Board of Education Meeting 5/23/17

001Good evening everyone. Welcome to the May 23rd, 2017 regular meeting of the West Milford Board of Education. I would ask that you either silence or turn off your cell phones. Please note the locations of the emergency exits. And I would like to have a moment of silence for Linda Chentala. Um uh she was a an assistant Boris in our office and she passed away the other day. So please have a moment of silence. >> Can we please stand for the flag salute? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. In accordance with the provisions of the open meetings act, a public notice of this meeting have been sent to board members of

002all district schools, the Herald news, the trend record, the messenger for town hall, county superintendent's office, the board of attorneys, cable division of Warwick, and it has been posted in the administration. bill. Copies of the board meeting calendar resolution were provided to all local media, town hall, township, library, and all district schools. >> Uh, can I have roll call, please? Mrs. Francisco, >> Mr. Bailey, Mr. Sideway, >> here. >> Mr. Drew, Mrs. Dwire here. Mr. Fudy, >> present. >> Mrs. Fritz >> here. >> Mr. Yuber >> here. >> Mrs. O'Brien >> here. >> Mr. Robins. Okay. [Music] Mr. Drew is as you know he's in sitting in the hospital. Can you uh read the resolution for executive session, please? >> Sure. I'll move to approve the following resolution. Resolve that the board go immediately into

003executive session. not immediately. Uh go into executive session at 9:00 p.m. for approximately 60 minutes for the purpose of discussing a HIVs personnel and matters of attorney client privilege. The matters discussed in executive session shall be made public as soon as the need for confidentiality no longer exists. >> Second. >> Thank you. All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? >> Okay. Dr. Analone, superintendent. >> Yes. We're going to start off with our student report. from Miss Holden. >> Hello. Um, I'm sorry I didn't have time to print this out. I actually just came from Science Honor Society, so I'm going to be reading off my phone, but I promise it's the actual thing. Um, okay. So, May was actually the busiest month this year at the high school. Um, a lot of events went on,

004but this is usual in the high school. So, this past Friday was Highlander Day, and this is the school's annual end of the year celebration. uh where clubs and sports, sell food, and have planned activities outside the football outside on the football practice field next to the high school. So, it was extremely successful and equally as fun. Um after Highlander Day, student council hosted an outdoor concert and movie night where we screened La La Land and sold concessions. Um the turnout was fairly large and the performances were wonderful. I mean, I'm biased in my opinion, but um it was a really great night. Um, today the high school had a war and remembrance ceremony where we honored our veterans and recognized our graduating seniors who are entering the armed services. This past month we had

005national honor society induction, national art honor society induction, language honor society inductions, and today is the science honor society induction. Tomorrow is mu alphatheta which is math honor society induction. This past month we also had our distinguished scholars night. So that's when we represent the top 15 students in each class and bestowed academic awards across all of our departments. Um Mrs. White's business class ranked 125th in a budget challenge sponsored by H&R Block this past week. And that doesn't sound that impressive, but get this, that puts him in the top 5% across the nation. So that's incredibly su uh that's an incredibly successful um you know accomplishment for that team. Um yesterday on May 22nd, the West River Jazz Ensemble had their final performance of the season at Makipin Middle School, seeing as our auditorium

006is undergoing um construction. May 15th was teacher turnaround day where students volunteer to be their favorite teacher for the day. Um I was Mrs. Metcap, so that was really fun. Um many teams got involved with painting black and gold in the high school hallways. So, and these teams were the boys lacrosse team, girls lacrosse team, baseball, softball, and golf teams. And finally, May 25th is the spring band concert, which is this Thursday. So, some quick upcoming events. Um, that includes Memorial Day and the Memorial Day parade in town in which the Highlander marching band will be performing. Senior prom is on June 1st. Um, the high school health fair is on June 6th. The community scholarship night is also on June 6th. The No Points Barbecue is on June 8th, as well as the Coral

007Cabaret night. And finally, Relay for Life will occur on June 10th. And that's what's been going on at the high school. Thank you very much, Miss Hogan. >> Uh, good evening, Board of Education, members of the public. Uh, this is just a followup now. Um, it says monthly progress towards district school department goals. You've been doing that all year, talking about this year's goals, the 201617 goals. The board met in committee uh earlier in May to discuss goals for the 1718 school year. Uh in addition to goals, we also developed a slogan which is up for approval. It's on the agenda tonight. So our district slogan uh that hereafter tonight shall be success starts here. We have a vision statement for the district as well as our mission statement as well. That's in the agenda

008for approval tonight. Uh more importantly, we have our new district goals for 201718 and we settled on four district goals and four core areas. uh these they're numbered one to four but one is no more or less important than the other. Uh so district goal one is going to be to improve academic performance through the increased design and implementation of differentiated instruction. This continues the district goal set from this year. We made a lot of progress and we're looking to build on that progress for next year. Goal number two is also a carryover from this year. It's to implement an effective and timely communication plan to promote district parent relationships, improve internal school efficiencies, and improve district management. Goal number three is new for 2017 18. Uh we've been talking a lot at our meetings

009about the math program and how can we make our math program stronger or better across the board from K12. And the honest answer is right now is we're not as sure exactly what we should do, but we know we should look into it. So our goal is going to be to analyze the current math program in grades K through 12, evaluate it for effectiveness and make appropriate recommendations for the 18-19 school year. So this is really a fullear process where we assess what we have now, we plan, we implement and then we evaluate moving forward. This way the continuing we continually uh try to get better each and every year. And number four is to explore all opportunities for district-wide cost efficiencies in order to maximize funding for educational programs. Um so those are four

010goals. They're up for approval tonight. I believe we have a a lot of support for that on this board and Mr. Novak and I, Dr. McCuade, will be meeting with the administration later, you know, from now till June 30th to develop some strategies for next year so we can build on these goals. So each school will have a goal within one of those categories or within each of those categories. Each department will have a goal with within each of those categories. So we're all moving in the same direction uh and we streamline our efforts towards making our district uh better than it is today which is ultimately our goal. Right. >> Any questions from the board goals? >> Oh yes. Also we settled on four board of education goals. These are separate from the district

011goal. This is what the board of ed hopes to accomplish in 201718. Number one is to encourage collegiality and respectful debate amongst members. Number two to complete the board self-evaluation by April 30, 2018 to increase board member attendance at district student events, sports, concerts, etc. And to increase professional development for board members. So, we hope to have those approved tonight and let's gives the board some direction on areas they can get better at for the next 12 months. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh Mr. Novak, the education report, sir. Um, what's that? You got it. >> All right. There's a couple items on the director of education report tonight. The um, first one on the report is a recap of one of our um, most innovative new courses that we that we offered this year. And

012I think I have some staff members in the audience who are so excited about the program that they they came out tonight. So, if you guys want to raise your hands and and show your support, appreciate you guys being here. Thank you. Um, through freshman seminar, we we were able to target uh some key skills, some key academic skills that we wanted our incoming freshman to be able to um be able to do a better job throughout their high school career. A few of those bullet points are throughout this presentation. Uh, students acquire the habit of checking and recording grades and attendance on a regular basis. um discussion of policies and procedures of the school, learning the wise and hows of self- advocacy. So, there's a um number of conversations that we we've had this

013year uh and and over the last few years about our students being a little bit more mindful of of their, you know, of their grades and their standing and and their future. And this course has really helped them to have those discussions in a facilitated way where there's a staff member involved who can lead them to the resources available to help them, you know, learn learn how to use the student portal, learn how to look at their grades, learn how to um take a little bit more control over their learning, not so dependent on the on the staff member in the room. They've learned public speaking skills, um present uh presentation skills. They've also uh really uh embraced our our Google apps for education. That was one of the goals of hopefully um an eventual

014discussion about a one-toone uh Chromebook environment. This program is specifically designed in in a few capacities to capitalize on that process. This would be the class where they would really uh gain that ownership over a um a onetoone Chromebook. they were still be able to meet their goals with the with the uh technology coverage that we have in the building but um you know the onetoone would take it to the next level. Uh students complete and discuss career interest surveys and research. They also are exposed to our family connection nviance program which um allows them to focus on their future to take a look at the opportunities at um secondary schools and their and their college plans etc. Another big component is their community service project. Every freshman took place in a community service project

015this year. Uh they don't just take um they don't just take part in the project, but they talk about the organization. They learn about the process involved, the benefits of being good community members and a little bit of a sense of of civic pride and their standing in the community and and the uh you know the nation as a whole. This one was the uh donating supplies to Marine Squadron uh in Kuwait. One of the I guess the most exciting parts of the program is the process of the e portfolio. If you attended our um you know I can't get through tonight without mentioning digital citizenship night. Um but at our event we focused this year the the theme was the um the thoughts behind uh students use of of social media and the fact

016that they need to put positive uh digital footprints out there. So that we made the connection that anything that a student does online leaves a trace through the process of developing an e portfolio. They are doing exactly that in a structured manner. the teachers of these courses are um meeting with the students talking about what what you know what about you do you want the world to see through the e portfolio. So it's a it's a really exciting it's been a I think it's been a high school goal for a number of years and I think it's finally in place with a with a program through freshman seminar and eventually junior seminar where they'll they will fine-tune their their e portfolios. This is just a few uh sample slides of of what the e portfolio

017entails. [Music] resume building brag sheet. Um a couple they're able to select um projects from various classes that they're proud of and and connected to their e portfolio. This is something that will follow them through their high school career. We actually have a process in our younger grades. We have fourth and fifth graders who are already developing the presence of a of an e portfolio. So, our our hope and vision down the road is that we're going to have a very positive digital footprint for all of our students from the work that they've done in our schools from fourth grade and on. [Music] Some more sample screenshots of our of our students actual actual portfolio pages. The next few slides are some um direct quotes from the students. So, I'm not going to read them

018all to you. Um, this will be available online uh after uh uh after tonight's meeting. Uh it was most useful because it taught me more about how I learn uh throughout my life. I've had anger problems and I have a lot of stress in my life. So, it's been good for me to learn how to deal with that. There's a lot of there's a lot of um that type of discussion really uh talking not not only not only about e portfolio and and career and goal setting but there's also a process for these students to to just be open and and work with their teacher and and help guide through through the day-to-day life of being a new high school student. Taught me the importance of being proactive not only in high school but in

019life. Thanks to this class, I've started my activity resume and a portfolio which will be helpful when I apply to colleges. So that that's one of the um at the event we talk about at digital citizenship night, we make that uh that case that um and we see it with employers and and um uh college admissions departments that they one of the first things they'll do when they have an applicant is they'll search for their um they'll search for their their online activity. And you know, our hope through this process is that our students are going to have a very positive uh positive image with with their work and their and their community events and and the things that they're involved in. Now, hearing the quotes is is one thing, but we've been able to

020put a little little clip together with some of the actual students uh reflecting on their experience. [Music] I really because I love my teachers and she taught me how to be honest and organized cuz it taught me a lot of being honest and honest. I learned how to plan my own. So it was really helpful because it taught me how to uh you know be organized. Um I learned about social skills and things [Music] my study skills I learned a lot. Am I bummed up for college? [Music] I like it. She's called a great teacher. She taught me a lot. Fresh seminar, you know. She she does all the homework a lot, you know. [Music] I learned not to be so shy. So again, it is nice to hear the voice of the voice of

021the students. If you know anything about freshmen, that was a perfect depiction of freshman on camera. So it was terrific. Um that's that's my presentation for for freshman seminar. I also have uh next on my agenda is a review of we talked about um just a brief overview of our summer committee work. Uh Mr. Huber brought it up and and I think he was reflecting on a uh tremendous conversation we had at our ad hoc meeting. Is that what you're calling that? Ad hoc committee where we talked about the district goals. We had a um a few um really good um open discussions about our our goals and our our vision for the district moving forward. And I think this is just an add-on of that of of opening up that conversation and getting a

022um you know a good understanding of the board and the community for some of the things that we're doing. So um hopefully I can I can do that now. So um first committee on the on the agenda is uh the committee that is primarily involving our educational technology committee. I copy and pasted our goal which is our vision which is on our the ETC homepage right off of our website. We envision classrooms in which teachers are confident and comfortable utilizing a wide variety of technology in new exciting and educational ways to maximize student engagement and learning. student- centered technology infused instruction for every West Milford student as facilitated by every West Milford educator is our vision. Uh that was one of the original goals when the edtech committee was put together. We need we knew

023we needed a mission and a vision and and I thought it would be good to reflect that tonight. Some of our summer goals this this year uh we are in the process of planning for our February 20th professional development day already. Uh we titled it T4. Um I don't know if anyone remembers but um many years ago we had an event we called T3 that stood for uh together towards tomorrow and it was a um professional development day like this district hadn't hadn't seen before. We uh it was basically like a um seminar that you would pay to go and attend. Our edtech committee and volunteer staff members taught workshops on uh technology initiatives that they had expertise in. We brought in a keynote speaker to to kick off the event and our staff um

024signed up and attended sessions that was taught by our staff and and the feedback from that event um was was tremendous and and it's about time that we do it again now that we have and we were we were just having a conversation today in our edtech meeting. Uh the last time that we had that event, we didn't quite yet have um Wi-Fi. We didn't have Chromebooks. We were just starting to begin the, you know, the talk about iPads and those types of things. So, basically the PC you see over there was the and some projectors was was the mainstream um technology that we had since that time. We have our wireless network. We have 1,997 Chromebooks for student use. We have every staff member has their own Chromebook. um we just have tremendous access

025right now. So, so kudos to the board and and uh you know the edtech committee decided it's time for us to take on that initiative again. We have um tremendous opportunities now to to move forward with with the things that we have. The other summer goal is to to look forward to our third annual digital citizenship night and and plan for that. You see the date is on there. That's our that's usually the same Monday around the uh in between the sport seasons that we like to target. Um, so planning for that has already begun and is going to continue over the summer. Um, another big goal is to review and revise our uh, digital citizenship curriculum. This is the first year of its implementation. Um, it's a K12 curriculum. You just saw the snippets

026of our freshman seminar course and freshman seminar and junior seminar is is the uh one of the major areas in the high school where we incorporate those lessons and um we have it built in our um regular classrooms, our media specialist uh curriculums along the way. So, we're going to take a look at what we've done. We are in the process of building a survey for our staff to just, you know, to get their um to get their feedback on on the courses that the on the lessons that they implemented and and see what we can do better going forward. Uh we're also looking out to uh Common Sense Media, which is our major resource for all of our materials and all of our lessons to see what the process entails to become a Common

027Sense Media certified school district. Uh, another committee that's on there is the another it's an offshoot of the educational techn technology committee. It's called on the agenda. It's called SAMR. I figured um might be a good time to explain it again. Uh, SAMR is a acronym for the word substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition. I like this graphic because it gives you a uh visual representation of what each level of SAM is. So we want our staff to be able to use technology in a variety of ways. We want our students to have experiences that are more than just standing here as we are seeing a projection. We want them to be able to do and create and build. Um so as you can see the you know substitution is the um use of the canoe

028to cross the water. Augmentation is taking that process or that thought of crossing the water to the next level where you can now go below the water. uh modification is then to um talk about scuba and then going deep below and then redefinition is being able to explore and build in a in a way that you didn't imagine before. So um that's just an analogy of what we're trying to do with technology across our curriculum. Uh re often we have and and um I think there's a nice message for our staff. Often there's a connotation that you know one is better than the other and that's not the message that we've been trying to get staff or to parents or students is that substitution is great when it when it is uh necessary. Uh redefinition

