for the Patriots pin and uh we assume that those kids that are in that group will stay with us all through high school and uh it's a very good program and the
004participation has been very good. Uh thank you uh Mr. President for giving us this time to make this award. If the Patriots pen a Murphy [Applause] face the audience stay here. >> You thought you'd escape. >> Goodies. First you get something to hang on your wall. Patriots pen pin. and a plaque. Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and its authority youth essay certificate of merit to Ava Murphy for an outstanding young spokesman spokesperson for the future first place in the Patriots Ben. [Applause] >> Oh wow. >> To go with the doll and the VFW pen which I know you were sharing. Thank you very much. >> Rigbay Bridge. >> Uh Jennifer Shen. Okay, those two were uh in second and third place and they will all get the same awards for the VOD,
005the Voice of Democracy, which are the older kids. Uh the top prize in the Voice of Democracy is a $30,000 scholarship uh to the national winner. And everybody from each state gets at least a,000 to $2,000 plus they all get a free trip to Washington for a couple days. all paid for by the BFW and they get to perform their uh presentation in front of the whole country. So uh our first place winner is Anna Brand. [Applause] >> And we have for you cherish money and your uh certificate. Are you a senior? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, we won't see you next year. >> Encourage all the kids in your in that are coming up to join up. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Yes. [Applause] Congratulations. [Applause] Something hang on your wall.
006>> Your certificate again. It says Voice of Democracy Certificate of Merit. Ashley Wllo, Outstanding Spokesperson for Freedom. Second place, Voice of Democracy. And a check. >> Thank you. [Applause] Madison Augustine. >> Madison's not here. Okay. We'll make sure that these >> uh stop by. Is Karen Johnson here today? >> Yes. >> Oh, there you go. Uh we have an award for Karen. Karen is our liaison to the school and she does all the work. She gets the kids to write the program and brings them to us and she's been an invaluable uh representative from the school to help us out. So >> presented to Karen M. Johnson which happens to be my sister's name. It's not my sister for meritorious and distinguished service in furthering the aims and ideals of the veterans of foreign wars
007of the United States. Given this day, Commander Pat Lachman, Assistant John Trojanowski. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mr. Thank you. And and thank you to the BFW for all their support for our students and our schools. >> Thank you, Karen. And >> by the way, all these members, they live in town here. All the BFW members do. >> And all their kids went through your school system. So, >> well, we appreciate your support. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> All right. Uh moms and dads, if you want to leave now, you don't have to stay the rest of the board meeting, but congratulations again. >> Thank you. >> Uh so moving on, the MACPin update. Um we have a couple of agenda motions on this agenda this evening for official transfer
008of about a dozen or so teachers from the elementary schools to Makapin. Uh this list is inclusive of general education, special education, fizzed. Uh we have a social worker on there. There may be additional transfers in the spring when we figure out our related arts schedules with art and music and those types of things, but um that's typical what we do every year. We do those schedules in June. So, you might see an additional agenda motion later in the school year. Um and lastly, we also have uh Mr. Citro set up the parent orientation meeting. We're going to get some notices out to our community, but it's going to be officially on Thursday, May 7th. There's going to be a parent orientation night. Makapin. It's going to be for sixth and seventh grade, which is
009a slight change from last time we met. Um, so the parents are going to meet together in the auditorium and then break off into groups. Sixth grade will go to one wing, seventh grade will go to another wing and they'll meet with different teachers. Right. We are also scheduling our student activity nights for fifth and sixth grade. Also for May, the exact date and time will be probably for the next board meeting. Okay. in front of you. I put some subtle signage up here today in front of the uh in front of the podium here. Um the district uh West Morford, our district was originally named one of three districts in the state of New Jersey to be named a state district of character. Um which simply means that all of our schools are schools
010of character as our and our district is as well. So like I said, this is one of three districts statewide to receive this honor and there's only a handful more nationwide that receive this honor. This is through character.org. work. So, thank you, Board of Education, for all your support over the last couple years, uh, financial support. Thank you to our administrative team and our teachers. Uh, but most of all, thank you to our students because, uh, they're the real people of character in the district. So, we appreciate everybody's effort. Uh, next up, we recently received a homeland security grant. Um, it's called Stop the Bleed. Uh, we typically don't speak a lot about our security and safety measures. We we speak about those uh, behind closed doors. We don't typically advertise all of our safety
011initiatives, but um we received a Homeland Security grant for I think we received 50 kits. They're called Stop the Bleed. So, we're passing them out to our schools. It's what you might it's tourniquets, it's scissors, it's gauze, it's all the things you might typically need in a kit if somebody had a a cut or was bleeding excessively. So, it's a pretty hardcore. We have I think 50 to dist distribute around the district. All the schools will get some. Central office transportation, the athletic trans will get some. So, this is a nice grant through I think UMDJ, right? Again, that's something we can easily share. Uh, next up is the monthly progress toward district goals. Uh, we discussed this briefly in education committee last month and we'll probably discuss it again next month in education committee.
012But as we transition from a K6 elementary school to a K5 elementary school, we're taking this opportunity not just to take a look at Makipin as a 68 school, but also look at our elementary schools. How do they look as a K5 school, which is a much more traditional elementary grade span? And we are looking at redoing our elementary report cards for next year. Um, we currently have your traditional report cards, letters and numbers. We're considering moving to more of a standardsbased report card. Um, which is something you see in many districts around the state in the region. And lastly, we may be switching from a quarterly report card schedule at the elementary levels to a trimester, which will be means if you're in a K5, you could potentially go from seeing four report cards
013this year to three next year. So, if each mark period is extended by 3 weeks or so, you can stretch that out. So, um, nothing's official yet. We're still working on it. We're still working on the roll out. It may not be K to 5. It could be K to 3 initially and then eventually K to 4 and K to 5. So, looking forward to more discussions about that. And Mr. Rena, >> uh, good evening everyone. Our students have been busy this month and are busy preparing for next month's events. Before I begin, I would like to congratulate the students, staff, and administration on being named a state district of character. West Guilford students show their character by giving back to their community. For example, from January 14th to February 14th, each department in the
014high school collected donations to donate to local food pantries in the fill the bus campaign, where the students running the campaign were able to fill a school bus full of donations. On January 31st, Mackman students watched their teachers compete in a series of events in their annual give a goat night where proceeds were donated or were used to by goats to donate to villages in need around the world. This Friday, February 28th, many Mackaban students will take part in the annual rockathon. Who knew that rocking in rocking chairs could make a difference in the world? That's always such a break. >> In addition, art students are looking forward to their annual Empty Bowls night on March 18th where you can enjoy soup in a handcrafted bowl made by an art student. Proceeds goes towards the
015local food pant uh food charity. On January 31st, the AB ASBA test was administered to the high school students willing to take it. Also on February 12th, the guidance department hosted a college panel night where students were able to talk to college admissions adviserss about the admissions process and what makes a good college applicant. These are just a few ways the high school guidance department helps students make their way towards future education. Also on March 19th, students who want to learn more about being safe online can attend digital citizenship night where they can learn about uh about being a good citizen on the internet and leaving a positive digital footprint. Many high school students are uh preparing for this year's high school musical, Anything Goes. They are per uh performing March 12th to the 14th
016at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are on sale now. Our winter athletes are doing great as they as many advanced towards finals in the end of their season. Tree laning has recently taken second place at the reach the beach national competition. The bowling team this year was able to qualify for state championship, finishing their season with a 12-2 record. Both boys and girls winter track teams did great at their state sectional championships. In boys basketball, Kevin Dakoli reached 1,000 points and dance team recently took 11th place in the nation at their competition. The boys fencing team also reached their best record in 10 years. Way to go, Highlanders. Are there any questions? >> Sounds like you gave us a great report tonight. Thank you. >> No question. >> What What time is the empty bowls? Is
017that >> 5:30? 5. >> Yeah, it starts early. >> Is that it? All right. >> I hope everybody has a good evening. >> You too. Take care. Brian, >> director of education, Mr. Novak. >> I'm just going to jump in. Uh where uh Brian referenced a little bit about digital citizenship night. Um we are going to be hosting our event on March 19th. This year we're going to have a a little bit of a different look to it where we are combining the uh fundamentals from our digital citizenship night with the uh themes that we have used at an event called safe night over the years. We combined our two committees and uh our theme this year is called building balance. We're really going to make the connection between um those activities and and the
018amount of time that our students are spending with devices and online and the and the types of things that they are doing with it with mental with mental health awareness and uh it's the first time we've we've taken that sort of approach. Um digital citizenship night has always been a staple in our community. So, we are keeping that title for the event. Um but we're really looking at it as a as a wellness as a wellness night. Um, we are going to be doing our our raffling of of Chrome devices of uh whether it's going to be a Chromebook or or the newer sort of Chrome tablets that are out there. We're also going to be raffling off some of our um experiences that um from the first year of our speaker, we started calling
019them what natural highs when we had Matt Bellis come and present that the things that kids can do to be safe um in a positive way. Uh we'll be raffling off uh members or weeks to camps and and a number of the things like we have in the past. So, um it's going to be a great night and our um registration form is going to go out via Honeywell tomorrow. It's also our first year that we're going to do a all digital form. In the past, it's been a paper form that has gone out and and have to come back and get collected. We're going to use Google forms this year and and see how uh see how that process goes. We're hoping that it'll it'll streamline and, you know, expect a number of honey
020wells from me going uh going forward. Um and that's it for me tonight and I'm going to introduce Dr. McUade who's going to talk about the um transition program at the high school. >> So for the for the board of education tonight we have a presentation by Mrs. Nina Persol. Um she's our supervisor of special services for preschool to 21. She will be she joined our team and administrative team in the spring of 2019. Not only does she supervise our elementary programs and our climb and autism and work with our students with disabilities in that lower age, but she also services students that are in our transition program 18 to 21. So she I'm going to turn it over to her so that she'll get the presentation going and explain a little bit more about
021it. Come on. Okay, good evening. I am Nina Pierol. I'm the supervisor of special services for West Milford Township School District and I am joined tonight by Miss Kathy Mendy's and Miss Samantha Foder, both our special education teachers uh in our transition programs. We are very excited to be able to speak to you tonight about our transition programs with a focus on our our 18 to 21 year old program. So, a little background as to why there's a need for this program and how we came to where we are today. We follow NJAC, the New Jersey Administrative Code, uh, for special education, which provides us regulations that we must follow. Within there, it does say that districts must provide services to individuals aged 3 to 21 who are eligible for special education and related services.