029is a very hard thing to achieve but we want our students to to get to that uh experience at some point. And the analogy we we make with staff is that the redefinition is is the equivalent to our band concert. um when everything kind of comes together in that culminating event to um you know to be on display. There's a lot of prerequisite learning that goes into that event. So that that's the analogy that we make. The goals of our SAM committee is to assess our current progress, professional development, implementation. Uh we're looking to to create the staff resource. Um, so an educator can go to our website or go to our um go to our curriculum Rubicon um resource and be able to find specific examples of each SAM level to go with the

030curriculum that they or the lesson plan that they want to um work on at that time. If I'm getting longwinded, just give me the message. I'm feeling it. All right. Uh the next one is the DAT committee uh district evaluation advisory committee. This is a component of the achieve NJ leg legislation that changed um how we evaluate staff. It changed our evaluation system. The DAC is the um is the the bringing together of administrators and teachers to talk about it. So that you know when we first chose our evaluation model, this is the group that did it. Um, for example, during this school year, uh, when the state created the process and required a district to choose a rubric, the state left out many, uh, staff positions, uh, media specialists, nurses, therapeutic specialists, the the

031list goes on and on of people that the state didn't think of. And I'm on CBS News yet. No, I I don't want to dispar I don't want to disparrage the state. So, but just didn't think of a few things. Our DAC committee was was so committed that we created our own rubrics. We vetted them through our staff and we have been able to upload them into our my learning plan system which is our our digital um digital resource for uh for using these these rubrics. So, uh it was a tremendous feat. It was it's something that uh a lot of districts haven't completed and we were able to do it with the strength of our DAK committee. So, this summer is to just take that to the next level. One of our goals on

032the horizon is to create a in-house um video library of fantastic lessons and actions. So, our staff would set up a process where they video themselves, they put it out for the other uh other staff members in the district to review and we can all learn from each other. Our classroom mindfulness committee, we started this last summer. We called it, I put it in quotes, called be here 2.0. part of our full our our full value language through Project Adventure is be here, be safe, be honest, be respectful. Um, we've made the uh we've made the case that the be here language is more than just lining up quietly. That it's that it's teaching students to know about their emotions, to know about their feelings, and to be able to, you know, self monitor. Um,

033I just have a couple couple jots there from the work we did last summer. Um, you know, one of one of the things we really connected to is the research the research behind promoting classroom mindfulness and it's that it improves cognitive performance and increases emotional regulation. So, those are two things we really want our students to be selfu uh self- adjusted for. Um, for the first time in my time in district, I've seen students in need of 504 plans where anxiety and depression is close to uh ADHD as a um as a uh disability that that requires our services through 504. So, um you know, we see the need for for growth in this area. The last summer, the committee worked with our K through2 staff and and worked on a lot of uh brain

034breaks and and opportunities in the classroom for teachers to um you know really allow kids to have that that that thought process to to really know know about their emotions this summer. Uh and the work going forward is to bring that more toward toward our grades three through eight staff. Uh, also we're going to um have a summer collaboration with two two committees. We have a curriculum committee for our revision of our health and we also have our mindfulness committee. It is our goal to have those two groups work together to make sure that we're embedding those uh those types of activities and and lessons into the the direct teaching that we do throughout the school year. Uh two two separate I put on one slide because they go hand in hand. uh the mentoring

035committee. It's a requirement for new staff in the in the school district. We have a two-year new staff induction program where they uh attend workshops. They work on professional projects. They um they collaborate with each other and they, you know, they they learn to to adjust to the school district. We have a committee who oversees all that. They work with me. They work with their administrators in the buildings and they help develop the the goals of that program. the topics of discussion um you know everything from um you know how do you conduct a parent teacher conference to um you know how do you handle classroom celebrations or that type of thing um as well as talking about our evaluation system and and some of the more nitty-gritty of of what uh being a 21st

036century teacher means. Um so our mentoring committee meets over the summer they help to plan those workshops for those first and second year teachers. uh mentor training which is also on the agenda for um for this summer is the process where our mentoring committee will then meet with the mentors of the new staff and they will train them. They will go through our they will go through our manual. They will explain what every mentor needs to know who is now going to take a new a new teacher under their wing and and sort of uh show them the ropes. Um so that that's our that's our plan for the summer for these two committees. And the final uh committee is our makerpace steam. I'm just going to read our our blurb. What is a maker

037space? Learning environment where students can collaborate, innovate, and create using resources, tools, and collections. Students can play, tinker, explore, pursue personal andor educational goals. Uh we've had a tremendous growth this year in in our our maker space where each media center in the school district houses a maker space. Uh in the maker space, you'll find high-tech items such as uh tiny bits which or little bits which will um provide uh an electrical connection for inanimate objects and and bring them to life. You'll also find materials such as donated cardboard, tin foil, etc. that that will just allow students to um to build and build and interact. Our summer goals is to update the supply wish list. Uh, I think around Thanksgiving time this year, we sent out a district supply request where we asked for

038every, you know, every recyclable material you could think of, cardboard, toilet paper rolls, um, tin foil, tape, string, everything that a kid could just sit and and build. Um, so we're going to update that list and see what else we need. Uh, we're going to expand upon our grab-and-go maker space kits for the classroom. Um, one of the things now is that the if you want to work in our maker spaces, you have to come to the media center or you have to go to the maker space at the high school. The vision going forward, which we've seen from uh some workshops around the state, is that the hope is that uh we can develop what we call a grab-and-go kit so that a teacher or a cafeteria aid when it's raining can take the

039grab-and-go kit and bring the maker space to their classroom without having to, you know, schedule time in the media center or or disturb somebody else's plan. So, so the goal going forward is to make this a little bit more broad and and have more access in our schools. Um, and then the also also the plan is to to provide some professional development for the classroom teachers who we want to do that as well as our like I said cafeteria staff. I think that's a great area where we can really expand upon uh maker space. I know I say that you know it might be a media specialist behind me who might cringe that somebody other than them would touch their stuff. Um, so we're going to have to counsel them and and letting them, you

040know, release some of these these items going forward. I have a few um I have a few slides just to give you a little picture of maker space in action. Um this is a you know students would would design just example there's a there's a wider range of what you could do in a maker space. This one allowed students to um you know plot out a design on paper. They were the theme was an invention. So they they created an invention. They put it on paper and then they actually had all of that stuff that you see that we would all typically throw out and then they started to build build and create. Here's just some pictures of of some of the students in action. Tape, glue, rulers, boxes, all kinds of stuff. Then the

041finished invention the students presented to their class and they were able to explain uh there was a test there was a test period as well. So the students would explain what they wanted to build and they will show how they built it and the goal is that it would actually work in in some capacity. So the kids had a great time uh great time showing it off. As you can see, after demonstrating the testing, they were able to take their take their inventions home, which I'm sure every parent loved to bring. >> That's it. >> All right, you can close it down. Okay. The um any questions about committees? >> See if I can before I move on. All right. Uh the last the last part of the um report tonight talks about our efforts

042in character education. Um there's a handout on the desk. I don't know if we had enough for everybody, but it will be posted on our website. The district um was recognized for 19 promising practices through uh New Jersey um New Jersey Association for Social, Emotional, and Character Development. and our schools were honored on uh this past Friday at Ryder University. Um in the 19 promising practices, so in this in this packet, I was able to provide a summary of each promising practice, I was also able to highlight the number of staff members involved in the program and the number of students and families impacted by the promising practice. Um so I think that's a a when you look through that, I think to me that that speaks volumes. Can you see some of these are

043whole school, some of these are 50 students, some of these are community abroad. Um, and we also added on there the um number of years that this initiative has has been in place. So, I think that's also telling in our in our work with character.org over the last few years, we've been able to um not only enhance some of the things that we currently had in the district, but we were able to add this many more. So, you know, so if you're going to look through this packet, I'd like to point out that that particular piece, not only just the amount of students and community members impacted in a positive way, but also the length of time that these initiatives have been in place because it it it's really telling that we're not only adding

044initiatives that impact the community, but we're we're gaining momentum and we're looking to build these structures within our schools for a real positive impact with our kids. Um, also part of our our character ed announcement, one of the um one of the promising practices, not to honor one over any others, but the digital citizenship night won a promising practice and uh and I know this is why channel 2 is here. It also won a congressional certificate of uh recognition. So, we we're very proud of that. This is from I should definitely use his name, Congressman Josh Godheimer. Um, thank you. We're um uh as a as a school district, we're very proud and this was um given to the West Milford Township Public School District on the occasion of the second annual digital literacy and

045citizenship night in appreciation of your outstanding efforts to educate our youth about cyerspace and making a positive impact online. Your collective commitment to our children and the community is exemplary. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. And I'd like to just personally thank um our educational technology committee because that's the group who I know we have a wave if you're on the committee. I know there's one more. There you go. Thank you, Miss Scully. Um so thank you for being here. They worked so hard today. They they couldn't make it out tonight. Um but I I do want to thank them. They are the uh the lifeblood of that that event. And uh over the last two years, our first event, we had close to uh close to 500 in attendance. and

046this year we had just under 400. So, uh it's event that is that is thriving and and we're looking to build and and do bigger and better. Um and last but not least, I wanted to announce um if we have the staff from Maple Road, Upper Greenwood Lake and Maple Road. If you want to just stand up while we're something to say. >> You said Maple Road twice. >> Maple Road. Maple Road. Sorry. Paradise Null. >> You can say twice. >> Maple Road and upper Greenwood Lake. if you just want to stand. Um, the both all three of these schools were recently named and honored for being I didn't I didn't announce it yet. They were honored for winning National School of Character, which is a tremendous honor. Uh, we now have four uh schools

047in our district along with the Makipin School who have been named National Schools of Character. And um we also have received promising practices or a level of that designation from each of our um each of our nine um facilities in in the school district. So um I'm very proud of of this group. Are there any who wanted to you okay with the applause? Mrs. Miller would like to speak. Okay. >> I'm sorry. Sorry, I know you have a lot of business to attend to tonight, but um there's a a fairly large group here from Paradise Null tonight. If you guys could just stand up one more time. Um it is such an honor and a privilege to receive this distinction. Congratulations to all the other schools in the district. Um, and I just wanted to

048say that I I know the all the other schools feel this way, but um, especially at Paradise Null, this distinction would not be something that we would uh be able to be um a part of without the hardworking teachers and students and families of Paradise Null. Um, that that community is just such a wonderful loving committee that just throws their arms around character in character education and instruction. And in light of all we do to prepare students to go out into the world with academics, we also equally care about those soft skills and our our students coming out um of Paradise Null and and ultimately of the West Milford School District as as good citizens of the world. And we believe that that is just as important. So I'm I'm very I'm very thrilled to

049have this honor, but I just really want to give the credit to not only the the staff, but our students and our families. So great job Paradise Null and all the other schools in West Null for thanking you. >> And thank you. That concludes my report. Any questions? >> No, it's all good stuff. >> All right. Thank you. >> Good job. gives you something. >> Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Gohead. There was something I wanted to add. >> While you're looking, Jim, may I say something? >> Go ahead. >> Uh, hey Dan. Uh we have I I received an email with a u best practice strategies and tips in schools. It's a free half day conference that has to do with uh eospaces uh building a more positive climate to reinforce students social and emotional learning

050and character education steam technology etc. And it seems like a really great thing. Um do we have any staff going to see what they have to to offer? It's in Trenton and it's a half day seminar on June 9th, but it's free. >> Okay. >> Mhm. >> It has a fee. >> It's free. >> Yeah. >> He may charge you a fee, but it's free overall. >> I'll take the credit. >> Yes. I'll I was looking for my phone. I'll wait till report. Um Barbara uh special reports and correspondence please. >> Again I apologize that so late so late in getting out to you. I apologize. Um but um we've had a number of things going on the last few days here. [Music] Sounds like it's working now. >> There you got it. >> So,

051the minutes are available for you to um review. Again, I apologize for you not having them sooner, but in light of some of the things that went on in central office over the last few days, um >> Understood. Okay. Anybody want to make a motion? >> I'll make a motion to approve the following board of education meeting minutes. April 4th, 2017 special meeting, executive session. April 18th, 2017 workshop, special action meeting in an executive session. April 25th, 2017 regular meeting, executive session. >> Second. >> Thank you, Debbie and Nicole. Any discussion? I didn't get a chance to review it, so I'm going to abstain on this. Pretty >> cool. Speak up. Can't hear you. >> Faulty equipment. >> We need to buy new ones. >> I I will be abstaining uh this evening since the

052minutes uh I was ending review before tonight's meeting, they came out today. So, um, all in favor? >> I, >> um, I am abstaining from April 4th. >> I'm abstaining from all of them. >> Okay. I'm I'm abstaining from all of them as well, Barbara. All right. Uh, Mr. Rosselli, legal report. >> My legal report will uh be discussed in executive session. >> Okay. um part of the president's report. I just want to piggyback on on what Dan had said um about PK and and and Maple Road schools. Um the character.org or announced today at a Senate briefing in Washington DC um you know all of the schools that achieved a national school of character this year and I think what's important is we got two schools that were named national schools of character >>

053three well two this year three and they didn't include that in what they sent me so okay Um, but what there were only 83 schools that were honored this year by character.org. So for us to get three to me is a great company and I I commend the staff um for all their work in putting the applications together together and getting this this done for your schools. Thank you very much. Um, with that, I would just like to remind the board I do have the superintendent evaluations at hand. We'll discuss them briefly um during executive session and that's about it. Um, going to move on to petitions and request. Oh, Terry, >> Mr. foodie, do you want to mention the um band pasta dinner and the the work of the kids, their performance? >> I

054mean, I've I've done to so many of them those and I know and this is one thing as far as our our goals go. If if you guys saw our >> jazz band ensemble perform, some of our other bands perform, I mean, they're really outstanding. and and it's it's no wonder why that we took second in our division and state finals and and won so many accolades throughout the year. Um I think at the New Jersey music teachers uh convention that they had down in Atlantic in Atlantic City. They were invited. They got a standing ovation, five minute standing ovation. They they were asked to do an encore. I mean, these kids are like really something else, but they have a uh a pasta dinner on on Sunday at the Elks um for a fundraiser

055forum, and it's it's just really good when it's nice to watch these kids and see how proud they are of their music. And the more board members we can get out to those functions, the the the better they're going to feel about themselves as well. So, um thank you for reminding me about that, Terry. You're welcome. >> Um, I will move on to petitions and requests. Petitioners who have requested to speak prior to the meeting will be first with five minutes for each petitioner for a period of 30 minutes and then time permitting. Other petitions and requests limited to 5 minutes per petitioner will be allowed until the 30-minute period transpires. Petitioners speaking during petitions and requests are asked to address topics listed in the agenda. While speakers are asked to give their full name,

056spell or last name, provide their address. Speakers may not use the names of students during petitions and requests. Barbara, did we have anybody who requested? >> I don't have anyone noted. >> Okay. Is there anybody who would like to speak? You're up first. Your hand. So go ahead and come up to the >> name name for the record. >> My name is Tamara Jordan. >> Okay. >> I'm from West Milford. >> Thank you. I'm speaking on behalf of a family member who would like to be anonymous due to any kind of repercussions that could be towards the child or a family member. Is that okay? >> Mhm. >> Okay. Thank you. Okay. This is their words. First, let me say that we appreciate the diligent service M. K. Kish has blessed us with in our