022So when we look at eligibility, eligibility is a three-prong criteria meaning that students must have a disability that disability must have an educational impact and so much so that a student requires special education and related services. So when we think about uh school age students ages 3 to 18 typically that preschool through high school you can understand the educational impact but what does that mean for students who are 18 to 21? If we look at their non-disabled peers, typically once they've reached their high school graduation, they are out living independently. Uh they're employed or they are at a post-secary experience. And so we're looking at do our students have the skills to be able to do that or if not, do we need to continue to support them and give them those transition skills um
023to be successful with that? Prior to opening up our program, we still had an obligation to meet student needs um through free and appropriate public education for ages 3 through 21. Um and so we were sending students out of district as tuition students into other programs. And as a a frame of reference, uh an average tuition cost is $75,000 per student per year. And that does not include transportation, which is an additional cost of about 12,000 to $15,000. So there is um certainly a cost benefit to the district of having a program here in West Milford. And so several years ago, West Milford looked, they did their research, they looked at other programs, both public and private, to see how are we servicing students ages 18 to 21. Um and they went out, they gathered
024the information, and then in 2017 and 18, um Dr. Dr. Mcuade and West Milford with the support of uh the board of education opened our 18 to 21 program. So if we consider like I said how we're moving and what we're looking at into those 18 to 21 years, we certainly have to look at transition in the high school years. We do have a career awareness and community living one and two class. It is an elective that is um supported by uh the IEP team that is taught by Mrs. Samantha Foder. uh through that we are looking at our foundational skills like I said in terms of the independent living post-secary experiences and employment some of the ways that we're teaching our students those skills is through the cove if you're unfamiliar with the Cove
025uh it's a shop that is available at the high school it's really neat experience um there are snacks there's coffee there's food there's west Milford apparel available for both students and staff to be able to go in and buy and our students in our transition program run that run the cove. Uh they are responsible for stocking the cove for the money transaction. So it's those foundational skills that we're hoping to teach them. We also uh teach them through community- based instruction or CBI, which is then taking those skills and applying them out into their natural environment, which in this case would be out into the community. Uh and we also have structured learning experiences or SLA, which are job site experiences. And in order for our staff to be able to uh teach those, they
026do require specialized training. Um Miss Mendy's is SLE trained. Miss Foder is just finishing her SLE training actually as we speak. And so we are very fortunate that we will have two staff here at West Melbour who have that additional training. So if we look at our current program right now, we do have seven students who are enrolled in it. On the right hand side, you'll see a sample of their schedule, what their day looks like in that program. They have an altered um schedule. They come in periods three. Uh and it's for their physical education. So again, at this age, they are adult-aged students. They've had their high school experience. So we are we're still required to provide physical education for them. So we're looking at what would they uh those skills that they
027would need as they are living independently. So some examples that we have for physical education are martial arts, we have yoga, um they collaborate uh with some walking and some of the those other health components as well. They then have a lunch period which is important because then the remainder of their day they uh are spent out on the job site. This is an example. Um for one day we might have students uh working at Goodwill, also some students at Jo-Ann's Fabric or BYO Laundry. They rotate through these job sites. That way they get a sampling of different jobs. They know what their interests are, what their skill set is. We currently have eight uh different job sites that our students rotate through. Uh some are paid and some are unpaid. When they return back
028to the school, they do uh participate in a reflection of their learning, what they feel like they still need work on. And any time that's remaining, we work on those skills. That way when they go out again tomorrow, uh you know, they have a more positive experience. And then through our program so far, we've had five graduates. And I would like to turn it over quickly to Mrs. Mendy's uh to introduce actually one of our graduates. Hello everyone. I would like to introduce Destiny Gerity who is a former SLE student and she has a few words to say about her success from this program. >> Destiny. >> Hello everyone. Hi everyone. And if you don't know me, I'm Destiny Gity and I graduated last year from the West Milford High School. After I graduated, I
029honestly was scared out of my mind and um had like a lots of like anxiety attacks because you don't know if you're going to like do well or um you don't know like what's going to happen to you basically. And but another part of me was really excited to be free from high school and do whatever the heck I want to do. So that works, but mostly nervous because yeah, what I just said because I won't have like the guidance that I used to have when I was like younger till like high school. But now looking back, it was the best decision I ever made in my entire life because now I work at the Shop Rice Bakery and training people too, which I thought I would never do in like a million years. And
030um it's be it's all because of the transition of employment class and of course of my amazing teacher Miss Mendy's because if it wasn't for her and the class, I would have never made it in the big world and be as confident as I am now. Um, it really teaches you how life skill really works and what opportunities you can really have if you put hard work into it. And when I was in high school, I always wonder why was this lady so tough on me than the other students in the class. And now I know why. Because Miss Mendy's knew that I would be successful. And most importantly, she never gave up on me. And I hope that this program will be so successful for other students like me in the years to come.
031Thank you, everyone. Have a good night. So, thank you, Destiny. And certainly um you know in hearing Destiny talk of course we're teaching students foundational skills but to hear her have that confidence in going out you know obviously I think speaks volumes. And uh we also have a a video that we'd like to show you which has some more information on our program. Say something to Destiny. Um, Destiny, I I visit Shopright Bakery quite often and you're there and you've always been delightful and helpful and knowledgeable and I'd rather have you serve me than some of the other women there. So, thank you. Thank you. [Music] Transition is movement. We all have so many transitions in our lives with many more to come. Some are planned and others take us by surprise. Planning is a
032key element in transition and tends to make the process less stressful and more exciting and we get fewer surprises and have more control. Graduation from high school is a big transition that we see coming for years. However, the path isn't always clear and with a child with disabilities, more coordinated planning may be required. Our transition planning process here at West Milford High School's career awareness and community living and transition to employment 18 to 21 yearear-old programs are designed to assist the student in reaching his or her goals after high school graduation. The process typically begins with career awareness and community living courses one and two. Community-based instruction or CBI is an integral part of students learning. CBI is educational instruction in naturally occurring community environments providing students real life experiences. The goal is to provide
033a variety of hands-on learning opportunities to help students acquire and generalize needed skills to be part of their community. >> When I get my paycheck, I will save it for my family and stuff. The career awareness and community living one and two courses and transition program at the West Milward High School are aligned with the New Jersey core curriculum standards for 21st century life and careers. The goals and objectives of the program are presented across all grades and content areas. Every teacher and related service staff are mindful of our collective goal of postsecary success for our students. a fulfilling future conceived by the student for the student with support and guidance from teachers, parents, administration, and community members. Students who have not yet met their transition goals may be eligible to participate in the transition
034to employment ages 18 to 21 program. Here they will learn through supervised structured learning experiences or SLE at various sites in our community. SLE provides students the opportunity to practice skills needed to gain and maintain employment. In an effort to prepare our students to lead healthy physical and active lives, they participate in yoga classes and adaptive martial arts outside of the school setting in order to promote lifelong and inclusive physical activity and recreation. Our transition program has six primary components. Transition classes, assessment, person- centered planning, community- based instruction, coordinated student support, and development of agency linkages. Among many other topics, our transition classes engage students at age appropriate levels regarding academic skills needed to meet post-secary goals, career awareness, experience and preparation, community involvement, postsecary education planning, financial literacy, IEP awareness, independent living, and self-
035advocacy. Transition assessment is ongoing and allows the team to determine appropriate instruction for the students to meet their goals and address questions and concerns pertaining to the transition planning. The planning process puts the student and family at the center of this transitional time. We identify a student's strengths, preferences, and interests early and build the goals in all activities around those crucial factors. Our CBI experiences include various on and off-site opportunities that aim to enhance students transition preparedness through stu service learning projects, realworld life skills, job shadowing, volunteering, unpaid work experiences, college visits, and other meaningful activities. A unique feature of our program is our ability to coordinate with all members of the teaching staff and related service providers to coordinate student support. I am coming from UI. The kids come in for a training program
036for life skills. We teach them how to get money on the car, how they use it, how they use the washers, the dryers, they sweep. They wipe off all the machines, the countertops, the floors. I think it's very good for them to be a teacher that has a class job of this program. >> Hello, I'm Eric from BYU. On behalf of myself and our warm family team, it is truly pleasure having Kathy, the staff, and most important wonderful students in the West Milford High School career awareness class. We look forward to their weekly visits for our launch. They are welcomed as members of the Bio family. who take great pride in helping them understand how they can be valuable members of the workforce, enforcing how their strengths will enable them to contribute and earn as
037they transition out of high school. BYU laundry is fortunate to be able to serve the West Melbourne community and this fantastic program is just another way to show our support. Thank you for the opportunity. >> As part of a student's transition plan, connections with the community must be made. There are agencies that offer support and consultation in the areas of employment, life skills and community living, recreation and leisure, community participation, advocacy and support services, and medical and other health related needs, as well as post-secary education and training and financial support and services. The child study team may facilitate and initiate contact as appropriate. The students have access to a fully functioning kitchen and laundry area that all staff utilize for a wide range of activities. Students prepare hot and cold food, learn general kitchen and