057community. That is why we were absolutely stunned when we learned of the incident which took place on the bus that morning. It saddens me that this has happened and that a seasoned bus driver is facing imminent termination of employment with our township. With that being said, I am saddened that a seasoned bus driver should have known proper protocol and behavior first and foremost. While everyone is so upset by the possible termination of a beloved bus driver, there is little upset shown on behalf of the welfare of the children who were passengers on the morning bus drive into UGL. Everyone has rallied around Miss Kish, her child, union, parents, neighbors, UGL students, and the overall community. [Music] There is one piece missing from the picture. The children driving on a bus with a bus driver who

058was ill. One hand on the wheel and holding a cell phone in the other hand, texting as she was driving. I have some questions and comments that I would like to address and would everyone just take a moment to rethink your position about the situation. [Music] Since Miss Kish says that she has a disability, is that on record that she is in fact has a disability that can limit her job performance? [Music] Did Miss Kish at any point on that bus drive first contact the dispatcher informing them that she was ill? I know that there is a bus that also travels past that route. If Miss Kish followed proper procedure and called the bus dispatcher, would it have been possible for that second bus to pick up those children instead of driving with a sick

059bus driver, putting them at risk? Once Miss Kish parked the bus, did she notify the children of her illness and that a Mary Ellen Kandino would be boarding the bus to keep an eye on them? At least this could have alleviated any fear the children may have had seeing Miss Kish exiting the bus and Miss Kangerino entering the bus since they are taught about stranger danger. The CDS news interviewed Miss Candino and she claimed that she was only standing on the doorway steps and did not enter the bus. That is contrary to what my child told me. What time was the bus due to arrive at UGL and what time did it arrive? After the bus arrived, did Mr. Matlo enter the bus and ask to the whereabouts of Ms. Kish's bus and students? What

060did the safeties have to say about this situation? Did Miss Kish fill them in at any time to alleviate any undue stress and fear the children may have had? [Music] Why did I have to find out through town talk that my child that there was a situation that took place that day instead of a Honeywell award or a note home something. According to my child, the students were upset on that bus ride. My child questioned me about stranger danger and why was that lady allowed to come on our bus? Now, I have the same question. We have protections and procedures put in place for a reason. No one was hurt, thank God. However, what if the end to the story was a whole different ending? Who would we be holding accountable and responsible? I do

061believe the parents and the town's people would be holding not only Miss Kish for her breaches and judgment, but they would be holding our very own board of ed responsible since they could have done something before something dreadful could have happened. There are always signs before a disaster happens. Why wait for a disaster? Being ill or having a disability is a terrible thing and my heart goes out to Miss Kish. However, my heart goes out to the innocent kids who are subjected to an unsafe ride to school. >> Excuse me, Tamara. >> Yes, >> we we allow 5 minutes. How much more do you >> Just a little bit more. >> Yeah, she should have been uh name should have been >> Excuse me, sir. >> We parents put our children on that bus expecting

062that they arrive safe and on time. These supporters of Miss Kish were not on that bus that day. How do they know that that ride was okay and that rolling up on some neighbor's property is safe and proper? Yes, we all have had emergency situations in our life. Most absolutely. However, when you are driving children, you are held at a different standard and you should follow rules and regulations. And if you cannot fulfill your job and if you do not comply with the rules and procedures, there is no other way but to do what is right and just for those kids. >> I have to thank you very much. Thank you very much. Be >> before I ask the next person uh who'd like to speak, I'd like to remind everybody that please give who's

063ever up at the podium the ability to speak without shouting out. try to run the meeting a little bit more smoothly. I would give you the same courtesy that I gave her to not be interrupted. So, if you could please refrain from outbursts, I the board would appreciate it. Um, who else would like to speak? John Murray. Good evening. Joe Marie Frederick's F re I cs 38 Westshore Road. Okay. Um, also this is Carol Pierce. She's a legal representation from NJA tonight. Okay. Any questions? She's here. Okay. Um, I'm the president of the West Mill for bus drivers as you all know. And speaking again in regards to fellow driver Gay Kish, just a few things I like like to rement mention. First, it wasn't a normal bathroom break she needed. Far from that. It

064was a medical emergency that she get to the bathroom ASAP. Okay. Um I don't know if any of you know how it is to drive a school bus when you start sweating and you can't get no place. That's how she felt. She's under doctor's care and even gave a note regarding her condition to Mr. Armon. My hope is all of you have viewed it. If not, I have it here with me. So, if anybody wants to see it, I have it. Okay. She didn't just go to a friend's house. This was her normal bus stop, which a close friend of hers house is there. That is why she asked her knowing she knows the parents and the kids from that neighborhood. Another thing is when this incident happened, Gay took it upon herself to go

065down to speak to her supervisor and tell her what she did. He knew nothing about this. She went and told him. She went herself and told him, "Okay, she did not want to get into trouble, but what's happening now is being retaliated against her, used against her because she went and told him what she did." Okay. Skipping the discipline steps one through three and going right into termination is absurd. She's been driving for 21 years with no incidents in her file. She cares about the kids in her job. She made the best possible choice at the time for the extreme distress that she was under knowing the outcome if she didn't react immediately. I urge you all please to take this what I said tonight and last week into serious thought and vote no to

066terminate her and let her return to her job that she loves. I'd also like to caution the board um throwing uh and the audience that the board would caution the audience not to be throwing around uh disability 504 issues and to be a little bit more cautious about revealing medical uh information. >> Thank you very much. Go ahead. >> Okay. Um, is there anybody else who would like to speak, sir? Good evening. My name is Mark Gunther and I live up in Huitt. My wife and I have raised um of our own uh my wife and I have raised eight of our own children in West Milford. Our children have gone through the West Milford school system and they have been transported from school um and to school and from school by way of many

067West Milford bus drivers including Gay Kish. Our children have gone on to lead very successful lives. Marylu and I attribute a large part of that to the West Milford school system to which we are very thankful for and appreciate very much. Yay and Roger Kish are very dear friends of ours. We live about a stones throw away from each other's house. We are at each other's house weekly. We go camping together each year. We have been on work projects together and my children love them dearly. My point is Gay Kish is not just an acquaintance but someone we know very well and through that we become she has become a very dear friend of ours. I am a residential construction contractor. I work for the Masters Construction Company and for over 40 years I've hired

068many people that work for me and I've had to fire or let go a few. When I hire someone, I sit them uh I sit them down and I ask them about 10 questions. Two of those questions have to do with their abilities and their talents in the area of construction. The other eight questions have to do with their character. Are they able to work under authority? Do they have a team mentality? Can they be trusted? Will they follow through with their commitment to the best they can? Are they teachable? Is there a humility in their life? Do they communicate with those they work with? Do they talk kindly to others and respect others? Can they submit to no drinking and no swearing on my jobs? The point is the character of a person is

069far more important than their abilities or talents. I can teach them abilities and talents but their character is something that I have to live with and the others who work around them. I have never ever fired a person because of their lack of abilities or talents. Whenever I had to let someone go, it's because of their character and unwillingness to change once it has been pointed out. The late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said he had a dream that his children would one day live in a nation where they will be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Tonight is not about Gay Kitch's abilities to operate a bus. She's been operating it for 21 years. She knows how to operate a bus and you all

070know that. You continue to hire every year after year after year to drive a bus. Tonight is all about Gayish's character. Can she be trusted with the safety of our children during a personal medical emergency? How do you answer a question like that? This is a copy, a legal copy of the school bus driver handbook. I've read through this. Um, it's normal operating procedures. There's two leading characteristics concerning this handbook. Number one, it's normal. Number two, it assumes that a bus driver has the time to follow out these procedures. In looking up a medical emergency, I looked to the Webster dictionary. What is an emergency? Emergencies defined as a sudden unexpected state of affairs call for immediate action. What does the word immediate mean? Immediate with anything without anything intervening not appreciably separated in space

071or time closest without delay instant without the intervention of anything. That's what the word immediate means. I talked to a couple of policemen this past week and I gave them a scenario of a medical emergency. If I was in a medical emergency while driving the vehicle, we all know in the law book when you take your driver's course, you're not allowed to cross over a double yellow line. if I was having some kind of a stroke or heart attack that I felt coming on and I was on a two-lane road and the only place I could go is an open space on on the other side of the road that I can pull over and that was it. I would cross that double line and go over there and park and turn my vehicle off.

072So I asked the officers, both officers, would I get a ticket for crossing that yellow line? They said no. We would never give you a ticket under those circumstances. They looked at it as removing oneself from an unsafe environment. That's why they would not give me a ticket for crossing a double yellow line. I wrote protocol, normal protocol. >> Mr. Gunther, you you are past your five minutes. About how much longer do you have? >> Uh just a couple more minutes. I'll go through it. >> I'll give you I'll give you another minute. All right. >> Okay. >> To match the previous speaker. >> Okay. Some of the board is using this handbook as a measure stick to judge Gay Kish as to what this planning measures should be taken. The handbook is for normal

073operating procedure that assumes you have time to perform. It does not address at all a bus driver's personal medical emergency. It would be a grave injustice to gay and any other bus driver to use his handbook to determine the fate of gayish situation. So where does this leave us? What do we turn to? when the board has not addressed the kind of situation in the handbook and handed it down from the bus drivers to read. Until our school system sees that the safety of our children is important enough to add another chapter into this handbook to address such a critical situation, we are left with the obvious. The obvious is this. Most of the parents whose children were on that bus has already judged the situation and they commend Gay Kish for what she did.

074Second obvious thing is Gay Kish's record which has already been talked about 21 years of experience her proven character over the 21 years her knowledge of the school bus driver handbook and her ability to know the difference between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. >> I I have to ask you I've given you seven minutes. I'm supposed to only give you five. Thank you very much. [Applause] I'm uh I'm Roger Kish. I'm Gay's husband. Um, you know, ever since the story went ahead and opened up, I kept reading it on the internet and listening on the news and the only story I heard was um, woman calls girlfriend uh, and drives a bus to her house to go to the bathroom. That's how the story is. After eating up for

075a whole week, my wife at home, I figure, you know, one morning I had my jobs all set for the day. I figure, you know, I got a couple hours. Maybe I'll go down the board ahead. maybe I can talk to Mr. Anamone. So anyway, secretary was there. She said to me, she says, "He probably won't see you because um you know this litigation thing." So I said, "All right, I I understand that. I don't care. I fig I'd give it a try. Just talk to him." So I talked to him and that was like the end of it. So um the whole the whole story was poisoned from the beginning. I went ahead and I I just noticed that this is the man from North Jersey News. And I know that whoever gave him

076the story to begin with was the supervisor that she had. Everybody seems I know he's not here now, thank God. Um but over the years, everybody knew him as nice Charlie, except Charlie used to follow her home in the morning at 6:15. He never even got to the the depotub at 7:00, 9:00 when it snowed, but yet he's following my wife home to see where she parks her bus, see what goes on. I walked her down a cup of coffee one morning and uh she said, "Do me a favor." And she says, "Um, just step in here and hand it to me." So, I did. Next thing I know, I went to step off the bus and there's a car parked there. It's Charlie. Gay. Gay. This is a no no. You're not allowed to

077have anybody else on a bus like this. You can't do this. Then a couple of months went by when they had the beginning of the school year when you know he had the oversized instruments two of his little boys at the end of Dunham Road. He's got 52 kids on the bus. Oh, I can't I I can take your son. The father was standing out. I can take your son, but I don't have any room on the bus for two of them. Oh, no. That's okay. I'll just take them both to school. It's no big deal. The mother writes a letter to the transportation office. for two and a half weeks. He rode her like a horse. And I want to tell you something. He's lucky I wasn't 10 years younger and had the attitude

078I used to have. Otherwise, we wouldn't even be here right now. All the things that she did, she had to go ahead and adapt that day. She didn't just drive to some woman's house. She was picking her kids up, come up the mountain with four kids on. There's nowhere to go. She's 13 minutes away from the school at the stop that she stopped at. She got up there. Yeah, she might have had to use her phone. It's not a flip phone like mine where I got to sit there and press all the buttons. She just Marielle, I need you to stand by the bus for me cuz I have to use your bathroom. If you're married to somebody that has IBS or Crohn's or colitis or went out one night and had a bad piece

079of pork or chicken and you pay for it the next day, that's nothing. is when you when you feel that flash go over your body. You got about three or four minutes to find a spot. You got kids on there. Imagine if you're on a bus trip and you're going through the Lincoln Tunnel with 30 kids on the bus and you traffic stops. All of a sudden, you got to go. Guess what? Would you rather have her sit in the bus with the kindergarteners sitting right behind her and get a gallon and a half of this stuff leak out? You know what would have happened then? Somebody would have went ahead and wrote a letter to transportation. the supervisor would have had brought her in for that for crapping on the bus. >> I mean,

080where where does it end? The woman's house that she stopped at, the reason why that she knew this woman so well was two months before that they tore her mailbox down and she went and handled that for the board of ed so that the mailbox and everything could be all done and said. At that point, the bus went to the school. She had called transportation. The supervisor called her up, "Where are you?" "Oh, I'm at the school. The safety thing would have been to let those kids off of that bus. But you know what he did? He had to drive that bus damaged. He didn't know how much damage was done to the bus. It's a mailbox. But anyway, he didn't know how much damage was done to that bus, but he had that bus

081driver those kids back to that same spot where her incident happened and wait for the police to get there. So, it made it look like he didn't go ahead and leave the scene of an accident. And that's the kind of supervisory he was. That's all I got to say. My wife, she did have a medical emergency that day. I'm sorry that a lot of people don't believe that kids weren't in any danger. If any of you's that didn't live in that area would have got on that bus today, you would have been the strangers, not that woman. Thank you for my time. [Applause] My name is Marielle and Certino. I was here last week, 42 PepsiCo Road. I'm sorry how this mother feels and I do feel for her. That's why I went on the

082bus that day because I feel for children. Gay Kish feels for children and those kids. And I emphasized in my speech and I gave it to the superintendent and the president. I try to tell them and try to explain to them they're safe and they were safe. Those children had no problem with me being on that bus. They looked at me. They smiled at me. They were talking with me. There was no problem. The problem was Gay had to go to the bathroom and I was there for her. That's the the simple question. And all of this is really ridiculous. It is ridiculous because by myself I don't think I would have said anything to him to her boss if I was her because you had an emergency and I'm sure you had an emergency.

083I'm sure you had an emergency. I myself one time had an emergency. I was going to work and like I said before too, what would you have done? What would you have done? What would you have done? the same thing. It was a medical emergency. And that's all I have to say. And I'm sorry, like I said to the parents, I feel for you, but your kids were safe. And that's all I have to say. And I and that's what gay daughter ran away to have those kids safe. That's why she called me and told me, "I can't I'm sorry, Mariel. I need I need someone to be on the bus cuz I have I have to keep the kids safe. I have to go to the bathroom." Thank you very much. And I say

084when you do vote, it is to say put gay kish back to work. [Applause] Hello, my name is uh Michael Gillan and uh I feel out of place because I'm not here to talk about a bus driver. Um, some of the board members may remember me speaking uh around this time last year about what I felt was um un unfair hiring and I talked about West Melford uh claims to be an equal opportunity employer and um one of the things I brought up it was, you know, I am a 10-year employee of the board here and uh I put in many applications over the years and I never received interviews and um with many recommendations. Um I know he's no longer with us, Eric who was the um head of operations when I didn't get

085an interview last year and it was given to somebody who was 18 years of age with zero experience in the board and I received a letter stating that you know somebody was hired that was more qualified than me. Um, you know, I I you know, I spoke to you. Um, and what I was told by Eric was, "Don't worry, we're gonna hold on to that letter of interest for for a year." Um, well, there's been people hired since then. And I never received any notification, no phone call when I was told that, okay, if something opens up, you will be on that list and we'll interview you. So I don't you know again last year I didn't get an answer and I asked why was a 10-year employee with many recommendations from principles, teachers, other

086custodians. Why was that person not even looked into? But it's amazing. There was a uh there's a woman that spoke earlier, Joe Marie. Her her son was hired. Maybe it was a coincidence that she worked in in the office >> without without, you know, subbing without working in in there, but it it could be, you know, maybe maybe he interviewed real well. So, my question is, and you know, I'm still waiting for that phone call and if anybody wants to give me that phone call, um, since there was job openings, why didn't I get a phone call or why wasn't I interviewed? That's all I have. Actually, [Applause] [Music] >> are we at the 30 minutes? >> Yeah, we're we're at our 30 minutes. Do you Is there anybody else who would like to speak

087after after this woman? >> I have one more thing. >> Good evening, Mr. President. >> Hold up. Hold up one second. One second. minutes. >> Do you guys you guys want to extend it for 10 more minutes? >> Yes. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? >> Okay. >> Yes. >> We can just extend >> 10 minutes. >> No, I'm saying a break. >> I can go for 10. >> For 10 minutes. >> Okay. Great. Can I go? >> Good evening, Mr. President, Dr. Anamoon, and board members. I wasn't going to speak tonight, but I have to say that West Milford is very special. Oh, Sandra Dod, Dio D O N E T, 30 Chattam Road, Huitt, New Jersey. Um, just in case nj.com is here, I just want to put on the record that

088I do think that Miss Kish deserves a consequence for her actions. So, I'm not saying that she does not deserve a consequence. What I am saying is that she does not deserve to be terminated. Um and and I just want to say I didn't want to speak but I want to say that West Milford is a very special town. Um you go to the shop right you see parent teacher conferences happening in the Goya aisle right um this is not West Milford. The climate and culture in West Milford is something to be envied by other school districts. When I when I'm in my my district, you know, I always throw up West Milford, but in West in West Milford, we have standardbased report cards. When are we going to have that? You know, in West

089Milford, they do guided reading. There's a lot of stuff that goes on here that's great stuff happening. Um and and climate and culture is one. I've had plenty of uh parent teacher conferences in the aisles, and I've seen and I've said hi to many teachers, too. Um, this is not West Milford. And you know, again, what stands out from last week was bus driver number three, number 26, number 18. You know, their concerns um were very vivid. And you don't want to go down as a district that doesn't follow protocol in terms of progressive discipline. Um, and and then you start with the bus driver, then it goes to the custodian, and then the teachers feel like they're being attacked all the way up the system. West Milford is much better than this. And so

090before you vote to terminate, you know, again, does she deserve a consequence? On the record, again, I'm saying yes. Does she deserves to be terminated? I don't think so. Not with a record of 21 years. Um, so just consider that you vote the wrong way, you are endangering the climate and culture of your organization. and and I'm sure that your core values are are much better than that. Thank you. Uh the one in your done process is not the way to go here. So think very carefully before um you you put your climate and culture in danger. You don't see you see teachers in the rain at track and field meets. You see teachers, thank God for the West Milford band, when there's a losing football season, you still see teachers in the audience. Um

091and I'm sure bus drivers out there really encouraging our students. So, don't ruin that climate and culture um unless you do your due diligence. And again, I'm a non-bargaining member, but you know, the union has its place and and we should really respect that. Thank you. [Applause] May I have something really fast? >> Just really fast. As you know who I am, I just want to clarify for Mr. Gillan what he said. My son is not he is employed, but he is a sub. He's not a full-time employee, just so you know. Okay. And also, I don't know if Mr. Gillan knows, but he is part of the family. My sister is married to his cousin, so I know his whole family. Okay, just so you know, I don't think he knows, but I know

092Tom knows. >> I'm aware of that. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else like to speak? >> Seeing none, like to move uh to closing. >> We got time. Come on up. >> Hello. I have no speech. I'll be quick. My name is Christy Flory. I live in Hwitt. Uh my beautiful kindergarten daughter is on Mrs. Kish's bus. And I just wanted to let you all know that as a parent, since none of the parents have spoken up tonight, um my child has not ridden the bus since Mrs. Kish has been suspended. Because the only reason that I allow her on the bus is because Mrs. Kish is the best bus driver. Has full control over that bus and I trust her inevitably and she is just wonderful. Um I'm not aware of the

093steps going from one to four or so they say, but if there was a skip in protocol and that really should be addressed. If there um you know was a step be for where we're at tonight, I think you really should take that into consideration because uh she's just an amazing neighbor, friend, and bus driver. So please uh please take that into consideration. Um, my daughter has loved riding the bus as a kindergartener, but I'm not going to let her back on the bus until Mrs. Kish is back because no offense to the substitute bus driver, but he doesn't have uh the control that she does. So, and heart. Thank you. [Applause] >> Hi, Emily Diaz. I'm also uh my daughter also takes the turtle bus. I just wanted Emily Diaz. I just wanted to

094make a point that um one of the speakers mentioned that a mailbox was hit by a substitute. Um I was more concerned about that situation because my daughter got on the bus, went all the way to school, and then ended up back in our neighborhood two blocks away from our house. No explanation, nothing. I actually reached out to the principal to find out what happened. That bus driver is still a substitute. >> Not sure what you said. Okay, I said that bus driver is still a substitute. She was not terminated. So, I don't see why this is even an issue with Mrs. Kish. Thank you. [Applause] [Music] >> One in the back. We've got we've got another three minutes. So, come on up. >> Hi, my name is Patty Roberts. I am also a bus

095driver. Gay Kish drove my children. I've lived in this town for 45 years. I was suspended off the bus and had to ride my bicycle to Westbrook school from Greenbrook back in the days when things went the way it should go when kids were disciplined. Um I feel gay was a good disciplinarian on the bus with my children. My son was a problem. My daughter was not. There was no partiality with my son or my daughter. My son was written up, thrown off the bus, suspended uh whenever he needed to be. Um as a bus driver, I don't recall any kind of training that we've been given on medical emergencies and how to handle them. That's one thing I wanted to point out. And uh I honestly don't think I would have done anything different

096than what she did do. Also, one other thing in closing. Um at one time, and this was days before uh supertorrm Sandy hit, I was on a bus trip down to Sandy Hook and my bus broke down on the way back. the oceanography teacher, I can't think of his name at the moment, and I uh tried fixing the bus as best we could to limp it back to West Milford because they didn't want to come and get us that Friday night. Um while buzzers are going off in the bus, we had filled it up with oil, antifreeze, and uh buzzers going off. Um all kinds of noise, traffic. My supervisor at that time, who's no longer with us now, wanted to be on the cell phone with me on the trip back. And I kept

097handing the phone to the oceanography teacher saying, "I I can't even hear him with the buzzers and the noise of the engine, and I don't need to be on the phone with him either." I I just wanted to state that because this is partially um because of her being on the cell phone to fix the medical emergency. When we came back to work after Superstorm Sandy, Charlie Massie, my boss, had said to me that um we were allowed to be on the cell phone uh because it was an emergency. I said it wasn't an emergency at the time. If we were broke down again, yes, that would have been an emergency, but there was no reason to be on the cell phone at that time. I kept handing the phone to the teacher. I just

098wanted to make that clear. >> Thank you. >> Move to close petitions and requests. Oh, no. No, excuse me. The board has to vote on it again. Mrs. Mulligan, >> you have a child who would like to say something. Please, Mr. >> If you don't mind, >> let the board vote. >> Stand back, honey. We weren't recognized. Please let the board. >> We'll let you vote. >> Do you guys want to extend >> again? Five minutes. >> Just this this speaker. That's it. >> Speaker, this speaker and that's it. Go ahead. Hi, I just like to say a word about Miss Kish. I am Luke. Sorry. Um I'm one of the kids that rides her bus sometimes in the morning every time every day after school. That's a club. Um I wish to have her

099back. She's a great bus driver. That's it. >> Um Carrie Mulligan Huitt. Um, I have never wanted to get up here and ever speak, but I'm here because Luke asked me to get up and say something on behalf of Miss Kish and on behalf of um, Upper Greenwood Lake Elementary School. Um, I'm proud of the people who have got up and spoken. Um, and I have to say I am very active in our school and um, I have never heard a peep coming out of what happened with this anonymous letter. I think should be completely wiped off unless the parent wants to get up and say who they are and what happened. I have spoke to administration. The parent has never called, the child has never come forward. I don't I definitely believe that this

100was a bogus letter uh just made up to stir up drama and more um issues. The sub on the bus has made kids very upset. The kids want Miss Kish back as you see from a middle school perspective. I have a parent texting me now that the sub bus driver has said, "Shut up and sit down. He doesn't want to deal with him. It's a Thursday and he's threatening uh to call the principal and take the kids back to school." And you have kindergarten kids crying on the bus. Um I don't personally bus in this district with my little kids. My son just started busing this year as he can tell you um for the first time ever because Macin's a little further for us. Um, but this is not a good situation for our

101community. As you see how many people have turned out, you know, I've come to meetings. Do you guys have turns out like this unless something big is going on? I don't think so. This lady should be commended for the quick action she's taken and and coming and telling. I teach my kids, like a lot of parents here, to tell the truth and speak up and be honest. She did all that. Please take that in consideration making your vote tonight. And that's all I want to say. And I'm proud of my son for making that effort to come and tell you himself how he feels. So, thank you guys. That's it. [Applause] >> Okay. I move to close petitions and requests. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Um, and I have

102to make three quick uh modifications to the agenda before it is adopted. Personnel student affairs on page 8, personnel student affairs number 20, resolution number 28. This is the mentoring committee. We're going to cross strike out the name Jacqueline Becker. We're going. She is being removed. We will look for a place. We don't have one now. On page nine, personnel student affairs resolution number 33. We are going to strike through Jill Simons and have to look for a replacement for June. And on page 16, education number 13, since the agenda was printed, we have a new HIP to report. It is incident report number 2017/ Eyen 23 and it's unsubstantiated. [Music] >> This is >> okay. On um number three under education on page 14. Um, it should read as follows. The West Milton Township

103School District District recognizes that each student is an individual. Delete the comma with unique educational needs. The district is committed to challenging and helping each student maximize his or her personal potential to promote academic excellence, good character, and physical fitness in a safe, supportive learning environment, as well as providing a positive school climate based on mutual respect and the rest of it. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Hub. This is um >> this is the the uh >> Mission statement. It was just awkward. Glenn pointed it out so we worked on it and >> yes, >> under budget and finance number 32, page 25. Um one I announced last month about the West Milford Foundation, our new fundraiser. I we kind of modified the name so I just want to put it uh make make it correct

104for the records. It's the West Milford Education Foundation Color Splash Fundraiser. >> Could you page 25? Page 25. >> Page 25 number 32. >> Oh, okay. >> Splash. Yeah, like like splash. >> Call it splash. Not >> splash. Right. >> Thank you. two beast. Is that number two? You're supposed to be there. >> No. Two. No. Two. Just splash. Thank you. >> Is there anything else? >> Terry, you're good. >> I'm good. >> Yeah. Okay. >> So, you want to adopt the agenda with those amendments and hand >> as amended and the hand carry of 43 and 44 under personnel and student affairs. So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? Okay. Um, this is O'Brien. >> Okay. All right. So, let's start the ball rolling. I'd like to move items 1

105through 41 under personnel student affairs. >> Second. >> Thank you. >> Before we do that, Dr. Enone, >> did any employee request that this their um resolution be discussed in public session? >> Yes. Uh Gate Kish has requested that any board discussions be held in open session, not executive session. >> Okay. So, she's number 42 then on the agenda. >> So, we're only doing we're not doing that one yet. >> Correct. I would like to we do uh number personnel student affairs number three. I do have a recommendation for a new principal at Marshall Hill School. As we know, Mr. McCormack retired effective July 31st. So, we put a committee together. I believe it was late last month, early into May, made up of parents, teachers, administrators, and one board member. We had two rounds

106of interviews spread out over two weeks. We asked for writing samples. We checked references and everything came back with a unanimous decision which hardly ever happens in this type of process. So we do have a unanimous recommendation from these committees stakeholders and the recommendation for me tonight is to hire Janet Cash as the new principal of Marshall Hill School. Uh she is here tonight. I believe after we vote we can give her the microphone for just a quick minute and a welcome. Okay. See any other discussion on items 1 through 41? Glenn, >> I have a question on number 39, but I'd like to just take the vote after executive session. >> You want me to uh pull 39 and do that after executive session then? >> Yeah. >> If you have a question, then

107yes, we have to discuss that in executive session. >> All right. So then I'm going to change my um personnel student affairs 1 through 38. and 40 and 41 still. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Is there any other discussions on any of those items? Roll call, please. Mor. >> Mr. Bailey. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes. >> Mrs. O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fritz. >> Yes. Mr. Drew, >> Mr. Robins. >> Yes, Mr. >> Um, abstain to 16 and 17 because I did not receive the folder inserts >> and yes to everything else. >> Yes, >> Mr. >> Uh, yes it abstain on 16 and 17 as well. Okay, I'd like to move items item item number 42 under personnel student affairs. >> Yeah. >> Oh, I'm sorry. What I do now? >>

108Nothing. Hold on one second. >> M Did you want I'm so sorry. I'm just >> I I even heard [Applause] Good evening. Uh Janet Cash Hwitt West Milford. Um good evening, Dr. Adam, West Milford Board of Education, teachers, students, and community members. I'm ecstatic and honored to join West Milford Township School District as Marshall Hill Elementary principal. Over the past 11 years, over the past 11 years, Northern Jersey has become my home professionally and personally. My Northern New Jersey education career began as a year-round camp director for the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, working across five counties, recruiting girls and schools to better themselves through outdoor education. In 2010, I returned to public education to teach elementary art, adaptive art for inclusion preschool, and art for children with autism in Frank Link's public schools.