038electrical safety, practice food safety and hygiene, and learn about healthy diets. The Cove also serves as a venue where students and staff can purchase snacks and West Melbourne apparel. Managing, stocking, and maintaining the code is a way to integrate all academic subjects and essential life skills. Several of our students have acquired jobs in our own community and high school after completing our program. The students have been recognized two years in a row for their promising practices by character.org. Two of our students have also been awarded the exceptional employee of the year award for Paya County at the year to dream conference at William Patterson University. The West Milford Transition Program continues to help special needs students develop the knowledge and awareness that they need in order to be successful and fulfilled adults with a particular
039focus on self-awareness, self-determination, responsibility, and becoming an effective self advocate. >> Thank you for all you do. [Music] I would just like to also introduce Joe Cronia as a former SLE student and two of my current students are here, Megan, the star of the show, and Kate O'Neal. Thank you so much for coming. So, I I'm actually I'm very glad everyone was able to watch the video and not able to watch me at that point because I I'm standing here with a goofy smile because obviously there's so much to be proud of through the program. Um, and we certainly are. We have a lot of, you know, #wm hometown pride with the program as you saw through there. Uh, we've been recognized two years in a row through character.org or for a promising practice of
040our Highlander Helpers, which is our um service learning program. Uh I was actually just with Miss Mendy's class and they're preparing a service learning for our transportation department to thank them um for all that they do, keeping us safe and driving them to and from their job sites. Um to as well two of our students as you saw have been recognized as uh Pay County's uh exceptional employees uh through Dare to Dream which is a huge accomplishment. Um several of our students have gained employment. Um and just in terms of coming full circle just as we went out to look at programs um now we're the exemplar. This year alone, we've had four districts come and collaborate with myself and the entire team in terms of looking at our programs. Um, so we had Pompton
041Lakes, Jefferson, Kennelon, and Rididgewood um come and look at our program as they're looking to uh open up their own program. So, um, with that, we we certainly thank you all uh for for the time and I'll turn it over to the board if there's any questions. >> And real quick, Mrs. Pierce, I just want to thank Mr. Joe Jordan for the video because it was really excellent. So, I just want to publicly thank him um for all of his work on the video for us. >> Absolutely. >> Yes. >> Just a comment. I mean, I you all your team. I mean, this kind of a program doesn't just happen. So, it's very obvious your dedication and the amount of work that goes into pulling all of these programs and coordination off. It looks great.
042>> Yeah. I'm I'm pretty sure and I and I I don't know how far it went back, but I can remember years ago when the co first started under Denise Drexler and she was really the one that initiated this kind of transition program with going out there and getting kids jobs and um you know I think she deserves some credit too. So thank you. Yeah, I mean I think the the difference of the program then versus now was the programs that were in place prior were only for grades 9 to 12, right? And we were not we were had our students that needed additional program at a district versus now we we are servicing those students. >> Well, I I >> but I do give there there's been a lot of people I think involved.
043>> Wonderful. Yeah. >> I I hear rumor has it that Dr. Anamone likes to call the epic. >> Oh, and I've heard other people do too. So >> you're charging, right? You're charging them. >> You won't mention any names. >> So, you're doing an excellent job and this is just it's wonderful to see the video and put together so that people can see exactly what we're doing for our students. Thank you so much. >> It was great. Thank you everyone. >> Thank you. I put all my charges on the athletic department credit card >> and Nicole is these are our kids who if you notice in the break room we have some usually some pastries or cookies. These are presented by Mrs. Mendy's and her students every week for every month. >> So you're the
044ones we blame for all the calories. >> Thank you again. Um >> thanks >> Mrs. Francisco. Uh we have the uh minutes from the January meetings reorganization January 21st and January 28th for board consideration. >> We need a motion. >> Okay. I'll move the uh minutes of the January meetings. >> Second. >> Uh any discussion? Does anybody have anything on the minutes? If not, uh all those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Okay. Under my re report, I I don't have anything tonight. I have some reports under the committee. So I'll go over that at that time and we'll move right into the public comment. Uh this portion this portion of the meeting is open to members of the public for the purpose of addressing resolutions on the agenda only. Members of the public
045who 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 and then time permitting other public comment limited to five minutes per speaker will be allowed until the 30 minute time period transpires. All members of the public dur public speaking during the public comment. Speakers are asked to sign the register provided and give their full name, spell their last name, group affiliation if appro issues raised by the members of the public may or may not be responded to by the board. All comments will be considered and a response will be for 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.