109My experience within elementary education spans not only art but also general elementary education, special education, schoolwide programming, curriculum writing, project-based learning, art enrichment programming, and grant writing. Throughout my career in not for-profit and public education, I learned every successful community has unique character and character and the character derives from solid partnerships in and outside the school building. In the months to come, I look forward to partnering with the faculty, staff, families, and students of Marshall Hill Elementary School and preparing for a successful 2017 2018 school year for all our Eagles. Thank you so much. It's a privilege and honor to be here tonight. I look forward to the school year. Okay. >> Again, sorry about that. All right. I'd like to move item number 42 on personnel student affair. >> Second. Okay. Um you want

110to >> Yes. Just to brief the board. Um and like I mentioned, Miss Kish did request that this discussion be held in open session uh shortly on or about May 2nd. Uh we had an incident on uh the morning run of Miss Kish's bus. I received a call from our supervisor of transportation later that day that there was an incident. It was self-reported from Miss Kish u which should be noted. Um and she did report uh that there was some irregularities on the bus route that morning and when uh we went to look at the bus tape. We do have uh tapes on on most of our buses now. Uh the videotape revealed some very serious uh issues uh some very serious safety issues um which is why we're here tonight. So just to give

111you the brief once over at approximately 8:02 a.m. Mrs. Kish used her cell phone while driving a bus with children on it. She dialed the phone with one hand and drove the bus with the other. Um, she briefly spoke with somebody on the other end. Very, very briefly asked somebody if they were home. They must have said no or so. She hung up, continued to drive. About 5 minutes later, at approximately 8:07, Mrs. Kit used her cell phone again while driving, she was texting. Uh after pulling into a bus stop, she then pulled back out into the bus street into the street um with one hand on a cell phone looking down at the messages and one hand on the wheel. Um didn't look out into traffic to see if it was safe to pull

112out into the street. At approximately 8:08 a.m., Mrs. Kish used her cell phone again. She was texting and driving at the same time. At approximately 8:09 a.m., Mrs. Kish was using her cell phone. She was talking. She had the phone to her ear and driving. And then at approximately 8:12, she pulls the bus over, leaves the bus running, exits the bus, a neighbor gets on the bus for about two two and a half minutes, and then she pulled back away and finish her uh run with that incident. So, there was numerous breaches. Fortunately, there were no accidents, but uh I don't have to tell this board what could have happened and what has happened many times with people texting and driving. It just only takes a moment or a split second. So, um, does the

113board have any questions? >> Yes, Mr. >> Mr. Foody, may I make some comments? Um, >> this is the This is the discussion just like this discussion is just like we would have in executive session. Okay. >> But in public. >> All right. I I did a little research and I went on to the um motorvehicle.gov site and it clearly said says the following. It is illegal for school bus drivers to use a wireless or cellular telephone while operating a school bus unless the school bus is parked in a safe area off a highway or there is an emergency situation. >> In my um estimation of this I feel that it was an emergency. I also went through the contract and in the contract there are 1, two, three, four steps that should have been

114taken. She should have been given a verbal warning, a written warning, then a suspension, then a discharge. I I have to support Mrs. Kish based on what the what the law says and what the contract says. It has nothing to do with the motion. Thank you. [Applause] We need to have this discussion. So, if you guys can hold from with the applause down until we're all done, we would very much appreciate it. Thank you. >> Um, I don't see how the board can vote on this without viewing the videotape. >> Most of us did. >> Well, we did. Most of us This is >> We had two weeks to look at it. >> Three weeks. Excuse. I will I will call a recess and ask the police to come and have the next person removed

115who shouts out if if we can't act like human beings here and let us have our discussion. This isn't for your discussion with the board. This is for the board's discussion. So please, I understand your compassion with with this and with Miss Kish, but please let us do our job. >> Who does the board work? >> Excuse me. Excuse me. >> Go ahead. >> Um, okay. Well, first I have a legal question. >> Okay. Uh, which, uh, then I have a comment. Um, the legal question is this was Rice noticed. >> Everything is required to be in public. Therefore, don't we have to view the videotape in public in order for it to be in compliance with the rights notice? >> No, that's only if we're if we were to view the video tonight, you

116would have to view that in public. But that doesn't prohibit anybody from contacting Dr. Ammon earlier and meeting with him. >> Okay. My second comment is that if we are going to vote based on that videotape, whether it was viewed before or whatever time, wouldn't it be smart for the public to also see the same videotape and understand what the vote is being based on? >> I I'm I'm in agreement, but you say something. >> I was I was going to say the problem with that, Glenn, is that there are students on the tape. We wouldn't be able to view that part of the tape or any part where students are visible in public. >> My understanding is they were fuzzed out. >> They are not. >> Yeah. >> I saw the uh the video

117the students um faces have been blurred out. >> Yes. Okay. >> So would be >> if the board wanted to view it then we could do it. How do we determine that decision? Because I feel like as the board, I think the majority of us have viewed that video now and have had enough discussion, have enough input, I have opinions and things that as the board we can make the decision. I don't know what benefit showing the public is going to do other than creating more conversation and more people coming up to speak when we're ultimately the ones that need to make this decision at this point. >> We also need to be recognized every time we need to speak. So I understand >> I thought this was open discussion like executive session. So I

118apologize. >> Fine. I'm sorry. >> That's okay. I I understand. I understand. Um go ahead Robbie. >> Just just a really a question comment. Uh when it comes to the safety of our kids, uh you know what the bus drivers are are uh trained to do. part of that training. Do they have a emergency procedure that they're supposed to follow? >> Yes, they're supposed to pull over, call dispatch. >> Okay. >> What whatever the emergency is, that's what they're supposed >> but the the number one the one the number one item is that it's their they take responsibility for the kids on that bus. So at certain times I you know you have to look at um we have to like realize that we're going by their um their situation and that if the the

119driver actually was doing uh the right um performing the right method to to make our kids safe. >> Thank you. So, I think that we all understand that it was a medical emergency and I think she had to make a judgment call, understanding that she was under some distress at the moment and knowing the area that she was in, knowing that she could trust the people that she was going to, the person that she was going to. We saw the video. The children were not in fear at all from anything that I saw. They were happily talking and having conversation with her. Um, I think I agree there has to be some repercussion. There should be, you know, suspension. There should be warning. There should be an action action plan put in place. If this

120is a condition that could happen again, there has to be something put in place so that she knows exactly how to handle it next time and can be on top of it upfront. But I hate to think, you know, we talk about putting these kids at risk. had she done nothing and didn't proactively pull over and and do what she did that she could have gone into some kind of an attack and ended up going off the road and putting the kids in much more harm's way than she did. So, I think that given the consideration of what happened that she used her judgment, she put the children in as safe of an environment that she could to handle the situation. She self-reported it. She understood that she broke policy under under the conditions. And

121I think we really have to think very wisely about, you know, a very loyal employee that has been here for 20some years when we can barely keep bus drivers as it is. People are leaving and retiring and quitting and, you know, she's been very loyal to the district. You've had enough people say how loyal, you know, she's been to them, to their children. There were children in that video giving her flowers, getting on the bus. It's very obvious that the care of the children was top priority for her. I think we have to follow the protocol and and go through the procedures and give a warning and a suspension, but not not a termination. >> I'm going to piggy back on what Nicole said, but the other thing I I think we all everybody in

122this room um has to understand that we're playing Monday morning quarterback. Um, I I've had to deal with medical emergencies and we we're talking we're all knocking wood relatively healthy, but when there is a medical emergency, it sometimes it's you you're reacting so quickly and things are happening so so uh intensely that, you know, as I was watching the video, I said, "Well, maybe she should have done this or maybe this is how I would have carried up, but I wasn't dealing with a medical emergency. I'm sitting as a as a a third person looking out onto the scene as to what's going on. And I think we really need to take that into consideration as well that this is just not a quote unquote normal day in behind the wheel of a bus for

123this this, you know, bus driver. >> One one second while I got one quick question. Is is there a medical issue on file? Joe, is this something uh we should be? >> Yeah. So, since the employee requested that the discussion be in public and waved her right to the privacy, anything that could relate to this discussion, including at this point a medical issue, can be discussed. >> Okay. Uh I did receive a letter from Miss Kish approximately five or six days after the incident while indicating such. >> Okay. Thank you. Will >> seeing how this is public, I have a statement. I'm deeply concerned about this personnel matter. This whole event has been misconstrued to state that a medical issue is the reason for the potential termination of this employee. I'm here to inform the

124public and discuss with my colleagues that this situation is a matter of texting while driving a school bus carrying children. There are many circumstances that appeal to the human nature of this affair. the long-standing and loyal service of the employee, the neighbors and friends that are endeared to the employee, and the potential medical needs of the employee. However, joined with those circumstances were the neighbors and friends that were too quick to jump to the employees defense, the embarrassment subjected to defend the employee, and the misrepresentation for the reasons of our reviewing the potential termination. It is my personal opinion that the board has been bullied by a public opinion that has been garnered by quick judgment without consideration of the facts. To my colleagues, I hope that we understand the circumstances, too. It's easy to

125submit our judgment to the human side of this topic. It pains me to know how I will vote, but it's more important to note that there are intolerable situations which should never be accepted. Amongst the highest of these situations is texting while driving a school bus. I send my sincerest apologies to the employee, but a line must be drawn in the professional standards of our school district. How often have our students been taught the dangers of texting while driving? It's important to remind everyone that texting while driving has been parallel to drinking and driving. In addition, there are legal consequences for allowing this behavior to occur. I'd like to cite the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's website about Department of Transportation penalties. Texting while driving can result in driver disqualification. Penalties can be up to

126$2,750 for drivers and up to $11,000 for employers who allow or require drivers to use a handheld communications device for texting while driving. My responsibility as a board trustee is to put the well-being of our district school children first. The paramount issue today is student safety. I have reviewed the bus video and for this reason I agree with the termination of the employee. This could have been avoided by simply pulling over and making phone calls or texts and I am submitting the statement to be inserted for the record of this meeting's minutes. [Music] I don't think that any one of us are saying that what she did was correct. I think that the point being here was that under the circumstance of it being an emergency, she didn't react the right way. She was not

127using the best judgment. But my understanding is that we don't have zero tolerance in this district with the way that we handle these types of situations. And we're not giving her the opportunity to go through the right process under the under the circumstances. And I think that she No one is saying that she didn't do something wrong, but there has to be a process to go into place. And given all the other things considered, even what someone said about, you know, a policeman saying that you wouldn't get a ticket for going over the line of the road. If in that same situation, a policeman had pulled over and understood maybe she wouldn't have gotten the ticket. But we're not saying that what she did was right. But I think there's a process that has to

128be followed. And the process is a suspension. It's totally appropriate with the plan in place to move forward. And I think she did the best that she could without putting those kids in harm. She could have done a lot worse if she kept going. >> Mr. President, >> Mr. Sideways. >> Okay. So, at what point do we have a threshold that says that the next time somebody texts while driving and they have an emergency that it's still okay? Because now we have this tiered level of disciplinary action. So, where where do we kind of have this Where is the line drawn where we have offenses that are completely unacceptable? >> Okay, go ahead. >> Um, get closer. I >> you know it I know. Can I use Can I say she has a medical problem?

129>> We're an executive essentially. >> Okay. this kind of a medical problem that she has leads to when you when you start when that person starts to get that event, starts to get that episode, the thinking is not clear. She did the best she could. I did I saw the video. I did not see her texting. I saw her making a phone call. I did not see the texting. Um I think she did the best she could. As Nicole said, the children were not in harm's way. And by the way, the video did not show Mrs. um Constantine. I'm sorry. >> Okay. Did not show her actually getting on the bus. She was on the steps of the bus speaking with the children. So, I think that cleared up. I think at this point with

130a woman who's been with our district so loyal for 21 years, she's part of our family. We have to have some kind of compassion. Um, she made a mistake. Discipline her and and be done with it and move forward. Thank you. >> I make all of my board decisions based on what's in the best interest of the students first. Students first, faculty, taxpayers. Okay? And so to start with we have to look at the best interests of the students and that means in this case student safety. Um there was a lapse of judgment clearly. Uh the I think a key question to consider is do we think it would ever happen again um or not? Uh the I do have to consider though that the emergency was not a an emergency in response to a

131a danger to the students to start with. It actually created one is it sounds like. Now unfortunately I've had my own medical issues recently and I was unable to view the tape. That's one of the reasons I'd like to see it because I think part of this decision is a matter of degree. Okay. If we feel if if this hit a certain threshold, which you can only judge by seeing what happened, if it hit a certain threshold, then perhaps Mr. Sidowitz is absolutely correct. if it didn't hit that threshold and and probably each one of us is going to have a slightly different interpretation of what that may be on what is a an offense that would be justify a termination, you know, then then we have to make that individual judgment. I don't know

132if there's anybody else on the board who hasn't seen the tape. Is there? I was I was going to ask I was going to ask who've seen the tape. >> I I have >> I've seen it. We've seen >> five. We were given the >> Well, in Rodney's defense, he leaves the house at 4:00 in the morning. Doesn't >> Oh, yeah. We're not out to critique >> till 7. So, >> not have to blast anybody. >> Mr. Bailey, you had your hand up a second. >> Yes. Another question for the lawyer, a procedure, a mechanics question which I asked you privately, but now we're in executive session uh for the rest of my colleagues. >> For 42 to pass. >> Mhm. >> It would require how many votes? >> Five votes. >> There's eight people

133here tonight. So it's five of the of the board. It's not like >> it's a majority. Excuse me. Attorney attorney, >> Mr. Mr. Bailey, it is five votes. >> Can I talk to Attorney Jim? Yes or no? >> Absolutely. But I'm just reiterating you. I mean, you could have asked any of us this question earlier. >> Jim, go ahead. Go ahead. Talk to talk to talk to Joe. >> S Whether there's eight or nine people here, it's still five votes. >> Okay. So, for this motion to pass, five people have to vote affirmative. >> Correct. >> That are here. Five out of the eight that are here. >> Correct. >> Gotcha. Okay, I'd like to I'd like to weigh in on this. I mean, it's it's to me, this has never been an issue of

134a medical emergency you use in the bathroom. To me, it was texting and driving the most precious cargo in the world. Whether you're you're a truck driver or a school bus driver, school bus driver hands down has the most uh important job out of them all of transporting the kids. Hands down. I don't think there's anybody in this room who will disagree with me. I want to read a a few little snippets here. There are two and a half million people in the US are involved in road accidents each year. population of the US is just 318.9 million. At this rate, the American people could be extinct in two human lifespans. This is an astounding number of traffic accidents. That's right. Of these 1.6 million um accidents, um a cell phone is involved. That's 60%

13564% of all road accidents in the United States. Over half of the road accidents in the states have cell phones involved. And if this doesn't make you realize just how potent it is, what will? 37,000 people die in automobile crashes in the US every year. Every year about 421,000 people are are injured in crashes that have involved a driver who was distracted in some way. Each year, over 330,000 accidents caused by texting while driving lead to severe injuries. This means that over 78% of all distracted drivers are distracted because they have been texting while driving. One out of four car accidents in the US are caused by texting while driving. This one, this one blew me away. Texting and driving is six times more likely to get you in an accident than drunk driving. That's

136right. It is actually safer for someone to get wasted and get behind the wheel than to text and do it. Takes an average of 3 seconds after a driver's mind is taken off the road for any road accident to occur. This is the bare minimum amount of time it takes and it is surprisingly small. 3 seconds is the time it takes you to turn your ignition when starting your car. I mean, when when when you look at some of those numbers, it it's mindblowing. I personally I I have compassion for Miss Gish. I you know, if she if she had an issue, she had an issue. However, I do not want to be sitting here tonight or two months from now when another bus driver is texting thinking it okay because you get a slap

137on the wrist that they're going to be texting and driving and a bus gets wrapped around a tree, a kid gets killed, severely injured, maimed, becomes a parapolgic. I don't want to be part of that. The message that we need to send to our drivers is you got the most precious cargo in the world and that's our children. And if you if if you think that it's okay to text and drive, what message are you sending to our kids who are going to be texting and driving that it's okay? I I personally I can't do that. I can't do it. >> Will, you had She had her hand up first. Thank you. >> Go ahead. >> I don't think any of us are saying that we don't understand the dangers and the statistics, but you