046for public comment. >> Seeing none, I make a motion to close public comment. All those in favor? >> I. >> Any oppose? >> All right. I just have a two minor just have two minor edits to the agenda here. Um first that we have on page six education number resolution number seven we're going to add two h the first one is uh number 2020-13 and it's going to be substantiated and the other one is going to be 2020/h11 and that is also going to be substantiated And then on page nine, personnel student affairs resolution number 13. The date is retroactive from December 20th, 2019, not 20 carries. Here what you have should have already. I need a motion to uh adopt the agenda. >> I move to adopt the agenda as amended. >> I'll second
047that. >> All those in favor? >> I education. Mrs. Dyer. >> Okay. Well, there are six uh items and I'd like to read one and two, but I'd like to move to approve um items one through six and seven will is the the hips and that'll be done after executive session. >> Um resolution one uh whereas the study of music contributes to young people's development through heightened skills in listening, reading, self-expression, and creativity. And whereas music education in the schools includes a broad range of types of music and active musical experiences. And whereas music and the other arts significantly significantly enhance the morals and quality of the school environment. And whereas it is stated whereas um the National Association for Music Education has designated March as music in our schools month focusing on the theme
048music changes lives. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education of West Milford Township endorse the observance of music in our schools month as an opportunity to support the purposes and practices of music education and encourages teachers, parents, students, and all citizens to participate. The board of education of West Milford School District for its own part rededicates itself to the maintenance of a music education program that will be relevant to the needs of the children placed in its care and will reach and positively influence each child and that this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the public meeting of the West Milford Board of Education held on February 2020. Then we have brick. Then we have number two. Whereas art education contributes powerful abilities. Art education teaches sensitivity to beauty, order, and
049other expressive qualities. Art education gives students a deeper understanding of world's cultures, values, and beliefs. Art education reinforces and brings to life what students learn in other subjects. And art education integrates student learning in art production, art history, art criticism and aesthetics, philosophy. And whereas our national leaders have acknowledged the necessity of including arts and experiences in all students education. Therefore, be it resolved that support should be given to art educators at as they attempt to strengthen art education in their schools and communities. Now, therefore, it is proclaimed that March be observed as youth art month, focusing on the theme, take a journey through art. Township School District and that this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the public meeting of the West Milford Board of Education held through six. I need a second.
050>> I'll second that. >> Any discussion? I just want to remind everybody that March 26th is our oil district band and come out if you can come out that night. It's a wonderful night uh to see how your child will progress once they hit that Highlander band and it's it's a great night of music and experiencing the art in the in the uh cafeteria. Um Mrs. Francisco, >> Mrs. >> Yes. Mr. >> Yes, >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes, >> Mr. Mrs. >> Yes. >> Personnel, Mrs. I would like to move items 1 through 29 on the agenda and items discussion I I'd like to just take note and thank and um I'm really excited excited to see the names of the of the staff that's going to be moving over to McApin
051and looking forward to the great things that they're going to be doing there. >> As well as driver, Patricia. >> Oh, yes. Patricia. Yes, Patricia Anderson also. Yes. >> Sorry. [Music] >> You got another one. >> Mrs. Wink. >> Oh, Mrs. Wink. Oh, yes. I didn't see Mrs. Mrs. Wink is on the hand carry. That's 30. That's uh motion number 30. Roll call. Mrs. Francis. >> Yes. >> Mason. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mr. Silver. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Don. >> Yes. >> Operations and finance. Dave, did you hear that, please? >> I'd like to move items 1 through eight under operations and finance. It's not. >> Oh, wait, wait. I have I have a question on number five. Um, retirement plan. Is that going to change under Murphy's
052new um laws laws? No, this is in a federal >> Oh, okay. Okay. >> We have 403 and 457 and the IRS is required to >> Okay. >> Thank you. Any other discussion? If not, roll call. >> Mrs. Stevenson. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Spritz. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sto. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ber. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cland. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Knight. >> Yes. You have to go each motion. >> Okay. I'd like to move item number nine under operation of finance. >> Second >> discussion. Mrs. Francisco. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mr. Clark. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dley. [Applause] to move uh item number 10 under operation finance. Second >> discussion. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mr. Still. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >>
053Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. I'd like to move item 11 under operations of finance. >> Discussion. I need a second. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> Roll call. >> Mrs. Stevenson. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Woods. >> Yes. >> Mr. Con? >> Yes. >> Mr. I abstain. >> Okay. >> Like to move item 12 under operations of finance. >> Second. >> Discussion. Roll call. >> Mrs. Fritz. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Stevens. >> Yes. >> Mr. Oshinski. >> Yes. >> Mr. Stone. >> Yes. >> Mr. Con? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwer. >> Yes. Yes. Can I read the rest of the names for you or >> can I read the rest of the names for you? You sound like you're using Okay, I can
054>> I just feel like you might be getting sick. Okay. Thank you, >> Mr. Crawford. >> Yes. >> Mr. Shinsky, >> yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Policy. Um, Mrs. Romeo is not here tonight. Um, Jay, would you want to move that one? [Applause] >> Second >> discussion. This is the second reading, right? Roll call. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mr. Carl. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sto. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Negotiation. Second. I'll second that. Any discussion? Roll call. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Stevenson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Prince. >> Yes. Mr. Stone. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Officially done negotiating. >> Committee reports. Uh, parks and recreation. J. Is there any do you
055know if anything? >> Okay. We do have a meeting coming up on the 2nd where we're going to be meeting with the um mayor and the and the parks uh the rec director. So maybe we can open up a little conversation with them about that. >> Is that March 2nd? >> Yes, March 2nd. Monday. >> That's Dr. Zeus day. >> I know, but we have that in the morning. Maybe Dr. Seuss will come. Well, I'm going to read this. >> Okay. Yeah, that would be great. On January 31st, um they discussed the uh new Olysa's law and the panic buttons that will be installed into the schools. Um they talked about the sub plans and the coverage for the buildings. The next one I do not know when that is. >> So, superintendent round table.
056>> We have um a meeting Thursday and I'll be back. So, >> you you're you were there. You want to do the report? >> Oh, I'm sorry, Nicole. >> Nicole, weren't you weren't at the No, maybe I was by my Oh, I think that was me. I'm sorry. Uh, yes, we have one this Thursday. I don't know. >> Okay. Uh s uh P County School Board. Uh I don't have a report. New Jersey school boards. We were in contact with New Jersey school boards and the dates for the strategic planning. One will be March 31st. The second one is April 29th and the third one will be May 19th. And they will be in Education Committee of Hunger-Free Students Bill of Rights A 1104. uh basically for um stigmatizing students with uh bills and a
057rears. Meal access uh says schools are not required to um on your reduced meals. So basically we're headed shaming students with bills and the rears and the school takes certain action to increase participation in free and reduced meals. Uh then there's a assembly 1632 school meal fund have schools establish a meal fund to assist students with meals and aars. Uh then the Senate Education Committee um S 108 uh right of student journalists concerning free speech rights of student journalists at public schools. Um then S237 and S854 deal with civic instruction. Um basically to bolster civic instruction in the school which is probably a good thing. S311 student tardiness uh prohibits a school district from denying admittance to a student due to tardiness or violation of dress codes. Interesting. Uh S316 dropout prevention very obvious. S692
058feminine hygiene products require certain districts to provide these um free uh S1028 amistad commission um also to you know education about African-Americans contributions to America American society and then S1032 comprehensive eye exams further more um eye exams for children under the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee S228 incentivizing electric school buses. That sounds kind of interesting. I think school buses will be a good thing. They're limited distance and so would probably reduce a lot of maintenance. Uh S969 teacher loan redemption program. uh certain basically get certain teachers in low performing schools, incentivize them to go there, help them with loans they may have. Uh Senate urban uh Senate Community Urban Affairs Committee, property taxes where town may get that. They have to share more with the uh school board. I'm not sure where that stands right
059now. >> So, that's bills that are in committee right now. Might be coming down the pike. >> Thank you. Any questions? >> And just an update, the governor's budget address was today, so we should have our state figures by the end of the week. >> Technology, uh, Mr. Corino's not here. Is there another meeting scheduled for technology? Yeah, we have one book for March in the March >> uh township and board of education joint committee meeting. I did state we have one coming up on March 2nd. Um we we also had a very productive meeting uh last month and discussion about the turfield and uh also about uh West Milford Municipal Alliance. >> That's me. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I'm used to I'm used to looking at you. >> So they had um two Ruckers
060premed students. They were really really smart um and had a lot to inform all of us on ways to help people opioid crisis. Um they talked about lessening the sig stigma and helping them with their family and supporting when needed. They also talked med students. Yes. Um and perhaps doing um a stigmafree fund run in wayanna way park on May 9th. >> Do you know when your next meeting is or >> I don't I think it's >> I bet Mrs. Romeo does that. And the second Monday, so Monday night maybe, >> right? >> Usually she sends out an email like the week before. >> Um, old business, uh, the budget. Any questions on the budget? >> Anybody have anything? >> The board guide there updated? >> Yes, I provided at your place a updated um