138mentioned something about, you know, having, you know, being distracted for, you know, a couple of minutes or or whatnot. I I I think we have to put some weight on the condition that she was in in that very moment. She was not thinking straight. The condition of the way she felt or the way anyone has felt in that kind of a condition is is almost as distracting because she couldn't think straight. I mean, it was very clear that she was trying to stay calm for those children, but that she was in distress. I think she did absolutely 100% put those children first by the way that she handled it by pulling over at a safe time with a safe person rather than continue on her route. If if she got to a point where she

139couldn't control what was going to happen, she very well could have gone off the road and wrapped them around a pole. So, it's circumstantial a little bit. You have to look at like in the under the circumstances what she did was the best that could be done and no one is saying that there are not repercussions to the fact that she used her cell phone. You have to punish her. There has to be a suspension. There has to be a strong message. There has to be something put in place for this should it happen again. And if it's not in whoever mentioned it not being in the manual, then there should be training on how to handle medical emergencies. And that's something that that the administration will need to to handle. But again, we're not

140saying there's nowhere written that there's a zero tolerance for this. And you have to I'm sorry. You have to weigh in the loyalty, the fact that there's been no other, you know, performance issue with this driver in 20some years. You can't you can't just say she was on her phone, she's fired. You have to look at the big picture. I'm sorry. I find it I find this incredible >> because now the more information I have, the worse I'm feeling about the situation because now we have a driver whose medical condition allow could potentially lapse during driving and can wrap a bus around a pole. That's, you know, obviously that's been that been made. And secondly, not only do we know that now, but it had to be 5 days later where Dr. Enman got the

141letter stating this. >> That's fact remains it came after the fact. And if it came after the fact, that's a dangerous potential. So that aside, now we're setting up a precedent where you have three infractions of this magnitude that can possibly happen because of our tiered disciplinary policy. Our tier disciplinary policy and you may get suspended, >> but if people like you, you can get away with it setting up a horrible example. And the I took the medical condition into account. >> No, you don't. >> And the fact is once we finally finally get to view this video in public, I hope that dispels this whole notion that it didn't happen because it did happen >> and we we need to make known that this is completely unacceptable. Right now seems acceptable. Terry, be before

142I let you speak, there were a few things that I didn't get to say when I was. So, just give me one second if you don't mind. >> Um, the other the other fact um here is that there was a woman who hasn't been vetted by the district allowed on the bus and the the speaker earlier said it a little bit more eloquently, but stranger danger. I mean we all tell our kids we all >> we all tell our kids excuse me >> we take this >> you know you board members >> excuse me >> excuse sir >> excuse me I have to ask members of the public to please please let the board have their discussion this is the board's discussion you have had your opportunity to make your comments in public and there's

143another opportunity after this but right now is the board's discussion >> thank you [Music] That that also being said, Terry, you had had and I didn't have my copy with me, so I'm kind of glad that you you brought yours. I want to I want to read the disciplinary procedure one more time. I'm going to start with a. All disciplinary action shall be applied in a fair manner with due process and shall be consistent with the infraction for which the disciplinary action is being applied. B. Disciplinary actions including the removal of a driver from a run shall depending upon the nature of the infraction normally doesn't mean that we have to follow this normally include and follow this order verbal warning written warning suspension without pay or remediation period or discharge. She's been suspended with

144pay so she's getting a vacation. I wouldn't call it a vacation. I'm sorry. I just >> normally if we suspend suspend without >> so I just I just wanted to point that out to you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. >> Go ahead. Now I'm not finished, but go ahead. You need to speak. No, go ahead. Go ahead. Go ahead. >> I I just have a question. Um and I don't know if this is true or not, and maybe Dr. Adamone or Mrs. Francisco can answer this. On the morning of this incident, did she call in sick and then did someone from transportation call her back and ask her to please come in because they were short drivers? >> I believe that's what I've been told, but I I haven't been able to confirm

145that. >> Okay. Thank you. I'm down here. Thank you. >> Okay. Go ahead, Glen. I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> I just want to make a general observation. We've had a lot of people speaking, making representations, statements. Um, I want to caution the board members to please consider whether any of those statements were confirmed or corroborated. And you have to look at it and in in in a way that not everything is that's said may be exactly correct, true or complete. So please when you're making a decision consider that um for instance will uh you know wrapping the bus around a telephone poll. It's that's speculation. Okay. >> I didn't say it happened. >> No no but the possibility of it it was speculative. We don't really truly know the nature of this this woman's medical

146issue. So, >> we don't have those details. >> We have a lot of a lot of inferences and implications, but we don't actually have the facts. >> Mr. Bara, follow up to what Glenn's saying. First of all, I'm hearing statistics tonight from my board president. I have no collaboration or collaborate or >> corroboration. That's an example, correct? >> I have no corroborating evidence to, you know, these statistics that he just ran by me. How do I know their >> accuracy? Isn't that the same thing? >> No. >> Oh, >> no. He he quot he quoted the he quoted the site, the department that he got it from. And assuming I I don't know. I trust Mr. Not the line. >> It's not the same thing. >> I'm just pushing the >> Stop. C. Can you

147people please allow us to have our discussion? >> Okay, never mind. >> Thank you, Nicole. >> I almost forgot what I was going to say. Um, you know, I put a lot more faith in a lot of these people who are obviously neighbors of this woman and, you know, of of course friends. I think that makes sense. But I also feel that I saw the children on the bus happily having a conversation with the woman whose name I won't be able to pronounce correctly. She was not a stranger. They all most of them knew her and I think were her neighbors. And so I think, you know, we're we're also stretching things a little bit. And I put a lot more weight on the fact that people were not afraid to get up here and

148say their name and where they live than an anonymous letter that in watching the video I can't say is true. I I can't say that it's true because those children were not in fear. Um and and I that's all >> I I would re remind members of the board that this is a discussion to us, not to the audience. >> All right. I would just remind everybody of that. Go ahead, Will. >> Okay. Be that as it may, somebody came on the bus. Listen, there were two options that I gave myself. Was the bus moving when she texted? Was the bus not moving when she texted? If the bus was moving, my decision was clear as day. She could lose her CDL. We could be fined for not upholding this. This is This to me

149is crazy. And I understand she has a long history, a solid history, but what potential uh um what potential um precedent are you setting up? What do you think you are setting up as the president by voting against this resolution? Honestly, I want to know >> what would you have done in the situation? >> Pulled over. >> She she she >> she did not pulled over. >> Let's go to the video and use judgment quickly. We're we're not denying that she made that mistake. >> Actually, we have a doubt. So, I think that it should be cleared up. >> She pulled over at the woman's house, but yes, she >> she didn't pull over when she texted. All right. >> And this is just a discussion, right? So, where was this bus at the time

150of this texting and >> on Lake Shore Drive in Upper Greenwood Lake, which is another thing to consider. That's not that road is full of turns and it's not straight. It's not like you're driving down Union Valley Road, you know? Can we please review the vide tape? >> Yes. I I I believe >> No. >> Can we the Let the Let the Let the Let the Let the Let the Let the Let the Let the Let the Let's Shows of Who wants to see the videotape. Rodney, do you want to see You haven't I know you haven't seen it. >> I haven't seen it. >> You wouldn't have questions if you saw it. >> I thought you went to go see it. >> I want it to be shown. >> I think it should be

151shown. >> All right. Not enough. So, >> what's that? Yeah. >> Um, >> I don't think that >> Joe, you had you I know you wanted to say something. >> I'm done. >> You're you're good. Okay. >> All right. Is there any other discussion? >> Point of order. >> Go ahead. >> The playing of the videotape, I don't believe requires a board vote. That could be done by the superintendent as part of this presentation. It could be done by you. I don't think it requires work. >> This is this is exactly resolution. >> Done a point >> and it was discussed ahead of time that it was going to be shown so many times. >> Yes, it has been. >> And so there was an expectation that it wasn't necessary to take off of an

152hour or two off of work to to try and do that or you know and there was another five days where I just couldn't drive. So, >> you can play it if you like. >> All right. Can we play it? >> If does the board want to >> It's really I would say it's a board decision, but Alex, if you feel you need to play the tape, then you can play it. I >> I think we're all I think we're ready to call the role on the >> I think we would have a I would have a personal grievance if we don't show it. >> I don't know what >> we should show it. >> This is essentially executive session. This is not public session. We're not the ones that Well, obviously it's a public

153session, but we have to treat it as if we're in executive session. And in executive session, I would expect that it'd be shown. >> Okay. >> Got a point. >> Okay. I have a problem with showing this um tape for this reason. It has been edited. >> Are you saying it's been doctorred? >> Insane. How can How do you know that? How do you know that? >> We took the kids pictures out of the >> So, we blurred them for their >> They're blurred >> confidentiality. >> It's blurred for their safety. >> That's necessary in order to show it. >> You have to blur it in order to show it. >> Why are we going to humiliate this woman by putting this in front of everybody? This is a woman to make it public. >>

154She didn't choose to have the video shown. I mean, we all has an obligation to try to see this. >> She chose to have this held in public and here we are in public having to do this. >> Still human. I I agree. She you still you I mean really this is absurd. >> It sounds like the board I don't really see a compelling reason to show the video. >> Holy smokes. >> Dr. Anman, you said that this was going to happen. >> You said that this would happen. You said that you were going to show the videotape and now you were rescending. >> You you we got it queued up on the computer so that we can do this and and now we're and now we're not. And it's it's it's not fair to

155us for the the public to understand why we are making the decisions that we're making. And I think it's imperative that this video is shown. I mean there there's there's people if there's four who want to do it and four who don't. >> I mean >> you got half the board how that maybe are going to make a different decision by seeing it or not seeing it. >> How can you not I mean that it's a decision-m factor. It's the main decision-m factor. >> I think I really summarized the video at the start of this uh discussion. I I told you I think I told you what happened at the times it happened. The video will will confirm that. It will corroborate it, but it's not going to shed any additional light. I I don't

156see a compelling reason to show it. >> Truth needs corroboration. >> So, we've heard Alex's decision. Now, it's a board decision. If the board as a whole wants to see it, that's fine. But Alex feels that there's no reason to show it. That's his super, you know, that's his job as a superintendent. So, >> there's no reason for anyone else to direct it unless the board itself wants to see it. If the majority of the board wants to see it, we can show it. If not, I think we're ready to call the role because I think everybody's had a chance to weigh in and I don't know that anybody's going to change their mind from here after. >> Exactly. >> So, >> well, so we don't we're not I guess it's four to four not

157to see the video. That's right. >> I haven't had a chance to see the new version, so I don't know. >> You see, >> can I move for a recess? >> I'm asking the attorney. No, I'm asking the attorney. Can I move for a recess? >> Yes, but why? >> Because >> you can see the state tape. >> I want you to see the tape. As our attorney representing us, I think it's important. >> No, I >> He has seen it. >> I've seen it. I haven't seen the version with the faces removed is what I was saying. Well, maybe he could check that out. >> Well, the the other thing um I'd asked Dr. Anamone to do was give us a list of >> laws that were broken, DOT procedures that were not followed,

158our own procedures that were not followed. Do you have all that ready for us? >> I think we've >> I do not have anything from the DOT. No, we do have uh multiple examples. DOE I think maybe you you meant >> uh no department of transportation CDL >> uh there is a school bus >> there is a school bus driver's handbook guidelines and it does list on the this is a every driver gets this they sign off that they receive it there were violations in some areas on page 13 deception about unauthorized passengers on page 14 use of cell phones page 16 there's the dos and don'ts which are number one and four specifically and under bus parking on page 31 leaving the driver's compartment. So um these were the specific regulations that we have

159that were violated. I don't have anything from the DOT. >> Uh what about New Jersey statute? >> I do not have anything from the New Jersey statute. I understand that uh the supervisor reported this to the police. Um do you know what complaints were sworn out? >> I'm sorry. Could you say that again? >> I understand that the supervisor reported this to the police. Do you know what complaints were sworn out and what for? >> That's my understanding and I do not know what complaints were filed. >> Okay. see what >> can I can I >> she read it before this >> I don't need that your smartphone >> okay guys I also you know and and >> I think we're >> please read this handbook carefully and be sure to ask questions if at

160any point it is not clear questions and suggestions are always welcome This is on page six in the handbook. You will be held responsible for complete understanding and knowledge of the contents in this book. >> Demand to watch it. >> Um, >> you know, I mean it no matter what you say, >> um, we all know that if you text and drive, you get a ticket. She did it not once but four times during a 7-inute period. >> You guys are going to send the wrong message to the students in this district. >> I disagree. >> Excuse me, Mr. Bailey. When you're I'll recognize I'll recognize you. We're not in executive session, Greg. >> This is a public session. >> Not executive. >> That we're going to be sending the wrong We We have cars

161come up to the high school to show the effects of drunk driving and texting and driving and we tell our kids not to do it. And we're going to tell our kids that it's okay to do this. You're setting a very dangerous precedent. alive >> if it happens. And God, I hope it it it doesn't, >> but I hope you guys can sleep at night. >> I really do. >> Go ahead. >> We're not saying it's okay. And I think the law recognizes that by giving you a ticket, you don't lose your license. So, I think it's the same thing. stop >> please >> in that we're not saying this should go unpunished and I I will sleep at night having some compassion for this woman. I think you will do a complete disservice to

162the children who have been who have she's been their bus driver for such a long time who are wanting her to come back and at the end of the day we're not teaching them compassion or that you're allowed to ever make a mistake. >> You make a mistake and you get punished for it. >> You don't ever have a chance to make good on that again. And I think we're sending a really bad message if we go that route. >> Very true. >> Well, anything else from anybody? >> All right, Barbara, you want to take a roll call, please? On number 42, >> Mr. Bailey. >> Would have been no last week and it's no tonight. Tonight's >> Mr. Bailey. >> Excuse me. >> No. >> Excuse me. >> My vote is no. >> There's

163no more discussion. This is a yes or no. There's no more discussion. Recording. >> Mr. Sideway. Yes, >> Mrs. Dwire. >> No, >> Mr. Foody. >> Uh, yes. >> Mrs. Fritz. >> No, >> Mr. Yuber. >> Without the videotape, I abstain. >> M O'Brien. >> No. >> Mr. Robbins? >> No. >> There you go. [Applause] for coming up. >> Thank you. I hope I got your vote. >> Debbie. Debbie, you got a couple more? >> I sure do. I'm still on a roll. My kid, my dear friends, I 4344. Thank you. >> Who is the second >> right here? Mr. Bailey. >> Any discussion? All right. Roll. Both 43 and 44. Correct. Yes. >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. >> Yes. >> Mr. Yes, >> Mr. Bailey. >> Yes, >> Mr. O'Ran. Yes, >> Mrs. Fritz.

164>> Yes, >> Mr. Yuber. >> Yes, >> Mr. Robbins. >> Yes, >> Mr. Sidowitz. >> Yes, >> Mr. Foody. >> No on 43 and yes on 44. That concludes personnel for >> Okay. Um, we are way past 900 p.m. >> And can we extend say thank you to everybody. That's awesome. >> Okay. Um, >> thank you guys. >> Can we extend the meeting for 20 minutes, please? >> No. Thanks for not showing that. It was really It was really smart. >> I'll second 20 minutes. >> 20 minutes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Yes, it would have would have made a big difference. >> All right. All in favor? >> I >> Any opposed? >> Okay. Uh Terry, education, please. Move to approve items 1 through 12. Second. Any discussion? >> One second. >> Mr. President, >>

165I do. >> Yes, sir. On item number five, I would like to expand the district goals to review all uh job descriptions. >> Second. >> That I think is the superintendent. Um >> it's already a superintendent. >> Yeah, that he's he's that's going to be part of your uh >> Where was that noted? >> What's that? >> Where is that noted? It's just >> No, >> his >> He's He had That's That's something >> real funny because we're in a lot of predicaments because of our job description. So, I don't think it's that >> Excuse me, guys. >> That That's something that falls under the superintendent's responsibility is to review and update all job descriptions. um we can make that part of his yearly goals to complete that if that's something that we can do.

166>> Thank you. >> I send my motion. >> Okay. >> Is is that um something that we're going to put a a finite date on? >> What's that? >> Making that part of the superintendent's goals. >> Well, we're going to have to do that. goals. >> We have to do the goals for part of his, you know, merit bonus and all that jazz. So, >> um, all right. Any other discussion? >> That came out of committee too. I don't remember train. >> No. And that was items 1 through 12, right? >> All right. Roll call, please. Barbara. >> Yes. Mr. Sid, >> yes. >> Mr. Bailey, >> yes. >> Mr. Robbins, >> yes. >> Mr. Spritz, >> yes. >> Mr. Yuber, >> stay from 9 through 11. Yes to the rest. >> Mr. Foody. >>

167Uh, yes. >> Um, item number 13 under education will follow after executive session. Um, >> Mr. Sidowitz, would you take budget and finance for Mr. Drew, please? >> Yes. I move items 1 through 36 under budget and finance. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> I I would like to see under item number one, Dara Rabino architects removed. and my my my reasoning why we voted for a analysis done and we were going to be giving >> I'll I'll second that for discussion >> go ahead >> we were we were going to be given the the the more creative solutions and what we might be able to do with Hillrest and alls we got was a uh a bill of how much it's going to cost with absolutely no ideas. We've asked for that for for months.

168We haven't gotten it. I'd like to see them removed. They're doing our our auditorium project right now. We allow them to finish it, but I don't think it's right that we continue to use them when they haven't given us what they said they were going to give to us. So, um I have no problem with Ryan or Senino, but um maybe Shank Pricy, I have to agree with you on Daro Rino for the same reason. So, I would like to also see them removed. Anybody else have um anything to say with regards to that? >> Your reasoning seems sound to me. >> So you made a motion to amend this >> to amend a amend this agenda item to remove the car Robino from from item number one. >> So we need to vote on

169that >> on a yes. >> So do you want to give me a second Glen? >> I did an intervening motion. >> Okay. Yeah, you did. You're right. I All right. So, um, roll call then Barbara to remove Dara Rabino from the list of architects and engineers. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwyer. >> Yes. >> Mr. Foody. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fritz. >> Abstain. >> Mr. Yuber. >> Yes. >> M. O'Brien. Abstain. >> Mr. Robins. >> Yes. Okay, that's five. That's They're stricken. >> Okay. >> So, there's still an open motion. >> Yes. For one through 36. >> Yes. >> So, now we have more discussion, right? >> Okay. Do you um on number four? >> Okay. Um, we're continuing in full force and effect all kinds of contracts, but we don't have any

170specific list of them, so we don't really know what we're voting on. >> Barbara, um, there was no I, you know, Glenn Glenn had made a good point to me this afternoon about that. Um, and we don't have a list, not even something that was in our the board members only page. So, we can still we still have enough time to vote on this in our June meetings. >> Um, >> yeah, usually we have a spreadsheet that's available. >> Yeah. So, could we pull that item number four then? >> Alex, do you are you okay with pulling that? Yeah, got some additional information. >> Yeah, I remember one last year and I sure I remember one last year anyway. [Music] Okay. Um, >> the other >> Go ahead, Glenn. >> Number nine. um has utilizing

171various vendors on the attached list. I had no attached list. >> Did anybody else get an attached list? >> No. Can >> is that something that should be? >> Yep. >> Number nine will pull >> that digitally shared. [Music] was in the board members page or >> no. >> Okay. >> So, are we pulling or >> we can pull number nine until June and June >> double check the board members uh web page and uh worst case just either get a hard copy or packet for next month. All right. Uh, number 29. >> That was what I was going to bring up next. And I'm >> All right. >> Mr. uh, Mr. Sidowitz was was going to say something as well. So, I'll uh I'll defer right now Glenn to you. >> Well, I think

172it requires more discussion. Um, I don't know whether that should take place in executive session or not. It >> should. >> Joe is nodding. So, should we table that till after executive session? >> If so, you have to make a motion table cuz the motion's open. >> All right. So, I'll move to table it till after executive session. >> Second. >> Yep. >> Yeah. Uh, all in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Okay. Love to have a public discussion on that. Okay. Okay. Working my way through. Sorry. Um again, like to thank um Mr. and Mrs. Grace for donating the car >> to the auto shop. >> Like to thank >> the Westbrook PTA for the clocks and co >> and Black Walnut LLC of Valley Cottage, New York for the donation of >> the

17311 podiums >> that were used during the presidential debates. >> We'll have more Columbus. >> Okay. Any other discussion on any of the items >> with the exclusion of 49 which we'll do in June and 29 after executive session. >> Okay. Roll call, please. Barbara, that's 1 through 36 except 49 and 29. >> Um, Mr. Robinson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Bailey. >> Yes. >> M. O'Brien. >> Yes. Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sidowitz. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Flyer. >> Yes. >> Mr. Yuber. >> Yes. >> Mr. Woody. >> Yes. [Music] >> Will number 37. >> I move item number 37 under budget and finance. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Yes. Mr. Bailey. >> Yes. >> Mr. Yuber. >> Yes. Apparel and utilities. Not to the rest. >> M. O'Brien. Yes.

174Mr. Robbins. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cypus. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwire. Yes. Mr. Foody. >> Uh, yes. To payroll. Um I guess expenditures for the board members reimbursements, mileage reimbursements, things of that nature and not of the rest. >> I move item number 38 under budget and finance. >> Any discussion? >> Okay, roll call, please. Gorber. >> Mr. Robbins. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes. >> Miss O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fritz. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sidowitz. >> Yes. >> Mr. Bailey. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hubert. >> Yes. >> Mr. Foody. >> Uh, I'll say yes. >> I move items number 39 and 40 under budget and finance. >> Second. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please, on 39 and 40. Barber. >> Mr. Bailey. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Swer. >> Yes. >> Miss O'Brien.

175>> Yes. >> Mr. Fritz. >> Yes. >> Mr. Robbins. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hubert. >> Abstain to 39. Yes. To 40. >> I'm sorry. What was that again? >> Abstain to 39. Yes to 40. Mr. Situs. >> Yes, >> Mr. Foody. >> Abstain. I didn't get to review. [Music] Okay, we're going to move on to um special committees and liaison reports. Um I'll go to Mr. Sidowitz on Parks and Recreation. I wasn't able to attend the last meeting in May. Um, and I'm throwing this out there to the rest of the board. If somebody can fill in in the case that I can't make it to these meetings, uh, obviously it needs to be directed to the board president. Uh, the next board uh, the next recreation meeting is June 15th at Hillrest Community Center,

1767:30. And I'd like the board to be mindful that on June 30th they depart Hillrest. Just uh keeping that Hillrest thing in mind. That's it. >> Will do you know um where they will meet those meetings will occur afterwards? Has anybody said anything to you? >> Hate to sound jaded, but I don't think it matters. But I I would imagine it's in the the former BAL building, but I can ask Mr. Roing. >> Okay. You could let us know. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, no, no safety report. Superintendent round table. Mrs. Dwire. >> Okay. Um, the meeting was April 27th. Um, the parents had questions about the fields at Hillrest. What kind of considerations are being made for the lower fields of the football field at the Hillrest building if the BOE leases building

177or abandons it? Dr. Anamo explained that there really hasn't been any discussion yet. So he couldn't answer that question. Um they questioned about they questioned drug testing for all students and Dr. Anamone once again explained that you know they they couldn't do all students because of um it's unconstitutional to force all kids to do that. Um we talked about uh Mrs. part as Marshall Hill interim principal and they questioned when a new principal would be named and of course we named that tonight. Um Honeywell for CPAC alert type of needs to be changed to email and phone and now we changed that >> and you changed it. Okay. Cursive handwriting. uh they they wanted to know if this old English um these questions in old English were given to fifth grade students and why and

178of course um cursive handwriting is not old English. So I did point that out um and Dr. Animal are is looking into it and I'm sure it'll be taken care of. There was a question about putting hand carry agenda items um on the posts and Dr. Adamone said it could be done. Uh the athlete track seems to be missing some of the employment positions that are listed. Dr. Adamone said he would look into it and project graduation pay. I'm sc I'm tired. PayPal um button is not working. Is it working now? >> Okay, it's working now. All right. Kindergarten enrollment. They wanted to know the number. We have 151 students coming in right now throughout the all the schools. Um >> Terry, that's about 170 now. That's >> Oh, good. That's even better. Uh there

179was a question about um EpiPens on buses and Dr. Anamon explained that the older kids could self administer. However, younger students would need help doing it. The drivers have been trained but will be train retrained over the summer. And since food is not allowed on the buses, the problem would probably only be for bees. The epipen on bees. My kids were they got off the buses. My own kids, they were always eating sandwiches. I don't know. All right. New field trip. this field trip um for sixth grades going into to Makipin to Camp Bacamus. Dr. Anamone explained that he spoke with the sixth grade parents principles um that week and it sounds like a good idea and more information will be forthcoming. There were some updates on Maple Roads first grade up um flexible seating

180and it looks like they're it's going to be followed into second grade. the guidance department phone message. Dr. Enamone, is it >> fixed? It's been resolved. >> Okay, it's been resolved. Um, there were questions about pay for it. Do funds get rolled over from year to year? Yes, they do. Um, crisis counselors update on Mr. Novak getting spring semester students to intern. Um, I didn't understand what that was all about. Doc uh Mr. Novak >> the interns uh we >> were reaching out to local universities to see if they had um counselors in training. >> Okay. >> So we could intern with our elementary social workers in our elementary school. >> Okay. Good. I was under the impression it was high school kids. That's why I Okay. And then finally there was signage around district

181and buildings and Dr. Adamone explained that any expense like this would have to come out of the fund balance budget currently in place until June 30th. Uh and the last couple of years the budget has been very tight and lower. Therefore, there really isn't much money left over. If money is left over, other necessities and considerations may need to come first. Um that's it. Our next meeting is May 25th. >> Thank you. Done. I'm done. Mr. Bailey, I'm done. >> Okay. Jesus. >> Okay. >> Well, they had a lot to say. >> Mrs. O'Brien State County School Boards Association. >> Um, we met at the Brownstone on Wednesday, May 10th. That was the end of the year. So, they did a presentation from Manchester Regional High School. um they did a presentation about their special

182education and how like we do here in West Milford, we're bringing back a lot of our priority students from out of district in district and they've been presenting their various programs very similar to what we're doing here and it was very nice to see. I saw a lot of similarities there. Um awards were giving out uh for those who were on the board 10 15 20 and two people were on the board on their boards for over 40 years. So, um, it was very nice and we won't be meeting again till September. >> Oh, good. >> It was very nice. >> Good. >> Mr. Cider, New Jersey School Boards Association. >> Lakeland School District's Dan Sinclair was elected the NJSBA president at the May 20th delegate assembly. As a matter of board goals, um I

183just want to remind everybody that there are certifications for attending trainings and increasing your knowledge of boardsmanship. The first being a new board member boardsmanship uh excuse me, new board member boardsmanship certification which is limited to the first two years of your service. Then after that, rock and roll occurs. Yeah. >> Um the next step up is certificated board member and that's earned only after the member's first term. Following that is a master board member and the last being a certified board leader. Each has its own requirements. So if you're interested in that, I uh encourage you to take a look on the NJSBA website. And also there are plenty of trainings coming up and there's far too many. I don't want to bore you. So, when you have the time, please take a look

184online as to when those trainings occur. And I intend myself to attend those. >> Okay. Uh this is O'Brien, West Milford Education. >> Um we had a meeting on May 15th. Um at the meeting, they changed the name. That's where I made the modification. It's now called the West Milford Education Foundation Color Splash. It's going to take place on Sunday, September 17th. kind of like the same setups in place. Uh two twos are optional. Um and I will be providing more information in the near future. Our next meeting is Monday, June 5th, 7:15 p.m. high school conference. >> Um we should probably be having a joint township uh town council board of ed meeting within the next week or so. Okay. >> Um Mr. Yuber. >> Yeah. Uh the community against substance abuse. Um our

185new uh director uh Rebecca Stumpf is hitting the ground running. Uh the they had a uh table at the health uh West Milford Health Fair uh that took place about a week and a half ago on Saturday. Um they're looking into uh having a hidden in plain sight seminar for parents here in West Milford. Uh this is a training for parents to basically uh you know see what is around their own home that they may not they may be looking right at but not seeing and you know all the uh ways that users have of concealing things. Um they will be doing uh the usual summertime activities but trying to make them a little bit more effective as far as education uh in in integrating some education into the into those as far as uh

186uh preventing substance abuse and you know uh teaching a little bit more and that would be uh things like the um the beach parties that they do for the various age groups and things like that. Um so that's it for now. All right, we will move on to old business. Um, I guess we'll start with West Milford Players. Does anybody on the board have any issues with them allowing to utilize storage space in Hillrest until we figure out what's going on? >> No. >> Okay. Barbara, can we send something to to Was there Erica >> Crock there? Yep. Can we send something to her here? >> Thank you. >> That's the That's the attach area in the back. >> Yeah, I think right now I think they're using like attic space up in up above

187or something like that or where classrooms >> you said they want to use a horse. >> I understand there's a there's room behind the stage as well as some attic space like you know upper space like a loft almost above the stage something like that. Yeah. Yeah. >> Have we determined whether and what we're going to uh have them permitted to use uh as far as their practices and and performances? >> Request for facilities. >> Yeah. >> Can you can include that in the letter how to do that? You know, give them the instructions in the forms. >> I think that they have I think they have gotten the uh the forms ready. >> Yeah, you're pretty it's it's pretty easy. But that has to be approved by the building. So does the building supersede

188anything any outside organization. >> All right, we will move on to McCormick field turf testing. >> Have we got anything? I believe the last committee meeting we said that we spoke with the NSR that we were going to bring that individual in to speak to the committee in July. They were going to present the >> for the testing of the turf >> the the crumb rubber and stuff. >> Go ahead. We've been talking about this since January. The reason we want it tested is because we believe there may be carcinogens. Our children are playing on that field. My children are playing on that field. Get the thing tested. >> Find a place that'll test it. That's why we need an LSRP. >> I thought we had somebody that was going to test it originally. >>

189No, they were in the LSRP for us to speak with. >> Okay. And finally, under old business, we have the length of meetings. Um, >> tonight was an anomaly. >> It's every week. >> No, no way. >> If Can I say this? >> Go ahead. >> If I I am Am I right? When Robert rules of order says when you have a discussion, it goes around two times and then that's it. Am I wrong, Mr. Oelli? And if I'm wrong, tell me I'm wrong. >> Yeah, you're wrong. >> We we run the discussion however we'd like to. >> Okay. >> So, Roberts is a guide to us. >> Okay. >> But when we run our discussions, it's just discussions. >> Okay. Thank you. >> It was a good >> although I I will say that

190tonight is the tonight is the last meeting that we were advertised for 7 o'clock. This was our experiment. >> I'm not sure if we want to continue, but it's something we should talk about. >> Yep. No, that's what I was going to say next. Yes. >> Um but just the awards. >> It's just the awards. Yeah, it's just the awards. But that's all. >> Yeah. >> Keep it at 7 or 7:30. >> Yeah. Keeping it at 7:30. Just a show of hands. Keeping the meetings at 7:30. Okay. 7:30. >> Okay. So, the first meeting of the >> boards. Yeah. 7. Yep. >> Yep. Yep. >> Okay. Um, new business. Move on to new business. Is there anything under new business? >> Should we close old business first though? >> Yep. Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry.