061list. Um they're sectioned off that you want to put them in book by section. We tried to make it as easy as possible. Mhm. >> Um say that once we get our state aid numbers at the end, there will be revisions to this too, but state aid numbers. The gap shouldn't be that ownorous. So, I've got my fingers crossed. Um, the budget that the governor is sending to the legislature is not going to totally beat us up, >> although I have my doubts. And um, he has some pretty ambitious programs in his speech and we'll see whether or not that actually comes to pass. One of my biggest concerns is um the health benefit contribution that supports our budget and what will happen if they eliminate or modify that provision of law. So, we'll just
062have to see how it all plays out and we'll do our best to make it all work and keep programs intact for students. That's our job. I >> I I do have one question. Psychologists have a salary and under that they also have a stipen that's part of their contract. >> Why do agreement? >> Yeah, it's been in there forever. >> Oh, I think it doesn't apply to new people. >> Oh, it doesn't correct. picture at the next meeting and questions will if there are questions about the budget and where Barbara will have a better answer for us like tax impact and all that once we see those numbers >> on March 10th the there'll be a presentation of the budget we'll have all our numbers for state aid um and we'll be able to
063explain to you what's in from the initial what's out um and what the tax impact is going to be and that is the budget that has to go down to the county office for approval and then that's what gets publicized uh in the newspaper. Um but when we have our public hearing in April at the end of April, any modifications that need to be made can be made from March until the end of April if the board sees fit. And we just work with whatever we have to work with. Well, we most of the public will be at and just rightfully so everybody understands that that that budget that we'll adopt that night as Barbara said we will be able to adjust that we have about six weeks so >> so we don't have committee
064that And then the committees are on the 17th. >> Okay. All right. I have it down. >> Yeah, I thought I had it that way, too. >> Just have a comment that there might be a glimmer of hope uh for this region uh with the legislature kind of tax wise. I was kind of surprised to see uh recently Senator Sweeney head of the uh Senate proposing a rural enterprise zone similar to urban enterprise zones. Um it's coming from the Democrat side of the table. Senator Pak for a decade now has proposed something similar to that and it just died. Uh a year ago I wrote something for the economic development commission basically paralleling all that. Uh within it I didn't see that there would be basically reduces sales taxes uh urban enterprise zone that municip
065cities get some of the sales tax back. I didn't see that provision in Sweeny's bill, but at least we're getting looked at up here. Maybe there there is some hope uh because you know the towns in this this area took some of the biggest hits on the uh cuts from school funding. So >> yeah, I think it was to bring it down to like 4.5 or something like that. >> Uh urban enterprise owns a cut it in half to business. Yeah, it's going to reduce about 2% of sales tax. Be some incentives for businesses. Not everything that like a break on like the unemployment tax and some other incentives, but uh again nothing in stone, but it is nice to see something being looked at after years and years and years of nothing. So, keep
066our fingers crossed. >> Wouldn't it be nice if we got the difference? >> Yeah, it would be nice. Yeah. So, >> any other discussion about the budget? If not any old business make a motion to close open. >> All those in favor. >> Okay. New business. >> Any new business? [Music] All those in favor of closing new business. >> Public comment. Um I have to read >> same rules apply as before but this is on any item. >> Okay. Um under the public comment the same uh rules as were uh read before. The only difference is is that you can speak on any item you wish in regards to uh the school district. Anybody wishing to speak under public comment? >> Seeing none, I make a motion to close public comment. >> Second. All those
067in favor? >> I I Okay, we need a motion for executive session. >> Okay. At um 808 um to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel appointments, resignations, current litigation matters, client privilege. We will be returning for action, >> right? And we shouldn't be. >> We need a second. >> You need a second, too. >> Should we 40 minutes? >> Yeah, at least 40 minutes. >> Okay, we'll return in 40 minutes. >> Thank you. [Music] That's a lot of hits. >> It is a lot of hits. I was kind of surprised to do that. Stevenson >> here. >> Mr. >> Here, Mrs. Joy >> here. >> Mrs. Fritz >> here. >> Mr. Oinsky >> here. >> Mr. here. >> Mrs. Randle >> here. >> Uh, Mrs. Dwire. >> Okay. Um, I move
068to approve um the recommendation of the superintendent to affirm and and reject the following HIVs. 2020H substantiated. 2020 M4 unsubstantiated. E11 unsubstantiated 2001 I'm sorry 2020H9 substantiated 2020H10 unsubstantiated 2020 E9 unsubstantiated 2020 E10 unsubstantiated E12 substantiated 2020 E13 substantiated and 2020 20 H11 substantiated. I need a second. >> I'll second that. >> Discussion. There's not a roll call for >> Yes. >> Mrs. Stevenson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Shinsky. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fritz. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Stillman. >> Yes. We need a motion to adjourn. >> 90. Second. All those in favor? I. Good night. >> Good night.