191I'm trying to jump the gun to to get >> to make a motion to close business. >> Okay. Second. All in favor? I >> Okay. Any opposed? No. All right. New business, >> Mr. Robins, >> Bill Crest, >> since um we're about to to have the recreation move out, is there steps taken uh about how we're going to winterize the building? Uh how we're going to patrol the building for damages? uh that type of thing >> there there was discussion who was Mr. Yuber, you had spoken to I can't remember his name from the Highland Family Success Center. >> Wilson. Thank you. >> Yeah, he was going to look into possible funding sources to >> Okay. >> But I I don't believe that was anything that's developed enough to make it a public discussion. >>

192Have you sent the letter to the New Life? >> Barber has spoken to them. >> Okay. >> We've been actually missing each other. Oh, >> but I do believe that they are going into other spaces. >> Okay. >> All right. Um, go ahead, Will. >> I'm going to reiterate my stance on that. Auction it. Auction it. Get rid of it. Get rid of it. Get rid of it. >> When will we have um When are you going to close off this survey? I mean, the the the the first thing that comes up is you had a lot of people talk about a sports complex, you know, some sort of a field. That's not that's the town's responsibility. That's not the board of eds. >> So, I I I to even to even entertain that, if

193that's something the town wants to do, let the town do it. But, >> well, that's something that we could talk to the town. If the town agreed to do it, we could give them a a conditional deed to the property that would revert to us if they ever not stopped using it for that purpose. >> You know, there's there's things you can do. >> Yeah. >> Well, it's already developed though. If we take the building off it and make it feel that would actually be better compliance with the Highlands Act than what's there. But I don't know that the township has this they have different restrictions than we're doing. So I think that everything that I' I've been made aware of >> it's better to keep the property in our name >> in order to

194do anything with it. >> Okay. >> We have more flexibility as a school. >> Okay. >> So I'd like to leave the survey live until the end of the month >> and then that actually woke up another week. Right. Next Wednesday is the 31st. >> Yeah. >> All right. Go ahead, Will. >> There is no gumption. There's no will to do anything with that building. We're going to get stuck with it. And then guess what? Winter's going to come around. We didn't plan for any money in that budget for Hillrest. >> I completely agree with you, Will. I We're going to have to We're going to have to winterize it if they're moving out. can't afford to heat an empty building. >> Go ahead. >> So, does that mean goodbye surplus? >> Where's that money

195come from? Misadministrative >> to which do we need to vote on that or is that just an administrative? >> That's just an administrative thing. >> Yeah, they they just buildings. >> But where does that money come from? >> From the operations. >> So, is that uh part of this year? What will be this year's surplus? >> No. >> What's it going to cost to winterize? four or 5,000 if that. >> Yeah, >> I take a little bit more than that. >> According to >> keep minimal heat on it. Even if you do drain everything, you >> still have to keep the building because you don't you don't want condensation in the building. >> Yeah. >> According to Mr. Roman, that's quite a bear >> to to have is the maintenance of that building during the

196winter. Are we required, Joe, to have a boiler operator? >> Not >> for that building if we're not utilizing it. >> No. No. >> Okay. Good. If we were utilizing it, that's a different story. >> Okay, >> Mr. Robbins. >> Go ahead. Right. >> Right. So, if we go and do the winterization of the building and we have to go through the winter, I guess this would be a good understanding of what the cost would actually be, right? Um uh >> but you know go >> right now to find the price tag. >> Every time I went into that building it's way too hot you know so >> so dancing >> you know trimming it down. >> Right. Okay. >> Right. Taking away from education 101. Okay. Any other discussion under new business? >> I'd

197just like to congratulate the uh West Milford students that won prizes. Uh there were several of them that won prizes at the Ringwood Manor art contest. >> Oh, wasn't that great? >> I wish I had come prepared with a list and and what they won, but I didn't. And I'm sorry, but I I we have several uh in in uh the district in town. Um, uh, I know a few of them were from the Wong family. Those are the only names. >> Three of them from the Wong family. >> And I'll just I'll just put a little plug. My daughter won best in show. >> I'm sorry, I couldn't hear it. Could you say that again? >> My daughter won best in show in art contest. Thank you very much. >> Okay. Anything else? Seeing

198none, >> like to close new business. Second. >> Thank you, Nicole and Debbie. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Okay, we'll move on to petitions and request. Petitioners have requested to speak prior to the meeting. We'll be first with five minutes for each petitioner for a period of 30 minutes. Any time permitting, other petitions and requests limited to 5 minutes per petitioner will be allowed until the 30-minut period transpires. All speakers are asked to give their full name, spell or last name and provide their address. Speakers may not use the names of students during petitions and requests. We have a Kevin McCuin on the list. >> Sorry, you have to hear from one more bus driver. >> Name is Kevin Mchuan, MC Wan. I live at 1584 Kill Road in Franklin. um not

199a member of your community, but I have some disturbing things that um I've been a bus driver for four years. I called in sick for my first time this year. Uh I have two letters from parents in my folder and I have excellent review from my ex supervisor. Uh you had a lot of talk about messages we're sending out to the kids and the public and everything. It's disturbing to me, Mr. president that you voted to not renew my contract and even more disturbing that you didn't want to renew five 50 bus drivers contracts and uh I don't know what kind of message that sends to your community. That's all I have to say. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else like to speak? >> Lisa Green upper Greenwood Lake. Um, I just wanted to say

200I have a lot of compassion for both sides what happened here tonight. And I would like to say something to uh that Mr. Huber had said a couple weeks back that he encourages parents to come. A lot of parents don't come because they they fear the retaliation. And I know it. I know exactly what they mean when they fear that retaliation. But when I see several board of education members rolling their eyes at somebody who took the nerve to come here to speak and one dismissing them with their hands while addressing that particular person. That is very disturbing. There was another comment made by one particular person during this whole time but I will not mention her because she was just grandstanding. But, you know, we come to the board looking for answers, resolutions, but

201when you have several that make faces and dismiss somebody that comes up here, it it's really disgusting. Some training really needs to be done. >> Thank you. Um, anybody else like to speak? Miss Kernard? Hi, I'm Elizabeth Gurnhart, 26 Wanuki Road in Huitt. I've stood before you numerous times um as well as my husband emails numerous times to each and every one of you um as well as to the administrative. Um disciplinary actions in this district has not been done properly in the past. Um, and this recent issue pertaining to the bus driver, um, is actually even more upsetting because I heard some of you say that the safety of our children are number one and that it's crucial. I don't see that and I haven't seen that in the past 2 and 1/2 years.

202Um, fact, you've had a previous teacher admit in person and in a meeting to denying my documented elementary school student with a 504 and a health plan. you. She admitted denying her emergency inhaler during an asthma attack. Any repercussions to the staff member? Nope. Fact again. Same child documented fatal medical condition at an elementary school. The principal broke American Disability Act. Violated policy by removing my child's 504 without policy or protocol. violated town policy, state and federal policy, and my child's legal right to a free and appropriate education that was wrongfully taken from her. Any reprimand or consequences? Nope. I had to remove my child from the school for her own medical safety. Fact, recently, and you all got an email about this, and if for some reason you didn't, I apologize, but I thought

203I sent it out. just a few months ago. Again, under the American Disability Act, all proper paperwork filled out by my child's physician, everybody, all staff members in school know of these rights. and a school medical licensed professional illegally took it upon themselves to intimidate and wrongfully instruct my 12-year-old daughter, who has documented anxiety and PTSD, to use her medication against her wishes and her doctor's wishes that are in her p plan that all staff members have a copy of. licensed medical medical professionals stated serious suspicious wrongful doing in emails that were documented and also in a meeting with the administration also include text messages of my child in a panic during the day saying why is the school making me take my medication I don't need it why am I being forced to take

204it any thorough investigation any consequences Dr. No, nothing. So, three different schools in this district have failed my child in the past two years that caused serious physical jeopardy and well-being by placing her life at risk and drastically decreasing any amount of trust in this school by providing a safe environment. No surprise that the amount of anxiety and her symptoms of PTSD have skyrocketed and doesn't even want to go to school. And I can't even tell her, "Honey, you're in a safe place cuz uh no, you're not in a safe place." And this is not even mentioning the substantiating HIV that she had as the victim that went on for numerous weeks where a teacher was supposed to be present all when this happened. So, what am I supposed to do? I've stood before you.

205Is there a a sweet number of times I'm supposed to stand here before you, me or my or my husband or emails, or do I have to go to the media? Because I know what my protocol is on a state level, on a federal level, and on a legal level. But you guys should know what those are, and you guys should be doing that because right now, what's the point? I mean, Mike, you can't even supply. There's no consequences to these teachers who are admittingly doing this. They admit it and they have no consequences for it. So, I'm pretty much left baffled when I hear some of you say safety is our number one priority because that honestly that's that's not even true. Thank you. [Applause] >> Would anybody else like to speak? [Music] >>

206Mr. Ventrella. Oh my god. Blast from the past. Hi. Um, Matthew Ventrella. Um, V E N T R E L L A. Um, recently moved actually to Wanuku, so it's my new address. Um, I picked a bad dyke to visit. Let me just say that. No, I was hoping to just come and I was the student representative last year, as many of you guys know. Um, but I just wanted to um I guess applaud like the my really good experience that I had at West Milford High School. Um and I just finished my freshman year at Boston College. It was very intense program and um just to give like a personal anecdote about how it went was I felt like extremely prepared in like the very rigorous academics that the school presented and um particularly

207in mathematics. See Mrs. Gratina back there. Um and just the um I want to like stress that like our honors and AP classes are fantastic. And I mean I'm in like classes with kids that have end up like all different private schools and a lot of it um seems like it's hard to like how can how could a lot of um people like look at that situation and it's like well if a public skate public school um education can be on the same level as that. It's really impressive. So um and I was kind of saddened actually I heard that Mr. Wagner retired. Um definitely want to applaud his like many years in this district. He was um my AP calculus teacher and really like that material sunk in because of him and just want

208to thank him for that. So Oh, and I guess my request would be a ticket to graduation. >> No problem. >> Yeah, I would love to come and uh I have a lot of friends that are seniors right now. So, >> no problem. >> Yeah. Okay. >> I'll give you one of mine. >> Oh, thank you. Yeah. But um so yeah, it's a kind of a hectic night to visit, but just want to say thank you again and uh really meaningful experience here. So >> I I got one question. >> Deans list. >> Yeah. >> Okay, good. >> Thank you, Matt. >> Okay. Anybody else like to speak? >> No. Okay. I'd like to close petitions and requests. You have a second? >> Yeah. Second. >> Thank you, Glenn. >> All in favor? >> Any

209opposed? >> Okay, we will Glenn, we read the uh resolution to go in executive session. [Music] >> Sorry. Uh at 10:14 p.m. move that we go into executive session for the purpose of discussing HIVs, personnel, and matters of attorney, client privilege. >> Second. All in favor? I >> I opposed. >> Yes, we do have uh two items that we will >> I think it was Jen >> two three >> and there's two two agenda items 29 and >> HIV and then um >> three then >> and land that's right. >> Okay. Um [Music] yeah, >> always die hard. >> We're good. >> Thank you, Nate. >> Good. >> The real board groupies, >> it's uh now 10:55. We've come back from executive session. >> Good. Um Terry, you want to take the items that were

210under [Music] >> education, the HIVs? >> Sure. >> Okay. All right. Move to approve the um move to affirm the following HIV. 2017 E22 is unsubstantiated. 2017 M4 is unsubstantiated and 2017 E23 unsubstantiated. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Seeing none, roll call, please on uh item 13. Barbara. >> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes. >> M O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Mr. Huber. >> Yeah. >> Mrs. Fritz. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sidowitz. Yes, >> Mr. Foody. >> No, >> Mr. Bailey. >> Yes, >> we go to the person. >> Yeah. [Music] >> Okay, I was going backwards. >> Okay. Um Debbie >> like to move item 39 under personnel student affairs. >> Second. >> Thank you. >> Um any discussion? >> Seeing none. Roll call, please. Barber. >> Mr. Bailey. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sidowitz. >> Yes.

211>> Mrs. Dwire. >> Yes. >> Mr. Foody. Uh, no. >> Mrs. Fritz. >> Yeah. >> Mr. Yubert. >> Joe, I have an objection to one. Do I name that as a no? All right. >> No to Mr. Frink. Yes. To everyone else. >> M. O'Brien. Abstain. >> It doesn't doesn't pass. Nope. Just Mr. Frank. >> Wait a minute. What? >> Which one's right? >> Doesn't pass. >> Mr. Frank does not pass. >> Yeah. >> And the rest we have. >> Everybody else did. >> We will move to education. >> Everything passed except. >> Yes. >> Okay. move to on item 29 under uh budget and finance. >> What page is that? Second. >> Um page 25. >> Thank you. [Music] >> Uh I move to amend >> I move to amend that amount to $377,000.

212>> Up to what? up to who made who did anyone make an actual motion? >> He's making the motion. >> So, just make the motion. >> Oh, I thought the motion was made. I'm sorry. I thought >> too. Just make the motion. Okay. >> And then just change that to not to exceed 377 >> 7 >> instead of 353. >> I move item number 29 under budget and finance and amend it to not exceed $377,000. Second. Okay. Any discussion? Can >> I just ask a clarifying question? I thought that abstension meant that it leaned toward the majority. >> No, >> it doesn't >> ever >> when you the majority in this case are the nos because we didn't get the enough affirmative votes that the abstension would be counted with the nose. >> So that's

213how to Yes. So that's how it leads to the majority the majority of the pro the the passage or the failure of the resolution. >> So now we're back to 29. >> We're back to 29 >> As amended to 377,000. Any other discussion? None. Barber. Roll call please. >> Mr. Sideways. >> Yes. Mrs. Dwer, >> yes. >> Mr. Foody. >> Uh, yes. >> Mrs. Fritz. >> Yes. >> Mr. Yuber. >> No. >> Mr. O'Brien. Yes. >> Yep. >> That one passes. >> Yeah, that's that's fine. >> Okay. I need a motion to adjourn the meeting. Move to adjourn. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? Meeting is adjourned.